Cupcakes

When your husband/son/brother (any male you know) was a kid did he go to bed with his favorite toy? Or maybe piece of sports equipment? Hubby's family has told me that he would go to bed with his basketball. 

It's cute when they're boys. 

Not so cute as married men. 

Hubby works at a tennis club and is working on becoming a professional tennis player. And because of that, he feels the need to constantly practice. 

Even at home. 

Even at night.

Even in bed. 

I kid you not. This guy has come to bed with his tennis racket and played "air tennis". 

He's not allowed to do that anymore.

Anyway, we had a great date tonight!

We went to this adorable little cupcake shop in Newton, MA.

(Image sources: here here and here)

It was seriously darling! I want to decorate Sweet B's room like this place now. 

Striped pink walls. Black and white tile floor, and multicolored light fixtures.

There were lots of cupcakes to choose from and even frozen yogurt. 

Hubby got banana and I ordered a baby chocolate. 

So glad we found this little gem! 

Date night for less than $5 - SCORE!

Happy Dating!

Top 10 Dates in Washington D.C.

Continuing on with our top 10 lists!

Next up is Washington D.C.

(Image Sources: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10)

In No Particular Order:

1.Washington Monument - One of the great things about D.C. is that it is crawling with free things to do. If you've ever been to D.C. you know that touring the national mall is a must. But what about going up inside the Washington Monument? While this is free, you must have a ticket and it's first come, first serve. So if you want to ride up to the top, make sure you get an early start.

2. The Burger Joint - "One burger you must have before you die". I've never been here, but a good friend recommended this one to me. Apparently it's to die for. The beef is all cooked over an open flame and the menu looks delicious!

3. Smithsonian - The Smithsonian is actually a compilation of 19 galleries and museums. It would be impossible to see everything in a day- which is why it's so great. No getting bored on this date! Go Smithsonian hopping or try and see everything in one building. These are totally free by the way.

4. The Kennedy Center -  If you can convince your hubby to sit through a ballet, try seeing one at the Kennedy Center. Ballet not your cup of tea? Try an orchestra, opera or symphony concert. Not to mention all sorts of guest performers.

5. International Spy Museum -  This one is not so free. $19.95 a person to be exact. But a very fun date! There are tons of exhibits and games. Plus a cafe inside!

6. White House - Did you know you can tour the white house? And it's FREE! But there is a catch. You must make a request through a member of congress at least 21 day in advance. Still, not bad considering what you get in return.  Although George Washington didn't live here, he chose the site and all the Presidents following him have lived here. Talk about history! If taking a tour isn't an option, just visit the grounds. Try to spot secret service men in the trees. They are there.

7. Eastern Market -  Similar to Seattle's Public Market, D.C.'s eastern market is the cities oldest fresh food market. On the weekends, there are arts and crafts, community events, and a farmers market. Take your hubby here to grab food for dinner and then cook a delicious meal together.

8. Mt. Vernon - This is technically not in D.C. but super close. I have a great love and respect for the founding fathers and think visiting George Washington's home would be fantastic. It is the most visited historic estate in the country and for good reason. $15 a person gives you about a 3 hour tour of Mt. Vernon and an insight to President Washington's life.

9. National Archives- Home to the Declaration of Independence. Not only is this place crawling with history, but you can also make Nicolas Cage proud and reenact scenes from National Treasure. Stop by the gift shop and get your own copy of the declaration on your way out. Did I mention that it's 100% FREE?

10. National Zoo - The zoo is FREE! I am kicking myself for not taking advantage of this while we were in Virginia. I have never heard of a zoo being free before and this one looks awesome! Tons of animals and other activities as well. Definitely worth visiting for date night.

Special thanks to Caitlin for suggestions!

Next City: Boston!

Leave me a comment with your favorite date in Boston- it might make the top 10 list. 

Happy Dating!

Romance Spotlight: Dorothy

Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Dorothy from Crazy for Crust is here to share the sweet story of how she met her hubby. I hope you take a minute to read their story and make sure you stop by her totally awesome blog!

Take it away Dorothy!

Hi y'all! I'm Dorothy from Crazy for Crust, where I'm crazy for...well...crust. And cookies. And cupcakes. And brownies. I bake it all...and then I share it, with a slice of my life thrown in.

{Who am I kidding? I throw way more than a slice. It's more like I eat the slice and throw the whole pie at you.}

I'm so excited to be here at Friday Night Date Night, because I'm also crazy for...my husband. I guess that's a good thing? I hate to say this but...our story is somewhat, I don't know, magical? Almost like destiny?

All I do know is that I never really believed in soulmates until we got together. Because, seriously, he is my true other half.

We met in college. I was a traditional student. He was what they call a "returning student." In other words, he was an um, ahem, a much older guy. Like...16 years older.

It was his first class at our college, College of Notre Dame (no, not that one) in Belmont, California. CS030A aka Computer Science 1, aka my class from hell. I really should have paid more attention in that class, methinks.

He was married. I had a boyfriend. And before you start calling me mean names, no I was NOT a home-wrecker. We were just friends. He gave me his answers to his homework, we chatted in the lab. I think, looking back that, deep down, I may have had a spark or two, but hey. He was married and I was in a two-year relationship with a guy who I figured was going to be my future +1.

The following year we had no classes together, but would see each other occasionally in the halls and say hello. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Then came Fall of 1999, two years after we first met. I was single, and had been for awhile. I ran into Mel in the parking lot during the first week of school. Asked him how his summer went. And he dropped the bomb, probably the best bomb that ever happened to me.

He had left his wife. He was getting divorced.

On the outside, I was all "aw, crap, I'm so sorry. That sucks, are you okay?"

On the inside it was like a dance party and the feeling those people who win the lottery must have. That's the moment I realized the spark was reeeallllly strong. But, dude, the guy was just single. Like, not even fully divorced yet. He wasn't in a good place.

I bided my time by finding out where he lived and stalking him instead.

I kid.

{Not kidding. I really did that.}

About 6 months later we were running into each other more, talking in between classes. I kept bugging him to meet me for lunch (as friends, of course). Finally, he agreed.

We had lunch on a Monday. That following Saturday we went hiking and had lunch together. By the end I was convinced he was my soulmate. We had just about everything in common. We could finish each other's sentences. I thought he felt the same way, but wasn't sure.

By the end of the next week we'd seen each other every day and had our first official "date". By then, I kinda new he felt the way I did. By the end of the second week I knew we would get married. And not in the "little kid wishing to get married and writing our names in a heart" knew. I knew.

By the time school ended we were inseperable. We graduated together. Another reason I knew he was a keeper? He brought me roses at the ceremony. And he brought his mom, sister, my mom, and all of my girlfriends roses too.

By August, 5 months after that lunch date, I was anticipating a ring. I had every weekend planned out so I knew, knew when it would be coming.

 {I'm reeallllly not good at surprises.}

But he managed to foil my plans.

   

We went to Las Vegas for the weekend. I knew he was not going to propose in Vegas because he had told me I needed to meet his family first, which I was going to do on Labor Day weekend.

When we got to the hotel he went down the hall and got ice for our pre-dinner drinks. He poured me a drink and asked if I wanted ice.

I said, "No. I don't like ice." {Really, I don't.}

He said, "you sure? You don't want some ice?"

I said, "No, I'm good. No ice for me!"

He said, "I think you want some ice. GET SOME ICE."

So I did. And I got a girl's favorite kind of ice.

And a husband too.

We were married a year later in Ralston Hall, the historical mansion on the grounds of our college.

And now we have a kid and have been married over 11 years.

 

But he still makes me feel like that person who won the lottery.

Thanks so much Dorothy! Loved it!

Be sure to stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!

Happy Dating!

"We're Sick" Date

My little family is sick. 

While being sick is no fun, it does have its perks. For instance, it means that Hubby is home!

Not so good to miss school and work but I'm trying to look on the bright side.

Since he is rarely home these days we wanted to take advantage of it and have a date.

But we both felt totally blah.

Going anywhere or doing anything besides sitting was not an option.

Reading a book or watching a movie was about the only thing we had energy to do. So we made a date of it. And since neither of us were fit to be seen, this is the only photo that will be published. We grabbed a blanket and cuddled up with a P.G. Wodehouse book for each of us. For dinner, we had some chicken noodle soup and orange juice-with a side of Kleenex. 

Even if you're sick, try to enjoy your time together. 

And hey, it's free.

Happy Dating!

Dear Hubby

Romance Spotlight: Emily

Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Emily from Sweet Bella Roos is here to share her love story with us. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi!

Take it away Emily!

Hi there! My name is Emily and I blog over at Sweet Bella Roos. I am a proud mama, firefighter's wife, wannabe baker & blogger. Lover of all things vintage, turquoise, & handmade. Hater of veggies, sushi, & waking up early. I was so excited when Mackenzie asked me to post about how I met my Hubby. Seriously, how cute is her blog? Pretty sure I have every 'I Love Lucy' episode recorded. It's a sickness ha-ha. Plus, I have to admit, I think our love story is pretty cute. I mean who doesn't love a story about star-gazing, swine flu, and Steak and Shake? (For those of you on the West Coast, Steak and Shake is a burger place here... not quite as famous as In-N-Out). 

 

James and I met in a college astronomy class. The fact that we both ended up in that class was completely random fate because he didn't need it for his degree and just decided to take it as an elective, and I had just decided to switch from BioChem II a few weeks before the class started. A few days before the semester started I came down with Swine Flu. Let me just tell you that was as awful as it sounds. I-felt-horrible. By the first day of class I had been on meds long enough to not be contagious anymore, but not long enough to not look like death anymore. I barely got up the energy to shower, threw on a sweatshirt, put my hair in a ponytail, and headed off to class. This class was a lecture/lab combo and that night we had both. I was just expecting to go over the syllabus and return as quickly as possible back to my bed, but my professor of course had other plans. When he asked us all to get out our "star wheels" (which of course I didn't have with me) I started to panic. I immediately began to scan the room, knowing I need to make friends fast to find someone to share with me. Of course I picked the cutest boy in class, who just happened to be sitting on my row. When we got outside I introduced myself, which went something like this: Me: Hi, I'm Emily. Is it cool if I share your star wheel? I forgot mine. Oh and by the way, I promise I'm not dying or contagious... even though I look and sound like it... but I'm on meds and my doctor says I'm fine. James: Uhh, sure. Yep. I was smooth, and clearly he was into me. So after spending an hour outside in the freezing cold of January (coughing like crazy), class was over and I thanked him for taking pity on the sick girl. We didn't have class again until the following week but this time he came and sat next to me. I couldn't tell if he was shy or "just not that into me"... but I felt like he needed an encouraging nudge to ask me out (ha-ha). So the following night I told him how I hated that class was so late (7-10pm) because I didn't have enough time coming from work to grab anything to eat and by the time we got out of class I was starving. Which of course opened the door for him to ask me to go grab a bite to eat after class... which he did. Now if you ask him, he will tell you that he had been planning that all week and that it was totally his idea. So after class we went to Steak and Shake because that was one of the few places nearby still open. I actually hate Steak and Shake ha-ha. We ended up talking the entire night until they finally kicked us out at 2am. From there we were inseparable in class. (Did I mention he had the highest grade in the class? Did I pick wisely that first night or what ha-ha!) I found out that he had the last season of 'Lost' on his iPod and soon we began going over to each other's house after class to watch it. About 6 weeks later we took a trip to Houston together and when we got back he said "I love you" for the first time. I had already known for weeks that he was the one.

So when people ask us how we met, we love to say that we met 'gazing at the stars'... sounds more romantic when you leave out the part where I was coughing up a lung with the flu. :) James proposed to me under the stars a year and a half after we met and we were married the following Fall. If you would like to see pics from our wedding (and see how our ties to astronomy made an appearance) you can view them here or here.

Thanks so much Emily! Loved it!

Be sure to stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!

Happy Dating!

Seattle's Top 10 Dates

I've decided to start a top 10 dates list for different cities in the USA. Since I grew up in Washington I thought it would only be appropriate to start with good ol' Seattle. 

(Photo sources #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10)

In No Particular Order:

1. Ivar's Fish Bar- I don't like seafood. Not in any shape or form...except Ivar's. It is so good! But food isn't the only attraction at this waterfront restaurant. Feeding the seagulls that swarm this place has been a favorite past time of visitors for years. This gem was founded in 1938. 

2. EMP (Experienced Music Project) - Yes, that is a building in the picture. No one quite knows what it is supposed to resemble. I have heard everything from a smashed guitar to a wad of play dough. Either way, it's a cool place. It is the best music museum you will visit in your life. I could seriously write a whole post on this place but I will refrain and just say its well worth a visit!

3. Ferry Rides - These are great for several reasons. You enjoy a beautiful ride in the sound, you can tag you car along if you like, it's relatively cheap and very safe.

4. Seahawks Game - If your hubby (or you) is a football fan, you must see a Seahawks game. I'm not too into football and neither is Hubby so I have nothing more to say on this.

5. Space Needle - A MUST if you are in Seattle. But, you MUST be loaded. Well, at least not poor law students like us. It is pretty expensive but a staple in the Seattle experience. Did you know that the restaurant spins? Talk about a great view while you dine!

6. Mariners game - Visit SafeCo field and catch a Mariners game! The roof is retractable. Kind of necessary in a rainy city like Seattle but a nice touch. 

7. Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club - How cool is this place? It's a canoe/kayak rental AND a restaurant. Enjoy a kayak ride together and then top it off with a meal while watching others paddle away into the sunset. 

8. International Fountain This one is free people! And check out the size of this thing. Gigantic fountain + hot day = great FREE date!

9. Pike Place Public Market - Another must do in Seattle. The world famous Pike Place Market. It's fantastic. If nothing else, just watch the fish throwers. They are amazing, and hilarious. You can even check them out on youtube. 

10. Seattle Underground - Who knew Seattle had an underground right? I didn't and I grew up in Washington! It is literally part of the "original" Seattle, before they elevated the streets in the mid 1800s. The ceiling is the sidewalk! Crazy right? Definitely worth seeing. 



Hope you enjoyed this top 10 list from Seattle.
Coming soon, Washington D.C!
Leave a comment about your best date and it may end up on your city's top 10 list!

Happy Dating!

Argument Crowns

I hate to admit it, but Hubby and I have had arguments in our marriage. 

Not a lot. 

Not very often.

But it does happen every once in awhile. 

And let me just explain a few things about these "discussions". 

Hubby is a fabulous debater. He was on the debate team in high school as a matter of fact and even went to state. His debating skills helped in his decision to become a lawyer too. Since he argues like one already he figured, why not?

Ok not really but it seems like it sometimes. 

And then there's me. 

Your typical female. 

You know how it goes. He says something and I reply with, "what you really meant by that was..." I have also been known to pull the "you just think I'm fat" card. 

Ridiculous I know. 

"Disagreements" can do that to you I guess. 

During one of these "talks" Hubby was being particularly clever in his pre-lawyer skills and interrupting a lot. I was being especially feminine and being over sensitive. At one point I even said in a moment of frustration "You are the interruption king!"

And that got me thinking....

I went into the next room and came back with this little creation.

(Please excuse the fact that I can't spell "Interruption" correctly)

We both had a good laugh. 

I had to make myself one of course.

Completely with glitter, flowers, and pearls.

Totally old school here. Construction paper, glue sticks and scotch tape. 

Ever since then, the rule has been that we must wear our crowns during an argument. 

And you know what?

They don't last very long.

These crowns of ours really help us realize how silly we can be.

(The Interruption King and The Over Sensitive Queen)

We usually end up laughing. 

What bad habit do you have?

Try making crowns for you and your spouse. 

I swear they help!

And send me your pics!

I want to see your creations!

Happy Dating!

(The Over Sensitive Queen)

I'm not Funny

Did I ever tell you guys that sometimes I have double standards? It's true.

For instance, Hubby and I have this rule about not eating in bed. Ever. 

But today I couldn't help it!

To give myself some credit, I normally don't. I really am pretty good. Today I caved though. I put our little girl down for a nap and pulled out a chocolate protein bar (which is the closet I get to a real chocolate bar these days -darn it) and a glass of milk. Nothing sounded better than curling up in bed, turning on one of my favorite "I Love Lucy" episodes and munching on my imaginary twix. 

(Image Source)

So I did.

I know, I know, it's terrible. 

But I tell myself that being the Mom comes with certain privileges right?

Please tell me I am not the only one.

If you haven't noticed, I have been MIA for the past month or so. 

For a lot of reasons. 

Life has been hectic for one. We moved here to Boston, Hubby started a new job AND law school. We didn't have any of our own furniture so we have been sleeping on the floor and made cardboard bookshelves (which are surprisingly sturdy).

Back in Virginia I had a really awesome group of friends. I mean really awesome. I got together with at least one of them every day. Seriously. They all had kids close to my daughters age, and our husbands got along great too. I couldn't have asked for anything better. And then we moved. We are slowly meeting people here but it's not the same. Since Hubby is in law school and working I rarely see him. I guess I have been a little lonely if I am completely honest. I know it will pass. I will make new friends and get used to the new place but it's just different ya' know? My poor friends in Virginia are probably getting a little annoyed with me. I call, text, and skype with them all the time. And I am beginning to notice that I am the only one calling them. Are you trying to tell me something guys? Maybe three times a day is a bit much?

(Thank you Ashton)

Mostly, my heart aches for my little girl. I just about loose it every time she asks to play with her old friends. It is unbelievably hard to say "I'm so sorry honey, but we can't play with your friends today. They don't live close by" or to watch her try and hug them through the computer. 

Getting our regular date nights in has been tough too. Any law school wives out there with suggestions? Finding a minute together at all is tough let alone time for a date.

Also, I am incredibly intimidated by all of you. Yes, you. You are all such wonderful bloggers, writers, photographers, and so creative! I am not so good at any of those. I have a terrible camera, am completely clueless when it comes to anything computer/blogging related and not a great writer. 

And here is why:

I am not funny.

(You have no idea how hard it is for me to admit that)

I can't tell you how long I have struggled with this either. It has taken me 22 years but I have finally accepted it. 

I am not funny.

You see, my family is hilarious. My Dad is the best story teller alive and can get a crowd rolling on the floor in 5 minutes. My sisters are right up there with him and one sister in particular does an awesome job or showing her sense of humor on her blog. But not me. I am just not funny. Doesn't every family have one of those? Well, in my family it's me. I'm the odd one in every sense of the word. I am taller than all the girls. I refuse to take medicine and live on the east coast. I hate coke and am the only one who can't tell a good joke. I have wanted so badly to be funny my whole life but I'm not. I'm like Al Borland from Home Improvement.

(Image Source)

Let me prove to you how not funny I am. When I attempt to tell a joke, I usually get to the punch line and look at the person and wait for the expected laughter. 9 times out of 10 though, they look at me and go "...uh huh" or "go on". I then sink into my chair and say "never mind".

The only time my husbands laughs at me is when I am mad. Apparently, I am hilarious then. Which just makes me more mad.

Still not convinced? Read my old blog posts. I tried to be funny in every single one of them. Looking back I don't even think they are funny. Now that's just embarrassing.

So, long story short, I haven't been blogging lately because I am a little lonely, not able to date much and coming to grips with the fact that I am not funny. Or a good blogger. 

Whew! 

That is a load off my shoulders!

But I am still here. I will get going again. I just need some motivation. My strategy right now is to not look at anyones's blog. Because if I do I start thinking "Wow this is amazing....wow this makes my stuff look like crap" So please don't be offended that I haven't been commenting lately. 

It's a compliment really.

I have a few ideas floating around in my head on how to get date nights going again and a few changes to my regular posting format. Is that even what it's called? Told you, clueless. 

Thanks for your patience!

Be back soon.

Happy Dating!