Give In To Spring Fever!

It’s that time of the year. Nicer weather is coming our way. The Wisteria and dogwoods are in full bloom. And many of us have the urge to get out and do something! Robin Williams said, “Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"

So what are you in the mood for? This weekend at Lake Lanier Islands is an Arts and Crafts Festival and Boat Show! You can step aboard a variety of fine watercraft. There will be boats in the water ready for a test drive, live music, food vendors and tons of arts and craft booths. Go for a boat ride and enjoy the festivity in the air. Here is the link: www.lakelanierislandsresortboatshow.com/About.php

Next month, at the Morrow Center, we are hosting, “Spring into Healthy Living!” This April 16^th event will be a very fun-filled free health fair. There will be lots a free health screenings and testing. You will be able to speak to a doctor on the spot. Lots of useful information will be provided, as well as vendors, food and take aways! For more information call: 770-991-8004.

That same weekend from April 15^th – April 17^th will be the highly attended, “75^th Annual Dogwood Festival! You will find useful things and unique things as you stroll through hundreds of artists and their wares. Have a luscious ice-cream cone and feel the nice breeze in the air as you enjoy the day. Wear comfortable shoes. You will get your exercise and have a ton of fun as you do!

Why the Groom Removes the Garter & Other Wedding Traditions

The Bride Wore White.

The tradition of white wedding dress, symbolizing purity, dates back to Victorian times. Queen Victoria decided against the traditional, “silver,” dress and wore white. Before this brides just wore their best gown, not a special wedding dress.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue…

This old rhyme also dates back to Victorian times. “Something Old, symbolizes the brides bond to her family and old life. “Something New,” symbolizes the bride’s new bond to her groom and their new life together. “Something Borrowed,” should be from a happily married bride as good luck. And, “Something Blue,” represents fidelity and commitment.

We Throw Things!

Rice, Bird Seed, the Bridal Bouquet and Garter are all things that get thrown at weddings! The bridal bouquet is thrown for luck and protection and whichever single lady catches it is said to be the next to marry. The same reason is true for the groom removing the garter and throwing it to the single guys. When we throw rice or birdseed…or now sometimes we blow bubbles… it is said to symbolize fertility and the blessing of many children.

The Ceremonial Kiss at the end of the wedding symbolizes the couple joining their souls for life. This tradition dates back to Roman times.

The Groom wears a Boutonniere

This tradition dates back to medieval times when a knight wore his ladies colors with flowers to symbolize his love.

The First Piece of Cake

The Romans believed sharing the first piece of cake together created a sweet bond between the couple and also was symbolic of fertility.

Tin Cans Tied to the Back of the Groom’s Car

Cans or anything that make noise were tied to the back of the carriage in olden times and believed it would scare off evil spirits.

Traditions are interesting. These are just a few. Whether you embrace these traditions or create your own new traditions, it’s your special day and new life together to make it any way you want! Enjoy your day and make it your own!

5 Steps to Giving a Great Presentation

Know Your Audience

Talk to a few key folks before your speech preparation. Interview the person hiring you for the presentation. Find out about recent successes. Spend time studying their company website. Doing a little legwork in the beginning pays off with a customize presentation that fits the group and dazzles the audience.

Kick It Off With Pizzazz

An amazing story, startling statistic or humorous antidote is the best way to kick off your speech with pizzazz! Resist the urge to start out with, “Good Afternoon. My name is…” People remember stories, props and interesting tidbits more so than anything. Begin a collection of stories and keep a file folder of interesting stuff you find in newspapers and magazines.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

Stand up straight the entire time. Smile and give eye contact to the audience. If possible work with a lavalier microphone that attaches to your lapel. You can move more freely this way. Be aware of anything to avoid that is distracting like hands in the pockets, fumbling, and looking down a lot.

Manage Your Minutes

Keep your presentation brisk. Focus on 3 steps, 1 concept, or 4 Tips. Make your points memorable by keeping everything simplistic and brief. Avoid a lot of words and bullets in your Powerpoint. Never run over your allotted time even if you want to tell your best story! Leave time for the important stuff and make your presentation flow.

Project Passion

Whatever you are excited about, the audience will become excited about. What action do you want them to take when they leave? Use your voice as a tool. Take a dramatic pause occasionally. Although you want to keep it brisk, you don’t want to talk too fast. There is less passion in your voice when you talk too fast. Just getting through the speech isn’t the goal. The goal is to stir people to positive change and help them step up the level of their game.

Romantic Meanings...Don't Forget the History of Flowers

As you choose your wedding flowers, it is interesting to know there is quite a history and meaning to every single blossom that adorns our earth. If you want to delve deeper than just the visual appeal of your floral selections, do a little research to find out the meaning behind each flower. Here are the meanings of just a few popular wedding flowers.

ROSE: Love, passion, perfection. Although white roses are for purity and yellow roses for friendship, the rose was named for the Latin word rosa which means red. It has been a symbol of love since ancient times. Associated with the 15th wedding anniversary, It is also known as the birth flower of June.

ORCHID: This magnificent flower was the symbol of luxury during the Victorian era. Today the orchid is a representation of rare and delicate beauty. The pink orchid is a symbol of pure affection. The orchid is the 14^th wedding anniversary flower.

LILY OF THE VALLEY: This popular wedding flower says, “You’ve made my life complete.” It also means purity of heart, sweetness, humility, happiness, and love's good fortune. Know as the flower of May, it is said to protect your garden from evil spirits.

PEONIES: Peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as a symbol for a happy marriage. They are the state flower of Indiana and the 12^th wedding anniversary flower.

HYDRANGEA: This very popular wedding flower bares the meaning of heartfelt wishes and sincerity. Available in a vast array of colors, with bountiful rounded petals, it is a wonderfully graceful selection for any bouquet. The Hydrangea is the 4^th wedding anniversary flower.

CARNATIONS: This 1^st anniversary bloom can be found in a wide range of colors, and while in general they express love, fascination and distinction, virtually every color carries a unique and rich association. White carnations suggest pure love and good luck, light red symbolizes admiration, while dark red represents deep love and affection.

The fascination goes on and on with every possible story for any flower you can imagine. So before you tie up your blossoms in a bow, take a moment to find out a little more about the origin, meaning and symbolism to further enhance the romance of your special day!