date ideas

Outdoor Sweat Sesh Head to a local park for a hike, run, bike ride or tennis match. Get your blood pumping, and you might notice something else pumping too (we’re talking about your libido in case you didn’t catch the innuendo). We’re just saying…

Geocaching Geocaching is really a teched-out game of hide-and-seek for fun-loving adults like yourselves. All you need is your GPS. Then go to Geocatching.com to get the location of a "treasure" and start hunting. Even if you're not really into the whole treasure-hunting thing, it's a great way to explore nearby areas.

Paintball Square off against your spouse on the field and work out all that excess energy. Or if you're feeling merciful, pair up with your sweetie against another team.

A Bicycle Built for Two The ultimate exercise in teamwork and trust, tandem bicycling is both a great workout and a chance for you two to get in sync. Rent one at a bike store near you.

Horseback Riding Find a local farm or a nearby equestrian school and book a couple's ride through the countryside.

Picnic Spread a blanket on a flat spot and dine on fresh fruit, chocolate, cheese, and wine (the menu is up to you two, of course). If you get rained out, you can always cheat and spread out a blanket on the bed.

Pub Crawl Hit up three or four of your favorite watering holes around town and try a new beer or drink at each one. Okay, this isn't entirely outside, but hey, doesn't walking from bar to bar count?

Wine Tour Springtime means vino time. Most wineries offer free wine tastings and tours, and if it's a little nippy, just drink more! (Find a vineyard or winery near you at WinesandTimes.com.)

Volunteer Get some fresh air and give your relationship a karmic boost: Sign up to help clean up a local park or highway, or if you're good with a hammer, you can help build homes in nearby neighborhoods with Habitat for Humanity (Habitat.org).

Sow Some Seeds This could be the year you actually build that vegetable garden you've been talking about since you moved in. Spring is prime planting time, so hit up the nursery to pick up seeds for your favorites fruits, veggies and herbs. Digging can actually be a lot of fun when you have your partner in crime by your side. Come summer, you'll be enjoying fresh tomatoes and basil picked right from your backyard.

Watch the Sun Rise
You’ve probably watched the sun set many, many times, but when was the last time the two of you caught the sunrise? Check the time online at SunriseSunset.com, grab a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa, and enjoy the calmness of the morning hours together.

Italian Restaurant
Recreate the classic scene from Lady and the Tramp and do some smooching over spaghetti and red wine at your favorite Italian eatery.

Heat Up by the Fire
Build a crackling fire in the living room. Take turns reading aloud from a sexy book (here are some of our favorites) in front of the blaze. The catch: You can’t touch each other until you’re done reading. How’s that for getting a fire started?

Relive the Past
Have a stay-at-home nostalgia fest. Plan a decadent meal and dine in on the sofa. Watch your wedding video together or flip through your wedding album and honeymoon photos. Talk one new thing you’ve discovered about each other since you said “I do.”

Rent a Movie
Sure it’s simple, but sometimes snuggling up on the couch together and watching a good love story is all you two need to reconnect. In the mood for romance? Watch one of these films. Want to see some juicy sex scenes? Try one of these.

Recreate Your Honeymoon
In the spirit of your honeymoon, spend a day relaxing and luxuriating in life’s simple pleasures (read: food, drink, and sex). Set the thermostat really high for just one day so you two can lounge around in bathing suits or your skivvies. Cook up some of your favorite seafood and kick back in beach chairs with your favorite brews or tropical drinks.

Call in Sick
Never underestimate the power of spending an entire day alone with your significant other, especially when you're supposed to be somewhere else. Don't clean the house or go to the grocery store! Instead, park yourselves in the living room and hibernate in your PJ's. The rules: You're not allowed to leave the house. Order takeout, watch movies, and get busy.

Go Back to High School
Relive those turbulent, testosterone-driven high school years by driving to your town’s Lover's Lane, listening to love songs on the tape deck, and getting hot 'n heavy in the backseat.

Money might make the world go ’round, but it’s also the number-one cause of marriage meltdowns -- no matter how much or little you have. Much like fighting over what kind of sofa to buy (the vintage-modern versus the sectional with built-in recliners) or which color to paint the den (robin’s egg blue versus Pittsburgh Steelers yellow), squabbles over how to manage your money as a couple really come down to a matter of style.

But unlike decor trends, there’s no “in” or “out” when it comes to financial points of view. The best way to mesh those money mind-sets is to communicate (that means talk, people), agree on a common goal, and stick to it. To get you thinking about what dinero-related glitches you’d like to square away in your own marriage, we asked three brave Nestie couples to tell us about their own money issues. Carmen Wong Ulrich, anchor of CNBC’s On the Money, acted as financial referee, listened to both sides of the story, and gave these newlyweds savvy advice. Read on to see what tools they’ll use to make over their money relationship...you may want to steal them for yourself!

Los Angeles

Age: He's 36; she's 26.

Career: He's an actor/musician; she's a writer.

The problem: What to do with extra cash.

After paying their rent and bills, Amanda and Mikush disagree on how to spend the leftover income.

His POV: “I want to combine and save our fun money to buy bigger-ticket items that will make a difference, like music equipment that can help boost my career.”

Her POV: “I’d like some of that money to go to things that I find ‘fun,’ like the occasional manicure or some new clothes. I also have $2,500 in credit card debt I’d desperately like to pay down or pay off.”

The Fix: Choose priorities. “First, if you have $2,500 of ‘fun’ money and $2,500 of credit card debt, you really have no ‘fun’ money,” says Wong Ulrich. Amanda and Mikush need to take care of credit card debt first -- make a plan to pay it off ASAP! After that’s done, think in terms of joint goals and open an account for household expenses and mutual interests, like an annual vacation.

Leftover money should go into individual accounts that they manage themselves. Why? So they can actually call it “fun.” Amanda can’t really enjoy Mikush’s music equipment, and Mikush can’t really enjoy Amanda’s manicures (at least firsthand), says Wong Ulrich. “As long as they both have the same financial goals, such as paying off their credit card debt and building up their savings, they can relish having some ‘fun’ money, even if it’s just 10 percent of their take-home pay.”

New York City

Age: He's 24; she's 22.

Career: He's a student; she's a communications coordinator.

The Problem: Different money styles.

Rachel and Robbie worry what their money philosophies (she’s a spender; he’s a saver) mean for their new marriage.

His POV: “I really like to research and plan before I make a purchase. I’ve been known to check out prices in several different stores before making my final decision. To me, it’s completely worth the time to find the right price, and most importantly, save money.”

Her POV: “I like to be spontaneous—take cabs, go out to dinner with friends, get my hair cut and buy clothes without having to deliberate and comparison shop. I just don’t want to think about every money decision I make.”

The Fix: Find middle ground. “Comparison shopping works for many things, such as flat-screens, laptops and cars, but it can seriously crimp your quality of life when you crunch numbers for every single dollar you spend,” says Wong Ulrich. Penny-pinching in moderation can help Rachel and Robbie budget—but penny-pinching on everything that they buy may just build resentment. Wong Ulrich’s solution? “Rachel should start cutting down on some of her spending, and Robbie can loosen up and live a little when it’s not too pricey.”

Las Vegas

Age: He's 28; she's 25.

Career: He's an air-conditioning technician; she's an account executive at a PR firm.

The Problem: Trouble following the money trail.

With new careers, a marriage and becoming first-time parents, Leslie and Craig’s financial lives are getting complicated.

His POV: “I deposit my paycheck in the account and the money just disappears. Where does it all go?”

Her POV: “I handle all the finances and have a hard time getting my husband to understand that running a household is an expensive business!”

The Fix: Track finances. “It may seem like there’s no time to track spending, but it’s too expensive not to,” advises Wong Ulrich. Leslie and Craig need to pool their receipts and credit card bills for one month and spend a couple of hours tallying up totals to see where they can cut. “It’s great that Leslie handles household finances, but she needs to sit down with Craig and show him in black and white what money goes where,” Wong Ulrich says. Whether it’s a simple Excel spreadsheet, Microsoft Money or a free money site like wesabe.com, Leslie can spell things out for both of them. They could also use one household credit card so expenses are laid out in one statement. They just need to be sure to pay it off monthly in full. Adds Wong Ulrich, “Online banking will help them track their spending patterns, and automatic transfers to a savings account mean money moves into the ‘plus’ column and won’t linger in the ‘spend’ pool!”

Nestpert: Carmen Wong Ulrich, anchor of CNBC’s On the Money and personal finance blogger at CNBC.com

Special K fitness tips

1. Mix it up. Every little bit counts! Missed your daily workout? Don’t worry, you can still fit something in. Watch one of your favorite TV shows and do strength training moves during the commercial breaks: lunges, squats, crunches—mix it up. Giving yourself mini, achievable health goals can go a loooong way.
2. 2.
   Lift weights & your spirits. Studies show that even a little bit of exercise can affect the mood-controlling parts of your brain. Try a bicep curl by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your arms at your side and slowly bend your arm, bringing the weight up toward your face. Do 12 reps each and the next time you have a rough day remember to reach for a dumbbell instead of junk food.
3. 3.
   Change your scenery. Workouts getting a little boring? Trade the treadmill for some new terrain and explore a great path in your neighborhood. Tired of running? Go for a long hike or a swim. A new environment can breathe some fresh air into your routine.
4. 4.
   Be a team player. Join a recreational team at work or organize a day for you and your friends to play a game of kickball. Don’t worry about not being a great athlete—you burn calories whether you make contact with the ball or not.
5. 5.
   Leave the magazine on the coffee table. It might seem like a great way to keep yourself entertained during a workout, but if you can read captions in a gossip magazine, chances are you're not pushing yourself hard enough. If you're really into reading material, try downloading a podcast or listening to an audio book.
6. 6.
   Check your bags. Not your goals. Traveling these days will definitely get your heart rate up, but not in a good way. Take your gym clothes on your next trip and take advantage of hotel gyms and swimming pools. The equipment might not be state of the art, but there's never a shortage of towels. Hotel with no gym? Try push-ups and lunges in your room.
7. 7.
   Make prime time your prime time. Instead of taking a seat on the sofa, find a spot on the floor and concentrate on strength training during the half-hour episode. Side crunches and leg lifts will help tone your core without blocking your view of the tube. At a commercial, take your heart rate up a notch with sets of jumping jacks, lunges and push-ups. You'll stay caught up on your favorite shows and your fitness routine.
8. 8.
   Defy your desk job. More and more occupations require workers to sit in front of a computer for 6 or more hours. And that lack of movement can take a toll on your body. Make a point to move every hour, whether it's to physically deliver a message or just to circle the office. It will break up the monotony of your workday, help you get to know your coworkers and restore some fitness to your 9-to-5.
9. 9.
   Take a class. Signing up for a spin or aerobics class at your local gym is obviously a great way to get into shape. But classes also come with more incentives to work out. The fact that you pay for it will push you to get your money's worth and the energy from everyone in the room will help improve yours. Don't worry if you don't know all the steps at first—think of what a big step you're making for yourself.
10. 10.
    Optimize your playlist. Music has an amazing power to pump us up and get us going. Rather than relying on shuffle to get you through a workout, organize your songs carefully. Put your favorite songs at the beginning, middle and toward the end of the time you'll be working out to motivate you. Change it up every week by adding new songs or switching Mp3 players with a friend.
11. 11.
    Get your glutes in gear. Get on the floor on your hands and knees. Extend one leg and bend it to a 90-degree angle, raising it so that your toe points toward the ceiling. Bring the leg back down and repeat for 12 repetitions, then switch to the other leg. To maximize results, make sure you squeeze your glutes tight as you do it. Keep it up and pretty soon you'll be working that backside into a smaller pair of jeans.
12. 12.
    Buddy up. Working out with a friend is a great way to stick with a fitness routine. Meet each other for a run in the morning or take an aerobics class after work. Just make sure you partner up with a pal you can count on to push you and help you reach your goals.
13. 13.
    Dress for success. Before you start any kind of exercise routine make sure that your body is well supported. This means comfortable shoes, a strong sports bra (or two), breathable fabrics, and even a cute little headband. The less you have to fuss with during your workout (i.e. tugging at your shorts, pushing hair out of your eyes) the more you can focus on achieving better results.
14. 14.
    Hop to it. Boxers aren't born lean and mean. It takes dedication and a little help from an 8-foot piece of rope. Jumping rope provides such a great full body workout that an average sized woman (5'4”, 140 lbs.) can burn more than 100 calories in just 10 minutes. So, next time that gym membership starts to pinch your pennies, pick up a rope and start hopping.
15. 15.
    Be fear free. One of the main reasons people avoid the gym is they're afraid of being judged by other people. The truth is, the majority of people at the gym are there to focus on their own bodies, not yours. The sooner you overcome that insecurity the sooner you can focus on your fitness performance.
16. 16.
    Every minute counts. Don't eliminate your exercise for the day just because you have a full schedule. If you're crunched for time, then crunch your routine. Simply decrease the frequency or duration to accommodate your workout. You'll feel better knowing you did something rather than nothing.
17. 17.
    Feel the burn. As hard as it may be to believe, that achy feeling the day after a workout is actually a great sign. It means that your muscles are activated and responding to your activity. So, don't mistake a little soreness as a cue to stop. Instead, use it as proof that your body is already changing.
18. 18.
    Exercise before you eat. Instead of heading to the kitchen when you get home from work, set aside a half hour to an hour to get your workout in. Not only will it help you let off steam from your job, but you'll be less likely to overdo it with extra helpings and desserts at dinnertime.
19. 19.
    Get a good base. When you're doing a standing exercise, make sure that your legs are a good width apart. Having a stronger balance will help you perform a move easier and help you get more results.
20. 20.
    Burn big calories. Work the big stuff STAT! You burn more calories when you work many large muscle groups simultaneously. The next time you hit the gym, try running, jumping rope, skipping, even jumping jacks!
21. 21.
    Use your weight. YOU are all you need! Your own body weight can provide a great workout and build strong, sexy muscles. Try sets of lunges, crunches, squats and push-ups to get yourself going when you can’t make it to the gym.
22. 22.
    Move it. Something is ALWAYS better than nothing. Missed your workout? Get in at least 10 minutes. Pop in a DVD and get in a quickie, turn up your favorite tunes and dance around, re-create something from your favorite exercise class, climb the stairs or take a quick trip around the block.
23. 23.
    Change it up. Get that metabolism going! Change up your workouts with a little high-intensity strength training. Increase the weight, reps and/or sets you lift (and decrease the amount you rest in between) and you’ll start to see some sculpted, lean muscles (and you’ll keep your metabolism humming post-workout!)
24. 24.
    Break it up. Hate doing abs? Break up the monotony by putting a set of abs in between each set of your weight-training routine. Since you never have a chance to sit still and cool off, you’ll keep your heart rate up and burn more calories and body fat. Hooray!
25. 25.
    Give me 10. Ten minutes are better than ZERO. Can’t stand the idea of working out? We all have those low energy days. When you’re feeling ho-hum, head to the gym or workout anyway and promise yourself you can quit after 10 minutes.
26. 26.
    Go for the burn. Squat your way to a better you! The squat is one of the best lower-body exercises to hit your glutes, hamstrings and quads. Try using a stability ball the next time you’re at the gym for an extra burn. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and put the stability ball between your lower back and the wall. Bend your knees 90 degrees—making sure your knees don’t go past your toes. Put your hands on your hips or hold hand weights if you really want to work.
27. 27.
    Use weights. Pick up those weights! Muscle burns fat, so the better your weight training sessions are, the less cardio you’ll actually have to do.
28. 28.
    Step it up. Wanna burn about 15 calories a minute? Jump on the stair climber (the machine that looks like an escalator) the next time you’re at the gym. It’ll help you blast the biggest muscles in your body: booty, hips, thighs and calves. Just make sure you stand up straight (no leaning, ladies) and use the handlebars for balance only (NOT to support your body weight).
29. 29.
    Skip the gym. Yep, you heard that right. It’s good to give yourself a change of pace…shock those muscles and make the most out of your workouts. Head to a hill with a friend and take turns running up (and down) it—see who’s “king of the hill”. Take a dance class. Play tennis. Play tag. Find a workout that reenergizes you and gets you excited about exercising again.

special K lifestyle

1. 1. Doggie bag it. Portions at restaurants are growing bigger by the day. Tell yourself at the beginning of the meal that you only need half and ask your server for a take-out bag as soon as you're done. This will prevent you from picking at your plate and provide you with some lovely leftovers for tomorrow.
2. 2.
   Visualize your outcome. Cut a picture of the dress you like out of a magazine or tape up a picture of you in your skinny jeans on the fridge. Whatever you're aiming for, make sure it's somewhere you can see it and make sure it's a realistic goal.
3. 3.
   Mind over menu. Eating out while trying to stay on track can be pretty challenging. Avoid overdoing your order by picking your meal ahead of time. Many restaurants have their menus available on their websites. Figure out what you want to fill up on and you'll be ready to avoid temptation come dinnertime.
4. 4.
   Pre-game for parties. If you've got a party coming up, don't fret over getting off track. Instead, fill up on a healthy meal before you go. You'll have less of an appetite for greasy appetizers and still be able to enjoy the festivities.
5. 5.
   Prevent idle hands. Being in front of the television is one of the biggest reasons people forget about portion control. To avoid bad snacking throughout a show, give your hands something else to do. Take up knitting, fill in a crossword or fold some laundry—the more your hands have to do, the less time they'll spend reaching for food.
6. 6.
   Stair step your goals. Having just one big goal may be simple, but it can be more frustrating to reach. Try adding a few small goals along the way, like going to the gym three days in a week or eating a vegetable at every meal. Small accomplishments will help make the whole experience more rewarding.
7. 7.
   Close the kitchen. Chances are the more times you have to go into your kitchen each day, the more you're going to be tempted to grab a bite to eat. As soon as you finish with each meal, clean up dishes and turn off the lights. Tell yourself that the kitchen is closed and find an activity in another room of your house.
8. 8.
   Keep a diary. Just like when you were a kid and you wrote out what you did that day or how you were feeling, the practice of keeping a journal can be a great asset when you're starting a weight-loss plan. Record what you're eating and how you're exercising. Also, make note of how you're feeling during different times of the day. It will give you an idea of what's working and where your routine could use improvement.
9. 9.
   Be your biggest fan.If you don't root yourself on, then no one will. Take some time each morning to look in the mirror and point out three things you like about yourself or what small results you've seen. Focusing on the positive will give you a healthier outlook on your goals.
10. 10.
    Don't be a stress mess. Stress can sabotage your body's ability to stick to a diet and trigger a lot of unhealthy choices. Find ways you can minimize your stress in your life and you'll also minimize your bad eating habits. For some extra backup, keep yummy Special K® snack bars and a bottle of water in your purse or desk drawer for those moments that are out of your control.
11. 11.
    Shop smarter. Never get groceries on an empty stomach. Time your trip after a meal or a small snack. When your tummy isn't grumbling, you'll be more likely to make healthier decisions. Take a list with you too. It will help keep you focused on the things you need and away from the things you don't.
12. 12.
    H₂O like a pro. Drink plenty of water throughout your day to ensure that you have enough energy to stay on track. For some extra fuel and to take the edge off hunger, try a refreshingSpecial K20™ Protein Water Mix with 5 grams of protein and fiber.
13. 13.
    BYOL. Taking your lunch to work is a great way to save some pennies and avoid fast food invitations. Plan out what you want to pack before each work week and you'll save time making something in the morning. Add raw vegetables like carrots and celery to give your lunch some crunch.
14. 14.
    Pose slimmer. Everyone knows the camera adds ten pounds, but what celebrities know is how to make it look like you lost a few. Make your next photo more flattering by placing one hand on your hip and leaning toward the opposite side. This will elongate your torso and make your arms look leaner.
15. 15.
    Think ahead. When it comes to meals and snacks, don’t “play it by ear” if you know that everyday at 4 you are starving and end up heading to the vending machine or newsstand for a candy bar. Losing weight is a formula—one that is different from the one that helped you to gain weight. So be prepared. A nutritious snack like a piece of fruit, or a Special K® cereal bar will take care of that temptation and provide you with a way to stave off cravings as you build a system for healthy weight loss success.