Book Club

I have found that reading as a couple is a great way to learn, think, and discuss things together.  It’s a fun way to wrap up the day.  In fact, it’s how many of us spend some quality time with our kids as we put them to bed, so why not read together as a couple before turning out the lights?

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It’s exciting to take turns picking a book to read because it allows us to share something we care about with our spouse and gives them a chance to appreciate it with us.  It provides opportunities for discussion and asking questions.  By taking time to practice communicating and sharing our thoughts and opinions, it helps prepare us for important or difficult discussions that may arise in the future.

Are there any books you’ve been wanting to read and could give “Couples Book Club” a try?  I am currently reading Brene Brown’s book, “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.”  I love the thoughts and insights I’m gaining from reading this book, but so much more depth and insight is added by reading it with a friend.

Have fun coming up with a creative name for your club.  And don’t forget the treats!  What book club is complete without snacks?

Here is a description of the book I’m reading if you need something to get you started…

http://dcplive.dekalblibrary.org/2015/01/05/daring-greatly-living-wholeheartedly-and-belonging/

There are also plenty of book suggestions online as well.

http://static.oprah.com/pdf/obc-complete-list.pdf?__utma=100122305.60727570.1454133215.1454133215.1454133215.1&__utmb=100122305.2.10.1454133215&__utmc=100122305&__utmx=-&__utmz=100122305.1454133215.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=51536553

http://www.rantlifestyle.com/2014/02/15/bbcs-top-100-books-need-read-die/

Kayak or Paddle Board along Lake Union

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Enjoy the beauty of the Seattle skyline and Washington Park Arboretum from a kayak or paddle board with a fun adventure from Paddle Club.  This shop on lake union will give you everything you need to have a fun afternoon with your spouse!  Upon your return, check out the Agua Verde Café right next door to eat a delicious meal featuring fresh foods from local farmers.

While paddling and dining, take some time to talk about decisions you are trying to make.  John Gottman’s “Principles for Making Marriage Work” teaches us it is important to let your partner influence you.  He suggests that couples make decisions together as much as possible.  Take the time to listen to each other and take into consideration each other’s opinions when making decisions.

http://aguaverde.com/

Dream Home Date

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Have you ever spent time walking through model homes?  If you and your spouse love homes and décor this could be the perfect date.  Even though you may not have the money now to purchase a $600,000+ home, doesn’t mean you can’t walk through and admire them.  This could be a great date to talk about what things you like and don’t like about a home.  Whether or not a home theater is practical for your family, or if you really need that shower the size of a room.  Regardless of if you are in the market for a new home, it’s fun to walk through and decide which things you would keep, and which you would change.

The Seattle Home Show brings builders, appliances, landscaping, and décor together in one place!  There are hundreds of exhibits to explore.

While touring the homes and exhibits, make an effort to get to know your spouse’s likes and dislikes.  What your spouse liked 3 years ago can differ a lot from what they like now.  Especially with new trends going in and out it’s fun to get to know your spouse better.  Talk about what you would both do if you each had a million dollars to spend.  Talk about goals and aspirations you both have for the future.  If you could each purchase a dream home, what essentials would it need to have?

Dr. John Gottman talks about how it’s extremely important to get to know your spouse's world. (Their thoughts, opinions, dreams, feelings, and goals) Use this date to get to know more about your spouse while having fun! You can purchase John Gottman’s book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work here. 

http://seattlehomeshow.com/

Coloring and Connecting

How do you wind down at the end of a long day?  Turns out maybe instead of reaching for the remote you should be reaching for the colored pencils.  Adult coloring books have been gaining popularity and currently hold 6 of the top 20 spots for bestselling books on Amazon.  So what is it about this childhood pastime that is drawing a wider audience?

Benefits of Coloring:

• Stress Relief and Relaxation
• Promotes Mindfulness
• Mental Clarity
• Meditation
• Increases Happiness
• Helps with Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma
• Calming
• Promotes Creativity
• Improves Sleep 

Coloring together as a couple is a great opportunity to turn towards each other and stay connected.  It provides a relaxed environment for talking and listening about each other’s day.  Taking these small moments to connect help promote healthy relationships.  If you don’t have a book, there are plenty of free images available online.

Here are a few questions to get you started:

When did you feel loved today?

When did you feel lonely?

What did I do today that made you feel appreciated?

What did I say that made you feel unnoticed?

What can I do to help you right now?

http://momastery.com/blog/2014/01/16/save-relationships-ask-right-questions/

Happy coloring!

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A Night at the Academy

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See this year’s nominees on the big screen!  The Seattle Landmark Theatre is known for featuring foreign and independent films.  It is a quaint theatre tucked in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle.  Originally built in 1919 as a live stage venue, it has been turned into an old-fashioned two-screen movie theatre.  At the beginning of each year, they do a special event around the Academy Awards.  Once the Oscar nominations are announced through the end of February they play the animated short films and the live action short films.  It is fun to go on a date or even as a group to watch the nominations and talk about the films together.

Take the time afterwards to discuss the films and make predictions on which one will win.  This is a great way to practice listening and respecting other’s opinions.  It’s fun to get to know more about the way your spouse thinks and feels and will be a simple way to feel more connected and understood by each other.

Continue the conversation and plan an at home date night to watch the Academy Awards together!  Make some of your favorite treats and enjoy feeling connected to the outside world and each other.

http://www.landmarktheatres.com/seattle/guild-45th-theatre#upcoming