Friday Thoughts

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Thought #1: I recently saw an ad for a FOAM RUN.  This is like a mud run but with foam.  Between all the obstacle courses and strongman challenges, what will they link of next?! 

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(Image Source)

Speaking of crazy runs, check out:  Obstacle Runs —> Are They Safe? and 10 Wacky, Tacky, and Insane Races.  The naked 5K still wins for craziest run.

 

Thought #2:  The Husband and I are currently reading The Five Love Languages book. It’s a really fun ‘project’ to do together (we read 10 pages each night before going to bed), and a pretty eye-opening way to get to know your mate.

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Your love language is the way you prefer to express love and affection.  The 5 love languages are:

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My love language is Words of Affirmation (no surprise, Operation Beautiful), but I’m also a big Physical Touch-er.  I care very little about Acts of Service.  Interestingly enough, Acts of Service is Kristien’s love language, and he could care less about Words of Affirmation!  So we have to keep in mind to be affectionate in the other’s love language, and recognize that when they do things in their own love language, they are trying to say, “I love you!”  You just gotta hear it, you know?

 

What’s your love language?

 

Thought #3:  We are OBSESSED with this Everyone Soap.  It’s this HUGE bottle of multi-purpose wash (shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath), and I love it for hair and body.  It’s cruelty free, paraben free, polysorbate free, disodium EDTA free, gluten free, non-GMO verified, and sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate free.  And it smells really, really good!

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Thought #4: FRIDAY, YAY!

{ 58 comments }

 

  • Shelby March 1, 2013, 1:06 pm

    We read the love languages on our honeymoon together. Mine is quality time and the hubs is words of affirmation. It’s been a few years though, we should re-read that. Hope you’re enjoying it!

  • Jessica R @ From the Kitchen to the Road March 1, 2013, 1:15 pm

    I love that book. We got it as a wedding present. It actually really helped to vocalize exactly what we were feeling and what works for us. It’s pretty basic information but sometimes you need it spelled out for you like that. I hope you like it! My love languages are Physical Touch and Quality Time.

  • Kerry March 1, 2013, 1:15 pm

    I’m trying to run a race every month of 2013. March’s run is a Color Run spinoff and April’s run is a 5k obstacle race on an Army base. I’m so stoked to see how years of playing at the park translates into an obstacle course.

  • Ali March 1, 2013, 1:19 pm

    I would think a foam run would be slick, no? I’d worry about falling! Hah. 🙂 I’m a quality time and words of affirmation person, which I expected.

  • Katie March 1, 2013, 1:26 pm

    The love languages sounds like a good read! But I have to ask…what does gluten free soap mean?

  • Becca March 1, 2013, 1:29 pm

    Hey Caitlin! Where did you buy the everyone soap??

  • Abby W March 1, 2013, 1:37 pm

    Love that book. Most of Gary Chapman’s stuff is great. My fiance and I are currently reading, “Things I’d Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married” in preparation for our September wedding. My love languages are physical touch and quality time and his are physical touch and words of affirmation. We talked about that book and our love languages on our first date and it has informed us throughout our relationship.

  • Emily March 1, 2013, 1:39 pm

    What an interesting book! I’ll have to check it out….sounds like a really great way to reconnect with your love.

    • Jacquelynn March 1, 2013, 7:51 pm

      It is SUCH a great book. I listened to the audiobook version years ago. I have a copy of the book too, it is great to go back and look at on occasion 🙂

  • Jenny March 1, 2013, 1:47 pm

    I would say my languages of love are acts of service, physical touch and quality time. My husband and I are touchy feely like we were when we first started dating. I pack his lunches everyday and I also love to make him a really nice breakfast even though we end up eating in the car on the way to work (one car household here). It just feels nice doing those kinds of things for him.

  • Anna March 1, 2013, 1:47 pm

    I really want to read the five love languages, I heard about it on Nikki Philippi`s Youtube channel and I think it`s really interesting!

  • Sarah @ Yogi in Action March 1, 2013, 1:53 pm

    I did a post on 5 Love Languages back in November! I love that book!

    Funny enough, I’m the same as you and my boyfriend is the same as your husband. Since we discovered this, we both make more of an effort to do things for the other in their love language. I’ve stopped trying to say sweet things to my boyfriend, because they don’t affect him, and instead I’ll make extra efforts to clean the house or do something I know he’s been dreading. In the same way, he makes more of an effort to say sweet and loving things to me.

    Also, we try and appreciate each other when we express love in our language. If I come home and my boyfriend did all the dishes, I know he did it as a loving gesture.

    I hope you guys continue to love the book!

  • Caroline March 1, 2013, 1:54 pm

    I really liked the love languages book! I first read it back in 2006 and definitely use it in my counseling practice now. I also second your “friday! YAY”. I need a break!

  • Elisabeth March 1, 2013, 1:58 pm

    I definitely need to try that soap! I usually use Philosophy because I like that it’s shampoo + shower gel one.

  • Natalie @ will jog for food March 1, 2013, 2:00 pm

    The foam run looks awesome! I would pass on the naked 5k though 😉

  • Jolene (Homespun Heritage) March 1, 2013, 2:21 pm

    When we adopted our two oldest boys they age 4 and 6. When our, then, 6 yr old would get in trouble for something he would take every single piece of clothing out of his dresser and refold it and come get me to see it. From that first moment I realized his love language was acts of service. (His brother is physical touch). When we adopted 2 more children we were surprised to get the same combo again! One will run around cleaning like mad to make me happy and the other needs (craves) physical touch.

    Great stuff!

  • Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries March 1, 2013, 2:22 pm

    I’m a huge fan of the five love languages book! I think it’s helped my husband and I understand each other so much better. My love language is quality time with physical touch coming in second.

  • Nessa @ Isle Style Living March 1, 2013, 2:32 pm

    My love language is Acts of Service and my husband’s is Physical Touch.

    Besides the more obvious and intimate ways of showing affection through touch, I try to show affection in other ways: holding hands, rubbing his back when watching TV, touching his should when I walk pass. It’s the little things that count.

    Also, I make sure I thank him for the little things he does around the house. I want to encourage (and gently remind) him that doing little things really are a big deal to me.

  • Katie March 1, 2013, 2:43 pm

    My husband and I got that book as a gift from my dad for our engagement 2 years ago! it SAVES us. We REALLY learned how to understand each other and what the other needed more. relationship-changing book!

  • Ashley March 1, 2013, 2:45 pm

    Some of those themed races seem fun but for me it’s probably just an injury waiting to happen because I am SO clumsy!

    I also find that they tend to be a bit pricy for what they are. I’m sure it’s due to the “added fun” of the theme but I’ve seen fancy 5Ks that cost more than half marathons I’ve ran! Maybe I’m just cheap though, haha.

  • Stephanie @ Food Fit 4 Real March 1, 2013, 2:46 pm

    After a few years, I finally figured out that my husband’s love language was physical touch while mine is words of affirmation. I have to remember that he reponds to a hug way more than words!
    I am running the Pretty Muddy 5K obstacle course race in Dallas this year with a team of 20 women! It should be fun.

  • Janelle March 1, 2013, 3:04 pm

    I just read The Five Love Languages in December and I think it might’ve changed my life. I realized I had previously assumed that I had to feel loved in whatever way someone was offering it to me – which is somewhat true – but I learned that more importantly it’s okay to hand them the responsibility of showing me love in the way that works for ME. I kind of had it backwards in my head. I love that book for making the concept of love languages so simple and clear.

    I enjoy how your love language is reflected in what you do for a career. I never thought of it that way. Now I have some thinking to do in terms of my own career path!

  • Carolina John March 1, 2013, 3:08 pm

    I would do a naked 5k or a foam run. sounds like fun!

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats March 1, 2013, 3:10 pm

    That book is really interesting, and a great idea for couples. I have a feeling I’d be a words and touch kind of person, but mostly words. I’m guessing a lot of women fall in that category!

  • AlisonJ March 1, 2013, 3:24 pm

    My husband and I are both quality time, but have different secondary ones. That’s probably the reason we DO something together instead of give gifts for our birthdays/anniversaries. I loved that book – after 6 years of marriage, I think it’s time we revisit it.

  • Cassidy @ wine and ice cream March 1, 2013, 3:39 pm

    You should try the Everyone Lotion in Lavender and the Coconut + Lemon- they’re awesome!

  • Nicole March 1, 2013, 3:40 pm

    I’m a big love language fan–I recommend it all the time. Simple concept that is easy to apply and really makes a difference. I even wrote about on my business blog: http://www.therapycharlotte.com/the-five-love-languages/
    #shamelessselfpromotion

  • Nicole March 1, 2013, 3:40 pm

    Ps: they have a love language book for kids too–great for parents.

  • Liz March 1, 2013, 4:03 pm

    I thought the love languages were how you wanted to receive love, not how you show it? To learn what feels like love to you so that your partner can learn to express love in that way? Maybe I’m wrong, haven’t read the book!

    • Caitlin March 1, 2013, 4:51 pm

      Both ways!

      • Rebecca March 1, 2013, 7:14 pm

        The way I learned it was that the way you express love is the same way you want to receive love. Like, I love spending time with people, and that’s also the way I want them to show me love–it’s when people invite me to do things with them that I feel loved. Or my mom appreciates when people help her around the house, etc. because that is how she shows people she loves them–by doing things for them.

  • Helene @healthyfrenchie March 1, 2013, 4:13 pm

    Interesting! My resolution for March is to spoil my man. I think he feels like I have been neglecting him lately 🙁
    My profile was words of affirmation, physical touch and quality time all equal!
    Sadly I don’t htink the Scotsman would be into reading the book. But I think he communicates more with act of service and receiving gifts (or at least giving gifts!) mixed in with physical touch. Hopefully reading more about it will help me show him how much he means to me better.

  • Rebecca March 1, 2013, 4:19 pm

    There’s a kid/teenager version of that book, too, I’m pretty sure. I’ve seen both in our church library, and my small group in high school talked about what we each thought that our love languages were. I took a quiz thing online a while back to figure out my love language for sure because I wasn’t entirely sure. My dad was positive I’m a Touch person. Quiz told me I was a tie between Time and Touch, with Words a close third. Gifts was four and Service was last. Makes sense: I love hanging out with people and right now all I want to do is hug somebody. 😛
    I think my mom is a Service person, and my dad might be Time. My sister needs to be around people a lot, so I think she’s a Time-r, as well, but she could be a Words girl. I kind of want everyone to figure out their love language and let others know. Or for us to have glasses that tell us what everyone else’s language is so that we can understand them a little better. Or something. Hah. 🙂

  • Katherine March 1, 2013, 4:43 pm

    How funny, I was JUST looking at the lotion version of that soap on my lunch break. I almost bought it but wound up putting it down. I’m glad to know you love it, now I will have to go back and get it!

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More March 1, 2013, 5:19 pm

    I’m intrigued by that soap! Where’s it from?

  • Karen @ Runner Girl Eats March 1, 2013, 5:48 pm

    Woah, that soap is very “free”, what’s actually in it!? I have never heard of this book but seems like a cool couple project.

  • Christine March 1, 2013, 6:22 pm

    That book is fabulous! We were required to read it as part of our pre-marriage counseling. We were so glad we did! It is really interesting knowing what makes people feel loved. For me it was quality time and for him it was touch. Hope you both enjoy the read and benefit from it!
    Ps- I haven’t commented before but just wanted to say I love reading your blog! It is so resourceful, honest and helpful. Thanks for the good reads. You are great! (Words of affirmation haha).

  • emily March 1, 2013, 6:32 pm

    I am service and touch but my husband is touch and time.

  • Tricia March 1, 2013, 6:41 pm

    I love the 5 love languages. They have many different versions of it too including for singles, for kids, for single parents, etc…My love languages are words of affirmation and quality time but depending on the day the 2 of them are interchangeable!

  • Angela March 1, 2013, 7:55 pm

    I think it’s SO SO important for couples to read that book. I am a quality time girl with gifts being a close second. After learning this my husband said it made so much sense for 1) because if he is playing a video game or something while I am talking I would get so upset… I need to feel like I am being actively listened to and appreciated. I am also a very good listener for others though because that is what I like, so I do it to others easily. And 2) I spend a lottttt of time picking out the perfect gifts for people. It’s how I show that I care and appreciate them, by finding the perfect thing! Interesting to see how your spouse’s differ and it’s good to have them in mind when it may not come naturally to you.

  • Anna {Herbivore Triathlete} March 1, 2013, 8:15 pm

    I use a different version of the 5 Love Languages in my job as a therapist to help parents understand how to show love to their children. Great book!

    I’ve run a Mud Run and a Zombie obstacle course, while fun, I can definitely see how they can be on the less safe side.

  • Lindsay @ prettylittleparadise March 1, 2013, 8:16 pm

    i read the love languages too and loved it! my highest were quality time, words of affirmation, and physical touch all equally!!! it really made sense and explaining it to my boyfriend was really interesting- thn he took the quiz nd it was definitely eye opening learning about how he feels/shows love. i think everyone should at least take the quiz & read a little but about it!!

  • Molly March 1, 2013, 8:24 pm

    ah literally had a long conversation with my friends about this. I can only see how crucial it is in life to know what your own love languages are and what you’re willing to give to someone else.
    I get the most out of acts of service, where as gifts doesn’t even make my list. I recently dated a guy who desperately needed words of affirmation, and I literally could not do it. Maybe it was because we just didn’t click in general, but opening up that way is so hard for me.

  • Amber K March 1, 2013, 8:58 pm

    Love that book! Read it with my husband years ago and actually just reread it again with our small group at church. What’s funny is that both of our love languages had changed from when we first read it. Definitely goes to show that we need love in different ways depending on what’s going on in our lives at that time!

  • Katie D. March 1, 2013, 9:29 pm

    My love language is acts of service and quality time, hubby’s is gifts. We have determined that opposite love languages attract too, cuz it is HARD for me to spend $$ on random gifts and he has a hard time doing acts of service! But at least we know and we work on it 🙂

    Great, great read!

  • Elise March 1, 2013, 9:54 pm

    I haven’t used Everyone Soap yet, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE EO Products (the company that makes Everyone Soap). I “recently” (probably about 6 months ago) started using their hair products (conditioner, detangler, etc.) and my hair has never felt better!

  • Steph @321delish March 1, 2013, 10:16 pm

    I read the 5 Love Languages and thought it was so eye opening! I used to keep a list of my boyfriend’s top three love languages so I constantly would remember to put effort into doing those things that meant the most for him. It’s been awhile since I’ve read it, but I think I like to show love by doing acts of service, but I feel most loved with words of affirmation.

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) March 2, 2013, 7:30 am

    We read the Love Languages soon after we married. So interesting. I am just like you – Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch or Quality Time. Could care less about acts of service or gifts. 🙂

  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change March 2, 2013, 8:19 am

    My husband is on spring break this week and I told him about this book and I think we are going to read it. We are recently married, but I still think it would be great to understand each other a little more.

  • Jill March 2, 2013, 9:34 am

    Where do you get that Everyday Soap? It sounds amazing.. I hope it’s available for Canadians too! 🙂

  • kristinp March 2, 2013, 10:09 am

    Also chiming in to say the Everyone Lotion is equally awesome. Plus they are certified gluten free, which is a damn tough thing to find for us celiac folks!

  • Natalie @ Free Range Human March 2, 2013, 10:32 am

    That book was such an interesting read. My love language is Acts of Service, and the hubby’s language is Physical Touch. Sometimes we really struggle keeping that in mind!

  • Erica March 2, 2013, 1:55 pm

    I loved reading the Five Love Languages with my husband (we were about 3 years into our marriage, 8 years into our relationship). Knowing how we both experience love has helped us so much! my husbands are words of affirmation and physical touch, whereas mine are receiving gifts and quality time. Even 2 years after we read the book, we still check in from time to time on our “love tanks”. Seriously great book.

  • Jenn@ Be Me March 3, 2013, 7:44 am

    We love that book. My husband and my love languages are very different and it helps to feel understood when the other one recognizes our own language and can meet it! In fact, I think now, with our first baby on the way, would be a great time to dig this book out again and have a refresher course! We want to be sure to have full love tanks before the little one arrives : )

  • Sarah @ Hungry and Healthy in Houston March 3, 2013, 4:56 pm

    I read that book! My love language is Acts of Service and my fiance’s is Quality Time. We’re working on it and we can already tell a difference in our relationship!

  • Denise March 3, 2013, 7:23 pm

    I just bought this book! Can’t wait to get started. The hubby is excited also!

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd March 4, 2013, 9:19 am

    We just had a 1 hour training regarding the 5 Love Languages Book at work (weird, right?). Anyway, I found out that my husband and I are both pretty much the same when it comes to our love language. I think that makes things a little easier. When you and your partner have different love languages, you really have to be conscious of how you’re “loving” them and whether it’s the way they prefer to be loved.

  • Carina March 4, 2013, 1:22 pm

    Ooh, good book. We read it before we got married. My husband is words of affirmation, and I am acts of service — if you want to tell me you love me, scrub the toilet and make dinner! Haha. We both work so I expect both of us to do roughly equal amounts of housework, but when he does his share, I see it as an expression of love. It’s so funny how it works.

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