Weekend Wrap Up [Valentine’s Day]

I must say, this was one of my most favorite Valentine’s Days EVER. Mostly because we were involved in saving Stella, but also because we had lots of time together. Friday was mostly spent crying over dogs at the shelter but we did have a yummy dinner at a new local restaurant and ran into some of our neighbors (goal this year? Spend time hanging out with the neighbors).

On Saturday, we started the day with a stack of pink pancakes, a side of eggs, and lots of smiles because I had confirmation that we could bust sweet Stella out of the shelter. Next time, I’ll add more food coloring to the mix. I was going for ombre but it was a little off; although, still delicious.

My husband got a record player for Christmas, so he’s slowly been building his collection. We don’t usually do Valentine’s Day gifts (just a nice dinner and some quality time together), but I surprised him with two new albums: Bruce Springsteen (Tunnel of Love) and Percy Sledge (When a Man Loves a Woman). The Springsteen album even had a song called “Valentine’s Day” on it. I also got an adorable bottle of wine called “Monogamy”, which seemed fitting for newlyweds.

After we got Stella out of doggie jail and to her foster’s house, we decided to stop in Ass Clown Brewery in Cornelius. We had a few flights of their super creative beers (I can’t believe how many they have!). Even more so, I can’t believe we ran into my husband’s cousin and his wife who live in Charleston at the brewery. Small world! We had a great time catching up with them and may have indulged in a few more beers while we chatted.

My pretty pink Lilly Pulitzer “Elsa” top got RIPPED by the crate for Stella before we got to the brewery. Of course, I didn’t notice until we were in a public location and then I wanted to cry. But my hubs made it (somewhat) better when he told me our dinner was at Passion8, which has been one of our favorite restaurants to go to as a couple.

They had a special menu for Valentine’s Day and only three seatings for the evening. My favorite courses were the soup (it was cold outside) and dessert. I passed on their creative cocktails because of the beer we had earlier in the day. Everything was delicious, as always, but again… that desert. It had NUTELLA. Always a winner for me.

Like I said, it was a perfect Valentine’s weekend, with my perfect Valentine. I love this Walt Whitman quote (and print by Makewells). Hope your weekend was filled with love and happiness, too!

Weekend Wrap Up [Christmas #1]

Our first couple Christmases together, we tried to do both families in one day. They were only two hours apart, so what could go wrong? A snow storm. That’s what. We got stuck in a snow storm coming back to NC from VA and I watched cars sliding off the road in my rearview mirror. The only time in my life I’ve been thankful my SUV has 4-wheel drive (otherwise not necessary in NC!). So, ever since then, we’ve tried to alternate. This weekend, we celebrated an early Christmas with my in-laws.

My mother-in-law made a delicious dinner of fried turkey and delicious fixins for us and had a beautiful table where we dined.

Santa came and was good to everyone, even the dogs!

This guy has been obsessed with his stocking ever since we put it up. Every year he’s obsessed, but it’s to a new level this year. He seriously LOVES Christmas.

On Saturday, we went to hear a storyteller at the Fearrington Barn. Donald Davis made us laugh, made us want to hug our families and made us want to visit the Grand Canyon but never ride a mule. If you ever have a chance to listen to him, DO IT.

One of our families favorite things to do is play games when we’re all together. We’re big fans of Apples to Apples and Cranium. This year, we got new games which made us laugh until our bellies hurt. Smart Ass and Telestrations were this year’s choices, with Telestrations being played the most. Smart Ass challenged us all a little more with trivia but was definitely fun!

On Sunday, after days of being tempted with cookies and squash casserole, I had to get in my 7-mile training run for the Key West Half Marathon.

Not going to lie, I didn’t want to do it. I was a little sore from T25 the day before. It was cold outside. There was beer and football in the house. I had a million excuses. The first 4 miles SUCKED. I even took a break at one point and gave myself a pep talk.

Once I hit mile 4, I actually got in a groove. I felt pretty good and also, the setting sun sparked a fire under me (I am terrified of the dark so running after sunset is out of the question!). I got to see some pretty awesome stuff like the Fearrington House decorated for Christmas…

And from the side:

And I finished just before dark with my legs telling me I couldn’t run another mile and chills from my sweat combined with cool winter air. I didn’t hit my pace that I’ve been aiming for with my training. It was actually probably my worst 7 mile run ever but I told myself “Done is better than perfect.” And it’s true. I did it. It’s done. I ran 7 miles. Maybe not in 1:03 like I wanted to, but I did it.

Oh, and my timehop reminded me on Saturday of a date my now husband and I had on our 6 month anniversary. Weren’t we cute?

Hope everyone had a wonderful last weekend before Christmas (or just a good weekend if you don’t celebrate Christmas!). We’re both off work this week and excited to relax and spend some quality time together (and with our pups!). Happy Monday!

Weekend Wrap Up

On Friday, we said goodbye to our latest foster dog, Daisy. She was adopted and went to a home with a whole acre for her to play on. Even after she ate 50 pieces of Halloween candy, destroyed my bathroom trash and trash can, and tinkled on the carpet, I still managed to fall a little bit in love with her and tears flowed as she went with her furever family. I’m so glad we were able to help her and keep her until the right family came along!

We traveled to the triangle area to spend time with my in-laws over the weekend and to watch the Hokies play Duke. I was prepared for a brutally cold game, but instead was met with a sunny day with crisp air. I’ll take it!

We cheered loudly for our Hokies, not actually expecting the “W”, but somehow, by some miracle, we pulled it off by 1 point. These are the faces of four happy Virginia Tech fans!

Also, Wallace Wade stadium has it going on with its food choices: barbecue sandwiches, Greek Gyros, burritos, fajitas and nachos, turkey barbecue, pizza, hot dogs, Italian sausage, steak & cheese sandwiches…. I mean,  have you ever? There were so many options! The downfall was that they only took cash at most and who carries cash these days?

While Monday wasn’t part of the weekend, I thought I’d do a little plug for protecting your skin. I had an appointment with my dermatologist on Monday and came out breathing a sigh of relief as I do each year. I am terrified that I am going to end up with melanoma after my teenage years that were spent in tanning beds and many more years spent worshipping the sun on beaches. I now cover up with at least SPF 30 but more often than not, I use SPF 50. Your skin is your biggest organ and Chelsea will tell you, it’s not worth it. I am so glad to hear her latest results that there is no evidence of disease – but take it from her, not me…. the cutting, chemo and constant doctors visits? Not worth having bronze skin.

PS – New super awesome giveaways coming soon for all those who donate to the Bucket List project! The more you donate, the more chances you have to win! Stay tuned!