Date Night How To/Ideas

Disclosure:

   I am not an expert on the subject of dating, so I've scoured the internet and found input from people who are to create this lovely "how to" for date night!

Let's start with 

The Basic Rules:

   1: Make a schedule. Whether you want to have date night weekly or monthly, you definitely want to try to make a set schedule. The hubby and I make ours every Thursday. You can always adjust if someone decides to get married or die or something... but it's always good to have a set day to look forward to and plan for!

   2: Take turns planning! We trade off every other week, but you're welcome to do this however you see fit. If the planning is left to one person all the time, it turns into more of a chore than a date... and that just ruins the whole point of date night. 

   3: Consider your partner. When planning a date, always keep in mind the things that interest your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend. You don't want them to feel like they're stuck doing something they hate. Also... consider their physical condition. Like... It's not a good idea to take a pregnant girl to Jump On It. (This has never happened to us... but it's a good example of what NOT to do. Ever)

And now... Ideas...

Head Out:

• Take a Hike - Pros: It's free, great workout, time outdoors. Cons: Can't do it in the wintertime... unless you're crazy.
• Watch a City League/Minor League Games - Pros: You get to spend time outdoors, eat at the concession stands for dinner, baseball rocks. Cons: mosquitos, seasonal
• Go Bowling - Pros: you get to be active, can do it any time of the year. Cons: bowling shoes :P 
• Street or County Fair - Pros: free admission, carnival games/rides, fair food, culture. Cons: Seasonal, and you might get fat from all that cotton candy!
• Volunteer Work - Pros: It's free, you're helping others while helping yourself. Cons: Cons.
• Stargazing - Pros: There are plenty of parks to go to, snuggling outside, stars. Cons: Seasonal. 
• Hit the Arcade - WARNING: This CAN be pricey if you're not careful! Those nickles add up, so watch it! Pros: Arcade games, laughter, winning tickets/prizes. Cons: sharing the games with other players.
• Mini Golfing - If you're lucky enough to have a pass of all passes here in Utah County... you can get in free! Pros: Indoor or Outdoor, a little competition (winner gets....?) Cons: Risking hitting each other with golf clubs
• Take a Hayride - Pros: outdoors, sightseeing, quality time to talk about life and whatever. Cons: Seasonal
• Build a Snowman - Pros: outdoors, could turn into a snowball fight, building something together, end the night with hot cocoa. Cons: Seasonal, cold.

Stay In:

• Bathroom Spa 
• Take turns giving massages, foot rubs, or whatever tickles your fancy... then go ahead and relax in a bubble bath! Just don't get too relaxed. Falling asleep really kills the mood
• Movie Theme Night
• In the mood for Italian? Pop in the Italian job and whip up some pizza! Or is it a Wedding Crashers kind of night? Grab some cake from your favorite local bakery and enjoy in the comfort of your own home! 
• Ethnic Eats
• Look up a recipe for your favorite foreign food and see how well you can make it together! Make sure you're both involved... and don't forget the aprons!
• Carpet Picnic
• Throw down your favorite blanket, whip up some great picnic foods, and enjoy! Make sure you leave the TV off and just enjoy each other!
• Ice Cream
• Make yourself the biggest, craziest, most delicious ice cream sundae ever, then share it!
• BlackOut
• Ban the use of all electricity (including cell phones and computers) Light some candles and get creative with dinner. Try playing shadow games on the walls or board games by candlelight!
• Finish that Project!
• Refinish a piece of furniture for your home, put together a scrapbook, or build something together! 

Bonus: Especially for the hubs:

• Take a test drive of his dream car - You might die... but he'll never forget it
• Hit a sports bar on game night - Even if you're not into the game, you get to go out and get some great wings out of it and he'll love that you are letting him watch the game on date night

What do you guys like to do for date night? How do you make it work for you? I'd love to hear/see your input! 

Happy Friday!