How Mom Meddled In My Wedding Plans

Hi, Mom, look at my new engagement ring! Marie, twenty years old, was full of life, attractive in a cute sort of way with layered medium length dark brown hair, expressive green eyes and a girlish figure. When she came home with the one caret engagement ring at Christmastime, her Mother was singing along to a Christmas Musical on television.

Marie showed off her shapely figure by wearing tight jeans and frilly peasant-style tops. She wore a fashionable look. As she leaned down to pick up her Mom's dishes, she felt especially attractive with her new diamond ring.

I'll have to start wearing a good bra and a little touch of makeup now that I'm more grown up, she thought.

Mom glanced at the ring. I think you should see other boyfriends.

There were no more chances for Marie. She used them all up. Mom told her so. She thought about how her Mother always told her to try her best at tasks and that would get her through life and all its trials. Now her Mother treated her differently.

By summertime of senior year, Kevin had kept Marie out all hours of the night a few times and they had even had relations in the car. Her Mom had scolded her harshly for the first and only time that summer because she had worn short-shorts and kissed a guy at the front gate before she met Kevin. She wanted to settle down and forget about what happened the first summer without her Dad to watch out for her. She felt that marriage protected a woman from harm. Her siblings went to college and were busy with their own lives. They had very few parties like the sacramental parties they had when her Dad was alive. He was pretty religious. She missed the stability she had when he was alive. He had given her a curfew and been a strict disciplinarian.

She was the youngest of five siblings. Her Mother had gone to work fulltime at a bank when she was a high school freshman. Her Father had died during Thanksgiving weekend of her sophomore year.

Marie and Kevin had decided to become intimate together last week

When are we going to get married, Kevin? she had asked him that same night.

Let's wait until you go to Katherine Gibbs School this year because you could change when you go there.

. I love Kevin, Mom. He's the man I really want to marry. She had already met his parents, and they loved her.

Don't ask me what to do because you do what you want to do anyway.

Can I have a trousseau during my engagement?

No. Mom kept watching the show like it was the most interesting thing she had ever seen. She hadn't bonded as well with Marie and had returned to work part-time when she was four years old.

You don't love me like you do the others.

Every parent has favorites even if they don't admit it. I love all of you though.

Mom would cry when Marie made her homemade cards and crafts. She was very touched by her sweetness.

I only wanted the first two children, but the Catholic Church did not allow birth control.

Kevin said when we marry he wants two children. I want to have three. I believe in birth control. I want my children to feel loved.

Marie went upstairs and began to undress and get ready for bed. She knew she had already given her greatest gift to Kevin, the gift of herself. She worried that her Mom wanted her to see other boyfriends. She felt she really loved Kevin and that she needed to marry him because he promised her a future. Her Mom and brothers did not really have much to do with her. Kevin went cycling and played paddle ball with her and taught her to drive a standard transmission Volkswagen Beetle. They got the car windows all steamed up while kissing in the car. It always started out innocently as they sang to songs like I Can't Live Without You while driving to Shore Road so Marie could practice driving where there was little traffic. Once Kevin pulled over to an area called Lover's Lane, and they had accidentally stayed out a little late. One time a lone driver parked and caught Marie's eyes as he made indecent motions at his driver's side window. She was so scared because she had never seen anything like this before.

I want to go right home. Kevin complied, and they were both uneasy the rest of the drive home. They didn't discuss her worries very well. No one did help her with that. Her older sister, Nadine, went to therapy because she had a breakdown at nineteen, and Marie had confided in Kevin. He said he had an aunt who had mental health problems and wasn't worried about it. We're both fine, Marie.

Aren't you worried there might be something wrong with our kids?

Not at all. I love you and am sure they'll be fine. He parked the car and pulled her close to him. His moist, warm lips parted as he gazed into her eyes. He pulled her head toward him as he gave her a passionate kiss. She didn't want the night to end.

I hate to leave you, but you need to go to school tomorrow so we can get through this time and marry next October. If your schooling is going well, I think that would be a good time to plan to get married.

Oh, Can we?! That would be great!

Months passed by during which Kevin encouraged Marie to study hard so that they could get married soon. There was a whirlwind of dinners at the nearby Chinese restaurant or pizza out after a movie on an occasional Friday night. She fell back into the habit of going to Sunday church by herself or with her friends. She told herself that she was not committing any serious sins because she was engaged and soon would be married.

That Spring She went to Dr. Cavanaugh, a gynecologist, and asked for birth control. He told her she seemed like a mature young lady, and discussed birth control options with her. She chose the diaphragm to use when she married. She knew that Kevin said, If you get pregnant, we'll marry earlier, but she wanted the wedding that her Mom now was planning with her. There would be a Nuptial mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, followed by a reception of one hundred relatives with a band and a bar cart. They would honeymoon at Cove Haven in the Pocono's, Pennsylvania, for one week.

One Saturday in April, her sister, Nadine and friend, Judy, told her they wanted her to go with them to see a movie. When they returned home, there was a wonderful bridal shower just for her. Her relatives brought gifts of towels and other lovely things, and her Mom gave her a romantic and lacey, white lingerie set! She began to look forward to the wedding as she had for her to go to her high school prom. She shopped with her for a wedding dress the next day and treated her to a lunch at Abraham & Straus.

I look forward to a lovely wedding and reception, Marie. I know you worked hard to graduate early this May so you could work and pay for your wedding and furniture, so I'll help pay for these two things. You and Kevin can work on paying for your honeymoon.

There were one hundred people at the reception, many of whom had made it to at least part of the wedding. Marie sang We've Only Just Begun, and danced the Polka with her Uncle Vinny after dancing the first dance with Kevin. The couple jokingly tried to shove great big bites of cake in one another's mouths. They left with the wedding party to take pictures briefly.

I want one pose on Kevin's lap, she told the photographer.

That's a good one. I'll have to add that to my usual poses.

As they drove away to their honeymoon in the limousine waving goodbye, they kissed again passionately for the photographer. He dropped them off at her Mother's house, and they quickly changed and took their suitcases and headed to Cove Haven.

There they had lots of food, music, breakfast in bed with a fireplace in their honeymoon suite, and dining and dancing to a band at night.

The next morning they were ecstatic to find that it was snowing outside so they lit the fireplace and enjoyed breakfast in our room. When they enjoyed solitude until their heart's content. They went for swims in the indoor pool with the trees and glass surrounding it.

Later they sat around and looked at all the pictures of them as teenagers that they took during their whirlwind romance that last high school year and summer. Life was so much fun when there was mystery in photographs and fullness in her life and not explicit sex!

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Costa Rica Gourmet Coffee Drinks

Drinks you can make with Costa Rica coffee and gourmet coffee drinks.

If you are in search of some amazing recipes of Gourmet coffee, this is the place you belong. We are presenting some of the most mouth watering recipes of Gourmet coffee from Costa Rica. It may be a meal in the afternoon or a dessert at night, nothing can be a better option than the gourmet coffee dishes. Here are the recipes for you:

Please note that all these recipes are for 16 ounce coffee-cups and you should use foamed milk boiled at 160 degree Fahrenheit.

Latte:

It?s a real easy one. Only two easy steps lead to a wonderful cup of latte. Fill the cup with milk, and add two shots of espresso. That?s it; serve it with a thick topping of foamed milk.

Caramel-Macchiato:

This is the hotty of the gourmet coffee dishes. Fill ? of the 16 ounce coffee cups with milk and add 0.25 ounce vanilla-syrup to it. Stir it well, now put in two shots of espresso. This delightful recipe tastes best with toppings of foamed milk and caramel sauce.

The same dish can be served in a different way. You can also add some crushed ice to it for providing a variation to the taste. This is called Ice Caramel-Macchiato.

Mocha

Mocha tops the dessert menu of most of the Costa Rican restaurants. You need to follow some simple steps for making the perfect cup of mocha. Pour the milk into the coffee-cup keeping a gap of ? inch; add two shots of espresso to it. Now there is the real trick, add 2oz of mocha syrup to the mixture. The mocha is ready for serving; serve it with a topping of whipped cream. Like the Caramel-Macchiato, Mocha can be also served with ice. However, both forms of ?Mocha? are equally popular among the admirers of gourmet coffee.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Boake Moore is an IT solutions salesman by trade and also founded a non profit coffee company called Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee -http://www.missiongrounds.com/ourphilosophy.php - the church coffee. It donates all its profits and proceeds to helping orphans and impoverished children. Helping orphans , the church coffee - www.missiongrounds.com/ourchildren.php can be found at Krogers and many churches. And its also the finest Tarrazu coffee coming from the volcanic area of Costa Rica coffee. www.missiongrounds.com

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10 Tips To Prevent Decorating Mistakes

Has the fear of decorating has overwhelmed you? Even if you have never held a paint roller or repositioned a sofa, take comfort. These tips will empower you and engage your creative gene.

1) The first rule is to be familiar with the space you will be decorating

Grab a pencil, tape measure, and graph paper and make a scale layout of the rooms perimeter. Even if you possess excellent spatial relational abilities, this is recommended because the best visual remembrances fail against the reality of a scaled drawing in front of you.

With the representation of the room, it is possible to determine the sizes of furniture you have or that you wish to purchase.

2) Making a checklist helps

Shopping for decorating supplies? Writing a list now will save you frustration later. Even if you do not purchase everything, check off what you get as you get it. Keep those paint chips, fabric samples and flooring swatches with you to coordinate with furniture, lighting and accessories, whether shopping online or in a brick and mortar store.

3) Establish a budget range

The guidelines of a budget save not only your wallet but sometimes your relationship. If you choose to splurge, at least you do so intentionally.

4) Walls and floors are your frame

Consider the floor and walls as your frame. Pay attention to the colors and coverings of your frame. As you decorate within this canvas, remember that this frame unifies your decorating, so it is most the logical place to start.

5) Lighting can set a mood

With the lighting possibilities today, you can set a mood in every room. Specialty glass, bulbs, dimmer switches and modules are available for everyones decorating style and budget.

6) Create interest

Stretch your decorating dollar and maybe your decorating comfort zone by mixing colors, textures and patterns. Take cues from pictures in magazines or displays in stores. Adapt ideas from design shows and make them your own.

7) Sense of style

Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, or modern, decorate with your personal sense of style. Be bold not intimidated by mixing period pieces. Eclectic style works provided proportion, color, pattern and texture appear harmonious.

8) Research products

Happy consumers are those who do their homework before they buy. You may be a buyer instead of a shopper, but you would reap the rewards of some time spent learning more about the products you use to decorateespecially big-ticket items.

9) Balance and scale work together

When you look at the positioning of elements in your room and something hits a discord in you, chances are proportions clash. Getting the balance and scale right takes some practice. Again, take cues from other resources.

10) Use space effectively

It is eminently helpful to make scaled cutouts of the furniture and position all the pieces to your liking within your scale drawing. Gather large pieces to make the most of a focal point. Arrange some informal seating areas.

Now that you know these tips, youre ready to begin. Decorate yourself happy!

By: Jessica Ackerman

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A Man's Guide to Buying Lingerie for his Lady

Most men know nothing about picking out lingerie, which is understandable
because it can be confusing. What type of lingerie to buy, what size, what color
- how is a man to know? Here is a little guide to help you when choosing
lingerie for that special someone.





There are a few things to consider before you go out. What does she like?
Remember that you will not be wearing this - she will and you should go out with
the intent on getting something she will like. If she is not into lacey, tiny,
see-through teddies, chances are if you buy that, she will not be in much of a
mood to wear it and you may never see it. So keep what she likes in mind.


If you do not know, check out her nightgown/lingerie drawer before you leave.
Check for material type (cotton, silk, etc.), colors, and most importantly,
size. She may be flattered if she wears a large and you get her a small, but if
she wears a small and you buy her a large, you may find yourself in trouble.
Avoid anything that says control on the label. Those items are used to firm
and flatten tummys and rears and she would probably not appreciate receiving
them as a gift.


Another thing to remember is if the store offers to wrap the lingerie let
them. Dainty lingerie will look better in their wrapping than if you wrap it in
the paper left over from your cousin's birthday. Presentation is part of the
package with lingerie. Also, if you are uncomfortable in the store, check out
online stores that sell lingerie. You can always start at Victoria's Secret, but
most major department stores like Macys and Nordstroms also sell lingerie. Final
note - remember to keep your receipt just in case it is the wrong style, size,
or color.


Now, what type of lingerie is available? Just about anything you can think
of! Ask yourself what the occasion is. Is this to let her know you love her? If
so, something crotchless or see-through probably will not send that message.
But, if it is for Valentine's Day or your anniversary, something a little more
risqu? might be appreciated. Bras alone have
many different styles including push up, plunge, gel filled, padded, under wire,
seamless, backless, strapless, open cup, and unpadded.


If you are purchasing a bra and panty set, always check out what she has in
her drawer beforehand and definitely make note of the size - of both the bra and
panties. Most places sell at least one pair of panties that match each bra, but
some will sell several so you can mix and match. It will help to know what type
of panties she likes to wear too - thongs, briefs, or high cut bikini.


When it comes to sleepwear, it can be just as confusing. One type of
sleepwear is babydoll pajamas. They usually have very thin straps, a plunging V
neckline, and are very short with matching panties. You will find most of these
made out of silk or satin, materials that always make a woman feel good about
herself. But, if she feels her breasts are too big or too small, or thinks her
stomach is too big, you might want to avoid babydoll pajamas.


There are slips and chemises. Similar to the babydoll pajamas, these are a
little longer and a little better at concealing problem areas such as breasts,
butt or stomach. They too are usually made of silk or satin.


Gowns are full-length versions of the babydoll. Many are see-through or lacey
and can help put your woman in the mood. Babydolls, slips, chemises, and gowns
may also come with a robe.


A pajama set might not sound too sexy, but if it is silky, and buttons up the
front, it can make your woman feel very sexy, especially if she is a plus size
(size 18 or larger). Boxer sets have become very popular lately. The tops are
tight, with thin straps and usually a V neckline, although there are boxer sets
with normal t-shirt tops.


If you are really looking for lingerie to spice up your love life, take a
look at Frederick's of Hollywood (available online). They have been selling sexy
lingerie for over 50 years. They have a wide variety of garter belts, bustiers,
corsets, teddies (similar to the babydoll, but one piece), crotchless panties,
and fishnet stockings - items that may not be available at many stores that sell
lingerie.


What type of lingerie you should get your love depends a lot on her
self-esteem. Many big woman love sexy little teddies, but some will shy away
from them, for fear of exposing too much of themselves. Most stores sell
lingerie in plus sizes, which are a little less revealing. If she is really
athletic, a boxer set might be something she would like. Thin women will look
good in anything, but especially teddies, corsets, and babydolls.


When shopping for lingerie, try to keep in mind what she likes. If you
purchase something similar to the lingerie she already has and in colors you
know she likes, it will probably make her happy. But, keep the receipt just in
case!
About the Author

Jessica Valentine is a successful writer and publisher interested in women's apparel providing valuable tips and advice on finding sexy lingerie, lingerie fit, and lingerie buying guides for men. http://www.sexy-lingerie-for-her.net

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Low Carb is High Dumb

Low carbohydrate diets are now the craze in the U.S.A. Fast food stores even offer hamburgers in lettuce rather than in
buns (still with the fats of meat and sauces). Breads and pastries modified for lower carbohydrates are now making
fortunes for suppliers. Low carb salads, still drenched with high fat dressings, are offered for dieting.

So what?

This is a costly, stupid, perhaps health threatening fad.

When I was growing up, I did not understand that biblical quotation of Man does not live by bread alone, attributed to Moses (old testament, torah) and Jesus (new testament). Well, I understood that the message was meant to be People have spiritual as well as physical needs. But I had no idea how people could live very long on bread. At that time, I was used to spongy white bread with no character.

Somewhere along the way, I learned about whole grain breads, and how peasants through the centuries had lived mostly on
dark breads that Marie Antoinnette would have rejected, with occasional fortifications of cheese, eggs, sometimes meat. Peasants tended to eat vegetables, but knights and nobles often dismissed such as farmers' fare, preferring lots of
meat, alcoholic beverages, pastries. Few people lived long in those days, so statistical studies of life span versus
diet were not performed. (Statistics were not well known.)

So I read up on bread recipes, found a few health gurus who argued for blends of whole grain wheat, cornmeal, rye, and soy flour. A fairly recent development is triticale, a long sought hybrid of wheat and rye. Why these blends? It turns out that grains and legumes can provide all the balanced
protein that we need, without meat. Verrrry interesting! Also, such blends contain valuable dietary fiber.

The prayer, Give us this day our daily bread, is now explained. Properly made, bread really can be he staff of life.

I have learned to love Asian foods that make heavy use of soy beans, such as tempeh and tofu with noodles and stir fry
vegetables. I usually am turned off by soy based foods that pretend to be something else, such as soy burgers, soy cutlets, soy cheeses. In fact, the fake foods not only can taste far from real, but those which contain Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HP) inflame my tongue and cause me anxiety,
just as foods with a lot of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

Side observation: a chunk of land producing balanced protein from grains and legumes can support about 20 times as many people as the same land producing four legged meats. Oh, and the people getting most of their proteins and calories from plant sources are far less likely to have heart attacks, strokes, cancers, et cetera, than the big meat eaters.

I have written elsewhere that selecting sensible foods means one never has to count calories. I'll go further and say that most carbohydrate restrictions are dumb.

Here are the only carbohydrate restrictions I recommend.
all refined sugars
(cane, beet, high fructose corn syrup,
sorghum molasses, maple syrup, etc.)
beer in large quantities
anything made from white flour, even if enriched

If you have a craving for sweets that you just can't break (which I don't belive), learn how fruits and nuts together can taste very sweet. Also, the unsaturated fat in the nuts (or edible seeds, such as sunflower) will satisfy hunger with no risk to the arteries. My favorite is raisins and
almonds, perhaps with some fresh red delicious apple slices.

Pasta, preferably made from whole grains, is healthful, if not served with lots of cheese, oil, sauces which contain oil, sugar, cheese. Noodles with little meat is a main menu item in the Orient.

Oh, about carbohydrates in potatoes: they are harmless if you don't add butter, margarine, fat from frying, sour cream for topping, and other insults to a great food.
People in parts of Central and South America eat little more than potatoes of traditional breeds.

** Diet with FACTS, not MYTHS. **
About the author:

Dr. Miller is author of \Easy Health Diet\ http://easyhealthdiet.com/diet.htm\Exercise for
Juniors to Seniors\ http://easyhealthdiet.com/JrSr.htmand numerous free articles on health http://articles.easyhealthdiet.com/
Seven of ten deaths are caused by preventable diseases.

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Sex And Russian Women

Most Russian women, as well as Russians in general, are somewhat reserved. Do not be put off if the Russian woman you are courting seems a little standoffish.

This is appropriate behavior for a Russian woman. It does not mean that she does not like you. It means that she hardly knows you, which is true.

Beware if a Russian woman shows too much emotion too soon. Her feelings may not be genuine under these circumstances. Russians are not as outgoing as Americans, so do not be put off if she is not as outgoing as the girls back home. It is not their nature.

In general, the majority of Russian women have a difficult time expressing their feelings, so be patient.

Ukrainian women tend to be a little more outgoing than Russian women. Russians are more reserved. At the same time a Ukrainian wife is more likely to argue about things than a Russian wife.

Belarusian women are somewhat in between Russians and Ukrainians in personality. Of course, these are generalizations and every woman is different.

People in Russia do not show affection in public. Kissing, hugging, touching each other, and other displays of affection is supposed to happen behind closed doors.

Holding her hand while walking is considered appropriate. Opening car doors and other forms of courtesy is expected.

Do not talk about sex with a Russian woman. Sex is supposed to happen ?naturally?. It is not something you discuss like a medical operation.

The American habit of clinical discussion of sexual positions and preferences is considered abhorrent to Russians. Sex is supposed to be felt rather than discussed.

Once you are married, you may have to discuss sex in more detail, but a Russian woman has a preference for passion over technique. Show her your passion. Don?t talk about it.

John has been married to a Russian women for over five years. He has travelled the path from finding her, to traveling to Russia, to bring his wife to America, and adjusting to married life. He will show you step by step how to do this yourself. http://www.russian-luv.com/sex.html

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Equity Advantage Program Introduces QuarterPercent Loan at LEI

An innovative new mortgage program has hit the market touting phenomenally low interest rates and even lower monthly payments. The ?Equity Advantage Program? contains a quarter-percent loan that promises to rid borrowers of high interest rates and gigantic payments.

This loan gives the borrower a specified fixed interest rate and a payment option of .25% for the first five years. The borrower can pay the interest only for their monthly minimum payment for these first 60 months. This ground-breaking loan helps borrowers decrease their monthly payment by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If a person buys a $500,000 home and finances in the Equity Advantage Program, they could expect their monthly payments to be around $104.17 for the first five years. This astonishingly low payment for such a high-valued property can free up an unprecedented amount of cash for the borrower.

It is a hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, designed for people who want to use the equity in their home to increase their cash flow. The minimum payment of the loan will be the fixed-interest only amount for the first five years of the loan, and then the borrower will pay the interest only payment based on the interest rate of the outstanding balance. This interest only period will last for the first 10 years of the loan. The equity advantage program gives the borrower access to cash that they would not have in an ordinary loan. This is basically an interest only 5/1 ARM with the option of paying a minimum of .25% interest only. The difference between the two will cause deferred interest.

?This is essentially unheard of in the mortgage world. During a time when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates 17 times in a row, consumers are finding it harder than ever to deal with the rate hikes. The quarter-percent loan gives consumers their buying power back once again,? said Ward Shandoff, LEI banking analyst.

Traditional loans such as the option-ARM or the negative amortization loan do not give the borrower the cash flow of the quarter-percent loan. Borrowers who use this program effectively will have access to the equity in their home that would not be available to them in other mortgage products.

This system allows homeowners to take a lot more cash out, and use more of their money for something other than paying towards the principal. Credit card debt or any other large balances can be tackled and paid-off with this loan. You can actually use the money you have freed up to compound itself and generate more wealth.

This all goes back to the essential concepts taught by LEI Financial's ?Velocity of Money Program,? which uses investment strategies to generate more wealth in a client?s financial portfolio. Your home should be used as a tool to generate wealth, and this is made easier than ever with the quarter-percent loan.

Using this loan, you can take the money you are saving with each monthly payment and put it into an investment that will generate a return. Investment properties and cash-value life insurance policies are great ways to keep your money working for you.

The quarter-percent loan is a great option for those who will use their monthly savings to invest the money or pay off debt. This loan is not a viable option for people who can make the monthly payment only because that is all they can afford in a given month. A person who elects to make a minimum payment must be aware of the fact that there will be deferred interest as a result.

The Equity Advantage Program gives you the right rates and payment options that allow you to free up cash to be used for investment and wealth building opportunities. If a customer cannot qualify for The Equity Advantage Program we promote our Equity Management Program.

For more info visit: www.leiholdings.com or 877-801-5389

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