Saturday, August 15, 2015

Pottery Class

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http://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-6424646-
stock-footage-potter-making-clay-for-the-light-smack
-using-hand-wheel.html

Most of us like change every now and then. We change our hair color, get our haircut a different style, we buy a different style of cloths, we by a new book from a new author. Whatever the changes are, we all make them in order to keep life interesting and fun. Why not change up your date night routines? The Potter’s Wheel in located in Houston, TX, they offer a large variety of pottery classes. Their adult classes come in a package of 4 classes and are offered Tuesdays and Wednesday from 6:30-9:00 PM and Friday and Saturdays from 10:00-12:30 PM. The cost is $180 per person. There is also a single class option for adults offered either on Thursday from 6:30-8:00 PM, or Saturday from 2:00-3:00 PM. The cost is $25 per person per class. Going to a pottery class can provide relaxation for you if you have a high stress life, if gives you the opportunity to learn a new skill, and can give you the opportunity to spend some quality time with your spouse.

Relationship Reconnection:

This activity can help build your relationship because, when you are learning together as a couple, you are growing together.  After your potter class, hold hands on the way out to the car, hold hands in the car, and don’t forget to enjoy a goodnight kiss at the door!

Team Work Date Night

Photo courtesy of http://nstacommunities.org/blog/2015/07/29/building-team-science/

Going out on a date night sometimes isn’t possible, there seems to always be something that gets in the way of going on a date. The babysitter canceled last minute, you don’t have enough money to go out - and pay a babysitter at the same time, you ended up working late and didn’t get home in enough time, or you live in a rural area and the city is too far of a drive for a date night. The list goes on an on – but who said dating meant that you had to actually “go out”? No matter what the reasoning is for skipping date night, we have a great alternative a "date night in", instead of a date night out.

Often times you hear talk of team work with sports teams, or in the work place, but who said team building activities are just for those groups? The Marital unit is just as much of a team as any of the above mentioned groups. A marriage is the most important team you will ever be a part of. For this date night in you will need the following items:

-              Two ace bandages
-              Brownie box mix
-              Ingredients listed on the back of the brownie box.
-              8X8 baking dish
-              Mixing bowel
-              Whisk
-              Spatula


You will start this activity by tying the right hand of one spouse behind their back, then tying the left hand of the other spouse behind their back. Working together as a team, bake brownies together. This will likely be hard at first, as you are working, make sure to have fun - this is a date night after all!

A Date Night that is Out of This World

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/File:Space_Shuttle_workers_and_their_
families_watch_as_Discovery_begins_its_rollout_
to_Launch_Pad_39A.jpg
Want a free date night that is out of this world? Try taking your spouse on a date to watch a launch at, NASA headcounters in Houston. The next launch dates for this year are; August 16, 2015 they are sending a space craft up with supplies to the international space station. There will be a launch on September 2, 2015 at 12:34 AM. On September 21, 2015, an un-piloted craft will bring supplies up to the space station. November 21, 2015 another automated, un piloted craft that will be sent out. The last launch for the year will take place on December 15, 2015 will be a launch to switch out members from the international space station. For more information visit NASA’s web site. To prep for this date night, be sure to bring either lawn chairs, or a blanket to sit on, some pillows, favorite treats, and of course you camera.


Make this date night memorable by strengthening your marriage. One of the greatest gifts that you can give to someone is to truly listen to them. For this activity, you will take turns talking and listening. Each person should have the opportunity to listen to their partner, and to talk. Remember, when it is your turn to listen, to give your partner the opportunity to talk with out being interrupted.

South of the Border Date Night!

photo courtesy of
  
http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
blogs/thabitianyabwile/2011/08/19/fellas-
take-the-ladies-salsa-dancing/

We have a fantastically romantic date night idea for those of you who are able to spend a little bit more, and who are in the mood to spice up your date night routine. The Dance Passion Studio located on 3300 Chimney Rock, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77056 offers couples Salsa Dance Classes (beginner) that are held on Thursday's at 8 PM and Saturday at 1 PM. Beginner Ballroom classes (for those that are interested) are held on Monday’s at 8 PM. Group classes run $50 per couple (4 classes in total). Private lessons are $70 per couple per class. Group classes would be a fun way to meet new people and would be a more social experience, and the private classes would be more intimate option. After class, head over to Tango and Melbec, which is a sophisticated, Latin influenced Steakhouse. While you are there, ask for a side of Chimmichurri dipping sauce for your steak, and bread.

Relationship Reconnection:

During your date night, take the time to focus on gaining a deeper relationship with each other. During your dance lesson, look into each others eyes, and think of the number one reason why you fell in love with your spouse then, think of the number one reason why you love them now. Steal a kiss while you are holding each other tight, while dancing. At dinner, voice the things you thought about during dace lessons. Talk about why you fell in love, and why you are still in love. Hold hands during dinner, sit close to one another, and enjoy the new found spice!

Monkey Around Date Night


Image Courtesy of Anankkml at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What could make you feel young at heart more, than going to the Zoo, and flirting with your date?  For date night this week, take your spouse to The Houston Zoo. They offer free passes every first Tuesday of the month from 2pm to close. The Zoo isn't just for kids in fact, going to the Zoo as an adult can be really fun! When you visit the Zoo with your children, the day tends to get pretty planned out. Suzie wants to see the elephants, Jimmy wants to see the snakes, Bobby wants to see the birds, etc. When you go to the Zoo with children, everyone has their own agenda. When you go on your date night to the Zoo, toss the map, and simply walk around. Don’t plan your visit, just take your time, and enjoy yourselves.

While you are at the Zoo, try strengthening your relationship with your spouse. Think back to when you were dating. Remember that first date, where you were dying to hold hands? Remember resting your hand in places that your date would easily be able to access your hand to hold it? Just because you are married now, doesn't mean that the excitement has to stop. Here is a relationship building activity that is sure to not disappoint: 

Have you ever heard the song by the group, Extreme called, More than Words? In the song it says, “more than words is all I ever needed you to show, than you wouldn’t have to say, that you love me ‘cause I already know”.  I have a simple way that you can show your spouse that you love them, without saying any words. Try giving your spouse’s hand a squeeze three times in a row (for the three words; I, love, you). If your spouse doesn’t get why you are squeezing their hand repeatedly, simply smile and say the words, “I Love You” while squeezing their hand. Try showing your spouse that you are truly listening to them by looking in their eyes as they talk. 

Friday, August 14, 2015

Date Under the Stars: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show


Try something different for this Friday nights date night. Bring a blanket and catch a free show at, Miller Outdoor Theater. There are a few different stages at this facility, the first is, the Miller Outdoor Theater which is outside and you sit under a covered pavilion on chairs. The second area is, The Hillside Area which is not ticketed, but blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. 

Free tickets are limited, so make sure you reserve your free tickets in advance. You can view the dates and times of the different shows on the website. Upcoming events are Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, Wedding Bells, Daniel Ho & Taiwu, Classic Albums Live: The Rolling Stones, Incredible India – Dashavatar, and much more.

Relationship Reconnection Activities:
Try making this night even more special by packing a picnic dinner. Make the meal something that is special, that you can both enjoy, and something that brings back memories. Maybe you both ate a peanut butter and jelly the first time you met, or maybe you had a Hot Chocolate bar at your wedding. Pick something that brings back memories that causes you to look back on your life together. Taking a walk down memory lane is a great way to show love for each other. Bring a lot of extra blankets, and maybe a pillow or two to keep you comfortable if you will be sitting on the ground.

While waiting for your event to start, bring with you a Table Topics game. There are many conversational starter boxes to fit every occasion. Try the, “What Would You Do” set, or the “Original” pack set.  These games are designed to help aide in gaining communication skills by giving couples conversation starters. Gaining conversation skills can help enhance your love map, nurture fondness and admiration for each other.


How better to build romance and admiration in your marriage than to be entertained under the stars, eating a picnic dinner, and playing a game together. 

What Treasures Will You Find on Your Date Night?

Image Courtesy of: https://www.geocaching.com/

There is a new trend that you many have not heard about, or maybe you have heard, but haven’t tried it. If you are looking for a fun and free date night, look no further than, Geocaching. Geocaching is a large treasure hunt.  You begin by either downloading the app, or signing up on their website. After signing up (don’t worry, signing up is free) on the Geocaching website you can search in your area for a Geocach near you. Then, you follow the map to find a hidden treasure!

Relationship Reconnection:
You will have a lot of time on your hands as you go around town, and you will need something to do. Try rekindling your relationship by talking to each other.  There is only one rule during the car ride don’t talk about; the kids, the house, your jobs, bills, in-laws, or anything/anyone else. Make up a list of your own question that you can ask each other, that can help keep the conversation moving, use this list as a guide. Or, take turns answering the following questions;

1.) When was it that you first realized that you were in love with your spouse?
2.) I first knew you were the one when….
3.) I have never laughed harder than when {you, me, we} did this….
4.) Remember when…
5.) If  you could live anywhere, where would it be?
6.) What would you buy with your last five dollars?
7.) What is something that you’ve never told anyone?
8.) If you had a superpower, what would it be?
9.) If you won the lottery what would you spend your money on?


By taking the time to laugh, reminisce, and getting to know each other even more, you may find yourself falling in love all over again. You may end up finding more hidden treasures on this date than you bargained for.