I can’t believe I’m 30! It seems like an age you wait your whole life for…and it’s just…here. One day you wake up and you’re a new decade. Honestly, I haven’t had that much time to think about it because I’ve been living life day to day with Maze, but I’m actually really happy to turn 30. It’s a nice, mature age and I think it fits my mindset these days. People who are older than 30 have told me that it’s the best decade, so I’m excited!
Pumpkin Kodiak cake to celebrate the occasion!! Topped with Birthday Cake Nutty Butter and Autumn Spice Granola! And sprinkles!
Mazen gave me a 5.5 hour stretch of sleep last night for my present. And 1,000 smiles!!! After breakfast, the two of us went out on a long walk – about an hour. He slept, I pondered.
And then we met up with Matt and drove into the countryside for lunch
Back to Pippin Hill! When we planned this event I didn’t know I’d be going with my mothers’ group earlier in the week, but I had no problem going twice : ) Thanks to Faith + Tate, Hillary, Alex and Finn and Holly + her Finn for joining us!
Matt and I shared a tasting and ordered bites for lunch
A ham, pear and grilled greens salad topped with pine nuts
Root Veggie Soup with crostini
And local trout, which was so good!
The portions were really small, but luckily, we had cupcakes for dessert!!
Delicious, incredible Sweethaus delights!! We actually did a trade with the Sweethaus owners who love our Great Harvest scuffins. These totally made my day! They are the best cupcakes I’ve ever had.
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coconut, Pistachio, Carrot Cake, Red Velvet and Pumpkin Spice!
I love the Strawberry, the Pumpkin Spice and the Coconut the most, but if I had to pick a top fav, Coconut wins!
We drove from Pippin Hill to one more winery to end the afternoon. FYI, we were not driving my car, and that was SO exciting!! More details coming to BERF soon : )
We had never been to First Colony Winery, so we made that our second and final destination. I was much more interested in the cupcakes than the wine though : )
Back home, Matt gave me his gift – cute fancy gloves (with missing fingers for typing!) and a pretty pair of earrings!
We then got dressed up
And handed sweet Maze off to his KK so we could go out to a nice dinner!
We left a bottle of pumped milk and left them snuggling on the porch.
Karen gave me a new pair of dress pants and a cute top from LOFT, which I wore to dinner. Thanks for the presents Karen, including the night out!
Matt and I had a gift certificate to Al Dente, a nice Italian restaurant here. The CEO of Great Harvest, Mike, gave it to us after we spoke at Darden last year. We had been saving it for just the right night (and a time when I could partake in some red wine!)
<3 the bread plate
We shared this bottle of red, although Matt got much more than I did because I was the DD and a mama who didn’t want too much.
Figgy salad to start – pretty good with lots of crunchy toppings!
But Matt’s Scallops with Brandy + Shrooms stole the course. Great flavor combos!!
For dinner I had a whole baked trout in a tomato + caper sauce with a side of green beans. Loved it!
And Matt had sea bass with orzo and artichokes – good but mine won (for once!)
Believe it or not, we were way too full for dessert. I never turn down dessert, especially on my birthday, but if that is any indication of how eager we were to get home to our little peanut, that should tell you something : ) Plus – too many cupcakes!
But our server brought us some Sambuca on the house to end the meal – anise flavor. It was the perfect palate cleanser. [Also that goblet looks huuuuuge but the camera was just under it. Also I stuck my tongue in it and called it a night : ) ]
I feel like I have been eating and eating and eating lately. Definitely one of those times where I can’t wait to get back to salads and fruit and foods that leave me feeling fresh inside! But that’s what births…and birthdays…are for!
Time to go snuggle!
Khushboo says
Happy belated birthday, Kath! You look lovely 🙂
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
What a great birthday! And I’ve heard the same – that your 30s are your best years, so enjoy them! Especially now that you have Mazen to share them with!
Ashley @ Sweat for Sweets says
Happy Birthday Kath! So glad you had such a wonderful day! A birthday full of cuddles, walks, friends, cupcakes, wine + fancy dinners out with the man seems good to me 🙂 Cheers!
Anna @ On Anna's Plate says
Happy birthday!!! My 30th is in January, and I’ve heard the same thing– that your thirties are the best decade!
jenna k says
glad you had such a good birthday, kath! all those celebration meals look yummy!
Coco says
Happy birthday Kath! 30s is definitely great decade, I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my 20s. I guess it’s because we become wiser and know exactly what we value the most and know to to get them.
Kavi says
I completely agree! I’ve really been enjoying my 30s 🙂
Kate says
Happy Happy Birthday! It sounds like it was a great day!
emily says
Yay, that sounds like a great birthday! Those cupcakes look fabulous.
Judy says
Ok that last picture is is heart warming….glad you had a wonderful birthday. Thinking back to 30 I think my life was much the same, except child #3 was on the way. Hang on to these times I can’t stress that enough they go by so fast.
Hugs,
Judy
Simply Life says
Happy Birthday! Looks like a great way to celebrate! And that last picture is just precious!!!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
What an absolutely perfect birthday! I could dive face first into the cupcakes! YUM!
I’ve been meaning to ask, you take such great pics when you’re at restaurants, what camera do you use?
KathEats says
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II – you can read more about it here: https://www.katheats.com/lights-camera-action 🙂
[email protected] says
Happy Birthday! Looks like it was a great one!
heidi kokborg says
Happy birthday! All the meals look so yummy. Especially the cupcakes 🙂
Ashley says
Happy birthday!! Also, I have to share — I’m sure you don’t remember me from the tons of comments you get, but back when you announced you were expecting I commented how funny it was that we are both dietitians and had the same due date. Later on when you posted the girl names you had considered if it had been a girl, our name that we’ve had forever (Clementine) was on your list! And, my mother-in-law also goes by KK! Cracks me up — I keep waiting for even more crazy similarities!
Ashley says
Oh, and I forgot that Clementine also has the monkey toy Maze has. Her favorite!! Great for batting at and grasping!
KathEats says
Fun!!
Jenn says
Happy 30th! It is definitely a great decade. I think as we get older, we become more appreciative of everything around us thus making us happier. Looks like you had a wonderful day of celebrations. Those cupcakes look so yummy. I’ll have to make a mental note to stop by the next time I’m in town!
Kel says
Looks like you were in a trout-y mood for your 30th! Happy Birthday to you again!
Karen and Mazen look so cute in that picture!
[email protected] says
Happy 30th birthday. It’s really not that bad being 30+ because you generally have more disposable income and start to value the important things in life. I’m 34 now and have had a lot more fun in my 30s than I did for much of my 20s.
julia says
what a perfect birthday!!!
Alen Agaronov says
I’m a new follower, but I’m glad I came in at such a great time.
I hope the new decade brings on new, food adventures.
Emily @ www.main-eats.com says
Hope you had a great birthday!!! Love your outfit-you look great! You just look so happy and I’m so excited to see what this next year brings for you!
cait says
Happy birthday!!
The cupcake/scudding swap sounds good. My family owns a restaurant/ice cream shop & always swap ice cream for yummy piazza from a next door pizzeria. So fun!
cait says
*scuffin.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
So glad to hear you had such a wonderful birthday! I’m sure it was nice to have an evening out with just Matt – good for you guys! Happy 30th Birthday!
Mom says
Love the outfit and dinner looks fab, but what I really want to know is, how did Maze do with KK?
KathEats says
He slept in her arms most of the time!
Angie says
Happy 30th Birthday! Hope you had an “A-Mazing” day 🙂
Love your outfit, where did you get your dress pants?
Karen says
Loft. They are the “Julie” style.
Molly @ RDexposed says
Looks like a great birthday! That soup and crostini look so good!
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles says
Happy Birthday! What a great way to start off your 30s
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
Happy 30th, Kath! …..I wish you all the happiness in the world as you bring in this new time in your life! It’s going to be great!!! 🙂
Alex @ Raw Recovery says
I absolutely love the picture of you, Matt, and Maze before you went to dinner. Happy 30th birthday!
Jessica says
Happy Belated Birthday! What a beautiful day you had! You can tell from the pictures Karen is one happy Grandma!!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
gorgeous last photo…happy birthday kath! i’ve loved my 30’s so far and i know you will too…
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
Happy belated birthday!!!!
Melissa says
I love that last picture. I wish I would’ve taken more as my daughter got older, but honestly, trying to get her to settle down to nurse was hard enough, not to mention trying to take a picture to! LOL Take as many as you can while he’s still little – you’ll be glad you did!! 🙂
robin says
You are blessed.
Ashley says
Happy Birthday Kath! 🙂 Looks like Life is treating you well, healthy baby, handsome husband and wonderful support system in your family members to help with the little maze… <3 Enjoy!! 🙂 Hope your 30's treat you beautifully! 🙂
Tracy says
Glad the two of you had a nice night out alone. Isn’t it funny that you dream of those rare chances to get a night out alone, but you want them to end quickly so you can get back home?!
Since I’m in my 40s I have to say the 30s are a great decade (all 4 of my kids were born), but I hate to think the best is behind me!! The 40s have been great in a different way and I hope every decade to come is equally rewarding.
Jennifer says
What a wonderful birthday! I love Matt’s gift to you. So pretty!
The picture of Karen and Mazen is beautiful. That was so nice of her to watch Mazen and let you two have a night out together.
The 30’s is a wonderful decade. I used to be worried about the 40’s but it’s all on how you feel. I’m 44 but feel like I’m in my 20’s. 🙂
Andrea says
Happy Birthday!
Maze is soooooo cute!!!!!
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
Happy, happy birthday, Kath! You look lovely and I’m so glad you had such a fun day of celebrating. 😀
Nicole says
So much happiness! What a fun day, especially the sweet date night and Maze getting fun time with gma 🙂 those cupcakes look so soft, fluffy and light – I’d go for coconut hands down, bonus if it had strawberry in the cake 🙂
Happy weekend!
Susan says
Kath! That last picture of you and Maze is just incredible. Frame worthy!
Lauren says
I have a feeling 30 is going to be fantastic for you! Happy Birthday Kath!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Kath you look great and happy bday! Glad you are loving where you’re at in life and embracing this new decade!
The ‘best cupcakes I’ve ever had’ is VERY high praise from you and wow, I wish I could sample one! They look incredible!
And glad you were able to enjoy great meals, the winery, and sweet gifts from Matt, and time with your two main men in your life 🙂
Mo says
What a great birthday! I’m 32 and I looked so forward to turning 30. I am so much more confident now than I was in my 20’s.
Rosie @ rosalicious says
It’s true – the 30s rock! Happy (belated) birthday!!
Taylor says
Karen has good taste! I love that top. Mazen is too cute. Happy late birthday!
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
Looks like you had a wonderful day! Those cupcakes are so cute! Coconut always comes out on tops for me! Gorgeous gloves, definitely needed when sitting at a laptop to keep the chill out! Happy Birthday again!!!
Hannah says
Happy birthday, Kath!
Looks like a fantastic day. Mazen is still as precious as ever.
I have go to visit Charlotteville or near so I can taste those yummy-looking cupcakes and all the fab food I drool over constantly on your blog. : )
-a reader
Karen H says
Happy Birthday, Kath! Looks like it was a great and delicious day! I was 29 when my first child was born, and like you, hardly even noticed 30! It is a great time of your life. Enjoy!
Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin says
Happy birthday l Kath!! I hope my birthday breakfast looks half as delicious as yours did! You’re a lucky lady.
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Those little cupcakes are adorable!!
Happy Birthday, I hope you have an incredible day with friends and family 🙂
Lee says
Im 34 and I totally agree that 30s has been the best decade so far! Happy birthday!
Randy says
Happy birthday Kath, glad you got to have such a nice celebration….30 only comes once! The food looked great (think they could have skipped having the fish eyes looking at you from the plate) and very tasty, well presented.
What a wonderful family you have, congratulations on the big 30.
Kelsey says
Happy Birthday! Thanks for making the world a little bit healthier every day:)
Elisabeth says
Happy Birthday again, Kath! Love the new outfit, by the way 🙂
Hilary (Four Little Forks) says
Welcome to your thirties! Totally agree with the other commenters – the thirties are definitely the best decade so far. And with a gorgeous new baby, a handsome hubs and a cute new outfit, you are starting the decade off right! Happy birthday 🙂
j says
You guys (and KK) are all too cute for words. 30’s are good, 40’s are better I think. But, now I’m 51, in the best shape of my life, confident in work, relationships, life in general, so maybe this is the best decade? Happy B-day mama:)
Miss Polkadot says
Happy Birthday, Kath! It must have been twice as special seeing as it was not only your 30th but also your first as a mum! Love how cute you look as a family.
Aja says
Happy birthday!! It looks like you had an awesome one. Good thing it wasn’t like Rachel’s from FRIENDS. 😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Happy Birthday! 30 does have a way of creeping up… I’m right behind you but I swear some days I forget I’m not still 22.
Looks like the perfect indulgence. I can almost taste that trout from here!
Anita says
Have the happiest birthday Kath. Health, Happiness, Prosperity, Love and much joy now and always. From my family to yours, we send you big hugs.
Marissa says
Happy birthday! Those cupcakes looked sooo good. You looked very pretty too.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Looks like a wonderful birthday. Glad you guys got a nice night out and had a happy little baby to come home and snuggle with. 🙂
Carrie @ The Cook's Palette says
Looks like such a fun day! I’d say that you are in a wonderful place in your life to start your 30’s – surrounded by loving family and friends and a beautiful new baby. 🙂
[email protected] says
Sounds like a lovely day! Love that last photo of you and Maze.
Rachel Farge-Mills says
Happy belated birthday Kath!!! It sounds like you got to have an amazing night out. I bet the best part is being able to come back to you little cutie though. Hard to get away at first, but it is good for you to have couple, adult time alone too at times. 🙂
Jean says
Happy birthday Kath!
Melanie says
Happy Belated Birthday, Kath!
I am from Germany and have been following your amazing blog for a long time!
All the best to you and your family!
Alicyn says
Hope you’ve had a wonderful Birthday weekend!
Jill says
Hi Kath,
Can you share where the fingerless gloves are from? I have been looking for some and those look great! Thanks!
KathEats says
They’re from a gift shop here called Oh Susannah
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says
Happy belated birthday! So glad you got to get out for some one on one time to celebrate! <3
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
I’m late to the party but I hope you had an amazing birthday Kath!!
Carrie says
Happy belated birthday, Kath! Glad you had such a great day. I’m sure you were stuffed after all of those amazing meals. I told my parents about Pippin Hill & they’re going to check it out soon. Thanks!
Diane says
Happy Birthday! That last pictures is amazing.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Happy Birthday again! I wish I could have skipped work and come to lunch and wine tasting with y’all. It looks like so much fun. 🙂 I am glad you had a lovely day full of friends and family! [That sounded so cheesy, but I mean it!]
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
What a lovely (and delicious) day! Happy Happy Birthday! I’ll be 32 next month and I have to say, everything people say about entering your 30s is right. I feel more confident and content than I ever have.
Cait says
Looks like a perfect way to celebrate! Happy, happy birthday Kath!!
Jelli says
Many congrats, Kath. I’ll bet this will be one unforgettable year for you and your sweet family of 3. Glad you have such a supportive mother-in-love around to help you out. Oh, what I’d give to have mine nearby. She’s a gem!
kiki says
Yay for a delicious birthday! I had the pistachio cupcake from Sweethaus yesterday. So yummy.
Lois says
Those earrings are made in the county where I live!
Alicia @ Wanna Be Ina says
Happy belated birthday, Kath! 30 looks great on you.