Tuesday, August 22, 2017

My 2 Cents Worth on Marriage

I am having so much fun working with brides at the height of wedding season! I love their excitement in planning their big day, the anxiety they have about everything coming out just right and the twinkle in their eyes when an idea turns out just the way they hoped it would.

It makes me think about marriage and long term success in marriage. I have been married for 34 years to my high school sweetheart, who I dated for 6 years before we got married. He is the most wonderful, sexy, fun, adventurous, caring, talented man I know. A lot of people say they married their best friend but my husband is so much more than that. I have a “best friend”. She and I spend hours crafting “worthless trinkets”. We talk about our grandbabies (mine is 5 months old and hers is due in September). Because we have both worked as Speech Pathologists, we bounce ideas off each other and complain about particularly grueling cases. We ooh and ah over each other’s home décor, paint choices and go on the hunt for furniture and rugs. We commiserate over cancer, family situations, old age and menopause. While my husband is extremely supportive and a good listener, I will always need a female friend in my life!

Marriage is markedly different from friendship. I decided to ask several of my long married (long suffering???) friends for their secret to a successful marriage. Here are some of the replies. Some of these are direct quotes and some I have paraphrased. Thanks to everyone who commented!!!

~I think too many (young) people look at marriage as a transitory phase, something exciting for right now, but something they can get out of later if they need to. Instead, they need to look at it as a lifetime commitment that you make to one another, to your families, and to God.

~ Set aside time every day to talk with no interruptions or distractions (no children, no phone, no TV).

~ Be playful. Play games, watch movies, go to sporting events, engage in physical activity. Continue to go on dates!

~ Share the load - it is never 50/50 but share responsibilities and chores. Maybe there is something you hate doing around the house that your spouse doesn’t mind doing and vice versa. Don’t forget to say thank you and please for those everyday activities like taking out the trash and cooking dinner. Saying I love you is not always enough. Neither is saying I’m sorry….

~ Communicate. This means listening and trying to understand the other person’s perspective, needs and feelings. Agree to disagree respectfully. Face the challenges together instead of turning on each and blaming each other. Sit at the table, hold hands and come up with a plan to meet your challenges as a team. There will be challenges!!

~Find your spiritual home. Putting God in your marriage is a must. Pray for each other and with each other. Worship together and surround your family with those who believe what you believe. This builds a strong community that we ALL need.

~ Have separate interest and hobbies – time away from each other is critical. Some people suggested that you keep separate bank accounts so you can indulge your passions.

~ Keep up the physical relationship. I don’t just mean sex. I mean hugs, kisses, a squeeze of the hand, a back rub or a pat on the butt. My husband never leaves home without kissing me goodbye and when he comes home, he finds me to tell me hi and to give me a kiss and hug. This is affection and keeps us connected.

~ Marriage is about laughter. Marriage is about thoughtfulness and respect. Marriage is about CHOOSING and honoring commitment, every day, for better or for worse, and knowing that you are the better for having chosen this person to share your life with.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Starting Them Young: Personalized Baby Onesies

Baby clothes are definitely the most adorable of all of the clothes on the market, but how often do come across something that is special to the baby or parents? When shopping in stores, basically never. Twinkle Star Monograms is here to fix that problem with this months featured product, baby onesies!

Our baby onesies can be ordered in different sizes/month ranges and our embroidered in our Cary, North Carolina headquarters. Examples of what we have monogramed include, but definitelynot limited to, are sports teams/Universities, baby names, cute puns (our favorite is perfect for any struggling dad), and so many more.

One of our customer favorites is an all-in-one perfect gift for a baby shower or to bring to the family after the baby is born; a onesie with a character from your favorite children’s book with the book included! For just $26, you can get a The Very Hungry Caterpillar book (a must have classic for any baby!) and matching onesie combo! We have also done a Corduroy combo and can do most books!

What team, book, or even name can I monogram on a onesie for your next baby-related event? Contact me at twinklestarmonograms@gmail.com or check out our Etsy page to place an order today!

About Me

Powered by Blogger.