Couple watching the fireworks. Photo: Smileus / Bigstock.com
Although Fourth of July is celebrated to commemorate America’s freedom, its festivities make it a great day to plan a date. If you’ll get the weekend off, as well as the fourth of July, spend your three-day vacation with the following ideas in mind:
1. Host a BBQ: Plan on hosting a BBQ with your partner and invite a few friends over. Grill your favorite food and bake a fourth of July cake.
2. Beach: Spend the following day at the beach and have a bonfire in the evening. Bring a blanket to keep yourself warm when you curl up next to your significant other. Don’t forget to also bring along marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars to make S’mores.
Frugal date ideas. Photo: Anna Omelchenko / Bigstock.com
By Andrea Woroch
Summer is the season for romance as singles and couples seek magical moments amid the sunny and hot weather. However, creating a magical date can be a nerve-wrecking experience, depending on the dating situation. Thinking about what to wear, wondering if he/she will like you or stressing over what you will talk about is enough to make someone go crazy. With so much to think about, the last thing you need to worry about is your wallet.
Lucky for cost-conscious lovebirds, there are plenty of ways to spark a romantic connection without blowing your budget. Here are nine ways to enjoy a memorable yet inexpensive summer date:
Making a meal with your partner can be one of the most romantic things you can do. It’s a fun and cheap way to enjoy yourself on a date night, and a simple way to get closer to your partner. The best part about this is getting a home cooked meal – and who can resist the simple pleasure of eating in the comfort of your own home?
However, you do want to make sure you’re enjoying your meals, not suffering through them. Many individuals find it hard to maintain healthy dining habits because they don’t want to sacrifice taste for a decrease in calories and fat. Luckily, you don’t have to compromise taste for health, as it’s possible to have a dining experience that satisfies both your taste buds and your body.
What’s more is that it’s simple and rewarding to cook a great meal at home and share it with that special someone. Your significant other will appreciate that you care about their health. In addition, dining together will go far in strengthening the romantic bond you already share with each other.
Make the meal with your partner and feed each other while you’re cooking. This can be a very intimate and sensual experience, so get creative!
The following is a recipe for two that will not only satiate your hunger, but will provide a romantic evening at home:
Couple on vacation at the beach. Photo: mangostock / Bigstock.com
By Andrew Pryor
Though Valentine’s Day gets credit for being the biggest day of love, Memorial Day should be known as the day of fresh beginnings. Although it’s not officially summer, its presence symbolizes the new season and puts immediate energy back into dating, relationships and celebrations. It’s the kickoff to so many great memories of the past and more to make in the future – backyard barbecues, laying out at the beach and summer travel.
Whether you’re settled down with someone or fired up and looking for love, here are a few ways to make sure you have a Memorial Day (or weekend) to remember:
A couple explores a city. Photo: Goodluz / Bigstock.com
Need a new quest to help break the monotony in your life? If so, head out to the Amazing Race and Scavenger Hunt singles event this Sunday at 1 p.m., hosted by Meet Market Adventures. Brought back by popular demand, this urban scavenger hunt will have new clues to figure out. Participants must collect as many items as possible – but can only use their feet or the MTA system. After the hunt will be drinks at a local pub. They say life is a series of adventures; in this case, it’s literal. Now get out there! Maybe you’ll find someone to share your adventure with along the way.
Who: Meet Market Adventures
What: Amazing Race and Scavenger Hunt
Where: Stone Creek Lounge
140 E. 27th St (between Third and Lexington)
New York, NY 10016
Friends on a picnic. Photo: belahoche / Bigstock.com
By Andrew Pryor
The Cinco de Mayo holiday was founded on May 5, 1862. On that day, General Zaragosa led the Mexican army to defeat a French force nearly twice their size. It was one of the biggest military victories ever for Mexico, allowing the Union to build an unstoppable army. Today, America and Mexico both celebrate Cinco de Mayo each year to uphold the values of liberty and national pride.
In other words, there’s no reason to feel out of place on Cinco de Mayo, no matter what nationality you are. Go out with someone you love (or go out looking for someone to love) and celebrate the holiday. In honor of the fifth of May, here are five ways to get into the espÃritu de la celebración:
Happy couple sitting outside. Photo: Subbotina Anna / Bigstock.com
Single? Ever dreamed of flying? If you answered yes to both questions and you’re free this Saturday, then maybe taking flying lessons with Meet Market Adventures would be the ideal way to spend your weekend. Your day will include a preflight briefing, and of course, an opportunity to fly the plane. Never flown before? There are sure to be other novices on board – bond over this unique experience! Bring lunch, water and a camera to capture your moments in the sky.
Who: Meet Market Adventures
What: Singles Flying Lessons
Where: Meet at the NE corner of 73rd St. & Broadway
5 Ways to spend your tax refund. Photo: Kzenon / Bigstock.com
By Breanna Olaveson
Spring is a magical time. The cold grayness of winter fades away into the freshness of spring, bringing clearer skies, brighter colors and warmer temperatures. And as if it could get any better, there’s one more yearly miracle headed your way – the much-anticipated tax return.
This extra income comes as a pleasant bonus this time of year. There are a lot of ways you could spend the money, but what could be better than using it to make memories with your love? Here are a few fun, romantic ways to spend your tax refund as a couple:
Couple splashing in the ocean. Photo: Maridav / Bigstock.com
What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring then by heading down class IV and V rapids! This Saturday, take a wild ride and go White Water Rafting on the Mighty Housatonic, hosted by Meet Market Adventures. Wet suits, life jackets, helmets and footies will be provided. After going down some of the biggest rapids in New England, you’ll be driven to Bulls Bridge Inn, where a wonderful three-course lunch awaits you. Check out the site to see what you need to pack. Finding a new special someone is always an adventure! So this weekend, why not make it a literal one?
Who: Meet Market Adventures
What: White Water Rafting
When: Saturday, April 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Meet at the NE corner of 73rd Street and Broadway
New York, NY 10023
Cost: $169.99 (includes lunch, transportation and equipment)
Jason Trawick and Britney Spears. Photo: KM/FAMEFLYNET
While most people are sitting around imagining the celebrity lifestyle as wild and crazy, Britney Spears is getting coffee with boyfriend Jason Trawick. According to UsMagazine.com, Spears told Ryan Seacrest that her and Trawick’s life “isn’t that crazy” on his KIIS-FM radio show this past Friday. “We’re really normal,” the 29-year-old pop sensation insisted. “We work out a lot. We love to work out. We do stuff together like that. We take walks.” The couple has been together since early 2009 and continue to enjoy each other’s company … even when Trawick is ‘kicking her butt’ in cardio.
What are some everyday things you can do with your partner?
Taylor Swift and Chord Overstreet. Photo: Glenn Harris / PR Photos; Andrew Evans / PR Photos
It looks like Taylor Swift has moved on from Jake Gyllenhaal. According to UsMagazine.com, the country singer was spotted at Thursday’s L.A. Kings game with Glee‘s Chord Overstreet. An Overstreet source said he called Swift up Wednesday to talk about writing a song together and following the game, the duo went out for food. “He will definitely pursue this,” Overstreet’s friend said. This isn’t Swift’s first date with a cast member of Glee; she was previously with Cory Monteith, who plays Overstreet’s romantic rival.
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Photo: Fame Pictures
Vicky Christina Barcelona stars and now-spouses Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem found themselves with some free time last week, reports People. The couple, who just had their first child together, were able to get away for a romantic dinner in London at Gordon Ramsay. Onlookers say the two couldn’t keep their hands off of each other and that they were looking very cozy.
How do you find time for romance when you have a baby?
Amanda Seyfried and Ryan Phillippe. Photo: Fame Pictures
Ryan Phillippe and Amanda Seyfried have been spotted together again, People reports. The pair were first seen at Kate Hudson’s Halloween bash in October. Now it appears the duo have gotten more serious about their relationship and have taken it public, eating breakfast together at Los Angeles’s Joan’s On Third. Phillippe also stopped by the set of Seyfried’s new movie, Now, where the two took a walk together during a break in filming.What are casual type dates to go on at the beginning of a relationship?
Couple playing in the snow. Photo: monkeybusinessimages / Bigstock.com
Looking for date ideas as Valentine’s Day approaches? Make a wintertime fantasy out of the coming weekend! As far as any of us are concerned, the magic of the holiday season lives on as long as it’s cold. How else would we get through the low temperatures, right? So make the most out of the most romantic day of the year and spend some time basking in the beauty of winter before it’s gone! Below, we share Cupid’s dating advice for all the sentamentalists who just aren’t ready to let the holidays go. …Want to know more? Click here!
Bundle up with your love! Photo: julief514 / Bigstock.com
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean the magic of winter has to end. Cupid’s got some date ideas for those who love to embrace the colder weather. Temperatures are ice cold, so there’s still time to sport your chicest coat or get all toasty warm by the fireplace. As your toes freeze, as icicles form on your eyelashes, and as the snow falls outside your window, you may be tempted to stay inside, but there’s nothing more romantic than taking your partner out for some fun in the snow! …Don’t miss the rest of this winter dating advice!
Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal. Photo: Glenn Harris / PR Photos; Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
Stock up, Starbucks! Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift have been spotted grabbing coffee together again, this time in Nashville, according to People. The new potential couple made their second stop in a week at the Frothy Monkey for a cup of java. Gyllenhaal and Swift were also seen increasing their caffeine intake at Nashville’s Crema on Monday and Fido last Saturday. All these coffee breaks haven’t left these two strapped for cash, as it’s been rumored that the duo tip well.What’s the advantage of a coffee date over dinner?
Seth Green and Clare Grant. Photo: Bob Charlotte / PR Photos
Newlyweds Seth Green and Clare Grant have been embracing each other’s silly sides since their May 1wedding, reports People. The self-proclaimed geeks spend their time together creating viral videos for Youtube and making each other laugh. This kind of behavior may not come as a shock from a pair who met in a comic book shop. “We might be together a long time before we think about kids,” Grant admits, saying she and her husband are focusing on each other right now.What are some unique activities to do with your partner?
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson. Photo: CWNY/Fame Pictures
Jessica Simpson is smitten with her longtime beau, football player Eric Johnson. The singer recently told People of her Thanksgiving plans with Johnson, saying, “…We’re all gonna be in New York. I’m gonna be on a [Macy’s parade] float. It’s not always the best way to spend a Thanksgiving, but it’s a great way to celebrate.” The couple started dating in May, and their relationship seems to be getting very serious. “He’s the one for me right now! I’m very happy, I’m in a great place and if right now could last forever, I’d take it.” Simpson says Johnson is extremely supportive. “He went and got a sweater and a bowtie to try to lift my spirits because I [had] been working extremely hard. I laughed my butt off!” she recalls. “I couldn’t ask for a better man in my life right now.”What are some romantic/unique ways to make your partner laugh?
Lamar Odom has something special planned for wife Khloe Kardashian on their one-year-anniversary; he’s just not sharing. “I kind of got to keep it a secret,” explained Odom to Us Weekly. Kardashian was also tight-lipped. “I don’t know. I found out that there’s a surprise happening, but I have no idea – and I don’t want to know.” The couple, who married after a quick one-month courtship, have faced scrutiny about the depth of their marriage. “I’ve never faulted people for [that],” says Kardashian. “I totally get it. I’ve always said from day one that it’s real love, and it is, but I’ve never, ever was angry with anyone for thinking anything that way. I was only upset when people said we had a fake wedding.” Despite criticism, the couple are standing strong and hope to have a child in the near future.Continue reading →
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott. Photo: DS/Flynetpictures.com
90210 star Tori Spelling and her family seem to always be making news. This week is no different, with Spelling’s husband, Home Sweet Hollywood star Dean McDermott, recently telling InTouch Magazine all about his family’s interesting hobbies. One of their favorites? Mani-pedis. “I call it ‘Male Polish,’” said McDermott. “We started doing each other’s nails, and I love it. I’m wearing blue right now on my toes! I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do it!” Spelling adds, “I wanted to paint my nails gun metal for the night, so I borrowed [Dean’s] nail polish.” The couple’s young children also like to participate. “Whenever we can, they come get manicures and pedicures with us and they love it!” said McDermott. “Liam has blue and red on his toes like Spider-Man this week and green on his fingernails like The Hulk.”What are some fun bonding activities for you and your partner?
Bradley Cooper and Renee Zellweger. Photo: JKING/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
Exercise for two? We’ll take it! Renee Zellweger and Bradley Cooper recently signed up for short-term memberships at The Aquatics Fitness Club in Cooper’s hometown (Abington, Pa.), the New York Post reported last week.
What are some easy ways you can stay fit with your partner?
A couple cooks something healthy. Photo: haveseen / Bigstock.com
Need a fun date idea for this weekend? Cupid’s got you covered with some amazing dating advice! There’s never been a better time to get creative in the kitchen. Cooking is a skill that can relieve stress and bring people together. Not to mention, it’s a useful talent at any event, any time of year. No matter how you choose to perfect your skills, you’re bound to benefit greatly; taking a class will allow you to truly master the recipe, and cooking at home will ensure plenty of leftovers. You can take classes as a couple or in a group. No matter how you decide to go about it, you’re sure to turn up the heat with this weekend date idea.
