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One Lovely Life

Here's What I Made For My Birthday Dinner

Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read

Happy Weekend, Friend!

It was my 40th birthday this week! It feels WILD (in the best way) to be moving into my 40s. My kids each made me a homemade card, which is my favorite thing ever, then we got some flu shots, watched the Wicked movies, and went out to eat.

Speaking of good birthday food, here's what I made for my birthday dinner this year. (Some of my favorites all in one place!)

birthday dinner

CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALLS

I've taken to always making a double batch of these since we love them so much we always want leftovers. Cheesy, delicious, and over 40 grams of protein per serving!

on the side

GLUTEN-FREE GARLIC BREAD

We LOVE a batch of this garlic bread for sopping up any extra sauce. My kids can't get enough of this one!

on the side

ROASTED ZUCCHINI

I actually made this with *just* the zucchini this time, since we already had a tomato element with the meatballs. It was the perfect veggie side dish!

for dessert

GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE CAKE COOKIES

This a gluten-free Crumbl cookie dupe, made from scratch (no cake mix!). The double dose of chocolate is PERFECT. I did half with chocolate sprinkles and half with rainbow sprinkles this time. They were as delicious as they were adorable!

MY TRICK FOR PERFECT COOKIES

When cookies are hot from the oven, you can coax them into perfect circles using a large round cookie cutter. It gives you a professional, bakery-worthy look every time!

ON REPEAT RIGHT NOW

BLUEBERRY CHIA PUDDING

I've gotten texts from a few friends lately who love these as much as I do. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and high in protein AND fiber!

SALSA VERDE CHICKEN CHILI

I've been making a batch of soup for lunches and this shortcut recipe is done in about 20 minutes! High in protein and fiber, and delicious.

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3-ISH WEEKLY PICKS

Loving Lately

  1. ​A Pretty Way To Tame Closet Clutter. It's taken me two weekends, but I finished cleaning out my closet, and it made me grateful all over again for these acrylic dividers. I use them to separate stacks of folded clothes, purses and bags, etc. and it keeps everything so nice and neat. I bought mine a few years ago and LOVE them.
  2. ​The Softest Face Towels. My kids and I all use these and LOVE them. They're great for getting off make-up gently and for general face washing.
  3. ​A Cozy Fall Book. My friend recommended this to me months ago, and my hold finally came in at the library! Vermont, a cozy B&B, and a magical mystery seem just right this time of year.

What are YOU loving? Anything I should try?

P.S. Have a recipe request? Cooking question? Hit REPLY and let me know!

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One Lovely Life

Fresh, Flexible Gluten-Free Recipes

Friends don't let friends eat boring food! That's why, for 13+ years, Emily Dixon has been sharing gluten-free recipes made by thousands of families around the world. Here, you'll find nourishing gluten-free recipes that your whole family will LOVE, along with meal planning help, kitchen tips, and kid-friendly recipes to try. We make food that feels good!

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