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featured, mind/spirit, trending, relationships, wellness · January 18, 2022

Date Night … Who Has Time For That?!

Remember when you first started dating your significant other? Or initially happily married without a care in the world or anyone to worry about but yourselves?! The good ole days, right?!!!

I’m joking because my kids are the BEST thing to ever happen to me, but let’s be honest, there are times when my husband and I would love just a few hours of alone time every once in a while. Does anyone else agree?

Before we had kids, I told him bi-weekly/monthly date nights was non-negotiable. Because having that alone time together, decompressing, unwinding, and focusing on one other is essential. Right?

But surprise, time flies! Now, 4-years later, we have not one but two little ones (a four-year-old and 2.5 year old). As you can imagine, life is busy! One day I woke up realizing 6-months had passed, and the commitment I made to myself, and my husband, had been pushed aside.

Since then, I have vowed to prioritize date nights on my “to-do” list. And it’s been life-changing!

Why? Because it’s essential to stay connected so you can grow together in your marriage. Communication will improve, and most importantly, you’ll remain close as a couple. Because let’s face it, kids grow up and move on. Leaving just the two of you again – like when you first met. If you don’t remain bonded now, what does your relationship look like in 18 years?

According to a study from the University of Virginia, they found that designating a time each week for “date night” can work wonders for keeping your relationship healthy. In fact, they report that couples who set aside time for themselves at least once a week was approximately 3.5 times more likely to report being “very happy” in their marriages, compared to those who enjoyed less quality time. Communication, sexual satisfaction, and commitment were all improved, and as one would expect, divorce rates declined as well. (Read the full report here.)

But how do you schedule time for yourselves when you’re shuffling kids to and from school or sports practice, helping with homework, fixing meals, and possibly working? (Man, I’m exhausted just thinking about it!)

Never fear, I have a few tips that have helped my husband and I prioritize and plan:

Date night at the Bucs game!

Schedule a date night at least once a month 

Get out your calendar and plan them out way ahead of time! We try to alternate: during the week, Friday/Saturday night, or Sunday brunch. This way, we mix it up and keep things from becoming stagnant.

Alternate your favorite spots with something new 

Maybe there’s a restaurant that recently opened or somewhere that’s been on your list to try for some time now. There’s no time like the present! Go together and savor in the new memories you’re making, even if the restaurant turns out to be a bust. Or, try out a unique experience! Art exhibits, museums, trails, or concerts. Dates don’t necessarily have to revolve around food. I’m ALL about experiences!!

Mount Dora is such a quaint and quiet place to escape for a day date

Schedule reliable childcare  

I’ll say that one again for the people in the back…RELIABLE CHILDCARE! We learned this the hard way. We love our family to death, but when it came down to securing a commitment, we were faced with wishy-washy answers and sometimes cancellations at the last minute. A date night bummer! Now, we are thankful to have found a reliable sitter that we can call first and only poll the family if we’re in a complete bind.

** Two Rules during Date Night:  

  1. NO phones! (No texts, work emails, checking social media, etc.). You can check to see if the babysitter needs anything, but that’s it!
  2. Limit talk about the kids to only 15-20 minutes. Talk about you two, your day, your personal/professional goals, family travel plans, romantic travel plans, dreams, and aspirations—anything and everything that connects the two of you.
The beach is always a go-to date spot! Here we are at Manasota Key.

Bonus Tip! 

Continue Date Night after you get home and the kids are in bed. Watch a movie together, sit outside and enjoy some wine, or jump in and relax if you have a pool/hot tub! It’s all about maximizing these quiet moments. Remember, you may only find them once a month, so make the most of it!

Now that you have some ideas go ahead, make it happen, and start planning! Or, do you have any other ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Comment below, share on our social media pages or contact us. We would love to hear!

Or, if you need help or have any questions, I’m happy to help! Feel free to reach out via email at Rachel@localrevivallifestyle.com.

I hope you enjoy your well-deserved and much-needed time alone together. Cheers!!

Xoxo,
Rachel

In: featured, mind/spirit, trending, relationships, wellness · Tagged: date ideas, local advice, self care, wellness, local revival inc, date night, relationships

About Rachel

Rachel is a Partner and the Travel & Destination Management Director at Local Revival, Inc. A Tampa native, Rachel began her career in corporate America before deciding to branch out on her own. She’s now a travel consultant with Cruise Planners|American Express Travel, along with her involvement in Local Revival. She lives in Tampa with her husband, Frank, her children Alex, Julianna, Mila, and their dog ESPN. Have a question for Rachel? Email her directly at rachel@localrevivallifestyle.com.

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In case you didn't know, today is #givingtuesday! In case you didn't know, today is #givingtuesday! 🧡

At Local Revival, giving back and assisting those in need within our communities is an essential part of our business model. 

And as a board member for Empower Her Network (EHN), I've seen how a non-profit's support network can make a difference in people's lives. 

EHN is the only national program that ends generational cycles of violence, exploitation, and poverty of trafficking survivors by paving a path to economic freedom. 

After being on the board for over three years, I can confidently say - the program works. Why? 

✅ 100% of survivors graduate with stable housing

✅ The average annual wage at the start of the program was $18,015 BELOW the poverty line

✅ The average annual wage after they finish the program is $26,807 ABOVE the poverty line

✅ These results are often only the beginning. Many graduate as they complete a program with a promising career path

✅ 100% of donations go to programming because the NOVO Foundation covers operating expenses

This #givingtuesday, please consider donating to Empower Her Network and give the greatest gift of all: opportunity. 🧡

As a bonus, @the_changereaction has agreed to MATCH all donations up to $25,000! So when you give, your matched contribution allows us to reach our end-of-the-year goal faster - helping more survivors carve their path to fiscal independence! 🎉

Scan the QR code, or visit empowerhernetwork.org/donate for more information or to give to this impactful cause! 

xoxo, Summer
We are SO incredibly grateful for YOU this Thanksg We are SO incredibly grateful for YOU this Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁

Thank you to new friends and old, amazing new clients and previous ones - all the meaningful connections we've been fortunate to develop this year, making our already fun job that much more amazing! ✨

We hope you all have a joyous and safe Thanksgiving holiday! ❤️
Happy Monday, friends! 👏🏼 What are you dete Happy Monday, friends! 👏🏼

What are you determined to get done this week? How do you push through when you’re just not feeling motivated? 🤔

The weather cooking off in Florida a little keeps me motivated to chug along. If I feel like I’ve hit a rut, usually taking a quick walk to clear my head will do the trick 💪🏽

What about you? Comment below ⬇️ 

Here’s to a fantastic week! 👏🏼🎉
What tropical storm? Not even tropical storm Nico What tropical storm?

Not even tropical storm Nicole could keep us from helping the @sustanyfoundation with the 2022 Sustainable Business Awards and Buzz last evening 🎉

We appreciate everyone who attended, and the volunteers who helped us with all the details. 👏🏼

We also want to give a HUGE shout out to our new friends with @lynnscateringoftampa who stepped in to provide the delicious taste of Tampa to feed all the guests, and were able to provide two extra bartenders in a pinch ❤️

Thank you to all the other vendors who donated product or services for this event:

Native Plants: @butterfly_tampa 
Antique Furniture for VIP: @the.col.lec.tive 
Linens: @fancythatlinens 
Beer: @3daughtersbrewing 
Wine: @johnsonbrothersoffl 
Planning/Coordination: @localrevivalinc 

Can’t wait to see all the professional photos and footage from @pricelessstudiodesign (which I know will be SO much better than these 😊)

The @sustanyfoundation does some amazing things to educate and highlight sustainable businesses in Tampa Bay. The proceeds that were raised from this event are used to plant new trees in the area 👏🏼🌲🌴 To learn more about them or to donate or get involved, follow their social media pages or visit their website at Sustany.org. 🌿
At Local Revival, we love events of every size. Fr At Local Revival, we love events of every size. From dinner parties to large bashes, we aren't afraid to take on a client's to-do list so they can relax and fully immerse themselves during their important day. 💪🏽

One of our highlights every year is helping non-profit clients with their annual fundraising galas. ✨

In October, we had the pleasure of designing and coordinating Rock the Dock, a celebration of artists and music that rocks - all while benefitting Chapters Health Foundation's Hospice division. 💃🏻🕺🏻

Held in downtown Tampa on the Riverwalk, it's a stunning backdrop for music, dancing, and raising money to support their mission: to provide choices, education, and guidance for those affected by advancing age or illness. 💕

Colorful bright red and blue linens topped with centerpieces featuring a neon LED light of different musical instruments were the focus within the main event area. While in the pre-event function showcased custom records printed with printed lyrics and lifesized cutouts of famous musicians. 🎼🎤

It was a beautiful evening full of rock n roll while benefitting an incredible cause in Tampa Bay. 💛

Do you know a local non-profit that might need assistance with its gala planning? Tell them to contact us! 📞👏🏼

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