LOVED Yesterdays ideas about working together with your man. If you haven’t had a chance to read through them, take a minute and look at all the brilliance y’all have.
Win today’s giveaway! Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 7:00 PST on Sunday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize:Simply Beautiful – Inside and Out
Simply Beautiful Inside and Out
Make the most of what you’ve got – effortlessly, every day!
* Dress to flatter your figure * Use color effectively * Organize the closet with ease * Choose the right styles and accessories * Find the right hair style * Dress for your personality * Simplify your beauty routine * Save time and money shopping * Put together outfits with pizzazz * Develop a daily meditation time * Gain a healthy self image * Experience real joy
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
While this is the first week of our project, if you have friends who want to join in, let them know that they can jump in any time. You don’t need to have The Husband Project book in order to participate, but you definitely will get more out of this(and be able to plan better) if you read along. You can order it on Amazon or for a special price on my website.
And yesterday’s winner? Tracy! Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you!
Project #10
Dress to Impress
Something Just for Him
Your Project:
Wear something just for him. You can go buy something, or pick an item you already own. He doesn’t need to know what you’re doing – you know, and that will change a little something inside of you.
Not Just About the Clothes
There was a time in the not too distant past where I was ponytail crazy. Between hitting the gym, running kids to school and activities, and oh, trying to produce an income to feed and shelter four teenagers, my hair was the last thing on my to-do list. It was enough work just getting to my stylist, Franc, once a month to guarantee that I remained a redhead.
The problem was, I knew that Roger hated my convenient hairstyle of choice. He said that he loved it when I wore my hair down, loose, and curly.
That’s when the inner dialog started. Perhaps you’re familiar with this little speech:
OK – fine, I get it. He likes my hair down (when I wear skirts, when I wear jeans instead of sweats, when I wear blue…) doesn’t he understand that it takes time to do all that “girly” stuff? Oh sure, I could be perfectly done-up if I had a stylist and a make-up crew. All he has to do is throw on a pair on clean jeans and make sure there is no visible nose hair. Who does he think he is? Well if he helped out more with stuff around the house, then maybe I would have time to look like I didn’t just roll out of bed… I cannot believe how selfish he is!
All this because he told me how pretty I looked with my hair down.
Poor guy.
Our husbands like being married to women. Not that we have to be dressed in Laura Ashley, looking like an extra from Little House on the Prairie in a flowered smocking dress, just like a girl. In fact, I get more compliments from my guy when I am wearing my leather jacket and favorite jeans than when I get all “dolled up.” He just loves when I make the effort to look like my full time job is something other ditch digger.
Wearing my hair loose and curly, wearing his favorite color, or the necklace that he gave me last Christmas is just a little something to let him know that I ‘m thinking about him and care about his opinion.
Do a Little Research
Do you already know what your husband loves to see you in? If not, it may be time to do a little investigating, or even outright ask him.
The challenge here is that when you ask him, you also need to be prepared to listen to what he says. If you’re not willing to listen when he’s brave enough to tell you that he’s not a huge fan of the sweater with the feathers on it, then you need to respect him enough to stop wearing the sweater.
To ask, and then ignore, his opinion, is much worse than never asking at all.
Beauty Without Vanity
Subconsciously, women may wrestle with wearing nice clothes or doing your hair and make-up because of feeling undeserving of such an Extreme Makeover wardrobe. Or, perhaps, it’s a struggle because we might consider ourselves unspiritual or self-absorbed if we spend too much time on looking good.
I love how Jill Swanson, author of Simply Beautiful, Inside and Out, opens up her book talking about “Beauty Without Vanity”:
“Balancing beauty with humility is an ongoing struggle for today’s woman. None of us want to appear vogue on the outside and vague on the inside. If we were to be honest with ourselves, we would all like to look the best we can. Clothing and appearance affect how we feel and think about ourselves. They can lift our spirits and help give us confidence to face the real world.
The body is God’s handiwork. We have a responsibility to take care of it and to present ourselves in a way that will compliment the Kingdom of God. How we appear on the outside reflects our integrity and competence. Through initial contact with people, fifty-five percent of our perceived credibility is based on appearance alone! First impressions lay the groundwork for establishing trust and believability.”
Prayer for Today
Dear God, I pray my husband knows he’s special to me in every way – that he is worth the extra effort.
Getting Creative
· Is your husband a sports fan? Maybe the sexiest thing you could wear is a t-shirt with his team’s logo on it.
· The next time you’re shopping, start to think about your husband’s favorite color. Chances are it is blue – lucky us! There is a shade of blue that looks great on everyone. Make sure to mention that you bought it with him in mind.
Project Reports
“I had bought a new shirt a few weeks ago. Every time I wear it he says “I like that shirt” or “That shirts looks nice” so I wore that shirt today, occasionally throughout the day I remember his comments and feel more confident. He did not say anything this time, but he has said it enough a few times before so I know how he feels.”
Linda
Today I will wear a pair of gold earrings my husband gave me. The card that he wrote when he gave them to me read “I love you more each day.” So I call them my “I love you more each day earrings.” (I’m not real creative!) He is impressed that I remember what he had written on the card.
Win today’s giveaway! Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 7:00 PST on Friday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize:
An Advanced Copy of The Marriage Project (coming out Dec. 1)
I am so excited about today’s prize! Win this kit from Cheryl at An Occasional Chocolate and get a great recipe for making your own Gourmet Caramel Apples.
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
While this is the second week of our project, if you have friends who want to join in, let them know that they can jump in any time. You don’t need to have The Husband Project book in order to participate, but you definitely will get more out of this(and be able to plan better) if you read along. You can order it on Amazon or for a special price on my website.
And yesterday’s winner? Deanna.! Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you! Thanks again Cheryl from
Today, it’s coming to help your husband to get the job done. Help him get one of his regular duties off his list, or come along side him and assist in a project that he enjoys.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
Henry Ford
Teaming Up
It could be as simple as taking out the garbage, cooking dinner, or washing his car alongside him. Offering to do a job with your man is a great way to get the job done and have some fun along the way.
I have always had the fantasy (I think along with most of my friends,) that the way my husband and I are going to continue the honeymoon is by candlelit dinners and romantic strolls along tree-laden paths, with a string quartet playing softly in the background, and then to a swelling crescendo, when he declares his everlasting love for me. Plus, the occasional large piece of jewelry would definitely help in keeping that loving feeling alive.
But, the truth as I know it is that the times I look back on with the most affection are the long hours we talked about love and life while reorganizing the camping equipment on the racks in the garage, or the time we tried to repeat a chicken picatta recipe that we enjoyed at a local restaurant. Not only is the work more fun, it’s less of a chore when you work together.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
The other benefit to working together is that you’ll be able to complement and celebrate each other’s natural strengths. Where you are weak, and your husband is strong, he will be able to help you.
Is there a part of a chore that your husband hates, but you don’t mind, or even, enjoy? Support him in a loving and affirmative way by taking the part that you do well, and let his strengths shine. (Plus, if you’re like Roger and me, you’ll be happy to have your husband at the ready, able to reach the fire alarm when some of your cooking experiments have gotten out of hand.)
Prayer for Today
Dear God, let my husband feel he has a partner in me. May he be blessed and supported by me everyday.
Getting Creative
Make it fun and get “his” work done so you can both play.
·?Does he enjoy cooking? Maybe he would appreciate a prep cook for the day. Let him perform his sauté magic while you chop, clean and do whatever it is that will let him release the Rocco within.
·If he’s one of those clean car freaks (we don’t have any at our house, but I have heard they exist) use your Handyvac skills to clean the inside while he works on the outside.
·Would he rather work alone? Get him a cold drink or a hot chocolate to let him know you’re grateful for all he does.
Project Reports
My husband likes to do the dishes after dinner to relax. So tonight I will dry them while he washes. Should be fun!
Strawberry
This one is hard for us, since we have four kids; we usually have children helping as well. Also, I already take the trash out, wash the cars and ride the mower. Yes, things I love that he does not enjoy. At times I feel like others look down on him because I do those things, but I am the one home and I have no problem doing them. Sometimes husbands just love it when we sit and watch them do something they love. For Jeff it’s the x-box. He loves it when I watch him play or attempt to learn and play myself. It’s a stretch for me since I don’t really like video games.
Win today’s giveaway! Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 7:00 PST on Thursday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize:
I am so excited about today’s prize! Win this kit from Cheryl at An Occasional Chocolate and get a great recipe for making your own Gourmet Caramel Apples.
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
While this is the first week of our project, if you have friends who want to join in, let them know that they can jump in any time. You don’t need to have The Husband Project book in order to participate, but you definitely will get more out of this(and be able to plan better) if you read along. You can order it on Amazon or for a special price on my website.
And yesterday’s winner? Jessica C.! Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you!
Project #8
Location, Location, Location
A Special Treat in a Special Place
Your Project:
Make it food and make the location fun. Really, that’s all it is.
It’s food again, but this time it’s all about setting.
In our culture, food is innately tied to celebration. If someone gets a promotion, has a birthday, or even scores an A on a test, the first words out of our mouths are often, “We should celebrate! Where do you want to go to eat?” I’m not saying it’s the best plan (especially, if like me, and half the other citizens of the United States, you or your husband struggles with weight issues) but it is a reality.
So, instead of focusing solely on the food this time, think about making a small event out of it.
A Cozy Corner at Home
A favorite spot at our house is the fire pit on our tiny back patio. In one of the top kitchen cabinets, hidden deep so that no one eats through our supply, is a stash of marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey’s bars for s’mores that we can roast over an open flame.While the s’mores are a family favorite, Roger and I also love to take coffee and hot cocoa out by the fire and sit and talk.
Location Plus Atmosphere
Think of some other ways to turn your treat into a memorable moment. I have an iTunes list of songs that I know are my guy’s favorites. While I may never have thought to put together a list that includes Jars of Clay, James Taylor and the Soundtrack to Shrek, I know it makes him happy.
Maybe it’s doing a tailgater at a football game, or going to his favorite coffee shop and reading the paper with him on a Saturday morning. Donuts in bed? Whatever would be fun for him is the Your Plan for the Project.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, teach me to create places of celebration – no matter how small – inside and outside my home that will make my husband feel loved.
Getting Creative
No need to get super fancy here. If he simply enjoys popcorn in front of the TV, that’s OK. Some other ideas?
* If he enjoys being outside, how about dinner in the back yard? I have a friend who doesn’t have patio furniture, so she actually drags her wooden breakfast table and chairs outside. It’s not about resources, it is about creativity. * One thing our family has done on several occasions, especially when the kids were little, was to do the carpet picnic. Spread out some quilts, watch a movie and enjoy the great indoors. (This would be a great night not to serve soup.) * Pack one of his favorite snacks for a long trip. * For a more grownup encounter, how about a shower or bath with chocolates…
Project Reports
“I am going to shock the socks off my husband and get up when he does (4:30 in the morning), make him coffee and bring him a cup while he is in the shower. He will definitely know something is Up!”
SH
“Yummy yum! I made hubby’s favorite Cheesy Chicken recipe. His favorite place for food is at the table with our family so we kept the location traditional (have to go with what works for your hubby’s personality/preferences). I might try for a picnic when the weather allows.”
Karmyn
“Yes, it is all about location, location, location…. our favorite place is on the front porch … whether it’s a picnic lunch on paper plates or sit down dinner (with the card table covered in a tablecloth and “real” dishes) – we have many great memories of eating/relaxing in our outdoor living room!”
Sherry
“We were at my mom’s on Thanksgiving break. I brought him breakfast in bed, along with the whole family. We all sat in bed for an hour eating our fruit loops, coffee and bananas, watching cartoons. He loved it, said it was better than back in the day when it was just us.”
Strawberry
“I’m going to set up a special lunch table in the staff room where he works. Food, candles, tablecloth and cloth napkins. Hopefully he will react more favorably than he did to breakfast in bed.”
Win today’s giveaway! Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 7:00 PST on Wednesday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize: Red Hot Monogamy by Bill and Pam Farrel
The Marriage Code – Codes are all around us: access codes for banking accounts, to make reservations for travel, or to gain entry into buildings or our own computers.Do you want to know how to use a code to move your marriage “above the line of success and security” where everything is good, life is enjoyable and romance sizzles? In Bill and Pam Farrel’s newest book, The Marriage Code, couples will learn the secret code to unlock love. The Farrels are relationship specialists, international speakers and authors of over 30 books including best selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti. With their characteristic humor, solid wisdom, and practical illustrations, the Farrels will help you use the marriage code to gain entry into your mate’s heart and life. If you want to trade in conflict for connection, use The Marriage Code. New release special:
The Farrels present difficult–to–discuss topics and biblical truths in universal language with sensitivity, fun, and understanding.
For newlyweds, golden anniversary celebrants, and all couples in between—this book inspires the gift of romance and passion to fuel lives with love.
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
While this is the first week of our project, if you have friends who want to join in, let them know that they can jump in any time. You don’t need to have The Husband Project book in order to participate, but you definitely will get more out of this(and be able to plan better) if you read along. You can order it on Amazon or for a special price on my website.
And yesterday’s winner? Amber Oliveira! Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you!
Project #7
Trophy Wife
Looking Goooood for Your Man
Your Project:
Do one thing to make an effort to look nice just for your guy. It can be clothing, hair or make-up.
Miranda Priestly: …You have no sense of fashion… Andy Sachs: I think that depends on… Miranda Priestly: No, no, that wasn’t a question.
– The Devil Wears Prada
Most husbands are pretty visual creatures. They love to be proud of the way you look. Is it possible (just maybe… please don’t take offense here) that you’re not putting in the effort that you once did when it comes to looking your best? Do you get all dressed up to go out to dinner with your girlfriends, but put on the same old sweatshirt to grab food with your man?
·If this is an area you struggle in, it may be time to do some research on the topic. Do your homework by watching fashion TV (What Not to Wear or Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style) or reading up on the subject. One of my favorite books is Simply Beautiful: Inside and Out by Jill Swanson. Please note—I’m not saying you have to spend a lot of money! These days you can find cute clothes at Target and other less expensive stores. You just have to take the time to find the right fit and the right look just for you.
So here is a philosophical question: What if you wrote a blog posting and nobody read it? Would it still be a blog posting? I messed up my posting while I was out of tome for the weekend (without internet). So we are a couple of days behind. that’s OK, your husband will still love your loving – no matter when it happens.
Win today’s giveaway! Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 7:00 PST on Tuesday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize: Red Hot Monogamy by Bill and Pam Farrel
With their trademark insight, humor, and candid personal perspectives, Bill and Pam Farrel reveal the truths about the sexual relationship in marriage and what husbands and wives need to know to keep the embers burning.
Sex is like fireworks!—why a little skill turns marriage into red–hot monogamy
How sex works best emotionally, physically, and physiologically
How to avoid the pleasure thieves that steal your chance for fulfillment
The Farrels present difficult–to–discuss topics and biblical truths in universal language with sensitivity, fun, and understanding.
For newlyweds, golden anniversary celebrants, and all couples in between—this book inspires the gift of romance and passion to fuel lives with love.
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
While this is the first week of our project, if you have friends who want to join in, let them know that they can jump in any time. You don’t need to have The Husband Project book in order to participate, but you definitely will get more out of this(and be able to plan better) if you read along. You can order it on Amazon or for a special price on my website.
And yesterday’s winner? Stacy! Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you!
Project #6
A Little Hands-on Attention
Meeting Your Husband’s Physical (Touch) Needs
“When you touch a body, you touch the whole person, the intellect, the spirit, and the emotions.” – Jane Harrington
“He who feels it, knows it more.” – Bob Marley
Your Project:
Do something to help your husband enjoy physical touch. Find something that will help him relax. New pillows, massage lotions, a back rub…your choice. Make it something that both of you will enjoy.
What does your husband consider relaxing?
Here’s the project where you get to choose between Thai, Indian, and Moroccan, learn about choosing and blending oils, and get elbow-deep in the technique of kneading. Nope – it’s not watching the Food Chanel together – it’s all about massage.
Remember when you were dating how hard it was to keep your hands off of each other? Fortunately, Roger and I had excellent chaperones while we were engaged (four teenage kids). I remember thinking, “I cannot wait to be married so we can actually be alone and do all this hugging and kissing and…”
After a few years of marriage, however, I seem to have developed excellent self-control.
If I had to pick one love language for my husband, it would definitely be physical touch. He loves the feel of my hands on the back of his neck, wants to sit oh-so-close on the couch, and practically sits up and pants if I offer to scratch his back.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, help me to step out of my comfort zone and love my husband in a way that meets his needs.
Getting Creative
I’m way more inspired to do this project when I’ve just purchased a new lotion or massage oil. Run to the mall and buy a jar of “inspiration.”
Get some luxurious new sheets – whether you’re into silk, bamboo, or flannel, buy the best quality you can afford. Make your bed a cocoon that you can both snuggle down in and resist getting out of.
People let their pillows go far too long without being replaced. Take a look at yours – do they say luxury or limp, lumpy, and lifeless? May be time to lay your head on something new.
Do you feel stymied because you know your husband would love a massage, but you have no idea how to do it?You can pick up a book, or better yet, ask him to show you what would feel best. There’s nothing better than a little hands-on instruction.
Project Reports
“If there’s one thing that’ll bring my husband to his knees, accompanied by a long drawn out “ahhhhhh,” it’s a hand massage. (Not what you were expecting, was it?) My husband loves it when I get some nice thick cream (Shea Butter is wonderful) and massage it into his hands and forearms. He’s in heaven within about three seconds of me starting, and by the time I’m done he’s virtually putty. (And, if you’re wondering, this massage rarely leads to something else, because by the time I’m done he’s already half asleep.)”
Teresa
“When we were dating I used to give my husband foot massages regularly. He kept saying “When we get married this will all stop.” Not right after we were married but about a year down the road he was right – they became few and far between. Guess it’s time to give him a nice long foot massage! I think I will add that into my weekly schedule.”
Denise
“We’ve been sleeping on mismatched sheets for the past six months… so, getting new sheets was not only what we needed but, just in time for this project. Let me tell you how nice it was for the both of us to slip into Egyptian cotton bed sheets~ Yeah, it was NICE~ You can get my point. OK. This one worked for the both of us.”
Penny
“I love this. Not being a “touch” sort of person myself, I realize this is an area I’ve (selfishly?) neglected. I happen to have just a little something tucked away from the last time I got inspired. Going to dust the bottle off, take a shower, invite my playmate to bed…”
Angie
“My husband has a lot of problems with his sinuses. So as we where relaxing, I had him rest his head in my lap and rubbed his head for him.”
Win today’s giveaway! Just tell us what you did (or are going to do!) for today’s Project by 7:00 PST on Friday and you will be entered into the drawing for today’s prize: The Husband Project DVD
Do you feel like your marriage has gone from “I do” to “What did I do?” Recapture the romance that made you and your husband fall in love in the first place. The Husband Project provides 21 days of fun activities to show love and honor to your husband. This DVD is taken from one of Kathi?s presentations. It will help you put the Husband Project into practice in your marriage.
So leave your comment below to be entered to win!
While this is the first week of our project, if you have friends who want to join in, let them know that they can jump in any time. You don’t need to have The Husband Project book in order to participate, but you definitely will get more out of this(and be able to plan better) if you read along. You can order it on Amazon or for a special price on my website.
And yesterday’s winner? Sabrina! Please e-mail kimber@kathilipp.com and she will get it right out to you!
Project #5 E-flirt.com Text or E-mail Some Sweet Nothings
“I turn on my computer. I wait patiently as it connects. I go online. My breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words, “You’ve got Mail.” I hear nothing, not a sound on the streets of New York. Just the beat of my own heart… I have mail, from you.” Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kennedy in “You’ve Got Mail”
Your Project Send a flirty text or e-mail to your husband.
Prayer for Today Dear God, may my husband have the security to know that he’s the only man for me – that you have designed us to be together.
Getting Creative • Use an e-card service (hallmark.com or americangreetings.com) to send a cute and flirty note. • Don’t know how to text? Ask any teenager in the general vicinity. • Most phones have a camera feature where you can send a photo message. Be sure to keep it G rated so that he doesn’t get in trouble at work.
Project Reports “I truly did not think this would work. My husband wouldn’t even know how to read a text message and he rarely checks his email. But we had a fight this last weekend and I wasn’t so nice. So I sent him an online greeting card apologizing and letting him know I love him. The day after I sent the card, we ended up meeting for lunch. I didn’t say a word about the card. As we were leaving we approached his car first and he got in. I leaned over to give him a kiss and he had that cute little school boy grin on his face. And he said “Thanks for the card.” That look was worth a million bucks.” RMK “I texted him on my break at work today. It was sweet and sexy!! Ha Ha. He was more shocked that I would text him than the fact that I made sexual advances! I know he enjoyed the flirting, but all he said was that I tired him out last night! ( I did the bonus day the night before) Pretty funny, huh? He was just kidding, but I think he was partially serious. “ SB
“I sent him a text the day before but since it went so well that time I decided to do it again. He loved the dialog and the special note just for him.” LJ
“Usually phone calls or text messages from home involve, “What time are you leaving work today? Can you stop by the store…” or “Your child did this today…you need to have a talk with him/her when you get home!” So I wasn’t too hip to text or call my husband during work hours if I could help it. I wanted to give him a break from all that during this 21 day project. My lack of pestering him during his work day has resulted in him calling home, just because. Nice change!” SL
“A few weeks ago my husband, Bill, was in Japan. In an e-mail he sent, something he said struck me funny, even though what he said wasn’t funny, but I just sensed that God spoke to me and said “flirt with your husband, he needs it.” I haven’t flirted with him, probably, since we got married. (You can still have fun and enjoy each other without flirting…) Oh, it was fun, made me feel young again. He never said anything, but I’m sure it put a smile on him. I’m going to keep this up.”
LOVED Yesterdays ideas about working together with your man. If you haven’t had a chance to read through them, take a minute and look at all the brilliance y’all have.
