COVID-19-Date-Night-Ideas
Keeping Cozy During The COVID-19
Date Ideas when you're sheltering in place
It figures! One of my 2020 goals was to have weekly date nights with my husband. We were doing well...going out for a drink...walking around downtown Pinehurst and Southern Pines...some shopping. Then it hit. This virus! And then the order to stay home. I have to admit that I have gotten off track and last week my Addy reminded me of our initial plans. "Mommy, you and daddy have not gone out on a date in a while." Wow! My little marriage coach (the same little one that yells "Kiss! Kiss!" when Lewis and I are in the same room). Well she was correct.
Then I realized couples everywhere might be facing the same conundrum. What do you do when your favorite restaurant is only accepting takeout orders, all events are cancelled, and your favorite local brewery is closed...well I say let's not let this virus infect our love-life. I have to thank my couples for some fabulous ideas along with Amy & Jordan and Google (https://www.simplemost.com/top-17-cheap-indoor-date-ideas-for-rainy-days/)
Although I love a good Netflix movie night, I'll leave this one off the list (since it is too easy). Let's focus on dates that involve interaction...and let the sparks fly!
1. Have a Fondue party for two!
I love cheese fondue! Grab some bread, fresh veggies, and look up a good fund recipe. Set up a quiet area and cook up something yummy! Click here for a recipe I want to try.
2. Compete in a cookoff.
Find a recipe that you can both handle, set up two stations with the same ingredients, set the timer, and start whipping up your own versions of the same tasty dish. Then, sample each of your creations together and compare cooking tips. You can also put a spin on it by blind-folding one while the other directs him/her on what to do. Or you work together...one in front but has to use the other's hands.
3. Learn something new.
You can take turns. Each person has a gift or a talent...something they excel in. I love to cook. Lewis loves to play guitar. You can teach each other something and learn how to learn from each other. It's a great way to work together (and for Lewis to be patient with me).
4. Plan a workout session.
Who says you can’t squeeze a workout in just because your local gym is closed? Check out apps like Sweat, which offer a wide variety of workouts, from challenging HIIT classes to strength training sessions.
5. Plan your next adventure.
I remember when Lewis had surgery and was unable to eat. He started watching all kinds of food shows...Dinners, Drive-ins, and Dives was probably his favorite. At one point he wanted to plan a trip for when he was finally able to eat again. In the same way, we can't travel...but we can plan! So if you love to take adventures but feel down about being on lock-down, plan something fun together. Start plotting your next trip so you have something to look forward to down the line. You can even create a Pinterest board with some inspiration for destinations and activities, and start researching hotels so that when you are able to travel, you have it all planned and are ready to go.
6. Have a couple’s game night.
What are some of your favorite games? I grew up loving Twister...the thought of playing this with Lewis brings a smile to my face. Lewis, on the other hand, enjoys a good game of cards. Whatever your game of choice, have fun...even make a few friendly wagers — and if you don’t want to place bets using real money, consider chores or fun personal favors to cash in on.
7. Home improvement date night?
It's amazing how in my community, Lowes Home Improvement is so busy...well it make sense. If you have some money and now have some time, why not work on things around the house. So dive into that home improvement project you’ve been putting off...paint a wall, upgrading your light fixture, and bond. Once you’ve completed the project together, reward yourselves with dinner from your favorite local restaurant.
8. Make your own Ice Cream and freshly baked cookies (Ice Cream Sandwiches).
Make ice cream and homemade ice cream sandwiches. I have a KitchenAid and I am dying to try this out using the attachment. The possibilities are truly endless. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor while curling up and watching a flick.
9. Plan a DIY Hammer and Stain paint night.
One of my fabulous brides, Laura Thomas, owns Hammer and Stain in Southern Pines. I love it! Now she is offering DIY in your own home kits. I am looking forward to trying this one out...I will miss the witty banter between Laura and Lewis as he asks every question known to man and try to blow dry his beard with her equipment.
10. Watch a concert.
Lewis absolutely loves watching local musicians play...but even if we can't get to a concert, we can still find a recording of our favorite bands. Best of all, you can sing along as loud as you want to. Check out NPR's Tiny Desk series, which features intimate video performances.
That's all I got for now...I may add some if I get any other ideas:)
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Jennifer Beeman
Jennifer B. Photography.
Wedding and Portrait Photographer of the Carolinas