Most people tend to look at marriage as hard work (which it is sometimes!) or have fallen into a pattern of doing the same things and boredom has taken over. Too often in marriage resentment takes hold or we continually end up in arguments trying to be right. Here are a few things you can do today to improve your marriage, without requiring anything of your spouse! 2019 edit: Since this post was originally published, I've read and fallen in LOVE with this book. It is the absolute BEST way to quickly improve your relationship without hassling your partner to Read The Full Story
Cheap Babymoon Ideas
Cheap Babymoon Ideas In a world of birthing classes, breastfeeding classes, baby showers, and diaper parties, one thing sticks out to me as an absolute must – no matter your budget – while you’re pregnant. You absolutely MUST take a Babymoon! Instead of spending your unborn baby's college tuition on a trip, check out these cheap babymoon ideas. When I was pregnant with Nugget, we were financially strapped and stressing about finances constantly, but we made it a priority to take a simple Babymoon to enjoy one last trip together before our family of two became a family of Read The Full Story
9 Rules for a Happy Marriage
Give Up the Need to be Right You’re teammates in this marriage thing. Love your spouse enough to not want to make them wrong. This is a hard one for most people. Especially if you just know you’re right about whatever you’re arguing about. Worry more about finding common ground with your spouse. That way everyone wins. Get Your Timing Right It’s never a good idea to talk about stressful things at transitional times like first thing in the morning or right before bed at night. Before I bring up something that I know is going to rock the boat, I ask my husband if “now is a good Read The Full Story
How to Have a Date Night
After kids, marriage changes. It just does. Life comes at you faster than ever before and it’s hard to remember to make time for your spouse. I think it’s absolutely necessary to make time for date night. I’ve read that same statement in tons of places since having kids and everyone suggests getting a sitter and having a night out on the town. I don’t know about you, but if I had a sitter, I wouldn’t need anyone to tell me how to have a date night. We would just do what we used to do before we had kids! Now, we have two little ones, no trusted family in the area (or Read The Full Story
The One Question You Should Ask Your Spouse Everyday
Even though we strive to live a simple life in our home, our lives are still hectic! We have a 16-month old that runs the show, another baby on the way (who should be here any day now!), and typical household chores that never seem finished. Despite our crazy schedules and the fact that we somehow seem to never be home and are always traveling, I realize that if I don’t prioritize my marriage, no one else will. Sure, we’re doing a lot of those things together and virtually all of our free time is spent together, but is it really quality time? Usually, no, it isn’t. We’re so focused on Read The Full Story
Why My Husband Changed His Last Name When We Got Married
When most of my friends got engaged, they immediately started referring to themselves as the future Mrs. (insert future husband’s last name here). I cringe every time I see it. Why is it still so expected that the girl will change her last name to her husband’s when she gets married? Not in my house! I did change my last name when I married my best friend, but my husband changed his last name too. Disclaimer: Please don’t take my stance on this issue as a dig at anyone who does decide to take their husband’s last name when they get married. In fact, I think that’s absolutely fine! My Read The Full Story
The One Mistake You Should Never Make During a Fight With Your Spouse
Fights are inevitable. The thought of living with one person for the rest of your life is enough to drive anyone crazy. There is, however, one mistake you should absolutely never make during the occasional fight with your spouse. I get it, your husband or wife did the one thing you absolutely hate for the millionth time. Maybe they left the toilet seat up, left the cap off the toothpaste, or made a mess of makeup on the counter. Maybe the issue you’re dealing with is a lot bigger than that. Whatever the case may be, there is one thing you should never do during a fight with your Read The Full Story
How the Five Love Languages Changed My Marriage
If you’re married (or in a relationship) and haven’t read the Five Love Languages…what are you waiting for?! This book gave me such a different perspective on relationships and the lessons I learned are ones that I use almost every day. I loved it so much that I asked my husband to read it as well and he listened to the audio book. It helped both of us to understand and love each other better. The Five Love Languages absolutely changed my marriage. What you may have already guessed from the title is that, according to author Gary Chapman, there are five love languages. Physical Touch, Read The Full Story
