A Chinese Wedding Year

Last Feb. 18th, in case you haven’t already heard, the Chinese celebrated the coming of their New Year as in the Year of the Pig. Why so late in February - because it is based on the lunar rather than Gregorian calendar. As with every upcoming new year, many Chinese astrologers make new predictions based on the year that you were born, which corresponds to 12 animals. Now, if you are the horoscope following-type, then you will find this interesting because there are certain years wherein it is considered an auspicious time to get married, have children, and so forth. There are even feng shui experts specializing in weddings who help predict when is a great nuptial year for a couple based on their Chinese animal signs. Does August 8, 2008 (i.e., year of the rat) seem like a great date for a wedding? The Chinese certainly think so because the digits “888” is believed to be very lucky number to be born on. Also, isn’t it a coincidence that the 2008 Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, China – giving rise to what is called an “Olympic Wedding Year!”

Where is this all leading to anyways? Well, if you are planning a wedding, and your sign lands on year that is not advisable for marriage, then you may want to reconsider another year. But, that’s not so practical for many. However, many traditional Chinese weigh these forecasts heavily and often rely on a prosperous year to set a wedding date. Whether or not you believe this interesting practice, for those who are having a Chinese wedding ceremony, then following traditions and customs becomes an integral part of the planning process. So, how do you go about doing this especially if you are based in the United States? Well, there is the web and many books dedicated to feng shui for weddings. Here are a few ones that I found:

Lillian Too - Best selling feng shui author known throughout Asia.

Chinese Fortune Calendar

Wild Geese and Tea—An Asian American Wedding Planner


Pictures of A Traditional Ceremony
- notice that the bride doesn’t wear a white gown, but rather a red one.

A honeymoon in Tuscany

Maybe this was inspired by my experience watching the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun,” or perhaps that bottle of Chianti I had this weekend, but whatever it is, a destination wedding in Italy is an ultra romantic way to make your nuptials. Or, if you’d rather spend it with the most important person in your life, then it’s also a great place for a honeymoon. Whether you plan to say “I do” or not in this beautiful region, there are so many romantic things to enjoy when you’re there such as visiting a wine estate. For this idea, I’ve found Castello di Gabbiano. Actually, it found me when I was shopping for an elegant dinner wine at Target.



Picture this for a moment. You and your fiancé just shared a bottle of wine from the Italian vineyard of Castello di Gabbiano. To celebrate the memories of your relationship, you head off to this 12th century castle tucked in the hills of Tuscany. Forget the glitz of a big hotel because in this castle, there are only 10 guest rooms. They even serve you a welcome bottle of wine when you get there. Call it a bed and breakfast, but this is more because you get a true taste of the Tuscan culture and people when you travel here. If you feel like doing literally nothing, the castle touts a beautiful view garden view of the castle. Its strategic location also makes it a wonderful stop if traveling through Italy because it’s between the city of Florence and Siena.

If you’re not yet sold on staying at this castle, then you can stay put where you are (which is probably a lot cheaper) and enjoy some of their wines and recipes for planning your own Tuscan-inspired wedding. Their website offers some select recipes that are also offered at their restaurant - the "Il Cavaliere" Restaurant. Plus, they give you pairing suggestions with each recipe. Check out their recipes for Florentine-style Grilled T-Bone Steaks!

A Valentine's Day Wedding Proposal

Some pre-wedding talk before the 14th of February - also known as the day of wedding proposals.The scene typically entails chocolate, roses, jewelry, and a teddy bear. But sometimes giving a different approach can make the impact more impressive. And in this day and age, a man or a woman deciding to pop the question can certainly do it with just a bit more creativity besides you know - the "usual."

A Heart-shaped Cake
Who doesn't love cake? C'mon, you've gotta be crazy not to love cake. Cupid would agree that giving a wonderful heart-shaped wedding cake might do the trick. It need not be a big cake, but one with a loud wow factor. It can be a cute little wedding cake with the top of the cake serving as the place to put the ring or you can reserve the top layer of the cake to hold the ring similar to a small box stacked at the very top. If you want to be extravagant, then a real wedding cake in the shape of heart is the way to go. This cake from Cakes by Wildflowers - created by Chef Lori Ann Blethen are just pure edible works of art.



Heart Shaped Pasta Meal
Prepare an Italian meal using mini heart-shaped pasta shells. There are dozens of recipes out there for creating a perfectly romantic Italian dinner, so you can substitute heart shells for regular pasta. The most popular dishes that come into mind and are sure to be a "hit" include carbonarra and shrimp scampi. If you're feeling truly giddy about this idea, you can also try creating a favorite pasta dish of your soon to be fiance. When having an Italian dinner, be sure to serve a tiramisu for dessert. Lastly, you can pop the question as he/she is eating dessert for a total surprise. Check out the Pasta Shoppe for cute heart pasta shells!




How about heart shaped ravioli from Alfonso Gourmet Pasta Inc!



Heart Shaped Cupcakes
If you've already caught on the current cupcake craze, then you will surely love this idea. For a spectacular way to propose, create a boat load of colorful cupcakes in pretty shades of red and pink, and present them on a silver serving tray. Reserve a tiny space in the center of the tray to hold the box for the ring. After a romantic meal, you can present this tray. If you can't find ready-made cupcakes, get the assistance of a friend and bake them yourself using Silicone Cupcake Molds made by Tovolo. You can also try to find them at retailers such as Sur La Table.



Wilton also carries a similar product and you can purchase it directly from their website:

Wine and Cheese Engagement Party

While everyone else is planning for their Super Bowl goodies, let's take a moment to consider a "whine and geez" party. Okay, got you. Actually, I'm talking about a nice wine and cheese engagement party on a sweet Sunday afternoon. You can have this kind of event at literally anytime of the year. It's also a neat alternative to a full-blown dinner. Just how do you concoct a menu for such an event?

Start out with getting the 3 main components:

1) The Crackers and Biscuits

I love all sorts of crackers especially those infused with delicious herbs and spices. They come in different shapes and sizes such as circles, pentagons, or even triangles. But, my all-time favorite ones are from a company called the "American Vintage Wine Biscuits." With these gourmet crackers, you honestly don't even need cheese because the crackers are tasty. The original flavor (i.e., Red Wine and Black Pepper) that I tried is infused with wine and has a nice yet subtle "peppery" taste. Last time, I checked their website, it appears that there are additional flavors (e.g., White Wine, Shallots & Cayenne Pepper, and Chianti, Oregano & Red Pepper) so I bet they are just as scrumptious.



2) Cheeses and Meats

Ah, I love cheese! Just had to say that because if cheese were not invented, we wouldn't have pizza. When looking around for cheeses at your grocery, the most common ones that come to mind are cheddar and swiss, but if you go to the gourmet food section of your grocery, you will usually find cheeses from all over the world. My truly favorites are: Brie from France that has a creamy texture with loads of flavor; Parrano Cheese from Holland that has a texture quite similar to Gouda, but with the nutty taste of parmesan; and lastly Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy that has a sexy savory taste to it (I call it the "ultimate cheese" because I love eating them alone especially "Parma Sticks from Bertozzi." Before getting all caught up in cheeses, let's not forget the meats. When pairing meats with cheeses, I like prosciutto, smoked salmon, or caviar as an accompaniment. They are teeming with flavor yet you only have to eat a few to be satisfied. In this way, if you provide a full variety of cheeses and meats, your guests can still feel like they've had a light meal instead of just a cheese and a cracker. Many of these cheeses and meats can be found in stores such as Trader Joe's, Dean and Deluca, Whole Foods, Better Cheddar, and even Bevmo! Also, small gourmet retailers sell unique products, so be sure to check them out in your locale.




3) Wine Selections

If you are a newbie to wine, don't fear because there is a lot of information out there about wines. I've learned that French wines, though, seem to have a distinct personality and flavor to them. (**No knock against those California wines, but lately, I've just preferred French ones). When looking for wines, be sure to check the alcohol content (is it 12.5% alcohol or does it have more?), the type of wine - whether it's a red or white, the cost if you buy it as a case, and any accompanying tasting notes that are available on the wine. Before you actually buy a bottle, it's a good idea to visit the store first and then jot down names of wines that seem interesting, so that you can go back home and research the wine based on reviews. The best place to get tasting notes is from Robert Parker's website - known as the definitive authority on wines because he doesn't get paid to review wines. You can also check out books such as "Wines for Dummies" and "French Wines for Dummies." Moreover, you can also check out blogs such as Vine Sugar or Vivi's Wine Journal.

TearDrop - Invitations with a Smile

Looking for some fun and uniqueness to add to your wedding invitations? Enter Tear Drop - an invitations designer. Don't be fooled by the name because there's only smiles and laughter in here. Created by the artist herself, Holly Hatam has brought a fresh approach to designing invitations with her beautiful illustrations and graphics.

One would say that she's got her distinctive style intertwined with her creations, so every invitation you get is special in their own way. What sets her apart though is her passion for creating invitations that bring out the interests and personality of the bride and groom. But, there is more, too. She also has cards for showers, thank you cards, and soon, tablecard and place cards. To sum it up, these invitations and cards have an honest sweetness to them and charm - that is worth checking out.

My favorite designs from her site are below, but there's more on her site:







For contact information:

Holly Hatam
Owner/Designer
TearDrop
http://www.teardropweddings.com
http://www.tear-drop.ca
t: 416.710.7432
holly@tear-drop.ca

A Sweet Spell Cast on Wedding Treats

I love candy. I love candy I love sweet goods. In what may sound like a dentist's nightmare, you just can't go wrong with candy. As gifts, they're the safe (i.e., perfect) choice. You just know that it will get eaten unless the person has diet issues. But, when searching around the web for the first time, the task of searching for candy as a little treat or party favor for your wedding guests can turn into the twilight zone.

Jordan Almonds

To help you understand the wedding candy vernacular, let's start with the most infamous one. You know it or may have heard of it. Yes, Jordan almonds - those almonds from Jordan. Actually, they're not really from Jordan as everyone would readily think. They pretty much share the same story as fortune cookies. They're not really from China as a lot of people would believe - they got their beginnings in San Francisco. Anyways, back to the almonds. A little research on the web should clear this up. According to the FDA, Jordan almonds can be any candy-coated almonds. Its name is applied as a common or casual name. There is also speculation that perhaps the origin of the name stems from almonds being grown along the Jordan River. Another possibility is that the "Jordan" may have been derived from the French word "jardin" meaning garden. In conclusion, either arguments seems convincing. Nowadays, Jordan almonds come in numerous colors: gold, silver, white, pastel green, etc. With the gold and silver ones, some come as just a foil-wrap, so be aware of the difference.


from candywarehouse.com

Nonpareils

Let's start off with the literal translation of the word - meaning "of no equal" or "without equal." Depending on what side of the kitchen you belong to, they almost look like tiny sugar sprinkles or confectionery balls that are used for decorating a variety of desserts from cakes to chocolates. The more common understanding of "nonpareils" is that they are thin wafers of chocolates covered with colorful sugar sprinkles. You can also find them in a white chocolates variety. You've probably seen them laying around at the baking or chocolate section of your grocery. Lastly, if you're a "lit-freak", the primary definition of a "nonpareil" is an individual of unequaled excellence, which actually makes sense when you look at its etymology (from Webster's).


from kingarthurflour.com

Holland Mints

Are they from Holland? Yes and No. The "yes" part has more to do with where they were made first. While the "no" part is that the most famous ones are actually manufactured in California. However, the company (Marich Confectionery) that makes them is of Dutch origins. If you have never seen them, you will probably notice them now. They come in a colorful sugar coating of chocolate with a creamy peppermint center. For mint and chocolate to paired in any form is divine, so be on the lookout for these curious confections in marble-shapes and in colors of white and pastel green, purple, and green. Check out the article from the Nibble.


from marich.com

Wedding Nails - Ways to Prep Them

They say you can tell a woman by their nails. While that is a subject of great debate, let's just say that when you're walking down the aisle, all eyes are on you from head to toe. And if you have been biting on those nails, chipping them, or just cutting them without much care, perhaps it's time to have a little nail pampering. If you live in Southern Cal, you'll know that nail spas have been popping out everywhere to help you set those nails nice and pretty with a pedicure or manicure, but not everyone has the patience to sit for hours only to have their nails done. That brings us to the next question, how to get those nails "wedding ready?" Depending on your personality (whether you're a downright diva or a simple gal that just wants a little glamor here and there), sprucing up those nails isn't just about nail polish anymore because now you can:

Decorate Like Crazy

Add some bling to them by decorating with crystals. Whatever color you desire, there's a little crystal waiting for you. You can even match it with your wedding's colors. These crystals come in many sizes so you can literally cover your whole nail with them, but that's up to you. How perfect is that. When looking for similar ideas, you can also check the web for "nail gems."

Try Footcandy:



Paint Like An Artist

You want to have those pretty pink nails, but the smell of nail polish has turned you away from a manicure? Acquarella carries a line of nail polish that is odor-free and non-toxic. A little pricey at $18.00, but they have such unique shades. My favorite is their "sparkling cider" shade.

Try Acquarella



Fake It Like You Know It

For the fast and easy approach without the frills, fake or artificial nails as they call it are an alternative. When using them, be sure to follow the directions carefully for obvious reasons. These products also range from painted nails to "natural" ones. If you seen the fake encrusted ones, perhaps that might be another option if you want to go all out. Before you use them, you may want to read more about using these types of nails from About.com, but if you're hooked and want to plan a manicure themed party for your bridesmaids,then have fun!

Try Revlon

The Perfect Wedding Feet for all Those Woes

Call it a foot fetish, but if you suffer from less than perfect feet like me, wearing those summer sandals is always a challenge. Not everyone was blessed with feet that is good enough for a Dr. Scholl's® ad. It's even more embarrassing if you're a bride who wants to have those cute sandals for an outdoor wedding - be it a beach or garden affair. And looking good from head to toe (literally) is a must for that special day.

While there are many products on the market for treating virtually all foot issues, over the years, only a couple have really come up as being effective for my ever ugly feet. Even after using devices such as scrubbers and stones, my efforts have become utter failures. So, after trying out these solutions below, it looks like there is finally hope for the "feet weary" like me. With a little help from these ideas, you can have your own foot spa - right at home!

Here is the line-up for all those foot woes:

CALLOUSES



Sole Searcher Foot Scrub from Origins $9.50
Personally, this product has done wonders. It smoothened the callouses on my big toes. Made it feel much softer and you no longer have to feel embarrassed about wearing open-toed sandals. The ingredients use lava granules in a white colorish cream. There's no funny smell to the cream, so it's got a lot going for it.


ROUGH FEET



Peppermint Foot Lotion from Body Shop 4.2 fl oz $8.00
A subtle yet sweet and refreshing scent of peppermint is the perfect antidote for feet that need a little tender love and care. At such an affordable price, this wonderful lotion is great after a warm bath - especially if you have been standing up all day long. It's also superb for a bride who wants to have a little feet pampering.


CRACKED SOLES



Dr. Scholl's® For Her Foot Softening Balm $5.99
Some will either love or hate this product, but it did wonders for me. Its greasy texture might not be for everyone, so use this sparingly first. Lightly scented with lavender - it has an added benefit of not only soothing the feet, but also leaving it with a nice smell. To use it, you just massage it onto wet feet, but be careful when using it in the bathroom - hold onto something or sit down when applying it.

Hershey's Kisses Stamps for Wedding Invitations

Call it an impulse find of the day, but the US Postal will be coming up with a commemorative stamp of Hershey's Kisses chocolates. The first date of issue will be Jan. 13th. Just in time for sending out those Valentine's Day wedding invitations or use them for any bridal events throughout the year. They're so cute!

What's your Honeymoon Type

Every bride and groom knows that planning their honeymoon is what makes the wedding experience truly memorable. But stop, do you know what is your "honeymoon type"? And what exactly is it? Put it simply, you may both want to go to the same place - usually a romantic destination, but sometimes, one party may not always be happy. This is why knowing what you both want in a honeymoon is a good place start looking even before looking for a place to travel. I've basically defined them as the following types:

Adventure Seeking
You're the type of couple that could spend an entire weekend rock-climbing, camping out, or kayaking. This honeymoon ain't going to be boring, but it also ain't for everyone. For one, you've gotta be in shape if you plan to: go white water rafting on the Colorado River by the Grand Canyon, take up some windsurfing on Lake Tahoe, or scuba diving in the Bahamas. It's a honeymoon that packs in energy and romance. Getting the right gear and outfits is key to enjoying this trip.

Just where do you go if you want to get all that fun in one place? Maui is the answer.




Enrichment Seeking
There are some couples who have an affinity for the arts. A wine and cheese afternoon for two is perfectly romantic. No need to pack hiker shoes or scuba gear on this type of honeymoon. This couple may also love to cook and enjoy trying out new foods and restaurants. They may even take up a class or two for an hour or more on their honeymoon. A trip to Italy isn't just about discovering the beautiful sceneries and landmarks, but also learning a new skill such as Italian cooking. After all, sampling food means knowing how to cook it when you get back home.

How do you plan such a trip? Check out Epiculinary for planning a culinary vacation.




Relaxation Seeking
My favorite couple is the one that simply wants to relax - sit, sleep, and eat! It's the kind of honeymoon where serene waters, a relaxing breeze, and coconut trees are all you really need to enjoy this vacation. All you require is a great meal and massage to end the day. You don't want to sail a yacht, but you sure won't mind laying around on one.There is never a dull moment because being in the midst of paradise brings you much contentment. Before you head off to paradise, pack a great bathing suit, a cute outfit, and be sure to bring sun protection.

Where is paradise? Try the British Virgin Islands.



Tourist Seeking
London, Paris, and Rome are the cities to see on your European tour honeymoon. It's the couple who wouldn't mind towing a map and guide book to find the hottest tourist spots. Getting up at 4am to catch the Eurail to Amsterdam is just part of the enjoyment of the experience. After all, this honeymoon seeks to soak in the history and culture of a place. Be sure to pack light yet well enough to endure the trip. Whether you plan to bring your own elegant dress, or buy a piece or two along the way, treat yourself to a romantic dinner in a fine gourmet restaurant somewhere during your trip. It's worth it!

Don't get overwhelmed, get to the Travel Channel's European Guides.

Gift Ideas for the Groomsmen with Class

A New Year has arrived and so has the time for finding truly unique gift ideas for the men of the wedding party. Yes, we know about the flasks and pocket watches, but this time, give them something with a little more thought and practicality. More importantly, a gift that says "you've got class and taste. "

For starters, check these places on-line for ideas:

World’s First Wine Vacuum Decanter from Metrokane: Retail at $80.00




Personalized Wooden Pub Sign from The Pub Sign Store: Retail at $35.95




Premium Cigars from Thompson Cigars: Retail at $55.00

A New Year's Wedding Resolution(s)

As everyone knows resolutions are either made and kept, or made and forgotten. 2007 brings a new year for setting the right attitude towards planning one's wedding.

And for the groom, this can mean the following:

1. Helping the bride out with the invitations. If it's a small task such as putting stamps on the envelopes of those wedding invitations, then offer some help. Even better - offer to call up or email all those guests who forgot to send their RSPVs.

2. Trying out the food and cake. When looking for a caterer or restaurant, some brides prefer to go all out on their own because getting the groom involved is just too much of a hassle. Let's face it, some guys just don't want to be involved in this process.

3. Compromising on the guest list. If it means that the bride wants her old high school friend at the wedding reception, then just let her invite one more person. Besides, perhaps you might get a nice gift at the same time.

4. Being nice to your future mother in law. Yes, we all know what it is like when you simply cannot stand her, but she is the mother of your future wife, and you must like some quality about her that made you decide to marry their daughter.

5. Getting back in shape. Get that beer belly stomach flat in the next several months. Work out and look the part for your wedding.

And for the bride, what does this mean:

1. Don't get mad at the groom for not helping out. Hey, guys can sometimes be just plain dense. Yes, they can be, and if you don't explain the importance of chooding the right type of icing, then he will never know. Explain and be gentle, though.

2. Don't be too demanding on your wedding planner. She is out there for you and wants the best, so make reasonable requests. If you are a bride with an enormous wedding budget for the wedding planner, then explain things in detail to her, so she knows exactly what you want.

3. Don't settle for something that is cheap or deeply discounted unless you are willing to compromise on something that is bound to come up wrong. This can mean spenidng a little more on items (e.g., good wedding shoes, favors, or gloves), but you will be thankful in the end because you know the saying "you get what you pay for."

4. Do take time to enjoy the planning process with the groom. You can do this by establishing some incentives such as a nice weekend getaway or romantic lunch by the beach.

5. Manage time and expectations. If choosing flowers will probably take up 3-4 hours, perhaps it's best that the groom stay out. If you know it will take that long, be prepared for one bored guy.

Happy New Year to all new bride and grooms!

Ringbearer and Flowergirl - Consider these issues

The debate continues as to whether you should have children at the wedding ceremony. We've all heard about nightmare stories such as the ringbearer tossing the pillow or the flower girl tossing the basket of petals. So, before you consider having kids as part of the wedding entourage, here are some things to consider:

1) How many children do you plan to have? The typical wedding has one ringbearer and one flower girl, but there are some weddings that can have up to three or four children.

2) What should the minimum age be? For a ringbearer, there are some brides that prefer to get kids that are at least 4-5 years old.

3) How much do you plan to spend on their wedding outfits?

4) Will the location and timing of the wedding be an issue?

5) If you don't have children at the ceremony, should you just make your entourage consist of one maid of honor and bestman?

With countless other issues to consider, sometimes there are weddings wherein the bride and groom forego an entire entourage, and just choose to have a flower girl and ringbearer. The choice is really up to you and your sanity!

The Pregnant Bride - Blessing or Dilemma?

You’ve met the man of your dreams. Everything seemingly appears to be blissfully perfect. You’ve found that wedding gown that you’ve been dreaming for since you were a child. Life could not be better except one day – 3 months before your wedding date you find that you are – PREGNANT. Depending on what kind of “circle” you come from, the news can be one of the following:

Excitement – your mother, your father, your aunts, etc. are all happy for you because you’re already at that age wherein it’s about time you had a baby.

Disappointment – you know that feeling when you yourself know that you don’t want to be having a baby, and telling a single soul could be disastrous.

Apathy – this is an unlikely scenario yet it can sometimes happen.

Nevertheless, you decide to do any of the following:

Tell the groom, but nobody else, not even your mother – naturally, you’d probably want to share it with the groom. If you do this, at least somebody else knows beside yourself. Of course, you’d now be planning on how to conceal the fact that you are now an incubator. Therefore, you resort to finding ways of keeping everything under wraps. Literally, you could keep it under wraps by wearing a shawl with your dress. If you have chosen a strapless gown, a shawl or wrap would be just the right way to look the part well. Another option, change the color of your dress – not everyone might like this choice considering that white or ivory is the norm.

Tell everyone, but those everyone would prefer that the rest of the world (i.e., anyone outside of the immediate family where gossip flies faster than the evening news) not know until after the wedding. – This means that you will have to find a way to cover up everything, so using a shawl could work just as fine. Another option, this assumes that you have chosen a dress that can still be altered, is to create more allowance on the waist area of the gown. Proceed with caution because only a professional seamstress can accomplish such a feat.

Tell it like it is – you and everyone around you doesn’t mind that the rest of the world knows about your new status. Then, if this is the case, you could either alter the dress, or decide to be on the safe side and just get a new gown – perhaps one with an empire cut design, or made for a pregnant bride (i.e., maternity wedding gowns). Some places to check out include:

Nicole Michelle



Her Special Time Maternity

Maternity Bride

Venetian Masquerade Ball Wedding Theme

Picture this: a wedding party inspired by 15th Century Italy during the Renaissance. It's not just a step back in time, though. It's a Venetian Carnival masquerade ball. You may be wondering right now, how crazy is that? But, it's an off-beat theme for a bride and groom that want something luxurious and extravagant. Interestingly enough, the carnival season is said to begin on Dec. 26th - (St. Stephen's Day).



There are actually many ideas to planning a masquerade ball. It all depends on how elaborate you want the event to be. Obviously, you'd want to know where to get masks for each of your guests. So, here is an initial list of findings from making them yourself to buying them ready-made. Some are pretty pricey, since they're made by artisans in Venice. You can also check out places that make costumes, and eBay is also a great place to find masks.


Mardi Gras Outlet

Naughty Magpie

Mask Italia

Visions of Venice

DIY

From BBC - how to make a Venetian mask

Apollo's Fire (the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra)

DIY Network - Paper Sculpture Masks


For some educational reads:

Venice Carnival - official site featuring travel, hotel, and event information.

History of the Carnival of Venice

Dahlia's Gift Guidelines

Thoughtful - what exactly does that mean? They say that when you give a gift that is thoughtful, a lot of of care was taken in the selection of the gift. But, is that really all? Yes and no. Care can mean many things to people, but doesn't it all also entail truly understanding how a gift can be appreciated and used by the recipient. After all, why would you want to give a gift just because it's the expected behavior during the holidays? With that said, the following list serves as somewhat of my personal "guidelines" for finding a truly "thoughtful" gift:

1) Know what purpose the gift will serve. Even if it's a vase, what kind of use will it find at a home. Does it make an interesting talking piece for a host or hostess. For instance, is the vase designed with a special feature(s)? Was it inspired by something historical?

2) When giving something edible, do you prefer to find something sinful, healthful, or a little bit of both? In today's trans-fat laden world, people are becoming increasingly aware of rich foods with fats, so even if you've found decadent box of chocolate truffles, you're recipient may feel guilty about consuming it.

3) Don't buy it just because it's on sale. Nowadays, some people are savvy enough to know when a gift was a "saled" item. It's a definite way to make a bad impression.

4) Ah yes, homemade and handmade always seems to add something heartfelt to the occasion. But sometimes, it has its place. For instance, that scarf you've been knitting may be the perfect for Aunt Gina, but think twice because she may not be all that thrilled about your wonderful creation. Perhaps it's a better gift for your mother-in-law? Hmm?

5) Pay attention to packaging. Yes, you may not have all the money in the world to buy expensive or expensive-looking gifts, but you can always make up for it in the way that you present it. Look for quality packaging in the form of special fabrics, or stationary with a pretty pattern or design. You will look good, too. And it's very thoughful, too!

Happy gifting! These same guidelines also apply to any kind of gift - even for weddings and anniversaries.

Unusual yet Fun Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are a tradition usually held in a special place to honor the bride. But how about a different take on it? Say, a travel/shopping shower? And, just where would you go with five of your bridesmaids, if not Hong Kong! Assumming that money is not an issue, a one week trip can be so much fun considering that Hong Kong boasts the world's top designer brands imaginable from a to z. Think Rodeo Drive times 10. The shops also close late unlike in the US. If you love to travel, you may be surprised with Hong Kong's vibrant shopping atmosphere. Be forewarned, Hong Kong is a lot like New York, but more compact to say the least (like Tokyo).

Hong Kong Guide



So, just how do you start planning? A few of these places should be helpful:

Malls
Plan your mall trek strategically - depending on where your hotel is located. When it comes to looking for a bargain, you can find most of them at the shopping centers. However, you can also find great bargains at many of the outdoor markets. If you do decide to shop with outside vendors, be extremely careful about haggling for the best deal - only recommended for the truly experienced bargain hunter. Also, do not buy anything suspected of being a fake.

Below are just a few examples-

Times Square

IFC Mall

Harbour City


Hotels
Choose one that has the most diverse access to the major shopping centers. Also, many of the hotels are located pretty close or right beside many of the malls.

Fodor's List
Among the more popular hotels are Excelsior Mandarin Oriental, Park Lane, and Marco Polo.

Subway and Tram
When selecting a mode of transportation, you can usually take the subway or taxi to get from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. Once within the city proper, it is fairly easy to get around by walking - be prepared to bring some damn good walking shoes.

MTR

HK Tramways

Airport
HK International Airport
From the airport, you can take the Airport Express to the city that will land at a depot with a bus service to all the major hotels. Incidentally, the airport looks much like a mall, too. For those last minute shoppers, the airport has some great shops, too.

Restaurant Guide
There is no shortage of good eats, but be wise and eat at a place that wouldn't have you reaching for some Immodium. You know what I mean. Of course, you'd be nuts not to eat some good Chinese food such as dimsum. Heck, you're already in Hong Kong. How better can that get? Many of the malls also have great restaurants, so check out their listings, as well.

Eat Drink Hong Kong

Frommer's Best Dining Bets

Discover Hong Kong - Gourmet Guide

Travel Tips

Lonely Planet

If all of this seems a bit overwhelming to plan with your bridesmaids, a honeymoon side trip to Hong Kong could look awfully tempting!

A Wedding in the Cayman Islands

Intimate, simple, and memorable. After watching the Travel Channel's new program called "Weddings Away: Cayman Islands", a Carribbean wedding with 30 of your closest friends and family can make for a truly wonderful destination wedding.




If you missed any of the show's episodes, these great sources on the web can also help you get started:

Island Brides

Caymand Islands Tourism

WeddingChannel Planner Picks

Grand Cayman Marriot

Westin Grand Cayman Hotel

Wedding Trends for 2007 from The Knot

According to The Knot's wedding forecast for 2007, orange is the color for the season. I'm totally in love with anything orange because you can match it with warm colors like brown, red, and olive. It's also a beautiful shade for a silk shantung bridesmaid dress. You can also find lovely callas, daisies, and tulips in orange! If you love the color green or anything close, then this is the perfect color to match it with.

To read more about the trends for 2007, click here.

Tux Tux Tux

While dressing in a tux looks superb, finding one that you can afford is turning out to be an "affordable luxury". However, with the sale at Men's Wearhouse should make the process of dressing your wedding party a whole lot cheaper. They're having a sale, too! Don't forget that $20 off coupon.