When you think of couples and summer and the beach, what comes to mind?

Sun, sand, surf?  Bikinis and laughter?  Sunset smooches?

Now think about the last time you and your other half went to the beach.

The last time we went, we had three boys and a puppy with us, and believe me, a bikini was not on the agenda.

But it doesn’t have to be like that all of the time.  Family fun at the beach is terrific, but if you can’t remember the last time you took a romantic stroll at sunset, maybe scheduling a beach date is in order.

Try this:  Secure a sitter.  Pack a picnic basket with assorted treats, like to-die-for wraps or your favorite cheese & crackers.  Throw in some grapes and a bottle of wine (plastic wine glasses are perfect for this).  Don’t forget the corkscrew!

Wait until the evening, then climb into the dunes (if allowed–ours even have benches) or find a cozy spot and settle in.  Watch the sun fall towards the horizon, take a long walk, enjoy your grapes, cheese, and wine and rediscover what it’s like to be the couple at the beach.

Simply taking the time to do these little things–the things hat take more time and planning than money–can help you remember that sunset smooches go really well with  surf and sand.

photo credits:  tetraconz and ahisgett.