Being a good spouse

Hello friends! In case anyone couldn't tell, I love being a newlywed! Dave and I have been married for 10 months already even though it seems like just yesterday I was waking up on my wedding day a mess of nerves and excitement! Being married is an amazing thing, and I'm so happy that I get to be married and do life with such an amazing man! Today I'm sharing some simple things my hubby and I do to keep our relationship new and exciting and how we stay young and in love!

Don't be afraid to share your public displays of affection. By all means, know when enough is enough, but don't be afraid to kiss every now and then. Holding hands is definitely safe and sometimes walking up behind your guy and wrapping your arms around him lets him know you're thinking of him and want to be close to him too!

Keep your relationship fun. In today's world, it can be so easy to get caught up in work and bring your work attitude home with you. Being in a fun relationship makes things lighter when you get home which makes it so much easier to unwind!

Travel to new and fun places together. You don't have to travel the world with your spouse to be adventurous; trying a new restaurant that the two of you haven't been to could be fun! Driving to the opposite side of the state can be exciting too, but that would take a scoch more planning!

Share all of your life's accomplishments with each other. There's no other person than your spouse that will be more excited for you that you accomplished something that you put so much time and effort (and sometimes tears) into! Let them share your day with you (with lots of pictures)!

Start [and keep] traditions. When we first started dating, Dave and I started a Christmas tradition of making homemade popcorn and watching a corny Christmas movie. It's a simple date night in and it allows us time together. Starting a tradition is something fun for new couples, but can even be fun for couples who have been together for a long time!

What do you do with your significant other to keep your relationship new and exciting?

Xo, Whitney

Enjoy your mornings!

Hello friends! Today I'm talking about some simple things I do to be a morning person! Everyday when I go to work, my coworkers ask me how I'm so awake and how I have so much energy; side note: for those of you that don't know, I start my workday at 6am so that means I wake up at 445am! Today I'm sharing a couple things that help me wake up in the morning.

• Get a good nights rest! I've been going to bed earlier and earlier in my old age [I kid]. But seriously, if I'm not in bed by 9pm it's a strange thing. Going to bed earlier allows me time to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, even though I am waking up before the sun!

• Drink lots of water [night before + morning of]. I LOVE tumblers and cups I can refill over and over again. I have one really nice 24-ounce Turvis Tumbler that I drink out of all the time because it's so easy to fill with ice cold water and wash when I'm done!

• Anti-wrinkle face wash + moisturizer. I wash my face in the shower which some people will advise you against, but it's the easiest way for me. Using an anti-wrinkle face wash keeps my face looking young and awake which is beneficial for me as I don't wear a lot of makeup, if any at all!

• Eat a good breakfast. Try to get a good protein source in your breakfast for long lasting energy! Including fruit in your first meal of the day too will give you quick energy from the sugars, but make sure to not overeat your fruit!

• Small amounts of caffeine don't hurt. I've been trying to wean myself off of coffee, but some days I just need it! I put one packet of stevia and about 1-2 tablespoons of lactose free milk (thanks Husband) to my coffee and call it good!

What do you do to help yourself wake up in the morning?

Xo, Whitney

How to: start a journal

Hello friends! So with starting a blog, there comes some preparation and some planning. You may think that it's easy to just put the pen to paper and have ideas start flowing; but while the ideas may come naturally, making blog posts takes some thought. Today I'm sharing four easy ways to start journaling and have your thoughts go from your journals to your blog!

1. Don't be afraid to try something new
When first starting a blog, it may seem impossible because if you've done any research (which I suggest you do) before starting, it can seem daunting to try to come up with original topics. You may notice a lot of similarity between your page and someone's that you admire, but try not to take that too hard! If you are noticing there are too many kindred ideas, however, put your own personal spin on the topic. It's ALWAYS easier to be yourself than to try to duplicate someone else's work!

2. Anything goes
When it comes to ideas, there really are no boundaries. Your journal(s) are your own private entity that you have the freedom to do with whatever you please! If you have a random, midnight dream about an idea you think might make an interesting post, jot it down! Even if you never write about half of the things you've scribbled down, starting a list will get your creativity juices flowing which could open the doors to many more substantial ideas for the future!

3. Make it interesting
People who revisit certain blogs and/or social media sites normally do because the page they've visited sparked an interest to them and they want to keep coming back for more. In order to bring viewers to your page (and have them wanting more), take up an interest(s). People like to see other people trying new things and sharing their thoughts! Even if you try one thing and then decide it's not for you, at least you're bringing an interesting, individual perspective to the experience!

4. Get in a habit of posting
It may seem laborious to write (and edit and post) blog entries, but in order to get people to your site, and have them return week after week, you need to keep posting new material. In the world we live in today, people are constantly moving and are continuously connected to social media. Reaching out to people isn't that hard part: it's keeping the spark and the interest of your readers that's difficult! Through continuous posting, once you start a following, you shouldn't have to persuade your readers.

Side note: I am by NO MEANS an expert on the topic of journaling, blogging, or starting a major social media following. I'm a beginner too, but hopefully my words resonate with a few people and they give someone the courage to start journaling if they were looking for motivation! Thanks again for stopping by!

xo, Whitney