Candidly Kristyn

All the recipes, tips, and daily adventures of Kristyn

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10 Wedding Registry Must-Haves: What You Won’t Think to Add, But Should

From what I’ve been told, there’s one year where everyone seems to be getting married. This is that year for me. This year, I’m either in or attending 5 weddings, including my own. So I’ve spent many hours trying to figure out what to add to my own wedding registry, as well as looking through others. And because AdMan (aka the fiance) and I have lived together for a little while, we didn’t need all of the classic stuff. So I asked a bunch of brides-to-be, long-time married friends, and family members what they recommended.

1. A Big Hard Drive
With tons of pictures coming your way, it’s always a good thing to back them up. And then back them up again. In January, my mega hard drive crashed and I had to pay way more for someone to get the files off. Plus, if you buy a large one, you and your fiance can back everything up. I ended up getting this one from WD and it’s been great.

2. Gift Cards
Most registries will allow you to register for gift cards and some, like Amazon’s, will even let you add gift cards for other companies. Adding gift cards for Amazon, airlines, restaurants like Cheesecake Factory, or even AirBnB, can help you pay for your honeymoon or save on bigger purchases.

3. Patio
Don’t forget to spruce up your outdoor living space! I don’t have a deck or backyard yet, but I do have a small patio balcony and I’d love to replace the worn-out table and chairs with this lounger or this chair and table set.

4. Luggage
Whether you use this on your honeymoon or save it for a future trip, adding some quality pieces or upgrading some old luggage can be a perfect present. I love the 4-wheeled spinner suitcases and the 25” size seems to be perfect for staying under the 50lb. limit. This TravelPro suitcase checks off all of the boxes and is even expandable in case you want to bring home a few extra goodies. It even has a carry-on version too!

5. Board Games
Don’t get me wrong, Monopoly and Life are still fun, but now we can play some more adult games. I’m sure you’ve heard of Cards Against Humanity, but what about the adult versions of these popular games like:

6. Camping Gear
Camping gear can be surprisingly expensive and if you like camping now or think it’s something you’d like to try out, I added things like:

  • Tent: I have this Coleman tent in navy. It’s easy to put up, has a 6-foot center so you can stand up, and has a little bit of extra room because it’s technically for 6 people.
  • Air Mattress: Get a good night’s sleep under the stars with this queen size air mattress.
  • Air Pump: This air pump is a lifesaver! You just plug it into your car and your mattress is ready to go in a minute! Plus, it works great with pool floats too 🙂
  • Thermos: Heating up water can take a while. This Thermos keeps water hot for a lonnngg time so if you want that cup of hot chocolate when the sun goes down, you’ll be ready.
  • Camping Stove: How do you heat up water or scramble yourself some eggs in the morning? With this Coleman Propane Stove. It’s easy-to-use and a must-have for any of my camping trips.

7. Good Pillows, Sheets, and a Comforter
I read somewhere that you spend a THIRD of your life in bed, which if you manage to sleep 8 hours a day, makes total sense. So if you’re going to splurge on something, getting quality sheets and pillows is essential.

  • Pillows: I love big fluffy pillows and these down, king-size ones fit the bill. If you don’t like down, these down-alternative ones are great. And don’t forget the pillowcases.
  • Sheets: These sheets stay cool, wash well, and are super soft. I’d add 2 or 3 sets so you can wash one and have a spare too.
  • Comforter: This all-season, mid-weight down comforter will make you want to stay in bed and cuddle all day.
  • Duvet Cover: This one is simple, chic and not overwhelmingly expensive.

8. Yard Care Stuff
Most of this stuff didn’t apply to me, but if I did have a yard these are the must-haves that come highly recommended and rated. This Greenworks Lawn Mower, Black + Decker Edger/Trimmer, Hitachi Leaf Blower, and this Camco Hose.

9. A Grill
Even if you live in an apartment, getting a grill can be a fun way to introduce new items onto your menu. I don’t have the room for a giant grill, but I am in love with my little Weber grill! It doesn’t take up that much room, cleans up easily, and is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families. Plus, I can take it camping and it can use the small propane tanks that you can easily buy at Target. I got this Weber one with a red lid. Or go big, and get the standing kind like this one.

10. Plants
Did you know plants can actually improve your mood? Consider adding some greenery to your place. And if you’re like me, who’s actually killed a cactus, it might be good to start with some heartier plants like this Palm plant.

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I’m Back: What’s Happened in a Nutshell

Long time no see! It’s been a while since I posted, and I wrestled with the decision to backdate posts and make it seem like I’ve been active and all that, but I decided that I’d rather be honest with you all. I needed a break. It’s that simple. I had a lot of other stuff going on and this just kept falling to the bottom of the list. I wanted to jump back in, but wanted to share some major life news so you’ll see why I’m going to be posting about marriage, far off places, and so much more.

I’m Engaged!
Surprise! After four years of dating, Ad Man proposed dramatically at sunset along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. I don’t even remember doing this, but apparently I plucked the ring from his fingers and said yes and put it on my finger before he could even stand up. I’m getting married in just THREE weeks!

I Went on an Epic Safari Throughout Africa
It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to go on a safari and last August I fulfilled that dream and I went on a three-week vacation to Africa with my fiancé and family. It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to share all of the tips and tricks I learned about planning, packing, and where to go.

I’m Working on a New Book
I’m so excited to share that I’m working on a new fiction novel! I don’t want to share too much yet, but this one is more of a contemporary romance/women’s fiction novel and features a lovable heroine and nerdy, but awesome hero. If you grew up in the 90s, you’re going to love it!

 

Stay tuned!

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Bon Voyage!

Alrighty folks, the time has finally arrived. Tomorrow night Boyfriend and I will be on our way to Fort Lauderdale for our Caribbean Cruise and Harry Potter World Adventure! See you in 12 days!

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Into the Woods, I Go

If the woods could talk, I’m pretty sure it’d ask me ‘what’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?’ Because, if you look at me, you wouldn’t think I’d be a camping kind of girl. I was on Match.com a while back and several of the guys I met called me out on it (I set them straight). I’m not going to lie—I hate bugs, I usually go with make-up, rather than without, and I’m not the most athletic person in the world.  But when you’ve got a view like this [Read more…]

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Comic Con Virgin No More

This past weekend, I popped my Comic Con cherry. I live in Southern California so you’d think that would’ve happened earlier, but I always thought I’d feel out of place there. I definitely have my nerdy side—Xena was my childhood idol, Buffy was my BFF, and I love Game of Thrones and all the new Marvel stuff—but that’s nothing in the nerd realm. Boyfriend is trying to nerdify me even further. I think my lack of Star Wars knowledge shames him 😉  [Read more…]

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Today’s the Day

It’s happening. I’m finally jumping back into the blogosphere. After months of toying with layouts, colors, fonts, and other bloggy stuff, I’m putting an end to my quest for blog design perfection. It’ll probably be a while ’til it’s ‘just right,’ but instead of waiting for that day, I’m diving straight in.

As I said, this isn’t my first rodeo. My previous blog “Now Kiss Me Like You Mean It” focused on two of my passions—books and writing—but I felt limited to writing just about those two topics. So this time, I left it open. Candidly Kristyn is going to feature everything from recipes and books to packing lists and workout drills. Nothing’s off limits.

I’m super excited to see where this blog is going to go and hope you’ll come along for the ride.