House Guest Etiquette 101

If you are lucky enough to be invited to a friend or family member’s beach house or lake house this summer, be sure you are an excellent house guest, so that you will get invited back! (Or at the very least, keep your friendship!)  

We’ve put together a couple tips and tricks on what we think it means to be a good house guest and the common thread is to be respectful and courteous of your host’s home, and leave as little trace and work for the host as possible.  

Chances are that the host has invited you because they enjoy your company, not because they are interested in serving you, right? So here are some tips! 

 

Communicate Needs or Preferences Upon Accepting the Invitation 

As soon as you have been invited and when you reply that you accept, make sure the host is aware of any allergies or special needs you may have.  If you have a severe peanut allergy or gluten allergy that may cause the host to have to adjust their cooking or preparation, you should let them know when you accept and make it contingent upon that being okay with them.  The last thing you want to do is let your host know later and it be an inconvenience or imposition. 

Your reply might look like this: “Thank you so much for the invitation! I am thrilled that you have invited me.  I wanted to let you know however, that I have a peanut allergy and that food preparation must be nut-free.  Will it still work for you to have me? I understand if not and wanted you to know beforehand. I am happy to help with food shopping and preparation, I just wanted to make you aware.”  That way, the host can prepare, or they have an out. 

 

Arrange your own transportation 

Whether you are arriving by air, train, or boat, we recommend trying to arrange your own transportation to the home where you are staying. Hosts are often busy getting the house ready for their guests, so if you can take the burden of transport off them, your host may feel more relaxed and be more welcoming. Try Uber, renting a car, or taxi.  

 

Bring a gift 

Show your appreciation and thoughtfulness by bringing a hostess gift.  You are saving money by not being in a hotel or Airbnb so spend just a little money here. Even if the person you are staying with is family or a close friend, it’s good etiquette to bring a small token of your gratitude. At More Than Paper, we have a variety of gifts for the lake hostess and the beach hostess. Check out some of our favorites here. 

 

            FOR LAKE HOSTESSES: 

1.     We like this “Better Lake Than Never” big and bold notepad. Measuring 5.5 x 8.5” this 200 sheet notepad is functional and cute and works great for jotting down quick notes at the lake house. It’s a thoughtful gift! 

2.     Frosted Cups personalized with the host/hostess’s monogram or Lake House name make a great hostess gift! Choose from a variety of motifs and fonts to make it personal: 

3.     We like these personalized rope tote bags that are charming and versatile. The canvas bag is perfect for the lake and trips around town! 

 

FOR THE BEACH HOUSE HOSTESS 

1.     We love this “Beach House” Chunky notepad as a gift for the beach house hostess. With 300 sheets, it is available with or without lines and can be personalized with whatever island or beach name you’d like! 

2.     These nautical themed personalized like-linen guest towels are a luxurious gift that make a great hostess gift: 

3.     These “Beach Please” foam cups are another cute item for the beach hostess. They would work great in a larger basket full of other “beach” themed items: 

4.     Another idea for the beach hostess is this “beach girl” cosmetic bag that the hostess can use for personal items inside their beach bag. The 5 x 7” size is great for storing all sorts of items like lip balm or a cell phone and has a zippered closure for safe keeping! 

 

Clean Up After Yourself 

This likely goes without saying that you will take your dishes to the sink and not expect to be waited on hand and foot.  Extend this “clean up after yourself” tip to making sure that you don’t leave your belongings all over the house where you are staying.  Your shoes, computer, phone charger, etc. should all be stored neatly in your room and not scattered about the house. Bring your towel inside and hang it up in your bathroom.  This includes making your bed every day.  Offer to do household chores to help out, such as loading / unloading the dish washer or take out the trash. 

 

Offer to Cook 

While staying in someone’s house for several days, it’s nice to offer to cook one night and take the burden off the host. Door dash or Instacart the groceries you need, after checking your menu with the host to make sure it’s okay. (Or, if you have rented a car, make a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up your ingredients). Taking one meal off the host is a great idea that will surely get you closer to an invitation another time! 

 

Offer to change linens 

Offer to take off your bed linens and bring to the laundry room on the day of your departure. You should also bring used towels, as well.  If the host has a spare set of sheets for the bed that you were sleeping on, you can offer to put a clean set on. Anything you can do to contribute is a good idea. 

 

Write a thank you note

Always, always, always write a thoughtful thank you note immediately upon returning home. Take the time to get out your stationery and hand write a note.  The best thank you notes are specific.  Recall funny moments or your favorite parts of the trip.  Recount special meals that you had or highlights of your adventures. The more detail that you use, the more thoughtful and heartfelt the note will become.  (Need stationery? You’ve come to the right place. Shop all stationery for adults at More Than Paper by visiting here! )

 

True that a lot of these tips may seem like overkill.  The chances are that your host will reject many of them – but by simply offering to do them, they will feel like you are an active guest and not someone who expects to be waited on.  Focus your time on the quality time with your host and enjoy your stay! How lucky are you to be at someone’s beach or lake house.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packing for the PERFECT Pool Day

Summer is here and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spend at least a few days this season poolside.  There’s nothing like a good book, the sounds of children squealing (or maybe music is more your speed), the smell of burgers at the grill, toes in the water, and sunshine on your face. It never gets old!  Here at More Than Paper, we have a few tips for packing for your next pool day to ensure your day is great.   One of our favorite tips is to have your pool bag stocked and ready to go – so at any time, you could just go to the pool or beach without much effort. Store it in the front hall closet or by the door so if the moment strikes you – you are able to go.  

Bag Essentials 

Keep everything in one large bag that you can easily transport. You will want to select a bag that is large enough for towels, books, magazines, snacks, and water bottle. Keep your essentials like sunscreen, phone, keys, and wallet safe and dry by packing them in a waterproof bag or pouch that fits inside. At More Than Paper, we have a variety of large tote bags that work perfectly for the pool.  Most popular are our large canvas tote bags.  See them all here: 

 

Lather Up 

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is critical and you will want to be prepared. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. We recommend using a multi-step approach to sunscreen (yes, really!)  First, lather with the cream version before you leave for the pool.  Re-apply with the spray version when you arrive.  (Double-duty!) Use a stick for facial sunscreen as it tends to cover your face better.  Don’t forget sunglasses to shield your eyes (they are not just for fashion) and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and scalp. Store all your sunscreen in one dopp kit bag that is easily accessible like this one: 

 

Stay Hydrated 

Hydration is key in the sun and summer heat. Be sure to bring a water bottle and keep drinking! If you are indulging in any adult beverages, make sure you have a 1:1 ratio at least of adult beverages to water. These custom engraved 32-ounce water bottles are perfect for the pool this summer. They come in a variety of colors and design styles for your engraving. 

 

Towels

Don’t forget the towels! We love a thick, absorbent towel that does double duty on uncomfortable lounge chairs.  At More Than Paper, we have a variety of personalized towels that are great additions to your pool bag. This “Big Name” towel stands out from the crowd, and we love the bright and cheery yellow and white stripes. The towel is sized 30” x 60”, too – so it is nice and big!

 

Flip Flops or Pool Shoes 

Slip into a pair of comfortable flip flops or pool shoes like Crocs to protect your feet from hot surfaces and to easily transition from the pool to other areas without getting your feet dirty. Lots of germs at pools, especially in some locker room-style showers so protect your feet! 

 

Entertainment 

Whether you enjoy reading a book, listening to music, or playing games, don't forget to pack some options that will enhance your day.  We always bring a combination of magazines and books and always have music, but you may prefer something different. Just don’t forget what makes you happy. 

 

Change of Clothes & Wet Bag 

No one likes a wet bathing suit on the ride home from the pool so before you head back home, change into dry clothes.  Be sure to pack a smaller, waterproof bag that you can store your wet bathing suit and clothes in. A zip lock bag will work just fine. 

 

Snacks & Drinks 

No one likes to go hungry and having snacks on hand at the pool is a must.  Consider packing a small cooler of fruit, dried fruit, salty snacks, or even sandwiches.  We have some great lunch cooler bags that can be personalized and work perfectly for these hot summer days. This small cooler has a zippered closure to secure items inside. The bag is water resistant and insulated inside to keep things cool.  

 

There you have it! With these simple tips, your pool day should be perfect.  Here’s to enjoying the summer. 

Packing for the Perfect Boat Day!

It’s May and with Memorial Day behind us, the unofficial start of summer is here. With school out or about to be out, there is generally less pressure on families with less hectic schedules and a carefree feeling ushers in….. we can almost feel it! Though you may work and still must grind on, we hope that you find a few days (or weeks!) here and there to enjoy the summer season. Whether you are at the beach, the pool, or on the boat, here’s to Summer 2024 being your best one yet. 

 

One of our favorite summer activities is going on the boat with our family.  We have compiled some tips and tricks learned over the last few years to ensure a smooth boat day. From jelly fish stings to hungry kids, you don’t want to be left stranded!  Whether you are a seasoned pro or just getting out on the water for the first time this summer, follow these tips. 

 

Check the tides & plan your route accordingly! 

One of the best sources to check the tides is the government website, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov and click on your state and nearest location.  If you are planning on hitting the sandbar, you will want to make sure that low tide aligns with the time you will be there, otherwise you will miss it!  Along those lines, if you need a high tide to get into a dock or channel for where you are going for lunch, make sure you check the tides ahead of time.  

 

Pack your bag!  

You will want to have a variety of things on hand such as sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, and sting reliever. Jelly fish stings really take the fun out of the day, so be prepared. You may want to pack meat tenderizer, which is an old tried and true method for relieving the pain from jelly fish stings. We also suggest you pack a hat and sunglasses. 

 

When choosing your bag, consider this lightweight and durable canvas tote.  It features a detachable shoulder strap with brass clips designed to make carrying easier. This bag can be personalized with your name, monogram, or initials. 

Another classic bag are these totes that were specifically made with boats in mind!  They come in two sizes and have zippered closures to keep your items secure:

Pack your cooler!  

Of course, you will want to make sure that everyone stays hydrated and is well fed during your boating adventure.  Be sure to pack a lot of water! Have on hand several beverage options for kids – juice, soda, or sports drinks. For adults, we like to pack a variety of adult beverages, including beer and spiked seltzers.  We like this stylish box cooler that has a handle strap for easy carrying.  

For food, sandwiches are always a crowd pleaser! Be sure to wrap sandwiches in tinfoil and then store in a plastic bag that zips tight (so no water can get in!  No one likes a soggy sandwich).  This is particularly important if you are placing your sandwiches in the same cooler as your beverages!  We also like cut veggies and fruit, chips, and other snack items to bring on board. 

 

Here are some other lunch ideas: 

-       Protein Rich Salads – use plastic mason jars (glass is not a good idea on the boat!) filled with salad layers. Insert lettuce, protein, veggies. Add salad dressing right before and don’t forget the forks! 

-       Vegetarian Sushi Rolls – using nori sheets, sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, and other favorite fillings, create sushi rolls for the boat! 

-       Chicken lettuce wraps – diced cooked teriyaki chicken in large lettuce cups drizzled with sauce! 

-       Caprese Skewers – put cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and store in a Tupperware container. Keep on ice until you are ready to serve. 

-       Fruit Skewers are another great idea for a refreshing boat snack! 

 

You can even pack a separate cooler with sandwiches and keep them away from the drink cooler! This large lunch cooler is 9.5” x 13.5” x 5.5” and is large enough for several sandwiches and fruit/veggie items. The insulated lining will help keep your items cool and ready to eat when you are. 

Pack your boat gear! 

Make sure you have lifejackets on hand for every single person on board and make sure that your youngest ones are wearing lifejackets at all times, especially if the law requires it. If you are tubing or wake boarding, don’t forget the tube and wake board but also all the extra “stuff” that goes along with it such as your tow rope and inflating device and power adapter. (Nothing worse than lugging the tube onto the boat, only to need to inflate it and have forgotten the adapter/device to inflate it!) 

 

Bring your portable speaker!

In case the onboard audio system is having difficulty, have a back-up plan with a portable speaker where you can blast your favorite tunes. Music sets the tone for a fun boat day! 

 

Protect your skin!

Most folks love the breeze that zipping through the water on the boat provides. But what that breeze does is make you forget how strong the sun’s rays are! Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and apply before taking off. Large hats with ways to secure them to your head (think adjustable hats or ones with straps) are also good to help block the rays. And don’t forget your sunglasses!

 

With these tips, we hope you have a smooth and memorable boat day with your family and/or friends. Enjoy being out on the water and that carefree summer feeling.  We cannot wait!

  

 

Spring Break Packing

As we move out of the colder months, you may be getting ready for an exciting time of year -- SPRING BREAK!  Whether you have school aged children, are a young single adult, or retired with grandchildren, this time of year is popular for traveling.  From a beach destination, exploring a new city, or embarking on a hiking adventure, packing smartly will help ensure a stress-free vacation.  We love to travel and love the feeling of packing for a new adventure. Here are some of our tried-and-true tips for packing. 

 

Organize your itinerary. 

Create a folder or binder of all your reservations and plans. Include your airline ticket confirmation, your hotel, museum, and any attraction tickets that you have purchased in advance.  Include any restaurant reservation confirmations, too. It’s a good idea to have a hard paper copy! This will help you lay out what you need when it comes to what to pack because you will be refreshed on all that you have ahead.

 

Create a list of what you need. 

Write it all down! Think about how many dressy outfits you will realistically need.  Think about whether you need hiking or walking shoes, if you need a bathing suit, and then be sure to look at the weather.  Include things like umbrellas or rain gear if you may need it. It’s always a good idea to pack for all types of weather since you truly never know what you will get.  (Need some notepad recommendations? We have some cute ones. See the end of this post.) 

 

Have the right luggage.

Sometimes the luggage itself needs to be evaluated. If you are traveling for longer than a week, you may need a larger suitcase that will need to be checked. If it’s a week or under, we’re confident that you can get it all in a carry-on bag.  A carry-on bag is ideal for so many reasons especially if you have a connection since that’s when bags tend to get lost.  If you are traveling to a destination where you need a lot of dressy clothes such as a cruise, you may want a garment bag to store all your handing items! (Of course, at More Than Paper – we have one or two that we can recommend.  See the end of this post!)  

 

Organize your luggage.

Use packing cubes or compression bags to keep your luggage organized and maximize space. This also just keeps things organized by packing like things with other similar things.  For example, you can have a packing cube that’s entirely for workout clothes. Another can be for for swimsuits and undergarments.  Consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space and prevent wrinkles. There are some innovative folding and packing methods on social media. 

 

Bring travel-sized toiletries.

To save space in your luggage and meet airline requirements, pack travel-sized toiletries or invest in reusable travel containers to transfer your favorite products. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent if needed.  At More Than Paper, we have a variety of small cosmetic bags or dopp kits to store all your toiletries in.  (Check out the end of this post where we round up some of our favorites!)  

 

Charge up your devices and pack your entertainment! 

Don't forget to pack entertainment for downtime during your trip. Bring a book, e-reader, or download movies or podcasts to an iPad keep yourself entertained while traveling or relaxing.  Pack all the necessary chargers that go with your devices which sometimes can be a great feat! Include a dedicated pouch or case where you can safely store all your chargers (our canvas cosmetic bags are perfect for this!).   

 

Journal or blog!

Another great idea is to bring a journal on your travels.  Jot down all your insights and observations, restaurants that you enjoyed, and store museum tickets or other memorabilia inside. Years later, you may love looking back on all that you did beyond your photos.  

 

 

Here are some of our travel favorites! 

 

Travel notepad: 

 

Garment bag: 

 

Cosmetic Cases: 

 

Tech Stuff: 

School Lunches

 For the last few years, we’ve been buying school lunch, but the price kept rising ($8 per lunch x 4 kids, we were spending $500-$600 per month on school lunch!)  Plus, the quality of offerings had really gone downhill. (Most irritating were the days we paid $8 per lunch for “cereal bar.” Of course, it was their favorite day!) 

A few months ago, we started packing lunch but we’re in a terrible rut.  In an effort to save even more money, we’re also working on packing adult lunches since the cost of going out to eat every day for lunch was REALLY adding up. 

 

The team at More Than Paper set off to turn it around with school lunches and adult lunches and solve the problem. Let’s start with the kids – we know packing a healthy and appealing lunch feels like an incredibly daunting task but with these tips, maybe we all can provide our kids with nutritious meals that they will enjoy! (Though our money is on that they will always love the cereal bar.) 

 

SCHOOL LUNCH 

Creator: VeselovaElena | Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

• Bento Box Fun. Bento boxes are a fun and versatile way to pack a variety of foods in one container. You can include a mix of fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains to ensure your child gets a well-rounded meal. Think of colorful options like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, cheese cubes, whole grain crackers, and berries. 

 

• Wrap It Up. Wrap sandwiches are a great alternative to traditional bread sandwiches and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Use whole grain, tomato, or spinach wraps and fill them with lean proteins like turkey or grilled chicken, along with lettuce, tomato, and a spread like hummus or avocado. 

 

• DIY Lunchables. The store-bought Launchable are full of sodium and sugar and you can create your own version of the popular by assembling whole grain crackers, cheese slices, lean deli meats, and some fruit or veggie sticks. Not much different than a Bento Box here, but kids really like whatever dessert option is packed. 

 

• Protein-Packed Salads. Salads don't have to be boring! Create protein-packed salads by adding grilled chicken strips, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or tofu to a mix of greens and veggies. Include a tasty dressing in a separate container for your child to drizzle on top. 

 

• Leftover Remix. If they liked last night’s dinner, won’t they like it for lunch?  If they are temperature sensitive, find out if your school cafeteria has a microwave and if it feasible for your children to use it. If this is something your children might enjoy regularly, consider making extra for lunch when you make dinner. This sounds like the simplest of all the options to us! 

 

When it comes to what to put all of these good ideas into to transport lunch to school, More Than Paper has a variety of lunch bag options.  This one here is perfect for your daughter who’s a bit older and has outgrown one with a lot of designs. 

 

The sturdy canvas bag is insulated and has a zippered closure, so your lunch doesn’t fall out.  Conveniently, the bag has an outside pocket that you can store a phone or small wallet in.  The bag is personalized with embroidery using initial(s), monogram, or name. You select the font and thread colors to be used – there are endless combinations to make it yours. 

 

We’ve carried these lunch sacks for years and they are also a great option for kids. 

 

 

ADULT LUNCH 

Photo used from Denise via: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/taco-salad-recipe/

Going out to lunch every day at work also adds up in a big way, so it’s cost effective to pack your lunch at the office a few days a week.  My husband and I aren’t interested in Bento boxes or Lunchables, so we went on a search for adult lunch options, too. Here’s what we found for some ideas: 

 

• Grain bowl: Combine quinoa, brown rice, or farro with a variety of toppings such as roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or tofu, avocado slices, and a drizzle of tahini or vinaigrette.

 

• Salad Niçoise:  Try a French-inspired salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, boiled potatoes, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and seared tuna or canned tuna in olive oil, drizzled with vinaigrette.

 

• Stuffed Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of cooked quinoa or rice, ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are soft and the filling is heated through. 

 

• Mediterranean Platter:  Assemble hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, pita bread, olives, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing and satisfying lunch with a variety of flavors.

 

• Taco Salad: Build a taco salad with a base of mixed greens or shredded lettuce topped with seasoned ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.

 

• Asian Noodle Bowl: Prepare an Asian noodle bowl with cooked soba or rice noodles, stir-fried vegetables, tofu or shrimp, and a savory soy-ginger sauce garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

 

• Caprese Sandwich:  Enjoy a classic Caprese sandwich with sliced fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto on crusty ciabatta bread for a simple yet delicious lunch option.  Even better? We recommend putting this sandwich in the panini press (or grill) to make the version hot and melty. 

 

When it comes time to the lunch bag itself, we love this lunch sack available at More Than Paper made by CB Station. 

 

Made of waxed canvas, this has a rustic and masculine appearance so it’s perfect for your husband or high school son.  The lunch sack has plenty of space for food, snacks, or a soda can and can be rolled up for easy transportation when finished. (Here’s to hoping your son doesn’t lose it!)  

 

The sack features a water-resistant, reinforced bottom, a buckle top closure, and is USDA approved insulation for hot and cold temperatures.  Choose from personalization options such as single initials, a line of text, two initials, or a monogram, along with selecting the typestyle and thread color for the personalization to make it yours. 

 

We hope that your lunch time gets a little less expensive, more creative, and more exciting and that your days of paying $8 for cereal bar are gone with these tips and inspiration.  Share your comments about what successes (and failures) you have had packing school lunch here, or on our Facebook page! 

 

Happy Lunching!  

Valentine's Day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day is embraced by some and hated by others.  Into which camp do you fall? Often criticized as being manufactured and overly commercialized, many of the “haters” complain that they feel forced to spend money or that the money they spend can been seen as a reflection of how much they love their partner.  It doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some ways that you can honor those that you love on February 14th without breaking the bank.   By focusing on meaningful gestures and quality time, you can create a memorable and love-filled day. Let's explore some creative and budget-friendly ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day. 

Love Notes and Letters

Words have the power to convey immense love and emotions. Instead of purchasing expensive cards, opt for DIY, at-home versions using materials that you have on hand. Creating handwritten love notes or heartfelt letters will be SO well received.  Here are some tips when writing to your loved one. 

• Start with a heartfelt greeting using their name or nickname 
• Express your love and appreciation sincerely and specifically
• Recall special moments that hold significance for both of you
• Be genuine and avoid clichés, using descriptive language to express your feelings
• Share dreams for the future as individuals and as a couple 
• Consider adding poetic language, songs, or meaningful quotes if it resonates with your emotions 
• Always handwrite the note (don’t type) to keep things personal 
•  End with a loving closing like "Yours forever" or "With all my love"
•  Proofread and revise if needed 

At More Than Paper, we love writing notes to loved ones on personalized stationery or letterhead. They make a treasured note even more sentimental. These are a great option (Classic Letterpress Correspondence Cards Letterpress Card Stationery/Thank You Notes) because you can use them for a variety of occasions. 

 

Dinner at home 

Cliché… but awesome. What about a home-cooked candlelight dinner?

Prepare a dinner at home without the need for an expensive restaurant reservation and go all out.  Cook your partner's favorite meal or try out a new recipe together. Set the mood with candles, soft music, and a beautifully decorated table. If it sounds cliché, that’s because it is.  Seriously, when was the last time you tried it?  Here are some ideas of things to cook. 

 

• ·      Italian Pasta Night: Make homemade or high-quality store-bought pasta with a flavorful sauce. Serve with salad and garlic bread.
• ·    Seafood Feast: Prepare grilled salmon, garlic butter shrimp, or seafood paella. Enjoy with a white wine or champagne.
• ·      Fondue Fun: Have a cheese fondue with bread, veggies, and fruits. For dessert, try a chocolate fondue with strawberries and cake.
• ·      Sushi Night: Make your own sushi rolls with fresh fish, rice, and toppings. Grab a sushi takeout menu and explore the offerings, then copy down some ideas to create some unique rolls. 
• ·      French Cuisine: Cook dishes like Coq au Vin, Ratatouille, or Beef Bourguignon that feel luxurious and out of the ordinary. Serve with a baguette and mashed potatoes for a comforting treat. 
• ·      Decadent Dessert: OK, so not everyone has time or likes to cook. So consider ordering in your favorite meal but make a delicious homemade dessert. One of our favorites is a Gluten Free Chocolate Molten Lava Cake. So easy to make and yummy! We like to serve ours with powdered sugar and slice strawberries!  See recipe below.

Movie Night 

Along those lines, what about a movie night -- but amped up a little for your Valentine? 

Transform your living room into a cozy movie theater. Snuggle up on the couch with blankets, popcorn, and your favorite snacks and choose romantic comedies that everyone is sure to love. Enjoy the films together, share laughter, and create a memorable movie night experience.

There are many romantic comedy movies that have been released over the years.  We love Pretty Woman, When Harry Met Sally, The Proposal, 10 Things I Hate About You, Notting Hill, The Notebook & Bridget Jones's Diary. 

DIY… 

Create personalized love coupons that offer your partner special treats or acts of kindness. These can include a massage, breakfast in bed, a day off from chores, or even a romantic date night of their choice. Let your partner redeem these coupons throughout the year, extending the celebration of love beyond Valentine's Day.

 

Consider a scrapbook filled with memories or a memory jar.  Create a glass jar that you can drop in mementos of different trips, dinners, or activities that you do together.  The time and effort invested in creating these gifts make them truly meaningful and special.  See… it really doesn’t have to cost a lot to show someone that you love them! 

Unique Ideas 

Get outside with your Valentine!  Go for a hike, explore a local park, or visit a nearby beach. Breathe in the fresh air and connect with each other outdoors.  It’s a great way to feel grounded.  Finding a local charity or community organization to offer your time and skills can be another unique way to feel connected and spread love.  Sharing the experience of giving back to the community can deepen your bond and create a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

 

Valentine's Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate love and affection, and it doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. By embracing creativity, thoughtfulness, and quality time, you can create a memorable and meaningful celebration without spending money. Remember, it's the love and effort you put into the day that truly matters. Embrace these budget-friendly ideas and make your Valentine's Day a cherished and heartfelt experience.  Above all, embrace the tradition of writing to your Valentine and write a heartfelt note following our tips. 

 

Share your budget friendly Valentine’s Day ideas on our Facebook page or comment here on our blog! 

 

 

 

Gluten-Free Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

 

Ingredients & Supplies
8 ounces of semisweet chocolate (1.5 cups chocolate chips)
1/4 lb butter (1 stick)

4 eggs

4 T brown sugar

2 t vanilla

1 T cocoa powder

1/8 t salt

white sugar (to coat dishes)

4  six-ounce ramekin or creme brulee dishes (small glass pyrex dessert dishes work great!)

 

Directions

1.      Prepare the ramekins by covering the insides with a thin film of butter, then add enough white sugar to coat the film of butter.  Remove excess sugar.

2.     Melt the chocolate and butter together either in a double boiler or in the microwave.  If using a microwave, heat in 30 second increments and stir well in between.  

3.     Whisk together all of the other ingredients in a separate bowl.  

4.     Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the mixture and whisk together.  The batter will thicken as you whisk it together.  Fill the ramekins 3/4 full, leaving enough room for the cake to rise.  Because the dessert is served straight out of the oven, refrigerate until just before you need them.

5.     Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and put ramekins on a cookie sheet or tray to bake.  You will want to under bake them so that the center stays soft.  If you've refrigerated them beforehand, it will take a little longer, about 15-20 minutes.  If you are baking them right away, 10 to 15 minutes.  TIP: If you refrigerated them, take them out at the beginning of the meal so that they can come closer to room temperature by the time you are ready to bake them.

6.     Check them every 5 minutes or so (and more often near the end) as you don't want to overcook them because then the center isn't soft and runny.

7.     To serve, gently place a plate upside down on the top of the ramekin and then flip over gently removing the ramekin.  Dust with powdered sugar and serve with cut strawberries and/or vanilla ice cream.