Friday, August 29, 2014

11 Signs You're With The Person You Should Marry

By Dr. Tina Tessina for YourTango.com


Do men have biological clocks? Yes, they do! A man can feel the need to grow up and have a family, especially when he finds a woman who inspires those feelings in him. The problem is, how can you be sure the match is a good one?

You'd think the positive signs in a date would be obvious, but with all the excitement, the most important clues can be overlooked. What makes for a great date may not be all you need for a great relationship. This checklist of positive signs will help you evaluate your date in a realistic manner. If you get a lot of these positives, this date might be a good choice for marriage.


1. He has a sense of humor.
Of all the characteristics that are essential for getting through life successfully, a sense of humor has to be in the top ten. But what kind of a sense of humor? Joking at someone else's expense or at inappropriate times can be counter-productive. Using jokes to avoid taking responsibility for one's behavior can prevent you from solving problems. The sense of humor you're looking for is the generous, positive kind that makes life more fun and the tough times easier. If your date can make your laugh and lift your spirits, that talent may help you through some future difficulties.


2. He cares about what you think.
A date who asks for and listens to your opinions and feelings, and better yet, who remembers what you say and builds on it later, and who responds with empathy, sincerity and caring, is someone you can communicate with and therefore, more likely to be able to form a partnership with you. If you pay attention, you can quickly notice the difference between the appearance of caring and real caring. If your relationship is successful, you'll have years of talking to each other, so find someone who is interesting to talk to and also interested in talking with you. Your date should be able to carry on an interesting discussion on a variety of topics and at least show interest, even if the topic is not something he or she is familiar with.


3. He has an opinion, too.
A truly good conversationalist not only listens to your words and responds, but also has ideas and opinions. Your date should not hesitate to disagree with you or to bring up new topics.


4. He can work things out with you.
Recent research shows that the single most important quality that determines whether a relationship can succeed is how well the couple solves problems. If you have a disagreement while dating, welcome it as an opportunity to see how well the two of work it out together. If you can discuss your differences without becoming defensive or sarcastic, and you can listen to each other and work together toward a solution, your relationship has an excellent chance.


5. He accepts who you are.
A popular book asserts that "Men Are From Mars, And Women Are From Venus," but I think it's more that we're all from different planets. You and your date are unique, special and individual and need to be able to understand each other and accept that you'll perceive things very differently. Even when you and your date see things differently, you should be able to agree to disagree. Remember, the security and comfort in your relationship will come from where you and your partner are similar, and the excitement and growth in the relationship are generated from your differences. Different interests, opinions, attitudes and ideas will keep things fresh and alive between you. If your date does not become defensive or threatened by your differences, you can be interesting to each other for a long time.


6. He is open.
The whole point of dating, as we said before, is to get to know each other. While you both may want to take a little time before disclosing too much, your date should be comfortable talking about him or herself, and it should not be like pulling teeth to find out what you need to know.


7. He has a life with a job, friends, family relationships and interests.
A date who has a full, interesting life you would want to be a part of is more likely to be a healthy, balanced person. While it's important to have some relaxation time and time to meditate or think, a life that includes a good career, hobbies or sports, community service and friends and/or family is reassurance that your date is motivated, focused and able to relate.


8. He seeks out knowledge.
Your date doesn't need to be a member of Mensa or a mathematical genius, but look for enough intelligence that you can respect and admire each other. There are several kinds of intelligence, from school learning to independent education by reading, working, traveling and life experiences. An airhead who looks good and may be fun to play with will not keep you interested for long. A date who is not interested in learning and growing intellectually may not be able to keep up over the long haul.


9. His modesty, humility and ego are balanced.
As you learn about this new person you're dating, observe his or her character and personality for signs of a balanced sense of self. If your date can keep success and failure in perspective, admit personal shortcomings, and rise above disappointments and losses, he or she does have a balanced personality and the kind of resilience that can travel through life's highs and lows and keep it all in perspective.


10. He is emotionally mature.
While it's fun and charming to be able to be childlike when in a playful mood, it's essential to be an adult whenever necessary. A date who is responsible, self-regulating, emotionally responsive, motivated, and in control of his or her impulses is capable of being a supportive, fully participating partner -- no matter what joys and sorrows, successes and failures you may face in the course of a lifetime.


11. He has a healthy history of relationships.
Of course, if both of you are dating again, your relationship history will probably not be perfect. What counts is whether your date has learned from the problems, confronted his or her own weaknesses and shortcomings and grown as a result of the setbacks. If your date is willing to talk openly about his or her past relationships and can explain what went wrong and how he or she is learning to correct the problems, the difficulties in past relationships can be an asset rather than a liability. If your date expresses a willingness to seek counseling in the event that problems should occur, score that in his or her favor.


Remember, a smart date will be watching for the same characteristics in you. To do well in a relationship, learn to be the partner you would like to be.


This article originally appeared on YourTango.com

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Questions to Ask Your Cake Baker

What are my filling choices?

Why You Want to Know: Whether you're looking for a fruity filling, like strawberry or orange, or a heavier mocha or chocolate, the type of ingredients used will make all the difference in taste. Some common filling ingredients: fresh fruits or purees, mousses and buttercream.

Do you work with fondant or buttercream?

Why You Want to Know: Some bakers specialize in fondant, while others prefer buttercream. Others do both. If you have your heart set on one type of frosting, confirm your baker can make it.

Can you make sugar flowers? If I choose fresh blooms, will you work with my florist?

Why You Want to Know: Most bakers can create sugar flowers for your cake; others may be able to create custom motifs or sculptural elements. Ask to see pictures of past work to get a feel for what they specialize in. If you decide to garnish with fresh flowers, ask if your baker will partner with your florist (most will).

How far in advance will my wedding cake be prepared?

Why You Want to Know: Many bakers have multiple clients, so don’t be surprised if the baker makes your cake three to four days prior to your wedding day. Of course the closer to your wedding date, the better, but a few days in advance shouldn’t impact the taste or look and may be necessary if you want a complicated design that takes more than a day to execute.

Who will make my wedding cake?

Why You Want to Know: Some bakeries house a baker and a designer; at others, one person creates the entire cake from batter to sugar flowers. Find out how many people work with the baker and who exactly will be making your cake. The number of people involved should have no bearing on the quality of your cake, but you’ll want to talk design with the right person.

How are your wedding cakes priced?

Why You Want to Know: It's common for wedding cakes to be priced by the slice. And the price will increase depending on the complexity of flavors and fillings you're after (and how detailed the design is). This goes for custom-designed cakes as well.

Does the wedding cake price include the top tier?

Why You Want to Know: Depending on the baker, the top tier may or may not be included in the overall price. Find out the cake baker's policy, and whether having a top tier will increase the price. Our favorite bakers include the top tier—the one many couples save for their first anniversary—for free.

Do you provide cake stands?

Why You Want to Know: Most bakers have a variety of cake stands you can rent for day-of use. Ask to see pictures to determine what will match best with your cake and décor.

What is the delivery process?

Why You Want to Know: It’s best to have the wedding cake delivered to the reception. Some bakers will charge a delivery fee, so ask them from the start and factor it into your cake budget.

Is the baker licensed by the state?

Why You Want to Know: It may seem like a silly question, but it's worth verifying that your baker is licensed by the state health department.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes

If you're anything like us, you can't resist a sweet (maybe even a little sappy!) love quote. Read on for 20 romantic love quotes that are sure to inspire, and then send your favorite to your sweetheart!
 
 
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly
20 Oh-So-Romantic Love Quotes || Lover.ly

To Share or Not to Share? That Is the Engagement-Period Question

Engagement Social Media Etiquette
Photo: Getty Images

 
In the afterglow of an engagement or in the throes of wedding planning, it's simple — if not natural! — to take to social media, sharing every photo, every idea and even a countdown to your big day. But a recent study revealed that people dislike others who post too many details about their relationships, sappy messages to their partner and "relfies" (selfies taken with your significant other).

"Too often, we end up comparing ourselves to others and wondering if we are being shortchanged in life — especially when it comes to relationships," explains Shannon Belew, author of The Art of Social Selling. "The problem escalates when sharing becomes a seemingly endless stream of status updates and pictures from these super cute and happy couples. And as you would expect, newly-engaged couples and brides have a tendency to over share."

So what's a bride-to-be to do? While there's no magic formula to prevent over-sharing, these simple tips should keep you from losing Facebook friends.

— Make sure you're mixing up the number and type of posts you're putting online each day. "Balance out the number of all-about-you posts by sharing and commenting on posts from others," suggest Belew. "And share a greater amount of non-personal posts, like trending videos, interesting articles and news."

— Consider sharing milestone events when in comes to your engagement and wedding, such as your engagement party and bridal shower photos, and leave out the updates on your floral choices.

— "If you're worried you might be crossing the line of over-sharing, look to your friends for confirmation," Belew says. "Indicators that you're over-sharing often come directly from your friends' responses — or their lack of responses." So if the number of likes or positive comments on your posts start to dwindle, consider dialing it back a bit.

— Friends, family members and especially coworkers who see you post about your engagement and wedding but who are not involved in your planning or big day could be resentful of your updates. "You may also want to consider creating a specific list of your closest friends and post the majority of updates only to that list," Belew suggest. "Then, you can make sure that fewer posts go out to your 'public' list of Facebook contacts."

— But perhaps most importantly: "Don't feel bad about sharing exciting engagement and wedding news — it is your special day after all!" Belew says. "And your friends generally want to share in that happiness, but in measured amounts. Think about how you feel when friends over-share. If you can honestly admit that it's at a level where you would be irritated by the barrage of happiness, then your friends are probably over it, too."

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

The Story Behind the Shirt This Bride Wore for Her Wedding Is Too Sweet!

When we spotted this story on Offbeat Bride, we all swooned a little bit. Because not only does the bride's skirt-and-shirt combo look great on her...the fact that it's the shirt she wore on her first date with her groom makes it even more special!
 
 
The Story Behind the Shirt This Bride Wore for Her Wedding Is Too Sweet!
The Story Behind the Shirt This Bride Wore for Her Wedding Is Too Sweet!
The Story Behind the Shirt This Bride Wore for Her Wedding Is Too Sweet!
The Story Behind the Shirt This Bride Wore for Her Wedding Is Too Sweet!
 
 
Isn't she adorable?! Be sure to check out all the photos from the wedding; the bride and groom make the cutest couple and they looked like they had an awesome time on their wedding day!

7 Ways To Make Your Cocktail Hour More Fun

Instead of asking yourselves how to keep the kids occupied during the cocktail hour or reception, think about your entire guest list. Great food and drink is a must, but even better is to add a few games or ice-breakers to get guests mixing and mingling before they sit down to dinner. Creative ideas below!


Croquet On The Lawn

Croquet
Amber Housley via ElizabethAnneDesigns.com

A Giant Jenga Set (You can actually buy one of these sets here!)


Cocktail Table Tic-Tac-Toe!


Customized Cornhole


Host A Mini Petting Zoo


An Oversized Chalkboard Word Search


Word Search
Jules Bianchi via ComeOnIlene.com

A Caricature Artist


Monday, August 25, 2014

Around the world in 66 weddings: British couple have now had traditional marriage ceremonies across the globe - but they're yet to legally tie the knot

A British couple have said 'I do' 66 times in a bid to find the perfect wedding location.

Hopeless romantics Alex Pelling and Lisa Gant, from Manchester, have spent the last three years travelling the globe and have been married 66 times along the way.
The couple have had a traditional wedding ceremony in every destination they have visited on their journey - but are yet to legally tie the knot.


The Mancunian lovebirds at their most recent ceremony in Pakistan, where they're currently based
The Mancunian lovebirds at their most recent ceremony in Pakistan, where they're currently based
Lisa, 32, and Alex, 34, had been friends for eight years when they began dating in 2008.

In 2011, after four years living together, Alex and Lisa made the brave decision to uproot their lives and follow their dream to relocate in Australia, beginning their location hunt.

Just one day after they said I do for the first time in a traditional ceremony in their hometown of Didsbury, they started their search for the very best place Down Under.
 

The couple rented out their house and sold their possessions to get funding for their trip. Lisa quit her job as a retail manager for Marks and Spencer while Alex sold his car body repair business.

On their way to Australia, the couple decided to travel the world and their idea slowly transformed into finding the best place in the world to wed, by trying each one out, embracing the local marriage cultures and traditions as much as possible in every location.

Their aim was to find the most exceptional and unique wedding locations possible, blogging about their experiences so others could better chose where to tie the knot themselves.

During their third wedding in Michigan in 2011, near the beginning of their search
During their third wedding in Michigan in 2011, near the beginning of their search

Shortly after this first ceremony in Didsbury, the pair quit their jobs for a trip around the world
Shortly after this first ceremony in Didsbury, the pair quit their jobs for a trip around the world


A vintage-style English wedding that was held in Didsbury just before the couple started their journey - they flew to Canada the very next day
A vintage-style English wedding that was held in Didsbury just before the couple started their journey - they flew to Canada the very next day
Alex said: 'Lisa and I are crazy romantics - we had looked at getting married in the UK but found that most things on offer were very conventional and we really are not.
'So we thought about looking for unusual places to get married in each country as we travelled around.
'We thought we would share our experiences via a blog for those out-of-the-box thinkers like ourselves that didn't fancy the usual wedding.
The couple getting hitched on an Air Tahiti flight on their incredible journey
The couple getting hitched on an Air Tahiti flight on their incredible journey

Hilton Waikaloa Village in Hawaii during one of their weddings - but they're yet to legally marry
Hilton Waikaloa Village in Hawaii during one of their weddings - but they're yet to legally marry

Taking part in a traditional Peruvian wedding on their 21st Big Day in Peru in June 2012
Taking part in a traditional Peruvian wedding on their 21st Big Day in Peru in June 2012

'Then, a bottle of wine or two later, we decided it would be a good idea to have a ceremony everywhere we went so we could experience them all first hand.
'Our friends and family thought we were crazy, but once we explained the idea they loved it - as long as we didn't get legally married by accident.
'The point of our journey is to experience the way other cultures celebrate marriage. It is one ritual that the whole world has in common - unity.'
Guatemala, where hopeless romantics Alex Pelling and Lisa Gant, from Manchester, got 'married'
Guatemala, where hopeless romantics Alex Pelling and Lisa Gant, from Manchester, got 'married'

The couple after their traditional Guatemalan wedding which took place on the terrace of a hotel with stunning views of the three volcanoes. The Xaman lit a fire of cigars, rose petals and candles and made offerings to the Gods and held the ceremony in Mayan
The couple after their traditional Guatemalan wedding which took place on the terrace of a hotel with stunning views of the three volcanoes. The Xaman lit a fire of cigars, rose petals and candles and made offerings to the Gods and held the ceremony in Mayan

The beautiful Villa de Leyva was the location for this traditional Colombian farmer style wedding. Lisa arrived at on a donkey and they had a sheep as a guest 'as it is tradition'
The beautiful Villa de Leyva was the location for this traditional Colombian farmer style wedding. Lisa arrived at on a donkey and they had a sheep as a guest 'as it is tradition'

After a traditional Mayan service in Quintana Roo, Mexico, the couple had an underwater photography session
After a traditional Mayan service in Quintana Roo, Mexico, the couple had an underwater photography session

A map of Alex and Lisa's extrodinary journey around the globe
A map of Alex and Lisa's extrodinary journey around the globe

Their blog has had millions of views, and their Facebook page has more than 47,000 followers, as they experience the wonderful variety of cultures and traditions around the world. 
Introducing themselves on their blog the couple say: 'We are Lisa and Alex, a couple in love, who, on failing to find the answer to the all important question; ‘Where can we get married’, decided to have a wedding ceremony in every country we visit in search of the perfect place to tie the knot!

‘On an adventure of a lifetime, we are going to drive (and ship) around the globe in our 27-year-old camper van Peggy exchanging vows in the most unusual and unique wedding locations we can find.
‘Not wanting to drag a "White wedding" around the World, we decided to try our hardest to embrace the culture and local traditions of each place we visit.

‘We want to experience the difference in every ceremony and find out what it is that makes the bringing of two people together, such a worldwide tradition, and of course let YOU know!’
A million-dollar yacht, a chapel and, you guessed it...a wedding! Lisa and Alex's Bora Bora nuptials

A million-dollar yacht, a canoe chapel and, you guessed it... a wedding! Lisa and Alex's Bora Bora nuptials
A million-dollar yacht, a canoe chapel and, you guessed it... a wedding! Lisa and Alex's Bora Bora nuptials

This wedding was held at Mitad del Mundo (the middle of the world) in Ecuador, where artist Cristobal Ortega held the ceremony. The highlight, say the couple, was being blessed with smoke by the entire congregation
This wedding was held at Mitad del Mundo (the middle of the world) in Ecuador, where artist Cristobal Ortega held the ceremony. The highlight, say the couple, was being blessed with smoke by the entire congregation

A Texan ranch wedding held in a stunning location Las Brisas Farm. The entire wedding was made completely from reclaimed materials and covered in fairy lights. The couple clambered on hay bales and Alex even lassoed his bride!
A Texan ranch wedding held in a stunning location Las Brisas Farm. The entire wedding was made completely from reclaimed materials and covered in fairy lights. The couple clambered on hay bales and Alex even lassoed his bride!
Truly Traditional Tahitian Tying of the Knot!

A truly traditional Tahitian tying of the knot! The wedding took place in a Tiki village on the island of Moorea
A truly traditional Tahitian tying of the knot! The wedding took place in a Tiki village on the island of Moorea


The wedding in Utila, Honduras, took place at a magical wonderland all created by one man. Glass marbles, coloured stones and pottery, even cutlery adorns every surface making the place sparkle in the amazing sunlight
The wedding in Utila, Honduras, took place at a magical wonderland all created by one man. Glass marbles, coloured stones and pottery, even cutlery adorns every surface making the place sparkle in the amazing sunlight

A wedding in Portugal which included a tour of Lisbon by tram, motorbike and sidecar. The wedding was held on the highest point in Lisbon overlooking the stunning city
A wedding in Portugal which included a tour of Lisbon by tram, motorbike and sidecar. The wedding was held on the highest point in Lisbon overlooking the stunning city

The couple have experienced a vast range of unorthodox ceremonies in more than 30 countries, including a vampire wedding in LA.
They have also enjoyed their 'big day' in destinations most people can only dream about, such as Las Vegas, New York, Hawaii, Marrakech and Bora Bora.
They've tied the knot in an ancient Pagan ritual in Lithuania, and even had a topless Embera tribe wedding in Embera, Panama where they were painted with traditional tribal tattoo designs and beads.
Their experiences have been supported by local experts including shamans, Zulu chiefs in South Africa, pastors, vicars, rabbis and even a Voodoo priestess.
And even got married 30,000 feet above ground on board a flight to Tahiti.
Lisa donned a bikini for some of the topless ceremony

The couple's topless Embera tribe wedding in Embera, Panam,a saw them adorned with ink and traditional beads
The couple's topless Embera tribe wedding in Embera, Panam,a saw them adorned with ink and traditional beads

The incredible ceremony at the 'Centre of the World' in Quito, Ecuador
The incredible ceremony at the 'Centre of the World' in Quito, Ecuador
Lisa throws her bouquet after the couple's Ecuadorian nuptials
Lisa throws her bouquet after the couple's Ecuadorian nuptials


The wedding in the Toledo Villages of Belize was conducted with the help of the TEA Belize, a volunteer organisation who helps the local villagers see some of the benefits and profits of eco-tourism
The wedding in the Toledo Villages of Belize was conducted with the help of the TEA Belize, a volunteer organisation who helps the local villagers see some of the benefits and profits of eco-tourism

After the wedding Seattle, which took place in the Pike Place Market. Alex and Lisa are the second couple to marry at the market
After the wedding Seattle, which took place in the Pike Place Market. Alex and Lisa are the second couple to marry at the market

At the Chappelle St Agnes Vineyard in Quebec. 'We stumbled upon the amazing European-inspired vineyard, complete with chapel and heart shaped lake, while on a wine tour'
At the Chappelle St Agnes Vineyard in Quebec. 'We stumbled upon the amazing European-inspired vineyard, complete with chapel and heart shaped lake, while on a wine tour'

Lisa said: 'We are together 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and live in a 6 feet by 16 feet space in the camper van.
'And we take it turns to make each other breakfast in bed every day.
'If there is anything that can make a couple sure that they are meant to be together it is surviving this trip without a single argument.
'But we still get nervous before every single ceremony.'
Lisa and Alex's pagan wedding in Lithuania
Lisa and Alex's pagan wedding in Lithuania

Their Turkish wedding was in two parts: first, the couple took part in a A henna ceremony before marrying on a boat against a backdrop of ancient tombs
Their Turkish wedding was in two parts: first, the couple took part in a A henna ceremony before marrying on a boat against a backdrop of ancient tombs
The El Salvador wedding took place at sunset on the beach
The El Salvador wedding took place at sunset on the beach


Wedding on horseback! The couple married in Banff, Alberta, Canada at  Warner's stables. It was Lisa's first ever time on a horse and Alex wore a cowboy outfit on their big day
Wedding on horseback! The couple married in Banff, Alberta, Canada at Warner's stables. It was Lisa's first ever time on a horse and Alex wore a cowboy outfit on their big day

The wedding in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was held in crashed plane with a mysterious history overlooking the coast of the beautiful country
The wedding in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was held in crashed plane with a mysterious history overlooking the coast of the beautiful country

After their wedding in Chile. The couple wore typical huasa and huaso for the wedding in the small fishing village Horcon. People gathered around to wish them well after the small intimate ceremony
After their wedding in Chile. The couple wore typical huasa and huaso for the wedding in the small fishing village Horcon. People gathered around to wish them well after the small intimate ceremony

Each wedding, along with its preparation is captured by a photographer, who also shares their experience on the couple's website.

Their first wedding was a traditional English ceremony in Manchester, attended by 40 of their closest friends.

Lisa chose a stunning cream Charlotte Balbier gown, which she has worn at 14 of her subsequent weddings (including one underwater!), and carried a bouquet of peonies, sweet Williams, lavender, mint and vintage English rosebuds for her dream ceremony.

‘I felt like a very spoilt princess!’ Lisa says on her blog. ‘About 30-40 of our family and friends sat there to see our first wedding!'
And the loved-up pair have no plans to stop until they find their dream spot.
Pictured in Ireland last April on their 41st wedding, a Celtic ceremony on the beach of Doonbeg Lodge
Pictured in Ireland last April on their 41st wedding, a Celtic ceremony on the beach of Doonbeg Lodge