Fit n Busy Mama Takes Time for Daddy....and Other Valentines Shenanigans

V-Day is coming up next week so I figured it was time to write a blog for this special holiday.  Some people loathe this holiday and others cherish it.  Me?  I love Valentine's Day.  Growing up I remember my mom always had special Valentines Day presents or candy for us when we got home from school.  Now that I'm married, my husband is a BOSS at making me feel special on this holiday (and any other holiday for that matter) and I love having fun surprises for my kiddos when they get home from school. 




So, I'll start with how to cherish this holiday with your spouse.  Every busy mama has to remember that we are also wives and we should put our husband's needs ahead of the kiddos.  This is REALLY HARD, I'm not gonna lie.  It is much easier to take care of the kids and let your husband "fend for himself", after all he's a big boy right?  I have to make a conscious effort every day to do this, it doesn't just happen naturally.

Let's start by being positive about this holiday.  After all, it's a great excuse to have some quality time with your loved one.  Even if you don't have a lot of money, it's just about taking some time out to intentionally spend time together.  If you're like me, you don't need expensive gifts, just a romantic night (out or in) with your spouse is all you need! 

Here is what my husband and I are doing for Valentines:
1.  We reserved a room at the Mayo Hotel hotel Friday night (at a discounted rate).

2.  Dinner reservations at the hotel's restaurant, Trula.
3.  Then from there we may make our way over to the Vintage Wine Bar or other spot downtown.

Yes we've only been married 5 & 1/2 years but I really hope we still celebrate this holiday even if it's been 25 years!  You don't have to go extravagant, it's the thought that counts.  Don't get caught up on feeling like you have to celebrate on V-Day.  Anytime in the month of February works, whatever is most convenient for you and your family.  Here are some other ideas for celebrating VDay with your spouse or loved one:

• Dinner out - make sure to make reservations ASAP!  I recommend not going out ON VDay just because restaurants are overcrowded and you won't get as good service (I know I'm old).

• Get take out from your favorite nice restaurant.  Enjoy when kids go to bed - only way this would work for us...
• Eat dinner at home then go out for dessert and coffee (or dessert cocktail)

 (pic from our V-Day last year.  We went out just for carrot cake and chocolate martini's at Mahogany's!)

• Cook dinner together and enjoy a quiet evening in.  This will probably only work if you don't have little ones in your home, unless you wait until they're in bed.  
• Bake a cake or some make chocolate covered strawberries.  Enjoy with a bottle of wine.
• Make your spouse their favorite dinner food as a surprise.
• Go to the ballet - at the Tulsa PAC, they have a special showing of Romeo and Juliet this weekend and maybe through Valentine's Day.

Ok, I have a couple AWESOME recipes for some dessert ideas to make on (or around) VDay, whenever you decide to actually celebrate.

Clean Eating Chocolate Chip Cookies (from the Gracious Pantry)

Ingredients
2/3 cup almonds
1/3 cup cooked oatmeal
3 tbsp. agave or honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup grain sweetened chocolate chips (or dairy free chips)
Note: If you don’t want to use the chocolate chips, they could be very easily substituted with raisins, nuts or dried fruits of any kind.


Directions

Step 1 – Mix everything except the chocolate chips in the food processor. You should have a nice wet, sticky dough when you’re done.

Step 2 – Using your spatula, scrape dough into your mixing bowl and mix in chocolate chips.

Step 3 – Spoon onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Step 4 – Bake for 20 minutes.For a special V-Day touch, use heart shaped cookie cutters or shape them yourself before you stick them in the oven.  

Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries

 

• 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried very well

Directions

Alternatively, melt the chocolates in a microwave at half power, for 1 minute, stir and then heat for another minute or until melted.

Once the chocolates are melted and smooth, remove from the heat. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Set strawberries on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries.
Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

Chocolate Walnut Brownies (adapted from Eat Clean Cookbook)

3/4 c unsweetened baking chocolate, 70% or darker
1/2 c natural sugar cane (sugar in the raw or stevia even)
1/3 c unsweetened apple sauce
3 egg whites + 2 whole eggs
1/4 c espresso coffee or extra strong brewed regular coffee, cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/4 c cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 c raw unsalted walnut halves, toasted and chopped

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Spray no-stick spray in 9x9 pan
• Melt chocolate by microwaving in microwave safe glass or ceramic bowl on 50% power for 1 minute.  Stir and cook 1 more minute.  Stir and continue this pattern until chocolate is melted.
• In mixer, beat sugar, applesauce, eggs, coffee, & vanilla.  When well combined, add melted chocolate.  Set aside.  
• Combine dry ingredients in a separate large bowl - flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.  Use a whisk. 
• Add wet to dry ingredients.  Stir until well combined.  Add walnuts and mix in well.
• Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
• Remove from oven.  Let cool before cutting.

Ok, that was how to celebrate with your spouse.  How about your kiddos and those valentines cards you need for class?

• First is a printable pack of lots of great Valentine's coloring and learning pages from
  2TeachingMommies

click here to get to the Valentines printables.  I printed these for my 4 y.o and he has thoroughly enjoyed them. 

• Have your kiddos help you make a valentines dessert for dad.
• Go to a mommy/daddy and me cooking class.  Urban kitchen on cherry street right now has a Living Social deal for $30 for a 2 hour cooking class.  Click here to see deal.
• Give naturally sweet valentines treats for friends.  Thank you Lucinda for showing me this great idea.  Pinterest is such a fun place and there are tons of cute ideas like this for Valentines Day:

 This blog has some very cute (naturally sweet) DIY ideas for VDay!

Well that's about it for now!  I hope you all enjoy your valentine's day, and be sure to make time for your spouse, despite how busy you are!!!