Boot Camp Hawaii

Aloha! As a local small business owner, I'd like to introduce you to Boot Camp Hawaii. BCH is taking the next step toward helping women and men in Hawaii to get into the best shape of their lives! I am Emily Boll, owner of Boot Camp Hawaii. My focus for the next year is to promote our fitness and health services among local brides, grooms, family, and friends who want to challenge themselves to make a healthy visible change in their lives! Brides and grooms ultimately have a time frame in mind and that's to get fit and ready before their wedding day. I know this because I am a recent newlywed myself! During the engagement time together, most of people realize that their positive health changes will help them succeed further in maintaining their health beyond their wedding date. Also, everyone loves a little challenge and competition, right? I hope you can join in on our upcoming event! Please open the attachment for more details. Sincerely, Emily Boll "Be Healthy, Be Fit, Be Sassy!" Boot Camp Hawaii (808) 255-7714 bridalbootcamphawaii@yahoo.com URL: www.bridalbootcamphawaii.com

WORDS WOMEN USE

This is something I heard on the radio a while ago. I thought it was really cute so I looked it up and saved it on my computer. I was looking through my documents the other day and thought it would be fun to post for you:

WORDS WOMEN USE:

FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five Minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

GO AHEAD: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(LOUD SIGH): This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

THAT'S OKAY: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.

WHATEVER: Is a women's way of saying F@!$ YOU!

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT ... I GOT IT: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking, "what's wrong", for the woman's response refer to #3.

Quote of the Day!

Blessing for a Marriage
by James Dillet Freeman

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite
excitement marriage should bring,
and may life grant you also patience,
tolerance, and understanding.

May you always need one another -
not so much to fill your emptiness
as to help you to know your fullness.
A mountain needs a valley to be complete;
the valley does not make
the mountain less, but more;
and the valley is more a valley because
it has a mountain towering over it.

May you need one another, but not out of weakness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
May you entice one another, but not compel one another.
May you embrace one another, but not out encircle one another.
May you succeed in all important ways with one another,
and not fail in the little graces.
May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!"
and take no notice of small faults.

If you have quarrels that push you apart,
may both of you hope to have
good sense enough to take the first step back.

May you enter into the mystery which is
the awareness of one another's
presence - no more physical than spiritual,
warm and near when you are
side by side, and warm and near when
you are in separate rooms
or even distant cities.

May you have happiness,
and may you find it making one another happy.
May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.

Quote of the Day!

Josh McDowell:

"What you are as a single person, you will be as a married person, only to a greater degree. Any negative character trait will be intensified in a marriage relationship, because you will feel free to let your guard down -- that person has committed himself to you and you no longer have to worry about scaring him off."

Silence That Isn’t Golden

Silence That Isn’t Golden

Originally Posted on October 21st, 2009 Richard Himmer

Some years ago my wife, Cheri and I had dinner with some friends at a little Mexican restaurant in the Proctor district in Tacoma. The food was sumptuous and my chimichanga was absolutely amazing especially considering it was fat free, at least until I ate it.

It was a blustery evening outside so after dinner we snuggled up to a fireplace conversation. It was rather mundane actually, that is until Gertie expressed some strong opinions on a political subject.

What a perfect evening this was turning out to be, a dinner and a conflict. Gertie’s strong words did not harmonize with my view and I felt excited at the potential conflict brewing in the room.

Let me interrupt my narrative for a semantic identification moment. First of all the purpose of communicating is to exchange understanding. Trying to get someone to agree with you is manipulative and contentious.

Secondly, we often confuse conflict and contention so here is my take on the two words.

Conflict is friction. It is not agreeing on the methodology but having the same goal. Conflict is to be resolved and is necessary for growth, especially within a relationship. Weight lifting is conflict to your muscles. Conflict resolution is searching for understanding at the expense of personal opinion. It is what is right and not who is right.

Contention is evil and the absence of progress. It is making conflict personal. It is not topic related but carries the intent to harm with no desire to learn. Contention is searching for agreement versus exchanging understanding. Contention is who is right at the expense of what is right.

As I commenced questioning Gertie about her point of view, she became defensive. There is no doubt my questioning skills could improve, but before I could even express a difference of opinion, we quickly went from conflict straight into contention and the conversation was over.

What happened was written all over my freckled face. The subject was changed, the air was thick, and the evening quickly turned cool. Within 15 minutes we were driving home discussing what I did wrong (because it’s usually my fault.)

I’ve had years to consider this and many other similar events in my life. It seems my questions often get things out of sorts with other folks’ perceived harmony. Why?

That’s because of the confusion associated with conflict and contention. Conflict means there is communication and progress going on. How much exchanging is being transmitted when there is a wall of silence betwixt you and the other person?

Silence isn’t golden. Silence is contention and inhibits progress. Remember the next time you lose your cookies at someone or feel offended, elongated silence damages you much more than the perceived damage of your silence does to the other.

The only exception to this rule is a parent to the child. Parental silence is more than contention, it’s abuse and childish. Grow up and learn to communicate.

Diamonds ---Getting the Most for Your Money

Diamonds ---Getting the Most for Your Money

Have you been together as a couple for a while now? Have you seen your romance grow into love and mutual respect? Do you communicate deeply and solve conflicts together? Do you want to be with your partner for the rest of your life? Is it time to start looking for a diamond?

When buying a diamond there are steps you can take to ensure that you get the most for your money. There are great values to be found in today’s marketplace if you can navigate through all the pitfalls. Take to heart the following do’s and don’ts .

Define A Budget

As a couple discuss and decide on what you want for an engagement ring and what you can afford to spend on that ring.

Ask Your Friends And Family for Jewelers That They Trust

Make two or three of the top names your starting place. Go to and interact with each company to see if they are right for you.

Resolve To Take Your Time

Diamond education is vitally important to getting a great looking diamond at the best price. Don’t try to get by with what appears to be easy deals. Take your time and do not make a spur of the moment “emotional” decision. Be patient, do your homework and learn to be able to tell whether or not a seller is looking out for your benefit.

Get As Educated As Possible About Diamonds

Learn and understand the 4C’s of Diamond Grading---Color, Clarity, Carat Weight and Cut. Find a store that will actually show you the 4C’s using diamond grading equipment and not just talk about them.

Shopping For And Buying A Loose Diamond Will Save You Money

Make sure you purchase your diamond loose not mounted. If it is mounted it is impossible to accurately determine the Color, Clarity, Carat Weight or Cut of the diamond and to know if you are getting good value.

Perceiving Diamond Color Will Save You Money

If you can see the different diamond color grades side-by-side then you can determine just what colors will work for you. Very tiny differences in diamond color can make a difference in value of hundreds or thousands of dollars. By seeing the diamond color grades you can decide to spend your money on a higher color or to save some money by purchasing a lower color grade.

Perceiving Diamond Clarity Will Save You Money

If you can see what the different diamond clarity grades look like under a binocular microscope then you can determine just what clarities will work for you. Very tiny differences in diamond clarity can make a difference in value of hundreds or thousands of dollars. By seeing the diamond clarity grades you can decide to spend your money on a higher clarity or to save some money by purchasing a lower clarity grade.

Knowing How Diamond Carat Weight Affects Value Will Save You Money

Small differences in diamond carat weight can make a difference in value of hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, a 1.35 ct diamond approaches the size of a 1.50 ct but costs substantially less for the same Shape, Color, Clarity and Cut. Knowing this can help you to get the look that you want for less.

Knowing Diamond Cut Will Let You Choose Between Beauty and Saving Money

Small differences in Diamond Cut---the inter-related proportions and angles of a stone make a huge difference in both how beautiful a diamond is and in its value. A poorly cut diamond may be up to 50% less expensive but it will not be as beautiful and will have less brilliance, fire and scintillation.

Considering Fancy Shape Diamonds Will Save You Money

All of the Fancy Shape Diamonds are less expensive than a Round Brilliant Cut Diamond---all things being equal. Some fancy shapes are the Princess Cut, the Marquise Cut, the Oval Shape, the Heart Shape, the Pear Shape, the Radiant Cut, the Emerald Cut, the Asscher Cut and the Cushion Cut. Within each of these shapes you can find some examples that are very beautiful and many examples that are not beautiful.

Find The Company Who Will Work To Provide You With Your Perfect Stone

You want to spend your budget on a beautiful diamond with the qualities that is important to you. Everyone will have their own perception as to what is a good diamond. Some may want a high quality, Super Ideal Cut diamond, while others want a very nice looking near ideal cut diamond that is clean to the naked eye, whitish in color, and as large as they can afford. Others may prefer a different shape, Princess, Marquise, Oval, Heart, Cushion, etc.

You should find a jeweler that will listen to your preferences and help you find a beautiful diamond with the qualities that are perfect for you.

If you follow these shopping tips you will purchase a beautiful diamond at a great price. It will be a diamond that you will forever cherish as you move forward with your life together. We wish you the best.

Quote of the Day!

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the wedding cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.

- Ogden Nash

Common Bride Mistakes

According to a recent survey of wedding professionals brides tend to make the same mistakes over and over: Here is a list of their responses~

1. They rely on too many opinions....too much input!

2. They have unrealistic expectations

3. They don't hire wedding professionals...they try to cut cost by having friends or family help out. This causes chaos and stress.

4. They don't create or use a good timeline/checklist

5. They don't read the contracts provided by wedding professionals

6. They don't realize the ceremony is for the bride but the reception is for the parents/guests

7. They don't find out what flowers are in season

8. They don't have 1 point person to fall back on, or run interference for the bride on the wedding day!

Marriage Quote of the Day!

Robert C. Dodds:

"The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together."

2010 Wedding Trends

Here are some wedding trends for the New Year that we have found: Weddings for next year are all about relaxed glamour.

Wedding dresses have taken a more elegant and sophisticated feel to their designs. Many wedding dress designs feature bodices with origami inspired fluting and pleated details. Retro styles continue with 50’s chic being a key look with shorter fuller skirts, birdcage veils and pill box hats. (think Jackie Kennedy) Also in style are close fit bodice dresses with longer flowing skirts.

This year has also seen the return of the ball gown with dresses having large and very full skirts. Other hot trends include oversized details such as big bows and corsages and plenty of asymmetric layering.

The 2009 wedding trends continue with an emphasis on dream weddings on a budget as the global recession continues. Low key venues will be the location of the choice including private gardens and so called backyard weddings. The emphasis really is on having a low budget but glamorous and understated wedding.

Wedding favors will be homemade and simple creations for expressing thanks and love.

Bridesmaids will finally come to relish the 2010 wedding trends as finally they get to choose their own outfits. The trend will be for mismatched bridesmaids dresses, who will get to choose their own dresses and accessories according to a color chosen by the bride.

2010 may also see many couples choosing short engagements and thus ending the traditional long engagement period. (think Kardashian) Elopements and destination weddings, and spur of the moment nuptials planned in double quick time, will also be the name of the game of 2010.!

Bridal Show Experiences...

Here is a letter we received regarding the Expo in Hawaii in July 2009:

I just attended your wedding expo last weekend - there were eight of us that flew in to attend the expo to prepare for my daughter's wedding in May 2010.

It was such a wonderful event, I asked a vendor for a contact address so I could email and tell you how much we appreciated the expo. What fantastic vendors, so generous with their time and expertise. We came away with brochures and business cards and so many marvelous ideas and options.

We spent several hours there. We particularly liked the models in wedding dresses that circled during the expo. It was so helpful to be able to see each dress up close and touch the fabrics and ask the models to turn, etc. You just can't do that with a runway show. Also, the models were wonderfully patient with us. This actually helped us determine the designer and style for my daughter's wedding dress.

The sample wedding table settings and wedding decoration vendors were also very helpful in planning a theme for the wedding - again wonderful displays and very professional vendors. Even though we do not reside locally, we made contacts we'll be using for the wedding here at our location.

Again, thank you so much for a wonderful event. I just had to write and say I think everyone did an amazing job!

An appreciative mom,
Daria

Quick Tips for wedding planning

There are so many things to consider when planning a wedding. We thought we would help out by giving some wedding tips and advice from people's personal experience with weddings. These wedding tips and advice can help you execute your planning efforts flawlessly the first time.

Your wedding day is a special event for many reasons. First and, most important, two special people are joining together to become one in matrimony. Secondly, it is a time for friends and family members to get together and celebrate. That is why it is so important that the day is as perfect as it possibly can be. (Also, it is helpful to realize there is a bigger picture involved than "perfection". Try to remember the perfection you are achieving above all else is the commitment to love another person more than you love yourself.) But here are a few wedding tips to help you make their wedding day a complete success.

Plan As Much In Advance as Possible

For those who are able to do so, planning in advance as much as possible is a great idea. (My husband and I were only engaged for 3 months--so there are ways around the plan way ahead thing.) Those couples who plan their wedding day spectacular in advance will find that not only will they be able to reserve the desired locations and obtain the perfect wedding day necessities, they will also be much more relaxed when the big day approaches. Planning in advance allows the individuals to feel prepared and prevent them from being rushed to get everything completed in time for their wedding day.

Make a Wedding Checklist... or Purchase One (you can also download one free from www.bridesclub.com)

Another wedding tip for ensuring wedding day success is to prepare a list or buy a pre-made one which displays all that the couple needs to do in order to make their wedding day complete. Items such as reception hall rental, ceremony location rental, wedding attire purchases, flower purchases, etc. are just some of the things which the couple should have on their checklist. Many wedding preparation books which one can purchase at a bookstore will have lists of this type within them as well as a detailed time line for when the couple should complete each task. This really helps the couple get their schedule together and complete everything fully and on time. There are things that will be listed that you won't have thought of...that is very helpful!

Prepare a Budget

An engaged couple who is about to start planning their wedding should sit down together and prepare a set budget to follow along the way. This can be done by looking at their total income, deciding who will be paying for what items or if it is a collective arrangement and allotting certain funds to specific purchases. This will provide the couple with a good financial plan to follow so that they can adequately spend certain amounts on each item and not be short of funds at the end. Don't overspend...starting a marriage off in debt will not be fun.

Ask for Help

Keep in mind that the engaged couple does not have to do this alone. It is more than okay to ask friends and family members for help with regard to the planning aspect of the wedding should they feel it necessary to do so. Things such as flower choices, wedding gown selections and even asking for help decorating the church or reception hall is fine and the friends and family members whom the couple asks to help with their wedding planning are sure to say yes to help make the day as special as possible.

Bridal Shower Ideas!

Some Bridal Shower Ideas:

Lingerie Shower

Everybody brings and wears an article of clothing that is associated with sleep ware. e.g. pajamas, nightgowns, slips, teddies. Put your sense of humor to work if you wish to! For whatever you are bringing, give one to the Bride too as a gift.

Romantic Shower

Present the Bride with items that will inspire romance in her married life. The Groom would approve of scented candles, candle holders, satin bed sheets, champagne, bath bubbles, aromatherapy products, his-and-hers massage vouchers at the spa.

Sweet Memories Shower

All guests take their turn to tell a story of how they met the Bride, their special moments together, the disappointments they may have shared. All these to be recorded and put together with photographs in a scrapbook for the Bride to cherish for the rest of her life.

The Practical Household Shower

As the title suggests....be practical and bring gifts that will stock up the Couple’s new home. Some examples may be VCR’s, picture frames, coffee makers, clocks. Everyone can also chip in and buy the Couple a fridge. Make sure a list is made prior to this to eliminate duplicated gifts.

Music Shower

Let music be the theme of the bridal shower. Everyone brings a few CD’s and play their favorite songs for the Bride. Make sure there is a CD Player and get a list beforehand of the tunes that will be played.

Wine Shower

Have all your guests bring a bottle of wine each and find out that nothing makes you bolder as you play "Truth or Dare". Go ahead, whine (pun intended) about the other sex while you are at it. That’s the whole fun of a bridal shower.

The above are just some suggestions. Come up with your own shower theme and you will find that an evening with the girls is the best way to celebrate a good friend’s upcoming marriage.

Expos

Thank you to everyone, exhibitors and brides to be, that attended and helped make the Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo a success.

If you still have shopping to do: Come see us at the Lynnwood Expo on September 26th and 27th at the Lynnwood Convention Center. 3711 196th St SW; Lynnwood, WA 98036

More info and tickets at http://www.bridesclub.com

Thanks!

Show link on Bridesclub:
http://www.bridesclub.com/bridal-shows/lynnwood-everett-fall-wedding-expo.cfm

Lobby Booths at the Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo

Here are some companies you will see in the lobby at the Tacoma Wedding Expo on September 12 and 13th.

Lobby hours begin at 9:30...1/2 hour before main floor opens:

J & J Photography http://www.jenandjody.com

Wine and Roses Country Estate http://www.wineandrosescountryestate.com/

Leu Jam Productions http://www.leujam.com

Celebrity Cake Studios http://www.celebritycakestudio.com

Events With Integrity http://www.ewihome.com

Studio 6 http://www.studio6now.com

Men's Wearhouse http://www.menswearhouse.com

Carlson Wagonlit Travel http://www.travelcenter4u.com

Weddings With Joy http://www.weddingswithjoy.com

Maid of Honor Duties

1.Host or Co-host a bridal shower with the help of the other bridesmaids and/or the bride's mother, sisters, etc.

2.Help the bride choose her dress and shop for bridesmaid dresses. (The Wedding Expos is the perfect place for this one!)

3.Make sure the bridesmaids all go for their dress fittings and get everything they need for the big day. ie jewelry, flowers, shoes, etc

4.Lend an ear when the bride wants to/needs to vent, no matter what the topic!Generally keep the bride sane during wedding planning.

5.Can help with addressing Invitations, choosing colors, cake, decor, attend the Expo...

6.Make sure the bridesmaids know where they need to be and at what time on the big day. Also, inform the bridesmaids about all pre-wedding events and parties.

7.Plan the bachelorette party with the other bridesmaids.Keep a record of all gifts and give the list to the bride for Thank You cards.

8.At the ceremony, stand next to the bride while she exchanges vows and hold her bouquet during the ring part of things.

9.Stand in the receiving line. May be announced with the Best Man.

10.Bustle the bride's train for the party. Also, help the bride change clothes for the honeymoon and take charge of the dress until the bride returns.

11.She may dance with the best man during or after the couple's first dance. Also, can give a toast after the best mans'.

Generally keep the bride sane during the wedding itself and help her truly ENJOY the most wonderful and anticipated day of her life...so far.

Bridesclub.com

Check out all the great stuff at www.bridesclub.com

Upcoming wedding expos in the Puget Sound; Tacoma and Lynnwood.

Download a free wedding planner!

Great ideas and discussions!

Social Media: Follow us!

Follow Us:

http://seattleweddingexpos.blogspot.com/
www.bridesclub.comwww.twitter.com/bradbuckles
www.myspace.com/bridesclubdotcom
Facebook: Brad Buckles Bridesclub
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Seattle-Fall-Wedding-Expo
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bridesclub

Have you ever wondered?

The average wedding costs $18,874 with 186 guests.

The average second wedding costs $12,000,
but the couples spend nearly double first
time couples on their honeymoons.

In almost half of U.S. weddings either the
bride or groom has been married previously.

The wedding ring has traditionally been
worn on the third finger of the left
hand because it was believed that a vein
in this finger ran directly to the heart.

The third finger of the left hand has
become the customary wedding-ring finger
for all English-speaking cultures.

80% of brides plan formal weddings.

74% of all brides receive a diamond
engagement ring. 60% of women are
involved in picking out their engagement
ring, while 3% actually pick it themselves.

In 2000, the average bride was 24 years old and the average groom was 28.

Only 4% of men asked for the parents' approval for their bride's hand in marriage.

20% of men proposed on one knee.

6% of men proposed to their girlfriends over the phone.

The most frequent number of bridesmaids in a wedding is 4 (including the maid of honor).

62% of weddings have a flower girl, while 56% have a ring bearer.

So You're Getting Married

I have some good news and some bad news.

First the good news: if approached correctly, married life will be the most glorious,
blessed, and rewarding time spent with another person. Words are inept at trying to
explain the love, the trust, and the respect that are developed in a successful marriage.
Happy marriages deepen and get better with time.

Now the bad news: if not approached correctly, you have a 50 percent chance of getting
a divorce. That doesn't count marriages that don't end in divorce but are not happy.So now what? Consider this question:

This is a preview of So You're Getting Married. Read the full post (313 words, estimated
1:15 mins reading time)