Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Ideas for a Beach Wedding Party

As the sun sets down, you exchange your vows of togetherness with each other – a beach wedding is truly romantic in every sense of the word. But just like any out of town activity (if you are not living near the beach), ample preparation is required for the event to flow smoothly.

First of all, at least ten months to one year preparation is ideal for a beach wedding. This gives you enough time to source your venue and your suppliers. There are so many details involved in a beach wedding compared to a traditional wedding, but do not fret as they are easier as you go by it each month.

You should draft your guest list early on as well so you can scout for venues that can accommodate your event. Apart from that, the monetary impact of your guest list should be prepared beforehand as well. You have to give the number of your confirmed guests to the caterer, and get options for their transportation as well and the accommodation.

Your wedding dress should also be appropriate for the venue. While you can still wear your dream wedding gown, just make sure that the dress will make you feel comfortable despite the temperature and weather outside. Your makeup may easily fade as well if not done appropriately for a beach wedding. Your hairstyle would ideally be a casual do because the sun and wind can easily ruin a curled look or an up-do.

For your suppliers, source them beforehand because their rates and offering would be different from those in your local area. Summer is the best time for a summer wedding so when planning a wedding for the summer months, make sure you get a supplier that is not swamped with wedding events that there would be delays in delivery or hefty add-on charges because of the peak months.

Complete your beach wedding celebration by giving beach wedding favors to your guests.

A beach wedding is not an impossible feat to pull off. With the proper coordination, planning and being realistic with your expectations, you can get your dream wedding in the perfect paradise location you’ve always dreamed of. Do not forget to employ the help of family and friends in planning because you might be overwhelmed with all the details of a beach wedding. More importantly, you should remember to have fun no matter what your challenges you have encountered because remember, this is one of the most special days of your life.

Brief History of Irish Dance

Dancing is one of the most widely accepted forms of performing arts. This art requires technique, discipline, focus and dedication on the part of the dancer. There are many popular types of dance and the country of origin will always be mentioned as well when the dances are spoken of. Salsa and rumba are the popular dance contributions of Latin countries, while break dancing and krumping are dances developed in North America.

Tap dance and Irish dance are Ireland’s contribution in the world of dance. The lively beats and the advanced techniques in performing them are truly amazing and one that Ireland is truly proud of. It is being studied not just in Ireland but in other parts of the world as well with those students who are thrilled to study tap and Irish dance. Here is a brief history on how Irish dance came along for you to better appreciate the art and how it has survived and evolved through the years.

The earliest form of this dance was recorded to have been performed by the Druids. While it was more of a religious dance than a form of art, as they pay homage to the sun and oak trees, this dance began to spread in Ireland each time a town has been invaded by Anglo-Norman. The Norman culture slowly infused itself in Irish culture, and the dance formed an important part as this is the dance performed by leaders and servants alike. There had been other versions of this dance including slow dance and faster tempos depending on the event that they are played too, whether a huge gathering at the palace, or an intimate performance with the king and queen.

The use of handkerchiefs and forming straight lines for the dances is also believed to be the birth of the long dance. During the sixteenth century, royalties would dance to this music and the peasants would have their own version as well of the dance. Bagpipes were the main musical instrument that every event has to be played on with bagpipes, even for gatherings such as wakes.

Irish dance is an important part of Irish celebration such as weddings. The wedding is not complete without the lively beats from the bagpipes or DJ, delectable Irish cuisine, Irish wedding favors, and Irish customs that are intended to bless the newlyweds. This dance will continue to entertain and impress people with its beat, the artistry, and the techniques that the dance requires.

Irish Wedding Customs and Traditions

An Irish wedding is full of meaningful yet fun customs and traditions. Most people generally perceive them to be fun-loving people and their celebrations are indeed filled with music, fun and liquor. Weddings are considered important social events that should be celebrated with food and music. There are many Irish traditions that can be adopted if you want an Irish wedding.

For single women, a Claddagh Ring is worn on the right hand but for weddings, the Claddagh Ring is worn on the left hand. It is important that the ring becomes a part of the celebration and not just any ordinary wedding ring, because their traditions and belief says that the Claddagh Ring symbolizes love and friendship, and for them, friendship is the true foundation of lasting love and union un marriage.

Music is kept on and consists of Celtic music that is being played during the reception. Because of the Celtic influence on their culture, this music is widely available and can be played by DJs or bagpipes, if you want to stay true to Irish culture.

Another notable custom is that the bride can now choose whether to have a white wedding gown or a blue wedding gown. While blue wedding gowns are more traditional, brides can now choose between white or blue as either color denotes the same purity, innocence and love through that color.

While the common wedding cake would be composed of chiffon or chocolate or carrot cake, fruitcake or one made with shamrocks and filled with Irish cream in the middle are traditional Irish wedding cakes that can be enjoyed by everyone. Recipes for these cakes are perfected by Irish bakers who are accustomed to making them.

As gifts, it is considered a good blessing if the couple receives a horseshoe that they will display at their home. The horseshoe is the traditional Irish symbol for good luck and placing it at their home is an invitation for that good luck to enter.

If you are planning to have an Irish-inspired wedding, complete your preparation with rustic invitations, a wedding reception menu with corned beef and cabbage, and wine, and Irish wedding favors such as small bottles of Irish cream for that authentic Irish wedding feel. Irish wedding favors and items are readily available in Irish communities in your area or you can simply go online and your Irish wedding preparation will be just one click away.

Important Weather Information When Travelling to Asia

Asia receives millions of visitors each year with its charming landscape, breathtaking underwater activities, and leisurely tours of heritage areas and modern cities. While a tour can be generally pleasurable, there is no other way to ruin a diving adventure and vacation than finding out that the waters are not friendly due to a typhoon in that coastal area. Arm yourself with the knowledge of weather information across Asia so you can visit and have that ultimate vacation without having to worry about the weather disrupting your schedule.

Malaysia generally has hot and humid weather all throughout the year. When rain falls, this usually lasts for just a couple of hours and you can go back bargain hunting again when the rain subsides. For Southeast Asian countries, it is generally sunny between the months of November to April. December can get chilly because it is the Christmas season and the months of March to April are the summer months of most countries. After April, some rain and occasional typhoons will hit these areas, and while it is generally safe to travel especially in the urban areas, trips to the coastal areas and waters may be best avoided as the waters can be unpredictable.

For rainy season, it is best to travel not just with coats and umbrellas but with plastic boots as well. If boots are bulky to tag along, slippers or flip-flops will be your next best bet. During summer or the sunny months, wear light clothing and bring water as the sun can be scorching especially in the cities where the air can be humid – not a problem when you are staying on beachfronts where there is generally no dress code and the wind is not as dry.

When travelling to attend an Asian festivity or holiday, these events are usually scheduled during the dry months so that the worry of both organizers and guests about possible cancellation due to weather condition can be avoided.

You can visit night markets and flea bargains for the best finds. There are bags, watches, food items, pashminas, and other souvenir items you can give away as gifts, token, or as Asian wedding favors for an Asian-inspired wedding back home. There are so many ways that you can enjoy Asia. With the proper information, Asia can be your favorite vacation spot. Visit it when it’s the perfect place with the perfect weather for diving, shopping, dining, or lazing under the sun.

Asian Traditions and Culture

Asia is as diverse as the people in it, and despite the infusion of other cultures, the Asian traditions and customs are very prominent especially during holidays, festivities and other celebrations. Here are some Asian traditions that you can experience when you take a trip to Asia.

Feng Shui originated and is largely practiced in China while there are a lot of countries adapting this practice too. Feng Shui identifies good and bad fortune and can make recommendations for your home on how to make positive energy flow into it. Japan has a great expression for the arts where they are able to perfect the art of flower arrangement and of paper folding, known as Ikebana and Origami respectively. These works of art and the skills required for them are being passed on for generations. Sumo wrestling is both an art and sport that wrestlers have dedicated their life to their passion. Despite the size of the people competing in this sport, it is the heritage and respect for the sport that makes it appealing to the world and spectators of the sport.

Literature and agriculture are also some of the contributions of Asia to the world. Written works and different rice culture are constantly being developed. With rice being the main staple, Asian countries share the best practices while still keeping their distinctive produce and crops.

There definitely is no shortage of festivities when you’re in Asia, and they seem to never run out as there are festivities all throughout the year. Christmas is as colorful and as joyous as it can be with carolers, gift-giving, and in the Philippines, people of the Catholic faith attend mass every 4’o clock in the morning for nine consecutive days leading to Christmas. Called ‘Simbang Gabi”, this tradition is believed to grant the person’s wishes if he or she is able to complete the nine masses. There are the colorful lantern festivals, food festivals, and festive New Year celebrations, whether it is the Roman New Year or Chinese New Year. Personal celebrations are symbolic too, with birthday customs and traditions and weddings complete with Asian wedding favors such as oriental fans or beaded necklaces or bracelets. Next time you plan your vacation, make Asia your destination and get to experience the fun, taste the food, meet the locals, and see the sights to make you feel like you’re in paradise.

Asian Wedding Traditions and Rituals

Asian weddings have customs and traditions that date back to hundreds of years ago but their meaning and appeal has never lost its touch. These are meaningful gestures and rituals that despite the influences and infusion of western culture in the ceremony and reception, most couples never fail to incorporate old customs as homage and as tribute to the culture and heritage.

In Japan, brides wear gowns or kimono that is purple in color because the color purple is the color of love in Japan. The gown is also adorned with symbols such as iris flowers to symbolize good fortune. When the bride and groom’s family enters the ceremonial hall, it is customary that they bring gifts such as rice water, salt or fruits as their offering in exchange for the blessing to come for the couple.

A wedding in the Philippines usually starts a year or at least six months in preparation that starts with the ‘pamamnhikan’. This is the event where the groom and his family visit the bride and her family at their home. At this point, the groom will formally ask her parents for her hand in marriage. Other arrangements such as the home and wedding expenses are discussed here as well.

In China, like with most of their celebrations, the color of the celebration is red. Red stands for everything lucky, of good fortune, and of good health. While there are couples who would opt for the engagement ring, a whole roast pig can serve as an engagement gift of the groom to the bride’s family. Gifts are being offered as well to the bride’s family on the days leading to the wedding. For the reception, towards the end of the celebration, firecrackers are being lit to drive away evil spirits through the loud noise.

For a feel of Asia in your wedding, complete your preparation with the traditional touch of Asian ceremony, from the wedding announcements to Asian wedding favors with a twist of modern appeal. There are a lot of people opting for a wedding ceremony in Asia as well, such as in Bangkok or beach weddings in the Philippines such as Boracay. Wedding expenses are not as high as in other countries as well, but the charm of the celebration may even exceed theirs though. More importantly, the wishes and desires of the couple on how their wedding will turn out should be the topmost priority.

A Glimpse of Italian History in Italian Cuisine

Italians are very sociable people. They love celebrations as this gives them the opportunity to mingle with friends and bring out the wine. They bring out Italy in them in every opportunity that there are Italian shoes for special occasions and even Italian wedding favors for weddings.

The richness of the Italian heritage is also evident as well in their cooking. Some of their recipes did not even change even for those that were invented hundreds of years ago. What is important in Italian cooking is the freshness of the ingredients and staying true to the methods of Italian cooking.

Known to be one of the oldest culinary traditions in the world, Italian cooking originates from Greek and Roman culinary influence. Some cuisines have regional influence as well. Pasta is their main staple, and they also have some of the most extensive vineyards in the world, making them one of the top producers of wine in the world. Italian wines are exported throughout the world and some can cost thousands of dollars because they seem to have perfected the art of making wine and adapts them in some of their specialty wines.

When tomatoes were introduced in France, they were used in sauces for different pastas and most popularly in pomodoro sauces. For the noodles, it is believed that Italian merchants traveled to Asia, were influenced by Asian culture, and added pasta as their main staple. But Italian noodles were made of durum wheat unlike the traditional Asian noodles, which were made of egg and plain flour. For the merchants who traveled to the Far East, it has been said their gift to Italian cuisine is the use of herbs and spices.

For the regions, Milan is the city known for their perfect risotto recipe, while Naples is frequented for their divine pizza recipes. The coastal regions, mainly because of their location, use fish and other seafood produce in their cooking.

Italian cuisine will always remain popular at dining tables around the world. From kids enjoying pizza to the adults enjoying sips of Italian wines, their dishes and wines will always be present and be included in top menu choices. The use of Italian herbs and seasonings will also influence amateur cooks and professional chefs around the world to infuse their dishes with freshness and tanginess.

Your Guide to Authentic Italian Dinners

Italians are very social people. They love to celebrate almost every occasion and their cuisine probably has great influence at that. Events are made more special with wine, and Italy is home to great Italian wines. Even with normal, every day meals, wine is often served. If you are planning to have that Italian-inspired wedding, from those vineyard-inspired wedding invitations to the elegant Italian wedding favors, complete your preparation with an authentic Italian dinner course that will reflect the culture and rich heritage from Italy.

The meal starts off with an appetizer. This is usually a small serving of canapés, ragouts or grilled vegetables that is intended to keep the guests busy as the first course is still being prepared. These are very flavorful but since they are in small portions, they don’t make the guests feel full.

The first course comes next and is usually composed of a pasta dish, soup or risotto. Despite being called the first course, the servings are still kept at a minimum because the second course is heavier and of course, the guests should feel full at the time they are served.

The second course is generally composed of meat or poultry dishes, and is always served with sidings of vegetables and salad. Be mindful that the salad should not have heavy dressing because the protein from the meat is heavy already. Vinaigrette and other light dressing would be your best bet, or you can skip the dressing and just stick to the grilled vegetables instead.

Cheese and dessert comes next and then followed by a digestive liquor such as coffee. The warm water helps break down the meals consumed, and lastly, the meal should end with a serving of great-tasting Italian wine.

Italians are very particular, yet very appreciative of great food. Of course they can tell whether the ingredients used are truly Italian or just some interpretation of their dish, but no matter how you prepare it, make sure that the dishes you will pass off as Italian is made of the freshest choice of ingredients and of course, a great choice of Italian wine.

Go to Italian restaurants to get an idea of different Italian recipes. There are fusions and modern twists to these recipes but of course, the main theme of celebration and love for food will always be prioritized. There are herbs and meat ingredients including cured meat that are readily available in groceries all year round.

Top Italian Places for Your Honeymoon

Italy is one of the top choices for honeymooners. Italy invokes a sense of its rich history, and the comforts required by a traveler. Most of all, it has a sense of romance that makes Italy famous all throughout the world. Italy and romance are almost synonymous. Unlike New York known for its busy streets and entertainment, or Hawaii for its beach paradise, Italy is known for romance – romance with its history, fashion, and the people. One cannot help but think of fashion, fine Italian wine and coffee, and great architectural marvels when Italy is being talked about. As a honeymoon place, here are some top tips on where to go and how to get the most of Italy.

Rome is one of the shopping capitals of the world. You can get great items – whether luxury items or inexpensive gifts or Italian wedding favors such as wine or chocolate that comes cheaply when bought in bulk. For your honeymoon trip, get a tour of Italy’s rich cultural and architectural history by visiting the Coliseum, Pantheon and Catacombs. Take a stroll through Trastevere where the cobble stone streets will remind you of the great past of Italy.

Tuscany is one of the major art cities of Italy and where art galleries of course abound. The works of Michelangelo and Da Vinci are some of the most popular galleries that people visit, and auctions occur in Tuscany often, offering famous art collections and rare pieces as well. For art lovers, Tuscany is a haven that will even bring you closer together at this romantic escapade.

Sicily brings you to the old opulence of Rome where you can tour the great churches of Italy and enjoy the landscape as well. It is the old country romance that you will experience when you visit Sicily. The charm and the warmth of the people is endearing as well.

Do not forget to make arrangements because just like any other top tourist spot, there are peak seasons in the year where hotel room reservation may be challenging and the streets will really be crowded – not to mention that the weather can be unforgiving sometimes. So pack your bags, and have that romantic glow and get ready for that trip of a lifetime. Italy is romantic no matter when you visit it, but for honeymooners, Italy should be the top choice for sipping wine under the stars.

Is Your Current Beau ‘The One’?

The thought of preparing for your wedding – from the wedding invitation to the love favors suddenly catches you. After years and years of playing the field, you finally said to yourself that you are ready to commit. Your girlfriend may have initiated ‘the talk’ before, but now that you are considering settling down, you ask yourself first if the relationship can grow for the long haul. If you are not sure whether you will pop the question, these are some things you have to remember and to look for.

A woman who can accept and appreciate you for who you are is the real deal. She has no qualms about your hobbies (as long as they are healthy ones of course), and can be one of the boys. She can be a damsel in distress sometimes but not all the time. If she has her own preference and can decide on her own, without constantly consulting you even for trivial matters, then that is one trait that you can truly live with for the rest of your life.

Get to know her even more so you will get the idea of what she wants out of her own life and from her married life. As someone once said, ‘Love is not about looking at each other’s eyes, but it means looking at the same direction’. If you are in-sync with what you want, then working together in achieving your goals will be a lot easier. If you have different marital goals, then you will be working alone for the rest of your life and may lose the essence of the partnership. Being married means making decisions on how to raise your children as well and if you have different values, it can be a very rocky path for a long, long time.

If you think you are with your soul mate, then there is no reason to play it lightly or to put it off. Prepare yourself to commit because the one can literally be the only one, and if you let them go, there may be regrets waiting for you around the bend. Be happy that you have found the one you can sped the rest of your life with. Some men wait for years for this to happen. So when you see it, grab the chance and get started with the rest of your lives together.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Tips in Living Together Harmoniously

On your cousin’s wedding, you received love favors towards the end of the reception, an additional two pounds on your weight because of the buffet meal, and you were the one who caught the bridal bouquet. But before entertaining thoughts of tying the knot yourself with your loved one, you decided to live together and see how things work out. But the dream of tucking in together and waking up beside each other everyday suddenly became an irritating thought. As everyone knows, there will definitely be times where you will drive each other crazy, but there are ways to get around these issues and go back to your merry life together.

As much as you want your partner to respect you as you, you should also learn to accept and give them space and time to be their own self. Give them space in the house where they can keep things that are important and valuable to them. Simple things such as giving your partner their own closet space can be a simple way to prevent fights from growing out of control. There are many little things that become big problems when ignored, when they should have been prevented in the first place.

The bedroom should be reserved as a place where you can communicate, be yourself and express yourself, and consider it as neutral ground. Reserve intimate moments and serious conversation in this room where it really is just the two of you – no bills, no TV ideally, and no office work.

An attitude of respect towards each other is crucial in having a harmonious relationship. It is this respect that can allow you to grow as a person individually, and help each other grow through honesty, communication, and hope. Without it, it doesn’t matter who you are living with or how long you have been living together. Without it, the relationship will not have any strong solid foundation that can allow it to grow.

It really is not rocket science how you can live together. Just remind yourself of how the two of you got along in the first place – respect, communication, and happiness. These are also the very same things that can get you through the challenges of living together. It may not be the best day everyday, but keep a healthy relationship where you have healthy arguments which allow the two of you to grow with love and understanding.

Butterflies – Symbolism and Meanings

Butterflies are very colorful and the way they softly and gently fly into the air is simply magnificent. A lot of people love butterflies and they let butterflies stay in their gardens, have preserved displays of butterflies, or for special events such as birthdays or weddings, they give butterfly favors. But apart from the beauty that the butterflies portray, their presence means something more to certain people. Different cultures and different groups may have slight differences as to what butterflies mean but their common recurring mean is that of change, transformation and a new life. Here are some of the common beliefs about butterflies and what their presence represents.

In Japan, images of butterflies are often included in the family’s crest because they believe that images carry with them the blessings of marital happiness and the invigoration of youth. In Russia and in Ireland, there is a popular belief that butterflies are actually the souls of people who passed away and is now waiting to pass purgatory. In Greek mythology, butterflies are believed to be the souls of departed loved ones. In the story of Eros, his images are always depicted with butterflies surrounding him and his human lover.

The transformation that the butterfly goes through shows a powerful symbolism and likeness to human beings. The different stages, the difficulties, and finally emerging into a beautiful and colorful butterfly which once was an unattractive crawling creature, also shows the power of human beings to surpass challenges, learn, and then eventually soar to greater heights. Just as the butterfly has to go through some not so attractive stages, a person’s life can through similar situations as well, but ultimately, in the end, reach one’s full potential and become majestic and beautiful.

The butterflies that you see in the gardens do not only keep the balance of nature, but for some people, they have a higher purpose. They are souls of departed ones who have come to give blessing, or spending time with you as they wait for their turn to pass through purgatory. So whether for gifts, favors, decorations, or releasing butterflies for special events, the presence of butterflies can invoke mystery and amazement for a lot of people. Butterflies will continue to mystify people around the world with its beauty and mystery.

Spring Wedding Themes and Ideas

Springtime is the part of the year when nature seems to be at its best. Animals are all around and flowers are in bloom during spring. For some couples, spring represents freshness and the start of life all over again. For this reason, weddings can truly fit this season of life. If you will be having a spring wedding, here are some ideas and themes that can help you create that perfect event.

A garden or an outside wedding would be best for spring. The fresh blooms in the garden and the wonderful rays of sunshine can truly refresh and lift the spirits of the couple and the guests and add to the lovely ambience. You also do not have to decorate much and spend a lot on décor because gardens are already beautiful. To dress it up, just add ribbons or bows in some areas of your garden venue.

Choose colors that are very popular during spring. Pastel colors, particularly shades of yellow are great because not only do they complement the weather, the color really stands out as it is placed in a lush green surrounding. Stay away from dark colors or have them at a minimum and just ensure that they will simply highlight or accent spring colors. While white is also a great spring wedding choice, you can play around with it and combine it with other colors for fun and variety.

The invitation should also have prints of flowers or spring scenery to let your guests know that you are having a spring wedding theme. Have the invitation printed on soft-colored papered as well.

The menu should ideally be also reflective of the freshness of spring. Vegetables like baby asparagus and choice fresh fruits should be available because aside from completing the menu, these fruits and vegetables are at its best quality, freshness and taste during spring.

And of course, for your wedding favors, you can choose garden-inspired wedding favors to giveaway. There are small decorative pots available and you can even get discounts of course when you buy in bulk. Butterfly favors such as bookmarks or paperweights in butterfly shape are good choices too. A small pail with goodies inside can make for a fun favor.

A spring wedding should be about renewal, freshness and softness. Just ensure that colors and images or drawings are all in-sync with spring so the whole wedding can look coordinated.

The Production of Silk

A great evening dress for a woman commonly uses silk fabric. Because silk is shiny, and its texture is very smooth, silk also fits great on the body as the fabric drapes the body and flows freely when walking. It exudes feminine charm that cannot be seen in other fabrics. For men, silk ties are the way to go for formal events because of the fine quality of the threading.

But before silk is woven into fine clothing creations, there is a process that creates silk from ordinary cocoons. The process is called sericulture, and it involves attention, time and experience to create different types of silk ready for public use.

Cocoons vary in color (they come in shades of gray, white and yellow), shape, texture and size. The differences in these aspects also dictate the kind of silk and the quality of the silk that they will produce. Experts sort the cocoons based on specific aspects in the colors, size, texture and shape before they proceed to the next process to act on the sericin of the cocoon.

Sericin has a gum like property which makes them bind silk filaments together. To create this effect, the temperature around the cocoons is monitored as they are quickly changed from one temperature to another. This rapid change in temperature allows the sericin to soften, making the fibers ready to be reeled.

When the sericin softens and the fibers can be detached from each other, each fiber is reeled to get raw silk. Each filament is very soft and fragile. Thus, between three to ten filaments are being reeled together to make them strong enough for commercial use. Depending on the type of silk that will be produced, the quantity of filament can greatly affect it.

Lastly, in the stage called bailing, the filaments are reeled to form skeins or books of raw fiber which can weigh up to four kilos. This is now the silk that can be transferred for commercial production, including treatment and color application, among others.

So whether you will be giving away silk butterfly favors and gifts, or a silk dress, tie or scarf, know that nature indeed has ways to supply us with beautiful and inspiring wonders. Silk will continue to be one of the world’s favorite fabrics, and the process used in the creation of silk will still hold the respect of people due to its craftsmanship and beauty.

Ideas in Creating Flower Crafts

Flowers are truly relaxing and enjoyable to work with. If you want to practice your hand with crafts, flowers can be a good starting point. Flowers are beautiful and simple, so creating arts and crafts with them shouldn’t be so complicated. Flower crafts are also fulfilling because you can see your creation around your home and as part of special events.

If you want flowers to be a part of your life, and not just products of your garden, here are some flower crafts that are easy and fun to do. Some crafts that you can do when using real flowers are flower pots, pressed flower candles, and flower baskets.

For flower pots – You can use old flower pots and use freshly pressed flowers placed with craft glue and place them on the sides of the old flower pot. You can color the pot to hide any defects or chip, and it is best if you use paint that is contrasting with the color of your flower so it gets highlighted. If you are molding a new pot, place the freshly pressed flower against the clay just before it hardens. You still have to use craft glue so that every part of the flower gets attached to the pot.

For flower baskets – You can also use an old basket and simply decorate them with flowers, ribbons and laces. You can also place loose petals to make the basket look like it is overflowing with flowers.

For crafts where you would use silk flowers or artificial flowers, you can do floral centerpieces, wreaths, and holiday décor.

For floral wreaths – Bind silk flowers in a circular pattern and add ribbons and artificial leaves as well. You can create wreaths of different color schemes to suit different areas or places in your home where you can use them.

For centerpieces – You can use small bundles or place silk flowers in vases or in small decorative pots. You can choose the color of the pot and the color of the flowers depending on the color scheme that you have in your living room or dining room.

For holiday décor – You can create a valentine themed décor, Christmas themed décor, or favors for special events such as wedding flower favors. You can prepare them beforehand and just take them out whenever you need them. This is cost-effective too as you can use them over and over again since these holidays comes every year.

How to Use Flowers as Wedding Décor

Wedding are always held with flowers. Whether it is a simple ceremony where only the bridal bouquet is present or a garden wedding or a ballroom fully adorned with flowers, flowers are popular decorations that work for many different wedding venues. But even if the flowers are beautiful, poor arrangement can actually marginalize the look of the flowers. Here are some ideas on how to choose and how to use flowers as décor for your wedding so that the wedding and the flowers can both complement each other.

Flowers are primarily used as centerpieces. Whether on the buffet table or on the tables of the guests, flowers make for romantic centerpieces that can soften up the reception venue. You can also place flower petals on the table or line up the red carpet in the church or reception venue with petals as well.

For the couple’s arc or gazebo, you can decorate them fully with flowers, or place small amounts of flowers in them. The chairs of the couple and the guests can be decorated with flowers as well. Tie small flowers or use silk flowers at the back of the chair as accents.

The wedding cake can be decorated with flowers as well. While some would decorate their cake with toppers, bows, or even crystals, you can use real or silk flowers to highlight the area around the cake, or place them in the cake itself.

For a fully coordinated look, the entourage can use flowers as accessories. Wrist corsages, bouquet for the little bride and flower girl, and the corsages for the male entourage can all be made of the wedding flower you choose. This way, not only will the venue be decorated with the lovely flowers, but even the entourage brings with them a little of the romance that the flowers bring.

But most of all, to be able to make the most out of your wedding flowers, choose flowers that are in season so they have the best quality and will not wilt early on in the celebration. Apart from that, flowers that are in season are way cheaper than flowers that are not in season.

You can also give flower favors to make your guests feel the love, even at the end of the wedding celebration.

Wedding Flowers That Won’t Hurt Your Budget

With so many expenses to worry about during a wedding, the prospect of filling your church and your venue with flowers suddenly doesn’t look romantic anymore but just expensive. Flowers make for great decorations as centerpieces, on walls, and in the bridal bouquet and can make the wedding look romantic and special. But florists also have to worry about their supply, the seasonality of the flowers, and the materials and supplies that they use in arrangements, which is why florists can charge a hefty fee. They also use their skills and artistry to make the flowers look lovely. But there are ways on how you can cut cost on wedding flowers. Here are some floral ideas that you can incorporate in your wedding without having to spend a fortune.

You can go to reception venues where the place has been decorated already. Whether it is a garden venue where greenery and flowers are everywhere or a ballroom that is already set up with decor, choosing a pre-decorated venue can greatly reduce your flower cost because you do not have to order them for your reception venue.

You can also alternate flowers with wine bottles or your wedding favors with flowers to serve as centerpieces. If you have two buffet tables and wanted to buy five flower vases for each table, you can instead buy half that quantity and substitute other items instead. Without totally removing the presence of flowers, you can still exude that floral appeal at half the price.

Silk flowers are now becoming more popular because they last way longer than real flowers. Of course, they cost way less than real flowers as well. If it is the real deal that you want, you can pre-order flowers from your local florists and arrange them personally. All you need are a few pieces of ribbons and lace and a few tips on floral arrangements and you can easily have lovely-looking flowers.

To re-emphasize the presence of flowers, you can give flower favors to your guests as well. Flowers are almost always a necessity in weddings. They can brighten up the place and let the couple and the guests focus on the gentleness and romance that is in the air. But in today’s tough world, it is the couple’s duty to ensure that they are getting what they want without having to worry or spend excessively on some wedding items including flowers.

Make Disneyland Your Next Romantic Getaway

Disneyland is one of those few places where kids and kids at heart can all enjoy. It would be untrue to say that only kids can enjoy Disney because everyone who has visited Disney knows that even grown-ups are just as excited and amazed, every time they are inside the theme park. While Disney can be enjoyed with kids, you can still enjoy the place even with your significant other. Here are a few ways on how you can turn this dreamy place into a place where romantic memories can be made.

During your stay, stay at the Disneyland hotel where every detail has been made exactly like the stories. If your girlfriend, fiancée or wife, has ever dreamed of becoming a real-life princess, this is the chance to make her dream come true. The hotel has superb facilities where you can make everything come true. Nothing beats waking up in the morning and feeling the majesty of the place as if you have stepped into the shoes of your favorite Disney royalties.

Watch shows where the fun, laughter, and innocence of childhood fun are ever alive. Whether a three-dimensional show or a sound and lights show, every show will be filled with wonder that the two of you will never forget. The cast members are very friendly as well and the atmosphere is sure to make you forget any worries at home.

Hold hands with your lover as the day caps off with an impressive fireworks display. This can be considered one of the highlights of your Disney stay and what is most valuable is that you get to share the joy and amazement with your loved one.

Most importantly, if you want to have a truly romantic event to be spent with your loved one inside Disneyland, why not hold a romantic and intimate wedding at Disney? They offer wedding packages that will truly make you feel like a prince and princess. Because everything will be taken care of – from the dreamy invitations to cinderella wedding favors, you have nothing to worry about and every dreamy detail will just come true, just as they do in storybooks.

Fairytale Wedding Theme Ideas

Most women dream about their happily ever after with their prince charming. So when that day arrives on her wedding day, most women want their fairytale to come true. While there are other equally lovely themes for a wedding, a fairytale wedding is popular because it becomes a chance for the bride to live her own fairytale wedding – just the same as the romantic fairytale weddings little girls dream about as a child.

Here are some suggestions on how to pull off a romantic wedding truly fit for a present day prince and princess.

Invitation – The most ideal design that you can send out are scrolls. In fairytale storybooks, scrolls are used to send out announcements by the king. It is a classic symbolism of everything fairytale and royalty. The typical folded paper invitations will also work as long as you put images or emboss symbols that depict a fairytale theme such as ribbon borders or having prints of a crown, carriage, or Cinderella’s shoes.

Venue – The chosen venue should preferably be a garden venue and a spiral staircase can lead the couple into the garden for their grand entrance. It can also be a lavish ballroom that will truly remind you and your guests about the romantic dances of prince and princesses in Disney stories.

Décor – Decorate your venue with lots of ribbons, bows, pumpkin images, and roses to depict the old glory of ancient times. You can use ice sculptures or crystals that can show the bride and groom, a castle, or a castle.

Motif – Try to stay away from modern colors such as powder blue or metallic colors. Pastels would be your best bet to show the softness of your fairytale theme.

Attire – The bride can wear a ball gown and the groom can wear a tux to make the feel and look modern day prince and princess.

Favors - Cap off the reception by giving away cinderella wedding favors such as shoe-shaped paperweights, carriage-shaped pen holders or bookmarks.

You don’t need to have royal blood to experience your once in a lifetime wedding in a royal manner. With some romantic and practical ideas, you can have a dream fairytale wedding from start to finish. Complement your reception and the video copy of your wedding with classical songs or songs from the soundtrack of your favorite Disney story. This way, you will be reminded all throughout the reception and even while watching the video copy of your dream wedding that came true.

Fun Reasons to Love Disney Princesses Even More

As little kids, we all got introduced to cartoon princesses and fell in love with them and their stories. Now, most women would like to re-live that moment that be a princess in their own right. Even grown-up like happy fairtytale endings and will even have fairytale-themed weddings complete with cinderella wedding favors as a take-away gifts from the couple.

And for those who want more Disney Princess in their life, here are some Disney Princess trivia questions that every real-life princess should know.

Ariel’s hair reflects the rich colors of the sea. To make her hair color stand out in blue waters, Ariel is the only princess who has red hair. Cinderella’s hair color may be the same as with other princess with their blond locks, but her hair is the one that is in an up-do. Jasmine’s hair is also special compared to other princesses. Her hair is actually the longest among all of them. Belle, on the other hand, is the only one who sports a brown-colored lock. Cinderella has another thing to boast about. She is the one considered to have the most beautiful and most well-known pair of shoes of all – her glass slippers. Jasmine is not to be left behind in the accessories department – she is known to be the princess who wears the biggest earrings of them all.

Among all villains, Snow White’s villain is the one who does not only believe that she’s the fairest of them all and is the one who actually owns her very own castle. Even in the absence of airplanes in their stories, there is actually one princess who has flown into the air. With the help of a magic carpet, Jasmine has flown into the air, and all that excitement has made her burst into song.

The stories of the Disney Princesses will never fade even in the years to come because their characters, magic, fantasy and the thought of happily ever after will capture the hearts of both little girls and women. Even if you’ve seen their movies over and over again, this trivia will come in handy when sharing those precious moments with people who love the Disney Princesses as well. Ariel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Belle, Mulan, Jasmine, and Pocahontas are special and inspiring in so many ways.

Women’s Guide to Getting the Perfect Shoe Size

Almost all women have a love affair with shoes. Whether closed, open-toed, flats, heels or pumps, most women would trade any other fashion item for shoes. But getting the right shoe does not only mean it has to look good and make you look good, but it should be something that will bring you comfort as well. While there are good-looking shoes that you may want to wear, remember that your feet’s health should always come first because there are many ill effects when you get the wrong shoe size.

There should be enough space between the big toe and the tip of the shoe. This space should not be too wide that it can cause you to trip. One or two centimeters maximum is enough to make your feet be comfortable. If you get shoes that will fit exactly to the tip of the shoe, your feet would be in constant friction with the shoe which can cause the formation of corns and calluses. The same goes with the heels of your feet. There should also be enough space between your heel and the bottom part of your shoe. Be careful though as too much space can make you slip or lose your balance. A centimeter, at the maximum, should be enough space to make you comfortable.

Purchase shoes at the end of the day as your feet where it has been said that your feet will be at its largest. If you buy a pair early in the day and it fits just exactly as your feet, chances are your feet will be larger and swell up at the end of the day. Worst if your feet already feel tired as the tight fitting shoes will further aggravate the pain.

For closed shoes or sandals that cover a large space in your feet, get one that will fit exactly as it is. Some people will wear a pair and flex and stretch their feet to make it more comfortable. This only gives temporary comfort for your feet and does not do anything with the shoe at all. The shoe will still be too tight and will probably hurt your feet later on.

Remember to have these things in mind the next time you shop for a new pair of shoes, or when giving shoe gifts or shoe themed favors such as cinderella wedding favors. Not only will you be giving keepsakes that are cute and sweet, but these are very thoughtful favors or gifts as well that can promote good health for your loved one’s feet.