In this episode Ellen  and Kathleen dive into the complexities of maintaining a healthy sex life during family vacations. They discuss practical tips for navigating shared living spaces, the importance of sustaining intimacy without sex, and creative ways to find private moments with your spouse. The conversation also covers how to handle charting for Natural Family Planning (NFP) while out of routine, including the use of phone reminders, habit stacking, and consulting with your NFP instructor. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for keeping the flame alive even on busy family trips.Get the Catholic Sex Course for Women RIGHT HERE!Check out Dayuse.com for booking hotels just for a few hours (thank you to a listener for finding this resource) *not sponsored or affiliated ___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode host Ellen Holloway delves into the topic of oral stimulation. Ellen explains the church's teachings on what is permissible and how oral stimulation fits into moral boundaries as foreplay leading to intercourse. Highlighting the importance of both male and female sexual pleasure, she clarifies that while female orgasm can occur during oral stimulation, male ejaculation must happen during intercourse to uphold the procreative purpose of sex. Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide TODAY!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Trying new positions can be a lot! Maybe you're not sure how to approach the conversation or you don't even know any other positions to try. This week, Ellen and Kathleen talk all things trying new positions in the bedroom! NOW AVAILABLEThe Catholic Sex Positions Guide48% off for a limited time!Over 70 pages, 50 + positions with illustrations, instructions, tips, and troubleshooting___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode Ellen delves into why there isn't a checklist for sexual pleasure in marriage and why that's a good thing. She discusses the theological perspectives on the human body and sexual pleasure, emphasizing the opportunity for couples to learn and grow through the newness of each intimate encounter. Ellen encourages couples to embrace the mystery and discovery in their sexual relationship, likening it to the ever-evolving experience of prayer and communion with God.Interested in the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women? Click Here___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode  Ellen and Kathleen discuss the nuances of grooming and shaving the genital area from a Catholic perspective. They address common questions around the morality of grooming, reasons people choose to groom, and the purpose of genital hair. The episode also covers the importance of communication between spouses about grooming preferences, realistic expectations versus those influenced by pornography, and helpful tips for safe grooming practices. Get the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women HERE!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Today Ellen is answering a question from Instagram:My husband really resists oral, but sex has been painful for me. He's really rough. I spoke up and there's been no change. As you can see there are a lot of facets to this question and we cover it all in this episode!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this week's episode Kathleen and Ellen talk about some common elements of lingerie. They discuss both personal preferences as well as how certain elements can fit well for certain body types or seasons of life (like postpartum or pregnant bodies!)We talk through some pieces specifically on the Mentionables website. While we reference specific pieces the conversation is tailored to style elements that you might notice in any lingerie!You can use the code CHARTING for 10% off your purchase at Mentionables and your purchase helps support the show!Please note that Mentionables changes their available styles on a regular basis so some of these links may not work if you are listening to this several months/years after the airing. Piece #1 CAP SLEEVE SQUARE NECK BRALETTE - TEAL (see additional piece to fill out the set)Piece #2 DOUBLE KEYHOLE SPLIT FRONT BABYDOLL - CORALPiece #3 PLUNGE NECK STRAPPY BACK TEDDY - TEALPiece #4 EMBROIDERED UNDERWIRE BUSTIER (and see additional pieces to fill out the set)Piece #5 SATIN & EYELASH LACE SLIP - IRIDESCENT CREAMPiece #6 LACE & MESH BUSTIER TIERED BABYDOLL - IRIDESCENT CREAMPiece #7 EYELASH LACE CROTCHLESS TEDDY - NAVYPiece #8 STRAPPY CROTCHLESS PANTY - BLACK (see additional piece to fill out the set)Piece #9 LACY CAGED CUPLESS BRALETTE - BLACKPiece #10 VELVET RUFFLE CROPPED CAMI - LAVENDER HAZE___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Ellen  addresses the struggle many women face in transitioning from their busy day to intimate moments with their spouse. Highlighting the inherent multitasking nature of women's brains, Ellen introduces the '10-minute unwind' as a method to help focus and prepare for intimacy. Check out the O Course for Catholic Women here!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen delve into the distinction between Natural Family Planning (NFP) and contraception, addressing common questions and concerns from a Catholic perspective. They explore the theological significance of sex, the church's stance on NFP versus contraception, and how these practices reflect one's relationship with God's will. The discussion covers the physical and spiritual aspects of marital intimacy, the importance of responsible parenthood, and the role of prayer and discernment in using NFP. They acknowledge the challenges and sacrifices that may come with practicing NFP but also highlight its potential for spiritual growth and deeper marital intimacy.Interested in Ellen's Renewed Intimacy coaching program? Get more info and apply here___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode Ellen discusses how couples can handle differing levels of comfort with sexual acts. She emphasizes the importance of communication, respecting each other's boundaries, and defaulting to the less comfortable spouse to maintain a loving and trusting relationship. She provides guidance on how to navigate situations where one partner is uncomfortable, suggesting that saying no is an opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy. The discussion includes how to handle uncomfortable situations both during and outside the sexual act, advocating for clear communication as the means to a fulfilling sexual relationship within marriage.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses