6 Sweet and Sexy Apps for Couples

April 30, 2013 by Smart & Sassy Mom 1 Comment

Like myself, I’m sure a lot you are separated from your sweetie a good part of the day. Maybe even some of you for months or even years. Well, we have to let technology work for us and bring us together virtually – even when we can’t be together physically. Here are some really sweet and some super sexy smartphone apps for today’s busy couples.

1. Bliss – Pegged “The Game for Lovers”, this is a great app that emphasizes intimacy and sensuality vs. sexuality.

It’s a clever board game on your phone that is meant to be played in bed. I think it’s a fun alternative for movie night or a rainy day together. BONUS: Starts out really neat – By selecting what clothes you’re wearing (or not) and you get to pick your own background music.

2. Snap Chat – The point of this is app is to take a picture and send it to the recipient that will then be displayed for only 10 seconds and permanently deleted. I guess if you and your mate are into fun, flirty and naughty photos for “their eyes only”, this is the perfect app.

BONUS: There’s no way your kids can see mom and dad having fun because the pictures really do DISAPPEAR!

3. Feel Me – This is the absolute most perfect app for Long Distance Couples. It’s a messaging app that shows that the person on the other side of the messaging touching their screen and vice versa.

When you are both touching the screen at the same point/spot, there is a vibration or signal that let’s you know you are “there together”. BONUS: It’s gimmicky, but having been in long-distances relationships and a marriage, this is a really sweet app. Any type of connection with your honey that ties you over until the next time you see each other is worth the upload!

4. Couple – Very appropriately named, this is a great app with multiple purposes. Like Feel Me, there is a really sweet function called “Thumbkiss” that allows you to virtually touch when you’re miles apart.

My honey spends a considerable amount of time in the airport, so the sketching function is great because you get to sketch in real time and even play a game of hangman or tic-tac-toe. BONUS: Lots of features to help you stay connected through video chat and even keep important dates, like date night, synced and with reminders!

5. Avocado – This is a super cute app that allow for frequent and quick chats between you and your “boo”.

This app got a golden star because if you are tired of you honey forgetting your favorite BRAND of toothpaste when he/she goes to the store, then you get to add a picture of the toothpaste to your shared grocery list. It’s super easy and requires little effort. BONUS: I love the Photocons feature, you get to use a picture of your own face instead of emoticons (i.e. LOL and OMG) and Grocery list. Very functional for married couples.

6. Truth or Dare for Couples – Because none of us knows 100% about our mate with absolutely NOTHING left to learn, this is a fun (and potentially risqué) app that allows us to explore some intimate secrets and desires.

BONUS: You don’t feel like a pizza-faced adolescent being pressured into doing silly stunts. This is a nice twist to the classic!

Do you and your love use apps for fun? If so, which ones?

Filed Under: Love, Marriage Tagged With: apps, apps for marriages, Fun, love, marriage, spicy

5 Types of Sex Married Couples Need

March 26, 2013 by Smart & Sassy Mom 2 Comments

What’s a better stress reliever than a proverbial “roll in the hay” with your spouse? In addition to the spiritual and the personal connections that we have with one another. We must also keep the physical in the forefront as well. It only takes a little tweaking every once in a while to keep your bedroom spicy! Here are 5 types of sex that every married couple needs.

1. Role Playing Sex

Sound corny? Don’t knock it ’til you try it. You should be able to have fun and be free around your life partner, so have at it. You can be whomever and whatever you want to be, as long as it’s sexy. Even if you’re not a good actor, you’ll end up having fun and close enough to let the real fun begin!

2. The Quickie

Don’t look like that! This is awesome adrenaline delivery – which gives us a rush and makes us feel exhilarating. This is just another fun way to keep your love life healthy and your sex life hot. Whether it’s during a lunch break or with a house full during holiday dinner. I absolutely love it when my husband and I have a hot secret and our eyes meet in a crowded room. It makes you feel good inside. You’re also guaranteed to be on his/her mind, very frequently, for the rest of the day!

3. Me. Jane. You. Tarzan.

The next time your honey is dripping with sweat after a workout, don’t run away. Instead, pull them into you and let nature and the laws of attraction become an aphrodisiac. Post-workout sweat contains androstadienone, a testosterone derivative that elevates female arousal when she gets a whiff of it. A bonus: You’ll burn even more calories in the process.

4. Makeup Sex

I, personally, find it rather difficult to get in the mood when I’m upset, but from many married sources, comes the similar consensus that makeup sex is the best sex of them all. I can see how emotions and adrenaline could possibly turn into exceptional love-making. At least you know when you do this, that you’re in a marriage that can hit the bumps in the road and together you can both channel your anger into sexual energy.

5. Open Up The Pleasure Chest

Every couple should start a “pleasure chest” when they are newly married. This chest contains all types of toys and other stuff that you may not need right after your nuptials, but later on down the road. Take a trip together to an adult store and pick out some goodies that are sure to make your nights memorable. Also, ladies when we’re invited to those “toy parties”, we should not be ashamed, but look at this as investment towards a healthy and fun sex life with our wonderful spouses!

What other types of sex do you think married couples need?

Photo credit: Simon Marcus/Corbis

Filed Under: Love, Marriage, Uncategorized Tagged With: Fun, love, marriage, relationships, sex, sexy wife, spicy

Be Careful…Misery Loves Company!

March 12, 2013 by Smart & Sassy Mom 2 Comments

photo credit: blackandmarriedwithkids.com

Isn’t it funny that when you have something negative to say about your spouse, some people are all ears? Or, if you have complaints about your marriage, that you get all of the attention. Maybe it’s just me, but I agree with the age old cliche’ that misery loves company…but why is that? I know it’s not that we all enjoy seeing people suffer or that we get some type of fulfillment by seeing the shortcomings of people and their marriages. I think that by natural compassion, people flock to one another because they feel some type of cohesiveness or there is an innate desire to comfort those who are in need. Let’s just face it, some people are just nosy/messy!

What I have found is that when I don’t have complaints about my marriage or when I’m not rattling off my marital moans and gripes, then a lot of conversations with acquaintances are cut short. Sadly, when I’m singing the praises of my husband and thanking God for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon my marriage, then people either think that you’re bragging or that it’s just not juicy enough, so they move on. Thankfully and truthfully, there are a lot of times where actually nothing needs “fixing” and there is a space of happiness and complete euphoria. After all, isn’t that what we strive for? Isn’t that what we work so hard for – to be happily married and to have that “happily ever after”?

I was just having a conversation with two women and we all agree that you should dream and expect great things and claim victory over anything that you want to achieve! At some point, I know that I have claimed victory and happiness in my marriage and I’m currently achieving it! For that, I am so grateful. We should all say nice things to and about our spouses, sometimes even when we don’t feel like it. We should begin to speak blessing and peace within our marriage until they come into existence. Use kind and loving words to one another, even when we don’t want to. Just go ahead and claim happiness, even during the times when we are not.

Lastly, be careful who you talk to about your marriage, because everybody that claims to be your friend, is not. Some people will view your complaints about your marriage as a weakness that they could “prey on” when they smile and say that will “pray for” you. We all know there’s no such thing as a perfect marriage but we can strive for perfection, at least will be close to it. When we speak positivity into our lives, we can achieve it. When we talk to our mates about what we want in our marriage, the possibilities are endless. Notice I said, our mates. All others- OPTIONAL.

Who do you talk to about the good and bad in your marriage?

Filed Under: Love, Marriage Tagged With: family, love, marriage, relationships

7 Ways To Flirt With Your Man!

February 17, 2013 by Smart & Sassy Mom 2 Comments

photo credit: Lancescurv.com

The act of flirting is still alive and well! Don’t ever stop doing it. If you’ve ever stopped, get back to it. It’s always a win-win for everybody, that’s sure to lead somewhere that you BOTH wanna go. Flirting is an art. To some, it comes naturally. Just make sure that you’re using it when and where it matters the most and of course, that is anytime, any place, and with your spouse!

1. It’s all about the eyes.

Make sure that you undress him with those eyes. You know, that quick up and down action. It’s not only for the guys. Ladies…give it a try! Softly bite your bottom lip too, while you’re at it, for good measure.

2. Grab him.

Playfully give him a tap and make it Rated G, when the kids are around, but kick it up a notch when no one’s around. Try it before he heads out to work in the morning.

3. Let him choose.

We know that as women we can make our own decisions, but why not let HIM in on the action every once in a while? Lay out a couple of bra and panty sets and request his help with the choice of the day? What better way to have him thinking about “his choice” all. day. long?

4. Talk softly.

We’re always talking and yelling loudly, especially when there’s chaos and kids around. Speak softly and draw him closer to you so that he can hear the soft words that you’re speaking. Just make sure that what you’re whispering is the start of something good, because you’ve got him right there!

5. Surprise him!

No, you don’t have to pop out of a cake, and yell surprise!! Just leave one of Victoria’s little secrets in a hiding spot that he’d least expect. Guaranteed to make him smile. NOTE: Please not in his briefcase! We want you to PLAY with fire, not get him FIRED! If you’re skeptical about planting this sweet little surprise, try just leaving a post-it note first, and see how that goes!

6. Feel sexy. Be sexy!

I’m sure at this point in your relationship, he’s shared what he finds most attractive about your body. Whether it’s putting on something hot and racy that plays up and accentuates your assets, or just wearing one of his over-sized t-shirts, make him look! Most of all, make him like what he sees!

7. Kiss him.

Sounds simple, right? Kiss him at a time that he’d least expect it. Catch him off guard and he’ll be sure to return the favor!

Keep the fun going. Keep the fire burning! Most of all, keep the love and affection in the forefront, and the rest will follow.

Let us in on a few of your “flirty little secrets”…
Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),

Filed Under: Love, Marriage Tagged With: keeping it hot, love, marriage, relationships, sassy wife, sexy wife, spicy, spontaneous

How to Keep Your Marriage Strong Well After the Honeymoon

January 28, 2013 by Smart & Sassy Mom Leave a Comment

photo credit: www.experiencecrossriver.com

We can all agree that there are definitely different phases in every relationship. The first two phases are relatively easy, but what happens after the honeymoon phase ends? There is no blueprint, but I feel like there is a definitely power in sharing your experiences with others (thus, this blog) and be a blessing to others. Let’s talk about these phases for a bit:

Phase 1

Do you remember when you were dating and you would talk on the phone for hours? You went through that cute “No, YOU hang up…No,YOU hang up…No, YOU hang up” phase. You couldn’t keep your eyes nor your hands off of each other and your address was cloud 9?

Phase 2

Then, there was the phase two where you started learning more about each other. You revealed your strengths and saw each other’s weaknesses. And still, nothing could stop the two of you from committing your lives to one another and saying: “I do!” It was you two against the world.

Phase 3

Then, here comes the the third phase. You’re both committed to each other and love each other dearly. You’re successful in your careers and you’re raising a beautiful family together and living the American Dream! So, why does this phase cause so many issues for so many people, when this is the reason you got married in the first place?

All of the aforementioned accomplishments are wonderful. But, truth be told, not all committed, stable marriages consider themselves HAPPY marriages. Thus, the high divorce rate in the U.S. But why? Don’t we all start off at phase one? What happens to us by the time we get to phase three? This phase requires work – work that many of us may or may not be willing to put into our marriages.

As I continue to grown in my own marriage,gain pearls of wisdom from friends/family who seem to “get it right”,and research information written by relationship experts, I have learned the following about the not-so-easy-all-the-time third phase of love and marriage:

1. When you find yourself struggling in your marriage, its time to make it a priority. When you’re sick, its your body’s way of telling that you that something is wrong. You generally take time to rest, take medicine and even go see a doctor. Well, treat your marriage the same way:Assess. Diagnose. Treat. Heal. Repeat as necessary.

2. Find out (or refresh your memory) what’s important to your spouse and what makes them happy. For example: If you know that your spouse has a favorite meal….cook it! If you know that your spouse likes to see you in his/her favorite outfit…wear it! Take a minute, go back down memory lane, and remember what brought smiles to your spouse’s face in the beginning (rewind to phase one).

3. Date Nights are an unassumingly powerful “must-do” in any marriage. When I get in the car with my husband and I realize that I don’t have car seats to fasten or be forced to listen to “clean” music, I get my swag and my “grown and sexy” back. I don’t know about you but, its a good feeling to date your spouse. There are no pretenses. Its good fun and you already know you’ll end up in bed together at the end of the night. :-)

4. Pray. Marriage takes THREE. You, your spouse and God. Hopefully, before you tied the knot, this was a focal point for both of you, whether it was pre-marital counseling or a commitment that you both shared acknowledging God and His presence in your marriage. When you think about it, there’s really no other way around it. Go to God when you struggle, acknowledge your issues (and faults, sins, etc) and have the conversations of desires of your heart and ask Him to help you and your marriage succeed.

5. Accept responsibility and accountability. Let’s face it. The happiness in this phase of enduring love has to be created by you; its not magically made all on its own. If you want happiness in your marriage, you sometimes have to come to grips with the fact that with busy lives and crazy schedules, you have to put in a little time and work for happiness. How? By starting with your self first. Become a more loving and healthy partner. Work on being sincerely nice, even when its hard. A love that satisfies the both of you and an intimacy that is spiritual and emotional, as well as physical, should be the goal.

And here are a few other things -

6. If you’re in a slump (and we all get there at some point), make a habit of kissing, hugging and laughing with each other daily.

7. Every dispute or disagreement does not have to be a huge deal nor does it have to be public knowledge.

8. If you want to talk to a trusted friend – Fine. Just make sure they are pro-marriage and positive beings.

9. The enemy always tries to seek, kill and destroy things that reflect and created to glorify God. So, always know that you need to cover your marriage and protect it at all times.

10. Finally, remember that marriage is not a competition. Working together to put each other first means you’re both WINNING!
How do you keep your marriage strong after being married for some time?

Filed Under: Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

Can You Work With Your Spouse?

December 18, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom 4 Comments

When I first saw this picture, I had to do a double take. This is David Mann (most known for his character as Mr. Brown from Meet the Browns) and his wife, Tamela (best known for her character as Cora or Madea’s Daughter in several of Tyler Perry’s productions) – as well as her most recent role in the movie, Sparkle. I didn’t recognize them for obvious reasons. They are so good at their craft, to recognize them out of character caused a bit of a delay. There was an article on www.watchgmctv.com that told of the couples life together on and off the screen. I had no idea the lovely couple have raised four children and have seven grandchildren and is now taping their very own cooking show!

When asked about their secret to longevity and working with her husband of 24 years, Tamela summed it by saying, “I appreciate him so much and I love him most of all. I appreciate everything he does for us as a family. He’s a wonderful father. He’s a wonderful husband and boyfriend. He’s my best friend. We have such a good time. Even to this day, he makes me laugh just like he did when we were kids.”

I, personally, know that Mr. Brown makes me LOL, so I can imagine the outtakes and bloopers between these two in their real life. I have an unsurmountable amount of respect for all the husband and wife teams in the world. They work together to make it happen in and out of the bedroom! That has got to require some real dedication, love and respect for the person you married and who also helps you achieve your own personal goals. Love it!

My husband and I always jokingly say that we’d probably kill each other if we had to work together day in and day out. Knowing that other couples do this and consider it truly a blessing, makes me think that we could, if we needed to. He does make me laugh until my stomach hurts and I know he’d be excellent for a mid-day shoulder massage if I ever needed one. But right now, I tip my hat to all the dynamic duos out there doing their thing while blessing us at the same time – The (Ronnie and Lamar) Tylers, The (Mara Brock and Salim) Akils, The (Will and Jada Pinkett) Smiths, The (Patrick and Gina) Neelys and so on. Thanks for setting the bar!

Can you imagine working with your spouse? Do you work with them now? We’d love to hear your take on this!

Keeping It Smart & Sassy (KISS),

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Love, Marriage Tagged With: David and Tamela Mann, kindness, love, marriage, patience, Tyler Perry, working with your spouse

25 Ways to Show Your Husband You Love Him

October 8, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom 24 Comments

I’m always researching ways to enhance and enjoy my marriage. To some, this may not be a big deal, but for busy moms like myself, there are times that we barely have enough time for ourselves – let alone a moment or two to be a fulfilling and INTENTIONAL wife. Disclaimer: I make no claims to be a relationship expert. This is a list that was created to inspire you, not cause guilt, or by any means be overwhelming. Have fun with it and to be good at these, repeat them often and smile!

1. Cuddle. This could be a mini-spooning session before you drift off to sleep at night or just an “on the couch” moment after you’ve put the kids to bed.
2. Give him eye contact. Don’t they say the view to a person’s soul is through their eyes. Well look at your husband, not in his general direction, when he’s talking to you. It makes him feel that he has 100% of your attention.
3. Keep yourself up. No excuses for being frumpy! I know its hard to even shower some days, but at least try to throw on some makeup and get your hair done. Feeling good about yourself will make you a better wife!
4. Flip the switch to off! So often, we unintentionally speak to our husbands in a tone that is meant for our children. Please remember to get it together and check your tone before you speak to your husband.
5. Tell him! Simply, tell your husband that you love him in the most sincere and kind way you possibly can.
6. Love yourself. I’m a firm believer that a Happy Wife = Happy Home. Love yourself first so that you have the freedom to love your husband. If we have too much baggage and insecurities, how can we love our husbands?
7. Do what makes him happy. If he has a favorite meal, cook it. If he has a favorite dress he likes you to wear, wear it. Ask him or refresh your memory about what puts a smile on his face.
8. Pillow fight! If you’ve never tried this, then please do! It release endorphins (the natural chemical that makes us happy) into our bodies. You’ll be laughing and breathing so hard, you won’t have a chance to take life so seriously.
9. Give him his space. If your husband is like mine, he enjoys his man-cave. At times, stop the kids from disturbing him and allow him to dwell in this sanctuary to just “be”. At times, be a sweetie and take him a meal or two and his favorite cold beverage.
10. Pray together at night. Quite honestly, this is a hard one for us, because my hubby keeps late hours working and I’m in “La La Land” when he’s turning in for the night. If it’s an easy one for you to do, then do it. Speak the coverage of Jesus over the head of your household.
11. Don’t nag! OK, since when does this one come easy? If you can ask nicely and remind him with kindness that’s a start, but try not to overwhelm with/about any one subject.
12. Be aware of his exits and entrances to your home. Never let him leave without a proper goodbye hug or a kiss. And certainly greet him after a long day’s work with the same and a smile. (Also see #3 for good measure)
13. Say good things about him. Isn’t it nice to overhear people saying good things about you? Let him hear you saying kind words about him to his family, your kids or your family and friends.
14. Be the fire starter. Every now and then, THEY would like to be pursued, enticed, seduced and feel WANTED.
15. Compliment him. If you like the way he just got his hair cut, please tell him. If he smells good, tell him. You get the picture.
13. Smack him on the butt! If this isn’t the norm for you, I’m sure this will cause a stir, a laugh, a conversation or something. Just call it a “love tap”.
14. Buy him a little something, just because. It doesn’t have to break the bank. Any surprise gift would be appreciated. No ulterior motives allowed, like a snow blower or tools.
15. Give a massage. Enough said.
16. Slip him a little note inside his briefcase or lunch bag. Just say, “I’m thinking of you right now…” or “Can’t wait til you get home.” or more serious, “Thanks for being a good provider. Enjoy your day at work.”
17. Say yes to “Guys night out”! Just like you enjoy time with your girls, let him go out with guys. He needs the break, especially if it’s with other husbands.
18. Be subtly and blatantly submissive. Ask him for his advice and follow it through. Next time there’s a decision to be made. Tell him you wanted to “run it past him” first.
19. Smile, flirt and show a little leg. Enough said.
20. Write a “foggy mirror” message. When he’s in the shower in the morning, write him a love message on the mirror, so he’ll see it when he steps out. Isn’t that a nice way to start the day?
21. Nurse him. Don’t wait until he’s sick to look out for his health. When he does get sick, make sure you attend to his needs.
22. Kiss him. Not just little smooch – a long, passionate kiss should say, “I love you” and if you want it to say, “I want you.”
23. Start a ritual or a tradition together.
24. Be kind and show love to his mother. If your mother-in-law is no longer with you, then do this for the special elder in his life.
25. Keep your commitment and your vows. It takes a lot to fan the flames after the newlywed/honeymoon phase has been long gone. Your husband will see and appreciate your efforts and hard work that it takes to be a fulfilling, loving, beautiful and intentional wife and mother!
Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),

Filed Under: Love, Marriage Tagged With: God, good mother, good wife, hugging, husband, intentional wife, invest in your marriage, kindness, kissing, love, marriage, prayer, submission, wedding

How I’m Surviving a Long-Distance Marriage

August 28, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom 3 Comments

I’ve been in a long-distance relationship before, but for the first time in my life, I’m in a long-distance marriage…with children! It’s been very interesting to say the least. As we transition our lives from one state to the next, we agreed that my husband would go ahead before us, while the kids and I stayed back for several reasons. First, to show the home to sell. Then, to make sure that it showed nicely and mostly for the kids to finish their school year.

At first it seemed impossible, but of course with anything in life, God doesn’t give you more than you can bear. Living through the weeks and months of being a single parent of three, I realized how important he was to our everyday life. Being my sounding board about the highs and lows of my day, helping with the kids’ night-time rituals, being the person with the patience for sixth-grade math and of course, (ahem) being there for me! Please don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for his dedication to our family, I just miss him and have slowly grasped how much I appreciate his presence in my life and around the house! I said I wouldn’t mention this cliché in this post, but its true, so I have to say it. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. If it doesn’t, then you may want to re-examine some things.

Modern technology is something we are so grateful for. We text, we send pics to each other, we talk throughout the day when we can and I even broke down and got an iPhone so that we could do Face Time (Love that! Thank you and RIP Steve Jobs). The times that we see each other is not “business as usual”. It’s savoring the precious moments in time that we have before his next flight out. We even decided that we needed some time away….alone…together and went on the most romantic trip to Belgium and Paris that I could have ever imagined! The space that was once filled with chatter about the kids, the house, appointments and finances has now been replaced with naughty, fun, and heart-felt feelings of courtship, reminding me of when we were dating.

I didn’t know exactly how commonplace this lifestyle really was. Not only are we doing it, according to U.S. Census Bureau, 3.6 million other families are doing it too (not including legal separation). Side note: Shout out to all the military families out there….You are all the bomb.com! When you think about it, as tough as this economy has been, the need for spouses to take jobs elsewhere is increasing, especially when it’s not ideal for the other spouse to just uproot and leave their career. It really hit home when the husband of a very close friend of mine took a job in California, leaving her and her three children in Philly! We both went from traditional families to long-distance couples overnight.

As my anticipation of being reunited with my sweetie continues to grow, I am so happy to say that we survived. Not that I thought we wouldn’t, but it’s not for the faint at heart, that’s for sure. Ironically, I think that it has actually brought us CLOSER and I”m grateful for that! I applaud the families and couples that do this longer than the six months we’ve been at it. If you’re ever faced with this, don’t panic. Embrace it. Appreciate the growth and love your honey even harder!

Have you ever had to be away from your sweetie for an extended amount of time? If so, what advice do you have for those that are faced with this modern relationship?

Filed Under: Love, Marriage Tagged With: commuter marriage, long-distance, long-distance marriage, long-distance relationship, love, marriage, surviving a long-distance marriage

A Hall Pass!? Are You Serious?!

August 23, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom 4 Comments

I recently had dinner with friends and an interesting topic arose. The question was asked, “Would you allow your spouse a HALL PASS?” I immediately said, “No! End of discussion!” Evidently, there was a movie out that was centered around the idea of allowing your mate to go a considerable amount of time to “not being married”. I Googled the term to make sure I was on the right page. I was also a little upset that I was completely oblivious to a comedy starring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis. Love them both! I digress…

Our dinner conversation about a hall pass was not set in Hollywood! Nor was this proposition a hypothetical one. This was a real-life couple considering this. Ummm…Ok…there’s all sorts of things wrong with this. But for starters, this is just simply breaking the covenant that you made to one another. It’s also just weird. Who in their right mind grants their mates the freedom to go out and be single again?!? Furthermore, what exactly is the purpose? I can’t, for the life of me, understand why someone would sign off on such foolishness. Yet, I’m always eager to learn about different walks of life, situations, marriage arrangements, etc.

This is my thought: There’s one thing for your mate to bring infidelity into your marriage, UNBEKNOWNST TO YOU!!! However, it’s entirely another thing for you to say to him/her, “Hey sweetie! While you’re picking up the milk and eggs, pick up a chick on aisle 7 and do whatever you like, just don’t crack my eggs!” PUH-LEEZE!

Needless to say, there was a consensus that night of “Heck no!” (This blog is rated PG). We spent a substantial amount of time over dinner discussing several options of things to do for your mate – a “Hall Pass” was definitely not one of them! Does this have anything to do with the demographics of the women and men at the table? Who’s most likely to grant these types of “allowances”? I know it’s not all Hollywood. I’m pretty sure something like this exists in someone’s life.

Do you grant “Hall Passes” in your house? Chime in!

Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),

Filed Under: Love, Marriage Tagged With: cheating, couples, freedom, Hall pass, infidelity, marriage, married, open marriage, open relationship, spouse, unmarried

Five Fun [FREE] Things for Couples To Do on a Budget

August 13, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom Leave a Comment

Recently one of my readers asked for ideas on how to keep her marriage fun and exciting on a budget, especially without a babysitter. Several ideas came to mind. To be honest, I have only tried a few of them, but looking forward to them all. Here are 5 FREE, romantic and fun ideas for couples to do when the kiddies are home:
1. Text each other while you’re in the same room. This is a fun and discreet way to send naughty and exciting messages to one another, especially when your kids are in the room with you. Eventually, the kids have to fall asleep. WARNING! This can become addictive.

2. Have a “not-so-average” movie night. This is what I like to call the “Cater to You” movie night. The ‘caterer’ waits on their spouse hand and foot. The receiving spouse gets all the pampering on this night, and the next time you switch places. The recipient may get a foot rub or a shoulder massage, but definitely the chance to pick their favorite movie or favorite genre of movie. The caterer also does everything from the husband painting his wife’s toenails to the wife feeding her husband grapes! It means even more when the caterer has to sit through a romantic comedy or one of those Jason Bourne movies. Give it a whirl!

3. Go star gazing. When the weather is nice, just go outside and star gaze. It can be on your patio, in your own backyard, pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon with the kiddies on tow. This is also a good way for the kids to fall asleep (hint hint). Its exciting yet relaxing for them to be in their pajamas and going for a little ride. On a clear night, this can very relaxing for the two of you and super-romantic if the kiddies are already in bed. Marveling at God’s work with your mate will always spark conversation!

4. Play photo booth! Grab your camera phone and start taking pictures of you two. Make funny faces, kissy faces, and the best photo is capturing a sweet kiss between the two of you! BONUS: Add your favorite photo of you two as your mate’s Caller ID photo.

5. Get some apps! We live a digital world. So, take advantage of apps. There are quite few them out there that are fun for couples There is a free iPhone app called Kinky Games. (Don’panic…it’s soft!) It’s just like a slot machine. You shake your phone and you get a combination of “fun” stuff to do with and to your honey! This is guaranteed to be a night of endless possibilities!

What are some ways you have fun with your mate at little or no cost, especially when you’re home with the kids?