Written by Candace on February 12, 2014 | 2 Comments

Valentine’s Day Dinner Party

In case you’ve forgotten, this Friday is Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t made plans yet, it’s never too late!

Vitaliy and I used to not like Valentine’s Day. We always thought it was unromantic to be told to be romantic. You know what I mean? However, the past few years we’ve grown to liking it because we found good ways to give it purpose. Any excuse to share and spread love sounds like a good idea to me. But it needs to be authentic and meaningful which is precisely why I love this Valentine’s Day Dinner Party from Delighted Magazine.

Here’s the scoop! Grab one or two other couples. I’d recommend keeping it small so it’s more intimate. And don’t feel the need to do anything over the top. All of the details Mandy uses in her dinner party are easy and approachable. If you don’t have time to cook a big meal, grab store bought or take-out. This night is not about impressing, it’s about connecting. Write out fun get-to-know-each-other questions on hearts to keep the conversation going and geared around celebrating love. For example, have each couple share the story of how they met. You’ll get to know your friends better while also being reminded why you fell in love with your spouse or significant other in the first place.

To see more photos, get more details, and the recipe for the bubbly drink you see here, be sure to check out the latest issue of Delighted Magazine.

Sharing your love story with others is a great way to show affection for the person you love. Give it a try!

Chime in or Share

Written by Candace on February 11, 2014 | 2 Comments

Date Idea:
Dining Table Tennis

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it hundred times more – there is value in date nights.

Each one is like making a personal investment into your relationship. Whether they are simple or elaborate. Whether they are emotional or just plain fun. Each is worth the time and energy you put in.

I have a lot of friends with children who have a hard time making date nights happen. Babysitters are expensive and date nights take even more energy to plan when you already feel depleted. If you’re in that boat, we have a treat for you today. I got a little help on this one from my friend and mother of two, Kate, from StyleSmaller. She found a perfect way to have a little friendly competition with her husband without having to leave the house. A perfect date idea to enjoy after putting the kids to bed at night.

Introducing Dining Table Tennis by Red Envelope. Let the games begin!

This would be a unique Valentine’s Day gift and one that could result in a ton of fun. And since February is all about being affectionate, feel free to offer hugs, kisses, tickling and teasing to your opponent.

If you think someone else might enjoy this date idea too, please feel free to SHARE.

P.S. Check out our instagram feed to see the date idea in action!

Chime in or Share

Written by Candace on February 6, 2014 | 7 Comments

2014 Goal Setting

A couple weeks ago, Vitaliy and I started going through our personal photos from 2013 in order to design a family photo album to commemorate our year.

I came across this photo of me and it made me stop. I wish I knew what I was thinking. I don’t recall the moment clearly, but I look so free and relaxed. That’s what I want! I want to make more moments like this in 2014. I want to feel the wind blowing in my hair. I want to breathe. To close my eyes and take it all in. To rest.

I’m slowly but surely making my way through my powersheets. I haven’t even completed them yet and I can already see them helping me make real change in my life. Here are the goals I’ve set for 2014. I’ve broken them down much more in detail in my worksheets, but these are the overarching goals I’m working towards this year.

1. I want to live a life of less.
2. I want to know God, love Jesus, and hear the Holy Spirit.
3. I want to be a healthy person – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
4. I want to make marriage happen – my own and others’.
5. I want to book 25 weddings this year.
6. I want to grow as a leader.
7. I want to grow in my knowledge and understanding of finances.
8. I want to be a better wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
9. I want to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and grace.
10. I want to continue learning, through reading and writing.

These are obviously big picture goals, but I’ll soon be breaking them down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals. The smaller the goal the more achievable it becomes. Each step I take on my achievable goals will bring me that much closer to my big dream goals above. I’m seeking progress, not perfection.

I thought I’d share these here to hold me accountable. To get my thoughts down on paper and out into the world. And in case anyone else wants to make some change happen in there life, come join me! You can find the powersheets here.

P.S. I also previously wrote how we are using the powersheets in our marriage too.

Chime in or Share