AisleDash

AisleDashhttp://www.aisledash.comAisleDashhttp://www.aisledash.com/media/feedlogo.gifAisleDashhttp://www.aisledash.comen-usCopyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Matthew McConaughey proposes to Camila Alveshttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/matthew-mcconaughey-proposes-to-his-babys-mama/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/matthew-mcconaughey-proposes-to-his-babys-mama/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/matthew-mcconaughey-proposes-to-his-babys-mama/#commentsFiled under: Engagement, Celebrity

On the day his son, Levi, was born, Matthew McConaughey ripped off his shirt and proposed to Camila Alves, the mother of his newborn son. Okay, so maybe he didn't rip off his shirt -- that's just the way we like to picture it happening -- but he did propose just hours after Levi was born, and Camila happily accepted.

According to the Enquirer, Matthew wants Camila to design her own engagement ring, though he's been hunting for the diamond himself. They plan to have a beach wedding at sunset, and while they haven't set a date just yet, Matthew apparently hopes to tie the knot by Christmas.

Gallery: Matthew McConaughey & Camila Alves: Who needs to wear real clothes?

Camila Alves

Matthew McConaughey and Kelly Slater

Working the catwalk

On the bongos

It's for her JOB

We're all for the marriage (even if it does take Matthew off the market officially), but we're slightly concerned that it was a spur of the moment decision. Holding your baby for the first time certainly brings with it a wealth of emotions, and we hope that Matthew's proposal was something he'd been thinking about for a while and simply decided the time was right. What do you think?

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]]>babybeach-weddingcamila-alvescelebrityengagedexpire-images2009-7-20levimatthew-mcconaugheyparentsproposalKristen SeymourTue, 22 Jul 2008 17:00:00 ESTWedding by the numbershttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/wedding-by-the-numbers/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/wedding-by-the-numbers/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/wedding-by-the-numbers/#commentsFiled under: Relationships, Engagement, Ceremonies

Weddingbells, a Canadian wedding magazine, invited its readers to share some stats about their wedding. Fifteen hundred of them obliged, resulting in the following facts and figures:

The Canadian bride is 29 years old when she gets engaged, and close to three-quarters of all brides-to-be are living with their fiance when he pops the question. Most proposals occur between December and February, with the weddings following up to ten months later, most between July and September.

Close to two-thirds of couples pay for their weddings themselves, and though they thought it would cost them around $17,000, in fact it generally cost something over $25,000. Isn't that always the way?

If you're a Canadian bride, check out the full list of statistics at Wedding Bells, and see how your plans and budget compare!

via: Canada.com

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]]>bridal-magazinesCanadawedding-statswedding-trendsWeddingbellsIlona PeltzTue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:00 ESTMena Suvari: An American beauty, engagedhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/mena-suvari-an-american-beauty-engaged/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/mena-suvari-an-american-beauty-engaged/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/mena-suvari-an-american-beauty-engaged/#commentsFiled under: Engagement, Celebrity

Mena Suvari is gearing up to take her second walk down the aisle with a much older man. The American Pie and American Beauty actress' rep has confirmed that the 29-year-old is engaged to her 46-year-old music producer boyfriend, Simone Sestito.

Sestito proposed during a romantic Jamaican vacation. They met last September at the Toronto International Film Festival, and though the relationship seems to be moving along quickly, a source claims that, when it comes to planning the wedding, "They're in no rush."

Suvari was previously married at the age of 21 to cinematographer Robert Brinkmann, who was 18 years older than the petite beauty. She filed for divorce just over three years ago.

Gallery: The Many Looks of Mena Suvari: Which will be her bridal style?

Mena Suvari

Mena Suvari

Mena Suvari

Mena Suvari

Mena Suvari

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]]>actressamerican-beautyamerican-piecelebrityengagedexpire-images2009-7-17jamaicamena-suvarisimone-sestitoKristen SeymourSat, 19 Jul 2008 16:00:00 ESTMulti-media month at DIY bridehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/#commentsFiled under: Negotiating Speed Bumps, Do-It-Yourself, Engagement

laptop, notepad, and glass of scotch

The ever-helpful folks over at DIYBride have declared July to be "Multi-media Month". This week's post deals with online wedding planning, all those lovely sites which offer budget trackers, checklists, guest list and RSVP trackers, pages for vendors and music and dress sizes and ... everything you need to plan your wedding, really.

If you're a binder bride or a spreadsheet bride, that's fine. But if you'd love to use online tools, but have simply been overwhelmed by the sheer range of choice out there, check out the Online Planning Tools post. A range of sites were evaluated using a number of factors: ease of use, selection of tools, overall design and presentation, and reputation/reliability.

Continue reading Multi-media month at DIY bride

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]]>DIYmulti-mediamulti-media-weddingonline-wedding-planningwedding-planningIlona PeltzThu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:00 ESTEngagement and age: Is Hayden Panettiere too young?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/14/engagement-and-age-is-hayden-panettiere-too-young/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/14/engagement-and-age-is-hayden-panettiere-too-young/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/14/engagement-and-age-is-hayden-panettiere-too-young/#commentsFiled under: Engagement, Celebrity

Rumor has it that Heroes actor Milo Ventimiglia, 31, has been ring shopping for his co-star and girlfriend, 18-year-old old Hayden Panettiere. Sources have even gone so far as to claim that he's favoring Cartier and plans to spend around $200,000.

Gallery: Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia: What's age got to do with it?

Looking lovey-dovey, but it's not official yet.

A charitable outing

Together in a crowd

So happy together

Age is nothing but a number

While it sounds like Hayden could be in for a fabulous rock, we have to wonder if, at 18, she's really ready to be engaged. It doesn't seem unlikely that Milo is at that point in his life -- he's probably totally ready to settle down and start a family. But, even if his more diminutive half seems mature for her age, 18 just seems awfully young.

What about you? What do you think about engagements and age? Leave your answer in the poll, or let us know in the comments!

View Poll

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]]>agecelebrityengagedengagementexpire-images2009-7-13hayden-panettieremilo-ventimigliaproposeringyoungKristen SeymourMon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 ESTCher engaged to thirty-something Hell's Angel?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/11/cher-engaged-to-thirty-something-hells-angel/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/11/cher-engaged-to-thirty-something-hells-angel/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/11/cher-engaged-to-thirty-something-hells-angel/#commentsFiled under: Celebrity Weddings, Engagement, Celebrity

We would be nothing but disappointed if Cher found herself some boring old businessman to settle down with and marry. Fortunately, we don't have to worry -- the 62 year old is reportedly set to marry Tim Medvetz, a motorcycle customizer more than 20 years her junior.

Her rep recently denied that the diva had already married in a quickie Vegas ceremony, saying, "She isn't even in Vegas at the moment. Cher promised me if she ever got married again, I could be the flower girl." She also denied that Cher had made her groom sign a $600 million pre-nup.

Some speculate that the marriage will take place later this year, when Cher returns to Vegas to resume headlining her show, which alternates with Bette Midler's Vegas spectacular. All we can say is that we hope, hope, HOPE that Bob Mackie designs the wedding gown!

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]]>celebritycherdivaengagedexpire-images2009-7-11las-vegaspre-nuprumorvegasweddingKristen SeymourFri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:00 ESTFlorida governor and potential McCain running mate engagedhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/05/florida-governor-and-potential-mccain-running-mate-engaged/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/05/florida-governor-and-potential-mccain-running-mate-engaged/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/05/florida-governor-and-potential-mccain-running-mate-engaged/#commentsFiled under: Engagement, Celebrity

Charlie Crist, governor of the state of Florida, could have a very, very busy few months ahead of him. He proposed to his girlfriend of nine months, Carole Rome, on Thursday, and she happily accepted. The couple is considering a fall ceremony, but it might not be the only cause for celebration in the family this fall.

Crist is considered one of the top picks for the Republican Vice President spot, which means that in addition to planning a wedding this summer, he could be spending an awful lot of time campaigning with John McCain. And while we're sure that's all very exciting for Crist and Rome, we can't help but wonder whether his proposal had anything to do with a possible upcoming campaign. Don't voters tend to prefer married candidates? Hmmm ...

Either way, it sounds like the proposal was romantic. Crist popped the question as they overlooked Tampa Bay from his apartment in St. Petersburg, FL, and he presented her with a sapphire and diamond ring. We wish them the best (in marriage, at least -- we're keeping our political views to ourselves!).

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]]>campaigncarole-romecharlie-cristelectionexpire-images2009-7-4floridagovernorjohn mccainJohnMccainpoliticspresidential electionPresidentialElectionringsapphirevice presidentVicePresidentKristen SeymourSat, 05 Jul 2008 12:00:00 ESTCalling cards for the in-demand bridehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/03/calling-cards-for-the-in-demand-bride/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/03/calling-cards-for-the-in-demand-bride/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/03/calling-cards-for-the-in-demand-bride/#commentsFiled under: Negotiating Speed Bumps, Relationships, Engagement

Once you begin planning a wedding, the people you work with -- from vendors to planners to distant relatives who want to stay "in the know" -- begins to quickly add up. You can certainly feel pulled in many directions from the moment you accept your guy's proposal. C & G Weddings -- who created the funky and fun Bride CEO bag -- have now come up with an easy (and original!) way to handle those people in your life (and in your wedding!) who are a little demanding of your time and information.

The "Busy Bride Calling Card" contains all the information that many vendors (and others) will request from you without you having to wear out your hands or exhaust yourself. C & G Weddings -- a wedding consulting firm -- know a bride's time is precious and her sanity is even more so. They created these cards for the busy bride to drop in the mail, clip to forms, hand out at expos and potential venues, so her time can be better spent on all those important wedding details that rack up over time.

The cards come in seven possible motifs and cost $39.95 for 100 cards. The "Busy Bride Calling Card" is only available at CandGWeddings.com.

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]]>business-cardscalling-cardscardsfeaturedorganizationJennifer CanzoneriThu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:00 ESTInterview with Jennifer Sbranti from Hostess with the Mostesshttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/26/interview-with-jennifer-sbrati-from-hostess-with-the-mostess/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/26/interview-with-jennifer-sbrati-from-hostess-with-the-mostess/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/26/interview-with-jennifer-sbrati-from-hostess-with-the-mostess/#commentsFiled under: Negotiating Speed Bumps, Pre-Ceremony Parties, Gifts and Registries, Do-It-Yourself, Keeping the Memory, Engagement, Music and Entertainment, Favors, Theme weddings

All of us at AisleDash find creative inspiration from other Web sites and entertaining blogs on the Internet, as there are some true and talented gems out there to draw from. One blog I frequent for it's originality, intense and incredible color palettes and true creativity is Hostess with the Mostess (www.HostessBlog.com). The brains behind the brilliance, Jenn Sbranti, recently (and graciously!) took some time to answer a few questions that should help all brides-to-be and party planners for the upcoming wedding and entertaining seasons.

What are some up-and-coming themes in entertaining that you see emerging? For instance, we featured a pink-and-brown week on AisleDash.com, which has been a hot color-combination in weddings (and parties) for some time now, but what are some color combos or new themes that our readers might be pleasantly surprised to see in the coming seasons?

I'm starting to see a lot of color palettes featuring jet-black combined with a bright contrast color. Some of my favorite examples include yellow, aqua, lime green or coral-red paired with black. These color combos are especially great for summer because the bright element creates a playful, summery feel, and the black adds a chic, elegant factor that's perfect for special occasions like weddings and evening cocktail or dinner parties

Continue reading Interview with Jennifer Sbranti from Hostess with the Mostess

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]]>decoratingdecorationdecorationsentertainingfeaturedhostesshostess-blogpartiespartyplace-settingspre-wedding-partyJennifer CanzoneriThu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 ESTStuff you need to knowhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/25/stuff-you-need-to-know/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/25/stuff-you-need-to-know/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/25/stuff-you-need-to-know/#commentsFiled under: Relationships, Engagement

A marriage can be based on different things. While respect, communication, and shared interests are fundamental to all relationships, the mix will depend on each couple and their stage of life. A young, active couple may spend a lot of time and money indulging in their shared passion for sailing, but when a job requires them to move, or their first child is born, the relationship may undergo some significant shifts.

Everyone, whether they know it or not, heads into a relationship with certain assumptions. Often, those assumptions are so fundamental to how you think that it doesn't even occur to you that there's another way of thinking about it. "OF COURSE we'll spend Sundays with my family" one person is thinking, completely unaware that their beloved is assuming that marriage means significantly more distance from parents.

Continue reading Stuff you need to know

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]]>marriage-preparationpre-marriage-counsellingIlona PeltzWed, 25 Jun 2008 20:03:00 ESTSupermodel Adriana Lima engaged to baller Marko Jarichttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/17/supermodel-adriana-lima-engaged-to-baller-marko-jaric/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/17/supermodel-adriana-lima-engaged-to-baller-marko-jaric/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/17/supermodel-adriana-lima-engaged-to-baller-marko-jaric/#commentsFiled under: Celebrity Weddings, Engagement, Celebrity

He may have said he wasn't shopping for rings back in March, but sometime between then and now he obviously did -- Timberwolves shooting guard Marko Jaric proposed to Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima on her 27th birthday on Thursday. After approximately nine months of dating, he presented her with a ring, popped the question, and she said yes.

Adriana is famous not only for her ability to look fabulous in the tiniest of lingerie but also for her dating history. She dated musician Lenny Kravitz as well as Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. And, despite having dated such hotties, the model insists she's remaining a virgin until marriage.

One thing is certain -- the girl will have no problem finding some sexy lingerie for her wedding night!

Gallery: Adriana Lima

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]]>adriana-limabasketballcelebrityengagedengagementexpire-images2009-6-13lenny-kravitzmarko-jaricmodelnbaringvictorias-secretKristen SeymourTue, 17 Jun 2008 15:00:00 ESTPicnic table for two. Now that's romantic!http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/13/picnic-table-for-two-now-thats-romantic/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/13/picnic-table-for-two-now-thats-romantic/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/13/picnic-table-for-two-now-thats-romantic/#commentsFiled under: Gifts and Registries, Engagement

Not your standard picnic table, this. But then you're not your standard picnickers! This table for two (glasses) is perfect for a romantic summer picnic, in the traditionally romantic way: "A jug of wine, a loaf a bread, and thou."

Just shove the central post down into the earth, tuck your glasses in the ends, and you're safe from spillage. You can even squeeze your loaf of (unsliced) bread in the middle! Whether for a heartfelt engagement picnic, a dreamy honeymoon evening, or for your very casual reception (you'll need a couple of dozen of these, then!), this is both a romantic and a practical item!

For more information on the picnic table for two, check out this link.

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]]>picnic-tablewedding-presentwine-holderIlona PeltzFri, 13 Jun 2008 11:58:00 ESTScoreboard proposals: Love 'em or hate 'em?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/#commentsFiled under: Engagement, Polls

Yesterday we told you how to get your marriage proposal on the big screen at a baseball game. Today we'll find out if you should. In an infamous episode of Friends, "The One Where Rachel's Sister Babysits," Phoebe ruins her boyfriend's big-screen proposal at a Knicks game when she comments to him that such proposals are tacky and impersonal. Oops.

Scoreboard proposals are nothing innovative; you see them all the time. But is the fact that they're not creative a reason to hate them? Getting down on one knee has been done before -- does that mean you're going to do it differently?

The main thing to consider is whether the person you're proposing to would find a big screen proposal more romantic or more awful. Someone who is an introvert and doesn't like the spotlight might be terrified by such a gesture. Furthermore, if you're going to propose publicly, you want to be sure in advance that the answer is yes.

Would you appreciate a scoreboard proposal?

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]]>baseballbig-screenfeaturedpollsproposalproposalsproposeproposingscoreboardMeg MassieWed, 11 Jun 2008 13:00:00 ESTHow to get your proposal on the scoreboardhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/how-to-get-your-proposal-on-the-scoreboard/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/how-to-get-your-proposal-on-the-scoreboard/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/how-to-get-your-proposal-on-the-scoreboard/#commentsFiled under: Engagement

Last week, I was at a minor league baseball game with my family, enjoying my $6 popcorn and $4 water when the announcer came on the PA and said "Fans, please direct your attention to the scoreboard at center field for a very special message." Next, we saw the words "Becky, I love you. Will you marry me?" A cameraman was standing by to get Becky's reaction: a stunned, tearful "Yes!" Everyone cheered for the happy couple, and then the sixth inning began.

It may not be a super creative way to propose, but no one expects it to happen to them, so it can still be a fantastic surprise. If you want to propose on the big screen, it may be easier than you think. Getting a personalized message on the New York Yankees scoreboard costs only $100.00 -- advertisers would kill for a bargain like that. The catch is that you have to plan ahead -- the Yankees only sell 10 messages per game, on a first come, first served basis. The money you pay then goes to the New York Yankees Foundation, a charitable organization that donates funds for education and recreation in New York.

For scoreboard messages at other Major League Baseball stadiums, go to the team website of your choice and click on the link for their ballpark, then find the Scoreboard Messages category. A quick glance at several team sites tells us that it's not terribly expensive at any of the parks -- Dodger Stadium only charges $50 for a scoreboard message.

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]]>baseballpop-the-questionproposalsproposepropose-on-the-big-screenproposingscoreboardyankeesMeg MassieTue, 10 Jun 2008 13:29:00 ESTFinding a diamond that really sparkleshttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/finding-a-diamond-that-really-sparkles/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/finding-a-diamond-that-really-sparkles/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/finding-a-diamond-that-really-sparkles/#commentsFiled under: Rings, Budget Advice, Engagement

A friend of mine called the other day to ask for help finding a diamond for his girlfriend. He's a law student at a competitive school -- the boy knows how to do research -- but he wanted to ask me about any secrets of the trade I could pass on. So I asked him what he was looking for in a diamond.

"She has one request. It has to SPARKLE!" Simple enough. You don't need piles of appraisal documents to know if a diamond sparkles -- you can tell by looking at it, right? You'd think...

Actually, how a diamond twinkles in a jewelry display case can be very different from how it looks in natural light, and most jewelry store sales clerks don't even know about the characteristic that could have the most affect on a diamond's sparkle: fluorescence.

Gallery: Diamond Facts

Cushion Cut Diamond

Gemstone Scale

Color Varieties

The Hope Diamond

Diamond Cuts

Continue reading Finding a diamond that really sparkles

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]]>blingdiamond-valuesdiamondsengagement-ringsfluorescencegemstonesringssparkleMeg MassieTue, 10 Jun 2008 10:30:00 ESTCouple surprises party guests with their weddinghttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/08/couple-surprises-party-guests-with-their-wedding/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/08/couple-surprises-party-guests-with-their-wedding/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/08/couple-surprises-party-guests-with-their-wedding/#commentsFiled under: Alternative Weddings, Engagement, Ceremonies, Eloping

When Dan and Maggie Miller invited family and friends to a New Year's Eve engagement party, guests arrived to find wedding cake in the hall and Maggie in a big white dress. "Surprise! It's our wedding!"

The couple, both busy in med school, had considered eloping to avoid all the hassle of wedding planning. "By the time I got to the point I was actually going to get married, I didn't want to deal with all that stuff," Maggie said. But since their friends would be in town for the holidays anyway, they decided to make their "elopement" a public affair -- while still keeping the wedding part a secret.

They let a few close friends and family members in on the secret, and it was Maggie's mom who insisted on the white dress. "My son had a huge church wedding," she said, "so I had a huge church wedding in my pocket and didn't need another." It sounds like Maggie should thank her brother for getting her off the hook!

For a while now, celebrities have been embracing the surprise wedding trend as a way to keep the paparazzi away from their nuptials, but more and more non-celebs are copying the idea, finding that the surprise wedding is a great way to elope without actually eloping.

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]]>dan-millerelopeelopementelopinglos-angelesmaggie-millersecret-weddingssurprise-weddingsurprise-weddingsMeg MassieSun, 08 Jun 2008 11:00:00 ESTEthan Hawke and pregnant girlfriend have applied for marriage licensehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/08/ethan-hawke-and-pregnant-girlfriend-have-applied-for-marriage-li/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/08/ethan-hawke-and-pregnant-girlfriend-have-applied-for-marriage-li/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/08/ethan-hawke-and-pregnant-girlfriend-have-applied-for-marriage-li/#commentsFiled under: Engagement, Celebrity Relationships, Celebrity

You might recall Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman's divorce a few years ago. After several years of low-key married life, Ethan reportedly cheated on Uma, and they split.

Both of them seem to have moved on, and Ethan actually just applied for a marriage license with his "very pregnant" girlfriend, Ryan Shawhughes, who was the former nanny of his two children with Uma. We hope that the Ethan and Uma remain on civil terms -- he was spied dropping by to see her on the set of her latest film, and while they seemed to be perfectly chummy, witnesses say that Ethan slammed the door to Uma's trailer as he left.

Either way, we can expect to see Ethan and Ryan tying the knot within the next month --don't worry, we'll keep you up to date!

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]]>actorcelebritydivorceethan-hawkeexpire-images2009-6-8marriage-licensenannypregnantryan-shawhughessplituma-thurmanKristen SeymourSun, 08 Jun 2008 10:00:00 ESTProposal Turns Into UFO Sightinghttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/proposal-turns-into-ufo-sighting/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/proposal-turns-into-ufo-sighting/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/proposal-turns-into-ufo-sighting/#commentsFiled under: Keeping the Memory, Engagement

Creative proposals are always up our alley. And if your proposal results in UFO sightings and people calling the police, well then that's got to be pretty creative. Or crazy.

A 29-year-old German man proposed to his 27-year-old girlfriend in the small town of Plattling. And to commemorate the occasion, he released 50 glowing paper lanterns into the nighttime sky.

Worried city residents called the police, reporting UFOs and unusual lights drifting through the sky.

How's that for a story to tell the family later? "Hey, kids, when I proposed to your mother, people called the police and reported UFOs. You'll have to come up with something really creative to top that!"

Image: addictive_picasso on flickr

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]]>creativecreative-proposalufoBecky ScottSat, 07 Jun 2008 19:00:00 ESTIt's a ringer of a cuphttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/its-a-ringer-of-a-cup/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/its-a-ringer-of-a-cup/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/its-a-ringer-of-a-cup/#commentsFiled under: Rings, Engagement

We can think of so many ways to present this quirky little number ... It could be a gift from the bridesmaid to the bride; a gift from the bride to the groom; it could be an anniversary gift (or thank-you) to the parents of bride or groom.

The ring comes in faux gold or platinum -- note: at about $16.00/cup, nothing is real but the coffee it will hold! -- and is set with a genuine Swarovski crystal. It is packaged so that only the ring shows. The cup is hidden beneath the platform.

Warning to any guys with a practical-joke streak in them: If you present one of these to your girlfriend, you better make make sure you have the real deal in your back pocket!

If you would like more information on the "2-Carat Cup", you can check it out here.

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]]>2-carat-mugdecorative-mugengagement-giftpractical-jokeIlona PeltzSat, 07 Jun 2008 15:00:00 ESTDiamond alternatives: Try diamond hybridshttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/06/diamond-alternatives-try-diamond-hybrids/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/06/diamond-alternatives-try-diamond-hybrids/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/06/diamond-alternatives-try-diamond-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: Rings, Engagement

Our friends at Luxist turned us on to diamond hybrids. If you're concerned about blood diamonds or just the environmental impact of diamond mining, you may be looking for alternatives.

Anna-Mieke Anderson became involved in the diamond simulant industry after learning about the history of her own diamond engagement ring. She researched conflict-free diamonds, but decided that just wasn't enough. She eventually found out about diamond seeding, a technology first developed by NASA. The resultant stones are hybrids that are both simulant and man-made diamond crystal.

MiaDonna, Anna-Mieke's company, focuses primarily on engagement and wedding rings. Their stones are graded through Global Gem Lab and guaranteed for life.

In fact, Anna-Mieke is so concerned about the global impact of diamond mining that she has started a non-profit foundation called Greener Diamond. Their goal is to give back to those affected by the blood diamond industry. Check out some of MiaDonna's wedding and engagement rings in the gallery. You can also read more of the interview at Luxist.

Gallery: Diamond Hybrids

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]]>diamond-alternativesdiamond-hybridsdiamondsBecky ScottFri, 06 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST