Overcoming A Fear Of Commitment

Fear of commitment holds people back when looking to progress their relationships and careers. It may be hesitating to make a career move, that may bring bad luck and feeling stuck with a bad job.

It may be a marriage where the couple cannot agree on anything and are always arguing about making decisions. It may even be a couple who are looking to take the next step in their relationship, and do not wish to commit to a long term relationship.

Some people hesitate with every decision they make and think about all the possibilities of how things can go wrong with horrible outcomes. If these people continue to dwell on the bad outcomes, then they will never make a decision on anything.

Life is about taking risks, having a hunch, feeling it in your bones. Once a decision is made, then you do not need to listen to any fear of commitment.

They may have felt hurt in a previous relationship and do not want to go through the same process all over again with this relationship. You may look to give them assurance that you want to make every effort to maintain your relationship.

If two people work together to keep a relationship going, then nothing will stand in your way, as you will always seek solutions to eradicate stumbling blocks.

If you truly believe in each other, then you will work on this relationship. One way to find solutions, is to talk openly about everything, for hours on end, uninterrupted by phones, television and other bad news. Just lock the door, pretend no one is home and send all calls to voicemail.

This way you will know, if you are truly for each and will overcome any fear of commitment.

To read more Overcoming A Fear Of Commitment

Finding Solutions With Long Distance Relationship Advice

Long distance relationship advice to find solutions to improve your relationships can be found in many ways. One tip, is to seek the advice of those on long distance relationships, to get ideas from their experience in managing such a relationship.

Many problems exist when you are living far away from each other, but with effort to look for solutions, many of these problems can be overcome. Building a relationship based on trust and open communication is one way to overcome suspicions and long periods without any contact.

There may be reasons why you are living away from each other. You may be married or in a stable relationship, but work commitments has taken you to live in far away locations.

If you need to start with a new relationship, then you can start looking for someone new in your life. You may not have the time to go to clubs, bars and social events to search for new love.

A popular alternative, is to go online dating on dating sites. You may find people in your local area, in other cities, other states and even overseas. Going online, can be convenient if you are restricted for time to go searching for a new date.

You can go online anytime, become a member of dating sites, browse dating profiles and find the most compatible date suitable to meet your needs.

Many dating sites, have dating resources including chat channels, web cams and many other facilities to meet dates online.

After a period of time, if you decide you wish to meet physically, your first date should be in a public place with lots of people around. You may even look at bringing a friend along, just in case there are any problems and you need to escape from the date from hell.

You may find the most suitable date, lives in another town and find it difficult to be together as often as you need. This is the time when you take advantage of facilities on dating sites including chatting and webs cams.

If there are any problems along the way, this is the time when you can seek long distance relationship advice.

To read more Finding Solutions With Long Distance Relationship Advice

The Darker Side Of Internet Affairs

Internet affairs are like any other affairs outside a stable relationship. For example, it can be an affair with someone you meet online, while you are married to the mother of your children.

You may find married life rather dull and long to go back to the life before you married. After a while, you may realise the consequences of a continuing online relationships, to your marriage and family.

This is the time where you need to discuss with your wife, how you can live together as a family and as a happy couple to keep each other satisfied. You may find, you need to spend more time together, away from social pressures of living day to day.

You should be cautious, before making any wild accusations. If you have any suspicions about your spouse involved in an internet affair, then you can make quiet investigations without making unfounded allegations.

If you see your spouse spending long hours chatting online, visiting dating and relationships sites and receiving emails from people you do not know, then there may be a problem. You can make discreet inquiries, to find out if there is an inoccent explanation.

He may be chatting to his work colleagues, exchanging ideas to complete a major project. Some of the emails may be from his work colleagues, relatives and friends.

If your spouse is having an online affair, and you confront him with your evidence, he may break down and convince you that he will stop everything and give you his full attention. You may also enquire why he is looking to other people to start affairs.

Is he unhappy about certain aspects of your relationship? There may be a misunderstanding and he cannot solve these problems without chatting to others with similar problems, hoping to find a solution.

If this is the case, then you may think about having a more open relationship, where you can exchange ideas and find solutions by talking about problems before they escalate to suspicions and unfounded allegations about internet affairs.

To read more The Darker Side Of Internet Affairs

Showing Respect And Admiration With Retirement Gift Ideas And Suggestions

As a general rule, along with their employer, co-workers, family and friends also give gifts to the retiree during a retirement party or reception. These gifts allow the giver to show their feelings of respect, admiration and affection for the retiree.

They are usually a bit less expensive and easily available for purchase. Let's take a look at more retirement gift ideas and what is available so that you get just the right gift.

If the retiree you want to acknowledge with a special gift is a sports fan or a sportsman, then there are plenty of retirement gift ideas and products related to sports, such as basketball jerseys, event tickets, golf accessories, fly fishing equipment and so on.

There are water bottles shaped as golf clubs and/or monogrammed golf towels. A subscription to a magazine or a book club is a great idea, since the recipient will think of you each time he or she receives an issue.

Humorous retirement gag gifts are also well-received. If the person who is retiring has a great sense of humor, there are several kinds of comedic or humorous gifts that can be very creative, like t-shirts and posters that have funny and inspiring phrases, or money trees or sports caps.

Retirement gift ideas and deciding on what to buy shouldn't be all that difficult if you take a moment to reflect on the retiree's interests and favorite activities.

To read more Showing Respect And Admiration With Retirement Gift Ideas And Suggestions

Celebrating Accomplishments With A Thoughtful Retirement Gift Idea

Men and women approach retirement in different ways, yet that does not mean you can't come up with the perfect retirement gift idea for each. Women value encouragement in their lives and retirement is a time when personal accomplishments really stand out.

Personal gifts reflect on the man and indicate that his life's work is cherished and stands as a testament of his accomplishments. Let's take a look at some great gifts for both sexes.

Coworkers, family and friends usually get together and plan to celebrate this joyous time by throwing a retirement party. Coming up with an exceptional retirement gift idea for both men and women can be tough.

Anything that is engraved or embossed with the person's name or initials can be a wonderful gift for your retiree. Consider a unique frame or a colorful scrapbook highlighting the days you have spent working together.

It is true that men and women have very different ways of thinking and view both working and retiring with different perspectives. Whatever your retirement gift idea may be, a truly thoughtful gift should pay homage to the spirit of all of their accomplishments.

Employers, close family and friends can give the gift of travel to the retiree. This provides him or her with an opportunity to go away on a relaxing vacation once their time at work is complete.

To read more Celebrating Accomplishments With A Thoughtful Retirement Gift Idea

Celebrate With Surprising Gifts For Retirement

Retirement can be a huge transition into the next phase of life. It is also a time of celebration and remembrance of happy times shared with co-workers and family.

If you are trying to choose from many unique retirement gifts, then you need to pick something that fits into the recipient's lifestyle; perhaps something that will encourage them to pursue their hobbies while enjoying their newly found freedom.

Gifts for retirement don't have to be stodgy and traditional; giving a gift that is pleasing to the retiree is what really counts.

Fishing gear and hunting gear are great gifts for retirement. If you are unsure as to what item they will want, a gift certificate is always a perfect fit, and is not as impersonal as some may believe.

It is better to let the retiree pick the item they truly want than give them something they will end up returning, already have or simply will never use. For those who enjoy playing cards, a poker chip set and table is a great idea.

A set of folding beach chairs and towels for relaxing at the beach is another thought. For lounging in front of the fireplace, a warm throw blanket is ideal.

Of course with so many choices available, it's hard to pick just one. There are a wide variety of gifts for retirement in a plethora of colors, styles and themes to fit almost all personality types.

As you hunt for the perfect gift, you can be confident in any choice you make if you purchase an item that you know the retiree wants, will use and will really enjoy. If you do that, you will never go wrong.

To read more Celebrate With Surprising Gifts For Retirement

Perfect And Unique Retirement Gift

When you are looking for that unique retirement gift, consider the person's interests and get an idea of the things that suit the personality of the recipient. It is a great help if you know what hobbies, collections and activities he or she usually engages in.

Many companies tend to give plaques or trophies to acknowledge their employee's years of excellence in service and hard work. These gifts, however, are typically the last resort for someone who doesn't have time to look for the perfect retirement gift.

Some other ideal gifts for any co-worker who is about to retire are engraved gifts that emboss the retiree's name and dates of service, a vacation getaway, tickets to a sporting event or concert, a membership to a gym or club or a gift certificate for a massage or a day at a spa to relax and unwind.

Whatever retirement gift you choose, make it a fun and enjoyable treat for your retiree to enjoy during their much deserved free time.

To find the perfect gift, you should take the time to look around in the shops near your home or go online to browse. A retirement gift can be personalized to create a unique present in accordance with your retiree's particular tastes.

In today's fast-paced world, when hardly anyone has enough time to spend shopping from one store to another, online stores do offer a perfect way to get a great selection, right at your fingertips.

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Fun And Memorable Retirement Gift Ideas

Retirement is a time of transition and new beginnings for the person who has worked their entire life. When considering retirement gift ideas, you have a chance to make their present fun and memorable.

Although their employer or corporation will be giving them a gift as well, your gift can have that personal touch that a company gift just won't have.

That is why you should choose a retiree gift that is a bit more personal. Picture frames with photos of the retiree and his or her co-workers, photo albums filled with pictures and bar ware or decanter sets can all be personalized for a thoughtful and special touch.

What is great about any of these retirement gift ideas is that all of them can easily be used and displayed for many years to come.

As you can see, retirement gifts don't have to be meaningless; they can be something that is both memorable and cherished. Gifts that give the retiree something to look forward to and also fit into their lifestyle are the best retirement gifts you can choose.

These retirement gift ideas are not only appropriate, but can also help the retiree in their pursuit of other interests and hobbies outside of the workplace, while showing appreciation for all their hard work.

To read more Fun And Memorable Retirement Gift Ideas

Better Ideas For Retirement Gifts

When looking for a unique retirement gift, it is important to reflect on the retiree's hobbies, interests and favorite pastimes before you decide on an item to purchase.

Of course a trophy or a plaque engraved with the recipient's name and dates of service is a nice way to commemorate the many years of excellent service this person has provided to his or her employer, but remember, those are the kind of retirement gifts that companies give.

As retirement gifts go, the classic watch is a popular way to say thanks for your time and effort. Of course a watch isn't the most original of retiree gifts, but it is one that will be appreciated and used for years to come.

A high-quality watch lets a person know that you truly appreciate all their dedication. It is also a very practical gift that almost anyone would enjoy. If you do decide to give a watch as a retirement gift, remember that it's critical that you don't choose one that is too inexpensive. Nothing communicates negative feelings quite like a watch that stops working after a few weeks.

To celebrate and honor retirees, give them retirement gifts that show you have thought about their interests and hobbies and chosen something exclusively for them.

Consider for a moment how much they have helped and encouraged you in your life and choose a gift that represents your admiration for them. If you do that, then your gift will always be cherished.

To read more Better Ideas For Retirement Gifts

Tips And Ideas For Planning A Reunion

As you begin learning how to organize a family reunion, keep in mind that things can get stressful and overwhelming if you can't delegate tasks to others and keep it simple. Don't be afraid to get help organizing your family reunion.

It's this planning together that adds to the bonding experience of the event, after all. Naturally, the first step in planning a reunion is to find out who is invited, who is willing to help and whose addresses you'll need to track down. Once you have the guest list squared away, you'll be well on your way to arranging a memorable gathering.

The best starting point for planning a reunion is to send a general letter out to family members, letting them know that a reunion is in the works. In this letter, you can ask for volunteers, include possible dates, propose a reunion type, ask for suggestions on a general location and inquire for family reunion ideas regarding activities or theme.

As with any invitation, politely request a timely response, so your letter doesn't get shuffled away with other paperwork. You may want to set up a personalized family reunion website at www.myfamily.com to send with the letter and keep tech-savvy relatives up-to-date with the planning procedures.

Planning a reunion can get complicated when you get to budgeting. While a family reunion cruise or stay in a villa may be within range for you, it will exclude family members with lower incomes.

You may also find that even the "simplest" of gatherings -- the one at someone's home -- can turn into a huge expense bill once you add up all the food and the drinks. Hopefully you sent out those surveys and got a sense of what people could afford.

There are many ways to budget a less elaborate party. Some hosts charge each family member $10 or $20 to cover the family reunion location cost or ask that everyone "bring a dish."

There are many intricacies when planning a family reunion, but you'll find the end result is worth the effort.

To read more Tips And Ideas For Planning A Reunion

Personalized Gift Ideas For Family Reunion

Once you've read a few family reunion tips and ideas online, you may come to the conclusion that giving gifts and precious mementos is something you'd like to do this year to show your love and gratitude.

Just about any product can be labeled with your family name these days, like calendars, mouse pads, clothing, writing utensils, candies, candles and more. Or maybe you would like to put a family quote, emblazon family photos onto something useful or provide a sentimental commemorative gift to one of the family heads. There are many ideas for family reunion gift giving if you know where to look.

There are a number of ideas for family reunion favors at www.cool-party-favors.com/family-reunion-favors.html, which may spark your interest. This family reunion website is full of gifts you can buy in bulk and give to everyone.

For instance, you can offer treasures such as glass photo coasters ($1.89), personalized apothecary jars ($1.59), photo albums ($3), carabiner key rings ($2.75), grippy socks ($4), family reunion photo mint tins ($2.50), personalized mini coolers ($3.79), and custom playing cards ($1.77).

You don't have to spend a fortune to get the perfect, personalized family reunion gift. If you would like to save money, you can order just a few items to be doled out as awards (for "the oldest surviving family member," for instance) or to be given as a prize for winning a game.

Do you have a family that loves games? Well, another one of the coolest ideas for family reunion events is ordering a custom Monopoly board! You can personalize your board at www.mymonopoly.com, writing your name in the center of the board, choosing the names of all street names and special spaces and selecting your own customized theme.

This tailored game sells for $79.99 and takes about a month to make and ship. Fun family reunions combine thoughtful gifts, engaging activities, good food and even better company for the perfect event.

To read more Personalized Gift Ideas For Family Reunion

Better Tips And Ideas For A Retirement Gift For Her

Although there are a ton of choices out there when considering a retirement gift for her, it is still quite tricky to find personal gifts for a woman who may seem to have everything. If you happen to be dealing with such a recipient, then you might be asking yourself lots of questions.

What item should you buy? Will she enjoy the gift? Does she already have one just like it or something very similar? These are just a few questions that will no doubt be running through your mind.

Travel packages are quite a popular retirement gift for her. A gift of travel is one of the most appreciated retiree gifts you can give to someone.

A travel package can include sending her on a weekend getaway, where she can relax and enjoy beautiful surroundings. You can find travel offers and packages online or at your nearest travel agent.

Beautifully scented body products can make a perfect gift for a woman who would like to decompress her stressed and over-worked body after years of hard work at the office.

Whether you choose a day at the spa or an engraved item, don't forget that the more information you have, the easier it will be for you to choose a retirement gift for her.

To read more Better Tips And Ideas For A Retirement Gift For Her

Adventurous Couples Escaping With Honeymoon Vacations

Bill Fischer, founder of Fischer Travel in New York, says that honeymoon vacations are getting more and more extravagant. "We just finished planning a four-month honeymoon all over the world for a couple," he explains.

"They're going to Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand and India. The bride had her sister come over for three weeks, now her parents are there and her in-laws are meeting them in China."

He says that many couples come to travel agents for their romantic travel needs -- whether it is a castle, a villa or an island destination. Here are some of the latest honeymoon trends to consider.

Many couples are looking to stay in a "home away from home" on their honeymoon vacations, which is why the Private Villa romantic vacation idea is picking up steam. Couples can choose from a country cottage to a beach rental to a luxurious mansion.

While these exclusive rentals often cost a pretty penny, many people feel it is totally worth it to be left alone for their whole honeymoon, while still receiving the best treatment from personal butlers, chefs, housekeepers and masseuses.

Popular romantic destinations include Amanyara in Turks and Caicos (www.amanresorts.com), Cotton Bay Villas in the Bahamas (www.discovercottonbay.com) and the Ritz-Carlton in Bali (www.ritzcarlton.com). For a more comprehensive listing of 1,600 villas, visit www.wimco.com.

Some couples who feel indecisive or who don't travel much may want to plan "country hopping" honeymoon vacations. This is ideal for people who like a blend of old world and new world, of beach and city, of culture and pampering.

One possible itinerary is to begin in metropolitan Dubai, then fly five hours to sandy beaches in The Maldives. Couples can also visit romantic destinations like Sicily (Italy), Athens (Greece) and Crete (Greece) on a Mediterranean cruise.

In the Caribbean, couples can experience the nightlife of Antigua and the wildlife of Dominica. In Europe, cheap airfare can be found at www.ryanair.com and www.easyjet.com.

To read more Adventurous Couples Escaping With Honeymoon Vacations

Escaping Together For PA Romantic Vacations

Some couples prefer a beach vacation for their romantic getaway, sprawled amid dozens of tanned bodies, sipping Piña Coladas and engaging in water activities. Others like a more rustic camping experience nestled in the mountains and natural woodland settings, yet not far from all the big city amenities.

The Poconos is undoubtedly the best of PA romantic vacations, although there are many other vacation ideas within this wonderfully historic state.

There are many PA romantic vacations to choose from. In the Southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, you'll find the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, which includes the counties of Bedford, Somerset, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Green, Huntingdon, Indiana and Westmoreland.

Here you'll find colonial architecture, historic villages, museums, mountain drives, Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater" home, whitewater rapids and caverns in this romantic destination. You can sleep in a historic inn, a cozy bed and breakfast, a woodsy cabin, a Jacuzzi suite or a chateau-style hotel.

PA romantic vacations are ideal for people living in the surrounding states because they can just hop in the car and go on a lovely road trip, rather than worrying about flying somewhere. Pennsylvania has been known as "the keystone state" because of its close proximity to the other original colonies.

Here you will find the country's first zoo -- the Philadelphia Zoo -- and some of the finest museums in the nation, including the Carnegie Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Houdini Museum. There is much to see and do on romantic weekends in Pennsylvania, no matter which part you choose to visit.

To read more Escaping Together For PA Romantic Vacations

Honeymoon Vacation Paradise In The Caribbean

On your honeymoon vacation, there will be some activities that are obviously romantic, like soaking in mineral hot springs, enjoying a fine five-course dinner or walking hand-in-hand on the beach.

Yet, when you're in love and honeymooning, every new experience can be transformed into a magical bonding adventure. Even if you've traveled to some of these romantic vacation destinations before, there's nothing like seeing them through the eyes of a loved one who has never been there before.

Whether you're zip-lining through tree canopies, snorkeling the coral reefs or touring a banana plantation, love and intrigue awaits you on the Caribbean Islands.

Once you gaze upon the island peaks of St. Lucia, you'll see why it's been dubbed "Helen of the West Indies." Even though honeymooners frequent the island, 19,000 acres are protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest, so you'll see unspoiled territories and dense tropical foliage.

The capital city of Castries is within walking distance from your port stop in Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine. Avid shoppers will enjoy duty-free shopping, local crafts markets, farmer's markets and souvenir shops. The white, relaxing sands of Choc Beach is a 20 minute cab ride away, although Pigeon Beach is preferred for visitors who love museums, restaurants, water sports and other amenities.

Anse des Pitons is a fantastic beach for snorkeling and diving. Gros Islet offers countryside and beach horseback riding, which can be part of romantic vacation packages.

Another romantic travel option is to take a bus, rental car or cab to the south, where you'll see the former French colonial capital, Soufrie's drive-in volcano and sulfur pools, as well as the Diamond Botanical Gardens. Adventurous types can trek through the rainforest, uncover hidden waterfalls and snorkel amid sunken ships in Anse Cochon.

Bonaire is a strange sort of honeymoon vacation paradise. Tall cacti line the plateaus, earning the island the nickname "Arizona By The Sea." If you're lucky, you'll also catch a glimpse of shy flamingos, gray donkeys and wild horses that inhabit the island.

Bonaire is much more laid-back than flashy Aruba, with all its casinos and parties. Instead, the people of Bonaire invite you to take a dive into their more than 86 dive spots at Bonaire National Marine Park or interact with reef animals at Touch By the Sea.

You can visit a Donkey Sanctuary; ride horses to mangroves, flamingos and ocean waters; go deep sea fishing with Captain Chris Morkos; windsurf at Lac Bay Beach; snag a romantic island vacation meal at Zeezicht; visit the historic slave village of Rincon; and take a two-hour tour through Goto Meer and Goto Lake for flamingo and cactus viewing.

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Planning Ideas For A Romantic Getaway

The palm trees sway in the oceanic breeze, as the scent of fresh sea salt, pineapple juice and Jamaican Jerk chicken wafts through the air. There is not a single cloud in the cerulean sky and it seems there are no impurities in the soft powdery sand.

Looking over to your left, you see your lover, entranced by the lush surroundings that can only be described as "paradise." The sound of steel drums plays some distance away and this romantic vacation lifts your spirits far from hectic work tasks and far from the stress of achieving countless goals you've set for yourself. Isn't it about time you planned a romantic getaway?

Grand Lido (www.superclubs.com) is another popular name in romantic resorts. SuperClubs owns the Grand Lido franchise, as well the all-inclusive Breezes, Hedonism, Starfish and Rooms On The Beach. Grand Lido is their ultra-luxury brand, with resorts in Braco and Negril, Jamaica.

Once you pay one price, you'll receive all meals and snacks, all drinks from juice and sodas to top-shelf premium brands, all entertainment, all tips and gratuities, room costs, airfare fees and transfers, land sport rentals (for tennis, beach volleyball, flying trapeze, rock climbing walls, fitness center equipment, golf) and water sport rentals (scuba gear, snorkeling gear, kayaks, sail boats).

They also offer CD players in every room, free wedding vow renewals and piano bars that stay open late.

No matter which romantic getaway you choose, there will be no unpleasant surprises. You can take an effortless vacation, without worrying about bills, tips, gratuities, activity fees and currency exchange.

Before you make your decision, narrow down your choices and read traveler reviews of each romantic destination you find interesting. Was the food as good as they say? Were there any surprise charges?

How were the shows? Which rooms were most luxurious? Often the location of these resorts means little because you will spend most of your time on the private beach, in your plush room and enjoying all that the inclusive facility offers.

To read more Planning Ideas For A Romantic Getaway

Escaping Together For A Romantic Honeymoon

Romantic honeymoon destinations often depend upon the time of year one gets married. After all, the last place you want to find yourselves is in the middle of a hurricane evacuation! To a lesser extent, it would also be dismaying to pack a suitcase full of summer clothes, only to find that your chosen location is unexpectedly chilly at that time of year.

Whether you're planning your romantic travel for January or July, there is perfect weather awaiting you somewhere in the world.

You're snowbirds, what can you say? Your bridesmaids may have frowned when you informed them this December they'd be wearing sheer dresses and boots rather than heels, but this is your dream wedding.

There's something so tranquil about this time of year, with the snow lightly falling and white blanketing the world, causing you and your darling to huddle closer together. Yet, for your romantic honeymoon, you want to get away from the weather for a spell.

Las Vegas is the ideal romantic weekend in December. The cheapest time to visit is the weeks before Christmas and Sundays through Thursdays. You needn't gamble all your savings away.

Instead, you can stay off the strip at the brand new Platinum Hotel and Spa, where you'll enjoy Swiss showers, couples massages and plush suite amenities. If you're the adventurous types, why not try skydiving over Vegas from www.vegasextremeskydiving.com?

Come May, you can take a romantic honeymoon to the Greek Islands. This month is ideal for a Greek island vacation because it's a month before their high season and tourists are fewer.

The Katikies Hotel (www.katikies.com) looks down over blue waters and boasts a romantic atmosphere with its infinity pools, winding staircases, terraces and antiques. This romantic resort is also world renowned for their White Cave Restaurant, which is actually located inside a seaside cave.

Since there are only three tables there, you'll need to book your reservation in advance. With ancient architecture and Old World charm, you'll fall in love all over again on the Greek Islands.

To read more Escaping Together For A Romantic Honeymoon

Time To Relax Together With A Romantic Honeymoon Vacation

"Most couples are looking for a place that is obviously romantic, but also a place to create memories," explains celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss. "After all, for most couples this can be their first real trip together."

For a romantic honeymoon vacation, she often recommends romantic resorts like One & Only Palmilla in Mexico and Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. It's not unusual for couples to consider romantic accommodations over romantic destinations, she says, since so much time will likely be spent in the room and on the resort property, just enjoying each other's company and a bit of quiet after a harried wedding.

Service is a definitive factor for a romantic honeymoon vacation suite. "Couples are very aware of whether the hotel staff 'get them' and are turned on to how much attention or privacy they need," explains Anne Morgan Scully of McCabe World Travel.

Many of the most romantic resorts offer round-the-clock butler service, she adds. To offer greater seclusion and privacy, a number of resorts offer stand-alone villas with beach access from their terraces (like Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos), suites separated from the rest of the resort with private entrances (like Palacio Duhau in Buenos Aires) and exclusive over-water beach bungalows (like Four Seasons in Bora Bora).

Choosing the right romantic honeymoon vacation involves checking the weather, the hurricane seasons, the tourist traffic and the romance level of different destinations. Some places are always hot, says Susan Moynihan, the Editor in Chief of Destination Weddings.

Hotel de Crillon in Paris, France offers romantic views of Place de la Concorde and packages with flowers, champagne and custom cocktails. Halekulani in Hawaii lavishes newlyweds with a bridal suite designed by designer Vera Wang, as well as access to Vera Wang bath products, flowers, china, glassware, movies and a romantic travel package that includes meals and other freebies.

The One & Only Palmilla in Mexico offers private yoga classes and couples massages in a private seaside cabana. Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos delivers half-days of spa pampering in the Spa Cottage, along with a private dinner. The best romantic resorts go the extra mile to see that their guests are lavished with attention and special perks.

To read more Time To Relax Together With A Romantic Honeymoon Vacation

Couples Reducing Costs With A Romantic Vacation Package

Americans in general may be experiencing financial difficulties caused by the recession, but it's not affecting romantic luxury vacations, experts say. "People are generally going to take the holiday that they want," says Darren Noel, commercial director of www.hitched.co.uk.

"More and more places are accessible -- like Mauritius, Seychelles and the Caribbean," he adds. By budgeting, planning a year in advance and possibly postponing the holiday, couples are able to save for the more exotic hotspots they crave. Of course, there are many other ways to save on a romantic vacation package as well.

Couples who feel they may have trouble financing the romantic vacation package of their dreams can find help from family and friends. "There are a lot more honeymoon registries these days," says Kyle Brown, executive director of the Bridal Association of America.

Honeymoon registries are popular for first-time newlyweds who may not have as much savings and also for couples who are getting re-married, since they don't need all the home goods.

Honeymoon registries (like those found at www.sendusoff.com or www.honeymoonwishes.com) allow guests to give gifts like suite upgrades, romantic dinners, traveler's checks or cruise shore excursions to make romantic travel more affordable for the bride and groom.

Couples who are booking a cruise can often set up a gift registry right through their cruise line's website as well. Wedding guests often like this thoughtful type of gift purchase, which is ideal for couples who already have everything they need.

Couples can also get amazing bargains on a romantic vacation package if it's booked alongside a destination wedding. Hotel chains like Sandals and Palace Resorts offer complimentary weddings when the newlyweds agree to stay at the hotel for the honeymoon.

A seven-night stay for the couple and two guests at one of Sandal's 12 Caribbean properties will cost around $3,500 to $5,000. This price does not include airfare, but includes all meals, premium drinks, activities and rooms.

For more information on booking a destination wedding visit >www.sandals.com or www.palaceresorts.com.

To read more Couples Reducing Costs With A Romantic Vacation Package

Showing Your Thoughts With An Idea For Family Reunion Invitation

If you're planning your first inter-generational gathering, then you'll want to come up with a unique idea for family reunion invitations. After all, this invitation will be your first link to family members you may not have spoken to in awhile.

In that simple card and envelope, you need to inspire some of your faraway relatives to buy a plane ticket or take a long road trip to this worthwhile event. You want the family reunion to look organized, fun, important and enticing. While you could save a few bucks by printing out your own ragtag invites, you may want to consider some of these more innovative family reunion ideas.

Another creative idea for family reunion invites is to make a family calendar, with the date of the next reunion printed on it. If you choose this sneaky route, be sure you stick a post-it note to the cover, hinting to look very closely at the month of the reunion, so they don't miss it!

Creating a family reunion memories calendar is ideal for families who have had many gatherings in the past because you can use photos of past reunions for each month, which your family members will just love!

A good place to go for your family calendar needs is FedEx/Kinkos, which does 12-month calendars for $19.99 or 18-month calendars for $24.99 a piece. They allow you to use different photos for each month, so you can really pack a lot of memories in.

As the family reunion planner, you may be concerned about getting a tally for attendees at your big event. One idea for family reunion response eliciting is to use online invitations from a family reunion web site like www.purpletrail.com.

This website will let respondents RSVP with the click of a button, making the process as easy as reading the invite itself. They'll also be able to see who else has responded (which sometimes ups the count too), leave notes, announce what they'll be bringing and view other updated details about the party.

Best yet, the website also has built-in features like "Request a Response" and "Send a Reminder," which can automatically zing out additional emails to family members as the date draws near.

To read more Showing Your Thoughts With An Idea For Family Reunion Invitation

Tips And Ideas For Dealing With A Breakup

Dealing with a breakup can be a rather emotional time, when you need to start again. You can start by dating new people. You can take the long way and hope to meet new dates at social events, nightclubs and all night bars. The other option, is to find dates much quicker by going online and become a member of several dating sites.

From the comfort of your own home, you can go online and visit several dating sites. The really good sites have many dating resources, like online chat, live web cams, dating profiles of potential dates and many other dating facilities. Most of these dating sites charge a membership fee and you will find they are worth the cost.

Some dating sites are free, but have very limited resources and may not be as useful as the sites with many more dating resources. You may try out one or two free sites, just to gain experience with online dating and then look at joining better dating sites.

Dating sites have many resources you can use to meet new dates. There are online chatting facilities, live web cam dating and exchange emails. You can also place your dating profile on these dating sites, so that potential dates can contact you. You can also browse through the dating profiles to find appealing dates.

You can meet all these potential dates, from the comfort of your own home, just by online dating. These are some of the many options when you are dealing with a breakup and need to start again.

To read more Tips And Ideas For Dealing With A Breakup

Creating Lasting Memories With Family Reunions

You might look at the $1,000 price-tag of some rentals for family reunions and instinctively say, "No way!" However, if you really think about it, what's $10 to $20 per person to have amazing entertainment at your event that creates lasting family reunion memories?

Some families ask everyone to bring an old item lying around the house to auction or raffle off at their reunions, which is a good way to drum up money for next year's reunion rentals.

You could rent a game show, a murder mystery acting troupe, a karaoke machine or a bounce house, for instance. Here are some family reunion tips and ideas to get you started.

Sumo suits can be a blast at family reunions. For about $375/weekend, you could rent an inflatable sumo wrestler suit to liven up the party. Do you have that one cousin you've secretly always wanted to battle?

Imagine grappling in a ridiculous-looking sumo suit for supremacy! This is one of the family reunion activities that can even get teenagers involved. If you plan this family reunion rental, then make sure someone has a camera handy to capture all those family reunion memories! For more information on ordering and shipping, visit www.sumonationwide.com.

When you send out your family reunion invitation itineraries, you may want to let everyone know about what you've booked to get them excited! Let them know that you've taken the time to creatively plan family reunion activities, games and events for both kids and adults to enjoy.

If you've had trouble reeling in far-away folks in the past, you'll no longer have a hard time when you consider rentals for family reunions!

To read more Creating Lasting Memories With Family Reunions

Planning Family Reunion Festivities For A Night To Remember

Often times we collect so much junk lying around the house, it's crazy. So, when planning family reunion festivities, why not ask each family member to bring one special item to auction or raffle off?

Perhaps it's an antique piece of furniture that's just been collecting dust, a piece of old jewelry, a knick-knack, baked goods or an article of clothing that no longer fits.

The proceeds can then go toward organizing future family reunions, which will take some of the stress off the family reunion planner. With a little creativity, your family reunion can be the best it's ever been.

Planning family reunion events can encourage friendly competition and be a rite-of-initiation for new spouses, boyfriends and coming-of-age teens. Active outdoor games like football or volleyball are great for younger and middle aged family member bonding, while they also entertain the older family members who get to cheer from the sidelines.

An excellent game for family members of all ages is a water balloon toss. To play, you simply fill up water balloons and have your relatives form two lines across from one another. Simultaneously, each partner tosses the balloon to their cohort. If the cohorts catch the balloons, then everyone moves one step back.

If a family member drops the balloon, both individuals are eliminated. This continues on until only two family members remain the victors! These outdoor activities make fun family reunions the best they can be.

Planning family reunion festivities sometimes requires a bit of forethought. For instance, when you send out the family reunion invitations, you could ask each family member to bring a baby picture with them to the gathering.

You can then assemble all the pictures on a bulletin board, next to a corresponding number. Then you can pass out numbered sheets of paper and have the other family members try to guess who is who.

The person who guesses the most correct wins! Sometimes the game will be funny because the current set of babies will be obvious guesses! Some of the older family members may have such antique-looking photos, they'll be easier to guess too, but some of the middle-aged family members may be a real mystery.

It's always fun to see what photos people feel best represents themselves too.

To read more Planning Family Reunion Festivities For A Night To Remember

Find Your Next Date With A Totally Free Online Dating Site

Totally free online dating site is available for those who wish to take advantage of free dating services. Many of these sites may offer chatting, webcam and dating profiles of singles in your area.

Some of these dating sites offer free services with limited facilities. If you wish to take advantage of more and better dating resources, then you have to pay a membership fee.

If you find the limited resources of free sites rather restrictive and of limited usefulness,then you should consider taking advantage of better dating facilities, to help you find better dates online.

There are many advantages of using dating websites. You can go online anytime. You do not have to wait for the weekend to come around, or to attend a range of social events in order to find your next date.

Some of the paid membership sites offer the option of a free site with limited resources. You can try out one of these sites and if you find you are happy with these sites, then you can take advantage of the additional facilities with a paid membership.

To read more Find Your Next Date With A Totally Free Online Dating Site

Escaping Together With Romantic Getaway Packages

Romantic getaway packages can be found online including travel agency websites. If your plan is to spend a few days together, escaping from the daily grind of work, social and family pressures, then spending time together may be your best option. Sometimes, a weekend together, is enough to regenerate the love for each other.

You do not need to spend a small fortune just to spend a few days together. Look, you can be pampered with five star accommodation, all night room service with spa and beauty treatments or take the more affordable option by taking a road trip to a place outside your home town and stay the weekend at a bed and breakfast.

Another option is to search Google maps and find locations you want to travel and find out about the accommodation options in the area. Then you can find out the prices by visiting the websites of relevant locations and make all your bookings before you leave for your road trip.

This way, you will have created your own romantic getaway packages.

To read more Escaping Together With Romantic Getaway Packages

Organizing Reunions With Reunion Planning Software

If you're a seasoned reunion planning pro, then you won't need to get help organizing your family reunion from a software program. However, if you're new at the game, then a few well-organized checklists, address books, surveys and budget calculators would be a world of help.

Sometimes you may catch yourself feeling stressed for no good reason. Likely it's just that you need to take a moment, sit down, collect your thoughts and make a few lists. There are several different family reunion software packages to choose from.

Other features of the $29.95 Family Reunion Organizer reunion planning software allows you to plan family reunion vacations or select an appropriate reunion location, whether it is a cruise ship, a park, a backyard, a VFW post, a restaurant or another venue.

You'll get advice on making reservations and creating maps for out-of-town relatives. Creating reunion invitations is easy, given all the information contained in the software program. You can print and mail invitations or use the program to create a custom family reunion web page for you to alert family members of your plans.

There are also budget calculators, shopping list templates, expense tracking forms, committee delegation listing, fundraising suggestions and activity planning suggestions.

Another alternative to reunion planning software is to simply create your own lists in MS Word or spreadsheets in Excel. Of course, you can't be sure you're covering all bases necessarily.

You won't need these programs if you're just having a simple family gathering, per say, but if you're interested in preserving your family history, learning as much as you can about other family members and gathering the tools to be more committed to remembering birthdays and staying in touch, then you will find this tool to be a great asset.

To read more Organizing Reunions With Reunion Planning Software

Creating Memories With Family Reunion Planning

Family reunion planning can be as extravagant or as simple as you want it to be. Some families plan dinners at the house or picnics at the park, while other families prefer staying at all-inclusive resorts and taking family reunion vacations together.

Any way you look at it, memories will be created, whether you burned that peach cobbler or not! So there's no use stressing out over the minute details. Yet you may be thinking that is easier said than done, so here are some tips for organizing a stress-free and fun reunion.

To avoid the stress of family reunion planning, some families choose to go on a reunion vacation that is arranged by a travel agent. For as low as $98/night, you could take a Vermont family reunion vacation at Tyler Place resort (www.tylerplace.com).

For $119/night, a family of four can rent a cabin at the YMCA campground in the Rocky Mountains (www.ymcarockies.org). For $179/person, a family of four could stay four nights at the Atlantis family reunion resort in the Bahamas.

"Over the past few years, we have seen a marked change in the numbers of large family groups traveling together," says Lauren Snyder, CMO, Atlantis Paradise Island Resorts. "As a result, we've upgraded our connecting rooms and created a Family Olympics program for large groups, including events on the beach and trophies for the winning team." As you can see, there are many options for your group to travel at affordable prices.

The most important thing to remember is that family reunion planning should be fun. The key to a stress-free family reunion is to plan well in advance, thus giving yourself enough time to get everything done.

Before you mail out family reunion invitations, send out a survey asking family members to number their top 3 choices (out of a list you've compiled) for an upcoming gathering. On the list, you could write family reunion ideas like someone's home, a Carnival Cruise, a mountain cabin, national park, YMCA park, banquet hall, restaurant, or an all-inclusive resort.

Be sure to do a little research and come up with price quotes and specific places so you can help family members select something in their budget. There are limitless possibilities, but you want as many kin to attend as possible, so it's important to survey before you book.

You can't please everyone, but at least you'll arrive at a general consensus.

To read more Creating Memories With Family Reunion Planning

Tips For Planning A Family Reunion

Organizing a family reunion is a lot of work, with the cooking, cleaning, supervising kids, finding sleeping arrangements for all relatives and deciding upon transportation. For these reasons, many far-flung families are deciding to meet at sea, where gourmet meals are covered and planned activities make the gathering more memorable than ever!

There are activities suitable for everyone on a cruise and the neutral territory will prevent anyone from feeling like they're "intruding" upon another family's space. A family reunion cruise can be easily arranged through a travel agency or a company like World Voyager Vacations.

The best way to plan a destination family reunion is to stick to the basics and not over-stress. Focus on the cruise line and family reunion location. Be sure the cruise line knows you're planning to make this a reunion and travel together. Don't worry about shore excursions, dining times or other minute details beforehand.

It's best to see what everyone is up for when the time comes, but you could email everyone with updates and details to get them excited, such as which shore excursions are available, which port stops are on the itinerary and when family members must book by to receive the promotional rates. Not surprisingly, a lot of planners go with a travel agent to get the best deals.

When choosing a cruise line for your next family reunion, try to find a ship line that specializes in family reunion vacations. For instance, Royal Caribbean offers VIP room amenities, rock wall climbing sessions, on-board family scavenger hunts, a reunion trivia challenge, door decorations and personalized cakes.

Disney Cruise Line's family package includes personalized t-shirts and commemorative certificates. Carnival offers complimentary champagne and chocolates or private cocktail parties for groups of 8 or more.

Holland America's family reunion program (for five or more rooms) gives guests a family photo, a 20-punch beverage card and one of the following: a choice of dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, free snorkel rental, free swim mat rental, or free banana boat rides on Half Moon Cay. For families booking ten or more rooms, the family patriarch gets an upgrade from a stateroom to a veranda.

To read more Tips For Planning A Family Reunion

Showing Your Gratitude With A Wedding Party Favor

Of all the guests that attend your wedding this year, none are as prized as your intimate wedding party. These are the men and women you and your fiancé have specially chosen to stand up and be a part of your special day. Some of these people have probably been friends since childhood.

Some of them are also probably close family members like siblings or cousins. These are people who respect and value this new life you're creating and who will stand by you always.

That being said, it can be pretty tricky selecting the right wedding party favor to show your gratitude for their friendship. Wedding gifts for this party should be thoughtful, slightly more expensive and personalized than the other guests' gifts.

For the groom's men, you may want to go classy and select engraved cufflinks from www.groomstand.com for $18-$50. Along this vein, you can also select personalized sports watches, pocket watches or business card holders to impress your classy friends.

Visit www.mygroomsmengifts.com for more details. Or, another option is go the drinker's route by choosing personalized wedding gifts like a monogrammed flask, beer mug or pub sign, which can be found at www.weddingfavorsunlimited.com.

Home Wet Bar (www.homewetbar.com, $60) also offers little travel bar sets that allow you to transport your favorite cognac, whiskey or brandy in a leather case with glasses, a 10 ounce flask, a funnel and two matching coasters.

The wine-themed wedding party favor is a big hit among both men and women. You can create your own customized wine bottles at www.customwinesource.com, which can be a relaxing treat after the hustle and bustle of a busy wedding. Other interesting items include wine carrying bags (www.thingsfestive.weddingstar.com, $27.98), wine stopper/bottle opener sets (www.thingsfestive.weddingstar.com, $17.98), a wine collar/stopper/pouring spout set (www.brookstone.com, $25), wine and chocolate or wine sampler sets (www.wine.com, $40-$80) and personalized wine glasses (www.engravedgiftcreations.com, $14.99).

At www.wealthwood.com, you'll find a number of unique wine wedding favor ideas, such as personalized wine holders, wine carrier totes, wine coolers, leather carriers, bottle bags and more.

To read more Showing Your Gratitude With A Wedding Party Favor

Better Ideas For Destination Wedding Favors

Having a destination wedding can be very rewarding for the bride and groom, who probably have always dreamt of a far-off, idyllic beach wedding. Yet, for friends and family members, this forced vacation may be slightly outside their comfort zones.

For this reason, many brides and grooms make up special "welcome baskets" that are held at the hotel where their guests are staying to ensure that they feel comfortable. Inside the personalized favor bags they'll find homemade treats, snacks, bottled water or champagne, mints, scented candles, tissues, soaps, guide maps of the local area and other essentials.

In addition to these welcome baskets, the bride and groom will also have to decide on themed wedding favors that further reflect their personality and interests.

Drinks are popular wedding favors, no matter which theme you have. For instance, a Victorian themed wedding might package up coffee and tea in tulle, pearls and vintage wrap.

Tropical destination weddings often feature pouches of cocktail mixes that may include margaritas, cosmopolitans or pina coladas. Asian themed weddings naturally lend themselves to tea favor/party supplies.

All of these special themed items could be given out for less than $1 each but if wrapped thoughtfully, the sentimentality can still make your guests feel appreciated.

Many couples opt to purchase wedding favors upon their arrival at the destination to save the stress of packing them. Often times, local companies include unique wedding favors right in the destination wedding package to make it more convenient for their clients.

If you are packing your own favors, avoid glass and breakable items, as well as chocolate or anything with powder. If you're only having a few guests, it's not uncommon to skip the beach themed wedding favors altogether and simply dole out "thank-you" cards with gift cards or just pay for a post-wedding breakfast meal.

To read more Better Ideas For Destination Wedding Favors

Popular Wine Wedding Favor Ideas

Trend-setting party planners often recommend the wine wedding favor because it's so widely appealing, fits with many different themes and allows you the creativity to infuse your own personality, taste and interests into the gift.

For instance, you can design your own labels and tags, choose the variety of wine or choose a wine accessory, like a bottle opener, wine glass or bottle topper that fits with your unique wedding theme.

Wine favor ideas can range from $0.60 glass photo coasters and $1.95 themed bottle openers to $10 bottles of wine and $30 wine gift sets. No matter what your budget is, you will find unique party favors to make a lasting impression on your guests.

To find the best wedding favor wine labels, you can check out the classy selections at www.myownlabels.com. These labels range in cost, from 53 cents for 120 to 50 cents for 300. For an extra $25, you can add your own custom artwork if you'd like.

There are other quality sites to check for custom wine label wedding favor ideas, such as www.stoneycreekwinepress.com, www.suvinowinery.com or www.lightninglabels.com. If you don't mind printing your own labels from your home computer, you may want to play around with free computer software like SmartCode Studio Community Edition (www.soft411.com/company/TechnoRiver-Pte-Ltd/SmartCodeStudio-Community-Edition.htm) or LabelXP (www.bestvistadownloads.com/software/k-free-label-software-t-free-labelxp-download-hpiovtnk.html).

Custom wine aside, there are a number of wine-related wedding favor options for under $3. You can go for custom coasters in your wedding theme and personalize them with a photo insertion of your choice.

You can choose wine stoppers in love, beach, casino, vineyard, flower, fairytale, Asian or season themes. Wine pourers also make nice gifts that will keep your guest's table cloths clean when the wine is out in full force.

There are wine collars, coolers and other decorative items that can jazz up the table decor in the home. Some couples opt for personalized wedding favors that contain a sentimental quote, rather than their names and wedding date for a more enduring gift to remember.

To read more Popular Wine Wedding Favor Ideas

Creating Your Own Unique Wedding Party Favors

There are many benefits to making your own DIY wedding party favors. First, each one will be a personalized wedding favor your guests won't be able to find anywhere else. Each gift will be unique, with your own time and care put into it.

There is nothing more touching than a handmade gift! Secondly, you will also find that you can save a ton of money in merchandise costs and shipping by doing it yourself. Lastly, you will be able to involve family and friends who may be eager to help you out in some way, which can create a fun activity for all involved.

Just think of how impressed your guests will be when they realize you handmade all of the items yourself!

Practical wedding party favors are often as clever as they are useful. Today many eco-friendly couples are making their own seed packets to inspire their guests to plant their own gardens; these seeds can be housed in boxes, packets, buckets, tulle, satin pouches, tiny bags or mini-pots.

At www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com, you can get instructions to make your own decorative soaps. Visit www.soapandcandlemolds.com for a wide selection of excellent molds that will make your soap (or candle) look more professional than ever! Other practical and unique wedding favors include mini decorated notepads, photo coasters, personalized candles, bookmarks, key-chains, potpourri and bath salts.

One of the most important facets of homemade wedding party favors is the presentation. No matter what you're making, you'll likely need some sort of wrapper or container for the favor itself, as well as decorative tags or ribbons.

Containers and boxes are best found at craft stores, dollar stores and discount marts. Look for jars, baskets, bags, dishes, candle holders, pots, mugs or water cans. If you have a quality printer, then you can print custom tags yourself with your names and wedding date or a meaningful quote.

If your printer isn't that great, Kinkos will be able to print an order for you.

To read more Creating Your Own Unique Wedding Party Favors

Making An Effort With Personalized Favors

Personalized favors are still a relatively new idea, but they're gaining in popularity among many wedding parties.

For mere pennies, you can have your names and wedding date etched onto just about anything, such as boxes, wrappers, bars of soap, flasks, wine glasses, water bottles, lip balms, mint tins and more! You may also want to consider personalizing the wedding party's grooms men and bridesmaids favors too, although these gifts should be a little more expensive and thoughtful to show your appreciation for all they've helped you with. Here are some thoughtful favor ideas to help you get started.

For bridesmaids, useful personalized favors may include a mirrored compact. For $24.95, you can get personalized, silver-plated, purse-shaped compact mirrors at www.perfectwedding.com.

There is a large selection of personalized mirrored compacts at www.enchantedlantern.com for $30, that include pictures of cherubs, vintage beach wedding favors, western themes, Rosie the Riveter, Chat Noir and more.

Over at the unique independent merchant site, www.etsy.com, you can choose a monogrammed lighted compact for just $12 -- that is, if you don't fall in love with any of their other one-of-a-kind unique wedding favor designs first!

To save money, some people prefer to go with custom party favor boxes, rather than personalized favors. For instance, at www.favorsbyserendipity.com, you can personalize tuxedo and wedding dress favor boxes, which can be filled with breath mints, tea bags, cocktail drink mixes, coffee, hot chocolate, spices or your favorite candy.

These favor boxes can be purchased for $1-$3, depending on the design and can be stuffed for even less, making them one of the most cost-effective gift types. Often times these favors double in function, acting as a take-home souvenir and a placeholder!

To read more Making An Effort With Personalized Favors

Showing Your Personality With Unique Favors

The most unique favors are items that offer guests a glimpse into your personality, interests, tastes and favorites. One of the most interesting facets of a wedding is that guests can learn even more about you and your new spouse by looking at the decorations, the cake, your outfits, your theme and your color scheme.

The wedding reception party favor of your choice definitely plays into the finishing touches of your overall display. Your favors should complement the design, colors and concept you've already built upon with every other detail. The best favor ideas are items that can be reused or disposed of immediately, rather than little trinkets that will go to a garage sale later on.

Couples are finding new ways to put their own twist on the traditional chocolate wedding favor. Even though Godiva's Grace Yu says "Heart-shaped chocolates are the most popular," using creative presentation can re-invent this old favorite.

For instance, one couple filled gigantic white-chocolate hearts with the San Francisco couple's names written in dark chocolate. When the hearts were broken open, several chocolate truffles were found inside, much to the delight of the guests.

Another couple wrapped dark chocolates in gold foil and wrote place holder cards on them in calligraphy. There are also a number of party favor boxes to house your unique favors.

There are many ways to present your unique favors. You can choose an inexpensive item and dress it up with lavish trim. For instance, you can buy decorative party favor boxes that match your theme for under $1. Or you may use a plain box and slap on a personalized sticker to add personality.

Typing picot-edged ribbon with mini wedding bells adds a finished look. Lining a box with colored tissue paper and securing the top with a charm leaves a lasting impression. Mini Chinese takeout boxes are gaining a lot of popularity, especially with Asian-themed weddings.

With proper presentation, even the smallest gesture can be breathtaking and clever.

To read more Showing Your Personality With Unique Favors

Thanking Your Guests With Personalized Bridal Shower Favors

Personalized bridal shower favors are a cute way to say "Thank You" to the guests who have spent time and money to arrive at the shower. One needn't spend a small fortune on these gifts, but some thought should definitely be put into it.

First, planners should ask themselves some questions. Is there a theme for the wedding shower? If so, this can help with favor ideas. Secondly, would guests prefer edible, practical or pampering gifts?

Keep in mind that many guests appreciate useful items they can use in the kitchen or toiletry items they may not want to splurge on for themselves. Adding a custom logo is a great reminder of this special occasion.

Another great angle for personalized bridal shower favors is photo coasters. Not only is this a practical gift for home entertainers, but it's also one of the many personalized shower favors that is sure to impress guests.

You can put photos of the bride when she was a little girl or photos of the bride and the husband-to-be. The frosted glass coasters sell for as low as $1.20 and serve as one of the more elegant, wedding shower favors you can select.

Similarly, there is a pink polka dot purse-sized photo album that your guests may also appreciate. For an extra 35 cents, you can have personalized stickers put on the album's spine to add a custom finish.

Another place to look for personalized favor ideas is www.favoraffair.com. "Smooches" personalized lip balm comes in an attractively designed tube and smells like sugar cookies for just $1.25!

They also have personalized bridal shower favors like a set of little glass jars that can be really useful in the kitchen for as low as $1.50 per item. One of their cutest items is the "Perfect Blend" coffee bridal shower party favor, which comes with a heart shaped measuring spoon and bag of gourmet coffee in a tuxedo or wedding dress package for $3.99 each.

The glycerin soap frog prince, with a tag reading "At last She Found Her Prince" followed by the bride and groom names and date is another hot seller for $3.75 each.

To read more Thanking Your Guests With Personalized Bridal Shower Favors

Party Favors For All Your Guests

To the modern party planner, the party favors are so much more than "something cheap to grab from the Dollar Store." Birthday favors, wedding favors and themed favors can, in essence, become an extension of the host's personality and a clever way to reinforce the party's overall concept.

In fact, the reason why many of the best party planners choose themes is to make it easier for deciding on guest gifts, games and food. No matter what kind of party is being planned, online stores should be the first place a party planner goes to because the deals are generally much better than in brick and mortar stores.

One trend in birthday party favors is the functional item that can be refilled and reused again and again. For instance, one of the top selling party favors on www.beau-coup.com is the mini classic gum-ball machine.

Personalized square favor tins, personalized mini glass jars and mini candy dispensers can be used to stash trinkets for kids or to hold candy on an adult's work desk. Another classic favorite is the hand towels that are decoratively folded to look like mouth-watering cake slices, ice cream cones and candies!

For less than $2 you can also give out personalized party favors like playing cards with customized labels! Glass photo coasters are classy, functional and sentimental all at the same time, making them another enduring favorite.

Bridal shower party favors are best kept simple and customized. Popular party favors include personalized packages of baking mix, candy, chocolate, coffee, honey, olive oil, wine, cocktail mixes, cocoa, tea, popcorn, cookies, mints and other delectable treats.

Let's face it -- everyone loves a "thank you" gesture that's edible! Other top-selling items at www.myweddingfavors.com include photo glass coasters, tri-fold cosmetic bags, silver beaded picture frames, personalized flip-flops, sterling silver earrings, monogrammed terry cloth spa slippers and personalized accessory cases.

To read more Party Favors For All Your Guests

Buying Party Wedding Favors Online

"There's a new consciousness, an awareness, that there are other options," says Josie Daga of www.preownedweddingdresses.com. "People are looking for different ways to save." She adds that you can have a very nice wedding on a strict budget by, as a couple, picking a few things that matter most and letting go of the rest.

For many couples, the music and the food must be first-rate. For brides, she may care about her dress, hair, makeup and photographer the most. Some couples would rather splurge on the honeymoon than the reception or the wedding reception party favor gifts. The good news is that you can find many clever party wedding favors for less than $1, which will help to keep costs down significantly.

You'll find unique wedding favors on-the-cheap at www.favorsandflowers.com, where the party wedding favors look much more expensive than they really are! Who wouldn't love a pear-shaped candle in a pail for 80 cents?

Martha Stewart goodie bags (for 65 cents each) let you cram your favorite treats into stylish favor bags. Other adorable party favor boxes are brightly colored or clear, and shaped like beach suitcases, purses, pillows, popcorn boxes, palm trees, dice, wicker baskets and Chinese take-out boxes.

Personalized tea bags can be bought for just 85 cents, or you may want to decorate the wine glasses at the table and give the gift of frosted cherry blossom glass shades for $1. There are many elegant options just over $1 too, including decorative soaps, coasters, wine stoppers and lanterns.

For quick reference, www.littlethingsfavors.com has their $1 or less party wedding favors separated into quick and easy to browse categories. You can find practical gifts, such as cookie cutters, wine stoppers, coasters, personalized tea bags, cell phone charms, fans, chopsticks, poker chips and note pads.

There are personalized Hershey Kisses or miniatures, as well as personalized wrappers. You will find candles in grape, heart, gingerbread or castle shapes; mirrors in the shape of handbags, hearts, purses, butterflies and tulips; key-chains shaped like hearts, photos, bride/groom, castles and shells; gingerbread, castle, heart, butterfly, leaf and shell shaped bookmarks; place card holders shaped like hearts, flowers, castles, Vegas, holiday, silver-plated wedding cake and snowmen; place card frames with rhinestones or in beaded brushed silver; as well as party favor boxes and packaging or shaped bath and soap favors.

To read more Buying Party Wedding Favors Online

All Over Europe With Rome Tours

It's not too late to plan a getaway for this summer or the fall. Europe is a flurry of activity this time of year, with festivals, sightseeing tours and special events. The glory of staying in Paris hotels is that other destinations are right around the corner.

You can hop an overnight train and take Rome tours of the ancient ruins and the Vatican, for instance. Or perhaps you'll board a cozy motor coach and visit London, England; the height of fashion and culture. Whatever your heart desires can be captured all in one easy-to-plan trip!

Brendan Tours, based out of Chatsworth, California, has been operating since 1969. This travel specialist offers everything from Sydney, Paris, Kenya, Tokyo and Rome tours to Berlin, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro and Californian tours.

Their travel deals hope to not only show you some of the most talked-about attractions in each city aboard a comfortable motor coach, but to also provide you with the most comfortable and opulent Paris hotels, New York hotels or Montreal hotels, or accommodations in whichever city strikes your fancy.

Many meals and activities are covered, but you'll still find the time to venture out on your own to enjoy some independent vacationing. You'll appreciate having a local host in each city, (just a phone call away), to answer all your questions and suggest fun day trips while you're in town. You can learn more about the tour operator at www.brendanvacation.com.

The price of the Paris, London and Rome tours comes to $2,598 to $2,636, depending on when you decide to travel. For quotes, reservations or more information, call 1-800-935-2620 or look them up on the web at www.affordabletours.com.

In addition to booking London bus tours and Paris sightseeing excursions, you can also view other vacation destination options from this operator. Their extensive itineraries can take you to Africa, Europe, Italy, South America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Russia, Ireland, Britain, the U.S. or Canada.

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Come And See Art At The Louvre Paris France

Each year more than 8.5 million visitors come to the Louvre Paris France to see the second-largest collection of artwork in the world. To Paris, art was seen as a point of pride, a show of grandeur and an important part of their culture.

Here, one will find paintings like Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Vermeer's "The Lacemaker," Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People," Velazquez's "Infanta Maria Margareta" and Raphael's "Baltasar de Castiglione."

Travelers staying in Louvre Paris hotels can walk across the street to see breathtaking sculptures like the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," "Venus de Milo" and Michelangelo's "Rebellious Slave."

In addition to the Louvre Paris France district, another popular location that Paris offers is the Eiffel Tower Paris hotels district. Near this cultural district, guests can find government buildings, historical monuments, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Rodin and Les Invalides nearby.

The western section houses hotels that are close to the Arc de Triomphe, The Champs Elysées, Parc Monceau and the Palais des Congrès. To see the Notre Dame de Paris, travelers will want to stay north of the Seine River, where they'll be a stone's throw from the Pompadou Centre, Hôtel-de-Ville, Village St-Paul, Notre-Dame, the Conciergerie and Place des Vosges.

The Latin Quarter of Paris is a trendy section of the city, where university students meet shoppers, bar hoppers and artists around the bohemian Paris Saint Germain neighborhood.

While staying in Paris, many guests visit the Louvre Paris France, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral and the Champs Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, the French Riviera and the Opera House.

Even though Paris has its charm, it's very tempting to hop aboard the rail line and travel to other nearby countries. The Eurostar line will take you to Paris Disneyland, Calais, Avignon and Lille in France, the United Kingdom (London, Ashford, Ebbsfleet) and Belgium (Brussels, with a connecting train to Antwerp, Bruges, Charleroi, Oostende, Liege, Namur and Ghent).

A round-trip between Paris and London can cost just $100. There are many special deals and discounts on London bus tours and other sightseeing activities too! Travelers can visit www.eurostar.com for more information.

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Eiffel Tower Paris France Is The Home Of Romantic Proposals

The Eiffel Tower Paris France is one of the top tourist attractions in the world and stands as a testament to the feats of human ingenuity and architecture. The Eiffel Tower has been home to many romantic proposals; even Tom Cruise chose to pop the question to Katie Holmes at the top of the tower!

In fact, this monument is so beloved that a woman named Erika Naisho actually legally married the Eiffel Tower in 2008! There's just something about the scenic French Riviera and the magic of France that incites people's passions. There are, in fact, many intriguing facts about this magnificent tower.

The Eiffel Tower Paris France was the tallest tower in the world up until 1930. Even though it's been surpassed by the Burj Dubai Skyscraper, the NY Empire State Building, Canada's CN Tower and the Ostankino Tower in Russia, the 5.9 to 6.9 million visitors leave tower operators with a profit exceeding 1.5 million euros each year (after paying the 59.8 million in operating expenses).

Thanks to the tower, Paris France is now the #1 tourist destination in the world, with 82 million visitors in 2007, according to the U.N. World Tourism Organization. Comparatively, #2 Spain attracted 58 million visitors and #3 America drew 51 million international guests.

In addition to ascending the Eiffel Tower Paris France for a spectacular view of the city, visitors may also want to check out the two restaurants, namely the Jules Verne and Altitude 95, plus a souvenir shop, viewing areas and a nighttime light show.

In the summer, visitors can visit the scuba diving pool at the foot of the tower and in the winter, they can go snow-shoeing on a 300-meter trail around the building. There is also a special backstage tour that shows the inner-workings of the tower!

Truly, the location Paris has much to love.

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Meeting Online With Jewish Singles

In today's fast-paced world of busy careers and frantic activities, it can be hard for Jewish singles to meet others of like mind and similar cultural backgrounds.

It's no longer feasible, and likely not appealing in most cases, to go with the parents to a matchmaker, so the newer resources for connecting with others may be things like a Jewish dating site, special events for Jewish young people, or even business interactions.

But there are other avenues for Jewish singles to peruse. For example, travel sites that cater to young Jewish people might offer "kosher cruises," or provide tours to other parts of the world.

Some have special trips for older singles as well. Other kinds of face to face meetings, like speed dating events, help to bring Jewish people into each other's orbits. Jewish business groups, film and book clubs, and similar organizations provide further opportunities to meet people outside of an obvious dating context.

It might be more difficult for Jewish singles to meet each other in their everyday lives these days, with all of the hustle and bustle of a busy business agenda. And yet in other ways, they have more scope than they've ever had before.

With the more traditional face-to-face way of meeting someone, now augmented by the Jewish dating sites, young people have many opportunities to meet others from all over the United States and the world.

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