Free AI web copilot to create summaries, insights and extended knowledge, download it at here

Abstract

nd just add whichever oils or scents you like, as well as herbs, citrus peels, and non-toxic flowers.</p><h2 id="1bf4">Face treatments</h2><p id="4a75">Facials are fabulous! (No, I don’t mean the naughty kind. Not for now at least…) There are tons of <a href="https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/diy-vegan-face-masks/">great DIY ideas online</a> that also use ingredients from your pantry or fridge. Bentonite clay with water is my personal go-to.</p><h2 id="75a3">Soak</h2><p id="f422">While your mask is working its magic, soak—either your feet or your whole body. Epsom- or sea salt are classics, but there are plenty of <a href="https://fabulesslyfrugal.com/diy/5-diy-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/">other options</a> using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils. Lavender is perfect for calming your nerves and getting you ready for sleep in the evening.</p><h2 id="7b3c">Get creative</h2><p id="27b8">Continue by giving each other mani-pedis, haircuts (if you dare), head rubs, foot or full-body massages—with optional happy endings. Then, drink plenty of water and get to bed earlier than normal for optimal effect.</p><h2 id="2afa">Foodie Dates</h2><h1 id="1ac1">All night cook-out</h1><p id="f10b">Instead of whipping up a fast meal, make the preparation and cooking the main event of the evening. It doesn’t have to be overly complex, though, something time-consuming is recommended. This is an opportunity to research and experiment with something new that you’ve always wanted to try, or dust off your grandma's homemade dumpling recipe.</p><p id="35b5">Share something delicious to drink and snack on while you’re prepping, and cook enough for the next day(s) so that you can truly enjoy the fruits of your joint labor.</p><h1 id="053d">Grow life</h1><p id="cb17">I’m not (necessarily) suggesting that you copulate in the kitchen, though I’m not dissuading it either if that’s your jam.</p><p id="e3c2">What I’m really suggesting is turning your kitchen into an experimental biochemistry lab. While more of an ongoing project than a one-night-date, fermentation has been getting all the rage for a while, and for good reason; it keeps your gut healthy, makes food last a long time—and it tastes great.</p><p id="cb42"><i>Nerding-out</i> on bacterial cultures, equipment and flavors with your partner is a great way to bond and feel therapeutic. This does, on the other hand, require some research and know-how to get it right—and not poison yourself.</p><p id="a611">We’re currently making kombucha and fire tonic, and are looking to expand. Sourdough, kimchi, and sauerkraut are popular choices—pickled veggies are easy to start with, and involve less risk of bacterial cultures going awry.</p><p id="5f47">If you have enough light, or a balcony or garden, why not sprout some seeds and grow edible plants as well?</p><p id="feef">My partner and I refer to all of our little kitchen-experiments as <i>our babies</i>—and they <i>are</i>, except they involve far less work, and they make no sound whatsoever.</p><h2 id="c1b0">More food!</h2><p id="9c46">There’s so much you can do with food, from making indoor or garden picnics, creating a themed menu based on your favorite cuisine, the last country you visited or one you plan to go to. You can surprise each other, make multi-course taster meals or mimic your favorite restaurant, and so on…</p><h2 id="d008">Booze-y dates</h2><h1 id="788b">Make your own bar</h1><p id="3662">Grabbing a drink after work is another classic date option. If you miss hitting the bar, why not make one at home? Get creative and be a mixologist for a night. Be as complex as you feel like, and your pantry allows, as long as you do something a bit different.</p><p id="e1da">You could invent a new cocktail with the batch of kombucha you just brewed together? Add a twist to the ol' G&T with a sprig of fresh herbs from your kitchen or garden? Go all-out and figure out how to make a real Old Fashioned or a Dark and Stormy?</p><p id="cbfe">The best bars offer ‘virgin’ cocktails too, for those who wish to go light on the alcohol.</p><p id="8505">Make sure you also set the mood—no bar has bright overhead lighting and no music. Instead, mimic the ambiance of your favorite watering hole. Cheers!</p><h1 id="21d8">Do a tasting</h1><p id="616d">Just as I realized that opening several bottles at home, especially when you’re just two, isn’t a great idea, I searched and found the internet to be ripe with various wine- (and other liquor) tasting kits that can be delivered straight to your door.</p><p id="5167">But, tastings are not just for wine and booze. I once hosted an experimental dinner involving a peculiar tasting experiment; guests were trying to distinguish between tap, mineralized bottled water, a special filtered kind, and, and while it was hard to tell which was which, it forced everyone to really sharpen their senses in order to taste something with such subtle flavor.</p><p id="4d26">You can <i>taste</i> anything, and it’s really more a matter of tuning into our senses and trying to fully savor the varieties of flavors, than about being a seasoned connoisseur. How about hosting a tea tasting ceremony, or taste your favorite foodstuffs, such as multiple varieties of cheese, or dark chocolate?</p><p id="c990">Blindfolded tastings take the sensual to the next level: Take turns to feed and being blindfolded and let each other taste a variety of delicious things to guess what they are.</p><h2 id="aedd">Sexy Dates</h2><h1 id="7dff">Play truth or dare</h1><p id=

Options

"7ff5">I was always the first to suggest these games when I was a teenager, and I still love the thrill of them well into my thirties. My experience is that even when you think you know someone well, there’s always more to discover.</p><p id="2c67">This is not the date idea for those easily triggered by their partners’ pasts, but, if you’re like me, and you’re not put off, but rather the opposite when learning about their previous escapades, you’ll enjoy these games too.</p><p id="049d">If you’re also a bit of an exhibitionist, playing ‘have you ever’ gives you an excuse to divulge your own secrets too. Either that, spin the bottle, or truth or dare, is likely to reveal new things, instigate some laughter, and, quite possibly turn each other on a fair bit…</p><h1 id="d982">Write your bucket lists</h1><p id="84f8">If you don’t have one yet, get on it. Writing <a href="https://readmedium.com/my-sex-bucket-list-ba4a89b56578">a list of sexual wants and wishes</a> is a wonderful way to connect with yourself and your own desires. Further daring to declare these openly to your partner (or online if you wish to share) can be nothing short of empowering.</p><p id="c84f"><a href="undefined">Yael Wolfe</a> inspired an avalanche of these lists when she published <a href="https://readmedium.com/my-sexual-bucket-list-9ecb426a1432">her own</a> last year, causing multiple other sex writers on Medium to follow suit.</p><p id="a925">Sitting down to writing and read your lists to each other sounds like the epitome of a sexy date to me—and, like the most thrilling form of foreplay.</p><h1 id="3501">Compare and contrast kink-lists</h1><p id="abdf">Do you know your own boundaries and limits in relation to most kinks and sex acts? And more importantly, have you shared these with each other? Communication is one of the most important parts to form the foundation for great sex.</p><p id="2c89">Depending on where you are on the <i>scale,</i> there are all kinds of <a href="https://bdsmtest.org/select-mode">popular BDSM</a> and <a href="https://www.kinktest.org/test">kink tests</a> out there. <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/yes-no-maybe-list-of-sexual-kinks">This one,</a> from Refinery29 is a perfect place to start and covers a lot of ground.</p><h1 id="f216">Explore a ‘new’ kink</h1><p id="7809">Now that you’ve identified and shared your dreams and desires with each other, how about dedicating an evening—or several—to exploring one you’ve never tried together before?</p><p id="fa9b">While some, like group scenarios, will have to wait, most of the points on the lists above can be experimented with at home, with little or no equipment needed. If you want to get extra experimental, I have a handy guide to <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-bdsm-tools-you-didnt-know-you-owned-e5dd52a27396">the BDSM tools you didn’t know you owned</a>, just for you.</p><h1 id="c377">I could go on…</h1><p id="10b7">Now that an unknown number of couples worldwide are isolating together, placing added strain on new and established relationships alike, news sources everywhere predict a surge in divorces once the crisis is over. Full-time parenting, financial worries, stress, and other anxieties make it even easier to resort to couch-potato mode at the end of the day, and that’s ok too. But giving in to this urge every day definitely won’t improve our relationships.</p><p id="5713">Your home can be your oyster—and a space for plenty of excitement, love, and romance—when approached with an open mind and some imagination. And hopefully, some of the above tips can help spur ideas of your own.</p><figure id="c588"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*LB2Tq6bb0JnudJoII6y0Hw.png"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><div id="512f" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/so-i-dont-look-beautiful-every-day-36161779aee4"> <div> <div> <h2>“So, I Don’t Look Beautiful Every Day?”</h2> <div><h3>How to successfully assassinate your relationship</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*uUTcgaHtoGPuVgS3)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="fc53" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-to-turn-dinner-into-a-delightful-debauchery-18839fcdad3f"> <div> <div> <h2>Turn Dinner Into a Delightful Debauchery</h2> <div><h3>Up the ante on date night: A not-so-innocent dinner idea</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*6pLXM-xDSXD17PWIQATg6g.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="022d" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/be-better-in-bed-1a712b314815"> <div> <div> <h2>Be Better in Bed!</h2> <div><h3>Seven steps to sexual prowess</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*Fv2mckKqGLc2dLkcvz3HtA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

Creative Ways to Date in the Comfort of Your Home

12 Screenless, unplugged #StayAtHome dates that beat Netflix & Chill

Dinner and a movie—whether going out or staying in—is a tried and true classic. “Give them bread and circuses,” said Julius Caesar. He knew what was up, way back when.

But even the classics get old when repeated too frequently. Besides, panem et circenses was, in fact, a distraction by the Roman Empire, handed out to generate public approval in the form of diversion.

It’s not just during the current pandemic that many couples find themselves stuck in a Netflix-and-chill rut. I’ve been in relationships where motivation has plummeted and we’ve spent one evening after the next withering away in front of the screen—and I’m committed never to end up there again.

Let me be your home-date expert!

A solo-parent, the majority of my dating life over the past three years has been happening in the comfort of my own home. During this time, I don’t even need two full hands to count the number of movies I’ve watched with a lover—not due to a lack of company, but due to a conscious decision to put energy and focus elsewhere.

While talking and sex have probably made up the lot, I’ve come up with handfuls of other creative ways to home-date—and, what better time to share these ideas than now.

So, without further ado, here are my best, unplugged and screenless #StayAtHome date ideas:

Mindful Dates

Read to each other

Over the last week, I started reading my recently published Medium stories to my boyfriend in the evenings, and I can already see this turning into a cherished ritual. There’s something very romantic about cuddling up and reading out loud—or listening to your partner read to you.

But, why not take it further? You can start a book together and take turns reading. You could share your favorite poems and short stories and discuss them later. If you’re not into fiction, you can use it as an opportunity to research and learn something new together.

Create rituals

What inspired this post in the first place was a date earlier this week. I usually come together with my female friends for a new- and full moon circle, but now that this is not an option, my boyfriend asked if I’d let him in on the moon magic this time.

In all honesty, our rituals are normally not very complex; we light candles and white sage, set intentions, and talk about our innermost thoughts and feelings.

I decided to do the same, but I also created a flower mandala on the dining table and pulled out a set of questions for us to answer from Forever Conscious’ Full Moon Rituals:

The ones we answered were: “Right now I feel…”, “I would like to release and let go of…”, “What I would like to learn/discover about myself during this time is…”, and “I can hear my spirit guides saying to me…”.

Quite unexpectedly, these four questions sparked a loop of other topics that kept us going, nonstop, for at least three hours. It was such an opening experience that I plan to compile a list of questions like this to bring up regularly.

Couple’s meditation

Meditation is always beneficial and is proven to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting emotional health and self-awareness. Who couldn’t need a bit of that right now?

First, make sure your surroundings are clean and tidy, and, if you don’t have one, you can create your own sacred space where you can sit down and be still together.

If you have a meditation practice, do what you normally do, but next to each other. If not, simply sit down, comfortably, close your eyes and be still for at least fifteen minutes, while focusing on your breathing. If you desire a more intimate and connecting meditation session, you can embrace—either face-to-face or one in the other’s arms, facing in the same direction—tune into each other and breathe in unison.

Lush Dates

Create a home spa

Shacked up at my boyfriend’s place due to the circumstances, I have a bathtub for the first time in thirteen years. What a luxury! Needless to say, I cash in on this, at least a few times a week.

With or without a tub, you can turn your bathroom into a lavish spa: Replace electric lamps with candlelight, play soothing music, brew up a pot of herbal tea, burn incense, sage or Palo santo, or use an essential oil diffuser.

Exfoliate

No need for expensive products—you probably have everything you need right at home. I often save my morning coffee grounds to make a scrub with olive and essential oils, for a nice, firming effect. Salt and sugar scrubs are also easy to DIY and just add whichever oils or scents you like, as well as herbs, citrus peels, and non-toxic flowers.

Face treatments

Facials are fabulous! (No, I don’t mean the naughty kind. Not for now at least…) There are tons of great DIY ideas online that also use ingredients from your pantry or fridge. Bentonite clay with water is my personal go-to.

Soak

While your mask is working its magic, soak—either your feet or your whole body. Epsom- or sea salt are classics, but there are plenty of other options using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils. Lavender is perfect for calming your nerves and getting you ready for sleep in the evening.

Get creative

Continue by giving each other mani-pedis, haircuts (if you dare), head rubs, foot or full-body massages—with optional happy endings. Then, drink plenty of water and get to bed earlier than normal for optimal effect.

Foodie Dates

All night cook-out

Instead of whipping up a fast meal, make the preparation and cooking the main event of the evening. It doesn’t have to be overly complex, though, something time-consuming is recommended. This is an opportunity to research and experiment with something new that you’ve always wanted to try, or dust off your grandma's homemade dumpling recipe.

Share something delicious to drink and snack on while you’re prepping, and cook enough for the next day(s) so that you can truly enjoy the fruits of your joint labor.

Grow life

I’m not (necessarily) suggesting that you copulate in the kitchen, though I’m not dissuading it either if that’s your jam.

What I’m really suggesting is turning your kitchen into an experimental biochemistry lab. While more of an ongoing project than a one-night-date, fermentation has been getting all the rage for a while, and for good reason; it keeps your gut healthy, makes food last a long time—and it tastes great.

Nerding-out on bacterial cultures, equipment and flavors with your partner is a great way to bond and feel therapeutic. This does, on the other hand, require some research and know-how to get it right—and not poison yourself.

We’re currently making kombucha and fire tonic, and are looking to expand. Sourdough, kimchi, and sauerkraut are popular choices—pickled veggies are easy to start with, and involve less risk of bacterial cultures going awry.

If you have enough light, or a balcony or garden, why not sprout some seeds and grow edible plants as well?

My partner and I refer to all of our little kitchen-experiments as our babies—and they are, except they involve far less work, and they make no sound whatsoever.

More food!

There’s so much you can do with food, from making indoor or garden picnics, creating a themed menu based on your favorite cuisine, the last country you visited or one you plan to go to. You can surprise each other, make multi-course taster meals or mimic your favorite restaurant, and so on…

Booze-y dates

Make your own bar

Grabbing a drink after work is another classic date option. If you miss hitting the bar, why not make one at home? Get creative and be a mixologist for a night. Be as complex as you feel like, and your pantry allows, as long as you do something a bit different.

You could invent a new cocktail with the batch of kombucha you just brewed together? Add a twist to the ol' G&T with a sprig of fresh herbs from your kitchen or garden? Go all-out and figure out how to make a real Old Fashioned or a Dark and Stormy?

The best bars offer ‘virgin’ cocktails too, for those who wish to go light on the alcohol.

Make sure you also set the mood—no bar has bright overhead lighting and no music. Instead, mimic the ambiance of your favorite watering hole. Cheers!

Do a tasting

Just as I realized that opening several bottles at home, especially when you’re just two, isn’t a great idea, I searched and found the internet to be ripe with various wine- (and other liquor) tasting kits that can be delivered straight to your door.

But, tastings are not just for wine and booze. I once hosted an experimental dinner involving a peculiar tasting experiment; guests were trying to distinguish between tap, mineralized bottled water, a special filtered kind, and, and while it was hard to tell which was which, it forced everyone to really sharpen their senses in order to taste something with such subtle flavor.

You can taste anything, and it’s really more a matter of tuning into our senses and trying to fully savor the varieties of flavors, than about being a seasoned connoisseur. How about hosting a tea tasting ceremony, or taste your favorite foodstuffs, such as multiple varieties of cheese, or dark chocolate?

Blindfolded tastings take the sensual to the next level: Take turns to feed and being blindfolded and let each other taste a variety of delicious things to guess what they are.

Sexy Dates

Play truth or dare

I was always the first to suggest these games when I was a teenager, and I still love the thrill of them well into my thirties. My experience is that even when you think you know someone well, there’s always more to discover.

This is not the date idea for those easily triggered by their partners’ pasts, but, if you’re like me, and you’re not put off, but rather the opposite when learning about their previous escapades, you’ll enjoy these games too.

If you’re also a bit of an exhibitionist, playing ‘have you ever’ gives you an excuse to divulge your own secrets too. Either that, spin the bottle, or truth or dare, is likely to reveal new things, instigate some laughter, and, quite possibly turn each other on a fair bit…

Write your bucket lists

If you don’t have one yet, get on it. Writing a list of sexual wants and wishes is a wonderful way to connect with yourself and your own desires. Further daring to declare these openly to your partner (or online if you wish to share) can be nothing short of empowering.

Yael Wolfe inspired an avalanche of these lists when she published her own last year, causing multiple other sex writers on Medium to follow suit.

Sitting down to writing and read your lists to each other sounds like the epitome of a sexy date to me—and, like the most thrilling form of foreplay.

Compare and contrast kink-lists

Do you know your own boundaries and limits in relation to most kinks and sex acts? And more importantly, have you shared these with each other? Communication is one of the most important parts to form the foundation for great sex.

Depending on where you are on the scale, there are all kinds of popular BDSM and kink tests out there. This one, from Refinery29 is a perfect place to start and covers a lot of ground.

Explore a ‘new’ kink

Now that you’ve identified and shared your dreams and desires with each other, how about dedicating an evening—or several—to exploring one you’ve never tried together before?

While some, like group scenarios, will have to wait, most of the points on the lists above can be experimented with at home, with little or no equipment needed. If you want to get extra experimental, I have a handy guide to the BDSM tools you didn’t know you owned, just for you.

I could go on…

Now that an unknown number of couples worldwide are isolating together, placing added strain on new and established relationships alike, news sources everywhere predict a surge in divorces once the crisis is over. Full-time parenting, financial worries, stress, and other anxieties make it even easier to resort to couch-potato mode at the end of the day, and that’s ok too. But giving in to this urge every day definitely won’t improve our relationships.

Your home can be your oyster—and a space for plenty of excitement, love, and romance—when approached with an open mind and some imagination. And hopefully, some of the above tips can help spur ideas of your own.