While Lloyd spent Labor Day weekend in Vegas with the guys pushing the limits of sleep deprivation, I had a rejuvenating holiday full of slow meals, early nights, and quality time with loved ones. Friday night I met friends for dinner at the delicious Neapolitan pizzeria I’ve raved about before, and had the simplest, most wholesome appetizer – sardines on bread with butter.

Saturday through Monday my marvelous mom was in town to visit and provide wedding-planning-support. I coerced her to dinner at a seafood restaurant promising she would love it (she is a fish beginner); and sure enough, she gobbled up the squid ink pasta with lump crab meat, calamari, and cherry tomatoes we split. As did I!