Tag Archives: date

Planning The Perfect Date Night

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Planning The Perfect Date Night

No matter how long you’ve been together, date night is always important. It’s a time to reconnect and remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place. Whether you are planning a Friday night on the town or are thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day, here are a few tips to achieve ultimate date night success:

Decide on a Date:

Choosing the right date for a romantic night out is an important step in planning the perfect evening. It’s essential to pick a day and time that works best for both partners. Consider your work schedules and personal commitments when deciding on a date, as well as any special occasions or anniversaries that you might want to celebrate on this night.

It’s also important to think about the season when choosing a date. Spring and summer are ideal times for outdoor activities like picnics or walks in the park, while winter weather makes cozy dinners at home or at restaurants with outdoor heaters more appealing. Plus, certain holidays may offer unique opportunities for fun activities like sledding in December, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Irish cuisine and drinks, or spooktacular fun come Halloween. Escape rooms make for a memorable and interactive date night and you can find ones that fit the Halloween vibe when entering a search for “scary Los Angeles escape rooms” (or your local area). It will be a blast to put your brains to the test together!

Another factor to keep in mind when deciding on a date is budgeting. Going out for expensive meals every week might not be feasible for everyone, so look into different cost-effective options too. You could order takeout and have it delivered right to your doorstep, visit free museums or parks, or even host a game night at home with your own board game collection!

Pick a Place:

Once you’ve decided on the date and time for your night out, it’s time to think about where you’d like to go. If you’re going out to eat, pick a restaurant such as the Cathedral Bistro that both partners can enjoy. It might be helpful to look into local restaurants with reviews or recommendations from friends. The last thing you want is a bad experience on a night out! You can also make a search for lists like the “best restaurants in central pa” on Google to find a perfect date night spot. For activities away from home, consider what you two would be interested in doing together – from bowling alleys and movie theaters, to museums and art galleries, there are plenty of unique options available.

If you decide on staying home instead, there are lots of ways to create a romantic atmosphere at home. Make an effort to decorate the living space with candles or fresh flowers. A gorgeous bouquet is such a sweet date night gesture and will always be appreciated. Check out Singapore Florist at https://www.singaporeflorist.com.sg/ (or your local area) to get inspired by arrangements and colors that your partner would love. Then, put on some relaxing music as a backdrop, cook a special meal together, or watch a classic romantic movie and eat lots of chocolate. 😀

Have Fun:

No matter what you decide to do on your date night, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. Share stories and jokes, talk about old memories, plan for future events…the possibilities are endless! Date night is all about making time for one another and showing that you care; and that doesn’t require spending lots of money or going out to fancy restaurants. The best part of planning the perfect date night is that it can be whatever you want to make it perfect for you. Get creative and have some fun with it!

The key to having a successful date night is to make a plan and have a blast for a #relationshipgoals worthy time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Brunch Babes

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Brunch Babes

Hello!! Johnny enjoyed a three day weekend for Memorial Day and we had the most fabulous date day on Sunday. Any time with my beau is my favorite but it is especially wonderful to go out and about together after over a year stuck in our apartment. Now that we are both fully vaccinated, we feel much more comfortable with seeing friends, outdoor dining, and small outings. So we spent Saturday afternoon hanging out in Lakewood with our two friends, Jeff and Jeff, and had the best brunch with the best company.

Lakewood is a very cool area and I actually used to figure skate at the rink a few minutes away from where we brunched pre-pandemic. While I was in school, I would also make the small trek up there from campus to have dinner with friends. There is amazing shopping, bars, and unique restaurants and although it is only about forty-five minutes from me and Johnny, our afternoon felt like a mini day trip.

For brunch, the Jeffs, Johnny, and I went to the Buckeye Beer Engine and had a delicious meal. The garden quesadilla I ordered was the perfect vegetarian option that included eggs, peppers, onions, and mushrooms in a spinach tortilla topped with sour cream and pico de gallo. The food was awesome but, I have to say, the mimosas were even better!

The Buckeye Beer Engine had so many mimosa flavors to choose from and I went with Peach and Blood Orange while Johnny had a Pineapple and a Cranberry drink. They were the first mimosas we have had since before the pandemic when we would have breakfast dates and it was nice to reminisce on that as we clinked our glasses in celebration with the Jeffs. The weather was ideal for an outdoor meal and it is definitely true what they say… Brunch is always a good idea.

Once we returned home from our time in Lakewood, we were visited by our friend Corey for a quick video game session. While Johnny and Corey are both incredibly skilled in Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros., I am pleased to say that I kicked their butts! The video game extravaganza continued long after Corey left and Johnny and I spent hours playing Mario Party, Mario Tennis, Pod Racing, and Medal Of Honor. We also just had to pepper in a few episodes of our latest obsession: Family Matters lol.

No matter what Johnny and I do together, we are sure to have a blast and it feels so good to finally be more active in the community with him again. In fact, it kind of feels like going on first dates all over again because of how long it has been since we could do anything even close to having brunch with friends. Getting all dressed up to go out with my fiance on Sunday was simply the best and I can’t wait for a lifetime of dates with him! ❤

What is your favorite meal of the day? What is your preferred brunch drink? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dry Ice Drinks

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Dry Ice Drinks

Hi! This past Saturday, Johnny and I had a little date day and it was so much fun! We visited a few local specialty game shops to add to our growing board game collection, had drinks in our own section of the patio at the Cashmere Cricket, and then returned home and sat on our balcony while Johnny played guitar and sang. It was an absolute blast and actually reminded me so much of our engagement day. In fact, I asked Johnny when we were walking to the patio of the Cricket if we were going to get engaged again!

The Cashmere Cricket is, in my opinion, the best bar in my neck of the woods. It is my absolute favorite and is where Johnny and I had our first date and also where we went to celebrate after we got engaged. When our post proposal drinks arrived, we were shocked and amazed because they were bubbling and smoking like a potion and we learned that on Saturdays, the Cricket makes their drinks with dry ice in them.

Needless to say, we were very excited for “Dry Ice Saturday” as the bartender called it and it was so nice to enjoy the beautiful spring weather during a safe outing with my fiance! Check out our Dry Ice Drinks and tell me that isn’t the coolest thing you’ve ever seen:

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Now, normally, I am not one to post about alcohol but I just had to showcase this specialty from the Cashmere Cricket because it is so unique. Johnny had a drink called The Roosevelt while I got my second favorite cocktail called Lavender Fizz. My ultimate favorite will always be their Strawberry Lemon Drop martini, though! Our drinks were absolutely delicious and, although the prices are a bit steep there, it is well worth it for the quality of the beverages, the excellent service, pleasant atmosphere, and COVID safety standards. Not to mention that on Saturdays, your drinks will put on a show lol. 

When I think about how I would plan a day for a visiting friend who has never been to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio it goes as follows: Mani/pedis at Elysian Nails, shopping at TJMaxx, Taco Bell for dinner, and ending with cocktails at the Cashmere Cricket. That sounds like the perfect day to me and I stand by this statement even more after mine and Johnny’s past two outings on the Cricket patio. All of the bartenders were so sweet to remember our engagement and it was fun to show them my newly resized ring that was practically falling off two weeks ago!

Dry Ice Saturday was another huge success and I honestly had butterflies being there with Johnny again. Johnny and I were at the Cashmere Cricket on two of the happiest days of my life and it is always going to be special to us. If you are ever in the area, I cannot recommend this cool little bar enough – I think you’ll be just as smitten with it as I am.

What is your favorite local bar or restaurant like? Where is a special place for you and your significant other? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sweet Treats For Valentine’s Day

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Sweet Treats For Valentine’s Day

Hi! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you are still struggling to come up with some fun ways to celebrate at home, then how about spending an afternoon baking all of the desserts with your SO? Creating confectionery treats together will give you a chance to showcase how well you work as a team and decorating your masterpieces will be a blast. Taste testing them will be even better, though!

If you are lacking inspiration for delicious desserts to try your hand at – fear not! You can extend your date by enjoying a carefully-crafted dessert menu at your favorite restaurant. Who says you can’t eat dessert first?! You might find that delightful treat that you just have to make for yourself! For more ideas on Valentine’s Day sweets, how about trying your hand at making the following?

Chocolate:

Who needs a heart shaped box of chocolate when you can make your own, instead? Two Christmases ago, I made chocolate with my boyfriend’s mom and not only was it tons of fun but the end results were delicious! You can find all kinds of cute chocolate molds, get creative with your color choices, and add on to your pieces of candy with peanut butter, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut. Don’t forget that you can also make chocolate covered pretzels and fruit too. Hello, chocolate covered strawberries!

While chocolate is fun to make, it is also fun to drink too. To add even more chocolate deliciousness to the mix, how about a hot chocolate bar? You can use ceremonial cacao for a rich, bold flavored drink and include all of your favorite toppings. Whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint bits, and chocolate sprinkles are all excellent options! 

Cake Pops:

If you and yours aren’t big chocoholics, you could try your hand at making cake pops, cupcakes, or just a plain old cake for dessert. Investigate over YouTube and Pinterest for some ideas on how to decorate and see who is the Cake Boss in your kitchen! Red Velvet, angel food, and strawberry cakes are ideal for Valentine’s Day and I love a whipped frosting, myself. And, if whatever form of cake you go with is super successful, you can try this idea again on one of your birthdays. Store bought cake, what?

Ice Cream Sundae Bar:

Ice cream sundae bars are ideal for those who have a sweet tooth and aren’t trying to wait around for a cake to bake! Head to the store together and grab what you both need to build the perfect sundae. Fruits, candies, syrups, and whipped cream are all great starters. If you’re looking for a boozy treat, don’t forget that black or blueberry wine is awesome over vanilla bean ice cream! Love the sundae idea but want more of a challenge? You could make your own ice cream! But, it might be good to have a pint of Ben & Jerry’s for back up. 🙂

If you want to try your hand at making your own ice cream, it’s a great idea to find some inspiration first. Check out the flavors at your local ice cream parlors or you can view Banana Daddy for amazing soft serve and sundaes that are sure to please. If each of you are making your own batch, you could each go for a flavor that compliments the other for a swirl treat. There is nothing better than homemade ice cream so save me a scoop!

Lava Cakes:

I am not a huge fan of cake (the texture bothers me) but I do love a chocolate lava cake every once in a blue moon. The rich chocolate and the gooey hot fudge center topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Forget about it!! Lots of brands have make your own lava cake kits if making it from scratch seems like a daunting task. Homemade or from a box, you will still experience the joy of baking something delicious with your SO.

Don’t Forget:

To add some atmosphere, whether it be fun or romantic, both of you could create a playlist to listen to while you bake. Be sure to grab champagne or sparkling cider when you are picking up your ingredients too!

What is your favorite dessert? How do you plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Super Happy Fun Times

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Super Happy Fun Times

Hi! This past weekend, Johnny and I went on a date for the first time since March. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A date? You and Johnny barely leave the house!” Believe me, I would be thinking the exact same thing. But, thanks to a little something called DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), Johnny and I were able to enjoy some drinks from our favorite bar in Kent while sitting outside in the park!

We spent two hours eating takeout from Taco Tantos and drinking Moscow Mules from the Zephyr and we did it all completely social distanced. Granted, it was a lot different than back in 2019 when we all had no problem being on the Zephyr’s back patio playing games and hanging out. However, what we did was the next best thing! Some of our Kent friends even stopped by for a chat, which was great because we haven’t really seen anyone since March, either.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem sitting in my living room with Johnny day drinking and watching The Last Kingdom. But, there is absolutely nothing better than getting dressed up and going out with my boyfriend. Sitting on that park bench in Kent laughing and taking selfies was one of the most joyous moments I’ve had in weeks and I am going to treasure it for forever. It brought me back to our first date almost one year ago and it was kind of magical.

The best part? Now that we know that the open container areas in Kent are something that we feel comfortable with, we can go on dates again whenever we want! As soon as Johnny brought our drinks to our bench, the first thing we both said was “this is so nice” and we are already looking forward to our next date very soon! ❤

How do you do social distance hang outs? Does your downtown area have a DORA program? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Psychic Experience

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Psychic Experience

Hiiii! Over the weekend, my boyfriend and I thought that it would be fun to go see a psychic. He has been to one before and I never have so we made a little afternoon of it. After searching for “the best psychics in Cleveland” for what felt like forever, we landed on a woman named Faye who had pretty solid reviews. Of course, all of the reviews for each place were a mixed bag with some people saying it was a scam and others claiming that it was the best reading of their life.

For cheapness’s sake, we decided to both do a palm reading and went on our merry way to meet Faye, who has a small business in downtown Cleveland. Her shop was very tiny with a sitting area in the front and an office style room in the back where she did her readings. As soon as we walked in, she decided that I would go first so I went back while my boyfriend waited up front.

I don’t know about you, but I definitely believe in the other wordly and spiritual powers. I do feel like Faye had it, but I also know when someone is just trying to upsell you and that’s exactly what she did to both me and my MAN. It was basically a case of “I can tell you more but you have to come back”. *Massive eye roll*

However, what she did tell me during the brief ten minute reading was all correct. She started off with the basic “you had a difficult childhood/teenage years blah, blah, blah” which I feel like isn’t that hard to tell by looking at me, lol. But, then she continued with being able to tell that I worked in the care profession, recently moved out, and had two specific people in my family that I worry about the most – which is all accurate. She also didn’t know my name so it’s not like she Facebooked me or read my blog beforehand.

I do wish that we could have talked longer, because I feel like she was holding back on everything that she told me so that she could pull the “but wait, there’s more” card. But, it was a really cool experience for what it was and it was even better that my boyfriend came up with such a unique date idea. Six out of ten, would go to Faye again. Twelve out of ten, would recommend this date to others!

Have you ever been to a psychic? What are your thoughts in favor or against practices like that? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

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Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

Spring is a time for new starts and bidding goodbye to the horrible winter months. Finally, it’s time for long, flowy dresses, and making the most of springtime with your SO. What are the ways to make the most of this wonderful weather, and all of the exciting events coming up? It’s time to take the initiative with your social calendar, so let’s give you some ideas for quality couple time:

Go On A Picnic:

This really is the first port of call. You’ve got to get out and enjoy the lovely weather, especially if it might turn into April showers. Having an outdoor picnic gives you the opportunity to kick back, relax, and have some quality time with your other half. It’s also great in spring before the summer months come by, and with it, all of the annoying summer insects.

Picnics are so fun because you can plan a menu to make or get takeout from your favorite restaurant. I had a friend who would get takeout from her and her partner’s go to places, they would eat outdoors, and enjoy a walk afterwards. Perhaps you’ll have sammies on an afternoon outing or something more decadent for an evening meal. A candlelit Indian meal outdoors is as simple as entering a search for “indian restaurant cambridge uk” (or your local area). However you go about it, picnics are a great date!

A Sporting Event:

While you might consider sports to be the height of tedium, you will earn extra brownie points with your boo if you present them with some sports tickets to their favorite event. And besides, if you go and experience a baseball game on a mild spring evening, you don’t even have to pay attention to the game to enjoy the ambiance.

A Romantic Night Time Meal:

Either head to your local restaurant and book a table outside or go for a wonderful romantic rooftop dining experience. Enjoying the spring months while sipping on a glass of Chardonnay with your favorite pizza is one of life’s little pleasures. And it’s even better when you’ve got your significant other to share it with. If you are in the mood to shake things up, go to a restaurant that specializes in cuisine that you have never tried before. Perhaps a Turkish restaurant like The Mantl? Or maybe an Indian buffet to sample a bit of everything? It’s always fun to try something new on a date night!

Head To A Concert:

Check your local venues for the latest artists making an appearance near you. The big stadium events are also slowly coming up, with artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and seasoned pros the Rolling Stones all embarking on open-air tours. That time of evening when the main act is taking the stage, the weather’s nice and cool, and thousands of people are having a great time, you can’t help but get caught up in the vibe. And there’s plenty of opportunities for perfect selfies with your SO!

Go For A Walk:

Who’d have thought it, in this day and age you could go for a walk?! Yes, you don’t need to spend money to have a great time with your partner. The spring months are the perfect opportunity to get your rambling shoes on and go exploring. And before the unbearable temperatures of the summer come, you can get plenty of beneficial exercise outdoors, and explore your surroundings with the one you love. Even if you aren’t particularly inclined towards nature, getting out for a nice walk is always going to help bring you and your partner closer together.

The springtime is one of the most perfect parts of the year. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and everything is now gearing up for a fantastic summer. So, as spring has sprung, get yourself outdoors, don’t worry about spring cleaning for now!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him

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Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him

Okay! Yesterday, we talked about some amazing V-Day gift ideas for her. But, now it’s time to hear it for the boys. I’ve noticed throughout the years that some guys are incredibly easy to shop for, while others are damn near impossible. So no matter what difficulty level your boyfriend is on the gifting scale, there are sure to be some ideas that you can work with below. Let’s get to it:

First Of All:

The first thing that I mentioned yesterday was that a card is a necessity in a Valentine’s Day gift for a girlfriend. And, coincidentally, the same goes for your man candy. Guys like romance, too! They might just not be as outward and vocal about it. What do you love about your boyfrand? What makes him different from literally every single guy on the planet? Write it out! Underneath all of the fart jokes and actual farting, there is a sensitive ball of mush in your boyfriend and a card can be just the way to tap into that.

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Definitely not this one!! ^^^

Dapper Dudes:

Does your guy love to get suited up, duded up, and fancy free every chance he can get? Accessories can be a great way to go, then. Enhance the fance with pocket squares, tie clips, cuff links, watches (Wrist or pocket!), and ties. All of these things will take his ensemble to the next level and it will add your personal touch to each of his looks. This is an incredibly thoughtful way to go, especially if your man has a passion for fashion.

Another way to spoil your dapper man is with some pampering. This could be booking a couples massage session or even using a mobile barber in New York or your local area. You can bring the salon to him, and he’ll get a fresh cut just in time for a romantic evening out!

Give Him Some Sugar:

My best friend and I have made chocolate truffles together and it was so much fun and totally delicious. Reach out to your girls and plan an evening to set up bake shop. Sweet treats always go down well and it’s even better when they’re hand made just for him. Throw on a rom-com, pour the wine, and enjoy a bake night with your friends. And, yes, you can taste test! 😀

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^ I promise this chocolate was more delicious than it looks!

Gamer Guys:

A favorite way to pass time for a lot of guys is spent by playing video games. If this sounds like your significant other, get competitive with him and take him out for a night of gaming fun. So many bars now feature arcade games, new and old school, to enjoy and that can be an amazing way to spend an evening. If no bars around you have the arcade game option, Dave & Buster’s or other similar establishments work just as well.

Hone In On Hobbies:

Many a man really enjoys experience gifts rather than sentimental trinkets. So what are some of your boyfriend’s hobbies? Does he love music? Is he a fan of trying different beers when he can? Maybe he loves to cook? Take what your guy enjoys and turn it into a date night. He’ll be shocked that you remembered and touched that you want to share his interests with him.

Still Need Some More Options?

  • Treating your S/O to dinner and a movie is a nice surprise, especially if he doesn’t pick the restaurant or flick very often.
  • If your guy has a beard or is picky about his hair, a trip to the barber to get duded up is a great option. Definitely include his favorite products and beard balm!
  • Couple’s massages, anyone?
  • Does your boyfriend work out? Paying for a few months of his gym membership is sure to please!

And Remember:

As I said yesterday, it’s not about spending money but making memories! There are so many ways to spoil your boothang rotten without breaking the bank. Ball out if you want to, but creating a unique experience for your guy is what Valentine’s Day is all about! Make your day fun or make it romantic, but most importantly – make it special.

What are some of your gift ideas for him for V-Day? Does anyone have Valentine’s Day plans already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Tumblr

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

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Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

Bonjour! Valentine’s Day is slowly creeping up and just thinking about all of the people that are shopping for their significant other the day before the holiday is enough to give me anxiety. So, I decided to start the V-Day festivities early on lifewithlilred by doing a gift guide for her today and for him tomorrow.

Of course, flowers and chocolates are a great way to go and I would love to get that. But, if you’re on the hunt for something a bit more unique, try some of these ideas:

First Of All:

Okay guys and gals, a cute card is so necessary for your V-Day haul for your S/O. You may find it cheesy, but 99% of the population will find it sweet as can be. Write a heartfelt letter to your partner and don’t skimp on the romance. We’re talking the moment you knew you were in love, your first date memories, or a list of reasons why you love and admire your special someone. This is a great thing to do any time, but definitely pull out all of the stops this Valentine’s Day, which can be done with something as simple as writing a letter.

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Maybe not that one. ^^^

Gift An Experience:

The weather in February can still be pretty sketchy depending on where you live. But, the great thing about concerts is that, for the most part, they are usually indoors! Who is your honey’s favorite band or singer? AKA who do they constantly annoy you with by playing in the car?! A concert is a great date and you can even make a day of it by exploring the area where the venue is and don’t forget the pre-show dinner or drinks!

Pampering Party:

Everyone loves to pamper themselves in some way shape or form and a sultry V-Day surprise could involve an evening of luxury for your S/O. You can never go wrong with gifting bath and body care products and do be sure to throw in a few candles to light for good measure, as most specialty bath and body stores carry them. And guess what else they typically carry? MASSAGE OIL! Quick… Cue the slow jams:

(As always, I have no rights to this video!)

Ahhhh…. That’s the stuff. So, as I was saying:

Run some bath water and let your BOO (Because I don’t say bae!) pick from an assortment of bath bombs to use. Rose petals and bath oil is just as good, too! Have an array of lotions set out for afterwards and the massage oil handy to give a nice………..

FOOT RUB. 😉

Wine And Paint Night:

Many local establishments and bars host wine and paint nights and they are an absolute ball. Most places will even offer a special picture to paint for Valentine’s Day. This is a fresh and fun take on just going out to dinner and it offers a chance for both of you to show off your creative sides or unlock a talent that you didn’t even know was there.

Still Need Some More Options?

  • Mani/Pedis always go down well
  • A shopping trip to their most loved store
  • Cooking dinner (Don’t forget the wine or champagne!)
  • Taking a ballroom dance class
  • Paint your own pottery places are fun
  • Going to a museum (Art or history buffs will love that!)

And Remember…

The most important thing is doing something thoughtful for your loved one. Being showered with presents is nice, and anyone will agree to that. But, creating a happy and special memory is even better. And, keep in mind, that it is NEVER about how much money you spend, either! Ball on a budget or blow it out of the water, but at the end of the day spending a small fortune doesn’t guarantee a wonderful time.

What are some of your Valentine’s Day date ideas? What is one of your happiest V-Day memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Pre Date Night Frenzy

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The Pre Date Night Frenzy

Going on a date is a serious business, right? We want to look good for our intended beau! However, in the run-up to the big night, logic seems to go out of the window. Partly due to stress, as well as ensuring we are the only girl on the guy’s radar during the evening, we take part in some weird rituals and habits that might seem a little crazy in retrospect. Take a look at what we mean below, and see how many you are familiar with:

Getting ready hours before the date: We want to look our best, so with all of our giddy excitement, we start getting ready hours before we are due to go out. There’s a lot of prep to be done, from choosing the outfit that we are going to wear to working out what makeup will match the look we are going for. We want to impress the guy, not look like something the cat just dragged through the back door, so we make every effort to get things right.

dateeAnd it’s only 9 AM!

We look to Hollywood for advice: You may not be going to the movies on your night out, but you can still pick up a few handy lessons from Hollywood in the day’s leading up to your date. If you want what she’s having, you may pick up some tips from Meg Ryan in ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ and if you want to know what not to do, there’s no better place to learn than from a ‘Bridget Jones’ movie. Of course, Hollywood isn’t reality, so don’t assume all of your Cinderella fantasies will come true. Real life is far more complicated, although watching Bridget make another embarrassing faux pas is going to lighten your mood before you go out.

datee1Flickr Image

We sabotage our good looks: While trying to look good for our date, we stand a greater chance of ruining things for ourselves if we overdo it. Popping zits may seem like a good idea, but it only increases the chances of another outbreak. Hint: Use decent acne cream, instead. Then, when waxing to get rid of body hair, we are in danger of breaking out in unflattering red bumps. Hint: Use these helpful tips to soothe skin after waxing. Hello, silky smooth skin!

We change your mind about the outfit…again: Remember that outfit you picked out at the start of the day? Maybe it’s not the right one after all, so you should probably try something else. You FaceTime your besties and ask (order) them to give you their valued opinion. After listening to their advice for an hour, you hang up on them. They clearly don’t know what they’re talking about. That blue dress with those shoes? Are they mad? In a frenzy, you go back and forth in your mind and body trying on each outfit, trying to preempt your guy’s opinion. In the end, you decide the outfit you chose the first time was the right one after all. Classic.

We become proficient at telling the time: What time is it now? Oh, it’s okay, there’s still hours to go before the date. What time is it now? Oh, it’s only two minutes after the last time you looked. Look, you aren’t going to make time fly by checking your watch every few minutes so relax and give yourself a break. Do something to distract yourself, and you won’t fret as much. Play some music, chat with your friends, watch Bridget Jones for the third time today. What time is it now? AHH, you’re meeting him in five minutes and you still haven’t done your hair. Where did the time go?!

We play the date through in our head…a hundred times: There’s no way that you will know how well the date will go until you actually get there. That doesn’t stop you from going over every eventuality. In your first daydream, you step out of your car door and into your fella’s arms. He whisks you off of your feet and into a ballroom in a scene that is reminiscent of that one part in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Only, he’s no beast, he’s absolutely gorgeous, and he proposes to you before the first dance is over. ‘Yes’ you shout out, and everybody applauds as they relish in your celebration. Second daydream: you fall out of your car into a muddy puddle, ruining your dress. The guy doesn’t so much whisk you off of your feet as drag you through the mud as the crowd begins to gather. You stand in the middle of the puddle, just a girl standing in front of a guy, only you are no longer the Julia Roberts in your head, and you have stepped into the cringy world of Bridget Jones. Yikes!

datee2#dreamdate

And then: After going through everything we mentioned, you finally get to your date. He compliments you on how you look and you tell him it was just something you threw together. When he then asks you how your day was, you look at him straight in the eye and say it was fine, just another chilled out day. Of course, you know different. Let’s just hope the date is worth it!

The pre date night frenzy is real and sometimes it can be brutal. Take a deep breath, eat some chocolate, and CHILL OUT! You’re great and it’s going to be a wonderful night!