African American Brides Blog: May 2008

Obama Music Video: Podemos Con Obama

Definitely check out the newest video from the makers of Will.I.Am's "We Are the Ones" music video: "Podemos Con Obama" (We Can With Obama). If you listen closely you can hear Senator Barack Obama speaking Spanish to citizens of Puerto Rico.

Si se puede!

Splashes of Color: Wedding Trend Watch

Remember when wedding accessories were WHITE? Just white? Well, you could have gotten bold with a dash of rhinestones or a streak of silver. But mostly guestbooks, flower girl baskets, and ring pillows were pretty much... white. Now things are changing, with brides carrying their color schemes all the way through their accessories.

Here's a look at a few colorful accessories:

When the color is black...

Straight Talk for Newlyweds

Newlyweds! Ever wish someone would give you the real story on staying married past a year? Tying the knot can be so exciting and romantic. And being a newlywed can be downright FUN. But the fact is, after the wedding there can be new pressures and frustrations that never came up before. Some brides and grooms suddenly find themselves at odds. But help just might be on the way. Author Lorraine Sanabria Robertson promises to tell you what no one else will in her new book, Help! I’m a Newlywed … What Do I Do Now? Wife-Saving Advice Every New Bride Must Know to Survive the First Year of Marriage The book will be released on Wife Appreciation Day, which is September 20th.
If Robertson's name sounds familiar, it could be because her work has appeared in various publications including Teen People, Upscale, and Heart & Soul magazines; and in the anthology Souls Of My Sisters: Black Women Break Their Silence, Tell Their Stories, and Heal Their Spirits. She has been married for nine years and her wedding was featured on The Learning Channel’s popular television show, “A Wedding Story.”

Butterflies Abound

Butterflies. Of all the wedding themes we've seen over the years, this one is one of the most enduring. It's popular with a certain number of brides year in and year out. In fact, this week the UK is buzzing about the upcoming marriage of soccer star Wayne Rooney and his sweetheart Coleen McLoughlin who are having a butterfly-themed wedding at a former Italian monastery.
If the butterfly theme sends your heart aflutter, there are lots of resources to help you pull it off.

Oriental Trading Company, for example, has lots of decorations that would fall under the butterfly theme. Just go to the main page and enter "butterfly" in the search.
Here are lots of other accessories to help you get the look:

CZ Butterfly Pendant

Butterfly Ring

Butterfly Pendant

Silver Butterfly Studs

Butterfly Anklet

Pave Butterfly Necklace

Butterflies in your hair...

And a butterfly ring inspired by Mariah Carey:

$10 A Day Can Make All The Difference

In our continuing series on money, we've talked about big ways to save money for your wedding, for the Summer, and for the rest of your life. But today's little nugget of wisdom is about saving a little, for big returns later on. An article from TheStreet.com explains why it's important to stop whatever daily habits have you spending $10 a day on things you don't need. You've heard it a million times, but with everything going on in your life right now you have more reason to pay attention to the tips in Spend $10 Today, Be Out Of 100K Tomorrow. It makes you wonder, "do I NEED to stop by 7-Eleven every morning?", "Is this caramel chocco venti-venti chino really worth 5 bucks?", "Wouldn't it make more sense for me to start bringing my lunch?" or "Could we wait to see that movie on video?" Just some thoughts.
But, what do you think? Let us know in the comments section. Have a great day!

Settling Into Newlywed-hood

Quick! What's the number-one cause of divorce? The latest figures show it's money problems and financial hardship. That's why relationship experts say it's important to get your ducks in a row before you tie the knot. Couples spend months planning the wedding, but almost no time discussing their finances or planning a budget. There are several online resources (like YesYouCanOnline.info) that can give you some steps to reaching financial harmony.

Most Beautifulest Cakes?

Yes, it's Memorial Day. But we couldn't let the day pass without leaving you a little nugget. The editors of Brides were on the Today Show last week to discuss what they believe are the most beautiful cakes of the season. Hmmmmmm... Take a look and tell us what YOU think, by clicking on "Comments".

Wedding Trend Watch: Fab Favors

We're finally getting a look at the goodies some favor companies will be enticing brides with next season. The latest creations take a hint from everyday life but remain unique enough that no one else will have your exact give-aways. Here's just a sampling of what we spotted this weekend on MyWeddingFavors.com