Date nights are very important to any relationship. I’m here to tell you how to have a date night with one of the most important people in your life: YOURSELF!
After becoming a single mom, I had to relearn how to be comfortable on my own. I will never forget the feeling the first night I got dressed up and took myself to a movie. It was nerve-racking going in, but I ended up having a great time.
These ideas aren’t just for single moms. I’m a big believer that you will never be happy in any relationship if you aren’t happy with yourself. Any mom can lose herself during motherhood. Self-care and alone time can help moms find themselves again.
SELF-CARE ISN’T SELFISH! Everyone needs to be cared for and you cannot give to your family if you have an empty bucket.
So here are some ways you can treat yourself to a date night! (Or day)…..
Take part in your favorite hobby or find a new one
Board & Brush: Relax in an inviting atmosphere and create a new sign for your home.
Cork N Canvas: Find a class to explore your artistic abilities.
Potter’s Obsession: Choose a ceramic piece to paint.
Theater Cedar Rapids: See one of their fabulous productions.
Grab your camera- There are several beautiful spots around Cedar Rapids. Grab your camera and explore the city.
Visit a book shop or your local library: Some great bookshops in the Cedar Rapids area are Next Page Books and Swamp Fox Bookstore.
Take a class on something that interests you
Go to a movie
Go to a sporting event at Cedar Rapids Roughriders or Cedar Rapids Kernels
Take yourself to coffee
Trading Grounds: I had a great experience at Trading Grounds. The staff was so friendly, and I’ve loved everything I’ve tried. I always have to bring home one of their scones for my daughter.
Craft’d: This is a great place to sit and have a coffee and pastry.
Stillwater Coffee Co: Visit one of their awesome events or stop in for a delicious drink.
Take yourself to lunch or dinner
Mulligan’s: A neighborhood sports bar with delicious food, friendly staff and I really recommend the pudding shots.
Goldfinch: Attend one of their great events or sit down for a delicious meal.
Czech Town Station: This is my favorite place to have breakfast right now.
Go Shopping
Visit the Amana Colonies: There are so many fun shops to visit in the Amana Colonies. Take a day to yourself, visit some shops and eat at one of their restaurants.
Uptown Marion: Take a stroll through uptown Marion and visit the shops.
Explore Cedar Rapids
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
Pamper Yourself
Alone Time
Maybe you still don’t feel comfortable going out alone or a few hours alone at home sounds like heaven. That’s okay. I’ve included a few ways to treat yourself from the comfort of your home.
- Turn up that music in dance or drive around alone in the car listening to your favorite music without anyone asking for anything.
- Grab some bath products from Buff City Soap and take a long uninterrupted bath. I was recently given one of their bath bombs and it was amazing.
- Do your own DIY spa night
- Curl up with your favorite book
- Write in your journal
- Do some crafting
- Grab a bottle of wine from Fireside Winery and have a quiet night in. My personal favorite is Glow, but they have several great wines.
- Binge your favorite show
The relationship you have with yourself is important and there is nothing wrong with a mother taking the time to get to know who she is. Take the time to reconnect with yourself.
Let us know if you try any of these ideas and how it went.
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