Swim Together In The Deep End

How many of you spend your vacations going, going, going, or resting, resting, resting, but when you get home, you feel like you haven't really had any good deep connecting time with your favorite guy? It's so easy for that to happen, isn't it?! I'd challenge you though, to plan a mini vacation/overnight between now and the end of this Valentine month - or it could even be a "staycation" if funds don't allow for an overnight at a local hotel - and really make it a special get away with a purpose. That purpose, or theme, can be whatever you want it to be. Just make it about the two of you and the sweet relationship you share. Of course it's always nice to have some good chillaxing time too, but while you're chilling, why not redeem the time that you might ordinarily spend with your nose buried in a magazine, and making a conscious effort to really connect with the deepest depths of your spouse. *An important note: when your man gets vulnerable with you - ACCEPT  HIM! Be very aware of the tenderness of his heart, thoughts, and trust of you. Sure, men are the "tough" ones, but he wants to be accepted by you just as much as you want to be accepted by him. Be careful to not judge, have a quick answer, or laugh when he shares his heart. Talking with you, especially deeply, should be a very safe thing to do.

You could bring some good discussion questions with you, or pick one subject you'd like to spend some time pondering together while you're having a break from the demands of everyday life. Here are some ideas to get you going:
*What you can do this year to continue to foster a healthy relationship?
*Is there a way you can allocate some time and/or funds to make regular date nights possible (date nights can be free too you know!)
*Is there a vacation you'd like to set a goal to start planning for (maybe for a milestone anniversary coming up)? - What can you do now to make that a reality?
*Do you know your spouses love language? How is their love tank holding up?
*Maybe spend some time reminiscing on the past year and all the fun memories you've made together.
*Work on a list of fun things you'd like to do together in the coming year, and then you'll have a list to draw from when you're not feeling too creative on date night!
*Bring some MP3s of a marriage conference or romance book on tape and listen to and discuss it together.
*What makes him the most wonderful man in the world for you?
*Take time to thank him for specific ways that he's blessed you lately.

Really, the "purpose" of your time can be anything you choose - the point is just to have one, and then enjoy the connection you find while communicating together in the deep end of your relationship. Bonus: when your hearts take the time to truly commune with each other - it's a total turn on :-)!

Linking up for Company Girls Coffee today! 

A Homecoming to Remember

Note: this post is for adults only :-)

Today, your idea is just for you and your Valentine! He deserves a special evening in his honor every now and then, doesn't he? Let's dive into the plan:

The Pre-Plan:

Choose one evening when you don't have any other post-dinner commitments. If you have kids, arrange to send them to a friend's house for dinner and a movie (you could offer to trade with your friends and have their kids over for the same another time: win-win ~ you get "free" babysitting, and your friends will enjoy a kid-free night too). 

The Last Minute Prep:

Ok, so the fun starts before your hubby gets home: clean your bedroom, put on nice fresh sheets,  light candles, put on some relaxing music, draw the blinds, etc.

The Main Event:

When your hubby arrives home, don't greet him at the door - instead, place a trail of rose petals leading from the entrance he usually uses to your bedroom, OR, they could lead to the kitchen where you have a small snack and a note with further instructions on it. Get creative. Grab his attention and curiosity. Depending on the amount of time you have, you could plan a small snack (or dinner) and a romantic movie in bed, or a game you both like to compete at with special altered "rules". It's up to you! What would your hubby enjoy during some alone time? - Keep in mind: if your hubby likes surprises, and responds well to spontaneity, then go for it! If, however, he is usually bushed or stressed after work, maybe plan to have a bath or shower ready for him (complete with towel warmed in the dryer and maybe a quick massage) to give him a chance to debrief from his day and get ready for some fun. Or if he usually makes plans for his evenings, it's probably a good idea to let him know you have something on the schedule for just the two of you. You can still keep the details a surprise!

So I hope you enjoy planning this special homecoming, I'm sure your husband will be delightfully surprised to be the one being romanced instead of doing the romancing!

Painting the Roses (and Pancakes) Red!

Maybe some of you experienced this, as I did, when you were a child... It was a simple, but fun little touch that my mom added to holidays to help make them special. But why does the fun have to end when you're a adult? Why can't we have a little fun with food coloring too? Now I know, usually I'm all about staying away from processed/added colorings, flavors and such, but it's ok to have a little room to wiggle  around your food standards during the holidays, no?

So your Valentine idea for today is to have a pink and red meal (or day of meals, or heck, one meal each day for a week!). You might have to think outside the box a little, but it will be a fun memory for sure.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started. Of course, you can accomplish even more red/pink food with a dash of food coloring!:

Breakfast:

*Pink/Strawberry milk

*Strawberry muffins

*Strawberry pancakes

*Strawberry Shortcakes

*Biscuits with berry jam

*Strawberry, raspberry, or wild berry yogurt (and parfaits)

*Strawberry donuts

Lunch:

*Ham sandwiches

*Red grapes

*Terra chips (beet)

*Red bean tortilla chips

*Roasted red pepper and feta dip w/ pitas

*Red apple slices

*Sundried tomato wrap

*Tomato soup

*Red pepper strips

Dinner:

*Red beans and rice

*Pasta with tomatoes, red peppers, cheese, garlic, evoo, etc.

*Spaghetti

*Beets

*Red lettuce salad

*Spinach w/ strawberries, pecans, and Gorgonzola or feta cheese

*Red wine

Dessert:

*Red velvet cake (of course!)

*Strawberry pie

*Red jello parfait

*Strawberry ice cream

*Strawberry mousse

*Cheesecake with any red topping or swirl (cherry, raspberry,etc.)

Hopefully this list got your gears turning on how to plan a meal (or week) full of red and pink! You can also get out the heart-shaped cookie cutters and go to town cutting out sandwiches, jello jigglers, biscuits, ham and cheese slices, pieces of cake, etc.  So have fun with the colors of love, and don't forget to take pictures! Be sure and come back here to let me know about your post if you document your red and pink extravaganza - I'd love to see it!

Date Your Mate + The Dating Divas!

Happy Monday Girls!
      Back when Living Graciously was just a dream, and Windy Poplars was all there was, I did a small series on "Dating Your Mate". A few of you joined me on the adventure, and I think we all had fun! Well, dating your mate is more than just a little hobby of mine. It's a passion! So here, while we're talking about Valentine's Day and all, I thought I'd revisit the subject.- For the almost 12 years that my husband and I have been married, we have religiously kept a date night every single week. Of course there have been a few exceptions, but I could probably count them on one hand! We just made a decision, and consequent commitment, to dating each other until our dying day, and we guard it with our lives. Our marriage depends on it! It's a time when we're not allowed to talk about work, family, stresses, etc. We just focus as much as possible on each other and our relationship. This weekly base touching has been more helpful (and fun!) than words can describe. Your marriage is worth the investment! I'm convinced that this "secret" alone is a huge player in keeping your marriage fresh, young, and vibrant. Still feel like newlyweds at the 12 yr. mark? You betcha! Oh, and P.S. dates don't have to cost money :-).
     Ok, so  that's my little monologue on dating your mate. To sum it up: DO IT! Now, I'd like to introduce you to a group of girls that I have come to know as my Dating Kindred Spirits and Rescue Squad. They are The Dating Divas, and they will quickly become your new best friends on the dating front. Instead of using my own words though, I'm just gonna let this little interview talk for itself - I promise, it's worth the read!

Hello Divas! Can you tell my readers what your website has to offer them?

We began this lil venture of dating our spouses, just like anyone else..waaay back before we said, "I Do"! Back when dates were the most important element of our life and held a high status over all else. {WINK} Being at the top of our lists, the focus on dating helped us fall MADLY in love with the men we now call our DEAR husbands. Since those dating years some of us have had children, finished school, started careers, and quite simply have embarked on what we know now as, "The Married Life". We all know that marriage can become TOO comfortable {a.k.a. routine} and dating your amazing spouse the way you did when first falling in love is the sure-fire way to keep that SPARK in marriage! We are sharing with you the SECRETS to our success! We hope that you will find ideas that keep your marriage healthy, happy, and full of love!

In a nutshell, each Monday the Divas will offer an awesome date already completely planned for your upcoming weekend! {Aw geez, you're totally welcome!} Throughout the rest of the week we;ll also post quick & easy ideas to serve your spouse, unforgettable family outings and activities with the kids, intimate moment ideas to spice things up in that room, and fun romance crafts to boot! There is definitely something for every couple!

What are some benefits you have seen from making "dating your spouse" a priority in your life?

My husband and I actually get a breather from our busy lives and get to connect, talk, laugh, and actually enjoy each others company. THAT is what it is all about....enjoying the journey with your best friend. A lot of married couples get so caught up with everything they have to do each day...that they tend to forget to focus on the most important person in their life....their spouse! A simple date helps couples to reconnect...and to basically just keep the love alive.

We've definitely grown closer and more understanding of each other because we actually take the time to be together and to communicate. No matter how busy life gets we still take the time to go on a date, no matter how small it may be.

Dating my spouse helps me ENJOY him more and LOVE him more as we bond again and again. It gives us something to look forward to when the days are so long, kids are sick, debt is piling, stress is pressing, and self esteem is failing... Dating him is in many ways also a sanity keeper because it reinforces us as a team.

Top reasons WHY somebody should date their mate (part of a compiled list from all the Divas):

-So you don't cease to be lovers and turn into "roommates"

-to keep the communication AND fun alive in your relationship {it strengthens your relationship}

-Communication! We get to really focus on each other and not feel rushed/stressed by other things going on around us (kids, school, church callings, etc.)

-It lets you stop the busy world and focus on each other, which makes you a stronger team and hence helps keep balance and manage the "busy world" part sooo much better!

-Staying happily married is continually falling in love - dating each other regularly is the best way to fall in love over and over. It's not gonna happen when he's downstairs watching tv and you're upstairs doin' the dishes... A couple that plays together stays together!

-Even when you tell each other "I Love You" every day, nothing shows love like an effort to serve one another or make each other happy. Dating offers a plethora of opportunities, which makes it so priceless.  

-Creates great memories that will get you through the rough patches, that every relationship has.

 -In order for me to feel confident in my marriage I need to have his undivided attention on a regular basis - dating provides that one-on-one time

-It's hard to have that lovin' feelin' when your entire focus is on everything other than your spouse. Dating each other provides the backdrop for romance and intimacy.

-Dating your spouse helps you get back to where it all started and where it will all end, with the two of you!

-When you continue to date your spouse you help strengthen your bond by trying new things and having new experiences together.



-Simply put - Dating your spouse is fun! You get to plan and do something out of the ordinary and spend time with your favorite person in the world!

- For yourself: Not only is dating your spouse good for your marriage, it is good for you as individuals. You get the undivided attention of your spouse if only for just one evening out. It is absolutely crucial that you get that time. It boosts your self-esteem, it makes you feeled cared about, and especially loved. It helps you remember why you married him in the first place!

So there you have it. How many more reasons do you need to make dating your mate a priority? Go become a follower of the Dating Divas by subscribing to their newsletter, and you'll never be at a loss for creative ideas again! 

Thanks a million for joining us today Divas! I am so thankful for your commitment to strengthening marriages one date at a time!

A Little Something for the Weekend

These are just really simple ideas for the weekend, but will still communicate to your family that this is a special time of year worthy of celebration and extra little touches!

For Everybody:

Make a special Valentine's Day Trail Mix. Set it on your kitchen counter with a scoop and small bowls, and let it be your snack du jour for the weekend. Mine included: cashews, dried strawberries, coconut, pretzels, honey roasted oat sticks, wheat chex coated and baked in cinnamon, butter, and sucanot, red m&ms, mini dark chocolate chips, raisins, dried cherries, and honey roasted peanuts.


For the Kids:
Help them make a list of their friends that they would like to send valentines to this year. Take them out shopping this weekend to find some, or make your own together! Making memories, helping them to think of others, and spreading a little love around, + avoiding last minute stress = all good things!


For Your Beloved:
After the kids go to bed, here's an activity you can enjoy together in your bedroom. Get out your Scrabble or Bananagrams game, slip into some attractive "loungewear" (or not) and play Romantic Scrabble. Before you start the game, each one of you writes down a secret wish for how to spend the rest of the evening (being realistic of course). Seal the envelopes. Now to play the game, all normal rules apply but ONLY words associated with love, romance, etc. are allowed. Whoever wins get their secret wish envelope opened and granted by the other person. Of course, in the spirit of love, the loser can also give their envelope to the winner, who can graciously surprise them with the granting of their wish later in the week!

***Go check out a GIVEAWAY I'm hosting for The Trendy Owl over at The Personal Shopper

Happy Weekending Everybody!
 

All Work and No Play??? (now, what's the fun in that?)

Today let's talk about how you can make your guy feel special during their otherwise mundane workday. Most men work hard every weekday (or more) to provide for their families, and how often do we step foot into that work-a-day-world? Why not think of a way that you can show them your appreciation for what they do so faithfully at the office. Here are a few ideas:

*Show up to work one day (with kids in tow if you have young ones at home), and deliver a favorite snack or drink to him. You could also include a sweet card, balloons, drawing from the kids, or anything else that would make him smile.

*If he has a private voicemail box at work (make SURE it's private!) you can call when you know he's on lunch break, and leave him a wonderfully suggestive message.

*Sneak by his work parking lot and decorate his car. Even better if you have a copy of his key! Write on the outside (maybe your initals inside a heart?), put balloons on the inside, leave a note on his seat, whatever! Have fun with it -think creatively just like people do with "just married" cars.

*Slip a love note and favorite candybar into his lunch if he packs one.

*Kidnap him one lunch break and to save time, you could bring lunch with you. Picnic in your car, at a park, or in his break room.

*For a whole week, why not make it a point to let him know how much you appreciate how hard he works and how faithful he is to his job at least once everyday. You could choose a different aspect each time: how he is always on time, how he has such high standards of excellence, how he perseveres through the tough times, how he manages to hold up under the preassure of deadlines, etc...

Nothing says "I love you" to a man more than showing him respect in his professional life. You just might be surprised by his response!

Countdown to Valentine's Day

Today I have a wonderful Valentine's Day idea to share from Paige @ Paiges of Style.  My hubby and I do a form of this idea every year, which is why I liked it so much - this one's just WAY cuter :-)! DH and I just use little doily hearts to write notes of love to each other from February 1st through the 14th, and boy does it help set the tone for the season! I'm sure your loved ones will really enjoy this "countdown to Valentine's Day". Take it away Paige:

 

For me Valentine's isn't about chocolate and flowers. And I don't really feel the need for gifts so closely following Christmas (but I certainly wouldn't turn a gift away)  What I do love about this holiday is the love note that my husband writes to me each year. He has a special talent for writing cards, I cry every time I read own of his sappy love letters.

Start the countdown to Valentine's on February 1st with this {sweet} advent calendar. On the inside of each envelope, write a love note and tell your sweetie what it is about them that makes you smile. For my girls, I also wrote out a fun valentine's activity that we can do that day. We'll be baking cookies, drawing hearts and taking bubble baths. Let me know what you will be doing with your sweeties!

Follow these DIY instructions and make you own sweet calendar. 

Here are the supplies you will need:

1. Download the 14 envelope files here, you will need to sign up for a Scribd account to download

2. White Cardstock

3. Scissors

4. Glue

5. A cute way to display your cards, I used ribbon and mini clothespins

  Download all 14 of the envelope files first- get them here

 Print the files onto white cardstock

 Cut out the outline of the "envelope"

Fold all four corners of the "envelope" into the center

Write your love note or activity in the center

Fold in two triangles that are opposite each other and dot with glue. Repeat 

with the two remaining sides (make sure that the side with the 

number on it is the topmost triangle) Next, place the "envelope" underneath something heavy while it dries.

They should look something like this after the glue sets

Aren't they adorable?

You're done! Now display them!

I hung mine up on gorgeous ruffled ribbon with mini clothespins.  Mine went up in completely random order. We're learning our numbers over here so this will help Miss Charley in identifying numbers and learning to count.

See, isn't this ribbon amazing?

Thanks so much Paige for sharing your idea with us!