My husband and I have been together for almost 14 years. We were just 16 and 21 when we met, and got married 5 years later.
We now have 2 kids, have moved 8 different times, lived in two countries, had and lost family pets, and have had some of the highest of highs and lowest of lows together. We have been through a lot!
I think once you've been together this long, especially if it began at a young age, you have to work pretty hard to continue choosing each other day after day. Admittedly, we don't always put in the work that we should. We get lazy. We get comfortable.
We make excuses involving time and money and lack of a reliable babysitter as to why most of our down time is spent splayed out on opposite sides of the couch binge watching the prior night's HULU entertainment.
DateBox Club takes the reigns leaving you without an excuse to spend quality time together. No need to plan, no need to shop, no need to get a sitter! Simply pick a night, put the kids down for bed and open the box together.
The objective of this subscription box service is not romance or physical intimacy but connecting with purpose. It is coming together and completing a project, trying a new recipe, playing a new game, because you want to.
We had the pleasure of enjoying December's “Holiday” theme box together. This box, which I received for review, included two clear plastic shell bulb Christmas ornaments along with glitter and paint pens for decorating.
They also provided the makings of trail mix snacking in the form of a bag of pretzels, MnMs, salted peanuts and peppermint Kisses.
Not only are there munchies and activities in each box, they even have a monthly changing Spotify playlist to set the mood. Not surprisingly, December's playlist was all Christmas Music.
To start, we wrote a list of our favorite memories of 2018, folded them up and stuck them inside of our ornaments.
We aren't the most artistic people in the world, but we gave it an honest go. In the end, we were mostly giggling about HOW bad they were coming out.
Luckily our Christmas tree is a total scrapbook of sorts filled with keepsakes and memories from travels and milestones and these tacky plastic balls with random glitter trails will fit right in, reminding us of the lovely evening together thanks to Date Box Club.
We can't wait until we put the tree back up at the end of this year, and can read what we each wrote as our favorite memories of 2018, and adding a new list from 2019. This is going to make a wonderful tradition!
While waiting for glue to dry on the ornaments, there was no need to worry about awkward silences! The final objects in the box were a sand timer and a deck of Caroling Charades cards.
Now, neither of us are too big on either charades, or Christmas carols, but we found our selves enjoying it with much laughter.
There was also a flyer for a phone app in the bottom of the box advertising 'Ultimate Intimacy - “Clean, Christian Friendly Bedroom Game.”' I couldn't even wrap my head round what that could mean, so of course I had to check it out. Ultimate Intimacy was created by two Christian couples eager to find content targeted to romantic couples without the raunchy language and dirty imagery that often is prevalent in such services.
It was actually worth checking out and I judged it too quickly at first.
DateBox Club comes in five subscription length options. A single month is $39.99 but can be bought in 3, 6 and 12 month options as well, discounting the monthly cost with the subscription length. The February Box is sold out, so if you sign up, you'll receive the box for March.
What's really cool is you can find a few of their past boxes on Amazon for just $29.99!
This December, the Mister and I will be celebrating our seventh wedding anniversary and twelve years of knowing one another. After living in four different states, having two kids, and that many years behind us, sometimes it is hard to remember to keep some of the spontaneous spark that existed in those early days of infatuation, before the relationship evolved and matured.
When I first realized that I wanted us to take some extra time to focus on us, I implemented “date night” on Tuesday. It was a simple enough concept: after we put Mischief to bed, we put our devices away, and did something together, whether it was watching a show or movie that was just for us and actually being able to discuss it, or playing a two player board game.
Unfortunately, after our daughter was born, those nights became fewer and farther between, as more of our time was spent taking care of a newborn and catching up on sleep and/or work. Then we moved to a new state, and honestly, never picked the ritual back up.
Now that my daughter is two, I find myself missing those weekly date nights, so when I got the opportunity to check out Gnoments, I jumped on it!
Gnoments is a system to help remind you to connect with your love with the help of two adorable gnomes.
I got a cute boxed set that included a hardcover book that was part cute story and part tutorial on how to utilize the two stuffed gnomes.
These gnomes (one male with a beard and one female with braids) have magnets in their hands, which lets them hold each other's hand, pouches for holding treasure and notes on their backs, adorable hats which match up to form a cute heart, and an embedded NFC (Near Field Communication) tag.
NFC is a nifty technology that allows for wireless data transfer that many of the newer phones are now compatible with (if you can use something like Apple Pay, you can probably utilize the NFC tag in the Gnoments gnomes). My phone is not cool, or fancy, so I can't use this feature, however, no worries!
You can still send digital messages with your gnomes online, called a gnomification.
I took the liberty to be completely cheesy and named my gnomes immediately. My gnomes are Gned and Gnatasha. Yes, I am that awesomely lame.
These gnomes are supposed to remind you by just their very presence to take some time for your partner.
I have to say that they have persuaded me to become a bit more spontaneous with my Mister, and within the first week of having them, I set up a surprise date to go see a movie, just the two of us.
To put this in perspective, I think the last time we went out on a date was February, maybe March. Either way, it's been a while, and I am never the one to set things up (I'm a big homebody).
I've used Gned and Gnatasha to leave little notes for the Mister in the mornings, and they even helped me give him his early birthday present!
Unfortunately, even though he read the book, and I explained the concept of these adorable gnomes that now reside in our bedroom, my Mister has not taken any initiative to use them to even leave me a note! Sadface.
While I can use the website to send a Gnomification to the Mister, I find it to be an unnecessary extra step to sending him something. It is much easier to just shoot him a text, even if I want to send him a link. It honestly feels a little like sending something in high school via email a la 2006 instead of a 2016 text.
I think we've moved beyond that, and I prefer to just use the pouches and use pen and paper. The Gnomifications feature seems to me to be a consolation prize for those who lack phones with NFC technology. Or maybe that's just sour grapes talking, and I should just get a phone that costs more that $60...
Even though I couldn't use the NFC chips, I still love these little guys. I like being able to look up and see Gned and Gnatasha holding their hands on the dresser.
They are wonderful little gentle reminders to do something special for your someone special, no matter how big or little. A little whimsy goes a long way in my book, and these gnomes definitely add a little extra whimsy to our lives.
The holidays are coming up, and these little guys are a wonderful gift to a couple. I have actually ordered a set for a friend who just got married and will be giving them to her this holiday season for her and her new hubby to enjoy.
If you can think of a couple who could use adorable gnomey reminders to spend a little effort on each other (maybe you are part of that couple!) I highly recommend Gnoments. You can order a box set for yourself here for $39.95.
Note: This review contains adult subject matter and (non-graphic)
discussion of sexuality and is not generally appropriate for viewing at work or in the company of children. Please use your own discretion before proceeding.
My husband and I have been together for 9 years. That’s nine birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases, and Valentines days. Some years it’s a mostly ignored hallmark holiday, other years it’s a big deal- like the 5th one, where he proposed (for a second time).
This year we are keeping things mostly simple and just ordered a decadent flight of gourmet chocolate bars to share.
With just under two weeks to go, you still have enough time to score an awesome last minute gift for the important someone in your life. I decided to scour the depths of Reviews, Chews, and How-to’s to bring you a list of what I think would make the best gifts. In honor of our nine years together, I've come up with nine great gift ideas.
Keep in mind, if any of our other writers put a list together, each one would be vastly different. But these are what I would want to receive, or what I would buy for my husband.
FOR HER
If you're looking to get her something a little different than the usual flowers or a box of chocolates, consider these ideas!
Handmade Charms by Sasha Smith - Review
Jessica reviewed this company, also known as Squished Berries on Etsy, not long ago. Sasha makes incredible charms, earrings, and the like with polymer clay. There is little I wouldn't do to be the owner of one of her book charm bracelets. The detail she goes into to recreate a book cover (or movie cover, or video game case, or slice of pizza for that matter) is absolutely breathtaking!
The best part is, they are beyond affordable. Each individual charm ranges from about $4 to $10.
Box of Happies - Review
It has been more than a year since I had the pleasure of receiving a Box of Happies, and boy, have I missed it! Box of Happies is a subscription box filled with unique handmade artisan goods. You never know what you are going to get - soaps, jewelry, beauty products, decor, and more! I think any woman would enjoy this subscription box. It even comes in a reusable case. A one-time box costs $24 with the option of buying a subscription that comes every month, or at intervals of every 2,3,6 or 12 months.
Alchemy & Ashes - Review
This company creates beautiful cold-pressed soap bars, each with a unique story and scent. Additionally, lip balms, perfumes, and other body products. I've tried numerous artisan soaps, but this one takes the cake and has earned its place in this list! Alchemy & Ashes products vary in price, but the amazingly gorgeous soaps are only $6.50!
FOR HIM
Don't forget! Valentine's Day is not just a woman's holiday.
If you enjoy receiving tokens of love, see how fun it is to give them, too!
Wet Shave Club
Michael introduced us all to this very dapper, sophisticated subscription box. Wet Shave Club brings an array of facial grooming needs for the man that likes an old-fashioned shave. Do to his job, my husband has to keep a cleanly shaven look on the daily, and something like this would be a nice treat to make the mundane task at hand a pleasurable experience. Currently, they have many sets specifically for Valentine's Day in addition to their regular subscription boxes - you'll want to order by the 10th to get there on time. Orders over $100 always ship for free.
Loot Crate
This is for a fairly specific kind of man, the kind in which I married! (For that matter, many women would love this, too!) Loot Crate is filled with nerdtastic themed gamer gear and novelties. February's theme is "PLAY" - boardgames, video games, card games, etc. My husband is a huge fan of this box, and I know he would feel the love on Valentine's if he got one! I can't tell for how long, but they currently have a code (SAVE3) to save $3 off their subscriptions, which are regularly $19.37/month total.
Soundwave Art
Here again, this is on the men's list because it's one many men would enjoy, but both men and women of a specific sort would really like this science-meets-art gift. Soundwave Art let's you record a sound clip, then digitizes the resulting soundwave and creates a number of keepsake products with it. You can get a print, a nice canvas, and more recently added, a stunning ring with your soundwave etched on the band. Act now and use code: LOVE to get 15% off your canvas or print.
FOR 'US'
This category encompasses some of my favorite gift ideas - I love the togetherness that these products/services provide.Each of these are perfect for creating memories together.
Blue Apron
There are a few other similar subscription boxes like this out there, but I have yet to come across one as comprehensive. Blue Apron delivers a cooler box filled with EVERYTHING you need (down to that TBS of butter!), including recipes, to make gourmet meals in the comfort of your own kitchen. Plans are available in varying family sizes and meal amounts. My and my husband loved cooking together with Blue Apron, and it will be in our future! Whether you're both experienced in the kitchen or still learning, this provides the opportunity for a more intimate special Valentine's Day dinner than reservations at an overcrowded restaurant. Meals cost $9.99 per person, so this won't break the bank, either.
Love Is Art
This is by far one of the most unique products on the market for couples. Love is Art is a kit that comes with paint, a canvas, a tarp, and a body scrubber. To put it plainly, the idea is to lather yourselves, or the canvas, in paint, do the deed on top, and have a forever keepsake, in the form of art, of all your rolling around. This is hilarious, and amazing all at the same time. I have not had a chance to try, but Jessica speaks very highly of it! In addition to their regular offerings, they've currently got a special Limited Edition Valentine's Day Kit, that not only contains the kit in a deluxe bag, but includes several other items to make the night special, from champagne glasses and chocolate to incense and massage oils. From now until Feb. 15, 2015, use code LIAFB20215 to receive a full 20% off your purchase!
Note: This product is for adults - the images on their website are tasteful and suggestive, but are not safe for work or for viewing by children. Please practice good judgement and timing before following the links below!
I saved what is, in my opinion, the best, for last! Fantasy Box has being nearly therapeutic for my marriage. It is, exactly what is sound like! A box to help you achieve your romantic and sexual fantasies in an loving, intimate way. Even in a nine year relationship, it can be hard and embarrassing for my husband and I to discuss intimate things with one another. Unlike other 'adult' subscription boxes we have tried, Fantasy Box isn't just a box of toys that leaves you awkwardly floundering, it assists you in figuring out how to navigate the bedroom in ways you have always wished, or never knew you wanted.
The Fantasy Box has a number of great things happening right now, I think our readers should be made aware of:
The Fantasy Box is running the mother of all giveaways - a trip for two to San Francisco or Los Angeles, a boudoir photoshoot with Alloria Winter Photography, hair/makeup, your choice of lingerie sets and more! The winner will be announced on, you guessed it, Feb 14th!
The Fantasy Box has your Valentine's night covered! For couples interested in a sensual pampering experience, they are offering, for just $99, a version of their best-selling Platinum Spa Fantasy that was created exclusively and featured on The View.
They also have a spicy new Valentine's Fantasy Box that includes the sexiest lingerie they have ever sent for $119. Last day to order is February 7th so don't wait!
For any order, use code VDAY10 to get 10% off!
I hope these ideas jog your mind and assist in helping you achieve the most memorable Valentine's Day ever! Again, these are just my picks - you can graze all of our past reviews to find just the right gift for your special someone!
Note: This review contains adult content and frank (but not graphic) discussion of sexuality and is not generally safe for viewing at work.
When
I came across The Fantasy Box, I got lost looking at their website for hours.
There was so much information; I really felt as though I knew exactly what I
was getting into by the time I was done. Their site was so incredibly thorough,
and beyond beautiful. I really don’t think I have ever seen a more aesthetically
pleasing place on the web.
Love is Art is a kit that lets you create a one-of-a-kind abstract canvas painting while being intimate with your partner. I'd heard of people doing this before, and had always been interested, but never quite sure where to begin getting the supplies for doing so. Now, I know exactly where to get everything I need: loveisartkit.com.
This is a great idea for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, Tuesdays, etc. We decided that it would make a great date night activity.
Shower soap and slippers, instruction booklet, paints, and tube container and stretcher bars.
The kits include a specially treated cotton canvas, all natural, non-toxic paint(s), a clear painters tarp to protect surfaces, two pairs of disposable slippers to keep you from tracking paint all over the house as you make your way to the shower, and a body scrubber. These kits can range from $60.00 for white canvas with a single color of paint, to $600 for their special gallery edition where they will give it a double layer of epoxy resin coat, stretch, mount, and wire it for you, and more! What is not included, is their five piece stretcher bar set, which they sell separately for $32.00.
And now to shower!
The kit we received was one of the Love is Art custom kits which had a black canvas, three colors of paint (gold, white, and purple), two pairs of slippers, a tarp, a body scrubber, champagne scented gel soap, and an instruction booklet. We also received the stretcher bar set.
Shipping, which they estimate two to five business days, took only two. It arrived on a Thursday, which meant we had to wait all weekend, anticipating the fun, as our weekly "date night" is Tuesday.
THE WAIT WAS WORTH IT!
Tuesday evening, I set things up in the living room (the only room with enough space for the 41"x54" canvass, plus tarp).
We had a little bubbly, and had a lot of fun making art. The fun was not over, though, after the painting was finished in the living room; we still had to go and wash all of the paint off of each other!
The tarp had ample room to catch all the paint splatter, and nothing that wasn't supposed to be painted was. I was pleasantly surprised by how soft the canvas actually felt. I was expecting it to be a little scratchy, like canvasses I had worked with before, but this was comfortable. The paint was also very gentle, and I only got a little bit of a burning feeling when it was drying, though I have EXTREMELY SENSITIVE skin, and the Mr had no problems at all, so it was most likely a me thing.
The slippers, surprisingly, fit even the Mr's size 12 1/2 foot with room to spare, and have this cool grippy pattern on the soles, so you don't actually slip around the house.
The finished work, waiting to dry.
After waiting two days for our art to dry, we stretched and mounted it. We probably could have waited just the one day, but we decided to play it safe. There is a short, instructional video on the website, though if you have any sort of puzzle solving abilities, the process is fairly intuitive.
All you need is a staple gun, a book with a 90* angle, and less than half an hour of your time
We decided to hang it in our bedroom.
All in all, we were very happy with the Love is Art kit, and will probably order another one for our anniversary. This was a delightful way to spend an evening with my favorite guy.
There was also a flyer for a phone app in the bottom of the box advertising 'Ultimate Intimacy - “Clean, Christian Friendly Bedroom Game.”' 
