Home Maid Simple

Tag: date night

How to Have a Romantic Evening at Home

How to Have a Romantic Evening at Home

by Alek Sabin

When you picture a romantic evening with your significant other, what are you imagining? Rooftop restaurants and majestic getaways? That’s fair, but the more extravagant you make a nice romantic night on the town, the further away it gets from being a reality. You don’t really need to break the bank by going out to a fancy restaurant, at least not if you’re willing to put in a little more effort and get a little creative. Truth be told, some of the best romantic evenings can be had in the confines of your own home. Here are some steps on how you can have a romantic evening at home…

Invite your partner, formally

Just because you are planning on having a date night in, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a little fancy with it. This shouldn’t feel like a lazy date, just because you’re having it at home. The first step to making this feel like more of an event is to actually formally invite your partner. Get a nice invitation made up, and then find a clever way to ask them on the date. It might feel a little silly, but it will show them that you care and that this is more than just your typical night in.

Still get dressed up

There might be nothing nicer than putting on some sweats for a cuddly night of Netflix. In some ways, that’s the most romantic date of all, but it’s not really the point of planning a nice night in. If you want to make this date feel special, still treat it as if you were going out to a 5-star restaurant. That means putting on your best threads. Take some time to prepare yourself and look your best, even if you aren’t even leaving the house in that outfit. This shows your partner that you took all that time to get ready just for them, and them alone.

Make your home feel like a getaway

If you really want a date night in your home to feel special, then take some pains to make your home feel different than it normally does. Getting some romantic decorations to set the mood for your date is going to make all the difference in feeling like it’s any other night or feeling like you really are at an extravagant getaway. Some classic romantic decorations could simply include some flowers and candles. It’s not a lot, but it goes a long way towards setting the tone of the evening.

Go above and beyond for the meal

If you don’t want to spend all that money on going out to eat, then why not take it a step further and put in the effort to show how much better your home cooking is, anyway? Cooking together can be a really romantic activity where you both work towards something that you both get to enjoy. When it comes to picking the right dish, either stick with something that you know you can prepare and cook well or, if you’re feeling adventurous, crack open the internet to try a new exotic recipe that you’ve never tried before! You’re bound to have a few “someday I’ll try…” recipes sitting on a Pinterest board out there.

Try making your own drinks

A great way to make a meal feel like a lot more is by dressing it up with all the frills that you’d get at a party or restaurant. That means mocktails, appetizers, and a special dessert, and maybe even serving up dinner in a few separate courses. If you want to make the evening extra-special, try making some fun new mocktails, which are usually pretty simple to put together. Put some extra effort into presentation.

March 21, 2018
DIY Oil Change Date Night + Printable Notecards!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DIYOilChange #CollectiveBias

Looking for a really fun date night that will have your man smiling the whole time? What would any guy like more on date night than to do something they enjoy? Last week that’s exactly what we did! I’ve decided it’s high time I learn some more handy skills around the house – like how to change my cars oil.

I told Mark I wanted to learn how to change the oil, I could tell he was pretty stoked with the idea. When I came out wearing his shirt and my holey jeans, he was definitely a happy man.

First was a stop at Walmart to pick up everything we needed – namely Pennzoil Platinum Full synthetic motor oil! Along with the new oil we also grabbed an oil catcher, oil filter, and air filter. According to Mark the air filter should be changed with every other oil filter.
Be sure to check what weight and grade oil your car needs. I would have had no idea to even check that if it weren’t for Mark! You can check your cars manual, or possibly on the oil cap like mine was. Thankfully Walmart has this cool device to find exactly what oil filter you need for your car too.

So let’s get started! Now that I know how to change my cars oil, I’m ready to teach you.

*Please use standard safety procedures when changing your oil. You should always refer to your own car’s manual before changing your oil.*

DIY Oil Change

You will need:

Pennzoil Platinum Full synthetic motor oil – it’s high quality oil is designed to fully protect my car’s engine!

Oil catcher

Car Jack

Car Jack Stand

Oil filter

Allen Wrench

Oil Filter Wrench

First things first is to get the car lifted. I learned that my awesome car has built in reinforced areas on the frame specifically for jacking up the car. How cool is that?! OK maybe that’s standard on most vehicles these days, I thought it was nifty. Don’t forget to block the back tires for an added safety measure!

Once you have both sides lifted on their jacks, it’s time to move to the oil changing part. Before you head under the car, you want to get some air flow going in the oil pan. This I knew, because it’s like emptying any other can of liquid – good airflow means a steady stream, bad airflow and the liquid galumps out this way and that – similar to your laundry detergent bottles.

Unscrew the oil cap, and pull the dipstick out to allow extra air flow. Now it’s time to head under the car! When I first scooted myself underneath I looked at Mark and said

“this makes me really anxious being under the car”

To which he responded

“Good. It should!”

So I felt completely capable at this point knowing I was normal to be anxious. At this point you need to locate the oil pan, and the screw bolt holding the oil in. For this part you need the Allen Wrench fitted with the right size bolt, and the oil catcher. A great reason to do this for date night, is your date can hand you the tools as you need them, so you’re not sliding in and out a bunch.

Here’s a little more inside look to this picture
- Anxiety
- I totally got this!
- Ahh! The wind picked up! note to self and everyone else – don’t do it on a windy day!
- There goes the oil! My hand’s dripping, probably should hold that over the pan until I get a rag.
Totally fun right! Mark was having a blast watching my facial expressions and snapping these photos for me. At this point I knew I was totally glad I put on HIS tee-shirt and my holey jeans. He loves when I wear his clothes, and I didn’t care that I was getting dirty.

Once the oil is all out, replace the bolt! You don’t want to put your new oil in, and have it all spill out the bottom!

For the oil filter you’ll use that REALLY BIG WRENCH, and unscrew the whole filter. It’s pretty close to the oil pan, and just hanging down, so you shouldn’t have too hard a time finding it. There will be oil in it, so keep that oil catcher nearby, and then go ahead and put the filter inside the catcher as well. Rub some oil on the new filter, and screw it on. Here’s some key points for the oil filter change:
- Make sure you get the old rubber washer off with the old filter. You don’t want it doubled up!
- Rub oil on the new filter’s washer before replacing.
- Screw new filter on just hand tight.
- Make sure you’re screwing it on straight and not crossing threads.
A second pair of hands and eyes was great to have. Mark enjoyed checking my work, and felt impressed with how tight I was able to get that filter back on.

Once you’ve finished up under the car, go ahead and take the car off the jacks. Please remember safety first! Lift the car up with the jack, remove the car stands, and lower the car down.

Now we’re ready to add our new oil! Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil keeps my cars pistons cleaner than 40% of the toughest industry standard. It’s also great for fuel economy, allowing us to drive an extra 550 miles a year vs driving with a dirty engine. Plus with Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil we get a 10 year/300,000 mile Lubrication Limited Warranty!

To replace oil, put a funnel in the oil intake hole – so not the technical term here guys! – and pour in your oil. Check your cars owner manual to see how much oil your car needs. Ours took a full 5 qts.

Replace the oil cap, push the dipstick back in, and feel accomplished. WAIT! We’re not quite done. To make sure you’ve got enough oil in, and you did it properly, run the motor for a minute or two to push the oil through the engine. Turn off the car and check the dipstick. To do this you pull it out, clean it off, and dip it back in. You’re now good to go if the oil is in the right area on your dipstick.

WELL DONE! You’ve now changed your oil. To make it even simpler, I’ve created these printable note cards for you! Print, cut, attach a ring, and you can change your oil anytime all on your own.

PRINT PAGE 1

PRINT PAGE 2

Check out these 5 great tips from Eric The Car Guy!

BONUS: If you’re ready to change the air filter, it’s so simple! There are 4 screws holding the air filter in. Unscrew those, remove the old filter, and put in your new one. Now you’re really rocking it!

Do you know how to change your car’s oil? Make it a Date Night and tell me all about it! Check out more tips and tricks for a #DIYOilChange
October 6, 2015
3 tips for a Perfect Date Night at Home
I received product for review. All opinions are my own.

When you are short on time, money, or just looking to mix things up a bit – having a date night at home is the perfect way to go! Recently I made our night a little extra special instead of our normal couch cuddling with a movie. Here are 3 steps to take to ensure you have a perfect date night at home.

Dress Up

Just because you’re not going out on the town, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look nice for your partner. I tossed on my custom fit dress from eshakti (affiliate) for this date, and really felt like I was on the town!

Fancy Dinner

Who says gourmet can only be found at high end expensive restaurants? I whipped up these Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignons over a bed of pan fried potatoes in 30 minutes! When you have kids at home, and try to have a home date night, quick meals are key, but you don’t want to skimp on taste or presentation either.
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

2015-12-30 09:02:15

Write a review

Save Recipe

Print
Ingredients

2 Filet Mignons

2 thick slices bacon

2 red potatoes

1-2 TBS Butter

Instructions

Peel and dice the potatoes.

Toss them in a frying pan with a little butter over medium heat.

Next prep your filets. Pat them dry, then wrap each with a slice of bacon.

Add to a frying pan over medium/low heat.

Cook for about 10minutes per side, or until done through.

By Home Maid Simple

Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
Do Something Fun

We picked up this Dance Lessons Starter Kit from Amazon (affiliate). I personally love to dance, and Mark will go along with me. We both took ballroom in high school, so it was a way we could reconnect to our past, and share it with each other. Men – ladies want you to dance with them at home! If dancing isn’t either of your thing though, find something that is. It could be a movie one or both have been wanting to watch, or a book read out loud. Maybe your husband wants to teach you how to play Zelda or Mario. Pick something that one or the other enjoys, and get to know them better doing it with them!
May 4, 2015
Movie Night with The Dark Knight

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Most nights, we put the kids to bed, and then veg in front of our favorite TV shows. It’s almost like we have a date night every night, but it’s more just decompressing from life, without real connection. I was so excited when I found Walmart had a movie night display with Orville Redenbacher’s, M&M’s ®, and Warner Bros. movies on promo sale. It was time to up our TV night to a Movie Night!

Only available at these select stores until 11/24

There were a lot of good choices, like The Notebook and Forest Gump, but I knew Mark would really enjoy watching The Dark Knight. A couple weeks ago Mark was working late, so I made us a special dinner to eat without the kids, so I wanted to do something similar again. A night, just for us, that wasn’t our usual.

Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn and the theater boxes of M&M’s® were just the inspiration I needed for our movie night. I actually got the idea for these Special Dark Brownies when I was debating about getting Forest Gump. It was an easy transition to the Dark Knight though.

For these brownies, you’ll need your favorite brownie mix, your favorite flavor M&M’s® (we used peanut butter), yellow and brown Peanut M&M’s®, and Special Dark Chocolate chips.

Whip up your brownie batter, then fold in your favorite M&M’s®. If you’re not using a box mix, add the M&M’s® with the flour. Pour in a pan, and bake according to your recipe’s directions.

Let cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then cut into bite size pieces, place on parchment lined cookie sheet, and stick in the freezer.

While those freeze, you want to melt the Special Dark Chocolate. I find the best way is in a double boiler. Don’t have a double boiler? That’s OK, neither do I! I made my own with a couple of my pots that stack almost perfectly together,

Fill the bottom pan about 1/3-1/2 full with water. Place the top pan over and add chocolate chips. Turn heat on medium/low. This needs constant watching and stirring to avoid burning. Once the chocolate is sufficiently melted, remove from the heat.

Pull your brownies from the freezer, and pour your chocolate over the tops. I used a rubber spatula to help spread it around the sides for a more even look. Before the chocolate sets, add your brown and yellow M&M’s® to the tops. Voila The Dark Knights own Special Dark Brownies!

We couldn’t make something for Batman without making sure he had some evil to fight. So just as The Dark Knight has his nemesis, these Special Dark Brownies have their own – The Joker’s Sriracha Popcorn.

I keep seeing Sriracha around, and then my brother even was telling me I had to try it. So I bought a bottle. WOW! If you haven’t tried it yet, phew, that was the perfect nemesis to these incredibly sweet brownies.

You thought those brownies were fairly easy right? This is going to be even better! Grab yourself a bag of Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn, some green candy melts, and Sriracha sauce. I love the Orville Redenbacher’s because the bag turns into an awesome bowl. I got, count with me now, 1 dish and 1 spoon dirty in the making of this. No joke (ha, see what I did there…?).

Right, moving on. Pop that bag of popcorn. Try not to snack on it just yet. Now grab your candy melts. It’s important these are green, because come on, that’s one of The Joker’s colors. Pour a handful or two into a mug. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave again. Stir again. Do that until they are melted. It doesn’t take very long at all. Now pour over the popcorn, in the bag. Give it a little stir, or shake, just to really get it all around.

Now, grab that bottle Sriracha. Drizzle it over the top. Trust me, you just want this over the top. It will make it’s way throughout the bag on it’s own.

These will put a smile on your face the natural way. No need for elaborate story telling, or holding anyone hostage.

Mark and I really enjoyed a night that was more put together. I really couldn’t leave well enough alone though, so on top of it all, I grabbed a couple extra boxes of M&M’s® to enjoy as well.

Keep up with M&M’s®, Orville Redenbacher’s and Warner Brothers Entertainment on their social media channels for more great #MovieNight4Less ideas! For sure Mark and I will be doing more of these nights!

M&M’s®

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Orville Redenbacher’s

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Warner Brothers Entertainment

Facebook * Twitter

November 20, 2014
Christmas Shopping {Date Night}

Have you finished your Christmas Shopping yet? I didn’t think so.

A great way to connect with your spouse is to go Christmas shopping together.

Time: Plan on 4 hours
Items Needed: A small notebook, pen, and a budget

While we were visiting family last weekend, Mark and I took the time for a date. Family is our ideal babysitter for the kids, and they also live closer to the stores we like to shop at …. Ikea …..

We weren’t planning a date on Black Friday, especially since it was also my Dad’s Birthday, but it worked out that we were able to sneak away. We started the day off with a wedding (congrats Aunt Sandra!), and then moved on to our shopping. We headed up to IKEA in Draper. Ever since they opened a few years ago, it has been Mark’s favorite store. He often pleads for us to stop if we’re anywhere near. Since we had no kids with us and I am not currently pregnant, I was perfectly fine heading there.

We decided we’d walk around the display area first. I may have coveted some desks and lamps on the way. Eventually we ended up in the childrens area. Our initial plan was to buy the girls a table and chairs, but none were the size I wanted. So we decided to grab some lunch with our free Ikea lunch cards (compensation for our cupboards being damaged when delivered, and having to personally make the trip to return and exchange them).

We needed a plan of attack if we were going to do any shopping while we were out. So I grabbed the notebook I carry in my purse, along with my special pen. We wrote everyone’s name down we needed to buy for. Then we proceeded to list what we would like to get them, what we had already purchased, and how much money we had to budget for it all.

It was one of the most enjoyable lunches I’ve spent with Mark, and is definitely motivation to get back into weekly dates with each other.

We left lunch to grab the few things we could get there. Instead of a table for the kids, we got a double sided easel – chalkboard and whiteboard, with markers and chalk. From there, we perused the self serve items on the bottom floor, and checked out. We made a few more stops on the way back, and were only slightly past the time we gave my mom. With the wedding included, we were gone about 5 hours. Just him and me, me and him.

December 1, 2012
Lincoln in Theaters Today! {Date Night}

It’s Friday Night Date Night!

In an effort to date my husband more, I’ll be bringing date night ideas to you each week!

Tonight, Lincoln, the new Steven Spielberg movie, is open in theaters. I have been waiting all summer for this movie!!! We would be at the theater tonight, except we have other things going on this week.

Here’s my idea though, and if you’re headed out to see Lincoln this weekend, you can use these to make the night a little more special

Dress Code!

Ladies – curl your hair in ringlets and pull back into a net. Then dust off those hoop skirts! (or borrow one, or wear your fanciest dress you own)

Guys – pull out those suits, vests and pocket watches! If you have a top hat, wear that as well.

Dinner

If you’re doing dinner before the movie, find somewhere that has a good cornbread, and enjoy civil war fare. Or whip up your own batch of cornbread and Lemonade.

Source: ohmygoshbeck.com via Adelina on Pinterest

Then head on out and enjoy the show! I’m hoping we can sneak away for a bit next weekend for our own date night.

November 16, 2012