A little mix of house work and play usually makes for a satisfying weekend and it rung true for this one. We kicked it off on the ‘play’ side in the form of date night! David and I are trying to make these more of a regular occurrence. We started the evening in Davidson, at one of our favorites, Restaurant X.
Our plan was to grab some apps before heading to the movie theater, which serves food and drinks. We devoured the shrimp rolls and dip duo in time to show up to the theater like a bunch of rookies, as we were told at the door that every showing to every movie was sold out. Next time, Mr. Bond, next time.
We rallied and headed to D9 Brewery instead. Charlotte is really bursting with awesome local breweries (check out this North Carolina brewery map).
D9 Brewery is located in what looks like an office park in Cornelius. They had the Imperial Sandwiches food truck set up outside and live guitar inside. It was comfortably full and a nice relaxed, clean atmosphere. We set up shop in a back table and sampled our way through 8 beers and an incredible Cuban sandwich on sourdough.
For the beer lovers, my favorite was Head of the Horsemen, an Imperial Pumpkin Ale with medium body blend of pumpkin, spices, brown sugar and clove. It is also a 10%er so whew, it’s a beast! Delicious.
The rainy Saturday morning was the perfect set up for a leisurely breakfast.
We were low on bacon, so we split two pieces four ways. Let me tell you, a half piece of bacon is just a tease. I crumbled it on my cheese grits to make it go further.
Saturday afternoon finally arrived to Hailey’s joy. It was her best friend’s birthday party!
It was at a local pottery place and the kids all got to pick a piece to paint.
It took all my willpower to just let her paint it how she wanted to and not step in to ask, are you sure you don’t want the crown to be yellow?!
Blue crown and pink hair?… you got it girl.
The cupcakes Alison made were delicious! Gluten-free cake and vanilla icing colored with BEET powder! How cool is that?! Not being a beet lover myself, I can vouch that it tasted nothing like beets and 100% like sweet, delicious vanilla icing.
Saturday night David had a work shindig, so I asked Hailey what she wanted for dinner. Mac ‘n cheese and salad.
Easy enough. Rounded out with La Crema red wine for mom (you know, solo weekend duty and all).
Sunday morning David busted his butt working in the yard (it needed a lot of TLC) and I wrangled the girls at two grocery stores.
I figured that earned me a cup of Christmas morning tea and a lit Fresh Balsam candle (my favorite scent!!!) as I unloaded.
In the sake of full disclosure, all my fall decorations have been put away. The house is clean and I’m itching to pull out Christmas. It hasn’t happened… yet.
Sunday afternoon we had a family photo session and I have my fingers crossed a bajillion times that we got one good family shot for our Christmas card. It’s not an easy age for focus and smiles on demand.
That’s a wrap!
Are you feeling the Christmas spirit start to creep in?
I usually wait until after Thanksgiving, but I wouldn’t mind an extra week or two of Christmas joy this year.
What did you do this weekend?
emma @ be mom strong says
Ah date night… I’d take a night in without bed duty right now! Looks like a fun weekend.
Hard NOT to feel the Christmas cheer… Just walk in Target!
Sherry says
Enjoyed reading about your weekend-in and out. I ordered some Christmas Morning and Christmas Eve Stash tea earlier this morning before seeing your post. Being a cold and rainy Sunday here yesterday, what else was there to do but get the Christmas decorations out (and watch both “my” teams loose), and drink some Christmas Eve tea.
John J. says
Super pic of you and Hailey! Looking forward to seeing family photos.
Dana says
I usually wait until after Thanksgiving too…I always feel like that holiday gets a little neglected with everything Christmas so early…..BUT..you have a good point, who cant use a little Christmas joy inside a few weeks ahead of time.?? I love Christmas.!! And I can wait until after Thanksgiving for the outside decorations 🙂 Now I need to get a Christmas candle…You got me in the spirit 🙂
Kate says
You look glowing in that snapshot with H!
I still haven’t wrapped my head around the fact that Christmas is less than 2 months away! But since we are hosting this year I should start thinking about menu ideas…
Katie says
Thanksgiving is late this year…So I vote you start putting out christmas a little earlier!
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
Ah, the holiday card photo shoot – one of my most dreaded tasks, but I’m always so happy when it’s done! It sounds like you had a great weekend! I love that Christmas morning tea, too. 🙂
Erin says
I am totally starting to feel the Christmas creeping in. It’s a struggle between embracing it and feeling a little guilty that I should wait until after Thanksgiving. 😉
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
Looks like a fun weekend! That’s happened to me with movies before…I think maybe one of the Harry Potter movies when I was little 🙂
Heather says
Looks like a great date night despite the sold out movie. 😉
We are definitely feeling the Christmas spirit start to sneak in, but we’ll hold off on decorating until Thanksgiving weekend because… tradition. We can’t mess with that! Now to see who will take apart the tree first – the kids or the new kitten. 😉
joanna says
Christmas is totally creeping in, but I’m 100% on board! So far, we have Christmas music playing. I love that my daughter is starting to learn a few songs – she’ll be ready by December 😉
Elizabeth says
Looks like a fun weekend, especially date night! I was sick over the weekend (still am) and had solo kid duty. The show must go on! We made it work, the house is a mess but we’re all doing our thing on Monday.
Not sure if this is available in your area, but have you tried Instacart (have I asked you this before)? My co-worker does this weekly & loves it. She says the actually saves $ (everything she gets is organic from Whole Foods) b/c she sticks exactly to her list & avoids impulse buys. I’m going to try it soon.
Tami says
I am dying to decorate for christmas!!! Dyinggggg!!!!! I do at least wait until the day after Thanksgiving to get our tree. That’s as long as I can wait 🙂
I love the Balsam scent! Where is that candle from?
Parita @ myinnershakti says
SO excited about the end of the year. I’m heading back to GA for Thanksgiving, so V and I are going to do an early dinner for two. Can’t wait!
Maria says
I’m resisting Christmas a little bit. If I watched my favorite movies now, they won’t seem as special when I watch them in December 🙂 I do; however, need to get started with shopping. I finished last year by this time and it made for a really relaxing season.
Cannot wait to see your family photos (if you plan to share!). You both look adorable!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
It’s fantastic that you and David are putting forth the effort to emphasize date nights. I think that is so important, and I love that you are taking time out for yourself. You’re a great mom and a great wife too! I cannot wait to see your Christmas photos of your sweet fam. Christmas spirit hit me on October 1st, so I’m pleased to see it is finally beginning to happen for others as well. 🙂
Lauren Brennan says
I don’t know what it is, but I am totally ready to decorate for Christmas this year! I usually have a strict “day after Thanksgiving” rule, but it may have to be broken this year. :). Maybe it’s having small kids? I don’t know…