Decoration ideas for a traditional jewish wedding

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 ..."

What could be more traditional decoration for a Jewish wedding than some of the 500-plus plants mentioned in ancient Jewish writings? But plants aren't the only way to decorate with a nod to tradition. Charity's another aspect of Judaism, and combining decorations that can be donated with this faith's appreciation for the natural world opens up an Eden of decorative possibilities.

1. Canopy

   • Creative options abound for decoratively personalizing a ceremony using the Jewish wedding canopy, called a chuppah. That's because there are no religious restrictions on its size or appearance. It's easy to incorporate flowers and other references to the natural world into a chuppah design, while designs without perishable flora can be donated.

     To make an easy flat canopy, cover a piece of clear plastic with two-sided tape on the side facing the ceiling. Top with flowers or grape vines, letting a few trail over the edge. Or ask the couple's friends to bring strips of fabric to a wedding shower where the strips are woven together. After the wedding, the weaving can be sewn to a backing and given to a homeless shelter as a quilt.

     Poles supporting the chuppah can be treated creatively too. Fallen tree branches might suit an outdoorsy couple, wooden dowels can be painted in wedding colors and wound with greenery, and, for a late-summer celebration, wheat or sunflower stalks can be bundled around plain poles.

   Indoor decor

   • At an indoor ceremony, consider placing flowers or potted plants in wedding colors on either side of the wedding party. A large architectural space will have a more intimate vibe if plants are in warm colors- a smaller space will feel more open and serene if plants are monochromatic and light colored. Perennials can be donated after the ceremony to a local nonprofit organization as landscape plantings, and annuals or cut flowers will cheer nursing home residents.

   Think outside (flower) box

   • Pomegranates provide festive, edible tabletop decor. Slice a bit off the bottom, if necessary, to stabilize them.

     Fruits and veggies provide out-of-the-box decor that extends wedding day happiness when donated to the local food bank after the festivities. That’-s what Los Angeles fashion designer Lizz Wasserman did with the pears running the length of her sit-down wedding meal tables. Other table toppers with stable bottoms include pumpkins and pomegranates, a fruit that an ancient Jewish love poem compares to a bride’-s cheeks. Potted culinary herbs wrapped in wedding colors do triple duty as table decor, place card holders and take-home favors.
     

     When it comes to edible bouquets, flowering kale provides a sturdy base for delicately drapey green carrot tops.Tuck in edible flowers like nasturtiums for a pop of color. Add a vertical accent with garlic scapes, elegant green coils that can also serve as boutonnieres.

   Say “-I do”- to tradition

   • Public gardens, nature reserves and charitable organizations are always in need of donations. Consider asking wedding guests to make a donation as part of their gift.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding colors, ancient Jewish, Decoration ideas, Decoration ideas traditional, ideas traditional, ideas traditional jewish

How to make hearty bean and barley soup in a slow cooker

make hearty bean and barley soup in a slow cooker

It's interesting:
"Sometimes people get upset when their friend gets married, especially if they don’t know the bride too well. Well, the way I see it – today I’m not losing one friend to marriage, but gaining one instead. And, if you look over at our college friends sitting at table 9, it’ll highlight how nice it will be for us to gain a new member of the crew, a new best friend, especially one who clearly bathes regularly."

Navy beans might be economical and nutritious, but after years of eating traditional Navy Bean Soup, you might welcome a new way to fix them. If you're looking for a slightly different take on an old favorite, team Navy beans with fiber- and nutrient-dense barley and selected other ingredients to create a richly textured, full-bodied soup.

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Things You'll Need

• Slow cooker
• 1 pound dry navy beans
• 1 quart water
• 1/2 cup pearled barley
• 1 small ham bone or 1/2 cup ham cut in 1/2-inch chunks
• 1/2- pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cans beef consomme or bouillon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 fresh Jalapeno pepper

Instructions

1. • 1

     Sort 1 pound of navy beans, discarding any discolored or broken beans. Rinse well in warm water. Drain. Pour the beans into your slow cooker.

   • 2

     Add 1/2 cup pearled barley, 1 quart water, and 1 small ham bone or 1/2 cup ham cut into 1/2-inch chunks. Stir these ingredients into the beans in the slow cooker.

   • 3

     Brown 1/2 pound of bulk Italian sausage until it is no longer pink. Drain it to remove any fat. Add to the bean and barley mixture in the slow cooker and stir in.

   • 4

     Peel and mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop 1 small onion. Add these ingredients to the contents of the slow cooker.

   • 5

     Stir 2 cans beef consomme or bouillon into the mixture in the slow cooker. Add 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1 fresh Jalapeno pepper. Give the contents a final stir, and set cooking control on high

   • 6

     Cook 6 to 8 hours on high, or until the beans are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally, adding water if needed to maintain a medium-thick broth. Add your preferred seasonings and serve.

     ..

Tips &- Warnings

• Remove the jalapeno pepper after 1 or 2 hours to reduce the "hotness" factor.

• Soak the navy beans for 4 hours prior to cooking. Drain this water off and proceed as per the recipe. Soaking will reduce the cooking time somewhat and help reduce the gas producing aspects of beans as well.

• Stir your soup occasionally to prevent the contents from settling on the bottom of the slow cooker and scorching.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: slow cooker, bean barley, 2-inch chunks, barley soup, barley soup slow

Instructions for how to fix a falling topsyturvy cake

Instructions for fix a falling topsy-turvy cake

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 topsy-turvy cake is challenging to create for even the most skilled baker. Once the layers are stacked, the slightest crack or miscalculation can cause a major cake disaster. Always keep a close eye on a topsy-turvy design for the first fifteen minutes after stacking. Give the cake a slight turn and attempt to move it gently to verify the stability of the cake before taking it to its final destination.

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Things You'll Need

• Tospy-turvy cake measurements
• Ruler
• Cake Boards
• Styrofoam
• Fondant
• Royal Icing
• Wooden Dowels
• Hammer
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. Topsy-Turvy Repair

   • 1

     A weak base can cause a cake to tip.

     Find the section of the cake that is causing the instability. For a structural repair at the base of the cake, the top levels must be removed. A cake tilting too far to one side or the other at the base requires additional dowels and cake boards for support. Space the wooden dowels evenly through the base cake. Use extra support at the edges of the cake. Use an extra cake board on top of this layer before adding the next layer.

   • 2

     Measure each angle carefully to prevent errors.

     If the layers are not connecting at the correct angle, a few adjustments can correct the miscalculation. Attempt to twist the cake layers slightly to match up angles. Correct this before adding dowels to connect multiple layers. For smaller gaps, use small sections of fondant to fill in holes and create a seamless connection among the layers. Add royal icing to the fondant to create a glue for stability.

   • 3

     Plaster the cracks in a cake with icing like a wall crack.

     The weight of the curving layers can crack and damage the designs on the lower layers. For butter cream cracks, fill the crack lightly with royal icing. Add a small amount of the matching decor icing. Blend the icing with the original surface using a small damp brush or paper towel. If the crack is on fondant. a small section can be repaired using shortening. Using a small fondant roller or paper towel, massage the fondant with the shortening to try to stretch the material back together. For larger holes, a new piece of fondant can be added with royal icing as glue.

   • 4

     Wedge a cutout of Styrofoam into a bad angle.

     Large miscalculations on the design can only be fixed by adding or removing layers. For quick fixes, use a Styrofoam cutout to fill an error. Measure the angle of cake needed to correct the error and cut a small piece of Styrofoam to use in place of the cake. The Styrofoam can be quickly decorated to match the rest of the cake design. For a larger error, attempt to remove a layer that is causing the unbalance.

   • 5

     Metal skewers can be used for transport and removed at arrival.

     Add a balancing tall dowel to a strong base board. Measure a dowel to fit the depth of the entire cake. Find the thickest part of the cake that touches all layers, typically in the middle. If a center dowel has already been used, mark this dowel to be placed on the side that is most unstable. Use a hammer to push the dowel through the layers and boards. Make certain the dowel is able to enter the strong cake board base and stabilize the cake.

Tips &- Warnings

• Draw out and measure the design before beginning.

• Refer to a professional design and its measurements.

• Practice angles with cupcakes before doing the large cake.

• Do not attempt to move a large topsy-turvy cake without assistance.

• Remove all dowels before serving the cake.

• Remove Styrofoam before serving the cake.

• Keep the cake layers smaller at the tiers rise.

• Use Styrofoam fill layers on large cakes to avoid too much weight.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: topsy-turvy cake, attempt move, base cake, before adding, before serving, before serving cake

Gifts for mothers who have everything

It's interesting:
"In researching this speech, I’ve tried to find some dirt on Linda, but neither her brother nor her best friends could give me anything. As I'm sure you noticed it wasn’t a problem that I had with Paul. Linda is well liked by everyone, and I have never met anyone who has had anything but good things to say about her – which is wonderful for Paul, but a bit inconvenient for me at this precise moment. It means that I have to continue to shower her with platitudes. But seriously, Linda, you have had a huge positive impact on Paul, and we now speak of Paul ‘BL’ and ‘WL’ - ‘before Linda’ and ‘with Linda’."

Someone who "has everything" may be secure and comfortable in life, but finding a gift for such a person can make you feel insecure and uncomfortable. It can be very frustrating to shop for a gift for that person, but it doesn't have to be. Mothers may consider themselves as having "everything," but there are always options available to shower them with gifts.

1. Bugging Out

   • Make the day of a mother who has everything but still yearns for more "offspring" by donating money and naming an animal, bug or other creature in her honor. Add to the family by "adopting" a cockroach from the Bronx Zoo, where for a $10 donation, moms may have a Madagascar hissing roach christened in their names. Note that the number of animals and bugs available may vary- as of February 2011, the Bronx Zoo had 58,000 cockroaches available for motherly gift-giving occasions. In many cases, naming results in a certificate or other keepsake, perfect for framing and sliding into a gift bag.

   Quiet Time

   • A mother who has everything, including one or more children, may often put aside her own restorative time in favor of her kids. While the idea of time is unquantifiable and not really for sale, purchasing a gift of quiet time for an overworked mom may be the best intangible present she receives. Giving a massage certificate ensures "me time" for the mom, and comes with benefits such as improved circulation, reduced blood pressure, lowered stress and higher range of motion. Moms get to pick their style of massage and can save the gift for when they truly need to get away.

   Hit the Books

   • A mom who has everything may indeed have a lot of "stuff," but chances are, she values her family and memories more than any giftable item. Maximize the idea of giving an actual gift but one that offers a way to keep memories safe, secure and portable by creating a photo book. A variety of online websites allow photo-book creation, which involves uploading digital images, sorting them into place on pages, choosing a background, adding text and captions and having the book printed. Most sites walk users through step by step and offer suggestions on themes and layout. A snap-happy mom may appreciate corralling all her favorite pictures into one hardy book as a picture-perfect gift.

   Gifts That Keep on Giving

   • Whether the mom in concern has everything because she shops dutifully and keeps the closets stocked up or simply has received plenty of presents over time, there's a way to remind her of your appreciation throughout the year with gifts that appear monthly, but don't end up taking up too much room. By subscribing to one of many gift-of-the-month clubs, mothers get 12 reminders a year (or however many you choose for the plan) of their children. Gift clubs include options such as fruit, wine, chocolate, beer, flowers, cookies and other perishables that won't stockpile too long. Other nonperishable gift clubs are also available, such as book of the month, porcelain figurines and bracelet charms.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: gift that, Gifts mothers, Gifts mothers have, have everything, mother everything, mothers have

Other ideas instead of unity candles

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 ..."

Lighting a unity candle during a wedding or commitment ceremony is a beautiful and visual way to symbolize two people beginning their life together. However, a candle is not always a practical option. The venue may not permit open flames, or a breezy outdoor wedding can make lighting a candle difficult or impossible. Some couples may deem a lighted candle too hazardous. Fortunately, there are several other ways to symbolize this unity that are just as visually appealing and easy to incorporate into a ceremony.

1. Flowers

   • Red roses symbolize love and unity.

     The mothers of the couple carry a bouquet of flowers and place them near the alter or on a table. The couple then takes one flower from each bouquet and places them into a bud vase. Some may choose to combine both bouquets into one larger bouquet. Any kind of flower is appropriate. Some couples use the same kind of flowers from the wedding arrangements, a flower that has special meaning to the couple or red roses which are widely recognized as a symbol of love.

   Wine

   • A wine unity ceremony can use either red or white wine.

     A wine ceremony involves members of the couple's family filling two separate wine glasses. The couple then pours the wine from these glasses into a third. The couple and family members all drink from this new combined wine. Using a red and white wine is a lovely visual combination, but the couple can choose only red or only white if that is their preference.

   Water

   • Combining water (either plain or tinted) is a variation of the wine ceremony.

     A variation of the wine ceremony is using a drop of food coloring to create two different colors of water to combine into a third. (Uncolored water can also be used.) This can be a good option if children are involved in the unity ceremony.

   Braided Cords

   • Also known as a God's knot or the cord of three strands ceremony, this practice involves three cords of different colors. The cords represent the marrying couple and God. The idea is that keeping your faith at the core of the marriage will make it stronger. During the ceremony, one person holds the end of the cords while the other braids, securing the ends with a small rubber band.

   Sand

   • Combine two colors of sand into a new container, which can be sealed or corked as a keepsake.

     The sand ceremony is similar to water and wine and is done by combining two colors of sand into a new container. However, colored sand has some advantages over a liquid -- there's no need to worry about accidental spills ruining clothing or floors. The container it's poured into can be corked or sealed and kept as a wedding keepsake. Some couples may also like the idea that while grains of sand combine and can't be separated, the colors are still distinct, signifying both their status as a couple and their individual identities.

     One variation on the colored sand is meaningful if the couple hails from different areas. Combining sand or soil from their respective hometowns is another way to symbolize their new life together, particularly if they plan to live in a different area from either hometown.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Some couples, wine ceremony, colored sand, colors sand, colors sand into, couple family, couple then

Venues to rent for parties

It's interesting:
"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."

We have all been to parties in a hall or room that is way too big for the numbers, where the acoustics are wrong and the atmosphere poor. The venue does make a difference so finding a place that will match the particular celebration and style of party is vital.

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1. Boats

   • Hiring a barge or a boat for a party is a good idea for smaller numbers. This can be quite expensive and you need to ensure none of your guests are averse to water or sailing. Some boats actually go out to sea (or harbor, bay or lake, as might be the case) during the party, but mostly they stay anchored. Generally they are skillfully lit and everything is set up on deck including music and food. This is good venue if you know the weather is going to be warm and the winds calm.

   Castles

   • A castle is an interesting venue for a party but again, could be more expensive. There are surprisingly many castles in the U.S. and some castle owners rent out the facility as a party venue to help with the upkeep. However, they don't want any damage done as tours are their main revenue. If you can find a castle that will operate as a venue, it can be an opportunity for games like "Human Clue" or "Ghosts," or an evocative setting for a murder mystery party.

   Adventure Park

   • Party halls or rooms can be rented at many adventure parks offering activities like go-karting, paint-ball, laser games, bumper boats and miniature golf. This type of venue would be ideal for either older children, teenagers or adults as there is a choice of activities. Celebrate with a cake and food after all the excitement.

   Rooftop

   • Rooftop bars make an ideal venue for a party as you can enjoy soft music, good food,and drink while having a bird's-eye view of the city. Comfy sofas and waiters to serve your guests make this a more up-market and relaxing party venue. Many bars will rent their facilities for parties, during which time they will be closed to the general public.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: party venue, rent parties, that will, venue party, Venues rent, Venues rent parties, your guests

Tips for getting married by a justice of the peace

It's interesting:
"Wasn't the wedding ceremony beautiful? The highlight, of course, was Linda floating magically down the aisle. I'm sure we were all thinking exactly the same ..."

A justice of the peace is a critical part of the wedding planning, as she will be running the headlining event, the wedding ceremony. Everything from her speaking voice to her wedding experience to her general style will be up for scrutiny. Interview several wedding officiants prior to making your final choice to make sure you find the one best suited for you and your spouse-to-be.

1. Type of Ceremony

   • Just because a couple chooses to have their wedding officiated by a justice of the peace doesn't mean they don't want any religious affiliation or spiritual aspects to the ceremony. Before booking a justice of the peace, let him know what type of ceremony you want. Make sure he is open to crafting a ceremony that meets your desires and specifications. Ask if he has Christian, Jewish or any other religious ceremony scripts that you could use as a basis.

   Wedding Rehearsal

   • Ask your officiant if she will be able to attend your wedding rehearsal and if the rehearsal is included in her fees. Having your justice of the peace present during your wedding rehearsal is not absolutely necessary, but it is a plus in helping you stay organized. Having your justice of the peace present can help you to work out any kinks in the ceremony schedule ahead of time. Some officiants will charge for the extra time and travel, however, so clarify your needs prior to booking.

   Details

   • Discuss all the details surrounding your wedding with your officiant well before the big day. If you have a specific dress code in mind for the justice of the peace, such as a tuxedo, let him know when you book his services, as this could impact his fees. Even if you do not require the formality of a tuxedo, you will still want him to be dressed in accordance with the formality of the event. This could mean a suit, a dress shirt and tie or even a Hawaiian print shirt, depending on the wedding. Clarify any and all details as soon in the planning process as possible.

   Restrictions

   • Ask the justice of the peace if there are any restrictions associated with her services. Some officiants may call for no flash photography, which you would need to work out with your photographer. A justice of the peace may want to stick close to the wedding scripts she is comfortable with. If you intend to write your own vows, be sure to let her know early on.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: justice peace, your wedding, getting married, getting married justice, Having your, Having your justice

How to visit greece in one week

visit greece in one week

It's interesting:
"Look at them sitting there. If they were any happier we’d have to throw a net over them. And just look at that contented smile on Paul’s face. It’s that same look I’d see when I’d find him late at night in the kitchen finishing off the chocolate cake… or just having won a poker hand with a pair of threes. Until we met Linda, we thought you were bluffing, Paul. But you really are holding aces. Linda, he didn’t tell you that he was a diplomat or an oil magnate or some such thing, did he? Good, good, just checking."

Greece covers a massive area of land in the southern European Union and is a country rich in tradition and steeped in a deep history. That said, it is a perfect place for your next European adventure. Seeing Greece in a week requires advanced planning. In a perfect world, you’-d have unlimited time and unlimited access to this wonderful place, but one week is about all we have time for when it comes to a vacation. Here’-s spend a busy and fantastic week on mainland Greece. (This itinerary experiences only the land portion of Greece, leaving an island-hopping tour for your next Greek adventure.)

Instructions

1. • 1

     Book hotels. The below itinerary puts you in many different cities, so you’-re going to need to book several hotels. Though it may be possible to find a hotel upon arrival, this is not recommended, as Greece is a busy tourist destination and many of the smaller towns have limited accommodations.

   • 2

     Rent a car. The below itinerary assumes you’-ll be doing your own driving. While booking whole-day excursions from your hotel is a possibility, it won’-t allow you the flexibility that driving yourself will. Also, excursions will always bring you back to Athens and this trip assumes that you’-ll be road tripping it the entire week. Driving in Greece isn’-t difficult, but make sure you know the basics behind the signs, as Greek is a relatively difficult language to understand. Also be sure that the company you rent from has a kiosk at the airport to make your pickup and transfer easy.

   • 3

     Arrive in Athens. Once you’-ve arrived and settled into your hotel, head to Syntagma Square and catch the changing of the guards. Then head over to the Plaka. The Plaka is a small area in the city center, home to shops and cafes. There are a ton of tourist-trap type shops selling cheap trinkets, but the handful of authentic sandal companies and clothing stores are worth the trip. Pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy a Greek coffee, a thick and heavy drink appreciated by the locals.

   • 4

     Explore Athens. Athens is an amazing city, but if you hit the big monuments, you’-ll be okay just spending two days here. The Parthenon at the Acropolis is an obvious must see. Get there early to avoid the crowds and make sure to take a few of your guidebook pages along to get the full history behind this awesome monument. If you still have time in the morning, visit the Temple of Zeus, Lycabettus Hill and Panathenaic Stadium.

   • 5

     Head to the sea. In the afternoon, after you’-ve explored the Parthenon, head south to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Book an excursion through your hotel or take your rental car. If you drive, get a map and detailed instructions from your hotel. The Temple of Poseidon is home to the famous engraved signature of the poet Lord Byron and offers incredible views of the Aegean. Bring a picnic and stay for sunset before heading back to Athens.

   • 6

     Start your road trip. Get on the road and head toward Olympia. Olympia is about a 5-hour drive from Athens, but you'll want to stop several times along the way, so plan on arriving in Olympia around nightfall. Stop before crossing the Corinth Canal to see where the Ionian and Aegean Seas are joined by this long man-made structure. Once in Olympia, go to town and find a restaurant and try some ouzo, a traditional Greek liquor. Then head to bed early for a busy next day.

   • 7

     Visit Olympia. Olympia is a relatively small town, home to the original Olympic Stadium. The excavation site at Ancient Olympia has been remarkably excavated and offers a wonderful history of the old city and its rich past. Take your time, wonder around and don’-t forget to visit the museum.

   • 8

     Eat a gyro. If you’-re a fan of Greek food, than Greece will likely be your little bit of heaven. The food here is heavy and olive oil is as common as water, so don’-t be surprised if your stomach takes time adjusting, because once it does you’-ll be in Greek heaven. Taste the must-haves--black olives, feta cheese and olive oil--and don’-t be afraid to eat from the street vendors, who will offer the most authentic and delicious dishes in Greece.

   • 9

     Visit Nafpaktos. Between Olympia and Delphi, you’-ll cross the Rio-Antirio Bridge that brings you off of the Peloponnese Peninsula. The bridge was built for the 2004 Olympics and it may be worth your while to stop here to check out the 15-minute video and climb up to the bridge's site deck and check out the views. Once across the bridge, you’-ll happen into a little beach town called Nafpaktos, a Mediterranean gem. Park your car and head into the maze of tiny cobblestone streets and the long and beautiful beach front. Take your time here- shop, eat, relax and soak in a little moment of peace before continuing toward Delphi.

   • 10

     Visit Delphi. Delphi is one of the most magnificent excavation sites in all of Greece and sits high up in the mountains to offer you breathtaking views. Bring walking shoes as there is a bit of an uphill hike. Don’-t leave without checking out the museum.

   • 11

     Go further north toward the Monasteries at Meteroa. Meteora may arguably be the coolest place in Greece and should not, by any circumstances, be missed. Meteora is a community of monasteries in the mountains above Kalambaka and will set your mind ablaze. Meteora means “-floating in mid air”- and that’-s exactly what these monasteries are doing. Take a guided tour to get the full history behind these amazing structures and bring lots of extra film and batteries for all the pictures you’-re bound to take.

   • 12

     Drive back to Athens to catch your flight out. Kalambaka is between 3 and 4 hours from Athens (230 miles) depending on traffic, so give yourself adequate time and plan on the worst case scenario to avoid missing your flight.

Tips &- Warnings

• Bring a long skirt for use in monasteries and churches. Most places will have some to borrow, but you’-ll never be sure how often they’-re washed and how many people have worn them.

• As with any other travel, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your hotel, back Athens, below itinerary, from Athens, from your, from your hotel, full history

How to cover a tattooed wedding ring

cover a tattooed wedding ring

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

Tattoos on the hand are some of the most conspicuous and often frowned-upon tattoos, yet they are also, unfortunately, some of the most difficult to cover. Whereas you can mask ink on other parts of your skin with tattoo covering makeup or theatrical makeup, these products simply rub away when exposed to the sort of wearing and sweat that happens to skin on hands. Instead, use a covering method that employs makeup designed to stand up to a bit more punishment.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol-based body paint
• Detail artist's brush
• Makeup sponges
• Theatrical grease paint
• Translucent powder
• Jewelry ring

Instructions

1. • 1

     Trace over the lines of the wedding ring design in red alcohol paint using a detail brush. Try to stay within the lines of ink and not spread the red onto other areas of your skin. The red will neutralize the inks in the ring tattoo (especially black inks) and make them simpler to color. Spread your fingers wide and hold your hand in mid-air while the paint dries, a process that only takes a few seconds.

   • 2

     Experiment with different ratios of beige, brown, yellow, red and white alcohol paint until you create a color mix that matches your skin tone fairly well.

   • 3

     Dab the skin-matching paint onto your hand using a the rectangular end of a makeup sponge. Again, spread your fingers to let it dry. If the tattoo is still visible after the first coat of paint, add a second coat.

   • 4

     Apply foundation makeup or theatrical grease paint that matches your skin over the alcohol paint. Blend the makeup at its edges with your fingertips to smooth the transition from makeup to natural skin tone.

   • 5

     Coat the makeup on your hand with translucent makeup powder using a makeup brush.

Tips &- Warnings

• Alcohol paint will only come off with time and wearing or with the application of alcohol. Use rubbing alcohol to remove paint that gets into places where you don't want it.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: your skin, alcohol paint, wedding ring, your hand, cover tattooed

What is the purpose of a bridal garter?

It's interesting:
"The best man at my own wedding told me that one and it worked - for 15 years anyway, before she left me for someone short, fat and balding, who happened to ..."

Women in general no longer wear stockings with their wedding gowns, thanks to nylons, so garters aren't actually needed. Instead, brides wear garters to celebrate a longstanding tradition dating back hundreds of years.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Early Bridal Garters

   • According to a 2009 article for A Blissful Creation Custom Garters, early bridal garters were just used to hold up the bride's stockings. Sometimes these garters were decorated with delicate ribbons.

   Garter Customs

   • Today's bridal garter customs, such as tossing the garter, competing for the garter or auctioning off the garter, actually evolved from several garter customs, such as taking undergarments from the bridal chamber for luck and stocking flinging, that were popular a few hundred years ago, according to A Blissful Creation.

   Witnesses

   • In the 14th century in many European cultures, marriages needed to be consummated on the wedding night to be considered legal. According to HCC Designer Garters, friends and family of the couple would accompany them to the bridal chamber and retrieve a bridal garter as proof that the marriage was consummated.

   Luck

   • Anything worn by the bride is considered "lucky." According to A Blissful Creation, in the 14th and 15th centuries guests would often invade the bridal chamber to try to get a piece of the bride or groom's clothing, especially garters or stockings for good luck.

   Garter Tossing

   • Over time, customs changed and brides and grooms started giving away their undergarments rather than waiting for them to be removed from the bridal chamber. Eventually, grooms began tossing the garter out of the bridal chamber so no one would come in to get it, explains HCC Designer Garters.

   Stocking Flinging

   • Another tradition popular in the 1700s was to throw the bride and groom's stockings to wedding guests, according to A Blissful Creation. Then, unmarried women would try to fling the groom's stockings back to him, and men would do the same for the bride. If the stocking landed on the bride or groom's head, it was a sign of luck.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bridal chamber, Blissful Creation, bridal garter, bride groom, according Blissful, according Blissful Creation, customs such

How to add bling to a wedding centerpiece

add bling to a wedding centerpiece

It's interesting:
"You'd think I'd know better than to be out drinking in the early hours of the morning the night before a big wedding - but Paul's a mate and he needed some ..."

Adding bling--a term used to describe flashy, shiny over-the-top items such as jewelry--to your wedding centerpieces can turn an ordinary item into something sparkly, interesting and worthy of your wedding. Transform your centerpieces into eye-catching, flashy displays that reflect your personality by adding crystals, rhinestones or other bling. Include other items that play off of the bling, such as mirrors or candlelight. Add bling that makes your centerpieces appear elegant and refined or outrageous and gaudy, depending on the look you're going for.

Things You'll Need

• Crystals
• Bouquet Jewelry
• Rhinestones
• Faux gemstones
• Confetti
• Light

Instructions

1. • 1

     Use shiny items to build your centerpieces, such as crystal-cut vases, candle holders and glassware. Vases, or other containers, encrusted with faux gemstones or rhinestones will contribute to an over-the-top look. Glittery holiday decorations or Styrofoam balls rolled in glitter can fill a vase or crystal container. Set your centerpieces on mirrors to reflect the light and sparkle, creating more of a bling effect. Tabletop crystal chandeliers or lanterns are ideal as well.

   • 2

     Hang strings of crystals from shimmering, spray-painted branches or spilling out of a vase holding large feather arrangements. Entwine a string of crystal beads with ivy, garland or strings of miniature white lights to add more sparkle to your arrangement. Any hanging crystals will reflect the light and add to your centerpieces.

   • 3

     Insert bouquet jewelry, such as picks featuring rhinestone flowers or clusters, into floral centerpieces. Mix shiny faux gemstone flowers in with fresh or silk flowers, or create an entire bouquet of glimmering flowers for an over-the-top sparkling centerpiece. Bouquet buckles, which look like fancy belt buckles on a smaller scale, can hold ribbon together around vases, jars or other containers for added bling. Bouquet buckles come in different shapes, such as hearts, circles or rectangles.

   • 4

     Sprinkle rhinestone or faux gemstone confetti around the table, particularly on top of a mirror. The sparkling confetti will reflect the smallest amount of light for a shiny, bling effect. Diamond confetti comes in different colors and can also be used as a filler in vases or bowls holding floating candles, flowers or other decorations.

   • 5

     Complete your centerpieces with a small amount of light, such as from votive or LED candles. The light will allow your bling decorations to reflect for a more spectacular appearance.

Tips &- Warnings

• Open flames, such as candles, are not permitted at some venues. Check with your venue in advance and use LED candles instead, if necessary.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your centerpieces, amount light, bling effect, bling wedding, bling wedding centerpiece

Write like doctor seuss

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."

The wonderful works of Dr. Theodore Seuss Geisel have inspired multiple generations of readers and writers, and trying to mimic the man's style is a tall order. For those who want to try, there are several main elements that shine through in "Dr. Seuss" books, conventions of his writing related to style, content and the prolific use of the imagination. In the latter, Seuss was really a pioneer, showing us the possibilities that exist within the human mind, and entertaining readers at the same time.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Learn to write in rhythm. The venerable doctor seemed to be obsessed with rhyming words- the vast majority of his dozens of books feature text made of rhyming couplets. Seuss even went so far as to create words to rhyme. Get used to the sound of writing rhyming lines.

   • 2

     Be liberal in inventing non-existent words. Words like Sneetch, Woset and Blart are trademark Seuss. The doctor liked to draw his creations according to context, usually a bird-like figure with a somewhat human form.

   • 3

     Tie your writing into visual illustrations. Besides his creatures (both real and made-up), Seuss was a master of architectural illustration, as books like "Oh, the Places You'll Go" and "Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are" clearly show. Read these Seuss books to truly understand how he used the image and the word symbiotically to evoke a unique atmosphere.

   • 4

     Use simple language. Although advanced ideas came through in many of his books, Seuss seemed to be writing primarily for children, and as a result, his books are used to teach millions of kids read. Don't get too pedantic with your language- keep the rhyming lines short and sweet.

   • 5

     Let your ideas and philosophies come through with subtlety in your books. Seuss introduced political or philosophical ideas into many of his books like "The Butter Battle Book" and "The Lorax," but he didn't make these books primers on politics or the environment. Seuss didn't let the "ethics" of the story lines overpower the whimsy of his images or the music of his writing, and to see what he was saying, a reader has to look beneath the surface to unstated ideas relative to the plot line and the end results for his various characters. This sophisticated method allows Seuss books to be enjoyed by a wide variety of readers of all ages.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Seuss books, books like, books Seuss, doctor seuss, like doctor

Ideas for a modern wedding shower

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 ..."

Wedding showers have been thrown for brides since the 1890s, in place of a bride having a dowry. A lot has changed in the years that have passed since then, and, not surprisingly, wedding showers have changed right along with the times. Modern wedding showers are less about providing the bride with the things she will need to set up a home and make her an asset to her husband, and more about the couple themselves.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Recipe Showers

   • Filling a bride's recipe box is a fun alternative type of shower.

     Many modern brides already have their own home and therefore have all of the things they could need in the kitchen. Another blender or toaster is only going to add clutter to their lives. One alternative that has come about in place of the traditional bridal shower is the recipe shower. At a recipe shower, each guest is asked to bring a favorite recipe for the bride, along with one of the tools or ingredients that is needed to make that particular dish. It is also common for the guest to bring the dish fully made so the bride and her guests may sample the recipe.

   The Couple Shower

   • As relationships are becoming increasingly equal and gender roles are being blurred, more and more couples are having coed wedding showers. A coed wedding shower allows for all of the couple's friends---both male and female---to celebrate their upcoming wedding. A coed shower recognizes the fact that it is not just the bride who is about to get married. The groom, too, is about to embark upon the journey of marriage. Couple showers are typically held later in the day and have a much more relaxed feel to them.

   Eco-Friendly Showers

   • In these days of heightened environmental awareness, more and more people are "going green." Bridal showers are following suit, with more and more hostesses planning events that are completely green. From using invitations that are made of seed paper and giving favors that are completely reusable to requesting that no wrapping paper be used, people are finding ways to give back to the earth at the same time that they are giving to the bride. Many environmentally minded brides are even asking to have donations made in their name to a charity in lieu of receiving something they don't really need.

   Scrapbooking Showers

   • Another idea that has gained popularity over the last several decades is the scrapbooking shower. At a scrapbooking shower, each guest works on preparing a page for the bride's scrapbook of her first year of marriage. The finished product is a reminder that the bride's friends and family are always with her. As she and her new husband celebrate certain milestones, they can simply add pictures to the precrafted pages.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: more more, wedding shower, wedding showers, along with, coed wedding, each guest, Ideas modern

Things you can get with a costco membership

It's interesting:
"Henry told me he's had a little upgrade in time for his wedding night. ... Gillian Simon's wedding has been better attended than this year's Liberal ..."

Costco is a wholesale warehouse that requires a membership. You can get a wide range of products and services from Costco ranging from groceries to items that are more abstract. To find some of the more interesting items, you need to time your visit just right. Some products are only available during certain special events.

1. Mortuary Services

   • You probably won't find the caskets next to the produce isle, but the store does offer them along with a whole host of other post-mortem accessories. You can also buy an urn for humans or pets along with some sympathy flowers. The superstore apparently made consumers a little jumpy in 2004 when it made the mistake of stocking caskets near the checkout counters. A casket does make an interesting impulse-buy item, though.

   Wedding Apparel

   • You can't always find a wedding gown at Costco, but when the store has trunk sales, you should be able to find a healthy supply of the gowns. They come in assorted styles and the prices usually have a reasonable mark down from what you would pay at a wedding boutique. You can also do some extra preparation for your wedding in Costco by booking a catering service and buying some decorations for the ceremony.

   Vehicles

   • Whether you need a car, boat or RV, you can purchase it at a discounted price through Costco's Auto Program. You usually won't find vehicles stocked at the store, though. Instead, Costco does business with several car dealerships around the United States to give Costco members a special deal on automobiles. You visit the dealership and browse its selection for the vehicle that best suits your needs. Schedule an appointment with a Costco representative to speak with a certified car dealer.

   Wine

   • Oenophiles -- wine enthusiasts -- can enjoy a glass of wine at a discount price when shopping at Costco. Not only does Costco have its own brand of wine, it is the largest retailer of fine wine in the United States. While you probably won't find extremely rare drinks at Costco, you can make some decent discoveries. You can purchase the store brand wine or browse through a healthy selection of wines from third-party vineyards.

   Discount Vacations

   • While you can't find a Costco brand hotels throughout the United States, you can still book some discount vacations at Costco. You have to select some of the packages the store has readily available if you want to enjoy the discounts, so there is a possibility you will have to compromise on your destination. You have a whole host of options for your vacation fun, though, that range from a tropical cruise to a discount hotel package on the mainland.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: United States, along with, brand wine, Costco have, costco membership, probably find, Things with

The most beautiful wedding centerpieces

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 ..."

Determining the most beautiful wedding centerpieces may depend on numerous factors, such as whether the wedding is theme-based or seasonal, formal or informal, or indoors or outdoors. Given that individual notions of beauty are subjective, you may need to rely on your taste and aesthetic. The only limitation regarding what type of wedding centerpiece to choose or create is your imagination.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Romantic

   • Royal tables, or wide rectangular tables, which typically frame a dance floor, are popular, according to floral designer Darryl Murchison of Darryl & Co. on the Weddings in Houston website. Inventive floral arrangements can cascade down a royal table. Candelabra or lamps with beaded shades combined with short-stemmed flowers produce a stunning panorama. These wedding centerpieces also are integrating exotic plants, such as grasses, pods, succulents, jumbo foliage and sunflowers that have no petals. Rose stems replace willow as background grids to floral arrangements. Murchison advises brides to focus on lighting to ensure that centerpieces are shown to effect. Uplighting should be used in the reception area. If you prefer a dramatic effect, you can use pinspotting, in which a narrow, overhead beam of light shines down on the centerpiece.

   Theme-based

   • The tropical beach theme is well-liked for weddings. Centerpieces can consist of a small sand dune of white or pink sand. Decorate the dune with a variety of shells, such as conches, cowries, cat's eyes, starfish and periwinkle. To contrast the white and orange shells, add seaweed and driftwood. Complete the centerpiece with sparkling coral and soft tea lights to allow the centerpiece to glimmer and glow. Arrange tiki torches along the room perimeter. For a Mediterranean-themed wedding, you can create a stunning centerpiece with lamps made of wine bottles, surrounding them with vines and grapes.

   Seasonal

   • Wedding centerpieces that capture a season, such as Christmas, can be done beautifully and inexpensively. For a winter wedding, centerpieces can range from elaborate gingerbread houses to a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments, tinsel and angel hair. At the base of a tree centerpiece, spread faux snow and add wrapped gifts. Lace candle holders with cranberries to provide a red accent to the white-and-green color scheme. For an autumn wedding, hollowed out pumpkins filled with fruits and flowers can form a centerpiece that hints of the harvest and abundance.

   Outside-the-Box Creative

   • In contrast to traditional floral centerpieces, do-it-yourself creative centerpieces may add a strikingly memorable aspect to your wedding. Create a photo collage that captures the timeline of your relationship, from the day the two of you met to the wedding day. Surround the photo with memorabilia, such as poems, concert tickets and favorite CDs. Use centerpieces that display live animals, such as a whimsical bird cage with two lovebirds or a bowl-shaped aquarium filled with exotic fish.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding centerpieces, beautiful wedding, beautiful wedding centerpieces, most beautiful, most beautiful wedding

How to make a margarita with wine

make a margarita with wine

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

A margarita is a classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice and triple sec. Tequila is a potent drink with a strong taste that some people may not like. Tone down a margarita by replacing the tequila with white wine, thus creating an equally refreshing drink. This wine margarita recipe complements a homemade Mexican meal and serves four people.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• Blender
• Measuring cup
• 6 oz. white wine
• 4 oz. triple sec liqueur
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• 10 limes
• 2 to 3 cups ice cubes
• Salt
• 4 martini or wine glasses

Instructions

1. • 1

     Pour 6 oz. white wine into a blender. Dry white wines such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are ideal for margarita recipes.

   • 2

     Add 4 oz. triple sec liqueur to the blender. You can use traditional orange-flavored liqueur or a Cointreau, based on your tastes.

   • 3

     Slice 10 limes in half and squeeze the juice into the blender. Use your free hand as a sieve to help keep seeds out of the drinks.

   • 4

     Fill the rest of the blender with ice cubes. You will probably use 2 to 3 cups of ice.

   • 5

     Secure the cover on the blender tightly. Pulse the blender a few times until the ice begins to break up. Then run the blender for 20 to 30 seconds at a time until the margarita is the consistency of slush.

   • 6

     Moisten the tops of four martini or wine glasses with water and dip them into a dish of salt.

   • 7

     Pour the wine margaritas into the glasses and enjoy. If you have any limes left over, you can garnish the drink with a lime wedge.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: white wine, drink with, into blender, make margarita, make margarita with, margarita with

Children's wedding invitation etiquette

It's interesting:
"I hope you like these wedding suits. To make sure I would be able to fit into mine I 've been watching my weight. As you can see I've had it right out in front of me ..."

Formally addressing wedding invitations can be tricky, especially when there are enough rules to fill an entire book. Generally, children are not included in a wedding invitation unless specifically stated either on the outer or inner envelope, therefore it is important to include them somewhere in the address. There are things to do and not do when it comes to adding children to the invitation, revolving around the concept that they are accompanying their parents to a wedding rather than being personally invited.

1. Family Invitation

   • If you are inviting children to a wedding, they should be included in the family invitation. A household with six children does not need to receive seven of the same invitation. Furthermore, children are invited to "accompany" their parents to a wedding, therefore they act as additional rather than main guests.

   Outer Envelopes

   • Formal invitation etiquette leaves the names of children off of the outer envelope. This is both to show respect to the parents as they are the ones being invited, as well as to keep the outer envelope clean. Address lines with too many names become crowded and unattractive. If you have to put the children's names on the outer envelope (in case you do not have inner envelopes) never write "and family" or else it may be interpreted as an open invitation to your grandmother, cousin and single uncle. Write the names of each child in age descending order on the line underneath the names of their parents.

   Inner Envelopes

   • Children's names should be written only on the inner envelope on the line underneath their parents. For example- "Mr. and Mrs. Charleston" under which should be written "Lilly, Benjamin and Brad." The children should be listed in descending order of age. If there are too many children, continue onto the third line. Make sure you spell out the word "and" rather than using an ampersand.

   Adult Children

   • Etiquette require that adult children over the age of eighteen receive their own invitation even if they are still living in the same house with their parents. Adult children should be listed on the outer envelope as either "Miss" or "Mr." followed by their full names. On the inner envelope, drop the first name and add a guest permission. For example, "Miss Charleston and Guest" or "Mr. Charleston and Guest". If there are multiple adult children in the same household, combine their invitations only if they are of the same sex. For example, two adult male children would be addressed as "Messrs. Kenny and Taylor Charleston" and two adult female children in the same hose would be addressed as "Misses Lila and Tara Charleston." On the inner envelope simply state "The Messrs. Charleston" or "The Misses Charleston". Add "and guest" if applicable.

   Child Only

   • Though not very common, it is possible that a child is to be invited to a wedding without their parents. In such cases, follow the same rule as if addressing an invitation to an adult child. Also, getting in touch personally with the parent of the child to make arrangements is also considered an appropriate action.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: their parents, inner envelope, outer envelope, invitation etiquette, rather than

Wedding cabins in gatlinburg, tennessee

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

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is located in the Great Smoky Mountains and offers a variety of romantic places to get married. Some places offer wedding chapels and honeymoon cabins at the same location. Marriage license requirements for Tennessee require both parties to be 18 years of age, present valid driver's licenses or birth certificates, social security cards and if you are not a United States citizen you will need to have a passport. In the state of Tennessee no blood work or tests are required.

1. Smokey Mountain Wedding

   • The Smokey Mountain Wedding offers several venues at which to get married. The different types of weddings offered are cabin, outdoor, western, chapel, garden and church wedding. Wedding receptions and renewing your vows are also an option. The main office is located in Pigeon Forge, but there are cabins available in Gatlinburg as well.

     The wedding cabin is a no rules wedding. The pastor will come to the cabin and there is no dress code. Extras available to add on to your wedding package include a horse drawn carriage, ring pillow, photographer, DVD of wedding, heart-shaped cake and a decorated arch. Visitors can also choose to have a reception for an extra charge. Receptions can include food and a live DJ for music.

     Smokey Mountain Wedding
     

     Back Home Chapel
     

     2202 Ridge Road
     

     Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
     

     865-428-6392
     

     smokymountainwedding.org

   Chalet Mountain Wedding Chapel

   • The Chalet Mountain Wedding Chapel is located approximately one mile from downtown Gatlinburg. Services offered are private candlelit ceremonies, decorated chapel, music, bridal gift shop, dressing rooms, custom floral designs, catered receptions, professional DJ and honeymoon accommodations.

     The honeymoon cabins offer a king size bed, outdoor hot tub, indoor Jacuzzi tub in master bedroom, game room, cable TV, grill, fully-equipped kitchen, mountain views and a fireplace.

     Chalet Mountain Wedding Chapel
     

     890 Holly Branch Drive
     

     Gatlinburg, TN 37738
     

     865-430-5568
     

     chaletmountain.com

   Honeymoon Hills

   • Honeymoon Hills is located in Gatlinburg and offers wedding packages at the Chapel at Honeymoon Hills. Packages include the wedding ceremony, traditional wedding music, DVD of ceremony, just married sign, photographs of the wedding and a handmade lace & satin garter.

     The honeymoon cabin features a heart-shaped Jacuzzi for two, gas log fireplace, outdoor grill, satellite TV, fully-equipped kitchen, linens and a phone. Visitors can upgrade to a honeymoon cabin with a hot tub overlooking a private mountain view. Nearby attractions include Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Hillbilly Golf.

     Honeymoon Hills
     

     750 Honeymoon Hill Road
     

     Gatlinburg, TN 37738
     

     865-436-9032
     

     honeymoonhills.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Mountain Wedding, Honeymoon Hills, Chalet Mountain, Chalet Mountain Wedding, Mountain Wedding Chapel

How to make a slit in a dress

make a slit in a dress

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 ..."

You can add a conservative slit to a tight-fitting dress or turn a demure satin sheath into a sexy date night dress by adding a thigh-high slit along one or both side seams. Add a slit to a single dress for special occasions or give your entire dress wardrobe a sexy slit makeover. Transforming a dress is a simple process that can be completed in less than 30 minutes and requires no previous sewing experience.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Seam ripper
• Sewing needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. • 1

     Lay the dress inside out on your working surface. Find the spot where the hem meets the side seam and open up about 1/2 inch of the hemline on the left and right side of one side seam with the seam ripper.

   • 2

     Lay the end of a soft tape measure at the bottom hemline. Measure upward to the length you would like the slit. Make a small mark on the fabric to keep track of the length.

   • 3

     Open up the side seam with the seam ripper to the mark on the fabric. Try on the dress to check the length of the slit.

   • 4

     Lay the dress back down and fold the edges of the seam back onto the fabric. Iron to create a smooth edge on either side of the slit.

   • 5

     Sew along the folded fabric on each side of the slit to keep the fabric in place. Use a straight stitch and add extra stitching to the bottom and top of the slit. Add a few stitches just over top of the slit to keep it from opening further.

   • 6

     Fold the hemline back into place on either side of the slit and sew the hemline closed.

   • 7

     Repeat with the other side seam if you want to add another slit.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: side seam, side slit, slit dress, either side, either side slit, make slit

Swing dance clubs in new york

It's interesting:
"Best man speech writing put this challenge into sharp relief: You are not a professional comedian (at least we don't think you are), but everyone at that wedding ..."

While swing reached worldwide popularity in the 1930s, its invention came earlier, in the 1920s during the Harlem Renaissance. Nowadays in New York City, there are three types of swing-dance clubs: swing clubs that provide lessons- swing-dance clubs that provide membership and discounts for lessons and swing-related events- and swing-dance clubs which are just a venue for participating in swing dance, such as a jazz club.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Gotham Swing Club

   • The Gotham Swing Club is an organization which seeks to promote awareness and appreciation of West Coast swing, a type of swing which descended from the Lindy Hop. Membership is $35 annually (as of January 2010), and gives you discounts to certain dance studios around the city, such as Dance Manhattan and Stepping Out. Members also receive a discounted entry fee for the monthly Dance Gotham event and discounts at dance wear stores such as Bloch shoes and Toe to Toe Dancewear.

     Gotham Swing Club
     

     37 W 19th St, 5th Floor
     

     New York, NY 10011
     

     (800) 546-3692
     

     gothamswingclub.org

   Swing 46 Dance and Supper Club

   • Situated in the heart of Manhattan's famous theater district, Swing 46 offers a packed calendar of traditional swing orchestras and big bands. The cover charge Sunday to Thursday is $12- Friday and Saturday are $15 (as of January 2010). Some of New York's finest dance instructors are on-site every night to offer swing lessons, which are complimentary. The club boasts a full bar and restaurant.

     Swing 46
     

     349 W 46th
     

     New York, NY 10036
     

     (212) 262-9554
     

     swing46.com‎-

   The New York Swing Dance Society

   • The New York Swing Dance Society is a club that meets Sundays. Dance instructors teach new steps and review old ones from 7 to 8 p.m. (as of January 2010). From 8 p.m. onwards, a visiting band plays until midnight. Visiting bands have included the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra, Houston Person and Wycliffe Gordon. Membership is approximately $44 a month. If you don't want to become a member, you can pay as you go: a single-entry fee is $11 for seniors and students and $15 for general admission. (Costs are as of January 2010.)

     The New York Swing Dance Society
     

     271 Madison Ave.
     

     New York, NY 10016
     

     (212) 696-9737
     

     nysds.org

Source: www.ehow.comTags: January 2010, York Swing Dance, Dance Society, Gotham Swing, Gotham Swing Club, Swing Club

Hawaiian wedding ceremony music

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."

Many Hawaiian traditions have been passed down for generations and Hawaiian music is no exception. It often depicts the history of the Hawaiian people, and is used throughout weddings to complement the surroundings and help set the island mood by incorporating traditional instruments into the ceremony.

1. Pre-ceremony Music

   • Live musicians playing Hawaiian instruments such as the ukulele and slack key guitar while hula dancers gyrate are common forms of entertainment before an Hawaiian wedding. Popular songs often played include "My Island Paradise," "White Sandy Beach," "Maui Wedding Song" and "New Beginnings." "Over the Rainbow," which was originally written for the movie, "Wizard of Oz," was later famously recorded by Hawaiian musician Israel "Iz" Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'ole. That version became popular in the 2000s as an Island wedding song.

   Kahu and Mele

   • One Hawaiian wedding ceremony tradition is for the "Kahu" (priest) to escort the groom down aisle. The Kahu traditionally will sing a chant, or "mele," to introduce the man who is about to marry to the wedding guests.

   Conch Shell

   • The sound of the conch shell, or the "Pu,' is believed to call on the land, air, fire and earth to witness the wedding ceremony. The Pu is also used to signify royalty or the beginning of an important event, much like a trumpet. In weddings, the shell is sounded in all four directions, starting with east, to announce that the bride is heading down the aisle. The sound of the conch shell is quite musical, though no traditional "songs" are actually performed on it during traditional wedding ceremonies.

   Hawaiian Wedding Song

   • "Ke Kali Nei Au" is the traditional name of the most popular song for Hawaiian weddings. The song, more commonly called "Hawaiian Wedding Song," was composed by Charles King in 1926. Elvis Presley made it famous in his 1961 film, "Blue Hawaiian." It is usually played following the exchange of rings in a wedding ceremony, and is often accompanied by hula dancers.

   Other Songs and Chants

   • Other songs and chants refer to Hawaii's "aloha spirit" of giving thanks for all that is sacred in life. Sometimes, the wedding will include the "E Ho Mai" chant at the beginning of the ceremony, which calls upon the divine power (Mana) to bless the location with wisdom and power. The bride and groom often exchange leis at some point during the ceremony. During the Lei exchange, the "Lei Pikake" song is usually sung a capella by the Kahu and guests. During the ring exchange, the priest will often chant, "Eia iha no ka maluhia o na lani me kakou a pau," which bestows blessings from the heavens onto the couple. The chant "Kumu Tis'a Kalili, Kahula o ka Moana Pakipika" is performed at the end of a ceremony and wishes the couple a wonderful life together.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ceremony, Hawaiian wedding, Hawaiian wedding ceremony, Wedding Song, ceremony music

How to word wedding stationery

word wedding stationery

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 ..."

Wedding invitations not only set the tone of the wedding, but also give guests a first look at the wedding's feel and theme. Wording of the invite and the addressing of the envelopes should combine attention to detail with emotions from the parents and family.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Choose your invite wording carefully. Using specific wording lets guests know if the ceremony is a formal or more casual event. By wording an invite to be from the bride's parents requesting presence at their daughter's wedding, guests will consider it a much more formal event than a ceremony presented by the bride and groom alongside their parents.

     Mr. and Mrs. (Bride's parents)
     

     request the pleasure of your company
     

     at the marriage of their daughter
     

     (bride's name) to
     

     (groom's name)
     

     Son of Mr. and Mrs. (Groom's Parents)
     

     at (ceremony)
     

     (ceremony address)
     

     on (date)
     

     at (time)

     A variation on this would be the formal invite of both sets of parents:
     

     Mr. and Mrs. (bride's parents) and
     

     Mr. and Mrs. (groom's parents)
     

     invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children...

     Take into consideration altering the setup of the wording, when dealing with atypical parent situations such as divorced or remarried parents. For instance, in the formal invite, the bride's parents are the "hosts" and request attendance. In an alternate wording, the bride can be presented as "the daughter of..." without breaking etiquette.

     Mr. and Mrs. (bride's father and stepmother)
     

     request your presence at the wedding of their daughter
     

     Bride's Name ,
     

     Daughter of (bride's mom)
     

     to Groom
     

     Son of (groom's parents)...

     Another option is using both parents and their new spouses as hosts:
     

     Mr. and Mrs. (bride's father and stepmother) and Ms. (bride's mother) request your presence at the wedding of their daughter...

   • 2

     Place invitation into an internal envelope and then into the mailing envelope. The interior envelope will specify who from the household is invited. It should include only those invited to the wedding and should be less formal than the outer mailing envelope.

     Example: If the outer envelope is to be addressed to Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, then the interior envelope should say "John and Mary Smith." If invite is to a single guest and he is invited to bring a date, the interior envelope should read "John Smith and Guest."

   • 3

     Follow proper etiquette and be sure to send thank you notes. These notes can be written on fold-over cards, postcards, or fine parchment paper such as stationery or letterhead. Fold-over notes can utilize the couple's new monogram on the front, or have their names along the bottom of the card along with their contact information
     

     Example: John and Mary Smith, 123 Main Street, City, State, Zip 555.555.1234

Tips &- Warnings

• Be sure to note any titles such as professions like doctor, judge or reverend and military titles such as Colonel, Admiral or Captain. While titles are not paired with Mr., or Mrs., the highest ranking title comes first in addressing no matter what the gender:

• Dr. and Mrs. John Smith

• Captain Mary Smith and Mr. John Smith

• The Honorable and Mrs. John Smith

• Wedding invitations are to be hand-addressed, in formal handwriting such as calligraphy or a simple cursive. The interior envelopes can be less formal but still handwritten.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: John Smith, their daughter, bride parents, interior envelope, Mary Smith, your presence wedding, bride father

How to play the wedding march on the alto saxophone

play the wedding march on the alto saxophone

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

Playing the alto saxophone during a special occasion like a wedding makes for a wonderful memory. Because the Wedding March is a widely recognized melody, it requires proper preparation before an occasion of this magnitude.

Things You'll Need

• Alto saxophone
• Wedding March sheet music

Instructions

1. To begin

   • 1

     Identify the proper concert key. The alto sax is in the key of Eb and necessitates transposing down a minor third. Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," from "A Midsummer Nights Dream," is one of the most recognizable songs in this nation and is in the concert key of C major.

   • 2

     Deliver a proper tone, as Mendelssohn did not write for alto saxophone originally- it was not yet invented when this music was written, so most parts are transcribed from those of other instruments more typical for the style of concertos and symphonies. Some of these instruments include the French horn, alto horn, and bassoon. Adopt a timbre that closely relates to one of these.

   • 3

     Decide what to play. There are two distinct parts to this melody: the procession, and the march. The procession is indicated with a series of triplets, which call attention to the wedding party. The melody is the central tune everyone is used to hearing. The procession may not be appropriate to play in all situations.

Tips &- Warnings

• Be patient with your progress at first. Don't play too loudly, and concentrate on the beauty of the melody.

• Find the sheet music for Mendelssohn's Wedding March and a free audio player online at 8notes.com.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: alto saxophone, Wedding March, march alto, march alto saxophone, Mendelssohn Wedding, Mendelssohn Wedding March, play wedding

How to get a unique wedding song

get a unique wedding song

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."

Modern brides have attended numerous weddings, and the discerning bride of today is looking for sophisticated ways to make her event stand out from the crowd. One area in which many brides neglect to investigate the full range of possibilities is music selection. While the traditional "-Here Comes the Bride"- is a safe bet for your walk down the aisle, choosing unique wedding music is one way to make your day unforgettable for you and your guests.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Evaluate the style and setting of your wedding. An informal wedding may be well-suited to more popular musical selections, while a large traditional wedding may necessitate something instrumental or classical. Keep in mind many churches and other religious venues consider weddings a worship service, and do not allow secular music during the wedding.

   • 2

     Search your personal music collection. Choosing a "-B-sides"- song from one of your favorite artists may be a great way for you and your fiance to inject a little of your own personalities into the ceremony.

   • 3

     Review music clips and song lyrics on the Internet. Find Web sites that list the most popular wedding songs and consider a selection from the bottom of the list.

   • 4

     Consider original ceremony music. Hiring a songwriter or musician to compose a song especially for your big day is one way to ensure that your wedding music will be both memorable and unique.

Tips &- Warnings

• Respect the restrictions that churches or other religious venues may have on music choice.

• Avoid choosing today's popular songs. They may be unique, but they may also become quickly dated and timestamp your wedding as much as the gigantic fuchsia bows and heavy make-up that marked weddings of the 1980s.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: unique wedding, your wedding, churches other, churches other religious, much more, other religious, other religious venues

Instructions on how to decorate a wedding cake with buttercream icing

Instructions on decorate a wedding cake with buttercream icing

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."

The wedding cake is an essential part of any wedding, and guests will pay as much attention to presentation as to taste. Whether you are decorating a cake for your own wedding or someone else's, attention to detail is key. Decorating a cake with buttercream icing is a popular choice for its versatility and appealing taste, and it is moderately easy to do at home.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Wedding cake
• Buttercream icing
• Piping bag
• Cake decorating turntable
• Cake decorating tip
• Cake scraper
• Paper towels
• Spatula
• Scissors

Instructions

1. • 1

     Gently place the wedding cake on a flat surface such as a cake decorating turntable.

   • 2

     Cut a quarter-inch of the narrow end of the piping bag with scissors. Drop the decorating tip inside the bag so it pokes out of the narrow end. Cut another sliver of the piping bag if the decorating tip is too big until it fits securely.

   • 3

     Fill the piping bag with buttercream icing and twist the top end of the bag. Squeeze buttercream from the piping bag onto the top of the cake with one hand near the piping tip and the other hand near the twisted end of the bag.

   • 4

     Spread buttercream with a spatula to insure even distribution. Place the second layer of the cake on top of the first if you have multiple layers.

   • 5

     Continue adding buttercream icing to the top of the cake, and spreading with a spatula. Refill piping bag with buttercream icing as necessary.

   • 6

     Apply buttercream icing to the sides of the cake with the piping bag after all layers have been added. Smooth the sides of the cake with a spatula.

   • 7

     Allow buttercream icing to dry for approximately seven to 15 minutes. The icing is dry when it begins to crust. Touch the icing with your fingertip. If the icing sticks to your fingertip, it is not yet dry.

   • 8

     Place a paper towel on top of the buttercream icing after it has dried. Using a cake scraper, gently scrape the top of the paper towel in long strokes. This smooths the frosting without leaving any marks.

   • 9

     Place a new paper towel on the side of the cake, and continue scraping until the sides are also smooth.

Tips &- Warnings

• Practice piping icing before you add it to the cake.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: buttercream icing, cake with, with buttercream, with buttercream icing, wedding cake

Paper wedding gift ideas

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 ..."

Husbands and wives traditionally celebrate their first wedding anniversary by giving gifts made out of paper. Sticking to tradition might involve some creative thinking when choosing that special first anniversary present. Use your imagination and give something heartfelt to make this milestone a day to remember.

1. Paper Flowers

   • While paper gifts might not seem like a romantic way to celebrate your first year of marriage, they can be when you use your imagination. Spend your spouse a dozen paper flowers or a dozen roses in a paper bag.

   Writings

   • Using scented stationary, write your significant other a love poem. If you husband or wife is a book lover, track down a first edition of their favorite novel. Give you spouse a steamy romance novel that you can read together and act out. Write a love letter, stick it in a glass bottle and give your loved one a message in a bottle.

   Tickets

   • Tickets are made out of paper so buy your other half tickets to a sporting event, concert or play. You can even buy plane tickets and go on a second honeymoon.

   Homemade Gifts

   • If money's tight, give a handmade book of love coupons for massages, kisses, hugs and sex. You could also create a scrapbook or memory album chronicling your first year of marriage.

   Pictures

   • If you're artistically inclined, draw or paint your partner's portrait. If not, have an artist paint of portrait of the two of you. You can also have an artist draw a caricature of you both. Enlarge your favorite wedding photo, frame it and give it as an anniversary present. For adventures couples, take racy pictures of yourself and compile them for your spouse.

   Other Paper Gifts

   • If you're practical minded, give your spouse a life insurance policy. You can also give origami gifts such as a paper crane, stationary or an exotic board game. If the two of you have been talking about building a house together or even just dreaming about it, give your other half a book of house plans. If you can't decided on a paper gift your spouse would enjoy, give a non-paper gift and wrap it in paper.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your spouse, give your, anniversary present, first year, first year marriage

Average cost of a dj for a wedding reception

It's interesting:
"A wedding is a time for joy and fun, with friends and family gathered to see the happy couple off as they start their new life. But it is a time, too, when our ..."

If you and your spouse-to-be are planning to hire a DJ for your wedding reception, it's best to interview a few professionals in your area to get the best service for an affordable price. The average cost of a DJ depends on what you'll be expecting the DJ to do and how long he will stay at the wedding reception.

1. Average Cost

   • Typically, you can expect to spend between $100 and $300 per hour on a DJ for the reception. Some couples choose to hire the DJ for the entire day, in which case she will also be responsible for managing the music during the ceremony. This may reduce the overall cost slightly, since the more time you book with the DJ, the cheaper the total bill will be. Generally, you pay half of the DJ's total charges when you reserve her for your wedding day.

   What's Included

   • When a couple hires a DJ, there are a number of services that the DJ should provide, including a planning consultation with the couple. This should take place a few weeks before the wedding and will give the bride and groom a chance to go over all the songs that will play at the reception as well as the order of the songs. The DJ usually charges for four hours of music, and you should include setup and takedown of the equipment should in the DJ's total time. DJs should also provide the bride and groom with at least one microphone and audio mixer, as well as a CD player that can play multiple CDs back to back.

   Renting Equipment

   • Couples who want to save money on hiring a DJ may want to simply rent the DJ equipment and have a friend or loved one operate the sound system for the day. The cost of the equipment will vary depending on the location from which you rent it, but couples can expect to spend anywhere from about $75 to $250 for two speakers, a CD player and an audio mixer. You can also rent microphones- corded mics cost around $20 for a day-long rental, and wireless or lapel microphones are usually around $40 a day for rental.

   Additional Fees

   • If a DJ has to work for more than four hours, he may require an additional charge or may request to receive dinner at the wedding reception. However, some couples offer a meal to the DJ either way. If a reception runs over time, the DJ often requires that the couple pay this fee in cash. If a DJ is playing music that has been prerecorded at the reception, he may charge an additional fee if the he has to attend the wedding rehearsal.

   Discounts

   • Since most weddings take place on the weekends, some DJs may reduce the price of their services if the wedding reception takes place on a weekday, so it's best to ask the DJ about this before hiring her. If a couple has done business with the DJ in the past for a party or celebration, this may also reduce the fee. If the bride and groom refer the DJ to another customer, this can also result in a reduction of the cost of the DJ, usually between 5 and 10 percent.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding reception, bride groom, audio mixer, Average cost wedding, cost wedding, cost wedding reception

How to choose music for a wedding reception

choose music for a wedding reception

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."

A wedding reception is a time for celebration. Picking the perfect music for this exciting event may seem uncomplicated, but many couples have no idea where to begin their search for the perfect wedding reception songs. Learn choose music for your reception without stressing.

Things You'll Need

• Wedding coordinator
• Fiancee
• Deejay
• Internet access

Instructions

1. • 1

     Begin early. Before you even hire a deejay, it's a great idea to have your song list prepped. That way, you'll know which vendor to go with once you begin your search. Not every vendor will have Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" in their music collection.

   • 2

     Plan the timing of your reception. Keep a schedule of the bouquet toss, toasts, and introductions of the bridal party. That way, you'll know when you need certain songs to come on.

   • 3

     Choose music that ignites your memory. If you recall when you met your fiancee for the first time and you can distinctly remember what song was playing in the background, this is a great wedding reception song.

   • 4

     Pick songs that suit your personality. If you love hip-hop, it's okay to plug in a few of your favorite hits.

   • 5

     Be original. Most wedding receptions include the electric slide and the macarena dance at some point. Be daring and skip the tradition altogether, using your own favorite songs.

   • 6

     Ask your fiancee for a list of their favorite songs. Make a list of your own. Circle an equal number of songs from each list to play at your reception.

Tips &- Warnings

• Always pick songs that won't offend anyone. If you love Eminem, save it for another time. Picture the look on your grandmother's face when "My Name Is" circulates.

• Never let a vendor or deejay convince you to change your music. It's your wedding and it's their job to cater to your wishes.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding reception, your reception, choose music, choose music wedding, favorite songs, music wedding