Marriage Monday: Valentine Gifts Inspired by 5 Love Languages

Words of Affirmation 

“Love Story” was wrong, love DOES mean you say sorry, and other nice things. Affirming your true love is all about being thoughtful and genuine. It’s not only important that your partner hears “I love you,” but also why. 

Gift Ideas: 

❥ Send love notes with unexpected phrasing (You are a tiger in a world of house cats!) 

❥ Give your partner sincere compliments about specific things.

❥ Fill an antique jar or box with all the reasons you love your partner written on slips of paper.

Quality Time 


According to Dr. Chapman, “This language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention.” Time is a strong communicator of love, especially in a world full of distractions.

Gift Ideas: 

❥ Put away all your devices and talk to your partner about their dreams for the evening – dream job, dream vacation, etc.

❥ Take a class together to learn something new. It can be anything from rock climbing to wine tasting.

❥ Plan a romantic getaway to a unique or memorable spot. You don’t have to break the bank, try being a tourist in your own town.

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Marriage Monday: Great Glories of Married Life

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One of the great glories of married life is the opportunity to support one 

another and build your dreams together. 

-Michelle Peterson

Find my other Marriage Monday posts here.

What I read in August and September 2015

What I read in August and September 2015

Cold Sassy Tree

by Olive Ann Burns

Historical Fiction

1906 in small town Georiga where the whole town knows (or thinks they know) everyone's business. Surely there's a scandal that's got folks talking. 

Picked it up for book club and enjoyed it quite a bit. I read it shortly after I did a reread of To Kill A Mockingbird so I couldn't help but compare what I could from the two. It's an interesting read about life, small town, assumptions, family drama, and family ties. Try it out if you haven't yet. 

Edenbrooke

by Julianne Donaldson

Romance, Adult, Regency, Clean

Hoping to cease her current boredom Marianne Daventry departs Bath to join her sister at a friends large estate. That night her carriage is stopped by a highwayman and Marianne's adventures begin. 

A reread but one that I enjoy to do once a year. Donaldson's debut novel (in 2012) was a huge success. If you find yourself in a bit of a rut, you need a fabulous book. Pick this one up!

The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

Historical Fiction

A WWII book on the soil of France. When Nazi's invade the people who haven't fled are forced to take them in. Certainly some quotable quotes. “I always thought it was what I wanted: to be loved and admired. Now I think perhaps I'd like to be known.” “But love has to be stronger than hate, or there is no future for us.” “In love we find out who we want to be, in war we find out who we are.”   

I read this for book club. It's worth a read. Certainly to call into mind what it means to be compassionate, strong, and courageous. All at a time when you thought there was nothing more they could take from you, and they still find a way. 

Marriage Monday: Fondness and Admiration

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"Fondness and admiration are two of the most crucial elements in a rewarding and long-lasting romance. Although happily married couples may feel driven to distraction at times by their partner's personality flaws, they still feel that the person they married is worth of honor and respect."

-Dr. John Gottman

Find my other Marriage Monday posts here.