Think Left

My England trip was not a leisure holiday. It was a mission to see and experience all the historical sites in as much time as humanly possible. Our most trusted guide was the British GPS we named Tammy, the female version of TomTom. We changed the accent of Tammy a few times on the trip. For awhile she was an Irish woman, Australian male, and most of the trip a British woman. Without Tammy our British adventure would have been circling roundabouts. My dad, being a typical guy, was always challenging Tammy. If Tammy didn't bring our car to the exact desired spot, my dad would announce himself the true navigator. However, Tammy would get us to the destination, just on the wrong side of the building or something. A few times when we had trouble getting Tammy to work, an acute panic fell upon our flock. 

Our expensive maps, we bought in America, couldn't help our right minded brains when we experienced meandering roads and strings of roundabouts. I've never been in so many near accidents in my entire life. My dad would not always time merging into the roundabouts correctly and would either cut people off or barely squeeze in. On top of it all he hadn't driven a manual in years. 

Driving in the villages and towns was even worse! Cars parked on both sides of the streets which reduced the street to a single lane, forcing both sides to drive down the middle. And most of the time we were forced to play a dangerous game of leap frog. Cars would dart in and out of gaps where cars weren't parked, and alternately allowing traffic to either go or stop. Driving around corners meant driving through a bottleneck and hoping the oncoming cars weren't going to play Chicken. 

Parking was made easier by finding parking structures. We didn't dare rent a car when we were in London and utilized the subway (Tube) and buses instead. 

On our last day in England, we almost succeeded in truly becoming a Griswold Family. We had spent the day exploring Cambridge and decided to drive to the small town of Saffron Walden to eat dinner. We were still unsure of which street lines meant park or don't park. But we drove up a side street and parked behind a line of British cars all parked on white zig zag lines. So, we were certain we could trust local Brits to park in the appropriate spots. Oh we were so wrong! After we finished the best Italian food we had all trip, we walked back to our awaiting fate. 

                                                              Saffron Walden
My dad was the first to spot a cop next to our parked car. Right away the police officer came off as indifferent and irritated towards us. He announced, by pointing at the white zig zag lines, that we had parked in an illegal zone. My mom was on the verge of tears as she explained that we parked behind other cars in this same street. But to my mom's horror, all the cars had magically disappeared between the time we left for dinner and the time we came back. The officer didn't seem surprised by our explanation and said that Brits are known to park illegally all the time. 

My mom pleaded and we (kids) tried looking as pathetic as possible. He informed us that a tow truck was on its way. My mom did not give up, she presented her case with perseverance. She invoked our 'foreigness', confusion, and desperate situation of leaving tomorrow morning. Whatever she said struck a cord with the officer. He promptly got on his radio and cancelled the tow truck simply stating 'American family showed up'. 

We thanked him profusely and ended our trip free of a horrible disaster! 

-Mud

*pictures from Yahoo images

Queen Putting Kate in her Place

Even though the English royals don't have any real power, the rules of etiquette are the last powers they grasp to. In a new surprising move, the Queen has formally changed the Order of Precedence to accommodate the princes marrying 'commoners'. 

Telegraph.co.uk announced the changes made by the Queen. Princesses by marriage must curtsy to other princesses by blood when they aren't accompanied by their husband. Rumors say that it was spurned by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie being snubbed by Kate. 


It's an interesting move for the Queen to make. With all the popularity that Kate is getting, one may wonder if the Royals are getting a wee bit jealous. The Queen wants the encompassing royal family to know their rightful place. And those who were lucky enough to be joined by marriage must show reverence to those who were born into it. 


The rule of succession has been changed to make the first born, regardless of gender, the heir to the throne. But the Queen draws the line to 'commoners' stepping over their boundaries.  


I'm not British, but if I were, this makes it clear that the Royals still see themselves as superior to 'commoners'. 


What do you think? Do you think it's an attack on Kate?

When Life Gives You Lemons...

It's only two days until 4th of July and in my own unique act of patriotism I made this comparison of different economic systems described by the famous quote 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade'. 

When Life Gives you Lemons.....explained by different economic systems. 


Anarchy.....only a select few get 99% of the Lemonade


Capitalism.....you make a profit on the Lemonade


Socialism.....select few tell everyone how much Lemonade they get


Caste System....only some people have the born right to drink the Lemonade


Imperialism....Lemons were taken from other countries to make Lemonade


Happy Early 4th of July all ye fellow Americans !!!


-Mud

The Wrath of Henry VIII

Henry VIII is one of the most infamous monarchs, but I had no idea that his reign left such a discernible mark.

Below are sites I visited that contained segments of Henry history. 

Henry VIII's reign was a relatively prosperous time for the people of England. The iconic tudor frame building was in response to many merchants and farmers becoming wealthy. Wood was expensive and rare in England, so the tudor style was a show of family wealth and prosperity. 

                                                                

Little Moreton Hall  

City of Ludlow

  

Hampton Court Palace was designed and financed by one of Henry VIII's famous advisors, Wolsey. It took many years to build and costed a great fortune. When Wolsey knew he was falling out of favor he offered it as a gift in hopes to please the King. The King took the palace but dismissed Wolsey. He was accused of treason, but died on his journey to London to be tried. Hampton Court was the site of the birth of Henry's only legitimate son, Edward VI. Queen Catherine Howard was confined in the palace before she was later beheaded in the Tower of London. Legend holds that she escaped from her room and ran screaming around the palace begging for Henry to have mercy on her life. Original interior wood work and tapestries still hang in some of the rooms of Hampton Court. When it was decorated by the King, Anne Boleyn was on the throne. Intertwining H's and A's were carved in the elaborate woodwork of the great banquet hall. But when he beheaded her, he ordered for the intimate initials to be removed. Somehow they missed one which still can be seen today. 

Leeds Castle has a legacy of being property of many Queens of England. But when Catherine of Aragon was replaced by Anne Boleyn she was sent to reside there for a period of time. A beautiful castle under more happier circumstances. 

When Henry couldn't secure a legal divorce from the Pope he took his wrath out on the establishments in England. He took away the lands, valuables, and money from many of the Catholic cathedrals and churches. He sacked and destroyed many important church establishments. One of his most infamous acts was destroying the tomb of Saint Thomas Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral. When he was newly married to Catherine of Aragon he did a pilgrimage to the shrine. Interesting that he would later return only to destroy it. The candle in the picture below marks of the spot of the destroyed tomb of Beckett. Today it may not seem like a horrendous thing, but it was one of the most visited shrines in all of Europe at the time. 

St John College of Cambridge was established and built during the time of Henry VIII. He gave the approval of the creation of the college. It is the most magnificent college, in my opinion, in Cambridge. 

Eton College is one of the most famous and successful private boy's high school, (Prince William and Prince Harry attended this school). When Henry was pillaging religious sites, the college did a smart political move and placed the royal coat of arms of Henry VIII on the building. Above the clock is the coat of arms that was erected. My brother is standing in the picture. 

Finally, my brother and my favorite display in the Tower of London was Henry VIII's 'fat' suit of armor. It's hard to tell with just a picture but in person it's easy to see how obese Henry became. 

In spite of all the horrible things Henry did in his lifetime, the museums and exhibitions were only positive in their descriptions about the King. At Hampton Court a video on loop, highlighted the wives of Henry. The commentators kept saying 'Henry had England's best intentions at heart', 'Henry knew what was best for his people', and so on. Facts were not covered up but the narrating was obviously slighted in Henry's favor. But of course the people of England don't hold these same feelings of the tyrant. But still it was shocking to see that the historical sites decisively didn't say anything negative about the old monarch. 

*pictures 2,3,5, 7, and 8 taken by my Dad. The rest of the pictures form Yahoo images

History Bootcamp

Visiting important places of history helped put pictures to historical events and feeling into memory. Our journey around England was also a journey through time. The city of Bath was like stepping into the Georgian period. Hampton Court Palace offered a unique look at court life in the Tudor period, 1600s, and 1700s. Jorvick Viking Museum offered an interactive ride through a reconstructed old city of York during the occupation of vikings. The Tower of London gave a glimpse of the sufferings inflicted on those who opposed the crown or ruling power. 

My British experience could also be coined history bootcamp. In our two week 'holiday', as the brits call it, we visited numerous castles, palaces, museums, cathedrals, historic towns/cities, and manors. 

Here is the list of what we accomplished seeing:

The Tower of London     Hampton Court Palace      Stoneacre                     Battle

Westminster Abbey         Changing of the Guard      Ightham Mote              Royal Pavilion

The Queens Gallery        Windsor Castle                  Canterbury Cathedral   Brighton Pier

St. Paul's Cathedral          Eton College                    Dover Castle                Portchester Castle

The British Museum        Leeds Castle                      Rye                              Stonehenge

Roman Bath                    Lacock                            Tintern Abbey              Chepstow Castle

Castle Combe                    Bibury                             Minster Lovell Hall     Oxford

Bourton on the Water        Blenheim palace               Warwick Castle            Stratford Upon Avon

Ludlow                            Stokesey Castle                Little Moreton Hall       Chester

York Minster                   The Treasurer's House     Jorvick Museum            Shrine of Saint Margaret 

Cambridge                       Stamford                          Burford                          Bath

Saffron Walden               Bodiam Castle                  Chichester                     White Cliffs of Dover

Piccadilly Circus             Buckingham Palace          Wye Valley                   Roman Amphitheater 

In following posts I will explore my favorite aspects and interesting observations!

British Food: A royal surprise

First entry for my British Experience
Only fitting that I talk about food first :)


Either by myth or deceit, I was led to believe that British food would be rubbish. I couldn't have been more surprised when both cities and rural villages offered succulent dishes. I would argue that the food I had in England was better than anything I tasted in Italy or France. 

Portion sizes were never excessive like American restaurants. British restaurants never boasted free bread or free pre-food before the entree. It was an adjustment for an ardent carb enthusiast! If one wanted to eat bread before the meal, it would cost about 5 pounds for roughly a few pieces. It was harder waiting for the meal with nothing to munch on, and whenever we ordered bread it was gone in only seconds. 

And I can't say enough about the desserts that glistened in shop windows and taunted me from menus. It was like I died and went to pastry heaven. Our first day in Kent we visited Stoneacre, (built in 1488 and owned by wealthy gentry for centuries), and ate the same cake used for Kate and William's wedding. It was a sticky decadent chocolate bar, not a typical cake. We ended up ordering seconds after my family gobbled down the first piece. 

                                                                       Stoneacre
Although England is known to offer fish and chips at every corner, there were so many other wonderful things to eat I only ate them once. Outside of the city limits, the pubs are the place to sink your teeth in. Stews, handmade sandwiches, garden salads, 'pot pies' of all sorts, steak with 'new potatoes', and sometimes Italian and Indian dishes. Most pubs are more like restaurants than bars; with many dishes to choose from. 

Almost every little village had it's own Italian restaurant. I ate as much Italian as I did British food. The Italian restaurants weren't establishments by British people but owned and run by authentic Italians. Eating the food was like going back to Italy but with some improvements. The true Italian dishes in Italy are a little drier with not as much sauce. But England and America have the same appetite for sauce, so the dishes never seemed bland. 

In London, every street is lined with cafes and coffee shops. The Londoners are more in a hurry than any New Yorker I've met. Cafes offer quick breakfast choices like pre-made sandwiches and scones. Don't order espresso, unless you are fine with having a tablespoon of concentrated caffeine. The espresso in France is the size of a small shot glass, but the English espresso is like a spoonful of medicine. 

                          Pret-A-Manger in London (I'm in the pink jacket)
After the third day, we stayed in consecutive Bed and Breakfasts as we toured around England. Our first Bed and Breakfast was in Faversham, Kent. On the morning of June 16th, we had our first Full English breakfast. Full English breakfast includes fried egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, baked beans, slice of tomato, and toast. It was so delicious and filling. But as the trip wore on we got the same menu at every bed and breakfast. There was no variation and soon we became sick of the Full English breakfast. 

                                               Brendley Farm in Faversham
I rate the food in England (Kent, Essex, Midlands, Yorkshire, and London) and Wales FIVE STARS!

*no sources were used in the making of this post

Are we treating Celebrities like Royalty?

I'm not a fan of our country's obsession with celebrities. But I should also acknowledge that I do LOVE reading gossip about them from time to time. The country's fixation on people in the spotlight is not a new phenomenon but seems to be imbedded in human history.

                                                            (Prince Charles and Cheryl Cole above)
Every great civilization, big or small, has been intrigued by people of power and position. One only has to flip through the pages of history to see that the rulers, warriors, popes, wealthy, and great thinkers monopolize the focus. The people who have the power and influence to change and shape history will always be distinguished amongst others. They are the ones who make a significant mark in their world, and if they are lucky, remembered in history. NOT all figures of history earned their prominent position, some were just born into great power.

Nothing seems more unfair as people earning their spot in society for having the right 'pedigree'. haha

Our ancestors immigrated to America to escape a world which gave all the advantages and opportunities to people born to wealthy/noble families. America offered a land free of a caste system and a chance for people of talent/ambition/vision to make their way regardless of their last name.

BUT in the last few decades our country has given more reverence and respect to those born to celebrities and the wealthy. The media and paparazzi are consumed with watching children of hollywood stars. Even a lot of huge hollywood stars today got their first break because of having a famous parent. Examples (Angelina Jolie, Miley Cyrus, Liz Minnelli, Liv Tyler, Carrie Fisher, Michael Douglas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Drew Barrymore, Charlie Sheen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, and so many more) 

(Tom Cruise and daughter Suri)

The enormous attention given to celebrity children has only gotten worse. Celebrities are taking more precautions and steps to protect their brood, but the focus is unavoidable. The media treats celebrity offspring as little 'gods and goddesses'. They become famous even before they become adults. The attention isn't good for the children, but it's also not good for our nation.

(Portrait of Charles I of England's children)

We didn't leave Europe to only create a new caste system in the new land. We should continue to give credit and recognition where it is truly deserved.  Sure children of wealthy and powerful will have more opportunities than others but they shouldn't be lifted up by our society. A person should EARN their position in the spotlight not be born into it. Our nation was the first to step into the light but we are slowly regressing back to 'believing' those born of privilege are better.

Or we could continue placing people like Paris Hilton on pedestals....


-Mud


*no sources were used in the making of this post, pictures from yahoo*

Do we give Men all the Power?

Gah it's so frustrating, so I had to blog about it to feel better. Some women give the power in the relationship to men so freely. Many women will get really upset by this post, but it's the truth. Today women will date and live with men for years and not get a marriage proposal and then later be dumped for a younger and more attractive version. We have won our rights and our niche in the working world, but are we demanding respect in our relationships as well? 

Women make it too easy for men. Guys are simple creatures and if they can have the milk for free they will never buy the cow. What's worse is women are paranoid not to 'scare off' their men by seeming too eager to make serious commitments. What kind of world do we live in? Women are more worried about not being seen as psycho/crazy/clingly than insist on respect (for whatever stage the relationship is at). 

If a woman doesn't demand respect she will not receive it. The women who do expect to be treated like a goddess are more sought after than women who will be doormats. And the women who bend over backwards for men don't understand why they don't get what they want in return. 

Men are being held up on pedestals by women because they are afraid of being left in the dust for another woman. The options today in our world seem endless, divorce is more common, people have kids out of wedlock, men are accustomed to having multiple partners, and society doesn't hold high moral standards for men anymore. So, I suspect women inherently are more concerned about keeping their men around. But the key to holding a man is having his respect and love. It isn't about being compliant; it's about having balls. 

The sad truth is that jerks treat women poorly because they find success in treating them that way. Women make jerks, jerks are not born. Men respond to what women like. Human behavior is shaped by positive and also negative reinforcement. If all women wanted guys with blue hair every guy in the world would dye their hair blue tomorrow. Why do guys wear tight pants and sing with a girlie voice in front of millions of people? Not because they think it's cool (they do) but because girls respond to it. If every girl were to stop being attracted to rockstars men would pick up on that and do something else. In the middle ages, men wore really long pointy shoes because women believed that it meant their 'members' were longer and thus more attractive. Jersey shore guys spike their hair up and go tanning to get the jersey chicks. Men are biologically programmed to do whatever it takes to get women. And the process of courting hasn't changed much since we swung in trees, we just dress it up a little. 

Congratulations to us, we mold what men do! So, our micro interactions with men in our lives has a cascade effect in how they treat other women. The problems we face with men were either created by old relationships or shaped in childhood/by society. We have more power than we give ourselves credit for. Some of us just don't use it to its full advantage. We can't change men directly but we can change how they treat and interact with us. And if a man refuses to be respectful to a lady then well NEXT! 


A Woman Every Man Respects

1. Never allow men to date other women when committed
2. Have her equal say from little to big decisions (what toilet paper to buy and where to live)
3. Be proposed to when they are serious for a few years, old enough, and financially secure
4. Talk about where the relationship is heading and set time limits
5. Informs her man when he is out of line or wrong about something
6. Not afraid to voice her opinion on any matter
7. Must be courted !!
8. Requires romance at every stage of the relationship
9. Is treated with respect and reverence 
10. The man puts his lady first, and she in return does the same
11. The man keeps his lady in the loop of all events and decisions once they are serious and committed 
12. Open communication about feelings and emotions
13. Is treated as an equal


*no sources were used in the making of this post, photos from yahoo*

Why Women Love Jerks

The mystery of all mysteries; why women love jerks. It's as confusing and frustrating for the women as it is for the nice guys. The qualities that women want/need don't always match up to what they pick in life. Guys need to give girls a break because it takes experience and maturity for 'anyone' to find their right path. Men complain incessantly that all women love the jerks, but all men are attracted to the simple-minded hot girls. The two problems are roots from the same tree. A woman is attracted to a jerk the same way a guy is attracted to a gorgeous girl. So, the next time a guy complains about women always dating douches, remind them they are attracted to beautiful bimbos as well. 

I know a lot of friends who never struggled with liking the bad boys, but they must have super powers or something (right!). For many of us, we were launched into the dating world with little knowledge to arm us. But we can't learn the big lessons vicariously through others, it takes our own experiences to mature and grow as individuals. So, my point is that dating the bad boys is part of our path to our ultimate dream man. BUT don't make it a habit to only date bad boys, because at some point you become a 'jerk addict'. There isn't a rule of thumb to measure if a woman is just innocently dabbling with bad boys or dangerously hooked. Only a woman can know for herself if she is experimenting or flailing. 


My post is in defense of all women who have dated or are currently dating a jerk. There are many reasons why women are very attracted to jerks. But with maturity and experience a woman will find she needs more from a man than a jerk can provide. Just the same way men discover that pretty faces with hollow heads aren't someone they can spend their life with. 


What is Attractive about Jerks?

1. The relationship is highly addictive. The highs are extremely high and the lows are debilitatingly low. She loves the roller coaster ride she gets with being with a man whom she can't predict and can't control. The same addiction can be seen with drug addicts and gamblers. The problem is different but the concept is the same. If you find yourself bored by 'nice guys' it's probably because you want the thrill of the chase and the uncertainty of his love. 


2. They come off as confident and dominant. Two qualities that women instinctively look for in a mate. But not all jerks are truly confident, but even the pseudo-confidence is enough to swoon a woman. A woman wants a man who will stand up to her and not be submissive. And jerks will never be doormats. 


3. The Challenge. A woman loves wondering and thinking about another man. A jerk can keep a woman's attention for long periods of time because he poses a conundrum to her. This is especially attractive to beautiful girls who are used to guys falling all over them. Our brains interpret anything that isn't easy to obtain as something worth securing and keeping. 


4. Women fall for personalties not bodies. Sure a Brad Pitt will win the ladies but if he has an unattractive personality he won't be successful. A man will see a beautiful woman and fall in love but a woman falls for the personality. A jerk may possess some of these qualities that are seductive to women (dangerous, alpha male, charming, high social intelligence, thrill seeking, rebel, confident, independent, and unattainable). 


How to graduate from Jerks

1. Time and experience. It may take only a few breakups or a few years for a woman to learn what she truly wants in a mate. A woman will eventually meet and interact with other men who possess the alluring qualities of a bad boy coupled with the good guy qualities.


2. Age and situation. In high school/college/twenties, women don't see anything wrong with dating a jerk. But as she enters her career and starts looking for a serious relationship; bad boys won't match up to her standards. The snide comments, drama, late night drinking, constant fights, lying, cheating, unsupportive partner, and so on will no longer hold it's appeal. But in her teens and twenties it was fun but now it's just wrong.


3. Therapy. For some girls who know they are jerk addicts, they need some help to get over bad relationships. There's an array of reasons a woman becomes an addict some include lack of love from parents, abuse, rejection from peers and opposite sex growing up, low self-esteem, and etc. 


4. Find the right guy. Enter knight on white horse! Sometimes it just takes meeting and dating the right man to cure a woman forever from her bad habits. It's the realization that one can get everything in a loving relationship without the negatives; it's the ultimate of 'ah ha' moments. 


For the 'Nice Guys'

1. Be more dominant. Don't be a doormat, stand up to women. They want someone to be their equal and take control sometimes. Stand up for yourself and she will respect you!


2. Don't be too easy. Make it a challenge for the women. Keep them guessing and they will continue to be attracted. If you make it too easy they will assume you aren't worth dating. 


3. Be patient. Understand that women fall for personalities not looks, so she won't necessarily be head over heels in the beginning. Even if you 'know' she's perfect for you don't be discouraged if it takes her longer to see you the same way. Don't smoother her but give her the space she needs to fall for you. 


4. Take the good qualities of a jerk plus your own! If you are more confident, dominant, and challenging PLUS everything that is you; you will be the ultimate man. If you are a good guy at heart and have the sexiness of a bad boy she won't be able to resist. Every woman wants a guy like this, not a jerk. 


5. Stop whining about women. Nice guys witness jerks and bad boys get the girl again and again. Stop being a wimp and jump into the game. Jerks are able to tap into what attracts women, but you can do the same thing without being a horrible person. And most importantly don't blame women for being attracted to something they can't control. You drool over supermodels and stunning women; we get enchanted by James Bond.


*No sources were used in the making of this post, images from Yahoo*

What We Really Think of Your Wedding

Community celebrations and family/friend reunions have drastically dwindled even in the face of wireless communication and advances in transportation. So today, weddings not only tie two people together but 'coerce' people to drop their work responsibilities/never ending excuses/hectic lives to come together. Weddings are better at bringing people together than high school reunions, birthdays, and funerals. Therefore, it's crucial for brides and grooms to put on a great wedding.


Weddings aren't just a time for celebration and memories but also a place for the event/couple evaluation. Like any social function, the hosts have the chance to show-off and gloat but also place themselves in the spotlight for scrutiny. And the sharpest critics in the crowd will be the unmarried women. Weddings bring an array of mixed feelings for them, and it all depends on the atmosphere of the event coupled with their current situation. But the bride and groom shouldn't feel overly self-conscious because people are also judging themselves at weddings. Weddings bring hidden feelings and thoughts to the forefront for unmarried women. So, this post is dedicated to all the unmarried women who participate/attend weddings and the ups and downs the celebration will bring!


What 20/30 something unmarried women are thinking about YOU and your wedding

1. If you're going to have a cheap wedding...elope or get married in Vegas. I'm going to have to order pizza and wine after this
2. The dress (does she look amazing or totally wrong)
3. This place is full of OLD PEOPLE - what the heck- why did I buy new shoes
4. Why wasn't I a bridesmaid? She picked her, really??!!!
5. One less friend to go hit the town with
6. She's/he's not even that GREAT!!!
7. Drinking orange juice, this is a Shotgun wedding! 
8. Never thought she would fall for a guy like him
9. Man why couldn't she have married a guy with hot friends
10. Wow can't believe she's throwing her career/ambitions away
11. I'm going to have a much better wedding
12. What they're religious? 

13. She's so pretty...I need to start working out and eating right

14. Oh sure the world revolves around getting the two of you hitched

15. Wow how much money did they spend on this wedding?
16. Her whole family is full of gorgeous people. Jealous all their pictures are going to be perfect
17. You're creepy uncle keeps watching me
18. You're a bridesmaid not a celebrity
19. I need to marry a rich man too...
20. Cheap champagne

21. Who was the wedding planner? I need their number

22. Photographers get out of my face!!
23. She better not fall off the map now that she's married
24. This is the BEST WEDDING EVER
25. They are perfect for each other


What she reflects about in this situation...

1. Ideas for their future wedding (flower arrangements, cake, gown, guest book, etc)

2. One less man in the dating pool gone FOREVER

3. Comparing her dating situation with the current 'fairytale' before her eyes (either she sees her jerk in a new light or her singledom as less attractive)

4. Apartment presents (perfect way to get all her dream dishes and kitchen appliances)

5. Reanalyzes her life (I still live with roommates/stuck in an internship/hasn't been on a vacation in years)

6. Romance is still alive, there's hope for me
7. My bf/fiance better be as sweet at my wedding as this groom!
8. Ex-boyfriend alert; dance with the hottest guy here
9. Ah yeah, I'm the hottest bridesmaid - this is my night
10. Where's my Mr. Big?
11. Umm I barely made it here on time; I'm definitely not ready to get married
12. Aw guys do have feelings
13. Stop trying to match me with a guy; I'm single not pathetic
14. That little girl better not get in my way of catching the bouquet
15. My grandma/grandpa will never see me get married
16. The only day out of the year, (besides Valentine's Day), people try making you feel bad for being single
17. Yes I'm successful and happy
18. I'm getting old!!!
19. I don't need a man I need another piece of the cake
20. She better help me at my wedding as much as I helped her
21. I don't know what to say for my speech at the reception
22. Totally worth dieting for two months prior
23. The bridesmaid dress makes me look fat in photos
24. Half the groomsmen are married...what the heck
25. I'll never find my Mr. Right!


How to make a 20/30 something woman love and enjoy YOUR wedding

1. Don't put your single girlfriends at the 'all singles table'. Mix them in with other tables. Otherwise they will feel singled out. 
2. Invite an array of age groups 
3. Put extra time into making the venue look spectacular. The place and atmosphere of the reception can be the reason for a flop or a hit
4. Organize group pictures with college/high school friends. That way they won't feel left out compared to the focus on family members
5. Try introducing people at the wedding to each other as much as possible. Especially those who only know a few people
6. Have a lot of food and alcohol. The worst thing that can happen is having leftovers!
7. Set up a table with pictures of you(bride and groom) with friends and family that are attending. That way it's not only about you and your husband but also about your relationships to the people in your life
8. Make sure everyone feels appreciated for traveling to your wedding and getting you a gift (no matter how little they spent on you)
9. Have a fun bachelorette party (don't need to go crazy but don't act like you're a nun)


*no sources were used in the making of this post, pictures from Yahoo*