Saturday, May 2, 2009
Somebody is threatening me!
Yes, on the phone. First option: go to the police. Second option: go to the police. What would you do? I know the person and we ...were friends. Not anymore.
Advice: don't trust anyone! Only your parents, sister/brother, wife/husband. That's what friends can do. Know things about you and use them against you. Maybe that's the reason they are called friends and not relatives.
I am not talking about my real friends here. Just for the ones that are pretending to be friends.
So, take care of you!
I'll be back soon with new posts.
Advice: don't trust anyone! Only your parents, sister/brother, wife/husband. That's what friends can do. Know things about you and use them against you. Maybe that's the reason they are called friends and not relatives.
I am not talking about my real friends here. Just for the ones that are pretending to be friends.
So, take care of you!
I'll be back soon with new posts.
Friday, May 1, 2009
We have a new home!
So, we changed our home so these days I was busy to pack up, clean up the new home and unpack our things. But it's great! It's good to be home!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Men's gold wedding rings
Yellow gold is the classic wedding ring - in fact, your dad probably wears one. Here's all you need to know about whether to go with yellow gold or white gold.
Yellow Gold Wedding Rings
Classic yellow gold remains popular for its vintage shine and timeless appeal. Elemental gold is indeed yellow in color (think Fort Knox gold bricks). However, elemental gold, also known as 24 karat gold, is too soft to be worn on a daily basis and will get nicked and scratched too easily. Accordingly, when used for wedding rings, gold is "mixed" with something else, called an alloy. Alloys help a yellow gold wedding ring retain the same rich hue with wear and strengthen the ring.
Yellow Gold and Karats
Here's where the concept of karats comes in an alloy reduces the purity of the wedding engagement ring. No problem. Popular 18 karat yellow gold alloys include copper, silver and zinc in different proportions, each of which cuts the price without appreciably changing the appearance. You may be offered 14k yellow gold, and while this will be stronger than 18k gold, this really means that your "gold" wedding ring has only about 58% elemental gold in it. Shocking, we know.
Prices for Yellow Gold Wedding Rings
A recent survey of prices indicates that yellow gold is less expensive than white gold wedding rings or platinum wedding rings. This is a reflection of both what goes into the creation of the ring (less expensive alloys) but also that yellow gold wedding rings are less popular than white gold or platinum wedding rings. That may change. But for now, expect to pay $300 for a 4 mm wide yellow gold wedding band at a leading online retailer and only slightly more around $500 for a 6 mm 18k yellow gold wedding band.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thank you gifts for the guys
While you've been busy helping your fiancée pick out invitations, reception music and seating charts, your groomsmen have been getting fitted for tuxedos, writing speeches and planning a bachelor party. To show your groomsmen how much you appreciate their help (and friendship), it's customary to give each of them a gift. Luckily for you, we've compiled a list of gift suggestions that's guaranteed to help you find the perfect gift for any groomsman.
How much to spend
While the answer on how much to spend depends largely on your budget, generally a minimum of $30 per groomsman is appropriate, with potentially something extra for the best man. That said, $30 is a minimum, and you're likely to spend a bit more. It's better to err on the side of caution and spend a bit more. These are your best buddies, after all, and you probably haven't bought them a "serious" gift, ever. Now's your chance to say thanks.
Ready to wear
A popular idea for some grooms is to buy a clothing accessory that matches the tuxedo that will be worn on the wedding day. All of the following options are great not only because they can be used more than once, but also because it ensures your buddies will look almost as good as you do on the big day.
Cuff links : Whether your buddy is a Dapper Dan or not, every guy needs a pair of cuff links for those special occasions.
Dress Shirt: If you are renting tuxedos, there is no reason to wear the hyper-starched and 20% cotton shirt that is provided in the package. Additionally, you could simply present a well-made dress shirt as the gift itself. Ask the guys for their (predicted) measurements and get them a nice dress shirt. It need not necessarily be a tuxedo shirt (so long as vests are worn). For long lasting quality, have bespoke shirts made through Michael Andrews Bespoke. Many shirt makers have easy-to-follow guides that describe how to take the necessary measurements. "The measuring process is easier than most people think," reports Michael Mantegna, CEO of Michael Andrews Bespoke, "and nothing compares to the look and feel of a well-crafted custom shirt."
Wristwatch : There's nothing more functional than a time piece that gets them to the church on time. You are likely to spend at least $100 to $150 on such a watch, but it will be useful for them. Avoid having it engraved - just a nice watch will do. If your groomsmen already have wristwatches or have more expensive tastes, read on.
Executive Pen: While you don't need to shell out for a Montblanc, you can purchase well crafted pens from New York purveyor, Joon Pens, without breaking the bank. Look for Pelikan or Lamy. These need not be fountain pens (which are nice, but often impractical) but can be rollerball pens. Anyone will tell you a fancy pen is better than those 10 cent ballpoints the office provides.
Engraved Money Clip: Nobody likes losing money, nor carrying around a man-purse. This is a perfect alternative to more expensive items.
Handy tools
Giving a gift that gets used often is always better than giving one that inevitably ends up sitting in a drawer. Even if your buddies aren't smokers, there are plenty of great gifts that will get used daily:
Pocketknife: A perfect companion for any pocket. It's amazing how often these little guys come in handy. It is a perfect addition to glove compartments everywhere.
Desk caddy : A great way to organize house keys, change, credit cards and more.
Toolbox : Help him get organized where it counts with a toolbox. Throw in a hammer and Phillips screwdriver if you're feeling generous.
Food and drink
Let's face it, every guy loves eating - and more than a few of us are social drinkers. Get the party started with some of these ideas:
Beer of the Month subscription : Exotic beers from all corners of the globe sent right to your door - what could be better?
Engraved cork/bottle opener : Whether their preference is fine wine or working-class beer, they've got to get at that alcohol somehow.
BBQ kit : Get invited to more barbeques by giving your buddies another excuse to fire up the grill.
Steaks : Nothing says "thank you" like a big slab of beef. Get it delivered to their door through a service like Omaha Steaks.
Steak brander: Have a custom brander made with your buddy's initials so everyone knows which chef to thank.
Sports and outdoors
Sports and men go hand in hand. No matter what sport your crew is into, there are plenty of cool gifts to give.
Golf gear : Portable coolers, custom-inked golf balls, those stylish golf knickers - the possibilities are endless
Tickets to a game : Make a day at the game on you.
Excursions : Feeling adventurous? Sign everyone up for skydiving, bungee jumping or other adrenaline-filled activity. Or, for something more tame, a camping or canoeing trip can be a great way to reconnect.
Outside the (gift)Box
Thinking outside of the box is a surefire way of showing your buddies how much they mean to you. With a little thought, you can really wow them.
Shares of stock : Companies like OneShare.com sell stock for companies such as Nike, Apple and Starbucks that come with a custom plaque.
Shaving kit : Waking up to a nice razor set is a great way to get the 9 to 5 started right.
MP3 player : Get them through the drudgery of the work day with the gift of music. Many (such as the iPod shuffle) can be found for under $100.
Giving a gift tailored to their hobbies or interests is a great way to ensure success. And if your groomsmen all have different personalities, don't feel like you have to give everyone the same gift. As long as you stay in the same price range, no one should feel ripped off or jealous. Put some thought into it, make it personal, and you should have a happy group of groomsmen come wedding day.
How much to spend
While the answer on how much to spend depends largely on your budget, generally a minimum of $30 per groomsman is appropriate, with potentially something extra for the best man. That said, $30 is a minimum, and you're likely to spend a bit more. It's better to err on the side of caution and spend a bit more. These are your best buddies, after all, and you probably haven't bought them a "serious" gift, ever. Now's your chance to say thanks.
Ready to wear
A popular idea for some grooms is to buy a clothing accessory that matches the tuxedo that will be worn on the wedding day. All of the following options are great not only because they can be used more than once, but also because it ensures your buddies will look almost as good as you do on the big day.
Cuff links : Whether your buddy is a Dapper Dan or not, every guy needs a pair of cuff links for those special occasions.
Dress Shirt: If you are renting tuxedos, there is no reason to wear the hyper-starched and 20% cotton shirt that is provided in the package. Additionally, you could simply present a well-made dress shirt as the gift itself. Ask the guys for their (predicted) measurements and get them a nice dress shirt. It need not necessarily be a tuxedo shirt (so long as vests are worn). For long lasting quality, have bespoke shirts made through Michael Andrews Bespoke. Many shirt makers have easy-to-follow guides that describe how to take the necessary measurements. "The measuring process is easier than most people think," reports Michael Mantegna, CEO of Michael Andrews Bespoke, "and nothing compares to the look and feel of a well-crafted custom shirt."
Wristwatch : There's nothing more functional than a time piece that gets them to the church on time. You are likely to spend at least $100 to $150 on such a watch, but it will be useful for them. Avoid having it engraved - just a nice watch will do. If your groomsmen already have wristwatches or have more expensive tastes, read on.
Executive Pen: While you don't need to shell out for a Montblanc, you can purchase well crafted pens from New York purveyor, Joon Pens, without breaking the bank. Look for Pelikan or Lamy. These need not be fountain pens (which are nice, but often impractical) but can be rollerball pens. Anyone will tell you a fancy pen is better than those 10 cent ballpoints the office provides.
Engraved Money Clip: Nobody likes losing money, nor carrying around a man-purse. This is a perfect alternative to more expensive items.
Handy tools
Giving a gift that gets used often is always better than giving one that inevitably ends up sitting in a drawer. Even if your buddies aren't smokers, there are plenty of great gifts that will get used daily:
Pocketknife: A perfect companion for any pocket. It's amazing how often these little guys come in handy. It is a perfect addition to glove compartments everywhere.
Desk caddy : A great way to organize house keys, change, credit cards and more.
Toolbox : Help him get organized where it counts with a toolbox. Throw in a hammer and Phillips screwdriver if you're feeling generous.
Food and drink
Let's face it, every guy loves eating - and more than a few of us are social drinkers. Get the party started with some of these ideas:
Beer of the Month subscription : Exotic beers from all corners of the globe sent right to your door - what could be better?
Engraved cork/bottle opener : Whether their preference is fine wine or working-class beer, they've got to get at that alcohol somehow.
BBQ kit : Get invited to more barbeques by giving your buddies another excuse to fire up the grill.
Steaks : Nothing says "thank you" like a big slab of beef. Get it delivered to their door through a service like Omaha Steaks.
Steak brander: Have a custom brander made with your buddy's initials so everyone knows which chef to thank.
Sports and outdoors
Sports and men go hand in hand. No matter what sport your crew is into, there are plenty of cool gifts to give.
Golf gear : Portable coolers, custom-inked golf balls, those stylish golf knickers - the possibilities are endless
Tickets to a game : Make a day at the game on you.
Excursions : Feeling adventurous? Sign everyone up for skydiving, bungee jumping or other adrenaline-filled activity. Or, for something more tame, a camping or canoeing trip can be a great way to reconnect.
Outside the (gift)Box
Thinking outside of the box is a surefire way of showing your buddies how much they mean to you. With a little thought, you can really wow them.
Shares of stock : Companies like OneShare.com sell stock for companies such as Nike, Apple and Starbucks that come with a custom plaque.
Shaving kit : Waking up to a nice razor set is a great way to get the 9 to 5 started right.
MP3 player : Get them through the drudgery of the work day with the gift of music. Many (such as the iPod shuffle) can be found for under $100.
Giving a gift tailored to their hobbies or interests is a great way to ensure success. And if your groomsmen all have different personalities, don't feel like you have to give everyone the same gift. As long as you stay in the same price range, no one should feel ripped off or jealous. Put some thought into it, make it personal, and you should have a happy group of groomsmen come wedding day.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Honeymoon planner
Putting together a wedding can mean a mountain of stress and a ton of work, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel: your honeymoon. As far as tunnel lights go, this is one of the best. You'll be newly married, fresh off the high of your party, and now you get to spend some quality time alone with your new wife just relaxing, kicking back, and doing whatever the two of you feel like. Life just doesn't get any sweeter.
To ensure that your honeymoon is the reward you and the missus truly deserve, you should start planning well in advance. Whether the two of you are heading for white sand beaches and drinks with little umbrellas in them, a cruise along the majestic Alaskan coast, or any other destination on Earth (beyond that is out of our jurisdiction), there are some steps you can take to make sure that everything goes according to plan. You may not be able to control the weather, you may not be able to control the airlines, but GroomGroove.com is here to make sure that everything that you can control goes as planned.
Let's start at the beginning:
6-12 Months Before the Honeymoon
Starting early, huh? Good for you. It looks like we've been getting through to you with this site. Six months to a year before you actually say those vows is the right time to start the ball rolling on your honeymoon plans. Sit down with your fiancée and try to come up with a short list of possible honeymoon destinations. You might have different ideas about what makes the perfect vacation getaway. But the world's a big place, and if you do a little research, you're bound to find a destination that meets both of your approval.
The big thing to keep in mind at this stage (and frankly, at every other stage, too) is your budget. The honeymoon comes after the very large expense of the wedding itself, so plan accordingly. Go online and dig around for price estimates. Most airline websites will let you see the price of tickets months in advance. Don't forget to factor in accommodations, leisure activities, a rental car, and other such necessities. You'll want to set aside a chunk of change for food and drinks, too.
4-6 Months Before the Honeymoon
Now's the time to start making reservations. Booking this far in advance increases your chances of getting the rooms/seats/tickets you want and gives you some wiggle room if plans change down the line. Some places may require that you send in deposits before they will make your reservation. Best to just get that out of the way now. Be sure to get written confirmation of all your various reservations. There's nothing worse than making a reservation at a swanky resort, only to find out with just weeks to go that the paperwork didn't go through and you've got nothing to prove you made the reservation except an empty bank account.
This is also the time to purchase travel insurance - both medical and trip cancellation - and to apply for any passports or visas that you might need. If you're heading out of the country, check with a doctor to see if you need to get any additional vaccinations. If so, do it now, before your schedule gets too hectic to squeeze in a trip to the doctor's office.
2 Months Before the Honeymoon
It's closing in on the Big Day. Time to make any final payments for hotels, travel, and other previously booked expenses that you haven't already paid for in full. If you're thinking about going on a tour or seeing a show while you're on your trip, this is the time to start investigating what's available. Go ahead, get some culture in you!
You should also do a little detective work and see if your destination will honor your ATM and credit cards. More and more remote locations accept credit/debit every day, but you don't want to get to your destination and find out that your wallet is full of useless plastic.
To ensure that your honeymoon is the reward you and the missus truly deserve, you should start planning well in advance. Whether the two of you are heading for white sand beaches and drinks with little umbrellas in them, a cruise along the majestic Alaskan coast, or any other destination on Earth (beyond that is out of our jurisdiction), there are some steps you can take to make sure that everything goes according to plan. You may not be able to control the weather, you may not be able to control the airlines, but GroomGroove.com is here to make sure that everything that you can control goes as planned.
Let's start at the beginning:
6-12 Months Before the Honeymoon
Starting early, huh? Good for you. It looks like we've been getting through to you with this site. Six months to a year before you actually say those vows is the right time to start the ball rolling on your honeymoon plans. Sit down with your fiancée and try to come up with a short list of possible honeymoon destinations. You might have different ideas about what makes the perfect vacation getaway. But the world's a big place, and if you do a little research, you're bound to find a destination that meets both of your approval.
The big thing to keep in mind at this stage (and frankly, at every other stage, too) is your budget. The honeymoon comes after the very large expense of the wedding itself, so plan accordingly. Go online and dig around for price estimates. Most airline websites will let you see the price of tickets months in advance. Don't forget to factor in accommodations, leisure activities, a rental car, and other such necessities. You'll want to set aside a chunk of change for food and drinks, too.
4-6 Months Before the Honeymoon
Now's the time to start making reservations. Booking this far in advance increases your chances of getting the rooms/seats/tickets you want and gives you some wiggle room if plans change down the line. Some places may require that you send in deposits before they will make your reservation. Best to just get that out of the way now. Be sure to get written confirmation of all your various reservations. There's nothing worse than making a reservation at a swanky resort, only to find out with just weeks to go that the paperwork didn't go through and you've got nothing to prove you made the reservation except an empty bank account.
This is also the time to purchase travel insurance - both medical and trip cancellation - and to apply for any passports or visas that you might need. If you're heading out of the country, check with a doctor to see if you need to get any additional vaccinations. If so, do it now, before your schedule gets too hectic to squeeze in a trip to the doctor's office.
2 Months Before the Honeymoon
It's closing in on the Big Day. Time to make any final payments for hotels, travel, and other previously booked expenses that you haven't already paid for in full. If you're thinking about going on a tour or seeing a show while you're on your trip, this is the time to start investigating what's available. Go ahead, get some culture in you!
You should also do a little detective work and see if your destination will honor your ATM and credit cards. More and more remote locations accept credit/debit every day, but you don't want to get to your destination and find out that your wallet is full of useless plastic.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
white gold wedding rings
White gold is a very popular choice for your wedding ring. It's cheaper than platinum and almost as exotic looking. White gold wedding bands represent something different than yellow gold. GroomGroove.com digs for gold and uncovers the advantages and drawbacks of white gold wedding bands.
White Gold Wedding Bands
The words "white gold" are frequently confusing to many grooms, who may be under the incorrect assumption that white gold is somehow less "gold" or less valuable than its yellow gold counterpart. But white gold is the same purity as yellow gold, usually coming in at 18 karat gold, or approximately 25% gold. White gold ranges in appearance anywhere from pale to silver and white gold wedding bands are silvery because the elemental gold is alloyed with a blend of silver and palladium for strength and color. (Chemistry 101, anyone?) Today, many white gold wedding rings are also coated with rhodium for extra brilliance.
Advantages of White Gold Wedding Bands
When it comes to white gold wedding bands, price is a significant advantage. A recent survey of prices indicates that white gold is less expensive than platinum. For example, a 3mm wide platinum band was selling at $400 at a leading online retailer whereas a 4mm white gold band of similar style was $300. On the upper end, 6mm 18k wedding bands at a leading brick-and-mortar jewelry retailer cost around $1000.
Drawbacks of White Gold Wedding Bands
Unfortunately, white gold has a tendency to yellow over time, showing its elemental color. There is a solution : having the wedding band plated and polished to its original luster. (But who wants to do that?) Grooms may just want to purchase one piece of jewelry, wear it forever and never have to worry about it. White gold fulfils that role for the most part, but not quite as well as platinum. Buyer beware.
White Gold Wedding Bands
The words "white gold" are frequently confusing to many grooms, who may be under the incorrect assumption that white gold is somehow less "gold" or less valuable than its yellow gold counterpart. But white gold is the same purity as yellow gold, usually coming in at 18 karat gold, or approximately 25% gold. White gold ranges in appearance anywhere from pale to silver and white gold wedding bands are silvery because the elemental gold is alloyed with a blend of silver and palladium for strength and color. (Chemistry 101, anyone?) Today, many white gold wedding rings are also coated with rhodium for extra brilliance.
Advantages of White Gold Wedding Bands
When it comes to white gold wedding bands, price is a significant advantage. A recent survey of prices indicates that white gold is less expensive than platinum. For example, a 3mm wide platinum band was selling at $400 at a leading online retailer whereas a 4mm white gold band of similar style was $300. On the upper end, 6mm 18k wedding bands at a leading brick-and-mortar jewelry retailer cost around $1000.
Drawbacks of White Gold Wedding Bands
Unfortunately, white gold has a tendency to yellow over time, showing its elemental color. There is a solution : having the wedding band plated and polished to its original luster. (But who wants to do that?) Grooms may just want to purchase one piece of jewelry, wear it forever and never have to worry about it. White gold fulfils that role for the most part, but not quite as well as platinum. Buyer beware.
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