So Much To Do…So Little Time!

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Debi Walter

antiquesThis weekend is full of great ideas to enjoy for a date night or date day.   Below are the ones we’ve discovered – as you’ll see there’s something for everyone!  If you aren’t able to go on a date, just enjoy the cold weather snuggling together.  🙂  Oh – here’s a teaser…we’re going to start something on Monday that you won’t want to miss.  This will apply to anyone – anywhere.  So, if you don’t live in the Orlando area, be sure to join us on Monday too!  Have a romantic weekend!

•   January 15 – 19, 2009: Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey
The circus is coming to town at the Amway Arena. Ninety minute show includes Asian elephants, double-decker trapeze and more.
More info: 407-849-2000
Admission charge

•   January 16, 2009: Friday Night Live Unplugged
Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission

•   January 16, 2009: Cinema in the Park
Family movies on the third Friday of each month at Centennial Park in Sanford. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs for the 7:00pm showing of this month’s movie.
More info: 407-688-5004
Free admission

•   January 16 – 18, 2009: Extravaganza at Renninger’s
Three times a year during the 3rd weekends of November, January and February, thousands of antiques will be on display at Renninger’s Florida Twin Markets in Mount Dora. Purchase a daily or 3 day pass.
More info: 352-383-8393 or 1-800-522-3555
Admission charge

•   January 16 – 18, 2009: Suburban Orlando Home Show
American Consumer Shows presents their annual expo at Osceola Heritage Park.
Admission charge

•   January 16 – 20, 2009: Otronicon
Hands on gaming festival held annually at the Orlando Science Center. This 10 day event is sponsored by Full Sail University. Check the schedule for classes & workshops, competition and complete schedule.
Admission charge

•  January 17, 2009: Kissimmee Sunshine Regional Chili Cook-Off
International Chili Society sanctioned chili cook-off. Sample some of the best chili in the area or enjoy the beer garden while listening to live music.
Free admission

•   January 17 – 18, 2009: Camellia Show
Enjoy a free weekend to peruse Leu Gardens while learning about the beautiful camellias that are in bloom. Camellia Plant sale from 9am – 5pm each day.
Free admission

•   Celebrate Martin Luther King Day – events Jan. 15 – 19
Orlando – Jan. 17, 2009 – Martin Luther King Parade begins at 10 am. Battle of the Bands & Concert begins at 2pm at Lake Eola.
Sanford – Jan. 17, 2009 – Martin Luther King Rally-in-the-Park. Community function with live entertainment, food and games starting at Fort Mellon Park in Sanford starts at noon. Shady Park at Hannibal Square from 10 am till 5:30 pm.
Sanford – Jan. 19, 2009 – Martin Luther King Parade begins at 10 am on 13th Street to Holly Ave, to 9th Street then to Coastline Park.
Winter Park – Jan. 19, 2009 – Shady Park at Hannibal Square from 10 am till 5:30 pm.
Bok Tower Gardens – Jan. 15, 2009 – Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Concerts. Music of hope, inspiration and peace to honor Dr. King.

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Final Two D.R.A.B. Date Night Ideas!

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Debi Walter

flame20fondue2#2 – Fondue For Two – Did you know that Fondue got started in Switzerland in the 1800’s?  Read all about fondue’s history HERE.  For your romantic evening start early in the day preparing all the items you plan to dip in your fondue pot.  Set your table with lots of tea light candles, two plates, soft music and enjoy the evening one bite at a time!  Here are some fondue recipes to choose from:

  • Variety – It has been said that variety is the spice of life – imagine what this can do for romance?

jim-brickman#1 – Concert and Dancing – This is Tom and my favorite date night at home.  Begin a collection of DVDs of live performances from artists you enjoy.  The first time we did this was on Valentine’s Day when we watched Jim Brickman’s My Romance DVD.  Each song was very romantic and made for a relaxing evening together.  Here are some from which to choose:

  • Check out more HERE

This ends our D.R.A.B. Date Night series.  We pray that you will be inspired in realizing that there are so many things we can do to enhance our marriages that don’t cost money – only a little planning and time.   But the pay off is priceless!  Enjoy this selection by Celine Dion and Josh Groban to get your heart longing for time alone with your best friend for life!

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We Interrupt This Countdown…

Posted on January 9, 2009 by Debi Walter

We had to interrupt this countdown with the following video.  Although hilarious – it’s our hope that we can help many avoid such a severe trial!  Be sure to come back on Monday when we’ll offer our final two D.R.A.B. Date Night ideas.

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D.R.A.B. Date Night Countdown Continues…

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Debi Walter

making-pizza#4 – Make Your Own Pizza and Game Night – Did you know that Publix sells fresh pizza dough in their Bakery Dept.?  It’s very good.  Why not pick up some along with all the toppings to make your own personal sized pizzas.  There’s a wealth of recipes and “how-tos” at this website.  Cooking together in the kitchen provides lots of time to enjoy talking and being together.  Once the pizzas are cooking set up your favorite game or try a new one to play.  I would encourage you to avoid video games though.  They tend to require so much attention that it takes away from relating to each other.  Board games or card games work well – hey, you might even try a round of Twister, if you have it!  🙂

coffee2#3 – Cozy Coffee House – This one is quite simple, but seems like it would be worth repeating.  Not to mention  it’s a lot cheaper than Starbucks!  Set up a corner in your home with a couple of comfortable chairs, a table and a lamp.  Play classical music softly.  Brew some coffee, tea or hot chocolate along with a favorite dessert.  Then, settle down in your corner with a good book.  Take turns reading aloud to each other and talk about what it says.  The book can be a devotional, on poetry, fiction, or love letters.  Whatever you choose make sure it’s one you are both interested in reading.

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D.R.A.B. Date Night Countdown Continues…

Posted on January 7, 2009 by Debi Walter

picnic-under-the-stars1#6 – Picnic Under The Stars – This is really easy and all you need is to transport your dinner outside after the kids go to bed.  If you have a baby monitor, be sure to bring it with you, so you won’t be tempted to worry about what you can’t hear.  Lay out a nice blanket, a couple of beach chairs ( if you want), lots of candles, soft music (you might need an extension cord) and take your time enjoying the change of scenery.  When our children were little we only thought of our backyard as a place to play.  You’ll be amazed at how moments like these will forever change the way you view your own backyard.  Make a pact that you won’t go inside until you see a shooting star.  If you have a telescope be sure to use it.  Nights like these are meant to not only marvel at the spouse God has given you, but to enjoy His creation together.  Spend some time worshiping if you like.  Don’t have a backyard?  Then, invest in some glow in the dark stars and enjoy the night inside.

dance-lessons#5 – Learn to Dance Together – There are some great “learn to dance” DVD’s available.  This will take a small investment on your part, but you could go in with a few other couples and take turns using the same DVDs for your D.R.A.B. date nights.  You can enjoy the night dancing together, and the next time you’re invited to a wedding you’ll both feel more prepared, not to mention the memories you’ll share!  Put on those dancing shoes!

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D.R.A.B. Date Night Countdown Continues…

Posted on January 6, 2009 by Debi Walter

sandpale-popcorn-s#8 – Indoor Beach Fun – this one takes some planning, but it is well worth it.  Living in Florida we can go to the beach anytime we want, but you’ll never find one as private as your own living room!  First, plan what you’ll have for your beach-side picnic – some ideas: fruit, coconut fried shrimp, potato boats (twice stuffed potatoes), steamed broccoli.  For dessert how about banana split for two?

Spread a large beach blanket with lots of rolled towels to use as pillows.  If you have one a beach umbrella set in a large pot of dirt or sand would be a nice effect. Beach chairs work well for comfort.   Strings of patio lights or candles would add the extra mood lighting.  Again, go to the library and check out any CD’s or DVD’s you can find with ocean sounds.  Wear your bathing suits – if it’s too cold throw on a thick robe or better yet – snuggle!  After dinner you can curl up under the beach blanket and watch a beach-themed movie like:

  • Riding Giants – a documentary detailing the history of surfing (not necessarily romantic, but the guys will like it especially) or
  • Jaws – I still think the first one was the best!

Don’t forget to have a board game or deck of cards handy to challenge your spouse to some competitive playing – you name the prizes!

This date can also be done after dinner to make it easier on the planning and budget – pop some popcorn, have candy and cokes – you’re all set!

puzzle# 7 – Puzzle Night – when was the last time you put together a large puzzle?  Put on your favorite listening music, light a few candles around the room, Clear the dining table and start by putting the edges together first.  The great thing about this date is it’s relaxing, you’ll have lots of time to talk about all sorts of things, and it’s free!  We would suggest that you make a few topics off limits for this date: children, work, family issues, etc.  Keep the focus of this night on being together and laughing.  Life can often times become so serious that we forget how to enjoy an evening just being together.  You could add a few surprises to the night too, by writing bonus features on certain pieces of the puzzle.  You could mark the back with a little red heart and make up what the heart represents!  Who said puzzle making was boring…

We hope you’re enjoying our countdown.  More tomorrow…

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Top Ten D.R.A.B. Dates

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Debi Walter

This week we’re starting our first series sharing our Top Ten D.R.A.B. dates.   When our children were little, weekly date nights were very difficult because of the cost of babysitters.  So we became quite creative at planning D.R.A.B. date nights – that is those that Don’t Require A Babysitter.  🙂 The count down begins today with the following:

passports#10 – World Travelers – Make passports for both of you including a great picture with several pages.  This can be as simple as computer paper stapled together or more elaborate using Creative Memories supplies.  Michael’s sells small passports complete with pages in the Scrapbooking section of the store for under $5.  This will be a special momento you can use each time you travel to a new location.   Visit your local library to find  travel DVD’s and instrumental CD’s.  Select a state or a country to visit.  Collect pictures from the internet, print them and tape around the room like travel posters. Plan a special dinner with that state or country’s cuisine and play the regional music while you dine together.  After dinner watch the travel DVD and pretend you are there.    Here are a few places to consider “visiting”:

  • Hawaii (how about a grass skirt?)
  • Ireland (St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th)
  • Texas
  • Mexico (Celebrate Cinco de Mayo – May 5th – in your own casa!)
  • Italy

favorite-things#9 – Favorite Things – this one will vary depending on who is planning the night for whom.  But it’s very easy – make a list of all your spouse’s favorite things and plan the evening around them.  This would include favorite foods, drinks, TV shows, games, music, hobbies, books, you get the idea.  Of course we all know the number 1 favorite thing to do – what a perfect way to finish a date night that’s DRAB!  This date night works especially well when your spouse is going through a difficult time.  You might want to send an invitation via snail or e-mail telling them that they are being treated to “an all inclusive evening of favorites – yours!”

Be sure to check back tomorrow when we’ll continue our countdown!

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A Banner Year

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Debi Walter

celebratelifelogo2009 is a big year for Tom and me – we’ll celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in February; I’ll turn 50 in July; Tom will turn 55 in August (senior discounts here we come!) and our business, Nass Parts and Service, turns 60!

Banner years are always reminders of God’s faithfulness.  But each year of our marriage is to be celebrated and is significant because our relationship models Christ’s relationship with His church.  In fact, each day should be cherished and celebrated.

However, life happens and we can miss the moments worth magnifying.  How often my husband compliments me and vocalizes his love for me., yet I find myself at times nodding as if saying, “I know!”.   God forgive me, this ought not to be!!  What a gift from God his love is, and my heart knows this well.  So why do I make light of it?  Sadly, it can be due to familiarity.

Aesop said, “familiarity breeds contempt”.  In other words, the more you know about someone the more you take them for granted.  I’m grateful that Aesop’s words aren’t the words of life – God’s Word alone holds that honor. And His Word is where marital love is compared to Christ and His church.  (See Ephesians 5:22-32)

So, this year let’s purpose to celebrate our love.  If you haven’t already, take time to plan weekly date nights together.  If you have regular date nights  – ask yourself if they have become familiar?

The best way to shake off the familiar is to plan something new and exciting.  Do something together that you’ve never done before!  Our blog offers lots of ideas for you – but if you don’t find what you need, just ask!  We welcome your questions!  Most of all, let’s demonstrate to the world around us that marriage is indeed a glorious relationship that honors God and reflects His love for the church.  Not to mention that it can be really fun!

Posted by Debi

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Forecast Snowfall in Celebration

Posted on December 30, 2008 by Debi Walter

header_fireworks

New Year’s Eve is the last opportunity you’ll have to see the snow fall in the beautiful town of Celebration, FL.  It falls every hour on the hour starting from 6:00p – 9:00p, and finally at midnight when 2009 begins.   If you don’t have plans this would be a fun evening out.  The event is free and so it the parking.  Check it out at their website.

Make sure to use the questions offered in our last post to start your year off on the right track.  Meaningful conversation between a husband and wife is where romance begins…

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Consider Your Ways

Posted on December 28, 2008 by Debi Walter

couple_talking

Everyone is thinking about fresh beginnings this time of year, afterall it is a New Year.  What about our marriages? Have you considered a fresh start to romancing your wife?  We can become so predictable in our ways from what we talk about at dinner to where we go on date nights that we neglect what is most needful.  For Christian marriages the best way to grow more in love with each other is to pursue growth in our intimacy with God.

For this reason, we provide you with the following from Donald Whitney:

Once, when the people of God had become careless in their relationship with Him, the Lord rebuked them through the prophet Haggai. “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:5) he declared, urging them to reflect on some of the things happening to them, and to evaluate their slipshod spirituality in light of what God had told them.

Even those most faithful to God occasionally need to pause and think about the direction of their lives. It’s so easy to bump along from one busy week to another without ever stopping to ponder where we’re going and where we should be going.

The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up, and get our bearings. To that end, here are some questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God.

1. What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

2. What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

3. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?

4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?

5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?

6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?

7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?

8. What’s the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year?

9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?

10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?

We pray you will join us in the New Year as we continue to romance our spouses for their joy and God’s glory.  Happy New Year!

Posted by Tom

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It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

Posted on December 21, 2008 by Debi Walter

great-dates-orlandoThere is a great resource for those of us in the Orlando area; it’s the Great Dates Orlando blog.  The author is Kristen Manieri – a freelance writer who loves her weekly date night with her husband!  She has even published a book titled, Great Dates Orlando – 52 ways to experience Orlando’s romantic side.  Although many of the dates listed in the book can be pricey, it is still worth purchasing, and even more so right now; it’s on sale “buy one get one free”.  This would be a great gift for someone who seems to have everything!

Tom and I started this blog with the desire to help marriages flourish to the glory of God – which includes great date night ideas.  But it’s also intended to go a step further in providing thought provoking questions that dig deeper into our hearts where we can honestly express to our spouse our hopes, dreams, desires, fears, and even disappointments.

We know that during the Christmas season, many of you are too busy to afford a night out alone unless it’s shopping for that last present., much less to be reading our blog each week.  So, we’re taking the rest of the year off, but look for us to start things up and running again in 2009.

May you have a Blessed Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior!  Take full advantage of that mistletoe!  🙂

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Streetmosphere

Posted on December 17, 2008 by Debi Walter

streetmosphereThursday, December 18 – Eddie Rose Amphitheater – Cranes Roost Park – Uptown Altamonte Springs
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Streetmosphere

The Russian born members of CirqueMosphere, an artistic troupe of performers and winners of numerous top prizes in a variety of International circus competitions, comes to Cranes Roost for performances on the first and third Thursdays of each month.  Guests will enjoy feats of Mime, Magic, Juggling and Balancing with two free shows at 7:30 and 8:30 in the Eddie Rose Amphitheater.

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How Do You Hold Hands?

Posted on December 16, 2008 by Debi Walter

holding-hands

After thirty years of being together, Tom and I still love to hold hands.  However, I had no idea that there was actually a technique to master this romantic practice.  Read the top ten techniques below to see how many you and your spouse have mastered already:

Top Ten Hand Holding Techniques

1. The Passive Hand Hold

This is hand holding in its simplest form: your sweetheart’s hand gently but firmly cupped in yours.  It’s most appropriate for public environments where you want to remain tasteful and avoid looking “clingy,” but is still a great, effective way to add physicality to your romantic relationship.

2. The Intertwined Fingers Hand Hold

A step up from the Passive Hand Hold, Intertwined Fingers provides a firmer grip and an increased sense of intimacy.  This type of hand holding is perfect while taking a romantic walk together, but it can have a downside of sweaty palms!

3. The One-Finger Hand Hold

Holding just one of your lover’s fingers is a more romantically playful method for times when you’re feeling flirtatious.  This is the easiest hand hold for your sweetheart to pull away from, but is still a great way to add some fun intimacy to the mix.

4. The Massaging Hand Hold

Turning a simple hand-holding session into a relaxing massage is a wonderful romantic surprise to give your sweetheart.  There’s an art to romantic massage, and an unlimited number of ways you can caress your lover’s hands and give attention to each finger.  This hand-holding method is best used while sitting down!

5. The Two-Hand Hold

Here’s another technique that is tough to do while standing, but one of the best ways to add some serious physicality and intimacy to hand holding.  Taking your sweetheart’s hand in both of yours will give them a deep sense of security, importance and calm.

6. The Palm Caress Hand Hold

This method is an intimate, secret way to tastefully caress your lover without being noticed by others around you.  Starting with the Passive or Intertwined Fingers technique, use one of your fingers to gently rub your sweetheart’s palm in an up-and-down or swirling fashion.

7. The Kissing Hand Hold

The Kissing Hand Hold is perfect for intimate situations when you’re alone with your special someone, and is often combined with the Two-Hand Hold.  Clean hands are perfect for kissing, and you should never be afraid to shower your lover’s fingertips, palms and wrists with romantic pecks!

8. The Gentle Pinching Hand Hold

This one isn’t right for every romantic relationship, and can be a little too playful and rough for some couples.  But gently pinching your lover’s fingertips and palms, if done correctly, can be an exciting, fun experience for you and your sweetheart, as long as you make sure you don’t do it too hard.

9. The Warm-Up Hand Hold

When it’s cold outside, there’s no better way to warm up your fingers than by having them caressed and rubbed lovingly by your favorite person in the world.  Don’t make your sweetheart use a heater when you have two perfectly good, warm hands to help them out!  Combine this technique with the Massaging Hand Hold for a great effect.

10. The The Morse-Code Hand Hold

This is the most unorthodox and interactive hand-holding technique, but can be a heck of a lot of fun if you and your lover can master it.  Agree ahead of time of a phrase that you want to share with each other silently–such as “I love you”–and assign it a number of squeezes that correspond with the syllables in the phrase.  Your sweetheart will remember that when you squeeze three times it means “I-love-you” . . . and can respond with a four-squeeze “I-love-you-too”!

(Source: http://www.romancetracker.com)

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Full Cold Moon

Posted on December 11, 2008 by Debi Walter

moon2

How often do you take the time to notice the moon?  It sparks romance in every culture.  Those who are freshly in love find great pleasure in gazing together at the moon, especially when it is full.  On our honeymoon we went on a cruise, and we’ll always remember seeing the full moon shining brightly over the ocean.  Songs have been written about it, movies have been centered on its effect with lovers, and there are countless books as well.

No matter how long you have been married, why not take the time this month to enjoy gazing at this nighttime wonder that God made for our pleasure and His glory? As you’ll read below (source: The Farmer’s Almanac), this night will be especially romantic.  You could even plan a midnight picnic under the stars in your own backyard.  Is your Friday night already booked?  Then, Saturday’s moon will appear just as full.

A Wonderful Sight

December 12 — The Full Cold Moon
Sky watchers will be dazzled by an exceptionally high, bright, and large Moon. In fact, this Moon is 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons this year. Why? The Moon is both in its full phase and at a point in its orbit that is nearest Earth, called its perigee. When these events occur together, the Moon is closer to Earth than usual. The effect? The Full Cold Moon will appear especially large near the horizon as the Sun sets.

The Moon is also high at this time of year; when it’s overhead (near midnight), it will light up the landscape. Take a magical stroll and see your world at night. You won’t need a flashlight!

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Starting Romantic Traditions

Posted on December 9, 2008 by Debi Walter

christmas_tree

Many of our readers have been married less than 5 years. It takes time and planning to start romantic traditions and diligence to keep them. Over the past 30 years we have had traditions that didn’t stick and some that we have practiced since the early years of our marriage. Here are a few you might want to start this year:

Open your gifts from each other on Christmas Eve once the children have gone to bed. Turn on the Christmas tree lights, play some soft Christmas music, light a few candles and enjoy the evening alone.

Visit a special show, musical presentation or park each year – just the two of you. Tom and I love to go to the Epcot Candlelight Processional.

Take a drive one night to see the lights all around town.

Make an advent calendar that’s for your eyes only! The countdown to Christmas becomes much more fun.

Share communion together on Christmas Eve. What a wonderful and meaningful time this can be. Having your husband lead the two of you in this precious practice will enhance your love for each other and for God.

Take an evening stroll in the town of Celebration, FL. They provide snowfall nightly.

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Sleigh Ride (Florida Style)

Posted on December 5, 2008 by Debi Walter

sleigh-rideOne thing we want to offer on this blog are lots of ideas to get you thinking about how fun dating your spouse can be.  I recently heard about a great idea that would work for us Floridians.

Tom and I were able to go on a Sleigh Ride one time when we were visiting South Lake Tahoe – the snow drifts were over our heads and the hot chocolate and scenery was wonderful.  Did I mention that it was ccccold?  It was for this Florida girl!  Sadly, we don’t get snow in Florida, but this idea could work if you save your money and pick the perfect day:

Surprise your spouse by renting (or borrowing) a convertible.  Pack a blanket, winter hats, gloves, Christmas CD’s that include “Sleigh Ride”, and lots of hot cocoa, coffee or tea.  Take a slow drive to Mount Dora to see their spectacular town square.  They light up the trees with hundreds of crystal clear lights – a sight in itself.  Imagine viewing this from the open air of a convertible – this is a creative alternative to the traditional Sleigh Ride.  You could even ask a friend to drive you around so you have the backseat to yourselves – although I think Tom would prefer to drive the convertible himself.  Rental cars aren’t too expensive for one day, and the memories you’d make would be priceless!  And don’t forget your camera!

Posted by Debi

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A Christmas Classic

Posted on December 3, 2008 by Debi Walter

200px-white_chrismas_film

This Friday night Harry P. Leu Gardens will be featuring a very special Holiday Movie Date Night In The Park.  The gardens open at 6:00p with the classic movie, White Christmas, starting at 8:30p.  Pack a picnic dinner and a couple of chairs for a great date under the stars.  The weather should be perfect with a low of 51 Friday night, so don’t forget a blanket and some hot coffee too!  The cost is $7 for adults and $2 for children.  If you are a member of the gardens all their Movie Date Nights are FREE.

Membership for a family is only $45 and well worth the cost if you like watching movies outside.  They offer this about 4 times a year, not to mention all the other events they do throughout the year.  You can check out more information on their website: leugardens.org

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Christmas In The Park

Posted on December 1, 2008 by Debi Walter

tiffany-windowWinter Park offers a very special celebration each year to light their Christmas Tree in the park.  The event this year takes place on Thursday, December 4th (this week) and marks the 30th anniversary of this event.  There will be live Christmas musical performances by the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Ensemble and Brass band. Festivities begin at 6:15 – 8:00p and it is FREE.  For all the details click here!

Friday Night there will be FREE admission to the Morse Museum of Art on Park Avenue from 4p – 8p.  Their Tiffany windows are absolutely beautiful and can make for a very romantic date night.

After wards take a stroll over to Peterbrooke Chocolatier for a free sample.

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No Money Required

Posted on November 29, 2008 by Debi Walter

rutAre you feeling bored with your date nights?  Do they feel like another appointment on your already busy calendar?  Then you, my friend, are in a rut!  How does one get out of a rut?  The hardest part is the first push, then the wheels take off quite easily on a new path.  Think of this blog as your first push.  Tom and I hope that the ideas we offer will help you get started on a date night journey that will be full of years of precious memories that are all yours!  Need more than just a push?  Try reading these five warning signs for being in a rut.

Everyone is feeling the squeeze on their wallets these days, but our date nights don’t have to suffer for it.  In fact, some of the most memorable dates we’ve ever had cost little or nothing.  It’s important to remember that dates are about wooing your spouse like you did when you first fell in love.  In fact our married years should be more romantic than ever because it just gets better and better.

Beach Front Dining: Pack a cooler full of your favorite picnic foods.  If you have a camp stove take some hamburgers or steaks ready to grill, otherwise pack cold fried chicken or something ready to eat.  Drive to the beach and set up a table with table cloth and candles.  Play soft music through your car stereo and before dinner take a walk on the beach.  If it’s too cold bring a large beach blanket with you and bundle up while watching the waves roll in.  After sunset, prepare your dinner under the stars and don’t forget a really special dessert and coffee.  As an added bonus, one of you can plan this date night without the other knowing where you’re going or what you’re doing.  It’s fun to be surprised.

NOTE FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA RESIDENTS: a great park is Bethune Beach located in South New Smyrna Beach.  It has built in charcoal grills and covered picnic tables overlooking the beach, perfect for a beachside rendevouz.  Be sure to check out the Event Calendar on the New Smyrna link above – the Holiday Boat Parade sounds like another fun date night that is completely free!

Posted by Debi

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Thoughtful In Deed – You’ve Got Mail

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Debi Walter

youve-got-mailTonight Tom came up with the most meaningful date night to me…he called and said that tonight was “You’ve Got Mail” night.  I was extremely excited because I watch this movie every year during the holidays, but can’t remember the last time we’ve watched it together.  I’m usually ironing while I watch it.  🙂

img_74123What I didn’t know was that Tom researched the movie and found the menu of the restaurant featured in New York.  He made a meal that came from their menu and then printed a menu for me to enjoy – amazing!  We also had Sushi, as well as Starbucks drinks.

Speaking of Starbucks – Joe Fox said this memorable quote, “The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don’t know what they’re doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino.”

It was the most thoughtful and romantic evening because he took the time to make it so special.   I might also mention that before the movie began he asked me trivia questions about You’ve Got Mail to see what I knew – I’ll admit I know quite a bit.

So to all our readers – what is your spouse’s favorite movie?  Do some research and make a memory using all that is featured in the movie.  I am overwhelmed that God has blessed me with such a man who knows me so well and loves me anyway.

What’s your favorite movie?  We want to hear all about it!

 

Posted in Cheap Dates, Date Night Ideas, Dinner Dates, Movie Dates | Tagged , , | 2 Comments