“A time for everything: 
a time to relax and a time to be busy, 
a time to frolic and a time to labor, 
a time to receive and a time to give, 
a time to begin and a time to finish.”
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie 

Claire gets out of bed at seven. She leaves the house at around half past eight and then works from 10AM to 8PM. These are the days when she doesn’t stay back for overtime. Working late would be till 11 or 12. She has zero knowledge of any gossip in her neighbourhood and the last time she went to party was a month ago. Drinks with friends start from a “maybe” to “I will try” and end up with a “sorry can’t make it!”

For women who are living this life, I think it’s about time to reconsider your priorities in life. No doubt that you effectively use the 24 hours of a day but how you spend them is a bit questionable isn’t it? It doesn’t take long before you start sensing those four imaginary walls that you have surrounded yourself with and are now struggling to find the key to the door that will lead you out, from isolation to the real world.

The herculean task for many working women is to figure out where to put the line between work and leisure. We all want to be out there and be successful but it shouldn’t be done at the cost of murdering our social life.

Without breaks even a star employees lose their charm to perform well. Life becomes boring, dull and absolutely colourless. You certainly don’t want to be caught by your boss taking a nap in your cabin! Everyone has a limit to perform and it’s important to understand that we are no ‘wonder woman’ from comic books but the average women who live life to the fullest and perform the best they can at work. So stop overburdening yourself and learn how to relax!

How can you possibly not miss those luncheons, dinner and birthday parties that you’ve bailed out on? All those fun times where you can car pool and go out with your girlfriends for a spa break?

Shopping, girls’ night out and checking out single guys and laughing around with your besties.

Don’t give up on your faithful commitment to work but frequently take a bit time off to ease of the pressure building up on you. I can guarantee, it will not only improve your professional life but will have a positive impact on your private life too!

-        Shivangi raj

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“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”! No, I am not referring to the famous song where Marilyn Monroe in her extravagant pink dress dances about gracefully in the movie ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’. Here I am also hinting towards the fact that maybe, diamonds are capable of being our best mates.

It is astonishing how a rigid life-less compressed carbon structure can successfully fill certain gaps in our lives. Well I guess for 80 percent of us women, it can. The other 20 percent have obviously found something more glittery and shiny that appeals better to their eyes!

For starters I’d say ‘Diamonds are forever’. Isn’t that true anyway? People may enter your lives and take the exit sometime in the future but diamonds, you buy them and they are yours. It is something that you have acquired and will last. Of course I am not going to discuss issues of theft and jewelry snatching here but, we’ll agree on the point that at times when we feel lonely or unhappy by our loved ones, a little self pampering with the help of materialistic possessions pulls us out of that darkness. 

They make a women feel special. When the question is popped surely we all want a grand celebration. Wine, lights, good food and magnifying the intensity of the moment is that big diamond that rests beautifully on your hand. It symbolizes everlasting love and the sacred commitment that you have made to stand by your partner in happiness, sorrow, in sickness or in good health.

A friend of mine once said, “The number of cuts in my diamonds will surely determine how secure my future is”! To be noted, I am not promoting the idea that diamonds can replace love in our lives. I am merely acknowledging the fact that a perfect gentlemen would definitely buy presents to thank the important people in his lives. What would be better than those sparkling gems that would make your wife, the mother that raised you or your girlfriends eyes glow greater than the diamond itself!

All this has really got me thinking and I am going to stop listing reasons and rush down to my nearest jewelry showroom and reward myself haha!

Life is busy, responsibilities are never ending, problems are faced daily, diamonds are expensive but, it never hurts to occasionally spend a little just to remind ourselves that we are special and need to be taken care of too.

-        Shivangi Raj

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“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”! No, I am not referring to the famous song where Marilyn Monroe in her extravagant pink dress dances about gracefully in the movie ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’. Here I am also hinting towards the fact that maybe, diamonds are capable of being our best mates.

It is astonishing how a rigid life-less compressed carbon structure can successfully fill certain gaps in our lives. Well I guess for 80 percent of us women, it can. The other 20 percent have obviously found something more glittery and shiny that appeals better to their eyes!

For starters I’d say ‘Diamonds are forever’. Isn’t that true anyway? People may enter your lives and take the exit sometime in the future but diamonds, you buy them and they are yours. It is something that you have acquired and will last. Of course I am not going to discuss issues of theft and jewelry snatching here but, we’ll agree on the point that at times when we feel lonely or unhappy by our loved ones, a little self pampering with the help of materialistic possessions pulls us out of that darkness. 

They make a women feel special. When the question is popped surely we all want a grand celebration. Wine, lights, good food and magnifying the intensity of the moment is that big diamond that rests beautifully on your hand. It symbolizes everlasting love and the sacred commitment that you have made to stand by your partner in happiness, sorrow, in sickness or in good health.

A friend of mine once said, “The number of cuts in my diamonds will surely determine how secure my future is”! To be noted, I am not promoting the idea that diamonds can replace love in our lives. I am merely acknowledging the fact that a perfect gentlemen would definitely buy presents to thank the important people in his lives. What would be better than those sparkling gems that would make your wife, the mother that raised you or your girlfriends eyes glow greater than the diamond itself!

All this has really got me thinking and I am going to stop listing reasons and rush down to my nearest jewelry showroom and reward myself haha!

Life is busy, responsibilities are never ending, problems are faced daily, diamonds are expensive but, it never hurts to occasionally spend a little just to remind ourselves that we are special and need to be taken care of too.

-        Shivangi Raj

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So here’s the long and the short of it, a veil can be the perfect final touch to a modern bride’s overall presentation, but with the tradition of the veil long behind us its an accessory that doesn’t always make it down the aisle in 2011. Today’s bride may have her reasons for wanting to wear a veil - mostly having to do with fashion.

With so many different styles, lengths, materials and colours it can be hard to resist the virgin crown on your special day. Even if the custom is ignored a veil can make for a flashy personal statement that brings out the joy and convention of a wedding ceremony.

What is important is that you choose the right veil for you and your features. Faced with such a vast selection, like all-wedding shopping, this task can be a very daunting one. A good starting point is to consult with your hairdresser about an ideal wedding hairdo that suits your dress and soon to be found veil. It’s also important to consider the shape of your face. By now, you’ll know what sort of hairstyle profiles best with your appearance, and so will your veil.

Normally veils have a comb attached, which makes life a lot easier for brides of today. The comb allows for flexibility with your hairstyles and permits the veil to be removed later on in the day without creating a bird’s nest on the top of your head. So if you opt for this kind of veil you won’t really have to worry about what sort of hairstyle you pick. As for the length of your veil, well that’s a whole other story.

It is worth remembering that a veil is in fact an accessory to the actual wedding gown. The length of your veil and all the trimmings that come with it can be a statement piece if you want it to be, but at the end of the day a veil both should flatter you and your gown, as well as act as in appropriate theme and style of your wedding.

So if you decided on a formal wedding, you have probably chosen a full-length gown with train. Team it with a cathedral or a chapel veil and it will do wonders!

There are no rules when it comes to the style of veil a bride should wear, let alone wearing a veil at all. The choice is entirely yours, and other accessories from headbands, to hats to feather bowers are walking down the aisle nowadays. Don’t feel you have to go all out with your headpiece like the guests at the Royal Wedding, just ensure that you choose something that compliments the dress and of course, your character. So whether you have that veil for the groom to lift to seal the ceremony or not, either way, you’re getting that kiss, and a husband!

xxArt4Playxx

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It’s one of the oldest wedding traditions, and for many, it’s still a valuable part of new age marriages. Wenches were rocking the bridal garter way back in the 14^th century and these days, contemporary designers put as much effort into wedding garters as they do the dress!

Historically, it was believed that owning a part of the wedding dress would bring the holder good luck. As a result, the wedding gown would often be torn to shreds to be shared among the lucky guests after the ceremony. These days, the smallest imperfection to a $10 000 Vera Wang would bring any bride to tears, so fortunately, it’s now a more common occurrence for a bride to wear a garter that can be thrown to a single guest for luck.

Thanks to these little tweaks over time, the garter is still a very popular party favor, only nowadays it’s the groom who removes the garter from the bride and throws it to all the eligible bachelors. But for the brides out there who are uncomfortable with the tossing of the wedding garter there are alternatives. After all, not everyone will be ok with showing more than a little leg on her special day.

For the brides that look forward to wearing the garter as apart of their wedding attire it’s a perfect way to incorporate the ‘something blue’ tradition. This way, you can embrace the custom and keep you legs under your dress. Besides, there’s no reason why you can’t wear a garter just because you’re not throwing it away! Plus, there are so many unique and beautiful designs and concepts these days that you can’t afford to leave it out. Who’s a little extra lace or frills going to hurt anyway?

For others, the wedding garter is a keepsake piece or family air loom that they can’t afford to throw out into a crowd of drooling available men. So, in this case, wearing two wedding garters becomes the perfect solution.

Ultimately, it is entirely up to the bride and groom whether they choose to carry on with this tradition. Whether or not it is tossed, it is nice for the bride to wear a wedding garter to keep as a memento from her special day!

Have a great week ladies 

xx Art4Play xx

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Bridal lingerie is a crucial part of your wedding ensemble and can make a real difference to the way you look and feel throughout the day. For those brides who have been starving for months, bronzing it up under the sun and doing those painful stomach crunches morning, day and night, this is the part where it’s all about to pay off.

So when it comes to selecting those sheik and stylish items just how much thought actually goes into it? For many brides, it’s easy to be swept up in the sea of wedding planning and preparation, often leading to forgetting to find a suitable undergarment that brings the final outfit together. 

My advice, find something that both assists and enhances your overall image for the day and do it in advance. It’s definitely worth having your wedding undies on hand for a fitting or test run at home to be sure everything looks and feels great, even if it means the dress maker catches a glimpse of your naughty knickers! If you’re planning on wearing the set through the ceremony and reception it’s important to keep a balance between style, sass and support.  Yes bridal lingerie is all about the sex appeal, but if you don’t think you can handle a g-banger for over 24 hours then leave it on the rack because no one wants to witness a bride picking at a wedgie all day long.

More importantly, the lingerie is about enticing and impressing your brand new hubby. Every bride wants a jaw dropping reaction from the groom on the wedding night so don’t over complicate things. If you’ve been through the underwear fittings and spent your money on a few fancy pieces then you certainly want to pull it off an entrance your man won’t forget. What you don’t want is to get caught in the bathroom with a pair of uneven suspenders or with a corset you can’t get off!

You should be comfortable in whatever you choose, but also go for a style that your husband can really enjoy. Whether it is a red girly number, the full ivory lace set or a simple slip dress, find something that will keep you and your hubby happy. If you give yourself enough browsing time, you’ll find that there is plenty of bridal styles to choose from that can satisfy all your needs and shed those fears of being caught in an impossibly tight bustier. 

Your lingerie is something that should give you a mega self-esteem boost and complete the wedding. Find something that suits your style, body type and dress. And besides, every woman knows that lingerie is an investment, so don’t be afraid to stretch those spending muscles, after all, the honeymoon will be just around the corner.

xx Art4Play xx

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What’s most important is that you make that final decision clear. Too often will brides-to-be receive an RSVP only to see that Sandy and Tony from down the road have replied for the two little ones as well. So if children are not invited make it distinct to avoid any awkward phone calls or possible confrontations. Although it may seem tough to exclude, it's perfectly ok to only invite children who are part of your or your fiancé’s family. Just because your niece is the flower girl and you’re your cousins the pageboy doesn’t mean every kid from the block should be fishing for an invite. So if you’re afraid of getting muddy handprints on your frock or having to set up a sandpit next to the buffet then simply say no to PG13 and tell your guests to leave the tiny tots at home. People will understand, and sometimes you simply can’t afford to accommodate the extra fingers and toes.

On the other hand, having the kids at a wedding doesn’t have to mean setting up a daycare. After all, kids can provide those sorts of Hallmark moments you can’t prepare in advance. A wedding is a joyous occasions for those of any age, and if properly catered for, you won’t have to worry about the kids interrupting the festivities. So, keep them entertained, supervised and happy so you don’t freak out on the day.

Try to seat the parents and their children together at one table or at tables close to each other. While the idea of a kid’s table sounds ideal, it can also lead to an unsupervised disaster. An even better way to manage the kiddie clan is to hire a chaperone. This way, someone else can deal with the boo boo’s and bathroom trips while you and their rents can kick back with a glass of wine or three.

You also need to be weary of the demands that come with providing for children at a wedding. Smoked salmon with a side of truffle and greens probably won’t go down so well with the youngsters, but at least the party pies and mini pizza’s will save you some dosh.  As for a child’s short attention span, be sure to have another room for them to play in or some activities set up in advance to keep them busy.

So when deciding on who makes the cut, keep an open mind. It’s a decision that will suit your wants and needs, and not those of the guests.

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 It’s the question no one wants to ask, but is it ever ok to invite an ex to your wedding? For many couples, this is a reality that needs to be faced and clearly discussed before the invitation hits the post box. The issue of inviting that particular person from your past is becoming increasingly common, especially for those who maintain relationships with their former partners.

So if you find yourself fazed with this awkward predicament, don’t whip out the wedding stationary just yet. What needs to be determined is why you want to extend the invite to the former flame, whether it will be ok with the future hubby, and what it would be like situation reversed.

So if you’ve been out of touch for 5 years plus or dated for 2 months back in year 9 then it’s safe to say that you can leave their name off the list. But if it’s a case of  ‘the one that got away’ or someone you still see regularly it may take a little more consideration. If you find yourself nervous or uncomfortable with the prospect of that ex sitting in the stands to watch you tie the knot then chances are your current partner is in even more of a fluster. Since a wedding is the first big occurrence you, as a twosome, will face, it’s so important to reach a compromise and avoid any unnecessary pressures.

You also need to consider the worse case scenario. If their attendance will result in an objection at the altar and the bride or groom running off with the other woman/man then it’s a no brainer, and you have a whole other issue on your hands. But, if you must have your ex present, then consider the dos and don’ts that will ensure an incident-free wedding day.

Do give your ex a plus one. If they come with a friend or better yet, a new partner, then it will definitely soften the blow of their appearance.  Seat them with people they know and like (preferably not family) and limit the conversation between the two of you. You may be friends these days, but the day isn’t about them, it’s about you and your life with your future husband, so to avoid any unwanted jealousy or gossiping, keep the chats short and sweet.

As for the don’ts, do not, by any means, dance with your ex. There’s no reason to draw any unwanted attention to your former relationship so keep the saga of  ‘men and women can’t be friends’ on the down low and avoid any needless contact that could result in the mother-in-law pointing the finger or giving off the wrong impression. After all, the day will be one to remember for all the right reasons and a chance to celebrate your future as a couple, not a day to dwell on the past.

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So are there any rules or regulations when it comes to shopping for your wedding attire?

Like any occasion, a dress code will be specified and needs to be met, but what about those unspoken rules that no one seems to discuss unless a certain guest does a major wedding no no. Now everyone knows that white at a wedding is a major prohibition but what happens if a guest dares to wear the wedding colour of the bridal party? Will flowers and veils come crashing down around them, or will no one even notice the matching tinge? Either way it’s important to know if the wedding colour is off limits.

If your game, you can enter the ceremony in the identical ensemble, guns blazing, ready to tackle any condemning bridesmaid in your path. But what I suggest is that you run the outfit by the bride-to-be first to get her thoughts on you wearing that same shade of red, green, mauve or whatever it may be.

Odds are, the bride won’t mind, in fact she might even embrace the idea and colour coordinate the other guests with the wedding theme. However, if the answer is no, do not fret, chances remain that you and that demon dress of yours wont be sacrificed to the wedding gods, you’ll simply be required to make a humble wardrobe change.

Even if you can’t afford to splurge on another dazzling gown, you may even be able to salvage the forbidden fashion with a few favourable accessories. With the right jacket, belt or shoes you can transform the unthinkable into the unbelievable with a few personal tweaks, being sure that you and your ensemble can be distinguished from the bridal company.

While the bride and her bridesmaids will be on display front and centre, there’s no harm in wanting to look fabulous on someone else’s special day!

Have an amazing Monday  XX

Art4Play

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The best part about choosing the transport is that it may just be a part of the preparation the groom will want in on. Picking out the flowers, the colour scheme or the wardrobe can all be a little daunting for the future hubby, but when fast cars and luxury sedans are involved he will probably be a lot more enthusiastic and willing to dive a little deeper into his pockets!

There is so much to deliberate before making this kind of decision and like all wedding preparation there are a lot of practical considerations to make before getting behind the wheel of your dream ride.

While you want the lasting impression of a striking entry the cars need to suit the overall feel and theme of the wedding. So don’t go hiring that purple hot rod just yet! Think about your wedding photos, the style and personality of the day and of course what the mother-in-law would want!

More importantly the decision needs to be practical. If the wedding falls in winter then that fancy convertible won’t work or if the venue is a good 20 minutes away maybe the horse drawn carriage isn’t the best option either. So consider the distance, how many people in the wedding party and the weather when selecting the mode of transportation when making the decision.

But don’t toss out all your ideas just yet. Weddings are all about creativity and expression and what better way to wow a crowd with a one in a million chance to step out of a smoking hot ride in an even more smoking hot dress. Take advantage of the time in every way and treat yourself, because at the end of the day it will be you and your loved one that will be whisked away to start a life together in that special car of choice. So I say revel in the luxury and enjoy the royal treatment!

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It’s a rare and unwanted experience but for some unlucky brides their wedding day couldn’t dodge the rain, hail, snow, cyclone, thunderstorm or whatever else the environment had on special that day. So don’t let a bit of wet spoil your big moment and take the time to plan ahead and prepare for the worst if your planning an outdoorsy do.

The pavilion
Having a marque to top off the festivities is a beautiful and practical way to spend the day (and your money). They look great and keep things private and protected if the weather decides to turn sour.

Umbrellas
Keep the whole bridal party and all your guests dry by hiring a heap of umbrellas. You’ll even be able to colour coordinate or make them a new decoration altogether! You can find umbrellas with spots, frills or prints to be sure a little rain won’t dampen your day.

Waterproof mascara
Rain or no rain this is a must for any bride. Whether it is tears of joy, laughter or, god forbid, regret, waterproof mascara is a bride’s weapon of choice. It withstands the tests of climate control and keeps the lashes looking long and luscious when the cameras start flashing.

The backup plan
If you’ve set up in the back yard or planned to get hitched down by the beach and suddenly your original plans get washed out moving inside isn’t out of the question. At least you’d definitely have a story or two to tell if your wedding went from a back yard bash to a quickie ceremony in the kitchen!

Gumboots
The best thing about a wedding dress is its full length! If your heels are sinking then swap the stilettos for a pair of wellingtons. Not only will they shield your feet, but also super comfy and these days, super stylish.

XXArt4PlayXX

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It can be sealed with the ringing of church bells, a sea breeze or simple pen to paper, so does it really matter where you and your special someone tie the knot on the big day? For the majority of the brides-to-be out there that answer is a blatant YES!

Second, only to the dress, is the wedding venue. While some have been planning their whole day around their dream location from the moment they could walk, others begin the search with a blank canvas. Either way, choosing the wedding venue is a big decision and something that you and your guests will remember the celebrations by for the years to come. So for all the ladies out there who aren’t willing to settle for the trip to city hall let the hunt begin!

First and foremost it’s important to be aware that the wedding will likely be in two parts – the ceremony and wedding reception, which means double the fun, but double the work load. So before you start scouring the earth for that picture perfect place consider my tips for deciding you ultimate wedding destination!

The three most obvious questions to ask yourself are:

1.     How many guests do you want?

2.     Will it be inside or outside, traditional or contemporary?

3.     Just how much work are you willing to take on and how much money do you want to spend?

A customary church wedding still seems to be the favourite choice of ceremony, which leaves many options open for the reception. Mobility of guests and transport are clear factors to take into account when planning the reception but uniqueness is just as important. Aim to keep your guests guessing by adding little touches that reflect your personality and will keep the day memorable. While function centres are great for large guest lists and big budgets, think outside the box and look into some locations that will give your reception an exclusive edge. Guests remember all the details, even the chairs they sat on. Give them something new and interesting and most of all have fun with it! Selecting your wedding venue shouldn’t be a chore. Keep it simple, classy, and above all realistic. There’s no point in having a string quartet if the groom’s an ACDC fan and no reason to cater for 200 if you only like 70 that are invited.

So my best suggestions are:

Historic wedding reception. Castles, country houses and lavish estates are among the locations many dream of for the occasion. If your purse can withstand the blow, this type of venue would make for an unforgettable experience and possible weekend away!

Sports or social club wedding reception. A nice local and budget friendly venue that keeps everyone happy. Clubs are easily personalised and catered for and your choices can vary from waterside sailing guilds to grassy green golf clubs.

Have a great day

xx Art4Play

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I think I may be just a little bit (okay, very) evil. For some reason, the thought of a divorce party seems like shitloads of fun to me. There ain't nothing that says “Get the hell out of my life!” like a cake with a dead groom figurine on it, or 'Just Divorced' plates for your getaway vehicle. Divorce parties are fast becoming a craze of late, with The White Stripes singer Jack White and even Scarlett Johannson joining in the festivities. They can range in style from small gatherings to a full-scale hell raising affair, and can involve wedding-ring coffins, plastic ball and chains, unengagement rings (worn on the middle finger, no less) and even a divorce registry. I don't know about you, but I kind of want to rush to elope with someone from OkCupid, only to get my marriage annulled the next day. To put a divorce party in more delicate terms for the unsure or prudish: it's actually kind of a sweet way of bringing together mutual family and friends and thanking them for their support throughout your married life and most likely your imminent depression/hangover the next day.

Another way of putting it is that it's sort of like a final hurrah, free of real negativity and anger, and shifting the blame elsewhere and perhaps pushing it onto an unknowing relative or inanimate object. While I personally wouldn't recommend a divorce party for marriages that ended with rings flushed down toilets, or irrevocable insults, I say there's nothing wrong with rivalling divorce shindigs! Try and one up the guy that couldn't get it up! If you just cannot get along and celebrate this mature moment, despite the “undying” love that got you in this mess, at least your friends and family can appreciate that you're the sort of gal that can take anything with a grain of salt...pfft, divorce? Walk in the park for you! Divorce parties can nearly be as extravagant as the party that preceded them; decorations, speeches, rings and emotional music (I Will Survive, anyone?). There's even been such great ideas as 'burning baggage' and playing your wedding video in rewind, watching as your groom takes the ring off and you still look as happy as ever!

Why do you need a divorce party? Well, let me plead my case. Recently, I overheard someone talking about a good funeral being a celebration of life, quote: “No one ever says 'Oh, Billy was insane, they say Billy was... eccentric!'”. Damn that crazy Billy, but my God does he prove a point! It goes to show that if we can do that in a time of grief – act cheerful despite life's shitstorms – why can't we do something that actually involves both parties being alive and actively mental? You need a divorce party because it's going to make you laugh, cry and help mend your heart...unless of course your ex-husband was a cheating bastard, then you'll need a Bachelorette Party, Take Two. You have parties for your birthday, for when your spawn are born, before your wedding, during your wedding, after your wedding, and even at your funeral. Life's just one big party for you, isn't it? Since you're on such a fiesta roll, you may as well throw a divorce party in for shits and gigs. It's like the missing link, the crucial element in society that has been missing all these years. A revolution like this could even work towards removing the stigma attached to broken marriages, because let's face it, if you forgot to yell Kanye West's famous lyric “We want pre-nup, we want pre-nup, yeaaahh!”, you'll be giving up a bit more than a diamond ring and a last name. Divorces are often pegged as the coldest form of break-up: there's paperwork involved, and more often than not you have a lengthy settlement case on your hands. But yet the prospect of 1 in 3 Australian marriages ending in divorce has seemed not to deter the majority of us, so why not be prepared for the inevitable? At least if you're on the verge of a marriage breakdown, you can be thankful you gave it a red hot go, because 29% of Australians never marry.

Fingers crossed that in the not-too-distant future, people will HAVE to have divorce parties, like funerals. You won't be considered truly divorced until you stand up in front of your peers and fire off insults about how your soon-to-be ex was a terrible shag and you couldn't stand their mother, and watch as everyone else joins in about how much they really couldn't stand how you were way too clingy to each other and deleted you both of Facebook to get some air. Oh, the stories that would be shared! Everyone would look forward to divorce parties more than any other, as the threat of police involvement is just that little bit more real. So if you really want to do something left of centre and impress your friends with your resilience and hilarity, then you shouldn't really look further than a divorce party, because as author of “This Little Piggy Got Divorced” Amy Poon said,  “Nothing in life is so catastrophic that you shouldn’t be able to see the lighter side”. Ain't that the truth. You're human and you made a mistake, and I think we can all raise a glass to that!

Have a great weekend  :)

XX Art4Play XX

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Love. The infamous word. Thrown around much too often and often too soon. How do you really know when you love someone? Just because someone gives you butterflies it doesn’t always necessarily mean they are ‘The one’. How many I love you’s have you had to go through to cipher through the Mr Wrong’s to get to Mr Right?

Unfortunately the path to love is always laid out for us like Serendipity or Love Actually. We don’t always find love through our fate. I believe that there are certain milestones or checkpoints made for us in life and the path that we decide or continue to take is determined by us; OUR actions and OUR decisions. Things that test us and help mould the person we are along the way.

Sometimes as much as you may love something or someone, it is just not right for you. I recently fell head over heels for a boy who gave me butterflies, made me smile and said all the right things but I came to learn as much as we liked each other, we were at different stages in our loves and it just wasn’t right for us.

One too many times I have heard the phrase ‘He isn’t Mr Right, but he’s Mr Right now’ or ‘he is alright for now but I wouldn’t marry him’ but then why continue something that is going to hurt either one of you at the end?  For women there is a big misconception about relationships, many of us believing to be single means feel lonely and unwanted. What happened to being single and independent and not relying on anyone but yourself? In a socially forward era like to today, women should embrace this liberation of freedom and independence.

Don’t get me wrong, finding that special someone is a great experience but it shouldn’t be your focus, when you learn to be comfortable and confident with you then others will see it also and things will change for you.

To all the happy couples out there, all the best and best wishes for a long and happy relationship. To all the single gals, as Beyonce once roared in our ears, ‘To all the ladies who are independent throw your hands up’ and you should. If you are single and have a lot of love to give why not start by loving yourself. That is the most important thing. Once you look after you, the rest will all follow quite easily. This single girl is taking some long time out to look after her ... and loving it! J

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The music industry is always evolving and there are 1,000,001 love songs available for a couple to select from when choosing ‘their song’ for the first dance on their wedding night.

Most of you would agree this is a gruelling task. In hindsight it seems simple enough, pick a song you both like, that resembles your feelings for each other and that matches you personalities but I have heard of fights causing World War III regarding the wedding song; in one case the wedding was almost called off.. (NO JOKE!)

I have heard quite a variety of ‘romantic’ tunes at the Weddings I have attended from Mariah Carey, to Whitney Houston to Shania Twain to Lionel Ritchie (and of course the amazing Dianna Ross; yes you all know what song I am talking about) and even, dare I say it, Disney songs – A whole new world to be precise. (I do love that song though, just not my choice for a wedding!) But I wonder, is the wedding song an instant ‘OMG, This is the one’ sort of feel when your listening to every love album you own trying to decide on the ‘perfect’ song, you know, that same feel you get after trying on a gazillion dresses and finally find the one. Or is it more so a compromise between the two; a song the pair find bearable because their personal choices are hated by the other?

To be kept in mind though is the fact that it should be appropriate for everyone to listen to and the fine line between tacky and what is reflective of you personality. For instance, at the wedding I attended which had A Whole New World as their song of choice, most of the table looked around at each other and could not help but giggle – I was just waiting for the Sultan to give the speech on behalf of the brides side and for the car they left in to be a magic carpet ready and waiting to whisk them away to the hotel and maybe even Genie to be a guest (God knows I have a list as long as the phone book of wishes I would love to bribe him to grant.)

What about when couples have a song? Is that applicable or does it have to address certain criteria; do the lyrics have to encompass I love you; You complete me; I can’t be without you; You are my everything; You complete me?

It’s funny; most people would assume it comes so easy, you choose the songs, the smoke machine goes off, the fireworks display begins and voila! You have yourself one beautiful and romantic first dance.  No matter what happens behind the scene, what fights occur, the tantrums and tears, it seems to all pay off for that beautiful 3 minutes that brings a smile to everyone’ face. I know I am a sucker for it, it gets me every time.

Have a great weekend

xx Art4Play

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Broods are a group of hens in this case who have all come to celebrate. When it comes to weddings one of the best things in the lead up is of course the Hens celebrations. Generally organised by the bridesmaids in light of the Mother Hen’s last weeks of freedom (well technically,) the hens is the best excuse to get together with our friends and a great night out for those of your friends and family who don’t get out too much anymore.

The night always begins with a few pre drinks followed by the special ritual of dressing the soon to be bride in tacky sashes and tiaras with flashing lights and naughty accessories. Having just come back from a hen’s weekend myself you realise how much fun you have and how much things change, so take advantage!

My favourite is the mortified look of the bride to be as a sexy policeman walks through the door and begins serenading her with his absurd dance moves and soon lands his bare bum cheeks on her legs... it’s priceless! 

Although some women are more modest or should we say a bit more conservative than others, never the less every hen always wakes up with one appreciated hangover the next morning and after hearing the worst pick-up lines in the book by the, although gorgeous, trashed guys in the venue, every hen is so glad to be off the market and holding onto their Mr right.

So here is to all the brides to be...

xxArt4Playxx

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How many of you can safely say you have been to a wedding where no one has acted out of ‘conduct’? Not many of you I assume. But honestly nothing beats the minute you stomach knots and your mouth drops when evidently you have not little wrong but are in sheer shock for the drunk fellow who screamed out ‘get ya rat out!’ across the reception hall while the best man and/or groom make their speech. Or better still when the groom gets so blind drunk that his speech is slurred and he begins to reveal the intimate details of your sex life and makes a connection to you inheriting the skills from your mum – who at this point has turned pale and looks as though she is about to fall off her chair. Yes we have all sat through them, I know I have, the many speeches that sound more like 21^st speeches rather than wedding speeches and as shocked as we are we still can’t help but to laugh as we remember back, can’t help but try so hard to wipe the unintentional smirk of our faces when the family of the bride or groom sink their heads in their hands.

Once the speeches are underway, it’s off to the dance floor where individuals tend to make a mark not only with their atrociously bad dance moves but also their inappropriate A-D-H-D actions to which the entire room gets a sneak peak if not the full show of the lacey pink bra and brief set.  Let us spear a thought for the elderly who suffer from severe heart palpitations (especially the men) if not near heart attacks as your best friends buns are on display. But of course whilst in the happy boppy mood tearing up the dance floor and after a few drinks or drink in hand, people tend to abide by the ‘honesty is the best policy’ rule dishing out just about anything  like telling the mother of one of the hot groomsmen that you’ve always wanted to shag him. 

Although the drunken Conrad of yours doesn’t usually remember the events of the night, the most fun of their wildly inappropriate behaviour is relaying the story to them, the look on their face ... Priceless! What’s a wedding without a bit of spice and something nice ...probably plain boring.

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As women, whether intentional or unintentional, we tend to ‘judge’ most of the weddings we attend or to be put in a more timid sense, we express our very critical opinions to those close to us. So when the first bridesmaid walks down the aisle you can’t help but to make mental note of the strengths and faults of the dress, what you would have changed and which bridesmaid looks best in it.

Traditionally, the Bridesmaids dresses have always been long, quite flowy and simply designed – not to take away from the bride of course. However more recently we have seen a trend in rising hemlines and more extravagant, more runway like designs. Over the past 10 years the hemlines have fluctuated between under the knee and floor length exuding the sheike and classy look then suddenly, somehow it became appropriate to wear miniskirts at the altar. What the!?

You would think people would understand the unwritten rule of conservative lengths but apparently the question needs to be asked, so how short is too short?

Now I have been to a fair few weddings in my time and it there have been some gorgeous and let’s face it, unfortunately (more so for the bridesmaids,) some terrible dresses! So bad the thought makes me quiver.  When a bride is choosing a dress what goes into the thought process? What makes a bride decide whether her entourage should look like royal figures or club hoppers?

Personally, I’m not a fan of the mid thigh length dress, first and foremost it cheapens the look of the bridal party, second not everyone is comfortable with short dresses (in church and around family,) and third no one wants to see mutton dressed as lamb!

There is nothing worst then having your bridesmaids look as if they are just waiting to ditch the wedding and head to the city for some bump and grind or worse still having you happily married with 3 kids friend look like she is trying to seduce all the men at the wedding.

In order to justify our judgements we often refer to the phrase ‘but each to their own’ after our opinions and in this case it is no different but there is a fine line between something different and looking like a tart. Brides need to choose dresses that are not only respectable but also flattering for all shapes and sizes of the bridal party. For instance choosing a dress that is flattering for bigger chested girls does nothing to aid those like myself who were unfairly robbed of a thing called breasts at birth and vice versa.

Just a tip, you can still look like a foxy vixen and be covered up ... yes it’s true! Ladies, please I beg of you for all our sakes keep the hems to a just above the knee minimum, leave something to the imagination for the men and that little bit of elegance for the rest of us. Funky can still be decent. Plus that way girls can kick off their shoes and not a person would know.

XX Art4Play XX

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The Wedding Party – To be or not to be, that is the question?  And If not stick them on the singles table!

The dreaded singles table or in the eyes of the couple as they arrange seating arrangements, the poor friends and family who haven’t had much luck in love....so let’s try and fix the up!

The wedding party is quite obviously the best part of any wedding, there’s great food, free alcohol and hours of dancing. But then of course there is every friend and family member’s intention to set you up with their cousin’s uncle’s wife’s nephew who is a rich doctor, lawyer or business man who has absolutely nothing in common with you and is not even close to your type.

The quote ‘good looking out’ takes its full form here as all night you are bombarded with ‘check ‘out the guy over on that table...he’s cute, go talk to him’ or ‘have you met my friend Mark’, ‘my cousin Jim’, ‘my friend’s brother Phil.’ No I have not met Mark, Jim or Phil quite obviously but while we’re at it why don’t you introduce me to your Grandfather.

Although, Weddings are a fantastic place to meet a potential and with the added bonus that they re possibly in or close to your circle of friends or family, forcing every male you know onto women at the wedding is not the way to hope that we meet a charming young fellow.

Seeing as most women are already sensing that, yes they are here alone on a day when love is filling the air, spare a thought for all the single gals out there, they are not hopeless at relationships or unable to attract anybody. They may just be not looking for anything at the moment or strong Independent women like the girls of Destiny’s Child. And let’s not forget who the day is about, just in case you forgot during your role play of Hitch, we are here for the bride and groom!

But it’s that love and admiration that you see as the bride and groom look into each other’s eyes, that sheer disbelief that they are now husband and wife that has you leaving thinking ‘I can’t wait for that’. But until that happens, we should be happy to make it on our own or at least come up with something good to say as you are incessantly asked ‘so no one in the picture?’

I say raise you glass and here is to the singles table ... and to freedom (you married ones forgot about that didn’t you!)

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So you have an engagement party or a wedding coming up and the only thing on your mind is WHAT DO I WEAR!?!?

The age old question and let’s not deny the most important issue facing any party, has had us women in acrobats as we search high and low, out west, in the suburbs, in the city, at the factory outlets and even online for the perfect form flattering dress.

A dress (based on the occasion) needs to meet certain criteria. It needs to stand out, needs to be slimming, needs to show just enough skin without being too provocative (or just plain out slutty), it needs to be comfortable enough for you to eat, drink and dance in and most importantly needs to make heads turn.

Yes that’s right, we do put too much focus on the materialistic side of engagement and wedding celebration but hey let’s face it there will be a zillion and one photos, people that you have not seen in a long time and judging faces and hey you want to look good! Not to mention you want to be on trend as well as cater to the weather.

Do boys really understand how easy they have it!? 5 minutes in the shower, some gel in the hair, chuck on their suit and voila they are done!

One must remember too that no white is to be worn and if you can help it, best stay away from the colour of the bridesmaid dresses. Then there is the matter of the shoes and clutch to match not to mention the stress of which accessories should be worn and how much of it and what look it is that are going for. 

Just another reason why weddings are just as stressful for us as they are for the bride!

But once you make your statement and receive your compliments you tend to realise all of that – as good as it made you feel, really isn’t as important and worth the stress of it all. 9 times out of 10 the little black dress backup always works and there are so many ways to make it look different. As long as you are there to celebrate with the happy couple and you have a great night, shouldn’t that be what really counts?

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