Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day
It was an unusually warm Valentine’s Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering, so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress free date night and an al fresco dinner at home.
Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner
It's been a busy month around here and I'm in need of calming my spirit. I just discovered images of a date night at home from way back on Valentine's Day. Feels like I'm a bit behind the eight ball but I'm going to share this anyway.
The landscape outback looks far different than it does today, but the images made me smile. I hope they do for you too. A beautiful sunset, some delicious food, and a camera on a tripod can capture a mood.
This is a throwback post to February and a cozy evening spent hanging around the house.
It was an unusually warm Valentine's Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free date night and an alfresco dinner at home.
The delicious menu (Thank you Amanda):
While Scott was putting the meal together, I had time to set the table, arrange the flowers, and sip some champagne.
Now, THIS is my idea of a fun night at home!
Watching the quality of light change -- from sunset to sundown to twilight -- is one of our favorite elements of living here with this view.
The city lights come alive on a clear night like this one. I had no idea placing the camera on a tri-pod would capture the candlelight this way. A moody soundtrack, fresh flowers, candles and twinkling lights help set the mood for date night around our house.
So does his face... :)
Whether it's a simple meal you cook together, your favorite Thai take-out boxes, or a special occasion meal like this one, a date night at home can be just as good (or better!) than going out on the town sometimes.
Do you have any favorite ideas for creating a memorable date night at home?
A Spring Picnic on Table Mountain
This is more of an afternoon date than date night, but I’ll have to make an exception this time. Scott and I headed up to Table Mountain in Oroville last weekend to view the wildflowers.
This is more of an afternoon date than date night, but I'll have to make an exception this time. Scott and I headed up to Table Mountain in Oroville last weekend to view the wildflowers.
I commute to Oroville for work so I see the big "O" on the side of Table Mountain every day. It is aptly named after a table because it is unusually flat for a mountain. You'll see.
We took the winding roads up the mountain, past the greenest hillsides I've seen in California in a very long time.
Lake Oroville is completely full. What a beautiful sight! I wonder if my friend Trish and her husband are out on their houseboat like most weekends.
Finally we arrive on the top of Table Mountain.
The flowers are blooming! These families were having such a wonderful time. I remember being fascinated with kites. My parents bought me a shiny mylar kite with a very long tail. After seeing these beauties all afternoon I realize I still am a fan.
There's my date, checking out the views.
We finally settle in for our picnic with my stylish basket created by my sister, Dorie. This was a spontaneous date so we grabbed the basket--filled with silverware, plates, napkins and wine glasses -- and picked up some of our favorite healthy vegetable bowls from T-Bar on our way out of town.
A comfy blanket, a basket of goodies, a great read, a splash of chilled rose, and a great date makes the perfect springtime afternoon.
The Fine Art of Romance (His+Her Perspective)
For me, romance is not the sweeping gesture, the dripping of diamonds or the elaborate gifts. For me, time spent enjoying my loved one [Scott] and creating memories is the fine art of romance. I also love a hand-written sentiment, as Scott and I shared in
For me, time spent enjoying my loved one [Scott] and creating memories is the fine art of romance. I also love a hand-written sentiment, as Scott and I shared several years ago.
If I have my choice, travel is my go to for celebration or creating some romance.
The Fine Art of Romance
Is there such a thing? I imagine romance is a bit different for each of us.
What does it mean to you?
For me, romance is not the sweeping gesture, the dripping of diamonds or the elaborate gifts. For me, time spent enjoying my loved one [Scott] and creating memories is the fine art of romance. I also love a hand-written sentiment, as Scott and I shared in
For me, time spent enjoying my loved one [Scott] and creating memories is the fine art of romance. I also love a hand-written sentiment, as Scott and I shared in this post from several years ago.
If I have my choice, travel is my go to for celebration or creating some romance.
Unfortunately, not this year.
Scott and I had planned to be on our winter vacation for Valentine's Day this year. Perfect timing to be on a tropical getaway, or so we thought.
As with many things in life, when plans change, we come up with Plan B.
Disappointed...yes, discouraged...no!
We are figuring out how to bring some romance home this year.
As Scott continues dealing with ongoing back pain, we are finding different ways to create some romance around the house. It might be a soak in the tub or our re-discovered outdoor spa. It may be a whirl around the globe over steaming mugs of coffee, plotting our next travel adventures. Or it may be soaking up the unusually warm weather we are having here in California this week by dining on the patio. It will be savoring the fragrance of the first of the season tuberoses Scott found at Trader Joe's (my favorites) and there will be some moments of gratitude. Not for what we don't have this year, but for what we do have. Romance is not just about a day. It's more about how we live our lives, don't you think? I've shared some thoughts on how to keep the spark alive and tips for getting the 'sexy back' in previous posts.
I asked Scott what romance means to him this year and he decided to write it down:
From Scott: I suppose there is not a clear distinction between romantic and loving, so I'll blend them. The last four months have included my shoulder surgery, a wonderful, quick trip to San Francisco to celebrate Christmas with "the girls" (my three daughters), a rather severe back injury with another potential surgery (me, again), and the canceled tropical getaway. Through all of these ups and downs, mostly downs, Heather has really "been there". She was tearful just before my shoulder surgery (worried wife). She took me for a walk in the park when I got cabin fever. She was generous, loving with my family. She has clearly felt my pain with me, she has gotten up in the middle of the night when I was in angry agony over the back pain, and she has been patient when my pain and frustration resulted in less-than-appreciative behavior on my part. Together, we have continued to find reasons to laugh intensely, and she has remained kind, hopeful, adventurous, sexy and romantic. What is romantic to me? A woman who shows me this love when I'm far from my best. I hope my gratitude and plans for more future romantic getaways are enough for her to feel romanced this Valentine's Day. - Scott
Following a short escape to wine country early in the week, we are happy to be home on Valentine's Day. Scott ordered up a gourmet carry-out dinner from Bacio Catering here in Chico. Since I have been handling the load of shopping and cooking for the last few months, this is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day without the hassle. I love the thoughtfulness of his gift and I'm looking forward to a gourmet dinner at home that I don't have to cook. ;)
What is the fine art of romance to you?
Date Night: A Double Date and Meeting in the Middle
When Scott and I started seeing each other, I lived in the San Francisco bay area and he lived in Chico, about 2 hours away. One Tuesday he called me and said, "I can't wait until the weekend to see you. Let's meet in the middle for dinner tonight". To be honest, there is a whole lot of nothing in between, but we did some research and luckily we discovered Louis Cairo's Steakhouse in Williams, just off Interstate 5. With cheery red checked tablecloths, delicious pastas and steaks, and the GLOW of a new love, it was a memorable evening to say the least. As we walked away from our table that night, the gentleman sitting across from us said, "If you don't want her, I'll take her". To that I say, "Thank you sir!" We not only had a full blown love affair going on but also a new spot for dinner right in the middle. Flash forward 17 years and now we make the drive to Louis Cairo's a few times a year to meet up with friends who live in the bay area.
The hour long drive is definitely worth it and you never know what you might see along the way. There must a a story behind this Porsche emblazoned with "Polizei" --German for police.
Welcome to Williams, California.
It's conveniently located just off Interstate 5.
I believe it's mandatory for a country town to have a water tower.
Williams has a water tower.
The main drag....
Tonight it's a double date...
and no, I don't own cowboy boots.
Neither does Scott...
but we are always warmly welcomed at Louis Cairos.
It is always so good to see our friends,
Dean and Kathryn
Suspenders are always a good option in town.
After a few minutes to catch up, we are seated in the dining room at Louis Cairo's. I don't see the red and white checked table cloths anymore and they've definitely zhushed the place up a bit over the last decade or so.
Lucky us, our warm and lovely server, Rita, took wonderful care of us all evening. Rita introduced us to Shed Horn Cellars wine.The cabernet sauvignon was lush and complex. We were saddened to hear that the winemaker/owners, Michael and Adawn Wood, had just lost their home and winery in the Middletown fire. Michael reported to the SF Chronicle that he was helping save other homes without realizing his own home was burning. He said fortunately they have good insurance and will be able to rebuild. They had completed most of the harvest for the season so the wine-making will continue.
As for the fare at Louis Cairo's--fresh salads, Italian pastas and extraordinary steaks are on the extensive menu. The Louis Bread is powerful--loaded with garlic. Let's just say it's best for all (or none) to partake. We always dive in! Care for a mint?
A hidden gem right in the middle.
See you again in a couple of months Louis Cairos!!
Have you discovered any hidden gems lately?
Date Night: 15th Wedding Anniversary and a Sparkling Surprise!
Our 15th wedding anniversary started as a typical day around the house. A quick kiss for luck and we were off to work. Scott and I had celebrated our 15th a bit early with a swanky summer vacation to Riviera Maya, so we wanted to keep the actual day of our anniversary, September 10th, more low key.
15th Wedding Anniversary
Our 15th wedding anniversary started as a typical day around the house. A quick kiss for luck and we were off to work. Scott and I had celebrated our 15th a bit early with a swanky summer vacation to Riviera Maya, so we wanted to keep the actual day of our anniversary, September 10th, more low key.
Gifts were readied and wrapped....
we enjoyed a private toast...
and we were off to one of our favorite restaurants in town, Red Tavern, for dinner on the patio.
It was a warm evening and we had the patio all to ourselves.
We dined on a delicious meal, a special celebratory dessert,
and it was time to open gifts.
I created a book of our wedding photos for Scott.
We've had a book of proofs for 15 years but never a true wedding album.
Scott bought me a sparkling anniversary band. I knew that he had a ring in mind for me and he asked me to help pick it out.
I didn't expect that he would get down on one knee--for the first time--and propose another 15 years and a lifetime of marriage.
Be still my heart...
Every time I see the sparkle of these diamonds I am reminded of our commitment and the hard work it took to make it these 15 years. Believe me, those first few years--as a new step-family--we were not so sure we would be celebrating 15 years of marriage down the road.
Our day may have started like a typical day but it ended with a sweet celebration,
new memories and a surprise proposal.
In the end, our 15th wedding anniversary was not a typical day at all...
As those of us who are married know for sure--it's not always easy.
It is worth the effort and definitely worthy of celebration.
I'd do it all over again....
Our thanks to Rich (owner) and Deanna at Red Tavern for making our anniversary evening even more special.
Date Night: A Sunset Sail in a Tropical Paradise
For the final evening of our vacation in Riviera Maya, we chose a sunset sail at our resort, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. The turquoise waters, gentle tropical breezes, friendly service, bubbly champagne and new friends made it the best way to usher in the evening.
For the final evening of our vacation in Riviera Maya, we chose a sunset sail at our resort, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. The turquoise waters, gentle tropical breezes, friendly service, bubbly champagne and new friends made it the best way to usher in the evening.
I always love being on--or near--the water and this sailing adventure reminded me just how much I enjoy sailing. It had been years since I'd been out on a sailboat. I'm holding Scott's glass here so that he could take the photo. I promise--I wasn't drinking two glasses of champagne at once! ;)
My sailor, also enjoying his bubbly.
There were a few other couples on this sunset sail, like Jenny and Tyler--a fun couple from Virginia--celebrating their honeymoon.
I had to laugh when I realized how my Rachel Roy top caught wind in this sailing adventure. It definitely had a mind of its own. I've enjoyed wearing this halter top all season but perhaps it's a bit more stylish on dry land.
Cheers to our last night at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita--we can't wait to return!!
