Chocolate Diamonds-The Latest Rave

Chocolate Diamonds: There is a recent trend sweeping the diamond ring world and this can be a trend that enables newly engaging couples to save a lot of money--as they may need to since they are young and since at the time of this writing the economy has taken a sharp downturn that looks like it will last for a little bit longer--but, still be chic and not ever have to worry about any stigma about being "cheap".

This trend is the "chocolate diamond." The phrase was coined by diamond merchant Le Vian in order to create a market for its brown diamonds. Brown/tan/cognac-colored/champagne-colored diamonds have always been around, but they were always considered a violation of two of the four Cs: clarity and color. This has made brown diamonds much maligned by gemologists and jewelers for centuries and they were always considered to be low class.

Know who's wearing chocolate diamonds: So, they had previously been simply known as "brown", "low color", or "C4-C6" diamonds. But thanks to Le Vian's very large marketing campaign, they are now widely known as Chocolate Diamonds and they have become suddenly fashionable and all the rage--not "low class". In fact, chocolate diamonds can be found adorning the fingers of numerous celebrities, and they are a perfect stylistic fit in an era that has fallen in love with earth-tone clothing fashions and "green" ideals that can be symbolized by the earthiness in the color of a brown diamond.

Another thing, too, that favors the chocolate diamond is the increasing love affair with chocolate. Chocolate is an affordable "sinful" pleasure and as research has shown its definite health benefits people are not as concerned about the sugar in chocolate. Chocolate diamond rings reflect this delicious awareness.

Know who's wearing chocolate diamonds: So, they had previously been simply known as "brown", "low color", or "C4-C6" diamonds. But thanks to Le Vian's very large marketing campaign, they are now widely known as Chocolate Diamonds and they have become suddenly fashionable and all the rage--not "low class". In fact, chocolate diamonds can be found adorning the fingers of numerous celebrities, and they are a perfect stylistic fit in an era that has fallen in love with earth-tone clothing fashions and "green" ideals that can be symbolized by the earthiness in the color of a brown diamond.

Another thing, too, that favors the chocolate diamond is the increasing love affair with chocolate. Chocolate is an affordable "sinful" pleasure and as research has shown its definite health benefits people are not as concerned about the sugar in chocolate. Chocolate diamond rings reflect this delicious awareness.

Among different shades of chocolate diamonds, the cognac shade is probably the favorite, but all of them sell well these days. There is a very large over-supply of these diamonds because some diamond mines produce them exclusively; yet, as mentioned, until recently they were always considered low class and inappropriate for engagement rings. As a result, chocolate diamond rings can be found for a low cost compared to white diamonds, but there is now no stigma attached to them--you get "budget bling"!

Figure out where to purchase a chocolate diamond: Le Vian is still the premiere merchant of these diamonds, but other merchants have caught on, so you can shop around and find an excellent deal.

DIY Fortune Cookie Favors

Who knew you could create such beautiful fortune cookies out of a simple piece of paper? Michele's DIY project this week is not only creative and fun, but also very inexpensive to make(less than 10 cents per a fortune cookie)

What You’ll NeedDecorative or Scrapbook paper (not too thick, similar to a text weight,
not cardstock)
White text weight paper
Double faced tape
A pencil
A round plastic lid to use as a template (approximately four to five
inches in diameter) or a extra large circle craft punch
A pair of scissors
Computer and printer

Directions:

1.  Begin by using a plastic lid as a template to trace circles on your
decorative paper.   A 12” square piece of paper yields approximately 9
circles.   Cut out your circles using your scissors.   If you have an
extra large circle craft punch, that works well too.  (see figure 1)

2.  Fold a circle in half with the pattern side in.   Make a crease (at
arrow A) along the folded edge.  (see figure 2)

3.  Open your circle, and turn it pattern side out.

4.  Turn your circle so the crease you made in step 2 is vertical. Fold
the circle in in half horizontally, pattern side out, rounded side down,
Do NOT crease.  (see figure 3)

Hold the half circle on the bottom, ( where arrow B points in figure 3)
between your thumb and index finger.   Use the index finger from your
other hand to push in the middle of the folded side of the circle at the
crease.  (where arrow C points in figure 3).

As you push in, the top corners will start to turn up.

Continue to hold the half circle and use your other hand to pull the
corners in until they nearly meet and form the cookie shape.

If your cookie doesn’t want to stay folded, use a tiny piece of double
stick tape to keep the halves together.  (at arrow in figure 6)

Compose your fortunes on your computer and print them out on a standard
sheet of printer paper using a nine point font.  The fortunes can be a
simple note for the guests such as  ”We’re so fortunate to know you.
Thanks for being here today”.   Keep the fortunes  just a sentence or two
long.

Cut the fortunes into small slips of paper approximately 1/2 inch high by
two to three inches long.  (see figure 7)

Tuck the fortune into one of the open ends of the cookie.  (see figure 8)

Display in a bowl or on a tray for your guests.

You may struggle with the first one, but after folding a couple of
cookies, you will have it mastered.

What It Costs:Not much at all !  It works out to be less than 10 cents a cookie.

Making the Appropriate Changes When You Get Married

There are many things that will change when you get married - not just your name. Be sure that you make all the appropriate changes that need to be made for legal reasons and financial reasons.

 When making the appropriate changes after you get married, be sure to first ensure that your insurance is up to date and coordinated to reflect whose job the coverage is under and that those bills will be paid.

Look to see that any insurance policies, trust funds or any other issues regarding beneficiaries include your new spouse. If you both have insurance through your jobs, be sure to compare the two and pick the better coverage for the least cost.

If you already have a will when you get married, be sure to make additions to include your spouse. If you do not have a will, the two of you may want to get one - together.

Be sure to change your name on all your documents: tax information, employment office, banks, social security, other creditors and your driver's license.

Say 'I Do' Without a Big "To Do"

Ready to say "I don't" to elaborate "I do's"? No need to rush off to Vegas; there are plenty of nearby options.

When it comes to logistics, Virginia is the simplest choice: The state does not require a waiting period, blood tests, witnesses to the ceremony or other hindrances to getting a marriage license. Maryland has a two-day waiting period, and the District requires a three-day wait and a syphilis test.
So, if you want to get hitched without the hassle, put down that copy of Martha Stewart Weddings and try one of these spots or services:


Blue Ridge Weddings. Wedding planner Frankee Love can arrange elopement packages. And as a licensed officiant, she performs the ceremonies herself. Locales for more traditional "I do's" include the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville and Virginia wineries. Love has married outdoorsy couples on hiking trails and ski slopes, too. Rates vary depending on location and package.

434-263-5350. http://www.blueridgeweddings.com.

Little Wedding Chapel. Before 1939, when Maryland instituted a two-day waiting period for marriages, Elkton was a noted destination for eloping couples (the jurisdiction didn't require a waiting period or other obstacles). The Little Wedding Chapel is a little bit of old Elkton, located in the northeast corner of the state. Frank Smith, a nondenominational minister who performs the ceremonies, says many couples who get married there are following a family tradition. "We have couples whose parents and grandparents were married here," he says. Packages, which include flowers, photos, video and music, are around $500. http://www.historiclittleweddingchapel.com/



South Court Inn. Innkeeper and court-sanctioned marriage officiant Tom Potts performs ceremonies in front of the Shenandoah Valley inn's stately fireplace in the winter and anywhere on the lush grounds in warmer months. Elopers can choose between two packages, both of which include flowers, commemorative champagne flutes and a small cake: $295 for a one-night stay, $625 for two nights. Innkeeper Anita Potts takes photos with a disposable camera that couples may take with them.
160 S. Court St., Luray, Va. 540-843-0980. http://southcourtinn.com/anniversary/index.html

Valley Wedding Chapel. Owners Sherry and Gary Patterson say a couple can go from two singles to newlyweds in 20 minutes flat at this speedy joint. They can pop over to the courthouse across the street, then exchange vows under the chapel's arbor, adorned with silk flowers. "We're like a little Las Vegas here," Sherry Patterson says. "I don't like to use that term because it sounds glitzy, and we're Victorian, but it's pretty much as easy to get married here." A "no-frills" wedding costs $145 and requires no advance notice. Fancier packages (with a cake, photography and other touches) cost up to $295 and must be reserved up to a week in advance. 2 S. Kent St., Winchester, Va. 540-545-7001. http://www.valleyweddingchapel.com.

White Fence Bed and Breakfast. Innkeepers Gwen and Tom Paton began offering elopement services in 2003 after fielding requests from matrimony-seeking guests wanting them to locate officiants and take photos for simple services at the picturesque B&B. White Fence offers several packages that include the service, photography and a champagne toast, including the $200 "mini-mini," requiring no overnight stay, and the deluxe package, which can cost up to $695 for a two-night stay, dinner and flowers.

275 Chapel Rd., Stanley, Va. 540-778-4680. http://www.whitefencebb.com.

Dealing With Pushy Family Members During the Planning Phase

When it comes to planning a wedding we all dream of it to be a joyous, memorable time filled with exciting hopes and outstanding outcomes for the big day. However, sometimes our excitement may be pushed to the side by family members becoming a little "too involved" with your planning phase. Don't fret! Here you will find suggestions on dealing and taking your wedding back into your own hands!

  

Instructions

You will need:

• Time
• Confidence
• Understanding mind

Remain calm. Often times during the wedding planning phase, everyone around you will be ecstatic and excited to help you plan your special day. Sometimes they may seem to overtake your planning without realizing it. Exploding at them is not going to help matters. Keep a cool and relaxed attitude and remember to breathe. You will get through this.

Don't be afraid to say "no". Though our families have a million suggestions, sometimes they do not fit into our tastes like we would like them to. Saying no may be difficult and you may fear hurting someone's feelings, but always remember to be polite when saying it. Compliment their suggestion, but also explain your reasoning for saying no.

Put your foot down and take complete control over your planning. If by chance your family is relentless during the planning phase and putting too much pressure on you, remember that this is YOUR wedding and that only YOU can do it the way YOU want to do it. Again, thank them for their suggestions, but explain that you're looking for something entirely different.

Talk things through. This is quite possibly the most important step. Communication is always key to successful relationships and when it comes to your wedding planning it's just as important. Don't be afraid to talk to your family and let them in, but also set boundaries and give them ideas of what it is YOU want for your wedding. There is no limit to how much talking you can do and it's an easy way to open up and get things off of your chest.

Fun Couples Wedding Shower Ideas

Couples showers are becoming more and more popular these days. Why should the groom be left out of the fun? Planning a shower that includes both the bride and groom can be fun! I have a few ideas to share with you to help make the process a little easier.

Give your couple’s shower a theme. What does the couple enjoy doing together? Are they golf fanatics, do they both love football, NASCAR, a favorite movie, hiking, or cooking? If the happy couple have a common interest it can be a great theme for your shower.

Give your couple’s shower a theme. What does the couple enjoy doing together? Are they golf fanatics, do they both love football, NASCAR, a favorite movie, hiking, or cooking? If the happy couple have a common interest it can be a great theme for your shower.

• Make sure you note on the invitation that this is a couples shower, both men and women are invited, and gifts should be for the happy couple.
• Play games that encourage everyone to interact and learn more about the couple. Have the couple answer some questions in private before you start the shower, then play “He Said She Said.” Read the questions and answers out loud, then have your guests decide who said it, the future bride or the future groom.
• You can also ask the guests a series of questions to see how well they know the couple. A couple sample question ideas might be: Where was the bride born? How many brothers or sisters does the groom have? Where did the bride go to school?
• You can also make up some theme related games for your guests to play.
• Keep the food simple, with finger foods, appetizers, or pizza.
• Serve the guest of honor’s favorite cocktails or beverages.
• Make or buy theme related party favors that will work for both men and women. Golf balls in a small gift box for a golf party, cupcakes or hand dipped chocolates for a cooking party, or a Nerf football with the couple’s name and wedding date written on it for a football party.

Have you ever planned or attended a couples wedding shower? Feel free to share your favorite ideas.

Unique Wedding Favors

Your wedding is unique. Your wedding favors should be too! Whether you want to provide a favor that is a reflection of you and your spouse, or a keepsake that your guests will treasure forever, here are a few suggestions all for under $3.00 each.

http://www.myweddingfavors.com/

Coming up with ways to save money for your dream wedding can seem difficult, even impossible. Here are a few useful planning tips and tricks for engaged couples looking to stick within a reasonable wedding budget.

Prioritize

It’s easy to get caught up in all of the little details, but before you book anything, it’s important to understand which details are truly most important to you. The bride should ask herself questions like, “What matters more to me, the entertainment or the flowers?” This will help you determine how much money to devote to each category. A little extra money should go toward your top three elements. For example, if having great music is most important to you, cross off something less necessary from your must-have list, like the chocolate fountain, to book the best DJ. Next, pick three things that aren’t as important to you (maybe rare flowers, unique invites or an extra-tall cake) and budget them accordingly.

Cut the Guest List

One of the most effective ways to lower wedding costs is to trim down the guest list. Of course, you want to invite everyone you’ve ever known to share your big moment, but that may not be practical once you understand the cost per head: At $100 a person, taking 10 guests off the list saves you $1,000! If you’re struggling with whom to cut, follow these simple guidelines. Rule #1: If you don’t know them, cut them. Rule #2: Kids can be cut; their parents should understand. Rule #3: If your friends aren’t engaged to, living with or in a long-term relationship with their so-called “plus one,” they don’t get the option to bring a guest. Follow these and you’ll be amazed by how quickly the list whittles down.

Skip the Extras

You’re probably attracted to those ultra-glamorous details you read about in the magazines, but they can often spike the cost yet add very little value to the day. Why splurge on things most guests won’t even notice? Stationery is another area where extras can really cost you. Stick to simple, single-color invitations. Two shades of ink can be pricey, and oddly shaped invites (think square) require extra postage. Another unnecessary extra? Fancy transportation. Instead of renting a party bus or Hummer stretch limo, opt for traditional black or white town cars.

Substitute Flowers

Flowers can also be a big budget-buster. To save money, choose blooms that are in season and grown locally. Or substitute less expensive flowers in the same shade. If you trade black magic roses for deeply colored dahlias, you’ll save about $4 a stem. So, if you’re going to have five roses per bouquet and 10 per centerpiece with a bridal party of five girls and a 150-person guest list, you could save as much as $700 by cutting back on this one small element.

Slim Down the Catering

You can still have a tasty meal on a budget. Limit your dinner to three amazing courses and keep the menu basic. By choosing specialties that are in season and local to the region, you’ll save tons. When it’s time for the big toast, it’s okay to break out the fancy champagne—just switch to less-costly brands for the remainder of the evening. You can also save on dessert by using a small cake to cut for the photos and having sheet cakes in the back to cut for guests. Another good idea is to skip the handmade sugar flowers, special molded shapes and fondant (buttercream tastes better!).

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