1. Did this week fly by for anyone else? I swear, wasn’t it just Monday? Not that I’m complaining or anything, though. Happy Fridayyyy!
2. Jay and I were lucky enough to have a super fun (and delicious) date night out on Wednesday evening. For Christmas, I had purchased Jay tickets to go see Criss Angel and The Supernaturalists, so since we had a sitter secured for the evening (thanks, mom!) we decided to make an evening out of it.
Before the show, we stopped at Druther’s in Albany for some drinks (for him) and dinner. Of course, I can’t visit Druther’s without getting their pretzels and beer cheese dip (as evidenced here, here, AND here…). The stuff is just SO freakin good.
Since we both tend to go a little crazy on the pretzels, we decided to keep the rest of the meal a bit lighter by sharing their drunken wedge salad and the crispy short rib dumplings.
All of it was incredible and we left feeling plenty full and satisfied.
Once we finished up at dinner, we drove up the street to The Palace Theater for our show! I always love the look of this theater in downtown Albany.
Before hitting up our seats, we stopped quick at the concession stand because, well, I wanted sugar and made Jay share some with me.
Ready for the showwwww!
The show, by the way, was great. There were so many illusions/tricks/whatever you want to call them that had us shaking our heads like, “what the WHAT?!”
If they come to a city near you, I’d definitely recommend it!
3. I probably could/should have made an entirely separate post for fact #2, but it’s Friday and all, so we’ve got to carry on with the rest of today’s fun facts.
4. As if we don’t already love Chip and Joanna…17 “Fixer Upper” Moments That Prove Chip & Joanna Are The Cutest Couple Alive.
5. Okay, for my fellow Making a Murderer watchers out there…in case you missed the photo I posted on Instagram yesterday:
I was DYING when my friend Joey sent that to me. Just TOO funny!
6. I read a post earlier this week from Cupcakes and Cashmere titled My Relationship with Food, and I felt like I could relate to it on SO many levels. As a blogger who began as (and I guess still somewhat consider) a healthy living blog, I constantly see how many differences there are between my own blog/life and the lives and “healthy” habits of those around me. I often feel so, so different from so many, but it’s important to remember that that’s okay. If any of you ever feel like you’re in the same boat, this is definitely a good read!
7. I was recently invited to be a part of the TasteBook Influencer Network, and I super excited to see I had two new cookbooks sent my way!
They’re both full of some incredible sounding recipes, but many of them are currently looking a bit intimidating to me. I did, however, come across this recipe for roasted banana ice cream with bittersweet chocolate and, umm, I think I’d like a nice big serving of THAT right now!
If I happen to come across any more awesome recipes, I’ll be sure to share!
8. Lucas told me twice the other night that he had to go pee pee in the potty…and he did! So I thought, wow, maybe we’re getting somewhere?!? But no, hasn’t happened since. Even still, I did just buy him some new undies (plus these undies) and this book, at the recommendation of Katy, and I think we’re going to attempt to start this next month. I’m so not ready, but really, I’d rather do it now than having to do it with a newborn! If you have ANY tips, send ’em my way!
9. I’ve been toying with the idea of creating an ebook. Am I crazy? Probably. But it’s just something that has always seemed really fun and interesting to me. So I guess I’m curious…is that anything you guys would be interested in? Maybe one on desserts? Easy weeknight dinners? I’d love to hear your thoughts…even if it is just to tell me I’m crazy. ;)
10. I’m so excited for this weekend. We have a Friendsgiving on Saturday with our awesome group of friends (which was planned in October and this is actually the first weekend we were all available!) and then brunch with my college girlfriends on Sunday. It should be a busy and fun weekend for sure!
11. Hey, guess what? We found out what baby #2 is yesterday!! We’ll be sharing with friends over the weekend, but I’ll be sure to share with all of you next week! Any final guesses from any of you??
Alright you guys, I’m off for today! I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead, whatever you may be doing!
Brynn says
My husband loves magic shows, I’ll have to look into this one! I, on the other hand, am the person who doubts everything so he may want to take someone else- ha!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
Easy weeknight dinners would be great! My guess is GIRL! Can’t wait to find out! xo
Kelli Rudolph says
Would love an e-book on easy weeknight dinners! I steal so many of your dinner ideas as it is :) Or maybe one that even includes some toddler friendly foods ;)
Any my guess is BOY!
Brittani says
Your meal plans always look so delicious so my vote would be an e-book about easy, satisfying weeknight meals!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
awwww date nights are so fun! Totally jealous of your cookbook network, that’s amazing! What about an ebook the emphasizes redefining healthy living?
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Ahh! You know the gender of Baby #2… I’m guessing girl! But what do I know, lol. <3 OH MY GOSH those pretzels with beer cheese dip. Yum. I'm pretty sure I said the same exact thing the last time you posted about them, too! Love your date night out – we always enjoy watching anything having to do with Criss Angel. Enjoy the weekend!
Julie says
I’m pulling for a GIRL! Also, I think easy weeknight meals would be awesome – I also like the comment above about “redefining healthy living” …maybe there’s a way to combine the two? Enjoy your weekend plans!!
Blair says
Awe to get that last little point at the end! Now I am going to be stalking you. And so exited to find out. You must live near my parents somewhere. They are not too far from Albany – our favorite Albany pastime is to go to the AHL Ice Hockey games! I also love that theater – it has been a long time but it looks just as I remember it.
Jenna @ Crazy Healthy Fit says
It’s funny to hear you say you don’t feel like a Healthy Living Blog. ‘Healthy’ is a term that describes everyone differently, in my opinion. I always remind my clients to define the term for themselves and not to let others persuade what their meaning of healthy is. From following you for quite some time, I certainly categorize you as a healthy living blog and more specifically I would use the term healthy balance to describe you and your blog. I think finding the right balance in life is very important!
Also, regarding an ebook…may I recommend using Canva! Love it :) Cannot wait to find out what you are having. My anatomy scan is on February 29th.
Alaina D. Burran says
I think you’re having a girl! Why? With my son, I craved salty meats/cheese and such and had a boy! With this pregnancy, I wanted sweets and carbs and am also noticing much larger breasts that are sore and am having a girl! (Sorry if TMI!). If I recall, you craved carbs/sweets and notice larger girls….so I say girl!
Marielle says
Now I’m going to be thinking about the beer cheese dip all day. haha. sounds so good! and I laughed at your Instagram post yesterday about making a murderer…haha! that show is ridiculous!
Ashley says
I would love to see an e-book on easy weeknight dinners! Also, I’m thinking girl!
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
I’m guessing another boy!
Oh my gosh, Making a Murderer is insane isn’t it???? That sheriff’s department is ridiculous. I mean, I feel like there is A LOT of reasonable doubt!
Hilary says
Ahh that cook book looks so fun! I love getting a new one!
Danielle says
Umm your food always looks amazing, so I’d love an ebook! I’d probably lean more towards dinner ideas since, although your desserts always look amazing, I’m trying to eat a little healthier. I’m surprised you’d want to take this on right now but it may be a good winter project!
Patty says
I would love to read an e-book about easy weeknight dinners. That is something I am always looking for. I love your weekly meal planning posts, I find them very helpful.
Regan says
Courtney, I just completed the “3 day potty training” there’s a PDF file that you read, then follow…. It’s intense but worked for our little lady….and I got word from two friends whom are also true believers!!! Love your blog been reading for YEaRs!!
Chelsea says
I love love love Druthers, and am a huge fan of pretzels and cheese. If you haven’t yet, you should try the ones at the Van Dyck in Schenectady! It’s our favorite bar and the pretzels come with cheese and crab dip.
Rose says
Thanks for sharing the C&C post I hadn’t seen that. Really interesting! Very true about all the stigmas around going ‘too healthy’. I also would not want to be seen as ‘debbie downer’ like that during pizza and dessert night with my girlfriends!! I would be interested in a post from you in how you relate to that topic.. like do you see yourself as someone who is not afraid of the sugar/carbs/etc or do you fear people judging you for cutting back on those things, or whatever your perspective is!
I will go ahead and guess boy :)
Taylor says
I’m guessing a boy! You should definitely do an ebook on healthy week night meals (simple). I would love that! ALways looking for more ideas and new recipes! Have a great weekend!
Emily says
I recently found your blog and I am loving when you post about places you go in Albany. I am originally from the area but now live down south. I am actually flying up today to see friends and Druthers is on the list for dinner this weekend! The pretzels look so good!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
A girl? :) Those salads look epic!!! Cookie ebook you are the queen of them!
Andrea @ Chasing Strength says
That show looks like a lot of fun. My best potty training tip is to keep them pantsless and move the potty into the room that your in. My son was extremely difficult with this and that is the method that finally worked for us. If he was naked from the waist down he wouldn’t just pee on the floor, but the second he had pants or even underwear on he would pee in them!!!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
I would love an ebook on weeknight dinners or baking. All your baked goods are the best!
Yay for finding out! I honestly have no idea. I kind of think boy again. Can’t wait to find out!
Julie says
Anything with the word easy and cooking in it I’m all for!! I make pasta with olive oil and cheese for dinner every night!
Kristin says
Thought all your posts this week were fabulous. No writers block for you- perfect time to put the pen to paper and publish that e-book! ON POINT!
Such a tease telling us you already know baby’s gender. Excited for the big reveal next week.
Have a great weekend.
Melinda says
We just potty trained our little guy after Thanksgiving.(he is like 3 weeks older than Lucas i think). One think that really helped was doing the timer on the first couple of days to really get him to know the feeling of going. We set it on our phones (started at 20 minutes than increased the next day). We planned for 3 full days and he didn’t have accidents after day 2. The first few times we went out I would put a diaper over his undies so if he had an accident he would feel it but thankfully that never happened! Happy to have a break from diapers before this little one comes in March :)
Michelle says
I am guessing a girl! Also I’d love the ebook – I think a good combo of dinners and sweets would be awesome!! Love the idea go for it!!
Julia says
I’m guessing girl! How fun would that be?! Can’t wait to find out!
Janet says
Definitely think Quick weekday dinners would be the best!