Good morning everyone! Birthday night with Mr. IGE (as some of you called him, love it!) was a success! 
We packed ALL his favorite things into one, fun-filled night 
Starting with that atypical IGE Dinner I told you about – Mac & Cheese! This was no skim milk Mac – oh no – we went old school and channeled our inner butter-and-Velveeta-loving selves with Old-Fashioned Mac & Cheese!
My Mom made this all the time growing up and I used her recipe to make some of the tastiest, cheesiest, creamiest Mac & Cheese around. She always let hers bake a little bit longer so the top would get nice and brown, because my Dad loved to eat the “crunchy top” 
Like I said, creamy, chewy and CHEESY as could be!
M&C was served along side some Great Harvest White Bread.
Ever since Ben and I paid a visit to Great Harvest last week, he’s been slicing off whisper-thin slices of his bread, praying that it will last forever. It was really sad – so I HAD to get him a fresh new loaf for his birthday…
And make it into Garlic Toast! That’s 2 slices of bread, spread with butter and just a sprinkling of garlic salt. Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes. Easy!
I opted out of the garlic bread, but had a few bites of Ben’s – mark my words: there is nothing better than garlic bread made with fresh, white bread! I’m thinking it definitely needs to be white bread too. Wheat bread would be good, don’t get me wrong, but you wouldn’t get that signature “chew” and “squish” that a fresh loaf of white bread gives you!
Knowing that my body would appreciate some vitamins to accompany the Velveeta-infused old-fashioned mac & cheese, I also steamed up some fresh broccoli.
Velveeta: there are many things you aren’t, but you are the KING of creamy Macaroni & Cheese!
I was going to sub-in some whole wheat noodles, but like I’ve said before, when you’re making comfort foods – go big or go home. Just eat less!
This was a fun treat to have – definitely not a regular item in our household, but it’s nice to splurge every once in awhile – especially for a birthday!!
So, dinner’s good and all, but what about the GOODS!? Well, what do you get a man who loves good beer, college football and candy?
Rogue Double Dead Guy, a Miami Sweatshirt & T-shirt and Skittles!
And of course…some Pie!
While my family’s tradition is to eat Pepperidge Farm’s Cake on our birthday, Ben and I’s tradition is to have French Apple Pie for his, because although Ben has a deep love for cupcakes, he hates cake and loves a good crumbly topping. Ergo – French Apple Pie!
Check out that cinnamon-sugar streusel topping!
This was so delish – thanks Baker’s Square!
Now, as a general rule, I don’t restrict or cut back on calories the day after a splurge – I just make healthier choices. Therefore, for breakfast I had a banana and an AppleCinnamon PURE Bar. For lunch I packed a Green Monster Salad and a Honeycrisp apple!
This is a green monster salad because it’s so…GREEN!
In the mix:
- Mixed Greens
- Dried cranberries
- Steamed broccoli
- Chopped Celery
And a Honeycrisp apple that certainly isn’t winning any beauty awards, but will taste fab, nonetheless
So like I said – my personal preference is to not cut back on calories the day after a splurge. It’s not worth it to be hungry and cranky just because I had some macaroni & cheese and a piece of pie the day before – it all evens out in the end, in my opinion. Do you cut back the day after a splurge?
Well friends, the busy week continues tonight! Some friends of ours are getting married this weekend and they’re having a little get together tonight for some pre-festivities festivities I’m going to try and squeeze a workout in beforehand, so cross your little fingers that I make it
Have a great day everyone!
~~~~~
It’s Three Question Thursday time, friends! I like these..
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust?
2. What’s the last thing you bought?
3. What’s your personal style?
My answers:
1. Crust, baby! I like to eat all the filling and then devour the crumbly crust. I do the same thing with Apple Crisp. The crisp is the best part!
2. Hmmm – the French Apple Pie. Before that, it was a spool of ribbon
3. Simple and classic. I am your typical “Gap Girl” – as in, my favorite outfit is a plain black t-shirt and jeans. Minimal, silver accessories are usually the norm and I HAVE to be comfortable no matter what I’m wearing. This girl does not sacrifice comfort for style! Well, except on my wedding day.
kristin,
I want you to know that I panicked a little when you didn’t have a dinner post up last night. I thought something happened to you! (yes, I have become that obsessed with iowagirleats.com, you are only second to gmail.) BUT DANG girl! I think that we married the same guy! We had shells and cheese last night too!
on to 3 questions!
1. CRUST. all the way, like you, I double the crisp on my fruit crisp!
2. eh, kind of. Rather than cutting back I make sure that 75% of my plate is veggies.
3. I could live at gap. or target, or old navy. but with a shot of urban outfitters mixed in. love it!
After a splurge I just make sure to make healthy decisions the following day, no sense in punishing ourselves bc we all deserve to splurge every once in a while!
1) Crust – no doubt!
2) Bottle of Chard from TJ’s – last night
3) Preppy – business clothes on the weekdays, casual on the weekends
That dinner/dessert looks delicious! It looks like Ben had a good birthday
1. CRUST! I will pretty much eat pie just for the crust lol
2. wine and dinner at a wine bar last night!
3. I’m VERY casual most of the time. I could live in shorts, tshirt and flip flops. Of course I get very dressed up for work and when I go out though. My comfort is definitely sacrificed because of my heels!!
Velveeeeeeeeeta! Mac n cheese is my boyf’s FAV comfort meal (that I make….can’t touch anything of his mom’s!). And I hear ya on nit restricting after splurges..most of the time my body is just crying out fir greens & fruits!
1. I’m a filling girl–most of the time. Any type of crumble or crisp and I’m all over the topping!
2. I just bought gas..so lame! But necessary
3. Mon-Fri I’m business casual for wok but on the weekends I like combining comfort w trendy! Love me some shoes…uually plan my outfits around the shoes!
Double Dead Guy! Love that beer. Mmmmmmm.
What a great birthday celebration! and I agree about not cutting back the day after. I just eat healthy and balanced.
1. Filling definitely.
2. 2 sweaters + seasonal chocolates yesterday
3. Classic with a funky twist. I like having clothes other people don’t have, but I”m not really into trends either (i.e., I have never had Uggs, ripped jeans, etc). I love bright colors mixed with classics: black, white , gray. I also LOVE scarves and coats…and have way too many.
1. crust! i double the apple crisp topping as well- and i scold my mom when she doesn’t!
2. dang.. gas was the last thing i bought.
3. uhm i definitely like dressy pants with fun tops. but most of the stuff is solid colors. but it’s colors! and shoes… i wear a different pair of shoes every single day!
Looks like a yummy dinner! After a night of indulgence I NEVER cut back or count calories, I just listen to my better and eat when I’m hungry and try to make healthier choices.
You are such a good wifey! Would you believe I’ve never had homemade mac N’cheese? (I know, I know…) It’s on my bucket list, for sure.
1. CRUST! Definitely my favorite. Although, my mom makes a realllly good crustless low sugar pumpkin pie that is YUMMY!
2. Um…a $180 mouthguard from my dentist! LOL. I clench my teeth at night and apparently it’s wearing down my enamel. What a great way to drop $180, huh?
3. I like to mix it up….I LOVE to wear dresses and skirts, but nothing beats my favorite jeans and a comfy Tee! I’ll shop anywhere from Banana to Anthropologie to Express. I love it all!
Your mac and cheese looks perfect! I love super cheesy mac and cheese and yours looks like it fits that perfectly! I agree that garlic toast is best with white bread. I love wheat bread but sometimes nothing beats good old white! I love Bakers Square pie! There used to be one right by my Moms house and I loved going there for dessert! Sadly, it closed!
I prefer the crust of most pies! I could totally just bake the crust and be one happy girl!
I bought a box last night. I need to mail a package and the boxes I had were either too small or too big.
I think my style is classic. I’m not really into most trends. I love buying a few good pieces of clothing and having them last!
I don’t like to cut back after a splurge. I will admit that sometimes I do only because I’m not as hungry. If I’m hungry, I eat. I get way too cranky when I’m hungry and I would feel bad making people deal with me!
Great celebration!!
1.) Filling!! Preferably cherry
2.) Theo chocolate (my faaaavorite brand)
3.) Chic and ME.
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust?
Oh pie, isn’t it a package deal? I love the whole thing … The filling perfectly compliments the crust and the crust is the perfect carrier for the filling. I love them equally
2. What’s the last thing you bought?
The last thing I bought was postage to mail my interlibrary loans back to Spokane, WA!
3. What’s your personal style?
I have no defined style. I’m trendy classic. The main places I shop are at Ann Taylor Loft, Gap and Banana Republic. I like trends, but I don’t like craziness. If it doesn’t work for my body, then I don’t attempt. Just because it’s fashionable, doesn’t mean it will look good on you!
Happy Belated Birthday Mr. IGE!
1. definitely the filling!
2. a huge shopping cart full of groceries and household supplies
3. Business casual at work….comfy dresses and jeans on the weekends
Have a great day!
What a great birthday celebration, that mac and cheese looks dreamy!
1. Crust, my mom has here grandma’s homemade recipe and with the leftover dough she makes pie cookies, so amazing!
2. Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream
3. I’m sort of changing styles over at the moment, I was a American Eagle, Abercrombie, preppie sort of person but thinking Gap style, like you say is comfort and class all the way, and since I’m going to be 25 soon I think it’s time to move out of the HS and college phase!
Um that macaroni and cheese looks AMAZING! I think you’re right about splurging but not punishing yourself the next day…I’ve seen that up close and it’s not pretty.
1) as far as pie goes, I am not a crust eater- I like the filling, but that’s b/c my fave is key lime!
2) ice cream
3) I’m the type that’ll generally pull for more coverage, some cute jeans and simple shoes. living in tx doesn’t make wearing sweaters a normal thing but I try when I can!
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust?
filling.
2. What’s the last thing you bought?
gas
3. What’s your personal style?
Cute but comfy. In the winter I am usually all about jeans, and cute sweater, summer khaki shorts and tea or tank.
1 Filling
2. Groceries
3. Target discount rack, ha
I love the bit of browned cheese on mac n’ cheeses
(1) CRUST ALL THE WAY. buttery, flaky perfection!
(2) last thing i bought – a medium coffee which is currently right next to my keyboard and empty
(3) personal style…i like to think i am classic with a twist. i wear a lot of classic items, but like to funk it up with jewelry, scarves, boots and other funkay pieces.
have lovely day girl!
Day after a splurge, I just try and cut back in terms of unhealthy eating. I’ll try and eat “cleaner” and with less “extras” added to my foods. But I don’t let myself go hungry!! I’m the same way with cake. It’s so-so, but I LOVE pie!!
1. The bottom soggy part of the crust! Not the flaky bit.
2. Gas. Fun stuff.
3. Definitely simple – I’m a jeans/shorts & T kinda person. I always want to be more sylish, but never feel like I know how to pull off all the jewelry, belts, scarves, hats, etc.
If I’ve splurged, I just do my best to get back on track again the next day and maybe add in one more day that week of working out.
Also, I made your creamy/no cream pasta last night and loved it! I wasn’t sure how my husband would like it since he seemed suspect while I was making it, but after I dumped the beans into the pasta, I caught him cleaning out the pan with a piece of bread and eating whatever “sauce” I missed. Plus, he had one serving and was stuffed since it’s so filling, so I have lunch for today! Hope it’s tasty reheated, LoL.
Ok, questions:
1. I’m more of a pie filling kind of girl, unless it’s a grahm cracker crust.
2. Last thing I bought were some sun-dried tomatoes, a Hawkeye collar and leash for my dog (gotta get ready for homecoming) and some gum.
3. My style is pretty casual. There aren’t too many prints in my closet, but many colors. However, I do love all things striped! Since I have to dress up everyday for work (my closet is full of stuff from Ann Taylor and Banana Republic), I cherish the weekends when I can lounge around in jeans, a sweatshirt and my Pumas. Oh, and I also now have an undying love for skinny jeans and suede, slouch boots.
What a fun birthday dinner! Possibly Iowa Mom Eats could do a guest post and share her mac n’ cheese recipe?!
1. Surprisingly, I’m more of a crust girl!
2.Last thing I bought were these uber-comfortable Ugg loafers I’m sporting right now.
3. I don’t know how I would classify myself. Definitely chic!
that is TOO funny, I always eat the filling first and then the crust! everyone looks at me like I’m crazy so I’m glad to know someone else does that
WOW, those are all my favorite eats too! Love the mac & cheese!
1) Both!!!
2) Birthday Card f/Mom & Note Pad
3) I am a “Gap” girl!
=) Laura @ Finding A Healthy Balance (after a 100 POUND weight loss)
Looks like a fab birthday celebration! That mac & cheese looks incredibly scrumptious…
After a splurge night, I fill my plate with fruits and veggies. Drink lots of water of course and get a workout if I can.
1-Depends on the crust. Some crusts aren’t that great without the filling… If it’s an oreo crust–HMMM! Otherwise, usually more of a filling girl.
2- Hairspray, milk, whipped cream, and pasta. Boring, I know.
3- I don’t know! Usually I’m like you, simple and comfy. Express is my crutch store seeing as all my other favorite stores don’t exist in America (Jane Norman and All Saints which is a touch gothic style but nonetheless very cute and they have some really interesting cuts). I’m getting into the quirky little clothes shops with vibrant colors and prints though
1) Hmmm…tough question! Not all pie is equal! I like both the filling & the crust, but it has to be GOOD crust…like Grandma made with lard. I miss her homemade burnt sugar pie with merangue! (spell?) 2) last thing I bought, I hate to say it, a ham,egg,cheese cresaunt (spell again?) from Burger King. It was good. 3) Style? Very casual but not dumpy! No holes or stains for me! Jeans, v-neck sweater, boots. I LOVE boots!
I love that you made him his favorites. I used to eat an entire box of velveeta shells and cheese for dinner in college and sometimes I’d add broccoli or hotdogs but most of the time it was just cheesey goodness.
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust? I like the filling. My grandmother made pies when I was growing up and I remember not liking hers. Now I love it but I still prefer the filling.
2. What’s the last thing you bought? I bought a bunch of groceries the other day. Specificially some Fuze teas that were on sale that I sucked down real quick.
3. What’s your personal style? Honestly everyday I usually just wear my uniform and work clothes. When I do get to dress personally I’m kind of preppy. I like khaki style pants and fitted shirts. I own t-shirts but I usually pair them with sweaters. And I didn’t own jeans for several years and now I only own one pair.
I’m a self-described macandcheeseaholic. Only one word to describe: YUM.
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust? I prefer the filling, but it depends of course of what kind of pie it is.
2. What’s the last thing you bought? The last thing I bought was gas. Woo. So exciting!
3. What’s your personal style?
But, really, at heart, I’m a jeans, t-shirt and flip-flops kind of girl.
I would describe my personal style as colorful. I usually wear neutrals like gray, black, khaki or jeans for pants, and then I add shirts/sweaters/jackets/shoes with lots of color. I love to see what things work together. I also have a tons of colorful sweaters and scarves to accessorize. I just like color.
I love that you made him exactly what he wanted. So cute!
1. THE CRUST
2. I went on a Whole Foods spree on Tuesday and it was awesome!
3. I’m definitely a Preppy McPrepster to the core.
You are absolutely adorable! I LOVE birthdays and spoiling people with all their favorite things, it’s just so much fun!! That mac and cheese looks heavenly. The one I made a couple weeks back was NOT shy on cheese or butter. My god!
1) How can you try and make us choose?! Both in every mouthful please!
2) Last thing I bought was (uh oh) beers and tater tots at the bar. Ha ha. I agree with you by the way – I do not cut back the day after a splurge since it’s bound to leave me feeling even worse; I just make healthier choices and try to squeeze in lots of veggies!
3) Hmm. British! I buy second hand items and mix them with other plainer/classic pieces. I wear a lot of black if truth be told but I LOVE gold jewellery.
Have a great day love!!
1. I really only like crumbly topping-I don’t eat pies without it.
2. Groceries-not very exciting.
3. I’m all about comfort but I enjoy following fashion and trying out new styles.
Sounds like a great birthday! Love that pie!
1. I’m a filling girl!
2. The last thing I bought was: Chex cereal to make puppy chow!
3: I have a classic style. Think cardigan over a lacy cammi and jeans.
1. PIE FILLING for sure
2. last thing I bought.. a MAC blush brush
3. my style is very all over the place. I love to be vintage/chic. hobo/chic. classy, preppy. gah. really all over the place
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust?
Crust, top, bottom, sides, crust.
2. What’s the last thing you bought?
New bowls from Cost Plus:World Market.
3. What’s your personal style?
Relaxed. Typical California casual. I love well-fitted jeans w/ my Toms or ballet flats. A nice organic cotton shirt in pale/pastel colors. Minimal but classic jewelry. My hair long and down. Sophisticated beach bum perhaps? : )
mac and cheese + broccoli = best combo ever!
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust?
o0o0o that depends on the pie!! oh jeez… decisions.. okay i like it all! i like the part right near the crust that has a little filling on it and the crust.
2. What’s the last thing you bought?
A raspberry and yogurt parfait from our work’s cafeteria… omg so good.
3. What’s your personal style?
hmmm… id say laid back, i like to hike. simple is my middle name
Great website btw! my first time posting, and I have to say, I love to read this!!!! way to go
1. Crust, unless it’s my grandma’s apple pie. I could probably devour a gallon of that delicious apple filling.
2. Groceries
3. My basics are from gap and the limited, but I mix it up with vintage pieces and fun hippie styles from anthropologie.
i haven’t been on iowa girl lately and it looks like i’ve missed alot!! ths site looks GREAT
and so does that mac n cheese, mmmmmm!!!!
now let’s see…
1) i could careless about the filling, i’m a CRUST girl all the way
yum!
2) the last thing i bought was a salad for lunch
3) my style is at times trendy- ive worked in the fashion since i was 16 so i always have to be up on the trends and wear them to work. i am also classic- black and white because even trendy items go with that
1. I’m a crust girl all the way too
Whether its cheesecake or pie, I like a tiny bit of filling and a lot of crust! YUM!
2. The last thing I bought was egg whites and vegetables. Exciting, i know.
3. I’m a jeans girl through and through. Cute black top with jeans would be perfect
Comfort is a must for me, as well!
I know it’s way processed, but I love Velveeta in my mac-n-cheese. Yummy! I’m with you – I don’t restrict or cut calories after a splurge.
1. Filling! Esp. pumpkin!
2. The last thing I bought was a new pair of orthotics to fit in dress shoes. I am a terrible over-pronator!
3. I am currently in the process of developing some sort of style. After years of being a student, then working on dairy farms, then being a stay-at-home mom, I am set to start teaching high school next fall. My comfy sweatpants just aren’t going to cut it anymore!
What a fun birthday! That mac & cheese looks dangerous.
That’s funny that Ben doesn’t like cake…either does my hubby. He always requests brownies on his bday.
1. If it’s a good crust that isn’t to dry, then I prefer crust. But if it’s a dry crust, then I’ll take the filling.
2. The last thing I bought was Pinkberry frozen yogurt! First time trying it and it was tasty!
3. My personal style is causal and up to date.
I just made mac ‘n’ cheese tonight, in fact, as I have a big test in the morning and needed some comfort food!
However, I have never liked Velveeta – not even as a little kid! Weird, I know. I’ve always been an extra-sharp cheddar type of girl (or Tillamook if I can get a block for a good deal at Sam’s!).
1) I love making fruit pies, and I really love the crust if it’s made with butter instead of Crisco or lard – so bad, but so good!
2) Last bought was a 1/2 gallon of milk…
3) I feel like I’m in an awkward style-phase, since I’m a senior in college and trying to phase out of stores that are filled with teenagers – but I often find that juniors’ sizing just fits me better than women’s! So for now, I’m going with classic cuts, nice colors, and no store logos, and am trying to keep it simple/casual, yet classy!
1. I do the same thing.. eat the filling and then the crust! That’s the only way to do it! haha.
2. A quick trip to the grocery store. green bell peppers, mushrooms, avocado, monterey jack cheese, and wheat tortillas (quesidillas anyone?!).. and i caved and bought two honeycrisp apples due to your constant raving about them!!! even if they were $2.99/lb! (but youre so right! They were sooo much better then my normal choice – Gala)
3. Since I’m in college its normally a tshirt, jeans, and sperrys – but i do try to dress it up with nice shirts sometimes.
1. Do you prefer pie filling or the crust? Filling!
2. What’s the last thing you bought? A microwave today b/c ours smelled like it was on fire.
3. What’s your personal style? Casual
It looks like a great birthday. You’ve got to splurge sometime. We’re splurging right now while the MIL visits.
1. If it’s a good crust, I definitely eat the filling and save the crust for last.
2. I ordered Spicy Pumpkin Lollypops from See’s after reading about them on another blog. I can’t wait to try them.
3. We live on a tropical island, so casual is definitely the style. I’ve always been laid back though – shorts, jeans, decent tops, casual skirts. I love cute, lightweight jackets.
i seriously drooled over that mac and cheese with brocc! such a simple combo but the best!
1-I dont really like pie, but if i did i would so choose the crust. i love the crunchieness and i’m just like you the crisp in apple crisp is by far the best. we should just make a apple crisp with just crisp ! hahahaha
2-leggings from ann taylor loft
3-i’m all over the place when it comes to style. i wear what looks good on me! I’m a Gap girl too!!! ( i work there) theheh
Hey! I just ran across your blog yesterday as I was deeply searching for how to make menus and grocery shop on a budget. I live in Denver so the price of groceries I think is more expensive but not too sure. I am only allowed to do about $60/wk and was shocked when I saw that you do it for $50. I don’t know if this is something you have thought of but I would love to see a weeks worth of menus that you have planned. Do you plan for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner? Also when do you usually plan for it and do your grocery shopping? Do you use coupons? I can’t quite get the whole shopping on a budget under my belt and I have a new baby now and am having a hard time finding the time to sit and plan. How long should it take? Sorry so many questions, but I think your blog is great! I’m glad I found it…very inspiring!
1. I definitely prefer the filling. Looks like I’m in the minority with that! I’ll give you guys my crust and I’ll take your filling.
2. Dinner last night, I guess. Oh and I bought a fleece because I’m on vacation and didn’t bring a jacket and was cold.
3. I don’t really know how to describe my style. Comfortable, I guess. Jeans and t-shirts. I would wear pajamas all day if it was acceptable.