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How to be a fantastic housewife to your husband and make him feel cherished & loved

Taking good care of your husband as a housewife is so important! Not only does paying attention to your relationship strengthen your marriage, but making your husband happy is something that’s going to make you feel fabulous too. There’s nothing I love more than making my man feel loved and cherished, and it brings me great joy!

It goes without saying that healthy relationships are a two way street and your husband should be caring for you too, both emotionally and physically.

Whether you’re married or not, these tips can apply to anyone in any sort of relationship on how to make their partner feel cared for and cherished.

#1. Feed him!

You’re probably thinking, well duh! The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Well this may not be entirely true, but it does make a man feel appreciated and loved to have a woman he loves cook for him. Prepare his favorite meals often and try to have something good for him on the table when he returns home from work. Bonus points if you’re wearing a cute vintage dress and apron while cooking for him. Extra bonus points if you make him a meal from a family recipe that he grew up with.

#2. Surprise him with meals

Men love to know you appreciate them and are thinking about them. Surprise him by bringing him a home-made lunch to work, slipping his favorite dessert or candy in his lunch or bring him a cup of his favorite coffee or tea. Pick up his favorite take-out for dinner when he arrives home or surprise him with a meal theme night of his favorite type of food.

#3. Appreciate him

Let him KNOW he’s appreciated! Be sincerely thankful and appreciative of all that he does for your family and let him know often. Thank him for all his hard work and compliment him on the things he’s good at. Tell him what an amazing father and husband he is and thank him for the blessings he brings to your life.

#4. Dress up for him

Take extra time in your day to dress up for your man in dresses you know he loves and appreciates. Pay a little more attention to your hair and makeup. Change your clothes daily and make sure you are fresh and showered. Valuing yourself, and taking care of yourself is so important and men appreciate a woman who takes time out of her day to look her best for him. There’s nothing better then coming home to a beautiful woman who adores you. Bonus points if he comes home to you in his favorite t-shirt or apron... and nothing else.

#5. Support his friendships

Give him time to himself to unwind and spend time with his friends. Support his friendships by offering hospitality to them and supporting their hobbies together. For example; On a Super Bowl night you can host gatherings with his friends and provide delicious snacks and drinks for them. Then hang back and give them space to spend quality time together.

#6. Plan regular dates

Surprise him with a years worth of planned dates and spend quality time with him often. Plan at home date nights and watch movies or binge watch a TV series together. Take walks and hikes together and hold his hand or wrap your arm around his. Play board games together, or plan a surprise day that he would love. Make sure you unplug and put your phone down during your dates to give him your complete attention.

#7. Greet him!

When he comes home from a long day at work, greet him at the door to take his jacket and belongings and be genuinely happy to see him. Surprise him with an unexpected passionate kiss, and offer him a drink or have a pot of coffee ready for him when he comes home. Depending on his line of work, you could also have a bath and fresh clothes ready for him to come home to.

#8. Pray for him

Pray for your husband or partner every day! Believe in him and encourage him always, even when it may be difficult to do so. Make him a top priority in your prayers and in your days.

#9. Take care of his body

Let him know you care for him by cherishing his body as well as his mind. Surprise him with a nice shoulder or neck massage after work or on a car ride. Run your hands through his hair and stroke the sides of his face. Hold his hand in the car and massage his fingers and hands. Give him a head rub when he’s relaxing with you or massage his feet with oil or lotion and make him feel genuinely appreciated. Kiss him when he leaves for work and when he arrives home and never underestimate the power of a warm full body contact hug.

#10. Family first

It goes without saying that one of the most attractive things to a man is taking excellent care of his family and children. Make the time to get to know his family as well and get along with them. Invite his family to your home often and encourage relationships with his family and friends. Surprise him with a framed family photo that he can use at his office or workplace.

#11. Create a morning routine

Get up earlier then your man so you can freshen up and look your best for him. Put on a pot of coffee and have it ready for when he wakes up. Set out his vitamins for him and consider surprising him with a gift like a monthly subscription to The Dollar Shave Club so his mornings go more smoothly as he heads to work. Greet him with a kiss and kind words when he wakes up and ask him if he needs help with anything. Pack a lunch for him and have a healthy breakfast for him that he can eat at home or take on the go if he’s in a rush.

#12. Create an evening routine

Make an evening ritual for the two of you that you’ll both come to look forward to and enjoy. Always go to bed together and wear things that you know he’ll enjoy. Read in bed together from one of his favorite books or a book you decide on together and read to him, or watch a TV show you both enjoy together before bed. Make your bed everyday and change the bedding often so it’s always fresh and inviting for you both. Set out cups of water on your bedtime table and any medications for the morning.

#13. Think about him

Let him know you’re thinking of him by sending him an encouraging text during his work day or a funny joke/meme to get him laughing. Slip a cute little note in his lunch or jacket pocket and write him a love letter for a special occasion. Make him a custom playlist for his drives to work and call him sometimes just to say hi and let him know he’s on your mind. Surprise him with a super sexy text (bonus for photos) during his work day and actually follow through when he gets home.

#14. Trust him

Let him know you genuinely trust him by asking for his advice and actually taking it. Ask him to teach you something he’s knowledgeable and good at and give him your complete attention. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and trust his leadership in your home. Believe in him and encourage him always. Be there for him and always listen to him, especially when he’s particularly stressed. He will appreciate it and feel like a true priority in your life.

#15. Save money

Men absolutely love a woman that knows how to be thrifty and save money. Take the time to sit down and budget together as a couple and create a savings plan for a vacation together or something exciting you can both work towards. Shop frugally and live minimally to save your money and consider learning a new skill that will help you save money in your daily life.

#16. Take care of your home

Keep a clean, tidy and organized home! There is nothing worse then coming home after a long day to a mess or chaos. Make your home into an inviting, warm haven for you both, where you can relax and enjoy the time you have together. Create a cleaning and laundry schedule that works for you and make sure he always has fresh clean clothes for his workday.

#17. Let others know

Never compare your man to others and let him and others know how attractive he is to you. Slip in casual humble brags about him and build him up in front of other people. Tell your friends and family how amazing he is and how much you love him. This will make him feel so incredibly valued. Flirt with him often, both publicly and privately and display small affections. Do NOT overdo social media posts and tagging, a simple photo of the two of you every once in awhile will more than suffice. When a couple is truly happy and in love, they do not need to prove it to the world. Your friend and family circle is far more important.

#18. Help him

You should be your man’s best friend. You are in a partnership and you should treat it that way! Help him work towards his goals and dreams, and always ask what you can do to make things easier or better for him. Get a gym membership and work out together to keep yourselves healthy and fit. Take care of things he might be dreading and help him with his household chores like yard work or garbage.

#19. Laugh!!

There is no better medicine then laughter and this is especially true in relationships. Try to find the humor and brighter side of any situation you’re in and laugh with your husband often. Share private jokes and get to know his sense of humor and what will bring a smile to his face. Send him things that you know would make him laugh or smile, and do things together that will encourage laughter and playfulness.

#20. Be yourself

There is nothing more unappealing then someone who is fake or pretending to be something they’re not. Be YOURSELF, because he loves you and let him know you love him just the way he is too.

©️The Best Me 👑 Mrs Perkett

How To Be An Incredible housewife To Your Husband and Make Him Feel Like Your King Pt 2

Oooh goodness! My first post on caring for your husband got SO much love that I decided to write a part two! Now don't get it twisted... it goes without saying that your husband should be making you feel equally loved and adored as a wife while being an amazing husband to you as well! (I may very well make a blog post on that soon too ;-)

As a wife, I do feel that part of what makes up a great marriage is caring for your husband emotionally, spiritually and physically. Here are just a few things you can do to utterly make your husband feel spoiled and adored. If you feel so inclined, you can read my first post on this HERE

1. Pack his lunches

Clearly, men LOVE food. Most men anyway. When I met my husband, he really only ate a few select meals that involved a lot of ramen noodles and mac and cheese. He was extremely picky and I don't think he considered himself as much of a "foodie". Two months in of living together and trying every food under the sun, let me tell you.. when we miss a couple of days of home-cooked meals, that man is MISSING it so much! He LOVES my cooking and all of the meals I make for him. Take the time and effort to invest in some microwave safe and high quality containers or a lunch box. Pack up leftovers from the night before, or make him up something fresh in the morning, like a hearty sandwich or wrap and make sure to include a little snack and a healthy fruit or vegetable. Yes! Fruit snacks, homemade cookies and juice boxes are welcome by men of ANY age. Send him off to work feeling well cared for with a packed lunch and I guarantee that when he opens his lunch at work, he'll be thinking of you adoringly.

2. Write him love notes

Honestly, who doesn't enjoy getting a little hand written note from the one they love? You can tack one on to his steering wheel on a sticky note before he leaves for work, or you can send it with him in his lunch bag or sneak it into a coat pocket. When he finds it, it's sure to make him smile and think about you just as lovingly.

3. Give him a foot bath

Men that work blue collar jobs or have a job that requires them to be on their feet most of the day, undoubtedly come home with sore and tired feet. Take a few minutes to make up a little foot bath for him and once he gets all freshened up, sit him down in his favorite chair and give him a little foot bath, massaging his feet gently while you soak them. Trust me, this is SO relaxing and ever so appreciated. You can purchase an inexpensive foot bath basin from Amazon HERE *BEST FOOT BATH EVER* Fill up your foot basin with warm/hot water (make sure it's tolerable to the temperature he enjoys). Dissolve 1/2 cup of Epson salts, 1/4 cup of baking soda and drop 5-10 drops of essential oils (if you like) into the water. Soak feet for no more than 15 minutes to avoid drying out the skin. After you have dried off his feet, put a nice soft lotion or moisturizer on his feet making sure to massage any rough or callused areas well.

4. Plan his days off

This isn't nearly as ominous as it sounds. So many wives wait for their husband's day off to overload them with a truckload of activities that he has to do with her, such as trips to Costco, cleaning out the gutters, etc, etc. What I have come to find works the best for your husband's day off is to say, "I'd love to go to Costco with you in the morning and I have set up your gaming area and made you some snacks so you can enjoy the rest of the day gaming" Plan a day off for him that he will enjoy and let him take time to relax and unwind from a busy work week. Of course, it should be a healthy balance of alone/fun time for him, cuddling/intimate time for you both and some chores that you can do together.

5. Follow his lead

As women today, we are often told we have to be assertive and dominant, often taking the lead in our family and big life decisions in relationships. Of course I believe that husbands truly should value, listen and respect his wife's opinions and thoughts, but when it comes to big decisions, and even small plans, it is important that we as wives give them the final say. Men are natural born leaders, and they feel empowered and self emboldened when allowed to take the lead in their families and life. If you see that your husband is struggling with taking the lead, push him gently into to it, asking for his advice and opinions and actually following them. Allow yourself to follow your husband's lead, as misguided as it may feel at first. Not only will it strengthen your relationship, but it will strengthen the adoration and respect that he will give to you as his wife mutually. Believe it or not, a man always wants to lead in a way that's best for his wife, his family and himself. Allow yourself to TRUST him.

6. Take care of him when he’s sick

It's no secret that most men are ridiculously big babies when it comes to being sick (no offense to any man out there that is!). Quite frankly, I think it's adorable and there's no better way of making a man feel loved and cared for then to coddle him and spoil him when he's sick. Make a little couch bed for him, tuck him in with blankets, and put on his favorite Star Wars movie. Cook him up some nourishing soup and bring him lots of nice drinks to keep him hydrated. In the evening, you can even run a nice bath for him and sponge him down, rub his head in your lap, read to him and make sure he is comfortable. Trust me, when the time comes and you need to be cared for, he will most likely reciprocate ten fold.

7. Game with him

Most men LOVE gaming. If they don't, it's almost a guarantee that they love watching a sport of some kind or enjoy some type of game. Take the initiative to game WITH him or watch a game with him and it will make him so happy. Even if you're bad at gaming or aren't into sports, he will appreciate that you have taken such an interest in something that he loves to do. Not only that, but it's a great way to have fun together and will strengthen your bond. It's also a perfect date night idea that allows him to teach you about something he loves.

8. Support and take interest in his hobbies

Speaking of taking an interest in his hobbies.. find out what he really loves to do and take the time to learn about his hobby and join in when you can. For example, my husband is utterly obsessed with Warhammer (hence my name) and he loves painting the miniatures. Last year him and I took a class together to learn to build a diorama for miniatures together and we both had so much fun. It was a little built in date night and I loved learning more about his hobbies. Whether it's attending a Sci-fi convention or learning to fish, or going to a car show with him, there are so many ways to show him you care, by caring about his hobbies too.

9. Praise him & appreciate him

Just as we love being complimented and appreciated for a good meal we make or getting a kiss for a clean house, men equally love to feel appreciated for all of the hard work they do. Take the time to show him and tell him you appreciate him daily, whether it's the smallest thing or a bigger achievement. There are so many ways to let him know you appreciate his efforts in your home and at work to provide for you and your family. Think about what his love language is and try to integrate that into the ways you show your appreciation. He took out the trash without asking? Thank him sweetly and give him a long kiss. You appreciate him mowing the lawn on his day off? Bring him a glass of cold lemonade and eye him up appreciatively. He's tired after a long day of work? A plate of warm cookies and telling him you appreciate him is enough to get him through the night. Where woman thrive off of getting complimented on their appearances, men equally thrive off of getting complimented on their hard work or contributions. Of course, don't neglect their appearance either, they love that too if they're being honest.

10. Nourish/feed him daily

There's nothing better than coming home after a long day at work and sitting down to a nice home cooked meal. Cooking is definitely my love language and it makes me feel so good to be able to provide my husband and family with nourishment. If you're a novice in the kitchen, pick up a cookbook and start practicing. I guarantee your husband will always be a willing taste tester and will appreciate your efforts. Have a home cooked meal ready for him to eat when he comes home from work and serve him so he can just kick up his feet and relax. Food is such a universal language of love and appreciation, and your husband will always appreciate this so much!

11. Prioritize intimacy

People who tell you that sex and intimacy isn't important, are either delusional OR they simply don't get enough of it in their own relationship. The biblical defense gets brought up a lot, but guess what? God made our bodies perfectly for each other's pleasure and as a tool to mend broken wounds in a marriage and yes, there are verses to back this up. (ie: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 for those curious cats out there) It is SO important to make time for intimacy and sex in your marriage, even if you are overwhelmed, tired or just not in the mood. Intimacy and sex has in fact been proven to lift spirits, mend disagreements, ease stress and anxiety and even to ward off colds. The benefits are endless, and the biggest benefit is that it keeps your relationship close and bonded. If it so happens that your schedules are both madness, it may come down to picking out a night of the week for a date night. Make the effort to connect both emotionally and physically often and your husband and relationship will thank you for it.

12. Really listen

When your husband actually decides to open up and talk to you, don't just sit idly on your phone and space out. Really take the time to look at him and engage with him. Aim for deeper conversations, ask questions and really listen to what he's saying. You will find, that he will be more likely to really listen to what you're saying too. Being an attentive listener is so important in a relationship, even if you find what the other person is talking about unimportant. It might be important to them, so it should be important to you too!

13. Make out passionately

Making out isn't just for teenagers. It's for two people who genuinely love each other and want to keep exploring each others desires and intimacy. Men love a good kiss, and so do we! Make an effort to make out with your husband often and really feel his body, his face, his hands and show him how passionate you are about him.

14. Run him a shower or bath

It's such a small thing that can make your husband feel so cared for! Run him a bath or shower to the temperature he likes, put out a fresh towel and some clean clothes and he will be so happy! I personally would love to get into a warm bath or shower that someone else prepared for me! He will especially appreciate this if he comes home tired and dirty from work and will love the effort you put in to making him feel relaxed and cared for.

15. Greet him at the door and say goodbye when he leaves

A little effort goes a long way! Getting up a little earlier in the mornings to see your husband off to work, making him coffee and kissing him goodbye will make him feel so cherished, and also excited to get back home to you at the end of the day. Greet him when he comes home from work and take his jacket or bags and hug and kiss him enthusiastically. This genuine show of affection will let him know you missed him and you can't wait to see him. He will appreciate this and I guarantee it will bring a smile to his face!

16. Be direct

I do not know of a man out there who likes to fail. So don't set him up for failure! Be direct and let him know what you need and want from him. Even if it's just as small as a grocery list item or as big as what he can do to please you more around the house or in bed. Men love knowing exactly what to do for you and want to make you happy. Elusiveness is NOT attractive in a marriage, so start being direct, especially if he asks you what you need or want.

17. Resist the urge to mother him

No man likes a woman who is constantly telling him what to do. We call this "nagging" and it's not very attractive. It's something that mom's do with their young children. While it can be frustrating when you feel something is not getting done or when you feel something is being done wrong in your home, it's important to remember; you are not your husband's mother. You are his wife and partner, so try approaching your issues with a different tone and conversation. He will thank you for it and your relationship will thank you too!

18. Encourage his growth

If you see that your man is improving in an area of his life, or he's trying something new, attempting a new project, etc, let him know how awesome he is and how proud you are of him! Everyone wants to hear words of encouragement and you never know when someone may be close to giving up and your words could change the trajectory of their progress immensely. Let him know how proud you are of him in whatever he's doing and make him feel like you're his biggest fan, because you are!

19. Make his priorities your priorities

If your husband is in love with his car, you could detail it or wash it for him. If his work conference is important to him, you can help him dress to impress and give him plenty of encouragement and praise. If his favorite thing to do is watch the Superbowl, invite some of his friends over and cook something delicious for them to watch it. You get the memo. Just as he should be prioritizing your areas of importance, you should be prioritizing his!

20. Care for his appearance

Unlike women, men often need and want a guiding hand with fashion and appearance and they typically do appreciate and value your opinion. Make sure your husband has freshly pressed shirts for the office, or clean coveralls for his day working on cars, or a nice tie to wear to his meeting, etc. Take the time to help him with anything you see him falling short on and never make him feel bad about it.

21. Surprise him often

Whether it's a little surprise like a cold bottle of beer on a hot day, or a big surprise like a fishing trip weekend just for him, it's something your husband will absolutely adore. Being surprised by acts of kindness or fresh cookies, or a hot coffee you bring by his work will be so appreciated and loved by him, and he will feel like such a king.

22. Look your best for him

Men are visual creatures! Your husband will always appreciate and notice the effort you put into your own appearance and it will make him feel so loved and appreciated. Take some extra time to put on his favorite perfume, do your hair up, put a little makeup on and wear his favorite style of dress to greet him when he comes home from work. He'll never want to leave.

23. Make your home a safe haven

Make your home a place that your husband is excited to come home to! It's not just about making your home clean and inviting, it's about creating a home that is oozing with love, comfort, and warmth. Light some candles, spray some of your best air fresheners or light some incense, put some fluffy pillows and blankets on your sofa and have a plate of cookies waiting for him. Play music he loves and wear something he adores, greet him with a kiss and invite him into his home with love. Make it a safe place for him to fall and a place he looks forward to being every day.

24. Ask him for help & show your feminine side

Don't be afraid to be vulnerable with your husband. Being soft and feminine is so attractive and your husband will eagerly jump at the chance to help you carry a heavy object, or open a jar, or reach something on a high shelf for you. Don't be afraid to ask him for help and give him the appreciation he deserves when he does it for you! It's a boost of confidence for him, he will love to see your more feminine side and seeing him step up will be attractive to you too! xoxo - Mrs. Perkett

❤️The Biggest Date Night List Ever❤️

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought you might enjoy a gigantic list of date ideas! Enjoy ❤️

*I will add to this list as I accumulate more ideas, so if you have one to add, let me know!

1. Play video games together

2. Do a DIY project together

3. Rearrange your bedroom together

4. Go camping in your backyard

5. Do a board game night together

6. Play a couples question game together

7. Learn to cook something new together

8. Do an at home spa day together

9. Adopt a pet together

10. Work on a home improvement project together

11. Do a workout together

12. Learn a dance together

13. Have a bubble bath with candlelight and music

14. Go for a Pokémon walk together

15. Take a painting/art class together

16. Take a craft class together

17. Plant a garden together

18. Take a cooking class together

19. Take a baking class together

20. Rate music together on Spotify playlists

21. Bake cookies together

22. Create a date night jar together

23. Lay outside and stargaze together

24. Go to garage sales together

25. Volunteer at an animal shelter together

26. Color together

27. Go to a museum together

28. Have a picnic together outside or inside

29. Go on a hike together

30. Make a homemade pizza together

31. Go to a car show or race together

32. Visit a new park together

33. Play mini golf together

34. Go swimming together

35. Do an at home karaoke night

36. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter together

37. Have a garage sale together

38. Have an at home movie marathon night (no phones)

39. Have a backyard BBQ together

40. Roast marshmallows over a backyard fire

41. Go to a concert together

42. Go on a small town road trip together

43. Rent a hotel room in your own city

44. Go sledding together

45. Go to a street fair/festival together

46. Go ice-skating together

47. Go on a Christmas light tour together

48. Go to a drive-in movie or create your own

49. Visit a random city or town together

50. Go on a photo walk together

51. Make a couples scrapbook togethe

52. Make a dream board together

53. Go to the farmers market together

54. Visit the public library together

55. Draw together

56. Make a budget and dream savings plan together

57. Make a time capsule together

58. Plant a tree together

59. Clean your car together

60. Attend a free local event together

61. Read a book together

62. Have a beach day together

63. Go on a scavenger hunt together

64. Take a pottery class together

65. Recreate your first date

66. Create a bucket list together

67. Make a cardboard cat house together

68. Go go-karting together

69. Go to a playground together

70. Do a fun selfie Photoshoot together

71. Go to dinner and a movie together

72. Build a Lego set together

73. Do a themed dinner and movie night at home

74. Do a murder mystery with a Hunt A Killer box

75. Make homemade pasta together

76. Go to an escape room together

77. Make a craft together

78. Get your photo done with Santa together

79. Get your photo done with the Easter bunny together

80. Set up an Easter egg hunt for each other

81. Paint and decorate Easter eggs together

82. Carve a pumpkin together

83. Write a story together

84. Go fishing together

85. Go to a live play or performance together

86. Go to a live comedy show together

87. Go to church together

88. Go to a Christmas church service together

89. Do a puzzle together

90. Go to a flea market together

91. Go look at open homes together

92. Have a romantic breakfast in bed

93. Go on a bike ride together

94. Take your dog for a walk together

95. Play pool together

96. Go bowling together

97. Go to a horse race together

98. Do yoga together

99. Tour a winery together

100. Go berry picking together

101. Make homemade jam together

102. Watch the sunrise/sunset together

103. Go to an art gallery together

104. Visit a pumpkin patch together

105. Do a corn maze together

106. Pick out and decorate a Christmas tree together

107. Plan a dream vacation together

108. Visit a haunted house together

109. Go to a gun range together

110. Build a snowman together

111. Go to an arcade together

112. Go to a bingo night together

113. Go to a sports event together

114. Visit a nursing home and hand out flowers together

115. Attend a poetry night together

116. Visit a zoo together

117. Go for a walk by moonlight together

118. Go camping together

119. Go see fireworks together

120. Get a couples massage

121. Go skinny dipping together

122. Have a nerf gun fight together

123. Have a water balloon fight together

124. Carve your initials into a tree together

125. Go to a 50’s diner and share a milkshake

126. Make homemade playdough together

127. Cuddle by a campfire together

128. Have a posh tea party together

129. Go on a food tour in your city together

130. Go horseback riding together

131. Participate in an improv group together

132. Play laser tag together

133. Play paint ball together

134. Create a staycation together

135. Do a random act of kindness for a stranger together

136. Go to a medieval event together

137. Watch old home videos together

138. Visit and walk through a local cemetery together

139. Go on a dinner cruise together

140. Write love letters together and mail them

141. Watch a laptop movie under the stars

142. Fly a kite together

143. Have a role-playing date

144. Have an at home “Chopped” competition

145. Make and give out Valentine’s Day cards together

146. Have a steamy shower together

147. Listen to music by candlelight together

148. Walk dogs from an animal shelter together

149. Do a slip n slide together

150. Run through sprinklers together

151. Go for a night drive or scenic drive together

152. Go zip-lining together

153. Go for a hot air balloon ride together

154. Take an online course together

155. Create a playlist together

156. Decorate a room or area together

157. Read Reddit stories to each other

158. Take the bus somewhere random together

159. Create a love journal together

160. Go to a historical site together

161. Go to a matinee movie together

162. Create a charcuterie board together

163. Take a dog sport or training class together

164. Go to a dog show together

165. Go to a live auction together

166. Go bird watching together

167. Go to a public game night together

168. Build a gingerbread house together

169. Feed ducks together

170. Paint rocks together

171. Go on a nature walk together and collect things

172. Go to an amusement park together

173. Go to a water park together

174. Go to a fair or exhibition together

175. Nap in a hammock together

176. Go on a classy dinner date and dress up

177. Have a Disney movie marathon

178. Have a Star Wars/Harry Potter/Lord of The Rings marathon

179. Dress up from a specific era and watch a movie from that era

180. Take Photo Booth photos together

181. Go to a party together

182. Go to a karaoke night together

183. Go see a local band live together

184. Paint a miniature together

185. Build a diorama together

186. Attend a convention together

187. Start a collection together

188. Do a woodworking class together

189. Go for a river or lake cruise together

190. Build a sand castle together

191. Visit a ghost town together

192. Explore abandoned farm houses together

193. Have a leaf throwing fight together

194. Go to an open mic night together

195. Make t-shirts for each other

196. Set a budget and buy each other an outfit from a thrift store then wear your outfits out to dinner.

197. Get in a snowball fight together

198. Review books together

199. Make a backyard movie theater together

200. Create a couples slideshow together

201. Attend a dance class together

202. Drive somewhere quiet at sunset and slow dance as the sun goes down

203. Go out dancing at a club together

204. Paint a room in your house together

205. Go roller blading together

206. Go to a Comic-Con together

207. Go antiquing together

208. Go to a gardening expo together

209. Go people watching together

210. Build a living room or bedroom fort together and have a picnic inside

211. Draw pictures all over the sidewalk using chalk

212. Go rock skipping at the river

213. Make pancakes and watch Saturday morning cartoons

214. Play a card game on a blanket in your yard

215. Make homemade play dough and sculpt some fun things together

216. Make homemade soap and blow bubbles in the yard

217. Go on an adventure in the woods

218. Get ice-cream cones and go for a scenic walk

219. Stay up late and tell ghost stories

220. Go play frisbee in a pretty park

221. Have a water gun fight in the lake

222. Write to a pen pal together

223. Create a TikTok or YouTube video together

224. Create a scrapbook together

225. Get matching tattoos together

226. Put on a magic show for each other

227. Hula Hoop together

228. Learn a new language together

229. Go to a bookstore together

230. Have a buffet eating contest

231. Join a sport together

232. Take a class to learn to play an instrument together

233. Go to a butterfly garden together

234. Go puddle jumping together

235. Start a communication journal together

236. Have a living room dance party together

237. Write love letters to each other and mail them

238. Do a hometown visit together and revisit childhood memories and places together

239. Have a massage night and give each other full body massages with oil and candlelight

240. Have a fondue party together

241. Go on a huge shopping trip together

242. Play a steamy version of DnD together

243. Snuggle in bed and read a steamy book together

244. Sleep in, order in breakfast in bed, and watch old reruns of your favorite shows together

Happy Dating! xoxo - Mrs Perkett

🌼10 Ways To Make Every Morning A Daily Blessing🌼

1. Pick A Better Alarm Sound ⏰

Choose an alarm sound that is cheerful, delightful and happy! None of those jarring, blaring, horridly abrasive sounds that make you want to slam the snooze button down just to shut it up! Allow yourself to wake up slowly and peacefully with grace and serenity.

2. Stretch It Out 🌸

Start your day with a relaxing stretch or meditation and really feel your body stretching to meet the morning sun and the day ahead of you. Work all of the kinks in your body out and move every muscle with purpose and energy. There are so many great apps with free stretch meditations and morning stretch exercises to make your life easier. If you have a significant other, be sure to keep some ear buds close by so you can listen to a meditation or stretch exercise class without waking them

3. Dress for success 👗

Whether you’re a homemaker or you go to work outside of the home, dress to make yourself feel the best that you can be! Choose your clothing with purpose and put some effort into your hair and skincare. When I was working at Subway, I asked my boss if I was allowed to wear shorts or skirts as long as my legs were covered and she said yes! Believe me, I made the most of that awful Subway uniform and I wore long sleeved black shirts underneath, skirts with floral and lace black tights and cute shoes! I did my hair in a way I knew would look cute with that dreaded visor and I always felt amazing heading into work! Now being a homemaker, I put the same effort into my at home attire and it pays off! Studies have shown a direct correlation between the clothes you wear and how productive you are in a day. Always dress to impress and dress for success!

4. Choose a great coffee or tea mug ☕️

Pick out your coffee or tea mug with care! You should be excited to carry your cup of coffee around and love the way it looks and feels in your hands! It seems like a such a small insignificant thing, but it makes a difference in how you feel about starting your day!

5. Take a splash of cold water 💦

Wash your face with cold water and really allow yourself to take it in, letting the water wake up your eyes, your skin and give you that much needed boost of energy. Exfoliate or moisturize afterward if you need to!

6. Sit with yourself 📝

Allow yourself a few minutes to sit with yourself and think about your blessings and the day ahead of you. You can use this time to journal, read something or reflect.

7. Nourish yourself 🍓

Even if you’re in a hurry or running late, make the time to choose something nourishing and healthy for your breakfast. Whether it’s a full blown eggs and toast breakfast, a fruit, a smoothie, or a bowl of instant oatmeal, put something into your body that will help fuel your body for the day.

8. Open your curtains! ☀️

Let the light shine in! Even on a gloomy day, opening your windows or curtains has been shown to release serotonin which will boost your energy and mood and help your body get ready for the day ahead of you!

9. Take a step outside ✨

Fresh air has such a positive effect on your mind and body so it seems silly not to take advantage of soaking in some fresh air or sunshine for a couple of minutes in the mornings. Breathing in fresh air helps oxygenate your cells, improve blood circulation, and boost your energy levels! So go outside with your dog in the morning when he’s taking a pee, or stand outside your front door with your cup of coffee and just breathe for a couple minutes.

10. Pack or prepare a lunch 🥗

Whether you work from home or you leave the home for work, it’s important to pack a lunch that you will look forward to! Pack something that will be nourishing and satisfying and tuck a little note in your lunch, your kids lunches or your husband’s lunch. It could be an inspiring quote, an affirmation, a sweet note of appreciation or a little love note. Even if it’s just for yourself, it will give you a sweet little boost midday when it’s needed the most!

Happy blessed morning! 🌼☀️

Xoxo - Mrs Perkett

❤️Beautiful Things To Do In February❤️

1. Bake something sweet!

Go ahead and indulge yourself by whipping up a sweet dessert for yourself or for someone you love! Think cupcakes with pink frosting, a shortcake with strawberries and whipped cream, or some heart shaped cookies!

2. Hand out old fashioned Valentines!

Either craft some super sweet homemade Valentine's or buy some cheesy ones from the store and hand them out or deliver them personally to people you love and care about!

3. Read a romantic book

Feel free to lose yourself completely in a romantic fictional novel or even a non-fiction book about relationships and love! Find a quiet peaceful spot in your home or even outside in a garden or park and fully immerse yourself in love.

4. Watch an vintage romantic movie

Get comfy and grab some popcorn and chocolate! Cuddle yourself or someone else and enjoy an old fashioned or vintage romantic movie.

Some of the best are: *The Notebook *When Harry Met Sally *Breakfast At Tiffany's *Ghost *The Bodyguard *Dirty Dancing *Roman Holiday *Gone With The Wind *Titanic *Romeo & Juliet *Sabrina *Notting Hill *An Affair To Remember *Moonstruck *Pretty Woman

5. Write a love letter

Write yourself or someone you love a love letter by hand and mail it!

6. Treat yourself to a self-love day

Treat yourself to a special day either at home or somewhere else! Allow yourself to be pampered and treat yourself to your favorite things! Really love yourself for the day!

7. Make someone feel special

Do something special for someone you really care about! It doesn't have to be some grand gesture. It could be as little as helping your grandma clean her house, or helping your neighbor shovel their walk, or it could be a small gift that makes someone feel special!

8. Cook a romantic dinner

Cook yourself up a delicious homemade meal and set the table with candles and flowers! Whether you're by yourself or with someone you love, take the time to really savor a delicious romantic meal and bask in the candlelight.

9. Dress up romantically

Wear your prettiest most romantic dress and doll yourself up, even if it's just for a day at home! You will feel as special and beautiful as you look!

10. Tell someone you love them

Whether it's your significant other, your best friend, your mom or your grandpa, tell someone you love them and really let them know you mean it!

11. Make a bouquet of flowers

Create and put together a beautiful bouquet of flowers for yourself or for someone else.. or BOTH! Put your bouquet somewhere in your home where you can admire them every day. Studies have shown that there is an emotional change in people after receiving flowers. Reports show that people become less depressed, agitated or anxious after looking at some gorgeous blooms.

12. Go on a romantic road trip

Take yourself or someone you love on a romantic little road trip! Even if it's just a drive around your city or out in the country, or to a small neighboring town. Enjoy the drive and really take in the scenery and listen to all of your favorite music that makes you happy!

13. Watch the sunset

Take a drive by yourself or with someone you love out to the country at sunset and admire all of the colors and beauty! Even if it's cold and you're sitting in your car listening to your favorite music, admire the sunset and take a moment to breathe in gratitude for life and it's beauty.

14. Hang up some pretty curtains in your kitchen

Find some beautiful curtains that make you feel like Spring and new beginnings and hang them up on your kitchen window! It will brighten your day every time you look at them and give you a little pep in your step when you wake up in the mornings to grab your cup of coffee or tea.

15. Wear some pink or red lipstick

Get yourself all dolled up and put on some pink or red lipstick for a day. Bonus points if you can leave a kiss mark on your favorite person's cheek!

16. Plant a flower!

Plant a pretty flower inside your home and display it somewhere that you can admire it and care for it every day! Studies have shown there is a massive therapeutic element to gardening and caring for plants... perhaps it is because subconsciously it symbolizes growth.

17. Print off a photo of something or someone you love

Print off a photo of someone or something you really love and hang it on your wall! That way, every day you can admire and surround yourself with the beauty of something you love.

18. Nourish yourself with love!

Loving yourself isn't just about self care days and spa days, it's about treating your body with love by nourishing it with healthy food and drinks. Really put thought into what you're putting into your body and ask yourself "Is what I'm eating showing love to my body?"

19. Dance more!

Spin, twirl, learn a new dance off YouTube, or just move to your new favorite song! Really appreciate your body and how it moves and do a little dancing every day!

20. Write yourself a 5 year plan

Take the time to sit down and map out a 5 year plan! Break it down into categories. For example; Health, Relationships, Finances, Work & Personal. Then map out different times to have your goals completed by; 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years! Always look forward to your future and hang up your five year plan somewhere that it will always inspire you.

Happy Love Month!

xoxo - Mrs Perkett

20 Southern Feminine Traditions We Should Embrace in 2024

Being Southern is a way of life and there is something extra special about a Southern woman. Not only are they feminine and always dress themselves fashionably, but they are women of distinction, with traditional values and a high respect and regard for their families and traditions. They know how to sweet talk, and my word, they know how to cook! I think we can all take a page from a traditional Southern woman and embrace some of their ways of life to better ourselves!

1. Sipping Sweet Tea & Mint Julep's On The Porch

It really is true, that Sweet Tea's and Mint Julep's are a way of life in the South. The chances are that if you show up at someone's door on a summer day in the South, they are bound to have a jug of Sweet Tea just beyond their fridge doors or they are ready to whip up a batch just for you! There's nothing sweeter in life than sitting on your porch drinking sweet tea and reading your favorite book or just savoring nature and the company around you.

How To Make a Fantastic Mint Julep

24 fresh mint leaves

4 teaspoons powdered sugar

12 ounces bourbon

Crushed ice

Fresh mint sprigs, to garnish

Place a glass in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes. Then add 6 mint leaves to the glass and press gently to release flavors. Add 1 tsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pack the glass tightly with crushed ice, filling it 3/4 of the way full. Pour 2 oz of GOOD Bourbon in the glass and stir briskly. Add additional ice to fill the glass. Add 1 more oz Bourbon and repeat the procedure with the remaining ingredients. Garnish with mint if you like!

How To Make a Fantastic Sweet Tea

3 family sized tea bags (Lipton Iced Tea)

2 Cups sugar

1 gallon water (divided use)

1/4 tsp baking soda

Ice cubes for serving

Fresh mint sprigs, to garnish

Boil 1/2 gallon of water on the stove. Once it reaches a boil, remove from the heat and pour into 1 gallon pitcher. Add 3 family sized tea bags and 1/4 tsp baking soda to the pitcher (no need to mix), and make sure tea bags are submerged in the water. Let sit for 15 minutes to soak in the tea bags, and then remove tea bags WITHOUT squishing them into the pitcher (just let the tea bags drip out when removing them). Add sugar and stir well. Add the other 1/2 gallon of cold water to the pitcher and stir again. Chill in the fridge for an hour or so and serve chilled with ice and garnish if wanted.

2. Monogramming EVERYTHING

Let's face it, monogrammed items are an absolute MUST for every Southern woman. It makes a statement, and they have become almost a mandatory element of Southern style. There are many things you can monogram, from your handkerchief, to your table napkins, to your journal or purse. With so many ways to monogram, it's super important to find the style of lettering that works for you and stay consistent with all of your monogrammed items. You may choose to use both your first and last initials, just your first initial, or ALL of your initials, perhaps with the initial in the center being slightly bigger in size, or if you are married you might want to monogram your items with you and your husband's initials. Whatever style you choose, is one that should stay with you, as it will all tie into your statement to the world.

3. Wearing Ribbons, Bows, Scarves & Flowers

Speaking of making statements! In the South, the phrase "The Bigger The Hair, The Closer To God" applies to hair accessories too. A Southern woman LOVES to make a statement with the accessories she wears too. Adorning your hair with a beautiful ribbon, bow or a floral arrangement is something that always looks beautiful and definitely makes a statement about your hair and the way you dress.

There are several ways to style your hair with a ribbon, bow, scarf or flowers.

*Wear your hair in a high ponytail (make sure the ponytail is coiffed and full) and fasten with a ribbon, bow or flower

*Wear your hair down with full and bouncy curls and collect hair off to one side and fasten with a bow or flower arrangement

*Wear your hair in a thick braid or two braids and either braid with a ribbon down the entire length of the braid, or fasten with small ribbons at the end of the braid or braids.

*Wear your hair down in full bouncy curls and fasten a scarf around the nape of your neck to come around the top of your head and fasten in a bow, making sure to leave some shorter strands and bang pieces out of the scarf to hang free.

4. The Bigger The Hair, The Closer To God

This is simply one of the best phrases in the South and it is practiced regularly for the Southern woman. Coiffing, styling, curling and poofing your hair to the max is another statement about your style. Of course, you don't have to do this every day, but special events certainly call for it and it brings an air of youth and good health to wear your hair in a bigger style.

5. Southern Sweet Talk

Southerners certainly know how to "sweet-talk" the pants off of me. I have to say, there's nothing more endearing then hearing an older black lady call me sugar or sweetheart. Something about it just inexplicably warms my little heart. Language in the south is just like their tea.. SWEET! And I love it. Use your sweet syrupy talk and pour it all over strangers and friends. It is the nicest way to receive a compliment without actually receiving an outright compliment.

Some sweet phrases in the South that are used on the regular are;

Sugah, Hun, Honey, Darlin, Pumpkin, Babycakes, Sweetie-pie, Honey-Bun, Doll, Sweet Cheeks, Dumplin, Cutie-Pie, Sweetheart, Sunshine, Dear, Sweet Pea, Precious, Beau, Boo, Stud-Muffin, Honey Butter Biscuit, Handsome, Dream Boat, Baba, Good-Lookin, Hunk

And let's not forget all of the sweet and funny phrases they use;

*Bless Your Heart

*Gimme some sugar

*Pretty as a peach

*Gussied up

*Madder than a wet hen

*Sweatin' more than a hussy in church

*Worn slap out

*Over yonder

*Till the cows come home

*If the creek don't rise

*Let me let you go

*Well I declare

*Heavens to Betsy

*Hush your mouth

*Well I'll tell you what

*Well butter my backside and call me a biscuit

*Quit being ugly

*Livin' in high cotton

*It's blowin' up a storm

*Three sheets to the wind

*Preachin' to the choir

*Sweeter than stolen honey

*Aren’t you a peach?

*More twists than a pretzel factory

6. Saying Sir or Ma’am

Oooh Lord have mercy, have you ever had a hat tipped to you by a Southern man or had him call you ma'am? That's a real panty dropper for me and the same goes with a man hearing you call him Sir. There is just something so attractive about that level of respect and admiration and we need to bring this back! I will never understand a young woman who gets OFFENDED by being called ma'am. It simply has NOTHING to do with the age of the woman, but of the amount of respect a man has for her, and it is so attractive, especially in that Southern drawl... just saying.

7. Having Old Fashioned Cook Outs

When summer is finally in sight, Southerners LOVE a good cookout, backyard barbecue, church potluck or a 4th of July celebration. There are just so many reasons to invite good family and friends to enjoy delicious food and divine company. It's also a fantastic opportunity for Southern housewives and homemakers to showcase their cooking skills and the food never disappoints!

Here are a few ideas for well-known cookout dishes that will always be a hit!

*BBQ Pulled Pork on a bun

*Slow smoked brisket

*Old Fashioned Southern baked mac & cheese

*Southern Buttermilk fried chicken

*BBQ baby back ribs (preferably with apple butter sauce)

*Southern fish fry

*Vinaigrette coleslaw dogs

*Cajun craw-fish boil

*Spicy chicken or shrimp and grits

*Collard greens

*Corn on the cob

*Southern fried corn

*Fried green tomatoes

*Southern style green beans

*Baked beans and bacon

*Southern pimento cheese

*Southern Potato salad

*Deviled eggs

*Peach cobbler

*Butter pound cake

*Pecan pie

*Southern style corn bread

*Southern buttermilk biscuits

8. Acting Like A Lady & Minding Your Manners

Minding your p's and q's is so important in the South. Having respect for your elders, your family and your friends is so important and keeping your cool even if you've had a day from hell is something that Southern women are masters at. Manners should be a give-in for everyone and Southern women make no exception of this. They are almost always well poised and think before they speak, taking their sweet time and speaking slowly, drawing out words they want to emphasize. They know how to sit like a lady, put their napkins in their laps during dinner, keep their elbows off the table and address people with Sir or Ma'am out of respect. They always have an air of confidence without being arrogant and always practice good posture.

9. Setting Out Cloth Napkins

A Southern woman always sets the table and spares no expenses on details. Cloth napkins are such a personal and beautiful touch to a table setting and not only are they pretty and aesthetically pleasing, but they are more eco-friendly as they are washable and re-usable. And again, your napkins can all be monogrammed which is another little bonus to using a cloth napkin!

10. Being A Gracious Hostess & Sending Thank You Cards

Knowing the art of hospitality is one of the most important things in old Southern culture. A Southern woman knows how to be a gracious hostess and always puts the needs of her guests above all else. This goes back to knowing how to whip up a batch of Sweet Tea or a Mint Julep in a heart beat or having a jug of Peach Tea ready and waiting in the fridge for last minute guests or company. Making people feel at home, and nurturing a warm and comforting environment is a staple of Southern living and I believe every woman should learn about hospitality and how to do it right.

Not only does a Southern woman know how to host well, but she knows how to give thanks when she is invited to another person's home or when she receives an unexpected gift. It seems like hand-written thank you notes are a thing of the past with iPhone's and computers being all that we seem to need, but isn't there something so special about receiving a hand-written thank you or note? Southern woman ALWAYS sent thank you notes and it's such an old fashioned and lost tradition that we need to bring back!

11. Always Dressing To Impress

When it comes to fashion, Southern women know how to do it right. They know that there is a time and place to wear that tight little bodycon number and their cousin's church baptism ain't the place. They know how to dress and style their bodies for the shape God gave them and always dress in a flattering, attractive and modest way that pleases their assets and curves. They almost always choose A-line style dresses that give the illusion of that beautiful hour-glass shape, and they choose classic styles that suit their body-types over current trends.

12. Making A Big Deal Over Traditions

Southerners LOVE celebrating traditional holidays. You will be hard pressed to find a Southern home that isn't already decorated for Christmas by mid-November. A Southern woman is the master of her home and decorating, and loves adorning her home with beautiful decor that reflects the upcoming holiday traditions. I personally LOVE Christmas and I never want to stop making a big deal of it. Embrace the family traditions you grew up with (even if it's just you!) and decorate your home to reflect your mood around it.

13. Being More Patriotic

I don't think there has EVER been a time in history where you can look back and find people that DIDN'T like or not like their leader or that didn't think their country wasn't going to absolute shit. Be that as it may, we should always take pride in the freedoms and liberties we have in the country that we live and stand strong behind our country. Being more patriotic of our country, doesn't mean we support the things our leaders are doing, but we should always support our country. Woman of the South often decorated their homes in American flags, and loved touting their patriotism through their decor and their style. They also LOVE a good 4th of July celebration and make a big deal of it. It's the honorable thing to do, and something that is getting more and more lost in today's world.

14. Wearing More Pearls

Oh my.. I do love a nice pearl necklace and women of the South do too. They were often seen dressed up for the day with a beautiful delicate string of pearls adorning their necks or ears. There is something so classy about a nice set of pearls. Try checking out thrift stores or garage sales (Women of the South declare bigger Warehouse stores to be money-draining!), and try to find some vintage strands that will go with whatever you wear. Alternatively, there are some amazing Oyster Shucking ladies on Facebook that I LOVE watching lives of. They shuck oysters and pull beautiful pearls out to sell to their viewers and even offer the option of transforming them into beautiful jewellery.

15. Canning, Crocheting, Embroidery, Quilting and Knitting

If you ever visit a Southern home, chances are, you are going to find some embroidered napkins or table runners, or a nicely quilted blanket adorning their sofa or porch swing and it is just so comforting. They also LOVE to can, everything from cucumbers and asparagus, to beans, jams and fruits.

Take up a new hobby and learn to crochet, embroider or quilt a blanket. Not only is it a wonderful skill to help decorate your home, but it can be used to make statement monogrammed pieces for your style, and a beautiful quilt or crocheted piece makes a beautiful heirloom item for your family or a perfect gift for a friend or loved one.

16. Wearing More Wide Brimmed Hats, Scarves, Handkerchiefs and Gloves

I LOVE beautiful lace gloves and I always have. I have collected vintage ones since I was in my teens and just love using them to doll up a beautiful outfit. As fashionable as wide brimmed hats, scarves, handkerchief's and gloves are, Southern woman used them for practicality and good skin care more than anything. It's HOT in the South for those of you who haven't been and having a good hat to protect your face and skin from sun spots, aging and sunburn was a must for most women of the South. They also knew that protecting their necks, their hands and having a nice clean handkerchief to dab their eyes, lips and faces with was so important.

17. Dancing More!

Women of the South are not afraid of dancing! Where there is good Southern soul music and upbeat Southern country music, there will be dancing. Most people would say that dancing is the heart of most small town social gatherings in the South. Whenever there is an excuse to get on the dance floor and let loose, a Southerner will usually be up to the challenge. Don't be afraid to dance in your kitchen, while you're cleaning, in your garden or out on the dance floor of a good cookout.

18. Knowing Your Way Around The Kitchen & Slow Cooking ALLL Day Long

I think we have established that Southern women LOVE to cook and they love opportunities to showcase their food. A Southern woman is an absolute force to be reckoned with and always has an arsenal of personally tweaked recipes that have remained tried and true for her family. They also LOVE their slow cookers and love coming home to the smell of a delicious roast or meal that has been basking in the slow cooker allll day long.

19. Wearing Dresses

I absolutely LOVE a beautiful Southern dress. Of course, Southern women don't always dress up and know how to dress down. They also know the art of dressing up well when the occasion arises and they love wearing dresses for their comfortability, practicality and for the way it hugs all of their feminine curves and makes them feel like a true Southern queen. As I mentioned before, choose dresses that compliment your body shape over the current trends and style and above all, choose dresses that make you feel beautiful and feminine.

20. Embracing Traditional Values

A Southern woman is traditional by nature. They all love a good strong Southern man who holds the door open for them, treats them with respect, showers them with gifts and brings home the bacon. Meanwhile the wife cooks the bacon and makes sure he is well fed and clothed and his children are bathed and clean, with a comfortable and warm home that's full of love to come home to. This way of living was of course more common in the 1950's when divorce rates plummeted drastically and it's no secret why.

Southern women on the whole, hold traditional values of respect for their families, and would never be caught gossiping or uttering a negative word of their families outside of their homes. They have a loyalty and obedience to their husbands that makes them high valued and cherished by their husbands in return and they know the art of manners and how to act like a lady. Not only that, but traditionally Southern women of the past were typically big on faith and God and had a natural knack for knowing how to sweet talk and comfort almost anyone.

Happy Southerning - Bless your heart! <3

xoxo - Mrs Perkett

10 Feminine Things To Invest in To Look & Feel Amazing in 2024

1. Books!

Annnnd more books! Books about femininity, romantic novels, books about health and beauty and books that you really want to read! Reading is so healthy and enjoyable, and continues to nurture your vocabulary, knowledge and imagination.

2. A pretty journal

Journaling every day whether it be to document your thoughts or write about your day, or even to write daily down gratitudes, affirmations and blessings, is so healthy and wonderful for you. You will notice a huge difference in how your mindset changes when you start off or end your day by journaling!

3. A feminine and refreshing beauty routine

It’s so important to take good care of your skin! Look for beauty products that will help you create a simple and easy beauty routine that you’ll be able to maintain all year long without fail. My favorite product this year so far has been a beef tallow balm by Vintage Tradition, my skin has been so soft!

4. A feminine dress that makes you feel beautiful

Look for a beautiful and timeless dress that makes you feel feminine and soft. I love vintage dresses for this reason but there are so many new styles and designers that offer the same look and feel!

5. A healthy and practical vitamin routine

There’s nothing more important than taking good care of your hormone levels, your vitamin levels and your overall health! Visit a nutrition store or see a holistic doctor this year to talk about the things you struggle with (ie; hormone levels, lack of sleep, energy levels, etc) and come up with a supplement or vitamin plan that will help you foster a healthier mind and body.

6. A membership or platform for working out

Whether it be a gym membership, a workout app membership or a YouTube workout playlist you create, in 2024 come up with a reasonable and totally doable workout routine that works for you! It doesn’t have to be grueling or crazy, and dancing counts! Taking good care of your body on the outside is paramount to feeling good on the inside. I use the Fit On app and YouTube for at home workouts and I love it!

7. Products for a really good hair routine!

I recently invested in a boar brush and wow! It doesn’t rip or snag my hair at all and it’s so easy to brush through my hair without feeling like I’m damaging it! I also invested in a couple of top tier shampoos that leave my hair feeling so soft and smooth. Healthy hair resonates youth and beauty so it’s really important to take good care of it!

8. A feminine morning basket

While scrolling my Pinterest feeds one day, I was put onto a “Morning Mom Box” and I was intrigued! It’s a box filled with a bunch of lovely stuff that are important to your day and it’s all kept in a basket or box. My feminine morning basket has my bible, my journal, some nice pens, my daily planner, my daily devotion book, the book I’m currently reading, my beef tallow balm, my refreshing Grace and Stella eye masks, and some nice lotion.

9. Really good shoes!

Your feet are more important than you think! Never sacrifice comfortability for style when it comes to wearing shoes. Especially over time, this can really do damage to your feet and cause you pain, swelling and muscle discomfort over time. Look for a pair of shoes that is comfortable AND pretty!!

10. A pretty photo album!

Today, people very rarely print off their photos. They sit abandoned on their phones and rarely resurface to see the light of day. Take the time to go through your photos, organize them and print off some of your best memories. There’s something so special about being able to hold a photo in your hands physically and looking back at good memories is a great way to get out of a slump and enjoy your blessings. I use Chatbooks for an inexpensive and great quality way to print my phone photos straight to a little book that I can cherish.

Happy 2024!

Xoxo - Mrs Perkett

10 Ways To Be A Virtuous Woman -Proverbs 31 Woman

Whether or not you believe in the Bible and God, the idea of being a virtuous woman was taken from the book of Proverbs (31) in the bible. These passages were written by King Lemeul, and they were poems written as an ode to his mother who taught him not only how to be a virtuous man, but how to find a woman of virtue. So in all truth, this passage from the bible was not ACTUALLY directed towards women, but it was directed towards a man and what virtues he should look for in a wife.

The belief that this passage was directed towards women, can lead to unrealistic expectations for many women who are trying to live up to the impossible standards of these virtues and feel like failures when they simply cannot. Let's be clear: The Proverbs 31 woman was a FICTITIOUS character made up by a mother to teach her son in what he should look for in a woman.

People also tend to skip past or gloss over the passage written by King Lemeul about the type of man his mother wanted HIM to be. In Proverbs 31: 1-9, his mother admonishes him to be a man of God and live with honor and integrity. She encourages him to take leadership and be a man of authority who conducts himself in ways that would be pleasing to God. She also tells him not to be a womanizer (take advantage of woman), not to give in to drink (Not to get drunk and make poor decisions), to be a man of justice, who judges fairly, and to be a man of integrity who speaks up for people who cannot speak up for themselves.

Regardless of the fact that Ruth is a made-up woman meant to give example from a mother to a son about the type of wife he should look for, we can all be inspired by these passages and take a lot of wisdom from King Lemeul's mom's words too! The passages have value for women too and there are a few main virtues that we can all aspire to live up to!

1. BE LOYAL AND DEVOTED TO YOUR HUSBAND AND FAMILY

There is nothing more important than being a loyal and devoted person. Period. A virtuous woman is a blessing to her husband and family and builds her husband up to others so that he is well respected in the community. She doesn't cheat or stray and she is dependable to her husband and family. She works hard to make sure she doesn't bring any shame or harm to her husband and in return he has full confidence in her abilities and her word. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband" - Proverbs 12:4

2. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR HEALTH

A virtuous woman treats her body and mind like a temple. It is so important to take good care of yourself, physically, mentally and spiritually. This includes getting a good amount of sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating healthily, and moving your body in some way. Take the time to put care into your body and mind to make sure you are as healthy as you can be for your husband and family.

3. BE A GOOD MOTHER

There is nothing more attractive than seeing a woman being a good mother. Be kind, attentive and respectful of your children so that they will learn how to be respectful, kind and loving too.

4. BE A GOOD HOMEMAKER

Taking good care of your home and your family is so important. Whether or not you are married, your home should be an extension of how you view yourself. Treat your home with respect and keep it clean and tidy and learn a set of homemaking skills that will make every day easier and that will also be gifts to your husband and family (ie; Preparing a delicious meal, sewing up or mending a ripped shirt, etc). Homemaking is a ministry to your family that extends into the community. It is not just about cooking, cleaning and making sure your family has all of their needs met. It is about nurturing an environment of love, warmth and comfort in your home.

5. MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY

Managing your time wisely is so important for everyone! A big part of taking care of yourself is also learning how to guard your heart and putting your mind and heart into spending your time on the important things in life. Learn how to manage your time and only put your energy into good things that will embrace your life and your family, not waste it on things that don't do you any good.

6. EMBRACE YOUR BEAUTY

Get dressed in the mornings! Take pride in your appearance without obsessing over your looks. Regardless of what you have planned, you should always get dressed for your days and embrace your beauty. A virtuous woman always dresses appropriately and modestly and creates a loving and warm environment in her home which radiates through her appearance as well!

7. SERVE OTHERS

Being kind is a true virtue of a respectable woman and I think we all should be looking for ways to serve others, either in our own family or in our community. Open your arms to the less fortunate people than you and learn to help others in the way that you would want to be helped. Serve others in your life consistently with acts of love and kindness, but know how to set boundaries and recognize when help is needed and when you are being taken advantage of.

8. BE INDUSTRIOUS

We should all embrace the gifts that God has given us and use our talents and skills wisely to grow and flourish! Having talents is not something to ever be taken for granted and they are blessings in our lives to bring prosperity to our families as well as to help us grow as people. We should never shy away from working hard and managing our skills to ensure that they flourish and prosper.

9. BE COMPASSIONATE

Be a respected and compassionate woman who knows how to nurture through acts of kindness and love. While some might view compassion as a weakness, it is actually a characteristic of strength and integrity. Always treat others in the way that you wish to be treated yourself and above all, have compassion for yourself. You are human, you are NOT perfect, and things are bound to mess up or go wrong at many times in our lives. Having compassion for yourself is so important in recognizing that you are a human in need too!

10. BE A WOMAN OF FAITH

Whether or not your faith is with God or a spiritual sanctity that you have found, being a woman of faith is so important. Life WILL get hard, it won't be perfect, it will get messy, and in these times it is so important to have faith in something bigger than you. It will also be important to be able to lift up your husband and family with your faith through prayer and guidance and it is an invaluable quality to everyone around you.

In short, we are NOT perfect! Being a woman of virtue takes time, dedication and continuous effort. I know for myself personally, I struggle with many of these things from time to time, but I always try to do my best and live in a way that makes my family and my husband proud. Most importantly, I try to live in a way that makes myself proud and I think that's the best thing we can all do for ourselves!

Happy Friday! xoxo - Mrs. Perkett

25 Pieces Of Clothing Every Homemaker Should Have (1950’s inspired)

Hello beauties!! I have been doing a deep dive into my clothing and closets and realizing just how many dresses I really have, and it is A LOT. I actually never thought I would be a "dress girl" but truly I have become one of the biggest fans of dresses! Now, this isn't to say that every one isn't going to get a lazy or not-feeling-so-hot day and lounge around in some not so flattering items of clothing, but ultimately I do believe in dressing for success. This isn't just for business or work, but it's for our homes too! I recognize that I have a far less productive and successful day when I don't take any time to dress myself the way that I want and that is a fact.

I am truly obsessed with styles from the 50's and I have tried to model most of my wardrobe around these looks and styles. Here are the dresses that I think are "must have's" for every homemaker!

1. VINTAGE STYLE TEA DRESS

Tea dresses were a staple wardrobe piece in the 1950's. They were often short sleeved or sleeveless and had a full swing skirt. They exuded summer and spring vibes, most often with a floral pattern. Woman wore tea dressed around the house with close family and friends for dinner or tea parties and were often not seen as a "wearing out" dress as they were typically a little shorter in length, ranging anywhere from just hovering above the knee to just below the knee. Today, I LOVE tea dresses for every day activities and going out of course. They are so summery and pretty, and make me feel extra feminine... plus my husband loves all of my tea dresses.

2. VINTAGE STYLE HIGH WAISTED SKIRT

A high waisted skirt was one of the most versatile staples of the 1950's wardrobe. It is a typically a mid-calf to ankle length full bodied skirt that is either plain, floral, jean material or patterned and can be worn with a wide range of tops, with the most flattering style being a more fitted top that accentuates the waist. My most favorite skirt is a vintage jean skirt with pockets that I found at a thrift store in the vintage section and I often pair it with a belt but have also worn it with suspenders and a tight fitted top or lace blouse. It is a MUST have for every homemaker!

3. A FLOWY SUMMER DRESS

Hands down, one of my most worn wardrobe items is my summer dresses. Heck, I have even worn them in the winter and it just feels all warm and summery instantly. A beautiful summer dress is a must have for any homemaker for days puttering around the home, walks outside with your husband or dog, or small outings. It should be feminine and soft in appearance and have a nice flow and swing to the skirt. I LOVE the 1970's designer Gunne Sax and have gathered quite a nice collection of her vintage inspired summer dresses. They are ULTRA feminine and make you feel like such a beauty.

4. A PAIR OF HIGH WAISTED PANTS OR JEANS

Women in the 1950's DID wear pants sometimes. They weren't that widely advertised until the late 50's when they started to take off more, but nonetheless, they existed. They were always high waisted, nipping in at the waist in a flattering way and versatile with almost any blouse or top. Of course today, women do wear a lot of jeans as they are just so comfy and wonderful to wear (especially after several washes). To get that extra vintage appeal, pair your pants or jeans with a nice belt that keeps your pants up at a flattering part of your waist and if you're going out, you can dress them up a little with wearing a nice small heel shoe.

5. A VINTAGE STYLE EVENING DRESS

An evening dress was a must have for every 1950's homemaker. This dress could be either a fancy top and matching skirt or a full length dress. Often these had lace or other fancy adornments, and would be worn out to special events such as weddings, Christmas work parties, or a fancy date night with your husband.

6. A VINTAGE STYLE GARDENING DRESS

A nice gardening dress is always nice to have around. Not only is is great for working out in the yard and planting things in the garden, but it should be comfortable enough to wear around the house and do chores in. It should be a lightweight material and dress with a casual appearance to it.

7. A VINTAGE STYLE HOUSE DRESS

A housedress was the most commonly worn piece of clothing for a woman of the 1950's. The dress should be flattering and comfortable enough to do all of your housework in. Today, I have a LOT of housedresses and my husband is such a fan. They are so feminine, yet practical and I love wearing them!

8. A PRETTY AND VERSATILE SHORT SLEEVED BLOUSE

As previously mentioned, a staple item for a 1950's homemaker is a high waisted skirt. Therefore having a short sleeved pretty and versatile blouse or shirt is an absolute must for pairing with different skirts and pants as well. It should be comfortable, modest and flattering and more often a solid color. I especially like blouses and shirts with a lace pattern!

9. A LONG SLEEVED SWEATER DRESS

In the 1950's sweater dresses were just making their debut as one of the most versatile and comfortable pieces of clothing. Grace Kelly was seen in a mid calf length fitted sweater dress in 1954 and it was said to be easy to wash and wearable for pretty much any occasion. Better yet, you could pair it with fancy pins, leather belts or fur collars for extra winter flair. Sweater dresses today are definitely a LOT different, but they are still such a comfy and soft alternative to a house dress for the winter months. I absolutely love my full length long sleeved knit red sweater dress that I got from Shein! It's SO flattering and comfy!

10. A SHORT SLEEVED SUMMER DRESS

I love all of my short sleeved summer dresses. They are often shorter in length, falling just above the knee and are super versatile for going out during the day or just working around the house. They should be flattering, comfortable and breezy for the summer months.

11. A VINTAGE STYLE CHURCH DRESS

Whether or not you attend church, having a beautiful modest yet flattering church dress is a must for every homemaker. In the 1950's church dresses were often polka dotted or floral and often paired with a pretty light knit cardigan for more modesty. These are such great dresses for wearing out to work related events, neighborhood BBQ's, and out with your husband shopping during the day.

12. A VINTAGE STYLE MARKET DRESS

A market dress is a simple yet pretty and modest dress for going out to the Farmers Market, grocery shopping, to the pharmacy, etc. I have a few of these and they are so versatile and nice to have, especially for days when I just want to feel super comfy at home.

13. A VINTAGE STYLE SUIT DRESS

Not all homemakers work solely in the home, and for those times when you might have something a little more business-like, or a meeting with someone important to your husband (or you), a suit-dress is a must have! They are so flattering and stylish and pair well with belts or neck scarves for extra flare. Contrary to popular belief, woman of the 50's were often the financial driving force for providing for their husbands while they attended college and one in every three women had a job outside of their home. So don’t shy away from the notion that a homemaker can prioritize their home and family, while also working outside of the home.

14. A VINTAGE STYLE DATE DRESS

I am going to assume here that you have a healthy relationship and regularity planned dates and outings with your husband. If you don't, you SHOULD! Having a sweet and flattering date night dress is a must have for going out on the town with your man, or even to stargaze at night or getting cozy at a movie theater or a nice diner out.

15. A PRETTY AND VERSATILE LONG SLEEVED BLOUSE

Just like we talked about having a short sleeved versatile blouse or top is a must, so is having a long sleeved one. These definitely come in handy for colder winter or fall days, or if you aren't the type that wants to show off your arms. They are versatile with skirts, high waisted pants or shorts and are super comfortable!

16. A GARDENING APRON

Homemakers almost always dress nicely, as they know the power of clothes can determine how productive you are during the day and how you feel about yourself. For this reason, they do not want to soil their nice clothes! When working in the garden or yard, it's important to have a nice full bib apron to protect your clothing and catch all of the dirt that may accumulate while you work outdoors!

17. A HOUSECLEANING APRON

Similar to working outdoors, having a good cleaning apron for indoors that is perhaps a little more attractive and adorns your dress or clothing nicely, will help you protect your clothing from getting dust, dirt or debris on it.

18. A KITCHEN APRON

Of course we need an apron for the kitchen too and these are also best in a full bib version, so to protect your clothing as much as possible from grease/oil stains, flour dust, or any food particles.

19. A VERSATILE AND PRETTY KNIT CARDIGAN

OOh I love a nice cardigan and I have many. I tend to get them in neutral colors so that they pair well with almost anything I'm wearing. This was such a popular piece of clothing in the 50's and they were often worn with church dresses, house-dresses or skirts and blouses for a little extra cover up or modest look. They work great in the winter too, when you have a short sleeved dress and want to avoid the cold on your arms.

20. A WINTER DRESS

As it gets colder, it seems like we can no longer wear our pretty dresses. I love finding good long-sleeved winter dresses that have thicker fabric for a warmer feel and often pair them with long socks or stockings to avoid having cold legs.

21. A BEAUTIFUL CLASSY PIECE OF LINGERIE OR NIGHTIE

Looking and feeling beautiful for bed is a luxury that we should not overlook. Not only does it make our husband's happy, but it boosts our self esteem and confidence and has us feeling instantly more pretty and feminine. It's a great staple piece to have in your wardrobe.

22. A MODEST AND FLATTERING SWIM SUIT

For those beachy summer days, we have to have a nice swimsuit. I have always tended to shy away from two piece swimsuits and personally find one piece suits way more flattering. The one piece suit was the most popular style in the 50's with a mock waist belt built into the design of the suit and offering ample flattery for any body type.

23. A VINTAGE STYLE BEACH DRESS

I love having a beautiful beach dress to wear when I'm at the lake, on vacation or just for a day out when I want to feel extra feminine. A beach dress should be soft muted tones and colors, with a whimsical soft and flowy fabric like cotton.

24. A VINTAGE STYLE OUTDOOR DRESS

I go camping with my family often and it's so nice to have a comfortable and versatile dress that is excellent for outdoor hiking and adventures. Offering a mixture of comfort-ability and the right amount of breeze on a hot day.

25. A BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE STYLE LACE OR SHEER ROBE

Just like having a nice piece of lingerie or night gown is a must, I love having a beautiful robe to compliment it. If I have to leave my bedroom after I've gotten in my nightie and do something around the house or let the dog out, etc, I always throw my robe on and feel so extra pretty with it flowing around me, while allowing me more modesty. Women of the 50's almost ALWAYS had a robe that paired with their beautiful nightgowns.

PLACES TO FIND VINTAGE STYLE CLOTHING

Thrift stores are my #1 go-to for vintage clothing and dresses! You might have to do a bit of sifting but you could find a real gem!

Shein is my next go-to for a lot of vintage-style clothing and they have a massive selection. You DO have to pay attention to the fabrics of the dresses and clothing you are buying as some can be cheap and have a papery feel.

Posh Mark is a site I LOVE scrolling and finding gems on! It truly is an endless stream of options for vintage style dresses and clothing!

Etsy is amazing but wildly over-priced depending on the seller so do be careful and price check if you can find the same style of vintage dress or designer on ebay first.

ThredUp is an online thrift store that is worth checking out, especially if you are looking for a specific designer brand. I have never managed to find exactly what I’m looking for there, but I have friends who have had a lot of success.

ModCloth is a site specifically geared to vintage style clothing. I have only ordered a couple of things from there in the past and the fabric was just too cheap looking to handle, so I haven’t ordered from there since. I know of lots of people who swear by there clothes though, and it’s worth having a look!

Retro Stage has a HUGE selection of vintage style dresses. I did order a dress from there once and I absolutely loved the design and pattern of the dress, but the fabric was cheaper than I loved. Nonetheless the dress that I ordered ended up getting a ton of compliments and was super cute. so I would say again, just be mindful of the fabrics that are used on whatever you end up ordering.

Simple Retro is definitely a little more on the pricey end of clothing, but it’s for a reason. They definitely use a higher quality fabric and have a great selection of beautiful vintage style dresses.

Adored Vintage is another pricier place to shop but again they have a better quality of fabric and some nice simple vintage style dresses that every homemaker will love.

Erin Templeton is a dress shop that I just recently discovered and she has authentic vintage dresses that are of all styles and eras. I’ve loved browsing and can’t wait to order something from her shop this summer! Happy shopping! xoxo – Mrs Perkett http://thewarhammerwife.wordpress.com

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Awe you are just so sweet! Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I appreciate you, and please let me know if you’d like to see a post on anything in particular 💕💕💕

25 Recipes That Every Housewife/Homemaker Should Know How To Make

It is always shocking to me when I see young girls these days who don't know how to cook or bake a single thing. I absolutely LOVE cooking and it is my happy place. I started to get familiar with the kitchen from the time I was a little girl and my mom always pulled me into the kitchen to help her bake cookies or cinnamon buns or make perogy dough from scratch. My grandmother is also an absolute BOSS in the kitchen and her meals are always pouring with love and comfort. She is one of those grandma's who always offers food until suddenly your pants are unzipped and you're waddling out the front door.

I think cooking and baking is an absolutely wonderful way to show your husband and children love and care through providing them nourishing and enjoyable meals. Food really does bring people together, whether friends or family or couples on a date. Food is such a universally known language for happiness and enjoyment and I believe every good housewife or homemaker should teach themselves and learn how to make the basics when it comes to being in the kitchen. Having a list of recipes that you can use time and time again without fail will be invaluable to you and your family and as well it will boost your self confidence to see the enjoyment of a good home-cooked meal on your husband & children's faces.

Not only that, but the added bonus, is that learning to cook is a healthier and more affordable way to enjoy meals. Just say no to all the fast food and packaged food that are loaded with preservatives and unhealthy fats/sugars and say yes to making your own delicious meals from scratch.

1. A FANTASTIC BREAD RECIPE

A good recipe for bread will not only save you money, but it will impress your family and guests! There is nothing more satisfying then the smell of homemade bread in the oven and taking that first bite of a warm slice with butter.

I HIGHLY recommend starting out with a good sourdough recipe. Sourdough bread mix can be used for so many other things as well, such as donuts, cinnamon buns, dinner buns, etc.

The two woman I would look to for amazing sourdough recipes are:

Farmhouse On Boone Written Recipe YouTube Recipe

The Ballerina Farm YouTube Step by Step Tutorial

You can purchase amazing sourdough starter kits on Amazon and these are the things I would recommend to start you off! Sourdough Starter Kit With Baskets Sourdough Starter Mix

2. A SIGNATURE COOKIE RECIPE

There is nothing more comfy then coming home to homemade cookies. Every housewife should have a go-to recipe for a never fail cookie that everyone enjoys. They work great for after school snacks for the kids and after work snacks for your husband and are always a great offering for guests who may drop by.

My signature cookie is a Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookie. It never fails and everyone loves them!

3. A SIGNATURE DRINK RECIPE

Everyone loves a refreshing drink, especially served at a barbecue, during the hot summer or at a backyard party. Have a signature drink recipe that you can easily and quickly make for your family and unexpected guests. My signature recipe over the years has been a party punch that is always cleaned right out of the bowl. I'm also searching for that perfect recipe for a Southern strawberry lemonade that isn't too sweet and is refreshing for the summer months.

4. DELICIOUS MASHED POTATOES

Mashed potatoes go good with any meal and are a quick and easy way to get a healthy starch on your dinner plate. They are loved by almost everyone and potatoes are inexpensive to buy and easy to grow in your garden for some homemade nourishment. You can either mash your potatoes with a hand masher (my preference) or you can use a mixer for a smoother, creamier potato!

A few staple items I always add to my mashed potatoes are: -LOTS of butter (not margarine) -Cream or full fat milk -A large dollop of sour cream -A clove or two of minced garlic -Salt & Pepper to taste For something a little extra, I have used a combination of these, or just one for something a little more decadent in my mashed potatoes: -Dill weed (finely chopped or dried) -Green onions or chives (finely chopped) -Cream cheese or feta cheese -Parsley -Chopped cooked bacon

5. A SIGNATURE DESSERT

Desserts are such a wonderful way to end a bountiful meal and gives a little sweet kick to your taste buds after having a more savory dinner. Again, they are a wonderful way to entertain guests and your husband and kids will thank you!

My signature dessert is a brownie recipe that one of my son's brought home from his Home Economics class and after some tweaking, it has become a go-to family favorite.

6. A SIGNATURE SANDWICH

There is something so familiar and comforting about a good old-fashioned sandwich. They are great to pack for school lunches or with your husband for work. They also make a quick and easy filling meal or snack for when you might be too rushed or tired to cook anything else.

My go-to signature sandwich that makes all of my kids come flocking for one, is a simple toasted tomato sandwich. Next up would be a classic grilled cheese. Here is my simple toasted tomato sandwich (Note: The fresher the tomatoes, the more sensational this sandwich will be and bonus points for garden grown freshly picked tomatoes) -Two slices of bread (darkly toasted and buttered so that the butter melts into the toast) -4 slices of tomatoes -A pinch of salt and lots of pepper For a little something extra, we have made these into what we refer to as "farmer sandwiches" and we add bacon, sliced pickles and cheddar cheese slices. OR we just add cheese for a toasted tomato and cheese sandwich.

*A little note on frying sandwiches on the stove (such as grilled cheese). Use mayo to slather on the bread for frying instead of butter. It gives such a tangy and nice kick!

7. A SIGNATURE SALAD

Having a refreshing signature salad that you can whip up in a heartbeat is a fantastic way to get some freshness into an otherwise savory meal, or a great alternative to a hot vegetable on the side. It's also a great thing to bring to a backyard BBQ, a church potluck or a picnic and is a great way to add some extra antioxidants and vitamins into your meals.

My signature salad was inspired by the delicious non-stop salad from The Olive Garden. It's so fresh and tasty and almost everyone loves it! I also have a tuna macaroni salad that is always a hit with my family!

My fresh salad includes: - Romaine lettuce, bib lettuce or arugula -Chopped red onions -Chopped green onions -Diced fresh tomatoes -Crunchy and savory croutons -Crumbled feta cheese -Sliced cucumbers -Mini pepperoncini peppers -Sliced green olives (optional) - Pepper to taste *I pair this with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, a Greek dressing or the classic Olive Garden Italian dressing that can now be purchased in the grocery store.

8. A SIGNATURE PASTA DISH

Even if it's just a basic spaghetti recipe, having a fantastic pasta recipe in your arsenal is a wonderful way to provide a filling and comforting meal! I have such a large variety of pasta recipes that never fail to please. One day I left some of my lazy lasagna at my grandparents house and they ended up sending some home with their son (my Uncle) to share with his wife. A couple of weeks later my grandparents asked my Aunt how she had enjoyed the lasagna and she was really confused. My Uncle sheepishly admitted that he had eaten the whole container with HIS HANDS on his way home in the car. My Aunt didn't see a bite of it. A good pasta is PARAMOUNT to a housewife and I believe everyone should have at least one amazing pasta recipe to make for her family and husband.

My go-to pasta recipes are classic spaghetti with tomato meat sauce, my secret lazy lasagna recipe, a classic goulash recipe and my signature spicy chicken spaghetti (that everyone absolutely leaves no leftovers from).

Here is my recipe for my Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: -In large pot, brown bite sized pieces of chicken thigh or breast with butter and one diced onion -Add in 2-3 cloves minced garlic, and diced red or yellow pepper -Season with salt and pepper -Once chicken is almost cooked through and veggies are soft, add in about 2 tbsp ketchup and a large dash or worcestershire sauce. -Add oregano, Italian seasoning, basil, and parsley to taste -Add in your favorite jarred pasta sauce (mine is Classico sweet basil marinara) -Allow to simmer on med-low heat for about 5-10 minutes -Add in a dash of your favorite hot sauce (mine is Cholula sauce) -Add in 2-3 diced fresh tomatoes -Add in about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of jarred banana peppers (drained and chopped) -Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Add a tsp or two of sugar or more ketchup if you want the sauce to be sweeter. -Serve with classic spaghetti pasta, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil if wanted. I also like to serve this dish with toasted buttered buns.

9. A SIGNATURE CASSEROLE

Casseroles are not only filling, but they pack a LOT of ingredients in one dish, making for a very satisfying meal. They are also perfect for bring to a potluck dinner, a family gathering, a church potluck or a backyard BBQ. They are always comforting to my family and eaten pretty quickly. They make for GREAT leftovers for lunches the next day too!

My favorite go-to casserole that everyone seems to love is my version of CRACKED UP CHICKEN CASSEROLE and here is the recipe:

-Start preparing a box of chicken Rice A Roni according to package directions, adding double the amount of butter. -Meanwhile, in separate pot, boil about 1 cup of chopped carrots and 1 cup of broccoli until softened in salted water. (drain when finished) -About halfway through cooking rice, add in one diced small onion and one finely chopped green pepper -When rice is finished cooking (as to package directions), add in 1 can of cream of chicken condensed soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 2 cups of shredded and chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is BEST), plus the softened carrots and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper to taste (taste test this to make sure you have added enough salt and pepper) -Mix everything together thoroughly and transfer to casserole baking dish -Top with as much or as little shredded cheddar cheese as you want -Bake at 350*F for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown

10. A DELICIOUS ROAST CHICKEN OR TURKEY

Knowing how to properly roast a chicken or turkey is a MUST for any homemaker! They make for an amazing hearty meat and potato classic meal, and they also are large enough to provide a ton of leftovers so that you can make many dishes in the days to follow with them. You can also freeze them for future meals.

Now as easy as it may seem to make a chicken or turkey, it is more particular then it might seem to avoid a dry meat.

Here are some tips for cooking a whole chicken: -Replace giblets with large dollops of butter and also coat the outside of the chicken liberally with butter and season well with salt and pepper. -Consider adding cloves of garlic and celery stalk to the bottom of your roasting pan. -The best temperature to roast a chicken is 350*F -Roast your chicken for 20-25 minutes per pound for a 3-8 lb chicken -Check the temperature of your chicken by the deepest part of the thigh. It should read between 165-175 degrees F.

Here are some tips for cooking a whole turkey: -Replace giblets with large dollops of butter and coat the outside of the chicken with your seasonings, salt and pepper and lots of butter. -The best temperature to roast a turkey is 350*F -Roast your turkey for 13 minutes per lb for an unstuffed turkey and 15 minutes per lb for a stuffed turkey. -Check the temperature of your turkey by the deepest part of the thigh. It should read 175 degrees F.

11. A SIGNATURE SOUP OR STEW

Soups and stews are a wonderful and easy meal to make and during the cold winter months are so comfortable and filling! Either a soup or a stew can be easily paired with a dinner roll or bun and provides such a nice one pot meal for your family! My family LOVES it when I make certain soups and stews and you can't go wrong with a classic chicken noodle soup when you feel a cold coming on.

My favorite go-to recipe for a good stew is a chicken stew and dumpling dish and it is just so hearty and delicious. There is never leftovers when I make this!

12. A DELICIOUS POT ROAST

Making a pot roast provides a meal with so much nourishment and deep rich flavors. It pairs so well with potatoes and any kind of vegetable and is extremely versatile for leftovers. I love cooking my roast either in the oven, or the slow cooker, and make it using Dr. Pepper, Coca Cola, or Root Beer for a tangy and moist taste. Finding a roast recipe that works for you as a homemaker is so important as beef is always a hit with husbands and growing children.

13. AN AMAZING SLOW COOKER RECIPE

I used to use my slow cooker/crock pot A LOT! I was busy as a single mother and working full time so the slow cooker was an easy way for me to throw some things together and come home to a delicious smelling home with supper ready and waiting. I highly recommend finding one or two slow cooker recipes that work for you to save time, and that you can put together in a pinch when you're strapped for time or you have a lot going on in a day.

My favorite go-to slow cooker recipe is my V8 Hamburger Soup! It is so tasty and filling and it can take only a few minutes to prepare depending on whether or not you use canned or fresh vegetables.

Here's my recipe for V8 Hamburger Slow Cooker Soup:

-Add to the slow cooker 1 lbs of cooked ground beef (cook this up before hand in a pan with a chopped onion, garlic and salt and pepper) -Add to the slow cooker either canned, frozen or fresh (or a mixture of all) varieties of each of these items: 6-8 potatoes peeled and diced or 2 cans of diced potatoes, 1 can of corn, or 1 cup of frozen corn or fresh corn, 1 can of green beans or 1 cup of fresh or frozen green beans, 1 can of chopped carrots or 1 cup of frozen or fresh carrots, 1 onion finely chopped, 1 can of peas or 1 cup of frozen or fresh peas. -Add in one stalk of celery finely chopped -Add in 1 large jug of V8 classic juice (salted) -Add in 1 small can of Rotel diced tomatoes with chilis -Add in 2-3 tbsp ketchup -Add in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce -Add in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, oregano and salt and pepper to taste (do a taste test and make sure it tastes amazing!) -If the soup tastes too acidic, add in 1 tbsp brown sugar, or 1-2 more tbsp ketchup. *Serve with fresh bread, toasted and buttered buns or crackers. Note that you can also choose to add cooked rice or cooked macaroni noodles as a substitute for the potatoes or in addition.

14. A DELICIOUS DEVILED EGG RECIPE

I LOVE a good deviled egg and they are a perfect snack for kids and husbands who need a little kick of extra protein. They are also a great addition to any potluck dinner or backyard BBQ and are just SO tasty! I am pretty traditional with my deviled egg recipe, but I know there are TONS of fantastic recipes out there custom to what you want. Personally I have to use real regular mustard in mine for that classic tangy taste and I also like a little kick by sprinkling paprika or cayenne on top of the eggs.

15. A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE PANCAKE RECIPE

Homemade pancakes should be a staple of every household for a lazy Saturday morning or an extra treat for the kids! I definitely prefer to use a buttermilk pancake recipe and I love to add dollops of butter and syrup to top them off. You can definitely make pancakes a little healthier by adding some fresh berries or fruit to top them off.

Another super awesome thing about pancakes is that you can make them in a sheet-pan oven recipe or you can freeze or refrigerate leftovers and they are easy to pop in the microwave or toaster for a delicious leftover treat.

16. A YUMMY CUP OF TEA OR COFFEE

Making tea or coffee is something every housewife should know how to do. It's a great way to start your day with a little kick or serve to your husband after a long day of work. It's also such an easy and quick thing to fix up for unexpected guests! I learned how to make the most delicious tea while I was in Jamaica and ever since then, I almost always make my tea this way and it's converted even the most non tea loving people.

Jamaican Milk Tea -Chai or black tea bag -Fill about 3/4 of the cup with hot water -Wait until the tea bag starts to color the water -Full the rest of the cup with evaporated milk or evaporated milk powder to taste -Sweeten (if needed) with dark or golden brown sugar to taste.

17. A WINNING PORK CHOP RECIPE

Pork chops are such a cheap and easy meat to make and it provides you with the protein you need and is versatile with tons of side options. I prefer to oven fry my pork chops, but they are great baked as well.

I was camping this year, and I didn't have any flour but I did have pancake mix with me so I used that instead and seasoned it the same way I seasoned my bread crumbs. They turned out fantastic! My Tangy Pork Chops -Place all of your pork chops in a bowl and use either a generous dollop of mayo or Dijon mustard (trust me it's good) to mix everything together and get your pork chops well coated. -In a separate bowl mix together a couple of cups of either finely crushed corn flakes, panko bread crumbs, pancake mix or plain flour, and add Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. -Coat the marinaded pork chops into the bread crumb mixture and cook on high-medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side in a generous pan of hot oil (about 2-3 tbsp).

18. A WINNING CHICKEN RECIPE

You can never go wrong with an amazing chicken recipe! Chicken is such a lean, wonderful and versatile meat that can be made in so many different ways. I highly recommend trying out a bunch of recipes with different preparations to find one that works for you! You don't want a dry piece of chicken and it's easy to end up with this (especially with chicken breast) so it may take a bit of tweaking to find out what works best for you.

My signature chicken dish would be either my spicy chicken spaghetti (see recipe above in the pasta section) or a tender baked Parmesan chicken with spaghetti.

Here's a fail proof way to cook chicken breasts that turn out juicy and perfectly cooked: -Season your chicken breast well (you can choose to also marinate your chicken in mayo or yogurt) -Pan fry your chicken in 2-3 tbsp of hot oil on medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side -Place on pan and cook in oven for 11-13 minutes at 425*F

19. A SIGNATURE CAKE RECIPE

Oh my word, I am a sucker for a delicious cake! Cakes are a wonderful thing to have around for dessert or guests and depending on the type of cake you make, it can be served with tea or topped with whipped cream, icing or berries.

As a homemaker you might not be that talented in the baking department but having a stand-by recipe for a delicious cake that never fails will impress your husband and guests!

My favorite go-to recipe is an old fashioned Hot Milk Cake that I found in a vintage cookbook. It is delicious served with fresh whipped cream, vanilla ice-cream, drizzled with hot honey, sprinkled with powdered sugar or on it's own. Here is my recipe for Vintage Hot Milk Cake: 2 eggs (room temp) 1 cup flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup whole milk 2 tbsp butter Preheat oven to 350*F and grease a 9X9 cake pan with butter or cooking spray. Stir together flour and baking powder in one bowl. Beat eggs until creamy and frothy in separate bowl. Add in sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Gradually add in flour mixture until batter is smooth. In small pot or saucepan, heat up your milk, butter and vanilla until butter is fully melted. Pour milk mixture slowly into flour mixture and mix well. Pour into a round or square 9X9 cake pan and bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Should be SLIGHTLY golden brown on the top. Allow to cool and sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar, serve with hot honey drizzled on top, or with whipped cream and fresh fruit. For an extra treat I have also served this cake hot, and poured cream over top, or served it with vanilla ice-cream.

20. A WINNING HAM RECIPE

Ahh ham. You either love it or you hate it, but regardless of how you feel, it packs a lot of natural flavor, is a great source of protein and it's also relatively inexpensive. I think it's useful as a homemaker to have at least one good ham recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Now I will admit, my family does not really care for ham. I don't either, but I will often pick one up on a sale or for a holiday so that we have a lot of leftovers. I tried everything to LOVE ham, and I just wasn't crazy about it UNTIL I found a vintage recipe for a ham and potato soup (sounds kind of gross but TRUST ME) and the first time I made it, I knew I would be tweaking it as my own and making it often. My family LOVES it and is always excited about our ham soup and it's an excellent way to use ham leftovers.

Here is my recipe for Leftover Ham & Potato Soup:

-Melt 1/4 cup of butter in large pot and add in 1 chopped onion, 1 cup of diced and peeled carrots and 1 cup of finely chopped celery (include the celery leaves, they are where the most flavor is!). Saute until slightly tender. Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic. -Add in 5-6 potatoes peeled and diced -Add in 3-4 cups of chicken broth (add extra enough to cover the potatoes about 1 inch above them) -Add in 1 tsp oregano, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp thyme, and salt and pepper to taste (be careful not to over-salt as the ham is already salty) -Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for 15 minutes. -Add in 2 cups of cooked ham diced and 1 cup of frozen, fresh or canned corn. -Cook for 5 more minutes. -Meanwhile, in another small-medium pot, melt 1/4-1/2 cup butter and whisk in 1/3 cup flour until mixture becomes a thick yellow paste. Slowly add in a cup at a time about 3 cups of whole milk. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat when thickened and immediately add in 1/2 cup of full fat sour cream. Mix well and add milk mixture gradually to soup. Stir well and cook 5 minutes. *Top with green onion and serve with toasted buttered buns for dipping.

21. A YUMMY BREAKFAST/EGG RECIPE

Having a good breakfast can really help your day along and start it off right! Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and nourishment and if you do workout's in the morning as well, eggs will really help foster a good work-out. You can either find a recipe for a breakfast casserole dish that you can make ahead of time or you can make something in the morning that will be filling and delicious. I recommend that everyone learn how to make a good fluffy scrambled egg, as well as a healthy and golden brown perfect omelette.

My most favorite breakfast food is either an egg-rich French Toast or my grandmother's Mennonite recipe for Ruhrei (which is basically an extra fluffy and thick scrambled egg). In contrast to the following recipe for Ruhrei our family recipe differs slightly and we love to sprinkle our eggs with white sugar and eat them that way, they are just DELICIOUS and unexpectedly so. Ruhrei by The Mennonite Girls Can Cook

22. A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE HAMBURGER

There are few people I know who don't love a good hamburger. I'm not talking about a flattened McDonald's burger but a real homecooked burger and I think it should be a staple for every homemaker to know how to make a good one.

There are countless recipes for homemade hamburgers that are everything from simplistic to complicated depending on how much flavor and extravagance you are going for. A couple of things I always do when making homemade hamburgers is to add an egg to my mixture for a fluffier and more thick burger, and I always season my mixture (not just the top and bottoms of the patties).

An easy hamburger mix that always turns out amazing for me is as follows:

Homemade Hamburger Mix: -Mix 1 lb ground beef with 1 egg, 1 tbsp Montreal Steak Seasoning, a 1/4 tsp salt, pepper to taste, and garlic powder to taste (about 1 tsp)

23. A SIGNATURE STIR FRY

Stir fry meals are so easy to make and so packed full of flavor and nutrients. I have made many many stir fry's in my life using beef, pork, ground beef, chicken, sausage and even hot dogs (on days when I have been left with no meat in the house and couldn't afford anything else - it's actually a lot more tasty then you can imagine)! I have to say that my favorite meat to do stir fry's with is without a doubt, chicken.

I think it's important to have a good solid base of a stir fry recipe that you can alter or change between meats and veggies. It is such an impressive and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy, and you can serve it with a healthy dose of rice.

24. A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Now I am not much of a drinker and it's very rare that I even partake in a glass of wine. However, I think it is only natural that every homemaker should have a heck of a delicious signature cocktail for serving at parties, for celebrations at home, or just for a nice treat for yourself or your guests.

There are SO many cocktail recipes that require a lot of ingredients and can get very complicated but taste delicious. About 10 years ago, I ended up ordering an alcoholic cocktail from one of my favorite places to eat in the city and I actually asked the waitress what was used to make the drink. Astonishingly she told me, and more astonishing was that it was super easy to make and very refreshing. Of course I have added my own flare to it, but it's definitely my go-to drink if I ever really want to impress someone!

Raspberry Vodka Cocktail: Mix 1 cup of sprite or 7-up with 1 shot glass of vodka and about 2 tbsp of blended/pureed fresh raspberries. Garnish with lemon, raspberries and mint. This is just DELICIOUS!

25. A SIGNATURE FRUIT DISH

Fruit is ALWAYS a good idea. It has loads of antioxidants and vitamins and it is so refreshing, sweet and tasty. It gives you all of the natural sweetness without having to reach for any candy. Having a good fruit dish recipe on hand is always a good idea, especially if you need an easy idea for contributing to a potluck, backyard BBQ or party.

A couple of go-to things that I love to do with fruit is obviously a really good fruit smoothie, a fruit platter with dip, or a fluffy raspberry fluff!

A simple fruit dip that is always a hit is just mixing 1 cup of cool whip with 3/4 cup - 1 cup of raspberry or strawberry yogurt. So yummy!

Vintage Raspberry Fluff Mix together 1 package of vanilla COOK & SERVE pudding mix (not instant), 1 package of raspberry jello mix, and 3 cups of water in pot over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, immediately remove from heat and pour into a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. With a mixer, beat the jello mixture until it's nice and creamy. Gently fold in 1 container of cool whip (low fat is best!). Then add in 3 cups of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries or blackberries or a mixture of all and gently mix in. Put the mixture back into the fridge and chill for about 1 hour before serving.

Happy cooking and baking! xoxo - Mrs Perkett Visit me on Wordpress at: http://thewarhammerwife.wordpress.com

How To Become Pregnant: Fertility Issues

*Disclaimer* I do not claim to be an expert or a doctor on this topic, this article contains information based on personal research and expert advice available publicly.

Getting Pregnant With Tubal Litigation & Endometriosis Ablation

The past few months have been a blur! Mainly because things have been so busy, I have barely had time to focus on anything other than my family and relationships. At long last, I am sitting back down to Tumblr to share some of the information I have retained with you all and I hope you enjoy some of the new topics I will be covering in my articles.

I am married to the love of my life and planning for the future, which has been a real eye-opener for me in many ways. One of the things my husband and I have talked about at length is the possibility of having another baby. This thought excites me, and terrifies me all at the same time! As a woman in her late 30′s, I know the road ahead of me might be paved with disappointments and heartache, not to mention the strain on my personal relationships. When I was 23 years old, it was recommended that I have my tubes tied, and in hindsight, I think it was extremely irresponsible of my doctor to push this on me, considering my age and my mental state at the time that I made the decision as I was eight months pregnant with my third baby. Before you know it, I was cradling my newest baby in my arms while being wheeled away to a surgery the day after his birth to have my tubes cauterized. For many years I was satisfied and happy with my decision, not thinking I would ever yearn or want another baby. About 7 years ago, I started experiencing heavy bleeding with my menstrual cycles, and when I say heavy... I mean HEAVY. We’re talking golf ball sized blood clots and bleeding so extreme that two super absorbancy tampons would be bled through within moments until I was running out of the grocery store with blood streaming down my legs. So heavy, my kids would look at me in horror when I would get up from the couch and there would be a pool of blood underneath me and my pants soaked right through. With this, came a lot of pain. My ovaries would ache and twist in pain every month and the bleeding eventually got so bad, that I would abstain from work for over a week every month, and when I did have to work, I ended up in some embarrassing and very bloody public disasters. I was losing so much blood that I started becoming very weak, and had a couple of scary instances where I toppled over. Needless to say, something had to be done, before I became dangerously ill. Aside from a hysterectomy, there was nothing I could really do, but my gynecologist recommended having an endometriosis ablation, which is where they cauterize and burn the lining of the uterus to make it thinner, in hopes of stopping excessive bleeding. It worked, but after a year my periods started to reappear for at least three days with a nice show of attractive black blood. Fast forward to meeting my fiance, and the heartache that has ensued in realizing I desperately want to have another baby with this man I love so dearly. So what am I to do? My first step will be to have my tubal reversal surgery which will be interesting to say the least. I am currently researching good affordable clinics that specialize in this both in North America and Mexico. Our next step if that is not successful will be to get a round of IVF, which has a higher success rate in women who have had an ablation. The tubal litigation is not my biggest road block in this pregnancy journey, but the endometriosis ablation is detrimental. So the first step in trying to get the most success out of this process is to strengthen my uterine lining, which is important for ANY woman struggling with fertility issues. I have been researching and speaking with professionals for the past few months in hopes of gaining a better understanding on how I can be the most successful with this process and for increasing my chances of getting pregnant. The information I have gathered is excellent advice for any woman struggling with fertility issues, regardless of what they are and I have compiled a wealth of useful advice that I would like to share with you! I would love to hear your thoughts, opinions and advice if you have any to share. Feel free to DM me, or leave a comment below if you would like to share your experiences, advice or information!

Prime your body for pregnancy!

The truth is, that your fertility is a reflection of your body and your overall health. Your goal should be trying to achieve sustainable health. Your body is wise and is protecting yourself and your baby, so when there are fertility issues, it more often then not means that your body is trying to tell you something. Your body knows it needs more resources to become pregnant and your body knows what the right time is. When you give your body what it needs, your body will want to become pregnant. That’s what it’s designed to do! Some simple ways you can prime your body for pregnancy:

1. Eating nourishing foods.

Treat your body like a temple! Eat foods that are rich in iron such as spinach, red meats, bone broth, pumpkin seeds and beans. Try to nourish your body with foods that increase your blood-flow like chili, ginger, cayenne, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon and garlic. Studies have shown that by eating two tablespoons a day of ground flax-seed a day had improved their low estrogen levels. Add them to cereal, smoothies or in a glass of water.

Fertility Boosting Smoothie:

1 cup spinach 1 cup organic frozen berries 1 small peeled orange 1-2 cups of water or dairy-free liquid (almond milk or coconut milk) 1/2 avocado or 1/4 cup frozen avocado chunks 1 scoop protein powder OR 3 tbsp hemp hearts OR flaxseed

2. Quit bad habits

Who am I kidding, we all have bad habits we need to quit! In particular, smoking, drinking and consuming too much coffee or energy drinks are things that can really damage your blood flow. Avoid substances that decrease your blood flow, like caffeine and nicotine.

3. Get to a healthy weight

Consider gaining or losing weight. Your BMI should ideally be between 18.5 - 24.9. A healthy weight promotes pelvic blood flow and having too much extra weight can limit your blood flow. Being underweight can also restrict your blood flow, so it is extremely important to be mindful of your overall health in this area.

4. Move your body

I know, I know, but this one was bound to come up. If you’re like me and you don’t like working out, find something else that you can enjoy like dancing, hiking or light yoga. Regardless of your thoughts surrounding exercise, it is so important to implement moderate and regular exercise into your routine to increase blood flow to your pelvic region.

5. Warm your uterus & body

Your uterus is the housing for a healthy pregnancy. Would you be comfortable moving into a house with no insulation in the winter months? Likely not. Take care of your uterus by massaging it gently each night before bed, and keeping a heating pad on it for a few minutes each day. Keep your feet warm by wearing cozy socks and slippers, especially if you have a cool laminate or linoleum flooring in your home. Take warm foot baths on cool days, and drink hot beverages like tea, and hot water with lemon. Eat warm foods like soups, and hearty stews with beans for increased blood flow.

6. Eat nitric oxide rich fruit

Nitric oxide rich fruits dilate your blood vessels so that more blood can be delivered to your uterus to build up it’s lining. Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, pomegranate and watermelon are all fruits that are rich in nitric oxide. Drinking one 8 oz glass of pomegranate juice every day has been shown to improve the uterine lining significantly.

Ginger Honey

Bring 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup honey, and 1 inch of fresh chopped ginger to a boil over high heat. Once it’s reached a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes then remove from heat. Add 8 mint leaves and steep for 10-15 minutes. This will make a nice amount of ginger honey that you can add almost any drink. Keep stored in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Pomegranate Ginger Cocktail

1/2 cup pomegranate juice

1/3 cup grapefruit juice

Juice of 1/2 a lime

2-4 tbsp ginger honey

Sparkling water for topping

7. Go holistic - cut out medications

The truth is, a lot of doctors are afraid of a holistic approach to fertility and pregnancy simply because they do not know enough about it. Conventional medical methods often just treat the symptoms and don’t get to the root of the issue that’s causing your infertility. This more often then not, does not work. Medications help with producing eggs, but they do not improve the quality of your eggs. Quick fixes can cause more problems. These problems caused by the medications (that are expensive) often need fixing too. Holistic methods restore your health and bring your body back to health. They may take longer sometimes, but they also have longer lasting effects.

8. Get a healthy amount of sleep

Sleep is SO important to your overall health. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and download an app that tracks the quality of your sleep. If you’re finding that you wake up tired after a long sleep, it might be worth asking your doctor about testing for sleep apnea (which disrupts your REM cycle), or discussing your vitamin levels. Being low on vitamin D can often lead to fatigue and decreased amounts of deep sleep.

9. Drink tea

Drink teas that promote increased blood flow to your uterus. There are various old Chinese teas and supplements that have been used for thousands of years with high success in fertility. Red Raspberry Leaf tea promotes the toning of your uterus, Nettle Leaf tea has been shown to increase milk flow with plenty of other benefits, and Red Clover Tea is commonly used to treat menopausal women and restores balance to cycles.

10. Take herbal supplements

Herbal supplements have a long standing record of success when it comes to curing so many ailments and fertility is one of the most commonly researched areas of holistic medications and supplements with astounding success rates. You would be crazy to overlook them!

-Maca supplements have been proven to increase estrogen levels in woman. Take as a powder or capsule with a daily dose of 2,000 mg/per day.

-Take vitamin E which helps improve blood flow to the uterus and has been shown to increase endometrial thickness. Take up to 600 mg/a day.

-L-Arginine which helps to increase endometrial thickness and pelvic blood flow in high doses

-N-Acetyl-Cysteine has been proven to improve endometrial thickness as well as induce ovulation, recruit mature follicles, reduce insulin sensitivity, and break down endometriosis

-Omega 3 or oily fish! Eat oily fish 2-3 times a week or take an omega 3 supplement. It has been proven to increase blood flow to the uterus.

-Vitamin B complex has been proven to promote egg health and prevent ovulatory infertility; may give sperm quality a boost

-Coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response for IVF, and boosts sperm motility

-Vitamin D improves ovarian stimulation and semen quality

-Folic Acid helps achieve pregnancy and improves outcome of fertility treatments

-Zinc helps with fertilization and egg development and improves sperm quality

11. Monitor your fertility

This is called pregnancy path tracking. Keep track of your progress every day to see where you are improving when it comes to your fertility. We track everything else for success and the same thing goes for your fertility and health. When you know the right path, you feel confident being on it.

Purchase a BBT thermometer from Amazon. It needs to be specific for BBT and have 2 decimal points. Your standard oral thermometer won't be accurate enough. Download a tracking app like Kindara.This is where you will input your temperatures and start tracking your cycle. If you already use a period tracker app that has temperature tracking as an option, continue using that. Each morning take your temperature orally at the same time everyday give or take 30 minutes. It's important it's at the same time for accuracy. If you're taking it at 6AM and then at 9AM you won't notice a consistent and clear pattern with your temps that you need to confirm ovulation.If your thermometer has a memory function you can roll over and snooze. Just make sure you put your temp in your app later on.Consider keeping a journal to document your eating habits, supplements taken and exercise each day and cross reference your days with your temperatures.

12. Meditate and Mindset

Having a positive mindset that is peaceful and uplifting is so important when you are going into a fertility journey. Having a great support system around you if extremely beneficial as well. You must stay positive and find a mental balance that keeps you stress-free and motivated to continue your process. It might take time, but the outcome will be amazing. Take a few minutes every day to quietly sit in your space, and meditate on positive thoughts, breathe deeply and feel the warmth of your uterus. There are too many apps to list that have quick 5 minute meditations you can do each day and there are a vast amount of websites with positive biblical affirmations and prayer if you are more faith based.

In short, taking good care of yourself physically and mentally is of utmost priority and importance when considering any fertility journey! I will be documenting my successes and progress as I start my own journey and I will be sure to share it with you all!

xoxo - Mrs Perkett

10 Ways To Live More Like a 1940′s Housewife!

Hello my beauties! I hope you all are enjoying a lovely summer!

Things have been quite busy around here, and after all the pandemic restrictions were lifted, it’s hard to deny that the economy has sky rocketed in the food and utilities department. Because of this, I started looking into different ways to save money and of course I stumbled across a few 1940′s videos and articles from the wartime about how housewives had to save and conserve absolutely everything! Although wartime during the 1940′s was not a time or era to envy, the strength and resilience during this time had me thinking about how I could implement some of the helpful tips that I learned from this time period into my daily life!

1. Rationing food & Watching what you eat!

Let’s not lie, we could all use a little food rationing in life. I for one, have been dipping into the chocolate and cookies a little too much for my liking these days and honestly, rationing food should be something everyone should do to some degree.

Times were tough during the wartime in 1940′s and things like bacon, meat, butter, sugar, cheese, tea and sweets were rationed. Here are a few smart tips that housewives in the 1940′s used to ration their food.

*Since sugar was rationed down to 8 oz a week, housewives in the 40′s limited themselves to making one tray or pan of sweet treats for the week. This includes cookies, scones, brownies, etc

*Using more lentils & beans instead of meat in a lot of meals was necessary, as meat was rationed down to around the equivalent of two pork chops a week. This forced housewives to get creative and come up with ways to incorporate more beans and lentils into their meals as a replacement for meat. For example, you could replace ground beef in chili's, stews, and casseroles with lentils.

*There was no rationing of fresh fruits and vegetables during the 40′s, however, they weren’t always readily available, so housewives tried to be as crafty as possible and make the most of whatever they had leftover on hand. They often would make something called an “Everything-In” soup or stew which consisted of them using every veggie they had left over from other meals in the week to throw together a soup or stew and they typically paired it with some sort of ground meat like pork or beef. This is a cheap and easy way to make a healthy and delicious meal out of leftovers!

*Saving meat fat was a practice that housewives often did during the 1940′s. They would save every little bit of the drippings from cooking bacon or other meat and use the fat for baking, cooking or even as butter on toast.

*It’s no wonder that there was a lower rate of obesity during the 40′s since almost every single meal itself was rationed during this time. Portion control was important and everyone watched their rations through helping themselves to just one serving or plate of food.

*Use more potatoes! During the 40′s, potatoes were one of the most popular foods to use in cooking, often replacing pastries and used in almost everything as a thickening agent or just on their own. They are an excellent source of energy, they are affordable, and contain the same vitamin content as an orange. Potatoes were often grown in families garden’s and was an invaluable vegetable for heartier more filling meals.

*Honey, maple syrup and corn syrup was often used in place of sugar for teas, coffees and other baking! I have started using more honey in my tea and I actually prefer it to sugar.

2. Planting a Victory Garden!

On the topic of food conservation and rationing, planting a Victory Garden was something that families in the 1940′s almost all did! It was not only a healthier option to grocery store grown vegetables, but it saved money and allowed them to have larger portions of vegetables for their meals and cooking. About 20 million Victory garden’s were planted during the 40′s and made up for about 40% of all of the vegetables consumed in the US during that time. Imagine if we were still doing this today, how much healthier and money saving it would be for everyone?!

Some of the most popular foods planted in Victory gardens were:

-Tomatoes

-Potatoes

-Cabbage

-Onion

-Herbs

-Turnips

-Green beans

-Lettuce

-Beets

-Carrots

I myself am already planning for a Victory garden next spring as I think this would really help to save money on vegetables and bring fresher meals to my table! I currently have just a few herbs, tomatoes and celery growing in my garden and it’s so wonderful just to have these few fresh items to include in my meals.

3. Do laundry by hand!

Back in the 1940′s of course washing machines were expensive and rare so most housewives still took to doing laundry by hand. Though a lot of the steps of doing laundry by hand can be time consuming and less efficient in making the most of the time in your day, there are some aspects of hand washing your laundry that would be very beneficial.

-Use bar soap! You can grate bar soap into your water for a squeaky clean finish and beautiful scent when you’re doing your laundry! The most commonly used soap in the 1940′s was a sunlight bar soap or velvet soap. It’s both effective and money saving.

-Use a washboard! A washboard might seem like a novelty item, but damn do they work! They are excellent for working out tough stains and give your arm a good work out while you’re at it. -Spending more time outside! Doing laundry by hand, typically encouraged housewives to take their laundry duties outdoors such as the hand washing, ringing, and hanging clothes to dry. This is always a good thing as more vitamin D is a great thing for your health and well-being.

-Hang clothes to dry. Hanging clothes to dry is actually quite soothing and I am excited to find a better clothesline system for myself for my own backyard. Clothes were left smelling fresh and beautiful from the fresh air, and it’s a great way to save money on electricity and power! It’s also less damaging to your more delicate clothing and keeps clothes in better shape for a longer period of time.

4. Do the dishes by hand!

Let’s not lie, having a dishwasher is amazing, but since mine broke down a few years ago, I have been washing all of my dishes by hand. Not only is it an excellent skill and chore to have your kids assist with and learn, but it’s money saving for the amount of water and soap you will use. Once you get into a routine of washing dishes you will also find that it’s more time efficient then waiting for an hour long dishwasher cycle just to have dishes that don’t always come out sparkly clean anyway.

5. Sew & Mend Clothes by Hand!

Since clothing was also rationed in the 1940′s, a lot of women took to hand sewing dresses and clothes and mending by hand as well to save on buying new clothes. Hand sewing requires a bit of practice and patience but it can be incredibly rewarding to have something that you have made yourself in your own style, can be stress relieving and keep idle hands busy! Since we have sewing machines more readily available to us now, it’s even easier to learn how to sew our own clothes. I would highly suggest checking out a website such as SkillShare or Craftsy for amazing home sewing videos or just turn to YouTube for some good videos on how to begin sewing and mending your own clothing.

6. Take Care of Your Hair!

Women in the 1940′s really valued a good hair routine. Since bathing was only limited to once a week, they would massage their scalp and brush their hair twice a day. It was recommended that you give your hair 100 brush strokes every day to keep it healthy and supple. They would cover up their dirty hair with cute scarves, turbans or sun protective hats in between longer periods of bathing.

When shampoos became scarce and lower quality, women would take to steaming their hair over hot water and rub off the dirt and grime with a towel.

Hair was typically styled in luscious and thick curls and to achieve this look they would use wet setting pin-curls in the evening before bed. This way they could take them out in the morning and either brush their hair out for a thick curled look or style it up for the day.

7. Create a beauty routine!

Yes! Women during the 1940′s still valued a luxurious beauty routine! In addition to brushing their hair 100 times a day, women of the 40′s always made sure their skin and style was well cared for. Here are a few things that housewives of the 40′s always implemented into their daily lives.

*Wearing lipstick! Lipstick was almost always worn, and if not around the house during the day, it was applied before leaving the house. Red was the most popular color, as it stood for victory during the wartime.

*Keep your skin moisturized! Women of the 40′s not only moisturized before bed, but throughout the day. They took a lot of extra time in self care with their skin and this is something we could all afford to do more of. The most typical and popular cream used was Ponds Cold Cream and it was most commonly used on the face before bed, then wiped clean with a fresh towel. A lot of women also used baby oil on their legs and bodies for a soft supple look and feel.

*Spending more time at the mirror! A woman in the 1940′s just in general spent more time and attention on themselves and self care. This is something I could definitely use more of in my life. Women often had cute vanities that they would sit at while brushing their hair and admiring themselves in the mirror. Is it any wonder that less women dealt with self confidence issues back then? Self love is a lost art, and women of the 1940′s knew how to do it best!

*Exfoliating! Women of the 40′s spent almost every evening exfoliating their skin by scrubbing their faces over the sink with a washcloth. Nowadays there are so many gentler alternatives to this and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be exfoliating every morning in the shower or every night before bed.

*Water, water, water! Though water was conserved well in the 40′s, drinking water was never a trend that went out of style for housewives and women. They drank a lot of water throughout the day and kept their skin hydrated and fresh by splashing their faces with cold water in the mornings and before leaving the house. It gives your face an instant lift! Filters and Photoshop didn’t exist back then, so you either had beautiful skin or you didn’t, so skincare and keeping your skin fresh and hydrated was so important.

*Thick and natural brows! I have never been on board or trend with the thinner arched eyebrows, so this one works well for me. Women of the 40′s had beautiful thick brows that they would grow out if they were looking too thin.

*Excellent posture! Women of the 40′s took every opportunity to straighten their backs and walk tall. Think about it, do you ever see a vintage photo of a woman from the 40′s walking with a slouch? They prided good posture and form, and it always gave more of an air of confidence and stature as well when walking or standing around.

*Creating a morning routine! Women of the 40′s never lounged around in their pajamas or night clothes for the day. They always had a skin care routine, light makeup routine, hair routine and got dressed for the day in the mornings. This is so important for creating self confidence and in general just setting yourself up for a more productive day!

*Ironing every day! Women in the 40′s always ironed their clothes before wearing them or leaving the house. Since pants were just coming into trend it was important to make sure that creases and lines were a thing of the past and ironing was done every day to make clothes look fresh and ready for wear.

8. Wear more dresses, hats & aprons!

Women of the 1940′s wanted to be as practical as possible, while always looking stylish! More conservative looking dresses were worn with darts that increased their bust lines and tucks that brought in their waistlines. Due to the bathing rations as mentioned earlier they often wore pretty scarves, turbans or hats to hide dirty or unsightly hair and they wore wide brimmed hats often while outside or on outings to protect their skin from the sun and remain looking stylish as heck!

Since a lot of time was spent in the kitchen, women of the 40′s always wanted to protect their good clothes and dresses and wore a lot of aprons to do so! Cute full aprons that had both a chest piece and skirt piece were worn to protect their dresses from spills and keep them clean.

It was during this time that high waisted wide leg pants with pockets and dresses with pockets made their appearances and became on trend with women’s fashion. Women would often pair high waisted pants with cute and dressy shirts that didn’t show off cleavage yet accentuated the bust and they could often be seen with a hand gently resting half way in one of their pants pockets.

9. Conserving energy & water!

We could all use a little more of this and I for one, have been pretty bad about this in the past. Since electricity and water was rationed, careful consideration was always taken to make sure that lights and electronics were turned off and unplugged when you weren’t in a room or something wasn’t being used.

Water was rationed for baths and washing throughout the week and doing the dishes and washing clothes by hand is something that helped to conserve water immensely. It goes without saying that conserving water and energy is always a good thing and will cut down on your bills a lot over time!

10. Less screen time!

Since televisions were expensive and rare in the 40′s there was obviously a heck of a lot less screen time. This allowed for more family time, quality time with your spouse and a lot more free time to be productive with your day. During the wartime, radio was limited to one hour a day, so spouses would often sit together in the living room and listen to the radio for that hour.

Though I don’t think many of us would sit and listen to the radio for an hour nowadays we have one up on the 1940′s in that we have so many amazing audio books, podcasts and YouTube or quality TV at our disposal. I think we could all use a limit on our screen time and an hour seems like a reasonable and healthy allotted time for spending some quality time with your family or spouse to listen to a great podcast or watch a show together. Since this was so limited, it really encouraged families to sit together during this time and it became something that everyone could look forward to.

I hope you enjoyed and will have fun implementing some of these into your daily lives! It’s so inspiring to see how resilient and innovative housewives were in the 40′s (especially where food and meals were concerned) and it really makes you appreciate the simple things like water and food. We could all learn to conserve a little and be thankful for what we have!

Xoxo - Mrs Perkett

Improving Your Self Worth As a Homemaker & Housewife

Hello beautiful! I know it’s been a long while and in this time I have been doing a lot of work and putting a lot of research into myself, self reflection, and self worth. This piece of writing is geared towards homemakers and housewives, however this is worth a read for anyone struggling with their self worth and value.

Why is it that so many of us feel as though we are unworthy and undeserving of proper self love?

It is so easy to fall into this trap when our job is centered around serving others and not ourselves. Homemaking is the epitome of serving others and caring for everyone and everything around us, and because of this, a lot of us lose sight of who we are and what we need from everyone else, including ourselves. As a result, many of us become lacking in self worth, self love and self acceptance. The truth is, many of us destroy ourselves because we do not have the enthusiasm to love ourselves.

Until you have self worth, you will never have life worth. Abundance is not sustainable without a strong sense of self-worth. Maintaining health, reaching wealth, and finding love require that you accept you are worthy of all of these things. Poor self-image is blocking you from your full potential and your dream life. Whether it be running a family or running a business. Your self image determines your quality of relationships, how happy you are, the pain and illnesses you have, the body you have, the path or career you choose and your income.So how can we develop self-worth and self-value? We often want to change, but don’t know how. Let’s take a look at some simple steps you can take towards loving and accepting yourself.

1. Ask yourself; Who do you want to be?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of telling ourselves we want to be what everyone else wants us to be. Homemaking is a true calling of love and because of this we often neglect who we are as individual people, rather we consider ourselves to be servants to others around us and let it define who we are.

Take a look in the mirror. What do you see? You must decide your self image on purpose and if you don’t, you will continue to see the same results over and over again. Your life is a direct reflection of your self image and it’s a wonder that this is not taught in schools. Your sub-conscience is constantly working to align your real world with your inner self. It’s easy to tell others who you are with WHAT you are, a housewife, a mother, a career woman, a business owner, etc, but that’s not who you are as a person.

Write out a list of who you really want to be. Do you want to be caring, compassionate, understanding, strong in faith, beautiful, patient, kind, generous? Really try to get to the root of WHO you want to be in your list, and read this over every morning before you start your day to reaffirm to yourself who you are and what you want to become. This is imperative in changing your mindset about your self image.

2. Embrace the future you

Ask yourself the following questions;

What is one thing you really, truly want?

Why don’t you have it yet?

I want you to pay attention to the answer as to why you don’t have what you want yet. Do you bring up limited beliefs imposed on you by your upbringing or parents? How much of your answer ties in with your past in some way? Perhaps you would really like to start your own business, but you have been raised to believe that your only purpose is to serve your family and your husband. While this is an honorable job, and an honorable belief, it’s a limited one. Who says you can’t have both, that you can’t do both? Well... you can.

You are an adult now and the beauty of being an adult is that you can decide who you are and what you believe. There is nothing... absolutely nothing stopping you from being a good mother and wife AND run a successful business of your choosing. We must get out of our own way, and make room for our dreams and desires. As you may have heard many times, you must put your oxygen mask on first before helping others with theirs and this speaks true of our family and home lives as well. We must nourish ourselves first and foremost so that we are our best selves for others around us. It is only when we are caring for our own happiness that we can truly impart happiness to those around us.

I want you to take a trip to the future. Allow yourself to really imagine and envision a version of yourself who has what you want. What do you see? What are you eating, what are you wearing, where are you, how do you feel in that moment? Take notes on what you experience while looking at this future version of yourself and commit to becoming that person.

It’s important to note that you need to become that person to get what you want, not the other way around. You will not become that person after you get what you want.

3. Changing your limited beliefs - rewriting your story

Our minds are working all day long. We have an average of 12, 000 to 60, 000 thoughts a day and studies have shown that 80% of those thoughts are negative self talk and limiting beliefs. Even more shocking is that 95% of those negative thoughts are repetitive thoughts from the day before, so we are essentially recycling our limited beliefs and negative self talk over and over again until it is so ingrained it our minds, that we are convinced they are true.

We tell ourselves constantly that we are overwhelmed, disorganized, not doing a good enough job, not being an attentive enough wife, a patient enough mother, we are broke, we are too old, too fat, too skinny, too tired. These stories we tell ourselves are ones that tell us what we believe about our lives, our relationships, our purpose, our careers and that story gets stuck in your head.

Write down any self-critical thoughts you have on a frequent basis and I want you to re-write them as a positive thought that you wished you believed. Lastly, come to a compromise between these two thoughts and write down a thought that you can believe right NOW and start repeating these thoughts and flipping the script to this neutral thought every time the self-critical one creeps into your head. Your thoughts should empower you, not dis-empower you. Investing in your mindset is so important and we must work at strengthening it every day.

4. How you dress and care for yourself matters!

Sure, this one may seem like a give in, but do we really take the time to care for ourselves in the way that we care for others? More than often, we don’t. Our style and how we present ourselves to our family and to the world makes a huge impact on how our self worth shows up in a day to day basis. We must change ourselves by showing up how you want to be seen.

Science has proven that how you dress matters! We have all heard that famous phrase “dress for success” and it’s true. It has been scientifically proven through studies (Harvard Business School) that dressing more formal can lead to significant changes in our cognitive processes and your entire mindset. Studies have also shown that athletes that wear red are more likely to lift heavier amounts then say if they were to wear the color yellow. In other words, how you present yourself, and how you dress MATTERS.

So, when you get up in the mornings, instead of just diving into your daily routine and duties, take a few moments and schedule in the time to dress yourself and care for yourself. Wear clothing that empowers you, rather than makes you feel sloppy and lazy. I am guilty of starting my days wearing sweats or leggings and an old t-shirt and I will admit that on those days I am more prone to procrastination and unsolicited cat naps in the afternoons when I could be doing much better things with my time. Yet, when I’ve taken the time to apply my lotions, fluff my hair a bit and wear a pretty dress, my days have been more productive, more successful, more energetic and in general I am perceived by those around me as being more magnetic, happier and more approachable.

5. Focus on the effort you make

We are so tied down to the concept of perfectionism. That if you don’t do something exactly to your liking or to others liking, it’s not good at all. We let those criticisms define us. We must focus on the effort that we make, and not on the final result. Every time we make an effort and have perceived failure, there is a lesson in it for us. We must change our mindset to one of GROWTH, which is when you see a failure or setback as an opportunity to learn and focus on the process of mastering or bettering it. We often have a ‘fixed mindset’, one that stifles any growth and progress and sees our abilities or skills as innate and unable to be changed. This causes us to shy away from trying anything new that we fear we might fail in. We focus obsessively on the outcomes and then define ourselves based on whether we have achieved it or not. This can lead to diminished self worth and value and that is not a road that we want to be traveling down.

Instead of focusing on the outcome, we must look at all of the ways that we grew in going through the process. Write down a list of ways that you have grown, things you’ve learned how to do better, or skills that you have developed as a mother, as a wife, as a business woman, as a friend or as a human being. Write down even the smallest of accomplishments or achievements and celebrate them ALL as wins. Read over the list every single day until you begin to internalize it and your self-talk surrounding your perfectionist attitude and mindset will begin to shift a little bit each time. Remember that your mistakes are not a negative thing, but rather a learning opportunity.

6. Keep promises to yourself!

Think about it. Do you trust someone who breaks a promise to you? Our trust likely fades for that person and it will take a little effort on their part or time on your end for that person to earn back their trust with you. So why are we so quick to break promises to ourselves? We must set day to day goals and keep the promises we make to ourselves by completing these goals and tasks.

As you are able to complete your goals, tasks and ambitions you will begin to see results and start feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself. You will begin to trust and respect yourself just as you would with anyone else and this is so important to self growth and acceptance.

7. Pay attention to your surroundings

I know we’ve all heard this saying while driving on the road. Pay attention to your surroundings. This applies to every day life as well and vastly affects how you feel about yourself on the inside and outside. Take a look around at your home, your car, the people you’re surrounded by, the books you read, your room, the music you listen to, the shows you watch, the foods you eat, and the places you visit. How are they reflecting and turning up in other areas of your life. You may be unhappy about your weight, yet you’re eating too much junk food or indulging on one too many cookies or fast food meal. You may feel chaotic and disorganized and have anxiety, yet your home is a mess and your car is disorganized and full of crumbs and wrappers. You may have restless nights and too many nightmares, yet you only watch horror movies and your bedroom is a chaotic disaster.

YOU MUST SHAPE YOUR SURROUNDINGS, OR THEY WILL SHAPE YOU!

Take a moment to really study your surroundings and adjust accordingly to reflect exactly how you want to feel about yourself. Choose to have surroundings that make you feel powerful and alive!

8. Write yourself a letter

It comes as easy to most of us to develop empathy and self compassion towards others and we must learn to do the same for ourselves. We are only human and as such, we are bound to mess up at some point in time and make mistakes. More often then not, we have skeletons in our past that hold us to beliefs that we are not good enough, not worth it enough, not deserving enough. Whether it be a childhood trauma, being raised by poor parents, or making mistakes in our own personal lives, we hold onto these things and we ruminate and dwell on them. We must learn to have self compassion for ourselves and stop beating ourselves up over the things we ruminate on.

Write down a list of things you tend to ruminate and dwell on. Then sit down and write a letter to yourself from an understanding compassionate place. Try to envision you are writing a letter to a friend, your child, or a family member who experienced the same things. What would you tell them? Certainly nothing close to what you tell yourself about these same things. Have empathy and compassion for yourself as you would for someone else. Truly forgive yourself, and then move on. Look forward and learn from your past misgivings. These experiences were merely messengers with lessons for you and they will keep coming up time and time again until we take those messages and lessons, and GROW from them.

9. Empower others to empower yourself

It’s natural for us to feel down sometimes, and less than confident! In those times it’s important for you to recognize and acknowledge that you feel dis-empowered in that moment. Take a deep breath and try to identify and pinpoint exactly WHY you feel dis-empowered. Once you do, it’s important to move forward to empower others in this moment. Ask yourself, how can you empower someone else?

Say, your mother in law is coming for a visit and she is always critical of you and makes you feel inferior. In that moment you are going to feel dis-empowered and it’s going to hurt your confidence. Square up and aim to EMPOWER HER! Remember that your heart is bigger than someone else's hate, fear, struggle, or pain. When you hate someone or something you need to look at this person or thing because there is a lesson in it for you. This feeling of not liking someone or hating someone is a message that you still have work to do. You only hate something you fear and this holds your greatest lesson. So take your energy away for a moment and transfer it to that person or thing and as they rise up, you will too! Love and compassion are the answers to empowerment and the most empowered state is to give service. What better way to give someone service than to love and show compassion towards someone? The more love and compassion you give, the more empowered you will become.

10. Mirroring

I’ll bet you think I am going to tell you to stand in front of a mirror and love yourself and you would be wrong! Mirroring is the idea that others reflect back what they see in you and it is paramount to growth. Your inner dialogue affects you and only you so if you’re telling yourself you’re unattractive or uncomfortable you will naturally perceive others as feeling the same way about you. This is perhaps the most difficult thing to change, as it’s hard to accept that if how people feel about you is hurting you, it’s about YOU. Not them.

I personally have been in situations when I am out and feeling down,dressed like a bum and I feel like others are staring at me, or making judgements, but that is my OWN perception and as REAL as it feels, it is simply not the truth! I could wear the same clothing and walk with confidence and a smile and the reaction from others and how I perceive their reactions is entirely different. You will always project what you’re thinking and feeling about yourself onto other people, because they mirror you. The truth is, the more self love we give, the more self love will be reflected back at us through other people. We need to stop looking to others for validation and start looking towards ourselves for that validation. When you love yourself, you will begin to see more love around you!

So start changing your inner dialogue today and make a change in the way that you see yourself. I’ll bet, you will begin to see a difference in how others react towards you almost instantaneously!

*** In conclusion, self love and valuing yourself, is a continuing work in progress. We can always do more to love ourselves and care for ourselves, but I think the most important thing is to always give ourselves the kindness and compassion that we give to others and remember that we are perfect exactly the way God made us, and we are worthy and deserving of everything we desire from life <3

Cheers! -Mrs Perkett

How to win at the Instagram game and grow your account!

Hello!

I know it’s been a long while. I decided to take a step back from articles for awhile to focus on my family and relationships and I apologize for my absence! I’ve gotten so many messages from you all, wanting more housewife/homemaker articles and rest assured, I am working on these as well! For now, I’ve decided to post a little bit about what I have learned about Instagram growth over the past few weeks of taking several online courses.

I hope you enjoy! ❤️

Are you frustrated with your slow Instagram growth or have you come to a stalemate altogether when it comes to your account? Well I was at that point, I was stalled and lacking any growth on my business growth, so I invested some real time and research into the Instagram algorithm and the best strategies to use for 2021.

Instagram Algorithm

To give you an idea of how to grow your Instagram, I’m going to give you a brief rundown of how it’s algorithm works in 2021.

1. You post to your Instagram feed

2. Your post is pushed out to a certain number of followers based on your numbers.

3. Your followers engage or do not engage.

4. The more engagements your post receives, the more that post will be shown to other users, and based on their engagement, they will continue to show the post to more users. Your next post will then be shown to more users.

*On the opposite, if your post does not receive engagement or low engagement, your post and subsequent other posts will be shown to less and less users.

This is why ENGAGEMENT is so important when making your Instagram posts! How, you ask? Well, follow along.

How to gain engagement on Instagram!

There are a few ways to gain engagement on Instagram, and while stories will boost your engagement by a small percentage, your main efforts should be targeted towards your main feed posts.

Engagement is gained through the following;

*likes

*shares

*comments

*saves

*length of time someone views your post

*direct messages

*story & live views

It is truly astonishing what Instagram is able to track in regards to feed posts, everything from comments, to the amount of time a person spends looking at one post. This is why posting an engaging post & caption is so important. Keeping someone’s attention on your post can be done through longer captions, reels, a collection of photos, videos, etc.

There are a number of important things you can do to build your engagement!

1. Ask a specific question directed towards your target audience in your caption. Try to envision the type of question YOU would feel compelled to reply to on your feed.

2. Use a clear call to action. For example; Drop a yes in the comments if you agree! Or comment with a ❤️ if you love this! This will get the comments flowing.

3. Always, and I mean always, respond to your comments! Don’t stop there, respond to any comments you can with a question to try to engage your audience even more.

4. Post value over aesthetic. It’s shown that 2021 Instagram algorithm no longer cares how pretty and uniform looking a feed is. Try to post things that you feel would be worth sharing. Opt for educational, entertaining, motivational, humorous or insightful posts.

5. Use your hashtags! Instagram allows for 30 hashtags, and you would be missing out on opportunity to not use them ALL. Using just 1 hashtag gets 12.6% more engagement. Definitely utilize all of your hashtags and do not shy away from using common ones. Be sure to use hashtags specific to your post as Instagram uses a scanning software that can scan your image to see if it’s relative to your hashtags and will adjust the viewing of your post accordingly. To save time, I would recommend copy and pasting 3-4 lists of hashtags to your notes in your phone. This way you can continue to copy and paste them to your captions or comments quickly when posting. Going back to add hashtags to posts later has not been found to be effective at all, so the sooner after you post, the better!

6. Spend 10 minutes before you post and 10 minutes after you post to comment and engage with other people’s content on Instagram. This may be time consuming but if you’re looking to grow your account, engagement with other users is instrumental in showing Instagram you are active and gains you more engagements from others as well.

7. Focus your Instagram account on ONE specific genre or niche! This is so important in becoming a go-to account for your niche or focus. It will help you to become well known, establish credibility, provides user clarity and is an excellent starting point for your account. Create content that’s all aligned with one mission and stick to it! Instagram and your users will thank you.

8. Post FREQUENTLY! You are losing followers and engagement if you are posting less than 4 times a week. For a good maintenance of your growth you should be posting 4-5 times a week. For. Slow steady growth 7-10 times a week and for maximum growth it is recommended to post 14-21 times a week. I know this sounds daunting and overwhelming, the thought of coming up with 2-3 posts a day. However, it’s possible with little to no stress. Read on...

9. Feature other popular posts! This is perhaps the most important help in gaining overall engagement, especially on a new Instagram feed. Find popular, successful posts that align with your business or genre from other users and share those posts to your feed. You must make sure to @ and tag the original poster and align your hashtags to theirs as well. It helps them, and it helps you. When you’re starting an account, it is suggested that 80% of all your posts should include featured content from other users and 20% should be your own. As your account grows, this number can slide to reflect more of your own content and posts.

I hope these tips will help you in getting your Instagram account growing! I’m so excited to share more as I learn. I have gained 17K followers on my account rapidly using these methods and I highly recommend them!

Cheers! - Mrs Perkett

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10 Things To Do In The Mornings To Level You Up As A Homemaker

I was really struggling with my mornings, since I have a natural tendency to sleep in and start my days much later than I’d like. Let’s face it, I had my snooze button worn out.

So I decided to start rigorously scheduling my mornings and I created some more regular habits for myself. I cannot even tell you how much this has helped me and how much more successful as a homemaker I feel! I have way more productive days and my afternoons at work are stress-free because I know I have everything that I need done for the evening.

Here are 10 things I started religiously doing every morning that have really helped me step up my homemaking! I’ve also included a sample of my personal morning routine.

#1. Starting the day early

I started waking up at 6:30 a.m every morning and NOT beating my snooze button to death. I take a few moments to open my windows and take in some fresh air the minute I wake up.

#2. Make your bed

Making your bed everyday just feels somehow satisfying. It’s so nice to know at the end of the day you have a nicely made inviting place to rest your weary head. I’ve also made a habit of spraying some fabric scent on my bed and in my room and using lavender spray for my pillows. It smells amazing when I climb into bed at the end of the day.

#3. Meditate or Pray

I’ve started taking 10 minutes to myself to meditate and visualize on my goals for the day and life in general. I do that for about 5 minutes and take the other 5 minutes for prayer or devotion.

#4. Move!

I’ll be real with you that I really despise working out and though I do have a workout schedule, I’d really rather do anything else. What I’ve started doing every morning is putting on my favorite music and dancing until I work up a sweat.

#5. Nourish yourself

I’ve always really struggled with having breakfast, and some days I still really have to force myself. I start my morning off with a glass of lemon water and follow it up with a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate and a light breakfast. I have found it really makes a difference in how productive I am for the rest of the morning and I don’t feel so sleepy.

#6. Do the dishes

I always make sure my kitchen is completely clean every morning so I know I won’t be annoyed and overwhelmed when supper comes around. It just feels good to go to work knowing that everything is clean and tidy.

#7. Take vitamins

I’ve started implementing a pretty good vitamin routine for my days and I definitely notice a huge difference in my overall mood and energy levels.

#8. Do a load of laundry

For a long time I was doing a weekly laundry system and one day a week would be a big laundry day. I came to find that day would arrive and I would get busy and not finish all of it, or it would be piled up so much I would get overwhelmed and just put it off. So I started a one load of laundry a day rule for myself and it really works! I pop in a load of laundry pretty soon after I wake up and change it to the dryer mid morning. This way I have it all folded and put away just before lunch.

#9. Look your best

I started laying my clothes out the night before and it takes a lot of time and unnecessary thought away from my mornings. I always wear something that I know will make me look and feel fabulous and I spend some time making my hair cute. I spray myself with perfume so I smell delicious and apply deodorant. I’ve also started splashing my face with cold water every morning to give myself a little wake up. Then I cleanse and put on an spf lotion and some light lip chap for the day. I’ll admit I’ve never really been a makeup person, but if I was, I would always put my makeup on in the mornings as well.

#10. Write something

I’ve started writing every morning. Thoughts, reflections, gratitude, prayers, and a list of my top three priority goals for the day. This helps with my overall mindset for positivity and productivity for the day and I can refer back to it before bed to see what I’ve accomplished.

My morning routine

6:30 a.m - Wake up -light stretch

6:45 a.m - Make bed and make my room smell good

7 a.m - Get dressed and ready for the day

7:10 a.m - Wash face, cleanse and apply lotion

7:20 a.m - Put kettle on for hot chocolate or tea

7:25 a.m - Collect dirty clothing and put in load of laundry

7:35 a.m - Take vitamins with lemon water. Make and eat a light breakfast while watching YouTube tutorial videos or motivational content. Journal for a few minutes on daily goals and random thoughts.

8 a.m - Brush teeth. Lunch prep and dinner prep

9 a.m - Do all the dishes and clean kitchen

9:30 a.m -Listen to music and dance until I work up a sweat

9:50 a.m -Mediation and prayer/devotions

10 a.m - Check and respond to all emails and messages. Post to social media (business or personal).

10:30 a.m -Light housekeeping and swap laundry to dryer.

11 a.m - Check on kids schoolwork and help if needed

11:30 - Fold and put away laundry. Finish making lunch

12 p.m - Serve and eat lunch

My vintage homemaker apron collection 💕

Just thought I would share something a little more personal! I LOVE collecting vintage aprons and I’ve grown quite a collection. Here are just a few of them.

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The Warhammer Wife