Mormon wedding checklist

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 ..."

With the secrecy that surrounds Mormon ceremonies, planning a wedding can be complicated. The strict attendance policies and no-cameras-allowed rule leave little room for the bride and groom to share their ceremony with friends and family. There are, however, some things that couples can do when planning their wedding to make things simpler.

1. Decide Whether to be Married in a Holy Temple or a Standard Church Service

   • There are two types of ceremonies common in Mormon weddings: a temple wedding and a standard church service.

     Temple weddings, also called a Sealing Ordinance, are always held in a Holy Temple and require advanced permission from the clergymen. The most devout Mormons seek a Sealing Ordinance.

     Non-temple weddings are open to anyone, and a local bishop at any Mormon church can officiate the wedding. A couple who chooses this route can have a Temple wedding at another point to seal the marriage for eternity after they start to follow the Mormon precepts.

   Schedule Appointment with Bishop and Stake President

   • If you choose a Holy Temple ceremony, schedule an appointment with the bishop of the Holy Temple and the stake president. Both the bishop and the stake president must sign a "temple recommend" card before you are allowed into a Holy Temple for the ceremony. According to the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, once the interviews are set up, the approval process should only take a week.

     This is not required for a non-temple ceremony. Those who choose a non-temple ceremony may simply find a local bishop to officiate the wedding.

   Schedule the Ceremony

   • To schedule the ceremony at a Holy Temple, you can simply call the Temple to choose a time and date. This can be done immediately after the "temple recommend" card is signed by both the bishop and the stake president and should take less than an hour.

     According to the Church of Latter-Day Saints, in a spirit of reverence and preparation, it is expected that a wedding couple arrive at least 75 minutes prior to their ceremony time, so this should be taken into account when scheduling the ceremony.

     For non-temple weddings, you must find a venue and a bishop that are available on the date you want to get married. This could take as little as a week to a month, depending on the pace you choose.

   Invite Guests

   • For a Holy Temple ceremony, only those who have a "temple recommend" card are allowed to enter the Temple. Keep this in mind when inviting guests to the ceremony.

     For a non-temple ceremony, anyone can be invited to both the ceremony and the reception, whether they belong to a Church of the Latter-Day Saints or not.

   Find a Dress

   • In the Holy Temple ceremony, the bride must be careful to follow the strict dress code. According to the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, the bride may not have a veil or wear a hat, and the dress must have long sleeves and a high neckline. Any sheer material on the dress must be lined. The dress may only have a train if it can be bustled. Some Holy Temples provide jackets that can be worn over a dress or under a dress to make them appropriate for the Temple ceremony. Brides can check for the availability of a jacket when they set up their sealing appointments.

     There is no dress requirement for a non-temple wedding. Brides should do what feels comfortable for them while staying within the beliefs of the Mormon religion.

   Find a Reception Location

   • Many Mormon receptions have long reception lines, which will require a large space to accommodate guests. If a reception is held at a Temple, the rules on who may enter still apply, so if the couple is looking to have a large reception, a Temple may not be the venue. This could take as little as a week to as long as several months, depending on the pace you choose.

   Plan the Reception Style/Theme

   • Mormon wedding receptions can be informal, semi-formal or formal. There are no specific traditions or requirements for the reception, so the bride and groom can feel free to really express themselves with the decorations and theme. Some choose to have very simple receptions, while other couples opt for formal receptions.

     Depending on the style and complexity of the theme, the reception could take a few weeks to a few months to plan, depending on the pace of work.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Holy Temple, Temple ceremony, Church Latter-Day, Church Latter-Day Saints, Holy Temple ceremony, Latter-Day Saints

How to: side ponytail half-up dos

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

For the prom or other special occasions, the way you style your hair can play an important role in your overall look. Many people choose between the elegant updo and wearing their hair down. For a twist on these classics, wear your hair in a half-updo. Half-updos look soft and casual, but keep your hair away from your face like an updo. For an added twist to this look, style your half-updo to the side for a playful design.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Hot rollers
• Hair ties
• Bobby pins
• Curling iron (optional)
• Hair spray
• Towel
• Hair accessories

Instructions

1. • 1

     Start with dry hair. If your hair does not get greasy easily, you should not wash your hair the day you do this hairstyle. Slightly dirty hair will hold the style better. Heat a set of large rollers and roll them into your hair following their directions. If you have short bangs, do not put them in the rollers. Long, side swept bangs should be rolled.

   • 2

     Allow the rollers to completely cool and carefully remove them from your hair. Use your fingers to shake out the curls so you have voluminous waves throughout your hair.

   • 3

     Divide your hair into two sections: top and bottom. A good cut off point is the top of the ear, but you can adjust the amounts based on the shape of your face and the thickness of your hair. Pull the top hair to one side, and smooth the hair around your head with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Tightly secure the hair on one side with a hair tie. If you have shorter hair or layers, you may need to use bobby pins to hold extra wisps of hair around your head.

   • 4

     Curl hair with a curling iron. If you want tighter curls than the ones the rollers gave you, use a curling iron on both parts of your hair. Choose a barrel size based on the size of curl you'd like, smaller barrels make tighter curls and larger barrels make loose curls. If your curls look too stiff, gently run your fingers through your hair to break them up.

   • 5

     Spray your hair with hairspray. Avoid getting hairspray on your face by covering it with an old towel. If you are wanting a messier look, don't use too much hairspray.

   • 6

     Add hair accessories such as a tiara, ornamental barrette or jewelry studded bobby pins. Secure a tiara with extra bobby pins. Place a barrette over the side pony tail, covering the hair tie. Scatter embellished bobby pins around or concentrate them around the pony tail.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your hair, bobby pins, your face, your fingers, around your

Creative bachelorette gifts

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

Give the bride-to-be a unique bachelorette party gift to help her celebrate her last days as a single lady. Avoid traditional bachelorette party gifts, such as lingerie or romantic items --- instead, choose a creative gift that she is sure to appreciate. If you want to go the traditional route, try adding a unique gift to a traditional gift of underwear or massage oils.

1. Friendly Gift

   • Select a gift for the bride-to-be that shows how much her friendship means to you. Give her a scrapbook of the two of you or your group of girlfriends. Buy a decorative picture frame with a photograph of the bride with her best friends- choose a frame that is high quality so that she can hang it in her new home after the wedding. Sign up for a yoga class or a spa weekend that the two of you can attend together as another option.

   Entertaining

   • Take a cue from the spirit of the bachelorette party when selecting a gift. Give the bride-to-be items she and her husband can use in their future home to entertain guests and throw parties. Buy patio lights to string outdoors, a drink shaker kit, margarita glasses, a karaoke machine, a fondue set or a decorative serving platter. Have the other bachelorette party guests in on the theme, too- this way, all the guests can coordinate gifts around the theme.

   Movies

   • Treat a movie-loving bride-to-be with a gift basket full of wedding-themed movies. Include titles such as "Father of the Bride," "My Best Friend's Wedding," "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding," "The Wedding Singer," "Bride Wars," "The Wedding Date," "Wedding Crashers" and "The Princess Bride." Add a few packages of microwave popcorn and movie theater candy, such as Dots, Junior Mints, Milk Duds and Red Vines. Place all of the items in a large popcorn bucket or bowl.

   Games

   • Help the soon-to-be bride and groom fill their game closet with board games they can enjoy together or play with family and friends. Purchase a variety of games ranging from classics, such as Scrabble, to contemporary games like Scene It. Provide at least one game for a group, such as Trivial Pursuit or Catch Phrase. Other options include a few decks of cards and a set of poker chips that the couple can use to host poker night.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bachelorette party, bachelorette gifts, Creative bachelorette, Creative bachelorette gifts, Give bride-to-be

Most beautiful sights in michigan

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

Bounded by four of the five Great Lakes, many of Michigan's most beautiful sights involve sand, water and the historic communities that host cottagers and vacationers, says Bonnie Fink, a travel counselor with Pure Michigan Travel. Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie plus Lake Saint Clair provide this state 3,288 miles of scenic coastline. Fink's top four most beautiful Michigan sights picks include immense sand dunes, an island steeped in history, towering multicolored sandstone cliffs and a string of beach towns.

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes

   • Fink says Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's 35 miles of Lake Michigan's coastline is one of the states most beautiful natural areas. Immense sand dunes high above the lake atop glacial moraines are an experience to climb and the reward is stunning lake views. The national park is known for a number of bluffs that are more than 400 feet above the lake, as well as forests, a historic lighthouse and pristine beaches. Fink recommends taking a guided kayak tour to see the dunes from the water.

   Mackinac Island

   • Beautifully preserved, Mackinac Island is explored on foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage.

     Mackinac Island State Park covers almost 4 square miles in Lake Huron and can be reached by ferry. A popular tourist mecca since the late 19th century, Mackinac Island is so well preserved that the whole island is a National Historic Landmark, Fink says. Its stately Victorian Grand Hotel and cozy cottages look their most beautiful decked out for the annual Lilac Festival each June. Visitors get around on foot, bicycles and horses on the island.

   Pictured Rocks

   • Waterfalls, inland lakes, dense forests, beaches, sand dunes and the multicolored sandstone cliffs that Pictured Rocks National Park is named for make this spot on Lake Superior a beautiful Michigan sight, says Fink. The massive cliffs have been shaped by waves and weather and are colored green, brown and tan by cooper, limonite, iron and manganese in the water. Scenic overlooks, beaches and trails provide views of the sculptured rock but she says they are best viewed by boat from the water.

   Beach Towns

   • The beach towns of Ludington, Sliver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland, Saugatuck/Douglas, South Haven, St. Joseph, Harbor County are dotted along a 200-mile stretch of Lake Michigan. Accessed by the historic West Michigan Pine Highway, each town has its own particular beauty and all share sunset viewing opportunities at the end of sunny beach days. The towns host a myriad of cultural and recreational activities during the summer.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Mackinac Island, most beautiful, beautiful sights, sand dunes, above lake, beach towns

The best places to get married on north shore, tahoe

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 ..."

Discover the pristine beauty and less-crowded and more relaxing north Lake Tahoe, from its crystal-clear lake to its legendary skiing and hiking. Lake Tahoe is the perfect sophisticated mountain retreat for your wedding. (See Reference 1.)

1. River Ranch Lodge

   • The historic River Ranch Lodge overlooks the Truckee River on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, with a bar cantilevered over the river, warm inviting fireplace, and a spacious outdoor patio on the banks of the river. The River Ranch Lodge can provide an intimate venue for a wedding, with nineteen guest rooms. The lodge can be exclusively reserved for the whole wedding party. A personal wedding manager is available to help with planning and coordinating the timing of events on the wedding day. (See Reference 2.)

     River Ranch Lodge

     2285 River Road

     Tahoe City, CA 96145

     530-583-4264

     riverranchlodge.com

   Tahoe Biltmore

   • The Tahoe Biltmore is a full-service hotel and casino, and can plan any wedding, big or small. There are two indoor wedding venues: an intimate wedding chapel, or grand luxurious ballroom. For an outdoor ceremony or reception, contact the Biltmore wedding coordinator for a custom outdoor location. The Biltmore offers two wedding packages, which include a preselected menu and theme. If you need more flexibility, the option for a custom wedding is available. (See Reference 3.)

     Tahoe Biltmore

     5 Highway 28

     P.O. Box 115

     Crystal Bay, NV 89402

     775-831-0660

     tahoebiltmore.com

   Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

   • The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is the ultimate luxury hotel, and features a variety of stunning wedding locations. Choose from multiple outdoor slope-side terraces, all with views of the Sierra mountain range. The ballrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a panoramic view of the North Shore and the mountains. Both ballrooms have an outdoor balcony that overlooks the lush grounds. The wedding staff can accommodate any style of wedding or reception from intimate to extravagant. (See Reference 3.)

     Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

     13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court

     Truckee, CA 96161

     530-562-3000

     ritzcarlton.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Lake Tahoe, Ranch Lodge, River Ranch, River Ranch Lodge, Ritz-Carlton Lake

How to be a wedding planner in new york

be a wedding planner in new york

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."

Wedding planners are event and hospitality planners who specialize in the area of planning wedding celebrations. Becoming a wedding planner requires a great deal of creativity and knowledge of prices, locations and even catering companies that can all contribute to the occasion. According to PayScale, Inc., U.S. wedding consultants made between $21,618 and $51,201, as of December 2010. Wedding planners are usually self-employed and must build a clientele base and referral system in order to be successful. Wedding planners in New York have numerous opportunities to receive training and preparation before beginning their own business.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Attend a postsecondary school that offers degree programs or certificates in hospitality management. Hospitality management is a field that covers the basics of hotel and catering management and other aspects of the hospitality industry, like event planning. You do not need to obtain a bachelor's degree unless you plan on working for a company in a management capacity. Hospitality management school can teach you some of the ins and outs of the wedding planning business by introducing you to catering, event planning and business management. Hospitality schools in New York include Cornell University, the Institute of Culinary Education, New York University and the New York Institute of Technology.

   • 2

     Obtain certification as a wedding event planner. Certification can be obtained by attending a school that offers specific courses in wedding planning or by taking online classes that can introduce you to the profession. The Sheffield School and the Wedding Planning Institute both offer certifications for wedding planners. The Borough of Manhattan Community College also offers a certificate through Gatlin Educational Services. An additional certification can be obtained through home study through the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC). Initial certification can be completed in as little as four or five days. After additional experience is gained, you can attain different levels of certification to enhance your credentials.

   • 3

     Establish working relationships with hotel, restaurant and catering managers throughout the state. One of the keys to establishing your wedding planning business is to network with other professionals in complementary and supporting industries. Hotel managers will benefit from events you plan in their facilities. Potential wedding venues in New York include Edison Ballroom, the Plaza Hotel, Roosevelt Hotel, Gotham Hall, the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton.

   • 4

     Market your business and begin establishing a referral base. Wedding planners rarely become successful overnight. Instead, they spend time building their business one wedding at a time until they can begin generating referral business from previous clients and guests.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: planning business, wedding planner, Wedding planners, wedding planning, event planning, Hospitality management

How to sew a bridal garter

sew a bridal garter

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 ..."

A bridal garter is a traditional accessory worn by brides on their wedding day. It is a circlet of lace or satin worn high on the thigh that the groom removes in a showmanship ceremony. The groom then tosses the garter to the male guests and the superstition says that whoever catches it will be the next one to get married. Garters are commonly found in stores that sell bridal wear but you can sew a personalized garter yourself.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Fabric scissors
• Measuring tape
• 1/2-inch wide elastic
• White satin fabric, at least 3 inches wide
• Needle
• Thread
• White satin ribbon, at least 1/4-inch wide
• Hot glue

Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure your thigh with a fabric measuring tape. Make sure you are measuring the area where the garter will be worn.

   • 2

     Stretch the piece of elastic taut and cut a piece that is the length of the measurement of your thigh. Wrap it around your thigh to be sure it fits.

   • 3

     Cut the white satin fabric twice as long as the elastic measurement. Fold the fabric in half the long way with the wrong side facing out.

   • 4

     Sew up the open sides so the fabric looks like a tube.

   • 5

     Turn the tube inside out and iron it so that the seam is hidden.

   • 6

     Sew the lace edging onto one side of the satin tube.

   • 7

     Thread the elastic through the tube.

   • 8

     Make a circle with the fabric and sew the elastic ends together first.

   • 9

     Sew the satin fabric ends together around the elastic. The satin should bunch up around the elastic.

   • 10

     Sew or glue a the white satin ribbon in the center of the garter as a finishing touch.

Tips &- Warnings

• You can also hot glue white pearls, charms, beads or more ribbon onto the garter.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bridal garter, satin fabric, your thigh, around elastic, ends together, glue white, satin ribbon

Ideas for an outdoor wedding reception

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

Having an outdoor wedding serves multiple purposes. For one thing, it can save money on renting a room for your ceremony. Outdoor weddings lend themselves to being less formal, while also having flair. Many couples just like the idea of having a party in a unique setting beneath the sun or the stars.

1. On the Shore

   • Lakeside or beach parties are very popular. There's something comforting about walking down the isle and dancing in flip-flops. These settings are easy to decorate because the scenery alone is breathtaking. For a beach wedding, having a clambake adds to the seaside atmosphere. Many caterers can provide everything you need, from the food to cooking equipment and servers. Add other shellfish to the menu for more variety. Scatter the area with tin tubs filled with refreshments for guests to grab at their whims. For a lakeside party, string white lights in the trees for an elegant look. Offer boat rides steered by rowers dressed as gondoliers.

   Backyard

   • Backyard weddings are one of the most popular outdoor wedding locations. But if you want a little more than neighboring houses and swing sets as your backdrop, try some of these ideas. Dot the lawn with tiki torches and hand out leis for your guests to wear. Dress your tables in raffia table skirts. Have servers wear hula skirts---it's even customary for men to wear hula skirts at a luau. For something more down-to-earth, capitalize on your garden scenery by surrounding the party area with potted topiary and trees. Decorate buffet tables with lots of wild flowers in varying sizes of ceramic pots. For a more sophisticated look, try to employ a color scheme. For yellow and white, use potted lemon trees, dandelion bouquets, and simple daisy corsages and boutonnieres for guests.

   Other Outdoor Wedding Ideas

   • Some great outdoor wedding venues include golf courses, vineyards and even farms. Consider a farm that specializes in a type of flower, like tulips or sunflowers. Hang outdoor, crystal-replica chandeliers. On a golf course, with its endless amount of open space, use open-ended white tenting to provide shade. Unique wedding tenting can add charm to the simple landscape. For a vineyard wedding, wine, grapes and vines will be attractions. Decorate stately columns in green vines. Have wine-tasting stations along with foods that pair nicely. Crunchy lollipop lamb chops, grilled garlic shrimp and crudité-s complement a variety of red and white wines.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: outdoor wedding, area with, Ideas outdoor, Ideas outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding reception

How do i word an enclosure card for hotel accommodations for a wedding?

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

According to Amy Suddleson, a wedding invitation specialist on VideoJug.com, "-Hotel accommodation cards inform your guests as to where the bride and groom recommend they stay."- These cards are sometimes called "-enclosure cards,"- and they are included in the wedding envelope when you send out invitations. These enclosure cards are strictly for out-of-town guests who will need accommodations to attend the wedding. Deciding word your own cards may seem tricky. Keep the wording simple and direct for the best result.

Instructions

1. • 1

     State that you have reserved a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. For example, "-A block of rooms at the Garden Suites and Inn have been reserved for your convenience."- If you haven't reserved rooms yet, you may want to consider it.

   • 2

     Write the address, phone number, fax number and email address of the hotel accommodations. Include a map of the area to give guests a visual idea of the town.

   • 3

     Tell wedding guests the cut-off date to reserve a room. For example, "-The rooms are available for reservation until September 2"- will let guests know how long they have to reserve a room.

   • 4

     Tell wedding guests to please call the hotel by the cut-off date to make a reservation or to ask any questions about hotel services and features. For example, "-Please call and make your reservation by September 2 to ensure accommodations"- is direct yet polite wording.

   • 5

     Include whether or not the guests must pay for their own room. The wedding couple may opt to apply a certain amount toward each room, thereby giving a discount to wedding guests. To word this on the enclosure card, say, "-Rooms will be available at a discount price if reserved by the cut-off date."-

   • 6

     Write in any other information you wish your wedding guests to have. If you have a website with important information on it, include the URL at the bottom of the enclosure card.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: enclosure card, wedding guests, cut-off date, hotel accommodations, accommodations wedding, block rooms

Valentine ideas for children visiting nursing homes

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 ..."

Our elderly are former mothers and fathers. Even though they are advanced in years, they still have the need for love. Children serve as great "ambassadors" to show, express and convey love. Especially on Valentine's Day. Use ideas that show and demonstrate the power of love, expressed from the heart and soul of children. Have children give simple gifts like handcrafted art to staff members at the nursing home to demonstrate a show of love for the care they provide for our elderly loved ones.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Secret Valentine

   • This idea can be used as a classroom project, an idea to engage children at churches, community centers or right within the neighborhood. Contact the human resources and managers of nearby nursing homes and discuss the idea. Involve and get their permission to have children serve as a "Secret Valentine" for the nursing home residents. Get names of residents and put them on slips of paper and have the children draw a name. Ask for clues from the nursing home management staff as to what would make an appropriate gift for the residents. Have children purchase the gifts and present to the resident by hosting a Secret Valentine Gift event.

   Valentine Tree

   • Have children come into the nursing home one week before Valentine's Day to install and decorate a Valentine's Tree. Have the children spray paint a fake Christmas tree white to create the tree. Make paper cutouts of hearts to use as the decorations. Use the tree to decorate a room where residents gather, like the dining room and reception areas. Have the children put their signature on the heart designs they create to decorate the tree.

   Valentine Love Song Caroling

   • Create a variation on Christmas caroling. Teach children love songs from to sings to nursing home residents. The children can go through the halls and stop by each room to sing love songs sung or written by artists ranging from Oscar Hammerstein to Dolly Parton, Burt Bacharach to Carrie Underwood and Beyonce. With each stop have a child give the residents hand-signed hearts to decorate their rooms.

   Valentine Talent Show

   • Coordinate a children's talent show for the nursing home residents to enjoy. Children can incorporate poetry, songs and dance to entertain the guests. Borrow from concepts that children are familiar with to structure the show like "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent." Kids can dress and mimic songs from famous love-song artists like Barry Manilow to Barry White. Have the residents of the nursing home vote for the winners. Make ballots shaped like hearts. Give cookies to the child talent show winners and have them select a special love song to sing as a group ensemble piece to the nursing home residents at the end of the talent show. Invite staff members and family members to attend.

   Read Me a Love Song

   • Love song lyrics are often sung but not so often spoken. But they incorporate words of love that can provide additional meaning as spoken words. Find out the age span of nursing home residents from the management. Then have the adult in charge of organizing the visit select appropriate songs from periods that will resonate with guests. Have the children practice reading the lyrics, as if they are a poem. Songs can range from poignant torch songs to popular Broadway shows to blues and Top 40 songs of today. Stage a "Love Song Poetry" event that can be held in a public gathering room and individually and privately to residents.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: nursing home, home residents, nursing home residents, Have children, nursing homes, Secret Valentine

Northern california wine country hotels

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

Follow Highway 29 north from the San Francisco Bay toward Calistoga to reach Napa Valley wine country, where you will find "hundreds of wineries, country air, rolling countryside and world-class restaurants, and spas," according to a Los Angeles Times travel review. To the west of Napa Valley, discover more of Northern California's wine country in Sonoma Valley. Accommodations are plentiful in both regions, and range from Victorian mansions bed to rustic cabins to full-service resorts.

1. The Sebastopol Inn

   • Located in Sonoma County, the Sebastopol Inn offers private rooms with balconies, patios, or courtyards and access to an outdoor hot tub and heated pool. Wireless access is available, private voice mail, and two queen or a king size bed. Three-room suites are also available featuring a living room, wood stove, wine bar, Jacuzzi tub, private balcony or patio, microwave and refrigerator. On-site amenities include a day spa, a salon, a coffeehouse with evening entertainment and a jazz brunch on Sundays, garden courtyard swings, a fountain, and concierge services to plan wine tastings and tours. For hiking and biking enthusiasts, six trailheads are located within five miles of the inn and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve and Trail runs directly behind the property.

     The Sebastopol Inn
     

     6751 Sebastopol Ave.
     

     Sebastopol, CA 95472
     

     (800) 653-1082
     

     sebastopolinn.com

   Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa

   • A registered historical landmark in Santa Rosa, the Flamingo Resort is centrally located in Sonoma County and offers guests complete spa services, wedding and event facilities, and recreational activities. 170 deluxe rooms, poolside patio rooms, family rooms, executive king rooms and suites are available with refrigerators, voice mail, room service and cable television. Dine at the Terrace Grill for breakfast poolside or enjoy cocktails and happy hour specials at the Flamingo Lounge. Adjacent to the Flamingo are the Montecito Heights Health Club with five tennis courts, 25-meter pool, and exercise room, and the Spa at Montecito Heights with full-service treatments including massages and European-style facials. The Flamingo Resort is located 52 miles north of San Francisco and in close proximity to hundreds of wineries and vineyards, such as Ledson Winery & Vineyards, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, and Robert Mondavi.

     Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa
     

     2777 Fourth Street
     

     Santa Rosa, CA 95405
     

     (707) 545-8530
     

     flamingoresort.com

   The Wine Country Inn & Gardens

   • Open since 1975, the Wine Country Inn specializes in romantic wine country vacations. Lodging options include 20 traditional rooms, four suites, and five cottages with fireplaces, garden patios, balconies, Jacuzzi tubs, and sitting areas. Walking paths through vineyards, country views, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and in-room spa services are some of the amenities offered to guests. A complimentary restaurant shuttle is available nightly or room service will be provided from a neighboring restaurant. "Inn-cursion" daily winery tours are offered in a custom SUV and include a gourmet lunch, at least three winery tastings and a scenic tour.

     The Wine Country Inn & Gardens
     

     1152 Lodi Lane
     

     St. Helena, CA 94574
     

     (707) 963-7077 or (888) 465-4608
     

     winecountryinn.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wine country, Santa Rosa, california wine, Conference Resort, Country Gardens, country hotels

How to send wedding wishes

send wedding wishes

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."

Getting married is a life-changing event for any couple, and as a family member, friend or coworker, you want to honor the couple&rsquo-s nuptials. Although the best way to celebrate the couple&rsquo-s marriage is to attend their wedding, that is not always possible. If distance or a conflict prevents you from attending the wedding, you can still express your congratulations to the couple by sending them wedding wishes. Even if your budget prevents you from sending a gift, there are other ways you can send your best wishes to the happy couple.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check out the couple&rsquo-s gift registry and find a gift that you can afford. Couples generally register for items at a variety of price points, so you don&rsquo-t have to spend a lot of money to send them a congratulatory gift. The bride and groom will appreciate even a small gift. Include a thoughtful note expressing your congratulations and regrets that you cannot attend the wedding, if you received an invitation.

   • 2

     Send a wedding card. Personalize the wedding card with a heartfelt note. Congratulate the couple and give the note a personal touch by reflecting on their relationship and what it means to you. Wrap up the note by offering the couple your well wishes for a life of love, health and happiness.

   • 3

     Make a charitable donation in the couple&rsquo-s honor. According to the Emily Post Institute, some couples ask guests to make charitable donations in lieu of wedding gifts. If the couple makes this request, honor it. Even if they don&rsquo-t, donating to a charity that is close to the couple&rsquo-s heart is a thoughtful way to send wedding wishes. For example, if the groom&rsquo-s father died of cancer, a donation to the American Cancer Society in his name is appropriate and considerate.

   • 4

     Plan a post-wedding get-together. If you can&rsquo-t make the wedding but want the couple to receive your well wishes, plan a shindig after their big day. Take them out to dinner or plan a post-wedding celebration at your office. The couple will appreciate your thoughtfulness and enjoy some attention even after the big day has passed.

   • 5

     Send a gift basket. Perhaps other guests have completed the couple&rsquo-s registry or you aren&rsquo-t interested in sending them a housewares item. When the couple returns from their honeymoon, send them a gift basket--you can find everything from floral bouquets and fruit and cookie baskets to baskets full of supplies for a romantic picnic. Include a congratulatory note with this gift.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: couple rsquo-s, wedding wishes, send wedding wishes, your well wishes, prevents from, send them

How to make a handfasting cord

make a handfasting cord

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."

The ritual of handfasting can be traced back to Celtic pagan times. Historically, a handfasting was done by a couple as a trial period before marriage. The handfasting time lasted for a year and a day. At the end of the trial period, the couple decided if they would like to make a lasting union. Today, the handfasting ritual is often used as a part of the marriage ceremony itself. Many different pagan and neo-pagan rites use handfasting as part of the ceremony. When deciding on your personal ceremony, research different traditions and build your ceremony to fit the needs and desires of you and your to-be spouse. Write your own vows to be read during the handfasting ritual.

Things You'll Need

• 3 Cords, each 6 feet long
• 18-36 large beads, up to 1 inch long

Instructions

1. Making the Cord

   • 1

     Knot the ends of the three cords together, leaving an eight inch tail at the end to string beads onto the cords for tassels.

   • 2

     Braid the cords together by crossing the right cord over the center cord, then crossing the left cord over the center cord. Repeat these two steps for the braid until there is eight inches of cording remaining.

   • 3

     Knot the ends of the three cords together. Both ends of your cord should be equal, with eight inches remaining on each end for beading.

   • 4

     String beads onto the individual cord ends to make the beaded tassels, leaving enough of the cord left to knot off the ends. Each strand of cord will hold three to eight beads, depending on the size and shape of your beads.

   • 5

     Knot the ends of each cord below the beads. You will have six strands individually beaded. This completes the beaded tassels for your handfasting cord.

Tips &- Warnings

• Any sort of cording or ribbon will work for your handfasting cord.

• Use colors that have significance for you and your to-be spouse.

• A handfasting ritual can be incorporated into many different types of ceremonies.

• Some common colors used in the cords are red for love, green for prosperity, blue for understanding, orange for encouragement, yellow for balance, purple for health, pink for happiness, silver for creativity, gold for prosperity, black for strength and white for truth.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: handfasting cord, cords together, handfasting ritual, beaded tassels, beads onto, center cord

Long hairstyles for brides

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 ..."

Whether you've always had long hair or you grew your tresses out for your wedding, you want to choose a hairstyle specifically suited to your long locks. Long hair gives you the advantage of numerous possible styles, but your long hair will also take longer to style and your hairdresser may charge more for that added time. Have a "hair trial" to work out any kinks or make style adjustments before your big day.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Fingerwave

   • A finger wave is a classic 1940s Hollywood look that works well with long hair. Bring pictures of silent film starlets such as Greta Garbo, Clara Bow and Billie Dove to your hairstylist for inspiration. Use plenty of hairspray and setting gel to keep your glamorous waves in place.

   Bun or Chignon

   • A tight bun or chignon is a relatively easy do-it-yourself hairstyle for long hair. In a chignon, you roll your hair like in a bun, but you wear the roll in a "U" shape at the nape of your neck. Secure your bun or chignon with bobby pins in your hair color.

   Partial Updo

   • A partial updo is a great choice if you want to pull part of your hair away from your face but let your long hair cascade down your back. Let ringlets of curls dangle in front of your ears to frame your face and help conceal large or protruding ears.

   Formal Updo

   • A French twist, upsweep with curls and a braided updo are three choices if you want to wear all of your hair up in a formal hairstyle. Formal updos for long hair will generally require at least an hour of work by a professional hairstylist.

   Curls

   • Long, smooth or flowing curls are a romantic look for long hair. Divide your hair into sections and curl with a spiral curling iron to create this look on your own. If you're wearing a veil, choose a veil that is longer than your hair.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: long hair, your hair, your long, hair will, hairstyles brides, long hair will, Long hairstyles

Creative wedding march ideas

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 ..."

A wedding ceremony includes a march or procession participated by the bride, groom and the entire wedding entourage. Walking down the aisle with a traditional wedding music is the most common way of doing a wedding march. Some couples may prefer the traditional march, but others prefer a creative approach to make the event more memorable and personal.

1. Upbeat Dance March

   • A creative way to do a wedding march is by having the entourage dance to an upbeat music. The choreographed dance march makes the ceremony more relaxed and enjoyable to watch. Preparing for the wedding dance march requires a choreographer who can create a dance routine that everyone in the wedding entourage can follow flawlessly. The entrance march may consist of solo, paired and group dance moves, with the bride entering last.

     The dance routine should still be decent or devoid of vulgarity and obscenity, especially when the wedding is inside the church. Obtaining approval from the parish minister or administrator prior to rehearsing the dance will ensure that the non-traditional march will proceed as planned. Furthermore, traditional parents with strict religious values may not agree to the idea of dancing inside the church- therefore, couples should include their parents in the discussions.

   Limbo Rock Entrance

   • The limbo rock dance is a creative way for a wedding entrance, particularly for the outdoors. This entrance requires at least four to five rows of limbo sticks in different heights where the entourage will walk under. Place the highest limbo stick at the rear and the lowest limbo stick to the front, close to the wedding altar. An island wedding in the Caribbean or Hawaiian islands is one location where a limbo rock entrance will be ideal.

   Waltz and Orchestra

   • A wedding entourage entering while doing the waltz played by an orchestra is a regal and creative way to walk down the aisle. An elegant wedding halls, country clubs, hotel ballrooms or opera houses are some of the venues where a waltz entrance will work. This type of entrance may be acceptable in some churches, provided there is prior approval.

     A waltz entrance will require a good waltz choreographer and several hours of practice. Groomsmen and bridesmaids will waltz in pairs as they enter and then will align themselves opposite each other to do the Viennese line dance. The bride will enter with her father and waltz in the middle of the line up where she will pair with her groom. The couple will do a brief waltz and everyone in the entourage will do a curtsy vow before the altar before the ceremony proceeds.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding march, entrance will, wedding entourage, creative wedding, Creative wedding, dance march, dance routine

Wine tasting events in new jersey

It's interesting:
"Linda is an extraordinary woman. Resilient and fun-loving. If anyone had told me Paul would find a woman who loves gourmet cooking, travelling to exotic places and debating the merits of the Arsenal back four as much as him, I wouldn't have believed them. Yet here she is. You two are going to have quite a life together. "

The state of New Jersey has 27 wineries, spread over 10 counties. It is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S. Within the state, vineyard owners currently have planted 40 grape varieties. Pinot Noir and Riesling are common in northern New Jersey, while Sangiovese and Barbera are planted in the southern half of the state.

1. Grand Harvest Wine Festival

   • During the the first weekend in October, Waterloo Village in Stanhope, New Jersey, plays host to the annual Grand Harvest Wine Festival. Waterloo is a small, historically accurate village with a blacksmith shop and general store. For an entrance fee, visitors can taste more than 300 wines from 24 different New Jersey wineries. Culinary pairings are also available, as well as a different live band for each day of the festival. Discounts are available for groups and advanced purchase.

     Garden State Wine Growers Association

     609-588-0085

     newjerseywines.com

     Waterloo Village Museum

     525 Village of Waterloo

     Stanhope, NJ 07874

     973-347-0900

   Atlantic City Festival

   • Atlantic City, New Jersey, hosts an annual food and wine festival.

     The annual Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival takes place the last week of July. The 2010 event was filled with four days of blind tastings, food battles, educational events and celebrity appearances. Tickets are available for each event, with recent appearances by chefs like Paula Dean and Guy Fieri selling for as little as $30 each and the President's wine-pairing dinner selling for $2,000 per couple. The event draws thousands of visitors and Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars and the Showboat, all of which host individual events, offer discounted rates.

     Harrah's Atlantic City

     777 Harrah's Blvd

     Atlantic City, NJ 08401

     800-645-6774

     harrahsresort.com

     Bally's Atlantic City

     1900 Pacific Avenue

     Atlantic City, NJ 08401

     609-340-2000

     ballysac.com

     Caesars Atlantic City

     2100 Pacific Avenue

     Atlantic City, NJ 08401

     800-230-4134

     caesarsac.com

     Showboat Atlantic City

     801 Boardwalk

     Atlantic City, NJ 08401

     800-230-4134

     showboatac.com

   Crystal Springs, NJ

   • The spring months of April and May bring local chefs together with New Jersey wine at the Crystal Springs Resort This three-day celebration features a grand tasting each evening. 2011 will be the third annual event featuring seminars with local winemakers and chefs. A celebrity chef golf tournament is also planned.

     Crystal Springs Golf Resort

     Route 94

     Vernon, NJ 07462

     973-827-5996

     crystalgolfresort.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Atlantic City, Atlantic City 08401, City 08401, Crystal Springs, 08401 800-230-4134

Diy: wedding center piece

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

Wedding centerpieces can make a major dent in the budget if you hire someone to do them. Consider making them yourself and saving money to put towards the other wedding costs. Dollar stores and other discount stores are a great resource for inexpensive supplies that you can turn into something magical for your wedding day. It is important to leave yourself with plenty of time to complete the centerpieces so choosing something that can be assembled well in advance will save you some stress as the wedding approaches.

1. Using Fruits and Vegetables

   • With the addition of some brightly colored fruits and vegetables, you can turn a plain centerpiece into something fantastic. The produce can be used in its whole form, filling large clear glassware and vases or can be attached to candles or mixed in with flowers to stretch the more expensive materials. With a yellow or orange themed wedding, lemons and/or oranges can make a bold statement. For a green wedding, try filling large vases overflowing with limes or Granny Smith apples. If citrus isn't your ticket, you can use asparagus to make a border around large pillar candles or avocados for a darker colored centerpiece. Don't buy fruits and veggies too early so that they are at their prime on the wedding day.

   Fish Bowls

   • Fish bowls are inexpensive and are extremely versatile. They can be filled with fish, floating flowers or floating candles. They don't even have to be filled with water at all- you can use sand and pillar candles or marbles and fresh-cut flower stems. You could even try having a few different centerpieces, but all using the same sized fish bowls. Be sure to select a big enough bowl for the table so it doesn't get lost on the table. To make the centerpiece appear larger than it really is, outline the perimeter of the bowl with several tea light candles.

   Candles and more

   • Candles are not only eye-appealing and inexpensive centerpieces, they also add to the ambiance of the reception hall--especially for events at night. A collection of multiple sizes of candles can make for a great centerpiece if placed on top of a round or square cut mirror to make the candles really stand out. To really bring the centerpieces to life, consider wrapping pillar candles with ribbon or flowers to make them a little more elegant. Beware of how far down the candles will burn so that the embellishments don't pose a fire hazard. In most reception halls, staying away from fragrant candles is a good idea.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: pillar candles, center piece, filled with, filling large, into something, wedding center, wedding center piece

How to write your own wedding vows

write your own wedding vows

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."

Your wedding vows are your opportunity to express your love to your spouse and make the most important promises you will ever make. Your wedding vows should be simple, romantic and filled with personal touches from your relationship. You can get an easy start on your vows by beginning with the traditional lines and moving into your own words and statements. Your vows are your own, but you should feel free to use them to form a special connection between you and your spouse.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Write a few notes about your relationship. Include how you met and when you knew that you had fallen in love. Ask yourself what she brings to your life and how your life has changed since you met her. Write down where you proposed and any special moments you remember from your relationship. For instance, you may have known you were in love on your first date but were too shy to say it for weeks afterwards. Include this information in your list.

   • 2

     List any specific promises that you want to make to your spouse and include personal promises that have special meaning between the two of you. Include your promises to love, honor and cherish, but say them in your own words, with your own personal touch. As an example, you may want to promise that you will never wait when you want to tell him that you love him.

   • 3

     Begin writing your vows by using the conventional beginning. Remind yourself that seeing something written on your paper can often help you through the writing process and help you overcome any nervousness about seeing a blank page. For instance, you can begin by writing, "I, (your name), take you, (her name), to be my wedded wife."

   • 4

     Write your vows, beginning with a few memories from your relationship. Avoid worrying about the poetry of your writing, just say what you feel and force yourself to write. Include your promises, again, not worrying about the style of your writing. As an example, you may write, "I wanted to tell you that I loved you on our first date but I was too shy. I promise you that I will never again wait to tell you how I feel."

   • 5

     Re-read your vows, making corrections where needed. Keep your vows simple but meaningful. Add your own style and personal touches. Write your vows over, from the beginning, and re-write them until you are happy with them. For instance, you may change your vows to read, "On our first date, I realized that I was falling in love with you. I was too shy to tell you at the time, but I vow to never again let a chance pass to tell you that I love you."

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding vows, your relationship, your vows, first date, from your, from your relationship

Hotels in waterport, new york

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."

Waterport, in western New York, has fishing on Lake Ontario and U-pick berries, apples and pumpkins at Brown's Berry Patch. Tour the Historic District in nearby Albion, featuring the Cobblestone Society Museum and the 1858 Greek Revival style dome county courthouse. The Erie Canal pathway is a haven for bicyclists in summer and cross country skiers in winter. Rent a boat from Oak Orchard Canoe and Kayak.

1. Captain's Cove

   • The pet-friendly Captain's Cove has fishing charters and other services for anglers. Kitchenettes in family-size rooms include a microwave, stove top, coffeemaker and refrigerator. The full-service marina offers a boat launch, rentals of paddle boats, canoes, rowboats and motorboats, and two pavilions with grills where you can picnic. You can also get live bait, fishing licenses and gas for your own boat.

   Fair Haven Inn

   • Fair Haven Inn, located in Tillman's Historic Village, is eight miles from Waterport. Rooms in the historic house include period furnishings but creek-side rooms are more casual. From all rooms, walk to the restaurant, established in 1824, and is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. There is also a grocery store, museum and gift shop within the village.

   Cedar Valley Bed and Breakfast

   • The Cedar Valley Bed and Breakfast has four rooms, all with river views and private baths and entrances. The nonsmoking bed and breakfast, on the Oak Orchard River, has a private fishing dock and row boat, and is four miles from Lake Ontario. You can rent the entire place for a small wedding, and use the landscaped garden.

   The Pillars Estate

   • The historic nonsmoking Pillars Estate has three antique-filled rooms, with two more rooms coming. Freshly cooked breakfast starts your day, which you can spend at the sand beach with cabanas, reading on the deck and porch or strolling the five acres. Rooms have fireplaces and deluxe bedding. A home theater has leather recliners and a state-of-the-art sound system. Accommodations are for guests who are 13 years of age and over.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Captain Cove, Cedar Valley, Cedar Valley Breakfast, Fair Haven, Hotels waterport, Hotels waterport york

The eggplant cancer cure

It's interesting:
"At the wedding rehearsal yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of talking with Linda’s close friends. They talked about how she’s the friend they turn to when they need to vent over a foolish boyfriend or for advice on land the job of their dreams. They also said she has some pretty sweet moves on the dance floor. So let’s see them!"

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1 million people will develop one form of skin cancer each year. Skin cancer is also one of the most common and treatable cancers- however, people die each year due to lack of intervention and education. Basal, squamous and melanoma are three types of skin cancer. Traditional treatment for skin cancer is surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which has a high success rate for most Americans. However, Dr. Bill Cham claims to have a more gentle and non-invasive treatment for skin cancer with his eggplant cancer cure Curaderm BEC5 cream.

1. Eggplant Cancer Cure Basics

   • Cham created a cream as an alternative to skin cancer surgery. He explains that although surgery has a 95 percent cure rate, most patients are left disfigured and scared from the aggressive cutting. He says that his cream, Curaderm BEC5, has the same impact as surgery but without the severe effects.

     The cream is created from a substance found in nightshade plants like eggplants called solsaodine glycosides. Cham reports that the cream has a 95 percent cure rate on removing basal and squamous skin cancer without the disfiguring effects. He says that the cream does not have the same effect on melanoma.

     Industry professionals are touting Curaderm as a possible cure for some of the most common skin cancers. Dr. David G. Williams, editor of "Alternatives," says, "People like Dr. Cham are an endangered species in this day and age. On his own time, using his own money, he has developed a product that could benefit millions of people around the world."

     Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, medical director of the Tacoma Clinic in Seattle, says that Curaderm is a "near perfect" cure.

   How It Works

   • When you have surgery, the doctor removes the cancer and takes healthy skin cells around the cancer to be sure he removes it all. You can end up with a nasty scar and possibly missing pockets of skin, depending upon the type of surgery and surgeon's skill. Surgery on your face and other visible areas can leave a devastating impact on your overall appearance and self-esteem.

     Curaderm cream kills only the cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells behind so that you have minimal damage. Not only does it dissolve only the cancer-ridden cells, it does so through apoptosis, where the cancer's own digestive enzymes consume the cell, causing a slower dissolution process. This prompts natural healing, which rebuilds normal tissue.

   Research on the Eggplant Cancer Cure

   • This product has been tested and researched for 25 years. The BEC cream was examined in test tube studies that found BEC was effective at selectively killing cancer cells without damaging normal cells.

     Cham also tested the cream in a series of human clinical trials in Australia and the United Kingdom. The initial clinical trials tested the cream's safety and found it to be extremely safe with no adverse side effects. The next trial phase determined that Curaderm BEC5 was successful at curing non-melanoma skin cancers in 78 percent of patients. Cham's team had patients apply the cream twice daily, keeping it under a covered dressing, for eight weeks.

     Researchers extended the treatment time from eight weeks to 12 weeks and found that 100 percent of patients were cured. Patients were tracked for five years after treatment and no subjects had a reoccurrence.

     A 10-year study was also conducted to determine any long-term negative side effects on 50,000 Curaderm BEC5 users. Only two people experienced a side effect, which was reddening of the skin on the application site. Once medication was discontinued, the redness went away.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Curaderm BEC5, skin cancer, says that, that cream, cancer cells, cancer cure, Cancer Cure

Indian wedding ceremony music

It's interesting:
"I think you'll all agree that it's been a wonderful wedding so far. ... But I never received a formal invitation to the wedding, so I just hope I haven't eaten a meal ..."

Music plays a key role in Indian wedding ceremonies. In Hindu ritual and custom, music always plays an integral part. Each region of India has its own set of wedding songs that are part of the local tradition. Then there's a whole other set of Bollywood hits that modern couples often like to integrate into their ceremonies, in addition to the traditional regional favorites.

1. Ten Popular Indian Wedding Songs

   • The ILoveIndia.com website has a section on Indian weddings, and offers a lengthy list of popular Indian wedding ceremony songs. Among them are these 10 favorites, all from popular Bollywood movies. The names of the films follow the songs, in parentheses.

     Chote Chote Bhayon (Hum Saath Saath Hain)
     

     Cham se wo aajaye (Dus)
     

     Ek pardesi mera dil le gaya (Sophie)
     

     Aaj hai sagai (Pyar To Hona Hi Tha)
     

     Maahi ve (Kal Ho Na Ho)
     

     Banno ki saheli (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum)
     

     Kala sha kala (Anamika)
     

     Hulle hullare (Rageshwari)
     

     Maa da ladla (Dostana)
     

     Bhootni Ke (Singh is King)

     For more song choices, check out the ILoveIndia.com website or, for even more Indian wedding ceremony music listings, visit WedAlert (find a link in the Resources section.)

   Hiring the Right Deejay

   • Inevitably, you're going to want to hire a deejay who is familiar with Indian wedding ceremony music--someone who can meet with the groom, bride and family members and put together a set list tailored to their wants and needs. Some Indian families prefer more traditional music from their home region- others want splashy, popular Bollywood numbers. More often than not they want a mix. In any event, finding the right deejay is key. The IndianWeddingSite.com (find a link in the References section) has a list of criteria for choosing a deejay. Chief among them: "You are hiring a professional deejay because of his expertise in music. Test him! Ask him to tell you on the spot what the top Hindi/Bhangra songs are for a wedding. A confident and experienced deejay will tell you in a heartbeat."

   Mehendi Music

   • Indian weddings have lots functions and parties that precede the actual wedding ceremony. The most important is the "Mehendi" (also spelled "Mehandi" or "Mehndi"), in which intricate henna designs are made on the hands and feet of the bride, accompanied by plenty of singing and dancing. It is, after all, a foot-tapping "ladies only" party. A popular mehendi song is "Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna," from the movie "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge."

   Sangeet Songs

   • Another important pre-wedding function is "Sangeet," an evening of musical entertainment hosted by the bride's family. It's typically held just before Mehendi. Participants sing folk songs dedicated to marriage and the bride, accompanied by Dholak and spoon. Afterward the unmarried girls dance to various popular songs, such as "O Rabba Koi," "Jo Geet Nahi," "Saat Suron Ke" and "Main Tumhari."

   Other Pre-Wedding Music

   • Other pre-wedding functions include roka, engagement, tilak/sagan and chunni. The atmosphere is light and frivolous, and songs with a naughty ring to them are ideal. Try "Le Jayenge, Le Jayenge'," from the movie "Chor Machaye Shor," or "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi," from the movie "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi." The latter is a sweet, saucy little number, sung by Udit Narayan & Sonu Nigam, about a determined guy asking a girl to marry him and promising her all the happiness in the world.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ceremony, Indian wedding, Indian wedding ceremony, ceremony music, wedding ceremony music

How to select spring wedding colors

select spring wedding colors

It's interesting:
"I wish anyone who thinks that ‘bigger is always better’ could be with us right now, because they would surely be amazed at the tremendous amount of happiness and joy that can flow from the right group of well wishers. We are all truly privileged to have been asked to be a part of such a warm and intimate ceremony as Paul and Linda’s wedding, I offer my love and appreciation to the bride and groom for inviting me to play a role in such a very personal gathering. I’m sure we all want to congratulate Paul and Linda on their very first day as husband and wife and thank them for giving us a day we will never forget."

There's nothing more romantic than a spring wedding. As your guests are greeted by the first blooms of spring, they will be reminded of the beautiful bloom of love that your wedding ceremony will honor. Invite spring colors to your wedding celebration when you plan your decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Three-ring binder
• Top-loading page protectors
• Paint chips
• Gardening magazines
• Wedding magazines

Instructions

1. Get Inspired

   • 1

     Visit your local nursery or garden store to preview flowers in bloom during the spring months. This bounty of natural color may provide you with inspiration for your wedding color selection.

   • 2

     Seek out artwork and other images identified with the celebration of spring. Impressionist artists, such as Monet, were well known for their use of spring color palettes in creating their paintings.

   • 3

     Check out the catwalk in spring fashion shows to get a head start on the fashionable colors for your wedding. These colors are typically forecast up to 1 year in advance by industry professionals, providing you with the opportunity to host a wedding that will be at the pinnacle of fashionable taste.

   Create a Spring Color Scheme

   • 4

     Create a spring color inspiration notebook by setting up a three-ring binder with page protectors. You can insert torn-out magazine pages, color copies of artwork, garden-guidebook images and paint chips from your local paint shop or home-improvement store.

   • 5

     Choose one color to be at the center of your scheme. Spring colors tend to be secondary colors--greens and purples--or lighter hues of the primary colors--pinks, light blues and butter yellows.

   • 6

     Select a couple of accent colors to complement your primary spring wedding color. Typically, accent colors should be a shade or two darker or lighter than your primary wedding color.

   • 7

     Create a greater impact with your color scheme when you select a metallic highlight, such as silver, to incorporate into your decorations. Other metals that complement spring colors include pewter, platinum and white gold.

   • 8

     Keep seasonal availability of flowers in mind when finalizing your color scheme. When you select blooms that are readily available, you may be able to save money on flower arrangements that reflect your spring color scheme.

Tips &- Warnings

• Avoid colors that wash out in bright sunlight if you are planning an outdoor ceremony. The best way to test this is to take photographs of your color selections in the backyard on a bright, sunny day and see how the colors can change.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: spring wedding, your wedding, spring color, wedding color, your color

Do-it-yourself wedding centerpieces from mason jars

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 ..."

Mason jar centerpieces add a hint of Southern charm to your wedding. While a black tie formal wedding isn’-t a good fit for centerpieces made with Mason jars, a rustic wedding or simple outdoor reception is perfect. Flower bouquets, a few large flowers or floating blooms can be used in a Mason jar centerpiece. If you’-re looking for a romantic feel with the centerpieces, consider using votive candles in the jars. Ribbons allow you to incorporate your wedding colors into the centerpieces.

Things You'll Need

• Mason jars
• Flowers
• Branches
• Ferns
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Candles
• Sand
• Seashell or starfish

Instructions

1. Flowers

   • 1

     Fill Mason jars halfway with water to keep the flowers fresh.

   • 2

     Trim the flowers to the finished height and place in the Mason jars. Flowers such as hydrangea, gerbera daisies, peonies and wildflowers are beautiful or you can evoke a nature feel by using fern leaves and branches.

   • 3

     Tie a ribbon in your wedding colors on the jar’-s mouth if using a few flowers or around the flower stems if you have a full bouquet.

   Candles

   • 4

     Place a votive candle at the bottom of each Mason jar. You may want to use a couple of jars for centerpieces at each table if you are having an evening reception. As an alternative, fill the jars halfway with water and use floating candles.

   • 5

     Tie a medium width ribbon into a bow on the mouth of the jar.

   • 6

     Light the candles just before the reception to make them last.

   Beach

   • 7

     Add two inches of clean sand (available at most craft stores) to the bottom of each Mason jar.

   • 8

     Stand a medium sized seashell or starfish up on top of the sand inside the jar.

   • 9

     Tie a wide band ribbon around the mouth of the Mason jar to finish the centerpiece.

Tips &- Warnings

• If you want to enhance the rustic country feel even more, use raffia instead of ribbon.

• Try setting the jars on a wood platform or a burlap table runner.

• Instead of water, fill jars with coffee beans and stick the flower stems into the coffee beans.

• Using candles will make the Mason jars hot to the touch so let them cool before trying to remove the candle.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Mason jars, your wedding, bottom each, bottom each Mason, centerpieces from

How to plan a dress fitting for your bridesmaids

plan a dress fitting for your bridesmaids

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

Congratulations! You’-re engaged. Wedding thoughts have engulfed your life, and you’-re counting down to the Big Day. And if you’-re thinking about planning a bridesmaid fitting, chances are you’-ve chosen your women and perhaps even have some initial thoughts on designs. So how do you approach this step in the process? Simplify. Visit the local wedding boutiques for inspiration, but when it comes time to schedule the fitting and actually figure out where to purchase the dresses, choose one of these five nationwide options: Alfred Angelo, David’-s Bridal, Eden Bridals, Mori Lee, or the department stores (Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’-s, Neiman Marcus …- you get the idea). Once you’-ve chosen a shop with the dress you want, consider making the fitting a girls’- outing, complete with female bonding and memory-making.

Things You'll Need

• Your bridesmaids
• A dress shop
• Some time to plan

Instructions

1. • 1

     You probably recognize Alfred Angelo from your prom days, because these guys do it all. They’-ve got options for you, your girls, your mom, and your flower girl. With six different collections and 55 color options, choices also include jersey-knit dresses—-for the wedding on the beach, or out in the desert. The shop’-s color mix collection is a great place to pair different shades of colors with accessories such as bows, ribbons, and other embellishments.

   • 2

     David’-s Bridal, perhaps the behemoth of all wedding apparel options, not only has every single one of their creations available online, their website also features a “-Style & Fashion Guide”- where visitors can sift through fabrics, dress sleeves, bustles, and a bridal glossary. The site’-s other avenues include special offers, a video gallery, gifts and favors, real-life bridal stories, and a spot to book your fitting at the David’-s Bridal nearest you.

   • 3

     With a category for quinceañ-eras and sweet 16s thrown in for good measure, Eden Bridals caters to all types of formal events, including, of course, weddings. Perhaps the most helpful section for brides planning a wedding on the beaches of Hawaii or the shores of Lake Tahoe is the company’-s “-Bridal Informals.”- Billed as “-perfect for outdoor weddings,”- the collection is “-designed to capture the beauty and spirit of a destination wedding.”-

   • 4

     Four collections comprise options for bridesmaids at Mori Lee: Bridesmaids, Ava, Affairs, and Sticks & Stones. Each has its own distinct style, with Bridesmaids taking the cake for most traditional and Sticks & Stones clearly being the most modern. The dresses within Ava are very Grecian and elegant, while Affairs leans toward classy couture.

   • 5

     And as always, the standard department stores such as Bloomingdale’-s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom are fine venues for dresses as well, though are of course not as zeroed-in on the Big Day as the above shops.

   • 6

     Now that you’-ve narrowed down which boutique suits your style best, your next step should be to contact each of your gals to find out which day is best for the fitting. While Saturdays or Sundays are obvious choices, keep in mind that those are also the busiest days for appointments, and you’-re less likely to receive personal attention. If you can swing it, try for a Friday afternoon when women aren’-t jostling each other to reach the sales racks. Make sure to finalize the appointment with the store. If you book the day and time online, be prepared to complete a short form asking for dress styles, colors, even basic sizing info for each of your maids.

   • 7

     However it works out, whether the fitting is planned for a weekday or weekend, try to work something extra special into the day. Think: afternoon tea, a sushi lunch, coffee and bagels, or an informally-catered supper at home. Take your time with everything you do that day. Don’-t rush through dresses, take lots of photos, and remember to have a great time. You’-ll have one shot at a bridal fitting, so make it special. Let your maids know you appreciate their support and financial contribution to your special event (they will, more than likely, spend $200.00 or more on just the dress and shoes). Tell them how much they mean to you with a small photo book of the fitting, and don’-t forget to include a dedication inside the front cover. They’-ll treasure it forever.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: David x2019-s, David x2019-s Bridal, x2019-s Bridal, Alfred Angelo, Bloomingdale x2019-s

First anniversary wedding cake traditions

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 ..."

A couple normally celebrates the first wedding anniversary in an intimate manner. Other couples decide to throw a party to celebrate. Regardless of the way you decide to commemorate this anniversary, the wedding cake plays a role in the celebrations. It helps you think back to the moment a year ago, when you both cut the wedding cake together. The custom of using a slice of wedding cake a year later is an old tradition.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Top Layer

   • Traditionally, a wedding cake was a simple one-layer cake with icing. Multi-layered cakes were made for royalties, but were not proper layered cakes since the upper layer was made of spun sugar. Once the problem of preventing the upper layer from collapsing was solved, real layered cakes became popular. The introduction of a layered cake began a tradition to save the upper layer, and to eat it on the first anniversary.

   Christening Ceremonies

   • Saving the top layer as a memory of that special wedding moment is a custom that began in the 19th century. Multi-layered wedding cakes were extravagant and the couples justified their decision by saying the bottom tier was for the reception, the middle tier for sharing and the top for Christening. It was simple to justify the middle layer since it was customary to send a portion of the cake to people who could not attend the wedding. The top layer became linked to another celebration -- it was assumed that the Christening of the honeymoon baby would occur around their first wedding anniversary. Traditionally, Christening ceremonies were held within the first few weeks after the child was born.

   First Anniversary

   • The idea of saving a piece of cake turned into a tradition that the cake could be eaten on the first anniversary. Traditionally, the top layer was made of fruitcake, which could mature in taste to the Christening ceremony. Fruitcake needs time to mature and the flavors intensify and develop with time. A fruitcake can be left to mature for up to a year and this worked well with the new idea to save the cake for the first anniversary.

   Happy Memories

   • Both the groom and bride cut the wedding cake, and this makes the cake filled with happy memories of the wedding. The tradition to remember this special day when you started life together, by eating the intact top tier of the wedding cake, has developed from a way of celebrating two occasions with the same cake. Today, many couples ask the bakery to make a new cake in the style of their wedding cake to celebrate their first anniversary and to remember their promise to provide for each other.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding cake, anniversary wedding, anniversary wedding cake, first anniversary, upper layer, anniversary Traditionally, cake traditions

Nautical wedding cake ideas

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 ..."

A seaside or shipboard reception lends itself to a clever wedding cake theme, so go ahead and incorporate elements of your locale into your confection. You can choose to keep it simple and subtle, or go overboard with the decor.

1. Make It Beachy

   • Stick with a shore theme---brown sugar can be added to the sides or top of each tier to approximate the look of sand, and a sugar artist can craft seashells and starfish out of marzipan. Lighthouses, sand castles or palm trees can make a sweet motif as well.

   Work in Shipboard Motifs

   • Anchors, ship wheels, nautical flags and even sailor's knots can be incorporated into the cake design. Pop a wooden sailboat on top for a charming centerpiece.

   Go Beneath the Waves

   • Consider a blue cake with an abstract design mimicking the waves. Or opt for beautiful fish, sugared pearls, turtles, dolphins or other favorite sea creatures to adorn your tiers. An abstract coral design can be imprinted in the tiers for a more elegant look.

   Capture It in Color

   • A navy and white color scheme immediately says "nautical," or go for a wash of pale blues and aquas or soft peaches and beiges to approximate the color schemes of the sea and the shore.

   Take It to the Top

   • Look for a cool topper that mirrors your theme. Custom cake topper artists can re-create you in scuba gear or sailors' ensembles, or "hanging ten" on a little wave. Tiny wooden boats or lighthouses, glitter-covered starfish, kitschy yellow submarines or even a massive shell can be a fabulous choice.

   Make It Your Groom's Cake

   • If you want to go with a subtle wedding cake, you can still go wild with your theme on your groom's cake. Have the cake shaped like a boat wheel or even a sailboat, or serve up a set of cupcakes adorned with starfish and other sea life.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding cake, cake ideas, Nautical wedding, Nautical wedding cake, wedding cake ideas, your theme

Wedding advice for a maid of honor speech

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 ..."

When someone close to you is getting married, it should bring you great joy to see how happy she is. If you have been asked to serve as the maid of honor, you should take the position with grace and be serious about your duties to the bride. It goes far beyond just organizing the bachelorette party. Accepting the position of maid of honor means you are standing up for the bride to support her in her marriage, and your speech should reflect that.

1. Preparation

   • Preparing for your speech as maid of honor should not be taken lightly. You should think about what you'd like to convey, and write it out before hand. Practice your speech in the mirror and read it aloud several times to make sure it feels good and flows right. If there is someone you can practice in front of, her feedback may help you improve your speech. Above all, speak clearly, loudly and do not rush through the speech to avoid mumbling. Everyone wants to hear what you have to say, especially the bride.

   Significance

   • The speech given by the maid of honor should include a personal statement to the bride, sharing how much she means to you. It is more than okay to mention that she is your little sister, best friend since you were five or favorite cousin. Whatever the relationship between you is, acknowledge it with a humorous, but meaningful memory or story.

     Once you speak to and about the bride, acknowledge her husband and share another story about the two of them, or let him know just how much his bride loves him.

     Finish your toast with words of wisdom, advice or a statement they can take with them and reflect upon throughout their marriage.

   Preservation

   • Due to the emotional connection you likely have with the bride, and the amount of time you have probably spent with her in person or on the phone helping her to plan the wedding, it may be significant to her later on to receive a copy of your speech or toast. Creating a scrapbook for her of your friendship (even if she's your sister), the wedding and meaningful experiences you've shared would be a great way to give her a copy of your speech that she can look back on for years to come. If the bride is a sentimental person, she will be pleased to have this treasure, and count herself lucky to have you in her life.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: maid honor, your speech, honor should, maid honor should, advice maid, advice maid honor

Pretty places to get married

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."

Couples looking for a beautiful destination wedding have a wide range of options. From coast to coast, island destinations or cruises, wedding backdrops are becoming more elegant and lavish as an increasing amount of couples are willing to travel farther to find a breathtaking backdrop for their special day. Wedding and reception packages are readily available with a number of companies specializing in destination weddings.

1. Maui

   • Maui beach weddings provide breathtaking views.

     When searching for a beautiful wedding destination, couples often look to the Hawaiian Islands, where Maluaka Beach, on the south side of Maui, is a popular choice. The beach offers breathtaking views while saying "I do" and is located near the Makena Beach & Golf Resort. Other popular Maui wedding beaches include Ironwood Beach or Kapalua Bay. Wedding packages typically include officiant fees and photography is readily available from many local companies like Bridal Dream Wedding Company.

     Bridal Dream Wedding Company

     421 Lewers St. #G

     Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

     808-924-3600

     bridaldreamhawaii.com

   Central Park

   • Central Park offers the only Manhattan wedding site next to a lake.

     Located in the heart of the Big Apple, the Loeb Boathouse gives couples a pretty and unique wedding backdrop. The facility is situated on the lake in Central Park and is the only site in Manhattan where couples can be married lakeside. Built in the 1950s, the historic Loeb Boathouse has elegant wedding and banquet facilities to accommodate up to 500 guests in the pavilion and has smaller rooms available for more intimate affairs.

     The Loeb Boathouse

     East 72nd St. & Park Drive North

     New York, NY 10028

     212-517-2233

     thecentralparkboathouse.com

   Wine Country

   • Cornerstone Gardens is a uniquely beautiful wedding destination.

     Cornerstone Gardens is widely lauded for its innovative landscape design and pristine grounds. Located in the beautiful California wine country at the southern edge of the Sonoma and Napa valleys, the winery and garden has four facilities to host a wedding, including the Wedding Garden, Garden Barn, Vineyard Lawn and a private residence called the Vineyard House. It can be configured for large-scale events up to 300 guests, while parties as small as six are also welcome. The facility works with caterers to provide an impressive culinary display in its elegant reception areas.

     Cornerstone Sonoma

     23570 Arnold Dr.

     Sonoma, CA 95476

     707-933-3010

     cornerstonegardens.com

   Disney

   • Disney has elegant wedding and reception facilities around the country.

     Couples can add a bit of fun to their enchanted day by choosing to tie the knot with a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. Lavish ceremonies and receptions---along with all the planning for flowers, food, photography and more---are available at Disney's properties in Florida, California and Hawaii, as well as on board a Disney Cruise Line ship. Vibrant and grand weddings and receptions can be planned throughout the theme parks or in beautiful ballrooms, restaurants and specialty venues.

     Disney Weddings

     321-939-4610

     disneyweddings.disney.go.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Central Park, Loeb Boathouse, beautiful wedding, beautiful wedding destination, breathtaking views, Bridal Dream