True Romance for Couples with Kids: 10 Inexpensive Ideas

by: Nandang S Nugraha | Total views: 95 | Word Count: 568 | View PDF | Print View

 by: Susie Cortright

Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey bottle
of perfume, but it takes creativity and forethought to be truly
romantic.

The key lies in personalizing your celebration. Here are ten ideas to fuel your own creativity:

1. Empty a box of chocolates. Then cut out 50 to 100
hearts from lace doilies, construction paper, or fabric. On each
cutout, record something about your mate that you love. Be specific,
"The way you smell when you come to bed at night," "The way you take
care of me when I’m sick," "Your recipe for pancakes"...

Fold the cutouts, place them in the chocolate box, and top with a red satin bow.

The time you spend coming up with these ideas will
contribute to your own romantic mood, and what your partner thinks is a
plain-old box of chocolates will instead be a treasured gift for years
to come. Plus, you can add to the box for future birthday, holiday, or
Valentine's Day celebrations.

2. Build a romantic fire. Before the kids go to bed,
have fun roasting marshmallows. After their lights are out, host your
own indoor picnic, complete with a bottle of wine and chocolate-covered
strawberries.

3. Recreate your first date together. What were you
wearing? Where did you go? Do you remember what you talked about? Spend
the evening reminiscing and reflecting on how far you’ve come as a
couple.

4. Spoon all night.

5. Choose a book in which you are both interested,
fiction or nonfiction. Read a new chapter each night before bed. This
cozy tradition will allow you to spend some quality time together and
often makes for thought-provoking breakfast conversations.

6. Make a tape of the songs special to your
relationship. Include "your song," songs from your wedding, songs from
favorite movies. Add a personal voice dedication and leave it in your
partner's briefcase, Walkman, or car stereo.

7. Turn off the TV.

8. Kidnap your spouse. Arrange for a babysitter for a few
hours--or a few days. A friend of mine had a lot of success with this
one. She knew her husband had always wanted to get married in Vegas,
but he had agreed to a large, formal ceremony hosted by her family. So,
after they had been married 10 years, she surprised him at work with a
packed suitcase. They caught an evening flight and renewed their vows
before an Elvis impersonator in a Vegas chapel. Years later, they’re
still talking about it.

9. This one requires a babysitter, too. Next time
you’re visiting your parents or in-laws, leave the kids with the
grandparents and travel to another town, where no one will recognize
you. Check into a hotel or B&B. Dress like another person. Act like
another person. It’s fun to slip into another persona from time to
time.

10. Have a scavenger hunt. Write a few poems, wrap
candy kisses inside, and hide them around the house. Each poem should
be a clue to finding the next one. Make sure the final clue lands your
mate someplace you want to end up for the entire evening. A romance
package, including a bottle of champagne and new lingerie, is a nice
touch.

Create some romantic memories today. Now with your pocketbook, but with your imagination.

Copyright 2004 Susie Cortright

About the Author

Susie Michelle Cortright is the author of Rekindling Your Romance after Kids and More Energy for Moms. She is also the founder of the award-winning Momscape.com, a website designed to help busy parents find balance. Visit http://www.momscape.com today and get Susie's *free* course-by-email "6 Days to Less Stress."

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

Add Comment

Copy and Paste Article Code.

Remember: The article body, title, author bio and links may not be changed or removed. By publishing this article, you agree to all the terms in our Terms of Service.

More articles in this Category

1: Some Tips For Buying Gift Baskets
2: What one should know about Celtic Jewelry
3: How NOT to Detect a Child Molester
4: Tips and Techniques for Household Silverfish Control
5: How Kids Learn English Language through Interactivity and Colorful Design