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BANDIT
a Digital Digest for Modern Relationships

vol. 2, no. 12

 
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Date Night: Glitter, Graze + Give Back

With clever, outside-of-the-box date ideas, we're eliminating the guesswork and making date night effortless and fun for couples. This December, 'tis the season to glitter, graze, and give back.
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Delicious: Finish up last minute gift shopping while grazing your way through the local Holiday Market. Restaurant pop-ups and traveling food stands serve a huge variety of yum: molten raclette, mulled wine, small bites like pierogi + arancini, and so, so, so many seasonal sweets! (Thrillist)
Decadent: The Nutcracker? During the holidays? Groundbreaking, we know. Make new traditions for just you two: get dressed to the nines even if your seats are nosebleed, enjoy a decadent dinner before, or a jazzy nightcap with a view. Spend an overnight in the big city or support your regional company. The Rat King awaits, sleigh. (Pacific Northwest Ballet)
Different: Volunteer as a couple this holiday season! It's a heartwarming way to spread cheer, strengthen community + personal bonds, create shared memories and so much more. Organizations in your area are looking for help year-round.  (Marriage)
 
A Couple Finds

A specially curated selection of thoughtful items, from helpful tools for entertaining to fun surprises for cozy nights in, designed to delight and enhance your life together.
 
 
 
 
Rebel Rousing with Amy

A new addition to BANDIT, our Rebel leader Amy shares personal thoughts from her life navigating entrepreneurship, marriage, and motherhood. This month, Amy's marks the annual passage of time + first her foray into making holiday traditions with her beau that are truly “theirs.”
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Christmas in the 90s - Amy and her siblings
It’s the holiday season. Hot chocolate and Christmas tree sales and if you’re me, a totally bizarre melancholy that washes over me so unexpectedly you’d think I’d never been gloomy before - yet the sensation hits me seasonally every year.
 
I’m not a particularly gloomy person. In fact, I’m pretty chipper. I love Christmas cookies and love a secret Santa gift exchange. December even happens to be my absolute favorite month of the year! I always say it’s the only month cold is actually cute. By January, I’m over. It’s so last year. (read more)

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Steal This Itinerary: Palm Spring in Your Step

Quick, easy, and budget-friendly travel ideas including unexpected locales and original takes on classic destinations—perfect for adventurous couples or families looking to get off the beaten path. This month, we're off to Palm Springs for the midcentury mod, campy attractions, and sensational mountain vistas.
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When to go: High season hits around March, so if you're looking for shorter lines, available reservations, and generally a more relaxed vibe while the weather's 72 and sunny, head to Palm Springs around October through December, and no later than January to avoid the crowds.   
Where to stay: The client said, “make it POP” and the painters delivered. The Saguaro is as iconic as it is playfully eye-catching. Be forewarned: the party scene doesn't pause at this desert outpost operated by Soho House & Co. Onsite events includes Taco Nights, Drag Brunch, and Weekend Yoga. (The Saguaro
What to eat: Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey is an intercontinental dining experience, importing global flavors from the Chef's travels. Immensely popular, so be sure to book in advance. Proximity & popularity with LA means you're flush with options in this thriving gastronomic scene. (EATER LA)
What to do/see: Up for exploring beyond the poolside cabana? Head to Mount San Jacinto for a little hiking by way of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for world-class vistas. Golfers have 100+ world-class courses throughout the Coachella Valley from which to choose. And of course, world-class cabaret at the Purple Room.
 
Bandit Round-up

From around the web, our favorite newsworthy and notable pop culture moments exploring all things relationships. 
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  • 🦩 Why you should say so-long to outdated family traditions and start building memorable new ones.  (NPR)
  • 🎬 A whopping 30. New. Holiday(ish). Movies. To watch. Right now. We'll see you in the new year, send Gatorade kthxbye! (Men's Health)
  • The season is loaded with expectations around events, family, and traditions. Understanding each other's holiday vision can help prevent conflict & maximize joy.  (Fatherly)
  • 🎁 No gift list is complete without a li'l something for Santa's helpers. Bandit fave, Maude, makes The Cut's Naughty + Nice list. (The Cut)
  • Polyamory and the holidays. What's it like navigating this season loaded with hetero-normative landmines wrapped up in deeply entrenched family customs? Abigail Moss spills. (Refinery29)
Firestarter: Kindle a Convo with your Partner

In each issue of BANDIT, we'll suggest a conversation starter to help connect deeper with your partner. 
 
Is there a holiday movie, book, or song that feels deeply connected with the spirit of the season for you? What about it resonates?
 

Hi there. 
We love hearing from you. 
Got a tip, some feedback, or an interesting rec? Email us.

 
BANDIT is brought to you by Modern Rebel, a NYC-based wedding company helping couples rewrite the rules since 2015.