Last Thursday was Dessert Thursday

Written by Shannon Leigh

And to my delight Matt and I went to Cafe Luna in the old train station downtown.  I had just recently heard about the place and was dying to try it out. The ambiance was great and the food very good (Matt was concerned by the gourmet-ness of it all, but was pleasantly surprised).  We splurged on tapas and dessert and we were also served a big hunk of roasted garlic with fresh baked bread.  

I loved the art in the entrance (photos on canvas)

We ended up getting the poached pear dessert with homemade chocolate sauce and ice cream (we would definitely recommend it).  I, of course, sipped on decaf coffee and Matty enjoyed a tall glass of cherry coke.  We live on the edge.  Don't you just love the tapestry on the walls?  Now if I could only get Matt to let me wallpaper our house like that.

We had a super busy weekend (I shot a wedding and we did lots of driving).  So that means a few minutes of snuggling before we both drift off to dream land. 

Night!

Ode to being 24 (part 2)

Written by Shannon Leigh

On my actual birthday (last Thursday) Matt and I celebrated my 24 years with Mexican soda.  If you haven't had some you should really go to your local Mexican grocery store and pick some up (you might want to stay away from the meat because of the whole Swine Flu thing).

We ended up going to the Courier Cafe in Urbana.  Matt and I are frequenters of this cute little establishment.  It's practically famous in these parts.  Read their story here. 

I had some birthday blueberry pie and Matt celebrated with a brownie covered in ice cream and whipped cream.  Both were delightful.  We left with full bellies and happy hearts.

Good thing my birthday fell on Dessert Thursday.  What a happy coincident. 

We tried real hard to take a picture of last night's Dessert Thursday

but this was what we got.

Oh well, the Insomnia Cookies were fab and I came home to a spotless house and a single red rose. What a stud. I'm glad I married him, he makes me really stinkin happy.

In a few minutes, I am headed back here to shoot a wedding this weekend.

At least I get to stay with her

We always have a good time together.

Guess I'll be back Sunday.

Oh, a Cupcake for Me?

Last Dessert Thursday Matt and I went to Pekara,  in downtown Champaign. I was salivating over all of the baked goods on display.  You should read this little bakery's story here.

  

I ended up with a delish cupcake and some sort of yummy/chocolaty tart. Matt had his standard chocolate brownie which he loved. We enjoyed our food and the time we spent together, as always.

.

When We Find a Green Wall...

We really can't help ourselves.

And a lovely Dessert Thursday it was.

Tonight was Dessert Thursday

And we went to Marble Slab Creamery.

No, it's not local, but Matty had a hankerin for their Double Dark Chocolate with Almonds. 

I had a banana split with strawberry, mocha, and birthday cake ice cream covered in fresh strawberries, marshmallows, and hot fudge. Best banana split I've had in years.  Come to think of it, it's the only banana split I've had in years.  Thanks for the suggestion Matty, my satisfied belly is indebted to you.  

I finished my Easter banner tonight too... Sorry for the poor lighting.  Maybe I'll take a few shots in the morning.  

Tomorrow's Friday and Matt and I have lots of family coming in to town.  We are having a big pasta party for all of the marathon runners.  Hope my brothers-in-law do well!!

Last Dessert Thursday...

We ate lots of pie.

We went to Merry Ann's downtown (It's slightly less dirty than the one on Neil St.) and ate to our hearts content. We always bring a book to read together but we were so busy eating, we didn't even crack it open. I'm already looking forward to this weeks' Thursday.

I am loving my new wide angle/macro lens by the way. I wasn't convinced at first. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to my prime (not much can when you have an f-stop of 1.4). After I used it for a few days it started growing on me. I'm starting to think it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Here's to many, many more happy days together.

Dessert Thursday...

comes around once a week.  

It's really just an excuse for the husband and I to get out of the house and take time to enjoy each other.  We normally talk about really serious stuff (except for when we don't) and eat dessert from great local eateries.  I mean what could be better than discovering some local flav-a with the one you love.  Nothing, that's what.

Last week we went to Cafe Kopi.

I sipped on plum tea while Matty chugged a mocha iced frappuccino.  It's one of his new favorite things (I am going to go and take the credit for that one).  

Here's to the next Dessert Thursday my love.

On the last Dessert Thursday...

We went to Escobar's.

Sometimes Dessert Thursday turns into dinner too (wink).  I had the baked macaroni and cheese and Matt had the half chicken braised in tomato and red wine. We recommend both.

Mostly we enjoyed each others' company. I sipped on coffee and we both ate the Guatemalan rum and mango cheesecake for dessert.

When our dessert came, I whipped out my massive camera and I noticed our waiter giving me a strange look.  I smiled at him and said... "It's Dessert Thursday... It's kind of a thing."

When he gave us our check he gazed at us with serious eyes and said "love is a beautiful thing," then walked away.  

Why thanks mister, I'd have to agree.

Cakes on Walnut

equals pure bliss.

If you live in the Champaign/Urbana area (heck if you live anywhere in Illinois) you should visit this adorable cupcake shop downtown.  Matty and I headed to Cakes on Walnut for Dessert Thursday and it was the best!:)

We each ordered two cupcakes, a truffle, and I had THE BEST coffee (straight out of my personal French press).  With minimal decorations, creative art (for sale), and adorable cafe tables I could see myself spending lots of time there. Can anyone say... BRUNCH?

  

Come and play with us sometime, I'd surely love it... THE END.