July 9, 2012

Romantic Rooftop Date

by Becca

Meeting and falling in love is such a thrilling, exciting time! But after marriage, it can be easy to let the butterflies and sparks get lost in stressful jobs, financial pressures, sick kids, dirty dishes, and…well….just plain ol’ LIFE!

That was exactly the place I was at when I planned this date! Life was crazy stressful, and my husband and I fiercely needed an escape. We had just graduated college and were temporarily living at my parents’ house while we saved up a little money for a place of our own. My husband had just started a new job and was completely overwhelmed with work pressures. I was dealing with the usual tantrums and crying that comes from being the mom of sick little ones. We really needed a break! Money was tight, and we didn’t have a lot of alone time.

The Idea:

And then, (being the totally sappy, romantic that I am) I remembered a cheesy scene that I had once seen in an episode of 7th Heaven. True story. Picture this… Eric and Annie Camden are sitting on their rooftop at twilight. As they reminisce about days gone by, Eric starts playing his guitar and serenades his wife with The Drifters’ dreamy lyrics of “Up on the Roof”…

At night the stars put on a show for free

And, darling, you can share it all with me…

Right smack dab in the middle of town

I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof

And if this world starts getting you down

There’s room enough for two

Up on the roof

When this old world starts getting me down

And people are just too much for me to face

 I climb way up to the top of the stairs

 And all my cares just drift right into space

 On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be

 And there the world below can’t bother me…

The Setup:

And then the kids went down for naps, and it was time to get to work setting the date up.  At first I was just going to get a ladder and lay a blanket on the roof, so we could share a drink together and talk. (Which you can TOTALLY do for a quick, easy, and inexpensive date night.)

But then, I realized that part of the roof was flat- perfect for a picnic!!  And why stop at a picnic blanket when you could have a table and chairs?!  So with the help of my sister, I moved some patio furniture from the porch to the roof.  I also brought up a blanket and some big pillows, so we could sit and talk after dinner.

 And just to top it off- I grabbed some battery-operated candles, a string of Christmas lights, and a CD player.  Then I charged my laptop, just in case we wanted to watch a movie.  I made a really simple dinner and enlisted my sister to be our server and hand the  food up when I texted her.

The Date:

When my husband finally came home and I led him to the back porch and up the ladder- his reaction was priceless!  After all, you don’t usually expect to see a restaurant for two on your roof!

So what are you waiting for?!  

An unforgettable night under the stars is just a ladder away!!

 

*Hint:  Don’t have a flat roof?  Are you living in an apartment without roof access?  Well, don’t let that stop you!  Ask to borrow a friend’s roof for the night.   (I’m pretty sure it’s empty and available.)  Or look for a place in town with acess to a great view.

  *Double Hint:  Is your evening schedule totally jammed?  Well, this would also make a perfect little morning date!  Just set your alarm to wake up early.  Then grab a ladder, a blanket, and some drinks, and invite your honey to watch the sunrise with you from your rooftop.  Feeling even more romantic?  Bring (a totally easy and cute) breakfast with you!  Don’t worry- we’ve already hooked you up with printables and everything.  Why not treat your man to some of Erika’s stud muffins?  Or let him know that you “cereal”sly love him like Corie did.

See, no more excuses.  Go get up on the roof and reclaim your butterflies!