***This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for your participation!***
This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Stouffer's.
When there's a rainstorm in Los Angeles the city can basically shut down – a 20 minute drive can take over an hour.
So when I heard on the news last Friday that a late winter storm was coming our way and saw the weather looking like this in afternoon, I told my husband that instead of doing Friday night date a restaurant like planned, we should a fun date night at home and make an ordinary night a little more fun!
(For those of not from LA, this is ominous weather in our city).
I decided this would be a great night to try a new Stouffer’s Saute for Two. It’s a great gourmet meal for a couple – perfect for after a long week where you don’t have the energy to cook but still want a delicious meal.
The whole entree comes in a one bag. So simple!
To set the mood for our romantic date night at home, I set the table with our crystal wine glasses and silver chargers.
(You know, the stuff you get for wedding, but don’t use too much)
Then I decanted a bottle of our favorite cabernet sauvignon.
Then I put a Steak Gorgonzola Stouffer's Sauté on the stove. It cooked in less than 15 minutes and was so easy to make without over or under cooking it. Even a culinary novice like me couldn’t screw this up. Seriously.
It was perfectly portioned for two people.
We loved every bite! The steak, pasta, and sun-dried tomato were a perfect combo. And the creamy cheese sauce was delicious. (Warning: this was not a low calorie dinner, but it was worth it!)
We lingered at the dining room table, taking and listing to the rain fall outside, and being cozy – making an ordinary night at home extraordinary. I can’t wait to do it again!
So tell me, how do you make an ordinary night with your significant other extraordinary?
Leave me a comment to let me know and you could win a $100 Visa Gift Card courtesy of Blogher !
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave me a comment answering the question above
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Visit the official rules for additional forms of entry.
The fine print:
- No duplicate comments
- The giveaway runs from 3/17/11 - 4/11/11
- This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
- Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
- You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
- The official rules: Visit the Official Rules
- The official site: Visit the Official site
- Also visit BlogHer’s Promotions & Prizes page for more chances to win! Visit the promotions & Prizes section
285 comments:
1 – 200 of 285 Newer› Newest»Netflix, wine and takehome pizza is our answer to a romantic night at home!
We sit in the dining room and use the good china and crystal. And, we might be inclined to open a better than usual bottle of wine.
We turn off the computer and our phones and just focus on each other!
We eat dinner on the couch and watch a movie!
We cook together, share a bottle of wine, and play Scrabble!
We make ordinary nights special by picking up a Redbox and having a date night at home.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/48451233723326464
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I make a fire, cook dinner and then we force ourselves not to jump up after the meal to do the dishes. I just soak them in the sink, and we relax for the entire rest of the night.
Usually our ordinary nights are the most extraordinary because there is no pressure! We put on our pajamas, watch movies, drink some wine (beer for him), and make dinner together! That's a perfect night...really, that's every night in our house!
I make an ordinary night extraordinary by going on a walk with my husband and our doggie. My dog loves being outside so much that it always puts a smile on my face.
Ordinary nights are extraordinary when you're aware of what's actually happening. Children are growing in front of you, your husband and you are growing old together - it's everything you've ever wanted - happening every day!
shannoncarman at yahoo dot com
We re-visit places where we had great dates and talk about what we did there and what we talked about...and laugh and giggle and talk about the future and where we've come and where we're going. It's almost always a hilarious yet romantic trip down memory lane. :)
I tweeted about it!
http://twitter.com/#!/NewlywedsBudget/status/48503489613152256
We try to turn off the tv, cell phones, ipods and laptops and actually eat together without distractions!
We rarely ever sit down at the table and eat together, so actually making an effort to do so definitely is a little extraordinary for us.
To make an ordinary night extraordinary, I usually will prepare a fancy dessert for a sweet ending. With the easy of Stouffer's help on dinner, I can have more time to make dessert and still have time to share with my loved ones. I'm love it! Thanks for a chance to win this giveaway!
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy
http://utry.it
We rent a good horror movie and order in dinner
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/48593921856638977
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
my husband and i will watch a movie after the kids go to bed
While we looove to go out for "date night" dinner and a movie - some of my favorite nights are when we pick out a good bottle of pinot noir and make dinner together, then after dinner pile on the couch with the two dogs and watch a movie from redbox!!
kerryandscott.blogspot.com
One of my favorite date nights now is sitting by the fire and eating homemade cookies and milk. It's the simple things in life!
jmtblack at gmail dot com
Hi, I set the table with our nicer dishes, light candles, and maybe making a special dessert.
maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net
To make an ordinary night with my significant other extraordinary, I like to fix their favorite dinner with their favorite dessert. LPoser1 [at] gmail [dot] com
We make dinners special by turning off cell phones, computers and the TV and talk about our day
s2s2 at comcast dot net
http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/49299109739364353
s2s2 at comcast dot net
Head out for a walk around the neighborhood (or through nearby parks). Hand-holding while strolling is the best.
(kladish(at)gmail(dot)com.)
I use candles and the good dishes, lower the lights and open a bottle of wine :)
Creating something new in the kitchen together is a fun way to spend an otherwise boring evening. We'll do 'Top Chef'-like challenge in that we'll specify a few ingredients that must be used, set a time limit, and then let our creativity guide us to a dish.
I tweeted about the giveaway! http://twitter.com/#!/carrotrunr/status/49630189289881600
I am single, but Stouffer's meals sound like the perfect thing for me and my mom.
maryhug2@yahoo.com
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/49633879908290560
marybug2 at yahoo.com
we enjoy a nice meal at home followed by a movie
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/bellows22/status/49684149979721728
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
I make an ordinary night with my husband extraordinary be making up a nice basket of foods. Could be as simple as sandwiches and chips and drinks. (HOT chocolate in winter) Then even in the winter when we have a couple feet of snow we go to a picnic table that overlooks the river and forest and eat! All bundled up. It is really fun!
my tweet
http://twitter.com/Nankani/statuses/49721161071865856
No TV or cell phone distractions and a quiet evening at home.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
all electronics shut off- picnic in backyard or even in the bedroom
I make sure the kids are gone and we snuggle on the sofa together.
Send the kids to the neighbors and he is pretty happy.
I try to make one of his favorite desserts or a special treat that he would love.
I also like to set our table with good linens and candles.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
We get takeout from the local Italian place and watch a movie.
lenz.nicole(at)gmail(dot)com
When we have a bit of extra time, I like to make a several course meal, and I let him pick whatever movie he wants to see. It's a treat, because I am usually the one dictating what the evening entertainment is! LOL. And I like to end the evening with a nice desert!
I tweeted. http://twitter.com/#!/SewIntoEwe/status/49849066905014272
Adding flowers from our garden makes it more special to dine at home!
thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
Our nights are special, even after ten years, because we spend time together without the kids, starting at 930pm.
Girlfriend, you have so many blogs! Of course I didn't know about this one, but love the idea of separating from the rest.
Anyway, I want to enter. :)
Hmmm... ordinary to extraordinary?
Well, a little wine always helps. But I usually make something homemade in the midst of frozen/canned/refrigerated. Like, I'd probably make a fun veggie saute or veggie skewer with that meal. Something to add a little extra zing. I think the meal you tried would go great with asparagus (with butter, salt, pepper).
Hope you're loving your ski trip. Excited to read about it when you return.
turn off all the electronics and light candles! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/49879618978713600 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
Turn off the tv, the cell phones and turn the lights down low and just snuggle and talk.
Nothing makes a night with my SO more special than a really great conversation
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/49880781014839296
We turn off the TV! Sounds simple, but after a long day, sometimes all you want to do is veg. I love how much better my night feels after we just talk and enjoy each other.
I have two boys, and sometimes, I let them help me plan.....decorate the table, set the table, and sometimes they even "serve us"...very fun!
Cooking a meal from scratch always makes it special! And to make sure to eat at the dinner table with the tv off.
jmajunkmail (at) yahoo (dot) com
when you're with the person whose company you enjoy more than any other person's, a regular night becomes super special, so that is how I make my nights extraordinary, just by being with my husband
We make it extraordinary with a couple hours of good conversation.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
I make my son eat at the table with me.
Just add a little music.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
I set our table with our best dishes, some candles and music. I set the mood
http://twitter.com/#!/rewcath/status/49921175752683520 tweeted @rewcath
massage oil so we can relax and have some 'quality' time together :)
For special times, I love dining with candle light and a nice linen table cloth...making some of my husbands favorite foods. It is also just as special, being alone and curling up on the couch together to watch a movie...with popcorn!
We usually pop open a bottle of wine with dinner and have some fancier drinks after dinner... like root beer "floats" made with whipped cream vodka. :)
krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com
My husband and I love to sit outside in nice weather with a fire in the chiminea, and splitting a bottle of wine. Nothing better!
dwellenstein at cox dot net
It is the simple things such as opening a nice bottle of wine. msmith572@yahoo.com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/49955346067886081
msmith572@yahoo.com
Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/03/newlyweds-next-door-reviews-stouffers.html
msmith572@yahoo.com
We like to eat in front of the fireplace to set the mood.
ceriehl at gmail dot com
Tweet
http://twitter.com/norcalgal52/status/49957280443142144
ceriehl at gmail dot com
One of these meals, no kids at home that day and a bottle of wine works well.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
All I have to say is Free backrubs!
Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com
Tweeted here too
http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/49958305438777345
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
good music and homemade food
Right now, our extraordinary nights together consist of putting away the law school books! Just having an evening to spend together without my husband studying or stressing about studying is miraculous! :)
eating AFTER the kids are in bed and opening a bottle of fantastic red wine
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Extraordinary for us these days means we are both awake past 9pm!
I cook a nice dinner on the grill.
hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com
I cook a nice dinner on the grill.
entry #2
hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com
tweet
http://twitter.com/mrcheapo/status/50195417597624320
hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com
A glass of good wine does wonders.
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/clc408/status/50202047982747648
A nice big shared bowl of popcorn with a good DVD.
I either cook dinner (shrimp tacos were a recent favorite!) or we get thai take out, then relax and watch a funny movie. Thanks for the giveaway!
We call them meals in a bag and we cook them all the time. Our favrite is the galic chicken skillet by Viola! It is like 3.98 and the perfect portion. yum!
We usually cook a wonderful fillet of salmon and open a bottle of our better wines... then, it's snuggle time.
My husband and I like to cook together over a nice bottle of wine :)
Turn off the phones and just relax together with a good movie or just talking
tweet
http://twitter.com/buzz8/status/50400546040971264
Both of us are a bit of heath freaks, especially when it comes to food, so we spend quality time by cooking together. Our work hours are often long and unpredictable, but we still make it a point to cook together, especially on weekends, when we often prepare our meals for the week.
by wearing something c ute
thanks for entering me!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
www.FeedYourPigBlog.com
sherri
dinner by candlelight then a nice movie make for a great night
sherricrawford70/at/yahoo/dot/com
Getting a babysitter. anything else is just icing on the cake!
An ordinary night with my significant other becomes extraordinary if we can manage to be alone with neither of us doing work things.
chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/50651113694838784
chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com
We generally enjoy a bed picnic with a nice movie. Good food, a few candles, and Netflix/YouTube make a night just lovely.
Here's a tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/tammigirl/status/50664934547259392
A good movie and some desserts can make ordinary evenings at home extraordinary.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/50788090754760704
My older kids are living with us temporarily (ages 30 and 24) and let me tell you, they are worse for romance than little ones cause they stay up and are not as easily entertained by a stupid dvd. So I tell them to beat it, light candles and open a bottle of our favorite wine.
lindacarol6 at gmail dot com
Soft music in the background, candlelight, a fine wine, and an extra special dessert.
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/50986689614708736
merleandtina@Yahoo.com
We go out and explore your city and try restaurants we would have never looked twice at!
ekieuuu@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/#!/ekieu/status/51035108165169152
ekieuuu@gmail.com
We try to go to our favorite restaurant for a special night out when we can afford it
Ziggywag at yahoo dot com
Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/Ziggywag/status/51275312369123329
Ziggywag at yahoo dot com
just sitting at the table together makes any dinner special
http://twitter.com//bobisyellow/status/51363131557027840
do I need to leave an email when you can click on my blogger status?
WE SEND THE KIDS NEXT DOOR TO THE NEIGHBORS FOR A NIGHT, SO WE CAN MAKE IT EXTRAORDINARY LOL =D
kytah00@yahoo.com
2ND ENTRY TWEET @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/51386216645533696 kytah00@yahoo.com
We watch a movie together in bed after the kids have gone to bed. It usually turns the night into something extraordinary!
I try to make it like a date night. I set a nice table with a meal that we both enjoy and then a dessert and talking by the fireplace.
msgb245 at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/51727046375784448
http://tnshadylady.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-great-blogher-giveaway.html
Usually dinner together and then snuggling on the couch with a movie and popcorn.
Daily Tweet @eswright18
eswright18 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/51775738323546112
I love to cook. I make my evening special sometimes with candlelight and a fine wine. I'll set the table really pretty, use cloth napkins etc
rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com
We add candles and a bottle of wine!
gina.m.maddox AT gmail DOT com
tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/51788747909509120
gina.m.maddox AT gmail DOT com
With a lovely bottle of Cabernet Savignon.
jvmwordsmith@comcast.net
Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/Jayne_Martin/status/51802218600476673
jvmwordsmith@comcast.net
It's just me & the cats don't care. So actually plating the food as opposed to eating it from the pan or take-out container.
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
bloggyig at gmail dot com
Grabbing them at the door and giving them a really passionate kiss starts things out extraordinary.
humanecats at gmail dot com
i like lighting candles
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
I make it look like a nice dinner out with candles and flowers and low lights.
hebert024 at aol dotcom
We make Homemade Pizza’s And Watch our favorite TV Shows!
baller19822002 at yahoo dot com
Thanks!
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/femalebiker21/status/52543982210781184
baller19822002 at yahoo dot com
Usually a movie at home
disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
I love to make a special dessert to follow dinner and pick foods I know we both love. Then spend the meal together, sharing our days or plans for the rest of the evening. Just being together makes it more special to me.
b (dot) edge315 (at) gmail (dot) com
desert makes everything just a little more special <3
Since my SO lives in another state, we don't see each other that often. This means ANY time together is a bit extraordinary and special! We generally try to go to one of our favorite mexican restaurants when he's in town, and no cell phones, just the two of us and lots of laughter!
sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
don't have a significant other (thanks for reminding me LOL), but I make meals special by using cloth napkins and turning on some music instead of the TV
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
Dessert always makes it special :)
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/LAMusing/status/52949442667618304
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
we sit at the table and sometimes add a glass of wine
robinscott4 at hotmail dot com
Not scarfing our dinners down and just relaxing and enjoying the moment, then cuddling on the couch to watch a movie. Things are so busy that it is nice to just have a night to NOT be busy.
kwolfrum at ymail dot com.
Since usually I cook, I have him cook for me instead. He will cook & present the food restaurant-style. We then eat by candle light. I'll have wine & he has sparkling cider. Then we snuggle on the couch & watch a movie. Our dog alternates between sitting on our laps or humping our legs =P .
I light lots of candles, put on some romantic music, and serve a nice dinner.
Digicat {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I posted about this giveaway on my blog. Here is the link:
http://carolsbloggys.blogspot.com/p/stouffers-100-visa-card.html
Digicat {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
The couch, wine and redbox!
Our night would be extraordinary by just popping in a movie and some popcorn. It's the little things that make our night special. :)
Anytime we open a bottle of wine, it automatically makes the night feel more special! Sometimes we dress up too - even for dinner at home. And sometimes those nights end up being the most fun!
A nice bottle of wine, real cloth napkins, and some dark chocolate after dinner make a great date night at home!
kkszat at gmail dot com
My fiance and I recently moved in together (after four LONG years of being long-distance) so honestly every night we are together is special for us!! However, some candles and a nice home-cooked meal never hurts either... !
brittanythompson1035 at yahoo dot com
I like to spend quality time with my husband and not just in between washing the dishes, loads of laundry or cooking dinner. Just sitting down and having uniterrupted time with him works for us!
I visited the official website and entered there for your blog!
I make a night special by making a dish together.
melduke26 at gmail dot com
We usually cook dinner together and go for a hand in hand walk down our country road - sans kids and dogs
I'll make a special dinner by cooking my husband's favorite food, steak and potatoes.
ksgillmore at yahoo dot com
I love to bake, I make snickadoodle cookies on a rainy day to warm up the house. Having some hot chocolate and a movie.
One of the easiest ways to to make a favorite but no fuss dinner, and then relax discussing the family and memories.
cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
Candles, good china, linen napkins, wine and soft music.
Make sure we turn off the TV and eat at the table, or when it's nice head outside and eat on the balcony. mtw816 at gmail.com
clean the dishes together haha eating dinner together with candle light is always nice.
songyueyu at gmail
i tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/53964595559276544
Fix a special dinner, send the kids to the movies and snuggle up on the sofa to watch a movie of our own.
susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com
We like to laugh together so we find something funny on tv and spend an hour or so just chuckling.
april dot vrugtman at gmail dot com
i love to light a candle.. so simple but it sets a great atmosphere
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
Splurging and grilling out steaks is always a nice treat:)
Jenny B
jennyhasquads at yahoodotcom
My husband loves pancakes, especially on Friday nights.
I make an ordinary night extraordinary by adding some candlelite and some soft music to dinnertime...then...use your imagination!
bleatham*at*gmail.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/sleatham1/status/54080277009539072
bleatham*at*gmail.com
I like to surprise him by baking one of my great homemade desserts and I borrow a DVD from the library.
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/tracylr233/status/54083123973074945
thank you!
Dinner and a movie works for us!
Dinner and a movie works for us!
I am the type of person who likes to stay in! A movie and cuddling make an ordinary night extraodinary!
chacoyaguayo at yahoo dot com
Thank you for the opportunity!
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/Ma21cuteboy/status/54299913529462784
chacoyaguayo at yahoo dot com
Wine with dinner makes any dinner seem a little nicer:)
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/54353041725468672
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
A movie, a nice dinner, and some time together.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
My man and I love to talk and just be together all the time.
dawns_horizen@yahoo.com
Music and candles usually always work!
samanthakoh.cy@gmail.com
romantic dinner? I sever salad on separate plates, actually set the table and crack open some wine. (and send the kids to thier grandparents for a couple hours)
Not too many special dinners with just my hubby. I try to make it special by setting a nice table and having dinner ready for him when he gets home. With 3 small kids, it's about the best I can do right now.
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com
Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/54924861381947393
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com
Massage! I get a foot rub and he gets a scalp massage!
I dont have a significant other. I like to put a movie on for the whole family and spend time together.
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/55037032359133184
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
We watch our favorite shows on Netflix while snuggling on the couch with the puppy!
we get in the kitchen together and cook deliciousness
patis2@msn.com
http://twitter.com/patis2000/status/55286939225567232
patis2@msn.com
I like to light candles and put flowers on the table to add a little romance.
smchester at gmail dot com
I light a few candles and just relax
i make him a special dessert cause the key to his heart is his sweettooth
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
A special night is when we can crawl in bed and snuggle before 11pm and have some alone time. Doesn't matter if we are watching a movie or just talking. Those moments together make it special.
pddispatch911@yahoo.com
Any night with a pasta & some type of cream sauce is special!
Sitting down together for dinner is special!
rachel DOT or DOT clark AT gmail DOT com
tweeted!
http://twitter.com/clarkerrr/status/55406981221060608
rachel DOT or DOT clark AT gmail DOT com
Debra Hall its the best thing to keep my sugar in check
debrahall one nine six one at yahoo dot com
We make meals special by sitting at the table and talking about our day. We have two young children so it is hard to have a romantic meal at home.
Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com
http://twitter.com/#!/Sparklezstars/statuses/55471860544057344
Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com
Cooking together as a family makes dinner extraordinary in my household. Especially when the weather is warm and we can all participate in the backyard family bbq dinner.
tclarkusa at gmail dot com
We go out on most Wednesday's without Kiddos have supper, a drink sometimes, and just talk...this way we have time for each other!
clemensrhonda@hotmail.com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/lovemymrmason/status/56058109856190464
We usually enjoy some adult beverages and cook dinner together...it's even better when it's nice and we can sit on the porch!
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
My significant other is an 11 lbs cutie named Rex. He doesn't care much for fancy dishes or linen tablecloths. But I have a glass of wine while he licks the plate.
We love Italian food, so when we get to have a romantic dinner together, we like to have some wine and some spaghetti or homemade pizza.
marcia.goss@gmail.com
Tweet.
http://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/56155067404910592
marcia.goss@gmail.com
I make him his favorite dinner-lately its been Beef Roast with potatoes and then his favorite desert- which is Always "cheese cake" and thats makes him happy which makes me happy and it turns into an extraordinary evening
thanks for the giveaway
debis126 at yahoo.com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/deb126/status/56293807930605568
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