Tip - Concert In The Park Date Night

For those of you in the Sacramento area, I have a great date night plan for you! It's my favorite time of year again...Friday Night Concerts in the Park! This is a great way to hook up with your sweetie after a long week at work for a free concert at Cesar Chavez Plaza on Friday nights between May 1 and August 7.

Bring a blanket or some chairs and relax in the cool Spring weather while rockin to some great bands. Bring some cash for the food and beer gardens or skip on over to the new Grange restaurant at The Citizen Hotel, right across the street, for an early bite before the concert. See you there!

For more information or to see the line up, check out DowntownSac.org

Tip - Be True To Your Style

Just because your getting married, doesn't mean that you have to choose solid colored china patterns and all matching dishes. Stay true to your style, and if it's an eclectic mix and match of fun patterns or crazy polka dots and stripes, stick with it! You can also mix and match your crazy collection with some solid colors to add a little extra playfulness to a formal dinner. You can update your collection with some quality pieces. Check out Kate Spade's home collection with a limited display at her website, with the full options available at Bloomingdales, Macy's, Dillard's, or Bed Bath & Beyond.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade

Trend - Newlywed Tank

Need something that lets everyone know you're on your honeymoon? You only get one honeymoon so shout it out!

Photo courtesy of CustomizedWorld

Cloud Nine - Be Prepared (part 2)

After last week's post Be Prepared we received an email from LegalZoom revisiting the Top Articles of 2008. One of the articles was 10 Things You Must Keep in a Fireproof Safe. This seemed like a great follow up to last week's reminder.

"The threat of fire isn't unique to California. In fact, the US Fire Administration estimates that fires nationwide caused more than $11 billion in property damage in 2007. Although 91% of Americans agree it's important to prepare for a disaster, only slightly more than half have taken steps to do so.

One great way to make sure you're prepared is to get a fireproof safe. What should you store it in? Here's a list of the top 10 suggested items to keep in your fireproof safe:

1. Current insurance policies and agent contact information. You'll need this information right away if your house suffers damage in a fire.

2. Your family's passports and original birth certificates. These can be a hassle to replace and will come in handy to establish your identity for other purposes.

3. A list of your family's doctors, prescription medications, and contact information for all pharmacies you use. You may need these to get new supplies of medications you use on a regular basis.

4. CDs or an external hard drive containing digital copies of all family photos. It's a good idea to scan all older family photos and keep a digital copy of them as well. Your family memories as preserved in photos are irreplaceable.

5. Safety deposit box keys. If you store valuables at the bank, you'll want to make sure you can access them in the event of an emergency.

6. Important papers related to investments, retirement plans, bank accounts, and associated contact information. You may need ready access to funds.

7. Information on your outstanding debts, due dates, and contact information. It's important to keep tabs on your finances and protect your credit, even if you're displaced by a fire.

8. Original Social Security cards. These can be difficult to replace and may be needed to establish eligibility for aid.

9. Copies of your important legal documents, including powers of attorney, living wills, health care proxies—both for yourself and for anyone else for whom you are designated attorney-in-fact or health care surrogate. Having access to these can help ensure the protection they were created to provide.

10. Copy of family wills and all wills in which you are designated the executor. It's important to safeguard wills so that loved ones are taken care of."

Thanks to LegalZoom and the article's author Sherry Ciurczak.
Photo courtesy of idsafety.org

Cloud Nine - Be Prepared

As a newly married couple you have combined your stuff as well as acquired some new items to personalize your home. While no one likes to think about it...things happen. Make a list of all the important things (i.e. wedding photos, cameras, jewelry, etc.) that you would want to be sure to grab in a house fire. Also, take pictures of each room in your home and inside cabinets as well. It would be extremely hard to remember everything you had or show proof of ownership without those images. Keep the photos in a safe place, possibly a fire proof safe or at your office.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Survey Says - Did You And Your Fiance Have Debt?

Did you and/or your fiancé go into your marriage bringing debt? How did you handle that?

Yes we did, but we knew about it and talked about ultimate goals and future and retirement and are dealing with paying off debt. - Michelle, married March 2007

Some…we are a team now, my debt is his and his is mine. We consolidated and made a plan for what we wanted to do, and how we were going to get there. But we didn’t have anything out of control either, so it wasn’t hard to do this. - Melanie, married June 2007

We both have some debt. And now the wedding debt. We are both well aware of what debt we had and how we are paying for it. - Bree, married November 2007

Yes we both had debt, but that had already been out in the open from when we first moved in together. Once I moved in, we combined everything to simplify our finances. It's worked out great. We started a retirement plan and got life insurance in place as well. - Tina, married January 2008

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Survey Says - Did You Take Your Husband's Last Name?

Did you take your husband's last name? If so, when did you change it and was the process difficult? If not, how did your husband react to you not taking his last name?

I did not take my husbands last name, it is Smith and we already have problems with his identity being stolen. He was fine with it although I told him if he wanted me to I would change my name. Also keep in mind I am 47 and although this is my first marriage, my identity and career are tied up in my maiden name. It would be different if we were going to have children, but we are not. - Michelle, married March 2007

I did take his name, and I waited to start the process until after we got back from the honeymoon since we traveled out of the country, and we know how tough it can be to travel these days, so I didn’t want to get caught with one form of ID with one name, and another form with a different name. I am still working on changing my name, and probably will for some time, but all of the major stuff is done. A friend emailed me with this website that made it super easy to get the process started, it helped a great deal. (www.angelfire.com/ma/dnsassoc/need.html and www.angelfire.com/ma/dnsassoc/tools.html).- Melanie, married June 2007

I did take my husband’s last name and I made the change the week we got back from our honeymoon. The process of changing my name was not difficult, it was just time consuming. - Nona, married August 2007

Yes, I changed my last name, but to Brown-Kinell because I have a business with my maiden name. My husband was perfectly fine with whatever I did, however I know it makes him proud that I wanted his last name. Yes, the process was very difficult, especially if you own your own business because not only does your personal stuff have to be changed, but all of the business stuff too. -Lauren, married May 2007

I have not changed my name at this time, but I may add his last name in the future. My husband encouraged me to choose the name I felt most comfortable with, while insisting that he prefers me to keep my name the way it was when we first met. - Amanda, married October 2007

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Ignite the Flame - Boy Shorts Honoring Your Boy

You can order some cute little boy shorts honoring your new hubby with I Love Tim or Mrs. Smith. He'll love that you thought of him and he'll surely love seeing you in them.

Photos courtesy of Custom Glam Girl

* Custom Glam Girl has tons of fun stuff to personalize: t-shirts, robes, bathing suits, tanks, bags, towels, hats, etc. Check it out!

Survey Says - What Has Been the Most Challenging Issue As Newlyweds?

What has been the most challenging issue as a newlywed (combining money, living together, etc.)?

Since we had been living together for more than a year before we were married, our wedding was more a celebration of our love and commitment to one another than a new beginning. However, in the first year of living together, our most difficult task we encountered was sharing space. It is important to allow an adjustment period for both people to get used to the new situation. Make sure to talk about expectations and goals before the wedding in order to avoid any surprise issues during that transitional time. - Amanda, married October 2008

We are really trying to save up to purchase a house, so I think combining all our bills and knowing when they are due as has been our biggest obstacle. - Julie, married September 2007

My husband is pretty domestic, but I'd say we pick on each other about our messiness more than anything else. - Tina, married January 2008

Becoming more "family oriented". -Lisa, arried September 2008

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Cloud Nine - Saving Together

What are your plans for all the money you were gifted at your wedding? Now that you're married be sure to discuss your savings goals with a banking professional. Ask what your short term and long term savings options are and which accounts could earn you the biggest return.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Prevent A Cake Conundrum

Since your cake delivery person departs quickly after arrival, make sure to have arrangements made with them or your caterer regarding packaging your one year anniversary top tier (if applicable). Also, be sure to ask your caterer to set a couple of pieces aside for you and your fiance to enjoy later. Chances are, you won't get to appreciate it too much during the reception.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Newlywed Toast

Toasts have become more of an open forum for guests and family members to publicly share their well wishes for the bride and groom. Many brides and grooms now take a few moments to thank guests for attending, thank parents for hosting and everyone for supporting. Take a few moments to acknowledge those that made your day so fantastic. They will be grateful!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - No Time In the Kitchen? Fake It.

Are you wondering what new roles and responsibilities your soon-to-be will expect of you after the big day has come and gone? Do you feel that your cooking skills, or time to cook are lacking? Look into meal preparation shops in your area. These shops allow you to pick meals online for days or weeks at a time. Some locations invite you to come in and package your own food with their already prepped ingredients or you can just pick up your ready to freeze or serve meals on your way home from work. Depending on the menu design, most meals are set to feed 4-6 people. You could have a dinner party your way, without scrambling for time in the kitchen! Meal prep is a blessing for busy couples and families that want to eat right. A few that we know of:

Dinner My Way
Dream Dinners
Cena To Go
Super Suppers

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Relive Your Engagement

My husband and I agreed on starting a great tradition. Each year, on the anniversary of the weekend he proposed, we will take a trip to where it happened. We got engaged in San Francisco and both love visiting the city when we get the opportunity. This year was a ton of fun. We visited the same places as on the day we got engaged and reflected on the past year. It is crazy to think how quickly time passes. We hope to keep this fun tradition alive regardless of busy schedules, kids (someday) and work obligations. The most fun part about this is we literally get to watch ourselves grow old in the same spot. We took pictures together on our engagement night (obviously) and our first visit. My husband already thinks in just one year, mind you, his hairline is receding and I feel like I've got some extra wrinkles, but just imagine these pictures in twenty years! I can't wait to keep track.

Trend - Get A Little Hanky Panky

Brides love to surprise their new hubby with a sexy little number the night of their wedding. Not sure where to shop? Looking for something "bridal"? Try Hanky Panky for your wedding night lingerie.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Mrs. Cleaver?

So I was talking to one of my girlfriends the other day and she is fairly newly married herself. Only about 2 years in. Anyway we were talking about being married and how things change including your expectation of yourself, your spouse's expectations of you, etc. Anyone that knows me knows that I have always been the career girl. I've always been too busy to worry about cooking, baking or anything of that nature. I was climbing the ladder and fighting the crowds to get to the top.

But what happens when you get married? I find myself suddenly under this pressure to be the perfect little wifey. And it comes from no where in particular. It's not as if the Hubby is standing over me demanding I be his perfect little homemaker. But I feel it. I feel it everytime someone comes to our little homestead. I want to make sure it is clean and smells good, candles lit and I should have homemade cookies ready for them. In fact when my parents came to visit for the first time I felt SO guilty I didn't have anything to cook for them for dinner. They weren't orginally planning on staying for dinner but I begged them to hang out so they did. It wasn't my fault there wasn't a plan but I seriously felt like a bad hostess!

So where does this pressure come from? I think it's just ingrained in us as women. Sort of like that maternal instinct. I just figured mine was broken after laying dormant for so long. Apparently not so. So I run around doing all my usual stuff but also suddenly trying to be this super Suzy Homemaker with the homemade meals, the perfectly clean house, not a dirty shirt to be found and a happy husband. I'm wondering how long this will last. I wonder if I will lose myself in this shift. I hope not. I kind of like who I've become. I survived my 20's to become someone I really like in my 30's. I don't want to lose that. So I have to find a way to merge my inner Suzy Homemaker with my personality I've always had. I'll let you know how it goes. Right now, I have to make a cake. Watch out Mrs. Cleaver.

Cloud Nine - Combining Your $

Brides Magazine recently printed some helpful tips when it comes to combining your money. Check it out!
1. Create a budget that you both feel comfortable with to eliminate any surprises.
2. Work together to plan your financial future and set savings goals-experts recommend setting aside 15% of your gross salary for retirement.
3. Determine how you want to handle your banking and whether you want to open a joint account.
4. Change your name and address as necessary on important documents and including your social security card, driver's license, and credit cards.
5. Update your beneficiaries on investment and savings accounts, insurance policies, pension plans, 401 (k) and IRA.
6. Organize all important legal and financial documents and keep them in a protected place in case of an emergency.
7. Reconsider your insurance needs-you may qualify for discounted rates by merging all policies with a single provider.
8. Inform employers of your new status and make changes to benefits plans if necessary.
9. Decide whether you want to file joint or separate tax returns.

Content provided by Brides Magazine.
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame - Cards Are Key

Cards can mean more than flowers. It's not the grandeurs of the gift, it's the thought that counts. Fellas, pick up a card at the store on your way home and drop it in her purse the next morning, leave it on the bathroom counter, on her pillow or in her car. This small romantic gesture can gain you big recognition in her book and will come back to you. Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Cloud Nine - He's Not A Mind Reader

Men can not read between the lines. If you are mad at them, they may not know it. If you are sad, they may not pick up on this – it’s similar to how they might not recognize a new hair cut. Most men don't observe us that closely. You have to tell them how you feel, you can’t expect them to automatically know.
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Survey Says - Did You Go Into Your New Marriage With Debt?

Did you and your fiancé go into your new marriage with debt from your wedding? Was this an issue in any way?

Nope, everything was paid for. Had we been responsible for paying for any more of the wedding that we did, we would have had a much different wedding than we did (thank you dads!)
--Melanie, married June 2007

We did and do have debt from the wedding but it has not been an issue between the two of. We are just annoyed how long it is taking us to pay back! --Nona, married August 2007

I would consider myself a bit more frugal than my newly acquired husband. We have had a few disagreements regarding finances with relation to our wedding. In the end though, I don’t know where we could have cut costs. I wouldn’t want to change a single thing.
--Amanda, married October 2007

We did put a lot of stuff on a credit card specifically for the wedding, rather than saving and purchasing with cash. I wish we would have been a little better at that.
--Julie, married September 2007

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography