Why Khloe Kardashian WON'T Be Getting Married to Lamar Odom Again

khloe-kardashian-not-getting-married-to-lamar-again-main.jpg

Photo: Getty Images

Let’s be real, all of us were secretly hoping deep, deep down inside that after Lamar Odom survived his life-threatening drug overdose against all odds he would realize just how good he had it when he was blissfully in love with the most down-to-earth personality on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, our wanna-be bestie Khloe Kardashian. And after watching the episode where Lamar and Khloe joke about getting married again (“if you’re lucky,” as Khloe put it) we couldn’t help but imagine the pair walk down the aisle once again — and hey, maybe even reintroduce their hit TV show, Khloe and Lamar! A girl can dream, can’t she?

But all of those hopes were quickly dashed when Khloe shared a heart-wrenching post on Instagram detailing (what we assume) is drama between her and her ex. “You don’t know what you got till it’s gone,” she opens up with to her fans before delving into a lengthy piece about truly appreciating what you have versus what you want.

“Don’t lose something you have for something you think you want,” the KUWTK star wrote. “What you have now was once everything you prayed you wanted. Think of how lucky you are to have someone you can be completely comfortable around, that is a true gift and one that should be cherished at all times.”

Is it just us or is everyone else bawling their eyes out right now, too?

She went on to say, “Too many times people don’t realize what they have because they are out there looking for something they assume is better. The grass ain’t always greener kids. ‘Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have you will never, ever have enough.'”

Shortly after posting the rather poignant letter, Khloe deleted the Instagram and replaced it with this:

A photo posted by Khlo? (@khloekardashian) on Jun 18, 2016 at 11:26pm PDT

See More: A Look Back at ALL of the Kardashian Weddings, in Photos

If you’re a little confused, we’re totally in the same boat as you. But apparently this little Instagram stint isn’t the only sign of trouble brewing between the ex-NBA star and the TV personality. According to People, Khloe isn’t speaking to Lamar anymore. A source revealed, “The times she went to see him recently, he was pretty messed up. She’s sick of it. She feels like she’s done everything she can and it’s just ridiculous at this point.”

Khloe, our hearts are breaking for you. Here’s to hoping you’ll find happiness sooner rather than later!

Stacked Rings are the Newest Wedding Trend, and We are Obsessed With Them

Bezel Diamond Ring Stack

Photo: Courtesy of Brilliant Earth

Who can’t resist some extra sparkle on their finger? Stacked wedding rings have been dazzling their way into our hearts (and fingers) in recent years, increasingly appearing in the cases of jewelers and popping up on celebrity fingers, from Kate Bosworth to, more recently, Whitney Port. No longer a rarity, three rings (or four or five!) have become a full-on trend and a common way for women to make a unique statement.

One of the major appeals of stacked wedding rings is their flexibility and versatility. Depending on the woman’s mood or style, an engagement ring can be worn as a standalone piece on the right hand, with the wedding bands on the actual ring finger, or they can all be layered for a powerful look.

Whether separate or together, the right mix of rings complements one another — and luckily, women have endless options to express their individuality. While some prefer a smooth and streamlined look with a uniform metal and gemstone, others opt for a mix of metals; if you like the colorful look of the latter, make sure the finishes are consistent for a touch of cohesiveness. You can also get playful with the size, choosing a big band surrounded by daintier ones, or work with different textures, such as pairing a pavé band with one made of a matte finish. Another popular option is to rock nesting bands, in which the band is molded to fit perfectly with the engagement ring, bringing the stacked look to a new level.

Our favorite swoon-worthy aspect about this trend is that you can add bands over the years to mark milestones such as anniversaries or motherhood — so your hubby always has the perfect gift in mind! Building up the collection is also great if you’re tight on budget — you can start with a small band and add to it when the time is right.

Allow these sets to serve as your muse!

Bezel Diamond Ring Stack (shown above)
An assortment of shapes — princess, round, and pear — make no diamond feel left out; your finger will have a little bit of everything. (Bezel Diamond Rind Stack, $2,925, Brilliant Earth)

Luxe Antique Eternity Diamond Ring Stack

Photo: Courtesy of Brilliant Earth

Luxe Antique Eternity Diamond Ring Stack
With tiny diamond accents and delicate milgrain detailing, this dainty platinum set is fit for a princess. (Luxe Antique Eternity Diamond Ring Stack, $4,275, Brilliant Earth)

Hazeline Suite No. 13

Photo: Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

Hazeline Suite No. 13
A rose gold solitaire ring with white gold and yellow gold nesting bands merge for a splash of color; you’ll never have to worry about whether your other jewelry matches the metals of your rings. (Hazeline Suite No. 13, $9,250, Anna Sheffield)

Rosette Suite No.18

Photo: Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

Rosette Suite No. 18
This trilogy of bands, complete with a champagne diamond, adds a twist to a classic for a timeless look. (Rosette Suit No. 18, $4,275, Anna Sheffield)

Rosette Suite No. 23

Photo: Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

Rosette Suite No. 23
With a pear-shaped rainbow moonstone front and center, this set of fours dares to be different, playing up both shapes and finishes. (Rosette Suite No. 23, $5,850, Anna Sheffield)

See More: 4 Reasons We Love the Trend of Man-gagement Rings

Iggy Azalea and Nick Young Are Calling Off Their Wedding — Here's the Scandalous Reason Why

iggy azalea nick young call off wedding

Photo: Getty Images

Pouring one out for Iggy Azalea and Nick Young. It’s official — the couple has broken off their engagement. The rapper and her basketball-playing beau had already postponed their wedding due to the performer’s work schedule, but now it seems like there are some more serious relationship issues that have caused the split.

The “Pretty Girls” rapper shared a heart-wrenching Instagram post about calling off her engagement to her beau. “Unfortunately although I love Nick and have tried and tried to rebuild my trust in him — it’s become apparent in the last few weeks i am unable to.” She went on to share that she has nothing but love for her ex, stating, “I genuinely wish Nick the best. It’s never easy to part ways with the person you’ve planned you’re entire future with, but futures can be rewritten and as of today mine is a blank page.”

The backstory? The pair got engaged after meeting through a friend in 2013. The 31-year-old basketball player proposed at his 30th birthday party on June 2nd of last year with a beautiful 10.43-carat diamond (with a whopping price tag of $500,000!).The ring was created by celebrity jewelry Jason Arasheben and designed by Young himself. The proposal was caught on video and posted to Twitter, with Young down on one knee while popping the question. “It was a beautiful celebration for Nick with only his close friends and family. Nick completely surprised Iggy with the proposal. She was shocked and so excited and emotional at the same time,” a source tells E! News.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end — that is, if there is cheating involved. The New York Post reported that the 26-year-old rapper was unable to regain her trust in her fiancé after he was secretly caught on video by his teammate D’Angelo Russel while talking about his relations with other women. The video (below) was then posted to social media. Yikes.

Now that the Australian rapper posted the her final words about the relationship, we can safely say that she is ready to move on (even though returning that Giorgio Armani dress and sparkler may be quite traumatic). Hopefully the split will come as a welcome situation for Azalea to focus on creating some new music and moving on to bigger and better things. If she’s anything like Taylor Swift after a break up, she’s sure to write some songs that will be at the top of the Billboard Charts in no time!

See More: How to Tastefully Call Off Your Wedding

A photo posted by Iggy Azalea (@thenewclassic) on Jun 19, 2016 at 4:05pm PDT

A photo posted by Iggy Azalea (@thenewclassic) on Mar 5, 2016 at 1:11am PST

Happy New Year!

A photo posted by Iggy Azalea (@thenewclassic) on Jan 1, 2016 at 1:14am PST

A photo posted by Iggy Azalea (@thenewclassic) on Dec 16, 2015 at 8:16pm PST

6 Money Talks You Should Have Before You Get Engaged

bride groom money

Photo: Getty Images

We know we should talk about money before we get married, but what about before we get engaged? Absolutely. As Elle Kaplan, finance expert and founder of LexION Capital, explains, “it’s standard practice to discuss milestones like wanting kids, buying a house, or travel plans before getting engaged, but the truth is that most of these goals are connected to money. Couples need to be on the same page financially as well as emotionally to ensure a successful marriage.”

She continues, “Many marriages encounter trouble because financial disagreements pop up far too late in the relationship. It would be akin to discovering your partner doesn’t want to have children five years into the marriage. By discussing finances early, couples have a chance to make sure they can achieve their goals and smooth out any money wrinkles.”

So before you get engaged, Kaplan says these are the six money talks you need to have.

1. Your own money habits.
While you may not think your individual money habits matter before you tie the knot, how you save and spend now could have a big impact on whether you both reach your financial goals later. That’s why Kaplan recommends sharing your money views before you get engaged. “Just like your personalities, everyone is going to have their own unique approach to money,” she says. “One of you might be thriftier, while the other is a spender. The key here is to learn how to start honestly communicating and compromising together.”

2. Your long-term financial goals.
Says Kaplan, “Your long-term relationship goals are all going to be tied to money, so it’s important to narrow down the financial details and start planning early.” For example, let’s say you both dream of buying a house in the next five years. Talking about how much you’ll spend and how you’ll afford it before you get engaged is the best way to make that dream come true five years from now, Kaplan says. “By starting to plan early, you have plenty of time to get your finances in order and achieve your dreams,” she explains.

3. How you’ll save money.
Fact: The first year of marriage can be just as expensive as it is exciting (thanks to your honeymoon and wedding, of course!). So rather than scrambling to save or going into debt for your big day after you get engaged, Kaplan recommends talking about how you’ll save for that costly celebration now. “Couples can start their marriage off on the right foot by strengthening their savings now,” she says.

See More: 8 Fights Every Couple Has During Wedding Planning

4. Your credit scores.
While your credit scores may not seem like a big deal now, “a poor score on either side can throw a wrench in your financial plans,” Kaplan warns. “Everything from getting a mortgage to interest rates on joint accounts are determined by these scores. It can take a while to fix credit, so couples should work together to get the highest scores as possible early on.”

5. Your income and expenses.
Before you commit your lives to one another, it’s smart to figure out how much (or how little) you make and have left over after your expenses each month. “It seems simple, but many couples don’t even know how much the other earns until after marriage,” says Kaplan. “If you’re both spending more than you’re earning or have very little left over, now’s the time to start coming up with a budget together.”

6. Your debt.
Kaplan says almost every American has some form of debt, including student loans. It’s not exactly fun to talk about, “but throwing this issue under the rug will only make it worse,” she warns. “What’s important is that you have a clear sense of any debt and a plan to tackle it. Be especially aware of any ‘dirty debt’ with high interest rates, such as credit card debt, which can easily snowball.”

What Your Zodiac Sign Says About Your Love Life This Week

natural low flower altar

Photo: Sally Pinera; Floral Design by Heavenly Blooms and So Happi Together

Beware brides, there’s a lot of butting heads with your other half this week. But hey, that’s what makeup sex if for, right? Astrologer Celeste Longacre, author of Love Signs, breaks down exactly what the universe has in store for you and your boo this beautiful first official week of summer.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
The desire to stay home is strong right now. Invite your fianc&#233 over for a home-cooked meal or whip something up together after work. Think before blabbing too much mid-week. Fortunately, intuition kicks in by the end so your mouth doesn’t get the better of you.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
The focus in on fun this week, but money could be a bit tight so spend wisely and plan a date night that won’t break the bank. Burgers and mini golf, anyone? Use your imagination to generate some sex appeal with your fianc&#233 in the bedroom. Creativity is yours this weekend.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Avoid an argument with your fianc&#233 early in the week by getting out of the house to cool off and hanging out with your girlfriends. Money flow and communications improve by the weekend so you’ll be able to talk things out and resolve any issues.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Your fianc&#233 can’t take his eyes off you this week, as you’re literally oozing sex appeal. Don’t spoil the mood by saying too much. Instead, take action. A dream this weekend could have an unexpected message for you so be sure not to dismiss it.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Friends could be irritating you early in the week, and you’ll want to vent to your fianc&#233. Don’t let them get to you though. Instead, focus your attention on your partner, who finds you particularly appealing behind closed doors right now.

See More: The 9 Biggest Black Tie Wedding Mistakes Brides Make

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Beware Virgo, because there’s a distinct possibility that you’ll misinterpret a message from your fianc&#233 early in the week. Take a deep breath and try not to react irrationally. Step away from the situation and go blow off some steam with your besties. Communications get better by the weekend.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Behind the scenes activity can mess with your head early on in the week. By Friday, things begin to improve and your fianc&#233 may even want to take you on a surprise road trip. Pack your bags, and get ready for some romance and adventure.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Be careful what you offer a good friend (or friends) at the beginning of the week, as it may cost you more than you anticipated and even stir up trouble in your relationship. Your fianc&#233 finds you terrifically sexy this weekend so make sure to give him your undivided attention.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Avoid a potential fight with your fianc&#233 on Monday or Tuesday by not engaging. Focus your energy on career and finances instead. By this weekend your fianc&#233 has some unique ideas about ways the two of you can have some fun so hear him out.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Co-workers could be a bit cranky at the beginning of the workweek. A solo project might be best to tackle right now. Be sure to get your work all wrapped up by Friday though, as your fianc&#233 will want to spend time with you over the weekend. Go out on the town together, and stay out late having cocktails like old times.

See More: 10 Things You Learn About Yourself Through Wedding Planning

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Friends or family may give you a hard time about money in the first half of the week. But don’t worry, your fianc&#233 has your back and will want to help out any way he can. Your creative instinct is very strong this weekend; don’t ignore it. Perhaps now is a good time to dive into a DIY project.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
An inner restlessness could be a problem for your fianc&#233 early in the week. Friends quickly come to the rescue though. By the weekend, the two of you just want to have fun and let loose. An exciting date night will definitely do your relationship good.

Elle Fowler is Married! See Photos of the YouTube Star's Stunning California Wedding

elle fowler

Photo: Courtesy of Elle Fowler

She’s officially a Mrs. after another epic BRIDES Live Wedding for the books! YouTube star Elle Fowler and her singing sweetheart, musician Alex Goot, have tied the knot in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful weddings we’ve ever seen. And that’s all thanks to you! You helped your fellow bride-to-be with all her big day decision making (we all know how tough that can be…) and voted on all of the elements of her wedding day — from the décor to the dress and everything in between. And you’ll get to see every single detail you’ve chosen on July 8th, right here on BRIDES! But if you’re aching for a sneak peek, we’re happy to oblige! After all, we wouldn’t have been able to pull off BRIDES Live Wedding 2016 without you.

The dreamy day started with a sultry bridal beauty look courtesy of Mary Kay. Celebrity makeup artist Moani Lee got Elle looking beautiful for her walk down the aisle — although we doubt she needed any help with that! And after getting her long blonde locks all primped and polished by the hairstyling experts at Sexy Hair, Elle was ready to slip into that Monique Lhuillier wedding dress you’ve chosen and say her “I dos.” And guys, y’all didn’t let her down! (We knew you always had Elle’s back!) The romantic ruffled layers of her gorgeous gown have officially given us permeant heart eyes. Check the photo below now (and pick your jaw up off the floor later).

You guys apparently also know what you’re doing when it comes to bridesmaids’ attire, because Elle’s gal pals were totally pretty in pink in their fabulous frocks from The Donna Morgan Collection. And the groomsmen were dashing in their sleek black tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse. Kudos, you wedding day experts!

And Elle and Alex’s vows were just as beautiful as the seaside locale they said them in. The Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, California was decked out in white and blush blooms which, coupled with the romantic resort’s gorgeous ocean views, made for some seriously stunning surroundings. Could you just?!

Fawn over the picture-perfect photos below and then be sure to tune in on July 8th to see all of the big day winners and watch Elle’s oh-so-beautiful wedding. (We know you’ve already started your calendar countdowns, right?)

Walking up to meet my groom… #justmarried

A photo posted by Elle Fowler (@missellefowler) on Jun 20, 2016 at 1:47am PDT

Getting ready to watch @missellefowler marry the love of her life. Welcome to the family @alexgoot ????????????

A photo posted by B L A I R F O W L E R (@missblairfowler) on Jun 19, 2016 at 3:25pm PDT

A photo posted by Luke Conard (@lukeconard) on Jun 19, 2016 at 3:05pm PDT

A photo posted by Andrea Marie (@andreamariespc) on Jun 19, 2016 at 6:43pm PDT

See More: BRIDES LIVE WEDDING: Watch Our Bride-to-Be Elle Fowler Get Beautiful for the Big Day

4 Powerful Ways to Show Your Spouse You STILL Choose Them EVERY Day

Once upon a time, your spouse was your FAVORITE person on Earth. His or her every thought, word and deed captivated you … so much so that you pledged your undying devotion to each other “until death do us part.”

Flash forward a few years (and perhaps a few kids) later and suddenly your spouse doesn’t rock your world quite the way he or she used to. Sure, you love your partner. You even like your partner. You just find yourself going days (weeks, months) without feeling any real connection and it gets harder and harder to recognize what made you fall in love with this person in the first place.

You’re taking your mate for granted … and perhaps he or she is doing the same to you. Are you doomed to a ho-hum marriage for the rest of your life? Is the magic between you gone forever?

I reached out to a few respected relationship experts to find out if daily adoration of our forever mates is even possible.

And, good news: It turns out, looking at your spouse with love-dazzled eyes again isn’t as hard as people think … no matter how many years you’ve been together. All that’s needed is some simple, consistent effort and a sincere willingness to choose your spouse anew each and every day.

Here are four simple yet powerful ways to feel captivated by your spouse again:

1. Begin by choosing YOURSELF.
When you feel out of sorts with yourself, you tend to transfer that feeling of discontent onto your partner (usually by finding fault with his or her every move). “Relationships often reflect the deepest part of ourselves,” says dating and relationship coach Clayton Olson. “Whether or not you choose your partner usually reflects how truly you choose yourself. Self-love is a requirement to true love. Accepting and loving yourself, just the way that you are, allows freedom to love and accept your partner without trying to change them.”

So, today (and every day) be a little kinder to yourself. Start focusing on things you like about yourself (versus nit-picking yourself constantly). Then share some of that accepting warmth with your partner.

(Clayton Olson is a coach extraordinaire. Visit ClaytonOlsonCoaching.com for a FREE straightforward guide on creating a relationship that enlivens and inspires you into the best version of yourself.)

See more: 50 Love Quotes That Express Exactly What ‘I Love You’ Really Means

2. Take time (without fail) to focus just on each other … even just for a few minutes.
“In the beginning of a relationship, we focus a lot of time learning everything we can about each other,” says marriage coach and counselor Lesli Doares. But quickly ‘life’ takes over and our spouse gets bumped to the back burner as other tasks and priorities take precedence. Show your partner he or she is still what matters most to you by making a ritual of spending focused time with each other, even briefly.

“Taking at least twenty minutes per day to deeply focus on your partner (and their day) makes them feel so important and like you really do still care,” says Doares. “So, put your phone down, turn the TV off, back away from the laptop and look your partner in the eye while you talk to each other or hug for a few powerful minutes. Those brief respites of loving focus will help keep you both feeling charged and deeply connected the rest of the day.”

(Lesli Doares is a Marriage Coach and Counselor at Foundations Coaching NC. Contact her for information on how coaching can help you create the marriage of your dreams. )

See more: 15 Couples With Matching Tattoos: Cute OR Creepy?

3. Touch your partner without needing it to always turn sexual.
We’ve all heard how important frequent sex is in marriage. But unless your partner still feels truly chosen by you, the quality of your sex life will likely decline quickly. Personal relationship coach Lewis Brown Griggs recommends letting “less sexuality win any time a non-interest in sex is sensed or requested.”

Instead of rejecting or snubbing your partner in those moments, show your partner that you happily choose him or her, even when sex isn’t happening. Treat your partner with tender care and sweet affection at those times. Griggs says, you’ll “notice an enormous mutual benefit not only from being more tender and sensually connected, but often a more loving and intimate sexuality emerges from that tolerance of sex sometimes not being desired.”

(Lewis Brown Griggs is a Personal Relationship Coach in San Francisco. You can learn more about him and ask for a free coaching session via his Lewis Brown Griggs Personal Coaching page on Facebook.)

See more: Love & Relationships

4. Thank your partner for something every single day.
It’s so easy to take your partner for granted, but the truth is — he or she doesn’t HAVE TO do anything for you. So make a point to more frequently recognize the kindness and effort your spouse pours in your direction. “We often miss opportunities to thank our spouse or partner,” says licensed professional counselor Elizabeth Casey. “We don’t have to wait until our spouse moves heaven and earth to say ‘thank you;’ there are small moments every day when you can make your partner feel appreciated. Say ‘thank you’ for taking the garbage out, for making sure laundry is folded, and all the little things that make a big difference in your life!”

(Elizabeth Casey is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and a Chaplain. You can follow her on Facebook or visit her website at EVCCounseling.net.)

Look, the day you married your partner you promised to look at him or her with love … forever.

The best way to make good on that promise — (remember, you did say “I do!”) — and keep your marriage vibrant for a lifetime is to happily show your partner you still chose him or her today! Watch your marriage light up with love and fun when you start treating your spouse like your sweetheart again.

This article originally appeared on YourTango.

BRIDES Southern California: 7 Things Your Hotel Wedding Venue Wants You to Know

hotel wedding venue

Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire

Newly engaged? Congrats! One of the first and most important steps in the wedding planning process is picking out the perfect venue for you and your fiancé. For brides-to-be leaning towards a hotel wedding venue, we turned to Mark Anderson, catering manager of the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, to fill us in on the seven things all couples should know about hosting their nuptials at a hotel. Read on for his insider intel!

1. Convenience is key.

The biggest perk of having your nuptials at a hotel is convenience for both you and your guests. “Hotels are custom designed for wedding celebrations,” says Anderson. “The experience is turn-key from the arrival at valet, to beautiful ballrooms, and of course, a gorgeous bridal suite. Your out-of-town guests can simply walk to the celebration rather than sitting on shuttle busses.”

2. Hotel venues offer an unmatched wow factor.
“As the Pretty Woman hotel, we offer spectacular locations for photography and impressive spaces for wedding celebrations,” Anderson says of the Beverly Wilshire hotel. “It can save thousands. Or, a wedding couple can save a significant amount of money if a ballroom is already gorgeous and doesn’t require décor to dress it up.”

3. You’ll save big money on décor and rentals.

If your dream hotel wedding venue is a little outside of your price range, don’t let that scare you away. You might actually be saving a serious chunk of change on décor items and rentals. “A quality hotel will supply many of the items you might otherwise have to rent,” Anderson explains. “Tables, chairs, linens, china, dance floor, votive candles, etc. are all provided and this could save you thousands.”

See More: Check Out Some of Our Favorite Southern California Wedding Venues on Our Local Vendors Page

4. Have your guest list ready before you inquire.
Before you and your betrothed start checking out different hotel wedding sites, take some time to write up your guest list first. Knowing exactly how many guests you will need to accommodate before you start looking around will save you a lot of time and energy.

5. Choose your date, then the hotel venue.
Anderson recommends setting your wedding date first and then checking in with your favorite vendors to ensure they are all available on that date. Only then should you move forward with signing a contract with your hotel wedding venue. The earlier you book the better chance you have in snagging your dream date. Six months to a year is best. “Generally, you will put about 20% down at the time you contract and then a second deposit closer to your wedding date,” Anderson explains. Bonus tip: Paying for the wedding with a credit card enrolled in a rewards program will later help cover your honeymoon expenses.

6. Use the hotel’s catering team as a planning resource.
Even if you have your own team of wedding planners and vendors, don’t forget to turn to the hotel’s catering team for their recommendations. “Your catering sales person is a wonderful resource of information on both wedding trends and the best vendors in the city,” says Anderson. “Vendors or wedding partners can make or break the big day.”

7. Ask for competitive rates for your out-of-town guests.
Another wonderful perk about having your nuptials at a hotel is that they can often offer competitive rates for your guests that are driving or flying in for the celebration.

Now that you know what to expect from your hotel wedding venue, look at some of our favorite Southern California hotels on our Local Vendors page!

UPDATED Find Local Vendors Button

Engaged Couple Challenge: How to Stay Fit in a Relationship

staying fit in a relationship

Photo: Getty Images

Happy weight is not just a myth. In a recent study, 62 percent of people said they gained an average of 14 pounds after starting a committed relationship. What’s more? Studies show the happier a person is in a relationship, the more likely they are to gain weight. While feeling happy, confident and in love is fantastic for emotional health, it can quickly derail fitness goals.

But not all the stats are bad. While two-thirds of the couples surveyed said they put on weight together, couples who join forces to stay healthy are more successful than those who go it alone.

Here are some common happy weight culprits and ideas for how to avoid them:

Stop Lingering and Start Moving
To make a good date last longer, we’ll often order dessert or have one more drink at the bar before parting ways. Consider some lower calorie ways to prolong your time together. Grab a coffee to go and go for a walk. Make your walk spontaneous by playing a game of “heads or tails.” Flip a coin to decide if you turn left or right, head into a bookstore or go to the park.

Another way to make healthier food choices together is to take walks around your local farmers’ market or grocery store and pick up an array of ingredients that tempt you both. Once you are back in the kitchen, experiment with ways to prepare the food you bought. Cooking can be just as romantic — and sometimes sexy — as eating together.

Avoid Each Other’s Bad Habits
Food is an important part of most modern-day relationships. Studies have found that couples spend a great deal of their time together staying in and watching TV, eating in or eating out. This can wreak havoc on your waistline.

Women are more susceptible than men to picking up poor eating habits from their partners. Many women see eating as a way of connecting with their significant other. The most common problem is portion size (He orders a huge burger with the fries and still can down two beers while you’re struggling). One study found women admitted to eating the same amount as their partner, yet women burn 26 percent fewer calories than men.

The best way to break this trend is to practice more diligent portion control. When eating out, ask for an empty plate and serve yourself an acceptable portion instead of cleaning the plate you are handed. If you and your guy are snacking, don’t just grab from the bag. Make yourself a serving and stop eating once the serving is gone.

If you are at his place and all he typically has to eat are chips and leftover pizza, throw a bag of nuts or a piece of fruit in your purse to ensure you have healthier options. Who knows? Maybe some of these healthy eating habits will rub off on him.

Get Creative with Your Plans
As your relationship progresses, it’s easy to get stuck in a dating rut. You meet every Friday after work at the neighborhood pub and have your favorite take-out joint bookmarked on Seamless. But mixing it up on your date nights can get your heart pumping in more ways than one.

Get out and enjoy the outdoors with your partner. Introduce your love to your favorite hiking trail or bike route. Try a new activity like kayaking, paddle boarding, parkour or mountain climbing. If the weather is lousy or you are looking for something active to do after sunset, take a dance class or even play ping-pong. Believe it or not, a beginner can burn between 200 and 350 calories playing an hour of ping-pong!

Do you get more dinner party invitations than you can keep track of? Spending time with the important people in your significant other’s life can be an opportunity for group fitness. Planning a bowling night or a day of paintball allows you both to spend quality time with friends while keeping your body moving.

Follow Your Passion
After a long day, it’s very easy to plop down on the couch together and binge watch House of Cards. Make the extra effort to walk past the couch and straight into the bedroom. According to WebMD, you can burn up to two calories a minute French kissing. When you take things to the next level, men can burn 100 calories and women can burn 69 calories by having sex for 25 minutes.

Become Sweathearts
Sure, it’s much harder to get out of bed for your 6 a.m. spin when you’ve got an adorable guy laying next to you. Why not get each other motivated and take a class together? Try kickboxing, yoga, SurfSet, bootcamp, boxing or CrossFit.

See more: 25 Boutique Fitness Studios for Your Wedding Workout

If you are concerned that your sweaty appearance while working out will be a turn off, don’t be. Exercise gets your blood pumping and endorphins flowing, which are natural aphrodisiacs. Sweating together actually heightens arousal and intimacy.

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5 Real Bride Saris and Lehengas We Love

If you could sum up Indian weddings in one word, it would be lively. These colorful, multi-day and multi-ceremony affairs are vibrant, fun, lavish, exuberant, and abundant — all things which also just happen to describe the traditional dresses Indian brides don on their big day: saris and lehengas. A quick lesson for those unfamiliar with these beautiful outfits — a sari consists of two pieces with a top and cloth wrapped around as a pleated skirt; a lehenga is three pieces consisting of a top, skirt, and shawl. Rife with dazzling embellishments and ornate details, these gowns come in bountiful options, perfect for a bride looking to wear a dress that reflects both her personality and wedding theme. Whether you’re an Indian bride yourself or marrying into an Indian family, these real wedding saris and lehengas will have you shopping for yours in no time.

The sun meets the stars in this striking lehenga. A fiery orange-red skirt and midnight navy top, both trimmed in decorative gold detail, embody the dazzling heavens above.

real bride pink and turquoise sari

Photo: Wedred

With turquoise and hot pink hues, this lehenga is all about the brights, making it a perfect choice for the playful bride. Elaborate embellishments and intricate details are weaved into the fabric for a beautiful design.

This bride goes against the grain by opting for white over color; a perfect compromise between the traditional white wedding dress and glamorous Indian wedding garb. Gold embroidery adds a dash of refined extravagance while bringing in a cultural touch.

These orange saris are the true burst of sunshine on the beach. We love how the bride’s sari stands out among the bridesmaids with a richer thick fabric and detailed pattern of yellow-gold and red.

This sumptuous red lehenga is a romantic showstopper. A pop of color like this is sure to be a vision on the bold bride looking to turn some heads. Sumptuous gold brocade rounds out the gown’s grand look, making any bride wearing it feel like royalty.

See More: How to Plan a Multicultural Wedding: The Indian Mehndi Party