Economy Effecting Your Wedding Plans?

* Recession Proof Your Wedding - Don't go deeply into debt to have your wedding. Right now with the markets being the way that they are, that's a little more than scary.

Don't take a line of credit out against your house to pay for your wedding right now. The best way to recession proof your wedding is to figure out what you can realistically spend on your wedding (chat with your parents about this too) and then stick to it. Cut down your guest list. A smaller guest list will not only save you money but will give you more room to spread out on the dance floor.

* Buyer Beware - Yes you want a good deal but now is not the time to be booking with anyone who hangs up a sign. You need to pick people who are well established and have financially secure companies that have been around for awhile. How horrible would it be to give someone a big deposit and then not be able to get a hold of them again?

* Be Smart With Your Wedding AND Lifestyle Budget - It's important that you make a budget for both your wedding AND your life and then stick to it. This will help you feel in control and confident with all your decisions.

Communication: Keys to the Wedding You Want

Communication seems to come up in everything we do.  Especially, when planning a wedding.  Communication will be the key to whether you create the wedding of your dreams or the wedding you wish you could forget.  Here are some key elements to remember about communication:

• Be sure to listen first…give the other person the complete opportunity to express their ideas or suggestions before you answer. Listening will give you as much information about the vendor, as you are giving the vendor about your ideas for the wedding.

• You may be excellent at communicating with other people… BUT… that does not mean the person you are communicating with is.  If there seems to be a communication gap…Ask the vendor…”What is your specialty?”  This generally opens up the communication by allowing people to talk about the aspects of their business that they are most passionate about.

• If people are expecting immediate answers from you that you can’t give…take a break…set a deadline of when you will make the decision and give them the answer by the deadline.

• Ask lots of questions, assuming you know exactly what the other person is saying creates an opportunity for a gap in communication. So open up… and ask the questions…”I am not sure what you mean, could you show me a sample?”

• To communicate what you want, you have to know what you want…Take some time and explore the details that you want to see in your wedding.   If you are shopping for details let the vendor know…”I am open to some details or ideas.”

Jodi Wilson is the owner, success coach and consultant of Mountain Springs Professional and Organizational Services, LLC.  Jodi’s clients define, discover, dream, design and deliver the success they want in their lives.  Visit their website at www.mountainspringsprofessional.com for more information on their services.

Should I Elope?

With the economy putting a dent into everyone's pockets alot of couples are contimplating skipping the big wedding idea and eloping. There is nothing wrong with this idea but still show respect to your family and friends by announcing your recent marriage and possibly invite close friends and family for a dinner gathering afterwards. You can still have a good time and manage your budget closely.

Something to keep in mind if you do decide to elope-
Will you have photo's to remember your special day?
Will you purchase a special gown to elope in?
Are you able to go on a honeymoon?
Will there be a cake?
Flowers?


What is important to you should be taken into consideration before making this decision and it should be mutual you don't want to have any regrets about your special day. Keeping your parents in mind is always important, will they understand or will they be devastated?

Think about these decisions and make sure you don't compromise what is truly important to you on this day.

If you feel you are giving up way more than you had planned to get married, than the other option is WAIT!! You can always postpone your big day so that you can afford it. If your relationship is solid there is nothing that is going to come between you and your wedding day. Why not make it a day that you will never forget...

Best Wishes -

Grand Opening - A Portrait Boutique

For those of you who live in the Chicagoland area Love To Promote is excited to share that we will be displaying our gift items at A Portrait Boutique.

A Portrait Boutique is a new Photography Studio they are opening their doors October 11th with a big bash!! We will have an actress from PBS television singing, free hot dogs, a local caterer will be bringing goodies, face painting, pumpkin decorating for the kids and a local DJ - Groovin Greg will be there. If you are in the Plainfield area and want to stop by we will be launching this fun-filled event at 11AM until around 3PM.

We will have excellent door prizes and free bandanas for all doggie visitors. Bring your friends neighbors, children and pets to this FREE family fun event.

A Portrait Boutique/Love To Promote (Displayed)

www.aportraitboutique.com

14722 S Naperville Rd. - Suite 106

Plainfield, IL 60544

Feel free to visit my website to learn more about my business www.LoveToPromote.com
We sell a full line of accessories, personalized gifts, promotional products, invitations, and announcements.

A Portrait Boutique's owner Lesa Zonsius takes pride in what she does, she will be offering pet portraits, outdoor photos, as well as family portraits. She has several backdrops and is great with children. You will have fun taking pictures at her lovely boutique.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PHOTOGRAPHER

When planning a wedding there are many choices you have to make and it may seem overwhelming which is very common. However, when looking for the right photographer to capture your memories it is not as complicated as you may think. First ask friends and family members if they have a recommendation of a photographer. Also look online for other bride's feedback of their photographer at places like The Knot etc. Visualize your photos and how you want them to be. That will help you decide if the photographer can achieve what you are looking for when viewing their portfolio. Make a decision what type of personality you are best suited with. It is very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as you will be with them all day long and so will your family and friends.

Here are the basic questions you may want to ask when interviewing photographers:

• How long have they been in business?
• What are some locations they have worked at?
• Are they a member of a photographer's organization?
• Who is the photographer you are hiring and are you able to meet or talk with them before the big day?
• Look at the photographer's samples not samples of other employed photographers.
• What type of photography style do they offer - candid, traditional or both?
  Candid is not posed and usually non-invasive. Traditional is staging shots and is a hands on approach throughout the day. Both is when traditional shots are staged mostly during house coverage after you are dressed and after the church as well as park coverage. The rest of the evening is usually done in candid style and you are left alone except for a few traditional shots during the cake cutting, garter/bouquet toss, etc.
• Can you speak with their former clients for references?
• Do their packages include albums and if so what exactly are you getting?
• Do they offer the digital negatives?
  You may want to be sure they are the high resolution images as they sometimes may not offer that. High resolution is the highest quality as they were taken which ensures that you can print a large photo without loosing quality.
• Make sure there are no hidden costs. Sometimes there is a pricing method that is just a starting point and may not include certain things such as all day coverage, upgraded albums, print quality and or sizes.
• See if they can throw in an engagement photo if you go with their high end package. Some photographers are more than willing to include something with their highest package. It doesn't hurt to ask.

This article was written by Lesa Zonsius of ZonCom Productions Inc..
Visit their website at www.Zoncom.com for more information on their services.

Most Popular First Dance Songs

First Dance music: First dance as husband and wife.

• Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
• Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
• Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray)
• The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
• It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.)
• What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
• Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)
• I Cross My Heart (George Strait)
• I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One)
• A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle)
• As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein)
• When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss)
• Faithfully (Journey)
• No Ordinary Love (Sade)
• Here And Now (Luther Vandross)
• I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery)
• Power Of Love (Celine Dion)
• Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
• Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams)
• When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton)
• All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
• I'll Be There (Mariah Carey)
• On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men)
• At Last (Etta James)
• Don't Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
• From This Moment On (Shania Twain)
• Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.)
• Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers)

*These are the most requested songs, but there are many others. Ask your DJ.

7 Great Tips Before You Get Married!!

1. The most important: Marry the right person. I didn’t say the perfect person since they don’t exist but marry the right person for you. Marry your soul mate. Someone who makes you laugh, that comforts you when you are down, who loves you for who you are now what you look like . Someone you want to grow old with.

2. You can never be over-prepared. Read books. Prepare. Befriend married couples and ask them lots of questions. Take pre-marital counseling classes.

3. Make the planning process easy - Keep it simple and ask for help when you need it.

4. The Wedding isn’t a show. It’s a worship service and celebration. Don’t do stuff to impress people but rather, make choices that are meaningful and reflect you and your relationship.

5. Honor your parents. The wedding isn’t just for you. It’s an opportunity to honor your guests, your family, but especially your parents. Carve out time during the actual wedding ceremony to speak heart to heart to your parents and let them know how much you appreciate them.

6. PLEASE do not go into DEBT to just put on a fancy party. The location, food, and glitz in the end it will be a memory - Save your money for a down payment on a house or go on a great Honeymoon.

7. It only happens once. So ENJOY!

How To Choose A Wedding Ring

Teddy Shattock, managing director of Aldridge Jewellers on London show us how to choose a wedding ring. The selection of a wedding ring could be one of the most critical decisions of your life; so get it right with VideoJug's assistance. To see this video or more like it visit this site at: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-choose-a-wedding-ring

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Step 1:

Determine your ring size

Before buying your wedding ring, make sure that you know your ring size. Use a ring sizer that you will find at a jewellers to determine your ring size. You can also watch our film, "How to work out your ring size" for some helpful tips.
You should allow enough time, about eight weeks, before your wedding for the ring to be fitted or altered in any way so it is ready for the big day.

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Step 2:

Match your engagement ring

The most helpful starting point when choosing a wedding ring is to remember that it should complement the engagement ring. Choose the same metal for your wedding ring as that of your engagement ring. Traditionally, the wedding ring goes on first. Try them on together to see if the wedding band needs to be specially shaped to fit the engagement ring. It is not essential to wear the wedding ring on the same finger as the engagement ring. You may prefer to move your engagement ring to your right hand once you are married to make space for the wedding ring on the left hand, especially if it is elaborate in style. This allows each ring to stand alone and shine in all their glory.

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Step 3:

Which metal?

Wedding rings are usually made from yellow gold, white gold or platinum. They can be 9k, 18k or 22k gold. The higher the karat number, the softer the gold so if you work with your hands, buy a lower karat to avoid scratches. White gold is a popular choice as it can also be worn with silver or platinum jewellery. Platinum is the hardest metal and does not need to be mixed with an alloy so it is safe for allergy sufferers. It is a more expensive choice than gold.

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Step 4:

Gem set rings

Although some cultures only allow plain wedding bands, gem set wedding bands have become very fashionable. These can sometimes overpower the engagement ring when worn on the same finger. If you do decide to buy a diamond set wedding band, you may find it looks best worn alone on your left hand.

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Step 5:

Wedding Rings for men

Although this was not always the case, it is now very common for men to wear wedding rings. The man's ring usually matches the woman's and is made from the same metal. It should be a slightly wider band to suit a more masculine hand shape. The most common choice for men's wedding rings are plain bands. If you are not used to wearing a ring, a comfort fit ring is recommended. This is oval in cross section and has rounded edges so allows more flexibility.

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Step 6:

The right choice

Whichever wedding ring you choose, make sure it is one that you are happy to wear for the rest of your life. It can be any design you like as long as it reflects your personality and style. The right wedding ring will be as timeless as your relationship.

SAVE THE DATE CARD ETIQUETTE

SAVE THE DATE CARDS

About Save The Date Cards - This pre-invitation mailing officially announces your wedding date and lets guests know that they will, in fact, be invited to the celebration. If your wedding will be on a holiday, save-the-date cards would be typically send a year to six months in advance. If it is a destination wedding make sure to make that known to your guests and send those out 8-12 months in advance.

Are Save The Date Cards Necessary? Only if you are having your wedding on a holiday weekend, during the busy summer months, or if out of town guests will need to make travel arrangements. Consider it a heads up for those you really want at your wedding.

Who Do I Send Save The Date Cards To? Anyone you really want to come to your wedding. A must is Bridal party, Immediate Family members, and close friends. Once you send them out there is no turning back so be sure you really plan to invite them to your wedding.

Do I Need To Include "& Guest" On The Cards? Be as specific as you can. Being upfront about who is invited also gives families with uninvited kids enough time to plan for child care, and out-of-town guests enough time to figure out their travel needs. Be sure to use their formal names not nicknames on these cards. Address them exactly as you would your formal invitations.


To order your Save The Date Cards visit our secure website at :
www.LoveToPromote.cceasy.com

Invitations Explained...

Choosing invitations can be intimidating if you don't know what some of the terms or names mean. You will find on this Blog explanations to the terms used:

Seal n Send Invitations:
This type of wedding invitation is mailed to guests as a single-folded piece (that does not include an envelope) having the respond postcard attached to the invitation by a perforation for easy removal. Due to the respond piece being a postcard, you will end up saving on postage for the return mailing.

Announcements:
This is often used for people you know that will not be invited to your wedding but you would still like them to know about your marriage, you can mail them an announcement card. This can also be used for family members that live out of town or that are elderly and can't make it. Announcements can be printed on the same paper as your invitation but mailed on your wedding day or immediately after with the wording stating that your wedding has already taken place.

Reception Cards:
This lists all the details for your reception, reception cards can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Response Cards:
These cards are essential to planning for your dinner/reception since an accurate guest attendance count will be needed for food and seating preparations. The response card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation. Remember to include a postage stamp on this small envelope which will also have a mailing address already printed on it so all your guests have to do is fill out the card and mail it back by the date you have printed on it.

Lined Inner Envelopes:
For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a colored lining to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose. Some selections may include this with the price of the invitations.

Envelope Seals:
These self-adhesive labels add a nice finishing touch. They are available in many styles and are used on your outer envelope making it look like they are holding the flap down even though it has already been sealed.

Our professional staff is always eager to help you choose the perfect invitation for your special day feel free to call me personally at 1-815-603-2324 or call us toll free at:
1-877-290-8487 access code KCS90

Love To Promote is a proud dealer of Carlson Craft Invitations, Fine Accessories, Gifts, & more...

Wedding Albums - Secure Your Purchase!

There is something very important that we wanted to share with brides and grooms that are purchasing wedding albums or considering one. The inside scoop from our photography groups is that a lot of photographers have difficulty completing the album for their client because of the time it takes for the client to pick out their photos or go to the studio to review and approve the album before it is printed. We have heard of some clients not coming in at all even though they paid for their album up front. Life does get in the way but your precious memories that are creatively designed for an album by your photographer is something that should not be overlooked or delayed and here is why.....Be warned that if you choose not to get that album done shortly after your honeymoon the following unpredictable scenarios may happen.
The photography company or photographer goes out of business.
The photographer passes away.
The photography studio has a fire and nothing was put in a safe.
The album gets mailed to the wrong person and never returned.
The album was not done correctly and the lab that produced it doesn't carry the type you chose any longer.
The list can go on and on. You can't rely on your albums being securely stored as some studios may not make that their priority. You truly need to follow up on the album design as soon as possible for your own peace of mind. We offer videography in addition to photography and have experienced working closely with another photographer who was independent and worked alone. This person passed unexpectantly and we are still getting phone calls (because they knew we referred each other often) asking if we know how they can get a hold of their photos. We assume this person had no plan of action in the case of their death. A few of this person's clients have paid in full for their albums and we are contributing our time and resources to help them out as best we can. Our AdviceThis is a very good question to ask your photographer....."who is responsible for your studio should anything happen to you?". This will give you peace of mind and a resource to go to in case something happens.A lot of studios including us are offering all images at high resolution to our clients in lieu of albums. You can actually make your own wedding album online these days at a more economical price. To have your images on a disc shortly after your wedding gives you the security that you need knowing your photos are in your hands and not the studios.We offer wedding albums but encourage the sale be made after the wedding so that our clients don't feel the pressure of additional costs and decisions before the wedding. We wish you the best in your adventure and a happy life together!

This article was submitted by one of our preferred vendors - ZonCom Productions Inc.,

They are a one stop shop providing services for Photography, Videography & DJ they specialize in weddings and special events as well as business venues. To contact ZonCom visit them at http://www.zoncom.com/ or call them at 815-439-9750

Love To Promote is proud to have ZonCom Productions Inc., as well as our other Preferred Vendors contributing to our Blog and we hope that if you enjoyed this month's articles that you will pass our Blog on to your friends.

How to Raise Your Credit Score in 45 Days!

We have asked Lori Jones of Baird & Warner to be our monthly Blog contributor each month she will discuss some helpful hints for first time home buyers.

We hope you enjoy this informative Blog presented to you by Love To Promote-

How to raise your credit score in 45 days:
Try these five simple steps to improve your credit score…you could see dramatic results!

As a result of the recent changes in the lending industry a good credit score has become increasingly important. In order to qualify for the loan you want, with a good interest rate, lenders are looking for a score of 650 or more. There are options if your score is lower, but you’ll pay a higher interest and have less options available to you. Therefore, one of the first things you need to do in preparation for the purchase of your new home is to know your score. The easiest way to do this is to go to annualcreditreport.com. It is important to print out a detailed report so that you can check it for accuracy and address any issues. Next, make sure you’ve done the following five things:

1. Pay your past due accounts

Yes, this sound obvious but understand that credit scoring software severely penalizes you for having accounts with a past due balance. Making sure all of your accounts are current, and paying the amount that shows as being past due on the credit report can increase your credit score by a significant amount.

2. Try to get rid of your late payments

Contact all creditors that have reported late payments on your credit and request a good faith adjustment that actually removes the record of late payments reported on your account. Be persistent, if they refuse to remove the late payments at first, remind them that you have been a good customer that would deeply appreciate their help. Call several times if you need to and ask for supervisors … persistence and politeness pay off in this scenario.

3. Request to have your credit limits increased

Contrary to popular belief, having low credit limits on a credit card can actually hurt your credit score. Having low available credit limits affects your “actual debt to available credit ratio”. For example, if you owe a total card debt of $10,000 and your total credit available is $20,000, you are only using 50% of your total credit available. But if you have credit card of $10,000 and your total credit available is $15,000, you change your ratio to 66% of your available credit being used. The lower the percentage of debt to available credit the better, as it shows you are responsible having available credit without running the balances to the maximum.

4. Become an ‘authorized user’

If you have a short and limited credit history, you can ask someone to add you to their credit card account as a joint account holder on an authorized user. When added, the primary account holder’s credit card will appear on your credit report. Credit scoring software will treat the added account as though it is your account and you will benefit from the low balance and the long payment history for that account. It is important to remember that being an authorized user is helpful for your credit score only if (1) the person is carrying debt below 10% of the credit limit on that card and (2) has had a good payment history on the card for seven years or longer…and the longer the history, the better. Being an authorizing user is potentially detrimental to your credit score if the person giving you the card either maxes out the credit or pays late, since this would report on your credit report too.

5. Keep your old credit cards active

15%of your credit is determined by the age of the credit file. Therefore, even if your old credit cards have high interest rates, closing those cards will decrease the average length of time you have had credit…as well as increase your “debt to available credit ratio” as discussed in point 3. Use the old card at least once every six months to avoid the account rating change to “Inactive”. Keeping the card active is as simple as pumping gas or purchasing groceries every few months, then paying the balance down. An inactive account is ignored by Fair Isaac’s credit scoring software, so you will not get the benefit of the positive payment history and low balance that card may have had in the past.

If you have any questions about this information or would like details about your local market please feel free to contact me at lori.jones@bairdwarner.com.

Fresh Vs. Silk Flowers for Your Wedding

Pros & Cons of Silk: Silk will not wilt, does not need watering, is easy to transport, will not cause anyone an allergic reaction, and will have all flowers in season for your wedding day. However, the cost of Silk is often a big turn off though the flowers will last forever the cost may hurt your wedding budget.

Fresh flowers are more delicate however, the overall effect of fresh flowers can be stunning you decide which will work best for your wedding day.

Fresh or Silk we all agree flowers are a must at every wedding...

Casual or Formal Wedding

I remember when my husband and I started planning our wedding. We were in our early 20's and had very little money so for us a pig roast came to mind. Casual shorts & t-shirts as the attire, backyard setting it seemed appropriate at the time but soon our low budget wedding idea was being thrown out, the opinions were out and we wanted to please our parents. So we did the formal wedding, banquet hall, dress, tux the whole deal. Do I look back with regrets? Yes & No...

I loved our wedding because my husband and I planned it and paid for it all by ourselves, and it turned out to be an awesome wedding, but I must admit we were influenced by our parents and had I do it over again I would have done an intimate wedding and worried more about having fun on our special day.

So casual or formal - I say do what your heart and budget say. We were recently invited to a morning wedding at a hall but casual attire a must I have to say I am really looking forward to this wedding it's unique, fun, and best of all I get to wear JEANS!!!!

Save The Date

SAVE THE DATE

Many couples are sending out Save The Date Magnets, Post Cards, & Pictures.

Visit our large selection at www.LoveToPromote.CCEasy.com and order online it's secure, & it's done in the comfort of your own home.

With Summer being a busy time of year many brides and grooms have learned that a large percentage of their guest list have plans to go out of town during the time of their wedding date.

If you have your wedding plans underway and know that you will be able to give them 3-6 months heads up a Save The Date mailing may ensure a larger turn out at your upcoming wedding.

Preferred Vendors

Check out our Preferred Vendor Links - These vendors have talent, and have strong customer service. If you have a vendor or are a vendor that would like to be put on our Blog please e-mail me for consideration.

Sales@LoveToPromote.com

Or leave a comment on our Blog.

Honeymoon Ideas

Planning your honeymoon is often the highlight of every wedding -

Here are a few links to get you started:

www.Tripology.com/Honeymoon
www.sandals.com
http://www.yellowstone-area-guide.com/yellowstone-honeymoon-vacation.html

Some things to avoid as mentioned on About.com

For the most romantic vacation, avoid the tourist-packed months of July and
August.

Avoid the touristy Cancun, and instead head for surfer hotspots like Puerto
Escondido, Puerto Vallarta or Tulum.

Here are some other helpful tips re: your honeymoon day:

Not realizing that most tours and cruises depart on SaturdaysAt least the
7-day cruises that is, and with Saturday being the most popular day to marry…
hmmm…..you can see the conflict, can’t you? Most of the 3-day sailings depart on
Fridays, most 4-day sailings depart on Mondays, and there are even 10- and
11-day sailings and longer! So if you’ve always dreamed of taking a cruise
honeymoon, be sure to book your cruise first, and take the departure date into
account when choosing the wedding date and location. And unless you live within
driving distance of the port of departure, you’ll have a flight too (normally
booked at the time you book your cruise), so keep in mind that you’ll need extra
time to get to the port city, allowing for a leisurely (not rushed!)
embarkation.

Traveling out of the country? Be sure you have a current Passport. It can
take 6 to 8 weeks (including mailing time) to get a new or renewed Passport,
or
2 to 3 weeks if you pay hefty additional fees for expedited service. For
information on fees, passport office locations, and to download application
forms and instructions, visit the U.S. Department of States website at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html.

It’s not just a commercial, it’s true – not everywhere takes American
Express, or VISA or MasterCard for that matter (although many places do). But
it’s best to have some small-denomination traveler’s checks stashed in your
security-style money belt for that little souvenir you just can’t live without.
Small-denomination because in many foreign countries they won't want to give you
change in US Dollars. And you’ll want to have some cash (again in small
bills) on hand to tip those hard working folks who carry your bags, bring you
drinks, etc.

If you have some great advice feel free to comment on this site!

Self Mailer Invitations Unique & Save Money!!

Cherry Self-Mailer with a White Card
Wrap it up. All those invitation ensemble pieces, gathered together. Uniquely. Attractively. Conveniently (which may be the most important of all).
WAN9687
$285.90 for 100

order this and many more like this at:

www.LoveToPromote.cceasy.com

How To Get in Shape For Your Big Day...

The Super-Tough Workout
Seven moves that make two killer workout routines
A. Front Squat And Push-Press Combo


Grab a barbell with an overhand grip, with your hands slightly wider than shoulder width. Position your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows, bringing your knuckles toward your body until they're touching the outside of your shoulders (A). Lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor (B). Straighten your legs and use your momentum to press the bar overhead (you'll need to move your chin back a bit) (C). Pause, then lower the bar. That's 1 rep.

Grab a pair of dumbbells and stand up to 2 feet from a step or exercise bench, with weights at your sides and feet hip-width apart. Place your left foot on the step (A) and press up through the leg. Allow your right leg to come up and brush the bench (B), but don't put any weight on it. Step down with your right leg, then your left. Complete all reps, then repeat, stepping up with your right leg. That's 1 set. Go to B2.

Grab a pair of dumbbells and stand with your feet hip-width apart, weights at your sides. Bend forward at the hips while lifting your right leg straight behind you until your body forms a T. Your left knee should be slightly bent. Let your arms hang straight down, palms facing each other (A). Squeeze your shoulder blades together and bring your elbows toward the ceiling until they pass your torso (B). Do half the reps, then switch legs and finish the set. Return to B1 after a rest.

More excercises like this can be found at:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/b2-one-point-dumbbell-row

Wedding Invitations

Decide what kind of wedding you are planning to have - Casual - Elegant - Country Western Theme- Fun - Unique. Once you have decided your theme, then decide what you can afford.

For relatives that live out of the country or are home bound announcements are very common.

If you do not have time to address and mail your invitations we offer that service for a nominal fee. We sell invitations - accessories - favors - gifts & more...

View our large selection online http://www.lovetopromote.cceasy.com/ we are up and running and would love to help you choose from our Carlson Craft products.

Or call us at 815-603-2324

How to save money for your wedding -

There are so many expenses involved with planning your special day that it can be financially stressful. Here is some great advice on making sure your able to pay for your big day...

Plan ahead so you aren't stuck with a large amount of debt in a short amount of time-

1- 2 years is sufficient

How can you save with so many other financial obligations?


Cook for each other at home instead of eating out.

Rent movies instead of going to theaters.

Check out books and CDs from the library instead of buying them DVD's can also be rented for free at the library.

Pack your lunch instead of ordering it at the deli - freeze meals ahead of time and microwave them at work for a good variety.

Take buses, subways, or your own two feet instead of cabs or using your gas.

Skip the daily cappuccino and put the extra dollars aside, or find a cheaper place for your daily cup of coffee.

Throw all your loose coins into a large jar at the end of the day as well as any dollar bills you have it all adds up and can be a great way to buy wedding accessories or bridal party gifts.

Put off it-can-wait purchases until after the wedding.

Get a second job wait tables, deliver pizza, direct sell, until you reach a specific goal.

If you plan ahead and set goals now it will pay off.

Have fun and good luck~

Preferred Vendor Spotlight

ZonCom is your “one stop shopping” spot for your wedding services! Let us help you remember your special day! Your wedding will be an event to remember, so give yourself the best! We offer photography, video production and disc jockey entertainment specializing in weddings and special events.Our services also cater to corporate advertising and events, theatrical venues and family memories.We give personalized attention to all our clients. Don’t leave your most precious moments in the hands of an amateur or friend!

Visit them at www.Zoncom.com for more information! Let them know you heard about them on our Blog!

How Do I Keep Track of Those Reply Cards??

Number those reply cards! Many brides have a huge headache on their hands when, as sometimes happens, the occasional reply card is sent back with no names filled in. Clearly an oversight on the part of the guest who sent it, but how do you figure out who on earth it came from?

Here's a little trick which will ensure that you avoid this problem all together - place a small, inconspicuous number on the back of each reply card before enclosing it with the invitation. Use a list to record each guest's name along with the number on the reply card you are enclosing for them. That way, if someone should forget to fill in their name, a quick glance at your list will tell you precisely who the reply belongs to.

Best Colors For 2008

OUR TOP 2008 WEDDING COLORS

Here are a few of the top color trends for this year

Tangerine and brown
Brown and champagne
Yellow and orange
Brown and blue
Pink and orange
Chocolate & pink

Just to name a few....

Wedding Speech Tips

The two key elements to a great speech are preparation and delivery.

Speech Preparation

Make sure your speech includes the following:
1. Introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
2. Keep it short and simple
3. If you don't know most of the audience, it's a good idea to identify yourself, for example, "Hi, my name is Joe and I met Craig at football."
4. Include great memories of the bride and groom from your own past. If you'd like to make the speech funny then include some of the funny moments in your past.
5. DO NOT sabotage the groom or bride by mentioning past relationships or truly embarressing moments noone likes to be totally humiliated by a friend
6. The wedding speech should be concluded with joyful, heartfelt words. Speak sincerely and from the heart.

Have fun with your speech and prepare atleast 2 weeks prior to the big day. Write it down a few times so that it is in your memory and practice it in front of your friend or loved one. Make sure before you say your speech that you take a deep breath and if you start to get nervous just look directly into the eyes of the bride or groom while speaking. Know you are there because they asked you and trust you with this special speech anything you say will be meaningful to them.

Good luck-