Quote of the Day

Love feels no burden,
thinks nothing of trouble,
attempts what is above its strength,
pleads no excuse of impossibility...
It is therefore able to undertake all things,
and it completes many things,
and warrants them to take effect,
where he who does not love would faint and lie down.
Love is watchful and sleeping, slumbereth not.
Though weary, it is not tired;
though pressed, it is not straitened;
though alarmed, it is not confounded...

- Thomas A. Kempis -

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.

Kindness Trend

More and more couples right now are incorporating a charitable element into their big day – and it’s not just celebrities who are doing this. A wave of couples everywhere are making the choice to do something generous for a good cause as part of their wedding celebration.

Weddings have always had a self-indulgent element to them, and so it’s exciting to see couples generously opening their hearts to others on their wedding day. What a wonderful way to celebrate the love they share – by sprinkling some of that love out to others by doing good.

Kindness is contagious.

With any trend, the more people see of it, the more likely they are to adopt it. But a lot of people really feel inspired by the good deeds of others. It makes them want to do something good too. When you think about it, it’s a really beautiful way for a couple to start their new life together. You've got to admit, it’s got a good vibe to it.

We predict that the kindness trend will continue to pick up momentum over the next 12 months, but unlike other trends that fade completely after reaching their peak, the concept behind this one has some staying power. Trends, by their very nature, are flaky. One day everyone’s doing a particular thing, and before long it’s never seen again. But fortunately kindness never completely goes out of style. Chances are this current trend will show people how easily charitable elements can be incorporated into weddings, and those ideas will continue to be seen at weddings long after this is no longer the ‘it’ thing of the moment.

Once people try it they find that doing something kind for others actually feels amazingly good. And that makes them want to do more of it.

On a more personal note, frankly, I wish this trend had started back when I got married in ’92. I personally have a lot of concern for the well being of animals. Looking back, making a donation in each of my guest’s names to a no-kill shelter would have been more meaningful than all those pretty little wedding favors we gave away. Sure, the favors were gorgeous, but doing something to make a difference would have been an unbeatable feeling. Unfortunately, no one thought of doing this fifteen years ago.

So why this trend at this time? Here's our theory. In recent times, we’ve witnessed a lot of really harsh realities. September 11. America at war. The Tsunami. Then Katrina. As they spend all that money on a big one-day celebration for themselves, and revel in their own happiness, a lot of caring, socially conscious couples are trying to reconcile that with the suffering many others are experiencing in these times. There may be a little pang of guilt, or simply a genuine desire to share their blessings with others who are nowhere near as fortunate.

Today more and more couples use the details of their weddings to paint an intimate self-portrait of themselves. Through the many wedding-related selections they need to make - the decor, the food, the flower, the favors - they strive to make a statement about who they are so that their wedding day becomes a meaningful reflection of themselves. Certainly, making kindess a part of their weddings or including a philantrhopic element says something very special about a couple.

More and more couples everywhere are taking the opportunity to show kindness to others when they exchange their vows. You can do this too, and we highly encourage it! Make a charitable donation in the name of each of your guests in place of traditional wedding favors. Or ask guests to make a donation to the charity of your choice, or theirs, in place of wedding gifts. Sooner or later, kindness is always returned to you, ten fold. We promise!

Here are some ideas on how you can make kindness a part of your wedding:

* In place of traditional wedding favors, make a donation to a worthwhile cause in each guest’s name. At the reception, present each guest with a small nicely printed card explaining that this has been done.

* Suggest that instead of wedding gifts, guests make a contribution to either a charity of your choosing, or a cause that is important to them. Pop star Christina Aguilera did this when she wed last December and requested that guests make donations to Hurricane Katrina victims rather than giving wedding presents. Even comic strip characters are taking a shine to this trend; the popular comic strip character Cathy also did this last year when she asked her guests (and readers of the strip) to make a donation to a particular California shelter for homeless animals!

* Some gift registry services will donate a percentage of all gifts purchased through their service to the charity of your choice – look for one that offers this.

* Make arrangements to donate food left over from the reception to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

* Donate flower arrangements to local hospices or nursing homes following the wedding.

* After the wedding, donate your used wedding supplies and accessories –or even your wedding dress - to Goodwill (Goodwill Industries International) or another charitable organization that collects used goods.

Quote of the Day!

"Of all actions of a man's life, his marriage does least concern other people,
yet of all actions of our life 'Tis most meddled with by other people."

John Selden
1584-1654, British Jurist, Statesman

Happy Halloween

Quote (poem) of the Day!

That I did always love,

I bring thee proof:

That till I loved

I did not love enough.

That I shall love always,

I offer thee

That love is life,

And life hath immortality.

This, dost that doubt, sweet?

Then have I

Nothing to show

But Calvary.

Emily Dickensen

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."

Tacoma Wedding Expo florists!

Always and Forever Creations

Debra’s Botanical Designs

Fife Flowers

GardenPartyToGo Romantic Wedding Flowers

Hector Auffant Designs-Cascade Floral

L & M Designs

Lola Event Floral and Design

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.

Quote of the Day!

"Most people who meet my wife quickly conclude that she is remarkable. They are right about this. She is smart, funny and thoroughly charming. Often, after hearing her speak at some function or working with her on a project, people will approach me and say something to the effect of, you know, I think the world of you, Barack, but your wife, wow!"

Barack Obama

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

Inviting Change

Inviting Change

Dare to be different! More and more bridal couples are looking to fashion for inspiration for their wedding invitations, going "Couture". Jon Lacar of Evergreen Invitations, www.evergreeninvitations.com explains this trend:

Couture, a term originally stemmed from the fashion world, basically means custom designing using unique and high-end materials. These are not your ordinary paper invites. A typical couture invitation can include rhinestone buckles, crystal embellishments, designer papers, and rich fabrics. They are also usually housed in a luxurious stationery box or enclosure. The greatest part is that there are limitless custom design options and the outcome is having a beautiful keepsake to serve as a memento for the special event. A step further also goes into the type of printing such as using letterpress (impression text) or thermography (raised text). All of these put together make an invitation that is exclusive, unique, and eye-catching.

Brides and grooms who want to take their invitations a step up to the next level will enjoy what couture invitations has to offer. Couture invitations can serve a wide variety of tastes. For example, a beach wedding would extend its theme into the invitations by including embellishments such as seashells and starfish accessories, whereas an elegant affair will call for rhinestone jewels and sumptuous ribbons. An invitation using these little hints gives the guests a feel for the atmosphere and a exciting glimpse of your special day.

The prior mentality that invitations will just be thrown away are no longer amongst today's brides and grooms. Attention to finer design details in a couture invitation will make your guests feel as if they were receiving a gift as well. Brides and grooms are often on the hunt for something new, unique, and different. Custom designed couture invitations will provide just that. They definitely will stand out compared to commonplace invitations and give your big day a special feel.

Quote of the Day!

"A little girl at the wedding afterwards asked her mother why the bride changed her mind. What do you mean? responded her mother. Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and came back with another."

Source Unknown

Decorating trends

Wendy Balidoy of Spinning W.E.B. Florist, www.spinningwebflorist.com, offers ideas on decorating:

Well...there are alot of new trends that we are seeing, and of course, everyone wants the most bang for their buck.

Black seems to be BIG.....black rocks lining pathways...black chandeliers suspended above, black vases, black accents in bouquets.... and feathers, lots of feathers! Peacock feathers, which look fantastic with black accents are in demand. White ostrich plumes are also very popular.

Brides are looking for options rather than the "rose", we found that green cymbidiums were in for the past two years...but this year and for next year..its calla lilies!

Large vase rentals are very popular, especially for our destination brides who want "the look" but

do not want the hassle of lugging them home.... These large vases can be a dual purpose expense. They can line the isle to the alter, and be quickly moved to the guest tables during the reception or couple's cocktail hour.

Flowers, Baubles & Beads

Flowers, Baubles & Beads

Floral arrangements have come along way, and now can include feathers, beads, rhinestones and other "bling" that adds texture and color.

Terrie Easley, of Terrie Easley Designs www.easleydesigns.com, shares some of the trends she's seeing:

No matter the circumstances, weddings still are visions that a Bride and Groom have had for years as to what that special day will be like when it becomes a reality. Especially the Bride! It must be her dream day from the beginning to the end with the groom’s favorite part being…”the ultimate honeymoon.” When there is a budget established, it is sometimes altered when an idea is introduced that seems to “just be too good to pass up”.

There are so many new items on the wedding market. The wristlet bands are with beads, crystals, pearls, and rhinestones. The boutonnieres have pewter, or metal holders as does the bouquet holders. New types of ribbons, new arbors and arches made of bamboo or willow are choices of many couples getting married outdoors.

Being in business for 30 some years, I can honestly say that though there are newer trends, the old traditional with just a touch of new ideas is still the choice of most couples when it comes to floral designs. It comes full circle as most things do.

Wendy Balidoy of Spinning W.E.B. Florist, www.spinningwebflorist.com, offers more details:

Well...there are alot of new trends that we are seeing, and of course, everyone wants the most bang for their buck.

Black seems to be BIG.....black rocks lining pathways...black chandeliers suspended above, black vases, black accents in bouquets.... and feathers, lots of feathers! Peacock feathers, which look fantastic with black accents are in demand. White ostrich plumes are also very popular.

Brides are looking for options rather than the "rose", we found that green cymbidiums were in for the past two years...but this year and for next year..its calla lilies!

Large vase rentals are very popular, especially for our destination brides who want "the look" but

do not want the hassle of lugging them home.... These large vases can be a dual purpose expense. They can line the isle to the alter, and be quickly moved to the guest tables during the reception or couple's cocktail hour.

Flowers and Lighting?!

Light it UP!

Floral arrangements add beauty and romance to a wedding and the reception, but what if you want something .... well, something MORE? You light it.

Terrie Easley provides some details:

There is a service that has come up recently that is growing in the industry of weddings and events. The Backdrop and lighting for the reception ballroom is now on the list of “must have”. The backdrop and the colored lighting add an ambiance truly to be remembered. This backdrop is usually behind the headtable or wherever the most attention will be focused. With crystals, mirrors, beads, or even feathers hanging from the draping, it looks glorious with lighting directed from below to illuminate the “bling” even more.

The lighting can be of the wedding color as can the beads or feathers. The ballroom lights can be dimmed to make the lighting even more spectacular when the guests walk in. Day weddings can still use backdrops/draping with the beading, crystals, etc. showing as gloriously behind an elegantly floral decked headtable. Gone are the lattice screens, the potted plants and nothings…the backdrop is here and a growing demand.

Quote of the Day

"Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day."

Barbara De Angelis

Quote of the Day!

"Many people spend more time in planning the wedding than they do in planning the marriage."

Zig Ziglar
American Sales Trainer, Author, Motivational Speaker

A few things if you are getting married in Hawaii!

Favorite Things, A Bit of This and That

You want your wedding day to be memorable, not just for you, for your guests as well. Sumptuous nibbles or take away centerpieces will give your guests a reason to remember.

Menehune Mac, http://www.menehunemac.com, offers this helpful advice:

Finding just the right wedding favor in a sea of same old, same old can be a difficult task. Lucky for us, chocolates are still the #1 choice followed by nibbler size cookies, gourmet salts, couture cupcakes and loose leaf teas.

Go Green! Editable items in “green” containers are huge this year. Reusable cloth bags, handkerchief wraps and recyclable containers are eco-friendly and make thoughtful mementos.

Couples are also incorporating locally grown foods into their buffet tables and search for wedding products and services in their area to support the local economy.

Go Bold! Don’t be afraid to try hues of hot pink, apple green or vibrant orange in your favor boxes, bows and decorations. Bold colors will make your pictures pop and tablescape romantic and elegant.

Use wedding trends as ideas not rules. It’s your wedding day, do what you want and be creative.