(Word to the Wives) Spicin’ it Up: It’s easier than we think.

I’m standing here at the counter making dinner. I’m wearing dangling earrings. That should tell you that something is up. I never wear jewelry, or at least very rarely. I have nothing against it, I just hardly ever remember to wear it and somehow it never feels like “me”–feels like I’m dressing up like someone else. Not that I shun accessories, my accessory of choice is mascara–which is less of an accessory and more of a necessity. You do not want to see me without it–my hair is blond and so are my eyelashes. Enough said.

Anyway, tonight I’m wearing earrings.  Jeff and I had a date planned, but because of the weather we needed to cancel, so we’re on a “family date” at home.  I made fresh salmon, five little loaves of pumpkin cake to deliver to the neighbors, and went all out by putting on make-up and said earrings.  I even changed out of my old black t-shirt and put on a new black-tshirt.  It’s a hot date!

…

Of course the magic of these few simple steps isn’t that it turned me into a supermodel or transformed our dining room into a Michelin star restaurant.  We’re light years from that. It simply spiced things up. More than anything it just changed my attitude, made me feel pretty, put a smile on my face, changed the air of our home into a place of excitement and celebration rather than another ho-hum night.  And you know what?

It worked.

When Jeff walked in he could sense it immediately. The house smelled delicious and it’s amazing how easily pleased husbands are when we just make a tiny bit of effort with our appearance. 🙂 We enjoyed our dinner then went for a walk in the snow with the kids and delivered our home-baked goods. Everyone was home because of the snow so it was a perfect time to meet new neighbors!

By 7:30 the kids were in bed leaving plenty of time for us to have to ourselves.  All this to say that at-home dates are totally possible with a teeny bit of effort. Yes, it’s great to get out, but for those of us with little ones, this season of life means at-home dates are going to be the reality for a while. We might as well figure out little ways to spice it up–it’s easier than we think. 😉