Fun Date Ideas for Busy Couples

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In the hustle and bustle we sometimes lose track of what matters most – our relationship with our partner. Whether you are newly dating or have been married for 60 years, it can be easy to lose sight of important relationships. With so much pulling our attention, from kids to careers, it’s important to set aside even just a little time to connect. Here are some fun date ideas for the busy couple that all involve FOOD and take 2 hours or less.

Coffee and Muffins

Get up just a bit early and enjoy your favorite hot drinks together, with a special homemade muffin or scone. Just 15 minutes together at the start of the day can give you a whole new perspective.

• Brew your favorite coffee or tea or make some homemade hot chocolate
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
• Carob Zucchini Muffins {Egg-free}
• Or, you know, just go buy muffins

Indoor Picnic

If you live in a warm climate you can still take it outdoors but we are going to turn to icicles if we venture outdoors for a picnic so in-house picnic it is. Plus, indoor picnics don’t require as much *ahem* clothing. If you decide ‘less is more’ please do lock the doors if there are children in the house. MORTIFYING and that is so not from experience, thankyouverymuch.

• Wine or sparkling juice
• Crusty bread – baguette, ciabatta, or Italian
• Cheese – splurge a little and get your favorite cheeses that don’t come pre-sliced
• Salami or pepperoni stick – this is the time I try those wild kinds of salamis, like wild boar
• Grapes
• Favorite music – from classical to rock to “your song”, choose whatever works.

Movie Night

Grab a blanket or start a fire if you are so lucky to have a fireplace, rent a movie, and enjoy a favorite movie or two  Make sure you have your favorite beverages, snacks, and some popcorn on hand.

• Popcorn – I’ll take mine with extra butter please. You could also try one of these fancy popcorn recipes –  Caramel Spice Cake Popcorn, Buffalo Popcorn, or Butterscotch Popcorn
• Favorite beverage – My favorite is chocolate milk or hot chocolate from this homemade chocolate syrup recipe
• Movie theater popcorn – I love to buy candy from the bulk food bins at our local grocery store – Wegmans for the win.

Evening Walk

Set side some time to take a walk. Depending on the time of year, grab a hot drink or an ice cream cone and walk hand in hand down Main St. The beauty of this is you can take as much or little time as you need. Whatever you do, make sure you relax and take your time. No speed walking.

• May need a sitter for an hour.
• Drink or ice cream cone

Stargazing

Grab a blanket and sit outside to watch the stars or visit a local astronomical event. There is something peaceful about watching stars in the evening sky. Take some hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies.

• Blanket
• Telescope – optional
• Tickets to a stargazing event if you go somewhere
• A thermos of hot cocoa and cookies

Dinner for Two

Let’s get cooking. Gather ingredients for your favorite meal and have fun cooking together. Here are a few of our meals that are fairly easy and taste delicious.

• Lemon Butter Pasta with Scallops
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Marsala
• Black and Blue Steak with Baked Potato and Salad

A Round or 2 of Bowling

Don those shoes and play a round or 2 of bowling. You don’t have to be fantastic. I should know. I stink at it. All you need to do is have fun and ignore the scoreboard. Make sure you enjoy some bad appetizers – onion rings, french fries, chicken fingers – and wash it down with some sickly sweet Coke.

• Money for a game and shoe rental
• Money for food

 Brunch Out

You’d go out for dinner but it can be such a long process. How about going out for breakfast or brunch? This often forgotten meal can be a great time to steal a little time out your day and reconnect without the long process dinner sometimes can turn into.

• A small cafe
• A local bakery
• The diner down the street
• A restaurant that specializes in brunch
• A coffee shop

 Ice Cream Sundae Date

Grab a scoop and your favorite ice creams and toppings. It’s an ice cream kind of night. Have an ice cream maker? Make your own and add your favorite toppings. Calories don’t count on this kind of date.

• Ice cream – If making it, ice cream maker, salt, and favorite recipe
• Ice cream toppings
• Hot Fudge

Wine and Cheese Pairings/Beer and Cheese Pairings

Did you know that Whole Foods offers FREE 30 minute wine and cheese or beer and cheese tastings all year long? Call your local store and schedule a special date night that won’t break the bank. You may want to take some money in case you find an irresistible pairing and want to bring more home.

 24 Frugal Valentine’s Day Ideas for Anytime

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