I have been lucky enough to participate in many photo shoots over the years – both for magazines and with vendors who collaborated together to bring a concept to life. It really is a great way to meet people you haven’t had the opportunity to work with before, to try an idea that you know a client will never let you do (although I firmly believe if you can show them, they can be open to it), try a wild color scheme that you have had in your head forever…you get the idea. I’ve sat with vendors, chatted on the phone, answered questions about how did we do that, why did you try this, did it work (not all ideas work, that is why this creative process is GREAT!).
Great Gifts For Dad on Father’s Day
Sometimes you don’t think that Dads need anything. Moms seem to always need or want something. But what does a Dad need? He just gets up, goes to work and comes home, eats and sleeps. How can he need anything to do that? Maybe he doesn’t. But what Dads do is very important. And Father’s Day is the one day of the year that recognizes all Dads and acknowledges what they do. What nicer way is there to thank Dad then to give him a big hug and a surprise. There are so many great gifts to surprise him with and bring a big smile to his face and a hug back.
Is Dad a backyard kind of guy? Yard tools make great gifts
No Dad can have enough tools to keep his yard in great shape. There is always another tool that would make this corner look better, or spruce up that bush nicer. A special yard tool may make weeding easier or at least make him think so. Special Dads need special yard tools to make their day perfect.
Great cologne makes Dad smell nice
Dad finished working in the yard so he needs something special to make him smell as good as his yard. What better surprise than a bottle of cologne. The nice thing about Dad is he will like any cologne you buy just because YOU bought it for him. And if he doesn’t have a favorite cologne you can choose one that smells good on him. It makes a perfect gift because every time he splashes himself with the cologne you got him, he will think of you.
Patio furniture so Dad can enjoy his yard
Dad spends a lot of time working in his yard so it looks nice. Patio furniture makes a perfect gift so he can rest and enjoy his hard work. A vast variety of patio furniture is available that will complement any yard design. This Father’s Day, surprise Dad with patio furniture so he can relax in his yard the whole day. It will make the day perfect for him.
Yard work needs sturdy clothes
Just because Dad is doing yard work doesn’t mean he can’t look sharp. Multi-pocket pants make a perfect gift. He can stuff gloves and tools in the pockets when he isn’t using them. And he knows just where to find them when he needs them. A matching shirt will complete his outfit. He’ll be the best dressed Dad when he’s working in the yard.
Headgear to protect Dad from the sun
When working in the hot sun, Dad needs some headgear to protect him from sunburn. A perfect gift to surprise Dad with is a special cap that you picked out just for him. Images on caps can be funny. They can be personalized with his name or favorite vehicle. You can pick out a cap in his favorite color. Caps come in many different styles one of which would make a perfect gift.
The Inner Workings of the Male Mind – How He Falls in Love
Have you met that really great guy and you need to know how you can get him to fall in love with you? Do you think it could help to really get inside his head and see how he thinks? Are men’s minds not able to contemplate true love? Men do fall in love. Read on to find out how.
For starters men are driven by their visual sense. This is what will initially draw them in. So take care to look your best whenever you go out. Also keep in mind that one man’s vision of beauty is not the same as another. Just as you may be drawn to a certain type of man, men have their favorite types as well. Think in terms of being the best of your type of woman.
While sex is a big draw for most men, there needs to be a distinction between developing a sexual relationship and a romantic one. For a romantic relationship, you need to build up an emotional bond that will connect you together.
To accomplish this, try to look at him as a good friend; a good friend you want to get to know a lot better. Have conversations with him that have an easy flow and that you both feel comfortable in. This is the time to discover if you really have what it takes to be with each other.
This process really needs to be allowed to follow its own pace. Rushing it isn’t going to be fruitful, so you might as well enjoy the ride. Use every date with him to show him what a great addition to his life you’ll be. But also use the time wisely to learn what you can about him.
As that emotional bond takes hold, you’ll become closer and more intimate. When he sees you do indeed bring joy to his life, he’ll fall in love with you.
Wedding Flowers: 6 New Wedding Flower Trends
No matter how stunning your gown may be, your wedding day look won’t be complete without the perfect bouquet to complement it. To assist you in selecting the right set of blooms for your journey to the altar, we asked the experts in floral design to dish on the latest trends. What did we discover? There are two distinct styles for wedding bouquets, and each are heading down a completely different path. While many brides want their blooms to have a spare, elegant look, others are choosing to carry lush, romantic arrangements down the aisle. What’s more, while round, clustered bouquets are still immensely popular, the long and cascading look is on the rise. For this must-have wedding day accessory, check out our roundup of the most chic bouquet styles and ideas.
1. Sought-After Blossoms
Today’s hot bouquets fall into two categories. Many brides are going for the simplicity of a “monofloral” (all one flower) look. Monofloral bouquets coordinate quite well with contemporary or architectural gowns, so they’re often composed of sleek, structured flowers like mini calla lilies or cattleya orchids. However, the most prominent trend is romantic bouquets filled with an assortment of fluttery flowers with lots of petals — think peonies, ranunculuses, French tulips, and hydrangeas. Although it’s not yet widely used, one contender for the next in-demand bloom is the Yves Piaget rose. It’s a sumptuous flower that’s a profusion of petals, tying in perfectly with the lush bouquet trend.
2. All Tied Up
Although the most au naturel brides (and, in particular, those seeking a single-flower style) likely prefer the look of exposed stems, the majority of today’s bouquets come elegantly wrapped. To help modernize the look of classic ribbon-wrapped stems, florists layer ribbons in different colors or textures. Another popular approach is to personalize the bouquet. Wrap the stems with an heirloom handkerchief (perhaps one the bride’s grandmother carried on her wedding day), adorn the bouquet with a locket bearing a photo of a deceased relative, or wrap the stems in a ribbon embroidered with your monogram or signature motif.
3. Hot Hues
White bouquets transcend wedding trends, but brides are using an increasingly popular version of this classic. It features multiple shades of white to create a gradational, textured look that’s more soft and antique than modern and stark. Brides craving color are also opting to use many shades of a single hue, such as mixing pale pink peonies and hot pink ranunculuses with other flowers that reflect the pinks for a richer look. For those who like this look but want something more striking than white, today’s stylish all-red bouquets mix shades of burgundy and near-black with slightly brighter crimson blooms.
4. A Modernized Cascade
Round bouquets still rule. The clean shape keeps the focus on the dress, and brides are wary of the dated ’80s look of a larger bouquet. That said, some creative brides are choosing bouquets that cascade slightly down the front with an “upside-down teardrop” shape. The bit of movement created by this detail adds a touch of drama that feels thoroughly up-to-date.
5. Mixed Media
Today’s bouquets often contain much more than flowers. For instance, florists add texture with greenery (such as fuzzy lamb’s ear) and create contrast with striped leaves (such as aspidistra and hosta). Innovative brides are asking for nonfloral elements like feathers, berries, Swarovski crystals, and even mini branches or pieces of wood. Succulents are also becoming more prevalent. One prized type is echivera, which is shaped like a flower and comes in gray, green, and aubergine. The purple-toned variety looks striking with purple-tipped calla lilies, and those with a red or orange tinge work well with orange ranunculuses and reddish-orange freesias.
6. Special Effects
Weddings are made memorable through elements like exotic locations and designer stationery, so why skimp on the bouquet? If you want a cutting-edge effect that makes a striking floral style statement, explore this growing trend: entire bouquets expertly designed to give the appearance of being a single flower. By wiring individual flower petals together, florists create what appears to be one super-sized bloom (think white rose petals arranged in the shape of a huge white rose). Guests will remember it long after the ceremony is over.
Wedding Budget: 30 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding
Reception
1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.
2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!
3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot — it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.
4. Skip the Saturday wedding.
5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.
6. Shop the off-season for extra decor — get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine’s Day.
Flowers
7. Use more greenery than flowers.
8. Swap out costly flowers — did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?
9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.
10. Buy flowers that are in season.
11. Include non-florals, like lanterns.
Food & Drink
12. Serve entree duets.
13. Skip the main course — apps and drinks are fine too.
14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.
15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It’s fun and often cheaper.
16. Skip the champagne toast.
Cakes
17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).
18. Keep the add-ons simple.
19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.
20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.
21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.
Stationery & Favors
22. Get single-page invites to save on postage.
23. Give out one favor per couple.
24. Make your cake the favors.
25. Have favors double as escort cards.
26. Email your save-the-dates.
27. Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.
Photo, Video & Music
28. Have a photographer you love but can’t afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.
29. Opt for a smaller band.
30. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.