Giveaway: "And They Were Not Ashamed"

So, you know how I've not posted in...well, a while? I have a few good excuses, but instead of listing them, I'll just offer my apologies with a giveaway!

Laura Brotherson is a well-known author and educator about intimacy in marriage. I am very impressed with her book and how she really is able to relate to all sorts of issues concerning intimacy in marriage. I found myself saying, "Wow...that is SO true." about every 5 minutes while reading. The book is very insightful and is not just for couples with problems...it can help every marriage!

"And They Were Not Ashamed" is a book about physical intimacy and marital ONEness that is comprehensive, in-depth and frank, yet still respectfully reverent. It's the ultimate how-to handbook....power-packed with hope and help for creating a mutually fulfilling intimate relationship.

It's a book you definitely need to read for yourself and Laura has generously sponsored today's giveaway of one of her books, plus a talk on CD.

The giveaway is the set including the book and talk on CD as shown above. (a value of $30)

To qualify for the giveaway:
1. Be a follower of Love Actually

2. Browse Laura's Website: StrengtheningMarriage.Com
3. Comment saying you qualify based on #1 and #2

Giveaway Ends: July 6th, 6 pm EST.

If you'd like the book or any of Laura's other products, you can find them HERE on her website!

Thanks, Laura! We all owe you....and not just for the giveaway. :)

8 Days of Loves Notes

I'm pretty much loving this blog right now: Vol. 25 You gotta check it out...how cute is their blog header?

Okay, onto the good stuff. If you are in the habit of making a lunch for your spouse (and if you're not, do it for 8 days...call it an, uh, experiment!) then throw one of these little love notes in there!

You can click HERE to go to Vol 25's blog and download the PDF for FREE!

Lost that Lovin' Feelin?

Have YOU lost that lovin' feeling? Here's something that might help put your mind in the right perspective. I enjoyed hearing what Author Lindsey Rietzsch had to say about "How to Date Your Spouse". I hope you will as well:

Source: KSL Studio 5

Here are a few tidbits from her book, How to Date Your Spouse

1. Always Put Your Best Foot Forward

Remember how exciting everything was when you first began dating? You and your "spouse-to -be" were always on your best behavior and always looking for ways to stay on cloud nine. Your manners were superb and you tried anything and everything to impress him/her. Things should not be any different now. Your spouse will still feel special when you make an effort to clean the car before a romantic night on the town. Dress up, take time when getting ready and planning your dates. Hold your spouse's hand, plan a surprise that you know will make him/her smile. When the date begins leave behind any baggage from your busy day and focus on your spouse. Bring along a camera and take pictures. Be proud to be seen with your spouse and make every moment count. By making your spouse feel important and special, the results will be anything but disappointing come lights out!

2. Work at Winning Love through Simple Acts and Service

Flowers, cards, and small acts of kindness seem to go hand in hand with courtship. The thrill of an unexpected gift delivered to the door or a surprise letter of heartfelt love found on the seat of your car, will always rekindle passionate feelings for your significant other. For some reason it was much easier to remember this back when we were trying to "win" our sweetheart's love. An important rule of thumb to remember; "a win is never final". Yes, each day is a new day and you start from scratch the minute you roll out of bed. Whether you are in your second year or 42nd year of marriage, treat your spouse like you did when you first began dating. Each day look for ways to make your spouse's life a bit easier and surprise him/her often with small gifts, sentimental moments, and expressions of love. Make this a habit, and you'll reap the rewards of a fulfilling marriage. Remember the rewards for winning are worth every bit of effort!

3. Know and Appreciate Who Your Spouse is today

Change is a good thing! We all change over time in one way or another. Instead of saying, "My spouse was a different person before we were married. I miss that person." try to get to know and appreciate who your spouse is today. Those athlete days may be over but that doesn't mean your love has to be over. Don't look for flaws or aspects you loved about your spouse that seemed to have disappeared. Start looking for current aspects about your spouse that you or others admire. What makes your husband so great at his job or why is it that your wife puts herself last to make sure everyone else's needs are being met? Start verbally expressing appreciation towards your spouse and he/she will begin to return the favor.

4. Earn Interest by Expressing Interest in Your Spouse!

Everyone loves that feeling of being admired, especially by the person you are head over heels for. Before you were married you were extremely interested in every part of your sweetheart's life. What were his talents, who were her friends, where did he work, what were her favorite pastimes? There was something so exciting about unfolding these mysteries. When she was sad you wanted to know why. When he was excited you wanted all the details. It was this interest in each other's lives that created bonding experiences and connected the two of you together.

As you continue to date your spouse now, think of new questions to ask him/her. If you happen to revisit old topics or repeated stories listen as though you are hearing the story or discussing the topic for the first time. Spend time with your spouse doing the things he/she loves to do. This will help you learn more about your spouse and why he/she loves to do these things. Try to see things from his/her perspective as often as possible. By stepping into your spouse's world and expressing excitement or curiosity about they things he/she is passionate about, your spouse will develop a strong interest in your world as well.

5. Put Yourself in New Environments and Unexpected Situations

Yes, this is why dating is so important. Going on dates allows the opportunity for the two of you to be in new and different environments. Don't repeat the same dates or visit the same restaurants. Be spontaneous and change things up a bit. This will spark new ideas and conversation topics. How to Date Your Spouse offers over 50 creative date ideas that are perfect for creating new experiences!

Here is a great idea for the couple that feels they know their spouse all too well and have lost interest in each other. Make a list of unique questions such as "If you had to change your name for a day what would it be and why?" Unusual questions such as these will help you learn new things about your spouse and spark up fun conversations. Bring these questions on your date and get them out during dinner, while you are waiting for your food. You'll have a blast. It's all about having fun and loosening up!

6. Get over Babysitter Block

Don't have a reliable babysitter? No problem. There are plenty of solutions for this common roadblock to dating. How to Date Your Spouse offers details on how to form a guaranteed babysitter system that won't cost a penny! Also, consider dates that include the kids. You can still have a great time and get to know your spouse while children are present. It's all about the right kind of date!

Source

Amen.

Magnetic Home Decor

Just a couple of quick, simple ideas for you when you are feeling a sudden urge of craftiness with a lovey-dovey appeal, but don't want to be tied up for hours!

1. Last Name Letter Magnets

Most craft stores carry little letters like this. I found these at Michael's with magnets already on the back, but you can easily attached sticky magnets if needed. I painted mine with black acrylic paint, sanded the edges, and attached a bow.

2. Tile Photo Magnets

Once again, Michael's Craft Store to the rescue. I found these tile magnets in the Dollar Section (2 for $1.00) and thought they'd make cute white board or refrigerator magnets. Here's a mini tutorial for you:

If you have any cute home decor ideas (that can considered "lovey-dovey"), send your pics my way! loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

The Penny Jar

This fun idea was submitted by Mindi Homgren.

What is it?

Mindi says:

"It's a penny jar. Every time you "have-a-little-fun-in-the-bedroom", you put a penny in your jar. We started it with the new year and our goal is to top the number next year. There's all kinds of variations, though. If you want to put a quarter or even a dollar in you could use that money towards renting a movie or a date. It's also a good code name. i.e. "I want to put a penny in our jar. Should we put the kids to bed?" Then, no one would know what you were talking about! It was a pretty simple project to do and even my husband loves the idea!"


{Thanks, Mindi!}

If I feature your idea, don't forget to grab a "Featured" button on my side column!

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Rediscover You + Me (Binder of Date Ideas)

Today's Feature Idea comes from The Creative Homemaker.

She loves dates with her hubby and said how she loves "to get all dolled up (wearing white pants even) and feel like a WOMAN and not a MOM for a night. It truely reminds me often why I fell in love with him. Its just us and we can feel/act like teenagers. How FUN is that!"

But, she is a busy mom and knows how easy it is to get in a rut of going to "dinner and a movie", so she made this gorgeous binder of ideas:

She organized it into a few different categories that worked for her and hubby... This is a great place to categorize ideas that you will actually do and know you can do. Maybe even a place to include ideas that you'd like hubby to do for you (wink, wink).

So, pull out some scrapbook paper, get decorating that binder, and perhaps the work you put into the binder will be motivation enough to do all the dates found within!

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If I feature your idea, don't forget to grab a "Featured" button on my side column!

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