1. Include your pet in the ceremony. Have your dog carry the rings down the aisle or dress up your cat with a jeweled collar in your wedding colours.
2. Have a family member or close friend get ordained on line so that she can perform your ceremony.
3. If you met in college, use the colours of your alma mater for your rehearsal dinner. At the wedding, don’t forget to take a group photo with classmates.
4. Spotlight special musical talent among your guests: ask a friend or family member who’s an accomplished singer or musician to perform in honour of the two 0f you.
5. Add an interactive element to dessert with a make your own table (try sundaes or smores).
6. Stage a slide show with photos from childhood to present, or hang a bulletin board featuring a timeline of your courtship.
7. Designate a portion of the night’s entertainment to karaoke.
8. Have an officiate address your guests and ask if they affirm your union. They can respond by clapping or shouting “we do!”
9. For your first dance, choose the same song your parents danced to at their own wedding.
10.Create a nearby lounge area where guests can take a break from dancing.
Be A Good Human By Having A Green Wedding – 5 Green Wedding Tips. The following post was contributed by Heather Johnson, who writes on the subject of green shopping. She invites your feedback at heatherjohnson2323 at gmail dot com. Weddings are very special events that require a lot of time, planning, and money. Your special day can be even more unique if you......
Sunday Conversation #2 with Frugal Dad Welcome to Sunday Conversation #2! This is the first of many conversations between readers and yours truly. Any subject is on the table (remember, keep it family friendly). Simply ask your question in the comments section of today's post and I will respond next Sunday. Pull up a chair, grab......
Easy Exercises To Do During the Holidays Just because you plan on traveling during the holiday season, that does not mean you cannot keep exercising to keep yourself healthy. Here are some tips for easy ways to exercise during the holiday season. If you are traveling during the holidays, planning ahead can really make all the difference......
Prepare for shopping ahead of time by determining answers to some critical questions about your wedding: What kind of wedding am I having? Formal or informal? Traditional or modern? This information will help you and your bridal consultant choose the perfect gown for you. Don’t forget to ask about the seasons and special fabrics ( chiffon doesn’t work well in a January wedding), and if , given your celebrations events, a particular dress will be comfortable to wear the entire day.
Early Bride Gets The Gown
The amount of time required to to get a dress depends on the salon and the dress you choose. Some gowns can take anywhere from 8 to 12 months to arrive. Six months to a year in advance is the norm to ensure enough time for delivery of the gown and proper alterations. Four to Five months is the minimum amount of time a bridal salon can deliver the goods to you.
A Little Nip And Tuck
Discuss any required dress alterations with your bridal consultant while trying on a gown. Ask them to to pin the garment and give and give their expert opinion on what needs adjusting. A word to the wise: be honest when ordering your dress size. If your planning to lose 20 pounds befofe the wedding, make the plans known so that your consultant can make practical suggestions. You don’t want to end up with a wedding dress that doesn’t fit or with alterations that cost more than the actual dress.
The Finishing Touches
Bridal gowns require between two and three fittings, depending on detail and custom work needed. The last alteration will be completed one to two weeks before the wedding. You are usually given the choice of picking up the gown a few days before the wedding, or the day before.
Vintage Wedding Dress Antiques -> Textiles, Linens -> Lace, Crochet, Doilies Many people today want to wear a vintage wedding dress when they get married. Vintage clothing in general has become hugely popular. You can purchase actually vintage clothing in various states of wear, vintage fabric which to make clothing from, or reproduction......
Shopping Professionally pt 1 One of the best ways that you can save money is to shop professionally, which is learning how to develop skills and talents in shopping that allow you to shop smarter and save more money than ever before. When you learn how to work with a tight budget, you can......
Measuring and Tracking Retirement Plan Progress If you are like this baby boomer, you are eager to find ways to measure and track the financial progress of your retirement planning. There are a variety of tools on the web that will rate or score how well you are doing with your retirement investing and planning. Not......
A who’s who of political, literary and cinematic elite has stayed with the Sersale family since they opened their doors to guests in 1951. Le Sirenuse, their 64 room red and white palazzo on Positano’s posh precipitous hillside, boasts one of industry’s most star studded clientele lists,yet the molto discreet Sersales don’t blab about who’s been their.Their modus operandi: authenticity. Around every corner is an inviting nook complete with comfy chairs, books and magazines and a waiter to serve a cappuccino or a cocktail. The pool terrace is a fantasy world of gilt mosaics and pale blue water, perfumed by lemon trees and perched above Positano’s gold- domed cathedral with the glittering Medierranean below. The light on the Amalfi Coast seems magical as it floods the white-washed guest rooms with a golden glow, casting shadows across the hand-painted Vietri tile floors, antique dressers and Old Masters paintings on the walls. Candlelight sets the tone at La Sponda restaurant, where a vaulted ceiling and hypnotic votives create an aura as romantic as anything you’ve experienced.
One Of The Reasons I Wrote Solstice Surrender (Not the Obvious, Either) by Tracy Cooper-Posey, guest blogger and author of Solstice Surrender. I was sitting staring out the front windows this morning, looking at the winter landscape before my husband headed off to work and I headed down to my office, and I remembered one of the reasons I wrote Solstice......
Le Jardin Retrouvé and Yuri Gutsatz Le Jardin Retrouvé: was founded in 1975 by Yuri GUTSATZ (1914-2005), Perfume - Composer, who spent the greater part of his career working in one of the most prestigious French companies producing aromatic products. Le Jardin Retrouvé with its limited production, is an attempt to return to the artisanal......
Layering Le Jardin Retrouvé: Honeysuckle with Tuberose Once in a while one can come up with a lovely new way of wearing two fragrances, both of which might be favorites, or conversely, one might be more favored than the other. Such is the serendipitous layering of Le Jardin Retrouvé's Le Chèvrefeuille - Honeysuckle with Le Jardin Retrouvé's......
All the privacy of a luxury villa but with the ambience of a boutique hotel-that’s that’s the scene at at this tres serene retreat in the hills of St. Barths. Secreted away in one of 15 spacious, toile and mahogany-bedecked villa-suites-modelled after 18th century West Indian plantation houses honeymooners can enjoy alone time in a romantic four-poster bed or swim au natural in their private plunge pool as a bottle of bubbly chills nearby. (But nothing else is nearby-that’s why solitude-seekers adore these artfully configured hideaways.) When couples tire of 24/7 seclusion , Le Gaiac restaurant and bar in the main house serves up French-inspired island cuisine in a setting over looking a deep saphire infinity pool. No matter where you sit, swim sleep, sip or sup, you’ll delight in Le Toiny’s lofty locale, which makes the view of the Caribbean among the best on the island.
Solar Swimming Pool Heaters by Sam Reynolds Solar swimming pool heating makes Makes good economic sense and helps the environment. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who heat a swimming pool would be foolish not to look into solar pool heaters. Since most people closer pools for the winter solar pool heating systems don't......
Swimming for your First Triathlon Beginners to the triathlon tend not to worry so much about the running and bicycling legs of the race, although they require thought and preparation on their own. Running and bicycling for beginners, however, are familiar childhood activities, and are not as foreign as swimming. Swimming has always been limited......
Swimming Meet Preparations Which Make a Difference Swimming is a sport which takes a lot of preparation. You need to have the right training to have good form and a good time. This is true whether you are swimming on your own or in a relay. Your performance in a swim meet can only be affected by......
This Art Deco landmark, just steps from the Champs Elysees, was an architectural stunner when it was built in 1928. But by the end of the century, the grande dame of Avenue George V was showing her age. So in 1999, the property was closed down for two entire years-unheard of in hotel biz-for a head-to-toe overhaul. A whopping $125 million later,the George V has regained its spot as one of the worlds premiere luxury hotels. Seventeenth century tapestries, ornate wrought-iron gates and oriental rugs accent the lobby and public rooms, built around an airy interior courtyard. And the flowers! A dedicated staff of seven spends $1.8 million a year-yes you read that right-on towering arrangements of eye-catching blooms, from delicate pink tea roses to giant six-foot calla-lilies. Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo and the Beatles were regulars back in the day; now it’s Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts and the Rolling Stones. Generous guest rooms-the largest in Paris- feature kingsized beds with sumptuous linens, antique furnishings and marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs (not the norm in Europe) and heated towel racks. Private terraces overlook the rooftops of Paris; the honeymoon suite has incredible views of the Eiffel Tower. For dining, Le Cinq is one of the hottest tables in town, with three Michelin stars, hand painted Limoges porcelain and delectable dishes like roast Brittainy lobster with chestnuts. The house champagne is Billecart Salmon, and in-room massages are available around the clock. Even the air is something special-lightly scented with its own appealing fragrance, created specially for Four Seasons George V.
Interesting Facts: Volume 1 [/caption] WORLD FACTS Who Made The Marree Man? facts 60 km out of the town of Marree in South Australia, there is the figure of a man etched into the ground that is more than 4 km long. This geoglyph, popularly known as the Marree Man, is not only Australia's......
Save Time, Money and Space in Over 80 Ways If you're looking for handy gadgets, tools and various items that can save you time, money or space (or all three!) this list of more than 80 top products is just what you need. Everyone's got saving money on their minds these days. Some of us are always looking to......
Law & Order' is canceled by NBC [/caption] FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer NEW YORK – There was never any doubt that, someday, "Law & Order" would come to an end. But the death sentence handed down by NBC on Friday caught many observers by surprise. Viewers weren't prepared to say farewell to this beloved TV warhorse.......
With seven days to go (yikes….just 168 hours!) before the big event, there’s still time to get more radiant skin, a sleeker physique, and extra energy. Here’s how.
complextion perfection
1. Attack acne. A low cut dress can but the spotlight on below-the neck breakouts. To keep skin clear, use a body wash with antibacterial agents like salicylic asid or benzoyl peroxide. “Let the suds sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing,” says Ranella Hirsch, MD., a Boston based dermatologist. To try: Panoxyl Wash.
2. Hide a tatoo. The key: Use an opaque concealer in a shade that precisely matches your skin tone, suggests Jose Parron, director of the Image Studio at Barneys New York -Madison in New York City. After moisturizing the area, apply a cover up to the tattoo. ( One to try: Dermablend Leg and Boby Cover.) Using your fingers or a sponge, blend it into the surrounding skin and let dry for 10 minutes. To keep the makeup from migrating to your dress, pat on powder, such as Durablend Setting Powder.
3. Slough rough spots. After all, you’ll be rubbing elbows with freinds and family all day. Slough off dead skin with pumice stone, then apply an alpha-hydroxy cream (such as Murad Intensive Body Smoothing Treatment) or a rich moisturizer ( like Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion).
4.Head off hives, These stress-induced blotches can pop up at the worst of times. ” If you’re prone to hives, ask your dermatologist for a prescription antihistamine,” suggests Dr. Hirch. If they’ve already appeared, reduce the swelling with an over the counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream.
5.Get the red out. You skimped on sunscreen, and now you’ve got an all-too-noticeable flush. First, take two acetaminophen for the inflammation and use a homemade milk compress to reduce the heat and sting, advises Dr. Hirch:Soak a washcloth in a mixture of equal parts ice water and cold milk, and place over the area for 10 minutes; then rinse with with cold water. To camouflage redness anywhere on the body, Parron recomends using a yellow-based product like T. Le Clerc loose powder in Banane Dore.
6. Perk up pale skin. A sunless tanner won’t only provide the perfect contrast to a white dress, it will also make ripples and dimples less obvious. Your goal is a pretty, sun-kissed look that’s about two shades darker than your natural colour, says Cindy Barshop, owner of New York’s City’s Completely Bare Salons. For the best results, book an appointment at a salon or spa. Otherwise, have a girlfriend on hand to help with hard to reach areas. After exfoliating, rinse and towel dry skin, then apply a thin layer of self tanner from feet to face, going easy on thicker-skinned areas like elbows and knees, which can grab extra colour. Wash hands thoroughly, don’t dress until your skin is dry to the touch, and wait eight hours before showering.
Skin Care Advice for Dry Skin If you have dry skin, and you're ready to get rid of it once and for all, then this is the skin care advice for you. There is absolutely nothing worse in the world than having skin that is dry, itchy and uncomfortable. Dry skin is capable of happening at......
Me vs Maytag – An Idiot’s Guide To Washing Machine Repair The following post is from Neal of WealthPilgrim.com. After reading the article, be sure to sign up for free at Wealth Pilgrim to receive more from Neal. You might be a very handy person but I’m not. The mere thought of putting a pair of pliers or screw driver in......
Selecting the Right Glue pt 2 Here are some of the glues that work best for certain tasks and their drying times and setting times and any important application procedures as well. Still, you should prepare to look at the label for the glue product that you choose to make sure that you are choosing the......
little palm island resort and spa Little Torch Key, Florida
This five-acre isle, accessible only by boat or seaplane from the lower keys, has thached-roof bungalows set back amid a thicket of Jamacian coconut palms. Inside each one-bedroom suite (there 28 in all) is a king-sized bed draped with mosquito netting, a Jacuzzi tub for two and a private outdoor shower. What isn’t there? A phone, TV, or alarm clock to distract you from each other. There are unexpected touches: your last name spelled out in blocks on the wall as you walk through a private gate to your suite, a birdwatching guide and binoculars inside your bungalow, signature Coco Mango bath amenities. The island is lush with mangroves and palm trees, wild hibiscus and a heady scent of ylang-yland (the prime ingredient in Channel no.5). The local residents are equally charming: Tiny endangered Key deer, looking like mini Bambies, nibble the grasses, while egrets and herons fish the mud flats, blissfully ignoring passing humans. Padded lounge chairs out number guests, so they’re always available: on the beach, by the pool or lined up along a long wooden dock, with nothing but ocean for miles.
singita lebombo Kruger National Park, South Africa
The savage savannah meets the chic of South Beach at this stunning 18- month-old lodge, set on 37,000 acres on the remote eastern edge of South Africa’s premier game park. The ultra modern design is a striking counterpart to the untamed African veld: Fifteen bleached wood-and- glass suites are built into a bluff above the Nwanetsi river, with floor to ceiling windows on all four sides offering panoramic views of wildlife(hippos,baboons and colourful kingfishers strike supermodel-like poses near the river). A raised private viewing terace holds a linen-covered daybed, perfect for sunbathing; at turndown, mosquito netting is hung so you can sleep under the stars. (Don’t worry, the animals kept to their own turf.) Inside are plush touches: a king-sized bed, glass-fronted bathtub and open-air shower, fully stocked mini-bar and Murano glass chandeliers. The dramatic clifftop infinity pool is the perfect spot to lay low during the day. Or retreat to Lebombo’s sexy communal open air lounge with its billowy white curtains, jars of candy and freshly baked treats, and a full bar. The lodges staff goes all out with lavish bush dinners featuring grilled meats, amazing salads, impressive South African wines and over-the-top desserts, served alfresco amid hundreds of hanging lanterns. Getting out of Africa will be the last thing on your mind.
Book Review: Running Dry: A Journey From Source to Sea Down the Colorado River It can be difficult to keep track of all of the different natural issues that our world is faced with. One of the more unfortunate issues in the United States revolves around the Colorado River. Jon Waterman tackles this subject for National Geographic in Running Dry: A Journey From Source......
2010 - World Cup Tickets - South Africa [/caption] World Cup tickets, schedule, and location information are available for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Sixty-four soccer matches will be played in ten stadiums and nine host cities throughout South Africa including Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, and Rustenburg. A total of three......
Golfing Around the World Sport themed holidays are gaining in popularity, and now there are some pretty interesting options available for golf enthusiasts to choose from. Here are six of the most interesting golf holiday options that are available right now. Legend Golf in South Africa - This is an 18 hole golf course......
Hugging scalloped cliffs atop the sparkling Sea of Cortez, this casually ellegant resort achieves perfection through intimacy. Just 56 airy casitas, in three story tangerine-hued buildings, and six spacious villas surround a lush lawn that spills down to a stunning infinity-edge pool. Posture-perfect palms and fluttering white umbrellas offer shelter from legendary Los Cabos sun (it shines 350 days a year). The effect is sexy, seductive: The hammock that sways on your casita terrace is perfect for a siesta, and the lime-scented toiletries in the bathroom provide a cooling touch. Baja’s bounty-tuna, dorado and signature ceviche sampler-is reserved in The Restaurant, where alfresco nooks and crannies become candlelit dining oasis come sundown. (A tequilero is on hand to guide you through a soul-warming tequila tasting, a local specialty.) One of the resorts biggest perks just be Spa Esperanza, known for its tropical body treatments and aquas frescas, indigenous fruit elixers with health-and libido-boosting effects.
5 Tips for Getting Started in Tennis Beginners who are just learning how to play tennis are most definitely going to face quite a large amount of frustration because it takes a lot of time, patience and practice to really get the hang of the sport. The most important thing that you can do to make this......
Moon California Camping: The Complete Guide to More Than 1,400 Tent and RV Campgrounds (Moon Outdoors) User Reviews Send this to a friend Moon California Camping: The Complete Guide to More Than 1,400 Tent and RV Campgrounds (Moon Outdoors) Manufacturer: Avalon Travel Publishing Customer Rating: List Price: $23.95 Sale Price: $14.29 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now Product Description Tom......
Travel + Leisure Los Cabos Giveaway! Got a weekend off and don't know what to do? You probably would like to relax, have someone serve you a tropical drink with a cute little umbrella in it and maybe get a massage or two. And you would like someone else to pay for it. Ah, sounds......
Guests know they’ve arrived even before they arrive at this palatial playground for A-list celebs. A chauffeured limo meets newcomers at the airport, then wisks us them through the resorts main gate, past a column of mahogany trees towering over manicured grounds straight to the front door. The lobby’s polished marble floors lead to a sun-drenched terrace overlooking but dazzling white and cerulean sea. The wow factor continues in the 112 rooms and suites, recently refurbished (to the tune of $500 million resortwide) with impeccable decor, gargantuan bathrooms and high-tech touches like widescreen plasma TVs and bedside consoles that even control the curtains and air conditioning. Golf rules here; the newest of of the three courses, the Green Monkey, was designed by renowned course guru Tom Fazio. Don’t skip the bacchanalia of luncheon buffet at Bajan Blue, where heaping mounds of lobster, crab and shrimp are fllowed by decadent desserts. On a more intimate note, there’s L’Acajou for fine French dining by candlelight. Sure, sampling the good life costs a bundle, but for A-list honey-mooners Sandy Lane is worth the splurge.
5 Ways Being Stupid Will Cost You People are pretty stupid. You have to admit it, the human race as a whole is not something to be proud of. Sure we have the philosophers and greats throughout history but they are few and far between. Here are five ways being stupid can cost you money. Speeding.......
Golf Tournament Preview: Turning Stone Resort Championship The Turning Stone Resort Championship is Slated to Be an Autumn Spectacle. After three years of play, fans and golfers alike are coming to expect a truly entertaining week. The Turning Stone championship has made the autumn scenery its home in the Mohawk Valley, and the Mohawk Valley has made......
Kansas City Power and Light Encourages Energy Saving Efforts “Desperate times call for desperate measures,” as the old expression goes. The current economic crunch has Americans tightening their belts at every turn as we face our national economic crisis together. Last summer, the Obama administration invested a whopping $346 million dollars to expand our commitment to energy efficient technologies......
