Epic Adventure #6: the SNOW couple

It has been a little bit since my last post. I blame tests and that random holiday that probably had tons of people eating too much sweets...yes, Halloween! (err...I mean Valentine's Day!)

But here it is, a new idea! And after going to the mountains last weekend, a very good one at that.

So, this is a completely biased post for anyone who happens to be suffering this winter in the snow. Now, since I am originally from sunny Cali, I too have been suffering the effects of freezing temperatures and layering on clothes like I'm experiencing a blizzard every day.

HOWEVER, there are some benefits to the snow covered countryside. This date is one of them.

So I pose the question, when was the last time you went out to build a snowman? When you were 10? Personally, I have never made one (BUT I WILL!!!!), but I imagine the sense of accomplishment would feel EPIC.

Now, this date is really for people who have been together for longer then a few weeks (or at least know each other realitively well). Why? Well, because it requires a shovel, being in a relatively secluded spot, and a specific type of gloves - and when you hear stuff like that, don't you just get freaked out?! The individual planning the date surprises their partner with an outdoor adventure, telling them absolutely nothing until you get there.

Once you come across a clean patch of snow (preferably away from the noise of the city), you hope out and bring them to what you believe to be a very good patch of snow. There, you proceed to pull out of your duffle bag (see how this can be scary!!!) a thermos of hot cocoa, water proof gloves in their size, and a carrot.

Yes. A carrot.

You tell them that the activity of the day: "We are building a Snow couple!"

And since you have all the accessories also in that handy bag (plus a camera to document the fun), you both waste no time in making your snow people. Something I'm sure not many people have done in any time recently. Personally, I would make sure that they are standing close to one another and when you get to their arms, have those branches (or whatever you are using) crossing. Then pull out a big red ribbon and tie them together (like they are holding hands!!! And seriously, this idea is just toooooo sweet. I want pictures!)

So, to reCap:

1. Buy snow people accessories (hats, scarves, coal, carrots, branches, shovel, bucket, etc.)
2. Buy waterproof gloves (for yourself and your partner).
3. Make hot chocolate.
4. Drag your partner out to a snowy place.
5. BUILD SNOW PEOPLE!!!!
6. Take a picture.
7. Come back and tell me about it.

And in case you've never built a snow person before, here is a resource I found to help you. Good Luck!

Cheers!

Epic Adventure #5 A PhotoDate! (Be your own model!)

Yes, cheezzzyyy...but I love cheese! (much to the detriment of my lactose intolerant self...sadness that...)

ANYWAY! This date is all being super cheesy. Now, if you hate your picture being taken, or if you can't handle the sweet, then this might not be for you.

So, down to the basics. Do you remember back in the day when it was popular to get your photos taken down at the mall? Something like "Star Photos", where you would get wallet sized photos that had you and a friend/partner/dog/etc and the images always had that softened look to them. It was slightly ridiculous, no lie. You would then pass out your pics at school to your friends (and because they gave you too many) and to your frienemies.

So this is a better take on that idea.

So, this DOES involve you knowing someone who handles a camera rather well. In other words, get a friend who you both like and ask them to be the photographer for you. (Personally, I love taking pictures and would totally enjoy the chance to have a couple of free models). You then pick a couple of random locations and commence snapping shots of being together.

Here's an example of what I mean. I took this pic for a wedding, but I love the idea of taking pictures of those random moments you and your special someone have together. (Plus, this is WAY better, then the whole Wallet sized wonders ^_~)

So, to reCap:

1. Ask a photographer friend to take pictures.
2. Pick a couple of locations (and if you are really ambitious, some different outfits)
3. Take pictures (DON'T FORGET TO SMILE!!!)
4. The come back and tell me how it went.

Epic Adventure #4 Farmer's Market Breakfast

So this date is a bit more traditional, in the sense that it involves eating a meal, however, I like the idea of doing something a little bit more active then just sitting down. So, like most people, a farmer's market is not a some foreign idea. In fact, most communities support some form of local farming community.

Personally, I think they are FAN-TAS-TIC.

Especially when I have my camera on me. This is probably one of the best places to take random people pics, pictures of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as just all the constant movement that seems to going on. I also have a preference for morning farmer's markets. They basically start off the day with such a positive feeling.

So far, the two best morning farmer's that I have been to so far is the Santa Monica Farmer's Market in Los Angeles, California and the Little Italy Mercato in Little Italy, San Diego. I'm always open to knowing more, so please post awesome locations!

Now, this date is pretty simple. You go to a morning farmer's market, pick up some breakfast/brunch/lunch (depending on when you can drag your a$$ out of bed), then sit down somewhere and people watch. Best part. People watching (and the Santa Monica one is great because a bunch of famous people show up sometimes). And if you happen to have a camera, take some pictures!

So, as a reCap:

1. Find a morning Local Farmer's Market
2. Buy breakfast
3. sit and people watch
4. Take pictures
5. Then come back and tell me how it went

Epic Aventure#3 Vespa Test Driving

That's right. Test driving.

When was the last time you bought a car? Or when is the NEXT time you plan on buying a car? Well, for most of us (who have bank accounts that do not reflect the amount that our dreams tell us is in there...*sniffle) buying a car is a big purchase and not something we do very often.

BUT! Regardless of anyone's bank size, this is also a great excuse to jump head first into this type of date. This does require a little bit of role acting (be adventurous!), but I promise, it is super fun ^_~.

Basically, you and your partner in crime find a local Vespa Dealer and go in as a married couple (or at the very least indicate you are in a long-term relationship, not really essential, but makes it easier for some reason, don't ask me why). From there, it should be pretty much self-explanatory: go test drive some vespas!!


Now, some of you might be asking, "WTF, why am should I test drive a vespa?" And I reply to THAT with a "HAVE YOU EVER DRIVEN ONE!?!?!" Cause I haven't, and they just look wicked cool. What a fun, FREE way to spend a random Saturday morning with someone: going out and driving around the city on vespas, or in some people's eyes, the closest thing to driving an almost-motorcycle.


So, to reCap:

1. Pick a random morning (Saturday's are pretty nice)
2. Pick a local vespa dealer
3. Pretend to be married (or if you are a commit phob, hint at being in a long term relationship, or go the opposite way and pretend to be complete strangers. Whatever you want.)
4. Test drive VESPAS!!!
5. Then come back and tell me how it went.

Epic Adventure #2: #Threesomes (are you thinking of something dirty...?!??! O_o)

That's right, a second date/post in one day. What can I say, I'm doing everything I can to procrastinate be relevant. Anyways, the last date cost NO money (except for the cost of a juice box...which again, is something everyone needs to try in the near future, I've been craving them some kind of fierce).

This date is all about NUMBERS. So that is the first series of dates is all about playing numbers. Wait...let me start over.

So I was watching that movie Date Night with Steve Carell and really say. When I think I actually watched that movie and then the other one, Crazy. Stupid. Love. and I got really sad. Why after being in a relationship for so long that you stop being yourself? Or more to the point, why is it so stale? The routine, the time commitments, hell, even family. I get sad thinking that THAT is how everyone ends up. And when you DO go out, all you get is some lamea$$ dinner in some local eatery. Well, I say "Hell's to the No!!!"

So that really is where I started coming up with date ideas. Everyone SHOULD have a date night, but it should be something you look FORWARD to, not another chore. So instead, we should all just call them epic adventures. In another date, I will be explaining how MAPS are a great way to make dates fun. But not this one. Another component that I wanted to explore is making the dates as much a surprise as possible. (who doesn't LOVE a surprise?).

So this is how I would start of the week: I would allow my partner to chose from the following numbers: 2, 3, 4, and 5+. This epic adventure is if they choose 3.

I would call up their best friend (girl, guy, it, dog, cat, whatever/whoever they are) and come up with a plan to do something they absolutely love. This could be watching a sporting event, playing darts/pool, going hiking, or for those who have female partners, maybe even trying a manicure or pedicure (you will get MONDO points if you go along with two females to the salon. Believe. Me.) The main point is that it is an event/activity that your PARTNER loves to do, not you you selfish prick.

Whatever you choose, you do this even with the three of you. Basically going back to the idea that you, at the heart of your relationship, are friends. So unfortunately, no lovey-dovey-ness during the date. In fact, the rule is that you actually cannot have any physically contact.

Now, if you raise your eyebrow at that last rule, let me just remind you that anticipation is one of the greatest turn-ons you can find. Especially if you are normally very affectionate. Just imagine when you actually DO get to touch O_o. (hehe)

So let me reCap:

1. Your partner picks the number 3
2. You call their best friend
3. You make all the appropriate appointments/reservations for the date
4. You surprise your partner alongside with his/her best friend (yes, all three of you are going) with the adventure
5. NO TOUCHING (and you might want to mention this to them, when you are told you CAN'T do something, it makes you WANT to do it all the more)
6. Throw yourself into the event/activity 100%. No half-hearted attempts. This is very important. This is a day for them, not you. So even if the activity is not something you normally want to do (ie: high tea with champagne and crumpets), if you do not have fun, then what's the point?
7. Report back to me how it went ^_~

Epic Adventure #1: Tree Climbing

Now, I firmly believe that "dates" should be more then just dinner, movie, or even miniature golfing (although, those CAN be fun). Especially when you first start seeing someone, the excitement you feel generally (or at least with me) spills over. So instead, I like to call them epic adventures!


So this epic adventure requires a certain amount of athleticism and a lesser fear of heights. You and your partner go out into some public area because if someone offers to take you into the forest for the first time, you should run FAR FAR AWAY and pick out the best climbing tree.

Hopefully you have remembered to wear proper attire, because to be perfectly honest, high heals, dresses, tight jeans (or even baggy ones!) do not make this adventure a success. So, after picking out the tree...guessed it! You start climbing. This is where a camera is definitely a must. Because the best views are taken at the highest points, especially through the leaves.

Oh...and if you brought snacks so when you are hanging out in the leaves, that would make this date rock even better. Personally, I recommend juice boxes, they are forgotten delicacy.

So to reCap:

1. dress comfortably
2. pick a PUBLIC place
3. pick a good climbing tree
4. take loads of pictures
5. Then come back and tell me how it went! 

Dates I Want Someone to Take Me On

Yes. That is right, I have a list.

I can't help it! And since my invisible significant other is of no use to me, I want people to try out these SPECTACULAR ideas and get back to me. Yep, I want someone to try these dates out and report back to me the success, failure, or augmentation of these dates. Some are from inside my head, some are from friends, some are from the interweb, and some are from pop cultures (what can I say, I'm a sucker for a romantic movie ^_~).

So please, read, try, and enjoy!