Five Different Date Ideas You Should Try

Okay, so if you are anything like me, you like a lot of variety in your life.  Different foods every week, different tasks to get done, so on and so forth.  SO why are you just accepting the same exact date plan every single time - going out for a meal and a movie - or staying in, ordering takeout, and watching Netflix.

Now, don't get me wrong, those are GREAT and sometimes all I want to do, but come on people.  Let's add some excitement in our lives.

I know a lot of times I've shied away from changing up dates because it honestly takes a ton of time to plan (and a LOT of Pinterest scrolling).  So, to make things easier for you, I compiled a quick list of 5 fun and different date ideas that you can try :)

1. Wander around a bookstore.

To my people who hate reading - YES, YOU CAN HAVE FUN DOING THIS TOO.  Bookstores are a great haven to encounter, with thousands and thousands of possibilities at your fingertips.  Wander down aisles together, pick out books you think the other would like.  Make it a game and find books for your partner based on different questions (ex: a book to read on the beach, a book you CLEARLY need to read, a book that describes you, etc.).  Make it fun - and a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate is the perfect pairing on an outing like this!

2. Drive away and go on an adventure together.

A lot of times, it's really easy to get stuck in our towns, going to the same places because we truly LOVE them.  But it's nice to break that routine every once in a while and try something completely new!  Hank (my fiancé) and I love to explore nature, so we often take a little extra time to drive to a state park or someplace to go hiking all day.  It's fun to break away from everything and everyone you know and just have time to talk and experience something new together.  If you aren't much of an outdoorsy person, try driving to a new town and checking out fun, local stores and coffeeshops there :)

3. Cook a whole, entire, new fancy meal together.  Appetizer.  Entrée. Dessert.  The works.

Okay yes, so I'm sure you probably cook meals with each other, whether often or not.  But again, usually those meals end up being the same grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken enchiladas that you ate last week.  Guys, PINTEREST IS SERIOUSLY THE GREATEST RESOURCE EVER.  Just click on it, and you have instant access to MILLIONS of recipes that you've never even seen before.  Look up a new recipe (or three), and try it out together.  It's always fun to cook together, whether you are particularly talented at cooking or not.  After you've made the meal, you can either dress up really fancy and eat it by the candlelight... or veg out on the couch together and eat wayyyy to much.

4. Take a dancing class together.

Yes.  If there are any men reading this, or women who feel like they have two left feet.  THIS IS ACTUALLY FUN.  Lots of different dance studios, especially in Chicago, offer beginner's dance classes, from waltzing to salsa to TANGO.  Seriously, you do not need any experience in this class whatsoever (unless you sign up for the expert's course....).  If you sign up, gear yourself up for one of two types of nights... either one that brings you closer as a couple, depending on each other in each step..... or one that consists of nonstop laughter at and with each other.  Either way, you will have a fantastic time and actually gain a few skills to show off at the next wedding you attend.

5. Book a photoshoot!!!!!!

Obviously, since I am a photographer, I am a pretty huge advocate of taking pictures.  But seriously guys.  Getting your pictures taken together is actually REALLY FUN.  You get to snuggle up, make each other laugh, AND just get to focus on each other for that amount of time.  PLUS you get the most adorable pictures of yourselves EVER - that last longer than just that date!  There are tons of different styles of photoshoots that you can go with (which I will cover in a later blog post) - minis, full, glamorous styled shoots, cozy home-lifestyle shoots, wilderness/outdoorsy shoots, YOU NAME IT.  It's a time to let loose and enjoy some together, making a memory that will literally last forever. (So seriously.  Hit me up.  Let's make this a date.  I'll bring the chocolate).