Ideas

Looking for name change advice or some tips for newlywed life? The MissNowMrs experts have created state-specific name change articles and checklists for you. We’ve chronicled our recommendations for how to travel while changing your name AND how to handle voting during the transition.

We’ve also compiled our best guidance for how to handle difficult sister in laws, holidays as newlyweds, the ever-annoying baby questions, and much more. Why? Because, while we are name change experts, we’re also newlywed wives, moms, and sisters.

We hope our name change advice articles help smooth your transition to your new name, and a whole new phase of life. Congratulations and best wishes from the entire MissNowMrs team!

Buying Holiday Gifts for Your In-Laws

Holiday gifts for your in-laws… where do you start? Whether it is the first holiday with your spouse or the tenth, it can be intimidating to pick out gifts for your in-laws. If you have felt uncertain when shopping, then rest assured that you are not alone. With the many fun, but scary things that come when saying ‘I Do’, there are a whole host of new holiday-related questions to be answered. But, shopping for your in-laws doesn’t have to be intimidating. Consider these few pieces of advice before you head out to the stores.

Find Out What They Like The first step to finding the right gift this holiday season is to determine what things are most likely to be well-received. In order to do this, you might have to a little covert investigation. Carry a small notebook with you next time you are with your in-laws. Take note of things said or noticed around the house. Is there something missing in the kitchen that one of them would surely love to have? Did someone mention something seen in a catalog, online, or in a store? You might even be able to start a conversation that leads down this path. Mention a cool commercial you’ve seen recently or talk about your own shopping adventures.

Set a Budget Once you have some ideas in mind, it is time to sit down with your spouse and talk about the financial end of the holiday affairs. How much can your household afford to spare? This number, whatever it happens to be, needs to be split between all gift-receiving individuals. To avoid hard feelings, it is often best to spend the same amount on each parent. Some couples decide to pay for their own parents gifts, respectively.

Shop Smart & Be Creative If you, like many Americans, are feeling the financial pinch this holiday season, don’t worry. Everyone is aware of the economic status and the vast majority of people will understand if you have to cut holiday spending down this season. Even those with little or nothing to spend can afford to create fantastic gifts. Consider baking cookies or biscotti. If you have an artistic talent, use it to make something personal for your in laws. Small, inexpensive tokens are often better received and more meaningful than impersonal ones that cost a small fortune.

What holiday gifts for your in-laws are you purchasing this year? Do you have a tried and true system that works? We’d love for you to share in a comment!

Newlywed Holiday Card Happiness

It’s here…the spine tingling anticipation of holidays! Are you celebrating the season as a newly engaged couple or newlyweds? What better way to share your good news and engagement/wedding photos than with a card?

We’ve scouted a few sites and come up with a few of our favorite card templates that allow you to add your own photo and a custom message to family and friends. On the family and friends note…be sure to order enough cards for your family and friends AND his!
For the Romantic
Was your wedding a dream come true with all of the details coming together to make a magical event? Share the love with one of these enchanting cards.

Merry Kissmas
Ornate Charm
Holiday Sweethearts

Classic
Do trees, holly, snowflakes and some Bing Crosby sum up your perfect holiday? Give the gift of good cheer with one of these cards.

Classy Wishes
Holiday Cheer

Modern
Is your style simple and sleek? So are these great cards that showcase your love with minimal fuss.

Simple Celebration
Happy Hanukkah

For the Procrastinator:
Know you’re too busy to get a card out in time for Hanukkah or Christmas? Why not send out a New Years card wishing everyone a wonderful 2012?

Banner of Dreams
New Year Bubbly

Are you sending out cards this year or did we inspire you to? We’d love to hear what your cards are like in a comment!

The Perfect Halloween Costume Formula

Halloween is right around the corner and that means there will be the usual slew of parties and gatherings, most requiring a costume. As a newlywed, you might find yourself struggling to find something appropriate not that you’re not on the prowl. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered from creative to classy…here are a few of our top Halloween costume suggestions.

Here’s our basic formula: Cute Dress + Creative Idea + Accessories = Perfect Newlywed Halloween Costume

Silver Spider – Who said spiders can’t be sexy?! Wow everyone with this lovely silver shift that feature a subtle web overlay. Amp you image with silver crackle nail polish and a spider wand (who doesn’t love a wand on Halloween?). If you’re really pulling out the stops, check out this jeweled spider fascinator!

Roman Soldierette – Show your strong side in this amazing caped mini dress with sequined shoulders and then add a gold helmet to complete your look.
Beautiful Rose – Check out this Rosette Dress! All you need to do is add pale green tights and some booties and you’re set! Want to up the creative factor? Put a butterfly clip in your hair to complete the ensemble.
Techno Kitty – Why settle for being a basic tiger when you can be one fierce feline with this vividly striped dress? Channel your inner Katie Perry to come up with the makeup and dare we suggest wig to complete this look. And of course you can’t forget a set of headband ears!

For more chic Halloween costumes check out the LA Purse Blog. Happy Halloween ladies!

Newlywed Anniversary Ideas

Searching for newlywed anniversary ideas? Can you believe that you’ve been married for almost a year (or a few years)? Time truly flies when you’re having fun and enjoying married life! So what are you going to do for your up-coming anniversary?

Here are a few anniversary ideas sure to suit any couple celebrating any number of years of marriage:

Get Your Rings Engraved – If you didn’t have your rings engraved with a message before your wedding, an anniversary is the perfect time to add words of love or a special phrase to the inside of your bands. Try to think of something that will make you smile when you read it on your Golden Anniversary.

Dine At Your Wedding Venue- If it’s possible, it can be very romantic to have dinner in the very place you had your wedding reception. Find a little white dress and have your spouse spruce up for the evening too!

Renew Your Vows- If Heidi and Seal do it every year, why can’t you? Whether you throw a party to celebrate or simply read your vows to each other to remember the words that bind you together, this is a great way to commemorate your wedding day.

Watch Your Wedding DVD – It’s super schmoopy, but watching yourselves walk down the aisle is so much fun! Pour a glass of champagne and then settle in on the couch to watch two people on one of the best days of their lives.

Start A Tradition – Think of something you want to do to celebrate your anniversary each year. Whether you want to have breakfast in bed, read your vows or stay in the same suite, traditions are a great thing to get started as newlyweds!

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate your anniversary, just remember to enjoy the moment and recognized how blessed you are to have the person you love in your life. We’d love to hear your newlywed anniversary ideas, so please leave a comment!

Cool Ways to Cool Off This Summer

Summer is here and so is the hot weather. While it’s great to glory in the sunshine, sometimes a girl’s gotta cool off. Here are some fun ways to beat the heat!

Boozy Granitas – Take a tip from Martha…the cocktail flavored icey treats gracing her magazine cover this month will have you smiling in no time! They also make a great BBQ or girls get together treat. Looking for a summery non-alcoholic option? Try this watermelon granita recipe.

Take A Dip – Hit your neighborhood pool (or a friends) or plan a weekend beach trip. The main idea is to spend as much time submerged in blissfully cool water as possible! Worst case scenario: fill your tub up with cool water and read a magazine while your body temperature drops.

Get Misty – Turn your shower to completely cold water and stand in the mist as you eat almost frozen sections of an orange. You’re guaranteed to feel better immediately. You can always invite your spouse to join you…but things might heat up again!

Ice Ice Baby – Need to cool off quickly? Take two ice cubes and place them on your wrists with your palms up. Wait one minute and let your circulatory system work like a personal air conditioner. Here’s a link to step-by-step cool off instructions.

How do you battle boiling Summer temperatures? We’d love for you to share your tips or tell us if any of our suggestions worked for you.