I’m a terrible blogger. I have been procrastinating my Texas update all day. I’m just so tired after our trip and in a little bit of a funk being back to work after spending four glorious days with my family. This happens every time. I told my students this morning that homesickness will never go away… even when you’re grown and married. You’re still going to want to be with your mommy and daddy.

We had such a great weekend! I already mentioned meeting the fabulous Mojito Maven on Wednesday night right after we arrived in Dallas.

On Thursday, my Dad and I went out on the Katy Trail with Beaux, the most wonderful dog in the world. Then we walked to the Village Burger Bar and I had a fantastic turkey burger. Todd and I dropped my dad off at work for a meeting, then we went to my mom’s store to pick out some fabric for our living room furniture that we’re having recovered. (more on that later)

That night, we packed a picnic and went to the Arboretum for a picnic and big band music. It was so much fun! The pumpkins were everywhere and it was such a perfect night.

before

after

Then we decided to try the fried grilled cheese sandwich. This was pretty good, too, but it definitely didn’t need the dipping sauce. We washed this down with a funnel cake that we all shared. I wanted to try so much more, but I couldn’t handle it. We were done.

My brother met us at the Fair after he drove in from Louisiana and I was so happy to see him! I hadn’t seen him since we rode to south Mississippi together to pick up Fiona. His hair has grown so much and he has a little bit of a beard. I really didn’t recognize him… what a strange feeling!

On Saturday, we spent the entire day watching football. One game after the other. We pulled ourselves together to get ready and head to Tillman’s Roadhouse. Upon my friend, Cyndi’s recommendation, we had the Trio of Fries and I had the chipotle ribs and white mac ‘n cheese for my entree. So yummy!!! We skipped dessert because we were basically still full from Friday’s State Fair adventures.

We managed to huddle together for one big family photo after eating at Tillman’s. My punk brother was tickling me to get me to “smile for real” and I ended up all squinty.

It was a fantastic weekend and I can’t wait to do it again!

Todd and I arrived in the big D last night around 7:30 and my parents picked us up at the airport. My mom was asking where we wanted to eat, so I told her all of the places I wanted to eat while we were in town, so they could decide when we would eat at each restaurant. I really just wanted to go home and make a sandwich, but they wanted to go out. We chose La Duni.

I emailed my blog twin, Mojito Maven, to let her know that we would be dining at her favorite restaurant to which she responded, “What?! We’re headed there right now!”

She and Mr. Mojito walked in and I knew it was them! It was so much fun! We hugged like we’d been friends for years. She is so gorgeous and so funny in person. She actually reminds me of one of my best friends from high school. I’m so excited to get to have a scheduled mojito with her next time I’m in Dallas. We’re already planning the business that we’ll start together!

Here we are at La Duni– my dad took this on his cell phone.

The only other blog friend I’ve met in person was sweet Ami from Elizabeth Anne Designs.
Cyndi— you’re next! 🙂

Yes, an entire week has gone by? How did you do?

Check in with LyndsAU at All Things Fluffy, Fashionable, and Famous to her inspirational post. She has done so well this week and hopefully that will inspire me to get my booty into gear.

I’ve lost 2 pounds since last Wednesday. Not a huge amount, but it’s 20% of my goal, so that’s good! I have been eating Lean Cuisines and Smart Ones every day for lunch. That’s what I eat for lunch when I’m not trying to lose weight, too. I love them! Creamy Rigatoni with Broccoli and Chicken is my favorite.

Exercise is definitely my downfall. I don’t mind exercising, but I need accountability. I need a buddy to go with me. I’m always in such a rush to get home and take care of the dogs that I don’t want to stop off to spend an hour at the gym. I’m going to have to get over it. I have figured out over the years that I can’t just diet OR exercise. I have to do both in order to see results.

I wanted to point out a couple of other bloggers that have posted recipes or about their weight loss journey. Mrs. Guru and The Mrs. both had some great stories and recipes.

Were you successful this week?

Mojito Maven will be posting about Weight Watchers Wednesday next week!