Written by Candace on March 11, 2014 | 2 Comments

Date Idea:
Secret Rendezvous

After some travel of my own, I arrived back home around 1am only to help Vitaliy out the door at 6am for a business trip. We were two ships passing in the night.

After almost a week of being apart, Vitaliy sent me a text message and asked me to cancel my plans for the following day and meet him for a secret rendezvous. After being married for 7 years, it’s very easy to lack spontaneity in the relationship. I was on board for anything with the words “secret rendezvous” in them. I met up with Vitaliy on the central coast in a cute little town called Paso Robles. It was only for a night, but it was just enough time.

I had a million and one reasons why I shouldn’t go. I had to cancel plans with a friend. I had a ton of work to get done. The three hour drive would be a waste of gas money. But at the end of the list, all I could think about was how much more important it was that I go – my marriage deserved and needed the investment. Vitaliy deserved my time and attention. And like I said, he had me at “secret rendezvous”.

Sometimes intimacy requires you drop everything, leave it all behind, and go on a secret rendezvous with the person you love most. If they truly are the most important person in your life, then show them with your actions. I promise it will be worth letting go of everything else. Even if only for a night.

Read more about our Make Marriage Happen series for March: Be intimate.

Library building in Paso Robles downtown park

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Written by Candace on February 25, 2014 | 3 Comments

Date Idea:
Three Course Meal

Vitaliy completely outdid himself this year for Valentine’s Day. I love the way he loves. It’s in the way he leads, it’s the way he serves.

It’s always quiet, behind the scenes. With attention to detail. And full of heart. This kind of love, his kind of love, challenges and changes me. With every small act, when I have eyes to see and the heart to receive, I take note. I want to learn to love the way he does. Sacrifice.

My valentine’s gift, though true and done in love, took me 10 minutes at the most to complete. He loved it and it made him smile. His Valentine’s gift to me was meant to span the hours. It was meant to be enjoyed and savored. He served and he entertained. And I sat there, tempted to compare my gift to his and feel unworthy, but that ruins someone’s gift. So, instead, I sat. I enjoyed. And my heart took note.

I thought I’d share it here in case anyone would like to incorporate it into a date idea for yourself.

Recipe: Three Course Meal Date Idea, with a dollop of romance

Set the tone. The first thing Vitaliy did was assure me that all I needed to do was sit back and relax. He put a record on the turn table, poured me some wine, and I proceeded to do just that. Vitaliy prepared the first course while I relaxed on the couch, worked on my powersheets, and chatted with him in the process.

The First Course. Vitaliy started the meal off with a Balsamic Strawberry & Goat Cheese Crostini. We ate slow, savoring every bite. I could tell a lot of love had gone into this meal and I didn’t want to rush anything. We talked. We laughed. New memories were made over good food.

The dollop of romance. In between the first and second course, Vitaliy threw in a little surprise that made my heart soar and my throat tighten. He turned down the music, grabbed his iPad, and pulled up an email from 2004. He proceeded to read me email exchanges from the start of our friendship, the letters that that watered and caused our love to bloom. It was the smallest and sweetest gesture that had a lasting impact. I never want to forget this moment. We laughed. I almost cried. And we celebrated the sweet memories of how we came to be Candace + Vitaliy.

The Second Course. As if the night could get any better or more delicious, Vitaliy served me Salmon with Charred Corn, Jalapeños, Bacon and Lime. This dish convinced me that we started the wrong kind of business. Now, I’m not sure if I should be helping him run a photography business or if we should be starting our own restaurant with him as the head chef. I’m not kidding you, it was that good.

The Third Course. So that he could spend equal amounts of time cuddling with me on the couch as he spent cooking, Vitaliy prepared the dessert ahead of time. And in order to help me continue working towards some health goals of mine, he made it simple and sweet without needing to have any regrets after indulging. We ended the night with Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas that have the texture of bon-bons after sitting out for a few minutes. The evening spanned 3 – 4 hours and it came to an end dreaming about building a cabin in the woods. We scanned this website for inspiration, toasted to the future, all while relishing the past.

I hope someone uses this idea for an evening full of indulgence, love and laughter. Enjoy whoever you are! Cheers!

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Written by Candace on February 12, 2014 | 2 Comments

Valentine’s Day Dinner Party

In case you’ve forgotten, this Friday is Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t made plans yet, it’s never too late!

Vitaliy and I used to not like Valentine’s Day. We always thought it was unromantic to be told to be romantic. You know what I mean? However, the past few years we’ve grown to liking it because we found good ways to give it purpose. Any excuse to share and spread love sounds like a good idea to me. But it needs to be authentic and meaningful which is precisely why I love this Valentine’s Day Dinner Party from Delighted Magazine.

Here’s the scoop! Grab one or two other couples. I’d recommend keeping it small so it’s more intimate. And don’t feel the need to do anything over the top. All of the details Mandy uses in her dinner party are easy and approachable. If you don’t have time to cook a big meal, grab store bought or take-out. This night is not about impressing, it’s about connecting. Write out fun get-to-know-each-other questions on hearts to keep the conversation going and geared around celebrating love. For example, have each couple share the story of how they met. You’ll get to know your friends better while also being reminded why you fell in love with your spouse or significant other in the first place.

To see more photos, get more details, and the recipe for the bubbly drink you see here, be sure to check out the latest issue of Delighted Magazine.

Sharing your love story with others is a great way to show affection for the person you love. Give it a try!

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