We are all wondering about these whimsical summer evenings – 72 degrees some eves’, 62 others.  Does it make it hard to plana little couple-only time away? Not at all! You always deserve a date night, a relationship boost, a refreshing night of something different, unexpected or nostalgic…

While it may not always be warm enough for a hazy dreamy twilight walk and kiss, (at least this summer!) there are some lovely alternatives.  The UofM Showboat Theatre review is raving “a cut above”  for both the production and the acting talents of   ’The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’. What could be more novel than a theatre production on a floating showboat?!  It’s got date potential and will be playing all summer! Check out the other river cruises for their possibilities!

How about a bit of nostalgia?  Try Mini Golf!   The Adventure Gardens Mini Golf has 18 holes of miniature golf surrounded by attractive gardens, landscaping, waterfalls, ponds and streams.  It is located on the west edge of Veteran’s Memorial Park on 64th and Portland.

Perhaps some music outdoors at twilight will beguile you both into a summertime frame of mind?  The Music in the Zoo has tickets for many different July and August events. There is a little something for every musical taste – try the Monkey’s (for anyone who grew up in the 70′s!) to Los Lobos, or BoyzIIMen or HippieFest 2011, or Gaellic Storm! You can’t miss, it’s a guaranteed date night winner!

And if you are looking for a truly unique date, then go no further than Out Of The Box Dates.  You simply must try “Somethin’s Cooking” or “Let the Games Begin!” Check out all our dates, games, love notes or conversation cards. And then write us with your exceptional date experiences – we’d love to hear!

Perhaps it feels a little early for such crisp air, but it’s a chance to embrace the Fall with a romantic road trip.  Consider a fun fresh day-date with a search for tart apples and the beginning blending of fall colors!

Bite into Fall with an apple/leaf road trip!  If you haven’t headed SW of the Twin Cities in a while, take a spontaneous road trip down 169 south. Once  you pass the town of Jordan, just a little further on your right, you will find an amazing sunshine yellow building with multiple signs about apples, candy, and baked goods.

 They even promise 64 kinds of rootbeer and some 70+ kinds of licorice!  Pull in, and you will find 10-15 varieties of apples, which you can sample before you choose your favorite. You’ll find yummy extras from a huge variety of salsa’s to an amazing array of smoked bacon and jerky.  They always have fresh pies, strudel, and a whole room filled with candy, from old fashioned kinds you haven’t seen in years (Turkish Taffy anyone?) to European candies, to current favorites.  It’s a dream day-date guaranteed to make you giddy!

While you are in Jordan, hit a few antique stores - there are 4– one of them in an old brewery.  And maybe try the local meat market, still family owned and famous for it’s ring bologna.

Or maybe you’d like to pick your own apples?

It’s the original date!

Find your closest apple orchard by visiting Minnesota Grown‘s website. They have 108 different apple orchards to choose from!  They also have directories for Fall raspberries, pumpkins, winery’s, and farmer’s markets. Lots of possibilites for Minnesota-grown dates!

So get in the spirit (before leaf-raking time hits!) and make your own unusual date of apple picking, apple tasting and some antiques. Think of it as Couples Fall Therapy!

How to find the perfect romantic gesture!

Sometimes Romance is right under your nose. Look around your hometown. You might be surprised at what you find.  We found several ideas in the Twin Cities to share….

Finding romance, no matter how long you’ve been married, or how long you haven’t been dating, is all about the romantic gesture.  And that gesture can be something as simple as a stroll at sunset on a warm spring evening.

Here are two A+ ideas for some great romantic strolls in your metro backyard.

Top of the list:  The University Avenue Project. It is a six-mile photographic journey!  From May to October, Wing Young Huie’s photographs will transform St. Paul’s University Avenue into a six mile public gallery.  Hundreds of images will be on display in windows and on buildings from the KSTP Tower to the State Capitol.

Wing Young Huie and Tara Simpson Huie

Each night at a Landmark Projection Site, Wing’s images will be shown on 40 foot screens, accompanied by a soundtrack from local musicians. Monthly cabarets will feature live community performances and new media presentations. 

   

This is billed as the Language of Urbanism, but is also a great excuse for the language of love, including walking slowly, holding hands, and having some discussions and experiences you hadn’t considered an hour ago!

  Second on the list has to be a classic:  The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.  It is one of Minnesota’s crown jewels and its centerpiece, the Spoonbridge and Cherry, has become a Minnesota icon. The Sculpture Garden is essentially a free museum in a park.

 

 

How long since you have been there?  Wander freely to your two-hearts content and take in the sculpture, the landscaping, even the mini-arboretum walk-thru.  You will find the pace of life slows, and the pace of your hand-in-hand stroll becomes the best stress-buster you could ever imagine!  Where else can you improve your blood pressure and achieve a romantic gesture all-in-one?!

 

You might as well keep walking, over the Irene Hixton pedestrian bridge, designed by famous sculptor Siah Armajani crossing Hennepin Ave. and dropping you neatly into Loring Park. There you have a choice of 3 or 4 stops to get a bite or have a drink. 

 

 

Try Café Lurcat, Joe’s Garage, or Dunn Brothers Coffee!

  

  

  

  

 A Romantic gesture doesn’t have to be predictable; it can come up on the spur of the moment and be all the more treasured. 

 

Take a stroll and try it! 

 

 

We tend to think of idleness and play as indulgences or distractions from what we should be doing…but low productivity pursuits can have some surprising benefits!

 Any of us can be accused of treating our relationship like a back-burner item.  We have eternal responsibility – demands of work, pay the mortgage, run kids to extracurricular activities – it can keep a person running 24/7.  It feels impossible to “steal time” for pure enjoyment or relaxation.

But studies have shown that downtime and self-renewing enjoyments can help us upgrade our overall levels of happiness and even boost our creativity and mental clarity.  What better ways to increase creativity, clarity, and happiness in your relationship than to spend some time with your spouse that is purely play time?!

Accumulated stress can spill over into all areas of our lives.  “Without renewal,” writes Stephen Covey, author of the famed The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, on his website “the body becomes weak, the mind mechanical, the emotions raw, the spirit insensitive, and the person selfish.”  So how do you bring playtime into everyday life with your spouse?

The act of daydreaming does some interesting things to your brain. There is an arch through the midline of the brain, according to Marcus Raichle, PhD, who published Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showing a cluster of the brain that is affected by “downtime”.  This arch is the “default network” utilizing strong connections with parts of our brain involving decision-making, memories, and content with emotional significance to us. When you daydream, this default network leaps into action and makes sense of the occurrences, actions, feelings, all the bits that make up our crazy days. This heightened “processing” in the arch is the best way to invite ideas and solutions.  It can create the Eureka factor – sudden realization or insights.

So daydreaming, especially with your spouse, can be a fabulous way to relax, have fun, and allow your brain to produce a better brighter you!  Better for the relationship, better for the family, better for the job.

So don’t think of it as “working” on your relationship.  Solve two things at once – playtime with your spouse, and being a happier more creative individual!  Whether it is daydreaming together, taking a walk, or doing something together that is not targeted towards a result – in short, Monkey Business – you will just feel your brain working better after playtime, as well as experience a relaxed and enjoyable relationship moment.

Top 5 Events You Shouldn’t Miss!

1 ~ Spontaneity Skiing  With just a little “thinking cap” effort, you could find yourself with a medal! Surprise your spouse with an unusual outing. 

 It doesn’t really have to be skiing; perhaps you just haven’t gone bowling in years.  Or stretch a little and rent some snowshoes at your county park.  Or suprise him/her with some live theatre tickets. Visit http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/

 2 ~ Bobsledding for Compliments

Go ahead! Just jump on and go for compliments on ice!  How quickly can you tell your significant other all their best qualities?  They won’t even mind a few sharp turns as you warm up and gain momentum, including things they’ve done that made you proud, or what simply makes them special to you!

 3 ~ Cross-Country Communication

 Communication really is a cross-country event. You need stamina, a strong heart, and lots of practice.  Winning at communication with your significant other means daily practice, not just when you might want something!

It is the art of asking questions, as well as the art of listening.  Some couples do well setting aside a private time, just for them. Whether it is morning coffee before breaking out the newspaper, or a glass of wine over dinner, you just need to make a pact that you will continuously practice, and make time for each other.  An evening walk around the block together is good for the heart, and c-c communication!

4 ~ Inspirational Ice Hockey

 Need a little inspiration to make sure you don’t skate past opportunities in your relationship?  If you’ve had that passing thought, “I should have done that” or “I could do that” but you didn’t go for the next step, then take some inspiration from Out of the Box Dates! These ultimate adventures could be your own personal Olympics! Score a 10 with an amazing date…just check out the Shop link next to this blog! Don’t take our word for it – read the Testimonials!  http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/testimonials.php

 5 ~Figure Skating Fun

 What Olympic experience would be complete without figure skating? Swirling couples in perfect unison, they create the picture of Ideal Romance!

Not an idealist? No problem! Most relationships are strengthened through sheer fun!  Ask your spouse what their idea of a fun outing is. You might be surprised! And it might be easier to create some fun than you think! Challenge him/her to a cook-off! Give him/her a punch card with 5 chances to do what they think is most fun as a couple.  You’d be surprised what a $15 nerf gun battle can do to make you think of nothing but each other! Live it up! You both deserve some fun!

Don’t be a bystander, join the Olympics! Create your own events! And go for the GOLD!  

 Send us your best/worst Valentines Day experience!   Submit to

romance@outoftheboxdates.com. Your submission will remain anonymous.

 But we really do have some advice from some Stars….and others…on Valentines Day plans.  For example, Mr. McDreamy (aka Patrick Dempsey)’s recent interview in Reader’s Digest reveals:

Love before jewelry. “I’ve never really believed in Valentine’s Day. You’re anxious about buying the right gift, but it’s really about your heart, not a TV commercial for De Beers diamonds. The best Valentine’s Days are magical and spontaneous and just sort of unfold.”

Read More:  http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/patrick-dempsey-tvs-mcdreamy-offers-his-best-love-advice/article173778.html  

Advice from the Advice Girl 

 Things to do for Valentines Day:  “Whatever you do, remember not to take Valentine’s Day too seriously. Having fun, or just kicking back and relaxing, is way more important than trying to have some perfect romantic night that won’t live up to your expectations anyway.”

 Read More:  http://www.espin.com/advice/totally_random/romantic-things-to-do-for-valentines-day

 Try something completely different! How about a book for Valentines Day? Check out Valentine Delights from Harlequin…. “Accompanied by recipes for decadent chocolate treats, the three stories found in Valentine Delights are sweet, sumptuous, and perhaps even better than chocolate!”

Read More:  http://www.amazon.com/Valentine-Delights-Harlequin-Meryl-Sawyer/dp/0373833245

 My funny Valentine: Here’s some useful romance advice…maybe. 

• Don’t sign that card “Love” unless you really mean it!
• Never guess sizes when buying her fancy underwear!
• Get busy in the boudoir and then fight about money!

Read More:  http://pureromance.com/images/news/pdf/PR_News_Kansas%20City%20Star2-07.pdf

 So – Get It Together! Time To Plot Out Your Strategy! Then Email us your Best/Worst Valentines Day! We really want to know!   romance@outoftheboxdates.com. 

Are you a shoe-in for Santa’s nice list? Maybe it’s time to shake things up a bit. Every relationship could use a little naughty now and again!  No, I don’t mean Tiger naughty. But sometimes you have to practice being playful. Do something unexpected.

For example, those 4 inch shoes you wouldn’t wear on a bet in the real world, can make life fun and interesting in the bedroom! You don’t need to spend a fortune – a quick web search will show you that you can get a little playful diversion for $15.

Next time you have a few minutes – look around for something unusual – not your typical style or look, but perhaps in the safety of your own home you can take the risk! Pearl champagne toe thong? $10!!

Or, look no further than this website! The Passport to Intimacy may be just what Santa would put in your stocking!  You can visit the Grand Can-Yen or the Great Barrier Reef-lexes! Check it out for only $6.99! http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/more-shopping.php#passportintimacy

Take a risk!  And a little cinnamon and spice to your relationship. Try shopping at www.Buycostumes.com   You’ll both enjoy the fun!  And there may even be time before Christmas…or at least New Years Eve!

I do believe there is a secret to keeping your relationship strong. Many of you may doubt this?

 Well, admittedly, there are probably many amazingly unique and great relationships. And undoubtedly they have many similar factors. And you would probably agree they include the ability to:

• Communicate
• Empathize
• Dedicate time to the relationship
• Listen

 But still – there is another truth dangling out there. It is elusive, but there is a secret to a great relationship.

 A tiny little secret.

The SECRET is:  Do a good turn daily. 

 You see? It is tiny, and simple. But sometimes elusive…to remember.   Do something kind for your spouse/significant other, each day. Sometimes it comes easily. Sometimes you may have to work at it. 

 How do you get there? How do you achieve a great relationship using this secret? It can be in the tiniest changes.  Here are a few suggestions on where to look:  

• When you pour yourself coffee, or make a cup of tea or cocoa, make one for him/her too
• When the toilet paper roll finishes, replace it before leaving the bathroom
• If you stop to pick up groceries, get a tiny treat s/he likes
• Do one of the chores you don’t usually do – like collect the trash or hang a picture
• Get your kids in on it – they’ll think of great ideas!

 Take baby steps. Just try it for a week.  Watch for your spouse’s reaction.  It may amaze you! 

Are you the Ultimate Romantic? No gesture is too corny, no whimsy to be denied. You take chances, and are open to ideas from any romance source, real, cinematic, or literary.  You’ll be the one who dangles rose petals to create a boudoir tent in your bedroom, years after the wedding! Or get married on a beach at sunset! You love thoughtful, unusual, and unique touches to express your love. Well, you will adore this entire website – check it out – more romance than even YOU can imagine! Enjoy!

 Romantic Snapshot CHALLENGE ~ Take a mental snapshot of something positive you notice about your love and before you go to bed that night, describe that snapshot in detail to your love.  For example: Today you were standing behind the kitchen counter totally unaware that I was watching you.  You had on your brown sweater.  Your hair was messy in the cutest way.  You were leaning over to help Johnny with his homework.  Your gentleness and beauty made my heart skip a beat. 

Are you the Sincere Romantic? You are comfortable with romantic gestures; you use them thoughtfully. Your love is enormous, and you never forget a special day.  But perhaps life gets in the way from time to time? Or perhaps you rely on the tried and true romantic expressions?  You are also the type of romantic who will find nirvana with Out of the Box Dates. The creative dates will bounce you out of the ordinary, and you can thoughtfully select the best match for your extra romantic gesture!

Panoramic CHALLENGE ~ Widen your lens, as you look for something to do for your partner in a decidedly un-standard way.  You could ask him/her what their favorite date from your early years was, and recreate it; or if you do love notes from time to time, try a love note puzzle…and leave pieces for him/her to find just to tantalize!

You may consider yourself the Practical Romantic.  After all, the dog has to be walked anyway, why not ask her to join you for a stroll!  Or perhaps romance is breakfast in… the kitchen.  But you made it yourself (from a box of muffins that was about to expire?)  There is nothing wrong with practical romance, especially if you are with another no-nonsense person! But anyone will enjoy a surprise, or an unexpected romantic gesture. And it is very practical if you can find something that takes the work out of it, and has a track record of success! An Out of the Box Date gives you practical access to add a little spice to your relationship!

Capture the Moment CHALLENGE ~ Look for opportunities to be impulsive, not practical.  When you are walking through the kitchen, take your love in your arms and dance even if there is no music playing.  For 2 days, make it your mission to look for such opportunities.  Each time you think of one… act on it!!  Don’t just think about and then go back to the task at hand or watching TV.  Be spontaneous!

There is a type out there that doesn’t get romance. You may go out to dinner, and just talk about problems at work, or the way the dog trainer isn’t helping Rex’s behavior. You may forget anniversaries, and never purchase fresh-cut flowers. ANY relationship needs a little more care and feeding than this! You need someone to tell you exactly what to do, to successfully pull off a romantic gesture. You’re in luck! Out of the Box Dates is perfect for you! Start shopping!!

Picture This CHALLENGE ~ Set the scene for romance for no reason at all.  Light candles, put on soft music, and take 10 minutes just to sit together and hold hands, talking about nothing but special memories together, complimenting one another, dreams, etc.

The truth is, you may be a unique combination of any of the 4 Romantic Pictures. And you may vary between all 4 in the same year!  Clear your mind and take an honest appraisal of your Romantic Profile…by taking the Romance Meter Quiz!  http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/romance-quiz.php  And while you are at it, take a moment to let us know if there is another Romantic profile we have missed – we’d love to hear your story. How do you show your Romantic Side?

Merriam- Webster (aka the dictionary) says the definition of Spontaneity is Voluntary or undetermined action or movement.       Voluntary…Huh.       What if you made the choice to be spontaneous? Voluntarily?

 Spontaneity in a relationship can take just a second. A whisper, An eyelash. And it can produce?

•       An upturned corner of a mouth…
•       A softening of the eye…
•       A kind word – like “lets!” or “thanks”

 Now think about the definition of spontaneous: Proceeding from natural feeling or native tendency without external constraint; and arising from a momentary impulse.

 Consider that momentary impulse – a natural feeling without constraint. Is it the little voice in your head, not spoken, but heard? Buy a mint patty at the cash register just to surprise her/him.

It doesn’t take a lot of investment – just listen to that momentary impulse.  Here’s a few more ideas:

•    Classic – bring home Chinese take-out
•    Unusual – walk in with your iphone on speaker playing “You Light up my Life”
•    Personalize It – What have you heard him/her mention lately?  Maybe something about a rip in a favorite pair of pants – make a run to a seamstress.  Maybe a stressful day, week, and month – pick up some bath salts and run a bath.

And the list goes on:

•    Inventive – leave 15 min early and stop by the library – pick up their favorite genre’s latest release
•    Can’t miss – A favorite quart of ice cream or sorbet
•    Why not – a single flower
•     Love Note – Leave a love note where you know s/he will see it when you aren’t there.  Need help writing a note? Check out our step-by-step guide including a love note suggestion for each of our 12 charming note cards. 

          http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/more-shopping.php#notes

• Whatever s/he wouldn’t expect. Spontaneous is in the eye of the beholder!