Summer Dates with Prosecco

 

My drink choices are almost completely determined by the weather, so when warmer days roll around, I can't wait to break out the Prosecco and head outside for picnic dates, brunch on the patio or evenings watching the sun come down.  The bubbles, the crips flavor and the subtle fruit tones make VOVETI Prosecco one of my favorites. It's crafted from vineyard to cellar meant to share, inspire, and entertain the senses, and from 100% Prosecco (Glera grapes).  VOVETI Prosecco is a dry brut DOC Prosecco with tempered acidity and a fresh, graceful profile.

I like that it's not too sweet - which is something my husband also likes!  When we can agree on something, it's pretty remarkable. ;) VOVETI is something we can both share.  We also share hectic schedules, both working full time and in a busy family time of our lives.  It's nice to be able to sneak in a simple date, like on a weekday after the kids go to bed, by grabbing a bottle of VOVETI Prosecco (the mini bottles are really easy to enjoy in a single evening, too) that helps to elevate the everyday and spend more time outdoors.  

On the weekends, a brunch on the patio is my most favorite thing to do.  Brunch is basically my favorite meal, and even the kids love to be involved in this. Bacon, eggs, ricotta toast, oatmeal and a mixed berry salad are a few of my favorite things, which also go great with Prosecco mimosas (or straight).  
Then, for simple snacks pairings, I like apple slices (or pears, too) to munch on with a glass of Prosecco. The juicy apples bring out that fruit tone of the Prosecco, and the bubbles make everything seem better - even a crummy day. :)
What are YOUR favorite brunch or date night snacks to pair with Prosecco?  

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

3 Inexpensive Dates (without needing a Babysitter)!

 

  Getting a babysitter isn't something we do a ton. Thankfully, we have my family in town that helps out here and there, when we need. But most of the time, we like to spend time as a family while the kids are young.  But it's also super important to continue to date your spouse.   
During the weekdays, after the kids have gone to bed, I tend to be glued to my computer - finishing work, catching up on email and/or blogging.  I really like the nights where I do something for myself or marriage.  And a glass (or bottle) of wine always makes those moments even more special. The Seeker is a new-to-me wine brand that I'm loving. I was immediately gravitated to their cute labels and wine varieties, and then found myself loving the flavors and tastes just as much.
It's a goal of mine to spend more quality alone time with my husband (and drink more wine!), so I wanted to share a few of my ideas/recommendations for easy dates without needing a babysitter!

1. Wine + Chit Chat

...Uninterrupted chit chat and without electronics, that is!  Pro tip: leave the room you are typically in - like for us, we're usually lounging in our family room in front of the TV (me working on my laptop, and my husband surfing Twitter on his iPad) - and head to a different space (like for us, our kitchen seating area).  Just switching up your environment can make it feel like you're somewhere else!

My husband is more of a beer and whisky drinker, but we can definitely agree on a good bottle of red wine.  This The Seeker bottle of a Malbec was delicious.  Super smooth with a hint of spices.  You can read about each of their wines (including what to pair them with if you are enjoying with a meal or snack) on their site.

2. Lunch Time Picnic

Either during the weekend when the kids are napping/having quiet time, or during the week while the kids are at school/daycare/parents day out - taking a break from work.  Everyone has to eat, right?  My husband and I have met for lunch a few times, and it feels so guilt-free.

I think another fun idea would be to turn that daytime lunch into a picnic - packing your own lunch and drink (saves money, too) and finding a shaded grassy spot to relax.  If the day of the week is right (or your afternoon isn't too busy...), grab a bottle of wine to enjoy the moment further.  I toggle back and forth between red and white wine - but when I'm outside, and especially if it's still warm, I tend to go for white or rosé.  The Seeker offers many varieties of wines - including a rosé and Sauvignon Blanc (my personal fav).

3. Patio Games
Another after-the-kids-have-gone-to-bed idea, is to head outside to your patio or porch (as far as your baby monitor will reach) with a bottle of wine (my summer go-to, Sauvignon Blanc by The Seeker) and a game (like cards or this fun Who Am I? guessing game).  
You don't have to worry about laughing too loud and waking the kids up - or being distracted by the mess, TV or computer.  Taking time away from that stuff is something I struggle with. I need to do it more, and getting outside helps me feel more removed from it.  Plus, playing a game helps to have more fun without the pressure of having a deep conversation or something. ;)

What are YOUR favorite easy, guilt-free date ideas?

The Seeker is globally conscious, dedicated to leaving a small carbon footprint. They use lightweight glass, recycled and recyclable, locally-sourced packaging materials wherever possible and their winemakers are committed to sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery. Seeking quality, distinction, and value is an ever-changing adventure.  

Find out where you can buy The Seeker here!  If you are in the Kansas City area, they are sold in many places - so you are sure to find one near you!

This post was sponsored on behalf of The Seeker Wines via One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

The Country Club Plaza x Chasing Davies: Date Night + a Giveaway!

My husband and I haven't done a great job of keeping up with our own dating life since our littles came along. But, now that summer is here, and our sweet babes are getting a little more reliable on their sleep schedules, we're making an extra effort to get out more. A couple of weeks ago, on one of the first really nice summer-like days, we spent a whole Friday evening together... on a date... without kids... running around The Country Club Plaza.  It was so fun (so fun, I'm giving away a gift card for two winners at the bottom of this post!).
Before meeting up with my husband, because my company gives us early Friday afternoons off in the summer, I hit up the Plaza to help complete my date night outfit.  I actually started in this dress, but completely different shoes and jewelry.  As I walked around, shopping, I kept adding, and changing up my look.  By the time I met my husband for our first stop, I had a few new pieces on from Banana Republic and Gap. There is just something about nice weather that makes me want to shop, spend time with loved ones and soak up the sunshine.

So, after my little shopping spree, my husband and I started our date on the patio of Gram & Dun, one of the best patios in Kansas City.  I love their unique drinks and appetizers, which made this the perfect first stop.  I started out with the Lady in Red cocktail that includes my current libation obsession, grapefruit juice. My husband, Greg, started out with an Old Fashioned made with local bourbon from Dark Horse Distillery.
And then we got appetizers we each could enjoy: my absolute favorite salad in the area, Brussel Sprout Salad and a pork dish unlike anything else, Asian Pig Wings.  I ate most of the salad and Greg concentrated on the meat, but we loved them both.  (And now I'm hungry just remembering these dishes!)
Make sure to check out Gram & Dun, Monday through Friday, between 3 and 6pm, for great happy hour deals.

After a relaxing time on the patio at Gram & Dun, we walked around the Plaza a bit before our dinner date. It was a nice day, not too hot (and getting chillier as it got later). In the summertime, there are different bands and local musicians that perform in courtyards on the Plaza.  This is free entertainment right there! You can check out the Plaza Live! schedule of events here.
For dinner, as the sun was starting to set, we headed to The Capital Grille. I was excited to go here for a few reasons, 1) it had been years since we'd eaten there; 2) it's known for being one of the best places to get a nice dinner, especially steak; and 3) two words: Stoli Doli. 
Like probably a lot of you, you think to only visit The Capital Grille for special occasions (like an anniversary or to celebrate a job promotion), but I was encouraged to go for a more casual reason (like no real reason at all) and enjoy the bar area.  I even had to tell Greg that he could wear jeans, his first outfit included dress pants, and he didn't believe me at first that he could really wear jeans (which he'd rather do anyway).  
Jeans were totally ok, by the way (there were even some restaurant goers in Royals' t-shirts, go KC!).

Oh my gosh... the food. the service. the ambiance.  A++++++
At first I wondered if we'd get to really connect while sitting up at the bar (there are also tables you could sit at in the bar area instead), but it was so fun. I really love to people watch, so loved seeing how the bartenders made drinks and the cool tools they used back there. Between all the action behind the bar, Greg and I were really able to hang out and talk, too. Another fun aspect, they have iPads to help guide your drink choice based on what you're in the mood for, typically prefer, and what you're eating! 
It's nice to know you don't have to have some super special reason or a reservation made to eat at the The Capital Grille. The bar area gets all the same menu items + a special bar menu with reduced rate options.  We went all out with a four-course meal. 
Starting off with an appetizer of prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with vine ripped tomatoes. They actually hand pull their own mozzarella from buffalo curds every 2 hours in house, which tastes crazy-good.  Then we headed into salads (I got the wedge salad - my favorite ever), and then our main meal (which I had to take half home because at this point I was stuffed), which I had fish and Greg had steak. We finished the evening with a bit of dessert, which ended the night for us, stuffed full. Not usually eating like this, it was a really fun experience to taste all these great dishes that you can't just get anywhere!

And finally... post-dinner, if you aren't ready to crawl into bed to sleep off all the amazing food and drinks you just consumed, you can hop catty-corner from The Capital Grille over to the Cinemark Theatre to catch a flick. 

And to help get you out and about with your loved one, we have a GIVEAWAY for TWO readers. Each winner will get a $50 gift card for The Capital Grille in Kansas City to test out the service, taste the food, and wear jeans for yourself. It's the perfect date for any night!  Enter via the below Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
You can read about our other Plaza adventures right here!
The Latest & Greatest BIG News:  Beauty Brands has a whole new look! Take your man to Barnes & Noble to meet KC Royals' General Manager Dayton Moore for his new book signing tomorrow (on June 10th) at 7pm! Kendra Scott is opening a store front on the Plaza, coming in August! Warby Parker, a prescription fashion eyewear company is coming this August.  Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Saturday June 13 at Brush Creek, from 8am - 4pm, with the Dragon Boat racing taking part from approximately 10am - 2pm. Take advantage of free yoga classes every Sunday this month at lululemon at 11am (get there early to grab a spot).
For more happenings going on at The Plaza this month, check out their June enewsletter and follow Country Club Plaza on Facebook for all the latest.


This post is in partnership with the Country Club Plaza, but all opinions and topics discussed are my own!  

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook