Mark Your Calendar

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Debi Walter

Happy New Year!  2010 has arrived and with it the anticipation of a fresh start.  What areas would you like to see change in your marriage this year? Maybe it’s finances, communication, romance, conflict resolutions, etc.   We’re here to help whatever the goal, and we’d love to hear from you in order to serve you better.  Have an idea?  Please take a moment to share it with us.  Somehow making goals and writing them down gives weight to our convictions.  Imagine sharing those convictions with us, and you’re even more likely to follow through.

Now it’s time to think about what things are happening in our area this week and make plans for a special time with your spouse.

CENTRAL

  • Orlando Philharmonic featuring Itzhak Perlman at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.  Sunday, January 10th at 4p.  Although the concert is SOLD OUT, you might be able to secure tickets using Craig’s List.
  • Winter Park Playhouse Theatre presents A New York-style Cabaret featuring singer Natalie Cordone.  Tickets for this inaugural show are $15 and include one drink with the show.  Performances are Friday, January 8th and Saturday, January 9th – doors open at 7p.

NORTH

  • Mt. Dora Florida Highway Man Art Show and Sale – Friday, January 8th there will be a “Meet and Greet” the artists from 6p – 8p. at the Historic Train Station located in Downtwon Mt. Dora.  Light refreshments will be served and the cost is FREE.
  • Saturday, January 9th, the art show mentioned above begins from 11a – 5p. at the Donnelly Building in beautiful downtown Mt. Dora.  Admission is FREE.
  • Downtown Eustis – Street Fest New Year’s Party on Friday, January 8th from 6p – 10p.  Located on Main Street the festival is FREE.

EAST

  • De Leon Springs State Park – Civil War Encampment January 9th and 10th from 9a to 4p.  Get there early and plan to have breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you cook your pancakes right in the middle of table.  If you’ve never done this it’s a lot of fun and afterward you’ll have a beautiful park to explore together.

SOUTH

  • International Drive – why not spend an evening checking out what’s new in this touristy area of Orlando.  The I-Trolley provides unlimited rides for $4 per person, and you don’t have to worry about traffic and parking.  For a list of ideas of what to see and do check out their Visitor’s Guide.
  • Lake Wales – Bok Tower Gardens features Edward Bok Memorial Carillon Concert – Enjoy half-hour carillon concerts at 1 & 3 p.m. in honor of Gardens’ founder Edward W. Bok, one of America’s most inspiring men. He died January 9, 1930, less than a year after his beloved Singing Tower was dedicated. Free with admission to the Gardens.

WEST

  • Clermont – Lakeridege Winery presents it’s Winter Music Series on Saturday, January 9th from 1p – 4p.  The musicians selected are all fantastic performers, hand-picked from the wealth of talent located throughout Central Florida. Lakeridge wine, soft drinks and a variety of food is available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tasting.
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“Once In A Blue Moon”

Posted on December 31, 2009 by Debi Walter

We’ve all heard the saying, but tonight we’ll get to experience the first New Year’s Eve Blue Moon in 19 years!   A blue moon has nothing to do with the color of the moon – it simply defines the second full moon in a month.

Do you remember what life was like before you met your spouse?

I do!  I was only 18 at the time, but how I wanted to be married and start a family.  I had no idea that Tom was just over the horizon, and we would soon be together.  It was very much like the full moon tonight – he took my breath away.  Actually, he infused life into my soul – and “I talked his head off”, as he says with a smile.  Amazingly, he still loves to hear me talk.  Our love came along unexpectedly like “once in a blue moon”.

The next New Year’s Blue Moon won’t occur until 2028 – 19 years away.  Imagine what your love will look like then?  This year we celebrated our 30th anniversary!  We’ll be on the eve of our 50th wedding anniversary in 2028, if God allows us to live so long.  I look forward to dancing with Tom to this ageless song as I hold Him close thanking God for another year to love him and share life with him!

NOTE:  I found this perpetual Full Moon Calendar to see if the month you and your spouse met was a Blue Moon month.  Ours wasn’t literally, but it certainly was in our hearts!  Happy New Year, and thank you for being a part of our Vineyard family.

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New Year’s Eve Ideas

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Debi Walter

It’s hard to believe another decade is coming to an end!  We’ll soon be calling the year “Twenty Ten”, instead of “Two-Thousand Nine”.

With small children it’s difficult to plan a night out on New Year’s.  While our children were young we always had close friends come over to celebrate  and stay the night.  This made for a fun evening without having to worry about driving about town after midnight.  Here are a few ideas to consider if you’re staying home this year:

  • Play games – group games like Taboo, Guesstures and Apples to Apples are all fun and family friendly.
  • Have a fondue night.  Start with cheese and finish with chocolate or caramel.  There are all kinds of recipes available on the internet.  A little research and you can be dipping in no time!
  • Have a Movie Marathon – like Star Wars, Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings.  Be sure to have lots of popcorn, candy and soda to go around.
  • Play Two Truths and a Lie.  The idea of this game is to discover something about your friends you never knew before.  Each person think of two things about themselves that no one in the group knows.  Add to the two something completely false – like you flew an airplane – and each person has to try to guess which of the three is a lie.  Take turns until everyone has shared.
  • Serve a large breakfast after midnight!  Or if you have older children, put the younger ones to bed…let the older ones have their own time together while the adults go out for breakfast.

If you are able to go out this year here are a few things happening in Central Florida worth checking out:

  • Universal City Walk – Light Up The City.  It’s pricey, but includes all-you-can-eat gourmet food from 8p – 2a.
  • Kissimmee’s Old Town provides a family friendly celebration for FREE.
  • Sea World provides live Jazz Entertainment beginning at 9p.

Don’t forget to pause and thank God for the blessing of seeing another year!  As long as we’re on this earth we have a purpose – to glorify God in all things, including our marriages.  Make some time as a couple to talk about how your marriage glorifies Him day in and day out.  It might reveal some necessary changes, or it might reveal yet another reason to thank Him for His work in your lives.

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Vintage Posts

Posted on December 29, 2009 by Debi Walter

Consider Your Ways was originally posted on December 28, 2008.    It provides great questions to ask as the New Year approaches.

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Mark Your Calendar

Posted on December 28, 2009 by Debi Walter

I’m actually inspired to post “live” about the events taking place in Central Florida this week.  It’s amazing how refreshed you can feel after a little R & R and a good cup of hot cocoa!  🙂  Enjoy this week with your spouse!

CENTRAL

NORTH

  • Cranes Roost Park – Holiday Choreographed Fountain Show – Monday, December 28th through Wednesday, December 30th, and Friday, January 1st.  Shows at 6, 7, 8 and 9p.  FREE.

EAST

  • Deland – Holiday Tour of the Stetson Mansion.  Available until January 1st – the tours are by appointment only.  The cost is $15 per person and are available for daytime or nighttime hours.

SOUTH

  • Kissimmee – Great Florida Shoot Out – Enjoy watching high school basketball stars showcase their talents at this annual event.  December 28th – 30th, 10a – 10p.  Tickets are $10 per person per day.  Silver Spurs Arena.

WEST

  • Clermont – Lakeridge Winery – Winter Music Series. Each Saturday in January the winery hosts an outdoor concert.  This Saturday kicks off the 2010 season from 1:00p – 4:00p.  Bring your blankets, chairs and plan to enjoy an afternoon at the winery.
  • Winter Garden –
    Farmers Market
    Date: Every Saturday
    Time: 8am – 1pm
    Place: Historic Downtown Winter Garden
    West Plant Street & South Lakeview Avenue
    Fridays on the Plaza Concert Series
    Date: Every Friday
    Time: 7pm – 9pm
    Place: Centennial Park Gazebo, West Plant Street
Posted in Date Night Ideas, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | 2 Comments

Vintage Posts

Posted on December 22, 2009 by Debi Walter

From December 9th, 2008 – This post provides some great ideas for starting your own Christmas traditions as a couple.  They’re worth repeating!

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Vintage Posts

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Debi Walter

Our computer has been experiencing technical difficulties requiring us to go to Borders to post.  This has been a “time” challenge especially this time of year.  So, in order to serve you, we’ve decided to take a look back over the first year of our blog and post some of our favorites.  We hope they’ll be fresh reminders of the Truth and how the Truth helps our marriages grow. 

We’ll be back “Live” the beginning of the year.  We thank God for your desire to visit our Vineyard!  May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

Here’s our first Vintage Post from November 19, 2008!

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Freebie Friday – A Gift

Posted on December 18, 2009 by Tom Walter

We recently watched one of our favorite Christmas movies: It’s A Wonderful Life.  In it George Bailey faces enormous pressures from his work that affects his entire family.  He becomes so depressed he wishes he had never been born.  The movie continues with what Clarence – his guardian angel – calls a gift,  “You’ve been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.”

Certainly we are facing very demanding, difficult times in our nation.  Many are facing financial struggles as challenging as George.  In can affect how we are celebrating this season, and how well we are caring for our spouses and children through it all.  Today, we encourage you to pause and reflect on how rich you truly are.  Regardless of our material possessions, we have been given a great gift – Christ Jesus, who took the wrath we deserved as sinners and welcomed us into His family.   We have spouses who love us, like Mary Bailey, and are committed to walking with us in the good times and the bad.  This is no light thing!  It is a gift!  Imagine what life would be like without such blessings?  We would find, like George, there really is no life apart from the relationships we enjoy.

The movie ends with this quote from Clarence, “no man is a failure who has friends!” And our spouses are the closest friends we’ll ever have in this life – and it is a wonderful life!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Freebie Friday, Growing Strong Marriages | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Letter “Z”

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Debi Walter

Over half a year ago we started posting our Alphabet Date Night ideas, and we can’t believe the sun is setting on this series!  It has been fun exploring the alphabet world in search of creative ideas for special times with your spouse.  We hope you’ve enjoyed it!

Now let’s make some ZZzzzzzzz’s  🙂

“Z” ACTIVITIES

  • Spend an afternoon at the zoo!  If you’re local The Central Florida Zoo offers a Zip Line called Zoom Adventures that looks like great fun!  For more information call 407.323.4450
  • Z Gallerie – spend an evening browsing through this unique store.  Click the link for locations.
  • Zorro – have an at home date devoted to the movie: The Legend of Zorro.  Serve Spanish food and watch this classic movie.  Or purchase the Disney series on DVD – just released in November.
  • Watch a travel video about New Zealand.
  • Make plans for your children and catch some Zzz’s together on a Sunday afternoon –  – this may be a favorite for moms of small children!

“Z” FOOD

“Z” SPECIAL TOUCHES

  • Flowers:  Zinnias
  • Zip Code – send your spouse a post card announcing your Z date.
  • Zipper – take an old pair of jeans and cut out the zipper.  Staple it to the front of some colorful card stock and write a secret message announcing your Z date behind the zipper.

Now that we’re finished. We’ve provided a link to each letter’s date night post for your convenience. Happy Dating!

A     B     C     D     E     F     G     H     I     J     K     L    M     N     O     P     Q     R    S     T     U     V    W    X      Y     Z

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Unmet Expectations

Posted on December 15, 2009 by Tom Walter

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” or so the song goes.  But is it really?  I have found often times this time of year is full of trouble – the kind that is unavoidable, which leads to a wealth of temptations to self-pity and sadness.  Unmet Expectations for a perfect Christmas season can set us up for great disappointments.

I have talked with numerous couples going through large problems – financial, relational and physical.  It’s the kind of difficulty that can’t be pushed aside.  It follows you wherever you go.

We can be tempted to forego a regular date night simply because we don’t feel up to it.  This reveals a misunderstanding of what it means to have a date.  As husband and wife it’s important to have time alone to reconnect about all of the issues of life.  Sometimes it’s all good and sometimes it’s quite challenging.  If your Christmas is leaving much to be desired this year, try lifting your eyes above the trouble and remember the trouble Christ endured to bring us freedom from our self-pity and sadness.  Christmas is about redemption – God becoming man to set us free to love Him and others more than ourselves.

Maybe you’re not going to get the one gift at the top of your list.  Maybe you won’t get to enjoy a romantic stroll through brightly lit parks while carolers serenade your way due to the sickness or schedule of your spouse.  In either case our unmet expectations can be a great opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas – love, true love that leads to repentance.

It is the most wonderful time of year because we remember the One around whom our lives revolve.  It’s all about Him.  He is Emmanuel – God with us  – God with you!

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Mark Your Calendar

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Debi Walter

The Twelve Days of Christmas have officially begun.  Actually the Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and end on January 5th.  However, it can be very romantic to do a countdown to Christmas and since 12 is a great number – why not countdown the 12 days before Christmas?  That’s the fun of traditions, you’re free to do whatever works for you!

Below is a list of what’s happening around O-town this week.  Happy Dating!

CENTRAL

  • Lake Eola – Tuesday, December 15th from 5p – 7p.  Holiday Lights.  FREE.
  • Lake Eola – WDW Ampitheater welcomes the Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Russian Ballet of Orlando.  Saturday, December 19th from 7p – 8:30p.  For more information please contact Lake Eola Park at 407.246.2827.
  • Downtown – Save big time on a date by using the Buy Local Orlando card.  It’s free and will provide lots of discounts and specials.  Click HERE to sign up and see a list of participating merchants.

NORTH

EAST

  • Baldwin Park – Jingle Bell Walk/Run for the Arthritis Foundation.  Saturday, December 19th. Race begins at 8:30a. This is a great way to spend the morning walking together and giving to a good cause at the same time.

SOUTH

WEST

  • Epcot’s Candlelight Processional – is an amazing production offered nightly through New Year’s that tells the Gospel story.  It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful the music, vocals, surroundings and narration are of this well-composed musical.  Although included with general admission to the park, you may want to plan your day based on who’s narrating.  For a complete schedule click HERE.  They also offer Dinner packages – click HERE.
  • Sea World’s Christmas Celebration includes The Polar Express Experience.
  • Universal Studios Holiday Concert Series – this Saturday, December 19th, Natalie Cole will be performing.
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Freebie Friday – Monthly Give Away

Posted on December 11, 2009 by Debi Walter

Since tomorrow is the 12th of December, and since we don’t post on the weekends, we have decided to offer our monthly give away today! Have we mentioned that we love this part of our blog?  It’s so much fun randomly drawing a name and blessing them with a special gift!

This month we’re giving away a new devotional titled, “The Love Dare Day By Day: A Year of Devotions for Couples”.  We happened upon it in a bookstore and thought this would be the perfect gift for the last giveaway of the year.  So…enough rambling…who’s our winner?

Cissy Vanlue!

Congratulations, Cissy!  We pray your marriage will be greatly enriched as a result of this helpful resource.  Thank you for joining our Vineyard!  To the rest – this book would make an excellent gift for your married family members and friends.  Order now while there’s still time!

NOTE:  Want to be included in our monthly giveaway on the 12th of next month?  Simply sign up to join our blog in the right margin or join our Fan Page on Facebook!  Either way, your name will be entered every month.  It’s our way of saying thanks and Merry Christmas!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Contests, resources, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Going and Doing

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Debi Walter

My husband had a very hectic and difficult day today.   I had a hectic and difficult day as well. Normally Tom looks forward to coming home to relax.  However, our home is in the middle of some major renovations – hardly the place for a man to relax!  Spontaneously I decided to decorate a small table in our bare dining room and set it for two.  I made a quick pasta dish and had one of his favorite albums playing as he walked in the door.

Immediately his shoulders relaxed as he saw the peaceful, candlelit place I had prepared for him.  It wasn’t much, but it was all he needed.  We had a wonderful time talking and catching up on the events of the day.  Once dinner ended it was back to our going and doing, but in the middle of it all we had a moment to catch our breath and reconnect as husband and wife.

Why not plan a moment right in the middle of your going and doing?  NOTE:  I used to do this even when our children were little – it’s good for them to see Mommy and Daddy enjoy being alone together.  Talk it up and prepare something special for them to do while you’re having your “moment” together.   It’s worth the effort!

Posted in communication, Romance in Marriage, romancing your husband, Romantic Ideas | 2 Comments

The Letter “Y”

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Debi Walter

“Y” ACTIVITIES:

  • Yard Sale – spend a morning going to yard sales and then stop for breakfast.
  • Yesterday – recreate a special event from the yesterdays of your relationship.
  • Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks – watch a documentary about these beautiful parks.
  • YMCA – spend a evening or afternoon at your local Y, maybe even take a yoga class
  • Yes – purpose to say “yes” all evening.  🙂
  • Yankees Date Night – Visit a local batting cage and try your hand and batting like a pro.  Then, take in a New York Yankees game on TV,  watch a documentary about the team or watch the classic musical, “Damn Yankees“.  Be sure to have hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks.

“Y” FOOD:

  • Yalaha Bakery – take a drive to this small town for some authentic German food and delicious bread!
  • Yeast – bake some homemade yeast bread as a special treat.
  • Yellow – celebrate this color by serving food that is all yellow – chicken and dumplins, corn on the cob and yukon gold potatoes.  For dessert try banana pudding!
  • Yams are delicious anytime of the year!
  • Yucca fries – try these as an alternative to french fries.
  • Yiddish Dinner – Try this traditional Yiddish Brisket recipe to celebrate the Jewish culture.

“Y” SPECIAL TOUCHES:

  • Yankee Candle Company – buy this special candle as a way to introduce your Y date.
  • Yellow roses – mean warmth and happiness and are symbolic of friendship.
  • Yours Truly – send your spouse a romantic card introducing your “Y” date and be sure to sign it, “Yours Truly”.
  • Movies that begin with Y – “You’ve Got Mail“, “3:10 to Yuma“, “Yentl”
  • Yule Log – spend a romantic evening in front of the fire at Christmas time.
Posted in Alphabet Dates | 1 Comment

Tradition!

Posted on December 8, 2009 by Debi Walter

We love the musical Fiddler on the Roof, and one of our favorite songs is, Tradition!  There’s something about doing meaningful things over and over again that brings stability and security to a relationship.

I started a traditional Christmas gift for Tom years ago, when I realized there really wasn’t much that Tom needed or wanted for Christmas.   I decided to find a need in the church or community and provide that need on his behalf.  I would write out what I had done, fold it up and place it in a special silver ornament to be opened first thing on Christmas morning.  Usually there would be tears, followed by gratefulness to God for allowing us to be a part of answering someone’s prayer in such a meaningful way.

This Christmas why not look for a way to give of your time and/or money to another in need.  You could do this together or alone as a surprise, like I’ve done in the past.  It’s a great way to show your love by demonstrating it to a world that has forgotten what true love looks like.

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Mark Your Calendar

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Debi Walter

Christmas is in the air and so is romance!  In the midst of all the shopping, decorating and baking be sure to plan a special time together.  It is one of the most romantic times of the year!  Make the most of it!

CENTRAL

  • Winter Park – Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Monday, December 7th beginning at 5p.  Afterward stay for Popcorn Flicks In The Park – starting at 7p there will be a double feature: How The Grinch Stole Christmas and White Christmas.
  • Winter Park Christmas Boat Parade on beautiful Lake Osceola – Saturday, December 12th beginning at 5p.  FREE.   If you watch from the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens there will be food and drinks available for purchase.
  • Ivanhoe Row – Gallery Walk – Tuesday, December 8th from 6p – 9p along Virginia Drive.  FREE.
  • College Park – Holiday On The Drive – Friday, December 12th at 6p.  FREE.
  • Downtown O-Town’s  Annual Christmas Parade is being replaced with a Holiday Sidewalk Sashay around Lake Eola.  Instead of floats entrants will ride on golf carts, pedicabs and wagons.  Event is Saturday, December 12th starting at 3:30p
  • Bob Carr Performing Arts – The Orlando Ballet presents The Nutcracker on Friday, December 11th – Sunday, December 13th as well as the following weekend.

NORTH

  • Sanford – Alive After Five presents “Cheers To The Holidaze” – a street festival on Thursday, December 10th from 5p – 8p.  Cost is $7
  • Altamonte Springs – Crane’s Roost Plaza – Holiday Movie Night featuring Home Alone will be shown Monday, December 7th starting at 7p.  FREE.
  • Uptown Altamonte – Friday Night Live presents The Robert Harris Holiday Jazz Show on Friday, December 11th at 7p.  Cost is FREE.

EAST

SOUTH

  • First Baptist Church of Orlando presents The Singing Christmas Trees.  Friday, December 11th – Sunday December 13th.  Cost varies.

WEST

Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive), Orlando Date Ideas | 1 Comment

Freebie Fridays – Christmas Music

Posted on December 4, 2009 by Debi Walter

Amazon.com is offering free music downloads to help you celebrate the season.  They’ll provide one free download each day until Christmas!  So, check it out and make the most of this amazing offer!

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State Of Our Marriage

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Tom Walter

We have shared with you the excellent daily e-mail devotional titled, “Moments Together for Couples”, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.  As the year draws to a close they provide some excellent thoughts in today’s reading:

Rebuilding the WallsNehemiah 1:3,4
“The wall of Jerusalem is broken down.” When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

What can we do about the state of our nation and our homes? Of course we can see that our own homes resist the drift toward ruin. We can also do as Nehemiah did. He wept, fasted and prayed-for four months!Then he acted. After months of prayer, he had a plan that was etched on his heart and mind by the hand of God. Nehemiah saw the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt in 55 days. Even his enemies stood in disbelief at the achievement. God intervened and brought order, cooperation, and action out of what had been chaos for nearly 90 years.

America today is much like Jerusalem was then. Our nation’s primary wall of defense-the family-lies in ruin and desperately needs rebuilding. As in Nehemiah’s time, the task before us needs God’s intervention as never before. We need to pray that:

  • Christian marriages and families will exemplify the love of God to a perishing world.
  • We in the church will have wisdom and courage in standing against divorce and the impact it is having on our families, while having compassion and love for those who suffer its devastation.
  • Our children will marry wisely.
  • The legacy we leave our children will not be one of materialism and spiritual apathy, but of caring concern for a world that needs to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
  • God will bring the resources (money, talent, leadership, technology and manpower) to all who are striving to strengthen families.Let’s pray for the state of the union by praying for the state of the marriage union: God, come and rebuild the wall. Come and repair all the broken pieces of our families today. Confuse our enemies, O Lord, and weaken their influence for evil! May Your favor be upon our families.

    • Prayer:

    Spend some time tonight in prayer with your mate. Go through the prayer needs listed above. Pray that Jesus Christ will be Lord first in your own home, then in every Christian home, to the glory of God.

    Discuss: In what areas does your family need rebuilding?

    You can receive this daily devotional by signing up HERE.


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    The Letter “X”

    Posted on December 2, 2009 by Debi Walter

    This week our letter is a bit more challenging, since very few words actually begin with the letter X, and those that do are scientific or medical terms – hardly the romantic springboard!  So we’re going to broaden this letter to include any word containing the letter X.  We all know what the most popular word will be – S-E-X!  We’re here to help you with the less obvious – enjoy!

    “X” ACTIVITIES:

    • “X” Marks The Spot – plan an eXtravagant treasure hunt and make the treasure eXtra special.  Make your own map out of construction paper or computer paper.  You can burn the edges to make it look real.  Mail it to your spouse with dots leading to places where they’ll find their next clue.  The goal is to make it to where the “X” is so they’ll find their treasure.   Or you could have someone else plan the hunt and do it together.
    • Sixties Date – go to a local diner for dinner and listen to oldies music from the 60’s.  Or grill hamburgers at home and set up your own 60’s radio station on Pandora Radio.
    • Explain Away – Go to the local mall and make up some cards that have things people would need to explain to you if asked.  For instance, find an older couple and ask them to explain how they met.  Find someone who looks like they’re enjoying their job and ask them to explain how they got it.  The idea is to have fun and learn some things about other people in the process.  Be creative and have fun together!
    • Exercise together – play a favorite sport, do yoga or go for a brisk walk or run.
    • Exhibit – visit a local art gallery to see what’s on display.
    • Explode – go to a local shooting gallery or watch a war movie at home.
    • X-Box – play one-on-one and make your own romantic rules.
    • Plan a ‘You’ve Got Mail‘ (F-O-X) Date.  Have the book Pride and Prejudice setting on the dinner table with a long-stemmed red rose.  Eat a meal similar to what would be served in a New York restaurant.  Give your spouse a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils, and a bouquet of fresh yellow daisies.  Watch the movie together.
    • Foxtrot – take lessons together.

    “X” FOOD:

    • Extra Value Meals – have dinner at McDonald’s without the kids.  Share a hot fudge sundae.
    • Exotic Meal – try fixing an exotic meal or visit a local restaurant serving Thai, Vietnamese or Asian food.

    “X” SPECIAL TOUCHES:

    • Extra Mile – when your spouse asks you to do something – go overboard in performing it for them.  This would be a great way to introduce an X Date Night that’s coming up.
    • Sexy lingerie
    • Exceed your spouse’s expectations.  Plan a date with all their favorites.
    • Send your spouse an Extra Special Gift via FedEx to announce your X date night.
    • Express your love in an unexpected way
    Posted in Alphabet Dates, Date Night Ideas | Comments Off on The Letter “X”

    Romantic Gifts – Lovespoons

    Posted on December 1, 2009 by Debi Walter

    Though flowers are the romantic gift most often associated with Americans, we could grow in our ability to express our devotion by looking to the romantic traditions of other countries.  Wales, for instance, has held the tradition of giving hand carved lovespoons when courtship begins and on special days there after.

    Originating in the 16th century, a lovespoon would be carved from a single piece of wood in intricate designs – all holding special meanings (see picture).

    If you were given a lovespoon it was not only a token to cherish forever, but a message to embrace.  During the month of December we’ll be offering a variety of ideas for unique gifts to help you express your love and affection to one another.  This year think of different ways you can specifically communicate to your spouse the gift their love is to you.

    Communication is the doorway to intimacy!

    Posted in Holidays | Tagged , | 2 Comments