Sweet Beginnings: "A Dream Come True"

Winter Wedding Dresses

2008-10-30T12:08:00.002-04:00

These dresses are to die for!

Romona Keveza silk chiffon gown ($4,300/The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak); 9.82-carat rose-cut pear-shaped diamond drop earrings at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above left) Lela Rose “The Promenade” crinkle chiffon halter gown with roses at neckline ($4,295/Warren Barrón); 3-carat (approx.) deco pearl and diamond earrings and 3.05-carat Victorian-cut diamond ring with trapezoids at William Noble Rare Jewels; 20-carat deco diamond bracelet at Noble Boutique.

(above right) Kenneth Pool “Ginger” silk crepe sheath gown ($4,000/The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak); Mirage tulle hair comb with petite rhinestone trios ($265/Blush Couture Co.); pearl stud earrings and 8.65-carat baguette eternity band at Noble Boutique; flowers courtesy of Bridal Blooms and Creations.

(above left) Watters Brides silk charmeuse gown ($1,090/StarDust Celebrations); vintage Watters & Watters floral headpiece; 2.38-carat fancy intense yellow pear-shaped pendant necklace and 4.54-carat white and yellow diamond bracelet at Noble Boutique; 4.2-carat fancy vivid yellow and white cushion-cut ring at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above right) Rivini “Voila” gown ($4,400/The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak); 8.1-carat round brilliant-cut diamond stud earrings and .72-carat round brilliant-cut diamond ring at William Noble Rare Jewels; 15.55-carat diamond bracelet and 15.18-carat diamond brooch (in hair) at Noble Boutique.

(above left) Elizabeth Fillmore “Beatrix” embroidered satin gown ($13,900/Warren Barrón); Laura Jayne beaded “Hibiscus” hairpin ($45/Blush Couture Co.); 3.57-carat diamond round stud earrings and 3.07-carat diamond and pearl necklace at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above right) Oscar de la Renta chiffon gown ($4,990/Neiman Marcus); 17.89-carat diamond chandelier earrings, 22.5-carat deco diamond bracelet, and 2.11-carat cushion-cut diamond ring at William Noble Rare Jewels.

Sposa by St. Pucchi embroidered and beaded taffeta A-line gown with sweep train (price upon request/StarDust Celebrations); 9.82-carat
rose-cut pear-shaped diamond drop earrings at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above left) Vera Wang strapless A-line gown with bronze antique mesh ribbon ($6,990/Warren Barrón); 10.34-carat diamond chandelier earrings in platinum and 2.11-carat cushion-cut diamond ring at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above right) Amsale “Rhiannon” A-line gown ($6,000/Neiman Marcus); 11.9-carat diamond cluster earrings and 2.11-carat cushion-cut diamond ring at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above left) Oscar de la Renta ivory silk faille ruffled gown ($7,660/Warren Barrón); Lori London ivory feather hairpin ($170/StarDust Celebrations); 8.1-carat round brilliant-cut diamond stud earrings at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above right) Romona Keveza silk taffeta gown ($5,750/The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak); vintage Watters & Watters floral headpiece; 11.9-carat diamond cluster earrings and 2.11-carat cushion-cut diamond ring at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above left) Anna Maier~Ulla-Maija Couture “Guinevere” satin-faced organza gown with handmade garza, satin-faced organza, and crystal flowers on skirt ($9,600/Neiman Marcus); Regalia diamond and pearl tiara ($420/The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak); 8.1-carat round brilliant-cut diamond stud earrings at William Noble Rare Jewels.

(above right) St. Pucchi duchess satin gown with halter neckline and shirred tulle train ($7,975/StarDust Celebrations); 8.08-carat oval diamond earrings at William Noble Rare Jewels.

Winter Wedding Bouquet

2008-10-30T11:18:00.009-04:00

Holding a wisely selected winter wedding bouquet in your hands will make your face look natural although it is the cold season. Your complexion will be better, you will look good in photos.

A beautiful winter wedding bouquet can really make you look extra gorgeous on your wedding day. Your husband will never regret the day he married you. Your friends will envy you. Make sure you choose a bouquet that's right for you.

How To Choose Your Winter Wedding Bouquet

Remember, to choose a winter wedding bouquet, your bouquet should have winter accents. Winter accents are like pine cones, holly leaves, baby's breath, berries and others.

Winter flowers are like freesias, lilies, poinsettias, hydrangeas or even roses. Combine winter flowers with winter accents, you get a lovely bridal bouquet.

Colors play a role, too. Winter colors are like red, white, gold, silver and green. Sometimes blue is also considered a winter color. Match these colors with the color of your wedding gown and your wedding would be perfect.

If you will be wearing a white gown, a wedding bouquet with a combination of red and white is simply lovely.

If you wear a cream or ivory wedding gown, a white with some gold wedding bouquet is suitable. The gold will add some glitter to your wedding gown, making you glow. Something every bride wants.

The shape of your wedding bouquet is actually depending on the style that you want to present. If you want the formal look, you go for a cascade bouquet.

If you want a casual look, you should go for the hand-tied bouquet. The hand-tied bouquet is gaining popularity nowadays because of its informal look.

If you love the casual style, why not make your own hand-tied wedding bouquet? Here are ideas for your bouquet :

Ideas For Your Winter Wedding Bouquet
See if you like any of the ideas below...

* Try something simple but elegant. Mix white calla lilies with red roses.

* For an all white bouquet, mix white tulips, narcissi, lilacs, seeded eucalyptus and some hydrangeas together.

* For a deep red bouquet, mix red amaryllis, red roses and china berries.

* For a blue bouquet, mix delphiniums, blue hydrangeas, muscari and euphorbias together and hand-tie with a blue satin ribbon.

If you like any of the above ideas, try to make your own winter wedding bouquet. It will be one of your sweetest memories.

Tip: Make sure to hold your bouquet just below your waist in pictures. This way it won’t block your dress details or dangle by your hips.

My Current Obsession!

2008-09-28T16:50:00.010-04:00

Erin Cole Accessories
This weekend, I had the pleasure of sharing with you my current obsession which is, Erin Cole accessories. She has created some really beautiful and different options for brides to match with their wedding gowns. She has jewelry, veils, and hair accessories.

Erin Cole jewelry is handmade of freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal. They customize your accessories to your specifications. This is the brand I wish to wear at my own wedding someday.

Here are some shots of Erin Cole's collection.

[erincole.com]

So Sex And The City

2008-09-28T16:03:00.004-04:00

The High and Low Down

Wedding gown and party dress in one, this rhinestone-accented ball gown has a bustled tulle skirt that can be removed to reavel a silk-satin minidress, about $3,950, Badgley Mischka Bride, badgleymischka.com. Veil, Tia Mazza, tiamazza.com. Diamond earrings and ring, Fred Leighton, 212-288-1872. Swarovski crystal and glass cuff, Badgley Mischka, saksfifthavenue.com. Pink satin peep-toe slingbacks, Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.fr.

DRESS DETAILS
The fabric is satin, silk, tulle. The color is white. The silhouette is ball gown. The neckline is strapless. The style is romantic, and the hemline is floor-length.

Photo by: Naomi Kaltman @ Brides.com

Kenneth Pool

2008-09-28T15:00:00.011-04:00

Kenneth Pool Ad Campaign 2008 Collection

This collection is a beauty!

Kenneth Pool

Monique Lhuillier

2008-09-28T14:44:00.014-04:00

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Ad Campaign 2008 Collection

Old Hollywood Glamour

2008-09-28T13:48:00.011-04:00

Feel like a star for your big day.

Make a sophisticated impression with a deep side part and Old Hollywood waves. Add dramatic makeup, sparkling jewels and a shimmering, form-fitting gown, and you’re ready for your close-up.

Photo by: Suza Scarlora

Watch out, Rita Hayworth. Sultry waves pulled to the side make for a super-sophisticated bride. Wear it with dramatic makeup and a gown that glitters.

Photo by: Len Prince

Tame thick curls into a shiny mane for wedding day. Wear the look with a simple satin A-line with just a hint of detail.

Photo by: Daniela Stallinger

Be so Marilyn Monroe (or Gwen Stefani) with a super-glamorous updo, paired with a pearls and a creamy strapless satin column.

Photo by: Alban Christ

Updos don’t have to be uptight. Hair is drawn back to frame the face, but sexy waves accent sultry eyes. Wear it with a strapless dress to accentuate your décolletage as well.

Photo by: Nicola Majocchi

La dolce vita. Achieve a wedding look that’s sweet but sexy with cascading curls and a halter-style dress in a soft fabric like organza.

Photo by: Nicola Majocchi

[Brides.com]

Alan Hannah Collection Cont...

2008-09-10T13:43:00.002-04:00

Ruby Collection

Alessandra

Rosina

Francoise

Dominique

Crystal Collection

Honey

Mignonette

Phoebe

Passion

Martinique

Acapulco

Artemis

Havana

Cannes

Hera

Alan Hannah Collection

2008-09-10T13:01:00.004-04:00

Topaz Collection

Odile

Gilda

Pascal

Freya

Fiorenza

Natasha

Flamenco

Ohara

All That Jazz

Cressida

Tattiana

[Picture from Alan Hannah Collection].

WRITERS/BLOGGERS WANTED ASAP!!!

2008-01-16T15:51:00.001-05:00

Jnel & J.© Magazine (www.myspace.com/jnel_j), is a fresh, new and innovative magazine that's about to change the game. Our goal is to unite high end and urban culture, and address the lifestyle and issues of today's reader.

We are currently seeking bloggers/writers who are trying to gain an edge in the industry. You will be responsible for research, writing small blurbs for our blog and our front cover. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to really affect the magazine and make solid contacts in the niche magazine world. We are looking for three or four candidates and would like to start interviewing asap.

Note: You must be passionate about fashion, photography, beauty, lifestyle, music, and just dealing with relationship issues.

P.S. This is your time to shine. Opportunity only comes once, so if you feel you got what it takes and would like to be a part of a dynamic magazine that's sure to create a major buzz feel free to contact me.

Esmeralda "Esy" Morales
Founder/CEO
Jnel & J.© Magazine
Jnel.J.Magazine@gmail.com

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2007-11-22T11:34:00.001-05:00

Calling All Freelancers!!!

2007-11-15T10:42:00.001-05:00

Jnel & J magazine is a fresh, new and innovative magazine that's about
to change the game. Our goal is to unite high end and urban culture,
and address the lifestyle and issues of todays reader.

We are currently seeking freelance writers, fashion designers,
photographers and beauty gurus trying to gain an edge in the industry.
Opportunity only comes once, so if you feel you got what it takes and
would like to be apart of a dynamic magazine that's sure to create a
major buzz feel free to contact:

Esmeralda "Esy" Morales
Founder/CEO
Jnel & J.© Magazine
JnelJ.Magazine@yahoo.com
myspace.com/jnel_j

No Updates...

2007-11-09T13:54:00.001-05:00

Hello Brides & Grooms....

Sorry I haven't updated anything recently, been really busy working on my new magazine. I hope to have more updates for you real soon. Keep me posted on what's going on.

Kisses

Jnel & J. Magazine Bridal Edition

2007-11-02T23:02:00.001-04:00

Check out my new sample cover to my magazine Jnel & J. that I wish to someday publish. It's not a bridal magazine, it's gonna have a little bit of everything. I just made this issue a bridal issue just to see what it would look like.

What do you think, can I do it? Do you like it?

Check me out on myspace.

What A Beauty!

2007-11-01T17:40:00.001-04:00

I think this is so Hollywood Glamour, this picture is beautiful. This is one of my top choices!

Here is some information on this picture.

Sexy Sheath

This sleek chiffon wedding dress features quilted-charmeuse crisscross straps and a high asymmetrical side slit, about $2,055, by Kenth Andersson New York, kenthny.com. Earrings, by Lesley Greene Fine Jewelry at Saks Fifth Avenue, saksfifthavenue.com. Headpiece, by Debra Moreland for Paris, paristiaras.com.

--On The Net:

Halloween Wedding

2007-11-01T17:15:00.001-04:00

Host a boo-tiful wedding and thrill your guests

I know I'm a day late, but here are some tips for your Halloween Wedding Celebration there are more years to come where you can use these tips. If you had a halloween wedding and wish to share your photos click here. I will happily post your photos on here and on my online magazine.

Now here are some tips for you...

Groomsmen dressed as vampires?

Bridesmaids in angel wings? With a Halloween wedding, anything goes.

Draw your inspiration from this spooky season and consider a masquerade ball,
carry blood-red flowers in your bouquet, hire a fortuneteller for your cocktail hour, or light your reception with gothic candelabras.

No matter what time of year you get married, remember, you'll be the princess, so kick off those heels and loosen the bow tie...it's time to ratchet up the fun factor!

--On The Net:
Brides.com

Tip Of The Day!

2007-11-01T16:23:00.001-04:00

From Brides

Your eye makeup won’t fade if you start with an eye primer (a foundation also works), then press a neutral shadow over the eyelid, lash to brow, repeating three times. Contour the crease with a medium shadow, then line the lashes and apply mascara.

Monique Lhuillier

2007-11-01T16:23:00.000-04:00

Fall 2008 Bridal Fashion Show

Fall In Love...

2007-10-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

August, September, October

The colors alone bring this season near to the hearts of many brides who can't imagine tying the knot any other time of year. From russet to pumpkin orange and cinnamon to vanilla, the scents and famers' market decor of an outdoor Autumn wedding makes a setting like none other (not to mention the awesome photos!).
Another plus: the grapes are ripe, and it's time to celebrate a brand-new season of wine.

Popular colors for this time of year include latte, mocha and chocolate brown, rust orange and burgundy, hunter green and gold. Nature-minded themes are all the rage right now, including New England Harvest, Harvest Modern and Halloween, "Perfect Pear" and Apple, Tuscan and Wine Theme, Herbal and Rustic Country. Chocolate Brown also amounts to a theme ... one that suits the season to a 'T'.

(Click on photo for a larger view)

--On The Net:

*** FavorIdeas

Be A Great Bride On A Budget

2007-10-18T21:05:00.006-04:00

Money, money, money – it makes the world go round, apparently. I’ve discovered that planning a wedding on a budget can actually be fun...

Ugh, budgets. It’s hard enough to keep a sensible view of what you can reasonably afford when you’re shopping for summer clothes on the high street, so how’s a girl supposed to remain realistic when she is shopping for the most important dress of her life? Yet countless wedding planning guides will tell you that the first thing you should do is to set a realistic budget for your big day.

BUDGET BRIDES: TEN TOP TIPS
1. No matter how classy the store you’re in, don’t be too shy to ask for a discount. Many stores will offer to throw in the veil or alterations at no cost if you’re paying full price for the gown.

2. Search the ‘for sale’ boards on wedding websites. We don’t recommend that you buy the big things like your dress from places like Ebay because there are no guarantees… we would hate for you to be disappointed.

3. However, Ebay can be terrific for wedding bits and bobs. And you can always try to make some money back after the event by selling some of your wedding paraphernalia.

4. Don’t worry about splashing out on your dream dress – just try to cut back a bit on other aspects. As fabulous as it would be to wear Jimmy Choos, there are lots of gorgeous shoes available on the high street. You could skip the veil, or see if your mom’s works as you’ll have the ‘something old’ requirement then too.

5. Take out wedding insurance. It’s one thing to spend a sizeable chunk of your wedding budget on your dress, but it’s another thing to lose that money if the dress gets damaged.

6. Go to wedding fairs where you’ll find lots of ideas, and exhibitors may offer discounts. Designer discount sales also give discounts of up to 75% on top-name gowns.

7. Don’t forget to check out the lower-priced dress brands like David’s Bridal Collection with many gowns priced under $1,200. David’s Bridal also has a beautiful affordable range of bridal wear.

8. If the dress you want is too expensive, find a dressmaker to make you something similar instead. The key word here is similar as an exact copy will be in breach of copyright. Make sure the dressmaker is reputable, and see examples of their work first.

9. Try to remember that it’s the groom’s day too. Once you’ve worked out a total budget, make a list of the things that you both really want and then divide them into things you absolutely have to have, and things that you don’t mind compromising on. You may have to give up on the idea of having a string quartet if your fiancé’ really wants to hire a band.

10. Don’t be so hung up on sticking to your budget that you end up being seduced by the low price of things that you’re not sure about – it’s false economy. One bride says she was considering a dress that was double the amount she wanted to pay and when the store offered her the sample at half price, she jumped at the offer, only to realize too late, that it was not the dress she really wanted.

Style Statements: Wedding Cake Ideas

2007-10-18T21:05:00.005-04:00

TIERED CAKE
The original wedding cake design – a multi-layered cake, with each layer separated by columns, and open space between those layers. Still really popular – always elegant and stylish.

COLUMN
This design originates from Australia and is created by building up a number of same sized cakes on top of each other – to look like one, tall cake – which are then decorated.

STACKED CAKE
This design is extremely popular, consisting of three or more layers of cakes stacked on top of each other without the traditional columns. Suggested decorations include fresh flowers, figurines or a cake topper.

WONKY
This design has a really modern feel and as the name suggests is created in a lopsided style. Similar to a stacked cake.

FAIRY CAKES
Wow factor. Miniature square cupcakes decorated with letters to spell out words like love and marriage can make a striking centrepiece for your guests to talk about.

THEMED CAKES
Let your imagination run wild and create a cake that is personal to you both… Maybe a cake in the shape of suitcases if you met while travelling or Cinderella’s castle if you’re having a fairytale wedding.

DESSERT CAKES

CROQUEMBOUCHE
This is an alternative to a sponge cake and has really taken off in the last couple of years. Originating from France, the croquembouche is a tall conical or pyramid-shaped tower of profiteroles filled with cream and covered in caramel, peanut brittle and spun sugar – totally delicious and sure to be a big hit with your guests. Many couples chose to serve this as their dessert.

MERINGUE TOWER
Very similar to the croquembouche but made from mouth-watering meringues. Again this cake could double up as your dessert course.

CHOCOLATE CAKES

CURLS
Chocolate curls are used in a variety of ways; they can be used to decorate the edges of the cake and help contain fruit or they can be the main feature of the cake.

SMOOTH CHOCOLATE
Usually these cakes take on the design of a stacked cake but are covered in smooth, sleek chocolate instead of icing. They look almost shiny.

SHARDS
More like a work of art than a wedding cake. They are intricatley decorated with shards of milk, white or dark chocolate.

RUFFLES
Again, a breathtakingly beautiful sculpture of chocolate, cleverly disguised as a wedding cake.

SHAPED CAKES
Round, square, heart, hexagonal, petal... the possibilities are endless. Some shapes are more complicated to ice than others.

HOT TRENDS...
Sumptuous chocolate cakes are very fashionable at the moment. They look divine, taste delicious and of course everyone loves chocolate Towers of individual cakes look fantastic and depending on the number of guests at your party, everyone can have an individual parcel to take home Why stick to a traditional fruit cake recipe when there are so many variations to choose from. Lemon, carrot, orange are some of the hot new favourites There’s no better way of decorating your cake than with fresh flowers. They will add colour, dimension and look absolutely stunning Cake toppers are a great way to add real character your wedding cake.

Wedding China

2007-10-18T21:05:00.004-04:00

Don’t feel like you have to register for all your china at the same place. Choose the pieces you like without worrying about sticking to one set. Mixing and matching patterns, textures and colors creates contrast—and contrast makes for a visually stimulating table.

My Pick!: Wedding Party Gift

2007-10-18T21:05:00.003-04:00

Mother of the Bride Or Groom
Crystal Heart Locket $50.00 Buy

Maid of Honour
Square Locket $55.00 Buy

Bridesmaids
Double Heart Keepsake Box $35.00 Buy

Groomsmen
Brown Cigar Set with Flask $50.00 Buy

Flower Girl
Child's Pearl & Crystal Bracelet $45.00 Buy

Ring Bearer
Silver-Plated Child's Train Bank $20.00 Buy

--On The Net:
Things Remembered

Wedding Transportation

2007-10-18T21:05:00.002-04:00

Check It Out First
When you´re renting a limo for your wedding, be sure to physically check out the exact limo(s) you´re going to be using before the big day. Make sure that it´s in good condition and that the driver also has the professional look you want.

Limo Contract
When you rent a limo for your wedding, be sure to sign a contract that includes the following:

how much you put down for a deposit

what their cancellation policies are

what the price/rates are, and how much it is if you go over

when you´re supposed to be picked up and where, including exact times and addresses of locations

Limo Alternatives
Looking for a cool mode of transportation other than a limousine? Try renting a sports car for the bride and groom and a limo for the rest of the wedding party. Jaguars, Corvettes and any kind of convertible make excellent choices. Just check with local car rental agencies.

Love and Marriage . . .
. . . you know what they go together like, and if you´re going to have an outdoor wedding, a horse and carriage is a unique and breathtaking way to get from the church to the reception, or the reception to your hotel. Try looking in the Yellow Pages under "Wedding Services" or "Carriages."

Creative Transportation
Instead of the usual caravan of limos, rent (or borrow) a collection of antique cars in the same color (all white, all black, all red): an old MG, a ´66 mustang, a stately rolls . . . much more fun!

Snow Savvy
If you are planning a winter wedding, consider how your guests are going to get from the ceremony to the reception. To cut down on dangers of winter driving, freezing walks, changing of shoes, heavy winter coats, etc, consider having the wedding and the reception at the same site, or setting up shuttle bus or van service for your guests.

10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LOVE LAST

2007-10-18T21:05:00.001-04:00

Be Self-Assured.

Tell yourself you are more than good enough. Have a positive outlook about yourself and about your relationship with your sweetie. Don't let insecurity rule you. Realize your honey is lucky to be with you. Act accordingly. If you demand respect, you'll get it.

Let Your Heart (not hormones) Guide You.

Yes, of course you love your honey and he is hot and attractive... but that's
not what keeps a relationship together. Physical attraction is great, but you have to have things in common and genuinely enjoy being with each other too. Don't think messing around can take the place of love - they are two different things.

Have Patience.

Don't move too fast in your relationship. No matter how sure you are that your boyfriend is the guy of your dreams. Just because he whispers that L-word a few times in a make-out session, don't rush into heavy duty physical action until you've been going out a long time. Boys say the L-word when they don't mean it... their hormones take over their mouths. If you take it slow, you'll have less chance of doing something you end up regretting later.

Be There for Each Other.

This is one of the main factors that keeps a love together. Be supportive of your honey and he will most likely be supportive of you too. Show him you are happy when things go well for him, and be understanding and sympathetic when things don't go so great. It's a sweet thing to do for someone you care about, and it's an obvious way to show how much you care.

Trust.

This is one thing a relationship cannot survive without. You need to be able to trust your guy, and to be trusted by him. That means no flirting with other guys in front of your boyfriend. It also means knowing when you're crossing the line... and stopping yourself before you act badly. For you to trust him, you have to have confidence in the kind of person he is. And for you to be trusted, you have to earn that confidence from him through your good behavior.

Make Your Opinions Heard.

It's great to go along with your boyfriend's decisions sometimes, but it's also important to be clear when you have an opinion on something. Always be honest about what you feel and think about things. Don't let him make all the decisions for the relationship, or he'll start feeling like he's overburdened or he could go on a power trip. It takes communication. Compromise is good, and togetherness in decisions is ideal.Togetherness in decisions is always great.

Don't Put On an Act.

Don't try to be someone you are not to keep him interested. For example, don't say you are interested in things you couldn't care less about. Putting on an act not only makes you feel fake, but you'll doubt whether he cares for you or just your perfect little persona. Plus, he's going to find out eventually what you really feel. Have your own opinions, make them known and be your wonderful self. He's got to love you for who you are, and accept the things he doesn't adore, and you've got to do the same with him. That's real love.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.

It's great to have opinions, but sometimes you and he will have opposite ones. Fights happen. What's important to keep in mind is some things are worth getting worked up about... and some things just aren't. Be careful about how you act in fights. Remember, finishing the fight and making up should be the goal, not winning at any cost. So don't pull friends into your fights. Be honest and tell him when something he does or says gets you angry (don't hide it and stew in resentment). Just because you're mad over one thing, don't make generalizations (avoid the words "always" or "never", as in "you're always ignoring me", Remember that it takes two people to argue and two people to apologize. Aim to resolve your differences and compromise to make things go better next time the situation/conversation comes up.

Have Open Communication and Keep it Flowing.

Share your inner thoughts with each other. Tell each other about your hopes, dreams, and fears. This pulls you together and creates a close bond. Tell him what you like best about him. Tell him how good it feels when he kisses you, how safe you feel in his arms. Tell him what you want for your birthday, don't make him guess. If you want him to kiss you differently, suggest a new move (just don't say his old way was bad!). Keep talking, and you will keep learning about each other and growing ever closer together.

Respect Each Other's Need for Space.

You both need time to yourself and to hang with friends. Even if you feel like you want to spend every minute with him, make yourself do some alone stuff or girlfriends-only activities. It's good for your relationship. There are things you can only do with friends, that boys can't be around for. So don't be afraid to say you want to spend some time hanging with pals or have some time to yourself every now and then. Being constantly together can lead to feeling smothered, by one or both of you.

ROMANCE 101

2007-10-18T21:05:00.000-04:00

How to turn Your Relationship into a Great Romance!

OK...Let's talk about romance! The #1 most important thing you need to turn your relationship into a great romance is DESIRE. You have to WANT great romance in your life. Well, who wouldn't want that? But it won't just happen...it will take some effort. But it will be well worth it!

When asking couples why they think the romance has escaped their relationships, the most common excuse is TIME. It's sooooooo hard to find time and energy to devote to your relationships. But think for a moment back to your courtship. What was different then? Didn't you have a job then? Didn't you have other responsibilities then? Of course you did...maybe not to the extent that you do now, but you still had a schedule to keep, whether it was attending college, studying, playing sports, attending club meetings, keeping a job, etc. But somehow you found the time to "woo" your partner, right? You found time to date, right? Why? Because you WANTED TO! You planned it into your schedule and did it! And why were those times together so special? Because that specific amount of time was set aside and reserved for one reason...ROMANCE! And during those "dates" you gave 100% of your attention to each other, right? That's what made it special.

Now I want you to think about the last time you and your partner went out to dinner. What did you talk about? Maybe it was the family finances, or difficulties at work, or...the KIDS. Wow, what a romantic dinner, huh? That's the problem. You have to learn to create romantic situations that focus 100% on each other. Save the "problem solving" for another time. I can't tell you how many times in the past my husband and I went out to dinner and whenever we got home, I didn't even feel like we went out! Why? Because the whole time we were out, we were busy doing that "problem solving" stuff instead of enjoying what little time we had together. So, that's the second most important thing you need to turn your relationship into a great romance...PRIORITY. Make it a priority to spend quality, FOCUSED time with your partner. These special times should be set aside JUST for the two of you to enjoy each others company...nothing else...PERIOD.

Okay...So now we have established that creating great romance will require DESIRE, and making it a PRIORITY. The next thing we need is a PLAN! You may have heard the saying, "You didn't plan to fail, you just failed to plan!" Anything worth doing requires a good plan. It can be as simple as scheduling one evening per week as "date night," or promising to spend "x" amount of time doing something romantic for your partner each week. There are plenty of books, magazines, web sites, newsletters, etc. that will
give you lots of ideas to use for your romantic "dates." Use your imagination & be creative! The most important thing is to make a plan and then stick to it…no matter what.

After that, all that's left to do is sit back and watch the magic of romance do it's thing! Oh, I'm not saying that this is going to be easy...it WILL take a little work. But it will be FUN work!

Wednesday Tunes

2007-10-17T19:35:00.000-04:00

Rihanna - Hate That I Love You

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On The Net:
Music Video Codes By Music Jesus.com

Wedding Hairstyles: Loosen Up

2007-10-17T18:26:00.000-04:00

Unstructured updos get dressy with delicate hair jewels

Starting with an extreme side part—just north of the ear—hair is swept back in sections and ends are pinned under; a few fat curls hang freely. Straggling ends are anchored by jeweled hair combs placed just so. Perfect product: To build enough oomph for this tousled style, prep with Tresemmé Tres Extra Hold Mousse.
Swarovski crystal hair combs, by Thomas Knoell Designs, thomasknoell.com. Matte jersey bias-cut gown, about $2,035, by Eric Gaskins.

Easy and elegant, this updo will last all night. Hair is parted from ear to ear; the back section is lifted, given a twist and secured against head. Back-combed front pieces are smoothed away from forehead, then bobby-pinned, disguising the twisted section, while hair ornaments create the gentle chignon. Perfect product: Fight fuzz with Pantene Pro-V Frizz Control Extra-Strength Serum.
Crystal and pearl hairpins, by Laura Jayne Bridal Design, laurajayne.com. Satin slip dress {Not Shown}, about $2,600, by Palazzo, available at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 212-319-6778.

A mane of relaxed, bouncing corkscrew curls is pulled into a high ponytail; loose ends fall freely from the sparkling cincher. Perfect product: Keep ringlets defined with Redken Fabricate 03 Heat-Active Texturizer.
Pearl and crystal hairvine, by Laura Jayne Bridal Design, laurajayne.com. Ivory grosgrain gown with trumpet skirt {Not Shown}, about $1,450, by Watters Brides, 972-404-0143, watters.com. Diamond earrings, by Alexandra Van Dell, 617-335-2863, alexandravandell.com.

Use an elastic to form a head-topping ponytail, then feather it out to create a "fountain" of hair; tuck the ends under and secure to crown. Leave a generous piece of side-parted hair loose in front; swoop it across forehead and tuck behind ear. Perfect product: A fanciful pony stays firmly in place with Garnier Fructis Style Pure Fix Spray.
Pearl comb, by Tia Mazza, tiamazza.com. Pearl-striped satin-back taffeta halter gown {Not Shown}, about $820, by Watters Brides, 972-404-0143, watters.com.

My Pick: I love this one.

Already-curled locks get the cotton-candy treatment, with layer upon layer of hairspray and generous finger-plumping. Several crucially placed pins elevate the mass of loose hair, lifting it off the neck. Perfect product: Your mane can be as soft as a cloud with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.
Feather hairpins, by Laura Jayne Bridal Design, laurajayne.com. Silk tulle ball gown with ribbon detailing and crisscross back bodice with ties, about $3,400, by Ahnna B. Designs 770-392-9620.

Luscious Wedding Lips

2007-10-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

Lipstick really stays put if you start with a waxy balm (let it sit for 30 minutes); then fill the center of the lips with pencil that matches your lipstick. Apply loose powder over that with a brush, follow with lipstick, and then go back to define the edges with pencil.

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Source:
From Brides Magazine

Bridal Fashion Show

2007-10-17T13:23:00.000-04:00

Reem Acra Spring 2008

--On The Net:
Brides.com