We’re bringing Date Night back!

I really like my husband.   I wrote about him here.  He’s my favorite person to be around.  But with both of us in constant “parent mode” and giving our kids 110% all of the time, it has left VERY little time for just the two of us.   I am sure we are not the only parents struggling with this one!

Sure, we have our favorite Friday night which consists of getting the kids to bed, having a drink, and settling in to catch up on our mutually-loved DVR’d shows, but that doesn’t really count.

Recently we were talking about the last time we went out just the two of us. It had been 2 1/2 months.  The time before that?  3 months.  So really in the past 6 months, we had been out alone TWO times.  Both of us agreed that has to change!

So we have reinvented a weekly “Date Night.” But not even necessarily a weekly date night, just a date in general.  And it has been REALLY FUN.  If you and your husband are on the same dating track record as us maybe this will inspire you too.

First off, it is not easy and planning requires a little effort.  Finding a couple hours each week to devote to a date is hard. It takes thought beforehand and many times  involves a babysitter = pricey.  We are on a budget, so we are having to get creative on things to do. But, I have to say, that has been one of the most fun parts about it.

One of the things that has inspired lots of new “date” ideas are these local coupon and daily deal sites like Screamin Daily Deals and Plum District.  The local restaurant deals alone are AWESOME.  Plus, they have fun local activities too, some things you would never think of doing.  Take 2 mins today to email subscribe to both – you will love it.

So, here are our “rules” for our new dating game!

1. We alternate weeks choosing what we are going to do and person who chooses plans the date (other person not allowed to pipe in with their $.02)

2. We have to get out of the house and go somewhere for at least 2 hours.

3. One date of the month we can pick to go out to a nicer dinner or spend a little more.  The other three dates we are going to find something inexpensive to do.  Even things like just going down and taking a walk by the beach.  Or grabbing Wahoo’s for dinner.

4. We set a monthly budget for these dates (including babysitting dollars) so the money part doesn’t stress us out.  I have recently found a couple of amazing college babysitters near our house for $10/hour.  So for $20 we can get out for 2 hours.  Not too bad.   I even think it would be cool to find some nearby families to “trade” babysitting time with if you are watching your budget too.  Luckily my parents live close by so we don’t have to use a babysitter every time. This helps tremendously.

5. We are not allowed to talk about problems on our date.  The whole point is to have fun.

In a really fun way since we have started “dating” again {sounds so hilarious to me} it sort of reminds me of our pre-kid life when we used to go out all the time.  Not that I would ever want that life back, but it is fun to get a glimpse of it and just spend time focusing on each other and having fun.

Plus, one week when it is my time to plan I might even get to drag him into a ballroom dance lesson and he can’t complain!!!  Hee hee…

Do you do a regular date night with your husband? Where are your favorite places to go here in OC?

And, are you interested in hearing about some of our dates?   I will do some posts on some of our ideas.  Only if you promise you won’t think we are the cheapest couple ever!

Here’s to bringing date night back mamas! I highly suggest it…

{Disclosure: Tiny Oranges is a part of the Screamin Daily Deals and Plum District affiliate programs}