The best ways to do wedding portraits

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."

Posing for wedding portraits is a necessary part of the wedding day and tradition itself. Having photographs that are not stiff or overly staged can be considered an art form. With the hectic schedule of a wedding day, planning the portrait ideas with the wedding couple ahead of time can set the day up for success and result in stunning photos the bride and groom will cherish for years to come.

1. Build Trust

   • Build a trusting relationship between the photographer and the subjects, namely the bride and groom. Discuss what you like and do not like about other photos, and if there are certain people, pets or items that the couple wants included in the photos. The couple must be comfortable trusting the photographer, so having an ongoing conversation is essential.

   Different Angles

   • Position the bride, groom and other subjects in the photograph. Then take several photos, choosing to shoot from different angles. Shoot from a low point, then above the subjects. Use different lenses to create different looks from the same portrait idea.

   Timing

   • Plan when the portrait sessions will be throughout the day. Many couples will choose to have formal photographs done before the ceremony, while others will opt to wait until after the ceremony. If possible, steal the bride and groom away from the reception for a more intimate portrait session. They will likely appreciate the quiet time together, and the photographer will be able to capture some spontaneous photos that connect with the couple.

   Pure Emotion

   • Draw real emotion from the couple being photographed. Smiling, happy portraits are necessary, but many couples are also looking to see the raw emotion of the day captured in their images. Discuss religion, politics or family matters that will invoke different looks and body language. What will result is a photograph that conveys the true feelings the subject has in that given moment, making it a realistic and thought provoking portrait.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, wedding portraits, best ways, best ways wedding, different looks, portraits necessary

Humorous christmas gifts for men

It's interesting:
"I would like to congratulate Paul on his impeccable taste in choosing such a beautiful wife. And Linda, well done on saying “I do” to my mate Paul, because, let’s face it - that must have been hard."

Humorous Christmas gifts are always a safe choice when buying for that new boyfriend, brother or male co-worker. Funny gifts say that you put thought into your gift purchase without going overboard with emotion. It is important to know what the men in your life are into, so look around their home or office for those off the wall knick-knacks, games and clothes. There are plenty of gag gift shops in your neighborhood or mall to purchase these entertaining holiday gifts.

1. The Boy Within

   • Boys will be boys when it comes to the typical gag gift of fart machines and shot glasses with barely dressed girls- but you can still appeal to the child within with air guns. These are turbo sized air-powered guns and once filled with water will get that holiday party stirred into a frenzy. Marshmallow guns are also available and pelting someone with a marshmallow is always funny.

   Witty Wear

   • Vintage t-shirts with witty sayings are a comical asset to any wardrobe. Print his favorite saying on a t-shirt and wrap the present using the comic section of a newspaper. Another idea is to get a t-shirt autographed from a comedian. Many local comedy clubs will have the headliner outside after a show signing their merchandise. Either way, the shirt will be something your guy is certain to wear.

   The Collector

   • If your co-worker seems to know all the lines from the latest movie or decorates his office with superheros, it is a safe bet he's a collector of all things funny. Group together the male movie comedies such as, "Swingers," "Anchorman", "Wedding Crashers" and "The Three Amigos." Or go the comic book route and pick out one that defines your co-worker. Comic books can be pricey but will show you have put careful thought in your purchase.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: christmas gifts, Humorous christmas gifts, your co-worker

Checklist to plan your wedding in 4 months

It's interesting:
"There's something special about a church wedding, but most of us here have to admit that we rarely set foot inside a church these days. In fact ..."

You took the plunge and you're engaged. Now comes the hard part: planning the wedding. While it is typical to take about a year to plan a wedding, some couples get married much sooner. You can plan a wedding in four months, but you'll have to work fast, know your budget and make some compromises.

1. Set the Date and Find a Venue

   • With only a few months to plan, you should try to be somewhat flexible, in case venues aren't available on your preferred date. If there is no wiggle room on the date, be prepared to have your wedding wherever you can find an opening. As soon as you have the date set, call churches, halls and other event venues to determine availability and budget. Sign a contract as soon as possible.

   Hire Vendors

   • Once the date and place are set, you'll need to hire a photographer, DJ or band, florist and baker. If you are not getting married in a church, you'll also need to hire an officiant. Get recommendations from friends and family and meet all vendors in person to be sure they are a fit for your wedding's style and budget, suggests Nicole Lasorda of Let's Have a Ball Events.

   Choose a Bridal Party

   • You'll want to ask friends and family early on, as a wedding can be a significant commitment both financially and time-wise. Keep in mind that your bridal party may not have the time or resources to pull together an elaborate bridal shower or bachelorette/bachelor party.

   Purchase Wedding Attire

   • Book an appointment to go wedding dress shopping during month one of your planning and bring bridesmaids with you to select their attire as well. Keep in mind that couture bridal gowns often take up to six months to come in, so your selections may be limited to off-the-rack styles.

   Create a Guest List

   • You should have a final guest list ready by the beginning of the second month of your planning window. Work with your families to get names and addresses of all VIPs. Set guest list expectations with parents early if you are footing the bill as a couple.

   Send Invitations and Make Travel Plans

   • Invitations should be sent about two months in advance, according to Real Simple. If most of your guests are coming from out of town, you'll want to give them as much notice as possible. Call hotels to set aside a block of rooms for your guests and include information on lodging options in your invitations.

   Go Shopping

   • Register for gifts so you are prepared for any bridal showers that family or friends may host for you. Wedding guests will also want to purchase from the registry. At this time you should also buy wedding rings and other items you will need, such as wedding day shoes, favors, centerpiece items and bridal party gifts.

   Apply for a Marriage License

   • Check your area's requirements for marriage licenses- USMarriageLaws.com has a comprehensive list of requirements by state. You may need to get blood tests as well, depending on where you live. Most states require a waiting period of several days after the license has been ordered, so applying a few weeks or a month before the wedding is a sound idea.

   Arrange Last-Minute Details

   • In your last weeks of planning you should wrap up all of the details. This includes confirming with vendors, making a seating chart, assembling favors, attending final dress fittings, writing your vows and cutting checks for final vendor deposits. Real Simple suggests choosing a person to be in charge of small day-of tasks, such as keeping track of gifts and helping with your dress.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, bridal party, Checklist plan, Checklist plan your, friends family

How to make chicken parm in the crock pot

make chicken parm in the crock pot

It's interesting:
"And for those of you who don't know, this special day in the lives of Dave and Sarah also happens to be Chinese New Year! Or, as they call it in China."

Most people have a little extra time in the morning to prepare a meal and no extra time when they get home from work. They miss out on some great dishes because of this. Now they don't have to any more. This is a great recipe for preparing chicken parmesan ahead of time and having it waiting for you when you get home.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• 4 boneless chicken breasts tenderized
• 1 bowl of beaten eggs
• 1 bowl of bread crumbs
• A few Shakes of Parmesan cheese
• A few shakes of garlic powder
• 1/2 jar of Prego Chunky Garden Style Sauce
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Oil
• Frying pan
• Crock Pot

Instructions

1. • 1

     In a bowl combine bread crumbs with your parmesan cheese and garlic powder.

   • 2

     Dip your chicken breasts one at a time in your egg mixture and then in your bread crumb mixture. You can do this twice for a total of two coatings if you wish.

   • 3

     Heat up the oil in your frying pan and cook chicken a few minutes on each side. They don't have to be completely cooked because they will finish cooking in the crock pot.

   • 4

     Place your chicken breasts in the crock pot and cover with Prego spaghetti sauce.

   • 5

     Cover your crock pot with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

   • 6

     Sprinkle on your mozzarella cheese right before you are ready to eat. Serve after the cheese has melted.

Tips &- Warnings

• Throw your favorite spices in to the bread crumb mixture to coat the chicken.

• Keep kids out of the room when you are cooking with oil.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: chicken breasts, bread crumb, bread crumb mixture, bread crumbs, chicken parm

How to select a string quartet for a wedding

select a string quartet for a wedding

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.' ..."

The music is one of the most important parts of the wedding ceremony. It helps things go smoothly and sets the mood for the whole event. If you have chosen to hire a string quartet for your wedding, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Know what you want. Some quartets specialize in pop music, while others stick to the more traditional classical repertoire for weddings. Ask the quartet about this before you set up a meeting, and don't expect a classical quartet to be able to play the latest Rolling Stones hit. Some will, though, so don't be afraid to ask.

   • 2

     Arrange for a meeting. Set up a time to meet with the quartet and discuss music, scheduling and costs. Don't be afraid to meet with several quartets to make sure that you are pleased with your choice. You can also ask for references and demo recordings.

   • 3

     Make a list of songs that you would like to be played at the wedding. If at all possible, share this with a quartet before you actually meet with them so that they can tell you if they are able to play your favorite numbers. Also, be open to feedback. Most quartets will have been in more weddings than you, so if they tell you, "'Stars and Stripes Forever' really doesn't work for the processional," then maybe you should listen to them! If you really have no idea what you are looking for, a good quartet should be able to suggest songs and help you find the perfect ones.

   • 4

     Sign the contract. Most professional quartets will have a contract for you to sign, although some go by verbal agreement. A down payment is also usually required.

   • 5

     Enjoy the music! A good quartet will be attentive and flexible, able to follow the flow of the ceremony and keep everything running smoothly. There will be many things for you to take care of on the wedding day, but you can relax, knowing that the music is in good hands.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: meet with, string quartet, able play, good quartet, music good

Outdoor wedding hairstyles

It's interesting:
"It was 48 hours before the wedding and I had zero best man speech made. 2 hours ... You can find speech material to suit any style of wedding. It blends the ..."

When you get married outside, be prepared for varying types of weather, ranging from hot and humid to cold and windy. On your wedding day, the last thing you need to worry about is your hairstyle not holding up. Select an outdoor wedding hairstyle that is romantic and sturdy. You shouldn't have to worry about your hairstyle coming apart midway through the ceremony.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Up-do Hairstyles

   • Choose an up-do for your wedding.

     Choose a casual up-do. Sweep your hair into a low bun, leaving a few tendrils of hair loose. Curl the tendrils with a curling iron, combing the curls away from your face. Even if a few strands come loose from the bun, this hairstyle still looks elegant.

     Tie your hair into a ponytail. Make loops out of sections of hair. Use bobby pins to secure the loops. Add jeweled combs or a flower that matches your bouquet.

   Half-up, Half-down Hairstyles

   • Romantic half-up, half-down hairstyles work well for outdoor weddings.

     If you prefer a more romantic style, choose a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Pull the sides of your hair back and keep the rest of it free-flowing.

     Pull the sides of your hair back into a braid. Add a few curls to your hairstyle so the strands appear wavy with a few bouncy curls.

     For a hairstyle with more curl, set your hair in hot rollers for 20 minutes. Pull the sides back in a small ponytail. Let the rest of the curls hang naturally. Brush them out gently. Adorn your hair with pearl clips or flowers.

   Ponytail Hairstyles

   • Add a tiara to your wedding hairstyle.

     If you want a curly ponytail, set your hair in hot rollers to achieve large, springy curls. Sweep your hair into a side ponytail on the right side. Fasten the ponytail with an elastic band. Cover the band with a flower or bow.

     For an elegant ponytail, try a low ponytail with a twist. Blow-dry your hair. Tease it to create volume while adding mousse and hair gel. Brush through your hair and twist it into a low ponytail. Secure it with bobby pins instead of an elastic band for a looser hairstyle. Brush your bangs to the side for a sexy, flirty look.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your hair, hair into, Pull sides, your hair into, your hairstyle, your wedding, about your

Fernandina beach wedding ideas

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 ..."

Located on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Florida, is known for its beautiful white sands and unmatched sunrises along its eastern coast. A fine mixture of tourists and residents, people enjoy the island year-round to bask in the Florida sun and dip their toes in the ocean. For the bride and groom seeking a beach wedding, Fernandina Beach has much to offer.

1. Sunrise

   • For early risers, Fernandina Beach offers an ideal place to hold a sunrise wedding. For those on a budget, opting to stay at hotel away from the beach will make the occasion convenient yet affordable. Decorations are optional for a sunrise wedding because the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean makes the scenery for the event. The bride and groom will have to consider the many spectators that show up each morning to watch the event and either ask for their consideration during your nuptials or simply add them to the joyous occasion.

   The Beach Pavilion

   • The city of Fernandina maintains a small pavilion on the wooden beach walk. With a permit from the city council, a bride and groom can reserve the open-air building to exchange vows. Because it is a small area, the number of guests will be limited, but parking is convenient, and the views around the building include natural grasses and beach. If the couple dreams of a moonlight wedding, small outdoor lighting is available to shed soft light in the area. The pavilion is within walking distance of several of the island's popular restaurants for the bridal party wishing to have a sit-down dinner afterward, or you can opt for catering at the nearby picnic area. Nearby hotels also offer rooms to accommodate a wedding reception.

   Beach Home Wedding

   • Large rental homes line Fernandina Beach. Their large, luxurious beachfront decks serve as an ideal spot for the couple seeking a private, oceanfront wedding. Whether formal or informal, morning or evening, the options are yours. Weekly rates and spacious areas allow the bridal party to gather for pre-wedding events and can double as lodging for out-of-town guests. Many of the homes feature large gathering rooms to act as a reception hall after the wedding or as the honeymoon home after the reception. Rates for these rental homes vary widely according to the size of the home. The time of the year also affects the cost, so a bride on a budget may choose an off-season time to tie the knot.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: beach wedding, bride groom, Fernandina Beach, beach wedding ideas, bridal party, Fernandina beach wedding, rental homes

Gifts for a tea party hostess

It's interesting:
"For those of you who are attending their first Jewish wedding, there may be some customs you're unfamiliar with. Like when Paul stepped on the glass at the end ..."

Tea parties suggest elegance and etiquette. The Tea Party Club website suggests tea party guests bring tea party hostess gifts befitting the occasion. Select a gracious gift to express your gratitude as a guest at your hostess's tea affair. So many gift ideas fit a tea party aesthetic. You need not give an extravagant or expensive gift. Select from ideas, such as tea-related gifts, stationery supplies and bath and body gifts.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Stationery Gifts

   • Stationery makes a thoughtful gift for a hostess of any event.

     Chances are a tea party hostess enjoys surrounding herself with elegance. Give your hostess a box of custom note cards or personalized stationery. Present her with embossed invitations for her next affair. Show your appreciation with a box of invitation envelope labels or a wax seal kit. Tell her you cannot wait for your next invitation to see her personal touch using your gift.

   Tea and Savory Gifts

   • Give a tea cup as a hostess gift.

     Tea party guests imbibe floral and herbal teas, petite sandwiches and lighter-than-air pastries. Use your anticipation for these delights as the inspiration for an appropriate hostess gift. Give her a sampler of teas with a teacup and saucer. Bring her a tea cozy or a tea accessories set with creamer, sugar bowl, honey pot and spoons. Reach beyond the theme of tea and give your tea party hostess pots of herbs from a gardening shop, suggests Purple Trail, a party-related website.

   Spa Gifts

   • A tea party hostess may appreciate a spa-related gift.

     After planning a tea party and after the event, your hostess may enjoy kicking off her shoes and treating herself to a relaxing bath or a facial. Give her a set of fragrant bath oil and body lotion in her favorite scent. Or give your friend a gift to transport her with a CD of relaxing music, such as Kenny G smooth jazz or Deuter Henon New Age music. Present her with a pair of aromatherapy candles to breathe in as she stretches out in a bath or on the bed.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: party hostess, Gifts party, Gifts party hostess, your hostess, bath body, give your

Diy wedding flower centerpieces

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. Oh, that’s right, to make a speech, so here goes …"

Wedding expenses can add up quickly for a bride on a budget. After paying to cater a meal for a few hundred people and renting the reception venue, it may be difficult to justify a large budget for the table centerpieces. Create your own flower centerpieces with a little creativity and help from the wedding attendants. Ask the bridal party to gather after the rehearsal dinner to create do-it-yourself wedding flower centerpieces with fresh or silk flowers.

1. Potted Plant Centerpieces

   • Choose a flower representative of the wedding theme. Contact a local wholesale flower nursery and purchase a case of plants. Expect to receive up to 24 plants per case. Order extra plants for a healthy variety. Select the ones with the most vibrant and plentiful blooms the night before the wedding to be included in the centerpieces.

     Go to a garden supply store to purchase small flower pots. Transplant each plant into an appropriately sized pot for the height of the foliage. Choose a short pot for creeping and cascading styles of plants, such as moss roses, and choose a taller pot for upright flowers, such as orchids.

     Decorate the pots with ribbons in the wedding colors. Add a note to the pots letting guests know the flowers are a thank-you gift for attending the wedding. Use one larger potted plant per table if the foliage is thick and full, such as blooming mums.

   Fresh-Cut Centerpiece

   • Purchase fresh-cut stems of hearty flowers, such as tulip buds or zinnias. Trim the stems, peel off wilting petals or leaves and place them in a vase. Fill clear vessels with room-temperature water. Treat the water with cut-flower plant food. Fully submerge one stem at a time, twisting it as needed to make the bloom fit into the vase. Layer stems in the vessel so the greenery and blooms face outward.

     Arrange four or five flower-filled vessels in a circle. Place tea-light candles around the base. Sprinkle flower petals around the tea lights to add more color.

   Silk-Flower Centerpieces

   • Consider reducing wedding expenses by using silk flowers. Choose high-quality silk flowers and use fewer stems in each centerpiece for a modern, classy look.

     Choose a tall, slender bud vase and one single long-stem silk flower. Decorate the vase with ribbons or another flower by twisting it around the exterior of the vase. Use a shallow bowl, and twist one stem with several blooms inside the base of the bowl for an artistic look. Arrange tea-light candles around the bases of the vases for added interest.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: flower centerpieces, silk flowers, wedding flower, wedding flower centerpieces, candles around, centerpieces with

Fashion stylist job description

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 ..."

Visual images are created by mixing different patterned and textured garments with complementary accessories to create an ensemble. A fashion stylist relies on a keen eye for spotting fashion trends and creating these ensembles for celebrities, magazine spreads, television advertising campaigns as well as music videos. Well-known fashion stylists, such as Rachel Zoe, often brand their name and develop fashion collections, as well as products such as perfume.

1. Fashion Stylist's Responsibilities

   • This often glamorized job entails long hours and excessive travel to locate specific garments and accessories for their clientele, which can range from advertising companies, celebrities, public figures or fashion magazines. The stylist's responsibilities can often entail rearranging their client's closet and wardrobe by removing outdated garments, searching for items that complement their client's figure and personal shopping.

   Assignments

   • Stylists are often booked for specific assignments. Booking is an industry term used once the stylist has received and accepted the terms of a styling job. The term assignment refers to the type of job being offered. Stylists can also be booked by working with an a styling agency. Their agents book the stylists directly and negotiate all of the payment terms, including compensation for expenses such as air travel, hotels, meals and car rentals. Assignments vary, such as styling a public figure for a public appearance or styling a celebrity for an awards ceremony such as the Oscars.

   Job Titles

   • Wardrobe stylist, celebrity stylist and image consultant are a few job titles used when referring to a fashion stylist. Although a fashion editor's responsibilities parallel a stylists, usually an editor works for a particular organization, such as a magazine, and has added responsibilities. A stylist is often hired by the editor to coordinate ensembles for specific assignments.

   Function

   • Specific jobs, such as magazine shoots, often begin with a design brief, which includes the concept and idea that needs to be created and executed. The fashion stylist must work with other industry professionals, such as photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, lighting designers, set builders, fashion designers and the art director. The stylist must have open lines of communication with these departments to locate wardrobe and accessories for the shoot as well as to style the ensembles accordingly to the art director's vision.

   Wages

   • The stylist's wages vary on the type of booked job as well as their clientele. Editorial jobs generally pay the least and television advertising campaigns, celebrities and spokespersons generally pay the highest wages. The stylist can also arrange to be paid daily, which is referred to as daily rates. Earnings vary by the type of client and assignment as well as the responsibilities associated with the assignment. Wages can vary from $500 to $1,000 hourly or $200 to $10,000 daily, depending on the type of gig booked.

   Certification and Training

   • Although this field does not require a specific college degree, certification is available from fashion image schools and is also available online. Aspiring stylists often work as an apprentice to gain their knowledge of the business as well as training. The apprentice often picks up wardrobe or designer samples for a photo shoot as well as tags the garments, which refers to writing garment description inventory lists for return after the assignment is complete. The apprentice also receives the opportunity to meet other industry professionals and learns about coordinating and mixing colors, textures and patterns.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: advertising campaigns, Fashion stylist description, industry professionals, other industry, other industry professionals, shoot well, specific assignments

Fantasy christmas decorating ideas

It's interesting:
"Even world class comics know what it's like to die on stage, and a wedding ... Nobody wants the soundtrack of their wedding night to be a chorus of loud groans."

Christmas is not just a holiday for children to enjoy. Adults can realize the Christmas fantasy worlds they imagined as a child with creative decorating. If you need inspiration, turn to children's Christmas picture books and holiday magazines for ideas. The only limit is your imagination.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Winter Wonderland

   • The essentials to create a winter wonderland are sleigh bells, glistening snow, a fire and the illusion that everything is magical. Imagine how a magical forest would look just after a snowfall: elegantly silver and white with rays of light bouncing off crystalline surfaces.

     Start the fantasy Christmas decor with the tree. Create a Christmas tree that looks like it was dusted with snow by using spray snow on the branches. Add silver, white, metallic and transparent ornaments that glitter to make the tree look extra frosty. Place bouquets of white roses throughout the rooms. Add snow drifts with spray snow, which you can place on windowsills and shelves, around a fireplace hearth (if you do not plan to light any fires) and on houseplants. Cover mantels, buffets and stair rails with fresh cedar flocked with spray snow- dangle crystal icicles beneath the foliage. Add white-colored covers over chairs and sofas, and use white linens on tables. At the base of furniture and in Christmas trees, illuminate blue and white LED lights to create the appearance of a winter glow. Use submersible LED lights in the vases that contain the roses for a magical look.

   Dreaming of a Dark Christmas

   • Purchase a black artificial tree. Some black trees come with a dusting of silver glitter. Decorate the tree with glass ornaments that are black, transparent, dark red and silver. Add elegant fairy ornaments to the tree. Other ornaments that go well with a black tree include purple lights, dragons, Celtic-style ornaments and black barn stars. Use dark red stockings, decorative ribbons and tree skirts made from a lush velvet or velour. Set out silver-colored candle holders to tie the dark Christmas fantasy theme together.

   Victorian Christmas Fantasy

   • When dreaming up Victorian Christmas decoration ideas, think of cameos, the colors pink and gold, lace, old-fashioned Santa figurines, porcelain and anything that reminds you of Queen Victoria. Start your decorating at the fireplace mantle. Cover the top of it with boughs of greens. Place pineapples, oranges, apples and other fruits on top of the greens to add color. Use small, gold-painted boxes to prop the fruit at different heights. Drape ribbons and beads on the greenery. Around the fruit, arrange cream-colored pillar candles in hurricane vases, and place a mirror above the mantle so it reflects the candlelight.

     Decorate your Victorian fantasy tree with burgundy, pink, gold and pearlescent ornaments. Add the heads of silk roses, clip-on feathered birds and clip-on flameless candles to the tree's branches. Place strands of pearls, crystal beads and ribbons around the tree. At the bottom of the tree, place a burgundy or pink tree skirt accented with gold trim. Decorate the rest of the home with pillar candles, pearls, displays of greenery, wreaths, garlands and wide burgundy ribbons.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: ornaments that, burgundy pink, christmas decorating, christmas decorating ideas, Christmas fantasy

Toasts from the mother of the groom

It's interesting:
"Generally speaking, a good wedding speech should sound as if it has been prepared and rehearsed over a long period before the event but the seemingly ..."

Every wedding is different, just as every couple is different, and although mother of the groom toasts aren't the standard, the groom's mother may be asked to say a few words at the reception. Nerves may creep up or you may be overwhelmed, however staying on topic and speaking from the heart can make for the perfect speech.

1. Find Good Quotes

   • If words are not your forte but you want to say something meaningful and memorable, use classic quotes in your speech. There are many quotes about children finding happiness, mothers and sons and marriage that can aid you in writing the perfect toast. If you have a favorite love quote or are a fan of a favorite line from a poem, use it in your speech. Sometimes quoting a famous line is a great way to convey thoughts and emotion.

   Tell a Funny Story

   • Give your speech a bit of character by adding a personal and funny story about your son. Something funny that not everyone knows about yet can break the ice for you, calm nerves and gain the guests' attention. If your son was the class clown, share a childhood story. Additionally, if he was always a romantic, share a sweet moment from his childhood- this will give insight into who he is to you and make for an entertaining speech.

   Welcome His New Life

   • This day is all about your son and his new bride, so why not toast to their new life and their happiness together? Welcome her family to yours in the speech and touch on the moment you knew your son was ready to pop the question. This will delight the bride and her side of the family and set the tone for an open and fun wedding reception.

   Offer Some Words of Wisdom

   • Showing support for your son's marriage and the new adventure he is about to embark on can be done through offering sage pieces of advice in your speech. Use personal advice from your marriage or little advice on love. Ask older grandparents for their key to success or offer a funny tidbit. Whether the advice is heartfelt or humorous, it will leave a lasting impression on your newlywed son and his bride.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your speech, mother groom, about your, from mother, from mother groom, Toasts from, Toasts from mother

Fancy dinner tablescape ideas

It's interesting:
"It was a stipulation for the wedding that the groomsmen weren't allowed to look better than the Best Man today and I'm pleased to say they have accomplished ..."

Changing decor styles is a great way to spruce up your home for a formal dinner. While you don't need a holiday or party to put a nice table together, it's a nice touch to acknowledge special occasions and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. You can combine items you've got in the pantry, flowers or autumn leaves from the yard or other festive touches for a beautiful tablescape.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Holiday

   • Begin with a tablerunner in festive colors--orange for Halloween, blue for Hanukkah or red for Christmas, for example. Get candles that showcase your design and place fall leaves, flowers or holly berries around the base of the candles. If you've got a special family heirloom or ornament, that might make a great centerpiece. Something classic and simple, or even a whimsical glass ornament or paperweight. Be sure not to put something in the table center that would block your guests' view of one another. If you don't have anything at home, you can buy ornaments cheaply or you can decorate with flowers for holidays like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.
     

     To incorporate the rest of the room, use table mats that blend with your centerpiece and consider incorporating the chairs by tying a ribbon around the seat backs or draping a gauzy fabric or some fake spiderwebs for a Halloween feast.

   Birthday

   • If you're planning a formal birthday dinner, consider the guest of honor's favorite colors. Balloons are festive and can be elegant, especially the jewel-toned ones. Consider a collection of antique sports equipment for an athlete, kitchen gadgets for a foodie or cowboy boots and sheriff's badges for a rodeo lover.
     

     The birthday tablescape should primarily be fun and festive.

   Children

   • If you're throwing a gala dinner for young children--to honor a high school graduation or a bar mitzvah, perhaps--ask them what they'd like to see. If they don't offer suggestions, get creative. If the child is a fan of card games, sports or comic figures, make these elements a part of your design. Create a table runner out of a checked fabric and spread Scrabble tiles across it, or repurpose some green felt with poker chips, cards and die for a casino-themed party. Ask the child to write place cards.

   Budget Ideas

   • If you're trying to stretch a budget, don't worry about matching table settings or place mats. You can supplement your collection by shopping at discount stores or you can buy some festive oilcloth and hem it for place mats or a tablecloth. Oilcloth is easy to care for and fashionably whimsical. Decorate with wildflowers you've picked, stones you've gathered, a collection of old milk bottles or seashells. Focus on bright, warm colors that will make your guests feel welcome. Decorate with floating tea lights in a bowl of roses. Throw a Southwestern-themed dinner and purchase inexpensive miniature cacti that guests can then take home as a remembrance.

   Traditional

   • Maybe you're feeling nostalgic for old times or maybe you're honoring a loved one's retirement or anniversary. If you're looking for a traditional tablescape, consider a lace table cloth, napkins in a bright contrasting color like red or royal blue, and gold and silver accent pieces.
     

     Use silver or gold napkin rings and china plates. If you've got black-and-white family photographs, lay some down a tablerunner or prepare a couple of collages for a centerpiece.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Decorate with, dinner tablescape, dinner tablescape ideas, Fancy dinner, Fancy dinner tablescape, place mats

How to plan a birthday party with a 1940s hollywood glamour theme

plan a birthday party with a 1940s hollywood glamour theme

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 ..."

As far as clothing, makeup and lifestyle went, the 1940s were one of the most glamorous decades. With stars such as Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant reigning in Hollywood, cocktails abounding and floor-length, tight evening dresses adorning Hollywood starlets, the decade is a great basis for a themed birthday party. However, it can be hard to know start planning a 1940s Hollywood glamour-themed birthday party. A few ideas can help you start planning the party of a lifetime.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• 1940s movies
• Costumes
• Computer
• Printer

Instructions

1. • 1

     Rent movies from the 1940s. Running 1940s Hollywood movies in the background (either projecting them onto a wall without sound or actually screening them later in the day) is a great way of evoking 1940s Hollywood. Movies such as "Casablanca" or "The Maltese Falcon"---or anything with Humphrey Bogart---are a great way to get your guests in the mood for a glamorous evening.

   • 2

     Assemble costumes. Encourage guests to come dressed in 1940s gear. Alternately, you can provide items for them to wear for the evening that you purchase from secondhand or costume shops. Great ideas for costumes include fedoras and wide ties for men, and evening gowns and beautiful 1940s heels for women. Have plenty of black eyeliner and red lipstick on hand for women who want to get that Barbara Stanwyck look.

   • 3

     Decorate. The easiest way to evoke Hollywood glamour from the 1940s in your decor is to decorate with film stills and publicity photos of famous actors and actresses from the era. Great choices include Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Judy Garland, Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Gary Cooper.

   • 4

     Make drinks. Cocktails in martini glasses are a great way to round out the 1940s glamour feel of your party. If you are throwing the party for teenagers, Shirley Temples are appropriate, as well as other nonalcoholic cocktails. If the party is for adults, martinis are the best way to go, although providing a variety of choices (Manhattans, scotch and other drinks) is a great way to round out your cocktail menu.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: birthday party, 1940s Hollywood, 1940s hollywood, 1940s hollywood glamour, birthday party with

How much does a backup guitarist make in major country bands?

It's interesting:
"'It was two days before the wedding and I finally sat down to write my toast. Low and ... Everyone at the wedding said it was the best toast they had ever heard.' ..."

The life of a touring backup guitar player with a major country band or artist isn't that different from touring in other music genres. The pay still depends on the musician's ability to play shows and the particular length of an artist's tour. The limited touring schedules of some country music artists and bands could have a negative effect on a freelance musician's ability to pay bills and keep playing professionally without a permanent commitment.

1. Job Details

   • A backup guitar player doesn't usually play a role in songwriting and isn't usually a full member of a band or artist with a record deal. This means the guitar player doesn't earn royalties for album sales or a percentage of the merchandise sales at concerts and festivals. A backup guitar player, even a player touring with a major country artist, usually earns a flat fee for his services for the entire length of the tour. The upside of this relationship is the guitar player doesn't have to participate in any interviews or press events unless the artist he's touring with needs him to play for a performance.

   National Salary Numbers

   • As of May 2010, the mean hourly wage for musicians across the country, including tour guitar players, was $30.22. This represents a 3.3 percent increase in hourly wages from the previous reporting year in 2009. The middle 50 percent of all musicians across the country earned $22.39 per hour as of May 2010. The top 10 percent earned $60.02 per hour, while the bottom 10 percent earned $8.50 per hour as of the same year.

   Country Music's Financial Picture

   • The country music industry hasn't experienced the same level of declining record sales as other music genres. According to Forbes, as of 2009 sales of country music albums only declined 3 percent compared to the double-digit losses in alternative and rock music. Major country music artists are also among the whole industry's top earners. Kenny Chesney, country music's top earner for 2010, grossed an estimated $50 million from album sales and touring. This allows him to pay a much higher rate to secure the best musicians possible for a tour.

   Limited Touring Schedules

   • Country music artists tend to tour less frequently than artists and bands in other music genres. This lack of a touring schedule can negatively impact a touring backup guitar player's annual salary, since she only earns money when she's playing. For example, country music artist George Strait only played 32 dates over a 12-month tour from late 2009 into 2010. While the tour brought in an estimated $1.3 million per night, that figure had very little to do with his touring band's pay. If an artist wishes to keep a guitar player or other band member on permanent retainer, the artist must pay the musician a year-round salary to keep her having to find new work.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: guitar player, backup guitar, backup guitar player, country music, major country

How to make camo wedding invitations

make camo wedding invitations

It's interesting:
"My first impression of Linda was that she was such a beautiful, witty, charming, clever, friendly and thoughtful person. And when she agreed to marry Paul, it totally proved to me that old adage – opposites really do attract."

Choosing the theme for a wedding is a great way to infuse your own personality and interests into each and every part of your special day. Camouflage-themed weddings are fairly popular, especially when both the bride and groom are hunters or served in the Armed Forces.

Camo wedding invitations are fairly easy to make- however, you must remember that camouflage is meant to keep things hidden, so printing an invitation on a fully camouflaged piece of paper isn't going to be easy to read. You can keep the theme present while going easy on the eyes of those who receive invitations.

Things You'll Need

• Camouflaged card stock

  Cream card stock

  Small camouflaged ribbon

  Computer with printer

  Hole punch

Instructions

1. Make Camo Wedding Invitations

   • 1

     Decide on the size and shape you would like your invitations to be. When choosing the size and shape, consider the extra postage that may be required for large and oddly shaped invitations. Square invitations will also cost more to send out than the traditional rectangle invitations.

   • 2

     Purchase card stock in camouflage and cream. The camouflage card stock may be difficult to find locally, but is available online. The cream card stock is available at any office supply store, and should be slightly smaller than the camouflage card stock. By purchasing the cream card stock in a smaller size, you'll avoid any unnecessary trimming.

   • 3

     Decide on the wording for your invitations and print the wording on the cream card stock. Both the wording and the font should reflect the formality of the wedding. Visit a local printer and browse through their wedding invitations, or consult a bridal etiquette book to get ideas for both the wording and the font of your invitation. If you are having a casual wedding, feel free to be creative. Just by having a camo-themed wedding, you're stepping outside the bounds of a traditional wedding, so don't feel bound by tradition when it comes to wording your invitation.

   • 4

     Center the cream card stock on top of the camouflaged card stock and punch two holes in the top of the card stock, about an inch off center. Be sure to punch through both pieces of card stock at once. These holes will allow you to tie your invitations together with the camouflaged ribbon

   • 5

     Thread the camouflaged ribbon through the holes with the ends coming out of the front of the invitation. Tie the loose ends into a bow and trim the ends on an angle.

Tips &- Warnings

• If your invitation doesn't quite fill the cream card stock, consider buying a shaped hole punch from a craft store and punching the shape into the bottom corner of the cream-colored card stock to show off a little more of the camo background.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: card stock, cream card stock, camouflaged ribbon, cream card, wedding invitations, your invitation, your invitations

Outdoor wedding reception ideas in new jersey

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."

New Jersey or the Garden State, has a lot to offer the local resident or visitor. It has beautiful beaches, numerous hiking trails, is the home to Atlantic City, the "Vegas" of the east coast, and has more horses per square mile than any other state. Its verdant greenery and sandy beaches make it a suitable location for an outdoor wedding.

1. Crossed Keys Inn

   • Crossed Keys Inn is a garden wedding venue in Andover, an area in New Jersey that is popular for its antique shops. The inn itself is a renovated rustic farmhouse which sits on 12 acres that include a pond and a brook and majestic beech and oak trees.

     One of the best parts about this venue is that guests don't need to search for the reception hall after the ceremony or fight traffic to reach it. After the garden ceremony, guests simply follow the path to the tent for the reception. The venue also provides meadows, flower beds and trees for photo opportunities. There is a bed and breakfast on the grounds for overnight guests.

     Crossed Keys Bed and Breakfast Inn:
     

     289 Pequest Road
     

     Andover, N.J. 07821
     

     973-829-9922
     

     crossedkeys.com

   Ocean Place

   • Ocean Place provides you with two possibilities for outdoor weddings. First, they can arrange beach-front ceremonies and receptions, with or without a tent. Secondly, they can arrange for outdoor ceremonies and receptions on their Great Lawn Terrace, with or without a tent. This is perfect for those who want a greener, lusher space. The Ocean Place resort and spa offers a free guest room for the married couple, an event overseer to help organize all parts of your wedding, five-hour open bar, designated guest parking, votive candles and linens. The concierge can arrange for an afternoon in the hotel's European spa for the bridal party and a golfing expedition for the groomsmen.

     Ocean Place
     

     One Ocean Boulevard
     

     Long Branch, NJ 07740
     

     800-411-6493
     

     oceanplace.com

   The Seaview Hotel

   • The Seaview Hotel provides seaside accommodations for guests on 670 acres, offering solitude and modern amenities within a historic mansion. The hotel is in Galloway, eight miles apart from Atlantic city.

     For outdoor wedding receptions, the hotel offers a choice of gardens and terraces with views of the bay, with or without a tent. The hotel can provide you with a professional wedding planner who will help you arrange every detail such as the menu, seating arrangements, music and flowers. The Seaview Hotel possesses an award-winning culinary staff, an Elizabeth Arden spa and two golf courses.
     

     Choose from three different wedding packages to accommodate different budgets.

     Seaview Hotel
     

     401 South New York Rd
     

     Galloway, NJ 08205
     

     609-652-1800
     

     dolce-seaview-hotel.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Ocean Place, Seaview Hotel, Crossed Keys, with without, with without tent, without tent

How to word a formal wedding invitation

word a formal wedding invitation

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."

Planning a wedding tests your etiquette skills, and the invitation is no exception. The invitation sets the tone for the ceremony and reception. It also reveals some of the behind-the-scenes issues, such as who is paying for the event (those who pay get top billing) and relationships within your and your betrothed's families. If you are planning a formal wedding, use formal language and style to convey the importance of the occasion.

Things You'll Need

• This guide

Instructions

1. • 1

     Start with spelling out the full names of the hosts of the wedding. Traditionally the bride's parents pay for the wedding and therefore are listed first on the invitation. For example "-Mr. and Mrs. John Smith."-

   • 2

     Ask your guests to attend by using the phrase "-request the honor of your presence."-

   • 3

     Follow by noting the event and who it is for:
     

     "-at the wedding of their daughter
     

     Jane Anne
     

     and
     

     Mr. James Peter Doe."-

     If you would like to honor the groom's parents, add the line:

     "-son of
     

     Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Doe"-

   • 4

     List the day, date and time of the ceremony, spelling out the date and time, rather than using numbers:
     

     "-on Saturday, the seventeenth of June
     

     two thousand and ten
     

     at two o'clock"-

   • 5

     Add the location of the ceremony:
     

     "-First Presbyterian Church
     

     123 Main Street
     

     Anytown, Ohio

   • 6

     If the bride's divorced parents are hosting, use this wording:
     

     Ms. Mary Smith
     

     and
     

     Mr. John Smith
     

     request the honour of your presence
     

     at the marriage of their daughter
     

     Jane Anne
     

     and
     

     Mr. James Peter Doe
     

     on Saturday, the seventeenth of June
     

     two thousand and ten
     

     at two o'clock
     

     First Presbyterian Church
     

     123 Main Street
     

     Anytown, North Dakota

   • 7

     If divorced and remarried parents of the bride host the event, word the invitation like this:
     

     Mr. and Mrs. Adam Gomez
     

     and
     

     Mr. and Mrs. John Michael Smith
     

     request the honour of your presence
     

     at the marriage of their daughter
     

     Jane Anne
     

     and
     

     Mr. James Peter Doe
     

     on Saturday, the seventeenth of June
     

     two thousand and ten
     

     at two o'clock
     

     First Presbyterian Church
     

     123 Main Street
     

     Anytown, North Dakota

   • 8

     In the event that the bride's remarried mother and husband host:

     Mr. and Mrs. Adam Gomez
     

     request the honor of your presence
     

     at the marriage of Mrs. Gomez' daughter
     

     Jane Anne
     

     and
     

     Mr. James Peter Doe
     

     (son of
     

     Mr. and Mrs. Patrick James Doe) - OPTIONAL
     

     on Saturday, the seventeenth of June
     

     two thousand and ten
     

     at two o'clock
     

     First Presbyterian Church
     

     123 Main Street
     

     Anytown, North Dakota

   • 9

     Similarly, if a single parent hosts, his or her name would appear at the top of the invitation.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Anne James, Anne James Peter, Church Main, Church Main Street, daughter Jane

South american wedding tradition

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 ..."

Weddings are a special time of family celebration, no matter where in the world they take place. South American countries such as Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil have special traditions that make a couple's wedding day memorable, and many of these sentimental rituals have been established due to the influence of other regions of the world.

1. Venezuelan

   • Before a wedding can take place in Venezuela, the groom must ask the bride's father for permission before proposing, which is also very common in other countries. Two wedding ceremonies take place for Venezuelan couples--one civil ceremony that is small and intimate, and the bigger, religious ceremony that takes place in a church or chapel two weeks later- this practice is also common in Bolivia. After the church wedding ceremony takes place, the couple is considered officially married. During the wedding, arras, or thirteen gold coins, are exchanged between the bride and groom's families, and also the bride and groom, which represent prosperity.

   Argentina

   • European traditions influence many of the rituals that Argentinians practice for weddings, such as the father escorting the bride to the location where the wedding will take place. While the ceremony is going on, the father of the bride and mother of the groom stand with the couple--bridesmaids and groomsmen are not common in Argentinian weddings. During the couple's engagement period, the bride and groom wear their rings on their right hand- after the marriage, the rings are switched to the left hand.

   Bolivia

   • Marriage is a practice that all Bolivians are expected to engage in, as it marks the beginning of adulthood. Andean marriages in Bolivia are comprised of three steps: juntados, which is a period of about three years where the couples lives together and begins to have children, the civil ceremony, and the formal wedding ceremony in a church--followed by two or three days of celebration. In Bolivia, parents choose compadres or compadrazgo, which are godparents, for their children. The compadres play a large role in the planning and financial responsibilities of the wedding, and provide advice and support to the couple throughout their marriage.

   Chile

   • Chilean couples exchange wedding rings when they become engaged--there is usually not an additional engagement ring. As in Argentina, the rings are not switched to the left hand until the wedding ceremony has taken place. A wedding party is also not a part of Chilean weddings--only the parents of the couple stand at the altar with the bride and groom during the wedding. During the reception, it is quite common to have mostly wine, since the country produces quality wines.

   Brazil

   • On the day of the wedding in Brazil, the bride must always arrive 10 minutes after the wedding time, and should never be earlier than the groom. Contrary to U.S. weddings where the groomsmen are selected months or even a year before the wedding, a Brazilian groom chooses his groomsmen at the time of the wedding. The groom must also tame a donkey in a custom known as bumba-meu-boi, which is practiced in certain parts of Brazil. This is supposed to show that the groom is manly and capable of protecting his bride.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, take place, wedding ceremony, american wedding, american wedding tradition, ceremony that

How to throw a fun traditional irish wedding

throw a fun traditional irish wedding

It's interesting:
"And for those of you who don't know, this special day in the lives of Dave and Sarah also happens to be Chinese New Year! Or, as they call it in China."

Throwing a fun, traditional Irish wedding can be a challenge if you don't know anything about Irish culture. There are many things that you can do to have fun while planning a traditional Irish wedding, just make sure that you don't bring any bad luck upon you- the Irish have enough of their own! There are many superstitions that are strictly adhered to in Ireland- they believe that if you don't follow all of them, you are doomed to a bad marriage!

Instructions

1. • 1

     Consider the ceremony that you want to have. Traditionally, Irish weddings are called hand-fastings-- a practice that is now considered to be very pagan in nature. You can choose to be hand-fasted for a year and a day or for life. If after a year and a day went by if they did not get along, they could go their separate ways, no divorce necessary.

   • 2

     It's good luck to hear a cuckoo on your wedding day.

     Follow the old traditions. The Irish all about good luck, as it is said that they wouldn't have any if it weren't for bad luck. Make sure that you follow all the old traditions for good luck, such as never marrying in May and always carrying a sixpence in your shoe on the day of your wedding. The Irish are very superstitious and do many things that others would think silly to avoid a wedding because of.

   • 3

     Bagpipes make the wedding more traditional.

     Play the bagpipes. Bagpipes are the traditional instrument of Ireland and, therefore, to make your wedding more traditional, play Mandel's Wedding March with bagpipes. To make it all the more traditional, and for a little extra luck, have someone play the bagpipes while you do a jig at the reception.

   • 4

     Kilt colors are the same as the family colors.

     Wear white. It is an old Irish tradition that the bride should always wear white while the groom wears a kilt of his family clan colors. The colors of the wedding are always chosen based on the colors of the family clan or crest.

   • 5

     Five bridesmaids should be present to chase away bad spirits.

     Choose five groomsmen and five bridesmaids. Irish tradition is that you have a total of ten in your wedding party that should all dress alike to confuse any bad spirits that have come to harm the marrying couple.

   • 6

     It's tradition to have a wedding cake.

     Bake a three-tiered cake. It is an old Irish tradition that you have a cake stacked three high that the bride and groom are to kiss over without knocking over. This is to insure fertility as well as good fortune. Originally, it was an oatmeal cake that was broken over the bride's head, but then evolved to the more traditional cake we see today. There is no mention as to what happens if the cake is knocked over.

Tips &- Warnings

• Never let a female be the first to kiss the bride on her wedding day, it's bad luck.

• To ensure prosperity, the bride and groom should take two separate paths to the church as long as they end on the same road, this is to symbolize two separate lives becoming one.

• It is bad luck to get married on a day that it is raining.

• Lent is not the time for an Irish wedding.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: more traditional, that have, your wedding, good luck, Irish tradition, Irish tradition that

Short length wedding hairstyles

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 ..."

Even if your hair is too short for an updo, you can still make it formal. Curls are very elegant in hair at any length. You can also make it fancy by accessorizing. Whatever hairstyle you choose, do a trial run before the big day to make sure that you are satisfied with the look.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Accessories

   • Add a tiara to glam up any haircut, short or curly. If you are a bridesmaid, rather than the bride, a tiara may be too attention-grabbing. If you do not feel comfortable wearing one, try rhinestone bobby pins or pearl or jeweled headband. You can find these accessories at most jewelry boutiques in the mall. If you want to go with a more natural look, then tuck a small rose behind your ear. Do not overdo it with accessories. Just one item (tiara, headband, flower or a few bobby pins) will suffice.

   Soft Curls

   • Big, soft and loose curls are romantic and sophisticated. They are also very natural-looking. Soft, loose curls are especially appropriate for outdoor spring and summer weddings. To make these kinds of curls, use large foam curlers (plastic will give hair a crimped look) or a large curling iron (at least 2 inches in diameter). Curl hair inward to frame the face. Apply a few sprays of hair spray to hold the curls and the bounce. Do not use gel or mousse, which have a tendency to weigh hair down and make it look greasy.

   Tight Curls

   • Tight curls are more formal-looking than loose curls. They are appropriate for more elegant weddings, especially during the winter. To achieve tight curls, use small foam curlers or a small curling iron. (The smaller the curling iron, the tighter the curls.) The curlers or iron should be ½- inch in diameter or less. Apply light hair spray to hold curls.

   Hair Bun

   • If you desire to create the illusion of long hair, then slick your hair back with gel or mouse. If your hair is long enough to gather in a tiny ponytail at the nape of the neck, then do so with a small hair tie. Then attach a big flower or jeweled clip to the nape of the neck to cover the ends of short hair. This style will make it look like longer hair is pulled back into a tight bun at the neck.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: curling iron, loose curls, your hair, bobby pins, foam curlers, hair spray, hair spray hold

Activities for a birthday party in oklahoma

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."

The state of Oklahoma offers various exciting locations at which children of any age can celebrate their birthdays. In addition to fun-filled birthday activities, many venues provide valuable learning opportunities as well. When choosing a location, it's important to plan ahead and evaluate all the birthday packages offered.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Celebration Station

   • Celebration Station features various amenities and both indoor and outdoor attractions to celebrate a birthday party. In addition to a restaurant where partygoers can eat pizza, hot wings and nachos, this Oklahoma City park offers driving games, air hockey, go-carts, bumper boats, pool tables, batting cages, miniature golf and interactive arcade games. Kids can earn tickets and redeem them for prizes at the ticket booth. Birthday party packages allow children to have bottomless pizza and drinks, unlimited rides and games, and a reserved party table.

     Celebration Station

     509 Westline Drive

     Oklahoma City, OK 73108

     405-942-7888

     celebrationstation.com

   Kaleidoscope Children's Museum

   • Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Kaleidoscope Children's Museum offers opportunities throughout the week to host birthday parties for children of all ages. The museum provides several party package options, most of which include pizza and drinks for all guests. This 13,000-square-foot facility houses a Kid's City, where children can dress up as barbers, doctors and postal workers. Other activities include two rock-climbing walls, a kid's-sized jail and treasure hunts throughout the museum.

     Kaleidoscope Children's Museum

     6202 S. Sheridan Road

     Tulsa, OK 74133

     918-340-5252

     kaleidoscopecm.com

   Little River Zoo

   • Sitting on 50 acres in Normal, Oklahoma, the Little River Zoo has over 400 animals to observe and learn about. The goal of the zoo is to educate children about animals and to promote respect for the planet. The facility offers three different birthday packages. The basic package provides guests with a guided tour of the zoo and a reserved party area. The deluxe " We Do it All" package offers partygoers a reserved picnic area, birthday cake, party favors, personal tour and free gift from the gift shop. For an at-home zoo experience, the "We Bring the Party to You" package is an exciting option. Zoo personnel will bring five animals to your home or any other location for the children to experience and enjoy.

     Little River Zoo

     3405 SE 120th Avenue

     Norman, OK 73026

     405-366-7229

     littleriverzoo.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: birthday party, Celebration Station, Children Museum, Kaleidoscope Children, Kaleidoscope Children Museum, Little River, Activities birthday

Fall wedding hairstyles

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."

A seasonal brisk chill in the fall air need not dictate how brides and bridal parties wear their hair for the big event. Several hairstyle options offer the ability for women to put their hair partially up if weather concerns apply. Should you live in a warm climate year-round, enjoy taking advantage of any style you like. With the absence of humidity and strong winds, fall is an ideal time to don beautiful styles and not have to worry about falling strands.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Sophisticated

   • Whether you have long, luscious locks or medium-length hair for everyday wear, several options are available to ensure your natural beauty is fully expressed on your big day. For a longer mane, sweeping locks back away from your face and gathering them into an elegant, loosely flowing ponytail allows your future husband as well as wedding guests to view the back of your dress. These styles are easy to do and require little time. Use hair product to enable strands around the face to appear soft but textured.

   Seductive

   • If you're looking to capture his attention before even sharing your first kiss as husband and wife, wearing a seductive hairstyle gives you the upper hand. Whether you choose to let hair frame your face or pull everything back and up, various options are offered. One idea allows the bride to simultaneously feel carefree and sexy. When going with the the fall curls updo, sweep all hair up on top of the back of the head and gather loosely. Curl the ends of the collected bun as well as falling follicles framing the face.

   Short Hair

   • Numerous choices abound when you have shorter hair for an everyday style. Use hair accessories to gather strands at the nape of the neck, gather hair on both sides in the back, and then roll it into itself, securing the center with a clip or simply add styling product to texturize and hold in place. If you'd like to do an updo, use hair balm to smooth out all layers and place finger at the center of the back of head. Pull hair into a tightly wound bun and knot the end.

   Simple

   • Should you not want to spend a ton of time constructing a fancy hairdo on your fall wedding day, simply wash and add a volumizing gel or mousse. Avoid a hairbrush so you don't straighten natural wave in the follicles. Run fingers through your hair lightly and tousle, adding styling product as you go. Lift from the roots to add body, and when blow-drying bend over, pulling all hair down and using fingers to dry. Keep your hands constantly moving while engaging in drying process. Toss your hair back and add product as needed or curl tips if desired.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: back head, Fall wedding, Fall wedding hairstyles, hair back, hair everyday, styling product

How to tie a posy knot

tie a posy knot

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."

A posy knot, or a handfasting knot, is a knot used in a Pagan wedding ceremony. A cord is used to handfast the couple, and the posy knot binds the hands of the bride and groom. Handfasting is a symbolic tradition that dates back to the time of the ancient Celts. The cord and knot symbolize a binding, or a declaration of unity. Traditionally, handfasting involves three cords of different colors: white for purity, blue for fidelity and red for passion. At the end of a wedding ceremony, a clergyman, or a member of the wedding party, literally "ties the knot" on the cords that bind the couple together.

Things You'll Need

• 3 Satin cords, each at least 6 feet in length

Instructions

1. • 1

     Take turns, as a couple, to braid the the ribbons or cords. The bride takes the cord on the right and crosses it over the cord in the center, so that the cords switch places. The groom takes the cord on the left and crosses it over the center section.

   • 2

     Recite vows or bible passages while braiding the cord. The bride and groom will take turns reciting vows until they've finished braiding the cord.

   • 3

     Grab the left hand of your partner and begin wrapping the braided cords over joined hands, or the wrists of both parties.

   • 4

     Wait for the clergyman or selected wedding attendee to tie a posy knot in the braided cords. This person will take the ends of all three cords, pull them around the main braided cord to make a loop, and then pull the ends through the loop to create a knot.

Tips &- Warnings

• Make sure the braided cords are not wrapped too tightly around the hands of the couple- the cords should not be cut or damaged in any way. The couple should be able to slip their hands and wrists out of the cords freely, without destroying the cords or posy knot.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: posy knot, braided cords, bride groom, braiding cord, crosses over, hands wrists

Who normally pays for the wedding cake?

It's interesting:
"Now, I appreciate that you're all missing the Wimbledon final to be here today, but let this wedding be a reminder that there's more to life than single events ..."

Weddings can be costly affairs. From venues to caterers to florists and beyond, everyone who provides a service needs to get paid. It makes sense, then, for couples to create a budget during the planning process and make sure those who are chipping in (parents, grandparents, or others) know exactly what their financial responsibilities will be. But figuring out who pays for what, including the wedding cake, can get difficult.

1. History

   • Wedding cakes serve as the dessert portion at a wedding reception. While custom dictates that the bride's parents have a financial responsibility to pay for the whole wedding (with groom's parents often offering to chip in or host the rehearsal dinner), it is becoming more common for couples--especially those who are older--to pay for their own weddings.

   Features

   • Wedding cake possibilities are endless. With the help of an experienced friend or professional chef, couples can bring to fruition any idea they have for a cake--be it a traditional three-tier dessert, a sheet in the shape of a swimming pool, or countless other concoctions. It largely depends on budget and the materials available to the bride and groom.

   Function

   • The cake, often served near the end of the wedding, traditionally serves as a "sweet" send-off for the bride and groom into married life. Many couples complement the cake with other desserts such as cookies, ice-cream or candies.

   Types

   • The types and styles of cake that couples can choose for their wedding is staggering. Couples need to choose size, color, frosting type, filling type, and if they want decorative options such as chocolate bits or real flowers. A professional baker will be able to aid couples through the selection process.

   Fun Fact

   • Many couples, especially in these economic times, have opted out of a cake altogether. Instead, they create dessert displays with cookies, donuts, or other treats.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding cake, bride groom, Many couples, normally pays, normally pays wedding, pays wedding, pays wedding cake

Children party places in utah

It's interesting:
"Generally speaking, a good wedding speech should sound as if it has been prepared and rehearsed over a long period before the event but the seemingly ..."

Throwing a birthday party for children in your own home can be time-consuming, costly and very messy. These are some of the reasons people opt to host parties elsewhere, like a local pizza parlor, movie theater or bounce house. In Utah, there are several locations you can have your child's birthday party. Some of them make it so easy that all you have to do is show up.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Bounce House

   • Kids walking up inflatable structure

     Most kids love bounce houses, so why not have throw a party at one? Bouncin' off the Walls in Sandy, Utah, provides different party packages for up to 25 guests (parents are free). Your birthday kid can play for 1 1/2 hours before retiring to the private party room for a half-hour. You will get invitations, all paper supplies, a free T-shirt for your guest of honor and no clean-up duty. For additional fees you can add on pizza and pop, party favors and balloons. Everybody must wear socks, and they recommend long sleeves, too, for the comfort and protection of your little ones.

     Bouncin' Off Walls
     

     398 W. 9400 S.
     

     Sandy, UT 84070
     

     801-568-1234
     

     bouncinoffthewalls.com

   Karate and Cake

   • Boy in karate uniform

     At Riverton Karate, your birthday child gets to be an assistant instructor throughout her party. She even gets to cut her cake with a real samurai sword. She and her guests will be treated to a group karate class tailored to children. They will play some martial arts games and break a wooden board before celebrating with pizza and juice. All you need to do is call for a party reservation, send out invitations and show up. The staff will set up, teach, supervise and clean up.

     East West MMA Salt Lake City
     

     1098 S. Jordan Parkway
     

     South Jordan, UT 84095
     

     801-472-2109
     

     rivertonkarate.com

   Family Fun Center

   • Party decorations

     Boondocks Fun Center in Draper offers five different birthday packages, with a minimum of eight children. Each package offers pizza, soda, game tokens, invitations and play time. However, the play time varies and the activities differ with each package. You are welcome to add on extra pizza, soda, appetizers, salads, vegie trays, cakes, ice cream or the Sunday bar for additional fees. You cannot go wrong picking Boondocks, as it won "Best Kids' Party Place" and "Best Indoor Play Space" in Nickelodeon's Parents' Pick Awards.

     Boondocks Draper
     

     75 E. Southfork Drive
     

     Draper, UT 84020
     

     801-838-9800
     

     boondocksfuncenter.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: additional fees, birthday party, Bouncin Walls, Children party, Children party places, party places, party places utah

Funny things to do at a wedding reception

It's interesting:
"There's something special about a church wedding, but most of us here have to admit that we rarely set foot inside a church these days. In fact ..."

A wedding ceremony marks a serious and sentimental moment in time. A wedding reception, on the other hand, calls for playful celebration and the occasional moment of pure comedy. Funny stunts can be created by the bride, groom, wedding party or guests. It is possible to have wedding guests roaring with laughter, while still keeping things appropriate.

1. First Dance

   • As newlyweds approach the dance floor to participate in the traditional first dance as husband and wife, wedding guests anticipate a serious, romantic slow dance. Give your guests what is expected by starting out with a typical slow dance for a short period of time. Then, surprise your audience of friends and family by busting into a funny, upbeat, possibly choreographed dance. Consider dancing to a hip hop or pop song. Make sure that you and your spouse get into full character with facial expressions and dramatic movements.

   Grand Entrance

   • The grand entrance of a wedding reception marks the important milestone when a couple is announced to friends and family as husband and wife for the first time. Make your entrance more than grand, make it funny. Plan a goofy dance or act out in character with your new spouse. The wedding party is typically announced in couples prior to the newlyweds appearance. Have your wedding party join in on the fun by planning a comical entrance as well. Consider doing leap frog, piggy back rides, break dancing or wearing a funny costume accessory. Pick just the right music to complement your creative entrance.

   Newlywed Kisses

   • Use unique ways to get your guests to request you and your husband or wife to kiss during your wedding reception. Instead of clinking glasses to request a kiss, have guests tell a funny joke or story about the bride or groom. Just make sure to ask guests to share a funny, but appropriate story or joke. Additionally, you can have guests rate each kiss by holding up score cards. Provide cards labeled 1 through 10 for each guest or one set for each table. Do your best to get a perfect 10's.

   Get Guests to Kiss

   • It is typical for the bride and groom to engage in many moments of kissing after requests from wedding reception guests. Change things up and get your guests involved in the smooching. Prior to the reception, have the names of many couples attending your reception written on individual slips of paper. Give the papers to your DJ or member of your wedding party. Throughout your dinner have the designated person draw a name of a couple when everyone is clanking glasses for a kiss. Your parents, grandparents and friends may get embarrassed, but this game can be well received and found humorous by most.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding reception, wedding party, bride groom, husband wife, your guests, your wedding, character with

Organizing a small courthouse wedding with guests

It's interesting:
"Even world class comics know what it's like to die on stage, and a wedding ... Nobody wants the soundtrack of their wedding night to be a chorus of loud groans."

The average bride dreams of having a big, elaborate wedding, but these affairs can be very expensive. Many couples are choosing to say their vows in a small courthouse ceremony in order to reduce costs. Courthouse wedding ceremonies provide an intimate setting to pledge your lifelong love and commitment to your future spouse. You can still have a happy and memorable wedding, without all the extravagance and costs associated with a big affair.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check your state's marriage license requirements, as you will need this document in order to get married. Some states have a waiting period between the time that you get your marriage license and when you can get married, and others do not.

   • 2

     Schedule your wedding date at the court house. You will want to do this about a month in advance, in order to ensure that you can get the specific date and time that you have in mind.

   • 3

     Decide whether you want to hire your own officiant, or if you would like to use one provided by the courthouse. You will need to let the courthouse know this information when you schedule your wedding.

   • 4

     Find out how many guests are allowed in the room that your ceremony will be performed in. You don't want to invite more people than are allowed in the room.

   • 5

     Send invitations out to your guests. Although you are not having a big wedding, you can still follow traditional protocol when inviting your guests to witness your special day.

   • 6

     Decide on your wedding attire. Short white dresses are appropriate attire for a courthouse bride, and you can also wear a untraditional color. The groom can wear a suit, or even just a dress shirt and dress pants, if he would prefer.

   • 7

     Hire a photographer. Find one that will charge by the hour, since you will need their services for a considerably shorter amount of time than with a traditional wedding assignment. You could also ask one of your guests to take pictures of your ceremony, to save the extra money of hiring a professional.

   • 8

     Bring flowers for your special day. Although you will not need to order an abundance of extravagant flower displays, you still need to have a bridal bouquet. Order one from your local florist, or stop and get one from the store on your way to the courthouse.

   • 9

     Ask the courthouse if you can decorate the room that your ceremony will be held in. Some do not allow decorations, but others will let you in the room an hour before the ceremony to put some decorations up. This will allow you to make the room more festive and represent your personal style.

   • 10

     Celebrate your wedding day! Host a wedding reception at a restaurant or a loved one's home after the ceremony. Invite all your guests to join in the party. Your closest family and friends should all be invited to celebrate, even if space restrictions kept you from inviting them all to the ceremony at the courthouse. You still need to have your loved ones present to celebrate your big day, even though you chose to have a very small wedding.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: will need, your guests, your wedding, small courthouse, that your, your ceremony

How to create a budget spreadsheet for students

create a budget spreadsheet for students

It's interesting:
"Since meeting Linda, I've seen terrific changes in Paul. He seems much more confident these days. He's surer of what he wants. He's happier, and he's much more willing to bend these days, too. Although he’s still adamant that Arsenal will win the next seasons Champions League."

Students living on a fixed income can benefit from creating a budget. Grouping together like expenses and storing bills and receipts in one place allows students to track funds. It also helps distinguish necessary versus excess expenses. Some seemingly necessary items, when put under a budget microscope, quickly become discretionary.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Collect and organize all of your receipts. Keep them in a plastic container or in a photo-size box. Drop your receipts into the box when you come home. This provides proof of how much you are spending and on what. Add your bank statements as well.

   • 2

     Separate your receipts into like categories. A photo box typically comes with dividers. This information also comes in handy at tax time. The Internal Revenue Service advises storing receipts and bills for a minimum of three years in case of an audit or tax amendment.

   • 3

     Open Excel or another spreadsheet program to input data. Organize the sheet into columns. List the following headings across the top of your sheet: Household- Auto- Groceries and Food- Loans- Savings- and Miscellaneous. On each row, list one month of the year.

   • 4

     List housing costs, whether you are living in a dorm, an apartment or a house. List the monthly rent or mortgage, renter's or home insurance, utilities, cable, Internet bills and your cell phone. Documenting your cell phone bill here instead of in a separate column may keep your parents from fainting when they see your charges.

   • 5

     Make an automotive column, including items such as gas, insurance, car payment and any car maintenance. If you have a gas credit card, list it in this column. List a credit card used for multiple items--including gas--in the "Loan" column.

   • 6

     Track food and grocery expenses in the next column. This should include snacks, eating out and groceries. Be sure to deposit all receipts into the file box. Little expenses such as trips to the grocery store and McDonald's add up, and receipts can easily become lost or thrown away along with the fast food or grocery bag.

   • 7

     Student loans, personal loans and credit cards go under the loan heading. A gas credit card used exclusively for your car goes under "Auto."

   • 8

     List any savings accounts. If you don't have one, consider opening an account and establish a goal of saving a percentage of your income in case of emergency.

   • 9

     Miscellaneous items may include movie tickets, DVD or game rentals, doctor or dentist fees, trips to the barber or beauty parlor, and clothing. List items that don't fit in other categories, but also don't require their own column.

   • 10

     Total the columns. Add up each column's total (other than Savings) to produce the sum of your monthly expenses. Determine if your income is at least equal to what you spend. If you are overspending, take a hard look at the budget and determine what needs trimming.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: credit card, receipts into, your receipts, budget spreadsheet, budget spreadsheet students