Farmers Market

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos

There is nothing quite like a visit to a farmers market.  Well, how about visiting a local, permanent, 20,000 sq. ft. farmers market that is boasting the freshest and finest produce available.  This produce is not only the best, it's also sold for the lowest price possible.  You can shop around for produce or just walk around and see what's in season. For more information, visit http://www.caninoproduce.com/

2520 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009

Relationship Reconnection:

On this date, it's time to really practice tolerance and compassion.  One way to do this is by opening up to each other and really listening. Allow one another to express their emotions without judging or trying to fix things.  Simply listen and try to understand. Rather than being reactive, just listen with an empathetic ear.  As you both practice this, you'll begin to focus on each other more and really reconnect.

Day at the Beach

Photo courtesy of freedigital photos

How about a day trip or even a Christmas parade at the beach.  Take a ferry over and spend a day at Crystal Beach.  There are endless fun things to do, including a parade down the beach at Christmas time.  Santa himself comes to the beach for this parade.  Check out more for dates and schedules at http://bolivarchamberofcommerce.com/crystaland-christmas/  



Relationship Reconnection:

Many times couples are so busy with life that they don't take the time to communicate about feelings and needs that are most important to them.  Couples that don't deeply communicate often create emotional distance between themselves which can lead to our deepest feelings being neglected or pushed aside. Now is your time to really deeply communicate. Take time to open up about needs and desires in your marriage. You'll see that intimacy will increase and trust will be improved.

Great Views

Photo courtesy of chasetower.com

What is more romantic than overlooking the city with the one you love?  Head on over to the JP Morgan Chase Tower observation deck to get some spectacular views of the city.  The tower offers the highest public view of Houston from the sky lobby on the 60th floor.  It is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 PM to 5 PM.  There are many eating or snacking options in the building too.  To find out more by visit www.chasetower.com

600 Travis St. Houston TX 77002


 Relationship Reconnection:

There is nothing that can improve a relationship as much as vulnerability.  As difficult as it is to be truly authentic and vulnerable, the rewards are worth it.  To really build trust in a relationship, vulnerability is necessary.  Now it's your time to practice vulnerability and improving your trust.  Be open and talk about things that have been difficult or sensitive to open up about before.  Ask your spouse to do the same.  As you both become a little more vulnerable, your trust will increase and you'll be able to reconnect in a new way.

Spa Night In

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos

The colder winter months can take a toll on our skin and hair causing dryness.  For this date, go ahead and buy a few scented oils and/or lotions and pamper each other.  Having a spa night and giving each other massages is a great way to hydrate, relax, and unwind.





Relationship Reconnection:

Now if a couple massage and spa night doesn't say reconnect, I don't know what does.  It's time to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate those feelings. Physical touch can do wonders for reconnecting and improving your relationship.

A Little Snappy

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos

For this date all you need is your spouse, a camera, and the scenery around you.  It's time to practice your photography skills.  Rather you take photos of each other, the beautiful scenery, or set up a tripod and take pictures of you as a couple.  This is a fun way to spend time with each other and create some beautiful
memories too.

Relationship Reconnection:

Since we are on a photo shoot here, let's talk about body language.  Our body language says a lot about us.  Leaning in when our spouse is talking or using eye contact shows a more genuine interest in what they have to say.  A simple pat on the leg or arm around the waist can speak volumes.  Take some time as you're out and about photographing, to use body language to express your love and appreciation for your spouse. Research shows that body language can show how much you value your spouse.

Enjoy the Colors

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphots

Enjoy the fall leaves together.  I love the vibrant colors of leaves in the fall.  Take a drive, a walk along a scenic trail, or find a local park.  Enjoy the crispness in the air and the beauty that fall brings.  Pack a thermos of hot cider or hot cocoa and sip as you enjoy the views.

Relationship Reconnection:

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it's a great time to focus on appreciation.  Did you know that being appreciative of your spouse and the little things they do can can help cultivate trust and respect for them also.  Research shows that appreciation and gratitude is a skill that anyone can cultivate in themselves.  When we make the effort to appreciate our spouse and use simple words like please and thank you, gratitude and appreciation will soon radiate back to us.

Ice-Skate Date

Let’s bring the winter to Houston! OK, I know it is almost impossible for that to happen. But, what if I told you there was a way?

Try Ice-skating with your spouse. Don’t know how? Take some ice-skating lessons. At Ice Skate memorial City, there is a chance to go and experience a winter day. The Link below is information on a really great place to go ice-skating!

http://www.iceskatememorialcity.com/

303 Memorial City Way #902, Houston, TX 77024

Relationship Reconnection:

While you and your spouse are ice-skating, if it is possible to hold hands while not falling do it! Sometimes life gets so crazy that we forget about the sweet physical touch of holding hands. Here is a chance to hold on for dear life if you have trouble skating! Also while you are together communicate about your everyday life. But most of all, have fun together! 

Trampoline Park

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You and your spouse deserve some fun. Head over to Jumping World in Houston. It’s a trampoline park lined with trampolines and foam pits. Enjoy jumping until your hearts content, and getting some exercise while you’re at it! They have great hours and prices so check out their website here.

14147 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040

Revitalize that Relationship!

Stay healthy together. A way to help keep a relationship strong is to have a strong body. Exercise and eating a balanced diet can help improve moods which can positively affect the relationship you have with your spouse. It is also more time to get to spend together exercising and coming up with fun meals. 

Quality Time Together

Take some time to just relax and be together. Watch a favorite movie, play a card game or just talk with each other. A fun video to watch together is Weird Things All Couples Do found here. This channel has a few videos about couples, and could be something relaxing to do together. Find time to be together, that is the key to a successful date. 

Revitalize that Relationship!

Sexual intimacy is an important part of a healthy marriage. Sexual relations isn’t just about the physical, but is very mental and emotional. Plan a night when you can spend time together without interruptions or other engagements. If you have children, find a babysitter and get a hotel room or arrange time so you can be together. 

Skate Park

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos

This date is all about tricks.  Visit the Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park and watch others perform some pretty cool tricks. You may not be a skater yourself, but this skate park offers much to see.  It's one of a kind and boasts a 30,000 square foot indoor facility. You can check out more at http://houstonparksboard.org/projects/past/lee_and_joe_jamail_skatepark/  Grab a snack and just watch others be daring and perform their tricks.

Relationship Reconnection:

Now, this is no trick.  A great way to reconnect in your marriage is to spend time together.  It really is not about what you do, but who you do it with.  Enjoy each others company; talk, hold hands, laugh, and just be together.  You'll find that just some time alone can be just what your relationship needed.

For the Birds

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos

For this date, take a little day trip and check out Bolivar Flats Shoebird Sanctuary.  You can find out more here at www.houstonaudubon.org  and look under sanctuaries.  This is a combination of salt marsh, mud flats, and beach.  You can walk on the beach and watch the birds for free.  This could be romantic, especially around sunset.


Relationship Reconnection:

In a marriage, it's easy to fall into the trap of taking each other for granted.  Today, make your spouse know they really matter to you.  Switch the focus for the day from you to them.  Your wants, what you have to talk about, to your spouse and their needs, wants, and let them do the talking.  Focusing on our spouses needs and desires is a great way to strengthen your marriage.

At the Zoo

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos

There is so much to see and experience at the Houston zoo.  There are many exhibits and experiences available.  Go see your favorite animal and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.  Visit www.houstonzoo.org to find out more.


Relationship Reconnection:

Relationships are strengthened by seeking out the positive in each other.  See how many good things you can think of about each other.  When we focus on the good in a person, we are much less likely to become irritated or annoyed with them.  Focusing on their positive qualities can help you reconnect and foster love and compassion.

Artsy

Photo courtesy of khunaspix@freedigitalphoto

Let's get a little artsy for this date.  How about visiting the Menil Collection?  This is a great Art Museum with many different collections. Making art accessible to others is vital to the Menil mission, for this reason, no admission is charged, and all public programs are free.  Check out the website here, https://www.menil.org  for more information on exhibits, events, collections, etc.

Relationship Reconnection:

The power of empathy is key to a strong relationship.  Empathy requires compassion and compassion builds a bond.  This bond is what holds a relationship together.  One way to practice empathy is to give genuine attention when our spouse is speaking.  When you are genuinely listening, you are focusing on them and taking action to truly understand them.  Listen without focusing on your own response.  Truly listen.

The Patio Date

This will probably be one of your most relaxing date nights! I find it hard to find time to have conversation with my spouse because I of work, kids, and everyday life. Sometimes I think, “We will never be able to go out EVER AGAIN!” But I found that the most time my spouse and I have with just the two of us, is when its bedtime for our little one. I am sure that is how a lot of people are who may have children.

Try the patio date!  Put the kids to bed, or lock them inside the house.  Yes, inside!  Go out to your patio with hot chocolate, or your favorite drink, and strike up a conversation.  This will give you the time to just be together and catch up on each other’s lives. It is also very convenient! Anyone couple can do this because it is so simple!

Relationship Reconnection:

While spending time with your spouse outside try to really connect with them by listening and being attentive. Talk about your past, your present, and your future. It is always good to plan out some of your future and also reminisce about the good times in your past. Make the conversation meaningful.

Roller Skating

Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Roller skating rinks used to be a very popular place to hang out, but then they were replaced with ice skating rinks. Lucky for you and your spouse, roller rinks are coming back. There are many to choose from in the Houston area. However, The Skate Machine offers adult soul skate nights on Sundays, and great hours the rest of the weekend.

For more information visit: The Skate Machine

Address:  13831 Longview St, Houston, TX 77015

Revitalize that Relationship!

In order to have fun and enjoy your spouse, you need to make sure you aren’t holding anything against them. Try and be as forgiving as possible when it comes to your relationship. Everyone is going to make mistakes in life. When you are finding it difficult to forgive, ask your spouse for help. Communication can be a big key to forgiveness. 

Safari

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos

Have you ever dreamed of taking a safari?  Now you can and it's just over 30 min. from Houston.  Bayou Wildlife Zoo offers a safari-like adventure throughout the park.  You can see and feed animals from all over the world.  They roam freely across 80 acres of natural habitat. Find out more here.
http://www.bayouwildlifezoo.com/




Relationship Reconnection:  

Since you're getting an up close and personal view of the animals, it's time to get up close and personal with your relationship. According to Dr. John Gottman, it's important for couples to solve their solvable problems.  Working together to overcome situational dilemmas such as intimate preferences, who does what around the house, etc., can help alleviate tension in a marriage.  Accepting differences and habits, forgiving shortfalls and mistakes, and working out practical solutions for disagreements can improve your marriage and help you work together as couples should.

Oh So Sweet

photo courtesy of Whittaya Phonsawat at freedigitalphotos

This date will be sweet!  It's all about a little or a lot of indulgence, you decide.  Take your sweetie over to Shipley Do-nuts for some mouth watering donuts. Check out their website http://www.shipleydonuts.com/ and then click on store locator.  There are five stores in Houston.  See which one is closest to you. Make life a little sweeter and enjoy a treat together.




Relationship Reconnection:

"Do Nut" forget to thank your spouse.  Thank yous are always welcome in a relationship and a great way to diffuse or just reconnect.  Thank your spouse for everything, even the little things they do.  No one will tire of being thanked.  It fosters an atmosphere of gratitude and makes them desire to keep doing things for you.  Making your relationship a little sweeter, one thank you at a time.

Cruisin

Photo courtesy of boattours.poha.com

See Houston cruisin on the water for this date.  How about a free 90 minute round trip cruise along the Houston ship channel.  The Port of Houston Authority offers tours free of charge, but reservations are required.  Find out more here. http://boattours.poha.com/boattour/default.aspx  Just click on
boat tour faq for all the details.

Relationship Reconnection:

The power of positive thinking is important in relationships too.  We cannot rely on our relationships to make us happy and positive, but being happy and positive can improve our relationships.  Take time to talk about all the good/positive things in your life and relationship.  Being positive helps you look at things optimistically and gives you the fuel required to overcome challenges.  These are both important reasons to be positive and think positive in and about your relationship. This is a great way to reconnect.

iFly- Indoor Skydiving

People love to skydive. I never really understood why, but I wanted to know what all the hype was about. If you have had similar feelings check out iFly Indoor Skydiving. There is no stress of jumping out of a plane, or worrying about a parachute. With indoor skydiving, you are wearing a jump suit, googles and helmet, and are put in a vertical wind tunnel. It is safe, fun and gives you the same adrenaline rush as real skydiving. This is a great date to do with your spouse, and will give both of you and instant high for the rest of the day, and maybe even a few days after.

For more information visit: iFly- Indoor Skydiving

Relationship Reconnection!

Relationships have their ups and downs. It is part of life, and part of the learning experience. How do you view your spouse during easy and difficult times? How well do you handle positive and negative situations with your spouse? Discuss these questions with each other, and see where improvement can be made together. 

Festival of Lights!

This date will help you notice and accept bids of connection. A “bid for connection” is when one partner attempts to engage the other in conversation, for example, by initiating a discussion or asking a question. The more bids for connection you accept, the stronger your relationship will become.

What better way to discuss this while having a beautiful view at the Festival of Lights. Through Nov. 14 – Jan. 10 you can visit the festival of lights in Houston. There is ice-skating, artic ice slide, light displays and nightly entertainment. This will be a good time for you and your spouse to enjoy the upcoming holidays and each other’s company.

Here is a link with more information:

https://www.moodygardens.com/festivaloflights/

Relationship Reconnection:

While on your date night, ask each other meaningful questions to engage in conversation. It’s that simple. This will allow your spouse to know that you truly care. You can make a game out of it. Play 20 questions or two truths and a lie. More importantly have fun!

Library Activities- Beyond the Check-out

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There is more to do in a library besides checking out items. Below are a list of activities to do together that will cost nothing! This can also be done in a bookstore, and while there, grab some drinks or pastries.

1.     Find your favorite book as a child, then read them to each other.

2.     Look through some cookbooks and find a meal you would enjoy making together.

3.     Pick out a joke book and share the best ones with each other.

4.     Choose 3-4 random books. Have a conversation with each other, but only use lines from those books.

For information on your local libraries visit: Houston Public Library

Revitalize that Relationship!

Remember that marriage is give and take. Make sure to find time to talk with your spouse about the balance in your relationship. One person should not have to carry the whole load. Discuss the following points with each other:

-What do I do for my spouse on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What does my spouse do for me on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What do I appreciate most about my spouse?

-Ask your spouse, Where can I improve in our relationship?

Fall in Love, with This Questionnaire

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Okay, so you aren’t really going to fall in love with the questionnaire, but hopefully be more in love with your spouse. A study was done to explore intimacy levels between two strangers. During this study couples had a list of questions to ask and answer. They rated their intimacy level with their fellow participant before and after the questionnaire. Many couples rated their intimacy levels higher after engaging in the questionnaire together. It takes 20-30 minutes to ask each other these questions. It is a great way to spend time together, and get to know each other all over again.

Here is the link to the questions: 36 Questions