10 Thanksgiving Things

November 27, 2016November 27, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

I had a LONG weekend (took part of Wednesday off) and I can’t believe that it’s over. Unfortunately our plans to go back east and spend Thanksgiving with my family fell through, but we were able to spend the holiday in Cleveland with B’s family. Which meant we got to do quite a few things on our days off. Here were 10 of those things …

1. Running the Cleveland Turkey Trot. It’s a 5 mile race and was my first real race after FW was born that I had signed up for. I tried to keep up with B’s siblings for most of the run (B watched FW during the race and cheered us on) – but since I’m still getting back into shape and they’re mid-marathon training, it wasn’t an easy feat! In any case, I finished pretty strong and better than I expected – I had an 8:40/mile average page.

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2. Getting dressed up and celebrating the holiday with B’s family. Any excuse to put FW in a cardigan and bowtie 🙂

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3. Cooking! B and I brought cauliflower to the big meal. We roasted a few whole heads with a dijon dressing and then also made a cauliflower, date and pignoli nut dish.

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4. Cuddling with great grandma. This was FW of course 🙂

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5. Working out. I got in 4 runs and some kettle bells on my days off. 20161126_093814

6. Bundling up for a walk downtown. It was chilly for the first few days – but at least it made for perfect ice skating weather! (not for me – but for those people in the picture)

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7. Shopping! We did some shopping for Christmas gifts and bought a few books and teething supplies for FW. (Side note – teething is THE WORST.) img_20161126_115128

8. Walking. FW, B and I went for a walk when it was sunny and in the upper 40s one day. It felt great to see the sun and not be super bundled up!

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9. Bowling. B’s family’s post-Thanksgiving tradition is bowling and then a big Italian dinner. I did pretty well for me (82!) but as you can see, it wasn’t enough to get in the finals – check out all the high scorers in my lane!

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10. Lots of eating. I mean – it was Thanksgiving, after all. B and I had some good meals even outside of our Thanksgiving Day meal. Including some great Chinese takeout from our favorite place (Wonton Gourmet)and then feasting on all of the new Halo Top flavors. Seriously – I almost squealed (okay, I did squeal) when I saw all these flavors at Whole Foods! img_20161125_192017 20161127_162724

And now, it’s back to reality for a few days at least. I have a busy week ahead of me at work so hopefully it will fly by.

Some questions for you:

Have you tried the new Halo Top flavors?
Did you run a Turkey Trot?

Per usual, I’m linking up with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

Weekend with the Ladies

September 26, 2016September 25, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

My best friends from college were in town this weekend. That’s right, Katie and Caitlin (from BC).

This is us from away back when in college.

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And at my bachelorette party.

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We look the same today totally- right?

Anyway, they came in town for a mini reunion and of course to meet FW. Soooooo what did we do? How did we live it up – with a baby?

We took a long walk to the flats …

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Went for a run to the water …

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And also enjoyed a GNO (girls night out)! We went out to a French dinner at L’Albatros (ALL OF THE CHEESES) and then got amazing dessert at Coquette Patisserie. 20160924_204401

Some of said dessert.

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We also enjoyed the Ohio City Street Fair. 20160925_130317

Which of course included some Mitchell’s. I really enjoyed the pumpkin spice ice cream, ‘Tis the season!

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We also enjoyed some boy time with B and FW. We cheered on the Browns. And Indians. And they both lost 😦

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It was a pretty good weekend and I think FW enjoyed his first visitors. And we’re officially into Fall!

When was the last time you had a girls night?
How often do you see your college friends?

Per usual, I’m linking up with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

Weekend with the Grandparents

August 8, 2016August 7, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

My parents were in town this weekend! This was the longest they’ve spent in Cleveland – they came into town Wednesday night and left early Sunday morning, so I had 3 full days with them and FW. It was great!

So, what do we do when the grandparents are in town?

We celebrate!

How?

First, with tacos and patio drinks at Barrio. FW was on his best behavior. IMG_20160803_204630

And plenty of delocius takeout. Sushi one night (with Anson and Celia!) And Taza the next. LOVE me some Lebanese.

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And during the day, walks to Farmers Markets with live music. Public Square has a brand new market now that goes Thursdays through fall. You should check it out! 20160804_103742

We also went for a few long walks. Down to the Flats … 20160804_110737

Down to the lake (with a stop for FW to eat) … 20160804_142525

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And to the river. 20160806_114252

We of course had some playtime.

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Pedicures with mom. And wine.

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I also took advantage of them being in town by spending some alone time – I did some meal prep (yay for roasting veggies for lunches!) AND went for FOUR runs. That’s right – that’s more running than I’ve been able to do in forever. And since I was officially cleared to run earlier in the week, I was so happy to be out there. It is hard for me to run during the week days now because of FW, so I made sure to get in as much mileage as I wanted. I got in 3.8 miles Thursday, 4.3 miles Friday, 5 miles Saturday and even 4 miles Sunday morning. I’m definitely out of shape and slower than I was this time last year, but I don’t care – it’s just great to be back!

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And even though B was out of town for the weekend, Thursday night we took advantage of having my parents in town and spent the night to ourself! It was our first night out since FW was born – and even though I constantly thought of FW and missed him, it was great. We had amazing food and drinks at Alley Cat down by the water.

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Dessert was Cathy’s cookies. An amazing ice cream sandwich that was HUGE and so worth it. IMG_20160804_213206

Followed by a pretty walk home. I really am loving the new Public Square – even the fountains light up at night! If you follow me on Snapchat or Instagram (@koskim on both) you probably saw the light/water show. Who wants to be our next babysitter?

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My parents left Sunday morning and FW and I had the day to ourselves before B came home that night. We’ll be seeing them in less than a month, though, when we introduce FW to his New York (my side of the) family!

Some questions for you:

How often do you have date night?
If you had suddenly one hour to spend to yourself, what’s the first thing you would do? I guess I’d go for a run and take a shower 🙂 Life post-baby has changed me! Next on my list – mani/pedi, bake, blog …

Per usual, I’m linking up with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

Loving Summer Weekends with the Baby

July 11, 2016July 10, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

You guys. I had a GREAT weekend. I really can’t say it enough – I’m so full of love and happiness. It was a great weekend with B and FW. What made it so great? I can’t put my finger on it – it wasn’t one thing in particular, but it was just so many different things we were able to do, as a family of 3 (still not used to say that), and it was all so much greater than I expected.

Don’t get me wrong – I know not all weekends with a newborn (or child) are going to be great. Or easy. But this weekend had all the right ingredients – beautiful weather, great food, friends, fun things around CLE, long walks (still not able to run) AND beer(s). All of these, plus being with B and FW made for a wonderful weekend.

Some highlights:

Friday afternoon started out great. A pedicure and trip to the new Public Square to watch our niece and nephew splash in the fountain.

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And then a visit to Flat Out Fridays- live music and food and drinks along the water in the Flats.

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Friday night=homemade pizza night for the second week in a row. I could get used to this. And the beer. Confession- my tolerance is zilch right now, so I haven’t finished a full beer yet. Thank goodness B doesn’t mind helping 🙂

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Saturday started with a long walk with FW. We hit up our favorite trail and got in the most steps I’ve had since he was born!

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We also took FW to the Cleveland Flea. I picked up some new local kombucha while we were there. It’s crazy to think how much has changed since the June Flea just a few weeks ago!

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After the Flea we hit up the West Side Market. And since it was so nice out, decided to stay out and hit up a local brewery for some outdoor patio beers!

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At the Market we picked up supplies for dinner – I finally got to have some RARE steak – the only way I like it. YAY! That and some lactation cookies from my friend Reanna (who had visited Thursday) made for a delicious dinner.

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Sunday, we had plans to hit up Phuel for brunch. FW did great and we got to enjoy our usual and show him off to our regular server.

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It was another gorgeous day, so we opted to head to the park for a walk in the afternoon. We even saw a heron in the river fishing!

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And I spent the afternoon doing something I’d been wanting to do since FW was born but haven’t – baked! I made these bars.

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That night, it was time to introduce FW to some new friends. We were invited to dinner at V’s house and it was great to see her and my other DCA friends and catch up. Of course FW stole the show. And the delicious meal V made!

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And that, was our wonderful weekend. I hope all summer weekends with FW are this lovely and he continues to enjoy exploring Cleveland!

Some questions for you:

What color is on your toes right now – or what’s a go-to pedicure color? Do you go for pinks? reds? Coral? Or another fun color?
What was the best part of your weekend?

I’m linking up today with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

Let’s Taco ‘Bout the Weekend

May 23, 2016May 23, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 14 Comments

I had SUCH a wonderful weekend. Seriously. It started with a day off and long walk with B, then chilling with my brother who SURPRISED me with a trip to Cleveland, spending time with my parents and then being showered with love during my taco-themed baby shower! I couldn’t have planned for a better weekend and am still feeling in the love bubble from all the greatness of the weekend! (Or maybe it’s from the tacos ….)

The weekend started with a walk around downtown and the Flats on a gorgeous day….

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Then some coffee shop hopping with Greg.

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Then dinner at Taza with my family. 20160520_190112

And dessert at Cowell & Hubbard. 20160520_214250

Obligatory family photo! ❤ 20160520_201108(0)

Saturday morning B and I took another walk around downtown. 20160521_102241

And then it was shower time! Time for a Mexican fiesta. Yes, that is a taco piñata that the amazing hostess, Cuoghi made. Screenshot 2016-05-21 21.35.51

Cuoghi and I.

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Some of the amazing taco-themed food. Screenshot 2016-05-21 21.10.03

Me and my momma ❤

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And my “aunt” Pam – family friend forever – I can’t believe she made the trip all the way to Cleveland from Connecticut!

Cari and me 🙂

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Me and the “awesome aunts”

And yes, we managed to save room after the shower to get dinner with my family. Superior Pho, again. 20160521_194148 20160521_194133

Sunday included some brunch at Phuel (and yes, of course I had my favorite yogurt and granola) and more hanging out with my family. I hate when they leave – and it’s crazy to think the next time I see them all B and I may be a family of 3!

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Followed by a nice walk on a new area of the Towpath.

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And a little work – not that bad when you can be outside enjoying your favorite local tea!

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Dinner was on our own. Since we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and spent most of the day outside (and not cooking) – we had leftovers for dinner. A perfect end to a GREAT weekend with family and friends!

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Some questions for you:

What’s the best themed shower you’ve been to?
Which cuisine do you prefer – Lebanese, Mexican or Vietnamese?

I’m linking up today with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

I love the holidays

December 30, 2015December 29, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

Welp, the holiday season has come and gone. I had such a great time spending time with family and friends, and it seems like ages ago I was back in New York.

I had a great trip home, as always. I had a week home with my parents, some time with my family for Christmas, and then B and I took a few days off and visited Newport, Rhode Island. All in all, a successful holiday break. If only I were ready for 2016!

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Some highlights from my trip back to New York:

Decorating the tree with my family. When I was younger, we used to go out and cut it down ourselves – it was a great tradition.

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Going out to dinner in Saratoga. We went to one of my favorite places and had some delicious fries. It was a little chilly and we spent some time walking along the main street of the downtown area.

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Tons of baking for Christmas. Of course.

Taking walks with my family. One day it was 30 degrees, the next it was 60! SUCH seasonably warm weather! We had some 50+ degree days before and after Christmas. It was incredible!

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one of the 50+ degree days. Doesn’t look like December!

Running while home. B wore shorts and short sleeves on Christmas – I told you it was warm!

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Going to the movies. A usual Christmas tradition is seeing a movie on Christmas – this year, a group went and saw Carol, while another group saw The Big Short. I saw The Big Short – it was really good! Christian Bale was so good.

Seeing two of my best friends, Jane and Alisa. Jane and I got to hang out several times, taking walks (in above said warm weather), eating cookies, watching holiday movies, grabbing lunch, etc. It was great!

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Some (but not nearly enough) quality family time.

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And tons of reading. I finished All the Light They Cannot See, Station Eleven and California. All of them were so good! Next up I’m reading 1Q84. What else should I add to my list?

And that was about it. A perfect relaxing holiday!

Some questions for you:

Did you see any movies?
What books are you reading now?

Weekend in NY

December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Happy middle of December! It hardly feels like that right now because it is so warm! This weekend B and I were in NYC to celebrate my dad’s birthday, and it was nearly 70 degrees. That’s right, 70 degrees on December 13! I can’t complain, though- it made for an even better weekend in the city.

B and I got in Friday night and met up with my BFF Jane who lives in Brooklyn. The plan was actually to surprise my dad with a birthday dinner Saturday night with family. He had no idea that we were coming in, and had no idea about the family dinner planned. I can’t believe we pulled off the surprise!

Jane and me and Mexican food and beers. Yum!

So, Saturday, Jane and I mostly hung out around the city and met up with some of her friends. It was also a warm day and we checked out some holiday markets downtown.

super crowded markets

amazing cauliflower bahn mi for lunch

Saturday night, it was surprise time! We got to the restaurant 30 minutes before my parents and brother and waited… I was nervous! Surprises make me anxious. Luckily, all family and friends arrived on time and when my dad showed up he was so surprised!

Dad and me at dinner

My brother and cousins

B and me

Sunday, B and I had a late flight back to Cleveland, so we were luckily able to meet up with my family again. We met up for a tour of One World Trade Center, which is now an observatory above the city. There were great views of the city all around us! We then grabbed a late lunch before it was off to the airport.

amazing views

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The trip was great. Even though it was short (and we didn’t get in any runs), I got to see Jane AND my family. I hadn’t seen my family in months, and my extended family in nearly a year. And I can’t believe I’ll be seeing some of them again in a few weeks for the holidays! I feel so lucky I got to celebrate my dad’s birthday and am looking forward to seeing everyone again soon. Now, to survive a short week!

Linking up today with Erin for my weekend snapshot post, Katie for MIMM and the weekly wraps.

Some questions for you:

How often do you see your family?
Are you traveling for the holidays?

Still Feelin Like Fall!

November 3, 2015November 1, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / Leave a comment

I’m not gonna lie, it was a pretty uneventful weekend. Yes, it was Halloween, but I was getting over a cold (thanks, air travel!), and feeling tired and not too in the mood to do anything exciting.

Friday night included Souper Market takeout and catching up on Netflix. No photos needed – I mean, don’t you know what soup and old How I Met Your Mother episodes look like?

Saturday morning, B had signed us up for a Halloween themed 5 mile race. B dressed up as Ron Burgundy and I dressed up as a dinosaur. I still can’t believe B ran 5 miles in a turtleneck, blazer and grey slacks. That’s commitment!

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After the race, we decided to do our typical Saturday routine. We hadn’t been in town in a while, so it was great to go to the Market and grab some tea. Warm ginger tea and honey with a cold = amazing.

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Saturday afternoon, I did some baking and B did some cooking. We had plans to go to Dave and Anson’s house for trick-or-treaters and scary movie night. B made amazing deep dish pizzas to bring – they were so good I forgot to take a photo until we had eaten half of them.

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For our annual scary movie night, we opted to watch Saw. It’s a movie I’ve seen a few times, but Dave and Anson hadn’t seen it and since it was going off Netflix Nov. 1, we decided to watch it.

Sunday morning, thanks to Daylight Saving, we got up pretty early and decided to get some brunch at Phuel. I’m a big fan of their yogurt and granola parfait.

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After brunch, since it was 60s and gorgeous, we decided to get in a long walk in the Metroparks. The fall colors were looking beautiful and I enjoyed a free Starbucks beverage on the walk. It was pretty much a the perfect fall scene – and the RED CUPS are out already! I’m not ready for red cup season yet.

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After the walk, B and I watched the Browns game and may have taken a nap. That’s two naps for me in one weekend – a new record! I’m taking advantage of getting sleep when I can, especially with this cold.

Family dinner on Sunday night ended with a great dessert – B’s mom made carrot cake and it was AMAZING. I’m not a huge cake person (I prefer cookies and ice cream) – but carrot cake. Oh my. And this one was delicious!

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And that was it! See, a pretty uneventful weekend.

Some questions for you:

What’s your favorite type of cake?
Do you have a favorite scary movie?
Do you like naps?

Friday 5: Family Vacation Favorites

July 31, 2015July 31, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

I’m just getting back from a week of vacation spending time in New York and California with family. I’ve already written a few recap posts (NY, Sonoma), but before finishing up those posts, here’s a quick Friday Favorites dedicated to some of my favorite photos from our trip. Here you go – a few photos and one sentence as to why I like each photo.

1. Redwoods Selfie: Love that it shows all of us just hiking in the Redwoods, a place that is seriously so unbelievably beautiful, that it’s only better if you’re sharing it with family.

2. Family in Jersey: Again, love that it captures me and my extended family – we’re hardly ever all in one place!

3. Me and Greg @ Dinner: We actually look pretty related here, which doesn’t happen often.

4. Greg and me and the vines: A traditional brother-sister selfie.

4. Lavender fields at the vineyard: I can look at this picture and smell how beautiful it was!

5. Parents on our walk along the Mendocino Headlands: They make me happy ❤

AND a bonus: Mom feeding the chickens: Because when else are we ever feeding chickens, or even around wildlife (and she looks like she’s having a great time!)?

Happy Friday! I’m linking up today with Life in Leggings and Fitting it all In!

Won’t Let The Rain Keep Us Down

June 29, 2015June 29, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / Leave a comment

We had a cool, rainy weekend in Cleveland. It was a high of 70 both days – at max – which is 10 degrees cooler than usual. And it rained on and off the entire time.

Starting with that, you’d think I’d say that we spent the entire weekend inside, right? Wrong! My parents were in town and we managed to still get out and do stuff in between (and during) the showers.

Friday morning started with an 8 mile run with Nicole. We discovered a new path with a pretty good view of the city and the river, too.

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Nature! Seen on the run.

Friday night, my parents got into town. We decided to spend the evening at the Asiatown Night Market. We walked over before sunset and were greeted by lots of food, music and other local vendors. We had dinner and dessert there – Vietnamese for me (along with some Chinese dumplings), and then shaved ice. SO good.

delicious ice!

Night market

Saturday morning, we got up and trudged in the rain to Phuel for breakfast. I got my usual granola bowl, my parents enjoyed pancakes and eggs.

beautiful momma (and icky rain)

After a trip to Heinen’s and some travel planning indoors during the storm, we decided to go to the movies. We saw Spy – pretty funny!

After the movie, we walked around the area and showed them the pathway to the beach.

selfie on our walk

Then, we enjoyed dinner at Luxe and dessert – the Shoreway Sundae at Sweet Moses. So. Good.

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one of our dishes. we shared a salad, some seared octopus and two entrees.

bubbly with a straw for me!

dessert!

Sunday morning, we got up early, and after breakfast at Phuel (yes, again), my parents were on the road. I got in a short workout and then hung out with B.

Phuel breakfast #2

Then, it was time for some meal prep, Netflix binge watching, and when the sun came out again, a walk with Nicole. Followed by an Arctic Zero sundae for dessert. Another weekend, success.