Date night.

Say what?!?!

Who the heck has time for date night with all the other things I have going on in my life?  Right?!?!  That’s what you’re thinking, and hey, I hear ya.  I totally get it.  Hello, mother of four awesome kids here plus two great, amazing stepsons.  So trust me when I say I know how hard it is making time to take a shower much less having a date night.  But let’s be honest, though, who doesn’t love being shown how wanted and desired they are?  Personally, I love it.

So let’s talk about why date night is so important, shall we?  Well, one very important aspect to keep a fulfilling and fun relationship is to NEVER stop courting each other.  That’s right.  NEVER stop trying to win the heart and affection of your significant other even though you already have their love.  One great way to do that is by setting aside some special, specific time to reconnect with each other besides the monotonous day to day routine we all seem to settle into.

How can we do that?  Well, if you’re like us and have kids, we tend to spend it once the kids are in bed and the house is quiet.  And sometimes we’re fortunate enough to snag a babysitter and escape for a few hours.

Also, I don’t know about you but we don’t always have extra money to splurge on going out and babysitters so we’ve compiled a list of some free or almost free date night ideas to help get your mojo back with your significant other.

1.  Picnic

It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.  Just throw together some sandwiches or leftovers and head to the park or heck even your backyard.

2.  Pillow Fort

Okay, now, you may be thinking I must be crazy with this one but hear me out.  Yes, pillow forts can be silly and childish I know but believe it or not they are also a lot of fun.  And who better to be silly and childish with than your significant other.  Cut loose and have fun.  That’s what dates are all about anyways aren’t they?

(I don’t have a picture of a pillow fort so because of this I think we’ll be making one this weekend for our date so … yaaaay !!! )

3.  Game Night

This is actually one of my all time favorites. Who wouldn’t love a little competitive round of Uno or Monopoly with the love of your life?  Buying up all the properties and crushing their chances by building your empire.  Hahaha, but seriously let go and have fun.

4.  Movie Night

Netflix and chill, anyone?  Corny, right?  Seriously, though, just imagine cozying up to the love of your life, finding a movie neither of you have seen before, popping some popcorn, and, voila, a perfect night.  And the bonus is … if the movie sucks you can always just make out like a couple of teenagers.

5.  Grocery Store Run

We love to go to the grocery store together.  This is a kill two birds with one stone type of date.  We get to get an errand out of the way and we get to spend quality time together.  How’s the saying go?

Marry someone you can have fun at the grocery store with

We believe this whole heartedly.  Be goofy.  Laugh.  Have fun.  Ride in the cart.  Just enjoy each other.

6.  Dinner Night

This one is actually really nice because its two dates in one.  I love to eat and when I say I love to eat I mean I LOVE to eat.  Bad thing is we almost never have the extra money to go out to the restaurants we like. So we pick a restaurant, look at their menu, pick a meal we think we’ll like, and make an ingredients list based on how we think they made it.  Now the first part of the date is going to the grocery store (see grocery store run date idea). The second part is getting your butts into the kitchen and chop, stir, fry (whatever it may need) and make a delicious meal together you.  Cooking can be intimate and sensual. So grab a bottle of wine and get cooking.

7.  Switch Hobbies

Try something new your significant other values and loves and switching hobbies for a few hours.  Does your love play guitar or sing? Do they read or perhaps make super crafty things?  Wood working?  Fishing? Writing?  Give it a shot.  See why they love it so much, and maybe, if you’re paying attention, you’ll learn a little bit more about them as well.

Let us know what you think.  Comment.  Write us.  Tell us some cheap or almost free date nights you have had that melted your heart.