Hot Lunch hot blog

We're going out of business!

2011-10-16T18:29:00.001-07:00

Hey there, friends! It's been a crazy while in our lives recently and we have made the decision to close up shop! Lucky for you, this means 50% off all date boxes! We will be sure to let you know our future endeavors as they come to fruition- Etsy, a new blog, and a great new job with Juice in the City! If you haven't heard of Juice in the City, check it out- it's like Groupon for families- great deals for great places! Or if you're a mom or dad who wants to work from home, it's a great opportunity! Email me (jitclindsaychristianson@gmail.com) if you are interested in hearing more! As for dating accoutrements, they will very likely be available in a different format through a new blog in the not too distant future. Lots of things brewing... we hope you'll be a part of them! Until then, happy dating!!!

Snuggle Up For a Romantic Night!

2011-07-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

At this point in the summer, I always find myself a little burnt out from the craziness of running around from this pool to that barbecue to the other get together. Summer is full of fun and sun and all sorts of goodness, but sometimes a girl (or a guy) just needs a night in for some snuggling. Here are some of our top faves for romantic movies you should check out. (If you haven't already!)

1. A Knight's Tale
2. 500 Days of Summer
3. Gone With The Wind
4. Amelie
5. Love Actually
6. Edward Scissorhands
7. Princess Bride
8. Serendipity
9. Hitch
10.Roxanne

What's your favorite romantic date movie?

Hot Ways to Stay Cool!

2011-07-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

As the temperature rises I think we all want to find great ways to keep cool. Here are some of our fave ways to drop it a few degrees:

Make homemade popsicles together. Don't have a popsicle maker? Grab some dixie cups, throw in a popsicle stick, and freeze. Once it freezes, peel the paper off and viola!

Grab a super cheap kiddie pool from your local retailer. ( I think they are $10 at Walmart.) Throw on your suit and grab some rubber duckies to keep the two of you company.

Head over to the dollar store with your honey and find the biggest/best squirt gun. Once you fill 'er up, it's all good. Enjoy a fun afternoon of hiding from each other and working on your aim.

A Vacation Away Can Bring You Together!

2011-07-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

It's summer and most people take trips/vacations this time of year. What if your cutie can't come or (awkward) isn't invited? My husband wasn't invited on my last all-girls trip to New York City, but I wanted him to feel like he was there.

So...I texted him photos pretty much every hour on the hour...'look babe! It's me eating pizza, me negotiating a fake Prada (it's harder than it looks), me eating a ridiculously sized dessert at Serendipity...and it worked! At the end of the day when I called him to talk, he felt like he was there and it made a huge difference!

Another fun idea is to send out postcards (if you're gone for longer than a week) and let your Snookems know you were thinking about them.

Pick a fun souvenir of your trip but take your time. Try to find something that has meaning and lasting value, not a snow globe your kids will break 10 seconds after they open it. (No that really did happen!)

Just the thought of you missing them gives guys that 'I'm kind of a big deal' feeling, and let's be honest...they kind of are!

Romantic Tip of the Week...Snapshots

2011-06-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Grab an old snapshot of you and your sweetie and put it on their pillow or on their steering wheel with a note attached.

On the note simply tell them how fun it was during that particular day or event. Let them know you remember it and you treasure that time spent together. The more details you can remember the better!

End with something like 'it's still as fun as when we first met' or 'just as in love with you as I was that night!'

Sweet Treats for Your Sweetie on Father's Day

2011-06-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Make some delicious cupcakes. See our tidbits section for some scrumptious ideas...peanut butter cupcakes or yellow cupcakes with strawberry cream cheese frosting...mmm! Then add your own personal touch with cupcake toppers.

Write personalized messages for your dude on little pieces of paper and tape them to toothpicks and viola! Super cute and personalized messages to your guy! It can be things you like about them or just fun thoughts! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

-you rock my world

-i love your smile

-a.t. + b.c.

-2cute 2b 4gotten

-i luv you!

-you complete me

-love those eyes

-thanks for years of laughter

-my bff

think conversation hearts but better! Hopefully he doesn't scarf down the cupcakes before he reads your sweet messages!

Great Father's Day Ideas for Your Man

2011-06-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

The big day for the dude of the household is coming up. So at Hot Lunch we racked our brains to find some perfect things to make him smile (or maybe even more than that!).

Outdoors Guy/Foodie - a watermelon knife (they sell them at William Sonoma and they are to die for), a watermelon, watermelon plates and napkins, a lantern and a new sleeping bag, subscription to Field and Stream Magazine.

Electronics Geek - itunes gift card, ipad or shuffle (depending on your budget), Wired Magazine subscription, Operation the game (if he's an electronic guy he will love this!).

Sports guy/Health Nut - Huge bucket of sunflower seeds, big league chew, tickets to his fave baseball game, cracker jacks, gym pass, running socks (these really do make a difference), subscription to Men's Health Magazine.

**You can pick and choose to really customize the gift to fit your guy! He will love it and hopefully you can score a back rub out of it!

Romantic Tip of The Week...Unlikely Notes

2011-06-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Tie little messages to the most mundane objects and just see what happens. A love note attached to a bottle of shaving cream or taped to the steering wheel or rear view mirror will make your sweetie smile all the way to work.

You can write something as simple as i love you, or have a fantastic day, or you can let them know all the things about them you think are great! Either way take 2 seconds to let your snookums know they mean the world to you!

Always Remember...

2011-06-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

'Love doesn't just sit there like a stone; it has to be made- like bread, remade all the time, made new.' -Ursula K. LeGuin

How many times do we fall prey to laziness in our relationships? I might just be speaking for myself, but it is all too easy to put the babes to bed and collapse on the couch in exhaustion. Whether I then sit lifelessly watching tv (So You Think You Can Dance! Yay!) or fall asleep within moments, I have sufficiently missed out on any possibility of having quality time with the hubster.

Sound familiar to any of you? It's easy. It's TOO easy in fact, and it's also dangerous to relationships. Whether you have the money and flexibility to go out all the time with your significant other or not, it is crucially important to make time for your relationship to grow. And even more than that, it takes work- effort, thought, and action-to truly retain that connection you felt in the beginning.

However, there will never be anything as worth your time and effort as feeding a relationship. Create new experiences together, new memories, and learn new things about each other. As soon as you think you know everything there is to know about that other person, something's bound to change- a challenge, a dream. Take the time to listen, help problem solve when appropriate, laugh, and dream together. You never know where your lives will lead you, but if you keep your relationship strong you will always find a smile on your face.

Delicious Homemade Ice Cream Cakes

2011-06-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fun, delicious, and super easy treat to serve on your next date? This is definitely what you're looking for... yummm.

Ingredients:
4 ice cream sandwiches
4 ounces whipped topping
3 ounces fudge topping, room temperature
1 7 oz. bar chocolate candy bar, grated

Directions:
Unwrap and place an ice cream sandwich on each of two dessert plates. Spread evenly with 1/4 of fudge sauce on each, then 1/4 of whipped topping on each. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches and toppings. Sprinkle with grated chocolate bar.

Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.

Want to change it up? layer in grated Butterfinger, chunks of peanut butter cups, strawberry or raspberry sauce, or caramel sauce.

Dig in! You won't regret it!

Feeling Crafty?

2011-06-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, so not all of us are uber crafty. This is one project that takes some time and (ahem) skill- but if you're up for the challenge, it's a-dor-able!!! A sewn love note!?! It really doesn't get any better than this- a love note that can stand up to the test of time! Check out the full blog post here - if you start now, you just might get it done in time for Chrismakwanzika!

Remember When We Were 3?

2011-05-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Find out what your babe's favorite childhood book is. Already know it? Wow you're amazing! Then pick it up at your local bookstore. Surprise him and set it on his nightstand or pillow or on the front seat of his car. Throw a note in it that says something like:

Can I read you a bedtime story tonight?

Let's be kids again...without the curfew!

You grab this book and I'll grab the cookies and milk and let's make it a date!

He will be so surprised he may even share his Razzles with you!

Romantic Tip of the Week...The Check's in the Mail

2011-05-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

This might be the fastest and easiest Romantic Tip Yet! Grab your checkbook...you still have one somewhere right? And write out a check for a million kisses or a million hugs or a million of really anything that will make him smile. He has horrible feet...a million pedicures. He loves back massages...a million back massages! Put it on the fridge, briefcase or his side of the mirror for when he wakes up in the morning. You never know what you'll get back!

Margarita Bars to Die For

2011-05-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Extra Lemon Lime Margarita Mix? Good! Here is a recipe for the yummiest things ever! See for yourself. It's a deliciously limey treat for those well deserving taste buds!

Margarita Bars

1 box vanilla wafers
6 tbsp butter, melted
1 1/3 c margarita mix
2 cans sweetened condensed milk
6 egg yolks or 3 eggs

Process cookies into fine crumbs. Mix crumbs with melted butter. Press crumbs into jelly roll pan. Blend rest of ingredients until smooth. Pour over crust. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Grab a fork, and don't forget to share!

Plan Your Summer Vacations!

2011-05-18T20:04:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a blast on vacations right? But what if you could have a blast planning your vacations too! Grab some beach towels, Hawaiian music and sit down for some summer vacation chat.

Make sure you have a 12 month calendar on hand and the dates you are planning on going on vacation. If you don't have anything in the works yet...don't fret.

Pick a weekend to go camping with friends. A Saturday to spend morning til night at the lake or even pencil in a night for dogs and s'mores with the kids. Blend up some Pina Colada's or margaritas to really get you in the mood!

Romantic Tip of the Week -- Fashion Show

2011-05-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

One night this week or weekend stage a private fashion show for your sweetie. (You could even let him narrate). You'll have fun plus you'll get to see what he likes on you...his picks may surprise you.

It's a good way to check out all the clothes that have been hiding in your closet for 5 years waiting to be donated. You can donate all the stuff you don't wear or your Pookie hates. Since he looks at you more than you look at yourself, why not wear things he likes!

A Poem for your Pookie

2011-05-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Let your honey know you love him with a cute poem written just for him. Here's how: Write a poem. Then use Google Translator to translate the poem into either French or Italian. Hand write the poem out with the translation on the back side. Before he gets the English version, read him the French/Italian version and let him guess what it says. He will love that you thought of him, yet played a little hard to get also!

Romantic Tip of the Week...Start His Morning off Right

2011-05-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

This week pick one day to really get your babe's morning started right. Here's how: Offer to set your alarm for your guy. If you usually wake up before him, even better! Set your alarm for 5 minutes before you normally would and put it on vibrate or something quiet so you wake up but he doesn't.

Brush those teeth, gargle that mouthwash and throw on something soft and silky (anything other than sweats and a free shirt from work). Climb into bed and wake him up with some soft kisses on his neck. Tickle his back and run your hands through his hair. Make him want to snuggle with you for a few minutes before life begins.

Seriously this will be his favorite 5 minutes of the week!

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!

2011-05-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Now that things are heating up it's the perfect time to hit the zoo with just your cutie and you. Pack in a delicious picnic (if they allow it) and some quarters to feed the animals (don't feed the animals quarters...buy some yummy snacks for them)!

Make sure you bring or buy plenty of water and drink it all day. Grab your sunblock and avoid the sunburn blues. Okay enough mom talk...make sure you bring your camera and snap all the fun pictures of your honey trying to kiss the monkeys or feeding the turtles.

Check out the different shows they have. Spend the day soaking up the sun enjoying the animals and relaxing with your favorite wild animal!

5 Ways to Kick His Style Up a Notch

2011-04-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Not that you don't love his normal ensemble of basketball shorts and free work t-shirts but he could use a few fashion upgrades. Once he starts getting compliments he'll realize what a fashion genius you are and he'll stop making fun of your skinny jeans!

1. Replace solid sport dress shirts with a pattern - for instance stripes or a small check. Some nice color combinations: light blue and white, and gray or khaki with black.

2. Striped ties, in all kinds of colors, are back, so grab a handful.

3. Ditch the pleated pants and get him into a pair of flat-fronts; they're sexy and stylish.

4. Invest in a casual suit - say, for this time of year, a linen one in a shade of brown, blue, or gray.

5. Replace his raincoat with a newly fashionable three-quarter-length coat that hits just above or below the knee.

Hide and Seek

2011-04-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Spring is all about getting outside and enjoying nature right? Right! Geocaching is a fun and easy way to enjoy all the things spring has to offer. Use GPS, via a GPS unit or even your GPS-enabled phone to search for hidden items in your area. Visit geocaching.com for all the info you'll need to get started.

5 Things to Put in HIS Easter Basket

2011-04-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Don't know what to get him? Start with a theme or hobby and go from there. Here are 5 of our favorite Easter themes that will leave your honey happy:

#1. Gardening theme - Throw in some plants, seeds and some garden tools. Don't forget the gloves!

#2. Handmade and Homemade - Handmade chocolates, caramel popcorn, a photo album with sentimental pictures, and anything monogrammed (think money clip or cuff links)

#3. Movies - movie tickets, popcorn, whoppers, red vines and a favorite DVD

#4. Gamers - Mountain Dew/Red Bull, newest Xbox game, a fleece blanket and some of his fave candies

#5. Coffee/Tea - a new mug, thermos (for transporting to work), a Starbucks or Caribou gift card, some chocolate covered espresso beans.

(Easter Egg) Hunt for Your Honey!

2011-04-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

For Easter this year add a little something extra to the mix. Grab a dozen plastic eggs (65 cents at most retailers),put cute notes inside, and hide them all over his bedroom and bathroom.

You can put fun coupons inside or some of his favorite candy. Anything that will let your honey know you think he's eggstra special! Here are some fun coupons you can include:

5 minute hand massage

pedicure with a soak scrub and moisturizer (take a good look at his feet before you put this one in...)

breakfast in bed

you pick the movie night...no complaints or suggestions!

bikini car wash

20 minute back rub

dessert of his choice (or you can give him a few options...)

game night (I will watch a full basketball/football/baseball/hockey...) game with you

Let him finally release that inner 5 year old and finally find more eggs than his little sister!

Buy Me Some Peanuts and Cracker Jacks!

2011-04-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and one fun way to celebrate is to hit a baseball game. Throw on baseball cap and show off your sporty side! Even if you know nothing about baseball (which is definitely the case with me!) it's fun to just get out and enjoy the fresh air. Grab some peanuts and cheer on your favorite team as your honey watches in pure amazement! You may even make it to second base later...

Go Twins!

Romantic Tip of the Week...Dance it Out!

2011-04-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

It's always a little awkward when you're in Target and your 3 year old yells "Mom it's your dance it out song!". Well, he was right. We have certain songs we put on and we boogie all over the house 'til the song's over.

It feels great (if your blinds are shut) and it's a fun and different way to connect.

So my challenge for you this week is to find a good 'Dance it Out' song and throw it on and dance your face off! If this sounds worse than going to the dentist for you -- then you can put on a slow hit and connect with your cutie.

Here is a site for the Top 100 Best Love Songs!

http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/top100lovesongs.htm

Either way, get some music and your babe and hit the dance floor like you never have before. You won't regret it!

Spring Clean Your Closet

2011-04-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when the temps start to rise and the sun finally makes an appearance you want to clean? You want to literally go through everything in your entire house and get organized. Maybe it's just me. Either way today is your day to clean your closet and change your life.

Go through all your winter clothes and get rid of all the things you didn't wear last winter.

Pick through your accessories...do you really need 3 black hats? (Well, maybe you do).

Get rid of the 15 belts that you are sure are going to come back in style.

Donate it to your local Goodwill so people can get good use out of last season's jeans.

You will feel so fantastic when you look in your closet and you see only things you wear and love.

Sometimes less really is more!

http://www.goodwill.org/

Romantic Tip of the Week...Pizza Party

2011-04-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves pizza, right? So pick one night this week and order a pizza from your favorite place. Volunteer to pick it up and bring a sharpie with you. Once you get the pizza, open the lid and write your Sweetie a cute note. Let them know:

-you think they're sizzling HOT

-they add spice to your life

-they might be cheesy but you love it!

You never know...your Sweetie may volunteer to get it next time!

Perfecting the Smoky Eyes

2011-04-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Who knows how to do smoky eyes? Be honest, do you really? Or does it look like you got in a bad fight? I have no idea how to do them and every time I try, my sweet husband makes the comment...'wow you sure tried something new!' (Code for that looks super ridiculous!)

So if you're anything like me and the whole smokey eye thing is a total mystery to you, watch this video (several times if necessary) and you will be ready to go this weekend!

http://youtu.be/OCnJ8B0Ay14

Good luck with your new look! Go gettem' tiger!

Who Wants Some Free and Fabulous Goodies?

2011-04-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

And The Winner Is... Kelly Delrosso!!! Yay for you, Kelly! You'll have some Snuggies and delicious treats headed your way in no time!

Thanks everybody for entering! Keep checking out our blog and website for new and wonderful things to come!

We love you guys...I'm serious! And to show our appreciation we want to give you some fantastic freebies for last minute winter snugglin! Here are the goodies at stake:

A blue 'boy' Snuggie (you know your dude secretly wants one...) ... a pink 'girl' Snuggie (you guys have to match don't you? Plus it keeps your arms warm!) ... 2 bags of super yummy popcorn ... Italian Ice Mike & Ike's... Pretzel M&M's (have you tried them? Yummm!) ...Chocolat (the fabulously romantic movie that both you AND your Sweetie will love!) ... A Knight's Tale (come on, Heath Ledger is totally hot- my husband thinks so, too!)... breath mints (you're welcome!) and if you're not impressed yet, each of your Snuggies comes with a clip on book light (for when you're writing those late night love notes)!!!

Details:

The contest will run for 2 weeks from April 4th - April 17th. (Ending midnight on the 17th, Central Standard Time). On April 18th we will announce the lucky winner of a new hot Snuggie date box. So here are all the ways you can enter:

#1. Go to our website and let us know your fave date box- 1 entry

#2. Follow our Hot Blog- 1 entry

#3. Be a Facebook Fan- 1 entry

#4. Follow us on Twitter/Tweet about us to all of your friends- let us know what you said- 1 entry/tweet (limit 1 tweet per day)

Then, send us a comment for each entry telling us what you did- please be sure to include your email address so that we can contact you if/when you win!!! Good luck!

Sorry, contest limited to US residents only at this time.

To Spoon or Not to Spoon...

2011-03-30T19:50:00.001-07:00

When I first got married we had a queen sized bed, but we could have gotten away with a twin. I would literally put every limb around my new hubby to the point where he was absolutely smothered. I loved every minute of it and thought it was great...my hubby...not so much.

Then we started having babies. During pregnancy I had about 15 different pillows under every part of my body so I could sleep...didn't help much. So even if I/he wanted to spoon, it was physically impossible. Now we are between babies (shhh, my husband thinks we're done) and the question remains-to spoon or not to spoon.

Do you start out spooning and then 5 minutes later decide "wow there is really no way I can sleep like this?" Or are you the die hard romantic that forces your sweetie to unpeel you before anyone gets sleep? Whichever you are, give spooning another try. Even if it's just for one night!

How To Say 'I Love You' Around the World

2011-03-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how to say 'I Love You' in another language? But not really enough to actually look it up yourself? Good news I looked it up for you! Below you will find 6 different ways to say 'I Love You'. Try them out and just see if your snookums can resist you!

French: Je T'aime

German: Ich liebe Dich

Italian: Ti Amo : Ti voglio

Irish: taim i' ngra leat

Russian: Ya Tibie Lublue

Swedish: Jag Alskar Dig

How to Keep Women Happy...It's a numbers game

2011-03-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

I found this and laughed so hard I thought it was worth passing on to my dear readers.

In the world of romance, one single rule applies: Make the woman happy. Do something she likes and you get points. Do something she dislikes and points are subtracted. You don't get any points for doing something she expects.

You make the bed (+1)

You make the bed, but forget to add the decorative pillows (0)

You throw the bedspread over rumples sheets (-1)

You leave the toilet seat up (-5)

You replace the tiolet paper roll when it is empty (0)

When the tiolet paper roll is barren, you resort to Kleenex (-1)

When the Kleenex runs out you use the next bathroom (-2)

When she wants to talk about a problem:

You listen, displaying what looks like a concerned expression (0)

You listen, for over 30 minutes (+5)

You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV (+100)

She realizes this is because you have fallen asleep (-20)

She asks, "Do I look Fat?"

You hesitate in responding (-10)

You reply, "Where?" (-35)

Any other response (-20)

Here is the website where I found this: http://www.theromantic.com/stories/iloveyou/iloveyou28.htm

Romantic Tip of the Week...Spoon Me!

2011-03-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Head to your local retailer and grab a box of white plastic spoons. Or if you already have some, even better (I don't want extra errands for you). Write something fun on maybe 12 or so with a Sharpie pen. They can be anything from inside jokes to song lyrics. Then take all your regular spoons out of the silverware drawer and replace them with these new and improved ones! Here are a few spoon ideas to help get you started:

I Love to Spoon You

You Are My Fave Spooning Partner

I Love you!

Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing

Let's Spoon tonight!

Like You!

Good Morning!

Lucky Spoon!

If you want to really let your cutie know your thinking of them you can hide these spoons in various places throughout the house this week. Think shower, coat pocket, shoe...

Making March Madness Manageable!

2011-03-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys, but once March Madness arrives chaos begins to creep into my household. My husband conveniently forgets to take the trash out or grab that Rocky Road at the store but can recall the name, age, height, vertical, school and possible NBA future of every college player to hit the court. He spends hours checking his scores, watching games of schools I have never heard of...from locations I've never heard of (I've never been great at geography).

Well, if you are going through any of these problems, know that I am right there with ya! And I have a few fun ways you can take full advantage of time with your honey!

Fill out your own bracket this year: you can base it on geographic location, team name, team colors, or anything else that tickles your fancy. You can even set up a bet for whoever wins the bracket- back rub anyone?

Whip up some new and great game food. Maybe even (heaven forbid) your cutie will want to join in. Check out our cupcakes and popcorn recipes on our Tidbits site.

Throw on your honey's jersey and let him tell you about his glory days. Have him tell you a few rules of basketball and hey, you may even learn something!

Go Cougars!

Romantic Tip of the Week...Ring Me

2011-03-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Think of your honey..now think of the first song that reminds you of him/her. Grab your cell phone and change your ringer to that song so no matter where you are you will know your sweetie is calling. You can be kind of choosy, though, because if 'I'm Too Sexy' starts going off in the grocery store it can get a little awkward!

Here is a site that can walk you through the process...don't worry I wouldn't leave you stranded!

www.rickysays.com/how-to-transfer-photos-and-ring-tones-to-your-cell-phone

Fun Creative Date Ideas...Go Green!

2011-03-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Green always reminds me of spring because you can start to see a little bit of green grass trying to poke through the snow...in some places. Here in Minnesota we still have snow and will for a while so I try to bring it inside as much as possible. So collected here especially for you is my list of literal and figurative ways to bring more green into your life...while you're waiting for spring to arrive;

#1. Have a green breakfast. It could include green eggs and ham as well as green buttermilk pancakes. Also throw in some green kool-aid (or yummy green smoothie) and some key-lime yogurt.

#2. Plant some wheat grass. Grab some pots and some wheat from your nearest Whole Foods store and you're on your way! Throw in some soil and in a week you'll have a beautiful and tasty (okay not really, but it is great to add to your smoothies) home edition.

#3. Head out to the yard and pull some weeds and plant some flowers. You will end up with a green thumb, beautiful yard, and some nicely toned arms and back!

#4. Grab an extra recycling bin for your trash and make a commitment to fill it instead of your normal garbage this week. Seriously, you will be amazed at the extra space you have when you put literally EVERYTHING that can be recycled in the bin. Put up reminders all over the house.

#5. So I know it's a little cold still for some but what if you picked one day this next week to bike to work? You would feel awesome, look awesome (well probably not) and be doing awesome things for this earth! If not to work, how about to some place you usually drive that is pretty close by...the video store, the pharmacy, the gym. (Then you can cut your gym time in half!)

Fun, Creative, Unique...Ways to Say I Love You

2011-03-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

Those three words can turn a seriously crappy day into a bright super shiny one! They put a smile on everyone's face. So why don't we say them more? Maybe because we don't know any other way except literally saying the words...I Love You. Which is still ultra important but let's get creative kids! I have gathered a few of my fave ways to express your loves to those you love:

Tub Crayon - can I really say it changed my life...feels weird but also true. Write a sweet I Love You in the shower for your cutie to read in the morning.

Markers - lift up that shirt and write I Love You on those hot washboard abs. If you don't have washboard abs...hey you just have more room to write! Take a picture and text it!

Cereal Prize - Fold up a small paper with I Love You on it and throw it in your babes breakfast box of cereal. It's much better than the secret decoder ring he thought he was getting.

Lipstick on car window - throw an I Love You on his driver side window with some cute kissy lips. He won't know what hit him in the morning!

Romantic Tip of the Week...Star Light, Star Bright

2011-03-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Who is ready to put a little light in their life? I am here to give you a super cute romantic tip that is fast and easy and will go a long way! Head to your nearest retailer and grab some tiny glow-in-the-dark sticker stars. Spell out an "I Love You" or a "Your a Star" on your ceiling or walls and buckle up for a romantic night under the big dipper! Your sweetums will love how thoughtful you are and will be reminded every night how much you love them!

Games Lovers Play

2011-03-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

I love games! I play them every time I get together with my family and-though my husband doesn't know it- I had to make sure he didn't suck at games before the marriage was final. Much to my surprise he was/is amazing! So here is a list of games you can play with your sweetie (and others). Or maybe give your cutie a test run before you invite the gang over for game night!

Apples to Apples - a fun group game that shows peoples' differences and leaves you in stitches.

ImanginIff - a game that tests your knowledge of those around you. You will laugh your face off. (It's best if played by people you know pretty well...or it gets awkward!)

Cranium - the game of pairs or teams that uses all parts of your brain. From knowledge to charades, you will do it all.

The Game of Things - super fun, question and answer game that can be as long or as short as you want.

Go ahead...get your game on!

Creative Date Idea...Snuggling and Smoothies

2011-03-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

There may still be snow on the ground where you live(there will be for a few more months for me!!!), but its March and that means spring! In honor of spring I found a great spring smoothie recipe so you can enjoy snuggling, sipping this spring smoothie with your sweetie!

Berry Banana Smoothie

1 small banana, peeled, cut up, and frozen

1/4 cup fresh or frozen assorted berries (such as raspberries, blackberries, and/or strawberries)

1 cup orange juice

3 tablespoons vanilla low-fat yogurt

Fresh mint (optional)

Fresh berries (optional)

Directions

In a blender container combine the frozen banana pieces, desired fresh or frozen berries, orange juice, and yogurt. Cover and blend until smooth. To serve, pour into glasses. If desired, garnish with fresh mint and additional berries. Makes 2 (8-ounce) servings.

Dating Etiquette...The Need To Knows

2011-03-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

I like to think we all pretty much know basic etiquette, but then I hear dating stories from friends and think 'who in the world are these people'?! So here are a few things you should remember when starting a relationship with someone, or if you're in a relationship, or you're married and want to shock your spouse...big time!

No swearing...it's super tacky. (Can I still use that word even if its not 1993?) Do not expect your date to be available on short notice and ask a few days in advance for a date. While on the date, guys should walk nearest the street on sidewalks. After the date if you promise to call, then call. Don't try more than twice to get a hold of your date...if they don't call back. there is a reason. If you're married, all the same rules apply. You don't necessarily need to call after each date, but it's nice. And it would probably make it less awkward in the morning when you both reach for the orange juice in your bathrobes!

Love is in The Air(port)

2011-02-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

Say you are coming back from a vacation and you get stranded with your significant other in Dayton, Ohio. How do you keep things fun and interesting in an airport setting?

Well, since I got stranded in Dayton, Ohio last week I'm pretty much the queen of killing time in an airport. Here are a few things we did to make our time fun and memorable when everyone else in the world got to their destination (still a little bitter).

Head over to the bookstore- most airports have them-and relax with a good read. I started with the kids books to see if I needed any for the little ones but after like 15 kids books the lady in the store was starting to give me the eye so I had to leave.

We also checked out the gift shop. You'd be amazed at the goodies they stock in that Dayton Ohio airport! We saw shirts that said "Future Cow Tipper" for kids.

Cinnabon. You can smell it from a mile away, so you might as well grab it rather than having to hike back through the airport and buy it later. They have new mini's that pretty much changed my life!

People watch, the classic airport activity. It's fun to take turns making up stories about people or couples you see.

Finally, CNN. We set up camp beneath a tv playing CNN nonstop and honestly I learned way more about what is going on in the world than I probably should have. If you need to know what is going on in Libya, I'm your girl!

Whether you are stuck, stranded or staying in an airport by choice, make the most of your trip by creating fun memories!

A Different Kind of Love Note

2011-02-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

Need a new, different way to surprise your Sweetie? Try this new idea for a different kind of love note! Take the book that your Sweetie is reading (and open to where their bookmark is) and 'write out' a love message to them by underlining letters (including spaces) that spell out your message. It can be simple or a little funny, but make sure it's romantic!

Delicious Valentine's Day Cupcake Goodness!

2011-02-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! We hope you have a romantic, ridiculously fun heart day with your Sweetheart! In case you need some last minute inspiration, here is a fun and delicious treat to add to your menu. Choose from any of the delicious cupcake recipes in the Tidbits section of our website, or grab your favorite box mix to get started. All you need is a regular muffin/cupcake pan and 12 marbles or marble-sized tinfoil balls.
Start by lining your pan with cupcake liners. Place a marble/tinfoil ball between the liner and pan and fill 2/3 full of cupcake batter. Then, simply bake as recipe instructs and TA-DA! Heart shaped cupcakes! Deliciously adorable. Let them cool, then remove them from the pan (the marbles can stay hot for a while, so beware!) and frost.

Why 'Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve?'

2011-02-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

You know them when you hear them. Weird phrases that pop up around certain holidays and leave you thinking seriously where did that come from? Well today you can cross one off your list!

It was once believed that the heart was the center of all emotion. In the Middle Ages, men would pull a woman's name out of a bowl. This would be the man's Valentine. To show his devotion, the man would wear the paper containing the woman's name on his sleeve for a week. This soon became known as 'wearing your heart on your sleeve'. So maybe this February 14th write your Valentine's name on paper and pin it to your sleeve...I double dog dare you!

Looking for Love in all the Right Places!

2011-02-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

In Honor of V-Day I thought I would propose (I got some of you excited didn't I?) a cute dinner idea for lovers! If you're anything like me, you need fast, easy meals on weeknights! I'm talkin' if it takes longer than 25 minutes or needs more than 10 ingredients, I'm out!

So grab yourself a pepperoni pizza, or make one yourself, and get ready for some fun! Turn the pepperonis into tiny hearts buy using a heart cookie cutter! Throw those on before you put it in the oven, and make sure to put the cheese on underneath so everyone can see your mad pepperoni skills. It's easy, it's fun, and best of all it tastes delicious!

V-Day Sugar Cookies For Your Sweetheart!

2011-01-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

So I'm the kind of cook that looks at a recipe and if it has more than 10 ingredients or has anything I have never heard of (which sadly happens more than I care to admit), I pass on it. The good news for you is that I have a great Sugar Cookie Recipe from my fave cooks at Our Best Bites that is delicious and only 7 ingredients! So grab your honey and an apron and get to mixing!

Sugar Cookies

1C real butter (no substitutions!)

1C sugar

1 egg (make sure to use a large or extra large one)

1 1/2 t almond extract (or other flavor of your choice, like vanilla)

3C flour

1 1/2 t baking powder

1/2t salt

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy - about 2 minutes. Add in egg and extract and mix to incorporate.

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt and whisk to combine. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until completely combined.

Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour, or use this great tip to make things easier.

When your dough is made, instead of putting it in the fridge immediately roll between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper and then place on a flat surface in the fridge. Chill for about 20-30 minutes and then start cutting it out. This way it chills faster and the bonus is that you don't need to add extra flour to roll it out. If you don't use this tip, proceed as follows:

When your're ready to roll out dough lightly sprinkle flour onto your work surface and roll out dough with a rolling pin.

Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes. The baking time really depends on how you like them. If you like them really soft and slightly chewy, about 8-9 minutes does it. If you like them slightly crisp and buttery, then go for 10-12.

Make lips, hearts, XOXO, or spell their name for extra fun!

Whatever you make, get creative and have fun!

Sunrise with your Sweetheart

2011-01-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

This Saturday wake up early...I know a lot of you just stopped reading because who wants to wake up early on the weekend...let's be honest I just about stopped writing. But what if this Saturday you set your alarm for some unreasonable time of the morning like 5:30 am and you woke up your sweetheart and sipped hot chocolate as you watched the sun rise! Enjoy a quiet moment and get your weekend started off right. Then go back to bed! No one said you actually had to stay up!

Picture Perfect

2011-01-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

Next time you are out with Mr. Perfect (or Mr. Met you last week in Biology class...) make sure you throw a disposable camera in your Dooney & Burke so you can capture all the fun things you guys do! I know, everyone's phone can take photos and most people have a good camera, but it's nice to take one along and not have to worry about it!

Grab a fun/sentimental object and include it in every picture. Then go develop the film and laugh about all the places your garden gnome has been or if you can identify his Xbox controller in every picture. Hit up your local retailer and throw all your new memories in an album to document the fun event!

Make Dating Your Most Fun New Years Resolution Ever!

2011-01-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so practically everybody makes New Years resolutions, but come February who is still following through with them? Here's an idea for a resolution that you're sure to keep... fantastic dates! Here's how it could work- make a joint resolution with your significant other to plan great dates every x amount of time (once a week may be realistic for some, once a month for others). Take turns planning fantastic dates! I'm not talking about the 'come home from work and melt on the couch with a bag of Bugles' kind of date, I'm talking creative, fun, ridiculous dates with some actual real thought put into them! They don't have to be super expensive, but plan ahead so that they are truly thoughtful and memorable. You will not only have a blast on the date, but I promise your relationship will benefit from all of the quality time and effort!

How To Make The Perfect Snowman...

2010-12-14T19:54:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of discussion on how to make the perfect snowman. Look no further! We are here to tell you EXACTLY what you need to make those neighbors jealous!

For a basic snowman you need 1 carrot (nose), 10 pieces of coal (eyes, mouth, and buttons), a cute hat, and sticks for the arms.

Now what if you want to get a little more creative with your snowperson? Try these ideas:...

The Baker Snowman - a chef's hat, a cute apron, and of course an oven mitt. Maybe a mustache perhaps?

The Where's Waldo Snowman - a red and white striped shirt, blue pants (or paint blue), chunky black glasses, and a red and white striped stocking cap.

The Mickey & Minnie Snow Couple - mouse ears on both, a red bow and red and white polka dotted dress (or fabric) on Minnie, red shorts with 2 gold buttons on Mickey, finish them off with cute tails made of black rope or sticks.

Instead of 'dressing' your snowman, you can also paint the snow. All you need is a spray bottle (or multiple spray bottles if you are making multiple colors), food coloring, and water. Fill up your water bottle with water and then add a few drops of food coloring until you achieve an even color. You can then paint your snowman in a safe, nontoxic way (but be careful about getting on your clothes as it can stain!)

Then when this is all said and done, take photos of you with you with your snow person/people, and snuggle up inside with some hot chocolate!

Great Christmas Date Idea...Pull Out Your Stockings!

2010-12-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Grab some felt stockings ($3.99 at your local craft store) and your hot glue gun and sit down for a fun night of stocking decorating!

Overwhelmed with where to start? First, decide on a theme. You can use color and glue on your all of your fave things that different shades of purple or red or green-just stick to the same color family. Or, you can use a letter theme and glue on your favorite words or fun holiday words-and of course monogram it! Or, you can go for that eclectic stocking and put on a little bit of everything, including some unique buttons, fun fabric and hand made felt flowers!

Don't forget to grab an orange, nuts, little gifties, and a truckload of your favorite candy so you're ready to go for the big day!

Romantic Tip of The Week...Let's Talk Pillow Talk

2010-12-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

So what if after you made your bed in the morning you put your sweetie's favorite candy bar under his pillow? I know if my husband put a king size Reeses under my pillow I would give him the world's biggest kiss then bee-line it to my fridge for milk!

You could send him a text or email letting him know you have a surprise for him. Or leave a cute note on his pillow.

-"Thanks for being such a GOOD guy!" (Mr. Goodbar under the pillow)

-"You are my BIG HUNK!" (Big Hunk under the pillow)

-"Thanks for being such a SWEETART!" (SweeTart under the pillow)

-"I love you for more than your WHATCHAMACALLIT!" (Whatchamacallit under the pillow)

Either way you should probably let him know you have something delicious under there or you'll have a lot of yucky stuff to clean up in the morning!

Your Snookems Will Be Begging For S'more!

2010-12-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I don't know about you guys, but it's officially winter here in Minnesota and it is COLD! There's nothing like winter time to make you want to light a fire in the ol' fireplace. And if you're going to light a fire, you may as well make it delicious!

So we've all had the old school version of s'mores- chocolate and marshmallow squeezed between 2 graham crackers- but what about some delicious new twists on this old favorite. I mean, let's be at least a little bit adventurous!!!

Peanut Butter S'mores-
Take your graham cracker and spread peanut butter on one side, then sandwich your chocolate and toasted marshmallow as per usual. Yummm.

Caramel S'mores-
Take your graham cracker, topped with chocolate and your toasted marshmallow, then drizzle with a caramel dessert topping (ice cream topping works great!). Squish and chow down.

Cherry S'mores-
Take your graham cracker, top with chocolate and your toasted marshmallow. Squish down marshmallow with the back of a spoon and place a small spoonful of cherry pie filling on the top. Eat open faced.

Peanut Butter Banana S'mores-
Take your graham cracker, top with a peanut butter cup and a slice or two of banana. Finish off with your toasted marshmallow and squish with the other half of your graham cracker. Try not to swallow it whole! (Because I guarantee you're going to want to!)

Strawberry S'mores-
Take your graham cracker, top with chocolate and a couple of slices of strawberry. Top with your toasted marshmallow and squish with the other half of your graham cracker. Chow down.

Funky S'mores-
Take a gingersnap cookie, top with a square of caramel-filled chocolate and your toasted marshmallow and squish together with another gingersnap. I'm salivating already...

Get creative! You can swap out graham crackers for Petit Ecolier French schoolboy cookies, chocolate covered graham crackers, chocolate wafers, gingersnaps, peanut butter cookies, or anything else that sounds delicious! The more toppings you have, the better! Grab a bunch and have a blast exploring different combinations. You never know what is going to be totally delicious until you try it!

And last but not least, don't have a fireplace? Have no fear! You can make s'mores in your microwave (just don't over cook- 10-12 seconds should do it, just wait for it to double in size so it's nice and soft, but not to the point of becoming rubbery!) or for an even more quirky experience, cook them over votive candles! I guarantee your date won't have done that before!

Great Gifts for Your Honey for under $10!

2010-12-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Let's be honest, how many times have you purchased that new set of golf clubs, or those new work shirts for Christmas just to realize you overspent big time?! Well this year we came up with 5 fantastic gifts for him that are under $10...so you can get the right stuff at the right price!

#1. Personalized mugs from Costco.com. Last year I made 3 mugs, each with pictures of one of my kids. My husband can take them to work and stop asking me for photos of the kids to show his co-workers. Or you can throw on pictures of the two of you together. Either way, at $6.99 you can't go wrong!

#2. A Big Hunk candy bar. Okay, seems cheap right? But what if you attached a heartfelt and fantastic letter that explains why he is your big hunk? At least you'll get a laugh from it and he may even share.

#3. A hot leopard towel and some body wash. Seriously, boys are into being pampered...its the truth! So promise him he also gets a 30 minute shower with you and a full body scrub down!

#4. His favorite box of cereal/12 pack of soda with a cute note inside. My husband loves Diet Mtn. Dew, so every Christmas I have a 12 pack under the tree and he loves it!

#5. The infamous coupon book. Grab some cute scrapbook paper and some ribbon or twine. Put in personalized coupons redeemable at any time! It can be naughty things or nice things or a combination of both!

Homemade Hot Chocolate That Will Change Your Life...

2010-12-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Once the temperature hits below about 50 degrees, I think it is safe to pull out your favorite hot chocolate and grab your faux fur throw and get snuggled up. So here is a FANTASTIC recipe from Our Best Bites (www.ourbestbites.com) for hot chocolate that will make you drop your Swiss Miss in the trash for good!

Ultimate Hot Chocolate:

2 1-oz. squares of unsweetened baking chocolate

1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

4 c. water

1 tsp. vanilla

In your microwave or in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the chocolate and the sweetened condensed milk until the chocolate is completely melted (about 2-2 1/2 minutes in the microwave). Whisk in vanilla until combine completely , and set aside.

In a larger saucepan, bring 4 c. water to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate mixture.

Either way you make it, serve in mugs with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serves about 6.

**If this seems way to hard or you don't have the time or the energy to whip this up let me suggest the Hot Chocolate from Williams Sonoma at http://www.williamssonoma.com/ or your local store. It retails for $19.50 but is worth every penny. It's literally shaved chocolate that melts in your mouth!

Romantic Tip of the Week...Got Milk?

2010-12-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Milk happens to be my favorite beverage and really why not? It's perfect with chocolate, cookies and any cold cereal no matter if your a muesli person or a Lucky Charms eater! Whether it's over cereal in the morning or in your morning hot chocolate or coffee, the white stuff is being used.

So what if next time your honey grabs the gallon out of the refrigerator there is a sweet note written in sharpie just for him?! Keep other members of your family in mind, though. My kids can't read so I've got freedom but it gets a little weird when your teenagers start pouring milk on their Cap'n Crunch and see your ridiculously personal message to their dad. You never know, they may love it! Its super fun and definitely starts the morning off right!

Milk. It does a relationship good!

Super Fun Christmas Date Idea

2010-12-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Grab a cup of your favorite Hot Chocolate and head over to your local book store for a fun Christmas throwback date! Snuggle up in one of those big cozy chairs (you know the ones...) and read each other your favorite childhood Christmas stories as you sip hot cocoa. Then head back home and pull out your gingerbread cookies (or graham crackers) and all your fun candy and construct a gingerbread mansion! Finish off the night watching "A Christmas Story" as you nibble your gingerbread rooftop!

Be careful or you'll shoot your eye out!

Date your Mate and Let the Elf Report

2010-12-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

I just picked up the "Elf on the Shelf" for my kids and its hysterical! The elf makes sure your kiddos behave and each night he flies back to the North Pole and reports to Santa how your little people have been doing. Then he finds a new location to hide and the kids find him the next morning. We named ours Buddy and my kids love giving him a play by play of our life...scary!

What if you incorporated this same principle with your dude? You could grab the Elf and each night attach a note to him and then move him around the house for your honey to find. You can get pretty creative too.

Maybe the Elf will report if your cutie pie is being NAUGHTY instead!

Dating Essential...Mistletoe!

2010-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

So what's the deal with kissing under a green plant hanging from your ceiling? Well a gazillion years ago mistletoe was considered to bestow life and fertility, was a protection against poison and an aphrodisiac.

It was also believed a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed she can expect not to marry the following year. Thus, if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe it is interpreted as a promise to marry as well as a prediction of happiness and long life.

Moral of the story...be picky under that mistletoe!

Light up Your Dating Life...

2010-11-30T06:28:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows the usual holiday date ideas so what about something different?! Head over to your local retailer and pick up as many of those white lights as you can ($2.00 a box). Then head home/his/her place and get to decorating.

Instead of the usual places like the banister and the Christmas tree, try putting some lights around the mirror in your bathroom. Or maybe string some in your closet for an extra fun glow when getting ready in the morning. Hang some from your chandelier or string them around your plants.

Enjoy that extra glow this season...you deserve it!

Romantic Tip of the Week...Lipstick Love Notes!

2010-11-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

I know you all have some bright red lipstick that you may or may not wear regularly. Bright red...not my color! So grab that lipstick (preferably not your new $20 MAC one) and write your sweetie a little something on the mirror this morning.

Or beat them out to their car and put kissy lips on the driver's side window. You can't tell me they won't be thinking about a pucker when you've cleverly made your mark on their window! (And when they go through 4 car washes to try and get it off :)

5 Things to Get YOU in the Christmas Mood!

2010-11-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is right around the corner! Here are a few things you can do to get in the holiday mood TODAY:

TASTE: Grab that deluxe packet of Hot Chocolate or order that special holiday drink from Starbucks. They have a delicious caramel apple drink that seriously changed my life!

FEEL: Pick yourself up some of those super fluffy socks or some cozy slippers or if you live where I live, grab both!

SMELL: There is something awesome about going into someone's house and it smells like Christmas. So here's how you do it...those cheap scented pinecones you said you would never buy, and some fantastic peppermint candles lit all over your house (light the candles...not the pinecones).

SEE: Take a different route home from work and see how many Christmas lights you can see. Or throw some up at your house in an unexpected place...your bathroom or kids' room.

HEAR: No one can make the holidays come to life like Mariah, Jewel or Sarah. So grab all those wonderful Christmas CD's and play them in every car, room, and ipod!

IF none of these work, you can just bundle up in your house for a month and it will all be over soon!

Fun Ways to Burn Off Those Thanksgiving Calories...

2010-11-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

It's absolutely necessary you try at least a little of each pie right? And the gravy should be poured on just about everything but the green salad. So how about burning a few calories early and eat guilt free this Thanksgiving! Here are some FUN ways to drop a few calories:

Kissing -- Kissing can burn around 120-325 calories an hour, or around 2-5 calories a minute. So go ahead and enjoy that calorie burning old school make-out session!

Massage -- For a remedial massage for an hour you can burn anywhere from 275 to 365 calories! Pull out that massage oil my friends!

Take a walk -- Walkers can burn up to 180 calories in just 30 minutes! So grab your walking shoes and hit the pavement!

Snowboarding -- If you snow board for just an hour you burn a whopping 450 calories! My question is what if most of that hour is planted in the snow?

Have fun working your little fannies off so you can really enjoy Thanksgiving dinner!

Fun New Pies to Try This Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

My husband is not really a pie guy...but I married him anyway. So this time of year I try my hardest to win him over in the pie department. I have tried a ton of different and fun pie ideas. According to my husband "no matter what type of pie it is it always needs either cool whip or ice cream." So this year grab your honey and try some new pies...you just may win him over with this tasty recipes!

Sour Cream Apple Pie with Streusal Topping -- www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/thanksgiving_pie_recipes/

Political Unity Pie

www.piechef.com/recipes/thanksgiving.html

Caramel Apple Pie

www.squidoo.com/best-thanksgiving-pies

Chocolate Pecan Pie

http://www.marthastewart.com/

Eat up! And don't forget the vanilla ice cream...

Romantic Tip of the Week...

2010-11-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

Put all the broken pieces of sidewalk chalk you have from the summer to good use! Once your honey leaves for work grab the chalk and write them a personal message or draw them a picture where they park their car. Are you the one that leaves first? Sneak out before them and write a message in front of the driver side of their car and get their day started right!

Give Your Date a Clue!

2010-11-18T05:17:00.000-08:00

I love Clue, no offense to Clue but you will not be ACTUALLY playing the game. What if you sent your date a few "clues" during the week as to what you will be doing on the date. For example if you are planning an Italian dinner, then bowling, then a cupcake at your favorite bakery here's what you send.

Monday you could send out a package of spaghetti noodles either in a briefcase, car seat or in the mail (I promise they will send these...I've sent crazier!).

Wednesday send a pair of socks for the bowling portion of the date.

Friday send out a container of sprinkles.

This is a fun way to anticipate the date for your cutie and to add a little mystery and suspense to the night.

Breakfast...The Most Romantic Meal of the Day!

2010-11-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

So my husband and I have this longstanding deal where he wakes up with the boys on weekends and then when I roll out of bed I whip us all up a delicious breakfast. I don't know if he actually knows about this deal but he has been going along with it for a while...

Anyway make a fantastically romantic breakfast for your significant other and really get the day started right! Here are a few delicious ideas:

-Stuffed french toast with a note that says " I love the 'stuff' your made of!"

-Heart shaped fried eggs with a note that says "You are Eggstremely amazing!"

-Pink pancakes with a note that says "I'm tickled pink you like me!"

-Fruit pizza with a note that says "Aren't you a Peach!"

And our favorite food experts out there are Kate and Sara at Our Best Bites check out their great breakfast and brunch recipes at http://www.ourbestbites.com/

5 Dinner & A Movie Alternatives...

2010-11-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

So I get why people do the 'dinner and a movie' date, because movie theatre popcorn is awesome and you don't have to feel awkward when you run out of things to say. But seriously, there are so many WAY better options. Our top five:

#1. A Hot Lunch Date Box -- Seriously, can you blame us? Our date boxes have everything from food to dating questions to fun activities so there will NEVER be a dull moment and there will ALWAYS be something to talk about.

#2. Pick a TV show, get a season's worth on DVD and watch as many as you can until your eyes can't stay open. Might I suggest Grey's Anatomy? Just a personal fave!

#3. How about dinner and some stargazing? Head down to the planetarium's evening show and enjoy a night under the stars.

#4. Try a brunch and matinee; It's fun to try a new fun restaurant in the daytime and food and movies are much cheaper.

#5. Pick up a bucket of fried chicken and head for the drive-in. No drive-in in your town? Move your TV into your garage and park your car in there. (Make sure you turn the car off!) Grab lots of blankets and snuggle in for your show.

Romantic Tip of the Week...

2010-11-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

How great is it when you reach into that pair of jeans you haven't worn for a while and find a $10 bill you forgot about? Pretty great right? So why not put this same philosophy into practice on your dude or babe this week?

Grab yourself a bag of those miniature candy bars. After you have eaten all your favorites, sneak into your honey's closet and put a tiny candy bar into the pants or shirt pockets of his/her work clothes. Since you never know what shirt or pants he/she is going to wear, put a little candy bar in each one for immediate success!

I did this with sweet notes as well and wrote things like "Wow you look HOT in this shirt today!". He loved it! If the shirt or pants are anything in the Armani price range I would stick to a note because you would hate to have your guy or girl start his/her day off with a pocket full of melted chocolate.

Get Ready for Your Date With Things Around the House...

2010-11-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite magazines Real Simple, has a section called new uses for old things. So I thought I would let you guys in on a few of my favorite date related ones:

Lemon - used to lighten hair in the sun.

Baby Powder - used for refreshing hair...think of it as dry shampoo.

Baking Soda - used to clean teeth.

Plain Instant Oatmeal - a 5 minute At-Home facial.

Sugar - combine sugar and petroleum jelly and rub on lips then gently scrub off with your toothbrush.

Looks like a lot of these are food related...I better go grab a snack! Enjoy!

Dating Fun Fact...The History of the Kiss

2010-11-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

The natural historian Ernest Crawley wrote that kissing was "a universal expression in the social life of the higher civilizations of the feelings of affection, love and veneration." He also notes that the act of kissing was very rare among the "lower and semi-civilized races." but was "fully established as instinctive in the higher societies."

In modern times, scientists have done brain scans on people when a romantic relationship progresses. Some studies found that after that "first magical or perfect first kiss" a complex system in the brain is activated and flooded with dopamine, an internal chemical that is "released when you're doing something highly pleasurable."

Here is the list of the different types of kisses from Christopher Nyrop, author of The Kiss and Its History: kisses of love, affection, peace, respect and friendship.

Kissing also is found to result in reduction of perceived stress, an increase in relationship satisfaction and a lowering of cholesterol levels. So do yourself a favor and pucker up!

This Week's Romantic Idea...Dating Made Easy!

2010-11-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not a morning person and I usually wait as long as humanly possible to get out of bed. The boys wake up and hang out with my husband while he gets ready for work. I try and say good morning and throw a kiss on his lips before he heads out the door but I'm not always successful. So here is my romantic tip for the week:

Wait until your dude has gone to sleep. Grab a pencil and a piece of paper and write your guy a love note or even just an 'I was thinking about you, have a great day' note. You can throw on some red lipstick and give it a few kisses too. Here's the fun part. Put it in a Ziploc bag, Ziploc it and tape it to the inside of the shower! So when he hops in the shower in the morning he has a great surprise waiting for him! The best part: you have already said good morning and I love you without even opening your eyes!

Dating Do's and Don't; 3 Things You Should Do on Every Date!

2010-11-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

We know you know all the things you shouldn't do on a date but do you know the 3 things you should do? Take a peek at our short list and see if you are already doing them:

#1. Smile - Always smile on your date! Seriously, even if this is the worst date ever make the most of it. Smiling says 'hey I know you think I'm hot, but I'm nice, too!' Being a positive person is so attractive to the opposite sex.

#2. Tell the Truth - This does not mean tell your date about the messy divorce your sister is going through or that you just found out you need a root canal, but don't make things up or be dishonest. It's too hard to remember all the lies you told and eventually it will all come out...and nobody wants to be around when that happens!

#3. Bring Cash - You never know when that seemingly chivalrous date is going to expect you to pay your share of that expensive Italian dinner, or maybe the date ends badly and you need a taxi. Trust me, always bring the green...just in case!

The Perfect Weekend Date Idea... Paris!

2010-11-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

Grab your beret and baguette and head to Paris this weekend! Seriously...decorate your house or apartment into a Parisian restaurant or fancy hotel using construction paper, pictures you can check out from the library and some great pieces of fabric. Make signs and draw pictures and turn your floor into cobblestone with tinfoil.

Decide on some delicious french food to cook together and learn some easy French phrases to use throughout the weekend. Finish off the night watching Amelie, Beauty and the Beast or Les Miserables. Wake up Monday morning with memories of a trip to Europe, but no bills to show for it!

Date Night Around the Campfire...

2010-11-03T19:25:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love to cuddle up around a crackling campfire, roast marshmallows and chat? Now is the perfect time of year to grab some cozy blankets and hit the woods! Notice how you feel like you can say anything around a campfire? Get romantic and tell your cutie why you fell for him or why you think she has the best laugh. Seriously, now is the time to get cheesy without getting laughed at!

Campfires also allow for fun food sampling! Here are a few Hot Lunch food ideas: pizza...seriously grab dough and roll it out onto foil then add sauce and toppings, roasted Starbursts, popcorn (look for the ones that are specifically for camping-they have a handle), and corn on the cob.

Enjoy, and don't forget the bug repellent!!

The Apple of My Eye...

2010-11-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

I love the fall for many reasons...one of them being the mounds of candy I just scored from my kids' Halloween buckets. But once you've eaten anything worth eating out of their buckets, it's nice to start over new. Go apple picking with your honey and burn all those calories you just ate! For a list of apple orchards in your area go to http://www.allaboutapples.com/ and click on orchard listings. And you may even learn the difference between Fallawater and Fameuse...I promise those are really apples!

Forget Honey, Babe and Sweetums- Get a New Pet Name For Your Special Someone!!!

2010-11-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Everybody calls their special someone a goofy pet name- Babe, Honey, Sweet Cheeks, Love... But what if everybody you know calls their special someone 'Babe?' That gets confusing, right? Well, to remedy this situation, we have tracked down a nickname generator to create the perfect nickname, and we guarantee nobody around you will be using it! For reals... my hubbie got Tiger Twinkies- he's going to be thrilled!

Date Night With Your Left Over Halloween Candy...

2010-10-31T19:41:00.001-07:00

So Halloween's over...now what? As I assessed the buckets of Halloween candy my kids got...and promptly pulled out the Reeses and Snickers for myself, I realized something. I have WAY too much candy left over! So here are a few fun date suggestions to get rid of that candy before you either gain 10 pounds or your kids' teeth fall out!

*Candy Necklaces -- put your candy in saran wrap and tie ribbon in between each piece...you can make a necklace for yourself and a tie for your honey!

*Candy Posters -- Grab a piece of posterboard, a sharpie and your candy and write messages to each other using ALL your candy!

*Treasure Hunt -- Make clues for different places around the house and have a piece of candy at each place. You can make them relevant to the candy or just random. Or take turns making clues for each other.

Or my personal favorite -- Eat chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner the next 4 days, and day 5 commit to hitting the elliptical hard!

The 10 Hottest Couples Costumes This Halloween...

2010-10-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

So you want to be Marilyn Monroe but he doesn't want to be Joe Dimaggio. He wants to be a fire fighter but you don't want to be a policewoman. Typical Halloween dilemma. We want this year to be different... so we searched high and low to find the BEST couples costumes that are easy to find, fun and guaranteed to get a reaction!

#1. Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf

#2. Pilot and Flight Attendant

#3. The Flintstones

#4. Papa smurf and smurfette

#5. Chef and waitress

#6. Boxers (fighters...not underwear!)

#7. Eskimo and Penguin

#8. Mermaid and Sailor

#9. Where's Waldo

#10. Goldilocks and a Bear

Good luck and send us pics to post!

The Top 10 Best Halloween Date Movies

2010-10-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a super fun night- full of ridiculous parties, creepy places to visit (like the graveyard!), and seriously scary movies! Here are a few of Hot Lunch's scary date movie faves hitting on a lot of the different Halloween-y themes including vampires, zombies, and some classics you just can't miss!

Shutter Island - R (psychological thriller)
Zombieland - R (funny)
Let The Right One In - R (Vampire movie)
The Others - PG 13 (thriller)
Dawn of The Dead - R
Shaun of The Dead (funny) - R
The Shining - R
Psycho - TV14
Frankenstein - UR
Invasion of The Body Snatchers - not rated

Hot Halloween Date Ideas For You and Your Honey!

2010-10-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

4 Festive Date Ideas...

#1. Cupcakes! Click on our Tidbits page for some GREAT cupcake and frosting suggestions! (I ate about 15 of the peanut butter ones) Pick your fave and add Halloween sprinkles!

#2. Head over to your favorite retailer and try on different Halloween costumes with you and your dude. For extra fun have your guy throw on the little kids costumes. There is nothing funnier than a grown man in a knight costume made for a 10 year old!

#3. Grab the scariest show you can stomach and snuggle in for a night of movies. Maybe throw on some Dracula teeth just to be safe or throw them in your popcorn for a fun surprise!

#4. For those super brave souls...grab a flashlight and a little picnic dinner with candles and blankets and head over to your local cemetery! After grabbing a bite you can try and guess the life stories of the headstones around you! Remember NOT to step on the headstones!

It's Official! Hot Lunch is Back and Better Than Ever!

2010-10-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hello all of our fabulous fans and supporters! The long awaited day has arrived! We here at Hot Lunch™ are extremely pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved date boxes! They are served hot to you with fabulous new ideas, resources, and at a price that you just can't pass up! Check out our new website for product information and to shop your little brains out. We can't wait to hear what you think!

Seven Days of Summer

2010-05-21T09:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, so it's been a little while since we've sent out any dating inspiration, but we have some great things in the works and have been working our little tushes off to get them launched for you ASAP! More to come on that later. I had a little idea that would kick summer off with a little extra love for your honey. Check this out.

Seven days of Summer. Ok, there are obviously more than seven, but just pick seven (as in pick a week- the sooner the better!) and spoil your honey with little surprises. Here are some of my favorites:

Put a note in their lunch bag telling you the top three reasons why you love them or something just as thoughtful.
Put a treat in the pocket of their jacket or bag for them to find later. Make it their favorite, or something that means something like a 'Hunk' chocolate bar.
Iron their clothes or make them lunch in the morning.
Use washable markers and write messages on your body to let them find. Maybe stick to stomach or whatever, let's not get weird with the markers folks, or at least don't put them back in the kids' coloring desk. Alternatively, write messages on your baby's body for the other to find in the evening. This sounds weird, but it's fun, and funny and they will be totally surprised when they're in changing baby into pj's!
As in a previous post, draw a little message in the peanut butter for them to find. This pretty much only works with a new jar!
Make a special treat for them and have a mini treasure hunt to find it.

Use your knowledge of your hottie to pick things that you know they will like or will be great surprises when they need it most! They'll love the surprises and you'll love the extra kisses you'll get!

Tell us about your great surprise ideas!

Welcome, little Presley!

2010-05-13T08:43:00.001-07:00

Amelia had her sweet baby girl, Presley! Welcome to the world, baby girl! I can't wait to see what you look like in a fake mustache...

Say Cheese...Photo Scavenger Hunt!

2010-02-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

So you finally got that super fancy Nikon camera you wanted or maybe you're still using disposable cameras.. no one is judging here! Either way nows a perfect time for our Photo Scavenger Hunt! Below is a list of some fun things you could shoot...

*your honey swinging on the swings at your local playground

*the kids section of a book store...extra points if you can get a shot sitting on your guys lap!

*the cereal aisle of your local grocery store holding up your favorite cereal!

*in front of a stop sign

*sitting on a fire hydrant...please save other activities involving fire hydrants to dogs!

*an arcade...extra points of you in front of Pac Man!

*a miniature golf course or an actual golf course...extra points if you throw on plaid pants and an argyle sweater

*you or your mate at the shoe counter of a bowling alley. Also you could grab some action shots of your guy showing off his moves!

Send us your photos and we'll post them on our site! Have fun!

Our Best Bites...Our New Best Friends!

2010-02-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Kate and Sara at Our Best Bites have some of the best (and easiest!) recipes around! Seriously! Who knew you could make sweet and sour meatballs with only two ingredients! But those aren't the only reasons we love them...they reviewed our Hot Lunch Date Boxes and said "They make darling 'Date Boxes' that come with everything you need for a fun night *in* with your special someone! " Kate and Sara wouldn't lie to you! Seriously!

So click on the link and enter to win!

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=54209502594&topic=13374

3 Reasons to Buy a Hot Lunch Date Box this Week!

2010-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

#1. All Hot Lunch Dates Boxes are 20% off this week ONLY (our best sale of the year)!

#2. Your Date Box will arrive BEFORE Valentine's Day so you won't have to stress about a date that will end up being lame and overpriced!

#3. You can tell your valentine you are handling Valentine's Day this year and it will earn you BIG points...(not that you need them, you're the best thing that ever happened to them!)

Need a 4th?

...You can flaunt your new Hot Lunch Box in the office and make everyone jealous!

Salt Lake City...Listen Up...Literally!

2010-01-28T10:06:00.001-08:00

Salt Lake City listen up to B 98.7 on your lunch hour next week and you could win a Hot Lunch Date Box of your choice! Tune in Monday February 1 through Friday February 5 and call in to win!

A new Hot Lunch Date Box will be given out each day, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Good luck, and get that phone number on speed dial!

What's the CRAZIEST thing you've done for a Valentine?

2010-01-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

So my husband gets a little nervous at this time of year with pretty good reason; I do crazy things for Valentine's day and he knows it. I've done everything from a Valentine's Day balloon (the size of me!) sent to his office to covering our front room with red balloons.

Then there was the year I crossed the line! I snuck out at 5 am and taped hundreds of red paper hearts to every square inch of my husbands car. As he walked out to go to work I saw a look of defeat and knew I had nailed it! After pleading to switch cars he headed to work in his "love" mobile. As he hit the freeway the valentine's day hearts started flying off and hitting people's cars behind him. He said he looked in his rear view mirror and just saw tons of cars swerving to miss other cars! Needless to say he made it to work safely and I barely made it through that Valentine's Day still married!

Tell us the craziest thing you have ever done for a Valentine. If you're looking for ideas I would not suggest the hearts on the car idea...(read above)

Worst Pick-Up Lines EVER!

2010-01-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

We know you know that guy...the one who is always lurking around, super creepy and smells of garlic and old potatoes.

This week we decided to give a shout out to all those creepy moustache wearing dudes! It takes a lot of guts to look in the mirror in the morning and still get out there and throw these lines around.

I tend to be a pretty responsible person. I've got a wife and kids...somewhere.

Kiss me if i'm wrong, but don't I know you?

If you were a new sandwich at McDonalds, you'd be called McGorgeous!

Do you have a Band-Aid? Cuz I just scraped my knee falling for you.

You're like a dictionary - you add meaning to my life!

I don't have a library card but do you mind if I check you out!

Tell us some of your faves!

Steals & Deals Hot Lunch Giveaway

2010-01-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

Our new BFF's at Steals & Deals gave us rave reviews after enjoying a Hot Lunch Date Night! After testing out Night-At-The Drive-In they said "such a creative idea for those of us in a rut and in need of a fresh idea!"

So check out the review and sign up for a chance to win your very own Hot Lunch Date Box just in time for Valentine's Day. Or you can wait for your dude to bring you home chocolates and overpriced roses!

Seriously enter the Steals & Deals giveaway now at http://stealsdeals.blogspot.com/2009/01/hot-lunch-giveaway.html.

The giveaway ends January 9th...good luck!

We Found Another Believer!

2009-12-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

We got another rave review from our new friends at http://www.freesamplefreak.com/! Thanks guys for the awesome feedback. After reviewing our Starry, Starry Night Date box she said it was "a neat gift for a couple" and she "had a lot of fun on her 'at home date night'. " So pick one up for your significant other and enjoy some time unwinding with each other this holiday season! If you are looking for other types of gifts check out the Holiday Gift Guide at www.freesamplefreak.com/HolidayGiftGuide.

10 days left! No Pressure!

Elfster + Your Cash = Easiest Gift Giving Ever!

2009-12-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Let's talk about the gift part of Christmas. Well obviously our first suggestion is a super cute Hot Lunch date box of your choosing, but our second choice...hit ELFSTER ASAP! Here are all the great things Elfster can do for you!

*Help start a Secret Santa gift exchange

*Build and Share a Universal wishlist (so everyone will know exactly what you want from Tiffany's!)

*Provide exclusive gift ideas from the retail partners and experts at Elfster

*Change diapers and refill sippy cups! (okay that's not true...I've asked, but they do just about everything else!)

Check them out now! http://www.elfster.com/! They might just give you more time to grab another cup of eggnog or grab your cutie and hit the mistletoe!

Hot Christmas Dates...Mistletoe Optional!

2009-12-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

There really is nothing cuter than holding hands through gloves while ice skating, but living in Phoenix there are not a ton of ice-skating rinks around (it has been 80 degrees all week)! So I have had to be creative this holiday season with my dates. Here are a few fun date ideas that hopefully won't need mistletoe...although having a little in your pocket just in case, probably isn't a bad idea!

*The Barnes and Noble Date with hot chocolate. So I love grabbing some delicious hot chocolate and sitting down in the kids section of Barnes and Noble. Then reading my favorite Christmas books to my honey while sitting on his lap! If you're really brave you can throw on your fake moustaches from our Mario and Luigi date box and really get people talking!

*The bundle up and head to a playground with coal, scarf and a carrot date. Grab your thickest gloves and warmest ski pants and create your own version of Frosty with your babe. Throw on the eyes, nose and scarf and swing while enjoying your snowman masterpiece. Then talk about your favorite Christmas traditions when you were a little kid. Don't forget to grab your Hot Lunch Camera and capture your guy sliding down the slides! If there is no snow around just hit the park and do a playground photo shoot!

*The Christmas House and Gingerbread Cookie date. Grab an old big box (refrigerator, washer, dryer...) they usually have them for free on Craig's List (I love that Craig!). Grab a knife, scissors, tape and a staple gun and make yourself a Christmas House. Add a door and roof and you can add windows and a chimney. We added paper plates for shingles on the roof and made a doormat. You can add cotton for snow and Christmas lights to get really festive. Then make some delicious gingerbread cookies and grab our Pink McStevens Hot Chocolate and head to your Christmas house (or mansion for those architects our there...)

Do you have some other really great Christmas Date Ideas? Come on don't be shy! Let us know what great things you've been up to and if we like them (we're pretty nice people I think we'll like them) we'll post them on our blog!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Best Gift Ever!!!

2009-11-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so how many of you have started your holiday shopping already? (What? You went shopping on Black Friday? That's pure craziness!!!) And how many of you have somebody or a couple somebodies who you can't think of ANYTHING to give them because they already have everything? How about a Hot Lunch date box? Your friend Jenn might have every purse and shoe ever made, but when was the last time she made pizza wearing fake moustaches? Or discussed the perplexing question of why cartoon characters always seem to wear shirts, but never seem to wear pants? They haven't, you say? That's practically a crime- Hot Lunch dates are the most fun thing ever, folks!

Check out our reviews and see what some awesome blogs have to say about us- and then get shopping Guys, your girlfriends/wives are going to love this! Girls, this could be the perfect opportunity to give your guy the gift you always wanted. (I love that kind of gift!!! 'Here's a gift for you, for me!' haha!) They make for a good time whether it's your first date or you're just looking to shake things up a little!

LeslieLovesVeggies

Over30Mommy

MORE FUN IDEAS!!!
Add a date box to a gift basket! Gift baskets are so HOT right now and I LOVE to give ones that have a dating theme- gift certificate for dinner, dessert, tickets to the movies, the zoo, a show... who knows what great ideas you will come up with! Then, if you want, you can throw in some chapstick to keeps those lips in tip top shape for smooching, massage oil for foot massages, one of those funky back massage contraptions, slippers, a cozy blanket, and cute little notecards to send love notes to each other... it's totally up to you!

Give a date box to your single girl friend! Even if she doesn't have a boyfriend or prospective date to go with, she can invite over her best gal pal and they can make pizza with moustaches! Ok, so you may not woo eachother with Italian pick-up lines, but you can still rock the Italian accent and don a mighty impressive stache! Good times, good times...

Buy a gift for yourself! You can use it now if you're too busy with the holidays to plan a date, but still need some snuggle time with your special someone! Or you can save it! There are so many times you can use it! (New Years? Valentine's Day? March 9?-why the heck not, folks??)

Leslie Loves Hot Lunch!

2009-11-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

So when our new BFF Leslie from Leslie Loves Veggies asked us if she could do a review we said ABSOLUTELY! We love her blog and the best part is...you don't have to love veggies or even like veggies to follow her blog...good news for me!

Leslie reviewed our "Night At the Drive-In" date box and said she "had a blast!" So click on the link below and enter her giveaway and win a Hot Lunch Date Box of your choice! Oh and you're welcome for introducing you to one of the best blogs ever! We love you Leslie!

http://leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com/2009/11/hot-lunch-dates-date-your-mate-giveaway.html

So head over to www.leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com right now! Good Luck!

Love Actually Giveaway...And I Don't Mean the Movie!

2009-11-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hot Lunch teamed up with Love Actually (our favorite new romance site!) to do a review and giveaway for a free Hot Lunch Date Box! Love Actually reviewed our Hot Lunch Date Boxes and LOVED them (we're trying to be humble here but she really did say they were fabulous!). Which is good because we love their fantastic site full of creative ideas to kick start your love life! Go to the link below and enter the giveaway!

http://loveactually-blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-hot-lunch-dates.html

Also tell us your best/funniest pick-up line for more chances to win! Wanna hear some of your competition so far?

"Hi my name is Bob, I lost my number, can I have yours?"

"You dropped something!" I turned around, he placed his hand on his chest, and added, "My heart."

"Are you tired? Because you've been running through my mind all day!"

Good Luck! We're rootin' for ya! (can you say rootin' if your not from Texas?)

Bringing 1994 Back!

2009-11-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

Remember Deep thoughts by Jack Handey from like 1994? Oh come on, you remember. Well I'm bringing him back. Here are a few wise words to brighten your day!

"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then, on the way out, slam the door."

" I bet when they weren't fighting, Vikings with horn helmets had to stick potatoes on the ends of the horns, so as to avoid eye-pokings to fellow Vikings and lady Vikings."

"Here's a good thing to do if you go to a party and you don't know anybody: First, take out the garbage. Then go around and collect any extra garbage that people might have, like crumpled-up napkin, and take that out too. Pretty soon people will want to meet the busy garbage guy."

A Halloween Date with a Pumpkin Punch!

2009-10-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

So after you have gone trick-or-treating with the kids and you have eaten all the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups out of their Halloween buckets where can you go next to satisfy that sweet tooth? Let me tell you!

As I was browsing around one of my favorite food sites Our Best Bites, I ran across a recipe that forced me out of my chair and down the stairs with a list of groceries for my husband. He was thrilled to be heading out at ten o'clock at night to accommodate his wife's cravings...trust me! Here it is...Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes.

So basically what the geniuses at Our Best Bites have done is they have taken the BEST part of Thanksgiving (the pie of course!) okay the turkey's not bad...and they have put it into a delicious milkshake you can enjoy all fall long! Enough talk here are the numbers...

1/3 C. pumpkin, canned or homemade
1/4 - 1/2 C milk
1/4 t vanilla
1/2 t cinnamon
1/19 t cloves (just use a 1/8 t measure and fill it half way, or do a pinch)
1/16 t nutmeg
2 T brown sugar
2 C vanilla ice cream
1 - 2 graham crackers

Pop everything but graham crackers in a blender. Start with 1/4 C milk and then slowly add more if needed to make the blender process it all. I used somewhere between 1/4 - 1/2 C.
Sprinkle with crushed graham cracker crumbs before serving.

So once you and your dude have created a milkshake masterpiece and put the kiddies to bed grab a cozy blanket and your dracula teeth and start talking horror movies.

-What is your favorite scary movie?

-If you could be any villain who would you be?

-Who is the scariest of all the monsters/villains?

-Are monsters or crazy people scarier? (think the Exorcist or Hannibal Lector)

-If Jason and the Dracula were in a fight...who would win?

Next you need to have a seat and get terrified for a few hours! Seriously it's one time a year...don't be a baby! Here are a few Hot Lunch Suggestions:

Silence of the Lambs

The Shining

Halloween

Halloween H2O

Nightmare on Elm Street

Scream

Scream 2

Scream 3

I Know What You Did Last Summer?

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer

Sean of the Dead

Remember these are only suggestions! We don't want you to have nightmares the next 6 weeks! Although for the right price we will come out to your house in a mask and scare your dude...big time!