This blog post has taken me some time to write. To be honest, I didn’t really know when would be a good time or if there is really a good time at all. What’s going on now is serious and I don’t want to trivialize it or come off as insensitive in any way. While we can be consumed with information that leads to worry and fear– believe me, I’ve had my share– I do believe that we will get through this. And until then, we must do all that we can to take the necessary precautions to help (i.e. wash hands for at least 20 seconds, keep hands away from face, cough into elbow, keep a safe distance from others and stay home).
Being a homebody naturally, the latter isn’t much of a problem for me. I’ve actually loved being home with my entire family and making my teens and hubby spend quality time with me. But for the couples (we’ll cover teens in another post) who are about to lose their minds, I’ve come up with a few simple and fun ways to enjoy date night…AT HOME.
First thing’s first: take off the pjs, leggings and loungewear. I know it’s hard but trust me. Second, treat this as if you’re actually going out. Shave. Do hair. Do make-up. Get dressed dressed (even down to the coat, shoes and bag). Third, be creative.
This is me in a Von Maur look that I picked up from their Perimeter Mall location pre-Corona. You can find it on their site and if you have a local Von Maur, they are offering curbside assistance. I’ve been wanting to wear it and so I didn’t have to think twice for my date-night look. See below how I’m making the most of staying home with a date-night-in and using four fun ways to help take my mind off all that’s going on now.
#1 I love dining alfresco, so I planned a patio dinner, complete with wine selections and table settings. Yeah, I know this doesn’t sound that creative, but what happens when during dinner, you engage in a question-and-answer session? That’s right. Write down three to four questions that you’d like to discuss with your partner. It could be anything from “If you could relive one year in your life, what age would you chose and why?” to “Where is the first place we’re traveling after this and why?” It could be things you (think you) already know, but people’s perspectives change and if not for anything else, it will be a refresher. This is so fun and keeps the conversation AND LAUGHS going. The best part? We have the whole place to ourselves and can stay as late as we want.
#2 I tend to stick to the things I like or am comfortable doing. Date-night-in was about challenging myself to try new things. Pedro loves to play pool. Am I saying that right? Is it “play pool?” I don’t know because I have never had interest in the game. He loves when we have visitors who also love it so that he has an opportunity to play and not just practice. Since it might be a while before we have visitors again, I decided I’d challenge him. The challenge really being him teaching me how to play. Let’s just say, there was a lot of laughter. But that’s what it’s all about. And FYI I did sink that yellow #9 ball. Maybe it’s not pool, maybe your significant other likes board games, photography, gardening, video games, etc. and you’re not too fond of them. The point is to schedule time and make it a date. If it’s their hobby, they already have what you need and you don’t have to purchase anything. It can be a lot of fun.
#3 Everybody loves a good movie, but do you remember the first movie you saw with your significant other? Yeah, it took me a minute too. Another great idea is to rewatch that movie and see what you might have missed while you were trying to impress on that first date. I’m pretty sure some perspectives have changed and if nothing at all, it is great for reminiscing.
#4 For all who love a good cocktail, try your hand at mixology. Again, I tend to stick to the things I like, ahem Margaritas– but I have some time now and there’s no time like the present to try a new drink. I mean, what could it hurt? We received a Moscow Mule kit (complete with all ingredients and those fun little copper mugs) and it has been nothing more than decor for my home bar. Never wanting to see a good thing go to waste, we decided to try it out. ANDDDD it’s not bad, but really nothing with a lime in it is IMO. I think it can be a lot of fun pulling from the home bar and coming up with a new drink you’d like to try. It beats paying for one in a restaurant only to find you hate it…as well as the hefty price tag that comes along with it. Even better, you don’t have to worry about getting home.
So, being at home is not that bad. You just have to find ways to help make the most of it. All of the ideas above cost little to nothing and are a lot of fun. They can help with bonding and put the smiles back on faces during a time we need it most. How are you guys doing? I’d love to hear how you’re keeping motivated while in self-quarantine.
This blog post is done in partnership with Von Maur. However, all opinions expressed are my own. #vonmaur #pmvonmaur #shoppingperfected
Thank you so CHERRY much for stopping by!!
XO
Tomeka
