The Bridal Boutique | Bridal Party Gift Compact Mirrors by Bachelorettes

Today we're featuring a fun bridal party gift idea that would be perfect as part of a bachelorette party package for your ladies! Not only are they oh-so-pretty but what girl doesn't need a compact mirror with her at all times? Especially when you're out and about celebrating your last fling! Personalize them for each bridesmaid and maid of honor and of course, don't forget to order one for yourself too :)

You can find and customize them over at Black Label Decor (their Bachelorettes Shop) and your ladies are sure to love!

Cultivating Intimacy in Marriage | Part 1

Written with love, by Karley Kiker

Did anyone else grow up Southern Baptist? If so, you’ve probably heard the word "intimacy" used as a substitute for the word “sex” fairly frequently—especially in church circles. I get it. It’s a more polite, discreet sort of word that is 10 times easier to say in front of pastors and parents alike. But even though the two words go hand-in-hand, intimacy doesn’t always mean sex. Which is why today we’re starting a conversation about the non-sexual side of intimacy and talking about ways that we can continue to cultivate it after exchanging vows!

Miss Jee's Photography

First, a little backstory. Around the age of 13 my parents taught me another definition of the word intimacy that I have never forgotten: into me you see. (If you say it really fast it even sounds like “intimacy” which makes the whole thing even cooler.) I love the picture this particular definition paints, especially because it puts into words exactly what I felt when I realized Taylor was “the one.”

Like I said in my first column, I began writing letters to my future husband in a little blue and white striped journal at age 14...and after just three days of conversation with Taylor I felt sure that one day it would belong to him. So sure, in fact, that I actually put those words down on paper and let the journal know that, finally, I had met its future owner.

I realize that probably makes me sound like I’m a girl who’s always been one Hallmark movie shy of nosediving into fantasyland. But the truth is that I took the faith-filled step to write those words in my journal not because of the overwhelming love I felt for Taylor—that hadn't fully formed yet—but because I felt to my core that Taylor had been given eyes to see me like my Heavenly Father does, and vice versa. I didn't have to pretend during our conversations. I didn't have to act. I didn't have to explain, or phrase things just the right way, or manipulate, or control, or present myself in the best possible light, or gloss over the ugly parts of myself or my story. I could be accepted and known and cared for just as I was…and I could rejoice in the new capacity growing within me to "love as [my Savior] first loved [me]." (1 John 4:19)

For the first time I had caught a glimpse of what into me you see really looks like...and I wanted more of it! Prior to marriage Taylor and I began to develop intimacy through five-hour long conversations on the phone (we dated long distance), sending notes and letters back and forth (I will forever treasure the Valentine I received with “50 things I love about you” handwritten on the back of the card), and dreaming (out loud and often) about our future together. And while I may have thought that continuing to foster intimacy after saying “I do” was going to be easy, in reality, it has demanded a good deal of intentionality.

I don’t have it all figured out yet—in fact, I’m not even close. But I’m learning more and more each day about what it looks like to continually pursue the heart of my spouse. Stay tuned for next week’s installment, where we’ll discuss four practical ways to cultivate intimacy in marriage!

A Wedding Party Gift They’ll Actually Use

Sponsored with love, by AC Lens

It’s the question of the century –

“What gift can I get my wedding party that they will actually use?”

Bridesmaids get jewelry, care packages and nick knacks and let’s be honest with ourselves…that all gets tossed away into our “stuff drawers” at home, only to be seen again each time we move. It’s hard to find one specific gift that every single bridesmaid will use, because we are all totally unique.

But guess what? I figured it out!

There is one thing in life that everyone has and needs – old and young, boy and girl.

And that one thing is sunglasses.

Yes, it may sound a bit funny at first. You mean to tell me that you want me to get my wedding party sunglasses? How random!

It sure is random but it sure is useful. And it’s a gift each of your bridesmaids, groomsmen, moms and dads are absolutely going to get plenty of use out of! And the best part? They can be used as your bridesmaid proposal and will get plenty of use through the wedding plans and beyond.

Okay I know what you’re going to say next…I can’t possibly afford a nice pair of sunglasses for everyone!

Well if you add it all up, that bridesmaid proposal, goodie bag for the bachelorette party, and wedding day gift all adds up, whether it’s nick knacks or not. You can do that math and I bet that you’re spending a whole lot more money than you think!

(I’ll give you a second to think about it, and add up the cost of all of the “little” items you’ve seen and bookmarked.)

I’m right, huh?

And recently, my little family had the opportunity to shop for some new sunglasses (which were much needed) and AC Lens was fantastic! From babies to grandparents and everyone in between, there were so many styles to choose from (it actually took me about a week to narrow down because I loved so many of them!). They have designer styles at amazing prices and some great inexpensive finds too so whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, there’s definitely something in there for everyone.

Not to mention, you probably need a pair of new shades for that honeymoon – Honeymoon gift for your new hubby? I’ve never heard of a honeymoon gift but I sure am patting myself on the back for that one!

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