Did Someone Say Free Samples?

Feeling hungry but don’t want to splurge on a restaurant date? Find a local food market or food festival and head over there with your spouse to enjoy some delicious samples. Free and Yummy.

Relationship Reconnection: This date will automatically create a friendly atmosphere for you and your spouse to reconnect.  You’ll get to learn more about their likes and dislikes when it comes to food.  You could even surprise them later by making their favorite sample for them!

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.

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.

Library Activities- Beyond the Check-out

Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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?

Twilight Light Show

Your spouse will enjoy this Twilight experience, no vampires included. 

Located adjacent to the Shepherd School of Music on the Rice University campus, is the Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, the James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Light Space. The acoustics were designed to host musical performance and carefully composed light sequences with shows twice a day at twilight hours (no shows on Tuesdays).  Each light sequence lasts approximately 40 minutes and goes on rain or shine. There is limited seating available. No reservations required for the sunrise sequence, but you must make free reservations for the sunset twilight sequence.

http://skyspace.rice.edu/cms/visit-skyspace/

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/atbaker/9540740597/ Adam Baker

Please consult the campus map for the nearest campus entrance numbers (8 & 18) and the nearest parking area (West Lot 1). Although there is no physical address, the Skyspace is near University at Stockton.

Relationship Reconnection: 

No food or drinks allowed and they request no cell phones or cameras.  This gives you a perfect opportunity to be unplugged and focus on your spouse.  Your hands will be free so there should be lots of hand holding.

While in Rice Village make plans to eat at Sweet Paris Creperie and Café.  They have breakfast for the sunrise light show, dinner and dessert for the sunset light show.  You can also just stop by for desert after the show.

Photo Credit: Sweet Paris Creperie and Café

http://www.sweetparis.com/

Sweet Paris Rice Village: 2420 Rice Blvd Houston TX 77005

Starry Night

Before we know it winter will be here! It is time to take advantage of the warmer weather before it’s too late! I know star gazing might be a little corny but, this really is a very beautiful setting for you and your spouse to relax, hold each other tight, and catch up on each other’s lives

.

Get out of the city to where the lights don’t shine but only the stars. Bring lots of pillows and blankets to keep comfy. If you have a truck, fill the bed with blankets and pillows. Bring some hot chocolate and grab your favorite snack to munch on. Now create a fun memory together.

Relationship Reconnection:

While enjoying the beautiful night sky, talk about non-defensive communication. What is this? Sometimes we find ourselves offended when our spouse gives us some criticism or feedback. We can either choose to be offended or use the feedback to better ourselves. Talk to your spouse about how non-defensive communication can strengthen your marriage and feel even closer. Share ways in which this can help your marriage grow even more. Also share when it is appropriate to do so. Make sure you both of you are on the same page. 

Sam Houston Park

Image Courtesy of Fickr.com

Do you know the history behind Houston? What was the city like when it first started out? Answer these questions by going to The Same Houston Park near downtown. The park is filled with historic buildings and artifacts about Houston. You can wander around the park at your own pace or sign up for a tour. The park is also a place to sit, relax and enjoy each other’s company.

To learn more about the park visit: The Heritage Society

Revitalize that Relationship!

Do you have the history or your relationship written down? Future generations might be interested to know about your courtship, and life together. There doesn’t need to be a lot of details, but it is a great way to reminisce about the past and teach others in the future. 

The Selfless Date

You and your spouse can spend your date focused on others. Visit  http://www.volunteer-houston.com or http://volunteerhouston.org  for local service opportunities. This date will give the two of you a chance to give back. There are many different opportunities listed on the blog   for all types of people, times of day and days of the week.

Relationship Reflection

On average 50% of marriages end in divorce. The main reason cited is that the couple just “grows apart”. By focusing on others we find ourselves more forgiving and not as focused on negative issues. Giving back allows you and your spouse to change your focus and find opportunities to grow closer together

Simplify

Photo courtesy of houston.org

It's all about simplifying and having  some relaxing fun on this date.  Find a local park or check out Cullen Park, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/ourparks/cullenpark.html to learn more.  Now, just play frisbee or even fly a kite together. Take some time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy one another's others company.


Relationship Reconnection:

Since we're simplifying here, Let's get back to the basics.  Some good old fashioned flirting is what this date calls for to reconnect.  A touch, a wink, a sweet comment, any and all of these can have a positive impact on your relationship.

"Smore" Fun

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

This date is all about having a little "smore" fun.  Build a fire in your own back yard (or you can even roast marshmallows in your oven if you're not feeling quite as adventurous or don't have a private yard) and make smores together. Share a sweet,m gooey treat and just snuggle up and talk.

Relationship Reconnection:

While making smores, talk about each others day and really listen to one another.  One way to connect is to be present and know about what's going on in the life of your spouse.  So, go ahead and show "smore" interest.

Time to Give Back

Photo courtesy of stockimages at freedigitalphotos

It's always good to be grateful for all you've been blessed with.  One way to show your gratitude is by giving back.  How about giving back on this date and volunteering on this date. The two of you can work side by side volunteering in a soup kitchen. Visit http://www.magnificathousesinc.org/Loaves_And_Fishes.html to find out available opportunities.  When you're so blessed, it's nice to step back and bless the lives of others.



Relationship Reconnection:

Take time to create a couples gratitude journal.  Talk about all you're grateful for in our marriage and family.  Jot down at least ten things your are thankful you've been blessed with.  Now, make a plan to write down at least ten things you're grateful for every night. You'll soon find that as you begin to focus on your blessings as a couple, you'll look at things in a more positive light.  This will help you reconnect and appreciate each other and all you have more.

Target (77377)

Although a grocery store might not sound like the most romantic spot for a date night, you can still use the store to enjoy a creative date, leave feeling a closer bond to each other, and do it all for free.

Here’s how it works: split up for 10-15 minutes and find 3 or 4 items that describe the qualities you love about your spouse. For instance, Hershey Kisses could describe your spouse’s delicious lips or OxiClean could describe your spouse’s clean living habits. Be creative and have fun with it! Before you split, decide on a place and time to meet back up and share the items and the qualities they describe, with each other. Target usually has a small café/ food court where you can sit down, enjoy a snack, and talk about the items you picked out.

After you share your items and the qualities they describe, switch your items. Put them back where you think your spouse found them. Don't split up this time. Go with each other and take turns trying to find the exact spot where your spouse got that item.  Try not to give any hints!