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Bridal Shower Gifts You’ve Never Thought Of
Bridal showers are a great way to let the bride take a break from all the wedding preparation, make her feel special and enjoy some time with her close friends and family.

For you, it also means another trip to Bloomingdale’s in pursuit of the perfect gift, or at least something someone else hasn’t already gotten her. Bridal shower gifts can get a little redundant and the last thing you want to do is get the bride something she doesn’t want/ already has.

Lucky for you, we created a list of unique ideas for bridal shower gifts the bride is guaranteed to love.

1. Mixology Class:

Give the gift of a great date night for the soon to be newlyweds! Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but these classes offer a fun and interactive evening full of mixing up delicious cocktails that also gives the couple a chance to work together as a team.

2. Venus Et Fleur:

Not your average floral arrangement, Venus Et Fleur are luxury boxed roses that can last for over a year. This special gift is most definitely insta-worthy, and their stunning appearance will leave a lasting impression that stays with the bride well past her wedding day.

3. William Sonoma Newlywed Cookbook:

If the couple only has one cookbook in their kitchen, this is the one they need to have. The book includes recipes for both seasoned chefs or those just starting out and is the perfect excuse for the bride to get her soon-to-be husband a little more involved in the kitchen.

4. A Hitchswitch Name Change gift card:

Hitchswitch is the nation’s leading online and mobile name change service for newlyweds. HitchSwitch is here to make the name change process as easy as it was to say “I Do”. Now that’s a gift they will remember!

5. Personalized Champagne Wedding Vase:

You can never go wrong with bouquets and bubbly. This personalized gift is made from an upcycled champagne bottle with a label that can be customized to include the couple’s names, wedding date and location. The perfect keepsake to toast the occasion for years to come.

6. Subscription Service:

What’s better than getting the bride one gift? Getting her a new gift delivered every month! A subscription service that comes full of her favorite essentials to help her with wedding planning, or just to put a smile on her face is the perfect gift to help the bride get through all of the craziness that lies ahead. Here are a few examples that are great for the bride-to-be:
1. The Bride Box: a curated box full of surprise bridal gifts and goodies The Bride Box works closely with artists and designers to put together all the essentials the bride will need leading up to her big day.
2. The Bouqs: for the bride that loves her flowers, Bouqs offers weekly, monthly, or quarterly subscriptions of fresh, polished flowers that will brighten her day.
3. The Knot Subscription: The Knot is a personal wedding planner (that won’t mess up the seating chart) in a magazine and digital space. A subscription provides content, tools and services to assist with all her wedding planning needs.
June 15, 2018
Pay It Forward: The Wedding Gifts That Keep On Giving

Enter: the experience generation. We live for everything and want for nothing. Well, almost nothing: other than three weeks on an African Safari in a “rugged” 5-star hotel; the opportunity to jump out of a plane after only a weeks worth of skydiving lessons; or dinner reservations for two at the highly coveted Rao’s.

That’s right, these are a few, amongst many outside the box wedding gifts that couples, as of recent, are requesting. And like dutiful little bridesmaids and guests, we are gifting.

At the very least, these soon-to-be newly-weds know what they want and aren’t afraid to ask for it. This way no one is left purchasing bedding or towels that will never be used, and we can spend our brain power trying to decipher the wedding invites dress code that reads: country chic, WTF? If weddings today are as unique as ever, it would only make sense that gift registries would follow suit.

There are some etiquette rules that have stood the test of time, and bypassing the registry is still a major party foul. The sky’s the limit nowadays, so you might as well register for the things you want. Even if those things aren’t necessarily things, and even if your great Aunt Mildred is scratching her head wishing you selected HER China pattern for your own.

And now, without further “I do”, some wild and crazy suggestions:

You Better Work…Covergirl

Perhaps an easy to use, easy to travel with a camera would be registry worthy. I know we think our iPhones can do everything these days, and they pretty much can but the video and picture quality can’t top the one below. The best DSLR quality for the Instagram-obsessed.

I’m not only the president but also a member

A membership or subscription to whatever meets your fancy: Perhaps, to a wine of the month club or cheese of the month club. Because isn’t everybody a bit of a foodie and wine connoisseur these days? (check out, Murray’s cheese of the month club)

Concert Tickets

Tickets to a Music Festival, like Austin City Limits, Coachella, or the NewLo jazz festival. The Woodstock generation might start to understand what you’re talking about now!!! But, seriously, why not sit in the front row with your BAE to hear your favorite performers crooning to you and yours. Who cares that you won’t be able to hear for days, you’ll get used to the selective hearing thing the longer your married… oops, did I just say that out loud.

Your Pup

If you love your dog almost as much as your fiancé: register for a doggy walker, doggy day care or doggy spa packages. You might as well get something you’ll use, because who is going to care of your finicky frenchie, Napoleon unless you are staying at a pet friendly hotel in the Maldives

It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere

How about adding to the outdoor newlywed tailgating experience by registering and upgrading your cooler? That is equally practical as well as cool… In white, of course…

Maybe, your special day has passed. Maybe you went “traditional,” like fine China, silver, or bedding. That worked for you, but remember, the hosts of the wedding set the tone, and your job is to zip your lip, throw away the key, and graciously follow the engaged couples lead when it comes to gifting.

Nowadays, there really isn’t a “one size fits most” rule and you can trust that your anything but ordinary gift will make the newly-weds very happy.

June 8, 2018
How To: Rock your In-Laws’ First Visit

Let’s face it: no matter the circumstance, family dynamics can be awkward. You’ve lived this long trying to figure out your own friggin’ family and now that you’re married, you’ve got an entire new round-up of relatives to decode! (Good luck.) Lucky for you, we have some tips to make this process a little bit smoother.

Be a Little Extra

Showing that you care by exerting real effort to make your new family comfortable is as endearing as it gets. Go the extra mile by stocking their room with fresh towels, a small flower arrangement and some reading material. Are homemade cookies too much? We think not.

Know When To Serve (Or Curb)

A little libation will loosen anyone up, and there’s nothing wrong with poppin’ a little bubbly when the family gets together. Plus, what a perfect excuse to show off your champagne flutes from Aunt Joanne and your baller ice bucket from Cousin Richard.

If your in-laws practically invented the Tom Collins, then maybe just pretend to have run out of the sauce after the first bottle is finished.

Plan a (Flexible) Activity

Plan an activity for the family to enjoy together. If they’re particularly active, try a family bike ride, a round of golf, or take a walking tour around your town. If they’re homebodies, try a family game night featuring Pictionary or Scrabble. Keep it flexible (date, time and actual level of activity) to avoid a potentially stressful schedule.

Find Common Ground

Start small by talking about a dish you love to cook (or eat), an activity most everyone enjoys (like taking a walk or traveling to the beach), or a fond family memory. If they’re being especially difficult and giving you short answers, you can combat the coldness by following up with, “And why is that?” or “What about you?” Even the little brother co-ed who appears to be majoring in eye rolls and Tolstoy will open up once you’ve created a foundation with him.

Good-Hearted Ribbing

Families love to tease each other. Shared laughter creates a bond, so it’s smart to join in on the fun. As long as it stays light-hearted, making fun of your sister-in-law’s high school Emo phase or father-in-law’s 60s fumanchu is a great way to engage the natives.

Turn to TV

It may be rude to watch television when you have guests, but it’s not rude to talk about how awesome television is with guests. Everyone can bond over a mutual love of Game of Thrones (what is happening with that ice dragon!?) or Mad Men and you can learn more about their interests and the entertainment they value.

Get a Buffer

Everyone has that one black sheep in the family. And that person is usually awesome. If all else fails, invite that person and let them save you. They’re likely much better at navigating the rough waters and can bring you up to speed on who to sit next to and who to avoid at the family gatherings.

May 25, 2018
Celeb Couples Who Are Totally Nailing this Marriage Thing

From fashion and beauty tips, to the latest dreaded diet that you’ll never actually follow, celebrities give us a ton of reasons to swoon over their rich and famous lifestyles. Unfortunately when it comes to luck in love, Hollywood’s divorce rate is higher than Sofia Vergara’s wedding cake.

Celebrities aren’t often known for things like commitment, loyalty, and growing old together (or growing old at all). Some unions expire sooner than a gallon of organic milk (we’re looking at you KKW and Britney). While celeb breakups are always big news, we never want to see these names in the headlines about splitting:

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt

When they’re not collaborating on this month’s highly anticipated post-apocalyptic thriller, these two are busy basking in each others awesomeness and showering one other in mildly sickening, majorly adorable admiration. Not only does John Krasinski go all Fanboy, over The Devil Wears Prada (let’s be real, who doesn’t), the actor admits that the first time he heard his wife sing, he “immediately started weeping.” And now we’re crying too. JUST. STOP. ALREADY.

The parents of two daughters, Hazel and Violet have basically defied gravity by placing their marriage before Hollywood and fame. How, you ask? The couple literally doesn’t talk about their celebrity status. We thought we loved Jim and Pam, but honestly, John and Emily seem to be the perfect pair.

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell have been serving up #MarriageGoals since their 2013 wedding which cost the mega-famous couple a whopping $142. While many Hollywood couples present their marriages as easy, perfect and without complaints, Dax and Kristen are not about that life.

When they’re not blessing the rains down in Africa, they are dropping truth bombs about their marriage, conflict resolution and what keeps their sweet chemistry alive. And if you haven’t already, you should listen to Dax’s interview with her on his podcast Armchair Expert.

Victoria and David Beckham

Before William + Kate or Harry + Meghan, Britain gave us Posh + Becks! Fortunately for the stylish Spice Girl, her shoe selection did not stop him from falling hard when they first met more than 20 year ago. Though they’d both already found fame, it turns out that they grew up just 15 minutes away from one another (destiny). She has become a pop star turned fashion icon and he has become a household name in football (erm, soccer), but these two have managed to stay strong–and both have totally mastered that steely model look.

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

If you have never seen their elaborate family Halloween costumes, we’ll give you a second to google. Great. Now that you’re back, you’ve seen for yourself how much fun this couple likes to have!

These two have been together since 2004 and once gay marriage was legalized, they revealed that they had, in fact, been engaged for five years and were waiting for the announcement to make it publicly official. BRB; gotta go die of cuteness overload.

Now, the fun-loving parents of 7-year-old-twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, are committed to being the cool dads, but something tells us they won’t have to try too hard.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

You didn’t think we’d miss the King and Queen of Trolling, did you?! These two have developed quite the reputation for poking fun at each other on social media and, honestly, we can’t get enough. When a publication recently said the two were headed for a split, Ryan tweeted, “I wish. I could really use some ‘me time.’” We already knew Van Wilder was funny, but Blake’s got jokes too. She replied to a recent quip with, “Ever since Ashley Madison closed I’ve been so lonely.” Savage.

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have been serving up wit for nearly a year until Jada finally agreed to date. Pause while we all swoon over the days when dudes actually had patience.

Twenty years in, the couple is still known for their hustle, but seem to have that work/life balance grind all figured out. Who else thinks there should be an Academy Award for that? The pair have also produced two of young hollywood’s elite, Willow (who whips her hair back and forth) and Jaden (aka Karate Kid). And while Will may have learned that sometimes parents just do understand, when it comes to marriage Will and Jada have a reputation of being… progressive. In a 2005 interview, Will alluded to their open marriage, sharing that married couples have to find “what works for you.” This is a judgement-free zone. We say you do you, boo.

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell

OK, OK. We know they’re not married, but this OG couple exemplifies what strong unions are about. They’ve been together 35+ years and in Hollywood, that’s no small feat. We love that Goldie’s kids know Kurt as “Dad” even though he’s not their biological father. Also, if you follow Kate Hudson on Instagram, you’ve seen some of their seriously cute family moments, including a choreographed Dance Wars challenge.

Did we leave your favorite celeb couple out? Tell us about it in the comments below!

May 18, 2018
What To Do In The First Two Months After Your Honeymoon

Now that you’re married, you feel like a real adult (at least on days you’re not hungover). But even if you’re not ready to discuss tax rates with Uncle Ron over whiskey sours at The Club, here are a few easy-to-do, post-wedding tasks that will make you feel accomplished and yes, like you’re rocking this whole adult thing:

Thank You Notes

Don’t put off this task. Repeat: do not put off this task. You’ll thank us later when you don’t have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from writing sixty seven notes in a row. After all, do you want to keep Grandma Sue waiting after she bought you that amazing Le Creuset dutch oven that would make even Julia Child envious?

If you’re in need of some inspiration (or advice on how to clean up a thank you faux pas), check out our guide to thank you note etiquette.

Change your Name

Most people would rather have their molars pulled than sift through mountains of paperwork. If the thought of changing your name makes you break out into a sweat you haven’t experienced since Finals Week, say the next word with us aloud: HitchSwitch. HitchSwitch is a service that streamlines the maddening steps for you to change your name. See? Painless! And you still have all your teeth.

Reserve your New Email Address or Social Handle

If you’re changing your name, it’s a good idea to try to grab a new Gmail address (and Instagram name) while it’s still available. Unlike your AIM screen name (we see you, CuTiEkRiS86), keep it career-friendly. Remember to sync your new email address with your old so that all future emails sent to your old address will automatically be forwarded to your new account. . It’s also a good time to give them a new physical address if you’ve got one!

Add your Name to the Bills

Nothing will make you more angry than the Internet going out right in the middle of your Stranger Things binge. But if your spouse isn’t home and your internet service provider doesn’t have your name on the account, you could be stuck having to watch–gasp–live TV. If you’ve moved in together post-nuptials, it’s time to put your name on the utilities and other bills. It’s not just so you can share financial responsibility (blah, blah, blah, adulting), but so you can also call for service repair without the dreaded “you’re not the account holder” response.

Organize your Gifts

Large retailers like Macy’s or Nordstrom have this registry business down to a science, but sometimes you can end up with multiples of the same gifts (sorry, but I really don’t need three Keurigs). You may also end up with some off-the-registry gems that you really can’t use. In this case, it’s time to exchange and return. Additionally, there may be some items you simply can’t live without that weren’t purchased. In that case, it’s time to scoop them up before they’re gone!

Pro tip: If you qualify, Amazon will offer a discount for purchasing your remaining registry items.

Delete your Wedding Website

Wedding websites will often expire after a year, but sometimes, they may be on auto-renewal (especially if you purchased a unique domain). Don’t incur unnecessary expenses; go ahead and delete it while it’s fresh in your mind (and before you’ve forgotten the password).

Preserve your Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress is probably your favorite piece of clothing you’ve ever worn. You should probably treat it better than the hand knit, dancing penguin sweater your mom gave you last Christmas that’s still wadded up in the back of your closet. Get it professionally cleaned, treated and stored in a safe spot.

Here’s actual footage of you once you’ve completed this list:

Now it’s time to Google how the hell to use a dutch oven.

May 11, 2018
How to Deal With Post-Wedding Blues (Yes, it’s a Real Thing)

From dress shopping, to food tasting, to your bachelorette party and finally the main event, your wedding year was basically the best effin’ time of your life. But now it’s all over and no matter how many times you see a “the best is yet to come” meme on Instagram, you can’t help but feel the dreaded let down. There’s no shame in your game, girl. We get it. Post-wedding blues are more common than many women would like to admit. Over the past year or so, you’ve had event after event, all leading up to a wildly successful wedding, concluding with a racy and romantic honeymoon. Great. Thanks for the memories, but now WTF are you supposed to do with all this free time?

Fear not, my sullen sister. There’s no need to feel like Carrie Bradshaw on her Mexican honeymoon after Mr. Big leaves her at the altar. We’ve got some ideas that will kickstart your newly-married mentality and get you back to feeling like your old self (just with a new last name).

Find a New Obsession

Regardless of how long you gave yourself to plan a wedding, however big or small, or even if you hired a planner like every other resident of “Bride Country,” you spent endless hours a week working on your wedding. Now you’re bored AF, so it’s time to fill that void with something that gives your tender heart something to look forward to.

Want to impress the in-laws by Thanksgiving? Start experimenting in the kitchen or take a couple of cooking classes that’ll blow their ever-judging-loving minds when they bite into a Julia Child’s inspired Stuffed Turkey with Farce Pitchounaise.

Perhaps you want to graduate from being Trader Joe’s most loyal “Three Buck Chuck” enthusiast. A wine class will have you feeling good in more ways than one.

Still daydreaming about your wedding bouquet? Fancy yourself a florist after a few flower arrangement classes. At minimum, you’ll have the skills and confidence to make centerpieces for your next dinner party or holiday get together.

When in doubt, work it out! You worked hard for that bridal body, so let’s keep putting in the work to keep it for good. But instead of going back to your old routine,why not try something new that you can get hooked on like Pilates, Power Yoga or weightlifting?

Relive the Big Day

“It goes by so quickly” is the most cliche yet accurate statement that everyone and their mother warns you about. Fortunately, between friends’ & family’s pictures on social media, your photographer’s shots, and (if you’re lucky enough to have a videographer) your wedding video, you can relive your big day as often as you’d like.
Give yourself time to remember what was happening in each photo and appreciate how much fun you were having. Also, don’t forget to appreciate how effing gorgeous you looked. Now’s not the time to be modest.

Fill up all those new frames with your favorite photos from your magical weekend. Just keep in mind that you’ll eventually have guests visit so be sure to showcase the VIPs. Also, spare yourself the embarrassment of being “one of those couples” that has 20 pictures of only you and your husband from your wedding day.

Find a website to DIY your own wedding album. They’re a fraction of the price and with the right company, they look pretty damn good. Want bonus points from the fam? Make an album for your parents, in-laws and grandparents.

Invest in Your Relationships

Like it or not, the year of you is over. It’s harsh, and it hits you as fast as JWOWW backhanding The Situation on Jersey Shore. While it may be a tough pill to swallow that you’re no longer being treated like royalty, the best thing you can do is step into the present and reconnect with your family and friends. If other people in your life are wedding planning or preparing to have a baby, throw yourself into planning for them! They were committed to your events and parties; now’s a great time to return the favor and shower them with attention.

One of the best parts about weddings is all the events surrounding them, and when they’re done, it’s sucks for everyone. Since you’re basically a professional planner at this point, get some stuff on the calendar!
Start a dinner club with your bridesmaids.

Make future plans with your out-of-town family.

Invite your local girlfriends to join you for that new wine class. Or who are we kidding, just invite them over for wine and Bachelor in Paradise on your couch.

Focus on Your Marriage

You’re married now, so go be married! The wedding was about the marriage, after all (OK, we’ll admit that a lot of it was about the dress, too). Invest in creating new married memories with your spouse. Enjoy your newly committed companionship by spending quality time together whether that is a Netflix marathon, practicing making a baby, or cooking together at home. When you’re feeling down, look over to your awesome spouse for a quick reminder that you’re pretty damn lucky!

May 4, 2018
What our Favorite TV Couples Have Taught Us about Marriage

You know that feeling when you’re Netflix & chilling and suddenly you realize that one of your favorite small screen couples is totally you and your spouse? You’re definitely not alone. It’s basically a sitcom’s job to give us relatable martial role models living out real-life scenarios mixed with a perfect portion of comedy, drama, and sometimes all-too-real sorrow (we’re looking at you, This is Us).

So move over, Gary Chapman; while we’ll we respect your love languages, these TV couples have taught us basically everything we need to know about how to navigate marriage.

Red and Kitty Forman: Snark can be a love language.

There’s no question that Red and Kitty are a decidedly devoted duo, but we’re not here to talk about the warm and fuzzies. The best thing about this couple’s marriage is their shared love for sarcasm and snark. While the wit and banter is often aimed at their grown children, they also use it to keep each other in check. We all aim to be in relationships where finishing each other’s sentences and Red and Kitty can surely do that:

Chandler and Monica Bing: Know when to grow up & when to stay silly.

Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you have to forget all your silly shenanigans. We love Monica and Chandler because they’re both quirky individuals who love to have fun (even self-proclaimed control freak Monica has “The Routine”). There’s a time to grow up (like when Chandler is afraid of commitment) and there’s a time to be silly (like when it comes to cheering up your spouse by putting a turkey on your head). The best marriages find themselves with the perfect balance of silly and steadfast. We think Monica and Chandler nail it.

Derek Shepherd & Meredith Grey: Sometimes, you don’t need all the wedding hoopla.

Some people (not this writer) were upset when Derek and Meredith wrote their vows on a post-it note in the elevator of the hospital for their wedding. However, we love how non-traditional it was. It’s primetime television on a medical drama where the two main characters are finally getting together. They could’ve scripted the big wedding, but this moment was sweet and stayed true to the characters’ values. Sometimes, all the wedding hoopla just isn’t right for the couple and that’s okay!

Cam and Mitchell Pritchett: Embrace your partner’s weirdness.

Let’s get this out of the way first: if Cam and Mitchell aren’t your favorite couple on Modern Family, you’re wrong. They are an “opposites attract” match in the funniest way. Take, for example, Cam’s beloved clown act, Fizbo. Even though Mitchell gets a little embarrassed when Fizbo appears, he always ends up embracing his partner’s weirdness and accepts their personality differences, knowing that it makes them stronger as a couple. Each episode, these two teach us that if you can accept and celebrate your partner at their weirdest, you’re definitely in it for the long haul.

Peggy Olson and Stan Rizzo: Challenge each other. Be friends first.

Mad Men was rife with terrible relationships (especially if the man in that relationship was named Don), but there was one glimmer of hope in the series: Peggy and Stan. Everyone knew that they belonged together long before they realized it. Why? Because they were enemy colleagues, then supportive friends, then best friends who fought with–and for–each other. They’re not afraid to call each other out and not afraid to hurt each other’s feelings if it makes the other better. While we’re not suggesting your relationship won’t work unless you endured years of verbal sparring at a shared office, we love when marriages grow from friendships. Like Peggy and Stan, some couples realize they’ve grown up to be exactly who the other needs. Cue the awwwws.

April 27, 2018
Inexpensive Honeymoon Destinations
The rice has been thrown, the cake has been eaten & the last toast has been slurred through. The honeymoon is here! In other words, it’s time to take that disgusting love parade somewhere else because your friends and family have had enough. The trouble is that you’ve got Kardashian taste and a Pauly D budget. Never fear; you don’t have to go to Tahiti to have a great time or to get Instagram-worthy couple shots. Here are budget-friendly honeymoon destinations you may not have considered but should:
1. Tulum, Mexico
It may be #basic, but we make no apologies for loving tacos and tequila. So obviously, Mexico is going to top the list. Tulum is a lesser-known destination (as opposed to Cabo, Cozumel or Cancun) with lots of inexpensive options. Some of the resorts start just at $79 per person per night! Don’t remember much from your Spanish high school classes? “Privacidad por favor” means “privacy please” and “una bebida mas” means “one more drink.” Cheers!
1. The Florida Keys
Ah, Florida. It’s not just gators and swamp! The Keys can provide fun or seclusion depending on what you’re looking for. Plus, if you get bored of lying on a beach or biking beneath palms in quiet neighborhoods, Key West provides tons of entertainment (including nude beaches, if you’re into that sort of thing). If you’re in the Southeast, you can always make a road trip out of it to save on airfare and there’s no need to dust off the old passport.
1. Jamaica
If you’re not able to relax in Jamaica, the birthplace of Bob Marley, then you may never be able to relax at all (there’s a reason that the Visit Jamaica slogan is–ahem–“Livin’ the High Life”). Excursions don’t cost an arm and a leg, so you can afford to take in the Hope Botanical Gardens or venture down the Rio Nuevo. There are tons of all-inclusive resorts in both Negril and Ochos Rios, with beaches that will give everyone you know instant FOMO.
1. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is an awesome destination if you’re getting married in the winter, as the skiing is top-notch. However, many people don’t know just how amazing it is in the spring/summer as well! Outdoor adventures abound at Emerald Bay State Park and there are even beach villas, though you’ll have to shell out more cash for those. A few 5-star hotels start at $240/night so it’s still affordable to feel posh AF.
1. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans has so much to offer: jazz (You loved La La Land and you know it), delicious cuisine and cultural flair. If you’re picturing people vomiting on Bourbon Street, then you’ve got the wrong idea. There are tons of cozy, romantic restaurants and fun activities like biking, shopping and drinking your way through its historic streets (the bars on Frenchman are much better–and cleaner–than Bourbon). There’s always music in the air and you can get a beignet at 2am. Need we say more?
1. Charleston, SC
Charleston’s hype is real. It’s been voted a top city to live and visit for several years in a row by several different publications. But the fact is that if you’re looking for a warm climate that’s close by, affordable AirBNBs and condos, as well as more award-winning eateries than you could possibly eat in a week, Charleston is the spot for you. If you own more than one pair of coral shorts, you’ll love Isle of Palms. If you’re more a Rainbow flip flop kind of couple, Folly Beach offers a more relaxed vibe. Grab cocktails after hitting the beach on Sullivan’s Island, shop on King Street and grab amazing seafood plates at 167 Raw.
1. Santa Cruz, CA
Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to live in a tree house but your parents moved to that new neighborhood that barely had a sapling and it broke your heart? (No? Just us?) Anyway, what if you could spend your honeymoon in a tree house?! The dream can be a reality in Santa Cruz with their treehouse AirBNB. It’s glamping at its finest, and even though it may not be the cheapest option on our list, it’s certainly the most unique.

Happy necking, you crazy kids!
April 20, 2018
Learning To Deal With Your Mother -in- Law

You did it! You just survived your dream wedding with Mr. Perfect (who did, by the way, put a ring on it). But the honeymoon was short lived and reality has set in. While you might have married Mr. McDreamy, he is a package deal and you, in turn, married his mom, Mrs. McDreadful.

via GIPHY

focus on the positive

For those looking for some life hacks on how to stay calm even though you want to strangle your man’s mom, read on. As someone who has been there and lived it, I’m happy to share my advice, but I will be expecting one of those precious thank-you notes with your new monogram letter pressed on top after you are done with this.

We only have so many rips to give in this life, so ration them carefully. Every annoying habit, each comment under her breath, and all the suggestions she passive aggressively makes are bound to set you off, making you want to click your Jimmy Choos three times to have her disappear. But honestly, Dorothy, if you let every behavior you deem inappropriate get you caught up in a twister, you will be seriously misusing some of your limited supply of mental energy. And, more importantly, will accomplish nothing.

via GIPHY

Practice strategic apathy; reserve your energy for a small number of important things. If it helps, don’t think of it as apathy; think of it as focus. Focus on the positive: you married a great guy, so your mother-in-law must have done something right in child rearing. After all, he is the man you fell in love with.

when not to be honest

We have all heard the adage that the truth will set you free, but, there are certain situations where fortune cookie advice is just not applicable. Now I am not suggesting being Vice President of the dirty, pretty little liars club, but I am seriously endorsing you learn and practice the art form of when not to be honest.

Honesty is nice in principle, but not everyone appreciates total, brutal honesty. Put on your Willy Wonka costume before directly confronting your MIL or unfriending her on FB, because you’re going to need to sugar coat and chocolate glaze the sh*t out of it. Telling the truth may help set people straight (and yourself free), but consider the consequences of your actions as well as the feelings of your husband and your MIL.

Be your own guide

Every day is an adventure; be your own tour guide, because this journey is not equipped with a GPS. You’re going to feel lost at times as you and your husband navigate your new roles and responsibilities of cohabiting and settling into the married life. It is normal and real and doesn’t make you an unequipped wife.

It’s completely acceptable to kindly tell your MIL that you would share more of that journey with her if she would stop pushing her opinions on you guys. Tell her that you both are doing the best you can with the circumstances you are presented with. When you need to, breathe in light blue and breathe out navy. Don’t force your husband to choose sides. Let us not forget that, he chose you, but he didn’t get to choose his mother.

be happy

In the end, the relationship with your MIL isn’t about being right; it’s about being happy, so try not to engage in a power struggle. Drop the chip on your shoulder so that you can move on in a productive fashion and be a happy and mentally healthy version of yourself.

PSA: Your new mom isn’t going anywhere. So dig deep and find little moments to get her involved in your life. Her involvement in your life is a privilege, not a right; however, you should do everything in your power to allow that privilege. Plus, let’s face it; you’re going to need a reliable babysitter eventually.

April 13, 2018
Six Ways to Preserve your Wedding Memories Forever

This is the official call for all the Leslie Knopes out there who love a little planning. And for those who don’t love planning, consider this to be the cure to any and all of your post-wedding blues. You just planned every detail of a wedding for a year and then every day of a week-long honeymoon. Now’s your chance to capture and relive some of those magical moments!

The Dress

This one’s easy: just drop it off and swipe your card! Get your wedding dress and veil preserved at a dry cleaners and store it in a safe, dry place. Be sure to read online reviews if you don’t already have a cleaner you trust. You don’t want to give it to just any old Mom & Pop.

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The Ring

If it’s been awhile since you cleaned your ring, yours is probably coated in lotion, self tanner, sweat, or brunch leftovers. Buy a ring cleaner on Amazon to keep it shiny every day and take it to the jewelry store every six months to get it serviced. Tip: most stores will also replace loose or missing diamonds, so be sure to cash in on that service too.

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The Photos

Store digital copies of your photos and video(s) or upload them to a hard drive in case your laptop from college finally burns out for good. In case you didn’t know, Amazon Prime and Google Photos also offer unlimited photo storage.

Scrapbook wedding photos and frame your favorites for your home. Bonus: frame a few family shots and you’ve got great Christmas presents that are relatively inexpensive!

The Invite

Save, scrapbook or professionally frame your invitation or special RSVPs (think: your elderly relatives). They’ll be great keepsakes to pass down.

The Flowers

Dry your bouquet or press your flowers and boutonnieres, but only if you have a great place to store them. If this is going to take up precious space in your new home and your parents can’t offer a great storage spot, then simply keep the photos.

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The License

Your wedding license will inevitably be asked for a hundred times in the future–health insurance, name change and more. Put the original in a fire-proof safe and make a couple of copies to be safe.

Now you can be assured that all of your memories are safe. Go relax; you deserve it.

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April 6, 2018