In these unprecedented times, the simple act of staying home has transformed into a profound act of community solidarity. While it presents its unique challenges, it also offers an opportunity for us to connect, support one another, and find new ways to share positivity. That’s why, at An Affair from the Heart, I’ve made it my mission to spread joy and uplifting content across my blog and social media channels, moving beyond just food to embrace a broader spectrum of heartwarming experiences. Together, we can navigate these days with resilience and a spirit of togetherness, discovering the silver linings even in the quietest moments, and fostering connection through thoughtful gestures and shared joy.

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Elevate Your Evening: Win a Dream Date Night At Home with An Affair from the Heart and Hair By Kenz!

Many of you, my cherished readers and followers, might have noticed a delightful shift in the content I’m sharing across my Facebook and Instagram feeds. While my passion for culinary creations remains undimmed, I felt a strong pull to share more than just delicious recipes. The truth is, if I yearned for a dose of positivity and heartwarming moments amidst the global changes, then surely countless others must feel the same. This belief spurred me to broaden my content, focusing on stories of resilience, joy, and connection – a much-needed antidote to the daily news cycle. It’s about finding light in unexpected places and celebrating the small victories that keep us going. I truly hope you’ll continue to engage with these posts, sharing your own positive experiences and tagging me on Instagram as we build a vibrant community of support and inspiration. Your stories inspire me as much as I hope mine inspire you!

Hair By Kenz: Spreading Joy One Thoughtful Basket At A Time

Let me introduce you to Kenzie, my amazing daughter, who is a talented hairstylist right here in Omaha. Like so many dedicated professionals in the beauty industry nationwide, Kenzie found herself temporarily unable to work from her salon. The closure of non-essential businesses presented a significant challenge, especially for service-based professionals who thrive on personal connection and hands-on artistry. It would have been easy to simply pause and wait for things to return to normal, but Kenzie, with her characteristic drive, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, decided to channel her energy into a beautiful and resourceful initiative. She transformed her home into a creative hub, meticulously crafting bespoke gift baskets brimming with premium hair and beauty supplies.

These aren’t just any gift baskets; they are thoughtful packages designed to help people feel pampered, cared for, and connected, even when physically apart. Kenzie takes custom orders, allowing individuals to send these delightful surprises to their friends, family, and loved ones, providing a much-needed touch of joy and self-care during these unprecedented times of social distancing. Each basket is a testament to her unwavering passion for making people feel good, a small act of kindness delivered directly to porches, “ding-dong-ditch-style,” for a fun and safe surprise that brings a smile to every recipient’s face. The response from the Omaha community has been overwhelmingly positive, with recipients expressing immense gratitude for these gestures of care and the little boost they provide.

For those of you in the Omaha area, Kenzie continues to create and deliver these wonderful, personalized baskets. If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful way to brighten someone’s day, celebrate a special occasion from afar, or simply treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care, be sure to reach out and explore her offerings. It’s a fantastic way to support a local small business that’s truly making a difference, all while spreading happiness and fostering connections in our community!

Embracing Romance: The Art of a Date Night At Home

It was during one of our regular mother-daughter chats that Kenzie and I started brainstorming ways we could truly join forces and do something exceptionally special for our incredible social media followers, loyal readers, and cherished clients. We wanted to create an experience that would bring a little bit of luxury, relaxation, and romance into their homes, especially now when going out isn’t an option. The idea of a “Date Night At Home” immediately clicked with both of us, resonating with our shared desire to foster connection and joy.

My husband and I have personally embraced the “Date Night at Home” tradition every single Saturday since the #StayAtHome initiative went into effect. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a deliberate, cherished ritual designed to keep the spark alive, maintain a sense of normalcy, and inject a touch of specialness into our weeks amidst all the changes. Our routine involves us dressing up as if we’re actually heading out to our favorite restaurant, then ordering delicious takeout from one of those beloved local spots to support our community. We bring it home, carefully plate it on our nicest dishes, uncork a bottle of fine wine, and truly savor the evening together, free from distractions and the usual hustle and bustle. It’s a wonderful, intimate way to reconnect, share stories, and create new, cherished memories.

Inspired by the profound joy, deep connection, and welcome respite this practice brings to our own lives, Kenzie and I decided that extending the “Date Night at Home” experience to our wider community would be the perfect, most heartfelt gesture. We firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance to transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary one, creating a romantic and rejuvenating escape without ever needing to leave the comfort and safety of their own front door. And what better way to make this dream a reality for two lucky individuals than with a thoughtfully curated giveaway?

To ensure a truly indulgent and complete experience, Kenzie is generously contributing a brand new, professional-grade curling iron along with a premium, versatile hairspray. This empowers the ladies to achieve salon-perfect hair, helping them feel beautiful, confident, and utterly glamorous for their special date night. Complementing this, I am contributing a stunning slate charcuterie board, lavishly laden with an exquisite selection of gourmet meats and cheeses, perfectly paired with a delicious bottle of wine. Together, these carefully chosen elements promise an unforgettable evening of culinary delight, personal pampering, and heartfelt connection, making for a truly memorable date night right at home.

Unveiling the Indulgent Prizes: What Our Lucky Winners Will Receive!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we will select two deserving winners next Thursday, April 16, 2020. To spread the love far and wide, one winner will be a local resident from our beloved Omaha community, while the second winner will be selected from anywhere else across the continental United States. Each prize package is thoughtfully assembled to ensure a truly luxurious, romantic, and memorable “Date Night At Home” experience, designed to bring joy and relaxation directly to your doorstep.

Get ready to elevate your date night preparations with top-tier professional tools and products, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best with salon-quality results right in your own home. Ladies, you’ll adore the sophisticated styles you can achieve, and gentlemen, your special lady will undoubtedly appreciate the thoughtful pampering and boost of confidence!

Both recipients (the local Omaha winner and the U.S. Resident winner) will be treated to a brand new BaByliss 1″ Nano Titanium Curling Iron – the very same professional tool Kenzie trusts and uses in her own salon for flawless, long-lasting results. This is an incredible opportunity to bring genuine professional styling power into your home, allowing you to create beautiful curls and waves with ease and confidence for any special occasion, especially your romantic date night.

Experience Salon-Quality Waves with the BaByliss 1″ Nano Titanium Curling Iron

For those aspiring to achieve the most beautiful, modern waves and curls, look no further than Nano Titanium technology! These exceptional curling irons are meticulously engineered with advanced technology to effortlessly create beautifully textured curls and waves that last. Nano titanium is celebrated as an exceptional conductor of heat, ensuring it maintains remarkable stability even at ultra-high temperatures. This innovative material yields maximum far-infrared heat, gently penetrating the hair shaft from within. The result? Professional styling that is not only highly effective but also remarkably gentle, minimizing heat damage and promoting hair health. Furthermore, Sol-Gel technology significantly enhances the iron barrels, making them an impressive 37% stronger and 22% smoother than those of standard irons. Prepare for a smooth glide, frizz-free results, and a perfectly pliable, lasting style that will turn heads. Retail Value: $40

The **local Omaha recipient** will receive an additional luxurious touch that perfectly complements their new curling iron: a full can of KMS Hair Stay Working Hair Spray, an essential for locking in those gorgeous curls or any desired hairstyle with flexible, touchable hold.

Master Your Style with KMS Hair Stay Working Hair Spray

This innovative dry spray empowers you to truly play with your style and change your mind as often as you like throughout your date night and beyond! It’s incredibly easy to brush through, allowing you to rework your shape without stiffness or flaking. Delivering a touchable, moveable finish, this versatile hairspray ensures your hair feels natural, not rigid, providing a perfect blend of hold and flexibility. The more you spray, the more it holds, giving you complete control to build your desired style, from a soft, natural finish to a firmer, more structured hold. Achieve a perfectly pliable look that lasts, making it ideal for creating and maintaining any desired date night hairstyle with confidence. Retail Value: $18

Few things compare to the simple yet profound pleasure of noshing on a beautifully curated cheeseboard – it’s undeniably one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy a meal, turning casual dining into an art form. Imagine snuggling up with your loved one, savoring each bite of gourmet delights, from savory meats to creamy cheeses, crisp crackers, and sweet fruits, and simply enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed, intimate setting. This is the essence of a perfect “Date Night At Home,” and we’re thrilled to bring that luxurious experience directly to you!

Both lucky recipients (the local Omaha winner and the U.S. resident winner) will receive an exquisite charcuterie board, thoughtfully paired with an array of premium “cheeseboard eats” to complement it perfectly. Whether you’re near or far, we’ve ensured you’ll enjoy a gourmet spread that elevates your evening.

The **non-local winner** will have a stunning charcuterie board and a delightful selection of high-quality, non-perishable “eats” (such as artisanal crackers, gourmet preserves, and specialty dry-cured meats) carefully shipped directly to their doorstep, ready for assembly and enjoyment. This ensures a delightful and delicious experience no matter where you are in the United States, allowing you to create your own masterpiece. Retail value: $40

The **local Omaha winner** will receive the ultimate curated experience: a beautiful 11″ slate cheeseboard, presented with an abundance of fresh, high-quality local cheeses, premium cured meats, artisanal crackers, delectable chocolates, and seasonal fruits. This complete, ready-to-enjoy gourmet spread promises an unforgettable evening of culinary indulgence, prepared with the freshest ingredients for an unparalleled taste experience. Retail value: $35

Adding another layer of sophistication and pure relaxation to the evening, our local Omaha recipient will also be presented with a premium bottle of wine. They’ll have the delightful option to choose between a fine red or a crisp white, ensuring it perfectly complements their gourmet cheeseboard and personal preferences. This thoughtful inclusion guarantees that every aspect of their date night is tailored to perfection, providing the ideal beverage to sip and savor as they enjoy their special evening. Retail Value: $15

A Glimpse into the Total Indulgence: Gift Package Retail Values:

Each prize package is truly a celebration of self-care, romance, and gourmet pleasure, meticulously assembled to offer a truly special “Date Night At Home.” Here’s a breakdown of the fantastic value our lucky winners will receive, ensuring a luxurious experience whether they are local or across the country:

Local Omaha Winner Package Total Retail Value: $108

Non-Local U.S. Resident Winner Package Total Retail Value: $80

Before we guide you through the exciting entry process for this fantastic giveaway, we thought you might enjoy learning a little more about the mother-daughter duo behind this heartwarming initiative: Kenzie and myself! If you’re a long-time reader of An Affair from the Heart, you likely know a great deal about my journey and passion for food. Similarly, if you’re one of Kenzie’s loyal friends or valued clients, you’re well-acquainted with her expertise and dedication in the beauty world. But since we’re embarking on this collaborative venture together, it feels like the perfect moment to share a bit more about our individual passions, the thriving businesses we’ve meticulously built, and what truly drives us. Understanding our stories will give you a deeper appreciation for the love and effort poured into this special “Date Night At Home” giveaway.

Hair by Kenz: Where Beauty and Confidence Bloom

“From the tender age of a little girl, I’ve harbored a deep-seated dream of pursuing a fulfilling career in the dynamic beauty industry. My passion stems from a profound desire to make a tangible, positive impact on the lives of my clients, helping them to not only look their absolute best but truly feel confident, beautiful, and empowered from within. My daily mission is to provide each and every guest with a genuinely relaxing, rejuvenating, and personalized experience, offering them a precious few hours away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives where they can simply unwind and be pampered. I believe my journey in this industry began uniquely early, having been immersed in its exciting world since I was just 14 years old. I started my professional path by enthusiastically sweeping up hair, meticulously folding towels, and skillfully answering phones right after I began high school, working at a cozy local shop conveniently located near my parents’ home. This invaluable foundational experience lasted almost three years, after which I felt a strong pull to expand my horizons. I sought an opportunity within a slightly larger, more prominent establishment to truly get my foot in the door and broaden my understanding of the business intricacies. At the age of 17, I joined one of Omaha’s most prestigious salons as a receptionist. This role provided unparalleled insight into the intricate workings of the business, a comprehensive learning experience that spanned the remainder of my high school years and continued throughout my intensive hair school education. I honed my craft and deepened my theoretical knowledge at the esteemed Xenon Academy in Ralston, NE, proudly graduating with distinction in 2016. Post-graduation, I embarked on an exciting and transformative phase, assisting multiple senior designers at the very salon where I had previously worked. This period was instrumental in refining my skills, allowing me to master cutting-edge techniques in color, cuts, and styling, and, most rewarding of all, build a beautiful and incredibly loyal clientele who trusted my artistic vision. The culmination of this dedicated journey arrived in November 2019, when I realized a lifelong dream: I opened my very own private suite, proudly becoming my own boss and creating a personalized space for my clients! I absolutely adore what I do every single day, and I cannot express enough heartfelt gratitude to my incredible clients for their unwavering support, which has helped to transform this cherished dream of mine into a vibrant, thriving reality.”

Curious to learn more about Kenzie’s inspiring journey, explore her stunning portfolio, or ready to book your next transforming appointment for a fresh look? Read More about Kenzie, or Book an Appointment

An Affair from the Heart: Crafting Culinary Stories and Connecting Through Food

“From a young age, I’ve always found immense joy in the art of entertaining, the satisfaction of cooking, and the creative expression of baking. There’s something truly magical about bringing people together through delicious food. An Affair from the Heart, my beloved food blog, truly serves as an incredible creative outlet for me. It allows me to continually experiment with diverse flavors, meticulously develop new and exciting recipes, capture their beauty through engaging photography, and then joyfully share these culinary adventures and cherished family recipes with a vast and engaged readership spanning the globe. For the past nine years, this blog has been both my passion project and a steadily growing business. It initially provided me with the invaluable flexibility to stay home with my children during their formative years, allowing me to pursue my passion for food while nurturing my family. What began as a joyful pastime organically evolved into a thriving full-time business as my children grew older and more independent. Today, I’m honored to engage in sponsored work and dedicated recipe development for numerous reputable companies, contributing to their culinary success. My recipes and insightful culinary content now reach millions of online readers each month, a testament to the universal power and appeal of shared food experiences. The deep connections forged through food, both online with my readers and offline with my family and friends, are what truly fuel my passion and inspire every dish I create.” Dive deeper into Michaela’s culinary world, uncover her personal story, or explore over 900 mouth-watering, easy-to-follow recipes on her site, perfect for any occasion!

↓ LOOK FOR THIS GRAPHIC TO ENTER OUR EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM! ↓

Unlock Your Chance to WIN: Enter Our Exciting Date Night Giveaway!

Participating in this amazing giveaway and securing your entries couldn’t be easier! We’ve made sure there are numerous simple ways for you to get involved and significantly increase your chances of winning this incredible “Date Night At Home” prize package. To enter, simply head over to our social media channels – specifically our Facebook page and Instagram profile – and find the distinctive giveaway graphic shown directly above this section. Follow the clear and easy instructions provided within the post description there to complete your entries. Be sure to check back daily, as some entry methods allow for multiple entries, giving you even more opportunities to win! Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to win a curated evening of romance and pampering. Good luck to all our wonderful entrants!

Cozy Date Night In