February 7, 2019 by Krista

Couples Jenga: The Perfect At Home Date Night Game

This Couple’s Jenga Game idea was originally published in 2015. This article has been republished to maintain relevancy and usability.

Oh, date night. Having date night is the best. Planning date night, not so much. But, relationships take work and skipping date night isn’t the best long game solution. Cue up the at home date! Add a fun game and date night is exciting again. And this Couples Jenga Game is PERFECT. Simple, inexpensive, fun and intimate. Just what date night should be!

AT HOME DATE: COUPLE’S JENGA GAME

COUPLE’S JENGA – AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT GAME THAT WILL HELP YOU DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Life gets busy. Date nights and alone time are often sporadic. I love my kids and they make our family complete; but, I also treasure the relationship I have with their dad, my husband.

The young adults from years ago who were still discovering the world, themselves and each other are still here. It can be hard to find that woman sometimes in the mess of responsibilities and obligations she has now.

This Couples Jenga Game is perfect for rediscovering the excitement in your relationship. Reminisce and even learn new things about your sweetie while having fun together!

COUPLES JENGA IS THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT GAME FOR COUPLES LOOKING TO GET AWAY FOR A BIT

As nice as it would be to run off for the weekend, that’s not really an option, right? If you’re looking for a way to escape all the responsibilities and stress for a little while, this Couples Jenga date night is perfect! Are you:

stressed out?
tired of people wanting things from you all day?
looking to relax a bit?
a board or card game enthusiast?
on a budget?
wanting a different kind of date night?

If any of those were yes answers, you need a Couples Jenga Date Night!

3 SUPER EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR COUPLES JENGA GAME

Truth bomb. Ready? The hardest part of this project is coming up with ideas of what to write on each block. But, there is a silver lining. Two, actually.

One: I made a set of 60 questions and activities that are ready to print. If you want an easy peasy project, you can find those in my Etsy Shop. There’s even an editable PDF file to help you customize your game as simply as possible.

Two: You can make this game as sweet or saucy as you want. I included a mix of naughty and nice, but you can do whatever would benefit your relationship most.

Okay, let’s do this!

COUPLES JENGA GAME MATERIALS:

Jenga Block Template – Download this from the button below. If you want the Editable PDF template or the Ready-to-Print labels, get them in my Etsy shop.
Jenga Game – Get it on Amazon. You can find knock off versions and they will work (I used a knock off version), but the quality isn’t as good and the blocks may not line well.
Paper and Printer – I recommend standard printing paper* and a laser printer. Ink jet will work too.
Paper Cutter or Scissors – love my Swingline SmartCut. I used both it and a pair of scissors.
Glue – wood, white glue or tacky glue will work best. I used white glue.
Pen or Marker or image editing software – If you’re going to write the questions and activities by hand, I recommend Sharpie Art Pens. The ink is smooth, doesn’t bleed and won’t smear if it gets wet. You can also open the Jenga Block Templates in an image editor and type out your questions and activities before you print.

* Make this project even easier by printing on sticker paper instead. Forget the glue, just peel and stick!

STEP #1: DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR JENGA BLOCK TEMPLATES

Download the free printable templates with the green button below. Save the file to your computer and print with the “actual size” setting. This file is designed to fit a name brand Jenga block, but will work on other blocks too. You will need 2 copies of the template to cover an entire set of Jenga blocks.

* PRO TIP: If you’re going to fill in your block template digitally (on the computer), do it BEFORE you print your template.

* PRO TIP: Check your game for a count of how many blocks you’ll need to cover. Name brand Jenga has 54 blocks. My knock-off set had fewer. Each template page has 30 rectangle labels. You’ll need 2 pages (give or take a few) to cover an entire game set.

STEP #2: FILL OUT AND CUT OUT THE BLOCK TEMPLATES

If you are writing your game prompts out by hand, write one question or activity on each rectangle. You can make these questions and activities as sweet and sentimental or as saucy and sexy as you would like. I did a combination of both sweet and saucy.
Cut out enough labels to cover every block. I used both my paper cutter and a pair of scissors.

STEP #3: GLUE THE COUPLES JENGA GAME PROMPTS ON THE BLOCKS

Glue one game prompt label on each block. A thin strip of glue on all 4 edges of the blank side of each label will give the best results. Smooth out the label with your fingers and let the glue dry completely. This part isn’t hard, but it does take a little time.

* PRO TIP: You just need a thin strip of glue. Don’t use a lot or your labels will wrinkle.

* PRO TIP: Clean up any glue that seeps from under the edges of the labels with a damp cloth or paper towel before it dries.

* PRO TIP: If any of your corners come unglued, secure them back down with a little bit of glue stick or white glue.

COUPLES JENGA: AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT THAT WILL REKINDLE YOUR FIRE!

In just 3 steps and an afternoon, you’ll be ready to light some fireworks on your next date night. Couples Jenga is the PERFECT simple, inexpensive, fun and intimate night you’ve been wanting. So, what are you waiting for? Light those fires, check out of reality for a couple hours and enjoy an evening with your favorite sweetie!

MAKE THIS PROJECT EASIER WITH READY-TO-PRINT COUPLES JENGA BLOCK LABELS!

January 28, 2019 by Krista

DIY Scratch Off Cards that will Spice Up Date Night

Hi there! Are you looking for a fun way to spice up your love life that won’t break the bank? Or maybe you’re searching for a fun DIY gift? Do you ever play the “Well, whatcha wanna do?” game on date night? Do you love scratch off cards – or maybe know someone who does? Then these DIY scratch off cards are just what you are looking for!

In just 8 super easy steps and an afternoon, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind set of DIY scratch off cards that will add a little fun and mystery to date night. They are perfect for romantic gifts or just for a little change of pace.

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS: SPICE UP DATE NIGHT WITH A LITTLE FUN AND MYSTERY

The best part about these DIY scratch off cards are that you can customize them to fit your needs. If date night has become predictable and lost it’s excitement, then something like a Date Night Lotto card would liven things up! Scratch off a square and you have a great date idea without adding a ton of stress or prep to date nights!

Or maybe you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your sweetie or to spice things up in the bedroom a bit? Then a set of Lover’s Lotto or Spicy Lover’s Lotto cards might fill your needs best. Scratch off one of those squares and forget your boring, old routine! Right at your finger tips is a great new romantic idea to fill your evening!

And I’ll give you the blank templates in just a minute! Doesn’t get much easier than that!

(But, if you do want it to get easier, I have pre-filled, ready-to-print cards as well as an editable PDF you can just plug your own ideas into in my Etsy Shop.)

ARE DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS YOUR KIND OF PROJECT?

This project is pretty simple, but it’s not for everyone. So, how do you know if it’s the kind of thing you’re looking for? Who is this post written for? What demographics will benefit from this information? Make an emotional connection and hit a pain point.

Do you enjoy a good, simple DIY project?
Are you looking for a way to liven up your love life?
Do you need a romantic gift idea that doesn’t cost a lot, doesn’t take a ton of time to put together and is something your gift receiver will love?
Are you trying to stick to a budget?

If you said yes to those – or any combination of those – then this project is exactly what you’re looking for.

However, if you’re looking for something RIGHT NOW or don’t like DIY projects this might not be what you’re looking for. (My printable Date Night Jar or printable Truth or Dare: Couple’s Edition bedroom card game might fit your needs better right now. They are literally print and cut and done.)

HOW TO MAKE DIY SCRATCH OFF LOTTO CARDS

With just a few simple supplies and an afternoon, you’ll have custom DIY scratch off cards perfect for your needs. A quick print job, some trimming and laminating, and a splash of paint is all you need to get one step closer to a spicier love life.

And don’t worry, most of the project time is waiting for the paint to dry. While it will take a few hours for your DIY scratch off cards to be all ready to go, you don’t need to carve out a whole afternoon to spend slaving away.

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD SUPPLIES:

Blank scratch off card templates – Print your free blank templates HERE or you can grab all the pre-filled, ready-to-print cards and the editable PDF files to fill in yourself RIGHT HERE)
Printer and Paper
Scissors or paper cutter
Clear contact paper, cold laminating pouches or a thermal laminator and thermal pouches (I absolutely LOVE this thermal laminator starter kit – works great and totally affordable. I have the older model and it still works like a charm.)
Acrylic paint and paintbrush – any color will work, but a metallic paint will look most like a typical scratch off card. Follow your colorful heart, there is no wrong choice.
Paint palette or something to mix your paint on
Dish soap – the kind you hand wash dishes with, not the kind you put in the dishwasher.
Skinny 3mm washi tape – optional

PRINT & FILL IN YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF TEMPLATES

Step #1: Download and print your blank lotto card templates. I recommend printing with a laser printer and on card stock for durability. Ink jet and regular paper will work just fine though.

*If you choose to grab my editable PDF files from my Etsy shop, you’ll want to fill those in before you print them.

Step #2: Fill in the blank templates with a pen or marker. Leave some space around your writing to make sure it won’t stick out from under the paint when you cover them up. You don’t need to leave a lot of space, but try not to write all the way to the borders of the boxes.

COVER AND CUT YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

*If you use laminating pouches or a thermal laminator, you will want to switch steps #3 and #4. Cut the cards apart first and then laminate each individual card. After each card is laminated, cut it apart and trim the cards, if desired.*

Step #3: Cover the front of your lotto card templates with the clear contact paper. You can cover the back too, if you want, but it’s not necessary. This cover will help protect the cards and is how the paint will scratch off your DIY scratch off cards.

Step #4: After the contact paper is on the cards, cut the cards apart. The files are formatted to cut an 8.5″x11″ paper into quarters. You absolutely can cut the cards smaller though. I did trim mine smaller for neater edges and smaller margins.

PREPARE YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS FOR PAINTING

Step #5: If you choose, mask off the edges of the cards. 3mm washi tape is perfect for this! Just put a line of tape on all the grid lines on the card. It’ll keep your paint lines nicer. Repeat with each card.

Step #6: Mix your acrylic paint and dish soap with an approximate 2:1 ratio – 2 parts paint, 1 part dish soap. It’s not rocket science and you don’t have to have precise measurements for this to work, so don’t stress over it.

PAINTING YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

Step #7: Apply a thin layer of paint over the words on your card. Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step #8: Repeat step #7 until you can no longer see the text through the paint. Depending on what color paint you use, you may need 3-5 coats. Let dry overnight once you can no longer see text through the paint layers.

That’s it, your ready to spice things up!

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD TIPS & TRICKS

** A laser printer will keep your ink from smudging, should the cards get wet. Using laminating pouches will also accomplish this. An ink jet printer will work just fine, just be cautious not to get the cards wet if you don’t laminate them with pouches.

** Skinny 3mm washi tape is perfect for masking off your grid lines while you paint, however it is NOT a necessity. It will keep your paint lines neater, make painting easier, and make your cards look better overall, but free-handing the painting process is definitely an option and will save some time if you don’t have to mask off your grid lines. You could also cut down and use masking tape or scotch tape, if you prefer.

** Use fresh paint. By that, I mean not paint you’ve had in a cupboard for a few years… As you can see in that last photo, I started using silver paint. But it was old. It was clumpy and kept separating and didn’t mix well with the dish soap, so I ditched it for the red and pink paints. Newer, non-clumpy paint will give you a much better result with far fewer coats of paint.

** The painting and waiting to dry process is the longest part of this project, but it will turn out so much better if you do thin layers rather than a thick, globby one. You can use a blow dryer on low heat, low air flow to speed this process up.

** If all this masking off and painting thing is more than you want to deal with, you can use scratch off stickers to cover your date ideas instead. Take this cute idea and simplify! Find scratch off stickers on Etsy or on Amazon.

Got more questions? You’re always welcome to leave a comment or shoot me a message!

READY TO MAKE SOME DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS AND SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE?

In just an afternoon you can spice up date night and add some fun and mystery to your romantic life. This project is simple and fun. It’s a great romantic gift idea that is customizable to fit your exact needs. And who wouldn’t love to get some DIY Scratch Off Cards like these?!

Turn on some mood music, grab a coin and start scratching off those fun ideas!

If you want more romantic gift and date night ideas, check out the Date Night Jar (or HERE is a printable version!)

January 22, 2019 by Krista

Spa Date Night and Massage Kit for an Awesome At Home Date

Looking for a romantic gift idea for the sweetie in your life? Or need a special date night that won’t mess with the budget? A good, at home spa date night will leave you and your sweetheart feeling relaxed, reconnected and rejuvenated. Put together a simple and super effective Massage Kit – complete with massage coupons, lotions, oils, hot stones and all good things massage – for a night you and your sweetie will enjoy!

RECONNECT WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

Life gets crazy sometimes, am I right? I’m a huge believer in “date night”, but I’ve honestly don’t remember the last time I went on an actual date with my husband. Between work, kids, church, chores, errands and all the other things that make up life it can be hard to fit everything in. And, if your budget is tight, it can complicate things in a whole new way. Finding a sitter for starters, right?

But, reconnecting with your dream boat doesn’t have to cost a lot. And it doesn’t have to take a lot of time either! You probably have all the things you need to put together a spa date night and massage kit already. And, trust me, you’ll both be thankful for the pampering and quality time. And you don’t even have to leave home.

IS A SPA DATE NIGHT WORTH IT?

A spa day with lots of fancy treatments sounds nice, but the small detail of wandering around in nothing but a robe with strangers touching me gives me second thoughts. And spas are expensive. But, I can get behind doing that with, and for, my husband. Especially if it doesn’t cost a week’s paycheck.

Is an at home spa night something you’d enjoy? Are you:

looking for a romantic gift idea for the sweetie in your life?
in need of a special date night that won’t mess up the budget?
wanting to reconnect with your sweetheart without leaving home?

Then YES! This is the perfect date for you! Because it’s simple to organize, easy to do, it doesn’t cost a lot and you don’t need a sitter for the kids. Quality time to pamper and reconnect with your special sweetie. Who wouldn’t want that?

THE PERFECT GIFT: AN AT HOME SPA DATE NIGHT AS A GIFT

An at home spa date night makes a great gift. A massage kit with some great coupons (who doesn’t love to cash in a coupon?) and some massage basics are the perfect tangible gift. Pair it with a scheduled night to get to use those coupons and the goodies in the kit, and you’ve got a romantic gift you’ll both look forward to using!

CREATE THE PERFECT AT HOME SPA DATE NIGHT

Whether you decide to give the spa kit and massage coupons as a gift and do the date night later or whether you choose to plan a whole special spa date night, just remember to focus on your sweetheart. Relax, reconnect and rejuvenate each other because that’s what this whole thing is about!

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT:

Massage Coupons your sweetie will love. You can grab the coupons I used in my massage kit from my Etsy shop. There’s even an editable PDF file you can use to create your own coupons super easy.
Comfy bath robes (my favorite women’s robe | my favorite men’s robe)
Favorite body butter or body lotion (my favorite hand repair cream and it smells like cake!)
Favorite massage oil or personal lubricant (I personally prefer lube and recommend this brand of lubricant. It’s smooth, not greasy and safe for all body parts, if things get carried away during your massages…)
Favorite sparkling beverage and chocolates
Relaxing music – I like this Spotify playlist
Smooth stones. You can get a small bag of decorative stones at Dollar Tree and they work great so grab a bag of those next time you’re there!
Rice bag or heating pad to warm up your stones or relax tense muscles.
Massage tools – this is totally optional and definitely not a must-have for a successful evening.
Favorite bath salts or bath bombs or make your own (My DIY Bath and Body Recipes Pinterest Board has some great ideas so come check those out and follow me while you’re there!)
Favorite bubble bath

GATHERING TOGETHER YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT

Step #1 – Make any DIY products if you’re going to do that. Or rummage through your body care

stash and see what you can use that you already have because free is the best price, right? But, if you need to make any purchases, now is the time to do it. Just remember, simplicity is good too. This is all about your time together!

DESIGNING YOUR MASSAGE COUPONS

Step #2 – Make your massage coupons. While you definitely don’t HAVE to include any coupons, it would be fun to know that this isn’t necessarily a one-time deal. My husband and I have a deal that once one of us redeems the coupon I used Photoshop but you can make them with whatever you’d like. Open your favorite word processing program, image editing software or go old-school and grab some paper and pens.

Some ideas for your coupons:

scalp and neck massage
back massage
foot massage (with or without a hot water soak)
hot stone massage (if you do this one, keep it safe. We use a small rice bag heated in the microwave and sandwiched over our rocks for a couple minutes to warm them. This is perfect because we can easily keep and eye on them and make sure they aren’t too hot. And, remember, different parts of the body have different heat sensitivities.)
hydro-massage (hot shower or tub, especially nice if you have a shower head with a wand and adjustable pressure settings)
full body massage

If you don’t want to bother with making your own, don’t forget you can get a copy of the massage coupons I designed in my Etsy Shop, along with the editable PDF file that will let you design your own really quick.

I also included an “exclusive members” coupon that pulls out all the big spa-like treatments. Hot soak in a bubble bath with bubbly beverage, full body massage with lotions and oils, facial, his choice of other massage technique. Something super special for after a rough day… or week.

YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT IS ALMOST READY TO GO!

Step #3 – Gather your massage goodies and put them in a basket or other container so everything is together and neat.

If you’re going to give them as a gift, you can dress them up fancy with a bow. If you’re going to use them as a date night, you can just use the basket so everything is in one place.

Cue up your music, put your bubbly beverage on ice (or in the fridge) and let the romancin’ begin!

A NIGHT TO RELAX, RECONNECT AND REJUVENATE WITH YOUR SWEETHEART

Remember, it doesn’t have to be a crazy grand gesture that takes a lot of time and planning and supplies. Your at home spa date night should be about reconnecting with your dream boat so .

Keep it simple. Make sure you reciprocate equally. And enjoy each other.

Relax. Reconnect. Rejuvenate. And you don’t even have to leave home.

CHECK OUT MORE DATE NIGHT IDEAS TO KEEP THE ROMANCE ALIVE, EVEN WHEN LIFE GETS CRAZY!

November 3, 2016 by Krista

24 Star Wars Gifts that your favorite Chef needs

The holidays are coming! Do you have your gift list all made out? If your list is anything like mine, there is at least one Star Wars fan on your list. I have four. And those are just the ones that live in my house. There’s another three Star Wars fans on my gift list that don’t live under my roof. One of my wannabe Jedis also loves to cook. I had no idea there were so many awesome Star Wars gadgets for your kitchen. Here’s 24 Star Wars gifts to get your favorite chef.

Click on any image in the collage below and you can find more information about that item. Or use the links below to navigate to the Star Wars gift ideas you like most.

Links in this post maybe affiliate links. I will receive a small portion of any purchase made through these links. Your cost is in no way changed. This is one way I keep this site running. Thank you for your support.

24 STAR WARS GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHEF

Which of those galactic gadgets do you want in your kitchen? That tea infuser and the heat activated lightsaber mug are pretty high on my wish list! And that Death Star waffle iron?! Now that would be some pretty awesome waffles to wake up to.

So, which gift would your favorite chef just love to have?

November 2, 2016 by Krista

19 Star Wars Gifts that will get Mom through the day

The holidays are coming up and they will be here before we know it! Are you ready? I’m beginning to compile gift lists for my family and friends so I’ll be ready when those awesome holiday sales hit. If your family is anything like mine, there will be some Star Wars gifts on your list.

I love that Star Wars fandom spans across generations. I love that my niece loves to receive Star Wars gifts just as much and my boys – and her dad – do. And I’ll admit, I love a good Star Wars gift too, even if it’s just because I know my little Jedi-in-training picked it out just for me.

But, are there really awesome Star Wars gifts that Mom would actually want and use? Absolutely! I’ve put together a whole collection of Star Wars gifts that will get mom through her day so you can be sure she will use it and love it! Here’s 19 Star Wars gifts that mom will love and actually use this holiday season.

STAR WARS GIFTS FOR MOM

From day break and that first coffee, what to wear and how to accessorize, all the way to bedtime, these are some awesome gifts that will get mom through her whole day:

I’m pretty certain I need “the force is strong with this mom” t-shirt and those Chewbacca slippers just make me happy. How could you not love to open those gifts this holiday season?! Whether it’s starting the day off with a cup of Keep Calm from Yoda, fighting off gloomy raindrops with a lightsaber umbrella while running errands or ending the night with a wookie keeping toes warm, Star Wars will be there to get mom through the day!