Link Share

Tonight, just a link to share.  If you've ever been curious about creation v. evolution or just wanted Biblical information on how to defend your faith, check this out.   Answers in Genesis has lots of info for just that.  I find so many of their articles fascinating.  Later I'll share some specifics, but for now, do your own looking. Know what you believe and how to stand for it.  Enjoy!


http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Wedding Planning - Just a Little Different

I've been married a little over three years now, but I enjoy sharing some of the things I did differently that made my day special for ME.  With a background in interior design and me being a slightly stubborn girl, I was determined to plan a wedding that was sophisticated and fun yet different from most of the weddings I have been to.  Here's a short, to-the-point list of things you could consider if you want to plan a wedding with a fresh twist.

• Face the crowd.  Whether you are having many or few, the guests come to see the couple.  Why spend all the time facing away from them and all the money on a dress they barely get to see.  Turn things around so they can focus on your faces and you can get a glance at who was kind enough to come celebrate your day.
• Stand off-center.  There's no rule that says you must be centered on the stage.  Standing to one side, slightly angled toward center gives the guests' view some interest.  Plus, it's a nice angle for most people's figures, photos, and dress details.
• Attendants enter in pairs.  Have each girl and guy enter as a "couple" arm in arm and stand in pairs on the stage.  They can be grouped or scattered, but they don't have to be separated and lined up down the sides.  And of course have them facing forward too.  This acts as stage decor.  You need less flowers and such if you fill up the background with pretty people.
• Buy cheap dresses.  Don't buy cheap quality dresses, just be frugal.  These days, most attendants don't have tons of extra money to blow on that one-time-only dress.  For the girls, you can easily find very nice dresses at a department store that can be worn again and again.  Think church, other weddings, family photos, etc..., when choosing for them.  For the guys, use a plain black suit.  Chances are they already have one, and if not, they'll more than likely be willing to invest some money into one versus using almost the same amount on a tux rental.  
• Couple's prayer.  Instead of having a unity candle ceremony with a song that is far too long for the lighting, pray.  The musicians can play a soft short melody while the newlyweds spend a quiet, intimate moment in prayer together.  Ask the crowd to do the same.  This avoids the very awkward silence-and-stare time.  
• Do Brunch.  Stolen idea from a friend, we chose to have brunch instead of and evening meal or just afternoon cake and punch.  The time of day allowed travelers the chance to return to their homes that same day instead of having to stay overnight.  Plus, you can select a multitude of foods that fall into the brunch category.  This insures variety for the guests.
• Skip the cake.  Who says you have to have cake.  They're incredibly expensive and hard to find friendly sometimes.  Opt for more quantity on fruits and dips for a natural sugar taste.  Petite fours are also a great option.  No one has to stand and make slice after slice and touch each piece with their fingers, for those of us that are germ-a-phobes.  Petite fours are pretty and come in just the right size for a snack with no cutting involved.  
• Toss out the punch.  Instead go for flavored teas, lemonades, or juices.  Coupled with the brunch plan, it's a nice complement to the variety of foods.
• Forget the flowers.  When it comes to tossing the bouquet, just say no.  Have you ever skipped out on the end of the reception because you hated being told it was "finally your turn".  For what?  Love, marriage, someone else's flowers to take home.  Awkward.  And you sure want to avoid the photo memories of the maid of honor knocking over the rest of the girls to get her chance at happiness.  

That's just a few of the things I can remember off the top of my head.  Just keep in mind, simplify.  Just because there's a tradition doesn't mean you have to follow suit.  Be yourself.  Show your own personality and tastes.  Make everyone say, "Well, that was different".

What's a blogger to do?

I must admit, I have my doubts about blogging.  Sounds like fun, but who in the world gives a flip about what's going on in my mind, my world, my anything?  The word "Blog" just sounds stupid in and of itself.  BUT, I have many friends and family who blog and are always putting neat things up about their everyday life, things they've done, places they've been, items they've made or found, etc...  And, surprisingly, I read them!  I never dreamed I would, but somehow I find them almost addicting.  Well, I want in on the fun too, right?  Let's give it a shot.  Let's see how many people drop in.  And, would anybody possibly leave a comment??  Here goes nothing...let's see...where do I start...again.