Happy Valentine’s Day, Internet! We don’t really do much for Valentine’s Day around here, except cards for one another. And I found some irresistible little things at Michael’s a few weeks ago that I picked up for Carla, including a stuffed animal that she does NOT need. I also picked out a few small treatsies, even though I have been pretty successful at keeping candy and sweets out of our house so far this year. Time will tell whether this was a Bad Plan.
The only other thing I did (today at least; don’t hold me to this for future Valentine’s Days) was make A Special Breakfast for Carla. I used a cookie cutter to cut heart shapes in her pancakes and I bought her a box of Valentine’s Day themed Froot Loops, and I cut her strawberries into hearts. She mentioned the strawberry hearts but not the pancake ones, and only ate a handful of the Froot Loops after proclaiming that they taste just like regular Froot Loops.
My husband’s view of Valentine’s Day, without putting too many words in his mouth, is that it is kind of aggravating and unnecessary. I told him that Carla and I were participating in Valentine’s Day whether he wanted to or not, and that we really wanted to at least get him some sort of candy, but he is trying to eat better and had no suggestions. Carla was indignant at the idea of not getting him SOMETHING, so she and I got him some low-sugar treatsies from Target that I hope aren’t too terrible. My view is that Valentine’s Day is fun, and I like to participate in fun things. Because my husband has made his views quite clear, I have no expectations of getting anything for Valentine’s Day, and was therefore delighted that my husband remembered to buy me a card and Carla remembered to make me one (or, more likely, that my husband reminded Carla to make me one). Also, it was an excuse to buy myself Sour Patch Kids and Nibs.
My only other view of Valentine’s Day is that it’s really fun for our kid, and she will only be a kid for such a short time, so why not lean into the fun for her sake? She LOVES holidays, and candy-centric holidays especially. I think this may be the last year that her school does a Valentine’s Day party, but she really enjoyed making a “mailbox” and writing out Valentines to all her classmates and teachers. She even decided to depart from her all-black clothing routine for the day: she chose a red skirt and a shirt with polka dots in a variety of pinks and reds. Making Valentine’s Day special for her is worth the little amount of effort I put into it, and I’m happy to continue as long as she enjoys it.
This is all to say that we are not doing a special Valentine’s Day dinner, which is fine. Special or no, however, we still have to eat.
Normally, I post dinner plans on Monday. But my husband and I went to the grocery store on Sunday for a quick restock of a few things, so I didn’t need to go to the store again urgently yesterday. Plus, I was having A Day. I swear that I woke up and my brain stayed in bed. Probably needed a mental health day. I was in a fog all day, and kept forgetting things, culminating in nearly missing Carla’s music lesson.
One of her activities has ceased for the season, which means we can reclaim many hours of our week. I have been feeling happy and relieved since the last day. In my head, apparently, this translated to ALL of her activities ending, which is not the case. So I was indulging in a leisurely Target trip with Carla – you know, just sort of toodling around the store, not really following a list – when my phone alarm went off, reminding me that I had twenty minutes to get Carla to her lesson. Ack!
Of course, the alarm went off two minutes after everyone else in the store decided to wrap up their own shopping trips, so when we got to the (poorly manned as usual) checkout stations, three enormous lines had already snaked into the walkway, blocking foot traffic, plus there was an additionally long line at the lone self-checkout.
I didn’t want to put back all of our shopping – that would have taken too long. And I didn’t want to abandon my cart and our carefully selected items – no way did I want to RETURN to Target after already spending so much time there. (Target shopping just doesn’t have the cathartic, comforting effect on me like it used to.) But (shock of shocks) there was no staff person in sight, so I couldn’t ask if I could simply leave my selections somewhere for 30 minutes while I dashed Carla to her lesson and came back. I did briefly consider parking the cart outside the bathroom and hoping for the best, but as it wasn’t a foolproof plan I didn’t go through with it. So I got in line and sent my husband frantic exclamation-point-laden texts which helped neither of us but felt like Doing Something at least.
Poor Carla, at this point, was complaining about being hungry. Most Mondays, because of our jam packed activity schedule, I feed her dinner at 3:45 (I know), so she was starving. I impulse allowed her to impulse grab a package of Nutella and pretzel sticks as well as a Rice Krispie treat off the impulse buy display. The line moved at an agonizingly slow pace, but eventually a couple of other registers opened, and we were out of Target a mere 15 minutes after my alarm went off.
In the car, while Carla wolfed down her treats, I called the music teacher to let them know she’d be late. We managed to arrive at her lesson 15 minutes after it started, but by then I was a sweaty, edgy mess.
Later, when I unloaded the Target bags, I realized that I’d grabbed the wrong type of breakfast bars for my husband. So I will be returning to Target after all.
I still feel slightly frazzled today. My husband asked whether the dishwasher was full of clean or dirty dishes, and I gave him an exasperated look and said, “Well, just look in the dishwasher and you will know!”… at which point it became apparent that I had only unloaded the top rack and the silverware tray while the bottom rack was still full of clean plates and pots. Also, I have been writing this post and just now realized that I forgot to soak my feet this morning. Sigh. I really hope that my brain decides to show up to work at some point today, even if it is a little tardy.
Anyway, dinners!
Dinners for the Week of February 13-20
Garlicky Chickpea and Spinach Soup: I posted about this a few weeks ago and tried it and LOVED it, wet spinach and all. So flavorful, so filling. I have been thinking about it ever since, so back on the meal plan it goes! I feel like the preparation would work well with lentils, too, but I haven’t tried that yet. Maybe next time.
Quinoa Crunch Salad: This just sounds so yummy and fresh. I am not a big eater of cabbage, but for some reason it has a high level of appeal right now. Probably my husband will want chicken with his salad, and I may roast some shrimp for mine.
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tacos: Despite everyone’s encouraging comments in favor of chicken thighs, I am going to make this with breasts. Takes a looooong time to teach this old dog new tricks, especially when those tricks involve food. I plan to turn this into a taco bowl with lots of romaine and cabbage. I feel a little wary of a slow cooker recipe that doesn’t require any liquid, but I suppose the NYT is trustworthy enough. And I can always throw in half a cup of chicken stock if I feel really uncomfortable.
Noodle Free Chicken Pad Thai: Is this too similar to the quinoa crunch salad??? We’ll find out, I guess. I have never in my life purchased broccoli slaw, so I am very interested to learn what it’s all about. I am going to let my husband eat the chicken for this one; I will eat shrimp or just stick with the veggie-only version.
What’s on your meal plan this week? Do you do a special Valentine’s Day dinner?
I lean toward your husband’s take on Valentine’s Day, it’s kind of aggravating and unnecessary. I didn’t used to be that way but I worked in a gift/card shop at one point and that experience dealing with the public turned me into a Valentine’s Day Curmudgeon.
But as for the rest of you, go on and have a good time.
Oh gosh, Ally, of course dealing with the public would ruin it for you! That is entirely understandable.
I worked in retail for quite a few years, and like Ally, it rather soured me on commercial holidays. That said, we have a tradition in this house of watching a particular movie on holidays, said movie needing to be tied to the holiday in some way, obvious or not. [Obviously on Groundhog Day, we watch on Groundhog Day. Halloween: Ghostbusters. Christmas Eve: Patrick Stewart’s Christmas Carol. Christmas Day: Galaxy Quest (the last movie I saw with my brother in the theaters before he died; we went on Christmas Day). New Year’s Eve: Ghostbusters 2 (takes place on New Year’s Eve). Veteran’s Day: Captain America: The First Avenger. Thanksgiving: Star Trek: Generations]
Anyway, tonight the family had voted for homemade lasagna, so we’ll have that, and watch The Princess Bride, the perfect Valentine’s Day movie, especially when you have a house full of boys. And I am making some xylitol-sweetened blondies that everyone loves.
What a wonderful movie-watching tradition! I love the idea of watching Princess Bride. My daughter is normally not allowed to have screens on weekdays, but maybe it would make today extra special if we watched that movie.
It is absolutely one of the best movies ever made. And the book is wonderful, I got my boys their own copies (hmm, I need my own copy as well). I taught the book back when I was teaching folklore and composition as a grad assistant. Most of my students had no idea it was even a book before it was a movie!
I am ashamed to say I have never read the book, although I have heard it is wonderful. The movie is an old favorite though.
I completely understand how you feel. Even if it is a “made up” holiday, it is something to look forward to in the midst of the winter doldrums. And if you have children who attend school, (and public school makes it a big deal), they look forward to it as well. So I’m glad you got some treats for yourself!😘❤️
It’s become more fun over the years, as I put less pressure on it being “romantic.” Now, it’s just about candy and fun and I like that.
I like that too.
Being a high school teacher for 37 years made V-Day a very stressful holiday. However, now that I’m retired, I don’t mind it as long as it’s not over the top. I like spreading the celebration to everyone I care about versus focusing only on my partner (who is on your husband’s team).
Oooooh! I never once considered that V Day would be stressful for high school teachers! I bet you have some stories to tell!
I like V-Day as a fun reason to make heart-shaped baked goods. We don’t exchange cards – although I did give classroom style ones to my students yesterday – but I did text my husband the Ralph Wiggum I Choo-Choo-Choose You gif this morning, if that counts.
Those low-sugar snacks – the gummy ones – my husband has had and he thinks they are very tasty. So hopefully your will find them tasty as well!
I just like reasons to celebrate on an ordinary day and so I am here for hearts and pink things.
Your Target experience sounds actually harrowing to me. Why is it when you are in a hurry, there are so many obstacles? There is probably a very zen explanation and a learning experience to be had, but honestly, I would have been a hot mess! Whyyyyyy.
IT WAS HARROWING, NICOLE! And yes, I am sure you are right about finding a lesson in there somewhere. I was saying, very calmly to my daughter, “I’m so sorry, there’s nothing we can do about this!” and “I know you’re hungry, but let’s try to be patient” all while scanning frantically for the next lane to open and trying to spot an exit route from my spot between a closed checkout station, a rack of impulse buy items, and two other shoppers. I was not zen at all!!!
We definitely don’t do a special meal. *sigh*
Early on in our relationship, I forget it was Valentine’s Day. I was working several jobs and was just plain exhausted. I got home and realized that I had forgotten to get my husband so much as a card and so I grabbed some markers and construction paper and made him a card. That is how our “make each other a homemade card at the table after dinner on Valentine’s Day” tradition started. I don’t think either of us really *cares* about it as an actual holiday, but I think we do care about spending that time together.
I just love your handmade card tradition! So lovely and sweet. It’s nice to take a moment just to think about your partner.
Valentine’s Day isn’t a big deal in our household. We always do a little something (this year my husband bought the kids and I a few little things) and I dyed the milk for their cereal pink. Tonight we’re having chili, rice, and focaccia which will be served on heart-themed paper plates. I feel basically zero pressure, so I enjoy having a small celebration. Why not? And I think it’s lovely that you make it such a special day for the family. Life is short. I say we should all look for everyday reasons to celebrate the people we love. That said, I realize the commercial pressure is enormous. I skip that and do a few little things in our family bubble and quite enjoy the experience. (For the record, this year I got my husband nothing. Sigh. I birthed two children. That is my proof of love.)
Let’s talk Fruit Loops. Yum. I haven’t had a bowl in…20 years? But they were SUCH A staple of my childhood and just seeing a box makes me so nostalgic.
Also, you are the best at describing everyday situations in the most hilarious and engaging way. Your trip to Target was PURE reading pleasure. I went back and re-read it because I felt like I was there with you and Carla. This line in particular made me laugh; I do this to my husband ALL the time. “So I got in line and sent my husband frantic exclamation-point-laden texts which helped neither of us but felt like Doing Something at least.”
Oh and I also regularly have days where I feel like my brain is taking a day off. Very inconvenient since I have a job and tiny humans to care for, but I’m glad it’s not just me that feels this way!
Aww, thanks Elisabeth! “I birthed two children. That is my proof of love.” HAHAHA! Love it.
I wish I had seen those Froot Loops in time for today! And I approve of your celebrations. 😉 Happy Valentine’s day to you and yours!
Oh yes! I hope you find them for next year!
Our exciting Valentine’s Day plans include a Boy Scout meeting tonight, so that’s where we’re at.
I barely eat chicken these days but even so I never, never, never, ever cook chicken thighs. I know everyone says they are delicious but…
Yes. “But” indeed.
Nothing special on the Valentine’s day meal plan over here. I hosted Curly’s group of friends for the superbowl, so I reached the amount of time I could stand to be in my kitchen doing food prep early in the week. I made a turkey breast today. We will have leftover chili from the superbowl party – I made two crockpots. One had turkey meat in the chili, so that one is for me and anyone else who wants dinner I guess. Coach grilled last night. I’m going to see Ed on Friday, so they can thaw the leftover sloppy joe’s.
Bummer about the Target trip. I hate when I flake out and forget something. For me it was often birthday party invite that I forgot about.
How fun that you are going to see Ed! And yes, I hate when I flake about something. So frustrating.
It is so fun that Carla is enjoying Valentine’s Day and the activities associated at school. We don’t do much for Valentine’s Day, either, now that the son is an adult. My late MIL used to send us care packages of homemade cookies and various treats — that was very thoughtful! I thought about doing it for my son when he left for college but he’s not much of a snacker. We have a lot of birthdays in the family in February so we kind of lose interest in doing anything for Valentine’s Day. Too many cakes and gifts already! LOL
Oh, I cooked the garlicky chickpeas a couple of weeks ago when you first linked it and it was a hit here! I added a few cubes of chicken breast for the carnivore husband. I’m going to check out the recipe for quinoa crunch salad for this week.
Oh yay! I’m so glad you liked the chickpea soup! I think it is so yummy!
I’m glad to hear that the soup, wet spinach and all, was a hit.
Valentine’s Day is usually low-key around here – we might exchange cards or he might bring me flowers. Occasionally, one of us might throw a curve ball and add a gift. Totally low pressure situation. But yes, it IS a fun holiday – particularly with children.
Chicken thighs…I’m telling you, Suzanne (yes, I realize I don’t cook but I DO eat) will change your life. The Husband used to routinely use chicken breasts for everything chicken-y – he recently (last year?) switched to chicken thighs almost exclusively and the result is amazing. VERY moist and VERY flavorful.
Oh Gigi, I *want* to believe you and everyone who says they are so good, but I am afraid “flavorful” means “extra chicken-y” and I like my chicken to taste ONLY like whatever sauce/seasoning it is drenched in.
“…but I am afraid “flavorful” means “extra chicken-y”…” LOL!
For me, it doesn’t taste “extra chicken-y” – the fact the thighs are so moist seems to enhance whatever sauce/seasoning that you use.
Thanks Gigi, maybe one of these days I will brave it ☺️
I “braved it” and finally made spicy curry chicken with thighs, after only eating white meat for years. It was wonderful! I’m a convert but only with highly seasoned dishes. Otherwise it taste too “gamey” ( is that a word?)
I’m a new reader to your blog and enjoy your menus and your humor!
Oooh the prospect of “gamey-ness” is one reason I have been avoiding thighs! Good for you for trying it out though. And thanks so much for reading! 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day! Our house is similar, except that I’m the Valentine’s Grinch. My husband would celebrate if I wanted to but I don’t. Having said that, I do a couple little
things for my daughter. I feel the same way you do- make
the most of things like this while they can still appreciate it. My daughter is now 14 so she’s not as into it anymore, but she still got a little bag of things (similar idea to Carla’s) at breakfast today. And she got her heart shaped pancakes on Sunday. Two things- I had to laugh at the T Rex card, and also I get those smart sweets peach rings sometimes, and I like them! I hope your husband likes them too.
I’ve had days like that- but I will say I admire your forethought to SET AN ALARM to remind you of the music lesson, so you didn’t miss it entirely. Oh and one more thing- heart shaped fruit loops??? Those are so cute!
Oh, Jenny, I have a MILLION alarms to remind me to do things. Otherwise I would completely forget.
Those Fruit Loops are adorable! I found Sour Patch kids but in a special “Conversation Hearts” style (like the regular conversation hearts, but sour patch kids) for my boys and some other treats. I got my husband a bag of Limited Edition Neopolitan Lindt truffles and some other fancy white chocolates which are his favorite. But otherwise I don’t get too into Valentine’s Day. I would really be fine kind of skipping over it, but I feel like it’s nice to at least acknowledge it and do a little something…
Oh those Sour Patch Kids sound fun! So do the truffles. Yum!
Oh the alarm when I have totally spaced out on a place we have to be– this happens to me, and it’s SO stressful. I like the idea of brain’s day off– this is an excellent frame for an occasional problem we all have.
Hahahaha. Yes, let’s blame it on my lazy brain, right?
I am all for less pressure for romantic V-day gestures from me / my spouse and more just having fun with it all. Sadly my kids have aged out of the stage of classroom parties and class valentines. Still I enjoyed helping my teenager shop for her boyfriend and decorating our house with a few red hearts. My other kid was in such a funk on Tuesday morning, but was really excited about some heart-shaped Trader Joe’s macarons. We usually have a family dinner with some special dessert and that makes me so happy.
It is really a fun and delicious holiday once all the pressure is lifted!
We had that soup a week or so ago, thank you for posting it. DELICIOUS, and we will be having it again, definitely.
We had meatloaf and grilled cheese for our Valentine’s dinner (my husband is low carb and my daughter is vegetarian, so sometimes meals like this happen). I’m not particularly thrilled with V-Day these days, I see the pressure it puts on people to be part of a couple, and if they’re not and wish they were, it can feel shitty. On the other hand, I’m all about celebrating anything that you feel like celebrating, life can be hard, and we need some extra smiles if we can fit them in, so we did have wine with our dinner and gave little gifts.
Does tomato soup from a carton and grilled cheese sandwiches cut into hearts count as a special Valetine’s Dy dinner?
I clipped that same chickpea and spinach soup recipe from the Post, but I haven’t made it yet.
Your Target ‘cut short’ trip gave me the sweats too! I hate it when I forget something and then the panic sets in.
I too hope your brain catches up…you do need to take a day for Suzanne.
Nothing much happens around here for Valentine’s Day. My friend Bri and I do have a Galentine’s Day tradition so we got together last night for a fancy dinner together, which was nice!
I think Valentine’s Day can be a really fun and special holiday! It’s even more fun when you have little kids who get to revel in the magic of the holiday. I’m glad you made the day special for Carla! <3
We did not do anything for Valentine’s Day. It’s not a big holiday for us. My husband and I don’t exchange cards ever! He finds the cost to be ridiculous and if he’s not going to buy me one, I’m not going to either. Don’t we sound so romantic? Ha. I hugged my valentines before heading to the airport. I feel a little guilty about not doing anything for the boys but I figure I will put more effort into it when they are a bit older! Paul was excited to get lots of goodies from his classmates although it appears I am the only one who bought traditional candy. But oh well. A small packet of m&ms seemed like a fine thing to give away to a class of 4-5yo kids! But we let them have a little sweet or treat at dinner every night so are not too restrictive on sweets. I figure it’s teaching them balance?
Your target trip sounded stressful!