Box of Love: Conversation Starters for Couples

I am not positive, but I think when my son Noah was born, a chemical shift occurred in my brain that makes it nearly impossible to have a real conversation with my husband!  Instead, we talk about earth shattering daily events such as how often Noah has pooped, what color was it, and other such bodily functions (I swore I wouldn't hear these things come out of my mouth on a regular basis!).  So I decided we needed something to spice up our conversations!

This little box is filled with index cards and on those index cards are some conversation starters.  I actually put mine into different categories and each morning my husband and I take turns picking a card from a category of our choice.  Some of the conversation starters are funny, some are serious, and some are just plain bizarre!  It has been a fun way to get us talking and maybe learn something new about each other!  Here are a few examples (If you would like a fuller list of questions, send me a post requesting them via email):

Who do you think will be the first person to go senile?

What do you have a weak spot for?

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

What do you love?

If you saw someone shoplifting, what would you do?

If you were guaranteed an honest response to any three questions, who would you question and what would you ask them?

Would you rather never play or play but always lose?

Would you rather be a giant hamster or a tiny rhino?

What have you been asking God for in prayer lately?

How did you know you loved me?

Describe the marriage of your dreams.

What is the most romantic memory you have of us together?

What makes a marriage relationship distinctly Christian?

How can I show honor and respect for you around other people?

If walls could talk, what would ours say?

What is the best compliment I could give you?

What practical steps can we take as a couple to “affair-proof” our marriage?

What can I do for you this week to make you feel loved?

Not all the conversation starters are my original thoughts.  Some of them come from the following sites:
http://www.conversationstarters.com/wouldyouratherquestions.htm

http://www.marriagemissions.com/conversation-starters-for-married-couples/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/conversation-starters-for-couples.html
http://www.abcarticledirectory.com/Article/20-Excellent-Conversation-Questions-Everyone-Loves/60782

Fan of Flan

Flan Fan

If you are looking for a simple and authentic flan recipe, you have found it!  When I lived in Mexico, a dear Mexican friend of mine passed this recipe on and I have been a fan of flan ever since!  

 Flan

Be sure to make this recipe a day ahead of when you plan to eat it.  It needs to cool completely.

1 can of eagle brand sweetened condensed milk

1 can evaporated milk

¾ cup sugar

4 eggs

Put sugar in 9 inch round cake pan and set over high heat (yes, on the stove top).  Stir sugar and allow to caramelize.  Cook until becomes bubbly.  Note: I like to cook the sugar until it gets a little smokey smelling.  I think it adds a nice rich flavor.  However, be carefully because it will quickly burn and smoke out your kitchen!!  Use oven mitts to remove from heat and gently tip to coat bottom and sides of pan.  Set aside.

Blend condensed milk, evaporated milk and eggs in blender.  Pour over caramelized sugar.  Place cake pan into water bath and cook at 400 F for 1 hour.  Let cool completely in fridge (warm flan does not taste good!).  Flip bottoms up on a serving plate.  The caramelized sugar can be drizzled over the top.   

Family Christmas Card

I know Christmas is well behind us, but I thought a post about our Christmas cards was a fitting beginning to this blog.  I love how this card came out! I took the picture, my husband designed the lay out, and Walmart did the printing.  To keep costs low, I ordered these as regular 5x7 photos (not special order Christmas cards), and then sent them to friends and relatives as postcards (post card stamps are cheaper than regular stamps).

Valentine's Day Gift from Baby

Happy Valentine's Day! My husband loved his gift from his little man. To create a similar gift, buy some wood letters from your local craft store (I painted mine red); find a room with lots of light; drape a white sheet as a back drop; and lay a fluffy blanket on the floor. After wards, click away until you get the perfect shots! To finish the gift, I bought a frame with three 5x7 slots.