A Nacho Libre Valentine's

My Valentine's Day gift for Steve this year was one of his all-time favorite movies, Nacho Libre. Oh you've never heard of it? Or maybe you have, but you're still wondering how it could be someone's favorite movie? I sort of did too. But Steve often walks around the house quoting the movie, impersonating Jack Black, and I have to admit, it's kind of grown on me.

So when I started thinking about what to do for Valentine's Day, a Nacho Libre themed dinner seemed perfect. There was also a bit of an "xo" theme too, inspired by this quotable scene from the movie.

For decorations, I found some cheap mini red lights and punched them through some cardboard to make a glowing "XO" sign. Other than that, I collected a few air plants, succulents, candles, punched some glittery confetti, and printed some of Steve's favorite quotes to place around the table.

In the movie Nacho asks Chancho if he can borrow some sweats to make a wrestling uniform. So, of course, we wore sweats to dinner.

The menu was pretty simple: jalapeño and lime marinated kale tostadas (I've made this a bunch lately) and cornbread. No, cornbread didn't really go with the meal at all, except that I had to incorporate one of Steve's favorite quotes somehow.

The best part was Steve's surprise when he walked into the kitchen (he had been working in the living room and had no idea I was setting it all up). After dinner we watched the movie and ate chili dark chocolate. I'm already thinking about other movies that would make good themed dinners. Any ideas? What's your favorite movie?

A Morning Picnic

Its been about two weeks since I've spent some quality time with Steve. He's been on the east coast for his family's vacation while I've been here, spending time with my grandpa (he is making a slow recovery, but we are thankful, and especially thankful for your prayers!).

The last time that Steve and I shared a meal at home was this breakfast picnic. I was inspired by Rebekah's monthly project, Dinner at Eight, and thought I'd try a breakfast date (my favorite meal). The menu was very simple: whole wheat pancakes with strawberries and honey, grapes, and some good coffee. These pancakes are pretty plain, but with strawberries and honey (I also added some vanilla to the mix) they are just sweet enough. I don't know why, but they also taste better when they are mini pancakes, made in a silver dollar pancake pan. ;)


While Steve was on a run, I set up a little picnic on our living room floor. I spread out our wedding quilt, (beautifully made by Katie and Jenny), a few pillows and a picnic basket and crate for tables.


I had been looking forward to using my chalkboard coasters for a long time--I'm on a real chalkboard kick these days. Also on the breakfast tray were a few mason jars with napkins and wooden silverware as well as some flowers (leftover from a baby shower).

When Steve returned from his run, he was pretty shocked to see everything set up on the living room floor. And to be honest, I was pretty shocked that he cared so much! I think he could sense that I had taken the time to make this a special morning. So, we sat down together on the blanket and enjoyed our breakfast before Steve had to get ready for work. It felt like such a treat to make time together before starting the day.





Although we don't have kids yet, we definitely find ourselves immersed in our computers way too often. On this morning we made sure to put those babies away.

I can't wait until our next date night, or morning, or maybe a lunch. This project is full of my favorite things: creativity, food, and some quality time with the guy I love.