VIRGINIA WEDDING DRESS

Flowers are the focal point for many an occasion. For weddings they serve to accessorize the brides dress, the church, the reception and the little girl walking down the aisle dropping petals to lead the way to a new life for the bride and groom. On another note, flowers can also say good-bye to a loved one that has journeyed through life and is now at rest. Flowers are also received by parents to welcome their new addition to the family. People send flowers to say, “I love you”. Or just to cheer up a sad friend or family member. Flowers have been looked upon for centuries to symbolize feelings from one person to another.

Flowers have been used to symbolize the feelings of happiness, sadness and many other feelings and circumstance over centuries of time. They have accrued meanings over the years and are given many times to represent feelings the giver may have upon giving them. For example, the most popular flower given is the rose. It generally represents love. The different colors of the roses also have their own meanings. A white rose resembles purity. A red rose, love. A pink rose represents happiness, whereas a yellow rose can have a multitude of meanings. It can be saying, “good-bye”, express sadness, or express friendship.

Other flowers which are known to have meanings behind them are daisies, which represent simplicity and purity. An old tale states that girls used to pick them and could tell how many years until their marriage by the number of petals present. They have been around since ancient Egyptian civilizations. The pink carnation symbolizes a message from one to another that, “I will never forget you”. Forget-me-nots symbolize the message that, “I will love you forever”.

There are so many types of flowers in various colors that mean so many different things. There is even a tree that is a flower as well. The Dogwood is a flower, a state tree and flower of Virginia. In Christianity, the Dogwood flower represents the crucifixion of Jesus. It means love overcoming adversity. The Weeping Willow represents mourning. It is amazing that so many flowers have so many different interpretations. Be sure that if you are planning on sending flowers to someone that you check your meanings and send the proper one in the proper color.

If you want to look for a list of florists, simply do a search on Google or browse through your local directory.

There are a world of reasons to choose living in the country over living in the city, and for many people who make the switch or never try their hand at a world filled with honking taxis and rush hour subway rides, the choice is clear for a single reason: security. Often times, people do feel substantially more safe when living somewhere that there are less people. Rural areas can mean less crime, little to no violent crime, and enough peace and tranquility that you’ll never be phoning in a noise complaint again.

But before anyone gets too comfortable with the simple life, it is important to remember that living in the country is not without its own set of security needs. For one, most country houses are a far way from the nearest town, meaning that the house is also a far way from the nearest policeman. Especially in areas where the police are on a beat that encompasses much of a county rather than a single neighborhood of a city, it is important to take steps towards home security measures of one’s own.

The first and the most important tip for any rural household is this: ask your neighbors to look out fo you! This doesn’t just mean when you’re far away for long periods of time. Make sure that your neighbors who are trusted have both your home phone number and your landline number, and ask them to please call if they ever see anything suspicious, promising that you’ll do the same. One family living in a farmhouse in West Virginia lost not just many of their possessions, but also the new wedding presents, when neighbors assumed that a truck of men dressed as painters were there to finish a painting job. Instead, the house was robbed blind. It’s important to keep neighbors updated on your plans once you trust them, because no one will be able to help alert the police as fast as someone who lives closer to your home.

Another crucial step in home security is to not get paranoid, but to still be diligent. Just because you live in the country, for example, it doesn’t mean that leaving the keys in the car or the tractor needs to be done. Things like this are practically asking to get robbed, because if there is a vehicle with the keys in the ignition, a robber’s work has been done for him. Take the extra second and remove the keys from the vehicle, placing them inside the house. Likewise, consider closing and locking all doors and windows when venturing away from the house. Even if you work in the fields around the house, it’s still a good idea. People who are casing the place will know your work schedule, and thus will know that you won’t be home for a couple of hours and that they have time to thoroughly sack your residence.

There are a number of helpful deterrents for would-be robbers that rural homeowners can get started on long before a potential crook even makes it to your front door. On larger pieces of property, with more than a single acre, it is crucial to take the time to make the property lines on fences, and to include some sort of no trespassing sign. This helps clearly define where your property begins, and also sends a message that it is well-kept and maintained. If you have a home alarm system, include one of the signs that lets people know that the property is protected by the specific company in charge of your alarm system. All of these simple steps can really add up towards not just protecting your property, but protecting your family and your way of life.

John was a young man admitted to hospice secondary to end stage lung cancer. He was a stubborn man and a frightened child within himself who loved baseball, loved his wife and hated Cancer! He had been a free-spirit most of his adult life; living here and there, ultimately settling in Florida with his wife. And then the unthinkable happened, he was diagnosed with end stage Cancer. He had been through chemotherapy, radiation, alternative healing and continually had declined leaving his once able body now weak from both the cancer and the treatments.

I was John’s third social worker from Hospice! He just didn’t like social workers it seemed, and he particularly didn’t like talking about his disease; hospice, dying and death.He most certainly did not like talking about or being “talked to” about end of life issues! Once he figured out that he could pretty much fire his social workers at will, he had no problems doing that. As soon as they started to talk, he would look at them from his bed; glance at his wife, and say, “I would like to ask you to leave and not come back.” He had stopped saying why; stopped engaging in debates, he would just ask that they leave, roll his eyes, then roll over and pretend to go to sleep! His wife would stand wearily and walk the social worker to the door, say good-bye. She would quicly return to his bed and find him agitated, sitting upright, telling her how he disliked social workers and all they seemed to do is tell him how he should be feeling anyway! He would usually go on to say he was tired of hospice, and all “those” people telling him he was going to die. His wife was tired, but she was always supportive of his decisions and tried to always be agreeable. She knew that there were not many decisions that he felt he could really make anymore, so she let him make as many as he could. She understood that he was trying to maintain some semblance of control in his life.

Those facing life threatening diseases often express the feelings of not having control; needing to feel like they can still make decisions and have a sense of control in their world. His wife was smart to recognize this in her husband, very wise indeed! Along came social worker number three, and that would be me! I arrived with the nurse, knowing that would at least grant me one visit, as she hadn’t been fired yet. John and she seemed to have a pretty good relationship to date. I thought if I came in under her wing, I might have an easier go with John and his loyal wife.

I liked John immediately! We talked about baseball; a subject that I have very little knowledge of, but was interested in his animation and his love for the sport. He talked about firing social workers, a seemingly enjoyable pastime of his, one that I secretly got a kick out of hearing about. I told him that I was an Eastern Band Cherokee of Virginia and an old social worker to boot. I listened as he talked more about him and his life. I watched the interactions between he and his nurse, he and his wife. I listened for the many things that were and were not said. It was a wonderful visit and it ended with my asking if I could return. Believe it or not, he, and he wife, said “yes”. Returning the next week John had much to talk about. He talked about his life, his family, and more about his beloved baseball.

John shared with me his loved of crab cakes, that he and his wife used to go to the beach and eat seafood when he was well and when they had money. Before this “damn cancer” came into their lives. Quickly, the subject changed and we talked about their wedding, spirituality and then Native American beliefs. He asked me to return next week. He seemed to wear out from all the conversations and said, “As much as I hate it, I think I need a nap!”

The next visit I found John still in bed, he seemed to be declining quickly. He knew that he was weaker, but he still found strength for a thoroughly gruff greeting. “Hello Indian Woman”, he said with a smile! “I am so glad to see you”. I sat beside the bed, noticing his wife, looking tired as she lay beside him stroking his hair. They both told me they had a rough few days, but hoped that it was temporary. John shared that they had been talking about dying and what it would be like. They both hoped that it would be peaceful, but ” not like you hear about”. He didn’t want harps playing and all that stuff he said. I couldn’t help it; I just had to laugh when he told me that, he was such a character, that man. He could certainly turn a phrase. He made me laugh, often. John wanted to feel better so that he could eat crab cakes again, just one more time. He figured if he had to die, he hoped it would be like hitting a home run; that it would be a grand event when he left this world, go out with a bang, and that his wife would know that he was OK.

Imagine, here we were, John, his wife, and the social worker… talking about dying and death; on his terms and in his time. We made a plan together; if John rallied we were going to the beach for crab cakes, my treat. We made a plan! John did rally, he was able to do the work he and his wife needed to prepare for his impending death. We worked our plan, with the patients’ direction I secured a wheelchair; assisted in getting John dressed and together we managed to get him into a SUV. At the restaurant they had dined in for years, and got a table oceanfront. There we had the best crab cakes John his wife and I had ever eaten! A day filled with memories and blessings.

As hospice workers, we understand the importance of “meeting patients and families where they are” in the process, understanding that this is their journey, not our agenda. By doing that we can enhance their care, journey with them along the way allowing the patient and family to control as much as they want/need. It is about life, about living each moment and that is why hospice is cares and is ready to embrace those we are privileged to care for.

Sherry E. Showalter, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., a National Heart of Hospice recipient for psycho-social-spiritual care-giving, has been a long time advocate for patients and families coping with loss, dying and bereavement. She proudly served with other first responders at the Pentagon during 9/11 and continues to work with those coping with sudden and traumatic losses. Most Recently published in The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine on “Compassion Fatigue” her most requested keynote, she is the author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life, National speaker, and psychotherapist living in Florida enjoying magnificent sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico. Sherry often says, “I am continually amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit. Indeed, Every Day Is A Gift.” Sherry E. Showalter, Ph.D

Plus size women had always been unconfident when it comes to occasions such as Prom. Unfair as it may sound, they tend to have the biggest problem in finding the right dress that would make their Prom night as memorable and as happy as anybody else’s. Regardless of who you are or how you look or weigh, you have the right to make your dreams come true on that special dance. Bitter as it may sound, not all prom dress designs are made to fit plus size women or comes available in their sizes, that is basically the main concern. Recently though, and fortunately, more and more dress designers have come to understand that longing and have become more inspired to make Plus size prom dresses.

Dress companies such as The Rose Dress is very much open in helping our young damsels in distress for prom. Providing a wide selection of plus size prom dresses equally the same way they provide captivating and Affordable prom dresses for every other young ladies out there. The best part aside from the very budget-friendly price tags they have even on Plus size dresses contrary to other companies who charge more cash for larger sizes, is that they’re very much willing to help you choose the right dress for you.

Through their live chat support feature, one can easily find help from one of their professional fashion advisers. If you’re not sure about your body type or sizing or simply not sure of what color or style or design you’d like to get that’s sure to bring out the best in your beauty, just give them a click at the chat icon and for sure your worries will be solve in no time at all.

Speaking of choosing the right dress, Plus size women are found more sensitive in choosing the right fabric, color and cut of the dress.Each body type has a corresponding and suitable cut and colors as well as design. Sadly though, not all the dresses found to suit you will also suit your budget as mentioned earlier, as most other companies charge additional fees for their plus size dresses. But this Prom fashion dilemma isn’t that hard to solve at all, The Rose Dress also offers On Sale Prom Dresses that are made even more affordable than before! Yes, some even goes half the original prices.

It must be every girls dream to dress up as their favourite fairytale character and recreate that adorable Princess look at their prom by wearing stunning and unforgettable Cinderella prom dresses, never before has a UK trend taken off so well as the prom. Although the US has been holding proms for their last year at school students for as long as I can remember it has never been deemed important over here in the UK.

Times have now changed for the better with students demanding their chance at dressing from head to toe in the finest gowns to celebrate one of the biggest changes in their lives. This has made the demand for Cinderella prom dresses and as the designs become more and more lavish the more girls are wanting them.

Even from a very young age girls like to dress up and they especially like to wear big puffy dresses and this stays with them right up till their wedding day but now with the prom they get another chance to recreate the Cinderella look.

Proms where thought to originate in the Victorian era when the younger generation was introduced in to the high society community. These parties where very lavish and the girls were dressed from head to toe in fine Cinderella prom dresses mostly made from white silk. The party back then was known as a promenade as the new society members were paraded around the party to meet the older members.

The US kept this tradition on but cut the name short to prom and instead of just the higher society holding the parties every school would hold one for their last year students. The only part of the Victorian party that was up held was the Cinderella prom dresses and the formality of the event. The US itself had placed certain rules to their prom events and this includes anything from the receiving of a corsage too you must have a date to accompany you.

Now the UK has placed another twist on the party by binning these American rules, the only part of this Victorian promenade that has been carried down through history is the dressing up in Cinderella prom dresses wearing tiny strappy sandals and feeling like a little Princess.

The best place to find these Cinderella prom dresses is on the internet and browsing through the collections that are now available in the UK

Over the years, the young ladies seem to become more aware and open-minded. As their point of view changes, so does the way they physically present themselves. It is true, while some of you women remains modest, there are also some who tends to be more liberated, of course, in a good way. The term sexy is often, if not always, taken greatly as a compliment. You could put the term this way, it’s both feeling and looking glamorously confident about yourself, if you believe you are attractive then it’s safe to say you’re sexy. Being attractive, yes it’s a big goal during Prom.

Prom is just one of the opportunities you may be able to capture the attention of your long time crush, or prove your loyal admirers they’ve chosen to like the right girl. That’s why it’s rather important to look your best and looking sexy is most likely one of the better choices for most modern young ladies. Being and looking sexy doesn’t necessarily require too much flesh to be displayed. It’s just a matter of showing off one’s best asset. The area lot of sexy prom dresses to choose from that doesn’t make you look “easy to get” unlike other skimpy dresses out there that makes you look just that. Skimpy is definitely different from sexy. You know it’s a sexy prom dress if it accentuates your best asset making you even more attractive, more beautiful for that big event.

Not all sexy or simply ideal prom dresses cost much. There are a lot of cheap prom dresses that actually look more than what you’d pay for them. You’d be surprised at how much choices there are and even more surprised how friendly the prices are for your wallet.

Speaking of wallets you might even have enough extra budget for some prom shoes match your dress or some high heeled prom shoes that’ll even make you feel and look sexier.

Although, again it’s not just how you look but how you see yourself that makes you truly sexy. Wearing a sexy prom dress but feeling uncomfortable wearing it will definitely ruin your prom so don’t just choose a dress because it’s sexy but also make sure you’ll be comfortable and most specially confident wearing it, now that’s being sexy!

Over the years, the young ladies seem to become more aware and open-minded. As their point of view changes, so does the way they physically present themselves. It is true, while some of you women remains modest, there are also some who tends to be more liberated, of course, in a good way. The term sexy is often, if not always, taken greatly as a compliment. You could put the term this way, it’s both feeling and looking glamorously confident about yourself, if you believe you are attractive then it’s safe to say you’re sexy. Being attractive, yes it’s a big goal during Prom.

Prom is just one of the opportunities you may be able to capture the attention of your long time crush, or prove your loyal admirers they’ve chosen to like the right girl. That’s why it’s rather important to look your best and looking sexy is most likely one of the better choices for most modern young ladies. Being and looking sexy doesn’t necessarily require too much flesh to be displayed. It’s just a matter of showing off one’s best asset. The area lot of sexy prom dresses to choose from that doesn’t make you look “easy to get” unlike other skimpy dresses out there that makes you look just that. Skimpy is definitely different from sexy. You know it’s a sexy prom dress if it accentuates your best asset making you even more attractive, more beautiful for that big event.

Not all sexy or simply ideal prom dresses cost much. There are a lot of cheap prom dresses that actually look more than what you’d pay for them. You’d be surprised at how much choices there are and even more surprised how friendly the prices are for your wallet.

Speaking of wallets you might even have enough extra budget for some prom shoes match your dress or some high heeled prom shoes that’ll even make you feel and look sexier.

Although, again it’s not just how you look but how you see yourself that makes you truly sexy. Wearing a sexy prom dress but feeling uncomfortable wearing it will definitely ruin your prom so don’t just choose a dress because it’s sexy but also make sure you’ll be comfortable and most specially confident wearing it, now that’s being sexy!

Let’s consider the average cost of wedding dress attire:

o The average cost of a wedding dress is approximately $800 to $1,500

o The average headpiece can cost between $150 to $300

o The average cost of shoes is $50

Given this, you would expect to budget at least $1,000 for your wedding dress. This can create a severe case of sticker shock especially when you consider this is for a one-time event. Following are 10 money saving tips for selecting one for those on tighter budgets.

1. Make Your Wedding Dress – If you have a sewing talent, make your own wedding dres or find a seamstress in the family to make one for you. Or, find an experienced seamstress to create a design from a magazine picture. This costs about 50% less than what you would pay for an almost identical brand label dress in a boutique. If you choose this path, find a designer or seamstress that is well-known and can provide you with references from previous bridal clients (and check those references!). Ask to see pictures of previous work done and ensure that the designer has specific experience with bridal wear as bridal apparel involves specialized techniques when designing and sewing the gowns.

2. Rent a Wedding Dress – If finances don’t allow you to purchase a designer wedding dress, consider renting. Check the yellow pages in your area or in a nearby city for formal wear stores. Many stores rent both dressy formal wear and bridal gowns; others specialize in bridal attire.

3. Shop at Boutique Alternatives – Check out consignment shops or visit a bridal outlet store. Find fantastic bargains on wedding dresses, veils and other bridal accessories without having to pay the full retail price.

4. Borrow a Wedding Dress – Consider them worn by your mother, aunt, sister or friend. Not only is this a cost saving, but also adds sentiment to your special day. Also inquire about veils and other bridal accessories they may still have. Shoes can be dyed and worn again.

5. Check the Newspaper Classifieds – Sometimes weddings are canceled or newly married brides are trying to recoup some of the money just spent so they place an ad in the newspaper in an effort to sell theirs. Even if it needs to be altered and cleaned, this may still be a less expensive alternative.

6. Negotiate with Bridal Salons – Call bridal shops in your area to see if they have any wedding dresses that have never been picked up. Sometimes a bride will put a deposit on one and never returns to pick it up. Since the shop already received a deposit they may be willing to sell it to you for the remaining balance. If you find a dress that is out of your price range, see if the dress can be made in a less expensive fabric. Also check to see if they will give you a discount on yours if you purchase all of the bridesmaid’s dresses from them. It never hurts to ask!

7. Look for Sales – The larger bridal shops tend to have sales once a year, usually held at hotels or other venues.

8. Shop In-Season – For an informal wedding, consider wearing a white bridesmaids dress. Check for gowns in department stores during prom season and around New Year’s when there is more of a variety. If possible, shop for your wedding shoes in the summer when it is more common to find white shoes in department stores or discount shoe stores instead of paying bridal shop prices for shoes.

9. Minimize Design Changes & Alterations – Find a wedding dress that has the design elements you want and avoid expensive changes such as modifying the train length. Keep alterations to a minimum by ordering closest to your size (to your largest measurement according to the manufacturers size chart).

10. Search Online – If you have an idea as to the style you prefer, check online. Online ‘dress stores’ will generally be less expensive, giving you more to play with on your bridal budget.