8 Things Couples Who Never Fight Do Differently

You know those couples who make marriage look easy?  The ones who are best friends and sparkle when they’re around each other?  No one ever said relationships were easy, but some couples seem to navigate it with such ease.  What are they doing differently?  These couples have learned that fighting is only meant for a boxing arena and not a relationship.  Check out these 8 things that couples who never fight are doing differently!

Couples Who Never Fight Do These Things Differently

1. They have conversations—not yelling matches.

Fighting in a relationship is no bueno, but that’s not to say there can’t and won’t be disagreements.  The big difference between a fight and a disagreement lies in communication.  You have to talk about the things that are bugging you.  You have to have a conversation about your differences in opinion.  No cold shoulders, no freeze-outs, no sweeping issues under the rug.  I once heard a quote that has stuck with me forever:

“There should be no yelling in the home unless there is a fire.”–David O. McKay

2. Let the little things slide.

So your wife always leaves her tennis shoes out for you to trip on or your husband crumples his wet towel and drops it on the floor when the towel rack is two steps away.  There will always be little things that just bug us.  Couples who never fight have learned to let those little things slide.  Some things just aren’t worth fighting over.

3. Be quick to apologize.

You probably had disagreements or fights before that leave both of you feeling angry all day…even several days.  That yucky feeling causes chinks in your relationship armor the longer it’s left to run rampant.  How many of those fights can be nipped in the bud if you’d just apologize?  Learn to apologize quickly.  Even if you feel you’re not in the wrong, even if you’re the stubborn one in the relationship.  Being quick to apologize will save you lots of heartache in the long run.

4. Compliment each other.

My father once told me a story about a woman who felt her marriage was on the brink of divorce.  She sought counseling and was told something unexpected: compliment your husband every day for one week.  Compliment him?  On what? the woman thought.  She had nothing positive to say about him, but she agreed to the challenge.

The first day, the best she could come up with was, “That tie looks really nice on you.”  Her husband looked at her kind of funny and replied, “Thanks.”  Each day, it became easier to pay him a compliment, and he, in turn, started complimenting her.  This one tiny gesture improved their relationship immensely.

5. Openly express your gratitude.

A little thank you is a big deal.  When’s the last time you sat down and listed all of the good things your partner does in your relationship?  Do it, in your head, and then find a way to openly say it out loud.  It’s easy to find faults, but couples who never fight choose to say thanks for the strengths!

6. Spend quality time together.

Life gets busy, we all know that.  And a relationship, like a plant, needs nourishment to grow.  That nourishment is time spent together.  Go out on a date.  Just make it happen, even when work gets crazy or kids overrun you.  Lay in bed together for an extra 15 minutes rather than rushing to get up. Meet for lunch or snuggle up for a movie night.  Whatever you do, do it often.

 7. Laugh, a lot!

Whoever coined the phrase, laughter is the best medicine, was right on!  One of the most endearing qualities that drew me to my husband is his ability to make me laugh…even after 10 years!  When you fill your relationship with laughter, there is little room for fighting.

8. Couples who never fight have one similar goal: to make each other happy.

It sounds simple, but so many times, in so many relationships, selfish desires get in the way.  Healthy relationships are all about compromise, as cliche as that sounds.  He likes to golf, you like to shop–take turns watching the kids while you both get to do what you want.  He’s lactose intolerant, you love cheese like it was chocolate–order your pizza half and half or wait ’til you hear the door shut before delving into your secret ice cream stash.

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For some of you, these things come naturally, others have to work hard at them.  Many therapists believe fighting is a healthy part of relationships.  Personally, I could 100% do without it.

What helps your relationship sail smoothly?

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The post 8 Things Couples Who Never Fight Do Differently appeared first on How Does She.

by Nicolette via Home And Garden

Giant Pond, Waterfall, Stream & Bridge-in just 12 hours ?!? It can be done. by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

Giant Pond, Waterfall, Stream & Bridge-in just 12 hours ?!? It can be done.
In 12 hours we build raw dirt into a 36' x 18' Pond, waterfall, stream & bridge. This is a $35,000 project done in one day. THIS IS NOT typical-normally this would take 3 days. If your interested in Ponds- you need to see this. AND if your really interested in ponds visit Greg Whittstock the pond guys channel. He's the Guru of ponds. https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePondGuyAquascape

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How To Make Coconut Cream Truffles: Easter Bunny Tails!

This easy-to-follow tutorial will show you exactly how to make coconut cream truffles.  They make perfect little Easter bunny tails and are delicious all year long.

Sometimes you have a love affair with food that leaves you daydreaming for months.

That is exactly what happened to me with these coconut cream truffles.   They are creamy, smooth, buttery, sweet… You take a bite and sort of melt into a pile of Jello.  My friend made these during the Christmas baking season.  Even with the hoards of treats available, I was still thinking about these truffles months later.  Whenever I asked for the recipe I was met with a Mr. Miyagi-like look, this recipe was not to be handed out lightly.  I would need the training of my candy-making Sensei before it was time.  It’s not that this recipe is complicated, it’s not.  It’s just that you have to be precise.

These coconut cream truffles are made with an old-fashioned candy making process not so common anymore.

These are not a mash-up of grocery store frosting and processed cookies.  No, no, my little karate kid.  These coconut cream truffles will replace the sugar plums of your dreams and they take a wee bit of training.

The recipe comes from a little book made with a type-writer and copy machine.  Charlotta is the baby in the photograph and this book is a history of her lifetime of candy-making.  How to make coconut cream truffles:

The ingredients are super simple:  cream, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla and coconut.

There are three main tools you will need for the truffles.

First, a candy thermometer.  It is very important to test the temperature reading of your thermometer.  Thermometers are all different and so is your altitude.  There can be a 10 degree difference based on where you live just in North America alone.  The easiest thing to do it to put your thermometer in a pan of cold water and bring it to a boil.  Then note the temperature on the thermometer.  Recipes are based on water boiling at 212 degrees.  Subtract your boiling number from 212 degrees.  For example, my water is boiling at 204 degrees, 8 degrees lower than 212.  So when I make the truffles, I’ll subtract 8 degrees from the temperature in the recipe and I’ll have my perfect mark.  The second tool is a candy scraper, wall scraper or anything with a good straight edge.  (I used the edge of a small cutting board, a spatula and butter knife with my niece once and it worked just fine.) The third thing you need is a solid surface like a granite or quartz counter top or slab.  If you don’t have one then find a friend that does.  It’s a fun project to make with a buddy.

Using a large pot combine the cream, sugar, milk and butter and bring to a boil.  Boil until the thermometer reads 236 to 238 degrees (or the adjusted temp based on your altitude).  If you accidentally go over the temperature you need, just add a little water and bring it back to where you need it.  Never stir above the surface of the mixture.  Just keep your spoon circling around the bottom and you’ll be just fine.

Once it reaches the perfect temperature, put your hands up and walk away.  Just like on the competitive baking shows.  You don’t want to mix in the sugar crystals that may have formed around the top of the pot.  Let it cool in the pot for 8-10 minutes then pour onto a moistened slab.  Do not scrape the pot.  Leave it for the kids to eat.

Next you’ll begin to “cream” the mixture.  Take your scraper and work the mixture around on the slab for a few minutes until it loses it’s gloss and thickens up.  You kind of scrap up a section and fold it over, then pick up another section working in over and over.  This process goes pretty quick.

Once you see it thicken up add the coconut, vanilla and a little sea salt.  Then work it all together.  You may need to knead it together with your hands a bit as it crumbles up.  Put it in a plastic bag and leave it on your counter to “ripen”.  Those are Charlotta’s words.  I have no idea what it’s really doing in that bag but it works.  I suppose it helps the mixture soften and come together a bit more.

Let your kids lick the counter or do it yourself.  Seriously, you’ll die when you taste the goodness.

After ripening for six hours or so the mixture will be ready.  Roll out a ball, roll in the coconut and set aside to dry.  These make a perfect little Easter treat because they look just like little Easter bunny tails.  Share a few with your friends and they’ll be begging for more!

How to make coconut cream truffles:

Print

Coconut Cream Truffles "Bunny Tails"

6 hours

1 hour

7 hours

Ingredients

• 6 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups coconut, divided
• dash of salt

Instructions

1. **Please read the full tutorial in the above post before beginning.**
2. Finely chop or blend the coconut. Set aside.
3. In a large pot, cook first four ingredients over medium high heat to 236 to 238 degrees F stirring constantly, never above surface of the mixture.
4. Remove from heat and let cool in the pot for 8-10 minutes.
5. Pour onto cool, damp slab without scraping the pot.
6. Cream mixture using a straight edge until it loses its gloss and thickens up, about 5 minutes.
7. Add vanilla, salt and 1 1/4 cups of the coconut. Work into the mixture using the straight edge or knead with your hands as it lumps up.
8. Store in a plastic bag at room temperature for 6 hours.
9. Form balls and roll in 3/4 cups of the coconut. Set aside to dry. Store in a covered container for up to a week.

3.1

https://howdoesshe.com/how-to-make-coconut-cream-truffles/

Which Easter treats do you like to make each year?

Candy making is easier than you might think! Give these other recipes a try:

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The post How To Make Coconut Cream Truffles: Easter Bunny Tails! appeared first on How Does She.

by Sarah via Home And Garden

Getting older is not easy, but sooner or later, it will happen to us all. Aging is inevitable. I’ve always thought it profound that we begin life the way we end it: depending upon the service of others. It all comes full circle. It’s difficult seeing a parent or grandparent age, especially as physical or mental health declines. Many of us are entering an unchartered phase in life—the phase where we begin taking care of the ones that once took care of us. But how do you know the right things to do or say that can really help your aging parent or grandparent? Here are some great places to start.

23 Ways To Really Help Your Aging Parent or Grandparent

1. Visit them regularly.

Your parents and grandparents don’t want stuff, they want to be with you. One of the very best things you can do to help your aging loved one is to visit them. Especially if they are living alone, it is so important to drop in regularly. Not only will you help curb loneliness, but you’ll be able to monitor their situation. Sometimes it’s fun to bring the kids, but sometimes too much chaos gets overwhelming and it’s best to leave them home.

2. Call regularly.

If visiting regularly isn’t an option, call. Check in every few days or at least once a week. Even if your aging loved one is very independent, they’d still love to hear from you. A surprise phone call can really brighten a day.

3. Invite them on outing with you.

When it’s not safe for a parent or grandparent to drive anymore, they feel frustrated at the loss of independence. You can help by inviting your loved one to go out with you. Even if it’s just running errands, getting out of the house can be a welcome change and they probably have things to pick up as well.

4. Empathize with them.

Getting older comes with a whole slew of challenges like physical disability, health ailments, memory loss, lack of freedom, and the inability to do something you once loved. All of these can be extremely frustrating. Even if you don’t understand them, try to empathize with them. Listening and then responding with empathy (“That sounds terrible. I can see how you’d be frustrated.”) may not fix the problem, but it  helps soften it.

5. Fix something for them.

Offer a helping hand by fixing something that needs to be fixed. If you can’t fix it, make the initiative to hire someone who can.

6. Locate potentially unsafe areas in their home.

While you are there, look around for any potentially hazardous areas like loose floorboards or uneven steps that could cause an accident. Make sure those areas are taken care of asap.

7. Attend doctor’s visits with them.

Attending routine and specialized doctor’s visits with your loved one not only shows your support, but it’s a smart way to be aware of what is going on with their health. Be aware and be an advocate.

8. Help them declutter without being pushy.

Years and years on this planet equates to quite a lot of built-up stuff. Many old people could use help decluttering, but have a hard time doing it. First, it’s hard knowing where to start, and second, a lot of the items we would consider “junk” hold special memories for them. Help your loved one declutter without being too pushy or intensive. Ask, Is this a treasure or a hinderance. Be patient with them through the process.

9. Recommend good books.

Reading is not only great entertainment, but it helps the mind stay agile. Help your aging parent or grandparent continue reading by recommending good books, helping them find books on tape, or by taking them to a library.

10. Update their calendar each month.

Some older individuals start feeling isolated from society or from their families. Keep your loved one’s calendar up-to-date each month. Include items like birthdays, recitals, or kids’ sporting events that they are welcome to join. Make them feel included and in-the-loop.

11. Help them prioritize tasks.

For the aging population, everyday tasks and to-do lists can become overwhelming. Sit down with your grandparent or parent and help them prioritize their business. Write items down and place the list in an easy-to-see, easy-to-find place.

12. Help them with shopping and meal prep.

Similarly, grocery shopping and menu planning can sometimes be too much to handle alone. If you really want to help, take your loved one grocery shopping or go for them. Take an afternoon to plan and then prepare some simple fridge and freezer meals that they can have on hand.

13. Plan a weekly event they can look forward to.

Young or old, we all enjoy events we can look forward to. Whether it’s lunch with a friend or a weekend vacation, it gives us something to be excited about. Help your aging parent or grandparent plan a weekly event they can look forward to. Maybe it’s bingo at the senior center, brunch with you, or a weekly class that they can happily anticipate.

14. Encourage physical activity.

Physical activity is important for everybody, but especially for older individuals. Much research has been done into the matter and physical activity in older people can help prevent disease, maintain independence, and improve quality of life (source). Encourage your loved one to make physical activity a priority. Help them join a gym, go on walks together, and help them stay active.

15. Help them get involved with other seniors.

There are so many great activities offered for seniors through local libraries, community centers, and outreach programs. An Internet search can help you find events and groups in your area that your loved one can get involved in.

16. Arrange for their yard to be maintained.

Their yard is a source of concern for many seniors. It’s important to them that grass and flowers stay manicured, but many older people just can’t continue maintaining their yards themselves. You can really help your aging parent or grandparent out by either putting in some work yourself or hiring the lawn maintenance out.

17. Talk to them about scams.

Seniors are a huge target for scams. Many scammers use tactics like phone calls, sweepstakes, and medical insurance scams to get at older people’s money. Read up on common scams targeting seniors and then have a talk about ways to prevent them.

18. Hire a companion for them.

It’s a great idea to hire a responsible individual to be a companion to your loved one. Many families hire someone they trust to check in on their parents or grandparents, drive them around to appointments and errands, read to them, cook for them, or help them exercise. It can be a great job for a niece, nephew, or grandchild.

19. Teach technology in small doses.

The world is ever-changing and that can be a bit paralyzing to those in the older generation. Introduce your aging parent or grandparent to technology in small doses. No need to spring SnapChat and hashtagging on them just yet. Start with useful services like email and paying their bills online.

20. Flood their mail box.

There’s something to be said about a good old fashioned letter. Very few of us today write them, but back in our parents’ and grandparents’ days, letters were the main source of correspondence. You could make their week by getting the family together and flooding your loved one’s mail box with hand-written notes or cards.

21. Help them discover something new.

You are never too old to stop learning. In fact, learning new things is invigorating and self-fulfilling. Introduce your aging parent or grandparent to something new like yoga or genealogy. Have them think of a bucket list of things they want to do and then work toward doing them.

This 90-year-old woman from Kenya decided to go to elementary school—an opportunity that she never had growing up. It just goes to show that you’re never too old to achieve a goal.

22. Maybe a pet?

Some older people enjoy having a pet for companionship. Maybe it’s right for your loved one?

23. Make a photo memory book for them.

Finally, one thing you can do that is really special is create a memory book for your aging loved one. This could include photos, stories, or memorabilia from their life that can be a great comfort. We absolutely love StoryWorth—it’s a way to turn your parent’s or grandparent’s life into a book your family can treasure forever.

After all is said and done, the most important thing you can give your aging loved one is your time. Reminisce with them, empathize with them, and whether it’s via phone call, a personal visit, or if they’re tech-savvy—FaceTime, make connecting regularly a priority.

Photography by Alison Prince. Her grandparents are pretty special; you can see more adorable photos of them on Alison’s Instagram page.

The post 23 Ways To Really Help Your Aging Parent or Grandparent appeared first on How Does She.

by Nicolette via Home And Garden

The Perfect Easter Tradition and the Perfect Easter Treat

*We are thrilled to partner with Kinder Joy to share one of our all-time favorite Easter traditions!

You know some holidays that hold a special meaning to you because of traditions you had growing up? Easter is that holiday for me.

My Favorite Easter Traditions

Ever since I can remember, my grandma Alice has hosted a special Easter egg hunt at her house in the country. The entire extended family (all 56 of us) gather in my grandma’s home for a special Easter tradition. First we color and decorate Easter eggs while the adults hide Easter eggs and treats outside for an epic Easter egg hunt. Next we eat a hearty pot-luck lunch, and then it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the Easter egg hunt!Now my grandma’s Easter egg hunt is not like normal Easter egg hunts.

It all started when we were kids and she’d have a cute little Easter egg hunt for us. The funny thing is, we never wanted to stop. When we became teenagers and went away to college, we’d always come back for Easter and beg my grandma to hide Easter eggs for us!

Today we are all grown with kids of our own. So my grandma has one Easter egg hunt in the back yard for the little kids, and then one in the front yard for the “big kids”  (ages 14-55!). My grandma just watches from the steps and laughs. I can tell it makes her happy to see what she’s created.

It just goes to show that traditions stick and become an important part of our lives. This Easter we’re making Kinder Joy a part of our Easter tradition because it is the perfect Easter treat for both kids and big kids alike!

Kinder Joy is the Perfect Easter Treat!

Kinder Joy, one of the most popular confectionary brands in the world, has officially launched in the US with Kinder Joy! Move over regular Easter treats—Kinder Joy Easter-themed eggs are here and they are so much fun for any and all Easter celebrations!

Kinder Joy is a treat like no other with two separately sealed halves: one side a deliciously creamy chocolatey treat, and one side a fun Easter-themed toy!

I am a huge chocolate lover and Kinder Joy is so delicious. Nestled inside the chocolate are these two chocolate covered wafer bites that are filled with cocoa cream. This treat is to die for! Plus, Kinder Joys come with a tiny little plastic spoon that you can conveniently eat with.

My kids love the treat too, and they especially love the mystery toy in every single Kinder Joy. This season, you can find fun Easter-themed Kinder Joy eggs in a store near you. (I have found them in Walmart, Target, and several grocery stores.) They’re filled with fun Easter-themed toys like these cute little paint brush characters that your kids can actually use to paint their Easter eggs!

This Easter, while you continue old traditions or create new ones, make Easter extra special with the unique Kinder Joy Easter-themed eggs.

Keeping Easter Traditions Alive

This year I am excited to incorporate Kinder Joy into our Easter traditions. I know they will be a smash at our family Easter egg hunt and I can see the adults fighting over them. Kinder Joy is the treat that everyone will want to trade for!

Traditions are an important part of family life. Traditions bring us closer together and help create lasting memories. Even though we have to travel five hours every Easter to Grandma Alice’s house, it is always worth it. I love to see my own kids coloring Easter eggs around my grandma’s table, just like I did as a kid.
Chatting with my cousins and aunts and uncles over lunch reinforces the love we have for our family. And the one Easter tradition that I will never let die, is the kid/adult Easter egg hunt. If you’ve never had an adult Easter egg hunt, try it this year! Elbows might get thrown, but I promise you’ll feel like a kid again and a basket full of goodies always feels good, no matter how young or old you are.

*A big thanks to Kinder for sponsoring this post. All opinions and childish Easter antics are my own.

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by Nicolette via Home And Garden