The Happiest Couples Do These 7 Things Every Day

Every couple is different. While your perfect date night out might be a raucous night on the town, that could be another Netflix-loving couple’s nightmare. But no matter your personal tastes and past times, our experts say that the happiest couples do these things every day.

1. They have leaving and coming back together rituals.
According to Lesli Doares, marriage coach and author of Blueprint For A Lasting Marriage, research supports the idea that couples who have a ritual of greeting and leaving one another — whether that’s when they first wake up or when they head off to work — have happier relationships. Why? “Because you are making a conscious effort to seek each other out,” Doares says. “These times aren’t taken for granted but intentionally acknowledged.”

2. They touch base throughout the day.
Couples who keep in contact also keep one another’s spirits up, says psychotherapist and relationship coach Toni Coleman. “That means touching base throughout the day by phone, text, or email just to say hi, tell one another you’re thinking about the other, or to check in about your plans for the evening,” she says. “How nice it is to know we are a priority to our partner — even when we are apart.”

3. They have uninterrupted one-on-one time together.
And not just for a few seconds. The happiest couples soak up quality time for no less than 15 minutes each day, Doares says. “When you are focused on each other for more than a few minutes, you get past informational exchanges and can engage in deeper conversations that create connection,” she explains. “Making this time a priority that isn’t competing with children, text messages, TV, or emails shows how important nurturing your relationship is.”

4. They share a laugh.
Happy couples get their giggle on whenever they can. Perhaps you spot something seriously funny on the sidewalk and snap a photo for your spouse, or you make a habit of sending one another corny jokes as a way to break up an otherwise boring day. “The point is, something makes you laugh and you want to share this with your partner,” explains Coleman. “A shared sense of humor is an important part of relationship chemistry.”

See More: Could You Guess the Surprising Secret of Happy Couples?

5. They give each other at least one sincere compliment.
The happiest couples make a habit of making one another feel good. Why? Because regular compliments will do more than give you love a confidence boost. “The time you spend identifying something positive your partner does keeps you learning about them and really noticing what they bring to your life,” says Doares. “It keeps the negativity that is so destructive to relationships at bay. And, it also keeps you from taking those positives for granted.”

6. They tell each other “I love you” in the love language of choice.
There are many ways to make people feel loved, from quality time to buying gifts. The happiest couples understand their partners’ love languages and speak them. “Some people like to hear words, others appreciate acts of service, while others need a hug or kiss to feel loved,” says Doares. “Learning your partner’s love language and speaking it daily leaves no doubt about how you each feel about the other. It also shows a willingness to go out of your comfort zone to let them know how you feel in a way they best understand.”

7. They go to bed at the same time if possible.
Finally, says Doares, “settling in together at the end of the day is a great way to increase intimacy — and not just sex. Your last words and thoughts will be with each other and this is can increase your sense of security with each other. And, yes, it will increase the chance of being physically intimate with each other as well — and that is almost always good for your relationship.”

Where to Get JoJo Fletcher's $1,190 Bachelorette Finale Dress for Only $150

Bachelorette Finale Dress

Photo: Getty Images

She may have been the runner-up on Ben Higgin’s season of The Bachelor, but this time around Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher has won at love — and in style. Last night, Fletcher chose Jordan Rodgers as the recipient of her final rose and in return received a stunning Neil Lane engagement ring from the former NFL quarterback. And although the oval-cut diamond sparkler certainly has us smitten, it was the no-longer-a-Bachelorette‘s dress that had us seriously swooning. The pale blush gown Fletcher wore during the finale was totally giving us rehearsal dinner and beach wedding vibes, and shockingly, the frock is totally affordable — if you know where to shop, that is! Brides-to-be, pull out those credit cards — your future rehearsal dinner or wedding dress now costs less than your bridal mani/pedi!

For her final rose ceremony, Fletcher wore a Badgley Mischka chiffon gown. With its elegantly embroidered bodice and romantic flowing skirt, the look was delicate, dainty, and gorgeous enough to make anyone get down on one knee (just ask Jordan!). But don’t let that fabulous designer label fool you into thinking that you’re out of the running for donning Fletcher’s dress for a pre-wedding party or your beach bash. The to-die-for frock that normally retails for a pricey $1,190 is now available for a mere $150 on Rent the Runway. Yes, really!

“We were trying to go soft and delicate,” The Bachelorette‘s stylist, Cary Fetman, explained to People magazine. Fletcher’s finale dress — dubbed the “Blushing Ballerina Gown” — fit that vision to a tee. And if you’re a bride-to-be going for a similar vibe during your nautical nuptials, Badgley Mischka’s airy and ethereal frock might be just the wedding dress for you. Sure, Rent the Runway is a wardrobe renting service so you’d have to return the dress after the “I do’s,” but were you really planning on wearing your wedding gown more than once anyway?

A photo posted by Pradux (@pradux) on Aug 2, 2016 at 7:08am PDT

JoJo Bachelorette Finale Gown

Photo: Courtesy of Rent the Runway

As if you needed another reason to snag the sweet chiffon dress for yourself — besides the fact that it’s ridiculously beautiful, of course — it certainly seems to have had quite an effect on the fellas. Fletcher’s sweetheart, Jordan Rodgers, is still smitten with his fiancé — and obviously that’s all to do with her finale gown, right? Shortly after the final episode of The Bachelorette aired, Rodgers penned the most lovely of love letters to Fletcher, which he posted on Instagram. Captioning a photo of himself and his fiancé walking on the beach (with Fletcher still rocking the Badgley Mischka, of course), he wrote “When you look back at your life it’s those little moments when one decision completely changes the course of your life. A few months ago I took a leap of faith that took me on a journey that lead me to the love of my life.”

“I love you more than anything!” the Bachelorette winner continued. “You are the most amazing woman on this planet, you are my best friend, and my rock. You are the best thing I wake up to in the morning and the last thing on my mind at night. Today is not the start of our love story, it’s the start of a new chapter. I have grown to love you more and more with every passing day. I loved reliving the greatest day of our life tonight.” (Clearly because of the dress right, Rodgers?)

“You are my everything,” the groom-to-be wrote, closing his sweet social media shoutout. “And I’m so ready to marry you and do life with you!”

We, on the other hand, are just as ready to see Fletcher’s future wedding dress! If her finale gown was this gorgeous, just imagine how stunning her bridal style is bound to be…

When you look back at your life it's those little moments when one decision completely changes the course of your life. A few months ago I took a leap of faith that took me on a journey that lead me to the love of my life. @joelle_fletcher I love you more than anything! You are the most amazing woman on this planet, you are my best friend, and my rock. You are the best thing I wake up to in the morning and the last thing on my mind at night. Today is not the start of our love story, it's the start of a new chapter. I have grown to love you more and more with every passing day. I loved reliving the greatest day of our life tonight. The day we decided to take on the world together. To be fully committed to each other for the rest of our lives. That seems like a long time, but already I know it won't be nearly long enough. I never grow tired of laughing, crying, living, and loving with you, and I never will. Here's to the next 100 years, and a 100 more after that, because no amount of time is ever long enough to spend with the love of your life. You are my everything, and I'm so ready to marry you and do life with you!!

A photo posted by Jordan Rodgers (@jrodgers11) on Aug 1, 2016 at 9:27pm PDT

See More: Reality Romance! 13 Couples That Found Love on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette

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Breaking Down Black Tie — What Does This Dress Code Really Mean?

The excitement of opening a gorgeously printed and packaged wedding invitation can soon turn into panic and fear once you read the words “black tie.” Can I still wear a short dress? Does this mean my date has to buy a tuxedo? What type of venue must this be? Fear not! We’re here to help as we break down the general etiquette of what exactly you can wear to a black-tie wedding — and explain all the variations on the dress code, too. Just for good measure.

Black Tie

This is for sure going to be a glam night, so get excited to look fabulous. For the ladies, this type of language on an invitation means to pull out all the stops. A common misconception means that you must wear a gown — but not necessarily. A chic, fancy and black-tie appropriate (glitzy, formal, embellished, etc.) cocktail length dress can be just as chic, and fit within the dress code. Traditionally, for the guys, this does mean a tuxedo with a variation of a black tie. However, a nice (black, obvs.) constructed suit with the obvious black tie can work — as we all know not everyone has tuxedos and gowns lying around in their closets.

Black Tie Optional
This type of request on an invitation leaves the door a bit more open for guests’ dress, and we think it’s always best to err on the side of caution in this situation. For those looking to glam it up, dress your best in accordance with black tie etiquette. For those a bit more casual, dress up your date in his best suit and put on your best dress, without the “limitations” of a strict black tie preference. Keep in mind, though, that traditionally speaking the black tie optional request technically applies to the guys, while the ladies are still held to the black tie guidelines. However, as with any formal affair, steer clear of the most casual options including sundresses, sandals, printed shirts, etc.

Creative Black Tie
Chances are you may never see this on an invitation, as it is rarely used within current wedding culture — but it’s always best to be prepared. (Girl Scouts code, anyone?) In the event you find yourself in this situation, have fun with it! Creative Black Tie requests mean that the men can have some fun with their tuxedo accessories and add pops of color, prints, and more to their ties, suspenders, and shirts. For the ladies, it’s time to glam up your black tie attire with statement jewelry, printed or colored scarves and shawls, and more. Think: fancy and fabulous.

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

BRIDES Seattle: Local Shops for Beautiful (and Affordable!) Bridesmaid Dresses

Your wedding is one those few times in your life when your dearest friends and family come together to celebrate just for you (and your partner, of course!). It’s an extra special moment to have your bridesmaids by your side — your closest friends and confidants throughout the years. So when it comes to dressing them for the big day, you want your girls to feel extra special — without breaking the bank, that is. Luckily, Seattle brides and their bridesmaids have many options for where to find that bridesmaid dress that is both beautiful and affordable. They’ll thank you for that!

BHLDN
Anthropologie’s bridal-centric little sister has been making big waves in the wedding world for a few years now. BHLDN’s Seattle store, located in the downtown district, offers both brides and their bridesmaids options that range from vintage darling to modern minimalist. BHLDN also carries accessories galore, so your girls can score the dress, earrings, shoes, and everything else in one chic swoop. Read real brides’ reviews here!

J.Crew
We all know the preppy retailer has made a big splash with classic, pared-down wedding gowns, but did you know J.Crew has an incredible variety of tasteful and refined bridesmaid dresses? And with price tags that will make everyone smile. Because many of their dresses come in the same group of colors, this is the perfect opportunity to try out the mix-and-match bridesmaid dress thing you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest. Consult with a personal stylist at one of the store’s Seattle or Bellevue locations, or let your maids have fun choosing the most-flattering silhouettes through the store’s website. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Samila
Samila is a mecca for all things glitzy and glam. This Redmond boutique is not for the minimalist at heart. You’ll find mostly sparkling, floor-sweeping dresses that are ideal for a grand affair. The selection is large, and the staff extremely knowledgeable. If your wedding is the event of the season, then Samila should be your bridesmaids one and only stop. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Pipe and Row
If shopping locally is more your thing, a visit to Pipe and Row is in order. This Fremont boutique stocks independent designers from Seattle and beyond, including hot up-and-comers like Just Female and Keepsake. Your bridesmaids can choose from super simple flowy frocks or something more detailed in lace or even fringe (it’s elegant fringe, we promise). Whichever design your bridesmaids leave with, it’s definitely a dress they will wear again. And again!

See More: Still Need Someone to Pronounce You and Your Spouse Officially Wed? Check Out These Local Wedding Officiants

Bella Bridesmaids
The name really says it all. Bella Bridesmaids is a boutique made specifically for your special gals and their sartorial needs. While the store is a chain, it certainly doesn’t feel like one. When you make an appointment, the Bella Stylists give you and your bridesmaids one-on-one attention, helping each girl with a dress that’s both beautiful and flattering. They even offer complimentary fittings once the dress orders have been placed. Some favorite brands include Aidan Mattox for tasteful beadwork and Jenny Yoo for feminine looks with an unexpected twist. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Not quite your style? Browse our Seattle Dresses page for tons of other places to go shopping with your ‘maids!

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BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up: Day 2, Get Your HIIT On!

30 Day Wedding Shape Up Day 2

Photo: Getty Images

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card.

Day 2: Drop Weight Fast With HIIT Workouts

High-intensity interval training (HIIT for short) is the “it” method of doing cardio these days, and for good reason: By alternating bursts of all-out cardio with more moderate ones, you can burn more calories in less time compared to aerobic workouts you do at a single, less intense pace.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that HIIT training burns a whopping 44 percent more calories than doing moderate-intensity cardio for the same amount of time. And get this: You’ll continue to burn calories at a faster rate long after you’ve gone home and showered, because your body must work harder to return to its pre-workout state. So if you’re looking to drop weight quickly in the next few weeks, this is the cardio workout for you.

Just don’t overdo it! “Stick to just 2 or 3 intense workouts a week, otherwise it can be too hard on your body,” says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego. “On the other days, just make an effort to move more.” Stand at your desk, walk instead of drive when you can, and aim to get 10,000 steps a day (if you don’t have one of those trendy wristbands to count them off for you, use your phone or get a free pedometer app).

See More: How to Work Out Even When You’re Busy As Hell

Here’s a quick HIIT routine to get you started, but feel free to play with the timing of the intervals:

  • Warm up with five minutes of brisk walking.
  • For one minute, up the intensity by either increasing your speed or the resistance, so you’re working at a seven or an eight on a scale of one to 10 (with 10 being the heart-hammering hardest you can possibly manage!).
  • For two to three minutes, drop the intensity so you’re working at a four or five.
  • Repeat these intervals for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Cool down for five minutes.
  • JoJo Fletcher Is Engaged! The Winner of The Bachelorette Finale 2016 Is…

    jojo fletcher bachelorette finale

    Photo: Getty Images

    JoJo Fletcher is engaged!

    It seems like just yesterday we were sobbing tears of joy when JoJo went from Bachelor Ben Higgins’ cast aside final rose runner-up to the all-star, fan fave Bachelorette. And guys, she did not disappoint. While there were some definite highs and lows this season, we’re equal parts thrilled and saddened to see it come to a close. And in the battle of Jordan Rodgers and Robby Hayes, only one man can be victorious.

    So if you have yet to press “play” on your DVRs and watch The Bachelorette finale 2016, you might want to stop reading — spoiler alerts!

    jojo-fletcher-fiance-spotted-main.jpg

    Photo: Getty Images

    Congratulations are in order for JoJo and Jordan! After the reality star said a tearful goodbye to Robby, JoJo was “so ready” to present her final rose to Jordan (who also happens to be Aaron Rodgers‘ brother). “I’m so unbelievably in love with you,” Jordan, in a crisp blue suit, said to JoJo (who was wearing a GORG off-white dress), before getting down on one knee and presenting her with a solitaire, oval-cut Neil Lane diamond set on a pavé band. The pair proclaimed “I love you” over and over again, before JoJo gifted Jordan with her final rose and they embraced each other in the sunset.

    Let’s hope the Final Rose goes smoothly!

    To be honest, rumors were swirling through the interwebs about JoJo and her final pick — The Bachelorette was spotted holding hands with Jordan in April (before this season even aired).

    After a long, winding season of falling for a slew of attractive men (who kind of all looked the same…), JoJo has chosen her guy — despite being seemingly totally conflicted up until the very last moment.

    In a sneak peek of Monday’s Bachelorette finale, exclusively obtained by People, JoJo admitted that she’d fallen for both of her final two suitors.

    “I love you,” Robby tells her in the clip, followed by Jordan’s own declaration to JoJo: “I’m in love with you.”

    “I’m in love with two people,” JoJo told the camera before breaking down into tears. “I’m feeling so confused,” she said. “I feel like I’m having a panic attack.”

    jojo gif

    In another sneak peek of the episode, we saw Robby take a moment to ask JoJo’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage (!!), which brought her mom to tears, People reports.

    “I have a really important question to ask JoJo’s father,” Hayes said before sitting down with The Bachelorette‘s mother and father. “I want to ask for his blessing in marrying her, but I included her mother.”

    See more: The Couples That Found Love on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette

    Hayes then began his speech. “I’m here for Joelle, and I’m not going anywhere and she knows that,” he said. “She means the world to me and I can sit here and honestly tell you both that she will be my number one priority in all of life and in everything I do.”

    Addressing JoJo’s father, Hayes continued: “Dr. Fletcher, in asking for your blessing to marry Joelle today, I don’t just want her hand in marriage,” he said as her mother gets emotional. “I want all that is Joelle Hannah Fletcher, because you guys have raised such a special girl.”

    “If I’m fortunate enough to receive that blessing, I can promise you both to protect her, to care for her, to love her for my entire life and commitment is a lifetime thing,” added Hayes. “It will be in that blessing and through that commitment that I would be honored to be part of your family.”

    If you ask us, Jordan and JoJo’s chemistry couldn’t be denied from the get -go. Congratulations to the happy couple!

    jojo gif

    Unexpected Items to Add to Your Registry: Sponsored

    lenox sponsored mix match registry

    Photo: Jennifer Tripucka

    You said yes to his proposal, picked a wedding date and venue, and even have the perfect wedding dress picked out, the only thing left on your wedding to do list is the registry. Your wedding registry is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the wedding planning process — people will want to send you gifts almost as soon as you get engaged, so you may as well get what you want. Whether you’re into a classic registry, or wanting to devote everything to your honeymoon excursions, sometimes you miss out on some ideal registry items by going with what is expected. Ready to start thinking outside the box with your wedding gifts? Here are some unexpected items you should definitely consider adding to your wedding registry.

    Mix and Match China
    Long gone are the days of registering for a fully matching set of china. Take advantage of this time to mix and match patterns and colors. That way, you can use these alone for a more simple table, or mix patterns and colors for a more modern home decor statement. Best-selling dinnerware maker, Lenox, (above) often carries the same styles in different patterns that can easily complement each other.

    A Ring Dish
    You’ll want a place to safely store your new bling on those rare occasions you take off your engagement and wedding rings. Add a fashionable ring plate to your registry and let friends give you something you’ll use daily.

    Salt and Pepper Shakers
    These might be one of the most overlooked items when building a kitchen, and perhaps the ones you’ll use the most. Salt and pepper shakers are a nice option to give guests on a budget, who still want to get you something meaningful and nice but not break the bank. Choose a pair with a little whimsy, like adorable elephant figurines.

    Cooking Classes
    Focusing all of your experiential registry picks on a honeymoon? It’s time to think of an activity that’s a bit more local. A cooking class is not only practical, but it’s a romantic date night to look forward to with your new spouse after the wedding and honeymoon have come and gone. Plus, you’ll have all those new kitchen items to practice on when you set up your new home together.

    Food Delivery Service

    Keep up your health goals, and make newlywed life a little easier, by adding a food delivery service like BlueApron to your registry. Many companies just send the ingredients for the meal you’ve selected and you get to do the cooking in your own kitchen $ with a bottle of wine, naturally.

    A Tent

    Are you and your new spouse outdoor lovers? Friends who know your love all things outdoors will be very excited to gift you something they know you’ll get use out of, plus it gives you a little extra incentive to cuddle up together under the stars — as if you needed any!

    A Camera
    Put down the iPhone, you’ll want a real camera to capture all of those honeymoon pictures. You’ll be thankful you registered for a splurge-worthy camera when you’re framing your honeymoon and wedding photos for a gallery wall, or creating some unforgettable photo books as a first anniversary gift (paper, duh!).

    The Most Common Things Couples Use Wedding Insurance to Cover

    The popularity of wedding insurance has grown, probably because the average cost of weddings has topped $30,000. That’s a whole lot of money to lose if something goes wrong and your wedding day doesn’t happen, or isn’t what you had planned through no fault of your own.

    I think that wedding insurance has become more popular because brides and grooms are aware it exists now, whereas not that long ago, travel insurance was the only option, and that didn’t cover anything more than the couple’s cancelled trip. In fact, the popularity of wedding insurance has led companies to expand wedding coverage to include other planned events.

    Travelers Insurance recently released a fascinating study of what EXACTLY are the top claims brides and grooms have used their travel insurance to cover:

    30% – Vendor Issues
    Everything from a no-show DJ to replacing a venue that went out of business is covered.

    29% – Illness or Injury
    When the bride or groom, or one of their parents, become sick or hurt, and cannot attend.

    16% – Weather Issues
    Blizzards, hurricanes and tornadoes are a fact of life in some places. Previously, you could recoup only what your vendors’ coverage allowed them, but now couples can insure themselves.

    10% – Military Deployment
    Covers changing a wedding date (or cancelling) if the bride or groom is deployed after the wedding contracts have been signed. Fortunately, most vendors try to be sympathetic and patriotic in an effort to reduce loss for active-duty military.

    6% – Property Damage
    The bride and groom get stuck with the tab when their guests get out of control. Even accidents can be expensive when paid out of pocket.

    2% – Attire
    Wedding gown disasters, lost rental tuxedo pieces, etc. add up if you have to pay for them twice.

    7% – Other
    I’ll let you use your imagination.

    See More: Do You Need Wedding Insurance?

    Just to be clear, wedding insurance doesn’t cover rain on your wedding day just because you’ve always dreamed of saying “I do” under a clear blue sky. I asked the experts to explain how it works.

    “We understand that extreme or severe weather can happen unexpectedly — 16 percent of all wedding insurance claim payments over the past five years were due to weather. There is a difference, however, between a rainy day and truly catastrophic weather,” says Ed Charlebois, Vice President of Personal Insurance at Travelers. “If catastrophic weather, such as a hurricane, causes cancellation or postponement of the wedding, we can provide reimbursement for certain non-recoverable expenses such as lost deposits, subject to the terms of the policy, of course.”

    Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that any of the popular wedding insurance policies extend to weddings cancelled due to the Zika virus. It’s considered a known risk the bride and groom took when they made their decision to get married in that location.

    Sandy Malone is the owner of Sandy Malone Weddings & Events and author of How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional. Sandy is the star of TLC’s reality show Wedding Island, about her destination wedding planning company, Weddings in Vieques.

    What to Do on a Romantic 3 Day Amsterdam Honeymoon

    Amsterdam

    Photo: Getty Images

    Known for its canals, row houses, old-world charm and progressive, bike-centric culture, picturesque Amsterdam is a destination that should be on the list for every bride-to-be considering a romantic European mini-moon that is an eclectic mix of old and new, culture and nightlife, and is readily accessible from the States.

    Getting Here
    Getting to Amsterdam is a breeze — which is key when you’re planning for just a few days away. A seven-hour direct flight from most East Coast airport hubs, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport connects to the compact city center via a 15-minute train ride; once on the ground, most everything you’ll want to see or do is walkable, bikeable or a short Uber ride away. Cycling in Amsterdam is more than a pastime, it’s a way of life: the ratio of bikes to residents is 1:1. Most hotels will have bikes on-site for guests to borrow or rent; otherwise, the concierge team will be able to point you in the direction of the closest bike rental facility.

    A Dose of Culture
    Amsterdam is home to an impressive roster of cultural institutions, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Hermitage Amsterdam and the Anne Frank House, as well as a number of quirkier cultural offerings, including museums dedicated to bags and purses, cats, fluorescent art and, yes, the world’s oldest sex museum. A smart way to organize your days is to plan to visit 1-2 sites each day, allowing for plenty of time for an afternoon pint and people watching from a sidewalk cafe or one of the city’s many terrace bars, Amsterdam’s version of a beer garden. Strolling or cycling through Amsterdam’s lush parks is a must — Vondelpark, the city’s largest green space, is located adjacent to the Museumkwartier and makes for a perfect picnic destination after a morning museum visit.

    pulitzer private room

    Photo: Courtesy of Pulitzer Amsterdam


    Amsterdam After Dark

    Sleek hotel bars, serious cocktail dens, traditional Dutch pubs known as “brown cafes” — a completely different side of Amsterdam heats up as the sun finally sets, which can be as late as 10 p.m. in the summer season. Door 74 is credited with introducing the speakeasy-style cocktail bar to the city and remains a sought-after destination. Tunes Bar at the luxe new Conservatorium Hotel, which overlooks Vondelpark, is a prime example of the next-gen wave of hotel bars that are upping the ante when it comes to both ambiance and cocktail offerings. At Tunes Bar, “G&T’s” are the signature cocktail and can be made with more than 40 kinds of gin and six kinds of tonic. Curious about the city’s infamous Red Light District? Sign up for one of the tour offerings with Amsterdam Red Light District Tours, which are led by local resident guides and depart nightly.

    Sightseeing By Sea
    There’s no better way to see Amsterdam than by boat. Gliding through the city’s canals and waterways, past pedestrian promenades, under bridges — you get a completely different sense of the city from the water. Daytime, sunset, after dark, you really can’t go wrong with choosing a boat tour, although a honeymoon-worthy splurge would be a private boat tour for two, complete with Champagne and a romantic dinner, such as can be arranged by the Pulitzer Amsterdam, a chic, art-filled hotel that occupies a series of interlinked row houses in the city’s historic core. The Pulitzer’s resident boat, a stately 1909 salon boat called “Tourist,” has hosted many historic guests over the years; a sunset cruise aboard her would indeed be a memory for a lifetime.

    See More: From Washington, D.C. to Marrakech: 7 Surprisingly Romantic Cities

    Ally Hilfiger Is Engaged! Tommy Hilfiger's Daughter is Set to Wed Steve Hash

    ally hilfiger steve hash

    Photo: Getty Images

    Tommy Hilfiger may have a new wedding muse, because his daughter Ally is about to be a married woman!

    Ally Hilfiger, 31, and her boyfriend of six years, Steve Hash, got engaged in Paris last month according to People. Making the proposal moment even more magical, her fiancé presented her with a ring he had designed himself. The couple have a 17-month-old daughter together named Harley.

    “I was so surprised and overwhelmed with happiness and excitement,” Ally told People. “We are having fun planning a lovely wedding at our family’s home in Connecticut.”

    Sadly, aside from a selfie of the couple posted on Hash’s Instagram page (which you can see below), we have no details about their engagement, how he popped the question, or any of the planning details for their upcoming nuptials. However, it is hard to believe that anyone else would design her wedding dress aside from her father, one of the most famous American designers. His simple, all-American approach to wedding gowns would look lovely on his daughter, and we can’t help but picture the Hilfiger family wedding following the same trend. If the wedding takes place at Tommy’s Greenwich, Connecticut home, we imagine simplistic linens and lots of blues to compliment the town’s natural rustic and colonial charm.

    But planning a wedding isn’t the only thing on Ally’s mind, thanks to the recent release of her first book, Bite Me. The book details Ally’s history with Lyme disease.

    “It’s very difficult to struggle in the public eye with Lyme disease because it’s a very complicated disease,” Hilfiger said in a previous interview with People. “You can really look great and be on one day and feel fine and happy and then the next day or five days or month and you can’t get out of bed. It’s crazy.”

    Congratulations to Ally on her engagement, her new book release, and the custom Tommy Hilfiger gown she will no doubt walk down the aisle in! (Yes, we can’t stop thinking about the dress possibilities. Can you blame us!? It’s Tommy Hilfiger!)

    One night in Paris…

    A photo posted by LONE WOLF (@stevehash) on Jul 1, 2016 at 10:00am PDT

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