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In the five and a half years we’ve been parents, I can count on two hands the number of date nights we’ve had. Like real date nights. Without any family close by and trust issues with babysitters, we’ve had to think outside of the box in new ways to have dates. Reoccurring, regular date nights are just not in the cards.
And dates don’t always happen at night around here. If the girls are at summer camp, that’s prime time for an impromptu date. It doesn’t matter if it’s fast food, going on a walk together, or just staying at home. Spending time together one-on-one is what it’s all about.
Last week I found inspiration for a date in one of the most unexpected places… the Walmart card section! Even more than dates post kids is exchanging cards with my husband.
While I love reading the witty and sarcastic humor of online cards, when going in stores it’s unusual that I find something that makes me laugh. And I really want to laugh! If I’m a tough sell on cards, my husband is even harder because of his dry, sarcastic sense of humor. Even so, when I saw the huge Funny Zone sign down the Hallmark aisle, I couldn’t resist taking a peek. Then the signs for the limited edition BuzzWorthy cards drew me in. At only $1.97 each, these definitely fit the budget so I concocted a creative date idea…using cards!
Our girls have enjoyed several summer camps this year, so when my husband is working from home and our schedules allow, we can carve out a little mid-day date. This time, with cards. While shopping, I had identified a theme and opening these in order in sort of a scavenger hunt/mystery style seemed fun!
I told you my husband is a tough sell on the cards but he was pretty amused by a date themed around cards. The first card set the tone and the front said, “Why do they only make holograms that dance and sing?” and then inside it says, “Because I could really use one to babysit my kids.”
Card number 2 was propped up near a glass of beer and for that I got a confused look…until my husband read the card. Now that a theme had emerged, drinks were covered, and the smell of food was wafting through the air, my husband could only imagine the message on the third card.
While all the cards I gave him were appropriate, being a space geek and lover of chili cheese fries he deemed the third card his favorite. It wasn’t fancy, sophisticated, or elaborate but I put some thought and effort into making a fun and creative lunchtime date that my husband definitely appreciated.
Ready for your own at home date? Check out my man (and woman) pleasing Chili Cheese Fries recipe!
Chili Cheese Fries
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large red onion chopped
- 5 cans dark red kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can RO*TEL
- 1 pkg. chili seasoning mix
- 1 pkg. extra crispy frozen french fries
- cheese shredded
- optional toppings: sour cream green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to instructions on french fries.
- Brown ground beef over medium heat until halfway cooked.
- Add onions to meat and continue cooking until onions are translucent.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes and chiles, and seasoning mix to pot and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Lower heat to low and simmer until desired consistency.
- While chili is simmering, bake french fries according to directions.
- Once french fries are cooked, top with chili, cheese, and other additional toppings and serve!
- **There will be a large amount of chili leftover that you can use for additional meals.**
What creative ideas do you use for dates?
Such a cute idea for a date! Your chili cheese fries looking amazing.
Awe, that is such a unique and cute idea, I love it!!! Also, now I really want those chili cheese fries!! 🙂
I love cards like that. I enjoy giving them to my husband when he is leaving for travels, I hide them in his suitcase for surprises.
So creative, my kids go to my in-laws monthly and some times my husband and I would rather stay in and veg. This sounds like so much fun! And we love chili cheese fries.
I always love it when my husband gives me cards, he picks the best ones, and writes the best notes inside. BTW, those fries looks delish! We haven’t been too creative lately, but we should. We like to choose new places to go eat for date night, when we do have one.
That recipe looks awesome! I want to try it, my husband will love it. I was dying to know what was inside the planet like earth card, so glad you showed it (and haha! fake earth!)
What a fun date night idea. I want some of those cheese fries.
That is definitely a unique date idea!
I love this date idea. I love that Hallmark has a rewards program too.
What a fun idea! I hear you on the no babysitter and lack of date nights. It is so hard to get away. But I love the idea of getting creative and using what time you do have together as a date.
I totally love how you keep things interesting over there! This is such a neat idea, and my gosh do those fries look good!
I love to stock up on cards with the hallmark rewards program! It’s so fun to find that perfect card for your family and friends.
Those chili cheese fries look delicious. I could go for some right now!
We have the same (not so great) record of real dates for the past almost six years. We usually go out on special occasions and never seem to make the time otherwise. Daytime dates are going to have to start happening now that my daughter is starting kindergarten soon! Yay!
This is was too funny and fun–love how they all fit perfectly together for a perfect date idea! My hubby would so love the hologram card–very much his sense of humor as well! And yumm! Definitely going to have to try those cheese fries! #client
Great idea! I would say we have’t even had one hand worth of dates in the last few years. It’s tough…but I love how you made home fun! And those cheese fries look awesome!
this is a unique idea!! I love it! Esp cheese with fries!! 🙂