I’ve hinted at a change in our marriage, or better, a change in our sex life, and now the time has come to spill the beans.
Or beads, as it were.
Because, in fact, we are using 40 Beads to change our lives.

Shortly after I complained about the lack of intimacy in our marriage, my friend Melisa suggested the book Forty Beads: the Simple Sexy Secret For Transforming Your Marriage and while I was skeptical, I was also desperate and I immediately downloaded it to my kindle.
It read like a good conversation. I genuinely felt like the author, Carolyn Evans, was a good friend and we were having one of those juicy conversations that you can only enjoy with someone you really trust (while drinking a good glass of wine, of course).
But more than just finding it easy to read, I found myself stopping mid-sentence and figuratively slapping myself in the head with I-can’t-believe-I-never-thought -about-sex-like-that moments.
This book genuinely puts sex into the most simple terms:
men want to feel wanted and women want anticipation and romance.
The beads make that happen.
I could sit and describe the book for you,
tell you how Russ and I have used the beads,
and what it means to me when I see a bead in my bowl,
but Carolyn Evans does a far better job describing how it will change your life .

I will say, it has genuinely brought back passion to our marriage.
It has given Russ the ability to tell me what he wants without fear of rejection
and honestly, after his affair, he was having a difficult time doing this.
He didn’t feel like he had a right to ask because he didn’t think he deserved me and was certain I would reject him.
And although that wasn’t the case, I could not reassure him enough and now, by handing him the beads, I have done it.
He is assured.
He knows I want him and there is no question,
no doubt,
that when he gives me a bead,
I will not reject him.
And for me,
because it isn’t all about Russ,
the beads not only let me know that he truly and genuinely wants me,
but it lets me know he was thinking of me and allows the anticipation to build and grow…

It has taken us back to how it was when we first were married.
The excitement we used to have that was long replaced by children & bills is back.
When I walk into my room and see that bead sitting in the bowl, my pulse quickens and the planning begins.
And while I spend the day doing my normal daily routine, I’m thinking about Russ and when we can be together.
And while he spends his day doing his normal routine,
he’s doing the same thing,
thinking about us.

And just like that…
we have made one another important to each other again.
We have made our marriage important,
as it should be.

I know some people will think I am crazy.
I know this book and the bead method isn’t for everyone.
As a matter of fact, the Carolyn Evans flat-out says the same thing.
But, I do know, if you are committed to changing your marriage and you want it to be at the forefront of your life rather than the last item on your list,
the Forty Beads are for you.

And bonus!
I am giving one book and the Forty Beads kit away.I was personally given this book and kit by Carolyn Evans and I would love to pass it on to one of you and hear how it changes your marriage too.

To enter to win the book and kit:
For one entry: Leave me a comment describing your worst date ever. Be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win. (Or  for 10 points, write a blog post about your worst date and leave me the link in my comments.)
5 additional entries: Tweet about this giveaway (and leave me a comment letting me know)
5 additional entries: Follow Carolyn Evans on Facebook and be sure to let me know.
1 bonus entry: Follow me on Facebook
Winner will be announced on October 9th.
Good luck and Happy Beading!