March Date Night

This date did happen in March, even though I am recapping it in April! We had a really busy month with our vacation to Amelia Island falling in the middle of the month. Right before the trip, Weeks got an ear infection, I had a sinus infection and Frances Ann got a cold. Everyone was better for about a week and we had a boomerang effect and everyone got sick again. I tell you what, it has been crazy with sick kids, out of our routine, Weeks home from school, me not sleeping (ugh! the worst!) because of this terrible allergy season...so anyway, all of that to say we snuck in our date night at the very end of the month at the very last minute. It was so necessary and so blissful!

We went to Pescara, which is in Atlantic Beach on the town circle that is being revamped. It's an adorable looking beach house with a twist on Italian food. I joked as we walked up to the restaurant, asking Stephen if he would have flowers waiting on the table for me like Valentines Day. We laughed when they did have a sweet little arrangement of Astromeria on the table. The house wine was buttery, which is my fave. Sidenote- the first time we came here a few years ago the wine selection was all Italian and was not my taste but since then things have really improved! Just an FYI in case you have been before too and couldn't find what you wanted.

We ordered the charcuterie platter to start with and it was incredible. I am still dreaming about how good the fig preserves were, as well as the soft cheese. The salami and prosciutto were so, so good too. I cannot wait to have it again. Might even go just for this and a drink in the future!

I ordered the eggplant parmesan, which is usually my go-to at an Italian restaurant. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that likes eggplant- it was delish. Those noodles? I tried not to eat them all.

And once again, we were able to sneak in a photo as we were leaving.

jeans // top // wedges (similar)

It was so last minute and we were both exhausted but it was so worth it to have a little break from the kids and an hour or so of peace and quiet! I am so glad we opted to go for it! That's a wrap for date night in March. We are headed out again for our April date night this weekend, in honor of our 7th anniversary!

January Date Night
February Date Night

February Date Night (Valentines!)

I thought it would be fun to continue to document our date nights since I started off with a recap in January. You might remember I said we are shooting for once a month {big goals!!} and Valentine's Day was the perfect reason for date night this month. 

Stephen made reservations for us at our favorite restaurant, City Kitchen, located right on the water in Beaufort. Most of the time you are able to catch some of the prettiest sunsets from their porch {the restaurant is upstairs over a marina} but we ended up missing that due to Daylight Savings. The restaurant is pretty dim so I wasn't able to perfectly capture the food, but I'll just tell you- it was all incredible and we have never walked away from this restaurant disappointed. Stephen had an arrangement of pink roses and mini roses on the table from our favorite florist, which was a nice touch!

Appetizers are my love language and this sampler board is a sure fire order each time we visit. Amazing pimiento cheese, picked okra, cucumbers and onions, country ham and toasted bread/crackers to accompany. Of course, pimiento cheese is wonderful for many reasons but the pickled veggies...they were incredible.

We each ordered the special which was fresh locally caught fish with a pineapple salsa. If you ever go, a safe bet is always the special because the specials truly are unique and once again, special. Ha! I didn't get a great photo of our entrees but the next photo is our dessert. Once again, we don't visit City Kitchen with out Karen's Date Cake...complete with creme anglaise and fresh whipped cream! This dessert tastes like it would be chocolate but somehow isn't, and is just worth every single calorie.

I actually remembered to get a photo {we are the worst at this} and again, dim lighting but such a good memory from a really nice Valentines Date.

I've had a few questions about my hair lately and wanted to share my styling trick- it is this curling iron. It's a splurge for sure, but after wanting it most of last year I asked for it for my birthday. I have a funny type of hair- it's a fine texture but relatively thick, can get frizzy and has natural curl. However, after babies I have noticed that my hair has held its curl less and less- but this curling iron fixes that! It's amazing and worth it. I also am really, really, really impressed with this finishing cream {amazon link here} that I run through the ends to make them look polished and soft. It's the best that I have found! 

And that's a wrap for date night! 

See January's date here

Date Night Planning + A New Watch

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I wanted to share some of my goals for the New Year. Instead of making out a list in one post, I might just go into detail about each one, when the time is right. One important thing on my list for the year is to make sure that Stephen and I sneak in date nights. As everyone knows, it is so much harder with two kids {or one, or ten} to devote that much needed time to your relationship. Two years ago we made a plan in January to do one special date night a month and that plan pretty much fizzled. The deal was that we would alternate months planning something out of the ordinary for the other. Maybe it was too high of an expectation but we both just kind of forgot about it. So, this time around I would like to reinstate the monthly date night, but instead of insisting it's something out of the ordinary and unique, we will just be happy to sneak away for any old date! Over the last few years I have learned that sometimes the simplest things are the very best things.

This last weekend we used up a gift card for a one night stay at a local hotel that was given to us one year ago- it was due to expire in a few weeks, in fact! Nothing like the last minute :) It was such a treat to drive five minutes down the road and be on a mini vacation. We went to a wine bar, had a delicious dinner and then stopped by another restaurant on our walk back to the hotel for a bit. Still in bed by 10, (9 most of the time!) requirement these days if you know what I mean.

 Not the best picture with bad lighting, but I will take it! 

 - my top -

Jord watches contacted me a with an opportunity to review one of their watches a while back, and I thought now would be the perfect time for this, at the beginning of the year as we begin our date nights again. I was excited to share the chance for this with Stephen and we both agreed we really liked the Fieldcrest Sandalwood Watch. The watch came beautifully packaged {packaging is everything, am I right!} which made it feel like such a cool watch to give. These watches are right up Stephen's alley for his "weekending" wear. He's a little more casual and relaxed, looks so cute in his slightly skinny jeans {don't tell him I called them that!} but always looks polished. I think the wooden watch is a perfect fit for these kind of days. A little more relaxed, but still looking good.

I have a few watches but none that I have grown to love wearing everyday. I love the idea that these women's watches are in an affordable price range for a person like me who might want to wear a watch occasionally and not feel bad about that! {My favorite is the Koa + Rose Gold!}

Here is the fun part, Jord is offering a $100 on their site to one of my readers, and additionally, each entry will grant you $25 towards a watch. All you have to do is enter the giveaway here.
 ** Update- this giveaway is closed and Caitlin - you should have received and email!} **

Watch Gift Ideas

Thank you to Jord Watches for providing this watch, and to my readers for supporting my collaborations. All opinions are my own.

Anniversary/A Day in the Life Recap

Instead of just showing you a few pictures from our anniversary, I thought it would be fun to document what really goes into getting ready for a date night these days. Well, this was our first real date night since baby so call me a novice! For me, it's pretty much impossible to get ready in less than two hours while feeding a hungry baby and keeping him occupied as well. So, I started the process in the morning. Now keep in mind, I did not include every time he ate and napped, but just so you know we are working on about a 2 (or 3, if we are lucky) hour schedule. Also, I should add...I can't feed him or change him with out major cuddles and naps on my chest so wherever you see a gap in time, that is what I was busy doing!

7 AM
We are up for the day. Breakfast consumed quickly and efficiently- lately its been Frosted Mini Wheats in bed. Stephen rushes to get ready and help as I get Weeks fed, changed and happy. I also try to squeeze in the first load of laundry for the day.

9 AM 

A five minute shower minus washing my hair. Ain't nobody got time for that today.

via

9:15 AM

Time for a Tan Towel. I have been using these babies for years. My choice of a self tanner if you are looking for an all over glow. If I just want to add some color to my arms or legs, I go with this. I also usually use the Tan Towel the night before, but I didn't have the energy/motivation to do it the previous night, so day of it was.  Quick decision for lululemon shorts and tennis shoes to wear today.

11 AM

I asked Stephen's Mom to come watch Weeks while I run a few errands. On the list of things to get: an anniversary card, changing pad liners for Weeks, lunch for us, random beauty buys/cheap thrills from the drug store.

12 PM
Since Weeks was born, Stephen has brought us lunch almost every day. I wanted to treat Stephen on our anniversary to a lunch at home so while I was out I grabbed what I needed for Turkey Reubens on the panini press, and potato salad. Weeks takes a nap on the couch when Stephen gets home and gets some Daddy time while I fix lunch.

My turkey reubens: oven roasted turkey, baby swiss cheese on white bread, served with lite thousand island dressing to dip in. Simple and delish. I'm not a fan of rye bread!

1:00 PM

Folding laundry, snuggling with Weeks and taking a few minutes to plop down on the couch.

 2:30-3:30 PM

Time to multitask. First, I took Weeks on a walk for a little exercise and sunshine. Once we got back I brought our neglected dogs outside to enjoy the beautiful weather as well. At the same time, I got to sit in my beach chair, soak up some sun and paint my nails. I painted one hand at a time to ensure the ability to pop a paci in if needed. Essie's Poppy Art Pink was today's choice.

 

What was my baby doing? Sleeping oh-so-sweetly.

3:30-4:30

Snuggling my baby and picking up things around the house. We go through an unprecedented amount of burp cloths a day here! I also find the wet towel from his bath the night before still sitting in the sink. I swear I used to have a clean house!

4:45 PM

At the last minute, I decide I have to take another shower after being outside plus having used a tan towel. Hopefully, my tan won't wash away but I have to feel clean. Stephen is off work early so he can help watch Weeks while I attempt to get ready in record time.

4:55 PM

Makeup

5:10 PM

Curl my hair

5:30 PM

We are supposed to be leaving and I am just beginning to look for something to wear. Yes Katie, something other than yoga pants tonight.

via

5:45 PM

Stephen's parents have arrived, Weeks is happily napping and I make sure to grab the last minute makeup fixes for the car ride {again, multitasking!} We are on our way y'all!

6:00 PM

We get the chance to sit down and relax with a glass for his and hers at a local wine bar.

We had never been there before and it was so nice to just sit back and relax for a few minutes with some good music and a laid back atmosphere.

6:45 PM 

We ended up calling and moving our reservation back 15 minutes to give us a little more time. We should know that being at least 15 minutes late is the way we roll these days! Stephen has roses waiting on the table when we get there. I love that man.

 

We have gone to the same restaurant each year to celebrate our anniversaries- there is an unbeatable waterfront view- perfect for watching boats go by and watching the sunset. The food is pretty incredible too! 

To end the night, cuddles with this one. Perfection! 

As you can see- a long day, but so worth it!