Atlantic Grille

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Date night!

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And BOY did we need it!  The Husband worked all day at the Florida clinic, and I spent SIX HOURS doing serious manual labor in the garden.  This was not your mama’s weeding.  This was back-breaking gardening.  I took more than 14 huge garbage bags of trimming to the trash.

 

The result was well worth it.  We have some more weeding and cleaning up to do tomorrow though.

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I took two snack breaks.  First was a bowl of Greek yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, and almonds:

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And second break was for hummus and crackers:

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When all was said and done, I looked like this:

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My mother-in-law remarked that I looked “shattered.”  And I thought to myself, “Running 10.25 miles and then spending six hours gardening was the worst idea ever.”  My legs felt like Jell-O by the end of it all!

 

So I drank some wine:

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And then the Husband appeared bearing gifts!

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Pumpkin Spice Latte, flowers, and chocolate?  Be still my heart.  🙂

 

After drinking my coffee and eating some chocolate, I showered and got ready for our date night.  I think the idea of date night is great when you’re trying to live on a budget.  Knowing we have a special night planned each week really prevents us from spending throughout the week on small, less memorable things.  

 

We went to the Atlantic Grille, a nice seafood restaurant on the ocean.

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We opted to sit outside so we could hear the waves crashing!

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Since we were at a seafood restaurant (there aren’t many choices in this sleepy beachside town), we asked if the chef would mind making some vegetarian and vegan modifications for us.  He was very accommodating!  I ended up selecting some of the side dishes listed for the entrees as my main meal.

 

An orange, cranberry, pecan, and goat cheese salad to start:

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And gnocchi with roasted Brussel sprouts for my main dish (this photo is kind of misleading… it was a LOT of gnocchi!):

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The Husband had a vegan pasta dish and an entire bread basket.  🙂

 

It was a great dinner with excellent service.  And we pretty much managed to stay within our budget (we spent $59 with tip and our budget is $50.)

 

We walked on the beach for a while afterwards:

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Fun fact:  I took this picture at 9 PM!  Someone was sitting down the beach with a flashlight, as you can see.  It was so pitch dark out that I couldn’t even see down the beach or the breaking waves with my own human eyes. (If you’re wondering what I set the camera to, it was:  ISO at 1600, AV at +2, Aperture at 3.5, and 30 second exposure.  Sounds like gibberish to me to this very day!)

 

I am pooped!

{ 109 comments }

 

  • eatmovelove September 28, 2010, 10:05 pm

    An entire bread basket?

    Oh my – does he have a brother? Soul. Mates.

    Too cute. Love the Date Night. And LOVE Sabra Hummus -God, 2 tubs, 2 days. ‘Nuff said.

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini September 28, 2010, 10:05 pm

    Good man!!!

  • Cheryl H. September 28, 2010, 10:07 pm

    Wow! A well deserved night out with romantic with gifts, too. Then the restaurant looks so perfect. I hope it was as great as it looks.

  • Michelle @ IronDivas September 28, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Awwwm, that looks like it was an awesome date night! What beautiful scenery, I love the beach!

  • Carolina John September 28, 2010, 10:13 pm

    wow, that is some fantastic husband you’ve got there! flowers, latte and chocolate? then a nice dinner out? he must have screwed something up pretty bad to need to make up for it like that. i kid of course.

    • Caitlin September 28, 2010, 10:14 pm

      haha he is preemptive in his niceness.

  • Alyssa September 28, 2010, 10:14 pm

    The garden looks beautiful! It must feel relaxing to be around it 🙂

  • Paige September 28, 2010, 10:19 pm

    HOW is your husband holding that Starbucks cup? It looks like it’s either floating or he’s holding it by his…pinkie? Also, I have to say: As a girlfriend of a “ginger,” I recognize that your husband’s beard is growing in a lot more red than his hair does…I’m glad my boyfriend isn’t the only one! 😀

    Your nighttime beach picture looks SO great – good job!

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 28, 2010, 10:20 pm

    Ha! I would have eaten the whole bread basket if I were you — after all taht activity I’d be super hungry!

    Date nights are wonderful — Jason and I have one at least once a week (budgeted for of course) 🙂 And I look forward to them all week.

    I was nervous to see your husband holding your PSL with barely 1 finger — that is precious cargo 🙂

  • Nancy September 28, 2010, 10:22 pm

    Yardwork is hard work!!! Especially after already running – you are a machine! But that picture of your husband is perfect!

  • Isaac September 28, 2010, 10:23 pm

    ‘atta boy Kristien. 😉 no better aphrodisiac than flowers, chocolate, and starbucks. lol.

    • Nicole - yuppie yogini September 28, 2010, 10:28 pm

      You should know 😉

      • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 7:39 am

        get a room you two!

        • Isaac September 29, 2010, 11:44 am

          oh we plan on it 😀 birthday nookie for the win!

  • Michele September 28, 2010, 10:26 pm

    Wow, what a workout you had, but it sure ended well! I always enjoy your pictures!

    Your hubby is a doll!

  • Kelly September 28, 2010, 10:27 pm

    Wow! Go Kristien!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous September 28, 2010, 10:28 pm

    PUMPKIN latte, chocolate AND flowers?! The hubs is the cutest ever! And I can’t believe you do date night every week! That’s awesome…I think the bf and I need to make more of an effort like that 🙂

  • Kjirsten @ balancedhealhtylife September 28, 2010, 10:44 pm

    I love pumpkin spie lattes. I hope you enjoyed your night. It sounded like a great night with your husband!

  • Amber K September 28, 2010, 10:45 pm

    Holy cow! I can’t imagine doing that much in one day. You rock! You definitely deserved a nice date night with the hubby.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine September 28, 2010, 10:51 pm

    Ohhh the hus definitely knows the way to your heart!! Flowers + chocolate? Perfection.

    Looks like a lovely dinner…I can’t believe that photo was taken in the dark!!

  • Kristina @ spabettie September 28, 2010, 10:57 pm

    what a sweetie bringing you all that… 🙂 much deserved for that wonderful gardening and support you are giving 🙂

    I love taking night photos !

  • Camille September 28, 2010, 10:58 pm

    That’s an amazing Hubby you have there 🙂

  • Ramona September 28, 2010, 11:07 pm

    Was the bread in the basket vegan?

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 7:40 am

      Yup! We asked 🙂

  • Shannon @ Freshman Yr of Life September 28, 2010, 11:07 pm

    What a cool picture and that hummus is the BEST. Some in my fridge as we speak!

  • Sheri September 28, 2010, 11:12 pm

    That was sweet of your hubby to come home baring gifts! Mine came home today with some Passion Tea Lemonde from Starbucks…a man after my heart of course!

    Love the nightime beach picture…awesome job!

  • ari September 28, 2010, 11:25 pm

    hey caitlin!
    so, i’m sorry if this is TMI but i something great happened tonight and i wanted to share. i haven’t gotten my period in about 2 and a half years, and my doctor said it’s because my body weight/fat percentage is too low. i struggled with anorexia for a while, and was so afraid to gain weight back to be healthy again.
    well, little by little, my food fears went away and i got back to a healthy weight. i stopped exercising so much and started eating enough calories for my body. and tonight, i got my period. i guess my body is working again! 🙂

    • Wei-Wei September 28, 2010, 11:44 pm

      Oh my god, Ari, CONGRATULATIONS! The same thing happened to me, actually – I got mine WITHOUT the hormone therapy that my doctor gave me. I’m so happy! It’d be awesome if you could email me – midna.loves.cheese@gmail.com – because I really would love to talk about this with you. 😀

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 7:40 am

      Yay for Aunt Flow returning 🙂 I am so glad you are getting healthier.

      • Sara September 29, 2010, 12:55 pm

        LOL – I thought I was the only person who called it Aunt Flow! 😉

  • Sana September 28, 2010, 11:26 pm

    Happy times in the Healthy Tipping Point world!!! You guys needed a nice night out!

  • Sarah for Real September 28, 2010, 11:27 pm

    OMG, swoon. Your husband is so sweet! And YOU are so sweet to help out in the garden. Impressive work!

  • Amy September 28, 2010, 11:28 pm

    Sounds like a fun night! What kind of crackers are those? They look tasty.

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged September 28, 2010, 11:30 pm

    Aww, what a sweetheart! Work hard, play hard 🙂

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) September 28, 2010, 11:38 pm

    I love that your hub is holding the coffee with 2 fingers and his nipple. That’s talent 🙂

    • Wei-Wei September 28, 2010, 11:45 pm

      LOLOLOLOL I was wondering how he was holding it, actually. I was not aware of nipple use.

      • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 7:41 am

        haha his nipple is strong i guess.

  • hippierunner September 28, 2010, 11:42 pm

    You guys are so adorable! Seriously! I like your point on how one date night prevents random spending here and there; I have to remember that!

  • Amanda September 28, 2010, 11:50 pm

    I <3 date night… we need one too! It help you re-connect when you're both tired and busy.

    Your poor legs! You need some hot yoga in the morning!

  • Chelsea at Striking Balance September 29, 2010, 12:19 am

    What a great husband you have! I definitely want someone to bring my coffee, chocolate and flowers. One day, one day. Glad you had a good date night, you deserved it 🙂

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa September 29, 2010, 12:24 am

    awww what a nice husband! Chocolate, flowers and starbucks! You’re a lucky girl!

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman September 29, 2010, 12:28 am

    I think gardening is hard on Every part of your body! It’s exhausting isn’t it?! Six hours is a very long time. Glad you had a well deserved date night to look forward to:)

  • Melissa September 29, 2010, 12:53 am

    I love the idea of date night! I just wish I could make it a commitment and my hub and I could stick to it.

  • Carla Shorts September 29, 2010, 1:05 am

    After a 10.25 mile run and 6 hours of gardening…you look like a beauty queen! Mad props to the hus for the goodies!

  • Lisa @ bakebikeblog September 29, 2010, 1:10 am

    oh my what a day! And what a wonderful date night to end the day 🙂

  • carlee September 29, 2010, 1:16 am

    aww! your husband is so sweet! you can never get enough Starbucks! looks like you guys had fun! and you look gorgeous even when your shattered! Your dinner looks great and your eggs from earlier today looked yummy!

    and r u vegetarian?

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 7:42 am

      yes 🙂 since april 26 2009

  • Marina September 29, 2010, 1:20 am

    Your husband knows how to bring the perfect gifts, right. Starbucks and chocolate, awesome.
    Good job on all that weeding!

  • Bb September 29, 2010, 1:28 am

    What a wonderful date night! U guys deserve a nice night out.

    Can’t believe u finished ur 10.25 mile long run and six hours weeding and trimming at the same day!

    U looks fantastic!

  • Karen September 29, 2010, 2:27 am

    Love, love, love that picture and I’m so glad you shared your settings! I’m stil learning my way through manual settings on my DSLR too, so I love to hear what other people try. I guess you had a tripod and remote shutter release? Or you just put your camera on something?

    It goes without saying that your husband is sweet. You needed that surprise after such a hard-working day!

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 7:42 am

      I had my camera on the boardwalk railing 🙂

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) September 29, 2010, 3:58 am

    I live vicariously through your date nights! (Not in a creepy way of course…) it just looks so fun! BEAUTIFUL photo!!

  • erica September 29, 2010, 5:06 am

    omg, that is just so sweet! chocolate, flowers, and starbucks. swoon! you are one lucky gal!

  • Tina September 29, 2010, 6:30 am

    Oh my goodness you must be wiped!! Rest up today. With some of that chocolate. Sitting next to those flowers. What a good, good man. 😀

    I love saving up for a more special night out too rather than just dropping money here or there on smaller things.

  • Lauren September 29, 2010, 6:59 am

    Awww, that picture of hubby is priceless. What a doll! 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 29, 2010, 7:15 am

    Wow Caitlin, you really needed a pampering lovey night! I hope you had a refreshing night’s sleep!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 29, 2010, 7:26 am

    I love the idea of a date night – the hubs looks super cute!

  • Jess September 29, 2010, 7:34 am

    Just started reading your blog and now I’m addicted. I love that you share so much with your readers and you really have motivated me to keep up with healthy eating and running. I went through my own “healthy tipping point” not too long ago and now I know what to call it! I love hearing about how you’re keeping up with your new lifestyle-keep up the good work 🙂

    PS-I live in Pittsburgh now, which I think is where you went to school-any favorite running loops to share?

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 7:43 am

      Schenly Park! I did all my runs through the trails on the lower level of the park 🙂 yay pitt!!

  • Jean@RoastedRootsPumpkinSpice September 29, 2010, 7:35 am

    Aw, the photo of you husband with the flowers and starbucks is just too sweet. What a romantic night!

  • Shari September 29, 2010, 7:41 am

    Sounds like the perfect evening after such a long day … glad you had a great time!! 🙂

  • Emily September 29, 2010, 7:56 am

    What a lucky girl, flowers chocolate, wine and date night!! Looks beautiful there, despite the heat, hope you are finding ways to enjoy it despite the circumstances!

  • Lee September 29, 2010, 8:00 am

    Hope you are enjoying a nice night’s sleep.

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. September 29, 2010, 8:07 am

    Your man is a keeper. I’m glad you two were still able to do a date night in spite of all the craziness going on right now.

  • Orla September 29, 2010, 8:11 am

    Wow – I hope that you had a really lovely evening (looks amazing) and that you rest up after a very tiring day (well that is how it looked!)
    Hope that everything is sorting it self out for you and your family.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman September 29, 2010, 8:12 am

    Flowers? Chocolate? Coffee? He gets the husband of the day award.

  • Bee Goes Bananas September 29, 2010, 8:29 am

    That sounds like such a perfect date night! And starbucks, flowers, chocolate…he’s definitely a catch!!

    You two are so cute together. I love the very first pictures of the two of you. 😀

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans September 29, 2010, 8:39 am

    Flowers, a latte and chocolate…he’s a keeper!!

  • Anna September 29, 2010, 8:40 am

    Kristien looks like SUCH a model in that first pic! 🙂

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 1:20 pm

      That was his blue steel face.

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama September 29, 2010, 8:47 am

    Flowers+chocolate AND pumpkin spiced latte? My kind of man!! I’m glad you were able to have a date night. 🙂

  • allison @ thesundayflog September 29, 2010, 8:54 am

    oh my goodness! what a wonderful husband!! i love treats like that on hard days 🙂 dinner sounded awesome and you’re doing so well with your budgeting! props!

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul September 29, 2010, 8:59 am

    You definitely deserved a night out!

  • faith @ gracefulfitness September 29, 2010, 8:59 am

    I love receiving flowers anytime but the unexpected ones from my husband are THE BEST! Your husband seems very sweet.
    And congratulations on running hard even in hard times, which can be the most challenging times to take care of ourselves.

  • Andrea September 29, 2010, 9:11 am

    Caitlin,
    If I did all that yesterday I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed today. ha! totally impressed girl!

  • skinnyrunner September 29, 2010, 9:14 am

    be still my heart, chocolate and coffee gifts?! what a keeper of a husband!

  • Joanne September 29, 2010, 9:17 am

    What a day you had!
    Hope you’re not too achy Wednesday. Will that be rest day for you?

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 1:20 pm

      hellz to the yes!

  • Stacey September 29, 2010, 9:18 am

    Aw 🙂 I love reading about date nights, haha 🙂 Looks like you definitely deserved it! And I bet your mother in law appreciated all of that help Caitlin! Jason and I have one date night a week too, and it really gives me something to look forward to during the week. Like if I have a bad day, I can say “At least we have a date night coming up!” 🙂

  • Stacey September 29, 2010, 9:19 am

    P.S. Your husband is so sweet! Chocolate, coffee and flowers? Yes please 😀

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef September 29, 2010, 9:21 am

    aww, fun! your husband is sweet 🙂

  • tina September 29, 2010, 9:26 am

    so good of you guys to make time for your date night!!! i look forward to mine with my hubby every week too!!!

    if only i can train him to bring me flowers, chocolate, and coffee… although i’d be grateful for 1 of the 3 too! 🙂

    your hubby’s fam must love having you two!

  • lisasfoods September 29, 2010, 9:30 am

    I love that you have date nights, and that your husband came to you with such wonderful gifts. You are very lucky to have someone like that, and I think it’s much more fun to have a set date night planned out ahead of time too.

  • Trish September 29, 2010, 9:37 am

    How in the heck do you know what to set the camera to? I so want to take nice photos but don’t understand any of the buttons on my camera – so frustrating!

  • Rachel September 29, 2010, 9:37 am

    What a lovely date night!!

    What kind of crackers are those that you ate with your hummus? They look amazing!

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 1:18 pm

      Some sort of gluten free cracker? My inlaws tend to store stuff in tupperware so I feel like I’m eating mystery foods.

  • Karen @ Not Just Celery September 29, 2010, 9:54 am

    Awww what a sweet husband! I would have been exhausted after your day too! Your dinner looked delicious!

  • yummiee cupcake September 29, 2010, 10:24 am

    it also feels like we all went on a date with you as well 🙂 thanks for sharing your date time with us!

    perfect shot!

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries September 29, 2010, 10:35 am

    I can’t believe you spent that long weeding. I would have quit. I HATE it, as evidenced by my poor flower beds.

  • Jemma @ Celeryandcupcakes.wordpress.com September 29, 2010, 10:35 am

    What a nice and thoughtful husband you have…and the hard work paid off the garden looks great!

  • Natalia - a side of simple September 29, 2010, 10:40 am

    What a great way to end such a laboring day. Yay for dates and chocolate!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write September 29, 2010, 11:01 am

    Awww. That’s so sweet that he came bearing gifts. Don’t you just love thoughtful husbands?

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit September 29, 2010, 11:05 am

    That’s a good guy you’ve got there. I love planning date nights!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life September 29, 2010, 11:10 am

    That pic of your Hubs with the flowers is SO cute. You should print it and keep it in your wallet. 🙂 (side note: my husband carries a picture of me from 5th grade with laser beams in the background). So your mother in law said you looked “Shattered?!” that would have been a bite my tongue moment for sure.

    • Caitlin September 29, 2010, 1:18 pm

      haha but she said it with a british accent so it sounded nicer.

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion September 29, 2010, 11:32 am

    The food looks great! Your husband is so sweet with the gifts. How adorable?! Good job on the gardening. I could never do it for 5 minutes, never-mind 6 hours! Blah!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In September 29, 2010, 11:42 am

    Umm best. husband. ever?? How sweet!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie September 29, 2010, 11:44 am

    I love date nights:) It really is a good idea for a budget since it’s planned and not spur of the moment…also it’s more special when you plan because you can add all the nice little touches (like flowers, coffee and chocolate!).

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks September 29, 2010, 11:53 am

    You’re hard core with the physical exertion. Hero status for sure. Here I am, coming home this morning from “date day Tuesday” trying to decide if I even have it in me to run 2-3 miles. How whimpy is that?! 😉

    Your husband is full of awesome. Looks like date night was a total success!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) September 29, 2010, 11:55 am

    You impress me, Caitlin! You’re definitely not a sissy 😛
    How nice of the husband to bring you flowers! what a guy 🙂 Sounds likea fabulous date night.

  • Lisa September 29, 2010, 12:07 pm

    What a romantic date!

  • Amanda (tomboy that wears makeup) September 29, 2010, 12:36 pm

    I want a date night!!!
    Groupon and those deal sites are good for getting good prices on restaurants for date night. You also end up trying a place you would not normally try. Good to think outside of the box and try something new!!!
    oh and wow, 10 miles and gardening….you go girl!!!

  • Rachel September 29, 2010, 12:50 pm

    What a wonderful hubby you have!!!

  • Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) September 29, 2010, 2:15 pm

    Love the picture and what a loving Hubby!

  • Monica September 29, 2010, 3:34 pm

    What a sweet husband and a great date night! Hopefully your body feels much better today from all your hard work yesterday!

  • Cheryle September 29, 2010, 7:46 pm

    I’ll bet anything those are Mary’s Gone Crackers. I keep a box of them in my desk drawer – they come in several flavors and are great afternoon snacks with cheese or a little almond butter!

  • Amykinz @ Foodie 4 Healing September 29, 2010, 10:34 pm

    Date night is such a great idea, especially once the babies come! Ah, gnocchi… my favorite kind of pasta. And your photo at the beach is phenomenal!

  • Aggie September 30, 2010, 8:12 am

    Ok how sweet is your hubby!! Love it!

    I’ve been wanting to try that place everytime I’m up at my parents! I want to sit on that porch! 🙂 Dinner looks great!

    And GREAT job in the yard!!!

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