52 First Dates: Week Fifty-Two (We Did It!)

52!! 

Can you believe it?

Fifty-two weeks of dating our spouses???

We did it!

I hope and pray that this series of dating ideas has sparked your imagination and rejuvenated your marriage.  It's my personal belief that few relationships are more important than a strong marriage and that a strong marriage will build happier, more resilient children, and a healthier society.  So I hope the past 52 weeks has been a blessing to your family and your marriage.

With that in mind, I'd like to close this 52 First Dates challenge with one more date idea:

This week, go out with your spouse.  Pick a place to go out to dinner.  Even if your budget is stretched, find a way to make it work.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  It just needs to be some place that you can go when the TV is off, the cell phone can't ring, and the kids aren't around.  

While you're there, take a moment to look back on the past year of your marriage.  How have you grown?  Are there areas in your marriage that have drawn you closer than you could have ever imagined?  What have been some of the major milestones and turning points in your relationship together over the past 52 weeks?

Take a moment to recommit to each other.  Maybe you'll continue a weekly date night.  Maybe it will be bi-weekly.  Maybe you're committing to couch time 5x a week.  Maybe you're committing to working through the 52 First Date challenge again.

Fill out a commitment form together, stating your goals for the next year.  What are the steps you are going to actively use to make your goals a reality?  Is there a day of the week you'll have your dates on? Will you have a one on one date monthly or weekly?  What is the purpose of these dates?

Seal your time praying together, thanking God for the blessings He's brought to your relationship and asking him to draw you even closer together.  Commit your relationship to Him and ask Him to use it as a blessing and testimony to those around you.

It has truly been a blessing for me to walk through the past 52 weeks with you.  While this is the end of 52 First Dates, I will be back with more marriage challenges in the future to keep you on your toes.  Remember to never stop investing in your marriages!

52 First Dates: Week Fifty-One

So how was your time with another couple?  Memorial Day weekend seemed like the perfect time for this date so I hope you all got a chance to relax and encourage each other in stronger and healthier marriages.

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

Your challenge this week is to recreate your proposal.  Go back to the site, try to choose the same time of day, what you ate, how you go there, etc.  How thorough can you be in remembering and recreating the same feel of that moment?

You might have to get creative on this one.  It doesn't have to be exactly the same.  Maybe you've moved or you were engaged in Hawaii.  Don't feel any pressure to buy airline tickets.  Although what a great excuse for a vacation.  Just have fun with this date and not only remember that moment, but create a new one as well.  Remember these dates are all about creating last connections and memories.

So let us know how your dates are going.  Have you done anything fun and creative lately?  How is dating your spouse improving your marriage?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

52 First Dates: Week Fifty

Hey everyone,
How was your flashback last week?  Did you learn anything knew about your spouse?

High School was a fun time and usually that sense of nostalgia makes for a fun date idea.  Reliving youth and remember what life was like before kids can often spark conversation and bring a couple closer together.

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

Your challenge this week is to spend some time with another couple.  Most of us will be BBQing this weekend for Memorial Day and what a great opportunity to connect with another couple or family.  Spending time with another couple committed to their relationship can be a great blessing to yours as well.  And if they haven't invested in their relationship like you have,  encourage them to respark their own excitement for marriage.  Share with them what you're learning through this journey.

How is your dating life?  How are you drawing from other couples and passing on the encouragement as well?

52 First Dates: Week Forty-Nine

Where you able to squeeze in a picnic last week? picnics are so much fun. It's a wonderful way to step back from everything and just be together.  What did you do?

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

This is going to be a fun one.  How would you like to revisit high school?  I don't know about you, but my husband I went to different high schools.  It's really a good thing.  We really weren't ready for each other back then.  Still it would have been fun to see what he was like.  So here's the game plan:

*Menu: Brainstorm ideas like pizza, juice boxes, veggie sticks, fruit cups, ice cream cups, pudding cups... what other ideas can we come up with?

*Yearbooks: You know we all still have them laying around.  Who did your spouse hang out with in high school?

*Dress: Where you a jock?  Brain?  Preppy?  Can you show some school spirit?

*Wanna make this a group date?  Have some friends over and spread the love.

So what do you think?  Are you ready for a flashback? Have fun dating!

52 First Dates: Week Forty-Eight

How was your date last week?  Did you do something active with your spouse?

Here comes this week's challenge:

The weather is finally getting nice here and we're enjoying more and more time outdoors.  So this week we're going to pack up a picnic and have some time alone with our spouses.  What is it about picnics and finger food that just seem so fun and intimate?  Not sure, but let's go with it.  This can be as complicated as a full-blown picnic in the park or as simple as finger snacks in the backyard.  That way you can adapt it to babysitter or not, any budget, and still get the feeling of having a romantic picnic outdoors.

Personally we'll probably do something at home after the kids go to bed, but how fun is that?  Maybe a little star gazing too?

Let us know how your dating life is going and what you're learning about your spouse.

52 First Dates: Week Forty-Seven

How was your date last week?  Which one did you pick?  Did you relive a favorite or try something new?

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

The weather is getting nicer in most parts of the country.  It's a little bit warmer and the sun is peeking out a little more.  Why not be outdoors together?  You can walk.  You can hike.  You can pack a picnic lunch or go to an outdoor flea market.  The point is to be outdoors together.  Get some sunshine.  You'll be surprised how it will lighten your mood and heighten your senses.  Laugh!  Sometimes just getting outside is all you need to give you a fresh perspective.

I would personally love to get out and walk the neighborhood with my husband.  We try to take walks when it's nicer.  The kids can run ahead.  We still have to keep a good eye on them, but we get a chance to talk.  We both feel refreshed when we're done and we've had a chance to reconnect.

How will you fulfill the challenge this week?

52 First Dates: wk Fourty-Six

How's your dating life?  We've had lots of great ideas in this last section of dates so I thought it might be time for a "review" week.  Pick out a favorite date from the experiment or one you missed.  Take some time planning a date night for your spouse this week and invest an evening in your marriage.  Have fun, laugh lots, and make some memories.  Remember... it's what you invest now that will allow your marriage to thrive in the future.  Have fun!

Wk 1: Couch Time

Wk 2: Ice Cream Taste Off

Wk 3: Be a Tourist in your Own Town

Wk 4: Board Games

Wk 5: Comedy Night

Wk 6: Date Night Inventory

Wk 7: Freebie/ Your Choice

Wk 8: Take a Walk

Wk 9: Photo Albums

Wk 10: Bucket List

Wk 11: First Words

Wk 12: Love Letters

Wk 13: Review Week

Wk 14: Home Date

Wk 15: Spiritual Legacy

Wk 16: Artistic Side

Wk 17: Stargazing

Wk 18: Group Date

Wk 19: Spa Date

Wk 20: Costumes!

Wk 21: Mentoring Couple

Wk 22: Being a Witness

Wk 23: Praying Together

Wk 24: Speaking Words of Appreciation

Wk 25: Family Christmas Tradition

Wk 26: Going Out

Wk 27: Cookie Taste Off

Wk 28: Christmas Eve Tradition

Wk 29: Bucket List Review

Wk 30: Love Notes

Wk 31: Pennies in the Fountain
Wk 32: Review
Wk 33: International Date
Wk 34: Five Senses Date
Wk 35: "His" Valentine's Date
Wk 36: Mad Libs and Dating History
Wk 37: Creating an Intimacy Box
Wk 38: Winter Wonderland Date
Wk 39: Grow Old with Me
Wk 40: Lucky Me
Wk 41: Slumber Party!
Wk 42: Mexico Date
Wk 43: Date in a Bag
Wk 44: Favorite Things Date
Wk 45: First Date

So how's your dating life?

52 First Dates: Week Forty-Five

Did you plan a Favorite Things Date last week?  What did it look like?

Are you ready for a new dating challenge?

Your challenge is to re-create your first date.  I don't know about you, but your first date is long ago and far away.  But to this day it still makes me laugh.  We were young, broke, and very creative.  It was a great date.  This was long before we tried fancy restaurants and pricey nights out.

Some of us have moved.  We've been lucky enough to have moved and have now moved back.  So this date could be tricky depending on where you live.  Be creative and try to re-create it the best you can.  You just might find that this trip down memory lane is a great way to reconnect with your spouse.

Enjoy!

52 First Dates: Week Forty-Four

How was your date last week?  Did you plan a date in a bag?

This in one that I think I'm going to keep planned and use more often.  With little ones in our house, sometimes our dates can quickly become derailed.  Sometimes the windows of opportunity can come at a moments notice.  So having something prepped just takes a little more of the pressure off.   What did you think?

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

Do you remember the song "These are a few of my favorite things" from Sound of Music?  (We love Sound of Music)

This week we're going to plan a "Favorite Things Date."  Favorite activity, favorite movie, favorite time of day (?), favorite food (of course), and favorite company.  Joy of this date?  It's so adaptable to your situation, your budget, and you as a couple.

Maybe you have a favorite place that you like to visit as a couple.  Maybe you have a favorite activity that you both enjoy.  Or maybe your spouse has a favorite activity that you've been avoiding.  This week would be a great opportunity to get involved, ... just because you love your spouse.  Remember these weeks are about investment.

So put on your thinking caps and plan a few favorite things.  Let us know what you've got planned.  I love hearing everyone's ideas and seeing what you're learning.

*Linked to these parties

52 First Dates: Week Forty-Three

How's your dating life?  Did you take a trip to Mexico last week?  Kind of labor intensive with prep, but such a fun break from the routine.  How often do you get to bring Mexico to your own front door?

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

This is going to be a bit easier after the big date from last week.  Still requires some up front prep, but pretty low key.

You're going to create a date in a bag.  What's a date in a bag?  It's a quick easy way to have date materials on hand for whenever you actually get a few minutes alone with your spouse.  I know some weeks we don't get to our date just because we can't find a free night.  Sure there's "moments" here and there, but no evenings so I just don't have the stuff on hand.

By creating a date in a bag, you can have the items on hand for when those moments hit.  Think of it as a little bit of playing which yields the freedom of a whole lot of spontaneity.

So you're thinking, "That's great!  But how in the world do I put that together?  What goes in this bag?"

Well, here's a few ideas:

1. Childhood date: candy necklaces, M&M's, favorite childhood soda, episode of your favorite childhood sitcom, and talking about what it was like growing up.

2. Exercise date: water bottles, jump rope, and map outlining obstacle course at a local park.

3. Book date: copy of books you're both currently reading, favorite coffee/tea, some yummy bought scones or muffins, and talking about what you're learning or reading

Looking for more ideas?  Check out this great list from Dating Divas: Date in a Bag List

So what do you think?  Doable?  You can create your bag early in the week and keep your eyes open for the perfect time for both of you to get together.

Have a great date!

52 First Dates: Week Forty-Two

How was your date last week?  Did you have a fun sleepover?

Hubby and I had a good time.  I thought about taking pictures, but it was too late.  We loaded up on some adult snacks (a good bottle of wine and carmel bugles), dug out the Scattergories, and pulled up some Cosby's on Netflix.   I love board games like Scattergories.  They bring up some great conversations and tend to stir up a lot of laughter.  It's a great way to build memories and still gain some wonderful insight into your spouse.  Taboo is another good conversation starter, both games that are older and easier to find cheaply.

Are you ready for a new challenge?

This week we're crossing the border.  We're going to Mexico!

What does that look like?

It can be something as simple as a lunch date at Taco Bell or something as full fledged as a three course home cooked meal.  We love Mexican food (heck, we love food!) so I'm looking forward to this one.

*Love Enchiladas?  Check out this one: Chicken Enchiladas
*Looking to go diet conscious?  Check out these: Fish Tacos
*Here are a few others:
Mexican Posole Lasagna
Pan Roasted Venison with Spicy Cranberry Mexican Cinnamon Sauce

*Desert: Mexican Rhubarb Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Mexican Style Chocolate Fondue
fruit fruit and Coconut frozen yogurt

Now that food is taken care of, pick up a cheap beach ball at the dollar store and write your invitation in dry erase marker.  Invite him on a cruise through Mexico.  Later greet him in your bathing suit with a yummy margarita.

*Lay out beach towels and build "sand" castles with Lego blocks.
*No need for sunscreen indoors... why not break out the massage oil?
*Put on some beachy music... Love the beach boys!

Also found this great virgin Pina Colada recipe (haven't tried it yet):
7 oz pineapple juice
2 oz coconut cream
and 1 c. crushed ice

Looking for a movie to round out your evening:
The Mexican
My Family Wedding

Have fun on your date this week!

52 First Dates: Week Forty-One

How are you feeling about dating your spouse lately?  Did you show him how lucky you are to have him last week?  We all love to hear that we're appreciated and I'm sure your spouse felt the same way.  I'd love to hear how you creatively used this topic last week.  Be sure to share your ideas in the comments below.

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

We're going to have a SLUMBER PARTY!

That's right: a slumber party!  I haven't been to one of those since jr. high and remember how much fun they used to be.  The perfect excuse to eat junk food, watch movies, stay up late, and spend time talking in hushed whispers.

Here's the game plan:

*Make sure you send a fun creative invitation to your husband at least the morning before.  Have the fun of a date is the anticipation.

*Stock up on your favorite snacks.  I love salty popcorn, my husband loves Jr. Mints and we'll both eat any candy that involves both chocolate and peanut butter.  And don't forget soda.  (This is NOT a date for dieting)

*Raid the game closet.  Trivial Pursuit, Scattergories, and Sequence are all on my list.  I might even raid the kid's closet for a few other: Operation, Hands Down, etc.  But if you haven't started a game closet yet, even a deck of cards can be fun.  Unfortunately we've had to ban Rummy in this house 'cause we're both too competitive.  :-)

*Pick a classic movie you both love or something you've been waiting to see.  Make sure you keep your spouse's taste in mind as well.

*Snuggle under the covers.  The night is up to you.  Snuggle in bed, lay sleeping bags out in the living room, or pitch a tent in the back yard if you live in a warmer climate.

*And what's a slumber party without pancakes the next morning?  Pancakes aren't your thing?  Pick something you can prepare together.

How's your dating life?

52 First Dates: Week Forty

Did this week age you?  How was your glimpse into the future?

How were your artistic skills?  :-)

We didn't get to this past date night.  For some reason, our week felt like it was just jam packed.  I've felt like that ever since Christmas came and went.  We've been busy, busy, busy.  We've gotta get back into our date night groove.  Anyone else feeling like you're in a slump?

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

With such a serious date last week, let's have a little fun.  Prepare something for your man to show him how "lucky" you really are to have him in your life.  Pick up some Lucky Charms, or make some Rainbow Cupcakes or Rainbow Popsicles.  Print up some "lucky" coupons for your hubby: back massage, favorite dessert, pass for dish washing duty, or maybe something really "lucky."  And for your movie treat, why not check out Leap Year?

Quick, easy, nearly zero budget... perfect date for getting back into routine.

How lucky are you?

52 First Dates: Week Thirty-Nine

How was your date this week?  Did you and your man have a great time?  As the spring is coming, it's nice to give a farewell note to winter.  And what a great excuse to snuggle up under a blanket.  Hope you had fun this week!

Are you ready for a new challenge?

This week let's take a look into the future and dream of growing old together.  Ready for a good laugh?  Have you ever thought about what each other will look like in 50 years?  You might have to have some thick skin for this one, but wouldn't it be fun to sketch out your image of each other?  Will your spouse have laugh lines or frown lines (Ok, make sure you do this when you're not fighting)?  Will he be bald or have a full head of hair?  Remember to have a sense of humor.  I can't draw for anything and my husband knows that so our expectations aren't high.  Just sounds like fun.

After you've had a great laugh, spend some time talking about what you want your relationship to look in 50 years.  Where will you be?  What will you have done in the past 50 years?  What will you do to keep your relationship healthy and strong?  Challenge your spouse: Grow Old With Me!

How's your dating life?

52 First dates: Week Thirty-Eight

So how was your date last week?

My prayer is that these challenges... these moments... these conversations would strengthen your marriage. That checking 52 First Dates each week wouldn't just SOUND like a good idea.  But rather that you'd put the ideas into practice and allow this time to really bring the two of you closer together.

A good marriage is a lot of work.  A great one is consuming.  But what better gift to give your family... and a world that is desperate to see healthy marriages.

So are you ready? Here comes this week's challenge.

Is this weather giving anyone else cabin fever? I certainly have. Why not turn it around and have a little fun with the season? Let's have a Winter Wonderland date.

Break out some of those Christmas lights (you knew they still were put away for some reason), drap some along the mantel, and add some candles.

Every good date needs food. Pick up some hot chocolate and add some apple nachos. Or whatever snack is unique to you. How about caramel apples? Or some of those girl scout thin mints, straight from the freezer(trust me, they're fantastic.

Do you have a Winter movie you love? Serendipity? While you were sleeping? Cool Runnings?  Be as creative as you'd like and play it up on the Winter theme.

Oh, and the vest part.. Since it's Winter, you just might find yourselves snuggling under the blankets to keep each other warm. Happy Dating!

52 First Dates: Week Thirty-Seven

Hey y'all,

How's your dating life?

I was reading something interesting last night about how we pursue our spouses while dating, but marriage becomes a "get out of jail free" card.  We get married and just stop putting in the work.  Worse than that, we start the nagging, complaining, whining.   I'm not saying there's not plenty of room for growth in marriage, but we almost act as though marriage gives us an excuse to stop trying: "This man's married to me.  Now I can really let him have it."

And I can guarantee you that the single woman in his office isn't treating him that way.  No, she's respectful, perhaps friendly.  And even if she's not pursuing him, it's probably light years away from the "old ball and chain" syndrome.

Anyways, I'm still chewing on it, but there's some food for thought.  Puts it in a whole new light, huh?

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

You are going to create an intimacy box with your spouse.  What's an intimacy box you ask?

An intimacy box is a collection of items that can only be used when creating an intimate environment with your significant other.  These can items as simple as candles, massage oils, special music, bubble bath, ... how creative can you be?

So for this date you will be shopping together or separately.  Ideally I think this would be so much fun to do with your spouse.  Pick an inexpensive location, split up and come back together at an appointed time.  (In the real world this isn't always possible.  So doing this separately at most convenient times is still a great option).  Keep your purchases a surprise until you can be together.  And don't just throw it on the bed and say, "Well, this is what I came up with."  Take time to really share with each other and talk about why you made each purchase.  Relish these moments of intimacy and conversation with your spouse.

Are you ready?  Go!

*Linked to Women Living Well and these Parties.

52 First Dates: Week Thirty-Six (& A Winner!)

Hey gang,
How were your dates this week?  Did you show your husbands some love?  Isn't it amazing what you can do when the weight of Valentine's Day isn't sitting squarely on your husband's shoulders?

Chang in our marriages start with us.  It's time for us to forget keeping score and to control the one thing we can control: ourselves.  As I was reading this week, it just hit me again... we may not be able to change everything in our marriages.  But we can change ourselves.  And that alone will change our marriages.

So I hope you had a great Valentine's Day.  And I hope you're excited to hear our latest giveaway winner...

Sorry, not yet!  :-)

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

We're going down memory lane with this one.  Do you remember our game night challenge all the way back from Week Four?  Back then we had a game night with our husbands.  Trivial Pursuit, Scattergories, cards,... up to you.  Well this week we're revisiting that challenge... with a twist.

This week we're walking down memory lane back to our childhoods and back to our dating days.  And hopefully back to some laughs in the midst of those hectic days.

Part One
Make sure you pick up a new copy of one of these:

*photo credits

Remember those days of laughing through car rides and sleep overs?  It's time to dust off those memories and make some new ones with your spouse.  What's funner than a game of Mad Libs?  

Plus if you have some extra time, be sure to do a quick google search before you head out to the store.  You might find some printables.

Part Two:

Make a crossword puzzle based on your history with your spouse.  Can you remember those little details that have come and gone in your marriage?  It might be harder than you think.  Better yet, why not make it a challenge.  You build a crossword for your husband while he builds one for you.  Here are a few sites to help you get started:

http://www.puzzle-maker.com/CW/ 

http://www.edhelper.com/crossword_free.htm 

Need a few clues to get you started?

Where did you meet?

Where did you have your first date?

What's your spouse's favorite treat?

What were your nicknames for each other in your dating years?

Where did you go on  your honeymoon?

What time did you wedding start?

Who first said "I love you?"

Where did they say it?

Where was your first kiss?

Where did you stay on your honeymoon?

Where is "your" place?

So do a little prep work this week, pick some snacks (what's a date without food?), and have fun laughing through this one.

Are we ready for our giveaway winner?  As a reminder, our giveaway winner is receiving a copy of Gary Thomas' Sacred Marriage.  It's unbelievable.  Each week, it challenges me in my own marriage and  I'm excited to pass it along to one of you as well.  You're going to love it.  Out of our awesome entrants, the winning number from Random.org is...

Courtney from Women Living Well...

Here's what Courtney had to say about what she's learning about marriage:

Anyways, to answer your question- what am I learning in marriage right now? That it's a lot of work... I can't rest on what I did last year to help my husband or how respectful I WAS. It's a daily discipline of remembering to ask how I can pray for him, be mindful of his needs, be respectful when tensions rise etc...I have also learned that it does get easier each year and more beautiful!

Congratulations, Courtney!  I'll email you later today.  So excited for you.  This is a great book.  Hope you enjoy it too.

52 First Dates: Week Thirty-Five (and a Giveaway!)

Surprise... it's week Thirty-Five and one of the most "Love" oriented seasons of the year.  Do you know what next Monday is?

Now before you start in about the overcommercialization or the inability to find a sitter, remember that Valentine's Day is all about celebrating you and your spouse.  It's not about the overpriced roses (although they are lovely) or the impossible to make dinner reservations.  It's about what makes your relationship work and taking the time to celebrate that.

So as all us ladies are being wooed by the jewelry advertisements, let's be thinking about our men.  How can we serve them this Valentine's Day?  After all, who says Valentine's Day is all about the women?

Here are just a few things I have roaming in my head:

*The way to a man's heart is through his stomach--why not take the initiative to make dinner reservations?  Or what's your man's favorite dinner?  Can you make it?  I know my husband loves his grandma's lasagna... and he only gets it about twice a year.  Why not now?  Or for after the kids go to bed, how about some fondue and finger foods?  Or sweet treat?  I have a peanut butter chocolate recipe coming on Friday.  Stay tuned!

*Diamonds are a girl's best friend--But what's your husband's best friend?  You don't have to break the bank to treat your man.    Is it a back masssage?  Resee's Peanut Butter Cups?  A card just saying Thanks for taking such good care of us?

*Romance is in bloom--Can you strike a compromise?  Sure your husband would probably be willing to watch a romantic comedy with you, but do you have to choose the one that's so over the top?  Is there movie that will make his flinch just a little less?

*And when the lights are out?--Let's be honest, there's probably one thing that's shooting right to the top of his list of wants for Valentine's Day.  And you in sweat pants and slouch socks... well, that just ain't it.  So put a little thought into it.  Can you sneak away to grab something new this week?  Remember, you're married; have fun.

Now for the Giveaway part..

A few months ago I was contacted about reviewing Gary Thomas' Sacred Marriage.  I had heard the title several times and it came highly recommended.  Plus it also came at an interesting time in the blog.  With this 52 First Dates experiment, I jumped at the chance.

And Wow!  This book is so much more than I expected.  I was looking for a great book on a Christ centered marriage and came away with a book that challenges me to pursue Jesus.  Every chapter we read together reminds me that my marriage can me closer to Christ, if I allow it to.  Take this excerpt from the back cover:

  "Sacred Marriage doesn't tell how to build a better marriage-- it shows how your marriage can help deepen your relationship with God.  From the practice of forgiveness, to the ecstasy of lovemaking, to the history you and your spouse create together, everything about your marriage is filled with the potential for discovering and revealing Christ's character."

We've been making a regular reading date once a week and it's been incredible to share it together.  Plus with the discussion questions in the back, it's a great tool for building in communication.  And...

I HAVE A COPY TO GIVE AWAY!

Wanna Win?

* Simply leave a comment below letting us know what your biggest accomplishment in your marriage has been lately.  It's that easy.  What are you learning?

Want some additional entries?

* Become a public follower of Creative2xmom

* "Like" Creative2xmom on Facebook

* Post with a 52 First Dates idea for a future post

Good luck to all of you and I can't wait to give this one away!  Have a great date night!

*Edited to Add:
Sorry I forgot to put a deadline on this one.  Let's say we keep it open till next 52 First Dates.  So you have till February 15th at midnight and I'll announce the winner on the 16th.  Good luck!

*Disclaimer: Gary Thomas provided my copy of Sacred Marriage and the giveaway copy.  I was not monetarily compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.

52 First Dates: Week Thirty-Four

Week 34!!!  AAAHHH!!!

Amazing!

How was your date last week?  Were you dating Italian style?

We did!  To make our date super affordable, the first thing I did was hit the library.  Told you this date could be affordable.  And since I LOVE Rick Steven's I quickly grabbed a copy of his best of Italy.  So much fun!  (I know I'm nerdy.)

We rounded out our date with dessert.  The plan had been for Tirasmisu, but we could find it at the last minute so we ended up with Moose Tracks ice cream.  That's ok though 'cause it's hubby's favorite.  He was quite happy.

It was fun to just sit back and "travel" together.  We've always wanted to go to Italy together so for now, this was our mini vacation.  Great motivation for starting an Italy fund.  :-)  Some day.

Are you ready for next week's challenge?

We're going on a date to explore our "Five Senses."  How do we explore our five senses?  How creative can you get?  Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Smell--special dessert, yummy dinner, scented candle
Taste--dinner, coupon for his favorite dessert, edible body paint
Sound--Dance mix CD, romantic movie,
Touch--coupon for massage, body lotion,
Sight--Marriage photos, travel video, lingerie

Obviously this date can be adapted to a night out on the town or a night at home.  The special touches are up to you.  So let us know how you personalize this date to your marriage.  What new ideas did you come up with?

52 First Dates: Week Thirty-Three

How was your date last week?  What did you choose to do?

This week we revisited the Love Letters challenge.  We didn't really have a date night on the calendar (or really time for one for that matter) so it was nice to still be able to do something to build up our marriage.  I took this one on myself as we hadn't thought ahead to planning anything.  We didn't get a chance to read them to each other since my hubby's been working so much.  But I had a lot of fun writing mine and leaving it for him to find.  It was a low key week for us in the middle of being busy, but we still made the time to do something.

Lesson learned: Small gestures can be made at any time and still make a world of difference.

Are you ready for this week's challenge?

This week we're going international.  You are going to prepare a date all centered around an evening in Italy.  Dinner, music, movie, game, atmosphere...  How creative can you get?  Be sure to search the internet, your local library, any friend's collection... and see what you come up.  Make dinner together or order in, but my challenge to you is to try new and different things.  After all, that's been part of 52 First Dates as well.

Pop back in and let us know how it went.  What are you learning by dating your spouse?