Capture My Heart

On this date, you and your spouse will battle for each other's heart...literally! Think of it as a twist off the familiar outdoor activity, "Capture the Flag".

You’ll need:
2 nerf guns
2 heart shaped objects
Black clothing
Theme music (Mr. & Mrs. Smith soundtrack, possibly?) Optional.
First, agree on a reward for the winner be it a massage, a certain meal, a household chore, etc.
Then, get yourself into battle mode as you both split up to hide your heart-shaped objects. Sneak around the house so your spouse won't suspect where you've hidden it. Have a starting point for each of you on opposite sides of the house and yell when you're ready to play.
The goal is to find the heart-shaped object they've hidden before they find yours. If you get hit with the nerf gun, you’re down for 30 seconds. So, duck and cover and sneak around as much as possible.

Or if you want to do a little harder version, just switch the nerf guns for actual paintball ones. And of course you will have to be in a field! Duh!

May the best man or woman win!

Body Shop

Stick a little "maintenance notice" in his car as early as you'd like prior to this date night. (could be the same day or a few days prior).

In preparation for the date,

- Wear some jean or khaki overalls...or anything that looks "auto shop technician-y"
- smudge some grease (mascara works great) on your cheek
- wear your hair up in a loose raggy ponytail (if applicable)
- brush up on your "car talk" and just spout stuff off like you know what you're talking about (this is useful during the "inspection" portion of the night)
- Gather some Gadgets: clipboard, tire pressure gauge, flashlight, a shop rag, (anything that could be useful during your "inspection")
- Put up some door plaques on your bathroom/bedroom doors. You may have to
change the inspection garage and maintenance shop mid-date if you're using your bedroom as both of these).

When it comes time for the date, welcome your customer to your Body Shop and invite him to "drive his vehicle into the inspection garage". You'll then explain that you, an experienced technician, will do a comprehensive inspection to identify any problems with his vehicle.

This is where you get creative. Use your gadgets (examples above) to measure, inspect, and do whatever the heck you want to do. You can make him stand a certain way, make him flex his muscles for you to measure, etc etc. (sounds corny, but seriously...this can be hilariously fun). Take notes on your clipboard during the inspection, without letting him see.

Then, when the inspection phase is through, prepare your invoice. This is where you want to write the "good stuff" using sexy connotations of auto shop lingo. (My example is boring, so don't copy it!!) Get creative!

Then give him the invoice and have him sign and date the bottom. (Put this in a secret scrapbook...you'll laugh about it years from now!)

The rest doesn't require much help from me.

Maintenance Shop comes next... (have him leave and re-enter if you need just for the effect) and then do your thing. After, the Car Wash (showering or bathing together...) is the perfect conclusion!

Chinese Dinner Date Night

Here's what you'll need:

• 
  
  Chopsticks (see if you can snag 2 sets from a take-out place nearby)
• Take-out Boxes (you can usually find these around $1.00 at craft stores)
• Oriental Music - I just played some sample clips from Amazon
• A Karate Movie ( if you don't want or can't find music)
• Red, Gold and Black accents (decor)
• Chinese Food for dinner
• Fortune Cookies (real or paper)

Optional:
- You can also look for Oriental clothing (I found the hats below at iParty).
-I saw slippers which matched the hats at Target for $2.50 a pair.

After Dinner:

Have a fortune cookie(s) in a take-out box (I would have one real one to eat, and then a paper fortune cookie with your own fortune in it..)

Ideas for fortunes:
"Tonight will be a lucky night for you..."
"A secret admirer will soon send you a sign of affection."
"The time to make love is now..."

Court Is In Session

Prepare a court summons. Give it to him in an envelope (that looks like it really came in the mail) JUST as he's leaving the house for the day. You don't want him to open it at home.

As he was walking out the door, I said, "Oh, hey--this came in the mail for you yesterday. Looked important so I didn't open it.")

2. Read the script to know how it's all gonna go down.

After you put the hand cuffs on him rip off your judge jacket and have a sexy cop outfit on

Pizzeria

On your next date night, open a pizzeria together at your place! You'll be the chefs, creating your own pizza masterpieces. This can be done while the kids eat mac&cheese in front of a movie. You have to eat dinner, too... might as well make a date of it!

Here's what you'll need:

• Pizza kits (pre-made dough and ingredients)
• Pizzeria Style drinks (Coke or homemade Itailain soda or a milkshake.)
• Chef's Hats & Aprons (optional, but fun!)
• Red and white checkered tablecloth
• Paper plates/napkins
• A sign on your wall or table identifying it as your pizzera
• Mints (I don't think I've ever left a pizzeria without being offered a mint)

The Love Doctor

Everyone needs a little checkup now and then...and love is the best doctor! Here's a few ideas to help your sweetie's visit to the LOVE doctor go smoothly!

1. Get a nurse outfit. I found mine on ebay for about $15 (but there are plenty of websites where you can find them. Trust me--it's worth every dime!) Make sure it comes with a hat! And, throw on some inexpensive fishnets/stockings and heels...

If possible, try to round up a hospital gown or get something as close to it as possible for your "patient" to wear as they patiently wait for the nurse to enter the room.

3. Download and print this "invitation" that I made and give to your sweetie the morning of the day/night you plan to do the date. They'll be thinking about it ALL day--guaranteed!

Fill in his name on top, check the appropriate boxes, and the bottom line you can write whatever you want....be creative!)

4. Take all the blankets off your bed and put only white sheets on it with white pillow cases. (Make your bed/room look as hospital-like as possible!)

5. On the bed or next to it, place a metal tray (a cookie sheet would even do the trick) with medical supplies on it--use supplies that could be used as props for your "roleplay" (i.e. tongue depressor/popsicle stick, stethoscope, thermomater, mini-hammer for testing reflexes, etc.) If you don't have any of these things around the house, go to the dollar store and get a kid's toy medical set....corny? He won't care.

6. Cover an old prescription bottle with this label. Fill with breath mints, red hots, or his favorite small candy. After diagnosing his condition, give him the prescription bottle. (preferably before things heat up...)

I'll leave the rest to you...after all, you know best what he will like. Be creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to really play the part. I'm sure he'll repay you with the proper sentiments.

Gone Camping...

So you're not a big fan of camping out...or maybe you are, but it's just not a good time to leave the kids home while you and your spouse take time for yourselves to get acquainted with nature (in more ways than one!) Or, maybe it's winter and frostbite isn't your thing... Put all your excuses aside...camping out at home is sure to be a night you won't forget!

Here's what you'll need:

• The invitation---to give him a little tease (I gave him this the morning of...)

Glow in the dark stars (buy at any party store, $ store, walmart, online) and sticky puddy to put them on the ceiling. {Make sure the stars have been exposed to light for a while before turning off the light!}

A tent (if you don't have one, borrow one, or make your own tent-like fort with blankets!)

Lots of blankets, pillows for inside tent

Finger foods (hot dog, hamburger, chips--or BBQ something outside and bring it in to the tent or make a foil dinners in the oven)

Plants from around the house (mine are all fake!)

Nature Music

Games (deck of cards or anything easy game you like to play together)

Flashlights

Cook s'mores over the stove

HAPPY CAMPING!

Wild Wild West

Wild West Invations

Just tea stain some paper, run it through the printer for the invite(the one above was used for a birthday party) Then burn the edges to give it an old feel

Wild West Outfit

Cowboy hats, Bandanas, Toy guns in a gun holder, some boots and over sized mustaches

Wild West Shooting Range

What's the Wild West without a little gun action? {Rubberband gun action, that is.} I covered pop cans with scrapbook paper and labels I made. Just ink around the edges to give it a dirtier look. Here's a color version for you to get a better idea.

Using a rubberband gun or your fingers, shoot rubberbands at pop cans you've set up as targets. Establish how many shots/rubberbands each of you get and the reward for winning or losing (perhaps a back rub or dish-duty)

Wild West Saloon

Serve Sasparillas/IBC (bottled root beer) and greasy appetizers (we had grilled tortillas, mozzarella sticks, and chips & salsa with IBC rootbeer).

If poker isn't your thing play Wild West Glodfish. Just change the picture on the poker chip to match the theme. "Do you have a cow porker?" "No, Goldfish" "Do you have a lasso?"

Other:  Cowboy boots, Horse, Saddle, Bull, Cowboy Hat...etc

Wild West Theatre

This is optional, if you wanted to watch an old classic western flick or maybe Will Smith's "Wild Wild West" (this doesn't mean I recommend this movie....just a suggestion).

*Spice it Up*

Go to the bathroom while he's finishing his sasparilla and appetizers. Come out with a badge on acting as the town "sheriff". Place him in handcuffs (dollar store plastic cuffs work great!) and tell him he's going to jail for flirting with a married lady! You decide the punishment.



Wild West Poker

Write on the back of your homemade "chips" certain wagers (each of you will have a set that is identical) So, there are 2 of each chip: (5 min. back rub, diaper duty for one weekend, etc.) Then, when you are betting your hand, you'll know what you could get…or what you could lose if you lose the hand!

The Melting Pot

The Idea: Make your own Melting Pot Restaurant. Eating there is very expensive. When recreating at home, it can be done very cheaply!

The Details

Invitation:

"I'm so "fondue" of you...join me this evening for a romantic fondue for two."
"You make me melt...join me this evening for a romantic fondue for two."
"If your love for me is true, then join me for fondue..."

Supplies:

• 2-3 fondue pots (or mini-crockpots) - (borrow from friends...OR ask a newlywed couple, they surely got 5 for their wedding)
• A nice table setting complete with candlelight (I'm talking cloth napkins, a table cloth, wine glasses, etc.)

Food:

I like to have three options, but you can simplify or expand depending on your preference. There are SO many different recipes. I'll leave that up to you. Google it.

Oil/Broth Fondue - Dipping foods: meatballs, prepare cubed meats, shrimp, scallops, vegetables, potato chunks, mozzarella sticks, (cocktail, horseradish and teriyaki sauces for dipping).

Cheese Fondue - Dipping foods: cubed french/italian bread, florets of broccoli and cauliflower, bite-sized cooked chicken, bite-size cooked ham, roasted potatoes

Chocolate Fondue - Dipping foods: strawberries, bananas, peaches, pineapple, mango, apples, cherries, angel food cake, pound cake, cheesecake, cookies, marshmallows, pretzels{for my chocolate fondue, I like to melt milk chocolate chips with some vegetable oil (1-2 tablespoons) to get to the consistency I like. really easy.}

Romance Helps:

 

Feed Each Other - (with the skewer, your fingers...or, your mouth...) ooh..this could get a little seductive!

Take turns blindfolding each other while feeding each other... Create suspense when possible

Bowling YAY!!

When was the last the two of you hit up the bowling alley...alone?

Of course, this next time won't just be regular old bowling...as you know, adding twists to everything is right up my alley. Here are a few ideas you should try the next time you bowl together:

Before the game, each of you write down your guess of what your score will be (This keeps it fair in case one is a better bowler.) On the back of your score card, each of you will write what you will give the other as a reward for winning. Then, put the card somewhere safe (where neither of you can change your guesses). After the game, write down your actual score and figure the difference. Whoever wins gets to claim their prize (written on the back of the other's score card).

• Assign a romantic value to each strike and spare. You could make each strike worth a kiss to be redeemed right then. Each spare could be worth a hug. Make sure you keep score! If either of you are good, this could be a very PDA-filled game of bowling...but WHO CARES!

• Empty a small bag of Skittles or M&Ms into a cup or bowl. Assign different styles of bowling to the different candy colors and then have each person pick a piece of candy at the start of their turn to determine how they will bowl that round.

Examples for different styles include:

"Granny Style" (holding the ball with both hands)

Bowling backwards between your legs

Placing the ball on the ground and pushing it with your foot (don't kick it...)

Bowling with your opposite hand

Using a children's ball guide if available (not to be confused with alley bumpers)

Having your turn bowled by your spouse

Bowl normally

This helps level the playing field and decreases the level of seriousness of the competition..especially when one of you may be better than the other!

• Instead of entering your actual names for scoring, make up cute/silly/dorky nicknames for each other. Don't forget to enjoy a snack and hit the arcade for a game or two before heading home!

Booty Camp

Okay, girls....this will be a fun one. Whether you have military roots or not, enrolling your men in Booty Camp will be the best thing you could ever do to him! I've put a lot of thought into this...hope you enjoy!

First things first. You need a few things:

Green/brown balloons (2 or 3)

Plastic army guys

Clipboard
Dog-tag necklace (real or homemade)
Cardtable or any kind of little table

Downloads from this post
Camoflage scrapbook paper/gift wrap, etc. Optional

"I Want You" for Booty Camp (like the uncle sam poster) Optional

Camouflage apparel/lingerie for you and him - *MUST HAVE*

Something like this is what I have in mind.... (search ebay)

1. Invitation/Draft: First, you'll want to give him this invitation in an envelope marked CLASSIFIED. TOP SECRET

2. Military Apparel: Next, you need to round up some camo gear for BOTH of you. When he gets home, have his camo attire (boxers, tshirt, whatever you can find) by the door, with a note that says,

"Soldier, report to your barracks to change out of your civilian attire into this Booty Camp issued uniform. Then, report promptly to the enlistment desk."
Have arrows pointing from the bathroom/bedroom (er, barracks) to where the enlistment desk is at (where you'll be waiting for him).

3. Enlistment Desk: Third, you need to have your "Enlistment Desk" set up. I suggest a cardtable with camo wrapping paper on it (or the closest thing to it). Have some green and brown balloons taped to it and maybe a poster on a mini easle which says "I WANT YOU...for Booty Camp" (like the Uncle Sam ones...you could even take a pic of yourself pointing like Sam does). You also need to have a dog-tag necklace for him to wear. (You can order these online for cheap from army surplus stores) or make your own with string and two cutouts from grey cardstock. Make sure there are 2 tags (you'll see why as you read on...) AND, you'll want to have him sign the Booty Camp Waiver Form

4. Mess Hall: If he hasn't already eaten dinner, provide him some military mush in the mess hall (kitchen) Plop some mashed potatoes and gravy onto a plate (or tray if you have it) along with a slab of meat. If he has eaten already…then you can forgo this part of the night.

5. Script & Missions: After he's been "enlisted" at the desk and has eaten his mush in the mess hall, you'll want to have him "line up" and stand at attention while you pace back and forth giving instructions with your clipboard in hand. (This way you can use the script!)

You'll want these instructions for Mission #4:

Mine Mission Instructions

Cut out 16 circles from paper (camo would be nice) and place them on the floor (4 rows of 4) These are the "mines".

For the mission, you will have him start with row one. You ask the 1st question out loud, and he will have his choice of 4 answers (which will be on each of the mines.

He will step on the anwser he thinks is correct. If he's right, he progresses to the next row/ question. If he's wrong, you'll tell him that he has stepped on a mine and has lost a limb. And have to be punished. What ever you chosse. he he loses a leg make him stand on just one for ten seconds or if he loses a arm have him do 1 arm push ups. Then, he'll have to choose again

Here are some examples of questions and answers.

Row One: Where does your Sergeant's fantasy take place?

beach, desert, underwater, hot tub, luxury hotel

Row Two: What is the Sergeant's favorite type of jewelry?

perals, diamonds, plastic, gold, silver

Row Three: If the Sergeant could ever leave base, where would she want to travel most?

Europe, Caribbean, Hawaii, Australia, Alaska

Row Four: What does the Sergeant like most about her favorite soldier?

eyes, muscles, hair, smile, humor

Make up questions and answers that best fits you.

When he's completed all the rows, he can progress to the next mission.

7. Booty Call: After all his missions are completed and he's wiped out (ya, right) then you need to announce. "Soldier, your missions are over. Congratulations at successfully completing Booty Camp. You will now receive the highest rank, the Booty Call. Please follow me…"

The rest is up to you!

Zoo For Two

So, I thought about doing a post about how to make a lil' romance while walking around the zoo.

Here are the elements you'll need for your Zoo:

Admission Tickets & Bracelet - Tie the tickets to the bracelet and give it to your hunny. The ticket is just a little card with the following invite on it.

"Join me for a fun-filled afternoon adventure at (your local) Zoo"

Your hunny then removes the tag and can wear the bracelet

One the ride to the zoo, freshen up on your zoo animal knowlege

This would be fun if you have kids to quiz then on the ride home after the zoo.

Snack Stand - No zoo is complete without snacks!

While walking around the zoo bust out some zoo themed snacks

Zoo-themed snacksZebra cakes

Peanuts (to feed those elephants)Zoo Animal Crackers
Cowtails Candy
Gummy Worms
Any foods you may see at zoos (not necessarily "zoo-themed")

The Dating Game

When you find your relationship getting stuck in a rut, surprise your spouse with a new you...well, three new yous! You're both sure to get a laugh out of this dinner date based on TV's "The Dating Game" where a bachelorette would question three bachelors who were hidden from her view. At the end of the questioning period, she would choose one to go out on a date with.

To create a little anticipation, you can either give a card like the one below to your spouse or email it to them at work or school as a hint that Date Night is going to be fun tonight!

Choose who your three bachelor or bachelorettes are going to be (based on generic personalities...however stereotypical they may be). Once decided, dinner will correspond to the selected person. Be sure that you have three dinner options ready based on your spouse's pick! The possibilities are endless. Here are some examples:

Bachelor/Bachelorette Personality	Dinner
Barbie (stereotypical "valley girl")	Burger and Fries
Foreign National	Cultural Food: Italian, Chinese, Indian, etc.
Redneck	Hotdogs
Cowboy/Cowgirl	BBQ & Baked Beans
Animal Lover	Vegetarian food
School Teacher	Bagged Lunch

At the start of your date, have your spouse sit down while you act as the announcer for the game show. Explain the rules to them. Give him or her the list of questions and a notepad (just in case notes are helpful). Then, announce the name of the bachelors or bachelorettes and where they are from. Then, hide yourself and have your spouse start the questioning while you act the part of three different personalities. (Change your voice to help with the allusion. Remember, as much as you'd like to ham up these characters, make sure they all have appealing characteristics. If your spouse decides against all three, then you've got a problem!)

Your job is easy. You'll basically have a script written for each question asked to each of the bachelor or bachelorettes. For example, when your spouse asks, "What is your idea of a perfect date?" you'll respond with a different answer for each:

Bachelorette #1 (Cowgirl): "I'd take me and my cowboy to the rodeo. Yee-haw!"
Bachelorette #2 (Teacher): "Prom! I'm chaperoning, but that doesn't mean I can't dance!"
Bachelorette #3 (Barbie): "Umm...I'd, like, go shopping or like, get pedicures together."

Example Questions:

If we were marooned on a desert island, what would be the first thing you'd do and why?

If you could go on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Your house is on fire, what do you grab as you run out?

What color best describes your personality and why?

What do you wish you could change about yourself ?

You are driving and get lost, what do you do and how do you handle it?

If you were going to be famous for one thing, what would it be?

What is your idea of a perfect date?

You can Google "dating game questions" for ideas on more creative questions.

Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get this show on the road!