Gardening - A Relaxing Hobby

Many people find gardening an incredibly relaxing hobby. A hobby that allows them to get in touch with the earth and themselves. Likewise, gardening is not an expensive hobby to start, although the hobby may become expensive as you progress in the art of planting. Needless to say, thousands of people enjoy gardening each year and if you are fond of the outdoors, you may find yourself interested in gardening too.

You won't need much to start gardening. Some basic tools like a shovel, a rake, and hoe may do you well in the garden. You will need either seeds or starter plants, whichever you prefer. But, before you start working on the garden there are a few essentials that you need to learn to become a master at gardening and such skills need to be obtained before you lay the first seed.

Florist

Read up on the art of creating a garden, don't just wing it. Why? Well, quite frankly, there are certain plants that fare better under certain conditions. Likewise, there are plants that do not do well next to other plants. Moreover, you will need to know what plants to plant and when, as plants may grow according to certain seasons. Visiting the library or the local bookstore can help you learn everything you need to know about gardening. If you don't have the transportation then visit websites that talk about the garden and different plants and how to care for them.

Likewise, while browsing websites, read up on the various techniques that other gardeners use. Find out what they feel makes their garden successful. Hints and advice abound on the Internet and the wealth of information available can help you make a success of your garden. Once you have done your homework, you may want to speak to others who own gardens and discuss techniques with them as well. It never hurts to ask for advice when you are planning a garden.

You can also pay a visit to the local florist. Florists are often versed in plant care and the techniques used for growing various flowers and vegetables. You can even buy your starter plants and seeds from a florist. You can also visit the local home and garden center near you and get advice from the staff working there about fertilizers, pest control and other issues that may concern you when you are creating a garden. The essential thing to remember is that when you are creating a garden you do not have to do so on a whim. The help is available if you are willing to take the time to ask questions and research your garden project before you begin.

Once you have versed yourself on all of the plant varieties and techniques used for growing you can select the right spot for your garden and begin your adventure. Follow the advice you have found about fertilizing soil, water levels, and planting. In no time you will be blessed with gorgeous blooms in your garden.

Gardening - A Relaxing Hobby

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Gardening
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Tattoos-Popular Tattoo Designs for Girls

Girls are always asking me what tattoos they should get or what I think are the hottest tattoos for girls. Unfortunately there is no clear cut answer simply because there are as many different types of tattoos are there are girls. What one person might find sexy another might consider unattractive or very unfeminine.

Certain styles of tattoos might not suit the image you want to project. For example certain work environments may not accept highly visible tattoos even though tattoos are becoming more and more accepted. It may be wise to hold off getting that sacred heart tattoo emblazoned across your chest if your boss is going to flip out if (s)he sees it!

Floral

So in saying that what I hope to do in this short article is offer my insight and experience within the tattoo industry for the past 9 or 10 years and point out the current tattoo trends and what the most popular styles of tattoos are for girls. At the end of the day you want a tattoo that has lasting appeal and not a tattoo that was done on a whim. If I give you some good ideas for your next tattoo all the better...

Trends come and go. What was cool ten years ago is no longer cool. In the nineties certain types of tattoos such as cartoon characters like Betty Boop, barbed wire armbands and dolphins were in. Looking at them now they appear very cheesy and basic.

Tattoo art has come such a long way in the past few years even. Certain styles of tattoos have become perennial and have risen to a point where they are getting the respect and acknowledged they deserve for their intricacy and artistry.

Styles as diverse as Japanese tattoos, Indian/Hindu tattoos, Anime, Traditional American and Floral designs are raising the bar higher and higher and becoming increasingly popular.

Alongside that is the fact that people are beginning to see their skin as a human canvas and not just settling for random tattoos placed haphazardly on a part of the body that is hidden. Nowadays more and more girls are getting larger tattoos and more of them.

This may explain the popularity of Japanese tattoos. In traditional Japanese tattoos each character has a meaning and interacts with the other tattoo designs as part of the whole.

The same is true for Traditional American tattoos. Previously what were once done as individual tattoos from disparate elements of American culture are now being woven into an organic and is more like a story unfolding.

Top Five Most Popular Tattoos for Girls

Irezumi - Traditional Japanese tattoos - More and more girls are asking for large tattoo designs such as koi fish, dragons on their hips, back and arms.

Traditional American tattoos - Old school 'Sailor Jerry' tattoos and images such as classic American cars, pin-ups, swallows and nautical stars are becoming more popular on girls chests, abdomen, back and legs.

Floral tattoos - So many girls are getting flower tattoos as full sleeve tattoos or covering their entire back or legs with floral designs. Flower tattoo designs such as lotus flowers, peonies, orchids, chrysanthemums and flowering vines are the most popular.

Anime - Japanese animation has become massive and doesn't show any sign of disappearing any time soon. As a result Anime tattoos have become popular in the past five years or so. The only risk with Anime tattoo is that unlike other styles will probably age much quicker even though it looks great now.

Indian / Hindu tattoo designs - Like ancient Indian texts and spirituality being rediscovered by people in the West since the 1960's it has been reflected in the demand for Indian tattoo designs. They say everything old become new again.

Finally the most important decision is not to get a tattoo on a whim or choose a tattoo that you think is cute or trendy. Give it a lot of thought. Good art should last. Think of Mona Lisa's smile...

Tattoos-Popular Tattoo Designs for Girls

Hundreds of Unique Tattoo Pictures & Designs

Basic Instructions on How to Make a Candy Bouquet

Candy bouquets make wonderful gifts for all sorts of occasions. Of course you can always order one over the internet. However, to make your gift more special and memorable, you can make one yourself. It's really not that difficult and you'll see that it won't cost as much as the commercial ones. If you are game on making your own candy bouquet gift, here are some basic instructions to help guide you.

PLANNING:

• What is the occasion? - You want the candy arrangement to suit the occasion and also reflect your feelings and thoughts. So, making a birthday candy bouquet will have a different look from a Valentine's candy bouquet. You can use a fun theme for the former and a more romantic theme for the latter. Choose an appropriate theme to guide your design.
• Who is it for? - Consider the recipients favorite candies. There are so many types of candy you can use. Will you be using hard candies, gummies, candy bars, lollipops, chocolates or even retro candies? You may even have to consider sugar-free candies for those that have certain health problems or are following a healthy lifestyle. Don't forget to check if they have any food allergies too.
• All candy bouquet or a floral candy bouquet? - Your bouquet can be made up entirely of candies or you can add some floral touches to it. If you decide to go floral, you can add silk flowers and leaves to your design. Another option is to be a bit crafty and make the candies look like flowers.
• What container are you going to use? - There is no hard and fast rule as to what you must use as a base for your candy bouquet. You can always use a glass vase or a small basket. Some people have used flower pots, coffee mugs and sundae glasses. You can use any container and decorate it to your whim and fancy. The important thing is to make sure your container is heavy enough so your candy bouquet don't topple over. You can weight it down by filling it up with candies.
• How are you going to make your candy bouquet dazzle? - Just poking sticks of candy into a floral foam will not create a big impression. Liven it up with curling ribbons, colored tissue, ribbons, garlands, little mementoes, shredded paper, sparkling tinsel or cellophane wrap.

PREPARING THE CANDY:

Bouquet

Basically, all you need are floral foam, wire, tape, scissors, wire cutters, low-temp hot glue gun with glue sticks and bamboo skewers.

If you are using candy bars, just use the hot glue gun to attach the skewer to the backside of the candy bar. Hold it down for a while to make sure it's secure. Make sure you first wrap the bamboo skewer with floral tape to give it a nicer look. Tie a small bow or curling ribbon to the base of the candy.

If you are using chocolates, you just poke the pointed end of the skewer into the chocolate. Then wrap the skewer with floral tape.

For wrapped hard candies, attach one end of the wrapper to the wire. Wrap wire around the base of each candy. Cover with floral tape.

ARRANGING YOUR CANDY FLOWERS:

When arranging your candy bouquet, you want to achieve a sense of symmetry and balance. How you arrange will also depend on the size of your candy. For example, if you just have lollipop flowers, you could pack them into an oval shape. For different size candies, you can vary the height by snipping the skewers or wires. Let your own creative inspiration be your guide. If you need ideas, you can draw upon basic floral arrangement shapes such as the fan, circular, triangular and vertical arrangement. Don't forget to add fillers or foliage to give your candy bouquet a more pleasant look. One more thing to note is that your candy arrangement should suit the type of container you're using. Once again, balance and symmetry is what you are aiming for.

Basic Instructions on How to Make a Candy Bouquet

If you want to make candy bouquets without thinking too hard, get these candy bouquet instruction books that you can download instantly. Step-by-step illustrations that will help you create professional looking candy bouquets even if you've never had any experience before. You might even decide to start a candy bouquet business to earn some extra bucks.

Taking Proper Care of Your Ground Orchids

Growing Orchids can be fun and rewarding. Ground Orchids, or Spathoglottis Pilata their scientific name, are a plant from the Orchidaceae family. They flower year round and are native to southeastern Asia and the Philippians. They are found in the colors of white, lavender, violet, light pink, orange and yellow.

What do you need to know in order to take care of your Ground Orchids properly? Let us take a look. There are several conditions that need to be addressed about the care of your orchids. What type of light, humidity, spacing, how often to water, how to water, what type of soil or covering is best, and lastly, what type of fertilizers, if any should be used, are all the important questions you need to ask and know the answers to prior to growing your own ground orchids. Below you will find the answers these questions.

Orchids

First let us look at the lighting requirements of ground orchids. The Ground Orchids grow best when they are provided light shade from the suns harmful rays. They like light just not direct light in the heat of the day.

Next comes the question what kind of humidity does your new plant need? Well they do not like it extremely humid but they do thrive in about 75-80 % humidity. This is not required though, but they do prefer it.

Next on the long list of important questions is what are the spacing requirements for ground orchids? Orchids of this type require that there be spacing of 3-6 inches between each other. From one cluster it is possible to split and make 3 or more individual plants.

Next on the list of things is the topic of watering. How often and how much water your Orchids require should be one thing you do find out when purchasing your new plants. Well as for the how often? To water the flowers regularly is the key. Do not let the flowers wilt or dry up by not receiving enough water. How much water is a little trickier! This totally depends on the type of cover or medium you use. A plant should not sit in water yet it should have enough that the media stays arrogated. Too little water and your plant and flowers will shrivel and wilt; too much water and they will start to collect harmful bacteria that can eventually kill your orchid.

As for what type of covering or media is best to use? The coverings that will best suit your orchid's needs are moss or stones. Any media that allows the water to flow through to the roots and have sufficient room for the roots to grow will be alright to use.

If you follow the above mentioned tips and adhere to them, then there is no reason why your Ground Orchids should not thrive. Growing orchids is fun but takes a lot of consistent work to reach the most desired results, a strong and beautiful plant. Here is to happy and healthy orchid growing.

Taking Proper Care of Your Ground Orchids

Marty owns Orchid Care which helps people learn the secret techniques of orchid care

Wedding Reception Protocol - Who Says What and When?

A wedding reception can be formal or informal, but you must make sure you do it right -- in other words you should follow the normal wedding reception protocol as that is what people will expect. Note however that the protocol is not as rigid as you might think, and can be regarded more as a set of guidelines. But what is the traditional wedding reception protocol?

A formal wedding reception is normally held in the restaurant of a hotel where facilities and staff are on-hand for a full sit-down meal -- sometimes still referred to as the "wedding breakfast". An informal reception with a buffet menu can be a less expensive option.

Bouquet

When the guests arrive at the reception, they should be greeting by a receiving line. This is normally the bride's mother and father, the bridegroom's mother and father, the bride, and finally the groom -- in that order. If there is a large number of guests you might want to simply have the bride and groom welcoming the guests.

Guests are then normally presented with a drink, and when everyone has arrived they can start to look for their name cards in the dining area. The bride and groom should have sorted all this out well in advance, and the only point of protocol here is that at a formal wedding reception there is normally a top table for the principal members of the wedding party.

At some point the cake is normally cut -- this is either at the end or part-way through. The bride holds the knife in her right hand, with the groom's right hand on hers, and then the bride's left hand on top of that. This is a big photo opportunity and the couple will have to stand in that position with a smile on their faces for several minutes! The cake is then whisked away by the restaurant staff to be cut up ready to be given out at the end of the reception as people are leaving. You may want to rescue the top tier to save for the christening of the first-born.

After the cake-cutting comes the highlight of the reception: the speeches.

The first to speak is the bride's father. He will normally say a few words and then propose the main toast: "Health and happiness to the bride and bridegroom" (or something similar).

The bridegroom then responds, thanking the bride's parents and the guests, and he ends by proposing a toast to the health of the bridesmaids.

The best man then speaks, replying for the bridesmaids, reading out the congratulatory cards and telegrams. The best man will also relate some stories about the groom (and bride, if they are friends too).

That is it as far as tradition is concerned but, if they wish, the bride, bride's mother, and the maid of honor (chief bridesmaid) can all make speeches -- but it is best to check with the bride and groom first.

Any and all of the speeches can be serious or humorous, but giving a speech is a high-stress activity for many people. You may want to consider using a pre-written speech. This is worth considering, and there are several web sites offering such material, and you can edit what they give you to make it completely suitable and applicable to your wedding reception. Getting someone else to do the work is not only a great time-saver, but relieves you of the large amount of stress -- and you can have confidence that what they give you will work. Such pre-written speech templates can be bought for next to nothing -- and trust me: paying for them is worth it as they have been created and honed by professionals.

If there is to be dancing, the bride and groom are first on the floor. they are followed by the maid of honor and the best man, and then members of both families.

At some point the bride and groom will slip away to change into "normal" clothes and will then return to say good-bye before heading off on their honeymoon. Just before they leave, the bride throws her bouquet into the air -- and tradition has it that the female to catch it is next in line for marriage. Sometimes the groom will toss the bride's garter to the men, and the one who catches it is then expected to place it on the leg of the girl who caught the bouquet.

The bride and groom then get into a car that has been decorated by other guests and drive off into the sunset for their honeymoon and the rest of their lives together.

Finally, remember that the whole point of the wedding is for the benefit of the bride and groom, and that wedding reception protocol is, after all, just a set of guidelines. It's what the guests will be expecting, so if you plan to deviate from tradition it's probably best to let everyone know in advance so as to avoid disappointment.

Plan it carefully, then relax and enjoy yourselves!

Wedding Reception Protocol - Who Says What and When?

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Mother's Day Flowers - To Celebrate Her Special Day

Mother's Day flowers are sent to honour your mother and to say, 'Thank you'. It is easy to take a mother's care for granted but it is important to show remembrance and love and a floral bouquet is a special way of showing your appreciation. If you have young children, you might want to help them share in the tradition by arranging for them to send flowers to their mother on this day.

Since Greek and Roman times, there have been celebration days for mothers and Mothering Sunday has been a traditional day in Europe since medieval times. Mothers Day is celebrated on different dates throughout the world but the underlying meaning of honouring motherhood and mothers is the same. In Australia, the United States and Canada, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mother's Day in the United Kingdom always falls on the fourth Sunday in the Christian festival of Lent. In Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, it is always celebrated on 10 May.

Tulips

A pink carnation is the traditional flower for Mother's Day, symbolising, 'always on my mind'. Roses send a message of love and gratitude and a bouquet of red roses would be the perfect gift. The Chinese symbol of womanhood is the Azalea which would also be a good choice. Others include:

• Bluebells - everlasting love
• Red chrysanthemums - love
• Daisies - loyal love
• Forget-me-nots - faithful love
• Orange blossom - eternal love
• Orchids - love and beauty
• Red Tulips - love

You may know her favourite flower or you might think that a bouquet of flowers in her favourite colour might be appropriate. For a more novel idea, consider using her zodiac sign to inspire you in your choice of flowers and to introduce a more personal touch to her gift, for example:

• AQUARIUS MOTHERS born January 21 - February 19 Flowers: orchids, gladioli
• PISCES MOTHERS born February 20 - March 20 Flowers: water lilies, poppies, lilacs
• ARIES MOTHERS born March 21 - April 19 Flowers: honeysuckle, tiger lilies, geraniums
• TAURUS (April 20 - May 19) Flowers: poppies, roses, dahlias, violets
• GEMINI (May 20 - June 20) Flowers: lavender, azaleas, lilies of the valley, orchids, chrysanthemums
• CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Flowers: acanthus, geraniums, lilies
• LEO (July 23 - August 21) Flowers: sunflowers, marigolds, dahlias
• VIRGO (August 22 - September 22) Flowers: morning glory, narcissus chrysanthemums
• LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Flowers: roses, hydrangeas, daisies
• SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) Flowers: chrysanthemums, geraniums, honeysuckle
• SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) Flowers: narcissus, pink carnations, peonies
• CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 21) Flowers: carnations, pansies, camellias

Using an online florist means that you can shop at a time convenient to you and order flowers from the vast selection online. A beautiful Mother's Day flower bouquet is only a mouse click away and is a wonderful way of showing your mother you love her and are grateful to her for all she does for you.

Mother's Day Flowers - To Celebrate Her Special Day

For more floral ideas please visit one of Hong Kong's top florist, Flower Delivery Hong Kong

Meaning Of Wedding Flowers

The wedding flowers beautify the wedding ceremony, reception, dresses, and attires. Each type of wedding flowers tells an important meaning. Here are the common wedding flowers with respective meaning and application.

The meaning of the wedding flowers was handed down from generation to generation. The earliest record of flower giving was seen on the Victorian era. Sometimes, it is hard to express emotion and feeling. So, the men just give flowers. The women understand what the specific type of flowers means. And, it is unnecessary for the men to explain the flowers.

Flowers

The wedding colors on the flower carry a special meaning as well. Focusing on the particular wedding colors and flowers, the bride and groom incorporates the special meaning in the wedding.

The Calla Lilies flower name came from the Greek word Kallos. It means beauty. The flower has been associated for elegance and charm for generations. Adding Calla Lilies to the wedding, you create an incomparable elegance, sophistication, and charm to the wedding.

Daisies brighten the wedding. It just makes people to smile and cheer. The most popular are white petals with yellow center. Although the daisies are popular flower, it is rarely use as a wedding theme. Daisies really mean innocent and romantic. The flower is perfect for summer wedding ideas. To create a wonderful cheery summer wedding bouquet, you can tie a bunch of daisies and babies breathe with fancy ribbon.

Roses are the most popular wedding flower. The white roses mean purity, innocence, cleanliness, and virtue. Thus, most of the wedding dress is usually white. The red in roses raises the blood circulation and excitement. Thus, the red roses mean love and passion. Combining the white and red, you get the color pink. It means harmony, and fidelity. Pink roses are an expression of happiness to unite on the special occasion.

Roses are always popular in wedding. It is a surefire way to decorate the wedding. Roses come in different colors to match the wedding theme. For an additional finesse, the roses can be wrapped in colored tulle to match the wedding theme.

Tulips grow in cold climate country. Netherlands, North America, and Australia are abundant of Tulips. The bell shaped flower usually comes in vibrant red, white, and yellow. Adding tulips in wedding, it means everlasting love. Normally, the tulips are abundant on the spring. Thus, the tulips are great for spring wedding ideas.

Meaning Of Wedding Flowers

Dennis Estrada owns wedding advice, wedding colors, and wedding flowers website.

Valentine's Day Celebrations in Singapore

Singapore is known as the city of love and romance. Months before the Valentine's Day, hectic arrangements are made to celebrate the day in a unique Singaporean way. History reveals that Singapore has undergone many cultural invasions over the passage of time. They respect oriental art, culture and historic events, especially the romantic ones. The ambience in Singapore is filled with boundless love along with a chain of exiting events, coming one after the other that urge visitors to rush to Singapore. Numerous traditions are linked with the celebration of the Saint Valentine's Day in Singapore. As the day couples with the Chinese New Year festivities, unmarried women throw oranges in the Singapore River with a hope to get a loving and caring life partner. They believe the fifteenth day of the New Year celebrations is the day to find a good life partner. All the major places in the country make dead end efforts to make this twofold love event more eventful and rejoicing. Singapore has a plenty of young population to celebrate Valentine's Day in the true sense. Valentine's Day in Singapore alternates for, "flowers, flowers, and flowers for my valentine", from the love of his heart. Exchanging Valentine flowers bouquet and love quotes is the order of the day.

Valentine couples from all over the world come to Singapore, attracted by fabulous restaurant deals of Valentine's Day in Singapore. The Raffles hotel is on top of the list in providing world class services to its local and international Valentine couples. The Park Hotel Clark Quay has crossed all boundaries of professional relationship between the visitors and the hotel management. This year the GM plans to receive Valentine Couples personally and to escort them to their luxury suite while checking them personally for security purposes.

Bouquet

Valentines Flowers to Singapore and Valentines Gifts to Singapore consist of Magnificent Red Roses, Striking 100 Red Roses Arrangement, Fantastic Heart Shaped Roses Arrangement, Bright Yellow Roses, Stunning Daffodils, Hot Orange Roses, Blushing Pink Roses, Exotic Orchids, Pulsating Bloom of Sunflowers, Gorgeous Mixed Flower Bouquet, Colorful Gerberas, Gaudy Daisies, Lovable Teddy Bear, Lip-smacking Valentine Chocolates and lots more.

Valentine's flowers in Singapore can be arranged in numerous ways. Either Singaporean Valentines can hire the services of renowned florists or, can go by themselves to major flower store offering quality Valentine's flower arrangements. Florists in Singapore also provide same day delivery of Valentine's Day flowers all over Singapore. Singapore florist finds no match in satisfying the customers and decorating Valentine venues with stunning floral arrangements.

Singapore is famous for its rich cultural festivals. Throughout the year there are dozens of traditional events that make this land remarkable. Valentine's Day is celebrated in Singapore zealously, combined with the Chinese New Year festivities. Valentine couples are seen walking in the Malls, Shopping Plazas, restaurants and flower stores, trying to wish valentine in their unique way.

Valentine's Day Celebrations in Singapore

Sarah Jacks thinks a Singapore florist makes the delivery of Valentine's flowers all over the Singapore and the world, possible in just a few minutes. People from all over the world send Valentine's Day flowers to Singapore to wish their friends a "Happy Valentine's Day".

The Wedding Reception - Order of Events

Your wedding reception is a time to celebrate the beautiful union of a husband and wife and also a time to celebrate that the stress of planning and pulling off a wedding is finally over! While there is a suggested order of events that has been used traditionally, you can certainly choose to customize any portion of it to fit your personal circumstances, but keep in mind that this order has worked successfully for countless couples and is likely what your guests will expect.

Suggested order of events at the wedding reception:

Bouquet

1. The guests arrive at the reception. They may be there for a while before the wedding party arrives due to wedding photos being taken so you will want to have drinks and hors d'oeuvres ready for them to enjoy.

2. The wedding party arrives. You may wish to have the DJ announce the Bride and Groom only or the entire wedding party.

3. Toasts. This time honored tradition allows kind words of encouragement to the Bride and Groom and sets the tone for the reception. The Best Man offers a toast first and may be followed by the Maid of Honor and possibly other family members such as the Bride's father, but you will want to consider how long to leave the guests waiting before dinner.

4. Blessing of the meal. The DJ should ask everyone to take their seats for dinner before the blessing. The blessing can said by the Bride or Groom's father or Grandfather or other special person that the Bride and Groom choose.

5. Dinner is served. Whether this will be a buffet or sit down meal, the Bride and Groom are served first followed by the wedding party and parents. Then the DJ may want to call tables up one by one if it is a buffet, otherwise the guests should be served at this time.

6. The Bride and Groom's first dance. This is the time your song is set for life. You will always remember this first dance together.

7. The Daddy-Daughter dance and any other special dances. Daddy gets his "last dance" with his little girl. You may want to make this just the first part of a song and then the DJ can announce the wedding party as they enter the dance floor, or you can do two separate songs. After this you want all the guests to join in on the dance floor as soon as possible so they don't become lethargic after dinner and want to leave too early.

8. The tossing of the bouquet and garter. The bride tosses the bouquet over her shoulder to all the single ladies, keep in mind that single means "never married" and not divorced and the groom tosses the garter to all the single men. The lucky guy who catches the garter then gets to place it on the leg of the lucky lady who caught the bouquet.

9. Cutting of the cake. Now the DJ can announce the cutting of the cake. The Bride and Groom make the first cut together and then serve each other a piece with their fingers. This is a great photo op. Someone else, even the kitchen help, can then cut and serve the cake to the guests or place the slices on the dessert table for people to eat when they want or wrap up and take home.

10. Dance until they drop. Now guests should feel free to dance and party until their hearts content. The Bride and Groom are free to dance or leave early if they have a plane to catch or just want to get the honeymoon started.

Once again, this order is just a suggestion because this is your big day and everything should be planned to make it feel right for you. The most important thing is to just enjoy yourself and take some time to remember what is really important about this day-you got married. Everything else is really secondary to that.

The Wedding Reception - Order of Events

Karin Koch is a wedding planner with over 20 years experience in the wedding industry. She writes product reviews and article for wedding websites selling wedding favors and gifts.
Get information and ideas on Wedding Favors and tips on planning your wedding.
Visit http://www.weddingfavordiscount.com for favors at discount prices.

Get Ready For Easter With Vintage Dinnerware

Charming vintage dinnerware can make your holiday gatherings even more special. Pretty pale colors, shiny glassware, and bold clear accent pieces are reminiscent of the colored Easter eggs, jelly beans, marshmallow chicks and other treats that many of us remember from our childhood Easter baskets.

Easter was one of the big holidays at our house. Ham, mashed potatoes and cherry pie were sure to be on the menu. And colored Easter eggs, of course, to eat plain or turn into deviled eggs.

Tulips

To serve the afternoon dinner, Mom pulled out the big oval platters, large serving bowls, glass pie plates and other "best" dishes that were only used for Sunday family gatherings.

You can combine old and new dinnerware to put together a beautiful Easter table setting at your home this year.

• Start with a theme. It could be a motif (like bunnies or chicks) or a color scheme (like yellow and white).
• Choose tableware in light pastel colors and white. Lots of vintage wares in pale yellow, green and pink are in shades that go with home-dyed, colored eggs. These particular tints aren't often found in new dinnerware, but they are readily available in the vintage market.
• Select glassware and accent pieces in rich shades like red, purple, green or orange. The big, bright jelly beans that we had 40 years ago are still available at Easter time. And, if you leave your eggs in the dye bath longer, you'll also get these deep, vibrant colors.
• Use centerpieces and decorations based on common spring themes of bunny rabbits, baby chicks, and spring flowers like daffodils and tulips. All these things symbolize new life, a traditional Easter theme. Older dinnerware patterns feature these motifs, as well as use gingham, dots, checks and other border designs that can help tie your color scheme together.

Pretty vintage dishes can add to a beautiful Easter table setting, an enjoyable special meal, and inspire you to create new and different table settings throughout the year.

Get Ready For Easter With Vintage Dinnerware

Sally Kimbel is the owner of Kimbesa's Closet, Kimbesa's Closet 2 and Kimbesa's Finer Vintage, Internet retail establishments that offer vintage dinnerware and complementary new items for green living and enjoyment.

How to Prune Orchids the Right Way

How to prune orchid correctly is indeed one of the fundamental requirements in caring for orchids. Every orchid plant is required to be pruned at a certain stage of their growth to ensure it stays healthy, vibrant and blooming repeatedly. Unfortunately, a lot of novice orchid growers are very hesitant and have no idea how to properly do this very task. Yet, it's so crucial to know how to prune orchids the right way if desiring to have beautiful blooms every season.

There are huge numbers of orchid species and each orchid pruning procedure varies depending on the orchid type. Some will need just their leaves and flowers pruned while others will need pruning care for their roots. Basically, there are two different types of orchids according to their growing preference and they are called monopodial and sympodial orchids. Each type requires a particular pruning method.

Orchids

Sympodial orchids

Sympodial orchids grow parallel within a pot, somewhat like a creeping vine. The stem is called a rhizome and will recline across the surface of the potting mix and roots will develop along its length and sprout forth downward. They will yield pseudo bulbs which are thick vertical stems. Common sympodial orchid types are Dendrobium, Cattleya (or Laelia), Cymbidium, Oncidium Miltonia and Pahiopedilum. Pruning a sympodial type of orchid is generally done when repotting an orchid plant. It is imperative to examine first the orchid root system. Healthy roots are firm and white and have light-green growing tips. Dead or damaged roots are easy to notice, being either dry and crispy or wet and mushy. Make sure that all the dead, dry and/or damaged roots are removed. Soggy and light brown manifestations are a sure sign of dead roots.

Monopodial orchids

Monopodial orchids are plants with a single stem that develop continually in one direction from the terminal sprout every year, producing a couple of leaves each season; it has neither rhizome nor pseudo bulbs. Common monopodial types are: Phalaenopsis, Vanda and Angraecum. Pruning monopodial orchids focuses on orchids leaves, dead blooms and branches. Commence pruning once the stalk of the orchid turns yellow or brown by cutting an inch from where the blossom stalk originated on the plant. Prune branches by trimming the top blossom stalk source by 1cm and prune dead flowers throughout the blooming season for all orchids.

Generally, the best time for orchid pruning is either after a plant has flowered or before its active growth period which usually falls during the period of early October to late November. If an orchid plant is not pruned during these months, this orchid will still start to bloom; however, it may not have any new growth the next season. Prior to pruning make sure to sterilize each tool, such as a sharp blade, small knife, single-edged razor or secateurs, by either immersing in a diluted hydrogen pyroxide solution or passing it through a naked flame to avoid the risk of infecting the orchid being pruned with diseases. Also, don't forget to wash your hands and work gloves thoroughly before touching the orchid plant. If you do this all correctly, you'll be rewarded by an impressive show of flowers the next growing season.

How to Prune Orchids the Right Way

Get MORE helpful hints and MORE valuable information on how prune orchids the right way by visiting www.groworchidsguide.com and enjoy a FREE educational e-course on successful orchid cultivation.

Plantable Seed Favors - So Many Choices!

In the last few years, plantable seed favors have become a huge and successful business. And why not? They are eco friendly (typically made from post consumer waste) and give back to your guests and the environment in the form of beautiful flowers once planted. In fact, the favor that I planted in a container on my deck at the beginning of the summer will soon be in bloom.

Plantable Wedding Favors: The most popular of these is the plantable heart favor. It is typically offered in my styles as well as colors, and often you have the choice of embellishments such as colorful satin ribbons and bows (therefore making it possible to coordinate with your reception colors). Some come with printed, personalized messages attached (usually by the ribbon), some with the printed message on the card that the favor is attached to, and some come with no personalization but with the option of an envelope so you can actually turn it into a place card too!

Flowers

Other wedding-oriented shapes include wedding cakes and bridal gowns.

Other Occasion Plantable Favors: Other popular shapes include butterflies, dragonflies, graduation cap, cross and Star of David. There are even pink ribbon plantable favors to support breast cancer awareness.

Plantable Herb Favors: Just coming on the market now are plantable seed favors that, instead of been embedded with flower seeds, are embedded with herbs. Basil and Parsley are the most popular choices.

Plantable Favor Boxes: And instead of traditional favor boxes, there are actually boxes made out of heavier plantable paper (card) stock. You can purchase them as plain boxes, pyramid shaped boxes or heart shaped boxes.

Most of these plantable favors come with printed planting instructions.

Diva Entertains, Copyright 2009

Plantable Seed Favors - So Many Choices!

Deb Rosenberg is a event planner and loves the wide selection of plantable favors offered at DivaEntertains.com

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Neck of the Woods!

Most everyone likes to look at and attract colorful hummingbirds. They are really neat and fascinating creatures that like to frequent the yard every now and again. Whether it's their colorful bodies, ability to pollinate or their vicious wing speeds of 55 times per second feeding and 200 times per second when maneuvering, everyone has something they like about these little nectarivorous creatures. These little guys provide all kinds of vital pollination activity to thousands of different plant species which is vital to the proliferation of plant life. People from the Midwest enjoy these critters, some 300 different species weighing less than 20 grams, from mid-spring to late fall. If you are interested in attracting hummingbirds, there are some key approaches that must be considered if we want to be successful in our desire.

Have Several Sources of Nutrition. Hummingbirds are attracted to items of bright colors. It is good to have various plant life in your yard that fits that description. For instance, crabapple trees have some really neat colors of flowers that bud on them. Another suggestion might be tulips or JayDay Lilies that yield a bright colored blossom and, of course, shrubs attract hummingbirds also. Hummingbirds mostly thrive and feed mostly on plant nectar, but they eat insects too.

Tulips

Have Several Colorful Items in your Yard. I recall sitting on my back porch, reading, one morning when I lived in St. Louis, Missouri. I was drinking coffee from a very colorful coffee cup with my wife's name on it. I kid you not, a local hummingbird whisked himself about a foot from where I was reading, checking out my colorful coffee mug. That was very cool. When he realized there was no nectar, he kindly went his way.
The point is that these hummingbirds are attracted to and interested in colorful plant life and items in your backyard. This let's us know that maybe tying a big red or lavender bows around your trees, or bright colored yard ornaments are a good primer for getting the hummingbirds attracted to your yard and eventually to the bird feeders.

A Good, Colorful Water Recipe This is really something to consider when building a humming bird garden. Migrating hummingbirds, as well as local hummingbirds, will find refreshment in your yard with a well loaded hummingbird sugar water feeder. Remember, hummingbirds really dig nectar so the mission is to simulate nectar in your hummingbird feeder. When mixing a homemade hummingbird formula, you want to mix one part sugar to four parts water in your feeder. To avoid spoilage and to kill any bacteria, go ahead a boil the mixture for about 1-2 minutes. Then for kicks, after the formula cools down, you can add a few drops of hummingbird food coloring or regular food coloring from the local market to help get their attention also.

Hummingbirds are neat, fun and educational for you and the whole family. The very fact that you are reading this article would let one know that you have a desire to attract humming birds to yer neck of the woods. Whether for enjoyment, natural pollination or natural insect control, you can't go wrong in every facet of desire, giving habitation to these fascinating birds.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Neck of the Woods!

Gary Freeman. I am a wildlife enthusiast living in Wyoming. I want to get the word out about wildlife preservation and natural insect control.

https://www.wildlife-houses.com/, http://wildlife-houses.blogspot.com/

Five Anytime Reasons Why Men Should Give Flowers

Isn't it a shame that giving flowers isn't done more often? No gift can outshine nature's breathtaking beauty when it's in full bloom; but unfortunately, most men don't think to give flowers unless it's a really special occasion like a holiday, anniversary, birthday or a not-so-happy occasion like when he needs to say he's sorry. Any woman will tell you that ANY TIME is a great time to get flowers from a man: here are five reasons why.

Because she's had a really bad week. She could be your wife, your girlfriend, your mom, or even your assistant. If you know she's struggling, flowers from you will be an instant pick-me-up: and she'll remember it for a long, long time!

Bouquet

She got a raise! Show her you're proud of her by sending her a gorgeous bouquet to her place of employment (and all her coworkers will be absolutely pea-green with envy). Can't you just picture this scene now?

Giving flowers doesn't get old. It just doesn't! No woman ever said: "What? Flowers again?" Not happening. It's even better when you give them when she's not expecting them. Wow!

Because you're on a long business trip (again) and you know she's missing you. Thanks to the miracles of modern technology you can send a mood-boosting bouquet from virtually anywhere in the world; and imagine the reception you'll get when you finally get home!

Because you're a romantic at heart and you don't mind showing it. You know you are (or you want to think you are)! She'll for sure think you are. You don't need a reason to be thoughtful: you're just being you, and she'll love you for it.

So go ahead: pick up the phone or go online now and remind the special lady in your life why you're such a great guy!

Five Anytime Reasons Why Men Should Give Flowers

Welcome to Cottage Florist & Antiques ( http://www.cottageflorist.com/ ), your premier florist 33812, Florist Lakeland Florida and the surrounding area. At our custom floral shop, all of our arrangements are artfully created, and our flowers and plants always come fresh from the best growers in the area.