reblogged: For the Makers: DIY Sunglasses Pouch

original: http://www.mywedding.com/articles/for-the-makers-diy-sunglasses-pouch/

You never thought you could make your own sunglasses pouch did you? These would make for adorable little favors for your summer wedding bridesmaids – in any fabric or colors to match your theme!

Details
The waxed African print is the perfect stash spot for your sunnies. Take a classic shape and add a loud print and we’re sold. It’s a bit over-sized so it easily fits your largest cat eyes, your make-up brushes, or pens.

Tools
- scissors
- needle (included)

Materials
- African print fabric
- thread
- wood beads
- mint cotton cord

Gather your materials and a pair of scissors.

Lay the fabric face down on a table lengthwise and fold down the top 1/2″ of the fabric.

Cut a piece of thread about 3 feet long. Thread your needle and knot the end.

Start stitching the folded 1/2″ of fabric down with an easy running stitch.

Use a quick running stitch to create a skinny pocket. Later you’ll use this space to create the drawstring so leave enough space to thread the cotton cord through.

When you get to the end, knot your thread around the fabric and trim.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, wrong side out. Match the top seams together to create an even seam

Now you’ll stitch the side. The fabric is slightly large for sunglasses so we started stitching about an inch from the edge of the fabric. If you’d like it larger, start stitching about 3/4″ from the edge. Knot your thread and start stitching. To secure the top corner, stitch around the top of the fabric. Stitch a few times in place before you stitch from the top of the pouch to the bottom.

Stitch down the side in a straight line using a quick running stitch.

Stop stitching about 1/2″ from the bottom edge of the fabric. Strengthen the corner with a few diagonal stitches, in place. Then, turn the fabric and stitch the bottom of the pouch closed.

Since the fabric is a bit wide, trim the excess, about 1/4″ from the stitches, along this edge.

Trim the corner.

Flip the pouch right side out and gently push out the corners.

With the pouch facing out, snip two small holes in the 1/2″ pocket of fabric. Snip just the exterior layer. Cut them close to each seam as this will be used to create the drawstring. You will cut 4 holes total.

Cut the mint cord in half.

Slide the cord through the slit you’ve created and shimmy the cord through the entire top of the pouch. Straight through the other hole.

Flip over the pouch and pull the same cord through the second side of the fabric.

Add a small wood bead and tie a knot at the end. Repeat (steps 17-19) on the other side.

Pro-tip: Twist the cord through the beads if it’s a tight fit.

Trim the ends.

Stash your sunnies and go for a summer car trip!

Knee Length Modest Neckline Dress for Party

Every woman needs a semi formal dress in her closet.  Whether you're attending a dance, family celebration, bat mitzvah, sweet sixteen party, or just want to look extra special, one of these designer dresses is sure to be the perfect choice. Super cute mini dresses with sequins, long halter dresses, and colorful short print dresses will flatter you.  A fabulous collection of semi formal dresses has something for every body type and budget.

High style meets youthful sophistication with this elegant knee length formal dress by XOXO. This stunning short cocktail dress for homecoming or semi formals features a high neck slim fitting bodice with cap sleeves and a belted waist. A seductive form fits dress available in black or red with a modest knee length hemline. Love this dress! It does come in as revealed in the photo above & fits very well and shows off your curves! Especially if you don't have any this dress would be great for anyone!

http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD906949

How to Pick Up White Wedding Jackets on dressv.com

Many people wonder what a wedding jacket is used for. But it indeed is of great importance. A wedding jacket, if picks up right, will makes the bride looks more glamorous, especially the white wedding jackets, for most of the wedding gowns are white. White is a color of pure, holy and clean. Since white color is chosen by Elizabeth for her wedding gown the first time, white wedding dress becomes popular and finally makes a rule of the wedding ceremony. So a white wedding jacket can match every kind of wedding dress. If your big day is outside but the day is windy or a little cold, you definitely will need a wedding jacket. And I promise that a white wedding jacket will make you amazing, leaving the most memorable moment of your life.

Different fabrics and styles of wedding gowns decide which kind of wedding jacket we should choose. White wedding jackets can match almost every wedding gown. Fabric and style are what to consider. The fabrics of a white wedding jacket should be the same or at least similar to the wedding gown so that they look like a fit. A short bolero wedding jacket should match an A-line wedding dress. But a long bolero wedding jacket may look better on a short wedding gown. And a lace white wedding jacket will be perfect for a lace design wedding dress. Therefore, the styles are the most important factor to consider. 

Why not pick up a wedding jacket online? It is a good choice. Here we have many different types of wedding jackets on dressv.com. And many of them are at discount. Do not lose this great opportunity, or you will regret to death. Go and pick up the perfect white wedding jacket to match your wedding gown.

See more on http://www.dressv.com/wedding-jackets-c103427/

reblogged: Listen to Your Gut

original: http://marriage.about.com/od/secondthoughts/qt/listengut.htm

By Sheri & Bob Stritof

t is important that you listen to your gut if you are having doubts about getting married, staying married, or if you question your spouse's fidelity.

Your intuition, those interior whispers, may be telling you something. A 2001 test based on an analysis of hormone levels could give a good indication of which couples are doomed to have failed marriages.

Research on Hormones:

A team from Ohio University spent ten years developing the test which looks at levels of the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, ACTH, and cortisol. These chemicals are involved in the process of preparing the body to deal with confrontation.

Taking samples from 90 married couples and then going back ten years later, the scientists discovered that levels of three out of four of the hormones were consistently higher in couples (19 percent) who divorced. The team also measured the couples' individual personality differences and problem-solving behaviors.

"These couples were pristine," said lead researcher Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser. "We eliminated any couples who exhibited risky behaviors or profiles that might normally interfere with relationships, like smoking or drinking, or a diagnosis of depression or other disorder. We wanted to have couples who had everything going for them. These couples were gloriously happy with each other."

Kiecolt-Glaser also said: "The literature suggests that behavioural matters, such as negativity or aggression might be the best predictors of divorce, but we found that the best predictors of all were hormone levels. The data show that women, in particular, register much higher levels of stress hormones, like epinephrine, than men do, in times of conflict. These higher levels of stress hormones do not go away. They stay elevated during more routine interaction, and are even elevated at night, when they are sleeping. It's not genetic, as far as we can tell. It looks like it is simply a reaction to the presence of the spouse."

Bottom line -- your body and that pit in your stomach is talking to you. Listen to the little voice inside you. You don't want to miss the clues and red flags that could be in your relationship. 

You  will know you've made a decision you can live with by the sense of peace you feel within you.

Source: The study findings were presented at the 22nd annual scientific session of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, in Seattle, Washington, March 23, 2001.

Another study with the same conclusion was conducted at Florida State University in November 2013.

reblogged: What to Wear to Work The Week You Get Engaged!

original: http://blog.theknot.com/2014/01/07/what-to-wear-to-work-the-week-you-get-engaged/

By: Jennie Ma

You just got engaged over the holidays! Congrats! Now let us give you some words of fashion wisdom: with great engagement popularity comes great wardrobe responsibility. You’re going to be getting a ton of attention at work this week — “how did he propose?” on constant repeat — so make sure you dress the part of the soon-to-be bride. Here are some gorgeous work appropriate looks in white that will let you test driving playing the part of the bride.

1 Leather shift dress, $995, Theory, Bloomingdales.com 2 Pearl and crystal studs, $165, Gerard Yosca, CharmandChain.com 3 Rose gold “love” necklace, $125, Shy by Sydney Evans,ThomasLaine.com 4 Lace pencil skirt, $2,360, Lanvin, Net-a-Porter.com 5 Long sleeve sweater, $80,Zara.com 6 Triangle necklace, $139, JCrew.com 7 Beaded mesh top, $119, AnnTaylor.com 8 Tweed shift dress, $1,795, Narciso Rodriguez, Nordstrom.com 9 Crystal bracelet, $85, JCrew.com

reblogged: Last Chance to Win a Vacation to Jamaica from Couples Resorts

original: http://www.mywedding.com/articles/last-chance-to-win-a-vacation-to-jamaica-from-couples-resorts/

So I know I’ve already mentioned it a couple of times, but seriously why haven’t you entered yet? Do you have something against an all-inclusive vacay to a gorgeous beach? I get it. You’re busy right now. You have to take down the tree and go for a walk to burn off the third (okay, twenty-third) sugar cookie you ate last week and find something to wear for that New Year’s party. All valid. But entering the contest doesn’t take long at all.

And it will be time well spent if you win. You will be able to leave all that post-holiday, pre-tax season stress behind and relax in beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica for 7 nights.  At Couples, you can choose to fill those days with tons of fun activities and excursions, or you can do absolutely nothing but sit in a beach chair with an umbrella drink.  Personally, I’d go for the latter.

So, pretty please enter this contest. You deserve it.

Sleeveless Lace Trimmed Dress for a Family Party

Dresses for family celebrations can be a summer dress, a little black dress, or a long formal dress.  Depending on the occasion your formal or semi-formal dress needs to be classy and modest. A summer dress or little black dress should not show too much leg or cleavage if you are wearing it to a family function.

When attending a formal family function, you‘d better be sure to wear something that is not to revealing and clingy.  While a long dress may be covering your legs, be sure that the material is flowing and you look classy for your family event.  Sweet, sexy and sleeveless, the lace bodice on this junior cocktail dress is a perfect choice for your next dance or reception. This party dress features a keyhole back and daring cut out in the bodice lining. Stay on trend and in budget with this sexy dress priced under $50.

http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD1156109