Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: Years 1-10

My husband and I have a tradition of getting each other traditional wedding gifts for our anniversary each year. Some years are harder than others to come up with related ideas. So I thought I would share with you some ideas for traditional wedding anniversary gifts for years 1-10.

Year 1: Paper

• Romantic card
• A homemade card or papercraft
• A scrapbook of memories from your first year
• Photobook
• Book
• Bouquet of Carnation flowers (the year 1 flower)

Year 2: Cotton

• Make a cotton fabric craft (pillow, etc.)
• New bedding
• Clothing
• Bouquet of Lily of the Valley flowers (the year 2 flower)

Year 3: Leather

• Bracelet
• Belt
• Watchband
• Jacket
• Wallet
• Bouquet of Sunflowers (the year 3 flower)

Year 4: Fruits/Flowers

• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Favorite flowers
• Fruit salad
• Rose petals
• Editable arrangements
• Fruit tree/plant
• Bouquet of Hydrangea flowers (the year 4 flower)

Year 5: Wood

• Jenga blocks (personalized)
• Coasters
• Hammer/tools
• Cutting board
• Carpenter projects
• Simple painting project from the craft store
• Box for memories
• Picture frame
• Bouquet of Daisy flowers (the year 5 flower)

Year 6: Candy/Iron

• Favorite candy
• Iron skillet
• Iron man memorabilia/items
• Make candy together
• Iron ring dish
• Iron art/decor
• Iron bottle opener/corkscrew
• Lucky horseshoe
• Belt buckle
• Bouquet of Calla Lily flowers (the year 6 flower)

Year 7: Wool/Copper

• Cufflinks
• Keychain
• Potted plant
• Framed pennies for all special years (dating, engaged, married, etc.)
• Personalized bracelet
• Wool sweater
• Wool socks
• Wool blanket
• Wool scarf
• Wool hat
• Bouquet of Freesia flowers (the year 7 flower)

Year 8: Bronze

• Bracelet
• Figurine
• Plaque
• Keychain
• Bouquet of Lilac flowers (the year 8 flower)

Year 9: Pottery

• Make pottery together
• Ring dish
• Eating dishes
• Plant pot
• Mugs
• Vases
• Clay figurine
• Bouquet of Birds of Paradise flowers (the year 9 flower)

Year 10: Tin/Aluminum

• Personalized license plate
• Candleholder
• Pots and pans
• Earrings
• Tin bucket for drinks
• Tinman heart
• Bouquet of Daffodil flowers (the year 10 flower)

For me, when choosing a gift, the most important part is the meaning behind it. If it is something special and meaningful to you and your partner, that is all that matters. Happy gift hunting!

How to Fight Fair with Your Partner

February is the month of love, but just like anything in life, love and relationships are not perfect. You’ll fight, disagree, and argue. It is a normal part of life. I’ve had my share of fights with my husband over the years. These are some things I have learned along the way to help keep things fair and on an even playing field when you argue.

Don’t bring up past issues

This is the biggest thing I have learned about arguments. If you constantly revert back to past hurts or issues, you’ll never progress forward. How would you like it if your partner kept bringing up things you did in past arguments every time you fought about something different? You’d probably feel like they were always holding something over your head. Not a good way to build trust and progress forward in your relationship. Think of it this way: if you are bringing up things from the past, it’s like you are holding it over the other person’s head.

Think before you speak

You don’t want to say something you’ll regret. Don’t let your anger or the heat of the moment make you say something you can’t take back. Words hold meaning and can cause damage even if you don’t mean them to. Just keep that in mind.

Find a compromise

Marriage is all about compromise. You’re never going to see eye to eye and agree on every single thing in life. When those situations arise, you’ll need to be willing to give a little. You’ll have to find a compromise that works for both you and your partner at times.

Talk from your perspective

This is a big thing I learned in therapy. When you talk from your perspective (i.e., “I feel,” not “you did”), it helps your partner to not feel attacked. When someone feels attacked, they get defensive and closed off quicker.

Remember, neither of you can read minds

This is such an important thing to remember. You are two different people with different feelings and ways you see things. Neither of you can read minds. Instead of implying or wanting your partner to just know how you feel, you need to simply tell each other. You may be thinking one thing and your partner a completely different thing. Just be straightforward with each other to clear any confusion or misunderstandings.

Always tell the truth

No matter how painful it is, just tell the truth. The truth has a way of coming out eventually. Just be honest up front. There have been times when I feel like my husband has been a little too honest, or I didn’t want to know certain things, but I’ve always been thankful for his honesty. I always know that no matter what, he’ll tell me the truth. It will keep your trust intact and your relationship strong.

Own up to your mistakes

No one is perfect, and it takes two to tango. Always own up to your own mistakes and take responsibility for what you’ve done. Your relationship will thank you when you both own up to your own mistakes and not always blame each other.

Apologize and forgive

Life is too short to hold grudges and resentment. It will only make you bitter. So instead of doing that, apologize and ask for forgiveness when you do something wrong. And better yet, give forgiveness to your partner whether they ask for it or not. It will give you peace.

Remember, you are on the same team

You and your partner are in this together. You’re on the same team. Sometimes it may not feel like it, but you are. Try to remember that, and instead of fighting against each other, fight FOR each other. This simple mindset shift has made a huge difference for me in my relationship.

I hope that these tips help you, as they have helped me. Love is not perfect, but it is a beautiful ride. You can move past disagreements in a more agreeable manner. What is your best advice for fighting fair? Share in the comments below.

10 Benefits of Couples Yoga

I’ve been practicing yoga for about 5 years now. This year my husband started doing it regularly with me, and it’s been so nice sharing my passion for yoga together. There are many physical and mental benefits to doing yoga. And practicing yoga together as a couple can build and benefit your relationship.

1. Quality Time

In a world where everyone is always so busy, it can be hard to set aside time for good quality time together with your partner. I know, I’ve been guilty of not making enough time. We started carving out time in the evening to do yoga together, and it has been such a blessing. Even though we’re exercising and not talking much, it is still good quality time that we are choosing to spend together.

2. Exercise

Exercise and moving your body are good for everyone. Yoga is my preferred workout method. Anyone who doesn’t think yoga is a real workout has never been sore after yoga. So get up and get moving. Your body will thank you. Exercising together as a couple will help you get into good habits for a healthier lifestyle.

3. Relaxation

While yoga is exercise and can be tiring, it is also very relaxing. I personally love it because of the pace and stretching. The meditation and freeing your mind of other things going on in life help to clear your mind so you can focus better. I always feel relaxed and calm after doing yoga. Doing it as a couple helps you both get into that relaxed place together. It gives you a better perspective and attitude where little things don’t bother you as much.

4. Trying New Things

I love trying new things, and trying new things together with those that I love is even better. Even if you are an experienced yogi, you can still try new things together while practicing as a couple. Trying things together builds a connection, bond, and memories.

5. Builds Communication

Practicing couple poses and talking your way through it with your partner helps to build communication. Communication is a huge aspect of any relationship. Improving and building communication with something as simple as yoga will also transfer into other areas of life.

6. Builds Trust

Yoga is often thought of as an individual workout. Doing yoga together as a couple helps to make you feel like you’re on the same team. Doing poses together, such as the Double Tree Pose, helps to build teamwork as you work together to balance.

7. Builds Intimacy

Practicing yoga together helps to build intimacy. Some poses humble you, make you feel vulnerable, and can even start a spark because of the position. Being in close proximity to each other can help to build connection and intimacy with each other.

8. Teamwork

Doing couple poses together in yoga builds trust. Trust that your partner that they won’t let you fall and have your back no matter what. Trust is such an important aspect of a relationship.

9. Getting In Sync Together

Yoga helps with mobility and flexibility. Doing the same poses and flows together as a couple helps you get in sync with each other. Practicing side by side and doing everything at the same time helps you get in sync.

10. Sharing a Deeper Bond

I always notice a huge difference mentally and physically when I’m doing yoga regularly. Practicing yoga as a couple helps you build a deeper bond physically with the working out and mentally with the meditation aspects. Along with building connection, trust, communication, and intimacy, couples yoga can help to create a deeper bond between you and your partner on many levels.

If you’ve ever thought about practicing yoga as a couple, I recommend it. You can start off slow by practicing yoga together and then move on to couples yoga and special couple poses. Namaste!

13 Alternative Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, I am looking for ways to make this one as special as previous years. With restrictions still in place, this year looks to be different. No matter where you are, you can still celebrate and make it a day to remember. Here are some fun alternative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year!

1. Movie Night In

Pop some microwave popcorn and snuggle up on the couch while you have a nice, quiet movie night in. Pick out a romantic comedy or classic love story and enjoy. It may not be a movie theater, but this is one of my favorite home date ideas. It’s much cozier, and you don’t have to worry about other people talking or being on their phones like at a theater.

2. Dinner at Home

Instead of going out, enjoy a nice dinner at home. Order some takeout or make a special meal together. You can have a family meal or a romantic dinner for two.

3. Make Dinner Together

In my house, my husband enjoys cooking far more than I do. But with his work schedule, we don’t actually sit down and eat dinner together very often. This is a great way to spend more quality time together with your partner. Cook dinner together and then sit down and enjoy it together too.

4. Make Desserts Together

Try making some desserts together. You could do sugar cookies in heart shapes and decorate them, or you could do some chocolate-covered strawberries.

5. Spa Night

Break out the face masks, run a bubble bath, do a mani/pedi, or take turns giving each other a massage. This is the perfect relaxation date for Valentine’s Day.

6. Campout at Home

If you want an outside activity, look no farther than your backyard. Set up a tent and have a campout. You can still enjoy your indoor restroom and house amenities, which is a huge deal to me. Start a campfire and cozy up.

7. Have a Picnic

Who doesn’t love a nice little picnic? I haven’t had a picnic in forever and need to bring it back. You can enjoy a picnic indoors or outdoors, with the comfort of your own home, bathroom, and any extra snacks or blankets you may need.

8. Create Themed Rooms in the House

Try a themed date for Valentine’s Day. Much like birthday party themes, you can just pick a fun theme and run with it. You could create a romantic room in Paris or a tropical island room. Get creative and have fun with it!

9. Recreate a Previous Date

Take a walk down memory lane by recreating a previous date and making it into a new memorable moment. If you had a favorite date from the past or one that was extra special to you — recreate it. This is a fun idea for Valentine’s Day.

10. Take a Walk

We take family walks around our neighborhood altogether, and it is the perfect way for us to get some time in just to talk. Not only do we get a change of scenery, but we’re also getting some exercise in. Get out, get moving, and get some fresh air.

12. Take a Drive

If you want to get out of the house, try taking a drive. We love to just drive around. You can find cool new spots you have never discovered before and just enjoy some quality family time together.

12. Stargaze

When was the last time you looked at the stars? I grew up on a farm, and during the summer I loved lying out on our trampoline and just looking up at the stars. I honestly can’t remember the last time I just stargazed. This is a great way to slow down, unwind, and just enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

13. Game Night

Break out the card and board games and have a game night. You can make a fun family night out of it, or you can turn it into a romantic night after the kids go to bed by playing truth or dare and intimate couples games.

I hope these ideas come in handy to help you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day this year. Whether you’re celebrating as a family or as a couple, there are many great options out there. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Romantic Staycation Ideas for Couples

Date nights and romantic gestures are top of mind for most people this time of year. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and so is the pressure to have the perfect romantic day. If you are planning to stay close to home this year, then why not try a little staycation?

There are so many fun options close to home that can still be just as romantic as a tropical getaway. If you’re looking for a little romantic staycation with your partner this Valentine’s Day, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of my favorite ideas for a romantic staycation for couples.

Book a Local Hotel

Book a local hotel, Bed & Breakfast, or Airbnb for your staycation. It will give you a taste of a little vacay. We got a hotel room about 20 minutes from our house when we went to a convention, and it was fun to stay there, even for one night. We have been talking about doing it again because we live near the beach and would love to get a hotel room on the beach just for one night for a staycation.

Movie Night

Pop some microwave popcorn and snuggle up on the couch while you have a nice, quiet movie night in. Pick an old classic film to watch or a new movie that you haven’t had a chance to watch yet. You could also go to a Drive-In theater and snuggle up in the car. It’s much cozier, and you don’t have to worry about other people talking or being on their phones like at a theater.

Stargaze

When was the last time you looked at the stars? I grew up on a farm, and during the summer I loved lying out on our trampoline and just looking up at the stars. I honestly can’t remember the last time I just stargazed. This is a great way to slow down, unwind, and just enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Breakfast in Bed

What better way to surprise your partner and be romantic than by getting up a little early and waking them with breakfast in bed? You can enjoy your breakfast cozily in bed.

Spa Day

Is there a local spa near you? Make some reservations and go. Spend the day relaxing, sit in a sauna, enjoy a massage, etc. If you don’t have a spa nearby, you can still do a romantic spa day at home. Break out the face masks, run a bubble bath, do a mani/pedi, or take turns giving each other a massage. Make it even more romantic by adding candles and music.

Build a Fire

What is more romantic or cozy than a fire? You could build a bonfire outside or make a fire in a fireplace. Roast s’mores, watch movies, cozy up, and enjoy a romantic night by the fire.

Cook Together

Try taking a cooking class together or set aside a special recipe to try out together. Cook a nice romantic meal together or bake some desserts.

DIY Date

I love DIY projects and sharing my passion for them with my loved ones. You could make pottery, candles, or another fun DIY activity you can think of. Get creative, think outside the box, and turn a DIY project into a fun bonding time.

Campout

Do you have a nature lover in your family or want to explore the outdoors some more? Find a nearby campground or camp outside in your own backyard. You can spend the day in nature exploring, hiking, etc.

Paint & Wine Night

Break out the wine bottles and paintbrushes. You can let your guard down, enjoy some drinks, and have fun painting. Combining DIY with drinks and your partner is a great romantic option.

Dinner Out

Get dressed up and go out for a nice romantic dinner. Try a new restaurant or hit up one of your favorites. You can visit a fancy restaurant or a cozy mom-and-pop restaurant. Enjoy a nice romantic dinner out.

Take a Day Trip

Taking a day trip is one of the best staycation ideas out there. Find a nearby city that is within driving distance and make a day of it. Come up with places you want to visit there and then spend the day there exploring. Road trips are a great way to spend quality time and experience new things together.

Go to the Theater

Enjoy a play, musical, ballet, or a concert at a local theater. Local theaters are a great option for a night out of the ordinary while also supporting your community and having a fun staycation.

With a little creativity and exploration, you can create a romantic staycation wherever you are. You don’t have to go far or spend a fortune to have a great vacation. If you’re staying home this year, check out my stay-at-home date night ideas!

Valentine’s Day Ideas for Families

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I’ve been thinking about how to celebrate this year. Because we don’t live near family or have a babysitter for the kids, it is hard for us to get a date night out as a couple. This year we will be spending it all together as a family, so I have been looking into ways to make it fun.

There are so many unique ideas out there. If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with kids, you can still make it a special day for everyone. I wanted to share some fun ideas on how you can enjoy Valentine’s Day together as a family.

Make Valentine’s Crafts

I love making DIY projects for each season. You could make homemade Valentines or another Valentine/love themed craft. Look up ideas on Pinterest and have at it.

Valentine Exchange

Everyone loves a good Valentine. Make DIY Valentines or store-bought ones and take turns exchanging them on Valentine’s Day.

Family Movie Night

In my opinion, any night is a good night for a movie night! Find some good family-friendly love stories (think fairy tales and Hallmark), snuggle up, and have a movie night everyone will enjoy.

Make Desserts Together

My kids love helping make things. You could do sugar cookies in heart shapes and decorate them, or you could make chocolate-covered strawberries. Make a dessert and then enjoy eating it all together.

Try a New Activity Together

Trying something new is always fun. Ask your kids what something new they would like to try and give it a go. You’re sure to make a fun new memory altogether.

Family Game Night

Pull out the cards, dominoes, and board games, and have a fun family game night.

Valentine’s Day Party

Host your very own family Valentine’s-themed party at home. Decorate, celebrate, have fun, and enjoy family time all together.

Gift Exchange

You could do a Secret Cupid game (think Secret Santa) where you could have everyone pick a family member out of a hat to shop for. Then have family fun picking out a simple Valentine’s gift and exchanging it. You could also do a Dirty Cupid game (think Dirty Santa) where you open one gift at a time and try to switch with others.

Share Reasons Why You Love Each Other

Much like when families go around the table and say what they are thankful for at Thanksgiving, try going around the table and telling each other what you love about each person for Valentine’s Day. I plan to start this tradition with my family this year.

Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt

Create a Valentine’s-themed scavenger hunt around the house. You could pick up some cheap dollar store Valentine’s items, hide them around the house, and then search for them. Fun for the kids and whoever is in the family.

Whether you’re staying in or going out, there is plenty of fun to be had as a family for Valentine’s Day. Think outside the box and make memories that will last. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Change: My Word for 2021

I decided to continue my new tradition of picking a word for the new year that I started last year. Last year my word was “love”. Looking back on the year and all the divisions all around, it is kind of ironic that it was the word I picked for 2020. While there was so much uncertainty and nonacceptance that I witnessed from all sides, I also saw lots of love throughout the year. I made it my personal focus to keep spreading love and kindness everywhere I went, and to everyone I met.

As I started thinking about what my word would be for 2021, only one word stood out to me: Change. So many things have changed this past year, and yet I long for more change in this new year.

Change in everyday life.

I’m ready for a change and some normalcy again. I long to travel regularly again and not be confined to staying close to home. I long to get out and give my kids new experiences and just enjoy living life.

We have big decisions to make as a family for our future, as far as moving and where to settle down. Our plans have been delayed again and again due to things outside of our control for the past 2 years. This year I’m looking forward to finally making those changes a reality and to getting settled into our new everyday life.

Change in the world.

I want there to be more change in the world. More love and acceptance of everyone, no matter their walk of life or political affiliations. We’re all humans and all Americans and should treat each other with love and respect, even when we disagree.

Change in career.

This past year I have worked hard and focused on my screenwriting dreams. I am about to complete a 10-week class where I have learned so much about writing for my dream network. This year I’m putting my hard work to the test and putting myself out there for pitching and trying to get writing work professionally. I’m so hopeful for these career changes to come and also excited to see where this road takes me.

Change for family.

To be totally transparent, these last few weeks have been hard on me personally. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes with my marriage. Whenever I feel like progress is being made, there are steps backward too. This year, I’m focusing more on family and marriage. I want to put in more work to give everyone the best possible lives. I want to make changes so that we’re all happier and chasing dreams together. I want to make wonderful memories and moments that last.

If you are unhappy, make a change.

If you don’t like something going on or are unhappy with the direction your life is taking, you can always make a change. You can change your direction at any time. If there is something you’ve always wanted to do, do it. If there is a dream you’ve always wanted to chase, chase it. You’re the only one stopping yourself from changing. Instead of stopping change, try embracing it.

All about change.

I want this year to be all about change and growth. Change can be scary. Not knowing what will come from change can be uneasy. But not all change is bad. Things are always changing as you learn and grow. Some of the best things in my life came from unexpected change, and I’m so grateful for that. I want to challenge you to make changes this year too.

Make change. Live change. Be change.