Sunday, September 30, 2012

Finding the Time: Inexensive (cheap!) At Home Dates

Sometimes, I just want to spend some time with the Husband doing something relaxing.  Or fun.  Or sexy.  But without a sitter that can come at a drop of a hat so that Husband and I can sneak away, we have to get creative.  Instead, here are some things we've done (or plan to do) that we can stay home for, are inexpensive, and can be done after the kids are in bed.

1. Have a late dinner and movie.  This one is simple enough.  Feed the kids dinner at a normal time, and put them to bed as usual.  Later, make a special dinner (or send one partner to grab some take-out).  Put on a  movie or tv show that you've both been wanting to see or that is an old favorite.  (Netflix, anyone?)

2. Learn some massage.  Last year, Husband and I bought a portable massage table as a joint Christmas gift to each other.  I can't remember the price, but I believe it was under $200 and came with a face rest, arm rest, and storage bag.  Paired with a few ho-to massage books, we use it to give each other some much needed relaxation.

3. Start a project.  This kind of thing may be a bit more challenging.  If you can find something you both enjoy, even if it is just a jigsaw puzzle, do it together!  However, beware that when doing projects tempers can sometimes flare.

4. Just sit.  It sounds over simplistic, I know, but some of my fondest memories with Husband are of us just sitting out on our porch and being with each other.  It's pleasant even when we have nothing to say.  I guess I should say that we are to the point in our relationship where we don't feel the need to fill silence with mindless chatter.

5. Have another couple over.  Plan a dinner, game night, or just some late evening social time with another couple or some close friends.

6. Try something new in the bedroom.  Or living room.  Or wherever.  Look up a new position or sexual activity and give it a try.  If you are interested, purchase a new sex toy, piece of lingerie (for him or her), or lubricant.  Whatever you choose doesn't have to be a grand gesture or something crazy (although that is fun), just something new or seldom used.

7. Set the mood.  Decide on what kind of evening you'd like to have.  Sexy?  Relaxing?  Neutral?  Pick your theme and go with it.  Light some candles, put on some music or a movie, and see what the evening has in store.

8. DIY Spa night.  Sound too girly?  Think again.  Most (but not all) of the DIY spa things I like for myself, Husband likes also.  Nothing makes us feel better than implementing one of the many relaxing foot soak recipes that are out there, followed by a foot rub.  You can also find recipes for face masks and body scrubs, both great ideas.

Those are what we do for our time together.  All of them are cheap and each and every one can be done after the kids are in bed.

Do you have any cheap date night ideas?  What do you do?

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