FUN DATE NIGHT IDEAS WITH GUEST EDITOR, CATHERINE LOWE
After finding love in front of millions of viewers on ABC's The Bachelor, our February Guest Editor, Catherine Lowe, is the perfect person to hang out with us for the month of love! This week, she's giving you her tips on how to create fun adventures with the one you love.
With a raised brow and baited breath, Valentine’s Day is left for the men to get right, so give him a break and listen closely. Date Nights are at the top of Sean and my list when it comes to spending intentional and weekly time together. Yes, we are “inseparable” but I’d hardly consider playing games on our iPads while watching Gold Rush quality time. That’s why, when we have free time in our schedule, I expect a date night with my hubs. Here are just a few of my tips to start thinking about what you should plan for your man in the coming weeks:
Something Messy
It's no secret that Sean and I are pizza fanatics, but it may be less known that I love to be in the kitchen with my man. Homemade pizzas are great for any situation, for any flavor preferences, and for any stage of a relationship. A third date to a husband (and all things in between) can enjoy a date that involves you potentially covered in food ;) The key is the quality of ingredients and your pizza partner. Whether or not he's actually contributing, he's pretty to look at while things get a little messy. The foreplay starts at the grocery store so keep that in mind. Communicating what you like on your pie and hearing his favorite flavors gets your appetites whet. Don't skimp on anything (I spring for the expensive cheese and meats) because you won't want the first time to be the last time too. Get it cookin in the kitchen. Wink!
Something Active
Doing something active with your guy is undeniably fun. It's nostalgic, upbeat and just a little friendly competition. It's also something your guy probably loves! And pleasing him is pretty darn important. My personal faves: driving range, batting cages, bike riding, kayaking. And if you're drinking buddies too, a lot of places these days have the option to drink responsibly while you play. Just don't get too serious about winning...having fun is the victory!
Something 50's
Expect to be asked to "go steady" after you plan this wholesome date idea: a picnic! I planned an evening in our backyard early in our marriage and it was so sweet. To make it grown-up and very personalized, choose foods you know you'll both enjoy and don't JUST bring PB&Js. I homemade paninis and wrapped them like a fancy deli would and packaged gourmet Mac and cheese in tupperware, among other tasty, easy to eats. This date is conducive for simple romance and uninterrupted conversation. Just make sure to truly take it back to the 50's and ditch the cell phones :)
Something New
I love learning new things with my honey and date nights are a great time to focus on that. Anyone can take you to a movie but why don't you surprise him with a day learning archery or chess?! When you challenge and pave the way for your guy, it gets him thinking creatively about how to one up you next time he has to plan date night. The best places to get ideas is from friends and Pinterest! Oh and Groupon always has get deals on things to try in your area.
Something Trippy
If you have access to a car and a free weekend, take a trip! Road trips are great for the couple who can spend long periods of time together--which should be all couples! Create a playlist of jams you both can get down on and some potential stops you might want to make. Since you won't have a strict timeline, you'll be more likely to jump on spontaneous opportunities that come up! Read suggestions on Yelp so you don't get stuck in a sketchy place. But if you do, won't that be a fun story?! Don't forget snacks to keep in the car and shades to keep on your face :)
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