I’ve mentioned once or twice that I strive for a 90/10 balance between healthy choices (the former) and going a little of the splurging deep end (that latter). Well, my friends, Saturday was the 10%.
It was Hubbs’ birthday this weekend and I surprised him by getting all fancied up for an overnight extravaganza in Charlotte.
I felt so fortunate that my parents had agreed (and by agreed, I really mean jumped at the opportunity, because they’re awesome like that) to come stay and play with their grandbaby.
Knowing that my munchkin was in safe and loving hands, I had no problems getting excited for our night out… which started with a cruddy picture of a FABulous Belvedere dirty martini. 3 olives. And the perfect twist.
We hit up a new restaurant in Charlotte called Bernardin’s at Ratcliffe. It is located in the spot of an old favorite of ours, Ratcliffe on the Green and offers a wide variety of delicious classics, like steak and seafood, and also includes more unique options like duck, bison and ostrich.
As you can see, my iphone wasn’t exactly great at capturing the moment or elegance of the meal, so I’ll refrain from showing you mediocre pictures of exceptional food, starting with the tuna tartar, David’s lamb shank and the creamy, dreamy crème brulee. However…
BAM. I can’t not show off a perfectly done scallop, because it happens so rarely that I hesitate to order them, but these were exceptional. And the risotto? Creamy heaven that had me googling recipes for risotto to make at home because I‘ve declared it my new favorite food.
I’ll stop short of sharing every detail of our wild night out, but after a vodka redbull to end dinner with (we’re class-ay like that), the night might have included a piano bar, ‘crashing’ a reception only to find it to be an office party…with people we knew, a little more dancing…
…and ending the night with what might possibly be the world’s most delicious $25 cheeseburger, eaten on our hotel bed.
Healthy living be damned.
Actually, scratch that. That, my friends, is balance. Because after that night out, I couldn’t wait to get home and do this:
all. day. long. It was cloudy and cold, so my little family snuggled by a fire all day and I planned what healthy recipes I wanted to make for the week.
Because sometimes a little 10% is all you need to get excited about getting back in line with the 90%.
Was your weekend more about the 90%… or the 10%?
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My weekend was all about the 10% too. Restaurant Week and Football got me good!
Glad you had a great night out with the hubs!
awwww so glad you guys had fun! you’re adorable. and i’m so jealous of those scallops!
You said it – that is balance.
You two had a wonderful evening – so glad you two have enjoyed it so much.
The way you two have enjoyed your date night is exactly how me and hubby do it
Scallops is something me and hubby is going to have for the first time ever, this coming Saturday evening. Can’t wait.
For the first time ever?! I hope they are cooked well because there is nothing tastier than a well executed scallop!
10 for sure and it was well needed … And fun!
Looks like a super fun night out! You look great I might add!
We all need that 10% in our lives! 
Just found and started following your blog. LOVE piano bars, never had a bad time at one
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Yay! Glad you found me
And I agree, there is always fun to be had at piano bars.
Mine was definitely the 10%. Saturday I didn’t change out of pajamas and watched tv all day long, no workouts (although I’m blaming my lingering cold for that) and Five Guys for dinner last night. I like to embrace the 10%
Looks like you guys had a great weekend!
My weekend was totally the 10%! It usually is…
You two are so cute! I love that you spent time together and really enjoyed that 10%!
So fun! Nights like this are so necessary when you have a baby. My 10% was way too much wine yesterday.
You better believe I have a 10 (or 20!) percent rule and love those times. Love the healthy times too, but it’s always fun to indulge on occasion.
Glad you have parents happy to watch the kids. It’s SUCH a huge help, I know! Looks like a great weekend.
Tag! You’re it!
http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2012/01/tag-youre-it.html
Saturday was the 10% and Sunday the 90%
Happy b-day to your hubby
So, did you pump while you were gone? I only ask because I think about that all the time! How do you go out when you are breastfeeding?!
It’s such a pain, but yes, I bring my pump. I fed Hailey right before we left the house (around 4:30). I pumped at 6:30, just to try and ‘empty out’ before dinner. I pumped at about 1am (when we got home), but when I woke up at 7:00, they hurt so badly. I pumped again, but they didn’t really feel better until I got back to Hailey and she ate. Having to pump more than once or twice is annoying and painful, but it’s worth the effort when family comes to babysit!
HI Brittany. BIG happy birthday to your hubby. Looks like a PERFECT 10% celebration!!!! Right down to the room service! My weekend was 90% healthy, 10% 3 glasses of wine. Hope you have a great week!!!!
So glad you were able to get out and enjoy yourself! Sounds like a fun night!
Awesome.
My Saturday was a total 10% day, but it really did make me want to get back to the 90%!!
looks like so much fun! i def think you need that 10% for a balance. i think i’m more 80/20, or 70/30 :/.
Tomorrow is my and my partner’s birthday (also named David!) and we have quite a few things planned with family and friends so there will be a lot of 10% going on!
I just love how you advocate for a balanced life rather than a 100% life – which is often not sustainable
Go Brittany!
It looks like ya’ll had a great weekend!
I love your balance, and the last picture is so sweet.
I love that you posted this! I’m so sick of ppl telling me my life is going to be over after I become a mommy! Both me and my fiancees families live close and can’t wait to help us babysit when Isabelle is born. I know deep down inside I will stil be able to have fun after having a baby!
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