Thank you Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups for sponsoring this post. Treat your SOUP-er significant other to a delicious meal!
Once you become a parent, you tend to have less and less “me” time, and you tend to have less and less time to go out with your husband/wife/significant other. One thing David and I have tried to make a priority is our date nights. We try to take time once a week to go have dinner and focus on each other. Now, that doesn’t always happen, and finding a babysitter every week can be tough – and pricy. I’m going to share a few, fun ways to have date nights at home!
- Cook a simple meal together. David and I have so much fun in the kitchen together. He tends to not take anything very seriously, and it’s so funny to watch him follow recipes. Fun story: the first month we were dating, he went to the grocery store, shopped for everything for this super complicated recipe, and made me dinner all on his own. He even used a blender to make a tarragon sauce! So cute. So recreating a night like that is so much fun for us, and it’s WAY easier when we use Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups. In just five minutes, and with a little water, we get the flavorful, slow-cooked taste of restaurant-quality soup at home. Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups are available in four delicious varieties: Loaded Potato, Creamy Potato, Cheddar Broccoli and Cheddar Potato. My favorite is the Creamy Potato Idahoan Steakhouse Soup! The best part? We don’t have a mountain of dishes; nothing can ruin a night quite like a sink full of dishes! Turn on a movie and BAM! Dinner and a movie. (you never know when a mini dance party could pop up, either!)
- Play “Name that Treat”, or Chocolate Box Roulette. With Valentine’s Day approaching, store shelves are going to be stocked with those “mystery” boxes of chocolates. David and I ditch the paper that says what each flavor is, and take turns taking bites of chocolate. Most are delicious, but there are always those few chocolates that are just plain awful. Non-stop giggles will ensue!
- Play a board game. I can’t tell you how much fun it is to have another couple over and play a guys versus girls game. All you need are some drinks and a few easy appetizers, and you’re set for a great double-date!
- Do a puzzle together. This one is going to sound a little silly. But if there’s a puzzle in the room, David and I are there. It’s so fun, so intense, and such a great feeling when you’re done. David and I tend to act like it’s timed, and race to find the right piece, and celebrate with the most intense high fives when we finally get a tricky middle part done!
- Watch a movie outside. This is one of our favorites when it’s warmer. We put the girls to bed, and bring the baby monitor out with us on the patio, and turn on a movie. We have the luxury of living in a remote area, so we get to see so many stars. Pro tip: cozy blankets and string lights can really transform a space from your backyard to a magical night “out”.
I think my favorite part about nights “in” are the stress-free factor! You don’t need to find a babysitter, there are no lines or crowds, and you never run the risk of things selling out 😉
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Rose says
What a fun night this would be. It would be even better if I could do this every week. I usually cook so a couple in the kitchen night would be fun. We haven’t played a game together in a long time either.
Jenna says
David almost never cooks, so it’s so much fun to get him in the kitchen! 🙂
Sian Ryan says
I love the idea of a night in the garden with string lights and blankets! especially getting to lay and look at the stars ????
Jenna says
Right?? So many simple things can make something very romantic!!
Emily Fata, www.EmulatingEmily.com says
These are great ideas for keeping date nights at home, and not spending too much money to have a great time with your partner! 🙂
Jenna says
Exactly! 🙂
Jehava says
Awesome ideas! Gotta try their products
Jenna says
Thanks!! And yes, you do!!
Elizabeth Mayberry says
WE play bored games all the time! WE’ve also got some great two player games that my husband and I love to play together! Also this soup looks SOOO good! I could go for a bowl right now! haha.
Jenna says
Oh so fun! We get so competitive with board games – it’s hilarious!
Megan B says
I needed this! My boyfriend and I LOVE staying in but we do need to make it a date night here and there. 🙂 Wonderful list!
Jenna says
Yes! That way it doesn’t become a “staying in rut” 🙂 keep it fun!
Arin says
These are such great ideas. I’m such a homebody so date night in is my thing!
Jenna says
haha same here!!
Dana says
Absolutely adorable! And I agree board games are so much fun!!
Jenna says
Such a blast!
Evelyn, PathofPresence says
Love this idea! It can be stress-less to stay in: all your loved one under one roof. With the added bonus that you are living life as a date, it can be a fairy tale come true!! Thanks for the tips ????????
Jenna says
Oh yes! Great way to look at it! 🙂 you’re welcome!!
Drake Conan says
What a cute idea for date night at home. It makes me think to have a surprise for my wife.
Jenna says
She’d love it!!
Erica Ardali says
I love the idea of having a date night at home. Now that the kids are out of the house we should do this more often
Jenna says
Oh yes!!! You can get really creative with it then, too!
Elizabeth O says
I am such a fan of at home date nights, they are always the ones that make me the most happy. I love this idea. I also really love your cutlery and bowls lol
Jenna says
They’re so causal but still memorable, right? And thank you!!
Luci says
I have seen those soups at the store and they look so good. Defiantly will have to try one for my family, I know they will love it.
Jenna says
Yes! They’re super easy to make on a busy weeknight, too!
Meghna says
We love board games too. I love your suggestions.
Jenna says
They can be so fun and competitive! Haha!
Jordan says
Chocolate box roulette sounds SO fun! I’ll have to give that one a try soon!
Jenna says
Ha! You’ll love it! It’s so funny when you get a gross one!!
Martina says
Love these soups! So easy to make and so yummy!
Jenna says
Exactly! So fun, too!
Ellie says
So many great ideas! And way better than sitting in silence after the kids go to bed, and just watching Tv!
Amy Blake says
Great ideas! My husband and I need to do more at dates at home. We hardly ever get to got go as it is.
Jenna says
Yes! This makes a night home way more fun 😉
Rachael b says
Omg this stuff looks delicious and simple! I need to get some for my house! I know it will be a hit! Btw I love your kitchen!!
Jenna says
Thank you so much!! And simple, hearty meals are my jam!
JEM says
Perfect idea especially for this season
Jenna says
Couldn’t agree more!!
Cait says
Such great ideas! Especially since 90% of our date nights are at home because of our small kids!
Jenna says
Yes!! We are in the same boat!
Jessica says
Game nights are so fun! We should totally start doing that more often! Sometimes I wish I still had a wii so I could compete against Eric in bowling haha.