Weekend Sunshine_XXIV

/

Hey everyone! How are you all hanging in? I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. I'm going to ignore the elephant in the room today and just focus on the fun parts of the weekend! I hope those that celebrated Valentine's Day whether with their valentine, family, or a group of friends - had a marvelous time!

Here are the sunniest parts of my weekend!

We kicked off Friday night with homemade turkey burgers topped with organic cheddar and smashed avocado/lime, wrapped in romaine. For a side, I made sweet potato "fries". This meal is a winner and we will eat it again soon! PS: Notice the fancy club sodas? I'm still using my drink passes (2 left!) and decided to save one for Saturday night instead of Friday. I still like to pretend I am drinking so these club sodas hit the spot (I mean, kind of, let's be serious...).

Then, one of my Valentines (Janet) picked me up and we went to Peter Welch's for the 10am class (we didn't even plan our matching vday outfits). Then, we picked up green juices from the new Juice Bar on West Broadway "Squeeze". Mine tasted like Romaine lettuce (oof), but, Janet's was pretty good. She got "The Hulk", I got "Pineapple Hydration" so do yourself a favor and hulk it up if you go. Mine was NOT good.

I drank it though. I'll tell ya - my rice cake topped with egg and cheese with a side of my favorite fruits was mighty tasty!

Then, I came home to my other Valentine (Rob) who spoiled me with the prettiest flowers I ever did see!

Then, we decided to go to the restaurant (Riccardos in the North End) at 5pm instead of 8pm because of the elephant in the room and it was a glorious decision!  We sat at the bar for almost two hours before we sat down to a hand-picked table by the owner. Oh, and there were red balloons everywhere and I thought it was the cutest.place.ever.... I think I said "Omigod it's so cute in here" about 20 times to Rob. He's so good for not making fun of me once during that.

Then, espresso martinis.

And, semi-discreet selfies until I asked the nice bartender to take one.

Then, delish dinner and after that we met up with JohnO and Alicia for bevs. 

It was the MOST PERFECT Valentine's Day EVER!

Sunday and Monday included a lot of something that starts with "shov" and ends with "ling", but, we did eat some heart shaped pasta with aglio olio to fuel up so that was cool!

And, that about wraps it up! How did you all spend the weekend? I hope your Valentine's or Galentine's or whatever it was that you celebrated was relaxing, fun, and included a lot of laughs.

Have a GREAT WEEK! xo

Friday Favs_Valentine's Day 2014

/

I love Valentine's Day. It is one of my favorite holidays. I know that sounds crazy because it's a Hallmark Holiday and kind of superficial, but, it really doesn't have to be! I was single for MOST Valentine's Days and I still loved it! My parents always made it special when I was little by giving me candy and cards (my mom still sends me a card every year). Freshman year in college, she sent me a Valentine Voo Doo doll because I had just gone through a break-up. Ha! Also, for some reason, when I was single, my best friend's boyfriends would always do something nice for me on Vday. In HS, Rachael's ex put a yellow rose in my locker as a thanks for helping me with her surprise. Michelle's husband would write me a Valentine ecard back when they were dating. So thoughtful! One guy in College wrote me a surprise Valentine that was the cutest thing ever - I never ended up dating him, but, I held on to the card. It was so risky and sweet!

My point is... single ladies - don't let this holiday get you down!  Either ignore it or go out with your girlfriends and have a fun night. To me, it's about love all around (and candy) which can be shared with anyone. Do something nice for someone and see how it makes you feel. That is what it's all about.

Today's Friday Favs has a Valentine's Spin for everyone! Enjoy and have a GREAT weekend!

 

About 4 or 5 years ago, I watched Cindy Crawford make Strawberry Pie on Oprah. I haven't made it in yearsss, but, remember it being the most delicious pie I had ever tasted. This would be an awesome treat for tonight. (and pretty easy to make (for pie))

Athena's #HeartMyHealth social campaign is super cute and just the motivation you'll need to get your heart racing for the good of your health this month!

Sooo the Olympic Village is HOT for Tinder... Can't say it's a bad idea... not a bad idea at all...

I NEED to make this heart-shaped cake. It is so stinking cute and looks super easy to make. I'd probably just use a box mix, Cherrybrook Kitchen has a great one. 

And finally, a little inspiration for the weekend...

Rob and I are headed to Gather tonight... he hasn't been yet so I'm really excited! This weekend, we're off to a wedding! What are you all up to? How are you spending the weekend?

xo