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  • Why You Should Consider Taking Your Partner’s Last Name?

    Why You Should Consider Taking Your Partner’s Last Name?

    Marriage is one hell of a ride.

    There are numerous things to consider before getting married. Since medieval times, a woman taking her husband’s last name was understandable, no question about it. Luckily for us, those days of patriarchy are over (kinda) and changing your last name is now an independent choice!

    And let’s face it, the world has changed. Same-sex marriage is legal now, more women are in the work field making their name their brand/identity, some couples prefer hyphenation, some prefer keeping their surname as their middle name, and some like to change the last name entirely.

    All in all, there’s no shame in keeping your last name, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with taking your significant other’s last name.

    So the million dollar question: should I take my partner’s last name?

    While only YOU know the answer to that question, we’re here to tell you why you should contemplate changing your last name.

    1. Us Against The World

    Like my four-year-old niece always reminds me, “There’s no “I” in “TEAM.”  She doesn’t even know what it means but her mom persists on making her a “team player,” whatever the heck that means.

    Some marriages work, some don’t. But if you are married, and you are confident that this person is your soulmate, then taking their last name will make you feel like nothing can get you down. It’s just very different after marriage because this person becomes your go-to for everything! You cry to them, complain to them, cook for them, clean for them, and live for them. Plus, you want the whole world to associate you with them. Marriage is love and love is joining as one against the whole damn world.

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    2. Out With The Old, In With The New

    Think of marriage as a door opening to another world, because really, it is. Your whole world gets turned upside down and everything changes.

    You start to pave a path with your partner, and you have to adjust to the new world around you. In a way, you have to leave your “old” life behind and embrace this new adventure with your loved one. Part of that “old” life is your maiden name.

    Yes, it could be scary and overwhelming, but it could also be exciting and fun! With a new identity, it feels like you’ve got a second chance to do the things you love with the person you love.

    3. Think Of The Children

    There’s no doubt that every mother or father wants the same surname as their future children. Having different names than your children causes confusions at schools, hospitals, and airports. If you have teenage children, then you’ll know that even your breathing embarrasses them.

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    To make things easier for yourself, in the long run, it’s best to take your partner’s last name and save yourself some trouble. When you think family, you don’t think of each parent having a different last name.

    4. Judge Judy Eyes

    Ok, you’re not going to like this one, but I feel obliged to mention it because I know what it’s like to come from a judgy family. Hey, people are assholes, and that includes family.

    When I told my family I wouldn’t be changing my last name after marriage, they were appalled. It’s become so accustomed in our family for a woman to change her maiden name that when someone questioned it, it seemed corrupt. I had an uncle tell me that if I wasn’t going to change my last name to my husband’s, then I shouldn’t get married at all.

    Yeah, asshole family but I still love them like crazy.

    After a year of marriage, I changed my last name because it felt like the right thing to do and it’s what I wanted to do. There was no pressure from anyone, and my husband never rushed me into it.

    My point is, no matter what you decide to do, there will always be people there to judge you. People’s opinion should never have an impact on your decisions. Honestly, what are middle fingers for if not these moments?

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    5. Stronger Bond

    Do you know who makes me the happiest person on the planet? My partner.

    While changing your last name may not seem like a big deal to you, for some, it means a lot. Once I got the hang of marriage and realized I married the man of my dreams, I decided to strengthen the bond between us. For people from our cultural background, that meant taking his last name. When I finally did it, I felt like the happiest person on the planet. I swear I am not over exaggerating, you guys.

    It just seemed official at last! I was ecstatic, and it felt like one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

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    If you are considering changing your last name, then HitchSwitch is here to help you through the process. Always speak to your partner before making any final decisions, and in the end, always remember that the choice is up to you.

  • Color Me Green! St. Patrick’s Day Activities

    Color Me Green! St. Patrick’s Day Activities

    Saint Patrick’s Day. A day where everyone is seen wearing a green shirt with the quote “Kiss Me I’m Irish.” Unless you’re a six-year-old, then you’ve just been coloring in leprechauns and making pots of gold out of construction paper.

    Do you think those people actually know the history behind St. Paddy’s Day or is it just an excuse to get totally sh*t faced? I mean, it was the rage in my early twenties, but once you’ve tied the knot and pushed a couple of humans heads out of you, you’re lucky to squeeze in a glass of wine.

    Getting off topic, I know.

    So I doubt many people know the story of Saint Patrick so to honor the Saint, here’s a quick summary of the infamous holiday.

    First, he was born in Scotland, and his actual name was Maewyn Succat, and he took the name Patrick after becoming a priest. When he was a young boy, the Roman empire was weak and under attack. By the time he was a young man, he was captured by raiders and sold as a slave. He was taken to Ireland where in his confessions, he mentions spending time with the sheep and finding solace in prayers and God. He mentions seeing God in his dreams and believing he had a mission for him.

    Long story short, he brought Christianity to Ireland and drove out paganism which was the dominant religion at the time.

    The Irish celebrate this conversion on the 17th of March every year. Here are a few activities that are adult and kid friendly to get you in the spirits of this Irish holiday.

    1. Teach Your Kids About The Holiday

    March marks Irish American Heritage Month. The Irish know why they’re celebrating this day, but many American households celebrate it because of the fun and sake of the kids. While it’s always great to take part in a foreign holiday, both children and adults should know the history behind it.

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    Printing out coloring pages with leprechauns, pots of gold, rainbows, and even the flag of Ireland is a great way to hype kids up and get them learning about the holiday. You can also hit them up with some trivia! There are many myths that surround the story of St. Patrick and kids love those! Who knows? You might learn something yourself.

    2. Green Desserts

    I’m talking rainbow cupcakes, shamrock gummies, lucky charms rice krispies, Bailey’s Irish Coffee Caramel Brownies, shamrock pretzels, St. Patrick’s Day cake, and a little something called drunken grasshopper fudge. Good Housekeeping has a ton more recipes but I only picked the ones I’ve personally tried and have fallen drunk in love with, haha.

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    So a majority of these desserts can be done with the help of a pair (or two) of little helping hands. It’s a great way to bond with children because well, it’s a lot of sugar and kids love helping out in the kitchen. There will be a lot of green frosting, and rainbow sprinkles so have them administrate the final touch.\

    3. Gold Hunt

    You create two teams, and each team gets a “leprechaun” bucket (just a tin bucket I got from The Dollar Store). I painted a four-leafed clover on one and a rainbow on the other to make it more fun, but you can paint anything else that’s related to the holiday.

    Both teams have to scour the area and find as many gold chocolate coins as they can before a certain amount of time. Of course, those gold coins would have been hidden by you the night before. If you want the competition to heat up, you can conceal dollar bills and whichever team wins, gets a payday. The other side gets chocolate gold coins! It’s a win-win!

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    4. Leprechaun Relay

    For this activity, you do need a leprechaun costume. You can choose to make it at home or take the easy road and purchase it from your nearest Party City. I love the idea of this activity because it encourages kids to get moving!

    You split your players into two teams and have them form two lines. You offer the costume to the first player in front. Then, they must run an obstacle course conducted by an adult, return to the line, take off the outfit, and pass it on to the next player. The process continues until one team uses up all its players and win.

    5. Celebrate With Irish Music

    Finally, some dancing.

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    I love watching kids dance because they get so creative with those dance moves! You can play Irish music and even hire a dancer to teach the children (and yourself) some new moves. If you want to make it a game, you can play Freeze Jig. It’s the Irish version of Red Light, Green Light. You play music, and when the music stops, the children stop dancing and freeze. The last person to freeze is the winner.

    There are so many activities to choose from! I promised myself I would never get sucked into the Pinterest Vortex, but Pinterest has a ton of great ideas for activities, food, and fun! It’s a day full of luck so you should be just fine! Good luck!

  • Wedding Budget Saving Tips

    Wedding Budget Saving Tips

    Wedding Budget Saving Tips

    If you could describe a wedding in three words, what would they be? 

    If you’ve never had a wedding of your own, then let me take the words right out of your mouth. Beautiful. Elegant. Fun.

    Yeah, yeah, I get it, being a guest is the frickin’ best because unless you’re the bride or groom, you didn’t pay for anything. You went all dolled up, ate a filet mignon steak with a side of couscous, got drunk, and went home. That’s what guests do, and I know this because I attend over three weddings a month. 

    My three words? Too. Damn. Expensive.

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    According to Business Insider, “The average wedding cost in the US is $33,391”. I’ve been married since 2017, and I am still in debt for the extravagant wedding my in-laws persisted we have. They only have one son so you can imagine how that conversation went.  

    Anyways, there are several things you can do that will help you save hundreds of dollars on your special day.

    Here are our top four.

    1. Scratch Off Anyone You Haven’t Seen In 2+ Years

    Let’s be real. Does your great uncle Paul from your mom’s side that you haven’t seen in over five years really need to be invited? I know when it comes to creating a guest list for your special day, you want the whole world to know, but think of it this way: the more people come, the more money out of your pocket.

    Honestly, I get it. At some point, you feel an obligation to invite some people even though you barely know them. While my husband and I were creating the guest list at the time, we were incredibly stressed out because more than half the people on the list were closer to our parents, not to us. It rounded up to over 200 people. 

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    A word of advice? Cut out anybody you haven’t spoken or heard from in the past two years. Explain to your parents and future in-laws that you would rather save that extra cash for something that will benefit you and your partner in the near future.

    2. You Don’t Need Filet Mignon With Couscous

    You can’t have starving guests. Even though prices vary per guest in every state, you’re looking at an average of $85 per plate. And that’s the not so fancy weddings. If you want a New York wedding, you’re looking at an $80,000 fee.

    Here I thought California was too expensive.

    So what do you do? If you’re looking to save money, then I’ll tell you what you don’t do, and that is hiring a caterer. As soon as you mention the M word (married), anything that will cost ten bucks will jump to a hundred. We know it’s the same product, but we’re under so much stress at the time that we couldn’t give a shit, am I right?

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    If you have any close friends that run family-owned restaurants or if your family is in the food industry, you can always ask them to cater! It doesn’t need to be anything fancy because I promise you, people just want to eat. I had a friend who served chicken thighs on top of basmati rice at her wedding, and you better believe it was the best darn thing I’ve ever tasted.

    So no need to over think the food because you’re not going to look back on this day and think, “I should have gone with the $8000 caterers”.

    3. Mother Nature is Your New Wedding Venue

    Haven’t you heard? That’s, like, totally a thing now.

    Renting out a plaza for your wedding reception is crazy expensive. I know this because mine cost me a thousand for the night.

    Lately, I have been noticing a ton of people planning their wedding in their backyard. There are a few who also use public parks because it’s already fixed up beautifully without costing a dime.

    Bridal Musings does a wonderful job on how to set up a backyard wedding.

    4. Skip The Bouquet and Settle For A Single Rose

    For a few of my brides, this might strike a nerve. If you’re one of those brides who want to preserve your bouquet in a glass frame, then by all means, skip this step. Before I continue, I would just like to state that I have been to weddings without a single flower in sight and I have been to weddings where over $2000 was spent only on flowers.

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    Other than your bouquet, you need to keep in mind the bridesmaids, the flower girls, the corsages, table centerpieces, and much more that I can’t remember at the moment.

    Also, flowers die. Imagine spending $2000 on flowers just for them to die that same night. Holy crap, you can buy a used car with that amount of money. Now, there are alternatives to flowers such as candles, crystal vases, goldfish bowls with petals, and even fake flowers. If flowers are a must, then keep them to a minimal.

    If you’re the DIY’er in the family, then all you need is to pick a few roses from your nearest public park and get to working.

    The list goes on and on…and on. Shop for your dress or tux off the clearance rack, ask family and friends to help with the setup instead of buying professional work, buy affordable wedding rings, stay in state for the honeymoon, set up karaoke instead of hiring a DJ. 

    Ok, maybe that last one isn’t necessary, but you get my point. 

  • How to decide if you should change your name?

    How to decide if you should change your name?

    How to decide if you should change your name?

    Changing one’s name is no easy task, nor is it something you decide to do overnight. A person’s name is their brand and identity. It’s how people know us; it’s how they associate things with us. Like if someone mentions your name, others might associate you with your famous chicken pot pie or even something horrible, like being a total asshole. Hey, it could be something you’re proud of, who knows?

    Like I said, not easy.

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    Now, what reasons are there for one to change their name? If you’re like me, you always thought it was just a marriage thing. When you dig a little deeper, you find out some people change their name just because they don’t like them. Other reasons include divorce, combining surnames, religious reasons, or want a less (or more) ethnic name.

    If you’re on the brink of changing your name, but are hesitant and don’t know what steps to take, here’s what you need to know before making a life-changing decision.

    No Fancy Work, All You

    That’s right, all you. Even though changing a name is a long process, it is also pretty straightforward. You don’t need to hire an attorney or worry about it being too complicated. If the name change is not marriage related, the process is relatively simple depending on where you reside.  

    You need to gather up any paperwork with your current name on it (social security, ID, driver license, etc.) and prepare it in case a judge asks to see it. Then you complete a petition for Change of Name where you will provide your current name, SSN, and reasons for changing your name. After the paperwork is filled out, you pay a filing fee which is usually no more than $100 and are assigned a hearing. You attend the hearing, answer the honorable judge’s question, get the judge’s signature, and boom, you’ve got yourself a name change.

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    It’ll Cost You a Couple Hundos

    Most worthwhile things do, I guess. Although price varies from state to state, the big chunk of your payment will be from obtaining a court order and publishing it in a newspaper (more on that later). Documentation fees also vary from state to state, so the best thing you can do is check the website for your county courthouse and see how much each document will cost you (usually between $20-$25). When you get the ok to change your name from the court, you will have to pay up for every official copy you request that is stamped with an official seal.  

    Of course, there are always companies who simplify the name change process by providing you with all the applications you need from your state for an incredible price. They also offer excellent customer service and are with you every step of the way until you are delighted with your new name.

    It’s us. We’re that company, and our goal is to make the name change process as effortless and painless as possible. We’re here for you!

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    There Cannot Be Two Ryan Goslings

    Can you imagine, though? I personally feel like it would make the world a better place. According to Insider, there are a few exceptions when it comes to the name change, and here they are:

    • Celebrity name (intentionally misleading)
    • No punctuations or numerals
    • Nothing racial/offensive
    • If you have committed a crime or are in debt

    Hello World, This Is The New Me

    This is where the other big chunk of your money will go to because the majority of states require you to publish your name change in the newspaper! Yes, you will have to pay a publisher to post that you have officially changed your name under a category named “legal notices.”

    And if we’re being brutally honest here, that shit’s expensive. Of course, all newspaper prices differ, and if you’re lucky, maybe your judge will let you pick where you would like to post your announcement.

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    Slow Your Roll, This Might Take a While

    A wise man once told me, “Seriously, can you chill the f–k out?”

    Kidding, I say that like a hundred times a day to myself. The thing is that this will take a while. Like “longer than waiting for your number to be called at the DMV” while. I know what you’re thinking, but again, if you are not up to complete the process, HitchSwitch will do all the work for you! No lines, no waiting, no worrying, and no more headaches.

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    If you’re having a hard time deciding, I don’t blame you! A name is like a valuable you own and you can’t imagine yourself without it! But with every end, comes a new beginning. So who knows, maybe a new name will lead to a new and better life?

    Cheers to your new name!

  • Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

    Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

    Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

    In our last article, we talked about throwing an incredible Valentine’s Day party, and I’m sure if you read that article, then your Valentine’s day party was the talk of the town. Now, while your local Target is probably overfilled with human-sized teddy bears at the moment, there’s always something about homemade gifts that hold more sentimental meaning to what love truly is. To save you time and trouble, we have picked a few simple ideas that will have your partner smiling from ear to ear.

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    Valentine’s Day Mason Jar

    “I am obsessed with Mason jars!” says the stay at home mom who spends hours scrolling through Pinterest every day. Let me tell you why Mason jars are the absolute best.

    •     You can use them to plant herbs
    •     Great for smoothies and juices
    •     Toothbrush/pencil/twine/buttons holder
    •     Prep salad in them and take them to go
    •     Overnight oats or puddings

    The list is endless! For Valentine’s Day, here’s how you can benefit from a mason jar: 

    • Fill it to the brink with candy hearts, and you can use either a boutique of fake or real flowers. Your call.
    • Handpick your loved one’s favorite chocolates and cut out paper hearts with sweet messages on them. You can choose to paint the jar pink or wrap it with a red glitter ribbon.
    • Valentine’s Day goodies! This includes heart-shaped cookies, pink/red macaroons, sugar cookie hearts, Hershey’s Kisses, conversation heart cookies.
    • Fill the jar of notes on why you love this person. Design the outside of the box with glitter, hearts, and both your initials. Anytime your loved one feels down; they can open a note and remember how much they’re loved.

     

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    Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs

    Even though bath bombs have been a thing since the 1990s, they only gained popularity in early 2018. After they blew up, I felt like they dominated the cosmetics industry. People were making bath bombs left and right. There was so many shapes, colors, and scents to pick from that you would have thought at this point, I would have tried one.

    Creating your own bath bombs at home is an incredibly simple task. You can find the steps here and get creative! You can make them heart-shaped, cupcake shaped, and even in the shape of lips. You can literally find the mold for anything on Amazon. You can present them in a mason jar (obvi) or any acceptable container you have on hand!

    If you’re planning on creating this gift for your partner, always remember bathtubs are fit for two (wink, wink).

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    Scavenger Hunt

    I know what you’re thinking. Who has the frikin’ time to create a scavenger hunt?

    The answer is me, always me. I’m adding this to the list because it was my gift to my husband last year and he thoroughly loved it! If your loved one is a fan of riddles and finding things, this one’s for you, too! Every puzzle and hint was kept within the house, so it didn’t take long. I kept them short, simple, and sexy.

    The last clue-which was really more of an answer-led him to a hotel where I had rented a room for the night. Rose petals everywhere, lavender scented candles, a steak dinner, a bottle of bubbly, a sexy film (Secretary), and err, that’s it.

    Now I’m just waiting for someone to hand me the “Best Wife” award. Should be any minute now.

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    Homemade Cake with Message

    Do you love to bake? Does your house always smell like the holidays because of the cinnamon buns you’ve been baking? Do your neighbors continuously ask you for your recipes because your pecan chocolate chip cookies are the best damn thing they’ve ever tasted?

    Then I want YOU to bake a cake with a loving message this Valentine’s Day. You know the phrase “The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Yeah, well, I’m here to tell you that the quickest way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach because food is fantastic and clearly essential to our survival. I just never understood how they made something as simple as food about men.

    Moving on. If you’ve got a message for your loved one, then grab that frosting and get to writing. Then enjoy with a glass of red wine while cuddled under a blanket watching Pretty Woman.

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    You + Me on a Tree

    Click here for a visual. When I first stumbled upon Jamie’s DIY, I immediately thought “What the-,” because never in a million years would I have thought to use leftover firewood to make a memorable gift.

    Did I believe it would be difficult? Most definitely. Was it? Nope. But it does require you to be patient and careful since you will be using a utility knife and woodburning tool.

    The result is rustic, romantic, memorable, and a great addition to any room.

    See? There are just a few ideas to get those wheels in your head turning. All simple, all significant, all made with love and appreciation. Regardless of what you choose to make, always remember that at the end of the day, the perfect gift is you being there for your loved ones.

  • How to Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

    How to Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

    Holy moly, can you guys believe we’re already in February? I swear just yesterday was New Year’s, and I was toasting to a more productive year, and here I am wondering what the hell happened to January. Well, in the words of Anthony G. Oettinger, “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”

    Get it? One of the perks of growing old is finding anything and everything amusing.

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    Moving on! Another month means another holiday and with all the heart-shaped cookies, balloons, and candies at every corner, I’m sure you can guess what holiday we’re talking about here. If I’m honest, I have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day because, um, hello, it’s dead set on shaming all my single people. A shame, I know, considering the history behind Valentine’s Day is a beautiful one.

    But it’s become a commercialized holiday just like Christmas.

    Damn it, America, you insatiable beast.

    Alright, I’m done ranting, let’s move on to why I still think it’s a good idea to throw a party on this particular day. Personally, I don’t need a holiday to tell me to buy sweets and teddy bears for my loved ones because I already know I’m #blessed. The reason I love throwing a party is that I have tons of single friends who don’t know how to express themselves due to society’s ridiculous notion that being single is abnormal.

    So I host a party and invite all my friends, regardless of their relationship status because even though this just another day of the year, everyone needs to feel like they’re loved.

    So here it is people, this is how you throw a righteous Valentine’s Day party.

    Invite (Almost) EVERYONE

    Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Is it really a good idea to mix my single friends with my dating/married friends? And the answer to your question is yes, it a fantastic idea. This isn’t your “making out in a corner” or “get a room” kind of party, and it’s always best to make that clear when inviting people over. This is not your frat house college party, this is a gathering of your loved ones, and people need to be on their best behavior.

    Is kissing off limits? No, I’m not a monster, but if couples wish to be passionate, then they can stay home.

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    Now here’s who you don’t invite:

    –  That one friend whose sworn off men/women

    – Jim, from accounting, whose mood kills party vibes

    – Anyone who was dumped February 13

    While you do want to be considerate towards everyone, you need to know where to draw the line.

    Heart Shaped Invitations

    Or cupcake shaped. Or bear shaped. Hey, be creative. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even send out personalized invitations to all your guests! Just make sure you send them out a week before, so you have an estimate of how many people RSVP.

    Now, invitations are amazing because this is where you’re going to state the event, place, time, food,  and my personal favorite, the rules.

    What, a party with rules? Yes, those are the best ones, duh.

    There will be singles at your party, so you need to make it clear that there is NO KISSING ALLOWED. At least nothing heavy and makes people wonder why they showed up in the first place.

    But alas, an invitation is not a rulebook, so if anyone has any questions about the party, they should be able to contact you via phone or email! I once had a couple bring their kids and leave. Do you know where I am with those people now? I’m not. Because I cut people out the same way I cut paper hearts, smoothly and without complication.

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    The point is, always know what’s allowed and what’s prohibited at YOUR party. For some, it’s a very sensitive day, and the last thing you want to do is hit a nerve.

    Ariana Grande Your Place

    I’m talking pink walls, pink hearts, pink plates, pink balloons, pink punch, pink lightning, etc. I guess you can pop a red in there somewhere. This one day a year is when you can go HAM on decor. Have heart-shaped balloons fill the ceiling, pick an array of red and pink foods such as chocolate cupcake with pink frosting, heart candy with messages (obviously), chocolate dipped strawberries, raspberry and strawberry punch, etc. Purchase red and pink curtains and cover up the walls.

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    Of course, can’t forget the DIYs. Your choices are endless, and they’ll make great additions to your home even after the party is over.

    Be Extra

    Well, more than your usual extra. You want to go all out? Here are some bonus tips:

    – Hire a professional photographer to snap pictures of everyone.

    – Set up a Photo Booth with a hedgewall that says “I’m a Lover!”

    – Set up a projector and play a few classic romance movies in the background.

    – Piñata, Piñata, Piñata! With heart eyes blindfold!

    – Goodie bags (be that badass host!)

    – Palm reading!!

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    There are just a few things you can incorporate into your party! No matter what you decide to do, the most important thing to add to any party is lots of love and laughter. I know that sounds like something out of a fairytale, but hey, it’s true.

    XOXO,

    Your Friends at HitchSwitch

  • How to Host a Super Bowl Party?

    How to Host a Super Bowl Party?

    Where I come from, football is played with the feet, not hands. In fact, if you were to describe American football to a foreigner, they wouldn’t think much of it because, um hello, its 300-pound men in tights chasing each other for an oddly shaped ball.

    So, yes, even I can admit that I know zilch about football except for the name Tom Brady, whose face dominated my Instagram feed thanks to all the Patriots fans I surprisingly know.

    While my knowledge of football is lacking, there is one thing I am particularly good at that has nothing to do with the sport and that is hosting a party! The planning, the drinks, the DIYs (damn you, Pinterest, will it never end?), and most importantly, the food! You don’t even have to be a fan of football to host a party, because if you’re like me, you do it for the fun and the whole YOLO thing.

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    If you’re looking to host the Superbowl at your home this year, I got you! Here’s what you need to know.

    Football Theme

    Don’t worry; your walls don’t need to be draped in NFL flags. A few simple ideas include football shaped cookies, plates and cups,  balloons with your favorite team’s colors, a table cover resembling a football field, balloon letters spelling “Touchdown,” and if you are really up for a challenge…a football-shaped cake. The possibilities are endless, and if you were to Google football themes, you would be overwhelmed with choices. The point is, there’s no need to overdo it or have the “perfect” party. By creating a football theme, you will be encouraging your guests and yourself to get in the Superbowl spirit.

    Set Up Extra Chairs, Tables, and Garbage Bags

    If you know how many people are going to be attending your event, then you know how many seats you will need. Since Superbowl parties usually consist of 10+ people, then you need to figure out how to set up your seating area! If you have couches, consider moving them aside and setting up only chairs. Believe me, if you care for your couches fabrics, you will do this. Your home will be full of men jumping up and down roaring at a television set, and SOME STAINS DO NOT COME OUT.

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    Plus, it’s always best to be on the safe side in case someone brings a plus one with them. You don’t want half your guests sitting and the rest standing. To avoid a (bigger) mess, tape garbage bags to the side of your table or chairs so trash will have a place to go other than your floor.

    Make a Food and Drinks Bar

    Here is the best advice I can give you when it comes to food: do not overdo it. I’ve got two words for you: finger foods.

    Keep in mind that even though this is a gathering of friends and family, you won’t be all seated together, so there’s no need to fuss over what goes in their mouths. You buy some bags of chips, 24 pack cupcakes, two brands of beers, order some Buffalo Wild Wings, and relax. Set plates at the bar and everyone can stack what they want. Put the drinks in the cooler and throw a bag of ice over them! Boom! That’s literally it; you’re done.

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    You can even ask your guests to all bring something along so there won’t be a shortage of food. If you’re the MS (Martha Stewart) type, then get cooking a day ahead so you won’t be flustered the day of.

    Have A Separate Room for Non-fans

    That’s me. I’m the non-fan. And I do know I’m not the only one so being the considerate person I am, I always set up a room that’s meant for peace, quiet, and casual conversation. Keep in mind it’s going to be a loud day and not everyone will be comfortable watching football. Some guests might bring their children with them so this room would also be considered a safe haven for them if they need a break or have to take a nap.

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    Keep Children in Mind

    Most likely, more than a couple guests will bring their kids with them, so it’s best to be prepared. With that said, make sure you have kid-friendly snacks, juice pouches, and anything else that might help kids stay occupied. If you have an extra TV screen, set it up in the separate room and choose a few children films, so they have something to watch if they get bored.

    If you get overwhelmed about hosting a party, you can always ask a close friend to help you out! There’s nothing worse than feeling you’re alone in something, even if it’s just a party. If you’re confused about anything, always remember Google is your friend. By keeping these simple steps in mind, you’ll have a touchdown of a party!

    Did I use that right? No?

    Ok, I’m done.

     

  • Winter Honeymoon Spots

    Winter Honeymoon Spots

    When I hear the word honeymoon, my mind automatically wanders to white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and drinking rum out of a coconut. And of course, lots of sexy time.

    Hey, it is a honeymoon, after all!

    Even though most honeymoons are spent somewhere tropical, there are thousands of winter wonderland locations that fit the just married getaway profile! Leave your bathing suits (I know, I’m sorry) at home and pack up your snow boots and fur jackets, here are some of most beautiful places to spend your winter honeymoon.

    Riffelalp Resort, Switzerland

    Tripadvisor

    Yes, of course, the first thing on my list is Switzerland. Known for their edible chocolate gold and second longest life expectancy. Riffelalp Resort is located at an altitude of 2,222 meters within the ski region of Zermatt. It’s one of the highest rated and well-known ski resorts in Switzerland. The 5-star hotel is praised for its majestic interior decor, friendly staff, and breathtaking views (beautiful mountains including the Matterhorn). In addition to the luxurious suites, there is an outdoor pool, child care services, spas/saunas, and a rooftop lounge.

    For more information about this delightful location, click here.

    Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia

    Columbia Valley Pioneer

    Something we can all agree on? Canada is a must see for any travel purposes. The second largest country in the world holds some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery including the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and Old Montreal.

    Fairmont Hot Springs is perched on the slopes of the British Columbian Rocky Mountains and overlooks Purcell Mountains. What’s more romantic than hot springs? Hot Springs and a golf course, obviously. It’s time to hit the slopes and immerse yourself in Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs! So whether you want to hit the spa, the trail, or simply cuddle up in front of a lit fire enjoying a glass of fine wine, this resort holds much promise and unforgettable views.

    For more information about this winter paradise, click here.

    The Manor on Golden Pond, New England

    Kayak

    Are you looking for something more country? This New England resort is the perfect romantic getaway. I know when you first read the name, you’d think it was named after a New York’s Times best-selling novel. You got to admit, it’s an odd name, but this turn of the century manor sure caught my attention.  

    This luxurious country inn is located at the top of Shepherd’s Hills in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Their specials include a romance- honeymoon package that includes a full country breakfast each morning, spa lunch with champagne, and a 7-course menu tasting in their Van Horn dining room.

    For more information about this beautiful old English Manor, click here.

    Lake Placid Lodge, New York

    Tripadvisor

    Five stars, lakeside, rustic elegance, burning fireplaces, cozy mornings, and most importantly, fantastic food. When the lake is frozen solid in the winter, there are tons of activities to do! You can choose from ice skating to ice fishing to cozying up near an outdoor fireplace eating smores and drinking hot chocolate. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can climb aboard a dog sled and get pulled around Mirror Lake and view all the attractions this place has to offer.

    To find out more about this incredible location, click here.  

    Saariselka, Finland

    The Globe and Mail

    I saved the best and personal favorite for last. If you want to create memories that will last a lifetime and experience mother nature like never before, Finland is where it’s at. Among the several activities that include hiking trails, snowmobile safaris, and ski resorts, Saariselka is known for its incredible views of the Northern lights. To gain the full experience, make sure to head over to Igloo Village Kakslauttanen so you can stay in your own private glass igloo. Also known as The Wedding Chamber, this traditional earth lodge offerers the happy couple a “cozy love nest” and some igloos come equipped with a private sauna and heated outdoor jacuzzi! Imagine watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed with your partner cuddled up next to you. Finland, you win this round!

    To find out more about what’s probably the best winter getaway ever, click here.

    While the list for winter honeymoon getaways is long and never-ending, always keep in mind this one thing before heading to your dream destination: as long as the love of your life is by your side, it’s going to be a great honeymoon no matter where you choose to go!

  • How to Keep Your Relationship in the Honeymoon Stage

    How to Keep Your Relationship in the Honeymoon Stage

    You did it! You made it past the stresses of planning the wedding and celebrated your magical day! You are now settling into your roles as a married couple. Now many couples start to worry that the newlywed spark will begin to fade. You’ve heard the many myths of what your relationship transitions into after the beloved ‘honeymoon stage’ comes to an end, and that can start to weigh on your mind!

    Although each relationship is very different and with various needs, holding on to these 4 core practices will help to keep that spark alive!

    Go all in with the little things

    With every relationship, wooing your partner is always going to be important. I mean who doesn’t love walking into a room full of roses, just for you? However, those can only happen every so often, we aren’t made of money! Taking the trash out, sending them a sweet text during their workday, or even buying their favorite coffee creamer will show your partner that you’re thinking of them!

    Add some mystery or you’ll be history!

    When you get married, it can feel as if you know everything about your significant other. From their biggest fear, to how they prefer their toast in the morning. As wonderful as this comfortability is, predictability does not get our juices flowing! Break your everyday schedule to go on an adventure, buy a new and sexy bra to sleep in, or even decide to turn off your internet for a week and just live in the moment. Break free from the mundane and typical schedule to keep each other on your toes!

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    Never underestimate the power of personal space

    For some couples, this will be the first time they are living together! And this can bring on a whole new set of challenges. Don’t get me wrong, waking up next to the love of your life every morning will be amazing, but we all need some time for ourselves! Spend quality time reading a book, or maybe starting a cooking class. By the time you get home, you’ll be jumping into each other’s arms!

    Listen up!

    That last bit of wisdom to give would be to just be present! Listen to what your significant other has to say, and show them that you care. Listening isn’t an activity for you to just wait for your turn to speak, hear their point of view and actively respond to what they have to say. This is something that should be practiced every day!

    Please share your personal tips and tricks below!

     

  • Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

    Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

    One of the downsides of growing up in Southern CA is that we didn’t get much rain. We would experience light showers, but it was never so intense so that we had to stay inside. My childhood consisted of several trips to Venice beach and so many Disneyland visits to the point where I got tired of it. Yes, the happiest place on earth became the most dreaded place on earth for me.

    It wasn’t until I got hitched that I started to come up with indoor activities for my partner and me. Rain or shine, my husband wouldn’t leave the house unless it was work related. This took a significant toll on me considering I’m such an extrovert and need my daily dose of outdoors.

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    So what did I do?

    That’s right; I made a list. Because lists are fantastic and whoever invented them needs to be worshipped like a god.

    Here are your indoor activities for rainy (or sunny) days!

    Movies Marathon

    Harry Potter. Boom, there’s your movie marathon idea. I joke, but seriously, it’s the first thing that comes to mind.

    If you’re a movie person, it’s time to fire up that VCR (people still use those, right)? Load up on your favorite snacks and grab your favorite person, even if that person is you. It’s time to cuddle up under your Spongebob wool blanket and watch your favorite films.

    Don’t forget the popcorn. It’s not a movie marathon unless you’ve eaten three buckets of popcorn by the end of each film.

    Read a Book (or maybe two or three)

    Anybody else have a shelf full of books they haven’t even started reading yet? Yup, that’s me. The guilt engulfs me every time I watch Game of Thrones for the bazillion time. You’d think I would have at least read the books because of my obsession with the series.

     

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    But sadly, I am not wired that way.

    A good book, a cup of tea or coffee, and a comfortable armchair are all you’ll need to have the perfect rainy day.

    Spoil Yourself

    Two words. Spa day. I mean, why not? Everything can be made at home! The face and hair masks, foot soak, bath bomb, and even your infused (ok, spiked) drink. Here you will find all the DIYs you need to pamper yourself!

    Turn Up the Heat (In the Kitchen)

    I’m just going to go ahead and say it. I’m a monster in the kitchen.

    And by a monster, I do mean everything’s a competition for me. Even if there is no competition at all, I compete with myself.

    Self-driven is the word you’re looking for here. Pretending that I’m on Iron Chef is the only sure way to guarantee five-star food and a burnt/cut finger/hand. But you have to admit; time flies while you’re in Gordon Ramsay mode. It’s true what they say. You are your own worst critic.

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    Remodel your Home!

    You finally have an excuse to move things around. If you have some portraits you want to hang, some carpets you want to lay out, or some DIYs you want to show off, now’s the time to do it. Let’s be honest, if you don’t get it done now, you never will.

    ….and 5,6,7,8!

    Got a Wii? Time to have a dance-off. If not, YouTube choreography videos and learn all the moves to Single Ladies. Hey, you never know when you need to break out in dance, and what says “I know what I’m doing” more than Beyonce?

    Answer:

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    The list goes on and on. You can try painting, building a fort, have a scavenger hunt, online shopping, writing a novel, or something as simple as baking cookies. No matter what you choose to do, just make sure you’re not sitting around all day!