Friday, February 27, 2009

A CHEAP DATE


Last weekend My Harley Stud and I had plans to go out for the night. We were going to check out a new shopping center that we hadn't experienced yet and then go for pizza. I thought it would be a nice way to spend the evening. You might be scratching your head now wondering why I would say "experience the shopping center." Well, allow me tell you. There is a new trend in shopping centers here. They are no longer just places to run in and buy that new pair of socks or shower curtain that you need. Noooooooooooo, it's a virtual amusement park of commerce. These shopping plazas are an open-air delight to the senses. There are beautifully landscaped botanical gardens complete with waterfalls and statues. You can meander in and out of the many shops at your leisure. Coffee shops complete with outdoor tables and chairs, restaurants aplenty, cute little boutiques and organic grocery stores are all at your disposal. You can catch a movie and then be entertained by the singing, dancing servers at Johnny Rockets while you enjoy your burger and fries. Or……………………..you can refinance your mortgage and indulge yourself at one of the many gourmet restaurants. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and you can smell ………….the money. While the entire world is in a mudslide that is our economy, Palm Beach County has always been the land of milk and honey. It takes a little longer for the Palm Beachers to feel the pain. I suppose they have this type of shopping center everywhere now but I'm from a small town in Indiana and even after 28 years here, I am still amazed at all the razzle-dazzle.

Remember my friend the Trophy Wife? She called just before we were about to leave for our little outing. The TW and I hadn't spoken for awhile and needed to catch up. I explained what our plans were for the evening and asked if she and the Rocket Scientist would like to join us. She said that the RS wasn't home from work yet but she would call to see where we were once he got home. She told me to be sure to check out the menu at one of the higher-end restaurants at the plaza. It's a steakhouse where she and the RS went with the VP of his company. I gasped when she told me their portion of the bill for the meal was over $200.00. I laughed and told her that meant she personally consumed over $100 worth of food and beverage. "That can't be good for your diet." She laughed and agreed that it would be a long while before they went there again. I've always considered myself a cheap date (not THAT kind of cheap date) because I'm so easily entertained. The idea of forking over $200+ for two meals leaves me speechless. OK, nothing really leaves me speechless, I know. It's a steak for Pete's sake! I know the alcohol tab can make the total skyrocket but these two are not really big drinkers.

My Harley Stud and I enjoyed our walk through the plaza and we made it out of there without spending a cent. I entertained the idea of a coffee creation at Starbucks but decided I wasn't really in the mood for coffee. We explored Urban Outfitters and laughed at all the entertaining phrases printed on napkins, cups, notepads and t-shirts. MHS indulged me by escorting me into just the cutest little gift-shop EVER where I got thousands of ideas for future gift-giving. The pièce de résistance was strolling thru the kitchen store where I was like a kid in a candy store telling MHS, "I want this and this and this."

We left the plaza and went to a little Italian restaurant where we ordered a pizza. Just as our pizza arrived, my phone alerted me to a voicemail. I hadn't even heard the phone ring. The message was from TW and she had left it an hour earlier. Cursing mobile phone technology, I called TW only to discover they had given up on us and went to another restaurant. We were all disappointed that we missed a rare opportunity to get together. The Rocket Scientist travels frequently in his job and they have a much busier social calendar than MHS and I have. But on a brighter note, the pizza was great as was the service and we really enjoyed ourselves. The best part: Our bill WASN'T $200.00!

TW called this week so we could have our catch-up session that we missed on Friday night. She had a great story for me that was related to the plaza of which I speak in this post. Stay tuned for tomorrow where I share the Trophy Wife's story.

** It just occurred to me that this post might qualify as a MONEY IN THE BANK tip. **



19 comments:

Anonymous said...

ROFL - yes, indeed, it qualifies.

*Note to self: No $200 dinners*

You're like me in kitchen/gourmet shops. We have a new client prospect in Michigan: the place is called "The Bitchen Kitchen" and Beloved has already promised me a road trip to go visit them. I can't wait!

Michael Horvath said...

Good for you, I know I would have spent some money.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a nice date.

I'd much rather spend my $200 on something tangible. Dinner? No...give me a $30 pizza dinner any day and I'll keep the remaining $170!!!

Anonymous said...

The way you did it is the way I would have done it. I've never been to that part of Florida. Those pictures look so beautiful.

cheatymoon said...

Sounds so similar to a big date night for us too. I'd much rather window shop and have cheap meal...
Nice photos, SMB.

Anonymous said...

WOW $200 for a dinner for two? We spend half that and have a gorgeous mouth watering dinner with drinks and dessert. Guess some folks just like throwing their money around. I'd rather take the extra $100 and donate to a charity or give it to a food bank.

Glad you enjoyed yourself!

Di
The Blue Ridge Ga

Debra said...

There is no way in Hades I would ever spend $200 dollars for a meal. Never. But great story and wonderful picture. I can't wait to read the rest of the story (just reminded myself of Paul Harvey...ha,ha!)

P.S. I have a Harley stud too....;-)

Beth said...

There is a restaurant in my rinky-dinky town that is on the verge of going out of business. For a couple, the average amount spent to dine there has to be about $150. They even charge for ICE CUBES! We won't eat in restaurants that charge for the rocks in our scotch.

Great idea to get out for a stroll and a pizza.

Jason, as himself said...

Sounds like a very fun evening!

Anonymous said...

sounds like a fun night!

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Jan-The Bitchin Kitchen sounds so fun. Don't forget to take pictures.

MPH-Next time I'm taking you.

Fancy-I couldn't agree more. BTW, we want pictures of those new bags and shoes.

BV-It really is a nice area. You should come to visit.

Movie-We enjoyed ourselves just as much or more than if we had a fancy night out.

BRG-Our friends are actually quite frugal. This was a splurge and they were more than a little shocked at the price.

Debra-I LOVE Paul Harvey. OOO, and want to hear more about YOUR Harley stud.

Beth-Maybe they wouldn't be going out of business if their prices were a little more reasonable. (Especially in a small town. My home town would NEVER support that type of business.)

Jason-We had a very nice evening.

MsMVNJ-Like I said, it doesn't take much to entertain me, so, yes we did have a great night.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Yahoo to you and MHS for having date nights. And I have to tell you, my husband has a Harley and I've never been on it. He scared the crap out of me 30 years ago going too fast and as much as he assures me he won't do that again, I'd rather stay home and read while he goes for joy rides. Gives us each our own thing, I guess. Gives us something to talk about on our date nights. Sorry this is so long.

The Farmers Wife said...

I just found your blog, and after reading through the first page, Love.It.

I will be stalking, er, visiting often!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Ok...I read all of it..and I admire you getting out of there without spending a cent. Yes, yes, I know..the piggy bank and all that..a penny saved is a penny earned..and save for a rainy day..and ..oh God...I am SO bad when it comes to buying. I wish I could say I felt good when I save a penny..but... Wait! Do you think it's my age? Can I lay it on that? (good idea Mona, blame it on age!! That'll work!)

Anonymous said...

it's a virtual amusement park of commerce.
I'm not so into that myself. I took a friend's child to the dentist & it was like a circus. Games, RIDES (are they kidding?), a sand art station...well, that told me the wait would be longggggggg.
How you didn't spend any money? Priceless.

I have a Harley showroom right near my home. HOT MEN. ~Mary

Lori said...

What a nice "cheap" date you had! This place sounds fascinating. Look forward to hearing about TW story.

Anonymous said...

I love an evening like that!

Debbie said...

I have read about some very expensive dates on other blogs. I can't imagine. Yours sounds great.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

MLJH-I was somewhat of a reluctant biker chick myself. You should give it another try. I'm sure he's much more mellow now. Check out my Making of Biker Chick posts. There's another one coming soon. (to a blog near you)

Sassy-Stalk away. Glad to have you join us.

Mona-I think we should make a date to see that shopaholic movie. What do you say? Your coast or mine?

Frank&Mary-We are proof positive that you can have a good time without spending a lot of money. BTW, I think MHS is a Hottie. *wink*

Smiles-Well, I said I would post it today, I didn't say what time. I almost missed it. Whew! **wipes sweat from brow**

JeanMac-Just getting out of the house sometimes is all it takes.

Debbie-My boss makes fun of me because I never want to go anywhere fancy. I prefer a sports bar to white tableclothes.