Blossoms in Blue

Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or Día de los Muertos this Persimmon Margarita will help you celebrate in great spirits — they’re simply to die for!

104583 by muybueno

save as
favorite

hurstbeanblog.com

Pumpkin & White Bean Stew. Perfect for your Halloween pitch-in!

104546 by aloadofbeans

save as
favorite

blogs.babble.com

Pumpkin Party Cupcakes fit for a Fall Festival or Halloween Party

104482 by savorthethyme

save as
favorite

www.othersideoffifty.com

Snickers cheesecake. Save back some of that Halloween candy to make this!

104458 by mags7461

save as
favorite

sloshed.hyperkinetic.org

SLOSHED! features the Black Friar's Pint, an ominously dark Halloween cocktail for beer lovers.

104448 by nerdling

save as
favorite

annies-eats.com

Spiced pumpkin cupcakes, dressed up for Halloween.

104349 by annmarsh

save as
favorite

theurbanbaker.blogspot.com

Halloween inspired mini doughnuts. These are super, super simple!

104293 by susansalzman

save as
favorite

aspicyperspective.blogspot.com

Tamale Bites~ Have you planned YOUR Halloween Menu yet?

104249 by sommerjoy

save as
favorite

almostbourdain.blogspot.com

Hot & Spicy Macarons with chocolate chili filling + how to make Halloween red hot devil macaron lollipops and playing a game of Macaron Roulette.

104202 by almostbourdain

save as
favorite

www.anediblemosaic.com

Salted Caramels...the perfect Halloween treat for adults ;)

104173 by fuelingyourmind

save as
favorite

savorysweetlife.com

Looking for a quick and easy Halloween treat? These ghostly chocolate covered pretzel rods would be perfect for kids of all ages!

104171 by savorysweetlife

save as
favorite

sloshed.hyperkinetic.org

A delightfully simple Halloween cocktail with just the right amount of spice.

104042 by nerdling

save as
favorite

peasoupeats.wordpress.com

Vegan pumpkin and poppy seed muffins - and a few creepy Halloweeny spiders;)

103968 by peasoup

save as
favorite

www.donutstodelirium.com

Trick or treat? These easy to make, decadent white chocolate cardamom truffles are all dressed up for Halloween.

103909 by heavenly housewife

save as
favorite

brannyboilsover.com

an autumn flavored dessert with a Halloween inspired cheesecake design

103907 by branny

save as
favorite

somebodysmothers.com

Haunted Caramel Apples for Halloween

103888 by audreym

save as
favorite

polwig.com

Spooky Cookies - Halloween Fun

103793 by polwig

save as
favorite

tellloveandchocolate.blogspot.com

Halloween Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

103791 by tellloveandchocolate

save as
favorite

www.othersideoffifty.com

Candy corn sugar cookies. Perfect for Halloween treats!

103772 by mags7461

save as
favorite

polwig.com

Halloween Apple Caramel Pie

103631 by polwig

save as
favorite

www.flouronhernose.com

Mini sugar cookies decorated with royal icing, shaped like ghosts, black cats, bats, witch hats, and skulls. Perfect for any Halloween party.

103600 by flouronhernose

save as
favorite

thecakemistress.com

Halloween edible eyeballs made from Red Velvet cake and white chocolate.

103503 by cakemistress

save as
favorite

www.bakersroyale.com

Rock Candy Jello Shooters with Midori Melon Sour: A fun way to serve a classic candy and a cocktail in one for your Halloween party.

103501 by bakersroyale

save as
favorite

www.tiffintales.com

Join me in a fun step-by-step photo-guide to playful, creative and even (yes, I'll admit to using that word) cute Halloween Cupcakes.

103499 by tiffintales

save as
favorite

tidymom.net

Deliciously cute Halloween Cookies decorated with rolled fondant and royal icing.

103496 by tidymom

save as
favorite

SEARCHED TERM: halloween

POSTS FOUND: 297

www.lolfoodie.com

This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball includes 2 types of sharp cheddar, goat cheese (chevre), cream cheese, and herbs. Perfect for fall/autumn, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!

105116 by lolfoodie

save as
favorite

iheartkatiecakes.blogspot.com

Hooting Halloween Owls!

105113 by katiecakes

save as
favorite

lespetitsplatsdetrinidad.blogspot.com

Halloween cake balls, with white chocolate, coconut, and chocolate cookie crumbs [Recipe in French]

105111 by trinidad

save as
favorite

A fun and easy Halloween recipe that's great for adults or kids and only 30-50 cents a serving!

105110 by dianasaur

save as
favorite

www.make-fabulous-cakes.com

Celebrate halloween with a ghoulicious pumpkin cake.

105109 by fabelicious

save as
favorite

bakedbyjen.blogspot.com

Halloween Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

105108 by bakedbyjen

save as
favorite

thegirlwhoateeverything.blogspot.com

Spiderwebs make ordinary cupcakes fit for Halloween.

105107 by cdenney92

save as
favorite

traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com

Chocolate Ganache Filled Chocolate Cupcakes - all dressed up for Halloween!

105105 by traceywil

save as
favorite

lepetitpierogi.blogspot.com

Peanut butter "Eyeballs" to celebrate Halloween!

105103 by lepetitpierogi

save as
favorite

pureandyummy.wordpress.com

Mummy Cookie Pops - an adorable and delicious Halloween treat!

105098 by pureandyummy

save as
favorite

threemanycooks.com

Oreo Truffles dressed up for Halloween

105095 by threemanycooks

save as
favorite

lostpastremembered.blogspot.com

Soul Cakes for Halloween full of golden saffron and rose sugar... sure to warm on cold night.

105094 by lostpastremembered

save as
favorite

g0lubka.blogspot.com

Nutritious Halloween cookies - various shapes, colours, and flavours. Great for breakfast or any time of day.

105092 by golubka

save as
favorite

www.lovintheoven.com

halloween chocolate cut out cookies with royal icing.

105088 by knguyen87

save as
favorite

gotowaniecieszy.blox.pl

Halloween graves. Scary....![Recipe in Polish]

105087 by kasiaaaa24

save as
favorite

www.sugarduchess.com

Fun Halloween sugar cookies. You know, just in case you aren't getting enough sugar this week.

105086 by sugarduchess

save as
favorite

ambikaskitchen.com

Spooky Eyeball cookies in Blood - Meringue cookies in POM-Strawberry syrup! A perfect halloween treat! Happy Halloween...

105084 by ambikaskitchen

save as
favorite

www.tokyoterrace.com

An elegant and fun cocktail that is perfect for your Halloween party, or for a quiet evening watching scary movies. Happy Halloween!

105082 by tokyoterrace

save as
favorite

honestfare.com

Mini Candy Apple Cupcakes! So much fun to eat and the perfect Halloween treat!

105048 by honestfare

save as
favorite

hecooksshecooks.com

Pumpkins are EVIL and must be STOPPED! How to make puree out of a petulant pumpkin. A twisted Halloween tutorial.

104953 by hecooksshecookswecook

save as
favorite

www.veggiebelly.com

Homemade falafel spiders for halloween! You'll never go out for falafel again!

104952 by veggiebelly

save as
favorite

gourmeted.com

Mummified Spanakopita -- a spooky Halloween appetizer or snack. Vegetarian, too!

104951 by gourmeted

save as
favorite

kitchengrrrls.blogspot.com

Dirt and Worms Halloween Cake! A Halloween variation on Dorie Greenspan's Devil's Food White-Out Cake.

104949 by cicirose

save as
favorite

gotowaniecieszy.blox.pl

Spider muffins. Halloween is coming... Recipe in Polish

104944 by kasiaaaa24

save as
favorite

cuteanddelicious.com

Hand painted spider web cake made for Halloween. Vegan red velvet cake.

104943 by missalix

save as
favorite

blog.tightbodwithapod.com

Kick off this Halloween weekend with the coolest treats on the block!

104942 by tbwap

save as
favorite

billbrady.wordpress.com

Decorative spooky adult Halloween punch. Article on Halloween with punch recipe and an added bonus, how to make ice hands.

104941 by billbrady

save as
favorite

dulcisinfurno.blogspot.com

Ghost Meringues, for your terrific Halloween party. [Scroll down for English Recipe]

104940 by tania

save as
favorite

distractedhomemaker.com

Cutest caramel apples ever! Step by step photos so you can make your own for Halloween.

104939 by distractedhomemaker

save as
favorite

eclecticrecipes.com

Cute Witch Cupcakes, perfect for your Halloween party

104937 by eclecticrecipes

save as
favorite

susikochenundbacken.blogspot.com

Vampire Blood Shots – a fun Halloween idea

104935 by susifriend

save as
favorite

www.bakingjunkie.com

Halloween Oreo Cupcakes with Nutter Butter "ghosts"

104934 by bakingjunkiean

save as
favorite

lepetitpierogi.blogspot.com

Spooky Sugar Cookies are decorated in fun Halloween designs with Royal Icing.

104930 by lepetitpierogi

save as
favorite

beyondkimchee.blogspot.com

Halloween Cupcakes, and a surprise

104929 by beyondkimchee

save as
favorite

www.flamingomusings.com

Maggot Balls - Puffed rice cereal and marshmallows make an icky sweet treat for Halloween!

104926 by rjflamingo

save as
favorite

Caramel Apple Fun

2010-10-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

TasteSpotting is a mouth-watering photo collection of recipes, cooking, baking, kitchen adventures, food industry and media news created by a community of food lovers from amateur home cooks to professional chefs.http://www.tastespotting.com/search/halloween/1

GREAT WEBSITE FOR GREAT HALLOWEEN GOODIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CARAMEL APPLE RECIPES

Caramel Apples

From Country Living

These yummy caramel apples evoke memories of festive fall fairs.

Save this recipe

Add ingredients to my shopping list

Submit your version

Calories	700
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	--
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbohydrate	148g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	--
Protein	1g
Calcium	--

Charles Schiller

Serves: 12 Edit

Yields: 12 apples

Ingredients

U.S.

Metric

Conversion chart

12 crisp apples
1 1/3 cup(s) dark corn syrup
1 1/3 cup(s) granulated sugar
1 1/3 cup(s) light brown sugar
1 1/3 cup(s) heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
3 tablespoon(s) butter
3/4 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

Line a baking pan with a generously oiled sheet of parchment paper. Push a candyapple stick into the core of each apple.
Combine the syrup, sugars, heavy cream, and salt in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer until the mixture reaches 270 degrees F – about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the butter and vanilla. Let cool for 6 to 8 minutes, until caramelthickens to a toffeelike consistency.
Dip and gently swirl the apples into the caramel and place on the prepared baking sheet. Let cool completely.

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

More Halloween Fun

2010-10-30T03:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.claires.com/site/stylefiles/styleArticles.jsp?styleType=girls

Yummy Mummy Treat Cups:
http://crafts.kaboose.com/yummy-mummy-treat-cups.html

For less than $5.00 you can make enough of these cute little yummy mummy treat cups as a kids' Halloween craft everyone will love! Fill these cuties with candy, gummy worms, popcorn, or whatever else you may have on the menu!

What you'll need:
Plastic or paper cups, bathroom sized
An old white t-shirt
Medium wiggle eyes
Felt, any Halloween color
Scissors
Glue stick
White craft glue

How to make it:
Cut a small section from the t-shirt, depending on how many treat cups you will be making. Start with a section about 6” x 6”. Cut that section into strips.
Use the glue stick to line one side of a t-shirt strip, then starting at the bottom of the cup, wrap around and press in place. Repeat until entire cup is covered.
Cut a simple bow from felt. For a “boy” cup, use white craft glue to attach the bow tie to the bottom of the cup. For a “girl” cup, glue the bow to the top of the cup.
Use white craft glue to attach wiggle eyes.
Fill with fun treats!

Tips:
Save old t-shirts, blue jeans and even boxer shorts for use in craft projects such as these.
Wiggle eyes are available in a large variety of sizes from your local craft supply or discount department store.
Due to cottons stretchy nature, strips will cut jagged not straight. This gives your mummy character!

Why am I Doing This Blog?

2010-10-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

Why Am I Doing this Blog? I personally believe in very simple non-Ostentatious (spelling? had to look that one up.) weddings. However, I know there are a lot of pretty things out there and I personally know some young ladies who are excited about that one special day. It is for them that I do this blog. So I would love to get some feedback on what you think so far, and also some suggestions of what you would really like to see on a good wedding blog. Sincerely, Me

Okay so I just think this is pretty!

2010-10-29T18:35:00.001-07:00

Homemade Wedding Centerpieces

2010-10-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

superweddings.com

Pretty Arrangement but can't find the link very well.

http://pinkweddingideas.com/featured-wedding-planning/choosing-centerpieces-for-your-wedding/

Let's Be Honest! Not all homemade wedding centerpieces are all that wonderful! But I've surfed the web and so far found a few to share with you.

This video has some georgous tables if your budget can handle it, but if your budget can handle it you probably won't be doing this yourself....However for the few that might here goes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI-oyrvKIf4

So now lets see if we can find any inexpensive wedding decorations.

I put 'Inexpensie" Wedding Decorations in the search engine and got this picture..............(In what country were they thinking inexpensive?)

Sorry readers but so much of the decorations are just plain tacky. I am going to take a nap and come back and look for more for you.

Wedding Appetizers: Witches Fingers

2010-10-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

http://kristinsdomesticdivaschool.com/?p=1754

Ahhh….the aroma of fresh baked bread and witches fingers! Our Baked Witches Fingers in a Blanket taste great, look disgusting and will definitely hit a #10 on the “gross meter!” These are easy to make and are a great Family Night Project for dinner.

You will need: a package of hot dogs, package of frozen rolls or bread dough, some sliced almonds and a few drops of food coloring.

You will also need a baking sheet, a little rolling pin or a big one will do and some “Pam” so the fingers don’t stick to the baking sheet. Nothing like having to scrape burnt witches fingers off your good baking sheets!

First take out enough frozen rolls to match the number of hot dogs you plan to use, one roll per dog. Let the rolls thaw and then simply roll out the dough so it is almost as long as the hot dog.

Then place the dog on the edge and roll it up in the dough with the end of the dog sticking out.

Now, score the dough with your knife so the fingers will look all scraggily. Then take the knife and make a small incision on the end of the dog and insert a slice of almond. (041)

Next take a drop of food coloring and paint it on the almond slice (fingernail).

Place the fingers on a greased baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the “blanket” edges start to brown up.

Serve warm with mustard, catsup and relish (puss, blood and chopped up caterpillars according to my kids.)

Let’s go do some homework. Where’s my shovel? Who didn’t put the shovel and wheel barrow away last night? Did we leave it at the graveyard?…………….How many time have I told these dang kids to put away my tools? Where’s my broom?……..

Share and Enjoy:

2010-10-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

May be too late to make for this year but if you are planning your Halloween Wedding for next year.....this is adorable!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57018449/a-funky-little-victorian-gingerbread?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

Homemade Balloon Arch

2010-10-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOpfcTHPoU0&feature=more_related

Homemade Series #1 Centerpieces and table Decoration

2010-10-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTpp0YessGs&feature=related

Halloween Reception and Party Ideas

2010-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

These are just the thing to warm the mood or scare the guests, whichever you wish.

alwaysandforeverllc.wordpress.com

intmateweddings.com

http://jolieimages.com/blog/unique-wedding-on-halloween-at-chateau-ritz-niles-il

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/49506/detailview.aspx?type=3&Colors=Yellow&pageIndex=7&id=49506

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/49507/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=49507

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/49504/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=49504

blogs.wishpot.com

Yummy Halloween Goodies

2010-10-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Halloween Food Ideas

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/halloween-theme-wedding-ideas/

http://blog.pinkcakebox.com/halloween-wedding-pumpkin-cake-2007-10-30.htm

http://yourbestwedding.blogspot.com/2008/10/halloween-wedding-cake-photo.html

http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/halloween-food.html

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1282800

http://projectbride.com/2009/10/31/halloween-isnt-for-a-wedding/

Decorating and Blue Corn

2010-10-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

When you are deciding about Fall Decorations you just have to include Blue Corn and maybe some Blue Cornflowers. They are beautiful!

Apparently Blue Corn is also used as a body exfoliant!

http://www.body-systems.net/ingredients_dictionary.php

Fall Wedding Shoes

2010-10-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

My Mother in law and my daughter love shoes! If you do too these are absolutely gorgeous.

Jimmy Choo Shoes

Perfect Wedding Magazine

etsy.com

perfectdetails.com

zappos.com

etsy.com

Fall Headpieces

2010-10-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

Have you seen all of those cute flowers popping up in girl's hair? Below are a few we saw that look really fun.

http://www.breeziway.com/productdetails.php?p=53

Offbeatbride.com

http://www.refinery29.com/wedding-accessories-that-scream-i-do.php

Esty.com

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59792987/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58620039/willow-an-autumn-magnolia-clip

The Sacrament we Call Marriage

2010-10-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Growing up little girls just dream of the day they get to look like a Cinderella all dressed in white with their prince charming waiting down the isle to start their perfect lives as a couple. While meeting that special someone and having that wonderful day and getting married are terrific, there is more to it than that.

Where did the marriage ceremony originate? Why do they call it "taking your vows?" What is different between a civil ceremony and a church ceremony? Of course there is Wikipedia which is really cool and gives a ton of information on the subject.

I have decided to give a "cliffs notes," version for you. The versions I like so far from Widipedia were the Jewish and the Christian forms:

Judaism

Jewish Wedding Ceremony

A Jewish wedding

In Judaism, marriage is viewed as a contractual bond commanded by God in which a man and a woman come together to create a relationship in which God is directly involved.^{[Deut. 24:1]} Though procreation is not the sole purpose, a Jewish marriage is also expected to fulfill the commandment to have children.^[Gen. 1:28] The main focus centers around the relationship between the husband and wife. Kabbalistically, marriage is understood to mean that the husband and wife are merging together into a single soul. This is why a man is considered "incomplete" if he is not married, as his soul is only one part of a larger whole that remains to be unified.^{[67] {By the way I think that is beautiful}}

Christianity

Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God, one that should not be taken for granted. They variously regard it as a sacrament, a contract, a sacred institution, or a covenant.^[68] The foundation of the Western tradition of Christian marriages have been the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul.^[32]
Christians often marry for religious reasons ranging from following the biblical injunction for a "man to leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one,"^[Gen. 2:24]^[70] to obeying Canon Law stating marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament.^[71]
Divorce is not encouraged. Most Protestant churches allow people to marry again after a divorce. In the Roman Catholic Church, marriage can only be ended by an annulment where the Church for special reasons regards it as never having taken place.^[72]

"'...So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

– Jesus^{[Matthew 19:6]}

But I wanted to dig a little deeper. How did marriage start out as a sacrament? I found the next quotes from Wikipedia

Liturgical Christianity

Further information: Marriage in the Eastern Orthodox Church

Anglicans, Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox consider marriage termed holy matrimony to be an expression of divine grace, termed a sacrament or mystery. In Western ritual, the ministers of the sacrament are the husband and wife themselves, with a bishop, priest, or deacon merely witnessing the union on behalf of the church, and adding a blessing. In Eastern ritual churches, the bishop or priest functions as the actual minister of the Sacred Mystery (Eastern Orthodox deacons may not perform marriages). Western Christians commonly refer to marriage as a vocation, while Eastern Christians consider it an ordination and a martyrdom, though the theological emphases indicated by the various names are not excluded by the teachings of either tradition.^{[dubious – discuss]} Marriage is commonly celebrated in the context of a Eucharistic service (a nuptial Mass or Divine Liturgy). The sacrament of marriage is indicative of the relationship between Christ and the Church.^{[Eph. 5:29-32]}

Roman Catholicism

Ted-Kennedy-dies-Senator-Edward-M-Kennedy-a-life-in-pictures.html

29 November 1958: Edward M Kennedy, son of the former British ambassador to Britain, Joseph Kennedy, and his new bride, the former Joan Bennett, are shown after their wedding at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Bronxville, New York

The Roman Catholic tradition of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries defined marriage as a sacrament ordained by God,^[32]

"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." ^[74]

The mutual love between man and wife becomes an image of the eternal love with which God loves humankind. The celebration of marriage between two Catholics normally takes place during the public liturgical celebration of the Holy Mass, because of its sacramental connection with the unity of the Paschal mystery of Christ (Communion). Sacramental marriage confers a perpetual and exclusive bond between the spouses. By its nature, the institution of marriage and conjugal love is ordered to the procreation and upbringing of offspring. Marriage creates rights and duties in the Church between the spouses and towards their children: "[e]ntering marriage with the intention of never having children is a grave wrong and more than likely grounds for an annulment."^[75]

According to current Catholic legislation governing marriage, "The essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility; in Christian marriage they acquire a distinctive firmness by reason of the sacrament.^[76] Divorce is not recognized, but annulments predicated upon previously existing impediments may be granted. Offspring resulting from annulled relationships are considered legitimate. The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion.^[77]

Then there's a "General Christian or Protestant" view:

Protestantism

Protestant denominations see the primary purpose of marriage to be to glorify^[78] God by demonstrating his love to the world.^{[citation needed]} Other purposes of marriage include intimate companionship, rearing children and mutual support for both husband and wife to fulfill their life callings. Protestants generally approve of birth control^{[citation needed]} and consider marital sexual pleasure to be a gift of God.
Most Reformed Christians would deny the elevation of marriage to the status of a sacrament, nevertheless it is considered a covenant between spouses before God.^cf.^{[Ephesians 5:31-33]}
Historically, five competing models of marriage in Christianity have shaped Western marriage and legal tradition:

The Protestant Reformationists replaced the Roman Catholic sacramental model.
Martin Luther saw it as a social "estate of the earthly kingdom...subject to the prince, not the Pope."
John Calvin taught that marriage was a covenant of grace that required the coercive power of the state to preserve its integrity.
Anglicans regarded marriage as a domestic commonwealth within England and the church. By the 17th century, Anglican theologians had begun to develop a theology of marriage to replace the sacramental model of marriage. These "regarded the interlocking commonwealths of state, church, and family as something of an earthly form of heavenly government."
The secularism of the Enlightenment emphasized marriage as a contract "to be formed, maintained, and dissolved as the couple sees fit."^[32]

And the Latter-Day Saints:

Latter-day Saints

Main article: Celestial marriage

A couple following their marriage in the Temple.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) believe that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." The LDS belief is that marriage between a man and a woman can last beyond death and into eternity.^[79]

Islam

Marriage is a religious duty and is consequently a moral safeguard as well as a social necessity

Main article: Islamic marital jurisprudence

A Muslim bride of Pakistan origin signing the nikkah nama or marriage certificate.

A Muslim couple being wed alongside the Tungabhadra River at Hampi, India.

Islam also commends marriage, with the age of marriage being whenever the individuals feel ready, financially and emotionally.
In Islam, polygyny is allowed for men while Polyandry for women is not, with the specific limitation that they can only have up to four wives at any one time, given the religious requirement that they are able to and willing to partition their time and wealth equally among the respective wives.
For a Muslim wedding to take place, the bride and her guardian must both agree on the marriage. Should either the guardian or the girl disagree on the marriage, it may not legally take place. In essence, while the guardian/father of the girl has no right to force her to marry, he has the right to stop a marriage from taking place, given that his reasons are valid. The professed purpose of this practice is to ensure that a woman finds a suitable partner whom she has chosen not out of sheer emotion.
From an Islamic (Sharia) law perspective, the minimum requirements and responsibilities in a Muslim marriage are that the groom provide living expenses (housing, clothing, food, maintenance) to the bride, and in return, the bride's main responsibility is raising children to be proper Muslims. All other rights and responsibilities are to be decided between the husband and wife, and may even be included as stipulations in the marriage contract before the marriage actually takes place, so long as they do not go against the minimum requirements of the marriage.
In Shia Islam marriage must take place in the presence of at least two reliable witnesses, with the consent of the guardian of the bride and the consent of both the bride and the groom. Following the marriage, the couple is immediately allowed to consummate the marriage. To create a religious contract between them, it is sufficient that a man and a woman indicate an intention to marry each other and recite the requisite words in front of a Muslim priest. The wedding party can be held days, or months later, whenever the couple and their families want to announce the marriage in public.^[80]^[81]^[82]^[83]

^{So did we answer your questions?}
^{Where did the marriage ceremony originate? Why do they call it "taking your vows?" What is different between a civil ceremony and a church ceremony?}

^{1. Where did the marriage ceremony originate. The Bible tells us the first covenant marriage was between Adam and Eve. Other views are that people needed a set of rules so they could protect bloodlines and such.}
^{2. Why do they call it "taking your vows?" It is a covenant to be entered into, not to be taken lightly. Marriage can be tough and you need the help of a higher power if you want to make it work.}
^{3. What is different between a civil ceremony and a church ceremony. A civil ceremony basically says you are a legal union, whereas a religious ceremony carries with it a more lasting promise, vow, or covenant between the man and wife.}

^{Okay so please understand I don't know everything!!! If there is anything you don't agree with please comment.}

Modest Wedding Gowns

2010-10-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

Our Nephews wife at her wedding. Isn't she beautiful?

Her Dress: I will find out where she got it if you would like. Just leave a comment below.

Wedding Dresses are so wonderful, but there was a time that it was very difficult to buy a modest dress. Many people still enjoy gettting married in churches and need just a little extra cover up for that special ceremony before God. Here are a few sites that we like.

http://www.beautifullymodest.com/InHomeDistributor/
http://www.latterdaybride.com/
http://www.newformaldresses.com/Spaghetti-Wedding-Dresses/Smiling-Dress-Strapless-Wedding-Dress-H0355.html

I know there are a lot more modest wedding sites. Please post your favorit in our comment section.

Fall Cupcake Recipe

2010-10-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

http://thecupcakerecipes.com/

If anyone makes these let us know how they turn out! Yum!

Fall Weddings

2010-10-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

Fall Cupcakes! Click here for a yummy website!

Maybe you are having your wedding this Fall or some of you may be looking for next year. The smell of Fall Leaves in the air, the sounds of Football. Growing up we all had a fantasy of what time we would get married. Whether it was spring and all the new flowers. Whether it is summer and a wedding on the beaches of Cobo, San Lucas, or your dreams were of a winter wonderland on temple square, or Fall with all of the magical change in colors now we are right in the middle of Fall let's see what we come up with.

Getting in Shape for Your Special Day.

2010-10-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

What is your greatest fear concerning your wedding day? The groom not showing up? Your future in-law's? The reception hall burning down? While all of these would be huge problems, I have an even bigger one for you!! How about that wedding dress you picked out months ago not exactly fitting at the last minute!!

So what do you do?? Emergency liposuction, a good tummy tuck, a new pair of spanks!!! If none of these work, how about a two week fast, or running a marathon each day?

Seriously, the time to "Say Yes to the Dress", is months before your final fitting. In an article on TLC's website entitled 10 Tips and Tricks for Avoiding Newlywed Weight Gain by Natalie Kilgore, she outlines some ways that your future husband may be able to help you achieve your ultimate goal. To learn more, follow this link: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/weddings/10-tips-avoiding-newlywed-weight-gain10.htmYour Wedding Day is the day you want to feel and look your very best. So make a plan now to ensure it is a day you will always remember !!

Tips to Knowing He is the One

2010-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

How do you know when you have met the love of your life? Most single girls in the 19-50ish range are looking for that someone special to spend the rest of their lives with. With so many confusing sources telling women opposing things to think and feel, it's hard to know which are accurate, especially when you think you have found the right guy. Here are some tips for knowing if he is the right one:

1) Do we have the same views about children?
            -eg. discipline, affection, do they even want to have children, etc.
2) Can we talk about money?
            -eg. how much to spend, how much to save, how much we each have, etc.
3) Do we have the same feelings towards family?
           -eg. do we want extended family to be integrated into our married life, in-laws, etc.
4) What will we spend our time doing?
          -eg. family activities, household chores, church, dates, etc.
5) Does he have any addictions or problems with abuse I should know about?
          -eg. drugs, pornography, familial problems, ex-girlfriends, etc.
6) The very most important question- can I see myself with him for eternity?

These are just some of the questions you should be asking yourself, and there are so many great sites and resources you can go to. Here are just a few examples:

Our Engagement continued:)

2010-10-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

If anyone has an engagement story they would like to share we would love to hear it! So here's mine guys!

I was born, (now don't get bored already, this is very romantic)....in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1959. My husband was born in Lone Star, Texas in 1963. When I was 12 we moved to California, and then to Oklahoma. Mark's family moved to Colorado and ended up in Utah!!! So we kind of switched places.........Then when I turned 21 I decided to serve a mission for my church. I left from my wonderful Alma Mater, Oklahoma State to go to British Columbia, Canada. My husband was also called as a missionary to British Columbia, Canada. LDS missionaries do not date while they are on their missions. We knew of each other in Canada but did not know each other well. In my next segment I will tell you a funny story where we the Elders and Sisters( missionaries) were invited to dinner at the same person's house at the same time..........Just remind me and I'll fill you in:)
Anyhow I left to go back to Okaloma after my mission, but something inside of me said, "You need to go to BYU in Provo, Utah." So with not even a dime to my name I went back to Utah. Mark came home to Utah about a month after I did. We still didn't know each other very well, but one of the other return sister missionaries, (Grace Chen), was a good friend of his and she wanted to go say hi to him. So we did.
I couldn't go to BYU because I was absolutely penniless. I went to visit my Grandma Keddington at her apartments and was asked by the owners if I would like manage the apartments! I was given my own new apartment and had the bonus of being near my grandmother for a couple of months before she passed away.

So where is Mark in all of this? It just so happened that his family lived only two blocks away from these apartments. Now you're probably saying to yourselves....so this is where all the romance began...........hmmmmm, let's just see. I did invite him to a Christmas Business dinner my employers had. I remember we got stuck in the back of this crowded room in the restaurant. We didn't know each other very well and were both a little timid. We both drank way too much water and well let's just say we were anxious to get up and find the little girls and boys rooms very very quickly. We laughed about that and by the time we got home to the retirement center where I worked the folks there had left out some of their goodies from their Christmas party. I remember Mark chasing me and trying to stuff banana bread down my throat. It really was fun.

I thought maybe we would date a little more after that but Mark is four years younger than me and frankly he didn't like the idea of dating a fellow return missionary. This is only the beginning. I will keep writing if anyone wants to hear, "the rest of story."

Finally getting back to "the story,"
So let's see, oh yes. I moved to Salt Lake and tried to go to LDS business college, then I moved again in Salt Lake and tried to go the The University of Utah...Neither of those places felt quite right. Mark would call me up and ask me how I was doing and who I was dating. I would ask him the same thing. At one point I did say yes to an engagement proposal from someone else. I remember Mark calling me and asking the same question he always asked, "So who are you dating." I told him that I was engaged. All I can remember him saying was, "No you're not going to marry that guy." I thought, "Who are you to tell me who I'm going to marry?"

He was right. I ended up breaking up and decided that where I really wanted to be was down in Provo at Brigham Young University. This would put Mark and I over an hour away from each other. At work on campus I met a really nice girl who I thought would be a great match for Mark. I called him and asked if he wanted to bring another friend of ours along and we would all double date. I remember feeling a little like I was with the wrong date that night, but kind of shrugged it off.

Mark and I both served as full time missionaries for our church in British Columbia, Canada, so we would see each other occasionally at our mission reunions or when fellow return missionaries would get together. I think almost three years had passed since we returned from our missions and neither one of us had really found the "right one."

We started to date each other a little bit, and one Saturday he invited me on a boat trip with a married couple who were his friends. They were so nice and made comments like they thought Mark and I would be a great couple, so I pulled him to the side out by the lake and I said, "Mark, do you think there is anything between you and me?" He looked at me and said, "I like you but.............long pause............I just really don't feel like there are any sparks between us."

I got mad. I was thinking to myself. 'What sparks? So why do you keep asking me to go out with you?" The ride home was about six hours long and I did not say a word." I got out to go into my little house in Provo and thought, 'Well I'll never hear from him again."

Two days later I get a phone call and it's Mark. "Hi DeAnne would you like to go out this weekend?" Boy did my Irish temper flare! "Why?" I said. He was quiet for a minute then said he just really needed to talk to me. "Okay, I said, but this is the last time."

That weekend we went to dinner in Park City, then drove around and for the first time in about four years I began to see the real Mark. He said, "After I dropped you off on Saturday I felt like the life was sucked right out of me and all I can say was there was a big void in my life. I think maybe we need to date for a while and see if we are meant to be together."

Then I came up with the bright idea to invite him to some of the BYU football games. Little did I know that he loved and breathed BYU football. He would come down, we would have a blast, then he would walk me home. We had a wall at my apartment housing then that we called, "The Wailing Wall," because it grew harder and harder to say goodbye.

One beautiful Fall evening when we were walking along the BYU path around the school, he asked me to sit down. I don't think he got on one knee because he has football knees and it hurts to kneel, but he looked at me with his clear blue eyes and said, "DeAnne I want to ask you to be my wife." Now I was pretty scared of marriage. My parents marriage ended in a terrible divorce, so I just looked at him. He knew what I was feeling and said, "Do you trust me?" When he said that my fears melted and I knew that I did trust him, and that everything would be alright.

Now 23 years and six fantastic kids later, I still look into those baby blues..............we both have a lot more around our waists than we did back then, but it's like I told him, as long as I can hold your hand, look into those eyes and get little kisses every now and then I know that everything will be alright.

(If I've missed anything please comment and I'll try to reach back into my memory banks again. Thank you for reading this by the way:)

What will yor wedding colors be?

2010-10-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Wedding Season arrives in just a few short months, and while it may seem like a long time away, this is the perfect time to pick out which colors you will have at your wedding. After paying a visit to one of my favorite websites, http://www.theknot.com/, here are some color boards that really stood out to me:

For Fall:

For Winter:

For Spring:

For Summer:

Blossoms in Blue

MMMMMMMMMMMMMM Halloween Goodies Too Wonderful Not to Share!

TasteSpotting

Browse by:

TasteSpotting

Browse by:

Caramel Apple Fun

TasteSpotting is a mouth-watering photo collection of recipes, cooking, baking, kitchen adventures, food industry and media news created by a community of food lovers from amateur home cooks to professional chefs.http://www.tastespotting.com/search/halloween/1

Caramel Apples

These yummy caramel apples evoke memories of festive fall fairs.

More Halloween Fun

Why am I Doing This Blog?

Okay so I just think this is pretty!

Homemade Wedding Centerpieces

Wedding Appetizers: Witches Fingers

Homemade Balloon Arch

Homemade Series #1 Centerpieces and table Decoration

Halloween Reception and Party Ideas

Yummy Halloween Goodies

Decorating and Blue Corn

Fall Wedding Shoes

Fall Headpieces

The Sacrament we Call Marriage

Judaism

Christianity

Liturgical Christianity

Roman Catholicism

Protestantism

Latter-day Saints

Islam

Modest Wedding Gowns

Fall Cupcake Recipe

Fall Weddings

Getting in Shape for Your Special Day.

Tips to Knowing He is the One

Our Engagement continued:)

What will yor wedding colors be?