Setting a theme for the party is easy to do. Just announce it on the invitations and address what sort of gift should be brought. Some ideas for theme parties are:
- For the honeymoon: Guests bring gifts that would be useful on the honeymoon. Be sure to include the brides size requirements. It is also wise to include any allergies to fruit since some gifts, like edible body gels, may include actual fruit extracts.
- For the kitchen: This can include not only cooking utensils, but food. Encourage guests to help the couple stock their new kitchen. You can go a step further by requesting special gadgets, like sandwich machines and indoor grills.
- Garden Party: This party theme is for the gardening bride. Have guests bring things to help the bride establish a garden at her new home. Guests can bring tools, flowers or even clipping from their own garden.
These are just a few ideas on theme parties, but they should give you a good starting spot. You can see that giving the guests a set theme idea will help them easily chose a gift.
Another way to help guests chose a good bridal shower gift is to have each guest bring a gift that will then be put together to make a larger gift. Here are some examples:
- Bring a quilt square: Each quest decorates a quilt square to bring to the party which is then constructed for the bride by the party host. Be sure to include the measurement requirements for each individual square in the invitation. If you want you can include the base square with the invitation so uniformity is maintained.
- Make a recipe collection: You can have each quest bring a covered dish and the recipe for that dish to the party. Each recipe is then collected and put in a book for the bride.
- Build a scrapbook: Guests bring mementos, pictures, letters that can be constructed into a scrapbook for the bride. These items brought can range from childhood to high school to her relationship with the groom.
These ideas allow for each person to contribute to a nice gift without spending a large amount of money. If there are a lot of people invited this may be a great idea. If there are not too many guests have them do three quilt squares or bring a few extra recipes or mementos. You can also call those who can not make it and still have them contribute. Putting together a memory for the bride will surely be a gift she will love.
Helping guests to chose the best bridal party gift will reduce duplicate gifts and ensure the bride can use what she receives. Make sure you include all necessary information on the invitation and that you offer your help if they need it. Using a theme or constructing a collection gift will make it easy on your guests to get the gift-giving out of the way and to be able to enjoy the bridal shower.

BLUEBERRY OATMEAL PANCAKES

SQUASH APPLE CASSEROLE

CHICKEN AND RICE

KAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS

20 MINUTE CHICKEN CREOLE

BAKED FISH AND VEGETABLES

GLAZED BERRY TARTS

APPLE CHUCK CAKE

CINNAMON APPLES

VEGAN BERRY MUFFINS

LIGHTSIDE

CLEANING TIPS

DISINFECTED WATER

FOOD INFORMATION

BAR MIXES

NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

BLUE BERRY OATMEAL PANCAKES.1-cup flour, 1-teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt,¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1/3 cup rolled oats, blueberries about ¾ cup, or as much as you want. ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup milk1-tablespoon oil.Mix together the flour, baking power, salt, cinnamon, rolled oats and brown sugar. Stir well.  Beat together the egg, milk and oil.  Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the egg mixer all at once.  Stir just until moistened and batter is still lumpy. Drop dollops on the grill and add the blues as directed in procedure for pancakes.  Cook pancakes until bubbles form, then flip them and brown on the other side. Makes about 8 medium-sizes pancakes.

Squash Apple CasseroleThis dish is high in vitamin A, a good source of vitamin C, cholesterol free, and almost sodium-free.

2 1/2 cups fresh winter squash, cut into 1/2 inch slices1 1/2 cups cooking apples, pared and cut into 1/2 inch slices2 teaspoons cinnamon1 teaspoon nutmeg

Alternate layers of squash and apples in an 8″x 8″ pan, ending with apples on top layer. Sprinkle spices over top layer. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake in 350 degree F oven for approximately 45-60 minutes until squash is tender. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes to remove any excess liquid that might have accumulated. Cool slightly before serving. Serves 4.

CHICKEN and RICE

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil 1 whole chicken, cut up, skin removed 1 chopped green pepper 1 chopped onion 3 minced garlic cloves 2 chopped tomatoes 2 1/4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium 1 bay leaf 1 cup uncooked rice 1 cup peas salt, to taste pepper, to taste

 In a large skillet heat oil and brown chicken on both sides. Add green pepper, onion, and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add tomato, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt pepper to taste. Cover and cook for 20 minute Add rice, stir well, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes longer, or until all liquid has been absorbed and chicken is tender. Add peas, cook until hot.

Yield: 6 servings

 Baked Chicken Nuggets

1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skinless 1 cup cereal crumbs, cornflake type 1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon paprika

Remove skin and bone; cut thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place cornflakes in plastic bag and crush by using a rolling pin. Add remaining ingredients to crushed cornflakes. Close bag tightly and shake until blended. Add a few chicken pieces at a time to crumb mixture. Shake to coat evenly.

Serving Size: 3 ounces Yield: 4 servings

 20-Minute Chicken Creole 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 2 whole, skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes with juice 1 cup chili sauce low sodium 1 chopped green pepper, large 2 chopped celery ribs 1 chopped onion, small 2 minced garlic cloves 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

 Heat pan over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add vegetable oil and chicken and cook until no longer pink when cut (3-5 minutes). Reduce heat to medium (300 degrees in electric skillet). Add tomatoes with juice, chili sauce, green pepper, celery, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, cayenne pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for 10-15 minutes.  Serve over hot, cooked rice or whole-wheat pasta.

Serving Size: 1 cup Yield: 8 servings

 Baked Fish and Vegetables4 frozen white fish fillets or cod or perch (total of 16-20 oz.) 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables 1 small diced onion 1 teaspoon lemon juice or fresh lemon, sliced thin 1 Tablespoon parsley flakes – dried or fresh chopped 4 10×12 -inch tin foil squares

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Separate and place fish fillets in center of each tin foil square. Combine frozen vegetables and diced onion in bowl and mix. Spoon vegetables around fillets. Sprinkle with lemon juice (or top with lemon slice) and add parsley on top. Fold ends of tin foil together to form leak-proof seal. Bake for 10 minutes. Serve.

Serving Size: 4 oz. fish and 1/2 cup vegetables Yield: 4 servings Time: 40 minutes

 GLAZED BERRY TARTS3 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (unthawed)1/3-cup water2/3-cup sugar2-tablespoons cornstarcha few grains of salt1-tablespoon lemon juice6 large medium baked tart shells(You can double medium baked tart shells)Crush ½ cup blueberries, add water and bring to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and press through sieve.  In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt.  Add sieved juice (made to ¾ cup with water).  Mix thoroughly and cook, stirring constantly until glaze thickens and becomes clear, about 5 minutes.  Cool slightly, then add lemon juice.  Arrange whole berries in tart shells and spoon glaze over berries.  Chill before serving.Apple Chunk Cake

1 1/4 cups sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 cups diced apple chunks 1/4 cup applesauce 2 cups sliced apple to place on cake

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, mix sugar, oil and eggs together. Beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add to egg batter and mix well. Add apple chunks and applesauce to the batter. Stir to combine. Coat a baking pan with vegetable oil spray, and pour in batter. Bake until done, about 1 hour. Place apple slices on top of apple cake and serve.

Yield: 12 servings.

VEGAN MIXED BERRY MUFFINS

Flour, white, 1.75 cup

Raw sugar, 4 tsp

Baking Powder, 2 tsp

So Good ‘Trim’ Soymilk, 1.25 cup

Egg Replacer, 1 serving

Applesauce, unsweetened, 25 grams

Strawberries, frozen, unsweetened, 0.125 cup,

Blueberries, frozen (unsweetened), 0.125 cup,

Raspberries, 0.125 cup

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-fat cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.In a smaller bowl- combine applesauce and soymilk.

Chop the frozen berries into a manageable size.  Add wet ingredients to the dry, and stir to combine, adding berries as you mix. Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop into prepared muffin tin (they should be about 2/3 full), bake for 20-25 minutes (when a toothpick inserted comes out clean). Cool in tin for 5 minutes, then turn out to cooling rack. Serve warm.

 LIGHTSIDEFlying Hawk was being interviewed on his 107 Birthday.  The reporter asked him  “Flying Hawk what do you think of the progress the white people made since taking over the country”?Flying Hawk replied,  “When white man found Canada, Indians were running it. No taxes, no debt, plenty good buffalo, game, women did all the work, medicine man free, Indian man spent all day fishing, hunting, all night with wife and kids.” The he smiled and said, “White man dumb to think he could improve a better system.”CLEANING TIPS

Window Washer

For crystal clear window washer, Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch in a bucket of water, and wipe the solution onto the glass with paper towels.  Rinse with clean water. Great for car or house windows.

BABY WIPES

Since heading the market in the 80′s, these moistened disposable baby wipes proved to be great in and outside the home.  From cleaning your hands after changing oil or a tire, clean tools, rub marks off your walls, many, many uses including shining your shoes, wipe with baby wipe and buff with a soft, dry cloth.

To freshen up a smelly drain, just pour a cup of Baking Soda into it, and flush with hot water.

CARPET CLEANER

If you have a cat, get rid of fleas in your carpet and keep carpet, rugs, fresh smelling.

½ cup baking soda

½ cup of cornstarch

½ teaspoon of Rosemary or Penny Royal citronella oil.

Before going to bed mix baking soda, cornstarch, and oil together. Spread evenly across carpet and scrub it into fibers with a stiff brush or broom.  Leave over night; vacuum it up in the morning.

NO CATS; Just want to clean carpet substitute any fragrant oil.

Blocked Drains?

Instead of using caustic products (be green and save money) for clearing blocked drains, throw a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a few jugs of water.

PROPERLY DISINFECTED WATER

After a storm, flooding, make sure water has been properly disinfected before using for cooking, drinking, or brushing teeth.

Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.

If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.

 

If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.

FOOD INFORMATION

FOOD WARNING BACTERIA

Bacteria may be present on products when you purchase them. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are not sterile. Neither is fresh produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, and melons.Foods, including safely cooked, ready-to-eat foods, can become cross contaminated with bacteria transferred from raw products, meat juices or other contaminated products, or from food handlers with poor personal hygiene.Botulism, a life-threatening illness caused by the bacteria Clostridium outline, were reported in the United States. Frozen, fully cooked products were suspected of causing these illnesses. The Food Safety and Inspection Service advises all consumers to handle frozen, fully-cooked products in accordance with these food safety recommendations.Before buying frozen, fully cooked products carefully inspect the container or package. If the package is punctured, torn, partially opened, or damaged in any other way that might expose the contents to the outside environment, do NOT purchase the product.

Do not purchase frozen products that appear to have thawed and refrozen. Reject all swollen or gassy containers or spoiled foods.

Buy food from reputable dealers, with a known record of safe handling. Buy frozen products only if they are frozen solid and only if stored in the freezer case. Observe any use-by or sell-by dates on the package.When you open the container, inspect the product. Do not use products that are discoloured, mouldy, or have an off odour. Do not use products that spurt liquid or foam when the container is opened. Do not taste the product to determine if it is safe. Follow the preparation instructions on the product label. Handling Possibly Contaminated Products Report any suspect commercial food products to your local health department.If a suspect food is opened in your kitchen, thoroughly scrub the can opener or other utensils, containers, counters, etc., that might have contacted the food or its container. Discard any sponges or cloths used in the cleanup. Wash your hands thoroughly. Promptly launder any clothing that might have been splattered upon.

 

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin. Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. The illness can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death. Symptoms usually occur from 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

 

Many frozen chicken products, such as chicken Kiev and chicken cordon bleu, may appear to be precooked, but are actually only pre-breaded or pre-browned.

 

Use a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  . This means really cooking the chicken, in a regular oven or microwave, not merely thawing it.

USE FOOD THERMOMETER

Don’t rely on looks alone. Bacteria can spread during ground meat.  Always use a food thermometer and cook at 160 degrees Fahrenheit when cooking your hamburgers.

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING If you have teenagers, or in fact any adult, impress on them the risks of driving while intoxicated. Statistics demonstrate many fatal road accidents are caused by drunk drivers. If you’re having a Christmas party, provide food with drinks. Offer non-alcoholic substitutes such as fruit, soft drinks. 2 drinks taken within an hour by a person 100 pounds produces a 075 reading. One drink is equal to about 1.5 oz. of whisky or 2 bottles of beer. The rate of elimination for each hour after drinking has stopped is 015. A 200-pound person, after 1 drink produces a reading of .019, so you can see there is a big difference due to weight.

BAR MIXESIRISH COOLER1 jigger whiskey1 long twist lemon peelfill with Soda waterMOSCOW KICK3 jiggers VodkaGinger Beer1 slice limeServe over ice in glass, or copper mugNON- ALCOHOLIC DRINKSORGEAT FIZZ1 ½ ounces orgeat syrup½ ounce limejuiceClub SodaShake orgeat and lime juice with ice cubes. Strain into fizzGlass.  Add ice cubes. Add soda to glass. Serve with straws.TEA PUNCH3 cups brewed strong black tea1 quart orange juice1-cup lime or lemon juice2 cups raspberry syrup1 cup crushed pineapplebar sugar to taste2 quarts club sodaPour all ingredients except soda over a large block of ice in a punch bowl.  Stir well.  Let it chill.  At serving time, add chilled soda.

ICED COFFEE

There are just as many ways of making coffee, as there are different brands. Here are some general rules.

 

For good results measure water and coffee.

2 tablespoons coffee to each 1 cup

Make coffee just before serving

Make coffee double strength and pour the hot coffee over ice in a tall glass.  As the ice melts, it will dilute the coffee. Top the glass with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

ARCHIVES

Check out my monthly recipes, newsletters going back monthly for 3 years. You will find hundreds of recipes, bar mixes, drinks, food information, cooking, cleaning tips. All listed by date and issue number.

Disclaimer: The Author of this article is not responsible for accuracy or completeness nor shall he be held liable for any damage or loss arising out of or in any way related to the information or utilization of it.

 

 

 

 

 

It seems that everyone is on a budget these days. For this reason, purchases are more heavily scrutinized, and decisions are more thought out. While planning a wedding on a budget can be delicate process, an incredible event can still be orchestrated even while the purse strings are held tightly. There are opportunities for saving money in many areas of a wedding, from the wedding invitations to the thank you cards.

Deciding on wedding invitations is one of the first choices the bride and groom will make. This is a great time to investigate all styles, colors and options available in order to find the best invitations, at the best price as well.

Of course, the happy couple does not want their wedding invitations to look like budget wedding invitations. Fortunately, there are so many wedding invitation options out there that you can find beautiful wedding invitations that do not put a major dent in your wedding budget. Here are just some of the ways that you can save money when buying wedding invitations.

Shop for wedding invitations online

Shopping online gives you a huge marketplace to shop in. You are not confined to the prices that your local printers might charge. Instead, you get to pick from a wide selection of wedding invitation vendors. Be sure to compare prices, delivery dates and quality. A lot of the wedding invitations styles you will find on one site are similar if not identical to wedding invitations that you will find at other wedding web sites. If you keep a watchful eye when comparing price, quality and style, you should have no problem finding invitations you will be excited to send out.

Decide what wedding stationery you need before you order

Do you really need every single piece of stationery that’s offered just because it coordinates with your wedding invitations? Be selective and only order the pieces that you really need. Wedding invitations and envelopes are a must, of course, but can you wait on thank you cards until after the wedding? Also, eliminating save the date cards as well as menu cards are another way to cut costs. Pick and choose only what you need, but be sure to order everything at once so you can save money on shipping costs.

Consider what parts you can do yourself



Beribboned invitations are among the most stylish options available to today’s bride. You can save about 5% off the cost of your invitations by buying double-faced satin ribbon and adding ribbon embellishments to your invitations before you slip them into the envelope.

The ultimate in DIY wedding invitations, of course, is to print your own invitations at home. With a purchased wedding invitation kit, you can even duplicate complicated and beautiful wedding overlay photo invitations that are usually only available through the highest priced printers.

Choose simple themed wedding invitations with one color printing



The more colors that are involved in the printing process, the more the invitation will cost. To keep costs low, choose a wedding invitation style that is printed in one color only. There are some very elegant invitations with silhouette designs printed in one color that can be further embellished if your heart desires.

Order completely coordinated wedding “sets”



You can find beautiful sets of invitations that are designed to coordinate with your entire wedding party. The advantage to choosing wedding invitations at a site that offers everything you need for your wedding is that the colors available for your invitations will be available throughout the full range of their invitation supplies. That means that you can choose a simple invitation and then embellish it with envelope foil inserts, ribbons and insert cards that match each other perfectly.

It also means that you can choose the invitations that you love, and then choose other wedding stationery that coordinates in color, but is from a less expensive line. Mixing and matching that way lets you put your money into the pieces that are more important to you and save on pieces that will coordinate without matching precisely. Your wedding will be unique and beautiful, and within your budget.

Choose a basic invitation and embellish to your heart’s content

The most basic invitations can easily be the most elegant. Choose a simple, one panel flat invitation and then customize it to make it your own. Choose ink color that coordinates with envelope liners, add a vellum wrap and tied it with a matching ribbon. Buy it a la carte and assemble it yourself to save big money on invitations that look like the most expensive ones in the store.

Your wedding invitations are the first impression that your guests will have of your wedding, and your thank you cards are their lasting memory. Choose well, and feel free to mix and match within the range of invitations to find your own perfect style. Your wedding invitations will not only make a lasting impression, they will fit right into your budget and reflect your own unique style for less.

Giving the best insurance for your asset is very easy actually. Once you can get connected with the people from one service provider, you will be able to process your needed insurance in an instant. You can feel relax for knowing that your need is handled by the expert. This works for anything, include your need of insurance that holds important role in your life.

Insurance is something necessary in this life, because you cannot do everything by yourself. To get the best thing in your life, you do not have to handle it with your own hands all the time. There are so many great services, include car insurance that you can get out there. These services are provided in its best qualities if you can find the right one. You do not have to do tiring process to achieve it.

For the right place to go, you need to make a little comparison first. You cannot simply point at the first service that you meet without making any comparison with the others. Now, you can do this process easily in one website. It will keep a lot of your time and surely cut several complicated actions that you might need to do without this website.

Wedding invitations are the focal point of your wedding stationery, providing the first glimpse into the style and formality of the wedding. While save-the-dates can be flirty and fun, your invitations will be a true reflection of your event. Plan your wedding invitations with care with my complete wedding invitation planning guide.

The Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation

Wedding Invitations can include a number of enclosures, depending on the nature of your wedding and your stationery budget. (obviously more enclosures means higher costs)

* Outer envelope: Holds all enclosures, formally addressed to the recipient.

* Inner envelope: Holds all contents of the formal, third-person invitation for protection during shipping.

* Reception card: Specifies where and when the reception will be held – usually included only if the ceremony and reception take place at different locations.

* Response card: On which your guests indicate acceptance or regrets. In self-addressed stamped envelope. Make sure to include an RSVP deadline.

* Map/Directional: Optional insertion to help guests navigate and arrange for accommodations

Cost … Budget Considerations

Before you go shopping, become familiar with the invitation printing process and lingo; this will help you determine your needs in advance and avoid unnecessary costs. Price is determined per invitation, so if your guest list is huge – be prepared to designate a significant portion of your budget to wedding invitations. Costs can range anywhere from $1-$50 each. Bulky papers, colored inks and unique graphics all increase the cost. Custom designs can also be pricey. Printing options also affect the cost.

Invitation Printing Options:

* Engraving – most formal and most expensive – results in raised print that is pressed through the back

* Thermography – less expensive than engraving – results in raised print that does not press through the back * Lithography – less expensive than either engraving or theromography – results in print that is neither raised nor pressed through

* Laser printing – the least expensive option. – produced on a laser printer and results in print similar to that of lithography.

When factoring total costs, don’t forget to consider postage as part of your budget, including stamps for the response card envelopes. Looking for ways to save? Keep your design simple, sticking to one color. Use lighter weight papers and include less inserts. Use response postcards instead of cards with envelopes. More tips on finding cheap wedding invitations can be found at this guide to budget-friendly stationery.

Wedding Invitation Trends

As with all other aspects of your wedding, your invitations give you an opportunity to reflect a particular color, theme, and/or season of your wedding. During the spring, include pressed flowers or a flower blossom motif featuring the colors of your wedding. Hot right now is Asian-inspired floral motifs or anything 3D that adds texture. For the fall, incorporate warm, colorful leaves. For a summer wedding, feature seashells and starfish with brilliant ocean-blues or sunset-orange/reds. And for the winter, incorporate snowflakes on a simple white invitation.

Other popular suggestions range from unique color combinations and patterns, to ribbons or other clever themed items such as bindings. Many couples are going back to the traditional, formal look and featuring both sets of initials as monograms on the cover, but what’s even hotter is a creative logo or historic family seal. Whatever you decide, make your invitations innovative and unique to your personal style and wedding!

Looking for more ideas? You can search hundreds of wedding invitations in this interactive invitation and stationery photo gallery.

Tips, Rules … Etiquette

* When to send them – send wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day. (if you think your guests will need more advanced notice, send save-the-date cards as well) Try to order invitations 3-4 months in advance to ensure they go out on time.

* How many to order – Order about 25% more than the number of guests you’re inviting – you’re bound to make mistakes or make last minute additions.

* Consider hiring a calligrapher for an added touch of elegance. (this is the first impression of your wedding!) Make sure to factor in the additional timing to ensure your invitations go out on time. Many rules apply to wording and addressing invitations. Here are some of the basics to ensure yours are “faux pas-free”:

Invitation Wording Etiquette

* Dates and times should be spelled out (half after four o’clock in the evening, not 4:30pm, and the twenty-second of April, not April 22)

* Mr. and Mrs. are abbreviated and Jr. may be, but the title Doctor should be spelled out

* No punctuation is used, except after abbreviations and between the city and state.

* An invitation to just the wedding ceremony does not include an R.S.V.P

* “Hosting” the wedding can mean anything from a set of parents helping to plan the event, inviting the guests, or covering the costs:

If there is one set of hosts, list their names at the beginning.

If both sets are hosting, list on separate lines with bride’s parents first.

If one set is hosting but you want to include the other set as well, note their names under their son/daughter’s name.

If you are hosting your own wedding, begin with the request line and state parent’s relationship under your name.

If you and both sets of parents are hosting, list your names first followed by “together with their parents” before the request line.

Addressing Etiquette

* No abbreviations, except for Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Jr. States must also be spelled out.

* If one of your single guests is bringing a date that you know personally, send that person a separate invitation instead of including “… Guest” on the inner envelope.

* If you are unable to obtain the name of a single friend’s guest – indicate on the inner envelope that they may bring a guest – NOT on the outer envelope. (this looks awkward)

* Unmarried couples who live together should receive one invitation, where their names are listed in alphabetical order and on their own lines.

* Invited guests who are living together as roommates, not couples, should each receive their own invitation.

* List the names of children under the age of 18 who still live at home on the inner envelope instead of “… Family” which can be very ambiguous and easily misinterpreted. Children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation, regardless of their living situation.

* The traditional, married couple recipient should follow this format: Mr. … Mrs. Ryan Parker 2211 First Street, Apartment 3 San Diego, California 92109

Wedding Invitation Wording Samples

Gone are the days when wedding etiquette mandated that the bride’s parents, and the bride’s parent’s only, hosted the wedding. Today anyone can foot the bill, and with modern familial arrangements often anything but nuclear, there is no straightforward rule for wording invitations. We’ve sorted through the confusion to bring you wording samples for the most common arrangements. Have a circumstance not addressed here? Visit the complete list of wedding invitation wording examples at Elegala.com — Elegant Galas Made Simple.

Simple, Traditional Format

[proper names of those hosting] (official hosts line) request the honour of your presence (request line) at the marriage of their [relationship of the bride to the host] [bride's first and middle names] to [groom's full name], the [day of the week] of [day and month of wedding] at [hour] o’clock in the [time of day] at [name of wedding venue] in [city, state] Reception to follow

Divorced Parents

[proper name of host] requests the honour of your presence at the marriage of [his/her] [relationship of the bride to the host]

Or, if parent is remarried and hosting with new spouse:

[proper names of those hosting] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of [his/her] [relationship of the bride to the host]

Or, if divorced parents are mutually hosting:

[proper name of mother] and [proper name of father] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their [relationship of the bride to the host]

When the Bride’s One Living Parent is Hosting

The invitation is issued only in the name of the living parent:

Mr. [Mrs.] Jonathan Stephen Smith and Timothy Wright requests the honour of your presence at the marriage of his [her] daughter Elizabeth Ann

When the Bride and Groom Host

The honour of your presence is requested it the marriage of Miss Ashley Johnson to Mr. Paul Wilkins

OR

Miss Ashley Johnson and Mr. Paul Wilkins request the honour of your presence at their marriage

Alternative “Request Line” Options

* “pleasure of your company”

* “honor of your presence” (used instead of the formal “honour” when ceremony does not take place in a house of worship)

* “share and celebrate in their joy” – another creative idea that reflects the theme and tone of your wedding

Are you one of those people who just buy things without asking on how much is it that you’re buying? Don’t you think it might be hard to do that especially if you’re in a budget? I bet you’re not one of them and you would obviously like to know exactly how much are you paying for the things that you buy.

Your spending inside a cruise line is definitely one of those things that you should definitely watch out for. Especially when it comes to the prices of the drinks and beverages inside the ship. If you’re not too careful in monitoring how much you’re spending in alcohol and drinks then don’t be surprised if you’ll end up with a huge bill after every cruise.

Do you know what’s the most important objective of the cruise lines? Their main goal is to fill up their cabins with passengers. This is why they entice you with cheap cruise entry packages. You might pay for a low budget cruise but it’s going to be easy for you to rack up some serious charges when you’re done with your cruise.

So how much are drinks and beverages inside the Carnival Cruise Line? Drinks and beverages are one of the biggest profit makers for the cruise lines. They put a 15% tipping rate that is added to the cost of the drinks. In this article we’re going to take a look at the major drinks and beverages together with their prices. Remember that these prices are subject to changes.

Water – One liter of regular bottled water would cost you around $4 and $5 for a liter of imported bottled water.Soft Drinks – Prepare a couple of bucks if you want to buy a regular 12-ounce can of soft drinks. For a 20-ounce bottled energy drink, expect to pay around $3. If you want some special coffees then you’re going to cough up $4 – $6 or higher depending on the kind of drink.Beer – You need to shell out $5 for a regular 16-ounce bottle of beer. The price remains the same for a 12-ounce bottle of imported beer. Beer with no alcohol content is sold for $4.Champagne and Wine – Bottles of champagne will cost you between $20 and $35 depending on the brand. If you want to go for the 6-ounce glasses it will cost you between $5 and 10.Cocktails – Specialty cocktails will cost you $5 in a regular glass, but they get more expensive when delivered in style.Other Hard Drinks – Small vodka, bourbon and scotch bottles are priced between $7 and $9.

There you have it. One tip for water is you could bring in your own and you don’t have to really pay up to $5 for a bottle of water. This is one of the tactics that cruise lines are imposing on you but now you know better. Don’t stress it too much because you’re on a vacation but it’s important for you to have a working knowledge with the costs of drinks and beverages.

A few years ago, planning a party meant holding it at home, or using the local church hall. While halls are still affordable and popular venues for parties, nowadays there’s much more choice when it comes to party venues. Some are extremely unique, while some are suited to more sedate affairs. While the sheer choice of venues might sometimes feel mind-boggling, you can rest assured that, whatever type of party you are planning, there’s a venue that will suit it perfectly!A hotel is always a practical yet elegant choice for a party venue. Many hotels have a number of years’ experience in helping to organise a wide variety of events; not just parties, but business meetings and conferences as well. Hotels can often provide you with a band or a DJ for your event, and the catering is often second to none.It’s becoming increasingly fashionable to hold a party in a nightclub.  While they are not suitable for every kind of party, a nightclub can provide an atmospheric and exciting venue for your event. Some clubs allow you to hire the whole venue for the party, while some have a private room available for hire.  Whichever they have, a nightclub will usually provide you with a DJ for your event, and a bar with a wide range of drinks available. Hiring a nightclub is most suitable for parties such as a birthday for someone in their early twenties, or a stag or hen night.If you would prefer a more sedate location for your party, then you can’t go wrong with a restaurant. Restaurants can cater for most sizes of party, from the very large to the very small.  Most restaurants have a set menu specifically for parties, meaning that, however large your group, you won’t have to wait long for your food. While most restaurants have some kind of music playing in the background, they are most suitable for parties where people want to relax and talk.Even though the weather in this country can often be unpredictable, garden parties are becoming more and more popular.  Garden parties can be extremely dignified affairs, allowing your guests to take in some stunning scenery while enjoying themselves. They offer the same kind of versatility as a hall, while also offering a much more picturesque environment.  While choosing to host a garden party may seem like a gamble, most garden venues also have halls or marquees that can be used in the event of adverse weather.There are reasons why the local hall is an ever popular choice for a party venue. They are often much more affordable than venues such as hotels or country houses, and their large size can easily accommodate a huge number of guests. A local hall is often a ‘blank canvas’, meaning that you can decorate and apply any theme that you want to. Halls, while occasionally quite modest, are a suitable and versatile choice for a number of types of parties.

Party Invitations and Personalized Announcements – Creating Your Memories

When you are choosing party invitations or announcements for your special occasion, you want to work with a company that cares as much about that important event as you do. And that’s why you want to choose an online shoppe for all of your party stationery needs. Their selection, customer services and affordable prices are unbeatable.

Birthday Invitations and Party Invitations Cards, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/party-invitations/

Although they specialize in religious stationery, they offer more than that so they can meet all of your needs. For example, if you’re planning a fantastic birthday celebration, you’re going to need birthday invitations. Let us help you choose the right first birthday invitations, http://www.express-invitations.com/kid-birthday-invitation/first-birthday-invitations.php to match your theme and to meet your needs. They have the perfect cards for you whether you need kids birthday invitations or adult birthday invitations. You’ll love our selection and our customization options that help you make each of the cards exactly the way you want them. That’s something you won’t be able to do at the competitors’ sites.

Who doesn’t love to party? A party refreshes your mind. There are occasions to throw a party and send party invitations. A graduation day is start of a new journey. You may celebrate it with a graduation party. In the same way, the occasion of baby showers also call for party invitations. After purchasing a new home, you may want the people to know about it by throwing a house warming party. For all these occasions, you need invitations. Whatever may be the reason, they are always there to lend you a hand in selecting the cards and altering them as per your needs. You can personalize your cards or change colors to match the theme of party. Our patented Preview feature lets you view the card before it is printed. This is where they have gone the extra mile to make you satisfied with your cards.

Religious Invitations Announcements cards

One of the most important reasons to send out religious invitations is the baptism or christening of your son or daughter. This religious event should be shared with friends and family members so you’ll want to send baptism invitations and baptism cards early enough for them to plan to attend. Let the online shoppes help you choose the perfect baptism announcements or christening invitations for this once-in-a-lifetime event in your child’s life. Their selection of christening invitations is unsurpassed, and you’ll love the ability to include photos of your child on the baptism cards.

In the early days of your baby’s childhood, there are religious events that cannot be celebrated without a family get together. Let’s say, the communion of your child that comes once in a lifetime. It becomes compulsory to send Holy Communion invitations. Your first communion invitations should be stunning and of unique design which should draw interest from all those who receive them. These exclusive collections of first communion announcements are a perfect choice for you. If some of your friends will not be able to make it to the event, these cards will correct this problem.

Most shoppes fail to recognize the significance of many religious events. But a few understand how special these events are in your life. On their sites, these events are some of the most special that is why their baptism religious invitations, http://www.announcements-shoppe.com/ and baptism religious cards are unique. You will be impressed with their collection of religious announcements and bereavement cards. They believe in pleasing the customers and giving them the paramount shopping experience.

Other Personalized invitations & Announcements for Your Special Occasions

Our goal here has always been to provide our customers with something special for their special occasions. One way they do this is by providing the invitations cards they want and need for almost every imaginable occasion. For example, a marriage is going to require the need for many cards and announcements in the present and in the future. From bridal shower invitations to anniversary invitations, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for here at our site. But wedding anniversary invitations aren’t the only type of stationery you may need down the line. What about moving announcements and birth announcements? These are going to be part of your life in the near future, too.

But you don’t have to just look at the party invitations associated with weddings to find many needs for high quality, customizable stationery. For example, you will need to follow up those baby shower invitations with graduation invitations party invitations in just a few short years. And, believe me, the time will fly. Between the start of your family and the sending of those graduation announcements, chances are you’ll have many more great reasons to celebrate: Christmas party invitations, Halloween invitations, Mardi Gras invitations are all going to be needed and that’s why they’re here. They want to make sure your special events are celebrated with the best invitations available. That’s our commitment and our promise to you.

Once upon a time, and not very long ago, energy-drinks were – for all purposes and intents – just another variety of ‘soft drinks.’ Most people’s definition of an energy-drink would be something to the effect that ‘an energy-drink is simply a soft drink that makes its user feel more energetic.’ There was nothing more that was expected of the drinks. You took one whenever you felt ‘low’ in terms of energy levels (or psychologically), and you would be assured that the drink would almost instantly raise your energy levels.

But that was another era.

Today, we are living in the era of ‘value-added’ energy-drinks. Sure, when you take these drinks, you expect them to energize you. But over and above that, you also expect a cache of other benefits from the drinks. One drink will promise you that, in addition to increasing your physical energy levels, it will help you lose weight. Another one (like an acai berry based energy-drink) will promise to help make your skin better. Another one will promise to help you boost your immunity. Yet anther one will promise to enhance your mental acuity…it is all about value addition.

So, what is behind this trend towards ‘valued added’ energy-drinks?

Well, the main factor behind the trend towards ‘value added’ energy-drinks is the growing realization by the manufacturers that they have to align their products with customer aspirations. It is a relatively recently established fact that people tend to be more inclined to buy products that they feel to be in alignment with their individual aspirations. Of course, it is a fact that has always been there, but it is only recently that it was ‘discovered.’ And it is subsequent to that discovery that you have seen the emergence of products that seem to speak directly to you. The ‘value added’ energy-drinks are precisely that sort of products.

The vendors of the drinks have realized that people want more than just a drink that increases their energy levels. What is bothering the average person today is not his or her energy levels as such; but rather something like how much weight he is put on, how she looks, and how his mental performance is progressing with years…that kind of things. Give that person a product that promises to help lose weight, improve aesthetic appeal or improve mental performance, while also raising energy levels (and giving them the nice feeling that comes with), and you can be sure they will embrace it enthusiastically.

Thankfully, most of the ‘value added’ energy-drinks will actually tend to go on to deliver on the various promises they come with, albeit to varying degrees. But many people are happy: as long as they get something, a bonus benefit if you like, in addition to the basic one of being energized by the drinks.

Bridal parties offer a fun time for the bride to get together with her friends to celebrate her upcoming union. Choosing favors for the party can be made easier by implementing a theme for the party. This helps keep everything tied together and helps the [arty flow. The following list describe a few ideas for bridal party themes and what favors go great with them.
Garden Party:
For a garden party you hold the party outside in a beautiful garden setting. The food is made of fresh garden vegetables and homegrown fruits. For the favors you can give guests small terracotta pots with garden gloves and a packet of seeds so they can begin their own garden. Or let them take a piece of the garden party home with them by giving guests flowers or vegetables from the garden. Make salsa or jams to hand out to guests. They will surely appreciate these simple favors.
Tea Party:
Frilly tablecloths and exquisite tea sets adorn the tables of a tea party. Serve unique blends of teas with finger sandwiches and decadent pastries. Give guests tea cup candles that they enjoy at home. Have special tea bags made with the bride and grooms names and wedding date printed on them, package them nicely for each guest. Your guests will love the girly atmosphere as well as the nice favors.
Holiday Party:
If the wedding falls near a holiday bring that idea to the bridal party. For Christmas decorate a tree with nicely wrapped gifts that hold a rich chocolate treat for each guest. Valentines day allows for the extreme use of hearts and anything red or pink. Favors can be simple red hots in a heart tin or special made heart cookies. Think of what is usually done for the holiday and go with it for your theme.
Spa Party:
Women love to be pampered and at a spa party it is all about relaxing. Provide manicures, pedicures and facials. Favors are easy. Give guests gift bags with mini bottles of soaps and lotions. Give them small tins filled with bath salts. Think pampering and put together favors that will let the guests take the spa feeling home with them.
These ideas are just the beginning of great theme you can use for your bridal party. The use of a theme helps you make the favor choices easily. Your guests are sure to appreciate being able to take a bit of the party home with them. There are theme ideas that fit every budget. Some favors, such as the garden party favors, are something that you already have, s you do not even have to buy anything. Other favors, like the spa party favors, can be homemade for less than they can be store bought. The whole idea of a bridal party is to have fun and the favors are just a way to say thanks for coming. Keep the favors simple and your guests are sure to be grateful for them.
Choosing Bridal Party Favors can be easy if you consider the theme you plan to go with.