Tag Archives: ideas

Feb20

How To Stop Stressing Over Your Age

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How To Stop Stressing Over Your Age

Getting older is something that happens to everyone. In fact, it’s a sign that you’ve been successful. Once you reach the age of 50, 60, 70 or beyond you have survived a long time in an otherwise difficult world. But people have many problems when it comes to their age. They often look at it the wrong way. If you’re somebody who’s stressing about their age and worried about getting older then this post is for you. We are going to look at some strategies you can use to reduce the stress you feel and really enjoy your life day to day:

Reframe aging as a privilege:

The first thing to do is to reframe aging as a privilege. This was something that we hinted at in the introduction. Instead of seeing birthdays as the next stage in the inevitable march through life, you can look at them more as success stories or milestones. Getting to a specific age is actually quite an achievement, especially once you start getting into the higher numbers. If you can reframe how you look at the situation, then you can totally control how you feel about it.

Focus on the things you can control:

Another thing you can do is stop pretending that aging is something you can control. You can’t actually map and manage the time passing on the calendar, but you can intervene in your lifestyle to change how you feel and function. Many people forget all about aging once they improve their exercise routine, stress management, nutrition, sleep, and skincare. Combining all of these factors often slows down the aging process significantly. It can also change the nature of the aging process so that it doesn’t lead to chronic disease and dysfunction.

^^^ Unsplash Image

Get the treatment you need:

Sometimes, feeling less stressed about the aging process is simply getting the treatment that you need. For example, if you have hearing loss, go to the audiologist and ask for hearing aids. Similarly, if you struggle to walk or you have physiological problems, you can get a trainer to improve muscle strength. You should find that once you’ve got this treatment, it has a meaningful and lasting effect on your life. It makes a profound difference to how you approach things.

Practice being present or mindful:

Worrying about aging also often means worrying about the future. Therefore, it’s a good idea to practice being present or mindful. Many people get to a certain age and wonder why their lives aren’t turning out the way they wanted them to. They stress about the things that they should have done differently in the past. Being present is the best way to counter this sort of thought process. If you can focus on what you’re doing now, you often discover that your life is much better than what you thought.

So there you have it – some of the things you can do to stop stressing about the ageing process. Looking at the positives and accepting what’s happening is often the best approach!

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Feb20

Early Signs Of Hearing Loss Every 20 Something Should Know

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Early Signs Of Hearing Loss Every 20 Something Should Know

Anyone can lose their hearing. No matter how old you are or how healthy you feel, your hearing can be affected by your day to day activities. Too much loud noise at home, in the workplace, or coming through your headphones and you could be dealing with a lower level of hearing. And for some people, genetics play a role in causing hearing loss at a younger age. It’s a complex thing, and it’s something to keep an eye out for so you can act in time. As such, here are some of the most common early signs of hearing loss that you should know about as a young adult:

Everything Needs Turning Up Higher:

Have you started needing to turn the volume up on your phone, tablet, or TV much louder than you used to? Say you always had the volume set to fifteen and that was fine, but these days you need it at twenty and above. Dialogue just doesn’t feel all that easy for you to parse anymore. It could be an issue with the device itself, of course. It could also be a problem with the way the sound was recorded for whatever media you’re watching. But it could also be a sign your hearing has been impacted.

People Keep Saying You’re Being Loud:

Are you noticing that more and more people are saying you’re talking quite loudly, but you didn’t even realize? That could be a sign of hearing loss, especially if no one really said anything like this to you before. Or alternatively, you think you’re speaking at a normal volume, but everyone’s suddenly telling you that you’re being really quiet. Both of these things can, in fact, be a sign of hearing loss. And when it comes to difficulties in general conversation, a trip to the audio doctor is the next best thing to plan. After all, you could be in need of hearing aids. And if you do, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of different styles and options to suit your ears, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Plus, your audiologist will be there to walk you through choosing a set that’s right for you.

You’ve Stopped Noticing Background Noise:

It’s hard to notice when you’re not noticing something – that’s why it’s called ‘background noise’. But if you’re never noticing when there’s some sound going on around you, it could be another sign you’re dealing with a form of hearing loss. Maybe cafes aren’t as loud as they used to be, as you haven’t really heard much chatter going on around you? And what about when you’re on the bus to work – does the sound of the bus sound as loud as it used to? The next time you get the chance, focus on the background and see what you’re picking up.

Hearing loss can creep up on you, and it can happen at any age. Pay attention to signs like these to prevent the problem from getting worse!

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Feb20

5 Technologies That Can Improve Your Health

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5 Technologies That Can Improve Your Health

There’s no doubt that technology is making our lives easier – but the right tools can also make us healthier! If your priority is to look after your health, form better habits, and improve your living space, some technologies can make it easier to improve your well being and prevent future health problems. In this guide, we’ll look at a few investments worth making this year. Let’s dive in:

Wearables:

Wearable devices like smartwatches play a key role in helping you take better charge of your health. They can help you track essential indicators such as step counts, heart rate, stress levels, sleep quality, and more. Some specific devices, such as wearable alarms, can also improve safety levels among older people and those with mobility limitations. Make sure to find the best model for your needs and consult a doctor to understand how to best use your wearable technology to support your health.

Smart Home Technology:

Smart home devices can create a healthier home that fosters healthy habits. As well as adding convenience to everyday life, these technologies can help you control temperature, lighting, air quality, and safety features. Some investments worth making for your health and well being include:

  • Air Purifiers: Improve indoor air quality, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory issues.
  • Smart Thermostats: Maintain temperatures for better sleep quality and overall comfort.
  • Smart Lighting: Support healthy sleep cycles and mood regulation.
  • Voice-Activated Assistants: Help with reminders for hydration, exercise, medication, and provide hands-free emergency assistance.
  • Sleep Trackers: Monitor sleep patterns for better sleep health.

AI Hearing Aids:

Did you know that unaddressed hearing loss can lead to significant complications, including an increased risk of dementia? However, deciding to wear hearing aids is not always an easy choice, as it can impact your confidence and comfort. Thankfully, newer models are less noticeable, more efficient, and fully adjustable. For instance, AI hearing aids can adapt to different sound environments, filter out background noise, and even learn your listening preferences, making communication much easier and natural.

Telemedicine Platforms:

Telemedicine has been a game changer for both healthcare providers and patients. Over the past few years, it has contributed to overcoming common barriers to treatment, including long travel distances, childcare or eldercare, busy schedules, and mobility limitations. Telemedicine allows you to consult specialists within your area and beyond from the comfort and privacy of your home. Patient portals can also help in scheduling appointments, getting test results, asking questions to your provider, and repeating prescriptions as directed. Consult your primary healthcare provider to understand what telemedicine systems they offer.

Digital Mental Health Tools:

Last but not least, technology can help in supporting mental health, too. Thanks to guided meditation apps, online therapy platforms, and support from mental health professionals available via chat or video calls, getting support at any stage of life is easier than it has ever been. Be sure to explore the best tools to boost your health and make calculated investments in the technologies that can provide support in the long term.

Improve your life and health with the technology above and you will be sure to notice a huge difference!

Featured Image By: Freepik

Feb17

Small Things That Can Cripple Your Confidence (And How To Overcome Them)

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Small Things That Can Cripple Your Confidence (And How To Overcome Them)

Confidence can be an unpredictable force that either propels us towards great heights or pushes us down into self-doubt and anxiety. We all experience highs and lows. Some unexpected small issues can erode even the most confident person’s sense of assurance. From missing teeth to challenges with speech that seem minor to some can feel like everything to the person experiencing it. In this blog, we will look at some of the common confidence killers, their causes and effects, and how best to overcome them all:

The Smile Struggle – Missing Teeth:

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, making a missing tooth an internalized flaw and source of insecurity in every interaction. Although others might take no notice, those dealing with missing teeth might feel exposed and think it represents neglect or imperfection. But dentistry has quickly advanced with solutions such as a single tooth implant, veneers, and bridges, which can restore your confidence and smile simultaneously.

Words That Waver – Stuttering and Speaking Challenges:

Communication is at the foundation of human interaction, so struggling to express yourself, whether through stuttering or even mild anxiety, can quickly undermine your confidence levels. Worries over judgment only deepen these feelings of discomfort further, making social or professional settings crippling. Speech therapy, support groups, and public speaking practices can work wonders in rebuilding confidence for those feeling held back by their voices.

Posture Problems and Body Language Blunders:

Slouching may not seem significant, but even slight adjustments in your posture can have an enormous effect on how you and others perceive you. Hunched positions often communicate feelings of insecurity or powerlessness, while upright ones show confidence. Fidgeting too frequently or avoiding eye contact can make interactions feel awkward while reinforcing feelings of doubt about yourself. Practicing better posture or altering body language might seem like superficial solutions, yet these techniques could greatly alter how you carry yourself as well as how others respond to you.

Skin Deep Concerns – Acne and Blemishes:

Facial issues such as acne, scars, or prominent blemishes can make anyone self-conscious. Even when people around you do not seem bothered, feelings of inadequacy can persist through social media’s constant emphasis on flawless appearances. To address such concerns requires self-compassion as well as consulting dermatologists or skincare experts in order to feel at ease in your own skin.

The Culprit of Self-Talk:

Sometimes the greatest threats to your confidence don’t originate externally but come from within. From an inner critic who exaggerates every failure, highlighting any perceived shortfall. A critical inner voice can magnify minor insecurities into larger ones that threaten your security and well-being. Cultivating an awareness of negative self-talk while replacing it with affirming messages is important for maintaining your sense of well-being and building your self-esteem.

Confidence doesn’t come from never faltering. It comes from finding courage within to stand tall once more regardless of the challenges. Each step forward shows resilience, proving no insecurity is too powerful!

Featured Image By: Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Feb17

What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

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What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

When people imagine what success in school is, they’ll usually think about things like grades (obviously), test scores, and overall academic achievement, which is all very important. But the truth is, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Kids aren’t going to thrive in school just because they’ve got the right textbooks or a strict routine – they succeed when they feel properly supported, understood, and confident enough to keep trying. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what kids really need to succeed in school:

A Sense Of Safety And Belonging:

Children learn best when they feel really secure, and that means feeling safe in the classroom, accepted by their friends and peers, and supported by teachers who understand them. When kids feel anxious, isolated, or they’re constantly on edge, it’s going to make learning a lot harder, which means a school environment that prioritizes well being as well as academics makes a massive difference and kids will probably do better there.

Encouragement, Not Pressure:

Kids need plenty of motivation, but they also need to be allowed to be human. If they’re under constant pressure to perform, that’s going to make them feel stressed and actually lower their confidence over time. Encouragement is the best thing, and much better than trying to make kids perfect (they won’t be perfect because no one is). Children do best when they’re praised for their efforts and progress and not just the results that come from their work.

Strong Relationships With Adults:

One of the best ways to know a child is going to be successful at school is if they’ve got at least one trusted adult who really believes in them. That might be a teacher, a mentor, learning support, a staff member, or anyone else. The point is, when children feel like they’re understood and supported, they’re more likely to engage, ask questions, and keep going even when things are a bit more challenging. Schools like KIS Reignwood Park tend to place a strong emphasis on nurturing these types of relationships, and that’s going to make the entire learning experience a much better one for everyone.

Learning That Feels Relevant And Engaging:

Children usually succeed when the learning they’re doing feels relevant, which is why a curriculum that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and real engagement is something that’s going to help keep kids interested and motivated. When students feel that school is something they actively play a part in rather than just something they sit through, they’ll get a lot more confident in their abilities and what they can do.

A Home Environment That Values Learning:

Parents don’t have to be teachers, but children are definitely going to benefit from a life that places a high value on learning and being curious about things. That could mean you read together, you talk about your day, and you show an interest in what they’re learning – it all creates a positive idea about school and learning, which is helpful. If kids feel supported at home, they’re going to enjoy school more, and learn more as a result.

Fostering a love for learning and a secure setting can make a big difference in your child’s academic life!

Featured Image By: RDNE Stock project

Feb17

Don’t Trip Up: Business Trip Mistakes To Avoid

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Don’t Trip Up: Business Trip Mistakes To Avoid

A productive business trip requires plenty of planning ahead. Besides thinking about how that important meeting or sales pitch is going to go, you need to consider all of the fundamentals like how you’re getting there, where you’re staying, and what you will pack. Below are just some of the blunders that could trip you up if you’re not careful:

Ignoring your company travel policy:

If you’re the boss, you get to set your own travel policy. But if you’re an employee, it’s possible you may have to stick within a strict budget and potentially stick to certain providers when it comes to hotels, flights or even restaurants. Review any company travel policy rules before you book anything so that you know what your limitations are.

Booking last minute:

Unless it’s an emergency business trip, you should avoid booking accommodations and flights at the last moment. While you can sometimes access last minute deals by booking late, you may be stuck with limited hotel options and awkward flight times. Start looking into this at least a few weeks in advance so that they’re all sorted.

Choosing the wrong type of accommodation:

Not all types of accommodation are going to be fit for your stay. While a hostel could save you money, it might not give you the comfort and privacy you need when preparing for a presentation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you don’t want to overspend on a plush hotel for a visit that may not even be that important. Don’t forget to consider short term rentals – some of these may be better suited to longer stays and they’ll give you more privacy.

Overlooking time zone differences:

It’s easy to forget about time zone differences and end up arriving later than planned. If you’ve got an early morning meeting, make sure that you’re not flying in late at night. If you have to communicate with people back at the office, make sure to also consider the time back home before calling.

Forgoing buffer time:

Consider allowing some ‘buffer time’ within your trip – this is extra time allowed for delays such as cancelled flights, late trains, heavy traffic, or accidentally arriving at the wrong building for a meeting. Arriving early before any business interactions are due and giving yourself plenty of time to get from A to B will allow you to stay relaxed and could avoid any late arrivals to important meetings.

Not packing these items:

There are a few key items that could be useful to bring on your business trip. These include:

  • Portable power bank: Bringing a portable power bank will stop you from running out of battery on your devices if you can’t find an outlet.
  • Portable Wi-Fi router: If connection is spotty and you need to conduct a presentation, a portable router could save the day.
  • Travel adapter plug: When traveling abroad, outlets may be different and will require an adapter.
  • Travel iron: This can help you to keep your clothing crease-free on the go.
  • Backup documents: In case you lose your phone or run out of battery, consider bringing paper copies of flight information, hotel bookings, or business meeting details.
  • Business cards: Useful to have for networking.

Not researching into cultural differences:

Finally, consider that there may be cultural differences – especially if you’re traveling to a different country. This could include different business customs. For example, in Japan, it’s common to use a bow instead of using a handshake and to offer a gift during business meetings. Punctuality attitudes can vary around the world too – in some countries, arriving five minutes early is advised, while in others arriving a half an hour late is not frowned upon.

With these tips, your business trip will go without a hitch!

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Feb16

How To Make Your Career Go Further

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How To Make Your Career Go Further

Making your career go further doesn’t always mean working longer hours or getting louder in meetings. You don’t also suddenly become a thought leader on LinkedIn, because that’s just cringe. But sometimes it’s just about making the smarter moves that stack up and put the odds in your favor without burning yourself out or pretending to love the hustle culture that we all prefer not to involve ourselves in. Careers tend to store when the learning stops, not because you’re not capable, but because industries evolve faster than most job descriptions. New tools are appearing every day, but the expectations are shifting with them. Skills that were impressive five years ago become just fine now and basic knowledge. Staying curious and adding fresh knowledge is one of the easiest ways to stay relevant and employable, and this is why options like an online graduate certificate in public health appeal to professionals who want to level up without putting their lives on pause. Let’s take a look at some other tools to help expand your career:

Education:

Furthering your education is not just about collecting credentials like Pokémon cards. It’s about sharpening how you think. And learning teaches you to solve problems faster and spot patterns sooner. From here, you can make decisions with more confidence in whatever career path you take. Employers pick that up. So do clients, collaborators, and promotion panels. So you don’t need to become the smartest person in the room. You just need to be sharper than you were last year.

Direction:

This is another underrated career booster. Plenty of people work hard, but they tend to drift. Taking time to learn something new can help you to clarify where you’re actually going in your career. Are you aiming for a leadership role? Do you want a career pivot? Are you looking to have more impact, or do you want to make more money? No judgement, it costs a lot to live these days. Education gives you a structured way to explore what’s next rather than panic applying for random roles at midnight. You also have to consider your confidence when you invest in yourself. You show up differently for everybody around you, you speak with moral authority, and you volunteer for projects that you might have dodged before.

Flexibility:

Being able to go with the flow really does matter. Modern careers rarely follow a neat ladder anymore. They zigzag, they pivot. People swap industries, go freelance, step into a hybrid role, or combine skills in unexpected ways. Education that fits around work and life makes it much easier to adapt without blowing everything up. You don’t need to quit your job or disappear for years to move forward. Remember that careers are marathons, not sprints. Big leaps often come from small, consistent upgrades. Progress doesn’t always look flashy, but it does add up to big wins.

If your career is feeling a bit stuck, it’s not time to panic. You don’t need a dramatic reinvention, you just need momentum and intention with it, and a willingness to keep learning. The glow-up will always follow through!

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Feb12

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

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Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

Hi! Love Day is right around the corner! Are you and your significant other ready for it? Johnny and I sure are! For his gift, Johnny requested help paying for a PS5 that his friend sold to him on the way cheap. It was such a great deal and we are having so much fun playing on it! As for my gift, I really didn’t need anything although I had a couple of video games in mind that I would like to try. Then, I saw an ad on Facebook for a Cupid’s Revenge haunted house and decided that I would love that as my gift. It’s a great date that pairs our love of all things horror and haunted attractions with a sentimental twist. I can’t wait to go and tell you all about it! If you are lacking on ideas to spoil your SO with, fear not. Today, we are going to take a look at some last minute gifts that are sure to please. Let’s get to it!

Boo Boxes:

How about gifting a little bit of everything with a Boo Box? Step 1) Find a pretty gift basket or box. Step 2) Fill it with sweet little somethings. It’s as simple as that! You could go the decadent route with boxes of chocolate, hot cocoa mix, and their favorite candies. Perhaps you will go with cozy gifts like new pajamas, a soft blanket, and a pair of slippers. Or, you could go sentimental with framed photos, love notes, and a handmade piece of art of jewelry. No matter what you choose, you cannot lose with a Boo Box and it’s as easy as a trip to TJMaxx!

Date Night:

Now, reservations for your first date night choices might not be doable as we’re getting down to the wire. However, it doesn’t hurt to try or come up with something more unique than a dinner out. A local theater might be doing romance movie screenings. There are sure to be plenty of couples wine and paint nights. You could create your own dinner at a cooking class. Or maybe you will try an activity that’s totally out there like visiting a rage room, going to a glassblowing studio, or taking a road trip to visit different boutiques and cafes that you haven’t been to before. Look for special events at museums, planetariums, restaurants that offer mixology courses, or scentology stores. Even if your date doesn’t fall exactly on Valentine’s Day, you will have a fun plan to look forward to.

Shop Till You Drop:

Sometimes the best gift of all is letting your SO pick out their gift. Johnny and I very much agree to this! Set a shopping budget, fuel up at Starbucks, and visit your partner’s favorite stores. If your selection is a bit picked over from the holiday, improvise. Hit up vintage and antique boutiques, go thrifting, create your own bouquet at a flower shop, or pop into specialty stores for amazing jewelry or bath and body care. If all else fails – online shop till you drop! That is an especially good option if you can’t find the size or color of what you like the best. It will be like a bonus gift when it arrives in the mail. 😀

Pampering, Please:

Spa related gifts are always going to go over well for those who love to pamper! Treat your SO to a new full set at their favorite nail salon. How about some hair treatments and a blowout at their go to hair salon? You could also book massages and facials at your local spa. Remember that even if this isn’t your thing, your partner will love doing it together. A couples massage, pedicures, masks, and wraps are something you can both enjoy and benefit from. Throw caution to the wind and book for two so you can both be primped and pampered for the big day!

Music To My Ears:

If it’s in your budget, why not score some concert tickets if your SO’s favorite is playing nearby? You could also opt for tickets to a play, musical, or orchestra. If not, no biggie! You could purchase some new vinyl records, merch from their favorite musical, or bring the music right to your living room. While their favorite tunes are playing you can cook a delicious meal, make cocktails or chocolate together, or play a new board or video game. Music is definitely one of mine and Johnny’s love languages and there is nothing sweeter than putting on your partner’s favorite song and watching their face light up!

No matter the gift, Valentine’s Day is special because you’re both together. These ideas will only add to the ambiance!

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? What was the best date you have ever been on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb5

How To Plan A Trip That Doesn’t Rely On The Weather

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How To Plan A Trip That Doesn’t Rely On The Weather

Planning a trip that depends on good weather is such an optimistic personality trait. In some locations, it can make sense (like a beach or a desert, for example). But it also falls apart the second the forecast decides to act up, because of course it does. You do all the paper admin you need for your trip, be it visas for another country, renting cars, booking tickets, flights, boats, tours, hotels, and then everything you imagined you’d be doing in your head goes sideways because of the weather (well, the activities at least).

It’s great to make a full vacation schedule but it also is smart to plan for bad weather. Like it or not, it can definitely rain on your parade! What’s the best way to go about this? Keep on reading!

Build the Trip Like it Has Two Lanes:

The simplest way to stay sane is to plan a trip with two lanes: an outdoor lane and an indoor lane. It’s not exactly two fully scheduled itineraries, because that’s exhausting and nobody wants a vacation that feels like project management. See it more as Plan A and Plan B so you have two sets of options that can be swapped depending on the weather.

If you’re going to St. Annes on vacation or just coastal towns in general in the UK (as this is getting more common for tourists outside the UK), then the outdoor stuff could be cliff walks, beach time, visiting gardens, or walking in the cute touristy area. When it comes to indoor-oriented activities, you can check whats on Saint Annes local theater for live shows, look for shops, museums, or tasting sessions at wineries or restaurants.

Choose Indoor Plans that Still Feel Like the Destination:

A few examples were just mentioned above, but maybe you could consider them generic. But it seriously helps to pickout some destinations in advance that are indoor. If you want to visit London or Paris for the first time ever, sure, everyone wants to see the landmarks, but as you know, there’s famous indoor things to do as well. Like in London, there’s the Victoria and Albert museum that so many tourists flock to, and the Louvre in Paris, but they’re indoor activities, and they alone are like a destination. So, try to look around for that too for your upcoming trip. 

You Can’t Let Weather be a Dealbreaker:

You can’t control Mother Nature, and sometimes, you have no choice but to make the most out of the situation. Hopefully it’s not a horrible storm or anything, but just try and have fun anyways. Sure, if you’re camping or hiking during your trip, it can make it significantly less fun, and sometimes even full-on impossible, but for town and city trips at least, you can manage easily. 

Plan ahead for any bad weather during your travels and you will still have an amazing time indoor and out!

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Feb5

V-Day Date Ideas

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V-Day Date Ideas

Howdy! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Are you and your SO ready for it? As per mine and Johnny’s tradition of never giving each other gifts on the day of, we have already gotten that part out of the way. In my defense, this actually wasn’t my idea or consistent pestering this time! Johnny’s friend sold him a PS5 on the cheap and he requested some help on that front for his gift. For my prezzie, I think we are going to go to a Valentine’s Day haunted house and I am really looking forward to that! Of course, we also will be including the first option on this list of V-Day Date Ideas as it is our all time favorite. Let’s discuss:

Middle Class Fancy:

Middle Class Fancy dates are mine and Johnny’s bread and butter and it goes a little something like this: Step 1) Pick out your favorite chain restaurant. An Applebees, Chili’s, Red Lobster, or Olive Garden is top tier. Step 2) Put on your Sunday best. Step 3) Eat and drink like kings. Step 4) Go to a movie afterwards. For our Middle Class Fancy event we will be visiting one of our go to chain restaurants and seeing the new Scream movie. If you are from the Midwest, I am sure you know a thing or two about a Middle Class Fancy night on the town and I can’t wait for our upcoming MCF festivities!

Upper Class Fancy (lol):

If Middle Class Fancy isn’t your thing, perhaps you will go the Upper Class Fancy route instead. Upper Class Fancy is all about the finer things in life. How about starting your date at a chic little cocktail bar followed by a meal at a not chain restaurant. Countless fine dining restaurants will be offering special Valentine’s Day dishes or couples experiences so be sure to investigate your local options. Rather than a movie, you could opt for a night at the theater, a spot of shopping, or an appointment for a couples massage or spa day. Upper Class Fancy dates are the opportunity to spoil each other so don’t be afraid to splurge on your big day out.

Local Events:

If you are stumped for ideas, look local! Maybe your partner is a romance movie connoisseur? There is sure to be a bar or restaurant offering trivia around that theme. Is your boo crafty? Find a workshop for candle making, scentology, or creating beautiful bouquets. A fantastic cook? Learn how to make a brand new dish at a cooking class! Hobby based gifts and dates are always sure to please and also ranks highly in the brownie points department. It shows that you are listening to your main squeeze, care about their interests, and are invested in helping expand them. How sweet is that? ❤

A Night In:

Some people think that a V-Day out is a racket and, honestly, they’re not wrong. Where you go is sure to be crowded, a restaurant might be fully booked, and stores will be completely picked over. To avoid that, bring the date night in. DoorDash your favorite meal and rent a movie that’s in theaters to bypass the hubbub. Make your own wine and paint night with a YouTube tutorial video. Bake and decorate a cake or make chocolates. Craft your own cocktails or do at home spa treatments. No matter where you go, Valentine’s Day is all about enjoying each other’s company and there is no place like home to do so.

Something New:

Tired of the same old? Try something new! If you have exhausted your V-Day date ideas, step outside of your comfort zone. Shake things up with a ballroom dancing class. Go to an escape room or a rage room. Take a note from mine and Johnny’s book and go to a love themed haunted house! Hit up an arcade bar, fly high at a trampoline park, book a hotel for the night and soak in the hot tub or make a splash in the pool. A new experience together offers the element of surprise which makes for a particularly exciting date. Think about the events or activities that your partner has always wanted to try and go for it!

No matter how you spend Valentine’s Day, it will be special because you’re with someone you love. Have so much fun!

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What’s a perfect date night like for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah