Happy last day of the 2014 and thanks for the birthday wishes from the last few days 
I’m typing this on Tuesday night after a wonderful 20th birthday. I don’t know about you, but on my birthday I always want to do simple, low-key activities. I’ve never had parties on my actual birthday (I celebrated with friends on Monday night!). I’m also not one to say, “it’s my birthday let’s stay out all day long and do crazy things.” The perfect birthday to me involves some form of exercise, delicious meals and quality time with family.
That’s exactly how my day went.
I opted to have a lazy morning around the house instead of working out first thing. I had my usual breakfast of two bowls of oatmeal with peanut butter and fruit while watching the Today Show. Fun fact: Matt Lauer and I share the same birthday and Al’s and Savannah’s were earlier this week. Seems like I’d fit right in on the show 
After my workout I showered and went to one of my most-frequented restaurants, Piquant, with my mom and sister. I’ve gone to Piquant for the past 3 birthdays because I love it so much! I got my usual “power salad” with spinach, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, avocado, brown rice and roasted chicken with a dijon mustard vinaigrette. I practically licked the bowl clean!
The restaurant is in a cute area of town with other shops and boutiques so we wandered around for a bit after lunch. While I don’t normally request to go shopping, I did ask to go into Lululemon next door to get some new pants.
We made our way back home and after I ate an un-pictured snack of a KIND bar and an apple, all three of us took naps on the couch. Yes, naps. Napping is my favorite non-guilty pleasure so I made sure to include it during the day.
I know most people like to go out for dinner on their birthday, but I’d much prefer a home cooked meal. Plus, you can go back for seconds and thirds. My mom made salmon, roasted sweet potatoes and zucchini noodles with tomatoes, green beans, pomegranates and avocado. Yes, I eat these foods all the time but they’re my favorites, what can I say? This was plate one of a few…no shame.
How about this for a birthday cake? If you haven’t caught on I’m not a huge sweets/baked goods person. I’ve had gluten-free cake many times but it’s really not my favorite (and not as good as real cake according to my family). Edible Arrangements have been more my style for the past few years.
I opened presents and spent the night playing games with my family. While typing this post I had a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to cap off what my sister called “a very Emily day.”
Here’s to a great year!
Do you prefer going to restaurants or staying home for dinner on your birthday?
Great day! For my birthday it is a pancakes MUST for breakfast and then any crazy creation I decide to cook for dinner! No cake or sweets for me either (I’m just not a fan!) Stick a candle in my apple and nut butter and I’ll be good to go
Although I refuse to have my mom and brother awkwardly stand in the kitchen singing happy birthday anymore! I got them NOT to do it last year…thank god!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Dear Me, In 2015
Girl you cook your own dinner on your birthday?! Major props. I’ve put candles in a half of a watermelon before. It’s fun to get creative!
I’m with you girl, I’d much rather stay at home & enjoy a nice home cooked meal. I had an edible arrangement basket for my birthday once. I do have to admit though, I’d rather have cupcakes!
Jessie recently posted…Peanut Butter Balance Bar Review & Giveaway
I love staying in sweatpants and eating a cozy home cooked meal. More my style
Happy Birthday, Emily! Looks like such a nice birthday … ahhh that salmon dinner is perfection!! And it’s such a cute idea to get an Edible Arrangement instead of a cake. I like going out for my bday, but I can never settle on a restauraunt! Haha. Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! <3
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…WIAW – Post-Christmas Catch Up
Thanks so much! My only complaint with the Edible Arrangement was that there wasn’t any watermelon in it. They need to start adding some
Happy Birthday, Emily! It looks like you had the perfect relaxing day! I love the idea of having an edible arrangement for a birthday cake. I like that kind of sweet better than a cake any day! I’ve normally been one to eat in on my birthday. Normally it’s pretty quiet because it’s during finals week, so I celebrate the weekend before, and cook myself a nice dinner on my actual birthday!
Sam @ The a Running Graduate recently posted…2014 Recap and 2015 Goals
Thank you, thank you! That must have been tough having a birthday during finals week. I definitely would have celebrated the weekend before and after
Happy birthday!! I love edible arrangements…so good. My family usually goes out for our birthdays, and then when we get home my mom always has an ice cream cake waiting for us. Though that is a whole process because she HAS to get photos and videos of us sitting in front of the cake, everyone singing, and then us blowing the candles out lol. Sounds like you had a great day!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Hello 2015!
Thank you, Patty! Our families sound a lot alike. I had to re-light my candles because my mom didn’t get a picture of me the first time