The Top 4 Marriage Killers

Don’t repeat my mistake.

Two summers ago, I found the most beautiful nightstands on FB marketplace. It was only after I haggled with the sellers, drove two hours with two babies, and lugged them up three flights of steps that I realized they were too bulky. 🫠 Oops.

So, what size should your nightstands be?

Knowledge awaits you, dear reader, but also:

• FASHION: What’s in and what’s out.

• MARRIAGE: The poisons and their antidotes

• INTELLECT: Poetry for the passions

• COMMUNITY: Soup for the souls

NIGHTSTANDS: One nightstand no more! Make it forever and invest, already. Before you spend the benjamins, know the rules. Number one: size. The table should be level to or 2-4 inches above the height of your bed and about 21-28” in width. For a king bed, you can go wide—up to 29”. Number two: contrast. Don’t get too matchy-match with your bed. Go for a warm wood if there’s no wood in the room or a pop of color to a bland bed. Black is always in style. Number three: storage. You’ll need to hide that retainer case and half empty hand lotion somewhere. Try some nice drawers or opt for a tableclothed round piece. If nightstands have been on the bedroom back burner, consider this is your sign to go for it.

NIGHTSTAND STYLING FORMULA 🪴 🕯📚

RELATIONSHIPS: The Gottman Institute calls these 4 communication style relationship killers — they call them “The Four Horseman” because they bring about the end of relationships.

They are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. We’ve all done them at one time or another. 😒 If your relationship communication is suffering, it may be because you are resorting to one of the horseman. There’s a lot to unpack here, but maybe start with this helpful chart of “antidotes”:

It’s never too late—7 Ways to Get the Most out of Your Marriage 🍋

FASHION: The 2010s called and they want their half curled hair back. Here’s what to lose and what to flaunt this season:

1. Out: Skinny Jeans. In: Anything else…wide leg, flare, cargo, and 90s straight-cut…and grey is getting more action

2. Out: no-show socks. In: ankle length and sheer socks paired with heels

3. Out: straight ended curls (see above). In: 90s Blowouts, side -swept curtain bangs, and pretty braided updos

4. Out: black skinny leggings. In: Black bootcut leggings

5. Out: cutouts. (Thank God) In: asymmetrical hemlines 🤔

6. Out: Midi skirts In: Maxi Skirts 

Don’t kill the messenger…and I’m sure by the pendulum sway of things, what goes around comes around. But seriously, good riddance skinny jeans!

• Soup and Stations this weekend? This Lenten meal is a crowd pleaser.

• Tell me you’re a fashion forward homeschooler without telling me you’re a fashion-forward homeschooler 💃🏿

• Mother Natalia’s Tips on Tenderness…a must listen

• Mona Lisa’s Minestrone…🎃

• Poem: “Argument of Periapsis”

• 6/10 elderly who fall don’t recover—here’s your prevention medicine

• Is this your Topanga Era?

I’m still learning these myself - believe me. But, I’m starting to think all of our “adult” problems can be avoided (or at least mitigated) if we:

• Pray.

• Regularly work out.

• Eat real food.

• Get outdoors for a minimum of 30 minutes every day.

• Cultivate 3 close friendships.

• Live below your means.

  - Mr6am

Can I get an Amen?

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Have a wonderful week, and, until next time,