We recently had Restaurant Week in Greenville, which is one of my favorite weeks!! In the past, Peter and I would go out to a couple of spots, but now things have changed quite a bit. Instead, we snuck away for an early dinner at the closest spot on the list, HA! Thankfully, Stella's Brasserie has been on my "want to try" list for a while now. I really wanted to try it since I've only heard great things about it, plus the ingredients are all from local farms. A true Farm to Table style restaurant is always a favorite of mine. Peter's brother and sister-in-law were excited to try it with us, so it was a wonderful double date night, away from all the kids and babies!

One of the best spicy margaritas I've ever had! 

Then, Joy and I were excited to try the cheese appetizer once we sat down at our table, so delicious.

The Restaurant Week Menu

I obviously chose a lot of meat since they are known for their meat dishes, but the pistachio cake was to die for! Peter and I both loved it!! I was also a huge fan of Joy's shrimp and grits. It reminded me of my favorite shrimp and grits dish at High Cotton. I will definitely choose that for my meal next time. It was a fun night out, with a long and slow dinner, just what two sets of parents need!! I'm so thankful to have family who live in town that we love to do things with. (& a mom who always begs for us to have a date night!) It really is such a blessing!!! 

Sights + Seats // Iron Hill Brewery

Peter and I got to enjoy a date last night since our church community group was off this week. My mom always comes over to watch Solomon while we are at group, and we usually take Asher with us. Last night we decided to leave them both at home with Gigi, since she watched them both last Friday, and things went very well. It was nice to have a quick dinner date night at a new spot in town. My cousin actually text me about Iron Hill Brewery earlier this week after she attended a soft opening. I was surprised when I mentioned it to Peter because he had been to one of the PA locations several times while he was visiting for work. He said he enjoyed the restaurant there, and I was happy to make reservations for us, after I took a look at the menu!

Peter has been called a beer snob a time or two and he really liked the beer we ordered. We picked the Hipster IPA and it was so crisp and juicy! I love a good New England Style IPA and this one was delicious. We got their early enough to enjoy happy hour (5-7) which also included some apps for a great price. We chose the brussel sprouts and the pretzel sticks with mustard and beer cheese. The sprouts were very good but the pretzels weren't anything exciting. I compare all pretzels with beer cheese to Sierra Nevada now, and these definitely fell short. I'm glad we got to try some appetizers while they were at a discount during happy hour. I know we will come back to try some more on the menu soon, especially since you can enjoy the happy hour specials on the patio, as well. 

Since the beer and pretzels filled us up a bit, we decided to share a burger and fries for our meal. We chose the drunk monk burger and the brie cheese was so good on it. The juice was running down my hand as I took my first bite. I can't wait to try their pimento cheese burger next time, when I don't have to share with Peter. He's not a fan of pimento cheese burgers but I always choose that if I see it on a menu. 

Mmmm, date nights. So good + so needed! 

I'm looking forward to several date nights this summer since my mom can watch both the boys for us. I'm hoping we can try several new spots in Greenville  and I can share more Sights + Seats posts. I really love writing these!!

celebrating four years & a new baby.

Peter and I were so excited to have a chance to get away for a day date over the weekend!! It was our first day date since having Solomon. We had plans to make an overnight trip but decided just a long day away would be best. Thankfully, Asheville is close enough to make the perfect little day trip. We are hoping to make a couple more trips this fall. Our busy Saturday was the best way to celebrate four years of marriage and a little babymoon fun to celebrate our latest bun in the oven. I honestly can't believe how fast this pregnancy has flown by! 

We started the morning with a trip to Tandem and I was so excited to test out some of the new fall flavors!! I got the lavender honey latte and Peter got the spiced apple waffle. I decided to try the blueberry crepe and I was so happy I went with my gut, the sweet blueberry was much better than the spiced apple. Sorry, babe.... haha! 

Once we finished breakfast we took the short 45 drive to Sierra Nevada for some beer and amazing food. One thing I can honestly say about this place is how wonderful the menu is. I don't even feel deprived as a pregnant lady visiting a brewery!! I told Peter we need to head back again sometime this fall with an empty belly so we can enjoy more of the menu. Since we just needed a snack, we decided to get the pimento beer cheese with pretzels, it was delish! 

After some more brews and snacks in downtown Asheville, we drove back to Travelers Rest to finally try out a spot I've been dying to visit, Restaurant 17. Once again, we weren't exactly starving so we each tried one entree but I'd love to come back again and try more of the menu. This spot always has an evolving menu so I know we will have another date night here at some point. Our meals were very good. 

So thankful to do life with you!!! You are the sweetest hubby and the best daddy, I can't wait to tackle parenting TWO BOYS with you. I know you'll make the ups even higher and the downs a lot less stressful. Love you, Babe!!!

Sights + Seats // Jianna

Jianna is the new "hot spot" in downtown Greenville and I've been dying to go. I've heard amazing things about it and I'm a sucker for any kind of Italian restaurant. Since we were on a date, we wanted to find a spot at the bar. One of our favorite things to do back in the day before becoming parents. We almost always preferred a bar seat over a table... luckily, I walked in and found two open spots right by the open windows. We were excited to find a spot since they didn't have any open reservations for the night. It was a great start to our date night, for sure! I only wish I liked Oysters, because everyone raves about them. We actually sat next to this adorable retired couple at the bar, and they said they are wonderful at Jianna. Maybe I should give them another try once I birth this baby....? Maybe?

Look at my giddy face, I was so excited and nervous. Solomon was having his first overnight stay at my mom's house, so Peter and I went out for a date night. It was also the last day of restaurant week in Greenville, and when I saw Jianna listed, I knew we had to go. We ordered one of the 3 for $30 meals, then an extra app, and shared it all. The meatballs and gnocchi were hands down the best. The flavors were so rich and full.

It's true, the pasta was magic! We also got a steak entree and it was okay. Peter wasn't a fan, I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Next time we will definitely stick with the pasta meals. However, the lemon almond torte was delicious. The perfect mix of lemon and almond. I honestly forgot that it even had almond but instantly could taste the sweet almond flavor. One of my favorite things about almond in a dessert.

We will definitely head back to Jianna for a date night soon!! 

Check it out if you are in Greenville, I'm sure you'll love it too!

valentines and sushi and froyo.

Our little family on such a sweet day!

I couldn't think of two men I could love more, so thankful for them!! 

When Peter asked me what I wanted to do for Valentine's Day I instantly thought, SUSHI! It was a perfect option since Valentine's fell on Sunday and our favorite sushi place has all you can eat from a menu. Not a sketchy all you can eat buffet, but a full menu with so many delicious options. Perfect timing for sure! My mom came over to stay with Solomon so we could have some hubby & wife time. The sushi was amazing as always and then that sweet husband of mine asked if I wanted to go by TCBY.... duh, of course I did! 

A perfect little Sunday date with my baby daddy!

Hope your weekend was sweet as well!!!! 

fun in chucktown.

We were so excited for Solomon's first trip to Charleston (aka, Chucktown) because we love the city so much. But, not only was it a fun little get away for a day, it was a great date night for me and Peter! My mom bought Peter tickets to see Jump Little Children for his Birthday back in May and I've been patiently waiting for the day to use them. Peter has seen them sooo many times, and since the band is no longer together, I thought I'd never have a chance to see them perform. I'm so happy they decided to do a reunion tour and I can't believe my mom scored us some tickets! But, before we got to the date night and concert fun, we decided to go downtown to walk around in the beautiful weather and enjoy our day! 

one of the best parts of traveling with Gigi (besides the babysitting & date nights) 

is creating some sweet memories with her and having a set of extra hands to help us out

and take pictures of us as a couple! 

One thing I wanted to do so badly, is go by the big pineapple fountain for a picture!

I love that Peter took the picture below back in June when I was pregnant with Solomon 

and then we got to come back with him for a new picture. So special! 

Babymoon in June // & now!

After our fun time downtown we went back to the hotel so we could get ready for our night out. We stumbled upon one of the best happy hours ever ($5 bourbon, a Peter favorite) at The Cocktail Club so we went there for some food and drinks. I had the best cocktail I've ever had and we split two amazing sandwiches with some fancy popcorn. The night was already wonderful, then we got to hear the amazing sounds of JLC! 

super grainy picture but I don't even care.... the night was so much fun!!

The amazing band. I'm so happy we were able to make one last trip to Charleston before 2016 arrived. We always have such a good time but this trip might take the cake, so far!