Wednesday, December 3, 2008 2:19:03 PM
Stylists, Winter, Wearing
Wearing white is often seen as a major no-no, and not only by fashion-savvy folks, but also by regular people who rely exclusively on their personal tastes in their choices. With all that, and despite the bad rap that white clothes and accessories have, stylists say that they will be all the rage in the winter of 2008/2009, so, if you too happen to have several such items lying around at the bottom of a suitcase, time has come to take them out. However, specialists tell SheKnows that due caution must still be exercised, since there is but a step from looking trendy to looking tacky.
In order to avoid just that, SheKnows spoke to wardrobe consultant Carla Nemiroff and image consultant Rachel Fauman to get a few advised tips on how to wear white. The conclusion was anything but complicated: with a bit of attention to details, any woman, even the most traditionalist, can pull off such an outfit. The first thing we must bear in mind, right from the start, is that what we’ve heard so many times before, about white being an off-limits color during certain periods of the year, must be discarded.
“Winter white is often thought of as taboo since we associated not being able to wear white after Labor Day,” Fauman tells the mag. “In truth, really what we can't wear after Labor Day are things like white linen pants.” she explains, adding that the same rule also applies to white shoes. This out of the way, the secret to making the best of white this cold season is knowing what fabrics to choose because, clearly, not all of them are a go.
“In order to wear white in winter well remember that the fabric matters as much as the color. You would never wear white wool pants in the summer, but of course you would wear them in the winter.” Fauman says, explaining that the fabrics that are already causing waves on catwalks, and not only, are wool, silk, cotton and satin.
As a final note, the two fashion specialists approached by the mag also advise us not to make the mistake of thinking that, these two steps taken, we are already out of tackiness’ way, because it is not so – yet. “There is a difference between an accent of white and looking like a snow queen,” Nemiroff says, stressing on the importance of mixing white garments with others colored differently, for the sake of contrast and, implicitly, a more dramatic effect. Moreover, no one should strive to keep up with the trends only to end up looking eerily, like Casper, the friendly ghost, so this is why a colored spot here and there can only be of great use.
Winter 2008 Is All About Wearing White - Stylists say everything white goes 
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 8:16:59 AM
Weather, lightning, Science
More people have died as a result of flooding in the past 30 years than from lightning, tornadoes or hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service. Soon the lightning may actually save lives.
Intense lightning strikes could sound the alarm of an impending flash flood, researchers now say.
Flash floods occur without warning when a large amount of rain falls within in a very short time period (for example, several inches within a few hours). They typically happen when a slow-moving storm system sits over an area for a long time, or when several systems play follow-the-leader and deluge the same area.
As the rains fall, the ground and streams can't absorb the water fast enough, and it starts to rise, inundating the land, particularly areas near streams and low-lying urban areas (concrete doesn't absorb as much water as soil, so water levels tend to build up faster in cities).
Almost half of all fatalities that result from flash flooding are from people being swept away in their cars on flooded roads. Many people underestimate the power of water - it only takes about 2 feet of water to float a car, according the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Colin Price of Tel Aviv University in Israel and an international team of scientists conducted a three-year study of the link between lightning and subsequent flash floods called the "Flash Project."
Price and his colleagues have found that by measuring the radiation emitted by lightning, they can pinpoint the most intense thunderstorms and track the resulting rainfall.
The method can be used to predict both the path of the storm and where heavy rainfall will appear in the next few hours - a technique called "nowcasting." Nowcasting looks at a shorter time scale than forecasting, which looks a few days in advance.
Having real-time information on storms will let researchers warn people in the path of potential flash floods of the impending danger.
The researchers say that the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network could be applied to the results of their research and used to warn flash flood-prone areas of the United States.
Price says real-time flash flood prediction maps should be available on the program's Web site by mid-2009. Eventually, the system may be used to send messages to
mobile phone, RSS feeds, GPS units and other devices to give people more warning.
"This is a tool for the future," Price said. "And it will be even more exciting in the next decade, when we'll have continuous real-time detection of lightning activity from satellites. That data will be used to predict floods anywhere."
* The World's Weirdest Weather
* What's the Deadliest Natural Phenomenon?
* Natural Disasters: Top 10 U.S. Threats
* Original Story: Lightning Warns of Flash Floods
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Saturday, December 29, 2007 9:22:35 PM
Love
[Date]
[Your Address]
[Your City], [Your State] [Your Zip Code]
Oh My Darling [First Name of the Person Who Will Receive This Letter],
Are you aware of the feelings you provoke inside the deepest parts of my soul? Do you know that when I look in the mirror it's not my face I see but yours? I constantly imagine your touch and the sensations that delight my very being.
I held my love deep in my heart. It was not something I would easily give to the first sweet smile I encountered. Others have tried to reach deep and retrieve my love, but they were not you. You have awakened the love that was ready to spill from my soul. The love I've kept welled and sealed because I could not be sure if my feelings were real or just an infatuation.
I have not one doubt that you are the one, the only heart to whom I can give my love. You are the rarest and most valuable jewel to treasure. In your presence are riches and riches that can never be duplicated by any other. Say you feel the same love and become my soul mate, my life long love. Say you'll marry me.
My heart and soul are yours forever,
[Your Name]
Saturday, December 22, 2007 7:30:24 AM
Love, Humor, Fun
An aphrodisiac is an agent that effects your mind, causing a state of arousal or sexual desire. The name aphrodisiac comes from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. While sexual desire can be stimulated in many ways, we focus on the so-called natural aphrodisiacs, such as foods, herbs, and exercise.
Food Aphrodisiacs
You cooked a romantic dinner at home, turned down the lights, turned up the music, and lit the candles. You're in the mood for love and a romantic dinner will surely get you there. What you may not realize though is that the foods you choose for your romantic dinner can have a direct impact on the heat of your night. Many foods (and smells) have tantalizing effects on not only your taste buds, but your sexual desires as well.
Different foods have long been associated with love, romance, and the ability to increase sexual desire and passion. Fruits, vegetables, and spices, herbs, sweets, seafood, and alcoholic beverages all have their place on menu's when it comes to romance. Different foods have been considered aphrodisiacs due to their shape, color, spiciness, and aroma.
Many foods are considered aphrodisiacs simply because there suggestive shapes can stir up erotic emotions. A banana, for instance, has a certain resemblance to... well, you know what. These suggestively shaped foods can bring desires for... well, you know what.
While this may be true for a banana or cucumber though, many popular food aphrodisiacs have actually been found to contain certain vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy sex drive and reproductive system, increasing our sexual desires and enhancing our sexual experiences. Oysters, for example, have long been considered the food of love. Casanova supposedly ate dozens each day. It appears though, that oysters work as a food aphrodisiac because of the mineral zinc, which helps to produce testosterone, driving the male (and possibly female) libido. Another popular food aphrodisiac is chocolate. This sexually stimulating dessert contains phenyl ethylamine, which is believed to enhance lovemaking.
Now that you know how the food aphrodisiacs work, check out our complete list of food aphrodisiacs.
Aphrodisiac Aromas
Believe it or not, you don't always have to eat foods to get the aphrodisiac benefit. Some smells, including specific foods, have been found to be sexually arousing. Aroma is especially important for men. The smells of pumpkin pie, buttered popcorn, fragrant lavender and deep vanilla all have been shown to increase libido and blood flow to you know where! Women haven't been left out though. It appears that women respond to cucumbers (the smell and the shape!), and candies such as Good & Plenty and licorice. For more information, you may want to check out the book by Dr. Alan Hirsch, called Scentsational Sex.
Aphrodisiac Avoidances
When romance is in the air, remember to keep the meal light. Red meat is actually an anti-aphrodisiac and can actually cause testosterone levels to drop by 30%!
Exercise as an Aphrodisiac
Exercise keeps you healthy and slim, but did you know that it can also act as an aphrodisiac? Research suggests that the release of endorphins during exercise can influence your sexual desire. Scientifically speaking, the same neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) that are released when you engage in activities such as running or extreme sports, such as skydiving, increase your sexual libido. Research also shows that women who exercise regularly tend to have more active sex lives and are more easily aroused than those who don't work out. A full blown workout is not necessary to get the effects either. Simply get your body moving!
Saturday, December 22, 2007 7:29:33 AM
Love, Color, Humor, Fun
What is it about the color green?
According to Celtic myths, the Green Man was the God of Fertility. Because of this, the color green has long been a symbol of fertility itself. This was clearly evident in the 15th century when green was the preferred color for wedding gowns.
The symbolism attached to the color green has continued even today, though it has taken on a more modern and sexual meaning. Today, green signifies a state of heightened sexuality or seduction. This is especially evident in the popularity of green M&M's as an aphrodisiac.
In 1996, Mars released a commercial asking "Is it true what they say about green ones?"
So, is it?
While Mars states that the green m&m has no more power to seduce you than the blue, yellow, or brown ones, it continues to be a popular choice for those looking for seduction. There's just something about that vivacious green M&M.
While green m&m's are by far the most popular chocolate aphrodisiac, the fascination with seductive green sweets extends much further. Couples have been known to scoop up green jelly beans, green gummy bears, and other green confectionaries to spice up their nights.
With St. Patrick's Day coming up, green can do double duty. Here are a few ideas for some green romance:
Give him a bag of green m&m's with a packed lunch.
Give her a Victoria's secret bag full of green m&m's, then give her the lingerie separately.
Make cupcakes (or a cake) covered with green frosting and topped with green m&m's or green gummies.
Make cookies with green m&m's.
Melt white chocolate and use food coloring to turn it green. Enjoy it on your partner.
Wear green lingerie.
Green is also a tranquil color and the color of nature. Spend the afternoon outside together.
Saturday, December 22, 2007 7:28:48 AM
Love, Humor, Fun
The History of the Heart Shape
In modern days, the heart symbolizes love, romance, and passion, but where did this come from?
The Heart Shape
The heart is traditionally drawn in this shape with a red color. ♥
Colors of the Heart
The color of hearts is generally red colored. Red traditionally represents passion and strong emotions in many cultures.
Heart Theories
From what we could determine, there are three main theories as to where the heart shape originated. None of the three are proven, but all present interesting points:
Modeled after an actual heart.
This theory is actually a pretty well known one. The theory says that the modern drawing of a heart is actually modeled after the actual human heart because the ancients, including Aristotle, and even some today, believe that the heart contains all human passions. However, the traditional heart shape as drawn has very little resemblance to an actual human heart. The drawing more closely matches that of a cattle heart, which was more readily available in sight in past centuries, meaning they modeled it after a cattle heart. However, the resemblance to the cattle heart is still very slight. It's also said that the drawing of a modern heart possibly originated because of botched drawings of the human heart by medieval artists after a philosopher inaccurately described the shape. The medieval tradition of courtly love may have reinforced the shape's association with romance. Hearts can be found on playing cards, tapestries, and paintings.
Depicts the female body.
Some say that the traditional heart shape actually represents body features of a female, such as the vulva, breasts, or buttocks. The female pelvis is also somewhat heart-shaped. Because the female gives birth to life, this could be the association with the heart-shape and love.
Derived from a seed.
A last theory is that the traditional heart came was derived from the plant seed of the Silphium plant. This now extinct (for over two millennia) North African plant was found in the ancient city of Cyrene during the seventh century BC. The plant was most commonly used as seasonings, but was also widely used as a contraceptive in ancient Egypt. Because of it's importance to their economy, they depicted the shape of the seed on their coins. The seeds were distinctly heart-shaped. It is said that because of the use of the plant as a contraceptive, the shape of the seeds became associated with sexuality and eventually with romantic love.
Hearts in Modern Times
The modern heart could have been derived from any of these theories above, but more important is it's representation today. The heart shape symbolizes romance and passionate love. It is most commonly seen with Valentine's Day or other romantic greeting cards and romantic trinkets.
Heart Shaped Gifts
Whether you're looking for a romantic gift for your sweetie or a romantic idea to let them know they've stolen your heart, you'll find it here.
Send an email or text message with a emoticon heart <3
Create a heart on your website with the code: ♥
Make dinner with heart shaped pasta
Make breakfast with a heart shaped waffle maker
Surprise her with a bouquet of heart shaped balloons
Buy a heart shaped ice cube tray and put your 'heart' into their drink
Get a heart shaped cookie cutter and use it for cookies, sandwiches, pancakes, etc.
Make a heart shaped chain out of paper
Get several cards with hearts and write romantic heartfelt messages in them
Heart shaped chocolates
Give her a heart shaped necklace
Heart-shaped measuring spoons from RedEnvelope.com
Heart-shaped ice cream scoop. So what if it's a wedding favor!
Try baking a cake! This heart-shaped cake pan from Target makes it easy.
Buy a heart-shaped box of chocolates
Give her a heart-shaped locket with a photo of the two of you
Have a little love fun together putting together this heart puzzle.
Thursday, December 20, 2007 6:31:02 PM
Love, Humor, Fun
According to a study done in 2005, the average cost of a wedding tops $30,000! If you're a celebrity, that barely even covers the cost of your gown.
A recent list made by Forbes ranked the top 20 most expensive celebrity weddings and we've got the rundown for you. You can check out Forbes complete list with photos here.
#20 Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban
Their down home wedding took place at a cliff-top Roman Catholic Church in Kidman's home town of Sydney, Australia on June 25, 2006. The Oscar-winning Kidman wore a flowing Balenciaga gown and veil and guests were treated to Tiffany clocks (valued at $350 each) engranved with the words "A Moment in Time".
Rundown of Costs:
Party Favors - $80,500
Rolls Royce Limos - $5,000
Balenciaga Gown and Veil - $20,000
Total Estimated Costs - $250,000
#19 Marc Anthony & Dayanara Torres
After a spur of the moment Vegas wedding in May 2000, the couple decided to renew their vows in San Juan's nearly 500 year old Cathedral in December 2002.
Rundown of Costs:
Reem Acra Buchesse Gown - $30,000
Platinum Wedding Bands - $20,000
Estimated Total Costs - $500,000
#18 Tommy Mottola & Mariah Carey
It was a wedding fit for a princess when Mariah Carey walked down the aisle with former Sony Music exec Tommy Mottola in June 1993. The couple married at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. Mariah was so inspired by the late Princess Diana that she modeled her wedding after that of the late princess with Prince Charles. From her off-the-shoulder gown, to the 27-foot-long train, to the heirloom replica tiara, Carey looked the part of a princess.
Rundown of Costs:
Vera Wang Gown - $25,000
Bridal Shoes - $1,000
Total Estimated Costs - $500,000
#17 Dario Franchiti & Ashley Judd
Married in December 2001 at Skibo castle in Scotland, Judd and Franchiti wanted nothing more than a private, intimate affair. It comes as no surprise that the biggest expense was security. The couple rented out all 40 rooms at the Castle at an estimated cost of $35,000/night for 5 nights to ensure their privacy.
Rundown of Costs:
Rooms - $175,000
Champagne (almost 100 bottles of laron perrier brut) - $30,000
Armani Gown - $20,000
Total Estimated Costs - $750,000
#16 David Beckham & Victoria Adams
Married in July 1999 at Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin, the famous footballer and former Spice Girl wanted a wedding fit for a king and queen. The 'royal' atmosphere include red velvet thrones and trumpeters to greet the guests, who were instructed to wear black or white. The night ended with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night.
Rundown of Costs: Castle Rental - $100,000
Vera Wang Gown - $100,000
Bridal Jewelry - $160,000
Wedding Rings - $200,000
Total Estimated Costs - $800,000
#15 Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston
Dubbed the wedding of the year, Hollywood's most beautiful couple wed on July 29, 2000 at the Malibu estate of TV producer Marcy Carsey. The couple wanted nothing more than privacy and paid a pretty penny for it. It's reported that each member of the wedding staff had to sign a $1 million dollar confidentiality agreement. The wedding had a Zen Garden feel to it with more than 50,000 flowers and and white candles illuminating the reception tent. Unfortunately, even, but not without it's problems. The caterers ran out of food and had to run out for more and the cake melted in the heat and had to be reconstructed at the last minute.
Rundown of Costs:
Security - $100,000
Lobster and Champagne - $300,000
Lawrence Steele Halter Gown - $50,000
Groom's Tux - $4,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1 million
# 14 Tori Spelling & Charlie Shanian
This 1920's Great Gatsby themed wedding took place at the her father's 56,000 square foot mansion (dubbed the 'The Manor') in July 2004. The bride wore a flapper-inspired, full-length, white gown adorned with intricate beadwork and a diamond encrusted flower patterned headband attached to a veil. Her pups, including Mimi La Rue, made an appearance in full wedding regalia as the flowergirl and ring bearer. According to 90210 co-star Jennie Garth, it was the most beautiful wedding she had even seen.
Rundown of Costs:
Badgley Mischka Gown - $50,000
Flowers - $100,000
Wedding Rings - $100,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1 million
# 13 Donald Trump & Melania Knauss
The real estate mogul and model married at Bethesda by the Sea Episcopalian Church in Palm Beach, FL in January 2005. The bride's gown was the talk of the wedding, having posed for the February cover of Vogue magazine, which hit stands before the wedding. The strapless Christian Dior gown, made from 300 feet of satin beaded with 1,500 crystals, weighted an estimated 50 pounds and took approximately 1,000 hours to create. After the ceremony, 100 limos transported guests from the church to the grand ballroom of Trumps' $42 million Mar-a-Lago estate. The ballroom, modeled after the palace of Versailles with 24k gold trim, hosted 500 guests from Katie Couric to Rudy Giuliani to Shaquille Oneal. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and hist team of 45 chefs catered, while the 36-piece Michael Rose Orchestra provided the music. Add in the cost to transport flowers (reportedly $10k), hundreds of bottles of champagne ($650/each) and a 5 foot tall wedding cake weighting over 200lbs and you've got a wedding fit for NY royalty.
Rundown of costs:
Flowers - $500,000
Caviar - $18,000
Christian Dior Gown - $125,000
Crystale Champagne - $250,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1 million
#12 Madonna & Guy Ritchie
This wedding for pop royalty was a star-studded affair. Married in December 2000 at Scotland's Skibo Castle, the couple started the celebration with a Christening for baby Rocco. The wedding itself was private affair, with the couple renting out the entire castle, including all guest rooms, plus adding 70 bodyguards to the staff. The bride worn a strapless Stella McCartney gown with a 1910 diamond tiara once worn by Princess Grace of Monaco. Groom Guy Ritchie wore a kilt, as did son Rocco, and daughter Lourdes led the procession with bare feet.
Rundown of Costs:
Security - $70,000
Castle Rental - $200,000
Food and Champagne - $800,000
Stella McCartney Gown - $80,000
Fireworks Display - $200,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1.5 million
#11 Pierce Brosnan & Keely Shaye Smith
The Bond actor and tv journalist married outside in the hills of Ireland in August 2001. The traditional Irish themed reception (from Irish food to Irish dancing) was held at Ashford Castle along the coast. The bride wore a Richard Tylor gown that was modeled after Grace Kelly's gown from a half-century earlier. The gown wasn't the only replica though. Their wedding featured a 6-tier carrot wedding cake modeled after the one served at the JFK and Jackie Onasis wedding. It's reported that Keely also had an ice scultpure modeled after Rodin's The Kiss as a gift for Brosnan that day. As the evening ended, fireworks lit up the sky.
Rundown of Costs:
Richard Tylor Gown - $60,000
Full Tails Tux - $12,000
Flowers (more than 14,000 of them) - $70,000
Bridal Earrings - $20,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1.5 million
#10 Eddie Murphy & Nicole Mitchell
The funny man and his bride were married at New York's Plaza Hotel in 1993. Over 500 guests attended the ceremony in the plaza's ballroom, which had been re-carpeted white and completely filled with flowers. After the ceremony, guests moved to the Palm Court for dinner where they dined on jumbo shrimp, lobster, chicken and some 600 bottles of Cristal champagne. After dinner, they moved back to the Grand Ballroom, which had been converted into a disco.
Rundown of Costs:
Wedding Gown - $40,000
Wedding Cake - $25,000
Cristal Champagne - $150,000
Security - $12,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1.5 million
#9 Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren
This golfer and Swedish model met at the British Open and went on to wed in 2004 at the Sandy Lane Beach Resort in Barbados. To secure their privacy, the couple rented out the entire resort - some 200 rooms - for an estimated $2k. The reception featured music by Hootie and the Blowfish and ended with a literal bang - a massive fireworks display over the water. After their amazing wedding, the couple honeymooned on Woods' 20 million yacht called 'Privacy'.
Rundown of Costs:
Resort Rental - $200,000
Fireworks Display - $50,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1.5 million
#8 Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones
Dubbed the wedding of the year, the media circus that surrounded the Douglas - Zeta-Jones nupitals lived up to the wedding itself. This elegant couple chose to wed at New York's famed Plaza Hotel in November of 2005. To keep the affair private, the couple hired over 50 guards, including 30 policemen. The couple also reportedly used invisible ink and holograms on their wedding invitations and required guests to present their hologram-embedded invitations to enter the ceremony.
Rundown of Costs:
Presidential Suite - $5,000/night
Chocolates & Champagne - $100,000
Christian Lacroix Gown - $140,000
Diamond Tiara - $300,000
Wedding Cake - $6,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1.5 million
#7 Elton John & David Furnish
The pop legend and filmmaker wed in December 2005 -- the first week that same sex civil unions were legalized in Britain. The couple exchanged vows in Windsor's Guildhall, where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles wed 8 months earlier. Over 600 guests attended the bash and dined on caviar and vintage pink champagne that cost an estimated $300 a bottle. Elton John stole the show with a romantic serenade of the song "Your Song" to partner John.
Rundown of Costs:
Morning Suits - $5,000
Diamond Wedding Bands - $240,000
Caviar - $10,000
Champagne - $120,000
Total Estimated Costs - $1.5 million
#6 Christina Aguilera & Jordan Bratman
After Bratman proposed on Valentine's Day in Carmel, the couple had to create an even more romantic atmosphere for their wedding vows. After 5-figure bachelor and bachelorette parties in Cabo, the couple exchanged vows at Napa Valley's Staglin Family Vineyard in November 2005. The couple stayed at a cottage at the Auberge du Soleil, estimated at $3,500-a-night, which featured a fireplace and outdoor hot tub. The wedding itself was held in a winter-themed tent, filled with white roses, silver drapery, and dangling crystals and the bride walked down the aisle with a single real rose and a single diamond rose.
Rundown of Costs:
Wedding Bands - $80,000
Christian Lacroix Gown - $30,000
Tuxedo - $5,000
Hotel Suite - $14,000
Bridal Boquet - $10,000
Total Estimated Costs - $2 Million
#5 Elizabeth Taylor & Larry Fortensky
Elizabeth Taylor wed her 7th husband in one of her most extravagant weddings. The couple, who met at the Betty Ford Clinic, married on October 6, 1991 at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. Jackson walked Elizabeth down the aisle and Fortensky's best man was Liz Taylor's hairdresser, Jose Eber. Though the wacky event cost a pretty penny, the couple sold the exclusive photos to People Magazine for million, which they donated to AIDS charities.
Rundown of Costs:
Valentino Wedding Gown - $30,000
Catered Food - $500,000
Wedding Rings - $10,000
Total Estimated Costs - $2 Million
#4 Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes
The TomKat wedding was *the* wedding of 2006. The couple wed in November in Italy's 15th-century Odescalchi Castle outside Rome. The wedding was a media spectacle with reporters descending upon the small Italian town days in advance. The entire bridal party, including the Bride, Groom, and even baby Suri, were decked out in wedding attire designed by Giorgio Armanai. Guests dined on a five-tiered white chocolate wedding cake and drank some 300 bottles of wine. Entertainment included a full orchestra and music by Andrea Boccelli. Cruise added a little romance by serenading his bride with a rendition of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers, ala Top Gun.
Rundown of Costs:
Armani Tux - $3,000
Armani Wedding Gown - $50,000
Armani Wedding Party Clothing - $100,000
300 Bottles of Wine - $180,000
Entertainment - $20,000
Airfare for Guests - $150,000
Guest Accomodations - $750,000
Total Estimated Costs: $2 Million
#3 Elizabeth Hurley & Arun Nayar
The model-actress and Indian businessman wed in March 2007 with a ceremony that spanned 8 days and two continents. The first ceremony, held March 2nd in the medieval Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire. After their British ceremoney and reception, the festivities moved to India. On March 9th, the couple was wed again in a traditional Hindu ceremony held in Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, India. The couple's palace-view suite alone cost upwards of $10,000/night.
Rundown of Costs:
Wedding Bands - $200,000
Private Jets - $300,000
Hotels - $100,000
Total Estimated Costs - $2.5 Million
#2 Paul McCartney & Heather Mills
The former Beatle proposed to model-turned-activist girlfriend Heather Mills in 2001 with a 21 carat sapphire and diamond ring. They then exchanged vows in June 2002 at St. Salvador's Church in Monaghan, Ireland. The bride walked down the aisle to a song that McCartney wrote just for her titled "Heather". The Indian-themed reception took place lakeside and featured dancers in authentic Indian dress and a vegetarian feast. A dazzling fireworks display ended the night as the couple headed off on their honeymoon on a $20 million yacht rented for $19,000 a night.
Rundown of Costs:
Castle Rental - $40,000
Gown Lace - $10,000
Wedding Gown - $40,000
Fireworks - $150,000
Flowers - $145,000
Cake - $4,500
Estimated Total Costs - $3 Million
#1 Liza Minelli and David Gest
The Oscar-winner and producer wed in March 2002 at Manhattan's Collegiate Church. This over-the-top event had a wedding party of 36, including Best Man Michael Jackson and Maid of Honor Elizabeth Taylor. Jackson also escorted Minelli down the aisle as Natalie Cole sung "Unforgettable". The estimated 850 wedding guests were treated to a 6-foot, 12-tier wedding cake, cookies decorated with photos of the Bride and Groom and encased in satin embossed candy boxes, and entertainment by a 60-piece orchestra, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole. Some 500 staff workers were employed to bring the event to life and keep it private. Estimated to be the most expensive celebrity wedding, the couple ended up splitting the next year.
Rundown of Costs:
Bob Mackey Gown - $45,000
Reception Gown - $14,000
Wedding Cake - $40,000
Flowers - $700,000
Staff - $150,000
Total Estimated Costs - $3.5 Million
Thursday, December 20, 2007 6:29:21 PM
Love, Humor, Fun
Getting engaged is an exciting moment in your life. If you're ready to take the plunge and propose, follow these 10 tips for an engagement that you'll remember forever.
Know Her Answer.
This sounds obvious, but many couples haven't even discussed the subject of marriage. If you've had serious discussions about your relationship and where it's headed, then you probably already know that her answer will be 'yes'. If not, don't rush out and buy a ring. Instead, drop hints here and there to see how she responds. If positive, pick out that rock!
Ring Shopping.
First, get an idea of what she likes. If she doesn't care about a surprise, then take her out to browse. If you want to surprise her, ask her friends or casually bring up the subject and tell her it's for future reference. You may also want to bring along one of her current rings with you in order to get the sizing right. This ring represents your love and commitment to her, but she's the one wearing it for the rest of her life.
After learning her likes and dislikes, study up on the 4c's. Most men know little about diamonds. Never fear, check out this guide to the 4c's (carat, cut, color, clarity) for tips on buying a diamond.
Insure the Ring.
After buying the rock, call your insurance agent and add it to your home owner's or renter's policy. Usually the fee is quite small and it will protect your investment if anything should ever happen to it.
Ask for Permission.
Still somewhat of a southern tradition, many men will ask their future father-in-law for their girlfriends' hand in marriage. Although this rarely happens today and isn't a requirement, it still shows respect and thoughtfulness if you ask for her father's blessing. Invite him out to dinner and let him know how much you truly love his daughter and that you'd like his blessing in asking her to marry you.
Be Creative.
You only plan to propose once, so make it memorable. Plan early and think creatively. Pick a location that holds a special place in your relationship. Be detail-oriented from the lighting to the mood. Remember that the first thing everyone will ask is 'How did he propose?'. Give her a moment to share for a lifetime. If you're stumped for ideas, check out our marriage proposal ideas with hundreds of ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Get down on one knee.
Nothing is more romantic that the man you love down on one knee, with a ring in hand, asking for your hand in marriage. Enough said.
Catpure the moment.
Have a video camera set up or a friend nearby to take pictures. She'll be so surprised and excited that she won't be thinking about preserving the memory. If you've planned ahead, you'll be able to treasure the moment forever.
Enlist help.
If needed, get a close friend or family member to help you with the preparations. It makes the planning easier, especially if you're planning a more extravagant proposal. If nothing else, they're available for moral support. Be careful who you choose though. Pick those that you trust and make sure they keep their lips sealed tight.
Surprise!
If she's like most women, she wants a surprise proposal! Even if she helped pick out the ring or knows that you've been planning to propose, you can still surprise her. Be creative and plan the proposal when she least expects it.
Celebrate!
Be sure to bring your cell phone along! An engagement is such an exciting time and the first thing your fiance will want to do is call her friends and family. After you've shared the excitement of the moment with your nearest and dearest, it's time to celebrate! Enjoy a romantic dinner, share a bottle of wine, or go all out with an engagement party.
With these 10 tips for proposing marriage, you're all ready for the big day! Congratulations to you and your future fiance!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 1:33:45 PM
Love, Humor, Fun
You've kissed, but you want to take it a step further. A French kiss is a more intimate and passionate kiss that takes things to the next level. With these 10 steps, you're French kiss will be perfect.
Step 1. Look into your partners eyes.
In anticipation of a kiss or to initiate a kiss, start by gazing into your partners eyes. In an intimate situation, gazing into your partner's eyes sends an intimate message, letting them know that you want to get closer.
Step 2. Lean in closer.
Now that you know you're about to kiss, it's time to move in. To avoid awkwardness, move slowly. Moving in too fast can make your partner uncomfortable. As you move in, make sure that you're in a comfortable position. As you're moving in, tilt your head slightly so that your lips are lined up with your partners.
Step 3. Prepare your lips.
Relax your lips as you want them softly pressed together. You'll also want to slightly moisten your lips, so quickly run your tongue over them if you haven't prepared with lip balm.
Step 4. Moving in.
Close your eyes as you're about to make contact. Closed eyes make for a much more passionate kissing experience. As you begin contact, gently part your lips.
Step 5. The beginning.
Gently touch your lips to theirs and get comfortable with lip to lip contact. Tentatively, slowly and lightly draw your tongue across the other person's lips.
Step 6. Body caress.
A perfect French kiss requires the use of your hands in addition to your lips. Suggestively caress your partner's body, wrap your hands around their waist and run your fingers through their hair. A sensual touch only emphasizes the passion and intimacy.
Step 7. Licking.
If your partner lightly parts his or her lips, slowly explore their tongue in a light licking motion. You can also swirl your tongue along and around theirs.
Step 8. Sucking.
After lightly licking your partner's tongue, try lightly sucking on it, gently wrestling with it, and playfully tugging it with your tongue. Be sure not to bite though as it's the ultimate kiss killer.
Step 9. Exploring.
Spend a bit of time exploring other areas of your partner's mouth, such as lightly licking or gently tickling the roof of their mouth with your tongue. Another nice technique is to run your tongue along their teeth or bring your tongue out and again run it along their lips.
Step 10. Ending the kiss.
Be sure not to pull away too quickly. You want to take your time and enjoy the kiss! When you do finally pull away, look your partner in the eyes again. A sensual caress after a French kiss is the perfect way to end.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 11:25:06 AM
Funny, Fun
Tweety may get a chance to take the witness stand and sing like a canary
An Italian court ordered the animated bird, along with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and his girlfriend Daisy, to testify in a counterfeiting case.
In what lawyers believe was a clerical error worthy of a Looney Tunes cartoon, a court in Naples sent a summons to the characters ordering them to appear Friday in a trial in the southern Italian city, officials said.
The court summons cites Titti, Paperino, Paperina, Topolino -- the Italian names for the characters -- as damaged parties in the criminal trial of a Chinese man accused of counterfeiting products of Disney and Warner Bros.
Instead of naming only the companies and their legal representatives, clerks also wrote in the witness list the names of the cartoons that decorated the toys and gadgets the man had reproduced, said Fiorenza Sorotto, vice president of Disney Company Italia.
"Unfortunately they cannot show up, as they are residents of Disneyland," Sorotto joked in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It certainly pleased us that the characters were considered real, because that's what we try to do."
The Naples court will have to rewrite the summons, although this will probably delay the trial, said Disney lawyer Cristina Ravelli.
"Let's hope the characters will not be prosecuted for failing to appear," Ravelli quipped.
Calls seeking comment from Warner Bros. in Milan were not immediately returned. Phones at the Naples court were not answered Tuesday.
Monday, December 17, 2007 6:26:45 PM
Funny
An old Italian man lived alone in the country. He wanted to dig his Tomato garden but it was very hard work as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincenzo, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament.
Dear Vincenzo - I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I am getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the garden for me. Love, Papa.
A few days later he received a letter from his son...
Dear Papa - I'd do anything for you Papa, except dig up that garden. That's where I buried the bodies. Love, Vinnie.
At 4 am the next morning, FBI and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. The same day the old man received another letter from his son.
Dear Papa - Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances. Love, Vinnie.
Have a nice funny story
Sunday, December 16, 2007 2:42:17 PM
Love, Humor, Fun
Here are some really funny love quotes from famous authors. I particularly like a quote by Woody Allen: I was nauseous and tingly all over... I was either in love or I had smallpox. Find below the top 10 collection of really funny love quotes. I promise you, this page will leave you smiling.
1. Melanie Griffith
There is a place you can touch a woman that will drive her crazy. Her heart.
2. Anonymous
Love is grand; divorce is a hundred grand.
3. Woody Allen
I was nauseous and tingly all over. I was either in love or I had smallpox.
4. Woody Allen
The last time I was inside a woman was when I went to the Statue of Liberty.
5. Freud
The great question... which I have not been able to answer... is, "What... does a woman want?"
6. Samuel Johnson
Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. Second marriage is the triumph of hope over experience.
7. Woody Allen
To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering one must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore to love is to suffer, not to love is to suffer. To suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy then is to suffer. But suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be unhappy one must love, or love to suffer, or suffer from too much happiness. I hope you're getting this down.
8. Agatha Christie
An archeologist is the best husband any woman can have; the older she gets, the more interested he is in her.
9. Albert Einstein
Gravitation can not be held responsible for people falling in love.
10. Melanie Clark
You can't put a price tag on love, but you can on all its accessories.
Sunday, December 16, 2007 2:20:08 PM
Love, Humor, Fun
Where do i begin
To tell the story
Of how greatful love can be
The sweet love story
That is older than the sea
That sings the truth about the love she brings to me
Where do i start
With the first hello
She gave the meaning
To this empty world of mine
That never did
Another love another time
She came into my life
And made a living fine
She fills my heart
She fills my heart
With very special things
With angel songs
With wild imaginings
She fills my soul
With soo much love
That anywhere i go
Im never lonely
With her along who could b lonely
I reach for her hand
Its always there
How long does it last
Can love be measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers no
But this much i can say
I know ill need her till this love song burn away
And she;ll b there...
How long does it last
Can love b measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers no
But this much i can say
I know ill need her till this love song burn away
And she'll be there...
My Opera
