Fun Date Ideas for Introverts & Extroverts

There’s always room in any relationship to share experiences and spice things up. Whether you’ve been married for 20 years or are in a season of dating, it’s nice to plan a date for you and your special person periodically. To avoid complacency, make it a habit to show your partner that the relationship is top priority in your future and try new things to keep the romance alive. 

Not everything is for everybody when it comes to building meaningful connections, so to start you off, I’ve compiled a few fun ideas to turn a date into an adventure. 

Extroverts Only: 

• Host a Game Night-If you’re looking for a fun thing to do with close friends or to engage the couples in your life, then this is it. Who doesn't like a little trivia, challenge, and laughter. This is the perfect atmosphere to get to know people more, improve relationships, or serve as an opportunity to build a stronger bond. 

• Take a Dance Class-This can be a lot of fun, allowing you to just “be” in the moment with the person you enjoy spending time with the most. Taking a dance class, especially learning something new together can help build confidence and trust between you and your partner as well as give you both a sense of achievement. 

• Sign up for Improv Comedy Class-Sometimes we can take ourselves and others too seriously, and when we do, life can get complicated. Improv comedy is high energy and keeps you thinking on your toes. The person-to-person interaction allows you to make friends or to be more mindful of things. So what are you waiting for? Start looking for a class nearest you.  

Introverts Only: 

• Plan a Helicopter Ride-It may be a bit noisy but this would be a nice intimate experience and opportunity to ride the skyline, with breathtaking views of the city you’re in or visiting. It’s also an adrenaline rush sort of date, that’s sure to be a thrilling experience with plenty of moments to take instagrammable pictures. 

• Binge a TV Series-Pop some popcorn and grab some of your favorite snacks for an evening of cuddling on the sofa or in the bedroom as you relax to watch a television series. The fun in this is sharing time together. Also, some shows serve as great conversation starters when you link up with new people. 

• Relax by the Water-Whether you’re planning a first date or looking to spend time with your spouse, one of the most fun, romantic things to do is sit by the lake or beach. You can have a bonfire, toast marshmallows, enjoy some wine and watch the sunset. 

Now that you have a few ideas about making memorable quality time, the fun you have depends on you and how you approach the date.

Romantic Desserts for Two: Three Date Night Treats

Romantic desserts are just the thing to make date night special. So if you have a sweet tooth but no willpower, you’re in the right place for a few delicious recipes that can be made ahead of time or are easily put together so you have more quality time with your date. The desserts feature a little something of everybody’s favorite….chocolate, ice cream, and strawberries. 

Keep in mind, when it comes to sweet treats, don’t hesitate to go with what you feel. Even if it’s just butter pecan ice cream or chocolate mousse in a long-stemmed glass. 

The recipes below are a good start:  

Very Berry Vanilla Parfaits 

• Garnish bottom of glass with coconut flakes

• Greek Vanilla Yogurt

• Mixed Berries

• Granola

Banana Flavorful Foster 

• Vanilla ice cream

• Rum

• Banana Liqueur 

• Salted Caramel

• Bananas 

• Whipped Cream

Sweet Strawberry Romanoff

• Grand Marnier

• Strawberries

• Strawberry Ice Cream

• Grand Marnier

• Sprig of Mint

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Date Night Mocktails for Two: Just as Delicious as the Real Thing

Explore a multitude of mixtures and overindulge.

The possibilities are endless with mocktails. They’re a healthier option for people, taste well and there’s no need to worry about a hangover. You can explore a multitude of mixtures and overindulge during any time of the year especially during the holiday season and family festivities. To get you started, below are a few of our staff picks: 

Virgin Mojito-Enjoy a simple and light mojito mocktail made with fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and honey.

Ingredients:

• Lime juice, freshly squeezed

• Honey

• Mint leaves

• Club soda

• Garnish with a mint sprig

Sunny Sweetness-Start the day sweet or end it on a sweet note with this drink. All you need is grenadine, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Ingredients:

• Orange juice

• Grenadine, to taste, creates a great contrast

• Orange slice, for garnish

Bellini Love-Get fancy with a peach flavored bellini. Instead of champagne, enjoy this drink with a sparkling cider. This is a drink everyone will love. 

Ingredients:

• Peach nectar

• Sparkling cider

• Peach slice, for garnish

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Romantic Date Night Essentials

“Set the mood wherever you go.”

It’s been quite a year for romance, and if movie night and Doordash has been your normal date night routine for a while, you may want to upgrade a bit to take your relationship to new levels. Whether you’ve been working from home for a while or have been in and out of the office, once the work weekends, there’s nothing more you want to do than experiencing a little romance with someone you love. 

Before you start planning for a lovely date night, consider these essentials to ensure you’ll have a successful night of fun without any slowdown. After all, keeping a healthy date routine is already one important factor in keeping a relationship steady and strong.  

Make it Spontaneous 

Yes, you’re planning for a date night, but make it spicy! Flip a coin or use a date night jar to choose between different possibilities for the night. Maybe there’s a restaurant you’ve had your eyes on or a speakeasy recommended by a coworker. By having options and multiple ideas to choose from, you never know where the night can take you. It also simultaneously sets up the next couple of date nights when the time comes again. 

Dress the Part! 

We won’t get into the fact that you’ve probably been working in your pajamas for a few months, but the time has come for you to really step up your game in the wardrobe department for the night. Remind your partner that not only do you still got it, but you want to make a good impression for this special night. Dust off your favorite little black dress put on the red lip, and make your way out the door like no other. Even if it’s just once in a while, give your loungewear a break and make a statement that romance is certainly in the air. 

Give a Little 

Of course, flowers are always a go-to for date night, but this is also the perfect gesture to really show your partner that you not only appreciate them but you’re proud of all they’ve accomplished. Whether this is their favorite bottle of wine, a small gadget they’ve needed for their office, or just a fun item you both can enjoy, date night can be turned up a notch with something new to enjoy. 

Perk up your typical date night with pockets of joy that can be remembered forever. It doesn’t always have to be lavish, but it does need to be special. Take some time before your next planned night out to see where you can add a little bit of spice and get back to the great love you have together. 

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Love Potions: Make calming sprays to boost lovely feelings

Soft fragrances, love, and positive vibes.

There is nothing like a fresh, calming scent to ease your anxiety and to help you relax. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years to improve the mood or health of a person. It’s a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to benefit the mind, body, and spirit. Aromatic spritzers are an example of what works through our sense of smell. They’re simple to use and make. Just get a small spray bottle, new or old and add a few drops to some water. See the list below: 

• Lavender:This fragrance oil has many calming properties, and it can help you unwind. 

• Rosemary: If you’re looking to improve your concentration, you’ll want to try this oil which has both energizing and relaxing effects. 

• Jasmine: Promote relaxation and a loving atmosphere with this sweet, rich floral scent that’s sure to soothe you.

• Clary Sage:Try experimenting with clary sage. This soft herbal scent can be very relaxing. 

Floral scents such as rose, violet, and hawthorn could be added to the spritzers above. Always shake before each use and store in a cool and dark place. Learn more about aromatherapy: National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. 

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Are You Open-Minded? Find Out Your Dating Mood

Do you have a dating checklist? You know the long list of requirements that ultimately make up the man of your dreams. If that doesn’t sound like you, then you must be the spontaneous person. No, that isn’t you either?

Well, there’s only one thing you can do to better figure out your style of dating. Take the quiz.

Fall in Love Over a Cup of Tea

Tea for two, please! The perfect night cap can occur over some tea. Just imagine the fresh aroma of chamomile tea brewing and later being poured into a cup. Top it off by setting the mood when you light some candles. Now it’s time to serve your favorite tea blend while sitting on the couch. Play some music and just talk. Let’s be honest, tea is a great way to relax and get to know someone. It’s casual and romantic at the same time. In fact, it makes for the perfect memorable scene. 

There’s something about a hot beverage that just calms you down. It’s soothing to the soul and allows you to really get to know the person you’re interested in. Tea is that beverage that can improve brain function and reduce stress. Not to mention some may reduce bad breath and add the perfect amount to antioxidants to your diet. 

Before your next outing, head to the market and get a few of the things on this list: 

• Green tea

• Chamomile tea

• Peppermint tea

• Lavender tea

• Fennel tea

• Lemon Balm tea

• Passion Flower tea

Drunk in Love Recipe

A sexy little cocktail you’ll love to share

Sweet & Fruity

Drunk in Love: Finally you're happily in a good place and the vibes are good. Love is such a beautiful thing and should always be celebrated. Drunk in love sounds like the perfect time to have fruity cocktail with your new boo. You can either ignite the fireworks or settle those butterflies in your stomach with a smooth love potion we call “Drunk in Love.” All you need to do is mix up a raspberry purée in the blender, then grab some champagne, vodka and pour all three in a chilled glass. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can garnish with the extra raspberries. That’s totally up to you.

Online dating, lockdown & Covid-19

Meeting Mr. Right during a pandemic.

Take things slow.

The popularity of online dating has grown immensely over the last decade especially since Covid-19. Although, the Coronavirus has changed the game, the dating culture could change even more once the pandemic comes to an end. That means single life and the way folks connect will look different, and could possibly pose challenges for those anxious to meet their soulmate. However, there are a few things you can do if you’re in the dating world for yourself before you create an online dating profile. 

1.Be your best self: This sounds sounds simple but it’s necessary. Finding love starts within when you decide to love yourself, let go of hurt and choose happiness.

2.Embrace the time: The pandemic could be the reason why you step into a meaningful relationship. Why? Because you’re forced to take the time to get to know each other. 

3. Be open and get rid of your list: Make room for quarantine love stories to arise out of the coronavirus, and don’t worry about the list you made up to describe your perfect soulmate. 

Smoothie Hacks that May Boost Your Sex Drive

Jumpstart your mood with a smoothie.

An Aphrodisiac. It may not work for everyone but for some, they’re living proof that common foods can be used to boost libido in women. Well, what’s that? Libido is your sexual desire. There’s no scientific evidence that there are foods that change libido in women but some of the most popular ones to do the job are raw oysters, berries, bananas, honey, chocolate and coffee. Now, some of those would not mix well in a smoothie. However, here’s a list of things you may want to add to your grocery list for your next smoothie creation. These rank among the best according to studies:

Smoothie, anyone?

1. Ginseng- This popular and easy to find supplement known to increase your energy overall, and improve sexual dysfunction is the added bonus.

2. Ginkgo- A natural herbal supplement that even comes in the form of tea that can ramp up the female sex drive.

3. Saffron- A Spice you’ll find in a powder or capsule form that could increase sexual arousal if taken over a period of time.

4. Maca- A supplement known to help boost fertility and combat sexual dysfunction.

5. Apples- A fruit loaded with fiber and may increase sexual desire.

Romantic Cooking for Date Night

It’s always nice to spend some quality time in the kitchen with the love of your life. After all, my mother always said, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Honestly, that saying really goes for myself. Feed me and I’ll love you forever. Whatever the long language, one thing is for certain, couples can always bond over a nice meal. Remember Disney’s animated movie, the Lady and the Tramp? There were definitely sparks flying over dinner between the two pups. Believe it or not, there’s romance in the kitchen. That’s only if you don’t try anything complicated on the stove. I like to keep it simple and delicious by going after the traditional or common recipes. After you master those with your partner, then you can get kinky in the kitchen. Not that kind of kinky. I’m actually talking about getting creative with a number of different flavors and seasoning. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, the following recipes will help you connect.

Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce

INGREDIENTS

For the sauce:

• Onions

• Garlic

• Olive oil

• Tomato paste

• Red wine

• Beef Broth

• Tomatoes

• Fresh rosemary

• Salt 

• Fresh ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the red wine sauce:

• Dice some onions and mince garlic. Heat a large, deep pan over medium high heat. Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until very soft. Then stir in the tomato paste. Mix well. Minutes later pour in your wine and bring to a simmer. Add your tomatoes, broth, seasoning and anything extra you’d like to use. You should be having fun, so don’t feel obligated to stick to this script. Stir until there’s some consistency with the sauce. Use your best judgement. 

Please note, this meal will be extra fun and romantic if you decide to make homemade meatballs with your significant other. That way you get to spend more time in the kitchen together. To cook the meatballs, you’ll need to shape them, using raw ground beef and later simmer over medium heat in the pan with the tomato sauce. Then boil your favorite pasta and eventually serve with your choice of a vegetable, as a side dish and a glass of red wine. 

Tomato and Arugula Pizza

INGREDIENTS

• Pizza dough, one pound at room temperature

• Olive oil

• Tomato sauce

• Mozzarella cheese

• Arugula

• Cherry tomatoes 

INSTRUCTIONS

• Heat the oven to 550°F (or maximum oven temperature) for at least 30 minutes.

• Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll or stretch it into a 10- to 12-inch circle. Brush the edges of the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the tomato sauce over the rest of the dough. Sprinkle with the cheese and top it off with the cherry tomatoes. 

• Bake the pizza until edges are lightly browned and cheese is bubbly and browned in spots. 

Cocktails for the Heart

Looking for a simple thing to do for a date night with that special someone?Depending on your romantic state of mind, mixing up drinks in a variety of reds and pinks can be delicious. If you decide to add chocolate, then things may get a little more intense between you and your date. The best thing to do first, is to think about presentation and then a romantic name for your cocktail creation. The goal is all about setting the right mood. You can go for super cute, sexy, sophistication or something that matches your personality. 

In the end , a beautiful serving tray is a nice touch. It can actually transform your specialty cocktail into something romantic and elegantly sweet. If that’s not cute enough, try presenting the drink with a decadent dessert. 

 Feeling creative? Dare to mix the following cocktails below:

Love Potion Martini

• Ice

• Sweetened lime juice 

• Strawberry vodka 

• Cranberry juice cocktail 

• Grenadine part 

• Strawberries for garnish, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a cocktail shaker with ice, sweetened lime juice, strawberry vodka, cranberry juice cocktail, and grenadine. Shake vigorously until combined.

• Strain love potion cocktail into a martini glass. Garnish with strawberries, raspberries or other red fruits

A Sweet Kiss Sangria

• 1 cup cherries pitted (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup strawberries sliced

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1/2 cup brandy

• 2 cup cherry-pomegranate juice or cherry-cranberry juice

• 2 tbsp of powdered sugar

• 750 mml red wine of your choice

• 12oz of lemon-lime soda, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large sangria pitcher, combine cherries, strawberries, blueberries, brandy, cherry-pomegranate juice, and powdered sugar. Pour in red wine and stir gently. Feel free to add the the lemon-lime soda as well. 

• Chill sangria for at least two hours before serving. If you waited to add the lemon-lime soda, add it to the pitcher and gently stir before pouring

Top 6 Dating Tips to Obey

Too many dating rules, ugh!

You’ve tried everything. To name a few, dating websites, blind dates, speed dating and the list goes on. But have you taken a look at your approach and habit lately in regards to dating?

Below is a list of things to avoid to help lead you possibly to someone worth keeping around. 

1. Don’t put restrictions on love or your feelings. I get it, we sometimes warn ourselves not to fall too fast for folks, but if it happens don’t beat yourself up about it. Don’t be afraid to catch feelings just be smart and remember not to ignore red flags or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. 

2. Don’t ignore a person’s social media presence. Some folks are known to have multiple personalities. If you happen to be friends with someone you’re dating on social media, don’t ignore or accept their multiple personalities as just normal. It could lead to something dangerous down the road. Also, without stalking, just know it’s cool to check someone out on social media. So don’t be afraid to do a little research. 

3. Don’t rush things. Respect a person’s timing and space. This means allowing the person of interest to develop feelings at their own pace. Be patient. However that doesn’t t mean dating the same individual for 5 years years. It should take that long to figure out if both of you should pursue something more serious. 

4. Don’t jump in bed too fast. Some people are instantly attracted but don’t be afraid to resist it. Physical chemistry is the icing on the cake. It should not be the foundation for the relationship. 

5. Keep your exes name out of your mouth. Being too open about your past sometimes does the opposite of strengthening a bond. It could open you up to heartbreak especially once you share your vulnerable experiences with a stranger.

6. Put away the phone. Today, some of us are glued to our phones but when you’re dating, it is best not to give into distractions. Stay off the phone and listen during conversations. Who knows...you could learn something quite interesting or allow a red flag to slip on by. 

Are love potions real?

Love potions

Learn about pheromones.

Depictions of love potions can be found in movies such as Hocus Pocus and Harry Potter or on websites that cater to men and women looking for love. If love potions were real, there would probably be more happy couples, not to mention low divorce rates. So, is it possible to create a scientific version of love? Personally, I believe the answer is “No”. In my opinion, love is an action that is linked to a person’s behavior, emotional well-being and experiences. I don’t believe there’s a recipe in the form of a drink or pill to help a person find love. However, a friend of mine boasted recently about a chemical found in various products that could possibly cause the opposite sex to fall for you. Long story short, she was single and now she’s married. True story. 

The chemical is a hormone called pheromone. According to experts, it stimulates a part of the brain that is responsible for our emotional state. It’s believed to increase our feelings, even sparking an immediate attraction for some couples. That said, I decided to look into it, not for myself though. Disclaimer: I am married. Anyway, what I have discovered is that there are oils and perfumes on the market with the chemical hormone known as pheromones. 

I’m not sure of the success rate but if you’re single, I guess it’s worth a try. 

He’s making me crazy

 ● He’s Making me Crazy: For that moment you realize he’s not Mr. Right. Usually, I’ll mix this up when I accept that the relationship isn't going anywhere and it's time to break things off. This calls for just cranberry juice and vodka but not just any vodka...a flavored berry vodka and a splash of lime. It’s our version of the popular “Jamaican Me Crazy” drink. 

Ninety-nine problems?

 ● 99 Problems: We’ve all been there with a  list that sometimes exceeds 99 problems but if a man isn't one of those problems then it isn't a bad place to be - instead it’s a reason to mix up a cocktail and celebrate. This just means that you’re in dating the right man at the time and can afford to be oblivious to everything else (only for a sweet moment).

Cheers with coconut rum and pineapple juice!

Dating: Be mindful of this....

The list goes on but be the person that you’d like to attract and date.

A cocktail for the third or fourth date

 ● Spill the Tea: Sometimes by the 3rd or 4th date, you're still trying to feel a guy out. Often times, it takes weeks or even years for someone to reveal their true colors or spill the tea. That’s exactly what I’m mixing up…. My special “Spill the Tea” drink. You’ve heard of Long Island...well it’s more like a deserted island because that’s where he’ll think he’s at depending on what you find out.  By the time he’s done, you’ll know everything you need to know and whether or not he’s a keeper.

FYI: If you’re already in a relationship, it’s never too late for this cocktail.

The #1 Dating Tip you want to remember

The perfect mate: A needle in a haystack