My husband and I recently celebrated 15 years of marriage!
Our anniversary is on Dec 23rd, and although I loved our wedding and everything about it, finding time during Christmas season is always hard.
He was sweet enough to have this gorgeous bouquet waiting for me when I woke up that morning. But then came the hustle and bustle of church and company and cooking. So I decided to surprise my hard working man with a treat after the craziness settled down.
I knew we would get home right at dinner time, so before we left I made a huge pot of chili. I like to keep my chili low carb, so I added lots of beef and sausage. Then just added 1 can of beans, onions and diced tomatoes.
I kept the secret of where we were going for over a week…that is a big deal! But my hubby loves surprises and his love language is quality time, (well, and physical touch!) so I kept my mouth shut.
I told him to wear workout clothes, but to pack a bag with a bathing suit, and a comfy outfit to come home in. And I told him to make sure his underwear was in good shape. Ha ha! He guessed we were doing a sexy photo shoot, or going to Ray’s Splash Planet. (Um, No.)
We ended up at the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. They have a wonderful spa there with so many amenities. The cool thing is, when you book a service, you can hang out all day long. and that is exactly what we did.
I did insist on us getting a good workout in before we lounged and got pampered. Only because it puts us both in such a good mood. We did 40 minutes on the elliptical, and then some free weights.
After our workout, we changed into our suits and relaxed by the pool. We drank a glass of wine, read and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
This picture sums up how relaxed we felt after our couples massage. We had an add on, and we both went for the deep tissue. I needed that! I’ve amped up my workouts a bit so I had some pretty tight knots in my upper back and hamstrings.
After our massages, we relaxed some more by the pool and enjoyed the steam room and the sauna. And lots of cucumber water.
Pedicures came next…It is hard to see how beautiful this view is. It was a pretty gloomy day in Charlotte, so this picture doesn’t do it justice. I can’t wait to come back on a gorgeous, sunny day. I am thinking about treating my sister to a spa day when she hits her next promotion!
The finished product! I got a cute puple color…he just got a buff and loved rocking those spa sandals. 
And that is a rap! We felt all glowy and shiny when we left.
This is something my husband would never do for himself, but really deserves it. He is a really hard worker and does so much for me, my kids, and everyone else in his circle. He enjoyed it and it was so nice to get a way for several hours.
A wise person once gave me the secret to a happy marriage…
“Once a week-Once a month-Once a year.”
Once a week go on a date. This doesn’t have to be a fancy dinner, or expensive night on the town. My husband and I go for a walk, yoga, or simply kick the kids out for an hour so we can connect over bagged salads at our kitchen table. Once a month is when you are supposed to get away…even if it is to a hotel in the same city! (Sending the kids away counts too!) The once a year is taking a vacation together…alone. (That is one we are working on now!)
Stay tuned… next week I will recap my Raleigh trip and share what I’ve been eating lately!
xo
