Fabulous, Fancy Weekend

We had such a fabulous weekend, but I guess all good things must come to an end.  And speaking of things coming to an end, I have to say that I’m not sorry to see January go because that means that my least favorite month of the year is over!  #ByeFelicia

Before I get into our weekend deets, I’m sure some of you may have noticed that I decided to ditch the polka dot background here on the blog.  When I asked for your opinions last week the overwhelming majority of you said that you think that the plain background might be the way to go, and so far I’m really loving it!  So thank you for your thoughts… you ladies rock!

Friday evening we went downtown for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants that brews their own beer, and then we headed across the street for some frozen yogurt.  They had all of my favorite flavors, which rarely happens, so I loaded up on four different kinds – Nutella, White Chocolate Mousse, Yellow Cake Batter, and Cookie Dough… oops.  But oh man, was it good.  And cold.  There’s nothing like eating a big cup of froyo and then stepping outside into the cold.  #Yolo

Saturday morning I made homemade waffles and the kids decorated them with Valentine’s sprinkles since February is almost here.  We hung out at the house for the better part of the day and then it was time to get ready for date night!

Brian and I attend a benefit ball every year, which is always my favorite part about January.  This year they held the event at a new venue, which proved to be an excellent move because this new venue is fantastic.  It was originally built as a cotton mill right around 1900, and it remained a mill until the late 90’s.  (My dad’s parents actually worked there at one point in their careers.)  After the mill shut down in 1998, it sat empty for about a decade and it was recently renovated and turned into a high-end event center.  Inside you will find high wood ceilings, exposed brick, and massive floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river.  It.  Is.  Stunning.  

We arrived right at 6 for cocktail hour where we were greeted by sounds from the band in a room with white gauzy fabric draped ceilings and white twinkle lights everywhere.  Like I said before, stunning.  The pictures don't do it any justice, believe me.  We grabbed some drinks from the bar and mingled with friends and family.  They had a professional photographer taking pictures at the step and repeat, so we had our picture taken several times.  I was hoping that those pictures would be available to share in this post, but they are not ready yet.  I’ll have to share them later this week.

Dinner began at 7 and it was amazing…  The top chef in the city created the menu – a salad with an assortment of fresh vegetables and candied pecans in a balsamic vinaigrette, roast so tender it literally fell apart when you barely touched it with your fork, a fried chicken breast in a thick white gravy, mashed potatoes, and the best green beans I’ve ever had in my entire life.  No exaggeration.  For dessert we had a chocolate brownie cake served with fresh blackberries and blueberries.  It was all divine.

The program started at 8 and it was followed by dancing, more drinks, and more pictures.  We’ve been attending this ball since 2010 and it is always a good time, but this year’s blew all of the others out of the water, and I’m hoping that they continue to use this venue and chef in the future.  I just love getting all dressed up!

My Uncle Greg and me

Me and my Daddy

Uncle Greg again!

Aunt Joy and me (and my parents photobombing in the background!)

Sunday we slept in, had lunch at Brian’s mom’s house, relaxed while the babies napped in the afternoon, and then we finished the day with dinner at my parents’ house and Grease Live.  Did any of you watch?  I really enjoyed it, and I thought that Julianne Hough did an amazing job as Sandy… they couldn’t have picked a better actress for that role!

I hope you all enjoy your Monday!  Yay for Bachelor!

*Linking up B Loved Boston with for Weekending.