Hitchswitch-Blog

Category: Marriage

  • Top Restaurants Picks From Around The World For Foodie Couples

    Top Restaurants Picks From Around The World For Foodie Couples

    What is it about food that makes it so important and necessary for every celebratory occasion? Other than the fact we need food to live, there are a lot of psychological reasons on why we eat. A lot of times, we eat when we’re sad, happy, and nervous. At times, we eat simply out of boredom!

    The great thing about food is that there isn’t just one kind. The types of cuisines around the world are endless, and if you were to spend your whole life trying to get a taste of it all, it’d be downright impossible. Every food comes with a rich history and culture. You may not think much of it as you’re munching down your second burger, but the food is what unites us and is the only thing capable of gathering loved ones around one table.

    Paging all foodies, paging all foodies!

    I’ve got a list of restaurants you need to add to your bucket list and your next travel plans!

    Peche Seafood Grill

    Other than being awarded the Best New Restaurant in America in 2014, Peche Seafood Grill is your seafood heaven. The menu is said to be inspired by the cooking of South America, Spain, and the Gulf coasts. Ryan Prewitt became the first New Orleans chef to win two James Beard Awards in one night (that’s a big deal in the restaurant industry)! His menu, which majority is cooked over an open wood fire, has got people making reservations weeks before attending. The place is a neighborhood favorite, family friendly, and easy on your wallet. So For all you seafood lovers, make sure to check it out next time you’re in the birthplace of Jazz!

    El Baqueano

    Ok, here is an adventure for your taste pallets. This Argentinian restaurant is well known for its unique menu where they serve game such as llama and alligator. The chef, Fernando Rivarola, sources his ingredients locally and is dedicated to providing a memorable flavor with every plate. The presentation and combination of flavors are said to be unforgettable. The sommelier, Gabriela Lafuente, has worked at some of the world’s top restaurants so you can expect a fine wine and dine experience.


    Osteria Francescana

    This restaurant (recognized as the best restaurant IN THE WORLD) is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Central-Northern Italy in a small, peaceful city called Modena. Massimo Bottura is known for his big personality and his passion for joining art and food together. Expect to dine in elegance and be surrounded by contemporary artwork. His love for art is apparent as each layer of food explodes with a different flavor. So being the best restaurant in the world, how much will it cost you? Let’s just say you might want to save up and plan ahead if you’re planning on coming to this three Michelin star restaurant.

    Narisawa

    Yoshihiro Narisawa is the head chef of this two Michelin star restaurant in Tokyo. Narisawa spent most of his twenties working in prestigious kitchens in Europe before opening his own restaurant in 1996. His strong connection with nature and the world around him influences the food presented on his menu. Because his surroundings inspire most of his creations, expect to see names such as “Bread of the Forest” and “Evolve with the Forest” as you order. One of the chef’s most popular dishes is his soil soup which is literally created from actual soil from Okinawa. The chef’s dedication is proven in his food, his flavors, and the incredible plate presentation.

    Delaire Graff restaurant

    Finally, a restaurant with a view. As you dine in this upscale restaurant, you will oversee “a sea of vineyards and olive groves planted on the Simonsberg.” Delaire is committed to providing its guests with local food that is presented so beautifully, that your phone camera will do it no justice. You can enjoy your meal inside or out on the open sunny terrace. The view itself is said to be an incredible experience, and the setting of the restaurant is comfortable and artsy. Make sure to reserve ahead of time and on a sunny day so you can gain the whole experience.

    LP’s Quality Meats

    This one is for all my carnivores out there. If you’re a fan of smoked meat and inexpensive, delicious food, this is the place for you. Head chef, Luke Powell takes pride in his smoked and cured meats that are cooked in a southern pride smoker. Even though it’s located in Sydney, you can get a real taste of the south right here in Australia! The menu is simple, sweet, one page long, and full of flavor. This is the perfect atmosphere to grab a few friends, order a rack of ribs, and chug down some beer.

    No matter what kind of foodie you are, there are thousands of restaurants out there that are just waiting to be tried. It doesn’t have to be fancy, or expensive, or even well known. You’d be surprised to find that some of the smallest restaurants offer the biggest flavor.

    All rights and credits reserved to the respective owner(s). (credit for images)

  • Fitness Post-Baby (Disclosure: It’s Not Gonna Be Easy…)

    Fitness Post-Baby (Disclosure: It’s Not Gonna Be Easy…)

    Like any first time mom, when I was pregnant with my first baby, I asked every question in the book regarding fitness, health, and nutrition. I played for my high school soccer team and ran track in college so you can say I was pretty uneasy when it came to my body changing throughout my pregnancy. Hitting the gym every single day was more than a routine to me, it was a sacred ritual.

    So yes, I was terrified of my body changing.

    When I had finally given birth to my baby girl, I was dead set on restarting my workout regimes and heading back to the gym ASAP.

    Boy, did I speak too soon?

    Reality hit me like a bucket of ice-cold water. It wasn’t the fact that I had lost all muscle definition in my body that had me feeling at an all-time low. It was the aching muscles, the lack of energy, and of course sleep deprivation.

    So there I was at 2 AM, breastfeeding, and eyeing my husband and his useless nipples when I realized something that helped me “awaken” and set me back on the path of body appreciation:

    My body went through nine months of stretching, nurturing, and creating a human being.

    A human being. I did that.

    Once I got that through my thick skull, it finally dawned on me.

    This was going to take some time.

    Easy peasy, lemon squeezy

    After you have convinced yourself you are a superhuman; it’s time to get that “OK” from your doctor. While it is recommended a full six weeks before any physical activity, some women start earlier, and some might even require more than that. Now, when I say take it easy, I do mean: take your time.

    Do not attempt strenuous workouts (I did a HIIT workout after five weeks that set me back a whole month). Your body has never been like this, so you need to learn how it works again from the very beginning. By taking a brisk walk around your block, you’ll have an idea of where you are in regards to fitness. Don’t be afraid to take your newborn out and show them the outside world, too! This is a great way to bond with your newborn and get fit at the same time. Spend the first few weeks simply walking and figuring out your new body. Nonetheless, take it easy.

    Win or lose, listen to your body cues

    You know that quote, “no pain, no gain”? I can’t stand that quote because it’s literally implying that to gain something; you have to suffer through it? Does that even make sense?

    After a woman gives birth, she goes through a bunch of hormonal crap I can’t explain. Now usually, things get better at six weeks, but every woman’s body is different, remember that. Give yourself the time you need and be kind to your body. I get you’re superhuman, but even superheroes need a break sometimes.

    Skip the gym, go for a swim

    Even if swimming isn’t your thing, it is an incredible way to ease into exercise as it is easy on the joints, a fun way to lose weight helps restore muscle tone, and is excellent at helping you regain energy (and God knows you need that). Just don’t go all Michael Phelps on me here and make sure to start slow and moderate. Never hesitate to ask your doctor if you’re uncertain about anything.

    At any rate, always hydrate

    Once you get a sweat going, you need to remember to stay hydrated. Water is incredibly vital for new moms, especially breastfeeding ones. If you have a difficult time drinking water, you can always add fruits or herbs to give it a slight flavor. If that doesn’t help, you can download an app that reminds you now and then to drink up! Staying hydrated helps in preventing you from feeling fatigued all day. Also, every organ in your body needs water to function properly and is essential for lubricating your joints.

    Feels like you’re sinking? It’s the over thinking

    Ok, mom, I know you’re desperate to lose that weight and get back to your pre-baby body, but do not make that your priority. Your health is your priority. You want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, you’re following a nutritious diet, you’re staying positive, and most importantly, remaining patient. Attempting to work out while you’re exhausted will not do you any good because you will be energy deprived. When you’re well rested and mentally relaxed, you’ll find that you’ll get more out of your workout.

     

  • Royal Baby

    Royal Baby

    Baby on the way! A quick look back at the moments Harry & Meghan’s love was jumping through our screens to celebrate the latest announcement.


    1. Engagement Photos- Seriously, can they be any better looking?

    2. A rare PDA sighting from the newlyweds after The Sentebale Polo Match in Windsor!

    3. Their first public appearance @ The Invictus Games in Canada.

    4. When they attended a dance class during a visit to Wales and cheered on students.


    5. This one is too cute! Dying to know what made Meghan laugh so much.

    6. Power Suits, power parents! The couple twined after the Endeavour Awards in February.

    7. Always with the googly eyes you two!!

    8. This wedding photo capturing the moment Harry whispered, “You look amazing. I’m so lucky,” forever making these two the ultimate #couplegoals.

    Congratulations! We can not wait for spring when the newest royal is set to arrive!

    In need of more Harry & Meghan, we are with ya. Head over to The Knot and lose yourself in an unlimited supply of royals!

    Image courtesy of The Knot and The Royal Family Instagram

     

  • The Cooking Basics for Newlyweds

    The Cooking Basics for Newlyweds

    So, you’re newly married, huh? Well, congrats to you, my friend! Have fun referring to your then boyfriend as your now husband and good luck with the one question at every gathering that will make you want to pull your hair out: what’s it like being married?

    See, I wouldn’t mind answering that question except it’s only the married couples that ask.

    For god’s sake, Suzan, you’ve been married for fifteen years, and you still don’t know what it’s like?

    Okay, lovebirds, it was fun while it lasted and that honeymoon in Los Cabos?

    Definitely Instagram worthy.

    Back to reality! You’re finally back home, and you can’t wait to cook that first meal for your partner. Granted, you’re not a chef, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn the basics of cooking. Everyone starts somewhere and always remember the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach.

    Chop it like it’s hot

    This is the foundation for any meal out there. Whatever dish you are planning on making, odds are, it will require you to sharpen those knife skills (ha-ha, get it?). When I first got married, I made a lot of stir-fries. They were so simple, but my cutting skills were horrendous. At one point, I just threw half an onion in there hoping it would soften and break apart on its own! After watching a 2-minute video on YouTube, I now actually enjoy dicing up my vegetables. It’s surprisingly therapeutic.

    An Egg-cellent breakfast

    Did you hear about the hen who laid her egg on an ax? She wanted to hatchet.

    How do you like your eggs? Fried? Boiled? Sunnyside up? Poached? Scrambled? Omelet? Personally, I like mine in a cake. While eggs play a more prominent role in baking, they can also be nutritious breakfast food. With that said, cooking an egg couldn’t be easier. Depending on how runny or firm you like your eggs, it all comes down to time. The longer you boil, scramble, or poach an egg, the firmer it becomes. Like it runny? Then cook for less time.

    No, not exercise, I said extra rice!

    Listen up; if I could spend hours teaching anything about cooking, it would be to show you how to prepare rice probably. Whether you’re American, European, Asian, or African, rice is a necessity for almost every meal.

    Here’s how simple it is:

    You place your rice in water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Place water into a large pot (for every one cup of rice, you add 2.5 cups of water or chicken broth). When the water comes to a boil, drain the water on the rice, add it to the pot, and give it a light stir. You can add a teaspoon of ghee, but that’s entirely optional. I use it on my rice because it keeps the rice from sticking together and gives it a light buttery taste. When the water boils down, and you see bubbles starting to pop on top of the rice (about 6-7 minutes), lower the heat and cover with lid. Wait ten minutes, take your rice off the heat and cover it with a kitchen towel (it will help absorb excess moisture). When it’s time to serve, just lightly fluff the rice with a fork!

    That’s it! No need for any fancy rice cooker. With this technique, you can make the perfect rice at home!

    Seasoning’s Greetings!

    Why is seasoning important? For one, it’s what enhances the flavor of your food. We are all familiar with salt and pepper, but there are endless options when it comes to spices. When it comes to seasoning our food, there are actually rules. Yup, I’m dead serious. Let’s say you want to season a chicken. When you’re done cleaning it and patting it dry, you want season every inch of that chicken generously! The front, back, under the wings, the insides, outsides, everything!! Always use high-quality ingredients because it really makes a difference in taste.

    What’s steaking so long?

    Have you ever seen a chef cook a steak in a nonstick pan? No, because you will need a cast iron skillet for this! Steaks need high heat, and cast irons are perfect for it. The best thing about steaks is that they don’t need a ton of work.

    The first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius). You season each side with freshly cracked salt and pepper and cook it on the skillet over medium-high heat. When a dark crust starts forming (7-8 minutes) on both sides, begin browning the edges with your tongs until you’ve reached the desired color. How long you keep your steak in the oven depends entirely on you but anywhere from 5-15 minutes is perfect. Make sure to let your steak rest for 7-8 minutes after taking it out of the oven. Finally, some Steak Butter and it’s ready for devouring.

    Line it up!

    One way you can keep and baked good from sticking is buttering your pan and sprinkling sugar or flour on top. It’s a pretty simple technique that works wonders and keeps your masterpieces from ruin. Another method is parchment paper. Never forget to grease your pans. You can use a pencil to line your parchment paper to your pan and cut it, so it lines perfectly. Just make sure to leave a strip longer than the other, so you don’t have difficulty handling it and removing it when it comes out of the oven.

    Food safety

    This has nothing to do with actual cooking, but the most crucial step in cooking basics. It’s common knowledge that a kitchen is a place where germs are most likely to flourish. We’ve been taught to wash our hands before and after we eat since we learned to walk! By washing your hands properly with anti-bacterial soap, you are preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and deadly diseases.

    If you need to remember one thing about kitchen safety, it’s washing your hands; I cannot stress this enough. Kitchen hygiene starts with repeatedly washing your hands through the cooking process.

    Speaking of cooking, never undercook your food. You may think that it’s obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people undercook their food. This leads to harmful bacteria ingestion and possible food poisoning.

    Here are some other tips to help you master food safety:

    -Never leave food out in the open, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria. Always cover it and place it in the fridge or freezer.
    -Let all food cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
    -Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before chowing down.
    -Thoroughly clean your kitchen with anti-bacterial products to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.

    I believe it was Julia Child, the incredible American chef, who said: “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” Remember when you first learned to ride a bike? Maybe you don’t, but I can tell you it took a ton of effort and hundreds of tries before you screamed: “I did it!”

    Practice makes progress, not perfect, and every step you take is another step towards mastering the art of cooking.

  • Home Essentials For Every Newlywed Couple

    Home Essentials For Every Newlywed Couple

    Congratulations! You are engaged, and you’re working with your fiance to put together the perfect registry and plan your dream day. Don’t be one of those couples that fail to put together a wedding registry or make an incomplete one and ends up with four blenders and two toasters. There are some newlywed home essentials that most couples forget to put on their list yet a super crucial for your new home.

    A set of tools

    Whether you own a home or are renting an apartment, it’s important to have a well-stocked toolkit. Things like drills, screwdrivers, measuring tapes, levels, nails, screws, and wrenches come in handy more often than you think — especially if you’re putting furniture together or hanging artwork. Don’t forget to add a step stool and ladder to your wedding registry as well.

    A new mattress

    This may not be applicable if you cohabitated before getting married, but if this is your first time living together as a couple, a new mattress is a definite home essential. Let’s face it — your new spouse doesn’t want to sleep on an old bed where you did heaven-knows-what with heaven-knows-who in times past.

    Artwork

    Whether you’re living in a house or an apartment, plain walls are boring. Spruce up your place by adding artwork to the walls. Landscapes and abstracts are a great way to brighten up your living space without interrupting the flow of your design. And you don’t have to break the bank either. Stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s often have great artwork, and if you search online, they usually have coupons for 40 percent off a regular priced item.

    Image Via Pinterest

    Cookware

    Cooking as a couple is a great way to bond. Add a quality set of pots and pans to your wedding registry, or purchase a set with the gift cards you receive. Even if you’re no Emeril Lagasse, having the right tools can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

    A set of knives

    Just as a set of cookware is essential for an easier and more enjoyable cooking experience, a good set of knives can make the difference between effortlessly chopping up a salad or just ordering takeout in frustration. You might want to register for a set that comes with a sharpener as well so that you can keep those bad boys sharp at all times.

    Emergency / First Aid Kit

    No one expects to have an emergency — and hopefully, you never have one — but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Amazon offers a stellar emergency kit with essentials that you can use in the event of a hurricane, flood, earthquake or another form of disaster. It includes a flashlight, high-calorie food bars, water packets, ropes, goggles, and a slew of other things that can come in handy in case of an emergency.

    Robotic Vacuum

    Vacuuming your own house is so 1990s; get a robot to do it for you. Schedule your Roomba to clean from your phone or directly on the vacuum. You can also instruct your Roomba to start cleaning using an Alexa device. Is it a home essential? Not really. Does it come in handy? Oh, yeah! Just be sure to add it to your wedding registry because it is kind of pricey.

    Linens

    Every newlywed couple should have a set of linens. From towels to bed sheets and kitchen towels to placemats — these home essentials don’t have to be perfectly matching, but it’s nice if the colors compliment each other well. When picking sheets to add to your wedding registry, remember: the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet and the better it will wear over time.

    Place settings

    You don’t need a super expensive china set, but as a married adult, eating from paper plates and drinking from red Solo cups just isn’t going to cut it anymore. Be sure to add a full set of beautiful place settings that you can use to entertain whenever you have guests or can bring out for a romantic dinner for two.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Image Via Pinterest

    Dining room set

    A dining room set is essential in any home. After all, where are you supposed to display your beautiful place settings if you don’t have a table? Choose something that suits your space, and consider the possibility that you may someday have little ones running around, so make sure that it’s large enough to fit a potentially growing family.

    Author’s Bio:

    Darlene Mase lives in Newnan, Georgia with her husband and daughter. She is a stay-at-home mom and works as a freelance writer for Zumper.com and other popular sites. During her free time, Darlene enjoys travelling, hiking, camping, cycling, gardening, caving, kayaking, or anything else outdoors.

  • The Most Creative Couple’s Halloween Costumes

    The Most Creative Couple’s Halloween Costumes

    My good folks, we are nearing the end of September! Or as I like to call it- pre-October. Time is literally flying by; it seemed like it was only yesterday we were firing up our barbeques for Labor Day weekend.

    So we all know what October means, right?

    All-hallow-tide, Hallowmas, All Hollow’s Eve, or whatever you want to call it! The month of Halloween is upon us. Yes, it’s the last day of the month, but you can bet your ass I’m getting my decorations ready as we speak and my “Out Of Candy” sign is ready to go.

    And that’s not even the fun part. I get to go costume shopping with my kid this year (it’s her first Halloween, so we’re super excited). Duh, we’re going to be matching.

    Here are some creative costume ideas for every couple out there!

    Daenerys Targaryen and her dragon

    You heard me. When you think of Daenerys Targaryen, you sure as heck don’t think of Khal Drogo. For all you diehard fans, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but this powerful Dothraki didn’t even make it to season two! I know what a waste. But what screams louder “I’m obsessed with Game of Thrones” more than the Mother of Dragons and her precious children? Plus, if someone pisses you off, you can just say Dracarys, and your dragon will take care of the rest.

    Leonardo and the Mona Lisa

    Did you know that for the Mona Lisa to be famous, it was first stolen? At the time, every newspaper spread the word of the robbery until it was finally re-discovered in 1913. By then, the whole world knew of its story and became ecstatic about its return. If art is your major, then this is the perfect costume idea for you and your partner! For all my Mona Lisa’s out there, don’t forget to smile!

    Mr. and Mrs. Incredible

    Talk about incredible costume ideas, am I right?

    When the trailer for The Incredibles 2 came out, 99.9% of the world went insane. Look it up; it’s a fact. C’mon, a couple of undercover heroes living a simple suburban life while at the same time get to kick ass and save the world? I like to believe there’s an Incredible in all of us. Plus, what makes a costume more than a mask and a chest symbol?

    Answer: Nothing.

    Joker and Harley Quinn

    An oldie but Goldie. This is the perfect costume planning for those of us who live, eat, and breathe makeup. You’ll have your hands full working on your and your partner’s makeup! If you asked me anything about the Batman universe, I’d only know one thing, and that is Harley Quinn. She instantly became my favorite due to her bursting, bubbly, and unique character with a side of insanity. I even started putting my hair back in pigtails like I was back in middle school again.

    Anywho, if you want to be the life of the party, then this couple costume is just for you. Just make sure you play your role right!

    Tarzan and Jane

    If we dig a little deeper into our childhoods, we discover ape-men and damsels in distress (there are a lot of those). Tarzan, here’s what you’ll need: a piece of garment to cover your crotch and you’re good to go! Also, a six-pack. Don’t forget the six-pack. Dressing up as Jane couldn’t be easier, you need a safari hat, uncomfortable dress, bustle, heels, and white lace gloves…

    If you have a monkey, you’ll probably land the title for best costume at your Halloween party! Time to perfect that British accent…

    Arthur and Buster

    Ok, so not a couple couple, but no doubt the greatest bromance in television history. These two are #couplegoals, and you know it. Watching Arthur growing up has taught me what it means to be there for your best friend and loved ones. You can probably even find this costume in your closet because it doesn’t require much when it comes to dressing up.

    In the end, you got to listen to your heart, listen to the beat, listen to the rhythm, the rhythm of the street…

    I joke, but seriously, it doesn’t get more creative than that.

  • No Babysitter, No Babies Yet, Bucket List

    No Babysitter, No Babies Yet, Bucket List

    We get it, you are busy, you are married now, settling in, learning how to compromise, (he wants Will Ferrell movies, you want “Will You Grow up” movies, that are actually called documentaries). You are splitting responsibilities, (you cook and not only do you have “your lists,” you have “our lists…” You have so many lists, even your lists have a list, but making a bucket list as a couple, sans children, is a list worth listing, even if having kids is number one on your “our list”.

    Adding children to your list of “to dos” and actually adding children to your lives is a game changer, because, once they arrive your bucket list turns into something that rhymes with bucket, that starts with an “f” real quick…. Trust me!

    You have little adorably delicious people who are dependent on you, who look up to you for guidance and modelled behavior. They demand your time, your energy, your sleep, your love, your focus, and your attention. And, these little deliciously needy people, decide, at some point, maybe, listed on one of their little to do lists, unbeknownst to you, out of the blue, to stop napping, and that was your only chance of your time. Good luck crossing off your dreams and aspirations, while they are awake.

    You will soon be making decisions that cater to their needs, growth, enjoyment, and development and you would do anything for them, because you love them, more than life itself, and perhaps a little less than the best night’s sleep ever.

    Enjoy your time together, as a married couple, without the responsibility of children, just as you should enjoy every stage of life, because it’s amazing how quickly life happens, changes, and believe me, I know at times it seems that your only purpose in this life is to pay bills and clean up after your spouse, and when you’re not doing the previously mentioned, go out and live a little, love a lot, do what you love, while you can!

    This list isn’t by any means trying to sway you from settling down and starting a family , but rather a motivational list urging you to: Seek out adventure, conquer some conquests and enjoy your time together, before the time becomes 8:30 pm, and that’s way too late to start a movie at that hour…

    Make out, and make love, in places you aren’t supposed to.

    Learn a new skill, together, like surfing, or ballroom dancing.

    Learn a new language together and then travel to that place where that language is spoken

    Go to Vegas for a wild weekend, and bet it all on black 17, it’s not your kids’ tuition after all.

    Go skinny dipping at night

    Appreciate the small things

    (which is a big one) sleeping in, waking up spooning, no one else in your bed sleeping between you, shower together, work out together, take walks together, watch a sunrise together, stay up late together.

    Go on or to a couple only, no kids resort or cruise.

    Take a BIG trip (Europe, Asia, safari in Africa)

    Volunteer together on Christmas Day at your local food pantry or soup kitchen.

     

    Blast music

    regardless of the explicit lyrics, and or put on Howard Stern during your commute in your convertible with two doors, no room for car seats…

  • Things You Never Thought to Take Care of After the Big Day

    Things You Never Thought to Take Care of After the Big Day

    After you’re married you might think that your to-do list is finally finished, right? No more planning meetings or last-minute fittings that clutter up your schedule. Well, sorry to break it to you, but you’re not off the hook just yet. In fact, there are a lot of time-sensitive tasks you should plan on taking care of pretty soon after the big day. So snap out of your marital bliss fog and take care of these tasks so you can get back to staring at your new bling and doodling your new last name.

    Change your last name

    Okay so this isn’t exactly unexpected, but there’s a lot more that goes into it than you’d think. Hitchswitch will give you a huge jump on the legal paperwork, but once that’s taken care of there’s still more to do. Don’t forget to tell your employer and have the IT guy update any account usernames or emails. You’ll need to update your personal social media handles. Here’s a handy tip: reserve your new email address ASAP once you’re engaged, especially if you want a professional sounding one. That way, once you’re married you won’t have to worry about being stuck with mrswifey82429@gmail.com as your contact info.

    Have a money talk

    This one isn’t fun, but it’s so important to have this conversation. Sit down with your new hubs and treat the meeting like a business conversation. What assets and debts are you each bringing into the marriage? Are you going to combine accounts? Then talk about your bigger money goals such as paying off student loans, starting a family, buying a house, or travelling. Whatever it is, take a look at what obstacles are in your way and make a plan to tackle them together. Then go do something fun because money talks can really suck the life out of you.

    Review your wedding vendors

    If your wedding vendors made all of your dreams come true, make sure you show them some love with a glowing review. In the unfortunate case that something didn’t go as planned, a thoughtful review can help another bride avoid the same problem. Word of mouth is huge in the wedding industry so taking the time to write reviews can be a big help for their business. Plus, doesn’t your wedding planner deserve it after dealing with your Bridezilla moments?

     

    Take down your registry and wedding website

    Once you’ve opened your wonderful gifts, take a look at your wedding registry. Most will offer a discount for purchasing any items you weren’t gifted, so take advantage of that while it’s still good. Then it’s time to say goodbye and delete the registry along with your wedding website if you had one. While it served its purpose, it’s just not what you want popping up in an employer’s Google search ten years down the road. Trust us, it’s time to let it go.

     

    Organize your life

    You were smart and changed your name with HitchSwitch, which made the entire process pain-free, but now you’ve got a stack of important paperwork taking up room on your counter that you cannot afford to misplace. Arm yourself with a filing system and label maker and get to work creating a process for storing everything. In addition to organizing your name change paperwork, this is a good time to sort out important docs from car purchases, taxes, insurance and apartment leases. You’ll feel like you’re really #adulting with your newly organized system. What’s next, making your own doctor’s appointments? Slow down!

  • Newlyweds Guide to First Time Home Buying

    Newlyweds Guide to First Time Home Buying

    The wedding chaos is over, you’ve binge-watched every episode of House Hunters on record, and now you might be thinking you’re ready to start the search for your newlywed nest.

    Whether you’re ready to buy now or being homeowners is a goal for the future, it’s good to start exploring the process early on. Reading up on home-buying and looking into all of your options will help you down the road and make the process look a lot less intimidating.

    Before you start your shopping, read our guide to guarantee first time home buying success:

    Just Like Saying “I Do”

    Much like the commitment you made to each other, you should only commit to buying a home when you are 100% ready for everything that goes with it. Look at homes you know you can afford, which might mean less than what you get approved for.

    A good ratio to follow is mortgage payments totalling about 28% of your gross income. Buying a house comes with a lot of costs, and you never know what else life can throw at you. Make sure you are looking at homes within a reasonable budget (even if it means sacrificing the his and her walk-in closets).

    Set Clear Priorities

    Before you begin your search, decide what your top priorities are. Is location or space more important? Fixer upper or turnkey? Make a list of your non-negotiables before you begin looking.

    Starting with specific ideas for what is right for you as a couple, will help you make more thought-out decisions and hopefully avoid any buyer’s remorse. If you’ve watched as much HGTV as we have though, you might have already covered this step a long time ago.

    Consider the Long-Term

    What you and your new spouse need in a house right now, might not necessarily be what you need out of a house down the line.

    Take a look at what you want your family to look like and be in the future and search for houses that best fit that lifestyle. It might be worth it to look into now, instead of dealing with the costs and hassle of moving later on.

    School District Matters

    Your mother-in-law is right about this one. Whether or not you are planning on having kids, you should look into the school district of your future home. Living in a community with a good school system will raise property values, meaning your home will do much better in resale.

    Contracts are Meant to be Negotiated

    Buying a home means signing a lot of papers and checking off a lot of boxes. You might think all of these contracts are standard agreements and you just have to sign on the dotted line, but that’s not always the case.

    There are always things you can negotiate. If you want a longer time frame to review your inspection, wish for a warranty or want the repairs thrown in, these can be negotiated during the process. This is a where a good realtor can really help out and save you money.  

    Dig Deeper into Inspection

    If a problem occurs during the inspection, it’s always a good idea to take a closer look into it, before all of the papers are signed.

    If there is a bigger issue there, it’s better to have it taken care of before the house it’s yours. If you find a flaw during the inspection, you can use it to your advantage and negotiate to get it fixed or get a price reduction.

    DIY to Save Money

    Willing to live with a little dust for a while? Taking on some DIY projects might just save you a chunk of money.

    If you have the time and can look beyond paint color, doing small remodelling projects on a home like replacing cabinets or installing wallpaper on your own can help you to save money. DIY projects are also a great way to make your new house feel like a home.

  • I Love It When You Talk Budget To Me, Baby

    I Love It When You Talk Budget To Me, Baby

    Remember that wedding vow. The one that went, I, take you, for richer or poorer. If you’re a bit hazy on how to get started on this one, we’ve got you covered.

    Consider the start of financial planning to be much like the early stages of planning a wedding. Use your resources and start discussing your obligations early on. Work with people who share your vision so the two of you feel secure and cared for. After all, it’s your money!  

    We’ve created a list of financial tips for newlyweds so you won’t be forced to revisit those vows, and test their true meaning.

    Don’t Commit Financial Infidelity

    While discussing money is not always the easiest conversation, the number one rule is to always be honest. This means not hiding any assets, discussing your financial goals, and working together as a unit. Be open about your situation so you can create the right plan for you as a couple.

    Crunch The Numbers

    When you set a time to sit down and discuss finances, you should both tally up all of your assets. This means savings, checking, retirement accounts, real estate, collectables and yes, debt.

    You should also review credit reports, and income if that hasn’t been previously been talked about. If there is something you haven’t told your partner yet, this is the time to get everything out in the open.

    #Goals

    Dreams can’t become reality without a a set of goals to get your plan in motion. There are three types of financial goals every couple should discuss and work into their budget:

    1. Emergency Funds: three-to-six months of essentials bills saved up for the unpredictable moments marriage can throw at you
    2. One-to-Five Years: savings for the dream trip to France you both have been wanting to take, or a down payment on a new car.
    3. Long Term: funds that can be built up over time and make a big difference in the future (children’s education, retirement funds).

    Create Your Budget

    To make your budget, add both of your essential costs (housing, groceries) with discretionary costs (Cosmo subscription, SoulCycle classes). It’s usually recommended to live on 80% of your income with the other 20% devoted to savings.

    If either of you has a fair amount of debt, live on 70% of your income and use a few tricks to cut spending down. Maybe limit takeout from your favorite sushi bar to once a month and trim rarely used expenses like cable or gym memberships.

    Think Big, Start Small

    Stash is not just an investment app. Just like a wedding planner wants your special day to reflect you, Stash lets you invest in what matters to you. You can invest in a selection of stocks that are carefully curated by their investment team based on expense ratio, trading liquidity, and risk profile. (Full disclosure- we looked up that lingo, too!)

    No need to dust off your old Econ textbook, Stash makes it easy to learn about investing. Visit Stash x HitchSwitch, and you’ll receive $5 in your new account to start investing. Time to make some money!