Scatterbrained... and things I love

I've got so much going on, making arrangements for the weekend for my husband and myself to go to the Family Life Weekend to Remember, where we are on the city ministry team.  Of course, as goes my life, things change day by day.  Rusty has worked overtime a lot lately, and we weren't sure we were going to be able to go.  In fact, we just reserved our room this week. 

Today, he texted me and said "I have to work Saturday".  (It isn't really optional when he's in charge of the job) 

Now what?  I let out a big sigh?  Will he have to work late Friday night?  Should we just cancel?  We can't cancel our room without 48 hours notice.  Should we pay for someone else to go since we're going to end up paying for our room anyways?  So many questions.

So, I'm too mentally exhausted to post anything deep. 

However, I was inspired by Marybeth Whalen's list of things she loves.  It gave me an idea.  Especially since I'm going to be busy getting ready tomorrow, and away all weekend. 

(Oh, in case you're wondering, we're still going, he's going to drive to work from there, we'll volunteer with the prayer team, etc.. as much as possible, and I'll drive my son to his hockey game Saturday.  We made arrangements for one daughter to stay with a friend, and we've talked our daughter and her boyfriend (fiance to be) into going with us to attend the pre-married sessions if we can squeeze them in) 

I'm going to post my own list of things I love, and see if it inspires you to tell me about things you'd like me to post about in the future.  Tell me about things you love, what you like or dislike about my posts and my blog so far.  What changes would you like to see?  What topics would you like to hear about? 

I love (in no certain order)...

Reading  (fiction and non, blogs, etc...)

Bible studies

Blogging

my Nook

high lighting my books, my favorite verses in my Bible, etc...

Being married
Butterflies

the zoo

Smoothies

tea cups

pearls

country decor

being pampered

Music

Coffee (Starbucks)

Lattes (especially from the Koffee Kuppe)

My Smart phone

My laptop

Hugs

Especially from my husband  :)

and children/grandchild

Camping

Long talks on the phone with my Mom

Coffee with a friend(s)

Flowers (I wish I could afford a landscaper)

Wildflowers 

Cookbooks  (Taste of Home, Paula Deen, Tricia Yearwood, etc...)

Lake MI, rivers, creeks, streams, ponds, lakes, oceans...

being alone

my parents

truffles

Going out to eat
Fried chicken

Mashed potatoes

a good salad, (especially Mediterranean @ Cartellis) 

Chicken Alfredo

Ice Cream

Chocolate covered strawberries

Watermelon

Facebook

Pinterest

My children's laughter

Amish Fiction

Organizing books

being organized

decluttering

7th Heaven

My pink bedroom

wrap around porches

farm houses

living in the country (even though I live in town now)

brown eyes

Mexican food

family traditions

my van

a clean kitchen

a clean house

morning doves, cardinals, bluebirds, canaries

country sounds at night (whippoorwills, crickets, frogs...)
Gerbera Daisies

My roses (transplanted from my Grandma's years ago)

Lilacs

pink

snow falling

rain (when I'm inside)

pens

calendars/planners

kosher dill pickles

visiting my cousin in OK

visiting my Aunt in Detroit

family reunions

Pringles

manicures

pedicures

the smell of fresh cut grass

the smell of fresh cut wood

campfires

chocolate chip cookies

new books released by my favorite authors

breakfast or lunch dates with my kids (one on one time)

date nights with my hubby

the library

being a homebody

lounging in pajamas or comfy clothes

my favorite (hearts at home) sweatshirt

Coty wild musk

Jennifer Aniston perfume

books about writing

marriage conferences

women's conferences

baking

a good haircut & color (#a good stylist)

beautiful things

toddlers

climbing into clean sheets on a made bed

staying at a nice hotel

porch swings

fresh air

the smell of suntan lotion

going barefoot

flip flops

flowers popping up in the spring

summer days

Fireplaces

fireflies

Roasted marshmallows

giving gifts

Christmas

good surprises

Romantic movies

Sentimental movies

lists

index cards

notebooks

big breakfasts

cantaloupe

honeydew

P31 ministries

Hearts at Home

Bookstores

I'll stop there.  Comment below and tell me more about yourself.  I'd love to get to know my readers.  What are a few of your favorite things?  what you like or dislike about my posts and my blog so far. What changes would you like to see? What topics would you like to hear about?

I look forward to hearing from you.  I'll check in as I can this weekend. 

Blessings!  

The Winner

Congratulations to the winner of my contest Lara Wingler!  She is now the owner of the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

If you didn't win this time, please keep following, I will have more contests and new ways to enter. 
Remember to tell your friends about this blog if you enjoy it, they may too.  :) 

Thanks!

Blessings!
Tammy

Chicken stew, its whats for dinner

When I first started working at Tractor Supply a few years ago (no longer there) one of the guys made this for a potluck we had after Fair.  It was amazing! 
The recipe we used tonight was a little different, because our local grocery store has not had the right kind of soup mix lately, but I'm going to share with you the original recipe, hoping that you can find it somewhere.  Most outlet bread stores carry Bear Creek Soup mix, and so does Walmart and Bill's Shop n Save in Fremont.
If you can't find it, ask your grocer.  Most are happy to honor your requests and may start carrying it if they are able.

1 whole chicken

1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)

1 bag Bear Creek Potato Cheddar soup mix

I usually put a chicken in the crock pot with 1 cup of water, add a little seasoning and cook it for the day.  (you can tell it's done and turn it on warm when meat falls off bone easily)

You can use a Rotisserie from the deli though to save time.

When chicken is fully cooked, remove from crock pot, allow to cool.

While chicken is cooling, cook soup on stove in large stock pot according to package directions.  You can add vegetables to soup while it's cooking, or put them in crock pot if there's enough liquid. 

When chicken is cool enough to touch, remove and shred meat from bones.

If you aren't serving it right away, you can just add all ingredients (shredded chicken, soup, and mixed vegetables) to crock pot and leave on warm or low (if you need to cook veggies).

Otherwise, just add shredded chicken to soup in stock pot.  Make sure mixed vegetables are tender before serving.

Enjoy!

   

Organizing

In yesterday's post, I mentioned using an over the door shoe organizer for winter hats, gloves, etc...
Here is that photo, although mine is not full at the moment, it was.  As with anything, the trick is getting everyone else to use this system and put things back in it.

I also mentioned using binders for recipes, bills, etc... 
For most things, like recipes that I print from the internet, or hand written ones, I use an 8.5x11 3 ring binder, but for recipes I've handwritten on index cards or small cut outs from magazines, I use a 4x6 photo organizer with slots.  (see picture)

For recipes, I use one binder for tried and true recipes that we love, and another for things that I'd like to try.  With exception of the index card size ones.

Have fun organizing! 

Tammy



 

Fresh Start Mondays

TGIF?  Sleeping in?   What's that? Our weekends are usually a flurry of activity. Traveling back and forth to my son's hockey games, or some kind of meeting for something we've volunteered for, and church stuff on Sundays (when we aren't at a game). While Sunday should be a day of rest, it never really feels like that to me.

My wonderful husband let me sleep in this Sunday. I actually got 8 hours of sleep!

We had hockey tournaments this weekend, but didn't do well enough to make it to semi finals, so we didn't end up playing Sunday.

He had to work all weekend.  I normally get up and make his lunch and get him breakfast before he leaves, but he said I was sleeping so well, (ie. snoring, but lets blame that on me being sick) that he didn't want to wake me up. He knew I needed it. What a great guy!
 
In the past, I've worked retail part time, and Friday never really meant a weekend off for me.   

My current "work" schedule is only school days, about 1/2 hr before and after school.  It really doesn't feel like work, and I enjoy it. 

 

 

So, why do I love Mondays?  It feels like a fresh start!  The beginning of a new week, which sometimes means a less busy calendar. 

After all weekend of being busy, Monday seems calm!  It's a day that I don't usually plan anything outside of the home if I can help it.  It's my day to catch up on housework after our whirlwind weekends.  The kids are back in school, hubby at work, and I can get back to my routine. 

Well, if you'd call it a routine.  Things are always changing and constantly busy in our ever growing family, but I enjoy it (usually).  I love being available to serve my family by taking care of things on the home front.

It's an ongoing process, but I'm always trying to improve how I run things at home.  A year ago, I was blessed to be able to quit my part time job, which enables me to implement some new ideas and start working on things that I didn't have time for before. 

I finally found a good system for keeping track of bills, recipes, etc....  I've started using 3 ring binders with page protectors for many of those things. 
I've decluttered a lot, but that seems like a never ending process.  I dislike very much having yard sales, so I usually box stuff up and take to a charity or pass it along to someone who could use it.  I like to get it out of the house as soon as possible as I just don't have space to store boxes, and until it's out of the house, it drives me crazy.   

I also hung a shoe organizer inside of our closet to hold winter hats, gloves, etc...  That is one of the best things I've ever done!  No more searching through the basket in the closet to find a matching glove. 

It's the little things that make me happy!

I will try to post pictures tomorrow of the closet organizer idea. 

Please share in the comment section any ideas you've found for organizing.
AND what is your best day of the week?

Blessings!

 

         

Give Away! One Thousand Gifts

I am running a contest starting today!  To be entered for a drawing of the book 1000 Gifts A Dare to live fully right where you are by Ann Voskamp, you must like my facebook page Latte Blessings, and become a follower of my blog www.latteblessings.com

Once you have done those two things, send me an email (tshineldecker@gmail.com) with your name and address letting me know. 

I will draw a name next Thursday, and mail the book to you. 

To become a follower, go to my blog page and scroll down.  On the right side of the page, you may subscribe by email, and below that, where it says Followers,  you may click join this site.

If you're having a hard time finding me on fb, here's the link
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198#!/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198

Have fun!  Please feel free to share this post with others... anyone can enter to win, and I'd love more followers!

Peach French Toast Recipe

Today, I'd like to share with you one of our favorite recipes.  It comes from allrecipes.com (Geraldine Casey).
Even the picky eaters in my family give this rave reviews! 

I've designated it a Christmas morning breakfast, because you start it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.  I take it out when I first get up and let it sit while the kids open presents, then bake for 20 minutes.  (If I'm up before them, which is rare on Christmas morning, I could set it out for 30 min. and then bake while they open presents). 

It is DELICIOUS!!!  The aroma of baked peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon while this is baking is delightful to wake up to!

My family has requested it several times, and although I'd like to make it a special Christmas morning thing, it's too good to have only once a year.  So, I will probably be making it again soon.  It is good served with bacon as a side as well.

I wish I had a picture of mine from Christmas, but I don't, so here is the one from allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 (29 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained
• 12 (3/4 inch thick) slices day-old French bread
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a saucepan, bring brown sugar, butter and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish; top with peaches. Arrange bread over peaches.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla; slowly pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
3. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until the bread is golden brown. Serve with a spoon.  

Makes 6 servings

Enjoy!                

 

Heavy

I have been watching Season 1 of the A&E show Heavy on Netflix, and all I can say is WOW!  If those people can do it, so can I.  Many of them have much more to lose than I do, and many health problems to go along with it. 
 
I often wish I had a "second chance" like they do, to get away, have a chef cook healthy for me, and a trainer push me to exercise like that.  It would be awesome to be able to focus only on getting healthy for 6 months!  Reality is, it's expensive (yes, I looked it up) and I can't afford it.  Another thing is that I tend to be a quitter, and I'd probably cry and want to give up.  I know I'd miss my family like crazy! 

There are exactly 120 days left until school is out!  That means Summer Vacation,  Beaches, Camping, etc...  120 days equals 4 months.  Feels like forever until summer is here, right?  Well, that means we have 120 days to make a change!  Not quite 6 months like they do on the show, but 4 months.

So, what's the plan? 

I've pretty much given up pop, increased fiber, am drinking more water.  Dr. Ski Chilton of the Made to Crave Action plan book recommends increasing fiber to 25g for women, and 35 for men.  I am doing the Made to Crave online Bible study with Melissa Taylor (along with about 9000 other people on facebook).  This book by Lysa TerKeurst is teaching us to satisfy our deepest desire with God, not food. 

Besides that, I haven't decided on a plan yet.  I know that I need to exercise!  I have a few exercise DVDs and I have free access to a gym.  Now I just need motivation to get from here to there!  I enjoy walks with my hubby too, but in the winter, I have to admit,  I'd rather stay in where it's warm.

I've half heartedly tried several things in the past, including weight watchers, Ultra 90, wraps by It Works, etc... 
Any plan is only as good as the person follows it. 

I need something that's going to motivate me to go out in the cold, to choose water instead of pop, carrot sticks instead of chips, and fruit instead of ice cream.
 
My health is an important factor, especially since I've hit the age of 40 now.  I'm sure if I don't make changes, I'm only a short distance away from high blood pressure and cholesterol, or worse a heart attack or stroke, or even diabetes.

Even more motivation is the fact that I've got two more grand babies on the way... this year!  So, with Brody, I will have 3 energetic little blessings ages 2 and under.  I need ENERGY to keep up with them, not to mention the fact that I want to be able to live to see them grow up!  I want to be around to see all of my children graduate and get married and have babies!  While we can't guarantee what will happen in life, we can take care of our health so that we can live a good quality life for as long as possible, until God sees fit to bring us home. 

What about you? 

Have you lost weight, or are you trying to lose weight now?  What plan works for you?  I'd love to hear the changes you've made, how much weight you've lost, etc... 

If you haven't started, but want to, what's holding you back?  Would you like to join me? 

Below this post, you can leave a comment using your name or other options.  Maybe we could start an accountability group here if there's enough interest. 
If you have problems commenting here, you can comment on my facebook page. 

Please consider becoming a follower of Latte Blessings, here and on my Latte Blessings facebook page.  On facebook, all you have to do is click like, and here, just click on Join this site on the right side of the page.  You may need to use a computer, not a mobile phone.

Have a blessed day!      

 



New look

Here is a picture of the new hair color/hi lights that I promised. 

 

What do you think?





Sick Days and Pampering

It isn't often that I get sick, and I usually bounce back pretty quickly, but not this time.  Maybe it has to do with reaching the age of 40 this past October.  It seems as if this milestone came with a lot of changes, even in the year leading up to the big 4-0. 
Some good changes, but some not so good.  I'll write about that another time. 

Today, I want to remind you to take care of yourself.  Yes, YOU!  It is easy as a Mom to take care of everyone else and just get by ourselves.  We make sure our children take their vitamins and encourage them to eat healthy, drink more water, exercise, etc... But are we doing those things ourselves?  After all, children learn what they live.

I know the things I should be doing, like taking a multi-vitamin, but I forget to actually do it.  I have them in my cupboard, and I've been good at reminding my pregnant daughter to take hers, so why don't I?

Being sick for the last week or so, I've gotten plenty of rest.  I have no choice, I felt weak, and tired and just didn't have the energy to do anything.  The first day I realized I was coming down with something was a Friday, and I slept almost all day!

I know that I don't get enough sleep most of the time.  I get up early (between 5-6 a.m.) with my hubby and make his lunch, get him something for breakfast, and after we pray together, and he leaves for work, it's time to make my coffee and get my shower, or wake up the girls, and the day goes on from there.  Occasionally I take a nap, but when I do, I just end up staying up later at night.  Too late!

It is recommended that we get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.  I hate to admit that most nights, I get about 5-6.  I always want to check facebook or play on Pinterest before I go to bed.  Bad idea! 
I've read that we should not do those things for at least 1/2 hr. before bed.
 
I've also read that our bedroom should be completely dark.  Hmm... I've got a light on my printer, my computer, and my phone is plugged in next to my bed, and if I receive a text, etc... it will blink all night (or until I check it if I hear or see it)
While I could almost write a whole post about sleep, I'll save that for another time.  What about you?  Are you getting enough rest?  What could you change so that you can sleep 7-9 hours per night?



I am so thankful to have a husband who is an amazing cook, but he has been working a lot of overtime lately.  So, I either forced myself to make something easy, or we (ahem, cough)... ate fast food.  A better solution would have been to have some meals made ahead in my freezer.  Maybe next time... well, I hope there is no next time.  On another note, my girls are old enough that they should learn to cook more too. 

Last but not least: Drink plenty of water.  Not only when you're sick, but always!  Thankfully, I've recently made the decision to cut pop from my diet.  Not an easy task when most days my beverages consist of a latte, pop and coffee. (I do usually drink milk with dinner though).  Cutting pop out has helped me to start drinking more water.  I usually buy water bottles from Sam's Club and keep them in our porch.  That works really nice in the winter to keep them cold (if not frozen).
I'm still working on increasing my water intake.



  

I had arranged for a sub crossing guard some this past week, and on Thursday I woke up feeling quite a bit better.  My first thought was I should get out of the house and go shopping or something since I have the day off.  That didn't end up working out, but I did schedule a haircut.  After looking at the grey peeking through and the bed head hair all while I was sick, I couldn't handle it anymore.  I got my hair cut and scheduled my color for the next day!  (I'll post pictures later)   
Then I thought what the heck... I need some pampering, so after getting my hair done, I went for a pedicure.  Ahh... no more bare toes.  I don't care if it's February and I can't wear flip flops, the sun was shining, and it felt good to be out of bed and recovering!  I even got a pretty new spring color! One of my favorites!  Pink!

While she was doing my toes, she talked me into trying a Shellac manicure.  I use to have acrylic nails and loved it, but I hate what it does to my nails.  Shellac is a nail polish that lasts 14 days and doesn't damage your nail.  It goes on your own real nail, and only has to be soaked about 5 minutes when taken off.  No grinding, etc...  So far, I love it!  I'll let you know when 14 days is up how I liked it in the end.





While I don't enjoy being sick, it's been kind of relaxing.  I caught up on some much needed rest.   You learn what your limits are, and get back to basics, or less than basics if necessary.  It is easier at this point in life now that my children are 12 and older, and one can drive. 

We enjoyed a nice dinner at Texas Roadhouse Thursday night.  Saturday, Noah had hockey, and then Rusty took the boys to a Red Wings/Fury alumni hockey game.  Brooke and I went to the mall for a little retail therapy, while Brittany was at a friends house overnight.     



I'm glad to be at the end of this crud, whatever is going around.  My poor hubby and son have it now, so we're staying home today.  No hockey, no church, nothing.  Looks like I'll be cooking.  I'm thinking some of that homemade chicken noodle soup might be on today's menu.

Remember Moms, you are not superwoman!  As much as we try, we do need rest, vitamins, proper nutrition, lots of water and enough sleep!  Take care of you so that you can take care of your family!
Blessings!        

             

      

Seasons of change

My heart is breaking for a dear sweet sister in Christ and in ministry as she announced that after struggling with depression and other issues for several months, her husband has left her and the children.  They are devastated!
 
It is time for her to "circle the wagons" to care for herself and her children.  She is choosing to become less involved in ministry for a season to take care of her own.
 
I highly respect her decision! 

I have recently done the same thing with news of my daughter's pregnancy.  I want to be here for her every moment.  I feel like a mother bird, and I just want to wrap my wings around her and protect her.  She's young, and this is all new to her, and even if she doesn't admit it, I'm sure she's a little bit afraid.  I want to be available to help with the baby so that she can finish school.

I suppose for some, maybe it's easier to be busy so that they don't have to think about the problems that they have at home.  For me, I find that when I have stuff going on at home, I want and need to be there.  That is when I look at my outside commitments and start pruning if necessary. 

This is one of those seasons for me.  In fact, looking back over the last several years, it seems as if our family has been in "crisis" mode quite often.  I've pruned several things from my life, but it is time to prune some more. 
 
I love being involved and helping others, but it's all about finding balance!  Keeping our priorities in order!

First of all, we are a child of God.  Are we making time to Pray and be in His Word?  Daily?  We need a good relationship with God, especially during difficult times.  He will help you through! 

If we are a wife and/or mother, our next priorities should be our husband and children.  Are we meeting their needs?  I find that if I am worn out and exhausted from all of the busyness of volunteering and other things, I can't keep up at home. 

There are others who can fill volunteer positions, but we are the only wife that our husband has.  We are the only one he can/should come to for intimacy, and we need to be available to him.  We are the only Mother our children have, and we need to be there to listen to them, talk with them, pray with them and for them.  They want us to watch their school plays and hockey games, etc... and no one else can replace us.

There are many good things that we can give our time to, but we must decide and pray about which ones God wants us to do. Sometimes if we say no, it gives someone else an opportunity to say yes and try something new.

I like the idea that Jill Savage of Hearts-at-Home shared about having one major thing and one minor thing.
"A major responsibility is something that I have on a regular (weekly) basis like committing to teach Sunday School, leading a moms group, or even full-time work. It requires daily or weekly (or almost weekly) preparation and a regular commitment.
A minor responsibility is a “just show up” responsibility. Working in the church nursery or helping with my child’s Christmas party at school are minor responsibilities. No prep needed, just show up, serve, and leave." (Read more here)

For me, it is an ongoing process.  I've been volunteering in my church and community for at least 15 years.  I've been involved in many wonderful things, but often find myself with too much on my plate.  Right now, I have far more than one major and one minor, therefore, I am in the pruning process. 

Does that mean I'm not living my own life in order to be here for my family?  No, this is my life!  My family comes first.  In fact, when I start saying yes to too many outside commitments, that is when I feel like I'm not living my life the way I should be. 

I'd encourage you today to look at your commitments, and see if they line up with your priorities. 
Are you spreading yourself too thin? 
Are you away from home more than you should be? Taking time away from your husband and children, or the work you should be doing at home?
Does what you are doing line up with God's plan for your life?
Are you trying to find your value in what you do?
Are you avoiding responsibilities at home?

You don't have to say yes to everything.  Say yes to the things you are passionate about, and that line up with your goals and priorities.  Use the gifts and talents God has given you to do the things that only you can do.

If you like this post, please help me acquire more readers by clicking one of the share buttons below so that others may read it.

You may also like my page on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198?ref=tn_tnmn

Blessings! 












     

Inexpensive Date Nights

As I promised in a previous post, here are some date night ideas.  It's Friday!  Make time for your spouse.  I believe that date nights are a big part of a successful marriage and you should do them once a week if possible.  If you think you can't afford it, try saving your change.  Just put it in a jar at the end of each day. 
Not always the overnight in a hotel like we did.  That's rare.  There are plenty of ideas from inexpensive to extravagant that you can use.  If you have little ones and don't have a babysitter, see if you can trade babysitting with another couple every other week or even once a month.  Start a babysitting co-op, or if nothing else, wait until the kids are in bed.  Put them to bed a little early if possible and have an at home date. 
At Home:
Have a picnic in your room, watch a movie... pick up some special treats, pop some popcorn and pretend you're at the theatre. 
Use your best china and dine by candlelight.
Play cards or board games.  Be creative, the winner gets a back rub. 

Pack your laptop, bring along a romantic movie, park somewhere quiet and watch your movie in your car.
Go to bargain movie nights, or matinees
Try the drive in theatre if you have one in your area. Bring your own refreshments to save
Go to free concerts at the park or other free events in your area.
Visit the zoo or museum.  Some offer free days.
Visit a home improvement store and dream.
Go to the mall.  Window shop, or try on things you could never afford. 
Have a picnic at the beach.
Go sledding, cross country skiing, or ice skating.
Bring charcoal and cook out at the park.
Camp in a tent.
Volunteer together.
Test drive your dream car.
Go to the Fair
Visit a farmers market or orchard.
Get a coffee and browse the bookstore.
Go out for just dessert
Go out for dinner at an inexpensive cafe, and just order water to drink to save $
Just order appetizers and drinks
Visit a walking trail, bike trail or state park. Bring a picnic lunch
Try mini golf
Find coupons for your favorite restaurants online or in the newspaper.
Go for a drive down some country roads, or to another town. Enjoy the scenery.

Holiday Ideas
Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee and go for a drive to check out light displays.
Lay on a blanket and watch the fireworks.

These are just a few ideas.  If you're creative, you can find plenty of things to do with little or no money.  I didn't even begin to list things that you could do with a little more money. 
What do you like to do for date nights?  Please comment here on this post to share your ideas with others.  (If you comment on facebook, everyone won't get to read it)
Have fun!
Blessings!