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Budget-Friendly Winter Date Ideas

January 11, 2025 By denise Leave a Comment

Not all great times with loved ones need to cost an arm and a leg. The best memories often come out of being there and being creative. Whether you want to plan a cozy indoor evening or a day outdoors full of adventure, there are so many ways to connect without breaking the bank. Let’s look at a few ideas that bring warmth and focus on spending time together.

 

A Movie Night at Home

Home movie nights can be just as special as night outs, sometimes even better. Push the coffee table aside, throw a bunch of cushions on the floor, and you have yourself your own personal “cinema.” The lights should be dimmed, just like those of the theatre, with the addition of your popped popcorn and favorite snacks. Pull out all your fluffiest blankets for everyone to remain comfortable. And if it’s chilly, don’t forget the thermal socks; they are underrated but a vital piece of any cozy setup. Toasty toes, trust me, make all the difference.

Take a Walk and Let the Conversation Flow

Sometimes the most unassuming times are proving to be the most vital. Take an easy walk around any nearby park or on a quiet street for refreshment that will astonish you. The beauty of walking is that it gives you the time to talk and share without distractions. In winter, layer up with your warm gear and enjoy crisp air. Something magical happens in hand-in-hand walking like you’re bundled up in one little bubble of warmth and connection shared between you both.

Host a Mini Cooking Challenge

Don’t you need a fancy restaurant for a special meal? You can transform your kitchen into a culinary playground by hosting your own cooking challenge with just the two of you. Pick a theme, like “comfort food” or “three ingredients only,” and get creative together. Some competition can always be fun, and you’ll end up with a delicious meal, lots of laughs, and maybe even a new favorite recipe you will keep making for years to come. Cleanup also feels less like a chore when you’re both in on the fun and making it more about spending time together.

Have a Nostalgic Game Night

There’s something intrinsically old-school about dusting off an old board game or playing cards. Game nights bring out laughter, friendly competition, and, occasionally, hilarious attempts at bending the rules. Add some homemade hot chocolate to the mix, and you’ve got yourself an evening full of heartwarming moments. Whether you’re digging into a classic like Monopoly or something quirky and new, it’s also a great excuse to put your phones away and just focus on each other.

Plan a Simple Picnic Outdoors

Even the most minuscule of yards or a balcony can be a small escape if paired with a thermos of soup and a few tasty treats. Lay down a blanket, snuggle up close, and let the fresh air take its course. It is that beauty lies in even the minute details. And if it gets too cold? Move the picnic inside; after all, the time that you’re spending together is the most important thing.

And there you have it—easy, thoughtful ways to make time more intentional with quality, not having to spend a small fortune. The bottom line is that it is not in the price; rather, it has to do with showing up for your partner and savoring each other in the simple things that come your way.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Budget-Friendly Winter Date Ideas

5 Simple DIY Gift Ideas That Will Show Your Loved Ones You Care

December 16, 2024 By denise Leave a Comment

If you feel you’ve exhausted all the available gift options for someone, fear not – you can always make them something. That’s easier said than done, of course, but this article is here to help you. Here are five great DIY gift options anyone can try, and anyone will appreciate!

  1. Personalized Photo Calendar

Unfortunately, real photographs have somewhat gone by the wayside in our increasingly digital society, so what better opportunity than now to give a heartfelt personalized photo calendar? It’s nice and simple to do: 

  • Choose 12 meaningful photos (one for each month) – these can be whatever you like, just make sure that they hold special value to the person. 
  • Use free software like Canva to design a layout, which once again, can be up to you, but be certain the person has enough space to write down key notes and dates. 
  • Print it on study cardstock and then using a hole punch and some ribbon/string, bind it all together (for printing on cardstock, you may need to use the professional-grade printer at your local print or stationary store)
  1. Homemade Scented Candles

Candles are a great gift, but they’re also something that’s given very often to the point they’ve become a bit boring. That’s not the case for a candle you’ve made all by yourself, though.

The process can be a little more in-depth than most DIY gifts, but it’s definitely worth it. Check out this YouTube video for full instructions, and bear in mind the following:

  • Decide whether you want to use beeswax or soy, which candle wicks to get, and the glass jars (sizes) you’re going to go for. 
  • Think about what sort of scent the person would like, and then choose a select few essential oils.
  • Don’t forget to add an extra decorative touch with ribbon, twine, or hand-drawn labels. 
  1. DIY Terrarium

Given how unique and variable they can be, terrariums are a great DIY gift for the right person – especially if they’re a plant lover. Here’s how to make one:

  • Get a glass bowl of whatever size you like and layer it with pebbles, activated charcoal, and high-quality soil. 
  • Add a variety of small plants, such as succulents or air plants. You can also add moss to diversify the biome. 
  • Personalize your terrarium by adding decorative touches of your choosing, which could be little ornaments to go inside, a decorated exterior, or both.

Here are some ideas to get you started!

  1. Customized Dice for Board Game Fans

Adult board games and fantasy role-playing games have become increasingly popular over the years, and even those who don’t play them can appreciate the cool-looking multi-sided dice used. The coolest part, though, is that you can quite easily make your own. 

These dice are known as sharp-edge dice, and it’s recommended to pick up some handmade ones first to get an idea of the look and feel. From there, you can attempt the following to make some yourself:

  • Buy a silicone dice mold and some clear resin.
  • Use pigment powder and glitter to add color and style.
  • When the resin hardens, sand and polish to give a gleaming finish.
  • Use a very fine paintbrush to paint the numbers (metallic paint works best)

Here’s a great beginner tutorial covering the process. 

  1. Hand-Painted Tote Bag

Reusable tote bags are all the rage these days, and a personalized one is sure to go down a treat with eco-conscious friends and family. Here’s how to make one:

  • Buy a couple (one and a spare) of plain canvas bags and some fabric paints.
  • Sketch out your design beforehand on a tablet or notepad, and then get to work (you can also cut cardboard stencils to help you).
  • Let the paint dry fully to ensure durability (some require the application of heat).

Take a look at this article for a primer!

 

Filed Under: DIY, Lifestyle Tagged With: 5 Simple DIY Gift Ideas That Will Show Your Loved Ones You Care

First Look at Hallmark’s NFL Collab ‘A Chiefs Love Story’

November 27, 2024 By denise 1 Comment

Everyone knows how much I love the Kansas City Chiefs. I was beyond excited when I heard that Hallmark was going to feature a Kansas City Chiefs-themed holiday movie. The film is Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. 

In Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, Alana (Hunter King) is sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Derrick (Tyler Hynes), director of fan engagement, is tasked with evaluating how Alana and her family stack up against two other finalists. As the pair spends time together, it’s clear there’s a spark between them. But when her grandfather’s (Ed Begley Jr.) vintage Chiefs good luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate, and destiny and even questions her future with Derrick—unless, that is, a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary.

Both the Chiefs and Hallmark’s headquarters are located in Kansas City, Mo.—just a short drive apart. Proximity aside, Taylor Swift’s relationship with the team’s tight end surely influenced the partnership too.

Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story will premiere on Nov. 30 on Hallmark Channel. It will be available to stream on Hallmark+ with a valid subscription.

The two iconic Kansas City-based brands plan to have unique co-branded merchandise as well as game-day activations and more.

To celebrate the uniquely local partnership, Kansas City’s downtown skyline was lit purple and red on the day the collaboration was announced.

Hallmark Channel and the Kansas City Chiefs will also have some in-stadium festivities that will unite crowds and enhance their game-day experience to bring the spirit, joy, and warmth of Hallmark’s iconic Christmas movies to life. Including custom Hallmark Channel holiday branded LED screen animations, activations, giveaways, and more including:

Hallmark “Star Cam” — Hallmark’s spin on a classic “Kiss Cam”, The Star Cam matches fans in the crowd with their own Hallmark holiday movie superlatives at home games all season long. Think “Secret Hallmark Fan”, “Queen of Christmas”, “Future Hallmark Star”, and more!

Hallmark Branded Tailgate Activation Zone — Also at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium all season long, a tailgate experience like no other, including a festive photo opportunity, free hot cocoa, and more surprises fans won’t want to miss.

Gate Giveaway – Fans will receive a one-of-a-kind Chiefs x Hallmark Channel themed pennant as they walk into GEHA Field at Arrowhead during the November 29 home game to mark the movie premiere weekend.

Featured Merchandise — Coming soon, get excited to get your hands on featured items from what’s sure to be your next favorite Hallmark Christmas movie!

More like who isn’t? The starting lineup for Hallmark Channel’s Kansas City Chiefs Christmas movie keeps getting stronger and stronger. In addition to Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager, we know that Donna Kelce, the mother of Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will be joining the cast.

 

 

Filed Under: Films, Lifestyle, Reviews Tagged With: First Look at Hallmark's NFL Collab 'A Chiefs Love Story'

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Hi, I'm Denise. I currently live in the beautiful Southern State of Louisiana, but I'm a native New Yorker. On my blog, Savings with Denise, I help families save money on the things they use everyday. Read more →

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