Pre-Birthday

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Someone’s birthday is tomorrow!

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I met my Husband when he was 19 years old, and tomorrow, he turns 26!

 

We had a wonderful homecooked Indian meal.  But first, my mother-in-law and I did a bunch of gift shopping (we’re so last minute) and grocery shopping.

 

While we shopped, I had a Mojo bar and a banana:

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When we got back, we got to cooking.  My mother and sister-in-law made one appetizer and three delicious main dishes from this cookbook.  All the meals were vegetarian (my in-laws are veg, but my sister-in-law is not):

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One of our tasks was to bust open the coconut that my mother-in-law needed for the Indian pancakes.  I referred to an old post of mine where I asked ya’ll how to open a coconut, so we baked it for 5 minutes and then attacked it with a hammer and nail.

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I gave up after a while, and the Husband took over:

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I decided to supervise and drink wine:

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Eventually…  SUCCESS!  We had to pound it with a hammer.

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The appetizer was Indian pancakes with mint yogurt sauce and spinach pastries (which weren’t homemade):

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I had two pancakes and two pastries.

 

Entrees included saag paneer, a rice and eggplant dish, and fried broccoli:

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And then it was time for dessert.  I put all the candles on the cake and nearly burned my arm off in the process.  It was like a chocolate inferno!

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I had a small slice and a few more glasses of wine.

 

Happy Birthday, Husband!  I love you.  🙂

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Fun facts about the Husband:  He weighed 4 pounds, 2 ounces at birth – but he wasn’t premature; he gets his license to be a Doctor of Oriental Medicine in June; he was born in Reading, England; his real name is Kristien; he was the amateur national golf champion of England when he was 13; and he loves to sing in the car.

 

What’s one fun fact about YOU?

{ 70 comments }

 

  • Elizabeth May 7, 2010, 10:01 pm

    I love love your dress!! Where is it from? Also–the coconut opens easier for us if you bake it for like 10 min.

    • caitlin May 7, 2010, 10:02 pm

      Tj Maxx!

  • Run Sarah May 7, 2010, 10:05 pm

    Gorgeous couple alert! Happy Birthday Kristien!

  • Lisa May 7, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I absolutely love Indian food but I’ve never tried to make it on my own. Was it hard?

    • caitlin May 8, 2010, 10:36 am

      there seemed to be a lot of ingredients… but we did make four meals. the methods werent hard though!

  • Jenna May 7, 2010, 10:10 pm

    Looks delish and I as well loveee the dress!

  • Jennie {in Wonderland} May 7, 2010, 10:19 pm

    I’ve never heard of Redding! Or do you mean Reading? If not, where is Redding…? I am so bad with geography, blah. 😉

    That cake looks fabulous and the Indian food… gah! I love Indian but it’s just so fattening over here… I mean, I love calories as much as the next girl, but all the dishes I like are SMOTHERED in clarified butter, hahaha. Maybe I should develop a taste for the healthier ones??

    • caitlin May 8, 2010, 10:37 am

      hahah i was just a little too tipsy to spell right. Corrected now. It’s Reading.

  • Carly @ The Road To Health May 7, 2010, 10:20 pm

    Fun fact about me: I’m 24 and STILL scared of the dark! hahah
    All that food looks amazing and your outfit is ADORABLE!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com May 7, 2010, 10:21 pm

    I really need to try a good, sit-down Indian restaurant because the one buffet I’ve been to didn’t really do it for me.

  • Mary May 7, 2010, 10:22 pm

    fun fact about me : I have an arrhythmia in my heart beat. I supposedly had a bad strep infection which affected my heart when I was a kid. it only beats irregularly at rest, while I’m exercising it’s completely normal 🙂

    I love your dress and your food looks SO delish! happy birthday to hubs 🙂

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter May 7, 2010, 10:24 pm

    That cake looks absolutely divine! Happy Birthday to the husband! 🙂

    Fun fact: I was my high school record holder in the pole vault!

  • Katherine May 7, 2010, 10:30 pm

    Caitlin – That’s so funny, my husbands birthday is tomorrow too! Although he’s much older. LOL! Thank goodness he’s not getting a cake, we could burn the house down. heeheehee…

    Fun Fact: I was born in Germany…Navy brat. 🙂

  • Wei-Wei May 7, 2010, 10:37 pm

    Happy birthday to the Husband! 😀 You two look so cute together. Love your skirt, Caitlin! The coconut looks awesome. 😀

    Have a great night! 🙂

    Wei-Wei

  • Jenny May 7, 2010, 10:40 pm

    Happy birthday to the hus! My fun fact is that my arm doesn’t straighten!

  • Lisa (I'm an Okie) May 7, 2010, 10:42 pm

    Lovin your skirt! too cute.

    Fun Fact: I’ve had 12 surgeries in my lifetime.

  • Nora@LiveLifeEatRight May 7, 2010, 10:47 pm

    I have to say, you two look like the PERFECT couple :). I love all the fun facts, and the food looks awesome! I dont know why but I’m always intimidated to make my own Indian. ENJOY THE BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!

    • Laura May 8, 2010, 9:26 am

      Seriously, go for it! If it is just a curry, that is easy, easy, easy… and since Americans seem to be so amazing at making pancakes, you’ll be fine with a simple dosa (pancakes etc). Pakoras (pastries) etc. Try a mango lassi recipe too 😉

    • caitlin May 8, 2010, 10:38 am

      thank you 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) May 7, 2010, 10:48 pm

    I love the fact indian food is so veggie friendly and full of flavor.

    Fun fact about me is that I had major back surgery when I was 27 but my scar is about 10 inches long on my stomach.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople May 7, 2010, 10:55 pm

    Can’t think of any fun facts about me at the moment, but that cake looks fantastic!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is May 7, 2010, 10:55 pm

    Your dress is super cute!

  • Deirdre May 7, 2010, 11:04 pm

    Fun fact: I once went to a speed dating event and ended up going out with the host.

    • peony May 8, 2010, 2:21 am

      haha thats brilliant!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) May 7, 2010, 11:09 pm

    you guys are the cutest couple! i don’t know what a fun fact is about me…i’ve never broken a bone? that’s not that cool, but it’s all i got right now 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing May 7, 2010, 11:13 pm

    Awww Happy Early Bday to your hubby!!!
    That cake looks to DIE for!!
    Fact about me, I went to Ireland when I was in 11th grade and lived off of bread and butter!

    • Lauren May 8, 2010, 7:55 am

      I think I lived off tea for two weeks when I was there!

  • Kellie May 7, 2010, 11:18 pm

    That cake looks soooo good. I would eat more than just a small slice.

  • maria @ Chasing the Now May 7, 2010, 11:31 pm

    Happy early birthday to your hubs! I agree… that cake looks KILLER!

  • marge May 7, 2010, 11:44 pm

    You look soo beautiful Caitlin! Especially when attempting to open the coconut.

    • caitlin May 8, 2010, 10:40 am

      thank you my love!

  • Diana(mymarblerye) May 7, 2010, 11:48 pm

    Mmm delish bday meal! Happy birfday htp hubby! Can’t wait to see you have kids! You both are so gorg!

  • Kloe May 7, 2010, 11:53 pm

    That coconut breaking is too funny!!! And everything looks great! Happy B-day to your hubby 🙂

  • Jen May 8, 2010, 12:21 am

    Happy birthday to your hubby! You guys make an adorable couple <3

    Fun fact about me? I had a Scottish accent until I was 5. Never been to Scotland in my life…was a result of spending so much time with me Scots granny when I was a child!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) May 8, 2010, 12:26 am

    Fun Fact: I have never had a nose bleed in my life!

  • Angela (ohsheglows) May 8, 2010, 12:45 am

    Happy Birthday!!!!! We miss you both!

  • tasha - the clean eating mama May 8, 2010, 1:02 am

    Happy Birthday!
    Me? I hate clowns.

  • Penny (Wannabe VEGGIEtarian) May 8, 2010, 1:04 am

    Happy Birthday to your Hus!
    I have wondered what his real name is a few times. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
    Also, I would really like a short video of the Hus….I want to hear him talk. I bet he has a killer accent. 🙂

  • jenny (green food diaries) May 8, 2010, 1:07 am

    that eggplant dish has me drooling, though it’s not the most photogenic thing in the world… LOVE indian food.

  • Camille May 8, 2010, 1:24 am

    I love your skirt!

  • William May 8, 2010, 2:13 am

    Look at that cake! Yum!

  • Hedda May 8, 2010, 3:08 am

    Congratulations to your Husband 🙂
    You look beautiful together, wish you the very best.

    Fun fact about me : I only have on smile dimple. If that makes sense to anyone? I am not quite sure what you call it in English, haha 🙂
    And I always end up laughing when my dog does something he is not allowed to, which is not so positive for the behaviour training of my dog. I just can’t get that tough voice when it is needed.

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs May 8, 2010, 3:12 am

    Happy Birthday to The Husband! All that food looks/sounds incredible 😀
    Uhhh random ract: I save all my vegetable cuttings, bread, apple cores etc for my horse to munch on 😀

  • Sarah @ cocoanutshakes May 8, 2010, 5:29 am

    ok your skirt/tank top combo is adorable. or maybe its a dress, either way i love it.

  • Rachel (Running Rachel) May 8, 2010, 5:40 am

    Happy Birthday to the Husband from a fellow Brit! A fun fact about me would be that I have a rather useless skill for collecting random bits of trivia that I’ll never need to know again! (Means I’m quite good at pub quizes though!). DId you know that the colour neon pink was invented in 1936? See – totally useless info! 😀

  • Keri May 8, 2010, 6:29 am

    Happy Birthday to the husband 🙂 I like that his name is spelled with a ‘K’ (although of course I would)

  • Marla May 8, 2010, 6:47 am

    Wow you and your hubby must have a ton of patience
    to be entering into a business with your family/inlaws.
    For me that would never work-yikes!
    But you guys seem to have such a grounded perspective in life
    so am sure you will be able to shrug off the hidden ups and downs that come with that situation.
    And of course there is always a beer in the fridge otherwise;)

    • caitlin May 8, 2010, 10:40 am

      hahah yes wine solves all family problems.

  • Hanni May 8, 2010, 7:29 am

    Huge kudos to you for attempting that awesome meal! It looks divine, and the two of you look ever so happy.

    Ps. Do you mean Reading? I’m a Brit with family living near there.

  • Amanda (Amanda "Runs") May 8, 2010, 7:38 am

    Ok wow- that dress is super fab! Nice jpob with that coconut. It reminds me of when my family tries to open the applesauce jar. 🙂 Happy B-day to Caitlin’s Hus!

    Fun Fact: I was born 1 lb 10 oz 3 and a half months premature, and I am a twin.

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) May 8, 2010, 7:48 am

    Aww, Happy Birthday to your hubby!

    I weighed 5lbs, 2oz when I was born… and I was two weeks late!

    Interesting fact… hmm… I just finished my culinary school basic course and am onto advanced! Halfway to becoming a chef 🙂

    xo
    K

  • emptynutjar May 8, 2010, 8:16 am

    Happy birthday to him. Your dress is beautiful. And you have a very good-looking hubby 🙂

  • The Healthy Hostess May 8, 2010, 8:24 am

    Happy Birthday to him! Love your dress! You two are adorable! 🙂

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind May 8, 2010, 8:26 am

    Aw what a classy looking couple. I love both your outfits.
    Happy birthday, Kristien!

    Fun fact: I was born on Mother’s Day!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) May 8, 2010, 8:53 am

    Adorable pics! Your dress is beautiful! 😀

    Happy Birthday to the husband! 😀

  • Matt May 8, 2010, 9:05 am

    Was he really the English amateur golf champion at 13? That’s amazing. Does he still play?

    • caitlin May 8, 2010, 10:39 am

      not really…. no time.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers May 8, 2010, 9:11 am

    You all are so cute!! I love your dress. Random fact: I have the same birthday as your hubby! My husband met me when I was 19 and today I turn 26 😉

    • Laura May 8, 2010, 9:21 am

      Happy birthday Heather! I hope you get spoilt rotten 😉

  • Laura May 8, 2010, 9:20 am

    Happy birthday Kristian! Welcome to the 26 club- best age ever of course- not too young, not too old… my fun fact- I was born in Reading too- about 8 months before your husband! I was so skinny when I was born that the doctors were really worried- they could see the whole superior surface of my heart through my chest! We lived in Earley somewhere I think?! Does your husband still play golf? You should both go to the Reading festival one year, I can so see you two moshing he he! Have a lovely day 😉

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) May 8, 2010, 9:34 am

    looks like a fun celebration!! happy birthday to him!
    Fun fact (well not so fun) I was born with a heart murmur but thankfully it went away by the time I was 5 or 6.

  • andrea May 8, 2010, 9:49 am

    that dress is TOO cute! You look great! who makes it and where did you find it!?

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels May 8, 2010, 10:02 am

    what a lovely bday! I have to plan something for my bf, his is in two weeks and I’ll be in Japan so I better do something good before I leave!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly May 8, 2010, 10:04 am

    Happy Birthday to your husband!! Looks like an awesome night!!

  • gina (fitnessista) May 8, 2010, 10:17 am

    happy birthday to your hubby! hope you guys have a wonderful day together
    LOVE your outfit 🙂

  • Lee May 8, 2010, 10:59 am

    Happy birthday to your husband! I love Indian food. A great birthday dinner.

  • Susan May 8, 2010, 4:34 pm

    Awww, Happy Birthday Caitlin’s husband!!!! Y’all are so cute 😉

  • meg c. May 8, 2010, 5:09 pm

    that food looks ridic. get me into that family asap!

    happy bday to your hus!

  • Dominique May 8, 2010, 6:00 pm

    Happy birthday Kristien!

    One fun fact about myself is that I painted our white family car black when I was two and a half. I thought I was doing my dad a favour, he was changing the oil on our other car, but I thought he was painting the underside of it–oops!

  • Jes (Self Motivation) May 9, 2010, 1:36 pm

    Happy belated birthday to Kristien! It sounds like you guys had a wonderful time!

    I love, love, love your dress by the way!

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