Newlywed Needs

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!

Easy Fall Newlywed Home Improvement Projects

Tis the season for newlywed home improvement. There are so many projects that need to be done around the house just as up-keep that you could probably do one-a-day for like a year, but where’s the fun in that?! Here are just a few (of the many) things that you and your beloved might consider doing this Fall to be sure that your home sweet home stays that way. We even split them up for you to make it even easier.

Spouse One Suggestions
Change Batteries: Check the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, remote controls, etc. They are all equally (ok maybe not equally) important, but are indeed a must check off the to-do-list! There’s nothing more annoying than having the power go out and your flashlight doesn’t work sending you and your spouse rummaging around in the dark trying to find candles, matches, batteries for the flashlight…I’m picturing tripping over the poor dog, stubbing my toe on the corner of the couch or worse, falling down the stairs!

Update Medicines: Be sure to toss out expired medication from your medicine cabinet and your First Aid Kit…and replace it! What good is an empty First Aid Kit or expired Cold and Sinus medicine when you feel like your head might explode?!

Spouse Two Suggestions
Check Your Windows/Doors: There’s a nifty little *self-test you can try to ensure that your windows are doing their job to keep the cold outside air from coming in, not to mention the heat (you’re paying for) from going out! Try inserting a dollar bill in the gaps around your windows and doors. Lets just say this is one test you want to fail otherwise your windows are not energy efficient. You may need new windows or may need to caulk the windows/doors or install window/door insulating strips or plastic to bring your heating costs down.

Paint: Now is the perfect time to fix a hole in the wall or the scratches from furniture when you moved in! Fall is a great time to paint as it’s not too hot or cold. When you’re done with the paint, be sure to store the extra paint away from your furnace (a huge fire hazard).

Tell us about your fall newlywed home improvement projects and your secret tricks to save money! Leave a comment today.

Fabulous Fall Cocktails

Are you ready for some fabulous fall cocktails?! The air is crisp and the leaves are turning beautiful colors…two indicators that Fall is now upon us. Take some time to savor the season as a newlywed with a trip to a pumpkin patch or a romantic walk through the woods. When you return, what could be more fun than enjoying a seasonal beverage together or with a group of friends?

Our Favorite Autumn Cocktail: The Smore’s Martini – Get that festive Fall feeling with this toasted-marshmallow treat in a glass!
S’more Martini Recipe
• 8 ounces chocolate vodka (we used Stoli)
• 4 ounces chocolate liqueur (we used Godiva)
• 1 graham cracker
• 1 jar marshmallow creme
• 4 martini glasses
• 4 mini wooden skewers
• 1 bag mini marshmallows
Pour vodka and chocolate liqueur into cocktail shaker. Crush a graham cracker in a plastic bag & then pour the crumbs into a small bowl.
Lightly coat the rims of the martini glasses with marshmallow creme. Next, dip each glass into the bowl of graham cracker crumbs and shake the bowl gently to cover the marshmallow creme with crumbs.

Place three mini marshmallows on each wooden skewer and then roast over a fire, your gas oven burner or a large candle.
Pour about 3 ounces of the drink mixture into each of the rimmed glasses and then slide in the roasted marshmallow skewers for a delicious garnish.
Serves 4 (or 2 responsible adults twice)!

Here’s five other cocktails guaranteed to help you celebrate the Fall:

Ginger Pear Martini – A crisp and zesty way to relax after a day full of sunshine, fall foliage and possibly a roll in the leaves. Here’s the recipe!

Autumn Delight – This delightful combination of whiskey, cider and cinnamon will warm you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Here’s the recipe!

Caramel Appletini – All that amazing sweet and tangy taste with none of the gooey mess. Who could ask for more from a martini? Here’s the recipe!

Hot Chambord Cider: A chic twist on the classic fall mug of cider, certain to add a rosy glow to your cheeks. Here’s the recipe!

Ginger Snap – This delectable drink has a kick that goes well beyond Grandma’s cookies. Here’s the recipe!

Do you have a signature fabulous Fall cocktail that you’d like to share? Please leave it for us in a comment and remember ladies…drink responsibly!

4 Best Newlywed Ways To Handle Annoying People

Need some newlywed ways to handle annoying people? We’ve covered the top 4 offenders and given you some solutions to tactfully tackle dealing with them.

The Neighbor that talks until he/she’s blue in the face. You and your spouse finally arrive at your house after your dreadful commute home from work and your neighbor is outside waiting to strike up a conversation that you know will last way longer than you have time or patience for. What do you do? You say, “I would love to catch up with you, but haven’t had anything to eat since noon, can we talk about this on the weekend?” or “I’ve been looking forward to spending time with my husband/wife all day, would you mind if we caught up at a different time?”

You can’t put them off forever, but it’s not rude to let someone know that you have had a day from …you know where…and would simply like to go inside and forget about it!

The House Guest that Never Leaves. Do you constantly have friends from high school or college over and they don’t know when to leave? Sure, you love catching up with old buddies and always enjoy laughing about the glory days, but at some point it’s time to say so long til next time. Try making plans for a specific time the day that you plan for your house guest to leave, such as dinner plans with local friends. The point is to have a specific end time in mind and stick to it. Discussing these plans with your house guest prior to them arriving is the best way not to offend anyone.

The Needy Sibling or Friend. Do you or your spouse have a brother, sister, or friend who relies on you for everything? I’m not talking about times that you should be there by there side (such as grieving, consoling them with a bad break-up or even a job loss). I’m talking about the individual that expects you to remember and remind them of important dates such as: Mom/Dad’s birthday, anniversaries, when their bills are due (or never has the money to pay them without borrowing the money from you).

If you grew up with a tight-knit family you know that it is never easy to say no to them for any reason, but there comes a time in life when you need to do what’s best for you and your new family…your spouse—and as a newlywed it is so important to put your spouse first to let them know that you value them and their role in your life. Tip: purchase a calendar and write all the important dates to be remembered in it and give it to your needy friend, and let them write their other obligations in it (such as bill due dates, etc.). After all, it really isn’t your responsibility to keep track of this for them anyway.

The Demanding Boss. Does your boss constantly pile more projects and responsibilities on your plate than any one human being should ever have to deal with at a time? Remember, you are one person and can only do what is humanly possible…one thing at a time! The best thing you can do is always be on time for work and know how you work best (i.e. make a checklist and tackle it in a timely manner—no, Twitter and Facebook are not acceptable unless your job is social media marketing…nice try though).

If the deadline is impossible for you to meet on your own consider asking a co-worker for assistance or sit-down with your boss and let him/her know that you are working on XYZ and would love to complete the task, but if the deadline can’t be pushed back it may be best for the project to be assigned to someone with fewer responsibilities. Any boss would prefer that you let them know of the issue instead of completing the task under par.

The list of people could go on and on, right?! If you have an example of an “annoying person” (no names please) and advice on how you deal with them, share it with our other readers by commenting below.

Breast Cancer Awareness: In’s & Out’s

There are so many ways you can show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness this month. Even if you’re just rockin’ your pink wardrobe this October, flash it and flaunt it ladies, and show your support!

There is so much talk about the horrifying statistics on Breast Cancer, but what about the fine details which all of us women love to know about…. regardless of the topic of conversation- we love details!
So here it is! I didn’t know much about the specifics myself, but figured this was a good time to revisit my research skills from my college years and share a few things with you….
Soooo…to answer the single most important questions– “Who, What, Where, Why, How? The National Breast Cancer Foundation gives us the D.L.:

Age: Half of all women diagnosed are over age 65.
Weight: Being obese or overweight.
Diet & Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat, and alcoholic intake of more than two drinks per day are contributing factors.
Menstrual & Reproductive History: Early menstruation or late menopause, having your first child at an older age or not having given birth, or taking birth control pills for more than ten years if you are under 35 are major risk factors.
Family & Personal History: A family history of Breast Cancer—particularly a mother, sister or a personal history of breast cancer of benign (non-cancer) breast disease.
Medical & Other Factors: Dense breast tissue (often identified by a mammogram), past radiation therapy to the breast or chest area. Also, a history of hormone treatments—such as estrogen and progesterone, or gene changes— including BRCA1, BRCA2, and others.

Early detection can significantly increase your chances of surviving Breast Cancer and knowing some easy life-style tips that can prevent it are a great place to start! So, what’s your plan of action?
Here are 2 amazing Foundations to look into to see how you can help raise awareness and show your support!
The Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation aids in granting wishes for metastatic breast cancer patients, through continuing education and showing support across the country. Some events that you may be familiar with are: March for Memories, Diamonds for Dreams, Brides Against Breast Cancer, and the Pink Envelope Project.
The global leader in the Breast Cancer movement, and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against Breast Cancer is “The Susan G. Komen for the Cure.” See how you can get involved!

Please share with us what you are doing to raise awareness and show your support for Breast Cancer Research. Is your hubby showing support in some way during the month of October? Even if he is sporting the “Feel Your Boobies” sticker on his vehicle! I mean, hey- if the NFL players can rock out the hot pink- so can they!

5 Secrets to Separate Work From Play

Looking for the secrets to separate work from play? If you look like this during the workday, it’s quite possible that you’re bringing home a great deal of stress with you each evening. This stress can show up as muscle aches, a bad mood, headaches or difficulty sleeping. Nobody wants to come home to a cranky spouse, especially as a newlywed…so here are a few ways to help you separate work from play!

Rock Out On Your Commute – Create a playlist or CD of songs for your ride home from work. The songs should be high energy to help you vent your work emotions.
Write a List – Making a list of tomorrow’s to-do’s before you leave the office can help you stop thinking about work when you’re at home. While you’re writing the list, mentally acknowledge that your work day is done and you cannot do anything on your list until you go into work the next morning. This should allow you to relax and move into enjoying your evening.
Break a Sweat – Schedule a trip to the gym before you go home. Pumping iron or engaging in heart-pounding cardio is a fantastic way to forget about office woes. The bonus: endorphins will automatically make you feel better after a work-out and you’ll go home a happy newlywed!
Breathe Deeply – Give meditation a try. Project-meditation.org is a great resource to get you started. If the idea of trying to meditate just stresses you out, try lighting a lavender scented candle when you get home and let the aroma relax you.
Make Out- The next time you’re having a tough day at work, say hello to your honey at the end of the day with a full blown make-out session. After a few kisses I guarantee that you won’t be worried about the quarterly report that’s due next week!

Can you share any of your secrets to separate work from play? We’d love to hear your solutions, so please leave a comment!