Date Night Idea List

After 35 years Brenda and I are still very much enamored with each other. I sometimes catch her looking and smiling at me while I sleep. A look of peace, affection and yes, that last minute look of 'whoops, you caught me staring again.' It's proof positive that when your willing to work harder on your marriage than anything else in life the dividends are great.

What We've Learned

Have you ever noticed? We are at our absolute worst when we are tired. We're disoriented and fatigued, touchy and snappy.  When rest is lacking we are impatient and disagreeable. That said, our first priority needs to be learning how to put life on hold and rest. It makes all the difference. After getting much-needed rest we can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening together.

The Importance of Dating

We found this solution early in our marriage and have kept applying it ever since. We call it Date Night. Date night helps keep the home fires burning. Establish a weekly day, afternoon or evening to focus undistracted on the two of you. Turn off the cell phone. Tell your friends and colleagues that you should not be disturbed on this day and then have at it. Dating in this way should never end. Whether you're 24 or 84, it is the lifeblood of a strong healthy relationship between two very busy people.

Hot vs Warm and Cozy

No, we don't aim for a  hot steamy evening full of romantic posturing. We prefer a simple warm and cozy atmosphere. The rest comes naturally. But to make date night work, we had to learn to make five basic rules of conduct a priority. And when we did, date night began to work its wonders on us.

Date Night Priority List
1. Getting plenty of sleep the night before date night.
2. Making weekly date night an unbroken sacred ritual.
3. Choose employment that won't suck the life out of us.
4. Make date night enjoyable and relaxing.
5. No discussions about problems or work-related issues.
6. No distractions such as cell phone calls or texting
7. Let everyone know that date night is sacred and you should not be disturbed

Date Night Ideas List

Date night should be like cooking a crockpot dinner once a week. The ingredients may be few and simple, but it always seems to turn out delicious, filling the house with an amazing aroma. Date night should be carefully planned well in advance. It should be a time to creatively say "I love you" in word or deed. But it should always be simply stated, uncomplicated and stress-free in order to work. That said we've put together what we call an after wedding Date Night Idea List to keep the home embers warm. Share it, print it, pin it, but most of all enjoy it.

Date Night Ideas List

Start planning your wedding well in advance with My Keepsake Wedding Planner - Everything you need to plan your Wedding, Wedding night and Honeymoon.

Congratulations July Brides and Fiancees

A special shout out and congratulations to all our summer brides, specifically those to be wedded in the months of June, July and August. Today we recognise both July brides and fiancees. What a special time of year to advance your commitment of love. Now is the time to take advantage of the special features of the season. 

July is also a great time for a romantic summertime honeymoon vacation. Consider going on a cruise, or enjoy a week stay at a luxury villa. Perhaps a stay-cation would be just as enjoyable? A catered dinner with wine and roses and then cuddle up with that special someone.

And here's a free gift for you. The 7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Wedding Planner and the After Wedding Date Night Ideas List. 

For more vacation ideas and vacation planning and packing checklists get Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner.


Keep the home fires burning! 
Congratulations and best wishes.

Mark and Brenda

Congratulations June Brides

A special shout out and congratulations to all our June Brides and Fiancees. What a special time of year to advance your commitment of love. Now is the time to take advantage of the amenities of the season. 

June is a great time for a romantic honeymoon vacation. Think cruise, riverside cottage or a luxury villa. Want to keep it simple and local? Dine in your new home, a catered dinner, wine and roses on the balcony under the stars.

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For a honeymoon planning checklist and activity ideas get your personal copy of Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner. 

How To Say I Love You

Congratulations Fabulous February brides, grooms, fiances and fiancees.

This month the words "I Love You" are the most popular words expressed around the world. Popularity is one thing, but showing how much you mean it is quite another. So how do you say I love you in a way that the recipient knows you really mean it?

It goes without saying, there are an endless variety of ways to express true love.  Experts say, be creative. Others say, be direct. Most say show it, but do so in such a way that the recipient knows exactly what sentiment is being conveyed.

"True love and affection is a gentle kiss on the forehead."

"If you have an overwhelming urge to shout it out across the housetops, you're probably in love."

Since love is about giving, it makes sense to first consider how the receiver will interpret your words, expressions and actions. That said, take some time to find out what acts of love have the most meaning to your loved one and the expressions of love that are most deeply valued. If all else fails hold the person in your arms, gently kiss their forehead and speak softly the words, "I Love You." Next grab her hand, run to the nearest street corner and shout it out for all to hear.

How To Say I Love You

Consider creative ways to celebrate your love and show it each and every day. Go to eBay and find that favorite toy she once had when she was a kid. Write a list of all the things you love most about the person. Take the time to express gratitude for the little things they do for you and others. The best thing about true love is you'll never stop finding ways to express it.

Don't Forget Rings! - 7 Days Before The Wedding Checklist

Find creative and memorable ways to say "Will you marry me."  24 DIY Marriage Proposal Ideas

Get Fimark's My Wedding Planner to plan that special wedding day simply and easily, one step at a time.

Keywords: how to say I love you, I love you
Tags: #ILoveYou,#HowToSayILoveYou,

Congratulations September 2015 Brides and Fiancées

Congratulations September brides and fiancees. Congratulations to those married or to be wed, as well as those engaged in September? This is your month to tell us how he proposed to you.

If you plan on enjoying a honeymoon vacation or a romantic anniversary get-away, this is the month for you.

The astronomical fall (Northern Hemisphere) 2015 begins on Wednesday, September 23. Early fall season events including arts and craft shows, street side bubble shows, outdoor fairs, music and food festivals. special events also including beer and wine tasting.

Here is a special gift just for those of you September Brides and fiancees. The 7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Planner. Enjoy and congrats!

DIY CRAFTY GIFT IDEAS

The "7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Planner Checklist Bookmark"  Makes a great gift and can be used as a printable graphical template for many different craft projects. 

• Print it on a commemorative T-shirt.
• Print it on a fabric neck scarf.
• Print it on a fabric hair scarf.
• Send it to all the Brides-to-be you know.
  
• Print on a tall mug (cut in three sections).
• Print on a slim poster.
• Print on sticky paper for a scrapbook countdown timeline.
• Print and stick to the side of your monitor display.
• Print and wrap vertically around your bed post
• Print and wrap vertically around your Ficus Tree
• Print and hang ornamentally from your chandelier
• Print and attach to the side a your wall poster.

Right click and save the image to a file.

Find vital wedding planning checklists in the newly released wedding planner and organizer Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner guidebook and keepsake.

24 DIY Marriage Proposal Ideas

So you've finally found the love of your life and you want to ask her to marry you. Looking for creative ideas and inspiration? Look no further. 

First think of her. Some women prefer public proposals and statements. It gives them a strong feeling of belonging to you. Others prefer a discreet intimate private proposal. Consider her favorite songs. The places she loves to go. The books she loves to read. The movies she frequents. The character she adores. The things she loves to do.  

This is a list of actual engagement ideas from actual event by friends and family. The best thing about this list is it does not require a lot of help.  At the right place at the right time, you can pretty much do it all yourself.

DIY Proposal Ideas Quick List

1. After weekend lunch on a sunny day he proposed at a water fountain. When she accepted, they jumped in.

2. On a snow winter night he proposed at a theater watching her favorite romance movie. They played in the snow on the way to the car.

3. On a starry night in early spring he proposed at an art gallery before a work of art she fell in love with.

4. He proposed at her favorite restaurant. He had the waiter drop the ring in her wine glass and asked her to remove it before pouring.

5. He proposed by taking her to a toy store and handing her a stuffed bear with the ring box in it's arms

6. At a Spring Fair on a craft table was her favorite quilt. After opening it up and revealing engagement rings, he proposed.

7. After a fun day on a sandy beach by the ocean while the sunset he promised may more days like these. He then proposed.

8. After getting completely soaked under a tropical water fall he opens his hand and reveals the ring.

9. He sang and danced "Singing in the Rain" style. Then opening an umbrella that read "Will You Marry Me?" he proposes.

10. He proposed in an airplane flying over her hometown. As she looked out the window he says "You are my home. Will you marry me?"

11. He proposed in a limo after a Broadway show. Quoting the words of a beloved character she he opens up the ring box and proposes.

12. He proposed in a park on a bench while violin, guitar and flute were playing a request. Singing the song being played he rests on one knee. Opens the box and asks for her hand.

13. Laying on the grass under the stars during the performance of her favorite song at a outdoor concert he proposes.

14. While dancing to her favorite song he proposed in the middle of the dance floor.

15. He asks for her hand while strolling in the park. With one hand he holds hers. With the other he shows an open box.

17. He asked after a very good candle light dinner on an apartment roof top overlooking the city.

18. After a cruise dinner they walk to the bow of the ship and he asks "will you marry me" under a full moon.

19. After watching her favorite dinner theater play, the acting group sang a song at their table while he asked her.

20. A mime showed him how to ask her silently and he copied him superbly.
21. He proposed on horse back. When she said yes he lifted her up on the saddle and the two rode off into the sunset together. He used a stepping stool and the horse was led by a professional trainer.
22. He proposed to her while they were riding horse and carriage.

23. At a family reunion after telling a touching story about a couples loyal love and enduring marriage he proposed.
24. After they successfully completed a community outreach project he proposed.

In all these actual events she said "Yes!" What helped? Taking the time to get to know her. Making the most of the things that mean the most to her. Some forethought and preparation. Good timing. Thinking ahead.

Above all show her that you're putting her welfare ahead of your own.

"Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person"

Wether you propose in private or in public, make it something special that says, I know you and I love you. Will you be my wife?

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Congratulations October Brides and Fiancées

It's time to say congratulations to all you October brides and fiancees. May your weddings be as memorable and engaging as you planned. The October birth stone is Tourmaline:Opal. 

The October flower is Marigold. Marigolds make excellent cut flowers for both live and dried arrangements. For live bouquets, cut newly opened blooms early in the morning and immediately set the stems in a jar of warm water. Marigolds are great for dry arrangements as well and therefore make the ideal keepsake flower.

Brenda and I will enjoy our October wedding anniversary at Virginia Beach. We look forward to the October festivals, harvest fruits, desserts and cuisine. 

Great October activities include: A fun fall foliage country driving trip. Head due north to see leaves of gold and orange, red and purple. Stop for a fresh-pressed apple cider, caramel apple treats and tasty pumpkin or sweet potato pie. This is a great time of year for wine tasting, cheese olive and crackers.  

Each Fall (usually in late October), Farmers Market celebrates the harvest with a great, family-friendly festival. In addition to crafts and entertainment, these festivals features several bands and special acts for children and the young at heart. Fall Festivals offers very special activities including a petting zoo, balloon and wood sculpting, reef making, baking contests and more. Find the best warm eggnog at country cooking restaurants and festivals. enjoy the seasons bounty together.