Tag Archives: relationship

Feb11

V-Day Our Way

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V-Day Our Way

Hello darlings!! Sending hugs and kisses your way because it’s almost Valentine’s Day! V-Day is one of those holidays that you either love, hate, or are totally indifferent about. I have to admit that I am one of those people who are right down the middle. Honestly, every day with Johnny feels like Valentine’s Day, so when the actual day does roll around we’re both just like “oh” lol. While it can be fun to go all out on the day of love with elaborate gifts and dates, Johnny and I do V-Day Our Way. It looks a little something like this:

Gifts: 

For a majority of the gift giving occasions, I like to surprise Johnny. However, there are times where we both have specific things in mind that we would like and it’s so much easier to just tell each other what it is. For example, Johnny told me that he wants a new denim jacket because his old one has seen better days. He found the one he wanted and I will order it. This worked out perfectly because I had a gift for myself picked out too: A new Keurig! My old one got waterlogged when my kitchen flooded due to a burst pipe in the building and we never replaced it. Now, I need one desperately because of my 3 AM work mornings and Johnny will order me a new one too and a pack of K-cups. I can’t wait!

Dinner:

Johnny and I rarely go out to eat and find that it is so much more luxurious to DoorDash something! To us, there is nothing better than getting food from one of our favorite places and enjoying it from the comfort of our pajamas. Texas Roadhouse is one of our preferred “special occasion” restaurants to order from so we might end up going that route. But, we’ll see what strikes us the day of… We are always one hundred percent content with getting Taco Bell. 😀

Entertainment:

Valentine’s Day is on a weekday and that automatically makes it highly inconvenient for me and my main squeeze. We both have very early starts to our morning and are normally exhausted by the time we get home. There is a one million percent chance that we will return from our shifts and be ready to turn Criminal Minds on! Over the weekend, I am sure we’ll take the night on Friday or Saturday to make it about us. And, by that I mean, we will play Diablo IV and Resident Evil IV together all evening. We love to game together and that is always our go to way to celebrate. It is never not a complete blast!!

V-Day Our Way looks like any other day for Johnny and I and that is fine by us. We tend to go all out for our Birthaversary and I anticipate slightly more than the usual in June! No matter how we spend the day, I’m just happy it’s with my husband. ❤

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? How are you celebrating this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

Habits That Will Improve Your Mental Health – Now!

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Habits That Will Improve Your Mental Health – Now!

We all know that mental health is a concept that is widely dissected and discussed. There’s a good reason for that, too, given the state of the world right now we all need a little support and help from time to time. Mental health isn’t a joke, and it’s not something you should ever ignore, either. You can have poor mental health or you can have good mental health, but it’s something that will need constant attention.

When you stop working on your mental health, you are going to feel it deteriorate pretty quickly. Instead of letting it get to that point, you can start working on the habits that are affecting your mental health in the first place. The Lamrim study group will tell you all about achieving sustained happiness but to get to that point, you have to think about how you are going to break down the bad habits and build up the good ones. Positive habits will help you to improve your mental health and as you break those bad ones up, you’ll feel much happier as a result. Let’s take a look at the positive habits that will work in your favor to improve your mental health and make you feel better all around:

Start sleeping better:

That doom scrolling thing you do at bedtime? It’s a bad habit and one that you need to stop if you want to improve yourself. Sleep is something you need, and you need it in abundance if you want to feel healthier physically as well as mentally. Put the phone down, turn the TV and tablet off, and get some quality sleep.

Slow down on your social media use:

Are you on and off the same five apps every few minutes? Give it a rest! Cut back on the amount of time you spend on social media and stop comparing your life to others. You also need to increase your feelings of self-worth, not stamp them out. A good habit to get into is leaving your phone away from you, turning off your apps when you’re out, or simply removing the apps and building a healthier relationship with it. Social media is a time sucker and it’s so easy to keep opening those apps. It’s harder if you don’t have them in the first place.

Work on personal relationships:

Those friends you haven’t seen in a while? They deserve a phone call. As a human being, you are a naturally social creature and you should do all you can to get out and about. You will ease those feelings of loneliness, add more meaning to your life, and find emotional support throughout the community.

Exercise:

If you’re not already in this habit, now is a great time to start. Working out and moving your body will offer you a whole host of benefits. You’ll relieve stress and improve your mood, fall asleep faster and for longer, and you’ll feel immensely more energetic each day, too.

Improved mental health can start with really simple first steps – it’s up to you to take them!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun4

Happy Anniversary To Us!

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Happy Anniversary To Us!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is mine and Johnny’s second wedding anniversary! When we set our wedding date, we decided to make a week long celebration better known as our birthaversary. Johnny’s birthday is on the first, our wedding anniversary is the fourth, and my birthday is on the seventh. Other than Halloween, it is the happiest time of the year!

Last year, we had a big housewarming/birthaversary party to ring in our move to a bigger apartment and it was a hoot. This year will definitely be more low-key and that is A-okay with us. These past few months have been nuts and we have something to keep us occupied all weekend long – the release of Diablo IV! We have been looking forward to it for so long and it is, honestly, the best gift we could have! 😀

After getting married, the resounding question that Johnny and I were asked was if anything felt different. We always said no because it didn’t! Married or not, we are still the exact same goofy, fun loving couple and we love each other with the heat of a thousand suns lol. But, we are both so very happy to be married and it was the best day ever:

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^^^ Lol

Despite mine and Johnny’s big personalities, we had a very small wedding ceremony with our closest friends and family and it was perfect. From our all black attire to the fact that I walked down the aisle to the Family Matters theme song, our little wedding was one million percent us and I wouldn’t trade one part of it for the world. We look back on this day with so much fondness and still laugh about when our ordained minister bestie described our relationship as a “fresh of breath air”. We also have a laugh attack every time we think about the young drunk stranger who insisted we shotgunned Trulys together while we walked to our hotel. I mean… you’re not going to not! 😀

Mine and Johnny’s wedding anniversary falls very shortly after my parents’ who just celebrated their 42nd anniversary. In forty-two years, Johnny and I will still be the most emo, amazing couple around and I can’t wait for every day of the rest of our lives. ❤

Are you celebrating a special occasion soon? Are there any other Diablo fans in the house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb13

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

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Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Hello and a very happy almost Valentine’s Day to all of you!! You are each my Valentine! If you are currently in crunch time gift buying mode for your special someone: Fear not. We are about to go over some last minute gifts that your partner will love! Let’s get to it:

Couples Paint Night:

I have seen so many advertisements for paint and sip studios hosting couples paint nights and it looks like fun! This would be such a unique date night where you can both get in touch with your creative sides and walk away with your own masterpiece. Even if you aren’t the most artistic couple in the world, it’s never a bad idea to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!

Dessert Dash:

Who needs a romantic dinner when you can just go straight to dessert? Take your boo on a dessert crawl and enjoy the sweeter things in life together. You can hit up ice cream parlors, candy shops, and bakeries to indulge your sweet tooth and get your giggle on as you achieve the ultimate sugar high. 😀

Old Standbys:

Honestly, the standard gifts for Valentine’s Day are great. Who doesn’t love flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, candles, and bath and body care?! I understand why people might view the old standbys as a cop out but rest assured that a gift basket filled with traditional V-Day goodies are always going to go over well.

Dress To Impress:

How about a shopping date before dinner? Take a detour to the mall and pick out a brand new outfit for each other to wear! After all, you have to look your best as you flaunt your couplehood to everyone. 😉 lol! As a fashionista, myself, this is a gift that I would love – going shopping with Johnny is my fave. ❤

Couples Photo Shoot:

Photography adventures are a blast! Create a playlist, take a drive, and scope out pretty locations for a couples photo shoot. Explore new places and capture the memories for a totally thoughtful date day experience. Then, you can pick out your favorite shots to get printed and hung up at chez vous.

One For The Books:

Is your sweetie a bookworm? Delight them with a bookstore date! Visit a local shop or Barnes and Noble and purchase some titles from their must read list. Afterwards, find a cozy coffee shop to post up in and get lost in a good book. Simple, sweet, and sure to please.

However you spend your Valentine’s Day with your special someone, have the best time. Enjoy each others company and stroll down memory lane as you remember all of the beautiful reasons you fell in love!

What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? How are you spoiling your partner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

Planning The Perfect Date Night

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Planning The Perfect Date Night

No matter how long you’ve been together, date night is always important. It’s a time to reconnect and remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place. Whether you are planning a Friday night on the town or are thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day, here are a few tips to achieve ultimate date night success:

Decide on a Date:

Choosing the right date for a romantic night out is an important step in planning the perfect evening. It’s essential to pick a day and time that works best for both partners. Consider your work schedules and personal commitments when deciding on a date, as well as any special occasions or anniversaries that you might want to celebrate on this night.

It’s also important to think about the season when choosing a date. Spring and summer are ideal times for outdoor activities like picnics or walks in the park, while winter weather makes cozy dinners at home or at restaurants with outdoor heaters more appealing. Plus, certain holidays may offer unique opportunities for fun activities like sledding in December or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Irish cuisine and drinks.

Another factor to keep in mind when deciding on a date is budgeting. Going out for expensive meals every week might not be feasible for everyone, so look into different cost-effective options too. You could order takeout and have it delivered right to your doorstep, visit free museums or parks, or even host a game night at home with your own board game collection!

Pick a Place:

Once you’ve decided on the date and time for your night out, it’s time to think about where you’d like to go. If you’re going out to eat, pick a restaurant such as the Cathedral Bistro that both partners can enjoy. It might be helpful to look into local restaurants with reviews or recommendations from friends. The last thing you want is a bad experience on a night out! You can also make a search for lists like the “best restaurants in central pa” on Google to find a perfect date night spot. For activities away from home, consider what you two would be interested in doing together – from bowling alleys and movie theaters, to museums and art galleries, there are plenty of unique options available.

If you decide on staying home instead, there are lots of ways to create a romantic atmosphere at home. Make an effort to decorate the living space with candles or fresh flowers, put on some relaxing music as a backdrop, cook a special meal together, or watch a classic romantic movie and eat lots of chocolate. 😀

Have Fun:

No matter what you decide to do on your date night, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. Share stories and jokes, talk about old memories, plan for future events…the possibilities are endless! Date night is all about making time for one another and showing that you care; and that doesn’t require spending lots of money or going out to fancy restaurants. The best part of planning the perfect date night is that it can be whatever you want to make it perfect for you. Get creative and have some fun with it!

The key to having a successful date night is to make a plan and have a blast for a #relationshipgoals worthy time!

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Jun24

The Benefits Of Family Togetherness During The Holidays

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The Benefits Of Family Togetherness During The Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and celebrate. It’s a time for happiness, joy, and good cheer. But it’s also a time for reflection. A time to look back on the year that has passed and think about all that has happened. It’s a time to think about the future and what lies ahead. And what better way to reflect on the past year and plan for the future than by spending time with those you love most?

There are many benefits to spending time with family during the holidays. Although we’re nowhere near Christmastime yet, we are very close to Christmas In July so you can experience them early! This article will explore just a few of them and how you can make the most of this special time with your loved ones:

Strengthens relationships:

The holiday season is a special time when families come together to celebrate their traditions and strengthen their relationships. Spending time together fosters communication and bonding, two essential ingredients for any strong relationship. The holidays are also a time when families can relax and enjoy each other’s company, free from the demands of work and school.

In today’s busy world, finding quality time to spend with our loved ones can be difficult. But the holidays offer a perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and focus on what truly matters – family. By making the most of our time together, we can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Increases morale:

For some, the holidays can be a stressful time. There’s the pressure to buy the perfect gifts, cook the perfect meal, and create the perfect holiday experience. This stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health. But spending time with our families during the holidays can reduce stress and increase our morale.

Family togetherness helps us to relax and enjoy. We can laugh and have fun together. We can reminisce about past holidays and create new traditions. And we can show our loved ones how much we care about them. So if you’re feeling stressed this holiday season, take some time to spend with your family. It will do wonders for your morale.

Allows for reflection on the past year:

The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends. They offer a chance to reflect on the past year and set goals for the coming year. For many people, the holidays are also a time to express their gratitude for what they have.

One of the best ways to show your loved ones how much you care is to spend quality time together. This doesn’t mean that you have to be together every minute of the day; simply being in each other’s company can be a great way to show your love and appreciation.

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Many activities can help promote family togetherness during the holidays. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Watching Christmas movies together:

Christmas movies are a staple of the holiday season. They offer a chance to escape the world’s reality and enjoy some good old fashioned family fun. So why not gather the family around the television and enjoy a few of your favorites? You can even make it a tradition to watch the same movies yearly.

Baking holiday cookies:

One of the best things about the holidays is the delicious food. Baking holiday cookies is an awesome activity for the whole family. You teach your children how to bake and they get to eat the cookies when they’re done. It’s a chance to spend time together and create yummy treats that everyone will enjoy.

Get professional pictures together:

Getting photographs together is a fantastic method to preserve the Christmas holidays memories. Hiring professional photographers can be expensive but might be nice to do every few years. Hiring a professional photo editor to edit pictures of your kids and family members might also be a good idea. This will ensure that the pictures are high quality and capture the spirit of the holidays.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. Make the most of your time together and enjoy all of the benefits of it!

May20

Sweetest Thing Ever!

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Sweetest Thing Ever!

Hello! The day of Johnny’s show this past weekend, we were just hanging around our apartment when he looked closely at my new nails. Then, he told me that they were the same color I had on during our first date – strawberry lemonade! Needless to say, my heart exploded into a million tiny pieces and I had to pinch myself that I actually have this guy as my husband.

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I can remember our first date very well but obviously not as well as Johnny. For example, I was so nervous that when I got to the Cashmere Cricket, I literally walked right by him without even noticing that he was there lol. Over drinks, we talked about anything and everything and had the best time and have been together almost every day since. Johnny, on the other hand, could tell you verbatim conversations that we had on our first date and it never fails to give me the warm fuzzies.

When Johnny told me his revelation about my fresh fill, my first thought was instantly that “I am the luckiest girl in the world”. And, secondly, I thought that no one should settle for anything less than this. And, believe you me, before I met Johnny I did a lot of settling when it came to relationships and I always wondered why I didn’t have the best results.

Every person deserves to be treated like royalty by their significant others and, despite always thinking this, I never let that rule apply to me. I, honestly, didn’t even know my own worth until I started seeing myself through Johnny’s eyes. We often get from our friends and complete strangers that we are “#relationshipgoals” and that is so sweet. However, we are just two people who are basically exactly alike who found each other at just the right time.

Prior to our first date we had both been unlucky in love and I had sworn off of dating until he Facebook messaged me asking if they made a pair of my Union Jack platforms in men’s. Now, there was a guy that I could talk to! We went out to the Cashmere Cricket that night and the rest is history. Every day I am reminded of how lucky I am to be married to such a stand up guy and his comment about my nails is a shining example. ❤

How did you and your SO meet? What makes you feel lucky? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov16

Best Husband Ever!

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Best Husband Ever!

Hi! Johnny and I rarely take time off of work except for holidays and vacations so when he took a day off last week it was very well deserved. Although, it was painful for me to go to work when he was hanging out at home! Shockingly, my husband didn’t just play video games all day and I returned from work and getting my nails done to the best surprises ever.

As soon as I walked in the door, I was so happy to see that Johnny took all of the trash out (which I hate doing), did multiple loads of dishes in the dishwasher, and tidied up the living room. But wait – there’s more! After singing his praises, I asked him what he wanted me to make for dinner because I was starving and he told me that was already taken care of too. Johnny did his own version of cooking and by that I mean he ordered us pizzas which were en route!

Needless to say, I felt spoiled absolutely rotten by my husband and all of his hard work on his day off. It was so nice to have to do nothing but kick my feet up, relax, watch Criminal Minds, and wait for dinner to come to us once I got home. I love to cook so we don’t order out too often but whenever we do it is such a major treat. Not having to do any chores after work was the best of all, though. 😀

Johnny and I like to treat each other often with little gifts from the store but this surprise definitely took the cake. My husband gave me an evening off that was fit for a queen and I am so lucky to have him! ❤

What makes you feel spoiled? How do you treat your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct15

4 Creative Ways To Make Lasting Memories With Your Partner

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4 Creative Ways To Make Lasting Memories With Your Partner

Sustaining your relationship with your partner requires hard work, commitment, and creativity. Making memories with each other can be beneficial in many ways, including positively affecting your well-being. If you’re wondering what ways you can make unforgettable memories with your special one, here are some simple tips worth considering:

Be creative with your gifts:

Gifts are an exciting way to remind your partner that you love them and are worth remembering. It’s even more special when you give them something without waiting for a special occasion. Getting the right gift can be challenging at times, but considering their interests and being attentive to their needs can make it easier for you to choose the perfect gift. If you want to playfully communicate to your partner how much they mean to you, why not try a love book? Not only will it be a memorable present, but it also allows you to record some of your best-loved memories with your partner and remind them why they mean so much to you.

Plan a getaway:

Sometimes, you and your partner need to get away from the hustle and bustle of life to spend quality time with each other. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy or faraway. You can go somewhere you both love and unplug from everything else like your phones, busy schedule, etc. Doing this could work wonders for your bond with each other and help you to have some moments worth cherishing. You can do this for a short period like a long weekend. Alternatively, you can get away for as long as you both would like so that you can return refreshed with a renewed spark.

Take advantage of your skills:

Another great way to make memories with your partner is by using your skills. For instance, if you love to cook, you can prepare a hearty meal for breakfast or a new dinner recipe and have a meal together while you relax on a picnic blanket or in the candlelight. You can also make handmade gifts that your partner will always appreciate and remember if you’re an artistic person. Aside from your skills, you both can spend time enjoying your favorite hobbies, such as reading together, singing your favorite songs during karaoke night, etc.

Have clear boundaries between work and home:

Another way to let your partner know that they’re a priority in your life is by separating your work from your time with them. No matter how busy you may be, it would help to put everything away when you get home. Doing this will make your partner feel valued, and you can spend time, no matter how short, doing things that you both enjoy. It also allows you to listen to your partner, share how your day went, and enjoy each other’s company just hanging out at home.

Making time for each other is essential in helping you both spend memorable moments together. These practical and thoughtful ideas will help you and your partner create some exciting memories and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sep13

Delivering A Sincere Message To Someone In Your Life   

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Delivering A Sincere Message To Someone In Your Life   

From time to time, we need to talk from the heart. This is because life can be tough, emotional, and the standard pleasantries won’t cut it. For whatever reason, sometimes we may not be so forthcoming with the people we really trust or we might feel that accepting and discussing a truth we have to be out of the question due to our own insecurity.

Perhaps we might have wronged another person without realizing it, only to mature and realize the issue with what took place. Every now and then, we should take stock and see how important certain people are in our lives, avoiding the tendency to take them for granted. Maybe you feel that taking the next step in a relationship is the best way forward, and you want to communicate that as carefully as possible.

Or, most likely, you have your own reasons that we need not guess at, because that’s your private inner purpose that you wish to express in a confidential sense. How do you deliver a message like this with care? In this post, we’ll discuss that and more:

Write A Letter By Hand:

There’s something intimate about writing every word yourself, which is an art that many of us have lost over the last twenty years. Digital communication is immediate and oh so convenient, but we also lose something in that exchange. When someone sees that you’ve written a letter in your handwriting, they know it was important to you and that you took your time to properly format and think of exactly what you were hoping to communicate. Automatically, you add gravitas and sincerity without even considering the context of your message.

Small, Direct, Careful Gifts:

A gift that has been thought about but isn’t too assumptive in its messaging can be very helpful, giving your message that added impact while also showcasing just how much thought you put into it. For instance, Today Flowers provides you access to amazing creations gathered by award-winning florists. A beautiful bouquet of selected flowers can show the amount of thought you’ve put in, while also allowing your recipient to enjoy the beauty and fairly digestible implication. It’s hard not to receive flowers and to feel anything other than goodwill.

Give A Little:

The way that people often connect with one another, especially if relationships might have been strained in the past, is to give a little. Admit fault if you feel you’ve been faulty. Be humble. Don’t try to win or seem like you’re trying to achieve victory over someone else. That’s no way to connect to them. If you give a little, someone else is likely to give a little. There are so many relationships out there right now that are fractured and could be soothed if only one person decided to approach the other with care. It might be that you could be this person.

With this advice, we know you’ll deliver that sincere message with care and clarity.

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