The last date my husband and I went on by ourselves was... well... I'm not really sure to be honest. We have gone out for supper with another couple but as I type this I'm trying to run through the calendar in my head and I can't recall when we actually just went out together. Oh wait! I think we went shopping for bathroom vanities together when his parents were here back in November!
I was recently reading an article from the Jan/Feb issue of Focus on the Family on date nights with your spouse. The catchy phrase under the title was "Revive the fun of dating your spouse". Sounds fun right? Um yea... except for the park where you have to find time, book a babysitter, figure out what you're going to do and save up some cash. But according to this article you can make memories together without blowing your family budget and some didn't even require leaving the house... and I know that sounds too easy - but they're actually pretty good ideas!
So here is what they suggested for a Date Night Challenge: Three dates in three weeks... and by three weeks I mean three consecutive weeks - starting next week! Check out these date night ideas and start planning! If you have family around you, ask for their babysitting services... if you don't, consider asking some close friends to exchange babysitting services with you so you can both help each other out!
1. Coffee Q&A. Cost = less than $8. Prep - each of you write down some questions to ask each other that deal with stuff other than day to day life, your kids, work, home... you get the idea. What is something your spouse does very but doesn't know he does well? What is your favorite joke? A childhood memory they'll never forget. Head to Starbucks, order a coffee and grab a table. Each of you randomly pulls a question and let the conversation begin.
2. A Stroll Down Memory Lane. Cost = less than $10. Prep for the she - make some favorite finger foods for you and your hubby. Prep for the he - while she is making the finger foods get your kids into bed. Grab a blanket, light a few candles, plop yourself on the floor in front of the TV and watch a home movie (wedding, birthdays, vacations) or go through some old photo albums or year books.
3. Romance on a Roof Top. Cost = less than $10. After the kids are in bed, climb onto the roof with some blankets, an iPod and some snacks. Talk, snuggle, look at the stars... and enjoy each other's company.
4. Driveway Theater. Cost = less than $5. After the kids are in bed grab the baby monitor and head to the "Driveway Theater". Bring some blankets, drinks and a big bowl of popcorn and watch a movie on your laptop while sitting in your car/van. Take turns picking a movie using a DVD or Netflix (since you're still within range of your internet connection). The bonus is you get to wear your pj's!
5. Dollar Date. Cost = less than $20. The challenge is to spend as little as possible... then see if you can spend less next time! Start your evening with a dollar menu dinner at McDonalds or wherever else offers it. Head to the Dollarama beside Rainbow Theater and purchase 2 treats to share. Move next door to Rainbow Theater for a movie.
6. A Romantic Evening at Home. Cost = less than $20. Do your best to get the kids to Grandma's, an Auntie's, or a friend's house for a sleepover. Prep for the he - groceries for a romantic dinner that HE is going to cook. Prep for the she - while he is getting supper ready, you relax in a candle light bath. After dinner dance in the living room or watch a romantic comedy with a bowl of popcorn. It's nothing elaborate - but it's time alone with no kids :-)
If you have any other great dates on a dime please comment on this post to share with others - I'm sure you all have a great date night idea out there that others will enjoy. Now go talk to your hubby and plan out some date together (I don't want you doing all the planning). Pick one date each and then maybe the third together. Have fun and make sure to post your date night ideas!
