True that.

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I don’t know, friends – just a rough day.  It happens to the best of us, right?  But my day was turned around by a spontaneous date night with the Husband, which included him realizing his shirt was on inside out as we walked to the restaurant.  Public stripping = the little things in life.

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But before that, I had a fun photoshoot for Breathe Magazine for an Operation Beautiful-related spread.  I only mention it because 1) I had to bring 12 outfits because nothing I own felt acceptable for frolicking in a random Charlotte backyard with post-it notes taped to my forehead and 2) the photographer, Deborah Triplett, was awesome.  You should hire her if you need a portrait done in Charlotte.

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Before said photoshoot: a snack.  I had cereal, yogurt, and ginormous blackberries.

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And dinner was held at the infamous (famous?) Big Daddy’s burger bar, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Husband’s future clinic (and I’m actually going to dinner there again tomorrow night – I’m not complaining).

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Big Daddy’s is king of Black Bean Burgers on whole wheat buns!

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I upgraded my meal so I could get a custom mini-salad on the side, which included Napa cabbage, red onions, apples, pecans, brie, and balsamic.

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As we know, I believe in beer.  We split two $5 tasters, and I ordered the same tasters each time:  Rogue Ale and Sweetwater 420 (mine are on the right).

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Which did I love more?  That is a tough call.  It’s like having to pick a favorite dog – how can I choose between Maggie and James?  How can I choose between Sweetwater and Rogue?

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Aaaah.

 

Good night, my friends!

{ 59 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing July 13, 2010, 9:41 pm

    Sometimes you just need a little beer 🙂
    And the photo shoot sounds exciting!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] July 13, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Wow, you’ve had one BUSY Tuesday! Will we get to see your photos soon!?

  • Nicole @ Making Good Choices July 13, 2010, 9:45 pm

    A good beer always makes the day improve. Hope you are feeling better!

  • Jordan July 13, 2010, 9:46 pm

    I live in Charlotte and I absolutely LOVE Big Daddy’s! Charlotte Restaurants are absolutely amazing!

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 13, 2010, 10:17 pm

      I’ve never been to Charlotte but I’ll keep it on my list of places to hit up if I’m ever in the area.

  • Cindi July 13, 2010, 9:48 pm

    Sweetwater wins everytime in my book! Have you tried their IPA??? MMMMM!!! I’m glad you’re having a better day! xx

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 8:54 am

      I have never seen their IPA – I bet I would love it.

  • Kat July 13, 2010, 9:50 pm

    Was it Rogue American Amber? My all time favorite amber!

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 8:58 am

      I’m not sure – it looks pretty dark! What do you think?

  • Anna July 13, 2010, 9:52 pm

    Love, love, LOVE Big Daddy’s black bean burgers. Had one on Sunday! It’s even better if you add avocado and salsa. Hope tomorrow is a better day for you.

  • Camille July 13, 2010, 9:54 pm

    Congrats on your photoshoot! Sounds like fun! Plus dinner sounds amazing 🙂

  • Brittany (a healthy slice of life) July 13, 2010, 10:00 pm

    A few sips of beer sure can make things better 🙂

    What was stressing you out?

    I love me some Big Daddys! Their sweet potato fries rock 🙂

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 8:59 am

      Work-related items beyond my control. 🙂

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite July 13, 2010, 10:01 pm

    We all have days like that. Beer is like ice cream… it makes everything better 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is July 13, 2010, 10:01 pm

    The photoshoot sounds fun! At least the day got better. 😉

  • Jill@MySoCalledHealthLife July 13, 2010, 10:03 pm

    1) cute nail polish

    2) hope your day is fully better by now

    3) pass a rogue please, actually make it two 🙂

  • Kacy July 13, 2010, 10:08 pm

    So sorry about the rough day, but I definitely believe in that something too. Beer, stripping and date night – definitely a good end to a bad day it seems.

  • Alexis @ Mission: Ambition July 13, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I hope tomorrow is better for you! Beer is one of those things that I’ve just never liked…I’ve tried many and have yet to find any I enjoy. But, definitely a good way to turn around a bad day!

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 13, 2010, 10:16 pm

    I think sometimes we need and deserve a little beer! Have a good night and I bet tomorrow will be way better!!

  • Jo July 13, 2010, 10:17 pm

    That sign is too wonderful!

  • Chelsey July 13, 2010, 10:18 pm

    I love spontaneous date nights! I’m glad you got to relax after a stressful day!!

  • John July 13, 2010, 10:20 pm

    What sucks worse than noticing your shirt is on wrong on the way to your event is to notice after it…happened a couple of times to me 🙁 People were too kind and didn’t say anything.

  • Alex July 13, 2010, 10:27 pm

    That black-and-white polka dot dress on your bed? I TOTALLY HAVE THAT. It’s one of my favorite dresses and I wear it all the time! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear it in any pictures, though — you should! Very cute!

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 9:00 am

      It’s from Target! 🙂 It has a stain on the front (I figured they could photoshop it out, lol). I have the same dress in a floral print, it’s super comfy.

  • Marie July 13, 2010, 10:32 pm

    Beer can definitely make things better.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape July 13, 2010, 10:32 pm

    This place you ate sounds pretty much amazing. I love black bean burgers! And I had to laugh at your husband fixing his shirt on the way to the restaurant. What a boy thing to do, haha.

  • Heather July 13, 2010, 10:43 pm

    sorry you had a bad day. Mine was pretty crappy myself!

  • Mindy July 13, 2010, 10:55 pm

    Glad you had a great night! Hope it makes tomorrow better than today! 🙂

  • Danielle July 13, 2010, 11:08 pm

    That stinks that you had a rough day. I think there must have been something in the air because today sucked for us (and my mom!) too.

    Yea for a fun date night though 🙂

  • Nicole July 13, 2010, 11:08 pm

    That burger looks epic, hope it helped to end your day on a better note!

  • Emily July 13, 2010, 11:12 pm

    Big Daddy’s is awesome. Whenever I visit my brother in Charlotte we always eat there. You have to go for brunch. It is great!

  • Jess July 13, 2010, 11:19 pm

    OMG-woman after my own heart- Sweetwater and Rouge? Well, 420 is NOT my fave Sweetwater, so in this case I’ll go with the Rouge!

    Do we get to see results of the photoshoot eventually? Please? 🙂

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 9:01 am

      I think so? Not sure!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels July 13, 2010, 11:26 pm

    Is it wrong that I know tomorrow is going to be like that and have already planned a date night that will hopefully include beer

  • maria @ Chasing the Now July 13, 2010, 11:57 pm

    I hope tomorrow is better. We all have these kinds of days. It’s good to remember that and not get too down.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople July 14, 2010, 12:28 am

    Fun! A photo shoot. I can’t wait for your book to come out!

  • Ashley July 14, 2010, 12:37 am

    One thing I definitely miss about Charlotte is Big Daddys!! The black bean was my fav and their sweet tater fries rock. Glad your night turned around a bit 🙂

  • kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com July 14, 2010, 1:08 am

    public stripping- haha TAKE IT OFF!

    burgers and beer- could that scream SUMMERTIME anymore!?! haha LOOKS FABULOUS GIRL!

    xoxo

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 14, 2010, 2:50 am

    I’m sure the husband stripping and the beer made up for the bad day 🙂 they couldn’t fail to really!

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 14, 2010, 4:01 am

    That sure looks like one tasty burger! Hope you enjoyed the photoshoot – will we get to see the results??!

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 9:02 am

      I’m not sure. I’m going to ask!

  • Sarah (GF vegan) July 14, 2010, 4:09 am

    Wow, the photoshoot sounds so exciting! Can’t wait to see the pictures, if you post any 🙂

    Date night- the husband and I need to make these things a regular, and right now we are way overdue one! Maybe tomorrow night… x

  • Julia @ Brit Bride July 14, 2010, 5:24 am

    You have to post the pictures for us Caitlin! Can’t wait to see them – your book launch is coming so soon…! I can’t wait to get my copy and also to hear about your next projects.

    Julia
    http://www.britbride.com

  • Emily Eats and Exercises July 14, 2010, 7:34 am

    Looks like you found a great way to turn your day around! I would like to join you for one of those black bean burgers please. Too bad I need a plane ticket first. 🙁

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers July 14, 2010, 7:45 am

    Ooo seeing those burgers reminds me: Have you checked out Nix yet? Seriously the best veggie burger I’ve ever had- it would even convert a skeptic. Plus awesome sweet potato fries!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie July 14, 2010, 7:48 am

    Seriously, nothing like good food, drinks and time with the hubby to turn a bad day upside down! Rogue Ale, it’s a good one sister.

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries July 14, 2010, 8:13 am

    Heaven knows, I believe in beer too!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly July 14, 2010, 8:16 am

    That black bean burger looks awesome!!!

  • Rosey Rebecca July 14, 2010, 8:19 am

    I need that sign.. but I need to say wine. Beer is awesome, too.

    Glad you turned your day around! The burger looks awesome. It’s so cool that you participated in a photo shoot!

  • kirsten July 14, 2010, 8:37 am

    Does your husband have a big tattoo on his back? I want to see! I’m glad your date cheered you up! Sometimes [blackbean] burgers and beer are all that you need 🙂

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 9:03 am

      I was wondering if anyone would notice that… yes he does. It’s a giant tattoo of the British flag. LOL

  • Cindy July 14, 2010, 8:39 am

    I had the black bean burger and sweet potato fries when I went to Big Daddy’s back in February! I can’t wait to get back to Charlotte to go there and have it again! I am sure this burger is the best I have ever had! I love reading your blog Caitlin!

  • Lauren July 14, 2010, 8:41 am

    Caitlin you have to get the Sam I Am and sub in a black bean burger (and omit the ham of course). Seriously the best burger you will EVER have!!!

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 9:03 am

      I might get it tonight!!

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) July 14, 2010, 9:08 am

    Sounds awesome. I am sorry you had a rough day. I hope everything looks better in the morning (although the beer and relaxation probably helped). And you should talk about OB here more often 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 14, 2010, 9:34 am

    Aw, that’s so cool about the photo shoot and magazine spread. How exciting. Sorry you had a craptastic day but it looks like you recovered well. 🙂

  • Wei-Wei July 14, 2010, 10:38 am

    Public stripping – LOL. Love it. And a photo shoot! Where will we be able to see the results, lovely girl? 😉

    Wei-Wei

  • Georgia July 14, 2010, 1:30 pm

    Beer makes everything better! What color nail polish are you wearing? I love it!

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 1:55 pm

      OPI Panda-monium Pink!

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