Spoonie-Friendly Date Night

It’s the season of romance! Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, sometimes you just need some fresh ideas to jazz up your date nights. I hear you. And if they can be free or cheap, well, even better!

Here are a few ideas to get the love train rollin’ (I’m gagging a little at my own cheesiness)!

Indoor Picnic

_{A wicker picnic basket and white blanket, spread with an assortment of fruits, cheeses, jam jars, and flowers. Photo credit: Unsplash Kateryna Hliznitsova}

Who doesn’t love a picnic? But sometimes the effort of packing everything up, lugging it to a park, setting up, etc., is just too much–not to mention it may not be feasible to get down on the ground or settle in at a picnic table. Besides, who wants to wait for good weather to enjoy a picnic?

To beat all those obstacles, it doesn’t get better than an indoor picnic! You can set it up on the living room floor, make yourself cozy at the table, or take it somewhere new, like a balcony or your bedroom floor. Pack your own foods in a picnic basket or prepare little lunch bags for each of you. For a real splurge, you could even enjoy takeout or order in.

Once or twice, my husband and I have ordered a celiac-safe charcuterie board from a local shop. Then we get cozy on the couch and enjoy a private picnic. It feels like more fun than eating a regular meal at home, and it’s so much easier than getting dressed up and going out.

Host a Mini Campout

_{Three marshmallows on skewers being roasted over a fire. Photo credit: Unsplash Leon Contreras}

Camping is so much fun, but so much work! If you love the idea but can’t spare the energy, why not plan an indoor camping trip–on a small scale?

First, the accommodations. If you have a tent, why not pitch it in your living room? You can pile in pillows, blow up an air mattress, or set yourselves up with sleeping bags. Don’t have a tent? No worries! Hearken back to your childhood and build a blanket fort! If it’s not feasible to sleep on the floor, you can build it right over your regular bed. You can even string up some Christmas lights or fairy lights for extra magic.

Next, the food. The best camping food is cooked over a fire, which presents a bit of a problem with an indoor camping trip. So why not scale the whole thing back just a little bit (this is a small scale camping trip, after all)? Instead of hot dogs roasted over the fire, try cocktail weenies roasted over a pillar candle. Or, for a slightly bigger flame that’s still safe indoors, try something like this portable tabletop bonfire. For s’mores, try roasting mini marshmallows over a little flame, then build your treat with Golden Grahams cereal pieces and chocolate chips. If you need a gluten free option, try mini graham crackers with gluten free mini mallows.

Missing the wildlife and scenery? Try a virtual hike, or play a video with nature vistas as you relax at your “campsite.”

Complete a Challenge Together

_{The author and her husband with exaggerated excited expressions, holding a Conquerors Giza challenge medal with turquoise scarab and pyramids. Photo credit: Livable by Design}

I always had hopes of visiting Egypt, a country I find fascinating. But when I was hit by a third major crash a few years ago, somewhat unexpectedly, I found myself re-evaluating what I might and might not be able to do in the future–and traveling somewhere as far away as Egypt seemed out of the question. As I grappled with what were clearly going to be lifelong limitations, my husband proposed an idea to help me cope: a virtual race through Giza, Egypt.

We started the challenge with me in a wheelchair and using a cane. By the time we completed all 50+ miles several months later, I had recovered somewhat and was able to walk unassisted. And we had logged so many memories and outings together in the meantime!

There are dozens of challenges online. All of them can be completed on foot, bike, wheelchair, or however works best for you. Simply sign up, log your miles, and complete the challenge! Along the way, there are often videos, post cards, or other “sightseeing” opportunities. And many challenges include a medal when you finish.

If you don’t like the idea of a traditional virtual challenge, look for local events near you. For example, our city hosts an event that includes half marathon, 10k, and 4 mile races, and they offer the option of participating virtually. It works just like the online challenges, allowing you to log your miles as you complete them, and even receiving a bib number and medal!

You could complete a virtual race for a cause, such as cancer research or mental health awareness. Sometimes state and national parks host runs as fundraisers for conservation, such as the Bob Ross Happy Little Trees 5k my husband and I hope to complete next spring.

It’s an excuse to get out of the house together, to be as active as you’re able, and to tackle and accomplish something challenging as a couple. I promise it will bring you closer as a result!

Listen to an Audiobook

_{A Caucasian couple sits together on a bed with metal headboard and gray blankets, sharing a book between them with a bright window behind them. Photo credit: Unsplash Toa Heftiba}

In my last date night post, I suggested reading a book together (which I still stand behind). But for an even more versatile activity, why not listen to an audiobook together?

Audiobooks are great for a number of reasons: for one, they’re accessible to almost anyone, including those who are vision-impaired or who may struggle to read printed words for any number of reasons. They’re also easy to use, since you don’t have to hold a physical book or use fine motor skills to turn the pages. But most importantly, they can free you up to do other things!

I have a friend who travels quite a bit with her husband, and they often listen to audiobooks together as they drive. It helps them pass the time, and they love enjoying the story together and discussing it. Maybe you could pair this activity with some of the other ideas listed here: listen as you enjoy your picnic, camp out, or log your miles.

You can listen to any genre of book you choose, from fiction to nonfiction. You could listen to marriage enrichment books together and take some time to discuss what you’re hearing, or enjoy escaping into a romantic story together.

For a great free resource for audiobooks, check out your local library. Apps such as Libby or Hoopla have hundreds of titles to choose from, without costing you a penny.

Plan a Photo Shoot

_{Photo of an antique black Prontor II camera on a wooden surface. Photo credit: Unsplash Annie Spratt}

Here’s the thing: there’s just something fun about getting dressed up and feeling like you look your best. There’s also something about feeling attractive (and attracted to!) your partner. And capturing it all in pictures? It’s just something special!

Hiring a photographer can be expensive, but there’s no reason why you can’t take some amazing pictures right at home. If you don’t own an actual camera, that’s ok too. Most cell phones now have timers, so you can set your phone up and get into position. Or take turns snapping photos of one another.

Of course, you can plan that kind of photo shoot, especially when it’s just the two of you in the privacy of your own home (and have fun with it!). But you can also just take nice couple pictures together, or snap photos of one other looking and feeling at ease in your own environment. Sometimes it’s fun to capture the moments that fill your every day memories.

Play around with different outfits, lighting, settings, and angles. When you live with chronic illness, it’s easy to feel less than attractive and desirable. Sometimes seeing yourself through your significant other’s lens (literally) helps you to view yourself differently, too. Allow them to show you what they see, and enjoy the intimacy of capturing your unique relationship through photos.

What do you think? What other ideas would you add? I’d love to hear yours in the comments!

For a few more, check out my post about flare day-friendly date nights!