a few of my favorite things

sweet days of summer

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cozy bedrooms

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losing myself in the things i love

carnivals

thirty before thirty update

I am two months out from my big thirtieth birthday. This last year in my twenties has been one of the best years. While most people dread this milestone, I have been thrilled and celebrating all along the way. There is just something about turning the big 3-0! I feel more settled into who I am and more aware of myself. And I'm looking forward to what the next decade will bring.

Two years ago, I set a Thirty Before Thirty list as an intentional way to experience some of those things that had been lingering on my bucket list. That remains one of my most read posts to date so I thought that it was only fair to provide an update on my progress.

1. Get up earlier

Concert in the Park

2. Enjoy more live music
3. Carve out more time for friends

4. Go to an educational conference
5. Have long dinners full of conversation
6. Be less busy and more present 

My little reading nook

7. Have a creative outlet
8. Spend more time being a tourist in my own town

Downtown Tampa

9. Start saving for the cottage house on the lake
10. Stay out until the sun comes up *While I didn't stay out, I did stay up until sunrise so I think that counts - it was a memorable night for sure!
11. Spend more time being quiet
12. Buy a red peacot
13. Go to a yoga retreat *I have not made it to a retreat but I have been practicing yoga so regularly that my body is thanking me. I have even squeezed in a few training workshops throughout the year to deepen my practice.

Yogi workshop

14. Read Jane Austen's collected works *In progress
15. Take a Cake Decorating class *I set this up for me and all of my friends but then had to work, bummer!
16. Continue taking the right next step
17. Pay off my credit card and car *So close!
18. Read Atlas Shrugged *Probably not happening before my birthday but keeping this one on the list for things to do when I'm 30
19. Decorate my Christmas tree in my own style

20. Find the perfect pair of jeans
21. Be in a book club

My Arkansas Book Club

22. Take a creative writing class *I just sort of abandoned this one, exploring other things.
23. Apply to a PhD program *I decided to wait a bit on this one. Mostly because I am just having too much fun and not quite ready to commit.
24. Explore moving closer to family
25. Take better care of my body

Ran my first 5k!

26. Have a Reunion with Chi O Pledge Class *Joined the local alumnae chapter where I see most of my pledge sisters on a regular basis
27. Subscription to a local theater

28. Get rid of excess stuff
29. Redecorate Bedroom - Halfway!
30. Celebrate 30 in Greece! - Planned for Summer of 2013.. YIPEE!

The thing I've learned these past two years since I wrote my Thirty Before Thirty post is that there are so many adventures waiting on you. Stop saying one day and get out and do those things! 

Painting with a Twist

A new hot spot for girls in Tampa is Painting with a Twist. While my talents do not extend to the artistic pursuits, this painting class can help even a novice like me achieve a piece of art. Kel, Melissa and I enjoyed a fun night at the Trinity location. Our instructor was fabulous and even indulged us in a conversation about Fifty Shades of Grey.

We painted, chatted and ate delicious snacks (you can bring wine and food) all of which equals a great night out with the girls in my book. What could be better?

Instructor table

Getting Started

My masterpiece!

Class Photo

"Always Color Outside the Lines"

Class are typically $35 for a 2 hour session. They now have locations nationwide so be sure to check for one by you.

Girls Night Out: After Dark

To my great surprise, Tampa has a hidden gem in Brandon. Della's After Dark is a cozy little restaurant that packs a great menu. While it is a deli by day, at night it turns into the perfect setting for a girls night out, romantic dinner, or just a great spot to be with friends over a bottle (or two) of wine.

I recently tried out this little spot with two of my girlfriends and we were pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere. There are only a few tables but rather than feeling cramped, we enjoyed the intimacy it created. Each night there is a live jazz band playing. One thing we especially enjoyed was that the music was not overpowering and we could enjoy the music but still have a conversation.

Corkboard Menu

Their wine selection is great. You can even bring your own bottle which they will happily serve you with no corking fee. The girls had white wine and I sipped on my favorite red, a malbec. For supper, we shared their knock out Baked Goat Cheese Marinara. Honestly, this dish was so good we were scrapping the sides of the bowl.

For our meals, Mal had their pork tenderloin with corn pudding, Jen enjoyed their gorgonzola chicken breast, and I loved their steak au pouvre.

Definitely check out this little spot. Here is to girls nights out! Cheers!

Breakfast Cups

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I get pretty habitual with what I'm eating. To start of my day I have egg whites with veggies, fruit and green tea. Since I have been feeling a little bored with my routine I decided to try baking them. One word = delish!

Baked breakfast cups
Egg whites
Bell Pepper, chopped into cubes
Green Onion, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cooking Spray
Note: I used bell pepper but you could use any veggies you like

Spray your muffin tins with a non-stick spray. Place bell pepper and green onion in muffin tins. Fill with egg whites. Add salt and pepper. Stir mixture with a fork. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

The best part of this breakfast is that it is loaded with veggies, simple, and you can pop these in the oven while you shower or go about your morning routine.

Healthy Tip: I chop up all of my veggies on Sunday so that I can easily throw together yummy, healthy meals during the week. With my veggies already prepped, it takes me less than 5 minutes to put together this meal.

Step 1

Step 2

Enjoy!

Happy Eating! x.