eco-chic weddings - Book Review

Since the urgency for saving the planet has prompted eco-friendly options by all of us, what can be timelier than a book for environmentally correct weddings with June just a step away? The book, ?eco-chic weddings,? promotes stylish and beautiful weddings for the socially responsible couples who would like to celebrate their special day with customary splendor but without sacrificing the environment. In the introduction, the author--Emily Elizabeth Anderson--starts out by pointing at the wedding industry?s financial hold on couples and their families as she concentrates on the three tenets of conservationism: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The reduce, reuse, and recycle ideas include the money spent on the setting, because where and when to hold the wedding ceremony is the first and probably the most important consideration. Among the writer?s suggestions are a park, the jungle, or a vineyard. In the initial chapters, the subject of wedding rings comes up. Although I am not sure I agree with Anderson on faux diamonds, the idea of a family heirloom ring or a ring designed by a local artist makes a lot of sense. The wedding attire chapter is a brilliant one, since I am a cotton person; and even if I wore the color white myself a very long time ago, I always hated white on a bride. White has chauvinistic and--in some cultures--ominous connotations and is rarely reusable. The following chapters are on wedding registry, invitations, flowers and design, favors, health and beauty, menu, and transportation, followed by two more chapters on honeymoon and married life. Each chapter is full of practical ideas and lists for resources. At the end of the book in the appendix, more lists of resources are offered. Throughout the entire book, the author advises to choose companies that care about recycling by not placing their products inside needless packaging. The language of the book is clear, crisp, and direct, and the style of the author is convincing. ?Be sure everything you use can either be recycled or composted--that means having organic flowers because they won?t introduce toxic elements back into the environment. Make the design elements of your day out of items you can recycle (paper, ribbons, recyclable plastics).? From the chapter ?Flowers, Style, and Design.? ?eco-chic weddings? is in paperback with168 pages and ISBN-10: 1578262402 and ISBN-13: 978-1578262403. Emily Elizabeth Anderson is a freelance writer, certified yoga instructor, and an advocate of sustainable style. She lives in New York City, and her website is EmilyAnderson.com. Anderson has worked for Vanity Fair, Donna Karan New York, and Martha Stewart Living as the Event Director. She has studied interior design at the Parsons School of Design. ?eco-chic weddings? is a resource not only for brides and grooms but for everyone, because the author urges and inspires the readers to live responsibly and take care of the environment. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations. Joy Cagil is an author on http://www.Writing.Com.

The Hip Gift Giver - Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries

Mark Twain once said, ?Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do." So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.? When choosing a gift, there are some essentials for making Twain?s quote a reality for friends and relatives. Braving long lines, scouring dozens of stores and spending way too much time in the greeting card aisle are all things of the past. Being a great gift-giver does not mandate stress and a maxed-out credit card. All it takes is a little thought, preparation, and inspiration! Whether it?s a gift meant for a birthday, holiday, wedding, or ?just because?, these simple suggestions will help dress up any gifting style and help the one?s you love Explore, Dream, and Discover like never before. 10. Start early, and don?t wait Slow down! Enjoy! Buying a gift should be fun ? not a last minute hassle. Keep you list in the back of your mind and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to plan and shop. This allows you to be your most creative. 9. Stop. Think. Shop.. The best gifts are those that hit closest to home ? so stop and think: What is the recipient passionate about? Animals or Sports? What makes them smile? Adventure or Relaxation? What makes this person tick? Art or the Outdoors? Now use your answers as a map, guiding you towards the gift that fits their blueprint! 8. Just like the car you drive, the books you read or the outfit you wear ? your gift says something about you Remember that your gift should reflect your personality as much as theirs. So whether you put your artistic style into the wrapping or incorporate some of your own wild style into the gift itself, just get creative and put your own flair into it! 7. Create a signature gift Signature gifts are one of the easiest and most classic ways to create a lasting gift giving impression. Choose a theme and send the same gift?year after year?with a slight twist each time. Whether it is an around the world gourmet basket, a blue Tiffany?s box, or a new experience, your gift recipients will always look forward to something they can count on and know will be exciting and wanted. 6. Give a gift that keeps on giving Gifts the recipient can use again and again or that create lasting memories will ensure they?ll be thinking about you always! Consider gifts that will touch their lives and hearts for years to come. Gifts such as a pottery class, a ride in a race car, a family portrait, or private time with a personal trainer all strike a chord by enriching the recipient?s life with something unforgettable. 7. Spread the joy Part of the joy of giving a gift is the connection it establishes or strengthens between two people. Why not enhance those connections by giving a gift they can share with their family and friends?including you!? Wine, circus excursions, cruises along the Potomac or weekend getaways are all gifts that provide the opportunity to create new memories and spend time with old friends. 4. Presentation is everything With the right touches, simple can be elegant. Whether your gift fits neatly into a small bag or in a box all wrapped up, the key is in the details: a matching bow, brightly colored tissue paper, or a hand-made card will all be sure to garner ?ooo?s? and ?ahhh?s?. 3. Relive the memories You?ve laughed, you?ve cried ? celebrate that special bond by incorporating your time together into your gift. Reference an inside joke, recall an embarrassing moment, or insert a photograph of times past into your gift message . They?ll love your gift even before they see what?s inside. 2. Don?t try to be perfect Because no one is! Your preparation and thoughtfulness will come shinning through. At the end of the day, your recipient will be thankful to be remembered, regardless of your gift. Your creativity and personal touch are icing on the cake. 1. Treat yourself When you?ve completed shopping, give YOURSELF something to look forward too. Reward yourself for accomplishing your gift-giving goals. Whether it?s big or small, the newest trend or an antique keepsake, the goal remains the same: to create a lasting connection among friends, colleagues and loved ones that will extend beyond the life of any object you can buy ? after all, it?s truly the thought that counts. Kim AuBuchon is the chief operating officer at Excitations.com the premiere experiential gift company. Whether it?s a stint behind the wheel of a NASCAR, a behind the scenes experience with your favorite sports team or an introduction to fly fishing, gift buyers will have far more exhilarating possibilities than the usual standby gifts to choose from allowing them to give memorable, unique experiences as presents to their friends, family and business associates. http://www.Excitations.com