142.4...Birthday Festiviites

This week has been so crazy, I’m not even sure where to begin!

Let’s jump right in. Monday night’s dinner was easy. Costco orange chicken, Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice and leftover Oven-Roasted Broccoli.

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I had to have some of the red velvet cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes that Alicia got for me for dessert!

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Breakfast Tuesday:

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My birthday was yesterday but I stopped at Starbucks Tuesday to pick up my free birthday coffee.

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I headed to Nora’s house for a special breakfast benefitting the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund.

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She had an AMAZING spread of food out!

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Thank you Nora for doing something so special!

As if I hadn’t already eaten enough food, I went to Phillis Carey’s cooking class at the La Jolla Community Center after that. The class was “Entertaining Holiday Dinner Party.”

The first recipe was Cauliflower and Roasted Red Pepper Soup:

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This was so delicious and there was no cream in it! Loved it!

Next was Shrimp Crostini with Fresh Dill and Lemon:

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OMG. This was to die for. I need to make this ASAP for the next party I go to!

The next two recipes were Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Wine Sauce and Orzo Risotto with Artichoke Hearts, Baby Peas and Parmesan Cheese:

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The pork was delicious but the orzo risotto stole the show. That’s another recipe I need to make ASAP.

Dessert was Peppermint Brownie Tart with Chocolate Glaze:

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Rich and delicious. A great holiday dessert!

The food continued Tuesday night. My family took me to Benihana to celebrate my birthday a day early. My meal started with onion soup:

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Followed by salad:

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Fried Rice:

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The main event: Hibachi Steak and veggies:

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Don’t forget the birthday green tea ice cream! :)

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Such a good meal!

My actual birthday on Wednesday started out with three breakfasts. I got up at 5AM. That has to count for the extra food. :)

Breakfast #1:

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Breakfast #2 occurred after I took the kids to school. My son had a program at school that included them making the parents breakfast. Of course I had to have a little!

Breakfast #3 was my birthday breakfast at Morada at the Rancho Santa Fe Inn put on by my wonderful friends.

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I had the Ranch Egg Omelet with sliced tomatoes and toast. Technically this could count as lunch.

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Thank you to all my fabulous friends for helping to make my birthday so special!

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As if that wasn’t enough, the event we attended last night put my birthday celebrations right over the top.

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My husband’s company very recently became the title sponsor for the Holiday Bowl on December 30th here in San Diego. USC will play Wisconsin on that evening. To say I am excited, would be putting it mildly.

Last night, the title sponsorship was announced at the San Diego Bowl Game Association Director’s Dinner.

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We attended the press conference first where my husband's company was announced as well as the Poinsettia Bowl and Holiday Bowl coaches spoke.

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Of course, being a USC alumni, I was most interested in what USC's head coach, Clay Helton, had to say!

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The Wisconsin coach, Paul Chryst was such a nice guy, it was great to meet him as well!





















My joy and excitement is pretty obvious here!

















It was also an honor to meet Ted Tollner, former head coach of USC and offensive coordinators for the Chargers, 49ers and Lions.



















After the press conference, it was time to head to the ballroom for speeches and dinner. I'm very proud of my husband!!























Dinner started with Mixed California Greens with Feta Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Candied Pecans and Balsamic Dressing. I didn't take a photo because it would have been awkward at the time.

The main course was Braised Brandt Beef Short Ribs with Pinot Noir Sauce and Sea Scallops over Caramelized Fennel, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables.



Look how pretty dessert was! The sparkly red ball was cheesecake!



After dinner, the coaches sat together and answered questions from the moderator.


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What an amazing evening! Now we just need to pray to the football gods that USC wins this thing!

Breakfast this morning:

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I took the kids to school, then went to Sculpt class at the gym. I really needed a workout to burn off the craziness of this week!

I ran errands stopping at home for lunch. Turkey sandwich, veggies and ranch dressing.

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Tonight I'm going out to dinner for my final birthday celebration. Let the birthday week continue!

Are any of your favorite teams playing in bowl games this season?

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Comments

  1. Wow, you've had a busy week! Just catching up with you - happy belated birthday too! :D

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