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Tag: Hyphenate Name after Marriage

  • 5 Romantic Fall Travel Destinations

    5 Romantic Fall Travel Destinations

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

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

     

    Asheville, North Carolina

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

     

    Jackson Hole, Wyoming

     

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

     

    New Orleans, Louisiana 

     

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

     

    Acadia National Park, Maine

     

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

     

    St. Augustine, Florida

     

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

     

  • 5 Fun Fall Date Ideas

    5 Fun Fall Date Ideas

     

    Fall is such an idyllic time of year. The summer winds down, and the leaves begin to change into a beautiful assortment of warm colors. The temperatures begin to drop, and flannel and thick socks return as wardrobe staples. And most importantly, there is a whole slew of new date ideas that are perfect for the season! Whether you are looking to go out or stay in with that special someone, we have got some fun and romantic suggestions to check out below. From festivals to hikes to scary movies, there are some great fall date ideas that you will want to start planning for yourself and your partner! 

     

    Attend a Fall Festival

    Attending a fall festival is a must-do fall activity. It’s also a great date idea! There are often a few to choose from throughout the season, depending on your area. Fall festivals usually have tons to do, with food vendors, craft vendors, games, and more. They are fun ways to get out and have fun with your date. A lot of fall festivals also have fall-themed activities like corn mazes and hay rides. Enjoy wandering around the event with your date while trying different foods and drinks, shopping for handmade items, and seeing all the festival has to offer. 

     

    Take a Hike and a Picnic in the Park

     

    Another great fall date idea requires lacing up your hiking boots and packing up a picnic meal. Going for a hike in the fall can be a peaceful and romantic date experience, especially if you are in an area with a lot of deciduous trees. Do some research beforehand to choose the right park and hiking trail for you and your date. You likely won’t want to choose anything too lengthy or strenuous (unless hiking is your thing – more power to you!) Bonus points if your hike leads you to a particularly scenic spot, like near a waterfall or overlook. Share a delicious picnic meal with tasty treats you and your date enjoy. Lean into the fall theme with an apple or pumpkin dessert – the perfect treat for a perfect fall hike and picnic.  

     

    Have a Cozy Night on the Town

    We know, we know. You’ve heard of a cozy night in – but a cozy night on the town? Let us explain how a cozy night on the town is a wonderful fall date idea. Firstly, you can bundle up in comfy fall clothes like flannels and chunky knits. Next, you and your date can head over to a shopping district in your area. You are looking for somewhere with the following places close to each other: a restaurant, a bookstore, a café, and a dessert shop. Once you are all dressed up and ready to go, you and your date can enjoy a delicious meal at your chosen restaurant. After that, explore a nearby bookstore looking for your next favorite read. The night is still young, so stop by a café for a hot beverage like coffee, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider to warm up on a cool fall night. Finish the night with a sweet treat from a dessert shop for a perfect end to a lovely, cozy night on the town. 

     

    Host a Scary Movie Night

    Having a scary movie night is another awesome fall date idea. They are a fun excuse to stay inside and spend hours in front of the TV while digging into an assortment of snacks. If this sounds like an ideal date for you, keep reading! For your scary movie night (or not-so-scary movie night), you will want to pick two to four movies themed around spooky or scary plots. From classics to newer films to family-friendly options, there are a lot to choose from! Verify that you have access to play or stream them beforehand. For the setup, you will want to turn your living room into a comfortable, dimly lit environment. Make sure you have an adequate amount of lighting and plenty of throw blankets and pillows. For the snack spread, you can never go wrong with popcorn and candy. Incorporate some fall treats into the mix, like candy corn, candied apples, or pumpkin bread. Watch some thrilling movies with your date while feasting on tasty fall snacks for a perfect scary movie night.  

     

    Go on a Camping Trip

    A camping trip is a fun fall date option for those who like to be outdoorsy! Camping in the fall is enjoyable because of the cooler weather, fewer bugs, and quieter campgrounds. Pick a great campsite for you and your date, and make sure you pack all the essential camping gear like a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, food, and water. Fun bonuses to pack include a telescope or binoculars for stargazing and dry kindling and equipment to start a bonfire. Enjoy making s’mores with your date while exchanging scary campfire stories over a bonfire. Set up in a clearing to do some stargazing on a crisp fall night. Enjoy so many great aspects of fall during this fun camping date!

     

  • 5 Easy and Affordable Fall Décor Tips

    5 Easy and Affordable Fall Décor Tips

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

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

     

    Make a DIY Fall Leaf Wreath

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

     

    Display Gourds Around Your Home

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

    Warm Color Accents

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

     

    Add in the Smell of FalL

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

     

    Think About Winter, Too

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

     

  • 6 Wedding Venue Types

    6 Wedding Venue Types

    Your wedding venue is one of the most integral aspects of your wedding. It is the place your wedding is held. It hosts your big day and your closest friends and family. It provides a background to all your wedding photos and video. Choosing your wedding venue is such an important decision when it comes to wedding planning, so we are here to go over some things to consider when making your decision. We will also dive into some cool wedding venue types and what they each provide in terms of location and style. 

    When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, it is important to do your research and consider your options. Here are some factors to consider:

    • When do you want to have your wedding?
    • How many guests do you plan to invite to your wedding?
    • Do you want to hold your wedding ceremony inside or outside?
    • What theme are you considering for your wedding? Is there a particular type of venue that would work best with your theme?

    Your wedding venue can be a reflection of your personality, and these starter questions can guide you as you begin scouting out places for consideration. It is recommended that you visit at least 5-7 different venues before you make a final decision. Try scheduling tours of 2-3 venues at a time so that you can make quick comparisons without it becoming too overwhelming. Each tour can help you solidify what you are looking for in a venue and provide you with opportunities to refine what you want as needed. We’ve listed some wedding venue types below for you to consider for your big day.

    Garden

    Gardens are beautiful wedding venues for those that want to be surrounded by calming greenery. These venues easily become fairytale-like spaces, with blooming flowers are butterflies fluttering throughout. If you are considering an outdoor wedding, a garden can be a fantastic option for you. Check out botanical gardens in the city you wish to hold your wedding in and see what kind of packages they offer. Many have several places on the property that can be transformed into wedding spaces, depending on the size of your wedding.

    Hotel or Resort

    A hotel or resort can be a great, common option for your wedding venue. These places are often well-versed at holding weddings and have large event or banquet halls that you can book. There are likely packages that you can book with catering, wedding cakes, accommodations, and spa treatments all included, which make planning your wedding so much simpler! Hotels and resorts are able to accommodate large weddings and offer great amenities in general, like restaurants, spas, and pools. They are also often located in popular destinations, with great locations no matter what city you would like to have your wedding in. 

    Beach

    A beachside wedding is a popular outdoor wedding option. Powdery white sands, gorgeous blue waters, and the sounds of waves crashing on the shore are all alluring factors that come with having your wedding at the beach. Whether you are considering a small wedding, a large wedding, or somewhere in between, the beach can be large enough or intimate enough to accommodate your party. 

    Museum

    If you can spend days just wandering around a museum, they might be the perfect wedding venue for you. Having a museum for yourself and your wedding can be an exciting prospect. Many museums allow you to hold ceremonies and receptions in cool exhibits, such as amongst dinosaur fossils or in the museum’s planetarium. Museums are typically located in city centers, and museum staff can possibly assist with other wedding planning aspects. If this sounds like a dream location, a museum might be the perfect wedding venue for you.

    Vineyard

    Vineyards are romantic locations with rolling fields and natural settings. They are often removed from population-heavy areas, providing a more private and quiet option for a venue. Vineyards provide spectacular backdrops for photographs. If you are looking for a well-thought-out catering menu, look no further than a vineyard! Vineyards are well-versed in putting together delicious menus with impeccable wine pairings. 

    Vacation Rental

    A vacation rental can be a wonderful option for those who are considering a more DIY approach. In terms of location and layout, you have many, many options to choose from. Vacation rentals are often large and luxurious, and some of them have aspects of other venue types, like a private beach or garden, or close proximity to the city. With enough rooms to accommodate your wedding party or a smaller wedding in its entirety, vacation rentals can provide an intimate getaway for your wedding. Just make sure to discuss what you are looking for with the property owner or host. They may be thrilled with the prospect of an onsite wedding – especially if professional photography and rave reviews are involved. 

  • 7 Fun Activities to Do with the Kids This Fall

    7 Fun Activities to Do with the Kids This Fall

     

    The official beginning of fall is just around the corner. And with the change in seasons comes a change in weather. Soon, we will enjoy some colder weather and see the trees begin to transition. Cooler days and the leaves changing mean a new perspective for local walks and hikes. Plus, it is a great excuse to snuggle up with a soft throw blanket, a good book, and some hot chocolate. Autumn produce, pumpkin spice, apple picking, and fall festivals are all happening soon enough as well. 

    We are here to recommend some fun activities to do with your kids this fall. From crafting to baking to outdoor walks, these events and things to do will have you and your family enjoying the unique things that make fall such a cool, cozy time of the year in no time!

     

    Go Apple Picking at an Orchard

     

    Fall is a great time to go apple picking. For a lot of places, there are different apple varieties in season from August through November. Apple picking is a scenic activity and a perfect way for you and your kids to disconnect from the world for a little while. Do some research and find an orchard within driving distance of your home. Many orchards will list admission prices on their website, with admission including a picking bag for your apples. You can also check to see what apple varieties will be ripe for the picking when you plan to go if you have a preferred type of apple. Wander the orchard with your kids and pick your favorite apples along the way. When you get home, you will have plenty of apples for baking, applesauce, apple cider, and of course, simply enjoying the taste of a fresh-picked apple.

     

    Make Your Own Halloween Costumes

    Halloween is a thrilling fall holiday with spooky fun, candy, and great movies to watch. If you and your kids like to go out treat-or-treating, making your own Halloween costumes is an awesome fall activity to do together. Everyone can choose what they want to be and make costumes DIY-style. Depending on the costume, you may be able to repurpose existing outfits and accessorize them accordingly. Look online on sites like Pinterest for inspiration and ideas. Be prepared to make a trip or two to the craft store for this one!

     

    Take a Hike in the Park

     

    Another great way to enjoy the season with your kids is to take a hike in the park. Choose a weekend morning and your favorite park or preserve. Bundle up accordingly and head out on a refreshing hike. See all the fall colors displayed on the leaves all around you. You can make a game out of finding the prettiest fall leaves to take home with you. Pack a picnic lunch and dine outside amongst the foliage for a memorable fall day. 

     

    Make a Craft Out of Fall Leaves

    If you are some ways through the season and your kids have amassed a small collection of fall leaves, consider instituting a craft day for them! Fall leaves are great craft materials because there are so many things that you can do with them. You can glue them onto paper for a pretty collage, string them together for banners and decor, or paint and press them onto paper for cool prints. There are tons of fun options for this low-budget, creative activity to enjoy with the kids. 

     

    Attend a Local Fall Festival

    Most cities and towns will host an event to celebrate the season, like a fall festival. Check your local calendar and see when you and your kids will be able to attend one. This fall activity is full of entertaining things to do. Fall festivals usually include food and craft vendors, live entertainment, and games for the kids, so make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate fall with your community.

    Bake an Apple-Based Dessert

     

    Whether or not you make your way to an orchard, your kids will love assisting you in baking a delicious fall dessert. There are plenty of desserts that feature one of fall’s favorite fruits. From apple crisp to apple cobbler to classic apple pie, there are tons of options to choose from. Gather all the ingredients you will need for your chosen recipe and get to baking! Kid-friendly tasks include washing apples, rolling out pie dough, and taste-testing! 

    Visit a Pumpkin Patch

    Nothing says fall like visiting a pumpkin patch. These are cool places to go to, with tons of pumpkins to choose from. Walk the patch with your kids, and make sure to take some pictures together – pumpkin patches are awesome for photo opts! Everybody can pick out their own pumpkins for carving jack-o’-lanterns to display outside for Halloween. You can also take one home for more fall-inspired baking fun. Pumpkin pies, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin muffins are just a few tasty treats that come to mind here. 

     

  • 6 Rainy Day Date Ideas

    6 Rainy Day Date Ideas

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

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

    Head Over to Your Local Bowling Alley

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

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

    Visit a Local Museum

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

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

    Play a Round of Indoor Mini-Golf

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

    Make Your Way Through an Escape Room

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

    Stop by a Karaoke Bar

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

    See a Movie at the Theater

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

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

     

  • Post-Wedding Blues – It’s Real

    Post-Wedding Blues – It’s Real

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

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

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

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

     

    4 Tips on Dealing with Post-Wedding Blues:

    Talk to Your Spouse

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

    Plan a Celebration

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

    Unpack Your Wedding Gifts

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

     

    Flip Through Your Wedding Photos

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

     

  • 6 Labor Day Weekend Plans

    6 Labor Day Weekend Plans

     

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

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

    Go Kayaking

     

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

     

    Attend a Festival

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

     

    Have a Picnic

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

     

    Visit a Botanical Garden

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

     

    Go to the Farmer’s Market

     

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

     

    See an Outdoor Movie

     

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

  • 4 Tips on Getting Used to Your New Last Name

    4 Tips on Getting Used to Your New Last Name

     

    If you have recently gotten hitched, congratulations! 

    There are many big decisions that come with this major life change, like whether or not you will change your last name. If you have decided to take your spouse’s last name, you may be excited at the prospect of sharing this identity-defining element with them. You may also be intimated by the amount of work that goes into changing your last name beyond the marriage certificate. 

    Between your home, utility bills, and bank accounts, it can seem like there are an overwhelming number of places you need to update your name. You may consider getting assistance from a name change service instead of doing it all by yourself. Especially after extensive planning for a wedding or elopement, showers, honeymoon, etc., you probably just want to enjoy your new, married life with your spouse instead of getting caught up in tedious paperwork. 

    If you find yourself slipping up and using your maiden name or just don’t feel like your new last name is completely yours yet, we have put together some tips that will help you get used to your new name. The name change transition doesn’t have to be difficult to navigate; it is important to enjoy this incredible time in your life with your new spouse. So, check out the tips below that will have your new last name rolling off your tongue in no time!

     

    1. Update All Your Accounts as Soon as Possible

     

    No doubt, over time, you have collected a grand amount of accounts in your name. In addition to your ID or license and passport, there is the lease or deed for your home, utility bills, bank accounts, loans, and credit cards that will all need to be updated, not to mention your doctor, dentist, and pharmacy! It’s important to get all of these updated as soon as possible so that you aren’t running into accounts that need to be updated all throughout your first year of marriage and beyond, which can be annoying and frustrating to deal with. There are name change services that offer different packages with pre-completed name change forms to assist with the name change process. Once you get all of your accounts updated, you will start seeing your new name in email and mail correspondence – and the more you see it, the easier it will be to get used to your new last name. 

     

    2. Social Media Update

    Chances are, you didn’t invite everyone you have ever met to your wedding. Whether you had a large ceremony, a smaller one, or decided to elope, there are people in your life that weren’t a part of the festivities. When you go to update your name on sites like Facebook and Instagram, we recommend posting a social media update to your circle of friends and followers, letting them know about your name change. (It is also a great excuse to share some photos from your wedding ceremony and reception!) In addition to lovely well-wishes, everyone on your friends’ list, from old coworkers to distant cousins, will know about your new last name. All you have to do is hit “Post,” and soon, not only you but everyone in your life will get used to your new last name. 

     

    3. Update Your Email Signatures

    So, you are back in the office after your wedding and honeymoon and received many congratulations from your coworkers. You already met with HR to update your paperwork, work ID or badge, and anything else of high importance. Maybe you think everything is all squared away already, then you sit down to check your work email and realize that is not the case. It’s time to update your email signatures! Depending on your job, you may also need a new email address routed to your inbox if your company uses any version of your name as part of your email address. Make sure to update your email signature as well to ensure that all future correspondence is accurately addressed to you.

     

    4. Treat Yourself to New Monogrammed Accessories


    This is a fun one! You have gone through all the paperwork, updated all your bills, and informed everyone in your life of your marriage and name change. Time to celebrate with some new accessories. There are many cool and custom items out there that you can get to show off your new last name, like stationary, luggage tags, and jewelry. Treat yourself to something new and fun that will also assist you in getting used to your new last name. Hop on a site like Etsy, where there are many shops that create custom products for their customers, and find something that speaks to you and your new name. It is an excellent way to commemorate a most important life change.

     

  • 5 Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas 

    5 Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas 

    A wedding anniversary is a wonderful time to reflect on all the time that you have spent with your spouse. Looking back at fond memories can also serve as inspiration for wedding anniversary gift ideas.

     

    Another inspiration can be to look at a list of traditional wedding gifts by year. Paper is for the first anniversary; wood is for the fifth anniversary; tin or aluminum is for the tenth anniversary. If your spouse appreciates attention to detail and sentimentality, traditional gifts by year is a great aspect to keep in mind as you look for gift ideas (i.e., Tickets to an event can be a fun paper gift for a first wedding anniversary!)

     

    When it comes to anniversary gifts, there are many different routes you can take because every person and relationship is different. We’re here to recommend some great ideas and inspiration for gifts that will be adored by your spouse and assist in making your anniversary a fun and happy celebration.

     

    An Experience 

     

    An experience can come in many forms. If you and your spouse enjoy going out to different events and places, an experience might be the perfect gift to give on your anniversary! There are so many options when it comes to experiences, so these are very customizable to your relationship. Would your spouse love tickets to see their favorite band? Would they be over the moon to receive tickets to a live production like a play or musical?

    If your spouse is a thrill-seeker, maybe your experience gift is an adventure-based activity like zip lining or a kayak tour. If they enjoy art, maybe they will enjoy a series of weeknight art classes. The most important aspects when it comes to gifting an experience is to know what your spouse would appreciate most and whether it is an experience that you will share together.

     

    Home Décor

     

    Home décor is another great option for a wedding anniversary gift with many opportunities for individuality. If you wish to give your spouse a gift made of material from a traditional wedding anniversary gift list (wood, copper, aluminum, etc.), this is an excellent option. When it comes to home décor, you will want to choose something that is both timeless and fitting to your existing home design. 

     

    You can gift your spouse a vintage desk for their office space or a new bookcase for displaying books and trinkets. You can also choose to gift them a work of art like a painting or print. Online stores like Etsy can provide creative ideas and often have custom-made options. An artsy print of your spouse’s hometown or a painting from an artist they love are both great gifts to present them with for your anniversary.

     

    Jewelry

    Jewelry is a classic anniversary gift idea. And there are so many options for you to choose from. Take a visit to your local jewelry to see what catches your eye. If possible, visit the one you and your spouse purchased your wedding rings from. You will likely see some jewelry in the vein of the same style of your rings, making it easier to find something that matches your spouse’s existing jewelry. 

     

    Some ideas for jewelry include watches, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. This is another gift option that you can think about customizing. You can choose your spouse’s favorite gemstone or their birthstone. You can also get many pieces engraved with your wedding anniversary date or a small, written expression of your love.

    Tools for Hobbies

     

    Chances are, your spouse has something that they love to do outside of work. It could be a form of art, like painting or photography; a craft like knitting or crocheting; a type of exercise like yoga or kickboxing; or something else! Another awesome wedding anniversary gift idea is to gift your spouse new tools for their hobbies. This is also an amazing way to show that you support their interests. Depending on the hobby, this can be a new camera lens or bag, new paintbrushes or canvas, or another object that will inspire them to continue pursuing their passions.

     

    A Vacation

    If you are looking for a grand wedding anniversary gift, a vacation might be a good option for you! There are many different places that you can choose for an anniversary vacation, whether it be a spot you and your spouse have enjoyed in the past or somewhere new that you both have been dreaming of visiting. 

     

    Consider what would be an optimal and romantic choice for you and your spouse to enjoy. It could be a cruise around the Caribbean, an extended weekend trip at a cozy bed and breakfast, or even a hiking trek at a scenic national park! You can also check with the hotel or venue that hosted your wedding or your honeymoon destination. They often provide great deals for spouses that wish to revisit.