This weekend was so wonderfully relaxing and family-filled; the perfect birthday weekend. There was a whole lot of tasty food, cozy time watching Breaking Bad, sweet treats, and more. Wanna hear about it?
I thought this would be the perfect time to take part in my blend Becky’s Treat Yourself Tuesday link up. It only took me a good 11 weeks to get in on the fun, but better late than never, right?
Becky’s Treat Yourself Tuesday…
“Between now and Tuesday, do something nice for yourself. Wake up a few minutes early and enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee before your hectic day begins. Take a bubble bath when you get home from work Monday evening. Spend some extra time stretching after your workout this weekend. Treat yourself to a cookie or some froyo this afternoon. Or maybe head out on a girls’ night this weekend.
Do whatever feels best for you. Do something that will make you feel relaxed and loved and happy. Remember this is about treating YOURSELF – not your friends, not your family, not your spouse, not your dog – so make sure you really focus on you. Treat yourself well and treat yourself often so that you will become the best you possible and in turn be your best for others in your life!” source
So here is my treat myself Tuesday, birthday edition.
Starting on Friday night….
I haven’t been feeling too well so Dana and I had a quiet night in complete with a snack platter—Havarti cheese (my fav), salami (not a fan), shrimp, hummus, olives, and some Byerly’s chicken pasta salad. We enjoyed these little nibbles while watching at least two more episodes of Breaking Bad.
Dana made homemade chocolate chip cookies that evening as well. 🙂 K, really he made the dough. The cookies weren’t made until the next day. The dough is my favorite part!
Saturday was my actual birthday and it began with a free cup of Caribou Coffee—Lite Caramel Mocha. Yes.
The day was full of lots of sweet surprises…
XoXo to my blends Becky, Katie, and Caroline…
A bunch of birthday cards!
Lunch at Muffuletta Cafe in St. Paul. I got the mini muffuletta which is New Orleans style sandwich of ham, spicy capicolla, pistacio mortadella, and genoa salami piled high with provolone, smothered in our olive relish and served warm on fresh focaccia. Sweet potato fries on the side. Holy moly this was delicious! I was a little too excited to sink my teeth into this bad boy–sorry for the blurry photo.
Lunch was finished off with a free bowl of Sebastian Joe’s salted caramel ice cream with two spoons. I shared. 🙂
After lunch we headed over to the Como conservatory which features amazing plants and flowers. It was the perfect thing to do on a rainy cool November day.
After the conservatory we walked over to the Como Zoo and checked out the animals! I loved this part! I could watch the primates for hours.
Later in the evening we went to my brother’s for my birthday dinner with the family. I requested mom’s baked ziti with spinach and meat sauce. She even used gluten-free brown rice noodles!
Dessert was per my request as well—-homemade banana cake with chocolate frosting. There were lots of sweet treats happening this weekend!
We spent the rest of the evening at Comedy Sportz, which is an improv comedy club in Minneapolis. It felt GREAT to laugh and to be with my amazing family.
Of course I was spoiled with lots of presents too.
On Sunday Dana and I did our usual Sunday morning gig: newspaper, coupon cutting, and coffee.
For lunch we headed over to my in-law’s for a Greek dinner from Mediterranean Cruise Cafe.
And DQ ice cream cake!
And more presents. Seriously I am so spoiled!
I felt so much love this weekend and I thank you all for making my birthday so special. I don’t know what I would do without you all. You are my world.
Sounds like you had an amazing birthday weekend!!!!
Jackie recently posted…{Tasty Tuesday} Chicken and Broccoli casserole
Happy belated Birthday Melanie! Sounds like a wonderful celebration. Hope you’re feeling better!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat recently posted…{Guest Post} If I was Holly for a Day
That looks like such an awesome birthday weekend!!! I love that pasta salad from Byerly’s!! And I am so glad our package got there on your birthday – so awesome! 🙂 Hugs!!
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted…Unexpected perks from my Grocery Challenge
What a fantastic birthday weekend. I love how involved both your family & inlaws were. Isn’t Caribou’s Lite Caramel Mocha the best? I personally prefer it over Starbucks beverages.
anyways – Happy Belated Birthday!!!
Jessie recently posted…Pure GENIUS Quinoa
YUM! DQ ice cream cake is always a win!! Looks like you had a delicious, relaxing weekend.
Stop by my page and enter my Ladera Granola giveaway if you’ve got a chance 🙂
Elyse F. recently posted…Ladera Granola Review and Giveaway!!
I love how you celebrate your birthday!
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DQ ice cream cake is the best!! I LOVE the crunchy chocolate layer! I’m glad you had such a fantastic birthday weekend :).
cleaneatingveggiegirl recently posted…Treat Yourself Tuesday: My First Friendsgiving Celebration!
It’s great to hear that you had a wonderful birthday weekend! Sweet treats are a great way to treat yourself!!
Alex @ Alex Runs For Food recently posted…EnergyBits Review/Giveaway
You’re just so cute, I can’t handle it! <3 I'm glad Muffuletta turned out well – I get so nervous recommending restaurants that I haven't been to 🙂 Happy happy {late} birthday!
Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted…#11 Treat Yourself Tuesday
Happy Belated Birthday! 🙂 It looks like you had lots of fun and ate lots of yummy treats… I’ve gotta get that baked ziti recipe! Baked ziti is my favorite! 🙂
Jen and Emily @ Layers of Happiness recently posted…Ready, Set, Party Time!
Happy belated birthday– what a great weekend you had! I love ice-cream cakes 🙂
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate recently posted…Our Engagement Photos
Sounds like a perfect birthday! Love your blog!
Christie Anderson @kissesandkale.blogspot.com recently posted…Crock Pot Gluten Free Lasagna
Thank you, Christie!!
Have I ever told you I hate salami too!? Twins. Xoxo glad you had a good birthday love!!
Caroline recently posted…Single Serving Goodness. {Recipe}
I am so glad you had a great birthday. And I LOVE that pasta salad from Byerly’s – one of my favs. 🙂
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted…Friday Favorites: 11/22/13