Top Five Gyms

If you want to get in shape for your wedding here is one way to do it. Go to the gym! Now all gyms are offering so many great deals. First month free, coupons, free day care, and all gyms usually offer a free trial (usually 2-3 days). If you join larger gyms they can offer classes for free, as well as advice. Many gyms have pools, classes, weight rooms, cardio, showers, steam rooms, and much more. There is no reason not to join. Here is a list of the top five gyms, in my opinion of course. They have great deals, freebies, or have a great deal of amenities.

1. Bally Total Fitness: Why are they so cool? Their monthly rate is only $24.99 (no enrollment fee) and if you travel a lot, they offer plans. If you are one side of town and can't make it to your local Bally they charge you $3.00 more and then you can go to any Bally. If you travel state to state a lot, you can get a Nationwide pass for only $29.99 a month. That's not a bad deal if you ask me. They also let you try them free for seven days!

2. Curves: A gym just for women in case your are subconscious or just don't like working out with sweaty men. They offer weight management plans, success tracker (where you can login and keep track of your progress), and advice from trainers. Another great perk, there are many of them all over the U.S.

3. Planet Fitness: Offered in 32 states acorss the nation this gym. They are also one of the most inexpensive gyms out there. There average price is $99 for a year long pass. That is only $8.25 a month. Now you can beat that and there is absolutely no excuse to say you cannot afford the gym. Everyone has $8 a month to spare.

4. Powerhouse Gym: Powerhouse gym has been around for 30 years so you know they are trustworthy and experienced. They offer free trials and have many locations.

5. Gold's Gym: Offers a seven day trial. Gold's Gym also has many locations nationwide. They are working with other companies to offer discounts, such as a 25% discount off diet.com and a discount to AARP members. You can also track your progress using facebook.

Of course you can always join the local YMCA as well. It may become hectic at times because it's a family involved atmosphere, but they have a lot of amenities.

Dance Your Way Thin

Can you imagine dancing your way thin? Sounds too good to be true right? Wrong! Many gyms offer unique and fun classes where dancing is the concentration, a form of cardio. You work every muscle in your body and have fun at the same time.

One very popular class is Zumba. Many gyms offer the class (about an hour long), with loud fun music while your burn a lot of calories. You can burn anywhere from 300-450 calories in a single class alone. If you can't afford the gym, check out their website. Zumba offers DVD's for sale.

Wedding Fit: Yoga

Yoga is a great way to get fit. It's been known to reduce stress, de-fuse anger, reduce headaches, help with posture, and so much more. If you are determined to loose weight and stick with it, Yoga is a great way to help. You can join a gym, most offer several kinds of Yoga classes that usually run about an hour long. However, if you are strapped for cash you can also buy or rent DVD's for beginners as well as advances Yoga users. If you would like to read more about it and learn the postures and moves, visit Women's Fitness. They offer some great advice, suggestions, and articles about Yoga in general.

Romantic Weddings

Romantic weddings have a lot to do with color, setting, and time. What will it take to make “your” wedding romantic? Each person has a different perspective of what romance looks like. Is it candles and subtle lighting? Is it roses and petals? Is it outside on the beach at sunset? Jot down your ideas and collect pictures to offer your vendors. You want to portray your image as clearly as possible. If you are going the romantic route, be sure and have specific lighting in mind. Lighting has a lot to do with the mood. Music will also set the mood for a romantic feel. Brainstorm your idea of the perfect romantic setting. Once you think you know what you'd like to have, sit down with your vendors and give them a detailed image of what you expect.

When I think of romantic, I think outdoors, flowers, yellows and whites, nature-like atmosphere. However, another person may have an entirely different image. Check out a great article listed on The Knot about a romantic affair.

The Color Yellow

The color yellow has become very popular with time. It's light and airy and can be used as the main focus or as an accent. Either way you will not be disappointed. For more ideas on what to do with the color or how you can use it, visit Martha Stewart's Ideas for the Color Yellow. She has everything from runners to seating displays and they are all tasetfully done. The website also offers ideas  for all color palettes so check it out!

The Meaning of the Rings

What does the wedding band symbolize? Women wait for the day where the man drops to one knee, opens a small velvet box and presents a stunning ring asking the words, “Will you marry me?” But what does it all mean? This is a little lesson on what the rings represent.

Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger. Why this finger you should ask, because that specific finger contains the vena amors (vein of love). This vein is said to run from your finger to your heart. A ring is also circular in shape and a circle represents unity. The circle is never ending and when you get married that circle also represents the never ending relationship among two people.

So we know why the ring, but why a diamond ring? A diamond catches the light when worn. It stands for beauty as well as a sign that one is soon to be married. Because it catches the light, it draws attention to the womens hand so that others know the women is soon to be wed.

Top 10 Honeymoon Hotspots

1. Acapulco, Mexico: With temperatures in the 80's almost year round, what's not to love about Mexico? Prices are affordable and many all inclusive packages are available. Mexico is also known for it's night life, the country has something to offer all hours of the day.

2. Florence, Italy: The city of love and romance. I don't think you  need much convincing about why this place is a great honeymoon get-a-way. Between the great food, amazing art, and romantic atmosphere, this country is on our top ten places to honeymoon.

3. St. John, Virgin Islands: This island is on the Caneel Bay and has stunning views of blue ocean. You can scuba dive, snorkel, eat lunch on islands, swim with dolphins, and much more. They even offer private cottages by the water.

4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: With private bungalows on the ocean, you have the opportunity to have privacy and beauty all at once. Bora Bora is the ultimate private and romantic get-a-way. They offer shark feedings, private dinners, butler services, and more.

5. Hawaii: The island made from volcanoes is a great sight to see. The islands of Hawaii have history, beach, and great food. The incredible tours that are offered are not disappointing.

6. St. Lucia: The island has incredible views no matter where you turn. From national parks to great hotel and guest services, you will not regret your stay. The island offers some of the best tours of the island. Riding horses on the beach, sailing, and visiting small village shops are all offered at most hotels.

7. Bahamas: Another great island that has much to offer. This specific island is famous for its great dolphin experiences. From feeding them to swimming with these amazing animals, the Bahamas offers one of the best experiences in the world.

8. Ireland: Stay in a castle for part of your stay and book your trip with a tour bus. You can see half of Ireland in less than two weeks. The country has many beautiful castles, mountains, and amazing views. This is a honeymoon you won't ever forget.

9. Alberta, Canada: Sometimes you just prefer snow. Canada is full of fun adventurous activities. Go skiing or snow boarding, sit by a fire drinking hot cocoa, or go dog sledding.

10. Mangiss, Indonesia: Known as the “Peaceful Hill” this resort has some of the best views of the sea. Private pools are offered in deluxe suites. This island has over 10,000 temples and a wonderful cultural background.

Bridal Jewelry

When picking your jewelry out be sure and keep it simple, especially if your dress has a lot of beading and sequence. Like they say, less is more. Most brides keep it traditional with a simple pearl  necklace and earrings. However, if you decide to do something different just remember no more than two pieces of jewelry. This is not including your wedding rings. If you wear earrings than go with a necklace, but not a necklace, earrings, a bracelet, etc. A bride is supposed to look timeless and elegant. Keep that in mind when picking out your accessories.

Wedding Cupcakes

You don't always have to have a cake at a wedding. Now a days, brides are using decorative cupcakes in place of a cake. They are cost effective, loved by all, there is no cake cutting, and easy to disperse. The best part about cupcakes is the decorating. There are so many ways one cupcake can be created. Besides the beauty and the uniqueness of a cupcake, you have plates and cake stands that can also add to the elegance of how the cupcakes are displayed. For more cupcake ideas visit Martha Stewart Weddings. They have an array of ideas and 31 pictures to inspire your cupcake desires.

Bridesmaids With Color

Who says your bridesmaids dresses have to match or that they all must be the same length and style? Let them all wear a different color dress or have them wear the same print, but have each dress a different length and/or style. Each bridemaid can have a dress that matches their own personality and taste.

The dresses can also coordinate one another with matching flower bouquets, shoes, and accessories. Your bridesmaids can also wear similiar if not the same hair style. With the same hair styles they will correlate one another, but allow some difference between them.

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