Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Sarah Simmons
Weddings are expensive to plan at anytime, but during the current economy, it can seem downright impossible to pull off the perfect wedding. But have no fear brides, for there ARE ways to have your dream wedding without breaking the bank. Follow these foolproof tips to stay within your budget, and even save money, while planning your wedding:
Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize!
First things first make a list of the most important things you want for your wedding and have your fiancé do the same. Are you most committed to having a designer gown, inviting 500 of your closest friends and family, serving filet mignon and lobster or hosting the wedding in Tahiti? Knowing your priorities will help you decide what to spend money on, and what you don't mind skimping on or doing without.
Timing is Everything
Consider having your wedding any day but Saturday. Fridays and Sunday are also popular wedding days but may cost a lot less than a Saturday event, or for even greater savings, choose a weekday evening for your wedding. Choose a date between November and April to avoid higher peak season rates in many areas, and consider having your wedding during the day, such as a weekend brunch or a luncheon on Saturday or Sunday. Any of these suggestions can significantly lower venue costs.
It Never Hurts to Ask
Don't be afraid to ask for deals when negotiating the costs for your cake, flowers, and reception hall. For example, offer to pay up-front in exchange for an overall discount. This can be useful in negotiating the price on your cake, flowers or venue. When planning your ceremony or reception at a hotel, ask to speak to a manager who is in charge of these services. A manager should be in a position to offer the best rates for the hotel's services.
It's All About Who You Know...
Ask friends to lend their talents by helping out with such things as invitations, flowers, and programs. Borrow a friend's printer, to print out Do-It-Yourself wedding invitations, or ask your favorite Aunt to bake your cake. Assembling fresh or silk flowers yourself can save you hundreds of dollars, and some of the most attractive wedding programs are printed from a home computer and then creatively assembled with accessories such as ribbon, lace or decorative buttons.
...But Not EVERY ONE You Know
One of the most difficult, but sometimes necessary cost saving measures is to trim the guest list. Invite only the people who are important to you, rather than everyone you know. Take off guests who might feel obligated to come to the wedding if they are invited, but would not have their feelings hurt if they are not asked to attend, and think of inviting only relatives with whom you have a close relationship.
Prioritize Some More
Look at your goals as a couple beyond the wedding day, and remember that your wedding is just one day in a life-long commitment. If you want to purchase a house in the next few years, keeping that as a priority throughout the wedding planning process will help you to be prudent about how much you spend on that one day.
About the Author:
Article written by: Sarah Simmons. MyGatsby.com focuses on unique, stylish and elegant wedding invitations. At http://www.MyGatsby.com/ you can create your own spectacular invitations, or select from hundreds of cutting-edge invitations from top brands in the industry. Their new budget line of wedding invitations features over 50 affordable designs.
Read more Articles written by Sarah Simmons.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
How To Say No!
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Carol Chanel
"I meant to say NO." We've all have had the experience where we meant to say no to someone. We knew it was going to be difficult but we were determined this time. Then next thing you know, we're saying yes. How did that happen? Why did that happen?
Do you notice that the very people you mean to say no to, are the ones who seem to draw the life energy out of you?
It reminds me of buying a car. You know how much the car costs, how much you can spend, and the next thing you know the salesman has worn you down and your energy is totally spent and you'll say yes to anything just to get out of the dealership.
I don't mean to pick on car salesmen, there are great ones out there who are very helpful and have your best interests at heart.
There are people who are trained to get their way. They will be persistent and determined to get you to say yes.
I take my car to a local car wash and the man who writes up your ticket is a master at getting people to buy the full works. You know the $35 hand wash, hand wax, air freshner, etc. I actually can't stand going there because I know each time I'll have to be really strong and almost harsh to get him to back down. I just want a regular wash and wax. Do you want the $8, the $4 or the $2 wax? Just put the wax on the car and let me out of here!!!
These people are what I call energy suckers and you're the energy lollipop. What actually goes on?
How Do People Get Your Energy?
People learn, from a young age, how to control other people to get their way. Here are some of the techniques they'll use:
Manipulation
Acting aloof by puling away in an attempt to have you chase them
Money or gifts
Bullying techniques - verbal, emotional or physical
Hostility
Persistence
Crying or drama of some sort
Acting intellectually superior
How Do They Control You?
Whatever they do to control you, there's only one reason why it happens.
You allow it.
You allow it because you tell yourself you need something from these particular people. Like love, validation, acceptance, approval, a job, a home, or something as simple as your car washed.
Or you allow it because you don't want to be seen a certain way - like harsh, uncooperative, unkind, not nice!
Remember, as women we were raised to be good girls, to be sweet and helpful, not to be assertive, not to compete with each other and at all costs not to create conflict.
How To Be Released From Their Control?
So whatever your reason, it will keep you from being firm. So next time you need to say no, look to see what might keep you from no. Then once you understand that reason, instead of trying to get it from an outside source, give yourself the love, validation or acceptance. Or let go of needing to be seen a certain way.
When you give yourself what you need, you take your energy back. Then you will release yourself from their control.
When you connect to an all-loving God (Divine Source) you will be filled with love, light and joy. God is THE energy source.
Everything comes from God (Divine Source.) If you think that your mother, brother, boyfriend, father, boss, teacher, or husband is the source then you can be controlled. If you realize you receive everything you need and want when you connect to God, then you can freely have what you want. No cost. Yes to God, no to human control.
Saying NO to others who want you to do something you don't want to do, is saying YES to yourself.
The Cost of Not Saying No!
The impact of not saying no to others can be costly to your health, relationships and your spirit.
So the next time your boss asks you to stay late when you have dinner plans, choose yourself and go to dinner. The next time a friend wants you to listen to her sob story, for the 10th time, and it's your workout night, choose yourself and go workout. The next time your boyfriend or spouse wants you to stay at home and watch TV when you have plans to go to the movies with your girlfriends, choose yourself and go to the movies.
You'll be training people how to treat you. You'll be taking care of yourself. You'll be maintaining balance in your life. You'll be building strong relationships.
Remember people are not your Source. Of anything. They may look like it, but they're not. If you get fired for not working late, then you'll get another job right away. If your friend gets mad and doesn't want to talk to you, well sounds like you'll be saving yourself from lots of drama. And if your boyfriend doesn't like you going to the movies with your girlfriends, get another boyfriend. There are plenty where he came from. God or Divine Source will send you anything you need. Just ask and be open to receiving it.
Choose to take care of yourself. Choose to be firm. Choose to say NO to others. Choose to say YES to yourself. Choose the basic $15 car wash.
Imagine the possibilities....
(c) Carol C. Chanel
About the Author:
Carol Chanel is a Certified Life Coach who works with people to create new, meaningful and FUN lives. You can learn more about how to create loving and healthy relationships, draw boundaries, not take things personally, be happy to be who you are, and make time for fun by going to her free ezine archive.
http://www.carolchanel.com/rockin_relationships.html
Read more Articles written by Carol Chanel.
Copyright © 2009 Carol Chanel
"I meant to say NO." We've all have had the experience where we meant to say no to someone. We knew it was going to be difficult but we were determined this time. Then next thing you know, we're saying yes. How did that happen? Why did that happen?
Do you notice that the very people you mean to say no to, are the ones who seem to draw the life energy out of you?
It reminds me of buying a car. You know how much the car costs, how much you can spend, and the next thing you know the salesman has worn you down and your energy is totally spent and you'll say yes to anything just to get out of the dealership.
I don't mean to pick on car salesmen, there are great ones out there who are very helpful and have your best interests at heart.
There are people who are trained to get their way. They will be persistent and determined to get you to say yes.
I take my car to a local car wash and the man who writes up your ticket is a master at getting people to buy the full works. You know the $35 hand wash, hand wax, air freshner, etc. I actually can't stand going there because I know each time I'll have to be really strong and almost harsh to get him to back down. I just want a regular wash and wax. Do you want the $8, the $4 or the $2 wax? Just put the wax on the car and let me out of here!!!
These people are what I call energy suckers and you're the energy lollipop. What actually goes on?
How Do People Get Your Energy?
People learn, from a young age, how to control other people to get their way. Here are some of the techniques they'll use:
How Do They Control You?
Whatever they do to control you, there's only one reason why it happens.
You allow it.
You allow it because you tell yourself you need something from these particular people. Like love, validation, acceptance, approval, a job, a home, or something as simple as your car washed.
Or you allow it because you don't want to be seen a certain way - like harsh, uncooperative, unkind, not nice!
Remember, as women we were raised to be good girls, to be sweet and helpful, not to be assertive, not to compete with each other and at all costs not to create conflict.
How To Be Released From Their Control?
So whatever your reason, it will keep you from being firm. So next time you need to say no, look to see what might keep you from no. Then once you understand that reason, instead of trying to get it from an outside source, give yourself the love, validation or acceptance. Or let go of needing to be seen a certain way.
When you give yourself what you need, you take your energy back. Then you will release yourself from their control.
When you connect to an all-loving God (Divine Source) you will be filled with love, light and joy. God is THE energy source.
Everything comes from God (Divine Source.) If you think that your mother, brother, boyfriend, father, boss, teacher, or husband is the source then you can be controlled. If you realize you receive everything you need and want when you connect to God, then you can freely have what you want. No cost. Yes to God, no to human control.
Saying NO to others who want you to do something you don't want to do, is saying YES to yourself.
The Cost of Not Saying No!
The impact of not saying no to others can be costly to your health, relationships and your spirit.
So the next time your boss asks you to stay late when you have dinner plans, choose yourself and go to dinner. The next time a friend wants you to listen to her sob story, for the 10th time, and it's your workout night, choose yourself and go workout. The next time your boyfriend or spouse wants you to stay at home and watch TV when you have plans to go to the movies with your girlfriends, choose yourself and go to the movies.
You'll be training people how to treat you. You'll be taking care of yourself. You'll be maintaining balance in your life. You'll be building strong relationships.
Remember people are not your Source. Of anything. They may look like it, but they're not. If you get fired for not working late, then you'll get another job right away. If your friend gets mad and doesn't want to talk to you, well sounds like you'll be saving yourself from lots of drama. And if your boyfriend doesn't like you going to the movies with your girlfriends, get another boyfriend. There are plenty where he came from. God or Divine Source will send you anything you need. Just ask and be open to receiving it.
Choose to take care of yourself. Choose to be firm. Choose to say NO to others. Choose to say YES to yourself. Choose the basic $15 car wash.
Imagine the possibilities....
(c) Carol C. Chanel
About the Author:
Carol Chanel is a Certified Life Coach who works with people to create new, meaningful and FUN lives. You can learn more about how to create loving and healthy relationships, draw boundaries, not take things personally, be happy to be who you are, and make time for fun by going to her free ezine archive.
http://www.carolchanel.com/rockin_relationships.html
Read more Articles written by Carol Chanel.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Signs You're About to Get Dumped
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 James Kern
There are a lot of signs that a relationship disaster is on the cards. How many are you currently seeing?
Body Language
What does your partner's body language say? Do they avoid eye contact with you? Do they turn their body away from you when you're talking? Do they roll their eyes and make other signs of contempt?
Gotta Go, Bye!
Are you having a hard time holding a phone conversation with your partner? Do they always seem to have a reason to hang up early? Are they leaving you high and dry when you text them?
Sex, What Sex?
A drop in sexual activity indicates that there is something wrong with your relationship. It means there's a lack of intimacy - and what's a relationship without intimacy? It can also indicate contempt - because who wants to have sex with someone they don't respect anymore?
The Future... Doesn't Exist
If your partner is hesitant to make any sort of commitment for future activities, it's a sign that they don't see you in their future. If they keep putting off buying plane tickets to your parents' for Thanksgiving, it's probably because the day after is going to be a very Black Friday for you, indeed.
Space
The "I need some space" line really does mean that you're breaking up, no matter what the other person might tell you. They're just looking to get far enough away so that when they really cut ties, they won't be near the blast zone.
A Not-Quite-Hug
When you go to hug your sweetie, they pull that one-shoulder hug or the quickie-pat-on-the-back hug. If they're not making full frontal contact, they're trying to pull away from you.
You're No Longer Mirroring Each Other
People who are in love mirror each other's movements. If he takes a sip of his drink, she does too. They laugh at the same time. They reach for each other's hands simultaneously. If you are about to be dumped, you'll feel like you're not synching up anymore.
You Get In Dumb, Dumb Fights
If you're fighting over stupid things like whether the saltshaker goes in the spice cabinet or on top of the stove, you're about to get dumped. Your partner may be pressing your buttons by doing all the things they know will annoy you in an attempt to get you to dump them first.
He's Late... Again
If your partner has developed the habit of being late for everything, then it's a sure sign that they've lost respect for you. If it happens once or twice, no problem. But if it's happening nearly every time you're supposed to meet up, you can be sure it's intentional.
You Find A Secret Something
When my friend Arthur was going to dump his wife for a woman he met online, the first thing he did to prepare was to buy a pre-paid cell phone. Then his girlfriend could call him without his wife finding out her phone number on the monthly phone statement.
Whether it's a phone or a bank account, if they've started something new without you, it's a big sign that you're about to be history.
They Dress Differently
Suddenly the girl who was content in jeans and t-shirts is wearing dresses and high heels. When people are looking for a change in their life, they often start with the areas that they can control like their physical appearance.
They may not have a new love in their life, but they're dressing in a way to attract one!
Are You Doomed?
Don't worry if you find one or two of these signs. They don't always mean that your relationship is heading south.
Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your partner - talking things out and being honest with each other will keep your relationship strong.
About the Author:
James Kern makes it easy to get back your ex and survive a breakup. To receive your free relationship boost, visit: http://www.backtogetherforever.com/
Read more of James Kern's articles.
Copyright © 2009 James Kern
There are a lot of signs that a relationship disaster is on the cards. How many are you currently seeing?
Body Language
What does your partner's body language say? Do they avoid eye contact with you? Do they turn their body away from you when you're talking? Do they roll their eyes and make other signs of contempt?
Gotta Go, Bye!
Are you having a hard time holding a phone conversation with your partner? Do they always seem to have a reason to hang up early? Are they leaving you high and dry when you text them?
Sex, What Sex?
A drop in sexual activity indicates that there is something wrong with your relationship. It means there's a lack of intimacy - and what's a relationship without intimacy? It can also indicate contempt - because who wants to have sex with someone they don't respect anymore?
The Future... Doesn't Exist
If your partner is hesitant to make any sort of commitment for future activities, it's a sign that they don't see you in their future. If they keep putting off buying plane tickets to your parents' for Thanksgiving, it's probably because the day after is going to be a very Black Friday for you, indeed.
Space
The "I need some space" line really does mean that you're breaking up, no matter what the other person might tell you. They're just looking to get far enough away so that when they really cut ties, they won't be near the blast zone.
A Not-Quite-Hug
When you go to hug your sweetie, they pull that one-shoulder hug or the quickie-pat-on-the-back hug. If they're not making full frontal contact, they're trying to pull away from you.
You're No Longer Mirroring Each Other
People who are in love mirror each other's movements. If he takes a sip of his drink, she does too. They laugh at the same time. They reach for each other's hands simultaneously. If you are about to be dumped, you'll feel like you're not synching up anymore.
You Get In Dumb, Dumb Fights
If you're fighting over stupid things like whether the saltshaker goes in the spice cabinet or on top of the stove, you're about to get dumped. Your partner may be pressing your buttons by doing all the things they know will annoy you in an attempt to get you to dump them first.
He's Late... Again
If your partner has developed the habit of being late for everything, then it's a sure sign that they've lost respect for you. If it happens once or twice, no problem. But if it's happening nearly every time you're supposed to meet up, you can be sure it's intentional.
You Find A Secret Something
When my friend Arthur was going to dump his wife for a woman he met online, the first thing he did to prepare was to buy a pre-paid cell phone. Then his girlfriend could call him without his wife finding out her phone number on the monthly phone statement.
Whether it's a phone or a bank account, if they've started something new without you, it's a big sign that you're about to be history.
They Dress Differently
Suddenly the girl who was content in jeans and t-shirts is wearing dresses and high heels. When people are looking for a change in their life, they often start with the areas that they can control like their physical appearance.
They may not have a new love in their life, but they're dressing in a way to attract one!
Are You Doomed?
Don't worry if you find one or two of these signs. They don't always mean that your relationship is heading south.
Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your partner - talking things out and being honest with each other will keep your relationship strong.
About the Author:
James Kern makes it easy to get back your ex and survive a breakup. To receive your free relationship boost, visit: http://www.backtogetherforever.com/
Read more of James Kern's articles.
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