10 Ways to Re-Ignite the "Spark"

Looking to Add Some “Spark”
to Your Valentine's Day?

I still remember the butterflies I'd get in my stomach when my hubby and I were dating. The first time he held my hand I felt like all the blood flow from my whole body was redirected to my hand. I was so nervous he was going to feel my pulse quickening.

Oh, how time has changed things. My sweet man is still my heart's desire, but I don't have that crazy, new love feeling like I did back in the day.  My love is deeper.  My love is unconditional. My love is comfortable?

Yes, we all get comfortable, sometimes too comfortable and forget the importance of “fanning the flame” of that spark that we have for each other.

Now before Voddie Baucham, one of my favorite pastors and authors, writes me a comment about how this society is too wrapped up in being “in love” and “falling out of love.”  Let me state for the record that I know that love is a choice and a commitment!  I'm committed and I chose to love my hubby even on the days when I'm not feeling like he's all that lovable.  I know he has days like this, too, when I'm not particularly lovable.  We are all pretty unlovable at times.  Marriage is hard work!  Don't let anyone tell you differently!

What I'm talking about is taking the time to communicate love — to add some romance and “spark” to your Valentine's Day. This little “Love Holiday” is the perfect reminder that we need to be taking time to express our love and appreciation for our spouses.

With all that being said, here are 10 fun & inexpensive Valentine's Day ideas to add back some spark into your marriage.

10 Ways to Re-Ignite the Spark This Valentine's Day

1) Re-Create Your First Date!
Nothing stirs up memories like going back in time and recreating your first date. We've had fun doing this a few times over the years.

2) Stay-at-Home Romantic Dinner with “Little Helpers”
This can be so much fun! Your whole family can really enjoy this great tradition.  Simply plan a meal — as elaborate or simple as you'd like.  Set a beautiful table for just the two of you at the dining room table (yes, that table that so often gets forgotten).  Then work with your kids during the day on their “service skills.” Be sure to feed the kids ahead of time.  You really don't want hungry servers.  😉

3) Hidden Hearts & More!
Hiding little notes to let him know how much you love him is always fun. But this Valentine's Day consider sitting down and making a list of characteristics you appreciate about him.  Remember, men love to know that you respect them and are their #1 fan. You can then use these fun printable hearts to write out each of his lovable traits.  Once you've created your hearts, start hiding them around the house — in his briefcase, shaving kit, on his pillow, taped to his mirror, in his shoes, on his steering wheel, in his Bible, anywhere you know he'll find them.  You can even tape one to a pair of sexy underwear and stick that somewhere creative.  🙂  Just be careful that it's not somewhere where he'll pull it out in front of others.  That might be a bit embarrassing. 😉  * Subscribe to access these fun printables.

4) Create a “How We Met” Book!
What better way to reconnect than by looking through photos from when you first met.  Take time to write your story out.  Include any memorabilia that you may have stashed away in boxes, like love letters, old receipts, sticky notes, movie ticket stubs, etc. Your kids will be sure to treasure this for generations!

5) Love Coupons!
We were pretty poor when I was growing up, so my mom and I did a lot of coupon books as gifts for each other.  Coupons for fun times together, hugs, frozen yogurt, renting a VHS (Ha! Am I dating myself?), or whatever else we could think of.  Since this if for your hubby you can get more “creative” than just frozen yogurt.  You know your hubby best.  Maybe he's totally exhausted by the end of the day and a coupon for a week of foot massages is just what he'd love. You can make coupons for future fun dates together — things to anticipate and enjoy beyond Valentine's Day.  I will say that if you get really “creative” with this, be careful where you keep this little booklet laying around if you have readers in the house — but have fun with it!
* I've created this fun printable for you to create your own Love Coupons.

6) Black & White — No “Grey!!”
I may be getting a bit controversial on this one, but I believe in Christians putting their money where their hearts are!  I said in a different post that I was convicted by a quote by Billy Graham.  He stated, “Give me five minutes with a person’s checkbook, and I will tell you where their heart is.” There is a Hollywood movie coming out on Valentine's Day that is pretty much all about the opposite of real love.  So instead of putting money toward something “grey,” I'm suggesting a movie night with some “black & white!” Nothing could be more romantic than some good old-fashioned black and white classics. Don't know which ones to watch? Here's a list to get you started.  I am adding a few classics that deserve an honorable mention — even though they are in color.

• Roman Holiday (Gregory Peck & Audrey Hepburn)
• Arsenic & Old Lace (Cary Grant)
• Woman of the Year (Spencer Tracy & Katharine Hepburn)
• Philadelphia Story (Carey Grant, Katharine Hepburn, & Jimmy Stewart)
• Harvey (Jimmy Stewart)
• Shop Around the Corner (Jimmy Stewart)
• To Catch a Thief (Cary Grant & Grace Kelly) — in color
• Charade (Cary Grant & Audrey Hepburn) — in color
• An Affair to Remember (Cary Grant & Debra Kerr)

7) Add a Little “Fancy” to an Inexpensive Dinner Joint!  No babysitter, no problem! Head out the door (with the proper supplies in hand) and have some fun! This is a bit of a throwback to when I was in high school.  My friends and I had so much fun coming up with creative group dates. Before proms or homecoming dances, we'd go to Taco Bell or In & Out all dressed up. But here is the difference: We'd deck the tables all-out with nice table clothes, dishes, fancy glasses, candles, real napkins, etc.  We'd even have flowers on the tables. It was awesome.  Everyone had such a great time.  So, if you have kids, get them a separate table (if their ages allow).  Decorate! Serve! & enjoy!  Fancy dinner without the fancy price!

8) Progressive Dinner at Home! This is a fun little, inexpensive twist on doing a progressive dinner between friends homes or going to different restaurants in progression (both of which are super fun!!). Whether you live in an apartment, little house, or a big house, this “date” will work for you. Simply plan out a three or four course meal (soup, salad, appetizer, main course, dessert –whatever you want).  Eat in unexpected places like on a balcony, outside, blanket on the floor of any room, bedrooms, — really any room in or out of your house. Just mix it up and change locations. And please be sure that you end with dessert in the bedroom.  If you have kids, then plan to eat dessert together alone after bedtime (with the door locked).

(If you are single, skip these last two and head straight to my Valentine's Ideas for Kids & more below)

9) Read Song of Solomon together
God's Word is awesome! It still cracks me up that there is a whole book in there about romantic love. I really don't think there is anything more romantic (or sexy) than my man reading the Bible to me. The best way to read Song of Solomon is to take turns reading the male and female parts to each other.

10) Find a New Spot!
Okay, there is one very obvious Valentine's tradition that kinda goes without mention in a marriage-focused Valentine's post (& after recommending #9). I'm just saying, God created it! It's His gift to enjoy as a married couple! It's also free!! But my fun tip would be to find a new spot to get frisky. It will add a bit of spice and definitely create a new memory. (I'm trying to keep this PG).

I hope you have fun with some or all of these great Valentine's Day ideas.  May the Lord bless you and your loved one during this “love” holiday.  May He rekindle your hearts as you seek Him and enjoy the gift of marriage (and that other gift we mentioned)!

May the “sparks” fly!

*Special Money Saving Note: I mentioned this last year, but it's a good one to remember.  If you do choose to go out for dinner, pick almost any other day except February 14th to go out.  Many restaurants have a pre-set menu that is more expensive than their normal menu.

Valentine's Day Ideas for Kids

‘Twas the Night Before Valentine's Day… 

Looking for some fun ideas for Valentine's Day for your kids — or your homeschool?  Check out this post I did last year about the fun traditions we use to celebrate the “Love” holiday (I actually just updated it and added a few things).

Valentine's Day Ideas for Singles

Alone for Valentine's Day? 7 Tips to Enduring the Day of Endearment

Single? Or know someone single who is spending Valentine's Day alone?  My beautiful, wonderful (& single) mom wrote a great post on what she does for Valentine's Day.  Be sure to check it out!

FOR MORE FUN VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS go to my Valentine's Inspired Pinterest Page: “Lovely” Valentine's!