Laptop Bride Newsletter. The Bridal Shower

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I'm sure that over the holidays there have been a host of newly engaged couples born who need to plan a wedding! But before the wedding there is the Bridal Shower to think about, which will most assuredly be thrown by your Maid / Matron of Honor or a family member. Bridal showers really are fun. They do need a lot of planning and organization in advance, but they are worth it. The bride and groom receive practical gifts for their home, and shower party’s are a great excuse to get together with friends and family. Plus it is a memory!

First, decide on your maid of honor. Traditionally the maid of honor plans the bridal shower; but it can be a friend, co-workers, or family member.

A traditional shower can be held at someone's home or it can be brunch, lunch, dinner or a tea party. The time of the party depends on the schedules of the bride and her friends. And, if you need help:

Choose a theme before sending out the invitations. The theme can then be used throughout the shower with the invitations, decorations, party supplies

, favors and refreshments.

A growing trend is that many brides are doing their wedding research on the Internet. which has opened up many ‘cheaper’ avenues and you can now get some beautiful printable-wedding-shower-invitations. These invitations are customized with your own wording and design, and are printed directly from your own printer. And, many are using E-Vite and other online card services. Simply send the invitation over the internet.

Note: Remember to send Thank you cards. In Laptop Bride's opinion, a personal note is the only way to make sure that sincere appreciation is expressed. (Don't use the computer... snail mail works better.)

Food: Food will totally depend on your theme. If you are having a fitness showers, for example: a finger buffet would work well. If you are holding a garden shower or tea party brunch, consider light finger food - cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, mini-quiches, scones, muffins, dips, salads, jellos and basically lite fare.

Favors: For the shower something small works well. It can be something as simple as tulle filled with Jordan Almonds and tied with a curly ribbon; to a handmade crafts. If you prefer something more like a "gift", give something small and useful like a scented candle or potpourri sachet.

Games: Everyone should experience bridal shower games. Shower party games are a great ice-breaker for people to get to know each other. If you know of any games yourself, use them. Otherwise go to a party store or online to purchase a bridal shower party game book The Best Bridal Shower Party Games (Party Games and Activities)

( Games could include bridal shower bingo as this is always a big hit as is ‘what’s in the bag (memory game). Trivia questions about the bride and groom or making a wedding hat with ribbons and bows are all fun games to be had.

This is a great recipe for any party. Simple. Easy. You can put them in the crock pot. You can also cheat with this recipe. You can either make the meatballs yourself, or use store bought premade meatballs and simply add the sauce.

Ingredients

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cornflake crumbs, parsley, eggs, ketchup, onion, soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper. Mix well and form into small balls, from 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter.

Place in a casserole or baking pan. Heat oven to 300°. Meanwhile in a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and lemon juice. Cook stirring over medium heat until smooth. Pour hot sauce over meatballs in casserole. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs. Transfer to slow cooker and keep on low for serving.

Hooray for Carlson Hotels! A wonderful first! Starting the new year right and on a positive note. It's nice to see that corporate America cares . . .

For guests of short stature (under 4 feet 10) or with dwarfism, visiting a hotel can present a myriad of obstacles that the average height hotel guest will never encounter. From approaching the front desk, pushing elevator buttons, latching the lock on the guestroom door, hanging up their clothes or sitting on the bed, it can be a challenge.

Thankfully, those of short stature may soon request in-room "assistive kits" at over 500 hotels owned by Carlson Hotels; including the Radisson, Park Plaza and Country Inns Suites brands.

The kits include a step stool, reaching tool, a bar to lower the clothes rack and a device to put the latch hook lock within reach! The will become more widely available in mid-2007.

And, from the Carlson Site, this was part of their press release:

“We first learned about the need for the kits through a relationship that developed with Little People of America, Inc. (LPA), and Direct Access Solutions, the company responsible for providing the kits to the hotels,” noted Carmen Baker, who previously led diversity for Carlson Hotels Worldwide and is now vice president of diversity for Carlson Companies, the parent company of Carlson Hotels Worldwide. “Our perspective on diversity and inclusiveness goes beyond the traditional realms of ethnicity and we want to find ways to provide a welcoming experience for all guests. There are more than 52 million people with disabilities – the largest minority group in the United States. Maria Seiler, the new vice president of diversity for Carlson Hotels Worldwide, will continue to support this initiative.” and it continues ....

"Matt Roloff, owner of Direct Access Solutions, said Carlson’s proactive attention to this issue compelled him to nominate the company for an Eagle Award, an honor presented by California-based Disability Rights Advocates to organizations that willingly provide auxiliary access aids to individuals with dwarfism. Roloff also stars in and produces a reality show on The Learning Channel (TLC) that features his family called “Little People, Big World.” The hotel company was featured in a recent episode of the show with footage of Roloff’s visit to Carlson Companies headquarters in Minneapolis to sign the agreement with Carlson Hotels Worldwide which will greatly expand the availability of the accessibility convenience kits at its hotels throughout the Americas."

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