Happy Systems Administrators Appreciation Day

To my favorite System Admin..... Happy Systems Administrators Appreciation Day....Love You!

What Your Engagement Ring Says About You

Oval Engagement

Your style: In a word (okay three): Over the top.

Your relationship: Together you are more than the sum of your parts.

Your wedding: Colorful and cool, with a very polished edge. No detail will be overlooked.

Round Engagement

Your style: Traditional. You always look utterly put together.

Your relationship: Bottom line: you're marrying your best friend. Here's to a lifetime of sharing inside jokes and having someone really get you.

Your wedding: Relaxed, romantic and unfussy. It takes a lot of planning to make things look this effortless, but you'll pull it off.


Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring

Your style: Sophisticated socialite — aka uptown girl.

Your relationship: You're the girl of his dreams and he's totally in awe.

Your wedding: Voted "can't miss" event of the season (and not just by your mom). Destined to be the party where everyone hits the dance floor.


Cushion-Cut Engagement Ring

Your style: You take your cues from the Grace Kellys of the world — legendary women who demand to be set apart.

Your relationship: He lets you be ... well, you.

Your wedding: So elegant and timeless that no one will be able to date the wedding photos afterward.


Princess Engagement Ring

Your style: Lover of all things sparkly.

Your relationship: He treats you like a … yep, total princess.

Your wedding: You may or may not arrive by horse-drawn carriage, opt for the biggest ball gown or sport the tallest tiara — but you're bound to have a royal blast

Pear Engagement Ring


Your style: Classic, but with a twist.

Your relationship: Independent, yet utterly committed. You and your guy have each other's backs. Period.

Your wedding: Contemporary and chic with trendy shots of color and fun, out-of-the-box ideas.


Marquise Engagement Ring

Your style: Old Hollywood (think: silver screen siren).

Your relationship: He puts you on a pedestal and lets you shine. But he's not afraid to help you laugh at yourself when you get too big for your britches.

Your wedding: Pure glamour. You'll create an enchanted atmosphere that wedding guests will never forget.


Heart-Shaped Engagement Ring


Your style: Shameless romantic.

Your relationship: We bet your man is head over heels. Why? Guys don't exactly gravitate toward heart-shaped objects. So we're thinkin' he's all about making you smile.

Your wedding: Ball gown? Check. Petal-covered aisle? Check. Ice sculpture(s)? Check. You definitely don't believe that less is more, and it shows.

Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minnillo: Why We Wrote Our Own Wedding Vows

When Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo prepared to write their wedding vows for their July 15 ceremony on the cliffs of the British Virgin Islands' Necker Island, they did what any tech-savvy, modern couple might do: They Googled a how-to guide!

"Vanessa and I have decided to write our own vows mainly because it makes it more personal, more meaningful when the words you're saying to one another come from your heart," Lachey, 37, said of his plans with girlfriend of five years Minnillo, 30.

Sharing vow-writing tips she gleaned from Google while Lachey took copious notes, Minnillo was thrilled to be able to add a personal touch to her intimate ceremony.

It's something very special knowing these vows that I write to him and that he writes to me will never be said by anybody else," she reveals in a preview clip from the couple's upcoming TLC wedding special. "These were my words and my heart and soul that I'm giving to him and he's giving to me.

"I'm a travel nerd," Lachey proudly professes before struggling to pronounce exotic locales like Anguilla.

Minnillo isn't necessarily concerned with where they end up (St. Barts), but instead is happy they'll be vacationing as husband and wife.

"Regardless of where we go, we just know we'll be there as Mr. and Mrs. Lachey, and I'm really excited about that!" she gushes.

Symbol of Love

I heard a woman call into a radio station this morning to get advice on a problem.

She and her boyfriend have been together for a couple of years now and they are ready to take it to the next level. They went out to "look" for engagement rings so he could get an idea of what she wanted. He makes less money that she does so he is looking for something nice but that wont break the bank.

They look at a few rings and she falls in love with a huge ring (Of Course), but her future fiancee knows he cant afford it. She then later on offers to pay for half of the ring or the whole thing because it is what she wants.

I was not only a little offended by what she did but I also felt bad for her future fiancee. Too many times now a days I think that people don't think before they act and I thought it was wrong on her part to even suggest something like that for her vanity. Its different if you both decided that money was an issue and that it would be best for you both to pay for a ring or even a ring set but to suggest you get the ring because its what you want and you want to be flashy for your friends.

I am proud to wear the ring Scott gave me and I LOVE IT! Its perfect because he gave it to me and I would not have it any other way. It is a symbol of our love and its one of the most precious gifts I have ever received.

457.......

Maxwell - Lifetime

In honor of the Photo of the Week....

Photo of the Week

This is a Photo from the Maxwell and Jill Scott concert.

I LOVE Maxwell and missed his concert in November at the Hollywood Bowl so when I heard he was coming to town again and with Jill Scott, I jumped on the tickets and turned it into a Staycation for us. We met up with our friend Tanesha for drinks and headed over to Staples Center for one of the best concerts I have seen.

Scott had been injured from a previous trip (Spider Bite) and was a trooper for going and making me happy. The running joke from that night was that he had a year from that concert (June 5th) to propose to me... Little did I know that he had planned a proposal for my birthday (April 28) but did it even sooner (Christmas Day)

Good times......

A Few From Las Vegas

HAPPY 30TH SISSY!!!

AMAZING!

SALLY STRIPPER

BEST DRINK IN LAS VEGAS

MY LOVE AND I......

Anthony Hamilton - Sista Big Bones

My Theme Music..... :0)

Lesson in Love and Shopping

Yesterday we drove home from our Mini Vacation from Las Vegas and made a stop in Rancho Cucamonga at the Bass Pro Shop so Scott could do some shopping for his new hobby of Fishing. He was in the store a total of 2 hours but I think we both learned a lesson in shopping appreciation.

Sometimes you have to let your love ones have their happy moment, and seeing him run into that store and walk around learning from James (Yes he made a friend there) made him truly happy and that's all a girl could ask for.

I'm glad that we made the stop and hopes he gets good use of of all his new toys. :)

“Guide to a Happy Bridesmaid”.

The dress: It’s your wedding so we’re going to wear whatever you want but deep down we hope that you don’t choose a horrible color or a completely unflattering dress. If you have 4 bridesmaids that range from a size 2 to a size 22, don’t put them in the same dress. You want your pictures to look great, right? Well, something that will work for the size 2 will more than likely be a complete disaster on the size 22. If you truly want to make everyone happy, let them choose their own dress but give them some guidelines to follow (color, fabric and length should do it). As for price, unless your girls are independently wealthy or you plan to shell out for their attire, try to keep it reasonable. They have a lot of other things that they have to pay for so I doubt anyone would want to cough up a ton of cash for a dress that they’re never going to wear again.


Accessories: If you want your girls to wear matching pearl necklaces that cost $60 a pop then I highly suggest you buy them. Same goes for just about any accessory that you’re specifically requesting.


Shoes: As someone with wide feet who can’t handle heels higher than 2” I beg you, either let them choose their own shoes (again, give them guidelines) or come to an agreement on what shoes the girls will wear so that everyone is comfortable. Do you really want your ‘maids wiping out as they make their way down the aisle? Didn’t think so.


Bridal Shower: Everyone wants a gorgeous shower but not everyone’s ‘maids can afford a lavish affair. If your bridesmaids are living paycheck to paycheck or struggling to get through school while working part time at Old Navy, they probably can’t afford to throw the shower you’ve always envisioned. Be grateful for what they DO throw you because they’re more than likely doing their best. If they ask you what sort of things you would like then feel free to tell them (for instance, when asked I told my MOH that I’d love for my shower to be pink and for mimosas to be served) but please do not come out and demand things that you know they can’t afford. It just makes them feel like crap.


Bachelorette Party: Sort of along the same lines as the shower. If you know your girls can’t afford to hop on a plane to Vegas for a long weekend then don’t request it. You can have a great time staying local. If you’re not into the bar scene then have a spa day. There are countless things to do.


Projects: I touched on this earlier but it’s pretty simple. If they volunteer their services then take them up on it (if you’re not a control freak like me). Don’t expect what they do to be perfect especially if they’re not overly crafty and make sure to be as accommodating as possible. If they’re coming over on a Wednesday night after working all day, order a couple pizzas and offer them a glass of wine (gotta keep it classy, lol).


BP Gift: Please, for the love of god, get them something they’ll like. Even if it’s a gift card to their favorite store, I’m sure they’ll get more use out of that than the $10 cheapy jewelry set that you found on sale at the bottom of the clearance bin at Boscovs. They’ve done so much for you over the last few months that you should really do all that you can to thank them and show that you actually care.


Day of: You’re probably going to be a basket of nerves but try to treat your girls with the utmost respect. The hours leading up to your wedding is NOT the time to have a pissed off bridesmaid. You’ve paid a lot of money for your pictures so I assume you’d like for everyone to atleast pretend to be happy in them.

4 Wedding GUEST Myths That Just Won’t Die

The Bride-to-Be Is the Point Person for Wedding Info

The bride-to-be is busy. Ever heard of wedding stress? Family is the number one reason for wedding stress, but simple busyness comes in at a close second. Sure, there’s plenty of downtime in the wedding planning process, but there is also plenty for the bride-to-be to do. Especially as the wedding date looms ever closer. Now there are those wedding guests who literally know no one other than the bride (old middle school chums, for instance) and so can’t exactly dial up the MOH out of the blue, but most other guests will know someone, like the MOB for instance, who can answer questions like “Will there be a vegetarian option at the reception” or “Would a summer suit be appropriate attire?”

There Is an Implied +1 or ‘and Guest’ On Your Wedding Invitation

This is one of those areas where weddings bring out the worst in people. It would never occur to me, were I invited to a conference or luncheon or going away party, to RSVP or worse yet, to just bring an “and guest” out of the blue. Then again, I take invitations at face value and there are apparently a whole lot of people who don’t. To avoid confusion, experts like myself recommend that everyone who is invited to a wedding be listed by name on the wedding invitation. That way, no one can claim ignorance.


The Couple Must Provide Free Booze/Cake/Hors d’œuvres/Etc.

What the couple is responsible for is serving some form of refreshments at the reception. Things the couple is not responsible for include helping you get your crunk on, making sure what is served is your favorite ever food, or having so much on hand to eat that wedding guests actually have to remove their pants after dinner. The wedding reception meal is one brunch or lunch or dinner out of a guest’s life, yet some guests get really cranky about it. And they shouldn’t. It would be entirely impossible for brides and grooms to take every single dietary particularity into account when planning the reception menu. Don’t like it? Don’t eat it, and don’t complain.


You Should Bring a Gift to the Wedding

Gifts for the bride and groom are an expected courtesy, and one made extra simply by the existence of online wedding registries that let you choose presents in your pajamas and have them sent along to the happy couple’s home. These days, no one other than the UPS man has to lug wedding gifts around. While I do see wedding gift tables set up at most receptions, bringing a gift to the wedding means that someone will be responsible for bringing said gift home from the wedding. And don’t brides and grooms and their families have enough to do post-reception without adding lugging gifts to the mix? Even if you don’t buy off the wedding registry – and you don’t have to – have your wedding gift sent along to the happy couple in advance of the big day.

464.....

Wedding Planning right now is at a standstill because we are ahead of the game at the moment, so it gives me some time to enjoy being engaged, think about the future and the new roles we will have as Husband and Wife.

I often look around for sources of inspiration and advice and always seem to here the common things: Communication, Respect, Trust and Love. All these things and more I have for Scott and I look forward to the day when we will be Husband and Wife.

Photo of the Week

This photo is from a Gorilla Nation Holiday Party.

Scott had just started working there in July and this was still early in us knowing each other. I remember him commenting on how beautiful I looked and me being me, having up my security wall, all I could do was smile. The party itself was interesting to say the least (but anyone that know a Gorilla event knows that to be true) but driving home that night all I could think about was him...

Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are [Official Video]

It makes me think of the words that Scott says to me when I hear this song....

Musiq Soulchild - Someone

Quote Of The Day

If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, then you have succeeded.

Paralyzed at her bachelorette party, bride to marry Friday

RALEIGH, N.C. — A year after she was paralyzed in poolside horseplay at her bachelorette party, Rachelle Friedman knows one thing she would change about her life before the injury.
"I wish we had danced together more because I love dancing so much, and we didn't do it enough," she says of her soon-to-be husband. "Looking back, I would have done it every night."
Friedman will finally make it down the aisle on Friday, marrying the man who has waited with her to exchange vows since the accident. She is wearing the same gown she chose for the first ceremony but with her father pushing her wheelchair down the aisle instead of walking her down it, arm in arm.

Also joining her will be the bridesmaid who shoved her into the shallow end of a pool on May 23, 2010 — causing a freak accident that changed their lives. The 25-year-old from Knightdale has stuck with her friend and refused to reveal her identity even as newspapers, television and Internet sites carried the story around the world.

"She was tragically hurt, mentally and emotionally. And I was tragically hurt, physically," Friedman says on a day that a tailor is altering her strapless, simple wedding dress to fit her new, thinner, less muscular body. "It's harder to deal with when you're hurt emotionally sometimes than when you're hurt physically."

Friedman was celebrating with her girlfriends in Virginia Beach, Va., about a month before she was supposed to be married last year when she was injured. After being pushed into the pool, she awkwardly hit the cement bottom. She knew immediately something was wrong.

"I instantly just stopped moving," Friedman says. She floated to the top, face up. Her friends were already in the water to help. This isn't a joke, she told them. Call 911.

The horseplay was no different from the way her friends had goofed around many times. Friedman could have just as easily pushed her friend in the water, she says. She refuses to even call the act a prank because that would imply some devious intent.

"People look at it like this is something that happened to me, but it happened to both of us," Friedman said of her friend.

Friedman is moving on with her life, learning how to play wheelchair rugby and using her knuckles instead of her fingers for tasks such as texting and responding to email.
Neither she nor her fiancé, Chris Chapman, ever considered deserting the other. They'd been together for almost five years when the accident happened.

"You have to know me and Chris to understand," Friedman says.
Chapman, a 28-year-old middle school science teacher in Spring Hope, echoes her.
"It was not, 'What am I going to do?'" he says. "It was, 'what are we doing to do?' ... I just didn't know what to do next. It was one step at a time."

The two will exchange vows in a ceremony at The Fearrington House in Pittsboro, with a reception in the village barn. Her favorite flowers, sunflowers, will take center stage. Wedding planning company 1-800-REGISTRY is paying for their ceremony and the honeymoon in Fiji.
"I'll be happy and relieved to see her coming down the aisle," Chapman says. "It's something we've been working on for quite a while."

The two grew up in Virginia Beach, but didn't meet until they were both students at East Carolina University in Greenville, becoming close friends while each dated other people. Once they started dating, he fell in love with her energy and personality.

"She was always positive, always upbeat, always ready to do something," he says. Now, he worries about keeping her active. He's learning to referee at wheelchair rugby, and she's trying to get a hand cycle so they can bicycle together. She also wants to learn wheelchair tennis.
"We're hoping to keep her active," he says. "And I'll go along and try to participate as much as I can."

Before she was injured, Friedman was a program coordinator at a senior activity center in Raleigh, where she planned parties and taught line dancing and light weightlifting. While the job didn't pay a lot, she felt blessed to be employed right out of college, to own a home with the man of her dreams and to be planning their wedding.

A typical day now is "kind of boring," she says. She often visits the senior center where she used to work and does whatever exercises she can at home. She has finished a round of rehab, but is considering more advanced treatment.

While she says she's accepted using a wheelchair, Friedman also talks about trying to raise about $15,000 to go to Project Walk in California for three months of therapy and housing. "They don't promise anything, but there are stories of people with my exact injury walking out of there," she says. "So it's hard not to try."

A more attainable goal awaits her after the wedding. The Beatles fan wants a tattoo of the peace sign drawn on the back of her neck, at the center, marking her injury. Underneath will be inked, "Let It Be."
"It symbolizes that I'm at peace with it," she says.

All things Chocolate

Of course with a Chocolate theme wedding, There must be chocolate... Here are a few ideas I might have up my sleeve...

Together as a TEAM

We all go through different things in our lives that teaches us more about ourselves and our mate. The challenges we have together we face head on and shine through. Scott and I have pledged to each other that we will stand together as one, face all obstacles that come our way and remember that we are a TEAM.

468 and counting......

Plus Size Wedding Dresses for Fall 2011 from Wedding Shoppe Inc.

Plus Size Wedding Dresses for Fall 2011 from Wedding Shoppe Inc.

See Monica's Wedding Dress

The dress is hers!

After a secret, quickie wedding last November, singer Monica and former L.A. Laker Shannon Brown wed for a second time July 9.

And this time, the R&B star, 30, and NBA hunk, 25, pulled out all the stops as they exchanged vows before 340 guests (including Missy Elliot and bridesmaid Ciara) at Vibiana, a church-turned-event space. Organized by celeb wedding planner Mindy Weiss, the romantic bash featured a 40-piece gospel choir, a blue color scheme and a menu including short ribs, Fatburgers and a lemon horse-and-carriage cake.

Oh, yeah, and that dress! For her walk down the aisle, the "Boy Is Mine" singer donned a custom, haute couture gown by Stephane Rolland--a fitted and corseted Ivory mermaid gazar dress draped with twisting satin organza, featuring a graphic waves train embroidered with crystal falls. She accessorized the stunning creation with $1 million in Joel Rosenberg jewels. (Monica changed into another Rolland dress, this one blue, for the reception.)
The mother to Rodney, 6, and Romelo, 3 (her kids from a previous relationship) tells Us: "Other than when my kids were born it was the best day of my life!"

TGIF!!!!

Scott is a Karaoke Genius when it comes to this song... Its even better when Brandon Turner is in the background doing a shimmy shuffle...LOL.

I SO WANT TO DO THIS..... LOVE LETTER AND WINE BOX

Here's an idea that will certainly grab the attention of the guests, add some pizzazz to your ceremony and incorporate a new twist into your celebration.

Here is what you will need:

A wooden wine box

a bottle of your favorite wine

two love letters sealed in separate envelopes

a small hammer and several nails, or a custom made wine box with two keys.

A few weeks before the wedding, take some time to each write a letter to one another, expressing your thoughts about the good qualities that you found in your future partner, the reasons for falling in love with them and your hopes and dreams for the future. In other words, you write a "love letter" to each other and place it in a sealed envelope, with the name of your partner on the outside. Do not read what the other has written.
Be creative with the box by putting foam inside to support the wine bottle. Line the inside with satin material. You can also include CDs of your favorite music, favorite pictures of you together, and other mementos making it your own romantic time capsule. Keep the box in a place of honor as a constant visual reminder of your love and commitment to each other. The box can be a life preserver in years to come.


The Wine Box should be opened on your 1th wedding anniversary.
There is only one other reason the box should be opened before your anniversary. If there should come a time when you hit a bumpy road in your relationship, before you give up or make any irrational decisions, open the Wine Box. The hope is that there will never be a reason to have to open the box except on your anniversary!

Hit a rough spot in your relationship? Sit down together, open the box, uncork the wine and unseal the envelopes that you wrote for one another before your wedding, go to separate rooms and quietly read the love letter.

Even if you are not seeing eye-to-eye at that very moment, it will remind you of all the reasons you choose this person as your partner and all the things that helped shape the life they've created together. Never take your blessings of being together for granted.
The romantic sentiments you wrote, the declaration of love, the clear thoughts about why you chose this person as your life partner will help put you back on even ground. This is the perfect ritual to remind you of your wedding day and your intention to love and cherish each other in good times and bad for as long as you both shall live.

Toward the end of your ceremony the Officiant will state the purpose of the "Love Letter & Wine Box Ceremony."

The Officiant will elaborate on the reasons for the sealed love letters, place the sealed envelopes in with the wine bottle and will speak about the exercise that you went through. It should be emphasized that the letters have not been read by the Officiant or by anyone else.

The box will then be nailed shut. The Officiant begins with the first nail, followed by the Bride and Groom sealing the box shut. You can have each member of your wedding party step up and nail the box shut.

If you use a custom made wine box with two keys, the bride and groom each use a key and lock the box.

Your guests will be pleased to have been a witness to something so unique and different at your wedding ceremony.
• • •
Copyright ©
2011 - Larry James. All rights reserved.
• • •

After this there are several options. Originally you were to never open the box unless your marriage was in trouble. You were suppose to open the box, have a glass of wine with each other, and give each other the letters to read before any rash decision was to be made.

You can also open it on your 1st anniversary, write letters again about the first year of your marriage and again why you fell in love ect and seal it again until your 5th, 10th, 20th, ect.

Bridal Party Ideas

So I know that I have time before my wedding to think of things to do but I would LOVE to try and get my Bridal Party together for some bonding time. Im trying to figure out the best way to do so and here are a few things I came up with:

1. Dinner


2. Karaoke


3. Amusement Park


4. Happy Hour

If anyone else has any ideas, let me know.

471.....

Jacelyn's Creation

My daughter is so excited about Scott and I getting married (As you probably have seen from her video tribute to us) that she has created a collage of her new family unit to share....Enjoy.

Mariah Carey;Joe;98 Degrees - Thank God I Found You

Photo of the Week

This Photo of the Week is Scott and I on my 30th Birthday at Disneyland.

We met at a company, Gorilla Nation Media, and I had been working there for almost 4 years when layoffs hit me 4 days before my birthday. Scott was still there (for another 2 months before he left) and knew that I was not up for too many things because of what happened, So the best way to pick a girl up when she is feeling down is to take her to Disneyland to celebrate her birthday. We had lunch at Blue Bayou, Rode the rides, and it was truly one of the best birthdays I had ever had.

10 Ways to Ruin a Wedding

1. Speak Up During the Ceremony

We've heard the horror stories — the "Are you sure?" from the minister, the "Don't do it man" groomsmen comment and the vocal grandmother using her time as reader at the pulpit to offer her humble opinion. Yikes.

Instead: If you have information on either the bride or groom that could be a relationship game changer, the ceremony is not the time to reveal it. Any reservations about the relationship should be brought up in private long before the ceremony.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 5 out of 5

2. Stick Your Finger in the Cake

Believe it or not, guests do this. There's nothing cute or okay about touching the piece de resistance of the reception menu. Besides the sanitary factor, wedding cakes are expensive and should only be handled by three people: the bride, the groom and the caterer.

Instead: It sounds ridiculous and should go without saying, but if you can't get close to a wedding cake without touching it, don't go near it.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 3 out of 5

3. Wear White

We don't care if it's the middle of summer and your little white sundress is the most flattering thing in your closet. Do not, we repeat, do not wear white to someone else's wedding. Most brides have been looking forward to their moment in the spotlight — as the only one in white. While it's true no one could possibly upstage the bride, it's considered the ultimate guest dress no-no. The other color to avoid wearing at a wedding? Bright red.

Instead: Colorful tones like pinks, yellows and purples are all fair game. Just stay away from anything in the white and ivory color family.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 3 out of 5

4. Use the Wedding to Hook Up

Yes, it's true, a wedding is a great place to meet other singles — there's a great venue, lighting, food, everyone is dressed to the nines — but please refrain from using the reception like you would a club. In other words, no making out on the dance floor with the bride's cousin or the groom's brother. Do you really want to be that guest?

Instead: Hey, if sparks are really flying, feel free to ask for a number and make a date.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 4 out of 5

5. Give a Roast Toast

Just because you have a microphone in your hand that doesn't give you free rein to tell the most outrageous college drinking story or reveal what happened in Vegas. It's also not the time to talk about old boyfriends or reveal the groom's most embarrassing habits.

Instead: Give your speech the grandma test. If it's not PG-rated and something you'd be comfortable telling her, it's not wedding reception toast material.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 4 out of 5

6. Drink Too Much

Your friend's wedding celebration is just that — it's not a fraternity party. Know your limit and don't go over it. Making a fool of yourself in front of everyone, falling all over the place or leaving the party early because you couldn't handle your liquor isn't the way you want your best friend's new wife to remember you, is it?

Instead: Save the shots for the bachelor party.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 3 out of 5

7. Let the Kids Run Wild

You know the scene: the shrieking kids terrorizing the dance floor during dinner, the toddler tantrum during the toast, the loud baby screaming over the vows during the ceremony — all potentially nightmare situations for the couple getting married, not to mention the other guests.

Instead: Confirm that there's child care available at the reception and make arrangements, or leave the kiddies at home for the evening.Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 4 out of 5

8. Spill Anything on the Bride

That gorgeous white wedding dress more than likely cost the bride a couple thousand. And while she probably won't have another reason to wear it again, a drink spilled on the wedding dress still ranks as one of the worst mistakes a guest could make.

Instead: You can't be too careful holding a beverage near the bride. If you have a glass of red wine or Coke in your hand, put it down.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 5 out of 5

9. Hit on the Waitstaff

It might sound crass (because it is), but we've heard plenty of stories of rowdy guests corralling the waitstaff to dance with them. Not only is it completely inappropriate, it'll be really embarrassing when the catering manager pulls you aside to file a formal harassment complaint.

Instead: Uh, just don't?

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 3 out of 5

10. Tell the DJ to Change the Music

At your wedding, you get to choose the music. Otherwise, the tunes aren't in your control. You could end up requesting a song that was on the couple's do-not-play list (like, say, one with unsettling sentimental feelings attached).

Instead: Unless the bride or groom expressly asks you to talk to the band or DJ about a song request, keep your song suggestions to yourself.

Totally Ruined Wedding Scale: 4 out of 5

How to Find a Plus-Size Wedding Dress....

Q: “I’m a plus-size bride and am having trouble finding a flattering dress. Any idea of what I should look for?” —Katherine, Seattle

A: In the past, I have helped many plus-sized brides find their ultimate gown. It is a process of finding out what you have envisioned and melding that idea with what looks flattering on curvier figures. There are many gown silhouettes that can look great, depending on what you would like to highlight and what you would like to hide.

Here are my Top 10 suggestions for finding the perfect dress for you:

Find a bridal boutique or salon that gives personalized service and will spend a little extra time working with you to help you with your concerns.

Go shopping with a very good, uplifting support strapless bra, preferably a bustier, as it will be low enough in the back to accommodate most gowns.

Focus on dresses with fuller skirts. They balance the body and make the hips and waist appear slimmer.

Wrap-around or criss-cross designs at the waist are good for hiding tummy issues.

Avoid gowns with horizontal design lines, stripes or patterns—they will widen the body.

Make sure that custom bodices (built to your measurements) are available if you are very “gifted” on top!

Higher V-neck, sweetheart or straight-across necklines are the most flattering on plus-size women.

Elongate the midriff—it will make your top and bottom appear smaller. Look for dresses with either an empire seam or dropped waist seam.

Think simple and long in design, elegant and luscious in fabrics, and stay away from too much beaded or appliquéd detail – it can draw attention to the parts that we want to cover.

Lastly, remember that designer sizing usually runs about a size or two smaller than everyday dress sizes. Sizes 16 and up are couture plus sizes. Remember this is only a number and not to take it too literally.

The most important part of finding your gown is to have fun. Make sure you choose a boutique or salon that has helpful and warm consultants, that you feel comfortable, and that they have the knowledge to help you with your concerns. Gowns are designed for all shapes and sizes, so there is a perfect, gorgeous gown out there waiting for you!

Love and Loss...

Today would have been my Uncle Junior's birthday and My Aunt Bea (God I Love Her) is having a hard time with it today. My Uncle passed away suddenly 7 years ago and the pain of him not being here is still very fresh to her. I could not imagine my life without Scott and I hurt a little for her and my cousins today.

When you find a life partner, your best friend, lover and companion you never really do think of loosing them in any way but I'm sure when it does, the pain is great and the heartache is even greater.

I pray that my Aunt Bea is going to have a good day......Hugs to my family.

Time Flies

Even thought we have over a year until the big day, the countdown seems to be ticking away very quickly. The closer it gets, the more and more I anticipate it. There seems to be so much for us to do and with the time moving so quickly, I will have to learn that whatever we have will do because when it is all said and done, We will be Mr. and Mrs. Cameron no matter what.


In addition to that, I feel like all my thoughts are geared towards being a wife. I try and look at people around me and see how they handle things because I want to be a good wife for Scott.... He deserves that and so much more. I try to also remember that we are a team and when the going gets tough, the tough get tougher!

That being said, I am going to move forward, be patience and it will all work it self out....

473 days and counting.....

Wedding dresses, cakes, bridal accessories, hair, makeup, favors, wedding planning & other ideas for brides | Wedding Inspirasi

Wedding dresses, cakes, bridal accessories, hair, makeup, favors, wedding planning & other ideas for brides Wedding Inspirasi

Robin Thicke - The Sweetest Love

Wedding Favors

With a Chocolate Theme Wedding should come Chocolate wedding favors but with so many to choose from and so many ideas, what are we to do... here are a few that I thought would be fun to have but, as always, we are open to suggestions....

Great Scripture....

Toilet paper wedding dress winner wipes competition away

BOCA RATON, Fla. — A Michigan woman's toilet paper creation earned her top honors in the seventh annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest.

Susan Brennan of Orchard Lake, Mich., was one of five contestants vying to become the grand prize winner Thursday at Boca Raton Bridal in Florida.

The competition judges the best bridal dresses made out of toilet paper. Dresses are judged on creativity, originality, beauty and use of toilet paper.

Brennan says her dress was inspired by nature. The dress was created with four rolls of toilet paper, hot glue and packing tape.

Laura Lee of Milpitas, Calif., came in second place.

Lee says she was inspired by how new brides want to look and feel in their wedding dresses. She used five rolls of one-ply toilet paper, transparent duct tape, first aid tape and spray adhesive to make her dress.

Cynthia Richards of Marietta, Ga., finished third.

Richards says her dress was inspired by her business partner's dream. She used 20 rolls of toilet paper, duct tape, hot glue, Mod Podge glue and fabric glue to make the dress.

As grand prize winner, Brennan takes home $1,000. Lee takes home $500 for her second-place finish, and Richards takes home $250 for her third-place finish

This never gets old....

Love him more and more with each passing day.........

HAPPY CHOCOLATE DAY

Since our wedding colors are Chocolate, Vanilla and Red Velvet (Or as Scott would say Brown, White and Red) I thought it would be fun to post some of our favorite Chocolate treats in honor of this special day.... Enjoy!

Photo of the Week

To bring a smile to people's face, this photo of the week was taken after an intense day of Black Friday shopping. This is the silly part of us that we both love in each other. I love to laugh with Scott, it makes me feel a little child like and lets me know that life with him will have those fun moments for sure.

Wedding Planning Advice

So I know that I am not an expert on the subject as of yet, but I feel like more and more I learn new things about wedding planning and here is what I know so far:

1. Having a separate email for wedding emails is the best way to go...if not, you will be flooded with multiple emails a day which you might not need


2. Planning at least a year out is good, if that's what you want to do. We are more than a year out and I feel good about it. Having a great day to symbolize the union of you and your mate is ideal and even better if its the way you want it to be.


3. A wedding web site is a great way for friends and family to get to know you as a couple. Its also a great way to share information about your special day.


4. Looking for a venue can be difficult, but make sure you have an open mind and stick to your budget.


5. Speaking of budget, let the budget be your friend. Stay on track with it as much as you can and let it be your guide.


6. Finally, remember the day is not about everyone else, it is about the 2 of you. Communicate, Agree and Enjoy as much as you can. Scott and I have been doing all those things during this process and it is working well so far(Cross your fingers it continues that way) and I am glad to have a partner in him.

I hope these few tips help someone out there in their journey to marriage.

480 days and counting......

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

MY FISHERMAN

Happy 4th

Scott is out with the guys fishing and I will admit, I miss him but I'm glad he is having fun.

Hope everyone has a beautiful 4th and be safe out there!!!


Jasmine

Musiq - Dontchange