6 Winter Break Ideas for Families

I know it seems like we just had a holiday break, but winter break in February will be here before you know it.

For most schools, winter break or mid-winter recess is just a couple of days off of school, which generally gives you a four-day weekend.

This short mini-break is one of my favorite school holidays because it is short and quick, but it gives you the break you need to make it until spring break.

With that being said, now is the time to plan winter break. Don’t wait until the week before to try to book a hotel, or you risk higher prices and no vacancies!

Enjoy a Staycation

One of my favorite winter break ideas for families is to simply enjoy a staycation. A four-day weekend isn’t long enough to go on a huge trip, but it is plenty of time to enjoy different places around where you live.

Visit a museum, go to a zoo, or explore a new park. Get outdoors, exercise, see some new sights, and visit familiar favorites.

Go Somewhere Warmer

If you live in a cold climate, head somewhere warmer. Take a road trip south or hop on a plane and enjoy a couple of days at the beach. Soak up the sun.

Go Somewhere Colder

If you are all about the winter weather, head somewhere colder. Book a trip at a ski resort and enjoy watching your littles go snow tubing. Bundle and enjoy someplace frigid.

Visit Family

I think a long weekend is a perfect time to visit family. You don’t have to worry about overstaying your welcome or looking for an excuse to leave early. This works really well if you weren’t able to see your family over the holidays.

Catch Up On Your To-Do List

If you’re like me, you made a big list of things you wanted to accomplish in the new year. And if you are like me, many of the items on this list haven’t been tackled yet – much less fully completed things.

The problem is that people always plan to put things off for Spring Cleaning, but I would much rather go on a spring break trip than stay home and work around the house. But, I feel much better about “working” during a short winter break.

Be Lazy

Or… you can do the complete opposite! Don’t make any big plans. Instead, stay home and catch up on sleep. Let the kids binge watch TV and play hours of Minecraft. Read some books. Play some board games. Relax and simply enjoy one another’s company.

Plan for Spring and Summer

One final idea for winter break is to spend your days off planning for your longer days off (aka spring break and summer break). Use this time to make bigger plans for the near future. Start shopping for your spring and summer wardrobe. Start researching vacation spots.

What are your plans for the February winter break? Tell me in the comments!

10 Tips to Make Family Dinners a Success

Sitting together and enjoying a meal together is important for families.

Anne Fishel, the executive director of the Family Dinner Project, tells Harvard EdCast, “I'm a family therapist, and I sort of half joke that I could be out of business if more families had regular family dinners because so many of the things that I try to do in family therapy actually get accomplished by regular dinners. There have been more than 20 years of dozens of studies that document that family dinners are great for the body, the physical health, the brains and academic performance, and the spirit or the mental health […].”

But, even though we know family dinners are beneficial, it doesn’t mean that they are always easy to pull off.

Life is busy, kids are picky, and sometimes conversations are awkward.

Here are ten tips to make family dinners a success.

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity

First, let go of the pressure to have a perfect family dinner every night of the week. As kids get more involved in extracurriculars, that just isn’t possible. Plus, if you attempt to do it every night, it loses some special glow. So instead, pick out a couple of nights of the week where you are going to go all-in for family dinner instead of making it something to check off your to-do list every night.

2. Plan Ahead

If you want your family dinners to be successful, you gotta plan for them to be successful. That means sitting down and looking at the calendar and seeing which evenings you actually have the time to do a real family dinner. Then, make it a priority. Put it on the calendar.

3. Order Meal Services

If grocery shopping and cooking stress you out (or you just don’t have time), sign up for meal delivery services. There are so many different options. You can choose to make your own grocery list and have groceries delivered, or you can order a meal kit that comes with all the supplies needed to cook an entire meal.

4. Get Kids Involved

Make dinner a family affair. Allow the kids to help you choose which meals. Let the kids help you cook. Have them set the table before and do the dishes after.

5. Encourage Conversations

Sometimes conversation doesn’t come naturally. If you are in a season when kids are less talkative, have an idea of some things to talk about during dinner. One idea is to go around and ask everyone to share the rose (the good) and thorn (the bad) of their day.

6. Cook Quick and Eat Slow

Remember, the idea of a family dinner is quality over quantity. You aren’t going to have quality time together or quality conversations if you are rushing. Instead, choose to spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table. Sometimes this means just ordering pizza.

7. Include Yourself in the Conversation

One of the best things for your kids to see is you being a real person and not just a mom. You can do this by including yourself in the dinner time conversation. Share about your day, express your joys, fears, and frustrations. Let the table be the place where kids see you be the real you.

8. Turn Off Distractions

Make the table a distraction-free zone. Instead of looking at a screen, look across the table into each other’s eyes.

9. Celebrate Special Events

Make it normal and expected to celebrate special events with a family dinner. Whether it is a birthday, job promotion, or a school award, celebrate it together with dinner around the table.

10. Enjoy One Another’s Company

Last but not least, family dinners shouldn’t feel forced. They should be times when you get to laugh, relax, and enjoy one another’s company. Make it something you all look forward to rather than something you have to do.

How to Stay On Top of Fashion Trends

As a mom in the fashion industry, I am often asked how I manage to stay on top of fashion trends.

I get it. As a mom, it is hard enough to get yourself and your kids put together each day without worrying about the latest fashion trends.

But here’s the good news. It is possible to keep your wardrobe trendy and fresh.

Here are some of the best ways to stay on top of fashion trends as a mom.

1. Watch Fashion Shows and Major Events

You probably won’t have a chance to attend Fashion Week, but that doesn’t mean you can’t watch clips virtually. Premiere fashion shows are one of the best (and most fun) ways to see what trends will be taking over stores soon. Additionally, look at what people are wearing at major events, such as The Grammy’s or Coachella.

2. Subscribe to Fashion Magazines

I love getting my issues of Vogue in every month. They are full of beautiful photographs of glamourous people modeling the latest trends.

3. Bookmark Your Favorite Fashion Websites

If you’d rather not subscribe to magazines, it is a good idea to bookmark fashion websites and blogs. When you get some free time, peruse these websites to see what’s new.

4. Follow Celebrities, Brands, and Stores on Social Media

Celebrities are often the fastest way to tell if something is trending. If you notice the same fashion trends popping up on celebrity social media accounts, it is a good sign that this trend will soon be everywhere. So make sure you follow the celebrities, brands, and stores you get fashion inspiration from.

5. Pay Attention to Stylists

Keep in mind that behind every wonderfully dressed celebrity is a super talented stylist. If you really want to know what is up and coming, pay attention to stylists. Follow their social media pages.

6. Make a Pinterest Board

Don’t just take every picture in. Instead, make a Pinterest board for each season and as you find looks you love, pin them to the board. This is a quick and easy way to keep track of trends.

7. Go Window Shopping

One of my favorite ways to stay on top of fashion trends is to go shopping. Window shopping, that is. I love to wander around and look at what stores are displaying. It is a fun way to see what looks are trending.

8. Work with a Personal Shopper

As a personal shopper, I can tell you honestly that if you want to look on-trend and fashionable, a personal shopper is the way to go. Personal shoppers often get access to the latest fashions before they even hit the sales floor. 

9. Keep Your Eyes Open

Sure, you can get fashion inspiration from Paris runway models and celebrities, but often all you need to do is look around you. Let’s say you are stuck in Mom Land and haven’t purchased any new clothes for a while. Simply spending time looking at what others are wearing will help you know how to upgrade your wardrobe.

10. Look for New Accessories

Don’t forget about accessories. Many moms don’t have the budget to buy a whole new wardrobe every season. In this case, knowing which accessories are trendy and fashionable is a more budget-friendly way to update your fashion.

A Date Idea For Every Month Of The Year

You always hear people say, “Keep dating your spouse.”

But let’s get real. It is very easy to neglect your relationship – especially date nights – once kids come along.

Parents are so busy and exhausted, so planning dates usually doesn’t make it to the top of the To-Do list.

How many of us have thrown the towel in and settled for simple date nights at home or the go-to dinner and a movie?

While it’s better than nothing, it is possible to step it up and find yourself looking forward to date night like you did when you were dating.

To help get you started, here are suggestions for every month of the year.

January Date – Spa Day

After the chaos of the holiday season, plan a spa-like date. Whether this means going to an actual spa for a true spa day, booking a couples massage, or turning your bedroom into your personal spa, use this date to relax and reconnect.

February Date – Dinner and a Show

With Valentine’s Day this month, it is a good idea to take advantage of the special menus that restaurants offer. However, since dinner dates are kind of the norm, take it up a notch by also going to a show, gallery, or museum.

March Date – Weekend Away

March is an ideal time to plan a weekend getaway because you can find great rates and don’t have to deal with winter tourists or spring breakers. Yes, a weekend away is hard to pull off with kids, but it is so important! Make it happen this March!

April Date – Get Physical

When the weather starts to warm but before it gets too hot, plan an outdoor date. Go hiking and enjoy a picnic from a scenic view.

May Date – Brunch Date

Instead of date night, enjoy a date morning. Head to a Farmers Market and then enjoy a casual, lengthy brunch before you go back home to kids.

June Date – Lots of Laughs

Laughter is great for relationships. Laura Kurtz, a social psychologist, tells Time Magazine, “Moments of shared laughter are potent for a relationship. They bring a couple closer together.” Plan a date night designed to make your spouse or partner laugh, such as attending a comedy show or watching a stand-up special.

July Date – Play Together

Let loose and play in July! Couples have fun in different ways, but the goal is to find an activity that encourages you to simply have fun together. This may look like going to an adult arcade like Dave and Busters, visiting an escape room, or working together to solve a crime (i.e., Hunt a Killer).

August Date – Movie Night

Movie nights are a date night tradition for a good reason – we get to share an experience and discuss it later. But you can step this date night up. Consider going to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theatre, a retro theatre, or hosting your own backyard movie screening.

September Date – Road Trip

As summer winds down, find time to escape for the day with your spouse or partner. Book a babysitter for the day and simply go explore a nearby town.

October Date – Fall in Love Again

Embrace all things Fall this month. Go to a corn maze, enjoy a cider tasting, and visit a haunted house.

November Date – Get Busy in the Kitchen

Learn how to cook something new with each other before the holidays. Whether you attend an in-person cooking class or use an online video, enjoy the learning process and the meal together.

December - Christmas Date

I’ve said it before, but I love a good Christmas shopping date. Not only do you get to enjoy holding hands while looking at all the holiday displays, but you also get to knock something off your gigantic holiday To-Do list.

A Few Other Date Ideas

In addition to the above suggestions, here are some other ongoing date night ideas to consider.

• Subscription boxes – There are many different date night subscription boxes that make it easy to enjoy something new and unique each month.

• Season tickets – If there is an activity you both enjoy, consider getting season tickets or passes for easy date nights.

• Classes – If you have shared interests, consider enrolling in a class together.

25 Reflection Questions To Wrap Up 2021

And just like that… another crazy year is coming to an end. We thought 2020 would be the weirdest year ever, but 2021 contained its fair share of weirdness.

Given how much has changed in the world around us in the last two years, I think it is more important than ever before to take some time to do some true personal reflection.

Why? Personal reflection is important for personal growth.

According to The Shine App, “Studies show that people who reflect actively strengthen their emotional intelligence, making it easier to cope with new challenges that may come their way.”

And, as Laurel Halloran, Ph.D., explains for The Shine App: “It is not an opportunity to get an exact ‘do-over,’ but by critically examining our experiences it gives us a chance to have a ‘do-better’ in the future.”

Even if 2021 hasn’t been your best year, I’m sure there were some positives. You might just need to dig deep to find them.

Take some time to reflect on the good and not-so-good parts of 2021.

Tips for Reflecting on the Year

As a mom, I get it. The idea of answering 25 questions about your year is daunting.

But, think of it as self-care.

Set aside time and space.

(Suggestion – aim for after Christmas when the kids are distracted and playing with their new toys.)

Get a notebook and jot down your answers.

Don’t overthink it.

Skip the ones you don’t have answers for immediately.

Come back to them later after you’ve had more time to ponder them.

Be honest and truthful.

Remember, these questions and their answers are just for you. You don’t have to perform.

25 Reflection Questions to Put a Pretty Little Bow on 2021

1.       What were the highlights of 2021 (big and small)?

2.       What goals did you accomplish?

3.       What did you do that worked?

4.       What did you try that didn’t work?

5.       What are you grateful for?

6.       What will you remember the most?

7.       What changes do you want to make in 2022?

8.       Where did you need more space?

9.       What valuable lessons did you learn?

10.   In what areas did you thrive?

11.   What were your challenges?

12.   What mistakes did you make?

13.   How are you different now than you were at the start of the year?

14.   What would you have done differently?

15.   What is something selfless and kind you did?

16.   What was the best compliment you received this year?

17.   What surprised you?

18.   What advice did you receive this year that proved helpful?

19.   How did you take care of your family this year?

20.   How did you take care of yourself this year?

21.   What can you let go of as you move into the new year?

22.   What brought you joy in 2021?

23.   How present were you in your relationships?

24.   What one word would you use to describe 2021?

25.   What are your intentions for 2022?

Do you have any other reflection questions you’d add to the list?

My Best Tips for Taking Pics of Your Kids

It’s no secret I love taking pics of my girls. But I’d be lying if I said it is easy.

It’s taken years of practice to realize what works and what doesn’t.

After trial and error, here are my best tips for taking pics of your kids.

Remember Your Why

If we’re being honest, there are many times we take pictures on our phones without having an actual reason to.

We are so used to taking pictures of anything and everything that we sometimes forget why we are taking pics in the first place.

Personally, these are my whys:

• I want to remember special moments with my girls, such as fun events or award ceremonies.

• I want to remember my girls with the people they love.

• I want to remember my girls at various ages and stages.

Lower Your Expectations

We live in a picture-perfected curated world that makes it really easy to hold our kids to unattainable standards – especially when it comes to pictures.

Don’t expect your kids to always take perfect pictures!

For every picture you see on your social media feed, remember that the mom took several others and only posted the best one.

Instead, lower your expectations. If you capture your whys, that’s what matters.

Stop Lying to Get the Perfect Pic

I’d be lying if I claimed I never said, “Just one more pic!” to my girls.

However, I have learned (the hard way) that this hurts more than it helps.

Kids know you’re lying when you make this claim.

Instead, choose your words wisely, such as, “Once we get a picture with both of you looking in the same direction, we’ll be finished.”

Let Kids Be Kids

In our quest for perfect pics, we can sometimes try to force our kids to act older than they are.

Don’t do it.

Let kids be kids!

You’ll get much better pictures if you snap some while they are playing rather than forcing them to stand still and pose.

If they want to act silly, it’s okay! Kids are silly!

Don’t Force Smiles

If you try to force a smile, you’ll get a fake smile.

Don’t tell them to say cheese and don’t tell them to smile.

Instead, give them a reason to smile, such as telling a corny joke, and then snap the pic.

Bribery Works, Too

I am not above bribing my girls for a picture now and then.

Since we live in such a picture-heavy society (taking pictures constantly), I try to only use bribery for the pictures I really want, such as holiday pics.

The key is to keep the bribe small and to give clear rules.

For instance, you can’t say, “I’ll give you some M&Ms if you take a pic,” and then try to get kids to take twenty pictures until you get the perfect one.

Tell them what you are looking for, ask their suggestions, and tell them what you’ll give them as a reward.

Make Sure You Print Pictures

After all the hard work of getting the perfect pictures, don’t let them just sit on your phone or your computer.

Print them out and hang them up in your home!

If kids know the pictures you take will actually be used, they’ll be more willing to show off their photogenic personalities.

10 Tips for Staying Sane in December

I know I am not the only mom who feels like the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are insane.

On top of the general busyness of the season, my girls have so many extra activities (school plays, parades, parties, etc.).

It’s enough to make a mom feel a little (or a lot) crazy.

While I haven’t perfected it yet, I have a few tips for staying sane in December based on what I have learned from my own holiday insanity experiences.

1. Look at Your Calendar

These last few weeks of 2021 are incredibly busy – especially for students.

Take out your calendar and make note of everything coming up over the next few weeks – class parties, dance recitals, and gift exchanges.

Then, set up calendar reminders on your phone so you aren’t rushing last minute for outfits or gifts.

2. Make a List and Check It Twice

I am a list maker, and the holiday season requires all the lists.

I write down everything I am responsible for – because if I don’t, I will forget it.

My list has everything from grocery store shopping to calling long-distance relatives.

Tip – I keep a notepad by my bed to jot down those “to-do’s” I suddenly remember as I am trying to go to sleep.

3. Take Care of Yourself

If mama isn’t happy, nobody’s happy.

That’s why it is so important for moms to take care of themselves during the holidays.

Don’t run on empty!

Make sure you are getting enough sleep and exercise.

Avoid overindulging in holiday food and drinks.

4. Say No

One of the hardest but most rewarding lessons I have learned is to say no.

Before I commit to something, I check my already full calendar.

Then, decide if I have time or desire to squeeze one more thing in.

If not, I say no.

5. Choose What Matters

It’s easy during the holidays to get caught up and take on more than you need to.

To avoid this issue, I try to choose what matters.

Are homemade baked goods wonderful? Yes. Will my kids survive if I buy something pre-made? Also, yes.

Does my family have to try out the latest cool thing or am I just trying to keep up with the Joneses?

Prioritize what matters the most to your family.

6. Practice Gratitude

The holiday blues are a real thing, affecting millions of women.

If you feel a little blue this Christmas, try practicing gratitude or doing something for others.

I always feel better when I make someone else smile, so I put extra effort into bringing smiles this time of year.

7. Outsource Holiday Tasks

If your holiday to-do list looks anything like mine, you need help.

There is no shame in outsourcing some of your holiday tasks.

If you would rather cuddle with your kids and watch a Christmas movie, then take advantage of grocery store delivery rather than shopping yourself.

Hire someone to wrap your presents or hang your outside lights.

8. Combine Activities

Again, your calendar likely doesn’t leave much space to do everything you want to do.

Look for opportunities to combine activities.

For example, if you and your spouse need some alone time, see if you combine date night with Christmas shopping for the family.

If you want to spend time together as a family, try to combine family time with time making gifts for others or volunteering.

9. Avoid Comparisons

Your kids won’t remember what their neighbor’s Christmases were like, but they will remember their own.

Stop comparing your holiday to someone else’s and celebrate your way.

Christmas isn’t a competition.

10. Embrace the Magic in the Ordinary

Lastly, try to remember that Christmas doesn’t have to be over-the-top to be wonderful.

Simple traditions, such as baking cookies for Santa and looking at Christmas lights, are the most memorable.

Do you have any tips to share? Comment below!

How to Hygge as a Mom

It's Hygge time! Pronounced hoo-guh, it's the Danish/Norwegian tradition of being comfy/cozy and enjoying a wonderful time with loved ones, wrapped in a blanket (or blankets), and just celebrating being together.

Hygge has become popular over the last few years in the U.S. as Americans search for the happiness that seems to come so easily to Danes.

According to Very Well Mind, “Happiness researchers continually find Denmark to have some of the happiest people on Earth, which Danes attribute to the practice of hygge.”

Hygge, a Danish word defined as "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”

While increased happiness is a major benefit of practicing Hygge, it is not the only one. It also promotes a sense of calm, peace, and safety, which is good for our overall well-being.

You may be thinking, “But I have kids! Calm and peace aren’t exactly part of our family’s vocabulary.”

It is possible to Hygge as a mom.

Here are some tips to bring that sense of calm, peace, comfort, and coziness into your own home.

Carve Out Time and Space

As a mom, my calendar is always booked well out in advance. This makes practicing Hygge as a family difficult.

However, knowing the benefits of Hygge, I am trying to carve out time and space in my calendar and home.

This means not overly booking my calendar or maxing out my To-do lists.

It also means having spaces already prepared for relaxation.

It’s so much easier to relax on the couch and watch a movie with my daughters if the living room is clean and clutter-free. (I can’t relax with clutter. Raise your hand if you feel me.)

Not About Buying Stuff…But This Stuff Helps

It is important to understand that Hygge is not about consumerism – even though plenty of retailers will try to sell it. Hygge cannot be sold or bought. This is because it is a feeling.

Pia Edberg, the author of The Cozy Life, tells Mental Floss, "‘There are studies about how hygge in Denmark shies far away from consumerism,’ Instead of stocking up on mass-produced items, decorate your home with furniture and accents that are meaningful to you. Edberg says this could mean the items were given to you as gifts, you purchased them on your travels, or they are antiques with a rich history.”

With that being said, there are some practical things you can use that make Hygge easier. If you don’t own these items, you don’t have to spend a ton.

• Lighting: Make your home feel cozy by avoiding harsh lighting. Instead, choose to use dimmers, floor lamps, or candles.

• Soft Textures: The goal of Hygge is to feel comfortable and cozy, so look for textures that create these feelings. Purchase loungewear that feels soft and buttery against your skin.

• Warmth: While sitting in front of a fireplace is ideal, that may not be an option for you. Instead, look for other ways to create warmth, such as thick throws or heated blankets. It is also a good idea to set up a hot beverage bar.

Be Present

Most importantly, be present.

As much as retailers will try to convince you that Hygge is about products, it is really a feeling.

And that feeling is found by being present with the people you love.

Turn off your devices and tune into one another.

Do you have any tips to add? Share them in the comments!

How to Raise Glass Shattering Daughters

I came across the quote, “Teach your daughters to worry less about fitting into glass slippers and more about shattering glass ceilings.” It really spoke to me.

I have two amazing, strong, intelligent, and beautiful daughters. I don’t want them to be held back by any glass ceiling.

Merriam-Webster defines a glass ceiling as “an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions.”

There’s a lot of talk about glass ceilings, and it is so exciting to be living in a time when women are shattering them right and left.

But it still takes work.

As their mom, I want to do all I can to help encourage my daughters to shatter glass ceilings.

Here are some of the ways I am trying to raise my glass shattering girls.

Embrace STEM

According to AAUW, “Women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.”

The best way to show girls they have a place in STEM is to get them started with it while they are young. My girls enjoy STEM toys, have taken STEM classes, and have spent summers in STEM camps.

Boost Their Confidence

According to a study reported by the BBC, “Girls lose faith in their own talents by the age of six.” Yikes! I do not want my girls to ever lose faith in their own talents. I make every effort to tell them how great they are and encourage their unique talents every chance I get.

Introduce Positive Female Role Models

There is no shortage of role models in the world – good and bad. I try to be strategic about introducing my girls to positive female role models. I do so by using real life, history, books, and even movies and television shows.

Teach Them to Know Their Worth

Forbes claims, “Self-worth is a self-evaluative emotional reaction. It’s a feeling of confidence in our abilities and qualities.” And much of our self-worth is defined in early childhood. This means that we, as moms, have a huge role to play in helping our daughters believe in their intrinsic value and worth. My goal is to make them feel known, seen, loved, and valued throughout their lives.

Show Them Women Support Women

If you want your daughters to shatter glass ceilings, you’ve got to teach them to support other women. Show her the importance of cheering other girls on and encouraging others. I do the same.

Model Empowering Behaviors

Finally, I am trying my hardest to model these types of behaviors for my daughters. I am trying to show them that they can love shoes (I mean, hello!) and love technology. I am trying to speak words of life and love to them daily. I am trying to recognize my own value and demonstrate it by the way I practice self-care and positive self-talk.

What are you doing to help your daughters break glass ceilings?

A Few Ways to Keep Love Alive While You’re Busy Being Parents

I’d be lying if I said marriage is easy. It’s hard work, but it is work that is worth it.

According to a study reported by Consumer Affairs, “The researchers learned that parents’ romance had an effect on their kids. When kids saw their parents love and affection for each other, they were more likely to marry later in life and complete more schooling than those whose parents reported lower romantic feelings.”

Plus, who doesn’t want to be in love with their spouse? Yes, people fall out of love, but that isn’t what we are hoping for when we walk down the aisle.

That being said, I know that it is hard to keep the spark alive when you are working parents.

Here are a few suggestions to help you keep love alive while you’re busy being parents.

Book a Sitter

One of the best things you can do for your marriage is book a sitter and go on regular date nights. Even if you have been together for years, you want to remember what it feels like to date your spouse. It’s a good way to remember why you fell in love in the first place.

Helpful Tip: Put date night on your family calendar just like any other event or appointment.

Plan At-Home Date Nights

There may come a time when you can’t get a babysitter. That doesn’t mean you have to cancel date night. Some of our favorite date nights have been at-home dates! The thing to keep in mind with an at-home date is to do something different from every other night you spend at home with your spouse. Get out the candles, order in your favorite restaurant, and put on date night clothes.

Helpful Tip: Consider ordering a date night subscription box to get you out of the TV and dinner rut.

Sleep In Saturdays

Once our girls were old enough, we learned the magic of Saturday mornings. We tell our girls on Friday evening that they are on their own in the morning. We set out an easy breakfast on the counter that they can make themselves (such as cereal) and give them the remote and instructions not to wake us up until 9 am.

Share a Hobby

Find a hobby you and your hubby both love that you can enjoy on a regular basis. For example, we love playing board games together. This will look different for every couple. And there is nothing wrong with a shared love of television! The key is to use this time to bring you closer to your spouse. So, if TV is your thing, watch a show you both love and then talk about it after.

Spend Time Catching Each Other Up Daily

One of the simplest ways to keep love alive is to keep talking. During the school years, life is so busy. There were days when I realized I hadn’t talked to my husband about anything of importance. There were also times when he assumed he’d shared something with me and he hadn’t.

A simple five-minute conversation, no phones or other distractions allowed, has helped with this problem tremendously. Plus, it feels really nice when my husband is focused on checking in with me.

Keep Touching

Lastly, don’t stop touching. It’s easy to become complacent in a long marriage, but touch is important. Hold your partner’s hand when you are out. Cuddle on the couch when you watch a show. Give each other a hug and kiss before you leave and when you come home.