Tips for Celebrate Father's Day

 

Eight Tips for Celebrate Father's Day :

1. Consider building the celebration around an activity you all can enjoy. Some ideas include:

•  Having a family picnic
• Enjoying a family barbecue
• Taking dad to a favorite sporting event
• Go fishing together
• Go plane spotting or train spotting together
• Play golf together.

2. Make it a family event. Father's Day is by nature a family event. Use this opportunity to get everyone in the family together for a fun day. Think about including all the dads in your family, not just your own father. Could your celebration include husbands, would-be future dads, your uncles, and brothers? If so, do it—the more the merrier! And don't forget step-fathers—they're important too. You don't have to remain at home; you could go to the beach, a local park, a favorite spot of dad's!

3. Help dad to enjoy the day. Perhaps you'll let him sleep in this morning, or perhaps you won't badger him to be somewhere on time, for a change. Whatever it is, let it be his day. Some nice ways to start it include:

• Having a family picnic
• Enjoying a family barbecue
• Taking dad to a favorite sporting event
• Go fishing together
• Go plane spotting or train spotting together
• Play golf together.

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4. Be creative. When it comes to making gifts for Father's Day, perhaps steer clear of the traditional store-bought gifts of tie and socks. He's probably still got last year's socks stuffed at the back of the drawer. Expensive or typical gifts are not necessary, but the time and effort you put in to create a personalized tribute, will be deeply appreciated. Instead, let your own creative abilities shine and make him something special:

• Bake a cake
• Make his favorite dinner
• Make a gift basket and fill it with homemade candies, cookies, crossword or other puzzles you've created yourself, hand-crafted woodwork objects, etc.
• If you're artistically inclined, draw or paint a portrait of your dad from a favorite photo or from memory
• Write a poem
• Write a song and perform it.

5. Celebrate your shared experiences. Look at old photos of you and your dad doing fun things together. Take a walk down memory lane by creating either a photo album or a photo slideshow. You may be surprised at how many things you both have forgotten about and how much they mean to you.

• Especially if he doesn't talk much about his life, consider recording his voice or taking notes as you talk about old times or old photographs. Make his words and memories part of the family history.

6. Acknowledge the importance of fatherhood. Being a father is a tough job. Dads are responsible for at least one half of the financial and emotional well-being of the family. A thoughtful card, a letter, or short speech that expresses your love will benefit both you and your dad. Giving dad a heartfelt speech, toast, or card of genuine, loving words at the dinner table, or at some other point when all the family are around (siblings especially), will make this a poignant occasion. Here are some ways to prepare:

• Make a handmade card
• Write a letter
• Write a speech or prepare a toast
• Have all of your siblings explain why dad matters to them.

7. Make the day joyful. The most important aspect of the day is that you are present and attentive. It does not take material presents to make a dad happy—it takes showing your love, and reassuring your dad that you're proud of him and all he's done for you. For many fathers, the most rewarding part of being a father is feeling that your children love you, and the knowledge that each child is on a path to a successful future, no matter what age, coping well with the problems that life inevitably throws at us all.

8. End his "Fun-filled day" by telling your father you love him. Don't forget his hug and kiss!

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FATHER’S DAY MESSAGES FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAD

Hey ladies this is a nice quick post to help you if you get stuck writing messages to your loved one like me. For this special occasion Father’s day will be on sunday 19th July so here are some message ideas to put into your card to show your dad how you feel and also make him feel special on this day.

1. I am indeed blessed to have
Someone like you as my father
On this special day
I‘d like to thank you for everything you have done for me.
Happy Fathers Day

2. Some things are
just better the
way they are
like you!
Happy Father’s Day!

3. Today, like many other days, brings warmest thoughts of you,
and all the ways you brighten life for others all year through.
Hope that happiness and love will fill your Fathers Day.
Happy Fathers Day Dad!

4. You’ve seen me laugh
You’ve seen me cry
And always you were there with me
I may not have always said it
But thanks, I love you
Happy Father’s Day

5. Dad you are never wrong
The only time you are wrong
is when you think,
I forgot about you.
Love you Dad!
Have a grand Father’s Day!

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Hoped you liked the quick post, please do let us know what your message would be to your dad or any ideas of what someone could say to their dad on this special day.

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How to Choice Wedding Ring

 

Awaiting your happy day with your partner? Certainly do not forget to choose a wedding ring as a sign of love and commitment. Here are tips on choosing a wedding ring for your happy day.

Selecting a symbol of love for life with a partner would not be trifled away. The following steps are recommended eHow, for you and your partner are not the wrong choice.

1. Choose two of the pairs

Wedding ring will be worn not only by you but also your partner. It would be nice to determine the model together, to conform with the wishes together.

2. Consider the daily lifestyle

Customize your ring with your choice of daily lifestyle. Do not arbitrarily choose the ring just because it looks pretty in the window. Remember, this will be a circular ring on your ring finger for life. Do not let the ring model which one actually makes you trouble later.

3. Select a precious stone

Wedding ring does not always adorned with diamonds only. You are free to choose other precious stones that suit your personality and interests. Rubies, emeralds or sapphires can also be an option.

4. Choose a color and type of precious metal

Today the wedding ring is not always a uniform golden color. You can choose the gold color to suit craze; yellow, bronze or white. If you do not want to choose a ring with precious metal gold, you can also choose other materials, for example from titanium materials which is now a trend.

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5. Select a trusted jewelry store

Buy a wedding ring at a jewelry store that has been tried and tested quality. Make sure the weight of gold and precious stones quality offered in accordance with the offer.

As an input, do not rush when choosing a wedding ring. Look for references as much as possible, and do not be lazy to go to many jewelry stores to get the best symbol of love.

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10 Tips for Find a Last Minute Mother's Day Gift

 

Oh no! It's Mother's Day very soon and you forgot to get her a gift? Mother's Day is a very important date to show your mother that you love and appreciate her, so you should make an effort to do something for her, even if you don't have much time left. No ideas? Have no fear: this article is here to help! Just read on for some simple, quick and cost-effective ways to show your appreciation to your mother this Mother's Day.

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1. Think about what she likes. Is there something special that she wants or is really interested in? The best gifts for Mother's Day are a lot more personal than the generic flowers or chocolate. If there's something she's been wanting to buy, then getting it for her as a surprise can be a great present. If she has a particular interest, then you could get her something related to that interest or use it to personalise the card or present you made.

2. Get her a card. This is an essential part of Mother's Day, something she can keep and also an opportunity to leave her a short message of appreciation. Even if you don't have time to find her a present, getting her a card should be a priority. For a really personal touch you can make the card yourself. Look around the house to see what supplies you have, like paper, pens, card, glitter, etc. and then get on with making your card! Remember, this is something that she can keep for a long time. You could also make a card on the computer with a publishing program like Microsoft Publisher, which will look really professional. E-Cards are also an option if you want to surprise her. With any of these cards you could include a picture of her, or of both of you together for a really nice touch. Once you have your card, write a short message inside it telling her that you love and appreciate her and wishing her a happy Mother's Day.

 

3. Make your mother a gift yourself! This is the most personal and creative type of gift you can give your mother, as well as being a good alternative if you're strapped for cash. There are lots of different things you can make your mother, depending on what kind of things she is interested in. 

• Making her some custom jewellery can be an awesome gift! So things like beaded ribbon or chain bracelets, earrings, necklaces or rings.
• If you're feeling creative, why not try writing her a poem or painting her a picture?
• Make her something that she can use to pamper herself. For example, makeup like lipgloss, a bath bomb in her favourite colour, a homemade perfume, a body scrub in a fragrance she likes, etc.

4. Get her a voucher or a gift card. This will allow her to choose a gift for herself and show you have thought about Mother's Day. Many sites now have opportunities to buy vouchers online quite quickly, with just a credit/debit card, PayPal account, etc. Think about sites your mother uses or buys things from often and see if they do online vouchers. Does she like to shop? Try buying her a voucher for her favourite clothes shop. Is she into music? Get her an iTunes gift card or a Spotify membership. If you don't know you can always buy her vouchers for a site that sells a wide variety of things like Amazon. 

• You could always give it a more personal touch by making it a voucher for something you could do together, for example, giving her a DVD voucher and telling her to choose a film for both of you to watch together.

5. Make some Mother's Day coupons. These are like vouchers, but are for things that you can do yourself, which will make it much more personal. Get a piece of paper and write down something you promise to do for her, or make a more professional looking coupon on the computer if you can. If you're feeling brave you could always give her a blank voucher and tell you mother to write what she would like from you on it! Some good ideas for coupons could include: 

• Doing the grocery shopping
• Giving her a massage or a manicure
• Cleaning your room (it could be just for that day, or on a weekly basis for a set amount of time)
• Doing some gardening or weeding
• Taking out the rubbish
• Babysitting your younger siblings so that your mother can go out for the night.

6. Nip down to your local supermarket. It may not sound very glamorous, but there will be some things there that you can give your mother for Mother's Day. Do they sell flowers? Ask one of the employees if you're not sure. They could be a good gift which will make it seem like you have thought about Mother's Day a while in advance. They may sell chocolate, and if that's the kind of thing your mother likes, buy some! If they have anything fancier than plain bars then all the better. Make sure to take off any price labels from anything you buy though.

7. Go out and pick some flowers. This puts a fresh touch on the traditional gift of a bunch of flowers, and is also quick, easy and doesn't cost anything at all! Go out and look for flowers close to where you live - try not to pick flowers that your mother planted in your garden if you can help it! Go for some pretty and colourful flowers that are not home to a whole host of bugs. Once you've found some, pick them close to the roots and put them in water as soon as possible. You can then bring them back to your house and put them in a pretty pot or vase.

 

8. Make her breakfast in bed. This time-honoured tradition is a lovely gesture and will really start off your mother's day well. Sneak into her room about the time she normally gets up and insist she stays in bed for a while, for you have made her breakfast! Include any favorite breakfast foods she may have and set the meal out creatively. Don't forget to bring her up something to drink like coffee or juice. Some more traditional breakfast foods include things like oatmeal, muesli, eggs, toast, etc. but don't be afraid to try something a little more exciting and adventurous - breakfast doesn't have to be a chore!

9. Take some of her work off her hands. This will really relieve her burden and allow her to relax for the day. Are there some things she normally does around the house, like washing the dishes, cleaning, tidying, etc.? Why not try doing them yourself for the day. It won't take too long and it will really please your mother that you've thought about how much work she has to do. Cleaning your house is an especially good one to do, as when your mother gets out of bed, she won't believe her eyes!

10. Cook her an evening meal. This can be a great way to relieve your mother of some of her duties and also treat her with something you made yourself. Plus, it also means that you can announce to your mother in the morning that you will cook her an evening meal... and then you will have the whole day to buy ingredients if you need to and to figure out what on earth you will actually cook for her! If you are young, try to enlist the help of an older sibling or another adult. Choose a main meal, a sweet dessert (and a starter, if you feel up to it) to cook her. If she has a favourite food, that's a good place to start!

source : wikihow.com

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Make Mother's Day Coupons

 

Every mom would love a break from everyday worries and chores. Spread some love and show it on paper with a collection of coupons that can help her, even make her day more worry-free.

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Steps :

1. Gather about 3-4 different paper colors. They can be white or colored (pink, yellow, purple, red, etc).

2. Measure and cut out uniform pieces; rectangular (shown), or shapes your mom likes~hearts, butterflies, etc.

3. Present the gift to your mom in two ways:

Method One:

a. Decorate the pieces of paper by writing what the coupons are good for and draw pictures. (See below for ideas of what to include in the coupon.)

Make a container to put the coupons in. You can use an envelope, a basket, or anything else you can think of.

b. Wrap everything up in tissue, a box, or a bag. It is now ready for presenting.

Method Two:

a. Organize the papers in a color pattern to make the coupon booklet more presentable.

b. Staple everything together about 1/4 inch (0.635cm) from the edge.

c. Write a title on the first paper.

d. Use the other papers to write down what the coupons are for. See suggestions in the next section.

• Be creative about what the coupons are for. Some ideas include: free dish-washing, free hug, free laundry-doing, free dog walking, free massage, free hair styling, free gardening-for-an-afternoon, etc. You could also offer to cook certain meals for a specified time, or to bake treats.

Source : wikihow.com

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Celebrate the Royal Wedding Prince William and Kate Middleton

 

Kate Middleton and Prince William are tying the knot on 29 April, 2011. In honour of this occasion, here are some things you can do to celebrate along with them.

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Steps :

1. Buy souvenir magazine guides on the Royal Wedding. There are plenty on the stands, and you'll find lots of them contain information about previous Royal Weddings, as well as lots of information about Kate and William. Have the magazines on hand during the wedding, so that you can check any facts or look up things you're curious about during the ceremony.

2. Dress up for the occasion. Why not wear your best clothes, fit to meet the future Queen and King of England? If you're super keen, you might even like to copy Kate Middleton's style!

3. Watch the Royal Wedding on TV. The service begins at 11am GMT on Friday 29 April, 2011. However, be sure to be watching earlier because there will be plenty of commentary, views of the crowds and filming of the limousines as they approach Westminster Abbey. Check your local TV for details as to the times the wedding will be broadcast and cross-check the time with your local time, wherever you are in the world. If it's too early in the morning for you, or you'll be working, remember to record it and watch the ceremony later. You might prefer to watch the wedding online.

4. Know the events of the day so that you can be aware of what is happening and what you might be able to view on TV. The events include:

• The groom and Prince Harry leave Clarence House for the Abbey at 10:10am, to arrive five minutes later at 10:15.
• At 10:20, members of foreign Royal Families will begin to arrive at the Abbey.
• Also at 10:20, Kate Middleton's mother and brother depart the Goring Hotel.
• At 10:25, members of the Royal Family begin to leave Buckingham Palace for the Abbey.
• At 10:51, the bride and her father leave the Goring Hotel for the Abbey, preceded by three minutes by the bridesmaids.
• At 11:00 the wedding service commences.
• At 12:15pm, the newlywed Prince William and Princess Catherine will leave by horse-drawn carriage, with the Royal Family following close behind.
• At 12.30, the newly-weds arrive at Buckingham Palace.
• At 13:25 Prince William and Princess Catherine will appear on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to kiss. RAF colleagues will stage a fly-past. The reception finishes at 3.30pm
• At 7pm, the Prince of Wales hosts a dinner and dance at Buckingham Palace for 250 friends and close relatives.

5.  Donate to charity to the help Kate and William celebrate their Royal Wedding. The Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund has been set up as a charitable gift fund to help everyone celebrate their wedding. More information is available at: http://www.royalweddingcharityfund.org/

6. Hold a high tea. Get your friends around for a high tea occasion. You could even show reruns of the wedding during the tea or you could just discuss what you thought of the wedding as part of the event. Some things you might like to serve at the high tea include:

• Kate Middleton's favourite: sticky toffee pudding
• Beef Wellington
• Devonshire cream and scones (the scones can be of all kinds - see wikiHow's scones category for some great ideas)
• Lemon curd tarts
• Shortbread cookies
• Pinwheel sandwiches
• Pound cake
• English trifle
• Fresh strawberries and raspberries with whipped cream
• Tea, coffee, and champagne. Gin cocktails are also considered suitably royal.
• Be sure to use your finest china, silverware, and fabric napkins.

7. If you don't want to make your own high tea, book into a tea room, restaurant or hotel buffet for a lavish spread. Many food caterers are laying on magnificent spreads in honour of the day so that you can eat well as your contribution to celebrating the Royal Wedding

8. Decorate in style. If you are celebrating the Royal Wedding with a party or high tea, be sure to add red, white, and blue bunting, table cloths, and a few Union Jacks

9. Buy some souvenirs to remember the occasion by. Everything from tea towels to beers are being made to celebrate the Royal Wedding, and owning a piece of your own memorabilia is as easy as ordering it online or visiting your favorite gift shop. Some of the food-related goodies for sale include shortbread in commemorative tins, wedding candies, a custom order GE Royal Wedding refrigerator, Kiss Me Kate beer and Windsor knot beer, as well as many other commemorative items

10. Wish the royal couple well. Send them your regards silently

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How to Choose Clothes for the Wedding Party

You've gotten the invitation for your friends' wedding, happily circled the date on your calendar and started shopping for their gift, when all of a sudden it hits you – what are you supposed to wear??? The etiquette for proper wedding guest attire can vary greatly depending on the style of the wedding. You'll have to become a little bit of a detective, but fear not. There are clues everywhere.

Start off with the invitation. Is it in flowing engraved black script on a heavy cream paper with formal language? Odds are the wedding will be similarly formal. Does it cheekily ask you to come see them get hitched? Wedding guests should look for a nice casual outfit. And of course, it may tell you directly on the invitation - black tie, casual attire etc.

Wedding Guest Style for Her

• Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)
• Informal Evening: Cocktail dress
• Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
• Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress
• Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit. Hats and gloves optional.
• Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)
• Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

 

Do's and Don'ts for Her

• Don't wear white because it competes with the bride. There are plenty of other colors available.
• Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime.
• Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.
• Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.
• Don't wear opera-length gloves (to top of arm) with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns.
• Do take off gloves to eat or drink.
• Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.

When deciding what to wear at someone’s wedding, you must first know what type of wedding they are having. Wear what is best for the occasion and what best fits your individuality, whether it is a casual, semi-formal, or formal wedding.

Lets start with a casual wedding. The relaxed atmosphere calls for a relaxed freeform attire. Do not get fussy. Think about what you like to wear to a an evening out at a nice restaurant. Still dress fabulous, but just not too over-the-top.

 

For a semi-formal wedding you get a little fussy and more defined. Fabrics are key to knowing the difference between a casual dress and a semi-formal dress. You want to go with shinier and elegant fabrics. Think of a cocktail dress when dressing for this style wedding.

Unlike a semi-formal wedding, a formal wedding is more glamorous and really fussy. You want to make sure you are looking your most refined and remarkable self. So still put personality in the dress, but accessorize it more with “glitz” and “glam”. This is red carpet time! Whatever you choose always be stylish and “Glam It Up”!

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Wedding Style for Him

• Informal Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably a sports jacket.
• Informal Evening: Suit
• Semi-Formal Daytime: Suit
• Semi-Formal Evening: Dark suit
• Formal Daytime: Dark suit and tie
• Formal Evening: Tuxedo (if invitation states "black tie") or dark suits if women wear short dresses.
• Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: White tie, vest and shirt.

Do's and Don'ts for Him

• Don't try to get cute with a tuxedo. A black tux with white shirt and black bow tie is the best way to go. If "Creative Black Tie" or "Texas Formal" or some sort of other vague formal description is used, then going with a tux and black shirt, no tie, might be acceptable. Also, trendier cities like Los Angeles and New York might be more accepting of breaking with tradition.
• Do wear a dark suit, with a tie if the wedding is after 6 PM, and doesn't say "Black Tie."
• Don't wear a tuxedo during the day time, regardless of the formality of the event.
• Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A dark suit and conservative tie will take you just about anywhere.

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Choose Flowers for Your Wedding Day

 

Nothing spells romance more than the scent and beauty of fresh flowers on your wedding day. A wedding would just not be the same without flowers. Every bride wants her wedding to be memorable and her choice of flowers or arrangements should reflect her specific taste and personality. Her flowers should create a theme to make her wedding day special and provide the finishing touch to this very special day. 

Choosing the color of your flowers for your wedding day can be solely be based on your favorite color or your favorite flower.

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1. Consider the color of the flowers. Color is an important part of your decision about which flowers to have. The colors chosen should complement the bridal gown, the wedding theme, and the clothing of the rest of the bridal party. Colors chosen according to the seasonal availability will allow you the greatest impact for the smaller price, as seasonal flowers will always cost less. When thinking about color, consider what the flowers have to contend with in the room, marquee, or outdoor area where they're located and be sure to choose colors that will stand out. Some of the more popular flowers by color choice include:

• 
  White: rose, sweet pea, camellia, stephanotis, narcissus, gardenia, orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, and gypsophila.
• Pink: rose, ranunculus, peony, sweet pea, carnation, tulip, protea, boronia, and lily.
• Yellow: daffodil, sunflower, tulip, gerbera, lily, and freesia.
• Lavender: lavender, lilac, anemone, statice, iris, delphinium, and hydrangea.
• Red: gerbera, rose, dahlia, poinsettia, and amaryllis.

2. Consider the season. The season plays an important role in your choice, especially if you're budget-conscious. While non-seasonal flowers can be flown in, this increases the cost and complexity considerably. And if you're into locally grown produce, it's hardly appropriate to have flowers flown in! Some of the more well-known, popular flowers are indicated alongside their season here (noting that there may be regional and climate variances depending on where you live in the world):

• Spring flowers: amaryllis, anemone, daffodil, freesia, gerbera, lily of the valley, orchid, ranunculus, stephanotis, and sweet pea.
• Autumn/fall flowers: agapanthus, aster, clematis, daisy, hosta, hydrangea, passion flower, and pinks.
• Summer flowers: anthurium, carnation, chrysanthemum, gypsophila, lily, magnolia, peony, rose, and sunflower.
• Winter flowers: camellia, euphorbia, iris, nerine, pansy, poinsettia, snowdrop, tulip.
• All year round flowers: calla lily, carnation, gypsophila, orchid, protea, rose, and tulip (although this list may vary by region).

3. Think about where you want flowers to play a role in your wedding. Wedding flowers can be simple or elaborate depending on the type of wedding that is being planned. Either way, they should have a look of individuality and look as if they have all been specially created for the bride. 

4. Start out by understanding that there are no right or wrong choices when selecting flowers for your wedding. Your own preferences are the most important part, as well as having a basic understanding of what works well for the theme you've chosen and your budget. You can also expect a good florist to provide you with helpful advice, so be prepared to ask plenty of questions and to run ideas past your florist once you reach that stage.

5. Start by looking through bridal magazines, books, and even gardening books that focus on flowers. If you don't already have an idea of the types of flowers you'd like to have, simply looking at beautifully photographed flowers can be a lovely way to start getting an idea of what you like. Even consider taking a tour of a local Botanical Garden or a greenhouse where flowers are on display, to get a real feel for how the flowers appear.

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20 Sexy Wedding Night Secrets

It's your first night as husband and wife. Make it unforgettable with these simple, loving ways to get intimate. 

The best part of your wedding just may happen after the guests go home and you slip out of your fancy clothes. After all, it's your wedding night and the two of you want to be alone together. You want to make it special, but you don't want to burden it with too-high expectations.

"Today, there seems to be more pressure to make this night amazing and to do something that's ‘wow'—perhaps because many people live together before getting married," says Ava Cadell, Ph.D., a sex and relationship therapist in Los Angeles and the author of 12 Steps to Everlasting Love (Peters Publishing). "But you don't have to make a big production for it to be a wonderful time. There are a lot of little things that couples can do." Here, some simple ways to make your wedding night memorable.

1) Flirt with each other during the wedding. Sure, you're busy attending to guests, but take the time to meet each other's gaze, touch each other's arm or hand and steal some kisses. These little things keep you focused on each other, and build anticipation as the wedding night approaches.

2) Fill your room with fragrance. "Scents are carried to your brain's emotional center, where they can stimulate memories, emotions and moods. They soothe, relax, energize or arouse," explains Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., codirector of the New York Center for Women's Sexual Health at Columbia University Medical Center and the author of Pleasure: A Woman's Guide to Getting the Sex You Want, Need and Desire (Putnam). If you're staying in a hotel room, arrange to have a bouquet of flowers put by the bed, as well as scented candles. You can also sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on your sheets. Try ylang-ylang, sandalwood, lavender or jasmine—scents that are said to increase arousal and sexual desire.

3) Let him carry you across the threshold. You're guaranteed to be swept off your feet! This romantic tradition, which dates from Roman times, when it was said to ensure good luck for the couple, is fun for both partners. Go from there to giving each other foot massages (you've been standing all day), and progress as slowly—or as quickly—as you like to a sensual full-body massage.

4) Set the night to music. Load the CD player with your spouse's favorite tunes, and put it on when you enter your hotel room. "Or have a CD of your first dance playing softly in the background as you enter the honeymoon suite," suggests Janet Dunnington, owner of CEO Weddings & Events, an event-planning and production company in Manchester, Vermont.

5) Slip into something sexy. Soft, silky lingerie may not be the newest idea, but it's always fun. Plus, the array of items out there (available at every price point) makes it easy to find something flattering that your guy hasn't seen before. "Don't worry if you don't look like a Victoria's Secret model," says Dr. Hutcherson. "Believe me, he's far more focused on how sexy you are than he is on the size of your thighs."

6) Make a love list. "Record a DVD of yourself telling your husband all the things you love about him—he can make one for you, too," says Cadell. Start by letting your partner know that you can't wait to spend the rest of your life as a twosome, and then list the physical, mental and emotional things about him that you love. These can be everything from his charmingly crooked smile to his wry sense of humor.

7) Feed each other. "It's a great way to get intimate before you get intimate," says Dr. Hutcherson. Put a bowl of strawberries, melon balls, chocolate truffles or other succulent snack by the bed to nibble on.

8) Use aphrodisiacs. "Many people swear by the effects of certain foods, but there are some that really can boost your libido," says Dr. Hutcherson. Chocolate contains caffeine and a feel-good chemical called phenylethylamine, both of which may put you in the mood for sex. Also try honey, which contains boron, or oysters, which contain zinc. Those minerals may increase the production of testosterone, the hormone responsible for sexual desire.

9) Play "Find the Honey." For this game, blindfold your partner, put a dab of honey (or another sweet sauce, like chocolate or caramel) somewhere on your body and then have him find it (giving a few hints is a fun part of the game). "It's cute, fun, erotic and playful," says Cadell. Remember to take turns!

10) Get his-and-hers massages. Arrange to get massages in your hotel room right after the wedding. This will help work out any stressful kinks in your bodies, ease tired-from-dancing feet, and get you both in a very relaxed and cozy state of mind.

11) Re-create the first time. "Many women tell me that the first time they had sex with their partner was the most exciting," says Dr. Hutcherson. "If your wedding night isn't the first time, think back to it and try to relive some part of it." For example, you can listen to the same CD you played back then, wear the same perfume or write down what it was about that first time that was so exciting, and read it out loud.

12) Change the lighting. Surprise your partner by replacing an everyday lightbulb with a red or blue one. "This creates a soft, romantic glow," says Dr. Hutcherson. Or, have a bridesmaid, the hotel concierge or your wedding planner fill the room with rows and rows of candles and light them just before you arrive.

13) Leave something sexy on the bed. Buy your groom some silky boxers or pj's, and lay them out so they're waiting for him. Or guys can buy the bride some fancy lingerie. Either way, this sets a fun, sexy tone.

14) Indulge in playthings. "Before your wedding night, decide that each of you will buy a sex toy that you want your partner to use on you," says Dr. Hutcherson. "This way you both feel comfortable with the idea, and you can have fun trying them out."

15) Bliss out in the tub. Prepare beforehand for a romantic bath. Think rose petals, massage oils and candles, as well as sponges or loofahs to wash each other with. Just turn the water on and enjoy.

16) Relax! Realize the pressure is off. Take the time to talk about your amazing day. Get romantic; make out the way you did when you first met. All of this will make the sex more intimate and thrilling.

17) Have a treasure hunt. Hide sweet (and sexy) items around the room and give him a list of clues, suggests Tasha Bracken, principal design coordinator of Simple Details, an event-planning company. For example, hide chocolates, a bottle of champagne, a CD of your favorite songs, and so on. The final "find" can be you—soaking in the tub or cuddled beneath the covers.

18) Stroll down memory lane. Decorate the room with playful, romantic pictures of the two of you, says Bracken. (Think funny or poignant!) You can also burn a DVD with a slide show of these special photos set to music, and arrange to have it playing when you get back to the room.

19) Paint a rosy future. Cadell suggests writing down some private vows. One example: "To love each other. To help each other. To believe in each other." Another is: "We are committed to providing understanding and forgiveness. To creating a partnership that can grow mentally, physically, sexually and spiritually."

20) Do not disturb. The most important tip for making your wedding night sexy and romantic? "Don't invite friends and family back to your room after the reception," says Bracken. Need we say more?

 

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Find Out Who Is Sending You Valentine's Cards

It's Valentine's Day and you've received a card. But just who is it from? This article explains how you might go about finding out who has sent you that secret Valentine's card.

Steps :

1. Ask questions about the mode of delivery. How did you receive the Valentine's card? There are vital clues in the mode of delivery if you look closely: 

• If it was hand delivered to your home, consider who you know who lives locally, or who could possibly drop by on their way to work or studies.
• If the Valentine's card was sent by mail to your house list, consider who has access to your home address. If your name and address are publicly available, this clue won't be so useful though.
• Ask other members of the household if they saw anything or talked to anyone when the card arrived.
• Have a look at the postmark on the front of the envelope. This may give you a clue to the area your admirer is from. Be careful though, the sender may have been very clever about finding a post office well away from their usual haunts.
• If the Valentine's card was left for you to find at work, it almost definitely would be from one of your colleagues. And chances are they would be keeping their eye on you to make sure you received it. This will narrow the field considerably.

2. Sum up the nature of the card. What type of Valentine's card is it? Romantic, humorous, cute, tacky, minimal or elaborate? In most cases, it's probable that your secret admirer would have unwittingly selected a card that reflects their own personality. For example, the hot photographer from the café would have very different tastes from your pub mate. From your list of suspects, who do you think best suits the card?

3. Analyse the message. What exactly has the sender written on the card? Your admirer will want you to find out who they are, so will have hopefully left a clue: 

• Think back to conversations you have had with people who might be the sender - does anything click between things already said to your face and what is written in the card?
• 
  Is the handwriting familiar to you? Don't put too much thought into this one though, as they may well have tried to disguised it, or typed it.

4. Probe the suspects. By now you must have reduced your list down to a few key players. Find a time when you're alone with each of them and casually bring up the subject of Valentine's Day. Mention that you received an anonymous card and watch their reaction. If they look nonplussed, chances are that it wasn't from them. If they blush, grin uncontrollably, or show a lot of interest - you're probably on the right track.

• 
  Ask if they sent any cards this Valentine's Day. If they say "No", drop the subject and move on. If they say they did, ask to whom. This is perfect because if they tell you that it was to someone else, you can feign interest as they tell you all about her without losing face, but if it was to you, they will be obliged to come clean.
• 
  Choose the next move. It's now down to you to decide whether you want to take things further with your secret admirer or not.

Tips :

• If you have several cards from different admirers, you will have to spend more effort on finding out which senders might have sent them to you.
• Remember that mates sometimes send cards for a lark, so take it with a sense of good humour if it turns out that they were just doing it for fun.

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Top Eight Ideas for Plan a Romantic Valentine's Day Date

This post is aimed at assisting you with how to set about making a romantic date for the one you love. It is especially appropriate for the less romantically inclined who just can't think of these ideas without prompting!

Steps :

1. Make a list of what you will need before you begin. For example, roses, chocolates, candles, stuffed animals (plushies), food, and romantic music.
2. Select something for dinner that you know you'll both like, so you can enjoy the meal together. If you haven't time to cook, order ahead at a good food store that specializes in take-home dinners (not just fast food). Order a special cake from a bakery (pâtisserie) and get some special wine or alcohol substitute that both of you love to share.
3. Shop for the roses, candles and stuffed animal(s). Choose them in pink, red, or white; or try a combination of all three colors if you like. Include a card in which you can write a personal, heartfelt message. Make the card yourself if you have the time, for that extra personal touch.
4. Arrange the roses, candles and stuffed animals in strategic places in your home. Make them appear in unexpected places to delight your loved one. Leave a sweet post-it note message stuck behind the bathroom door, next to the soap dispenser or on the coat rack. It's also a nice touch to scatter some rose petals around your home, perhaps on a staircase or on the welcome mat at the front door. Write a love note in the steam on the bathroom mirror so they see it when they get out the shower.
5. Start cooking your specially planned meal (if you're doing it) or put the purchased quality meals into warming-up containers ready to heat. Make sure that you have something sweet and romantic to finish the meal with.
6. Think of some heartfelt ways of presenting the food - arrange the salad in the shape of a heart; use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out bread pieces, pour a berry coulis for a cake in a heart shape.
7. Set the table with your favorite things, a candle, some flowers and put on softly playing music in the background. Leave a sweet message in the place that your loved one will be sitting.
8. After the meal is over, have chocolates and out-of-the-ordinary warm drinks planned ( for example, hot chocolate with a dash of liqueur or fruit syrup; latte coffee etc). Dim the lights and tell your loved one all the reasons why they are so special to you. Go beyond ordinary and think deeply about why this person really matters to you - stretch that word "love" into something with real meaning.

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11 Ways To Make Valentine's Day Special on a Budget

Love with diamonds and a five star meal is neither a necessity nor necessarily a meaningful expression of love for Valentine's Day. Having the means to pay for expensive gifts and experiences does not relieve the giver from expressing love personally, nor does it relieve the recipient from returning such love personally.

If you're worried that your funds can't stretch far enough to give your beloved a Valentine's Day to remember, realize that the best experience on Valentine's Day is having your partner come away from it with the absolute knowledge that they're loved, cared about, and wanted. Save your money and still have a great Valentine's Day.

Steps

1. Avoid equating love with consumption. It's easy to get bogged down in the buying frenzy surrounding Valentine's Day, as retailers vie to rake in some decent profits from romance-inspired lovers. Love isn't about what you give in goods though; it's about what you give by way of time, attention, and acknowledgment of the other person. And none of those can be purchased. Once you view Valentine's Day from the perspective of it being about acknowledging and celebrating your love by spending time together, it's easier to realize that a budget Valentine is still a perfect date opportunity.

2. Minimize rather than do without. One of the tricks to saving money on Valentine's Day is to still indulge in some of the traditional Valentine's accessories but to reduce them. For example, instead giving her a dozen red roses, give her one, held in your teeth, and accompanied by your best impression of a Spanish dancer. Or, give him a special brand of chocolate bar instead of a whole box of expensive chocolates. In this way, you can still participate in the essence of Valentine's Day but spend very little.

 

3. Make your own. A homemade card is always more meaningful than a purchased one. It says not only what you write in it but also "I took the time to make this because I care enough about you to give that time." As far as mementos go, it's likely the card will be kept for many years to come! Other things can be made too, for gifts. Draw on your own skills when making gifts; for example, if you're a keen gardener, give something from the garden; if you're a keen cook, make something delectable; if you're a keen outdoor enthusiast, give a fully guided nature walk or a lesson in your favorite sport.

 

4. Think of something you can do for your love. An excellent way to show your love can be through making love coupons or vouchers. These can contain promises that range from the mundane to the downright sexy, all depending on your willingness to do things for your love. Make a large heart from construction paper, attach as many coupons as you're willing to give. Some examples include:

• This voucher is good for one week of dish washing by me, no questions asked.
• This voucher is good for guaranteeing one season of your favorite TV show to be shared with me. And a promise that there will be no channel surfing during said show.
• This voucher is good for one loving foot massage. To be redeemed any time.
• This voucher is good for one massage in a bubble bath. Any time of day or night.
• This voucher is good for a long snog in front of a movie of your choice.
• This voucher is good for the night of your wildest dreams. To be redeemed when you're in the mood.

5. Exchange cheesy but sweet gifts that remind you of one another, for whatever reason. You can either initiate this yourself, or suggest it as a Valentine's tradition for the two of you. The item should be very affordable, and recall some experience that the two of you have had together. Make a nice card that explains the gift but don't be too cheesy in what you write. For example:

• A cheap plastic snow globe with two hearts inside. Write that it reminds you of the night when she fell in the snow, and that when you came to pick her up, you couldn't help noticing how adorable she looked surrounded by snow.
• A plastic surfboard keyring. Write that it reminds you of the month the two of you spent surfing in Bali and how it was there that you realized you wanted to surf the rest of your life with him.
• A brooch featuring a computer and mouse. Write that it is a reminder of how the two of you met online and how you'll never forget the beauty of her first smile by video chat.

6. Give time. Giving time is the ultimate romantic gesture. It will mean a great deal if you're usually stretched for time and you choose to give up the whole day to spend with your beloved, doing things together that have nothing to do with work, raising a family, paying bills, etc. Banish the mundane and just allow the day to be about the two of you together. As part of this, be thoroughly attentive, listen, and take the chance to share dreams and hopes for the future, including renewing dreams that might have been taken for granted over time.

• If you can, find babysitters for the kids so that you're truly alone. If not, let the kids know that this is a day for "mom and dad" and get them helping in making it special.

7.  Create a special evening at home together. Make a meal in which you go to extra trouble. It doesn't have to be expensive food; just spend time making it more complicated and interesting than the usual daily meals. Look online for recipe ideas to help you turn ordinary ingredients into something fabulous. If you're going to watch a special DVD together, be sure to make some tasty popcorn to share.

• Spell "I love you" on the plate using food! Use your beloved's favorite food if you can.
• Make a love heart pizza.
• Playing boardgames is another entertaining option for passing the evening in fun rivalry. Or, set up a video or online game that the two of you can get deeply involved in, provided both of you really enjoy such games.

8. Stargaze. Put on warm clothes and step out to check out the night sky. If you have to travel, add picnic rugs, a thermos of warm drink, some snack bars, and a full tank of fuel. Find somewhere on the city outskirts where the sky is clear. Take along a star chart and look for stars that you know. Choose a star just for the two of you and make a promise to look for it every Valentine's Day.

9. Be spontaneous. Do the unexpected and thrill your beloved. Secretly learn a few dance moves and surprise her by taking out to dance. Memorize his favorite poem and recite it after dinner, then present him with a rose you've grown yourself. Make it appear as if the two of you are set to have a movie night in, then suddenly gasp: "Oh my! We mustn't miss ......" And drag her out the door to see the sun set, watch a movie, listen to a visiting band, or whatever else you think is most appropriate.

10. Take a walk down memory lane together. Take your beloved to somewhere they told you was special to them as a child. Spend time walking around it and asking questions about their feelings. Explain that it might not be the same as when your beloved was young but that now your beloved has two memories of the special place – one without you and one with you. Be sure to take a photo of the two of you there! Another way of remembering the past is to dig out old photos and go through them together. Look at photos from both your childhood times and your times together. It's great to have an excuse to enjoy all those photos that get stowed away and forgotten about!

11. Say "I love you". It doesn't cost anything but it says and means a great deal. Don't be shy; say it a lot during the day. Tell your love how you really feel. He or she will appreciate your honesty and it will mean more than any gift could.

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Write a Valentine Poem That Rhymes

Be original and write your own funny but endearing Valentine's poem. You'll want to aim for a poem that flows well and more importantly, makes the object of your affection think you're the most intelligent, creative and downright gorgeous person they've ever known!

Steps

1. Choose your Valentine. This technique can be used on anybody: long-term partners, someone you've been dating for a few weeks, or someone you've got a secret crush on. The main thing is to make it rhyme and to include plenty of compliments.
2. Change the old to new. The old cliché of 'roses are red, violets are blue' is too retro and not so original. Nevertheless, it's a great basis for starting your own poem with; you just need to give it a modern twist. For example: 
   # 'Lilies are white, Daffodils are yella, I lie in bed at night, Feeling smug you're my fella!' etc.
   # You can pick any flower and any colour you like.
3. Find the rhyme. You can make anything rhyme; it's not as hard as it sounds. Just think of a sentence you might want to write to your loved one such as: 'You always make me smile'. Then just go through the alphabet trying out every letter that could rhyme with smile, for example: dial, file, I'll, mile, Nile, pile and so forth, until you find something that could begin to make sense in the third sentence. After working that out, build your next line around finishing with that word. For example:
   #'You always make me smile, When I'm down you come 'round, Your number I just dial, You lift my chin off the ground.'
4. Keep to the same theme. The theme should flow smoothly and not jolt from one metaphor to another without a smooth transition. For example, don't talk about how great your love is in bed on the one line, and how lucky you are to breathe the same air as them on the next. To avoid such a disjointed approach, look for ways to keep concepts together over at least two lines at a time. 
5. Decide your own length. There's no word limit, and once you get in the swing of things you might want to write pages and pages of witty yet touching prose, or you can just stick with four lines.
   # Note: Shorter versions are advised if you're in a new relationship or you're being a 'secret admirer' – you don't want to scare away with all the hundreds of obsessive things you've noticed about them while you were spying or making out!
   
6. Be genuine, not poetically perfect. You don't have to be clever or try and give Shakespeare a run for his money. As long as the poem sounds like you wrote it, then that's great. For instance, if you and your partner spend your time going clubbing and eating take-out food, lying around with one another and having a laugh, it might be a bit weird if you start mentioning how the sun shines on everything now you've met them, or that your heart beats to the sound of a thousand drums when you're together, etc. Keep it real.
7. Don't get hung up on rhyming. Not everything has to strictly rhyme. You're not doing English literature, you're just writing a love poem. And with that, enjoy writing it!

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