Today Ryan and I began the search for a new place to live. Our lease is officially up August 1, so the hunt is on.
Before leaving on a massive house hunt, I made myself a bagelwich on a cinnamon raisin bagel thin with melted muenster cheese and raspberry jelly and a tumbler full of coffee to take on the road.
Our house hunt lasted from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Seriously.
We took one 20-minute break at Subway for lunch (veggie sub with Swiss cheese for me) before resuming the search for the rest of the day.
Of course gas station snacks were also enjoyed as we drove from place to place.
We actually ended the day feeling a little defeated and completely drained. We realize it will obviously take more than one day of intensive searching to find our perfect place, but I think we both hoped today would yield at least some possibilities.
Once we arrived back to our apartment, we did a quick-change into fancier clothes for an evening date to Vines, a fancy-schmancy wine bar and grill.
I purchased a Groupon to Vines months ago and we figured we’d finally redeem it this evening.
And redeem it we did!
I don’t think either of us realized just how classy of a place Vines was until we looked over the menu. Lobster, filet, sea bass… oh my!
Thank goodness we had a Groupon, because this place was quite pricey.
Our meal began with freshly baked bread that was unreal. So, so doughy. I carboloaded before our meal and ate three four slices smeared with super-soft, herbed cream cheese. I was starving!
For my entrée, I opted for Alaskan king crab legs that were cooked in champagne and butter.
The crab was unbelievably sweet and flavorful. It was practically dripping with the sweet champagne and I fell in love.
My side order of grilled asparagus was also delicious, though quite oily.
I also did a pretty good number on Ryan’s entrée.
Check out his plate!
He got the special, which was a two-pound lobster, stuffed with crab. His meal also came with fried potatoes and corn cassoulet. The sides of his meal may have been my favorite part!
Even though we were quite full, our waiter sold us on dessert when he mentioned the gooey brownie, topped with toffee and ice cream.
Sign us up!
The dessert was absolutely decadent and pushed me over the edge from full to overly stuffed. Ooph.
Our dinner at Vines was delicious and we used our time together to talk about the upcoming month and our move and what we hope to find in a new place. Our number one requirement? No mice!!! 
Dinner tonight was also extra-special because I received a very important phone call in the middle of our meal from my best friend Laurel.
Her boyfriend, Benny, proposed this evening!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(That picture is the two of them at our wedding rehearsal dinner. Love it!)
I am so, so excited for Laurel and Benny and can’t stop thinking about their special day! Luckily I’ll get to see Laurel (and her new ring!) before she leaves for Jacksonville tomorrow. I think I’ll be up all night in anticipation. YAAAAY!
P.S. The Fashion page was updated today!
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Good luck with the house hunting!
ohhh what an awesome meal of fresh seafood! 🙂 I am totally jealous!
Congrats to your pal Laurel that’s wonderful!
So sorry to hear about having such a hard time finding a place. We’re in the same boat but I know something good is out there! 🙂
Oh WOW. That dessert would SO be something I would eat. YUMM.
Congrats to Laurel. YEAH!! 🙂
Yep, looking for a new place to live can be draining. Some of the best advice I ever got was to develop two lists — one for “have to have” features — the stuff you can’t live without.
Then, make another list of “nice to haves”. You know, the things that can make a difference if you’re trying to decide between houses that both have the basic features you require.
Making these lists makes you really focus on what you want — and can help ensure that you and the person you’re living with agree!
After you leave each place, do a checklist of its features against both lists — when you see a lot of places in a day, things get a little blurred! Pictures help, too.
Good luck!
that’s a great suggestion. my “have to have” is a nice kitchen with counter space! our current kitchen looks like a cave and has enough counter space for like 5 different spices.
Ooo congratulations to the two of them! How exciting! Our wedding is in exactly a week so I can definitely relate to how happy they must be feeling right now!
Are you looking for another rental house or are you looking to buy? How many bedrooms are you looking for?
We’re in a one bedroom of a highrise apartment and it’s definitely nice! Living in an apartment building has its benefits, like a beautiful free gym, but it also has its downfalls, like pricey rent rates that would be equivalent to a mortgage on a house. Yikes!
we’re looking to rent – 3 bedrooms, idealy (one master, a guest room and an office for me). we also would really like a fenced-in yard for sadie and a pretty kitchen! it’s tough stuff!
I did this when apartment hunting as well. “Have to haves” were hardwood floors and laundry hookups. “Nice to haves” was a dishwasher. So, yeah, I didn’t end up with a dishwasher but I sure love my floors and in-apartment laundry! 😉
And…I replied to the wrong comment. I am super.
You’ll find your dream house! You’ll walk in and know it I bet just watch ;D They can’t make it THAT easy where it can be completed in just one day, you know?!
Awh congrats to the lovely couple! I love weddings <3
Wooooo girl, fancy shmancy! I can’t wait to see what you two finally choose. House hunting is so much fun. Good luck giiirl!!
We ended up not moving at all — but a few years ago we went house hunting and it was such a draining experience. I’m glad you got to enjoy such a nice dinner afterward!
i LOVE the dress you wore to dinner! It’s so cute!!
Wow that dinner looks amazing! And that dessert looks even better! Sign me up, too! 😉 Good luck with the house hunting!
your dress is hot.
Good luck with the house hunting! It sure can be tedious and a bit frustrating at times! You will know the place as soon as you see it, it’ll feel totally right!
Love your dress by the way – and your wedges, they are my favorite! You look amazing girl
Happy house hunting! ugh I totaly want cracker jacks now, those things are soo addictive…in a really good way 🙂
After your morning post yesterday, I think you will appreciate this: I woke up at 6.30 am to go for a walk and after getting ready, it starts to downpour- gah! Now I have to wait till 10 till my gym opens, here’s hoping my motivation sticks around till then!
If you need ideas in your area and an easy move, try looking on moveforfree.com. I dont know if they work in Florida, but I live in Dallas and have used them twice. They work great as apartment locators and move you for FREE (just make sure to read the 3 requirements)
Sorry you have had trouble finding a place, your dinner sounds delicious!
Champagne and butter? Girl, you know where it’s at.
Aw, that is so exciting for your friend! I hope everything goes well with your house hunting :). Sorry for bothering you with that question on twitter today! I was told earlier that some of my emails had been going to spam (grr) and I just wanted to make sure that one didn’t too!
Oh no worries at all!
I love your dress, where did you get it?
Good luck with house hunting, it can be so stressful!
Hope you guys find something soon that you love. Those are some amazing looking dinners!
Good luck with the house hunt…and enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🙂
Good luck! I just moved recently and I know first hand how big of a headache it is just to FIND a place!
Fun date night! Wow – yeah – house hunting is exhausting – you guys ended it on a great note though and so exciting for your friends!!
One word: I am in l o v e with that frilly white dress, it’s so summery and perfect!
We’re also trying to find a new apartment for August. I don’t even know where to start looking. It will definitely be great to get away from the paper-thin walls in our current spot though!
Absolutely loving your dress for dinner, btw!!!
A HUGE congrats to the best friend! That is very exciting! 🙂 I remember waiting, and waiting, and waiting for that glorious day!!!!
The search will be worth it when you find your dream home! 🙂 And the crab in champagne and butter sounds amazing?! In fact everything should be cooked in champagne and butter!! 🙂
good luck with house hunting! that is so exhausting! (mentally and physically!) but hopefully you’ll find something mice-free!!!
congrats to your friend 🙂
and i LOVE your white dress!!!!
Don’t be downhearted Julie, I’m moving house today and had exactly the same experience. Search day one – very depressing and nothing of interest. Day two – exactly the same. Day three – I could’ve happily lived in any of the three properties I saw. Then you have the fun of listing pros and cons to choose one!
I love crab and asparagus, what a treat!
House-hunting takes time, it’s such a huge decision so you can’t rush into it. Best of luck with it and enjoy the process 🙂
My lease is up on Aug 2.. should probably start looking for somewhere to live haha 🙂
House hunting can be frustrating, but you WILL find the right place. 🙂 It took me and my hubby a bit of time before we found our perfect home too…. Oh, and LOVE your dress, by the way! too cute!
Awe! Congrats to your friend, Laurel! She’s going to be a beautuful bride!
Good luck with apt. hunting!
Congrats to your friend! What a cute couple! In the past week, 2 of my best friends have gotten engaged and also my cousin, so now I’m going to be a bridesmaid 3 times next summer! Any tips for a first time bridesmaid?
Yay another wedding to plan! 🙂
oh my gosh! Ryans dinner is huge! but it all looks delicious!
good luck with the house search, it takes awhile but is totally worth it in the end!
Finding the right place can be tough for sure!! Don’t get discouraged.. you will find something that is perfect for you!
Good luck house hunting! Keep your chin up:)
Congrats to your friend and good luck with your house hunting.
Holy cow that is a lot of food! I have never heard of a spendy restaurant actually delivering a good amount of food for the prices. Nice!
That lobster is massive! The whole meal looks amazing.
Congrats to your friend!
HOLY CRAB! Both of your meals look amazing! Thank goodness for groupon! That’s so exciting that your friend proposed!!!! CONGRATS TO THEM!! <3
Crab is better than candy for me! Yum!! Good luck with the house hunt. I hope you find the perfect place!
oh. my. goodness. gracious. CRAB STUFFED LOBSTER? I need to go to this place. stat. pronto.
LOVE the outfit you wore to dinner!
I just booked reservations to Vines for my upcoming trip to Orlando in 10 days! I can’t wait!