It has been almost seven months since Dave and I became parents and I have to say the hardest transition has been in our relationship. The first few months were extra tough on us, with a new human demanding all of our attention and what felt like very little love left over at the end of the day for each other. As women, we are so focused on researching and obtaining as much information as possible to ensure we are the best mothers we can be while men sort of fly by the seat of their pants. On some level I wish I were more like Dave and had the ability to look at my new role in a more casual light, but this difference in opinion caused a lot of tension as we were navigating our new role as parents. Over the past few months we have begun to find balance in our lives as parents and have made a point to refocus on our relationship.

Dave and I love to be outdoors so my idea of the perfect date would be a stroll along Lincoln Park, a seat at our favorite al fresco restaurant, a glass of wine and a delicious dinner. The weather was amazing this past weekend so I thought it was important for us to get out and enjoy some time to ourselves. The magnolia trees are in full bloom around Chicago so we took our time strolling around the city before stopping at one of our favorite spots on a sunny day. You know you’re a Chicagoan when the weather gets above 75 degrees and we think it is too hot (ha, we are never happy in the Midwest). I decided to wear my new favorite chambray off the shoulder dress paired with easy heels. I’m a sucker for a man in a crisp white shirt, a casual tie and jeans – there is something so sexy and understated about this look but also you know that they put some thought into their outfit. Dave has this shirt in almost every color because it is made with a quick drying stretch fabric, which keeps him cool on hot days (or when we decide to order chips and spicy salsa). Is there anything better than a well dressed man? I don’t think so.

A few other things that Dave and I like to do for the two of us:

• Grill out and sit on our back porch with a glass of wine
• Play card games (gin rummy is our favorite!)
• Go on walks along the lake
• Make a yummy charcuterie platter and watch Netflix at home
• Go see a movie

What are your favorite things to do with your significant other?

Chambray Off the Shoulder Dress //  Suede Heels  //  Express Tech 1MX Shirt  //  Plaid Linen Tie  //  Slim Fit Straight Leg Denim c/o Express

Thank you to Express for partnering on this post. 

Photos by Heather Talbert.