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Tag: Change married name

  • 6 Family-Friendly Spring Break Ideas

    6 Family-Friendly Spring Break Ideas

    Spring break is the perfect time for families to bond and create lasting memories. With the kids out of school and the warm weather and longer days, it is a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time together and explore different places. Sometimes, finding family-friendly spring break activities can be challenging, especially when there are so many options to choose from! Having a lot of options isn’t a bad thing though, because that makes it easier for you to make spring break plans that offer something for everyone in the family. When planning your trip, be sure to consider your family’s interests and preferences to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience. 

    Whether you want to relax on the beach or hit the slopes, there is a spring break activity that will create unforgettable memories for you and your family. In this article, we will explore some of our favorite family-friendly spring break ideas that will create unforgettable experiences for everyone!

     

    Take a Beach Vacation 

    One of the most popular spring break destinations is the beach – and it makes sense for everyone who wants to thaw out from the previous winter season. With endless stretches of sand, warm waters, and plenty of fun activities, the beach is the perfect spot for families to unwind and have fun. Whether you want to work on your tan in the sun, relax and read a book, build sandcastles, or take a dip in the ocean, the beach offers something for everyone. Additionally, many beach towns have a variety of family-friendly restaurants and shops that cater to families, meaning it will be easy to find places to eat and other activities to enjoy while you are on your vacation.

     

    Visit Theme Parks

     

    If your family loves thrills and excitement, a trip to a theme park (or two) may be just what you need to celebrate your spring break together! There are many theme parks across the country that offer rides, games, and attractions for all ages. There are thrill rides, kiddie rides, firework shows, shops, places to eat, and so much more at theme parks. Whether you’re a roller coaster enthusiast or prefer something more low-key, theme parks are a great way to create extraordinary memories. And the great thing is that it is all in one place – making the planning aspect of your trip a breeze! There are tons of theme parks with resort hotels that offer transportation to the parks, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities to keep the whole family happy and having fun even when you’re not at the parks. So, consider bundling a resort hotel and theme park tickets when booking your trip. Not only can you get great deals – your trip basically plans itself! 

     

    Go on a National Park Adventure 

    Spring is a wonderful time to visit national parks because the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than they are in the summer months. National parks offer families the opportunity to explore nature and learn about the environment. Many parks have hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon are just a few of the many national parks that are perfect for a family adventure, but there are plenty of parks to choose from, whether you are ready to travel far or explore a national park in your state. Just note that when it comes to staying onsite at a national park, accommodations should often be booked as far in advance as possible – though don’t fret if you are not able to stay somewhere within the park! There are often many hotels and vacation rentals to choose from just outside the parks, and your park entry fee is valid for seven days, so you can come and go as you please.

     

    Disconnect While Camping

     

     

    Camping is a fantastic way to disconnect from technology and connect with nature. Spring break is an excellent time to go camping because the weather is balmy, and the bugs aren’t as bad as they are in the summer. Camping offers families the opportunity to hike and stargaze. Additionally, many campsites have family-friendly activities such as outdoor movies, campfire songs, and marshmallow roasts.

     

    Explore on a Road Trip 

    A road trip is an excellent way to explore new places and spend time together as a family during spring break. There are many scenic routes across the country that offer breathtaking views and exciting attractions. Plan stops along the way to visit landmarks, museums, and other points of interest. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and games to keep everyone entertained during the drive!

     

    Plan a Ski Trip

     

    If your family loves winter sports, a ski trip may be the perfect spring break activity. Many ski resorts offer family-friendly activities such as tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Additionally, many resorts have ski schools and programs for children of all ages. Skiing is an excellent way to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors as a family.

     

  • How to Find Yourself Again After Divorce

    How to Find Yourself Again After Divorce

     

    Sometimes, marriage doesn’t work out – and there can be so many reasons why. What we know for certain is that going through a divorce is a difficult and emotionally taxing experience. There are a lot of things to discuss and divide. It is natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. After the dust settles, however, it is imperative to start thinking about how to get back out there and start living your life again. 

     

    To help, we have put together some tips to guide you toward finding yourself again after a divorce. We know that getting back out there can be a challenging and sensitive journey. Though by giving yourself time to heal, creating a support network, and a few other tips, you will be able to move forward and create a new, fulfilling life for yourself!

     

    Give Yourself Time to Heal

    Time is one of our most valuable currencies. How we choose to use it can be make-or-break for so many aspects of life. It is so important to take some time to process your emotions and give yourself space to heal after a divorce. Divorce can be a distressing experience, and it is normal to feel a range of emotions when going through one. Anger, sadness, and even relief are common reactions people feel during this time. Because this is such a pivotal and emotional time, it is crucial that you allow yourself time to heal. Acknowledge your grief and work through your feelings before moving forward or entering new relationships.

     

    Rediscover Yourself

     

    After being in a marriage for any amount of time, it is common to lose touch with who you are as an individual – and more so for long-term marriages. When it comes to finding yourself again after divorce, it is important that you take time to rediscover yourself and your interests. By reacquainting yourself with hobbies and activities you love but maybe haven’t done in a while, you will be able to reconnect with your passions and the things that make you happy. 

    And don’t stop there! In addition to doing things you used to enjoy, make sure to make room for trying new things. We are always growing and changing. In reflection of that, we recommend experimenting with new hobbies, taking a class and learning something new, or traveling to a new place. Doing old and new things that make you feel happy and fulfilled will help you regain your sense of self and build confidence during this vital time.

     

    Create a Support Network

     

    Going through a divorce can feel isolating. The person that was a constant in your life is no longer there. No matter how things end, it is natural to feel a sort of emptiness or lack in your life immediately after a divorce. In this tough time, it is essential to have people in your life who can provide you with emotional support. Reach out to trusted friends and family to talk and spend time with. The people that are closest to you will be more than happy to step in and do what they can to help you during this time. Sometimes, it helps to join a support group and talk to people who are going through a similar experience or have already gone through it and can provide clarity and perspective. Don’t feel bad if you are struggling during this time. Divorce is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful life events you can experience. It might help to talk to a therapist. Having a support network can help you process your emotions, provide perspective, and help you navigate the challenges of starting your next chapter.

     

    Be Open to New Experiences

     

    After a divorce, it is natural to feel apprehensive about putting yourself out there again. However, it is important to be open to new experiences and opportunities in life. After you have given yourself time to grieve and process and heal, make sure to hold on to that growth and momentum and try new experiences. Being open to new experiences will help with your continual efforts to move forward. Try online dating, attend social events, or join a club or group that aligns with your interests. By being open and putting yourself out there, you increase your chances of meeting new people and finding new, meaningful connections.

     

    Be Patient

     

    Healing doesn’t happen overnight. Getting back out there after a divorce can be challenging and frustrating at times. It is key to be patient with yourself and the process that you are going through. You don’t want to rush into new relationships or put pressure on yourself to find someone quickly. Remember that healing and moving on takes a lot of time and effort, so be gentle with yourself along the way! Take it one day at a time and know that it does, in fact, get better.

     

  • Last Minute 4 of Our Favorite Winter Travel Destinations

    Last Minute 4 of Our Favorite Winter Travel Destinations

     

     

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

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

    Breckenridge, Colorado 

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

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

     

    Savannah, Georgia

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

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

     

    Valley View in the winter Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite National Park, California

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

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

     

    New Orleans, Louisiana

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

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

     

  • 5 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

    5 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

    Choosing the right wedding photographer can be such an important part of your big day. Your photographer is the one that is going to beautifully capture all the amazing details you have been planning and arranging for months upon months. They will photograph the lovely venue you chose, the floral arrangements, the food, the cake, all your guests having an amazing time, and most importantly, you and your partner! 

    There are a lot of different wedding photographers out there. They will all have different prices, packages, availability, portfolios, and of course, personalities! It might seem like an overwhelming decision to make (on top of the hundreds of other wedding-related decisions you must make!), but we are here to provide some great tips that will help you choose the right wedding photographer for you and your partner. 

    Side note: Before getting started with choosing a wedding photographer, talk with your friends and family and ask if they have anyone they would recommend either from their own wedding experience or through a personal connection. You can still do your own search, but it doesn’t hurt to get some different recommendations. You might end up with a photographer that has been pre-vetted by someone you trust – plus the possibility of a discount from being referred.

    Figure Out Your Budget (And Stick to It!)

    First off, you need to figure out your budget for wedding photography. Every couple will have a different amount in mind. Check out what you have already scheduled and your overall wedding budget. You will want to dig deep and start asking some questions about what you are hoping to experience and receive with different photography packages.

    Think about elements of wedding photography and how important they are, such as:

    • Do you want to budget for an engagement shoot?
    • How important is the amount of experience your photographer has?
    • Are there any non-negotiables regarding price points?

    These questions can help you and your partner figure out what you want and how it fits into your budget. 

     

    Find Someone with a Portfolio that Matches Your Style

    Now that you have a budget in mind, it is time to think about your style! If you haven’t quite decided on a photography style yet, now is the time to do so. One of the most crucial elements of selecting a wedding photographer is to make sure that they match your style. Photography is an art, and there are a lot of different styles of art out there. Will you be looking for something simple and timeless? Elegant and classic? If you have a theme for your wedding, you likely want it conveyed in your photos. Seek out photographers that have portfolios that will back up their experience in your specific style.

     

    Make Sure They Have Experience Shooting Your Venue Type

     

    Making sure that your chosen photographer has experience shooting your venue type is incredibly important – especially if you have a unique venue. You wouldn’t want to book a photographer that has never done an outdoor wedding if you are hosting yours in a garden. Beach weddings can present their own challenges with the winds, tides, and sun, so it is crucial that you pick a photographer that is aware of all that so they can capture the best photos of your wedding day! 

     

    Work with Your Photographer Before the Wedding

    If your budget allows for it, we suggest working with your photographer ahead of the wedding to ensure that they are a great fit for you and your partner. You can book them for an engagement photoshoot, which will give you a great opportunity to see if they are the right photographer for your wedding. Consider it a trial run to make sure that they can provide clear communication while keeping things enjoyable and positive. Chemistry can be very important in creating a good experience. You will be able to see the quality of the photos taken for the engagement shoot and make sure the quality and style are what you want for your wedding photos. 

     

    Ask About the Photo Editing Timeline and Copyrights

     

    If you opt for an engagement shoot with your photographer, you will also be able to experience their timeline and copyright policies firsthand. It is important, either way, to make sure that you are receiving your photos how and when you want. Keep in mind that after your wedding, your photographer will still have work to do! Photo editing is a crucial part of the photography process. The photographer will go through all the photos they took, select the best ones, polish up shots with editing, and make your finished photos look pristine! 

    In addition to when you receive your wedding photos, you will want to make sure you know how you will receive them. Photos are usually available digitally for viewing, sharing, and downloading. Some photography packages will include a CD or USB drive of all the photos. Not all photographers will include the copyrights to the photos they take in their base packages, so inquire and make sure that you pick an option that you are comfortable with. Remember, these are photos that you will be looking back on for decades to come!

  • 4 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

    4 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

     

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

     

    A note on gifts…

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

    Enjoy a Remote Weekend Away

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

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

    Plan a Fun Night at Home

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

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

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

    Take a Class Together

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

     

    Get Competitive with Entertaining Games

    Shot of a attractive young couple choosing bowling balls

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

     

  • Not too late to make a vision board for 2023

    Not too late to make a vision board for 2023

     

     

    Happy New Year! While December tends to be a month of reflection for many, January is often seen as a time to start again – and this year is no different! Now that we’ve rung in 2023 and packed up our holiday décor, it’s time to focus on New Year’s resolutions and goals. A good way to enhance that focus is to create a vision board. 

    A vision board is a project that helps its creator visualize different things they want to achieve. Making a vision board is a wonderful way to take time and really think out your goals, including why and how you want to achieve them. If you are wondering what you would put on your vision board, think about something you want to do differently this year. For example, if one of your goals is to eat healthier meals, you can gather photos of some of your favorite healthy meals and research a few that you are excited to try and include those as well!

    Vision boards can be physical or digital creations. So, whether you prefer sitting down with some magazines and glue or want something you can save on your computer, there is an option for you! Make sure to set aside a good hour or two and queue up an upbeat playlist for this project. Keep reading for our step-by-step guide on how to make a vision board for 2023.

    Steps for How to Make a Vision Board:

    1. Visualize

     

     

    Now you’ve decided to make a vision board, the first step (believe it or not) is to visualize! You’ve possibly done a bit of this already if you have discussed New Year’s resolutions with friends and family. Think about what an ideal 2023 looks like for you. Are you traveling a lot? Exercising? Spending more time with loved ones? Giving it your all at work? Once you have a good visual of what you want the year to look like, it’s time to move forward.

    2. Create a List of Resolutions and Goals

    Once you know what you want your year to look like, it’s time to think about what you need to do to get there. Create a list of resolutions and goals for 2023 and think about seeing them through. What will it take to achieve your goals? Think about why you want to achieve your goals and make sure that you are passionate about them because that is the best way to ensure you will follow through on them. 

    Make a timeline and try to be realistic about it. If you tend to give up on your New Year’s resolutions after a few weeks, think about how and why this year is going to be different. If you haven’t already decided between a physical and a digital board, now is a great time to make that decision.

    3. Pick Out Inspiring Photos

    After you have thought out your 2023 resolutions and goals, it’s time for the fun part: picking out inspiring photos! If you are creating a physical vision board, this can mean flipping through your magazine collection in search of perfect images for your board. If you are making a digital vision board, it’s time to search online. 

    If you have your own photos to contribute, whether physical or digital, even better. If your goal is to travel more this year, what’s more inspiring than a stellar photo you took on your favorite trip? Pick out all your desired photos and set them aside for now.

    4. Write Some Helpful AffirmationS

    Without some helpful affirmations, your vision board can seem more like a collage. Affirmations are positive declarations that can provide you with reassurance as you work toward your goals. Your affirmations will motivate you to continue the path toward what you strive to achieve, so it’s important not to skip this step! If you don’t know where to start, hop online and search for positive affirmations. 

    You will find a ton of common and inspiring affirmations, such as “I am grateful for everything I have in life” or “I am not defined by my past; I am driven by my future.” Save the ones that inspire and resonate with you the most to include on your vision board.

    5. Put It All Together

    At this point, you will have visualized your 2023, created a list of resolutions and goals, picked out photos, and decided on some positive affirmations. It’s time to put it all together in your preferred form. Layer your images and affirmations together with your goals to create your masterpiece. 

    If you decide on a physical vision board, display it somewhere you will see often. If you decide on a digital vision board, make sure to save it somewhere easy to find and consider using it as your computer’s desktop background so that you will see it often.

    Whether you choose a physical or digital board, you will create an inspiring and creative piece that will provide motivation and a positive outlook throughout this year. Best of luck in achieving all your goals in 2023!

     

  • Wedding Shower Tips and Ideas 

    Wedding Shower Tips and Ideas 

    The idea that your spouse should arrive near the end of a bridal shower with flowers is becoming less common as more couples enter the wedding planning process together – likely their first big joint venture. Everyone wants to be included and participate in the festivities surrounding their wedding, so wedding showers (a co-ed version of a bridal shower) are becoming more typical. 

    You might be wondering how the co-ed aspect changes the etiquette involved in planning this pre-wedding event (who should host, when the shower should be scheduled, etc.) We’re here to share our planning tips and ideas to make sure that your wedding shower goes smoothly and successfully.

    Wedding Shower Etiquette 

     

    When should the wedding shower be scheduled?

    Wedding showers typically have a bit of wiggle room regarding when they should be scheduled. Any time between three months and two weeks before the wedding is recommended.

    Who should host the wedding shower?

    While bridal showers are normally hosted by bridesmaids or close women relatives, this co-ed event can be hosted by the wedding party or close relatives on either side. 

    Who should be invited to the wedding shower?

    Typically, guests will include close friends and family from the wedding guest list. Having your shower guest list decided on can be a big assistance when choosing a venue to host the event at.  

    When should invites for the wedding shower be sent out?

    You will want to make sure to send your wedding shower invitations out approximately four to six weeks prior to the event.

    Wedding Shower Tips and Ideas

    Set up your wedding shower registry early

    A wedding shower registry is different from your wedding registry. Aside from the event it is for, the differences between the two registries also include the types of items to list and receive. Wedding shower registries typically include smaller, more personalized presents due to the smaller, more intimate nature of a shower versus a wedding.  

    It is important to decide what kind of items you want to be listed on the shower registry and post the registry early so that it can be listed on your shower invitations. If you are lost between the differences between registries and don’t know what to list where, know many couples include small household décor items like picture frames and vases, items for personal enjoyment like wine and books, or donations to their favorite charities. 

    Choose a good venue

     

    Where you decide to host the wedding shower can depend on a myriad of details, such as where you are located, what season the event will be held, the size of your guest list, and the venue the wedding will be held. More intimate parties can be hosted at the home of a close relative or member of the wedding party. Slightly larger parties may want to consider a clubhouse or event space. If you are planning a large wedding party, you will probably want to consider checking with area hotels and estates to find a space to accommodate your shower.

    Pick a cool theme

    What is a party without a theme? For your wedding shower, your theme may go hand-in-hand with your venue. For example, if you are hosting the shower during summertime, you may consider throwing a barbeque-themed shower in someone’s backyard or a rented park pavilion. Have a couple of designated grillers and some comfort fixins’ for a relaxed, fun party. If you are hosting at the beach or a beach house, you can have a beach-themed shower with nautical décor and tropical bites. Smaller parties may enjoy a calm, intimate theme like a tea party or spa day. There are so many themes to choose from, and they are completely customizable to the couple being celebrated.

     

    Make a fantastic music playlist

    Once you have chosen the theme for the wedding shower, music might come naturally. Some input from the soon-to-be-wed couple can go a long way. Consult with them and see about playing some of their favorite songs and artists. There are likely to be songs of romantic significance they would appreciate being included, like a song that played on their first date or the night they celebrated their proposal. Songs with sentimental value will really personalize the playlist. Make sure to include a mix of fun songs to dance to and slow songs to carry on during dining and conversation. If you are lost, there are tons of pre-made playlists you can find online – just don’t forget to add some of those sentimental songs if possible!

     

    Have some fun games to play

     

    Many wedding showers will include games to entertain guests between eating and other event activities. Some popular options include sharing and deciphering personal moments in the couple’s life together, like having party guests write down their favorite memories with the couple for the couple to read aloud, collecting a number of photos starring the couple with guests trying to guess the locale the photos were taken. Games like vow-themed Mad Libs, where guests fill in blank spaces left in a traditional vow template, are sure to bring on some laughs.

     

  • 4 Tips for Your Wedding Registry and What to Include

    4 Tips for Your Wedding Registry and What to Include

     

    The time that you spend planning your wedding is part of an exciting and likely stressful part of your life. There is so much to think about and plan for this monumental event that will include your closest friends and family. One of the aspects of wedding planning is putting together a wedding registry so that your guests will be able to purchase items of your needs and choosing to celebrate and support you and your spouse in your new chapter in life. A wedding registry assists your loved ones with getting you exactly the right items and removes the mystery of the gifting process. It also reduces the chance of receiving duplicate items. (You don’t need three toasters, do you?)

    If you are ready to get started with putting together a wedding registry, you may be wondering when you should set up your wedding registry, as well as a few other questions. There are some dos and don’ts for establishing a wedding registry that you want to follow both as courtesies to your guests and to help facilitate this phase of the wedding planning process. 

    Some wedding registry questions we will cover with our tips:

    • When should I create a wedding registry?
    • What should and shouldn’t be on a wedding registry?
    • How many items should I have on my wedding registry?
    • What should I put on my wedding registry if I don’t need anything?

    We have put together a guide packed full of tips that will help you get started with creating your wedding registry, as well as some common items that you will want to include on it.

    Tips for Your Wedding Registry

     

     

    When should I create a wedding registry?

    You will likely want to create your wedding registry 7 to 9 months prior to the wedding. This timeframe is, of course, dependent on the timeframe in which you get engaged and the date you have set for the wedding. The general rule is the sooner, the better, especially if you have other wedding-related festivities planned during your engagement, such as an engagement party and a wedding shower. Having an established wedding registry early in the game takes one thing off your plate as you plan a million other pieces of these celebrations. 

    What should and shouldn’t be on a wedding registry?

    Some things to include on your registry are home goods like kitchenware and linens, which we will expand on a bit below. Things that shouldn’t be included on a wedding registry are personal gifts that are not for both you and your spouse, things that you don’t have space for or won’t end up using, and too many expensive items. 

     

    How many items should I have on my wedding registry?

    The simplest way to figure out how many items to include on your registry is to calculate about two gifts per guest on your guest list. So, if you plan on inviting 75 people to your wedding, having about 150 gifts on your registry is standard.

     

    What should I put on my wedding registry if I don’t need anything?

    If you have everything you need, you can consider listing newer gadgets and appliances on your wedding registry if you think it may soon be time to upgrade. You can also register for experiences, like a cooking class or theater tickets, or register for donations to your favorite charities. 

    What to Include

     

    Kitchenware and appliances

    There are plenty of kitchen-related items that you can include on your registry, such as cookware sets, a toaster oven, a new blender, glassware, and more! Spend some time in the kitchen to get a feel of what can be replaced and what would be helpful to have as you start this next chapter.

    Linens and bedding

    Linens and bedding are other great items to include on your registry. Towels, blankets, and comforter sets are excellent options to have listed.

    Home décor

    Home décor will likely include some of the big-ticket items on your wedding registry. Furniture, art, a TV, and other electronics are good items to include as you begin to create a home with your spouse after the wedding. 

    Charity, cash, and experiences

    If you are already living with your fiancé, it is likely that you have a lot of common items recommended to include on your wedding registry. If upgrading to newer appliances, linens, décor, etc., doesn’t seem like a good option for you, you can always consider registering for non-physical items, like charity donations, cash, and experiences. At the end of the day, your guests want to get the best things that you and your spouse will appreciate. If it turns out to be donations to your favorite charity, a cash registry, or a couples’ cooking class, your guests will be more than excited to contribute to that!

  • 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary

    5 Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary

     

     

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

     

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

     

    Recreate a Special Date

     

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

     

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

     

    Take a Romantic Trip

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

     

    Host a Dinner Party

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

     

    Enjoy a Staycation

     

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

     

    Do Something New Together

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

     

     

     

  • 8 Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Marriage

    8 Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Marriage

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

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

    Revisit these questions throughout your marriage! 

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

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

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

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

    Here Are 8 Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Marriage: 

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

     

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

    2. How should we communicate during difficult conversations?

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

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

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

    4. Do we want to have kids?

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

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

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

    6. Where do you want to live?

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

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

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

     

    8. is there anything else?

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