At-Home Dates

I shared this post on Young People in Love last week + since the majority of you haven't seen it, I thought I'd share it here too. For those of you who read this post already, I apologize for the repeat!

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Last fall Thomas + I got married, which means our first anniversary is coming up soon - and it's been a crazy, busy year between the wedding, graduation, two moves, and a new job + move on the horizon! Translation - our need for quality "us" time has increased drastically. Our solution has definitely been to put more emphasis on making our day-to-day routine special. Going out for the occasional dinner + move is still wonderful fun, but because we simply don't always have the time/money/resources for going out, we've come up with a few things that make dating at home still feel special.

+ Weekend Brunch // Cook together. Try new recipes. Eat outside. Eat in bed. Get dressed up!

+ Movie + Dinner // Wear heels. Write out a menu of what's being served, and lay it across his plate. Turn off the lights and light candles. Put on some music. Serve dessert!

+ Sleepover // Push the furniture out of the way. Bring out the sleeping bags. Set up with plenty of blankets and pillows. Rent 4 or 5 movies. Get snacks. Put on your pajamas. {Even if you are married/living together, send a text/email early in the day + invite him to stay overnight. A little flirting never hurts!}

+ Share the Love // Bake for the local nursing home staff. Volunteer. Borrow your sisters' kids + go to the park. Be creative!

+ Get-to-know-me // Plan them separately and let it be surprise! Yours might include blogging and deep conditioning treatments. His might involve Xbox and soccer. Whatever activities you choose, do them together!

So if you just had a baby (like Sam!), are spending every moment studying for the GRE (like me!), on a budget (like most of us!), or simply looking to shake up your routine, I think you'll find that these ideas really add a little flair to at-home dates. :)

Do you have at-home dates? What are some of your best ideas?

p.s. this is my 300th post!