This weekend felt like a real kick off to summer for me. A date night, a lake party and a relaxing day floating around on the relaxation station, followed by a movie during the thunderstorms all added up to a perfect weekend.
Hubbs and I tried out Flatiron Kitchen & Taphouse in Davidson on Friday night. The ambiance was awesome- large windows, a central bar with lots of beers on tap, and to start, goat cheese dip!
Oh man, was that dip creamy perfection! I had high hopes for the rest of the meal as well, but as pretty as the presentation was…
the scallops were flavorless and the rice and beet medley, over-oily with Asian flavors. Sad. For the price ($28) I had high expectations.
Saturday, we hosted a lake gathering (if you follow me on twitter, you would have seen that you were invited, too!). The weather was sunny and hot (at about 92 degrees), which was perfect for adults to play on jetskis and boat, kids to splash around in the water, and Koda to join in on all the fun!
Being that it was a last minute shindig without much time to prepare, grilling out and asking everyone to bring a side is the only way to go.
And because my friends thought I would try to deny my weekend splurges, even though I told them I was honest with y’all about what I eat (everything in moderation!), I had to show you one of my indulgences of the day… French onion dip!! Is anything tastier?!
But what I was most excited about this guy:
I’ve been craving a hot dog for months, but have denied myself because I’m avoiding all the nitrates I can for Baby D. So imagine my excitement when I saw this new product in the grocery store…
The new Oscar Mayer Selects don’t have any added preservatives!
The hot dog tasted like heaven, and I am happy to announce my craving has been satiated.
In all the fun, I forgot to snap more pictures, but we had a blast, and next time I invite you on twitter or facebook, I hope you choose to join us!
What was the highlight of your weekend? Favorite activity or best thing you ate answers accepted 😉
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
What a fun weekend! I remember the days of drinking a water while my hubby enjoyed a beer sampler all to himself. The things we do for these little ones! 😉
Brittney says
I saw your invite late or I would have loved to come! Definitely let me know when you guys do it again! I’d love to come up and partake in some fun!
Brittany says
Please come next time! And Clyde, too 🙂
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
All of yesterday was great! The weather was beautiful, my boyfriend and I spent a great day together and I got an awesome deal on new running shoes! Can’t beat that!
Elizabeth @ Eat Clean Fun says
That is sad about the taphouse in Davidson. I have heard similar reviews from many people. I work in Davidson, but my co-workers and I haven’t stopped in there yet for lunch. That watermelon in your picture looks so good!
Brittany says
It’s such a shame because it has a great atmosphere and Hubbs loved the beer flights. Next time I’m going to go with their much more reasonably priced black bean burger and hope it’s better. If you try it, let me know what you think!
Jen says
What a fun weekend!
Oh man, a nitrate free hot dogs? I have been craving them for weeks but haven’t given in yet. I wonder if they make turkey nitrate free ones? (I don’t eat red meat). If so, I am running to the store!
christina says
Sounds like a fun weekend! I love that you’re eating onion dip! You’re so cute. And those hot dogs! Awesome!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Looks like you had some great food for you little cookout! 92* weather is kind of perfect for an outdoor event.. yes it is a little warm.. but it also means SUMMER!
The highlight of my weekend.. was having PInkberry for the first time!
But then I got sick yesterday.. and had to take a sick day from work 🙁
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I hate it when expensive meals are disappointing! At least the dip made up for it!
I went into Boston for the day on Saturday and had a blast. The weather was perfect and people were out and about!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
Highlight of the weekend: dancing at a wedding reception on Sat night!
I love hot dogs — I’m glad you got to enjoy a good one!
Brooke @ Veggie Table says
What a fun weekend!!!! The goat cheese dip is making my mouth water!! 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Saturday @ the BeerFest was definitely the most fun — you were right, still fun in the rain!
I totally would have went to your lake shindig if I didn’t have to board a plane. haha.
I am going to try to find those hot dogs because I love a hot dog in the summer.
Sarah says
Your weekend sounds wonderful! My sister-in-law got married over the weekend, and I was in the wedding party and helping with various details, so it was busy. But it was the most fun I think I’ve EVER had at a wedding:-).
Maria says
That looks like so much fun! There’s nothing I love more than a BBQ with friends, especially when it include 92 degree weather!
I spent my rather cold (high of 52) weekend at the beach, reading my book in front of the fireplace and consuming lots of homemade cookies 🙂
Allison @ PickyEatingRD says
How fun and I hadn’t seen those hot dogs yet. I will have to find them since I know bbq season is in full swing. To be honest I am looking forward to this weekend because I am sooo exhausted from moving. I cannot wait to have everything settled. Enjoy your Monday lovely!
Suzanne says
OMG THAT HOT DOG LOOKS INCREDIBLE!!!! I have never really been a HUGE hot dog fan, but the minute I found out I couldn’t have them the more I wanted them. Will definitely be checking those bad boys out and bring them to our next bbq. I hope you’re doing well. Have you started to swell at all? I noticed it in my ankles a little over the weekend (it was like 100 outside and probably not helpful that I was in heels a lot).
Brittany says
At the end of these hot days when I’ve been on my feet, I feel like my feet are swelling, but they haven’t looked swollen yet. I keep drinking water like it’s my job and kick my feet up in the evenings. Hoping it will at least delay any swelling 🙂
Donna @ Love, Run & Travel says
Goat cheese dip sounds like perfection in a bowl 🙂
I had a turkey dog this weekend and it was fantastic!
Sounds like you had a lovely weekend!
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I split Saturday visiting family and friends in my hometown, and it was wonderful.
I, too, am glad those hot dogs exist, so I can get them for my kids once on a while. I thought hot dogs might have to be limited to Twins games, which we attend very infrequently. Now they can probably pop up a little more often. 🙂
Sarah for Real says
Ok somewhat random question: What sunscreen are you using?
I’ve been searching for a less toxic one and figured you might have done some research on the topic because of Baby D.
Brittany says
Honestly, right now I’m using regular stuff made for babies- spf 50, but I’m on the search for something better. Check out this slideshow:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-sunscreens-460608#fbIndex1
I think I’m going to order some Alba Botanica Mineral Sunscreen soon!
Sarah for Real says
I was wondering about using baby stuff too but I like the idea of grown-up mineral kind better too, haha. I didn’t know such a thing existed. Thanks!
Tanya @ Vegan Faith says
I’m sorry I missed the fun!
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
Disappointing about the over-priced restaurant food, but I’m glad otherwise you had a great weekend! The BBQ looks like so much fun, and it’s nice that they now make hotdogs that aren’t so artificial/scary!
Best part of my weekend was having so much fun at the race I ran 🙂 Best food I ate was a crazy delicious piece of cheesecake!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
I am sorry that you didn’t enjoy your meal. 🙁 I actually had a similar dish on Friday night at Passion 8 Bistro, and I loved it (not to rub it in). It looks like you had a great weekend! 🙂
Karlee @olivewineandfood says
my boyfriend’s family has a similar relaxation station! i love it. they have a lake house on Lake Gaston. I know you live in NC, but where? I will be at Lake Gaston and Asheville next week!
pawsitivelife says
First thing I do when I get a house is have a BBQ, looks wonderful!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
I avoid hot dogs because of the nitrates, so I’m happy to hear that Oscar Mayer is now making a nitrite-free version! This means hot dogs are gonna happen this summer!
French onion dip is the jam! Glad you were able to *indulge*. 🙂
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says
What a super fun weekend! I love all the tasty treats. I actually had a hotdog on Memorial Day for the first time in months! It was definitely tasty 🙂
blackhuff says
I’m glad for you that you were able to have that hotdog which you craved so much 🙂
Your weekend looks like so much fun. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Emily says
Omg I’ve been craving hot dogs too! I’ve been avoiding them for the same reason, but it’s nice to see there are options out there!