Show Some Eggstra Love this Easter!

You already know by now how much I enjoy love notes...on every surface. So far, I think I've recommended love notes on the bathroom tile floor, mirror, shower wall, hidden around the house... and if those were enjoyed even just a little bit, then these oughtta be a hit.

Egg Love Notes, anyone?

Of course, this idea was designed with the upcoming Easter holiday in mind, but, it's one of those ideas that works for anytime of the year as well! I don't know about you, but me and hubby eat eggs all year round.

For these, I just took a mini alphabet stamp kit (found at Michael's for $1.00) and hand stamped my messages directly onto each egg.

In case for any reason you can't read the messages, they say:
"You're eggsciting"
"You're eggstraordinarily handsome"
"Eggschange for a kiss"
"Eggscellent Husband"

If your spouse frequents the egg carton, then this will be easy. If he does not, you may have to ask for a little help in the kitchen when he's around, knowing for sure he'll have to grab you some eggs. :)

If stamping just isn't your thing, just write your message with a sharpie! If your handwriting is anything like mine (less than desirable), then I suggest this option:

1. Hard-boil some eggs.
2. Print out my freebie below.
3. Attach each word strip to a colored paper strip.
4. Use glue-tape to adhere the strip to the egg.
5. Pack in your husband's lunch.

It should look something like this:


Download Word Strips HERE

I would normally end my post with some catchy phrase, most likely using the word "egg"...but I think you've had just about enough already. :)

Don't forget to get entered for the current GIVEAWAY ending today!!

Stud Muffin

I thought this was a really cute idea...especially if your guy is a "country boy" who appreciates some fresh muffins in the mornin' that he can share at work.

This idea was found at Let Me Count the Ways. The box was made out of 2x4's by these handy wives!

The poem that goes with this is perfect!

Any which way you cut it
Measure it however you can
You have certainly nailed it
As my lovin' STUD MUFFIN man!

This would be a great "just because" guesture for your man!

Chocolate & Flowers: Twists on the Tradition

Chocolate and flowers for Valentine's Day used to be boring.... this year, not so much.

This is a post for my male readers...I know I don't cater to you guys very often, but today, this one's for you! (...not that you girls won't enjoy this video, too.)

This video has some awesome ideas for combining two not-so-original Valentine items and making them unique!

It includes quick tutorials on:

• Chocolate Roses (using Hershey Kisses)
• Chocolate Bowls (100% edible...very cool?)
• Adding chocolate hearts to gerber daisies
• ...and more!
  
  
  

  Get a load of this....

Source: KSL Studio 5

Just a random side note: The "Campus Craft & Floral" that they talk about in this video is from my alma mater! Yeah, BYU!!

Food from the Heart: Valentine's Food Guide

Valentine's just isn't Valentine's without heart-shaped-anything-you-imagine, including food!

Here is a small collection of some yummy Vday foodies I've found! Click the links below each image to take you to the source! You can also click each image to view larger.

1 - Heartfelt Muffins {tutorial}
2 -Valentine Toast

3 - Heart Shaped Hamburger Patties
4 - Pizza for Lovers - (or you could cut your pepperonis into heart shapes)

5 - Bakerella's Oreo Kisses {tutorial & recipe}

6 - Valentine's Candy Cone {instructions}
7 - Love Shakes - {tutorial}
8 - Chocolate Passion Dessert - {recipe}
9 - Brownie Heart Cupcakes {recipe}

10 - Cute Cookie Container - sorry, couldn't find where I found this. any help?
11 - Dipped Oreo Suckers
12 - Giant Rice Krispy Greeting
13 - Martha's Handwritten Chocolate Glazed Cupcakes *recipe and instructions*

14 - Meringue Kisses - {recipe}
15 - Jam Filled Heart Cookies - {tutorial/recipe}
16 - Heart Brownies w/ Fruit and Cream {tutorial}
17 - Jell-O Lips {recipe}

What's your favorite? Which would your spouse enjoy most?

~~~~~

Have a Valentine's Day idea you'd like featured? Email idea and photos to loveactuallyblog@hotmail.com

The Romantic's Guide to Hot Cocoa

What's so romantic about hot cocoa, you ask?

What's not romantic about hot cocoa? Just the very thought of cuddling up with my hubby on a cold winter day with a cup of hot cocoa is enough to make me wish for a winter storm to blow in that shuts everything down!

Hopefully it won't take a winter storm to make you sit down and enjoy talking with your spouse over a cup of hot chocolate one evening during the winter. Here are some ideas to help inspire this mini-date of sorts...

How About Orange posted a DIY tutorial for this clever cocoa dusting.

Martha Stewart tells her secret for making these cute heart-shaped marshmallows!

LollyChops provides the idea, recipe, and free downloads to make both of these hot cocoa packages! I especially like the first. I'd attach a tag that says, "You make me Hot! Hot! Hot!"

Kellie Fortin created these fun "Hot Cocoa for Two" cones...this could make a fun gift for any other couples you are friends with, too.

Personalization Mall offers some creative inspiration for the serious hot cocoa lover who would appreciate their own mug!

Our Best Bites has the Ultimate Hot Chocolate recipe...with all sorts of possible variations (Mint, Peppermint, Hazelnut, Mexican Hot Chocolate....) Yum!


Don't think I've forgotten about those of you in a long-distance relationship! No matter the distance, hot cocoa can still bring you closer together this winter!

This would be a really light-weight item to ship to your hunny and no doubt it'd leave a warm spot in their heart for you!

Or, send a couple of individual cocoa packs along with a tag that says:

Ha.Ha.

If you want the kiddos to help you make a little surprise for mom or dad, this would be a fun and easy little project. (Of course...I'd write something cute on that mug...like any of the above sentiments)

(I found this by doing a google search...so I have no idea where it's from)

One of Love, Actually's readers submitted a link to her blog where she posted about a "Hot Chocolate Date" her and her hubby had just a while ago.

She writes, "After putting up our AWESOME tree we finished our night with a Hot Cocoa date. Jonathan found this HUGE mug. Even bigger than the soup mugs.. and he made a big cup of Hot Cocoa, we went and sat in front of our tree while sharing our GIANT cup of Hot Cocoa. Definitely a fun little date to share a warm cup this time of year. I would recommend it to anyone!"

I swear--I didn't tell her to post that! :) Thanks for sharing, Chelsea!

If you have any additions to my "Romantic's Guide to Hot Cocoa", please, do tell!

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!

Memorable Mealtimes

Family Dinner can be a great time to press pause on our lives and enjoy time talking and catching up. Sometimes, however, nit-picking and petty arguments turn “family dinner” into a not-so-pleasant experience... can you relate?

Here are a few ideas to try at your table, whether it's just the two of you or a whole crew!

Conversation Cards: These can be used to stimulate meaningful and enlightening conversation...you never know what you may discover about each other by asking questions you never thought to ask before. While eating dinner, take turns reading and answering the conversation cards. When dinner's over, recycle the stack for the next day!

I have created a free download for you of 18 conversation cards... You gotta try these out, even if for just one night. And, of course, you can make your own with new questions once you run out.



Conversation Jar: Same idea as the conversation cards, just in a jar with slips of paper.

picture from PartiesandHolidays


Table Talk: Perhaps you've seen something like this. (You'll have to use your imagination because I have no visual). It's a tablecloth with conversation questions on it. No need for cards... Between bites, read a question out loud for another family member to answer in a random fashion.

Create your own:
Your local fabric store or walmart has clear or white, thick plastic on large rolls. Have them cut you a piece that will fit your table. Then, write conversation questions randomly and in different directions all over your new plastic tablecloth with a permanent marker. easy-peasy.

"Just Because" Celebrations: If you are the one who makes dinner and sets the table, try, on occasion, to have a special dinner (maybe with your spouse's favorite foods). Throw on a table cloth and a candle and you'll have one bewildered spouse. When they ask what the occasion is, reply that it's the dog's birthday, the last day of winter...or something. Just to see their reaction may be worth all the extra effort!

Count your Blessings: Begin each meal with each of you saying three thankful things. It can be as simple as "I'm thankful we're having Jell-O" or more elaborate, like "I'm thankful that my boss was in a good mood today!" It changes the focus from whatever negativity the day has brought to the positive things that happen in our lives each day. {idea from this great article from Redbook Mag}


High, Low: Each person takes a turn coming up with the high and low points of their day. Imagine if you did this everyday--Even just this simple information could give you great insight on your spouse's day.

Here's to your family dinners..may they be ever delicious...and engaging!

Pizzeria Date Night

Has anyone seen "No Reservations" with Catherine Zeta Jones? I love that movie...I especially like how it makes running a little restaurant with your love seem so romantic! This was my inspiration for today's idea.

~~~

On your next date night, open a pizzeria together at your place! You'll be the chefs, creating your own pizza masterpieces. This can be done while the kids eat mac&cheese in front of a movie. You have to eat dinner, too... might as well make a date of it!

Here's what you'll need:

• Pizza kits (pre-made dough and ingredients)
  
• Pizzeria Style drinks (Coke...or whatever.)
  
• Chef's Hats & Aprons (optional, but fun!)
  
• Red and white checkered tablecloth
  
• Paper plates/napkins
  
• A sign on your wall or table identifying it as your pizzera
  
• Mints (I don't think I've ever left a pizzeria without being offered a mint)
  
• My free downloadable and printable invitation

And, just for fun...I thought I'd throw in pictures of our date..

Oh, and don't worry if things get a little saucy...

Buon appetito!

*******
PS: Don't forget about the current giveaway!! Click HERE for your chance to win... ends Friday!!

Peanut Butter Love Note

I haven't done a Midweek Romance post in quite a while, soo...... here's for all you who need a quick idea, without much effort!

If your other half is a peanut butter lover (or maybe even a butter-tub lover), leave him a little love note on the next new container you buy.

Romantique Paris Rendezvouz

If any of you dream of going to Paris....and you know you won't be whisked away anytime soon to the "world's most romantic city"... then stop dreaming and start creating!

I've borrowed these ideas and pictures from Becca. (I've used her and her hubby's ideas before...and I'm sure this won't be the last time). She's got one great husband...and she knows it. He planned this day in Paris for her.

They ate at a little cafe in Paris... overlooking the Eiffel Tower!

The cafe served French Fries (...of course, hehe)


and Croissants...

As a souvenir of their trip to Paris, they used Photo Booth on their MAC to create this:

Sooo fun---and such a perfect example of how you can create a great themed date without spending a bundle!

Here are some other ideas for bringing Paris home!

- Place a printed flag of France near the door with a sign saying, "Welcome to France"
- To make this a more "authentic French" date, prepare a traditional French delicacy. Ideas & Recipes HERE.
- End the night with a little French Kiss! Ooh La la!

Au Revoir!

Chinese Date Night

Dim the lights, clear the furniture away, leave the forks in the drawer, and enjoy dinner on the floor with chopsticks for this Chinese Date Night.

This is a themed date night which may require a little planning and perhaps a trip to the party store, dollar store, or a stop by the Love, Actually Boutique (when it's actually ready--not quite yet!)

Here's what you'll need:

• Chopsticks (see if you can snag 2 sets from a take-out place nearby)
• Take-out Boxes (you can usually find these around $1.00 at craft stores)
• Oriental Music - I just played these sample clips from Amazon
• Red, Gold and Black accents (decor)
• Chinese Food for dinner...see below
• Fortune Cookies (real or paper....check these out )

Optional:
- You can also look for Oriental clothing (I found the hats below at iParty).
-I saw slippers which matched the hats at Target for $2.50 a pair.

*picture, candle holder, mats, and chop sticks all from Target. (spent $10)

Now, for the food.
There's a few ways you can do this, which I have categorized for your convenience. :)

Lazy - Have "takeout" delivered.
Easy - Have your spouse pickup takeout.
Not-hard - Buy "frozen takeout" (orange chicken from Costco, Trader Joe's, etc.)
Superwoman Style - Make your own Chinese food.

If you want to be "Superwoman", then by all means...try these recipes.

Orange Chicken


Sweet and Sour Chicken


Beef Noodle Bowl


Wonton Salad


Egg Rolls and Fried Rice


After Dinner:

Have a fortune cookie(s) in a take-out box (I would have one real one to eat, and then a paper fortune cookie with your own fortune in it..)

Ideas for fortunes:
"Tonight will be a lucky night for you..."
"A secret admirer will soon send you a sign of affection."
"The time to make love is now..."

I'll let you take it from there....Best of luck!

{Double Your Pleasure}

I'll bet you remember this old jingle for Doublemint gum, "Double Your Pleasure…Double Your Fun!"

How could I possibly relate this to romance? Don't you know by now that I can relate anything to romance...?

What you'll need:

35 cents

Text reads: Today, you get to pick your favorite pleasure for me to double! Just let me know what you want and it's yours....twice!

This may seem a little boring, but my husband told me it's one of his favorites because it's something he doesn't have to do anything for and he'd have something to look foward to all day (while he thought carefully about what he wanted...twice!) If your spouse is big into physical stuff (massaging, etc...) this could be a big hit!

I'd love to know what you think!

The Melting Pot

The idea behind this date night is simple.... it's the details that will take some work.

The Idea: Make your own Melting Pot Restaurant. Eating there is very expensive. When recreating at home, it can be done very cheaply!

The Details

Invitation:

"I'm so "fondue" of you...join me this evening for a romantic fondue for two."
"You make me melt...join me this evening for a romantic fondue for two."
"If your love for me is true, then join me for fondue..."

Supplies:

• 2-3 fondue pots (or mini-crockpots) - (borrow from friends...OR ask a newlywed couple, they surely got 5 for their wedding)
• A nice table setting complete with candlelight (I'm talking cloth napkins, a table cloth, wine glasses, etc.)

Food:

I like to have three options, but you can simplify or expand depending on your preference. There are SO many different recipes. I'll leave that up to you. Google it.

Oil/Broth Fondue - Dipping foods: meatballs, prepare cubed meats, shrimp, scallops, vegetables, potato chunks, mozzarella sticks, (cocktail, horseradish and teriyaki sauces for dipping).

Cheese Fondue - Dipping foods: cubed french/italian bread, florets of broccoli and cauliflower, bite-sized cooked chicken, bite-size cooked ham, roasted potatoes,

Chocolate Fondue - Dipping foods: strawberries, bananas, peaches, pineapple, mango, apples, cherries, angel food cake, pound cake, cheesecake, cookies, marshmallows, pretzels
{for my chocolate fondue, I like to melt milk chocolate chips with some vegetable oil (1-2 tablespoons) to get to the consistency I like. really easy.}

Romance Helps:

• Feed Each Other - (with the skewer, your fingers...or, your mouth...) ooh..this could get a little seductive!
• Take turns blindfolding each other while feeding each other... Create suspense when possible.

Desiree, one of my readers, submitted this photo of the Fondue Night she put together for her hubby. Thanks, Desiree!

If you have a "Fondue Night" photo to submit, please email to ccloveactually AT gmail DOT com.

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?

Sweet Thoughts

Look at this fun idea I found at We Are THAT Family...

You could have a big jar like above with fun-size candy bars inside, each wrapped with some "sweet thoughts"--loving sentiments. I think I would give this to my husband as a gift for when he needed a little "pick me up".

Your love could keep it in a deep desk drawer at work....or perhaps in their locker at school...or in a bedside table. Whichever they prefer.

...and when it gets low, be sure to give them free refills (of candy AND of new, sweet thoughts).

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!

Think Outside the Box: Romantic Breakfast In Bed Recipes

Boxed cereal is definately the main food staple around our house. And occasionally, (usually on Saturday or Sunday mornings) it's fun to have a home-cooked breakfast. I've found that I can't go wrong with pancakes, eggs and bacon, but every now and then, I like to make something new... I have found some very tasty (and easy) recipes from some of my favorite cooking blogs and I thought I'd share them with you.

This won't be turning into a cooking blog, but good food goes hand-in-hand with romance. These recipes would be perfect for a romantic breakfast in bed on a lazy morning (if you can arrange for such a thing...).

For all of you who have lost touch with your lazy morning side (for some reason having to do with children), set your clocks early and enjoy breakfast in bed BEFORE the kids wake up.

Caramel French Toast
{It really is a sugar bomb, but sooo worth it!}

Recipe from: Mmm Cafe
(You can right click all the recipe images to save to your files)


Creamy Cinnamon Squares
{Don't those just look scrumptious? How can you resist?}

Recipe from: Gourmet Mom On The Go


Hashbrown Bacon Quiche
{Delicious!! ...breaks away from the sugary stuff. Serve with a tall glass of OJ.}

This is actually my recipe that I adapted from a ham and hashbrown casserole recipe.
The picture of it, however, is borrowed...mine doesn't have 2 layers like that one, but it looks just like it otherwise.


Strawberry French Toast
{Whoa, I think I'm drooling! This is about as romantic as you're gonna get for breakfast!}

Recipe from: My First Kitchen --with awesome instructions for even a novice french toast maker.

Below are not necessarily recipes, but ideas to spice up breakfast basics. By the way, heart-shaped food isn't just for Valentine's Day...just as your love isn't just for that day either!
So, whip out that heart cookie cutter, you're gonna need it for these:

{ Eggs In a Heart }
Just cut out a heart shape in the middle of the bread, pour in egg, and fry!

{ Fried Heart Eggs }
Click to get her instructions...they are helpful.

{ Heart-Shaped Strawberries }
This one's easy...but sometimes a visual reminder helps!

{ Heart Pancakes }
Make the pancakes like normal, then cut them out...

Bon Appetit! Oh, and don't forget to remind your love to

PS--I have linked this post to My Chihuahua Bites for her Tuesdays at the Table series to spread the bed-and-breakfast recipe love! Join in if you have a fun recipe to share!