https://gandjshow.com/blogposts daily 0.75 2025-05-21 https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2024/8/27/list-of-things-to-bring-camping-with-kids monthly 0.5 2025-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1749064366032-JU5MZ1TNGPUSUJRFGDEG/unsplash-image-0thjnxlkW-4.jpg Blog - List of things to Bring Camping with Kids - Make it stand out via Shutterstock. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2025/5/20/summer-fashion-ideas-for-moms-2025 monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747936971509-TSWY7AHJCLRR9PYM9IQU/unsplash-image-4dZKJWO42Uk.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out @hukkanen via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747788668223-GHPIZVY9KBAKSATH601D/unsplash-image-jJ0tLs2ROd4.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Romanticism is having a comeback as well as feminine silhouettes and colours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747789001211-QU8YTGBE8R6DBO7R0K6T/unsplash-image-yTyAP9hSlPU.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Tucking in your shirt and pairing it with a belt is a popular trend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747789889103-NOO4083AXB16XL0WJHH9/unsplash-image-KI4xhHVxZAc.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Look classy the easy way with a monotone outfit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747789191276-EBQ2S5BQ1PNRBYGI8I7K/unsplash-image-jaZoffxg1yc.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Another easy way to look put-together is to pair neutrals together. Beige and white are a great summer combo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747789480497-ZH4NAC6X9A1FJ0U563IW/unsplash-image-GtOo17K-vTg.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Metallic touches add a touch of class to any outfit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747938930466-NKS0H1VT8THW6GQ0BNZW/unsplash-image-f480QIEvwGI.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747938875642-SQ62DA8E3OIMZME9HRGN/unsplash-image-cIbBEIhSnLY.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747789284822-0AZN3G2FC7UO3DPXSB6L/unsplash-image-VRK4bIBHo1E.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747789815632-O8PBH28COXT51G9HVNKB/unsplash-image--uJ3N7HLiEg.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Baggy trousers are cinched at the waist, often with a belt, and worn with a loose-fitting blouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747939816639-LEP77CPYEFMR5SO0CD2J/unsplash-image-YEGRXWjpoRU.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Skirts are easy to style with a basic t-shirt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747939231118-MLOQVFYRX9I5BSRPY3KJ/unsplash-image-NLjN5D70YT8.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1747939979160-HHQPBJIH6TD947YCE1IP/unsplash-image-FlP6C5pkMKs.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out D-frame sunglasses flatter round or heart shaped faces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1748613825534-SX3G97OVL2KN9LC8BJEJ/unsplash-image-kEJv30DyBvw.jpg Blog - Summer Fashion Ideas for Moms 2025 - Make it stand out @mannydream via Shutterstock https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2024/5/15/blocked-care-how-to-enjoy-parenting-again monthly 0.5 2024-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729814821967-YPHGR41XLDA3TAS10YFP/unsplash-image-mJB9q4zo138.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Make it stand out @frankiefoto via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729814568206-RWDTGIO8BTJNDR7FGN1G/unsplash-image-WSWHjPGGEY4.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Make it stand out Helena Lopes @wildlittlethingsphoto via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729815969914-KPDHBZ0B8MD348BL3O6A/unsplash-image-eo0VBI3Q8Ss.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Make it stand out @apsprudente via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729816161866-6MSEVFRS6ACGP14FCNS0/unsplash-image-t38nvd1DF3o.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Make it stand out @morganrovang via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729816308510-5V29FOOJL2SLSBWU3SLV/unsplash-image-8-rErfjcr1k.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Make it stand out @frankiefoto via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729816832180-FQ1IQA3CNP7RLWN9SWXY/unsplash-image-Y-H5pu2oglE.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Make it stand out @nate_dumlao via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729817313353-DVSMGMA4CSTJCPJANPF3/unsplash-image-PGnqT0rXWLs.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Other ways of overcoming blocked care: Having friends and integrated breaks from parenting Recognize when you're enjoying parenting and give yourself positive feedback Deal with your past (I recommend the Crappy Childhood Fairy website) Lower your expectations for yourself, your husband and your kids to about 80% perfection. Work on and enjoy a healthy relationship with your husband. Avoid being in a rush. Commit to regular self-care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1729814722026-TXKUA38F0RWXKSIN2NYL/unsplash-image-0H0uxOmneZc.jpg Blog - Blocked Care? How to Enjoy Parenting Again - Make it stand out Christopher Luther @chriscantlose via Shutterstock https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2024/5/15/fashion-for-moms-2024 monthly 0.5 2024-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718394813105-LEPFM42URJJ0HO9CXIB8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @eea_ikeda via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718394927486-NP7MGL9A7QYQVQOGYWPL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1719625083964-WVWGNYBZCPKC3L9SXZ6W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @anotherlovely via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718395367578-9I1SB1PTTZ1221U0HCQ0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out Julian Paul via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718396359734-1XTD1IRWFJEKRHSE3K3P/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @paipai90 via Shutterstock The white dress… no longer just for your wedding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718395129777-T867VYOZ4WIO4C15Z88H/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @armedshutter via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/c0534218-6a4e-4073-b190-afcd1f7bc0d8/image-asset.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - The Hoop @majestical_jasmin via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718396021172-VW3SGR5AIVBDIA8NCFXU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @thevoncomplex via Shutterstock. Red statement skirts, socks with ruffles, blue and white striped shirts, and pixie cuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/f1fe93a7-8570-40d1-8288-f5f4b2fa3f75/image-asset.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - oval sunglasses @andreevaleksandar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1720633321575-NG5U7K5X2ASHC9LK39C2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - The over-the-shoulder fanny pack I never thought I would see this item take off as it has. These bags were the “it” item of the 80s and looked outdated in the 90’s, only to be brought back slowly in the 2010’s. Well, it’s 2024 and I am finally seeing them everywhere—but no longer around the waist as much as crossbody over the shoulder. I understand as a mom how practical these bags are. A purse flops about but this handy little pack stays snug to your body and can hold keys, wallet and phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718395634359-67U9KYBT67QUKDF18JVY/image-asset.png Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @jackdelulio via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718396141250-SHBSIM1H7FLI7KRYIXIZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @tamarabellis via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718395805141-4P022JSU2HOO10V4C6PR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - Make it stand out @tamarabellis via Shutterstock Showcase your femininity with a soft pastel palette, ruffled skirt, and a cute bow. Small leather backpacks are also making a statement, and I see them being used as diaper bags. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1718396654118-Q949ZZCXAWBIKF2GYNR6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fashion for Moms Summer 2024 - In summary… @mix909 via Shutterstock Blonde hair, broad-brimmed hat, a white top tucked into a high-rise midi skirt. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2023/6/27/summer-activities-with-boys-aged-6-and-under monthly 0.5 2024-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1715820636241-DFTOQP28OZTNOR282T5V/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Easy Summer Activities to do at Home with Little Boys - Make it stand out Brandon Morgan @littleppl85 via Shutterstock https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2024/1/6/we-tried-adam-lane-smiths-marriage-check-in monthly 0.5 2024-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1713485602832-NEWI4SAVZOO44WRA8245/image-asset.jpeg Blog - We tried Adam Lane Smith's “Marriage Check-In”, and Loved it - Make it stand out @katiemcboom via Shutterstock https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2023/12/12/fahion-for-moms-winter-2024 monthly 0.5 2024-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/fc56d979-191c-4ebc-bb90-16fbf8660e50/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+20.54.26+-+An+average-sized+mother+in+a+grocery+store.+She+is+wearing+a+modest+wrap+sweater%2C+high-rise+flared+jeans%2C+and+has+a+winter+coat+on.+She+is+shopping%2C+w.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/b74c27df-09aa-4968-96e7-27daed660772/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+20.07.02+-+A+realistic+photo+of+an+average-sized+woman+with+Caucasian+descent%2C+wearing+mom+jeans+and+a+long-sleeved+shirt.+She+has+short+brown+hair%2C+a+silver+nec.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/62435cfa-ce48-48e0-a607-5415f11480c0/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+20.00.32+-+Image+of+two+women+enjoying+an+outdoor+tea+session+in+a+European+city+during+the+fall.+The+first+woman+has+black+hair+and+is+wearing+a+LL+Bean+jacket%2C.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/4d97d3fe-ef99-4591-b664-7bbc104f773a/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+21.04.10+-+A+woman+standing+in+a+chalet%2C+dressed+in+an+apres-ski+fashion.+She+is+wearing+stylish+apres-ski+pants%2C+paired+with+a+luxurious+cashmere+sweater.+Her+h.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/8488a306-5c28-460d-9ef4-66931a4d19cc/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+19.09.28+-+Fashion+photo+of+a+young+Caucasian+mom+of+medium+weight.+She+is+wearing+a+wine+red+tunic+shirt+with+thin+sleeves+that+hangs+past+the+waist%2C+paired+wit.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/86f5839a-5e42-48cc-8564-62a8e20fa262/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+21.06.28+-+A+mother+of+Caucasian+descent%2C+wearing+a+colorful+striped+sweater+paired+with+a+midi+jean+skirt+and+winter+boots%2C+is+laughing+joyously+with+her+young+.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/080d6118-de98-4e5d-8a44-668a915cca62/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+20.42.47+-+A+realistic+fashion+photo+of+a+woman+walking+in+a+winter+setting+with+her+daughter.+The+woman+is+wearing+a+stylish+leather+skirt%2C+a+warm+coat%2C+and+win.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/4f316301-6acb-4301-afd3-94db217aab5d/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+20.28.51+-+A+mother+with+her+son+at+a+playground+during+autumn.+The+mother+is+of+average+build%2C+wearing+heavy+boots%2C+a+midi+skirt%2C+and+a+thick+wool+house+coat+ti.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/dbbaf814-3f73-4e1d-b1ac-74500cb3e29d/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+17.54.02+-+A+photorealistic+image+of+a+thirty-year-old+woman+with+a+South+Asian+descent.+She+is+wearing+an+oversized+plaid+jacket+in+shades+of+blue%2C+brown%2C+and+w.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/a4b5b128-51f0-4e43-ae94-a158b7a7da6e/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+20.45.39+-+A+mother+with+black+hair+wearing+black+faux+leather+dress+pants%2C+a+cream-colored+buttoned-up+sweater%2C+and+playing+with+her+baby+in+a+warmly+lit+living.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/c908660a-0fa5-480f-bf9b-5051685eadff/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+20.50.56+-+An+average-sized+mother+with+her+hair+pulled+back%2C+wearing+a+casual+outfit%2C+is+seated+at+a+table+helping+her+son+with+homework.+She+has+on+a+cuff+brac.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/7238ada3-53b4-4342-bf58-46dfb7502c53/DALL%C2%B7E+2023-11-04+19.10.51+-+A+full-body+portrait+of+a+young+Caucasian+mom+of+medium+weight%2C+wearing+a+wine+red+tunic+shirt+with+thin+sleeves+that+hangs+past+the+waist%2C+and+a+flat.png Blog - Fashion for Moms: Winter 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2021/10/26/new-baby-or-shopping-for-registry-these-are-the-minimum-essentials-from-experienced-parents monthly 0.5 2023-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1678571701316-OX3L0KDLUE5YSJUETE6S/unsplash-image-xBLv_ddXr8k.jpg Blog - New Baby or Shopping for Registry? These are the Minimum Essentials from Experienced Parents! - 12 sleepers Newborn size. ( Sleepers cover the baby's body and limbs). Skip this purchase if you know that your baby is going to be larger than 50th percentile. My babies have lasted in newborn size for only 2 weeks since they were all over 8.5lbs. Try to buy cotton material with less colour dye and no stitched images on them (they tend to be scratchy!). The Joe Fresh baby clothes are convenient to purchase, but they tend to fall apart quickly and are made for very slim babies. I usually bought second-hand or from Carter’s, but this Gerber pack looks like a great deal. Go gender-neutral if possible so you don’t have to store so much clothing for boys and girls if you plan to have another baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1687791473959-XFCXVPBH3Y462YZ5LUV3/image-asset.png Blog - New Baby or Shopping for Registry? These are the Minimum Essentials from Experienced Parents! - 12 onesies NB size (covers the torso only). You may go through multiple outfits in a day—and through the night—especially in the first two weeks. If you don’t want to be also doing laundry every day (!) buy a good number. I recommend 12 as the amount we usually need to manage the newborn stage. *Skip purchasing these onesies if you know that you will have a big baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1696691436420-TVG2RJ8LKS1L0DE9BN7S/image-asset.jpeg Blog - New Baby or Shopping for Registry? These are the Minimum Essentials from Experienced Parents! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1678571573407-N8H57CH18V7T3CCKDLMH/unsplash-image-EKSRKJn_9a4.jpg Blog - New Baby or Shopping for Registry? These are the Minimum Essentials from Experienced Parents! - Sling/baby carrier. I really like the Ergo 360. Having the baby on you gives you more freedom to move around, go for a walk without managing the stroller, take care of other kids if you have them, and let the baby nap if you’re out visiting. I have also found that with my kids, it became their “safe space” if when we were visiting they started to get overwhelmed by new people and noise. Don’t forget to consult with hubby about colour so he can feel comfortable wearing the baby too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1696689638270-HLW819JOQ7EDFR3TJR6E/image-asset.jpeg Blog - New Baby or Shopping for Registry? These are the Minimum Essentials from Experienced Parents! - Here's a list of items to consider for a winter baby: - Baby jacket, hat, and winter suit: When buying winter clothes, I recommend avoiding spending too much money on newborn sizes since babies grow out of them quickly. Instead, consider using a 6-month size suit for newborns. Alternatively, you can use a car seat winter cover while driving and tuck your baby into your own winter coat using a jacket extension if you’re going for a walk. - Jacket extension: This accessory can help you wear your regular winter coat during pregnancy by expanding the belly area. - Car seat winter cover: This cover can be very helpful for keeping your baby warm and protected while in their car seat during the winter. - Sleep sack for winter baby: This is a cozy and safe way to keep your baby warm and comfortable while sleeping during the colder months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1696690108616-JZKAJ774BFHP0VUO1I0I/image-asset.jpeg Blog - New Baby or Shopping for Registry? These are the Minimum Essentials from Experienced Parents! - other items that are super helpful but not absolutely necessary: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1696691527247-E2UV489BW9MO00BTL90U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - New Baby or Shopping for Registry? These are the Minimum Essentials from Experienced Parents! https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/11/18/selfcare monthly 0.5 2023-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1677021932478-1HUJHLJ3F1BGGDF04NP3/unsplash-image-vOeB66Yoriw.jpg Blog - Taking Care of Your Self: Body, Heart, Soul and Mind - Make it stand out @priscilladupreez via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1674339246191-Q8EZ71Z5NZT2BRMOTYDV/unsplash-image-h4i9G-de7Po.jpg Blog - Taking Care of Your Self: Body, Heart, Soul and Mind - 1.caring for our body https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1674339367165-WG8PNAVIV06X6OJY0TD4/unsplash-image-XX2WTbLr3r8.jpg Blog - Taking Care of Your Self: Body, Heart, Soul and Mind - 2. caring for our heart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1674339926810-1DZ4CYIHQM3PTQSBBA2N/unsplash-image-k2Kcwkandwg.jpg Blog - Taking Care of Your Self: Body, Heart, Soul and Mind - 3. taking care of our mind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1674339507848-U9KZEKDUWK15ZJXSXWN0/unsplash-image-EAvS-4KnGrk.jpg Blog - Taking Care of Your Self: Body, Heart, Soul and Mind - 4. caring for our soul https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/11/18/how-can-i-love-my-husband-more monthly 0.5 2023-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1680223695595-2RMBDOER64MUT7R48HNW/unsplash-image-YsTrevaOoqU.jpg Blog - How Can I Love My Husband More? - Make it stand out @davidjessephoto via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1680225256060-MGZ5HU1WUB3WZZLP6FEP/unsplash-image-EuCll-F5atI.jpg Blog - How Can I Love My Husband More? - Make it stand out @manuelmeurisse via Shutterstock https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2023/1/4/winter-fashion-for-moms-2023 monthly 0.5 2023-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1673708872568-K1HUN59JOB8G1BLGG790/unsplash-image-CCx6Fz_CmOI.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672883831162-KD3ATHUKZOMGJUIKIB7A/unsplash-image-ZnHpOhHnkDY.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Matching blazer and trousers with slim shirt underneath. oversized blazers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672883859538-US48286R1696N8WVDMXD/unsplash-image-hrzqFwpsFkA.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Pair oversized blazers with a turtleneck tucked into trousers. Trousers are long and run over the shoe. high-waisted trousers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/defea497-435a-4d1c-987b-5606e102459b/unsplash-image-PFtzL--m-a0.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Pair baggy jeans with an oversized sweater. Remember to tuck in the sweater slightly in front to add some definition and/or roll up the sleeves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672883987604-L34VASNVT12LH32ZLHOI/unsplash-image--SviEUkPPUM.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - double up the knitted look with a sweater and chunky scarf. Pair this chunky top with a slimming bottom like this fitted midi skirt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672884170011-B52PXUK9NAGQCICJTC91/unsplash-image-BUxBq0GabD0.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Pair your knit or slim turtle-neck with an oversized blazer. turtle-necks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672884085488-M7DO7JY3SARX8EHSC80I/unsplash-image-E2am-KuAZ9k.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Knit full-length dress Pair your oversized sweater-dress with chunky ankle boots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672884582556-4XLPE12VNZ422HMXG3M4/unsplash-image-7ZXwccnFcBg.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 Chunky cardigan with buttons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672884316080-IGP9Y0XJ0ZVF54FG8O0C/unsplash-image-t2esvVwBSzM.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Apres-ski sweaters Chunky sweaters with funky prints paired with jeans or trousers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672884887608-STJQK11IP2DIU7ICNUPK/unsplash-image-0VnvD1ltuQE.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - shocking highlights Jewel tones are in fashion with bright orange, royal blue, and fuschia. Eg. Wear a royal blue cashmere sweater over a collared shirt and pair with a midi jean skirt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672885016855-DM6PXCQ6TTAM4PYATWMW/unsplash-image-lZ9DgaCb7FM.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Neutrals, beige and off white Wear different neutrals or wear all the same tone (all grey, all beige, all white). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1673708781300-H1GBABP6IBIYRZP6813U/unsplash-image-M5HPHk1y7xg.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Have fun with the knitted wear this season! ponchos and vests https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672885219291-O4HVDK92H6IHCOXZ3S7F/unsplash-image-2aWKC6AVLBk.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - leather Pair a knit top with leather bottoms, or try a leather top with matching leather bottoms (yes, leather on leather is actually in fashion! Just make sure top and bottom are the same colour.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/611b3fef-514f-4b2b-a355-bd1bc7f8c604/unsplash-image-QMgFHbHSXTA.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - the midi skirt Midi skirts can slim down the oversized look quite well, especially if the skirt is high-waisted. Currently in vogue are jean midi skirts and leather midi skirts. Pair your skirt with knee-length leather boots for winter comfort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1672885548693-TEU7BNXS1YKFRWD9VJJP/unsplash-image-6XEj_QeKR6c.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - tuck it in a bit Shirts and sweaters are tucked in slightly to the front and side and left loose and baggy in the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1673706756572-X2W4WY5V2O7LIPKOGWCA/unsplash-image-uKE6seBRuYo.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - chunky winter boots Characterized by a large rubber sole, these chunky winter boots are everywhere right now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1673707135417-H03XZJ8SRQVFADVZGZX8/unsplash-image-a5rb0ZzCP3g.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 - Knee-high leather boots Taller boots are starting to make an appearance again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1673706947419-GRTG55P20ZVQQJBKE9RK/unsplash-image-pklqJjPj6qw.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 oversized trench coat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1673708378436-HCIIUX2XQDD3LJ3YJ16B/unsplash-image-WIAWEPBuHa0.jpg Blog - Winter Fashion for Moms and Winter Maternity 2023 puffy jacket https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/11/10/jordan-peterson-on-friendship monthly 0.5 2023-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1668105887176-2V3M9CSME1FR7E2BLDVO/unsplash-image-e6XodEurJA4.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson on Friendship - Make it stand out Toa Heftiba via Shutterstock @heftiba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1668106144092-FIE4NOM6Z0JD8JVYU3LP/unsplash-image-WzfqobnrSVc.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson on Friendship - 1. Rescuing others We might feel compelled to be friends with someone because they have a special need. But “not everyone who is failing is a victim,” Peterson points out. My thoughts: For example, a young person motivated by social justice may seek to befriend someone in order to make lasting and positive changes in that person’s life and in the world. They are motivated by an ideological goal, but the person they are saving becomes a something and not a someone–their friendship becomes less about the person and more about the cause that they are trying to pursue. Since in this case the friend becomes a means and not an end, the friendship is one of utility, according to Aristotle’s discussions on friendship, and is not a relationship of equals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1668106305628-FK2ZIIDY9GRVGLLNYEHL/unsplash-image-_sh9vkVbVgo.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson on Friendship - 2. Exploiting others Some people amplify their own suffering in order to draw people towards them. My thoughts: I have been in the situation where a person who I have just met begins to tell me about a difficult personal experience they have just had, perhaps it is a difficult situation from the past, or even a present struggle with their health. They tell me in a way that invokes pity. According to Matthew Kelly in his book The Seven Levels of Intimacy, we draw people into a more intimate relationship with ourselves when we open up about painful events of our past: faults, fears and failures are at the top of the intimacy scale, just below legitimate needs. By opening up about deep hurts too quickly, the new “friend” may feel compelled to a forced intimacy with someone they hardly know. The problem is that there is no established trust. At best, it comes off as a desperate attempt at friendship, and may develop into a friendship that is centred around one person’s needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1668106482655-XL4W1TYL7RCYY0V5UT1B/unsplash-image-RNoslAw80b8.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson on Friendship - 3. Narcissism A person offers to make a commitment to someone that is more than they can offer, but when they realize they cannot follow-through, they blame the person they were trying to save. So Peterson asks, “How do you know that your attempts to pull someone up won’t instead bring them–or you–further down?” My thoughts: I want to clarify a distinction that Peterson is making between the first point, where he describes a person who is sincerely looking to help another person, and in this point, where he describes a person who is looking to help someone to help themselves. It’s easier to look virtuous when you are giving help rather than receiving it. You can read more about narcissism here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1668106992886-9SVUGDXNJU2FEPL06GMV/unsplash-image-gj6THKvbm10.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson on Friendship - 4. The Easy Route A person chooses bad friends because they don’t want to be challenged by someone who is doing better than them in life. My thoughts: I find that when life is challenging, I don’t want to be around people who challenge me. For example, after I started having children, I noticed that I kept to friends who were similar to myself in faith, values, and outlook on life. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be friends with other people, I just didn’t have the energy to argue with people. As a university student, I was more open to people who were different from me, but I think in becoming a parent, I became more protective of my values and lifestyle. Depending on our situation in life, our tolerance for challenge may change. And it’s natural to be attracted to people who make us feel comfortable. But I think Peterson here is making a distinction between people who draw out the worst in us and those who encourage us to be our best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1668107454039-9MT89VX702YJIAX1B3UO/unsplash-image-m1AsLR8g51g.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson on Friendship - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1668107657954-H9GK24G14087C1R1MH8R/unsplash-image-9tSuNcdXN3U.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson on Friendship - “[E]very good example is a fateful challenge, and every hero, a judge.” —Jordan Peterson, Rule 3, An Antidote to Chaos https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/6/27/raise-responsible-kids-with-the-cardinal-virtue-of-justice monthly 0.5 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1662143678763-0KE1O7WKCO3C7UFM5U28/unsplash-image-Blf94-yY50g.jpg Blog - Raise Responsible Kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/6/20/ten-ways-to-improve-your-sex-life-for-busy-married-couples monthly 0.5 2022-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1655750287107-UVA1AVM2E7UBP3OAHNST/unsplash-image-rLgDPo-J21o.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 1. Increase Emotional Engagement Being attentive to each other means paying attention to our spouse’s needs and stressors. In other words, it means taking our spouse’s bids to connect, as John Gottman writes. Bids can be nonverbal like “the look,” or verbal like a sigh. When we notice that our partner wants our attention, we should notice and take action. In his groundbreaking research, Gottman discovered that successful couples answer each other’s bids for attention most of the time. This culture of connection in marriage builds a foundation of trust and leads to a more satisfying sex life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1655751331279-IHRTR1BQHANRMQF000VK/unsplash-image-n2VvngfbXtU.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 2. show desire for each other Shaunti Feldhahn’s research shows that more than frequency, men are looking for emotional engagement during sex. Just having sex isn’t enough. They want to feel wanted and desired by their wife. When their wife shows desire, men feel more confident about the relationship. For men, emotionally engaged sex counteracts fears, any kind of stress, and personal loneliness. Women, on the other hand, are looking for emotional engagement outside of sex in order to feel more connected during sex. This can look like paying attention to her bids for attention, telling her frequently “I love you”, and assuring her after a fight that “we’re okay.” Dr. Popcack writes in Holy Sex that the wife should become a student of her husband and the husband should become a student of his wife. This openness and trust—not to mention vulnerability—allows each of us to honestly share our needs and deep dive into greater intimacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1655750656388-RXNPSUC68RIAZ31MM0NK/unsplash-image-RgKmrxpIraY.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 3. Take Care of Your Appearance A friend texted me one night, “Can you call me?” She had just read Shaunti Feldhahn’s research in For Women Only, the chapter titled, “Keeper of the Photo Files” and was completely disturbed. Feldhahn cites research on how men tend to be more visual than women, that they retain photos of sightly women in their minds and sometimes can’t help looking at attractive women. My friend was anxious that her husband might have an affair. As I brought this point up with my husband, he figured that from a man’s point of view, affairs don’t just happen that easily. In his own words: “Affairs happen not because someone more beautiful comes along but because the relationship is falling apart. Not being able to help noticing beautiful women doesn't go beyond that, noticing them.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1655750871830-I86BJQZZ86MJ60CZH1WN/unsplash-image-9QTQFihyles.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 4. Have Sex Frequently Some couples struggle to find a frequency of lovemaking that works for them. Sometimes it’s a question of libido difference, or otherwise of work-life balance. Some choose to abstain for periods of time following a natural fertility program. As Jordan Peterson poignantly writes, the answer to the sex question should not be “no sex.” A stable marriage necessitates a sex life. Rather it’s about agreeing to a rhythm that works. For a typical couple with kids, jobs, and other activities, Peterson argues that once or twice a week is a good rhythm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1655751764041-BQ0UEPCBYLW66SYYQPBY/unsplash-image-YS3Q5vroxtg.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 5. Meet each other’s deepest needs Jeff and Shaunti’s research show that a man’s deepest need is to feel respected, and a woman’s deepest need is to be loved. Whether these deepest needs are regularly being met ultimately affects sexual intimacy. What is respect? Respect is the ability to let another person make choices and take responsibility for their own actions. It’s also the admiration we feel for another person’s abilities, qualities, and achievements. (See our article on respect here.) What kind of loving does my wife crave? In marriage, women need reassurance about the relationship regularly. They want to hear the magic words “I love you” frequently, and they want to be told “we’re ok” after a big fight. It’s important for a woman, especially if she has children, to feel that her husband is emotionally committed to her in order to offset feelings of insecurity and vulnerability in the face of change or stress. (Read more about women’s #1 need in a relationship here.) As Dr. Sue Johnson explains, stress is more manageable when it is handled with somebody than alone. In what she calls a “hold me tight” moment, a wife opens up to her husband about her fears and needs and asks him to answer those needs in a way that brings them both together. She begins awkwardly, maybe, explaining why it is difficult to voice her insecurities aloud. Then she explains how she feels as best as she can, and asks for reassurance of her husband’s love. The husband’s positive reaction results in the release of the bonding hormone oxytocin, which floods both husband and wife with a feeling of well-being. Men primarily get oxytocin released during sexual intercourse. Oxytocin’s side-effects are relaxation, trust, and psychological stability (see more here), which is why men crave sex not just for physical pleasure, but also as a way to feel emotionally connected with their spouse. A man feels like he “puts himself out there” when he asks his spouse to make love, so feeling like his deepest relationship needs are respected goes a long way to making him feel like he matters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1656016072660-BWA5Z21A1QTIXIMDAO18/unsplash-image-jeqsI6WkA2Q.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 6. Become each other’s best friend We often talk in our culture about becoming our spouse’s best friend. This seems like an ideal. However, Dr. Popcack notes that some couples start to feel “incest taboo”--their relationship has become so great that their romance suffers. So some people have an aversion to getting too friendly with their spouse. John Gottman explains in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, that friendship is foundational to a good sex life. Friendship includes mutual respect and the simple enjoyment of each other’s company. In simple terms, it can look like general kind regard for each other. In conversation, this friendship is shown in curiosity about each other’s lives and the vulnerability of opening up to each other. Discussing the logistics of housework and what to do on the weekend is not enough to develop a friendship. Rather, understanding why our spouse feels the way they do and what experiences (positive or negative) brought them there is a good method for building a friendly intimacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1656025316944-JQUTXHU3GD78REFH9CRO/unsplash-image-oKbQxVusp8M.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 7. add it to your schedule Having a regular date night means putting some time aside every week to spend time together as a couple, alone, and without the kids. It might include going out but it could also be a nice glass of wine together at home. The idea is to spend time together so that each spouse feels like their relationship is a priority above all the logistics of running a home, work deadlines, and family needs. Jordan Peterson recommends four hours together per week, as well as 90min of conversation discussing plans and addressing needs. This amount of time can be broken up over a few days. Of course, that brings us to the point of scheduling sex. One person we interviewed commented, “Isn’t it a bit awkward to schedule sex?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1656452014408-C14BZBBHFAFZ2RN53HN8/unsplash-image-Mx5kwvzeGC0.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 8. love your spouse the way he/she wants to be loved Knowing our spouse’s love language is like holding the key to unlocking their love. When we speak the love language that our spouse most wants, we are saying, “I am making an effort to show you that I love you.” The 5 Love Languages are: 1. Words of Affirmation: what your spouse says and how they say it matters. You appreciate written expressions of love and affection. 2. Quality Time: you like to spend time with your spouse, either with a hobby or just chatting over coffee. It matters to you that your spouse listens attentively and with undivided attention. 3. Receiving Gifts: you like the thoughtfulness of a spontaneous present or the meaningfulness of a carefully thought-out expensive purchase. It matters that he/she remembers and puts an effort into birthdays and anniversaries. 4. Acts of Service: you like it when your spouse offers to help do a chore for you. It matters to you that they help out around the house and run errands, it makes you feel like your needs are being noticed and met. 5. Physical Touch: You need and like to be physically close to your partner, whether through a healthy sex life or with little gestures of affection throughout the day. It matters to you that your spouse reaches out to hold your hand, or that he/she gives you a kiss before going to bed. You can learn more about the 5 love languages here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1656453121190-RYOW3UNZ1P38R0VG9JSW/unsplash-image-mv38TB_Ljj8.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 9. Seek Peace The book Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High argues about the importance of finding Mutual Purpose as a way of concluding an argument. Sometimes the more crucial the conversation, the less likely we are to engage in dialogue for fear of messing up and making things worse. But when we refuse to have crucial conversations, we jeopardize not only our relationships but we can even compromise our personal health. That being said, we don’t have to solve all our relationship problems at once! And as Gottman writes, there are perpetual problems that have to do with personality differences or different lifestyle needs. These differences can be recognized through deeper knowledge of self and each other. For example, knowing each other’s dominant temperament can help avoid many needless, repetitive arguments. In his latest book, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, Jordan Peterson argues for the necessity of seeking peace, and the dismal results if you don’t. Working through problems in our sex life necessitates both the willingness to communicate and the vulnerability to express our deepest needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1656464117172-IOBU8UDI4M15B96WETHK/unsplash-image-_GTzs6Yr8_M.jpg Blog - Sex After Kids: 10 Ways to Improve Your Love Life - 10. show Reverence Having a sense that sex is sacred is akin to believing that what you are doing is more than physically important, it also has a spiritual dimension. It’s also the awareness that sex is the greatest thing we can do to be united as a couple. Something sacred is something “set apart” and treated with the highest respect. It is a reenactment of our marriage vows, a full “yes” with our mind, soul, heart, and body. When we get to the point where we can integrate every part of ourselves into the marital act, we will reach a whole new level of satisfaction. This is the argument that Dr. Gregory Popcack makes in his book Holy Sex and which I describe in more detail in our article The Sexuality Continuum. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/3/4/the-secret-to-great-kids-virtue-series-part-1 monthly 0.5 2022-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1646423427392-CED03U66AVV3J21RTUW0/unsplash-image-X0KxbDjp9I0.jpg Blog - The Secret to Great Kids: Virtue Series Part 1 - Make it stand out @iqxazmi via Unsplash https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/6/6/the-seasons-of-marriage-with-irene-freundorfer monthly 0.5 2022-07-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654697293164-IIYKENUVXBOTUCJWY06K/unsplash-image-zlA7c39DfFk.jpg Blog - The Seasons of Marriage: with Irene Freundorfer - Make it stand out @sxoxm via Unsplash https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/1/12/the-melancholic-husband-interview monthly 0.5 2022-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/dd22d0f0-5c44-40a6-b3fe-2b818737d199/unsplash-image-rpPvrOQmR2s.jpg Blog - The Melancholic Husband: Interview - New from our temperament podcast series! @gcalebjones https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/e5ff9b17-d448-4e9f-982a-3012b1f7d321/fourtemperaments.jpg Blog - The Melancholic Husband: Interview - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/6/1/fashion-for-moms-summer-2022 monthly 0.5 2022-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654517393588-Z3H30NSHXM75DCS9VNXW/unsplash-image-RSNMCJ9QcPI.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - fashion and renewal. @hukkanen via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/306b0b99-85f5-4c7e-80a2-035da76ce502/unsplash-image-2s3GhhJz2uY.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - The Look @kaigabriel42 via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654258001044-GOUB102H33GSBAZ23ZG3/unsplash-image-RoQ77EZKUVo.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - Make it stand out @luandmario via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/66c379cd-51e5-4547-8ee0-d91042a19a4e/unsplash-image-ZeHOV89iirg.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - Dresses @priscilladupreez via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654616385832-LE1INI8WAMR4ABMCKLJN/unsplash-image-Soy14a2wRp0.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - SKIRTS: @photographeevjf via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654616563883-U014XE97U152FWI310GE/unsplash-image-YTwTX0ctHkA.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - SHIRTS : @emberglo_photography via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654616455859-BJU9KAN525R0VWWOUULA/unsplash-image-mFyvoh63PvM.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - Make it stand out @apostolosv via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654616626915-8GEHZ7O4JPK90ET515P8/unsplash-image-PYaoN4x4uTY.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - SUNGLASSES @saradabaghian via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1654616695938-OMH312NKNFY124PFSCWU/unsplash-image-eyEXCaFpvvU.jpg Blog - Fashion for Moms: Summer 2022 - Make it stand out @michelleding via Unsplash https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2022/1/10/beyond-temperament-the-lasting-impact-of-emotional-literacy-in-childhood monthly 0.5 2022-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/2f511ed4-26a0-4bd2-b045-8ea8af388b13/unsplash-image-_VkwiVNCNfo.jpg Blog - Beyond Temperament: Parenting the Emotions - Make it stand out Shutterstock https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2021/11/3/fashion-for-moms-20212022 monthly 0.5 2022-07-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1635939442707-H1NVDZDRILEBT6R1H6I6/unsplash-image-6P_yGDcfJdA.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Make it stand out @tamaraballis via Shutterstock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637336865880-R34Q2XRQDHFWS955PAGF/81kToV5aQ8L._AC_UL1500_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Crewneck Sweater https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637337168809-B9KAE3IG23YOIAQ7ROM5/81GLtNTZbPL._AC_UL1500_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - GLORIA VANDERBILT Women's Classic Amanda High Rise Tapered Jean https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637424507226-WCYIHDP50K5UHFKEK3J3/61sLYrVqM8L._AC_UL1000_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Exlura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637424906362-I9Q9KZ5XMKZ3HD8QDWBN/41k%2BtVOVrQS._AC_SR320%2C400_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Longyuan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637153208631-6VPTHAXSBMYPADP1AGGQ/61qUdHSVVeL._AC_UL1300_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - MEROKEETY Women's Long Sleeve Open Front Hoodie Knit Sweater Cardigan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637153735827-E14845WACQM1DAFSOYMY/61ycfk1wuvL._AC_UL1300_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Merkokeety https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637424983489-Z0O7EUMV0W9DLF5Z5WY0/31Ir8jCXvtL._AC_SR320%2C400_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - LA12ST https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637425470671-VJ6KJ0TMC8PFSZFMXMIM/61iUdzErJ5L._AC_UL1000_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Langwyqu Cable Knit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/8e016b9e-6ed5-4f7a-825e-6acb6ad8f0ff/910WlY4hpeL._AC_UL200_SR200%2C200_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Make it stand out Cable Stitch Sweaters Apres Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637425684174-1GE6YMI265IH4NH5CUUJ/31GQs79K6sL._AC_SR320%2C400_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Liu & Qu Maternity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637425761706-E8RC6XEFT439LD58M3N7/61b755Ig-oL._AC_SX679._SX._UX._SY._UY_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Kindred Bravely Nursing Set https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637425829617-EOSJS5ZOZVOT0RFWEDZR/61nenSeFVXL._AC_UX679_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Dibaolong Joggers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637425899230-D74K8GZ0SHL6EOY9UXZ0/71O8enjOmhL._AC_SY879._SX._UX._SY._UY_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - luvamia fuzzy loungewear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427239077-BUHNWG95OFUOIDB2DYT6/81aGz%2BbpbNL._AC_UY879_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Fuzzy Cardigan with Pockets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427302211-ARWYP54RU08ED6LA9RDW/41Gp3eZto%2BL._AC_SR320%2C400_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Ribbed Sweater Dresses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427359311-BYI4C9LY2NXQKQ3CFHC0/71lS36oaxlL._AC_UL232_SR232%2C232_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Turtleneck Ribbed Sweater https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427431152-V9YHJAKZS9AYQ9A878IX/711vZslR2dL._AC_SY879._SX._UX._SY._UY_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - 2 Pieve Sweatsuit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637426311682-GLPZGNAQ6E07X5OPZYMQ/81zrIpX3feS._AC_SY879._SX._UX._SY._UY_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - The Drop Sweater Pant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637426514454-KMHLO63BNUQ5JGT7BLZF/51%2Bd6rbdMlS._AC_UY879_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Levi's https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637426531558-M31OGXDI4RMAKF4OYGB9/31WgcNiaGdL._AC_SR320%2C400_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Faux Leather Leggings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637426700654-3FAMGBP6XU44DGUB9XMQ/61eQmE9D6MS._AC_UL1500_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - NYDG Straight Jeans https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637338479046-2HYXYG07IJ7KNGAPYV6E/511RuVKVh5L._AC_UL232_SR232%2C232_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Kendra Scott Addison Multi Strand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637338529985-04FD5S7MV12DXTJJ6LSS/81GeV6s6M9L._AC_UL232_SR232%2C232_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Betsey Johnson Rose Dangle Earring https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637338570121-29YP7GDD90HEJFUHSFMB/71qlbLY8jNL._AC_UL320_SR320%2C320_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Flower Cluster Stone Drop Earrings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637338638222-ZANPS2WOQ85ENJXT92OY/41G6yU4-AVL._AC_SR320%2C400_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Kisspat Huggie Earring Hoops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637337710284-1UPUJSQL4GHH6D8EOKQX/61qGJb8gQfL._AC_UL1500_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Blooming Jelly Womens Chiffon Blouses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637337842501-VWBN44M0XNGKVJTBOWVQ/511CUBWMtaS._AC_UL1313_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Timeson Women's Casual Chiffon V Neck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637337973920-7LBGNLX6MQM81HT6GRBZ/71Ayo2y5eNL._AC_UL1500_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - SSPalu Tutu Tulle Skirt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637338086077-DNZGXL69KHQZMYZ9D0LD/71R8bSXcWWL._AC_UY879_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Timeson Sleeveless Chiffon Tank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427655220-ROZZMHI1S64H17EKNI1V/81TYHl6BGfL._AC_UL200_SR200%2C200_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - BITE Beauty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427699747-39N0OMF9W3LE8F1TP5Q8/41WJlbrZX4L._AC_UL232_SR232%2C232_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - MAC Lipstick https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427767039-TJF57Z5FVNRWDR6ENEZ1/91JV%2BVFaGVL._SL1500.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Revlon Eyeliner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637253370185-UZ6GK0PK2D4UZNIOU7HW/81pKIaf6RdL._AC_UX695_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Naturalizer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637253622808-WYU4P4URHF8B301KMDAO/61tpo4X7QHL._AC_UX695_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - UGG Women's Selima Ankle Boot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637253790719-LKQBVTD37FVDRPCRAVQ7/817ELY5ZUdL._AC_UL1500_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Chaco Waterproof Chelsea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637253960720-CM9W5JR26G4R1Y5Z22VW/41LLVpsmLVL._AC_SR320%2C320_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Kamik Waterproof Winter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637427938723-QOS0OS3KOIXYFODSW336/unsplash-image--LCwTy91CWI.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Hairstyles Think bobs, lobs stopping at the shoulder blade, ruffled syles, as well as straight-as-a-pin styles with bangs. There has also been a return to the 70s style long-hair plus curtain bangs look. Keep your hair wavy or straight and sleek, but look for a blunt bottom cut with hardly noticeable layers. There’s no need to hide your curls as well, let them loose with a long curly shag and bangs, or let them go crazy with a short bob. See more at Glamour.com. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637339410922-VXD06DIPHPVMPJV50BJ1/71-iiK5i%2BrL._AC_UL1500_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Lock and Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637339499130-0NFZ6RAR4KHL4CXRHRD0/61f72InxvyL._AC_UL1002_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Seraphine Women’s 3 in 1 Winter Maternity Parka https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637339824949-NH0OQNABM7T5BJIOF7H6/61XQs-4AigL._AC_SX220_SY220_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - C.C Thick Cable Knit Beanie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1637339888917-FYBSUTHJJ78VDSFOJVCF/61ZOL5xQZ1L._AC_UL232_SR232%2C232_.jpg Blog - Easy Fashion for Moms Winter 2022 - Lanzom https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2021/7/2/the-sexuality-continuum monthly 0.5 2023-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1634555333241-BYXB62B0GY688HELRS4T/unsplash-image-TmTYtJ5RiN8.jpg Blog - The Sexuality Continuum - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1634555637322-JPNJJH043WWPX1BBRLOK/%40victoriapriessnitz Blog - The Sexuality Continuum - First Stage: Negative Materialism Imagine you are bringing your items to the check-out line and you spot some magazines. Or you scroll through social media and see a stunning image: beautiful women with flawless bodies and men with spectacular muscles. Ads are designed to play on our negative materialism all the time, just to get clicks or to get us to buy their products. Companies know that to sell something to us, we must realize that we are lacking something important or even essential. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1634727776808-R5LVJBYRTRCO6SRD98YN/unsplash-image-36Zi8qQTMas.jpg Blog - The Sexuality Continuum - Second stage: Positive Materialism Imagine a scene from a movie: a woman walks into a bar, she spots a man in the distance who looks up when she enters. Their eyes meet. The camera dwells on their expressions of surprise and fascination. There is an immediate feeling of sexual tension. They watch each other for a while, until one of them finally finds an excuse to walk over and begin a conversation. The camera pans on their first awkward smiles. The viewer doesn’t catch much of the conversation, but it’s insinuated that they have many things in common. After only a few more interactions, there is a love scene and the couple has perfect sex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1634728605930-9RPFFNKP4GPZ3703HDDL/unsplash-image-UpVbQxDGO3I.jpg Blog - The Sexuality Continuum - third stage: Relationship Sex Bob and Erica have a great relationship and enjoy spending time with each other. However, they are inundated with things to do: chores at home, paying the bills, and soccer practices, to name a few. In the evening, they find that they are just too exhausted to have sex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1634813871517-8UZUSLCK2H4AU9U1JAID/unsplash-image-XfOmOKGbfnI.jpg Blog - The Sexuality Continuum - fourth stage: Intentional Sex Remi and Sue have been married for a number of years. Amidst a busy schedule, they still find time for each other during the week. They plan a weekly date night and go on vacation when Remi, who is a teacher, gets time off in the summer. They are mentors to other couples and besides being enriched by others’ experiences, they supplement their relationship knowledge through books, audio, and the occasional marriage conference. Though they have to schedule a night for intimacy (just to make sure it happens), they are still very much in love and haven’t lost that spark that was present at the beginning of their marriage. If anything, it has grown, and they are more attracted to each other than ever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1634814701649-Y1NHYUVQDZ8O6NKDMIP1/unsplash-image-EWV07qp3AYw.jpg Blog - The Sexuality Continuum - fifth stage: Holy Sex It’s hard to believe there is a step up from the last one, but there is, and it sounds incredible. Here is the anecdote that Dr. Popcack provides from his clinical practice: “For us,” says George, “sex is a kind of prayer. When we make love, Veronica and I not only work to give ourselves to each other, but we try to use our lovemaking as a way to understand how God is reaching out to each one of us.” Veronica agrees: “Looking at our physical relationship this way has added a whole new dimension. Things were always good between us. But now, it’s unbelievable. I don’t know exactly how to put it, except to say that it’s like the difference between singing a song and becoming a song.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1634815138523-37JZ2UGRGWTMXZ0LMD58/unsplash-image-KgoeKuUGNiY.jpg Blog - The Sexuality Continuum - Make it stand out @ferrez https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2021/3/25/summary-of-jordan-petersons-beyond-order-rule-x-plan-and-work-diligently-to-maintain-the-romance-in-your-relationship monthly 0.5 2021-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1617475696901-7HXYJQTNZDDMUBS8VKPO/unsplash-image-BcVvVvqiCGA.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship @scottbroomephotography via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1618083931372-LXMKCSC9CG90WIW6CD5F/unsplash-image-5i1q5pcVUYw.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship “…[D]esire is not something that can be managed in isolation: “Let us fix our sex life” is a resolution too narrow in ambition to fulfill its aim.” —Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order, p.270 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1618084236876-BSF2SKE2JU844RPXN4I9/unsplash-image-wX1GSlEHzuc.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship “Life is too difficult to negotiate alone. If you tell your partner the truth, and you strive to act so that you can tell the truth about how you act, then you have someone to rely on when the seas become high and your ship threatens to founder. This can literally be a matter of life and death. In a relationship where romance remains intact, truth must be king.” —Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order, p. 272 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1618084401241-P6G12SH6J7KPGV6A5EUB/unsplash-image-ibu7rMIyELo.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship “You will be tempted by avoidance, anger, and tears, or enticed to employ the trapdoor of divorce so that you will not have to face what must be faced. But your failure will haunt you while you are enraged, weeping, or in the process of separating, as it will in the next relationship you stumble into, with all your unsolved problems intact and your negotiating skills not improved a whit.” —Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order, p. 282 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1618084643990-E88NKWPRPXVUFFY1QRQU/unsplash-image-idTwDKt2j2o.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship - Jordan Peterson on affairs: “You do not have a life with someone when you have an affair with them. You have an endless array of desserts… You see each other under the best possible conditions… An affair is not helfpul, and people end up horribly hurt. Particularly children—and it is to them that we owe primary allegiance.” —p. 286 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1619451800474-J2QVKJPAOF6728VEZ3DM/unsplash-image-g2N5xvtS1s8.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship “When I am helping someone straighten out their marriage, let us say, we do very mundane things… I want to know what interrelationships constitute the bulk of your typical day.” -Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order, pp. 292-293 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1619452243479-M1JJM0NQ2VOXD1ENYYP1/unsplash-image-TmTYtJ5RiN8.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship “Romance is play, and play does not take place easily when problems of any sort arise. Play requires peace, and peace requires negotiation. And you are lucky even then if you get to play.” —Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order, p. 296 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1619452566668-TG176JAJRIJQVOJ9F4EG/unsplash-image-v-_Uxi_GvYk.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship “Here is a rule: do not ever punish your partner for doing something you want them to continue doing. Particularly if it took some real courage—some real going above and beyond the call of duty—to manage.” —Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order, pp. 299-300 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1619452864449-SEK8TUNA5MA8W5CERT3M/unsplash-image-Pz-84JetgSI.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship “…maybe—just maybe—you will maintain the love of your life and you will have a friend and confidant, and this cold rock we live on at the far end of the cosmos will be a little warmer and more comforting than it would otherwise be. And you are going to need that, because rough times are always on their way, and you better have something to set against them or despair will visit and will not depart. Plan and work diligently to maintain the romance in your relationship.” —Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order, p. 301 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1615304554536-U50CL0JDFZZL566XNE53/crucial+conversations.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship - Crucial Conversations : Tools for talking when stakes are high In this book, the VitalSmarts authors teach readers how to negotiate difficult topics. You can read my summary of their chapter on managing emotions in conflict here. Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3tTg3Cp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606398778773-KLPSJ72Q34KMY0HKK98X/61wdnhUk3-L.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson's Advice on Maintaining the Romance in Your Relationship - Holy sex! Dr. Gregory Popcack has a very similar approach to Peterson in that he argues a couple must get their marital life in order before they can enjoy a satisfying sex-life. I cover the first part of his book, on what makes up a loving relationship in general, in my article here. Dr. Popcack does become more specific, and goes into more depth than Peterson, about what a satisfying loving sexual experience can look like practically speaking. Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3gGhpNo https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2021/2/4/conflict-in-marriage-are-the-stories-we-tell-ourselves-making-things-worse monthly 0.5 2021-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1614897130533-ZTDGHP1A7VTCN6OXP5LN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Conflict in Marriage: Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves Making Things Worse? @ericjamesward via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1614897699741-XDM4A4CJV74VJGQ959ES/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Conflict in Marriage: Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves Making Things Worse? - Skills for Mastering Crucial Conversations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1615304554536-U50CL0JDFZZL566XNE53/crucial+conversations.jpg Blog - Conflict in Marriage: Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves Making Things Worse? - Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler are co-founders of VitalSmarts, an innovator in corporate training and organizational performance. www.vitalsmarts.com This book offers the tools to: -Prepare for high-stakes situations -Transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue -Make it safe to talk about almost anything -Be persuasive, not ebrasive See on Amazon, here. (Affiliate link). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1614897521930-PGPLLFYQHBBKBHYT8U2X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Conflict in Marriage: Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves Making Things Worse? @tengyart via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1614897276488-5YPN52UZTU7QB3R0PQFQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Conflict in Marriage: Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves Making Things Worse? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1614897930030-SELCUKYF7085AZJC8CGJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Conflict in Marriage: Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves Making Things Worse? @priscilladupreez via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1614897044653-7TF9DIOTT98C27EGEZJV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Conflict in Marriage: Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves Making Things Worse? https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/10/31/holy-sex-a-summary-of-the-book-by-dr-gregory-k-popcack-ph-d monthly 0.5 2021-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606765784873-HKO4EZ87FS0ZEVQ37DAY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack Toa Heftiba via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1604582556297-1NH03IQU9P42685B3AGM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - Holy Sex Very pleasurable Driven by intimacy and arousal Overcomes shame Works for the good of the other Welcomes children Shares the whole self More joyful and vital with time Gives life and health https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1604583214375-EN2M8DAR0PTSQM4Y2WNO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - Eroticism Very pleasurable Driven solely by arousal Causes shame Uses the other Fears children Withholds the self More stagnant and boring with time (like a drug) Brings disease and death https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606767888671-01SZIBTDQ0T49RKMRA3B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606768386091-DVV8JDZUF7H5OI0JODUY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 1.Self-Donative Love A self-donative person is able to balance generosity and the need to set boundaries. He/she gives all of him/herself to his/her lover or holds back when needs be. Dr. Popcack suggests a couple of exercises to grow in generous love. The first is developing a marital mission statement, which you could consider a marital ideal, where the couple chooses statements or words that define their relationship. For example, words like joy, faith, respect service, or openness. The second exercise requires both spouses to individually assess how much time they spend with their family and at work—to the extent that their family is functioning at its best and all their work obligations are being fulfilled. This exercise is meant to help couples guard family as a priority. As Dr. Popcack writes, “We cannot give the best of ourselves to friends, co-workers, and community, and give the leftovers to our families.” He also encourages couples to practice generosity with each other, to “serve each other all day long” and “be on the lookout for opportunities to serve your spouse.” The connection with sexuality is that (according to one psychological study) sexual satisfaction in a marriage is directly related to how well the couple feels like they work together taking care of their home and their children. Self-donation goes beyond simply doing things for the other person, it also includes fostering an appreciation for the things our spouse enjoys, if that is hockey or wine tasting or stand-up comedy. This kind of generosity in our interests and time allows us to show respect for the other person and their interests and fosters a sense of intimacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606768614919-QQXB8UJMNUZWP4EYMBGG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 2. Responsibility Responsibility encompasses self-mastery and stewardship and it results in greater trust. Practicing self-discipline includes not pouting or being irritable when we don’t get what we want. To grow in this ability, Dr. Popcack recommends the old spiritual discipline of fasting, or in other words, practicing the delay of gratification. This may look like giving up that last piece of dessert to someone else, or getting up earlier than we’d like to in order to work out, or doing a chore for our spouse that we don’t particularly enjoy. Stewardship includes taking good care of the things that we possess—from our house to our finances to our community and beyond. It is not meant to be completely self-directed, we take good care of these things for our own use and for other peoples’ pleasure as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606768838286-MMXZD08X5KMJB0CXMAVA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 3. Faith In this section, Dr. Popcack argues for the integrity of the whole person. He argues that a person who goes to church on Sunday should be the same kind of person Mon to Sat, he/she should not be a different person at different times, but the same person everywhere. Sex likewise should fully integrate our love of God with the love with have for our spouse. While this might sound strange, think about the love we have for God as creative, nurturing, and building ourselves and others up. The love we have towards God in prayer is the same love we can intend for our spouse. Both spiritual and physical love can be expressed in our sexual intimacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606769659673-OP1R91K4Z9WEAJMUKS7T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 4. Respect Having respect for others includes the values of modesty and dignity. Modesty elevates the dignity of the person. What we wear sends a message about who we are, and being aware of how other people react to our appearance allows us to grow in respect for the people around us. Respect for our own privacy demonstrates respect for our body and its status as gift. Respecting our privacy shows that we are deliberate about who we share the gift of our body with and when. Dignity involves two aspects: not using others to satisfy me, and setting limits as to how others treat me. Do I avoid helping out in the home and let others pick up my slack? Do I pretend I am superior to my spouse and refuse things that are important to them? Do I think primarily about how others can benefit me? These self-centred habits during the day may cause our spouse to question whether they are being used at night. On the other hand, do I let myself be used by being afraid to say no in fear of disappointing my spouse? Do I allow others to treat me in demeaning ways? Knowing how to set healthy boundaries stops us from being taken advantage of or fear taken for granted in the bedroom. Not setting these limits may result in resentment or unnecessary holding back from loving our spouse for fear of being used. Read more about this topic in God Help Me! These People Are Driving Me Nuts!: Making Peace with Difficult People by Dr. Gregory Popcack, PhD. Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606769825931-NQL92MG0B3PHE32BWHSW/image.jpg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 5. Intimacy Intimacy is not only what happens in the bedroom, it’s also about the verbal and emotional connection that we build during the day. To grow in intimacy we need to be attentive to our spouse’s spiritual and emotional well-being. Dr. Popcack writes, “be as affectionate with each other as possible while retaining a sense of propriety.” When you sit down together, have an idea of what your spouse enjoys talking about and be prepared to have something to share. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606770017313-FVCM4PIY4ULEZ4MHBTRK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 6. Cooperation Learning how to solve problems and meet goals with our spouse directly contributes to a mutually satisfying sexual relationship. Some big ticket items may include planning the size of our family, the frequency of sex, and agreeing on periods of abstinence (eg., for the sake of Natural Family Planning). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1610481289992-MWXOZUCAQJQ0WN1NCRWL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 7. Joy Growing in joy in our day-to-day includes cultivating a respectful sense of humour, allowing ourselves to be playful with each other, and to laugh and be silly without giving or taking offense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1610481130882-KYYQ8LYA6J529HIA49XJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - 8. personhood Personhood involves three aspects: -A Christian Anthropology -Body and Soul -Man or Woman When we talk about origins, it is significant that we either view ourselves as the product of random chance or as the purposeful rendering of a work of art. Christian anthropology states that we were created by Love, who is a being. This is a significant difference from the atheistic stance that we were created by chance. Both perspectives give our lives different meanings and different purposes. Life, for a Christian, is a gift. Our origin in love demands love of us—in other words, we were created in the image of God, to be like God in giving love. With regards to sex, intimacy with our life partner cannot be limited to just biological functioning. Here is an opportunity for us to show love, the same love that we received from God. In return, our partner gives us the love they have received from God. Man and Woman: in brief, Dr. Popcack here writes that our biology informs us of how we can show love to our mate. We may be tempted, however, to sometimes oversimplify the differences between men and women. Though there are different emphases in qualities between men and women, these differences should not serve as limitations in the ways that we can serve each other. There are many stereotypes of how men and women can and should love each other, but we need to ask ourselves if these are helping us or hindering us from loving each other in the way we each need. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606398778773-KLPSJ72Q34KMY0HKK98X/61wdnhUk3-L.jpg Blog - Holy Sex! Summary of the book by Dr. Gregory K. Popcack - Holy Sex! By Dr. Gregory K. Popcack Common wisdom portrays sex and church to be at odds, yet studies show that Catholics have better sex, and more often. This witty, frank, and refreshingly orthodox book draws from the beautiful truths of Catholic teaching to show people of all faiths about rich and satisfying sexuality. Includes dozens of questionnaires, quizzes, and valuable lessons from real-life stories. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2021/1/20/we-discuss-women-need-assurance monthly 0.5 2021-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1611603996316-G3FYWNBCOKKE2E6QS8W1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Women's #1 Need in a Relationship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1611604264287-E3VMLIX70QTX679W1GFA/formenonly.jpg Blog - Women's #1 Need in a Relationship - For Men Only “In their groundbreaking classic, For Men Only, Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn reveal the eye-opening truths and simple acts that will radically improve your relationship with the woman you love. For example: · Why she can’t “just not think about” something that’s bothering her · How to get her real answers without games · How your provider instinct can actually cause her heartache – and what to do about it · Why “not tonight, honey” may not mean what you think · Why listening to her feelings is so hard for a guy, and a fix-it plan that works · Why her “I do” at the altar will always mean, “do you?” and the answer that rocks her world Now updated with the latest scientific research to explain the fabulous female brain plus an all-new chapter that shows how to decode her most baffling behavior.” We are Amazon associates, when you click through a link on our site and make a purchase you support our show! We choose all our own material to promote. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/10/24/choleric-wife-and-phlegmatic-husband-an-interview monthly 0.5 2020-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606765610103-GWDPM5WGGOO2LGNU1OHV/_LUT1222.jpg Blog - Choleric Wife and Phlegmatic Husband: An Interview Maryanne and Patrick Brown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1605976105250-YPRD4H2EBHMIEA8I5QI1/temperament.jpg Blog - Choleric Wife and Phlegmatic Husband: An Interview - The Temperament god gave you Learn how to identify and understand the four temperaments that determine our reactions, guide our choices, color our understanding, and serve as the foundation of our moral and spiritual life. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/6/13/the-sanguine-husband-part-1 monthly 0.5 2020-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1592062145618-U13OONU0CKBAIFS7DKDN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1605976615545-TDGL3PPCD1X1WQH113J7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband - The Temperament god gave you Learn how to identify and understand the four temperaments that determine our reactions, guide our choices, color our understanding, and serve as the foundation of our moral and spiritual life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1602611978521-Y67JWQOT1TCORM5H0QA0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603136085654-T0AYKRZEDN3XPXAYSYE9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband @danedeaner via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1602773354624-FYKDJ6545H3RS6F8UDCF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband @brookecagle via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1602772582518-ZIWL0E1UXX0MUYA5Z6D8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband @jakobowens1 via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1602775640004-KCO1USGYP5XM74KTURMU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband @lordmaui via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1602774435086-NFK4XT2495ACBBVQR2Z4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband @justusmenke via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603135660045-MHYVPE52ENFGMH9C31E4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband @rupixen via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603136244316-7AWKHPQL3Q4FPFNOJ1P9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband @taniamousinho via Unsplash https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/9/14/mom-youre-incredible-summary-of-the-book monthly 0.5 2020-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603551608514-KVSBI08UHMV56GHI01DJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mom, You're Incredible! Summary of the Book by Linda Weber @wesleyphotography via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603741045829-6XERJX7G1SQ2AA7MCLOF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mom, You're Incredible! Summary of the Book by Linda Weber @plhnk via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603741249724-ZSWM25XKQT7BLQDP36MY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mom, You're Incredible! Summary of the Book by Linda Weber @matheusferrero via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603741616742-K43PZBZIBG206RPT32K2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mom, You're Incredible! Summary of the Book by Linda Weber - but what about personal FULFILMENT? @anniespratt vis Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1603741418721-LURENJI00ZS9KZWHMWL0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mom, You're Incredible! Summary of the Book by Linda Weber @jae_escobar via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1605977480724-ESY2IM98X55JLJ87BZRL/eternal.jpghttps%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3pL9aSh Blog - Mom, You're Incredible! Summary of the Book by Linda Weber - The eternal mark of a mom By sharing encouraging true stories―including her own―and new research, Weber offers moms a detailed and updated rationale that defends the value of motherhood while urging women to embrace the value and power of their role. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/6/1/managing-emotions-as-a-mom monthly 0.5 2020-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1605978338565-FY8P8HW47X6MZ0B93SOK/emotional+intelligence.jpg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - emotional intelligence The best news is that "emotional literacy" is not fixed early in life. Every parent, every teacher, every business leader, and everyone interested in a more civil society, has a stake in this compelling vision of human possibility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1605979576137-NR23WEYYM7VLF5MOHIRB/gottman.jpg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - raising an emotionally intelligent child Dr. John Gottman, PhD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591045257899-2UGQCGEN65MDP6EUMIYI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Resentment I find this emotion sneaks up on me when I’m least expecting it. All of a sudden, I feel angry for no reason (or so it seems) when my husband, for example, takes a break in the middle of the afternoon to read a book. I’ve learned that that ugly feeling I sense when I see him enjoying his well-deserved break is resentment—because I haven’t taken a break myself. So my answer to resentment is to try to figure out what I am missing in my life. Often I feel resentful when I see others indulging in self-care, so I find that letting myself spend a few extra dollars on makeup or a coffee by myself can do me and my family a world of good. It feels selfish sometimes, but I know that it isn’t—our life isn’t just about work, managing people and projects, and making sure our bathrooms are always clean. It’s also about slowing down and enjoying the time we have, the person we are, the people who are closest to us. Though I hate feeling resentful I know now what it signifies, and this emotion is a cue to say, “Alright, slow down, let’s give myself a little break.” Linda Weber in Mom You’re Incredible! recommends putting one thing in our schedule every day that we can look forward to—whether that’s time to read, exercise or time to visit with a friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591045437374-7HKJIKIZIHECZX1U800I/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Guilt While I just touted the importance of taking a break, sometimes I feel guilty for having spent too much to myself, or for ignoring my kids so I can check off all the items on my to-do list (see my article on The Choleric Wife!). When I start to feel guilty, I know I need to stop, self-assess, and just go and spend time with my family and kids. That way, at the end of the day, I know I won’t have that guilty feeling nagging me that I haven’t paid attention to who is most important, or that my priorities are out of order. Right now my goal is to spend about 10min of personal time each day with each of my kids, and to have two or three 1/2 hour conversations with my husband a week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591046038691-ZHFIU4G5N2VO3OBOKQWD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Incompetency Have you ever had so many bad days in a row you just wish someone would throw you a lifeline? When I start feeling in over my head, my mother-in-law usually has some book to lend me that will encourage me (you can see her list of recommended books at 10kids.com). My mom, who also had ten kids, usually has some great advice to give me over the phone. And I find laughing over my incompetencies with a good friend helps me feel like it’s okay, and the camaraderie lightens my load. We all have bad days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594826155110-68BXOGJN8AMTA2C8XW3B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Emotionally “Drained” My mother-in-law has lots of funny pseudonyms for this feeling of being emotionally drained: “maxed-out” and “fried” are my favourites. Whatever the term for it, when I start to feel “flat”, it’s time to do something fun. There’s nothing that boosts my spirits like calling a friend or speaking to my spouse and hearing them say, “You can do it, keep it up!” Alternatively, I think one of the nicest things we can do for a friend who is having a rough day/week/year is not necessarily give advice (even well-meaning advice, at least not right away) but tell them they are capable and give them the encouragement they need. As Shaunti Feldhahn discovered in For Men Only, women’s #1 need is for love and reassurance. And in For Women Only, Shaunti points out that men need respect—that is, the encouragement and not the nagging to get back on track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591131838419-39KI9AJBM9V6WSIKI6IL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Overwhelmed This feeling comes to me often, especially at the end of the work week or at the end of a day full of temper tantrums. When I sense this feeling, I know I need to stop and slow down immediately or else things (ie. including myself) are going to start falling apart fast. If the situation is already really bad and help is nearby, I call for reinforcements. If help is not nearby, I slow things down with my kids and try to be mindful, think of things only one step at a time, or write down a to-do list or make a brain-dump in my journal if I can. Another thing that helps—other than addressing the myriad of problems—is just stepping away for a moment for a breather, reading a book, or just changing the scenery (eg. let’s go outside!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594826717762-BQ15XJFH7466NPELKGFR/image-asset.png Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Loneliness/Isolation According to the US 2020 Cigna Report, primary caregivers tend to feel more lonely than the average person (see my article on this topic here). In answer to this feeling, I like to organize playdates, attend or run a moms group, go out with friends without the kids, or call a friend, even for 10min. Social media doesn’t seem to shrug-off the feeling that I’m not “connecting” with people but can even exacerbate my feeling isolated. If I can’t see people face-to-face, then hearing someone’s voice in real-time over the phone does a load of good for my sense of feeling heard and known. In fact, according to recent research, friendships for women are not just an extra thing we should do when we have the time: women need other women for their mental health and maintaining these quality relationships is as important as avoiding smoking. Men, on the other hand, are happy to just open up to one person: their wife. We find that taking time for a weekly date night is critical for keeping the communication doors open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591316000968-Q2HNGPU1IQTFAG0YWEAW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - boredom Sometimes when I am with my kids I cannot help but look at the time. Maybe they want to play a very repetitive game or have me read the same book the fourth time in a row. To overcome this feeling of boredom I get them interested in something new that I also find interesting. Other times, if they’re really engaged in their play, I give myself a time limit (10, 20, 30min) to play with them until I get to go do something else. I know they need my time, but sometimes I am not into it. Other times, I can really awaken my keenness to be with my kids by being mindful and purely present in the moment by stopping to carefully look at their reactions, their expressions, and to remind myself that they are little for only so long. I am an intellectual person, so I do find it hard to be engaged in less stimulating activities. But when I quiet my mind down from all the planning or worries and just focus and be with my kids then I start to become interested and engaged. And just like characters you get to know in a cartoon strip, my kids become more engaging the more I engage with them. They become more amusing the more I am amused by them. (I write more about my struggles in this area in Your Presence Matters.) To meet my intellectual needs I take time every week—if not more frequently—to do something intellectual. I followed Jordan Peterson’s Personality course on YouTube while preparing food, folding laundry, or driving in the car. It’s amazing what you can do in 10-20min chunks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594773413684-3IXPCA0UVUXAT4V4KJZY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Stress We tend to use the word “stress" to mean a plethora of different ailments, but the definition of stress that I like the best is: “being anxious, tired and irritable because of too much work or pressure.” I think this definition can define many of my days as a parent. When I am “stressed-out” I think the best response is to step back and reevaluate my priorities about how I am living. Recently, I found I was getting stressed because I wasn’t connecting with my husband enough—we were getting so caught up with the kids and our work that I never had those moments in the day to just reorient myself, discuss our priorities as a family, and tackle the hurdles together. I think a little bit of stress is normal, but when it gets to be too much, it’s a sign for me that things are out of balance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594773590326-LTU4LCTY15E71FQ25K2X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Anxiety Anxiety is usually coupled with stress for me, but it is a slightly different sentiment. To be anxious means “experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” When we worry, we are dwelling on a problem maybe more than we should. A good solution for worry is not to worry more (though this is the temptation, as Goleman points out: we worry about something different in order to distract ourselves from the real thing we are worried about). He suggests to journal what we are worrying about, take time to get in touch with our body and how we are feeling, and take one small step forward in the right direction. Anxiety paralyzes us with fear for the future and makes us feel out of control. But we are the protagonists of our lives; though we can’t control what happens to us, we can control our responses. Goleman recommends channelling our nervous energy into a project that shows tangible progress. For example, we might be worried about our children’s health during the pandemic, but we can channel that nervous energy into a new diet or health plan or exercise regimen. I struggle a lot with anxiety, and I find it can be useful in telling me when I need to make changes in my life. Being anxious and then refusing to make changes in my life usually exacerbates the anxiety. I consider my anxiety as an alarm bell, and in that way I find it helps me rather than drags me down. My anxiety reminds me of my limitations—in a good way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594824313578-U7RLGJ0G3L4LDTRU9QIF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Depression There is such thing as “mommy burn-out”—and it can be the result of stress or clinical depression. I like this book on the topic by Sheryl Ziegler. In my years of struggle with depression, I find the best solution for me is to get out of myself somehow. It costs a lot of effort, but it starts to ease the sense of mental pain and desperation that can sometimes be overwhelming. By “getting out” I mean: literally just getting outside, getting together with a friend, talking on the phone with a close friend (eg. my mom), volunteering. Doing something for someone is difficult when I’m depressed but the rewards are huge. If I write someone a letter, or do some act of service, it really shakes me out of my mood. That being said, I have also appreciated tele-counselling, which I found much easier to manage with my schedule than in-person counselling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594826368933-HSQDOOH2Y5C4VVS4M41D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Undervalued We do a lot as parents. And besides father and mother’s day, we don’t often get a lot of encouragement from our family. In that sense, I have learned that I don’t get what I don’t ask for. It may seem silly, but I ask my husband every night what he appreciates about me or appreciates about something I did that day, and it has be specific. I have to admit his answers satisfy me a lot and give me impetus to keep it up and keep going. Another thing that my husband and I have started doing is to give ourselves the occasional reward after we’ve done something particularly difficult. Maybe he made the back deck, finished a big project—or I finally got our son potty trained, or finished sorting out some old boxes that have been lying around forever—then we have a drink with supper or some other treat. On other occasions, I like to go out by myself and go for a bike ride or get a tea. To paraphrase Jordan Peterson in Rule 4, we can’t just stick a carrot in front of our noses and then pull it away once the hard work is done. We need to value our own efforts and teach our kids and our husband to value our efforts as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594773260579-PLOWUQAJHH7P2MH2KCBP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - Insecurity I think it’s normal to feel insecure because frankly, since we’ve never been moms before, we’re making it up as we go. With that in mind, we’re likely to make mistakes, and I’ve been trying to convince myself that that’s ok. My mother-in-law recommends befriending a mom who is 10 years ahead of us, someone we can look to and trust. This is what she did because before she had her ten kids, she didn’t know anything about homemaking or child rearing. She would go and visit a mature mother she had befriended and just observe her as she went about her cooking, cleaning, and tending of the children. Through this observation, along with so many great books, and courses through Family Enrichment, my mother-in-law learned all the skills she needed to be a competent mother. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1594826082566-R31FFBJKUEH6OQ5U3PYN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Feelings We Try to Hide: Managing the Emotional Stress of Parenthood - anger This nasty emotion seems to well up sometimes when I least expect it. As a choleric person, anger is something I deal with every day—just like my sanguine husband has to fight distraction every day. For me, if the anger is really strong, it’s often a sign of a deeper feeling of sadness. Journaling and trying to reflect on when the emotion started helps me determine the trigger and know where I need to “lean in.” By leaning in, I mean either accepting the unavoidable distressful event that happened or by facing the problem and looking for a solution. Toddlers and their “no” stage definitely brings my husband and I to the brink sometimes, especially when our own needs haven’t been met. My husband found he had to find some kind of outlet for his pent-up energy. Every day he hits the gym and does a heavy workout. He also started taking jiu-jitsu classes, which he found beneficial in channelling his negative energy in a positive way. I started to see a difference in my own ability to curb my anger when I started working out as well. Gary Chapman has a great book on this subject: Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/7/20/the-sanguine-husband-interview monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1595290591302-T1ZXN0MAX5QPRF29BCB6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband - Interview Derek Owens via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1595291389507-JJA1LHF0P3WPRX5JWF90/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sanguine Husband - Interview - Sanguine: Fun-loving Friendly Communicator Creative problem solver Respects freedom Careless spender Overload their schedules Lighthearted Overambitious Bites off more than they can chew Impulsive Distractable Flighty Scatterbrained Immature Superficial Cheerleader Optimistic Spontaneous Adventurous https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/6/25/the-melancholic-wife-interview monthly 0.5 2020-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1593109371368-V29UDR48O6O6OQ7SAJ6G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Melancholic Wife - Interview Christopher Sardegna via Unsplash @css https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1593109236060-G0AOLWK3LXC15C96OQ7Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Melancholic Wife - Interview - Melancholic Attention to detail Orderly, tidy High-standards Critical Worry-wort pessimistic perfectionist value truth analytical idealistic cautious motivated problem solver judgmental dwells on disappointments complainer low energy introverted stoic faith-oriented https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/6/9/discussing-teenagers monthly 0.5 2020-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591750286555-A4BTYATJ48RLG9IQ00HX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Discussing Teenagers https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/4/27/fashion-for-moms-2020 monthly 0.5 2020-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1588277402481-EK8F8IOXW23H9MC03E5N/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - Mom, You’re Beautiful! Camylla Battani @camylla93 via Unsplash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1590778886286-YR2XIJ5Z6LVC743XMOS7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - Eyewear @philipegd via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1588023318057-5264A2PZZKGPU8N1MOCK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - jackets and vests Amanda Vick @amandavickcreative via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1588023444436-IWICT56FM5M3T07DUS8W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - bottoms Amber Renae @am_renae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1590778583841-2APMN3K82TNV1B5YPT74/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 As you can see in this photo: the footwear fashion this season is again white running shoes… a trend almost everyone is loving because they can be paired with anything from jeans to long skirts to summery dresses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1590777228090-UOJVXLEW1E01VN4QGW9T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - Textures Crochet is in style this season, from anything to tops to vests to handbags. Harper’s Bazaar also claimed feathers would be in fashion… but I think with the economic downturn, we won’t be seeing much of that trickle down to us ordinary-no-dry-clean-wash-and-wear types. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1590778079229-6BMQJBTPFPO6OP27LZ2R/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - colours A theme seen on the runways is clothing inspired by 60s/70s wallpaper. Think orange, funky patterns and shapes. The result is cheerful and colourful clothing. Colours that were popular last year can be paired with this season’s colours, giving a definitively 70s look (eg. pair olive green and orange). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591042915840-ECN5ED9LREKEBF6IBJST/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - hair The short, textured bob is still in fashion, though some predict this faux-spontaneous style will be replaced with the demure, clean-cut bob (with bangs). Balayage is still big; that’s the colouring style that highlights the bottom part of the hair and gently blends it to the top. Parting: hair is mostly still being parted in the middle, but we do see slight side-parting as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1590779913949-OOXOFPLERQXY02XLQJU8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - jewellery Fine, metallic jewellery is still in fashion, especially multiple necklaces worn at once, and multiple rings on different fingers. Also continuing: pearls, and the single earring trend. New this year: big metallic hoop earrings. Small chains. See my Pinterest Board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1591043771065-LGQ9XPHFRXDLNK5XINCI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Summer Fashion for Moms 2020 - headgear Brimmed hats are in fashion, all year round—especially brimmed hats (floppy or stiff) and bucket hats. But according to Stylecaster, there will be many hats in style this year from berets to cowboy hats to flat-brimmed fedoras to fashion turbans. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/5/2/the-choleric-wife-part-2 monthly 0.5 2020-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1585684193954-5NQH8C60148TYDE5ENH9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 2 @mbrunacr via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1585685352536-NAL4R68BWRST3NCA0Z6U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 2 - Anecdote: When I was younger, I played Sorry! with my younger siblings one night while on babysitting duty. Though they were younger than me, I thought it would be important to show them some tough love by really trying to win and not giving them any “chances.” After a couple of these “hard lessons” in the game, my little eight-year-old brother sighed and said, “Joce, sometimes you just have to be merciful.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1585684679724-WNRZSQXX6N9IM0PXBW8A/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 2 - Anecdote: Into my first year of marriage and having a baby, I was beginning to hit the doldrums. I would fill my time with household chores, cooking, diapering, and spending time with my spouse. I didn’t realize I was becoming resentful, but I did feel like I was less peppy and even a little sad at times. A friend, after hearing me out one day, told me to start taking time for myself—even if it was ten minutes—to simply “waste time” doing something I liked, such as reading a book, playing the violin, drawing, or going for a walk. It was important, he noted, that this task not be practical. I took his advice and started the 10min a day of leisure time. At first it felt really weird and almost irritating to be doing something that felt like I was wasting time. After a while, I saw my mood pick up and I started to relax and be less tense around other people. I was happier and even found I had more things to chat about with my husband and friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1586200904713-AWYWVRP3KPIA5Y7E3N9E/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 2 - Anecdote: When I am cooking, I can’t help but ignore some of the directions. I like to add a bit of this, and remove some of that. My mother, who is phlegmatic/melancholic, cooks as if her kitchen were a chemistry classroom. She watches over my shoulder and double-checks the measurements. When I am at her place, I respect her way of following recipes. But on my own, I give myself the creative space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1585684990740-7BO73Z66OKCRE204XEFF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 2 - Anecdote: One day, my son Ansgar hit me over the head, and he hit me hard. My choleric self just wanted to punish him immediately. I pulled back and spoke to him sincerely. Then I spoke to him about my feelings, “Mommy feels hurt, Mommy is sad that you hit her.” Then I put him in a time out. But instead of going nicely into the timeout, he fought me. Then I gently but firmly held him on my lap and did the countdown. I spoke to him again about my feelings, about how it is not nice to hurt people. Then in a lightbulb moment I asked him, “Would you like to make Mommy happy again?” He stopped crying and nodded, “Yes.” “Then please tell Mommy sorry and give her a kiss.” His crying stopped and he immediately gave me an apology and kiss, then we held each other in a hug and both felt better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1586201657180-67EYM8QX0XGC30GMXSO7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 2 - Anecdote: I have been living with my in-laws for almost a year. This experience has been a point of maturity for me as we raise our three kids as a family within a family. It has been a helpful but sometimes humbling experience to open myself up to suggestions from my in-laws. There are many ways of going about running a household and raising kids, but I do find myself getting caught up in the thought that I do it better. Last week I was tempted to make a battle over a small issue. But after discussing it with my husband and then sleeping on it, I just let it go. Other times I journal it out and this helps me see if my demands are just my pride talking or if there is a real need. And if there is a real need, there is nothing that clears the air better than talking about it openly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1586375017547-K66WA48CSQI6COC7X164/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 2 - Anecdote: I know a choleric mom who is always so excited about what her kids are up to and of what new projects the family is doing. Her enthusiasm and charisma unite her family and get them excited about doing things together. After they got their dream hobby farm, they discovered there are a lot of outdoor chores to be done on top of the regular cooking and cleaning. But she doesn’t let this burden get her down. It’s as if the more her life is full, the more alive she becomes. Her kids in response to her enthusiasm don’t go reluctantly to their chores, they happily collect eggs when they are asked, get greens from the garden or milk the cow. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/3/26/some-solutions-to-the-loneliness-epidemic-among-mothers monthly 0.5 2020-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1584994417958-RBTO8KPMF1U7RLITSFSA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Some Solutions to the Loneliness Epidemic Among Mothers @alexmedia via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1584995875234-QCONFVB8BSJTFVXK319B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Some Solutions to the Loneliness Epidemic Among Mothers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1584996297454-WYH8ZBTSG5VA016A4TFM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Some Solutions to the Loneliness Epidemic Among Mothers @good_citizen via Unsplash https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/3/8/women-want-reassurance monthly 0.5 2020-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1583531134589-5O2TLBUVJUWAZHS1RWUN/%40christianfregnan Blog - Women Want Reassurance @christianfregnan via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606332294358-WKK8CB5TC3MOBRC6A80B/formenonly.jpg Blog - Women Want Reassurance - For men only By Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn This article is a summary of Jeff and Shaunti’s first point in helping men understand women better. Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn are best-selling authors, popular speakers and nationally-renowned social researchers. Fourteen years ago this average couple stumbled over some things they just didn’t “get” about each other. They have used their analytical background to help other semi-confused couples decode each other ever since. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606332780971-3E84NGTU159BUGXM281O/71ptyUhcXwL.jpg Blog - Women Want Reassurance - hold me tight Dr. Sue Johnson Heralded by the New York Times and Time magazine as the couple therapy with the highest rate of success, Emotionally Focused Therapy works because it views the love relationship as an attachment bond. This idea, once controversial, is now supported by science, and has become widely popular among therapists around the world. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/10/22/respect-is-crucial monthly 0.5 2020-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1580939141609-JC9N72CXT9WTZ4ZDCQQF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Men Want Respect Gregory Hayes @gregoryallen via Unsplash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1580939207212-DNMLXZU0ATATIMM2K0J5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Men Want Respect Drew Hays @drew_hays via Unsplash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1581369531715-WNT1R366B3XW7HIUI612/Vladislav+Babienko+%40garri Blog - Men Want Respect 1. Respect his judgment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1581370620757-W14VO0Z5YKXHWWR38XZG/Denise+Jans+%40dmjdenise Blog - Men Want Respect 2. Respect his Abilities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1581371859273-98CEDDEOE20YSJ296GSG/Jason+Briscoe+%40jsnbrsc Blog - Men Want Respect 3. Respect his priorities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1581371782843-NRMC1V2CAAN0E6FJFRTE/Alasdair+Elmes+%40alelmes Blog - Men Want Respect 4. respect him in public https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1581371997621-SAWU3BK2A07C5YQ2W8ZQ/Black+Jiracheep+%40blackeyeview Blog - Men Want Respect 5. respect him in our assumptions https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2020/1/13/unconditional-respect monthly 0.5 2022-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1578949568158-M6K4WNKJI9I9CWDOJ54D/%40drew_hays Blog - Unconditional Respect Photo credit @drew_hays https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/12/3/whats-your-vision-for-your-kids monthly 0.5 2020-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1575552970944-ERJV8MQOECZTNZYZNH3T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What's Your Vision for Your Kids? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1575553395415-MHJ9T4Q0XE0CH8881B21/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What's Your Vision for Your Kids? Image by Ben White via Unsplash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1575553507065-AE03NSLHWOIAR5CVYLKS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What's Your Vision for Your Kids? freestocks.org via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1575553590851-YVBQH81O1S27NBFYVTIF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What's Your Vision for Your Kids? - Some Priorities: God, Family, Work, A Clean Home, Relationships, Health, Intellectual Pursuits, Hobbies, , Time in Nature, Volunteering Jen Theodore via Unsplash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1575554189585-9MB14ZVJPFP81CMK9GVR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What's Your Vision for Your Kids? Image by Tyler Nix via Unsplash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1575553299559-0LI2L6DS2VRL0F0L3KIQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What's Your Vision for Your Kids? Image by Angelina Kichukova via Unsplash https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/9/11/the-5-love-languages-a-quick-review monthly 0.5 2020-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1568207356958-CQZHD82KXPW33LFN87ZL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1568208209309-Z64UD2YD93A1DURCTBQL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1568207894054-RMPBN6EAESNLX60W1746/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1568207951875-EX3HHA3CSWUNQ9TNPPNY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1568207845705-PRFYNW2VF74SR8A9U26H/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1568208141412-0EWOU4UU8OXEOUE89H81/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1568207553808-70SMZ6A143BV33WO6O6L/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1606396386960-N40H0GAI7SMAD81YD3T4/71KDmSZbFfL.jpg Blog - The 5 Love Languages: Summary - The 5 love languages by Gary Chapman Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/10/1/a-quick-update monthly 0.5 2019-10-09 https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/9/20/fallwinter-fashion-2019-20-mommified monthly 0.5 2019-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569330130287-OC3VRX2GG7CJCSY4GVM2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569503412667-LU906URA6L7UUJ07KI4C/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - coats For the fall, fitted jackets are in style; you can either dress-up with a brightly-coloured power suit or dress-down with a denim jacket. If you are tall, you’ll be happy to know that long, flowy coats are still in. No matter your size, you’ll be happy to know that ponchos are still popular (especially in plaid)—as well as capes! For the winter, many different winter coats are in style (or in Canada, the theme is—whatever keeps you warm!) Still in are parkas, puffer coats, long wool coats, and sporty coats. New this year is the faux-shearling coat, or teddy-bear coat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569588036270-W2551V2IH5OQI6VI43D1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - pants and boots The wide pant trend is still happening, but whether your pants are slim or wide, most fashionistas are still ending their pants at the ankles. You can either buy shorter pants or just roll up the pants you already own. A good rule to go by is that the pants should end slightly above your boot. For the winter, tuck your pants into your boots and have your socks showing just slightly above to give that ankle effect. Continuing from spring/summer are the high-waisted 90s revival pale jeans. A high waist suits a slim or petite frame. But you can also try the paper bag style of pants for anyone who is slim to plus size (or like me, changing sizes post-partum). Another trend for the season are plaid pants and pants with pockets, though not quite the baggy cargo pants from the 2000’s. These pocketed pants may be slightly loose but they usually tighten around the ankle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569588951086-UREJLGV0VF9BOG9QK9HZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - tops Some themes for tops this year include something called moody florals. Within the “apocalypse” theme, imagine flowers that are dark rather than cute. This could be a black top with a smattering of flowers. Another trend for the season (which I really like) is turtlenecks. If you’re wearing a thin turtleneck with high-waisted jeans, tuck your shirt in and complete the outfit with a slim belt. For those of us who are breastfeeding, there are also wide-waist turtlenecks in style, which are often made in a heavier fabric. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569330373969-XJ593SSGYYPEZJ2QJXXH/Photo+by+Nicole+De+Khors+from+Burst Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - accessories While chain necklaces may be on the runways, I keep seeing a trend of delicate jewelry. What I mean is jewelry in either silver or gold that is made with extremely thin bands. This trend is everywhere, from necklaces, earrings, and rings to eyewear. Since the jewelry is small and delicate looking, people tend to wear a lot of it—so many rings on fingers (or multiple rings on one finger), paired with a necklace and earrings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569330811649-D7KRN56LLDH25YVGY3W2/Photo%2Bby%2BNicole%2BDe%2BKhors%2Bfrom%2BBurst Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - makeup The “dewey” look is in. Imagine you just came back from the beach or from sunbathing outside. Your skin has a healthy sheen of glimmer and colour. There is hardly any obvious makeup on the eyes or the mouth. For the mouth, a gloss suffices. I’ve also seen people add shimmery gold or silver to the tops of their cheekbones. As I joked with my husband, this trend allows women to be always camera ready for those “spontaneous” Instagram shots. The moody florals and jewel tones that are also in fashion look great in the over-saturated social media filters. I don’t think we should be surprised that social media trends are affecting the way we dress every day. I think as moms, we can often look tired. I recommend a foundation and a good quality dark-circle remover. Draw attention away from your eyes with something bright on your lips and cheeks. Pull your hair back and throw on a pair of metallic earrings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569503699407-R7BZ8AIJ7LFQ775ZYHMN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - hair As with the natural makeup trend, hair this season should also look natural. Minus hair-colouring, of course (but even the balayage technique is meant to look softer and more natural than other dying styles). Imagine a shoulder length style with natural waves. In mom-speak, you will look like you are in style with a quick brush and a little bit of product to get rid of fly-aways. Alternatively, try the low back bun (with a few wisps around your face). A hair-accessory that is trending on Pinterest is the bandanna. Put an elastic in your hair first to secure your hair for the day (who has time to arrange their hair twice?), then tie a bandanna and bravo—you look put together! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1570135820452-HZGDGQTK126LG1CN0531/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - Quick Tips for Petites: This season, high-waisted pants are your friends! They elongate your legs and make you look taller. Tailored suits and jackets ending at your waist will also look great on you. Leather is in this year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1570136050680-ZNQMJH0ZUIB5BEP3VMNZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - If You’re Pregnant this Winter/Fall: You can still get away with oversized shirts and leggings. Pair this outfit with a cute pair of ankle boots and a scarf. Try out the new poncho/cape trend and pair it with a pair of slim pants. and turtleneck. Alternatively, you can wear a long sweater/coat to slim out your look and hide some unwanted curves (but at the same time show-off that beautiful baby belly!). Still in fashion this season is the monochromatic look. Try wearing all black with a light denim jacket. Pair this look with lots of slim silver jewelry. If you are looking very pregnant, stay away from the moody floral look, the flowery designs may exaggerate your size. If you like this fashion though, wear a neutral-toned outfit and pair it with a moody floral scarf. Top off the outfit with a pair of dangly, metallic earrings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1569503625173-904DX7QSZYQ4LY9WITJH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! - Colours in Fashion this Season: -Jewel tones -Earth tones -Moody florals (dark flowers) -Plaid -Jean https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1570135706441-RCN97MO6OAEGDAVGG6VP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fall/Winter Fashion 2019-20--Mommified! https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/8/20/finding-time-for-silence-and-prayer monthly 0.5 2019-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1566415212237-64R0EOPKGTJI8E8BY42T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Time for Silence and Prayer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1566414718175-BQWYSA1FQLIDGXDF8LVX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Time for Silence and Prayer - Is Morning Really Best? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1566414819682-4Q6H14MIO5OG58T4WPEQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Time for Silence and Prayer - Making A Commitment to Ourselves—and Our Spouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1566415309900-LRKIUEF2XITJVMH2UTLV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Time for Silence and Prayer - Take it for the Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1566416051084-69C1IVP9FL5T0E8RS4NQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Time for Silence and Prayer - Take the Time to be alone with yourself https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/8/6/encouraging-independent-play-for-toddlers monthly 0.5 2019-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1565125963192-GZOBB80S10RHWRKLHJQZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1565126084179-8TXIW3DPWCNP64SMK2S9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers -Simple go-to activities that will keep your child busy playing by himself for those times when you need to get the dishes done, talk to a friend, fold the laundry -That these activities will keep her engaged (without you having to completely focus on her) -That you don't need the TV on in order to get things done -Having independent play activities ready will help you have a better attitude in your home -That you can spend more time with your kids when you're able to and not feel guilty when you don't. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1565207860469-M9F9KTWCSOB25S5UWIEX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers - What Your To-Do List Should Look Like https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1565208928251-Y8EAHABHCV7HTYG59ZUI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1565126044296-47J15ZYCG7D0D2K628R1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1565209288489-0HXLX3CX4QBHEZ21DXAO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1565207678997-7DLFRI82OKPM3VLQ6DZW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Encouraging Independent Play for Toddlers - Independent Play Activity #2 (From Hands On As We Grow): Fill up your sink with soapy water. Allow your toddler to wash his/her toys in the bubbles! https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/9/3/lyme-disease monthly 0.5 2019-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1570821868693-22CFUB6PSD6X34MJOI3T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - On How I Got Lyme Disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1571230393303-RZMP7SJA897QDPBVT04Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - On How I Got Lyme Disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1570822037632-CWPL9FEU40P4EJK88YQW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - On How I Got Lyme Disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1570821475342-HP61AK0N5YC704UWY2K8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - On How I Got Lyme Disease https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/2/19/the-minimalist-kitchen-book-review monthly 0.5 2020-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555364490185-A2L4EBU5WBZEJLE0JDHN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Minimalist Kitchen: Book Review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555364311463-GBF99QK78UBUDK1BXIP7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Minimalist Kitchen: Book Review - Are canned meals and frozen dinners becoming a thing of the past? Millenials are willing to stretch their budgets to eat well—but still eat conveniently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555364352907-5T0XQ2O08FVHZ1SMAEDB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Minimalist Kitchen: Book Review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555366032319-Z6I9RYZH2Q0QTKVICDJX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Minimalist Kitchen: Book Review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555442828785-JMDGLNSA775NXXYM5JYK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Minimalist Kitchen: Book Review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555364561547-F2NJC0VZYUF6LK2LGVC8/https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F33m4IQ7 Blog - The Minimalist Kitchen: Book Review - Melissa Coleman “Faux Martha” https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/4/16/fun-date-night-quizzes monthly 0.5 2019-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555621672066-XKM8HVYF6AJ0J13IFHLP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1556221479709-773AVCBRQF8B0M3BEWY3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1556222082049-X2SU72LLTPTPUTNTPK4G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1556221441593-92TWBIU7VRP8KT5OO53Z/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1556221645599-VES7139V2K6HQ2ABDUDT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1556221842842-0SCCMA67OKC48SKLQNDR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1556221731175-AQJ3GJYHU7HAGNX3M3R1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1556221499907-PUH4X14VHX0YDSDP2EJ2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 10 Fun Date Night Quizzes https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/5/2/my-chore-schedule monthly 0.5 2024-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1731462093570-2CEDER9RGIKR44L124P9/unsplash-image-4YCueV54nxU.jpg Blog - Daily Schedule Advice from a Mom of Five - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/4/3/springsummer-fashion-2019-mommified monthly 0.5 2019-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555010390672-3Z809AB4ZGABFEL5MX0K/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554837761646-YBD4H290V6C5S7E1H2BR/Yellow+3.jpg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified - pairing yellow with grey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554837782834-KBX1T932T6MRZ4OGPZ5J/Yellow+4.jpg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified - pairing yellow with beige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554839011632-9KZN4K0IFDSVAICUFLZT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554839118094-MPIIQTBEPJWNORCXX4K2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified - pants are changing Pants are getting wider, and the summer trend is that they end between the knee and the ankle. Since the nineties look is in, we’ll be seeing a lot of high-waisted jeans as well. Again, if you don’t like faded denim jeans (I don’t!) the principle to follow is capri length pants with a cinched waist. Alternatively, you can wear a high-waisted skirt that ends just below your knees. Pair either with a denim jacket. You can see examples of this look on my Pinterest board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554839475669-MYN9G05BK6TNJZSR7DMG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified - sunglasses are changing Along with the other nineties trends, sunglasses are also changing. We’ll be seeing more oval looks this summer. Last year the mirrored look was in, so I wonder if this summer we’ll be seeing round, mirrored sunglasses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554932285801-TGLL6UMXREWVZN0DQIME/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified - the spring/summer look in a nutshell The general silhouette of heavy on top and slim on the bottom will not follow-through into spring and summer. The look is going to change slightly as pants balloon. So the idea is to have a lot of flowy bits in your clothing. Think scarves, fringes, puffy sleeves, and ruching. The flowiness will be contained by a cinched waist with high-waisted pants, belts, and yes—fanny packs. If you are post-baby, pregnant, or breastfeeding, you might not be able to pull off the cinched waist. You can create the same illusion by getting a high-waisted skirt with a top that ends also at your waist. The monochromatic look will also be great for you because it draws the eye down and makes you look long and slim. Now an exception to this summer’s silhouette is bicycle shorts. Yes, bicycle shorts are in fashion! They’re basically the summer version of leggings. I think I can see myself wearing them with a longer flowy top, but otherwise I think I would feel a bit naked in them. Designers and fashionistas are pairing them with blazers in an attempt to upscale the look…you can decide what you like. I’ve put some examples on Pinterest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555013149504-ZHXB7VWCHK4KYB5ZLHK4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified - hair, face, and accessories Hair is still flowy with a centre part. I’m seeing a lot of balayage and ombre (basically lighter ends). Eyebrows are still thick (I wonder how long this trend will last??) Makeup is very natural leaning towards nude. I still like my bright lipstick, though… See my tired mommy makeup tips here. As for accessories, some fashionistas are saying that barrettes will be in fashion. This trend is also a throwback to the nineties (remember metal clips?) While hair will be flowy and natural, I think a barrette will be great on those windy days, and also a great way to keep the hair out of our face as we chase our kids around! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555012920240-C43PF06PHDK0PN5KLXRI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spring/Summer Fashion 2019 - Mommified - footwear You’ve probably already seen it—everywhere. The trend is sneakers, especially white sneakers. Some are even claiming “Dad” sneakers, you can see an example here. If you’re not into sneakers, I think the main idea is a clunky shoe with a platform. Other kinds of shoes that are making a reappearance from the nineties are pointy-toe shoes. You can get strappy versions of these for summer weather. I’m personally a shoe minimalist; I have one pair of sandals, one pair of summer boots, and one pair of heels. For sandals, I have been really happy with the brand Naot, I’ve bought the same pair of sandals from them now three times in a row. They’re basically the fancy version of a Birkenstock. https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/4/16/date-night-the-relationship-saver monthly 0.5 2020-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555443463433-IAX81YPOH99X7DT2BAYC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Date Night - the Relationship Saver https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/4/3/marriage-and-family-with-patrick-sullivan monthly 0.5 2019-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554319275854-J215V9ABT7YLS8B0DEU3/patrick-sullivan-evango-ontario.jpg Blog - Marriage and Family with Patrick Sullivan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554319409447-5SS34EHTHEPORMM81DFD/Evango-Card-1000x582.jpg Blog - Marriage and Family with Patrick Sullivan https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/yourpresencematters monthly 0.5 2020-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1553369048529-DXG8OB3SJNGE8ALTHOTB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Your Presence Matters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1554318856656-KTKADRGKP5AOFQK2SP3I/being+there.jpg Blog - Your Presence Matters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1553714515813-H1R0XZS0L7DPF5O5776P/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Your Presence Matters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1553714905158-SG3PDSY59JML3Q88AGY8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Your Presence Matters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1553715315304-2ZAF6H9SORD5OP6UE7EF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Your Presence Matters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1553715465809-WHTMKDBINIL16VC89170/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Your Presence Matters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1553715123214-9YXRWVBJAK6CQ7UE9VMW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Your Presence Matters https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/3/5/discovering-your-love-language monthly 0.5 2020-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1551815860060-Y8M2BNUATGPU6VW9LG5D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Discovering your Love Language https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1551815454812-MM7QXR8VG0357SBWGGVO/fivelove.jpg Blog - Discovering your Love Language https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2018/10/10/how-to-exercise-when-you-have-a-toddler monthly 0.5 2019-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1547670474478-A3JP8ZDV6Z7MJR1C1GN1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Exercise When You Have a Toddler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1547670344294-J5G7XMLK6E4SMGBKE24F/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Exercise When You Have a Toddler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1547670152804-LOV23SXM9P75LOES2LOO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Exercise When You Have a Toddler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1551725430539-8LSLD2ADU2AQCEWWIXRQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Exercise When You Have a Toddler https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2019/2/19/find-your-blue-flame monthly 0.5 2020-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1550605848469-LNIL1JGF6QHZUI50YNHX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Find your blue flame https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1550605746370-DHGY0F4DV951QVNURBUR/beautiful+dream.jpg Blog - Find your blue flame https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/podcast/episode1 monthly 0.5 2022-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1549402684168-2BHUJG8LONJYFOB664GR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The 4 Temperaments https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1549402322261-QDYX49MCINKZPC0JQV9Z/fourtemperaments.jpg Blog - The 4 Temperaments https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2018/10/12/tired-mommy-makeup-tips monthly 0.5 2020-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545164792105-FJVTBCCV1S4HWLXONWKD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545164610864-8C8EW3F6G9M72PUUKW05/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - Your Skin: shining again in a few seconds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545165242257-DKZRWAJ50DD6KN9M9T2X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - brighten your eyes with a little mascara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545164826700-HUG4REQYZSFNUQTD64W4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - tips on Finding the Right Lip Colour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545165476829-00CVKDIPLHDWJOA2RPTW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - look lively: accessorize https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545096958503-TLLMR8H5BOUXZDORQ3N0/mac+lipstick.jpg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - Mac Lipstick This lipstick is highly pigmented and looks great for effect. It also lasts a really long time (I’ve had mine for years). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545097237824-4M3U7AMP3F43YKFN74C2/burts+bees.jpg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - Burt's Bees Mascara It’s hard to find natural mascara that doesn’t dump black specks all over your eyes. I like the way this mascara adds volume and how it doesn’t irritate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545097578710-SSV2GCE3AZ5KFGIU1YRP/bb+cream.jpg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - BB Cream This BB Cream by Marcelle is easy and quick to apply. It’s a 3 in 1—lightweight moisturizer, tinted corrector and makeup base. Some variants of BB cream have sunscreen in them too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545098331070-CVJY7UP01SW8JM6TIUP7/dermablend.jpg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - Dermablend Concealer This stuff is amazing, it completely conceals dark circles and makes you look awake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545098460564-DAV82OSJZNPAG3XWQIWC/clinique.jpg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - Clinique Even Better I find this product blends really well and looks extremely natural. This is my third time purchasing it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545098753397-4Z8ECCAI61BCRQXPM41E/bite+beauty.jpg Blog - Tired Mommy Makeup Tips - Bite Beauty Crayon This Toronto based company makes lipstick out of all-natural products. It also stays on my lips all day, whether I’m eating or smooching my kids! https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2018/10/25/jordan-petersons-rules-for-disciplining-children monthly 0.5 2020-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1540497315703-TS9HPO2K319VNMWITQYW/Child-Together-Family-People-Parenting-Mother-1784371.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson’s Rules for Disciplining Children https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1555029393182-74EDX3N6P2SVOXC3S5WE/12+rules.jpg Blog - Jordan Peterson’s Rules for Disciplining Children https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2018/11/16/mr-messy-and-mrs-clean-a-love-story monthly 0.5 2020-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1542407004466-KCO70F4J0Q5TK94P92E4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1542407675523-LMOMU9WRB0AQ82Y48OLO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story - 1. Everything has its place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1542408130059-JZ3I3TOFKAFA87S9XMLB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story - 2. Make frequently used items easy to access https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545252656838-O6YL7V9MPVWEMGQ30PPM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story - 3. Make infrequently used items easy to find https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1542408783865-URRP0JHIPTF4SLRUI807/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story - 4. Your whole place can be tidied up in 5 min or less. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545252032891-4ID2MWCTUPSYZ74M107A/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545252518739-SU2E2ANN1R16L3LNPLOQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1545251623571-EDH2BX53Q1NAWLQWFYU5/confessions.jpg Blog - Mr. Messy and Mrs. Clean: A Love Story https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2018/11/24/navigating-a-nut-allergy monthly 0.5 2019-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543075884365-QDY1IPXZXQEETG7VWNGV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Navigating a Nut Allergy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543075735301-Z2ZMT2KSNU94FZ4RHE2X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Navigating a Nut Allergy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543076450863-AMG6EDAXP10Y7RYHBF9J/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Navigating a Nut Allergy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543076209827-B1DCG31DITL5HWRNOEPO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Navigating a Nut Allergy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543077348553-N7LN44S4YZ3HZRLCGUGX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Navigating a Nut Allergy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543077077558-KF2MO19XINYDVKHQ27H4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Navigating a Nut Allergy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543077146598-MWJOM77G1HK4991AKFH6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Navigating a Nut Allergy https://gandjshow.com/blogposts/2018/11/24/winter-fashion-2018-2019-mommified monthly 0.5 2019-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543097389850-G8SF1MOYUI5W6UWRXV2M/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Winter Fashion 2018-2019 – Mommified! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543098833608-W102OA2106B5437UAYO5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Winter Fashion 2018-2019 – Mommified! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543097874495-5SAODIJOC5CUV4WI5E6B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Winter Fashion 2018-2019 – Mommified! Principle 1: Overlayering https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543098312983-PV57C382H78C5MUNOESD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Winter Fashion 2018-2019 – Mommified! Principle 2: Heavy on top https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543098698074-S9N903PZRELC9GNI5PJH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Winter Fashion 2018-2019 – Mommified! Principle 3: Long Layers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543099113352-DHMHFUNOLDA0YBY2ISFH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Winter Fashion 2018-2019 – Mommified! 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She advised me, after my baby was born, to temporarily throw out my to-do list and just focus on being with my baby. This is a season, not the rest of your life. Lower your expectations. Try to accomplish one task a day for a week, and if you feel you have regained energy, then try two tasks a day. Even after my baby got older, I still had to lower my expectations for accomplishing projects. I find I have to let go of time limits and reimagine how I work. I have less chunks of productive time and have to make-do with little bits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1543963728087-YY0LJJSSSZIWASTJE1RR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 1 - anecdote My husband and I struggle being on the same page with our finances. He’s a spender and I’m a saver. It’s very tempting for me to step in and dominate the scene, bulldoze my husbands needs, and make sure our family stays on the right track. You might feel, like I do many times, that you can run the show on your own. What I have learned with our struggle to get on the same page with our finances (and not just get my husband on “my” page!) is that it’s not my marriage—it’s our marriage. Even if I might have legitimate concerns, we still have to work through it together. This team playing with something I take as seriously as our finances has been a huge hurdle for me, and I’m still learning! One breakthrough we had was to be completely transparent with each other. I think deep down sometimes our need for control is motivated by fear and a lack of trust. I think to build a thriving relationship you have to be willing to hope that you’ll be able to work it out together and to build trust slowly but surely through deep, sincere conversations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1544048136177-Q45NFI1RDLTFJ774N2P5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 1 - anecdote Instead of wedding planning, I used to dream as a child of becoming a career woman, traveling extensively, and living primarily out of a suitcase. I lived out this dream a few years ago before I started dating my husband. I took a job on the other side of the world and worked as an English Instructor at a university in Russia. I knew no one there, had limited access to Internet, and with the 15h time difference I made a short phone call once a week. I made new friends, but I realized pretty quickly that these relationships were superficial at best. There was no way to build a deep friendship like the ones I had back home in a short amount of time. And these fun, fleeting acquaintances were nice, but they could not support me or speak to me like someone who really knew me. That’s a different kind of loneliness, the loneliness of not being known. I think for me the realization that I needed other people—and that other people needed me—is what drew me back home. I realized I had a responsibility to the friends I had already made and that I wanted to be there for the big and the small events of my family members. For the first time I glimpsed the value of community. Now I may have had to go to extremes to realize something a phlegmatic or sanguine take on very naturally. But as a choleric, I needed to recognize the value of relationships and when I did, I made them a priority above everything else (as a choleric will do!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1544048857199-IGGT8X5VRABC0T9WXVZN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 1 - anecdote I often find myself in this situation! When I was younger I thought that other people were like marshmallows because they took what I said so seriously and offered no resistance. Other times I felt like a bull in a china shop, happy to tear things to pieces with my words. My thought was that if people disagreed with what I had to say, then they would speak up and tell me. As I’ve matured, I realize that I value relationships more than my opinions. But importantly, I remain firm on issues I feel are life/death or morally correct/incorrect. In these instances, depending on the situation, I will speak firmly but not aggressively. I take the time to listen to others’ opinions—to really listen—and possibly even change my point of view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1544049086806-ALW43ZQRZGKMKDAAOXD0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 1 - anecdote Over dinner the other night I noticed my husband do something that bothered me. I had noticed it before and meant to speak about it in private, but in the heat of the moment I ranted about how I disliked his manners and that I would not be seeing anyone acting in such a way at the dinner table—ever again. My husband’s disgruntled reaction signaled that I had done something wrong. I took a step back. I apologized. But it was only later in reflection that I understood why it hurt him. In the heat of the moment I had felt like I was championing good manners, but in reality I was steamrolling my husband’s opinions and feelings in order to get to what was “right.” Even though my suggestion was good (I still believe it!) in the future I’ll pursue getting my point across in a way that may take more time but will allow the person I’m correcting to know his/her feelings and opinion matter to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bbd45b37a1fbd3e81cb60d2/1544049817234-3SCM3FHRYB3CNF02WMLN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Choleric Wife: Part 1 - anecdote After a few days of my son asking continuously about Paw Patrol and then having a fit when I said he couldn’t watch it, I was starting to deplete my reservoir of gentle admonitions and discipline tactics. It did not help that I had not had much quiet time to myself that week and there were other stresses on my mind. I was concerned that I was starting to dislike my son and detest being around him. For the moment, I needed a new method. So I tried settling down on the floor and insisting we read a book together. This worked and allowed us to reconnect. 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