Are You Ready For a Date?
How can you get the most out of your date? What can you do that will supercharge yourself or your relationship with your spouse, child or friend?
This month is all about atmosphere! In April my husband and I enjoyed a weekend-long date with our two oldest children. Hannah and Lauren participated in the State Bowling Tournament in Charleston. In between the nine games they bowled, we took in the sights, sounds, and flavors Charleston has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite moments for you to recreate in your town.
Dine with Abandon
Break out of your normal routine. Choose a restaurant as much for its ambiance as its food. If you usually go someplace bright and loud, try someplace quiet and dimly lit. If you usually sit at a table, try a booth. If you always go to the same spot, go somewhere new.
Go for a Carriage Ride
Granted, a horse and buggy don't grace every city. If your town is buggy-less, let your bicycle be your carriage. Explore your own neighborhood or go to a local park and investigate new trails. If you or your date aren't the coordinated type, walk the trails. Our new bridge construction just opened up a walk/bike path that traverses the bridge. You can park at one side and bike to the other--all the while enjoying the gorgeous lake view--then relax at the park before the invigorating return ride.
Breathe in Nostalgia
Whether you are alone, with a spouse, children, or a friend, a stroll down memory lane can set your endorphins cascading. We took time to relive the glory days in the town my husband and I met and married. We showed our daughters the barracks my husband called home for four years and the chapel where we wed. They tolerated the experience, while we basked in it.
Enjoy the Outdoors
While spring is in the air--and before bugs invade--take every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Dine at outside vistas...with a water view whenever possible! If you aren't near the ocean, fountains do nicely. You don't even have to dine...just order a drink and enjoy the view!
Hands-on Shopping
We strolled through a plaza and happened upon a Brookstone store. What a find! Aside from a sumptuous bathrug, I didn't see anything in my price range. But oh the fun we had touching and feeling in that place!! We rode on a simulated horse and surfboard, laughing ourselves silly in the process! Then we relaxed as the programmed fingers of the shiatsu massager kneaded from our occiputs to our gluts, at which point a leg massager took over and milked our calves and feet. The ultimate tactile toy store--a Chuck E. Cheese for adults! So go, play!