5 Tips for the Buff Bride

June is statistically the most popular month for weddings in the U.S. This means that thousands of women are now coutning down the day and worrying about how they will look their best on their wedding day.

According to Sue Fleming the author of "Buff Fitness - Buff Brides-Count Down to Gown" says "The cake and flowers are forgotten ater the wedding is over. The wedding picture stays on the mantel forever." So, here are some tips that she has to offer to get you wedding dress shape:

1. Don't try to do too much at the start. Do not expect your body to dom something it can't. Don't wait until a week bofre the wedding to start working out.


2. Make exercise a number one priority. Planning a wedding is stressful, therefore, there is not better release than exercise.


3. Create a basic home gym for when you cannot afford to go to the gym.


4. Include cardio and strength training. in addition to a proper diet plan


5. Set realistic goals, You can't change your body frame, but you can tone and scultp your body.

So.... get moving : )

Make Way for Sand Castle Centerpieces and Favors

Mr. Sandman send me a dream .... here are some really dreamy AND unique beach themed favors and table centerpieces. I love this sand castle centerpiece. It's perfect for the beach themed wedding, shower or party. Set it off with the sandcastle votives and starfish plates, and you have a beautiful table!

Authentic Handpainted and Handcrafted Sand Castle Centerpiece

What a fabulous idea for a beach celebration! These sandcastles are created by hand with real sand! Each sandcastle has handpainted starfish shells and seaweed. The sand castle can be used for decorative purposes or makes a beautiful centerpiece. The sand castle measures 11" tall which makes it the perfect height for a centerpiece.

Sandcastle Votive Table Decor

These charming sandcastle-shaped votives cast a fun light on any dinner or reception! Measuring just 7" tall, you'll be surprised by their meticulous detail. Insert any tea light inside to watch its windows and arches cast a romantic glow. Great table decor for any summer or beach themed buffet or reception table. Your guests will love taking these home for their own beach memory evenings.

Starfish Glass Candle Holder/Dish

These lovely starfish dishes bring a touch of class and charm to any wedding table or place setting. Use them for a place card holder, as a base for a decorative candle, or fill them up with treats - they're limited only by your imagination.Small measure 6.5" x 6.5" x 1" and are packaged in sets of 6. Large measures 8" x 8" x 1.5" H and are packaged in sets of 4.

Sand and Shell Inspired Gift Bags- Set of 10

The ultimate beach themed gift bag! These elegant cream colored gift bags are made of beautiful and durable rice paper. Each bag is beautifully decorated with a unique front window display with authentic seashells and sand. The white rope handle adds the finishing touches to this beach gift bag. The gift bags are sold as a set of 10 and measure 4.25 x 5. Many brides use these bags with tissue paper and fill them with treats small gifts and even as welcome bags for out of town guests.

Stir the Pot in these Cute Retro Aprons

"Hey good lookin' what you got cookin'; how bout' cookin' somethin' up with me . . . " Believe me, where one of these really cool aprons and you will bring back the June Cleaver in your kitchen! Not only is retro in, but so is staying clean and looking good in the kitchen, and lets be honest . . . it's sexy!

Carolyn's Kitchen Aprons: An apron that no fashionable housewife or retro connoseur would be without. Vintage-inspired apron sand matching glove sets.

Gift-giving has never been more fun for hostess gifts, bridal showers, holidays or for simply indulging yourself...just because you want to! These Kitchen aprons and glove sets are fun, sexy and all about feeling glamorous and fun. They are guilty pleasure and indulgence : ). So whether you're a gourmet chef or can't make toast, wear one of these cute aprons and nobody will care if you can cook or not... ;cause you will be your own hot little number : )

Jessie Steele Pink Paris Hostess Apron

Our Jessie Steel Pink Paris Apron is the ultimate fashion accessory in or out of the kitchen. This stylish apron is constructed from the most durable cotton, perfect as a hostess, shower or birthday gift. Ties at waist for easy adjusting. This apron is appropriate for not just cooking but for any occasion! 100% cotton. Machine wash with like colors, tumble dry low.

Jessie Steele Polka Dots Apron

Our Jessie Steel Polka Dots Apron is the ultimate fashion accessory in or out of the kitchen. This stylish apron is constructed from a fine Linen / Cotton blend. This adorable apron features an adorable polka dot pattern and two rounded edged waist pockets with bows, perfect for not just cooking, but for any occasion! The apron ties at neck and waist for easy adjusting. Machine wash with like colors, tumble dry low.

Mademoiselle Reversible Pink Apron Gift Set

Who says aprons are boring? As seen in Cottage Living, this Mademoiselle Reversible Pink Apron Gift Set is the perfect addition to spice up your kitchen décor. The cute apron features white polka dots over black and is adorned with pink flaps, black and white buttons and contrasting white topstitching. Turn this garment around and you will find apron #2 in pretty pink! The gift set includes an apron and oven mitten. Machine wash cold.

Funky Dots Burgundy Apron

Bring a fun and spunky attitude into the kitchen with our Funky
Dots Burgundy Apron. The multi-size polka dot design by Homistyle stands out against a rich burgundy background. The eclectic color combination of pink, green, and white polka dots makes this apron stand out. This apron is of superb quality and it is silk screened with fabulous and unique designs. It is poly-cotton, lined, and it has adjustable neck straps which makes it one size fits all. Machine washable.

Favor Boxes ... Beauty on the outside!

2 clear square favor box

Show off your favors in these stylish clear favor boxes. Perfectly sized at 2"x 2"x 2", this ... more info.

2 3/8" ivory floral square favor box (min. of 36)

These beautiful embossed Italian favor boxes are sure to add class and style to your next event. ... more info.

2 3/8" white floral square favor box (min. of 36)

These beautiful embossed Italian favor boxes are sure to add class and style to your next event. ... more info.

for more ideas, visit LaptopBride.com

The Art of Marriage ... A reading from Paul Newsman & Joanne Woodwards Wedding

I came across this reading on the Christmas Wedding 2008 blog, and because I love Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, I just had to share it...It is a reading from Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's Wedding Ceremony (over 50 years ago).

"The Art Of Marriage" by Wilferd A. Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

A good marriage must be created.

In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.

It is standing together facing the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.

Personalized Beach Theme Cookie Favors

Wedding? Birthday Party? Beach Party? Tea? Just a little home entertaining? These are the cutest darn cookies I have ever seen : ) They are cute for decor, inexpensive and a treat/favor that everyone will ooh and ahh over. So I present you with the Personalized Beach Theme Cookie Favors. Too cute not to love : ) Summer time is fun in the sun and these cookies are designed with that in mind. Fun shapes like surf boards, flip flop sandals, beach chairs and beach balls make these collections perfect for beach weddings, island parties, summer picnics and
barbeques. Personalize your cookies with a monogram, the date of the event or a short message. Each cookie measures approximately 4" x 5" (varies with shape.)

Cookies are individually wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with matching curling ribbon, ready to be presented as favors. This is a special order item and is shipped directly from our baker.

New Favors on the Market if You Want "Unique"

The newest favors... You all know I like Unique and Diffent... These 3 favors are too cool....

"Espress Your Love" Coffee-Scented Caffè Cup CandleWake up and smell the caffè espresso! Like the rich aroma of the finest brew, love is in the air and surrounds your guests with warmth and happiness! Kate Aspen has "espressed" her boundless creativity in a finely crafted favor they'll like a "latte!" The candle-a dark, delicious blend-has been neatly poured into a glass espresso cup with a silvery metal base and handle. The "Espress Your Love" candle measures 2" high x 2 1/2" in diameter, and arrives in a clear, 2" h x 3 1/2" w x 2 ¾" gift box adorned with a deep-brown organza ribbon and bow and matching "Espress Your Love" tag.

Purse Valet - What woman hasn't struggled with the problem of where to park her purse at restaurants, meetings and other occasions1/2 Sling it ver the back of the1/2 Too vulnerable. Keep it in your lap1/2 Too awkward. Place it on the floor1/2 Ewwww. Imagine how thrilled the guests at your bridal shower will be when they find you've chosen the "Purse Valet" for their favors! They'll probably open it right there and use the practical purse valet while they enjoy a fun-filled, worry-free celebration! The small (1 ¾" x 1 1/2"), flat, silver-tone purse sits on the tabletop and a 3 ¼" metal hanger drops under the table, where you conveniently and confidently place the strap of your purse. Cute, clever and colorful 4 1/2" x 4" x 3/8" gift box shows you exactly how to use the valet, with an artist's illustration of a woman seated at a table, enjoying her cocktail because her purse (the actual purse valet) is kept securely under the table. Oh, and the very-portable valet fits easily in any purse...

Love Calculator -- Let me count the ways" - Add an extra measure of heartfelt emotion, multiplied by the endless love in your heart, minus any doubt, and you have newlyweds destined never to be divided! Count on Kate Aspen to design a wedding favor that let's your guests tally up the many marvelous memories of your marriage-and their next month's expenses. The bright-pink heart has white buttons with easy-to-see, black characters below the LED read-out. Artfully packaged in a clear gift box, the 3 1/2" x 3" x 1/2" calculator sits on a white background and cardboard pedestal filled with hearts of silver and pink. On the pedestal are the words "Love...Let Me Count the Ways" Heart Calculator. A cardboard, silver arrow seems to "pierce" the calculator. The gift box, which measures 4 3/8" x 4 1/8" x ¾", is completed with a heart-shaped "For You" tag tied with a sheer, white organza ribbon and bow.

Green or Irish Themed Wedding

Irish or Green Wedding? How about a shamrock "lucky" Vest, Bowtie or Cummberbund? Or an Irish Bead Rosary? Below are some really nice Irish themed items to carry off your wedding, party or event : )

Irish Shamrocks Vest and Bow Tie Set.

Whether worn to celebrate your Irish wedding, or just a great addition to your St. Paddy's Day garb, this black vest filled with sparkly green shamrocks will celebrate your heritage with pizazz. Each set includes vest with patterned front and solid black back, and matching patterned tie. This vest is currently available only in size small for waist sizes 30" - 32".

Irish Bead Wedding Rosary Each green bead in this rosary is imprinted with a tiny shamrock to honor the couple's heritage. Artisans at the Creed company hand craft the sterling silver finishes ensuring a quality, heirloom piece. The rosary arrives in a lined velvet box for gift giving and storage. Includes a manufacturer lifetime warranty.

Celtic Claddagh Unity Candle Celebrate your Irish heritage with this unity candle, rich with symbolism. Decorated in muted green tones, it is embellished with the iconic claddagh, two hands holding a heart with a crown over the top to represent friendship, love and loyalty. The traditional Irish blessing "may your hands be forever blessed in friendship and your hearts joined forever in love" is printed below, and the final touch is a silver trinity charm inspired by ancient designs. The 3" x 9" candle is available alone, or you may include the matching tapers to make a set. Unity candle stand is available separately.

Irish Claddagh Lolli Favor Kit, Our claddagh mold produces an incredibly detailed design in delicious, real chocolate . The hands, heart and crown representing friendship, love and loyalty is a wonderful way to celebrate your Irish heritage with your guests. Your kit arrives with step-by-step instructions so assembling your favor is easy, and your presentation is picture perfect. Each kit includes one lolli, a 12" strip of organza ribbon and one clear cellophane bag. Chocolate measures 3" in diameter. With lolli stick the finished favor measures 6" long. Our special shipping method ensures this item will arrive in perfect condition.