Valentine/Birthday outing

I hope you all had a nice Valentines Day! Bob and I went out for supper the night before because I had other plans on Saturday.  It was Heather's birthday!  She doesn't get out without kids much these days, as Connor is still very much a Mama's boy and likes to keep her in his sight. But with her birthday falling on a Saturday,  Andrew was able to watch the kids, and we got to go out for some fun.

Before we left, I gave the kids some Valentine Treat bags which they loved.

We made our way to the cute town of Rockford where we walked around and did some shopping.

I love to go here because of the fun shops they have, like this one.  Old buildings that have been restored and are one of a kind places are the best.

Here's Heather and I.  We were at a place called The Toasted Pickle. It's a favorite lunch place.

This is inside the restaurant.  It's another old building that's been fixed up.

Here's our lunch.  We shared their famous grilled cheese sandwich with tomato juice shots, and truffle french fries. It was so good!

After lunch, we walked over to the river. I like seeing these cat tails next to the icy river.

We admired the dam before heading back to the shops.

One of the shops had this cozy spot out front with a fire and chairs with warm fur to sit in.

We both made some nice purchases.  Heather, in typical mom fashion bought some things for her kids, but also something for herself.

I got these two books.  One is a devotional about hymns, telling the story behind them with scriptures that go along with each hymn. The other is a book with fun places to visit in Michigan.  Bob and I plan to make use of those ideas.

I also got these cute decor pieces which I will use soon to add some Spring to house.
What a fun day!

Happy Valentines Day!

 I know I'm a day early, just posting this instead of my usual Friday Funny.
Comments are off. Hope you all have a great day!

Cooking Thursday

Last week I shared a recipe for steak bites. Today's recipe is for smashed potato slices that we had with the steak bites. This is something Bob saw and thought would be good, and he was right! It was a fun switch from the usual baked potatoes we have with steak.

Smashed Potatoes

3-4 small potatoes, (about golf ball size) scrubbed and halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
dried oregano
garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
crispy bacon, crumbled

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non stick spray or olive oil.
Boil potatoes for about 15 minutes or until just fork tender.
Drain potatoes and let cool for about 5 minutes. Place each potato skin side up on cookie sheet.
Smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thick.
Drizzle olive oil over each potato, then sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
Place in oven for 20-30 minutes until crispy and browned. 
Remove and turn off oven. Flip potatoes, then sprinkle cheese over them and then the crumbled bacon. Place back in oven with heat off and leave in for about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve with ranch or sour cream.