#Thursday13 - 1990's Romantic Comedies

 It's winter, yucky weather, and you are getting bored. Grab your honey and a cozy blanket (or a few friends) then pick out some fun romantic comedies from the 1990's to watch. 

Here's my list.

1.  Something About Mary -1998 - the hair gel scene kills me every time!

2. American Pie - 1999 - Flyboy's favorite

3. Father Of The Bride - 1991 - love Steve Martin

4. Clueless -1995

5. 10 Things I Hate About You - 1999

6. You've Got Mail - 1998

7. Groundhog Day - 1993

8. Never Been Kissed - 1999

9. Four Weddings and a Funeral - 1994

10. Sleepless in Seattle - 1993

11. My Best Friend's Wedding - 1997

12. Shakespeare in Love - 1998

13. Switched - 1991

Be sure to visit the Thursday 13 blog for links to more amazing lists.

#Thursday13 - Holiday Date Night Ideas

Christmas doesn’t have to just be for kids, but it can also be a time to relight that fire with your honey. This year makes getting together with friends and family difficult. There won't be the big holiday parties to attend. However, this simply means more QUALITY time with your honey.

Here are a few ideas to add some romance to your holiday.

1. Take a walk in the park
2. Go ice skating
3. Sip hot chocolate (or something a little stronger) by the fire
4. Rent a cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway
5. Share a dessert by candlelight
6. Cook a meal together
7. Have a leisurely breakfast in bed
8. Spend the evening "at the theatre". Get dressed up and pop in a drama or theatrical video. 
9. Take a drive to "nowhere in particular" and stop whenever inspired to enjoy the scenery
10. Park in a secluded spot (be sure to have lots of blankets) and gaze at the stars.

11. Watch a Christmas themed movie together. Enjoy popcorn and warm spiced cider.

12. Order take-out from a restaurant you've never been to.

13. Go to a local tree farm. Cut down a fresh tree. If you use an artificial tree, see if you can collect fresh greens and make an outdoor arrangement for your porch

#Thursday13 - Favorite #Couple-time Ideas

Flyboy & I celebrated our 29nd anniversary on Monday. We aren't "empty nesters" yet and we had to plan an evening around our 15 yr old's football practice. However, Flyboy made a couple of  "to die for" steaks on the grill, broiled lobster tails while I whipped up some yummy butter beans. Sharing a meal and wine while listening to OUR music was a delightful treat.

Anyways... this week's TT is some of my favorite things to do with my honey. 

 

1. Go junkin'. We love to drive around and find garage sales. The best treasures are found at barn sales. 

2. Go for a walk. We live in the woods and take the dog with us. We walk on the road or in the back, it's nice to enjoy the peacefulness of nature.


3. Exploring farmers markets.

4.  Visiting Traverse City or any small, quaint town in Norther Michigan.

Visiting North Peak Brewing Co.
Traverse City, MI

5. Visiting local wineries, breweries and distilleries.

6. Cooking outside. Grilling. We work together to create the best marinade or try out new recipes. Cooking over the bonfire. Sipping wine while sitting near the bonfire.

7. We love cooking anything together in the kitchen. Sometimes it turns into a family event. I'm proud to say my boys enjoy cooking almost as much as they like to eat.

In the kitchen - aprons on!

8. Visiting neighbors. In our neighborhood it's common for neighbors to grab some drinks and head to each other's homes.

9.  Heading to Frankenmuth for a mini adventure; wandering through the quaint shops.

10. Snuggling on the couch reading while he watches the Tigers or Lions play.

11. Sitting in the bleachers with our friends watching our son play football or baseball. (Yeah, we still have one at home.)

12. Cuddling on the couch watching a funny movie.

13. Well.... yeah... of course THAT!  But I didn't want to brag or make anyone jealous.

They are not listed in any particular order. I would say top couple-time things to do are cooking together and exploring quaint towns. (And of course, #13.)

What do you like to do with your honey?

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Thursday 13 - Autumn Romance

Fall is a beautiful time of year here in Michigan. I love the incredible palate of colorful trees and shrubbery. Nature’s pure fragrance of leaves and earth as well as the temptations of pumpkin pie, baked apples, and hot mulled cider create a wonderful setting. This time of year is also the time to pull out the winter woolies and time for some old fashion cuddling. It is a time for Autumn Romance.

Here are a few tips to help you leap into romance!

1.       Get football fever. As many of you know, I am a Football Mom to three boys and spend countless hours at their games.  Being at a game snuggled up to my honey under a stadium blanket while sharing hot cocoa helps us capture a bit of romance.  When I look around during the game, I see we are not the only couple using the opportunity.

2.       Plan a special morning. Romance isn’t just for nighttime. Enjoy coffe on the porch, just the two of you. Make a special breakfast. Pack it into a picnic basket and eat outside or visit your local cider mill and enjoy some cider and doughnuts.

3.       Enjoy the patio at night. Or build a bonfire for two. Curl up together under a blanket and sip a cup of hot apple cider.

4.       Rake leaves. This is something the whole family can do. Rake a pile of leaves and yes…. Jump in!  It’s not just for kids.  Let your hair down and play!  Laughing is great foreplay.

5.       Hit the trails. Go for a walk holding hands or a nice bike ride. Stop periodically to enjoy the view. 

This is a great way to stay in shape and relieve tension as well as giving you a chance to talk.  However, if you come to a hill… I dare you to roll down it!

6.       Go camping. Try it in your own backyard.  Cook outside on a grill or over a bonfire.  Enjoy the fresh air and each other.

7.       Visit a carnival, county fair or craft show. Wander around holding hands and nibbling on Elephant Ears.

8.       Have a fireside picnic. Slip into something sexy. Pour your favorite wine and play your favorite love songs.

9.       Go on a hayride. Many apple orchards offer hay rides through November. Night time hay rides are very romantic. Enjoy a scenic tour while sitting close to each other and holding hands like a couple of teenagers. 

10.   Visit a local vineyard.  Many offer tours through December. Take advantage of their sampling room and select a bottle to take home.

11.   Take a train ride.  In Michigan we have the Snow Train that runs only during the winter. However, many areas offer special color tours and dinners. Check with your local railroads for more information.

12.   Go apple picking. Whether it’s at an orchard or your own backyard, pick some apples together then head into the kitchen for some fun. Make an apple pie and crack open some whipped cream. Just make sure to leave enough whipped cream to have on the pie! *wink, wink*

13.   Go for a stroll in a park. Take time to let your inner child out. Play hopscotch or push each other on the swings. 

Visit the New Thursday 13 page to read more wonderful lists.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Love Surprises

Little things mean alot. I'm sure you've heard that before... but it's true. Some things such as a smile can brighten one's day. My hubby is a pilot and is gone often so I enjoy hiding things in his suitcase. My mother lives in an apartment and I have fun leaving goodies in her fridge or on her dresser for her to find.

Here's a list of some items for you to leave in often over looked places for your honey or someone special to find.

For your honey:1. Handcuffs.

2. A sexy photo of yourself.

3. A pair of panties scented with a favorite fragrance.

4. Small bottle of massage oil.

5. A key (to your heart).

6. A love poem.

7. A love letter.

8. Love coupons.For someone special:9. A greeting or inspirational card.

10. A photo of the two of you.

11. A small book.

12. Favorite CD.

13 Favorite magazine.

Other items may include Hersey kisses, a teddy bear, jewelry, a list of why that person is special to you, small artwork, and a small bottle of their favorite fragrance.

What other items can you think of?


Be sure to visit Romance Writers Behaving Badly for another Thursday Thirteen list from me!

Fun Friday Night with Food

Why go out on Friday night when you can save money and have fun at home. Romance doesn’t need to be frivolous.

Roast marshmallows in the fireplace, drink wine and listen to soft music.

Bake a batch of favorite cookies together. Feed each other warm cookies fresh from the oven.

Have a picnic dinner in the backyard.

Dine by candle light with cloth napkins, tablecloth, fine dinnerware…outdoors.

#Thursday13 – Picnics, Picnics, Everywhere

A picnic can be a romantic event.

 I remember one time Dearest Hubby and I took two of our boys (when they were very small) to a beach along Lake Michigan. We packed a yummy picnic including juice boxes for the boys and a bottle of wine for us. We sat back, sipped our wine while holding hands while watching our little ones play.

One summer was very hot and we were limited on time due to a busy schedule. We often held a picnic under a tree in our yard, in the garden (where we often ate fresh picked veggies) or on the deck with hubby grilling.

While traveling we had a long layover at Chicago Midway. We spread a blanket under some potted trees. The youngest took a nap, while hubby & I played a game with another son. Nothing is sexier than a man being a good dad.

It is up to you and your honey, but even with the rug-rats around, it is possible to capture a few romantic moments.

Here is my list of places for a picnic.

1. On the beach

2. In a park

3. In the garden

4. On the deck

5. At the zoo

6. On a riverbank

7. In a city plaza

8. Under the stars

9. At an outdoor concert

10. In a public garden

11. On the porch

12. On a tailgate (maybe even at a sporting event)

13. In a pasture (but be aware: cows are very curious)