How to Choose the Perfect Honeymoon Destination (382) (NewsUSA) – So, you are engaged and ready to choose that romantic spot for your first getaway as husband and wife. But where should you go? A lot of couples have difficulty finding the honeymoon destination that is “just right” for them. There are so many things to consider, like the season, accommodations and types of leisure activities available. But actually, making a decision can be simple once you know what you are looking for. The Villa Group – experts in matching clients with their ideal holiday destination – advise couples to consider the following, before they make their choice: 1. In what season are you traveling? Remember that every destination has its own weather pattern. You want to make sure that you choose a place where the weather suits your taste. 2. How many amenities are you getting for your money? Be sure to pick a destination that offers you the romance and relaxation you need after the wedding. How big is the room? Does the destination offer honeymooners special packages? Spas are always great for considering your every need. You could try a mud bath for two or a couple’s massage. 3. Are there enough activities to keep you busy? Consider what you would like to do. How about water sports and nightlife? Are there cultural aspects that you can explore? Destinations that offer everything you could want and more include The Villa Group Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. You don’t have to go far from home to explore culture, adventure and relaxation all in one place. The Villa Group offers a variety of packages for honeymooners. For instance, Villa del Palmar Flamingos, located in Vallarta Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta, has a 2007 Honeymoon Package that features a three-night stay per couple with upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. The package, which includes daily breakfast buffet, welcome fruit basket with truffles, moonlight couples massage, in-suite flowers, a bottle of sparkling wine and a certificate for a complimentary two-night stay on the first wedding anniversary starts at $1,076. The property, which has beautiful views of Banderas Bay, offers an upscale European-style spa with fitness center, golf courses nearby, a freeform adults pool, three tennis courts (two lit for night play) and a themed dinner buffet. For booking information, go to www.VillaGroup.com.

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Honeymoon Tips for Lasting Memories and Relaxation (362) (NewsUSA) – The headache you’ve had for the past year planning your wedding, inviting all the guests and meticulously checking to ensure your big day runs smoothly is finally over. And, just around the corner, you can see your honeymoon in sight. The last things on your mind are planning, thinking and otherwise doing anything but relaxing, right? To ease your mind after the chaos, the ultimate Mexican getaways are offered by The Villa Group Resorts, complete with Hacienda-style villas, exotic spa treatments and palm tree-framed views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll finally be able to unwind, comfortable knowing everything you could need or want is at your fingertips. With seven different locations in four unique destinations including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and the Sierra Madre Mountains, The Villa Group caters to a variety of interests. Each location offers unique scenery, activities and accommodations that can make your honeymoon exactly the way you’ve envisioned it. The myriad vacation options available to newlyweds are overwhelming, but noting a few key things will keep that headache at bay and your relaxation level high: - Pick a location that appeals to both of you. Where do you see you two having the most fun? Secluded beaches, tranquil mountains or cobblestone streets lined with shopping? - Decide how you want to spend your days. Will you lounge poolside, taking in lagoons and waterfalls, or do you want to explore the surrounding area by horseback, canoe or bike? - Scope out the options in his-and-her spa treatments, such as hydrotherapy sessions, mud baths and massages. Some resorts offer ultra-relaxing themes, while others focus more on invigorating treatments. - How will you spend your evenings? Resorts often provide nighttime festivities, complete with themed dining events mere feet from your room. Or, would you rather be near a town where you can explore both the area’s attractions and what the resort provides? Whatever type of honeymoon you and your new spouse want, The Villa Group Resorts offers honeymoon packages prepared to make your matrimony celebration a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And, with packages geared toward wedding anniversaries, you can go back and have that once-in-life-time vacation all over again. For more information, visit www.villagroupresorts.com.

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Secrets every bride can use to make her wedding unique


(ARA) – Every bride-to-be dreams of putting her unique stamp on her wedding day.  Blending her chosen wedding colors into many of the occasion’s elements is just the first step toward a creative and beautiful event. Brides in gorgeous gowns, bridesmaids and groomsmen decked out in the wedding party’s colors and striking flowers are the perfect accompaniment to the colorful landscape of the summer and fall wedding seasons.

Selecting the perfect ways to feature wedding colors is a very personal representation of the bride and groom. If you’re a bride-to-be, picture homemade jewelry embellishing your wedding dress, table decorations that match your wedding theme and colors perfectly, or all your guests looking over unique programs that you made at your kitchen table.

“Making wedding decorations or even gifts for the wedding party allows you to put a lot of creativity and personality into the project. And, because you made it yourself, you’ll have a customized, one-of-a-kind item that perfectly matches your wedding and its decor,” says Courtney Talkington, manager of education and inspiration for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. “Another idea for your DIY wedding is to involve your family, friends and wedding party in making the projects, allowing everyone to be included in the fun and creativity.”

Using a centuries-old technique of quilling is one way to create a homemade necklace with a unique look in beautiful colors. Not only does the rolled paper look beautiful in decorative flower shapes, it’s also a great way to incorporate keepsakes such as ticket stubs or love letters from the dating and engagement years into meaningful, wearable art. Are you new to quilling? Quilling classes will be offered at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores starting in September.

Quilled memory necklace

Supplies and tools:
Thin paper strips for quilling: scrapbook papers, ticket stubs, old love letters and other paper mementos
Quilling tool
X-Acto knife and cutting mat
Tacky glue
1 spool tiger tail
1 package each of 3 mm and 4 mm Blue Moon glass pearl beads
1 clasp set
Crimp beads
Crimp tool
Bent-nose pliers
Wire cutter
2 6 mm jump rings
1/4 yard Tulle
1/4 yard of 1/4 inch wide Organdy ribbon
Hand sewing needle
Thread
Optional book: “The Art of Paper Quilling, Designing Handcrafted Gifts and Cards”

Directions:
1. Using paper strips for quilling, make several flower shapes in various sizes and colors.  Set aside.
2. Cut two pieces of tiger tail about 12 inches long.
3. Attach one end of one tiger tail strand to clasp using crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire.
4. String glass pearl beads for about 8 to 9 inches.
5. Attach one jump ring to opposite end using a crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire. Set aside.
6. Repeat steps three to five for second tiger tail strand.
7. Cut two pieces of tiger tail – one 8 inches long and another 10 inches long.
8. Attach tiger tail strands to jump ring. Adjust the 8 inch strand to measure approximately 6 inches and the 10 inch strand to measure approximately 8 inches.
9. Lay paper flowers out on work surface so they fit nicely between the two pearl strands and on top of the two tiger tail strands.
10. Cut two pieces of tulle slightly larger than your flower layout, following the outline of the flower shapes. Cut two large strips of tulle – about 3/4 inches wide and 3 inches long – to tie onto necklace at the sides.
11. Sandwich the two tiger tail wires between the tulle. Hand stitch the tulle together close to the tiger tail wire.
12. Tie the tulle onto the necklace at jump rings. Trim tulle to desired length.
13. Cut two pieces of organdy ribbon each 2 1/2 inches long. Tie onto necklace at jump rings. Trim.
14. Glue paper flower in place on top of the tulle following desired layout. Let dry.
15. Add glass pearl beads to flower centers. Let dry.

If you’re looking for something for your guests to take home with them, consider designing your wedding programs with a keepsake envelope. The directions below use fall burgundy colors, but feel free to mix and match the colors to personalize the program to your wedding.

Personalized wedding program

Supplies and tools:
8 1/2 inches by 11 inches of Burgundy suede cardstock
12 inches by 12 inches of Black Magic cardstock, black/red two-sided
12 inches by 12 inches of Burgundy suede paper
Lime green cardstock
12 inches by 12 inches Vellum sheets, translucent clouds
2 shades of purple, narrow ribbon
5 round beads, grape
5 seed beads, grape
Silver leaf charm
Silver “Follow your heart” charm
5 headpins
2 jump rings
Silver heart brad
20-gauge Silver wire
Grape leaf template
Paper trimmer and scissors
Corner rounder
Hole punches, regular and large
Vellum tape
Adhesive dot runner or glue stick
Jewelry tools: wire cutter, round-nose and chain-nose pliers
Computer (to generate text)
Ruler and stylus (or bone folder)

Directions
1. Cut burgundy suede cardstock 5 1/2 inches by 12 inches. Score 4 inches up from bottom edge and fold, using ruler and stylus, to create a pocket. If left and right edges are not quite even, trim them now, up to 1/2 inch total. Punch top four corners of folded pocket with corner rounder.

2. Using included pattern, trace a grape leaf on the back of the pocket flap and cut out with scissors. Print the bride’s and groom’s names and wedding date on vellum, so that it will fit the leaf shape. Attach the vellum to the inside of the pocket with adhesive dot runner. Attach a panel of lime green cardstock behind the vellum for a subtle green hue. Cut a thin strip of burgundy suede cardstock to fit behind top of pocket. Round corners and attach so the back side of the paper is visible behind the suede pocket. Using large hole punch, punch a notch on the left and right sides, using photo as guide for securing ribbon.

3. Print vellum panels with wedding information, no wider than 4 1/4 inches. Mount on burgundy suede paper and Black Magic cardstock; round top right corner of vellum.

4. To create bead grape cluster, string a green seed bead on a headpin, followed by a round green bead. Make six to eight. Create a wrapped loop at the end of each. Curl one end of 20-gauge wire and string on grapes and leaf charm. Create a wrapped loop.

5. Wrap narrow purple ribbons around the wedding program pocket and tie in a knot to the right of the leaf cut-out. Slip the bead cluster onto a jump ring and attach over the knot. Tie the ribbon, catching the jump ring, to prevent it from sliding. Attach the “Follow your heart” charm to a second jump ring and attach it to the first jump ring.

6. Punch a hole through all three layers of the program and insert a silver heart brad.

“There are so many ways to take your wedding from mainstream to magnificent” advises  Talkington. “A little inspiration is all you need to incorporate your ideas into the wedding of your dreams.”

For additional ideas for unique ways to personalize your wedding through crafts, visit www.joann.com/wedding.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – From flowers to guest lists, engaged couples spend months planning the perfect wedding. After the vows are said and the reception is complete, most newlyweds are ready to relax. But there are several steps newlyweds should take before their happily ever after can begin.

“Settling into life as a married couple takes some work,” says Lindsey Leesmann, a recent newlywed and contributor to YesYouCanOnline.info. “If you’re taking your husband’s last name, you must complete the name change in several places. You also have to discuss managing money as a couple and learn how to live together.”

Leesmann offers the following to-do list for newlyweds changing their last names:

Obtain a copy of your marriage license
If you stated you’d be changing your last name when purchasing your marriage license, you’ll receive a copy of the license in the mail. This license should be taken to each location on your path toward a new last name.

Go online
Next, acquire a new Social Security card and update your passport. Complete Form SS-5 and take it to the local Social Security office to obtain a new card. The form can be found on the Social Security Administration’s Web site (www.ssa.gov). Your passport can be changed by completing Form DS-5504, found at www.travel.state.gov.

Drive to the DMV
The next stop for newlyweds is the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Each state is different, so make sure to bring all the items required to get your name changed and renew your driver’s license.

Check in at your bank
Most banks simply need a copy of the marriage license and the account holder’s signature to approve a name change. Some may also require your spouse to be present.

Drop by the post office
To change your name at the post office, just pick up a change of address envelope, fill it out and mail it back.

Once the name change is complete, newlyweds can focus on managing money as a couple.

“Money is often a tricky topic for new couples,” says Sam Goller, award-winning author of “Yes, You Can… Achieve Financial Harmony.” “But it’s important to start communicating about money at the beginning of your marriage.”

Goller offers the following suggestions for newlyweds working to manage their finances as a couple:

Determine priorities
Prior to creating a financial plan, talk about your histories with money and what’s most important to each of you when it comes to money.

Find missing dollars
You have to understand your spending habits before you can spend money in a way that helps meet your goals. Consider keeping a spending journal to find out where your money really goes.

Choose a system that works for you
You may prefer to sit down each month as a couple to pay bills and develop a monthly budget. Or maybe one of you is better at handling expenses and prefers to do it alone. Find a system that works with your needs.

“The key to managing money as a couple is to never stop talking,” says Goller. “With shared determination, a plan and open communication, newlyweds have the power to improve their financial position both now and well into retirement.”

For more information on managing money as a couple, visit http://www.YesYouCanOnline.info .

ARA) – What is the secret to a wonderful marriage? “If more people knew the answer the divorce rate in this country wouldn’t be so high,” says Gerry Leeds, 85, of Long Island, N.Y.

At a time when statistically, between 40 and 45 percent of U.S. marriages end in divorce, Gerry and his bride, 80-year-old Lilo, have been happily married for 58 years. “People often ask us what the secret to our success is and I tell them it’s simple really. The secret lies in the long lost principles of love and respect.”

Gerry and Lilo met quite by chance back in 1950 at a ski lodge in the Adirondacks. “I was there with another date when I saw a pretty girl sitting on the floor playing an obscure European game I knew with another boy,” explains Gerry. “She said, ‘Do you know how to play?’ I said, ‘Sure!’ She won the game, but I won in the long run.”

After that chance encounter at the Speculator Ski Lodge, Gerry couldn’t stop thinking about Lilo. “We had so much in common, I knew she was the one for me, and that we had to be together,” says Gerry. It took him six weeks to track her down again and, you could say, the rest is history. They were married a short time later.

Gerry and Lilo raised five children together, and now have 15 grandchildren. “Like any other couple, we’ve had plenty of squabbles over the years, but unlike most, we always kiss and make up before going to bed. That’s our golden rule,” laughs Gerry.

Over the years, they’ve been asked for advice on how to build a marriage that, like theirs, will stand the test of time so many times that they recently decided to write a book on the subject. “Wonderful Marriage, A Guide to Building a Great Relationship that Will Last a Lifetime (BenBella Books) hit store shelves on April 1, 2008, the date of their 58th wedding anniversary.

The book is divided into three sections, each offering great advice to people in the various stages of a relationship: looking for love, starting a great relationship and building a joyful life together.

“No matter what stage of the game you’re in, it’s imperative that you have a lot in common with your significant other if you want the relationship to grow,” explains Gerry. When he and Lilo first met, both enjoyed skiing, and had similar beliefs about what Gerry calls “The Big Six.”

1. Religion: You have to agree on and feel comfortable with what role religion plays in your lives.

2. Money: You have to share common views on money — how you’ll earn it, save it and spend it.

3. Sex: You both have to enjoy sex together and feel that sex between you is important and great — and be willing to make it even better.

4. Children: You need to agree on whether you plan to have children, when, how many, how and where you plan to raise them, and what to do if you can’t have them.

5. Recreational activities: You have to share ideas about how you will spend your time together — what recreational activities you both enjoy — and how you’ll sometimes spend your time on your own.

6. Unacceptable behavior: You have to be totally comfortable with each other’s behavior and agree on what is acceptable — and what is not.”

“If I had to add a 7th rule,” says Gerry, “It would be: Don’t settle for a relationship that isn’t great. Before you get married, make sure the person you are pledging to spend the rest of your life with is definitely the one for you.”

“You know you have a great marriage when 10, 20, 30, even 58 years down the road, you can still say to each other, ‘I’m glad you married me,’” adds Lilo.

“Wonderful Marriage, A Guide to Building a Great Relationship that Will Last a Lifetime” is available in bookstores everywhere, through online retailers or on the publisher’s Web site: http://www.WonderfulMarriage.com   .

Here are six essentials every woman should keep in her make-up kit this summer to keep skin looking healthy, glowing and gorgeous:

1. Foundation that Offers SPF Protection
Do double duty – hide imperfections and be protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The Body Shop’s Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation with SPF 25 is an innovative cream-to-powder foundation that provides medium to full coverage. A perfect color blend for a healthy-looking, flawless complexion and has a mineral defense shield to protect skin to boot. The unique formula contains Vitamin C to brighten skin and Community Trade marula oil to condition and moisturize.

2. A Bronzing Powder to Mimic that Sun-Kissed Glow
Housed in a retro-style compact, Sun Lustre Bronzer, which is part of The Body Shop’s new limited edition Summer Make-Up Collection, comes in two colors: Bronze Gleam which is a natural sun-kissed bronze and Radiant Blush, a pretty, pink illuminating shade.

3. A Water-Proof Mascara
You never know when the mood might hit to take a spontaneous jump in the pool, and you don’t want your make-up to suffer. Find a mascara that will survive the water, and also coat lashes with long-lasting color, while helping to condition and protect. The Body Shop’s Waterproof Mascara is a great find, and contains Community Trade marula oil.

4. Bright Eyeshadow
Bright, bold, colorful eye shadow helps to enhance the sun-kissed look. The Body Shop’s Summer Shimmer Cubes come in Sea Blue which is a deep ocean blue with a hint of silver; Fiery Red which is an intense, vibrant red with softer pink overtones; Green Meadow, a stunning, bright emerald green; and Golden Sun which offers a rich, warm, golden glow.

5. Sparkly, Sheer Lipstick to Brighten Up Face
Dark, heavy lip color is best worn in winter, for the summer months try a sheer color that still adds some color to your look. The Body Shop Sheer Lip Lustre is a pearlescent lip balms with a hint of sparkle. The Lip Lustres are infused with a “White Tea” fragrance for a deliciously summery scent and available in three different shades: Flush pink is a pretty pink with a hot pink sparkle. Golden Rose is a golden pink with a golden sparkle. Rose Shimmer is a rose shade with multi-colored sparkle.

6. Faking It – Self-Tanners Instead of Sun-Bathing
Because you still desire a deep-tanned look but are wary of exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays to achieve it, use a self tanning product. The Cocoa Butter Everyday Summer Body Lotion from The Body Shop helps gradually build that even sun-kissed glow. Start by applying to dry and well cleansed skin, and allow to set in before dressing for your night on the town. The Everyday Summer Body Lotion uses Community Trade cocoa butter from Ghana to soften skin and improve elasticity, so you are helping to improve the texture of skin while also adding that ‘fresh from the beach’ glow.

Also, to enhance your look even further, smooth on a Body and Leg Shine to your arms, legs and chest before hitting the beach. It’s a wash-off product that goes on with minimal blending to give you a slimmer, more toned appearance along with fabulous color. One of the key ingredients is Community Trade aloe vera which is known for its soothing and hydrating effects. There are shades available for fair to medium skin tones, as well as medium to dark skin tones.

Then at the end of the day when you return home from the beach, there’s one more essential you don’t want to be without — a tube of The Body Shop’s new Peppermint Purifying Foot Mask. Made with Community Trade Peppermint Essential Oil from the U.K that will leave your feet feeling cool, refreshed and fragranced, and Sesame Oil from Guatemala that moisturizes and protects the skin, the mask will deep cleanse and soothe tired, achy feet that have spent the day running across the hot sand.

To find the Body Shop location nearest you, log on to http://www.TheBodyShop.com   .

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Community Trade is a unique targeted purchasing program created by The Body Shop, sourcing accessories and natural ingredients from disadvantaged communities around the world for more than 20 years. The program is now making a world of difference in more than 20 countries from Bangladesh to Zambia.

In exchange for providing good, quality products at a fair price, participating farmers get a sustained source of income which can be used for improving education or sanitation, building homes and modernizing farming methods

(ARA) – Placing disposable cameras on reception tables has become a modern American wedding tradition. The cameras make guests feel involved because they are helping to create a photo record of the most important day of your life. Sometimes the pictures they capture are among the most heart-warming, moving images from your wedding day.But what do you do with those hundreds of pictures once the honeymoon is over and the developing done? Will you let them languish – disorganized and unseen – in a shoebox or drawer? And what about the dozens of pictures guests will take with their own digital cameras or cell phones to e-mail to you later?

“The sad truth is many newlyweds simply don’t know what to do with all those pictures,” says Donna Burt of PhotosYourWay.com, a new social networking and photo-sharing Web site. “They hold on to them, but often not in a manner that allows the couple or their loved ones to enjoy these precious memories.”

A growing number of smart brides are turning to photo-sharing Web sites to preserve, organize and share amateur images from their weddings, and to create keepsakes like photo books and memorabilia. Most sites allow you to easily upload your images and make them available online for viewing by others. Other options such as organizing and sharing vary considerably from site to site.

Here’s what you should know about photo-sharing Web sites before you choose one to host your precious wedding day images:

* There should be no charge for uploading, storing or sharing your images. “If a site wants to charge you for these basic services, look elsewhere,” Burt advises. “Sites make their money from prints and products. A handful also make a small percentage when you sell an image – through their site – to a third party like an advertising agency or online content publisher.”

* You’ll potentially be uploading hundreds of wedding images, so look for large storage capacity. For example, PhotosYourWay.com provides 7 GB of free storage, enough to upload and store thousands of photos.

* Look for a site that offers the greatest flexibility for organizing images. Seek a site that will allow you to organize those images in a variety of ways, such as by who took the pictures (Photos by Uncle Joe), subject matter (Who Danced with the Bride) or chronology (Pre-wedding Prep, Walking Down the Aisle or Post-Reception Partying).

* Consider how the site allows you to share images. Can you send e-mails inviting friends and family to visit and view your images? Can you designate your images “private” or “public” at the time of upload? Does the site allow you to launch your own “community,” where your pictures can be viewed by not only your loved ones but other Internet users who may share your interest?

* Comparison shop on prices for prints and other products, such as photo books, canvas prints, mugs, T-shirts and other memorabilia. Be aware of shipping charges, which can amount to more than the cost of the prints or products themselves.

* Does the site allow those you share the photos with to download the images and print them on their own? Or will they be required to purchase prints through the Web site? PhotosYourWay.com will allow you or any of your family and friends to download the photos themselves and print them on their own or wherever they choose.

* Does the site offer you the opportunity to sell your images online to third parties, like advertising or public relations agencies, online publishers and others who need stock photography? PhotosYourWay.com is one of the only sites that offer users the chance to make money from their images.

“There’s a huge demand for wedding-related images,” says Burt. “That adorable photo of your father dancing with your niece may warm your heart, but it could also make you some money if someone wants to buy or rent it for use in their marketing materials.”

To make money from your wedding photos, simply designate them for public viewing – and available for rent – during the upload process. The images will be funneled through PhotosYourWay’s sister site, ImagesYourWay.com, where clients who need a steady stream of fresh, quality images will have the chance to view and rent them. You will pocket 60 percent of the rental price for your photo – as much as $180 in some cases.

To learn more about organizing and sharing your wedding photos, visit www.PhotosYourWay.com.

(ARA) – Money can be a complicated aspect of marriage, especially when it comes to merging finances. Finding a system that works for both individuals can help couples achieve financial harmony.

“Figuring out a fair and comfortable way to share responsibilities and expenses can be challenging,” says Sam Goller, award-winning author of “Yes, You Can… Achieve Financial Harmony” and contributor to YesYouCanOnline.info. “But it’s essential for a healthy relationship. Couples should look at their monetary values and beliefs and work together to decide what type of system allows them to achieve their dreams
as a couple.”

Talking about finances can be difficult for many people. Jim Stowers, co-author of the new book “Yes, You Can… Reach Your Goals and Achieve Your Dreams,” recommends asking questions to begin a dialogue.

“Asking questions is a good way to toss the conversational ball into the other person’s lap,” says Stowers. “It not only helps you learn their point of view, but also what they believe and the direction their thinking is taking.”

Goller suggests couples ask themselves the following five questions to help facilitate a discussion about spending and saving as a couple.

1. How many bank accounts will we have?
2. Who will pay the bills?
3. Are we getting our money’s worth for what we buy?
4. What are our money histories — what did our parents teach us about money?
5. What dreams do we have as a couple? What do we need to do financially to accomplish these dreams?

A couple’s answers to these questions will help define a financial system that provides a foundation on which the relationship can grow. Goller offers three options for couples looking to merge their finances:

The Joint Account — Whether checking or savings, this type of account allows couples to combine all of their financial resources. This option can make life easier for some couples by centralizing the household finances. However, if one person is in charge of managing the account, the other person can feel left out of the financial picture. It also requires that both partners diligently share when they use funds out of the account.

Separate Accounts — Some couples prefer the autonomy of separate accounts. With this system both people are responsible for maintaining their own account, which may include paying some of the bills. If couples choose this option, Goller cautions that individuals may need to work harder to be equally involved in the financial relationship.

“Just because you have separate accounts, doesn’t mean your financial decisions have separate consequences,” says Goller. “You still need to meet on a regular basis and discuss how you are using your money to achieve your common goals.”

A Combination of Accounts — A combination of joint and separate accounts is another viable alternative. This option allows both partners to contribute while maintaining their autonomy. Couples often determine a percentage of income that will be put in both the joint and separate accounts. Individual accounts can be used for personal purchases. The joint account can contain funds for bills and joint purchases. With a clear definition of who’s paying which bills couples can work together to bring financial balance and emotional harmony to the relationship.

“Regardless of the financial style a couple chooses, communicating about finances is key,“ says Goller. “The more you discuss how and why you each spend money, the deeper and stronger your relationship will grow.”

For more information on merging finances as a couple and achieving financial harmony, please visit http://www.YesYouCanOnline.info  

ARA) – When it comes to planning a wedding, most couples don’t want to settle for cookie-cutter solutions that will make their wedding appear impersonal or even unremarkable. Instead, they want the biggest day of their lives to represent the two of them and no one else.

This yearning for personalization doesn’t have to translate into more money. On the contrary — whether you’re planning a formal wedding or a more casual event, you can incorporate personalized touches without breaking the bank by renting the materials you will need.

From 250 identical vases, to chandeliers, to helium balloons or faux floral centerpieces, rental businesses provide endless amounts of materials that can make the difference between a run-of-the-mill event and your dream wedding.

“You can rent just about anything to make your wedding perfect,” said Christine Wehrman, CEO of the American Rental Association (ARA), the global trade association for the rental industry. “By renting products for your wedding, you don’t have to settle for items that don’t fit your personalized vision. You’ll get exactly what you’re looking for and you’ll have access to products that may have otherwise been too expensive in large quantities.”

Make an impression by choosing table linens in your wedding colors, or go with all–white, then add chair covers with a bow-tie sash and matching napkins in accent colors. Rental businesses will have hundreds of colors to pick from. Be sure to ask for sample swatches of the linens so you can coordinate colors with your bridesmaid dresses and flowers. Add your choice of china and glassware to the arrangement for each table and get a rich and sophisticated setting.

If you’re looking for the beauty of an outdoor location without the worry about the weather, tents are a great way to create the wedding of your dreams. ARA member rental businesses have beautiful tents to create the venue, as well as everything you need to make it beautiful and comfortable.

Huge tents and elegant canopies come in wedding white and many also come with clear tops — thus allowing guests access to the drama of a sunset or a sparkling night sky. However, if you plan on incorporating a tent into your wedding, make sure you give the rental business — and yourself — enough advanced notice. Depending on the time of year, the rental business will need plenty of notice to reserve all the equipment you will need.

Also, many ARA member rental businesses offer personalized service through their Certified Event Rental Professionals who are trained to help you choose the right rentals to make your dream wedding come to realization.

They can help ease the tension of pre-wedding set up with their knowledge and experience. Many businesses even help you throughout the event as well, keeping it on track and flowing smoothly.

You can also rely on rental service experts to help before you book your venue. They can help you assess the site for things like power accessibility, ground water issues, or overhead power lines that may interfere with your vision of a tall tent, among other situations.

All events, no matter how big or small — even for the Oprahs or Trumps of the world — include rented materials. Visit www.rentalhq.com to find your local ARA member rental business.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

GARNER, N.C. – What are the latest floral trends for spring weddings? What types of rings are couples choosing these days? These and other wedding-related questions are answered in the February/March issue of Triangle East Magazine available now.

The February/March issue of Triangle East Magazine is available now at 24 retail locations throughout eastern Wake and Johnston counties, including Barnes and Noble Booksellers and Borders Books and Music in Raleigh. Subscriptions may be ordered directly by visiting www.triangleeastmagazine.com or by calling (919) 674-6020.

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