At Home Date Night

Let  me start off by saying, whew! it's been a while guys! I've missed you all. I've been working on a few new projects but I also don't want to forget what I originally started [writing blogs]. Although it is a lot of work, I honestly enjoy it and based on my stats, so did my readers. Anyways, if I do disappear for a while don't fret, I will always be back!

So, a few days ago my husband told me that he wanted to have an at home date night for us and that he would cook everything and all I had to do was "look nice." So, tonight was the night and it was honestly probably one of my most memorable dates with him. He started cooking dinner around 5pm and instructed me to go in the room so I wouldn't see what he was cooking. Because we are fortunate enough to live in a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment he went ahead and got himself ready in the guest bathroom while I got myself ready in our room. This was the result....

How did we accomplish this with 3 kids might you ask? As I mentioned earlier, my husband prepared dinner and fixed the table while I got myself ready. Now our oldest was with her dad for the weekend so technically, we only had 2 kids to work with. Our toddler stayed in the room with me while I took a shower and got ready and the newborn stayed in the kitchen with my husband while he finished prepping everything. Listen if you really want it, you two will make a way. We could've easily dropped them off at my mom's house but because she had them last weekend [unplanned], we wanted to give her a break this weekend. So, if you have someone trustworthy to watch your child/children, please ask them! Let them know that you need some well needed time with your spouse and it'll only be for about 2-3 hours. I'm sure they won't mind. If you live with other people, kindly ask them if they don't mind either staying in their rooms for a few hours or stepping out for a few hours.

One thing I love about being married is that it makes you become intentional. Because this is a relationship that we intend on keeping forever, it drives us to work harder at it and to always find a way to make our marriage a priority. I've heard couples complaining that they "don't have time" or "the kids." Listen, if you want something, you will find a way. No excuses. As  a mother of 3 kids and 2 under 2 years old, I get it. Sometimes you really don't have time and sometimes the kids just won't go away lol! So, here are some tips to help facilitate a successful date night with/without kids, whether you're having it at home or at a restaurant. 

I cannot make this up! Here she is lol

Make it work sis. Make it work!

• Tip 1: Let the kids be and don't stress it! My 20 month old was in the room with me while I got ready and she just entertained herself by making a mess [it's okay, clean it up later]. If they are old enough to understand "date night" then explain it to them, "mommy and daddy need some alone time. We are going on a date because that's what couples do. Do you mind staying in your room to watch tv/I'm leaving you with grandma for a few hours, is that okay?" Explain to them what it is that you want to do and ask them if they are okay with it. No you do not need your child's permission but asking them makes them feel like you value their feelings. Trust me, it works. If you have a baby, take him/her on the date with you! As long as babies are fed, burped and changed; they usually don't bother anyone. Our newborn sat at the dinner table with us and didn't fuss one bit.

•  Tip 2: Getting ready in separate rooms really builds up the excitement, it felt like we were dating again! Pick out your outfit ahead of time; even though it's an "at home date night" still get dressed up as if you were going to dine in at a restaurant. It not only felt great getting dressed up but it felt even better seeing his reaction when I walked out of the room. I wore a simple white dress with my hair in a high ponytail and paired it with gold chandelier earrings.

• Tip 3: You don't need to spend tons of money for a happy/romantic date night. The most expensive thing on the table was probably the lamb. Be creative! Go to Dollar Tree and buy some rose petals for the table. You can also get some candles there too but if you're looking for scented candles at a reasonable price then I recommend going to Target. Pintrest is my best friend when I need ideas to cook up a fancy meal. 

• Tip 4: Create conversation! I know when you're married or even in a relationship for a long time, it's hard to find new things to talk about because you already live together, you know almost everything that's going on with the other person but if this is your best friend you will always find something to talk about! Even if it's just joking about the hassle it took to get to that date night, talk about it. Don't just sit there eating in silence! 

Once the kids are in bed, enjoy one another! I hope this blessed someone's marriage/relationship.
Love, Lynn J.