Do these 10 things during your first year of marriage to stay head over heels in love with your spouse. These actions may even turn into habits and make each year of your marriage better than the last.

1. Travel

You may have done some traveling while single, but there is sure to be some destinations you both haven't visited. Add these locations to your bucket list and start planning a getaway. If expenses are tight, take advantage of the stay-cation. Go camping on a Friday night, visit a popular museum or national park or simply go for a drive and discover the world around you.

2. Cook

Cooking is going to be a necessity throughout your married life. Is there a recipe your spouse absolutely loves? Work on perfecting that meal or try spicing up dinner with something new. Or if you want to make a date out of your culinary enlightenment, you can sign you and your spouse up to take a cooking class together.

3. Pray

Nothing compares to hearing your spouse pray for you specifically so you can face any obstacles you are facing. Before you go to bed each night, say a prayer together. Take turns offering the prayer each night as well. The next day will be so much better because of that decision.

4. Play a sport together

This may sound a bit intimidating if you or your spouse aren't basketball stars, but trust me, you won't regret it. Choose a sport you want to play together. Or try a sport that both of you have never played. Pick a night each week to try your hand at the sport. Not only will you be burning calories, but you'll get some real laughs in as well.

5. Plan

If you start doing this at the beginning of your marriage, it will become a habit. At the beginning of the week, sit down together and plan out what needs to be done and what responsibilities you both have to fulfill. Doing this will relieve stress and make more time for the things that are truly important, like spending time together.

6. Financial check-ins

Checking on finances every two to three weeks isn't a bad idea. Look to see if you are putting enough finances in your savings account and be mindful of debt. Is there a big expense just around the corner? Plan your finances so you can start saving up for that big purchase.

7. Find a hobby

Do you need to add some décor to your new living space? Look into DIY projects or painting classes. If you love to capture special memories, look into taking photography classes. Or, if you want to your new home to look top notch, discover how to master home improvement projects.

8. Show daily appreciation

This should definitely become a daily habit to keep your marriage healthy and positive. Show your spouse how much you appreciate and love them every day. Send them a text message with an inside joke, leave a note that says "I love you" in their bag for them to find or bring home their favorite takeout and movie to have a romantic date night in the comfort of your home. Whether the gesture is big or small, they are sure to feel loved and appreciated by you.

9. Date nights

It is important to have one-on-one time with each other every week. Set up a night where you and your spouse can go on a date. Having a designated date night is an effective way to keep the romance and sparks bright during your first year of marriage. Take turns planning the date nights to mix things up.

10. Go on an adventure

Being newlyweds feels pretty adventurous in its own right. Try something adventurous that you have both wanted to do, but never have before. Have you always wanted to go skydiving? Is there a mountain top you've always wanted to climb? Have you always wanted to try skiing but have felt too intimidated? Together you'll be able to conquer fear, have fun and make some incredible memories along the way.

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As an editor at FamilyShare, I have read my fair share of articles written by our amazing authors. Marriage is our most popular topic. We have hundreds of articles devoted to discussing marriage. After reading and editing around 100 articles about marriage and relationships, I've noticed five common ideas. Here are the recurring topics continuously discussed as ways to strengthen your marriage:

1. Go on dates

As they say, it is cheaper to pay for a babysitter than a lawyer.

At the start of each week, pick a night where you and your spouse are both free. Call your babysitter or relative to see if they can watch the kids for a couple of hours. Then, plan your date. You can spend the money for dinner at your favorite restaurant, or do something that doesn't cost a cent, like going for a walk or window shopping. Or, go to the book store and browse books together. All matters is that you both are taking time together.

2. Be nice

This may seem simple enough, but making a conscientious effort each and every day to be kind to your spouse makes an enormous impact. Let them sleep in a bit while you help the kids in the morning. Iron their favorite shirt for work. Send them a sweet text in the middle of the day. Prepare their favorite dessert for when they get home. Fill up their car with gas for them. Any nice action - whether big or small - shows you are thinking of them.

3. Communicate

Your spouse is not a mind reader. You most likely are not one either. You have to remember this when you are having a stressful day and want their help. Communicate exactly what you need from your husband or wife and listen to what they say in return.

Also, if you have expectations about what is going to happen for a birthday, anniversary or date night, voice these to your spouse. You don't want to feel let down or blindsided by something you expected to happen, but didn't.

4. Do something fun together

You run. He fly fishes. You love to bake. He loves to grill. You love rom-com movies. He loves sci-fi movies. Sure, you have differences in your relationship (and differences are good!) but you need to find things that you like to do together, too. Try a hobby that neither of you have done before like tennis, painting or even soccer! Sign up for lessons together or go to the park to try out a new sport.

For cold winter nights, find a television series you to both like to watch. He might like action and you like romance, but everyone likes to laugh, right? Look for a comedian or funny sitcom to watch together while you cuddle up. After the kids are in bed, pop some popcorn and enjoy a quiet hour laughing with your spouse.

5. Pray together

Some of us pray daily on our own, but when was the last time you prayed with your spouse? Try praying every night or morning with your spouse to help them with their struggles. Hearing your husband or wife say your name and praying for you gives you a boost of reassurance and love.

If you do not pray, find ways to let your spouse know you want to help with their challenges. Leave encouraging notes, praising him for his hard work. Or, hug her extra tight at the beginning of each day. Anything to let your spouse know you are their biggest fan.

There are always little things we can do to improve our marriage; these five ideas are the most popular, but also seem to be the most successful. Try them out for yourself and see what they can do for your relationship.

The post After reading over 100 marriage articles, these are the 5 most popular marriage tips appeared first on FamilyToday.

Do you wish the old wives' tale of eating for two while pregnant was actually true? Why is it that you feel famished so often while pregnant? It's because you have a growing baby who is demanding more nourishment from you.

Once you've passed your first trimester, and hopefully are out of the morning sickness window, what are foods that will keep you feeling full and are healthy at the same time?

Here are 15 power foods that you should include in your diet while pregnant:

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in calcium and folate, but is also dense in fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants. Pair it with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice, and you will get a meal full of vitamin C and iron.

2. Bananas

Some mornings you are in a hurry, or nothing sounds good for breakfast. Grab a banana! This fruit is rich in potassium and can keep you from feeling fatigued, which can be a common side effect of pregnancy. If you do have extra time to make something, try adding bananas to a smoothie, or cut some up to add to your favorite Greek yogurt.

3. Soy foods

If you are a vegetarian, or are unable to consume meat while pregnant, try tofu. It contains over 10 grams of protein per half cup! That will definitely keep you on track to get all of the right nutrients — including protein — you're supposed to get while pregnant.

4. Leafy greens

Like salads? Be sure that you are taking advantage of the greens that have high levels of iron and folate, like kale, turnip greens and spinach. Or, if you just can't do salads right now, try adding a handful of dark, leafy lettuces to your pasta dishes or soups.

5. Lean meat

Some pregnant women have an extra craving for meat (protein anyone?!). Your body needs double the iron during pregnancy, so it is important to include iron-rich foods in your diet. And meat is one form of iron that is easily digested by your body.

6. Cheese

Certain cheeses, including soft cheeses, are off-limits during pregnancy; but there are two options that can help you meet your calcium requirements during pregnancy: cheddar and mozzarella. Grab some string cheese to snack on. Or, add slices of cheddar to go alongside an apple for a quick and yummy snack.

7. Nuts and nut butters

Love to snack? Trade in almonds or cashews for pretzels and chips. Not only is this a healthier option, but it will keep you fuller longer.

8. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a yummy breakfast alternative to toast or a bagel during the week. Not only is it filling, but it can also help to lower your cholesterol. To sweeten it, forego any pre-made oatmeal and cook up the plain version and stir in maple syrup or jelly.

9. Whole-grain bread

Hopefully you can steer away from white bread now that you no longer have morning sickness and grab whole-grain bread instead. Not only does whole-grain bread have plenty of iron and zinc, but it also contains plenty of fiber to get you to your recommended amount for the day.

10. Eggs

If you, like me, couldn't stomach the idea of eating meat while pregnant, eggs are a great alternative for getting the amino acids you need during pregnancy. You have great egg options for breakfast, obviously, but you can also make an omelet with chopped veggies and cheese for a quick dinner too.

11. Oranges

Oranges are packed with fiber, folate and vitamin C. Plus, they have a ton of water if you are having a hard time consuming enough; this will help with your dehydration. Keep oranges in your car or on your desk to consume easily throughout your day.

12. Dried fruit

Do you find that you are craving something sweet while pregnant? Try eating dried fruit to help with that sweet tooth. Dried fruits like cherries, cranberries and apricots are a much healthier alternative to something full of sugar.

13. Beans

Beans are rich in nutrients. Try adding them to soups, pasta or salad to get an extra dose of iron, folate, calcium and zinc. Some good options include black beans, white beans, pinto beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, and kidney, garbanzo or soy beans.

14. Berries

Berries like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are another way to fight off a sweet tooth; but they also are packed with vitamin C, potassium, folate and fiber. Top your pancakes with them, add them to your morning yogurt or snack on a handful of berries with nuts for a great afternoon snack.

15. Salmon

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that are also good for your baby's brain and eyes. It also contains protein and B vitamins. Try it grilled or broiled on a salad. Also, you can safely eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish, like salmon, per week.

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As a parent, do you often wish that you could freeze time with your kids? Doesn't it feel like your 5-year-old kindergartener just learned yesterday how to crawl? Why do they grow up so fast?!

Here's how to slow down time with your kids — even if just for a bit.

1. Document it

If you already don't journal what your kids are up to, start! Buy each of them an individual journal, and once a month write what each one is up to. Journal specifics about what friends they play with, or if they are still little, what foods they like. Don't forget to mention big milestones like the dates they started walking, their first soccer goal, or when they lost their first tooth.

2. Have a lot of one-on-one time

Nothing is better than having one-on-one time with each one of your kids. And when you get that opportunity, take advantage of it! Look your child in the eye and relate to them how much they mean to you, and just how proud you are of them. Do something together that child particularly loves to do. Make them have a happy experience with you, and you will cherish seeing them smile — something you will always remember.

3. Engage

When you get the chance after school or throughout the day, instead of trying to do the dishes or check your emails, talk to your child! Grab a pint of ice cream out of the freezer, and eat it while you share what you did with your day, and then ask what they did with theirs. The main point here: Don't get easily distracted by the pile of laundry waiting to be folded or the dishes in your sink. Give your children your attention.

4. Put down the phone

Do you feel pressure that you have to record videos or get a picture of EVERYTHING your kids do? What if, instead, you allowed yourself to watch first-hand the way they blew out their candles on their 2nd birthday cake, or their expression after they cannon-balled into the swimming pool? Not everything has to be seen through the screen of your phone. Those little moments will have you grinning ear to ear that you got to experience it first-hand, just as your child did.

5. Celebrate big milestones

Don't take any time for granted. Celebrate their birthdays with meaningful parties. When they get their first soccer goal? Clap and hurrah as loud as you can! When they lose their first tooth? Don't let the tooth fairy forget!

These are moments and memories that will never happen again, so make sure you cherish them by celebrating them.

6. Take advantage of bedtime

When it is time for bed, sit with them until they drift asleep. That is the time when they are calm, and you can really freeze time, at least for a moment, to look at them and realize that tomorrow is a new day in which they will continue to grow. But, for now, allow yourself to cherish this moment in time when everything is perfectly still.

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Are you a parent that feels guilty about how often you look at your phone? Here are seven ways to utilize time spent on your smartphone effectively:

1. Don't check your phone in the morning

How tempting is it to grab your phone first thing when you wake up? If you use your phone as an alarm, turn off your alarm, and then put it back down.

Give yourself time to wake up, brush your teeth, kiss your kids when they wake up, and make breakfast. Then, once everyone is settled in after your morning routine, give yourself a little time to check your emails and some of your favorite apps. Once you've checked everything out, put it back down, and set your timer for when you can pick it back up again to browse.

2. Take advantage of the calendar

The calendar app is a life-saver! If you have a significant other you want to sync with, you can use Google Calendar to look at each other's appointments and other scheduled events.

Input any and all appointments you have, and then refer to your calendar at the start of each week as a refresher, and in the morning when you do your browsing session. That way, you won't miss a single appointment, or forget someone important's birthday.

3. Keep notes on your phone

If you are like me, things are easily forgotten. From must-have items at the grocery store, to your next must-read, to the funny phrase your child said; jot it down in the Notes section of your phone instead of trying to remember everything.

4. Look at messages before driving

Before you start driving in your car, give yourself two to three minutes to check your messages and apps, so you won't be tempted to look at your phone while driving. If anything is pressing, take care of it then and there, or after you get to your destination.

5. Use your camera

Doesn't the saying go, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? Let yourself give into that need when the moment strikes, but don't go crazy. Allow yourself to live in the moment too — without your phone.

6. Remove any apps that are time-suckers

Do you find yourself checking your phone for one small task, and then realize you're browsing through Instagram and Facebook without even realizing it? This can lead to mindless browsing, which can suck away minutes of your day, all day, leading up to a lot of wasted time.

To help cope with mindless browsing, remove any apps that you find yourself not benefiting from. You don't have to stop looking at these altogether, but access them in a different way, like logging in manually each time, so you aren't tempted to look at them as often throughout the day.

7. Give yourself a cut-off time

Finally, give yourself a phone cut-off time to put the phone down — for good — for the rest of the evening.

You and your spouse can determine a time together to help stay off of your phones, in order to really enjoy your evening together. If needed, allow yourself a little time beforehand to browse and enjoy the fun side of having a smartphone so you aren't tempted to pick it up later.

Then when you pick up your phone again, you'll enjoy it all the more.

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Life is busy. Each week is full of after-school activities, appointments, homework assignments, and a million to-dos. If you're like me, you drift off to sleep at night telling yourself that tomorrow you will make extra time for your kids. Then the day flies by again, and you find yourself saying the same thing.

Here is a list of ten very doable ways to reconnect with your kids today.

1. Put your phone down

From 2-year-olds to teens, kids know when your focus is not entirely on them. Even if you just glance at your phone, they will notice. Keep your phone out of sight to give your full, undivided attention.

2. Be present

Be there for your kids during important moments of the day: when they wake up, get home from school and go to bed. This is when they need you most.

3. Eat dinner with the entire family

Isn't it difficult to get EVERYONE together for dinner at the same time? Aim to have dinner all together at least three times during the week. Plan ahead, check schedules and suggest working parents arrange to be home at a specific time for dinner on specific nights.

4. Enjoy a night of family fun each week

Designate a specific night during the week for family fun, when everyone can play games, make a dessert together, watch a favorite movie or just chat. Family time focused on simply being together is always a good idea. Your kids (and you) will start looking forward to it.

5. Switch up the routine

Do you feel like a broken record during the week with a monotonous daily schedule that repeats day after day? Eat dinner, do homework, bathe, get ready for bed, read, light's out, and start all over the very next day. Why not shake things up? After dinner, go on a bike ride. Or, before bed, go lay outside and look at the stars. Better yet, have a dance party in the kitchen! Anything to break up the nightly routine will be a fun surprise to your kids.

6. Spend one-on-one time with each child

Isn't one-on-one time the best with your children? Guess what? They think so too. Focus on one child at a time and let him or her pick an activity you can do together: reading a book, going for a walk, playing soccer, jumping on the tramp, and so on. You may be surprised at what your child picks. Try to do this ritual monthly with each child.

7. Talk about your day too

Does this conversation sound familiar?

You: "What did you do at school today?" Child: "Nothing."

If you have a child who never gives many details about their day, let me teach you a trick. Tell your child all about your day with specifics. For example, say "I vacuumed the family room, talked to your grandma, fed the dogs and gave them water, ate a sandwich for lunch, worked on the computer, did the dishes and mopped the kitchen floor." And"¦that's it. After you mention all of these specifics to your children, they will want to tell you specifics about their days too.

8. Take advantage of the car ride

Do you find yourself playing taxi throughout the day too often? Take advantage of this time in the car by asking your kids questions. Turn down the music, look at them through the rear-view mirror and chat. Point out fun things you see through the window, ask them what their favorite song is right now, talk about a specific friend at school or just talk about the weather. Opening these lines of communication will help them feel comfortable to talk to you about anything and everything.

9. Share a positive and a negative part of the day

At dinner, have everyone share a good and a bad thing that happened to them that day. You may have to start the dialogue, but if you are honest with your positive and negative experiences, you will find your kids will be too. When they share the negative experience, don't try to fix whatever is wrong right then. Just let them vent and move on.

10. Go on an adventure

Try something new you've never done with your kids. Take your kids on that hike you've wanted to go on. Finally try out those batting cages you always drive by. Or set-up a tent in the backyard and "camp-out" for the night. Letting your kids see an adventurous side to you will help them want to be around you even more. And maybe your cool factor will be upped. Just maybe.

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