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Posts Tagged ‘Ways’

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When your wife has a chronic illness, though you may love her no matter what, it can be hard for her to get into a romantic mood. Physical pain from the actual illness to weight gain or loss, bloating, and less-than-fun symptoms of medication can all be a deterrent to some romantic moments.

It’s important to know that you are not alone. Nearly 1 in 2 people live with a chronic illness in the U.S. which means that a lot of marriages are disrupted by this uninvited third party of illness, often including mental illness as well. Sadly, seventy-five percent of them end in divorce.

Is it possible for you to make a difference and let her know you want to romance her? Of course! With a few simple ideas, you can get the spark back into your marriage.

Go ahead and buy her that box of chocolate, but if she is watching her weight, don’t ruin her diet. Instead find some Russell Stover’s sugar free chocolate at your local Target or even the pharmacy. Chocolate, along with coconut, pecans, and many more, all contain phenyl ethylamine, a chemical that produces the feeling of “being in love.” Good place to start, don’t you think?

Hold her hand. Yes, I know. You’re hoping for more than just holding hands. But if it takes a woman without an illness awhile to get in the mood, you can imagine the affection she needs in order to forget her physical pain. Rub her back carefully, use an endearing name you haven’t used in five years, and don’t pressure her for more. Snuggle, cuddle, snuggle as if you will never let her go.

Talk to her about how much you admire her and how she copes with the daily-ness of living with a chronic illness. Remind her that you’re never going anywhere and you feel blessed to be married to someone who shows so much strength in character when her body is weak.

Give her an indulgence of something she wouldn’t buy herself, especially something to lighten up her mood on days when she isn’t feeling well. Get her the DVD her favorite movie from high school, or a cozy new down comforter for her bed.

Schedule a day of rest for her. Get the kids out of the house, give her a new pair of pjs, and let her know she has he day to do whatever she wants.

Write her little love notes and hide them around the house. Or give her a romantic card and write in it, cover one whole panel with your own words.

Get romantic at home. Looking for a romantic dinner idea for staying home? Buy an electric fondue pot and pledge to dip something in candlelight one evening a week and just talk.

Are you having troubles starting up some romantic conversations? Buy a book about conversation starters or fill a jar with topics. Do a search online for “romantic conversation starters.”

Take the time to create the atmosphere. The new flameless candles that operate on a battery are great for a romantic environment. Make up a play list on your ipod that will take her back to simpler days. Bring a big bouquet of roses into the bedroom when she isn’t looking.

It’s no surprise that women are complicated beings and rarely can you read her mind to know exactly what she needs and when she needs it. So be sure to just ask her outright. “What is on your mind most these days? How can I help you around the house more? What can I do to communicate just how much I love you?”

The good news is that perfection is not a requirement. Just by making the effort to increase the romance in the relationship will score you some big points. And she may not let you even have a chance to finish reading that book on romancing your wife, because if she sees you reading it, your willingness to read it may be all the romance she needs. One last piece of advice, doing the dishes or the laundry really can be the best way to your wife’s heart.

Image taken on 2005-02-28 22:18:48 by ceronne.

Don’t you just love strawberries? They are so succulent and bittersweet. And they compliment so many foods, snacks and deserts. And yes, especially deserts!

One of the first things you think of when it comes to strawberries is strawberry shortcake! Nowadays, you can buy the little cakes at the store in a package. Simply slice up the strawberries in some simple syrup (sugar and water), put them on the cakes, and put on some whipped cream topping! You’re good to go, and wow is it delish!

Strawberries are a great topping for any cake, basically, but especially angel food cake! Angel food cake is light and fluffy and has a unique texture unlike any other cake. And yes, this red, juicy fruit goes just as well with this kind of cake as it does with shortcake!

What about ice cream? You can get low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt and top it with strawberries! You don’t have to mix the fruit with syrup this time, either, since the ice cream gives you the sweet flavor to balance out the sour in the strawberry. If you do want some liquid to cover the ice cream, you can mash up some strawberries in water (without sugar), for a healthy syrup! Tastes just as good-without the extra carbs and calories!

How about a good old strawberry pie? There are many ways to make strawberry pie, but one way is to buy strawberry pie filling, combine it with freshly sliced strawberries, and put it in a pre-made graham cracker crust (or a regular pie crust)! Yummy! Of course, you MUST serve it with whipped cream topping or ice cream (or both, if you’re really feeling adventurous!). Take it easy, too-this particular choice is high calorie!

Strawberries are great with sundaes. You can put them in with your favorite sundae toppings, like nuts, bananas, chocolate syrup, and so on!

And of course, everyone loves strawberry cheesecake! This is really easy to make! All you have to do it buy a cheesecake kit from the store and make it in a pie tin. No baking is required, although, you do have to put it in the fridge so it can set. When you serve it with strawberries (mixed in simple syrup) and whipped cream (optional), it is simply “to die for”! Might be a little rough on the waistline-oh, but what a way to go!

Strawberries are also a must in fruit salad. Combine them either whole or sliced with your favorite fruits. This can include pineapple, sliced apple, mandarin oranges, banana slices, grapes, or any other fruit you can think of! This too, tastes absolutely stunning with whipped cream. Walnuts really go well with this treat, as well!

I bet you could go for some parfait in the morning, or for a mid-day snack! Strawberries are a must, here, too! Take low fat yogurt and throw in your favorite fruits, sliced up. Then top it with granola and we’re talking healthy, mouth-watering goodness! This is a good alternative to having the ice cream or other deserts, too, since it’s easier to incorporate into your diet!

Strawberries and other fruits are also great with fondue, but watch it-that chocolate can be pretty high cal! And remember, fruit has carbs of its own! So always moderate with sweets!

Enjoy all of your favorite snacks and deserts, and don’t forget the strawberries!

Wonderful ways to prepare fondues