Just as in life, weddings need moms. They are a welcome stronghold when there are glitches, their eyes tell you honestly that you have never looked more beautiful or handsome, their genuine smiles make your wedding day even more  lovely and in a brief glance, you know  just how proud they are of you. Today we honor those who are mothers and those who have mothered- we love and appreciate you!

(Image Courtesy of Harrison Hurwitz Photography)

(Image Courtesy of Jennifer Bowen Photography)

(Image Courtesy of Hollye Schumacher Photography)

(Image Courtesy of Chris Richards Photography)

 (Image courtesy of Jennifer Bowen Photography)

Readers, we know how much your mom has helped you not only in preparation for your wedding but in preparation for life- make sure you show her your love and admiration today and every day!

Chatting Soon~ Kelly

Planning a wedding can be all- consuming. You are making tons of decisions, collaborating with family, friends and your honey and the unavoidable “what’s going to go wrong” thought constantly looms. Timelines visit your dreams, flowers demand your attention and RSVP’s must be kept in order.

But once reality hits (i.e., every day life), you may have some things in your new life that need to be sorted out and tackled head-on. Here are a few things you may have to consider now that you are married:

What to do with unused gift cards: With even our grandparents warming up to the idea that a gift card is an acceptable, even preferred, gift, we often find ourselves with gift cards that… no matter how hard we try, we just can’t use. Sometimes the dollar amount on the card isn’t enough to purchase the one thing you wanted from a store. Sometimes the purchaser misjudges our sense of style and thus the gift card will never ever be used. Whatever the reason, unused gift cards happen but they don’t have to go to waste. I have personally used Plastic Jungle and was really happy with the process. Go to the site, enter your gift card information, find out how much Plastic Jungle will pay you for it, and voila! You have “sold” your gift card for either cash or exchange. I figure $20 in cash is worth more than $25 on a gift card to a store I will never visit. 

You have too much stuff: One huge transition for many couples is negotiating the new living arrangements and the “stuff” you have that may not make the cut. You know what I’m talking about: honestly, who wants the plaid couch from college paired with the shiny new sectional? The pots and pans owned between the two of you are never going to fit in those cabinets, no matter how hard you try to stuff them in. And who really needs 23 beer mugs ”borrowed” from the local bar and grill? (Confession Break: I met my husband while working at Chili’s Bar and Grill. 23 is an exaggeration.)   If you have not already consolidated your domestic goods, consider using a service like The Giving Effect:

This online donation site has a simple goal: “to get essential items to people in need.” Basically, you go online, find a cause in your area and go from there. You can help people, animals or businesses.  Also, in the style of Kiva (micro-lending to people around the world), you don’t just drop off items and that’s the end of the story. You actually get information on who benefitted from your donation. You become a part of their story. Now you know what to do with that plaid couch! And they also accept leftovers from catered events…know any catered events coming up?

Your communication needs a crash course: The transition from singlehood to married bliss is made easier when you communicate. We found these super fun ways to be very clear from KnockKnock.com. I had a blast looking at everything on this website- I even got some shopping done!

and if those fail, as they most certainly will at some point during your first year of marriage, try these (I wish these had been around when I was a newlywed!):

Chatting Soon~Kelly