Merry Everything

I love this festive goop clip featuring Gwyneth Paltrow & Michael Kors. Sure, it’s contrived, but there’s a cute outtake at the end… And Paltrow is just so chic, as is her gorgeous, aspirational kitchen.

Eat, drink & be merry!

A

P.S. Kors says his favorite pasta dish is Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. Justin and I have seen him dining at (perhaps) his favorite Italian restaurant (and our secret date spot) I Sodi.

Wrappers Delight

As discussed here and here I love paper goods. But one particular paper I often forgo: wrapping paper. It seems like such a hassle, when you can just wrap your present in some tissue paper and place it in a gift bag. However, this holiday season I’m really appreciating good old-fashioned wrapping paper. And I really like the particular look of brown paper with a hint of greenery or a pop of pink. See below for some Pinspiration I found on, where else, Pinterest. 

Plus, you really can't beat the tangible excitement of ripping open a beautifully wrapped gift. And although I don't technically celebrate Christmas, something tells me it wouldn't be quite as special with a bunch of gift bags beneath the tree. 

If you’re wrapping some goodies on the night before X-mas, check out this link to complimentary gift tags, courtesy of Social Assembly via Daily Candy.

A

{Images via Pinterest & Social Assembly/Daily Candy}

a rosenthal by any other name

Before Justin and I started talking about getting married, I had always planned on keeping my last name. I’m an independent, Aquarius woman! And I like having the same last name as my Grandpa whom I clearly adore, along with my father and two brothers. I mean, check out this Rosenthal crew:

But it’s important to my man. In fact, he used to joke that he wasn’t going to propose to me unless I agreed to take his last name. Justin can be very traditional. It’s cute. So I conceded. Or at least I’m in the process.

Our marriage license lists my new last name: Singer. I have a new social security card with the name Amy Singer. And my new passport is in the mail.* I still have to get a new driver’s license, and then a new e-mail address. (But FYI in a totally lovey dovey and contradictory-to-everything-I’m-saying-here way I do confess I tried to sign up for amysinger@gmail.com like three years ago. It was already taken. This of course is the modern day equivalent to scribbling AE + JB = LOVE in a notebook.)

Anyway, I digress. I’m halfway there. And I’m in name change limbo. And it feels so weird. But fortunately, it’s good weird. Like calling Justin “my husband” is still SO weird, in the best possible way. I giggle every time. I’m not over it. And I’ll never get over it. But perhaps I’ll get used to my new name.

AS

*Justin and I recently decided to go to Tulum, Mexico for an upcoming trip in February. I hadn’t done anything proactive to officially change my name yet, i.e. get a new SS card or passport. I had been procrastinating. So Justin quite strategically booked my flight under Amy Singer, so that I had to change my name in a timely manner. And it clearly worked.

[Photo by Carlie Statsky]

Wedding Gifts

My friend Danny recently asked me and Justin for wedding gift ideas. Danny was brainstorming a gift for his brother and new sister-in-law, and he was stumped. He said our ideas, based on some awesome gifts we were fortunate enough to receive and also feedback from other married friends, were helpful. Below are some favorites:

Coravin

Before my brother Todd called to ask if we would want a Coravin, Justin and I had never heard of it. (Todd is always ahead of the curve when it comes to tech, gadgets, wine, etc.) I was skeptical at first. The Coravin is an instrument that removes a small amount of wine from a wine bottle, without having to uncork the bottle. It’s mind-blowing. It’s revolutionary. I don’t get it. But Todd assured me it would work, and it does. And it’s perfect when you want just a glass of wine, but don’t want to open a good bottle.

Faux Fur Throw

As discussed here, our new faux fur throw is awesome.

Personalized Map Print

My sister and brother-in-law got us a thoughtful piece of wall art. It’s a cutout of a United States map with delicate hearts placed in Wisconsin (where Justin and I met at college and became close friends), New York (where we currently reside) and California (where we got married). The print lists our wedding date below the map image. It’s a wonderful addition to our embarrassingly mostly bare walls.

Ketubah (Obviously for Jewish couples only)

Justin and I picked out and purchased our own Ketubah, but my bestie Rachel has a beautiful tradition among her siblings: They give each other Ketubahs as wedding presents. What makes a wedding contract more special than it already is? If it’s a gift from family (or friends). And Ketubahs can be pretty pricey, so if people pitch in it can make a really great gift.

Anything off a Wedding Registry

While towels may not turn you on, a couple registers for what they want (and need). My brother Todd said he didn’t want to get us anything remotely domestic (in his eyes, lame), and I’m happy he didn’t. (I’m currently sipping on a Coravin-ed glass of wine.) But in general couples are thrilled to receive items off their registries.

Anything off a Honeymoon Registry

Justin and I didn’t do a honeymoon registry, but some recently marrieds recommend it. Friends and family can order the happy couple anything from a romantic dinner to a snorkel trip, and the bride & groom end up getting the funds to use as they see fit.

A

P.S.  Read about engagement gifts here. 

[Photo via Jose Villa/Style Me Pretty]