Tips for Best Diet Snacks - 100 Calorie

There are some best diet snacks - 100 Calorie

1. Olivia Munn reaches for celery with peanut butter to combat snack cravings. "It's my favorite healthy snack," the Magic Mike star says. One tablespoon of peanut butter paired with one medium celery stock equals 100 calories.

2. 1 slice turkey breast with 1 slice swiss cheese

3. When Jennifer Love Hewitt is craving something sweet, she reaches for watermelon. "It makes you feel like you're eating something bad for you," Hewitt explains of the fruit, 2 1/2 cups of which equal 100 calories.

4. 1 1/2-ounce part-skim mozzarella on a tomato slice

5. "Who doesn't love popcorn?!" argues Scandal's Kerry Washington, who could munch on three cups of the air-popped treat for 100 calories.

6. 3 Clementines

7. Natural foods chef Bethenny Frankel uses almonds in many of her Skinnygirl recipes. "[Almonds are in] my Skinnygirl On-The-Go Nutritional bars and my recipes for oatmeal and granola," says Frankel, who could snack on 14 nuts for 100 calories.

8. 2 tablespoons hummus with 11 baby carrots

9. Alec Baldwin's yoga instructor wife Hilaria Baldwin reaches for the portable snack -- 1 medium apple equates to 100 calories -- when on the go.

10. 1 cup chopped mango

11. 15 raspberries

12. "I feel energized and not sluggish," red pepper fan Karina Smirnoff says after munching on the veggie. "I'm a strong believer in listening to your body."

13. 1/2 cup edamame

14. "I love guacamole! Every time I'm up for a snack that would by choice," says Alessandra Ambrosio, who could snack on two tablespoons of guacamole and five tortilla chips for just 100 calories.

15. 2 bars fruit leather

7 Diet Secrets of the Stars

 7 Diet Secrets of the Stars , There are seven diet secrets of stars that can tou try to tips how to diet.

1. Develop a Routine You Can Stick To, After welcoming son Noah in September 2012, This Is 40 actress Megan Fox has lost most of her 23 pregnancy pounds. "The key was her pre-baby body," trainer Harley Pasternak tells Us. Having kept up her workouts while pregnant, Fox now says, "I eat what I want."

2. Have the Right Foods on Hand, Having lost a whopping 80 lbs. on Weight Watchers, busy mom Jennifer Hudson rids her cupboards of temptations, like banana pudding. "Why put it in my domain?" says the star, who stocks up on chicken and egg whites instead.

3. Find a Balance, "I do exercise, but I don't diet," says 5-foot-7 Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence. Vowing to never starve herself for a part, the Hunger Games star strives to stay trim, not thin. "[I want] to look fit and strong."

4. Indulge - in Moderation, For Private Practice star Kate Walsh, moderation is key. "I try to eat healthy and stay away from processed foods, but I still love potato chips," says 5-foot-9 star, who does Pilates with pro Juliet Kaska and jogs around L.A.'s Silver Lake reservoir to work up a sweat.

5. Try a New Exercise, No wonder she's ripped! Extra cohost Maria Menounos mixes up her sweat sessions to include activities like circuit training, Pilates, yoga and basketball. "I'm active!" she tells Us. "When I can't work out, I walk my dogs."

6. Start Small, "I didn't come up with a revolutionary new diet. I did this 5 pounds at a time," Retired at 35's Marissa Jaret Winokur reasons after having lost 60 pounds in seven months. "It wasn't about dress size. It was about health."

7. Snack Smart, Superfit supermodel mom Heidi Klum, who runs four miles a day, keeps her figure in check by noshing on healthy snacks. Among her favorites? Kale and Kohlrabi, a German cabbage. "I cut that up instead of an apple," Klum says. "I love it!"(usmagazine.com)

Tips To Throw a Baby Shower

This is where a baby shower comes in handy. Baby shower gifts are the best way for a new mother to receive almost everything she needs for the new baby at no cost to her. These items will be given as gifts from friends and family. Baby showers are also a great time for everyone to come together and celebrate the arrival of the new baby. Here are all the details you need to think about in order to have a successful baby shower:

Set the date, time and location: Baby showers are usually held about four to six weeks before the baby's due date. You will need to choose the date you prefer to hold the baby shower, allowing sufficient time for the guests to be notified and to make plans of attending. You will also need to set up a time for the party to start. Then you need to pick the location. Will you hold the baby shower at your house, a park or maybe a restaurant? Make sure you specify the location to the guests.

Choose a theme: In order to decorate a baby shower so everything flows easily together, you will need a theme. Themes can be chosen in many ways. The most common is color specified by gender. For instance, pink for a girl or blue for a boy. Of course other color themes can be used depending on what the mother-to-be will be using to decorate such things as the nursery. Another theme would be based on baby accessories such as a baby bottle, pacifier and diaper pins. Then there is the character-themed baby shower. Sesame Street, Precious Moments or Looney Tunes are always popular ones. Another fun theme is a time-of-day baby shower. For this theme party, you would have each guest bring a gift according to a time of day the baby would use that item.

Write down the guest list: You will need to make a list of all the guests you intend to invite. Brainstorming and writing all the names down will ensure you don't forget anyone. It is best to double-check the final baby shower invitations with the list to be sure you didn't leave anyone out.

Decide on the menu: What do you want to serve? You can choose to serve a full meal or simply entrees. If you are going to be hosting the baby shower at a restaurant, make sure you set up the menu with them and work in all costs (whether you will be paying for everything or if the guests will be paying for their own meals).

Plan the games: Baby showers aren't complete without games. There are a variety of baby shower games that you can choose from. Pick ones that your guests and the mother-to-be will enjoy. Some popular ones are "guess the belly size", "remember the baby items", "how many words can you make from the baby's name", and "cotton ball pick-up". Don't forget to buy little gifts for the winners of the games. These can be simple and inexpensive items such as candles or body spray, or fun socks.

Create baby shower favors: Baby shower favors are a great way for guests to take home a memento of the new baby. Personalize them with the baby's name for memories. Adorable baby-themed items can be picked up for a great price from most 99 cent stores, such as little ceramic or porcelain figures.

Don't forget the thank you cards: Keep track of what gift each guest brought. Then be sure to send out baby shower thank you cards to the guests for the certain gift. This is just a little way of showing guest you appreciate the items you received from them.(howtodothings.com)

Tips to Choose Diapers Bag

Choosing a diaper bag of course not only with low price but the most important thing we have to do get the benefit of diaper bags that we buy. Fortunately, there are several strong brands in the market that specifically design diaper bag for you and your baby. The following tips for buying a diaper bag

Who will be using the bag? You or your partner may not want to walk around carrying a bright pink bag. If both partners will be using the diaper bag, it is probably best to consider purchasing something both partners will like.

Does your baby go to the sitter or a daycare? If so, you will need to buy a bag with plenty of room to fit all of babies needs for a day. Make sure you will be able to fit several diapers, a wipe case, bottles, formula, water, a change of clothes, and a few of baby's favorite toys in to the bag.

Do you stay at home with your baby and just need a bag for quick trips to the store or play group? If you stay at home, then it is most likely you can get by with a small bag that will hold a few diapers, a quick change of clothes and a travel pack of wipes.

Are you cloth diapering? If you are cloth diapering, you will need to remember to buy a bag big enough to put your dirties in. A bag with a separate, lined zipper pocket would be best, so you can keep your dirty diapers separate from the rest of babies stuff.

Do you formula feed or breast feed? If you formula feed, you will need to make sure that your diaper bag has room for formula and water. A good item to look for in a diaper bag is a bottle holder, and bottle pockets on the ends of the bag. If your are breast feeding and need to carry a pump with you, take the extra space required for this item into consideration.

Do you plan on your diaper bag doubling as your purse when you are with baby? Make sure that the bag has a few extra pockets to help organize YOUR things. Many new diaper bags even come with pockets for cell phones, camera's, laptops, and wallets for mom and dad.

Keep price in mind. You don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a bag when you can only afford to spend $20-$30. Don't settle for the first bag you see that fits your budget though, look until you find one that fits all your needs and your budget!(howtodothins.com)

Tips To Buy Cheaper Disposable Diapers

If you every month always spend more just to buy diapers for your baby may need to read saving tips in buying baby diapers from me. For those who currently have baby diapers maybe shopping is a routine activity that can not be avoided, I mean the diapers diaper wearing a one-time direct disposal. Here are tips to save money in shopping for Disposable Diapers

Visit warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club where you can buy diapers in bulk. The brands they carry are lower-priced but still of the same quality as the more pricey and well-known brands. This can bring the price per diaper much lower than the average. Buying diapers in bulk except for the newborn will save you from frequent trips to the store for diapers as these come in big boxes.

Well-known and heavily advertised diaper brands are more expensive than supermarket and generic counterparts. The supermarket and generic brands are exactly like the more expensive brands but they cost less because you do not pay for the extravagant packaging and advertising and marketing costs that are included in the price of the popular brands. Walmart and Target are good stores to check for their own quality and low priced disposable diapers.

Generic diapers are usually smaller than popular diaper brands so make sure that you get one size bigger when you buy them. Make sure that you get a size that will be a comfortable fit for your baby. Remember that even if the price is the same for a larger sized diaper and a one that is one-size smaller, there are fewer diapers in a larger sized diaper package.

Check online stores that sell disposable diapers much lower than regular stores. Calculate the cost per diaper so that you will have a general idea if you are actually going to save when buying disposable diapers online. You have to factor in the shipping cost in the calculation of the cost per diaper. Diapies R Us offers disposable diapers in bulk. An order is for an average monthly consumption. You can make single order or place continuous regular order at a pre-arranged frequency. The price per box includes shipping. At about $55 per box of 240 diapers, inclusive of shipping, this is a great bargain.

Use diaper coupons found in newspapers and online blogs on parenting and motherhood. You can enlist your family members and friends to collect coupons for you. Coupons will bring you big savings and you can try out different diaper brands at the same time.

Use alternative sources when you want to look for cheaper disposable diapers. You do not necessarily have to buy branded diapers to keep your baby clean and dry as generic brands are the same and/or comparable to these branded diapers. Save more by not throwing away disposable diapers with ripped off tabs. You can replace them with masking or clear adhesive tapes and they will still work perfectly. (wikihow)

How is Muslim Wedding ?

How is Muslim Wedding ?

Muslims who come from Muslim families sometimes want to part with tradition, especially when wedding traditions require elaborate affairs that are out of the couple's budget. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) had very simple weddings, as did his contemporaries. Whether you want a 10-day extravaganza or an austere ceremony, a few details are essential.

Secure the required elements of a valid Muslim marriage: negotiate agreeable marriage terms, including a dower. A dower is a gift from the groom to the bride. Her family's culture may specify a gift, but anything permissible for a Muslim to own that is mutually agreed upon is allowed. The dower will be listed on your written marriage agreement, which is similar to the Jewish ketubah and can be enforceable in civil courts under certain conditions. The marriage agreement, known as the kitab al-nikah or colloquially as the kitab, contains conditions that the couple agree upon that will be adhered to in the course of the marriage and govern some aspects of divorce.For some Muslims, a guardian or proxy to consent on behalf of the woman is required. Consult the woman's family if they are Muslim, or the imam at the mosque you attend if they are not, to select such a guardian or proxy. Determine who you would like to serve as witnesses. There must be at least two Muslim adults, and preferably at least one should be male.

Plan the elements that you would like for the marriage ceremony. This can be as simple as signing the marriage agreement with witnesses at home or in the office at the mosque, or a lavish affair with a procession. It is traditional for the officiant to give a short sermon on the important of marriage, but not required for a valid marriage. The only required elements of the ceremony are the proposal of marriage, the consent of the other party, the transfer of the dower, and the acknowledgement of the witnesses.

Plan and hold the walimah, or wedding feast. This can be as simple as tea and cake, or a multi-course meal. This is very similar to non-Muslim wedding receptions. While the details of the walimah are technically up to the couple, this is the area where cultural traditions and familial preferences may have a strong sway.

Plan a Wedding in Three Months

Develop a final three months countdown so that nothing is left to chance. The plan for these last three months needs to be tailored to your own, this is tips to plan a wedding in three months

3 months to go:

• Finalize the vows; choose them and write if doing so
• Buy or make wedding accessories, such as the ring bearer pillow, toasting glasses, favors, unity candle, guestbook, flower baskets, etc.
• Book hair, nail and makeup appointments
• Prepare the ceremony program but be prepared for last minute revisions
• Plan the seating arrangements for the reception; again, plan for last minute revisions.

2 months to go:

• Mail the invitations
• Schedule a wedding dress fitting, it might be your first or one of several
• Apply for the marriage license (this may vary depending on your location, check local laws)
• Attend showers, if any
• Buy or make gifts for members of the bridal party

1 month to go:

• Finalize all plans for the wedding ceremony
• Check that all bookings for hotels, transportation, venues, guest arrangements, etc. are as they should be
• Pick up the wedding rings if you haven't already done so
• Continue with dress fittings (many brides lose or perhaps even gain weight from stress, so final fittings should be as close to the time as possible, to ensure perfect fit)

3 weeks to go:

• Write up the place seating cards
• Continue with any fittings
• Check that you have relevant gifts for people
• Chase up anyone who has not yet sent an RSVP to your invitations––you may prefer to have bridesmaids do this

2 weeks to go:

• Get the honeymoon packing done so that it's not worrying you
• Have last alterations made to dress; it should be ready by now
• Check all bills and make sure that all of your suppliers have been properly paid
• Follow up any loose ends, especially anything that is worrying you
• Have a hair trim

1 week to go:

• Aim to stay as relaxed as possible; you should have done most of it by now!
• Collect your wedding dress if not done already, as well as any last accessories and shoes
• Keep everything in one place, covered and away from pets, kids and nosy people
• Enjoy your hen's night (bachelorette party) or buck's night (bachelor party)
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Go over your vows but don't obsess
• Relax!

20 Tips to Plan your wedding

It's 20 Tips to Plan your wedding Ultimately, the key is to stay organized and to give yourself plenty of time to achieve everything. Another key element is to not over-stretch yourself financially or energy-wise; this way, you'll find the planning process a lot smoother. A meaningful wedding requires planning and creative input from both partners and perhaps also from family members and friends whom they've decided to include in the planning preparations. It can be a wonderful part of life but it can also be a very challenging and even stressful one; indeed, you can be assured that some plans won't go as you'd like them to, so plan for that eventuality too!

1. Set a budget. It's important to stick to a budget and to keep your wishes realistic. While this is a very special day in your life, it's not an excuse to be wildly extravagant with money you don't have. Remind yourself when you feel like fretting that you can't have all the things you'd like that you still have many wonderful days ahead and you don't want these marred by an unplanned overspend.

2. Set the timeline for planning. Of all things about your planning, this is the most important aspect. You need to develop a sensible, reasonable timeline depending on how much time you've given yourselves. Begin with a calendar before you and suggested timelines you find in wedding guide books (borrow these from the library to save money and space). In general, you're likely to find that most books assume you have around 12 months to plan your wedding; if you've less time, adjust the timeline accordingly. Timeline suggestions will be provided throughout this article.

3. Choose the method for your record-keeping. You'll need to keep tabs of everything you've already decided and what's planned ahead. Also, invoices, quotes, receipts, seating plans, photos of desired decorations/clothing, patterns, instructions, etc. will need to be kept in one place, so have at least one large plastic pocket to keep these in one place. If you're more organized, use a few pockets.

4. Decide on the size of your wedding. Remember to talk this over with your fiance. A dream wedding for one may not be for the other. You'll need to know how many people are going to attend for the purposes of venues, catering and invitations.

5. Choose the venue. The sooner this is done, the better so that you know you have the place you really want. Check out the spaces offered, the catering deals, the marriage fees, the ability to decorate a church or wedding space, etc. Find out whether the prices quoted cover everything or whether you'll be expected to pay for extras.

6. Set the date. The factors in choosing a date include the availability of your venue, friends and family. Think about who you must have at your wedding, and try to set the date around them.

7. Choose a theme. It doesn't have to be anything really specific, but you want there to be a consistent feeling throughout. Make sure the theme is easy to plan and decorate. Everything should be consistent with the theme.

8. Send out the wedding invitations. Research into the design of your wedding invitations when you still have around 10 months to go, and work on purchasing or ordering their printing when there are about six months to go. Leave plenty of time if you're making your own and always have plenty of spares, as making a mistake now and then in writing or making them is inevitable.

9. Choose your officiant. For a faith-based wedding, you'll be looking for a pastor, priest, minister or rabbi. If they don't charge a fee outright to perform the ceremony, be courteous to pay a generous gratuity for their time. For a secular based wedding, choose a wedding officiant, judge or person with authority to marry people who is both available on the date and amenable to any particular special requests you have by way of vows and ceremony.

10. Research, design and order your wedding dress. Around the mark of nine months to go, start researching your wedding dress ideas. Are you having one custom made or purchasing off-the-rack? Either way, you'll possibly need several fittings and adjustments to perfect it. Alternatively, make your own or steer clear of traditional wedding dresses and buy a dress that you simply love and know you can wear again after the wedding. You don't have to stick with tradition or spend a fortune on something you'll never use again.

11. Select the wedding rings. This is a fun task to do together, and symbolizes your devotion to each other. Most couples get matching rings to show that they complete one another's soul. If you're having rings specially made up, leave plenty of time and be prepared to get to learn more than you ever cared to know about gold and the origins of it (as in, whether or not it has been sourced equitably). Make the right decisions by doing your research.

12. Find a photographer and/or a videographer. Consider using a professional for this special occasion, and make sure that this person is reliable so that you don't have to worry about him or her forgetting your wedding or stuffing it up. There are just too many stories of relying on friends or family to do this aspect and years of regret as to fuzzy, out-of-focus shots or no footage at all because the photographer got carried away doing something else... Ask for recommendations from friends who have married recently and ask to see portfolios at the business premises.

13. Hire your entertainment. Decide on whether you're going to have a quartet, orchestra, band or a DJ. It's not recommended to do this part yourself with an iPod; there is more to wedding entertainment than just music! Professional musicians will keep the flow of the event, make announcements, and plan all your special events with you. Each has its advantages and limitations depending on what you're seeking. Music students at college/university level are definitely worth considering as they will be at the peak of their abilities and a lot cheaper than professional musicians, and many of them crave chances for a public performance.

14. Decide what type of food and refreshments you will offer at the reception dinner. Try to find a happy medium between what would please your guests and what you can afford. Weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional caterer, as it's not cheap, but it's one less thing you'll have to handle personally. Some couples choose to base the menu on the culture of the family, or go for something that most people like, such as Italian or Asian fusion.

15. Pick a cake. Before settling on a cake it's best to have a tasting first. Also look into a cake that will match your theme, and please both the bride and groom. Sample cakes around eight months before the wedding and select the design at this time. Check in on the baker again a few months prior to the wedding to be reassured that your order is still on the books and ready to go as planned. It's best to have the cake delivered directly to the reception venue.

16. Register for gifts when there are about 9 months to go until your wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to check your list and get the gifts.

17. Choose suitable transportation. If you have multiple venues, plan how you will travel from the ceremony location to the reception location. Some couples may choose to rent a limousine or ride in a classic car. Others like horse-drawn carriages. If it's popular with other people, book early. If it's your own cars, book them in for cleaning and detail a week before the wedding.

18. Research the honeymoon locations and the wedding night room. Many couples book a “honeymoon” suite the night of their wedding. Also, you may need to reserve a block of rooms for guests that will be attending your wedding from interstate or overseas.

Booking as a group will usually ensure they all get the best rate but this should be done well in advance of the wedding, at least four months in advance. As for the honeymoon, start researching where to go when there are about 8 months to go, so as to take advantage of special deals and good prices. Book as soon as possible but always build flexibility into the bookings in case of the need for cancellation; it is better to pay a little more and get most of your money back if something prevents the travel (such as illness, postponing the wedding, etc.) than to get back nothing.

19. Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. This should be planned about five months before the wedding date, including booking the site for the rehearsal dinner. In addition, let those attending know early on. These events are held within the week leading up to the wedding.

20. Develop a final three months countdown so that nothing is left to chance. The plan for these last three months needs to be tailored to your own.(wikihow.com)

Tips : Decorate for Christmas

Christmas has come and we're going to prepare to decorate our place, part of the fun of Christmas is enjoying the festive holiday decorations. Here are some Tips on how to Decorate for Christmas

• Don't buy all your decorations at once. If you are decorating for the first time, buy a few inexpensive decorations. After the holidays, many stores will have drastically lower prices on many items. Buy a few more at this time each year until you feel you have enough decorations. As you get older, you will also get some decorations passed down from family members or decorations from children of your own. If you start off with too many, you may have far too many in the long run and won't have space for them all.

• Choose a few permanent outside decorations to use year after year. Examples include a blinking star on your roof, a string of icicle lights across your roof-line or a few light-up reindeer.

• Every year or so, evaluate your decorations/ornaments. Discard the ones that are broken or those that you no longer want. By doing so, you're freeing up room for a few new decorations and also giving yourself more space to enjoy the decorations that you love.

• Lights on your tree are not absolutely necessary. If you wish to leave them off, feel free to do so.

• Consider having at least one expensive, well-made decoration. Even though it may cost a little bit more money, they're more durable and can be enjoyed longer. These are good things to pass down to children and grandchildren. Austrian crystal decorations are a good example of this.

• Christmas markets, especially European ones, are a great source for gorgeous handmade decorations.

• Whatever you do, have fun with decorating. If you have children, let them help you. Christmas is about being together with friends and family.

Must be Warnings

• Be safe when you're hanging lights. If you use a ladder, take care and use it properly.

• Use only outdoor rated extension cords for exterior light, and do not try to attach too many lights to one cord.

Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas...

(wikihow.com)

Tips : Make Own Wedding Invitations

Not Only save a lot of money if you make your own wedding invitations. Aside from this, you can customize the wedding invitations according to your personal taste. This is an easy activity that you can do together with your bridesmaids. All you need are a few materials and you will be able to do elegant wedding invitations. Follow the tips that are provided below to know how you can make your own wedding invitations.

1. Purchase blank cards. First, you have to purchase the blank cards and envelopes that you want to use for your wedding invitations. It is better to work with blank cards so that you can customize them according to the theme of your wedding. You can purchase these by the bulk. Ask for a discount when you purchase, especially if you are buying hundreds of cards.

2. Determine your design. The next step is to determine how you want your wedding invitations to look like. Remember to stick to the theme of your wedding for uniformity. Choose the font that you will use and the color combination. Remember to use readable fonts for the guests to easily understand the writing on the invitations.

3. Invitation information. Go on your computer and start a blank template. Use the font that you want and start typing the information needed on the invitations. This includes the names of the bride and groom, the entourage, RSVP details, etc. Make sure that you double-check the information so that you won’t forget anything.

4. Print the invitations. Before you print on the invitation cards, it is advisable to do a test printing on a sheet of paper first. This will help you determine if the text will be properly aligned on the invitation cards. After test printing, make the necessary adjustments and then print out the invitations on the blank cards.

5. Decorate the invitations. After printing, allow the ink on the invitations to dry completely before you start decorating. You can use many items for the decorations. One of the easiest ways in decorating your wedding invitations is by using rubber stamps. Purchase some wedding rubber stamps from the website Paper Source. You can use the stamps as borders or just to add a design on the blank card. Another idea is to use some pressed flowers. Use your imagination to come up with a good decoration for your wedding invitations.

These are 5 basic steps that you can do to come up with the best wedding invitation. One thing you can do is to browse some wedding invitations online to get an idea on how you can make your own. Go to the website Do It Yourself Invitations. They have some sample invitations and instructions on how you can do the invitations by yourself. There are many other things that you can prepare on your own for your wedding. You can make table centerpieces, wedding decorations and lots more. Just make sure that you give yourself more time for the preparations since you will be doing these on your own.(howtodothing.com)

Pick a Wedding Dress Style On Your Wedding

Choosing wedding dresses can be problematic when it comes to wedding, One of the most important dresses you’ll ever wear is your wedding dress. All eyes will be on you so you need to look absolutely stunning. Finding the perfect style for your wedding dress takes some time, since you want to accentuate your best features and play down your body parts that you may not be comfortable with.

With a variety of necklines, sleeve lengths, back designs and details available, you have a wide selection to choose from when it comes to your wedding dress style.

Assess your body. Take a look at your body and determine your best features. Do you have nice toned arms? Do you have an enviable bustline? These are the features that you want to play up or draw attention to. Next, take a look at the things you need to work on. Are you petite? Are you heavy around the midsection? There’s a dress design to suit any body type. Have a friend or designer help you out with this.

Determine when you’ll be getting married. The season of your wedding will help you decide what dress style to choose. Most wedding gowns show off some skin, but the fabric choice and the cut of the dress will be influenced by the time of year and day your wedding will be held. If you’re having a winter wedding, have a shrug to stay warm during the reception. For a summer wedding, choose something strapless. If your wedding is in the late afternoon to evening, have a more elaborate dress.

Determine how formal your wedding will be. The setting of your wedding will also dictate the style of your dress. If you’re having a beach wedding, choose a dress in soft and free flowing fabrics. A corseted and heavy tulled gown won’t look appropriate when you’re at the beach. If you’re having a formal sit down reception, your gown can be a little more elaborate, such as a gown with a long cathedral train and extensive beadwork. If you’re getting married at the courthouse, a simple dress or suit may be enough for the occasion.

Check the options available. Get copies of bridal magazines or look at websites so you can see what styles are out there. Before you go to the bridal store, have an idea what style you are looking for, but be open to other suggestions.

Choose something you are comfortable in. Go with a style that lets you move around and have fun in. Your dress should let you dance, walk, sit and party for an extended period of time. If it keeps slipping off, bunching or is itchy, you won’t be comfortable and it will show.

Wedding gowns are made in all budgets so you’ll be able to find a gown that you can afford in a style you are looking for. The difference will be in the fabric used and the amount of detailing or beadwork on the dress. Don’t go by the designer or the price tag when choosing your wedding gown. Find something that makes you look great and feel fabulous.(howtodothings.com) 

9 Tips to Choose an Engagement Ring

In this article, you'll learn the most important things to consider when choosing an engagement ring for your beloved. With the right amount of knowledge about what to look for in a ring, coupled with your excitement about asking the girl of your dreams to marry you, this can be an enjoyable exercise matching your newly discovered ring expertise with the money you've got available to spend

1. Be familiar with the terms that you'll be confronted with when shopping for a ring. Giving the impression that you know what you're looking for will increase your confidence and help you to ward off any disreputable ring sellers.

2. Choose a good jeweler. The main thing to remember here is that expensive doesn't necessarily equate with being the ideal jeweler. Look for a store that makes you feel comfortable, where the staff are pleasant and helpful, and where the advice they provide gels with you. As well, be sure to look somewhere that fits within your budget range; this avoids the inevitable disappointment at finding something that would be "just perfect if it didn't cost so much". If you can, check that the jeweler is registered with a society, association, or organization that regulates, certifies, etc., jewelers, such as the National Association of Goldsmiths in the UK

3. Find out her tastes. If you're purchasing the ring without her, choosing one will be will more difficult where the ring is a surprise because obviously you won't be able to ask her. Do keep in mind that nowadays, many women prefer to be part of a joint decision to purchase a ring, so if you find it really difficult to know her style and taste, provide a temporary ring and tell her that you'll choose the real one together.

4. Fix your budget. There is a tradition that holds that a man should spend two months of his salary on the engagement ring. Whether or not you do this will depend on your wish to conform to tradition. What does matter is that you select a ring according to what you can afford, so have a good idea of this amount before searching.

5. Check the practicality of the ring.
If your girlfriend is a real outdoorsy type, consider a ring that is able to cope with the wear and tear of constant activities. The higher the positioning of the gemstone on the ring, the easier it is for it to get caught on clothes, gear, hair, etc. and the greater likelihood that it'll get knocked about. Look for a lower gemstone setting for an active girl, and a higher setting for a fashionista or glamor girl.

6. Check durability. The durability of the band is important, as constant rubbing and knocking from daily activities will eventually wear down the band. And office work is a killer, with paper acting as a mild abrasive on gold bands. If you can afford it, platinum is the preferred choice for wedding bands as it is more durable than gold, Titanium and steel are also fairly resistant, while the purer the gold, the softer it is and more prone to wearing.

7. Know your diamonds. Diamonds tend to be the traditional engagement ring choice, because they are enduring, and match everything. Only deviate from a diamond if you know that your girlfriend loves another stone much, much more, or has voiced her intense dislike of diamonds.

8. Decide by how it looks.
Once you've covered the cost, the durability and the practicality of the ring, it's down to how the ring looks.

9. Purchase the ring. Collect it just before the proposal. That way you can avoid worrying about keeping it safely.(wikihow.com)

Sarah Michelle Gellar Shows Off Her Pregnant

Pregnant Sarah Michelle Gellar Shows Off Her Growing Baby Bump on the way! Pregnant Sarah Michelle Gellar stepped out in Beverly Hills Friday with her adorable daughter, Charlotte Grace, who turns 3 on Wednesday.

The soon-to-be mother-of-two is expecting a baby boy with husband Freddie Prinze Jr. later this year, a source close to the couple confirmed to Us Weekly.

Gellar, 35, flaunted her growing baby bump for photographers while picking up Charlotte from school. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star dressed casually in a brown dress, jean jacket and sandals. But Gellar did sport a pink cheetah-print cami under her low-cut dress, that coordinated with Charlotte's cheetah-print shirt.

"She and Freddie are thrilled," a friend of the pair, who have been married for ten years, told Us. "They're amazing parents."(usmagazine.com)

Kate And Prince William Climb Trees in Borneo Rainforest

Kate Middleton, Prince William Climb Trees in Borneo Rainforest. In the wake of Kate Middleton's topless photo scandal, she and husband Prince William blew off a little steam Saturday -- by climbing a 130-foot trees. As part of their Diamond Jubilee tour of Southeast Asia, the royal couple traveled to a rainforest in Borneo to visit the Danum Valley research center.

William and Kate, both 30, put on harnesses and were hoisted up the sky-high tree by ropes."I'm going to go 'whee' and just fly up," joked Kate, who ditched her designer dresses for more practical khakis and a blouse, according to the Daily Mail."Girls don't have the same wardrobe malfunctions as men do," William told his wife.

"I hope I don't have any wardrobe malfunctions," he joked while waiting to go up.

The royal couple have continued their Diamond Jubilee tour with smiles on their faces, but a source told Us Weekly they're both 'furious" after photos of Kate sunbathing topless were published in French magazine Closer.

A palace rep said Friday, "St. James' Palace confirms that legal proceedings for breach of privacy have been commenced today in France by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge against the publishers of Closer Magazine France."But Closer's photos may just be the beginning. On Saturday, Italian magazine Chi -- which is owned by the same parent company as Closer -- told CNN it plans to publish an additional 26 pages of William and Kate's private vacation on Monday. (usmagazine.com)

Kate Middleton Topless Photos in French Magazine

Kate Middleton Topless Photos in French Magazine
Kate Middleton and Prince William are "saddened" and "disappointed" by French tabloid magazine Closer's decision to publish photos of the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing topless in its latest issue, a source close to the royal couple tells Us Weekly.

The photos are blurry and taken with a long lens, but they are clearly of the English royals, both 31, according to the BBC. The spouses, who tied the knot in April 2011, are currently visiting Kuala Lumpur Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Tour, honoring her 60 years on the British throne.

"Their sadness has turned to anger and disbelief as we learn more about the photographs," Miguel Head, the royal couple's press secretary, tells Us in a statement. "We believe a real line has been crossed and we are consulting with French lawyers about what, if any, legal action will be taken."

"The incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and all the more upsetting to the Duke and Duchess for being so," he added. "Their Royal Highnesses had every expectation of privacy in the remote house. It is unthinkable that anyone should take such photographs, let alone publish them."

Head added, "Officials acting on behalf of Their Royal Highnesses are consulting with lawyers to consider what options may be available to the Duke and Duchess. The Duke and Duchess remain focused currently on their Tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu on behalf of HM The Queen."

The couple reportedly learned about the photos over breakfast in Kuala Lumpur. "Understandably they are furious," a second insider says. "It's such a shame."

The scandal comes just weeks after William's brother, Prince Harry, 27, was photographed partying naked in a Las Vegas hotel suite. The images were first published on TMZ.

Angelina Jolie Wears Engagement Ring to First Public Event!

Angelina Jolie Wears Engagement Ring to First Public Event!
It was a long way away from any Hollywood red carpet at Saturday's Sarajevo Film Festival in Sarajevo, Bosnia -- making it the perfect event for Angelina Jolie to publicly "debut" her gigantic engagement ring from Brad Pitt.

The Maleficent actress, 37, was first seen wearing the $500,000, tablet-shaped rock (co-designed by jeweler Robert Procop and Pitt, 48) in early April during a private viewing at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Chinese Galleries. When an intrepid photographer snapped the bauble, Pitt's manager confirmed the long-awaited engagement to the world.

Since then, Jolie hasn't attended any red carpet events in Hollywood or elsewhere, with Pitt attending the Cannes Film Festival solo for the first time in years.

Clad in a silky, draped beige top, skinny black pants and black, peep-toe pumps, the Oscar-winning actress, skinny as ever, quietly flashed her news-making ring as she chatted with filmmakers at Saturday's event.

Named an Honorary Citizen of Sarajev, Jolie spoke with young actors, directors, screenwriters, producers and film critics from the region about her own writing and directorial debut, the dark Bosnian War romance In the Land of Blood and Honey.

The students, one attendee tells Us, were "impressed." When asked about her humanitarian work -- Jolie is now a Special Envoy for the UNHCR -- she explained that she "wants to give something back to underpriviledged people," the attendee added.

On Saturday afternoon, Jolie was spotted arriving at her hotel with daughter Shiloh, 6; the star and Pitt and their brood of six have been staying in London while she shoots Maleficent at Pinewood Studios.

As for that wedding?

"We actually, really and truly, have no date," Pitt, 48, said at Cannes in May.

"It's just something that makes sense to us, and certainly date-wise, it's just a rumor," he continued. "We're still hoping that we can figure out marriage equality in the states before that date."[usmagazine.com]

Jennifer Lopez Shows Off Chest in Plunging Swimsuit

Whoa! Jennifer Lopez Shows Off Chest in Plunging Swimsuit, She has shown off her rock-hard abs on several occasions, but while vacationing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday, she covered up her stomach while flaunting her breasts in a sexy one-piece.

Hitting the pool with her 25-year-old beau, Casper Smart, and her twins Max and Emme, 4, the 42-year-old superstar showed off her incredible sculpted shoulders and cleavage in the swimsuit's plunging neckline. She covered up her famous booty with a striped towel and rocked giant silver hoop earrings and oversized DITA Eyewear Bluebird sunglasses.

After soaking up the sun, she gushed about her day of R&R on Monday and posted, "Beautiful day in Rio with my coconuts @Trios22 @BEAUcasperSMART and my Mommy ?#familia? ?#greattimes? ?#happygirl?."

Though they've only been together since Fall 2011, Lopez's relationship with her backup dancer has already gotten serious.[usmagazine.com]

Hilary Duff Debuts Post-Baby Bikini Bod While Holding Son Luca

Hilary Duff Debuts Post-Baby Bikini Bod While Holding Son Luca, She is one hot mama! The 24-year-old mother of one showed off her post-baby bikini body while vacationing in Mexico with her family.

Duff and her husband, Mike Comrie, welcomed their first child together, son Luca Cruz Comrie, on March 20. The new parents joined Duff's sister and Haylie Duff and their mother Susan Duff for a much-needed vacation this week.

The former Disney star held a sleeping baby Luca as she stepped out in a little black bikini that flaunted her slim figure. Duff kept her three-month-old son covered up from the sun in a swim shirt, trunks and adorable orange hat.

Duff recently told Us Weekly on June 1 she is determined to drop the baby weight, but in a healthy way. "I think if you ask any pregnant mom, they're like 'I want my body back,' but it takes time," she said. "It takes nine months for your body to get that way and it's putting on that weight on purpose."

"Obviously, I'm not where I want to be eventually, but I'm working hard and I'm doing everything I can to lose the weight the right way," she added. "The second I start to get down like 'what happened to my body,' I look at my beautiful baby and I've never been more appreciative for this body that I have."[usmagazine.com]

Blake Lively: "I Eat Cupcakes and Don't Work Out!"

Blake Lively: "I Eat Cupcakes and Don't Work Out!" The secret to Blake Lively's bombshell bod? There aren't any, apparently. At a screening of Oliver Stone's Savages in NYC Wednesday, the leggy Gossip Girl star, 24, told Us Weekly she's not the most diligent when it comes to keeping up an exercise routine -- or eating her fruits and veggies.

"I eat cupcakes and I don't work out!" Lively admitted, laughing. "But if you ask me in ten years, I'm going to regret answering that way now . . . I don't even drink water. It's terrible!"

And though she's a fixture on Best Dressed lists now (Lively rocked a bright yellow Gucci frock for the screening), Ryan Reynolds' girlfriend of eight months assured Us some of her high school style choices were questionable, at best.

"[I did] that whole Abercrombie denim skirt with Uggs thing," Lively confessed of her teenage wardrobe. "That was a problem!"[usmagazine.com]

Kate Upton Is Unrecognizable in Makeover for Vogue

Kate Upton Is Unrecognizable in Makeover for Vogue, She's showing a different, more conservative side of herself in the July issue of Vogue, where she is completely covered up in sophisticated fall clothing.

In the pic, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model, who is famous for sporting a daring skimpy red bikini on the sports mag's cover, wears a knee-length dress, knee-high boots and a full-length striped coat with a fur collar. In fact, save for the flash of skin where the dress' hem meets the top of her boot, she's not baring much skin at all -- quite the change from her usual, barely there looks.

"I'm from Florida, where your whole wardrobe is flip-flops, cutoffs, and bikinis," the 20-year-old model tells Vogue. "Now I enjoy fashion so much, but I don't think people realize it, because I'm always in a bikini!"

But for those who prefer Upton in a two-piece, they can head over to Vogue's brother publication, GQ, where she graces the July cover in a skimpy patriotic bikini while seductively licking a popsicle.[usmagazine.com]