Pre-marriage prep from the Eskimos

I'd just like to share this, read about this from a book on wedding traditions around the world.

Did you know that Eskimos have a pre-wedding custom that is very practical and admirable?

For Eskimo couples who want to wed, the groom is required to either 1) stay at the bride-to-be's home and live with her family for a year. Or 2) he can send in advance a year's supply of food for the family.

I am particularly impressed with the wisdom behind no. 1. The reason for this custom is for the family to truly get to know the groom. It also lets the groom try how to be a family member with his bride's family. In parenthesis, the bride and groom also get to see each other in the true light of how it is to stay in one home. They will see how each one copes with family concerns, whether these be happy or problematic times. And since they are staying with the bride's family that can "supervise" them, it can be considered as "family life in training wheels".

I admire how this practice helps view potential marriage partners in a realistic light.

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Announcement: Some of our designs now have S, M, L and XL for infants. Please do drop by our store if you need infant flower girl dresses or party dresses for baby.

Wedding Sitters?

Wedding idea: If you foresee having a lot of children in the wedding party and want your adult guests to mingle more, why not get some trusted and (willing) people to play and coordinate the children's activities?

You can have a small area cordoned off especially for your special little guests. Arrange to have cushions or comfortable seating ready. Prepare some games or activities, such as wedding coloring materials to keep them occupied. Your wedding sitters can coordinate the kids' activities so that the children will enjoy themselves, as their parents celebrate your happy day with you.

Children often get bored as weddings lengthen on. Having wedding sitters around to help makes partying up to the end of your reception easier (and more fun) for the kids, their parents and you.

Neat Wedding Idea

One very cheap and practical wedding idea is to print out wedding coloring pages for your little guests! This way you get to divert their attention and at least pacify them for a while and at the same time giving the parents a chance to mingle with other guests and truly enjoy the event.

To spice it up a bit, you can even make it as a coloring contest and announce the winner during or after the reception.

Unique and affordable ideas can make your dream day perfect!

One of these Attendants are not like the other...

Did you know ...

The custom of having bridesmaids all wearing similar dresses started from the need to have bride decoys at the wedding?

In the olden days, brides were far and few in between. Abduction of brides were a common event.

To prevent this, attendants of the bride wore similar dresses as the brides, and all are heavily veiled to throw kidnappers off as to who is the real bride.

These days, since kidnappings of brides are uncommon (and a crime, no less), there is no need for bridesmaids to dress alike.

Bridesmaids are now given the option to choose what style of dress they want to wear, as long as they have their bridesmaid dress in the same color and fabric as the wedding theme.

I don't know if there are brides out there that still require their bridesmaids to all dress alike. People may think of these pretty ladies wearing the same cut, color and fabric of dress -- not as bridesmaids -- but as the church choir instead? Just kidding :-)

Flower Girl Keepsake Box

Flower girls have a special role in your wedding. She is the one that will happily strew your path with flowers as you walk towards your groom. Other than this, with your flower girl all pretty in her special dress and pretty flowers, your guests will also ooh-ah this special little member of your wedding party (and maybe even get a few pinched cheeks, ouch.). She should indeed get a special token of thank you from you and your groom for attending your wedding.

If you really want to say a special thank you for a special girl, why not present your appreciation in a box especially embellished for her? She will feel doubly special if she sees she has a box different from what the adults received. It can contain items or trinkets that she will enjoy after the wedding. If the box is pretty, maybe the box can be used to store some of her own special trinkets as she grows. Who knows? Maybe the box will outlast all the items you will place inside!

To make your flower girl her keepsake box, do prepare the following in advance.

1. Compile the items you want to get your flower girl. It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy. Ask her parents for stuff she will be delighted in, and in the process get clearance from the parents if you intend to give your flower girl something of value.

Some stuff you can get are : a little stuffed animal, books, pens, a small bag, little girl's accessories, maybe a dress(?) if you like. Some couples pick children's jewelry, like a pearl bracelet, or simple earrings. Include a small picture frame in your shopping.

2. Take her picture doing fittings, the dinner rehearsal. Place the photo in the picture frame if you want to give the box on the day of the wedding itself. If you want to send her a framed photo after the wedding, it's your call.

3. If your items are already complete, get a box that will fit all the items you will give. If you are artistically inclined, embellish the box with buttons, ribbons, craft decor and the like. Don't forget to put her name in big, bold bling so she'll know the box is especially for her. If you just like to get a pre-made pretty box, that is fine too.

4. Write a letter of thank you for her before the wedding.

5. Line the box with pretty tissue, tulle, maybe even add scented potpourri for an extra special touch. Place all the items in, including the thank you note.

6. Arrange for your wedding help to have the box available along with the other thank you presents.

If feel an embellished box isn't your thing, you can do the same but place items in a special, girly bag. It is easier to carry around after the wedding party. She can even use the bag later on for other activities.

Whatever container or trinkets you get, surely your little flower girl will enjoy receiving an extra treat, besides the thrill of dressing up for a wedding.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoeses

Remember how, in our little girl years, we used to feel something wasn't right when we had to dress up for a party and had to wear our school shoes? Especially for those who had to wear sturdy black shoes to school, this could pose a problem when wearing a white or pink party dress. For a little girl, black school shoes with a pretty dress just doesn't feel... right.

As moms now, if our little girl is to attend a formal event, and the budget can allow for some dress shoes, why not get some special footwear that can be used for party dresses?

Here are some types of dress shoes that little girls typically wear for special occassions. The materials commonly used for little girl's dress shoes are satin, velvet and patented leather.

• Mary janes. Mary janes are the classic little girl shoes with a strap or two across the foot. My practical guess for this style being so classic is that mary jane shoes will rarely fall off or be left behind. Thus, it is also an ideal shoe for toddlers and babies. Mary janes these days come in a lot of styles and colors. Some have varying heel heights. For your little girl to be comfortable, pick the no/ low heeled style. Wear with socks or stockings.
  
• Flats. Girly flat shoes are oh-so-pretty and perfect for partying. Littler girls can wear flat shoes as long as these fit snugly. When these are embellished with pretty bows, flowers or faux gems, flat shoes can be worn for weddings, recitals, etc.
  
• Ballerina flats. Lightweight, flat shoes with tiny straps across, yes, looking like ballet shoes (only sturdy enough for wearing outside the dance studio) can also be worn for formal parties, depending on material and design. These kinds of shoes are very comfortable for young girls because of its weight.
• Sandals are shoes that expose a lot of the feet. Can be strappy and have some heels. Sandals can be worn with formal dresses depending on the season, design of the shoe, and material used.
  
• Wedges - Wedge shoes have heels from under the heel part, extending to the middle part of the shoes. Depending on the season and the design of the shoe, wedges can be worn with a party dress. Just keep the heel low for comfort
• Kitten heels - are shoes with 1-2 inch heels. Your tween and young teen may like to wear kitten heels when attending weddings, recitals, and other formal occasssions.

Remember to pick shoes that are both pretty AND comfortable. Formal occassions are happy times and should not be ruined by whining cries of painful feet.

Wow, i never thought our hard-wire to shoes as adult women may have started during our little girl years. There are so many pretty dress shoes to choose from, it is a guarantee your little girl will like wearing it with her party dress.

Brave Girls Wear Chinese Dress

Does your little girl like wearing her Cheung Sam/ Qi Pao?

Who can blame her? This traditional Chinese dress is certainly very elegant.

Not only is it widely used for formal parties, but is constantly used for media characters that kids will easily recognize in anime series and even video games. Maybe it's because the Cheung Sam says strong and brave girls can still be very feminine. Plus, maybe these Chueng Sam slits, when cut high, makes it easier for our girls to kick ...umm... shins.

Here are some brave girls that like using the Cheong Sam:

Sakura from Naruto

Shampoo from Ranma 1/2


Wang Liu Mei from Gundam 00

Chi Chi from Dragon Ball Z

Ten Ten from Naruto Shippuden

For your lovable little tomboy who you can't convince to wear this traditional Chinese dress, maybe she cab be can coaxed by telling her a lot of brave girls also wear the Qi Pao (and still manage to look nice). Maybe your little girl will agree to wear a Cheung Sam dress pants set instead, like Ten Ten above. Just remind her no carrying of "weapons" (like these girls do) when she is wearing her Cheong Sam.

Chinese Classical Dancer Paralyzed

At the Olympic Games, right before it China's most famous Classical Dancer, Liu Yan had an accident and was paralyzed.

Still Dancing in Her Dreams- NY Times.

One of Li Yan's dances from youtube. Just beautiful! She's wearing a QiPao, but so stylish!

Wedding plan suggestions

Every woman dreams of her wedding day and of course we try our best to make it happen. But most often than not, after the dream wedding the couple end up in debt. Luckily, there are ways to make a dream wedding happen without spending too much(or you don't spend at all), here's a few tips you might want to consider:

* One of the best way to make your wedding day special is to write your own vows-make it personal and more intimate by putting your own words as you profess your love to your partner in the presence of God, your family and friends.

* Take care of the essentials first and when there's extra budget, you can opt for 'other' services

* RSVP your guest so you'll have a clear head count for your food budget

* Plan ahead of time so you'll be able to score discounts from wedding suppliers

* Do-it-yourself projects (invitations, save the dates, thank you cards, flower arrangments, etc)

* Scour the internet for sales on your entourage's dresses and accessories (flower girl's dress, wedding accessories)

*Lastly, don't stress too much on your planning. Take a deep breath and enjoy it.

Poem for a Mother

My Miracle Mother Mom, I look at you
and see a walking miracle.
Your unfailing love without limit,
your ability to soothe my every hurt,
the way you are on duty, unselfishly,
every hour, every day,
makes me so grateful
that I am yours, and you are mine.
With open arms and open heart,
with enduring patience and inner strength,
you gave so much for me,
sometimes at your expense.
You are my teacher,
my comforter, my encourager,
appreciating all, forgiving all.
Sometimes I took you for granted, Mom,
but I don’t now, and I never will again.
I know that everything I am today
relates to you and your loving care.
I gaze in wonder
as I watch you being you—
my miracle, my mother.
By Joanna Fuchs

Mother's Day is coming!

The time of the year wherein we give honor to all Mothers is fast approaching. That's why Elitedresses offers the best sale on Girl's beautiful lilac sleeveless formal dress, Girl's beautiful Burgundy Empire Waist sleeveless formal dress and Girl's beautiful Champagne Empire Waist sleeveless formal dress!

Come and visit our online store for more Mother's Day Sale promo!

Understanding First Communion

Being a Roman Catholic, preparing for a child's First Communion is a lot of work both for the parents and the pastor. There's more to a First Communion than pretty white dresses and family party. It is about understanding the reason for partaking in a Holy Sacrament and reliving the essence of it.

Traditionally, young Catholic children will do their first confession or the Sacrament of Penance a week before receiving their First Communion. The child will then do a penance for the sins confessed which are prayers that will be recited immediately after the confession. Of course proper understanding of the Sacrament is needed before the child is deemed ready in receiving the Holy Communion.

Did you know that we are supposed to fast an hour before partaking the body and blood of Christ? That means we should not eat before celebrating Mass.

Church Crowns - Glorious Hats for Easter

Church crowns,' glorious hats for Easter and beyond - LA Times.

Some beautiful hats to go with an Easter Dress.

Beautiful pictures!

Indian Men Living in U.S. Strike Out

Indian Men Living in U.S. Strike Out - WSJ.

Parents in India per the article are worried that Indian Men in the US are not such good economic bets due to the economic downturn in the US. It appears there is still a lot of arranged marriages in India.

Easter Colors

Did you know that there are colors of Easter? And each color represents something. Basically, the light and brighter ones represent God’s love to us and the darker ones represent our sins. If you’re starting to be curios, read on…

Pink symbolizes fresh beginnings as what God’s promised salvation is.

Purple it is said that purple is associated to God’s royalty. This color signifies wealth.

Orange like the sun starting to break the dawn, it gives hope.

Yellow brings joy like the start of a new day.

Green symbolizes the color of life.

Red signifies the blood of Chris that He was so willing to shed to save mankind. This color is associated with love and sacrifice.

White symbolizes purity of heart

Black signifies the sins that we’ve committed

These Easter colors could be your basis in choosing which easter dress is perfect for your child.

Vietnamese Sandwiches Updated!

Building on Layers of Tradition - NY Times.

An article about some new variations on the Vietnamese Sandwich, which is known as the Banh Mi.

Locally, I like mr baguettesandwiches, but some people do like Lee's Sandwiches. Bánh Mì & Chè Cali is very Vietnamese and has some neat deserts.

So when your little Princess is wearing her Ao Dai's, the Vietnamese Dress, I suggest pick up some Banh Mi.

Eggs-citing Facts about Eggs

There’s the eternal question: Which came first, the egg or the chicken?
If you’re a Christian you believe that chickens came first as stated on the Christian Bible (Genesis 1:19-20). If you’re from a different religion, you might have other answers but in the science of evolution, historians agreed that both chickens and eggs came first before man meaning, there’s no one around to record the beginning of chickens and eggs.
Whatever your answer is, one thing is for sure both of them are important because one cannot survive without the other- there won’t be any chicken if there’s no egg, there’s no egg if there’s no chicken.

Did you know that there’s a place in Julian, California called Hardscrambled Trail? And there’s a city in New Jersey called Egg Harbor? I wonder if they have over production of eggs there.

Over production or not, China might as well be called an EGGY COUNTRY since they consume eight times more eggs than in 1997. That’s 25 dozens of large eggs per person per year or 304 large eggs per person per year. Now, it makes you wonder how can Chinese women manage to stay slim and fit on those beautiful Chinese Dresses?

Easter is definitely for little girls!

Do you remember the Easter celebrations when you were younger?
Your mother must have made you the best easter dress which you happily wore and got all sorts of complement from it. Now, it’s your time to make Easter special for your little girl.
But we all know that today’s different than yesterday; you might be too busy juggling work and household chores that you barely have time for yourself much more make a dress for your daughter. Luckily getting pretty easter dresses are easier nowadays since you can choose among the easter dresses collections in the comforts of your own home.
And the good part is, you don’t have to spend good amount of money for it.

Give your child the best easter memories and let her wear the prettiest dress ever!

The Hunt is ON: Where to find Easter Dresses for your Princess

The Easter Bunny is gearing for the perfect Easter Celebration and you should too. By this time, you may have a long list of things to do in the coming weekend but before you hunt for easter eggs, start hunting for the easter dress for your child! Take advantage of the Easter Sale and dress your child to impress her friends and yours as well! You can do all this without spending too much.

As the economy is hard, it is just practical to invest on dresses that your child can use for several occasions because of its functionality. There are child dresses that have removable designs so that you can achieve a different look. The key is to look for easter dresses that are made of fabric that’s comfortable and will last long.

And you can choose among the child dresses in this collection.

Easter is coming!

So soon, yes.

Besides going to church, why not have some easter fun at home with your family and friends?

You and your sibling's or friends' families can all go to church together. Maybe someone can host a simple breakfast after church? The kids can play some easter games after, or color pictures or watch a fun video. The adults can wind down with coffee and tea. It will be a nice together-time for a Sunday morning.

If you haven't done that before, it will be fun to try it now. Easter is about new beginnings, after all. It could be a start of a regular get-together time that your kids will fondly remember later on.

For those who have been real busy and have not yet taken the time to get their little girl a special easter dress, we have pretty dresses in pink, lilac and pretty light green. There are more dresses in our site, so please see the selection of pastel dresses.

There are only a few days left before easter, so maybe now is the good time for that last minute order. We still have shipping time to consider :-).