Your Wedding Checklist: 8 to 10 months before your wedding

____Shop for and order your wedding dress and accessories, including veil, gloves and shoes


____Sign a contract with your wedding caterer

____Book wedding florist and choose arrangements

____Book your musicians and/or DJ for both ceremony and reception

____Select and confirm your wedding photographer (and your videographer, if you're using one.)

____Look into wedding insurance and decide if it's a good option for you

____Plan your honeymoon

____Shop for and order your bridesmaid dresses

____If you're making your own wedding favors, start doing so now.

____Meet with wedding cake designers or bakers and arrange for a tasting (Yum!)


xoxo
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Questions for Engaged Couples - - Questions to Discuss Before You Get Married

By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com Guide
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Discuss These Issues Before Walking Down the Aisle

Many marriage education experts caution that when couples believe in the myths of "happily-ever-after" or "love conquers all," problems in the marital relationship may surface within a short time after the wedding.

The success or failure of your marriage relationship may hinge on how well you deal with issues such as finances, sexuality, communication, conflict, parenting, in-laws, leisure time, family of origin, spirituality, expectations, and chores.

Even though you may be very busy with wedding preparations, it is critical that you make time to prepare for your life time together by exploring your relationship in more depth.

Communication, along with a willingness to grow closer together, is one of the keys to a successful marriage.

Since August 2005 when we expanded this list of questions that every couple should discuss before getting married, we have received suggestions for more questions.

To get to know one another better you can play the play "The Newlywed Board Game" together or you can look over these questions that we believe you need to ask one another if you want to improve your future marital life.

General Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* Why are we getting married? Pregnancy, financial security, loneliness or wanting to get out of the family home are not valid reasons to get married.

* What do we as a couple want out of life?

* What do you think we'll be doing in thirty or forty years?

* How often do you drink?

* Have you ever hit someone?

* Do you think it is important to be faithful to one another?

* Do you have a criminal record?

* Are you willing to replace the toilet tissue roll?


Family of Origin Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* What was your childhood like?

* Was your family an affectionate one?

* Do you think we will have problems with your family during the holidays?

* What values do you want to bring from your family into our marriage?

* What do you like and dislike about your family?

* what do you like and dislike about my family?

* What do you like and dislike about your parents' marriage?

* What do you like and dislike about my parents' marriage?

More on Family of Origin Issues


Self Image Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
# How would you describe yourself?

# How do you think I see you?

# Am I a jealous person?

# Do I have trust issues or feel insecure?

# How important is affirmation to me?

# Do I handle compliments well?

# What is your love language?

# Do you think we listen to one another well?

# Do you think it is important to know one another's physical and mental health histories?

More on giving compliments.


Time and Chores Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* Will you clean the toilet?

* How are we going to divide up the household chores?

* What are your expectations about how we will spend our free time?

* How do you want to spend our days off?

* Do you believe that we should be doing everything together?

* Can we each pursue our own interests?

* Do you need or want time alone?

* How would you feel if I want a night out with my friends now and then?

* How will we make sure we have quality time together?

* How much time will we spend with our in-laws?

More on Handling Household Chores Together

More on Time Management Issues


Money Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* Can we talk about money?

* Are you a saver or spender when it comes to money?

* Do you want to have a budget?

* Should we have a joint checking account or separate accounts or both?

* Who is going to be responsible for making sure that bills are paid on time?

* Do you consider going to the movies and having a vacation every year a necessity or a luxury?

* How much do we owe in debts and what are our assets?

* Where does our money go?

* What are our financial goals?

* Do you have any outstanding fines or debts?

* What are our future plans for purchasing a home?

* Do we both know where our important financial documents are located?

More on Money Issues


Parenting Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* Do you want to have children?

* Do we want to have children?

* If we decide we do, how many children do you want to have?

* How long should we be married before having children?

* What kind of parent do you think you will be?

* What is your parenting philosophy?

* Will one of us stay home after we have children?

* What type of birth control should we use if we want to postpone or prevent parenthood?

* How do you feel about adoption?

* Do you have any children already?

More on Parenting Issues


Spirituality and Religious Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* Does religion play an important part in your life?

* Do you think faith and spirituality are important in a marriage?

* What is your image of God?

More on Religious Issues


Sexual Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* Can we talk about sex?

* Should we talk about sex?

* Are you comfortable discussing your sexual likes and dislikes?

* What are your expectations of our sexual relationship?

More on Sexual Issues


Conflict Issues to Talk About Before You are Married
* How will we make decisions together?

* Are we both willing to face into difficult areas or do we try to avoid conflict?

* Do you think we have problems in our relationship that we need to deal with before our wedding?

* Do we handle conflict well?

* How are we different?

* Do you think our differences will create problems in our marriage?

* Do you expect or want me to change?

* Can we both forgive?

* Are we both willing to work on our communication skills and to share intimately with each other?

Conflict and Anger Issues

xoxo.

Your Wedding Checklist: 10 to 12 months before your wedding

____Read The First Ten Steps for a Newly Engaged Couple

____Tell your parents, important family members, and close friends the good news! How to Announce Your Engagement

____You might also want to announce your engagement in the newspaper, on a wedding website with an email sent out to all your friends, or in the most traditional way, with mailed engagement announcements

____Have an engagement party, if you'd like

____Envision the tone of your wedding: Formal or casual? Day or evening? Religious or secular?

____Consider having a wedding theme, which will help pull together the style, look, and feel of your wedding

____Choose your wedding colors, which will add visual unity.

____Set your budget, read Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

____Decide who will pay for the wedding. Will your parents cover it all? Can you contribute? How will expenses be split?

____Start your guest list

____Select date and time. Have backup dates in mind, in case a key element is unavailable.

____Select and reserve your ceremony and reception sites

____Hire a wedding consultant, if you're using one

____Choose and book your wedding officiant

____Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers

____Meet with florists, caterers, and musicians.

____Arrange for a tasting with your caterer


xoxo
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Q

“I just broke up with someone and the last thing she said to me was "You'll never find anyone like me again!" I'm thinking, "I should hope not! If I don't want you, why would I want someone like you."”

“There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love.”

“True love is like a pair of socks: you gotta have two and they've gotta match.”

“You learn to like someone when you find out what makes them laugh, but you can never truly love someone until you find out what makes them cry.”

“Relationships are like crystals, you don't realize how much you love it until it breaks.”

“Relationships-of all kinds-are like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers. You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled. A relationship is like that. Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact. But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.”

The best relationship is the one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

I've learned in my lifetime so far that you can't help who you fall for and no matter how hard you try and how much it hurts you everyday that you just wanna be with them or just talk to them you never stop trying to make them happy by the little things you say or do because thats what makes your life worth going on for.

Define: Ryan

Ryan

An Irish name meaning "little king". A person worthy of the name Ryan is indeed a person of true royalty.

A handsome gentleman with a charming smile. Has the greatest respect for life and people, especially women. A great sense of humor, easy going and modest. An even greater sense of adventure. But has been known to fall to grips of an adrenaline lust, often risking himself for a thrill seek.

A person that believes in all people, until they have proven otherwise, and even then might still believe in you. His mind is amazing, slightly insane but pure genius, the only force stronger is his heart. To be loved by, is to be… Truly... Loved.

Loves a challenge, but often doesn’t often accept the reward. Gives his heart and soul to the people he cares for. He is either on top of the world smiling ear to ear or underneath it trying to lift still offering an occasional smirk.

He can be explosive so don’t shake too much. But otherwise can truly accomplish anything.

Synonymous with Perfection…. Perfection is defined by its flaws.

A great Leader, consider him yours

Wow, That was Amazing! Well, I mean I should have known, he is Ryan

Source: Urban Dictionary

Define: Abigail

Abigail

A super-sweet girl. Extremely gorgeous and tons of fun. When you meet one you will want to be a huge part of her life but you would have to be very lucky for it to happen. An Abigail will stay on your mind forever so you will know when you meet one.

I started dating an Abigail a while back, she is amazing!

Source: Urban Dictionary

Gain Weight and Be Healthy

Obesity is such a problem in so many places, that many people might ask, "Why would anyone want to gain weight?"

There are a few reasons why someone might wish to gain weight. Some people are naturally thin and would like to be larger. Physical illnesses can result in excessive weight loss. Eating disorders can result in massive weight loss and can, in fact, result in death from the lack of nutrition. Many elderly people have trouble preparing foods and are prone to excess weight loss as well.

Whatever your reason for wanting to gain weight, you need to do so in a healthy manner. The foods you eat must supply you with much needed calories and give you all of the nutrients and phytochemicals that your body may have been missing for a while.

In order to gain weight, you need to consume more calories than you are currently taking in every day. You really shouldn't guess how many calories you need. If you have been fighting an illness, you should speak with your doctor about your daily calorie needs. You can also use an online calculator such as MyPyramid.gov or this Nutrition Guide.

Once you know how many calories you need to aim for each day, use a food diary to track your daily intake. A food diary will help you track your calorie intake and help remind you when it is time to eat and help you be sure you are getting all of the nutrients you need. If you prefer to keep your food diary online, you can join Calorie Count. This site is free and allows you to track the calories you take in as well as the calories you burn with exercise. It also rates your daily diet's nutritional value.

Choosing Healthy Foods to Gain Weight

Remember that you need to choose healthy foods to really be healthy. This is especially important if you are recovering from an illness or have been undernourished for a long time. You want to gain weight and you want to improve your health as well.

Tips for Increasing Calories While Keeping a Healthy Diet

* Add cheese, nuts and dressings made with olive, walnut or canola oil to salads.
* Eat starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn more often.
* Go for dried fruits or fruit juices as healthy higher calorie snacks.
* Add cream or cheese sauces to fish and baked chicken breast.
* Choose herbs and spices to increase the flavors of your food rather than relying on salt.
* Add powdered milk to soups and sauces to offer calories and protein.
* Spread Peanut butter on whole grain bread, apples or celery sticks to get a great source of protein and calories.
* Stick with healthy desserts, such as a bowl of berries with whipped topping and lot of chopped nuts.
* Spoon healthy salad dressings on sandwiches and as a dip for vegetables.
* Dip whole grain bread into olive oil, walnut oil or flax seed oil. If you don't care for much meat, add legumes such as black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans as protein sources.
* Pick dark chocolate as a treat. Dark chocolate has antioxidants that other sweets don't have.

The foods that you choose to eat are important for more than just the amount of calories they contain. The foods you eat also have to give you the nutrients you need. Keep your high-calorie foods healthy; don't add non-nutritious junk foods to your diet. Junk foods may have lots of sugar and unhealthy fats that add the calories you may want, but they don't have much to offer nutritionally. Make sure you eat foods that have good nutritional value along with those extra calories.

Carbohydrates

Your body needs carbohydrates for energy. Carbohydrates are the best fuel for your body, although your body can use fats and proteins for energy if necessary. Since you need to gain weight, you should make sure you get enough carbohydrates to fuel your body as well as add the nutrients you need. Your best sources of carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Vegetables and fruits should be the cornerstone of any healthy diet. You don't want to avoid healthy green vegetables like green beans and asparagus just because they are low in calories. Green vegetables have a lot of nutritional value. You can add healthy calories to those vegetables by topping them with nutritious foods like olive oil, almonds and shredded cheese. You may also want to eat more of the starchier vegetables such as potatoes and corn. The starchy vegetables pack more calories into regular serving sizes.

You can add lots of fruit to your diet too. Fruits are packed with vitamins and phytochemicals that will boost your health. For example, instead of drinking extra sugary sodas, enjoy orange juice or other fruit juice. You will get the calories you need, plus a lot of vitamins that soda doesn't have. Snack on fresh fruits any time of day to increase your calorie intake.

Another large source of carbohydrates are the grains and cereals. The USDA suggests that you eat six to 11 servings of foods from the bread and cereal group. At least three of those servings should be from 100 percent whole grain products. Whole grains are a great source of fiber and nutrients.

Fats and Oils

Healthy fats include the essential polyunsaturated omega-3 essential fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. You can only get these fats from your diet and they are important for healthy hair, skin, neurological function.

The omega-3 fats from fish, seafood, canola oil, flax and walnuts is usually deficient in western diets. The lack of omega-3 fatty acids creates an imbalance between the two fatty acids.

Most diets contain more than enough of the omega-6 fatty acids. Many experts believe that consuming too much of the omega-6 fatty acids along with insufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids is unhealthy. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in most vegetable oils like sunflower oil, safflower oil and corn oil.

Monounsaturated fats like olive oil are also good fats that will help keep your cardiovascular system healthy. These fats are found in olive oil.

You want to add healthy fats to your diet by eating lots of fish, flax seeds and nuts. Choose salad dressings, cooking oils and mayonnaise made with canola oil.

Avoid foods that contain large amounts of saturated fats and trans-fats. Red meat, processed lunch meats, hot dogs and sausage have all been connected with higher risks of diseases such as heart disease and some cancers so you should eat those meats only sparingly. Avoid fried foods as well. Fried foods such as French fries, donuts and fried fish or chicken are sources of trans fats and not a healthy way to get the calories you need.

Proteins

The protein sources you choose are important too. Your body needs protein for muscle and organ structure and for normal immune system function. Your body also uses protein to make hormones and brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Healthy protein sources include poultry, fish, legumes, nuts and seeds. Red meat is OK once or twice each week, but more red meat contains a lot of saturated fat. A diet high in saturated fat has been linked to cardiovascular disease. Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, bologna and other lunch meats are high in calories, but also associated with higher risks of cancer.

Dietary Supplements

Taking a multivitamin with extra calcium may be beneficial for many people. "Weight gaining" supplements are available that can add extra calories to your diet. These supplements usually have a lot of protein and carbohydrates. These types of weight gaining supplements are fine, however if you are recovering from an illness, it is good to speak with your doctor first to be sure the extra protein is OK.

Portions Sizes and Meals

You can either add more calories to you diet by eating more meals per day, by adding snacks and by increasing your portion sizes. If a large meal makes you feel stuffed and uncomfortable, eat small portions, but eat more often. You can add healthy snacks through out the day.

Exercise to Gain Weight

Exercise is important for good health and the right type of exercise can help you gain muscle, which will give you more body mass. Weight-lifting exercises that are designed to build muscle should be included with your weight-gaining diet and perhaps aerobic exercise should be cut back a bit. For more on exercise to gain muscle, read How to Build Muscle.

Source:

University of Michigan Health System. "Healthy Weight Gain." Adult Health Advisor 2005, 4.

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