Hitchswitch-Blog

Category: Marriage

  • Last Minute 4 of Our Favorite Winter Travel Destinations

    Last Minute 4 of Our Favorite Winter Travel Destinations

     

     

    Now that we are around the middle of winter and the holidays are behind us, you might be itching to get out of town and do something different for a bit. One of the best ways you can enjoy a change of scenery is by visiting one of our favorite travel destinations! On our list, we have included sunny destinations that will let you thaw out from the cold weather and winter wonderlands where you can enjoy quintessential experiences like cozying up by the fireplace with some hot chocolate. Whatever your preference may be, we have a place for you! From major cities to smaller towns to national parks, see all the cool places you can visit this winter season. 

    Breckenridge, Colorado, USA town skyline in winter at dawn.

    Breckenridge, Colorado 

    Breckenridge, Colorado, is a ski resort town just an hour and a half away from Denver. The gorgeous town is surrounded by picturesque mountains and fresh, cool air. This place is known for its long winter season and variety of winter sports. Try your hand at skiing by exploring the area’s five peaks or going sledding down a hill for a fun ride! Snowshoeing is another popular activity in Breckenridge. If you enjoy taking tours while traveling, check out the unique and thrilling guided snowmobile tours.

    There are a variety of different places to stay in this Colorado town, including lodges, chalets, hotels, and resorts. Each of these places has different features, atmospheres, and amenities, so look at your options and see what the right fit for you is! Just make sure that at the end of an exciting day full of winter activities, you can warm up by a toasty fire and enjoy some hot chocolate during your trip for a cozy winter experience!

     

    Savannah, Georgia

    Savannah, Georgia, is a Southern town that is rich in history. Usually, this area can experience some unpleasant heat, but in the winter, it averages high temperatures in the 60s – perfect for walking around and seeing historical sights. Because there is so much history in this area, there are plenty of tour groups that will take you around and show you the city. There are trolley tours, walking tours, and river cruise tours, to name a few. See infamous live oak trees, museums, and shopping areas while wandering around this winter destination.

    The city is also known for its many restaurants and breweries, so plan to partake in some good food and drinks while on your vacation. There are tons of lodging options in Savannah, including bed & breakfasts, historic hotels, and cool vacation rentals. Enjoy the pleasant weather and all that this city has to offer!

     

    Valley View in the winter Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite National Park, California

    Yosemite National Park, California, is one of the most well-known national parks in the country. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this destination offers incredible views of mountains, lakes, and forests. This large park can be the tranquil and scenic winter destination you’ve been searching for, with remote areas and miles and miles of gorgeous hikes to explore. The park offers guided tours and nature walks, so look at what is scheduled beforehand if you want to learn more about the park from the experts! Biking, horseback riding, and stargazing are all popular things to do at Yosemite, in addition to winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. 

    There is a selection of different lodging options within the park that should be booked as far in advance as possible. Lodging includes a historic hotel, a luxury hotel, traditional cabins, ski huts, and more. If you are looking for a place that is scenic and remote, Yosemite might be your perfect travel spot!

     

    New Orleans, Louisiana

    New Orleans, Louisiana, is another great winter destination. Like Savannah, the city is known for having less than pleasant weather in the months surrounding summer. In the winter, the city averages high temperatures in the 60s, making it a comfortable choice to visit in the cooler months. Full of history and culture, New Orleans has plenty of different things to offer its visitors. Take a tour that will show you around the city and its history. Explore the famous French Quarter and eat some of the best beignets. The city hosts a wide variety of festivals, like Mardi Gras, so check to see if anything special is going on during your visit.

    Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street are known for having their vibrant nightlife. Have drinks, listen to live music, and dance your heart out in this exciting area. New Orleans also has some cool museums to check out – whether you are looking for art, history, or even a Mardi Gras museum! For lodging, there are a bunch of boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts in this city – especially in and near the French Quarter. Staying in this area makes it especially easy to walk around and see all the different things New Orleans is known for!

     

  • 4 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

    4 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

     

    Valentine’s Day is a holiday that celebrates love and romance that occurs every year on February 14th. Falling in the middle of winter, sometimes it can be difficult for couples to find something inspiring to do to celebrate. But there are a lot of exciting and different things to do to enjoy the holiday with your partner. If you are looking for inspiration, we have gathered together some great ideas with variety for everyone! Whether you want to get away or stay in or try something new, check out our favorite Valentine’s Day date ideas!

     

    A note on gifts…

    Do you and your partner usually exchange gifts? To complement a wonderful date, consider getting a nice gift for your special someone. Classic Valentine’s Day gifts include chocolates, flowers, stuffed animals, and jewelry. Depending on how you and your partner celebrate, a small but heartfelt gesture like bringing them flowers can have sparks flying before your date even begins! Homemade gifts can be amongst the most precious and memorable, so don’t be afraid to try your hand at a craft or compose a lovely letter for your special someone. 

    Enjoy a Remote Weekend Away

    If you and your partner have been dragging your feet since the holidays, that might be a sign that it is time to plan a weekend away! Valentine’s weekend is a perfect time to get away and reconnect. A remote weekend where it is just the two of you can be a fantastic way to disconnect and spend the holiday. Talk to your partner and see if they would be interested in going away for a couple of days together.

    One of the great things about this trip is that it doesn’t have to be planned far in advance. In fact, all it really requires is for you to book your accommodations. Choose something that is within driving distance from where you live – preferably something romantic and remote, like a cozy cabin, a scenic and peaceful Airbnb, or a dreamy inn or bed & breakfast. Pack your bags and prepare to spend Valentine’s weekend away reconnecting with your partner. And bonus: the time away will give you the recharge you need to get through the rest of winter!

    Plan a Fun Night at Home

    For people that are homebodies, it might be a no-brainer to decide to stay home on Valentine’s Day. But don’t forget, you can still have a fun night celebrating the holiday even if you don’t leave the house! Think about what you and your partner would enjoy if you were to go out – dinner at a nice restaurant, a viewing of a fun rom-com movie – and bring those plans into your home. 

    Decide on a meal in advance and go all out in recreating a restaurant experience! A salad, breadsticks or rolls, an entrée you both love, and a dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth are great options for your dinner. You can also get fancy with table décor. If you have nice dinnerware, a tablecloth, or centerpieces, consider breaking it out and lighting a couple of candles for a little extra romance. 

    After you both eat what is sure to be a delicious meal together, you can queue up a movie to watch. Pick out the latest rom-com to hit streaming, or put on your favorite classic. Either way, staying home allows you and your partner to call all the shots – and you can ditch the crowded restaurants and theaters. Experience a lovely, quiet night at home with your partner – a perfect way to spend the holiday. 

    Take a Class Together

    If getting away for the weekend isn’t in the cards, and you neither want to do the classic dinner-and-a-movie nor stay in, you can always do something different by taking a class together for Valentine’s Day. There are lots of different things to do for people that are looking for a fun experience or learning a new skill. Check out what kind of classes will be offered in your area during the holiday, and sign up for your favorite. Cooking classes are popular for couples, where you can learn how to make a new dish together. Art classes like paint-and-sip nights can be a fun way to let out your artistic sides while enjoying some wine. Or, if you’re always saying you want to learn how to dance, now is your chance! Sign up for a dance lesson to learn some basic ballroom or salsa moves. 

     

    Get Competitive with Entertaining Games

    Shot of a attractive young couple choosing bowling balls

    For couples that enjoy any and all games, from board games to video games and more, plan a Valentine’s Day date that includes a little competition! Bowling and mini-golf are great options. Enjoy an evening playing around with your partner while trying to perfect your strike or hole-in-one. Up the ante with a sweet deal: loser buys dessert!

     

  • 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary

    5 Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary

     

     

    An anniversary is an annual celebration of the time you have spent with your partner, which is a pretty big deal! Maybe it has been a quiet year, or a year filled with ups and downs and new challenges, or somewhere in between. Either way, it is so important to take this time to be with your partner and do something special in honor of the past 365 days you have spent together. If you have an anniversary coming up, it is time to start planning something special to do!

     

    Since celebrating your anniversary is a once-a-year event, we have put together some great suggestions for you and your partner to try this year in celebration of your relationship. Whether it is your first anniversary, your tenth, or your thirtieth, check out these fun and creative suggestions for how to spend your anniversary this year that will have you and your partner falling even more deeply in love with each other.

     

    Recreate a Special Date

     

     A great anniversary idea is to recreate a special date. It doesn’t have to be your first date or the date when your spouse proposed, but those are popular options! Since your anniversary is all about you and your partner, your special date could be something entirely different, like the first time you said, “I love you,” or when you decided to move in together, or just that random date that you both often recall (i.e., that time you went to that cool hole-in-the-wall and had the best meal of your life.)

     

    To recreate your special date, try and remember all the details of what made the night special. Make a reservation at the restaurant you went to, pick out similar outfits like the ones your both wore that night, etc. If you picked your partner up for your date armed with a bouquet of flowers, do it all over again – even if it means ringing your own doorbell. And most importantly, have fun with it!

     

    Take a Romantic Trip

    If you and your partner like to travel, taking a romantic trip can be a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary. It will allow you to get away and do something different with each other. Plan to go somewhere where you can have a relaxing and romantic time together. Everyone is different, so this could mean a city trip full of museums and cafes and nice restaurants, or it could mean booking a lodge near a national park and hiking scenic and quiet trails or staying at a bed and breakfast in a sleepy town. Whatever option sounds romantic for you and your partner, start making your plans relatively early so that you can plan a perfect trip for the two of you to have some uninterrupted time together somewhere you will both enjoy.

     

    Host a Dinner Party

    If your favorite way to celebrate big moments is to be amongst your closest friends and family, planning to host a dinner party can be a fantastic way for you and your partner to celebrate your anniversary! You will want to plan this out a little further in advance to make sure that all of your guests can make it. Send out your invites and plan out a menu that includes tasty appetizers, a stellar main course, and sweet desserts. Other party details include a fun music playlist to jam out to and cool party games to play. Enjoy a night with your partner and celebrate your anniversary by having a memorable evening in your home surrounded by friends and family.

     

    Enjoy a Staycation

     

    If you don’t want to go out of town for your anniversary but you still want to get away, a staycation is a great option for the occasion! A staycation is when you go on vacation in the area you live in. Play tourist in your own city by visiting top sites and attractions like gardens and museums. Make dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant. If you want to go full-on staycation, you can even book a hotel in a notable part of town and enjoy a night away from home somewhere with amenities like a pool and spa. Experience a day having fun and an evening away without even having to leave town!

     

    Do Something New Together

    Have you and your partner always talked about doing adventurous like skydiving or white-water rafting? Do you both enjoy doing new and challenging things? If that concept sounds exciting, doing something new together might just be the perfect way to celebrate your anniversary. New and exciting activities can help keep things alive and interesting between the two of you. In addition to skydiving and white-water rafting, some ideas here include horseback riding, a challenging hike, watersports, zip lining, and bungee jumping. Make your reservations and prepare for a thrilling new adventure with your partner!

     

     

     

  • Holiday Shopping Gift Guide

    Holiday Shopping Gift Guide

    The holidays are amongst us! Thanksgiving and fall décor has been packed away and replaced with Christmas trees, stockings, and string lights. Soon, a lot of us will gather around with our loved ones to exchange gifts in celebration of the holidays.

    If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, now is the time to get started! Luckily for you, we have curated a holiday shopping gift guide full of great suggestions of what to get for everyone on your list. Rather than break up categories by relation, we decided to separate our suggestions by different personas, like “The Minimalist,” “The Techie,” and other helpful descriptors. 

    Whether you need gift ideas for your partner or your parents, or that person in your life that already has everything they need, check out our recommendations below!

    The Minimalist

     

    The Minimalist is a tough cookie to shop for because they mostly only keep the essentials around their home – and they already have the essentials! Rather than clutter up their space with a bath gift set full of lotions and body wash or throw in the towel, get them a gift card, consider one of these ideas.

    A membership to their favorite garden, zoo, or museum

    This is a great idea that also supports local institutions. A full year of admission to one of their favorite places is a wonderful gift that won’t clutter The Minimalist’s space and is a fun experience to give them. If the person you are shopping for has a partner or family, consider making it a gift for everyone with a membership that will accommodate the whole household.

    A class or course for something they are interested in

    Whether they are an artist, a yogi, or a lifelong learner, classes and courses can be a fun gift idea for The Minimalist. Depending on their interests and what is available in their area, a gift certificate to one of the following might be the perfect holiday gift for them:

    • A pottery class
    • A yoga class
    • A kickboxing class
    • A painting class
    • A photography course

     

    The Techie

     

    The Techie already has all the latest tech gear – the newest phone, laptop, gaming system, etc., so when it comes to gift-giving, we are recommending some cool tech accessories that will upgrade the everyday use of their favorite devices.

    A charging station

    A charging station is a perfect gift that The Techie will use all the time. Charging stations make charging devices convenient by requiring only one electrical outlet to power while charging up to 3-5 devices – a great solution for anyone with a lot of tech.

    A new Bluetooth speaker

    A new Bluetooth speaker can be another awesome gift idea, with a lot of options out there to choose from. There are wireless, portable speakers, plugged-in smart speakers like Google Home, or speakers with smart displays that allow for video calls and other cool features. Choose one with features you think The Techie will enjoy most.  

    The Traveler

     

    The Traveler is always jetting off somewhere. Whether they are planning their next road trip, jaunting off on a cruise, or traveling by plane or train, we’ve thought of some cool gift ideas to enhance their travel experiences and put a smile on their face this holiday season.

    A tech organizer

    Tech organizers are the perfect gift for The Traveler. Tech organizers are small, portable containers that stow all their cords and cables for the devices when traveling, making their future journeys more organized and convenient. 

    A travel wallet

    A travel wallet, like a passport holder, is great for those that have a lot of cards and tickets to manage. A travel wallet has features to keep everything secured and organized, like RFID-blocking technology and separate compartments for foreign currencies. 

    The Person Who Has Everything

    What do you get The Person Who Has Everything? They are often the hardest person to shop for since it is difficult to think up a gift that they don’t already have. We’ve thought outside the box to find some cool gift ideas to give them this holiday.

    A subscription service

    There are tons of subscription services out there that offer monthly delivery of different things, like coffee, wine, tea, books, and other cool things. Do a little bit of research to find the perfect subscription service for The Person Who Has Everything, and they will be able to enjoy a year of fun gift deliveries where they can sample new drinks or read new books, or something else they love!

    A donation to a cause they are passionate about

    Maybe the Person Who Has Everything has a cause that they are passionate about, like animal rescue or ensuring that low-income families have an amazing holiday. Depending on what their passion is and the organization, consider making a monetary donation in their name as a thoughtful holiday gift that will help others.

     

  • 8 Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Marriage

    8 Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Marriage

    Before making your commitments that mean forever, it’s important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page about the most important topics. A great way to do that is simply to have conversations where you both ask and answer the questions we have listed below to start a dialogue about your most important topics. 

    You may already know the answers to some of these questions, which is great! But make sure that you still go over them with your partner. Sometimes, over time, the answers to these questions can change, which brings us to an important tip:

    Revisit these questions throughout your marriage! 

    It’s important as you learn and grow together, handle difficult situations as a team, and potentially discuss life-changing conversations like family planning that you ensure you know what your partner values most and what they enjoy doing.

    Communication is one of the most important aspects of marriage. Staying in touch with your partner’s thoughts and feelings and keeping an open dialogue with them will play a big role in maintaining a healthy and happy relationship. 

    We have put together a series of questions that will have you and your partner doing a deep dive into your values, preferences, and desires. It is important that when you have these discussions, you have a few things:

    • Ample time and patience – these are conversations that shouldn’t be rushed!
    • Privacy – you need to be able to talk openly and freely about personal topics.
    • An open mind – this is crucial because sometimes your answers to these questions will change.

    Here Are 8 Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Marriage: 

    1. What is the best present I have ever given you?

     

    Start off with an easy-to-answer question that still reveals a lot about what your partner values. Gift-giving is a love language, and some value it more than others. Understand how your partner feels about presents and what they have appreciated receiving the most. What is homemade? An experience? Sentimental in some way? Your answers here can assist you in planning wonderful birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries throughout your marriage.

    2. How should we communicate during difficult conversations?

    This is such an important topic to cover, as difficult conversations will likely never go away. In fact, some of these questions may lead to difficult conversations. Talk to your partner and communicate what you both need when things veer into challenging territories. When you disagree on certain things, do you want space? Will a cool-down period assist you in revisiting tough topics? How do you feel about going to bed angry? Learn what works for you both – and remember, it will likely take some trial and error to figure it out!

    3. Who are the most important people in your life?

    Understanding the most important people in your partner’s life will help you see their lifelines outside of your relationship. Are they close with their siblings and parents? Their friends from college? Who can they turn to for comfort and fun outside of your marriage?

    4. Do we want to have kids?

    This is a big one. If marriage is on the table, you have probably already discussed this question with your partner in some form. Now, it is time to deep-dive and learn about the roots that inspire their decision. If you both want to have kids, it’s a good time to discuss how you want to conceive, if you are both open to alternative ways of starting a family, and the values with which you want to raise your kids.

    5. Where do you see yourself career-wise in 5 years?

    Work is where a lot of people spend much of their time. Talk to your partner about their career. How important is it to them? What are some of their career goals? It’s important to know now if they are aiming for that out-of-state promotion or if they want to change careers entirely because these are changes that would impact both of your lives.

    6. Where do you want to live?

    Depending on where you currently live, you may already be settled the way you want to be. Check in with your partner about where they want to live. Are you both saving for a condo or house? Do you want to stay local, or do you want to move closer to either of your parents or start over somewhere else? Now is the time to figure that out!

    7. How much time do we want to spend together?

    Quality time is another love language! Do you and your partner value quality time over other qualities? How do you want to spend your evenings and weekends? Make sure you and your partner know how much time you want to spend together and when you want space to explore your lives outside of your marriage. 

     

    8. is there anything else?

    These questions are meant to open a dialogue about you and your partner’s values, preferences, and desires. Other questions will likely surface during these discussions. Keep the conversations going! Communication is key for long-lasting relationships.

  • 5 Romantic Fall Travel Destinations

    5 Romantic Fall Travel Destinations

    As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures begin to drop, you might be looking for a change in location for you and your partner. Summer travel is long over, but the holidays are still a while away, so what better thing to do than plan a romantic fall trip for you both? Taking a trip in the fall is a great way to see destinations in the country that are known for their luscious foliage. It’s also an excellent way to experience places in warmer climates where a summer trip would be unbearably hot. 

    So, have a conversation with your partner and start flipping through some travel guides. We’re here to recommend some of the most romantic fall travel destinations that will have you loving every minute of your trip! Whether you are looking for somewhere quiet and peaceful, somewhere with plenty to do, or a mix of both, we’ve got some awesome places for you to visit. 

     

    Asheville, North Carolina

    Asheville is one of the most recognized destinations in the United States if you are in search of breathtaking foliage. There are so many species of deciduous trees nestled amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the fall colors have a long and vibrant season – making it an amazing fall destination. Asheville has a variety of things to do, from museums to scenic drives to culinary experiences. And don’t forget seasonal events! The city hosts a lot of different events and festivals in the fall, celebrating everything from food to brews to quilts to fall itself! Nothing says romantic like gorgeous hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, catching a beautiful sunset, and unwinding at a cozy lodge at the end of the day. 

     

    Jackson Hole, Wyoming

     

    Jackson Hole is a perfect romantic destination for couples who are looking to take a step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Step over to Grand Teton National Park for an incredible look at the alpine terrain. Fall is a great time to visit to see vibrant changes and contrasts in the local foliage. There are tons of scenic hikes to experience, with views of sparkling lakes and the incredible Teton Range looming in the background. There are so many amazing places here where you and your partner will feel like you have the world to yourselves. In addition, Jackson Hole has some romantic lodges and bed & breakfasts to choose from – a perfect place for couples to unwind and relax. 

     

    New Orleans, Louisiana 

     

    New Orleans is a gorgeous fall destination known for its vibrant and infectious energy. There are always plenty of things to do in the infamous French Quarter, so if you and your partner are looking to stay busy, this is the place to go. There are lots of different events and festivals hosted in the fall, like Beignet Fest, where you can sample a variety of sweet, powdery beignets – a dessert the city is known for, or Tremé Fall Festival, a fun event with local musicians, food, and crafts. Wander around the French Quarter and enjoy New Orleans’ beautiful parks and museums. Check out the well-known Bourbon and Frenchmen streets for drinks and live music. There are some lovely boutique hotels in the area, so you are never far from the action.

     

    Acadia National Park, Maine

     

    Acadia National Park is another fall foliage destination. Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia is one of the smallest national parks in the country. But don’t like that statistic fool you – there are tons of places to explore here and plenty of room for romance! Enjoy scenic drives and hikes in a variety of settings. Acadia has beautiful mountains, lakes, and beaches to see. The foliage is an amazing sight, with greens, reds, and yellows spread out as far as the eye can see. Start one morning off at Cadillac Mountain. It is the highest point on the U.S. eastern seaboard and one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise. The island has romantic lodging options, such as inns by the water, restaurants with delicious fine dining options, and remote places for some breathtaking stargazing.

     

    St. Augustine, Florida

     

    St. Augustine is known as the oldest city in America, founded in 1565. The city is full of history and culture, and the fall weather makes this Florida town comfortable to explore this time of year. Check out some of its iconic sites, like the Fountain of Youth or Castillo de San Marcos – the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. When you want to get away to somewhere a bit quieter, Anastasia State Park is the place to go. The park has a bunch of different landscapes to explore, from its expansive trees to its marshes and white sand beaches; there is so much to see here! St. Augustine has an abundance of romantic lodging and dining options. Check out their historic bed & breakfasts, cozy inns, couple’s spa packages, and delicious dining experiences for an amazing fall trip that will have you and your partner wanting to revisit in the future. 

     

  • 5 Easy and Affordable Fall Décor Tips

    5 Easy and Affordable Fall Décor Tips

    Pumpkin spice is back on the menu, and the temperatures are dropping. Depending on where you live, you may already see the leaves changing from shades of green to red, yellow, and orange. Fall has arrived! 

    With the changing of the seasons, we always love switching up our homes a bit to reflect entering a new time of year. Accenting your home with décor doesn’t have to be a difficult or expensive project. If fact, it can be quite easy and affordable to decorate your home with fall décor! We’re here to recommend some awesome tips that will keep this project fun and won’t break the bank. A lot of our options can easily be stored post-season and reintroduced every fall, maximizing simplicity and affordability. Check out our five tips for fall décor below.

     

    Make a DIY Fall Leaf Wreath

    Wreaths are great pieces of décor because they can easily add personality and class to the door or area where they are hung. Instead of spending money on a preassembled wreath, a more affordable option is to make one yourself! DIY wreaths are simple and creative crafts to take on. They are highly customizable as well. First, take a trip over to your local dollar store. Dollar stores often have craft supplies and faux flowers and leaves at a fraction of the price of big craft stores. The starting piece for this craft is a wire wreath frame, and the rest is up to you! Check out sites like Pinterest for inspiration. A fall leaf wreath can be threaded with red, yellow, and orange leaves and accented with twigs, pinecones, gourds, and more. It can be as simple or as complex as your creativity takes you. But let us warn you – this fun craft that will likely have you making extras to gift to friends and family. 

     

    Display Gourds Around Your Home

    Nothing says ‘fall’ quite like a collection of gourds. Gourds are hard-shelled fruits that grow on some flowering plants. Because of their small sizes and various fall colors and patterns, they are synonymous with fall décor. Displaying gourds around your home is a quick and simple way to invite the season into your living space. Gourds can usually be found at your local grocery store, or you can purchase faux, decorative gourds from craft stores that can be reused each fall. They can be placed in a variety of ways, like in a glass jar in the kitchen – for an easy and understated pop of fall color, or on an accent table with other elements of décor like moss, picture frames, and fall leaves. These little uniquely shaped fruits will bring fall vibes to your home however you decide to display them. 

    Warm Color Accents

    Fall is a season known for its warm colors. Thanks to the gorgeous transition of deciduous trees, shades of red, yellow, and orange are prominent colors associated with fall. They are also perfect colors for accenting your home décor during this time of year. Adding fall-themed throw pillows and throw blankets are an effortless and budget way to change up your living room for fall. Pillows and blankets can be purchased at big box stores at a reasonable price, or you can also check discount or thrift stores for even better deals. Fall-themed patterns like leaves and pumpkins work great for throw pillows, and chunky knits in warm colors make for cute and cozy additions to your living room seating. 

     

    Add in the Smell of FalL

    Scents like cinnamon and apple are divine scents associated with fall. By welcoming these scents into your space, you add another dimension to your home’s fall atmosphere. There are a few different ways to incorporate these scents, including candles, wax warmers and melts, and products like scented pinecones or cinnamon brooms. These are all easy to find at different craft and discount stores at a sensible price. Consider incorporating a variety of these options in your home, like scented pinecones near your entryway for a burst of fall scent when you first enter the house and a warm apple or pumpkin-scented candle in your living room that you can light when you are at home.  

     

    Think About Winter, Too

    Yes, another great easy and affordable fall décor tip is to think about winter when purchasing or making your fall décor! By keeping the next season in mind, you can incorporate some neutral, complementary colors and pieces that double as both fall and winter décor. These winter-minded pieces assist with the decorative change in seasons. They can also save you money because rather than having two entirely different décor collections for fall and winter, you can have pieces that are perfect for both seasons and the transition between them! For décor that works for both fall and winter, consider elements like tree branches and twigs, faux berries, acorns, and other accents in shades of brown, rustic orange, or rich evergreen for a perfect blend of these two lovely seasons. 

     

  • 6 Rainy Day Date Ideas

    6 Rainy Day Date Ideas

    You might feel deterred from leaving your house when you see rain clouds rolling in. The crummy weather usually equates to staying indoors. Maybe you had a date with your partner planned that no longer seems feasible because it was supposed to take place outside. Maybe you’ve already had a few days of rain and are starting to feel cooped up at home. Either way, we’re here to suggest some awesome rainy day date ideas that will get you and your date out to some cool places where you can have fun and stay nice and dry! Pack your umbrella and/or raincoat, but once you reach one of the fun venues listed below, you won’t need it. 

    One of the great things about many of the places on this list is that they likely have dining options, so you can enjoy a snack or meal and drinks with your date for a full and delicious date experience. Whether you prefer a quiet day strolling through a museum, a rousing night at a karaoke bar, or something in between, we’ve got some perfect options for you and your date to have a fun time, despite the rainy weather. 

    Head Over to Your Local Bowling Alley

    Bowling is a classic sport and recreational activity where you and your date can compete against each other to see who will be the new bowling champ! It is a fun rainy date idea because bowling alleys are large, indoor venues – often with fun lighting and music. These places have really created enhanced experiences over the past few years, many offering full bars and big snacking menus. 

    So, head on over with your date, rent a couple of tasteful pairs of bowling shoes, pick out your neon bowling balls, and get a game started! Order some drinks and tasty snacks, and let your competitive nature shine while you try for a strike. You might just surprise yourself!

    Visit a Local Museum

    Museums are beautiful and educational spaces that are perfect for visiting on rainy days. Most museums are large buildings with plenty of exhibits and displays that will have you joyfully wandering around for hours, learning about topics that interest you. A great thing about museums is that there are so many to choose from. If you and your date are interested in science, check out a local science center or planetarium. If you like art, visit an art museum. History? Stop by a history museum! 

    Many large museums have restaurants and cafés open during their operating hours. After you and your date have worked up an appetite exploring one of these large and informative buildings, head over to the museum’s restaurant or café for coffee and pastries or a more substantial meal.

    Play a Round of Indoor Mini-Golf

    Like bowling, mini-golf is a fun recreational activity to play with your date. Often, you can find indoor mini-golf venues in your area, which are great for rainy day dates! They may also have cool themes, like glow-in-the-dark or black light mini-golf. Once you get a putter and golf ball, get ready to tee off and venture through interesting, themed courses that will challenge your golfing skills. Up the ante by having the loser buy dinner or ice cream afterward for an exciting, high-stakes competition.

    Make Your Way Through an Escape Room

    Escape rooms are fun and challenging activities that lock you and your date in a themed room for a set amount of time (usually an hour), where you will work through a series of clues to solve. Your answers should lead you closer and closer over your time to unlocking the door and escaping the room. Partner with your date over these challenges and see your minds at work during this entertaining rainy day date. 

    Stop by a Karaoke Bar

    Karaoke bars are exciting indoor places where you and your date can enjoy a full bar and a full catalog of awesome music to sing your hearts out to. Many of these bars have live bands that will back up your performances. Enjoy food and drinks while watching others sing some classic hits. Take the staging solo or do a riveting duet with your date and bask in the applause you’ll inevitably earn. This will be a date that neither of you will be likely to forget any time soon.

    See a Movie at the Theater

    Romantic loving couple at the cinema. Portrait of handsome man hugging her girlfriend and eating popcorn while watching a film at the movie theatre during date love dating romance.

    Seeing a movie at the theater on a rainy day is a classic date idea. Pick your favorite local theater, whether it is a chain with all the definitive movie theater concessions, a dine-in theater with a full menu, or an independent cinema that plays lesser-known films. Once you are seated, you can enjoy a movie and food with your date, knowing that you will be nice and dry and away from the rain for a few hours. 

     

  • Post-Wedding Blues – It’s Real

    Post-Wedding Blues – It’s Real

    A lot of people spend a long time planning their wedding. Months of stressful decision-making, plans for wedding showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and finally, the wedding and reception. 

    This is a busy period where you are often surrounded by your closest friends and family, celebrating love and a new life to come, so it is no wonder that once it is all over, newlyweds may feel a little empty or blue. The wedding has consumed so much of your time and energy over the past months that you may be left wondering what comes next. This phenomenon of emptiest or grief after your wedding has a term: post-wedding blues. And it’s real

    Post-wedding blues is a term used to describe the feelings of loss and sadness newlyweds may experience after their wedding celebrations. After all the excitement of planning, once all the celebrating is over, couples can experience a steep drop in momentum. Think about it: there are no more plans for dinners and parties, out-of-town friends and family return home, and everyday routines return. It makes a great deal of sense to feel sad afterward. Even if your wedding was the best day of your life – that day is now over. The days and weeks after may feel anticlimactic.

    So, to cope with these feelings during what is likely an unexpectedly difficult time for you and your spouse, we are here to recommend some tips on how to deal with post-wedding blues. Remember, you aren’t alone in this feeling, and the celebrating doesn’t have to stop with a wedding. You get to live a life you up until now only dreamed of – married to the love of your life! Try incorporating some of the tips listed below into your newlywed life to shake the post-wedding blues away and enjoy the new life in front of you.

     

    4 Tips on Dealing with Post-Wedding Blues:

    Talk to Your Spouse

    Talking with your spouse is an important first tip for dealing with post-wedding blues. They are likely experiencing those same feelings of sadness or emptiness regarding the end of the celebration as you are. Communication is one of the most important aspects of marriage, so make sure to be upfront and honest about how you are feeling. Sit down with your spouse and discuss those feelings and thoughts about the wedding. Begin a conversation about your new, married life together and how you would like that life to look. This is likely not the first or last of these types of conversations, but being honest and expressive about where you are at is a fantastic way to lessen the feeling of loss you are experiencing. Plus, making plans for the future will give you something to look forward to once again, which leads us to our next tip!

    Plan a Celebration

    You didn’t realize this day would come when you were planning for your wedding, but here it is: you secretly miss planning. So, a great way to combat post-wedding blues is to plan another celebration! If you have a holiday like Memorial Day or Labor Day coming up, it may be a perfect excuse to throw a party or gathering – not that you need an excuse! If there aren’t any holidays coming up, you can have a ‘thank you for coming to our wedding’ party or a ‘just because’ party. Whatever gets you planning out menus and playlists and activities again. The familiarity of planning an event with have you reminiscing about your wedding in no time. And another gathering of friends and family will remind you that just because the wedding is over doesn’t mean your loved ones won’t be there to celebrate future moments with you and your spouse.  

    Unpack Your Wedding Gifts

    Your home may be divided into sections of gifts and party supplies. Thank you notes waiting to be written, a stack of wedding presents to return to the store, even leftover catering in the freezer. Set aside a day or weekend to tend to these things with your spouse. Turn it into a mini-celebration as you unpack and settle all your new items into your house together. Play your wedding playlist, write thank you notes together, and eat some good food. By the time you are done, you will have your home looking more like you aspired for it to be than a halfway station full of Amazon packages and unopened kitchen gadgets. 

     

    Flip Through Your Wedding Photos

    Another great tip for dealing with post-wedding blues is to flip through your wedding photos with your spouse. See and relive all the incredible moments from your wedding by looking through the photos captured throughout the celebration. And not just the photographer’s prints. If you had a hashtag for your wedding pictures on social media, don’t forget to check those out too! There are bound to be some beautiful moments throughout all the photos. If you find any that are particularly inspiring, consider ordering larger prints to be framed or stretched on canvas and used as home décor. Those captured moments can proudly be displayed in your home – and a lovely way to remember your big day every day.

     

  • 6 Labor Day Weekend Plans

    6 Labor Day Weekend Plans

     

    Labor Day is an American holiday created by the labor movement of the late 19th century. It is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of American workers during this era, when many people endured 12-hour days, seven days a week, working in unsafe conditions for minimal wages. Workers organized strikes and rallies to oppose these unfair situations, and the holiday was signed into law in 1894. Labor Day also signifies the end of summer for many people, like how Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer. 

    With summer coming to a close, you might be wondering what to do with the holiday weekend as a last hurrah for the summer. We’ve gathered some great ideas that allow you to get outside and explore your area while soaking in the last days of summer sunshine. Enjoy fun activities like having a picnic or wandering through a botanical garden this Labor Day weekend. As a bonus, make your weekend labor-free with no chores, work, or cleaning to maximize how much you will enjoy this holiday.

    Go Kayaking

     

    If you have lakes or rivers close to where you live, chances are there are parks and recreational facilities that offer kayak rentals and tours. Kayaking is a fun activity that allows you to see your local wildlife with a new perspective – from the water! Consider a kayaking tour if possible so that you have the knowledge and guidance of a tour guide with you as you kayak. Tour guides can also provide helpful information about your surroundings, the waters, and the nature around you. This is a thrilling water sport that is a fresh way to see and learn new things while enjoying this last bit of summer weather. 

     

    Attend a Festival

    It is likely that your city or town will be hosting some festivities to celebrate the Labor Day holiday. This can come in the form of festivals, carnivals, parades, and more! Join in on the local celebrations by attending one of these events. They are essentially guaranteed to have some delicious food options, live entertainment, and opportunities to gather as a community. Enjoy all of the festival offerings at one of these fun events commemorating the end of summer as a great way to spend the holiday. 

     

    Have a Picnic

    Another awesome plan to make for Labor Day weekend is to have a picnic. A picnic is a great way to relish this last bit of summer while also enjoying a delicious meal. Find a nice park in your area to have your picnic, and pack an epic spread of sandwiches, chips, dips, fruit, drinks, and dessert to share with friends, with family, or as a fun date. Bring a picnic blanket and set up everything in a picturesque section of the park. Pack a book to read after your meal, or go for a walk in the park for a calm, ideal afternoon during the holiday weekend.  

     

    Visit a Botanical Garden

    Many areas have botanical gardens of some sort celebrating the local flora and fauna and a variety of different plant life to see for a nominal admission fee or suggested donation. Take a trip to one of these gardens and take in the sights and smells of the flowers and vegetation that surround you. There are likely quaint and quiet walking paths to wander, as well as smaller, more intricately designed gardens to appreciate. Learn about the plants within the gardens while taking in the peace and sense of calm that comes with being surrounded by nature. 

     

    Go to the Farmer’s Market

     

    A lot of cities and towns host farmer’s markets, which are great opportunities for local farmers and vendors to sell produce and other goods like honey and baked goods. Often, these farmer’s markets are only held in or around the summer season, so Labor Day may signify the near end of them for the year. Take a trip to the farmer’s market one morning and shop from a local selection of produce and goods. Many markets also have craft vendors that sell handmade jewelry and home décor. You might end up leaving with something beautiful and unique, in addition to a basket full of produce! 

     

    See an Outdoor Movie

     

    Another fun, summer-weather permitting activity is outdoor movie nights. Different parks, gardens, or groups in your area may host them in large green spaces like parks. They are often very affordable, if not free, events to attend, with family-friendly movies broadcasted on large projector screens outside for the crowd of attendees to watch. Pack up your beach or camping chairs, picnic blankets, pillows – whatever is most comfortable for an outdoor setup. Gather your favorite movie snacks, like a bag of popcorn, chips, crackers, and candies, to enjoy an entertaining movie outside on one of the last nice and warm evenings of the summer season as a great way to celebrate Labor Day weekend.