After a long day of work, kids, meals, cleaning the house, etc., we moms and dads need to relax, decompress, and regenerate together. So from one tired mom to another (or whoever you are), hereโs a little list of all you need for a romantic stay-at-home date night โ complete with a list of delicious gluten-freeย treats, and a wonderful massage.ย
A work in progress.
For those of you who donโt know me โ which is probably almost all of you โ Iโm going to let you in on a little secret aboutย myself:ย I amย not a romantic girl. But as often happens, opposites attract, and I marriedย a guy who cries duringย Return to Me.ย
But regardless of my personality, I know the importance of date nights. When you have fiveย six crazy kids running around you like banshees all day (well, technically only five of them can run โ oneโs just learning to walk) you NEED time alone with your spouse! And even if youโre not being overrun by kids, a little one-on-one time for couples is a must-have for a healthy relationship!
Being the unromantic type makes planning date nights a tad tedious for me, though.ย While Iโd be happy with a movie and a bucket of ice cream between us, my husband isย more of a โletโs do something specialโ kind-of guy. So lately Iโve been working on more โsomething special.โ Wanna know how?
Keto Italian Garlic Bread Sticks
Melt: Massage for Couples
Thankfully, something special doesnโt mean you have to leaveย the house. After the kids are locked in their room until they fall asleep snug in bed and theย dinner dishes are washed soaking for tomorrow, my husband and I have beenย settling down and trying something new.
Through the Melt series, done byย Australian massage therapistย Denis Merkas and his wife Emma, my husband and I haveย been learning how to give each other killer massages. (Please note that the use of the word โkillerโ is completely idiomatic, in case you were worried.)
Couples massage? Sounds way romantic, right? Yeah,ย and way out of my comfort zone! But getting out of your comfort zone can beย a good thing, and in this case getting out of my comfort zone actually feels amazing!
The Melt videos are beautifullyย and elegantly filmed andย teach couples how to give each other simple, soothing, in-house massages. With no fancy equipment needed, and easy-to-learn techniques, the routinesย areย the perfect complement to your stay-at-home date!
Denis goes through everything: the best positioning forย giving/receiving massages (and itโs not the bed โ what?), how to properly apply massage oil (and what kinds to use!), as well as simple, easy-to-remember techniques that goย way beyond a simpleย back rub. The massage routines donโt take longย to learn, but theyโre an amazingย way to unwind and relax with your spouse.ย
My Take on Melt
While my husband and I chose to watch the sessionsย after our kids went to bed, theyโre clean enough (no nudity or awkwardness) that you can watch them with the kiddos around, and the individual sessions are short enough that you canย watch them in your down time (whatโs that again?) during the day.ย In all, it took us three nights to get through the 2+ hours ofย Denisโย material, and it was totally worth the time spent!
Now, besides being unromantic, Iโm pretty ticklish. Before we started the videos I was a little nervous that I would be tensing up and laughing hysterically the whole time. But as we got into the massage I was pleasantly surprised to find that the techniques Denis teaches both soothed and relaxed my achy mom-muscles.ย Even after just going throughย the basics, the massage my husband gave me almost put me to sleep, and theย morning after ourย first session he evenย remarked that it was the first time in a long time heโd wokenย up and not beenย sore somewhere.
So, what are you waiting for?
Sound like a date nightย youโd love to give your spouse?ย Denis is giving my readers (thatโd be you) 20% off the retail price of the entire package of Melt courses. (Thatโsย only $89 (usually $147 in total.) Youโll get lifetime accesses to all the sessions, which includes learningย 3 massage routines that coverย basic and advanced massaging techniques, as well as massaging highlights.
- The Basic Seriesย starts with going overย some common massage mistakes and teachingย the foundations of massage, ending with a 5 minute follow-along massage routine.
- The Highlights Seriesย shows you how to findย the toughย spots and work them out. This series covers theย neck, shoulders, lower back, arms, head and ends with a 15-minute massage routine.
- The Deep Tissue Seriesย is left to the very end for good reason โ itโs amazing stuff, but it shouldnโt be over-emphasized. This series also ends with an epic 30-minute massage follow-along massage routine.ย
Head on over and grab this fabulous deal and bless your husband/wife with a perfect date night!ย Because, as Denis and Emma, the creators of MELT say, every relationship deserves a little massage.
Click Here to Get Melt!
Before You Meltโฆ
Need some tasty treats to go along with your massage? A few of my gluten-free blogger friends and I have put together a list of some of our favorite date-night treats for you and your special someone to enjoy!
Nourishing Spiced Hot Cocoa
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Mixed Berry Switchel โ When youโre needing a cold refreshing drink this summer reach for this easy, anti-inflammatory mixed berry switchel! Itโs paleo, GAPS-friendly, and refined sugar-free.ย
Lemon Pomegranate Spritzer with Chia โ Whether itโs warm or chilly out, youโll love this refreshing low-carb sparkling drink to stave off that thirst! So grab the stemware and serve up this lemon pomegranate spritzer with chia seeds from the Organic Kitchen!
Nourishing Spiced Hot Cocoa โ On chilly mornings and evenings, thereโs nothing like a cup of this nourishing spiced hot cocoa to warm you up. This less-traditional version boasts subtle spices to kick the warmthย up a notch.ย
Instant Pot Mexican Hot Chocolateย โ Chilly nights call for cozying up under a comfy throw blanket while watching a good movie and sipping some delicious Instant Pot Mexican hot chocolate from Cook With Me Darling!
Elderberry Water Kefirย โ Elderberry kefir is a healthy healing probiotic drink packed with probiotics and the immune boosting vitamins of elderberries. Since itโs made with water kefir, itโs paleo and vegan, too!
Paleo Black Betty from All the Nourishing Things
Alcoholic Drinks
Cranberry Coconut Daiquiriย โ This real food, paleo cranberry coconut daiquiri is a wonderfully festive and healthy drink. Itโs bursting with flavor and full of ingredients and nutrients you need to stayย hydrated and healthy!ย
Dark Hot Chocolate Shotsย โ These delicious paleo and GAPS-friendly dark hot chocolate shots are just what you need when youโre looking for something quick and healthy to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Paleo Black Betty (Blackberry & Sage Cocktail)ย โ With whisky and hints of lime, bubbling sparkling water, plump blackberries, and earthy sage, the stevia-sweetened Black Betty is not only beautiful to look at, itโs also quite tasty! Try this low-carb paleo blackberry and sage cocktail from All the Nourishing Thingsย for your next date night in!
Elderflower Champagne โ Lightly sweet and deliciously fizzy, this homemade honey-sweetened elderflower champagne is a fun way to increase your summer nutrition!
Sweet & Salty Chocolate Bar with Fruit & Nutsย
No-Bake Treats
Triple Chocolate Mousse Shootersย โ Decadent and delicious, these triple chocolate mousse shooters are not only easy to whip up, theyโre full of healthy, real food goodness!
Paleo Chocolate Coconut Barsย โย Easy and delicious, these no-bake paleo chocolate coconut bars are a hit wherever theyโre served! With only a few real-food ingredients, youโll be devouring them in no time.
Raw Banana Brownie Parfaitย โ This raw banana brownie parfait from the Unconventional Bakerย is super easy to throw together and tastes absolutely amazing as it is!
Chocolate Avocado Nice Cream โ Packed with nutrients and delicious deep chocolate flavor, this paleo and GAPS-friendly chocolate avocado nice cream is a perfect treat for warm weather!
Sweet & Salty Chocolate Bar with Fruit & Nutsย โ This delicious and easy-to-make sweet and salty chocolate bar with fruit and nuts is the perfect healthy treat for chocolate lovers! Itโs naturally gluten-free, and also dairy and refined sugar free with a paleo option.
Browned Butter Chocolates
Chocolate Rum Ballsย โ Perfectly chewy, fudgey, and flavorful, and free from gluten, dairy, refined sugars, soy, these chocolate run balls from the Unconventional Bakerย are perfect for an allergen-free treat.
Probiotic Cheesecake Ice Cream โ Filled with nutrition and a delicious strawberry swirl, this primal and GAPS-friendly probiotic cheesecake ice cream is a healthy and fun treat!
Chocolate Avocado Tart โ No need to turn on the oven to enjoy this delicious treat! Enjoy this no-bake chocolate avocado tart without heating up your house.
Toasted Coconut Trufflesย โย These toasted coconut truffles ย from What the Forkย are the perfect chocolateย coconut pairing. Truffles made withย coconut milk and rich chocolate are rolled in toasted coconut. Few ingredients, easy to make and totally delicious.
Grain-Free Cranberry Cheesecake Bars from Recipes to Nourish
Baked Treats
Paleo Chocolate Nut Butter Tartย โ This easy prep chocolate nut butter tart from Raising Generation Nourishedย is rich and decadent using all real food ingredients!
Dark Chocolate Almond Flour Brownies โ With an amazing soft and moist texture, these perfect dark chocolate almond flour brownies are just what you need to fix that dessert craving. And with no dairy, eggs, or refined sugar, theyโre a perfectly healthy treat, too!
Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Barsย โ These chocolate chip cookie cheesecake bars from All the Nourishing Things are easy, allergy-friendly, and good for your gut! Because theyโre sugar-free, you can enjoy this crazy-good dessert without spiking your blood sugar!ย
Paleo Salted Walnut Butter Blondiesย โย On a grain-free, refined-sugar free diet? No need to miss out on delicious treats! These paleo salted walnut butter blondies are the perfect way to get in your sweets without compromising your health.
Death by Chocolate Paleo Blender Browniesย โย These death by chocolate blender browniesย from Delicious Obsessions are undoubtedly one of the richest things Iโve ever made. Theyโre not for the faint-of-chocolate-heart! Dark and fudgy, and sweetened with only fruit and honey, theyโre the perfect thing if youโre craving chocolate!
Healthy Grain-Free Cranberry Cheesecake Barsย โย These healthy cranberry cheesecake bars from Recipes to Nourish are so festive and perfect for the stay-at-home date nights! Theyโre made with a homemadeย shortbread crust, protein-rich cheesecake center and topped with a naturally sweetened cranberry sauce.ย
Perfect Paleo Chocolate Cake โย The perfect paleo chocolate cake is right around the corner, friends! This easy, blender cake is full of decadent chocolate flavor and a delicious crumb. Itโs so easy youโll be making it again and again!
Homemade Honey Roasted Peanuts
Finger foods
Sprouted Candied Nuts & Seedsย โย Learn how to make candied nuts and seeds the real food way from Raising Generation Nourished! Sprouted for better digestion and using better sweeteners without the junk!
Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeasย โย The sweetness of cinnamon sugar, without the sugar! The perfect crunchy snack to satisfy your sweet craving in a healthy way! Gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free, these chickpeas from Strength & Sunshineย are roasted with cinnamon and stevia for a well balanced snack any time of day!
Homemade Honey Roasted Peanutsย โ Love honey roasted peanuts, but not the unhealthy ingredients in the store-bought ones? These easy, real food, homemade honey roasted peanuts are sure to be a sweet hit.
Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Datesย โย Bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed dates from Recipes to Nourishย are the most delicious small bites. Theyโre the perfect real food snack to enjoy with someone you love.ย
Italian Garlic Breadsticks โ These easy keto Italian garlic Breadsticks are the perfect side! Serve them with a bowl of easy dipping sauce for added fun!
This post is sponsored by Melt: Massage for Couples.
These are great ideas!!! Thanks for linking up at the Marvelous Monday Link Party!!! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Danielle! ๐
Sounds like a great romantic date night. I may have to look into these Melt Massages!
Appreciate you sharing.
I came over today on Marvelous Monday, and I’m glad to find your site.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Thanks so much for stopping by, Melanie! I hope you get a chance to check out the videos. ๐
What a neat idea! We’re always looking for ways to stay in and still feel like we’re having a date night! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Gloria! Glad to share. ๐
What a wonderful idea! Learn massage together. Love it! And thank you for including my Flourless Nutella Cake! Have a sweet week!
Thanks for letting me share it, Elle! ๐
Your husband sounds adorable Raia! Great ideas and boy oh boy, would I love a massage!
Yeah, I like him. ๐ Haha! And yes, massages are very *practical* things. ๐
What I would give for a great massage … and from my hubbie, to boot! Wow – this is inspiring, Raia! We’ll have to give this a go!!!
~jules
๐ Glad to be a help in the inspiration department. Hope you and your hubby enjoy! ๐
Oh I could use this. But I would need my husband to actually be home and awake to do it. Better save it for Thanksgiving break.
Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesdays link up. Hope to see you back next week.
Glad to share, Audrey! It would be good to have your husband awake for this… haha. ๐
What a great idea, I think something like this would be just right for my son and daughter-in-law
๐ I hope they enjoy it, Marjan!
Such a fun post and thank you for including my recipe!!
Thanks for letting me share it, Rebecca!
These are great ideas for a romantic night in! With little ones, we don’t go out much by ourselves but having a nice evening at home after they are in bed is great! Thank you for sharing and linking up with us over at Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party!
Glad to share, Lisa! I hope other busy moms and dads can benefit, too! ๐
Ha. I knew you were a kindred spirit, Raia ๐ It’s so hard for me to plan something “romantic”. I love romantic things — they inspire me in many ways, but the kind of “romantic” I like has nothing in common with the modern notion of cards, movies, or related activities… Romantic for me is something so much more intimate — like a connection with plants, nature, a special moment I’m having, a beautiful building, rock, animal, a wild wind storm, a pretty delicate texture or fabric, a subtle color palette, etc. Planning some kind of a romantic anniversary night or date night is just about the strangest / most awkward thing you could ask me to do : / I’d be totally lost!
Now desserts that make you melt away — I’m definitely down with that ๐
Haha! Yeah… that sounds about right. ๐
You work so hard with all the kids, you totally deserve a massage! And it’s much more comfortable and convenient with your husband massaging you at home. I think I need a massage soon!
๐ I’m sure every mom does.
Love these ideas Raia!!! Going to have to try some of them!!
Thanks, Sandi! ๐