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.

A Little Snappy

For this date all you need is your spouse, a camera, and the scenery around you.  It's time to practice your photography skills.  Rather you take photos of each other, the beautiful scenery, or set up a tripod and take pictures of you as a couple.  This is a fun way to spend time with each other and create some beautiful memories too.

Relationship Reconnection:
Since we are on a photo shoot here, let's talk about body language.  Our body language says a lot about us.  Leaning in when our spouse is talking or using eye contact shows a more genuine interest in what they have to say.  A simple pat on the leg or arm around the waist can speak volumes.  Take some time as you're out and about photographing, to use body language to express your love and appreciation for your spouse. Research shows that body language can show how much you value your spouse.

Fondue for Two

Photo Courtesy of Aduldej at freedigitalphotos.net

Fondue is a fun and delicious way to spend an evening together.  Rather it's sweet or savory, fondue dipping can be such a fun and yummy date.  You can melt chocolate; milk, dark, white, as well as many cheeses too.  The skies the limit, whatever you enjoy.  Choose the fondue and the items to dip and enjoy a fun night together.

Relationship Reconnection:
Over fondue, have a couples year in review.  How has the year gone?  It's fun to look back and remember all the things that have happened, places you have been, struggles you have conquered, and memories you have made.  This will strengthen your marriage and help you look forward to another great year.

Spa Night In

The colder winter months can take a toll on our skin and hair causing dryness.  For this date, go ahead and buy a few scented oils and/or lotions and pamper each other.  Having a spa night and giving each other massages is a great way to hydrate, relax, and unwind.


Relationship Reconnection:
Now if a couple massage and spa night doesn't say reconnect, I don't know what does.  It's time to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate those feelings. Physical touch can do wonders for reconnecting and improving your relationship.

Cupcake Wars

Who doesn’t enjoy a little friendly competition and yummy dessert?  For this date you can do it at home after the kids have gone to bed.  Make sure you have an ample supply of cupcakes, frosting, decorations and of course sprinkles.

Decoration ideas:

·       Chocolate chips
·       Licorice
·       Marshmallows
·       Skittles
·       M&M’s
·       Graham crackers
·       Animal crackers
·       Teddy grahams
·       Cookies
·       Chocolate chips
·       Food coloring
·       Any kind of candy—peach rings, gummy sharks, gummy worms, gummy bears,  watermelon candy, etc

Come up with a theme and start decorating!

Theme ideas:

·       Your biggest dream
·       Your spouse’s dream
·       How you met your spouse
·       Your first date
·       Best Vacation you went on
·       Best describe your spouse
·       Best describe your family

Relationship Reconnection

Take this time to talk about your dreams and goals in life.  Our spouses are not mind readers and don’t know what our dreams and goals are if we don’t talk them. By talking about our dreams and goals and the meaning behind them we can help each other achieve their dreams.