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Posts from ‘April, 2010’

5 tips on how not be bridezilla

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Here are 5 ways to keep your sanity as a bride:

  • Budget

    This is one of the most important things in planning your wedding. It is stressful to go over-budget. Buy organizing a budget sheet, you can get an estimate of what to predict. The worst thing is to start out your marriage by arguing over spending too much money. There are ways to still have a great wedding without overspending. Consider areas of compromise: Trunk show for wedding dresses, omit videographer and have friends film, do in one location, smaller guest list, buffet style, etc.

Things to buy for a wedding

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Here is a list of basic things to buy or place deposit for the wedding.

Venues:

  • Wedding Ceremony location

  • Wedding Reception location

  • Rehearsal dinner location

Vendors:

  • Officiant

  • DJ

  • Photographer

  • Videographer

  • Flower

  • Musicians

  • Cake

  • Any other entertainment

Bridal Necessities:

  • Bridal Gown

  • Wedding Shoes

  • Lingerie (garter)

  • hoisery

  • Wedding Shower Dress

  • Rehearsal Dress

  • Facial

  • Hair/Makeup

  • wedding bands

Groom and groomsmen:

How to plan a successful bridal shower

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Recently my maid-of-honor hosted a excellent bridal shower for me. Both my guests and I had a great time. I will always remember it. Here are 5 reasons why I think the bridal shower was so successful.

  1. Communicating venue wishes: restaurant vs. home

    It is important for the maid-of-honor to discuss location with the bride. Bridal showers are typically at restaurants or at a person’s house.

  2. Surprise or no surprise elements

    It is up to the bride on how much you want to be involved. I literally just showed up and that was great fun.

How to choose your wedding party wisely

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Wedding party can help enhance the wedding experience or they can be the sources of stress. Here are 7 ways to choose a good wedding party.

  1. People who will listen to you.

    It is YOUR wedding. You want your wedding party to be able to listen to you and follow directions to make it a special day for you.

  2. Do they know the rest of your wedding party?

    Do all of the wedding party members know each other? Do some not get along with each other? How will this affect the outcome?

3 things to consider when picking your wedding venue

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When planning for my wedding, one of the first things I did was to create an excel spreadsheet of each venue I was doing research on. Here were points that helped me to decide which venue was right for us.

  1. Location

    Location was a huge decision maker/breaker. First you want a place that is convenient for you and your bridal party as much as possible. You will likely have to go to the venue at least a couple of times (initial meeting, final meeting, rehearsal day, wedding day). Also it may be cost effective to be close to your home then you don’t have to carry all the materials for your dress, hair, etc to a hotel and then the venue. Secondly, if you want a lot of your guests to come, then it has to be in a location fairly close for them.

Things to bring on your wedding Day

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I will be getting married in one month, so here are a series of blogs from my experience of the wedding planning process. One way to eliminate stress on your wedding day is to have a checklist handy of things you will need to bring/have ready. Here’s a checklist that I have that may help you!

Bridal Formal Attire:

  • Gown

  • Veil/tiara

  • slip

  • hoisery

  • wedding shoes

  • handbag

  • comfortable shoes

  • lingerie (ex. garter)

  • jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet)

  • emergency kit (medications, tide-to-go, bandaids)

When a loved one has a drug problem

If you suspect that a friend or family member has a drug problem, here are a 5 things you can do:

  • Consult a addiction professional

    You can consult an MD or look online for referrals. When talking with a specialist, it is helpful to let them know the kind of drugs your loved one is taking, the quantity, a list of doctors they are seeing, and a brief life history.

Support groups as part of treatment for prescription drug abuse

Support groups can help those addicted to prescription medications deal with their issues. Being with a group of people who share the same addiction gives support to the addict and helps them to stay clean and sober.

A support group is a gathering of people who are living with similar issues. They meet regularly, either in person or online, to share their experiences. Members of the group learn from each other and get practical tips for dealing with their addictions.

One advantage of a support group for addicts is that the person understands that they are not alone in their addiction. A successful support group is where an addict does not feel judged.

Tips on how to use prescription drugs safely

Prescription drugs can be helpful when used properly. If you or someone you know is taking prescription drugs, here are some tips to take them safely. Also, always consult your physician and pharmacist for any questions or concerns.

  • Follow directions

    It is important to follow medication directions carefully.

  • Don’t take initiative

    Don’t increase or decrease doses without consulting your doctor, as this can have adverse effects.

  • Don’t stop

    Do not stop taking medications on your own.

  • Don’t break up medications

    Don’t crush or break pills.

Celebrities and prescription drug abuse

The recent tragic death of Corey Haim at only 38 years old has many Hollywood insiders and doctors worried about the number of stars that regularly abuse prescription medication. The following are celebrities who have died from prescription drug abuse.

Marilyn Monroe

She was a famous actress, model and American sex symbol. At the age of 36, Marilyn died in her sleep of barbituate poisoning (overdose of sleeping pills).

Elvis Presley

Elvis was the King of Rock n Roll, but suffered from multiple addictions to prescription medications. He died of a massive overdose in 1977.