Happy Monday friends. I hope this weekend was a good one. We celebrated “Cotter Style” this weekend. You see, it’s a certain someone’s 30th today. Yes, 30 on 30th! The hubs is 30 years young. Actually, his birthday was yesterday New Zealand time. Lucky duck, he gets to celebrate twice.
Anyway, the hubs is not big on birthdays but I like celebrating so we comprised. He let me spoil him. That makes both of us happy. We may next have a lot of money or fancy things, but birthdays are all about who you spend it with. Right?
I did my best to look my best and treat the man well.
Quality Mexican food, plenty of Mexican martinis, and a good fun post dinner. Hint hint.
A cream filled donut for dessert. Ha! Easy to please you might say.
And I just have to give my two cents here. Yes, the big 3-0 is big! I’m not far behind him. But to me, 30 is not old, it’s YOUNG! It’s a perfect age. You are wiser but not old. You are young but not a youngster, you are cool but not too cool.
When I was younger I thought I’d have two kids by age 30. HA! I don’t think so. I’m not even close to being settled. But that’s the life I chose when I married this man. Chasing the dream, living paycheck to paycheck, wishin’ on a dime, and just going for it. Heck ya it’s scary and freakin hard, but we pray to God every night for provision and guidance. At least we pursuing it, no regrets here.
Happiness may come and go but JOY is made complete just by living life with each other.
You tired of my corniness yet? Nah, never, right?
Okay, let’s move on to another important part of this big 30 day! It’s April 30th which means FOODIE PENPAL day!
This month I had the privilege of participating in Lindsay’s Foodie Penpal and today is the big “reveal” day.
I had lot’s of fun doing this. The penpal I shopped for was Jen from http://www.jennpesce.com/. So fun to shop for her. Lots of TEXAS goodies were sent her way.
My foodie Penpal was Heather from Hezzi’s Books and Cooks.
She spoiled me with foodie gifts just in time! I used the GF baking goods to make a bday cake for the hubs. Perfect!
And that homemade apple butter she made… ya… it’s gone. I used a spoon and basically ate it in one sitting. No shame there.
Thank you. HEATHER!
So that’s it folks. Lots of celebrating today.
Celebrating birthdays, celebrating FOODIE PENPALS, celebrating the last day of adventurous April, celebrating the countdown to BLEND (wish I was going), and celebrating a fresh start to the week.
30 is a good number. Cheers to 30 and finding your JOY in life!
What are you en-JOYING today?
LC
{ 116 comments… read them below or add one }
I better get my foodie pen pal reveal ready. Yikes. Oh man Lindsay, I feel OLD. Enjoy it while you can. The years keep sneaking up. PS- you look super cute all done up and all. Hope your hubby’s birthday weekend was a blast.
STUFT mama recently posted..La Jolla Half Marathon Recap and Reminiscing
ha, you should not feel old. I think you live life by the fly, full of taking chances and going with it. Thats amazing. Thats youthful. that’s FUN! And you’ve got two munchin’s along for the ride! oh and one clever kitty.
Happy birthday to the hubs!!! I’m enjoying not having to study for any more exams. I will also be enjoying some cookies shortly when they come out of the oven…maybe I should change the name of my blog from ‘the health diva’ to ‘the cookie monster’ haha…well they are oatmeal raisin so I guess it is healthy. So inspired that you live life so passionately. That’s what it’s all about. Have a great week friend xox
Sarah @ The Healthy Diva recently posted..Motivational Monday: Less is More
oh i like that! how about cookie queen!?
Yeah! Happy Birthday to Jimbo
You look lurrrvley by the way, and your celebration sounds perfect to me!
And I love the corny… don’t you go changing a bit
Lou recently posted..healthy, fit and full of fudge
we celebrate the same way. And he even bought steinglager pure for himself today. Found it at wholefoods!
sounds like a perfect 3-0 to me! and umm yes you look HOT all done up, friend! love it! happy happy to the hubs!
hillary recently posted..Noosa Sunday!
i’m hoping this 30 thing will mean better endurance and wisdom in the Pro field, eh? Seems to work for others. How are you feeling!?!
yesss it will! took me til 30 years AND literally had to finish 30 ironmans before I won one
feeling good-ready to race here in OZ!
hillary recently posted..Noosa Sunday!
Linds, EH? love it. Using Canadian lingo makes you wiser already. I think James should come race Muskoka 70.3 and keep rolling with that wise Canadian lingo!
Hillary- you could come too but you are going to be busy kicking butt in Wisconsin that weekend!
Linds- send the hubs my birthday wishes! and 3-0 & racing wisdom–here is something to kick it off, “That which you manifest is before you. The visible becomes inevitable. Your car goes where your eyes go.” (Garth Stein- Art of Racing in the Rain).
Bre recently posted..lessons from the gym…
I think you are right! Muskoka sounds PERFECT! Let’s all email him and convince him to do so!
YEAHHHH!!! we can drink wine and cheer!! p.s. y’all better be coming to Quassy!! If I’m coming 4 days post Epic camp (worst idea ever!? probably) I want to see you!!
What a great way to celebrate a golden birthday – you did it right. High five wifey!
Someone is looking hot for 30 (can I say that):)
Mexican, the only way to fiesta. I laughed at your 2 kids thing, I hear ya there! But y’all are doing it right, traveling and living it up before bbs.
and you guys are doing the same. Now we just need to venture out together!
30 IS young, you guys’ve got so many more happy years together!! So glad the hubs had such a great bday weekend!!
Alexandra recently posted..recent realizations
i like to call them adventure years. CAuse we never know what’s coming. haha. But tis life! happy monday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SPRING CHICKEN!!!
Happy birthday to the hubs! Sounds like you two had an awesome weekend of celebrating a wonderful life that’s truly just getting underway. I totally view hitting the big 3-0 as the moment you truly start to hit your stride and find your own voice, skin, path, etc. Cheers to that, right?
Jess recently posted..Running + barre: revisited
TOTALLY AGREE!! Hit that stride and run with it. Plus you just look damn fine doing it. I think you sure do. teehee
Happy Birthday to the Hubs! I love your shirt and you are looking mighty fan all dressed up
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Why Am I Holding On?
saved by the SALE section at gap and old navy. Gotta love those stores!
Happy birthday to your man! 30 really is a great age–and still very young, trust me. Sounds like you had the perfect celebration (and you looked fabulous). Love that you used your pen pal ingredients for a cake!
it’s peak endurance age, right? that’s what i tell him. haha.
Happy Birthday to James! Sounds like you two know how to celebrate! Love that smile on your face Lindsay! Could you be any cuter??? I think not! You know we are always chasing the dream here too! I think finding the joy in the little things is the best way to find happiness. Everyday is a new adventure, so you just keep going and find the joy in it. Hugs to you friend! Have more fun celebrating with the hubs!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) recently posted..Nourished Food Blogger Conference Review and Recap!
You look amazing! Hot stuff!!! And I love to spoil M for his birthday too, I love birthdays!! I am sure he appreciated and loved every minute because he was with YOU and that’s all that matters. And you are never corny. Inspiring to the fullest
XOXO
jobo recently posted..A riff on the Friday Five!
we should have had a joint bday for our guys and met half way! haha! okay, that wouldn’t work but it would be fun.
Happy Birthday Hubby!
and You look great!
Coco recently posted..Dog of the Day + WO + Plants
thanks friend. It’s fun to look nice for each other, yes/?!
awww yay! you look so pretty!!!! happy bday hubs!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..April Foodie Penpals Reveal Day
thanks lindz, gotta thank you for the foodie pen pal too! YOURE AWESOME!
Happy birthday to the hubby! You look gorgeous.
I agree…30 is so young nowadays. It’s funny what we thought we’d be doing by 30 when we were young!
Abby @ Change of Pace recently posted..Knock on wood…
i think i thought I’d be retired too. haha, now that i wish!
Happy birthday hubs!!!! You look so pretty Linds! Glad you had fun celebrating this weekend. Hope you have an amazing Monday <3
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Feel-Good Pinterest Quotes
those weekends need to be longer, right?
Happy Birthday to James!! I love that shirt on you. Super cute. And what a fun foodie package too!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Running, Relaxing & Playing
i tried my best to pull off a “heather” look. Did i make it?
30 is young! I would know
Happy birthday to your hubs!!!!
I’m enjoying the beautiful spring weather – it has been nothing short of gorgeous here the past few days!
Samantha recently posted..An Open Letter: To YOU
oh good! boston enjoys that spring air! hope you stay outside and breathe it in!
happy birthday to James! looks like y’all had a great weekend celebrating – can’t beat Mexican food & donuts, right?
he’s like Billy – easy to please!
dorry recently posted..friday @ 6pm to sunday @ 6pm
totally like billy. Just like simple but fun. and of course food! Love ya friend.
Happy birthday to James! Have a blast celebrating together today. It’s truly funny to think about where you thought you would be or what you thought you would be doing at a certain age. Then you hit that age and laugh at how you never could have predicted any of it! It’s truly amazing.
katie @KatieDid recently posted..Shots of Olive Oil
and thank goodness for that. Reality checks are nice suprises… most of the time. haha
happy birthday to JC!!!!! hurray for an excellent birthday weekend! i will welcome you both to the 30 club
Kim K recently posted..Gloria in Excelsis Deo
i like this club. It’s cooler than the other side of the pillow. right?
Thirty is awesome. I love my thirties so far and I think it might just be the best decade.
I think we will both take your word for that! Awesome Amanda!
Happy Birthday to the hubby! I’m not far from 30 myself, only 4 more months to go…and I’ve heard your 30s are the best years for the very reason you mentioned!
You look beautiful in your outfit, btw!
And I love that you guys live paycheck to paycheck chasing DREAMS. That’s a really big deal. I’d choose that over living lavishly any day.
Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run recently posted..Feel like laughing?
agreed! you only live once, so go for it!
happy birthday!
i love how you take such joy in your life… chasing a dream, living paycheck to paycheck.. we have a similar life (and the husband is ALMOST 30)… it’s maybe not where I imagined where I would be when i was in college, but it’s exactly where i want to be now!
Fox Peterson recently posted..Memory Monday: My biggest regret
girl we are so alike! too bad we don’t live closer.
Happy Birthday to the Hubs!!
Sounds like you had an awesome time.
Yesterday was our anniversary (well kind of. It was 2.5) … and the roommate was out of town all weekend.
Calee (@chimes) recently posted..Foodie Pen Pal Reveal + Call for Guest Bloggers
WOOHOO!!! Now that is a good time.
Happy birthday to Mr. Cotter!
Heather recently posted..Ragnar SoCal Recap – Part The End
He says thank you Heather. oops I mean Heathe (haha, instagram reminded me of that)
Love this post! And your top is super cute! You looked great! Happy Birthday to Mr. Cotter!
Whitney @LiveRunLoveYoga recently posted..April Wrap-Up and May Goals!
Gap to the rescue. Sale rack is where it’s at, amen!?!
I’m enjoying a mid-morning green juice!
And welcome to foodie pen pals! I love that you sent a lunchskin to your pen pal. Great idea. I need to get me some of those.
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice recently posted..April Foodie Pen Pal Reveal
The lunchskin was AWESOME! I need to invest in more. Agreed!
Awww Happy Happy Birthday to the hubs! It absolutely sounds like the perfect weekend and I love your attitude. I used to think 30 was “so old” but now that I’m inching closer I have realized that life has just begun. It is all about perspective.
so true. 30 is the new 18! haha, let’s make it that!
happy birthday to the hubs!! looks like you treated him quite well
Shannon recently posted..A Spicy Challenge
well it made me happy too, so it was fun! hey how’s the traning coming for ya?
Happy birthday to Mr. Cotter! That pineapple drink looks yummmmy
Paige @ Running Around Normal recently posted..Workout to Burn Out
you know we like our grown up drinks. hehe
can’t wait to join Foodie Penpals for May!
I’m enjoying a day of productivity after a relaxing weekend. Does that count?
Alysia @ Slim Sanity recently posted..plank a day
that does count! and way to knock it out Alysia!
what a fabulous weekend for you and the hubs. it looked like you had so much fun celebrating his beday and you are right-it is who you spend it with that is worth is all-no money can surpass that!
kalli recently posted..Weekend Snippets
Easy to please… good company, good food, good
winedrinks. Man we need to live closer. The ocean is calling our name!I agree about 30!!!! Love what you said!
Happy Birthday to your hubby! I am glad he had a great one, how could he not when he has a beautiful wife like you
Happy Monday!
katie recently posted..Monday {style}
You know I love you for saying that, hehe. And I love that you are almost bday twins with my hubby. Great people!
Yeah, 30 is definitely NOT old. Wiser and cooler. And with every year beyond 30, you only add to the wiseness and coolness. At least, that is what I tell myself!
You look super cute! The hubs is a lucky man, indeed. Wink wink.
Katie recently posted..Is it still considered an intervention if I ask for it?
yes, youre the cool cat. ANd can you get any wiser? that’s impressive!
Hey Its my birthday today too! Wish Your special guy a happy 30th. I have him by a few ( 16 who’s counting?) years! Awesome, and you look lovely
hope you have a great week!
no way! very cool! You two are special. Such great hearts!
You look so pretty Lindsay!! I agree about 30, I don’t understand how people think that is old. Um, nope not at all! I think its a beautiful number where you become more mature in your life. Age is just a silly number anyways! Happy birthday to the hubby! Looks like you guys enjoyed your weekend.
i agree. I am glad to age. Each wrinkle means a good memory in the making, right?
My husband and I are the same way about birthdays. What is it with men and birthdays anyway?
Meg recently posted..A Story of Whiplash
i don’t know, men are so silly. 30 is the new 18!
I’m enjoying being employed again!
But I need help getting into personal training now that I’m certified…
Shannon recently posted..It’s About Time!
oh i think CO will help you with PT. so much opportunity. Just start searching! hope you finally got your chobani too!
You are simply gorgeous inside and out. Happy Birthday angel. How did you gain so much wisdom in only 30 short years? incredible.
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..A Tribute to my Tribe
LOL! Well thank you. I think wine helps us age wiser. so Cheers!
Happy Birthday young James!
ah the big 3-0
I remember when I pass that one. I was going nowhere in my life. I had not met my husband yet. So that is when I hit the mid life crises thing…
so It is all behind me now!!! ha!
it really is just a number…I can tell you…cuz I know and I am way older!!!:)
Caroline recently posted..The Boss {and running sick sucks}
and thats not even midlife. Look at you now, totally LIVING LIFE and Running! What inspiration!
I had seen that photo when James posted it on Twitter… lookin good mamacita!!
Hahha and nice to see James with a smile on his face (with the mexican food)… it seems like he always looks serious in photos. 30 is NOT that old!
Erika @ TriathlonRx recently posted..Medical Monday: Hip Check
i know, he is way to serious. haha, I think the mexican martini helped loosen him up!
Oh you two are SOOOOO young! I thought 30 was fantastic – LOVED that crossing into my 30s. So far, 35 is even better
Glad he had a good b-day – I went out for Mexican food too!
Molly recently posted..Birthday Ride!
youre only 35, that’s young. You look 25, for real. Embrace it MOlly! You’ve got it going on. hehe.
Happy birthday to your husband! I’m glad you enjoyed the package and were able to use the GF cake mix for his b-day!
yes!! perfect timing too heather. Thank you.
Happy birthday to him! Where did y’all enjoy the quality mexican food?
Melissa recently posted..Catch Up
oh you better believe it was MAUDIES!
Happy Birthday to the hubs!! I definitely don’t think 30 years is too old. You guys have plenty of time! I’m super jealous of your homemade apple butter foodie pen pal package. That sounds so good!
i would have shared the apple butter, if i had a gallon of it. haha. Hope you are doing well friend.
Look at you all dolled up…Love it! You guys are YOUNG…HA! 30′s are the new 20′s. I think that’s what I’ve heard these days. Either way, it’s a great decade and happy birthday to the hubs and all of the fun stuff that you have going on. xoxo
She Rocks Fitness recently posted..Let the Videos Begin…High-Fives!
youre the poster child for a thirty and flirty life. LOVE IT katie!
Happy, happy birthday to James!
And you look BEAUTIFUL, my friend! Love to hear how you celebrated and enjoyed the peek at Foodie Pen Pals. 
Love to the Cotters!
Bonnie recently posted..Cardio Circuit Killer
Love right back to the LANGS!! <3
Foodie Penpal! Brilliant idea!
My hubs just turned 30 on the 15 this past month. I agree it is not old it is young. People say that the best time in their lives was in their 30s. So I will be looking forward to it.
Happy Tuesday
(I read this post a little late 
)
Sarah recently posted..Eating Before a Race
me too! I am looking forward to that age. Better endurance too. haha. Happy belated to your hubby.
Yeah way better endurance. I read somewhere that the female runner is strongest in her 30s
Happy Belated to yours as well!
Sarah recently posted..Eating Before a Race
Awwww you look super cute!!! I love that top – it goes great with your beautiful smile =)
well you are too kind sable. thank you. Gotta love the GAP sale racks!! right?
I am loving the big three o! I was a little freaked out with the decade turning, but the truth is that I am in such a good place in life and that is what I have to be thankful for. And like JZ says “30 is the new 20s I’m so hot!”. I am really feeling my best these days physically and spiritually. I, on the other hand, didn’t think was going to have kids until later in life, but since all that is really not up to us, I got my two treasures way before the 30s, and they are just so a big part of who I am today. I love this age and would not go back one single day! Happy Bday to the hubs and yes, you are in for a big treat!
Adri @ FoodieBeFit recently posted..Versatile Blogger Award
oh i love it! to qupte JZ is perfect!
Gosh I feel so far behind…
I LOVE your outfit! Happy belated 3-0 to Mr JC
Ill be hitting that number soon and I can’t lie, I’m a little bummed. But oh well I don’t feel 30 so that’s what counts huh
Hugs dear <3
Klh recently posted..The Arch
you’re gonna be even hotter in your 30′s… thats smokin.
we are both excited about our 30s!! this will be our last year before we reach that milestone
happy belated birthday to your hubby!
Pure2raw twins recently posted..we are back
yes, lets make a huge celebration for that!!! ONE BIG PARTY! You in?
Happy Belated Birthday James!!!
You know where we celebrated, right? MAUDIES!
FINALLY catching up on blogs again…HAPPY belated birthday to your handsome hubby! He definitely is the lucky one, though – you look GORGEOUS!!! Hope the entire weekend was a great one…and I agree with you – it’s not about the material things that make a birthday or holiday meaningful. I’m learning that more and more the older I get =) xoxo
Michele @ nycrunningmama recently posted..Erica Sara Designs Giveaway WINNER + Discount Code!!
oh thank you Michele. I’ll let him know that. hehe.
eep, once again I am late to the (birthday) party… rare I find internet time these days, so I’m catching up when I can.
HAPPY *Golden* BIRTHDAY JAMES! and Linds you look beautiful! XXO
Kris recently posted..Cinco de Mayo!
i will pass along the kind wishes to James! hey how’s the house? I miss you. sorry we’ve been so MIA with each other.
well…… things might not work out for quassy. I know i know!! But we will see each other this year! PROMISE!