To choose a wedding gown is not a simple that people imagine. The bride should choose the gown with uitable on her personality. The color of wedding gown is also important to be thinking.Wedding gown will make all brides in the world beautiful.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Flower-flower everywhere for your wedding day
What you need to make your wedding day beautiful?You're just right. Flower everywhere. So why you you dont call the links below to help you prepare your perfect flower
What to look for in a Wedding Videographer! by Juhlin Youlien
Have you chosen a Professional Wedding Videographer yet for your Wedding? Finding a Professional one can be difficult and perplexing.
Your special day is coming up very fast! And really the last thing you need to fret about is whether or not you have hired the right Professional Wedding Videographer to capture the memories of your Wedding day.
First, start out by checking out their website and watching some of their demos. If they have no demos available to view online that is a BIG red flag! Only choose a Professional Wedding Videographer who has demos on their website. That is very important! This allows you to see what the Videographers style is!
Make sure that your Professional Wedding Videographer makes your DVD with DVD authoring. If your Videographer provides this service, the final film of your Wedding day should look like a Hollywood Style film with menus and chapters. This is a lot more than just transferring footage to DVD and takes a lot more time; so make sure that your Videographer does this. It takes it from home-style movie to Hollywood Style! This is also very important!
Here are a few other questions you should ask yourself when choosing your Professional Wedding Videographer:
1. Is the Wedding Videographer knowledgeable? 2. Is the Wedding Videographer professional? 3. Was the Wedding Videographer able to answer your all your questions and did they answer you back (if conversing in email) in a timely manner (This will show their level of Professionalism)? 4. And most importantly; does the Wedding Videographers services validate their product(s)?
If the Wedding Videographer is professional then they should be accustomed with all the Wedding Industries products and terminology.
The Wedding Videographer should also be able to explain in detail the services they are providing for you and your Spouse on your Wedding day.
If the Wedding Videographer doesn't have enough demos on their website to satisfy you, then ask them to mail you another demo to watch at home. Most professional Wedding Videographers will be happy to accommodate you and send you one free of charge.
If the Wedding Videographer has enough to watch on their website then make to watch them thoroughly online and remember these key things:
1) Web quality is always worse than what your Wedding day DVD will be. This is because websites with videos are made specifically for allowing the video to download quickly for the viewer. Because of this, the quality of the video must go down in order for the downloading speed on the Internet to be fast. So don't judge the clarity by the online footage. If you want to see an example of how clear your film will look just ask the Wedding Videographer to send you a demo and that will allow you to really see the clarity and the quality. 2) Was the camera person/ Wedding Videographer creative with their shots and were they steady? Watch for that, creativity is key to having a beautiful Wedding DVD! 3) Sound quality of the songs. Did everything sound good? 4) Color, was the color vibrant. This will tell you if the camcorder that the Wedding Videographer is using is good quality or not!
Another thing to consider is making sure that the Wedding Videographer offers for you to call at a later date and request additional copies. If they say "Yes!" that is a good sign, meaning that they achieve all their footage properly and this will also show their Professionalism!
Everyone's Wedding day is so different and unique! It is a once in a life time moment that can never be repeated or recaptured so make sure when choosing your Wedding Videographer you only go for the best! Don't get a cheap service because in the end, that's what your film will be, cheap. Don't cut corners! Your Wedding day is special and deserves that best of the best. You want to remember is always in beautiful clarity! Good luck on planning your wonderful Wedding day!
by goarticles.com
Elegant Handbags For Your Bridesmaids by Angel Cruz
Your bridesmaids will take good care of their hand bags when you present them with elegant bridal style clutches in satin, velvet, faux suede or leather. They say a beautiful purse completes the perfect outfit, and you can tell she loves it when she buys her next evening dress to match her handbag! Bridesmaids' handbags in different gorgeous colors are an ideal way to express your thanks to your bridesmaids. Check out these 5 handbags:
Bridesmaid's Pink Monogram Tote Bag - Pretty, pink, and personalized, this bag is perfect for your bridesmaids. A decidedly pink personalized tote bag is for the woman who thinks pink will never be out of style. Made of 100% polyester, you can also have it monogrammed with her initials. It also features black handles and a black monogram design, and has inner and outer side pockets for more storage.
Susie Satin Bridal Bag - Think confection candy colors and satin roses... this bridal bag is made just for bridesmaids. Include bridal jewelry, earrings or necklaces for a special gift to thank your bridesmaids for the part they play in your wedding. You will want to ask your wedding photographer for some photos of your bridesmaids carrying these beautiful purses. Furthermore, your flower girl will also look angelic holding a pink satin purse.
Marites Personalized Evening Clutch - This clutch is the perfect accessory and bridesmaids gift to help your lovely ladies transition from ceremony to reception. This polished personalized gift compliments your bridesmaids' evening look, and has plenty of room for their lipsticks, compact powder, and other essentials. It can be personalized with an elegantly scripted initial in sparkling Swarovski Austrian crystals to create a truly unique gift. This elegant purse is available in black satin polyester and features a snap closure and optional-use chain shoulder strap.
Adriana Personalized Evening Handbag - This evening handbag makes a wonderful bridesmaids gift. Give your bridal party these sleek, formal, personalized purses that will compliment any dress. These beautiful item, embellished with a splash of genuine Swarovski Crystal, will look stunning in your bridesmaids' arms at your reception.
Nancy Personalized Evening Purse - This evening purse was designed as an evening accessory that sparkles. Your bridesmaids will have a classic versatile evening bag that can also be carried as a clutch for other formal celebrations.
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Etiquette For Wedding Invitation - Seating Plan Etiquette for Your Wedding by Mary A. Jane
Now that you have planned a beautiful reception that everyone will enjoy as they help you celebrate the happiest time of your life, the next step is to make the seating arrangements. You should seat everyone correctly so that you do not violate seating plan etiquette by seating someone where they are not supposed to be. Planning seating can be quite a task if you are planning a big wedding. Of course this is not true of small weddings. If your guest list is indeed large, you may want to buy some computer software that will help you arrange and rearrange your seating chart without too much of a problem. Using post-it notes will work well for small wedding but is quite inconvenient if the reception will be large.
Begin with the head table, which is the easiest. The head table is long and straight and is placed in at the front of the reception space. It is obviously arranged so that it is facing the wedding guests. The bride and groom take their seats at the center of the table. Wedding etiquette allows for flexibility when it comes to if the bride should be seated on the right hand side or the left hand side.
The bride’s parents are seated next to the bride and they can sit in any order. If parents are remarried, this will be a complication. You may want to have them sit at a different table and have your bridal attendants sit in their place. The bride’s maid of honor should be seated after her parents. These tips go for the groom’s parents as well if there has been a remarriage and the former spouses cannot get along.
Another easy table is the kids table. Older children do not have to sit with their parents. They will even feel important. There should be no problems if they know they will be seated with other children. They will enjoy it! Seating plan etiquette lets this table be placed where adults will not want to be seated. Seating children near speakers would be just perfect.
After you have planned out the seating for the head table and kids table, seating plans get a little more difficult and complicated. It is best to attempt to keep people that know each other together at the same table if that is possible. Co-workers will probably feel more comfortable sitting with each other if they do not know your family well. Seating plan etiquette suggests that you should try to keep people of similar age groups together if you need to seat them with people that they may not know. Another good tip is to try to balance the number of males and females at a table. Try to keep the numbers even.
You should consider particular circumstances when you are seating certain guests. Senior citizens, small children and women who are pregnant may need to be placed near the restrooms. If any of your guests have a disability, keep this in mind as well. Those giving a toast should be placed near the front of the room while exes should be kept as far away from each other as possible if they don’t get along with each other.
It is a good idea to have a seating chart near the entrance of the reception hall so that your guests can find their seats. You might want to use a map of numbered tables so that it is easier for them to know where they should sit. Every table in your reception hall should have a number placed in the center. Place cards should be put at each seat and legible if you have assigned seats. Seating plan etiquette lets you just assign a table if that is what you prefer.
With a few seating plan etiquette tips you will hopefully be able to plan the best seating plan for your wedding.
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7 Tips To Organize Bills
by dotcomwomen.com
1. Keep all your pending bills together, in one file. Make sure that as soon as your mail arrives, sort through your mail, separating your pending bills from all of your other mail.
When sorting is done, immediately place your pending bills in a file. Whatever you do, don't put your utility bill in one folder, your car insurance bill in another folder and your membership dues bill in another. All pending bills should be together in one file so they can be paid without having to search 10 different places to find them.
2. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you don't have to drop everything you're doing when you get a bill in the mail to pay it immediately. So make sure to designate 2 to 4 days per month and do your entire bill paying on those days.
3. In order to speed up your bill paying efforts, always pay your bills in one place, whether that place is your desk, the kitchen table, etc. Wherever it is, this area should be equipped with your bills, checkbook, envelopes, stamps, pens, pencils, a calculator, tape, a stapler and return address labels. If you don't have drawers to keep your supplies in, get yourself a small plastic box, or even a shoebox, and keep everything inside.
4. Once you pay your bills, mark your copy or section of the invoice with the Date Paid, Check Number and Amount Paid. Then, file each into the appropriate pocket of your Bill Paying Folder--with one pocket for each; i.e. Utilities, Insurance, MasterCard, Visa, etc. or into categorized folders in your filing cabinet.
5. Every month you will receive checking account statement(s), and possibly cancelled checks, from your bank. Immediately place them in a folder until your designated monthly date rolls around to reconcile your checking account. Then, keep your statements and cancelled checks all together in a folder for the year. You may need to retrieve them later for your accountant when tax season rolls around.
Also any bank statements and/or cancelled checks more than a year old can be stored away in a different area than your current files. You may also consider checking with your accountant to determine how long he or she suggests you need to keep this information.
6. The more credit cards you have, the more difficult it is going to be to keep them organized, and the longer it's going to take you to pay your bills. Whenever possible, condense your credit cards into 2 or 3 credit cards, and get rid of the rest.
7. For recurring bills, such as mortgage, rent or loan payments, you'll save a lot of time preparing a bunch of envelopes for each beforehand. For example, if you have to pay the rent each month. Make a year's worth of envelopes out with your landlord's name and mailing address, your return address and a stamp. This way, everything will be all set to go each month. You just write out a check, place it in the prepared envelope and mail.
Top 5 Wedding gift ideas by Latha Lukose
You have been invited to a wedding, you are thrilled and would love to go. Wait, you think! What should you buy? You want something unique, but not weird; something less pricey but not cheap. You want your wedding gift to really stand out. Let me help you choose a wedding gift, at least get you started on finding a good wedding gift.
Idea #1 Give cash
Idea #2 Gift a Plant
I personally love the idea of gifting plants whether they are houseplants, trees, flowering plants. They symbolize life to me. it kind of ties in with the new journey the couple are starting out on. It represents hope, love, care, beauty, aspirations and is so very wonderful. I generally never gift a cactus but it is totally up to you.
Idea #3 Gift a getaway trip
Many people love to receive a travel package as a gift. Contrary to what you might think, you can get good deals on honeymoon packages or a cruise. Just decide on your budget and start hunting. You never know what you may dig up. Keep in mind that you are aware of the schedule of the bride and groom. They should be able to take time off for the trip, so find some creative ways to figure out how to plan that special trip for them.
Idea #4 Gift household items
Household items include kitchenware to furniture to bedding. If the couple is planning to take a new place after the wedding you can help furnish their place. Even if they do have furniture, you can still ask around and find what they would love to have.
Idea #5 Make a personalized Gift basket
Personalized gift baskets are something's I love. Personalized means it shows that you went out of the way and took the time to make something for the couple. It shows you care for them. Don't be afraid to let your creativity flow. Put together a basket of goodies, maybe kitchenware, or albums or whatever you think will be perfect for the couple. Wedding gifts are gifts that will last for a lifetime. Choose wisely, whether it be cash, a dinner for two, a honeymoon package, or kitchenware. It doesn't matter. Choose wisely and have fun!
goarticles.com
Love Letter From My Darling by Garry Woods
Dear Garry,
I want you to know that since the day we met I've fallen deeply in love with you. There are no words to express the gratitude I feel in my heart that you came into my life, and how you make every day so special. You are my life, my heart, my soul. You are my best friend, my one true love, my one and only. I love you more today than I did yesterday, and I'll love you more tomorrow than I do today.
Loving you is the only thing that makes life worth living. Day by day, my love for you becomes overwhelming, and I can't handle it when I don't see or even talk to you every day. A day without you in my life is like a day without sunshine, a day without food, or a day without air. I need you when I'm cold to keep me warm; I need you in the rain to keep me dry; I need you in my life to keep me happy. You make me feel wonderful. You give me strength when I just can't carry on and I truly treasure that. Every moment spent together is another one of my dreams coming true.
You are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. Each moment that you and I spend together is so magical that I catch myself smiling for no reason at all. I thought that I would never find a love that is as strong as ours, but now that we've found each other I know that you are the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, the person I want to marry, the person I want to have babies with, and the person I want to grow old with.
Baby, you complete me. You make my life so amazing and I don't know how else to repay you but to love you just as much as you love me. The world is a better place to be because of you. You make me feel beautiful. Thank you for giving me so much more than I ever could have wanted. I am so thankful for what we have, and for everything we will have. You are the only man I ever want to share my life with. I could never imagine what it would be like if we were to lose each other. I don't even want to think about it. All I want to think of is you.
You are the love of my life. I love you, and I always will until the day I die. Hopefully, when that day comes, I will still have you by my side and yours will be the last face that I see. When we're older with a family and home of our own, we'll look back at the ways we argued about things that were so insignificant and we'll laugh and know that our love was strong enough to overcome every argument. I just want you to know that I'm thankful that you came into my life and I will love you till the end of my days. My love for you will never fade, I'm still crazy about you, baby.
Love Always, Rivers
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Stop cellulite for good- I did! With Cellulite No More you will get rid of your cellulite guarenteed. by Paula
If you have cellulite you must keep reading. Does it seem that you tried everything under the sun to reduce, or even elimate, cellulite? With Cellulite No More on your side you are guarenteed to get rid of cellulite once and for all. You will start to see results in 7 short days. You will learn why the creams and massages you tried only decrease the appearance of cellulite-not get rid of it! You will have proven secrets that will simply melt the cellulite away daily. And here's an inside tip- if you include a natural supplement of apple cider and vinegar (it comes in pill form) you will keep your skin looking smoother for a longer period of time. Cellulite No More comes with a 90 day-100% satisfaction guarentee so there is nothing to loose. You will also receive 9 free gifts with your paid order and your order is 100% secure. The Cellulite No More ebook contains valuable secrets you need to know to perminatly get rid of that ugly cellulite. Cellulite No More is downloaded fast right to your computer. So you can be on your way to a smoother, sexier you.
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How your favourite coffee can do wonders in food preparation? by John Bakers
Coffee is renowned for the most preferable drink to many. But that does not restrict it's usage as a mere drink. Coffee is variedly used in different preparation of food worldwide. In general circumstances coffee is used as desserts or a sweet dish. But a few people know that coffee can do wonders to dishes like pot roasts, coating on meat or even for making barbeque sauces. The most vital thing about any ingredient in a preparation is that is should be fresh. Fresh coffee beans can bebought and ground to fine powder. While using coffe in a particular preparation it should be made with clean filtered water just before making the food. Normally a stronger coffee is needed to be prepared while using it a recipe.
Let us try out some recipes using coffee
An australian recipe of coffee meatloaf sauce has become very popular worldwide. To make this sauce we need to mix one tablespoon of fresh instant coffee to a quarter cup of water. Then we need to put half cup ketchup in a qarter cup of dry red worcestershire sauce. Finally we will need one ounce of margarine, two tablespoon full lemon juice and two tablespoon full vinegar and a little bit of brown sugar. This will make the coffee sauce. Now, we will cook the meatloaf for half an hour and then bake it with the sauce for forty five minutes at 375F.
The next recipe will be a snack called Espresso Brownies. To make espresso brownies we will need half cup of sugar, a stick and a half of butter and a teaspoon of salt and heat it in a pan. After it gets mixed well we will need to pour one teaspoon of vanilla essence and four ounces of sliced cooking chocolate and mix the whole thing till it melts. Then we need to add one teaspoon of fresh coffee powder to it. After stirring for a while when all the ingredients gets mixed well we need to remove it from flame and allow it to cool. Then we need to add a cup of flour and three eggs in the mixturewhile it is still warm. Now, we can bake the mixture for thirty minutes to get warm and fluffy espresso brownies.
Black Russian Cake can be treated as a dessert dish. It is a very easy to make dish which require russian coffee - a combination of one ounce of vodka, half ounce of kahlua and 5 ounces of hot black coffee as the main ingredient. To make the cake we need to mix dark chocolate cake mix, a packet of instant chocolate pudding, one cup vegetable oil, four eggs, half cup creme de cacao and most importantly russian coffee. The mixture should be beaten until it is smooth. Then we only need to put the mix in a baking pan and keep it for baking at 350F for 45 minutes.
A wide variety of icecreams cookies and all sorts of goodies uses coffee. The list can even be endless. Some of the famous cocktails also has coffee as their main ingredient. Coffee syrup is made by mixing one cup of sugar and strong brewed Colombian coffee. We just need to boil the mix stirring till the sugar gets melted completely. Then we will simmer the coffee for a few minutes, cool it and take the sip.
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How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee by Brian Hill
Most coffee "addicts" are in search of the perfect cup of coffee. Stores are scoured for the many variety of beans to experiment with, different techniques of roasting are used as well as an assortment of brewing methods, all with a view to brew the perfect cup of coffee. At last you have found exactly what you were looking for.
To begin with, wash out all your coffee making equipment thoroughly. This includes the grinder and the coffee maker, from top to bottom. Residue from previous cups of coffee can turn stale and subtly change the flavor of your next brew. If you clean the equipment after every use, you will avoid this problem and will have made the first step towards brewing your perfect cup of coffee.
Next, buy from a top quality supplier the freshest coffee beans that they have. That does NOT include your supermarket! There are many coffee suppliers that can be recommended who have the freshest, high quality beans available. It is also important that you don't buy too many beans at a time. Buy small quantities of beans - enough to use up in a month or less - otherwise the beans will be too old by the time you get to use them.
Another very important factor in how your coffee tastes is the water used. Tap water will pass on any taste that it has to your beverage. To get the best results, use distilled water. This will also prevent the buildup of minerals in your coffee maker. If you do choose to use tap water, let it run for a few minutes to clear out any impurities that might be stored in the pipes. You should also start with very cold water, if possible.
If you want that perfect cup then grinding your own beans is really the only way to go. The oils that are released when a coffee bean is ground are very volatile and tend to dissipate very quickly. For this reason, it's best to grind the beans right before they are used. There are plenty of small, inexpensive grinders that can be used to make your daily cup of coffee ' or you can purchase a combination coffee grinder/maker where the beans are ground "in situ" and deposited directly into the container underneath, and then the coffee-maker takes over.
To spread the tiny particles of coffee evenly through the brew you must stir the pot of coffe before serving, then you will provide the perfect cup each time you pour. You will find many people who will tell you that most coffee lovers actually drink their coffee in a diluted form. The correct ratio of coffee beans to water is exactly 2 tablespoons of coffe beans to one cup of water.
By following the above steps, you will have accomplished the "piece de resistance" of the coffee world -- a cup of coffee that is just right, perfect in flavor, in texture and in color.
goarticles.com
7 Tips To Organize Photos
by dotcomwomen.com
You love snapping those pictures and then flipping through the newly developed packet of captured memories or scrolling through your digital images. But you may not love the next step of organizing those photos. Start to create a picture-perfect system for containing and protecting your photos. Here are some tips that will help you to organize your photos.
1. Gather photos from every corner and closet of your home. You'll end up with a pile of stray photos and lots of packets. Group similar photographs, framed prints and other artwork. Create a relationship among a variety of pieces. For instance, put black-and-white portraits together in one grouping, modern art pieces in another, and landscapes in yet another. Arranging pictures and photos around a theme brings purpose to an open space. Use an odd number of items on walls or tabletop groupings to create balance (unless you have just two pieces).
2. Flip through the packets, note the event and date on the outside top edge, and put them in a shoebox. If it will be a while before you do anything with the photos, remove them from their paper envelopes and put them into labeled acid-free and PVC-free envelopes.
3. Buy several plastic recipe boxes with tabs. Create a list of categories such as "Summer 2002, Trip to France" or "Family Reunion." File all your loose photos into one of these categories or simply label the tabs or boxes by year for speedy sorting.
4. Choose a system to store and display your photos. Always choose frames that complement each other. A multitude of frame styles is distracting and detracts from the arrangement.
5. Cut yourself some slack if you think you should be making scrapbooks for photos but don't have the time just now. Protect the photos first, and reserve the option to create scrapbooks later.
6. Develop the habit of labeling and storing photos in albums as you process each roll of film. You'll always be able to pull out photos for projects and duplication, as you need them.
7. Choose hanging hardware strong enough to support the weight of each item (look on the hook's package for weight limitations) and suitable for the type of wall you have. Use two hooks when hanging heavy or wide items. Use specialty hangers designed for brick walls instead of drilling directly into brick or mortar. If you live in an earthquake-prone zone, take special care in hanging large and/or heavy items. Consult a professional for choosing appropriate hardware and techniques.
The Tropical Island Theme Summer Wedding
by dotcomwomen.com
A summer wedding can be a memorable and beautiful occasion. Choosing a theme for your summer wedding can make the planning and preparation go more smoothly and make your special day something everyone will remember for many years to come. Read on to learn more about planning a tropical island theme wedding -- perfect for any summer ceremony!
Location
Outdoors, of course! The beach is an ideal location for a tropical island wedding, but even a grassy park or backyard can work.
Invitations
You may want to select invitations that feature something island related on them, like seashells or palm trees. When sending out your invitations, be sure to specify that the wedding is a theme one. You might even ask your guests to dress in tropical island apparel like Hawaiian shirts, sundresses and sandals. Always request an RSVP so that you'll know how many guests to plan for.
Apparel
The tropical island theme lends itself to light, breezy apparel that is more casual than the traditional ceremony. While brides can wear a traditional wedding gown, this theme also works well with dresses that are light in fabric, slim-fitting, and even short in length if that's what you prefer. The groom can forgo a traditional tuxedo in favor of a more casual suit in a lighter fabric. Good colors for the groom's suit include light shades like beige, pale blue, and even white.
Decorations
One of the most fun things about the island theme wedding are the decorations. Think bright, beautiful, tropical colors like bright pink, orange, turquoise or sunny yellow accented with green. Flowers should include exotic tropical choices like hibiscus, bamboo orchid, plumeria, bamboo orchid and red ginger, for example. The more flowers, the better! While the flowers should be the main decorations, brightly colored balloons and streamers can add some festive flair. Try adorning tables with battery powered tabletop fountains for the added allure of trickling water. Also see our beautiful centerpiece idea for a Tropical Fruit Tower Centerpiece.
Menu
For your tropical island theme wedding menu, go for exotic flavors and favorites from islands like Hawaii and the Bahamas. Roasted pork, spicy grilled shrimp, fresh fish, pineapple, mango and papaya are all flavors to incorporate into your menu. For your wedding cake, try a pineapple flavored cake topped with edible tropical blossoms. One fun alternative to the wedding cake is the cupcake tower, which resembles a wedding cake except it is crafted from individual cupcakes. Try topping each cupcake with either an edible tropical bloom or one made from colorful frosting.
Favors
Hand out leis to your guests to wear as they arrive. If you've never been to Hawaii, the lei is simply a garland of tropical blossoms that is worn around the neck. This keeps with the abundance of tropical flowers and reinforces the island theme. Other fun favors include miniature bottles of blowing bubbles or candles embedded with seashells, wrapped in brightly colored tulle. Disposable cameras are also ideal favors for any type of wedding, because they allow each guest to capture their own memories of your special day.
Winter Theme Wedding
By Nily Glaser, dotcomwomen.com
©All rights reserved, 2004
Are you planning a winter theme wedding? Many Couples planning winter theme weddings have requested information and A-wedding Day is up fo the challenge. Most need creative ideas. So, without much ado, lets see how to plan a dream winter wedding.
When you close your eyes and picture winter, you associate it with sparkling, crisp snow that is so white it sometimes looks bluish. I bet that even if you live in an area that does not experience real winter this word conjures the snow scene in your mind.
WINTER WEDDING IDEAS
ATTIRE for BRIDE GROOM and WEDDING PARTY
Winter is best represented by white, silver, platinum and light blue. These are the perfect color choice for a winter theme wedding. You can incorporate these colors in the bride, groom and wedding attendants attire. White for the bride and groom, light blue and / or silver for the attendants. However, you have other options too. You may have the bridesmaids dresses made of fabric with snow flakes or stars motif that may even accented with white fur like fabric. Since you are planning gifts for your bridesmaids and flower girls, present them with Swarovski crystal on silver with or without pearls, or pearl jewelry on silver such as that offered in our discount mall. Tiaras should also be studded with swarovski crystals and or pearls on silver. The Swarovski jewelry glitsens like snow in the sun while pearls offer the prism. What a wonderful yet inexpensive way to have your bridal party match the winter theme of your wedding.
CHOOSE WINTER THEME INVITATIONS AND STATIONERY
Whether holiday, or season related, there are many winter scene stationery items and invitations available to choose from, including do it yourself - print your own stationery.
WINTER WEDDING RECEPTION:
Look for a reception hall that has a fireplace. If lighting a real fire is not permitted, use make-believe logs that look like real lit fireplace. Many stores carry them. You may also check with your local theater for props.
Use silver serving pieces, glass or crystal drinkwear and winter white dishes.
Decorate with silver, white, platinum and light blue. Use one of the colors or coordinate these colors for your table cloths and napkins, garlands, streamers, icicles, tinsel, balloons, ribbons, flowers with silver ribbons in silver vases, flickering light strings, snow flakes or stars etc... You may wish to spray your decorations with sparkle or fake snow. White and blue tulle will also help create a winter atmosphere.
If you can afford it, hire an ice sculptor. If not, do it yourself, make your own ice sculpture with kits available at A-wedding day. For information go to
http://www.2.a-weddingday.com/weddingcrafts/makeyourownicecarvings.html
Ice sculptures will be a magnificent addition.
If your wedding reception venue permits it, be sure to use candles to depict warmth.
Either or both, ice sculpture and candles make very elegant centerpieces.
IDEAS FOR WINTER WEDDING CENTERPIECES:
For added effect, place your centerpieces on a mirror.
White or white and light blue flowers in a silver or crystal vase
An ice sculpture surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon, by a chain of flickering lights or by 4 snow globes.
A candle (in a hurricane glass) surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon or by 4 snow globes.
Little standing dolls and white styrofoam balls as children playing with snow balls.
Snow men/women
Glass snow flakes,
Silver foil covered hershey's kisses,
Pails, crystal or glass bowl filled with clear marbles, downy feathers fiberfill or cotton ball sprayed with glitter
Winter motif confetti.
WINTER WEDDING FAVOR IDEAS:
Gifts of crystal, silver, candles, soaps, silver or crystal picture frames / place card holders. Decorate the wedding favors with white tulle, white-light blue or silver ribbons, silver bells, snow flakes white flowers etc...
CEREMONY:
Use white, silver, platinum and/or light blue, pew bows, flower arrangements where white and light blue are dominant and are tied with silver ribbon. Place your unity candles in silver candle holders which you may choose to decorate with white flowers, or leave the silver to glisten. Spray glitter on the petals in the flowergirl's basket.
WINTER THEME WEDDING CAKE:
Place a layer of cotton balls or tulle over coiled flickering white bulbs all around the wedding cake so it looks as if your cake is sitting on snow.
How about a cake decorated as a winter village or a snow scene?
Today, many bakers can actually "print" a picture on the cake using edible food coloring.
or you may have your cake look like a star or decorated with snow flakes.
BRIDAL ACCESSORIES:
Choose a collection of matching accessories. Most collection will include most of the accessories for your ceremony and reception. (A unity candle set, guest book, pen, ring pillow, toasting flutes, cake serving set, and garter.)
You may choose a collection that is adorned with white flowers, such as gerbera daisies, roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, magnolias, alstromeria and snowball mums. You may choose a collection that is adorned with white ribbons, pearls, sWAROVSKI CRYSTAL or rhinestones, Angels, holiday motifs.
If you prefer non-white accessories, silver/platinum are available.
WINTER FOODS INCLUDE:
Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies
Three Fabulous Wedding Themes
by:dotcomwomen.com
Every wedding is memorable for the bride and groom; some are unforgettable for the guests, as well. We may assume that most little girls have a dream wedding in mind but they're not all white lace and orange blossoms. This writer, for instance, got married at midnight, wearing just a smile, under a tree. Whether you're starting to plan your own or simply enjoy reading about other people's ceremonies, you are sure to enjoy these three fabulous weddings:
Barefoot on the Beach
While this setting won't work for everyone, it was perfect for two wave-riders who met while surfing in La Jolla. The bride wore an ankle-length, pale peach gauze skirt and bikini top over her suntan while her groom wore a pair of brand-new Hawaiian print baggies. Their friends spent hours stringing leis for the happy couple-- plumerias for her, maile leaves for him. They timed it just right so their "I do"s happened just as the sun was setting behind the Cove.
Horseback in the Desert
For two people that enjoy the Mojave, planning their ceremony around a desert sunrise was perfect. They opted for a small service with a tiny guest list, so there weren't a lot of people to gather pre-dawn. The happy couple and their minister were on three palomino horses. There was a circle of luminarias and everyone wore southwest-style gear. Hawks provided the music.
Underwater
The trickiest part of planning this wedding was finding the bride a white wetsuit. Some guests snorkeled above the ceremony while their non-diving friends enjoyed the wedding from a small glass-bottom boat.
The most important part of any wedding in the deliriously in-love couple. No matter when or where, their union will be memorable and hopefully last forever.
Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair
by:dotcomwomen.com
Medium length hair is probably the most versatile choice out there for today's modern women. Most women don't have the time or patience to deal with long hair, yet don't want a short cut. So what's a girl to do? Go with a great medium length hairstyle, of course!
One classic medium length cut is the bob. A bob is a haircut that's all one length and ranges from chin length to shoulder length. Bobs can be curly or straight depending on your hair texture, and look fantastic either way. They're versatile as well, and can easily be upswept for an evening look or left hanging freely for a cute, feminine look.
Another great medium length cut is the shag. A shag cut involves cutting layers of various lengths into hair. Although shags are versatile and sexy, they can sometimes be hard to put up. So if you love ponytails or anticipate wearing your hair up a lot, a shag may not be for you. But if you're seeking a cute, modern, wash-and-wear style, a shag is a great choice!
A medium length cut can be worn curly, wavy or straight. For gorgeous curls, use a curl enhancing spray or mousse on damp hair and blow dry with a diffuser. To define particular strands, curl with a 1/2 inch curling iron or set on small hot rollers. For a wavy look, scrunch hair after shampooing with a spray gel or volumizing mousse. Let dry naturally. If sleek, straight looks are what you want, then apply a straightening serum to damp hair and blow dry with a paddle brush or large round brush. After drying, use a flat iron to smooth hair and finish off with a light spritz of shine spray.
Highlights can be a great way to enhance any medium length hairstyle. Today's color choices offer something for everyone. Brunettes can add interest with caramel and toffee tones, while blondes can try ribbons of champagne, butterscotch, and platinum. For redheads, try spicy highlights in tones of auburn and strawberry blonde. For the most natural look, place most highlights around your face where the sun would naturally hit.
When considering a medium length hairstyle, consult at length with your stylist before committing to anything. A good stylist will not only listen to what you want, he or she will take into consideration your hair texture and facial shape as well. By choosing a style that's compatible with these factors, you'll be certain to leave the salon satisfied and look great every day!
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Funny Wedding Speeches - Add Some Humor To Your Speech!
By James Nardel
Adding a bit of humor to a wedding speech is a great thing to do to change things up a little bit while letting the bride and groom know that you are excited for them. Funny wedding speeches are a great way to liven up what can be a very sappy, and overly emotional part of any wedding reception. Wedding toast humor is also for those that feel as though they just can’t get sappy and sentimental in front of a room of other people.
A truly funny wedding speech is a hard art to master but in this article I'm going to give you some tips so you can write a funny wedding speech no one will forget in a hurry, so let's get started!
Tip 1 - Know your audience
This is really important. A joke that is funny to a 20 year old person might not be funny to a 70 year old person. Also, if you know there are people in the audience (and the bride and groom) who don't like profanity or sexual talk, don't say anything to offend them! You don't want to be known as the man who insulted half the wedding party. Know your audience, think about who is coming and what sensitivities they have.
Tip 2 - Stay away from inside jokes
Just because you and the groom think a joke is funny, doesn't mean every one else will get it. Try and stick with jokes that every one will understand and that they find some what funny. There is nothing worse then half your audience laughing and the other half thinking you're weird.
Tip 3 - Re live a funny moment
Re living a funny moment that you had with either the bride or groom is a good idea as long as it will be funny to every one. Again, no inside jokes like "hey Phil, remember that time when you know what happened to you know who?" That won't make sense to most people. Re live a funny moment in both of your lives that every one will find amusing.
Tip 4 - Use a funny one liner
A funny one liner joke is a good way to start a speech or end it. Again, knowing your audience is important but here are two of my favorite one liner jokes for wedding speeches.
"To our wives and lovers, let's hope they never meet"
and
"It's not too late to leave now (insert brides name) the gifts are refundable!"
www.dotcomwomen.com
Free Wedding Toast Tips & Samples
By James Nardel
Wedding toasts are a great way to wish the new couple well, but it can be hard to get it just right if you've never done it before. If you feel a lot of emotion about the union, it may be even more difficult to get the toast just right. Keeping it simple really helps, as well as keeping it short. Remember that a toast is simply a way to let the new couple know that you are excited for them, and that you were happy that they made you a part of their day. The more you try to put into a toast the more complicated it can be, so don't try to pack too much into the toast.
Wedding Speech Samples
Below is a very simple toast that you can use regardless of how well you know both of the bride and the groom. This is also a great way to make a toast when you really want to wish the couple well but you aren't too sure what to say!
"First, I wanted to say congratulations to Bill and Nancy! I am so happy for the both of you and I know that today is the first day of what will be a very long marriage. I also want to thank the two of you for inviting me and making me a part of your big day. I know that there will be many more celebrations of your love and your marriage in the future!"
Below is a more intimate toast that you will find works well for close friends and family and will help you convey a bit more personal emotion.
"Congratulations, you two! I know that everyone is saying great things to you, but I had to get up and really express how happy I am for you. I know that both of you have been looking forward to this day for quite awhile, and I have to say that it couldn't have been more beautiful. I know that you have a lot of great plans for the future and I can't wait to sit back and watch them unfold for you. Congratulations, Bill and Nancy!"
As you can see, you can keep it really simple or you can add a bit more personalization to a toast. Usually a toast is just a few minutes long, so you don't need to get into long stories or convoluted hopes for the new couple. Instead, keep things short and sweet but be sure to convey your happiness for the new couple. If you don't know the personalities of both the bride and the groom well, keep humor limited and clean, just so that you are sure you don't offend anyone.
www.dotcomwomen.com
What to Wear to a Wedding
by dotcomwomen.com
Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall and Formal Wedding Attire Etiquette
If you've been invited to a wedding, then you'll need something suitable to wear. Your attire should depend on several factors. First, what does the invitation specify? Often the wedding invitation you receive will let you know if the wedding is black tie or more casual.
Black-Tie Weddings
For a black tie wedding, it's formal wear all the way. Ladies should wear gowns that are appropriately dressy, and gentlemen should of course wear tuxedos or dark suits.
If the wedding is not black-tie, then you have a lot more choices when it comes to what to wear. Choose your attire depending on the weather, season, and relationship to the bride and groom. If you're a close family member, then you'll want to dress up a bit. However if you're a casual acquaintance you can get away with dressing slightly more casually.
Spring Weddings
For spring weddings, try light fabrics and pastel colors. However, it's never a good idea to wear white to a wedding. Dresses should be of appropriate length and you should always wear stockings. Men should wear the same kind of attire that they would to church or the office -- slacks, blazer, and tie.
Summer Weddings
Summer weddings allow you to show a little more skin (but not much) because of the heat. Try spaghetti strap dresses in summery shades like yellow, orange, or pink. Or go classic and cool in neutral tones of beige and cream. Unless the wedding specifies that the dress code is casual, guys can expect to suffer through wearing slacks and a blazer.
Fall Weddings
For fall weddings, you can wear darker colors like burgundy, navy, and dark green. Fabrics as well will be heavier, and as always, stockings or pantyhose are an absolute must. Men should dress as they would for any semi-formal occasion as described above.
Winter Weddings
Winter weddings allow you to accent your outfits with necessary outerwear. A long, classic coat or faux fur is a great choice when you're attending a winter wedding. Fabrics and colors can be dark just like for fall. For guys, they can wear the standard dress ensemble of slacks, jacket and tie, or go slightly more casual in a nice sweater.
Basically, when deciding what to wear to a wedding, let common sense be your guide. Dress conservatively as if you were attending church. If you do that, you're sure to choose something that's appropriate and attractive.
How to Use a Flat Iron to Straighten Hair
by:dotcomwomen.com
If you plan on attending a special event or if you are planning an evening out on the town then you may want to try a new hair style. One of the latest trends for night time hair styles is straight and sexy. If you have curly or wavy hair and you would like to straighten your hair then all you need are the right tools and a little time.
Step 1 – Select the Right Tools for the Job
There are several tools that you need to straighten your hair with a flat iron. The first tool is a quality flat iron. The best flat irons will have ceramic plates. Some of the top flat irons on the market are the Sedu Ionic Ceramic Professional Straightening, the ERGO Hair Straightening Iron, and the T3 Hair Straightening Iron. These irons are high end tools and they each cost around $150.
Other tools that you will need to straighten your hair using a straightening iron include hair clips and a hair brush.
Step 2 – Select the Right Hair Care Products
Because straightening your hair uses heat and pressure you need several hair care products to protect your hair follicles from damage. First you will need a shampoo and a conditioner that is designed for the type of hair that you have. Next you will want to use a heat protection product. Finally, if you plan on straightening your hair a lot then you will also want to periodically use an intensive treatment product to repair damage to your hair.
Step 3 – Wash, Condition, and Dry Your Hair
Before you straighten your hair you will want to make sure that you wash and condition your hair. This will set the stage for a beautiful hair style. The conditioner will also help to protect your hair from heat damage. You may also want to consider using a shampoo and conditioner that is designed for people who use to heat to style their hair. Finally, you will want to dry your hair completely before you use your flat iron.
Step 4 – Prepare Your Hair for the Iron
Before you start to straighten your hair you need to prepare your hair for the process. Start by adding the heat protection product to your hair. Then brush your hair out. Finally, use your hair clips to separate your hair into equal sections and layers.
Step 5 – Straighten Your Hair
Now that you are ready to straighten your hair you will want to plug in your flat iron and move all of your supplies near the iron. When the flat iron has heated up, select a section of hair to work with. Clamp on the flat iron near the root of your hair and apply pressure as you pull it down the strand of hair. When a strand has been straightened, you can move it to the side and move on to the next strand. Continue until you have straightened all of your hair. You may need to enlist the help of a friend to straighten the back of your hair, especially if this is the first time that you tried to straighten your hair.
How to Use a Curling Iron for Curls and Waves
by :dotcomwomen.com
Learning just a few basic hair styling techniques can allow you to create just about any hairstyle that you see in a magazine. Two of the hair style elements that you should learn how to do are (1) creating waves with a curling iron and (2) creating curls with a curling iron. With these two elements you can create dramatic looks, professional looks, casual looks, and sexy looks.
Step 1 – Select the Right Tools
The first thing that you will need to select is a curling iron. Your best option is to buy a curling iron that has a variety of barrel sizes and attachments. This will allow you to create a variety of curl sizes, as well as waves and crimps.
The next tools that you will want to buy are styling products and hair care products. Start with a shampoo and conditioner that are designed for curl enhancement. Next you will want to find a curl enhancer. Finally you will want to look for a heat protection serum. (If you curl your hair a lot then you may also want to add an intensive care hair treatment once a week to your hair care routine.)
Step 2 – Prepare Your Hair
When you create any hairstyle you want to start with clean and conditioned hair. After washing and conditioning your hair you will want to add in your curl enhancer. Make sure that you follow the directions on the curl enhancer as some products tell you to add the product to wet hair, while others recommend adding the product to dry hair. If your hair has a tendency to frizz you will also want to use a frizz-control product.
Step 3 – Select the Right Curling Iron Barrel or Attachment
The size of the curling iron’s barrel is going to determine how tight or loose your curl will be. The smaller the barrel the tighter the curl will be. If you want to create waves then you will want to use a large barrel. If you want crimps in your hair, instead of traditional curls, then you will need to use a crimping iron, or crimping attachment.
Step 4 – Curl Your Hair
If you have short hair and you want tight curls then you will need to use a narrow barrel curling iron. Select small pieces of hair and curl it using just the tip of the curling iron. Use a comb to protect your scalp from the heat of the iron. After curling the hair up allow the iron to hold the hair for a few seconds and then release it. Continue around your head.
If you have medium length hair and you are trying for a soft look, then you may want a soft wave instead of a tight curl. For this you will need a large barrel curling iron, and you will only want to curl the bottom sections of your hair. Select a piece of hair and roll it up on the curling iron. Hold it for a few seconds and then release it. Use the entire barrel of the curling iron. Repeat until you have curled all of your hair. If you like the look of the ringlets you can leave your hair alone. If you want a softer look brush out the ringlets to create soft waves. If your hair frizzes too much spritz your hair with just a little bit of water or frizz-control spray and form ringlets or waves with your fingers.
How to Use a Flat Iron to Straighten Hair
If you plan on attending a special event or if you are planning an evening out on the town then you may want to try a new hair style. One of the latest trends for night time hair styles is straight and sexy. If you have curly or wavy hair and you would like to straighten your hair then all you need are the right tools and a little time.
Step 1 – Select the Right Tools for the Job
There are several tools that you need to straighten your hair with a flat iron. The first tool is a quality flat iron. The best flat irons will have ceramic plates. Some of the top flat irons on the market are the Sedu Ionic Ceramic Professional Straightening, the ERGO Hair Straightening Iron, and the T3 Hair Straightening Iron. These irons are high end tools and they each cost around $150.
Other tools that you will need to straighten your hair using a straightening iron include hair clips and a hair brush.
Step 2 – Select the Right Hair Care Products
Because straightening your hair uses heat and pressure you need several hair care products to protect your hair follicles from damage. First you will need a shampoo and a conditioner that is designed for the type of hair that you have. Next you will want to use a heat protection product. Finally, if you plan on straightening your hair a lot then you will also want to periodically use an intensive treatment product to repair damage to your hair.
Step 3 – Wash, Condition, and Dry Your Hair
Before you straighten your hair you will want to make sure that you wash and condition your hair. This will set the stage for a beautiful hair style. The conditioner will also help to protect your hair from heat damage. You may also want to consider using a shampoo and conditioner that is designed for people who use to heat to style their hair. Finally, you will want to dry your hair completely before you use your flat iron.
Step 4 – Prepare Your Hair for the Iron
Before you start to straighten your hair you need to prepare your hair for the process. Start by adding the heat protection product to your hair. Then brush your hair out. Finally, use your hair clips to separate your hair into equal sections and layers.
Step 5 – Straighten Your Hair
Now that you are ready to straighten your hair you will want to plug in your flat iron and move all of your supplies near the iron. When the flat iron has heated up, select a section of hair to work with. Clamp on the flat iron near the root of your hair and apply pressure as you pull it down the strand of hair. When a strand has been straightened, you can move it to the side and move on to the next strand. Continue until you have straightened all of your hair. You may need to enlist the help of a friend to straighten the back of your hair, especially if this is the first time that you tried to straighten your hair.
www.dotcomwomen.com
Spring Salads
Spring Eating: A few salads to shimmy up the better health scale this spring
There’s nothing better in spring than to eat salads that seem to have come fresh from the garden. Now is the time to pile your plate with fresh greens and tangy fruit and know that you are well on your way to improving your overall health while maintaining that swimsuit body you’ll want for the soon-to-be summer months. Below are some salad recipes that will prove perfect for any meal!
Perfect Pea Salad
Serve this as a side to a light spring meal or have it as a light lunch. Perfect anytime, and perfectly delicious too!
Salmon and Steamed Asparagus Spring Salad
This salad is great as a main course and will keep any guests you serve it to coming back for more. The ingredients list is just a guideline and this salad could be used with just about anything you find in your fridge or pantry.
Fabulous Fruit Salad
To end any perfect spring meal, munch on this fabulous fruit salad! First make the sauce and then the salad for the perfect combination!
by:www.dotcomwomen.com
Uses of Dandelions
What Can We Do With Our Dandelions? – Almost Anything! – Listing all the different ways to eat, use, and charm with dandelions leaves, roots and flowers.
We have all walked into our garden or looked at our lawns in the spring and summer and cursed the number of yellow dandelion heads poking up out of the ground. But what was once the ghastliest of all weeds, the dandelion is becoming increasingly popular for its uses outside of the garden. There are many wonderful ways to use this natural flower, including eating it, drinking it, and even using it to enhance your own psychic powers! Read on to find out how to start viewing what was once a nasty weed into something that is very valuable!
The most common way to use dandelions is to eat them. Not only are dandelions very tasty but they are also packed with nutritional power! Wash the greens and eat them in a salad or create a very colorful and tasty salad with the flower. If you like food that is a little on the bitter side, you will probably prefer the greens but if you are in the mood for something naturally sweet, the dandelion flowers will do the trick! Eating dandelions has also been proven to help prevent breast cancer, another wonderful reason to pick them from your yard and bring them inside to eat!
Another great way to consume dandelions is to make a tea out of them. It’s thought that making a tea out of dandelion root will help one see better and with more clarity. It’s also thought that this is a great way for one to tune in to your own vision and help develop your psychic ability. Other than giving you paranormal powers, the dandelion root has many other benefits when taken as a tea. These include: lowering high blood pressure, prevent or control diabetes, helping with weight loss, cleanses the skin and helps to clear up acne. The tea is very easy to make. Simply wash the dirt away from the roots and boil the roots in water for a minimum of five minutes once the water has come to a rolling boil. Take the dandelion root out of the water and there you have your tea! Boil the root as long as you would like but the longer you boil it, the stronger it will be.
Due to their bright, vibrant color, dandelions are also often used to make dyes. These dyes can be used in crafts, fabrics such as when you’re knitting, and the paste used for henna tattoos. When you are using dandelions to make a dye, you can use the flower to give you a beautiful yellow color or you can use the stem, which will leave you with a vibrant purple color. Whichever part of the dandelion you choose to use, you make the dye the same way. Simple collect the amount of dandelions that you will need. The more you collect, the brighter the color will be so you will probably want to collect quite a bit.
After washing them, separate the flowers from the stems and put whichever you are using back into the pot. Add water and bring the entire pot to a boil. Allow the dandelions to simmer for an hour and then remove from heat and take out the dandelions. Let the water cool. If you are dyeing something such as fabric, place it right into the pot. If you are adding the color to something that would be ruined adding it to the pot (such as tattoo paste,) simply add a few drops to the item until you have reached the color that you want.
There are many great ways to use dandelions instead of just running over them with your lawnmower every week. Get creative and find out just what this fascinating flower can do for you!
by www.dotcomwomen.com
Wedding Favors that Embrace Nature’s Beauty
Nature lends itself to providing inspirational ideas for finding unique wedding favors.
A wedding planned in the spirit of nature provides the perfect avenue for selecting wedding favors fashioned after elegant symbols consisting of, but not limited to maple leaves, butterflies, lavender buds, and roses. While there is certainly no shortage of wedding favors available today that are inspired by nature, those that are carefully designed with distinctive style and artistic detail remain popular choices.
As brides aim to locate the perfect wedding favors to match their personality and style, many look for favors made with interesting details and designs inspired by nature such as embroidery or hand painting. Some examples include fabric containers made of silk and organza that are illustrated with floral landscapes or imagery. Besides interesting textures, color is another arena that brides have explored greatly as they sift through the astounding variety of favor bags in the hope of finding one that fits well within their wedding color scheme. The favorite color for nature-inspired weddings ranges from iridescent colors of red and orange to soft pastel colors in yellow and green.
These embroidered and hand-painted details are often found in wedding favor bags made from organza, which remains the most elegant and affordable fabric. However, it is important to note that while organza bags come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and prices, be sure to find high quality organza fabric that neither frays nor easily tears as a result of handling. Of course, details such as embellished ribbons with unique pearl accents and beads have become the de rigueur, as brides have become more creative and discerning when searching for the ultimate favor bag.
When all is said and done, what would lovely organza or silk bags with embroidered or painted floral embellishments be without a delicious treat or personal memento tucked inside them. Use fillings that are also inspired by nature that include soothing chamomile tea, delicious maple sugar candy, or delightful iced sugar cookies that are rendered in floral shapes to extend a nature-inspired theme. No matter what filling may be desired, finding the ideal wedding favor for the nature-loving bride comes with numerous options, but only the perfect favor for today’s demanding bride will make her top choice - those made with superior details and reflect the sophisticated taste of the bride and groom.
by: Lizzy Mansfield , www.dotcomwomen.com
Traditional Wedding Vows
If you're engaged to be married, then you've likely got a lot of planning to attend to. You will need to set a date, find a location, plan the details of the wedding and reception, choose a dress and of course, select your vows. While some couples choose to write their own vows, others prefer traditional wedding vows. Here is a sample of the most traditional of vow choices that can be modified to suit your ceremony:
(MINISTER) Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join this man, and this woman in holy matrimony. Not to be entered into lightly, holy matrimony should be entered into solemnly and with reverence and honor. Into this holy agreement these two persons come together to be joined. If any person here can show cause why these two people should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Marriage is a sacred union between husband and wife and shall remain unbroken. It is the basis of a stable and loving relationship and is a joining of two hearts, bodies and souls. The husband and wife are there to support one another and provide love and care in times of joy and times of adversity.
We are all here today to witness the joining in wedded bliss of (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name.) This joyous day celebrates the commitment and love with which (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name) start their lives together. Through God, you are joined together in the most holy of bonds. Who gives this woman in holy matrimony to this man?
(BRIDE'S FATHER or FATHER AND MOTHER) I/we do.
Exchange of Vow between Bride and Groom:
(MINISTER) Do you, (Groom's Name) take (Bride's Name) to be your lawfully wedded wife and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you love, comfort, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you both shall live?
(GROOM) I do.
(MINISTER) Do you, (Bride's Name) take (Groom's Name) to be your lawfully wedded wife and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you love, comfort, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you both shall live?
(BRIDE) I do.
Ring Exchange:
(MINISTER) The wedding ring is an unbroken symbol of the everlasting love and commitment between man and wife. (Hands ring to groom.) Repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.
(GROOM) With this ring, I thee wed. (Groom places ring on bride's finger)
(BRIDE) With this ring, I thee wed. (Bride places ring on groom's finger)
What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. With the power vested in me by God and the state of (insert locality here) I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
by www.dotcomwomen.com
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Ending Your Wedding Reception On The Right Note
Suggestions on selecting the last song of your wedding reception.
After planning the date, finding the venue and arranging all of the other details needed for a great wedding, you may have thought about the last song you would like to have played at your reception. In my experience it can really put an exclamation point on the end of a terrific night. However, deciding the last song of the night before your wedding day has even arrived can be like calling the last play of a football game before it is has even started. You don’t know what is going to be happening at the end and who will be there. It might be good to have a couple of options.
Ending on a slow song
If there are a lot of couples left at the end of the night and everyone is pretty tired out from the long day of partying, ending the night on a slow song can be fitting. It is usually wise to pick something that all generations will know. You want everyone there together dancing at the end.
Sing Alongs
Playing a group favorite that’s easy to sing along to can be a fun way of ending the night. Once again bridging the generation gap can be essential if you want to have people from all age groups dancing ‘til the end. Some suggested sing-along songs are “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, and “Friends In Low Places” by Garth Brooks and “Piano Man” by Billy Joel.
They’ll Leave Wanting More
If you have a crowd that is just tearing it up at the end of the night, there is no sense in putting ice in the boiling water. It is best to just let it flow and end on a very high note. It could be your favorite club song that everybody knows.
“The Grease Megamix” by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta is always a fantastic song that your guests will be singing all the way home.
I Just Don’t Know
If you cannot think of anything to have played at the end, the disc jockey usually has something good in his back pocket to finish the night. That is what he gets paid for. Experienced disc jockeys have played hundreds of weddings and know how to finish it right due to their years in the business. Many times there is a great song that a guest had requested that just did not fit in earlier and yet makes the perfect last song.
So my suggestion is that if you want to pick a final song, have a couple of options. But if you don’t pick a final song the disc jockey will have you covered. You never know, the perfect song could pop into your head at the end of the night and you can request it then. The mood at the end of the night should dictate what the last song is going to be.
Article Source: http://www.superarticle.com/
Things to Remember About Music and Outdoor Weddings
Tips to consider for providing music for outdoor weddings and receptions. Practical advice about issues such as power, sizing, dance floors and noise ordinances.
As you plan your outdoor wedding reception, and before you make your final site choice, there are four important factors you need to keep in mind regarding your entertainment: the location of the power source, the size of the reception area, the size of the dance floor and rules of the local noise ordinance.
Power Source for your Entertainment
In order for your DJ’s equipment to work properly, a 120V power source that is no more than 200 feet from his set up location is required. When your DJ’s location is further than 200 feet from a stationary power source, a quiet, 120V portable generator may be used. Because generators can be noisy, try to situate it at least 100 feet from the reception area and no further than 200 feet, as your DJ will need to run a power cord between the generator and his sound equipment.
Size of your Reception Area
The amount of equipment your music provider needs is determined by the size of the reception area and how many guests will be in attendance. Good sound requires an enclosed space in order to create an area of acoustics. If sound waves are not reflected back to listeners by barrier objects, such as walls and ceilings, the sound travels past listeners and is never heard from again.
Tents are necessary to shelter your guests and expensive sound equipment from hot sun, wind or rain but are also needed to protect sound quality. Good tents have side walls -- great for blocking wind, which interferes with sound, too. The larger your tent and audience size, the more the sound may be needed to entertain guests.
When calculating the size of the tent, don’t forget to factor in an area for your dance floor and DJ. One of the benefits of hiring a DJ: he doesn’t require much room! Set aside a 10’ x 6’ area for him. If you want to give him a little more elbow room, a 10’ x 10’ area is more than adequate for his needs.
Size of your Dance Floor
There’s never a good reason to fret about the size of your dance floor. Given great music, people will dance anywhere, anytime. Even if you’re inviting 300 guests, you won’t need a gigantic dance floor. You can accommodate dancers with a 20’ x 20’ minimum area of rented flooring, and keep an area around it empty of tables or chairs so your “overflow” dancers may boogie, too.
Rules of the Noise Ordinance
Once you’ve decided on a location, ask the village, city, or township zoning board to provide you with a copy of its noise ordinance. Some communities require outdoor music to be kept within a certain decibel range and/or impose a curfew on noise after a certain time in the evening.
Be courteous to neighboring property owners by informing them of your plans. If the spirit of the occasion moves you, spread a little goodwill by inviting them to join in the good times, too.
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Things to Remember About Music and Outdoor Weddings
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Tips to consider for providing music for outdoor weddings and receptions. Practical advice about issues such as power, sizing, dance floors and noise ordinances.
As you plan your outdoor wedding reception, and before you make your final site choice, there are four important factors you need to keep in mind regarding your entertainment: the location of the power source, the size of the reception area, the size of the dance floor and rules of the local noise ordinance.
Power Source for your Entertainment
In order for your DJ’s equipment to work properly, a 120V power source that is no more than 200 feet from his set up location is required. When your DJ’s location is further than 200 feet from a stationary power source, a quiet, 120V portable generator may be used. Because generators can be noisy, try to situate it at least 100 feet from the reception area and no further than 200 feet, as your DJ will need to run a power cord between the generator and his sound equipment.
Size of your Reception Area
The amount of equipment your music provider needs is determined by the size of the reception area and how many guests will be in attendance. Good sound requires an enclosed space in order to create an area of acoustics. If sound waves are not reflected back to listeners by barrier objects, such as walls and ceilings, the sound travels past listeners and is never heard from again.
Tents are necessary to shelter your guests and expensive sound equipment from hot sun, wind or rain but are also needed to protect sound quality. Good tents have side walls -- great for blocking wind, which interferes with sound, too. The larger your tent and audience size, the more the sound may be needed to entertain guests.
When calculating the size of the tent, don’t forget to factor in an area for your dance floor and DJ. One of the benefits of hiring a DJ: he doesn’t require much room! Set aside a 10’ x 6’ area for him. If you want to give him a little more elbow room, a 10’ x 10’ area is more than adequate for his needs.
Size of your Dance Floor
There’s never a good reason to fret about the size of your dance floor. Given great music, people will dance anywhere, anytime. Even if you’re inviting 300 guests, you won’t need a gigantic dance floor. You can accommodate dancers with a 20’ x 20’ minimum area of rented flooring, and keep an area around it empty of tables or chairs so your “overflow” dancers may boogie, too.
Rules of the Noise Ordinance
Once you’ve decided on a location, ask the village, city, or township zoning board to provide you with a copy of its noise ordinance. Some communities require outdoor music to be kept within a certain decibel range and/or impose a curfew on noise after a certain time in the evening.
Be courteous to neighboring property owners by informing them of your plans. If the spirit of the occasion moves you, spread a little goodwill by inviting them to join in the good times, too.
Article Source: http://www.superarticle.com/
Wedding Invitation Tips And Advice
You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided on the design of your wedding invitation. The wording has been chosen and the guest list is well on its way to completion. Here are some additional wedding invitation tips and advice that you should also be aware of.
* If children will also be included as guests, you can choose to write out their individual names on the addressed envelopes or put “and family”. For example:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Simpson, Cathy and John
or
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Simpson and Family
* If the children are older teenagers (say 16 years of age or older), you may wish to send them an individual invitation, just like you would an adult.
* If you don’t wish to include children at the ceremony, do not include their names or “and family” on the outside of the envelope. It’s suggested you add “Sorry, but children are not invited”, “adults only” or something similar somewhere on the invitation to make it clear. If you wish to include them at the reception, but not at the ceremony, you could note this information on the response card…or on the invitation itself at the bottom in some fashion.
* When issuing invitations to a guest who is single, it is polite to put “and Guest” on the outside of the envelope so that they have the option to bring along a companion. For example:
Mr. Ralph Jones and Guest
or
Miss Sarah Campbell and Guest
* Be forewarned. Usually 7% to 10% of the guests who respond with a yes will not actually attend the wedding. In addition, 20% to 30% won’t make it to the reception. This can wreak havoc when budgeting for a sit down dinner. You may want to consider a buffet style dinner instead.
* In some cases, you’ll want to invite people to the ceremony, but not the reception or vice versa. If so, then you will need two sets of invitations printed. One that includes reception information and one that doesn’t.
* If you don’t receive a reply from some guests by your reply date, do not hesitate to call them. It is important that you know how many are attending so you budget accordingly.
* If you decide to order invitations, be sure to do so at least 4 to 6 weeks before they are scheduled to be mailed. If you plan on mailing your invitations around the 15th of March, order them between February 1st and 15th.
* Double, even triple check everything before it gets printed. This includes invitations, response cards, envelopes, wedding programs, etc. whether you’re doing them yourself or your having them professionally printed. Check for spelling errors especially.
* Always order extra invitation envelopes and response card envelopes. There will inevitably be a few mistakes when addressing these and you’ll want to have a few extras on hand.
* You should mail your invitations at least 6 weeks before the wedding date and indicate that you would like a response at least 3 weeks before the wedding date. So if your wedding date is July 1st, mail your invitations by May 15th and ask that they respond by June 7th. This will give guests time to receive their invitations and reply by mail, which in turn, gives you time to firm up catering plans, seating arrangements, etc.
* If your wedding is going to actually be held on a beach or other outdoor area, be sure that you let your guests know this, so they can dress appropriately.
http://www.aweddingtoplan.com/
Best Man Speech
Frankie Janiyan
You are in a position of honor. Your close friend is assuming the position and he needs your help. He has asked you to be his "best man", to stand by his side and support him through his last act as a free man. You relish your thoughts of all the fun aspects of your job; you get to help coordinate a stag party, ok, so maybe that's the extent of the fun parts. Still you want to help your old buddy make as cool and smooth transition to the other side as possible; you want to be the best best man you can be. You're going to have to make a speech, a verbal representation of good times past, current times observed in a promising light, and words of ominous wisdom pertaining to the future of the newly linked couple.
Let's break this speech thing down into some workable components. You need to first embrace the fact that as the deliverer of a speech, you need to project not only your voice, but others projectiles like enthusiasm, positivism, confidence, and an entertaining sense of composure. I know it sounds like a lot. Don't worry; we have a plan to bring you through to the successful side of this speech writing/delivery.
The most important component of your speech is not the words you choose to deliver, it is how you present them to your audience. Think about it, you know that the last thing that they want to endure is a long winded, non-personally relevant, over-mushy, big bag of wind. They want entertainment. They want lighthearted laughter. They want it to be over relatively soon so that the celebration can continue. So there is your first lesson. In a nutshell: Be confident; speak up; smile a lot; don't belabor your points. These aspects of delivery will make even a poorly written speech flow easier thereby enhancing the undercurrent of the whole ceremony.
You are going to need to at least write a flowchart to have in front of your eyes to keep you on task. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll be able to fake your way through it. Most people are not fluent public speakers. This has nothing to do with you; it's just that public speaking, sometimes especially in front of friends and acquaintances who you would think you'd be at ease in front of, makes people nervous. Without some notes for reference, speechmakers commonly will draw a blank at the crucial moment of deliverance. Although the friendly crowd won't judge you for a poor performance, in retrospect you will wish that you had shined when the focus was on you. You will want to flow like a pro, making all wonder how you pulled off such an orchestrated masterpiece.
As for the content, that is where you are the expert already. Remember that you got this job because of your knowledge. You know the groom. You probably know him better than his new wife (mostly), especially if you have been friends for an extended period of time. Use your knowledge to bring out the lighter side of life. Keep topics non-offensive and lighthearted for the most part. It is expected and would be a letdown to the crowd if you did not do at least a little grilling. Poke some borderline, yet still clean, fun at the groom and whoever else may be present as a target of your room-captivating speech. Spontaneity is a beautiful thing as well. If you draw a blank, just take a breath and tell a little story that nobody but you and the groom would know. The audience will appreciate being made to feel like insiders, and you will be remembered as the best man who knew how to lay it down like a breeze through the trees. Salute!
http://www.articlegeek.com/home/marriage_articles/4049-bestmanspeech.htm
Choosing A Wedding Date
by:Gina Brown
The most commonly asked question you will hear when your friends and family are informed of your engagement is "When is the wedding?" Choosing a wedding date is very important because almost all of your wedding planning details will revolve around the date that you choose. Here are some things to take into consideration to help you pick a perfect date for your wedding.
If you already know where you would like to have the ceremony and reception, you should call them and confirm what dates they have available. If you are set on a specific location, your wedding date will have to coincide with the availability of the location, especially if you have chosen a very popular location because these places tend to get booked very quickly.
Take into consideration what type of wedding you have in mind. For example, have you always dreamed of a beach wedding surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean or a fall wedding with beautiful red and orange leaves in the background? You will have to choose a date that is appropriate in terms of temperature and seasons. In addition, if there is a particular style of dress that you have in mind, the time of year will influence your bridal attire choices.
Have you always wanted a wedding during a specific holiday such as Christmas? Christmas is a popular time because many wedding locations are already beautifully decorated at this time of year. However, getting ready for a wedding in addition to all the activities that occur during the Christmas holidays such as shopping, parties, wrapping gifts can be too much for some people.
Maybe you thought having a wedding during a holiday would be easier for your guests due to the three day weekend. Some people may appreciate that your wedding is during a long holiday weekend while it might be difficult for others because many people plan their own vacations during these times of the year.
Are there important people in your life that you feel must attend the wedding? While there will always be people who will not be able to make it, some people may be higher on your priority list than others. For example, if your maid of honor is giving birth the same month you choose to have your wedding, you may want to give her a little time after the birth to feel more comfortable in her bridesmaid dress. Or maybe your parents have a vacation already planned for the same time. Prevent scheduling conflicts as much as possible by discussing your wedding date with these important people to avoid any problems.
http://www.articlegeek.com/home/marriage_articles/22987-choosingwedding.htm
Wedding On A Budget
Gina Brown
Traditionally, the bride's family paid for the costs of a wedding while the groom would incur the expense of the honeymoon. These days it is not uncommon to find many couples paying for their own wedding from their own funds. However, you don't have to spend a fortune or go into debt to have a beautiful wedding. Determine the amount of your budget and stick to it. Keep track of all your expenses and receipts in a folder or binder so that you can stay organized and accurately keep track of where your money is going. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay within your wedding budget.
Wedding Dress
• Avoid overly elaborate dresses because they will be more expensive.
• Choose a floor sample dress and just have it dry cleaned if necessary.
• Look for your dress during prom and homecoming or consider wearing a bridesmaid dress. You can find a beautiful white or cream colored dress during that would be perfect for a wedding at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding dress.
• Look at consignment shops and the classified ads. Wedding dresses are generally only worn once so you can get a gently used dress at a huge cost savings.
Reception
• Keep the number of guests down. You and the groom should look at the first draft of the guest list and carefully consider who can be taken off the list.
• Have a cash bar instead of an open bar. Or you can also just provide wine and beer to keep the costs down.
• Hold the ceremony and reception in the same location. You will be able to cut the cost of the location for the ceremony, decorations and transportation to the reception site.
Flowers
• Purchase your flowers wholesale and just pay for the labor of a professional florist to arrange them.
• Arrange the flowers yourself. A bouquet made of all roses with a little eucalyptus filler and tied with ribbon makes a stunning bouquet and you do not need to be a professional to put this together.
Photography
• Find a photographer with reasonable hourly rates and pay only for the time to do your formal poses. You can then designate friends or family to take the candid shots throughout the rest of the reception.
• Put disposable cameras at each table with a note asking guests to take pictures to help you capture memories.
Invitations
• Print your own invitations using your home computer. Visit your local arts and crafts store or search online and purchase a do-it-yourself invitation kit.
Miscellaneous
• Make your own wedding favors. Wrap up jordan almonds or other candies in lace and tie with ribbon pre-printed with your names and wedding date.
• Keep the number of chosen bridesmaids and groomsmen to a minimum or choose not to have them at all. This will keep the rehearsal dinner cost down as well as eliminate the need to buy groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts.
http://www.articlegeek.com/home/marriage_articles/22989-weddingonbudget.htm
Have A Simple, Small, Green Wedding
by Debra Lynn Dadd
A wedding is one of life's major rites of passage. It is certainly something to celebrate! Today, wedding books and magazines promote large weddings so that more and more wedding products can be sold. Wedding expenditures run into many thousands of dollars. And after this major outlay of money, most of what is purchased is never used again.
On the Spring Equinox 2004, my ex-husband (yes, that's right! my ex-husband!) Larry and I remarried. We had been together for almost seventeen years, and had divorced several years ago when our relationship problems seemed impossible to resolve. But we still loved each other, so we figured out what to do to make things better, and are now happier than ever.
In planning our wedding, we wanted to keep it simple, small, and full of meaning. We wanted a ceremony and celebration that would be easy to prepare for and manage. We wanted an intimate occasion, surrounded by our closest friends who would participate with us in the intention of our union. And as we planned our wedding, we used the same guidelines for health and the environment that we practice in our daily home life.
Since most books and articles are about planning big weddings, I want to offer some tips on planning another sort of wedding that can be beautiful and meaningful in it's own way.
* Make it your day. Each wedding can and should be a unique expression of the couple getting married. So create the day just the way you want it, to please the two of you.
* Choose the wedding traditions that are important to you. When it comes right down to it, the essentials of a wedding are the two people to be married, the minister or justice of the peace who performs the ceremony, the ceremony itself, and the guests who witness it. Everything else is decoration and tradition. Learn about wedding traditions and choose to do those that will make your day special.
* Write your own ceremony. The entire reason for having a wedding, really, is the ceremony. The most important aspect of a wedding is not the decorations, but the vows and intentions that are stated in the ceremony and that you give to each other. Research the time-honored patterns to wedding ceremonies and follow this pattern in your own personal way.
* Invite meaningful guests. When you have a small number of guests, you can spend more time with them and really experience their presence. Minimum is just the two of you, the minister, and a witness. Invite family and friends with whom you have real relationships. Eliminate those that might be invited out of social obligation.
* Have your wedding at home, either indoors or in your garden, or in a park. Rather than spending a lot of money on floral arrangements, we put that money into tidying up our back yard and planting perennial flowers that we are still enjoying today.
Looking back on our wedding day, we are very pleased with our simple, small wedding. We were able to relax and enjoy the day and experience the love and support of our best friends. Best of all, we still had energy left for the honeymoon...
http://www.debraslist.com/freecontent/fca_simplewedding.html
Thursday, 8 May 2008
The Easy Way to Drop 5 Pounds in One Week!
Do you have a big event coming up? Maybe you're a bride to be, or perhaps you're heading off to a vacation at the beach. You want your body to look it's very best, but you're carrying around a few extra pounds. Don't despair -- there are ways to shed that unwanted weight quickly, easily and safely!
Leek Soup Technique
One technique that's often used by French women is leek soup. Simply simmer a large pot of leeks in water until they're soft. Eat this for three days. You can also have vegetables, fruits, and water or herbal tea. After three days of eating primarily leek soup, then you can start adding healthy, low calorie fare to your meals like lean protein such as fish or skinless chicken. You'll find that after a week of eating like this, you're at least five pounds lighter!
Juice Diets
Many people wanting to lose weight quickly try fasts or juice diets. If you'd like to do this for yourself, it's important to do it right. A juice diet can help your body detox and shed excess weight quickly, but it should not be followed for longer than a few days. Choose juices that don't contain sugar, and that feature a blend of healthy fruits and vegetables. For three days, drink nothing but water and your juices. After three days, introduce light, low-calorie foods in small portions back to your diet.
Cardio
While you're dieting, it's crucial to jumpstart your metabolism with cardiovascular exercise. Be sure to get at least 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week. This will ensure that you're burning calories and staying strong.
Tips to Increase Your Weightloss Success
Regardless of what kind of diet you choose, there are some things that can help increase your success. Along with regular exercise, be sure to drink plenty of healthy liquids like water and herbal tea. Try adding lemon to your water for an added Vitamin C boost.
Be sure you stay away from sugar, processed foods, red meat, dairy, and empty carbs like white breads. Your regular diet should consist of primarily vegetables and fruits. For carbs, eat only whole grain, nuts and seeds. If you must eat meat, stick to lowfat choices like fish, chicken, or lean red meat in small doses. Dairy is important for healthy bones, but during your diet you should avoid it. If you must have dairy products, stick to low or no fat.
By finding a diet plan that's right for you and choosing wisely when it comes to food, you can drop five pounds in as little as a week and be ready to fit into that little bikini or gorgeous gown!
by:dotcomwomen.com
Tips for Dining Out When on a Diet
Eating out has become more of a necessity than a luxury, with busy Moms juggling their work with household chores. But the variety of choices available when choosing to dine out make your carefully followed diet routine fall apart in no time. But that need not be the case always. Dining out does not necessarily mean eating unhealthy. Some smart choices will make dining out a wonderful affair without ruining your diet.
Eat at Healthy Dining Restaurants
A variety of eating places have now classified themselves under recognized Healthy Dining programs. Canada's 'Eat Smart' is one such program which recognizes top restaurants for providing healthier menus. These restaurants include a lot of vegetables and fruits in their menus along with low fat cooking options for most items listed on their menu. Many other restaurants will also oblige to a 'low fat' cooking request to please their customers.
Avoid 'Cream-Based' Foods
This applies to soups and sauces. 'Cream of' soups are richer soups with more fat and calories. Lighter soups will be filling as well as healthier. When ordering Pastas, opt for tomato or mushroom based sauces rather than creamy sauces. Tomatoes and Mushrooms will also add to your Veggie count!
Order Meals Planned Around Vegetables, Not Meat
Rather than ordering meat with a vegetable side dish, order a meal featuring vegetables in the main course. Pasta, Noodles, Salads, Stir-Fried Vegetables, Veggie Pizza, Fruit and vegetable based soups, Tacos etc. are good choices. Alternatively, order at least one vegetable dish, a serving of fresh fruits or a glass of juice with your meal.
Choose Your Breads Carefully
Go for plain bread and rolls instead of butter and cheese smeared slices. Make your meal healthier by choosing fibre rich breads such as whole wheat or tortillas etc. Choose soft textured vegetables and main course to go with plain breads so you don't feel the need to add butter or other fat.
Reduce the Fat in Your Order
Opting for Lean meat, grilled fish, chicken wings, baked potato etc. instead of the regular fried chicken, fish fillet, French fries etc. will considerably reduce the amount of calories in your meal. Go for sub sandwiches, pizzas, wraps etc. to make the foods more filling. When ordering salad, order dressings and sour cream on the side so you can control the amount yourself. Look for items that are baked, grilled, steamed, poached, broiled or sautéed. Go for mustard as opposed to mayonnaise or other sauces.
Control the Portions
Restaurant portions are way too much than what you would normally eat at home. Let your body guide you to stop when you are full. You can order the rest of the meal to be taken home as a parcel. Sharing your meals will save you a lot many calories as well as dollars.
Watch What You Drink
It is easy to lose count of the soda cans you empty when discussing matters over a meal at a restaurant table. But that can cost you a lot many extra pounds so make it a point to limit your soda. Choosing alcohol-free drinks can help reduce calories considerably. Tea without sugar or even green tea is a great option to accompany your meals. And whatever happened to good old water. Why not choose plain water to rinse your palette between courses without putting on any calories.
by:dotcomwomen.com