The Ongoing Gratitude Date!

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When was the last time you thanked your spouse? For making the bed, helping with dishes, watching the children, or working all day? Now is the time to start thanking your spouse a part of your weekly date night. Have a notebook beside your bed or wherever you will remember to write in it. At the end of the day take one minute and write down a reason you are thankful for your spouse. It shouldn’t be the same every day. Sometime during your date night, share a few reason you are thankful for your spouse, and have them do the same. This is also a great time for communication. For example, “I’m grateful you took the kids while I finished dinner, if you could continue to do that when you can I would really appreciate it,” Your spouse can do the same with you. Being grateful shows that you see the good that your spouse is doing and not just seeing where they lack. This activity doesn’t have to be limited to just once a week, however, if you aren’t in the habit of expressing that gratitude, this is a great way to start!

iFly- Indoor Skydiving

People love to skydive. I never really understood why, but I wanted to know what all the hype was about. If you have had similar feelings check out iFly Indoor Skydiving. There is no stress of jumping out of a plane, or worrying about a parachute. With indoor skydiving, you are wearing a jump suit, googles and helmet, and are put in a vertical wind tunnel. It is safe, fun and gives you the same adrenaline rush as real skydiving. This is a great date to do with your spouse, and will give both of you and instant high for the rest of the day, and maybe even a few days after.

For more information visit: iFly- Indoor Skydiving

Relationship Reconnection!

Relationships have their ups and downs. It is part of life, and part of the learning experience. How do you view your spouse during easy and difficult times? How well do you handle positive and negative situations with your spouse? Discuss these questions together, and see where improvement can be made together. 

Library Activities- Beyond the Check-out

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There is more to do in a library or bookstore besides checking out items. Below are a list of activities to do together that will cost nothing! This can also be done in a bookstore, and while there, grab some drinks or pastries.

1.     Find your favorite book as a child, then read them to each other.

2.     Look through some cookbooks and find a meal you would enjoy making together.

3.     Pick out a joke book and share the best ones with each other.

4.     Choose 3-4 random books. Have a conversation with each other, but only use lines from those books.

For information on your local libraries visit: Seattle Public Library

Revitalize that Relationship!

Remember that marriage is give and take. Make sure to find time to talk with your spouse about the balance in your relationship. One person should not have to carry the whole load. Discuss the following points with each other:

-What do I do for my spouse on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What does my spouse do for me on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What do I appreciate most about my spouse?

-Ask your spouse, Where can I improve in our relationship?

Fall in Love, with This Questionaire

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Okay, so you aren’t really going to fall in love with the questionnaire, but hopefully be more in love with your spouse. A study was done to explore intimacy levels between two strangers. During this study couples had a list of questions to ask and answer. They rated their intimacy level with their fellow participant before and after the questionnaire. Many couples rated their intimacy levels higher after engaging in the questionnaire together. It takes 20-30 minutes to ask each other these questions. It is a great way to spend time together, and get to know each other all over again.

Here is the link to the questions: 36 Questions

Playdough isn't Just for Kids

Sometimes it’s fun to feel like a carefree kid; wind in your hair, dirt on your clothes and a smile on your face. But how many of us have a time machine? A good way to feel like a kid again is by playing with playdough. Many childhood memories were created with our hands, either in paint, dirt or toys. Revisit those memories with this homemade playdough recipe. It’s easy and inexpensive.

1 part Hair Conditioner or Shaving Cream

2 parts Cornstarch

Food Coloring if desired

Cookie cutters for fun shapes

Just mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl, and then knead them with your hands. It’s that simple. For softer dough, add more hair conditioner or cream. For chalkier dough, add more cornstarch. Warning, it can be messy and wearing black isn’t recommended, but it sure is fun to feel like a kid again.  

Revitalize that Relationship!

Ask your spouse these three questions about their childhood, and answer them yourself:

·       What was your favorite childhood toy?

·       What is a fun memory you have with your family as a child?

·       How can we create fun memories for our children?

Make sure not to worry about the mess or washing your hands. Just enjoy the date with your spouse and learn more about them.

Homemade Body Paint – Parent Date Night

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Sometimes, as a parent, we hear about great safe activities for our children. One idea is a homemade nontoxic paint, but we want to make sure it works. What a great idea for a date with your spouse! The recipe is simple:

2 tsp. Cornstarch

1 tsp. lotion

1 tsp. water

Food Coloring

* This recipe is good for 1 body paint color.

This paint is safe to go on skin and washes off! With this in mind, you can make a game out of your new creation of body paint. Before getting your hands dirty, make a list of objects you should paint on each other, letters, shapes, scenery or your favorite cartoon characters. Toss all of these ideas into a bowl, and take turns picking out an object to paint on the other person. You can wear an old or cheap white shirt, although there is no guarantee the paint will wash out. Have fun together being creative and laughing.

Revitalize that Relationship!

If you are a parent, discuss with your spouse about each of your children, sharing fun memories of them and how you can help them in their future activities. If you do not yet have children, discuss how you want to help your children to become their best selves. 

Can you Escape?

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A fun date is the Puzzle Break- Escape Room! “What is that?” you may be asking yourself, well let me explain. Escape Rooms are starting to pop up all over the country. Each is different but they all have the same premise. You have a team of 10-12 people. You can bring a big group of friends or family, or be paired up with other couples. You have one hour to be in a room together, filled with puzzles and clues, to solve the mystery. You get more information when you sign up and actually talk with the people who work there. It is a fun and unique date while being a little out of your comfort zone. It is 100% safe                                                             and reviewers are raving about them.

To book a time or learn more, check out their website: Puzzle Break- Room Escape

Would Your Rather...

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When we think of dates, we usually think about big ideas that tend to cost money. Dates like those are nice, and help to build great memories with your spouse. But what about those weeks where you are seemingly too busy for a date? Play a little game called "Would You Rather." Take a half hour, sit down together and try and answer the following questions. These questions are for fun, a great way to laugh and spending time with each other in a hopefully novel way.

WOULD YOU RATHER…

-Be half your height, or double your weight?

-Fight a horse sized duck, or 100 duck sized horses?

-Live in the world of Harry Potter or Narnia?

-Have a zombie apocalypse or WWIII?

-Be super-fast or super strong?

-Have no internet, or no phone?

-Change the past, or see into the future?

-Be invisible, or fly?

-Lose sense of touch or taste?

-Be able to talk to all animals or be able to speak all languages?

Revitalize that Relationship!

Life can be hectic and your relationship may be the last thing on your To Do List. However, marriage can be an uphill battle. Research shows that once kids enter the picture, marital satisfaction goes down and continues that pattern until the children leave (at which time marital satisfaction goes back up). You can’t afford to slip away from each other. Even taking an hour a week to just be together can strengthen your marriage, and help fight the odds.

Hungry for Love?

Experience an evening of fine Seattle dining with your sweetie! Savor Seattle offers several different kinds of tours, including the Chocolate Indulgence Tour and the Gourmet Seattle Tour.

Location: “Near 1^st Ave. & Pine St.”

Cost: Varies, depending on the type of food tour (at least $40)

http://www.savorseattletours.com/

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Reconnection Emphasis/Ideas: Having the opportunity to dress up, get out together for a nice evening, and feel fancy! 

~TRY:

If you have children, resist talking about them during this date. Also, avoid talking about work. Try hard to focus on each other and your relationship, just as you did when you were dating.

***Relationship skill:

Making regular date nights a priority is crucial for every married couple. According to the National Marriage Project, date nights can help strengthen: communication, novelty (livens things up, makes you less likely to take each other for granted), Eros (passion), commitment, and ability to handle stress (Wilcox & Dew).

Regular date nights don’t have to be every week- they can be once a month, once every other week, or whatever works for you and your spouse. Just make it a regular part of your romance/relationship routine, and make your dates deliberate- plan the date and make each one special, even if it doesn’t cost a lot.

--- Source: http://nationalmarriageproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NMP-DateNight.pdf

A Taste of Autumn *At Home Date!*

Spice up the night with a cozy, romantic date at home- focused on the wonderful flavors and colors of fall.

Image courtesy of patrisyu at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Location: Your home!

Cost: You should only need to buy ingredients for your meal. J

Activities (do them in whatever order you want):

-Wear your favorite fall outfit.

-Make a fall-inspired meal together. Some ideas are below.*

-Play your favorite board game together.

-Take pictures outside in the leaves.

*Recipe Ideas:

The Perfect Apple Crisp (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

 “Ingredients

-10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced (I used about 6 Granny Smith apples)

-3/4 cup white sugar

-1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

-1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

“Topping:

-2 cups quick-cooking oats

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-2 cups packed brown sugar

-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

-1 cup butter, melted

-1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

“Instructions

1.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.      Place the sliced apples in a 9x13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples.

3.      For the Topping: Combine the oats, 2 cups flour, brown sugar, pecans, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.

4.      Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

5.      Serve with vanilla ice cream.”

Nuts About Berries Salad (I Heart Naptime)

“Ingredients:

·         Fresh spinach

·         Fresh strawberries (cut)

·         Fresh blackberries

·         Fresh raspberries

*Cinnamon sugared almonds:*

·         ½ cup sliced almonds

·         2 TB sugar

·         2 TB brown sugar

·         1 tsp cinnamon

*Poppyseed dressing:*

·         1 1/8 cup olive oil

·         1/3 cup red wine vinegar

·         ½ cup sugar

·         ¾ tsp dry mustard

·         ¾ tsp salt

·         1 tsp poppyseed

“Directions:

Wash your salad and berries and set aside.

*Almonds:*

In a small frying pan, combine your almonds and sugar. Cook on medium/low heat and watch closely. Keep stirring as the sugar begins to melt, to keep it from burning. Once sugar has coated the nuts, sprinkle with cinnamon and remove from heat and place on foil to cool.

*Dressing:*

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or mason jar and mix until combined. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Shake just before serving. For the salad, layer the spinach, berries and nuts and top with dressing.”

Skinny Spaghetti and Meatballs (Pinch of Yum)

“INGREDIENTS

·         1 1/3 lbs. lean ground turkey

·         2 cups minced bell peppers (about 15 mini peppers)

·         2 large eggs

·         ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

·         ¾ cup Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs

·         ½ teaspoon salt, plus extra salt and pepper

·         35 ounces super smooth spaghetti sauce

·         16 ounces uncooked spaghetti

·         Fresh minced parsley and additional cheese for topping

“INSTRUCTIONS:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prep the peppers. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and stir until thick and sticky. Add the bell peppers, turkey and salt. Mix with your hands to really get the mixture incorporated.

2.      Roll the mixture into meatballs…and place on a greased baking sheet. They WILL stick and brown on the bottom as they bake. Sprinkle the meatballs generously with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the baking sheet and set aside.

3.      Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Heat the spaghetti sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and some fresh parsley; stir gently and cover. Let the mixture simmer until the noodles are done cooking and the sauce is warmed through. Combine the sauce and noodles directly in the pan, or just scoop the sauce on top. Sprinkle with a little cheese for good luck. ;)”

Take some time to spoil yourself and your partner by focusing on each other without distractions for a few hours. If you have children, do this date while they are in bed for the night. Try to accomplish everything on the list and take your time doing all of it!

Reconnection Emphasis/Idea:

Spending time alone, talking together about the things that make you YOU, completing specific tasks, getting in the cozy Autumn mood.

~TRY:

While on this special date, talk to each other about your favorite things- your favorite seasons, favorite foods, favorite hobbies, etc.

***Relationship skill:

---Sometimes married couples feel that they know everything there is to know about each other, but in reality, there is always something new to learn about your spouse! And with the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to forget that we need to keep DATING our spouse. Remember when you were dating you wanted to know everything about your boyfriend/girlfriend? Back then, dates were probably focused on talking and having fun. Well, we should not lose this desire and motivation when we get married! Actually, it’s even more important to know the “little” things about your spouse AFTER you marry them! And also remember: Your spouse is still your boyfriend/girlfriend!

98014 or 98121 A Night of Asian Cuisine

Try out this quaint Vietnamese restaurant for a romantic evening out!

Location: Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant

Green Leaf has two locations- one in Chinatown and one in Belltown. 

Reconnection Emphasis/Ideas: Eating a meal alone together

~TRY:

Bring a world map with you on this date. During dinner, talk about the places you and your spouse want to visit around the world, and mark on your map these places. Having specific topics of conversation to engage in can help married couples remember that they are still dating each other and that there is always something new to learn about each other!

http://greenleaftaste.com/#!/home/

***Relationship skill:

---Getting married does not have to mean that life stops and that your dreams need to get pushed to the side. Marriage should be quite the opposite, actually! Married partners should help each other fulfill their individual dreams and goals as well as strive to achieve partner dreams- dreams that you have come up with together. Even though traveling to far-away places may be out of the question at various times of life, it is still important (and fun!) to dream about where you want to go and what you want to experience. Making plans together (whether for the near future or distance future) is an encouraging and uplifting way for couples to connect and understand one another. Married couples without dreams and goals to aspire to may be at risk of becoming bored, unfulfilled, and disconnected. Think about all of the things you talked about and dreamt of while you were dating. These conversations and dreams are more important NOW than they were back then! And you don’t just have to make vacation plans together; dream about/plan other aspects of the future, such as parenting goals, your dream home, and your desired empty nester lifestyle.

98109 Movie Night Delight (Outdoor Movie!)

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Who doesn’t love a good movie night? Especially when it involves FOOD and CUDDLING?? An outdoor movie night is a great way to enhance your movie night experience with your spouse!

Location: Seattle Cascade Playground

(333 Pontius Ave. N.)

Cost: Free

Take the night off with your sweetie and head to an outdoor movie event! Check out this webpage to look for movie showings: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/downtown/#movies . Make sure to bring plenty of blankets to keep you warm (a perfect excuse to cuddle!). Also, if you’re looking for a tasty snack to bring, try this recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn, from Our Best Bites.

Reconnection Emphasis/Ideas: Cuddle up while watching a movie (especially if it’s cold enough to use blankets!)

~TRY:

Try holding hands with spouse the entire movie. Holding hands and cuddling outside is very romantic and can be a great way to help you and your spouse feel closer physically as well as emotionally. In addition, discuss how holding hands for a couple of hours straight relates to your unbreakable bond as husband and wife. What are some times/incidents you have felt especially bonded to each other?

***Relationship skill:

---Sometimes a fun and relaxing movie night is exactly what a couple needs to feel close and connected. Usually it is not enough to simply watch the movie- having a deliberate topic for conversation and/or a supplemental activity can enhance the movie night experience. Going to an outdoor movie encourages you and your spouse to get out of the house, bundle up, and sit close to one another. Setting the goal to hold hands throughout the entire movie encourages you and your spouse to focus on each other. Think about how holding hands for a couple of hours straight relates to the unbreakable bond you two have as a married couple. Discuss this analogy and reminisce times when you have felt especially bonded to each other.

*Recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn, by Our Best Bites

“Ingredients:

-2 bags of Simply Salted (or similar) popcorn (or about 20 cups of popped popcorn)

-2 cups honey roasted peanuts

-3 cups peanut butter chips

-2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

-1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening or oil

“Instructions:

“Place the peanuts and popped popcorn in a very large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter hips and vegetable oil or shortening and heat for 2-2 ½ minutes or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Drizzle the melted peanut butter chips over the popcorn and peanuts and toss to combine.

“Spread the popcorn onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet. In a Ziploc bag, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips until just melted and smooth (about 1-1 ½ minutes, mashing the bag every 20-30 seconds). Cut a small corner in the Ziploc bag and drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn. Allow to stand long enough to become solid (you can transfer the pan to the fridge or freezer to hurry this step along). When done, break the popcorn into small pieces and enjoy!”

98127 A Night of Bliss

How about a few hours of complete relaxation? Time spent being pampered and learning how to pamper your spouse? As long as the price tag isn’t too shocking for you, a couples’ massage lesson could be just the thing you and your sweetheart need to feel more connected.

Location: The Love Institute

(5917 Airport Way S.)

Cost: $270

The Love Institute offers private couples’ massage lessons. An instructor will come to your home or hotel room to instruct you and your spouse on massage techniques. To learn more, visit their website:

http://theloveinstitute.com/

Reconnection Emphasis/Ideas: Relaxing together and learning massage techniques that can help you feel more connected and capable in this area of physical touch/intimacy.

~TRY:

Set aside time after the couples massage to allow for intimacy time with your spouse. Practice on each other what you learned during your lesson. A night of pampering and attention may be what you need to light that fire with your honey!

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

***Relationship skill:

---It can be difficult to find the time and the energy to be intimate with your spouse as the craziness of life gets in the way. Sometimes, setting aside special time for each other and taking the time to explore can be just the thing a couple needs to set the mood for an intimate experience. Massage can be a great way to enhance feelings of relaxation, sensuality, and trust. Intimacy and sex is a crucial aspect of marriage. If a married couple is struggling to enjoy a fulfilling sex life, this date night and ones like it can benefit them and help them get back on the right path of fulfilling intimacy. If sex and intimacy is not what you want it to be, couples therapy (including sex therapy) may give you the extra help you need. An exciting, enjoyable sex life is possible and extremely important for married couples; your happiness in this area should not be taken lightly.

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/harvard/tips-to-improve-your-sex-life.htm

98104 Get Your Gamer On

Married to a gamer? Are you a gamer yourself? Here’s the perfect date idea for you and your sweetheart!

Location: The Pinball Museum

(508 Maynard Ave.)

Cost: $13/adult

The Pinball Museum of Seattle showcases 50 arcade games-vintage and new. They even rotate the games so guests can experience lots of different ones. And yes, the games are for playing, not just for admiring! You can satisfy your thirst and hunger while playing and grab one of their snacks or drinks.

http://www.seattlepinballmuseum.com/

Reconnection Emphasis/Ideas: Play games you haven’t played before or in a long time, do something out of the norm, play together

~TRY:

Have friendly competition with your spouse while playing the games! Play multi-player games if available, and/or try to beat each other’s scores on single player games. A little friendly competition can spice things up on this date! J

***Relationship skill:

---Oftentimes, married couples get stuck in a “rut”. When date night does happen, it can be routine, without much “spark”. It takes effort, but planning regular dates that are deliberate can greatly benefit a couple’s romantic and emotional connection. Better yet, working on a relationship skill during the date can strengthen a couple’s love, trust, and compatibility.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

On this game date, couples can focus on their playful side! Allow yourself to get into the date- get competitive, be silly, and have FUN! Play and humor can help married couples keep their relationship “exciting, fresh, and vibrant” (Fixing Relationship Problems with Humor). Remember how much fun you had while dating each other- how you always wanted to make each other laugh? Doing this is even more important while married! Amidst the stresses life inevitably brings, playfulness and humor can help ease tension and keep a couple feeling young and attracted to one another.

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships/fixing-relationship-problems-with-humor.htm

98103 Afghan Cuisine

At 2301 N 45th St. you will find the restaurant Kabul Afghan Cuisine.  They serve traditional Afghan food.  They have lamb kabobs, eggplant, bolani, and more.  They have a great variety of things to try.  Each of you choose two different dishes so you can share.

Try their homemade pistachio rosewater ice cream for dessert.

Qorma-i Tarkari

Many times we do not take the time to think about our marriages.  We take each other for granted and go through the motions we need to do to get through the day.  Tonight it is time to spend some time deliberately thinking of your marriage.  How is family life going?  Anything you want to do or change?  Take the time to discuss with each other.

98109 Swedish Cultural Center

Swedish Pannkakor with lingonberries.

The Swedish Cultural Center is located at 1920 Dexter Ave N.  They hold a Swedish pancake breakfast on the first Sunday of the month.  For $9 you get 3 pancakes with lingonberries and, a slice of ham- for round one.  For the second round (included in the $9) you get 2 more pancakes.  They also have live music playing which adds to the charm.  This is a fun breakfast to enjoy together.

On Fridays they serve lunch and they have traditional Swedish cuisine.  One of Sweden's traditional desserts is the Princess Cake.  Layers of cake, jam, and cream with a fondant layer cover on top- it is a must try!

While you are enjoying this very creative treat talk about your kiddos.  I know, I know no talking about kids on a date, but for this one it is okay.  Ask the following questions: 

        In your opinion, what makes a great parent?

What are five essential values we want our children to embrace above all others?

Then discuss each of your children and what is going on in their lives, what can you as parents do to help them?

98122 Polish Food

The Polish Platter

Polish Home Association is located at 1714 18th Ave.  The restaurant is only open Friday evenings.  They will sometimes have entertainment during dinner.  They serve pierogi, sausages, and cabbage rolls to name a few of their dishes.  This is a unique experience you must try!

While you are enjoying your meal talk about how to make each other your #1 priority.  In what ways can you focus on your marriage?  What re some ways you can divorce proof your marriage?

98108 Texas Style

Oxbow Park (6430 Corson Ave) is a funky park.  There is a 44 foot wide cowboy hat and a pair of 22 foot high cowboy boots.  These were made for a gas station originally, but is now part of the park and an important part of the locale.  The locals love their "Hat n' Boots."

To continue the Texas theme head over to Pig Iron BBQ.  They are located at 5602 1st Ave S. and they serve  some yummy BBQ including pulled pork and pulled chicken.  

During dinner talk about some of the weirdest or strangest things that you have seen or have been apart of.  Make sure you take some pictures of Hat n' Boots and each of you; it will be a fun memento to have.

98177 At the Beach

Carkeek Park (950 NW Carkeek Rd) is over 220 acres of trees, waterfront, creeks, and meadows.  This is a perfect place to have  picnic on the beach together.  

Ancho Pulled Pork Sandwich

Hills Neighborhood Restaurant is located at 1843 NW 195th St.  They have pulled pork sandwiches, fish and chips, chowder, and more, plus they offer take out!  Their cobblers are very popular too!  Head over there and order take out before you go to the beach.  Don't forget napkins and  blanket.

While you are enjoying your date, tell your spouse all of the things you are thankful for that he/she does.  Sometimes we forget to thank out spouse for things and we tart to take/her for granted.  We all need to feel appreciated.

98119 Photographers for the Day

Kerry Park is located at 211 W. Highland Dr. and has amazing views of the city.  The park is also open 24 hours a day.

Bring your camera and take various pictures: of each other or the view.  Pose each other in fun poses, set up a tripod and take some together.  Offer to take other people's pictures for them so they can all get in the shot (with their camera).  When you have worked up an appetite lay out a blanket and enjoy your lunch.

Macrina Bakery (615 W. McGraw St.) has delectable desserts and fresh made sandwiches with their in store made breads.  Their Mexican Mocha is a customer favorite.  Stop by here first and get lunch to go (don't forget dessert!).

When you get home decide which pictures to print and design an album with your favorite pictures in it.  Make sure you make a caption for each one.  This will be a great memory of the day for you.

98104 Cambodian Cuisine & Tea

Luc Lak (Cubed Beef)

Come and immerse yourself in Cambodian culture.  Phnom Penh Noodle House (660 S King St) offers traditional Cambodian cuisine.  The Phom Penh Noodles is a house favorite.  They have soups and vegetarian dishes too.

Just around the corner is New Century Tea Gallery (416 Maynard St).  It is a quaint little tea store offering everything you would want to make tea.  Go in and browse all of their offerings.  They have various teas from black to herbal for you to choose from.

Sometimes it is good for us to get our of our comfort zone and try something new- like Cambodian food.  It is also good to get out of our comfort zone with our marriage as well.  Doing the same thing for date night gets old and boring pretty fast.  Put some effort and thought into your dates to keep things new and exciting.  What are some other things in your marriage that needs refreshing?

98101 Turkish Delight

Waterfront Park (1301 Alaskan Way )comprises the are between Piers 57-59.  They have a water sculpture, benches, coin operated telescopes, and two viewing platforms.  Seals have been known to be seen from the platforms.  Spend some time here enjoying the view and being together.  

For a fun treat head over to Turkish Delight (1930 Pike Place).  They have yummy handmade Baklava and Turkish delight- in several flavors.  They also serve meals as well so if you are hungry you can stay for lunch.

Ask each other the following questions during your date:

What do you want to be like when you are 80?

You’re painting a picture. What is the subject of that picture? 

Patience is the theme for the day. How do you live it out?

What day in your life would you like to live over again?

You find a treasure box. What’s in it?

98118 Ethiopian Food

Meat & Veggie Combo

Have you ever tried Ethiopian food?  Does it sound like a fun thing to try together?  Then go to Cafe Selem located at 2715 E Cherry St. Ste. B and have an Ethiopian feast with your spouse.  They have lots of different dishes to choose from, including vegetarian ones.  There are many different new flavors to try here.  This would be a great new restaurant to try with your spouse.  It is fun to try new things and it is even better with the one you love!

While dining have a conversation about new things you want to try in your marriage.  Make some goals on what you want to do and make a plan of how and when you want to accomplish them.  It could be going out on dates more, change in your intimacy, or a class you want to take together.

98118 Farmer's Market

Columbia City Farmer's Market (37th Ave S. and S. Edmunds St) is open on Wednesdays 3-7 pm May through October.  You will find many vendors selling fruits & vegetables, meats, food vendors, and more!  Walk hand in hand through the market and look at all of the stalls.  Choose a few things to buy and take home.  Also, find a couple of vendors to choose for lunch and share your choices with one another.

During lunch discuss the following questions:

What are some things that have been hard for your marriage?  Is marriage harder or easier than you thought it would be?  What is your favorite thing about being married?  What has been your least favorite?

98101 Lunch Date

Sometimes you only have a small window for a date, when that happens do not give up on the date just do a quick lunch box.  Umma's Lunchbox (Ranier Square, 1301 5th Ave #7) is a very unique place to go for lunch.  They have different sized containers which you can fill for a certain amount- it is not weighed, it goes by size of container!  Bring back your container next time and get $1 off.

They have all kinds of Korean dishes including noodles, veggies, Korean sushi, and meats.  Umma's Lunchbox is a bit hard to find, it is downstairs (see picture above).

While you are enjoying your food ask each other the following questions:

What is one of the most adventurous things you've ever done?

If you could store up only one hour's worth of memory in your mind, which hour of our marriage would you want to remember?

If we could just drop what we're doing and go do something fun, what would it be?