Italian restaurants near west chester, pennsylvania

It's interesting:
"It was 48 hours before the wedding and I had zero best man speech made. 2 hours after I found your site I had logged off with an excellent speech.' Luke Betts ..."

As part of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Camden metropolitan area, the Borough of West Chester is an active and progressive region in Chester County, Pennsylvania. With nearby historic attractions such as the Brandywine Battlefield, Valley Forge and Longwood Gardens, West Chester is home to West Goshen which is among the best places to live according to CNN Money. Thanks to its multicultural community, West Chester also offers various dining destinations serving different cuisines. If you're craving Italian food, West Chester has several options locally and nearby.

1. Teca‎-

   • With a European setting that consists of rich mahogany wood and classic granite countertops and tables, as well as bright hand-blown Venetian Murano glass, Teca serves Italian tapas-style dining with a traditional yet modern flair. Popular among locals for its world-class wine list, smooth ambiance and tasty cuisine, this restaurant serves dishes like lobster ravioli, risotto del giorno, parmigiano encrusted tilapia, lasagna bolognese and penne alla vodka, plus an assortment of appetizers, salads, paninis and vegetarian options. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Teca also features an upscale casual nightclub upstairs.

     Teca‎-
     

     38 East Gay Street
     

     West Chester, PA 19380
     

     610-738-8244‎-
     

     tecawc.com

   Limoncello Ristorante

   • Limoncello Ristorante is an Italian restaurant that opened its doors in 2006 and quickly became a popular dining destination in the center of downtown West Chester. The restaurant offers a decor like that of a cafe or cozy neighborhood restaurant in Italy. Italian favorites offered on the menu include calamari fritti, breaded asparagus and chicken and cheese tortellini soup. It also offers many varieties of pasta, gourmet pizzas, chicken, veal and seafood options, all featuring rich flavors that are traditional to authentic Italian cuisine. Limoncello Ristorante is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for dinner only.

     Limoncello Ristorante
     

     ‎-9 North Walnut Street
     

     West Chester, PA 19380
     

     610-436-6230‎-
     

     limoncellowc.com

   Caffe Aldo Lamberti

   • Located 15 minutes from West Chester, Caffe Aldo Lamberti is a casual yet chic restaurant that has been serving patrons contemporary Italian cuisine and seafood for more than 20 years. Thanks to its energetic atmosphere, al fresco dining area and delicious dishes, this restaurant has gained a loyal clientele, making it a favored dining landmark among residents. Caffe Aldo Lamberti's dishes include the lobster ravioli cardinale, fantasia di mare, chicken piccata and veal carciofi, plus other substantial entrees such as grilled rack of lamb, filetto gorgonzola and Chilean sea bass. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Café- Aldo Lamberti also offers an award-winning wine list.

     Caffe Aldo Lamberti
     

     ‎-2011 Route 70 West
     

     Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
     

     856-663-1747‎-
     

     caffelamberti.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: West Chester, Aldo Lamberti, Caffe Aldo, Caffe Aldo Lamberti, Limoncello Ristorante

Alcohol novelty gifts

It's interesting:
"Ellen told Keith that by their wedding day she wanted him to have the body of an Olympic swimmer. She was thinking of Michael Phelps, but from ..."

Alcohol gift ideas are appropriate for anyone over the age of 21, including those turning 21 and those with a home bar. Instead of buying a bar sign or a new set of glasses, opt for a novelty gift. Choose gifts with a humorous slant that make the recipient smile. The sheer number of novelty alcohol gifts on the market means you can find something for anyone.

1. Novelty Barware

   • Novelty barware encompasses almost anything designed for use in the bar. For the home bar owner, choose a set of unusual shaped glasses, like margarita glasses with cactus-style stems. Funny shot glasses are another option. Opt for shot glasses with humorous sayings on one side or shot glasses with something on the inside -- for example, shot glasses that have fake dice in the bottom and light up when hit against a table. High ball glasses with fake rocks attached to the inside are perfect for those who like their drinks "on the rocks." You can even find bottle openers designed to fit onto a cell phone.

   Shaped Containers

   • Shaped decanters and containers are a fun addition to a home bar. The decanters resemble non-alcohol related items and are larger than the typical decanters. For example, pick a fuel pump-shaped decanter that dispenses alcohol from an attached pump. Oversized decanters also resemble cell phones, wine barrels and even lamps. You can also opt for an oversized bottle of the recipient's favorite bottle of alcohol. Even empty, it adds a fun slant to his bar area.

   Candy Alcohol

   • Look for candy versions of alcohol for a fun gift idea. Candy cordials contain a small amount of liqueur on the inside, with a milk chocolate shell on the outside. If you're looking for a non-alcohol version, then opt for candies that merely taste like alcohol. Pina colada or strawberry daiquiri-flavored jelly beans taste just like the real thing, but without the alcohol content. You can even find suckers and hard candies that taste like alcohol, without using real alcohol.

   Unique Bottles

   • Pick a themed bottle of alcohol for a fun gift idea. Elvis Presley has his own brand of wine, despite being dead for decades. Richard Childress, the owner of a popular NASCAR team, has his own vineyard and manufactures wine under his name and even has some featuring his drivers. Vampire lovers and cupcake lovers will also find bottles of wine under those names.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: glasses with, shot glasses, alcohol gift idea, Alcohol novelty, Alcohol novelty gifts, bottle alcohol, candies that

Bed & breakfast inns in bozeman, mt

It's interesting:
"They say that a wedding is a sapling that grows into a mighty tree called marriage . Well ... In a way, the jubilation of today's wedding reminds me of the recent ...""

Bozeman, Montana, is a short drive from three national parks, including Yellowstone National Park. The city is close to several outdoor recreation areas. Ski areas, camp sites and hiking trails are close to the community, which is home to Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies. From ranchers to artists, the city is a diverse mix of old and new America.

1. The Voss Inn Bed and Breakfast

   • The Voss Inn, at the edge of downtown Bozeman, features carved oak woodwork and stained and leaded glass windows from the 1880s. Original hardwood floors, oriental and Persian rugs, and a Victorian parlor welcome guests to the six-room bed and breakfast. In addition to breakfast, visitors are treated to daily afternoon tea and can relax in gardens surrounding the inn. The Museum of the Rockies is one mile away and the Bozeman Children's Museum is within walking distance.

   Lehrkind Mansion Bed and Breakfast

   • Built in 1897, the Lehrkind Mansion takes guests into Bozeman's past. A large corner tower, gables, overhangs, bays, and leaded and stained glass are some of the Victorian features of the building. Located north of downtown Bozeman, the mansion has three individually decorated rooms with antiques, original woodwork and oriental carpets. Five additional rooms are in the adjacent Garden House. A gourmet breakfast is served each morning in an elegant dining room.

   Howlers Inn Bed and Breakfast and Wolf Sanctuary

   • Approximately a 25-minute drive east of downtown is the Howlers Inn. The secluded 42-acre property is set in a pastoral setting in the Bridger Canyon. The Bridger Bowl ski area and the Bohart Ranch Cross-Country Ski Center are within a 20-minute drive. Originally established as a wolf sanctuary, the inn maintains two enclosures for wolves. The inn is within ten minutes of horseback riding trails.

   Fox Hollow Bed and Breakfast

   • The Fox Hollow Bed and Breakfast has five rooms and a guest house, each with private bath, wireless Internet, air conditioning, and refrigerator. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 90 miles south of the property. Fox Hollow features original artwork, and gourmet breakfasts and dinners are served daily. The bed and breakfast is approximately six miles northwest of downtown Bozeman, and a 15-minute drive east of Bozeman's Gallatin Field Airport, with flights to cities across the United States.

   Josie's Bozeman Bed and Breakfast

   • With scenic mountain views, Josie's Bozeman Bed and Breakfast is five miles east of downtown Bozeman. The two-room bed and breakfast is a great option for families, and a discount is provided for guests booking both rooms. South of the Bridger Bowl ski area, the 20-acre property is approximately a 20-minute drive from Bozeman's airport. A hot country breakfast is served each morning, and is available at flexible times for early risers who wish to fish or hike in the surrounding area.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: downtown Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park, 20-minute drive, approximately miles, Bowl area, Bozeman Breakfast, Breakfast five

Maple grove, minnesota dance clubs

It's interesting:
"Linda is beautiful. She’s intelligent. She’s funny. She can cook like Nigella Lawson and she’s got the patience of a saint. Paul, I can say with my hand on my heart that you’re one of the luckiest men alive. And she writes a cracking Best Man speech as well."

Maple Grove is located near Minneapolis on the Northwestern side of Minnesota. Nightclubs in this area range from family-owned establishments to chain bar and grills, and most feature live music or DJs on the weekend for those who enjoy dancing. They also provide outdoor patios to enjoy the weather as well as many nightly specials.

1. J. Cousineau's Dram and Alehouse

   • This casual, neighborhood club has a small dance floor near the stage, and it features daily specials, monthly specials, live music, karaoke nights and special event nights, especially for St. Patrick's Day and Halloween. Food offerings include standard pub fare like chicken strips, hot wings, burgers, chicken sandwiches and pizza. The restaurant also has a kid's and catering menu. Specialty drinks include the Grape Ape, Electric Lemonade, Monkey Up the Tree and Sex In the Hammock, and the bar has a large selection of domestic and foreign beers. Big screen televisions will showcase the latest sporting events, and it has an outdoor patio.

     J. Cousineau's Dram and Alehouse

     13540 Grove Drive

     Maple Grove, MN 55311

     763-420-8355

     jcousineaus.com

   The Lookout Bar and Grill

   • This casual, family-friendly club features live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and there is no cover charge. Other features include an outdoor patio with a children's play area, a late night appetizer menu, customer appreciation days and events like car shows and kids-eat-free Sundays. Menu items include baby back ribs, hot wings and roasted chicken, and there is also a catering menu. Private party rooms can be booked for parties, receptions and meetings. Specials include daily lunch specials, happy hours, daily chef specials and late night happy hours.

     The Lookout Bar and Grill

     8672 Pineview Lane North

     Maple Grove, MN 55369

     763-424-4365

     lookoutbarandgrill.com

   Claddagh Irish Pub

   • This pub is part of a chain in the Northeastern and Midwestern parts of the United States and feature Irish-themed dé-cor and food items, including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie and Guinness barbecue ribs. Lunch and drink specials are also available, and the pub features several foreign and domestic beers on tap and in the bottle. Other specialty drinks include bloody Mary's, mojitos, martinis and Long Island iced teas. The pub features live music on Saturday nights, and large screen televisions to watch local games. Other events include trivia nights and bingo, and it has an outdoor patio.

     Claddagh Irish Pub

     Shoppes at Arbor Lakes

     7890 Main Street North

     Maple Grove, MN 55369

     763-773-7400

     claddaghirishpubs.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: live music, Maple Grove, outdoor patio, also catering, also catering menu

Affordable outdoor wedding ideas

It's interesting:
"After all, this wedding has given me the opportunity to meet many of Paul's ... And I hope, when they look back years from now on this, their wedding day, they ..."

Brides planning outdoor weddings face challenges that they may not run into if they were hosting an indoor wedding. Weather conditions, conditions specific to the location of the outdoor wedding and even the time of day or night when the wedding takes place can all effect pulling off the wedding. One of the biggest challenges you'll face if planning an outdoor wedding is that you may have to pay for more items than you would if the event was being held with a ready-to-go venue. The good news is there are some affordable ways you can get the items you need for your outdoor wedding.

1. Lighting

   • If your wedding is taking place after daylight hours, you have to consider some affordable lighting options. Candles are always affordable lighting options for reception tables, the cake table, gift table and other areas of the outdoor venue. You can buy candles in bulk at discounted rates- rummage garage sales, flea markets and antique shops for unused candles at a discount rate- or shop discount or warehouse stores such as Big Lots, Costco, Sam's Club or BJ's. White string lights are another affordable way to add light and ambiance to your outdoor wedding. You may be able to use some light strings you already own or pick up additional light strings at affordable prices.

   Decorations

   • If your wedding is at an outdoor venue such as a garden or hotel lawn, utilize the natural beauty of the venue as much as possible. For example, if the property has a gazebo or planted flowers, arrange the layout of your wedding ceremony or reception to incorporate these items into the wedding. Flower gardens, greenery, landscaped laws and more can add dé-cor to your wedding that you won't have to pay extra for because it already exists at the venue. To decorate outdoor areas, greenery (faux or real) is an affordable way to dress up gazebos, tables, the chairs that sit on the wedding aisle and more. Green plants tend to be less expensive than wedding flowers and you can multi-purpose greenery later by planting it in pots and making houseplants out of it for your new home. The lighting options in the previous section can serve the dual purpose of lighting your outdoor wedding and acting as decorations for it simultaneously.

   Weather

   • Unfortunately, weather conditions are something you cannot control, but it is something you can plan for ahead of time. Always have a backup plan in case of rain. Since renting a wedding tent can be expensive, make sure that the venue has a covered location you can use if it rains. You can also consider renting large sun umbrellas -- one for each table and possibly keep a nice umbrella bucket filled with umbrellas in the area. For cold snaps, rather than rent outdoor heating units, check with your venue to see if building a bonfire is a viable option. Make sure that the bonfire builder knows what they're doing and that someone is assigned to managing the bonfire during the entire event. For heat waves, rather than renting misting machines, which can be expensive, utilize big fans on stands. You'll want to put the fans on low to avoid blowing flowers and decorations around, but it can help to cool down the area and keep it cool.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: outdoor wedding, your wedding, lighting options, your outdoor, your outdoor wedding, affordable lighting

Places that buy wedding dresses

It's interesting:
"Paul is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive… in fact I don't even know him anymore. Linda has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Linda. You've done in 18 months what I couldn't do in 18 years."

Some brides pack up their dress and store it away after the big day is over- others turn it into another garment. But some want to share the dress with another bride, and with all that money spent on the original dress, selling the gown can benefit everyone. Many places, particularly on the Internet, buy wedding dresses and resell them at a reduced price.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Wore It Once

   • Wore It Once is an online company that connects buyers and sellers of used wedding dresses. They charge a one-time listing fee of $25 and do not charge commission on the dress. You can upload up to five pictures of the dress with detailed description. You can also put other items, such as bridesmaid dresses, up for sale and edit your listings at any time.

   Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses

   • Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses, an online company started in 2004, boasts more than 30 million views on their website each year, with most wedding dresses averaging 2,000 views each. There is a $25 listing fee, and you can post up to five pictures. They do not charge commission on the dress, and the dress will be listed until it sells.

   Consignment Shops

   • Consignment shops buy used items, sometimes outright in a one-time transaction and other times will sell them for a portion of the profit. Check your area for local consignment shops that buy and sell wedding dresses. If there are none in your immediate area, you often can find one in the nearest city and ship the dress there.

   Rent Your Dress

   • Grooms often rent their tuxedos, and in recent years, renting wedding dresses has gained popularity. Although some rental places may allow you to rent it more than once, other places will buy it outright from you and rent it themselves. This tends to be more common in major cities that have outlets for wedding rentals. Also some Web sites that sell used wedding dresses also broker rentals.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding dresses, wedding dresses, charge commission, charge commission dress, commission dress

Cheap vacations from cincinnati, ohio

It's interesting:
"This wedding takes place during a week when the web is all astir over ... 4-Feb-201There's nothing like a wedding around Valentine's Day."

Though Cincinnati, with its numerous sights such as the Carew Tower, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the Krohn Conservatory, is a wonderful place to visit and live, residents of Cincinnati may want to enjoy other wonderful cities as well as their hometown. Several ways to take a cheap vacation from Cincinnati, Ohio include driving somewhere close by, finding a deal to a popular destination, taking a shorter vacation, and finding a way to take your pet so you do not have to pay for a kennel.

1. Budget Miami Family Vacation

   • A great way to find an inexpensive family vacation from Cincinnati is to use an online travel site. A five-night, six-day trip for a family of four to Miami was found on Priceline.com for $399 per person (total trip price of $1,596). The price includes airfare and one hotel room at The Best Western Kendall Hotel and Suites. Priceline states that the hotel is close to Miami-Dade local attractions. Breakfast can be included with a room upgrade for $15.64 per person. Car rentals start at $40.18 per day. Families interested in finding the best price for a Miami vacation from Cincinnati should check several options on Priceline. They should also be ready to book when they find the price and vacation they want, as the prices and availability are limited.

     877-850-9658

     priceline.com

   Take Your Dog on a Canadian Adventure

   • An interesting, adventurous and affordable option for dog owners in Cincinnati is offered by Dog Paddling Adventures, in Ontario, Canada. The company specializes in canoe trips for dog owners and their dogs. They even offer one women and dog only canoe trip. Dog Paddling Adventure offers five affordable, three-day trips within a one day drive of Cincinnati. Each guided trip costs $423.75 with tax as of August 2010, and includes all gear, a wilderness guide, meals, both life jackets and backpacks for dogs and people, and park permits. The three day weekend canoe trips are suitable for beginners, with either no portages (carrying the canoe and gear to another lake) or short portages. The routes are in provincial parks and preserved wilderness just north of Toronto.

     Dog Paddling Adventures

     35B- 10520 Yonge St. Suite 230

     Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada L4C 3C7

     905-237-3647

     dogpaddlingadventures.com

   Romantic on the Atlantic

   • By driving from Cincinnati to Massachusetts, budget travelers can have an inexpensive weekend or week away at a historic Inn on the Atlantic Ocean. Emmerson Inn, in Rockport, Massachusetts, is listed on Historic Hotels of America--part of The National Trust for Historic Preservation. For $125 a night per room, two people can have a relaxing and romantic vacation. The room price includes breakfast and free parking. An "Oceanview" room is available for $169 per night, and also includes free parking and breakfast. Both the room prices are as of August 2010. Bookings can be made through Historic Hotels of America either online or by calling the toll free number below.

     Emmerson Inn

     One Cathdral Ave

     One Cathedral Avenue

     Rockport Massachusetts 01966

     Historic Hotels of America

     800-678-894

     historichotels.org

   Historic B&B Caters to a Wide Variety of Diets and Allergies

   • For people and families with special dietary needs and sensitivities to fragrances, finding an affordable and enjoyable vacation is a particular challenge. The Brass Pineapple is a seven-room bed and breakfast located in a historic district in Charleston, West Virginia. The B&B caters to a variety of diets including: No Fat, Low Fat, Low Carb, Vegan, Sugar Free, Allergies or Dislikes Accommodated. Most ingredients are from local farms and all meals are prepared on site. Additionally, The Brass Pineapple is entirely smoke free and is cleaned with natural, perfume free cleaning products. A full breakfast and afternoon tea are included in the room rates. Bedandbreakfast.com reported in August 2010 that the nightly rates ranged from $109 to $149. All rooms have private baths.ceiling fans, satellite TV, and internet access.

     Brass Pineapple

     1611 Virginia St E

     Charleston, WV 25311-2113

     304-344-0748

     brasspineapple.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: from Cincinnati, August 2010, Brass Pineapple, Historic Hotels, vacation from, vacation from Cincinnati

Greek wedding themes

It's interesting:
"Charles Dickens said a measure of a woman’s love for her man was the lengths to which she was prepared to go to make him happy. If this holds true, then Linda, you have reached that goal, for Paul is the happiest I have ever seen him."

Whether you have decided to celebrate your wedding in Greece or simply want to infuse your day with the romance of this Mediterranean country, there are many ways to bring your theme to life. Arrive at your ceremony looking like a Grecian goddess and charm your guests with nods to Greek tradition.

1. Set the Scene

   • Bring the brightness of Greek seaside towns to your wedding.

     Create a Greek-inspired atmosphere for your guests. Incorporate colors, architecture and flowers, such as wild orchids or cliff roses, which are reminiscent of the country and provide the most accurate representation in your own wedding. For instance, consider using the country's national colors in your own wedding display, such as blue place settings on white tablecloths. Additionally, make sure that you keep your venue light and airy for an authentic feel. Find a venue with Greek pillars available for your use. If this is impossible, rent some to adorn your venue and drape them with yards of gossamer for a graceful look.

   Finding the Gown

   • Statuesque silhouettes add a regal impression.

     A successful dress selection is one that pays homage to your own sense of style while fitting your day's theme. Goddess-style gowns, adorned with pleated chiffon and intricate draping, are the perfect addition to a Greek-themed wedding. These styles also are available for your bridesmaids, so be sure to carry out the theme for a stunning effect.

   Pay Homage to Tradition

   • The wedding guests also wait outside the church until the bride arrives.

     In Greek wedding ceremonies, the groom waits for the bride at the front of the church. In this way, they enter as equals to be joined in marriage. Additionally, the bride traditionally rides to the church on a donkey, though that may not be practical for all services. Another tradition is to ask your bridesmaids to sign the bottoms of your shoes- those whose names have worn off by the end of the night are destined to follow your journey to the altar.

   Provide Greek-Inspired Favors

   • To find husbands, bridesmaids are encouraged to place almonds under their pillows.

     Candied almonds, a popular Greek wedding favor, come in numerous colors, so there is sure to be a combination to fit your wedding hues. Additionally, look for a Greek-inspired wedding cake. The most orthodox cakes bear images of the Holy Trinity and saints, but white tiered cakes are just as common. Find a cake that reflects your wedding as a whole as well as your own preferences.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, Greek wedding, available your, Greek wedding themes, wedding themes, your bridesmaids, your guests

What is a california confidential marriage license?

It's interesting:
"Tradition decrees that the best man responds to the toast to the bridesmaids and I am happy to be asked to do so. Like everything else about this wedding they were perfection itself."

When you are planning to get married in California, you will first need to obtain a marriage license. The requirements, limitations and options vary by county, so it is important to make sure that you do your research, particularly if you are interested in obtaining a California confidential marriage license.

1. Definition

   • In the state of California, couples who meet certain requirements can obtain a confidential marriage license, which allows them to apply for a marriage license and be married immediately with no witnesses present. The couple can also receive a copy of their marriage certificate immediately instead of having to wait to receive one by mail.

     Most significantly, while public marriage licenses are a matter of public record and are accessible to anyone, only the bride and groom can access a confidential marriage license, except by special court decree.

   Requirements

   • In order to qualify for a California confidential marriage license, the couple must be currently living together as a married couple and must make a statement to that affect to the notary or the county clerk's office.

     The couple must also submit all of the required information for a public marriage license, including identification, proof that they are not currently married to someone else and other documentation as needed.

   Restrictions

   • While a public marriage license issued by the state of California allows a couple to marry anywhere in the state, a confidential marriage license requires the couple to marry in the county in which the license was issued.

     It is also important to keep in mind that only a notary that has been specially commissioned can issue a confidential marriage license.

   Cost

   • A California confidential marriage license costs about $70, although the cost varies by county.

   Considerations

   • If you are a celebrity or public figure, the anonymity associated with a California confidential marriage license may make it the best choice for you and your future spouse. Couples who wish to keep their marriage status a secret from the general public, for whatever reason, may also be good candidates for this type of marriage license.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: marriage license, confidential marriage, confidential marriage license, California confidential, couple must, public marriage, California confidential marriage

Adenium soil requirements

It's interesting:
"It's a shame, given this is a winter wedding, that the minister wouldn't let Paul and Linda have the pantomime theme wedding they originally wanted. Looking at Paul, I think ‘Puss in Boots’ would have been very appropriate."

Adenium obesum, commonly known as the desert rose, is a flowering succulent native to the soil of sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian peninsula. The basic adenium soil requirements are a very well-drained and coarse planting soil. The plant easily dies from root rot if planted in regular garden soil or potting mix.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Moisture Control

   • Keeping soil moisture low is an essential adenium soil requirement. C&O Nursery suggests these steps to control soil moisture: Build a raised bed in areas that might flood or where drainage is poor, use a free draining soil mix, select a site with full sun and good air circulation, and avoid planting in areas that have automatic sprinklers.

   Coarse Soil

   • Adenium prefers lightweight, coarse soil with sand, gravel and grit. You can add organic coarsening material to the planting bed up to one-third of the volume of planting soil, according to Gardening Guides. To make the planting soil free-draining, use clean, sharp sand, poultry grit, gravel, horticultural charcoal or lava rock. However, avoid using organic mulches around the plant.

   Succulent Potting Mix

   • You can use a commercial succulent or cactus potting mix as the basis for the planting medium for your adenium, even adding other ingredients to the mix to make it more free-draining.

   Perlite

   • Perlite (or sponge rock) is a lightweight, coarse planting material that helps with water drainage and remains lightweight even when you use a lot of it. Adding perlite to the adenium planting soil up to one-third of the overall planting soil volume helps ensure that the adenium roots never sit in waterlogged soil and that tender young roots can easily penetrate the planting soil, according to Gardening Guides.

   Considerations

   • During the first two to three years, young adenium plants grow rapidly if you give them adequate fertilizer, slowly reducing the amount as the plant becomes more mature.

   Adenium in Containers

   • You can grow adenium in any container that allows adequate drainage. Water should drain through the soil in seconds after being applied, according to the Desert Botanical Garden.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: planting soil, soil requirements, according Gardening, according Gardening Guides, Adenium soil requirements

How to write on wedding bands

write on wedding bands

It's interesting:
"But fortunately Giles recovered from his stag do and made it to the wedding today … + Add to clipboard. 11-Feb-201It's been a great week for the groom."

Wedding bands are the most important piece of jewelry a person can own. They are more than a simple ring: wedding bands signify the bond of marriage. Engraving a ring with a personal message is perhaps the easiest way to personalize a wedding band. While having a wedding band engraved is a fairly easy task, the couple must make some important decisions about the writing and the message on their ring.

Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. • 1

     Select a message to have inscribed on the wedding band. Consider including an important date, initials, names, meaningful lyrics, or a brief yet significant message. If you are not feeling particularly creative, browse online for some popular engravings for wedding bands. Remember that longer messages will require more lines of text, which will only fit on wider bands.

   • 2

     Bring the wedding bands, along with your message, to your jeweler. If you have not purchased the rings yet, ask for them to be engraved when you order them. Jewelers who are unable to write on jewelry can usually refer you to a reliable engraver.

   • 3

     Consult the jeweler or engraver about the font in which you would like your message written. While perhaps an easily overlooked detail, the font style has a profound impact on the look of your wedding band's message. For instance, a standard font has a clean, contemporary appearance. More elaborate styles, such as Edwardian or Old English, looks more regal and elegant.

   • 4

     Explain where you want the message to be written. While most couples opt for an engraving on the inside of their band, some also have their inscription added to the outside of the band.

   • 5

     Discuss the cost. The cost relies on several factors, such the number of characters in the message and the font. Machine engravings also tend to be less expensive than having the wedding band engraved by hand. Expect to pay at least $1 per character for a machine engraved message and about five times as much for a hand-engraved inscription.

Tips &- Warnings

• Remember to ask how long the engraving will take. While it can be done as quickly as a few minutes, it can also take about a month.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding band, wedding bands, band engraved, having wedding, having wedding band

How to decorate a dummy cake with fondant

decorate a dummy cake with fondant

It's interesting:
"Now everyone, I'm aware that it's a particularly cold winter's day for a wedding, but don't worry... if anyone is feeling a chill running down their spine it's ..."

Dummy cakes are styrofoam cut in the shape of cakes, then decorated to look like actual cakes. Bakeries may have some in their display cases to draw customers, because they look like the real thing but don't need to be refrigerated or replaced often. Couples getting married may have them as a less expensive alternative to creating a gigantic tiered wedding cake for reception display. If you are decorating a dummy cake, fondant keeps almost as well as styrofoam, but will require occasional dusting. Putting fondant on the styrofoam isn't much more difficult than putting it on real cake, either.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• Rolling pin
• Confectioner's sugar
• Fondant
• Styrofoam dummy cake
• Clean towel
• Fondant smoothing tool
• Pin

Instructions

1. • 1

     Dust your counter and rolling pin with confectioner's sugar before beginning.

   • 2

     Roll fondant out to ¼--inch thickness, in a size and shape that will fit a single tier of dummy cake. For example, roll a large disc shape if you are covering a round cake, but roll a square or rectangle for a square or rectangular cake. Heat the fondant in 15-second intervals in your microwave if it is not soft enough to roll without cracking, but do not heat so much that it melts.

   • 3

     Moisten a clean towel with water so that it is wet, but not dripping. Rub this all over the surface of the styrofoam dummy cake, on any surface where you want the fondant to adhere.

   • 4

     Dry your hands, then lay the flattened fondant over your rolling pin and use the pin to position the fondant over the dummy cake. Take your time and do this carefully, as the fondant will stick to the dummy cake once it is applied, and will be difficult to move if you make mistakes in positioning.

   • 5

     Smooth the fondant into place using a fondant smoothing tool. Start from the top center of the dummy cake, as you would with a true cake, then smooth out and downward to remove bubbles and creases. Fondant smoothing tools can be purchased wherever cake decorating supplies are sold, such as craft stores.

   • 6

     Pop any stubborn bubbles with a pin, then smooth over the fondant with the fondant smoothing tool so that the pinhole disappears.

   • 7

     Repeat the process for any additional tiers of dummy cake. Do not use a single piece of fondant to cover multiple tiers, even if those tiers are stacked directly on top of each other. The fondant will be difficult to get into place, and the resulting dummy cake will not look as smooth and professional as you would like.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: dummy cake, smoothing tool, with fondant, cake with, cake with fondant

How to create a two tier topsy turvy cake

create a two tier topsy turvy cake

It's interesting:
"Tradition decrees that the best man responds to the toast to the bridesmaids and I am happy to be asked to do so. Like everything else about this wedding they were perfection itself."

Topsy turvy cakes may look ready to topple over at any moment but these cakes are actually very stable if constructed properly. If you've never created one of these whimsical, lopsided cakes, building a simple two-tiered model is a good way to start. Once you master the basic concept of stacking the tiers together you can move on to even bigger and better cakes.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• 2 boxes of cake mix
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 8 large eggs
• Large mixing bowl
• Two 8-inch cake pans
• Two 6-inch cake pans
• Knife
• Wire rack
• Icing
• Cake boards

Instructions

1. • 1

     Combine two boxes of any flavor cake mix, 2 cups of buttermilk, 2/3 cups of vegetable oil and 8 large eggs in a large mixing bowl. Stir all the ingredients together to form a thick cake batter.

   • 2

     Divide the batter between two greased 8-inch round cake pans and two 6-inch round cake pans. Fill each pan approximately half full but not more than 2/3 full.

   • 3

     Bake the cakes in a preheated (350 degree Fahrenheit) oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. The larger cakes may take slightly longer to bake than the smaller cakes.

   • 4

     Run a knife around the edge of each cake and invert the pan onto a wire rack to remove the cakes from the pans. Let the cakes cool completely before you continue.

   • 5

     Place one of the 6-inch cakes on a cake board and cover the top with approximately 1/3 cup of icing.

   • 6

     Stack the second 6-inch cake on top of the first and cover the top and sides of the stacked cakes with icing. Set this cake aside so the icing has time to harden and form a crust.

   • 7

     Place one of the 8-inch cakes on a cake board and spread 1/2 cup of icing over the top of the cake.

   • 8

     Stack the second 8-inch cake on top of the first so the edges are lined up evenly.

   • 9

     Position a knife near the bottom edge of the second 8 inch cake and gently cut through the cake at a 45 degree angle. This creates a sharp angle on the top of the cake.

   • 10

     Cut a 6-inch diameter depression into the center of the cake gently with your knife. The bottom of this depression must be level with your counter top so it will be very shallow at the lowest side of the cake and deeper at the highest side of the cake.

   • 11

     Place a 6-inch cake board into the depression to make sure that it fits and then remove it. It's alright if the depression is a little larger than the cake board but if the board doesn't fit, make the depression bigger.

   • 12

     Spread icing over the sides and top of the 8-inch cakes. Do not fill in the depression with icing but spread a thin layer of icing over the bottom and sides of the depression to help hold the finished cake together.

   • 13

     Pick up the 6-inch cake on the cake board and hold it over the 8-inch cake. Gently slide the cake off the cake board and into the depression on the larger cake.

   • 14

     Touch up any smudged icing and decorate your topsy turvy cake as desired.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: cake board, 6-inch cake, cake pans, 8-inch cake, icing over, topsy turvy cake

How to have a civil religious ceremony for a marriage

have a civil & religious ceremony for a marriage

It's interesting:
"To both sets of parents * To the bride groom * For being chosen as best man. Congratulatory remarks about the wedding. Beautiful bride * Wonderful occasion ..."

In some countries in Europe, only civil ceremonies count in the eyes of the law, so any religious ceremony must be accompanied by a civil one. In the United States, both religious and civil ceremonies are afforded the rights of law. The most traditional reason for choosing two ceremonies is if you hold a different religion than your spouse. Having the secular, civil ceremony first will allow you to be creative with your religious wedding, which becomes more ceremonial than legal.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Book a civil ceremony at a courthouse. Buy a marriage license and sign it in the presence of witnesses. This is an informal ceremony, and requires little planning. Invite witnesses off the street if you want to make it even more informal. Depending on which state you are in, the regulations will vary, although both parties will have to be 18 or over, and will have to show some form of identification. When you sign the marriage license, you are legally married.

   • 2

     Organize a religious event as a secondary ceremony. Because this one does not need to be legally binding, it can be more ceremonial and creative. Invite your friends and family and host it somewhere that you want, not necessarily in a church or other religious location.

   • 3

     Write your own vows for the ceremony. Once you have completed the ceremony, you will be married in the eyes of your faith, as well as in the eyes of the law.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: religious ceremony, ceremony marriage, civil ceremonies, civil ceremony, civil religious, civil religious ceremony

Do it yourself centerpieces for wedding tables

It's interesting:
"Today we have all gathered together to celebrate Paul’s success. We lads are greatly fond of Paul, and now that he is departing from our bachelor midst we must try to comfort ourselves with the thought that we are not losing a friend, but gaining a Linda. Looking at it like that, what a bargain we’ve got."

Centerpieces are the main decorative element at the reception and they can be costly if purchased as one ensemble or done by a professional. DIY brides can put together memorable centerpieces for much less with the right tools and materials. A decorated branch centerpiece with handmade lanterns and floral blooms presents a focal point that is not only beautiful, but also inexpensive and simple to make. Toilet paper rolls and branches are free, while the other elements will be affordable and simple to find. These centerpieces have a definite wow factor without breaking the bank.

Things You'll Need

• Tree branches
• Medium sized plant pots
• Sand or river rocks
• Toilet paper rolls
• Decorative paper
• Embellishments
• Fishing line
• Floral blooms
• Hot glue gun and sticks
• Paint and paintbrush

Instructions

1. • 1

     Paint the plant pots in a suitable color for the decor such as black or white. Coat the pot enough so the color is rich and clean. Set these aside to dry.

   • 2

     Collect branches to place inside the pots. Cut one large branch from the backyard or nearby park for each pot. Ensure the branch is nicely balanced so it will look natural, but even. Trim the branches if necessary. Set these aside or spray with a natural insecticide and allow them to dry completely.

   • 3

     Measure a toilet paper roll and cut a piece of decorative paper to cover it completely. Repeat this process for as many rolls as necessary. There should be at least three per centerpiece. Cover all the toilet paper rolls with decorative paper. Add embellishments such as a strip of satin ribbon at the top of each roll and a strip of satin ribbon with beads hanging off at the bottom of each roll. Secure them with hot glue. Pierce a small hole on opposite sides of each roll's top and thread a piece of fishing line through the holes. The small lantern will hang off the branches on this line.

   • 4

     Place a branch standing upright in the center of a pot and pour stones or sand around the branch all the way to the top so the branch is freestanding and does not lean. Hang the lanterns from random spots on the branch.

   • 5

     Glue floral blooms in any bare spaces on the branch. Place the centerpiece in the middle of a table and walk around it. Make sure there are no more bare spaces and fill them if any appear. Complete the same process for all remaining centerpieces.

   • 6

     Place a few votive candles in clear holders on the table for the special day when setting up. The candlelight will look elegant next to this glamorous centerpiece and the beads will shimmer in the light.

Tips &- Warnings

• The branches could be dusted with silver metallic paint for a sparkly effect, which would look especially great for a winter wedding.

• The decorative paper on the toilet paper rolls could also be sparkly or shimmery to produce the same effect as above.

• Ensure the candles are placed well away from any paper or the branches themselves to avoid a fire hazard.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: paper rolls, each roll, toilet paper, yourself centerpieces wedding, bare spaces

Accredited online home schools

It's interesting:
"I know they have both put a tremendous amount of effort in to the planning of this wedding, and can only hope that, apart from this speech, everything has ..."

When a school is accredited, it is recognized nationally as competent in regard to educational requirements. An accredited online home school is an educational learning program that is done through the Internet, at home and is legal in the state that you are in. An online home-schooling program can be offered for grades K-12, college, as well as for other programs of study in a particular field.

1. Bridgeway Homeschool Academy

   • The Bridgeway Homeschool Academy is a customized program that is designed for each child specifically. It caters to grades K-12 and offers the advantage of college enrollment in the high school years through a partnership with Davis College. The Bridgeway Homeschool Academy is a Christian home school, and its curriculum is based on biblical teachings. It is a fully accredited online home school. Its tuition fees are all-inclusive and include proper placement testing, advisers, an individualized program, flexibility, all curriculum, access to online resources, events and contests and guidance for the student. The enrollment fee in 2010 ranges from $95 to $240. The tuition in 2010 ranges from $495 to $1,495, depending on the grade level and type of package desired.

     Bridgeway Homeschool Academy
     

     334 Second St.
     

     Catasauqua, PA 18032
     

     (800) 863-1474
     

     homeschoolacademy.com

   Laurel Springs School

   • Laurel Springs School was founded in 1991. This online school has students across the United States, as well as in 43 countries in the world. The students at Laurel Springs include many who are involved in careers. The curriculum used at Laurel Springs is comparable to other schools across the nation. It offers a typical course of study in basic courses, as well as foreign languages and additional courses for an extra fee. The tuition at Laurel Springs includes all curriculum materials necessary to complete each grade level and support from the teaching staff. The tuition in 2010 ranges from $650 to $2,600, depending on the grade level and what each child requires in his education program.

     Laurel Springs School
     

     302 W. El Paseo Road
     

     Ojai, CA 93023
     

     (800) 377-5890
     

     laurelsprings.com

   The Grace Academy

   • The Grace Academy is an online Christian home school that offers a personalized education for grades K-12. This online home school curriculum follows biblical teachings in its coursework. Students are fully involved in the online teaching and may participate through the "Raise-Your-Hand" feature, where they are able to answer and ask questions through an instant messaging system. In addition to the basic courses of study, electives are also available. Teachers are available through live chat and email. All record keeping services for the child are included in the tuition costs. The cost of tuition in 2010 is approximately $2,600.

     The Grace Academy
     

     10 Shurs Lane
     

     Philadelphia, PA 19127
     

     (866) FOR-GRACE
     

     thegraceacademy.org

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Laurel Springs, home school, online home, Bridgeway Homeschool, Bridgeway Homeschool Academy, Homeschool Academy, 2010 ranges

Butterfly gardens in illinois

It's interesting:
"I would like to say that I have a lot of admiration for Linda. She met Paul during his ‘colt’ years, and has dealt with most of his flaws. She’s a beautiful lady, and an even more gorgeous bride. I hope Paul realizes just how lucky he is. But I still don’t know how he got her to say yes because all she seems to say now is “No! Paul, no!”"

Visiting a butterfly garden is a fun activity for families any time of the year, even in the winter. A butterfly garden can be a stand-alone center or an exhibit in a zoo. Illinois has several large, elaborate butterfly gardens where young and old alike delight in watching these flying beauties.

1. Brookfield Zoo

   • A yellow swallowtail butterfly.

     The Brookfield Zoo, also known as the Chicago Zoo, has an open-air butterfly garden. Visitors walk through a special section of the zoo that houses the butterflies and become part of the exhibit. Butterflies will fly and flutter over the plants and greenery while you walk the paths, finding as many butterflies as possible.

     Part of this zoo display is a room where the pupas develop behind glass windows. Catch a sneak peek of butterflies as they first emerge from their cocoons. Zoo staff release butterflies to the main room when their wings have completely dried and they are ready for flight.

     The Brookfield Zoo
     

     8401 31st Street
     

     Brookfield, IL 60513
     

     1-800-201-0784
     

     czs.org

   Peck Farm Butterfly House

   • A butterfly sipping nectar.

     At the Butterfly House on the grounds of Peck Farm Park, butterflies are in an open-air exhibit, flying about as you walk through. New butterflies enter the main display room as soon as they hatch each day. The species on display are both native to the area and from around the world- some can only survive indoors in specialized conditions.

     The Butterfly House contains many trees and flowers that are as pretty as the butterflies. Admission to this enchanting place is by donation.

     Peck Farm Butterfly House
     

     4038 Kaneville Road
     

     Geneva, IL 60134
     

     630-262-8244
     

     genevaparks.org

   Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

   • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum houses a permanent exhibit called the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. On display throughout the year are 75 different species of butterflies (and birds), many of which are not native to Illinois. A pupa room always has new cocoons opening and releasing new butterflies into the haven.

     The Nature Museum also offers traveling exhibits that feature specific species of butterflies as well as other types of animals year-round.

     The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
     

     2430 N. Cannon Drive
     

     Chicago, IL 60614
     

     773-755-5100
     

     naturemuseum.org

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Butterfly House, Nature Museum, butterfly garden, Notebaert Nature, Notebaert Nature Museum, Peck Farm, Peggy Notebaert

How to tie up a bustle on a brides wedding gown

tie up a bustle on a bride's wedding gown

It's interesting:
"It gives me enormous pleasure and pride to be here today, although I am slightly unprepared for this heat; when Paul told me the wedding was to be held in his ..."

What should a bride do with her train after the ceremony? Bustle it. The right type of bustle for your dress depends on its fabric and design. Overbustling means the train is attached on top of the back of your dress. Lighter fabrics are best for overbustling. Underbustling means the train is drawn up beneath your dress for heavier fabrics.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Pins
• Bustle buttons or hooks
• Strong white thread
• White grosgrain ribbon

Instructions

1. • 1

     Lift the train's center edge to the waistline at the center back so that the train is 1/2 to 3/4 inches off the floor. Pin to the waistline seam. Continue to fold and pin the train between each side back seam, keeping it off the floor by the same 1/2 to 3/4 inches.

   • 2

     Attach bustle buttons or hooks along the waistline with strong white thread. Use this thread to form 1- to 2-inch loops on the train. Make a thread chain of loops along the folds in your train. Secure the loops on the train's underside with several back stitches.

   • 3

     Fasten the loops to the hooks or buttons to bustle the train to the dress. Adjust the fabric folds of the train once it is attached. You may want to sew appliques of matching fabric to disguise the bustle hooks or buttons.

   • 4

     Use ribbon ties for underbustles. These ties are completely hidden and more secure than overbustles, according to ProjectWedding.com. The cloth loops can vary from 2 to 25 under the dress with numbered or color-coded ribbon attachments.

   • 5

     Stitch by hand the center of a 15-inch-long narrow white grosgrain ribbon to the waistline at the pin marks between the skirt lining and the train. Cut 2 1/2-inch lengths of this ribbon, and fold them in half to make ribbon loops. Stitch the ribbon loops underneath the train 1/2 inch below the pin markings. Attach the ribbon loops to the seam allowances for added stability. Thread the ribbon ties through the loops, securing with a double bow and adjusting the fabric folds.

Tips &- Warnings

• Consult your seamstress on the proper bustling of your train. Perhaps she can color-code the ribbons and loops to help lessen the stress on your assistants on your wedding day. Arrange for your maid of honor or matron of honor to meet with you and your seamstress for instructions and practice on proper bustling. A responsible person should be in charge of an emergency sewing kit in case extra help is needed with securing the train, according to Brides.com.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: ribbon loops, your dress, buttons hooks, fabric folds, grosgrain ribbon

How to write a thesis statement for a compare contrast essay

write a thesis statement for a compare contrast essay

It's interesting:
"The bride and groom have asked me to make special mention of the bridesmaids who have done so much to help the day run so smoothly. They were charming and decorative and I know gave Linda all the support she needed. In fact you could say they added the finishing touch to a fairy tale wedding."

No matter what your major, as a college student you will most likely have to take English literature and composition classes and write a compare contrast essay. Many students get nervous when their professors ask them to write an essay about the similarities and/or differences between two or more texts or ideas, especially when writing the thesis for the essay- however, writing a thesis for a compare contrast essay is not as difficult as you may think.

Here are some general guidelines and examples for write a thesis statement for a compare contrast essay.

Instructions

1. • 1

     When writing a compare and contrast thesis statement, read the assignment sheet, and make sure to follow the professor's instructions. Each professor usually has his or her own idiosyncrasies, so underline everything the professor expects you to include in the thesis. While writing the thesis, refer back to the underlined notes.

   • 2

     To write a compare and contrast thesis, make a list of similarities and differences between the texts, ideas, or events.

   • 3

     Narrow down similarities and differences to specific ideas to avoid writing a compare and contrast thesis that is too broad.

     For example the compare contrast thesis, The media depict people in different roles compared to the realities of the general population, is too general.

   • 4

     One way to start a compare and contrast thesis is by using words like whereas, while, even though, and although to suggest a contrasting element will follow.

     For example: Although the media depict most women as housewives and stay-at-home mothers, in reality many women work full time and put their children in daycare.

   • 5

     Make sure the thesis for a compare and contrast essay compares and contrasts two or more ideas. One of the most common basic ways to write a thesis statement for a compare contrast essay is as follows:

     While "-first author's name"- story "-first author's story title,"- underscores themes of "-A,"- "-B,"- and "-C"- and "-second author's name"- story, "-second author's title"- reveals themes of "-D,"- "-E,"- and "-F,"- it is apparent by juxtaposing these two texts that (make statement about what readers learn by comparing and contrasting the two texts in the context of their themes). For example, write a compare and contrast thesis as follows-

     While Jane Austin's novel "-Pride and Prejudice"- underscores themes of pride, prejudice and women and marriage, and Mary Shelly's story "-Frankenstein"- reveals themes of madness, the sublime, and justice, it is apparent by juxtaposing these two novels that most women during the early nineteenth century felt trapped in a patriarchal society that restricted the roles of women, especially in marriage.

   • 6

     Keep in mind it is also possible to compare contrast fewer ideas and concepts.

     For example: While Morrisons novel underscores the theme of self-loathing by the main characters, Faulkner's story elucidates the theme of patriarchal supremacy.

   • 7

     For texts or ideas that have mostly similar meanings, use the following basic compare contrast thesis: Whereas "-author's names"- in "-names of both works"- both use similar themes of "-A"- and "-B to underscore the meaning of "-C,"- each author also uses themes such as "-D"- and "-E"- to augment the ideas of "-F."- For example, here is a suggested compare and contrast thesis:

     While both Toni Morrison in "-The Bluest Eye"- and William Faulkner in "-Light in August"- use themes of racism and oppression to underscore the effects of post-slavery America, the different settings and eras in each novel suggest that oppression and inequality had changed very little in the United States from Faulkner's post civil war years to Morrison's civil rights' era one hundred years later.

   • 8

     While many professors suggest using themes to compare and contrast ideas, it's also important to be familiar with other literary devices for compare and contrast essays. Use a variety of rhetorical devices such as allegory, characterization, climax, symbolism, foreshadowing, figurative language, simile, imagery, irony, metaphor, motifs, personification, tone, and others to write a thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay.

Tips &- Warnings

• Unless your professor states otherwise, place the thesis as the last sentence of the first paragraph.

• Most colleges and universities have writing centers where tutors help students with essays.

• Don't wait until the last minute to write your paper.

• Keep in mind that writing is a process- Most of the time it takes many drafts to write an excellent essay.

• Most English classes use the Modern Language Association (MLA) for formatting.

• For MLA formatting make sure to underline or italicize titles of books. Use quotes around short stories and poetry.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: compare contrast, compare contrast essay, compare contrast thesis, contrast essay, contrast thesis

Shoes for shorter wedding dress styles

It's interesting:
"After all, this wedding has given me the opportunity to meet many of Paul's ... And I hope, when they look back years from now on this, their wedding day, they ..."

Selecting a shorter wedding gown means you're probably a nontraditional bride. Now it's time to pick out the perfect shoes that will complement that above-the-knee dress hem.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Considerations

   • Wedding shoes are usually covered by the gown, so there isn't much thought to them. With shorter wedding dresses, your shoes will be on full display.

   Features

   • If you're a nontraditional bride, go with a nontraditional shoe. If your wedding colors are pink and orange, choose a shoe with a brightly colored pink or orange hue.

   Effects

   • Fancy embellishments or styles can make your wedding shoe a lot of fun. Look for crystal rhinestones, sequins or ribbon for an especially memorable shoe that will pop against your shorter white wedding dress.

   Benefits

   • High heels and shorter wedding dresses go together perfectly -- with the hem above your knees, high heels will make your legs look like a million bucks. Walk down the aisle with confidence by choosing a heel height with which you're comfortable.

   Source

   • With rave reviews from Consumerist.com and "The New Yorker" magazine, online shoe retailer Zappos.com may be your best bet for finding your perfect wedding shoes.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: shorter wedding, wedding dress, dress styles, make your, nontraditional bride

The significance of a white wedding gown

It's interesting:
"I know they have both put a tremendous amount of effort in to the planning of this wedding, and can only hope that, apart from this speech, everything has ..."

White has long been expected as the traditional color of wedding gowns, most commonly in Western cultures. The dress is usually new and can be customized or rented, though certain embellishments can be handed down from the bride's mother or grandmother for sentimental reasons. The style and elaborateness of design depend on the bride's preferences and personal taste, and symbolisms associated with the dress details vary from country to county, but the meaning of the color is basically the same worldwide.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Symbolism

   • White has long been accepted as the universal color of wedding gowns as white symbolizes purity of heart, childlike innocence and exemplary virtues. Later meanings also suggest that white represents a deeper kind of purity--that of a woman's virginity, since a woman is supposed to be pure until her wedding night.

   Variations

   • Contemporary wedding gowns in western cultures are available in slight variations of the color white, such as cream, ivory, eggshell, ecru and mother of pearl. Most second marriage brides go for these creamy shades, considering that white is no longer appropriate since they are not "pure" in the sexual experience sense of the word as when they were wedded for the first time.

   Historical Influence

   • Wedding gowns have not always been white. The marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840, in which she chose to wear a white wedding gown, set the wheels of influence in motion. After the official wedding portrait was widely published, many brides started to wear similar wedding dresses. Today, the tradition of white wedding gowns continue, with variations in style and fabric.

   Fashion Lull

   • Edwardian brides took to more elaborate gowns and more extravagant wedding fashion until the dawn of World War I. Suddenly, wedding dresses became much simpler--with shorter hems and no laced corsets--reflecting women's changing role in society. After some time of making do with their "best" dress for a wedding (with no time for preparation or even celebration), women thanked Coco Chanel for introducing the short, white wedding dress in the 1920s. Bridal fashion became synonymous with the white dress we think of today.

   Other Influences

   • Post-war prosperity made way for grander dream weddings and more fashionable bridal gowns. The marriage of Hollywood icon Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956 was another big influence for the white wedding dress. During the much-publicized fairytale wedding, the future princess wore a white silk and lace bridal gown. This further sealed the fate of the white wedding gown.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: white wedding, wedding gown, wedding gowns, white wedding gown, color wedding, color wedding gowns

How to incorporate family into vow renewals

incorporate family into vow renewals

It's interesting:
"This wedding takes place during a week when the web is all astir over ... 4-Feb-201There's nothing like a wedding around Valentine's Day."

A vow renewal ceremony is a celebration of love. According to The Knot, vow renewal ceremonies are used to mark milestone anniversaries, formalize an elopement and to signal the end of a difficult time. Marriages are between two people, but extended family and friends also have an impact. Acknowledge the role of love ones in the success of your marriage. Use creativity and planning to incorporate multiple generations of your family into the vow renewal ceremony.

Things You'll Need

• Candles

Instructions

1. • 1

     Allow older children to officiate. During the vow renewal ceremony, use older children (teenagers or older) as officiants. A vow renewal ceremony is not a wedding and does not have to be officiated by a clergyman or other registered person.

   • 2

     Ask an older married couple to offer blessings and wisdom. Ask an inspiring older couple in your family to offer blessings and words of wisdom during the ceremony. People who have been married longer than you have expert insight. Use their expertise to add substance to the ceremony.

   • 3

     Invite younger children to share wishes for the couple. Allow the brilliant innocence of children to shine through by allowing them to express their hopes and wishes for you and your spouse. If the vow exchange and shared wisdom of the older couple induce tears and somberness, the younger children provide levity.

   • 4

     Light candles to remember dead loved ones. Similar to the wedding ceremony practice, light candles to acknowledge loved ones who would have attended the vow renewal service. Another option is to have a moment of silence accompanied by a gong for each deceased love one.

   • 5

     Assign a younger married couple to collect written wishes. Invite a younger married couple to gather the wishes and notes of congratulations from guests at the vow renewal ceremony. After the event, read the notes with the younger couple. Just as the older married couple mentored you, mentor those who have been married for less time than you.

Tips &- Warnings

• Use a theme for your vow renewal ceremony.

• The Wedding Channel suggests having children walk the wife down the aisle.

• According to the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center, a positive attitude toward marriage in adolescence is linked to an increased likelihood of being married.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: renewal ceremony, married couple, family into, been married, family into renewals

Banquet rooms in woodland hills, california

It's interesting:
"Just as the happy couple wanted, this is a lovely, small, intimate gathering of close friends and family – so could someone please tell me why I'm here."

Banquet halls are designed to hold large events, including dinners, conferences, wedding receptions and work or family gatherings. If you're holding a special event in Woodland Hills, California, there are many banquet hall options. Woodland Hills features accommodations for small, cozy gatherings or parties with a hundred guests.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles

   • The Hilton Woodland Hills features several banquet hall options. The Apollo Ballroom is approximately 900 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 50 people. The Girard Ballroom is 2,268 sq. ft and can hold up to 150 guests. The Trillium Ballroom is 5,580 sq. ft. and is ideal for up to 400 guests. The Girard and Trillium ballrooms can be divided for smaller parties. The Hilton offers in-house catering packages for guests, or you can choose an outside caterer from a list provided by the hotel.

     Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles
     

     6360 Canyon Ave.
     

     Woodland Hills, CA 91367
     

     1-818-595-1000
     

     hilton.com

   Woodland Hills Country Club

   • Woodland Hills Country Club offers three banquet rooms. The Terrace Ballroom, at 4,000 sq. ft., is designed for mid- to large-size events and offers guests a beautiful view of the golf course. The Crystal Dining Room is approximately 1,700 sq. ft. and overlooks the garden area and the Santa Monica Mountains. Woodlands Hills Country Club also provides an extensive banquet menu. There are also packages available for weddings and bar mitzvahs.

     Woodland Hills Country Club
     

     21150 Dumetz Rd.
     

     Woodland Hills, CA
     

     1-818-347-1511
     

     woodlandhillscc.org

   Ruth's Chris Steak House

   • Ruth's Chris Steak House in Woodland Hills is a good location for more informal functions. According to Ruth's Chris, "the light woods with copper overtones of our steakhouse create an atmosphere of sophistication and easy elegance and the numerous private dining rooms of our restaurant offer a variety of settings for 18 to 65 guests." A private event manager is assigned to assist with the configuration of each party and can help guests choose a meal plan, wine pairings and floral needs.

     Ruth's Chris Steak House
     

     6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 1360
     

     Woodland Hills, CA 91367
     

     1-818-227-9505
     

     ruthschris.com

   The Copper Chimney

   • The Copper Chimney is an intimate setting for a private dinner or banquet-style function. The Indian restaurant has a banquet hall that can be reserved for parties of up to 25 people. The menu typically includes seven or eight dishes on weekdays, and nine or 10 dishes with a champagne brunch on weekends- special arrangements can be made for banquets and private functions.

     The Copper Chimney
     

     19737 Ventura Blvd.
     

     Woodland Hills, CA 91364
     

     1-818-932-9572
     

     copperchimneywoodlandhills.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Woodland Hills, Country Club, Hills Country, Hills Country Club, Ruth Chris, banquet hall, Chris Steak

Celebrity wedding hairstyles for long hair

It's interesting:
"There are those who accuse Paul of being unromantic. Well, all I can say, Linda, is that he'll prove them wrong on February 14 when he celebrates Valentine's ..."

When it comes to what's en vogue for weddings, many women look to celebrities. Whether you're going for a large and glamorous wedding style like Eva Longoria's or something more simple and elegant like Audry Hepburn, there is a hairstyle that will suit your wedding style -- and hair -- perfectly.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. All Down

   • If you're looking for a slightly casual look, consider keeping your hair down. A sleek and straight look, like Jennifer Aniston wore for her wedding, can look whimsical without looking overdone. For a more fairy tale look, have your hair stylist curl your hair with large hot rollers or a 1-inch barrel curling iron to create the large curls Kendra Wilkinson wore for her wedding. If you want something a little casual for a beach or outdoor wedding, spritz some salted water through your hair and scrunch it. This will create the soft, undone curls that Tori Spelling wore for her wedding. To add a little something to your 'do, add a crystal headband to your hair.

   Half-Up, Half-Down

   • If you'd like to keep your hair down, but you want something a little more dressy, consider a half-up, half-down look. Have your hairstylist loosely curl your hair, then pull it back on the sides as Jessica Simpson wore during her wedding. You can also choose to simply pull back the top layer of your hair -- or the bang area -- and keep the rest of your hair down and curly like Carmen Electra's wedding hairstyle. Dress up your style by using a fancy hair clip to hold your hair back.

   Updo

   • For a truly elegant hairstyle, consider putting your hair in an updo. You can create an updo that sits on the crown of your head, like the bun hairstyle Elizabeth Hurley wore for her wedding. You can also choose to have your hairstylist put your hair in a low-updo. Create a classic chignon or loose bun like Portia De Rossi wore for her wedding day. You can some fancy hair clips around the updo to add a little more elegance to your look.

   Long 'Do For Girls with Short Hair

   • Even if you have short hair, you can wear your hair long for your wedding. If you've always pictured yourself with long hair at your wedding, consider getting extensions. They will add length, volume and fullness to help you create any long look that you desire. If getting full extensions is a little out of your price range -- they can easily cost more than $500 -- get a few extension wefts. Wefts, or strips of hair, can be bobby pinned right in your natural hair layers to give you the extension look without the price.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your hair, wore wedding, hair down, long hair, your hair down

How to meet single black men in chicago

meet single black men in chicago

It's interesting:
"There are those who accuse Paul of being unromantic. Well, all I can say, Linda, is that he'll prove them wrong on February 14 when he celebrates Valentine's ..."

If you are a woman in Chicago with a preference for black men, finding love may feel similar to applying for a full-time job. A 2005 "Chicago Sun Times" piece says that professional black women are particularly frustrated in their efforts to meet and date their male counterpart. Of course, Chicago singles recognize that the competition for black men comes from all races. To best meet black men in Chicago, you should first identify particular events that cater to Mr. Right. From there, you can work to put your best foot forward and get your man.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Describe the type of black man who you typically find attractive and is compatible with your personality. Although you should never settle, it is also important to recognize a prospective mate's potential. For example, a blue-collar black man could eventually own his own construction company through hard work.

   • 2

     Locate Chicago neighborhoods that feature high concentrations of single black men. For work, many eligible black men converge on the Loop during the day. After work, these men often commute back to South Loop or Hyde Park homes. As a newcomer to Chicago, you may look to settle within these areas for a better social life. As a current resident, you should purposefully run errands in the South Loop and Hyde Park for improved chances of meeting a black man.

   • 3

     Know your sports. According to ESPN and Scoop Jackson, Chicago is one of the nation's top sports towns. To extend conversations with Chicago's eligible black bachelors, you'll score points if you can identify the Bears' starting quarterback and determine whether the Bears, Bulls or South Side White Sox are in championship contention. To stay informed, scan "Chicago Tribune" and "Sun Times" sports headlines daily.

   • 4

     Purchase a gym membership so you can get/stay healthy and attract a mate who wants to do the same. In Chicago, athletic black men exercise regularly at the Hyde Park Bally's on East 47th Street and the South Loop X-Sport fitness club on State Street. Eligible black bachelors usually begin their workouts at 5:30 p.m.

   • 5

     Research information sources for Chicago events that attract black men. The DuSable Museum, alongside the South Shore and Harold Washington centers, frequently host programs, such as art showings and dance classes, which are geared toward black singles. Meanwhile, Chicago Metromix and Centerstage are two websites that provide current information on local bars, clubs and concerts.

   • 6

     Patronize lounges and live music venues throughout the city where the emphasis is on mingling and conversation. Chicago has a rich blues tradition, and jazz clubs such as Buddy Guy's Legends and Blue Chicago remain popular with a more mature crowd. Young singles can meet black men at the various lounges and restaurants that line the West Loop, Warehouse District and Stony Island Avenue.

   • 7

     Give your contact information to a single black man that sparks your interest. Over the telephone, you and your new beau can schedule date plans. For a first date, Hyde Park, River North and Wicker Park are good neighborhoods for food, drinks, dancing and entertainment.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Hyde Park, single black, South Loop, black bachelors, black chicago

The history of the wedding garter tradition

It's interesting:
"Normally, an outdoor spring wedding is a risk. Will there be snow? Will it be cold? Will it be hot? Will it rain? Thankfully, today the risk paid off with no precipitation, perfect weather, and a beautiful backdrop to see the union of Paul and Linda."

For hundreds of years, brides have worn decorative bridal garters under their wedding dresses. Deemed a lucky token, this classical wedding accessory made of silk and lace is still coveted by groomsmen and single men attending wedding receptions. From the early history of invasions of the wedding couple's bedroom to the modern reception toss, the bridal garter has been a wedding tradition since early 14th century England.

1. Identification

   • Worn on the brides's mid-thigh under the wedding dress, a garter is a stretchy cloth decoration often adorned with lace and bows. Choosing a blue fabric garter is common, to adhere to the old wedding saying that all brides must have "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue." The color blue is said to represent fidelity, purity, love and good fortune. Coordinating the wedding garter to match the bridal gown or wedding colors is common.

   History

   • Worn to hold up a bride's stockings, wedding garters have a long and romantic history. Tossing the garter at the groom's nose in the wedding couple's bedroom after the ceremony was a common activity of the bridal party in the Dark Ages. Whichever bridesmaid successfully landed the garter on his nose, would be deemed the next to marry.

     Greed took over the tradition and it was common for guests to stampede toward the bride at the alter to get the garter. Throwing the garter to the mob saved the bride from being trampled. The guest who received the garter would then wear it on his hat until he gave it to a woman for luck.

   Tradition

   • Choosing two garters is common, and storing a keepsake garter with the bridal gown is traditional, while the other is ceremonially retrieved by the groom and tossed to a crowd of single men and the groomsmen during the wedding reception.

   Types

   • Choosing a bridal garter for a modern wedding can be daunting. Select a traditional blue garter, one with charms, ribbons or lace. The stretch cloth garters are also available with custom embroidery for the bride's initials. Some brides choose to pin items of good luck on the garter, such as a love note from the groom or a flower petal from the groom's boutonniere.

   Considerations

   • Modern brides may choose not to wear a garter. Retrieving the garter can often bloom into an embarrassing display of a lost groom under the skirt of the wedding gown. Modest brides may wish to forgo the garter tradition for fear of an inappropriate display of her legs.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: garter tradition, wedding garter, bridal garter, bridal gown, brides choose, couple bedroom

How to make an invitation with cs5

make an invitation with cs5

It's interesting:
"Paul is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive… in fact I don't even know him anymore. Linda has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Linda. You've done in 18 months what I couldn't do in 18 years."

Make an invitation with Photoshop CS5 by using the program's tools to create text and graphics suitable for the event you're planning. Photoshop's commands let you determine all facets of the invitation's appearance, starting with its dimensions, and including its graphics, font and text size and style. If you want to try out a particular element like a new picture without committing to it, add the element onto a new layer. Layers are like virtual transparencies. They let you add new imagery without disturbing existing imagery.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Click the "File" menu's "New" command, and then click the "Custom" item from the "Preset" dropdown control. This action allows you to set a custom size for the invitation. Type "5" for the "Width" text box and "7" for the "Height" text box, and then click "inches" in the dropdown controls next to the "Width" and "Height" text boxes. This step will produce an invitation measuring five by seven inches. Click "OK" to create the canvas.

   • 2

     Click the upper color swatch from the bottom of the tool palette to open the dialog box for choosing a color for the invitation background. Click a color appropriate for the event, such as pink for a girl's birthday party. Click the "Edit" menu's "Fill" command to fill the canvas with the background color you chose.

   • 3

     Click the paintbrush icon from the tool palette to enter painting mode, and then use the previous step's instructions to choose a color to paint with. Drag on the canvas to create an image appropriate to the event. For example, draw a birthday cake. Alternatively, drag copyright-free images from the Web onto Photoshop's application window to add existing graphics. Find such images on sites like Open Clip Art Library, Free Digital Photos, and Morgue File.

   • 4

     Click the "T" icon from the tool palette to run the "Text" tool, and then click on the canvas where you want to add text. Use step 2's instruction to choose a color for the text.

   • 5

     Click a font you like from the "Font" drop-down box atop the canvas, and then type the text for your invitation. At minimum, include the date, time and location of the event, your phone number or other contact information, and "RSVP."

   • 6

     Click the "File" menu's "Print" command to print the invitation.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: invitation with, then click, tool palette, appropriate event, choose color

Good wedding colors for the beach

It's interesting:
"Linda’s been the driving factor when it came to planning this wedding, and Linda, it was perfect! All your hard work paid off, and I must say I’m honoured to be part of the only 5 minutes that you didn’t get to plan!"

A beach setting provides an almost-guaranteed background of beauty for your wedding day, but the decorations and other planning still require a great color scheme to pull it all together. For any style of wedding -- from super casual to highly refined -- pairing your waterfront venue with a dazzling palette can help make your wedding day unique, memorable and beautiful.

1. Casual and Fun

   • To take advantage of all the bright playfulness of a beach setting, use the classic beach ball as inspiration. Take an array of bright shades of yellow, red, blue and green and spread around plenty of crisp white. A good trick is to alter all the most classic tones, shifting them to be slightly brighter or more pastel. A blend of bright colors and more earth tones can evoke a classic day at the beach surrounded by nature.

   Nautical

   • For maritime marriage vows, take a simple color scheme of only two or three tones. Navy or another shade of blue with a bright white and occasional accents of yellow or gold can work to appear refined and traditional in this scheme. The simple palette lets the gorgeous beach remain a focal point of the day, while the minimalist color scheme makes sourcing your nautical decorations a straightforward task.

   Sunset and Evening Times

   • The beach at dusk brings its own set of colors, so let the time of day influence the color scheme. Stick to muted tones of blue and green, bolder shades of brown or orange, and an accent color such as hot pink or lively turquoise. Because lighting can be tricky on a beach at night, make sure to include enough bright colors to highlight the bridal party. Be sure to look at your colors outside at a similar time of day beforehand so you won't be surprised later.

   Bold and Romantic

   • For a dramatic palette of sexy red with black and white, make sure you balance your colors for the beach atmosphere by using plenty of white or off-white for chair decorations, tablecloths and other decorations that are large or repeated. Heighten the dramatic effect of the red by using it sparingly in centerpieces and floral arrangements. A scene with large swaths of red and black can seem forced or out of place at the beach.

   Delicate

   • For a delicate palette of pink or baby blue with white, be sure to use enough color so that the scene doesn't appear washed out to observers and the photographer. Pick an accent color like yellow, orange or green, and make it more bold than your baby blue or pink but use it sparingly. The overall goal is to stand out just enough from the ocean and sky while still showing off the beautiful surroundings.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: color scheme, colors beach, accent color, baby blue, beach setting, blue green, blue with