Hitchswitch-Blog

Tag: new last name

  • Gentleman’s Guide To Grooming

    Gentleman’s Guide To Grooming

    So you’ve finally decided to step up your game and get married, huh? Well, my friend, congratulations on making the love of your life, your partner for life. Unlike the bride, you probably have everything planned to perfection. The suit, the speech, the vows, the best man, the drive to the airport, the honeymoon…

    Hey, you’ve got no reason to stress! It’s your wedding day yaaaay! This is the best day of your life! After tonight, you’re going to be a husband to your beautiful partner, and you’re both probably going to be passed out drunk so honestly, don’t overthink anything.  

    I know when it comes to preparing, you’ve got everything figured out but…have you looked in a mirror lately? All that thinking and planning has got you looking like…well, not so great. It’s not like your buddies are rushing to take you out to the spa to get mani/pedis together.

    But you know what? You’re the groom, so you better believe a spa day is what you deserve before the big day.

    Don’t worry, man; I’m here to help. Read on to save a groom.

    Skin

    Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the human body? Skincare takes up a massive chunk of the beauty industry, rounding up a whopping $121 billion annually. It’s a shame we rarely see advertisements that encourage males to participate in skin care.

    But let me tell you why you should:
    -Men have larger pores than women.
    -Men tend to sweat more, which leads to dirtier and oiler skin.
    -Testosterone stimulation causes men’s surface to be 20-25% thicker than a woman’s.

    Women don’t have to be the only ones with radiant skin. Even though women are the audience the media targets, here’s what you can do to achieve that same glow and watch your skin transform.

    -Shave

    Shaving is one of the best things you can do for the skin as it helps in the removal of dead skin and oil buildup. Most men are uneducated about what razors to buy and what skincare routine would work best for them.

    When picking out shaving cream, you want the best for your skin. Harry’s shave cream is one of many that offers a uniques formula to help hydrate and soften your beard before shaving. It contains essential oils that will have you feeling refreshed plus aloe vera for a soothing effect.

    Best part? It’s paraben and sulfate free.

    -Moisturize

    Moisturizing is key to healthy and happy skin. There’s always a time and place for everything, right? Make sure to use a face wash that is free of harsh chemical and not only exfoliates but smooths your skin and leaves it GLOWING.

    The best time to apply moisturizer is after a shower.

    Pat your skin dry and apply! Your pores will still be open from the steam of your shower so the moisturizer will penetrate the skin’s surface with ease.

    When it comes to picking from the millions of moisturizers out there, the first thing you need to know is what skin type are you? Are you normal, dry, oily, or sensitive? Once you have all that figured out, pick a moisturizer that does not contain harsh ingredients as it will do significant damage to your skin!

    The following moisturizers are some of the best and will keep your skin healthy and hydrated! Don’t worry, they’re all affordable and won’t break the bank.

    – Harry’s Face Lotion- $8 (Best for dry skin)
    – NIVEA Creme- $5
    – Lotus Herbals ALPHAMOIST- $11.99 (Best for oily skin)

    P.S: If it contains SPF 15 or higher, invest in it as it will also protect from sun damage!

    Body

    The greatest thing about the human body is that it tells us when something is wrong. Call it a gut feeling, but we always know what our body needs. When your stomach started growling, you understand that you need food. When you sleep past your alarm, you understand you need sleep. When you’re out of breath going up a flight of stairs, you know you need a more active lifestyle.

    -Fitness

    When it comes to staying fit, there is endless information. It’s impossible to know what’s “in” and what crazy diet fad people are following these days. We all know that any adrenaline pumped exercise promotes the release of endorphins in our body, resulting in a positive mood. Contrary to belief, you do not need a gym membership to get fit. You can find at home workout videos on YouTube. There are endless workout videos that will help you get in shape from the comfort of your living room.

    If gyms are your thing, you can always partner up with a close friend. Pick the sporty one because they won’t lack motivation when it comes to getting in shape. Remember that physical activity is a great stress reliever. So whether it’s getting in shape or merely wanting to relieve some stress, a run around the block will help you clear your mind and get back on track.

    -Massage

    There are 12 known types of massages. You can try a new one every day so you’ll be 100% stress-free on the day of your wedding!

    On a serious note, though.

    Massages are GREAT at helping you ease up! Massages focus on releasing pain and tension from your muscles so your body can relax. The most common is the Swedish massage. This particular massage is a full body and is the best choice if you’re feeling any kind of muscle pain in your upper area. The massage therapist will likely dim the room and create a calming atmosphere so you can relax as they use a combination of techniques to release muscle knots.

    Another excellent massage choice would be an aromatherapy massage as it helps to elevate your mood and reduces any stress or anxiety you might have before any big event.

    -Brows & Nails

    Ok, big guy, I know what you’re thinking, but I swear this is completely normal.

    The amount of men cleaning their brows and doing their nails is rapidly increasing because men are finally starting to realize the importance of self-care (finally!)! If you’re too embarrassed to head to a salon and trust a professional, there are other options. There are salons whose workers are willing to come straight to your door to help you prepare and look your best! You just have to call around and ask.

    When you start to realize that you’re probably going to show up in every photo at your wedding, you want to do everything in your power to look your best, not just for yourself, but for your partner.

    -Teeth

    What’s the one word you’re going to hear over a hundred times from every living being holding up a camera or phone?

    Smile.

    They’ve probably been waiting for this day longer than you have so you got to give the people what they want. It’s only fair.

    When it comes to teeth whitening, there aren’t many quick options. You either head to your dentist’s a day before the wedding, or you consider using whitening strips. Because they contain peroxide, they work well to whiten teeth at an affordable price. Below are some options and don’t forget the wise words of Connie Stevens: “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.”

    –Crest 3D White Teeth Whitening Strips- $44.99
    –AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit- $59.99

    Hair

    Did you know that the average person has over 120,000 strands of hair on their head? When you see it from that perspective, you become more cautious with what products you condition your hair with.

    -Style & Cut

    How to cut and style depends entirely on you. Maybe you want to grow out your hair. Perhaps you want to go bald. The best advice I can give you is to test it out. Let your hair grow out a few months before your wedding and head to the salon and see what works for you. Find a professional whom you can trust with your hair so they won’t disappoint you on the big day. Let them know precisely what you want and specify that it’s for the most important day of your life!

    -Products

    Just like skin, everyone’s hair is different. I won’t go through the list of hairs and what works for each one, but I can tell you that finding a product that works uniquely for your hair will be a relief. You won’t want something to make your hair too oily, frizzy, or dry. Spend the weeks before your wedding searching for a product that works for you. You want your hair in one place and not single strands flying all over the place. Got to be picture perfect!

    Congratulations and good luck!

     

     

  • The Most Creative Couple’s Halloween Costumes

    The Most Creative Couple’s Halloween Costumes

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

    So we all know what October means, right?

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

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

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

    Daenerys Targaryen and her dragon

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

    Leonardo and the Mona Lisa

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

    Mr. and Mrs. Incredible

    Talk about incredible costume ideas, am I right?

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

    Answer: Nothing.

    Joker and Harley Quinn

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

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

    Tarzan and Jane

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

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

    Arthur and Buster

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

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

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

  • MissKenzieRae’s Guide to HitchSwitch

    MissKenzieRae’s Guide to HitchSwitch

    Wondering if our service is right for you? Lifestyle Blogger and HitchSwitch client, Kenzie recently shared a breakdown of her name change experience that we wanted to share. Kenzie got married earlier this year at a golf resort in beautiful, South Carolina. On her blog, misskenzierae.com she recorded all the details of her big day and shared some gorgeous wedding photos. We love this post on her decision to take first look photos. You can keep up with Kenzie on her blog misskenzierae.com and on Instagram @misskenzierae <3

    Happy Humpday friends! It’s been 3 months since Taylor and I got married and I still haven’t gotten around to changing my last name…until now thanks to HitchSwitch!

    For the past couple of months I always thought that I’d get around to changing it on my own…but offices are usually not open when I’m done with work and my weekends have been pretty busy. Plus the thought of going to the DMV just puts a damper on my day….

    I first heard about HitchSwitch through The Knot and read a couple of reviews. I initially thought that I would just save the money and do it myself…but here we are 3 months later and no new last name. I finally came to the conclusion that the money I’d spend on this service was worth my time.

    There are three types of packages (Print at Home, Full Service and Platinum) at three different price points, with the first starting at $29! The Print at Home option is great if you’re willing to do the work yourself, but just need some guidance on what to do. The Full Service option is where they send you your pre-filled paperwork in the mail (still need to fill out some info) along with pre-paid mailing envelopes. The Platinum option includes everything the Full Service does plus a “free” printed passport photo and a personal concierge to help you with any questions.

    I went with the Platinum service mainly because I needed to update my passport, but I would suggest doing the Full Service plan if you’re willing to go in to the passport office yourself.

    The first thing I did was to create an account on HitchSwitch and decide on a plan. Once I signed up, I filled out some questions online and hit submit. Within a couple of days I received the package in the mail with all of my pre-filled paperwork (still had to fill in some things) along with very detailed instructions on what to still fill out and the order I should complete them in (social security, passport, drivers license, etc.) – there’s seriously so much to update…more than you initially think about!

    The instructions made everything a breeze! This whole process has been so easy! Just make sure that you have your Marriage Certificate (not just your license – in some states, the marriage license is also the certificate) in order to start the process.

    You definitely could do this all on your own, but HitchSwitch certainly saves you a lot of time and stress by doing a lot of the work for you.

    I highly recommend HitchSwitch to anyone who is changing their name after marriage. Just do your research and decide which plan is right for you!

  • Exercise Classes To Try Before The Wedding Day

    Exercise Classes To Try Before The Wedding Day

    The majority of those in the industry of making brides look good for their wedding day would perhaps offer this piece of wedding day advice to the bride to be; You want to be the prettiest version of yourself as possible on your wedding day…We are sipping that kool-aid, or in this case that Kale, Almond milk, and Banana Smoothie, and would add to that adage, a bride on her wedding day should be the prettiest HEALTHIEST version of themselves.

    If you are thinking of doing anything extreme in order to change your appearances in the year, months, weeks, or days leading up to your wedding day, let us remind you of a cautionary tale, that will hopefully give you the confidence you need to do you, albeit it a badass, healthy, glowing version of you, but definitely you… We are going to go back, way back, like the Old Testament, old school to prove our point…

    By no means is this a bible study blog, believe what you want to re: the Old Testament, New Testament, No Testament, but please believe us when we say, the groom wants the hot, smart, loving, goofy, sexy, cute with babies, loves dogs chic he fell in love with underneath that veil, not an imposture who spray tanned one too many times their already beautiful milky skin, only now to look like they are auditioning for the part of an Oompa Loompa on the live set of Charlie and the chocolate factory..

    In short: Jacob goes and works for Laban, who has two daughters, Rachel and Leah. Jacob and Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel hit it off, fall in love, set a date, to marry… But, poor Jacob, his Dad tricks him, and on his wedding day he finds out that Laban switched daughters hidden under the wedding veil, and Jacob gets punked into marrying the wrong daughter, that’s a real wedding day wardrobe malfunction…

    In the real world, real-time terms, don’t pull a Laban and be all presto chango, girl, what did you do to your hair, is that you under those fake lashes or Leah…

    Here are some actual things we do recommend and endorse that aren’t as extreme as faking out your soon to be husband and all of his college buddies.

    • SoulCycle
    • Orange Theory
    • SLT
    • Tracy Anderson Method
    • Rumble
    • Your very own Peloton Bike for good behavior

     

    Clearly, we aren’t Willy Wonka and aren’t going to go about sugar coating and chocolate covering up the truth that some of us have to work harder at combating the stresses that grind our gears forcing us to seek solace in the bottom of a pint. Whether it be a pint of Guinness or of Cherry Garcia, But what better result based work is there out there, than that of devising a health plan towards a healthier body, better cardiovascular health, more energy, an outlet for stress, more balanced diet and sticking to it?

  • Say, I and Repeat After Me: I Would Do anything for love, but, I Won’t do THAT, (Cash bar thing to my guests)

    Say, I and Repeat After Me: I Would Do anything for love, but, I Won’t do THAT, (Cash bar thing to my guests)

    Say, I and Repeat After Me: I Would Do anything for love, but, I Won’t do THAT, (Cash bar thing to my guests)

    Over here at HitchSwitch, we have weddings and ways to streamline the wedding process on our brain 25/8. We are beginning to think we have uncovered what “that” is regarding the fuzzy Meatloaf lyrics, “I would do anything for love but, I won’t do THAT.” I think what Meaty is crooning about is he would do anything for love, and for that love to be felt at his wedding, but, he would never make his guests pay for booze, thoughts?

    Nothing to think about, other than exhausting every other option humanly possible than having your guests pay to play, or drink the night away…Usually, actually, almost always, there is a flip side to every coin and a chair for every ass. However, there are some universal truths and rote advice in the often joked debate of: is it ever ok, to have your wedding guests spend their own coin to get a drink in hand and their ass out of their chair and onto the dance floor? The answer – unless you can convince us otherwise, which would be like convincing us wine isn’t wet) is NO, and we aren’t joking.

    There are many alternatives, creative, and cost-saving options to “grey goose” without making your guests open their wallets to stay hydrated on the dance floor.

    We actually get asked a form of this question every day, and the answer is the same every time, no, no, no, no!

    While we embrace every type of bride, and every type of and wedding vision, and strongly encourage setting a budget and sticking to it, we highly doubt any of our brides, as outside the box brides, as they may be, want to have a donation box, titled “beer money” at their reception….

    Just consider us your personal GPS on navigating a toll-free cash-bar-free road of exact change for your guests. Read on, free of charge (ha) to find an EZ pass alternative route and borrow one of our “Waze” to avoid the sure highway to hell of a wedding…

    Have a signature drink that is you, maybe the drink you first shared as a couple, maybe a drink that is seasonal, maybe a drink local to the area.

    Give your wedding party an open bar option and keep your other guests thirst quenched with wine and champagne.

    Serve a sparkling white or Prosecco (Italian white wine instead of a costly champagne. Prosecco can be a less expensive substitute for Champagne in drinks like a Bellini).

    Ditch the filet mignon for tacos, and serve margaritas, but DO NOT skip on the booze.

    In case you don’t “buy” into our Meatloaf philosophy, or unwavering stance on a noncash bar wedding, consider this: If your wedding is the best party you will ever throw for your family and friends, would your idea of the best party ever entail having your guests pay for cocktails?????

  • No Babysitter, No Babies Yet, Bucket List

    No Babysitter, No Babies Yet, Bucket List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Go skinny dipping at night

    Appreciate the small things

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

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

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

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

     

    Blast music

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

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

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

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

    Change your last name

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

    Have a money talk

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

    Review your wedding vendors

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

     

    Take down your registry and wedding website

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

     

    Organize your life

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

  • First Things First: What To Do When You Get Engaged

    First Things First: What To Do When You Get Engaged

    You’re engaged! *Cue confetti* The question has been popped, your dream ring is on your hand and you might be so overwhelmed with emotions you don’t know where to begin.

    First, let it sink in that you’re marrying the love of your life and take a moment to celebrate! If you’re feeling anxious to start planning (but don’t know where to start) you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what your first moves should be after you’ve said yes:

    Dust Off the Phone Book

    We know, it would be so much easier to post a photo on Facebook and call it a day. But, the best way to announce the good news is an old-fashioned phone call. Call up your family and friends and let them in on the celebration. They’ll love hearing it from you and this way you’ll avoid a conversation with your great aunt (who isn’t mad, just disappointed) that she was the last to know.

    Get a Manicure

    Trust us on this one, your hand is going to be the center of attention for the next couple of months. The ring is the first thing people will ask to see when they hear you’re engaged and you don’t want your chipped polish to steal the spotlight. Grab a few of your girlfriends, treat yourselves to manicures, and flash that ring!

    Discuss Budget

    Before you dive headfirst into planning, take a look at what you are willing to spend. Weddings can add up, so decide in advance how much you have to spend and what you are willing to compromise on if you need to make adjustments.

    Gather Inspiration

    Maybe you’ve been planning this in your head for years and already know the direction you want to go. But if you have absolutely no clue, or just want to look at other options, tools like Pinterest are great for a little inspo and checking out ideas you might not have thought of.

    Research Venues

    You can’t book anything until you decide on a venue, and remember in demand locations and dates go fast. Researching venues early on will be helpful for a lot of other planning details and you’ll be able to know how much and what kind of space you have to work with.  

    Download The Knot Wedding Planner App

    The Knot wedding planning app will be your new best friend. Including personalized checklists, budgeting tools, inside scoops on thousands of vendors and tons of wedding inspiration, it’s like having a personal wedding planner in your pocket. The app also helps you create a wedding website, organize your registry and manages your guest list.

    Think About Changing Your Name

    A detail brides always overlook is when and how to change their last name. Don’t get tied up in the stress and paperwork of changing your name at the last minute. At HitchSwitch, we know how crazy planning a wedding can be. So we’ve streamlined the name-change process making it stress and hassle free.

  • 7 Unique Bachelorette Parties

    7 Unique Bachelorette Parties

    There are endless possibilities to make a bachelorette party so much more than just a night out with the girls. This is your opportunity to plan a party that reflects the bride and create memories that you will remember for years to come.

    If you’re planning a bachelorette party for a one-of-a-kind bride, you’ll need a one-of-a-kind idea! Here’s a list of bachelorette party ideas you might not have thought of:

    Set Sail

    Whether you live near the water, or you’re travelling to a tropical destination, casting off with the girlfriends is the perfect getaway. Spending the day on a boat lets the Bride Tribe relax and work on their tans before the big day. Don’t forget the tropical cocktails and flamingo floats to complete the celebration!

    Wellness Weekend

    Planning a wedding can be super stressful on the bride. Swap the drinks and clubs for a weekend of facials, massages and yoga to get the bride wedding-ready. Resorts like Solage Resort, or Canyon Ranch, will get everyone feeling pampered and polished, just in time for the final stretch of wedding chaos.

    Rent-a-House

    Instead of a hotel, rent a house on AirBnB, or HomeAway so all of your girlfriends can stay together and throw an old-fashioned sleepover. Binge watch wedding movies, play drinking games and hire a manicurist for some mani-pedis for the ultimate girls night-in.

    Glamping

    For the outdoorsy bride, Glamping is where luxury meets the great outdoors. Take a weekend escape to a luxe cabin in the mountains, spend the night underneath the stars and toasting marshmallows. Places like Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, or Pampered Wilderness are great for taking in nature’s beauty, hassle (and mosquito bite) free.

    Party with Mickey

    Grab some matching Mickey ears for your whole crew and take a road trip to Disney World! Spend the day taking pictures with your favorite princesses, riding on roller coasters and picnicking in the park. Don’t forget about the firework show at night to end the bachelorette bash with a bang.

    Hit the Slopes

    Does your bride love to ski or snowboard? A trip to a ski resort could be the perfect escape for the Bride Squad. Hit the slopes early before taking a trip to the spa and sipping some Hot Chocolate by the fire later on.

    Volunteer

    If your bride is more interested in giving back then making the day about her, pick the cause that’s most important to her and spend the day volunteering. This can be a really great bonding experience for all of your friends- plus no one said you can’t celebrate with some cocktails when you’re done!

  • Newlyweds Guide to First Time Home Buying

    Newlyweds Guide to First Time Home Buying

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

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

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

    Just Like Saying “I Do”

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

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

    Set Clear Priorities

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

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

    Consider the Long-Term

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

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

    School District Matters

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

    Contracts are Meant to be Negotiated

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

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

    Dig Deeper into Inspection

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

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

    DIY to Save Money

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

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