Dating Ideas || The Date Cake Box
I live in a military town. It’s unique and wonderful in so many ways and we talk about staying here long-term. For many of us in Virginia Beach, our spouses are in and out of this beach town and our schedules aren’t the typical 9-5.
Last spring, I was inspired to create a sort of kit or box with everything needed for a simple date. My husband was deployed at the time and I was acutely aware of the distance and how important it is to take advantage of the time when he’s home. I imagined all the fun ways to incorporate this date box into evenings spent together. And so the Date Cake Box was born! A mini boutique style cake, picnic supplies, and some bubbly ready for a dessert date.
Lifestyle blogger, Terri Mchugh and husband, capture exactly what we had in mind for The Date Cake Box
Having a great marriage doesn’t just happen when two exceptional people come together, it’s built by the smallest decisions we make each day. The simple “yes” we give to our spouse when we set our phone down and listen. A “yes” in the form of picking up their slack, choosing to serve them rather than demand, and most importantly assume they mean well rather than be offended. Freely giving grace and the room to be human is often the deepest form of love we can give. For every time we don’t stop to listen, don’t serve the other, or choose something or someone over our spouse, that’s a “no” directed at them.
I’m learning that my people-pleasing spirit can get in the way of me saying yes to the things that matter most. Every time I take on too many orders or choose to work late into the evenings, I’m saying no to my family and a chance to grow my marriage.
I want to choose to do this life together and not miss the beauty in the small “yes” I can give my spouse each day. Life is messy and there are so many layers that make our days challenging but when we’re purposeful with each decision, the things that are most important in life seem to stand out a little more.
Photo credit: Jess Erin
As I preach this to myself today, I also challenge anyone else who may relate, to carve out an hour or two for our spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend this week. Take a blanket to the beach and watch the sunset. Pack a picnic basket and bike ride to the park. Dress up and walk around a fancy hotel (The Cavalier) and take pictures of each other, or play a board game together on the back porch. Most importantly, listen to what they’re saying and take notes.
Looking for an extravagant sort of date?
An extravagant picnic scape by Moonfly Events on one of Norfolk’s gorgeous East End Beaches. Photography by Jess Erin and florals by Aster and Bee
One of the benefits of living in Hampton Roads are the endless breathtaking backdrops that make planning a date with a view so easy. There are sandy beaches, botanical gardens, nature reserves, parks, and historical buildings. Each of the seven cities has it’s own style that generates endless creative opportunities for a memorable date.
Perhaps you’re planning a proposal, elopement, or anniversary celebration. These significant moments in life can require a little extra planning and can seem overwhelming for some. Fortunately for us, there are some stellar local businesses that take care of all of the details and curate one-of-a-kind settings for these types of life events.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
If you’re planning an elopement then I highly recommend heading over to photographer Jess Erin’s blog as she covers everything needed for a seamless elopement. Then do yourself a favor and book her! She’s truly amazing at what she does and you’ll love her warm, friendly demeanor.
For luxury picnics tailored to you and the occasion, I highly recommend Moonfly Events. Their attention to detail and dedication to taking care of everything from set up to tear down makes them an easy choice.
If you’re choosing a picnic style date, then there will be a food element to consider. Charcuterie boards and mini cakes (featured in our Date Cake Box) are a great option. Longboard Charcuterie has a specially curated board for two (delivery option available) as well as a shop to drop in and grab a to-go board.
Location location location! If you want to catch a sunrise, consider Sandbridge beach. And the best sunsets can be seen along the bay on Chic’s Beach all the way to the Norfolk East Beaches. The Norfolk Botanical Garden has over 60 gardens to wander through and find a place to sit and have a picnic. The list goes on and on but I’ll close for now.
“People of our time are losing the power of celebration. Instead of celebrating we seek to be amused or entertained. Celebration is an active state, an act of expressing reverence or appreciation. To be entertained is a passive state--it is to receive pleasure afforded by an amusing act or a spectacle.... Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of one's actions.
Source: The Wisdom of Heschel”
― Abraham Joshua Heschel
Photo credit: Jess Erin
