Now while you might well be wondering how one apparently small question could have such massive repercussions just bare in mind what this day means to the lovely lady in question. Most guys have never really given much thought to their future wedding but for many women it is a day they have pictured from their earliest memory. When you were scuffing your new school shoes chasing a ball your bride-to-be was already dreaming of her future Prince Charming (although at the time he was probably wearing a cape rather than your favourite trainers and T-shirt). It’s an over used phrase that it’s the most special day in a girl’s life but it is true. And what’s more she expects it to hold the same significance for you. So while she’s buying a newsstand’s entire stock of wedding magazines and showing you the 27 different ways she’s thinking of wearing her hair she’s hoping that thoughtful look on your face relates to your own ideas for the wedding rather than whether you’ll get to sneak out for a quick 18 holes this weekend rather than go to yet another wedding fair. Oh yeah… and she’ll wear a dress that will cost the price of a small family car. And then never ever wear it again.
Communication is key. Despite your beloved now having turned into bridezilla, in the words of Rudyard Kipling you need to “keep your head when all about you are losing theirs”. She IS going to get stressed. She IS going to get upset. You WILL have arguments concerning the wedding day. All this is perfectly natural and doesn’t mean you love each other any less it just means you’re planning a wedding and researchers say this is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, especially for the bride.
One of the biggest complaints brides have is that their husband-to-be doesn’t seem to get involved enough or show enough interest. Yes there is an impossible list of questions to get through; What kind of flowers? What colour tie? What gifts do you get the bridesmaids? Should you sit Cousin Albert near the door in case he has one of his “moments”? While it’s true that what font you use on the place settings isn’t going to end world hunger or bring about piece in the Middle East these small details can make all the difference on the big day so get involved. Your wedding should be an extension of your personalities with all the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make the two of you so different. That doesn’t mean you have to dress as Smurfs or walk down the aisle to Iron Maiden but it means you should both be have a say in how you want the day to play out.
But you will need help to. Any bride has a whole support network buzzing around her keen to help out at every step and dress fitting. Us guys are never quite as willing to look for help but it’s not a bad idea to have someone on hand you can call when you need to head on a “fact finding mission” of you own to the nearest watering hole. Make sure your best man is the right man for the job who will sit with you and help you let off some steam when you need and also be the kind of friend that can help take some of the load off your shoulders when it comes to researching cars, musicians, DJ’s, etc.
So don’t just sit back ignoring the chaos, it isn’t going to go away and you’ll only add to the bride’s stress levels and if you bury your head for too long you might wake up on the day to find you’re travelling to the church in a pink stretch limo in a lime green suit. Make decisions, enjoy the process because despite some of the potential sticking points it should be enjoyable. After all this is going to be the most significant day of your lives, it’s your big day too.
Article submitted by Kye Harmon, www.simplythebestgroom.com
Wedding Blog, Ideas, News for the Bride & Groom
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
KDLT News Anchor Surprise On-Air Marriage Proposal
Jennifer Hudspeth, a news anchor for KDLT in South Dakota, was surprised by her boyfriend, Nate Johnson, with a marriage proposal during a live newscast. Hudspeth is also known for her Miss Minnesota 2007 victory. KDLT is an NBC affiliate television station. No word yet on a wedding date.
Newsfeed, NBC
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Engagement Ring Shopping Tips For Men
Let's face it - when a man walks into a jewelry store to purchase an engagement ring, beads of sweat may form on his forehead within minutes. Most men can become easily overwhelmed if they have not been regularly peppered with engagement ring styles, diamond cuts, and favorite designs from their fiancée.
Here are some shopping tips for any guy looking to make the perfect engagement ring purchase sometime in the near future:
Listen Up
Almost all women will drop hints at some point on what type of engagement ring they want to wear on their perfect day, as well as the rest of their lives. Some hints are subtle and some are as obvious as the tattoo on Mike Tyson's face. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open when the hints start dropping. If you pay attention to your significant other at all, you'll know a hint when you see one.
Learn about Color, Cuts & Clarity
There are many different parts to a diamond engagement ring that determines its value and price. The diamond might look sparkly and beautiful, but until you completely understand the mechanics behind a diamond you can't be too sure what you're really getting. Let's talk about the famous four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Color is based on a specific grading system, which starts at D, which are clear, colorless stones, and goes all the way to Z, light yellow or brown stones. Diamond clarity is graded similarly to identify any blemishes and imperfections - the less inclusions are in a diamond, the rarer and more expensive it is. Grading ranges from flawless to included (I3).
There are many beautifully cut diamond shapes, from marquis to emerald to round to princess to cushion - this decision can be difficult. Try to sneak a peek into your loved one's jewelry box. Is there a theme? This is another time when hints will come in handy. Additionally, some cuts by their nature (round, cushion) will cast a more sparkly glow.
Carat is simply the weight of your diamond. Of course the bigger you go, the more expensive the stone will get. However, remember that a smaller stone of great brilliance, clarity, color, and a finer cut will be more expensive than a larger diamond of less quality. Your jeweler will be able to show you any paperwork for the particular diamond you're shopping. If the shop refuses to, or doesn't know their diamonds' specs, shop elsewhere.
Many Metals
Don't forget to consider which precious metal you want securely holding that diamond. You can choose from yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, or even palladium, if you can find it. Platinum is the rarest, most expensive metal of the group, but you really do get what you pay for. When platinum scratches, it's simply displaced, not worn down or lost, like some other metals. It also feels nice and heavy. Palladium is in the platinum family of metals, but it's not as rare, and is a lot less dense of a metal, so it's lighter. It's a good metal if you like the look of white gold but don't like the price of platinum. White gold is very popular in engagement rings lately, but yellow gold is classic, and is making a strong comeback. Rose gold is more of an acquired taste, but as with everything, the metal you choose will depend on your fiancée's personal taste. Does she wear gold- or silver-tone jewelry more often? This should be obvious; if it's not, just ask.
Shop Around, Stay Organized
Don't run out and get the little blue box that's marketed so well, because all you will be doing is paying for a brand name. Take your time and make your rounds between your nearby jewelry stores so you can accurately compare diamonds. Map out a group of online and offline stores you want to visit and keep tabs on what you find. Most guys find it easier to compare prices online before making a purchase, whether it's from a brick and mortar store or an online jeweler. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet of all the pricing and technical specs of the engagement rings you like.
Get Online
There are a tremendous amount of websites, images, and charts to help you learn exactly what you need in order to purchase the right engagement ring. Some websites even allow you to build your perfect engagement ring and see what it looks like immediately.
Customize Your Own
If you have exhausted all your local jewelry stores, you might want to explore customizing a ring online. A customized engagement ring could allow you to get exactly what you want without having to guess. If you have a design or gemstone in mind, you can save lots of time by creating it online, then simply sit back and wait until it arrives in the mail. Reputable online companies will give you easy returns if you're not happy or if the ring wasn't what you were expecting.
Shopping around for an engagement ring doesn't have to be an immensely complicated process. With a little patience and planning, you'll find the perfect ring for your future wife with ease.
About the author: Eva Viane works at the extraordinary, customized jeweler Gemvara, located in Boston, MA. Gemvara offers high-end, fully customizable jewelry hand-crafted by some of the world's most talented jewelry designers. Each piece is customized to the client's choice of gems and metals. The stone and band possibilities are simply endless. For more information please visit our website.
Here are some shopping tips for any guy looking to make the perfect engagement ring purchase sometime in the near future:
Listen Up
Almost all women will drop hints at some point on what type of engagement ring they want to wear on their perfect day, as well as the rest of their lives. Some hints are subtle and some are as obvious as the tattoo on Mike Tyson's face. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open when the hints start dropping. If you pay attention to your significant other at all, you'll know a hint when you see one.
Learn about Color, Cuts & Clarity
There are many different parts to a diamond engagement ring that determines its value and price. The diamond might look sparkly and beautiful, but until you completely understand the mechanics behind a diamond you can't be too sure what you're really getting. Let's talk about the famous four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Color is based on a specific grading system, which starts at D, which are clear, colorless stones, and goes all the way to Z, light yellow or brown stones. Diamond clarity is graded similarly to identify any blemishes and imperfections - the less inclusions are in a diamond, the rarer and more expensive it is. Grading ranges from flawless to included (I3).
There are many beautifully cut diamond shapes, from marquis to emerald to round to princess to cushion - this decision can be difficult. Try to sneak a peek into your loved one's jewelry box. Is there a theme? This is another time when hints will come in handy. Additionally, some cuts by their nature (round, cushion) will cast a more sparkly glow.
Carat is simply the weight of your diamond. Of course the bigger you go, the more expensive the stone will get. However, remember that a smaller stone of great brilliance, clarity, color, and a finer cut will be more expensive than a larger diamond of less quality. Your jeweler will be able to show you any paperwork for the particular diamond you're shopping. If the shop refuses to, or doesn't know their diamonds' specs, shop elsewhere.
Many Metals
Don't forget to consider which precious metal you want securely holding that diamond. You can choose from yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, or even palladium, if you can find it. Platinum is the rarest, most expensive metal of the group, but you really do get what you pay for. When platinum scratches, it's simply displaced, not worn down or lost, like some other metals. It also feels nice and heavy. Palladium is in the platinum family of metals, but it's not as rare, and is a lot less dense of a metal, so it's lighter. It's a good metal if you like the look of white gold but don't like the price of platinum. White gold is very popular in engagement rings lately, but yellow gold is classic, and is making a strong comeback. Rose gold is more of an acquired taste, but as with everything, the metal you choose will depend on your fiancée's personal taste. Does she wear gold- or silver-tone jewelry more often? This should be obvious; if it's not, just ask.
Shop Around, Stay Organized
Don't run out and get the little blue box that's marketed so well, because all you will be doing is paying for a brand name. Take your time and make your rounds between your nearby jewelry stores so you can accurately compare diamonds. Map out a group of online and offline stores you want to visit and keep tabs on what you find. Most guys find it easier to compare prices online before making a purchase, whether it's from a brick and mortar store or an online jeweler. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet of all the pricing and technical specs of the engagement rings you like.
Get Online
There are a tremendous amount of websites, images, and charts to help you learn exactly what you need in order to purchase the right engagement ring. Some websites even allow you to build your perfect engagement ring and see what it looks like immediately.
Customize Your Own
If you have exhausted all your local jewelry stores, you might want to explore customizing a ring online. A customized engagement ring could allow you to get exactly what you want without having to guess. If you have a design or gemstone in mind, you can save lots of time by creating it online, then simply sit back and wait until it arrives in the mail. Reputable online companies will give you easy returns if you're not happy or if the ring wasn't what you were expecting.
Shopping around for an engagement ring doesn't have to be an immensely complicated process. With a little patience and planning, you'll find the perfect ring for your future wife with ease.
About the author: Eva Viane works at the extraordinary, customized jeweler Gemvara, located in Boston, MA. Gemvara offers high-end, fully customizable jewelry hand-crafted by some of the world's most talented jewelry designers. Each piece is customized to the client's choice of gems and metals. The stone and band possibilities are simply endless. For more information please visit our website.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Honeymoon Registry Trends
Couples are now registering for honeymoons and 'life experiences', rather than the traditional china and crystal.
While on their honeymoon in the Poconos, Josephine and Robert Wilson of Princeton, NJ paused to take a picture -- in front of an inflatable raft on the Lehigh River, smiling big.
(Photo courtesy of Josephine Wilson)
Josephine Wilson, née Hearn, admits it was a corny photo.
But she captured the moment for her thank-you cards. Because without her godparents, the newlyweds wouldn't have been able to afford that river rafting trip. The trip was the wedding gift for which she would be writing to say "thank you."
Before their wedding on June 4, the Wilsons had lived together for more than a year. They already owned most of the traditional items found on a wedding registry. And the ones they didn't have, they didn't really want.
"We're never going to use the salad forks," Josephine Wilson said.
So the Wilsons didn't make a traditional registry. Instead, the couple turned to Honeyfund.com, a website that helps couples register for "experiences" on their honeymoon. Through the site, well-wishers can finance some aspect of a happy couple's honeymoon, big or small: Everything from airfare to peanuts during the flight, massages, candle-lit dinners and snorkeling lessons can be gifted.
The Wilsons are far from unique. Registering for honeymoons, "experience gifts" and other items more practical -- and even more fun -- than, say, a cake platter, is something more and more contemporary brides and grooms are experimenting with.
Eleven percent of marrying couples now register for honeymoons, 16 percent for movies, music and games and 20 percent for sports gear, according to the Knot Market Intelligence 2010 Bridal Registry Study, which was done by the popular wedding-planning website. A small number even registers for pet-pampering.
Why the shift? The average age of a bride is now 29; the average groom, 31. Most of these not-quite-youngsters have been living on their own, and for much longer than the engaged couples of generations past.
So, wine glasses? They've already got those, thanks.
"The trend is more of a lifestyle registry; outdoor gear, sports gear, stuff that pertains to their lifestyle, because chances are they have plates, forks and knives," said Amy Eisinger, associate editor at WeddingChannel.com. "They are not looking to fulfill (the) same needs as people who are moving out from parents' " homes.
It's not a universal movement yet. Couples' top three choices of retailers to register with continue to be Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Macy's. Even couples who also register for honeymoons or experience gifts normally make a small traditional registry, so as not to offend guests.
And, of course, even those who already have a house or an apartment full of stuff can use wedding gifts to kick their style up a notch. "Many couples who have already lived together are using this as a chance to upgrade to cohesive sets," Eisinger said. "But registries are letting couple's personalities shine through. If a couple registers for camping equipment, and they love to camp -- most likely every time they use it they will think of you.
"If it's honeymoons, you get to help them remember their special time."
On the Honeyfund, the Wilsons registered for things such as gas for the drive, a bottle of champagne, the cost of staying at a romantic cabin, lift tickets, a wine and cheese tasting and bike equipment.
The Wilsons received most of their Honeyfund contributions from their younger friends, while the older guests tended to purchase crystal and china.
"Couples are using online a lot more while planning a wedding," Eisinger said. "Now you can have a universal registry, and I'm even hesitant to say if honeymoon registries existed 10 years ago. Only in the past five years has this stuff really surfaced."
Michael Gleeson and Andreea Vasilescu, who married on July 17, were reluctant at first to try the Honeyfund, but when their friends registered for it, they thought it was a "neat alternative."
Once the duo decided what they wanted to do -- take a honeymoon trip to Greece -- Gleeson wrote up the descriptions of what they hoped for and posted them on Honeyfund.
"Greece isn't necessarily cheap," said Gleeson, 37, who lives in West New York. "We weren't sure if people would go for it."
"But we had to add more things because they all were purchased so quickly by our guests," said Vasilescu, 30.
The couple didn't feel comfortable asking for hotel or airfare from their guests, so they asked for dinners at local restaurants, a Santorini sailing trip and a snorkeling trip in Mykonos, among other things. The newlyweds did not ask for anything they couldn't have purchased on their own, they said, but the gifts helped ease the cost of the trip.
"We are not the most traditional couple -- we have a groomsmaid," said Vasilescu. "For us to have to have something different, like a honeymoon registry, it's not a surprise to either of our parents. We tend to make things up as we go and what works for us."
Article by By Meredith Galante/The Star-Ledger
(Newsfeed, www.nj.com)
While on their honeymoon in the Poconos, Josephine and Robert Wilson of Princeton, NJ paused to take a picture -- in front of an inflatable raft on the Lehigh River, smiling big.
Josephine Wilson, née Hearn, admits it was a corny photo.
But she captured the moment for her thank-you cards. Because without her godparents, the newlyweds wouldn't have been able to afford that river rafting trip. The trip was the wedding gift for which she would be writing to say "thank you."
Before their wedding on June 4, the Wilsons had lived together for more than a year. They already owned most of the traditional items found on a wedding registry. And the ones they didn't have, they didn't really want.
"We're never going to use the salad forks," Josephine Wilson said.
So the Wilsons didn't make a traditional registry. Instead, the couple turned to Honeyfund.com, a website that helps couples register for "experiences" on their honeymoon. Through the site, well-wishers can finance some aspect of a happy couple's honeymoon, big or small: Everything from airfare to peanuts during the flight, massages, candle-lit dinners and snorkeling lessons can be gifted.
The Wilsons are far from unique. Registering for honeymoons, "experience gifts" and other items more practical -- and even more fun -- than, say, a cake platter, is something more and more contemporary brides and grooms are experimenting with.
Eleven percent of marrying couples now register for honeymoons, 16 percent for movies, music and games and 20 percent for sports gear, according to the Knot Market Intelligence 2010 Bridal Registry Study, which was done by the popular wedding-planning website. A small number even registers for pet-pampering.
Why the shift? The average age of a bride is now 29; the average groom, 31. Most of these not-quite-youngsters have been living on their own, and for much longer than the engaged couples of generations past.
So, wine glasses? They've already got those, thanks.
"The trend is more of a lifestyle registry; outdoor gear, sports gear, stuff that pertains to their lifestyle, because chances are they have plates, forks and knives," said Amy Eisinger, associate editor at WeddingChannel.com. "They are not looking to fulfill (the) same needs as people who are moving out from parents' " homes.
It's not a universal movement yet. Couples' top three choices of retailers to register with continue to be Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Macy's. Even couples who also register for honeymoons or experience gifts normally make a small traditional registry, so as not to offend guests.
And, of course, even those who already have a house or an apartment full of stuff can use wedding gifts to kick their style up a notch. "Many couples who have already lived together are using this as a chance to upgrade to cohesive sets," Eisinger said. "But registries are letting couple's personalities shine through. If a couple registers for camping equipment, and they love to camp -- most likely every time they use it they will think of you.
"If it's honeymoons, you get to help them remember their special time."
On the Honeyfund, the Wilsons registered for things such as gas for the drive, a bottle of champagne, the cost of staying at a romantic cabin, lift tickets, a wine and cheese tasting and bike equipment.
The Wilsons received most of their Honeyfund contributions from their younger friends, while the older guests tended to purchase crystal and china.
"Couples are using online a lot more while planning a wedding," Eisinger said. "Now you can have a universal registry, and I'm even hesitant to say if honeymoon registries existed 10 years ago. Only in the past five years has this stuff really surfaced."
Michael Gleeson and Andreea Vasilescu, who married on July 17, were reluctant at first to try the Honeyfund, but when their friends registered for it, they thought it was a "neat alternative."
Once the duo decided what they wanted to do -- take a honeymoon trip to Greece -- Gleeson wrote up the descriptions of what they hoped for and posted them on Honeyfund.
"Greece isn't necessarily cheap," said Gleeson, 37, who lives in West New York. "We weren't sure if people would go for it."
"But we had to add more things because they all were purchased so quickly by our guests," said Vasilescu, 30.
The couple didn't feel comfortable asking for hotel or airfare from their guests, so they asked for dinners at local restaurants, a Santorini sailing trip and a snorkeling trip in Mykonos, among other things. The newlyweds did not ask for anything they couldn't have purchased on their own, they said, but the gifts helped ease the cost of the trip.
"We are not the most traditional couple -- we have a groomsmaid," said Vasilescu. "For us to have to have something different, like a honeymoon registry, it's not a surprise to either of our parents. We tend to make things up as we go and what works for us."
Article by By Meredith Galante/The Star-Ledger
(Newsfeed, www.nj.com)
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
How To Stay Your Wedding Dress Weight
Congratulations on your wedding! We hope it was the most beautiful day of your life and everything you hoped for it to be. And hats off to your success in “Operation Lean Bride”…we’re sure your struggle paid off and you looked fabulous in your white dress. We believe every woman deserves to learn the secret of staying at her wedding dress weight, so read on!
According to Lona Sandon of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, newlyweds often put on 10 pounds right after saying “I do.” It’s hard to sustain your vision-in-white status after weeks and months of restricted eating. Once on honeymoon, it’s party time, with delicious food, drinks, and cakes at the center of your celebrations. And after returning home, you’ve got those new Cuisinarts and blenders to keep you in a food-focused mode.
So what can you do? It’s time to abandon the roller coaster of dieting that takes you from starving to feasting. Instead, here are some tips to help you formulate your own healthy approach to eating that keeps you healthy and looking great for the rest of your life, like so many of our successful clients.
Important Note: When it comes to burning fat, all foods are not created equal. In fact, by incorporating these fat-blasting foods, the pounds will peel off faster than you think.
1. Unsalted nuts- just by eating 3 ounces, you can lose an inch off your waistline per month! Nuts contain a lot of protein and healthy fats, which help eliminate the unhealthy fats.
2. Fish & other seafood- high in protein, low in saturated fat….you stay full up to two hours longer than you’d normally do. Fish and seafood increase leptin levels, a hormone that diminishes those powerful pangs of hunger.
3. Avocado- not only does it contain Omega 3’s, avocado contains Omega 9 fatty acids, which attack your fat reserves for energy, thereby revving your metabolism.
4. Coconut- this helps the liver metabolize up to 30% more fat! The triglycerides and fatty acids keep you fuller longer and also stimulate thyroid activity, thus spiking fat metabolism.
5. Leafy Greens- anything dark green is your friend. They’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber—beneficial for digestion—which protect against cancers, cataracts, heart disease, and memory loss.
6. Oats- commonly labeled as a “no-no,” oats is actually a whole grain packed with fiber, making you feel fuller longer. It also lowers cholesterol and decreases fat in the blood.
7. Cayenne- spice is nice! It lowers blood sugar levels, curtails insulin activity to keep your metabolism on fire, and helps you eat less. If you have a love-handle problem, you’ll want to use this quite a bit.
8. Cinnamon- this is both an excellent spice and sugar substitute. In fact, foods with cinnamon metabolize sugar 20 times better than food without cinnamon!
9. Turmeric- used in Indian cooking, this spice is full of beta-carotene, which protects the body from free radical damage that cause aging, decreases the rate at which fat is stored, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties.
10. Finally, Beware Low-calorie Snacks & Artificial Sweeteners—synthetic fat and sugar substitutes actually pack on pounds!
Article by Michele Risa, Health Consultant, Weight Loss & Anti-Aging Expert, Kundalini Yoga Instructor, www.beyondbodymindspirit.com
According to Lona Sandon of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, newlyweds often put on 10 pounds right after saying “I do.” It’s hard to sustain your vision-in-white status after weeks and months of restricted eating. Once on honeymoon, it’s party time, with delicious food, drinks, and cakes at the center of your celebrations. And after returning home, you’ve got those new Cuisinarts and blenders to keep you in a food-focused mode.
So what can you do? It’s time to abandon the roller coaster of dieting that takes you from starving to feasting. Instead, here are some tips to help you formulate your own healthy approach to eating that keeps you healthy and looking great for the rest of your life, like so many of our successful clients.
Important Note: When it comes to burning fat, all foods are not created equal. In fact, by incorporating these fat-blasting foods, the pounds will peel off faster than you think.
1. Unsalted nuts- just by eating 3 ounces, you can lose an inch off your waistline per month! Nuts contain a lot of protein and healthy fats, which help eliminate the unhealthy fats.
2. Fish & other seafood- high in protein, low in saturated fat….you stay full up to two hours longer than you’d normally do. Fish and seafood increase leptin levels, a hormone that diminishes those powerful pangs of hunger.
3. Avocado- not only does it contain Omega 3’s, avocado contains Omega 9 fatty acids, which attack your fat reserves for energy, thereby revving your metabolism.
4. Coconut- this helps the liver metabolize up to 30% more fat! The triglycerides and fatty acids keep you fuller longer and also stimulate thyroid activity, thus spiking fat metabolism.
5. Leafy Greens- anything dark green is your friend. They’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber—beneficial for digestion—which protect against cancers, cataracts, heart disease, and memory loss.
6. Oats- commonly labeled as a “no-no,” oats is actually a whole grain packed with fiber, making you feel fuller longer. It also lowers cholesterol and decreases fat in the blood.
7. Cayenne- spice is nice! It lowers blood sugar levels, curtails insulin activity to keep your metabolism on fire, and helps you eat less. If you have a love-handle problem, you’ll want to use this quite a bit.
8. Cinnamon- this is both an excellent spice and sugar substitute. In fact, foods with cinnamon metabolize sugar 20 times better than food without cinnamon!
9. Turmeric- used in Indian cooking, this spice is full of beta-carotene, which protects the body from free radical damage that cause aging, decreases the rate at which fat is stored, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties.
10. Finally, Beware Low-calorie Snacks & Artificial Sweeteners—synthetic fat and sugar substitutes actually pack on pounds!
Article by Michele Risa, Health Consultant, Weight Loss & Anti-Aging Expert, Kundalini Yoga Instructor, www.beyondbodymindspirit.com
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Making Out Of Town Guests Feel At Home
Having your family and friends share your wedding day with you is such a special gift. Many guests travel extremely long distances to make sure that they do not miss the nuptials. As the bride and groom, it is up to you to make sure that out of town friends and family feel as if they were at home. There are many special ways to show them how much your appreciate them being there. Here are few ideas on how to make your out of town guests feel special.
Hotel Accommodations
Although most couples can't afford to pay for all their guests' accommodations, you can find out what types of discounts hotels in the area may be offering. If you will be having a large number of out of town guests, some hotels can block off rooms and offer you a discount because they know that the rooms will be filled. Or send your guests information on hotels, bed and breakfasts and other accommodations that are in the vicinity of where the wedding will be taking place. This way guests have a choice of where they would like to stay without having to do all the research.
Welcome Basket
Once guests arrive at their accommodations, have a special welcome basket waiting for them. There are a number of items that you could include in the basket:
- Bottle of wine along with a pair of glasses
- Information about the area
- List of places they can go and visit
- Disposable camera
- Schedule of wedding-related events taking place
- Box of chocolates
- Thank you note appreciating your guests for traveling to your wedding
Take the extra time to make your family and friends feel welcomed.
Rehearsal Dinner and Post Wedding Day Brunch
The rehearsal dinner is primarily for all the people taking part in the wedding. However, more and more couples are including those guests that have traveled some distances to be there for them. By inviting out of town guests to the rehearsal dinner, couples get to spend more time with those that have made an extra effort to be there for them.
Sometimes the day after the wedding, the groom's parents host a brunch for the wedding party. This would be another great opportunity to include those out of town guests and to invite them to come along as well. Not only could you get a couple more great pictures with those family members and friends, but you could talk all about how beautiful the wedding was before jetting off on your honeymoon.
About the author: Amanda Cooper is a contributing writer for Wedding Favours Kingdom, which carries an array of wedding accessories, wedding favours, and candle wedding favours. Amanda is also a writer for other home and travel websites. When Amanda is not writing, she enjoys spending time traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Hotel Accommodations
Although most couples can't afford to pay for all their guests' accommodations, you can find out what types of discounts hotels in the area may be offering. If you will be having a large number of out of town guests, some hotels can block off rooms and offer you a discount because they know that the rooms will be filled. Or send your guests information on hotels, bed and breakfasts and other accommodations that are in the vicinity of where the wedding will be taking place. This way guests have a choice of where they would like to stay without having to do all the research.
Welcome Basket
Once guests arrive at their accommodations, have a special welcome basket waiting for them. There are a number of items that you could include in the basket:
- Bottle of wine along with a pair of glasses
- Information about the area
- List of places they can go and visit
- Disposable camera
- Schedule of wedding-related events taking place
- Box of chocolates
- Thank you note appreciating your guests for traveling to your wedding
Take the extra time to make your family and friends feel welcomed.
Rehearsal Dinner and Post Wedding Day Brunch
The rehearsal dinner is primarily for all the people taking part in the wedding. However, more and more couples are including those guests that have traveled some distances to be there for them. By inviting out of town guests to the rehearsal dinner, couples get to spend more time with those that have made an extra effort to be there for them.
Sometimes the day after the wedding, the groom's parents host a brunch for the wedding party. This would be another great opportunity to include those out of town guests and to invite them to come along as well. Not only could you get a couple more great pictures with those family members and friends, but you could talk all about how beautiful the wedding was before jetting off on your honeymoon.
About the author: Amanda Cooper is a contributing writer for Wedding Favours Kingdom, which carries an array of wedding accessories, wedding favours, and candle wedding favours. Amanda is also a writer for other home and travel websites. When Amanda is not writing, she enjoys spending time traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Top 10 Reasons for Getting Married in Aruba
Falling in love again, what are you to do? Get out your passport and book a vacation to Aruba! Traveling is always fun and exciting. Getting married while you are traveling is more than just icing on the cake. An Aruba all inclusive wedding will be an unforgettable experience for you and your wedding guests.
The top 10 reasons for getting married in Aruba are:
1. Perfect Resort Settings - Aruba resorts offer a wide range of ceremony options from elegant ballroom to sandy beach. Aruba’s opulent high-rise resorts and casual beachfront low-rise resorts are complemented by the natural beauty of turquoise Caribbean waters, pristine beaches and stunning panoramas.
2. Perfect Weather - Aruba’s residents and visitors are blessed with clear skies, bright sunshine and cooling trade winds practically every day of the year. Sunshine, warm temperatures, cooling trade winds, brilliant sunsets, and a location at southern fringe of the hurricane belt take the worry out of planning your special day.
3. Safety - Feel secure in one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. You are safe and secure at all times.
4. Perfect Natural Settings - Aruba provides couples with many unique and unforgettable wedding venues, whether its barefoot on the beach, hidden coves, natural bridges or underwater reefs. Touring and exploring Aruba's unique terrain is both fascinating and fun. This small desert island contains vast contrasts including a leeward coast of marshmallow-soft beaches lapped by calm Caribbean waters, a rugged brush-covered desert interior, and a northeast wind-whipped coastline punctuated by inlets and cliffs and beaten by angry surf.
5. Convenient Airlift - With direct air service and hubs at major airports throughout the US, you, your bridal party and guests can easily travel to and from the island. The Queen Beatrix Airport has won international awards for facilities and services and provides pre-clearance of US Immigration and Customs on flights returning to the USA.
6. Conveniences and Comforts - Aruba is a modern island with fabulous shopping, state-of-the-art communications. Shoppers will find an enormous selection of international brand name products and prices that are 10 – 35% lower than those in the United States.
7. Island Hospitality - Aruba’s people are friendly and helpful. Hotel staffs are professional and well-informed. You will be received with warmth and appreciation and handled with care all during your stay.
8. Civil Marriages - Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, and take place in the Civil Town House.
9. Religious Ceremonies - As long as you plan in advance and submit the necessary documentation, Catholic, Protestant, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Jewish religious ceremonies can all be conducted on-island.
10. Wedding Planners - Independent and resort wedding planners provide valuable advice about documentation and legal matters as well as coordination on the ceremony day. Every minute detail about the ceremony and reception can be arranged, from officiator, witnesses, flowers, mementoes, gifts, and wedding certificates, to limousine service, photography and video, rehearsal dinners, wardrobe, and personal attendants - even a butterfly release!
Article submitted by Jennifer Brown, Aruba all inclusive, Aruba resorts
The top 10 reasons for getting married in Aruba are:
1. Perfect Resort Settings - Aruba resorts offer a wide range of ceremony options from elegant ballroom to sandy beach. Aruba’s opulent high-rise resorts and casual beachfront low-rise resorts are complemented by the natural beauty of turquoise Caribbean waters, pristine beaches and stunning panoramas.
2. Perfect Weather - Aruba’s residents and visitors are blessed with clear skies, bright sunshine and cooling trade winds practically every day of the year. Sunshine, warm temperatures, cooling trade winds, brilliant sunsets, and a location at southern fringe of the hurricane belt take the worry out of planning your special day.
3. Safety - Feel secure in one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. You are safe and secure at all times.
4. Perfect Natural Settings - Aruba provides couples with many unique and unforgettable wedding venues, whether its barefoot on the beach, hidden coves, natural bridges or underwater reefs. Touring and exploring Aruba's unique terrain is both fascinating and fun. This small desert island contains vast contrasts including a leeward coast of marshmallow-soft beaches lapped by calm Caribbean waters, a rugged brush-covered desert interior, and a northeast wind-whipped coastline punctuated by inlets and cliffs and beaten by angry surf.
5. Convenient Airlift - With direct air service and hubs at major airports throughout the US, you, your bridal party and guests can easily travel to and from the island. The Queen Beatrix Airport has won international awards for facilities and services and provides pre-clearance of US Immigration and Customs on flights returning to the USA.
6. Conveniences and Comforts - Aruba is a modern island with fabulous shopping, state-of-the-art communications. Shoppers will find an enormous selection of international brand name products and prices that are 10 – 35% lower than those in the United States.
7. Island Hospitality - Aruba’s people are friendly and helpful. Hotel staffs are professional and well-informed. You will be received with warmth and appreciation and handled with care all during your stay.
8. Civil Marriages - Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, and take place in the Civil Town House.
9. Religious Ceremonies - As long as you plan in advance and submit the necessary documentation, Catholic, Protestant, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Jewish religious ceremonies can all be conducted on-island.
10. Wedding Planners - Independent and resort wedding planners provide valuable advice about documentation and legal matters as well as coordination on the ceremony day. Every minute detail about the ceremony and reception can be arranged, from officiator, witnesses, flowers, mementoes, gifts, and wedding certificates, to limousine service, photography and video, rehearsal dinners, wardrobe, and personal attendants - even a butterfly release!
Article submitted by Jennifer Brown, Aruba all inclusive, Aruba resorts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Memorable Music For Your Wedding Day
Impress your guests and make your wedding day even more memorable by choosing a variety of unique music! It's not just your typical DJ turning out the latest hits at wedding receptions anymore. Jazz bands, professional singers and pianists are just a few ways that couples are making their wedding day have that extra special touch. Here are some other wedding day music trends that are becoming increasingly popular.
Ceremony Music
The most important part of any wedding day is the actual ceremony and the exchanging of vows. To further enhance that special moment and the time leading up to that, set the mood with an exquisite instrumental ensemble or even a soloist. A harpist, a flutist, a violinist, or even a small group of musicians would be a beautiful accent to any wedding ceremony as guests begin to enter the venue. Conclude the ceremony with more instrumental selections played by live musicians. Remember that most musicians can play a wide range of music from classical pieces to today's pop songs.
Cocktail Hour Music
The cocktail hour is an ideal time to change up the music from being strictly instrumental to selections that are more upbeat. Depending on your preference of music, a small jazz ensemble may be what you are looking for. Not only does jazz music still carry that touch of class, but it is lively and perfectly sets the mood for the wedding reception to follow. If jazz is not your style, perhaps a singer soloist accompanying a pianist would better suite your needs. Although live musicians aren't inexpensive, the impact of live music truly makes the occasion extra special and makes it worth the cost.
Reception Music
Typically at most wedding receptions, people tend to want to get up and dance the night away. With a mix of slow and fast songs this can easily get people up and celebrating. At most wedding receptions, a DJ is the choice to provide music throughout the night. However, more and more couples are opting for a live band and a DJ. There are many types of bands that specialize in a variety of music such as: country, ethnic music, pop, rock and other genres of music. When the live band needs to take five, the DJ typically steps in to change up the music. Some couples even commemorate their heritages and have Irish Step Dancers or even an Oompah Band make a special appearance during the reception.
As you can see, there are many music choices available to those couples getting married. Having music that fits both the event and your style is important. Make your wedding day extra special by adding unique and special music to your celebration.
About the author: Amanda Cooper is a freelance writer for Wedding Favours Kingdom, which carries a wide variety of wedding accessories, beach wedding favors, and personalized cards. Amanda is also a contributing writer for other wedding and home-related websites. When Amanda is not writing, she enjoys spending time reading.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Seven Budget Ideas For Your Home Reception
Some newly-weds struggle to afford a wedding with all the trimmings, or prefer to spend the bulk of their wedding budget on an exotic destination wedding and cut costs on their reception. Others are simply more comfortable with a more intimate home reception. Whatever your circumstances, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to entertain your wedding guests at home, here are a few ideas:
1. Leverage friends and family
Your friends and family are probably itching to get involved with your wedding plans and you might be surprised at what they come up with to help with your home reception. Perhaps an uncle has a huge deck that he is willing to let you use or maybe an aunt is a closet wedding cake decorator. Are there any talented DJs or musicians in your extended family? If you are worried about coming up with enough to eat, your guests could supply food in lieu of wedding gifts.
2. Keep the numbers down
Most home receptions are limited in space and facilities so you will probably need to keep the guest list down to provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for both you and your guests.
3. Host a barbecue
In the summer months, barbecues are simple to prepare and cook and popular with almost everyone; just be sure to include some vegetarian options.
Renting a party tent is a great home reception solution, especially if you can’t rely on the weather. You can also rent tables and chairs if you are short on seating options.
4. Put on a slide show
Slide shows, whether using the traditional or modern digital format, are a popular form of entertainment at home receptions.
5. Use budget decorations
As long as you stick to a chosen color theme, almost any kind of decoration can be made to tie in and enhance the overall effect. Hang paper lanterns from the ceiling and place tissue pom poms on tables. Silk flowers can be deceptively realistic yet cost a fraction of the price of real blooms. Display them around the home in simple glass vases for a chic, minimalist effect.
6. Lighting options
To light up the evening for dancing, you won’t need to bust the bank on expensive deck or garden lighting. Instead, get out your Christmas lights and buy some cheap tikki torches. If you do decide to get in extra lighting, consider renting a generator to cope with the electricity demand.
7. Think creatively
Whether you are on a budget or not, making a home reception work for you relies upon knowing what guests expect and how to tailor that to your home. For every challenge there is sure to be a solution if you look for it. For example, you could buy a cheap Styrofoam stand or a kitchen tea cart trolley for serving coffee, tea, desserts or other reception offerings. These carts are ideal because because they are portable.
We all live within a budget. Choosing to have a home reception would be the perfect solution to having a memorable wedding, without the cost! Go ahead, use these ideas and you will not be sorry!
About the author: Romona Weston and her family lives in the beautiful Amish countryside of Lancaster County, PA. She loves everything about weddings, and is often helping brides as their wedding planner. She is a mom to 7 beautiful children and a wife to a wonderful man. In her spare time, she loves to hike, write and organize. She owns a review blog on the best stainless steel top kitchen islands carts and wood kitchen cart. As a researcher rather than a seller, she presents an unbiased view of products.
Explore her reviews at http://www.kitchencarts360.com
1. Leverage friends and family
Your friends and family are probably itching to get involved with your wedding plans and you might be surprised at what they come up with to help with your home reception. Perhaps an uncle has a huge deck that he is willing to let you use or maybe an aunt is a closet wedding cake decorator. Are there any talented DJs or musicians in your extended family? If you are worried about coming up with enough to eat, your guests could supply food in lieu of wedding gifts.
2. Keep the numbers down
Most home receptions are limited in space and facilities so you will probably need to keep the guest list down to provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for both you and your guests.
3. Host a barbecue
In the summer months, barbecues are simple to prepare and cook and popular with almost everyone; just be sure to include some vegetarian options.
Renting a party tent is a great home reception solution, especially if you can’t rely on the weather. You can also rent tables and chairs if you are short on seating options.
4. Put on a slide show
Slide shows, whether using the traditional or modern digital format, are a popular form of entertainment at home receptions.
5. Use budget decorations
As long as you stick to a chosen color theme, almost any kind of decoration can be made to tie in and enhance the overall effect. Hang paper lanterns from the ceiling and place tissue pom poms on tables. Silk flowers can be deceptively realistic yet cost a fraction of the price of real blooms. Display them around the home in simple glass vases for a chic, minimalist effect.
6. Lighting options
To light up the evening for dancing, you won’t need to bust the bank on expensive deck or garden lighting. Instead, get out your Christmas lights and buy some cheap tikki torches. If you do decide to get in extra lighting, consider renting a generator to cope with the electricity demand.
7. Think creatively
Whether you are on a budget or not, making a home reception work for you relies upon knowing what guests expect and how to tailor that to your home. For every challenge there is sure to be a solution if you look for it. For example, you could buy a cheap Styrofoam stand or a kitchen tea cart trolley for serving coffee, tea, desserts or other reception offerings. These carts are ideal because because they are portable.
We all live within a budget. Choosing to have a home reception would be the perfect solution to having a memorable wedding, without the cost! Go ahead, use these ideas and you will not be sorry!
About the author: Romona Weston and her family lives in the beautiful Amish countryside of Lancaster County, PA. She loves everything about weddings, and is often helping brides as their wedding planner. She is a mom to 7 beautiful children and a wife to a wonderful man. In her spare time, she loves to hike, write and organize. She owns a review blog on the best stainless steel top kitchen islands carts and wood kitchen cart. As a researcher rather than a seller, she presents an unbiased view of products.
Explore her reviews at http://www.kitchencarts360.com
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