The Newlywed Life

Where’s Wifey?

2008-11-12T09:11:00.002-05:00

The Newlywed Life is being restructured and will be out of commission for awhile. In the meantime, please visit me at Ask Wifey or Wifey’s House.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Bon Voyage

2008-10-15T14:35:00.001-04:00

The Newlywed Life will be on a brief hiatus as I embark on Wifey’s Big Adventure. I apologize that there is no Hump Day post today, but I will try to make up for it with something extra special when I get back.

In the meantime, I invite you to come by Wifey’s House where I will do my best to write updates and post pictures while I enjoy my special trip.

Ciao!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

A Little Hip Help

2008-10-10T15:58:00.002-04:00

It’s Fab Friday at The Newlywed Life, the day I divulge some of my fabulous finds. Websites, housewares, décor, drinks, jewelry, books; it doesn’t matter as long as it’s fabulous.

I was watching The Today Show earlier this week and discovered this…

isABelt. A clear, uniquely designed, adjustable belt to keep pants from slipping down, $16.95.

I have yet to get one but think this is a wonderful idea. It eliminates that awful belt budget that can often ruin the perfect outfit. If anyone has ever tried it, please let us know.

Here’s to a little something fabulous for everyone!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Sexy Sabotage

2008-10-08T11:06:00.002-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. This week I’ve got a question for you: Are you sabotaging your own sexiness?

I went swimsuit shopping yesterday with my mother as I am preparing to go on a special trip (more details about my excursion in an upcoming post) and for the first time in a long time – thanks to my Fifteen in Five plan – I actually enjoyed it. I bought two fabulous swimsuits and can’t wait to wear them – in public. That inspired me to go home and dive into my closet to search for outfits for the rest of my trip. As I reached past my usual work-from-home, take-the-kids-to-practice, workout gear I found a closet full of stylish, sexy clothes and shoes waiting for me to rediscover them.

Gasp! Have I been sabotaging my own sexiness? While I’m not guilty of rocking the infamous “mom jeans,” I found out that I haven’t always been putting my sexiest side forward. What’s ironic is I know better – I talk about staying a hot chick after getting married in my book – but I think sometimes we all could use a little reminder.

So, here it is… your sexiness reminder. I know we’re all busy, but sexiness really doesn’t have to take a lot of time. I know we all come in different shapes and sizes, but fortunately sexiness does, too. Maybe it’s some hot jeans, sleek boots, pretty panties, a touch of make up, or simply a positive mindset that makes you feel sexy. Whatever it is that sparks your sexiness make sure to flaunt – not sabotage – it!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Great News and Reviews

2008-10-07T08:21:00.003-04:00

First the great news… I am so pleased to share that my sister will soon be joining The Newlywed Life. Her boyfriend, ahem, fiancé, popped the question – and a fabulous diamond ring – yesterday and officially asked her to marry him. I couldn’t be happier and am excited for them both.

The bling-bling. He’s off to a great start!

Now the review, I am also pleased to share a great review of my new book on a fun website I discovered a few months ago, Polka Dot Bride. Ms. Polka was gracious enough to send me a link to her review of the book so I thank her kindly and invite you to stop by and pay her a visit.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Dodging Difficult Conversations

2008-10-06T09:09:00.002-04:00

It’s Marriage Monday at The Newlywed Life and this week in light of the financial fallout our economy is facing I’ve got a money tip for everyone:

Don’t Avoid Difficult Financial Conversations. I realize that most people don’t want to read about these things so I’ll be quick and to the point. Just because you don’t talk about something doesn’t mean that it’s not happening. When it comes to money, ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance can leave you, your new husband, and future children - gasp! - in financial ruins. Some topics for discussion include retirement plans, taxes, life insurance, disability insurance, will/living trust, previous child’s support and ex-wife’s alimony payments.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage, but there is something wrong in not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Pretty in Pink

2008-10-03T09:27:00.002-04:00

It’s Fab Friday at The Newlywed Life, the day I divulge some of my fabulous finds. Websites, housewares, décor, drinks, jewelry, books; it doesn’t matter as long as it’s fabulous.

When I picked up the mail yesterday there was an envelope from Tiffany & Co. with my name on it inviting me to look at their new and noteworthy fall designs. Of course I obliged – who can resist the allure of the turquoise box – then I took it one step further and began browsing their website. That’s when I found this…

Tiffany Legacy Collection, Pink sapphire ring, $13,500

Gasp! It gives a new definition to pretty in pink. Yes, it’s a bit on the pricey side but there are many other fabulous pieces on Tiffany.com that won’t break the budget.

Here’s to a little something fabulous for everyone!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Faking The Big O

2008-10-01T09:16:00.001-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. Last week in my Ask Wifey column I tackled a question about faking orgasms. Gasp! Dare I say it, most women have yelled to the hills when they were less than thrilled at sometime or another.

That leads me to ask, do you fake “The Big O?” Don’t worry, it’s a rhetorical question. You don’t have to answer out loud, although your comments are definitely welcome. My question is more to get you thinking. Are you satisfied with the outcome – no pun intended – when you have sex? Or, are you doing your best “When Harry Met Sally” impersonation?

Statistics show it takes more than intercourse for most women to reach orgasm, and that it doesn’t happen during every sexual encounter. My advice to the woman last week was instead of faking it; find new ways that will truly take you there and then share them with your husband.

I suppose a little enhanced holler every now and then doesn’t hurt anything; but wouldn’t it be more fun for everyone involved if you really mean it? What do you think? Theatrical minds want to know…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Do You Really Know Your Husband?

2008-09-29T12:31:00.001-04:00

It’s Marriage Monday at The Newlywed Life and this week I’ve got three tips to make sure you really know your husband.

Do know what makes him happy. A big juicy stake, playing flag football in the park, making love to you. You should know what makes your husband happy and do your best to keep him that way.

Do learn each other’s favorites. Foods, colors, places, songs, people, and sodas… take the time to learn about the things your spouse loves.

Do appreciate his interests. You don’t have to like them, but respect them… as long as they are respectable.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage, but there is something wrong in not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Shop It To Me

2008-09-26T13:27:00.003-04:00

It’s Fab Friday at The Newlywed Life, the day I divulge some of my fabulous finds. Websites, housewares, décor, drinks, jewelry, books; it doesn’t matter as long as it’s fabulous.

One of my girlfriends hipped me to this fabulous shopping site, ShopItToMe.com. When you sign up you tell them what brands you like, what types of items you’re looking for and what sizes you need. Sign up is quick and simple; and then they email you, as frequently as you request, with great buys of your favorite things.

It's like having your own personal shopper ... via email. Here’s to a little fabulous shopping for everyone!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Six Sexy Do's and Don'ts

2008-09-24T09:06:00.000-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. In honor of the official release of my new book, Help! I’m a Newlywed…What Do I Do Now? Wife-Saving Advice Every New Bride Must Know to Survive the First Year of Marriage, here’s six do’s and don’ts from the book to help keep your sex life… sexy:

Do take the time to create the sex life you want. You have your whole life to build your sex life. That’s why it’s called a sex life.

Don’t do anything that you’re not comfortable with. Married or not – period.

Do what makes you feel sexy. Wear pretty panties, shave your legs, and shower yourself with fragrant body wash. Take the time to do the things that make you feel sexy.

Do have a nooner. Meet at home for lunch… and skip the lunch!

Do keep your sex life interesting. There’s nothing worse than boring sex…except more boring sex.

Do experiment with sex toys and games. There’s a wide assortment of fun and safe toys and games available to enhance your sex life. Spice it up and have some fun.

To purchase a copy of Help! I’m a Newlywed for yourself or as a gift for a new bride visit AskWifey.com or Amazon.com.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Fit Food

2008-09-19T10:39:00.004-04:00

It’s Fab Friday at The Newlywed Life, the day I divulge some of my fabulous finds. Websites, housewares, décor, drinks, jewelry, books; it doesn’t matter as long as it’s fabulous.

In light of this week’s Hump Day post I figured this fancy food gadget would be appropriate.

OXO Food Scale with Pullout Display, $49.95 at Crate and Barrel.

What better way to help stay in shape than weighing what your eating in style.

Here’s to a little something Fab for everybody’s waistline.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Three Tips To Better Sex

2008-09-17T14:08:00.001-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. It’s no secret that I’m a fitness fan and am quick to share the benefits of getting buff – remember this – so it shouldn’t come as a surprise after my Fifteen in Five plan that I’m tying sex and exercise back together again.

For three ways exercise can improve your sex life come on over to Wifey’s House…

Daily Dose of Do’s and Don’ts

2008-09-15T08:24:00.001-04:00

It’s Marriage Monday at The Newlywed Life and this week I’ve got three tips for you to consider as you and your new hubby settle into your new roles as husband and wife.

Don’t expect your husband to nurture you like a woman does. It’s just not how most men are made. It that’s what you need, call your mother, your sister or your girlfriends.

Do know that husbands have selective hearing. They can hear the game on television that’s across the room while they’re sleeping, but you can talk five feet in front of their face and they many not hear a word you’re saying.

Don’t jump on him when he walks through the door from work. Women are ready to vent; men need at least fifteen minutes, and a trip to the bathroom.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage but there is something wrong with not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Mary Jane

2008-09-12T17:10:00.007-04:00

It’s Fab Friday at The Newlywed Life, the day I divulge some of my fabulous finds. Websites, housewares, décor, drinks, jewelry, books; it doesn’t matter as long as it’s fabulous.

In honor of Fall Fashion Week, I decided to look for some cute fall shoes. While perusing Nordstrom’s designer collection, I instantly fell in love with these…

Burberry Patent Leather High Heel Mary Jane, $450

Yes, they screamed FABULOUS at me and I felt compelled to share.

I also saw the price and felt compelled to find a less expensive version of this oh so lovely shoe.

Women’s Isaac Mizrahi for Target Jasmine Mary Jane Pumps – Red Patent, $32.99.

Here’s to a little something Fab for everybody’s budget.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Sex … All Night Long or One Hour Strong?

2008-09-10T09:30:00.003-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. Husband was flipping through this…

(No, this post is not about the cover, even though it’s oozing sex.)

… and handed me the magazine to look at the article, “The 33 Most Overrated.” While he was laughing at something at the top of the list, it was the bottom that grabbed me.

Number 33 on Blender magazine’s most overrated people, places, trends and other junk in rock list is Sexin’ All Night Long. The article reads:

“Usher, Keith Sweat, AC/DC, Prince…we could go on and on about the mack daddies who brag about going on and on – hittin’ it, workin’ it and doing other stuff to it – until the break of dawn. Even Dokken have a song about all-night boning. Two words for all these guys: Shyeah, right! Have you actually ever tried sexin’ it for more than, like, two hours? You get bored. You get sores. You get tired. Call us square, but unless you’re Sting or a crystal-meth addict, an all-night sex marathon sounds about as fun as an all-day Friends marathon. Underrated alternative: Sexin’ for 45 minutes and getting 10 hours sleep.”

Is it me or is this funny as hell? When was the last time you had sex for more than two hours… in a row? Gasp! My newlywed wives might have a little different answer than my veterans, especially if the sexin’ hasn’t spawned any children yet. Kudos to those with the stamina to sustain, but the underrated alternative might not be so, ahem, underrated.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Money, Money, Money

2008-09-08T08:43:00.000-04:00

It’s Marriage Monday at The Newlywed Life and this week I’ve got three money don’ts to help keep your marriage, and your check book, balanced.

Don’t mistake money for power. Confusing the two in a relationship can lead to its end.

Don’t count pennies. “I made this much; you made that much.” That is very dangerous territory. Never use how much you earn against each other.

Don’t expect everything to be equal. You are in a partnership now. Sometimes you do more; sometimes your partner will do more. That’s the beauty of having a partner.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage, but there is something wrong in not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em

2008-09-05T14:49:00.000-04:00

This week’s Wives’ Words appropriately marks the beginning of football season…

“All I can say is have patience and if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Sit and watch the games with him at least every now and then. If that doesn’t work, put a teddy on if need be and give him a halftime show he’ll never forget.” – Allison, married 12 years.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage but there is something wrong with not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Sex Signs

2008-09-03T10:53:00.001-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. This week I have a question for you: do you know what kind of sex signals you send to your spouse? And, when you send them?

You are sending sex signals, whether you mean to or not. And, believe me, your husband is reading them, correctly or not. When you’re tired, overworked, and completely distracted your husband can read that in your body language. If you come home after a hard day's work then go change into your favorite pair of sweatpants and an oversized T-Shirt, he knows his chances of getting them off of you are slim. That’s not to say that he won’t try, but more than likely a red flag went up when those sweatpants went on – especially if you normally slip into something sexy when you’re trying to seduce him.

Come on over to Wifey’s House to read more…

Wifey's Marriage Monday

2008-09-01T09:13:00.000-04:00

This Monday Wifey is taking a little to have a Marriage Monday of her own. Husband has the day off so I am spending the day with my family. I will resume my usual Marriage Monday posts next week. Don’t forget to check back in this week for Hump Day and other helpful hints.

Enjoy the holiday and remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage, but there is something wrong with not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Wives’ Words, Living Together, Part 2

2008-08-29T12:36:00.001-04:00

Real wives share their thoughts on living together…

“This can be a challenge, making yours and mine into ours. My advice would simply be to be open to change and if necessary learn to love that ugly favorite chair, painting, 49rs pillow (whatever ‘it’ may be). Set some ground rules as to what is expected as far as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. A lot of assumptions are made about who is doing what.” —Allison, married 12 years

“Being compatible helps and respectful the way any roommate should act.” —Sharon, married eight years

“Try to really be honest about who you are, and your beliefs before you move in together. It is a lot easier to deal with major differences if you don't feel like someone has done a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on you, just to get you in.” —Hope, married 14 years

“Be patient.” —Ndidi, married six years

“Your home should be a place of solitude and relaxation when you both come home from a long day's work.” —Monica, married three years

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage, but there is something wrong with not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Calling All Music Lovers...

2008-08-27T08:59:00.003-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. This week Oprah’s got me again. For some reason her television show and magazine continue to feed me great material for Hump Day (thanks, Oprah … we should do lunch!).

I was flipping through the pages of the September issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, the shopping section to be specific - and had to stop and do a double take when I saw a picture that looked like this...

Come on over to Wifey’s House to read more…

Surviving a Sports Fanatic, Rule #202

2008-08-25T08:50:00.002-04:00

It’s Marriage Monday at The Newlywed Life and today’s tip is in honor of the beginning of football season. If you are not a sports lover but married to one, today’s tip is for you…

Take advantage of the time that he is enjoying sports to do something special for you.

Do not focus on his behavior and spend excessive negative energy nagging, yes I said it, nagging him about sports. He’s having a good time enjoying something that he likes. Either enjoy it with him or find something that you enjoy to do, too.

Yes, you are a couple now, but you still need to nurture your individuality. It’s OK and encouraged to have some separate interests of your own. Be one with yourself. Discover a passion that is hidden in the depths of your soul. And if that’s too deep for you, grab your purse and a girlfriend and go shopping. See a movie, get a massage, go to a play, read a book, catch up on some sleep. Do something (except bitch at him) that will make you happy, too.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Wives’ Words: Living Together, Part 1

2008-08-22T16:43:00.001-04:00

Real wives share their thoughts on living together…

“Whatever habits existed before the marriage will be there afterwards. Don’t expect too much change. If he was a slob the night before the ceremony he will be that same slob the next morning.” —Cheryl, married five years

“Don't project yourself onto your spouse and get mad if he doesn't do it your way (cleaning up, cooking paying bills). Work it out and figure out who likes (doesn't mind) doing what.” —Robin, married six years

“You will be exposed to habits that will annoy the hell out of you. You can nag about everything, but that will be a total drag – for you and for him! If your husband, no matter how many times you ask him, never seems to be able to put a new toilet paper roll in the bathroom, then it may be better for your sanity to just know that you’ll be the toilet paper replacer in the family.” —Nancy, married two years

“Be very careful living together is different than being married. We lived together a year before getting married and it was amazing we still did not skip the one year situations that have to be worked out. Marriage is a totally different creature.” —Rachel, married 12 years

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in your marriage, but there is something wrong with not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

A Kiss is Worth 336 Hours

2008-08-20T11:04:00.001-04:00

It’s Hump Day at The Newlywed Life, the one day a week I dish about sex. Last week I shared a few interesting facts about sex. One of them was the average person spends two weeks of their life kissing. It might sound like a lot but when you break it down it’s really not. Two weeks is 336 hours. There are 8,736 hours in one year. Let’s say you live 80 years, we’ll only count 60 since none of us were kissing anyone before we were twenty, right? Ahem, ahem. That’s 524,160 hours. A mere 336 hours doesn’t seem like much when you added it all up.

The point of that exercise was not to show off my math skills, or lack of if my numbers are wrong, it’s to bring to your attention how often you kiss your spouse.

Come on over to Wifey’s House to read more…