Food & Fashion Date Night

Yesterday Joe and I had a great dinner date at DC Coast. After completing a fun Saturday project  (pictures to come) I went all out on getting ready for our date. I took a bath, played girly music,  and even soaked in bubbles. I felt very single. Since we now have a three level home and two bathrooms we can both get ready in different places, and then meet downstairs all ready to go. It was actually very romantic and I felt a lot of anticipation. One of my favorite bloggers Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo, suggested meeting your significant other at the bar/restaurant rather than leaving together to spice up the evening. We were living in San Antonio at the time and there weren't many walkable restaurants (or good public transit for that matter). Now that we are in DC I have been dying to do this. On our staycation (see this post) we met at the hotel. Joe arrived just as I was getting in the elevator. I looked up and there he was, and I had butterflies. It's good that still happens. I hope to try meeting at the bar soon. 

As for what we ate, I only had my iPhone with me so I'll share those pictures later. The food was very good, and the decor was even better. DC Coast is very opulent feeling with decor featuring a nod to the 1930s. With their name on the butter and a mermaid garnish in my Fig Sidecar, I couldn't forget where we were. My drink was the most memorable decision of the evening, it was perfect. Will we go back?  No, probably not. Should you go? If you love seafood houses and "old school" dining, yes! The food,    atmosphere, and drinks will not disappoint.  

As for what I wore:

Earrings all the way to my toes: Anthropologie

With the exception of my necklace.  

This was not on purpose. 

I may need to expand my horizons a bit...

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and even better week! 

Date Night

Friday we shared a wonderful meal together at Virtue Feed & Grain. It's Restaurant week in Alexandria, and VF&G had a great deal. I really enjoyed going out on Friday, and I had an extra spring in my step leaving work out of anticipation. Anytime with this guy is great, but it was even better on Friday. 

The Second Date of Christmas

The Second Date of Christmas 

For our second date of Christmas Joe and I listened to our favorite Christmas albums: A Very She & Him Christmas, The Beach Boys' Christmas Album, and A Ding Dong Dandy Christmas, while decorating our Christmas tree. At first Rémy was very curious and interested in what we were doing, but then he got tuckered out. So he was the perfect supervisor, and would bark occasionally when he disagreed with the ornament placement. 

The First Date of Christmas

The First Date of Christmas

Last year we started the tradition "The Twelve Dates of Christmas." We didn't quite make it last year, but with Thanksgiving being a week earlier I'm betting we can get to twelve this year. For our first date this year we explored Koreatown and found an awesome Korean BBQ joint called Honey Pig. Neither of us had ever been to a real Korean BBQ restaurant and we really enjoyed it. After our adventurous lunch we made our way to the adorable Christmas tree lot down the road. Unfortunately those trees were about $40 more than we were willing to spend on a tree that will die in four weeks, so we went to Home Depot and got a perfectly lovely tree. 

As time passes I realize how important it is to make an effort and plan dates with your significant other. Dating didn't end with I do, and I'm so thankful to still be dating my best friend. 

Our Weekend in IPhone Pictures

                                   

On the Sixth Date of Christmas...

The Sixth Date of Christmas:

... my true love and I attended the San Antonio symphony's Holiday Pops concert. We had a wonderful time listening to all of the Christmas classics; however, getting there was another story. We- for better or worse- live in the second most visited city in the nation. Combine that with holiday traffic you get full parking garages, an hours worth of traffic within the distance of about 1.5 miles, and two very frustrated locals. We live seriously 1.5 miles from the theater- at 7:00 we were in the car, not until 7:58 did we walk into the theater. By then we were both cursing San Antonio, and longing for our new residence that has safe and reliable public transit. None the less, once we got settled we enjoyed the concert immensely. 

The mister and I have a baking date scheduled for wednesday evening: Parisian macarons are on the docket. 

On the Fifth Date of Christmas...

The Fifth Date of Christmas:

... my true love and I had a Christmas feast. Joseph made me braised lamb shank, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, french bread, and a bottle of prosecco. I helped a bit, and we always enjoy cooking together. Perhaps a continuation of our date, this morning we went and bought our "babies" (Rémy & Bella) some Christmas treats. It is going to be so hard we actually have human babies- I'm going to want to buy them everything. 

We are heading on our sixth date in about an hour to the San Antonio symphony's holiday pops concert. I'm so excited!

On the Fourth Date of Christmas...

The Fourth Date of Christmas:

... my true love and I celebrated the beginning of my Christmas holiday by going to the library, getting some fun new cook books to try, and having drinks at Liberty Bar. While I will still be directing the elementary and secondary choirs, I will unfortunately not be teaching the music classes. The women I took over for decided to return, rather than be a stay at home mom. Durn. I am quite heartbroken honestly, but I'm trusting in the Lord's plan. I of course cried several times yesterday, but Joe tried to make last night fun and celebratory. He is so sweet.  

We are going on a date tonight and tomorrow- I am a spoiled girl. 

Merry Christmas, Darlings!

Our family Christmas card for 2011.

On the Third Date of Christmas...

...my true love and I went on a double date with my parents to the San Antonio institution, The Little Rhein Steakhouse. It was a rainy evening, which is something few and far between these days, but we didn't let that get us down too much. It is a wonderful thing to transition into adulthood relationships with your parents, as well as have parents who love your husband and visa versa. We enjoyed all the luxuries of fine dining, and wonderful conversation.

It's looking like our fourth date is going to be a trip to the San Antonio Public Library. I can hardly wait!

12 Dates of Christmas

I got this idea from one of my favorite blogs, and thought it would be fun to see if Joe and I could do it.

First Date of Christmas:

We went and picked out our first real christmas tree. This was a big moment for us (really me). I remember my mom telling me about their adventures picking out their trees, and of course over the years have thought about what it would be like to have our own. I really wanted a large tree, but we just don't have the space for it. I also wanted a Noble Fir, but Joe reminded me of our concrete floors and the possibility of shattering ornaments. What did we end up with? A 6.3 ft Frasier Fir. It's a really pretty tree, and fits perfectly in front of our large front window. This date continued on Saturday while we decorated it, and listened to my favorite Christmas album, The Three Son's Ding Dong Dandy Christmas.  For most of my life we would decorate my grandparent's tree as a family and listen to this record (as my Grandpa would say). This tradition ended a few years ago, but I couldn't imagine never listening to this album while decorating a tree again. I ordered my own copy, and am excited to begin this tradition with my family. It doesn't make me sad, it makes my heart very happy actually. He loved Christmas and I know he would love us honoring this tradition. 

Second Date of Christmas:

For our second date of Christmas, my WONDERFUL husband took me to see Breaking Dawn. I know the few men who read my blog are shaking their heads, but I don't have many girl friends in San Antonio. If it makes you feel better he shook his head the whole time. As for me, I have to admit I enjoyed it. Was the acting great? No. Was it a deep, thought provoking film? No. However, like most women I got caught up in the books and loved seeing it on film. 

We'll see if Joe and I can squeeze in 10 more dates before December 25th.