First Friday Art Walks

First Friday lets you check out the beautiful, trendy, classical, and straight up weird art exhibits at galleries throughout the city. Enjoy the spirit and culture of downtown Phoenix as you mingle with other Valley residents and visitors. Tour art galleries and related venues from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. every First Friday of the month. Vendors, street performers, and food trucks make for a unique and upbeat scene.

Go to the website for this month's location:

http://artlinkphoenix.com/first-fridays/

Relationship Reconnection:
The power of empathy is key to a strong relationship.  Empathy requires compassion and compassion builds a bond.  This bond is what holds a relationship together.  One way to practice empathy is to give genuine attention when our spouse is speaking.  When you are genuinely listening, you are focusing on them and taking action to truly understand them.  Listen without focusing on your own response.  Truly listen.

Ice Skating

Let’s bring the winter to Phoenix! OK, I know it is almost impossible for that to happen. But, what if I told you there was a way?

Try Ice-skating with your spouse. Don’t know how? Take it slow.  At Ice Skating, there is a chance to go and experience a winter day. The link below is information on Cityskate at CityScape in downtwon Phoenix is a really great place to go ice-skating during the holidays.

http://www.phxicerink.com/

Photo from CitySkate

Relationship Reconnection:

While you and your spouse are ice-skating, if it is possible to hold hands while not falling do it! Sometimes life gets so crazy that we forget about the sweet physical touch of holding hands. Here is a chance to hold on for dear life if you have trouble skating! Also while you are together communicate about your everyday life. But most of all, have fun together! 

Let's Skate and Roll

Roller skating rinks used to be a very popular place to hang out, but then they were replaced with ice skating rinks. Lucky for you and your spouse, roller rinks are coming back. There are many to choose from in the Phoenix area. Check out one of the best in the valley, Rollero Family Roller Skating Center. Check the schedule out here.  They are a cash only facility. 


Address:   7318 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033 

Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For more information visit:

Revitalize that Relationship!

In order to have fun and enjoy your spouse, you need to make sure you aren’t holding anything against them. Try and be as forgiving as possible when it comes to your relationship. Everyone is going to make mistakes in life. When you are finding it difficult to forgive, ask your spouse for help. Communication can be a big key to forgiveness. 

Let's Fly

Sky venture Arizona

People love to skydive. I never really understood why, but I wanted to know what all the hype was about. If you have had similar feelings check out SkyVenture Arizona Indoor Skydiving. There is no stress of jumping out of a plane, or worrying about a parachute. With indoor skydiving, you are wearing a jump suit, googles and helmet, and are put in a vertical wind tunnel. It is safe, fun and gives you the same adrenaline rush as real skydiving. This is a great date to do with your spouse, and will give both of you and instant high for the rest of the day, and maybe even a few days after.

For more information visit: http://www.skyventureaz.com/

Relationship Reconnection!

Relationships have their ups and downs. It is part of life, and part of the learning experience. How do you view your spouse during easy and difficult times? How well do you handle positive and negative situations with your spouse? Discuss these questions with each other, and see where improvement can be made together. 

Swinging Good Time at Topgolf

Located near Talking Stick Resort, TopGolf is a very popular destination in the Scottsdale area. A multistory driving range allows for couples to keep score and challenge each other, or simply have fun whacking golf balls down the range. There are targets on the range, and a score keeping system that seems like a hybrid of golf and bowling. The restaurant has highly rated food and drinks, and the service is excellent. Although this is not a budget activity, it is very entertaining, and sure to be a memorable night.

9500 E Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256

http://topgolf.com/us/riverwalk

Relationship Reconnection tip:

Take this time to have fun and learn more about each other. On each turn ask your spouse a question to expand your love map.  What is a love map?  What you know about your spouse. Dr. John Gottman teaches, “In knowledge there is strength. From knowledge springs not only love but the fortitude to weather marital storms. Couples who have detailed love maps of each other’s world are far better prepared to cope with stressful events and conflict.” 

Rappel Arizona

If you need something extra to really get the adrenaline pumping, then take your date to Rappel Arizona!  With ziplines, rappelling, rock climbing, and adventure ropes courses for people of all skill and fitness levels, these activities are sure to send your heart racing!  One of the most thrilling activities is the "Leap of Faith," where participants climb a 30 foot pole straight up, stand on top, and then (as the name implies) take a leap of faith off the top!  The zipline and ropes courses are held at locations throughout the valley, but generally rappelling adventures require traveling to an established rock climbing location.  Plan for at least a half day if you choose one of the rappelling adventures, and include travel time in your plans.

http://www.rappelarizona.com/

Relationship Connection:
Getting outside of your comfort zone allows you to see another side of your partner. Becoming vulnerable to new experiences keeps us humble and able to have fun and laugh together. It is nice to be on an even playing field with your partner where both are learning something new for the first time.

Touch Down

Photo Courtesy of vectorolie at freedigitalphotos.net

It's football season, how about a game night at home?  Cheer on your favorite team and share some stadium foods too.  Hot dogs, nachos, whatever is your thing.  Root and cheer and enjoy your time together.

Relationship Reconnection:
After the game is over, talk about ways you have cheered each other on through the years.  Encouragement strengthens marriages and remembering these times of support can help you reconnect.

Let's Jump!

You and your spouse deserve some fun. Head over to Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. It’s a trampoline park lined with trampolines and foam pits. Enjoy jumping until your hearts content, and getting some exercise while you’re at it! They have great hours and prices so check out their website http://www.skyzone.com/peoria


9040 W Larkspur Dr #134, Peoria, AZ 85381

Revitalize that Relationship!

Stay healthy together. A way to help keep a relationship strong is to have a strong body. Exercise and eating a balanced diet can help improve moods which can positively affect the relationship you have with your spouse. It is also more time to get to spend together exercising and coming up with fun meals. 

Go to a Suns, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, or Coyotes Game

One thing the Phoenix area is not short on are professional sporting events.  Although more expensive than many other date night options, you have the opportunity to cheer on some great local teams, and have some fun entertainment during breaks in the action.


     

Relationship Reconnection: 

Have fun and talk about the game. What parts are most exciting and if you were a player on the team what plays would you make? Be interactive with each other and enjoy the time you have together.