Name Change Advice

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!

Do You Need A Vacation From Your Spouse’s Job?!

What do you do when you and your spouse seem to be at each other’s throats a little more than usual? Do you find yourselves having the same annoying arguments over and over again? Lately I’ve noticed in my marriage that our reoccurring issues are stemming from one thing—his stress from work! This excessive stress has been coming home with him after leaving the office, and affecting our relationship! Work has been absolutely devouring my husband, consuming his energy, his every thought and every second of the day, so much so that even when we’re “spending time” catching up on our favorite shows on the couch, work calls continue to come in and he is still on the computer! Don’t get me wrong, I certainly appreciate his dedication and passion that he has for his job, but there comes a point where the happy median between work and pleasure needs to be a bit more… defined! In a serious effort to divert further issues and arguments, I called an intervention and demanded a vacation!

I believe there comes a point in every relationship where one, or both parties, becomes unintentionally wrapped up in one thing, and all of the remaining things in life suffer! Sooo, my solution- a romantic getaway! A nice vacation just me and the hubby (and by request- no computers!) I figured this was the only way get him away from his workload and at the same time will give us a chance to devote sole attention to one another, and spend some much-needed quality, romantic time- alone! Your marriage is a partnership, so it’s important to recognize one another’s needs and to be there to show each other support and love!

Now that we have moved out of the never-ending winter season, I want nothing more than the sand in my feet and a nice dark tan! Here are some getaway ideas and inspiration that I wanted to share with you from one of my fav’s, Travel and Leisure’s Ideas Section and here are some amazing hot-spots, rated the top destinations of 2011!

Do you and your spouse have a go-to place when you just need a romantic getaway? We would love to hear you favorite vacation spots- it always helps to spark new ideas for those in need of a getaway, so please share!

Just Dance

Weddings have gone from very traditional modest events of the past to huge extravaganzas with everything coordinated down to the very last detail. These days couples are more creative when adding their personal touch to their wedding (thanks to all of the DIY wedding inspiration and How-To blogs). One of the newest trends is to put your own spin on your first dance such as choreographed moves or an impromptu thing in the moment. I’ve attended many weddings where the bride and groom have clearly taken dance lessons and have showed their ballroom dancing skills off to their guests (making parents and grandparents incredibly proud). Some couples keep it simple by choosing their favorite love song to dance around to, holding each other tight (sneaking in little smooches and smiles while guests are taking photos like the paparazzi). There’s nothing wrong with that (my husband and I did it), in fact that is still the norm; however, I have to say I wish we would have shocked our guests with a dance routine after watching some of the glorious videos on YouTube. If your special day hasn’t already passed and you’re looking for an idea to WOW your guests at no further cost to you, your parents, your in-laws (or anyone else chipping in to make your wedding an event to remember), I encourage you to watch the following videos. Seriously, consider the possibilities (if for nothing else, just watch them for entertainment) …

Bridal Party Dance: Whether it’s down the aisle like the YouTube sensation JK Wedding Entrance (also featured on the Today Show) or a choreographed dance at the reception your guests will truly enjoy watching you and the honored members of your bridal party pop-n-lock, do the ‘robot’, or classics like ‘the sprinkler’ or the ‘shopping cart’…almost no move is inappropriate (notice I said “almost,” there will be grandparents there)!

Bride and Groom First Dance: Do you and your man have “swagger” much like Jay-Z and Beyonce? Or are you beyond outgoing and confident enough to not care whether people are laughing with you or at you? If so, this is your opportunity to let loose (go ahead, do ‘the worm’ or ‘get low’) and show your guests your sense of humor like the couple featured in the Awesome First Dance for Bride and Groom at Wedding Reception video did.

Father-of-the-Bride and Bride Dance: This is time to share a few minutes with your Daddy (the man who loved you first) and is meant to be special. If the two of you love to dance or clown around then you could totally pull off a choreographed performance such as the Father/Daughter Hip Hop Dance. Read more about how this dance was put together to the groom’s complete surprise on thegroomsays.blogspot.

Whether you go the traditional route or end up looking like a dancing machine on the dance floor, make those special moments, moments to remember!
*All videos are on YouTube titled exactly how you see them listed in this post
Did you feature a surprise dance that left your guests screaming ‘You Go Girl’ during your wedding/reception? If so, we’d love to hear about it!

Easter with the In-Laws As Newlyweds

Are you spending Easter with the in-laws this year? If so, you might be a little worried about how things will turn out. One way to start the holiday off on the right foot is with a hostess gift for your mother-in-law. It shows that you appreciate her hospitality and that you have excellent manners (never a bad thing). Here are a few gift ideas to help you position yourself in the best way possible with your new family members:

1. Easter Colored Chocolate Strawberries – You can make them yourself with this simple recipe or order them from Shari’s Berries. Everyone loves holiday candy, and chocolate covered strawberries elevate Easter treats to a new level!

2. Robin’s Egg Soaps – Help your mother-in-law celebrate spring with this adorable soap collection. It’s a simple, sweet and practical hostess gift, all at the same time.

3. Seasonal Shakers – If you’re completely stumped on what to bring, consider these pewter rabbit salt & pepper shakers. They’ll add a bit of holiday charm to your family Easter brunch or dinner.

4. Upscale Eggs – Indulge your spouse’s family with chocolate truffle filled eggs! No need to wrap, the container is perfect on its own and perfect for Easter with the in-laws.

5. Flower Power – Give a sure-fire Spring gift, a lily of the valley bulb garden. The site and scent will fill the house with Spring and Easter cheer.
Hostess gifts aren’t just reserved for non-family members…so consider taking something to your mom if you’re headed to your family’s house for Easter this year. Every hostess deserves a little thank you goodie.

Those are our best gift ideas for Easter with the in-laws. Should you want to surprise them with your name change, the MissNowMrs app or service can help!

April Showers: Part II

April showers do bring May flowers, but rain isn’t the only kind of shower happening this time of year. As we continue into April, the number of bridal and baby showers on the calendar tends to rise. What’s a newlywed girl to shop for when she’s attending an absurd number of these events? We’ve compiled the best gifts for both types of showers to make this Spring a little simpler for you.

Baby Showers
If you don’t have a baby these parties can make you feel a little awkward. What ARE you supposed to buy an unborn child? Fortunately, you can usually look on Babies R Us or BuyBuyBaby for your friend’s registry. Still uninspired? Here are the Top 5 Baby Shower Gifts:

1. Little Lamb Swing – Chip in with a few friends for this amazing piece of baby technology. It rocks a cranky little one to sleep in 2 different directions, buying your friend some much needed down time as a new mommy. My son used it until he literally couldn’t fit into it anymore!

2. Video Monitor – Being able to flip a switch and make sure your bundle of joy is still breathing is priceless (especially since you won’t wake him/her up)!

3. Boppy Pillow – It may sound like a ridiculous item, but these pillows keep your friend’s arms from falling off. The Boppy allows the new parents to feed/hold/cuddle their child hands-free.

4. A Prenatal Massage – While it’s great to buy goodies for the newborn, your soon-to-be mommy friend could probably use a little something for her. Purchase a gift card at a local spa, but be sure that they offer pregnancy massages. You friend will never forget how thoughtful you were when she feels 40 pounds lighter and can actually sleep after her treatment!

5. Customized Anything – Seeing your little angel’s name printed on something is precious. Red Envelope has a ton of great personalized baby gifts to choose from…the baby keepsake kit is one of the the best.

Bridal Showers
You should be a pro at bridal showers since you just had one! However, if you’re attending several showers it’s nice to have a few extra gift ideas up your sleeve. Here are our Top 5 Picks:
1. Anything On Her Registry – Plates may seem boring to you, but your friend took the time to register for them and will probably end up buying the remaining ones for herself post-wedding if you don’t purchase them. Creativity usually gets kudos, but a completed registry is awesome for a bride!
2. Bridal Lingerie – When you’re paying for a wedding, little things like cute honeymoon undies can seem frivolous. Help a gal pal (and her soon-to-be-hubby) out with a gift from Victoria’s Secret. *Please note who will be in attendance at the shower before you present your gift. It might be wise to give it to the bride before or after the party.
3. Candle Poem Basket – If you’re looking for a very personal gift that scores high on thoughtfulness and low on price, this is the perfect idea for you.
4. A MissNowMrs.com Gift Card – Make the bride in your life’s name-change a snap. She’ll save 13 hours of hassle and research by using this amazing online service!
5. Cash – It might seem a little tacky to give a check as a shower gift, but you can be sure that it will get used! Consider writing a message on the memo line that says your gift is for something fun on the honeymoon or a pedicure before the Big Day.

What were your best bridal shower and baby shower gifts? Do you have a gift that you always give to a bride/mommy-to-be? We’d love to know!

Your Married Name: To Change or Not to Change!?

Thinking about changing to your married name? Although this is a difficult decision for some, and many women go back and forth on this, we can be thankful that changing your name after marriage is a choice! For some of us the answer is simple, while others will toy around with the idea for years!

Some women choose to keep their maiden name for professional reasons, some feel as though by changing their name they’re losing a part of their identity, while for others, the decision relies heavily on family and traditions.

Whatever the case may be, there are many factors that will affect your decision, and for many, that single most important factor is your spouse!

I already knew that I wanted to take my husband’s last name, but I also knew that he would’ve been offended if I didn’t. So for me the decision was simple, and friends from my younger years still refer to me by my maiden name, so I still get the best of both worlds!

We want you to share your decision-making story on your married name change with us! Did your spouse play a deciding role on your decision? Or, tell us why you simply chose to keep your maiden name!

Should you want to change your name, the MissNowMrs app or online name change service can save hour hours of stress and hassle!

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