Football Date: The Brandon Burlsworth Story

I don't know about you all, but I am a sucker for a good underdog story. In just about any circumstance, be it at the Olympic games or some contestant on The Voice- I just love hearing a story about someone coming from behind to achieve something in life. GREATER is a new football-based movie that focuses on always pursuing what you want to do with perseverance, dedication, and faith. This movie inspired Jared and I's most recent at-home date night.

Since we had so much fun with our Christmas in July theme date, we used this movie as an excuse to have a football-themed night. We decided to try out some new recipes for our football parties and of course we made a couple of our old favorites as well. Hello, Crack Dip. 

We found a copycat wing recipe from one of our favorite Disney restaurants and decided to give it a whirl. With just a tiny bit of tweaking we think we nailed it- they were SO delicious. Honey-Ginger Coriander wings. We will definitely be serving these up to our friends and family for game days this season.

T even crashed our football date night for a little bit- but since his onesie was "on theme" we allowed it ;)

The movie we watched comes out August 26th but I was given the opportunity to prescreen it; this is the first time I've ever heard the Brandon Burlsworth story. The movie is a must-see for any football loving fan, especially any of you diehard Razorback fans, I know you're out there! ;) I'm pretty confident there are no sports movies out there that I don't love. GREATER the movie left me feeling both inspired and inadequate. Inadequate, what?! I know, I know- but hear me out.

Brandon Burlsworth essentially proves everyone wrong in this movie. He had one focus, one dream and he went after it no matter how many people laughed at him and no matter how many personal obstacles stood in his way. How many times in life have we said we want to do something, accomplish something, create something... but have yet to actually put our all into it? I know it's something I'm guilty of constantly. The sad reality is that I haven't tried. Not truly given my biggest, best effort to something I'm passionate about- but why? Because my dreams are too big? too scary? too daunting? There are no excuses. None. This movie was a wonderful reminder that I'm the only person standing in the way of those dreams.

Below is a sneak peek of the trailer for those of you who are interested. Football fans- I'm telling you it's a must-see movie. Check out GREATER The Movie, in select theaters (be sure to check your local ones for availability and showtimes!) August 26th.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and GREATER Productions. but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GREATERMovie #GreaterTheMovie  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

75 Days to Go

That's right folks. Just 75 short little days until we get to meet our son. You know, give or take some days/weeks. I have three different pregnancy apps on my phone (don't judge) that remind me daily that our time as just a couple is quickly coming to an end. While we are thrilled about becoming parents, we've also settled into the mindset of "Let's live it up while we still can!" I mean, 75 days is less than 11 weeks and that means roughly 11 weekends of "freedom" before our family becomes three and our lives start revolving around diaper duty and feeding schedules.

I've mentioned countless times on here that Jared and I are guilty of doing the same things a lot- we are creatures of habit for our date nights and weekends, for sure. The 75 day reminder has me itching to get out and do more with my hubby though so we've devised a fun "plan" for the next couple of months. We're going to commit to one unique date/outing each weekend, and we'll take turns being the one to plan them. That way we aren't sitting around on a Friday evening scrambling to think of something to do and debating on if we should spend the money or not. Spoiler alert- that always results in us doing nothing. 

Remember that passport I made for Jared way back when? Well, we only stamped off about half of those things so we're determined to knock out the rest of them on our quest to date it up during the final countdown. There are museums we haven't seen yet, a quirky restaurant that we've always meant to try and I'm hoping the weather continues to cooperate so we can hit up some fun parks for long walks and maybe even a bike ride or two.

I love continuing to date Jared year after year. How we date each other has surely changed since our early puppy-love days and will continue to change and evolve as we become parents and enter into a new phase of life together. But it's comforting to know that no matter the phase of life, I'll always have this guy by my side and we'll always be on a lifelong date together. ;)

So let's hear it. What is your favorite date to go on with your significant other? Or, what was a must-do 'before baby' date you went on? I'm looking forward to soaking in these last couple of months and enjoying every second with my man.