The Help Your Marriage and Family Advice Blog » Marriage and Family

Old folk lore suggest that being wed on a Saturday is unlucky!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:58:40 +0000

These days couples planning a wedding try to book the ceremony on a Saturday, then guests do not have to take time off work; at least not unless they have top travel a long way. But it wasn’t always like that and in time gone by holding a wedding on a Saturday was considered to be very unlucky.

As wedding venues are booked up for months, if not years, in advance; it is becoming increasingly popular to get married on another day of the week. Those considering this option may be interested in the following traditional rhyme;

Marry on Monday for wealth,
Marry on Tuesday for health,
Marry on Wednesday the best day of all,
Marry on Thursday for losses,
Marry on Friday for crosses,
Marry on Saturday for no luck at all.

The earlier days of the week are said to be fortunate, with the end of the week considered to be unlucky. Fridays, especially Friday the 13th of course, as well as Thursdays and Saturdays were not well regarded.

It is interesting that Sunday does not feature at all in the rhyme, presumably dating from times when all weddings took place in church - of course Sunday is a church’s busiest day. The advent of civil ceremonies would also have ruled out Sundays because most Registry Offices are in buildings that would not be open on that day. But with licensed wedding premises increasingly welcoming Sunday weddings are becoming just as popular as Saturdays.

If you are planning a wedding soon then may I wish you the very best of luck.

The author has been happily married for 23 years and our wedding was on a Saturday, so don’t take the above table too seriously! His interests include heraldry and he has a shop selling gifts with family crests.

Tags: Marriage and Family

Does Debi Pearl’s book, Created To Be His Help Meet Really Help People?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:56:20 +0000

An article entitled “Slave Labor” has circulated on the internet for several years. It was part of a chapter from a 1954 Home Economics textbook to be taught to high school girls. In summary, the girls were taught to be good housewives by preparing their homes, their supper meal, and their children for the arrival of their hard working husbands. “Try to make your home a place of peace and order where you husband can relax,” is the final point.

A woman who is repulsed by such teaching would NOT welcome the core ideas of Debi Pearl’s book, Created To Be His Help Meet. Indeed, the author herself admits to being tempted to skirt not-so-politically-correct issues that would cause her to lose sales. Michael Pearl, her husband told her, “If God thought it was important enough to inspire it as part of His Word to us, then you should include it”.

For the others, this is the first great quality of this book. It is based solely on the teaching of Scripture without regard to what is ‘popular’. Debi did a thorough study of the role of women in the Bible to prepare for this book. It is based on the design principle, that God created woman unique with an important role in society. That purpose for a married woman is primarily to serve her husband, to make him a success. If instead she decided to take on his role, she will damage her marriage, children, the spirit of her home, and miss her own fulfilling purpose.

Debi states, “It took four years, thousands of hours, many tears, revisions and distractions, but I finally finished my book. I had no idea God had so much to say to us ladies until I began going through God’s Word verse by verse, writing the different sections of Created to Be His Help Meet”.

Often this results in his changing for the good too. In other words, if you treat him as a king, he may well treat you as his queen. However, this is not the goal of your responses.

Every troubled wife feels she is the exception to the principles presented in such a fundamental book. Debi Pearl does not ignore these and gives many illustrations and answers questions from various difficult marriage situations. Neither does she skirt the subject of sex but handles it in a clear but discrete way.

The fact that, at this writing, the book is in its 8th printing in four years is a strong endorsement. Yes, some pastors have even banned the book, but the many letters from husbands and wives whose marriages have been transformed by what Debi teachers here are a clear witness that it is Biblical and that woman have an important role in God’s plan.

Tags: Marriage and Family

The Classic Tradition of Pre-set Engagement Rings

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:23:37 +0000

For some, choosing a loose diamond, matching it with a setting, and completing all the research needed to create a good engagement ring is an enjoyable part of the process, but for those who prefer to leave such things to professionals, choosing one of the thousands of varieties of stunning Preset Engagement Rings is the way to go. Once you have found a retailer you are sure is reputable and deals in good quality merchandise, choosing the best pre set engagement ring for your beloved is simple. The best thing about a preset engagement ring is the advanced training, knowledge, and experience behind of step of the creative process as the ring is made. Jewelry designers who have been conceptualizing rings of every shape and size for years combine elements that harmonize and are structurally sound, and these components are then appraised by certified gemologists who have completed GIA training and are most qualified to determine the quality of a diamond’s cut, color, and clarity, and can most accurately rate the compatibility of the stones in pre set diamond engagement rings with the type of setting that will hold them.

The most traditional styles of Pre-set Engagement Rings are the solitaire diamond and three stone diamond rings. These are very classic and tasteful, with the solitaire style being a way to display one large, high quality stone that is impressive enough to stand alone, and the three stone allowing for the same impression, either to a higher degree, with 3 very good diamonds that are just slightly small to use in solitaires, or for adding a little more variation and flair to a classic preset engagement ring. A 3 stone ring can also include additional very small diamonds and other stones to accentuate the focal diamonds.

Pre Set Engagement Rings that set diamonds in a channel setting have also become popular. A channel setting places one or more stones directly within the band itself, in a way very much like rings with a metal or carbon inlay, except in this case the inlay is made with diamonds and sometimes an alternating pattern of diamonds and other precious stones such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, which are held into place by a small metal lip shaped over each edge of the ring.

For different preset engagement rings that allow for a multitude of shapes and some very modern, conceptual styles, rings with pave set diamonds are the way to go. A large amount of small diamonds are used in a pave set engagement ring to create specific geometric patterns, and the number of precise, tiny cuts and facets of the individual stones set a pave ring ablaze with light.

Tags: Marriage and Family

Dream Honeymoon Location : The Main Objective Of Honeymoon Suit

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:43:19 +0000

The particular responsibility for every mate’s is isolation and they opt those locations which they can spend their honeymoon spend in quietness of care. Any honeymoon suit that provides secrecy is the incomparable suit for newly weds to expend their honeymoon holiday. Honeymoon suits are supposition maximal grandness as these suits become instrumental in providing a place to the newly united couples to understand better and assimilate friendliness among them.

There are diametric features of a honeymoon suite and the hotels try to praise the honeymooners by message individual facilities. This is to improve the duad get the quietude and intimacy deliberate during honeymoon. The direct dimension of a honeymoon suite is the queen sized bed which is a fresh necessity during honeymoon. Few of the honeymoon suites may individual a monster quaternion card beds like in mediaeval times, depicting the history of a king and queen.

The distinguished artifact you are looking in the honeymoon suit is the availability of a vast stream tub with underwater jets that manipulate the body. Honeymoon suites are fashioned with relaxation as the educator oblique. This big facility tub keeps you in operation and you can enjoy the hot swirling water with your mate in romanticistic condition. The floodlit moving facility happening relaxes muscles and you will search a great good undergo throughout the moment you pass in the tub.

You will be enjoying suits that are settled in areas with chockablock of scenic views. This view adds to the honour and serenity of the surroundings and gives blissful experience. Honeymoon suites are fashioned with relaxing as the principal impersonal. A spa gives them the opportunity to care themselves and helps the merge hit console after a extendible day of roaming.

When a snobbish spa adjoining along with an aromatherapy massage helps to do wonders for the freshly married couple primed themselves for an outstanding party. Since it is a unreal fact that aromatherapy manifestation both on the embody and the feeling, it doubtless helps to quest the have of the honeymoon twain in a real confirming way. Thence symmetric if aromatherapy knead is not offered by the hotel, it is staple to act a clannish spa where you can make aromatherapy massage. You will be most comfortable if your chosen honeymoon suit is provided with 24 hours room service and you need not go outside for you to get required things. A honeymoon suite sees to it that the newly married couple never forgets the experience of staying in a honeymoon suite and the suite itself.

Tags: Marriage and Family

The Crib and Mattress - Important Nursery Furniture Pieces

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:36:22 +0000

Without doubt, the most important piece of nursery furniture is the crib. Not only is it the centerpiece of the nursery, it’s the whole reason you’ve built the nursery! If you have a limited budget, devote most of your resources on buying a good quality crib and mattress. Because baby will be spending more time here than anywhere else in the house, you will need the crib to last, to be comfortable and, most importantly, to be safe. Due to updated safety guidelines, it is not recommended you buy a used crib.

Be on the look-out for hardwoods like ash, maple or oak, and a mattress base containing metal or sturdy wooden supports. The bars should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent baby from getting stuck. The same applies to any decorative cutouts. To extend the life of the crib, look for a model where the mattress base can be lowered to accommodate a growing infant who can stand. You could go further and purchase a convertible crib that transforms into a regular bed, but enquire in advance if the company charges extra for the convertible parts.

For the mattress, make sure it fits tight inside the crib, with no more than 2 finger lengths of space (preferably less). Foam mattresses are the most popular for both costing fewer than an innerspring and their lighter weight, which can be a godsend when cleaning it after a midnight accident. It should be no more than 6 inches thick, and the surface must be firm. Features to look for are vinyl surfaces for easy maintenance and vent holes to keep the mattress free of odors.

Tags: Marriage and Family

Wedding Favors Can Actually Be An Extremely Thoughtful Thank you!

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:49:38 +0000

Wedding Favors; A Thoughtful Thank You!

Planning a wedding can truly be a very harrowing experience. Sometimes, in the middle of the wedding plans, the stress causes couples to even break up and call off the wedding. With all that anxiety and frustration, who would have the time to think about the final item on your wedding list; the infamous wedding favor or even the wedding shower favors
These small items can be easily overlooked or pushed into the background; putting buying them off until the very end. After all, with the reception, gown, band, flowers, photographer and so many more responsibilities to take care of, why would we spend time on this little gift for our guests? And most times you can find awesome, very affordable wedding favors.

Wedding favors, although all of the above is true, should not be an afterthought. These little trinkets are a personal thank you from the happy couple to their guests for attending their special day. Many times, the main thing that is remembered by your guests are the unique wedding favors they received. And why wouldn’t they? They bring it home and if it’s reusable, something they will look at for months or ever years to come.

For hundreds of years, these thank you items have been an important part of showers and weddings. A couple of centuries ago, the success of a wedding depended on what the guests felt about their wedding favor. In fact, there is still an old wife’s tale that says; if your guests love what the couple gives them, then they will have a happy marriage.

Of course, we agree that this is not as important as other elements on your wedding planning list, but as already said, don’t overlook it. That would be like overlooking your guests and what they thing about your wedding. So put it in its rightful place but always keep in the back of your mind that it is the highlight of your guest’s table and what they reach for the second they sit down and talk about during the entire wedding with the other guests.

It’s very easy to find an amazing favor without putting in much effort. As you are traveling to wedding boutiques for a wedding gown or to pick out your flowers or whatever, just keep this small item on the back of your mind. As you are deciding on more important aspects of your wedding, you may stumble across the perfect gift for your guests. More than likely, if you find it this way, it will blend into the theme of your wedding and become a beautiful addition that your guests will cherish for a long time.

Tags: Marriage and Family

Isaac Robert Toussie and Epidural Blocks

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:25:24 +0000

For some women getting the epidural is a definite yes right from the beginning. Other women are indecisive about getting it because they want to have a natural child birth, free of medication. An epidural block is given to the mother during active labor. It is an anesthetic and narcotic mixture. You can either sit up with or back rounded or laying down, curled up on your side. First the doctor will numb the are with a local anesthetic. Next he will inject the needle into the correct area, which is the space surrounding your spinal nerves. The doctor will then thread a catheter through the needle, remove the needle and tape the catheter in place. The medicine is now flowing to through the catheter to surround the nerves as is blocks the pain.
While some people think that housing, government, politics, entertainment, mortgages, banking, philosophy, and religion are among the most interesting subjects of intellectual discussion I believe that the care and education we have about our children and the birth and development of our children, may rank even higher. I, Isaac Robert Toussie, believe that children are our future, and if you pardon my expression, I believe they represent the greatest miracle G-d has ever given us.
This procedure can take about twenty minutes. It also takes about another twenty minutes until it starts to work. The epidural works by blocking the pain in the lower half of your body, while you stay awake and alert. When it comes time to push, you may not be able to feel enough to push effectively, so the doctor may change the balance of the medication, so that you can feel a little more.
There are some side effects you may feel from the epidural. One that is most common is a decrease in your blood pressure. This may decrease blood flow to the placenta, which can cause the baby’s heart rate to experience some temporary drops. The decrease is not usually significant enough to make you feel faint or nausea. Another side effect, is that it could effect the muscles of your chest making you feel like it is harder to breath. This is easily managed and is very rare. In other rare incidents the needle may go too far and into the membrane that holds the spinal fluid around the spinal canal. This can cause a severe headache. Be sure to do some research before it is time to go to the hospital. Be familiar with how it is administered and what you should feel. I don’t recall the extent of President George Bush’s or President Obama’s campaign focus on children and issues concerning children but future presidents would surely be praised for focusing on children during their campaigns and later during their presidential tenures.
This writing has been posted by me, Isaac Toussie, strictly for informational and human interest purposes only, not for medical or for advisory purposes and was written by a lay person (me, Isaac Toussie). The reader should not rely upon the validity of any of the information contained herein. The reader is urged to consult doctors, nutritionists, and other medical professionals when seeking advice about babies, children, science, human physiology and the like

Tags: Marriage and Family

How Do I Choose the Proper Wedding Invitations and How Should I Word Them?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:04:34 +0000

You’re engaged. You’ve found your gown. You know where your
reception is. So what’s next? Trust me on this; it’s time to pick
out your wedding invitations and your inexpensive wedding favors! My suggestion is that
you do this VERY early. The reason being is that it is one of the
things that can fly under the radar and you’ll forget about. And it
can’t be forgotten about because then you will have no guests to
celebrate with you!

There are many beautiful wedding invitations to choose from. Some are
very simple. Some are more elaborate. I’ve consulted on weddings that
have spent thousands on wedding invitations and others that have
printed them on their home computer themselves. Depending on the
extravagance of your wedding and your theme, if price is an issue,
looking early is definitely in your best interest. Remember, satin
lined envelopes and those cute little ribbons add hundreds of dollars
to your budget.

Next step, what should the invitation say? There are so many versions
of invites, that it would take me all day to name them. Just remember
that you want it to sound like you and your future spouse and it would
be nice if it matched your edible wedding favors And sometimes you have to stray
from the norm with the sentiment on the invitation. For example, when
there is more than one parent or sets of parents or any other
combination, that has to be worded properly. As a very general rule,
the parents who are paying for the invitations (and usually a good
portion of the wedding) are the ones that should be issuing the
invitation. One way to accomplish both is:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Ms. Jane Jean Doe
to
Mr. Groom’s Full Name
Son of Mrs. New Husband’s Name (or) Son of Mr. and Mrs. New Husband’s Name
and Mr. Groom’s Father’s Name (or) and Mr. and Mrs. Groom’s Father’s Name

The last line is where you can add whomever you choose. This is nice,
clean and nobody gets offended or left out.

An invitation is a beautiful thing. It’s very personal and should
emulate what the wedding will be like and even the colors and wine wedding favors
that the bride and groom may go with for their special day. Don’t jump
at the first thing you see. Set aside a few hours and browse through
collections on the internet. There are many style to choose from that
will fit any budget. Just do it early. You want to sent them out up
to 10 weeks before the wedding date, especially if there will be out
of town guests.

Tags: Marriage and Family

Some Pet Owners Treat Their Animals Better Than Their Own Kids Using various Services That Cater To Just That

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:47:31 +0000

Most every home in the nation owns at least one pet whether it is a small goldfish won at a town fair or a dozen cats and dogs. People love their pets and many businesses have noticed this and have created businesses that cater to people’s describe a few of the various businesses that cater to pet owners who pet grooming salons, daycare for dogs and specialty shops for animals .
A lot of people love their animals so much they want to capture . Make sure you hire a photographer that specializes in working with animals and doing pet portraits since it takes some special patience and different techniques that are used than when shooting photos of people. Often too , after a pet passes away , some owners may bring in a photograph of their pet to have painted in a beautiful painting to remember their pet endlessly .
Another business that caters to pets are animal daycare and boarding for pets while their owners are at work or on a trip . The old traditional kennels where the animals are put in cages is no longer acceptable to pet owners and these facilities often times rival fine hotels for people . They have pet suites with beds, and even flat screen TV’s with shows like the Animal Planet showing for your dogs enjoyment . If an owner works long hours they may drop off their pet for playtime and socializing as well as exercise while they are at the office . This is very similar to a daycare that you would bring your small child to but it is centered towards animals .
Pampering your pet is very popular currently with several dog boutiques and dog salons existing in this country . Smaller breed canines have become more popular recently and owners seem to like to dress up these little breeds in clothing whether it is a yellow slicker on a rainy day, a costume for Halloween or a party dress for their birthday. Groomers also are in the business of pampering the animal with other services offered that seem like they are for people like massage, pawdicures where they actually paint the claws of the dog, and teeth bleaching . No expense seems to be too great for many pet owners and that is why these different companies catering to pampering your pet have been such a success lately .
Some people have always been animal lovers and have always had] a dog other people that do not have children like younger single working people or couples that decide] not to have offspring . Also, a lot of empty nesters are finding it nice to have a animal to take care of once their kids leave home . This increased amount of pets has created greater businesses catering to them.

Tags: Marriage and Family

Is A Wedding Planner Completely Necessary To Have To Organize My Wedding?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:29:15 +0000

Your wedding day is one of the biggest times in a couple’s lives. But you can also get easily overwhelmed as you try to think through your plans and tend to every detail that a day like this entails. As the time draws near, nerves get jangled and tempers pop due to sheer stress and the desire for everything to play out perfectly. At the same time, the days leading up to your wedding day can be exciting and bring high spirits. It’s these conflicting emotions which cause many to seek the assistance of a wedding planner as well as trying to find some great candle wedding favors.

Hiring a wedding planner gives the bride, groom and families more time for each other as well as allowing the happy couple to actually enjoy these moments which precede their big day. But usually, the services of a wedding planner are not inexpensive. Most charge a percentage of the cost of the wedding; normally 10-20%. So before you decide that you must have a planner, there are a few things to take into consideration. One consideration is what wedding guest books you’re going to buy as well as all of the other wedding accessories.

Normally, couples get engaged a year or more before they plan on tying the knot. This allows them time to accomplish the overwhelming task of making arrangements for their special day. If you have this amount of time and you don’t mind enlisting others to take the less important tasks off of your plate, you probably can manage your wedding yourself. But, if you are not a very resourceful person or if your management and delegation skills are weak, you might want to consider hiring on. Also, if your wedding is less than nine months away, you might check around to see if a planner is someone you can afford and check to see what great place card holders are available for your reception tables.

Besides taking all the burden off the future Mr. and Mrs., a wedding planner has many contacts in the business which can save you money in the long run. But that is not the only way they can save you money. Wedding planners are used to working within a budget. If you aren’t conscientious in this area, you might actually save money even after paying a planner.
Wedding planners also have been trained to pay the utmost attention to every detail and to execute what is required of them seamlessly. They will time the arrival of the bride and the wedding party as well as insuring that all etiquette is followed. They are just a whisper away during your entire day, making sure that your every wish is their command.

If you truly want a wedding planner, but you don’t feel you can afford one, there is another option. Many planners offer their services for specific areas of your wedding. If this is an option for you, the best phases to hire them for are scouting and securing reception locations as well as the caterer. That is the most expensive part of your day and hopefully, with their help, you’ll be able to use their services as well as save money. That can definitely remove some of the pre-marital stress.

If you do have your heart set on a wedding planner, but despair at the cost, you don’t have to. Many planners these days offer their services at specific phases of the wedding planning, or you can hire them for just a few services like scouting for locations or wedding favor shopping. This will help you avail of her professional expertise in a few select matters without leaving your wallet much lighter.

Tags: Marriage and Family