by kathilipp | Oct 11, 2010 | The Husband Project, tips and ideas, Uncategorized |
First off – the winner (who was randomly picked) of last week’s give away is:Susan Bringard. Please send your mailing address to Sunnie @ kathilipp.com by Wednesday and we will get the book in the mail to you.
Impromptu Husband Project 5 day challenge:
Each day this week, I will post a little challenge here on the blog. If you actually DO the challenge, let me know by putting it in that day’s comments, and you will be entered to win that day’s giveaway. All winners will be drawn on Saturday, so you have a couple of days to finish each task if you need it, but really? I am going to keep them so simple you will be able to do them with no problem (hey, isn’t that what The Husband Project is all about?
Project #1 YOU D’ MAN – Spreading some great gossip about your man.
In this project, all you have to do is do a little bit of bragging about your guy. (And no, bragging in the comments here on the blog to a bunch of people your husband doesn’t know does not count…)
I want you to tell someone you both know how great your husband is (or maybe that he is super sexy because he did the dishes without being asked.)
And bonus? You get double entries if you brag about him to either of your mothers or kids.
So post in the comments what you said about your man and to who, and you will be enterend in the drawing for Red Hot Monogomy! (But really, the real reward? Making your husband feel like a Rock Star…)
by kathilipp | Aug 8, 2010 | Me, The Husband Project, Uncategorized |
As you probably know from the kind of books I write, I am pretty crazy about my husband.
But, just like every other marriage, unless I am intetional about letting him know it, I can sometimes forget that little fact.
I have certain things that stress me out in our relationship:
- Traveling Together
- Directions while traveling
- Traveling with kids
(Do you see a pattern here?)
It can be hard to remember all the reasons that Roger rocks my world on a regular basis.
So instead of silently pouting and waiting until it all gets better, (because really? I was the one with the attitude this weekend…) it’s time for my campaign to let Roger know that I love him.
So here are three simple things I am going to do to improve my relationship with my man, today.
- Leaving a Post-it Y’all know I have a deep affection for my office supplies. When I can combine my love of all things form Office Depot with my love of my man, it’s a beautiful thing. So I’m going to let Roger know – via sticky note – one of the reasons I love him.
- Make Him a Treat Baked goods always make Roger feel loved. I have time today to make him something (OK – so it will probably involve a mix, but still…) but if I didn’t, there is no reason I can’t get him something from Safeway.
- Brag on Him It takes about two seconds to think of something great about Roger – but that does little good unless I share it. Sometimes, I need to share it with Rog, but it is way more effective to let someone he knows how much he rocks.
So today, I want you to join me in a love-a-thon. Will you do one thing to let your man know he rocks? tell us what you did (or are going to do) and I will enter you into a drawing for one of my favorite marriage-enhancing books:
Red-Hot Monogomy by Bill and Pam Farrel.
Make sure you let me know know what it is, here on the blog, by Wednesday, and I will enter you into the drawing.
by kathilipp | Jan 14, 2010 | The Husband Project |
Every once in a while I like to give you a glimpse into the people who are using the stuff on this blog and the books – and how it is actually working. Here is a posting I found on a blog by Elizabeth at California Mommy in Real Life
.
“Some friends of mine and I went through a book together not to change our partners but to become better partners ourselves. We chose Kathi Lipp’s The Husband Project.
The premise is 21 Days of Loving Your Husband. The great thing is that it’s all a secret, you can’t tell your partner you are doing this. In the first year of my marriage, this was such a great tool for me to learn an important lesson: give and serve your partner without expecting a thank you or response. This is still a hard thing for me do because when I do something nice, usually my motivation is recognition. But Kathi’s book really teaches you to avoid this pitfall.
The best part was after day one of the Project, when I was seven months pregnant, Kyle asked me if my obstetrician had given me Prozac. Oh man. That’s when I knew that this project had come at just the right time. Check it out, it’s well worth it!”
by kathilipp | Nov 24, 2009 | The Husband Project, Uncategorized |
Your Project:
Let him win the media wars as you suggest an action-packed-car-chasing-things-exploding thriller.
It’s the last day of the challenge – plus it’s the day before Thanksgiving – the perfect time to snuggle down and watch a movie with your man. Congrats on getting this far – so take a little time to relax with your man.
So in the interest of public service to the wife community, I’ve compiled a list of guy movies for you to choose from.
Thanks to my guy friends for their insight and comments. They have preformed a great service to women everywhere.
Guy Movies
Anything with Al Pacino
Anything with Marlon Brando (pre-Don Juan Demarco)
Anything with Bruce Willis
Sports
Field of Dreams
“Baseball. Need I say more?” Steve
We are Marshall
“Inspiring, true, sports story,” Scott
Action
Back to the Future trilogy
Steve says,” I’ve always been interested in time travel. The only think that would have made it better would be a cameo by Molly Ringwald.”
Mission Impossible 1,2,3,
Bourne Supremacy and all the sequels
The Net
Lord of the Ring: The Return of the King
“Great story, great action, worth sitting through three hours.” Karl
Violence
Gladiator
“Total macho movie, lots of action, however good plot and I love the soundtrack. This is one of the few movies where you don’t mind being the guy wearing the skirt.” Karl
Saving Private Ryan
Steve says, “Groundbreaking cinema, pro-military without being pro-war.”
The Shawshank Redemption
“Morgan Freeman and good over evil. What more could you ask for?” Charles
(Note from Kathi: While these are the hardest movies for me to watch, they do give me ample opportunity to bury my face in my husband’s shoulder.)
Humor
Young Frankenstein
“Seriously funny movie, quotes are memorable and make me laugh out loud whenever I think about that movie.” Karl
Oceans 11
Romance
(This was a trick category – if you think this falls under guy movies, you are still thinking like a chick.)
Movies Both Guys and Girls Like
This is a magical list. Every Hollywood producer is looking for that mystical intersection of entertaining males and delighting females. Here’s a group of movies that, from my research, is a pretty sure bet for both of you:
Princess Bride – Don’t let the title fool you – even the teenage boys in our home love this movie.
What’s Up, Doc?
Indiana Jones (1 and 3 – but don’t even bother with 2)
City Slickers
Field of Dreams
Shrek
Chick Flicks
Only to be watched with girlfriends and large supplies of tissues and chocolates.
• An Affair to Remember
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• Steel Magnolias
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Say Anything (John Cusack declaring his eternal love with a boom box? It’s the fantasy of many a girl and the impossible-to-live-up-to standard for every guy.)
• Anything with Meg Ryan
• Anything written by Jane Austin
Prayer for Today
Dear God, help me enjoy the things that my husband enjoys – let him see that I try to connect with him in ways that are big and small.
Getting Creative
• It doesn’t matter if this happens at home or at the local Cineplex. Just find the movie and go.
• Don’t want your husband’s suspicions to be aroused? Perhaps get two movies – one that you both agree on and one just for him.
by kathilipp | Nov 24, 2009 | The Husband Project |
Project #20
Post – It Notes – Man’s Greatest Invention
Leave a Word of Encouragement
Win today’s giveaway!
Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 5:00 PST on Wednesday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize: Deluxe Post-It Pack!
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
And yesterday’s winner? Mica!
Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you!
Your Project:
Leave a cute and flirty note for your husband to find.
“A simple word can renew hope.”
Lois Mayday Rabey
Keep it simple today. Put a Post-it in his briefcase, on his dashboard, in his wallet, anywhere that he will find it. Make it fun, make it flirty, but just make sure he is the one who will find it. (Wink-wink.)
Crib Notes: 21 Post-It-Sized Encouragements
1. I’m praying for you today.
2. Those jeans are really working for you…
3. I love you.
4. You are the best dad!
5. You’re the kind of husband that makes the other wives jealous.
6. You rock my world!
7. Can’t wait to see you tonight – meet me upstairs…
8. Thanks for working hard to provide for us. I appreciate all that you do.
9. You make me feel beautiful.
10. I thank God for you everyday.
Let’s Be More Specific
I gave you that list in case this whole exercise is a challenge for you. If it feels uncomfortable leaving a note for your husband, it you get writer’s block even when the blank page is post-it note sized, just use one of the above phrases to get you started.
However, if you’re comfortable, and can get a little more personal, I would highly encourage you to do so.
“Specific praise is far better than general praise.”
Gary Smalley
Prayer for Today
Wherever he is God, remind my husband that he is loved and thought of.
Getting Creative
Think about your husband’s day and all the places he might find the note:
• His car’s spare change tray
• His drawer in the bathroom
• Under his car keys
• Your mailbox
• In his shoe
• In the medicine cabinet
It’s also very important that he find it when no one else is around.
I once decorated my husband’s lunch bag with hearts and little notes saying how much I loved him. He took the opportunity to let me know that it was better if we kept those things private.
Project Reports
“I had planned to put a note in his suitcase for his trip to LA, but I didn’t have time to pull it together, so instead, I will decorate his home office with romantic notes. We used to do so many romantic things for each other when we were dating, but we are so loaded with responsibilities with our children that we can’t seem to get the daily stuff done. It also got me thinking about the many sweet and incredibly romantic things he did for me when we were dating and newly married. I know that it will stir up memories for him too.”
Elaine
by kathilipp | Nov 22, 2009 | The Husband Project |
Win today’s giveaway! Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 5:00 PST on Friday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize: The Marriage Code
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
And yesterday’s winner? Heidi! Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you!
Project #19
The Service Here is Excellent
Bringing Home the B&B Experience
One of our favorite getaway spots is a little bed and breakfast in the mountains. When you ask my husband why he likes it so much, you very well might hear about the cheese and cracker plate with fruit that is always waiting for us when we arrive. My thought has
always been, “Great, we just spent the equivalent of a month’s worth of groceries on a cheese and cracker plate.”
Why We Love a Good Bed and Breakfast
What is it about the Bed and Breakfast experience that makes us want to fork over upwards of $200 a night to sleep on somebody else’s she
ts and eat clotted eggs in the morning?
- The room is cleaned every day. Now I know some of you actually do this but it doesn’t matter. It’s so much better and it just feels cleaner when somebody else does it for you.
- The bed is made. Now I know I’m spoiled, because my husband makes the bed everyday. But, how great is it when you’re gone even for just half an hour you come back and the bed is done up. The pillows are fluffed and there’s a little mint sitting there waiting to be indulged in. There is no better feeling on the planet.
Back Home and Back to Reality
Sadly, most of us can’t afford to camp out in the local bed-and-breakfast on a regular basis. So it’s probably time to bring some of that bed-and-breakfast experience home.
Here are a few simple tips from designer and author Kathryn Bechen to help you get that restful and relaxed feeling in your own bedroom:
1. Clutter Cutter. De-clutter your bedroom when you begin your fluff-up. Nothing kills romance faster than a pile of dusty magazines and techno paraphernalia.
2. Maid Brigade. Next are the dust rag and vacuum. Turn on some music and make it fun!
3. Sensuous Sheets. Purchase some colorful new sheets in a pattern you love with a thread count of at least 300.
4. Divine Duvet. Invest in a pretty new duvet cover or bedspread. It will freshen up the room instantly.
5. Pillow Pizzazz. Some new pillows and pillowcases that coordinate with your sheets and duvet will add softness to your bed.
6. Flower Finesse. Buy some fresh flowers and put them in a favorite vase.
7. Candle Cozy. A few flickering candles will add
instant romance to your new B&B bedroom.
8. Music Magic. Now for some light jazz or classical music to set the tone for the evening.
9. TV Tune-out. Unless you and your mate purposely choose to watch a funny or romantic movie together, turn the TV off.
10. Tray of Delights. Bring in a drink and cheese tray with some fresh fruit, dim the lights, and you’re on your way to a lovely and ro
antic stay in your very own Bed & Breakfast Inn bedroom. Enjoy!
Chocolate Dipped Fruit
1 pkg. milk chocolate morsels (11½ ounces…2 cups)
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
Strawberries, grapes, bananas, apples, kiwi, or pineapple
Melt milk chocolate morsels and shortening over hot (not boiling) water; stir until smooth. Remove from heat, but keep over hot water. (If chocolate thickens, return to heat; stir until smooth.) Dip pieces of fruit into chocolate; gently shake off excess. Place on foil-lined cookie sheets. Chill 10-15 minutes until chocolate is set. Peel off foil. Fruit may be kept at room temperature up to 1 hour. If chocolate becomes sticky, return to refrigerator. Makes 1 cup melted chocolate. In microwave, melt on high 1 minute; stir. Repeat.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, remind me to treat my husband with more care and honor than any guest who comes into our home.
Getting Creative
- My husband loves a special kind of root beer that we cannot keep stocked in the house. (With four teenagers it’s hard to keep them from eating anything within their line of sight.) If I want to make sure he can have a cold drink after work, I hide it under the veggies in the crisper – no chance of the kids looking there.
- If your husband gets home before you do, plan ahead by hiding a treat in the fridge for him. Call during the day to let him know that it’s waiting for him.
Project Reports
“Fridays are the favorite day in our house. We try as much as possible to keep Friday nights free. I know my husband likes to come home Friday night and have nothing to do. I am the one who wants friends over for dinner and/or go to a friend’s home for dinner. It is not my husband’s favorite thing to do. He wants to be home and relax.
This past Friday I set out all of his favorite snacks so when he arrived home he was greeted with food and beverage. I had to pick up one of our children so was not home right when he got home. When I arrived home I was greeted at the door with a very nice kiss. I know he appreciates the thought that goes into making his homecoming special.”
Sue
