Keepin' it Real After 10 Years {Date Night at Home Ideas!} #TheMoodStrikes

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This post is a little step out of my normal cooking/family friendly topic.  Although it is a bit out of my comfort zone, I thought I would face my fears make a fun date-night inspired post.  Here goes nothin! As Murray says in Clueless "I'm keepin' it real"...

Do you ever stop to think about how much your life can change in a matter of years? In the past decade, I have gone through quite a few life changing moments: moving, marriage, babies, turning 30, traveling...to name a few.  Ricky and I are coming up on our 10 year anniversary and it's so funny to think of how different our lives are, the three little ladies being the biggest change!  Keeping the spark alive isn't always easy when we are both so busy...but it's something we are trying to put more emphasis on with fun date nights at home. With K-Y® Liquibeads, you can have the freedom to be spontaneous without worry! 

When we first started dating, we were both serving at Smokey Bones BBQ and didn't have too many responsibilities.  If we wanted a date night, we would just plan one!  Now, we are averaging about 4-5 dates a year...and it's a HUGE pain to try to schedule one.  Between finding a babysitter, having the budget for one and finding a free night, we almost always give up!

One thing I like to emphasize is that date nights can be AT HOME.  Why waste money when you can cook and have fun at home!  Make sure you still keep it special, though.  We are huge fans of game nights, especially trivia or pop culture ones.  It's fun to simply play cards, too.  Instead of going out to a movie, rent one you've both been dying to see (or On Demand is a lifesaver) and cook up a meal.  You'll save at least $50!

We love to try new micro-brews, especially local ones.  Instead of buying 6-packs of one type of beer, take advantage of the MYO 6-Pack at Walmart!  For $9, you can get a variety that you both will love.  I tend to lean towards IPAs or dark beer, whereas Ricky likes ciders or new seasonal brews.  If you think about how much a single micro-brew can be at a restaurant, you're saving SO much.  Many other stores have this option, but I love that Walmart has a set price.  

If beer isn't your thing, there are many inexpensive bottles of wine out there.  Walmart has a HUGE selection ranging from as low as $2.97 to $15 that are all decent.  For our date night at home, I always pick out a red blend or a sweet white we can chill.  Bubbly is always special too!

When it comes to making dinner, the slow cooker can be your lifesaver.  Start the meal in the morning and by the time the kiddos are in bed, you can both finish up the meal together.  For the date night at home nights, I recommend letting the kiddos have a simple meal--mac n cheese and smoked sausage in our house!  Clean up the dishes so you'll have a nice clean kitchen for your date night.  

Another idea is to look on Pinterest for your favorite restaurant meal and try to make it at home.  There are many simple copycat recipes out there.  If you haven't noticed, I added a recipe list above to help you find some tasty recipes right on here!  It doesn't matter what you're making, the quality time together is what's important, even if you have to eat a little later than normal! 

Here are a few suggestions:

• Stuffed Lasagna Shells - serve with red wine & toasty bread
• Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - All you'll need to do is make up some pasta and a veggie/salad! The slow cooker does the work for you during the day!  
• Slow-Cooker Carnitas- Have a fiesta night with some guacamole and frosty strawberry margs! 
• If you're both craving some Chinese take-out, this Beef + Broccoli w/ Fried Quinoa will hit the spot.  
• Just looking for a dessert?  These Spiked Frozen Hot Chocolates are perfect! Cuddle up on the couch with a blanket together. 

With three kids at home 5 and under, I'll admit it's difficult to find some time alone...if you know what I'm saying. Also, it's hard for me to turn off my mind and relax when I know the girls could barge in the room at any moment (like, how many times can a little one go potty each night?!).  K-Y® liquibeads help us ladies be ready at any moment with a super convenient bead that is inserted every few days so that when the mood strikes, your body is ready to go without needing any extra messy lubrication. Now that I'm over the 30 mark, I can already tell my body is changing!  Case in point: during wedding season this summer, hangovers are BRUTAL.  

At first, shopping for these made me a bit nervous...especially since they were like RIGHT THERE in the cart, but I sucked it up.  I used to be the same way buying tampons as a teenager.  Why is that?  If you are interested in trying these K-Y® Liquibeads out, there is $1 off coupon available now!  Note: if you are pregnant or nursing, please consult your doctor to be sure this is the right product for you!

So no more excuses...let's reignite the flame with date nights at home! Save money AND get some QT in with your loved one. 

Don't be shy!  What tips do you have for keeping the sparks alive?  What's your favorite date night at home activity?