Catching up from the weekend? Check out a few things you may have missed:

• I Got Sponsored for the Healthy Living Summit! But with WHO?
• What’s My Name Again? and FFF Features
• Call for Guest Posters and Self-Love Reflection on Passion

Every Saturday night, Peter and I have a “date night” where we try to decompress from life’s daily pressures and spend more time together than the standard night. Most of these “date nights” consist of dinner and a movie at home to keep our budget in check…and not to abuse our free babysitting benefits from the grandparents. Besides, it feels more special having one night a month to head out together for a special night just the two of us. We had our night out for July this Saturday and what a good one it was.

We actually started our date on the earlier side. Why? Well, to fit in enough time for this special occasion…

Yes, we were die-hard enough to go opening weekend. And to see it in 3D!

Attractive (and blurry), no? I doubted that the 3D would make a better viewing experience, but Peter insisted after seeing Transformers in 3D with some friends from work a couple weeks ago. And it really was neat! I definitely think it added to the already super-amazing-so-sad-it’s-over-want-to-watch-again movie. They really worked to end the series on a high note and the movie could not have been better. And…now I can’t wait for part one of Breaking Dawn. I’m secretly fifteen.

Once we finished our afternoon at the movies, we headed to dinner.

 

My beautiful Cheeky, we meet again! I couldn’t remember the last time we dined here - only one of my favorite restaurants - and knew we needed to pay it a visit.

We started with the required chips and salsa…

…which still lived up to my expectations. I love their salsa because it has a decent kick and is the perfect consistency – not chunky salsa but not watery either. I could have dunked the whole basket of chips in that delicious tomato flavah!

But I had to save room for my adored tacos – two fish tacos with poblano slaw and chipotle cream and one crab cake taco with poblano slaw and pineapple salsa.

Despite my happy looking face the meal ended up an Utter. Disappointment. 🙁

I don’t know what happened, but the tacos did not taste near as good as usual. They didn’t necessarily taste bad, but just not like they were freshly made and with as much quality. Part of why I always loved Cheeky was for their reasonable portions, fresh tasting food, and flavorful combinations. I didn’t get that vibe last night. I hope they had an off night and aren’t going downhill. I may just have to try that new taco place my friends love.

Even after a decent amount of food at dinner, I still felt really really hungry. If I don’t get the satisfaction I seek in taste, it’s almost like I never ate. I need food that satisfies my taste buds in order to feel satiated physically. So what does a girl do to satisfy those taste buds fully? 

I think you know what that is! Self-serve fro-yo!!! We found a coupon for a new frozen yogurt stop, so of course we had to include it in our date night. I quickly fell in love with this location. Because a) they have birthday cake flavor and b) they have cookie dough topping. A match  made in heaven…

You know…along with espresso flavor frozen yogurt and brownie bits, toffee, and butterscotch chips for additional toppings. You think I went a little topping crazy?

 

And do you think I care??? Thanks, Peter for the action shot. Imagine it in 3D. You would think I’m about to eat your face off. Obviously, the night ended on a high note. Do I look happy or do I look happy? ;) 

• Ever seen a full-length movie in 3D? Did you like it?
• Can you relate to my need for food to taste good in order to feel satiated?

^^^ Fan of alliteration much? Why, yes. Yes I am.

Happy Monday, friends! I hope most of you here in the US have the chance to enjoy a day off in celebration of Memorial Day. Take a moment to remember and say a prayer of thanks to all of those who make the sacrifice to serve our country. Blessings abound in our freedoms and we need to show gratitude for them daily. I know I appreciate my freedom of religion. And my freedom of speech. Could you imagine trying to shut me up? Likely impossible.

We already did most of our celebrating action Saturday and Sunday, leaving today open for more relaxation and normal activity. Works for me! As I mentioned briefly on Saturday, the family & I enjoyed a little hike that morning. We headed out to Sawnee Mountain – a short hiking trail relatively close to us with a fabulous lookout at the top.

We strapped the kiddos in and headed on our way…

    

Watch out for the poison ivy!

Although, I don’t think I ever remember getting poison ivy before. Now that I have said that, I need to find some wood to knock on.

For some reason this hike took a lot longer than I ever remembered. Odd, considering we go every year. I think my body just felt a little tired from the week. I got very excited when we finally made it to the top.

 

The beautiful scenery rejuvenated me to make the trek back down. Although I can’t lie. I wouldn’t have minded being in baby B’s spot and catching a little cat nap instead.

Even with achy shoulders and legs, we had a great time all together. Family love!!!!

The second half of our memorable Memorial moments came Sunday afternoon. Every year my friend Nikki’s family hosts a pig roast BBQ. Every year we go and have a fun afternoon eating good food and catching up with family friends.

I ran 8 miles that morning and therefore had “long-run hunger” in full force by the time we got to the BBQ. I happily loaded up my plate with the goods. A pulled pork sandwich, a scoop of potato salad, a scoop of peanut coleslaw, and a hunka hunka burning love watermelon.

Yay for watermelon! It’s finally in season!

 

After devouring my plate and chilling for awhile, I obviously got my hands on a slice of the congratulatory cake.

My friend’s younger brother graduated college! The younguns in our families are growing up! It’s so strange to think. I always get a little weirded out that my sister is old enough to live with a guy and maybe even get engaged. Eep! Where does time go? Seriously. I feel like at the rate this year has gone, Christmas is tomorrow. Anyone else agree? Slow down Earth spinning around the sun. Slow down!

• Any Memorial Day weekend traditions of your own?
• Have you ever gotten poison ivy?