Saturday, July 9, 2011

Is a Housewarming Party Appropriate After a Bridal Shower?

Local.com
June 22, 2011

Legend has it that the bridal shower replaced the traditional dowry to outfit the bride with the things she needs to begin her married life. In a sense, the bridal shower is a housewarming party: the bride receives kitchenware and linens, just as she might for a housewarming. The best way to determine the appropriateness of having both parties is to treat the housewarming as a shower, and follow shower etiquette accordingly.

Bridal Shower Etiquette
Bridal showers are gift-giving events. The etiquette surrounding multiple showers exists to protect the bride from looking like a gift-grabber. If a bride receives multiple showers, the guests should never overlap. The hosts of the showers should coordinate to segment the wedding guest list. One shower may be for sorority sisters, another for family friends. High school friends and college friends may be similarly divided. In any event, guests should not feel obligated to buy multiple shower gifts, and that burden is on the shower hosts.

Housewarming as a Shower
A housewarming party is essentially a shower. Although a couple would not register for housewarming gifts, most guests bring a token to stock the new home. Gifts range from wine and candles to expensive appliances and linens. The housewarming is also an opportunity for friends and family to visit the new home. Housewarming parties differ from showers in several ways, but holding both in close proximity blurs those distinctions. What guests are likely to notice is the double call for gifts, rather than two separate milestones in a couple's lives. Don't hesitate to celebrate all of your life milestones, but plan them conscientiously. There is no hard and fast rule, but it is wise to treat the housewarming as another shower.

Managing Etiquette
To be maximally inclusive, hold off on the housewarming party for a few months after the wedding. This way, you won't have to segment the guest list. (You can also avoid the added awkwardness of inviting an acquaintance or coworker to the housewarming who won't receive a wedding invitation down the road.) Wedding guests will have time to recover financially from the shower and wedding gift frenzy, and won't view the couple as being greedy. If you must hold the housewarming between the shower and the wedding, treat it as a shower. Invite only a segment of the guest list, like your neighborhood friends or college buddies. Just be sure the housewarming guests are not on another shower list.

Who Should Host
Anyone close to the bride can host a bridal shower, though it is usually frowned upon for her mother or other immediate family to do so. The host should consult the bride's wedding guest list, as anyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding. A housewarming party is held by the couple to welcome family and friends to their new home and celebrate their accomplishment of home ownership.

References
Wedding Window: Etiquette Emergency: Showers vs. Housewarming Parties
Favor Ideas: Bridal Shower Etiquette—Can You Have More Than One?
Emily Post: Who Can Host a Shower?

Resources
The Nest: How to Throw a Housewarming Party

How to Make a Chain Out of Fondant

eHow
June 22, 2011

From handcuffs to purses to "the old ball and chain," fondant chains appear in all forms on cakes. When it comes to fondant techniques, a basic chain is simple but tedious. The bigger the links, the easier the project, but chains can be intricate, which makes it a more challenging undertaking. With an eye for detail and a bit of patience, decorators of any skill level can create a fondant chain embellishment.

Things You'll Need
  • prepared, colored fondant
  • rolling pin
  • fondant cutter or pastry wheel
  • cornstarch
  • pastry mat or parchment paper
  • luster dust or spray food coloring (optional)
Step 1
Prepare the work surface. Lay out a pastry mat or parchment paper and dust it with cornstarch to prevent sticking.

Step 2
Roll out the fondant to the desired thickness. For large chain links, roll the fondant to about 1/8 inch thickness. For small, delicate links, roll the fondant very thin in small batches.

Step 3
Cut the fondant sheet into thin strips. There is no need for precision at this point.

Step 4
Roll the fondant strips with your hands into ropes. Make them as thick or as thin as your need. Apply a bit of cornstarch at a time if fondant becomes too sticky. Working in a cool, dry area will help prevent stickiness.

Step 5
Cut the rope into equal-sized pieces. For large links, keep the pieces long. For small links, make short pieces.

Step 6
Make a link of one piece of fondant. Seal the ends by pressing them together with your fingers. Loop the second piece through the first link and seal. Avoid flattening the links to keep a rounded appearance. If the links are very small, do not seal the link before looping the next one through. Continue until the chain is as long as you want it.

Step 7
Paint the finished chain with metallic luster dust for a shiny finish, or airbrush with food coloring to create texture.

References
“Brides”; Unique Floral Wedding Cakes: Haute Stuff; Frances Janisch (photos)
Palermo's Custom Cakes & Bakery: “And I Am a Material Girl” Fondant Chanel Bag

Wording for a Formal Awards Luncheon Invitation

Local.com
June 21, 2011

First impressions are everything, so the wording of your event's invitation is paramount. It is your guests' first introduction to the event and sets the tone. To make the appropriate impact, consider carefully the mood of the event, and include all relevant information. A formal awards luncheon calls for an air of sophistication and impeccable invitation etiquette.

Necessary Information
Gather the essential information first: the name or title of the host; the title of the event; the honoree or honorees, if known; the date, time and location of the event; and RSVP contact information. If the host is an organization, list the formal title (e.g., The Rotary Club of Baltimore City). If the host or hosts are individuals, list their full names. Honorifics such as “Dr.” or “Mrs.” are optional. If the host holds a relevant, official title, include it below the name line. At the bottom, list a contact person for the RSVP and a phone number. If you are using response cards, list “Response card enclosed.”

Invitation Wording
Each piece of information should appear on a separate line. There are two common variations of a formal invitation. “The Stanford University Alumni Association / requests the pleasure of your company / at a luncheon / in honor of the 2011 Outstanding Young Alumni / Friday, the twenty-fourth of June / at eleven o'clock / in the Grand Ballroom / The Club / 444 McCaw Drive / Palo Alto, California / Response card enclosed.” The other variation would read, “The Harvard University Alumni Association / cordially invites you / to a luncheon.”

Attention to Detail
There are a few details that easily go unnoticed by the sender, but are glaring errors to the etiquette-savvy. First, no punctuation belongs in the wording of the invitation, aside from periods and apostrophes in titles and the comma separating the day and date. Phrases should not be separated by commas or periods, and the invitation should not end with a period. Also, the time should give the hour followed by “o'clock.” The words “lunch” or “dinner” indicate the time of day. For a more general invitation with no indicator, include “in the afternoon,” etc. The date should also be spelled out for very formal invitations.

Faux Pas
Telling your guests what to wear is generally considered poor form, yet many still prefer to include “black tie” or “business casual dress” on the invitation. The tone of the invitation should indicate the dress. One exception is military functions, where dress differs for service members and civilians. Also avoid listing a cutoff date for responses. Guests should respond in a timely fashion, but make room in the plans to account for those who respond late or not at all.

References
Invitation Consultants: Corporate Invitation Wording
Samford University: Formal Invitation Guidelines

The Difference Between "Dubious" and "Doubtful"

eHow
June 21, 2011

Deciding the most eloquent or straightforward way to express yourself can be an interminable quest consulting dictionaries and thesauruses. Many terms in the English language seem to have the same meaning, but differ in terms of intensity or context. “Dubious” and “doubtful” are a pair of terms that share similar connotations, but express different degrees of uncertainty or suspicion.

Definition of "Dubious"
The word dubious is an adjective meaning hesitating or doubting. “Sarah looked dubious, but followed her boss's orders.” It can also describe something suspect, or not to be relied upon. The word is sometimes used to mean something morally suspect or of questionable value. “Pyramid schemes have come into disrepute because of dubious sales methods.”

Definition of "Doubtful"
Doubtful is an adjective that means feeling uncertain about something. “Doubtful of the bridge's sturdiness, Tom took another route.” It can also describe something not known with certainty. Something improbable or not established as genuine may be called doubtful. “The new drug was of doubtful effectiveness.”

Etymology and Synonyms
Dubious and doubtful share an etymological root in the Latin dubium, which means “a doubt” and “dubius,” meaning "doubtful." Other terms with similar meanings include ambiguous, enigmatic, equivocal, problematic and questionable.

Which Word to Use
The New Oxford American Dictionary puts the terms in this context: “If you are doubtful about the outcome of a situation, you might be understandably dubious about getting involved in it.” Both words express suspicion, indecision or lack of clarity, but doubtful carries a strong connotation of uncertainty, to the extent that the thing described is presumed to be worthless, invalid, unlikely or doomed to fail. Dubious is not as strong, suggesting hesitation or misgivings. If you are doubtful about the outcome of a situation, you are fairly certain it will not turn out well. If you are dubious, you are wavering in your opinion.

References
“The New Oxford American Dictionary”; dubious; 2011
“The New Oxford American Dictionary”; doubtful; 2011

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Contemporary Bridal Shower Games

Local.com
June 21, 2011

Bridal showers are customary events to honor the bride-to-be, but let's face it: There isn't much in it for the guests. Incorporating a few fun, modern games can get everyone mingling and focused more on the party than the opening of gifts. The key to a great shower is moderation. Make a two-game limit, and get a feel for the mood. If a game is falling flat, move on to something different.

Wedding Night Preview
Like a wedding Mad Libs, this game is great for crowds who can appreciate a little raunchiness. Designate a bridesmaid or other guest to take notes while the bride opens gifts. Phrases like “I know just where to put this!” and “I've always wanted one of these!” have new meaning when you reveal, at the end, that you've made a list of things the bride will say on her wedding night. The more suggestive the reactions, the more fun for everyone.

Fill-in-the-Vows
The guests can help the bride with the daunting task of writing her vows with a tongue-in-cheek (or sentimental) fill-in-the-blank. Have two clipboards with paper and pens. On one, write “I, (bride's name) take you, (groom's name) and promise to ... .” On the other, write the reverse to serve as the groom's vows. Have each guest write a “vow,” either funny or heartfelt and then fold the paper down over her line so the next guest doesn't see what she wrote. Then have the bride read all her new vows aloud. At a couples shower, include the groom, or have a stand-in read his lines. The more outlandish the marriage terms, the better.

Grope the Groom
Couples showers have gained popularity recently. Brides want to include their grooms, and the grooms want some recognition, too. Blindfold the bride, and have the men line up with their pants leg rolled up to the knee. Have the bride feel each guy's leg and guess which one belongs to her future husband. Depending on the intimacy of the group, try this game with other body parts: faces, chests ... get creative.

The Newlywed Game
This game is based on the classic TV show, and you can tailor it to fit a more conservative audience or spice it up for a wilder crowd. Before the shower, e-mail the groom 20 questions about their relationship: Where was their first kiss? How many boyfriends has she had? What do you argue about most? At the shower, ask the bride the same questions, and see how many answers they had in common. At a couples shower, play the game live to catch the groom's reactions.

References
The Knot: Bridal Shower Games: A Complete Guide
The Knot: Bridal Shower Games: Fill-in-the-Blank Vows
The Maid of Honor Guide.com: Top 10 Bridal Shower Games
The Knot: Bridal Shower Games: The Newlywed Game

What Type of Brush to Distribute Natural Oils?

eHow
June 21, 2011

Proper care for a healthy, shiny mane can be a complicated endeavor involving a number of tools and products. The key to healthy hair is in the oil, and the best brush for managing oils is a natural bristle brush. Beauty experts extol the virtues of boar bristles, and nylon is acceptable as well.

The Science of Healthy Hair
A balance of sebum, or natural oils, is essential for healthy hair. Too much or too little oil can damage the scalp and hair, but proper shampooing can maintain that balance. Daily brushing is an important part of a hair maintenance routine. Brushing stimulates production of sebum and helps distribute the oil along the hair shaft, creating glossy, smooth locks. Too much brushing, however, can rob the hair of its natural oils and cause breakage. Pay attention to your hair's signals to create balance.

The Right Brush
Natural bristles like boar's hair are ideal for fine-to-normal hair types. Because they are animal products, they are built to distribute natural oils. The distribution of sebum from the follicle to the tips of hair boosts shine. Boar-bristle brushes can be costly. A less expensive alternative is nylon, a synthetic polymer with a silky texture. Nylon is best suited for thick hair, and performs nearly as well as natural bristles. There are also combination hairbrushes that mix natural and nylon bristles.

Using Your Brush
Natural and nylon brushes perform the same tasks as their plastic counterparts. Begin at the roots and brush gently through the tips to redistribute the oils evenly. Natural and nylon brushes can be used for blow-drying and styling, but they are not recommended for detangling wet hair. Detangle wet hair first with a wide-toothed comb, then style with the brush.

Caring for Your Brush
Natural brushes tend to last longer than plastic and metal brushes, which tend to lose their bristles. Because of their oil-absorbing properties, though, natural brushes must be cleaned regularly to maintain their integrity. To clean, remove the hair and dust from the bristles with a fine-toothed comb. Rinse in lukewarm water, massaging the bristles with your fingers. Don't soak for more than a few minutes. Allow the brush to air-dry. Clean your brush monthly for best results.

References
Beauty Ideas: An Insider's Guide to Hairbrushes
“Harper's Bazaar”; Get Thick, Shiny Hair; Caitlin Gaffey; August 10, 2007

Girl Scout Camps in Georgia

Local.com
June 20, 2011

Girl Scouts in Georgia have access to 17 different camps all over the state. The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia each maintain a number of camps that host programs for all ages throughout the summer. Overnight and day camps are available for each age group, and themed camps correspond to various interests. Several camps are also outfitted with winterized cabins for troop retreats year-round.

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Campsites
Camp Cecil Jackson, located in Griffin, Georgia, which sits on 45 acres of woodland, includes a group lodge, cabin units, group pavilion and recreation areas. Camp Meriwether in Luthersville, Georgia, is a large resident camp including cabins, a swimming pool, equestrian facility, ropes course and more. Camp Misty Mountain in Armuchee, Georgia, boasts horseback riding, archery and riflery; hiking trails through the Appalachian foothills; and an amphitheater on 900 acres. Camp Pine Acres near Acworth, Georgia, is a 200-acre facility on Lake Allatoona with cabins, tent units, a swimming pool and boat dock. Nearby Camp Scout Haven, also located in Acworth, is a large camp with ample sleeping space for up to two troops. Lakeshore and hiking activities are ideal for experienced campers. Camp Pine Valley in Meansville, Georgia, is a 620-acre camp geared toward troop retreats with traditional tent lodging and recreation facilities. Camp Timber Ridge in Mableton, Georgia, is one of the South's oldest girls camps. The 220-acre location is built among forests and streams that offer plenty of outdoor recreation just 15 miles west of Atlanta. Camp Welcome in Coweta County, Georgia, is a small campsite with a group lodge and hiking trails amid 60 woodland acres.

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Campsites
Camp Concharty, situated at the base of Pine Mountain in Harris County, Georgia, includes ropes courses, a swimming pool and hiking trails to Dowdell's Knob, where President Franklin Roosevelt met with Winston Churchill. Camp Lanier in Forsyth County, Georgia, is just miles from Atlanta. The day camp includes a floating dock and beach area on Lake Lanier. Camp Low on the marshes of Savannah is an historic and ecological site, featuring trenches dating from the Civil War, and 500-year-old cedar trees. Camp Manipines near Eatonton, Georgia, sits on 38 acres on Lake Sinclair. The campsite includes three cabins and a dock leading to an enclosed swimming area on the lake. Camp Martha Johnston near Macon, Georgia, situated on 165 acres of woodland in Crawford County, features rustic cabins and the modern Sweetwater Retreat, which includes meeting rooms, a dining hall and sleeping quarters. Camp Okitayakani is a large resident camp with programs centered on exploring the natural world in this historic homeland of the Creek Indians. Camp Otaki is a small camp on Hartwell Lake in Hart County, Georgia. The camp features a troop house, beach area and floating dock for swimming and canoeing. Camp Robert Lewis in Harris County, Georgia, is situated at Mulberry Falls along 40 acres of Chattahoochee riverfront. The scenic site is used for environmental education programs and “Leave No Trace” camping. Camp Tanglewood on the outskirts of Augusta, Georgia, features day and resident camp programs. The campsite includes a ropes course, horse barn and arena, a pool and a lake.

Camp Programs
Programs for various age groups are held June 3 through July 22. Cheer & Dance, Creative Cooking and Saddle Savvy are just a few of the niche programs, in addition to more general overnight and day camps. Some programs for all age groups include mothers in the activities for day and weekend retreats. Programs for older girls like Extreme Horsepower and Overnight Trail Ride keep preteen and teenage girls engaged in more skilled, independent activities.

How to Enroll
Girls must be registered Girl Scouts to attend camp. Local Girl Scout troops can be identified through the councils of Greater Atlanta or Historic Georgia, or girls can register individually as “Juliettes” through the councils. Registered Girl Scouts are eligible for discounted camp fees if they have participated in the most recent cookie program. Applications can be found on the council websites: www.gagatl.org (Greater Atlanta) or www.gshg.org (Historic Georgia).

References
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta: Camping and Outdoor Activities
Girls Scouts of Historic Georgia: Camping in Girl Scouts