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Emotional Affairs 101 - 7 Signs You're Having An Emotional Affair
Emotional affairs are more common than many of us would like to think. They happen quite often in the workplace and friendship groups. They can start at any place people spend time with others and have an opportunity to develop non romantic relationships. Those non romantic relationships may take an intimate or romantic turn, and that is where things can get complicated.
The term emotional affair describes a type of relationship between people. The term often describes a bond between two people that mimics or matches the closeness and emotional intimacy of a romantic relationship while not being physically consummated. An emotional affair is sometimes referred to as an affair of the heart. An emotional affair may emerge from a friendship, and progress toward greater levels of personal intimacy and attachment.
Wondering if you or your partner may be having an emotional affair? Here are 7 signs to look out for.
7 Signs of An Emotional Affair
You’re Very Close
You are very close to your opposite-sex friend. You two are besties. You share thoughts, feelings, dreams, and even secrets. Your relationship is closer than the typical friendship and has a level of intimacy that mimics a romantic relationship.
Talking All The Time
You two talk all of the time. Whether it is face to face, on the phone, via text, or through emails. The communication between you two is frequent and has an element of angst. You talk more to each other than you do to your significant others and no topics are off limits.
You Think About Them All The Time
They are always on your mind. When you are not talking with them or texting them, you are thinking about them. It is almost obsessive. You may find yourself resisting the urge to reach out to them to share your good news, or bad news, or to just hear their voice because you miss them and crave contact.
The Relationship Is A Secret
Intentional or not, there is a level of secrecy to your relationship. Your partners and other friends are unaware of just how close you two are because you keep a large portion of your relationship hidden. And that’s how you both prefer it because the secrecy makes your relationship feel more special, and you realize others may not approve of your closeness.
You Share Secret About Your Partner
You share secrets about your partners with one another. You vent about your partners to each other. They seem to get you better than your partner, so when your partner does not react or respond to news or situations as you would prefer, the first person you think to go to is your emotional affair partner.
You Compare Them To Your Spouse or Partner
You may or may not be in love with your partner but when you compare your romantic partner to your emotional affair partner, your romantic partner doesn’t measure up. While things feel hard with your spouse or girlfriend or boyfriend, it feels lighter and easier with your emotional affair partner.
You Feel Like Time With Your Spouse Is A Betrayal
The more connected and attached you feel to your emotional affair partner, the more you question your relationship with your spouse or partner. As your emotional relationship grows, the more you secretly want to be with them, and the more not being with them feels like a betrayal of the relationship you two have. Sounds crazy but love and emotions can make us reckless and irrational.
An emotional affair will make you feel alive when you are missing something or feel dead in your committed relationship. But if you’re not willing to lose what you have with your current partner, and an emotional affair will blow that up, you need to change course and stay away from the temptation, and end the emotional affair. Or at least end one of the relationships.
Many people would rather their partner commit a physical affair over an emotional affair because sex is one thing but feelings and love is hard to come back from. The intimacy of an emotional affair goes deep and a partner accepting the fact that their spouse or partner fell in love with someone else is a hard pill to swallow and they may never get past it.
What Should You Do About Your Emotional Affair?
I cannot tell you what to do about your emotional affair because it’s your life and every situation is different. What I will advise is that you take a step back to figure out why you were vulnerable to an emotional affair in the first place.
Are there problems in your marriage or relationship that you are avoiding addressing or struggling with feeling trapped in your relationship? Do you bore easily in your romantic relationships and are always looking for something new? Or is your emotional affair partner the person you were always meant to be with?
There are no easy answers but how do you envision your life in the future? In your mind, is your future with your current partner or with someone else? Only you know what’s in your heart and mind.
What are your thoughts on emotional affairs? Have you ever been impacted by an emotional affair? Have you ever had one? Are you currently having an emotional affair? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“If a man, who says he loves you, won’t tell you the details of a private conversation between him and another woman you can be sure he is not protecting your heart. He is protecting himself and the women he has feelings for. Wise women simply see things as they are, not as their low self-esteem allows.”
― Shannon L. Alder
10 Traits Of A High Value Man
A high-value man may be hard to come by but when you find him you may not want to let him go. A high-value man has many traits, and while he is not perfect, he definitely is a catch, and he just may be a keeper.
“A high-value man is defined as the epitome of masculinity, leadership, charm, and sophistication. He is a man of means and influence, loved by women, revered by men, and moves gallantly through the challenges of life with courage and pride.” - Andrew Ferebee
If you are trying to figure out if you have found your high-value man, here are the traits to look for.
10 Signs Of a High-Value Man
Assertive
A high-value man is assertive. He knows what he wants in his life and is focused on getting it, and if that want includes you, prepare to have your mind blown.
He is assertive but not aggressive. Assertiveness is sexy, aggressiveness is not.
Honest
He says what he means and means what he says. He is honest, he is trustworthy, and he is a man of his word. You can believe in and trust a high-value man.
Consistent
A high-value man is consistent. He is unwavering in his wants, needs, desires, and goals. His consistency and determination is the reason he is so successful in both his personal and professional relationships.
Confident
A high-value man knows what he brings to the table. He is confident but not arrogant. A high-value knows what he is capable of and what he deserves and he goes for it, and that may include his pursuit of you.
Knows His Worth
A high-value man knows his worth. He is not seeking approval or validation from others because he knows what he has to offer. He does not look to others to affirm his worth but focuses inward while holding himself to a higher standard.
He Understands People
A high-value man understands people. He has a high level of emotional intelligence. He is compassionate, he understands how people work, why people do what they do, and how to communicate and meet them where they are.
He reads the room and situations like no other, which often gives him the upper hand.
Wants A High-Value Woman
A high-value man wants a high-value woman. A high-value man wants a woman who is confident, assertive, successful, and honest and he does not feel threatened by her ambitions, goals, and self-reliance. A high-value man wants a relationship with his equal.
Successful
A high-value man is successful. He is a professional or a businessman, and he is pulling in at least six figures in his annual salary. He is heading to the top of his field or is already there because he is ambitious, determined, and focused.
Reliable
A high-value man is reliable. He is a man you can count on. He is dependable, he is responsible, and he is a safe place for you.
Charming
A high-value man is a charmer. His effortless charisma pulls people in. He knows how to make you feel seen and leave you feeling all gooey inside. He has a knack for making everyone around him feel special, especially the certain woman in his life and the woman he is pursuing.
A high-value man is not just one of the listed traits, he is all of them. It is a high bar to meet the standard of a high-value man, but that is what makes them so exceptional. That is what makes them such a catch. They are the unicorn of men. Rare and hard to find but rewarding and magical when you do.
What are your thoughts on the high-value man? Do you believe they exist? Do you have one? Please share your thoughts and experience!
"A good man will want you to shine. He wants you to be your amazing self. A good man loves to show off his happy, intelligent, amazing, powerful woman." — Anastasia Netri
Narcissistic Behavior 101 - 5 Narcissist Traits To Recognize
Narcissists are…well, they’re narcissistic. With a narcissist, it is about them all the time. Everything revolves around them, at least in their mind.
The term is based on the Greek myth of Narcissus. Narcissus was a very handsome hunter who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He sat in that spot, staring at himself until his death. Odd, right? But the point is that someone so in love with themselves will be oblivious to everything else around them.
A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.
5 Signs of A Narcissist
Inflated Sense of Self
Narcissists think they are the most valuable player, the MVP, of whatever they do. No one else is better. No one else is more deserving. And they are sure to let you know this “fact”. Not only is this mentality not factual or rooted in reality, but things can also get problematic when they are faced with defeat or not the chosen one.
They are sore losers and will tear others down to build themself up. It’s not them, it’s you.
No Respect for Boundaries
It is all about them. They want to see you, they want to talk, then they should be able to do so, regardless of your plans or wishes.
You’re busy at work or in class? Too bad, they need to vent. You’re tired or don’t feel well? Oh well, they are not going to the event alone or canceling.
They don’t respect boundaries. They will trounce all over them and still demand more because they are selfish and greedy.
Needs To Be the Center of Attention
A narcissist expects to be the center of attention all the time. Why? Because they are the best looking and the smartest, most charismatic person they know. How could everyone not be drawn to them and want to hear what they have to say.
They are doing the world a favor by just existing.
Fragile Ego
Talk about big babies who are easily offended. If you decline a date with them or break up with a narcissist you will feel their wrath and be told that you were never worthy.
Their ego cannot take any rejection or feedback that informs them they are not perfect. It is never their fault and they will not hear otherwise, unless it benefits them to use it as a tool for manipulation.
Lack of Empathy
A narcissist lacks empathy. If it does not serve them, they don’t care. Their feelings come first. Their needs come first. And your feelings, thoughts, and needs are not their problem regardless of how many times you may have prioritized them.
Narcissists are known to be brutally “honest” and downright cruel at times and will expect a thank you for just speaking the truth. A truth they would never tolerate directed at them.
After reading this list, you should recognize the traits of a narcissist, and likely a few narcissists in your life. Narcissists are toxic, draining, and suckers of joy. They are people who you may not want in your life.
What are your thoughts on the traits of a narcissist? Any dealings with a narcissist? How did it go? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“Since narcissists deep down feel themselves to be faultless, it is inevitable that when they are in conflict with the world they will invariably perceive the conflict as the world’s fault.” ― M. Scott Peck
The Secrets To True Happiness
Happiness is the state of being happy and we all want to be happy, right? Well, at least that is what we all say. But if there were really true, then why do we keep doing things that lead us down the road of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and anger?
Will your life ever be perfect? Maybe. It just all depends on how you define the perfect life. Your happiness is your responsibility. Other people and things will not make you happy because happiness is a state of mind. So let’s get there!
The Secrets To Happiness and Peace of Mind
Let It Go
You have to learn to let stuff go. It happened and now it is done and over with and all the reliving of the incident, thinking about the words, or focusing on the slight or offense will not change what happened.
I am not saying that you have to forgive and forget, but what does help is to recognize that people are people. Some are good while others are not, and people make mistakes. Don’t let their bad moment or angry heart ruin your day or your life. Let it go and move on.
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
You cannot sweat the small stuff. Ask yourself is this important to me or is it about control? Is this issue really a big deal? If it is not, then who cares. Do not agonize and stress over circumstances beyond your control.
I’m sure you think this is much easier said than done, but with practice, you can learn to accept that you cannot control anything but yourself and your reactions. Once you have that light bulb moment, it will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.
Don’t Give It Your Energy
Do not give crappy people or crappy environments your energy. Being annoyed or angry, or even offended, can be exhausting. Holding on to feelings of hurt and resentment will completely drain all your energy and make you feel terrible.
So, have your feelings at the moment. Speak your peace to those who you need to and have a cry if inclined but after that, do not give it any more energy.
Remove Toxic People From Your Life
Toxic people need to go. You know that person who always manages to bring you down and make you feel terrible about yourself? Well, they need to be removed from your life. Sadly this toxic person may be a friend, a sibling, a partner, or even a parent. Whoever they are, you do not owe them your peace of mind.
Of course, this toxic person will not likely leave your life without some gaslighting or without placing all blame squarely at your feet, but that’s okay. They can be mad and they can be hurt but they still need to go.
Learn To Say No
It is okay to say no. You do not have to say yes just because they ask. Let disregarding your own feelings, needs, and choices for the sake of pleasing others be a thing of the past. And yes, I am saying it is okay to be selfish sometimes.
Stop living your life for other people. Making life choices, big or small, is a huge burden and will wear on you both mentally and physically. You have permission to say no, and say it without feeling the need to offer an excuse or explanation.
Notice how none of the secrets to happiness included others making you happy? That is because no one else can ever make you happy. Your happiness is your job and you should never delegate your happiness to another.
What are your thoughts on happiness? Do you agree with the list of secrets to true happiness? What do you believe is the secret to happiness? Please share your thoughts and experience!
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. - Epicetus
Quick and Easy Baked Potato Soup
Soup is the best kind of comfort food. Nothing will warm you up on a chilly day like a nice bowl of soup. One of my favorite soups to whip up is baked potato soup. This recipe is super easy, it is quick and definitely delicious. My family loves this soup and often helps prepare it.
This recipe is one of my favorites because not only is it quick and simple, and it is also yummy and very filling. For baked potato soup, you can just choose your favorite potato. For this recipe, I am using the russet potato but Yukon gold potatoes are also great for this dish, or you can even use sweet potatoes to change it up. Next, crumble crispy bacon on top, add some cheddar cheese, and sprinkle a little bit of green onion and you have the perfect bowl of soup.
Homemade Baked Potato Soup Recipe
The ingredients for my baked potato soup recipe are very basic but also versatile. My soup recipe is gluten-free due to my allergy, so I use gluten-free flour, but of course, you can use wheat flour if gluten is not an issue for you. For a slightly creamier taste, I recommend replacing the russet potatoes with Yukon gold. You can also use fat-free, whole milk, or a combination of the milk with heavy cream. You decide, it’s your calories. LOL
Ingredients:
3 Large Russet Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
2 Cups of Milk
1 ½ Cup Chicken Broth
½ Yellow Onion, Diced
1/3 cup of Flour, Gluten Free
3 tbsp. Butter
6 Strips of Bacon, Cripsy
2 Green Onions, Chopped
1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
¾ Cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Sea Salt, you will salt to taste
Pepper
Olive Oil
Directions:
On medium heat in a large pot or French oven, add butter and drizzle about 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Add yellow onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir flour into the pot and stir until the mixture is blended. Next add broth, milk, potatoes, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and allow soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook bacon until crisp and crumble it on a paper towel. Add 4 strips of crumbled bacon and ½ cup of cheese to the soup and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve and garnish with green onions, and the rest of the cheese and bacon.
One of the great things about this soup is that it seems to taste even better the next day. Double the recipe for lots of leftovers and enjoy all week long. I recommend serving it in a bread bowl or with a slice of crusty bread.
Baked potato soup is one of my winter favorites, but you can enjoy it all year long. Please share how it turned out for you. I hope you enjoy it!
5 Signs Your Relationship Is Over
Not all relationships last. Many relationships run their natural course and end amicably, while others crash and burn. In some relationships, you walk away from it a better person than when it started, and with other relationships, you leave thinking “what the heck” just happened.
In my opinion, no one should ever be blindsided by the end of a romantic relationship because the signs are always there. Always. But if you are unsure that what you are seeing are signs that your relationship is in trouble and heading towards its demise, here are the signs to look for.
5 Signs Your Relationship Is Over
Avoidance
You don’t spend time with them or they don’t want to spend time with you. Time together is no longer enjoyable. Time together is an annoyance; a burden. So what do you do, you avoid them altogether. You spend time with others. You focus on your kids, your work, or your hobbies. Anything to distract from your dissatisfaction with your relationship.
Avoidance is passive-aggressive behavior and the most common sign that a relationship is on its last legs.
Annoyance
Every little thing you or they do annoys the other person. The tolerance level for imperfection is extremely low and the person cannot seem to do anything right in the eyes of the partner who wants out.
The annoyance sign tends to be extremely hurtful because you feel like you cannot do anything right and your partner will basically tell you so. They become dismissive and often verbally or emotionally abusive.
Do not tolerate abuse.
Infrequent or No Intimacy
Any intimacy feels forced and like a chore. They don’t want to hug, kiss, or show any form of affection, and when they do, it feels cold and insincere. They may have trouble even saying “I love you”.
Maybe you have very long dry spells of no bedroom action, or perhaps you have started to sleep separately. Someone conveniently sleeping on the couch or not coming to bed until long after their partner has gone to sleep is a big sign.
No Communication
Communication is terrible at best and non-existent at its worst. You two are not communicating your feelings, emotions, or desires. You are doing whatever you want to do, without discussion or consideration for your partner.
In the past, you would text if you were running late or double-check with your partner before making plans. However, in your new relationship reality, the courtesy discussions and agreements do not happen.
This is a sign that they are starting to see themselves as a “me”, not a “we”.
Personality Changes
Maybe they have not changed but you are certainly seeing a different of side them. You are seeing a side that is not interested in your happiness, your opinions, or your feelings. You wonder where the old them have gone, but they make no apologies or excuses for the change, and instead just tell you “this is who they are” and expect you to accept it or not.
This sign may consist of a lot of gaslighting but it is also laced with invitations to end the relationship so they don’t have to.
When you know, you know. And when it’s over, it is over. Relationships can get to a point of no return, and it is important to recognize when you are there. And once you recognize it, tell yourself it is okay to let go. You will need to let go for your own mental and emotional well-being. Remember your worth and know that sometimes being alone and happy can be the most fulfilling relationship you will ever have.
What are your thoughts? Have you experienced any of these signs or issues in a relationship? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“How can I be reasonable? To me our love was everything and you were my whole life. It is not very pleasant to realize that to you it was only an episode.” ― W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil
Relationships…5 Types of Men To Choose Your Own Adventure With
Despite popular belief, humans do not have to mate for life. The thought of being with the same person sounds comforting, or horrendous, depending on where you fall on the commitment scale, but given the frequency of cheating and divorce, is mating for life natural?
Many people are waiting longer to get married or choosing not to tie the knot at all. For those on the fence about long-term committed relationships, marriage or not, I recommend the “choose your own adventure” tactic to try out mini relationships.
The goal is to try out guys with different personalities and interests, instead of the types you usually go for. Experiment, have fun, and find out what type of relationship brings you the most satisfaction, emotionally, mentally, or physically.
5 Different Types of Men… Choose Your Own Adventure With One Or All Of Them
The Adventurous Guy
The adventurous guy is the one you travel and you try new things with. He is fun and exciting but not too keen on commitment. He may be an adrenaline junky but fresh, new, and exciting is what he craves.
He’s perfect for getting you out of your shell and getting you to try new things without any pressure. He doesn’t take himself or life too seriously. And you shouldn’t take him too seriously either. This guy won’t settle down and has a short attention span. Enjoy him while it lasts because it will not last long.
The Bedroom Guy
It’s pretty obvious what you would do with the bedroom guy. He’s your booty call on speed dial. He comes when beckoned, is very eager to please, and always leaves you satisfied. If he leaves you with more to be desired, lose his number.
But otherwise, enjoy the carefree, no strings attached bedroom adventures with a man who loves to give, as much as he loves to receive in the bedroom. Now, the bedroom guy may not be a keeper, but he may be worth a repeat visit.
The Proper Guy
The proper guy is smart, and successful, and makes for a great date to a work event or something you have to attend with someone who will blend in. The proper guy is aloof, private, and not particularly affectionate, especially in public.
Where the proper guy lacks in excitement, he makes up for in reliability. He is dependable and honest, and he is a gentleman. These are not bad qualities to have in a mate but if you are easily bored, he is not the one.
The Fun Buddy
The fun buddy is the guy you go out to get drinks with, have over to veg out in front of the television or take as your plus one to a wedding. The fun buddy is a good time, always makes you laugh, and there is never any drama with him.
The downside with the fun buddy is that he can be irresponsible, immature, and unfocused. He’s a good time, but not the most reliable guy. He does not do serious situations very well and is uncomfortable with complex emotions. He likes to keep things light, which can be a good thing, most of the time.
The Polyamorous Experimental Guy
The polyamorous guy likes to spread his affection around. Polyamory would never be for me because I do not like to share but I do see the advantages of the relationship. Relationships can be tiresome, demanding, and boring, so having someone else there to take up the slack or step in when you need a break might be nice. Although I’m still not sharing someone I call my man, I can’t lie and say I don’t see the appeal.
A relationship with two men at once and everything is out in the open sounds like an interesting concept. But as a woman, and a wife, it also sounds like a lot of work. A guy who is polyamorous is greedy and not likely to be satisfied for very long with the love of just one woman, so you should always expect to share him.
To be clear, this is not an anti-marriage blog. Do what you want! But since conventional wisdom is changing on the concept of monogamy, marriage, and committed relationships, I think it is worth it to have the conversation. Of course, this is not Divergent, and people are multi-faceted and layered, but they all have prevailing traits. Find out which is more for you, or you can just keep trying them all. Do you!
What are your thoughts on trying out the 5 types of men? Do you already know your type? Or are you perhaps open to seeing who else is out there who you have not considered that may fulfill you in a new and different way? Please share your thoughts and experience.
“There are three different types of men in this world: There are weak men- men who run and hide when life slaps them in the ass. Then, there are men- men who have a backbone, yet occasionally, then life slaps them in the ass, will rely on others. And then, there are real men- men who don't cry or complain, who don't just have a backbone, then are the backbone. Men who make their own decisions and live with the consequences and who accept responsibility for their actions or words. Men who, when life slaps them in the ass, slap back and move on.” - Madeline Sheehan
7 Subtle Signs You're More Than Friends
Relationships are complicated, and so are friendships sometimes. Add to that, a friend with someone of the opposite sex whom you have amazing chemistry with. You have fun together, can talk to them forever, and you never get bored with one another. You feel comfortable and safe with them.
To muddle the waters even more, you find them attractive. They’re cute, sexy, or perhaps a ten on the hotness scale. However, you love your friendship and would never want to risk what you two have by bringing romance into the picture. Unfortunately, you’re getting a nagging feeling that romance has been there for quite some time between you two, just under the surface.
If you’re wondering if what you and your friend have is more than friendship, here are the signs to look for.
7 Signs You and Your Pal Are More Than Friends
Your Friendship Creates Issues In Your Romantic Relationship
The biggest telltale that a friendship is more than just friends is when it causes problems in your romantic relationships.
The age-old question “can men and women be just friends?” will often rear its ugly head when your significant other finds your friendship too close for comfort. Some partners will not be comfortable or secure enough to be okay with their boyfriend or girlfriend or spouse having a close friend of the opposite sex, especially if they are attractive.
Although you and your friend may be oblivious to your attraction and affection for one another, your partner will hone in on your behaviors towards one another when you all are together. Your partners will recognize the same signs of romantic affection you displayed toward them while courting. Or perhaps there are no signs of flirting or attraction but the relationship makes your partner uneasy, which you disregard when they mention it to you.
You Two Like To Snuggle Together
You don’t realize it but you two cannot keep your hands off each other. You hug, tease, poke, and high-five all the time. You find comfort in each other’s presence and each other’s arms.
When watching a movie, you two snuggle up. Listening to music you get close so you can share AirPods. And you gaze at the stars together, laying side by side, and it feels right.
You Prefer To Be Alone Together
You enjoy talking and spending time with them, preferably alone. Whenever other people are around it feels intrusive. You really just want to talk and laugh with one another but with others present, you feel obligated to politely interact with them as well. All the while, biding your time until you two can stand back next to each other.
Even with others present, you two still find your own way to secretly communicate by using your eyes and facial expressions. And don’t forget your non-stop inside jokes.
People Think You’re A Couple
You are compatible and a solid fit for one another and when around others you two give off a couple vibe. You are affectionate and so in tune to one another that you come off as a unit.
You don’t need to say pass the ketchup, he just does it, because he knows you. Just like you grab his hand when he’s over salting or over drinking. You know he’s going to be miserable the next day if he keeps going, because well…you just know him.
You Get Jealous
When you see him in a relationship or giving other women attention it bothers you deep down. You brush off the feeling as you are just being protective of your friendship but you know it’s more than that.
He’s yours or she’s yours is what you’re thinking but you lie to yourself, denying that your feelings are any more than friendship. Platonic friends do not get jealous of romantic partners.
You Miss Them When They Are Not Around
Although you two are “just friends” it feels like they are your other half. When they are not around, you miss them and desire to be with them.
Since you two are not physically together but missing each other, you text and try to connect virtually as much as possible to the annoyance of others around you.
You Choose Them
If you had to choose them over your partner, you would choose them and have chosen them over and over again. Even though it creates relationship drama, and your partner expresses their displeasure with your “friend”, you still choose to call them, text them, and hang out with them, in spite of the relationship consequences.
In some cases, regardless of the subtle romantic traits in your friendship, it may be best to just stay friends. But, in many cases, when it’s right it’s right. And when you fall in love with your best friend I recommend you shoot your shot and don’t let them get away without giving it a go.
What are your thoughts on the subtle signs of being more than friends? Have you experienced this? Is so, what did you do? How did it work out? Please share your story or experience!
Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes. - Fredrich Nietzsche
Holiday Movies To Watch This Season
It is that time of year again and if you want easy, stress-free, commercial-free, and yes a romantic Christmas comedy full of cliches, I have the list for you. Who doesn’t love a cheesy, romantic holiday movie? I know I do. I love watching them while cooking meals, baking cookies, online shopping, wrapping presents, or just vegging out on the couch or in bed.
While I love me some Love Actually and have finally conceded that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, don’t judge me, you will find neither on this list. You can just sit back with a glass of wine or hot cocoa and enjoy the fun, silliness, and the somewhat predictable Christmas movie love fest.
Here’s what to watch now on Netflix.
9 Holiday Movies Worth Watching Now
Falling For Christmas
In the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter.
It was good to see Lindsey Lohan in a new movie. This is a typical cheesy Christmas movie but is also sweet and funny. You can watch it now on Netflix.
Love Hard
An LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.
This holiday rom-com encompasses all the typical elements and has just the right amount of cuteness and humor, and a little lesson on the perils of online dating. Sometimes people are not who they seem to be.
A Castle for Christmas
To escape a scandal, a bestselling author journeys to Scotland, where she falls in love with a castle - and faces off with the grumpy duke who owns it. - IMBD
It was great to see some familiar faces in this holiday romantic comedy. Think Blue Lagoon and The Princess Bride. Okay maybe that’s taking it back a little too far but you get my point. Holiday romance is not just for twenty-something-year-olds.
Operation Christmas Drop
Congressional aide Erica (Graham) forgoes family Christmas to travel at her boss's behest. At a beachside Air Force base, she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz (Ludwig), who knows her assignment is finding reasons to defund the facility. - IMBD
Set in the backdrop of real-life operations that help small pacific islands every year, this fictitious romance is a sweet reminder of the importance of generosity and the true Christmas spirit of giving.
The Holiday
Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. - IMDB
The Holiday came out over fifteen years ago, but it’s still fun and relatable, and in some ways, and perfect for this time of year.
A Snowbound Christmas
Marketing exec lands a spot on a big project but before the presentation, a snowstorm traps her and her boss at a resort where they realize there is more to their relationship than just business. - IMBD
I believe this originally appeared on Hallmark but nevertheless, this is a sweet, and family-friendly holiday movie.
A Christmas Prince
When a reporter goes undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop on a playboy prince, she gets tangled in some royal intrigue and ends up finding love - but will she be able to keep up her lie? - IMDB
A Christmas Prince is great for the family to watch together. Very cheesy, and Disney-like but also sweet and heartwarming. It is actually a trilogy now, so you can also watch A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: A Royal Baby.
Holidate
Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way. - IMDB
This was a surprisingly entertaining rom-com. This is funny and cute but it is not family-friendly due to language and content.
The Holiday Calendar
A struggling but talented photographer inherits an antique holiday advent calendar, the contents of which seem to predict the future. Will this magical calendar lead her to love this holiday season?
I love the magical elements added to this holiday story. This is another family-friendly Christmas movie that everyone can sit down together and watch.
Some of these are old and some of these are new but they are all perfect for this time of year to curl up on the couch and watch. Or to just enjoy as you wrap gifts or relax. I have watched them all and hope you give a couple or all of them a try too! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
6 Steps To A Stress Free Thanksgiving
I love Thanksgiving, and I am truly thankful for all of my good fortunes. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food, family, friends, and football. I know that for many, holiday time can be stressful or depressing, but for me I feel like this is when I really shine.
It really is not about how big, or small your crowd is, but about appreciating how wonderful things are, and hopes for better things to come in the future. My crowd size varies from year to year, from as small as six people, to as large as twenty. Personally for me, ten people are the most comfortable size for me to cook for.
This year I am doing something a little different. I am hosting a pre-dinner the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at one home to spend time with those who will not be with us on Thanksgiving.
Then on the actual day of the holiday, I will host another Thanksgiving with some different guests at a different house. The menus will be different, as will the locations and ambiance, which makes it more interesting for me to plan and prep.
I used to get very stressed out cooking for the holidays, wanting everything to be perfect, but those years are long gone. Now, I am pretty confident in my cooking and hosting abilities, but can also shrug it off if something doesn’t turn out just right. And the biggest thing I do is that I don’t try to go it alone.
My two daughters are awesome sous chefs, which helps a lot with holiday meal preparations and cooking. I love teaching my girls to cook, and seeing that growth from year to year.
So while my holiday menus are mostly decided, I am now teetering between a roasted turkey or a fried turkey. For a while there, I was really on a fried turkey kick, and then I got over it and went back to the traditional roasted turkey.
In the last three years, I have roasted the turkeys, after brining them for 48 hours before cooking, and they were absolutely moist and delicious. But it may be time for a change-up again. Either way, I plan on a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Here Are My 6 Tips For A Stress Free Thanksgiving...
Plan Ahead - Once you know how many people you will be hosting, start planning seating, your menu, and beverages.
Make Ahead - Many dishes, especially desserts and appetizers can be made ahead of time.
Enlist Help - Have your kids, partner, or friends assist as needed with food prep, serving, and especially the clean-up.
Bring A Dish - When entertaining large groups, have guests bring side dishes, desserts, or beverages.
Perfection Not Required - Cut yourself some slack. Remember the gathering is about being together and giving thanks.
Size Does Not Matter - Whether your celebration consists of 2 or 20 people, remind yourself that you have something to be thankful for.
What are your holiday plans? Hosting a dinner? Attending someone else's dinner as a guest? Or going out for a nice steak dinner at a restaurant? Please share your plans and tips for having a wonderful, stress-free Thanksgiving! And have a Happy Thanksgiving!
When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect towards others. - Dalai Lama