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.

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.

Cupcake Wars

Have you ever watched the show Cupcake wars on Food Network?  Turn this show into your favorite at home date night.  This date night can be done with each other or with a group.  Create your own cupcake wars by buying a bunch of ingredients that would be fun to make into cupcakes.  Remember to get decorations as well to make it more fun.  Give yourself a theme and a time limit to cook 12 cupcakes.  Take the cupcakes over to a neighbors house at the end of the date, and have them judge the cupcakes according to: best taste, best use of theme, best appearance.  This date will have you using your creative side, and can be very fun!

Turn toward each other:
After the activity portion of the date, cuddle up in some blankets and watch cupcake wars on Netflix.  Spend time choosing your favorite cupcakes, and enjoying the show.

Walk This Way

Walk This Way

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/spotts-park-houston?select=r2QJccWOSOlOZh_QbXrl-g

What’s a little nature without a little city? We live in Houston after all. Spotts Park is the perfect blend. Trees and grasses as far as the eye can see with a wonderful metropolitan backdrop. From the north entrance of the park there is a paved walking trail that measures one mile in distance.

You and you sweetie can lace us your tennis and “walk this way”. Take your iPod/MP3/etc with you for your r&r.

http://www.visithoustontexas.com/listings/Spotts-Park/20265/

Use some free time prior to the date and make a playlist for you sweetie. While you both are strolling Spotts Park holding hands listen to the mix your sweetie has made just for you. Music can express emotion without vocalizing. Music can take you back to your first dance as husband and wife. Music is a powerful tool use it for love.

Fondue For Two

Photo Courtesy of Aduldej at freedigitalphotos.net

Stay at home date #4

Fondue is a fun and delicious way to spend an evening together.  Rather it's sweet or savory, fondue dipping can be such a fun and yummy date.  You can melt chocolate; milk, dark, white, as well as many cheeses too.  The skies the limit, whatever you enjoy.  Choose the fondue and the items to dip and enjoy a fun night together.

Relationship Reconnection:

Over fondue, have a couples year in review.  How has the year gone?  It's fun to look back and remember all the things that have happened, places you have been, struggles you have conquered, and memories you have made.  This will strengthen your marriage and help you look forward to another great year.

Cupcake Wars

Who doesn’t enjoy a little friendly competition and yummy dessert?  For this date you can do it at home after the kids have gone to bed.  Make sure you have an ample supply of cupcakes, frosting, decorations and of course sprinkles.

Decoration ideas:

• Chocolate chips
• Licorice
• Marshmallows
• Skittles
• M&M's
• Graham crackers
• Teddy grahams
• Animal crackers
• Cookies
• Food coloring
• Any kind of candy --Peach rings, gummy sharks, gummy worms, gummy bears, watermelon candy, peppermints, etc.

Come up with a theme and start decorating!

Theme ideas:

• Your biggest dream
• Your spouse's dream
• How you met your spouse
• Your first date
• Best vacation you went on
• Dream vacation spot
• Best describe your spouse
• Best describe your family

Relationship Reconnection

Take this time to talk about your dreams and goals in life.  Our spouses are not mind readers and don’t know what our dreams and goals are if we don’t talk them. By talking about our dreams and goals and the meaning behind them we can help each other achieve their dreams.