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Showing posts with label pub. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pub. Show all posts

February 13, 2013

The Art of Dating: Reviving Valentine's Day


While there's nothing better than the intimacy of a committed relationship, it's no secret that monogamy can easily become . . . well, monotonous if a couple isn't willing to pair their love with a little creativity.

Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to reawaken some of the romance than tends to get lost in bills and housework, but believe it or not, even this annual observance of love and romance can become rote and repetitive--something that you have to do in order to keep your relationship strong. Obviously, this sense of "have to" is no good for keeping the spark alive. You want to be excited to spend time with your sweetheart, so changing up the ways in which you celebrate your love is crucial.

Here are a few outside-the-box Valentine's Day ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Your relationship is worth it!

Cute and Quirky

1. Pay a Visit to a Pub

A chain restaurant isn't quite special enough for this special day, but for some couples a nice dinner with expensive drinks is too formal and high-pressure. Never underestimate the power of a pub when it comes to quality classic (and sometimes not so classic--chips and gravy?) comfort food. Not only do many pubs provide great eats and casual-yet-tasty adult beverages, they also have a unique environment that is both foreign and familiar. I always find myself feeling as though I've been transported to the British Isles somehow without ever leaving my couch.


2. Dine In, But Away

It's always a great idea to skip the crowds and cook a romantic meal together, but why not make your dinner in feel like a night out? I don't just mean candles and music . . . I'm talking way out. Like, out of this country. French or Italian cooking might be the romantic go-to, but what about Thai, Greek, or Ethiopian? Transform your low-key night together into an exciting getaway.

3. May I Have This Dance?

Dance. Just do it. Go to a restaurant with live music and have a passionate twirl with your love. If you're not feeling confident enough for that, how about postponing dinner for a salsa or waltz lesson at a dance studio? Still not convinced? Stay home with a custom-made playlist and shuffle along in the dark :-)

Four more unique ways to enjoy Valentine's Day after the jump!

January 24, 2013

Awkward and Awesome 21st!

Guess who has two thumbs and is officially a grownup? 

This girl! The one in the yellow sweater!



A few friends and a great pub made for a wonderful celebration the night of Tuesday, the 22nd (my actual birthday). Because I know everyone is wondering, I enjoyed an Irish car bomb (Guinness with a shot of Bailey's) and some nice red wine. Exciting, right? 

Haha, I had a great time and wouldn't have done anything differently.


Awkward:
  • Josh forgetting his keys on the way out of the apartment! It was freezing and we were stranded between the building and the car. 
  • When we buzzed, our neighbor let us in without checking to see who we were. What if we were murderers??
  • It took me forever to add the Bailey's shot to my car bomb because I like Guinness so much by itself and didn't want to ruin it.
  • To everyone who has asked (including my boss, talk about awkward) I DID NOT GET SMASHED! I DO NOT GET SMASHED! I NEVER SHALL GET SMASHED! I like my brain cells and my reputation more than I like feeling "happy" for a bit thankyouverymuch.

Equally Awkward and Awesome:
  • Neme is learning English! But his vocabulary is so small that he spent most of the night nibbling a piece of Spanish cheese and repeating, "Oh, my cheese, my Spain . . ." So funny!
Awesome:
  • Being a wee bit of a heavyweight. I found out in Spain that I don't feel anything when I drink. :-) Nice to know that I won't be hopping on the table and using my glass as a mic if Shania Twain starts playing . . .
  • The Old Toad (the pub we visited) only hires people who are actually from England! Now, that is authentic.
  • Pub fries and gravy.
  • European cheeseboard with cranberries and walnuts.
  • Guinness <3
  • A car bomb. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake!
  • Yeah, so basically good food and drink . . .
  • Our friend Kyle's date (the blonde on the left) is from the Ukraine. Exotic!

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