Summer Date Nghts In

Happy Thursday friends! Today I'm chatting about one of my most favorite things, date nights! It's no secret that once you have a baby your time no longer belongs to just you, or you too. Regular date nights out become much trickier to navigate with sitters, schedules and just the overall unpredictability of little ones. Before babies, really any night could become a date night, but now they require a little more planning. It's also no secret that when a new baby arrives it calls for more time at home, so why not make the most of it? 

Now, I still love a good date night out, and we honestly try to keep one on the calendar for once a week, but we also adore a great date night in! Our sweet one is in bed by 7:30, so even though we may have to be home by an early curfew, it leaves plenty of Mommy and Daddy time, with a little intentionality. Here are a few tips for sprucing up your night in! 

1. Grill out and enjoy the porch. We love to put the baby to bed, grab the monitor and head outside. Summer is the perfect time of year to grill your favorite seafood or steak, and then eat on the porch. There is plenty of sunlight left in the evening, so park it on the outdoor furniture with a glass of frose' and enjoy the evening. Outdoor seating, table for 2 please! 

2. Dine in the dining room. You have that beautiful furniture for a reason. Prepare your favorite Italian dish, open the bottle of red, get out your fine china, turn on the music, and light the candles. You will instantly feel like your have gone to one of your favorite restaurants, without the noise or crowd. Each time we do this, I can't wait to do it again. 

3. Revamp movie night. Netflix is every new parents best friend right? Next time you are at the grocery store pick up popcorn, soda and your spouses favorite candy and store it in the pantry. Or grab your favorite ice cream and toppings, and order that movie that ya'll really wanted to see in the theatre but missed, because ya know, baby? If you are like us, we love watching TV in bed, so bonus points for watching it in another room that feels fancier. 

What are you and your husbands favorite date nights in? Comment below!