Pages

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Football Time!!
freedigitalphotos.net
Do you enjoy watching the Packers? Love putting on your cheese-head and cheering GO PACK GO?Why not take a trip up to Lambeau Field? You can take a tour of the field or if you feel like really getting into the football spirit you can purchase a ticket. Remember, if you go any later than November it is going to be cold, so cuddle tight with you loved one!

Relationship Reconnection:  Drink a cup of hot chocolate and have a hot dog together. After the game is over, talk about ways you have cheered each other on through the years.  Encouragement strengthens marriages and remembering these times of support can help you reconnect. 



Baking with Children

Fall is in the air. How about try your hand at some fall baking?  What's not to love about the smells of pumpkin and spices? Bake up something sweet together and then share the treat.  If you need some inspiration, cruise Pinterest together for a mouthwatering recipe. 

Relationship Reconnection: While you're baking up some sweet treats, do a little flirting, touching, and cuddling.  A little physical sweetness can go a long way in sparking that flame and reconnecting.




Leave it to Chance

The Penny Date!  Get in your car and choose right and left to mean heads and tails.  Have your spouse choose a number between 10 and 20.  Whatever number they choose is how many times you will flip the coin.  Take turns flipping the coin to choose whether you make a right or left turn.  When you finally flip the coin the amount of times you chose, STOP.  Wherever you end up, have your date there!  This date can be adventurous and fun, enjoy every second! 
freedigitalphotos.net

Relationship Reconnection: On your drive talk about what your strengths are as a couple and what your weaknesses may be.  Share with each other how you think you can change your weaknesses into strengths.



Play Dough

Sometimes it’s fun to feel like a carefree kid; wind in your hair, dirt on your clothes and a smile on your face. But how many of us have a time machine? A good way to feel like a kid again is by playing with play dough. Many childhood memories were created with our hands, either in paint, dirt or toys. You can pick up a few tubs of play dough at your Dollar Store or if you really like the name brand you can go to other retail stores. You can each pick out a color and just make what ever comes to mind. Enjoy the time to get creative.

Relationship Reconnection:
Ask your spouse these three questions about their childhood, and answer them yourself:
What was your favorite childhood toy?
What is a fun memory you have with your family as a child?
How can we create fun memories for our children?
Make sure not to worry about the mess or washing your hands. Just enjoy the date with your spouse and learn more about them.




Let’s Eat Meat!

freedigitalphotos.net
If you willing or able to spend some extra money on dinner, check out Carnevor. It is one of Milwaukee’s most famous fine dining destinations. They are consistently topping year-end “Best Of” lists, Carnevor has been lauded for its variety of culinary tastes – from their luscious barrel-cut beef to mouthwatering New York Strips and bone-in fillets. The service is always wonderful! 

Check out more at:
Phone: 414-223-2200
Address: 724 N Milwaukee ST, Milwaukee
Website: www.carnevor.com

Relationship Reconnection:
The power of positive thinking is important in relationships too.  We cannot rely on our relationships to make us happy and positive, but being happy and positive can improve our relationships.  Take time to talk about all the good/positive things in your life and relationship.  Being positive helps you look at things optimistically and gives you the fuel required to overcome challenges.  These are both important reasons to be positive and think positive in and about your relationship. This is a great way to reconnect.




Custard

freedigitalphotos.net
One of the famous Custard places to go in Milwaukee is Kopp’s Frozen Custard. They always have chocolate and vanilla, but then during the month they have a different flavor every day. This is one of those places that is fun to visit because it’s going to work you out of your normal routine with the flavor changes! You might try something new and end up loving it! What is something you want to emulate that your parents, grandparents, or other married role models did for their spouses? Do you want to say "I love you" more, or write a love note every week for example? 

Find out more at:
Phone: 262-789-9490
Address: 18880 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield
Website: www.kopps.com

Relationship Reconnection:
While enjoying your homemade ice cream take the time to learn what made a happy home in your memories. Taking the time to talk about this can help you learn more about what your spouse might have expected from a marriage so that the two of you can work together to create a new home that makes both of you happy.





City Tour

Take a tour into Milwaukee’s famous attractions and history. You may already know about some of the sites, but maybe you will learn something new. Each tour includes cheese samples at a local creamery.


Relationship Reconnection: Be affectionate. According to Dr. John Gottman, "You can show affection in low-key, subtle ways simply through quiet acts of tenderness: touching or holding hands". Movies are such a great time to do just that. So, cuddle up and enjoy one another's company.  A movie in the park may just be what you need to reconnect.




Fondue

Any chocolate lovers out there? I personally love any reason that allows me to indulge in my chocolate addiction!
There may be some weeks that date night seems virtually impossible and time seems to be granted to everything except for you and your spouse. These weeks are hard and often associated with stress, but if you are willing to find the time, it will present itself. This is a date night for one of those crazy weeks where it seems like nothing will go right and time is against you!
freedigitalphotos.net
If you don't have a fondue fountain, don't worry, that just makes it fancy and a little harder to clean up, a bowl will work just fine :) For this date night, all it takes is a simple quick trip to the store for some melting chocolate in the flavor that you desire, and some little snacks for the dipping! Once you have all of this ready, it takes almost no time to melt the chocolate, prep the snacks, and be on your way to a relaxing, chocolate-dipping filled night!

Relationship Reconnection: One of my favorite things to do when I get some downtime with my spouse it to just talk and see where the conversation leads us, and this date night provides the opportune time to do that. Get the fondue all melted and ready and start snacking together, and then just start talking, either about your week or something that happened that day. Just get the juices flowing and see where the conversation leads. I have found that it is times like these that we come back to evaluating our goals and where we see ourselves now and later and how to get there. It can be very rewarding to just talk and listen to our spouse, to help them feel appreciated especially when things seem like they won't slow down and wait for us!



Get Active

Walks are not only good for the body physically, but they are also great for your mind mentally and emotionally! I don’t know about you, but I have found that going on walks helps me solve the little worries I have and brings everything into perspective. Tonight, why don’t you and your spouse take a walk, either to a predetermined destination, or just wander and let your legs take you where they may! Explore the area around you, and explore each other and what each of you are going through.


Relationship Reconnection: A great conversation topic for this walk would be expressing to each other what it means to you to be a husband or a wife. Oftentimes when we marry we sort of just fall into these new titles without understanding what they mean. No matter how long you have been married, this activity can be uplifting for all! Each of you will find meaning in different things, but be open-minded and really listen to what your spouse has to say; you may learn something new about them! Understanding and working on these amazing titles that we hold as husband and wife can help us appreciate all that our spouses do, and also be motivated to be the best husband or wife we can be!



Craving Seafood?

Seafood lovers shouldn't miss going to the St Paul Fish Company. The seafood served at this restaurant is always fresh and delicious. Having great seafood at reasonable prices is why this is one of the best date restaurants in Milwaukee. 

Relationship Reconnection: While you are there take some time to “nurture your fondness and admiration.” John M. Gottman’s work had helped describe how to do this. Gottman says that fondness and admiration are two of the most important elements in a satisfying and long-term relationship. If these elements are completely missing, the marriage can’t be saved.  Make a list of three or more of your partner’s positive characteristics along with an incident that illustrates each quality. Then read your lists to each other.

For more information:
400 N. Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
(414) 220-8383.




Need a Vacation?

Enjoy a meal at Torcadero. Guests often feel like they are in France instead of Milwaukee when they enter this beautiful restaurant. Guests enjoy all the choices they have on the extensive menu at this restaurant. Having a beautiful outdoor patio and heated indoor patio to enjoy meals on makes this one of the best first date restaurants in Milwaukee. 

freedigitalphotos.net
Relationship Reconnection: While you are there work on “turn toward each other instead of away.” Gottman says that couples that turn toward each other have more in their “emotional bank account.” For instance, romance is leaving an encouraging voicemail for your spouse when you know he’s having a bad day, Gottman says. However, over dinner you can work on listening to your spouse’s bad day.

For more information:
1758 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
 (414) 272-0205. 



Fly a Kite

freedigitalphotos.net
Milwaukee has its own kite store located at the lakefront, where it’s always breezy. It’s usually a hotbed of kite-flying activity around there, so you can watch people with those crazy trick kites, then buy your own and laugh when you can barely get it off the ground. But hey, at least you spent a lovely day at the lakefront. Take turns flying the kite. 

Relationship Reconnection: Work together to keep the kit up in the air.  “Let your partner influence you.” Gottman said that, letting your partner influence you isn’t about having one person hold the reins; it’s about honoring and respecting both people in the relationship. Make decisions together. Choose which kite you want together. Choose where you should fly the kite together, etc.



Tiny Boats

You can now rent kayaks from the Milwaukee Kayak Company and paddle around the city at your own pace. Stop at some of the many restaurants along the Riverwalk with docks and make a day of it. 

Relationship Reconnection: You can work on “overcoming gridlock.” Gottman says that the goal with perpetual problems is for couples to “move from gridlock to dialogue.” What usually underlie gridlock are unfulfilled dreams. “Gridlock is a sign that you have dreams for your life that aren’t being addressed or respected by each other,” Gottman writes. Happy couples believe in the importance of helping each other realize their dreams. Each of you should take turns talking about your dreams. Express your goals that you want to achieve. Do not discredit your spouse’s goals and dreams. Talk about if they are possible to achieve. Talk about how you work together to achieve them.




State Forest

Situated on more than 22,000 acres of glacier created hills, valleys, lakes and woodlands, Kettle Moraine State Forest, has amenities and activities for outdoor lovers of all ages. Abundant camp sites, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and swimming. 

Relationship Reconnection: While hiking you could take a stroll hand in hand, and focus on learning more about your spouse and their personal life.  Ask questions that help you understand their stress level, worries, dreams, and excitement.  

For more information:
W7796 Kettle Moraine Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53190

freedigitalphotos.net



Food Tour

At Milwaukee food tours, you and your spouse can tour the city’s finest culinary stops and sample a wide variety of local food. You can sample: pizza gelato, Mexican s’mores, and more. 

Relationship Reconnection: During your tasting, talk about the things you love to do and why you like them so much. Discuss doing these activities for future dates. Planning them ahead of time will give you something to look forward to and have ideas for what you want to do. This will help you find things to do together that you both will enjoy and have ideas to fall back on when you need them.

For more information:
2419 N. 62nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53213




Would You Rather...

When we think of dates, we usually think about big ideas that tend to cost money. Dates like those are nice, and help to build great memories with your spouse. But what about those weeks where you are seemingly too busy for a date? Play a little game called "Would You Rather." Take a half hour, sit down together and try and answer the following questions. These questions are for fun, a great way to laugh and spending time with each other in a hopefully novel way.

WOULD YOU RATHER…
-Be half your height, or double your weight?
-Fight a horse sized duck, or 100 duck sized horses?
-Live in the world of Harry Potter or Narnia?
-Have a zombie apocalypse or WWIII?
-Be super-fast or super strong?
-Have no internet, or no phone?
-Change the past, or see into the future?
-Be invisible, or fly?
-Lose sense of touch or taste?
-Be able to talk to all animals or be able to speak all languages?

Relationship Reconnection: Life can be hectic and your relationship may be the last thing on your To Do List. However, marriage can be an uphill battle. Research shows that once kids enter the picture, marital satisfaction goes down and continues that pattern until the children leave (at which time marital satisfaction goes back up). You can’t afford to slip away from each other. Even taking an hour a week to just be together can strengthen your marriage, and help fight the odds.




Fruit Carving

This is a great way to have some fun without leaving your house. Grab some fruit or veggies from the kitchen. It can be apples, oranges, mangos, whatever you have and a couples of knives. Watermelon are a great fruit to carve, but they aren’t as readily available. Each of you carve your fruit or veggie into a masterpiece of your own choice and then show each other.

Relationship Reconnection:  Make conversation while you carve away and then enjoy the fruit afterwards. This gives you the opportunity to sit and talk as well as test your artistic skills in carving. Talk about your favorite fruit or veggie and why it’s your favorite. Share stories about foods from your past whether good or bad and learn about each other’s like or dislike of certain foods.

freedigitalphotos.net



All about Pie

Ever get a craving for an amazing pie? Take a drive and go see the Elegant Farmer! They cook their pied in a paper bag. Honestly, the best one is their caramel apple pie. Yes, you can purchase their pies at many local grocery stores, but going out their farm is way more fun. They have a corn maze in the fall, which is fun for the whole family. If you feel like getting two pies, each of you should pick one and then try them both.
freedigitalphotos.net



Apple Picking

Fall is in the air and so it’s time to enjoy the beautiful colored trees before all the leaves fall off. Why not take a Saturday and go pick a few apples? Head on down to Patterson Orchards.  Very close to Milwaukee and yet, you will fell that you are in the country and enjoying a nice little get away from the city life. 

Relationship Reconnection: While you are looking for the very best Honey Crisp to pick, take some time to walk the orchard hand in hand, before your basket get’s too full to carry with one hand. As you are picking apples, ask each other questions about this time of the year. EX: Do you like fall? What is your favorite season? WHY? Remember to listen to your spouse’s full response. Don’t try to respond until they have finished their full sentence. Sometimes we too often like to jump in when someone is talking. Work on becoming a better listener.

For more information:
4607 S 124th St., New Berlin, WI 53151




Pumpkin Patch

freedigitalphotos.net
We are getting closer and closer to Halloween. It’s time to pick out a pumpkin before all of the good ones are taken! Lidners Farm Pumpkin Patch is fun place to take the family or just go with your spouse. They are located at 19065 W Cleveland Ave, New Berlin, WI 53146. It’s close to Milwaukee, so you won’t have to drive too far to get there. They have goats the kids can go and look at. There are hay bail all over you can also get a family picture if you bring you camera and have someone take you picture.

Relationship Reconnection: While you are picking out your pumpkin you can turn it into a game. See you can find the tallest pumpkin or the roundest. The winner gets to choose where you go for a cup of hot cocoa or what ever you would like your prize to be. If you choose to just go with your spouse, enjoy a warm drink like your hot cocoa and sit on a hay bail and cuddle close and just talk. Ask your spouse about their day. What was the most frustrating part? Why was it so frustrating? What could have made it better? What was the best part? Why was it the best? Could it have been any better?




Lighthouse

The North Point Lighthouse is a maritime treasure that has recently been restored to its original early 20th century charm. Located in Lake Park, this lighthouse is one of Milwaukee's most beautiful historical landmarks and is located well off the beaten path. Avoid the crowds at the shores of Lake Michigan while still taking in the beautiful sights on your romantic date. 

Relationship Reconnection: Take some time to hold hands. Give your partner a kiss on the cheek. Enjoy one another’s company and focus on their happiness.

For more information:
Address: 2650 North Wahl Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 332-6754

freedigitalphotos.net



Coach and Carriage

Make a reservation for Milwaukee Coach & Carriage, the most romantic carriage rides in the city. See the beautiful architecture of downtown as you snuggle together for an intimate ride.

Relationship Reconnection: During the winter months, be swept into a winter wonderland with the lights and sights along Wisconsin Avenue.

For more information:
Phone: (414) 272-6873




Bed and Breakfast

If you are looking a getaway but want to stay in town, head to a bed and breakfast. Spend a memorable night or weekend at the Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Spend a restful, romantic night and rise to a sumptuous homemade breakfast. 

Relationship Reconnection: This is the perfect time to enjoy an intimate evening with your spouse.

For more information:
Address: 3209 West Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Phone: (414) 342-3210




Jelly Belly Factory

freedigitalphotos.net
A flying Mr. Jelly Belly. Giant Jelly Belly beans. And an Elvis made entirely of jellybeans. These are just some of the creations you will see at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center. Hop aboard the Jelly Belly Express Train for a warehouse facility tour to learn more about how the candy is made. It also includes plenty of tasting opportunities and a store to further your sugar high. Having been there myself, I would like to warn you that you don’t get to see the Jelly Beans being made, but you do get to try as many as you want and they have the Harry Potter Jellybeans! 

Relationship Reconnection: You can pick different Jellybeans for your spouse to try. I would suggest not going straight for the crazy flavors. Try to give them something that they would enjoy. 




Polar Bear Plunge

I know it seems early to be talking about January, but it’s coming faster than we know it. Milwaukee is famous for the Polar Bear Plunge. Each year on New Year's Day, folks gather at Milwaukee's Bradford Beach to jump into Lake Michigan. (Yes, they strip off their warm winter clothes, in the freezing temperatures, to take a dip ... crazy! ) The proceeds go to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. If you are feeling daring and want to do something crazy with your spouse this year, now is your change!

Relationship Reconnection: While you're out and about in nature, take time to talk about some of the sacrifices you've noticed one another making for your relationship.  Research has shown that perceiving ones partner as making a sacrifice increases trust, which in turn increases commitment to the relationship.  Appreciating each other and the sacrifices made can help you appreciate one another more and help you reconnect.

For more information:




Pumpkin Carving

After you have picked your pumpkin it is time to carve!
Before carving your pumpkins, each of you decides something to carve into each pumpkin.  Do your best at carving what your spouse chose. Try you very best and be excited for what they chose. After each of you is done carving, show each other.

Relationship Reconnection: Be excited for his or her efforts, remember carving is sometimes difficult and not everyone is an artist.

freedigitalphotos.net





ABC Relationship Scavenger Hunt

When there isn’t a night out available in the budget or the possibility of getting a sitter, you can still date your spouse from the convenience of your own home! All you need for this date are:
A few pieces of paper
A writing utensil.
Here’s what you’ll do: starting from the top of the page, write the letters A through Z, one letter for each line, in list form. You’ll then proceed to write down qualities that your spouse possesses that start with each letter. Once you are done, share what you wrote about one another with each other. Some of the letters will be hard to come up with a word or phrase, but be creative! You don’t always have to start off the phrase with the letter you’re on. For example, with the letter “X” you could write, “great eXample” or “always eXcited about life.” Proceed to then explain the quality in detail if more elaboration or explanation is needed, such as providing examples or instances when the quality was seen or put in place.
freedigitalphotos.net

Relationship Reconnection:This activity can be a relationship booster or relationship destroyer, depending on how you handle it. Make sure you are writing down positive qualities that your spouse possesses, looking for the good in each other rather than the bad. No relationship is perfect, and we all have our flaws, but for this activity, look past all of that and try to see the good in your spouse that made you fall in love with them in the first place. They’ll be doing the same for you. 




Living Room Camp Out

Looking for a cheap date or just don’t want to go out? Time to get out the blow up mattress. Blow it up and have a camp out in your living room. Bring out lots of blankets and pillows. Make your favorite dessert. You could each pick a movie that you are interested in watching. While watching your show or shows don’t be afraid to cuddle and get close to one another. 

Relationship Reconnection:Take time to each say one thing you love about the other person’s body. You can even turn out all the lights and use flashlights and camping chairs to make it more like camping. If you find yourselves really enjoying each others company don’t be afraid to kiss one another and who knows where it may lead!




Karaoke Night

For this date you should each take a few minutes to look on YouTube for songs with lyrics that you would like to sing and one song that you each choose for your partner to sing. Pop a bowl of popcorn or bring out a bag of cookies that you can enjoy while you watch each sing your hearts out. 

Relationship Reconnection:Cheer each other on. You can join in and do songs together if you would like. Even pick a song that has two parts if you are feeling adventurous. In between breaks, take some time to talk about each other’s day. Remember to look in your partner’s eyes and really listen to them.

freedigitalphotos.net



Newly Wed Game

How long have you been married? One year? Twenty years? No matter, let’s play a round of the newly wed game. Take turns asking each other’s questions. You can have prizes for each question that you get right. You can do small prizes like starbursts or larger ones like a cookie. You can even make it a competition. Who ever can get the most right earns the choice to have the favorite dessert for dinner. 




Dance Date

Have you ever just wanted to “bust a move” in your own house? Put together a play list with your favorite songs as well as your partner’s favorite songs. Push back the furniture and get ready to dance your hearts out until your feet hurt.
freedigitalphotos.net

Relationship Reconnection: What better way to reconnect then to dance and enjoy the night. Dancing gives you the opportunity to talk with each other as well as rekindle your love through dancing. Something as simple as dancing closely can help reconnect a couple that has started to grow apart.




Watch the Sunrise

There is just something special about getting up early in the quiet of the morning with your spouse to watch the sunrise.  During this peaceful setting you can sit and talk about your dreams and desires for your marriage.  In what ways can you build your friendship? 

Relationship Reconnection: Daydream about places you want to see together.  Just enjoy each other's company. When you are done watching the sunrise come back home and make breakfast together. You can make waffles with fresh strawberries on top. Or what ever your favorite breakfast treat is.

freedigitalphotos.net



Dinner on a Budget

Chick- fil- A is the perfect place to eat when you are looking for quality on a budget! The crispy chicken sandwich and fresh squeezed lemonade are the most popular menu items. Chick-fil-A started out with two missions- "Be America's best quick-service restaurant.”  and "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” They have worked hard to accomplish these missions and are now a leading food service retailer. 

 Relationship Reconnection: If a business didn't have a mission statement or goal- how would they know what to achieve and where to put their focus? A goal can become clouded if it's not written down and referred to often. Just like businesses, married couples should also have a purpose and goals! While you eat or as you wait for your food, write your marriage mission statement. (Bring a notepad and pens or pencils on this date.) What are some main goals you have together? Some general ideas might be to bring joy to each other and other family members, work together in raising children to be upright adults, or travel the world. Write down some things you want to accomplish in your marriage and then specifically how you will do it. Write one sentence that will capture the overall mission for your marriage. As you discuss these things, practice really and truly listening to your spouse when he or she is talking. 

For more information:
Website: http://www.chick-fil-a.com/




Feeling Daring

If you are feeling like you and your partner want a steamy night together here are few things you can do:
Play twister NAKED
Strip Trivia-ask each other steamy questions and have some fun
Naked game night
Massages-you can use lotion or oil

Enjoy the time to get intimate with your spouse. 




Marshmallow War

Make marshmallow guns and have a marshmallow war. Buy some PVC pipe from a hardware store and make your guns. Then have an all out war!  
freedigitalphotos.net


Relationship Reconnection: After you are done, you can make some rice-crispy treats. While you are enjoying your treats ask each other the following questions:
If you didn’t have to worry about making a living, what would you most like to do for the rest of your life?
If we could just drop what we’re doing and go do something fun, what would it be?




Wisconsin Dells

Up for an adventure? Plan a trip to the Wisconsin Dells! You can stay the night, go to the water part, and go out to eat. 

For more information:

Relationship Reconnection: While there you can enjoy some time to reconnect. Talk to each othere about your favorite rides. Why what that ride your favorite? Is there anything else you wish you could do next time you come to the Dells?




Art Museum

Have you ever been to the art museum and a particular piece makes you think of your loved one or a moment that defined your relationship? On Wednesday at the Milwaukee Art Museum admission is free to all Milwaukee County residents. Admission is typically $8, but on Wednesday it’s FREE! All you need is a valid ID to get in. 
Relationship Reconnection: While you are there take a few minutes to each look around by yourselves. Find a painting that makes you think about your spouse. Then take the time to explain why to one another.




Domes

Have you ever had the that feeling on Monday morning where you just want to call in sick to work? Well do it one day and take a trip to the Domes, also known as the Mitchell Park Conservatory. On Monday mornings from 9-11:30 they are free. However if you can’t make it on a Monday morning it is only $5 for Milwaukee County Residents. 

Relationship Reconnection:While you are there, take some time to enjoy one another’s company. Enjoy an intimate conversation. Try to see where each other are coming from. Take turns talking and let the other one finish their complete thought before you start talking again. 

The Domes are located at 524 S. Layton Blvd.



Ice Skating

We all know how cold it can get in winter here in Milwaukee, but if you are willing to brave the cold there is a great place down town to go enjoy some ice-skating. If you already have your own ice skates, it’s free to get on the ice. If you need to rent a pair, it’s only $5.50. Take this time to skate hand in hand. Try something new if you have never gone.

Relationship Reconnection: Help each other learn how skate. Hold hands as you go around the rink, even interlock your fingers. Talk about how you are feeling and if you are scared about being on the ice. 

The rink is located downtown at 920 N. Water St.

freedigitalphotos.net



Baseball

Most everyone enjoys going to a baseball game and eating a good ballpark hot dog. Downtown Milwaukee has a beautiful stadium the Miller Park, which is home to the Milwaukee Brewers. You can usually get tickets for pretty cheap if you don’t mind sitting a little higher up, or you can spend a little more and get pretty close seats.




freedigitalphotos.net

Relationship Reconnection: While at the game you can talk about your favorite foods at the park, or try a different sweet treat together, like a new flavor of dip n’ dots.




State Fair

The Wisconsin State Fair is a big deal around Milwaukee. There are all sort of fun fried foods and rides to go on. This is a state favorite and a summer must do every year. Typically they will have a few specials running and a few deals for families. This could be a fun date that you can take your family to. You can go on a ride and try new foods together. You can find out more each year at: wistatefair.com. 

The state fair is located at: 640 S 84th St, West Allis, WI 53214.




Discovery World

Discovery World is a science and technology center. There are also a few exhibits located within Discovery World. There is: The Reiman Aquarium, Les Paul’s House of Sound, Helen Bader Foundation’s Great Lakes Future, City of Freshwater and Badger Meter Liquid House, and Rockwell Automation Dream Machine. 

Relationship Reconnection:This would be a great place to take the children and enjoy some time walking down the hall together holding hands. Who knows, you may even learn something new. 

For more information:
Discovery World is located at: 500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI. 
Hours and time are located on their website: http://www.discoveryworld.org.




Pizza Night

The Pizza Man has quite a large menu. You can have a date night with just your spouse or you can order family style. They top their pizzas with 100% Wisconsin mozzarella cheese. After you enjoy a pizza go home and put a puzzle together. 
freedigitalphotos.net

Relationship Reconnection: Get excited for each other whenever your spouse connects a piece. Marriage is about encouraging each other to be better. Be happy for one another when  something good happens. 

For more information:
The Pizza Man is located at 2597 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee, WI. 
You can take a look at their menu ahead of time if you would like at: http://www.pizzamanmke.com/#anchor-u1261




Market Adventure

If you are feeling up for a new adventure you should take an evening and go check out the Milwaukee Public Market. They have tons of vendors and things to look at. Give each other a budget. You could keep it small and give each other $10 or go bigger if you want. As you walk around buy something that you think the other will like. 

Relationship Reconnection:After you have both spent your money, talk about why you bought each item and why it made you think of your spouse. Remember to say thank you for every item that they bought for you. 

For more information:
Milwaukee Public Market is located at 400 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI. 
You can check it they have events going on and their hours at: http://www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org/main.html



Zoo Animals

The zoo is such an amazing place to go and enjoy the beauty of so many animals. This is a date that you can the whole family to or just enjoy a quite night together. Make it a point to visit each other’s favorite animals, if they have them.  

Relationship Reconnection:Ask each other why they love that particular animal. Try finding an animal that represent your spouse’s best qualities and explain why you chose that animal to describe them. 

For more information:
The Milwaukee County Zoo is at: 10001 W. Blue Mound Rd. 
The hours depend on the month, as does the price. 
You can check it out at: www.milwaukeezoo.org 

freedigitalphotos.net




Game Night!

Play a game of scrabble, but this time only spell out words that describe one another. When you spell a word explain why that word makes you think of your spouse or significant other. You can also do variations of this where only ever third word you spell has to be something that makes you think of your spouse/significant other.




Picnic in the Park

The Boerner Botanical Gardens, an internationally renowned horticultural showplace in the Milwaukee County Parks.

Relationship Reconnection: While you are having your picnic, have some fun with this I Love You A-Z activity.  Each one of you writes down every letter from A to Z on a piece of paper and then then writes something starting with each letter that you love about your spouse.  For example, A - your Adorable smile, B - the Big hugs you give me when you get home everyday, etc. When you are done, share them with each other. Be creative and honest about the things you enjoy most about each other!
freedigitalphotos.net

For more information:
Boerner Botanical Gardens
in Whitnall Park
9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI 53130

(414) 525-5600
 Ages 6 and up
Price: $3-$5.50 (Can purchase a membership)



Enjoy the Stars

If you have a kiddie pool laying around at home, or one that you could borrow from a friend or neighbor, this may be a fun date to try! Clean out that old kiddie pool and fill it with blankets, pillows, and all things cozy. Snuggle up and watch the stars! This works best if you have an inflatable pool but any would work. If you get the timing right you may even see a shooting star, planet, or other galactic feature! 
freedigitalphotos.net

For a list of meteor showers and their dates, you can visit:
http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors




Start a Love Journal

Keep a love journal by your bed. Take turns every other night writing in it. It doesn't have to be fancy - it can just be a plain spiral notebook. But the point is, it keeps love on the mind. It forces you to find the good things in each other - the little things - every day. 
Up Your Cooking Game and Learn a New Dish

HERE is a list of the most popular cooking channels on YouTube. Learn how to cook something you've never made before.




Technology Free Zone

 We live in a world full of technology. Instead of using snail mail to contact distant relatives and friends, we can communicate with them in just seconds! We can watch the president speak on TV, stay connected with lots of people at once through social media, and do online networking to increase our chances of employment. These, along with many more, are the amazing benefits that come with technology. However, when technology isn't properly balanced in life, it can get in the way of our relationships. It's possible to stay connected with thousands of friends online but neglect the people that are right next to us- even our spouse.
Do you have your cell phone handy 24/7? Are you constantly checking Facebook, text messages, a digital calendar and emails?

Plan a  "Technology Timeout" date! For an evening, put away all electronic devices including cell phones, computers, tablets, TV's, and anything else that keeps your attention.

Relationship Reconnection: One way to experience a technology free zone is to go camping!! Dust off the tent and sleeping bags that have been sitting in your garage and head out to the camp site for a night. If you are in a situation with family or close friends near by, ask someone to babysit for the night while you experience a night under the stars as a couple. If you don't have that option, consider taking the kids with you and making it a technology free family camping trip!




The Selfless Date

Have you ever noticed that after doing something really nice for your spouse you feel really good? Ever spend time serving someone and then come home to realize that all your worries have been forgotten about? Research has it that it is not by chance or coincidence that this happens.

At the National Institute of Marriage a research article shows, as many other research articles have shown as well, that those who spend time serving are much happier than those who do not. These people have greater personal relationships with others, have higher self esteem, and most applicable to you and why you are here on this blog...they have higher marital satisfaction.

Since we all want to be happier and we all definitely want to have higher marital satisfaction then maybe it's about time we start planning our dates more selflessly!

So lets get started: get out a paper and pencil and think up your spouses favorite things, maybe favorite memories, favorite activities, favorite food, even favorite sexual setting and in the case that your a girl, his favorite lingerie. Keep yourself out of the brainstorm activity completely and try to only focus on your spouses loves, some might coincide with yours which is all the better but try to keep the activity as unbiased towards your interests as you can.

Once your brainstorm is complete and you feel like you have enough to work with, create a date out of the things you have written down. For example: if one of his/her favorite memory is your proposal then try and visit the place it happened, or a place similar and have his/her favorite dinner there while listening to their favorite music. If you took your brain storming activity seriously then the date possibilities will be endless and incredibly endearing.

Relationship Reconnection: Take a minute after the date is complete to write down how spending all your energy trying to create your spouse's favorite date made your feel. Being able to reflect back on the positive feelings this date will inevitably bring will ensure you want to create more and more selfless dates in the future. You might be surprised to find that you spouse starts doing the same for you as well!




Harley Davidson Museum

Milwaukee is the birthplace of the Harley Davidson Motor Company. The company dates back all the way to 1903. The best day to check out the Harley Davidson Museum is Friday. In addition to everything the museum has to offer inside, the parking lot is transformed into a vintage car show each week. Milwaukee residents gather there starting at 5 p.m. to show off their old fashioned hot rods and  Model Ts to anyone caring to stop by. 




CHEESE!!

One of the things Wisconsin is well known for is their Cheese. The Wisconsin Cheese Mart offers a variety of over 175 locally produced cheeses. Located on Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee, The Wisconsin Cheese Mart has been around since the 1930’s. At the cheese bar you can sample and taste cheeses and spend less than $5!

freedigitalphotos.net



No comments:

Post a Comment