I know this headline might sound a bit hypocritical, since I am literally the queen of Netflix, but I thought I was clever and enjoyed it. If you have been following my Instagram stories the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed that John and I love date night. If you haven’t you can check out my highlighted stories in the “Things to Do” section.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It’s so easy to say “lets get dinner and movie” or “let’s just order in and watch something on Netflix”, but that’s something you might do every other night of the year. Why not do something out of your comfort zone together? I know you’re probably thinking, “my boyfriend/girlfriend would never go for that.” But hear me out, most of these things at least one of us is bad at.
It’s not about being good at something, John is not artistic (anyone remember his pumpkin from Halloween?) and I am not athletic (he literally runs faster than me while running backwards). It’s just about being intentional with the time we have to spend together, having fun, experiencing new things, and making as many memories as we can.
Over the past couple of weeks of date nights, I’ve seen a change in myself. By trying new things with John, I discovered a willingness to do more and not care about looking stupid. He always tells me that I can when I’ve convinced myself it’s impossible. I always have list of excuses:
I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible.
I can’t go bowling because I just get gutter-balls.
I can’t go salsa dancing because I have no rhythm.
I can’t do a front flip because I’m too scared.
But John always calls me out on my excuses and at first I thought it was a little annoying. Convincing myself I cant do things is easier than admitting I am unwilling to try. But doing something poorly is better than not doing anything at all.
And really whats so scary about trying? If you suck so what? It’s fun even when you fail. When I tried to jump into the ocean and I only made it up to my waist, I failed. And while John did try to shame me on Instagram, he actually congratulated me in real life for trying to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
You know whats the best part of doing things together? Putting yourself in situations where you feel self conscious or incapable and feeling supported and encouraged by the person you love. More than you’ll get from a Netflix binge.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re going too hard for a girl who went to paint night. But you know how you get the confidence to try big things? By doing the small stuff.
So here are 10 things I hope you will try.
1. Paint a picture with Pinot’s Palette
Wine & Painting? Yes please! John and I met in FI, so we were excited about painting the FI lighthouse. Like I said, John is not artistic but the staff is incredible. Meghan, Hector, and Malori were so sweet and helpful. And they make it fun too (remember the video of me pretending to be a cat on stage). They have a bar for drinks and snacks. You also get to socialize with all of the other painters and make some friends along the way. No one thinks they’re an artist but somehow all the paintings turn out pretty damn good. Pinot’s Palette is located in Bayshore. You can sign up for a 2 hour canvas class that’s $38 per person any night of the week. They have some really great ones for Valentine’s Day
2. Acro yoga with Fit Factory.
I was so nervous about this class. First of all, it was supposed to be cancelled for a snowstorm, but we didn’t get the memo. So we showed up and it was just us and the pros (check out my highlighted “Things to Do’ stories.) This was John’s first time doing yoga ever. I’ve been to a few classes and they normally come over to me and start twisting my body because I’m doing it all wrong. Dona was so welcoming and talked us through it step by step. Everyone felt like friends. The time flew by so quickly because we were having so much fun. Fit Factory is located in West Babylon. It is $20 for a 90 minute class on Sundays at noon. They have a deal on Groupon for their acro yoga, barre, or conditioning classes: 10 classes for $56 or 20 for $109.
3. Heart shaped pizza & game night with Gino’s Pizzeria
I think its science that if you turn food into the shape of a heart it even tastes better. Why not make Valentine’s Day a party with more of the people you love? Pizza & game night? Charades, Cards of Humanity, Taboo, and What Do You Meem are some of my favorites. Gino’s is located in Babylon. They are having a special on heart-shaped pizzas for $15, but you must order online in advance.
4. Valentine’s Couple Craft Bash – Wood Signs with Bubble East
We MADE these! I am artistic in some ways, but utterly hopeless when it comes to crafting. Its always been Michelle’s thing. I was waiting for us to mess up, but Kristen walked us through every single step. It was so much easier than we expected and somehow incredibly therapeutic and satisfying.You can bring snacks and wine to make it a party, but all the materials you need are provided. The signs are so so beautiful to hang up at home. They have so much more meaning that we made them together. Bubble East is located in Babylon. The class is $90 per couple. You can register for this Friday the 8th or on Valentine’s Day from 7-9:30pm.
5. Book a Table with Just Smash
There’s a new ping pong bar in town and I freaked out when I found out. I. Love. Ping. Pong. I used to have a table when I was a kid and got back into it a few years back. I was so excited to show John how good I was and of course I played awful. I talked myself up too much and I bombed big time. But we laughed the entire time. The place is so damn cool. They are located in Levittown and will be having a Sweetheart’s special this Valentine’s Day so this is most likely where JP and I will be. It includes a three course meal, 2 hour ping pong table rental , and a champagne toast for $50 per person. If you reserve a table, let me know. I would love to see you there.
6. Sky Slam at Sky Zone
John loves dunking so we took a trip to Sky Zone. At first, I couldn’t even get close to dunking but by the end we were side by side and I was really feeling myself. Another date night where we could not stop laughing. There’s so much to do here. You can play dodgeball, dunk, take fitness classes, run up a 10ft wall or just end the time jumping and playing around. It’s worth it for the laughter alone. Sky Zone is located in Deer Park. You can just by the hour and use all of the facility.
7. Bowling with East Islip Lanes
Papa was a bowling hall of famer. So naturally people think bowling is in my blood. It’s not. We’ve turned this into an almost weekly ritual. The first week I think I bowled a 40 (maybe). Now I can actually keep the ball on the alley and I bowled a 118, which is incredible for me. Consistency is key. Of course, John is great at everything. He bowled an entire game between his legs, got a higher score than me, and bowled a turkey. Still feeling a little sore about that one. East Islip Lanes has multiple deals and specials throughout the week. We usually get the 2 hour unlimited bowling for $19.50. They also have Quartermania Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday for quarter games after $6 overcharge.
8. Rollerskating with United Skates of America
Ah there is something in the world that I am better at. Apparently John can’t rollerblade which made this even more fun for me. This is where Michelle used to have all of her birthday parties as a kid. It holds so many amazing memories for me and it looks exactly the same. I love the skating aesthetics. They have a DJ that plays all the pop hits so it’s a party on the rink. United Skates of America is located in Massapequa. They will be having a Valentine’s Day special. If you wear red its $1 admission and $5 skate rental.
If you couldn’t tell thats not us. But how could I not post this iconic photo by the King himself & Long Island native, Brandon Woelfel?
9. Salsa Lessons with Sunrise Latin Dance & Fitness
And then we danced! I know people probably think I dragged John to a Salsa dancing class but you’re wrong. He is actually the dancer. I’m the one with the two left feet. This was such an amazing experience. The instructors are so smooth and talented. They broke it down step by step and made it easy to follow. I was really nervous walking in. Anyone who has stood next to me in Zumba will tell you that the dance floor is not a place for me. But whats the worst thing that could happen? Maybe I look stupid. The best? I learn some new moves and have a great time with my honey (sorry for calling you that, honey). And we really did have the best time. Sunrise Latin Dance Fitness is located in West Babylon. You can try one of their classes on Groupon for literally $7 ! That’s half the price of a movie ticket! If you love it, you can sign up for their beginner Salsa cycle. They are having a Valentine’s Day special 25% off all individual dance packages.
And that’s it!
Nothing makes me more excited that watching people put themselves out there and try something new at any age. Life doesn’t stop until it stops. You haven’t missed your opportunity. Whatever you wanted to do, you have time to do. Date nights a great way to try those things together and feel supported at the same time.
Let me know if you try any of our ideas & if you got any good ones let me know. We are always ready for our next adventure.
Quick final note, local libraries are always hosting events from yoga to salsa to writing workshops to book clubs. There are ways to do cool things without breaking the bank.
XOXO,
CK (&JP)
P.S, if you’re single, grab some friends. Go out into the world and enjoy life. If you need a friend, I’m always here.
