reblogged: 5 Signs Your Relationship Needs Some TLC

original: http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2013/12/signs-relationship-needs-tlc-help.html

Relationships are works-in-progress, and no one has a perfect one. But if you're worried that yours is heading into troubled waters, here are a few red flags to watch for.

1. You don't kiss as much. Remember when you first were getting to know each other? The kissing was off the charts! Yes, you're beyond the initial stage of infatuation with your husband, but if you're not kissing regularly and feeling the old spark, experts say that can be a bad sign. The happiest couples kiss daily, and often. So pucker up!

2. You rarely hold hands. Hand holding may just seem like a simple, sweet show of affection, but it's actually quite powerful. In fact, research shows that in relationships, the more that couples touch, the more connected they feel. If you've gotten out of the hand-holding habit, consider reaching for his hand in small moments: while he's cooking dinner, or under the table at a restaurant, or when the two of you are walking the dog together.

3. The laughter has diminished. Relationship experts know that not only is joy the secret to a happy life, but also the secret to a happy relationship. If you're not laughing together as much, fix that fast. When something funny happens in your day, instead of letting it slip away and become forgotten, make a mental note to go home and share it with your husband. Think of laughter and joy as something that must be constantly cultivated and refreshed, and you'll be surprised at how much happier the two of you feel as a couple.

4. Things are feeling stagnant. Maybe you've gone to the same restaurant for date night three months in a row. Or perhaps the conversation in the evening just feels a little lifeless. Fix that, stat! The best antidote for stagnancy is change, and whether it's an exciting new date night plan (with a great massage at the end!), or just making over your bedroom, infuse fresh life into your routines and you'll be surprised at how it can improve your relationship.

5. One of you is growing/changing, the other is not. Perhaps you've had an incredible year at work, and his has been so-so. Or maybe he's spending all of his time getting fit and you're less interested in the gym. That's OK, of course, but it can be dangerous when one partner grows without the other. The more you can grow together, the better. So if his career is floundering, and yours is thriving, his active search for better career possibilities (even simple-goal making) can be a sign of growing with you; or if he's become a gym rat, consider tagging along once in a while or suggest trying a new sport together.

—Sarah Jio

reblogged: Romantic Hair and Makeup Inspiration for Every Type of Bride

original: http://www.mywedding.com/articles/romantic-hair-and-makeup-inspiration-for-every-type-of-bride/

Sometimes a girl needs a little beauty inspiration! Our friends at RawwBeauty Makeup Artistry and j.woodbery photography put together this lovely compilation of bridal hair and makeup looks. Enjoy!

For this dramatic, couture look (above), they took the brides curls and teased them into a shorter bob.  Not makeup for wallflowers, she also has a bright pink lip and bold eye makeup.

Prefer a more natural approach? This is the perfect look for brides that don’t normally wear a lot of makeup. Her hair is done with a loose braid along the side, and left down with big waves.

This retro look is so much fun! Classic red lipstick and black wing-lined eyes are always a cool way to go for a retro shindig.  Raww Beauty gave the bride a combination of a bouffant and low ponytail.

reblogged:New Year's Resolutions for Your Marriage

original: http://marriage.about.com/cs/newyears/a/newyearsresol.htm

By Sheri & Bob Stritof

If you make New Year's resolutions, we suggest that the two of you make one resolution together that will benefit your marriage.

Old Familiar Urges

This is the time of year that you may get those old familiar urges to make a resolution to make change in your lives, to do better, to be better, to love more, to get out of debt, etc.

This is good. To a point.

Too often good intentions and resolutions turn out to be rather large failures and you may think less of yourself. This is not a good way to start a new year. Additionally, your own or your spouse's poor self-image can have a very negative impact on your marriage.

Making a Couple Resolution

Aside from your personal resolutions, we suggest that the two of you make one resolution that will enhance your marriage. Here are resolutions that could help your marriage relationship.

Before making any resolutions, either personal or as a couple, consider using these guidelines so that you are successful this year.

• Pick only one or two resolutions.
• Make sure that your resolutions are achievable.
• Your resolutions should not depend on anyone else or on the two of you receiving a financial windfall, etc.
• Make the time frame for your resolution a short one. Three weeks to a month is plenty long.
• Share your plans with someone else for encouragement, support, and challenge.
• Reward yourselves when you are successful.
• Re-evaluate at the end of the time period. Decide if you want to continue the resolution or look for a new one.

Junior Bridesmaid Dress

Junior bridesmaid dress, just as its name implies, it is just designed for junior bridesmaids or just for little girls. Little girls are a symbol of youth and vigor, therefore in a wedding the junior bridesmaids is the essential part.  So selecting bridesmaid dress becomes an important and necessary task for preparing a wedding.

This time а blue Satin and Chiffon Ball Gown will Ьe introduced in this article. The junior bridesmaid dress is made of chiffon. In my opinion junior bridesmaid dress with scoop neckline is the best one that matches with the junior Bridesmaids. As we know junior bridesmaids are little girls, only scoop neckline could exude the inner emotion of these little girls.

Charming satin and chiffon ball gown is elegant but youthful, perfect for your junior bridesmaid. Chiffon spaghetti strap bodice features fun flower detail along scoop neckline. Ruched waist flows into a floor-length satin skirt. Matches back to any of our satin or chiffon bridesmaids’ dresses. This style features an adjustable fit for added flexibility and comfort with fewer alterations.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Satin-and-Chiffon-Ball-Gown-with-Flower-Detail-JB4062_Bridal-Party-Bridesmaids-Junior-Bridesmaids

Cheap Flower Girl Dresses on dressv.com

A Flower Girl can refer to a participant in a wedding procession. Flower Girls are usually members of the Bride's or Bridegroom's extended family, but may also be friends. During the wedding procession, flower girl is usually walking through the aisle with her partner, who is called Ring Bearers and Page Boy. They are usually wearing the same color theme as brides and groom.

Typically, the flower girl walks in front of the bride during an entrance processional. She may spread flower petals on the floor before the bride or carry a bouquet of flowers. Her dressing resembles that of the bride. At the time of Roman Empire flower girls were young virgins carrying a sheath of wheat during the wedding ceremony. It was believed that this would bring prosperity to the bride and groom. During the Renaissance flower girls use to carry the strands of garlic. This was based on superstition that garlic keeps away evil spirits and bad luck.

Historically, the clothing is provided by the families of the bride and groom, but most modern couples expect the parents of the flower girl to pay for her clothing and other expenses related to her participation.

Do you know the history of flower girls? As far back as the Roman Empire, Flower Girls have been an essential part of the bridal party, accompanying the bride on her way to the altar. The Romans had a young virgin carry a sheath of wheat during the wedding ceremony to bring prosperity to the bride and groom. Special herbs were scattered about to bring fertility to the newlywed couple.

Since brides were very young in those days, the flower girls were always younger relations of the bride. They could be her sister, her cousin, or any extended family member. This showed the importance of family ties, and was a way to honor the bride and groom.

see more on http://www.dressv.com/flower-girl-dresses-c103402/ 

reblogged: The Empty Nest Syndrome in Your Marriage

original: http://marriage.about.com/cs/midlife/a/emptynest.htm

By Sheri & Bob Stritof

The Sad News

The sad news is that there has been a steady increase in the number of divorces among couples married 30 or more years. Many long-term married couples divorce one another after the kids leave home.

They realize too late that their children kept them together. Other couples divorce during the empty nest years because they can't handle the health issues and the sense of an uncertain future along with being overwhelmed by too much togetherness.

The Good News

The good news is that with good communication and preparation for this phase of your marriage, the empty nest years can be tremendously enjoyable and full of new beginnings.

So now that the kids have left home, what comes next?

After the kids have left home, you will notice some changes in your home and lives. Some are great, some are sad. Being aware of what's different and how those makes you feel is an important step in avoiding the negative aspects of the empty nest syndrome.

Share your feelings and awarenesses with one another.

• You may feel a sense of emptiness and loneliness.
• You are delighted to see emails from your kids or have them call you.
• Your grocery bills are lower.
• Abandoned pets need feeding.
• There's food in the refrigerator.
• The house stays clean.
• You look forward to receiving pictures from the kids.
• You only have to wash clothes and towels once a week.
• Your calendar is often just as busy as it ever was, but it is filled with fun things to do with one another.
• Your home is quiet.
• There's hot water when you want it.
• The phone rings less.
• Your water bill takes a dive.
• You can use the computer whenever you want.
• Your attic is full of boxes of the kids' mementoes and belongings they need stored for awhile.
• You may keep some of your kids' favorite stuffed animals or toys where you can see them.
• You notice that when the kids visit, you have to pick up the pace of your life again during their stay.
• You can make love on the living room sofa in the middle of the day.

reblogged: Showstopping Statement Heels

Admittedly, most of these shoes’ price tags are closer to those on pieces of art than your typical pair of heels. But seriously, if you were ever going to drop a paycheck on a pair of shoes, is there a better occasion than your wedding?  These are some seriously glamorous heels. I am usually a flats sort of gal, but any of these might just convert me!  So, put aside the practical part of you and indulge in a little sparkly shoe fantasy!