We have always believed in dating and spending time together. During these past few months, finding those moments away from the house have been few - mostly because life is tiring right now and honestly it is just easier staying home. This past week I had a lymphatic massage that focused on the abdominal incision to help with the fat necrosis or scar tissue issues (unsure which they are). She also used these massage boots for my legs and feet for my swelling issues. While it was not a full body massage, it helped tremendously and she also showed me how to do the massage myself. I had never had a lymphatic massage so in my mind, I was thinking it would be an all over massage, which I have not had since prior to my surgery so I had really been looking forward to this; however, this is more of a physical therapy massage dedicated to focus on problem areas. Knowing we both needed some TLC, I decided to plan a date day for us this Saturday. Thankfully I was able to get all the reservations scheduled.
First stop was PJs Coffee in N Richland Hills for a coffee flight. I am in a group on Facebook called Fort Worth Foodies and someone mentioned their coffee flight and beignets. Um, hello, you had me at beignets! We both chose two different coffees, two hot and two cold and placed our order. PJs had comfy couches so we settled in and waited for our order. The hot coffees were Butter Rum and Cookie Butter - both were delicious! The cold coffees were cold brews - Jingle Bells and Santas Blend. We preferred the hot coffees, however, we would definitely go back for the beignets - it made me miss NOLA!
He is very ticklish! We all laugh when the torture begins, well all, but Stephen
Next, we went to our favorite salon for a pedicure. Pedicures has a place in our monthly budget. I believe self care is important and it is time spent together as well. I was able to secure our favorite techs, Tiffany and Linda, for our reservation. Linda had been on vacation so Stephen has had different techs during her vacation, we loved hearing her stories of her travels and were glad she had time away. He definitely was glad to have her back though!
Not wanting to do a massage on an empty stomach, I once again looked to Fort Worth Foodies to the rescue for lunch. Someone had recommended Hush Sushi in Keller. They have a patio for outside seating as well sushi bar and tables. We had Shishito peppers and BaoBao (braised pork belly, cucumber, scallions with bao bun) for our appetizers. Stephen loves Shishito peppers and they did not disappoint. I had never had BaoBao and was glad to venture out and try something new. The bread and sauce were a little sweet, and the pork belly was tender and very flavorful. Stephen, of course, for his meal ordered sushi and I had a Crazy Ami roll and chicken fried rice. This is definitely a restaurant we would choose again.
Now, we were off to our couples massage. This by far is my favorite part of today though, honestly, I was a little apprehensive. I have trouble laying on my sides, and have not laid on my stomach at all since my surgery and was unsure of how I would handle the pressure. One of my DIEP flap groups on Facebook recommended using a massage breast pillow. OMG - I do not know who came up with this design but it made my experience quite enjoyable. I did not have any difficulties with pressure on my chest area or along my incision. We love having couples massages and I was glad for him to be able to have a some self care to help relieve some of the stress of the past year. We left feeling very relaxed and ready for a nap.
Date days are my favorite, though really any day spent together is my favorite thing to do! Make sure you take time for yourself and time together with your partner. It is important to spend time together to cultivate your relationship.
Have a blessed week
~ deandra