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Love + Marriage

How to Make the Perfect Date Night Gift Basket: 4 Easy Steps

Inside: This DIY date night gift basket is easy, cheap, and more romantic than dinner in a crowded restaurant, plus it works for everyday date nights.

I used to scoff at Valentine’s Day.

You probably know someone who rants about it being a Hallmark holiday designed to manipulate people into spending money on cheesy cards and cliched Valentine’s gifts like flowers and chocolates. Or maybe you rant about it yourself.

That used to be me.

And then I fell in love.

Now my husband and I spend our free time researching the all-time best unknown love songs. We try to take advantage of every opportunity to stay connected as a couple – no matter how small.

And for Valentine’s Day last year?

We watched oodles and oodles of chick flicks to find the top 10 romantic comedies for the modern woman.

I’m officially a Valentine’s Day convert.

How to Make the Perfect Date Night Gift Basket: 4 Easy Steps

But Here’s the Problem

For Valentine’s Day, the status quo celebration is to get a babysitter and go out to a nice dinner.

But babysitters are expensive. If you did manage to think ahead to make reservations for a fancy restaurant, you and your honey will show up on the big night along with every other couple who had the same idea.

So at your romantic, cozy dinner for just the two of you, without kids screaming or asking for food or drawing on the walls? You’ll barely be able to hear each other.

You’ll resort to half-yelling across the table to be heard, get frustrated when you catch only every other word from your partner, and end up rushing through your meal just to get outside and away from the din of the restaurant.

And since you told the babysitter you’d be home by 11 pm and it’s only 9:30 – you’ll probably end your hot date night at the grocery store to get diapers and peanut butter because…what else is there to do?

Here’s an Easy DIY Valentine's Day Gift: Date Night Movie BasketPhoto by Beraldo Leal

This Is a Way Better Valentine’s Gift

Tell your honey you’ve got Valentine’s Day covered.

Then put together this easy peasy DIY date night gift basket. You can do it last minute, and you can do it cheap. And I promise it’ll be way more romantic than yelling at each other in a crowded restaurant.

…

Kelly Holmes

I’m a mom of four, a recovering perfectionist, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt we heap on top of ourselves. So let’s stop trying to be perfect parents and just be real ones. Sound good? Join my mailing list and as a bonus, you’ll get 25+ incredibly helpful cheat sheets that will ease your parenting struggles.

happyyouhappyfamily.com/

How to Make the Perfect Date Night Gift Basket: 4 Easy StepsRead More

How to Find Happiness When It’s Nowhere to Be Found

A few months before my wedding in April, I got pregnant.

It was earlier than we’d planned, so we were nervous about having two littles so close in age. But we were beyond excited.

I would hit 13 weeks the day before our wedding. So we decided to share our news with family and friends in person at the wedding.

We thought about putting the announcement in our own wedding vows. We talked about having a wall of family photos at the wedding and adding the 8-week ultrasound photos to the mix to see if people noticed.

But we settled on a special wedding cake topper. We’d have small figurines on top of the cake. One for each family member – Ty, me, 6-year-old Abby, toddler Bailey, and the new baby.

That’s how we were going to announce the happy news on top of an already happy day.

And then ten days before the wedding, I started spotting.

I’d spotted all through the first trimester with Bailey, so at first I wasn’t super worried.

But it got stronger as the day went on. More than spotting. I called the doctor and made an appointment for the next day.

Waiting RoomPhoto by Erich Ferdinand

At the Doctor

While the ultrasound tech got everything situated, we held our breath. Hoped.

“Please please please,” I whispered to myself. I squeezed Ty’s hand, and he squeezed back.

And then the screen came to life.

I saw the baby. I watched for that small flicker around the heart.

The tech was quiet.

She drew a line to take a measurement.

The screen split to show the heartbeat at the bottom.

The line stayed flat. She switched the screen away quickly.

I heard a tear drop to the crinkly paper on the table.

“There was no heartbeat?” I asked.

She turned to look at me, and her eyes softened. “Is that what you expected?”

I nodded. Ty squeezed my hand harder.

“I’m so sorry,” she said.

Coping With MiscarriagePhoto by Bailey Foster

…

Kelly Holmes

I’m a mom of four, a recovering perfectionist, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt we heap on top of ourselves. So let’s stop trying to be perfect parents and just be real ones. Sound good? Join my mailing list and as a bonus, you’ll get 25+ incredibly helpful cheat sheets that will ease your parenting struggles.

happyyouhappyfamily.com/

How to Find Happiness When It’s Nowhere to Be FoundRead More

12 Best Winter Love Songs That Will Keep You Warm and Cozy

Inside: Here are the best unknown winter love songs for your holiday playlist – perfect for snuggling by the fire with your honey. Makes a great DIY holiday gift!

When my husband and I first started dating, we bonded over music.

But not just any music. Specifically, we had a bit of an obsession with love songs.

To be clear, I’m not talking about Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Nothing like the cheesy stuff you’d find on a list of the greatest love songs of all time.

What we couldn’t get enough of were unknown love songs.

As an ongoing love letter to each other, we started a love songs playlist. Years later, we’re still adding to it.

Lately, we’ve been on the hunt for romantic holiday songs to get our playlist in the Christmas spirit.

12 Best Winter Love Songs That Will Keep You Warm and Cozy

12 Winter Love Songs for Your Holiday Playlist

Here are the best unknown love songs we found for your holiday playlist. Some mention Christmas, but we focused on finding songs that conjure up cozy winter images – perfect for playing in the background while you snuggle by the fire with your honey.

Side note: This playlist makes the perfect DIY holiday gift for your spouse or partner.

Just buy a few of the holiday love songs listed below (maybe mix in some of The 12 Best Christmas Songs You’ve Never Heard), and follow my instructions on how to share a playlist. Then wrap your playlist in something festive, and you’re done!

…

Kelly Holmes

I’m a mom of four, a recovering perfectionist, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt we heap on top of ourselves. So let’s stop trying to be perfect parents and just be real ones. Sound good? Join my mailing list and as a bonus, you’ll get 25+ incredibly helpful cheat sheets that will ease your parenting struggles.

happyyouhappyfamily.com/

12 Best Winter Love Songs That Will Keep You Warm and CozyRead More

The Most Beautiful Love Song Quotes That Will Make Your Partner Swoon

Inside: Too many love songs are about broken hearts, but these beautiful love song quotes will put a smile on your partner’s face.

A lot of the most popular “love” songs are actually about broken hearts.

But when you want to share love song quotes with your partner in a sweet, off-the-cuff text in the middle of the day, Sam Smith isn’t exactly the right vibe. (I mean…”And deep down I know this never works, but you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt”?)

Which is why my husband and I started an epic love songs playlist as an ongoing love letter to each other – filled with modern, happy songs about love.

Real love – not heartbreak or betrayal or stalking. And nothing disgustingly sappy, either.

You probably won’t hear these gems on the radio, but they’ve got the best love song quotes for sharing with your partner.

The Most Beautiful Love Song Quotes That Will Make Your Partner SwoonPhoto by Martijn van Dalen

The Most Beautiful Love Song Quotes That Will Make Your Partner Swoon

Here are a few of the most beautiful love song quotes from our love songs playlist.

They explain so beautifully what it’s like to be in love, and they’re perfect for writing in an anniversary card, sending via an impromptu text, or jotting down for a surprise note to leave under your loved one’s pillow.

1. The Idea of Growing Old by The Features

We can talk all night, we can talk all day,
We can play charades when there is nothing to say.
You turn me on to the idea of growing old.

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

2. Sweeter Than This by Katie Herzig

I'll feed you ramen and you'll braid my hair
Anything goes when you don't even care
When you're this far in love

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

3. Sleepy Tigers by Her Space Holiday

We’re gonna jump in bed and be all alone
You’ll make biscuits and I’ll make tea
We’ll curl up close and then fall asleep
To the sound of no one else, no one else around

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

4. You and I by Ingrid Michaelson

We might not have any money
But we've got our love to pay the bills

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

5. You Make Me Happy by Lindsey Ray

It’s the heart on your sleeve never making me wonder
It’s the bond that we tie up and over and under
You’re the sun and the rain and my grass is always green

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

6. Riptide by Vance Joy

I love you when you’re singing that song and
I got a lump in my throat ’cause
You’re gonna sing the words wrong

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

7. I’m Not Sorry by Meiko

I wanna have your kids someday
They’d all have dimples on their face like you
And when you’re old or bald or grey
I’m gonna love your wrinkly face
Nobody else could love you like I do

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

8. Overwhelmed by Tim McMorris

I could sing a thousand songs about you, still that would not do
There’s a million tiny things that make the things that you do, you
I wouldn’t trade our time together, wouldn’t trade for anything
‘Cause nothing else here in the world can bring the happiness you bring

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

9. Love Is What You Are by Old 97’s

Love is what you are
Not what you do
I know what you are
And I love you

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

10. All I Want Is You by Barry Louis Polisar

If you were a wink, I’d be a nod
If you were a seed, well I’d be a pod
If you were the floor, I’d wanna be the rug
And if you were a kiss, I know I’d be a hug

All I want is you, will you be my bride
Take me by the hand and stand by my side
All I want is you, will you stay with me?
Hold me in your arms and sway me like the sea

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

Want More?

Check out 75+ of the Best Unknown Love Songs.

Your Turn

What are your favorite love song quotes? Share in a comment below!

Kelly Holmes

I’m a mom of four, a recovering perfectionist, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt we heap on top of ourselves. So let’s stop trying to be perfect parents and just be real ones. Sound good? Join my mailing list and as a bonus, you’ll get 25+ incredibly helpful cheat sheets that will ease your parenting struggles.

happyyouhappyfamily.com/

The Most Beautiful Love Song Quotes That Will Make Your Partner SwoonRead More

Love Songs: 65 of the Best Unknown Love Songs

Inside: This playlist of unknown love songs is sure to win you major brownie points. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, or even date nights!

My husband and I have been writing an ongoing love letter to each other since we started dating – in the form of a love songs playlist. But not just any love song will do.

Our playlist is a collection of hidden gems – the best unknown love songs in the world.

You won’t find Celine Dion in this list. Mariah Carey either.

What you will find is a treasure trove of fresh, romantic tunes that will put a smile on your face.

The Best Unknown Love Songs

Unknown Love Songs for Any Occasion

From date nights to Valentine’s Day, weddings to anniversaries, and every day in between – play these love songs for your honey and you’ll get major brownie points!

I’m always on the lookout for new songs for our playlist. If you know of a great love song that’s not on this list, please leave a comment to share!

1. 5 Years Time by Noah & The Whale

Oh well, in five years time we could be walking ’round a zoo
With the sun shining down over me and you
And there’ll be love in the bodies of the elephants too
And I’ll put my hands over your eyes, but you’ll peep through

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

2. All ‘Cause of You by The 88

I’ve been sinking through the drain of love,
Lift my eyes to skies of up above,
Listen to me this is how I feel,
Since I knew you all my thoughts are real,
You’re the only one i wanna do,
Everything’s new,
And it’s all ’cause of you

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

3. Lost in the Moment by Daniel Lee Kendall

You were wearin’ that pretty white dress
You wore it with your pretty smile
I was trying to do my best
To see you smile your pretty smile at me

Listen: iTunes

4. Just a Boy by Angus & Julia Stone

One kiss from you, and I’m drunk up on your potion
That big old smile is all you wore
Girl you make me want to feel
Things I’ve never felt before

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

5. Wonderin by Nicole Reynolds

My heart is made of instruments
That strum this song for you
They bend and twist each simple pitch
In hopes you’ll feel it too

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

6. Tighten Up by The Black Keys

I don’t need to get steady
I know just how I feel
I’m telling you to be ready
My dear

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

7. The Girl by City and Colour

While I’m off chasing my own dreams
Sailing around the world
Please know that I’m yours to keep
My beautiful girl

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

8. When We First Met by Hellogoodbye

As I kept track of every haircut that we ever had
I could, I could see how long it had been, oh
Oh, how long it had been
And this thought, made it clearer
I ought to be near her

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

9. Sleepy Tigers by Her Space Holiday

Oh I like you so very much so much in fact I gotta wake you up
It’s not that I have words to speak
I just wanna see you looking at me

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

10. You’re What I’m Looking For by Rooney

When I look at you, my troubles all go away
I’m someone new, it feels just like a new day
When you hold me tight, I get lost in your arms
I know tonight I’ve finally found what I’m looking for

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

11. OK by Holly Conlan

And now I’m confused on top of it all
I was ready to lose, and ready to fall
And something about the way that you look at me
Makes it feel okay

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

12. Gray or Blue by Jaymay

But your sweatshirt says it all
With the hood over your face
I can’t keep starin’ at your mouth
Without wonderin’ how it tastes

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

13. Be My Thrill by The Weepies

Be my youth
My kissing booth
My little sweet tooth
My beauty and truth

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

14. Sweeter Than This by Katie Herzig

I’ll feed you Ramen and you’ll braid my hair
Anything goes when you don’t even care
When you’re this far in love

Listen: iTunes | Amazon MP3

15. The Lucky Ones by Tim Myers

Lately I’ve been smiling outside
I feel good, I feel light as a feather
Open up the window look out at the sky
Everything’s better
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
We’re the lucky ones

Listen: iTunes

…

Kelly Holmes

I’m a mom of four, a recovering perfectionist, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt we heap on top of ourselves. So let’s stop trying to be perfect parents and just be real ones. Sound good? Join my mailing list and as a bonus, you’ll get 25+ incredibly helpful cheat sheets that will ease your parenting struggles.

happyyouhappyfamily.com/

Love Songs: 65 of the Best Unknown Love SongsRead More

Top 10 Romantic Comedies for the Modern Woman

I was never into celebrating Valentine’s Day.

In fact, I have ranted a time or two (or fifty) about how it’s a Hallmark holiday designed to get Americans to spend money on cards and flowers that end up in the trash a couple days later. Not to mention the splurging on overpriced extravagant jewelry.

Forced romance? No, thank you.

And then I fell in love.

Top 10 Romantic Comedies for the Modern Woman

Scratch That

Yes, romance is best when spontaneous. OF COURSE it should come from the heart. And love is something to express year-round, not a checkbox to mark off one day a year.

You Make My Heart Have Really Huge Boners

But getting a ready-made excuse to act as sappy as humanly possible and shower your honey in over-the-top expressions of your love?

SIGN. ME. UP.

No, wait a second – can we have that every month?!

And I’m not talking bonbons and bling.

Now that we have two little ones, we take advantage of any opportunity to stay connected as a couple – no matter how small.

For Valentine’s Day, we’ll celebrate by popping in a romantic comedy after the girls go to bed. (And okay, maybe some bonbons too.)

But Here’s My Problem

My feelings toward the typical romantic comedy are a lot like my feelings toward 50 Shades of Grey or Twilight. Or Diet Coke. I knew they were crap, but some unspecified addictive chemical in them kept me reading/drinking.

So just like I cut out Diet Coke, I want to cleanse myself of movies like The Ugly Truth and What’s Your Number.

Not because romantic comedies are by definition crap. That is definitely not the case.

“Stop saying ‘chick flick’ like it’s ‘pile of rotten meat’ and stop saying ‘chick lit’ and ‘chick book’ and ‘chick movie’ and anything else that suggests that love stories are less than war stories, or that stories that end with kissing are inherently inferior to stories that end with people getting shot.”

No, I want to make room for “chick flicks” that will speak to me, a modern woman.

Wonder Woman

Show me a strong woman who is capable of solving problems on her own. A woman who isn’t magnetically drawn to the most chauvinistic man she’s ever met. A woman who has real life struggles beyond deciding which Manolo Blahnik to drop a whole paycheck on this week.

Because you know what?

We’re better than that.

We deserve a sweet, funny love story that doesn’t ask us to check our badassness at the theater door.

…

Kelly Holmes

I’m a mom of four, a recovering perfectionist, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt we heap on top of ourselves. So let’s stop trying to be perfect parents and just be real ones. Sound good? Join my mailing list and as a bonus, you’ll get 25+ incredibly helpful cheat sheets that will ease your parenting struggles.

happyyouhappyfamily.com/

Top 10 Romantic Comedies for the Modern WomanRead More

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Hi! I'm Kelly. I'm a mom of four, a recovering perfectionist, and author. I believe you can find happiness in the chaos of parenting life. Start here…

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