http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/society/marriage/marriage-is-not-a-fairytale-wedding.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/marriage/marriage-is-not-a-fairytale-wedding.html Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The idea of getting married is favorable. However, marriage far exceeds the work that it takes to plan a fairytale wedding. A major mistake that men and women make is confusing the wedding with the marriage. Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman who have vowed to spend the rest of their lives with each other. According to those joined in Holy Matrimony, a marriage is supposed to last until “death do you part”. A wedding ceremony, on the other hand, is an event that commemorates the marriage between a husband and a wife. It can lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. Ironically, some people spend more time and money on investing in a fairytale wedding than they do on investing in the marriage itself. Anyone who has had experience with being married knows that marriage is a full-time job. At no point in time can you choose to go on vacation from being married without running the risk of losing your spouse.

A wedding ceremony is a wonderful notion. In fact, the planning phase of a wedding can draw a couple closer together. Making the decision on what type of flowers to use or picking out the perfect wedding favors can be exciting. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a fairytale wedding. The key to having a fairytale wedding is to allow your marriage to reflect what you vowed during the wedding ceremony. The divorce rate might not be as high if more people could grasp this concept.

For those of you who would like to get married or are in the process of getting married, hopefully you will be encouraged to plan your dream wedding along with taking the time to invest in your marriage. The best way to approach marriage is by learning how to be successful at being married. Premarital counseling is an effective way to educate couples in this area. As for the newlyweds who have already experienced the joy of walking down the aisle, continue to reflect on that special moment, but work hard to make your marriage last forever. You can empower your marriage by reading books, attending seminars, or going to counseling. Knowing the differences between a wedding and a marriage is a great start to a happily ever after.



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Maria Romain, creator of Academic Success Management, Inc. is an editor for HQ Wedding Favors. A family owned company that offers the most unique wedding favors that fit any budget. Find more articles on wedding ideas by visiting today.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/wonderful-gift-ideas-for-a-great-boss.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/wonderful-gift-ideas-for-a-great-boss.html Sat, 28 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
• A Puzzle Globe is a unique corporate gift. It is a fun educational desk toy that is sure to relieve your boss’s stress--one piece at a time.
• A pair of Decision Dice might be the perfect business gift for your boss. A large portion of his/her stress may stem from the inability to make decisions. It’s a great gift for the indecisive.
• A silver plated Yo-Yo would be much appreciated and therapeutic for a stressed-out boss who needs to take a time-out.

If you have the type of boss who loves games, but doesn’t have the time to play, he/she might enjoy the following gift ideas.

• A desktop Chess Set would be an ideal corporate gift for that hardworking boss who loves a challenge!
• Playing with a set of desktop Dominoes is a great alternative to a traditional coffee break.
• Your boss may enjoy taking a break to play a game of Solitaire with his/her brand new silver plated Playing Card Set.

Not every boss is worthy of gratifying accolades—not to mention a thoughtful gift. When shopping for a special boss, keep in mind that the gift should not only be practical, but it should also fit the recipient’s personality, interest or situation. An exceptional boss is difficult to find. Finding the perfect gift for him/her just got easier.


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Maria Romain is the creator of Academic Success Management, Inc. and writes for Corporate Snobs, a web-based company that offers practical business gifts. Find articles on wonderful corporate gift ideas by visiting today.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/4-ways-to-discourage-violence-in-the-workplace.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/4-ways-to-discourage-violence-in-the-workplace.html Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Defensive measures may decrease the opportunity for workplace violence. Although, it is very difficult to predict when someone may become violent, it is important to recognize that some occupations are more susceptible to violence in the workplace than others. Researchers say that health care professionals, correctional officers, social services employees, educators, public works employees, and retail workers are more likely to experience workplace violence. Violence in the workplace is most common in more stressful work environments. Target environments such as schools, hospitals, retail stores, and prisons are breeding grounds for workplace violence.

Although, it is difficult to control another person’s behavior, here are a few suggestive measures that may help discourage violent behavior in the workplace.

• Establish a written policy against workplace violence. Businesses that have not established a written policy against workplace violence may be more likely to experience a hostile work environment. It is equally as important to make employees fully aware of this written policy.

• Company Incentives. Issuing corporate awards or employee gifts may improve work habits and shun negative behavior in the workplace.

• Provide courses on Anger Management. Stress can cause some individuals to act out in anger. By providing help to such individuals, the potential for violent behavior may be minimized.

• Sponsor an Employee Appreciation Week. Some employees may become violent when they don’t feel appreciated. Feeling unappreciated can decrease work morale which can result in violent attacks. Sponsoring an “Employee Appreciation Week” can help influence positive behavior.

Workplace violence is a serious offense. Unfortunately, it is becoming more of an epidemic. Finding ways to decrease the chances of violence in the workplace is very important.


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Maria Romain is the creator of Academic Success Management, Inc. and writes for Corporate Snobs, a web-based company that offers unique corporate gifts. Find articles on wonderful business gift ideas by visiting today.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/meaningful-business-gifts-a-way-to-increase-motivation.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/meaningful-business-gifts-a-way-to-increase-motivation.html Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Giving unique corporate gifts is an excellent way to increase staff motivation. In recent years, business gifts have far exceeded the traditional coffee mug or ballpoint ink pen stamped with the company logo. We are living in an age where corporate gifts are marketed toward an individual’s taste, style, and personality. Giving personalized business gifts are an effective way of communicating much needed recognition for a job well done.

Motivational corporate gifts are great for boosting staff morale. Turn that ordinary business tote into a meaningful work of art by embossing it with a motivational or inspirational quote. Every time that hardworking employee loads his/her tote bag with work to take home, he/she will be inspired by a meaningful motivational quote. Some great examples of motivational and inspirational quotes are as follows:

• The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.-Oscar Wilde
• Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need.-Voltaire
• A champion shows who he is by what he does.- Evander Holyfield
• The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. The more I realize I don't know, the more I want to learn.-Albert Einstein
• It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.-Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Eighty percent of success is showing up.- Woody Allen
• Work is the refuge of people who have nothing better to do.-Oscar Wilde
• The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.-Donald Kendall
• Some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it-Unknown

Motivation is the key to maintaining a healthy work environment. Giving business gifts that are embossed with motivational quotes is an excellent way to encourage those hardworking employees who deserve a pat on the back.


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Maria Romain, founder of Academic Success Management, Inc. is a writer for Corporate Snobs, a web-based company that offers the most unique corporate gifts. Find more articles on wonderful business gift ideas by visiting today.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month-businesses-supporting-the-cause.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month-businesses-supporting-the-cause.html Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Companies such as Macy’s and Target are inviting their consumers to join them in the fight against breast cancer. The “Pink Ribbon Items” are sold to help support breast cancer research. These companies have agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer charities. Most items related to breast cancer awareness can be identified with a pink label or a pink ribbon. Ford Motor Company has supported breast cancer research for over 10 years by donating money and selling pink silk scarves specifically for breast cancer charities. All businesses are invited to invest in unique corporate gifts that help support breast cancer research. There are corporate gifts available that are embellished with the breast cancer awareness “pink ribbon”. Some of the other gifts are manufactured in pink and can be personalized with a monogram. These breast cancer awareness business gifts range any where from heart-shaped luggage tags to pink leather totes.

Breast cancer awareness is not limited to woman only. Men are encouraged to support the cause as well. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Even the most masculine man should rethink wearing pink when it comes to supporting a great cause.

Although, October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting the cause can be a year-round commitment. Those who are unaffected by breast cancer should help join the fight against breast cancer for their loved ones. Whether you decide to participate in an American Cancer Society sponsored walk, donate money to breast cancer charities, or invest in business gifts that help support breast cancer research, you will certainly contribute to saving someone’s life.


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Maria Romain, President and Founder of Academic Success Management, Inc. is a writer for Corporate Snobs, a web-based company that offers practical and affordable corporate gifts. Find more articles on wonderful business gift ideas by visiting today.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/9-things-a-mother-of-the-bride-should-know.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/9-things-a-mother-of-the-bride-should-know.html Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
If you are the mother of the bride, you may be wondering….what are my responsibilities and how far can I go? Can I make suggestions or run the show? If you are among the 30% of parents who flip the entire bill for the wedding, you might feel that you have 100% of the voice. If you are one of 15% who share the cost with the couple, you may be thinking you have some say. Or, maybe you're in the 32% who don’t contribute financially, you may want to offer suggestions, but feel you have no voice. Whether you are throwing an all expense paid extravagant and luxurious wedding for the engaged couple or doing your part in offering help instead of financial assistance, there is a universal responsibility for the mother of the bride.

The primary responsibility for the mother of the bride is to see that the bride’s wishes are adhered to and carried out. Keep in mind; this is not your event. The bride chooses what she likes most and you see to it that she gets it.

Let’s take a gander at your primary responsibilities:

1. The most important task in planning a wedding is deciding on a budget. If you are contributing financially, this is the first thing to do. Have a meeting with the couple and set the ground rules for the absolute highest amount you can go. The amount you present to the couple should be 10-20% less than your actual maximum. This gives you an opportunity to save a little cash or in case of an over-budget occurrence, you are actually well within budget.

2. Assist the bride in choosing her wedding attire. It is okay to give suggestions for wedding party favors and wedding party gifts, but, leave these options for the couple to make a decision on. If you find that your ‘suggestions’ have turned into demands, you may want to step back a bit and let the bride make her wedding her way.

3. Contact the mother of the bride if she hasn’t contacted you first.

4. Once the budget is set, assist in putting together a guest list. See to it that the invitations are ordered as soon as possible.

5. Once the bride has finalized a color, choose your gown for the wedding day. Contact the mother of the groom to inform her of the color or theme. A suggestion is to meet over brunch to exchange a swatch of material. This is a good way to break the ice before the wedding day.

6. Out-of-town guests who are invited by the bride’s family are the responsibility of the mother of the bride. Make sure all reservations are made. It is a good idea to reserve a block of rooms at a hotel near the home or location of the wedding. It would be inconvenient to reserve rooms at a hotel outside of the area unless it’s the guests’ suggestions.

7. Before the wedding day, work closely with the wedding coordinator/planner to be sure the instructions for the ceremony is understood and can be performed. This includes, seating arrangements, receiving line, entrance/exit of the wedding party and guests.

8. In the actual ceremony, your responsibility is to follow your escort, or give your bride away along with her father if she chooses this ritual. This may also include the lighting of the family candles along with the mother of the groom. This is generally done prior to the entrance of the wedding party.

9. At the reception, your responsibility is to sit back, relax and have a great time!

The best way to describe your role is ‘assistant’ to the bride. You may want to meet with the Maid of Honor to be sure that your assistance is not overbearing her responsibilities. Don’t stress yourself and take on all the responsibilities. Be sure to let the bride know what tasks you will take and your plans in carrying them out. Be mindful of her wishes, however. If she delegates tasks to others that you feel you have the ultimate responsibility to overtake, just let her delegate. In the end, you may find that less work is in your favor.


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For more interesting articles, wedding favor and wedding party gift ideas visit www.hqweddingfavors.com . Ask our expert for quick and easy answers.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/corporate-gifts-an-excellent-way-to-close-a-deal.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/corporate-gifts-an-excellent-way-to-close-a-deal.html Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
A corporate wine basket may be more effective in luring a client into doing business with you. Not only is it not your everyday promotional gift, but it’s something that your potential client might enjoy if he/she is a wine drinker. Wine corporate gifts may not be the best alternative for all customers. So, you might consider giving your soon-to-be client a leather business card case with your business card inside. That’s a clever way of telling your prospective consumer that you are serious about doing business with them.

Corporate gift giving is also essential for existing clients. Not only will this serve as a thoughtful gesture, but it may also increase your chances of working with this client again. For example, if you are a residential real-estate agent, you might consider bringing a corporate housewarming gift basket to the closing. Presenting your client with a business gift at the closing may even encourage the client to refer you to others for future business. Not only will it keep your client coming back, but it may also generate more business from others in the future. Now, that’s a two-fold reward.

It’s very important to keep the customer happy in this highly competitive business world. The key to a happy customer is letting them know that their business is appreciated. Corporate gift giving is not only valuable to the consumer, but to the business as well. Business gifts are a small investment for a profitable outcome.


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Maria Romain, President and Founder of Academic Success Management, Inc. is a writer for Corporate Snobs, a web-based company that offers practical and affordable corporate gifts. Find more articles on wonderful business gift ideas by visiting today.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/wedding-favors-that-have-changed-years-of-tradition.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/wedding-favors-that-have-changed-years-of-tradition.html Sat, 23 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Swoosh…swoosh…swoosh. Swoosh…swoosh…swoosh. Rice throwing has been associated with joining a couple together in matrimony since Roman times. It later evolved into a wedding tradition in which guests showered the happy couple with rice to represent fertility. In more modern times, throwing rice at the bride and groom has been strongly discouraged due to some of the potential dangers. Rice becomes very slippery when wet, which poses a hazard to individuals walking along the sidewalk. Rumors have also been spread throughout the wedding industry which suggests that rice throwing is hazardous to birds’ health.

Today, the traditions of clinging glasses and rice throwing are still recognized, but in different forms. As a substitute for clinging glasses, some brides have placed small silver-plated bell wedding party favors at each place setting at the reception. The guests can get the bride and groom’s attention by ringing the bells in unison. At the pleasant sound of the ringing bells, the bride and groom will consent to kissing each other. This alternative is both convenient and versatile because the bell wedding favors also serve as place card holders. Rice throwing is often substituted by blowing bubbles at the bride and groom. Blowing bubbles is not only safe, but it is fun too. Wedding favor bubbles come in many unique styles which will add a decorative touch to any reception.

Although modern times have slightly altered years of tradition, the idea behind these ancient practices still exists.


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Maria Romain, founder of Academic Success Management, Inc. is a writer for HQ Wedding Favors. An exceptional company that offers the most unique wedding favors that fit any budget. Find more articles on exceptional wedding favor ideas by visiting today.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/silver-wedding-favors-add-a-little-flair-to-your-event.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/silver-wedding-favors-add-a-little-flair-to-your-event.html Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Silver wedding favors are the perfect accent to any occasion. Since the turn of the new millennium, silver has grown more popular than in times past. There are a variety of silver party favors that will compliment the theme of any wedding, bridal shower, or any other special occasion. You may ask, why silver? Consider the fact that silver is defined as a soft white lustrous transition metal and it has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. Although, all silver wedding favors are not made of pure silver, they still make a wonderful addition to any occasion.

With that said, silver wedding favors are a great alternative because they are subtle, elegant, and they are full of energy (energy is vital for any party). Such favors will add a little flair to your event without overshadowing the rest of your décor. Silver doesn’t have the tendency to clash with other colors and it certainly will fall in line with almost any theme. Let’s look at a few options that are elegant, unique, and practical.

• Personalized silver tealights
• Silver heart-shaped cookie cutters
• Silver heart-shaped tea infusers
• Silver plated bell place card holders
• Silver traditional mint tins

In keeping up with the times, make your event a memorable one. Silver party favors are practical and are sure to leave an everlasting impression on your special occasion. After all, your event favors will serve as a lasting memory of the special time that your guests shared with you.

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For more in more interesting articles and silver wedding favor ideas, visit hqweddingfavors.com. This article is compliments of Academic Success Management services.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/5-ways-to-make-your-bridal-shower-memorable-and-unique.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/5-ways-to-make-your-bridal-shower-memorable-and-unique.html Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500
• Cut out for Love- Invite close family and friends to bring their best cookie recipes for the bride-to-be. During the shower each person can exchange recipes. Allow time to bake a few batches of cookies that day for dessert. As a special way of thanking your guests, give each attendee a set of heart-shaped cookie cutters to take home with them.

• Girl’s Night Out- Host the perfect girl’s night out. Ask your girlfriends to share helpful advice about love and relationships. Make it an overnight event, if possible. This will be your last chance to spend the evening at a slumber party! Don’t let your girlfriends leave without giving them a glamour girl lipstick pen to remember your special occasion.

• Love is Brewing- Throw an intimate tea party for your close family and friends. Allow your guests to bring their favorite tea(s) to share. Give your guests a heart-shaped tea infuser to remember your special day.

• Quotes of Love- Invite each guest to share there favorite “Love quote”. Allow everyone to write their quote in a journal for you to read in years to come. Send each guest home with a miniature “Quotes of Love” book as a special keepsake.

• The Perfect Pair- Invite couples to attend your bridal shower. You are sure to be the talk of the town. Assign each couple a famous television pair to portray. They are to be referred to as that couple during the length of the shower. Each pair will take turns acting out a scene from the TV show. This will be loads of fun! Send each couple home with a pair of salt and pepper shakers as your token of appreciation.

The key to hosting a memorable and unique bridal shower is to select a theme that fits the bride’s personality. The theme should fall in line with the type of guests you are inviting. Lastly, give your guests a bridal shower favor that reflects the theme of the shower. Your guests will be sure to remember the great time that they had!

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For more interesting articles, tip and ideas, visit HQ Wedding Favors today!This article is compliments of Maria Romain, founder of Academic Success Management, Inc. and chief editor for HQ Wedding Favors.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>