Friday, April 29, 2011

Unusual wedding invitation ideas

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.' ..."

A wedding is a grand celebration for and of the bride and groom. Sometimes the couple wants a traditional wedding- other times couples want to stand out from the crowd. If you are in one of the latter couples, you can give your guests a taste of your unique style starting with the invitation by going with an unusual wedding invitation. Just be aware that most will be more expensive than the black and white paper-card variety.

Things You'll Need

DVDs, labels and cases

Paper

Embellishments

Poster tubes

Computer with Internet access

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a piece of paper besides a traditional card that will fit your wedding's theme. For example, if you're having a Las Vegas wedding, send your guests a custom-printed playing card. If you're having a Hollywood wedding, get ticket stubs printed with your and your fiancé-'s names and enter the wedding time and location as the show time and theater. For a carnival-themed wedding, design your invitations to look like raffle tickets.
- 2
  Add embellishments. Instead of sticking with flat, give your invitations some texture. Add a ribbon, silver charm, button or even clay bead. If you don't want to go that far, consider a textured, recycled paper with flower petals or leaves pressed into it.
- 3
  Use a poster tube to hold your invitation and fill it with favors. This will give your guests their own private party when they open them. If you're having a beach wedding, throw in some sand and seashells. For a fairytale wedding, put in glitter to simulate pixie dust. Other options include dried flowers, rice, paper or plastic confetti and small bells. Use a clear tube for the greatest visual impact or go with a cardboard tube for the element of surprise.
- 4
  Send a DVD. Create a video montage of your favorite moments as a couple, complete with a romantic or fun song in the background. It's easy to do if you have MS PowerPoint. Alternately, have someone "interview" the two of you using a hand-held camera and make your upcoming nuptials into a news story. Then print a picture of the two of you to use for the DVD's label. Include the wedding date, time and location in the liner notes of the DVD in case you have a guest that is not technically savvy.
- 5
  Use Evite. This electronic invitation service is definitely not something many use to invite people to their weddings, and to top it off, it's free. Use one of the templates available or design your own. Just make sure all of your guests have access to the Internet.

Tips &- Warnings

Consider your wedding budget before choosing an unusual invitation. Don't forget to factor in mailing costs.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your guests, give your, wedding invitation, design your, give your guests, invitation ideas, time location

Hen party game ideas

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 ..."

Hen parties are the girly get-togethers usually held the weekend before a wedding. The bride-to-be and her friends come together to celebrate the upcoming nuptials with all kinds of games and fun. It is common for hen party games to have a naughty, sexual undertone and to involve lots of talk and jesting about the opposite sex.

Pin the Appendage
- A naughty version of the traditional game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, this game involves a poster of a naked man---with his significant "appendage" missing. The party guests take turns trying to pin the missing appendage in the correct anatomical position of the naked man while blindfolded. The closest mark wins the game.
On the Lips
- On the Lips can be played in conjunction with the Pin the Appendage game. The aim is to place a kiss on the lips of the naked man in the poster. Each party guest applies a different color lipstick so that the kisses can be told apart. The girl with the closest kiss wins the game.
Marital Bliss
- Each guest writes a piece of advice for the bride-to-be on how she can achieve marital bliss. The advice can be anything comical, serious, sweet or phony. One party guest collects the pieces of advice and gives them to the bride-to-be, who reads them out to the party toward the conclusion of the night. The bride-to-be can also be made to guess which piece of advice came from which guest.
Naughty Cherry Game
- Ask the party guests who amongst them has "lost their cherry" (referring to no longer being a virgin). Once a number of ladies step forward, bring out bowls filled with green maraschino cherries and one red one in each. The aim of the game is for the ladies to "reclaim" their lost red cherry amidst the green ones using only their lips.
Know Your Man
- This game requires a party organizer to find out secrets or uncommon facts and trivia about the groom. Each question is written on a separate piece of paper, and guests take turns asking the questions to the bride-to-be. If she gets a wrong answer, she must put a bubble gum ball in her mouth. As she gets more and more answers wrong (the key is to find out really tricky questions), it will be more and more difficult for her to speak with a mouthful of bubble gum---guaranteed hilarity for the guests.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: game ideas, guests take, guests take turns, more more, party game, party game ideas, party guest

10 facts about michael jackson

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

Michael Jackson was an American singer and songwriter whose musical achievements led to immense popularity and established him as a dominant figure in popular culture for over four decades during the 20th century. He was a pioneer in musical entertainment due to his unique vocal style, sound, stage performances and music videos which helped transform the medium into an art form.

Michael's Birth
- Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958 to Katherine Esther Scruse and Joseph Walter Jackson. He was the eighth of ten children- his siblings included three sisters and six brothers. The sixth brother, Brandon, died not too long after his birth.
The Jackson 5
- Michael and his brother Marlon joined the Jackson 5 in 1964, a band formed by their brothers Tito, Jermaine and Jackie. The group went on to achieve success and set a record when their first four singles, which included "ABC," " I Want You Back" and "I'll Be There," all reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Off The Wall"
- Jackson's first solo effort was the result of a collaboration with Quincy Jones. Jackson and Jones were joint producers on the album which also included input from stars like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney and Rod Templeton. The resulting album, "Off The Wall," was the very first solo album to produce four hits in the U.S. The hits from this album include "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough."
"Thriller"
- Michael Jackson released "Thriller" in late 1982 under the Motown Record Label and it proved to be the best-selling album for 1983, the best-selling album in the U.S. and the best-selling album of all time world-wide. The album has sold an estimated 110 million copies as of January, 2011.
Awards
- "Thriller" won Jackson seven Grammy awards, and he won another Grammy for a song he wrote for the storybook of the film "E.T The Extra-Terrestrial"- his total number of Grammy awards for 1984 came to eight. He also later won eight American Music Awards, which led to him being the most awarded artist for a single night at the time.
"The Making Of Thriller"
- In 1985, Michael Jackson's "The Making Of Thriller" was awarded a Grammy for the best music video. The video was also inducted into The National Film Registry by The Library of Congress in 2009. It was the first music video to be accorded that honor.
We Are The World
- Michael Jackson collaborated with Lionel Richie to write "We Are The World" for charity in 1985.
Entertainer
- In 1984, the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Michael Jackson as "The World's Greatest Entertainer."
"Bad"
- Michael Jackson's "Bad" is the first album in the U.S. to ever produce five number one singles.
Death
- Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009. He is survived by his parents, five brothers, three sisters, and his three children.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Michael Jackson, best-selling album, Michael Jackson, about michael, about michael jackson

Thursday, April 28, 2011

How to calculate wedding bar costs

calculate wedding bar costs

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 ..."

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful periods of your life. If you don't hire a professional wedding planner, all of the details need to be handled by the bride, groom, or their families. There are two main options for a wedding bar. The first is a cash bar, where attendees pay for their own drinks. The second is an open bar, where drinks are provided at the cost of the hosts.

Instructions

- 1
  Count the number of people on the guest list that may consume alcohol. Be sure to leave out any children under 21, and those who are pregnant.
- 2
  Calculate the total number of hours of the event.
- 3
  Multiply the number of drinking guests by the duration of the event. It is safe to assume that each person will have one drink per hour. Some guests will drink more, some less. Some guests that you figure will drink, won't drink at all. It all balances out to roughly one drink per person, per hour.
- 4
  Convert the number of drinks to bottles or cases. One bottle of wine is five glasses. One bottle of champagne is six glasses. Each bottle of beer is one drink. Each case of wine, champagne and beer normally has 12 bottles. A 5-gallon keg generally has 53 servings.
- 5
  Add up the total cost of the bottles, cases or kegs to find the total price of the alcohol.
- 6
  Multiply the bartender's hourly rate by the event's duration. Bartenders generally make $25 to $75 an hour. Add this value to the total value of the alcohol.
- 7
  Add in the cost of the glassware. This will vary based on where it is purchased. Your venue may provide glassware.

Tags: bottles cases, calculate wedding, calculate wedding costs, Some guests, wedding costs, will drink

Wedding rsvp decline etiquette

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

Couples often ask guests to RSVP to their wedding invitations. The acronym "RSVP" represents the French phrase, "ré-pondez, s'il vous plaî-t." In English, this means the bride and groom would like to know whether you will be able to attend their wedding. If you need to decline a wedding invitation, you should follow certain etiquette rules. Use tact--let your friends know you won't be attending, while being respectful and maintaining the relationship.

Considerations
- Before you turn down a wedding invitation, make sure you have a good reason not to go. You may already have plans for the day of the event. If the wedding is out of town, you may not have sufficient funds to travel. If you know you have a reasonable excuse for not attending, you'll feel better about declining.
Response Cards
- Don't wait until the RSVP date to send in your response card. Reply to the couple's invitation as soon as possible. The bride and groom need to know how many people are attending. The couple will use the guest list to make such important decisions as how much food, drink and cake to serve, as well as how many wedding favors they should provide.
  Invitations often include a response card with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send this back to the couple so they will know you can't attend. You also may receive a wedding invitation that says "Regrets" or "Regrets Only," according to EmilyPost.com. If you don't send the bride and groom your regrets, they will assume you plan to attend the wedding.
Personal Touch
- Call or visit the couple, even after you send your regrets. This is a polite and considerate gesture when you need to decline an invite. Thank the bride and groom for the invitation. Explain why you will not be able to attend their special day. Express how much you wish you could be there, and let them know they will be in your thoughts on their wedding day.
Gifts
- Even though you won't be a guest at the wedding, it's customary to send a gift. Check with the bride's friends or relatives to see whether she has a gift registry. Send a wedding card with a check, cash or gift card the couple can use toward their home or honeymoon. Send the couple your gift before the wedding day.
Follow Up
- Once the wedding has come and gone, call or visit the couple. You also can invite them out for coffee, lunch or dinner. Ask the couple to tell you about their wedding, reception and honeymoon. If they have photos, ask to see them. This idea works well for close friends or family members. Such thoughtfulness will let them know how much you regret not being able to attend such a momentous occasion.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, their wedding, able attend, they will, wedding invitation, able attend their, attend their

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

How to plan a wedding in milwaukee wisconsin

plan a wedding in milwaukee, wisconsin

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 ..."

A Milwaukee wedding can be held any time of the year. However, the time of year may impact the type of plans you make. For instance, summer is generally warm enough for an outdoor wedding. Fall can also accommodate outdoor weddings, emphasized by the changing colors of the leaves. A winter or spring wedding is better to be held indoors as winters are cold and snowy and spring can also be cool. The city of Milwaukee offers many different types of venues and services that make your wedding your own. Some of these venues offer a nontraditional wedding experience.

Instructions

- 1
  Pick up the "Milwaukee Wedding Planner and Guide" from any Milwaukee wedding vendor, such as dress shops, hotels and flower shops. This guide includes articles about wedding planning, ads for Milwaukee vendors and checklists to help you with your planning.
- 2
  Attend one of the bridal shows that takes place in or near Milwaukee throughout the year. These shows feature numerous vendors and prizes to couples who attend. Each year in January, the Wedding Planner and Guide show takes place in downtown Milwaukee. The Bridal Expo show takes place in Brookfield twice a year in September and November. In February, you can attend Milwaukee's Magnificent Bride show.
- 3
  Choose a wedding site that fits the tone of your wedding. If you prefer to marry in a church, choose from churches of many denominations, some of them over 100 years old. Milwaukee also offers various other types of wedding venues. The Pabst Mansion, dating back to 1892, offers a fancy wedding venue that is decorated beautifully, particularly around Christmas. The Milwaukee Art Museum offers a breath-taking view of Lake Michigan in a one-of-a-kind building. Several parks within the Milwaukee County Parks system also offer venues for your wedding ceremony, including Boerner Botanical Gardens and the Mitchell Park Domes.
- 4
  Select a reception venue that is capable of holding all of your guests. Simple venues, such as bowling alleys, bar halls and other types of halls, can be found throughout the city. Some of the popular venues in Milwaukee include the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Pfister Hotel and the Hotel Metro. Each of these venues offers room for your guests in a setting that suits many wedding types.
- 5
  Choose a caterer for your venue if it does not require its own caterer. Milwaukee offers many different food types from which to choose from fancy to casual. Some of the popular caterers in the city include Saz's, Sprecher Brewery and Bartolotta Catering, each offering food that is Milwaukee-specific.
- 6
  Select providers for other necessary wedding items, including the cake, dress and invitations. Like most big cities, Milwaukee is full of options.
  For a wedding cake, Milwaukee offers bakeries such as Simma's Bakery, which was voted among the top 25 bakeries in America, Aggie's Cakes and Pastries and Rich's House of Cakes.
  Dress vendors that have been in the Milwaukee area for generations include Eva's Bridal, Zita Bridal Salon and Heim's Bridal Shop.
  Invitation providers in Milwaukee also commonly provide other stationary needs, such as thank you notes, favor tags, save the date cards and more. Some of the more well-known invitation vendors include For Now and Forever, Broadway Paper and Coqui Design.

Tags: Milwaukee offers, takes place, your wedding, choose from, many different, Milwaukee also, Milwaukee County

Traditional japanese wedding clothes

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."

Traditional Japanese weddings require a specific kind of wardrobe for both the bride and the groom. Often, the bride will change into several different ensembles throughout the wedding day. The foundation for the traditional Japanese wardrobe is the kimono, which is worn by both the bride and the groom.

Kimonos
- A kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that literally means &ldquo-clothing&rdquo- in Japanese. There are different types of kimonos, depending on occasion, such as wedding ceremonies and receptions. The kimono is typically a long robe with wide sleeves that is secured with a sash. Traditionally, the bride wears several different kimonos during her wedding day. This custom of changing into several outfits dates back to the 14th century and is called oironaoshi.
Bride Wedding Ceremony Attire
- The bride first puts on a white kimono for her wedding ceremony. The white represents her new married life and also the end of her childhood. It is made out of silk and called a shiro-maku, standing for pure white. This is the most traditional garment for Japanese brides.
Bride Wedding Reception Attire
- During the wedding reception, the bride puts on a more colorful and elaborate silk kimono called an uchikake over her white kimono. It is typically embroidered with nature motifs such as flowers, plum blossoms, tortoises, cranes or flower carts. The background color of the uchikake is typically red. This garment is often rented since the bride wears it only once. After the wedding reception, the woman will not be able to wear an uchikake because it is only for young, unmarried women.
Groom's Attire
- The groom also wears a kimono for the wedding ceremony. He wears a kimono that is a formal, full-length piece that has the family crest labeled on the front and back. This kimono is tucked into loose pants and worn with an overcoat. The outfit is typically black but can be purple, brown or dark blue among other colors, depending on personal preferences.
Accessories and Grooming
- The Japanese bride covers her face with a white cloth and paints her face white. Her hair is worn in a traditional style that is embellished with gold combs and accessories that are called kanzashi. The headpiece accessories include two gold horns. The white cloth conceals these horns symbolizing her obedience to her husband. The bride also carries a small purse called a hakoseko and wears a partially opened fan in her kimono sash. The outline of the bride's eyes are colored dark and bright red lipstick is worn.

Tags: both bride, both bride groom, bride groom, bride wears, Bride Wedding, into several, japanese wedding

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

How to plan a youth talent show

plan a youth talent show

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 ..."

Planning a talent show for your youth group doesn't have to be a headache. Teens love to feel special and a talent show lets them show off their talents. They are fun and don't take a lot of work. Your youth group is worth the effort.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

A place to hold the talent show.

Teens

A few adults to help with things (depending on the size of your group will determine the number of adults ~ 1 adult per 10 teens)

Poster Board

Sign-up sheets

Enthusiastic attitude

A love for teens

Ribbons and/or certificates

Instructions

- 1
  First thing you should do when planning a talent show for teens is to ask your teens about it. Would they like to showcase their talents? If they grumble and say - I don't have any talents - then tell them this is no ordinary talent show. Make it a talent show where everyone can participate. Not everyone sings like Celine Dion or plays the sax like Kenny G, but everyone does something well. Some may cook or bake. Others might do crafts or sew. You might have an athlete and a film maker among your group. Put them together and have your film maker video tape your athlete during a game, at practice or just playing for fun. During the talent show, play the video and you have two talents at one time being displayed. Be sure both get credit for their part. I have listed other categories under the - tips - for this article.
- 2
  Once you have the teens on board, find some volunteers. Your volunteers will assist you however you need them. Your teens should help make posters to put up around your church and community. Make sure you have a confirmed date from whomever you are using the space from (Pastor, Rec. Center, Etc.). Have your volunteers help distribute the posters around town.
- 3
  There are NO try-outs. Everyone who wants to showcase their talent should be allowed. Arrange for practice times. It is best if the practices can be done where the talent show is being held but this is not a must. During practices, your volunteers should be helping you keep the teens quiet when they are not performing. If costumes need to be made, see if you can find a volunteer to make them (or maybe one of the other teens).
- 4
  Now that you have a confirmed list of teens in your talent show and practices have begun, you or one of your volunteers should begin the ribbons and/or certificates (filling out the names, talent, date etc.). These can be done on most computers and don't have to be fancy. A certificate simply should state the date, group hosting, talent displayed and teens name (you can make it look official by having your pastor and you sign it for fun). The ribbons should say - Participant, - Well Done,- You're a Star, - or something generic like that (NO 1st place, 2nd place, etc.). You are not pitting them against each other. You are showcasing their individual talents. On the back of the ribbons should be room for their name, the date, their talent and hopefully where the talent show took place. When finished, these should be placed in a safe spot where they will be easy to get to the night of the talent show. If you have a teen who likes to do this, let them help (again giving them the credit)
- 5
  Setting up for a talent show is pretty easy. Make sure you have plenty of seats for the guests and a section marked off for the performers. If you have a teen or volunteer who is good with a camera ask them to video tape the talent show. As a way to make a little money for your youth group, you can make copies of the video and sell them.
- 6
  It's time to get the evenings schedule together. You've hopefully seen all of the performing talent. You can have the performers chose a number and that is where they perform or you can try to schedule the acts yourself but this can be time consuming and some might feel you are playing favorites. Once you've figure this out, it is time to put together the talent show program (bulletin, agenda or whatever you call it). If you have a teen who loves to create thing on a computer, let them help with this and be sure to give them credit.
- 7
  The night of the talent show, you should have some volunteers with the teens keeping them quiet when not performing and keeping the flow onto and off of the stage going. Where the refreshments are being served, set up the artwork, photos, sculptures, sewing, etc. around the room. Make sure people can easily view the items while others are getting food. Also make sure the tables and/or chairs are away from the items so nothing gets damaged.
- 8
  As the night begins, you may have a teen who likes to talk and socialize. Let them hand out the programs and greet people. Have the teens set up their own viewable submissions with the help from you volunteers. Make sure everyone gets recognition for their submissions (viewable and performance).
- 9
  When the last act is over, you can do one of two things. If you had a smaller group hand out the ribbons and certificates then invite everyone back to enjoy the refreshment and see the viewable submissions (make sure someone gets pictures of the food submissions before anyone digs into the food). If you have a larger group, take an intermission and serve the refreshments. This gives everyone a chance to see the viewable submissions before the certificates and ribbons are handed out.
- 10
  Finally, Relax and enjoy. You and your teens have put on an amazing evening. Fun, fellowship and good food was had by all who attended.

Tips &- Warnings

Talent categories:

1. Singing (solo or group)

2. Musical instrument (solo or band)

3. Art (Painting, sketching, chalk, animation, sculptures, etc.)

4. Writing (Poetry, short story ~ set a word limit, song lyrics ~ original work only)

5. Comedian (Should be appropriate material for all ages)

6. Sports (Include them all but make sure they understand this has to be a film submission due to space and time ~ limit it to about 2 or 3 minutes)

7. Film Making (Make sure the film is 2 or 3 minutes long and is an appropriate film for all ages)

8. Acting (skits or a scene from a movie ~ make sure the scene/skit is 2 or 3 minutes long and is an appropriate film for all ages)

9. Cooking/Baking (those choosing this category will be in charge of refreshments that evening). Remember to take a picture of each item submitted for talent to give to the teen submitting.

10. Hospitality ~ If your teen loves to mingle or talk, they can be the greeter for the evening. If they are good with "-paperwork"- have them help make the programs (be sure to give them credit).

11. Computer ~ make a certificate and/or ribbon for any of the teens who help with computer and/or paperwork.

13. Magician ~ again put a time limit on this.

14. Photography ~ have them display their photographs and then have them take photos of the talent show.

15. Crafts ~ anything handmade by the teen.

16. Sound effects ~ if you have someone interested in sound boards, let them run the sound board. You may need someone to show them run the sound board.

17. Health and Beauty ~ If a teen is interested in fixing hair, applying make-up, or doing a four minute talk on health.

18. Debate ~ Maybe two or more of your teens enjoy arguing. Give them a topic (or let them choose one together) and give them each 2 minutes to debate it (again no one should be declared the "-winner"-).

You can add any talent that your teens have that doesn't fall in the above categories.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: talent show, have teen, have them, help with, them credit, them help

How to edit pictures to look professional

edit pictures to look professional

It's interesting:
"During my research - and yes, believe it or not, this was researched - I looked into the three key elements of a wedding day: first, the aisle, the longest walk ..."

Even if you aren't a professional photographer, you might still want to make your everyday snapshots look professional. While the quality of the pictures you take depends somewhat on the type of camera you use and what your camera settings are, there are still techniques available in programs like Photoshop that will improve the final product.

Instructions

- 1
  Open the image you want to edit in a version of Photoshop editing program. Use the "Unsharp Mask," typically found under the "Enhance" tab, to make small modifications to the sharpness of the image. Something under an "Amount" of 50 percent, a "Radius" of less than one pixel and around one "Threshold" level is ideal.
- 2
  Select the "Level" tab, followed by "New Adjustment Layer" and "Levels." Click the Auto button, since this is the best way to adjust the levels of the images quickly and easily.
- 3
  Adjust the contrast of the image. Click on the "Enhance" tab, select "Adjust Lighting" followed by "Brightness/Contrast." Bump the contrast lever a bit to the right, and watch how it adjusts your image. The change needs to be subtle but effective in order to keep it from looking overdone.
- 4
  Increase the saturation of the image by selecting the "Enhance" tab, then "Adjust Color" and click on "Hue/Saturation." Moderately boost the saturation, around +5.

Tips &- Warnings

You can easily adapt these techniques to other photo-editing programs if you know where these particular settings are within the program.

Tags: look professional, edit pictures, edit pictures look, pictures look, pictures look professional

Amish gifts ideas

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 ..."

The Amish follow an interpretation of Christianity that places little value on material goods and technological development. They believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible, and take its commands to separate themselves from the things of the world seriously. For this reason, it is imperative that practical gifts are chosen. Avoid gifts related to computers, the television or the radio, as these do not play a part in Amish culture.

Tools
- Tools are a practical gift welcomed in any Amish household. Traditional, hand-held tools are best as most families live without electricity. Try investing in some high-quality woodworking tools. Alternatively, buy a piece of traditional farming equipment. The Amish place heavy emphasis on the importance of living in a rural environment, and may do so without modern inventions. For example, Old Order Amish congregations do not use tractors for farming.
Furniture
- A piece of wooden furniture is a useful gift -- especially for those making a new home. Choose something wooden with a simple design. If the recipient is a member of the Swartzentruber Amish, then run any ideas past them first as they have strict rules regarding the dimensions of the furniture and its color.
Make Something
- Home-made goods will be appreciated, even if it's as a token. Make some jam or syrup. Alternatively, bake a cake, bread or some cookies. If the recipient is a child, or has children, consider making a toy or game for them. Those able to knit or sew can make a simple quilt or warm blanket.
Large Appliances
- Find out of the recipient is in need of any large appliances. Gas refrigerators and wood-burning stoves can be costly, so arrange to pool funds with other people who want to buy something. Transportation and farming equipment can also make good gifts.
Homeware
- Good quality items such as pots, pans, cups, saucers, plates, cutlery and bowls are a simple but useful gift. To be on the safe side, choose those with as little adornment as possible and in muted colors. Alternatively, buy supplies of non-perishable food items such as canned goods and dried fruit.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Amish gifts, Amish gifts ideas, farming equipment, gifts ideas, items such, useful gift

How to make candy bar wappers

make candy bar wappers

It's interesting:
"Your opportunity to wow the audience and create a moment at the wedding people will be ... The Internet's largest collection of original wedding speech material, ..."

Homemade party favors save money and allow you to add a bit of personality. For example, a simple chocolate bar can be made into a unique party favor simply by making unique candy bar wrappers. This project is affordable and a lot of fun.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

Stationery printer paper

Glue stick

Instructions

- 1
  Choose stationery printer paper that suits the occasion. Stationery printer paper can be bought for almost any occasion. If all else fails, choose a party pattern. You can also use plain printer paper, but the candy bar wrappers won't be as festive.
- 2
  Open a word processing program and center the text vertically and horizontally. Centering the text ensures that the message is correctly placed when the candy bars are wrapped. Even if you have to cut off some of the paper to fit the candy bars, the message will still be properly placed.
- 3
  Select clip art that suits the occasion. You could add a wedding cake image or even a pumpkin for Halloween. There are literally hundreds of pieces of free clip art to be found in word processing programs and online.
- 4
  Type a message. Keep the message simple, preferably no more than three lines so that it's easy to read. Also choose a font that suits the occasion.
- 5
  Print the wrappers, cut them to size and use a glue stick to seal them. Once the wrappers are printed, pull the edges around a candy bar to see how much paper needs to be cut from the wrapper. Cut the rest of the wrappers and seal the wrappers around the candy bar using a glue stick.

Tips &- Warnings

Print a test page to see how the wrapper looks.
If small candy bars are used, two wrappers may fit on one piece of paper. Adjust the text and clip art to fit two wrappers per page.

Tags: printer paper, candy bars, suits occasion, that suits, that suits occasion

Monday, April 25, 2011

How to make camouflaged cakes

make camouflaged cakes

It's interesting:
"Click on a category below. Links to your chosen speeches will appear in the viewer on the right. Speech 6 in the category 'Childhood friend' under the heading ..."

Tags: cake batter, camouflaged cakes, green icing, icing cone, make camouflaged, make camouflaged cakes

How to plan a wedding in miami

plan a wedding in miami

It's interesting:
"The best way to get a wedding reception crowd on side is too say something nice about the bride ... You could also add that it's been a wonderful wedding so far."

You are getting married and are planning your dream wedding in Miami. Miami creates the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception with its luxurious architecture, proximity to the ocean and multitude of stylistic and cultural options. You have many details to decide and it is never too early to start planning your wedding in Miami since many venues will be booked up for more than a year ahead of time.

Instructions

- 1
  Discuss with your fiance where you would like to have your ceremony. Opt for a church if you are looking to have a religious ceremony. If you would like an outdoor setting, consider a botanical garden or the beach. Other quaint options include having your ceremony at a bed and breakfast or a friend's home that will provide ample accommodations. Book your ceremony location 12 months ahead of time if possible since many Miami venues are booked up months ahead of time.
- 2
  Retain the services of a minister for your wedding. Take any religious classes or premarital counseling as required by your church or officiant.
- 3
  Discuss your ideal reception location. Discuss factors such as size, price, type of decor and style. The venue you select will depend on your personal preferences. Consider the Renaissance at the Gables for a lavish affair that accommodates up to 700 people. Choose the Miami Beach Resort for a beach wedding and the choice of several elegant room options for your reception.
- 4
  Shop for your wedding dress. Buy a simple, lightweight dress if you will be getting married on the beach in Miami. Try not to buy a dress that is too heavy to avoid being uncomfortable during the reception.
- 5
  Book the services of a musician or disc jockey. Save money by having the same band play during the ceremony and the reception. One DJ service that provides this package is Party Players. Another option is Promo DJs, which offers a full dj service that includes a large music selection, light show and visual show through the use of LCD televisions. The Miami Symphony Orchestra or the Eleganza Strings quartet are options to consider to add a formal and elegant touch to your wedding. Consider adding Cuban or Latin music to the mix since these types of music are very common and influential in the Miami area.
- 6
  Decide on a florist or make your own floral arrangements. Extreme heat is common in Miami during summer months- choose flowers that will not wilt.
- 7
  Reserve the services of other vendors including the caterer, baker, photographer and a party rental store. Torrella's Catering offers catering and rental services and specializes in large events. Another option is Robin Hood Rental, which rents out for tables, chairs, linens, arches, dinnerware, candelabras and dance floors. Check out My Wedding's website for a comprehensive list of other vendors in the Miami area.
- 8
  Finalize your guest list. Mail out your invitations six to eight weeks prior to your wedding. Give the final head count to your caterer.
- 9
  Go to the county clerk's office and apply for your marriage license. Complete the necessary paperwork, pay the $93.50 fee (as of 2010), and have your marriage ceremony performed within 60 days of the issuance of the marriage license. You are not required to be a Florida resident to get married in Florida.

Tips &- Warnings

Ask vendors for references to ensure you will receive quality services.

Avoid having a beach wedding during hurricane season. Also, rent a tent in the unlikely event that your outdoor ceremony is met with a torrential downpour.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, your ceremony, ahead time, Another option, beach wedding, ceremony reception

Friday, April 22, 2011

Cool hotels in denver

It's interesting:
"I can’t imagine a happier way to start married life than in this wonderful venue with all their family and friends around them. Ok, so I can – but it would have to be an exceptionally big Jacuzzi."

Denver is both the biggest city and the capital of the state of Colorado, which is situated in the United States' Rocky Mountains region. Denver is in the South Platte River Valley and is often referred to as the "Mile High City" due to its high elevation (which is one mile above sea level). The city offers an abundance of tourist attractions, such as the Santa Fe Arts District, Sakura Square, the 16th Street Mall, the Denver Botanic Gardens and Richthofen Castle. For visitors to Denver that are seeking cool accommodations, there are various hotel options.

Hotel Monaco Denver
- The Hotel Monaco Denver is a luxurious Kimpton accommodation that is situated in bustling downtown Denver, a brief walk away from local points of interest like the 16th Street Mall, the Colorado Convention Center and the LoDo (Lower Downtown) historic district. The Hotel Monaco Denver is comprised of 189 deluxe rooms and suites, all which have bright decor schemes of yellow, red and cream. The in-room amenities include complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access, MP3 alarm clock, spa treatments, flat screen television, private voicemail, dual-line speakerphone, security safe, free morning newspaper delivery, ergonomic chair, writing desk, Nintendo, lighted makeup mirrors, room service and fully-stocked mini bar. Some other benefits of the hotel are guest laundry and dry cleaning services (same day), free overnight shoeshine, on-site restaurant (which serves northern Italian fare), 24-hour exercise center, full-service beauty salon, business services and express checkout.
  Hotel Monaco Denver
  1717 Champa St.
  Denver, CO 80202
  303-296-1717
  monaco-denver.com
Hotel Teatro
- The Hotel Teatro is a downtown luxury boutique accommodation that is adjacent to the Denver Center for Performing Arts. The Hotel Teatro is suitable for corporate and leisure travelers alike. The 110 guest rooms (six of which are junior suites) all feature scenic downtown Denver views, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, modern art deco furnishings, dual-line telephones, dataports, voicemail, round-the-clock room service, iHome docking station, 32-inch high definition, flat panel LCD television, tea and coffeemaker, triple sheeting and and Aveda toiletries. Some of the hotel's other benefits include two full-service gourmet restaurants (modern American and traditional Italian cuisines), extensive event and meeting facilities (2,000 square feet), luggage and golf bag storage, exercise center, security safe at front desk, business center and overnight guest laundry and dry cleaning services.
  Hotel Teatro
  1100 14th St.
  Denver, CO 80202
  303-228-1100
  hotelteatro.com
The Oxford Hotel
- The Oxford Hotel is a historic accommodation in the heart of downtown Denver's vibrant LoDo district. The Oxford Hotel has been a landmark in the city since 1891 and is near area points of interest such as Coors Field, Union Station and Larimer Square. All of the 80 guest rooms and suites come with European antiques and Victorian, French, English and American fixtures from the early twentieth century. The guest units all have a blow dryer, 24-hour room service, plasma television, slippers, bathrobes, iPod docking station, honor bar, pillowtop mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheeting (400 thread count) and Bose stereo system. Some of the hotel's other perks are guest laundry and dry cleaning, flexible meeting and event facilities (10,000 square feet), martini bar and full-service seafood restaurant.
  The Oxford Hotel
  1600 17th St.
  Denver, CO 80202
  303-628-5400
  theoxfordhotel.com
The Curtis Hotel
- The Curtis Hotel is a sleek Doubletree accommodation located in downtown Denver. The Curtis Hotel's theme is pop culture, with cartoons playing in its lobby to wake-up calls straight from iconic figures such as Austin Powers or Elvis Presley. The fun loving hotel has a 100 percent smoke-free policy. All of the guest rooms come with features like complimentary high-speed wireless and wired Internet access, iPod docking station, room service, 26 or 32-inch flat screen television, telephone, private voicemail, reading chair and work desk. Concept rooms are available, from the Rolling Stones to the British Invasion. Other highlights include dry cleaning, guest laundry, conference and meeting facilities (20,805 square feet), indoor parking and full-service restaurant (which serves a fusion of Latin American and Asian cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner).
  The Curtis Hotel
  1405 Curtis St.
  Denver, CO 80202
  303-571-0300
  thecurtis.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Curtis Hotel, Denver 80202, downtown Denver, guest laundry, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Monaco Denver

Thursday, April 21, 2011

How to make handtied rose bouquets

make hand-tied rose bouquets

It's interesting:
"All the material you need to win laughs and touch hearts. Our interactive page will guide you step-by-step as you create an extraordinary speech that uniquely ..."

There is nothing more elegant than a hand-tied bouquet of roses. Popularized on the flower dealing streets of Holland, hand-tied bouquets are created by arranging the stems of flowers in the crook of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. You insert one stem at a time into the crook, crossing the stems as you slide them in so that the roses form a domed top to the bouquet and the stems form a narrow spot under the blooms and splay out in an expanding star burst pattern toward their ends. The narrow neck is then fastened and the stem ends are cut straight across so that the bouquet will stand on its own.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

A dozen (or more) roses

Rubber band or twine

Raffia or ribbon

Clean sharp pruning shears

Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Strip all the leaves from the bottom two thirds of the rose stems and discard them.
- 2
  Hold your thumb and forefinger together to make an "O" shape.
- 3
  Slide a rose stem into the "O" with the other hand, inserting it between halfway and two thirds up the stem. Place the second rose into the "O" at a 45-degree angle to the first, allowing their stems to cross.
- 4
  Add more roses at an angle evenly around the the bouquet, working clockwise until you have a smooth dome of blooms on top of the bouquet, a narrow neck in the middle and evenly splayed stems on the bottom.
- 5
  Snugly bind the narrow neck of the bouquet with twine or a rubber band. If using twine, pull the end of the twine up through the stems to secure. When the bouquet is secure, cover the rubber band or twine with lengths of raffia or decorative ribbon as desired.
- 6
  Trim stem ends straight across as your desired length with clean sharp pruning shears to finish.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: narrow neck, your thumb forefinger, band twine, ends straight, ends straight across, more roses, pruning shears

How to plan a wedding blessing

plan a wedding blessing

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."

Whether you're an officiant, parent, friend or relative, planning a wedding blessing can be stressful. You want to make sure that the blessing you give is inspirational and touching for the couple. Use these steps to plan your wedding blessing.

Instructions

- 1
  Look at examples of wedding blessings. You can use scripture, poems, lyrics or romantic quotes in your wedding blessing. A few popular authors that you could quote include Shakespeare, Christina Rossetti and St. Augustine. Buy "Wedding Blessings: Prayers and Poems Celebrating Love, Marriage and Anniversaries" by June Cotner from Amazon for more ideas. Aside from examples online, you can also talk with wedding officiants in your area and ask for examples of blessings they've given.
- 2
  Respect the religious affiliation and heritage of the couple. There are many types of blessings that you can give, but they may not all be appropriate. If the bride and groom are having their wedding in a church, plan a scriptural blessing or offer a prayer. Likewise, if the couple is Irish, you might plan on using a traditional Irish blessing.
- 3
  Talk with the people involved in the wedding ceremony. The officiant can let you know more about the appropriateness of your planned blessing, such as whether it's appropriate for a woman to offer a prayer at the service. The couple may have a favorite poem. Some families have a traditional blessing that has been used from generation to generation.
- 4
  Be sincere if you write your own blessing. If you know the couple's spiritual walk is important to them, focus on aspects like faithfulness to God and each other. You can also look at the blessing as a time to wish the married couple success in all their endeavors, hope for the future and other well wishes.
- 5
  Keep it short. Remember that the wedding isn't about you. Plan on your blessing being given in under five minutes. Before the wedding, practice and time the blessing.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding blessing, your wedding blessing, offer prayer, plan wedding, plan wedding blessing, your blessing

How to preserve wedding veils

preserve wedding veils

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

A wedding veil is a precious accessory from your wedding that can be handed down from generation to generation. The veil must be preserved properly in order to maintain the integrity of the material for use. Professional dry cleaners provide the services to preserve your veil, but there are simple steps you can take at home.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

Mild laundry detergent

Acid- and lignin-free tissue

Acid-free box

Protective garment bag

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the veil by hand washing with a mild laundry detergent, unless the cleaning directions by the manufacturer of the veil state otherwise. If there are only spots of dirt on the veil, you can clean only those spots. Let the veil air dry completely. Have the veil professionally dry-cleaned if you prefer.
- 2
  Place the veil flat and place a piece of acid- and lignin-free tissue on top of it. Fold the veil gently and wrap it completely in the tissue. Use lignin- and acid-free tissue as some paper materials contain acids that can ruin the material of the veil over time and lignin, a natural compound in paper, can discolor the veil material. You can find this kind of tissue paper in craft and fabric stores. Acid-free buffered tissue paper can be used with cotton, linen or polyester garments, but not for silk. Buffered tissue paper is treated to help destroy harmful chemicals, but destroys natural fabrics such as silk.
- 3
  Place the wrapped veil in an acid-free box. This kind of box can be found at dry cleaners or companies that specialize in restoring heirloom garments. A protective garment bag can also be used. The storage device should not be sealed- moist air can be trapped and form mildew.
- 4
  Store the preserved veil in a cool, dry place. The storage place should have a temperature that remains constant, such as a closet -- not a basement or attic.

Tips &- Warnings

Do not use plastic to preserve your wedding veil as it dispatches fumes when enclosed that will ruin the material.

Tags: tissue paper, laundry detergent, lignin-free tissue, preserve wedding, preserve wedding veils, preserve your, ruin material

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

How to plan a traditional latin mass wedding

plan a traditional latin mass wedding

It's interesting:
"I want to welcome each of you to the wedding today. It is a true testament to the bride and groom that you have taken time from your busy schedule to come and witness their marriage. I have never seen a more beautiful bride than Linda, and Paul looks just plain proud, doesn’t he?"

If you are considering a traditional Latin Mass Catholic Wedding or Tridentine Wedding Mass, there are number of factors you should consider. The Traditional Latin Mass is a beautiful ceremony and many people feel there is no more sacred way to enter into the sacrament of marriage. In this article we will provide some basic steps for you to consider prior to beginning your wedding planning. In the end you may decide a more modern mass is better suited for your wedding. However, if you are willing to put forth the effort to plan a traditional wedding mass, the rewards may last a lifetime.

Instructions

- 1
  
  Understand the basics of a Tridentine Mass:
  * everything is in Latin
  * the priest conducts the liturgy facing East, leading the community who are behind him
  * everything happens strictly and precisely according to the rubrics (instructions)
  * the congregation follows the Mass in private prayer and doesn't play an active part
- 2
  
  If you do not attend a parish where the Tridentine Mass is regularly said, you will first need to find a priest or parish in your area where the traditional Latin mass is held. You may be able to ask a priest who is versed in the Traditional Latin Mass to come and perform the wedding at your local church. However, you will need permission from your parish for an outside priest to perform your wedding mass. This will take coordination with your parish staff and the parish priest. Be aware that typically only one priest is allowed to say the mass. No con-celebrants.
  It is traditional to officially announce your intent to marry to your priest. The priest will then publish what is called the "-banns of marriage"-. Traditionally, the banns were a public announcement of the coming marriage. This allowed for any impediments to be discovered from the community. The banns are typically published on three consecutive Holy Days in the church bulletin, alternately they can be announced during the mass. Obviously, banns are not a usual practice in the modern church and are not necessarily a requirement.
- 3
  
  Understand that the dress of the wedding party will conform to the same rules of decorum that should apply any time a woman enters the church for a traditional Latin mass. The focus is on modesty.
  Typically the head of all female participants is covered, i.e. with a veil. The dresses should fall below the knees both when standing and sitting. The dress neckline should be of a modest nature. The arms should be at the very least partially covered. This would rule out any dresses with spaghetti straps, low neck lines, or of short lengths.
  Furthermore, it is likely a good idea to share the dress code with your guests. A possible addition to your wedding invitation would be:
  "-Out of respect for Our Lord, the bride and groom request that women refrain from wearing slacks
  or dresses that are sleeveless, low-cut, or above the knee. Ladies are further asked to cover their heads upon entering the chapel. Chapel veils will be available at the ceremony."-
- 4
  
  The Music for your traditional catholic wedding mass will be handled differently from some of the more modern ceremonies you may have attended. Only Scared music is to be used. No popular tunes or ballads. Do not expect to be able to use the Wagner's or Mendelssohn's Wedding Marches, these are not considered to be sacred music.
- 5
  
  Remember that the mass will be in Latin. Typically a large percentage of your guests will not have their own missals. Missals are Latin to English translations that help us to follow the mass. You can make your own missals that will accompany the wedding programs. Include the entire Mass along with instructions for when to sit, stand, kneel, etc. You may wish to include brief explanations of what the priest is doing at specific points in the mass. This will make the ceremony more meaningful for everyone.
  You can also find wedding missals online for a reasonable price.
  You will also want to include instructions concerning who can receive communion. Word the instructions as tactfully as you can. This will prevent any confusion from your guests and avoid any hard feelings.
  It also will be helpful to have someone sitting in the front who understands the traditional mass. This will give the other guests someone to watch when it is time to kneel, stand, or sit.
- 6
  
  If you are not accustomed to kneeling, start practicing. There will be long intervals when you are required to kneel during the mass. With practice you can become comfortable kneeling for long periods of time.
- 7
  
  It is a beautiful custom for the bride to place her bouquet (or other flowers) at the statue of the Virgin Mary. The Bride can kneel at the statue and pray for Mary to help her in her duties as a wife and future mother. Traditionally this symbolizes the bride offering her own virginity (flowers) to Our Lady, in return for Mary's prayers that she will have a fruitful marriage.
  The groom can also light a candle at the statue of St. Joseph. Praying for guidance and strength to be a good husband and father.
  Hopefully all these tips will help you plan your Traditional Catholic Wedding Mass. Your priest can provide further guidance and advice. We also suggest reading the section of the missal outlining the sacrament of marriage.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: This will, your wedding, from your, Latin Mass, mass This

Rv campgrounds in belmont north carolina

Rv campgrounds in belmont, north carolina

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 …"

Belmont is a town located roughly 15 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina. The town was first established when a Benedictine monk bought 500 acres to establish a religious community and a school. Belmont Abbey still exists, as does Belmont Abbey College. Visitors often come to the area to visit Belmont's historical district, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Lake Norman and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Recreational vehicle campers and other outdoor enthusiasts will find several places to stay in the Belmont area where they can kayak, raft, canoe, boat and fish.

Elmore Mobile Home and RV Park
- Small pets are allowed at Elmore if they are spayed or neutered.
  Elmore Mobile Home and RV Park is an affordable, adults-only RV park. All RV sites come with full hook-ups. Small pets are allowed as long as they are kept leashed and are spayed or neutered. There are nightly, weekly and monthly rates, which include sewer, electricity and water.
  Elmore Mobile Home and RV Park
  4826 North Tryon St.
  Charlotte, NC 28213
  800-598-1323
  pjuc.com/campgrounds.htm
Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort
- You can purchase fishing supplies at Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort .
  Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort has standard, lake front and lake view sites with wireless Internet access, 30- and 50-amp electrical service, water connections and daily trash pickup. The resort has four piers, a boat ramp and boat rentals, as well as a bath house and laundry facility. Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort also has a deck and an on-site store where guests can purchase snacks and fishing supplies. The resort is pet-friendly and has its own fenced-in pet park, as well as a children's playground.
  Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort
  6738 East Hwy. 150
  Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
  877-489-6033
  lakenormanmotorcoachresort.com
Fieldridge Acres
- Fieldridge has its own swimming pool.
  Fieldridge Acres has been in business for 30 years. The park has 94 RV sites, all with water, sewer and electricity. Big rigs can be accommodated and pull-through sites are available. Cable TV and phone services are also available. Tent camping and pets are allowed at the park. Fieldridge has an on-site convenience store, wireless Internet access and a swimming pool. The park has nightly, weekly and monthly rates.
  Fieldridge Acres
  7800 Wilkinson Blvd.
  Charlotte, NC 28214
  704-399-3521
  fieldridgeacres.com
Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA
- Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA has a full-service bar.
  Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA has 200 RV and tent sites with cable television, full hook-ups and 50-amp electrical service. Sites can accommodate big rigs. The campground also rents cabins, parts tents and bungalows. The KOA provides a bath house, restrooms, and assistance with finding your space and hooking up utilities. The resort also has its own convenience store, full-service bar and a Blimpie sandwich shop.
  Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA
  940 Gold Hill Rd.
  Fort Mill, SC 29708
  888-562-4430
  charlottekoa.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Lake Norman, Coach Resort, Fort Mill, Lake Norman Motor, Motor Coach

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Wedding thank you card etiquette for cash gifts

It's interesting:
"Humorous wedding observations ... Traditional outfits * Scottish dress * Marquee * Wedding venue (golf club, castle, barn, posh) * Wedding location ..."

Even after the marriage ceremony and reception are over, specific wedding etiquette still needs to be followed. Cash gifts are very popular, and they require thank you notes from the newly married couple. Wedding etiquette provides many guidelines to follow when writing these particular cards.

Time Frame
- According to the Emily Post etiquette rules, newly married couples do not have a year to send thank you notes. They should be written and sent within three months of receiving the cash gift. Most people tackle the arduous task of thank you notes by writing them as soon as they receive the gift. Others set daily goals and write at least four or five thank you cards a day.
Recipients
- Thank you notes should be sent to anyone who gave you an engagement, wedding shower or wedding gift. Monetary gifts, such as cash, checks, donations to charities and contributions to savings accounts, also require a prompt thank you card. It doesn't matter if you thanked them in person--a thank you note should be written. If you received a group gift, individual thank you notes are required. If someone gave you a shower gift and a cash gift at the wedding, two thank you cards are necessary.
Materials
- The proper etiquette for wedding thank you cards is to send handwritten notes. This means pre-printed cards, fill-in-the-blank cards, emails or posts on your social networking page are inappropriate. Traditional wedding etiquette calls for white or ivory notepaper with blue or black ink. Many people use wedding stationary monogrammed with their new, post-wedding initials. Most people use high-quality writing instruments, such as roller ball pens.
Content
- The actual thank you note should thank the person for attending the wedding (or shower) or for thinking of you. Many people write down the actual monetary amount in the card. Most couples tell the gift giver what they plan to use the money for and how it will help them begin their marriage. For example, they write that the money will be used for a down payment on their first house.
Wording Ideas
- When writing the actual note, try to avoid using "I" at the beginning of the wording. Use "you" more than "I" or "me" throughout the note. You can write more informal notes to close friends or relatives, and formal notes to people you don't know very well. For example, a note to your aunt may read:
  "Dear Aunt Sally,
  "Thank you so much for the $100. That was so generous of you, and I can't wait to use it to decorate for our new home."
  A note to someone you are not very close to might read:
  "Dear Mrs. Jones,
  "Thank you so much for the generous $100 gift. We plan to use it as part of the down payment for our first house."

Tags: thank notes, thank card, thank cards, card etiquette, card etiquette cash

How to create destination wedding welcome bags

create destination wedding welcome bags

It's interesting:
"I remember the last wedding I went to. It was in the function room of the Tate Gallery. The groom got plastered and ended up with red wine, gravy ..."

Welcome your guests to your destination wedding with a bag of thoughtful items. Destination weddings are an adventure for you and your guests. Exotic locations are exciting, but they can be intimidating. Help your travel-weary guests enjoy your big day by providing fun, practical gifts.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard

Scissors

Card stock

Calligraphy pen

Safety pin

Glue

Canvas tote bag

Ribbon

Local map

Instructions

Create Destination Wedding Welcome Bags
- 1
  Use a heart-shaped piece of cardboard as a guide to cut a heart shape out of card stock. Place the template on top of the card stock paper and cut around the cardboard heart. Make sure the heart is at least 2 inches wide.
- 2
  Glue the card stock heart onto the cardboard heart. Line up the edges.
- 3
  Write the bride initials, a plus sign and the groom's initials on the card stock side of the heart. Draw small hearts or stars around the initials for a more decorative look. Use bright colors or glitter for the additional decoration.
- 4
  Glue a safety pin horizontally onto the cardboard side of the heart. Press the safety pin into the glue for 10 seconds.
- 5
  Create a personalized itinerary. Use information from the local tourism agency to suggest museums, restaurants, stores and other attractions that your guests might enjoy. Put events for your wedding on the itinerary and mark them as required. Add jokes and colorful commentary to personalize the itinerary.
- 6
  Tie a bow around the handle of a canvas tote bag. Use ribbon that is complementary to your wedding colors. Use a gender-neutral tote bag large enough to serve as a shopping bag or beach tote.
- 7
  Place the custom-made button, itinerary and all other items into the canvas bag. Include local maps, weather protection such as sunblock lotion or a hat, a thank you/welcome note and any other location-specific items to help your guests enjoy their stay.
- 8
  Create one welcome bag for each guest. Arrange for the welcome bags to be in your guests' hotel rooms upon arrival.

Tips &- Warnings

The custom-made buttons allow guests to recognize each other throughout the wedding weekend.

Use bags instead of baskets for welcome packages because bags can be easily folded into luggage on the flight home.

Many tourist destinations have free maps and guidebooks available at the local tourism board.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your guests, card stock, destination wedding, welcome bags, cardboard heart

Monday, April 18, 2011

About reception cards

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

If you're getting married and the reception will be held at a location different than the wedding ceremony, then invited guests will need a separate reception card. Less formal than the wedding ceremony invitation, a reception card is sent to inform guests of the reception's time and location.

Reception Card Etiquette
- A reception card informs guests of the type of celebration, the time and the location. If the ceremony and reception are held in the same place, then a separate reception card is unnecessary. Instead, the wording "Reception immediately following" on the wedding invitation will suffice.
Reception Card Size
- The reception card is smaller than the wedding ceremony invitation- the most common size is "A4," meaning 3 1/2 inches by 4 7/8 inches.
Reception Card Wording
- Choose less formal, informative wording for reception cards. For example:
  "Join us for dinner and dancing at
  Taylor Hotel
  5 Taylor Avenue
  City, State, Zip
  Hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. Dinner and dancing at 7:30 p.m."
Information to Include
- A reception card should include the following information: the type of event, either "Reception immediately following" or the starting time, the reception location, and the full address.
Combine Reception/Response Card
- It is permissible to combine the reception and response card. Use the back of the reception card for guests to RSVP. Make sure you provide guests with directions to the reception location.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: reception card, reception cards, than wedding, than wedding ceremony, wedding ceremony

San diego to temecula wine tours

It's interesting:
"I remember the last wedding I went to. It was in the function room of the Tate Gallery. The groom got plastered and ended up with red wine, gravy ..."

Many San Diego residents and visitors make the trip North to Temecula Valley to experience the 21 wineries in the area. With only an hour-long drive to Temecula, there are several companies that offer transportation from San Diego to wine country with various amenities and services included. Customers can choose pick-up and drop-off locations in advance for door-to-door service from San Diego to Temecula Valley.

San Diego Wine Tour
- Expert tour guides can give full winery tours with this wine tour service.
  Choose from a luxury sedan, limousine, Hummer, or party bus, and this company will pick you up anywhere in San Diego County for a tour of Temecula Valley wine country. Prices vary according to pick-up and drop-off locations. Customers can decide which wineries they would like to visit, or the expert tour guide can suggest wineries and give full tours of the local facilities.
  San Diego Wine Tour
  858-345-5275
  Sandiegowinetour.com
Cali Party Bus Wine Tour
- Tour members can choose their own music and movies on this tour.
  This charter bus company provides party bus service from San Diego to the Temecula wine country, with buses holding up to 45 people. Buses pick up and drop off customers at the place of their choosing in San Diego, and prices vary based on location. Each tour is fully customizable, and customers can bring their own food and drinks on-board. There are also TVs and sound systems on each bus, allowing customers to choose their own music and movies.
  Cali Party Bus Wine Tour
  858-345-5275
  Calipartybus.com
Sunset Limousine Temecula Wine Tours
- Enjoy complimentary champagne on this tour.
  With rates starting at $50 per house, this limousine service picks tour parties up at the San Diego destination of their choice, and then can either transport passengers to the wineries they're interested in visiting or can provide a full itinerary for the day based on customer interests. This tour also allows tour members to buy pre-paid wine tasting tickets for various wineries in the area. Complimentary champagne, water, and sodas are provided on each tour, and catering can be provided through a local Italian bistro catering service.
  Sunset Limousine Temecula Wine Tours
  951-440-3303
  Sdlimos.com
Temecula Wine Tours
- Let these experienced tour guides pre-plan a trip for you.
  Day packages start at $66 per person at this wine tour service, or tours can be customized starting at $100 per hour. Customers choose pick up and drop off locations in San Diego. Tours include transportation on a limo bus, which can offer flat screen TVs, iPod connections, restrooms on board, and other amenities. Tours can be based on costumers' interests, or tour guides can pre-plan itineraries based on their experience. Lunches can also be purchased in advance for the trip.
  Temecula Wine Tours
  858-270-5466
  Temeculawinetours.net
Temecula Wine Tours San Diego
- Enjoy some luxury in these Hummer limos with full amenities.
  Limo and Hummer buses can be reserved for this wine tour, starting around $500 per 5 hours with travel to and from the San Diego destination of the customer's choice. Up to 30 people can be transported, and some limos include flat screen TVs and high-end sound systems. Tour guides can offer winery visit recommendations, but typically customers decide where they want to go.
  Temecula Wine Tours San Diego
  858-581- 3644
  Topdoglimobus.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Temecula Wine Tours, from Diego, Temecula Valley, Temecula Wine, this wine, this wine tour, wine country

How to sell gold in va

sell gold in va

It's easy to sell gold in Virginia. In fact, there are literally thousands of places that will gladly exchange your gold coins, dental gold, old jewelry or any other scrap gold you have for easily-spendable American dollars.Don't be in too much of a hurry to sell your old gold coins that were minted for general circulation. Many of these coins carry a high collectible value that far exceeds the value of their gold content. Old gold coins that were minted for general circulation should be appraised by a reputable coin dealer or auction house prior to making any sale.

Things You'll Need

Phone Book

Pocket Calculator

Instructions

Selling Gold in Virginia
- 1
  Determine if your coins have any collectible value. Please see additional resources below to determine if your coins have any collectible value. If your coins are old--especially those minted prior to 1935--and were minted for general circulation, then be sure to check out their potential numismatic value before selling.
- 2
  Compare prices being paid for South African Krugerrands and Canadian Maple Leaf coins at both local coin dealers as well as at bullion dealers. Krugerrands and Maple Leaf coins are easy for buyers to price. Ask buyers what their discount is off of the current spot gold price for these coins in order to be able to more easily compare the prices being offered by different local dealers. The buyer with the smallest discount off of the current spot price for gold is your best bet for the best possible price.
- 3
  Check prices being offered over the Internet. There are literally hundreds of Internet buyers for gold. Again, ask what their discount is off of the current spot gold price for easy price comparisons.
- 4
  Compare prices being offered for non-coin gold, such a old jewelry, dental gold, gold bullion and other types of scrap gold. Call local pawn shops, bullion dealers and coin shops. Ask what their discount is off of the current spot price for gold in order to more easily compare prices. Remember that gold is sold by the ounce and that pure gold--24-karat gold--demands a far greater price than 14-karat gold.
- 5
  Sell to the highest bidder. The highest bidder is the buyer with the smallest discount off of the current spot price for gold.

Tips &- Warnings

Be extremely cautious when selling gold to a private party. Do NOT invite a private buyer to your home. Arrange to meet at a local coin dealer's shop.

Insist on payment in cash from any private party. Checks--even certified checks or cashier's checks--are not acceptable since these checks are routinely forged using computers and scanners.

Tags: current spot, discount current, discount current spot, prices being, being offered

Friday, April 15, 2011

Ideas for winter nighttime weddings on a budget

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 ..."

Weddings are expensive. However, many ways to trim your expenses are available during winter that allow you to have the elegant affair you imagine without the large price tag. By doing a lot of the work and set-up yourself, you can save thousands of dollars and remain in control of your budget and your design for your winter nighttime wedding.

Centerpieces
- Gather natural items you can find during the winter, such as branches, pine cones, holly, evergreen and juniper berries. Place these items in a clear bowl on each of the guest tables for an inexpensive centerpiece. For an artistic look, spray-paint thin branches white or silver. Place the branches in a slender vase. Create a fire-and-ice centerpiece by placing pine cones, plastic ornaments, tea light candles and greenery in a container. Fill it with water and freeze it. Remove from the container and place it on a decorative tray. You can also use miniature artificial Christmas trees for your centerpieces.
Room Decor
- Use traditional winter decorations to decorate your reception hall. If you have more than a year to plan your wedding, stock up on after-holiday sales and then use these supplies during your wedding. Hang Christmas lights on the ceiling, around arches, on the bridal table and around the cake table. Add ornaments such as snowflakes on the walls and doorways. Make cheap luminarias to line your reception walkway out of white paper bags with a candle inside. Put a fog or snow-storm machine in the reception hall to create a wintry ambiance. Put white votive candles on your guest and food tables for a romantic glow. Buy candles in bulk for extra savings or opt for cheap battery-operated tea light candles.
Flowers
- You can incorporate red or white roses into your bouquets and floral arrangements to suit your winter wedding. A cheaper alternative is to use silk flowers, which you can purchase ahead of time to practice making bouquets and boutonnieres. Poinsettias mark the winter season and will add a splash of color to your ceremony and reception sites without a big price tag. You can opt for red poinsettias or cream-colored poinsettias.
Favors
- Snowflake candle holders or soaps in the shape of snowmen are fun favors for a winter wedding. Make your own favors such as gingerbread cookies for an inexpensive and whimsical option. If your wedding is after Christmas, consider having a candy buffet. Stock up on assorted holiday candy at reduced prices. Your guests will enjoy filling their bags with candy for their wedding favors.
Music
- Attach an iPod to speakers instead of hiring an expensive DJ. Make sure that you have some danceable holiday and winter-themed music such as Mariah Carey´-s "All I Want for Christmas is You," Destiny´-s Child´-s "Carol of the Bells," "Jingle Bell Rock," and versions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter Wonderland." Also include Vanilla Ice´-s "Ice, Ice Baby" -- bound to make your guests smile.
Food
- Rather than having a full-course meal, opt for winter favorites such as beef stew, macaroni and cheese, chili, fancy cookies, banana bread, eggnog, hot apple cider and punch. If you are having a full dinner, choose a main dish that goes a long way, such as a ham. If you are having a small wedding, ask each guest to bring a winter favorite to the reception for a potluck dinner. Choose a classic white wedding cake for a snowy look. Your cake topper could be a snowman and snow woman!

Tags: winter nighttime, your wedding, bags with, during winter, each guest, Ideas winter

The ministers black veil thesis ideas

The minister's black veil thesis ideas

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 ..."

"The Minister's Black Veil," Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story about a clergyman in a Puritan New England town who dons a black veil every day, is commonly taught in high schools and middle schools. Most readers understand the veil to symbolize the ways people hide their wrongdoings and immoral thoughts from others, putting on a persona, like a veil, that hides their true selves. If you're seeking a thesis idea for a school paper, you can take many approaches to this famous story.

Discuss the Veil as a Symbol
- What is the meaning of the black veil? What does it symbolize, and what is Rev. Hooper's purpose in wearing it? How do you know? Find passages that reveal the veil's meaning as the story goes on. Make a judgment about how effective a symbol the veil is, and back up your opinion with events and passages in the story. If Rev. Hooper is seeking to teach his congregation a lesson, does it work? For whom does it work, and when?
Show How the Townspeople Go Through Five Stages of Grief
- When people are grieving or faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem or change, they commonly go through five emotional stages before coming to terms with the situation: denial ("it's not true- this is not happening"), anger, bargaining ("if I change something about myself, I can prevent terrible things from happening"), depression and, finally, acceptance. Show how the townspeople in "The Minister's Black Veil" go through all five of these stages as they try to interpret Rev. Hooper's veil and deal with their horror of it. (Not all the townspeople necessarily go through all five stages, but all five are represented in the story.) Back up your claim with quotations from the text.
Compare "The Minister's Black Veil" to "The Stranger"
- Musician Billy Joel wrote a famous song titled "The Stranger," whose lyrics include these lines: "Well, we all have a face/That we hide away forever /And we take them out and show ourselves/When everyone has gone/ ... They're the faces of the stranger/But we love to try them on" (see Resources). Compare and contrast this song to "The Minister's Black Veil." What messages do the two works have in common? What do they each have to say about secrets, friendship and romance? How are they different, both in form and in content?
Analyze the Story's Characters
- Choose one or more characters to analyze. What do we learn about Rev. Hooper, the title character, over the course of the story? What is he like as a spiritual leader? A beau? What do you think it's like for him to see the world through the veil? How does he change over the course of the story? Regarding his fiancee, Elizabeth: How would you characterize her? How is she different from other people in the town? What role does she play in revealing the veil's purpose to us? How does she change over the course of one scene? Look also at the townspeople. What sort of people are they? How do they respond to the veil? How do they interpret it? How do their reactions to the veil change as the story moves along?

Tags: Minister Black Veil, black veil, Minister Black, over course, through five, Black Veil, Black Veil

Friday, April 29, 2011

Unusual wedding invitation ideas

Things You'll Need

Instructions

Tips &- Warnings

Hen party game ideas

Pin the Appendage

On the Lips

Marital Bliss

Naughty Cherry Game

Know Your Man

10 facts about michael jackson

Michael's Birth

The Jackson 5

"Off The Wall"

"Thriller"

Awards

"The Making Of Thriller"

We Are The World

Entertainer

"Bad"

Death

Thursday, April 28, 2011

calculate wedding bar costs

Instructions

Wedding rsvp decline etiquette

Considerations

Response Cards

Personal Touch

Gifts

Follow Up

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

plan a wedding in milwaukee, wisconsin

Instructions

Traditional japanese wedding clothes

Kimonos

Bride Wedding Ceremony Attire

Bride Wedding Reception Attire

Groom's Attire

Accessories and Grooming

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

plan a youth talent show

Things You'll Need

Instructions

Tips &- Warnings

edit pictures to look professional

Instructions

Tips &- Warnings

Amish gifts ideas

Tools

Furniture

Make Something

Large Appliances

Homeware

make candy bar wappers

Things You'll Need

Instructions

Tips &- Warnings

Monday, April 25, 2011

make camouflaged cakes

Things You'll Need

Instructions

plan a wedding in miami

Instructions

Tips &- Warnings

Friday, April 22, 2011

Cool hotels in denver

Hotel Monaco Denver

Hotel Teatro

The Oxford Hotel

The Curtis Hotel

Thursday, April 21, 2011

make hand-tied rose bouquets

Things You'll Need

Instructions

plan a wedding blessing

Instructions

preserve wedding veils

Things You'll Need

Instructions