Friday, July 31, 2009

Gap-GapMaternity: Floral linen-blend ruffle top - floral purple print @ Gap

Gap coupons and dealsGapMaternity: Floral linen-blend ruffle top - floral purple print @ Gap

Gorgeously light and airy for summer, with a flattering scoop neckline and fluttery ruffles in front. Such a fresh and pretty piece, tailored to fit your blossoming shape. Pair it with crisp white capris, or play it off soft worn-in jeans. - Cool linen/cotton blend. Sleeveless--with straps wide enough to cover bra straps. Scoop neckline accented with three tiers of ruffles. Princess seams in front.

List Price: $49.50
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Black Wedding Design

You want your wedding other than the others ...??
Try to using black in your wedding design !!

It used to be that using black in your wedding design was strictly taboo. Black was considered to be too somber to incorporate into a festive occasion. Times have changed, however, and there are some very chic and elegant ways to use black in your wedding.

When you think about black, most young people associate it with being stylish and sophisticated, as in the little black dress. If you ask your grandmother what black reminds her of, though, she is likely to answer a funeral. The trick is to use black in a way that invokes its stylish side, not its somber side. The way to achieve this is to think of black as an element to create decorative patterns and designs, instead of using it in big solid chunks.

For the perfect inspiration for an elegant use of black, you must view the Audrey Hepburn film My Fair Lady. The scene at the Ascot races is one of the most absolutely incredible uses of a black and white color scheme that you will ever see. The dramatic use of black and white patterns, shapes, and forms (the hats!) is the height of elegance and style. There is certainly nothing depressing about the way black was used in this scene.

Another place to look for ideas on how to use black to great effect is Truman Capote's famous Black and White Ball of the 1960s. The world's most fabulous people gathered, all dressed in black and white, and held one of the most famous parties of all time. Although you will probably not be telling your guests what to wear, you can definitely use this as inspiration for the attire for the bride and groom and the wedding party.

The place to start with your wedding design is the attire. There are many very stylish bridal gowns available these days with a black on white design. This is seen most often in the form of embroidery, often in a scroll design. The men are easy: tuxedos will provide them the elegant look of black and white.

For the bridesmaids, you will want to choose carefully. Although many wedding parties these days do wear simple black dresses, you might want to investigate other alternatives. A whole group of women in solid black dresses does get away from the festive feeling you want a wedding to have, no matter how practical they may be. Spend the time to seek out dresses that have a color mixed in with black.

If you prefer to keep a limited color palette, one very chic idea would be to dress your bridesmaids in pewter colored satin dresses with black sashes or ribbons at the waist. For the richest black possible, velvet ribbons would be ideal. You can finish off the look with dramatic bridesmaid jewelry sets created from jet black Swarovski crystals or fabulous black pearls. The interesting thing about using jet crystals in your bridesmaid jewelry sets is that they can read either as very modern or a little bit Victorian. Black pearls will simply look luxurious.

It is certainly possible to use black in your wedding design in a way that suits the occasion. Done well, the sharpness of black against white creates a crisp and elegant design scheme. Find ways to use black in your wedding that are creative and rich looking for a fabulously sophisticated effect.



By : Phie

Search for a Black Wedding Dresses

It may seem like a very not-so-traditional approach to a wedding ceremony, a lot of bride-to-bes out there is into finding their ideal black wedding dress. The idea may not be much of a hit compared to the traditional white dress; but it is indeed a great and a one-of-a-kind option.

If you happen to be the type who can't help but picture herself in a black wedding dress, then you must find out about the handful of bridal companies you might want to look through in order for you to score that unique gown.

The Wedding Wardrobe

This store has a variety of dresses to choose from, they offer not only one black wedding dress but quite a few more styles. One of the most popular selection that they have is the Xena, embellished with hand sewn beads, fully-boned bodice accentuated by a pull back corset. There's a mixture of jet black Swarovski crystals and AB on a plain black silk bodice. The skirt is a narrow A-line skirt with a front drape that is detachable and a full length train that is also detachable. It was originally meant to be a black wedding dress but now, it is available in white, ivory, antique ivory, gold, burgundy and red.

Nordstroms

Another great store to guide you in your search for the black wedding dress, no doubt is it a recognizable name. First established in 1901, currently one of the nation's leading fashion retailers that offers various high-quality apparel, shoes, accessories for men, women and children all over the country

You have big selection to choose from for your favorite black wedding dress. Their website also provides links to a different website that offers the same style of dresses just in case you can't seem to find the one that you like with them.

Remember

Certainly you'll get a slice of critique pounded on your unconventional black dress, but keep in mind it is YOUR wedding, it's your day, so disregard whatever other people say.

The color black has been stereotyped with death and grimness, however, the color black is rumored to protect one from pain and misfortune because the color can repel the vibrations from negative energy.



Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Searching-For-a-Black-Wedding-Dress&id=1226519

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Black Wedding Dress


Black wedding dresses are the choice of many brides today, as they pick this color not just for the slimming effect, but for the classy and elegant aura that it projects. Black doesn't have to feel funereal if the dresses are in the right designs. Not only that, these dresses are great if you want to make a statement.

Black wedding dresses are usually associated with themed weddings such as Halloween. But those aren't the only times when you can have a black wedding dress. If all black is too much for you, you can incorporate this color with other colors like white, silver of red. These will make the black less sombre and perfect for your wedding. Fabric wise, choose material that is light and airy and avoid dark and heavy makeup. This will make the black more suitable for a wedding.

Style wise, these dresses are most suitable when they come in close fitting gowns, which is very flattering. You can also opt for full ball gown skirts, but they should be paired with a tight fitting bodice. Go strapless, or if you must have sleeves, pick sheer sleeves. When wearing a black dress, choose simple jewelry that will not overpower you and make you look cluttered. That way you will be the picture of sheer elegance.

When trying to purchase your perfect black wedding dress, you need to do your shopping much earlier as there are not that easy a style and color to look for. You also need to be open to other alternatives such as bridesmaids' dresses or prom dresses that are readily available in black. Another alternative is for you to order your black wedding dress online, or o have one custom made for you. That way you will surely find the right style and design made just for you.



Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Black-Wedding-Dresses-Do-They-Look-Too-Funereal?&id=2597431

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Diaper bags are generally small enough to fit on or under a stroller or buggy. There have been fashion trends against large bags, as mothers learn to reduce the number of necessities carried. Kalencom Diaper Bag Disco Dots Cocoa Travel in style with the Kalencom Disco Dots Cocoa diaper bag. A diaper bag is a storage bag with many pocket-like spaces that is big enough to carry everything needed by someone taking care of a baby while taking a typical short outing. Multiple pockets keep small items organized, fabrics wipe clean and diaper bag straps are wide and ergonomically designed for comfort. This diaper bag was truly designed with busy parents in mind. The laminated outer layer makes clean up quick and easy. Read More>>

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

Mothercare-Splendid Short Sleeve Zip Front Maternity Hoodie @ Mothercare

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2x2

ah, the miracles of modern technology. armed with my trusty intern, the office digicam, a white wall and some photoshop skillz, i created these DIY 2x2 photos for my visa interview at the US embassy bright and early tomorrow morning.


they say your ears have to be visible for any official passport or visa photos. my ears are tucked flat against my head so i always have a problem complying with this requirement. however for this occasion, one ear (yes, just one) decided to cooperate. you should also preferably be wearing a collared top, hence the very 80s mint green jacket that belongs to my mom.

this photo makes me realize that my head is a weird shape.

anyway, wish me luck on my interview! new york is just less than a month away!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Gap-GapMaternity: Poppy-print drawstring top - orchid blossom @ Gap

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Show off your shape in a curve-conscious top with style to spare. Soft jersey with a slight sheen creates a super-comfy polished look. A bold poppy print puts the finishing touch on what's sure to be a summer favorite. - Supersoft rayon/tencel blend top. Roundneck, short sleeves. Slim fit, stylish drawstring tie at hip.

Current Price: $34.50

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Wedding Dress and Feng Shui

Did you know that the traditional Chinese bride has always been dressed in red? It is believed that wearing red on your wedding day stimulates joy, love, and strength within an individual and therefore the couple. Red is also strongly associated with the following combinations- prosperity and abundance, fame and reputation, love and relationships. This exciting and vivid color promotes romance, wealth, and happiness. What more reasons does one need to wear an elegant red wedding dress?

And a color so close to red is orange. Orange is associated with purpose and organization and can be used to strengthen concentration and creativity. This positive color offers the ability to portray enthusiasm and ambition as well as encouraging a lifetime of warm communications with her love one, especially when it is her second wedding.

A vibrant yellow is what brides want to wear if they want to brighten and bring lighter energies to their wedding. Strong yellow colors are associated with intuitive insight, joy, creativity, and wisdom. They encourage the ability to be flexible and adaptable. And doesn't the bride (and the rest of the wedding party) need the ability to be flexible and adaptable?

Are you having a winter wedding? Then please wear lighter yellows or ecrus which are the couture color du jour to wear. These colors are associated with the element of earth and promote good health. Pale yellows or ecrus also are unifying colors and encourage the bride and groom to always answer..."I do".

Are you environmentally inclined? Or have a bit of Irish in you? Then a gown of any shade of green will be best. Wearing green on your special day is an auspicious choice for a young bride. Green is considered to be a restful, refreshing color that can produce an atmosphere of balance. It is also believed that green symbolizes optimism as well as an eagerness to expand the couple into a family. One plus one equals two...or do we hear four?

Have you dreamed all your life of a beach/water wedding? Then the color for your gown on this special day ought to be blue. For blue is associated with exploration and adventure. Blues are simply heavenly as they encourage cool heads and calm hearts, which are most important when children are an integral part of the ceremony. Imagine the bride and groom dressed in blues resulting in an air of trust and peace for all to experience. Ugh!

And of course, there is always the western tradition of wearing white. Western belief is that white symbolizes confidence, purity, and poise. Within Feng Shui, it is also associated with the combinations of love and relationships, creativity and children, and helpful people and travel. Since white blends all of the colors, it is a symbol of harmony and purity. Need I say more?

Yet lest not forget, regardless the colors of the wedding...in all their glory the Bride and Groom will shine their radiance on this day that they become Husband and Wife. So when you hear, 'Here comes the Bride, all dressed in...'Stand, smile, and turn to see the bride all dressed in.

By : Phie

Beach Wedding Dresses

Beach weddings are fast becoming a trend now days. A lot couples want to move away from traditional weddings and have started opting for theme based weddings. And beach wedding is one of the more popular ones. The reasons why beach weddings are popular are that these can be arranged in a relatively shorted duration, can do with less decorations and is comparatively informal than traditional one.

So, if you have decided to have your wedding at a beach, you are going to pick up a dress which goes with this theme. The traditional gown and veil won't do. Think about it, you are going to make a mess of your beautiful dress on a beach if it is a long flowing white satin gown with a long train. The dress could end up in a mess. While choosing your dress you will have to make sure that you are very comfortable in it. Since the wedding is on a beach, it should not be long.

You can go for a lightweight material like chiffon, silk, linen or satin. It is best if it is pretty simple. A simple yet elegant wedding dress would add to the romantic setting on the beach. A sarong would make a lovely wedding dress if you can carry it well along with a nice halter top. You can also go for a strapless or spaghetti straps which would look very beautiful on the beach. You can also go a bit different than traditional white dress. There are various themes within beach theme like Hawaiian theme, carnival theme etc. Hawaiian theme would make a very good and colorful choice. Its your choice, have it your way.

Apart from the dress, special considerations should be given to the wedding footwear as well. Nice heels matching with the wedding dress may look good but they would be impractical to wear on a beach. For a beach wedding, brides should opt of either flat sloes or even barefoot. Sand can be pretty hot during summers therefore keep that in mind if you are planning to be barefoot.



By : Phie

Men's Beach Wedding Dress

If you've already decided to have a beach wedding then let me congratulate you on making a wonderful choice. Beach weddings can be some of the most romantic and memorable of weddings no matter what your budget happens to be. After all, the beach and the ocean provide a priceless setting, so all you have to do is properly fill in the details.

When considering men's beach wedding attire the number one rule is to follow the bride's lead. You will want the groom and the groomsmen to be within a certain range of the bride's vision, but after that choosing your clothes can be a simple, painless, and yes, even a pleasurable endeavor.

The simple guide for men's beach wedding attire is to stick with cotton and linen clothing. Cotton and linen are "breathable fabrics" that will allow the men wearing them to look good as well as feel comfortable. Seersucker suits and clothing are basically just another form of cotton clothing, so that can always fit the bill nicely.

Fortunately, there are many places to shop for "dress casual" beach style clothing. There are many "tropical" stores and websites that will have a wide variety of choices if you are going with a Hawaiian feel for your wedding. But don't overlook the Cuban, Caribbean, Latin and South American wear that is also available with the click of the mouse.

Many a groom and his groomsmen have been the hit of the beach wedding (after the bride of course!) when they show up in the beach "dress casual" wear from Cuba, Argentina, or some other culture that the guests are not very familiar with. There are many, many wonderful choices for your men's beach wedding attire if you take the time to look.

Most of the color themes of men's wedding attire are your basic whites, tans, and browns, and even orange. They alone can be classy and comfortable, but don't be afraid go with more robust colors, as long as it adds a little flourish to the brides overall theme. Just make sure it does not clash too much with what the bride is going for or you may find yourself regretting your attempt to add some piazza to your wedding ceremony.

To sum up, remember that you will be standing on a potentially hot beach, fully clothed. Cotton and linen are probably your best choices. Seersucker is also cotton and comes in many looks. Stick with the general tone the bride has set and you should be not just looking spectacular, but feeling good too. Now that you've got the right information I'm sure whatever you choose will be right for the setting and right for you.



By : Phie

dark waters


playtime kiddos.
i promise a regular post soon...
love
eszter

i wear: stretch corset: special order made by the talented blackmarketbaby

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Mothercare-Sleeveless Tie Front Maternity Shirt @ Mothercare

v coupons and dealsSleeveless Tie Front Maternity Shirt @ Mothercare

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Barbie girl


i know, gladiator sandals are just about to go the way of hooded t-shirts, buddha beads and jelly kellys. but the siren call of hot pink plastic was just too strong to resist. plus, they're super comfy.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Gap-GapMaternity: Lightweight halter sweater - turquoise stripe @ Gap

Gap coupons and dealsGapMaternity: Lightweight halter sweater - turquoise stripe @ Gap

The essence of summer, with bold strokes of bright color and a fun, flattering halter silhouette. Light and airy sweater-knit keeps you cool on the hottest of days -- and feels so much more refined than your average T. - Supersoft and lightweight cotton. Adjustable halter neckline, empire seam accented with shirring.

List Price: $39.50
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Scipio Rodeo 2009

It was time for the Scipio Rodeo...again...so fast. Not that I hate it, I actually like searching for treasures at the antique store, watching the rodeo, and going up to the Grove in the mountains. The part I don't like is tall, leather boots, long jeans, and 98 degree weather! Hot hot hot! Plus Adam always asks that I wear my hair down...ha! But I always do, because you can't say no when your husband occasionally requests for you to get dolled up. He deals with enough ponytails every day. This year was much the same, with a few changes. Kevin came with us, so I sat in the back seat on the drive to and from Scipio. Not bad, considering that Kev got to keep Pete awake and I got to take a nap on the way home (and on the way there... :) ). We stopped at Chadder's on the way down (it's tradition now!) and got squeeky cheese at the gas station in Scipio (there are three now in Scipio! Can you believe it? Scipio's stepping up in the world!). Then we went for our usual stop at the antique store, and left empty handed! Of course, now that I have a house to put cool antiques in, I can't find a thing! Then off to the Grove we went, breaking out in a sweat in the 30 seconds between the car and stores. Luckily, it was nice and cool up there, so we stayed and the boys fished (I decided to dip my hot feet in the stream instead of fishing. Man it was cold!).

Here's Pete on the left and Kevin on the right. I'm sitting on this cute little bridge, dipping my feet. They searched the stream to find some fish and found around ten in this little spot! It's true, I saw them. The guys got so frustrated because the fish were two feet from them and weren't biting their worms!

So Pete gave up the fishing pole and attempted to catch one with his hands! He tried for 30 minutes, getting "so close!" a few times. He walked down stream to try a different spot, and just a few minutes later caught one! I had my camera ready, but he started running so fast over, the camera couldn't refocus on him in time. He was so proud of himself! I married myself a manly man!

And here we are just getting to the rodeo. I always make Adam take a picture together at the beginning, so I'm guaranteed a pic with some natural light. I love this picture. I haven't been able to take a good picture in 18 months, I always look sick or retarded! So this one is going up, somewhere, just to prove after almost two years of marriage, I can still look good!


Hope everyone had a good Pioneer's Day weekend, even if you're not in Utah!

Mothercare-Button Front Maternity Jacket @ Mothercare

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Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Purple Wedding

Deciding on a purple wedding is a royal and romantic choice. Purple used to be a privilege that only kings and queens can afford. This is because it took some costly dyes to put together the perfect shade of purple. Fortunately, these days purple come in different interesting shades and hues in dainty things that make for that luxurious purple wedding. Moreover, purple is also associated with spirituality, dignity, value, and delicateness.

The lighter hues of purple such as lavender and lilac are perfect themes for spring and summer weddings while deep purples and eggplant go well during fall and winter seasons. Now that the right choice for a purple wedding has been confirmed, it is time to get into the creative ideas for a purple wedding.

1. If you are planning to hold the wedding in a grand ballroom, then using royal purple as an overall effect will match the low and serene lights. In the outdoors, using the natural sundown lights can make a royal purple garden wedding extra ordinarily enchanting.

2. Dash with a little bit of lavender and lilac on the dresses. Softer hues for the gowns give it a dramatic effect. Bridesmaids' gowns that come close to pink give a feeling of femininity and lightheartedness. Adding up some accents with fresh green colors is a fashionable fit.

3. Be bold on the sashes and runners. Ultra purple to outline the long tables will look dashing and enticing for the guests. Match this with big dark purple ribbons at the back of chairs. Put in some diamond-white, charcoal gray or lustrous platinum trimmings for that crisp and sophisticated look.

4. Set up an elegantly purple and silver table setting. Use a gentle and fresh purple palette on the tablecloth. Set up a shiny and new silver flatware, fine china, and immaculate white table napkins. At the center, place bright purple orchids in a bunch of glossy colored rocks.

5. Mix up with dark and light shades on the flowers. Iris is an attractive flower for a deep purple bouquet and is not that expensive. The osteospermum flower from the daisy family has whites with purple cores or in purple but with white centers. Little white baskets full of purple flowers are also nice to be hung with the lights and foliage.

6. Seriously consider purple silk flowers and silk ivy. Silk flowers look authentic but are safe against wilting, heat, or wind. Thus, they can be placed way ahead of time. Purple silk rose petals can be sprinkled in areas like the buffet, swimming pool, church aisles or guest book tables.

7. Give away precious favors in delicately light purple sheer organza bags. Jelly beans, square French soaps, seashells or starfish candles, Jordan almonds, champagne bubbles candy and other nice little favors can be placed in this sheer lavender or lilac organza bags. Seal it with a silver satin drawstring and it will give that magical feeling to the guests by the end of your people wedding.

There is nothing that can be as beautiful and sophisticated as a purple wedding, especially when you incorporate those bright and creative ideas into them.



By : Phie

True Color Wedding Gown


Westerners think of white wedding gowns as "traditional," but they've really only been in vogue for about 150 years. If you want to go with the latest in modern daring by adding a little color, you're actually going seriously old school.

Gray wedding gowns were favored by working-class women up through the Victorian era because the color was seen as "respectable," and it wore well over time, which meant a practical bride could re-use her wedding dress as her Sunday best dress for the next year or two.

But gray wedding dresses aren't all drudgery. The traditional wedding dress rhyme says
"Married in grey, you'll go far away," which suggests some exciting travel if you have a case of wanderlust. And no matter what its origins, a pearly gray wedding dress looks beautiful and luxurious.

Brown wedding dresses were for country girls, and the wedding rhyme agreed: "Married in brown, you'll live out of town." It's a great choice if you're committed to life in the fresh air, if you prefer to avoid fabric bleaches or dyes that can be harmful to the environment, or if you'd just like to set off dark eyes and hair.

Purple wedding gowns have always been rare in Europe and America - they don't even appear in the wedding gown rhyme. This is partly because purple dyes used to be the most expensive, and by extension purple clothes became associated with royalty, and royalty only. Later, deep purples were adopted by widows who were phasing out of black mourning clothes.

Both of those associations are long gone, though, so feel free to purple it up! If you're not feeling quite that avant-garde, a soft lavender gown makes for a gown that's beautiful and wonderfully unusual.

Blue is a lovely choice for a wedding dress, and it's respectable through and through. Blue is associated with fidelity, which was one of the reasons for the "something blue" you're supposed to wear or carry as you go down the aisle. The rhyme says, "Married in blue, you'll always be true," so a blue dress is a nice promise to your groom, but superstition says it helps ensure he'll only have eyes for you too.

The symbolism of Green wedding dresses is either really good or really bad, depending on who you ask. Before Christianity became widespread in Europe, green was considered a terrific color for a wedding dress because it was associated with fertility, but as Christianity spread, it fell out of favor because it was associated with Paganism. In the British Isles, green was considered a dangerous color for a wedding dress because it was the color of the fairies, and drawing their attention was asking for trouble. (Some sources say that Irish women were the exception and often wore green, and some say that Irish women found green wedding dresses especially unlucky. If you're Irish, just ask your grandma and go by whatever she says.)

The wedding dress rhyme is pretty firm on green: "Married in green, ashamed to be seen." This was because creepier wedding guests would joke that the bride's dress was green because she had been rolling around in the grass with a lover just before the wedding.

On the other hand, almost nobody in the world knows about any of this unless they've been researching wedding dress colors, so it's probably safe to give green a shot.

Yellow has had a roller-coaster ride of popularity. It was once a popular favorite because it's so cheerful, ...and then in sterner times fell out of favor because it was too cheerful and thus not appropriate for church. The wedding rhyme is also kind of a buzzkill for sunny brides: "Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow."

Which is bad, but not as bad as "Married in red, you'll wish yourself dead." There's not much getting around that for the superstitious. Red got its bad rep from being associated with passion and sex, which the bride wasn't necessarily supposed to know about in days past. However, you may not think that's such a big deal, in which case go for it. A full-on scarlet dress may still shock people nowadays, but a dress with red detailing will go over perfectly well in all but the most conservative churches.



By : Phie

Wedding Dreams in the Sand

Have you ever dreamed about having your wedding on a tropical island beach? The sensation of the warm afternoon sand between your toes; the natural harmony of the sea as it gently caresses the shoreline; standing hand-in-hand, with the one you love, committing to one another completely. Sound like a romantic dream? As you will discover on Koh Samui, dreams can come true...

But why opt for this island paradise as your dream wedding destination? In case you need a little extra encouragement, here are a few considerations.

* Welcome to "The Land of Smiles". As you enter Samui's tropical and most unquestionably unique open-walled airport, you will immediately feel the warmth and hospitality 'Amazing Thailand' is famous for; with an obvious infusion of a relaxed island lifestyle. The friendly character of the locals is absolutely contagious - you will soon find yourself smiling at the mention of the word Samui.

* The Alluring Soft Sandy Beaches. Feel the warmth and splendor of the sand beneath your feet while you live out your wedding dreams under the afternoon sky, shaded by the abundant coconut palm trees, on a tranquil Samui beach. Shoes are entirely optional.

* The Warm, Inviting Blue Waters of the Gulf of Thailand. What could make a more magnificent backdrop to your wedding memories than Samui Archipelago? Go for a sail around the island, snorkel in the shallow waters, and for the adventurous couples who want to start their marriage with a little "depth"; there are enchanting underwater wedding ceremonies available.

* Give Your Family & Friends A Reason To Take A Holiday! Sometimes we all need a little enticement to escape our daily lives; a reminder that if we don't take the time to enjoy the opportunities before us, we may never get the same chances again. Koh Samui is the perfect getaway destination for the whole family; young and old alike. Even getting to Thailand's third largest island has never been easier and simply arriving makes any long-distance expedition worth all the effort. Everyone will thank you for years to come.

* REAL Thai Food Is Absolutely Some Of The Best Food In The World! Think you've had good Thai food before? Koh Samui boasts some of Thailand's finest Chef's available anywhere in the world; where you can indulge in delicious international delights and authentic Thai cuisine. But don't pass over those small restaurants you will notice with only a few tables; you may be missing out on the greatest Thai cooking in the world. And if you find you can't get enough before you go, Samui has many Thai cooking classes to try your own hand at preparing an amazing meal back home.

* More RELAXING and STRESS-FREE Than Having Your Wedding At Home. In today's global society, Thailand is often neutral ground for many families who reside on different continents. Trying to please everyone but yourselves can lead to disaster; I know you've heard the horror stories before. Your wedding day should be about you and your partner's happiness, commitment to each other and the joining of two families together. Let the naturally calm ambiance of Koh Samui heighten your wedding joy and allow everyone present to relax and remember why they are all here - to be together in celebration.

* Not Just for Weddings. Is your anniversary approaching? Surprise your partner and say "I do" all over again with an afternoon vow renewal, champagne in hand, watching the sunset in each other's arms. If you want to express your love for your partner in a truly romantic setting; Commitment Ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular and are ideal for many modern couples.

* If we don't make something special - nothing ever is. Getting married is supposed to be one of the most special days of your life. The uniqueness of saying your nuptials on the beach will make any plans you have for your wedding day that much more unforgettable. Women will feel the timeless romance of the classic fairy tale; men have the benefit of the casual atmosphere, even if they are dressed to the Nine's. It is the perfect choice for your special day - charm and romance naturally included. Don't just let your wedding day "happen". Make the choice to make it special.


By : Phie

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Sunday lunch

i was craving for something rich and hearty all week, but didn't want to have any pasta. you know, the calories. and marlon and i resolved to have more veggie dishes this week. so when i found a recipe for eggplant parmigiana on jamie's site, i thought it would be perfect!

i am not a fan of eggplant, but i figured i could live with it if it was drowned in tomato sauce and cheese.


rogue supervised the culinary proceedings from her new favorite perch: the top of the refrigerator. how she gets there is truly a feline feat.


after pan-grilling the eggplants (no oil! whee!), we layered them in a pyrex with plum tomatoes sauteed in onion and garlic. unfortunately we ran out of oregano, so we used fresh thyme instead. the top layer was a handful of breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan. then we popped the whole thing into the oven.


while waiting for the parmigiana to bake, we finally got around to planting the organic oregano and basil we bought in amsterdam... three whole months ago!


inside each foil bag was a tiny packet of seeds and some bulbol nice-looking soil. 


the seeds were like tae ng daga. yeeeeee.


oregano

basil

we just took out a bit of soil to cover the seeds...


and placed them on the ledge of our balcony. done! the whole thing took place in less than five minutes. i wonder why we put it off for so long.


then finally, lunch!


a bit of crunch from the breadcrumbs, plus the hearty chewiness of the tomato sauce and melted cheese. perfect! the best thing is that it was less than 350 calories for a bowl full of baked goodness. that's less than a KFC zinger. and since we made it ourselves, it was so easy to measure and portion out everything. 


how was your sunday lunch? :)