Finding the right wedding jewelry is an extremely important aspect of the ceremony because the wedding bands in particular will be worn by the bride and groom forever. Wedding bands have gotten to be a great deal more ornate than they used to be. Diamond wedding bands have reached a peak in recent thanks to the celebrities who proudly display theirs.

Wedding bands have even surpassed the usual gold and are now moving into platinum and titanium bands. It used to be that 10k gold rings were the “in” thing to buy and these days they are looked down upon by most couples who would prefer to buy their gold in 14k or higher.

Simple diamonds are still a popular buy, but colored diamonds are gaining momentum thanks to J-Lo’s pink princess cut diamond ring with Ben Affleck. Other popular diamond colors are yellow, blue and aquamarine.

With the ever growing popularity of platinum rings, many couples are looking to shining silver and white gold as a cheaper substitute. White gold has a similar look of platinum, but is a fraction of the price. It is a great alternative.

In the past, the men’s ring was often of little concern to either as long as the woman’s ring was attractive, but these days, men want a nice ring or diamond studded ring almost as much as the women do.

Beautiful ring sets can be found from nearly any source. If you can afford it, you can locate good deals on sets at jewelry stores.

For the most part, the entire wedding ceremony is completely symbolic and that symbolism reaches its peak the moment the rings are exchanged.

Knowing this, can it really be a wonder that the chosen rings are just as important as the chosen couple?

You can virtually choose to go with any type of ring from any source. These days even department stores are offering great knock offs to the popular celebrity rings at extreme discounts.

The popular ring worn by J-Lo; which was a platinum pink diamond ring with a princess cut and accented with two white diamonds on either side can now be purchased at Wal-Mart in a white gold setting with zirconia’s and pink topaz stones.

Wedding bands still look better in a plain band style, but some people might prefer to accent the bands with diamonds. Whatever your taste is, you can pretty much find the right bands for you and your spouse to be anywhere.

All you really need to do is decide what look you want; what style that you want; and how much money you can afford to pay and then go on your search.

In order to get the best overall deals, you should comparison shop online. If you do it soon enough, you can have the bands ready way before the ceremony.

About the author:
For more tips and ideas on planning your wedding , check out The Ultimate Online Guide to Wedding Planning

The 50th anniversary is commemorated by gold and the flower is violet. A gift certainly doesn’t have to be gold, wrap a gift in gold paper or paper decorated with violets.

50th anniversary gift ideas for the couple
• Keepsake personalized anniversary gifts, such as a photo quilt or pillow
• Monthly or quarterly lo-carb, dietetic or fruit gift baskets
• Restore their wedding photo and place in a gold frame
• Have a painting or caricature made out of their wedding photo
• As they probably don’t cook for themselves as much, gift certificates to restaurants would be appreciated
• A gift of theater or concert subscription tickets. Make them a patron with VIP privileges
• The children can create a 50th anniversary keepsake journal gift. Ask family and friends to write a paragraph or two to share a memory with their parents. Or ask for a photo with the couple that the children don’t have and write a caption about it
• Instead of a guest book, buy a music box and fill it with messages of love written on gold or handmade paper from family and friends
• Are they up for a cruise? Take them on a weekend or week long cruise. They probably will enjoy sharing this vacation with others
• What could help them personally? Can you lease a car for them? Pay for a kitchen or other home renovation?
• Do they golf? Pay for private lessons or a VIP membership at their favorite club. Buy 2 clubs, have them engraved and then gold plated
• What hobbies do they enjoy? Give them gift certificates for a spending spree at their favorite craft or hobby store
• Buy tickets to a favorite event and pay for their lodging and food expenses
• Do they volunteer or have a favorite charity? Contribute to their favorite organization. Find out if a plaque or some other special mention can be made in their name

The best 50th anniversary gift for the couple is one that helps them to enjoy life more. Many couples don’t even want to receive gifts. Give a gift of your time and help. Make up “Gift of Time” or “Labor of Love” coupons to take them out to their favorite restaurant, make them a home-cooked meal, chauffeur them on a shopping trip, run errands for them, take them to a show or movie, have a local landscaping company take care of their property, have their home repainted. Find out what will make a difference in the quality of their life.

Your love and attention will be the most appreciated 50th anniversary gift you can give your parents or a couple. Make the time for those you love!

About the author:
Renee Michaels uses her design, writing and life skills to develop web businesses. Do you need anniversary gift and celebration ideas? Visit LoveGifts for gift ideas for your husband, wife, parents and friends.

Copyright 2005 Renee Michaels

Please feel free to use this article in your e-zine, newsletter or web site. Reprint conditions: You cannot make any changes to the content. Copyright must be included and all links must be live.

Visit our Wedding Blog

Your wedding anniversary is a major event. Prepare for your wedding anniversary celebration in advance so that everything goes smoothly.

1. Start off right. Get up before she does to prepare a quick breakfast. Serve her breakfast in bed. You might want to plan out the menu and buy the necessary things you need to cook a great breakfast the day before your anniversary. Take a shower after that and return to her side. On the other hand, if you are the sort who makes a major mess of the kitchen whenever you cook anything or even when you make a cup of tea, then skip the breakfast in bed part. She might have a fit when she sees the kitchen after that.

2. Present her with a bouquet of roses. Order the roses a day or more in advance and have them delivered right to the doorstep. She might chide you for wasting money, but she would be secretly very pleased with that romantic gesture.

3. If your kids are still young, book a babysitter in advance. You don’t want your night to be ruined by crying babies at your table in the restaurant when you are trying to have a romantic candle lit dinner for two. Do go for a candle light dinner. Just the 2 of you in a favourite restaurant.

4. Relax together and take a break from your regular routine. If you both can, take a day’s leave from work. Make your arrangements in the office in advance. If you can’t try to go home early for a change, so you can spend more time together.

5. Don’t forget the anniversary gifts. There is a different gift for each year or marriage. You might want to go with the traditional or modern gift this anniversary. Check that out at http://www.anniversary-rings.net/wedding-anniversary-gifts.htm

6. Each year, give your loved one a wedding anniversary ring to signify that year of marriage you have just shared together. You can find that perfect anniversary ring at http://www.anniversary-rings.net

7. On your 10th wedding anniversary, have a party. Invite those who are dear to both of you to attend. In the presence of everyone, renew your wedding vows and exchange a pair of wedding anniversary rings, to commemorate the event. Here is more information about the 10th wedding anniversary. http://www.anniversary-rings.net/10th-wedding-anniversary.htm

About the author:
The writer is the webmaster of http://www.anniversary-rings.net where you can find the ideal wedding anniversary ring for your anniversary.

Visit our Wedding Blog

With all the things you’ll have to worry about paying for when it comes to your wedding, you won’t want to have to spend a lot of cash for slightly smaller things, like accents, decorations, and flower arrangements. Since most brides do want to have flowers at their weddings, and would prefer to purchase them at a reasonable price, here are some ways to save on wedding flowers that you may want to try:

Buy synthetic flowers.

Synthetic flowers may cost a little more when you buy them in bulk because of the material, but they could save you money because they last as long as you need them to. Many people have fresh flower bouquets for the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girls, and these tend to whither rather quickly, especially if the ceremony is indoors. So, you may end up buying more flowers than you actually need in order to keep the flowers looking good for pictures after the ceremony. You can also find colors or types of flowers that may not be in bloom at the time you are having the wedding if you buy synthetic flowers. This way, you’ll have more freedom to create the look you want for your ceremony. If you want to decorate the reception with flowers as well, synthetic flowers may be a good idea, so that you can maintain the look of the room for as long as you need to. And, since most brides want to keep their bouquets, buying synthetic flowers is definitely a good idea.

Plan your bouquet size.

Many brides end up spending more than they wanted to on a bouquet because they didn’t count the amount of flowers that would be in the arrangement, or select flowers that will look good with not-so-expensive accents. Make sure you know just how big you want your bouquet to be, as well as what type of flowers you want to include. And, carrying a single flower down the aisle is wonderful look for a bride as well. You can use a lily, daisy, or even a rose with lace or pearl accents as your bouquet, and add a unique touch to the ceremony. Small bunches of flowers can also be beautiful, proving that, as with most other things, less can definitely be more. If you want to get fresh flowers for your bouquet, selecting flowers that are in season will also help you to save money, since a florist may have to specially order out-of-season flowers, which can increase the bouquet price significantly.

Plan ahead.

Even though flowers for the wedding may seem like a small thing, don’t wait until the last minute to make sure that you have the flowers you want for your wedding. You may have to spend more money to find flowers you want the closer you get to the ceremony, so make sure that you have decided whether or not you’ll purchase flowers from a local florist or order synthetic flowers.

Order Wholesale From The Internet

To find more ideas for how to save on wedding flowers, as well as wedding floral shops that may have what you’re looking for, visit sites like freshroses.com and fiftyflowers.com

About the author:
Michelle Ferrell is the author of “How To Plan Your Dream Wedding On A Limited Budget” – Discover other creative ways you can save thousands on your wedding at http://www.bridebargains.com

(ARA) – 9/6/2011 – When you think of prime wedding months do May and June spring to mind? You might be surprised to learn that O
ctober and November are also popular months for nuptials. When you realize autumn brings not only cooler weather, but less busy caterers or wedding venues, the season’s appeal is easy to understand.

Whether you’re finalizing plans for a wedding this fall or planning ahead for autumn 2012, you’ll be looking for ideas to add seasonal spice to your big day. From fall wedding decoration ideas to seasonally appropriate menu suggestions, here are some trends to consider for your fall wedding:
Alfresco and all natural

“Many brides cash in on fall’s ample sunshine and cooler temperatures by holding their weddings outside,” says Ray Miller of My Wedding Reception Ideas.com. “An outdoor wedding celebrates the season and plays to another popular trend – eco-awareness.”

In many areas of the country, autumn brings less heat and rain. Plus, saying your “I do’s” outside, surrounded by fall’s vibrant hues, makes Mother Nature your co-decorator.

If you’re considering having your wedding outside, don’t overlook unusual venues. Municipal parks, national parks, botanical gardens, fruit orchards and even zoos can all be fun and interesting places for a wedding.

Seasonal decor and accessories

The colors and spirit of fall can also inspire your accessories and decor. Rustic materials and touches like raffia, twigs and straw can add seasonal flair to decorations. Leaf motifs and autumnal hues can be used to adorn everything from cake cutting sets and table linens to table centerpieces and slipcovers.

You can even tie your theme to fall holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving. Leaf-shaped votive holders, personal-size pumpkins and other Halloween wedding favor ideas can add seasonally appropriate fun to your celebration.

Remarkable menus

A fall wedding also opens up opportunities to create memorable menus that play on the flavors of the season. Just as spring and summer wedding menus benefit from the season’s fresh produce, you can incorporate the fruits of the fall harvest into your autumn nuptials.

Fall vegetables like pumpkin, butternut squash, beets, carrots and rutabagas can be served slow-roasted for a side dish that capitalizes on the season’s most colorful and nutritious offerings. Greens such as spinach, endive and celery root come into season in autumn and can be incorporated into soups and salads for a pop of flavor and vitamins.

Main course choices also open up in fall, when great game comes in season. Replacing boring beef with venison or mundane chicken with pheasant not only puts a seasonal stamp on a menu, but creates a culinary experience wedding guests will remember.

(ARA) – 8/25/2011 – So you’ve just tied the knot, or will soon wed, and you realize that mealtime (among other things) is about to change. If you have any jitters about cooking for two, rest assured that setting up a kitchen and cooking delicious meals – no matter what your budget or time constraints – are well within reach.

Essential kitchen tools
If you’re lucky, you received most of what you need to set up a kitchen as wedding or shower gifts. Here’s a rundown of the very basics. You can add to your supplies down the road, once you see what kind of cooking you most enjoy (a wok if you rely on stir fry and a crepe pan if you fancy crepes for Sunday breakfast, for example).

For now, you can tackle just about any recipe if you have:
* A couple of basic pots (one large enough to make pasta and a medium-size one for sauces and steaming veggies)
* A skillet
* A casserole dish
* Measuring cups and spoons
* One large and one small mixing bowl
* Wooden spoons, a good can opener, a slotted spoon, a ladle, rubber spatulas and a metal spatula
* A cutting board and a good chef’s knife, a paring knife, a vegetable peeler and a grater
* Baking pans: one 9-by-13-inch, two round cake pans, a pie pan, a couple of cookie sheets, a pizza pan and a loaf pan
* Storage containers and recycling bins

The spice rack
It needn’t be a rack, of course, but a solid collection of spices will be necessary for cooking from recipes and can help you transform ordinary fare into very special – even signature – dishes. Stock a handful of basics, then build your selection. Store them away from heat and light (not over your stove).

A good start would be: basil, bay leaves, cayenne, chives, cinnamon, cumin, garlic powder, marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, turmeric and, of course, salt and black pepper.

If you have an ongoing gift registry, you might add Simply Organic’s Spice Rack with Spices. It provides 16 basic spices, including Daily Grind Black Peppercorns and Grind to a Salt blend.

For convenience (and reliability), stock plenty of ready-to-use spice blends, too, such as all-purpose seasoning, chili powder, curry powder, Italian seasoning, Mexican seasoning, and pumpkin pie spice.

Recipes
Deciding what to have for dinner needn’t be a hassle. It’s helpful to plan your menus for the week ahead, both for shopping ease and peace of mind.

Start by relying on basic recipes. Maybe you have some that have been passed down in your family. Or maybe you’re teaching yourself now. You might want to set aside one day a week to try a brand new recipe, such as a new ethnic dish or something you saw on a cooking show or website. If it works, add it to your repertoire.

You can also greatly vary your basic recipes, such as potato, pasta and egg dishes, just by experimenting with seasonings and other toppings. If you know how to cook pasta (and if you don’t, just follow the directions on the package and you’ll nail it), you can make myriad dishes by choosing a variety of pastas in various shapes. Then mix things up by seasoning your sauces differently: add basil, garlic powder and thyme to your tomato sauce one day and oregano, garlic granules and basil another. For a white sauce, try tarragon, paprika and parsley or marjoram, dill weed and chives. If you’re going for convenience, simply choose a blend such as Italian seasoning, and you’re good to go.

You can find some good “beginner” recipes on Simply Organic’s recipe website, which, for convenience, creatively use mixes and blends. You can also download the company’s free recipe app for your iPhone, iPad, and/or iPod Touch.

Take shortcuts
Speaking of mixes and blends, if you haven’t noticed, they’re not just for dessert anymore. You’ll find convenient, healthful mixes and blends for everything from sauces and dips to main dishes, side dishes and, yes, desserts. If you don’t have the time and inclination to spend hours in the kitchen mastering recipes, it’s mixes and blends to the rescue. Even if you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, mixes are great when you need a dish done faster.

Here are a couple easy-to-assemble recipes that you can use to put a complete, scrumptious dinner on the table.

Homestyle Meatloaf

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1 package Simply Organic Sloppy Joe Mix
1/4 cup water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, egg and ketchup. In a small bowl, dissolve Sloppy Joe Mix in water. Add liquid mix to beef mixture and knead into a loaf shape. Place on cookie sheet or in oven-safe pan and bake for 45 minutes.

Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
1 package Simply Organic French Onion Dip Mix
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream cheese Preview
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

Directions:
Place potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. While potatoes are cooking, combine dip mix, sour cream, cream cheese, and salt. Stir until well mixed, and set aside.

When potatoes are tender, drain off the water. Add the sour cream mixture and butter to the potatoes. Mash potatoes using a hand-held mixer or potato masher. Place in a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, uncovered.

(ARA) – Couples heading to the altar have a lot to think about. Planning a wedding is no small feat, but, as many people will tell you, planning for your life together beyond the big day is even more important. While thinking about the future is definitely exciting, you should also be sure to have a discussion with each other about topics like buying a home, merging your finances and managing debt.

If both of you have relatively low debt – or better yet, no debt – you should talk about the steps that you need to take to keep your finances in good order. Living debt-free is a great goal to have as a couple, and doing so will eliminate one of the major stressors of any marriage.

Having a frank conversation about your finances now can help prevent future marital conflicts about money. Consider these points for discussion with your fiance. Keep the tone of your conversation kind and understanding – it’s easy to get aggravated, but that won’t help anything in the long run.

* Should we combine our finances after getting married or keep them separate?

* What kinds of purchases do you think it’s appropriate to make with credit cards?

* How will we budget for major expenditures, like cars, vacations or home repairs?

* Who will be responsible for paying bills?

* Are you open to seeing a financial advisor or having an outside party prepare our taxes?

* What is the total debt load between the two of us and how will we address it?

When it comes to debt, make the conversation realistic, but optimistic as well. It’s important to ask tough questions like why you got into debt and what could happen if you don’t deal with the situation. Those answers can help paint a clearer picture of how you’re going to start paying down your debt.

But to give yourselves something positive to work toward, ask what living debt free would mean to each of you – or to you both, as a couple. Maybe it means you’d be able to afford the home of your dreams or take yearly vacations – those answers can be the inspiration that keeps you working toward being debt free.

Using a tool like Debt Wise, from credit reporting agency Equifax, can make the process easier to manage and enable you to get out of debt faster. Using the information that the agency already has from your credit card companies and other lenders, Debt Wise automatically prioritizes your debts into a plan designed specifically for you and updates as you make progress. Not only can it help you tackle your debt faster, it can also help you save on interest charges – giving you even more financial room to achieve your goals. For more information, go to www.debtwise.com.

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