Making mom friends is basically networking. Those quick little meetings lay the foundations of a relationship. Making sure your name is remembered is essential. Networking is a HUGE part of success in many professional fields. You may not think you need to network as a mom… but think about it… Read More
When Moms Meet
You and your child spend a beautiful Saturday morning in the park. Your child excitedly introduces you to their new “best friend” and spends the next hour giggling and running about. You make small talk with the mom, testing the waters to see if y’all are on the same “parenting-style” page and really hit it off.
The time to leave comes and you have your hands full struggling to get shoes on and re-pack your bags as your child’s new playmate announces they have to go to the bathroom, NOW! They whisk away to the bathroom as you load your crew into the car. Your child talks all afternoon about their new friend and you make promises that you can go to that park again another day in hopes of playing with their new friend.
Of course, we parents know those are basically empty promises. Y’all didn’t exchange info. You don’t know how to get in touch with their new best friend’s mom.
Missed Connections
Your child will soon forget but you can’t help but wonder if that mom could have been “the mom-friend”, like in the movies. You know that friend. The gal pal that you share a glass of wine with as your kids play happily in another room. Of course, her husband is awesome like yours. Eventually, y’all do couples date nights, joint family vacations, and are all just the best of friends!
Ok, so that’s probably a bit of a stretch but I bet you’ve dreamt of finding that friend, at least once.
But when it comes to meeting people isn’t it funny how eagerly we encourage our kids to not be shy. “Just talk to the other kids” we prod! Yet we struggle to do the same… I know I’ve kicked myself more than once for not giving my number to a mom I’ve met in passing.
A Quick Way to Make That Connection
So what’s the solution? Business cards! Or in this case, mom- cards! Whatever you call them, the reality is business cards are all about making your contact information easy to share. As a mom, why wouldn’t you want things that make your life a little easier?
Now I know it’s tough to put ourselves out there! Mom business cards take sooo much of the awkwardness out of breaking the ice with potential mom-friends!
More Than Just Making Mom Friends
In addition, Mom business cards are so versatile! Not only can they be handed out for potential playdates but also be used as an easy way to provide information to group childcare such as a church nursery.
Mom business cards are useful for moms of older children, too. They make quickly sharing your child’s allergy information and your contact info when dropping off at birthday parties a breeze!
Unique uses such as utilizing them on outings as a tag for your family’s belongings for a quick return if lost.
By the same note, mom business cards are also great to stick in the pockets of younger children when out and about, just in case anyone gets lost!
A Word of Caution
Of course for safety sake don’t overshare on your mom business card! Remember, these women are moms, but they are also strangers! In that light, keep your mom business card limited to names and the best way to contact you- no address or personal information aside from things like allergies. You can always write in info or share more personal information as needed but our goal as moms is to keep our kids safe!
Of course, presenting a mom business card may alarm some of the more cynical moms and invite criticism. However, in the long run, the magic power of business cards to ease the awkwardness of mommy friend-making is worth risking a misplaced mommy shaming. Face it, you can’t make everyone happy and you don’t want to be friends with that judgemental mommy anyway! LOL!
DIY or Buy?
When it comes to making mom business cards, I’m a fan of clean, classic designs. This ensures the card is adaptable to the most uses. Of course, if you are a cutesy-flower mama and that’s where you feel comfortable, more power to you! Or llamas… you can never lose with llamas!
Creating DIY designs is super easy with sites like Canva. After designing you can print them yourself using Avery business card printables. If you’re looking for super simple send it to an office store like FedEx or Staples. If you are creatively challenged there are beautiful pre-made plug and go designs on minted.com and vistaprint.com.
Do You Have a Card?
All in all, when it comes to making mom friends, mommy business cards are great networking tools for you and your child! Plus, having your contact info readily available alleviates a lot of parent worries… Not to mention it at least *look* like you have it all together!
Do you use mom business cards or have you received one in the past? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
I’ve been on keto for over a year now. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed the health benefits and miss very few foods. That being said, early in my keto journey I knew I HAD to have a keto chili recipe. I thought it would be impossible. Some foods are just supposed to taste a certain way and I thought chili needed beans. Until now….
As a frugally minded Southerner, beans were a regular part of our weekly meal plan before keto. Red beans and rice, white beans and ham, black bean soup- all music to my ears! (Which was also their downside, lol!) But the thing that I have missed the most was chili. The smell of a pot of chili simmering in the fall air. Making a whole crockpot for the big game and praying it didn’t tip on the drive over. Chili; thick with beans, onions, tomatoes, seasonings, beef, and unfortunately carbs. I had successfully found keto-friendly swaps for so many bean dishes. I just knew there had to be a good keto chili. Read More
Try, Try Again, and Fail.
So of course, I searched “keto chili recipes”. Pinterest and Google each returned loads of keto chili recipes and I tried sooooo many of them. However, each of them left something lacking. Usually, it was something in the texture. Something very, very bad happens to the texture when you add cauliflower to chili. Very. Bad.
I am NOT a food waster but one keto chili recipe I just couldn’t save, we did our best to eat what we could but the leftovers were abandoned in the fridge. They died a slow death and were resigned to the trash when they started growing fuzzies. I promise you, that happens very rarely happens in our home.
Everything IS Better in Texas… Maybe
I had about given up hope of finding a suitable keto chili, a thought that truly broke my heart! Then out of the blue, it occurred to me! Texans don’t even put beans in their chili! So I started searching for Texas chili recipes.
I discovered 2 things: Texas hates beans in their chili. And Texans like doing things the old fashioned way. Now I’m no stranger to doing things purely for tradition’s sake. However, in this case, traditional meant the unnecessarily difficult way. These home cooks were roasting and drying and peeling and grinding peppers like they thought they would surely be smite-ed by the Almighty himself if they didn’t…. or at least their neighbors would talk noise about them.
So I had found recipes that, with a few tweaks, could be made into keto chili…. but it would take me 3 days and 23 steps to make it. Srsly?!? So close, but not a winner in my book!
Goldilocks and the Keto Chili
Armed with the seasoning profile I had always used for chili and a few inventive ideas from reviewing dozens of classic Texas chili recipes, I headed back to the kitchen. Two failed attempts under my belt, I figured it would take a few more tries but I was determined. Amazingly, as I took a bite of my first renewed attempt I knew it! Finally, I had it!
My keto chili that was juuust right!
Honestly, it surprised me that it is so different from my pre-keto chili yet, somehow, it checked all the happy belly boxes I need chili to check. Plus, since it doesn’t have any keto swaps in it, this keto chili is sure to be a hit with your non-keto friends and family as well. Make this recipe and you will experience the pure bliss of being the MVP of this year’s Super Bowl party!.
Touchdown!
I really hope you enjoy this recipe! Make sure you drop your email address below for recipes to be sent straight to your inbox. You will also receive my subscriber-exclusive weekly family-friendly keto meal plans in a couple of weeks when they roll out!
Keto Chili
Ingredients
3 lb Beef Roast (bottom round, chuck or other inexpensive cut)
1 can Chipotles in Adobo Sauce, divided
2 C Onions, diced ( 8oz )
14 oz can Diced Tomatoes
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 T Cumin
2 tsp Corriander
2 tsp Chili Powder
2 tsp Kosher Salt (or to taste)
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Chipotle Powder (or your favorite pepper powder)
Black Pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Xantham Gum
Instructions
Place trivet into bottom of pressure cooker.(*See notes)
Trim beef roast of major chunks of fat, reserving the largest chunks. Cut beef into about 1 to 1 1/2 inch chunks. Place into pressure cooker.
Roughly chop 7 of the chipotle peppers and add them to the pressure cooker, along with 2 Tbsp of the adobo sauce from the chipotles peppers can.
Add onions, tomatoes and the garlic, cumin, corriander, chili powder, salt, paprika, chipotle powder and black pepper to the pressure cooker.
Stir ingredients well. Place reserved fat on top of meat mixture. (This gives the chili a great amount of flavor, don't skip this step!)
Seal pressure cooker and cook for 1 hour on meat setting.
Once it has finished cooking you can wait for it to depressurize naturally or place a towel over the pressure release valve and do a quick release.
Remove fat chunks. Add xantham gum. Using back of a wooden spoon, press the beef against the side of the basin to shred.
Serve, topped with your favorite chili toppings
Notes
*I HAVE NOT TESTED ALTERNATIVE METHODS But, if you don't have a pressure cooker you could do this recipe in a slow cooker until meat is very tender (About 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low). Alternatively, it could be done on the stove top. In a heavy bottomed pan, adding 32 oz beef broth with the rest of the ingredients. Cover and heat to a rapid simmer. Add water or additional broth, if needed. Cook about 2.5 hours or until meat can be shredded. These methods should work just as well, just not as quickly. If you use these methods please comment below, let me know how it worked out!
** The servings for this is set at a 15oz bowl- which is 3 full ladles at our house. That's a pretty big bowl of chili! This recipe would make more servings if y'all do smaller portions.
Nutritional information isn't always accurate due to variations in ingredients. Such as cut of meat or brand of chipotle peppers used for this recipe. I encourage you to calculate your own nutritional information to ensure accuracy for your macros.
It is well known that communication is the key to good relationships. And of course, our family members are our dearest relationships… (Or at least that is our goal!)
In the light of these facts…
Why do we allow our family relationships to fall victim to the busyness of life?
All too often it’s because we don’t know HOW to establish cornerstones of communication in our own families.
By and large, the easiest way to establish communication is through family meetings. Read More
Oh trust me I know what you’re thinking. Family meetings are silly. Things that only a tv family does in a moment of crisis. A total waste of time. My family had the same eye rolling, reaction… even my husband.
All that being said, properly applied, our family meetings are a great way to keep those doors of communication open!
Now I’m not saying it will happen after one meeting or even two… But it is easier than you think. Given time, consistency and properly conducted, family meetings will establish communication and connections in a way you never imagined.
Family Meeting Rules
Firstly, let’s cover the rules essential to properly conducting your own family meeting. In order to foster an environment focused on communication, the rules apply to everyone… Yes, even us parents!
Rule #1: Respect
Give everyone the opportunity to speak. Everyone else should actively listen, remain calm, make helpful suggestions and consider all the options.
Avoid interrupting. Don’t downplay anyone’s opinion. Stay focused on the meeting by not working on other things.
And parents, keep in mind family meetings are an opportunity for everyone to communicate freely. NOT an opportunity to lecture! Avoid “mom voice” at all costs.
Rule #2: Focus on family
In order to make meetings productive for every member focus on family communication, NOT self-communication. These meetings are a time to resolve concerns or share information that affects the entire family.
This is not a time to share concerns that you aren’t hoping to resolve (ie- venting) or pushing a personal agenda.
Keep in mind, that doesn’t mean topics aren’t personal in nature! Personal connection is the goal of family meetings! However, the discussions have to play into the dynamic of y’all as a whole.
What family-focused means will be different from one family to the next. For instance, if your child has a personal desire to join an activity that would require fees, the arrangement of rides and the such; that is definitely a meeting topic. If your child would like to be able to earn money doing chores, that is quite likely a meeting topic. However, if your child wants a particular gift for their upcoming birthday– that is not a meeting topic. Not saying it’s not one worth discussing! Just not at a family meeting.
Rule #3: Participation
As I stated above, everyone is given the opportunity to speak. That being said, remember the discussion should not be self-focused. To help this happen, each person thinks of three topics to bring to the meeting.
A few points of advice: Don’t focus on personal failures, this can greatly hinder communication. Additionally, we do NOT require everyone to participate in the discussions. If someone is particularly quiet, I make a point to ask if they have any thoughts on the topic being discussed. But as long as everyone is actively listening no one is required to share.
Rule #4: Adults have the final say
Adults having final say might seem counterproductive to family communication. I assure you, it can be the glue that holds your meeting together.
Some of the ideas that will need to be vetoed are obvious – like the kids’ grand idea to go to Disneyland for spring break when it is simply NOT in the budget! Some are more nuanced- like if the parents have brought up for “discussion” that the kids will start to do their own laundry. The kids may be against the idea, but adults do have the final say.
Word of warning though- use this rule sparingly. The goal of a family meeting is to improve communication. Exercising final say authority unnecessarily can hurt communication.
Family Meeting Agenda
Now that you have a clear understanding of the rules, let’s look at what our family meeting covers. Of course, your meeting doesn’t need to follow this agenda to the “T”- but it has been very effective for us.
Address the upcoming month
Like most families, we stay pretty dang busy. To keep all the wheels turning smoothly we make sure we discuss certain topics every month:
Upcoming events: Birthdays, school events, major projects due, family volunteer opportunities, household projects, holidays, and any trips or vacations.
Needs: School supplies, clothing, toiletries, lunch money, cookies for school, etc.
Miscellaneous: Contributions to the household (aka chores). Plus we let each family member request a favorite meal to be on the meal plan for that month. (I make the meal plan as part of my weekly schedule.) We also share any goals we have for the month.
Open the floor for discussion
Once we have covered the upcoming month, we address each person’s list. Often a person will have nothing to bring up for discussion because everything on their list was addressed in discussing the upcoming month. This is fine! As long as they are actively participating don’t stress anything else.
Close meetings on a high note
Finally, at the end of each meeting, our children receive their weekly allowance for the previous month. Then we close each meeting with a fun activity!
Paying allowance on a monthly basis teaches our children not only patience in waiting until “payday”, but also budgeting because they know that money has to last the whole month!
Closing with a fun group craft, board game or card game may seem unimportant, but I highly recommend you not skip this step!
Our family spends a lot of time together but, like many families, it is often spent watching movies or tv. Focusing on an activity that requires interaction provides a completely different, more valuable experience.
All in all, following the meeting with some fun gives everyone something to look forward to AND secretly reinforces communication and togetherness!
A Final Note
Take notes! LOL!
All puns aside, I take notes of the full meeting so my husband and I can tackle tasks during our Sunday Strategy Meetings throughout the month. In fact, I encourage everyone in our family (that can write) to make notes of any actions they need to take in the upcoming month as well.
Additionally, occasionally a topic will come up that IS family-focused- but not an immediate concern- like my daughter wanting to plan a summer activity… in January! I will make note of these topics to discuss in the appropriate month’s family meeting.
Just as important as taking notes is following through!
Make sure you revisit the topics that were set aside! Additionally, things like goals made or contributions committed to the previous month should be followed up on.
Ready for Change!
So if your family has fallen victim to the business of life don’t hesitate to give regular meetings a try! As you can see, they are easier than you might think and totally worth the effort!
Want more tips on building family relationships? This fact sheet from the University of Delaware is really informative!!
Do you have any family meeting tips to share? Other ways you improve communication? I would love to hear them, comment below!
Eat bacon and lose weight!?! Say “Yes!” to butter!?! Freedom to love cheese!?! You have all this once your body reaches ketosis? YES!
After the low-fat craze of the last 20+ years, the effects of ketosis, commonly known as the keto diet, is taking the “diet” world by storm! I mean, promises of bacon & cheese… Are you surprised?!
However, the true benefits of ketosis are often overlooked. Ketosis has many benefits for those NOT looking for weight loss. Let’s explore a few of those benefits to see how ketosis can drastically improve your health! Read More
How Does Ketosis Work?
Firstly, how does ketosis work? VERY simply put: carbs we eat are found in sugar(natural or added), grains, legumes, and starchy veggies. Those carbs are converted into glucose. Glucose is burned by your body for energy. However, excess glucose is stored and eventually converted to body fat.
When you restrict your carb intake to 20 net grams it limits the amount of glucose you are consuming. You burn through your glucose stores, usually within 24 hours. Needing more energy, your body begins to burn fat (stored or newly consumed) to make ketones to fuel your body.
This process of converting fat into fuel is ketosis.
Once in ketosis, you can look forward to enjoying many health benefits. Of course, the benefits vary by person, but it can positively impact mental health, hormonal systems, physical well-being as well as gastrointestinal issues. Research is also showing the keto lifestyle even helps with the treatment of serious illnesses. Make sure you click on the highlighted links below for further reading and research in any of the areas you may be interested in!
Mental Health
The improvement in mental health is one of my favorite benefits of ketosis and a key point when I explain why I do keto. The benefits can be as simple as stabilized energy levels and improved mental clarity or more complex such as the alleviated effects of depression/anxiety.
Furthermore, on a more complex level, research is showing ketosis provides an enhancement in therapies for autism and epilepsy.
Ketosis is proving to aid in the prevention as well as the treatment of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Whole Body Balance
Ketosis helps balance hormones in women who struggle with irregular cycles. Doing this lessens the effects of diseases like PCOS ultimately increasing fertility.
Inflammation symptoms are shown to be reduced/relieved by keto, including those of chronic inflammation like RA. This reduction of inflammation is effective in combatting the risks of heart disease as well.
Ketosis stabilizes blood sugars which is essential for combatting diabetes. Lower glucose also allows fat to be absorbed out of the bloodstream alleviating high blood pressure. Additionally, lower glucose helps to eliminate many common gastro agitators.
Promising Research on the Horizon
New studies show the state of ketosis can improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments. One theory on how it assists in beating cancer is by creating an alkali state in the body. This, in turn, cuts off “food” to cancers. Could you imagine a world where cancer is no longer the devastating diagnosis it is today?
Seeing the impressive benefits of keto that have been brought to light I often wonder why has taken almost 100 years for it to have its “moment”. And this is just the beginning- research is still being done!
Keto on!
Just think, all this, AND bacon?!? I find it obvious keto isn’t intended to be just a “diet” for weight loss but a long-term way of life to better your health!
Have questions? Want to share a story of how keto changed your life? Comment below, I would love to hear from you!
I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. These are my beliefs. They were formed by the research I have conducted, as a non-professional, and my personal keto journey. I recommend you seek the care of a keto-friendly practitioner before starting a weight loss program. Especially if you have any preexisting conditions or if any concerns arise during your keto journey.
We all dream of that Pinterest ready home. You know the one… Where you don’t have to run around throwing stuff into the closet when a friend says she’s stopping by… So you don’t have to clear the junk out of the background before taking a picture of your kids… Shoot, one where you can actually find what you’re looking for in a reasonable amount of time! It seems so unattainable but I promise you with this easy AND realistic cleaning schedule you’ll have the clean home you’ve dreamed about in no time! Read More
Creating a Cleaning Schedule
Y’all. I’m going to be honest with you. Creating this cleaning schedule did NOT come easily to me. It took me YEARS to test and refine a cleaning schedule that worked for me and probably another year or so to actually find an effective way to utilize it.
For instance, I tried a “laundry day”. I would wash and fold clothes all day on “laundry day”. However, when it came to putting them away the train came completely off the tracks.
Baskets of clean clothes were strewn everywhere. Which eventually meant clean clothes were strewn everywhere. Far too often they wound up getting thrown back into the laundry.
Not only is this a horrible waste of environmental resources (and money) but it also led to another full day of washing and folding clothes!!
And it didn’t stop there. Common advice like cleaning the kitchen every night meant dishes would fill my evenings instead of family time. Entire weekends were spent cleaning.
More than once I found myself avoiding playdates or anything that would involve in-home entertaining. I wanted that clean, Pinterest ready home and I was working my heinie off! Yet, somehow my home was always on the verge of exploding.
On the whole, I was miserable.
I hated being surrounded by the clutter, feeling overwhelmed in my own home, and feeling like I had to choose between a clean home or my kids!
Overall the existing cleaning schedules made me think I hated cleaning. Turns out I was just doing it the wrong way for me.
The good news is YOU don’t have to go through all that!! I want you to skip all the grief and get straight to the realistic cleaning schedule! But first I’ve got a couple honest truths I have to share.
First things first, let’s be logical about this for a minute. This has nothing directly do with cleaning schedules. However, the less stuff you have, the less stuff you will find yourself having to put away.
That being said, the ugly truth is that getting rid of stuff is hard! Maybe not for everyone – but I know it’s hard for me!
Not only do I hate wasting money but I also really like being prepared and well-stocked. I always feel like as soon as I get rid of something I just KNOW I’ll need it or find a use for it. In essence, I’m just a well-intentioned hoarder.
The key to being able to get rid of things for me has been getting organized. I’ve organized our stuff almost to the neurotic level. Everything has a “home” inside our home and in the garage.
For instance, in the garage, I limit myself to 1 bin each for all the “random” stuff that comes in handy: outdoor sports equipment, gardening stuff, party supplies, and my craft supplies. Christmas has 8 bins. Halloween has 2, most of the other holidays have 1 bin or a smaller container.
All in all, if I can’t find a home for something or it doesn’t fit into the bin it either gets donated immediately or sold online. If I’m just sure I’ll find a use for it, it goes into a box in the garage. At the end of the year, if I haven’t needed it, it gets donated. Don’t try to sell it at this point!
JUST. GET. RID. OF. IT!!
Sure there have been things that I’ve gotten rid of that I later wish I hadn’t. Generally speaking, they’ve been inexpensive items so replacing them hasn’t been a big deal.
Furthermore, we have a great charity to donate to. Knowing the item went to a good home eases a lot of the aggravation of re-purchasing items, if the need arises. We personally donate to the Airman’s Attic, a volunteer-run organization at our local Air Force Base that provides a no-charge thrift shop for lower income military members.
Altogether it’s a win/win, you get rid of clutter and help the local community.
Truth 2: Start Low Key Cleaning
I can’t take credit for this tip. Moreover, I can’t even remember where I read it. In any event, lowkey cleaning is the key to proactive cleaning. In essence, tidy people are quietly cleaning (aka low key cleaning)…. All. The. Time.
Of course, I was intrigued because this was new information to me! I’d always heard nightly tidy-upping was key to clutter control. So I observed my tidy friends and sure enough, y’all, they are always freaking cleaning! It’s like watching someone with some sort of cleaning hyperactivity disorder!
The concept is easy enough; clean as you go! Wash the dishes as you cook, wipe down the sink every time you use the restroom, put away things when you are done with them. Basically, if you see a small mess or something that needs to be put away and it will only take a few moments, do it immediately. It reminds me of something my old boss used to say, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean!” (Ugh!! Who else had that boss?!?)
Truth 3: Master Proactive Cleaning
Once I knew the secret of low key cleaning I had the realization that my problem was that I was reactive cleaning rather than proactive cleaning. I was waiting for messes to be noticeable before handling them rather than taking the needed steps to avoid the mess altogether. In short, reactive cleaning meant I was constantly cleaning- but I couldn’t see my progress.
Reactive cleaning is a super easy downward spiral to fall into, especially with small kids at home. In the long run, proactive cleaning is quicker than waiting until they tornado into big messes! It does keep you busy but let’s face it, we’re moms. We’re busy anyway, this is the same amount of busy, just with more intention. And at the end of a busy day, I would rather sit down in a tidy home rather than in the middle of a disaster scene, amiright!
Daily Cleaning Schedule
Once I figured out these fundamentals I prioritized what cleaning made the most impact in my home and the rest of the cleaning schedule just fell in place! I honestly love my cleaning schedule and all the failure was totally worth it because now I have a system that really works! And you can, too! But you don’t have to do all the time and research to develop a plan because I already did that and I can give you the Cheat Sheet for FREE!
Don’t feel like you can commit to a full cleaning schedule right now? Similarly, do you just know that if you try to jump in headfirst to implement a huge schedule change overnight you will completely overwhelm yourself?!? I feel ya on both those things. But no worries, I’ve included a “Baby Steps” guide in the download!
I kow moms don’t have tons of “spare time”. Even when do we shure as heck don’t want to spend it cleaning! So I’ve ensured each task can be quickly completed, with practice of course. I can do my cleaning schedule tasks all at one time (while my kids are napping) or sprinkled throughout my day.
Making It Work
Fantastic, you have a well researched, practiced and refined cleaning schedule! Doing it is a whole ‘nother issue.
After putting all that work into creating my cleaning schedule, I was able to quit all the trial and error.
I had my list, right?! I would read it and know exactly what I needed to do, right?!
Of course, all too easily, life took over and nothing got done.
I hate to tell y’all it took me waaaay too long to find the answer: write it down. It was easy to ignore the printable just posted up on my fridge… written down on my daily schedule though… whole new story. If you don’t use a to-do list give it a try. Having that list as a visible tracker of the things needing attention and does wonders for my productivity.
Pin Away
As you can see having your Pinterest ready home is possible! Start with de-cluttering and organizing your home. Practicing proactive cleaning. Implement your cleaning schedule.
Before you know it, you’ll have the tidy Pinterest home you’ve dreamed of!
I would love to hear your successes and challenges with cleaning schedules as you get your house Pinterest ready! Comment below!
In-home entertaining was part of daily life 50 years ago. Birthdays, barbeques, picnics, potlucks luncheons, business dinners and cocktail parties- hosting in the home was expected. Unfortunately, as dining out became a sign of prosperity, cooking knowledge became increasingly rare and keeping up with the Joneses became more important than personal connections, we began outsourcing our entertaining.
Parties meant to be a celebration have warped into something mindless and automatic. Noise and chaos, elbow to elbow in a crowded restaurant, somehow cleverly disguised as fun.
Y’all. We’ve brought back Airstream trailers. Vinyl records. Winged eyeliner. It’s time to bring in-home entertaining back into style! Read More
Party Planning: Where to Begin
The good news is we can easily breathe life back into in-home entertaining when party planning is as simple as these 6 steps!
Ready for another piece of good news? You are no stranger to the first 5 of these party planning steps. They are the essential fill-in-the-blank of every party invite you’ve received since childhood: Who, What, Where, Why, and When. You just never knew how to apply them to the actual party planning! The 6th step is just as easy, the wow factor. Let’s get started!
WHO: The Guest List
Y’all, write out your list, check it twice and make sure everyone gets an invite. When inviting people within an friend group, try your hardest to invite everyone. Why? Well, it’s just good etiquette. We’re already channeling a bygone era, might as well. Plus, it’s just nice. And inviting everyone really helps to avoid any future awkwardness.
Send invites 2 weeks prior to your event. Facebook events are fine for a casual event if you personally know the invitees. However, written invites are best for a more formal event or if you don’t personally know the invitees. Verbal or text invites are perfectly fine for a super casual event, such as a last-minute weekend get together or within close-knit friend or family circles.
WHAT: The Food
Weenie roasts, crawfish boils, fish fries, burger burns, and clam bakes-Heaven knows the food alone can be THE reason to throw a party! Whether the party is traditional or casual, Easter dinner for or backyard shindig, the food is a big part of what makes a party so make sure you do your planning!
Menu Planning 101
Remember- whenever possible, keep it simple. Take into consideration your cooking ability while party planning and try to test the recipes at least once! Undoubtedly the menu is an essential part of party planning and should NOT be overlooked but please DO NOT GO OVERBOARD.
Most in-home entertaining will start with drinks and finger foods. Just something for your guests to munch on as others arrive and dinner is ready. A self-serve beverage station and a charcuterie board is perfect to make guests feel catered to.
A traditional dinner party usually consists of an entrée, a side dish or 2 and is rounded out with bread. In light of easy party planning, I love to use menus that I can prepare beforehand. Then, timed correctly, the foods will finish cooking or simply keep warm in the oven until all the guests arrive. Finally, you wrap dinner up with a pre-made dessert and offer of coffee. Easy peasy!
Don’t forget your menu should suit your time and occasion. If you’re hosting a kid’s birthday at 2pm I’m actually begging you, for the sake of happy plates at dinner, PLEASE don’t serve my kid pizza at 3:30 in the afternoon!! Seriously!! Serving “only” cake and ice cream is more than enough!
I cannot emphasize enough: when party planning keep it simple and suitable!!!
Potlucks: Crowdfunding Dinner
Holidays, sporting events and “just because” parties are the perfect occasion for a potluck! Plus potlucks are my favorite type of party for larger events and so easy to plan!
When hosting a potluck I find it best to have a theme or menu in mind. If guests ask what they can bring, give specific, on-menu options to choose from. Of course, make sure to write down who is bringing what! You don’t want 3 salads and no sides! There are great websites specifically geared toward organizing potlucks, like signupgenuis.com. Fill out their form to let guests know the theme and assign the types of dish you would like guests to bring. Then, simply email the link to sign up to attendees.
As a gracious host, remember- that WHATEVER a guest wants to bring, just roll with it. Maybe that’s the only thing they know how to make?!? Maybe their grocery budget has run dry but they know they have the stuff on hand to make that dish!?! Whatever the reason remember they are your guest and graciously accept whatever they offer!
Final Thoughts on Food
Y’all, I’ve probably gone on way too long about the food but it’s my favorite part of party planning life.
WHERE: Venue
Where are you holding the party and what will you need to provide to have your event?
Seating– Do you need to rearrange/borrow/rent additional chairs for your dinner party? Should your guests “BYOC” (Bring Your Own Chair)for the barbeque? Buy hay bales for a fall party? Picnic blankets for a spring celebration? Maybe you are hosting more of a “mix & mingle” event so you aren’t concerned with seating? Whatever your occasion is, just make sure there is adequate seating.
Lighting – I prefer indirect lighting to overhead light for most evening events. I find that it creates more of a warmth and comfortable ambiance! So don’t be afraid to turn on your lamps, light some candles or throw up some string lights to provide pleasant, indirect lighting for your event.
If you’re entertaining outdoors lighting can be more of a challenge. A fire pit, a couple torches, garden lights or even just triple wick candles can give your party a beautiful (and sufficient) glow.
Tables– Tables for eating, tables for food, tables for gifts, tables for deserts, make sure you have table solutions for whatever your event needs. They don’t have to be high quality, just make sure they are stable! If the tables are ugly to look at invest in some reusable vinyl table covers or even inexpensive sheets if you prefer a fabric finish.
Decor– This doesn’t have to be over the top. A couple of streamers and balloons are plenty for a kid’s party. If your house is already decorated for a holiday you wouldn’t really need to add too much for a seasonal party.
Honestly, the biggest “decor” I recommend is putting out extra hand towels, an additional roll of toilet paper and lighting a candle in the bathroom. Little things that show that attention was paid to details for the comfort of your guests.
Music– Whether you use Pandora to automate your playlist or Spotify to hand pick your tunes, make sure the music fits the mood and theme of the party.
Altogether one of the most awkward moments of my life was dancing with my husband’s grandfather at our wedding. He joined me on the dance floor during the dollar dance in the last few seconds of a song and the next song to play was “Shots” by LMAFO. He was a good sport about it. Of course we shook our “groove thangs” but I could have killed our DJ.
Seriously. In that moment, as “shots, shots, shoots, everybody” was thundering across the dance floor….Death. For real. Death.
Ugh. That’s enough reminiscing on that particular memory. Just make sure your playlist is on point for your party. Moving on!
WHY: Celebrate Good Times
Birthday, holiday, promotion, new baby on the way or even “Just because” there is ALWAYS a great reason to have a party!!! Your “why” might be pretty obvious… To you. However, if there is a special occasion make sure you find a way to honor the occasion and make any special persons feel honored.
On that same hand, in order to avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation, make sure your guests are in the know if there is a celebration. Nothing is quite as awkward for a guest as showing up empty-handed to a birthday party when everyone else brought gifts!
WHEN: Date, Time & RSVPs
When party planning be sure to check for major local events. You don’t want guests to decline a birthday dinner because the local team made the playoffs. It would be downright heartbreaking for no one to show up for your kid’s birthday because the circus is in town.
As far as length, plan for 2-3 hours for most events. However, be prepared for “early birds” as well as the end of the night “stragglers”. There isn’t really anything to be done in these situations… aside from pouring a glass of wine and playing the gracious hostess. Honestly, you just have to ride it out.
RSVPing can be a point of stress in party planning because headcounts can matter!! If you are requesting an RSVP make sure the date and contact method are clearly marked. If you haven’t heard from guests by the RSVP date don’t stress! It’s likely not intentional so just go ahead and reach out, see if they plan to attend.
WOW: Make Your Party Memorable
I attended a Christmas party last year. They served eggnog (bourbon optional) in tiny, shot-sized red solo cups with little green and white striped straws. Freaking adorable. Kids and adults alike were in love with how charming they were! That, my friends, is the unique little “something extra” that really makes the party memorable.
Any kind of choose-your-own “bar” is always a hit! Baked potato bar, nacho bar, burger bar, or an antipasti bar. Not to mention the sweets! Ice cream sundae bar, hot cocoa bar, waffle bar, doughnut bar, cookie bar….ah-maz-ing.
But please remember, creating wow to make your event memorable doesn’t have to be expensive; you just have to think creatively– or use Pinterest!!
PARTY ON!
That’s it, y’all. All the essentials of party planning in 6 simple steps: Who, What, Where, Why, When and, of course, the wow!
When using these simple steps, you will save money, cut out chaos and reconnect you to the people in your life- just remember to keep it simple!
Of course I would love to hear your ideas! Comment below with your favorite party planning tip, simple dinner menu or kitschy touch that has just made a party for you!
Our effortless party planning guide you will show you how easy it is to throw a party that would make Martha Stewart and Lauren Conrad proud.
A few weeks ago my family was invited to Christmas dinner by a friend. The invitation was quickly followed by a line I hear all too often “I didn’t know if I should invite you since I know you eat keto but I didn’t want to not invite you!” I did as I’ve done so many times as I assured my friend that there were plenty of things I could eat. And ultimately, I would come because I enjoyed their company, not because of what they were going to feed me. Read More
Two years into my Keto lifestyle, after years of worrying about my weight, my ability to focus on people rather than food is stronger than it’s ever been. Unlike previous “diets”, I eat keto happily not only because I enjoy the quality of life it enables me to achieve but also because I enjoy the foods!
But I must admit the holidays do present quite a challenge— there is no other time of year as entrenched in tradition as Thanksgiving and Christmas. So much of that tradition is FOOD… and soooo much of that food is carb-heavy and sugar-rich! But don’t shy away from holiday dinners or any social event due to your “diet”.
Keto is a way of life and you should be living!
Here are 3 quick tips to help you keep Christmas keto this holiday season:
1- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
The first step to keeping Christmas keto is the same as any other day of keto: knowing the ingredients. At events, we shy away from asking questions out of fear of seeming high maintenance or offending our hosts. But more often than not, cooks take questions as interest, which is complimentary– just be sure keep it pleasant and not like you are drilling them for information! It can be as simple as “This looks so good! What’s in it?”
2- Bring Keto Appetizers to Share
I love dips of all kinds but standard chips and crackers are a definite “no-no” on keto. Don’t deny yourself, just come prepared. If you’re going to a party bring something that utilizes celery. A crowd favorite is buffalo chicken dip. Don’t forget to bring plenty of celery so you can use it for all the other tasty dips, too! Pork rinds or whisps are other easy vehicles for your favorite keto appetizer dip.
If you’re going to a potluck don’t shy away from sharing your favorite keto appetizer or side dish. One of my favorite keto appetizers is Caprese Skewers. They’re easily a crowd favorite because the recipe isn’t some crazy keto-swapped recipe, it just IS keto.
I don’t usually bring keto desserts to events with non-keto people. Don’t get me wrong, I love my desserts! But sugar alternatives can taste offsetting to those used to sugar…. I hate to put a bad taste for keto in their mouths!
3-Be Ready to Explain Keto to Those Who Are Curious
I may have just been oblivious before I started my own keto journey, but it seems like keto really took off summer 2018. When I first “found” this lifestyle I loved sharing my knowledge and the profound difference it had made in my life. Now, it’s definitely a different story. You can’t go through the grocery store without seeing a dozen different “keto” products, cookbooks, magazine covers.
The keto Facebook groups I struggled to find, filled with dedicated, health-conscious individuals, are now overrun with people looking for a quick fix for weight loss & sharing photos of their weekly “cheat meals”. Simply put, the Keto diet has reached fad status.
I now hesitate to mention I eat keto most of the time. Don’t get me wrong, my enthusiasm and belief in the keto lifestyle haven’t wained… I just hesitate because so many people have misconceptions about what keto is and the effects on one’s health. I fully admit I don’t go to social events armed with my pro-keto research to offset the experience of their friend’s sister’s niece who ate “keto”– consisting of nothing but ground beef, coconut oil, and eggs (insert eye roll here)… That being said, people do often show interest in my food choices. When that happens I’m happy to share my well-practiced, short explanation of keto!
I hope armed with these simple tips you feel confident to enjoy all the celebrations of the season— while keeping keto!
Do you have any tried and true tips for keeping Christmas keto? I would love for you to share them in the comments below!
Keto is a hot topic right now. In fact, with keto’s recent rise in popularity, many are quick to call keto a fad diet. Truth be told, the ketogenic diet has been in practice and being researched nearly 100 years. The jump to call keto a fad is often because people don’t understand what keto actually is! So what do you say when someone asks, “What is keto?”? How do you go about explaining keto without overwhelm? How do you break down the wealth of research you’ve done into a concise, easy to understand statement?Read More
Here are the 3 easy steps for explaining keto I follow:
1- Personal Decision-
This is your “WHY” in explaining keto. A family health history rich with neurodegenerative disease coming down both sides of my family tree started my keto journey.
What is your “why?” for starting keto?
Is it as easy as a shot to lose weight where all other diets have failed? Perhaps it is hopes of improved fertility, relief from chronic health issues or lifestyle change after a major health scare?
Whatever the reason may be, keep in mind our goal is explaining keto quickly and clearly. Therefore, narrow your “why” down to one to two sentences and stop there.
When applied to my “why”, I inform people that research is leaning toward many degenerative diseases being food related. In fact, types of dementia are being referred to as Diabetes Type 3.
What does research say about your “why”?
Don’t worry about precise facts and figures when explaining keto, just get the main idea of the research across.
For example, a person with high cholesterol could briefly state: “The research is leading to a new understanding of high cholesterol. It isn’t necessarily caused by fat consumption. Rather the excess glucose from the over-consumption of carbs creates a barrier around the blood vessel preventing the effective absorption of cholesterol. As a result, a buildup of cholesterol occurs in the bloodstream.”
3 -Personal Endorsement-
This is the easy part of explaining keto! Tell what keto has done for you.
Personally, the mental clarity and relief keto provides from my postpartum anxiety is noticeable. Plus I’ve had several unintended benefits- losing that pesky last bit of baby weight, relief from an undiagnosed stomach condition, improved skin health and a noticeable decrease in “hangry” episodes! I feel so much better as a whole!
Your personal endorsement when explaining keto might be similar or very different. Just keep it simple and limited to a couple sentences.
That being said, how do you explain keto if you just started? What do you say when you are waiting for the amazing benefits of keto to kick in? In that case, explaining keto is as simple as pointing out that, compared to the way you used to eat (or the standard American diet), it can’t hurt, right!
Not sure what to say when people ask questions about keto? Our easy 3 step response breaks down explaining keto quickly and easily!
So… What is keto?
Well, my family health history rich with neurodegenerative disease and research is leaning toward many degenerative diseases being food related. In fact, types of dementia are now being referred to as Diabetes Type 3 !
Keto is a way of eating that changes the way the body operates, burning fat for fuel instead of sugars. The research is showing great results in total body health utilizing fat as fuel!
So far, for me personally, the mental clarity and relief keto provides from my anxiety is noticeable. I just feel so much better!
Knowledge is Power
Unfortunately, some will not open their minds to a high fat/low carb diet regardless of how through a job of explaining keto you do. Ultimately, that’s fine. You are responsible for your own life and you know the power of keto!
On the plus side, by explaining keto you’ve given them great starter information about the lifestyle. What they do with that information is up to them.
Kill them with kindness and be a living example of the effectiveness of a ketogenic lifestyle!
I would love to hear what improvements you have experienced since starting keto! Comment below!
>
I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. These are my beliefs formed from the research I have conducted, as a non-professional, and my personal keto journey. I recommend you seek the care of a keto-friendly practitioner before starting a weight loss program, if you have any preexisting conditions or if any concerns arise during your keto journey.
Being thankful is the focus of the holiday, Thanksgiving. (Pretty obvious, right?) We get that warm, fuzzy feeling when we spend time feeling thankful for the things in our lives. But I wanted to take a minute today to think about the difference between “thankfulness” and “gratitude”.
Now, I have to mention I told my husband what I was writing about– and I’m sure right now most of y’all are saying the same thing he did, “Ummmm… Thankful and grateful are the same thing!”
In fact, if you’re like me, you use grateful and thankful interchangeably in your day to day language but… in fact, they are not really the same… Let’s look at why!
Let’s start with the definitions. The Oxford Dictionary defines the word “thankful” as “feeling pleased and relieved”. The word “grateful” is defined as “showing an appreciation of a kindness”. Read More
So while they are nearly synonymous, the definitions would suggest that thankfulness is a feeling. While gratitude is an act of thanksgiving.
Thankfulness is rooted in the present, given for a good act or benefits received. Thanks is a response. Gratitude, unlike thankfulness, is a deliberate practice. Gratitude is the effect.
Let’s Take a Closer look at Thankfulness:
Simply put, thankfulness is the mindful appreciation of our surroundings. We can feel thankful for the things we have, for our friends and family, for the time and place that we live in, for being alive.
Thankfulness for most of us, at this time of year, is sitting down with friends and/or family to a meal, traditional or not, spread out across the table. We’re planning the holidays, perusing the sales, pouring ourselves another glass of wine… All the while, thinking to ourselves, “I am so thankful for what I have. Not everyone is as blessed as I am.”
In society, being thankful is to be aware and respond to the actions of another person. Usually, thankfulness happens in an instant … You say thank you right after someone helps you with something. Thanks muttered from the corners of our mouths after someone holds the door open for us. A card, written in reciprocation to a gift received. And of course, we prod our kids to respond in like with, “What do you say?”.
Thankfulness is polite. Automatic. Expected. Therefore, the words “thank you” and “thanks” have come to hold less meaning for us. Let’s face it, you will remember the guy who opened the door for you about as long as your 2-year-old plays with their new gifts.
What About Gratitude?
So society (and our moms) have conditioned us to be thankful through holidays and cards and manners. It’s easy to express thankfulness- but what about grateful? Being grateful is a different experience and thankfulness is only the first step. Gratitude expresses “thank you” not solely from our mouths but also from our hearts. Gratitude has feelings attached to it and is memorable. True gratitude transforms a polite response into an intentional behavior. Gratitude, unlike thankfulness, can grow, flourish, and be paid forward throughout a lifetime.
Gratitude over Thankfulness
So in this holiday season focused on giving thanks how do we redirect our focus onto making gratitude a steady part of our lives, 365 days a year?
I mean, our lives are busy! Marriage, kids, and bills… Maybe you even have extra responsibilities with work, going to school or are struggling with other family issues. The busy-ness of life distracts us from remembering the important things. Additionally, these hurdles cause us to forget to shift our focus to thankfulness– unless of course we’re reminded by social demand or holiday.
We hear attitude of gratitude but gratitude isn’t so much an attitude as it is a sense of being or a way of life.
So how do we actually gain that perspective and keep it year-round?
By not just thinking about how thankful we are to have the things we do, but also acting on that thankfulness. Our actions are what keep gratitude at the forefront of our lives.
Gratitude prompts you to give freely because you recognize your own financial blessings. Gratitude reminds you to call a friend just to check-in. Gratitude encourages you to pray with your kids at the end of a long, hard day when you just don’t feel like it. Gratitude persuades you to volunteer your time with a non-profit. Shoot, gratitude emboldened Harry to plot for Master to give Dobby a sock. And in the BibleMark 10:45 shows us that even Jesus showed gratitude, reading “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The people who do these things are not expecting a return of the favor but rather simply because they acknowledge their blessings– and want to bless others.
Give you happiness that lasts (Which is perhaps at the root of ALL these positive benefits!)
So how do we actually gain that perspective and keep it all year round? The key to gratefulness is simple— ACT. The more you take action, the easier and more routine it will become. It won’t take long for you to notice a change in yourself and others. So this holiday season I invite you to focus not only on thankfulness but also to integrate acts of gratefulness into your life.
My prayer this week:
Heavenly Father, as we move into this holiday season we pray we will keep our hearts humble. Help us to remember all the things and situations around us are ultimately temporary, as is this holiday season. Help us instead to focus on identifying ways to serve others year-round. Lead us to have not just an attitude, but a lifestyle of gratitude that will become a legacy to enrich the future of our families. Colossians 3:16-17 reads: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Let this encourage us that serving each other will not only build gratitude in us but also draw people to you, Lord. We pray that we serve NOT for ourselves, which, unreciprocated, can grow resentment, but instead to glorify You. In Jesus name, Amen
You need a date night. WHY?!? Well, I’m a big believer that you get out of your marriage what you put into it.
Face it, you can’t spend 20+ years ignoring your husband while raising the kids. Well, at least not expecting to have a wonderful, loving relationship when the kids move out. Likely you will wind up “roommates”. The best case scenario is y’all will get along, maybe even be best friends.
Sure, spending the rest of your days with your best friend sounds nice… but do you want to spend your golden years in the friend zone??
We’ve all seen those couples leading separate, but together lives. They go to major events together but behind closed doors, there is no spark. Certainly not a romance. And I don’t want “just” a best friend, I want romance!
So I put together this list of absolutely amazing date night ideas to help keep your husband out of the friend zone. Read More
Before we get to the list, I already know your top date night excuses … challenges: Time and Money!
Let me go ahead and get those out of the way, m’kay?
We don’t have time for dates.
We all know life is demanding and time is precious. But listen y’all. This is important.
Your marriage is something you champion for- make time.
This isn’t so much a solution as it is a mindset shift. Other than your relationship with God, your relationship with your husband is THE MOST important relationship of your life. So make time.
Seriously.
Far too often we mean to do it but the next thing we know another month has passed without a date night! If this is you, planning out your week ahead of time will help you get that date night on the books!
We don’t have the money for dates
House payment, utilities, medical bills, piano lessons, school events, bible study books, ballet classes, a gift for this weekend’s birthday party– it feels like everyone is after us for money, amiright?!?
When the bills come due we cut things that aren’t “needs”. But I hope by now we are all on the same page: you NEED to keep your marriage a priority!
Of course, having a need doesn’t make the money magically appear. And let’s face it, date nights can be especially expensive because while you are OUT, you have to pay someone to stay IN with the kids! (Sometimes the cards are stacked against us parents, for sure.)
But we can work together here. You make sure to add your date night (and childcare if needed) to your monthly budget and I’ll keep most of the date nights under $30. Deal?
Now that we’ve smashed those obstacles let’s get to the fun!
Amazing Date Nights!
Out of the Town
Trivia Night– Keep an eye out for restaurants that have trivia nights. The trivia night is often free to play so you just need to get an appetizer or something to nosh on. The best thing about trivia is that in addition to being fun, you might win some decent prizes!
Visit a Local Brewery or Winery– My husband and I enjoy visiting breweries and wineries in our area. Seeing where your beverage is produced is definitely cool. I also like them because I like to try before I buy and most are happy to provide samples!
The Playground at Night– I know this one sounds juvenile but when was the last time you swang? (On a swing set y’all, not the other kind!) It is seriously fun. And it’s way more fun to go at night, when most parks are empty, rather than in the sweltering sun surrounded by little kids. This one is also as much fun in your own backyard as the public playground… well, except you may not be able to swing as high.
Visit a Saturday Flea Market/Garage Sale/Farmers Market– If you’re lucky enough that you can finagle play dates for your kids, a morning of bargain hunting is a great way to spend a Saturday! Arrange the playdates, drop off the kiddos and shop away, loved one in tow!
Dinner Crawl– If you have a downtown or other area where a couple of restaurants are close together and arrange to have a traveling multi-course dinner. “How?”, you ask? Simple, visit a different restaurant for every course. This is only recommended when the weather is nice! Appetizer, dinner, and dessert with a nice stroll in between! It’s like a bunch of little amazing date nights in one night!
Visit an Arcade WITHOUT Your Kids– Sure, they might be intended for kids but maybe your spouse has a hidden talent for skeeball or whack-a-mole you never knew about? Up the ante with small wagers if you care to. Save any tickets you win for the next visit with the kids.
Visit a Museum or Public Garden– I don’t know about you but taking the afternoon to stroll with your loved one while getting smarter sounds diiiii-vine! Not to mention that when I don’t have my littles in tow, I love anywhere that silence is appreciated.
Commit to a Karaoke Night– Some people take karaoke way, way too seriously. Those people are usually pretty good at singing. However, when done in good humor karaoke can be a lot of fun regardless of actual skill. It’s a great time to let loose and belt out those feel-good tunes you practice in the shower. If you worry about embarrassing yourself in public just remember: you will likely never see any of these people again. If that’s not enough to convince you, check out #20 Karaoke for Scary Cats!
Go Parking– Pull the back row out of your minivan or SUV, throw in some refreshments, blankets, pillows and head out of town! Maybe there is a beach or lake overlook near you? If not just try to find a picturesque road off the interstate somewhere. Pull off, park and cozy up in the back with the hatch open to enjoy the alone time with your honey! DO remember to upload a playlist on your phone. DON’T get lost or kill your vehicle battery!
Check out a Live Jam or Jazz Night – I find the lively, elemental nature of jazz to be great for a date night! You might have to do some digging around but most towns have a jazz venue. If you are coming up empty check with a restaurant that features live music to see if they have a jazz set. If you are sensitive to noise you might want to bring some foam earplugs. It’s very rare that I suggest bringing earplugs on a date! That being said, jazz can get quite loud. I would rather enjoy the music through the earplugs than want to leave because of a developing a headache. Just make sure to remove them for conversations with your sweetie between sets.
Tour Your Town– Hit up the local Visitor Center to see what great locations await you in your area. Is there on off the beaten path museum or nature reserve? You might be near the world’s largest ball of twine and have NO idea!!! Gather up your pamphlets of choice and head to a coffee shop to plan your escapades!
Love Through Creativity
Share a Playlist– If you’re my age you remember the good ol’ days of making and trading mix tapes… I recorded the songs off the radio and decorated the cases with multi-colored click pens. In high school, we burned CDs and used sharpies for decoration. Honestly just thinking about it makes me nostalgic…((sigh)) The days of sitting next to the radio hoping to record the song you requested are long gone but using Spotify we persevere. My husband and I like to sit out on the porch after the kids go to bed, singing along to all our old favorites. It’s a great way to enjoy an evening without coughing up for a sitter!
Take a Class Together– Almost every sizable town has some sort of craft class. Learn to make a painting while enjoying a glass of wine, stained glass shops may have glass fusing lessons, ceramic painting or basket making. Check with local community colleges. If nothing else check with craft stores such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby to see what classes they offer. If you’re coming up empty handed on lessons in your area, check out date #20!
Date Night through the Ages– Get your wheels turning to come up with activities outside of your “age”! If you’re channeling your teenage years hit up the roller skating rink and go parking (see #13). Fast forwarding to your life in your golden years? Catch a rousing game of bingo at the local hall followed by pie and coffee at a local diner! If your budget keeps your date night home based try a “Golden Girls” or “My So-Called Life” marathon with snacks to match the genre- hard candies or pizza rolls, anyone?
Themed Date Night– Now a themed date night can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. For an All American date night, simple could be cooking (or carrying out) your favorite burgers and fries, enjoying them by candlelight then cuddling up to a movie like “A League of Their Own”. An elaborate Mexican themed date could be dressing up and going out for fajitas and margaritas then hitting up a joint that does salsa dancing! Ocean-themed evening? Sushi (or fish and chips) and visiting an aquarium (or exotic fish store!). What themes can you come up with?
Date Night IN
Fire and Wine Night– An amazing date night doesn’t require leaving the house and this one is so simple if you haven’t already done it you’ll be kicking yourself. Once you get the kids in bed light up the fire pit, crack open a bottle of wine and snuggle up to your sweetie. For a great, log free alternative, try a gathering of different size/height candles- just make sure you are in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials such as walls or curtains. Groupings of candles can be a serious source of heat! Date night should NOT end in injury or property damage!
Game Board or Card Night– A little competitive spirit can make a game night a blast with just the two of you… this is one date night that could be improved by inviting another couple. Let the kids claim the TV with a bowl of popcorn and a Redbox while y’all play the night away in the dining room. Done and done! Don’t discount kiddie games, especially if y’all are flying solo! My hubby and I love a rousing game of Connect 4 for a bit of strategy that doesn’t take all night!
Take YouTube Lessons– You can learn dang near anything on the internet these days! Perhaps you’ve both wanted to learn to play guitar? Or Bob Ross’s “happy little clouds” get your creative gears turning! Maybe you dream of being an origami master. Do you yearn to do yoga? Even learning a new language can be a silly & fun way to spend a date night! If y’all don’t want to commit to a series of lessons, take turns picking. Perhaps you are talented and y’all could create and upload your own lesson series. The options are limitless!
Kitchen Tastings– Doing a night of tasting can be an easy way to try new things and share an experience with your spouse. It takes a little prep but it’s super simple! Pick a product: red wines, beers, ice creams, flavored chips, anything really. Stock up on a couple different varieties of whatever you’ve chosen. Set the scene by picking a soundtrack, lowering the lights, lighting some candles and displaying your samples. Taste chosen products one at a time. (If you really want to set an air of formality have saltines on hand to “clear the pallet” between bites.) Make notes on said products. Share notes and giggles. It might seem silly to actually write notes but there is something hilarious about your spouse reading off “it tastes like old shoes” that would be lost if you didn’t take notes!
Karaoke for Scaredy Cats- Not feeling your singing power-ess enough to perform in public? No worries, you can host your own karaoke night! Just search YouTube for karaoke versions of your favorites songs! Whether you give it a whirl with just your mate or invite a gaggle of friends it’s sure to be a blast!
Back to Nature
Pedal with your Partner– I’m not sure why bike rides make such a great date night. Generally few words are shared but there is something that connects you during a bike ride and the exercise feels great! Maybe you have a destination. Maybe you just find joy in the ride. Find what works for you!
Explore a Nature Trail– Enjoying the natural beauty of your area with a day hike is another great way to spend time with your honey. Especially when the kiddos are off on playdates or at grandmas! As far as an amazing date go this is one of our favorites but please make sure to hike safely
What are your favorite date night ideas?
These are just some ideas my husband and I enjoy. Do you have amazing date nights y’all use to keep the home fires burning? I would love to hear them! Please share them in the comments below!
