The Cake by Hannah

A small town girl spreading kindness like buttercream frosting

Date Nights At Our Favorite Spots

Heya family! How you doing these days? Oddly enough, I can say I am doing alright! We’ve been so intentional about getting out and doing things since all this Corona stuff, and it’s been so good for us. It’s honestly been neat that we are in a season of life and transition right now that has allowed us to truly be so present and all-in as a family through these last couple of months. With Paul in transition and home all day, we’ve had so much fun soaking in these final weeks as a family of three. He’s also been helping me run all things The Cake and managing clients, and he’s killing it at stocks which has been fun to learn.

As Texas is slowly re-opening, I am SO ready to get back to normalcy and am already planning our next date nights. This momma needs A DATE. We went a couple weeks ago when restaurants first re-opened to 25% capacity to our favorite spot, Sixty Vines, and it was so life giving. Not to mention, we were so impressed with their above and beyond service to protect guests and keep them comfortable in these odd times of transition. I wanted to share with y’all a couple of our favorite date night spots in the area + our favorite dishes we order. BUT, even if you aren’t local, I hope this encourages you to make intentional time with your special somebody EVEN when things are odd. this is applicable in the current state of circumstances… but also just LIFE in general.  Whether you’re ready to start adventuring out or prefer to stay home a bit longer, I hope you are making date nights happen.

Our Favorite Dinner Spots

  1. Sixty Vines: Y’all, this is for sure our favorite date night spot. Plano is closest, but we also love to adventure down to the Uptown location in Dallas from time to time. It’s the most beautiful restaurant and their menu is so dang good. They have WINE on tap (and other drinks). But, their specialty is wine, hence the name Sixty VINES. We always without a doubt order the Crispy Zucchini, and last time we were there the chef even printed off the recipe for us to make at home. WHAT?! I have ordered just about everything on this menu at this point. But, my favorite is the Fig & Prosciutto Pizza, Orecchiette Pasta, and Half Chicken. Any of these are GREAT choices. Pair with a red wine or the Vine Huggers Rose for a delicious dinner.
  2. Fireside Pies: This is our go-to if we just really want pizza. They have multiple locations, too, but we love the Plano location at Legacy. I order their Burrata Pie and add Prosciutto with gf crust EVERY SINGLE TIME. Paul orders the Balsamic Chicken Pie.
  3. Mesero’s: This is our favorite place to go to for Mexican lately. It’s yummy, not overpriced, and the environment is great. I often order their tacos! But, honestly, just usually eat too much of their variety of salsas and chips to finish my meal… hehe. They have fantastic margaritas, too, if you’re looking for something fresh and tasty to sip on!
  4. Haywire: This restaurant is SO FUN. If you love environment, this place is lacking zero of it. It’s three stories of fun, delicious food, locally sourced food, and all the things. I highly suggest the pork chops or any of their steaks. Their house salad has goat cheese from heaven on it, and as silly as it sounds … their simple House Salad is one of my favorite salads I have ever tried!
  5. Tupelo Honey: This place is delicious, cute inside, AND at a fun location in The Star by the Cowboy’s Practice Facility. There is just a fun environment all throughout this area, and the restaurant furthers the fun. We come here a lot… hehe. When in doubt, Tupelo Honey. Paul says they’re the best ribs he has ever had and he order them every single time. They do seasonal switch-ups, but the Blackberry Habanero are by far his favorite to date. I switch up my order often here, because I love trying new things! But, the Sweet Tea Brined Chicken with cheesy grits is a WINNER CHICKEN DINNER in my book. I have actually ONLY ever eaten grits here. Never had any other grits in my life, and I honestly don’t know if I want or need to. These are GOAT CHEESE GRITS, people. SO GOOD.

I rounded-up my top sellers and most asked about items lately for you, too, for a quick reference if you’ve asked for a link recently!

Checking In On YOU

Hey, babe. What a crazy couple of weeks it has been. How are you holding up? I don’t know about you, but despite the obvious frustrations and inconveniences of quarantine, I have found it somewhat therapeutic in a weird way. I feel so many emotions that range from angry to sad to content… and everything in between. But, I have truly loved being home so much with my son and husband unexpectedly before Baby R makes his arrival. We’ve had a whole lot of snuggles and extra family time, which has been so sweet to me. It’s been fun working from home WITH Paul, which we used to do. And, it’s been fun to go on family walks around the neighborhood whenever we feel like it. All in all, though so many unknowns can haunt my mind (I am not excluded from the economic toll this crisis has taken on our country), I am so grateful. I love that this time has forced me to get back to simplicity. It’s forced me to go slow. It’s forced me to snuggle with my son more and laugh with Paul more.

Funny as it seems, crisis can bring out the best in us (while also uncovering the very worst). I pray your time at home has brought about more good than bad. I pray you are taking advantage of every spare moment you get, and that when “normal life” comes back, you take with you lessons learned in this weird season.

If you are a nurse, doctor, or ANYBODY working hard still to care for our country – please hear from the very bottom of my heart, thank you. We love you. We are staying home as much as possible for YOU. We are practicing social distancing for YOU and for our family members who need help from our world to prevent the spread of this virus. Thank you for all you’re doing. I wish I could hug and kiss each and every one of ya. Or send you all Tiff’s Treats. Regardless, I hope you hear my sincerity. You are loved and appreciated and so seen in this household. Thank you.

If you are a teacher somehow teaching children online and discovering creative ways to continue pouring into your students- thank you. You learned an entirely new way of connecting and teaching over night… WOW. You are a hero. Thank you.

Tonight, I will be doing a giveaway with some of my favorite IG gals from all over the country to give a lucky winner a gift that makes home COZIER in this time that is seemingly uncomfortable and weird. Be ready at 7 PM CST to see what all we have for you! IT IS SO GOOD.

In the meantime, I have below a round-up of just a few favorite things for you and some sales that you could take advantage of right now, if you are in need or looking to support businesses while their doors are shut.

60% off Nasty Gal online

15% off PinkLily ‘March15’

ASOS 20% off site wide when through the app

Anthropologie 25% off home and furniture to make home cozier 

American Eagle/ Aerie 40-60% off whole site

Urban Outfitters up to 50% off home

 

Loving Boys

This week is one of my favorites of the whole entire year! Valentine’s Day and our wedding anniversary are two very special holidays to me, and I can’t wait to spend time with my boys to celebrate how much I love them. Knox and I will go on a lunch date together, pending this awful sinus infection and remnants of RSV go away, to a very romantic… Chick Fil A date, most likely. 😉 And the entire weekend will be mommy and daddy time, baby-free! After the weeks of sickness we have had around here, we said all we wanted for our anniversary was sleep in our own bed without a baby for a couple days. Growing up, y’all. It changes everything. LOL.

As a boy mommy and a wife, I feel more than ever a weight to raise up and encourage men to be leaders. My husband is only as empowered to lead our family as I encourage and allow him to be. At his core, he is a great human with or without me. That’s not a question. But the cool part about marriage is that I get to be part of calling out in him an even greater version of himself, a closer version to the man designed him to be. It’s why the wife is called “helper.” I can’t do that by squashing his  leadership in our home. We are equals, but he plays such an important role as the head of our household. The greatest lesson I have learned in six years is that I don’t have to be right. I really don’t. I want to be known in my marriage as an encourager, not a fighter. And as Knox grows into a little boy and Baby R’s arrival inches closer, I just want to be a mom who shows how much I love my boys by empowering them to be… themselves. To be boys. To lead. To jump. To play. To make messes. I have had to so intentionally lay down my need for a clean home, organization, and “routine” to allow my son to thrive most. Those things are all important to me, don’t get me wrong. But, they come second to my child’s need to explore. I want him to be curious and playful. My home can be “put together” all the time again one day. But that day is not now.

I never knew having so many men in my life could be so fun. 😉 But truly, it’s the best. I never thought I had space in my heart for so many, but here we are. God just keeps expanding my space for more love. I can’t wait for mommy son dates in a couple years where Knox picks where and “leads” the date. I can’t wait. I cannot wait to raise up young men who love women and value their worth. I am forever grateful that God chose me to be a boy mom, even in my ache to have a girl one day, too. I know he chose me for a time like this and for boys like these. I don’t take that lightly.

Today’s shoot was a sweet Mommy & Me mini session with Cottonwood Road Photography a couple weeks ago at the Lumen Room in Plano. It’s my easiest and best shoot with Knox to date. We shot in 25 minutes and he didn’t even have time to be “over it.” He loved the props and didn’t want to leave yet when it was time for the next person! If you want a shoot capturing your baby’s personality, this is the way to do it. A mini session was perfect! And, of course, with Hannah H. is the BEST of all. She is SO GOOD at getting your kid to smile and at capturing their personality. Knox is curious, fun, and independent. I love that these photos show that!

I am fully convinced a toddler in Ralph Lauren chinos is the most delicious thing in the world. Far surpassing cinnamon rolls and donuts. 😉 This is actually the exact same outfit Knoxy wore for our Christmas photos, but without a velvet jacket this time. I wanted it to seem simple and a little chill. He had suspenders on, which he insisted on, yet when we got to the shoot he took them off within minutes… lol.

My pants are from PinkBlush, and are featured both in the maternity and non-maternity section. They just picture them differently for the different sections, one with a bump and the other without. I linked my clips and make-up, too!

My Most Recent & LOVED Purchases

Hey girl, hey! I hope you are well and feeling fab today. You guys know I am all about sharing my favorite purchases as well as honest reviews about the not so great ones, and I wanted to give a round-up here for y’all of my most recent purchases I am L O V I N G. My goal in sharing my recent purchases is to help YOU spend your money wisely on items you might need. I don’t think you NEED all of these, but I hope it helps you make purchases you love and feel great about for pieces or items you DO need or are in the market for.

Shoes:

  1. Black Combat Boots: I wanted a new bootie I can wear, particularly on Sundays from stage when I lead worship, that didn’t have a heel… Because, pregnant. I was a little nervous these would look cheap, but I am actually really impressed with the look of them! They look like they could be Jeffrey Campbell or Sam Edelman. I can’t speak to long-lasting quality yet, but as far as a cute boot for under $6o, these are a great buy!
  2. Spotted Calf-Hair Sneaker: I needed a new fashionable sneaker to pair with jeans, dresses, or skirts. These are so dang cute, and they will transition perfectly into spring! I love the pop of coral on the side, and the spotted dalmatian look is so in right now.
  3. Blush Pink Loafers: I love these & the price is AAAAMAZING. There are a lot of colors on the site, but the blush is my favorite. Surprise, surprise. 😉 These look fantastic with a great pair of skinny jeans or a tailored dress.

Non-maternity Clothes:

  1. Oversized Tee Shirt Dress: This paired with the combat boots or spotted sneakers is going to be THE cutest for spring! I wanted some more pieces that can work for pregnancy but will work when I am post-maternity as well. Plus, this is $29 so you just can’t go wrong!

Maternity Clothes:

  1. Boyfriend Tee Shirt: I am all about some good basics, y’all. This is just a great gray tee with space for that belly to grow. And… $19, holla!
  2. Pocket Utility Pants: These cute joggers! I LOVE THEM. I will for sure be pairing these with the spotted sneakers and a tee. Throwing on a denim jacket is an easy way to make it a little less lounge, and you could definitely pair them with some heels if you wanted to really go for it!
  3. Square Neck Tee: This is so great for the classic jeans and a white tee look, and just great to have on hand for any time I just need something to pair with a jacket of any kind. I bought it to pair with the Utility Pants above for sure as well!
  4. Acid Wash Legging: I freaking love these. ALL THE HEART EYES. I can’t wait to wear these with the combat boots and an over-sized tee + only $26!
  5. Floral Blouse: I have had this blouse in my cart since I found out I was pregnant… not kidding hehe. It’s so perfect for spring + a baby bump, and I can’t wait to wear it!
  6. Moto Workout Legging: These are what I have on in these pics! I am so obsessed with this brand, and these can pass for a cute workout outfit and/or paired with a sweater and booties. I love a good athleisure outfit!

Skincare:

  1. Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer: I love this stuff. I like to use it at night with a serum. I tend to use my Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil with it for the best results.
  2. Virgin Marula Oil: I use this a few times a week and rotate it with wrinkle serums (currently without retinol). It makes my skin GLOW. I love it!!
  3. Renew & Rewind Eye Cream: I love Tula Products. I particularly love using Tula and Drunk Elephant during pregnancy, because they’re clean and the ingredients are ones you can actually read and pronounce. 99.9% of their products are pregnancy safe. If I recall correctly, I think Drunk Elephant has only ONE you cannot use *their Retinol product* and all Tula products are pregnancy safe!
  4. CEO Vitamin C Hydration + CEO Glow Oil: This is the best combo to kickstart your day with! Vitamin C is great for dark spots and refreshing your skin.
  5. Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream + Serum: This combo is like an affordable version of Protini & Marula Oil! I was so freaking impressed with this Gel Cream after two uses, and am suggesting it to everybody now as an affordable moisturizer!

Makeup:

  1. Clinique Even Better: This is a great foundation! It’s great coverage, lightweight and it doesn’t cake at all.
  2. Watts Up Highlighter: I bought this, because Cara Loren said to… haha. I do really like it, though, and it’s the last touch I put on before I am done with my face!
  3. Too Faced Bronzer: This stuff is so great and it smells yummy, too. It goes on great with a big brush, and then I top it with a pink blush using a smaller brush.
  4. Gimme Brow Gel: Okay y’all, I never thought I would be a brow filler kinda gal… but here we are. I love this stuff and it is way easier to use than I expected.
  5. Loose Setting Powder: This translucent powder goes on after my foundation/concealer/bronzer.

Valentine’s Day Looks

EEEP! My favorite month (next to December, of course) is right around the corner. I love blush, I love pops of red, I love a bold lip, I love roses and peonies… basically, February was made for me. We celebrate our anniversary and Valentine’s Day this month, so I am always in search of a couple fun outfits for date nights. I rounded up some of my favorite items currently in my two favorite online boutiques. The last few months, I have bought most of my new pieces from one of these two shops! GASP, not from Nordstrom! They have really fun Valentine’s Day Collections, so I gathered my top finds for y’all to pick out your date night outfits, too.

Pink Lily

Pink and red all the way. I am all about just committing fully to a holiday. 😉 I love these cute looks for a cute and flirty date night!

Red Dress Boutique

Accessories

Shoes

I love these shoes and they’re so affordable! All are great options to pair with a cute look, whether fancier or casual.

Dresses

Tops and Bottoms

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