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12 pieces of advice for newlyweds

Published on April 15, 2019September 6, 2019 by Jamie Shugart1 Comment

Will and I are on the cusp of having been married for an entire year. This basically means that we know all of the things! (That’s a joke)

After five months of marriage we wrote about 5 things we learned in five months of marriage. I figure it’s about time that we share our 12 tips for those of you about to embark on the adventure of marriage. I reached out to my Instagram friends for help. Peep their advice below!

Before I get ahead of myself though, if you want to follow along with our adventures of newlywed life, turning a house into a home, and all of the highs and lows of everyday life, click the subscribe button on the right (or at the bottom if you’re on mobile). It doesn’t send you crazy stuff or give your information to anyone—it just sends blog updates directly to you!

Without further ado, sit down, grab a pen, your BFF (aka soon-to-be or brand new spouse) and take this advice to heart. We obviously know what we’re talking about.

(DISCLAIMER: I feel like I will have to be married about ten million years before actually offering advice on big subjects. Let’s just have some fun together today.)

#1. You WILL adjust.

Times of transition can be difficult, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I’ve had girlfriends who cried their eyes out on their first night home from the honeymoon because they were afraid of change. I’ve known couples who have gone to counseling in their first year of marriage. I even once had a boyfriend exclaim that “marriage isn’t that hard!” to a couple struggling through their early years and a woman going through a divorce.

Embrace the transition. Recognize things are going to change and try not to fight it.

#2. You will find your own habits and routines as a couple.

This is a great thing! But it does take time. One of the biggest areas of adjustment in a new marriage can be learning that your time is shared now.

#3. “Don’t compare.

“Don’t compare your relationship/marriage to anyone else’s. Learn from others but never compare.”-Kristina

#4. “Always give your spouse the best of yourself.

“Don’t give your best to everyone else and then give your spouse the leftovers.” -Kristina

#5. “Grow together and embrace the changes in one another.

“Love each other for who you are today, not who you were or who you could be.” -Phillip

#6. “Laugh a lot!

“Don’t take life too seriously.”-Caroline

#7. “Prioritize time together.” -Will

Thanks for the contribution, husband. ❤ I absolutely agree! Determine your marriage priorities together and then stick to them. If you have your priorities in line, decisions become more clear.

#8. “Learn to communicate now, even over the smallest things!”-Marly

Amen, sister! Communication is key.

#9. Unmet expectations are a trap.

We often have expectations of each other, of ourselves, of our circumstances, etc. Unmet expectations can create problems unless you realize what is happening and how to manage it.

#10. Be honest.

If you are upset, be honest. Don’t be afraid to ask each other questions to understand wants, needs, and expectations.

#11. Don’t expect your spouse to change overnight.

First of all, if you don’t express a need for change (in a loving way) but instead keep your feelings to yourself, everything will stay the same. And once you do express a need for change, don’t expect your spouse to get everything right from then on out. They’re still human. Which brings me to my last piece of advice.

#12. Allow your spouse to be human.

Just as you give yourself grace on a bad day, or after a frustrating experience, you need to extend the same courtesy to your spouse. Don’t hold them on a pedestal OR expect them to always fall short. They have bad days, feelings of anxiety, and other human tendencies just like you.

BONUS! Never stop being friends.

Congratulations on being a newlywed or an almost-newlywed! Praying God’s blessings over your marriage, that you will have patience with one another, that you will LOVE each other in every season (even when you don’t like each other all that much), and that you embrace becoming one whole heartedly.

Until next time,
Jamie out.

mucinex

Published on March 18, 2019July 17, 2019 by Jamie ShugartLeave a comment

Sickness has struck the Shugart household.

Well, mostly it has struck me. Will had a cute little cough and then was over and done with it. I, on the other hand, self-diagnosed from the first spike of fever that a sinus infection had taken me down, post-migraine.

I write to you now from the comfort of my bonus room couch, with my steaming mug of chamomile tea and my chick flicks and Grey’s Anatomy on repeat, having missed publishing my first Monday blog post since launching Wamie’s World last July. And while I have no photos to share today, from a typically photography focused blog, I feel that sharing using the written word can just as powerfully convey the clouded vision of a sickly blogger.

I was conveniently taken down by a virus passed on by my loving family on the busiest work week I have seen since the Christmas holiday family photo session explosion of 2018. I curled up in an armchair for two days straight, editing my days away while clutching my box of tissues. I spent the nights clutching my eyeballs for fear they might pop out of my head due to the pressure building up behind them. And I coughed my way through work, popping cough drops like they were candy and huddling in my corner so as not to breathe on anyone.

Conveniently, all of the websites say that you might have a sinus infection if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

As a woman who has had far more than her fair share of sinus infections in her life, I would have to disagree with whomever invented them. More than two weeks is far too long to put up with this nonsense. Can I please just return to my normal programming?

Should you be happy and healthy today, enjoying the full use of your vocal cords, please appreciate your pressure free sinuses, your vertigo free days, and how little you require tissues on a minute by minute basis. I will be here, attempting to live a normal life while contemplating removing my sinuses from my body.

Until next time,
Jamie out.

our day date to a super old house

Published on February 11, 2019 by Jamie Shugart3 Comments

About a week or so ago, Will took me on a fantastic day date to a place I had been dying to visit. I’m a sucker for dates and romance. This one just tugged at my heart strings and was a perfect morning spent reflecting on history, how people used to live, and the things we take for granted now. Like freezers, freedom, and air conditioning in the south.

The 1897 Poe House is located near downtown Fayetteville. No, it was not owned by the poet, but by a prominent family that made and sold bricks. In fact, much of the foundation of this home is made out of bricks made by Mr. Poe, although the deeds to everything they owned, including the company were in his wife’s name, per the prenup.

The Poe’s apparently ordered this home out of a Sears catalog, which was not uncommon. Everything was sent to a local carpenter who built it for them.

We got to tour pretty much everything in the home and our tour guide explained how North Carolina had obtained the property, how much it cost to restore it, and what things the Poe’s daughter had renovated and converted from what it was originally. It was interesting to see how a well off family lived, with their ice box, grocers delivering goods, cook and maids, and two stair cases.

Actual dishes that the Poe family owned.

I’m super into this dating thing. If you couldn’t tell.

Until next time,

Jamie out

Valentines Day Gift Guide for Her, Him, and Couples!

Published on February 4, 2019 by Jamie Shugart1 Comment

Let’s be real—we all know the traditional standby of flowers and chocolates for all romantic occasions. Don’t get me wrong, they are cliches for a reason—because they are a little bit of luxury that make a girl feel special. But if you want to go beyond the traditional and get your significant other something that they will remember for years to come, these are some items that will probably get you those brownie points.

5 Gift Ideas for Her

Bath Bombs

For the girl you haven’t been dating for very long, or the woman who loves her bath time more than you could ever understand. Bath bombs come in all shapes, all sizes, and all scents. Benefits can include moisturizing shea and coco butter. Their fizzing and aromas are often calming and add to the bath experience. This is not a gift like soap that your loved one might take the wrong way. This a luxurious item that encourages your girl to take some time for herself.

Throw Blanket

What girl doesn’t love a super soft throw blanket to cozy up under? I remember being eleven or twelve when I asked for my first throw blanket for Christmas. This is a great gift for any woman in your life. New girlfriend, daughter, friend, or wife. Every woman deserves a fresh new cozy item in her life.

Instant Film Camera

This Fujimax Instax Mini is ideal for the millennial women in your life. Give them the gift of instant gratification, artistic expression, and another creative method to document the moment. This is a gift that keeps on giving, and they will love it.

Kate Spade Wristlet Clutch

Here’s the thing about purses. Every woman deserves to be unexpectedly gifted with a really nice handbag or clutch at least once in her life. This cute wristlet clutch will be perfect for nice nights out, to restaurants, plays, or even concerts. You might need some advice from the sales people or one of her best friends if the idea of this one scares you a little. Kate Spade, Coach, and Michael Kors are all great options for quality products.

Michael Kors Rose Gold Smart Watch

For those of you looking to spend a little more money to bring your significant other’s fashion into the twenty-first century. Even if she already has a smart watch, this is a serious upgrade, and one she will be very surprised and excited about.

5 Gift Ideas for Him

Wireless Charger

This is a seriously excellent gift for your guy, and is especially good for new relationships. It won’t break the bank, doesn’t send a weird subliminal message, and is just a fun and useful gadget they will be really excited about. Make their life a little easier this Valentines Day and give them the gift of cordless charging.

Pour Over Coffee Station

For your guy who loves to be a little more sophisticated than Mr. Coffee. If your man ogles french presses in his free time or has previously discussed different methods of roasting coffee beans with you, this might be the perfect gift for him!

White Noise Sound Machine

Does your man need to have a fan on while he sleeps, or play brown noises from Spotify to your Echo Dot all night (like mine does)? Give him the gift of restful sleep this Valentines Day with a white noise sound machine. The one linked above doesn’t break the bank, has fan sounds, white and brown noises, and boasts a sleep timer. I’d call this one a win in my book.

Man Crate

Have you heard of these? They. Are. So. Cool. For virtually any price range, and virtually any guy, you can give him one of the most manly gifts he has ever received in his life. From exotic meats and bacon, to Sriratcha and whiskey, you can take your pick and have it delivered in a literal crate that he will need to use a hammer and crowbar to open. Need I say more?

MVMT Watch

A classy gift for a classy guy. MVMT watches are affordable, stylish, and something your man will brag about for years to come. Make this Valentines Day one to remember by getting him this minimalist modern analog piece to step up any outfit. Bonus: it is durable and water resistant.

4 Gifts for Both of You

ENO DoubleNest Two-Person Hammock

For the adventurers in your life, this gift will not disappoint. Great for the camping, backpacking, mountain climbing lovers, this two-person hammock will be an exciting gift for both of you that will encourage more outdoor exploring and cuddling.

500+ Thread Count Sheets

Luxury is sleeping on nice sheets every night. Give yourselves the gift of comfort and a great night of sleep this Valentines Day by splurging on a new set of sheets. Can you remember the last time your bed set got a refresh? I’d say it’s probably about that time.

Monthly Wine Subscription

Let’s be real, there are all kinds of wine of the month clubs. If you and your significant other are wine aficionados, this might just be a splurge you should take this year. Here is a list by “My Subscription Addiction” for their recommended and favorite wine subscription boxes of 2018.

Couples Massage

Treat yourself! Professional massages are not a thing that we all get regularly, even though we probably should. Give yourselves the gift of relaxation this Valentines Day and book a couples massage somewhere in town. Be prepared to be oily and relaxed, so you may not want to schedule a fancy dinner right afterwards.

More than anything this Valentines Day, we hope that you get to spend time with the ones that you love. From us to you, we hope that you feel loved and cherished this day.

Do you have any gift ideas we didn’t mention? Leave them in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and don’t forget to join the family and subscribe if you haven’t already.

Until next time,
Jamie out