77069 Start a Love Journal

Keep a love journal by your bed. Take turns every other night writing in it. It doesn't have to be fancy - it can just be a plain spiral notebook. But the point is, it keeps love on the mind. It forces you to find the good things in each other - the little things - every day. 

Then go to:

Dyna Nails

North Oaks Shopping Center

13821 Breck

Get a head start on the Love Journal and take turns writing in it while getting a nice foot massage together. 

77069 - Make a Love Time Capsule

HERE is a great idea - make a love time capsule. On the same day every year, go through it and add more things that have happened that year.

 

Things you could put in your love box:

• Write a letter to your spouse.
• Take some kissing selfies and print them off. 
• Write best of/worst of for the year. 
• Favorite song of the year
• Best moments of intimacy
• Happiest moment as a couple
• Proudest moment as a couple
• Biggest challenge you've overcome as a couple
• Your hopes for next year when you open the box.

Then, enjoy some dinner at:

Neal's Country Cafe

Champions Village

5203 FM-1960 W

Houston, TX 77069

77069 - Finding Alone Time

It's no easy feat to get alone time together. But it's worth it! Just remember...the kids will be happy if mommy and daddy are happy, and that means alone time together.

Need some ideas to finding a way to get alone time?

• Ask around your local church for youth that babysit. If you are worried about not paying enough, READ THIS ARTICLE about how one mom tries to be realistic with the cost. 
• If you're worried about seperation anxiety, it will get better the more you do it. I had babies that cried every time, but as soon as I got out the door, they were fine. Now they happily wave goodbye because it is so routine, they know I will be back soon.
• Offer swaps with family. My mother-in-law offered a "movie night with grandma." We'd drop all the cousins off at Grandma's house and then we'd all scramble off to dinner. It was a great way for the cousins to play together too!
• If you don't have family, find a couple you can take turns with.
• Adopt-a-grandma. Any sweet old ladies that could use some companionship?
• Home date. AKA #MommyDaddyTime. Sometimes when nothing else pans out, the kids know that upstairs is off limits and they watch a movie.
• Lunch date swap. Sometimes its easier to ask a friend to watch your kids during the day, and then you can meet up with your husband for a bit during lunch hour. We've had success with this as well. 

So on that note, try out this adorable place:

 The Perfect Cafe

http://www.theperfectcafe.com/

77069 Up Your Cooking Game and Learn a New Dish

HERE is a list of the most popular cooking channels on YouTube. Learn how to cook something you've never made before.



Here's a few fun things to try (and are the most viewed cooking videos on the web right now):




Take your new concautions outside and enjoy them at:

Meyer Park - Dog Park

7700 Cypresswood Dr

77069 A Skill You Won't Regret Learning

HERE are 17 Free Massage Courses. Study up and practice on each other!

But before you do, fuel up at 

The Chinese Buffet

North Oaks Shopping Center

13817 Breck St

Houston, TX 77069

77069 A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes...

Step 1: Plan you dream vacation together. Map it out and pick out all the sights you want to see.  Dream big!

 

Step 2: Then, instead of getting depressed when reality sets in, take a "Fake-cation!"

Turns out your fingers make a good pair of legs. :)

How about a good kiss in front of the Eiffel tower? Give it a try!

Just remember, it's not about where, but who you are with. :)

77069 Reading Between the Lines

Did you know that verbal communication makes up only 7% of our communication with others?

Professor Mehrabian found that 93% of our communication is non-verbal - consisting of body language (55 percent) and tone of voice (38 percent).

 

Think about the types of conversations you have with your spouse throughout the day. What is your body/tone of voice communicating? 

HERE is an interesting article about the power of  our body language. The author suggests 5 ways we can use our nonverbal communication:

1. Power-posing postures boost confidence.
Research has shown that placing your body in an expansive “power pose” (like Wonder Woman) can increase your level of testosterone and commensurate feelings of self-confidence. 

2. The power of eye gaze.
For lovers, the amount of mutual gaze can be used as a measure of the degree of liking or loving.

3. Invading someone’s personal space causes arousal.
When someone gets into our bubble, we feel a sense of arousal - for better or for worse.

4. The subtle power of touch.
Touch, if done subtly and in a non-invasive way, can signal liking and create positive responses in others.

5. Smiling, even posed smiling, will make you feel happier.
Putting on a smiling face can actually trigger feelings of happiness. 

Here is a fun sketch that shows the power of body language by only using one word sentences:

For this date, check out Hurricane Grill and Wings.

http://www.hurricanewings.com/menu/

During dinner, pay attention to everything else besides the literal words you say to each other. Pay attention to:

• Posture
• Gesture
• Facial Expressions
• Eye contact
• Pitch
• Pace
• Volume
• Emotion
• Detail

After dinner, discuss all the things you noticed or appreciated that your spouse was communicating to you nonverbally during the date. Maybe it was a hand on the leg, or a long glance into each other's eyes. Maybe the phone was put down. Perhaps it was the gentle tone of voice, or the soft smile. 

77069 - "Will You....?"

Around prom time, your feed probably starts overloading with adorable photos of high schoolers creatively asking each other out to the big day.

You might think to yourself, "oh to be sought after with that much enthusiasm again..." *sigh*

But what if.... what if we surprised our spouse with this type of enthusiasm for date night?

And you might get a reaction like this...

Here were some of my favorites online...

.

Have dinner at: Outback Steakhouse

http://www.outback.com/Locations/details/?unit=4411

You can get on the waiting list online. 

77069 - Date Night in a Box

Big Lots

biglots.com

This date is going to take some pre-planning. You never know what you'll find at Big Lots. Find some items that would make a great Date night in a Box. Put them in a package and open it together at home for some things you can do together. 

Click here for some ideas. But really, the sky is the limit!

77069 Defy the Odds - Be Proactive!

Too tired to go out? Too busy? Too poor? Can't get a sitter? Don't get complacent. Find a way...be proactive.

http://www.prevention.com/sex/marriage/how-and-why-date-your-husband

Yikes! Making the effort to date your spouse is worth it!

The Fish Place
http://www.fishplacehou.com/




At dinner, play "The Not-So-Newlywed Game" to test who well you know each other. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the option to play as just a couple. 

77077 Bucket Date

Before your date watch these two videos:

At your local KFC make the night about buckets. Order a bucket of chicken, or a bucket meal, and come up with your bucket list together. A bucket list is a list of things that you want to do before you die. But instead of making this about yourself, make it about the two of you. Come up with a list of things that you want to do together, just the two of you.

Then, save a piece of chicken from your meal, and create a Chicken Corsage. Take pictures of your corsage, and your bucket list to refer to as you begin checking off items from your list.

77069 Marriage is when it BEGINS

"Here's why I think most men don't date their wives. They their that their mission was already accomplished when they got married. What I want men to see is that the real mission begins, the real adventure begins once you're married."

HERE are a list of some his ideas to date your wife. And HERE is his book.

Justin Buzzard's aim is to talk man to man - but women equally need the encouragement, so don't let yourself off the hook, ladies!

Schlotzsky's

Schlotzskys.com

Courtesy of Google we have learned the following about Schlotzsky’s: “Counter-serve chain serving deli fare, such as their Original sandwich, specialty pizzas & salads.”

Don’t arrange this date out of duty to revive the romance from the past, go on this date looking forward to a bright future together. Every day is new, with the ups and downs it brings the opportunity to overcome and grow stronger together.

“What if the best romance, the best sex, the best passion, the best memories, the best intimacy, what if that lies ahead? Maybe the best thing you could do as a man, for your family, is to date your wife.” –Justin Buzzard

77069 Be a Master, not a Disaster

To read the article  by the author in this video clip, click here.

Interesting facts from this article/movie clip:

In America, only 3 in 10 couples are happy.  We call them the "Masters."

Couples were hooked up to machines and monitored during a disagreement.

The Masters have:

• Calm pulse
• Low heart rate
• Comfortable & Connected

The Disasters have:

• High blood pressure
• High heart rate
• Nervous sweats
• High arousal mode

In a disagreement, couples turning towards their partner:

Masters: 9 in 10  times

Disasters: 3 in 10 times

Common traits found from the Masters:

• Kindness
• Generosity
• Respect
• Emotional Stability

Waza Japanese Cuisine

http://www.wazahouston.com/

Courtesy of foursquare.com

During dinner, each of you share a person/couple that you admire that is a "Master" at their marriage. What efforts do they make for their spouse that you would like to try in your marriage? 

77069 ... Willpower for a Happy Future

Infatuation vs Love

From the movie Frozen, the infatuation Anna and Hans have for each other is adorable, catchy and fun. We’ve all been through it, for it is the first step to finding love.

This article compares and contrasts infatuation with true love. Infatuation is based solely around intense feelings:

            “Infatuation is the state of being completely carried away by unreasoning passion or love; addictive love. Infatuation usually occurs at the beginning of the relationship when sexual attraction is central.”

As the years pass by, infatuation doesn’t have the ability to last and the test of love steps in. It isn’t a chemical response any more-it takes patience, kindness, respect, and trust.

This couple has been married for 57 years! In their “behind the scenes” interview, she says, “I love Wes all the time. Even when I’m made as a wet hen with him, and we’re arguing, I still love him. And at any moment I just feel like, I want to hug you and shake you at the same time…I’m not going to leave any time soon, We’re stuck together.”

And that my friends, is what willpower can do.

Beryhill Baja Grill-Home of the Fish Taco

http://www.berryhillbajagrill.com/

“Casual counter-serve outpost serving Baja-style Mexican cuisine in a lively, kid-friendly setting.”-Google.

All those attributes aren’t easy! As we are very aware of, the one we love isn’t perfect. IT takes willpower and determination to act this way even when it’s not easy.

Are you determined to grow old together and be happy? Where do you see yourself on your 50^th wedding anniversary?

During dinner, memorize the attributes of love (list above). Or, another phrase that means a lot to you as a couple. Have it be your mantra- and recite it together before bed every night as a commitment and reminder that you are both in it together.

77066 - The Selfless Date

Have you ever noticed that after doing something really nice for your spouse you feel really good? Ever spend time serving someone and then come home to realize that all your worries have been forgotten about? Research has it that it is not by chance or coincidence that this happens.

At the National Institute of Marriage a research article shows, as many other research articles have shown as well, that those who spend time serving are much happier than those who do not. These people have greater personal relationships with others, have higher self esteem, and most applicable to you and why you are here on this blog...they have higher marital satisfaction.

Since we all want to be happier and we all definitely want to have higher marital satisfaction then maybe it's about time we start planning our dates more selflessly!

So lets get started: get out a paper and pencil and think up your spouses favorite things, maybe favorite memories, favorite activities, favorite food, even favorite sexual setting and in the case that your a girl, his favorite lingerie. Keep yourself out of the brainstorm activity completely and try to only focus on your spouses loves, some might coincide with yours which is all the better but try to keep the activity as unbiased towards your interests as you can.

 
Once your brainstorm is complete and you feel like you have enough to work with, create a date out of the things you have written down. For example: if one of his/her favorite memory is your proposal then try and visit the place it happened, or a place similar and have his/her favorite dinner there while listening to their favorite music. If you took your brain storming activity seriously then the date possibilities will be endless and incredibly endearing.

Tip: Take a minute after the date is complete to write down how spending all your energy trying to create your spouse's favorite date made your feel. Being able to reflect back on the positive feelings this date will inevitably bring will ensure you want to create more and more selfless dates in the future. You might be surprised to find that you spouse starts doing the same for you as well!

77069 Cowboy take me away

Enterprise Rent-a-Car

http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/deeplinkmap.do?gpbr=0608&bid=004&cnty=US&mobi=true

Image courtesy of binfind.com

Sometimes we need to get away from the stale fast food and stinky socks in our minivan for the night. Take a joy ride away from the reminders of life for a few hours. Renting a car for a day is a great option - totally unpractical, unpredictable, and FUN. Don't we all need that in our lives every now and then?

Before you go, make a cruisin' music playlist together. Hit up several different drive-thru restaurants (drink, appetizer, main, and dessert). Park in between each "course" eat slowly throughout the night. After the courses are finished, find a place to park, turn up the music, get out of the car, and dance.

77069 A Little Encouragement Goes a Long Way

Sicola's Florist

http://www.sicolasflorist.com/

On this date, let's break the routine. Surprise your love with flowers! 

Interesting fact: 

Did you know that going to church together is correlated with increased marital satisfaction?

  THIS STUDY found that religiously homogamous marriages had greater frequency of worship

compared to religiously heterogamous marriages. Frequency of worship was associated

with increased time spent together, which in tum was correlated with increased

marital satisfaction.

Irregardless of your choice of religion, finding a way to connect on a spiritual level will bring you closer together. Here are some suggestions of ways to connect spiritually. 

77070 Marriage and Self-Deception

This date should be considered a series of dates. For some it might take 2 dates, for others it might be a few more. But it is important that it is started together and finished together. There is a big issue with Self-Deception in most relationships today. So for this series of dates you are to read the book: Leadership and Self-Deception-Getting out of the Box, by the Arbinger Institute. It can be rented at your local library, instantly accessed through eBook, or bought as a hard copy.

You might be thinking that this is a book on “Leadership,” but the truth is this book is not only applicable to businesses, it teaches family, individual and especially marriage life skills that are needed to be successful.

“To give you an idea of what’s at stake, consider the following analogy. .An infant is learning how to crawl. She begins by pushing herself backward around the house. Backing herself around, she gets lodged beneath the furniture. There she thrashes about, crying and banging her little head against the sides and the undersides of the pieces. She is stuck and hates it. So she does the only thing she can think of to get herself out-she pushes even harder, which only worsens her problem. She’s more stuck than ever.

If this infant could talk, she would blame the furniture for her troubles. After all, she is doing everything she can think of. The problem couldn’t be hers. But of course the problem is  hers, even though she can’t see it. While it’s true that she’s doing everything she can think of, the problem is precisely that she can’t see how she’s the problem. Having the problem she has, nothing she can think of will be a solution.

Self deception is like this. It blinds us to the true causes of problems, and once we’re blind, all the “solutions” we can think of will actually make matters worse. Whether at work or at home, self-deception obscures the truth about ourselves, corrupts our view of others and our circumstances and inhibits our ability to make wise and helpful decisions. To the extent that we are self-deceived, both our happiness and our leadership are undermined at every turn, and not because of the furniture.”

As you read the book together consider how these tools will help your marriage if implemented. Commit toward being “Out of the Box” together. A suggestion for a date including reading this book together might be, getting a quick bite to eat at:

Jose’s Roasted Corn

8320 W. FM 1960

Houston TX 77070

This isn’t your typical sit down restaurant, it is simply a food truck that specializes in an original idea of delicious roasted corn (and affordable too). Simply take your corn to go, and eat while reading at:

Matzke Park

13110 Jones Rd.

Houston, TX 77070

A fun little park, only 5 minutes from Jose’s Roasted Corn.

77362 - Peckinpaugh Preserve (Hiking & Inspiration Sharing)

While enjoying the restaurants and businesses in town, it can be nice to ‘get away from it all’ for a while.

The Idea: Try ‘unplugging’ from any phones (not including your camera!) or any other devices for an hour or so while enjoying the sights at Peckinpaugh Preserve. 

Before Your Date:

• Pack some snacks   
• Bring a camera (or charge your phone!)
• Use the bathroom
• Bring sturdy walking shoes
• Plug the address into your GPS or Google Maps to estimate travel time and find directions (1209 Old Riley Fuzzel Road Spring Texas, 77386)

On Your Date:
Enjoy the drive by listening to your favorite music or talking about your day.

·         Pick up a map of the maze-like trails at the front building.

      Explore the trails by choosing some from the map or just walking where it seems nice. 

·      Reconnect Activity

·         Use this time of quiet to share your source of inspiration with each other whether it is an old high school coach or teacher, or the words of Gandhi or a church leader.

Great Date Takeaway:

   Gaining perspective in a busy life is often hard to do when you are still so involved and surrounded by reminders of the business. By going out into nature you can reflect and relax with peaceful surroundings. 

77069 Yes we can!

Cafe Express

http://www.cafe-express.com/
"Regional counter-serve chain for breakfast, salads, sandwiches & pasta, plus a large condiment bar."-Google

Image courtesy of Cafe Express

If you were to improve a personal trait that would make help your marriage the most, what would it be? Good communication skills? Good at finances?

THIS STUDY  tried to identify personal strengths that benefit a marriage. Results indicate that perceptions of a spouse’s positive affectivity, as well as one’s own positive affectivity, are related to relationship satisfaction. This means frequent feelings of cheerfulness, enthusiasm, and energy improve one's satisfaction in their marriage the most.

On this date, make a list of all the things going on your lives right now - your stress, your fears, your worries, everything. Go through each item on the list and rewrite them with positive affectivity. Follow up a week later and see how its affecting your relationship.

77069...Say WHAT?

Image courtesy of shutterstock.com

Is it hard for you to use sexual vocabulary with your spouse?

THIS STUDY found an association between use of sexual terms, particularly slang terms, and both satisfaction and closeness in marriage.

It may not be easy at first, but communicating on such an intimate level cannot only be fun but it creates an area of closeness and satisfaction that is only for you and your spouse can explore together.

Whataburger

http://whataburger.com/
"Circa-1950 fast-ffood chain for counter-serve burgers, some stacked with multiple patties."-Google

During this date, you're going to need some privacy. Bring a notebook and a pen for each of you.

After dinner, go sit in your car for privacy. Get out your notebook and start writing sentences for each other using a sexual vocabulary. Take turns reading them out loud. Try to think of words that you haven't used in the past. The study (mentioned above) surveyed different types of words - clinical, slang, or standard English - so don't limit yourself. Get creative and have fun!

77069 The Power of Effort

Matsu Sushi Bar

http://www.matsusushibar.com/

Image courtesy of girlsaskguys.com

"Cozy spot whose classic Japanese menu includes a vast roll selection, grilled meats & udon noodles. The happy hour prices cannot be beat."-Google

Effort.

What does that word mean to you? Do you put effort into your marriage? Maybe you used to, but you've run out of ideas. Maybe you put your effort into your kids and have run out of steam. Maybe you're so focused on your spouse's lack of effort that you've given up. You've come to this blog, so that in itself shows that you're ready to put some more effort back into the marriage! Let's do this!

THIS STUDY surveyed over 8,000 respondents and found that no matter the marital status (cohabiting, first marriage, or second marriage) effort was strongly and positively associated with  satisfaction and stability.  A first marriage had the strongest correlation, but it affects all relationships.

So, don't ever stop giving it your all! Your marriage is the most important thing you have. 

On this date, pay attention to every little effort your spouse makes, no matter how small. Share your list to him/her. Reaffirm to your spouse that you appreciate their efforts for you.

77069 Shades of Happiness

Do you feel like your marriage has what it takes?

According to THIS study, marital confidence is associated with how much time husbands and wives spent together. 

So in other words, the more dates you go on, the better you will feel about your marriage! Ready to  try something totally different together? 

Try a luxury tanning salon called Darque Tan. 

Any tanning salon will tell you that the key to maintain a good tan is to go regularly or else it will fade. Often people go several times a week to keep the color of skin they desire. Even the best of tans will fade through time if they stop acting on it. 

Pardon the cheesiness of this analogy, but what about your marriage? You may feel like you have a rockstar marriage, but it doesn't mean it gets put on the back burner! Keep it your priority - keep maintaining it (by spending time together, like the study says) - and you'll be basking in your shades of happiness!

Image courtesy of pinstake.com

77377 Technology Free Zone

          We live in a world full of technology. Instead of using snail mail to contact distant relatives and friends, we can communicate with them in just seconds! We can watch the president speak on TV, stay connected with lots of people at once through social media, and do online networking to increase our chances of employment. These, along with many more, are the amazing benefits that come with technology. However, when technology isn't properly balanced in life, it can get in the way of our relationships. It's possible to stay connected with thousands of friends online but neglect the people that are right next to us- even our spouse.

Courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at freedigitalphotos.net

According to the Pew Research Center,

• 42% of 18-29 year olds felt that their partner was distracted by their cell phone when they were together
• 29% of those ages 30-49 said the same
• 25% of married or partnered adults who text have texted their partner when they were both home together.
• 18% of online 18-29 year olds have argued with a partner about the amount of time one of them spent online (compared with 8% of all online couples).

 source: http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/02/11/couples-the-internet-and-social-media/

Image courtesy of marcolm at freedigitalphotos.net

          Do you have your cell phone handy 24/7? Are you constantly checking Facebook, text messages, a digital calendar and emails?

          Plan a  "Technology Timeout" date! For an evening, put away all electronic devices including cell phones, computers, tablets, TV's, and anything else that keeps your attention.

          One way to experience a technology free zone is to go camping!! Dust off the tent and sleeping bags that have been sitting in your garage and head out to Spring Creek Park for a night. If you are in a situation with family or close friends near by, ask someone to babysit for the night while you experience a night under the stars as a couple. If you don't have that option, consider taking the kids with you and making it a technology free family camping trip!

      
          Call Spring Creek park to make your reservation by phone: 281-353-4196, or make your reservation online here. Not sure what to pack? Check out this camping check list to get an idea of what you will need:Camping Check List.

          You have a reservation, a babysitter (if needed), and have packed up the car. Are you at a loss for what to do once you get there?

Read a book together at fireside
Roast smores, hotdogs, starburst and other food over the fire. Experiment to see what tastes good and what doesn't.
Do something romantic- bring a bottle of your favorite drink and nice glassware
Make finger puppets with a flashlight on the side of the tent
Tell some spooky campfire stories . You can find some here:Spooky Campfire Legends
Play card games, Yahtzee, or another classic favorite
Star gaze- talk about what's out there- look for constellations 15 Constellation and How to Find them
Initiate a good conversation around the campfire. To encourage conversation, print out this list of 50 conversation starters for couples to take with you: 50 Conversation Starters

Image Courtesy of Photokanok at freedigitalphotos.net

Spring Creek Website: http://www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/springcreek

77070 Stay-cation

If needed, find an overnight babysitter, and book a night at a local hotel. The Element Houston Vintage Park has great ratings. Address and phone number:

14555 Vintage Preserve Parkway

Houston, Texas, 77070

Phone-281-379-7300

Reminisce back to your honeymoon

Preparation: Find an appropriate book on intimacy and marriage to enlighten your marriage. A great suggestion is “Between Husbandand Wife” Gospel Perspectives in Marital Intimacy by Stephen E. Lamb, M.D. and Douglas D. Brinley, Ph.D.

While on your date: Your mini vacation will help you to feel a greater sense of togetherness. At the Element be sure to try out their nice breakfast, and swimming pool. For an increased fun-factor, take advantage of all the extra hotel pillows and have a genuine pillow fight. Come up with “prizes” for the one who “wins.”

77070 Aerodrome Ice Skating Complexes

Strap on your old (or new) ice skates, and get ready to hold hands, a lot! What better a reason to hold hands than to keep from falling? Ice skating will give you that opportunity. Maybe you’re thinking that holding hands will actually make you fall. That may be the case! But nonetheless, ice skating can be a great way to laugh, have fun, and maybe get a little sore. You might be impressed with your spouse’s skills on the ice (or lack thereof). But you’ll never know unless you give it a shot. 

Image Courtesy of Digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Visit Aerodrome Ice Skating Complexes in Houston for this date.

Admissions: $8

Skate Rental: $4

Walker Rental: $4

Center your date on holding hands. Think about it, you probably held hands on every date before marriage. But for some couples, holding hands might be a lost art. It’s hard to be angry at somebody while you’re holding their hand.

Reminisce on the first time you held hands together. What were you doing? Where were you? What were you talking about? Try interlocking your fingers, it might even increase your joyful feelings for one another, or even increase stability while skating.