Lately + Date Night Ideas

Lovelies, hope you all are having a great week!  It’s been a CRAZY few days with the little one so I haven’t had any time to blog. I’m wondering if this is Phase 2 of the sleep regression/temper tantrum stage because OMG she’s been having some moody days.  Poor thing – I have to keep reminding myself that it’s tough/frustrating being a toddler with so many boundaries and restrictions. I can tell sometimes she just looks at me like “Why? Just set me freeee and let me beee!” Haha  I’ll have an update on her 19-month for you next week, but I think this picture says it all, right? #crazyhair #kindascarylooking #shegetsitfromhermama

I slacked off a little bit last week for the 30-day fitness challenge so I’ll post an update on it by Monday as well as a sample of my everyday meals so you can have an idea of what I’m eating.

In other news, a crazy storm blew through Houston last week and well…it ripped down part of our fence so we are getting it replaced right now.  Just thankful I noticed it in time; otherwise, our furballs could have gotten loose.  But, we are experiencing some AMAZING weather in Houston now and I am soaking it all up with long walks/runs and lots of playtime outdoors.

A couple weeks ago, my hubby and I had an impromptu date Saturday night without the baby and we had a great time catching up and reconnecting as a couple 🙂  Don’t get me wrong, we talk every day, but finding time to really talk (meaning paying 100% attention to the other person) and catching up are far and few when little Miss Marli is around…and after she’s gone to bed, we are all pooped and tired. Haha I mean the energy of a 18th month old baby is mind blowing to me…they just keep going and going and going.

We recently dined at Zelko Bistro in the Heights and it was pretty good.  It’s nestled in a tiny house, but there’s outdoor seating as well.  The sign from the street is tiny so it’s easy to miss.  We didn’t make reservations, but were seated right away and the place was packed. Service was also really good 🙂  Here’s what we ordered:
– Truffled Fries: Really good 🙂  Love the thin cut potatoes and it was just the right amount of cheese and truffle oil
– Shrimp & Grits: I liked my dish. It was creamy and filling, but a little salty. I was chugging water for the rest of the night…Definitely not healthy, but this was a “cheat meal.” It wasn’t the best shrimp & grits I’ve ever had, but I did like it.
– St. Arnolds Short Ribs: My husband liked it, although I think he was expecting the flavor to be much better. I had a piece and the meat was tender.  He said he probably wouldn’t order this again…he would try a different dish.

Our “date nights” are usually with Marli now, but every once in a while, we make it a point to have some 1-on-1 time with each other because it’s so important to us and our relationship.  We have never stopped dating…and neither should you!  With the beautiful weather, we may try for another date this weekend…

This was taken a couple weeks ago on Friday night. We typically dine out, but Marli and I surprised my husband with dinner on the patio for the first time ever. The weather was perfect and it was the best ending to a long day 🙂

Here’s a a list of some great dating ideas for you and your main squeeze.

COOK DINNER / ORDER TAKE-OUT : If you have weekly date nights, why not stay in this time? Prepare a NICE dinner he/she enjoys or order take-out at their favorite restaurant (if you can’t cook).  Don’t forget to set the table, light some candles, and add some good tunes to the mix.

SWEAT IT OUT : A couple that sweats together, stays together so take it to the gym. 🙂 Burn some calories and then treat yourself to a post workout meal/snack/dessert afterwards.

ROCK IT OUT: Go to a concert or take it to a bar where they have LIVE music. In Houston, I used to LOVE going to Sammy’s because the Spazmatics would perform every Thursday.  It was awesome and we often went there for dates nights. Never a disappointment 🙂

PLAN A STAYCATION : Taking a vacation would be perfect, but sometimes this just isn’t feasible. So, why not plan a weekend/overnight staycation at a nice local hotel? You can sleep in, order room service, get a spa treatment, lounge at the pool, and just relax.

ART + BOOZE : Most women like art so make it a fun art/craft night with your lady. Pair that with some wine and you both will love it 🙂

EVENING BIKE RIDE : This would be so much fun to ride together to get dessert or tour the city 🙂