Sweetie Pie

Just thought I'd share a sweet little treat that you could share with... who else, your "sweetie pie"!

Yum...

Now, before you go slaving away on a homemade pie...head to WalMart and grab yourself one of these for 58 cents!! (how's that for romance on a budget?!)

(comes in cherry, peach, lemon, apple, pumpkin, pecan, blueberry...and probably more flavors?)

Heat it up in the microwave for just a few seconds (minus the tin), and your hunny will think you baked a fresh pie just for them!

Sweet!

April Fooling!!

Any holiday can be turned into a lover's holiday...April Fool's Day is no exception!

Here's how:
1. Cover a regular sized envelope with a piece of orange cardstock (print the words right on the cardstock and cut out to envelope size).

2. If your spouse drives to work, make a visit to the lot where they park the car. (best case scenario: about an hour before they get off work).

3. Place the ticket under the wiper or in the gap of the driver's side window.

He may have a second or two of anxiety until he realizes what's inside:

Today's the 30th--you've got 2 days! Happy Fooling!

PS:
{If you read this post too late, and you don't want to save this one until next April 1, then do the same thing...just leave out the whole part about April Fool's. Who needs a reason to give your spouse a heart attack and a love note all at the same time?!}

Here's some other ideas:
Tip Junkie: April Fools Prank Ideas

Gratitude & Zombie Chickens

Okay, today's a filler day because I got my 2nd and 3rd blog award! I'm pretty stoked about it, and, of course, I must pass it on!

First...is the attitude of gratitude award that I received from Brittany over at her wonderfully fabulous blog, Food For Thought. Brittany, Thank you, Thank you!


This time, I am passing this award on to some of my wonderful followers! I am so grateful for their loyal commenting...I feel it is their way of thanking me for posting and it makes me want to continue in this obsession of posting creative, romantic ideas. Their attitudes of gratitude are truly appreciated!

1. Courtney from The Weiffenbachs
2. Krista at The Neil Family
3. The Cook Crib
4. Janssen at Everyday Reading
5. Gina at Lane-Gina-Olivia
6. Dede at EnjoyLife
7. Katie at My First Year as a Wallace

8. Jenn from Schwendimania - (my sweet cousin! a private blog)
9. The Perfect Palette
10. Connie from The Young and The Relentless

I hate choosing only 10 because I have so many other dedicated followers...please know that I love you all! (It makes me feel like a 3rd grader playing dodgeball choosing my team...and leaving out tons of cool kids, hoping I'm not hurting their feelings...)

So, to accept the award, girls, you'll need to:
1. Put the logo on your blog and post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an Attitude of Gratitude.
3. Link to your nominees within your post.
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award.
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for this award.
6. Tell us how you've come to have an Attitude of Gratitude.


Second is... The Zombie Chicken Award from my friend, Anna Rose over at The How-To Gal. Thanks soooo much!

About the Award: "The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing blogger's regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy blogger's. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all…"

And, I nominate these incredible blogs that I LOVE:
Shannon at Creative Holidays and Parties

Jill at Homemade by Jill
Sarah at Mrs. Dlightful
Rhiannon at Pink Sugar Desserts
Kari at U Create
Not Too Sticky

AND........
I wanted to remind everyone to enter my GIVEAWAY which is ending on Saturday at 5 pm EST. It's super easy to enter (and kinda fun, too) and you could win an awesome Vegas-Night Package!

Saturday Spotlight: Pure Romance

I was so lucky to have been able to "meet" Lisa (a follower of Love, Actually) who sells Pure Romance products.

She sent me this to try...

Coochy Cream
(Hey, I didn't make up the name...It is what it is!)
Coochy is one of Pure Romance’s top-selling products and I totally understand why.

Coochy cream is perfect for use all over the body and it lives up to its "rash-free" selling point.

Pure Romance says that it "helps eliminate the red bumps that often appear in the bikini area, underarms, and legs after shaving"...and it totally does. I had my husband rub my legs after I shaved with Coochy...he was impressed.

I even had him try it while shaving his face and neck....and he has sensitive skin. Results? Pretty dang good. Do I sound like a infomerical? I feel like one. But, I promise. It worked terrific. I wouldn't lie to you!!

So, why is it better than regular shaving cream? Simple. It's silky soft, has a very nice smell (but not perfumey at all, so guys can use it, too) and it definately doesn't leave a rash behind. I haven't been able to say that about any of my other shaving creams. I love it.

It sells for $10.50 (and those 4 oz. will last you a while) If you want to order, head on over to Lisa's blog and leave her comment so she can be sure to direct you to the site where you can order directly from her!

Lisa also has a giveaway going on right now that you may be interested in, but it ENDS SUNDAY, May 31 (tomorrow). So head over there! And check out her Pure Romance site for lots of other great romance products! (click on "shop online" in pink near top of the page to see all the products).

What Happens in Vegas....

...doesn't always stay in Vegas, especially in my case since I'm about to tell you all about our night in "Vegas".

My husband is from Las Vegas so, naturally, a great many of our vacations have led us there. Lately, going to Vegas is all he talks about! ...but, living on the East Coast doesn't make that very easy. So, with a little help from my local iParty store, Vegas came to us!

Who needs Vegas? We've got it all right here:

FINE DINING

POOL

Don't forget the sun and the swimsuits!
...and blue food coloring for the water.

COCKTAILS/MOCKTAILS

above: for the pool
below: for the casino



CASINO/GAMBLING

strip poker or lover's gambling anyone? see below for details.

THEATRE/SHOWS

CABANA/FANCY HOTEL SUITES

(Our bed was enclosed in this "cabana" with candles all around)

Looks fun, right? It was.

If you're still curious about how to do a Vegas Night, here's some options:

1. Fine Dining: splurge a little on a fancy home-cooked meal...don't forget dessert
2. Pool - check the $store or party store; put BLUE food coloring drops in the tub
3. Cocktails - Martinellis Sparkling Cider is our favorite; grocery store, $store, party store for umbrella toothpicks; wine glasses = $store
4. Casino/gambling:
*play strip poker - whoever loses the round, loses their clothes...one piece at a time! this link is semi-useful in teaching you how to play 5-card poker...it's really quite simple, but instructions always seem to complicate things!
*play 'lover's gambling': basically, poker minus the money. Establish some reward for whoever wins (our was a 15 minute massage). Play with pennies, poker chips, m&ms, etc.)
*Put up Christmas lights in your "casino" area for the bright lights of Vegas
5. Cabana/Suite - Get some white sheets, use tall lamps, or whatever to make yourself a cabana. Use lots of tealights (be sure to put a square of wax paper under each one)!
6. Theatre/Shows:
* I suggest one with a Vegas theme. Here are some examples:
- 21
- What Happens in Vegas
- Oceans 11, Oceans 12, Oceans 13 (ooh..i like them all!)
- Lucky You - with Drew Barrymore
- Vegas Vacation - 1997
- Rat Race - 2001
- Honeymoon in Vegas - 1992
6. Other husband-approved options: pole dancing, lap dance.... If you dare. I did not.

How much did all this cost me? Including the food, about $20. Now, before you go runnning to the store, be sure to ask friends to borrow items (movies, beach stuff, props. etc)! A few bucks here and there really add up!

And that's it. No gambling to it...you're guarenteed to hit the jackpot on Vegas Night!

Candy Carvings

When's the last time that you brought your hubby home a treat? If you have to think about it, then it's been too long...



Here's your quick and easy midweek romance tip!

1. Buy a package of a treat he likes (Reeses definately work best...)

2. Open it carefully.

3. With a toothpick, carve your sentiments.

4. Glue the package shut.



When he gets it, I'm sure he'll think, "Oh. Peanut Butter Cups. Nice." But when he decides to eat them, he'll have a surprise waiting for him!



Sometimes, its the little things that hold a relationship together--so don't discount these simple midweek romance tips! Enjoy!

Love Brownies

So, you know how I mentioned that this would not be turning into a food blog? Well, that's because there are people like Rhiannon in the world who I could NEVER keep up with! But, because food plays a part in romance from time to time, I have to pass this on!

Rhiannon over at Pink Sugar Desserts is one of my good blogging friends and she did a lovely post about love brownies. Now, she doesn't call them that. But I do. Why? Because! What's not to love?! To make these extra special, she whipped up some cream and put some berries on the side of her heart-shaped brownies. (the best part....they were from a box. no real baking necessary) :)

Wow, huh!? How about you go stop by Pink Sugar Desserts to see how Rhiannon did it. Your love will thank you later...

~~
PS - sorry, I didn't do an MHR post today. These love brownies captured my attention and there was no turning back. If you did a post and would like me to come check it out, leave a comment and let me know!

Wild West Night

Remember Dr. Quinn, medicine woman? I always wanted to be a little like her...and I always thought it would have been kinda fun to live back in the "old western days". So, I recreated one date night in the Wild West for me and hubby.

Here are the elements that will make this night go off with a bang!

Wild West Saloon

Serve Sasparillas/IBC (bottled root beer) and greasy appetizers (we had grilled tortillas, mozzarella sticks, and chips & salsa with IBC rootbeer).

Wild West Shooting Range

What's the Wild West without a little gun action? {Rubberband gun action, that is.} I covered pop cans with scrapbook paper and labels I made, which you can download HERE. Just ink around the edges to give it a dirtier look. Here's a color version for you to get a better idea.

Using a rubberband gun or your fingers, shoot rubberbands at pop cans you've set up as targets. Establish how many shots/rubberbands each of you get and the reward for winning or losing (perhaps a back rub or dish-duty)

Wild West Poker

Write on the back of your homemade "chips" certain wagers (each of you will have a set that is identical) So, there are 2 of each chip: (5 min. back rub, diaper duty for one weekend, etc.) Then, when you are betting your hand, you'll know what you could get…or what you could lose if you lose the hand!
Download PDF of chips HERE.

Wild West Theatre

This is optional, if you wanted to watch an old classic western flick or maybe Will Smith's "Wild Wild West" (this doesn't mean I recommend this movie....just a suggestion).

*Spice it Up*

1. Go to the bathroom while he's finishing his sasparilla and appetizers. Come out with a badge on acting as the town "sheriff". Place him in handcuffs (dollar store plastic cuffs work great!) and tell him he's going to jail for flirting with a married lady! You decide the punishment.

2. Get a cowboy hat, some boots, and something for in between that goes with the theme.

Rice Kisspies

Time for a little midweek romance, people. How about packing these in your love's lunch or setting them by the door as a greeting for when they get home?

"Rice Kisspies"

This idea and picture is from Jessica over at Or So She Says.

You'll need:

• A fresh batch of rice krispy treats. Recipe HERE. (Substitute strawberry marshmallows if possible)
• Tin Foil
• Slips of paper with love messages
  
  While your rice krispies are still warm, shape a bite-size amount into a hershey kiss shape. (You can use a kitchen funnel to help shape.) Wrap a piece of tin foil around, insert paper.
  
  What a fun idea...I'll bet you can't wait to try it, huh?

Slumber Party...for 2!

Wouldn't it be fun once-in-a-while to have a little "sleepover" with your spouse!

This would be great for couples without kids or for those that do, for one of those evenings that you can't get a babysitter and you've put the kids to bed!

Get into your PJ's and pile a bunch of blankets and pillows on the floor. Then, watch a couple of DVD's or a marathon of TV episodes. Pop some corn, have treats close by, and cuddle up together. If you're still awake, play a board game and then talk until you fall asleep.

It seems too simple, but really it can be a lot of fun with just the two of you. And sometimes, simple is exactly what is needed.

What's fun is that I found this fun website How Does She which had a little post about THIS blog where JeLisa wrote about Slumber Parties being a "Marriage Perk" for her and her hubby. So cute!

...oh, and the best part about your one-on-one slumber parties, there's no one around to tell you to shhsh! or go to bed!

Kiss Your Mate Day

Today is "Kiss Your Mate Day". And just so you know, this day is legit..I didn't make it up! Google it! Anyway---KYM Day sounds simple enough, but I have a few suggestions to make your kisses just a little bit better!

Favorite Products:

1. French Kiss Gum - Be sure you're kissably fresh next time you kiss! This gum is really strong and really good tasting. It's designed to obliterate odors in your mouth... Supposedly it is used by hollywood celebrities before kissing on camera. Order online HERE. Put a pack of these bad-breath-busters in your Romance Kit!

2. SoftLips - Mmm...love this stuff. I have a history a biting my lips so this stuff saves me! and..it's CHEAP!

3. I am a huge fan of MaryKay when it comes to SatinLips or SatinHands. They can be a bit pricey, but host a party and maybe the consultant can hook you up with a good deal!


Kisses, Kisses Galore!

So, I compiled a list of kisses for you...I'll bet you never knew there so many types!! Some you may be familiar with and others....not so much. These ought to keep you busy for a while!

(I know...the quality is bad. I don't know why..BUT, click on them to view larger and it is clear)

That's all I've got! Now, go Kiss Your Mate!!!

Delighting the Senses

How do I love thee? Will all of my senses...
{This idea is similiar to last week's "head to toes" but just different enough that it's worth posting!}

This is a fun gift idea for any occasion (birthday, V-day, anniversary) or none at all...

Here's the idea:
Find a gift for each of the 5 senses. Fill a basket, gift bag, etc. Attach a card that says something like this, "I love you with all my senses..."

Sight: new lingerie, mini-scrapbook of both of you
Sound: a favorite CD/homemade CD mix of music, iTunes giftcard
Smell: new Perfume/Cologne, scented candle,
Taste: favorite treat/candy, coupon for favorite dinner, sparking cider or wine
Touch: massage oils or lotion, a coupon for a back or foot massage.

This picture came from That's So Cuegly. She did a whole post on each sense/gift...way cute! She provides great inspiration---check it out.

Prisoner Strip Search

Today's idea comes from one of my followers, who wanted to remain anonymous. It's a bit risque...but what's romance without a little intrigue now and again?

She came up with this idea for when her husband returned from a week long training excursion. Her husband is a wildlife officer.... Yours, however, does not have to be for this to be fun.

She writes,

Wildlife officers have paperwork they have to do each month called monthly's. So I made a little booklet with instructions on how to do this "monthly" search of me.

I left it on the bed with a mint. It said:

Prisoners are subject to strip search each month. Todays prisoner is A3278BF.
*Prisoner must comply with all spoken orders.
*Touch anywhere you think they might be hiding drugs.
*A thorough investigation is imperative.
*This prisoner is crafty, may require smelling or licking of upper body.
*Exercise your authority and do whatever is neccessary to ensure prisoner is clean.
*This search can be done laying down or however you see fit.
*Prisoner will arrive in only a jumper and handcuffs for added convenience (I used some bib overalls.)
*Handcuffs can be removed if easier to complete exam.


Clever idea, right? What a lucky hubby she has.

For you, I have a free PDF download of this little "report sheet" for your "officer".

Download PDF HERE

To spice this up, here are a few things to try:

- mark your prisoner # as a tattoo somewhere on your body
- hide small "weapons" in underclothing to be found by the "officer"
- don't forget handcuffs!

PS--When asking for my husband's thoughts on this idea, he provided me with two thumbs up. I think your husbands might like this one, too. ;)

Romancing the Alley {Updated}

So, I don't usually repeat posts...but when I get a great tip that will be added to a previous post, I feel it requires a special mention...

You may remember my Romacing the Alley post.


Well, Ethan and his wife had something to add. (Thanks, you two!!) He and his wife bowl with this little twist:

• Empty a small bag of Skittles or M&Ms into a cup or bowl


• Assign different styles of bowling to the different candy colors and then have each person pick a piece of candy at the start of their turn to determine how they will bowl that round.
  
  Examples for different styles include:
  "Granny Style" (holding the ball with both hands)
  Bowling backwards between your legs
  Placing the ball on the ground and pushing it with your foot (don't kick it...)
  Bowling with your opposite hand
  Using a children's ball guide if available (not to be confused with alley bumpers)
  Having your turn bowled by your spouse
  Bowl normally
  
  Ethan said, "It is fun to laugh at yourself and others make fools of themselves on purpose. It also helps level the playing field and decreases the level of seriousness when bowling with people who know what they are doing."
  
  Such a great idea! Now, let's get bowlin!

Movies & Popcorn Printables

If you don't have time to give your love the Red Carpet Treatment (one of my previous posts), then get a load of these.... free printables from The Toy Maker!

The perfect solution to having no time and energy to plan a spectacular date...

You can pick up the downloads HERE. Enjoy!

Has anyone seen any good movies lately that you recommend for couples to watch? If so, let us hear it...

Have you VOTED for the best pumpkin in my last post yet?

Crime & Punishment: Court in Session

I always enjoyed playing "Court" as a kid, and even now as a adult. Before moving to Boston, I taught 7th grade health and for a unit activity about "making good decisions", I set my classroom up like a court room. Each student had a role and a script, and they had a BLAST acting it out. As I was driving home, I thought about how fun it would be to make an adult version for me and the hubby.

Here's what I came up with in 3 easy steps:

1. Prepare a court summons. Give it to him in an envelope (that looks like it really came in the mail) JUST as he's leaving the house for the day. You don't want him to open it at home.
(Download the Court Summons Letter HERE)

(As he was walking out the door, I said, "Oh, hey--this came in the mail for you yesterday. Looked important so I didn't open it.")

2. Read the script to know how it's all gonna go down.

(Download the Script HERE)

3. Adapt it and Snazz it up the way that works for you!

Court Adjourned!