Here are eight ways you can keep the chemistry alive in your marriage.

Add the element of surprise

Being surprised from time to time can provide a much needed boost. This doesn't mean whisking your wife away on a tropical vacation or shocking your husband with tickets to the Super Bowl. Little gestures can also go a long way. Try surprising your spouse with lunch at work, or sending a card in the mail to show your appreciation.

Date your spouse

Over time, married couples may not feel they need to date anymore, or they simply don't have the time. However, it's important for couples to spend one-on-one time together with no distractions. If you have children, put them to bed and enjoy a romantic evening watching a movie while having a dessert picnic on a comfy blanket.

Get fit

Before the wedding, couples may work together to get or stay in shape to look good in their wedding dresses and tuxedos. However, after the wedding, there may not be a big incentive to impress your spouse or others. Married couples also tend to eat out more and lounge around after work instead of hitting the gym. A sure way to impress your spouse is to get back in shape, especially if you've put on a few extra pounds since you said "I do." Find a local gym or buy some workout DVDs and exercise equipment to get started.

Pillow talk

Communication between couples is crucial. Without proper communication, eventually your relationship with your spouse will start to crumble. Don't let poor communication be the reason you and your partner have an unhappy marriage. Instead, lay everything out on the table. Talk about frustrations and share your emotions. By listening and communicating properly, you will learn your spouse's needs and can work toward fulfilling them.

Take on a project

Working with your spouse on a project, such as refinishing a piece of furniture or remodeling a part of your home, will give you both a sense of accomplishment. The more you accomplish together, you will continue to build confidence that you can achieve anything you set your mind to - including strengthening your marriage.

Watch your language

Actions may speak louder than words, but being a victim of verbal abuse can be just as painful. Simple words or phrases we hear on a daily basis can be twisted into negativity. Other phrases, such as "It's all your fault" and "Why did I marry you" can crumble any sturdy foundation. If you find yourself or your spouse using language that is hurtful, stop saying those words altogether.

Develop new routines

If you're getting tired of the same daily routine, spice things up a bit by incorporating different activities. These could include weekly date nights, eating dinner as a family, going on a morning jog, or other things you both enjoy. It's also not a bad idea to get yourself into the habit of showing your spouse you care, such as saying "I love you" on a daily basis if you don't already and surprising your significant other every so often.

Nurture your separate selves

Having your own hobbies does not mean you and your spouse are drifting apart. In fact, developing individual interests allows for a stronger bond. Taking personal responsibility for your own well-being relieves your spouse of the pressure to "provide" happiness. So, what are you waiting for? Discover some solo activities that you know you will enjoy, such as art or cooking classes. In time, it will give you and your spouse something new to talk about, which will help to tighten your bond.

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The buzzing of your alarm clock goes off, and you wake up to only hit the snooze button. Then you proceed to hit that snooze button the next 5 times it happens until you are rushing out the door because you are running late. Then you should definitely reconsider other options to begin your day to make it amazing.

To start, here are 10 habits to work into your morning routine that will improve the overall quality of your day.

Wake up at the same time every morning

Our bodies thrive on routine. Without a morning routine in place, you will experience decision fatigue, which in turn affects your ability to think and focus for the rest of the day. No matter what time you fall asleep, always set your alarm for the same time. On weekends or days where you don't need to get up for work or your usual commitments, don't allow yourself to sleep for more than one hour longer than usual.

Stretch every extremity for 15 seconds

While laying in bed and lift your arm, then stretch each finger, then your hand, then your wrist, and repeating on your other arm. Proceed to your legs by stretching your toes, feet and ankles. Finish with a neck and back stretch to propel you out of bed. This simple exercise limbers your muscles and joints, enhancing the flow of blood through your body, which provides an extra amount of oxygen to all your tissues that you otherwise wouldn't have.

Make your bed

The best way to start your day is by making your bed, according to Navy Seal Admiral William McRaven. "If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed," McRaven told graduate students at the University of Texas

Leave your phone alone

With everyone's phones attached to their hips, it's not a bad idea to stay off yours until you are dressed and walking out the door. Of course, you can check the time, weather, traffic and other important items you need to know. But don't let your phone distract you from tasks you should accomplish first thing in the morning.

Take time to look good

Let's be honest. If you don't look good, you most likely won't feel as well as you could throughout the day. Putting effort into your appearance allows you to start your day with self-confidence. What you decide to wear will set the mood for the rest of the day. For the most part, pajamas equal laziness, whereas a dress or business suit sets the mood to accomplish work-related tasks.

Set three to four daily goals

To achieve a sense of productivity, set three or four goals first thing in the morning. Having no more than four goals allows them to be spaced out during the day and not to be overwhelming. If you complete all your goals before the afternoon, you can always create more.

Review your to-don't list

Opposite of a to-do list, to-don't lists are things that may be a distraction to you throughout the day. To-don't items could include not wasting valuable time on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter, texting or playing games on your phone when you should be working. It's amazing how much more can be accomplished by getting rid of distractions.

Exercise your brain

In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are ways to give your brain its own workout routine. Challenging your mind can improve your memory and decrease the chance of having dementia, according to CNN. Simple activities to keep your brain sharp include Sudoku, crosswords and brain teasers. Developing a new skill from time to time is also a good idea, such as learning a new language or increasing your vocabulary through reading.

Read a motivational quote

Stay inspired throughout the rest of the day by reading a motivational quote before walking out the door. This will help you to stay positive and strong amid any negativity that you encounter.

Forget yesterday and focus on today

Why stay stressed over something that happened yesterday? Understand that it can't be changed, let it go and move on. Remind yourself that today is a new day and another opportunity to be your best. If needed, take a few minutes to meditate in order to help you de-stress.

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Summer is officially here, and that means it's time for family vacations. Whether you are traveling near or far, it can be easy for the trip to end in tears and frustration. No matter where you are going this summer, avoid these 8 things guarenteed to ruin your family vacation.

Pack the office

Does your job require a lot of your time, whether you're in office or abroad? Then by all means, bring work with you on vacation. While your family is enjoying one another's company, you will be on and off the phone, stressing out about how to complete an important project when you have terrible Wi-Fi everywhere you go. Fun, fun, fun.

No matter what job you have, do your best to put it on hold while on vacation. Time spent your family during a getaway should be stress-free and relaxing...giving your mind and body a much needed break from your regular work routine.

Live and breathe by the calendar

If you're not looking for rest and relaxation, go ahead and schedule way too many activities. You will be rushing everywhere to make sure you are at your scheduled events on time, and will be burnt out before the day is even over. Exhausted kids make everything better.

It makes sense that you and your family want to see everything your vacation destination has to offer, but running around non-stop will cause unneeded stress and pressure. Plan for some of bigger activities that require reservations, then leave room for other activities, if time allows.

Or, at all costs, don't plan ahead

Opposite of the previous point is to not plan ahead at all. Avoid seeing what's out there by figuring it all out as you go. Wasting vacation time figuring out something to do is a great way to spend your days away from home. You'll return with loads of regrets because you didn't call for reservations or didn't know you could actually sleep over on the Great Wall of China. Awesome.

Planner or not, having somewhat of a plan in place is better than not having one at all. Even if you don't make reservations or events, at least decide which days are beach days and which ones will be spent hiking. This will give your family something to look forward to instead of listless days of "now what?"

Skip out on sunblock

Looking to get some color on your pale, ghost-like skin? Don't wear any sunblock while you are out in the sun, at least for the first day or two. There's no harm in that right?

Wrong. Instantly ruin your family trip by not applying sunblock on your sunny vacation. Even if it doesn't look like you are getting any sun, the results will be staring at you (lobsterlike) in the hotel mirror that night. Avoid spending your trip sporting painful burns and possible blisters by applying plenty of sunblock...all day, every day.

Let loose on the credit card

Sticking to a set budget is smart, but if you're on vacation and want to have a good time...who cares about money!

Your extravagant spending might make the vacation rock, but your frustration when you get home is not worth it. Coming home to bills that need paying, and possible home repairs that need fixing is going to be terrible if you've spent all your money vacationing. Stay within a pre-planned budget to make life less stressful, both during and after your vacation.

Avoid flexibility

Once a plan has been created, it's important to follow it. Crucial, even. Rain or shine, the plan stays. Any events that come up are out of the question; they are clearly not part of the plan. Once you have a scheule, there is no going back, no matter how much more fun something else may be.

You may have regrets if you are a strict plan-follower. Enjoy whatever comes your way and alter your plans if something better comes up.

Repeat, redo, and rerun

If you're returning to a family favorite vacation spot, you may think you are all set. Of course you'll just do the same things you've done in the past, right? Why venture out and try new activities if you already know what your family enjoys? Don't change up your routine if you don't want to create new memories.

If you want to be a little more adventurous, try new activities and create new memories with your family. Take some time to experience all your vacation spot has to offer, even if it's never been tried before.

Look at everything through a camera lens

It seems everyone is constantly snapping photos and selfies to post to popular social sites. Join them! If you could care less about living in the moment and making off-camera memories with your family, keep looking through the lens of your camera instead of seeing it with your own eyes.

You're only on vacation for a small amount of time before you have to go back to your regular routine. Enjoy all there is to offer while you are there, instead of trying to remember what your trip was like through photos.

Vacations don't need to be stressful, or put everyone in a bad mood. Keep things flexible, fun, and smart to make sure that your family remembers this vacation fondly.

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Here are 15 dog breeds known to be friendly around children.

Newfoundland

A sweet temperament is the hallmark of this breed. Their goodness is best expressed through their love for children, taking naturally to the role of "nanny." It's no wonder they're ranked among the top nine best dogs for children by the American Kennel Club.

When it comes to training, the Newfoundland is a star student. Quick learners with a strong work ethic, they can do almost anything you want them to.

Beagle

Beagles are lovable, easygoing, very active, and they make wonderful companions. Currently, Beagles are the fifth most popular dog breed.

Beagles bond with everyone in the family - especially children. Untrained Beagles may try using their mouths to play with younger children, but this does not mean Beagles are biters. With training, these dogs learn to be gentle with younger kids, loving the little ones just as much as they love everyone else.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

This breed may be big, but Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are gentle giants. Bred to work, they are devoted to their families and they love children. They make excellent watchdogs and therapy dogs.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs excel in agility and obedience training. If you want your children to have a companion that will teach them responsibility, this is the perfect dog for the job.

Boston Terrier

Averaging only a foot in height, the Boston Terrier is the perfect dog for children. They love to play, and they tend to be gentle and even-tempered - with some spunk and attitude mixed in.

Boston Terriers have a lot of energy and require daily attention. Daily walks are a good activity to keep them entertained. Playing fetch will help them use up their energy.

Boxer

Currently ranked as the eighth most popular dog breed as well as one of the top nine best dogs for children, this fun-loving, bright and loyal dog has won the hearts of many.

Since Boxers are a medium-sized dog, they make excellent playmates for active, older children. They will also love on younger kids and be gentle with smaller children when trained to do so.

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a trustworthy children's companion. With herding in their blood, not only will they supervise young children, but they may even herd children around, keeping them contained in one area.

With a clownish personality, the Old English Sheepdog is full of energy but affectionate with family members. These dogs should be trained at a young age to be gentle with young children and not play as hard as they would with older children or adults.

Collie

Just as Lassie is known for her loyalty and love for young Timmy, these playful dogs love kids and are very protective over children. As part of the herding group, they watch over children to keep kids safe from possible danger.

Collies are good at listening to people and understanding moods, making them a great breed for families. They thrive on companionship and do whatever they can to please their owners.

Brittany Spaniel

Although the Brittany may be the perfect hunting dog for some, for others it is the ideal family dog. Brittany Spaniels are intelligent, happy, and they enjoy learning new tricks.

Brittanies enjoy a lot of playtime - great for children with a lot of energy. However, they may have too much energy for toddlers. These dogs would never think to hurt children, but rather protect children from anything they feel could be a threat.

Poodle

An exceptionally smart and active breed, the Poodle is the seventh most popular dog breed. They come in three different sizes, allowing families to choose which size fits best for them.

Despite their regal and sophisticated appearance, Poodles are outgoing and love to play. They are fond of people and create close bonds with family members. They are eager to please and enjoy learning new tricks.

Labrador Retriever

One of the top nine best dogs for children and the first most popular dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are gentle, intelligent and family-friendly. Their greatest desire is to please their masters, and they go above and beyond to ensure they do.

The Labrador Retriever not only loves children, they like the commotion created by kids. This dog also enjoys playing with other animals and is sweet-natured around many other breeds.

Havanese

An affectionate breed, the Havanese enjoys being with his family and will stick to his owner's side whenever given the chance. For their small size, Havanese dogs have a ton of energy, making them fun companions for children.

The Havanese is both intelligent and amusing. Their silly antics make playtime all the more enjoyable.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are eager playmates. In fact, they typically won't settle into adulthood until they are around 2 years of age, maintaining puppylike enthusiasm for years. This breed is ideal for active families who look forward to quality time with their dogs.

An outgoing breed that loves people, the Irish Setter shows affection to adults and children alike. They also make excellent watchdogs, barking to let you know if there's someone visiting - or intruding.

Cocker Spaniel

Whether snuggling on the couch or running around outside with the children, the Cocker Spaniel tends to be happiest as part of a family. They are affectionate and playful.

As the smallest member of the sporting group, Cocker Spaniels are small enough to live in an apartment setting if needed. Still, plenty of exercise is beneficial, just as it is with most dog breeds.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their sweet, calm nature. They aim to please and enjoy being around people. They also aren't bothered by the noise and commotion of children.

As one of the top nine best dogs for children and the third most popular dog breed, the Golden Retriever is one of the friendliest dogs you will meet. Their popularity among families will never end.

Vizsla

Nicknamed the "Velcro Vizsla," this dog is above average when it comes to being attached to its owner. Vizslas are loving, friendly and tolerant with children.

The Vizsla thrives most as part of an active family that can offer daily attention and exercise (if not given the proper care, Vizslas may become bored and get into things they shouldn't). If you don't mind having an extra shadow, the Vizsla will make a great companion for you and your children.

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