Our go to date night meal and childcare conundrums
The date night meal we make on repeat, and why isn’t there a guide for parents?
Hi Friends,
“I wish they had a guide for parents of this stuff” - trying to navigate school programs and districts and care options is insane. I only knew to start looking into some of this stuff and what some of this stuff is even called (like wrap around care) because Bridget (on the SweetPhi team - who is beautifully putting together this newsletter) shared some of the wisdom with me last year and I passed it along to another mom, who echoed my thoughts on wishing there was a guide when we were late night texting!
I laughed when I came across this article appropriately titled “The Summer-Camp Feeding Frenzy Has Already Begun” (The Atlantic) because it is so true. In the evenings I have 10 tabs open looking at different programs… it’s only the beginning of February.
What else is in February? Valentines Day - so let’s distract ourselves by thinking about decadent date night meals and deserts.
Our date night menu:
Nick makes the best steak which he reverse sears - (if you want to step it up a notch, try this steak with mushroom pan sauce)
Salad - side salad or spinach salad
Perfectly roasted potatoes and/or roasted carrots with feta and hot honey
If you don’t want to cook a bunch of different recipes - this slow cooker tomato pot roast is a set it and forget it winner!!
If you need more great ideas for date nights, check out this post
I know that not all couples love to cook together, but it can be so much fun! Check out my tips for couples cooking together
Dessert!
No great meal is complete without dessert and these two deserts are romantic and delicious!
New on the Blog
Meal plan - A week full of easy recipes for everything from meatless Monday to 5-ingredient Friday and beyond.
Heart-shaped cake - re-sharing a seasonal favorite with a PDF with instructions!
Everything I read in January - Phi is sharing all of the great books she read this past month!
Love List - the team shares their favorite finds from around the web. Learn about facial zones, cute Valentine’s Day finds and much more.
Love bug pancakes - how cute are these!? Perfect for Valentine’s Day and great to make with the kids. Your little love bugs :)
Personal Stories
Sam learning to eat with a spoon is a messy endeavor, lol
After the busy week, sushi dinner for the adults, frozen pizza for the kids and cupcakes was sheer perfection.
I’m LOVING our tupperware set
Weekend read/watch:
Last weekend we watched You People on Netflix and loved it!
If you’re looking for a really cute rom-com book The No Show is my recommendation. I LOVED it and marked it as the best book I’ve read all year, and it just came out in paperback this week.
Reader Re-Creations
We love to see what you’re making and these healthy breakfast cookies look delicious!
Your comments and feedback are helpful and appreciated!! If you’ve tried any other recipe on SweetPhi.com, please rate the recipe and leave a comment on the recipe. And if you took some photos, we'd love to see them - you can share on Instagram and we'll add it to our reader recreations
Giveaway!
In January, we asked what your favorite winter soup was on this beef and vegetable soup. Thanks to everyone who entered! The winner is Jennifer Joyce who said:
“My favorite soup is Chicken Cheese soup. It’s a recipe handed down from my mother-in- law, and my entire family loves it!!”
Simply hit reply to claim your prize!
February Giveaway
For our February giveaway, we would love to know - what’s your favorite sheet pan meal? To enter, simply leave a comment on the post for these amazingly delicious sheet pan Greek potatoes with chicken sausage and zucchini.
The winner will get a $25 Amazon or Starbucks gift card - winners choice!
What are your valentine’s day plans this year? Just hit reply and let me know!!
P.S - want to see a quick day in the life video? Check it out here.