In my last post I talked about how you don’t have to feel pressure at Valentine’s day to do some big gesture. Take something you already know how to do like cook/get takeout and get creative.

I told a little bit about Eric and I’s favorite Valentine’s Day but I finally dug up the old pictures! This was in 2016. My brother had just moved out and I took over his room as my office. I wish I had rooms like this in my house now! haha It really was as magical as it looks.

I came up with the idea about 24 hours in advance. I really wanted to take him by surprise. Essentially all I did was hang some lights, make Eric food he likes and then shape it cool so it felt special. In the pictures it looks all nice and perfect but what you don’t see is how I almost burnt the pork, I barely got ready in time, and because I plated the food to have it waiting on him it was a little cold! We still ate every delicious bite and did not want the night to end.

1. Pork Loin + Wild Rice + Asparagus + Chocolate Cake & Strawberries
2. Chinese Takeout (I love shrimp + veggie fried rice)
3. Papa John’s Heart Pizza + Salad (Try making your own pizza to save money and calories!)
4. Shrimp & Garlic Gnocchi
5. French Onion Pot Roast + Mashed Potatoes
6. Heart Shaped Avocado Toast + Eggs + Hash browns
7. Meredith Wellman’s Chicken Tenders + Homemade Fries
8. Quesadillas (This Veggie quesadilla looks amazing)
9. Caprese Chicken + Roasted Veggie Potato Mix
10. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon + Brown Jasmine Rice

Dessert Ideas

1. Chocolate Covered Strawberries are always a winner!
2. M&M Cookie Bars
3. Flourless Chocolate Cake (gluten free)
4. Strawberry, yogurt and granola parfait
5. Rachel Parcell’s Sugar Cookie Recipe (Made these at Christmas and they are amazing!)

Love, Case