Things to do in North Shore, Oahu

Make a Note of These

• Languages spoken: English and Hawaiian


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• Area Code: 808


• Clothing: Dress casually. Formal wear should be occasional.


• Tipping: 15 – 20% on meals, minimum of $1 per bag for porters, and minimum $1 for housekeeping per night.

Oahu (or O’ahu) is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands. The North Shore is the north-facing coastline that spans from the Ka’ena Point to the Kahuku Point. The main city of North Shore is Haleiwa (or Hale’iwa). This place is replete with gigantic waves, stretches of beautiful scenes, blue beaches, Hawaiian culture, and food. It is only an hour’s drive from Waikiki. North Shore gives you a plethora of options for staying and things to do. If you’re opting for luxury, head straight to the Turtle Bay Resort. However, if you’re on the other side, you can find small houses to stay.

There is always something to do for everyone here. You have to land at the Honolulu International Airport and will have to travel to the North Shore by either TheBus, taxi/cabs, or you can rent a vehicle. TheBus is the public transport available there that is not very costly. But, if you want to reach places faster, it’s better to rent a car.

Things To Do in North Shore

Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!

Surf or Watch Them Surf

Surfing tops the list

✦ This place is called a surfer’s dream and naturally, surfing is the first thing that comes to mind. This is the place where several surfing competitions are held, and you will see thousands of them demonstrating their talent on those gigantic waves. Competitions like ‘Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau’ and the ‘Vans Triple Crown of Surfing’ are held here. This is because the waves there are said to be perfect.

✦ You can pay a visit to beaches like Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach, which are just a few of the popular ones out there.

✦ The Banzai Pipeline is very famous because of the rough waves that are caused by the sharp reef there. It is considered as one of those spots that can pose danger to lives; hence, it is advised not venture out there unless you are trained, so let the pros do it! You can enjoy the beautiful sand and rest there instead!

✦ In winter, you’ll notice huge waves, but in summer, there are gentle waves seen in the North Shore. If you are a beginner and keen to learn, there are several surf schools that can teach you in safer coves.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Snorkel by the reefs

✦ Not everyone can surf, but hey! We have more options for you! You can enjoy the secrets of the green waters because the real beauty lies in observing the flora and fauna. What can be better than enjoying it when they are in their own habitat? Just get your snorkeling mask and fins out and enjoy the great view underwater. You’ll also get to see innumerable types of fish.

✦ The national fish of Hawaii (humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa or reef triggerfish) and of course, green turtles are the most important of them. The Turtle Beach and the Sharks Cove are very famous for snorkeling. You can see many sea turtles near the Turtle Beach and may get the chance to swim with them. For people who are scared of water or kids, there are shallow places where you can snorkel. Choose as per your preference, but don’t miss out on this activity.

✦ Scuba diving gives you a chance to swim with so many beautiful creatures, with green sea turtles being one of them! Sharks Cove is one of the sites where you can dive. And before you panic, we assure you that there ain’t no sharks there. The name comes from a rock that resembles the shape of a shark. There are professional divers who make it easy for first-time divers. Winter months are not suitable for obvious reasons, but it is appropriate in summer. There are fascinating caves, but there are chances of you getting hurt, so be sure to take a professional along. Three Tables is also one of the scuba diving sites you can choose.

✦ Kuilima Cove is another safer and less crowded option for those who want to avoid large crowds.

Turtle Watching

Enjoy turtle sightings on the beach itself

✦ Green Sea Turtles! These beautiful creatures are sadly endangered, and on the verge of extinction. But, this is the place you’ll find them. What an experience it would be to see them up and close. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) is the best for it as turtles are constant visitors here. They come up and are seen sunbathing amidst the crowd on the beach. It will be a great experience to watch them and click pictures from so close a distance. No doubt they come pretty close, but that doesn’t mean you can touch them. You shouldn’t! Just enjoy observing them and click away from a distance. Summer is the best time as the water is calm and turtles can come up on the beach.

Cage Dive with Sharks

Dive with the Big Guys!

✦ So, who’s up for some deadly adventure? The best part―you don’t need to know swimming to do this! Anyone can do it. You have to take a 10 – 15 minutes ride in a boat and the cage is already in the water. Everyone jumps into a cage where you’ll see sharks swimming all around you. If you’re way too lucky, you can see whales and dolphins at a distance too. This is safe because you are inside the cage.

Some Tips Before You Go in There

• Get a camera for sure―a waterproof camera and a strap that you can hold on to.


• You will need a medicine like Dramamine even if you don’t get seasick easily. It is needed for everyone.


• The group you’re going with will offer a video if you want. You can get it in a group for very cheap. They will shoot a video of you with all sharks surrounding you. And that can be a proof to support you when you boast about it to your friends (wink!)


• If possible, be the first one to go inside and the last one to come out. This will cover the time you’ll be spending while waiting.


• No swimming is required for this too. You just have to hold the bars and stand.

So all animal enthusiasts out there, this one’s for you!

Sky Diving

Soar High!

✦ That fear of heights, those butterflies in the stomach, but the excitement to do skydiving can be experienced when you’re on your trip to North Shore Oahu. Dillingham Airfield is the place to be. What an experience it would be to jump off an airplane from more than 14,000 feet and that too at a speed of 120mph! That free fall you do would be an epic, with those breathtaking scenes around.

✦ It is recommended that you be remain fully covered plus wear comfortable clothing because it can be chilly up there. They have professional divers, and every person is given one diver with whom you take the plunge. Hawaii is said to be one of the cheap but great places for skydiving. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t give it a miss! You can buy the photo/video packages with it, and yes, you wouldn’t regret this activity. So get going and overcome that fear.

Things to Remember

• This can take a lot of time, almost half a day, so keep lesser plans for that day.


• This activity is fully dependent on the weather conditions, so don’t be disappointed if it’s delayed or gets canceled.


• You might have to sign an agreement stating that you are undertaking this activity by your will.


• This is not an activity for everyone, and is not recommended for people with a lot of fear, pregnant women, or people having pain problems.

Sightseeing

The Waimea Waterfalls

The adventure stuff is enough for now. For people who are not so interested in undertaking adventures, we have many things for you to do there. You can go sightseeing to begin with.

✦ Are you a movie buff? You may want to check out the beaches that you have seen in the movies or on TV. You can visit the places where ‘Lost’, ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Godzilla’, and many more were shot. Apart from being a dream come true, it would be more exciting to travel to all those places in a hummer.✦ Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and immerse yourself in the rich culture they have to offer. The villagers have so many things to show you―the culture, dress styles, food preparations, and the dances. It is a 42-acre place, which has different kinds of temples and churches. Imax and canoe rides are also available there. Evening shows consist of a special program of hula, etc., but you may have to pay extra.✦ Do not miss the Laie Hawaii Temple. Its beauty is enchanting. It is closed on Mondays, and from Tuesday-Friday, it is open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m and 4 p.m – 8 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.✦ The Haleiwa Art Gallery is a gem of a place for art lovers. You will get beautiful silk pieces and handicraft work.✦ Dole Plantation is a place where you’ll find pineapple plantations in abundance. You may even like to see the world’s biggest maze here and enjoy several other activities like touring in the train called ‘Pineapple Express’. Dole Whip swirl (made of vanilla and pineapple) is something you have to try when you’re there. They have a store where you can buy innumerable things.✦ Last but not the least, the Waimea Falls is a place where you can enjoy watching several plants and birds. Just visit this place and enjoy nature. The only thing you should consider before coming here is that there is quite a lot of uphill walking, so if you have elders in your group, you can plan something ahead. There are botanical gardens there and the water is open for swimming. And for foodies, there is a snack shop that dishes out all the local eateries.✦ For people who want to fly without adventure, there are helicopter rides available. It will take you all over to see the scenes from a bird’s eye angle. And for people who love water, you can take classes for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking.

Golfing with a Difference!

The Golf course in North Shore

✦ The island of Oahu boasts of many beautiful golf courses. Imagine playing golf where the holes are along the beach. What a pleasant thing it would be for everyone. There are 3 golf courses in North Shore. The Kahuku Golf course has a beautiful seaside landscape. There are 2 in the Turtle Bay Resort, both named after famous golfers. The Turtle Bay Resort-Arnold Palmer Course is basically for champions and LPGA tour events. The other one, Turtle Bay Resort-George Fazio Course is simpler and open for everyone. These golf courses are very beautiful, which is why they are in this list.

Horseback Riding

Enjoy the scenes on a Horse

✦ Horseback riding is the thing you should try out over here. You can get totally lost in those scenic views, and with the wind in your hair, listen to the chirping of birds. There are varied packages you can choose from. You can go for sunrise or sunset rides and see the horizon with such beautiful colors. You can also go for some ‘me’ or family time. They have pony rides for kids too. You could get Polo lessons if you’re keen. These rides are not limited to beaches. Some companies take you through old forests and also from the Waimea Valley to soak in the beauty of nature.

Nature Walks and Hiking

Wander with yourself!

✦ There are places where you can just walk and hike for hours. The Kaena Point trail is one of them. It is a simple trail and can be done by anyone. At the end of it, there is a sanctuary that has the monk seal (an endangered species) and a lot of albatross. These are protected areas and dogs are not allowed here. If you’re lucky, you may see whales from the point too. La’ie Point, Kaunala Trail, and Lanikai Pillboxes are some other options. At some points, like at La’ie, you can cliff jump also. And yes, you can treat yourself with some special delicacies and desserts when you descend.

What’s Life Without Eating Anyway!

Dig into an authentic shrimp meal

✦ Traveling is not only about roaming, partaking in activities, or sightseeing; you need some rest and good food too! You can savor many authentic food dishes here. You get a plate lunch which consists of everything, right from rice, salad, and chicken/beef/pork. This is a staple food of the locals. Try it as it is very easy to get it anywhere.

✦ Loco Moco is a hamburger of steak and eggs over rice, and served with brown gravy.

✦ And the most favorite, shrimp trucks in Kahuku are loved by locals and tourists. They offer shrimp with rice; the garlic ones are the favorite here.

Time for some yummilious desserts!

✦ Dig into some great desserts here. There’s an ice-based dessert that’s damn popular here―Shave ice! You have to eat this! It is a rainbow-colored ice that has different flavors and colors. Ask for Li Hing powder (dried plum powder) as a topping or Azuki beans or ice creams (Tahitian vanilla ice cream) to garnish and relish the authentic taste.

✦ Malasadas is a hot Portuguese doughnut, which will be a treat to your sweet tooth. And that’s not all! Several kinds of cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, and chocolate-covered strawberries are there for you to indulge in.

✦ If you have time on hand, visit Café Haleiwa to try out the banana pancakes topped with blueberries. Oh and yes! The omelets and coffee are worth feasting on too! This café serves breakfast from Monday to Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. in the morning up to 12.30 p.m. and throughout the day on Sunday.

So, do add North Shore Oahu to your bucket list of places to travel and visit soon! There are so many things to do that it is going to be a memorable experience for you! Pack your bags and get rolling!

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Exposed! The 5 Greatest Myths In MLM – And The Single Secret Needed To Truly Grow Your Business

OK, before we get started I want to warn each of you – this is a no holes barred article. If you

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Did You Know…. 15 Interesting American Wedding Facts

Did you know that American weddings are often scoffed at by other countries as we have “Westernized” the tradition of weddings? Its little tidbits of information that makes traditions interesting. Here are 15 facts about the American wedding you may enjoy.

1. Close to $72 billion is spent annually on weddings in the United States alone.

2. Hawaii is the second best wedding destination in America with nearly 25,000 per year. However, Las Vegas is by far the top wedding destination with about 144,000 weddings per year.

3. On average, the budget for a wedding is $20,000.

4. The wedding photographer is the most important vendor you will hire.

5. The busiest days and months for a wedding in the United States are Saturdays (afternoon, then morning), Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Wednesday and Thursday’s are not too far off, with Monday and Tuesday the least favorite. Meanwhile the most favorite month is June, while August takes second and July a close third. The least favorite, probably due to all the other events, is December. In addition, if you are looking to save a little money, the earlier in the day of the wedding the cheaper in price it seems to be.

6. Although the old tradition was that the bride’s family paid for the wedding, today about 75 percent of married couples in America has either paid for part or all of their wedding.

7. To show how people in America are for their romantic moments, the Nielsen Rating system consistently shows that a television soap opera wedding always attracts more viewers than watch a presidential address.

8. In the United States, the average wedding is known to include up to 175. Oddly enough, it is not uncommon to have more guests at your reception than at the actual wedding, whether or not that was the bride and groom’s choice. If you have food, they will come.

9. A wedding that took place that involved two American slaves was not allowed to include the phrase “until death do us part.” This was in place since plantation masters held the power to separate husband and wives from each other. In addition, since slaves were banned from a Christian wedding ceremony, they would often invent their own ceremony. A typical wedding between slaves would include certain symbols from their African homeland, such as the couple jumping over a broom.

10. Some of the most played “first dance” songs include Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are,” Natalie and Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” and Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.” Other songs played that are probably based on the title; because they must not understand the lyrics since these songs are usually about breaking up and going separate ways include Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Styx’s “Babe.”

11. Some popular “first dance” songs for fathers and daughters include Heartland’s “I Loved Her First,” Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl” and Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses.”

12. There is no actual law or religious belief that requires a woman to take the last name of her husband. However with that said, about 70 percent of Americans still agree that the bride should take the last name of her husband. Often this is done for unity and for their future children.

13. Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company in America offers a policy for wedding insurance, called Weddingsurance. Their coverage pays to replace or repair items if they are stolen, lost or damaged, such as gifts, jewelry, rental items and special attire. They also cover such situations as the dress tearing, will repay for a no-show wedding photographer or if the photos are lost, damaged or not developed properly. This insurance coverage also covers refunds in the case one of the couple opts out and therefore you have a large cost as well as lost deposits. They even cover counseling for those suffering from the emotional angst from the event being cancelled.

14. Many states do not require physical exams or for the couple to take a blood test. However, if you have any venereal disease or any physical issues, like infertility or impotence, then the marriage can be voided and annulled.

15. Eskimo women were known to be wedded by the time they were 15 to 16 years old. Unlike mainland America, they did not receive gifts prior or after the wedding. In fact the ritual was for the groom to fake kidnap the bride, as he would usually have to drag her off while she kicked and screamed.

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Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Announces Opening of Japengo

LAHAINA, Hawaii (Vocus/PRWEB) January 20, 2011

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is pleased to announce the opening of Japengo, a Pacific Rim Restaurant and Sushi Lounge. Part of the resort’s extensive $15 million transformation that included the complete renovation of all guestrooms, the $5 million Japengo is a sexy and sophisticated dining destination with spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Drawing on Hawaii’s freshest, locally-grown products, coupled with exotic ingredients from neighboring Pacific Rim countries, the resort’s Maui dining destination creates a culinary adventure showcasing modern Asian-inspired flavors with Hawaiian flair.

“As the first destination resort in the world, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has been a trendsetter in luxury since opening in 1980,” remarked Michael Jokovich, General Manager with Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. “Our legacy continues with the opening of Japengo, which offers island visitors and local residents a chic new dining destination with the high level of service and authentic Hawaiian aloha that Hyatt Regency Maui is known for.”

Conceptualized with Island Design Center as an updated interpretation of a Japanese fishing village, the Maui resort restaurant provides a variety of distinctive settings, each offering a unique dining experience. Arriving guests follow the Village Alley Walk, covered with mossy green rustic porcelain tiles, to the vibrant Sushi Lounge. Updated Asian elements and a minimalistic design create a Zen-like backdrop that puts cuisine – and the dynamic sushi chefs – front and center. Glowing elongated amber pendant lamps and banquettes of wasabi-green and deep olive create a clubby ambiance. Outside, the mood is edgy and intimate with flickering tiki torches, pin spot lighting, and high-backed settees in fiery-hued fabrics. Here, guests enjoy warm trade winds and exceptional panoramic views of the resort’s 40-acre grounds, swimming pools and waterfall, and neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.

Creating a moonscape at the Moon Bar, the Maui dining destination’s open air garden lounge, silk pendants orbit above the circular bar, designed using lunar-toned materials of sliced stone and black pebbles. Guests can sip creative specialty cocktails including the Rappongi Fling, with Momokawa Ruby sake, fresh lime, cucumber and ginger ale, and the Asian Pear-suasion, with Absolut Pears vodka, Momokawa Pearl sake, Midori, fresh lime and Thai basil. The Moon Bar’s colors and materials are evocative of the celestial elements of the sun, moon and earth, and vary from grounded and earthen, warm and fiery, and lunar and ethereal.

To create Japengo’s modern Pacific Rim cuisine, the Maui resort’s Executive Chef Matt Smith sources exceptional local produce and products from Maui and the surrounding islands, such as Olowalu tomatoes, Kula lettuces, Alii Kula lavender, Hawaiian red and black sea salt, and freshly caught seafood, and thoughtfully prepares them using authentic Asian cooking methods. Guests’ culinary adventure begins with Chef Smith’s unique starters, including Seared “Snake River Farms” Kobe Carpaccio with Wasabi Infused Organic Lemon Olive Oil, Watercress, Quail Egg and Shiso Aioli ($21) and Compressed Watermelon & Hamachi Mosaic with Emperor’s Ponzu, Rainbow Micro Greens and Tobiko ($18). House specials include Grilled Local Mahi Mahi with Okinawa Tatsoi, Sesame, Pancetta, Lemongrass Beurre Blanc, and Forbidden Rice ($39) and Singaporean Chili Crab with Alaskan King Crab and Spicy Chili Sauce ($46).

At the Sushi Lounge, which seats 49, guests can enjoy refined izakaya (Japanese pub) favorites including Poached Hawaiian Young Abalone with Soy Broth, Daikon Radish, Spicy Chili and Micro Greens ($12) or Spicy Salmon Buns with Maui Onion, Shiso, Kaiware, Bao Buns, Hoisin and Ume ($18). Named after Japengo’s benevolent mascot, a Japanese mythological deity and symbol for fertility, Sushi Chef Jay Ledee’s signature roll is the Japengo Tengu – an inspired combination featuring whitefish, crab, tuna, avocado, tatsoi, tobiko, and spicy eel aioli, deep-fried in tempura panko batter ($20).

Located within Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa at 200 Nohea Kai Drive on Ka’anapali Beach, Japengo is open for dinner Monday through Sunday, from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; lounge hours are 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. For more information or reservations, contact Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa by phone at (808) 661-1234 or visit the resort website: http://ift.tt/15iq53O.

About Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa – Authentic Hawaiian Hospitality Surrounded by Tropical Luxury

Ideally situated on 40 tropically landscaped oceanfront acres along a three-mile stretch of the famed Ka’anapali Beach, Maui’s longest crescent beach, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa offers an authentic Hawaiian experience in a setting of tropical luxury. Each of the 806 guestrooms, including 31 suites, affords Hawaiian elegance with plantation-style furnishings and a private lanai with panoramic views. Boasting endless amenities including Spa Moana, Maui’s only oceanfront, 15,000 square-foot luxury spa and fitness center, elaborate water playground with tropical streams and waterfalls, championship golf, six tennis courts, scuba and catamaran sails, four restaurants, shopping, and over 100,000 square feet of function space, as well as expert-led stargazing, luau, and wildlife, art and tropical garden tours, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa offers everything necessary to create the quintessential Maui getaway.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has been recognized with awards and accolades including 2010 AAA Four Diamond Award, 2010 Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” Top 25 Hawaii Resorts, 2011 Travel + Leisure “500 World Best Hotels,” 2010 Condé Nast Traveler “Gold List” Reserve, 2010 Condé Nast Traveler Readers Poll “Top Spas in the World,” 2009 Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Hotels for Families” (#1 in Hawaii / #3 in US); 2009 Travel + Leisure “Top 25 Hawaii Resorts,” 2008 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List “Best Places to Stay,” 2008 Condé Nast Traveler “Top 25 Hawaii Resorts” and 2008 Condé Nast Traveler “Top Golf Resorts.” Condé Nast Traveler voted Maui “Best Island in the World” in 2009.

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Hard Time Choosing China? Try These Suggestions!

Wedding dresses are one of the most expensive things to be purchased when planning a wedding. If you are not looking for a traditional, princess type ballgown, consider looking into other types of dresses. You could get a bridesmaid’s dress, and it would be just a fraction of the cost. Even if this dress is not perfect and you need some adjustments made to make it your dream dress, it could still run you quite a bit less then an actual wedding dress.

Tip Avoid over-dieting just to fit your dress! Starving yourself or resorting to unhealthy weight loss tactics causes you to feel dizzy, weak, and light-headed. You definitely don’t want to end up fainting on your big day.

Weddings are about the people getting married, not the money that has been spent. The fact that you’re getting married is what it is all about. This article will help you to optimize the quality of your wedding.

The most important thing when considering marriage is the person you will be marrying. Don’t make this choice in a hurry. Be sure you carefully take into account the traits that you require in a mate, and which ones will drive you insane.

Tip Don’t forget the small stuff when decorating. Use the same ribbon that you use for the bouquet in the centerpieces.

Take the time necessary to write out your wedding vows, because this is going to be remembered by your spouse for a long time. Be clear about the fact that both parties must make a number of sacrifices and be consistent to the commitment of marriage. Express your love for the person you will marry when writing your vows.

Before the wedding day, brides who have sensitive skin should implement a skincare regimen that prevents hives, breakouts, or irritation and creates a revitalized, glowing appearance. Find a facial treatment with brightening and skin-soothing ingredients like sea salts, rose, creamy scrubs and oatmeal proteins.

Tip Go easy on the number of fresh flowers you put on the guest tables for your wedding reception. The majority of the times, the flowers just get in the way.

Don’t go overboard on decorating tables with flowers. The majority of the times, the flowers just get in the way. Also, you must consider that a guest may be allergic to the flowers. To give the tables a romantic look, consider using non-scented candles as a centerpiece.

Consider how many people will be dancing at your reception when you look at the dance floors of your possible reception venues. There are few things that can suck the fun out a reception like not having the room to bust a move can, so do what you need to do to give you and your friends the space you need to boogie!

Tip You can embellish your bouquet with tiny crystals, rhinestones or perhaps diamonds if you can afford to. You can do this by attaching small crystals, costume jewelry, or perhaps a special piece of jewelry with some kind of adhesive.

Ever wonder what you will look like gliding up the aisle at your wedding? Set up a large mirror and practice walking toward it. If you plan to wear high heels with your dress, this is especially important. If you don’t wish to risk twisting your ankle, choose stylish flats instead. Reducing the risk of falling is better than going with the best-looking footwear.

If you are having a destination wedding, why not treat your guests with an indulgent gift basket delivered right to their hotel rooms? You will want to include useful items such as a disposable camera, tourist map that shows fun places in the local area, sunglasses and a hat. Another nice gesture is to include a restaurant guide, since people do need to eat after all.

Tip When making wedding dinner seating arrangements, be sure to have even numbers of people at each table. If you put people of the same age together at tables they will have more to talk about.

If you want to save money on a cake, consider cupcakes or mini-tarts. They taste great, are easy to eat and are affordable. Allow guests to pick a couple out and place them in a personalized cardboard container.

If you choose a wedding cake full of vibrant color that stands out as a focal point in your reception, you can enhance it further by presenting it on top of a fabric swatch coordinated with the cake itself. You could even select a patterned or strongly textured fabric to focus attention on the cake and its beauty.

Tip If you would like a relative or a friend to perform your wedding ceremony, you can ask that person to become ordained via an online program. Not only will this save you money by not needing to hire an officiant, it will add a nice personal touch to the ceremony.

The lighting at the wedding reception venue should be able to be dimmed. It may sound insignificant, but you are probably going to want to dim the lights for the first dance and turn them back up for the remainder of the reception. Check out the lighting available at different venues before picking one.

If your wedding meal is long and involved, be sure to have appetizers on the table to keep your guests occupied between courses. Think about sugar roses that enhance your wedding colors.

Tip For instance, think about a modern fusion menu with popular dishes. Add a twist with ethnic dessert options, drinks, or edible wedding favors.

As already mentioned, a wedding is about two people in love and not about impressing everyone with a display of ostentatious decorations. Your wedding should be an event that showcases your love. Using these suggestions will help to create an atmosphere of love and joy.

If you don’t want to serve a formal dinner at your reception, try replacing traditional table seatings with rented furniture. Lounge chairs, chaises and comfortable sectional pieces will help encourage interaction between your guests. Also, seating that is plush can make your guests feel more at ease and comfortable, and you can create separate areas for socializing in your location.

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Satcon Launches PowerGate Plus H-Type Smart Inverter Solutions | Business Wire

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Satcon Technology Corporation^® (NASDAQ CM: SATC), a leading

provider of utility-scale power conversion solutions for the renewable

energy market, today introduced the PowerGate^® Plus H-Type™

line, the newest addition to its Utility-Ready solution portfolio. The

PowerGate Plus H-Type solutions combine the high efficiency and proven

reliability of the PowerGate Plus inverter with the enhanced system

intelligence and control of Satcon’s EDGE Adaptive Control Architecture

(ACA) ™.

Developed over the past year in order to address the demand from

Hawaiian Utilities for increased inverter control, Satcon’s H-Type

solutions enable significant improvements in total power plant

reliability and yield through more powerful system monitoring,

diagnostics, and remote control functionality. Leveraging Satcon’s EDGE

ACA control architecture, H-Type inverters enable instant voltage

stabilization, ramp rate control, frequency response, and secure the

continuous operation of the PV plant in the event of external faults,

achieving low voltage ride through (LVRT) and other fault ride through

performance capabilities.

“As North America’s leading Utilities increase the integration of solar

power plants onto their grid networks, intelligent inverters become the

key enablers for enhanced grid stability and control,” said Michael

Levi, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Product Management for

Satcon. “Over the past year, Hawaiian Utilities have expanded inverter

feature-function requirements in order to gain greater control of these

distributed power plants. Leveraging our next-generation EDGE Adaptive

Control Architecture, Satcon was able to rapidly address the Utilities’

LVRT requirements and provide for highly flexible, controllable, and

stable solar power grid integration.”

To date, Satcon has sold over seven megawatts of H-Type solutions across

multiple Utilities in the state of Hawaii. The smart inverters are now

generally available in three power ratings of 100 kilowatts, 135

kilowatts, and 250 kilowatts with both standard as well as Tropical

Environment option packages.

About Satcon

Satcon Technology Corporation^® is the leading provider of

utility-scale power conversion solutions for the renewable energy

market, enabling the industry’s most advanced reliable and proven clean

energy alternatives. For over 27 years, Satcon has designed and

delivered the next generation of efficient energy systems for solar

photovoltaic, stationary fuel cells, and energy storage systems. To

learn more about Satcon, please visit www.Satcon.com.

Safe Harbor

Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts or

which apply prospectively are forward-looking statements that involve

risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are identified

by the use of terms and phrases such as “will,” “intends,” “believes,”

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How Do You Picture Your Perfect Wedding?

Getting married is very exciting, but it can be a very stressful event as well. There is so much to plan, such as the cake, the flowers, the venue, that it can all be overwhelming at times. Read this article to learn more on wedding planning and stay in control.

Order small individual portions of cake from a local bakery if the thought of spending the equivalent of your honeymoon on your cake does not appeal to you. Many bakeries offer beautiful cupcakes with a variety of healthy fillings.

Brides who have sensitive skin may want to plan a pre-wedding skincare regimen meant to impart a glow without causing undue irritation. You can use sea salts and other all-natural soothing scrubs and skin care products for a brighter complexion.

Tell your DJ about songs you like and songs you dislike. For example, you might not like heavy metal or rap, or there may be one particular song that turns you off. Make sure that you inform the man you are marrying too.

You can embellish your bouquet with tiny crystals, rhinestones or perhaps diamonds if you can afford to. You can achieve this look by using heat-fixed or adhesive crystals or small pieces of costume jewelry. To make sure that it matches well with your ensemble, you need to be consistent when it comes to the size, cut and the color of the stones.

Practice walking towards a full length mirror to ensure you know how to do it, especially if you are not used to heels. Flats may be a better choice if you think you may hurt your feet. This will help you to feel comfortable on the big day.

Perhaps enlist the help of a friend to help you to carry all your camera gear around. They can help you to gather the family and get the perfect photo.

See if your family wants to come for the honeymoon. Everyone can save money by staying longer, as hotels will give you great discounts for longer stays. This allows them to celebrate your wedding with you and have a great vacation afterwards!

The lighting in your venue should be able to be dimmed. You may not think this detail is important; however, consider the effect of low lights on parts of your reception. For example, you may want to dim the lights for your first dance or other important dances and brighten them when you want everyone to participate in dancing. Be sure to ask the if the venue has this feature before you commit to it.

When making table assignments for your reception, ensure that even numbers of guests will be at each table. Grouping your tables according to age is one way to seat people with others that they will have things in common with.

Most girls dream about a magical wedding their whole lives. There are too many things that need to be planned, making even the thought of having one overwhelming. The objective of this article is to give you some information to make the planning of your big day much easier to handle.

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Top 10 Family Trips for the 2013 New Year's Resolution List

San Francisco, California (PRWEB) December 31, 2012

With the New Year upon us, the family travel experts at Ciao Bambino and Hip Travel Mama are encouraging families to resolve to travel more as a family in 2013. To help families explore new family-friendly destinations, the two award-winning family travel blogs issued their list of Top 10 Family Trips for the 2013 Travel List.

“We are seeing a growing trend of families willing and interested to travel further afield from the tried-and-tested family travel destinations,” said Amie O’Shaughnessy, founder and executive editor of Ciao Bambino.com.

More families are discovering incredible travel experiences both abroad and in U.S. and want to engage in a variety of adventures together such as Dude Ranch vacations, National Park getaways, family ski vacations, and city trips focused on museums and culture. Social media is making it easy for families to effortlessly share experiences and is motivating parents to get out and explore more of the world with their kids.

“It’s easy to take the same trip each year out of convenience, but in doing so, we miss a big opportunity to expose our kids and ourselves to new, enriching experiences,” Anne Taylor Hartzell, founder and executive editor, Hip Travel Mama.com. “As a family in 2013, we are resolving to try at least one new destination this year and put more stamps on our passports.”

Top 10 Family Trips For the 2013 New Year’s Resolution List:

1. Puglia | Italy

Italy has been a family travel favorite for years; Rome, Tuscany, and Venice continue to be top destinations for travel with kids. Families who have been to Italy before are seeking new, authentic experiences. Puglia fits the bill as it’s less traveled with fascinating cultural treasures like UNESCO-protected Alberobello, with its remarkable cone-shaped trulli dwellings, plus 800 km of coastline for beach time. Family-friendly accommodations are plentiful, from five-star gems like Masseria Torre Coccaro, with a full service beach club and activities, to the fast-growing home rental market offering an excellent inventory of apartments and villas.

2. Marrakech | Morocco

As much of the North Africa remains in turmoil, Morocco is continues to be safe, stable, and offers extensive infrastructure for tourists. Marrakech offers a long list of incredible places to stay and now more hotels in town are catering to families. The Four Seasons Marrakech has an exquisitely designed children’s club, an expansive family pool, and spacious suites for families, while the more intimate Beldi Country Club offers acres of gardens and an on-site pottery workshop with afternoon classes for kids. Marrakech is an excellent base to launch a trip into the Atlas Mountains and beyond. Amie designed a Morocco Family Adventure just for families with the award-winning Tour Operator Kensington Tours.

3. Luxury Lodges of Australia | Australia

Australia is long haul with kids, but it’s magnificent natural and urban treasures make the journey worthwhile. Luxury Lodges of Australia offers a variety of top-notch experiences around the country that cater to families. At Emirates Wolgan Valley activities include 4WD guided drives, horseback riding, and mountain biking in the company of rare albino wallaroos and wombats. Meanwhile, the Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island – Australia’s Galapagos – is filled with kangaroos, koalas, seals, dolphins and penguins in this ‘zoo without fences’.

4. Punta Cana | Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has made its way onto several prominent travel lists for 2013 and is on our wish list for beach vacations in 2013. More airlines are flying to the Dominican Republic and hotels such as the Paradisus Dominican Republic are rolling out the red carpet for families, with a family concierge program, and up to $1,000 in resort credits. In late 2013, Starwood Hotels is also expected opening The Westin Puntacana Resort, a luxury beachfront resort with family amenities.

5. Machu Picchu | Peru

One of the trips on the family travel bucket list for 2013 is Macchu Picchu, Peru. Experts who have done this trip with their own children recommend waiting until children are eight and older. Two luxury properties worth exploring are Starwood Hotels and Resort’s Tamba Del Inca, based in the Sacred Valley, and Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, Peru.

For those that want to stick closer to home, consider these five family-friendly ski and sun destinations in 2013:

6. Park City, Utah | United States

Park City is only 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, making this destination one of the most easily accessible ski areas in the country. All three of Park City’s ski resorts are on Ski Magazine’s Top 10 list, not to mention that these mountains support epic summer activities including world-class hiking, biking, and fishing. Accommodations are plentiful and suit every taste and budget, from the spectacular Montage Deer Valley with award-winning kids’ programming, to a massive selection of multi-room residences and condominiums.

7. Central California Road Trip | United States

The iconic stretch of California running from the Monterey Peninsula to Santa Barbara is some of the prettiest land in the entire United States. What many travelers don’t realize is that there are fabulous activities inland as well. Paso Robles is home to 200 wineries producing world-class wine and warmly welcomes families with everything from an incredible zip-line tour on the historic Margarita Ranch, to horsemanship classes for kids at Harris Ranch. A year-round destination, some of the best weather can be in shoulder seasons when other California destinations are cost-prohibitive.

8. Victoria, BC | Canada

Victoria BC is just a few hours from Seattle, Washington by the Victoria Clipper ferry and less than an hour via Seaplane on Kenmore Air. Families visiting Victoria will enjoy the walkable harbor area, kids aquarium and endless fun family experiences. Stay at the Fairmont Empress, or the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

9. Maui, Hawaii | United States

A popular favorite destination for many families, Maui offers visitors an easy tropical respite from the cold days of winter. Even if this is your first or fifth trip to the island, there is always something new to explore on Maui. Whether you love to hike, surf, or just lay around the beach, family-friendly activities and properties abound for families on a variety of budgets.

10. Experience What’s New, Disney Style

In 2012, Disneyland and Walt Disney World completed major expansions, including a five-year expansion of Disneyland Resort’s Disney California Adventure Park new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, and a two-year renovation of the historic Disneyland Hotel. Walt Disney World opened the first phase of The New Fantasyland at The Magic Kingdom and the new Art of Animation Hotel with more new additions to come to both Disney Parks in 2013. Also in 2013, Disney Cruise Line is rolling out new itineraries and ports, including a return the Mediterranean, giving families an opportunity to explore Europe and the magic of Disney. Adventures by Disney is also offering a growing number of guided, bucket list tours for families both in the U.S. and around the world.

About Ciao Bambino

Ciao Bambino! Inc. is a leading family travel brand and publisher of a global travel planning resource for families. Their award-winning guide features best-in-class hotel reviews and a comprehensive family travel blog offering tips, news, and narratives related to traveling with kids of all ages. CiaoBambino.com is the only dedicated family travel resource offering an online booking service for readers who are able to make requests directly from the site to over 300 parent-approved hotels, resorts, and villas for best available pricing. Ciao Bambino specializes in reviewing kid-friendly luxury hotels. Follow Ciao Bambino on Twitter @CiaoBambino and on Facebook at http://ift.tt/1J2l4eT.

About Hip Travel Mama

Anne Taylor Hartzell, a.k.a. Hip Travel Mama, is a nationally recognized family travel expert, inspiring families to share travel experiences and explore the world together. Hip Travel Mama is a frequent broadcast media travel expert, has appeared on the TODAY Show, USA Today, CNN.com, Conde’ Nast Traveler, and more than 30 broadcast TV outlets across the country. With more than 16 years experience as a brand ambassador for companies such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Expedia, Disney, Kimpton Hotels, Bing, Farecast, and others, Hip Travel Mama helps brands inspire and engage influential travelers via broadcast media, social media and the blogosphere. Her blog, HipTravelMama.com, provides inspiration, travel tips, hotel and destination reviews for families. Connect with Hip Travel Mama’s video log, Hip Travel Mama on Facebook and on Twitter at @HipTravelMama.

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Six Steps To Planning A Hawaii Beach Wedding From Afar

There’s much to do when you’re planning a wedding in Hawaii. But as with any destination wedding, a special wrinkle is that you’ll need to take care of many details from far away. And perhaps you’ve never been to Hawaii before. All this can pile some frustration onto your planning, but in the end, there are few places in the world that can compare to the Garden Isle of Kauai, Magic Island off Waikiki, or Oahu’s Paradise Cove, just to name a few of Hawaii’s many jewels.

Here’s a quick checklist of things to do and remember when planning a wedding in Hawaii:

1) First, find a location. This is the fun part. Pour over coffee table travel books at the bookstore — try the “From the Skies of Paradise” series, for example. Eventually you’ll settle on an island.

2) Next, you have a second decision to make: should you go with a resort, a wedding planner, or do it all yourself? For most brides, the best bet is to choose a resort package, or book a local wedding planner that specializes in destination weddings.

An on-site planner should help you pull together every aspect of your wedding. They’ll recommend vendors, let you know whether that hotel really looks as beautiful as it does in the brochure, and help you work out murky but important details, such as how to seat your guests at the beach, or how transport your guests from the hotel to the ceremony site. An experienced local planner can make a huge difference, but you’ll want to research her carefully before choosing one. The last thing you want is to hire someone who “goes dark” on you.

It’s impossible to tell from a web site or a photo whether a planner is responsive and professional. The best way to find a great one is to visit destination wedding boards and ask newlyweds for their recommendations.

3) Next, you’ll want to consider your budget. Can you pay for close family and friends to attend your destination wedding, or will they need to pay their own way? If the budget’s tight, one option is to have a very small wedding on the island and throw a larger reception later, at home.

You’ll also need to look at the other aspects of the budget, and consider the fundamental costs of things like ceremony locale, reception locale, lodging, catering, your cake and flowers, and any other services involved in your wedding. For very constrained budgets, a small resort package might be both cheapest and most stress-free choice. If you have more wiggle room, a good wedding planner will help you make the most of your money.

4) Another important item on your checklist is the marriage license. Fortunately, Hawaii makes this easy. You’ll only need to arrive a few days in advance, and the only major requirement is that both the bride and groom appear in person. Hawaii doesn’t have a waiting period or require a blood test, but you’ll need enough time to apply in person on a weekday before the wedding.

5) You’ll also need to research lodging and airfare for your entire party. That means you’ll need to manage a pleasant location that offers a fair price for not only for the bridal couple, but for guests as well. Be sure that your planner or other former brides give the thumbs-up to your lodging before you book it.

Airline tickets are another major cost, especially if you’re footing the bill for friends and family. You can buy tickets up to 11 months in advance, and the sooner you buy them, the cheaper they are. With airfare on this scale, try to take advantage of other money-saving tactics such as flying in on a weekday and staying over on a Saturday night.

6) Finally, don’t forget that the whole charm of a destination wedding lies in not having to obsess over details. Be sure to research a great wedding planner, but after that, be willing to roll with the punches and take what comes. With a destination wedding, you can often actually relax enough to enjoy and remember your day, which isn’t always true with more elaborate productions.

From choosing your favorite Hawaiian island to picking out foot jewelry or beach-style invitations, there’s plenty to do when it comes to planning a wedding in Hawaii. While a destination wedding is much like any other, they tend to feel more complex simply because of the huge distance involved. The good news is that you can easily get it all done, especially when you choose a resort package, or hire an experienced local wedding planner who can be your eyes and ears and guide you through the requirements and on-site issues.

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Vacations for Young Couples

Live in the moment.

Instead of sharing photos and videos on the social networking sites during your vacation, take this time away from it all and spend memorable moments together. You can share the happy memories from the trip after you’re home.

With all the responsibilities in life, a short break is definitely rewarding. But most of the time, when the actual decision has to be made as to which location or city to take the vacation in, the mind simply goes blank. Of course, there are endless possibilities when it comes to taking a vacation, but the destination can only be decided as per your likes. If a person isn’t into adventure sports, asking them to go bungee jumping or skydiving is pointless, right? And since this is a couple’s vacation, inputs from both the partners is required. So before you can make your final decision, get a pen and a paper, get cozy inside the bed, and find some vacation spots for couples.

9 Types of Vacations for a Young Couple

Whenever we wish to take a vacation, there are countless possibilities and plans to choose from. From breathtaking beaches to magnificent mountains, there is no limit to where you two can spend quality time together. Which is why, apart from providing you with some amazing and best vacation spots for young couples, we have also given you ideas on the type of vacation.

1. Cruise

There are many couples cruises that offer amazing voyages to the Caribbean, Spain, Honolulu, Portugal, China, the Bahamas, Canada, Europe, South America, Alaska, and many more places. You can get national and international cruises that are 4, 5, and even 8 days long. There are tons of activities to be enjoyed on and off the ship for couples. With amazing prices, you can actually experience the voyage over the ocean, have the best meals on and off the ship, and visit a completely new country/city. This is a great idea for couples as you get the open sea, the cool breeze, and the love of your life by your side. Do you need anything else in life?

2. Sightseeing

Whether it’s exotic wildlife or tall buildings, a sightseeing trip is a must for every couple. Not only you will explore new places, but it’ll be an unforgettable experience. Some of the popular destinations for a city sightseeing tour are Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, and Honolulu. On the other hand, for nature trips, there’s nothing more exciting than a national park. Of course, if you’re a history buff, search for small towns and cities to quench your thirst for knowledge.

3. Wine Tasting

Explore Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley in California like never before. There are many wine country packages for couples that include hotel reservations, sightseeing, wine tasting (of course), hot air balloon rides, golf and spa packages, and scrumptious meals. You can visit different vineyards, taste the wines on the estates, and also get the opportunity to take a train ride to Napa Valley. Along with tasting and sipping wine, why not visit a 61 acre Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Sonoma Valley, where there are large numbers of endangered plants from Asia. And to top it all off, you can even fly with your sweetheart on a vintage aircraft ride. Isn’t that exciting!

4. Theme Park

Of course, Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios, and Six Flags are always the top-ranking theme parks visited by people across the globe. For a young, adventurous couple, perhaps exploring other parks may prove helpful. Visit Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio (it’s known as the roller coaster capital of the world), Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania for some old-fashioned fun, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas (65-acre water park), or to King’s Island in Mason, Ohio.

5. Road Trip

Nobody can turn down a road trip; whether it’s an impromptu idea or otherwise. Of course, if you’re going to travel for a short distance, you may not have to plan ahead of time. On the other hand, a cross-country trip does require a lot of thought and planning into it. Besides the amazing company, you need to pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes, a camera, toiletries, pillows and blankets, water and snacks for the road, a smashing playlist, and most importantly, a trustworthy travel app (maps, restaurants, etc.). Once you have all these essentials sorted, the next thing to do is head out into the open roads; the adventures will follow.

Depending on where you reside, pick destinations such as national parks, gorgeous mountain ranges, popular beaches, or even small towns to find excellent roads to drive on. Obviously, the most important part of a road trip is the journey, and definitely not the final destination. So take your time, sing, laugh, and enjoy this time together.

6. Safari

A safari vacation doesn’t come cheap. So the most efficient way to cut cost is to travel off-season. As the lodge rates drop by 40% in East and southern Africa, you can be sure to get the best of everything. Visit Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve in late May, the Samara Private Game Reserve and the Addo National Elephant Park from May to September, go to Chobe National Park from August to October, explore the Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda from June to August and December to February, visit South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia from January to April, or take a self-driven safari in Kruger National Park from May to September.

7. Beach

A beach vacation is always among the top 5 vacation spots for young couples. The superb sun shining, the cool water, and the beautiful sandy beach; isn’t life just perfect! If you stay in a city where there are no beaches, then what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to Hawaii, Thailand, Australia, Greece, the Caribbean, Bora Bora, Aruba, or Fiji; or better yet, drive to San Diego, Los Angeles, Miami, Kiawah Island (South Carolina), or Sarasota. Have fun playing beach sports, go scuba diving, whale watching, fishing, or parasailing. You can even take a moonlight walk in the nights after dinner, lay on the beach and watch the starry sky, and sip wine as you’re wrapped up in a blanket.

8. Spa

For a quiet, yet totally relaxed and rejuvenated vacation, plan a weekend (or maybe a week-long) trip to a spa and wellness destination. With rooms to make the guests feel welcomed, and the staff ready to help you in any way possible, who can ever say no to some downtime. Seaside spa, yoga on the beach, healthy and delectable foods to enjoy―what more can anyone want. Some of best destinations include the Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts in Dominican Republic, Pimalai Resort & Spa in Thailand, Belmond Jimbaran Puri in Bali, Indonesia, Esencia in Mexico, and Mii Amo Spa in Sedona, Arizona. Pick either of these places or your favorite wellness resort, depending on your budget, and you won’t regret it.

9. Adventure

If adventure is on your minds, you need to explore all the options in front of you. There are so many place to choose from in the U.S.―river rafting in Yellowstone River or down the Colorado River, heli-skiing in Alaska’s Tordrillo Mountains, exploring Montana and Alberta with a Crow elder, or backpacking in the mountains (Colorado, Idaho, or California). Or how do these places sound―trekking through the Andes along the Futaleufú River, bicycle ride through the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand), hiking an active Costa Rican volcano, dog-sledding in Finland, kayaking in the Galápagos Islands, or take a journey across the Bolivian Altiplano. Our earth is filled with places and adventures just waiting for you.

Well, these were our suggestions on fun, entertaining, and romantic vacations for couples. A vacation is something to be enjoyed with the right company and much gusto. Regardless of the location or travel destination, find happiness and content in the small moments, and make every vacation filled with lifetime of memories.

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How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget – Wedding Budget Tips

Having limited funds is causing many people to consider postponing their wedding. Don't put it off yet. There are ways to save for those needing low budget weddings that may keep you from needing to postpone. You can actually have a wonderful dress, wedding, reception and honeymoon for much less than many people realize. Here are wedding budget tips for how to plan a wedding on a budget even when it is a low budget.

Azul Beach from chglat

First let's talk dresses. If you don't have the means to be on the cutting edge of style and you can appreciate the beauty of dresses that may be last season's or earlier design, you can save substantially by buying off of the sales or clearance rack. Also there are bridal stores around that once or more often during the year have major discounts that future brides line up or even camp out for. If you take advantage of one of these, try to get in there before and try things on so you know some dresses you like, where they are and size. Don't forget about the internet. There are a number of stores and resources online.

Next let's discuss the wedding venue. If you plan to have your wedding in a Church, most require a small donation for the use of the Church and the services of the minister. You may also be able to have a reception there if you don't have loud music or serve alcohol. This is potentially a huge savings, especially if you have friends or family members that cater.

Other money saving venues are parks and homes. Both of these are great venues for having ceremonies and/or receptions in warm weather. Reserving a pavilion in a park and renting or going to a craft store for decorations can make for a really beautiful event. Plus, if it is a more natural park with fantastic natural views, this will contribute even more to the beauty of the event as well as make it more memorable.

Having a wedding and/ or reception at home or at a relative's home has sentimental value. Here again you can rent or purchase decorations from a craft store. At night, candlelight is so romantic wherever you have it. Whether in the park or at home, you can have a memorable event and save a substantial amount.

To save on flowers, my first suggestion is for those having their wedding in a large Church. Many large churches have florists that they work with. You may be able to save by using the church florist. You may receive a discount for being a member of the church. This florist may allow the use of greenery for no or a very low charge. The florist may sell you candles and flowers at a discount that they can use in that Sunday's service.

My other suggestions are to not underestimate the beauty of greenery, candles and ribbons. If you use more inexpensive items like these, you may be able to get by with fewer more costly flowers. Also see if your florist will give a discount if you or a family member or friend offers some free labor.

The Honeymoon is a substantial part of the wedding budget and the one that you will probably get the most enjoyment out of. Some people spend a lot on the wedding and dress and put what is leftover into this or skip it all together. For us the most expensive things were the reception and the honeymoon and the only regret I have about that is spending so much time taking pictures that we didn't get to enjoy the reception more. My first idea of how to save here is to take advantage of those discount timeshare vacations. Yes I know it may mean enduring a major possibly half to full day sales pitch while you are there. But to get a week in Hawaii or other wonderful destination for well below what it would cost otherwise it can be worth it. Besides, you may be able to book somewhere that will throw in a wedding ceremony for free or very little at a neighbor resort. Your friends and family paying to come and stay at a different hotel or resort from you could be their contribution to helping make your special day a reality. I have to warn you though that, if you are a personality type that has your whole day ruined by a pushy telemarketer's call, you might want to give this idea a miss.

Do some research and find a beautiful destination or spa within driving distance. Many people don't know about wonderful and interesting destinations within driving distance of their home until someone comes to visit and they are showing them around and researching places for them to go. Put in the research and you may have a wonderful honeymoon for the cost of a few nights stay.

Last minute travel is another option. Who says you need to have everything completely planned out? You could set a budget and have some flexibility in your travel dates and add an element of surprise to your honeymoon. Many have friends that have told them about great trips they have taken and booked at the last minute. It's true that you don't know where you will be going but, if you make up your mind that you will enjoy wherever you go, you likely will. This option lends itself to the more spontaneous. If it will cause you a great deal of stress not knowing your destination in advance, this option is probably not for you. Wedding planning and the wedding day itself can be stressful enough.

There you have it – ideas and tips for saving money on your dress, wedding, reception and honeymoon. Hopefully following these tips will allow you to save money, not need to delay your special day and to still enjoy it to the fullest.

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Vivint Solar Expands Energy and Cost Saving Residential Solar Service to Hawaii | Business Wire

PROVO, Utah–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vivint

Solar™ today announced the availability of its simple, affordable

consumer solar power system to residents in Hawaii. Vivint Solar has

created a solution that combines innovative technology with an

unparalleled service model in order to provide customers with the most

robust and dependable solar option available.

Power prices in Hawaii have risen 17.8 percent during the last 10 years

according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Vivint Solar

customers save money on energy through the company’s power purchase

agreement (PPA), in which customers agree to purchase the power their

solar panels generate at a cost significantly less than a typical power

bill. In exchange, Vivint designs, installs and maintains the system

with no out-of-pocket costs. This allows customers to enjoy the benefits

of renewable solar energy without a large, up-front investment.

“We initially launched our solar services in New Jersey and

Massachusetts, and the feedback we’ve received has been phenomenal.

Because Hawaii is among the leaders in the nation for providing

homeowners a seamless and efficient solar integration process, the state

was a natural next step for Vivint Solar,” said Tanguy Serra, president

of Vivint Solar. “By using our solar service, the people of Hawaii will

be able to rely less on traditional energy sources and rely more on the

clean solar power their homes generate, and will be saving money in the

process.”

In addition to its solar system and professional installation, Vivint

Solar also manages every aspect of customer relations in-house, and

provides customers end-to-end service. After representatives work with

the customer to design a personalized system and obtain the necessary

permits, a team of professionally trained technicians completes the

installation at the home. When the installation is complete, customers

can rely on a network of knowledgeable representatives who can answer

any questions and provide guidance on how to make the most of their

solar system.

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to save money,” said Wailuku

(Maui) resident Bryan Haraguchi. “Because my electricity bill was so

high, I was excited to sign up for Vivint Solar. I spent the last five

years looking at different solar options. Some cost $40 thousand, and

even though there are government incentives to help with the initial

installation cost, it would still take me several years before I’d

recognize a savings. With Vivint

Solar, I’ll notice an energy savings starting on day one.”

“A large part of our success is due to the focus we place in offering

best-in-class service at every step of the process, and the customer

loyalty that results from these efforts will no doubt prove critical to

our continued growth,” added Serra. “With Vivint Solar we are making the

ability to convert to a greener home through solar affordable and

accessible to everyone.”

About Vivint Solar

Vivint

Solar, a subsidiary of Vivint, Inc., is a leading provider of

simple, affordable solar solutions. Vivint Solar is an early adopter of

the power purchase agreement (PPA) model, which allows it to deliver

simple, affordable solar solutions to customers throughout North

America. Backed by the award-winning customer support and proven

infrastructure of its parent company, Vivint,

Inc., Vivint Solar is dedicated to saving customers money and

protecting the environment. For more information, visit www.vivintsolar.com.

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Get The Lovely Wedding Of Your Dreams With These Tips

Wedding gowns can be pricey. Perhaps you could look at dresses not considered as wedding dresses. For example, a bridesmaid dress is typically much less expensive and may be just what you’re looking for. Even if you factor in the cost of style alterations, the overall cost could be less.

Tip If you want to maximize your look on the day of the wedding but are on a budget, one of the things that you can do is to rent diamonds. This gives you that look you want but won’t cost you a ton so that you can stay within your budget.

It is easy for costs to spiral out of control when planning a wedding. It’s important to keep at least part of your focus on practical matters, even though a wedding is a very enchanting event. You can take a few steps to rein in your spending and stick to a budget. Use the advice you have just read, and you are sure to keep within your budget, while having a fairytale wedding.

One thing to remember to consider for a wedding is transportation. Try to have limos and taxis available for those who do not have a ride to take them back to their hotel at the end of the night. This is also a good idea for guests who have had too much to drink at the wedding.

Tip Only place a few flowers in the centerpieces at your reception tables. Flowers can be distracting for your guests and get in their way.

As you plan your wedding, you must consider the type and amount of alcohol you wish to serve, especially if you’re working with a budget. Having an open bar can be very expensive if it stays open for hours. Speak with the people at the venue about any alcohol serving options.

You need to tell your DJ what you do want to be played, but also make sure he or she understands what not to play. It could be heavy metal or country, or even a song that reminds you of someone not-so-special. No matter what it is, make sure the DJ knows so that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises playing at the wedding.

Tip Instead of spending so much for a multi-layered wedding cake, opt instead for a multi-layered confection of mini tarts or sweet cupcakes. These kinds of arrangements are versatile, affordable and convenient.

When you decide who you want to give the speeches during the reception, ask them to read them to you so you know they are appropriate. If there are going to be different generations there, you don’t want to offend anyone.

Even if you’re sure of the dress you want and have bought it, keep it in the bridal shop prior to getting married. Having it inside of a closet could cause stains or wrinkles. It will stay fresh and unwrinkled at the store.

Tip Do not allow your guests to get bored or restless between the courses of your meal. Sugary roses that match the wedding theme and colors are ideal.

To make your wedding more personal, include a theme that encompasses you, your future spouse, and the things that are most important to your relationship. A theme should be selected that matches the time that you’ve had together.

You can even ask one of your friends if you can borrow some jewelry for the big wedding day. This can give you the look you want to achieve and make the wedding even more special.

Tip If the couple’s families are from different cultural backgrounds, both sides can be honored by incorporating traditions, foods, decors, or rituals from both sides. This creates a memorable and intriguing contrast that is sure to satisfy family traditions on both the bride and groom’s sides.

The photographs of your wedding will build your book of memories to look back on for years to come. Therefore, it is very important to hire the best professional you can afford.

Seasonal flowers that are native to your state may not be easy to find at your wedding location, especially if it’s a completely different climate. Communicate with florist and wedding professionals where you’re getting married to discover the flowers that will be blooming and available at that time.

Tip Prior to meeting with a wedding planner, do your research. Create a look book or board with fabric swatches, magazine clippings and other interesting items.

Select ethnic catering for a truly memorable event. Too many people serve up chicken and steak, so go against the grain and spice things up. Weddings are known for being unique and your reception should offer a variety of foods to satisfy everyone.

When selecting a wedding videographer, interview as many candidates as possible and look at samples of their work. Also, look at how the person edits their videos as well. People used to get great VHS tapes of a wedding, but these days you’ll want a digital video or DVD that will last you quite a while. Use your intuition when choosing a videographer, because after all, they will be capturing your most memorable day.

Tip Start planning as soon as you can. The sooner you’re able to start planning, the more choices of services and venues you will have.

You don’t have to go overboard; you can still have an amazing wedding without the unnecessary extras. If you use the information from this article, you should be able to plan a gorgeous, incredible wedding without going for broke.

Keep the weather in mind. The guests may be uncomfortable if it is outdoors and very hot out. On the other hand, if it is too cold, your guests may exit early. To make sure your guests stay comfortable and happy, make small adjustments such as providing fans for an outdoor summer wedding.

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Travel Savvy With These Simple Tips And Tricks

Most people will travel to some place far from home at least once in their lives. Whether you have traveled near or far, there is much to learn about travel still. This article will supply you with travel advice that might come in handy one day.

Tip To stay on budget when planning your trip, plan it with plenty of time. Most often, you can find travel deals by booking early, but last minute deals may appeal to those with less stringent needs.

It is important to document certain information if you are traveling abroad. This includes the information of the place you are staying and who is going with you. If you get into any trouble while abroad, this is the first place you need to contact. Your embassy can assist you with any issues you may encounter.

Tip If you are required to have certain vaccinations in the country you are traveling to, make sure you have the certificate verifying you have been vaccinated. This can be a serious issue traveling from country to country, and even within regions of a single country.

When you travel, do not overpack. The more you pack, the more you may have to carry, pay excessive luggage fees for and then keep up with. Try not to pack too many shoes, as this tends to be the heaviest item.

Tip As you plan your vacation, try and be open minded about the destination. While it can be fun to establish a routine by revisiting a favorite vacation spot, maintaining some variety in destinations makes your vacations more memorable and relaxing.

Find the airlines that service the airport you are traveling to. Some small airports may have charters with better deals.

Tip If you are traveling through a smaller airport, check their website to see every airline that they service. Smaller airports may have charter services that provide advantageous rates.

If you travel to an amusement park or other specific attraction, find out if online tickets are available, and print them beforehand. There is generally a fee associated with an online ticket purchase. However, it is a small one, and the trade off for skipping long ticket lines is a big advantage. You can also often skip the admissions line altogether.

Tip Make travel a learning experience for you and your family. You should not fear traveling if you take the right precautions.

Research everything that you can about your vacation. Find websites that have reviews of the locations you plan to go. Ask those who have traveled there before. Doing all the research you can will help you learn what to expect and what things to do after you arrive.

Tip When making hotel reservations, inquire about any type of renovations that may be going on. The worst part about a hotel stay could be when they are doing some kind of construction work when you’re trying to relax.

If you have a toddler on your trip, you must be prepared with activities to keep him or her engaged. Remember to bring favorite toys. Try buying a new toy for your trip since this can keep their attention for long periods of time.

Tip Do your best to avoid traveling during rush hour when you are driving. If you can’t avoid being in a busy area during rush hour, plan a stop and take a break for a while there.

Get adequate exercise before a long trip. Long flights are hard on your body. Sitting the same way for a long time can cause your legs or back to cramp. If a workout is out of the question, then at least do a little stretching before you board.

Tip Use sleeping pills to help you fall asleep on an overnight flight. This can help you to sleep in a situation that many are uncomfortable in, on board an airplane.

A desert contains lots of interesting places to look at as well as animals most people never get to see in their lives. Everyone should visit a desert to view its majesty at least once in their life.

Tip If you’re traveling on the road with children, bring a cookie sheet or two. The sheets can be used as a flat surface under coloring books or to play cards.

Concluding, most people will travel at least a few times in their lives. Being prepared for travel, whenever that time may come, is crucial. Heed the advice in this article and you will reap the great rewards of traveling.

Tip Start by subscribing to e-newsletters from the major airlines. You will be the first to hear about discounts, special deals and last-minute offers through these e-newsletters.

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Have A Care-Free Wedding By Using These Tips

Remember that your wedding day is designed to be a once in a lifetime event, so it should be a harmonious and joyous event. A marriage ceremony is a solemn commitment of love that needs to be carefully planned. Use the expert tips ahead to help you plan the perfect wedding.

Have your wedding at a friend’s home. Having your wedding in someone’s yard or even farm can reduce wedding costs. The only real cost would be to hire someone to clean beforehand and afterwards.

You may want to utilize ethnic dishes for a unique reception. Think outside the traditional choices of chicken or steak. Variety is the spice of life and it is sure to make your wedding dinner something to remember!

Spend some time writing your vows. These words are important for your new spouse. Marriage is very serious and is a strong way to commit to someone, understand that you both might have to make some sacrifices. Express your unconditional love for your future spouse in your vows.

If you’re terrified at the thought of spending a fortune on a wedding cake loaded with calories, talk to local bakeries about something with a smaller portion size. You may be able to find a bakery willing to provide freshly-baked cupcakes that are low-calorie and available in healthier options for family with special dietary needs such as gluten or sugar-free.

“Destination” wedding guests will appreciate a thoughtful gift of vacation items awaiting them in their rooms. The basket should contain useful items such as a map, sunglasses, disposable cameras and a hat. You can also put in a guide to restaurants that are local.

Keep your dress at the shop in which you have purchased it until the wedding day. It could get stained or wrinkled in your closet. Keeping it safely at the shop will ensure that it is in pristine condition and ready for your wedding day.

Craigslist is a good outlet for locating local talent for your wedding. To ensure your safety, meet the interested party in a public place before giving them any money.

If you want to have multiple courses during your meal, give them some sweets and appetizers on every table to keep them busy as serving takes place. Sugar roses that blend with your wedding colors would be a nice touch.

Borrow something from a friend to put on for your wedding day. This can allow you to look the way you want to and add an element of charm to your wedding.

A nice menu combining contemporary with fusion dishes may be just what you need. Throw in a bit of ethic themes with special desserts and drinks.

You can incorporate different cultural backgrounds and religious preferences into your big day in many different ways. This will ensure that all parties are happy and satisfied.

Any children in your ceremony need to be dressed comfortably. Make sure all their clothes are not scratchy or binding. If they are going to have new shoes, you should let them wear them a few times before the ceremony to break them in. Paying attention to the clothes children wear will allow kids to enjoy their wedding experience without being uncomfortable.

This is the moment when two people commit to each other until death do they part. For that reason alone the planning should be as pristine as the bride and the execution flawless. The tips in this article can help you plan a wedding that is all that you have ever wanted.

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