Outfit Details: Ann Taylor Square Back Sheath Dress | Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool and Cashmere Scarf | Kate Spade Window Seat Small Bouquet Necklace (similar here) | Jimmy Choo Helena Pumps | YSL Wallet on Chain | YSL Lipstick (Smoking Plum)
Tips for Making Time for Date Night
I will start out by saying that I write this post for myself as much as I do my readers. After almost fourteen years of marriage, four young children with busy schedules, and with both of us having full time jobs (not to mention a fashion and style blog), date night is often the last thing we think about. So often at the end of the week I want nothing more than to put on my robe and have a lazy evening on the couch. It is so easy to fall into that habit but at the same time it is important not to fall into that routine. A healthy marriage is one where both partners take the time to recognize and appreciate each other and date night is a great way to show this. But how do you do it when forces seem to conspire against you?
Make it a Priority
The best way to do this is to schedule date night. For my husband and I this is usually once a quarter. This doesn’t seem very often, but with our busy schedules it works for us. For others who have more routine schedules monthly or weekly may be more realistic. The important thing though is for your partner to know that spending time together is a priority. If you can’t have a day or evening out together, try to find minor opportunities to connect. Spend ten minutes together talking about your day, watch a TV show together, or cook a meal together. The important thing is that you are nurturing your relationship to add “money to the bank” so to speak.
Find Help
With young children, it is even harder to find the time to go out together. When my babies were really young, frequently they did come with us (usually my little ones were asleep in the baby carrier). As they got older, of course, childcare was necessary. Most often we used Care.com or Sittercity.com to find a caregiver. Sometimes we would swap babysitting duties with another couple. Since we’ve moved closer to family luckily Grandma and Grandpa are often available to watch our kids for a couple of hours (and it’s good for them too!).
Variety is the Spice of Life
Try to keep date night interesting. Dinner and a movie (or just dinner) are old standbys. Make things exciting by trying new experiences. Do you live near a big city? Try an off-Broadway show. Go to a sporting event. Try a cooking class. If those sorts of activities aren’t feasible even more low-key activities such as going out for coffee or taking a walk in the park can be great ways to connect. The most important thing to note is that by spending time together on a regular basis you are strengthening the bond you have together to help ensure a happier marriage.
Of course marriage isn’t always perfect, and there will be times when your partner drives you crazy. But if you have cultivated your relationship by spending quality time together the more frustrating times will be easier to handle.
As for the outfit, this pretty teal blue Ann Taylor square back sheath dress is my favorite color (and it’s on sale now too for 40% off with code SHOP40). The white scarf and necklace add just the right amount of contrast. And of course, leopard heels add so much style to an outfit! A perfect look for date night.
Thanks for looking!
xo | April
I love this outfit and great ideas for date night! xo, Nataly
Such a pretty colored dress! And I love your pumps!
Date night is SO important! You always need to find time to be one on one with your spouse. Especially when kids come around. And it is nice to get all dressed up together and go out on the town. Love that dress and that touch of leopard!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Thanks for these helpful tips!
xo,
Lauryn
All such great tips! And so important to make that time with the hubby 🙂
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
It really is important to remember to make time for date night! Even after dating for an extensive period of time, or even getting married, it’s important to still enjoy dating! My boyfriend and I make a huge point at this, and it sounds like you do too!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Love these tips!! So easy to slide but such an important thing to make a priority! Love this look so much!!
These tips are fantastic!! You look amazing, too!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
THOSE LEOPARD HEELS THO! Gorgeous! And I agree with ya 100%. It just has to be a priority! We schedule it in first thing every week so we KNOW it’ll happen.
Coming Up Roses
You look so pretty in this date night look! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Perfect date night outfit!