Friday, July 31, 2009

How to explore new yorks chelsea neighborhood

explore new york's chelsea neighborhood

It's interesting:
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The Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, which is located west of Fifth Avenue from 14th Street to about 30th Street, has become a chic New York neighborhood with its share of art galleries, boutique shops, bars and some very good restaurants. If you’-re visiting New York City, try to make a day trip to Chelsea.

Things You'll Need

Street map of Manhattan

<-br>-Subway map of Manhattan

Instructions

- 1
  
  Begin with a 3-hour food-tasting tour of Chelsea, operated by Foods of NY. The tour will take you to 7 different restaurants in Chelsea and the meatpacking district, including Amy's Breads, the well-known Sarabeth’-s Bakery, the Lobster Place fish market and the Manhattan Fruit Exchange. The tour is $42 and includes the food tasting. Reservations are required and you can make them online.
- 2
  
  Check out Chelsea's many restaurants on your own, beginning with the Chelsea Brewing Company at the Chelsea Piers, a microbrew and restaurant. Move on to the Chelsea Grill, which Zagat’-s says serves great burgers. Also popular is celebrity chef Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, located at 102 Fifth Ave., one of New York Magazine’-s best restaurants of the year. Try the tapas at El Quinto Pino, 401 W. 24th St., near Ninth Ave., voted the best tapas bar in the city by New York Magazine this year.
- 3
  Hang out and eat at the Chelsea Market, at 75 Ninth Ave., a must on any tour of this neighborhood. Housed in the old Nabisco Factory, this place is gourmet heaven, with bakeries like Amy's Bread, Eleni's and the Fat Witch Bakery. There's fresh produce from Buon Italia and yummy takeout from Thai Wholesale or the Ronnybrook Milk Bar. It’-s a fun place for lunch and browsing on the weekend. You can also watch the Food Network tape its shows here.
- 4
  Shop with the regulars and the tourists at Chelsea’-s myriad vintage clothing stores, including the Angel Street Thrift Shop at 118 W. 17th St.- The Garage, at 112 W. 25th St., an indoor flea market with high quality vintage clothing and home goods- Family Jewels Vintage Clothing at 130 W. 23rd St., or Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show at 125 W. 18th St.
- 5
  
  Spend big bucks at designer clothing boutiques, including parke & ronen at 176 Ninth Ave., an uber-chic men’-s store- Camouflage at 141 Eighth Ave., which carries Marc Jacobs- Jeffrey New York at 449 W. 14th St., which stocks fresh-from-the-runway designer clothing- and Stella McCartney at 429 W. 14th St., where you’-ll find the designer’-s groovy clothing line.
- 6
  
  Stroll by Kleinfeld Bridal, even if it’-s just to window-shop. The well-known, bustling store and its more than 1,000 wedding gowns, made famous by the TLC program, “-Say Yes to the Dress,”- is located at 110 W. 20th St.
- 7
  Spend part of the weekend at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, located on W. 39th St. from Ninth to Tenth Aves., and open every Saturday and Sunday. More than 170 vendors sell crafts, antiques, jewelry, vintage clothing and more at this popular flea market, where you might see a few celebrities under those dark sunglasses and the baseball caps. Everyone loves this flea market.
- 8
  
  Browse in some of Chelsea’-s numerous art galleries, which attract both serious collectors and the simply curious. Most galleries are clustered from about W. 20th to W. 27th Street, and include the edgy art at The Kitchen at 512 W. 19th St., the psychedelic art headquarters of the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors at 542 W. 27th St., the classic Gorney Bravin + Lee Gallery at 534 W 26th St., the hip Marianne Boesky Gallery at 535 W 22nd St., and the striking photography mounted at the Matthew Marks Gallery, 522 W. 22nd St.
- 9
  
  Stay at the historic Hotel Chelsea if you’-re adventurous. This landmark but slightly rundown hotel at West 23rd Street bills itself as “-a birthplace of creative modern art and home of bad behavior.”- The 12-story red-brick building, built in 1883, is where Bob Dylan, Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and others lived or stayed. It’-s also where the writer Dylan Thomas died of alcohol poisoning in the 1950s, and rocker Sid Vicious allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death in 1978. A standard room with a bath starts at $189.

Tips &- Warnings

Because Chelsea businesses come and go quickly, consider picking up the Chelsea Guide, a portable book that contains 200 pages of listings in categories such as Arts & Culture, Eats & Treats, Fashion & Beauty and a special section on the Meatpacking District. The booklet costs $18 and can be ordered online at sohonyc.com (see Resources below).

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: chelsea neighborhood, Chelsea x2019-s, flea market, Gallery 22nd, vintage clothing, York Magazine

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Romantic inscription ideas

It's interesting:
"Now, I think you'll agree, after seeing the amount of free booze available at this wedding, that it's a good job it's a Bank Holiday this weekend. And if you do ..."

Jewelry makes the perfect gift for that special person. Whether it is a ring or a locket for a woman or a watch or money clip for a man, high-end metals and jewels really grab attention. Step your game up by having the item engraved with a romantic expression. These permanent little notes are reminders of your love and devotion.

Generic Love Messages
- There are many familiar messages that share a token of your love and are easily engraved. These include expressions like "Together Forever," "Love," "All My Love," "Love of My Life" and "With You Always." For a bit of extra flare, engrave a saying in a different language. For instance, use the language of love (Italian) to say "Con tutto l'mio amore," which means "With All My Heart."
Famous Love Quotes and Poems
- For items with more space like pocket watches and lockets, consider using a famous love poem or quote. Shakespeare's sonnets offer a wealth of romantic phrases. If your lover is particularly literary, use a phrase from her favorite poet or poem. Don't worry about cramming the whole poem onto the item, just pick one meaningful line. When you give the gift, recite the poem or have a copy on hand. Then when your lover looks at the one phrase, she will be reminded of the whole poem.
Personal Jokes and Nicknames
- If you and your sweetie have any inside jokes or special nicknames, include those in the engraving. The more personalized your message, the better. If only you and your loved one understand the engraving, it makes it all the more personal and special.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: inscription ideas, Love Love, Romantic inscription, Romantic inscription ideas, whole poem

Etiquette for addressing formal invitations

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."

The saying "It's all in the details" certainly applies to weddings. It's all the little things that come together to make your day complete, and invitations--for many couples--are a big part of the whole picture. If you choose to use formal invitations for your wedding, there are a number of etiquette rules to follow. You'll have to consider things such as whether a woman uses her maiden name, address doctors and judges, and how you should list children's names.

Significance
- If you decide to go with formal invitations, you'll have both outer and inner enevlopes to address, and you'll want to make sure you do it correctly. (You may even find it fun, in our mostly-informal society, to put words like "The Honorable" on an envelope in near-perfect calligraphy.)
  As a Toronto wedding invitation site states, invitations "are the first way to make an impression on your guests." And you know what they say about first impressions: you (hopefully, in this case) never get another chance to make them.
Time Frame
- The general rule of thumb is that you should mail your invitations six to eight weeks before the big day. This gives your guests, particularly those coming from out of town, plenty of time to take off work, make flight and hotel reservations and arrange babysitters, if necessary.
  Planning a Christmas wedding or a destination ceremony? Stick to the eight-week rule. "If your wedding is in a far-away location or over a holiday weekend, it's important to mail the invitations early so guests have plenty of time to make arrangements," states WeddingWire.com.
Considerations
- There are etiquette rules for addressing each envelope, so you'll want to consider several questions before you put pen to paper--such as: If it's a couple, are they married, or not married but living together? Do they have children, and are the children invited? Do you want to allow everyone who is single to bring a guest? Are there any same-sex couples?
  The answers to these questions, and others, will determine how you address formal invitations.
Wording for Single Guests
- According to the paper company Southworth, for single guests, you should use the person's full name, preceded by Miss., Ms., Mrs. or Mr., on the outer envelope, and use the same salutation, with only the last name, and the phrase "and Guest," if you're allowing guests, on the inner envelope.
  For instance, for a divorced woman who uses her married name, you would write "Mrs. Susan Smith" on the outer envelope and "Mrs. Smith and Guest" on the inner. For a single woman over 18 or a divorced woman who uses her maiden name, address the outer envelope as "Miss (or Ms.) Sara Foster" and the inner as "Miss (or Ms.) Foster and Guest."
Wording for Couples
- According to Southworth, for married couples, address the invitation to, for instance, "Mr. and Mrs. Joe Smith," and put simply "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" on the inner envelope.
  For married couples in which the woman uses her maiden name, use the full names for each person on the outer envelope and the last names on the inner- for instance, "Mr. Tim Stevens/Mrs. Becky Peters" on the outer and "Mr. Stevens/Mrs. Parker" on the inner. (The "/" indicates a separate line.)
  For unmarried couples who do not live together, address the invite to the person to whom who are closest, and put both peoples' names only on the inner envelope.
  For unmarried couples who live together, write both names on the outer envelope, alphabetically and on separate lines- do not write "and" in between the names. Also put both names on the inner envelope.
  For same-gender couples, according to Southworth, list the full names alphabetically on the outer envelope (no "and" in between, and put the names on separate lines.) Put both names on the inner envelope- for example, "Miss Chandler/Miss Byers."
Wording for Professional Titles
- According to Southworth, you should address judges' invitations to "The Honorable," but use "Judge" on the inner envelope.
  For medical doctors, spell out "Doctor" on both envelopes. If both people in a married couple are medical doctors, write "Doctors" on the outer envelope and "The Doctors" on the inner- for instance, "Doctors Jim and Mary Smith" on the outer and "The Doctors Smith" on the inner.
  For someone with a Ph.D., use "Dr." on both envelopes, according to Southworth.
  For members of the clergy, use "The Reverend" or the appropriate title on both envelopes.
  For military officers, use the correct title on both envelopes, states Southworth. If it is a married couple and the man is active or retired military, address the outer envelope like this: "Captain and Mrs. Jerry Jones" and the inner envelope as "Captain and Mrs. Jones."
  For an unmarried couple in which the woman is active or retired military, address the outer envelope in this way: "Lieutenant Cindy Jones, U.S. Army/Mr. Stan Kellers" and the inner envelope as "Lieutenant Jones/Mr. Kellers."
Wording for Children
- Children who are at least 18 years old should get their own invitation, even if living with their parents who also are invited, says Southworth.
  According to TheKnot.com, adult children living in the same household can receive a joint invitation, with each of their names written in alphabetical order on separate lines on the outer envelope.
  According to TheKnot.com, for minor children, include their first names on the inner envelope below their parents' names--or simply write "and Family."

Tags: outer envelope, inner envelope, formal invitations, both envelopes, woman uses

How to buy a black writing table

buy a black writing table

It's interesting:
"Extended anecdotes at a wedding are like a porn star's professional pride and joy; long, hard and difficult to swallow. There are, of course, exceptions; tales so ..."

Tags: writing table, black writing, writing tables, your home, black writing table, home xE9-cor, your home xE9-cor

The history of country and western music

It's interesting:
"Oh. Is there a wedding going on? .... You may never see a wedding like this one again … not now that they've banned multi-buys on supermarket booze. ..."

Country and western music will, as a genre, reach the century mark somewhere between 2022 and 2027. The western sound is only a limited aspect of the country sound, having as a strong influence lasted only about two decades of the almost 90 years of country music's existence as a genre as of August 2009. The truncated history provided, here, is largely drawn from the rather ambitious website "Roughstock's History of Country Music." Despite the ambitiousness of Roughstock's documentation, however, the history of country music as detailed on this website demonstrates several omissions of important trends or influences that have, as of the latter part of the first decade of the 20th century, had significant impact on the country and western genre.

Country Music's Start as a Genre
- Country music as a recording genre began in the 1920s. The first commercial country music recording was made in 1920: "Sallie Gooden," performed by fiddler A.C. Robertson. Some of the earliest vocal recordings of the new country music genre were made for Victor Records by Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. The original Carter family made its last recording in 1941, but one member of the group, Maybelle, formed a new act with her daughters, "Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters." These two acts provided the taproot for country music and still influence the styles of authentic country music performers in the first decade of the 21st century. During this interval up to the 1940s, the "barn dance" shows, the Grand Ole Opry being the most important, enjoyed significant popularity.
Roy Acuff, the Grand Ole Opry, Bill Monroe and Bluegrass
- During the 1940s through the 1960s, the Grand Ole Opry became recognized as the Institution that most characterized country music, especially during the time with Roy Acuff at the helm of the Opry. Country music stars today still aspire to Grand Ole Opry membership. One of the country standards to come about out of this influence was "Wabash Cannonball."
  Another influence on the development of the country music genre during the 1940s into the 1960s was the bluegrass movement, under the lead of Bill Monroe. Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs helped popularize this upbeat, dance-tune branch of country music through the distinctive sound of the "three finger banjo" technique.
Western Swing and Cowboy Music
- The 1930s brought the western influence into the country music genre. As a strong influence, the western touch would last four decades, with occasional attempts at either direct or indirect revival by later artists in the 1970s (Marty Robbins and the Statler Brothers) and the 1990s (Michael Martin Murphy and Suzy Bogguss.).
  The heyday of western music in the country-and-western genre broke down into two particular influences: Western swing and cowboy songs. Western swing was essentially a blend of multiple music styles, primarily Dixieland, jazz and big band sound. This phase also introduced the steel guitar influence into the country music genre. The term "western swing" was derived from a Duke Ellington hit "It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing)." The bright lights of this country music sub-genre included Bob Wills and Milton Brown. Wills recorded his greatest hits between 1935 and 1942.
  The cowboy music influence on the country-and-western genre occurred generally between 1940 and 1960, and was as an influence different from other country music influence strains. Whereas early country music derived from authentic music played in the Appalachian countryside, much of the cowboy song material was written specifically for the cowboy movies of the time, then became recording hits afterward. Gene Autry was the most successful singing cowboy. The Sons of the Pioneers were the leading cowboy song group and one of the longest surviving country music acts lasting into their seventh decade. A country standard that arose during this stage was the eerie ballad "Ghost Riders in the Sky," recorded by both Vaughn Monroe and the Sons of the Pioneers.
Honky Tonk and The Nashville Sound
- Honky tonk music, the 1950s manifestation of country music, has continued to have a distinct influence on country music right through most of the first decade of the 21st century. The key performers in this stage of country music's history were Hank Williams and the Drifting Cowboys, Ernest Tubb and Lefty Frizzell. Frizzell's influence can be heard in modern country in such performers as Merle Haggard, George Strait, Keith Whitley and Doug Stone. This era in country music was also haunted by tragedy. Two of the three shining stars of this era died untimely deaths. Though Frizzell did not die until 1975, he was only 47 at the time of his death. Williams, however, died at the pinnacle of success at age 29.
  During the 1960s, country music's character shifted to an influence that seems lasting: the Nashville Sound. In this phase, country music became a mix that combined big band jazz and swing with the storytelling of folk and country artists.
  The key performers of this phase of country music history include Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold. Arnold is one of the top-selling country performers of all time.
Outlaw Country and "Urban Cowboy"
- During the 1980s, the trend in Nashville was to return to more traditional country music. Fundamental to this resurgence were four individual performers who collectively became known as "the outlaws": Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash.
  The return to traditional sound was at this phase not to last long, relatively speaking. During the 1990s, country music as a genre tried to broaden its appeal by way of crossover into a more popular sound, a trend influenced by the "Urban Cowboy" movie phenomenon of the early 1980s. Still, some acts successfully negotiated this phase of country music's history while remaining more faithful to the traditional, authentic country sound. Most notably, female vocalist Reba McEntire and the group Alabama continued to record, and sell, a more traditional country sound during this interval.
Garth Brooks and New Country
- During the 1990s, one artist, Garth Brooks, made the strongest mark on the country music scene. Roughstock (which ends its history with the 1990s) describes Garth Brooks as "undeniably the most popular country music artist of all time." Doubtless this observation was true at the time of the writing, but would today need to be called into question with reference to the extreme popularity of Kenny Chesney in today's market. Singling out Garth Brooks as the sole influence of the 1990s also overlooks the importance of the 1990s as the era of the singer-songwriter in country music, diminishing the contributions of such artists as Alan Jackson and Clint Black on the songwriting side of the equation.
General Influences
- A general influence that, with the possible exception of the western strain, carries throughout the country music genre is that of gospel music. Time and again, one hears country recording artists across the spectrum of success levels report in interviews that their formative years as vocalists were spent performing gospel music. While this influence is more subtle on the country music sound than the distinctive influences of banjo, steel guitar and the Nashville Sound, it is certainly observable in the canon of many country music artists.
  Additionally, while Roughstock's compilation is an admirably comprehensive discourse on the country music genre, it exhibits some glaring oversights as to historical country music influences, four of which are significant enough to include. All four of the described oversights involve specific artists, but one also involves a general trend.
  During the 1980s and particularly the 1990s, the popularity of country music, even in its crossover to popular form, declined sharply. A strong influence in renewed post-1990 popularity is not mentioned in the Roughstock history, that of the country line dance influx led by Billy Ray Cyrus' hit "Achy Breaky Heart."
  Also of note: Roughstock's history gives short shrift to three acts that have had uncontested influence on modern country music: two solo artists and one duo.
  Few would contest the significant influences on country music as a genre exerted by solo artists George Jones and George Strait. While Roughstock may give information about these performers in its pages about specific artists themselves, in the genre history pages, Roughstock does not mention George Jones at all, whereas most country music traditionalists consider George Jones the apex of country music. Similarly, Roughstock's only mention of George Strait, historically speaking, involves the influence of Lefty Frizzell on Strait's style, despite Strait's range of accomplishments unsurpassed by any other country music performer. Indeed, one of Garth Brooks' common confessions on award or interview appearances is that of his own recognition of influence from "my two Georges: George Jones and George Strait." George Strait also had, at one time, an unbroken string of recordings go to No. 1 on the charts, unequaled by any artist in country history, the closest being Alabama, with less than half of Strait's mark. Strait's influence would, therefore, seem an essential inclusion in any history on the genre.
  Similarly, in the country music history compilation, Roughstock makes no mention whatsoever of the vocal duo the Judds, who owned the duo or group award category for years before illness forced Naomi Judd into early retirement. Wynona Judd has gone on to record as a solo artist, though there are no indications that she will make the sort of mark on country music as did the Judds as a duo. However, as a duo, the Judds' music set the gold standard for duo or group for post-1990s country music artists.
  All of these omissions make for curious gaps in the Roughstock compilation of country music history.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: country music, country music, country music, country music genre, music genre, country music history, Garth Brooks

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

How to order a cake from cake boss

order a cake from cake boss

It's interesting:
"I am quite sure that Linda will want to improve Paul a little because that's what wives do. Above all else I hope she'll teach him to entertain in this style and continue this fine hosting tradition."

The "Cake Boss" from the show of the same name on TLC is Bartolo "Buddy" Valastro, who runs, along with his family, Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey. Renowned for quality and design, the cakes are popular with those planning weddings and other special events. The shop is very busy, so you must make arrangements well in advance if you want a special cake for an event like a wedding, birthday or anniversary. Preliminary information can be submitted on the Carlo's Bakery website, but most arrangements need to be made in person or over the phone.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

Color swatches (optional)

Wedding decor details (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Call the bakery at (201) 659-3671 to schedule a consultation. Submit preliminary information such as the event date, location and number of guests through the Carlo's Bakery website if you wish. Your event will need to have a minimum of 50 guests for this type of consultation. Call for an appointment three to four weeks before you wish to meet. For birthdays or similar events, schedule the consultation two to three weeks in advance of the event. For a wedding, schedule it six to eight months ahead.
- 2
  Bring all the necessary information, including your cake design choices. You can look at designs in the store, on the Carlo's Bakery website or in the store catalog. For a wedding cake, you might bring wedding colors or decor details. Be prepared with the total number of guests, the date of the occasion and the venue location. For an additional charge, the bakery delivers to within 250 miles of Hoboken.
- 3
  Pay for the consultation and cake. There is a $100 non-refundable fee that does not apply to the cost of your cake. This includes samples and refreshments. Be prepared to pay half the cost of the cake at the time of the consultation and order placement. The second half will need to be paid two weeks before the event.

Tips &- Warnings

Carlo's Bakery does not accept email orders.

Tags: Carlo Bakery, Bakery website, Carlo Bakery website, cake from, cake from cake, decor details

Top fashion design schools worldwide

It's interesting:
"August is the month when many folk festivals take place, where the audience stares at a bloke with a microphone and one finger stuck in his ear. In contrast ..."

Today's methods of fashion design began in Paris, France, in the late 18th century. While Paris remains the center of the couture world, the United States, specifically New York, has become the fashion capital of the world. Two of the top fashion design schools in the world are located in New York City. Fashion design schools thrive in major cities where numerous cultures intermix, providing students with the proper inspiration and resources to create truly inspiring designs.

Facts
- Parsons the New School for Design is a private college in New York City. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a part of the State University of New York system and is also located in New York, in midtown Manhattan. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) is a private college in Los Angeles, California. Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design is located in Europe, in London, England.
Size
- Parsons enrolls approximately 700 students annually in the Fashion Design program. FIT enrolls about 7,000 full time students. FIDM has approximately 6,500 full-time students and 1,000 staff members. Central Saint Martins has about 1,000 students enrolled full time in design programs.
History
- Parsons the New School for Design was originally founded as the Chase School, in 1896. President Frank Parsons established the first program in Fashion Design in the United States in 1910. William Odom, who became president in 1921, founded Paris Ateliers, affiliated with the school and named the school for his predecessor in 1936.
  The Fashion Institute of Technology, FIT, was founded in 1944 as a college for art, design, business and technology within the State University of New York system. The school is not only famous for its successful alumni, but also for its outstanding museum. The Museum at FIT showcases noteworthy clothing collections, accessories and textiles.
  Central Saint Martins was created in 1989 when the Central School of Art and Design merged with Saint Martins School of Art. Central Saint Martins is one of the world's largest providers of art and design education and has achieved museum status for its collections of modern and historical costumes, textiles, accessories and art.
Academic Programs
- Parsons offers both associate of the arts and bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degrees in fashion design and fashion marketing.
  FIT offers, through the School of Art and Design, 17 majors for both BFA and bachelor of science (BS) degrees.
  FIDM offers one- and two-year associate of arts degree programs in various specialized areas of fashion, including merchandise marketing, apparel manufacturing management, fashion design, textile design, and film and television costume design, in addition to a four-year BS degree in business management.
  Central Saint Martins offers bachelor of arts and BFA degrees for its many design programs.
Significant Alumni
- Parsons boasts many successful alumni, including designers Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Tom Ford and Carmen Marc Valvo.
  Some of FIT's notable design alumni include Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore and Daniel Vosovic.
  Monique Lhuillier, Pamela Skaist-Levy, Santino Rice, Nick Verreos and Lauren Conrad are among FIDM's design alumni.
  Central Saint Martins' designer alumni include John Galliano, Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Paul Smith and Matthew Williamson.

Tags: Saint Martins, Central Saint, Central Saint Martins, design schools, fashion design

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Wedding ceremony process for officiants

It's interesting:
"Today, I think we have all learned that there are few things more marvellous than an Autumn wedding, and nothing more beautiful than a Fall bride. It is wonderful occasions like this that provide us all with great memories that we will never, ever forget, and I am incredibly honoured to have been of part of this special day. Also, I want to thank you for getting married at this time of the year, because now, whenever I see the leaves turning colour and falling off the trees, I’ll be reminded that it’s time to buy your anniversary gift."

A wedding is an important event for any couple, and as an officiant, you play an important role in the couple's special day. The wedding process differs from couple to couple, as different couples have different religious beliefs, family traditions or may choose to hold their wedding in a nontraditional place. As a wedding officiant, it is your responsibility to help the couple make their special day as splendid and memorable as you can.

Understand the Specifics
- Prior to the wedding day, you should speak to both people getting married. Ask them what their religious preferences are, any specific things they want to include in the ceremony and if they have any changes to make to the script, such as adding their own vows. Remember that different couples have different preferences, such as a non-religious ceremony or different religious procedures. Make notes about all of the requests that the couple has and make the changes to your script as needed. Also, make yourself available for rehearsals before the wedding day.
Before the Ceremony
- On the day of the wedding, and prior to the ceremony, help the family keep the wedding on schedule. Make yourself available to the couple, in case either of them wishes to speak to you, requires your help or needs last-minute reassurance. Just prior to the ceremony, make sure the guests know when to take their seats and inform them to turn off their cell phones. Stay pleasant and remember that the day is a celebration for the couple, and you can help make it perfect for them.
During the Ceremony
- Recite your opening words and your declaration of intent. Remember where to pause to allow the couple to respond accordingly. Speak clearly but comfortably. Recite your welcoming of the guests and pledge of support, if the couple wishes to include this in their ceremony. Recite your presentation of the rings and vows, giving the couple a chance to respond accordingly. Keep your voice clear and speak slowly enough to ensure that your words are understood.
After the Ceremony
- After the wedding, help direct the guests as the ceremony requires. In a chapel setting, this may include directing guests out of the chapel and to the reception area. Stay behind a few minutes and make sure that family is available to escort any guests, or you can help escort them to the reception areas yourself. Remain available to the couple in case they request additional photographs.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Recite your, available couple, available couple case, ceremony process, ceremony process officiants, couple case, couple make

Places to have a wedding in bloomington indiana

Places to have a wedding in bloomington, indiana

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 ..."

Bloomington, in Central Indiana, is home to Indiana University and a variety of wedding venues. This college town has banquet centers, golf courses, hotels and meeting sites for indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Most Bloomington outdoor weddings occur in the summer, when temperatures are consistently warm.

Golf Clubs
- The Bloomington Country Club (bloomingtoncc.com) is in southern Bloomington and accommodates intimate outdoor wedding ceremonies on its patio area overlooking the 18th hole- the patio seats 50 guests. The clubhouse banquet room seats 250 guests for indoor ceremonies and receptions. On-site catering is available from the Club's Bistro restaurant.
  Southern Bloomington's Eagle Pointe Golf Resort (eaglepointe.com) is on the shores of Monroe Lake. This golf resort hosts outdoor wedding ceremonies by the first and 10th tee of its golf course. Eagle Pointe's Terrace is available for covered, open-air ceremonies and receptions. The Terrace accommodates 300 guests for wedding events. Eagle Pointe provides catering for receptions.
Banquet Halls
- The historic Deer Park Manor (deerparkevents.com) was completed in 1956. Outdoor ceremonies occur in the Manor's stone courtyard or lawn area, which has manicured flowers and a small rock pond. Up to 200 guests may attend a ceremony in the courtyard or an indoor wedding in the Manor's Engal Performance Hall. The Hall also seats 140 people for banquet receptions. Deer Park allows outside catering companies to service the event.
  Terry's Banquet Center (terryscatering.com) is in the northern section of Bloomington. This banquet center has two rooms for indoor ceremonies and receptions- both room seat up to 275 guests. Terry's also has an on-staff wedding coordinator and a list of recommended vendors for catering, flowers and music.
Accommodations
- Situated in downtown Bloomington, the Shower's Inn (showersinn.com) is an elegant, Victorian-style bed and breakfast. This bed and breakfast has an intimate garden area for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. Up to 144 guests may attend a wedding event at Shower Inn's garden. This site is only available for outdoor weddings from May through October. Shower's Inn does not cater wedding events, but offers recommendations for wedding vendors.
  Fourwinds Resort and Marina (fourwindsresort.com) is on the shores of Monroe Lake in South Bloomington. This resort offers lakefront ceremonies and receptions for up to 400 guests. Fourwind's largest ballroom has a seating capacity of 250 guests for ceremonies. Wedding parties receive discounts on room rates for wedding guests- parties may book up to 10 rooms.
Meeting Centers
- The Bloomington-Monroe County Convention Center (bloomingtonconvention.com) in downtown Bloomington facilitates indoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. The convention center's largest space, the Great Room, accommodates 600 guests for ceremonies and 560 for banquet seating. Amenities include on-site catering for receptions, wedding coordination and an in-house audio system.
  East Bloomington's The Fields (thefields.com) apartments provides a space for wedding ceremonies in its Clubhouse. This facility was originally a barn built in the 1940s, and overlooks the apartment complex's pond. Couples may take wedding photos on The Fields' property, which features manicured gardens near the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse seats 250 guests for wedding events.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: ceremonies receptions, wedding ceremonies, Eagle Pointe, outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding ceremonies, seats guests

How to make a bridal bouquet on a bouquet holder

make a bridal bouquet on a bouquet holder

It's interesting:
"'I used your site to create my wedding speech. I dropped in lots of clever one- liners and it was a great success. This site gave me everything I needed and more.' ..."

A wedding bouquet is an important part of the bridal outfit and your wedding may be the only time that you carry one. The bouquet will also be a part of most of the wedding photos and the center of attention when it is later tossed toward your bridesmaids. Hence, it is important to have a bridal bouquet that you like. Give your wedding a personal touch and your own creativity by making your own bridal bouquet, using a plastic or wrapped stem holder. Try this method to make a bridal bouquet on a bouquet holder.

Things You'll Need

30 to 50 flower stems

Leaves and other foliage

Bucket or sink

Knife

Stem-stripper

Scissors

Gardening shears

Green floral tape

Mirror

Ribbon

Pearl-tipped pins

Instructions

- 1
  Choose flowers that are durable so that the petals do not fall off as you hold it. Hardier flowers such as roses are also easier to arrange and last longer without wilting. Your wedding bouquet can be approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter, though you can try variations in size, if you desire. Most bouquets are round or tear-drop shaped.
- 2
  Remove any excess leaves and foliage as well as damaged or dry petals from the flowers, using your hands or a gardening stem-stripper. Fill a bucket or sink with cool water. Hold the stems underwater. Cut the stems to an equal length of approximately 8 to 10 inches, using a knife or gardening shears. Leave the flowers in the water.
- 3
  Arrange four flowers in a diamond shape. Tape them together at the middle of the stems. Add six to eight more flowers around the middle flowers to form a circle. Attach these to the bunch by wrapping floral tape around them at the middle of the stems, approximately 4 inches below the flower heads.
- 4
  Intersperse the flowers with leaves and other foliage if you desire. Continue adding layers of flowers in a circular fashion and securing each level with green floral tape to create a tight bunch.
- 5
  Wrap the stems of the finished bouquet with floral tape. Keep the stems at a comfortable length that you can comfortably grip in your hands. Cover all the stems completely with tape. Cut off the excess stems about 2 inches below the tape.
- 6
  Wrap the taped stems with white or colored ribbon. Use pearl-tipped pins to affix the ribbon to the stems. You can use the bound stems as a bouquet holder. Alternatively attach the bouquet to a plastic holder by inserting the stems into the hole and trimming off the excess.

Tips &- Warnings

Stand in front of a mirror and hold your unfinished bouquet in front of you to see how it looks. Continue adding flowers as needed. You will likely require 30 to 40 flowers, though this can vary according to your taste.

Wrap the bouquet in tissue paper and store it in the fridge until you leave for the wedding ceremony. If possible also keep the bare stems in water as long as possible.

The bouquet can also contain a combination of flowers and foliage, but it should complement or match your wedding gown and the decor and theme of the wedding. The groom can also match his tie or bow-tie to your bridal bouquet for a flowing color theme.

The stems can be trimmed again after your bouquet is made- it is best to keep them longer than needed to avoid cutting them too short.

It is best to make the bouquet on the morning of the wedding, so that it will stay fresh all day. Make a practice bouquet several days before the wedding so that you can see the finished product.

Tags: bridal bouquet, bouquet holder, floral tape, approximately inches, bouquet bouquet

Monday, July 27, 2009

Cool album cover art ideas

It's interesting:
"You know, I’ve been to lots of great weddings, but today may have been the best. The small, ornate chapel – the beautiful music – the sincere words that Paul and Linda wrote themselves. Ladies and gentlemen, we all witnessed something very special."

So you've made your first album. Congratulations! Liner notes, song lyrics, photos, and copyright information: check. All that's left to do is decide what to put on the cover. This is an important decision.

- Some album covers have become the stuff of legend and are famous in their own right, such as Pink Floyd's 1973 Dark Side of the Moon cover, depicting light passing through a prism- Bruce Springsteen's 1984 Born In the USA cover, featuring a shot of Springsteen's jeans-clad rear in front of the American flag- and Nirvana's 1991 Nevermind cover, featuring a nude baby swimming toward a one-dollar bill on a fishhook. And, of course, there's The Beatles' Abbey Road, the cover of which, according to Wikipedia, "has since become one of the most famous and most imitated album covers in recording history." Impressive, no? With such potential importance in mind, choose your album cover carefully.
- As these examples demonstrate, you can use whatever you like, anything from to glaciers to guitars---but something that's always a safe choice is a picture of you or your band. This is a good option, especially if this is your first album, because it lets fans immediately see and get to know you. Historically, many well-known musicians liked to go this route: the Temptations, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, and Elvis often put themselves on their covers. And the trend continues today: rapper Eminem, country princess Taylor Swift, R&B powerhouse Beyoncé-, and pop diva Lady GaGa all had best-selling albums in 2009, and all used pictures of themselves for their album covers. Eminem's Relapse features a mosaic-effect of his brooding face. Swift's Fearless shows her in all her young-girl glory, eyes innocently downcast, facing off to one side, curly hair blowing in the wind. On Beyonce's I Am...Sasha Fierce, she faces the camera almost defiantly, holding her hair back and looking ready to burst into emotional song. GaGa's The Fame features her face, shrouded in a black hood and shielded by diamond-encrusted sunglasses. Like these artists, you can use your cover image as a representation of your persona.
- Planning to show more than just your face? The full-body shot also requires planning. Consider your outfit carefully, for while clothes may not make the man, one's look is important. On Michael Jackson's 1987 album Bad, he wears a black leather outfit covered in silver zippers and buckles, conveying the tough personality evoked by the album's title. The Beatles' aforementioned Abbey Road album cover shows the band walking across an intersection, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr in snappy suits, George Harrison in jeans. John Mayer's 2009 Battle Studies features him in a chic black coat. Madonna often dresses according to theme: on 1984's Like A Virgin she wears a wedding dress- on 2000's Music she wears a cowboy hat and Western gear- and on 2008's Hard Candy she wears a provocative dominatrix outfit. Finally, for those adventurous enough to go au naturel, a word of warning: it's been done (see Prince's 1988 Lovesexy, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1988 The Abbey Road Extended Play, John Lennon's 1968 Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins, etc.), but full nudity is always controversial, even if certain---ahem---areas are strategically covered. Undress at your own risk.
- So remember. If you cannot decide what to put on your album, a picture of yourself or your band works well. It can introduce you to your public, portray a persona, underscore a theme---or become an iconic and lasting symbol. Good luck!

Tags: album cover, Abbey Road, album covers, album cover ideas, Cool album, Cool album cover, cover featuring

Non traditional wedding invitation ideas

It's interesting:
"At a time of the year when so much of the life around us is being born and renewed, how appropriate it is that we have gathered on this day to witness Paul and Linda begin their new journey as husband and wife. Spring truly is the season of hope and love, and a great symbol of new beginnings...and I could not imagine a better time to plan such a very special event. For the rest of our lives, I don't believe anyone here could ever think of Spring time without having great memories of today and thinking wonderful and loving thoughts about the two of you."

We’-ve all seen traditional wedding invitations –- a heavy white or ivory slip of paper with drab colors stuffed into layer upon layer of envelopes. However, as traditional wedding ceremonies fall by the wayside, so do traditional invitations. Brides and grooms are thinking outside the box, using bright colors, unusual papers and, in some cases, invitations with no paper at all.

Colorful Cards
- Skip the bland white invitation and let color rule the invitation. Stick with one or two bright colors to keep your invitation colorful without being hard to read. If your wedding colors are silver and blue, look for a blue card stock and print your wording in shiny silver letters. Bold brides may even opt for black card stock with a vibrant color swirl design and bright lettering.
DIY Invitations
- Printing your own invitations gives you and your hubby-to-be the freedom to create any design you choose and saves you money over traditional printed invitations. Many word processing computer programs have wedding invitation templates already installed, or you can browse the Web for free wedding invitation templates. Buy some card stock or a DIY invitation pack from your local stationary retailer, pick your design and get your invitation on.
Get Playful
- If you both loves games, share that passion with your guests and look for game-inspired invitations. Puzzle-themed invitations are a hit with many couples. The invitation is printed on light cardboard and cut into jigsaw puzzle pieces, then mailed to recipients who have to assemble the puzzle to get the details. Video gamers can even craft their own wedding video game, in which invitees play through a simple game to unlock pertinent information for your big day.
Where's the Paper?
- For the eco-conscious, paperless invites are all the rage. The bride and groom design a web-based invitation and email a link to their guests, who are then able to log on and view the invitation. Most virtual invites also allow guests to RSVP and communicate with the impending newlyweds if they have questions about the ceremony. Virtual invites are simple to create and, in most cases, free since they require no postage.

Tags: traditional wedding, wedding invitation, card stock, bright colors, invitation ideas, invitation templates, invitations with

Friday, July 24, 2009

Cheap honeymoons in the smokey mountains

It's interesting:
"Tom looks great on his wedding day doesn't he? I won't say it's funny to see ... Congratulations to Tom and Susan on their wedding. And since it's election week ..."

The Great Smoky Mountains area offers one of the most serene locations you can find for a romantic honeymoon. There are a variety of secluded cabins to rent that won't break the bank and plenty of wilderness to explore in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Days can be spent fishing, hiking, rafting or simply relaxing against a backdrop of natural beauty. Honeymooning among nature can bring you closer to your sweetheart while saving you money at the same time. Prices listed are accurate as of February 2010.

Gatlinburg Cabins
- Gatlinburg has specials year-round and offers one-bedroom, one-bath cabins perfect for honeymooners. Their "Love Me Tender" cabin, for example, is 1100 square feet complete with a fireplace and Jacuzzi. The cabin also offers amenities such as cable TV, washer and dryer, game table, rocking chairs and a swing.
  Prices begin at $130 per night in the winter months and $150 per night in the summer months. All year long, if you stay five nights, you get the sixth night free.
  Gatlinburg Cabins Online
  333 Ski Mountain Road
  Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  1 (877) 60-CABIN (22246)
  gatlinburgcabinsonline.com
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Save money and bring yourselves closer to each other and to nature by taking your honeymoon in a tent for two. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of trails and more than 500,000 acres of land. There are several different hikes ranging from easy to difficult. If you're more interested in staring into each others' eyes rather than the path ahead of you, lovers should opt for an easier route. However, the adventurous couples many want to test their love by seeing who will carry whom up the mountain. After a day of adventure, snuggle together in your campsite for only $14 to $23 per night.
  Park Headquarters
  1420 Little River Road
  Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  (865) 436-1200
Sugar Maple Cabins and Cades Cove
- Stay at the Sugar Maple Cabins to be close to romantic adventure at Cades Cove. The "Twin Oaks" cabin goes for $119 per night and offers spectacular views as well as a deck, fireplace, indoor Jacuzzi, satellite TV, charcoal grill and rocking chairs. It is also pet friendly. Special discounts are often available on the Sugar Maple Cabins website.
  While staying at Sugar Maple Cabins, take a day trip to Cades Cove, home to European frontiersmen who settled there for the abundance of wildlife. Now preserved by the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest, Cades Cove is still the home of many different animals. The cove has been protected, so it still looks much the way it did in the 1800s. Expect to spend the entire day there as the landscape will take your breath away. You can explore Cades Cove on foot or by car, or you and your new spouse can rent bikes for a small fee at the beginning of the loop.
  Sugar Maple Cabins
  1735 Upper Middle Creek Road
  Sevierville TN 37876
  (877) 237-9055
  (865) 908-0819
  sugarmaplecabins.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Cades Cove, Great Smoky, Great Smoky Mountains, Maple Cabins, Smoky Mountains, Sugar Maple, Sugar Maple Cabins

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Confirmation gifts for lutherans

It's interesting:
"On behalf of the bride and groom, I'd like to thank everyone for coming here today. Some of you have travelled considerable distances in order to be here and celebrate Paul and Linda’s happy day. Africa, Continental Europe, the Americas and Asia are not actually places where anyone has travelled from, but I hear that Uncle Jim and Auntie Morag had a 5 hour drive down from Glasgow."

Confirmation is a sacred religious rite practiced by numerous factions of the Christian faith, including Roman Catholics and Lutherans. Lutherans confirm children who can recite the Small Catechism by Martin Luther and who are able to answer questions about their faith. For this special time, a gift is a thoughtful way to commemorate the child's confirmation.

Personalize the Gift
- When choosing a confirmation gift, no single set of rules applies. Instead, you must think about what will mean the most to the person receiving it. Each of us is different- we all enjoy different things. When choosing a gift, think about who you are giving it to and why you are giving that person that particular gift. This means you must personalize the gift. The gift should "fit" the person you are giving it to.
Gag Gifts
- If the person receiving confirmation has a sense of humor that you share, then a gag gift can actually mean quite a bit to him or her. The Old Lutheran Gift Shop offers such silly gifts as "confirmints" and a T-shirt with the words "Lutheran Stud" (with a picture of a wooden stud on the shirt) as confirmation gifts. To some, these gifts may almost seem sacrilegious. But remember: The gift should fit the person. A person can have a great, silly sense of humor and still treat the sacrament with extreme reverence. This person might actually take a silly gift to heart- it could mean more than the more traditional gifts cited below.
Traditional Gifts
- Traditional gifts, such as crosses and Bibles, are always a good, safe bet for a gift. They have religious significance and are practical in that Bibles can be read and crosses can be worn as a symbol of one's faith. Lutheran gift shops offer a wide selection of traditional gifts. Journey rings are metal rings that are not quite joined in the center. Some come adorned with a dove and a fish---important symbols in the Lutheran religion. A cross necklace can come in silver or gold and can be worn at any occasion. Whatever gift you choose, think about who is getting confirmed and think about what would mean the most to them.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: think about, about what, Confirmation gifts, Confirmation gifts lutherans, gift should, gift should person, gifts lutherans

Lesbian wedding destinations

It's interesting:
"That said, nobody wants the wedding party to go straight from the reception to the divorce courts, so your humour will need to be pitched just right. You want ..."

Lesbian couples that dream of a unique and memorable wedding should consider having a destination wedding. Certain locations welcome same-sex couples with open arms, allowing a couple to get married in peace. Same-sex marriage or same-sex civil unions are only recognized by a few states in the United States and a few countries. A lesbian destination wedding is a great way to show the world how much you and your partner mean to each other.

Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts is one of the one of the few states that recognizes same-sex marriages, making it a popular lesbian wedding destination. A unique place for your lesbian wedding in Boston is the Milky Way Lounge & Lanes. This wedding destination has a stage, dance floor, gourmet menu from Bella Luna bar and grill, a full bar featuring signature cocktails and seven antique candle pin bowling lanes. This location is fun, affordable and out of the ordinary. Interested couples can call (617) 524-3740 for details.
Fairfield, Connecticut
- Lesbian couples that want to get married in Connecticut can do so at Green Rocks Inn in Fairfield. The inn is owned by a lesbian couple, one of who is a wedding officate. Green Rocks Inn is an eco-friendly bed and breakfast. It is a good location for those who like outdoor activities. Wedding packages in 2009 started at $300.
Iowa
- Iowa is the first state in the Midwest to legalize gay marriage. A lesbian destination wedding in Iowa is the perfect choice for couples who want to get married somewhere that just feels like home. There are many wedding venues to choose from in Iowa. Couples who enjoy city life will love all that Des Moines, the capital city, has to offer. Couples who are laid back and enjoy fine wine will adore a wedding at an Organic Garden in Iowa's wine country. Gay Weddings with Panache is an exclusive gay wedding planning service located in Des Moines that will help you plan the perfect lesbian wedding in Iowa.
  Gay Weddings with Panache offers a unique Des Moines destination wedding package. In 2009 lesbian couples can pay $3,000 for a three-night stay in a luxury downtown hotel or historic bed and breakfast in Des Moines, travel to and from the airport, local travel, gift basket, assistance in obtaining a wedding license, personal shopping and spa appointments, wedding officiant, two hours of photography, small wedding cake for 10, reception dinner reservations (food not included) and unlimited referrals for local service providers. Pricing is subject to change. Interested couples can call (515) 306-7770 for details.
Misconceptions
- Many lesbian couples assume that because their marriage isn't recognized by the state that they shouldn't have a wedding. Many lesbian women dreamed about lavish and romantic weddings while they were young girls just as straight women did. Having a lesbian wedding shows the world that you and your partner are in love. It also symbolizes you and your partner's commitment to each other. A destination wedding is great in situations where family members are not supportive of your decision to marry your same-sex partner. Whisking your partner and a handful of friends away to a great location is the perfect way to celebrate your union.
Warning
- There are some close-minded individuals and locations that aren't supportive of same-sex marriages. A newspaper in Utah recently refused to publish a same-sex wedding announcement. If you wish to get married in a specific location, see if there is a GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) community there. If no GLBT community is present, prepare yourself mentally for possible protests or snide remarks from close-minded people.

Tags: destination wedding, your partner, couples call, couples that, destination wedding great, each other, Green Rocks

Chinese wedding culture

It's interesting:
"Tom looks great on his wedding day doesn't he? I won't say it's funny to see ... Congratulations to Tom and Susan on their wedding. And since it's election week ..."

Chinese wedding culture is rich in symbolism and customs. Although some customs are no longer common in 2010, modern couples still incorporate some traditional elements into their wedding ceremonies and choice of dress.

History
- An impartial "go between" traditionally initiated and negotiated the pending nuptials between two families. After the boy's parents chose a potential bride, the third party presented the girl's family with gifts and a marriage offer. If accepted, the boy's parents consulted an astrologer to determine whether the match contained any bad omens. If deemed acceptable, the boy's information passed to the bride's family. The two families met only upon mutual acceptance.
Ceremony
- In Chinese wedding culture, a tea ceremony is the traditional marriage ceremony. During the ceremony, the bride and groom kneel three times. They kneel to heaven and earth, the ancestral table and parents, and to each other, according to China Bridal. In modern practice, the couple bows instead of kneels. The bride then serves tea to the parents and family members in order of seniority. The ceremony concludes with the guests giving the bride gifts of money and jewelry in red envelopes.
Significance
- Chinese brides traditionally wear a red dress. The belief is that the color keeps away evil spirits and brings good luck. During traditional times, the bride also wore a red veil that remained until the wedding night when the couple first saw each other.
Gifts
- Traditionally, guests give money to the bridal couple even in the early 21st century, according to Wedding Channel. The well-wishers place money in red envelopes and either give them directly to the bride and groom or drop them into a specified box at the wedding.

Tags: Chinese wedding, Chinese wedding culture, wedding culture, bride groom, each other

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

How to take a plantation tour in louisiana

take a plantation tour in louisiana

It's interesting:
"'I used your site to create my wedding speech. ... 'Chaps, just got to say a huge thanks for the help your site gave me preparing for my brother's wedding. As best ..."

Plantation tours are common in New Orleans and Southern Louisiana. Visiting Louisiana plantations gives tourists the opportunity to experience a part of the area's history and cultures. While many tour companies offer Plantation tour packages of the stately homes that still stand along the Mississippi River throughout Southeast Louisiana, it is easy to plan a plantation tour in Louisiana without the help of a tour company.

Instructions

- 1
  From New Orleans, head west to Oak Alley Plantation. Two rows of stately oak trees run from River Road, also known as Highway 18, to the front entrance of the mansion at Oak Alley Plantation. A visit to Oak Alley should include a guided tour of the grounds and the home by one of the tour guides, who are dressed in period clothing.
- 2
  Less than two miles down river and also on Highway 18, Laura Plantation still stands on the banks of the Mississippi. This former sugar plantation is still home to the stories and memories of the Creole family that established the farm more than 200 years ago. Guided tours of Laura Plantation offer visitors a glimpse into Creole culture through the documented stories from the family that called this plantation home.
- 3
  Visit Destrehan Plantation just one half mile east of the Destrehan Bridge on Highway 48, and only 8 miles from the New Orleans International Airport. Destrehan Plantation, formerly an indigo plantation, is the oldest documented plantation in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Visits to Destrehan Plantation include tours of the main house by tour guides dressed in period costumes, as well as demonstrations by skilled crafters to give visitors an idea of what life was like when it was a working plantation.
- 4
  Include a stop at San Francisco Plantation on River Road in Garyville, Louisiana, to enjoy one of the finest antique collections in the country. In addition to the rich history of this River Road plantation, highlights of the San Francisco Plantation tour include the five hand-painted ceilings, original antique furnishings and faux marbling and wood graining, which have all been carefully and accurately restored.
- 5
  Finish a Louisiana plantation tour at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens on River Road in Darrow, Louisiana. Houmas House Plantation was known as "The Sugar Palace" during its antebellum prime. Take a tour of the grand mansion to learn about the business and decadent lifestyle in this home.

Tags: River Road, Destrehan Plantation, plantation tour, Alley Plantation, dressed period, family that

Flower shops in utah

It's interesting:
"Congratulatory remarks about the wedding ... Wasn't the wedding ceremony beautiful? That row of handsome men and a parade of gorgeous attendants. And ..."

There's nothing better than receiving a floral arrangement as a gift for a special occasion. Many of the Utah flower shops deliver locally and arrangements are specially prepared by trained flower designers and florists. Flower shops can often provide alternatives to traditional flowers such as fruit baskets, plants and plush toy or candle arrangements.

Flower Patch Florists
- Flower Patch florists have 12 flower shops in Utah.
  Flower Patch is an established Utah florist with 12 flower shops across the state. Flower Patch shops are located in Bountiful, Murray, Ogden, Provo, Salt Lake City, West Jordan and West Valley City. The company offers a same day or next day delivery service and will deliver locally to most areas of Utah. Flower Patch also delivers throughout the United States. It offers a range of special gift programs and seasonal packages and has a toll-free number for telephone orders.
Jimmy's Flower Shop
- Jimmy's Flower Shop provides fresh fruit baskets.
  Jimmy's Flower Shops are located in Ogden and Layton and deliver to a number of local destinations and nationwide. Same day flower delivery is available at no additional cost. Orders can be placed by toll-free telephone call, online or by calling direct to one of the shops. Jimmy's Flower Shop can create and professionally arrange a variety of designs, with flowers or fresh fruits, whatever the special occasion.
The Flower Box
- The Flower Box in Salt Lake City specialize in exotic flowers.
  The Flower Box is a Salt Lake City florist, established since 1978. It delivers locally and to a wide range of organizations and facilities in the area. The Flower Box has a number of specialties, including exotic flowers, European dish gardens, tropical plants, silk or dried flower arrangements and funeral designs, and can provide contemporary or tradtional arrangements. It also sells a range of greeting cards, plush animals, candles and balloons.
Roots
- Roots is known for simple flower arrangements.
  Roots is a flower store based in Salt Lake City, specializing in weddings and corporate events. Roots is well known for creating simple but stunning individual arrangements. Owner Rachael MacLaughlin-Howells prides herself on considering every arrangement to be "a work of art."

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Flower Patch, Jimmy Flower, Lake City, Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, Flower Shop

How to make italian table centerpieces

make italian table centerpieces

It's interesting:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I shall try to be brief. I do have a habit of rambling with my speeches, so you might feel like you've walked into the Oscar ceremony by ..."

Create a Tuscan-inspired table centerpiece to enhance a party with an Italian theme. Choose colors, textures and materials reminiscent of the charming Italian countryside, then add elegant touches, such as flowers and candles, with rustic wood and wrought-iron pieces. Use edible items to serve as both decor and appetizers for guests. Create a table scape using elements that can be reused long after the party ends.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

Tablecloth

Terra cotta plant pots

Plants

Wrought-iron candle holders

Candles

Wooden bowl

Artificial or fresh fruit

Small wooden or white bowls

Olives

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the table with an Italian-inspired tablecloth. Set the stage for a rustic Tuscan look by choosing a tablecloth featuring a natural hue, such as burnt orange, sunny yellow, lavender or olive green.
- 2
  Fill a rustic terra cotta pot with a green plant. As a fragrant touch, choose an Italian herb, such as basil, thyme, lavender or rosemary. Place the plant pot in the center of the table.
- 3
  Place wrought-iron candle holders on either side of the potted plant. Fill the holders with tall taper candles that coordinate with the tablecloth. The candles provide ambiance and soft lighting during a dinner party.
- 4
  Add a pop of color by decorating with fresh or artificial fruit. Fill a country-inspired wooden bowl with lemons and limes. Place bunches of green or purple grapes around the potted plant and candles.
- 5
  Set out small wooden or white bowls of green olives. Place a bowl in the center of a round table, or display several bowls down the length of a rectangular table. The olives provide a rustic flair and also serve as appetizers for your party guests.

Tags: candle holders, italian table, italian table centerpieces, make italian, make italian table, potted plant

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Historic places to hold a wedding in massachusetts

It's interesting:
"Our members' speeches are wedding-day highlights, so whether you're planning ... We have the largest collection of original, never-canned wedding speech ..."

If you've decided to get married in historic Massachusetts, congratulations. The state offers multiple possibilities for couples who want to embark on their future in a storied place of the past. From a church where colonists decided to revolt against Britain's oppressive taxes to a spectacular country estate, brides and grooms have a range of options when it comes to historic venues in which to say "I do."

Old South Meeting House
- Built by Puritans in 1729, Old South Meeting House (oldsouthmeetinghouse.org) marks the site where colonists once gathered while they planned to overthrow British rule. From the Boston Massacre to the Boston Tea Party, this church played a vital role in the Revolutionary War. As a place of worship, it welcomed Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin as congregation members. Today, it's a National Historic Landmark in the heart of downtown Boston, with a great deal of its classic Puritan architecture preserved.
Commander's Mansion
- A stunning Victorian house overlooking the Charles River in Watertown, Commander's Mansion (commandersmansion.com) not only features marble fireplaces, polychromatic hardwood floors and intricate moldings, it once served as headquarters for Union officers of the Civil War. So lavish was its design, Congress rebuked Capt. Thomas Rodman, its commissioner, for extravagance and waste. It later promoted him. In 1976, Commander's Mansion was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, nearly unaltered from its original state.
Gore Place
- The former summer residence of Massachusetts Gov. Christopher Gore, Gore Place (goreplace.org) is said to be New England's most architecturally significant mansion from the Federal period. Styled after European country estates, the 45-acre property in Waltham boasts sweeping lawns, shaded walks and a small farm with sheep and goats. Inside, the manor features elaborate French wallpaper, English hardware, 15-foot ceilings and a grand ballroom. The carriage house, built in 1793, holds up to 90 guests.
Hooper-Lee-Nichols House
- Hooper-Lee-Nichols House (cambridgehistory.org) offers couples the chance to marry in the second oldest house in Cambridge. Built in 1865 by Dr. Richard Hooper, the property began its life as a modest two-room farmhouse with an exposed frame. The house eventually transformed into a three-story Georgian mansion after being remodeled and expanded multiple times. Now the home of The Cambridge Historical Society, it has been deemed a National Historic Landmark and can accommodate modest weddings of up to 65 guests.

Tags: Commander Mansion, Gore Place, Historic Landmark, Historic places, Historic places hold

Monday, July 20, 2009

About medieval wedding flowers

It's interesting:
"It seems that just a couple of days before the wedding, he chose a tall, striking blonde behind his fiances back. He voted for Boris Johnson on Thursday…"

Flowers used in Medieval weddings were typically fragrant blooms of rich color -- including shades of yellow, orange, red, green and purple -- which symbolized love, fidelity and fertility. Medieval weddings were distinguished by the prominent use of wheat and herbs, such as basil, thyme, rosemary and even garlic, in floral bouquets, centerpieces and decorations. If you want a Medieval-themed wedding of your own, keep certain flowers and color schemes in mind to keep with tradition.

Gloriosa Lily
- Gloriosa lilies are a perfect choice to include in a Medieval-themed wedding. These rustic-looking blooms are bold pinks and reds, symbolizing love, with bright yellow tips. They last long after they are cut, making them great to include in bouquets and centerpieces. They have the fragile, exotic appearance of crushed red velvet, and while they are not true lilies, growing on a vine rather than from a bulb, gloriosa lilies still represented a sweetness and elegance during Medieval times as their authentic counterparts. These flowers are also called the Flame Lily, Glory Lily or Climbing Lily.
Orange Blossoms
- Orange blossoms are a traditional choice for Medieval-themed weddings. Knights returning from the Crusades introduced to Medieval Europe the Saracen custom of weaving wreaths of orange blossom flowers for couples on their wedding day. Orange blossoms had been associated with purity and chastity throughout the Middle East for centuries, and these flowers quickly became a common sight at weddings of the wealthy, nobility and royalty of Europe. These flowers were highly sought after by royalty and nobility for their delicate white blossoms- evergreen leaves, which represented everlasting love- and sweet fragrance during the Middle Ages.
Parrot Tulips
- Parrot tulips are the perfect choice if you want to incorporate bright colors and drama into your Medieval-themed wedding, as the petals of these tulips have a wavy, curled or feathered appearance characteristic of period fabrics. These soft, rounded blooms were highly prized by the wealthy and nobility as exotic symbols of passionate love as well as high status. Some parrot tulips even emit a sweet fragrance, making these distinctly-shaped flowers appropriate blooms to incorporate in a Medieval wedding. Parrot tulips come in a wide array of vibrant colors, including apricot, orange, red, purple, white and pink, and there are even striking multi-color varieties. Each color held its own symbolic meaning during Medieval times.
Amaryllis
- During the Medieval and Victorian eras, amaryllis flowers represented "splendid beauty," and were common fixtures in floral arrangements and bouquets of the time. Crimson red varieties were associated with true love and used most often in weddings, as a Greek myth tells of a maiden named Amaryllis who created the flower for her lover with blood from her own heart. Cream, white, yellow, orange and pink varieties are also appropriate to include in Medieval-themed weddings.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Medieval-themed wedding, About medieval, About medieval wedding, associated with, bouquets centerpieces, during Medieval

Hotels in metro denver with a honeymoon suite

Couples who spend their honeymoon in Denver, the capital of Colorado, are conveniently near the beautiful, romantic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. This city also offers attractions for newlyweds to check out, including the Denver Botanical Gardens, a recreational park that offers walking paths and the Boettcher Concert Hall, which offers classical music and operatic productions.

Grand Hyatt Denver
- Grand Hyatt has been listed as a top pick in The Knot Best of Weddings magazine in 2008 and 2009. For wedding ceremonies, Grand Hyatt provides a wedding specialist, banquet hall for ceremony or reception and a catering service for the reception. A complimentary hotel suite is available for the newlyweds that offers breakfast in bed, champagne and chocolates. This hotel, located in downtown Denver features amenities such as an indoor swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool tub, valet parking and a rooftop tennis court and jogging track. An on-site restaurant, 1876, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each of the guest rooms include 32-inch flat-screen television, marble-furnished bathroom and work desk. The hotel is less than 10 minutes from Commons Park, which features walking paths by the Platte River.
  Grand Hyatt
  1750 Welton St.
  Denver, CO 80202
  303-295-1234
  granddenver.hyatt.com
Magnolia Hotel Denver
- The Magnolia Hotel offers facilities for weddings, as well as packages for honeymooners. One such package is the "Romance Package," which includes a stay at one of the hotel's suites, chilled champagne and a reception at the Magnolia Lounge. The suites at this hotel accommodate honeymooners with a living room area, kitchen, and fireplace. . The hotel provides amenities such as valet parking, free late night cookie buffet and complimentary shuttle service to points of interest in downtown Denver. The hotel, situated in downtown Denver, is about a five-minute drive from the Molly Brown House, a museum that was the 19th century home of Molly Brown. Magnolia Hotel is also only a five minute drive from City Park, a 330-acre recreational area that features paths for cycling, an 18-hole golf course and fishing at Duck Lake.
  Magnolia Hotel Denver
  818 17th St.
  Denver, CO 80202
  888-915-1110
  magnoliahoteldenver.com
Embassy Suites Denver Hotel -- Southeast
- Embassy Suites is located across the street from the shops and restaurants at the Tiffany Plaza Mall in southeast Denver. This hotel features facilities for weddings, such as a indoor garden atrium for the ceremony, bridal changing room and banquet room for the receptions. Specialized wedding cakes are also available. A complimentary suite is provided for the honeymooners on the the night of the wedding that includes a bottle of champagne and fresh strawberries. Room packages are also available for the couple's wedding guests. Other hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, fitness center and on-site restaurant, Creekside Bar & Grille, that serves lunch and dinner. Pets are allowed to stay for an extras fee. Embassy Suites is located less than 15 minutes from Cherry Creek State Park, a recreational area that offers picnic facilities and boating excursions on Cherry Creek Lake.
  Embassy Suites Denver Hotel -- Southeast
  7525 E. Hampden Ave.
  Denver, CO 80231
  303-696-6644
  wcghotels.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Embassy Suites, Grand Hyatt, Magnolia Hotel, downtown Denver, that offers, also available, amenities such

Gifts for a 1st year wedding anniversary

It's interesting:
"Now, I think you'll agree, after seeing the amount of free booze available at this wedding, that it's a good job it's a Bank Holiday this weekend. And if you do ..."

While the first anniversary is a major milestone in any marriage, it's generally not a time for diamonds and pearls. Paper is the traditional first-anniversary gift, and you can stick to the tradition while offering a gift that is heartfelt and meaningful.

Personal Paper Items
- Paper is an ideal medium to write down your personal thoughts and offer it to your loved one or that first-year couple. Do this with a scrapbook, a framed photograph or writing a poem. Other personalized paper items can include a notebook or small photo book containing 365 reasons why you love this person or admire the couple--one for each day of the year. Or keep it simple with a handwritten letter that lets the person or couple know how much they mean to you.
Tickets
- Tickets fall under the first-anniversary paper category, and they can range from plane tickets to Paris or seats at an upcoming concert or sporting event. If cash is tight, make your own tickets or coupons that are good for the person's or couple's favorite homemade meal- a service you perform yourself, such as washing the car or cleaning the house- or any other task you feel the recipient will appreciate.
Book
- Everybody has a favorite book, and the paper anniversary is a great time to gift that person with his or hers. Pick a few novels, a hardcover edition of a favorite all-time tome, or a subscription to a book club or magazine the person reads regularly. If the gift is for the couple, you can opt for a book they will both enjoy, such as a collection of essays on love, a humorous book on relationships or marriage, or a showpiece coffee-table book with photos of something that interests them both.

Tags: gift that, Gifts year, Gifts year wedding, person couple, that good, wedding anniversary, year wedding

Friday, July 17, 2009

Color scheme ideas for a summer wedding

It's interesting:
"It is said that a Fall wedding is a very special one, because at a time when so much of the life around us is changing colors and dying, we gather together for a celebration of life and a brand new beginning. Indeed, today we are very privileged to welcome a new married couple into the world. I hope that every time you celebrate your anniversary, you will always think back to this wonderful Autumn day and remember all the love and warmth that you feel in this room right now."

Summer is a popular season for weddings, as many couples enjoy the warm weather and greenery associated with this lovely time of year. The color scheme you choose for your summer wedding will serve as the basis of your decor and create a setting that is warm and welcoming to your guests. The colors for a summer wedding can be bright or subtle, but they should complement the venue and formality of the event.

Orange, Green and Yellow
- This color scheme is extremely bright and somewhat playful. A vibrant orange next to a warm yellow with a lime green will reflect the sun-kissed colors of summer and add a cheerful undertone to your decor. Combine all three colors in your reception table by using an orange floor-length tablecloth with a short yellow tablecloth or runner on top. Green napkins and centerpieces will help pull everything together for a uniform look.
Champagne, Gold and Light Blue
- This color combination is idyllic for summer weddings on the beach as these three colors will subtly reflect the beachy hues of sand and water. A light blue will work best, as richer shades of blue will compete with the ocean instead of complement it. Chairs with champagne slipcovers tied off with gold and blue bows can be used to decorate the ceremony or tables at the reception.
Bubblegum Pink and Turquoise
- Another vibrant color combination, bubblegum pink and turquoise are both very rich hues, and because they are similar in value they will not compete with each other in your decor. Use these two colors side by side in all aspects of your decorating, with one acting as a base color and the other as an accent color. This will give a coordinated look to your decorations.
Ivory and Seafoam
- Seafoam green and ivory is a color combination that is both simple and bright--perfect for a beautiful summer day. The seafoam green will look less vibrant next to ivory, so it will not stand out as starkly as it would against pure white. Ivory decorations with seafoam accents will give your venue a uniform appearance without looking too over the top.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: summer wedding, color combination, your decor, blue will, Color scheme ideas, colors summer

Diy wedding program wording

Budget-conscious brides can cut down on costs by doing some wedding projects on their own rather than hiring vendors. Couples can design wedding stationery, including wedding programs, using their home computer. When composing the programs, it is important that you include important elements of the wedding ceremony and express your gratitude to your family, bridal party and guests.

Instructions

- 1
  Place the basic wedding information on the cover of the wedding program, including the couple&rsquo-s names, wedding date and location. Use the bride and groom&rsquo-s full names on the program cover, much like you did on the wedding invitation. For example, the cover can say &ldquo-The marriage of Theresa Lynn Edwards and Timothy Paul Miller, April 3, 2011, St. Peter Catholic Church.&rdquo-
- 2
  Include a ceremony outline for guests to follow. Common elements of a wedding ceremony, regardless of religion, include the processional, a reading, the exchange of vows and exchange of rings and a unity candle or sand ceremony. List these items in the order they will occur, and consider including any musical selections as well.
- 3
  List your bridal party members, including the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl and ring bearer. You can simply list the names, or you can provide a brief explanation about your relationship with each person. Also, list your officiant on this page.
- 4
  Include a note of gratitude to your parents and anyone else who supported you as you planned the wedding. Write this note as a couple, and explain what your family&rsquo-s support means to you. In this note, it is also appropriate to thank guests for coming to celebrate your marriage.
- 5
  Explain any traditions. Whether you are having a religious or civil ceremony, you will surely include some ceremony elements that you want to explain to your guests. For example, if you are having a Catholic Mass, you might want to explain that only Catholic guests can take communion. If you are including a unity candle ceremony, you can discuss how the lighting of the candle signifies the joining of your lives.
- 6
  Give guests helpful information. If your reception is at a different location, then provide your guests with directions to the venue. You can provide any additional information about the reception here.

Tags: wedding program, bridal party, elements wedding, elements wedding ceremony, gratitude your, program wording

Friday, July 31, 2009

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

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Monday, July 27, 2009

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Friday, July 24, 2009

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Thursday, July 23, 2009

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