Queen Of Chaos: Date Night

Showing posts with label Date Night. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Late night snack time

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is stay up late, watching cooking shows and eat snacks. Right now Masterchef and The Next Food Network Star is on, 2 of our favorite shows. The only problem is they make me hungry! I always want a snack when I watch an episode. Thank goodness for Hormels Snackers, that have saved the day in more than one occasion.

These are my 2 favorites. Spinach and artichoke dip with chips or bread. I like any of their queso's with tortilla chips too.

I highly suggest putting one or two of these in your secret mom snack stash!
In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

My Top 5 Favorite Valentine's Movies for Mom and Dad

Here is a list of my favorite movies to watch around Valentines Day. Keep in mind I am not a huge romantic. I don't typically read romance novels or watch romantic movies. I do like romantic comedies, but more for the comedy than the gushy parts. So pretty much what I'm trying to say is this list isn't going to be your typical Sleepless in Seattle type movie list.

5. Valentine's Day

I know too cliché right? I also know this movie got horrible reviews. Oddly enough I know how much it cracks me and my husband up every time. Ashton Kutcher is hilarious, especially him and George Lopez together. It also has Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner, the list goes on and on.

I love Anne Hathaway's "side job" in this movie, cracks me up every time. The girls with the I Hate Valentines Day party is also fun. I wish I would have thought of that piñata in my singles years. My husband loves movie where there is that twist of how everyone is all connected in the end. Plus what guy wouldn't love the last 3 words of the movie?

4. Mr. & Mrs. Smith

This is not only one of my favorite movies, but my kind of love story. Action, fighting, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, what's not to love. It has the sarcastic humor that is right up my alley. I think my favorite scene in the whole movie is the car/van chase towards the end. When they are discussing what was real in their relationship, and what wasn't while trying to evade the bad guys at the same time. When we saw this in theaters we were seriously laughing so loud the whole movie. Now I know we were the only ones laughing in the theater then, but today we still laugh the same amount.

3. The Notebook

Ok, ok I can't have a Valentines movie list with out a Nicholas Sparks movie. If I had to pick one it would be The Notebook. I do enjoy the courting part of their relationship. The crazy, silly, dance in the street was (and is) my kind of thing. I like the spontaneity of it. I also love the beach scene where she pretends to be a bird randomly. That is something I would randomly say. Let's face it, if you want gushy romance, no doubt, The Notebook is the way to go.

2. Crazy, Stupid, Love

Steve Carrell and Ryan Gosling, enough said. This movie may be on the dirty provocative side, but it is also on the ridiculously hilarious side as well. Steve Carell is so funny, and one of our favorite actors. The way he interacts with his wife, kids, friends and lovers are great. I love the sarcasm between him and his wife's personal conversations, like their joke about switching kids in the hospital. I enjoy Emma Stone's character in this. I think we all sometimes try and walk that line of what I should do and makes sense and the what I want to do and be crazy side. The scene when she goes home with Ryan Gosling's character cracks me up. The classic awkward "Ok, now what?" moment. I always felt bad for the son though. Till the end, then I'm a little disturbed for him.

1. Date night

Sorry to put another Steve Carrell movie on here, especially back to back, but what can I say? We obviously like him as an actor. I'll bet he and Tina Fey had a blast making this movie. As many married couples may feel the same way they did at the beginning, stuck in a rut. Same dating rituals, who would blame them for wanting to change things up a bit, and pretend to be the Tripplehorns. We may or may not have used that name for a reservation, just to spice up our own date night.

I also love how much was improve in this. After the director did his few takes, he would ask if they had any suggested changes. Almost always they did, and apparently they almost all made the movie. For instance the scene in the strip joint. They didn't want it choreographed at all, they wanted it just as awkward as the characters themselves. Also I know the scene with James Franco has a lot of improv in it as well. The only part in that scene from the script is "Zip your face," the rest was made on the fly. Don't forget to watch the outtakes on this, hilarious movie!

Bonus-

Live Free and Die Hard

For my bonus I thought I would share with you the movie I have watched for the past 3 years on Valentines Day itself. That's right, it's Live Free or Die Hard. Not exactly romantic- AT ALL! That is one of my favorite movies of all time. I figure this movie doesn't reference Christmas at all like the other's so why not make it a Valentines movie?

There is only one man in the whole world that I know that could actually take down a helicopter with a car, and that's John McClane. Ok in all seriousness Jack Bauer could too, but that's besides the point. If you haven't noticed by now I love sarcasm, and this movie is oozing plenty of it. The story line progresses' but isn't too complicated for me to understand. I also love the daughter in this, you can tell she is her father's daughter for sure!

That's it for my favorite movies that I watch with my husband around Valentine's Day. For the list of my favorite family friendly love movies check back tomorrow.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Valentines Cinnamon Hearts Popcorn Recipe

A little while ago my friend brought over this delicious popcorn to book club. I thought I'll just have a little bit, Wrong! I was hooked, It was surprisingly good. I've had cinnamon bears on my shopping list for a few weeks now and kept forgetting to get them. Last week I saw these cute heart shaped cinnamon bears and was so excited to finally make it.

It's really easy to make and would be so fun for a family night or date night with a cute love/Valentines movie.

Cinnamon Hearts Popcorn

1 cup butter

1/2 cup Karo syrup

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

1 1/2 cups cinnamon hearts (or bears*)

2 regular size bags light or plain microwave popcorn (or about 18 cups popped)

* The original recipe chops the bears in half. I liked the hearts whole cause they were cuter, so you could do it either way.

Pop the popcorn and dump in a large bowl. Make sure to pick out any un popped kernels (this is a great job for little helpers.) Melt the butter, Karo syrup, and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil and let boil for about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour over the popcorn and stir. Stir in the cinnamon bears and marshmallows.

I boiled mine for closer to 4 minutes and it made the popcorn a little harder when it was all said and done. Next time around I want to stay closer to the 3 minute mark to make it more gooey.
How easy is that? Thanks oneshetwoshe.com for this yummy recipe.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Letter To The Newlyweds

A long time ago I wrote a funny letter that I use to give to newlyweds with there gift. When my brother got married recently I thought I would share it with them. Only I couldn't find it and had to start from scratch. This time it didn't come out as funny, but more serious. I thought I would share it on here for others to enjoy or learn from. Although let me warn you when you get to #8 I open my mouth and my religion pops out. I get very churchy and Christian. Which I won't apologize for but just warn of, just in case. If it offends anyone (Because now days religion tends to be the source of much contention) I will probably say something I say too often, "I'm over it." No really I am. Hopefully someone out there will get some inspiration from a lesson I have learned the hard way. The fun part about posting it was adding links to some of the past memories. So here it is my letter to the newlyweds...

Dear love birds,

I thought I would share some lessons we have learned along the way, some the hard way others not so much. Enjoy...

1. If you can’t get upset at your spouse when she runs over a 2 ft rock wrecking the driver side of the car or when he gets a huge speeding ticket, then why freak out over the little things. Too often we overlook the bigger things more than we do little things. Don’t waste precious time fighting over the toothpaste container or toilet paper rolls. A family friend of mine, who is now a widow, once told me she looks back wishing she hadn’t wasted such valuable time fighting over menial things.

2. Pick your battles. Just be happy the other replaced the toilet paper roll at all, instead of getting upset that its going under, not over. Just be happy the dishwasher got filled, not upset how it got filled. There is a positive in almost every situation, find it.

3. Jobs, dishes, and cars come and go, and accidents happen. Try to be supportive when someone is looking for a job. Garage doors can be fixed, but knowing your spouse wasn’t upset over your car in his brother in laws garage door is so much better. Dishes will break, so either buy plastic or look at the opportunity to buy new! Being quick to forgive can assure that one day the gesture will be returned. Not to mention sometimes I think we are hard enough on ourselves, the added guilt never helps!

4. A home is what you make of it. Whether it’s your car, a tent, a hotel room, condo, apartment or a house, as long as you are together that’s what counts. Pillow fights in hotel rooms, sheets hung to make bedrooms, and cooking all your meals with just a skillet are all memories helping build your love. Make the best of each situation instead of complaining and hoping for a new one, make the most of it.

5. Make your own set of rules, especially when an argument arises. Just knowing that from the beginning you have both agreed upon a set of rules or guidelines can relieve anger or stress. That way you can focus on the heart of an issue and not name calling and degrading each other.

6. Remember you are stuck with your spouse FOREVER! Sometimes you have to put hobbies, jobs, kids and other things on the back burner to a certain extent to keep your flame going. You have a long journey ahead, so do what you have to in order to keep your marriage strong. Take time off work, get a sitter, or learn something new together. Just remember as time goes on your spouse will always be there for you, if you are always there for them.

7. Recently I received this great advice (Which you could make a rule if you wanted ;) Don’t approach each other with why. “Why did you or didn’t you… “ Try using the word how. “How can I help,” most importantly “How can I help you become the person you want to be.” If we can help the other person we often can get what we need worked out or taken care of along the way. I’m pretty sure that’s what we call service ;)

8.Last but not least is couples time. Some people call it pillow talk, but I think there needs to be more than just that. Starting with prayer. Pray together! One day couples prayer will turn to family prayer, and even after that make sure to continue couples prayer daily. It doesn’t matter how busy you are, you ALWAYS have time for prayer. No matter how late my family is running that extra 2 minutes to say a prayer before we leave the house is worth it EVERY TIME!

Also Couples scripture reading will also help strengthen your marriage. And who doesn’t want that? When Steven and I first were married we did our reading out of “Eternal Marriage Students Handbook,” we included it in your gift. We also have done straight scripture reading or the Ensign. Our newest favorite is Preach My Gospel. I love it because A- I didn’t go on a mission so my husband gets to share that with me and B- it's meant for couples. For couples or companions who are teaching the gospel. Which is what we are doing with our children, teaching them the gospel. Wait till your family grows a bit till you bust it out, especially because you are probably are tired of reading it so much from your mission.

Overall no matter how much homework, cleaning, or other duties and callings you have, you will be blessed if you take 10-15 minutes a day to do couples reading together. That is shorter than an episode from Netflix! Taking time for that will help you be blessed at work, school and everywhere else!

I loved Steven so much when we first got married, now 9 years later I look back realizing I had no idea what love was, because I love him so much more than I ever thought possible. I look forward to the bumps in the road in the future so that I can experience even more love for him.

I hope the same for you two!

Love, your sister, Jennifer

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Alphabet Dating- Letter "I"

I keep saying I will try and do Wiffessionals alphabet dating but never do. I decried to finally jump in and plan a date with my husband around the Letter "I"

1- Indulge

2- Imagine Dragons

3- Ice Cream & Ice Water

1- Indulge at The Sweettooth Fairy

We started out the night with a trip to The Sweettooth Fairy. They had advertised this month was Mexican themed cupcakes. I had a hard time deciding, trying to be good and limiting my sweets right now. I chose a dulce de leche cupcake. Dulce de leche has becoming more and more popular. Too often people get it confused with plain caramel. I wanted to see for myself if it was real dulce de leche. Sure enough it was real, and it was real delicious.

I also got to try the Mexican hot chocolate cake bites, and boy were they yummy. Only a $1 a bite isn't too bad on your pocket either. It was very creamy with a small subtle taste of Mexican chocolate. It too was real Mexican Hot chocolate and not just hot chocolate with cinnamon. Thanks for using real Mexican flavors, it was delicious. I may just have to make a trip every May if they keep making some of my favorite flavors.

2- Imagine Dragons

Next we went to a concert I predicted years ago. I grew up and near the lead guitarist of Imagine Dragons. My senior year of high school he played his rendition of the star spangled banner. It was not only a tearful performance but the moment I knew he was going to make if big one day. Not to mention the multiple bands, orchestra's and many instruments he played. When my husband and I were engaged I predicted that we would one day see him play live from a very successful band. (I also told him about two drummers will most likely play professionally too. Drummer #1 & Drummer #2) Finally we got to fulfill that prediction, 9 years later.

Here are some highlights from the concert.

3-Ice Cream & Ice Water

Last we headed home. Since I already had so much chocolate I was good and had ice water, while my husband had ice cream. That's his favorite.
Thanks Husband for an Incredible "I" letter evening. It was nice to Inhale the fresh rain outside too ;)

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Never Have I Ever...

Over the holidays I got to play a fun game I haven't played since I was in high school. It's where everyone but 1 person sits in a circle. Then the 1 person announces, "I have never _______." They then say something they have never done. Anyone who HAS done what they say switches places. This will leave 1 person seatless. It's a fun get to know you game that is sure to bring a room full of laughs.
Here is 10 things I never have done:
1- I have never broken a bone. This leaves me worried for the day my kids do, will I know what to do?
2- I have never been to Hawaii. At least till this June, every day my kids drive me bonkers I repeat this to myself, "I'm going to Hawaii, I'm going to Hawaii, I'm going to Hawaii!"
3- I have never been arrested.
4- I have never eaten duck, but I would love to try it.
5- Same with deer meat. I have never had it, but would love to try it.
6- I have never ran more than a 5K. At least till this May I will be doing my first half marathon.
7- I have never lived in a dorm room.
8- I have never had a dog. The only pet I have ever had is a fish.
9- I have never had road rage. It's true, ask my husband, I don't get mad at other drivers.
10- I have never liked beets. My family, kids included, love vegetables. Not beets though, they taste like dirt.

What have you never done? Or what have I never done that you have? Comment, becuase I would love to know!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Desert Star Playhouse Giveaway

Several years ago my husband and I were introduced to a fabulous place called the Desert Star Playhouse. The Desert Star Playhouse produces family friendly comedic musicals. It is very family friendly (for children over 8ish) and has yummy food too. It is one of Steven and my favorite date nights because we get food and a show. We have purchased season passes several times and it really is the best bang for your buck. With the way our schedules are we usually get to see a show around Valentines day, in the spring, my birthday (June), our anniversary (August), Steven's birthday (October) and a Christmas date. Since our season pass is payed for in advance all we have to pay for is the sitter and how much we want to spend on food. Sometimes it's just ice cream, other times it's pizza and smoothies.
We did so much moving around the past few years that it had been a little while since our last show there. Recently we went and saw Kicking the Hobbit, Bored of the Rings. We LOVED it, it even made it to my favorite top 5 shows I have seen there. Here is a brief synopsis from their website on the show...

Science Fiction geek Walter gets a “Dear John” from his fiance because he spends too much time fantasizing about "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings." Now Walter must journey to Middle-Earth with a zany band of misfits to return balance to the the world...and his girlfriend. Come along on this hilarious adventure to find out if Walter can defeat the Dark Lord Sharon and become a hero to couch potatoes everywhere.

Walter was played by Corey Brandenburger who is a regular there and is very funny. He did an awesome job. As someone who loves all types of theater one of the things I look for, especially here, is when the actors push the others. Sometimes they try to break the others out of character, as the audience sits back and watches them go on tangents or the other cast members try to hold straight faces. Corey is good at filling in those moments and has perfect comedic timing. Another cast member was thrilled to see was Kerstin Davis. She was in several of the first shows we saw and I just loved her and the characters she portrayed. Then with all the moving around we did the few shows we saw she wasn't in. When I saw it was her I turned to my husband to remind him she was one of my favorites. She is fun and comfortable going off script, plus I love some of the voices she does thru the show. She choreographeed the show as well, adding to her talent pool.

Gollum was played by Mary Parker Williams who not only is the veteran at the Desert Star but the assistant director. She makes some of the best faces and nails her double personality character. Dog the Bounty Hunter was played by Bryan Dayley. My husband and I agree it was so fun to see him in this role (he also nailed his accent) since we remember his very first performance at the Desert Star. He has come a long way and has made it onto our list of favorites. The ensemble as a whole did an excellent job together. There were a few new faces like Jeff Jensen who impressed us with his singing in the Olio, and George Anderson who was equally as funny to watch. Carli Christoffersen played Bilbo and is very talented. We have seen her a few times before and I always look forward to when she sings a solo in the Olio at the end of the show.

The best part is you don't have to be familiar with whatever movies they are doing a parody of in order to enjoy yourself. You get a good laugh every time. The Hobbit plays at the Desert Star till March 23rd. With only a month left don't be afraid to get you tickets a head of time, they tend to sell out. I have always had a pleasant and helpful experince with the box office, even when having to move dates around. If you have to make changes to your ticket dates, Desert Star is very accommodating in helping you find another night to attend or giving you a credit until you can figure it out. The sooner you book the better seats you get too. Call their box office at 801-266-2600, and get ready to pee your pants from laughing so hard!
The Desert Star has also donated two tickets to their show Kicking the Hobbit. Please leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing. For more entries share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or on your own blog. Leave additional comments for each share. Giveaway closes on Monday, February 25th at 11:59 MST. Winner will be picked at random thru random.org. Winner will be announced the following day. Good Luck!

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