“Do-aheads” are the key to all my parties, including a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner at Home. I even devoted a whole chapter on it in my book! I love entertaining! And I always have fun at my own parties because of my “details, do-aheads, and checklists”!

Make it special, candles, music, and using all the pretty things you got for wedding gifts. Borrow some pretty things or check thrift stores for special things that will just cost a few dollars to add beauty to your night. Plan for the kids to have a sleepover at Grandma’s! Or swap with a friend on an alternate night. Be creative, but make it happen!

Here’s a VIDEO with more details:

The goal is for 95% of the prep and cooking to be “do-ahead”. So a lot of it is done the day before, and back at it by 10AM the day of. If you use my timetable below, which is really an orderly checklist, you’ll get it all done without stress, and really be able to enjoy your date. You should find luxury treats like shrimp, crab and steak as they’re some of the lowest sales of the year for Valentine’s day, which is why I chose this menu. Here’s links to recipes and videos for our 5 courses:

1. Crab Stuffed Tomatoes – Recipe and video here:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/app/the-kitchen/#/recipe/50000641/crab-stuffed-tomatoes

2. John’s Butternut Squash Soup with Ravioli - Recipe and video here:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/app/the-kitchen/#/recipe/50000598/john’s-butternut-squash-soup-with-ravioli

3. Steak and Shrimp Ka-Bobs & Twice Baked Potatoes (Main course)

Steak Marinade – Recipe and video here:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/app/the-kitchen/#/recipe/50000642/our-favorite-ka-bob-marinade

Twice Baked Potato – Video here (no recipe needed, just watch and wing it!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-6Axj4paIE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

4. Cranberry Walnut Green Salad – Recipe and video here:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/app/the-kitchen/#/recipe/50000643/anytime-balsamic-vinagrette

5. Sweetheart Tart – Recipe and video here:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/app/the-kitchen/#/recipe/50000644/sweetheart-tart

My Timetable for a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner At Home When every task and detail is on a checklist and timed out, it helps me stay relaxed, knowing I’ve thought of everything and definitely allocated the time without feeling rushed. So I usually start making my timetable/checklist days or even weeks ahead, slotting in things as I think of them. I do this for all my parties, both big and small. I always print it and keep it in the kitchen. If you’re using my menu, you should print my checklist, as I’ve already figured it out for us starting with the day before:

THE DAY BEFORE:

Print all the recipes from “The Kitchen” at www.TheGroceryGame.com using links above. Watch all the videos. Read through the recipes. Then…

Make crab salad, cover and refrigerate

Make steak marinade, cut and trim steak and place in half of the marinade in a reclose-able plastic bag (not on skewers yet), and refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate other half of marinade to pour over before reheating tomorrow)

Shell and wash shrimp (don’t marinate yet) and place in a reclose-able plastic bag in fridge, and in a bowl in case the bag leaks

Make the raspberry cream cheese filling, cover and refrigerate

Make the butternut squash soup, leave in the pot, allow to cool, then cover with lid and refrigerate in the pot

Bake the brownies and cover with plastic wrap or foil

Put white wine, beer or any cold beverages into the fridge

Choose your music and test to make sure it works

Find candles and matches or a long lighter

Iron tablecloth and napkins

Polish all serving dishes, utensils, plates, glasses, and crystal. Think of every utensil and serving dish that’s coming to the table, salad tongs, pretty plates for the tomatoes, etc. Go through one dish at a time in your mind, and find everything, polish and get it all ready so you’re not scrambling tomorrow.

Read through tomorrow’s 4 checklists to make sure you’re familiar with how and when all things should be done.

VALENTINE’S MORNING (Start by 10AM for a 7Pm dinner):

Turn bag of marinating steak

Set table completely with all your pretty things

Scrub potatoes, rub with oil and bake in preheated 350 oven for at least an hour or until done when tested with a fork. Set out to cool.

Make salad dressing, cover and refrigerate

Cook ravioli according to package directions, toss in butter, cover or seal in a plastic bag and refrigerate

Wash lettuce and wrap in a clean dish towel and back into the produce drawer in the fridge

Optional: Set up the coffee pot with coffee grounds and water ready to turn on to serve with dessert.

EARLY AFTERNOON: (Start no later than 1PM for a 7PM dinner):

Take soup, ravioli, marinated steak, and shrimp out of fridge, and allow to come to room temperature

Prepare and stuff potatoes, place on baking sheet, and cover (don’t refrigerate)

Cut 4 heart shaped brownies for Sweetheart Tarts, cover tarts and set aside for later. (Freeze brownie scraps to enjoy on ice cream for a family party night.)

Marinate shrimp in bottled italian dressing (no longer than one hour, even 15 minutes is long enough)

Prepare and cut bell peppers and onions for ka-bobs, toss in oil, salt and pepper

Skewer steak and shrimp ka-bobs

Grill steak and shrimp ka-bobs, but not over-done, as you will reheat later.

Place cooked ka-bobs in oven proof pan covered with foil and set aside (do not refrigerate)

Take other half of reserved marinade out of fridge to come to room temperature (do not pour on skewers yet)

At 3:30 or no later than 3-1/2 hours before dinner time: (No later than 3:30 if dinner is at 7PM)

Toss dried cranberries, candied walnuts and feta into the lettuce in the salad serving bowl or into two separate bowls covered and in fridge (no dressing yet)

Assemble Sweetheart Tarts completely on two individual serving plates and put in fridge (uncovered is fine so you don’t mess up the decorations)

Wash and flower tomatoes, and fill with crab salad, cover and refrigerate

Turn on music

Preheat oven to 375 (I know it’s wasteful, but it’s a special occasion, and you want it hot when you return)

By 4:30, or 2-1/2 hours before dinner: Get showered and dressed for the evening

30 minutes before dinner time:

Uncover potatoes and put into preheated 375 degree oven

Heat soup on low, stirring often

Light the candles (stir soup)

Fill the sink with hot soapy water (for dishes to soak after dinner and cleanup tomorrow AM)

Microwave ravioli a few minutes and add to soup (stir soup carefully)

Garnish crab stuffed tomatoes with snipped chives

5 minutes before dinner time: Turn oven down to 250, drizzle reserved marinade over steak and more Italian dressing over shrimp ka-bobs, cover and put into oven with potatoes (they should heat perfectly while you serve your first two courses, about 15-20 minutes)

Stir soup one last time and put on lowest simmer

Serve your first course, Crab Stuffed Tomatoes, and enjoy your Romantic Valentine’s Dinner at Home!

Note: If your sweetheart comes in before you’re ready to serve, enjoy the company in the kitchen and and have fun finishing up and serving each other. Even though you’ve done a lot of prep to make this enjoyable for both of you, it isn’t a performance. This is the one you love, so relax and enjoy.

MORE

Have you seen the release?

“NEW STUDY REVEALS MOMS FEEL PRESSURE TO BUY EXPENSIVE BABY BRANDS, EVEN IN DOWN ECONOMY”

http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54418-kelton-research-mom-study-baby-products-store-brand-infant-formula

The study revealed that 52% of moms are willing to buy store brand products for the household. But when it comes to our children, we’re definitely more wary of quality, as only 30% will buy store brand products for our babies. We become even more particular with our babies’ food, as only 23% would buy store brand baby formula.
As a mom of two, those numbers don’t surprise me one bit! Motherhood is filled with guilt and fear. I know how much we will crawl on our bloody knees to always give only the best to our children. Heck, I walked around with holes in my shoes for years, and fed my kids well! And back in the day, I didn’t use formula. But if I did, my initial response was… Yep! I would have found a way to buy name brand formula.
Then I thought is it really necessary to spend more on name brand formula?…

So I dug in…

First of all… Those of us who have tried store brands of other food products, for the most part, have learned that they’re a reasonable alternative for saving money when the name brand is not on sale with a coupon. Sure, there are a few that we weren’t thrilled with, just like one name brand can be better than another name brand.
But do we take that risk with our children?…

I would not advise you one way or the other, but there is an advocate for store brand formula, who seems to be very reputable. You can google her and decide for yourself, if you want to take her advice. Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg is quoted on the subject of store brand baby formula,

“According to the Infant Formula Act, all infant formulas manufactured in the United States must contain the same key nutrients and adhere to the same quality and safety guidelines. This survey found that less than a quarter of the moms were willing to buy store brand formulas, which indicates that there is a significant knowledge gap. Far too many families are spending twice as much as they need to for infant formula, just to get a brand that is advertised, … Just like generic prescription medications have changed the healthcare landscape by proving more expensive does not mean better, store brand formulas can play a huge role in helping parents take the best possible care of their babies, as well as their budgets.”

With that said, I can see that this release and study were sponsored by the below website, and on their site they claim that store brand can save $600 a year. I concur on that point, but as far as the health and well-being of any baby, I would have to defer to the experts, doctors, and finally the mother of the child.
Here’s why it took me awhile to comment on this release…
While I was initially turned off by the idea of store brand formula, I have to say I think I’ve been swayed by all that I’ve read and considered since this release came out. I guess it really pulled at my heart strings, as a mom who wants to save money, but never at the expense of my children. And in finality, if I was buying formula today, I think I would ask my doctor about store brand formula.
Aww… if you’re the mom of an infant, my heart goes out to you! And if it’s any encouragement, the guilt and fear never ends. Just wait until you have to decide when to let him get his driver’s license! Or when she’s allowed to go on a date! This too shall pass!
If you and your doctor decide to go to store brand formula, I found a $5 coupon on their website that can be printed for a number of supermarkets’ store brand formulas here:
http://www.storebrandformula.com/baby-formula-coupons.aspx

Note: Name brand baby formula on sale with a coupon is usually cheaper than store brand. But it will not always be on sale when you run out. If you’re sticking to name brand, you could stock up (“invest”) in your baby’s name brand formula when it’s on sale, and use coupons to go with those same sales. Just pay attention to the date on the package, and make sure you stock up accordingly and use accordingly.

MORE

“31 Days to Save in 2012”:
A 31 day crash course to cut food costs big time in 2012!

http://www.TheGroceryGame.com/ saves TIME!

Jump on in! Links to previous days are here: http://terismessageboard.thegrocerygame.com/showthread.php?288859-31-Days-To-Save-In-2012!!!!

Day 31 – Take it on the Road!

We’ve been focusing on saving on groceries for our first 30 days, because groceries are the biggest, easiest and fastest way to save BIG bucks! If you’ve been with us, your cupboards, fridge and freezer should be fuller, yet you’ve paid much less, even though it’s only been 31 days. And there’s more to come, as the big mile marker is 12 weeks! If you’ve joined www.TheGroceryGame.com, you’ve been maximizing your savings the quickest and easiest way possible. And now, you’re on your way to save thousands of dollars on groceries for 2012 and every year after!

But there’s more… Members often say that their grocery savings mindset has carried over into everything else! With this video, I hope to encourage you to save money wherever you go, on all things!

Be sure to end your 31 days, by commenting on Day 31  ”Take it on the Road!” Share how your mind has already opened up to savings in all areas of your life, and tell us how much money you plan to save in 2012! http://www.facebook.com/TheGroceryGame

www.TheGroceryGame.com – For as little as $10 for 8 weeks, you should save $6,000 a year! Most people save enough in their 4 week FREE trial to buy a deep freezer!

Have a happy and prosperous 2012!

MORE

“31 Days to Save in 2012”:
A 31 day crash course to cut food costs big time in 2012!
http://www.TheGroceryGame.com/ saves TIME!

Jump on in! Links to previous days are here: http://terismessageboard.thegrocerygame.com/showthread.php?288859-31-Days-To-Save-In-2012!!!!

Day 30 – Instant Rebates at the Supermarket

If you can learn to navigate instant rebates, you can save BIG bucks! The offers are usually to mix and match, and buy a minimum number of items within a specified group, and get instant savings at the register. There’s often several different offers at a time for one store: Mix and match 10 from this group for $5 back, and 5 from another group for $3, and 7 from another group for $3, etc…Instant rebates offer huge savings, especially if you choose items with the highest value to begin with, and use coupons for more “deal stacking”. But… It can cost you money if you don’t buy the right items and quantity, and if you get too many, you don’t save as much. Sound complicating???…

Watch this video, on how http://www.TheGroceryGame.com/ states the final price of each item with any available coupons and the instant rebate figured in, and then how our tools organize your selections into their various “Instant Rebate” groups, so you can be sure you have all your ducks in a row before heading out to the store! In the end, the best advice I can give is to just log in and try it!:

5 minute commitment done!
For your commitment to 31 days, go back and comment on our Facebook thread for Day 30 “Instant Rebates”. Ask questions, or share what kinds of deals you’ve gotten by “deal stacking” with instant rebates! http://www.facebook.com/TheGroceryGame

Optional Additional reading:

Here’s an article on Instant Rebates, and a review on lots of other savings strategies that we’ve covered over our last 30 days:

http://save.lovetoknow.com/expert-interviews/expert-shopping-tips-grocery-game

For your commitment to 31 days, go back and comment on our Facebook thread for Day 30 “Instant Rebates”. Ask questions, or share what kinds of deals you’ve snagged by “deal stacking” with instant rebates! http://www.facebook.com/TheGroceryGame

One more big day to save in 2012!

See you tomorrow!

http://www.TheGroceryGame.com/ – For as little as $10 for 8 weeks, most members should save $1,000! Roll your savings from the 4 week FREE trial into a deep freezer for investing!

MORE

“31 Days to Save in 2012”:
A 31 day crash course to cut food costs big time in 2012!
http://www.TheGroceryGame.com/ saves TIME!

If you’re just starting today, jump on board anytime!  Links to previous days are here:
http://terismessageboard.thegrocerygame.com/showthread.php?288859-31-Days-To-Save-In-2012!!!!

Day 29 – Family Party Time!

We’ve learned a lot of ways to save money, and one is to eat at home, but feeding a family is a lot of work. For me, getting dinner on the table every night, after shopping, prepping, cooking, then dishes, dishes and more dishes… if the only reward was saving money, it wouldn’t be enough to keep me going for the long haul. But I have a big reward that’s my biggest motivator for keepin’ on keepin’ on… I look forward to that crowning moment of time with the ones I love! If our dinner table wasn’t something to look forward to most of the time, I know I would have burned out years ago.

I hope this video on “Family Party Time” helps you as it’s helped me to keep meals at home for the long haul!:

5 minute commitment done!
For your commitment to 31 days, go back and comment on our Facebook thread for Day 29 “Family Party Time”. Ask questions, or share some of your ideas on how you make dinner at home special and enjoyable for you and your family. And tell me if you think it helps to motivate you for all your labors and keeps you going!  http://www.facebook.com/TheGroceryGame

Optional Additional reading:

There’s a lot more that goes into making “Family Party Time” at your dinner table, more than I can put in a paragraph and a three minute video. Part of it starts with kids in the kitchen. From beginning to end, it’s all a safe and fun place, and we’re all in it together. Here’s something on the topic from “Shop Smart, Save More”:

Chapter 12: All in the Family

Kids, by definition, are fussy eaters. But here’s a little secret I’ll let you in on: they will eat almost anything if they make it themselves. My boys always loved to experiment and whip up their own bizarre dishes (who knew you could eat broccoli with chocolate chips?). Even more fun: give that dish a crazy name, like Alien Asparagus or Monster Meatballs. Just make sure if you have little ones, you supervise all their culinary efforts closely (watch hot stovetops, pointy utensils and even butter knives). You can even encourage them to draw their own menus for the meal while the dish is cooking (a great distraction when they’re whining, “Is it ready yet?”). Remember to have fun and not take things too seriously. Kids will spill and slop and sprinkle flour all over your kitchen floor. That’s what kids do. You want them to feel comfortable in the kitchen, so when you’re old and tired (like me!) and they’re almost all grown, they can make you a meal fit for a queen–and do their own clean-up!…

(End of excerpt from “Shop Smart, Save More” by TeriGault with Sheryl Berk)

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/more-ways-to-save/teris-book-shop-smart-save-more/

For your commitment to 31 days, go back and comment on our Facebook thread for Day 29 “Family Party Time”. Ask questions, or share some of your ideas on how you make dinner at home special and enjoyable for you and your family. And tell me if you think it helps to motivate you for all your labors and keeps you going!  http://www.facebook.com/TheGroceryGame

Two more days to save in 2012!

See you tomorrow!

http://www.TheGroceryGame.com/ – Save enough in the four week FREE trial to buy a deep freezer!

MORE

“31 Days to Save in 2012”:
A 31 day crash course to cut food costs big time in 2012!
http://www.TheGroceryGame.com/ saves TIME!

If you’re just starting today, jump on board anytime! There’s amazing savings secrets every day no matter what day you begin! IF you want to do some back reading, links to previous days are here. Or skip the back reading and just jump on in! http://terismessageboard.thegrocerygame.com/showthread.php?288859-31-Days-To-Save-In-2012!!!!

Day 28 – Maximize Holidays!

It’s not about the holiday… Even if you’re not celebrating the holiday, all holiday weeks are must shop weeks! They’re a once a year opportunity to get the lowest prices on certain foods. So even if you’re doing absolutely nothing for any particular holiday, you simply must take advantage and invest for your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Think beyond the holiday and cash in on savings for weeks and months to come!

Watch this video, for more details on how and why we Maximize Holidays, beyond just the holiday:

5 minute commitment done!
For your commitment to 31 days, go back and comment on our Facebook thread for Day 28  “Maximize Holidays”. Ask questions, or share some of your greatest holiday investments and what you did with them to make your everyday family meals!  http://www.facebook.com/TheGroceryGame

Optional Additional reading:

Super Bowl is our next big event. We’re already seeing some deals. Expect to see some of the lowest prices of the year on these and more: ground beef, chicken, steaks, frozen hot wings, frozen appetizers, stuffed jalapenos, frozen meatballs, frozen pizzas, pasta, pasta sauce, cheese, dips, salsa, avocados, snacks, chips, microwave popcorn, and more!

This is a great time to stock up on good quality frozen pizzas and take some nights off from cooking in weeks to come, at a fraction of the cost of delivery, and fun for the family! Stock up on the frozen appetizers for after school snacks, or just to add to a fun family game night. Stock up on chips and snacks for school lunches, and more…

Think beyond the holiday!

For your commitment to 31 days, go back and comment on our Facebook thread for Day 28  ”Maximize Holidays.” Ask questions, or share some of your greatest holiday investments and what you did with them to make your everyday family meals!   http://www.facebook.com/TheGroceryGame

Three more big savings days to come!

See you tomorrow!

www.TheGroceryGame.com – First and foremost in grocery savings!

MORE