Sponsored with love, by Etsy
Who doesn't love tote bags? Because I sure do! I use them right and left and can never get enough so in my eyes, bridesmaid tote bags and bridesmaid makeup bags are the perfect bridal party gift ideas for your ladies!
Today we're featuring some of our favorite bridesmaid bags so scroll down to take a look. And if you see one (or two or three) that you love, just click on the image and it will take you right to where you can purchase it!
Written with love, by Dave Page
We landed in Hilo on the big Island of Hawaii. We were beginning the second week of our honeymoon. My wife kept commenting on all the ripped guys she saw walking around the airport. “What are you talking about,” I asked. “Everyone here seems to have chiseled bodies. Something special must be going on,” she replied. “No way, these are just normal looking people,” I said. I couldn’t fathom why she was looking at other guys on our honeymoon.
We were both athletes ourselves. I played basketball in high school and college and she played volleyball and soccer. I worked extremely hard to get into shape for our wedding day so I felt a bit self-conscious when my beautiful new wife continued to make comments about all the hard bodies, both men and women, she saw in the airport.
I thought I was in pretty good shape but when I stopped long enough to actually look at the people around us I observed men and women with unusually lean muscle mass, low body fat and a “ripped” look. “What’s going on here?” I asked one of the guys standing next to me. “This weekend is the Ironman Triathlon,” he replied.
No wonder. I felt like a fool. I learned an important lesson that day that has served me well in my marriage over the years. Listen to your wife. She was right and I was wrong. It’s hard for us guys to admit when we’re wrong. I had to admit I was wrong.
My wife sees things I don’t see. I have blind spots and don’t want to admit certain things even when they are in plain view. Women tend to pay attention to detail, are considerate to the feelings of those around them and have great discernment. My wife’s perspective adds richness, insight and depth to my perspective.
The book of Proverbs discusses the differences between a wise person and a “fool.” One of the chief differences is a willingness to listen. When you listen to your wife, you’re honoring her, honoring your Creator and also growing in your wisdom. I’ve discovered that my wife has my best interests in mind. When you disregard her, you’re acting like a fool.
When you truly listen, you’re communicating your love and respect to your wife. It results in helping you grow closer to each other. Most women have a need for meaningful communication that is every bit as powerful as the typical man’s need for sex. Improve your love life by listening to your wife. It’s an investment that pays big dividends.
My wife and I watched the beginning of the Ironman Triathlon together the next morning and saw the final runners cross the finish line later that evening. A special memory we will cherish forever.
Sponsored with love, by Keurig Green Mountain®
Yay! You're engaged. And congratulations, you're going to get way too much advice and far too many ideas sent your way.
"Here's what you HAVE to add to your registry."
"You HAVE to book the photographer we used for our baby's first birthday."
"You HAVE to get married in a church."
A whole lot of advice that you're going to have to take with a grain of salt.
So I'm here to tell you that you don't HAVE to do anything that anyone tells you...even though everyone and their mother thinks they're the know-all for weddings. (Why is that??)
But I am going to give you some wedding planning advice for the newly engaged so you can take the ideas you like and leave the rest at the table.
I think the reason so many people get sick of planning their weddings is because the planning never stops. You're constantly scanning Pinterest on your work breaks, texting ideas to your fiancé throughout the day, and your wedding is the topic of conversation at every meal. And that's just too much wedding for anyone to handle.
So set aside your planning time -- once a week, every other week, or whatever you need.
With the push of a button, brew any of your Green Mountain Coffee® favorite coffees right at home on a Keurig® brewer and whip out your wedding plans. Make "baby step goals" for each meeting and enjoy that time together planning the start of your marriage together. And I promise, you'll get a whole lot more done during those times and you won't get sick of "wedding talk" all day every day.
Of course the wedding is always going to come up in conversation because that's just natural. But every so often, set aside some "us time" too.
A Thursday night coffee date night featuring any of your favorite tasty Keurig K-Cup® pods at home, snuggled up on the couch binge watching a new show or just chatting and enjoying each other is the perfect way to ensure that your marriage is the center of your wedding and not the spectacle of the wedding day. Because the wedding IS about your marriage and you need those constant reminders.
Okay, you don't NEED a wedding. But in my eyes, it's a great way to celebrate the new, beautiful life you two are forming together. But throughout your wedding plans, there are lots of things you're going to have to decide on - Do we want this or need this?
When you're deciding what to put on your registry, decide on what you'll really use. For example, a Keurig® K575 brewer was a top item on our list since we enjoy coffee every day. And while everyone told us that we needed fancy china, that wasn't a necessity in our eyes. In marriage, there will always be compromises. But with a Keurig® brewer and Green Mountain Coffee® beverages, enjoying “your favorites, your way” isn’t one of them.
And do you need to spend an extra $5,000 on favors that are going to take you over budget? Nope!
Think long term and weigh your options in every decision you make.
Have fun, make wedding planning a time to get closer with your fiancé and make every decision for you, not anyone else. Your wedding is your wedding and you don't HAVE to do anything anyone tells you to do. As long as you remember that this wedding is about your marriage and nothing else.
A Keurig® brewer celebrates your union, as well as your individuality and unique tastes, just like your wedding day and your future marriage. With Keurig®, you’ll never have to compromise on enjoying your coffee or tea, your way. It’s the perfect blend of “me” and “we.”
