<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link><description>AisleDash</description><image><url>http://www.aisledash.com/media/feedlogo.gif</url><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link></image><language>en-us</language><copyright>Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright><generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>Scoreboard proposals:  Love 'em or hate 'em?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/engagement/" rel="tag">Engagement</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img width="219" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="304" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/cbr002799.jpg" alt="" />Yesterday we told you <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/how-to-get-your-proposal-on-the-scoreboard/">how to get your marriage proposal on the big screen at a baseball game</a>. Today we'll find out if you <em>should</em>. In an infamous episode of <em>Friends</em>, "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.<br /><br />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? <br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/27/public-proposal-tip-make-sure-shell-say-yes/">be sure in advance that the answer is yes</a>.<br /><br />Would you appreciate a scoreboard proposal?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/#poll15438">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/how-to-get-your-proposal-on-the-scoreboard/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1221136/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/scoreboard-proposals-love-em-or-hate-em/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>baseball</category><category>big-screen</category><category>featured</category><category>polls</category><category>proposal</category><category>proposals</category><category>propose</category><category>proposing</category><category>scoreboard</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>2 husband types: Which kind is your honey?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/2-husband-types-which-kind-is-your-honey/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/2-husband-types-which-kind-is-your-honey/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/2-husband-types-which-kind-is-your-honey/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/nature_characters_flowers_279124_l.jpg"  alt="" />A <a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/love/husband-type-ll?click=main_sr">recent <em>Redbook</em> article breaks husbands down into two categories</a>: the Boyfriend and the Husband. The Boyfriend is what you always imagined you were looking for -- fun, spontaneous, and sexy. The Husband is the guy with whom you've dreamed about starting a family.<br /><br />Each has pros and cons. The Boyfriend, while exciting and probably great in bed, might not be as dependable in real life, leaving you to handle a majority of household chores and kid duties. The Husband will be a fantastic partner and never leave you hanging, but you might lack a bit of passion. And, according to <em>Redbook</em>, that is essentially that.<br /><br />We (somewhat) disagree.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/2-husband-types-which-kind-is-your-honey/#poll15316">View Poll</a></p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/2-husband-types-which-kind-is-your-honey/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>2 husband types: Which kind is your honey?</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.redbookmag.com/love/husband-type-ll?click=main_sr>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/2-husband-types-which-kind-is-your-honey/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1218991/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/2-husband-types-which-kind-is-your-honey/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>boyfriend</category><category>category</category><category>dependable</category><category>exciting</category><category>husband</category><category>kind</category><category>redbook</category><category>spouse</category><category>type</category><dc:creator>Kristen Seymour</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Sex and the City:  The Dress</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/sex-and-the-city-the-dress/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/sex-and-the-city-the-dress/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/sex-and-the-city-the-dress/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/over-the-top-weddings/" rel="tag">Over-the-Top Weddings</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/sex_and_the_city_movie3sjpwd.jpg" /><br /></div>
<a href="http://sexandthecitymovie.org">The Sex and the City movie</a> has been ruling the box office since before it came out, and everyone's talking about it (see our review <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/06/movie-review-sex-and-the-city/">here</a>), especially the fashion.<br /><br />The show and its characters have become fashion icons over the last decade, but there are times when costume designers abuse their power and try to pass off some really hideous outfits as high fashion.  Surely I'm not the only one who thinks Carrie Bradshaw's wedding getup was one of those times.  <br /><br />Before she selects her gown in the film, SJP models several gowns from the hottest designers for a Vogue spread.  Of the group of to-die-for dresses, the one that Carrie falls in love with is, well, something I wouldn't be caught dead wearing.  Honestly, it looks like it belongs in the bad-80's-clothes montage (a real treat in the movie -- I wish that scene had been longer!).  What's going on with that neckline?  It looks like Madonna handed down one of her old corsets to Carrie, which she wore even though it was two sizes too big.  And she didn't do herself any favors by accessorizing with a bird.  <br /><br />Usually the SATC people really deserve their fashion honors, and I don't know much about fashion, but I do know I hate that dress.  What do you think?  Feel free to tell me why I'm wrong!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/sex-and-the-city-the-dress/#poll15219">View Poll</a></p><br /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://sexandthecitymovie.org/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/sex-and-the-city-the-dress/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1216947/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/07/sex-and-the-city-the-dress/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>Carolina-Herrera</category><category>carrie-bradshaw</category><category>carrie-bradshaws-wedding-dress</category><category>Christian-Lacroix</category><category>couture</category><category>Dior</category><category>dresses</category><category>fashion</category><category>gown</category><category>gowns</category><category>Lanvin</category><category>poll</category><category>polls</category><category>sarah-jessica-parker</category><category>satc</category><category>sex-and-the-city</category><category>sjp</category><category>vera-wang</category><category>wedding-dresses</category><category>westwood</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>What's your #1 honeymoon priority?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/honeymoons/" rel="tag">Honeymoons</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/after-the-i-dos/" rel="tag">After the 'I Do's'</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/06/praia_beach_brasil_270202_l.jpg" />If we were to base life on romance novels and soap operas, we wouldn't even bother with this question -- obviously, the main thing on everyone's mind when it comes time for the honeymoon is sex, right? You'll go to a swanky hotel with a gorgeous bed and get busy four times a day, just like everyone else.<br /><br />Except, in real life, everyone else isn't doing that. In fact, many newlyweds don't rank sex even close to being their top priority on their honeymoon. According to <a href="http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/weddings/Brits+Avoid+Honeymoon+Hanky+Panky-120.html">this article</a>, couples are more interested in getting a tan, seeing the sights, and (yawn) reading a book than they are in getting busy.<br /><br />We understand that, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/12/not-tonight-honey-im-too-tired/">on your wedding night</a>, you might be a little to tired to do the deed, and that's totally understandable. But, we were surprised about the honeymoon. What about you -- what part of your honeymoon is your top priority?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/#poll15041">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/weddings/Brits+Avoid+Honeymoon+Hanky+Panky-120.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1214239/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>beach</category><category>holiday</category><category>honeymoon</category><category>newlyweds</category><category>poll</category><category>priority</category><category>sex</category><category>vacation</category><dc:creator>Kristen Seymour</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>What do you do with bridal shower prizes?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/16/what-do-you-do-with-bridal-shower-prizes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/16/what-do-you-do-with-bridal-shower-prizes/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/16/what-do-you-do-with-bridal-shower-prizes/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/pre-ceremony-parties/" rel="tag">Pre-Ceremony Parties</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/bridezilla/" rel="tag">Bridezilla</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/672133_gifts_for_you.jpg" />We're stumped. An appalled bride recently wrote, disgusted after her bridal shower, that she couldn't believe the guests kept all the <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/17/prize-ideas-for-bridal-shower-games/">prizes from games</a> for themselves. Didn't everyone know that you're supposed to give those to the bride?!<br /><br />Um, no, not everyone "knows" this. In fact, we'd never heard it before, and we think it sounds sort of silly. Why would there be prizes at all if the winners aren't supposed to keep them? But hey, just because we've never heard of it doesn't mean it's not a tradition somewhere. Maybe we're wrong.<br /><br />What do you do with bridal shower prizes?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/16/what-do-you-do-with-bridal-shower-prizes/#poll14259">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/17/prize-ideas-for-bridal-shower-games/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/16/what-do-you-do-with-bridal-shower-prizes/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1196917/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/16/what-do-you-do-with-bridal-shower-prizes/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>bridal-shower</category><category>bridal-shower-games</category><category>bridal-shower-prizes</category><category>bridezilla</category><category>featured</category><category>games</category><category>poll</category><category>prizes</category><category>shower-games</category><category>wedding-shower</category><category>who-keeps-the-prizes</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>If Hillary becomes President, will Bill be First Lady?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/14/if-hillary-becomes-president-will-bill-be-first-lady/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/14/if-hillary-becomes-president-will-bill-be-first-lady/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/14/if-hillary-becomes-president-will-bill-be-first-lady/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/celebrity-relationships/" rel="tag">Celebrity Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/billandhillary.jpg" alt="" /><br /></div>
I cast my vote in the Virginia primary election several weeks ago, but I've been traveling in Oregon recently, where the primaries are yet to happen, and for perhaps the first time in the state's history, they will matter. (Because Oregon's primaries are so late in the political calendar, usually a candidate has already secured the nomination before the state's delegates are assigned.) And what do you know -- Bill Clinton and I were in the same place this morning, so I went to hear him speak about his wife's <a href="http://www.hillaryclinton.com">campaign for President</a>.<br /><br />The Clinton family is somewhat of an anomaly. We all know about the scandal that plagued Bill and Hillary's personal life (and bled over into their public lives in the political circus of the late 90's), but to hear the former President speak today, it would be easy to think him the most supportive husband in America. He's clearly passionate and enthusiastic about Hillary's campaign. Politics aside, this was refreshing to see.<br /><br />Seeing President Clinton speak about what Hillary will do in the White House got me to thinking -- what will his role be if his wife becomes President? All our previous presidents have been married men, so their wives were First Ladies. When James Buchanan was sworn in as an unmarried President, his niece took over First Lady duties. So, if our President is a woman, will we have a First Man (Lord? Husband?) instead? Or will we still have a First Lady, and give the job to Hillary's daughter Chelsea? What do you think? Cast your vote below!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/14/if-hillary-becomes-president-will-bill-be-first-lady/#poll14111">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.hillaryclinton.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/14/if-hillary-becomes-president-will-bill-be-first-lady/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1194554/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/14/if-hillary-becomes-president-will-bill-be-first-lady/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>bill-clinton</category><category>chelsea-clinton</category><category>clintons</category><category>featured</category><category>first-daughter</category><category>first-husband</category><category>first-lady</category><category>first-man</category><category>hillary-clinton</category><category>politics</category><category>poll</category><category>president</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 16:31:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Wedding nails: Light or bright?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/12/wedding-nails-light-or-bright/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/12/wedding-nails-light-or-bright/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/12/wedding-nails-light-or-bright/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/bridal-beauty/" rel="tag">Bridal Beauty</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/opibridghtssnao.jpg" alt="" />There are a lot of fun colors in nail polish right now. <a href="http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/09/2008s-hottest-polish-chanel-blue-satin/">Chanel's Blue Satin nail polish</a> has flown off the shelves, and <a href="http://www.stephscloset.com/blog/beauty/2008/05/185/opi-summer-sneak-peek-mod-about-brights/">OPI has come out with a new collection of Brights</a>, overflowing with shades of <a href="http://www.opi.com/BrightsMod.asp">green, yellow, orange, and more</a>.<br /><br />Since summer is here, we're kind of excited about trying some funky new colors. It made us wonder, though, about wedding day nail polish -- are brights and funky hues appropriate for brides? Bridesmaids? Fingers? Toes?<br /><br />Many brides opt for a French manicure, or a neutral color, while others stick to trademark reds and pinks. However, maybe blue nail polish is more your style, in which case, would you switch it up and go with something more traditional for your wedding? Or do you think your wedding is the perfect time to show off that new acid green nail color? Let us know!<br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/light-or-bright-whats-your-wedding-day-mani-style/">Light or bright: What's your wedding day mani style?</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/light-or-bright-whats-your-wedding-day-mani-style/799905/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/ysl-opium-red_thumbnail.jpg" alt="YSL Opium Red" title="YSL Opium Red" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/light-or-bright-whats-your-wedding-day-mani-style/799903/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/revlon-sheer-translucide-nail-enamel-sheer-nude-479_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Revlon Sheer Translucide Nail Enamel Sheer Nude" title="Revlon Sheer Translucide Nail Enamel Sheer Nude" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/light-or-bright-whats-your-wedding-day-mani-style/799902/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/nars-chinatown-16_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Nars Chinatown" title="Nars Chinatown" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/light-or-bright-whats-your-wedding-day-mani-style/799904/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/rimmel-lycra-wear-10-minerals-nail-color-baby-pink-329_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Rimmel Lycra Wear 10+ Minerals Nail Color Baby Pink" title="Rimmel Lycra Wear 10+ Minerals Nail Color Baby Pink" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/light-or-bright-whats-your-wedding-day-mani-style/799901/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/05/mac----steamy-10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="MAC Cosmetics Steamy" title="MAC Cosmetics Steamy" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/12/wedding-nails-light-or-bright/#poll14006">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.stephscloset.com/blog/beauty/2008/05/185/opi-summer-sneak-peek-mod-about-brights/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/12/wedding-nails-light-or-bright/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1192353/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/12/wedding-nails-light-or-bright/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>blue-satin</category><category>chanel</category><category>classic</category><category>color</category><category>fingernails</category><category>french-manicure</category><category>funky</category><category>manicure</category><category>nail-polish</category><category>nails</category><category>opi</category><category>pedicure</category><category>polish</category><category>toenails</category><category>traditional</category><category>trend</category><dc:creator>Kristen Seymour</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Ring upgrades</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/23/ring-upgrades/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/23/ring-upgrades/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/23/ring-upgrades/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/rings/" rel="tag">Rings</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/engagement/" rel="tag">Engagement</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="200" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/202640.jpg" />It's said that "A diamond is forever," and while that slogan has been huge for jewelry retailers, most of them hope you'll adopt the unspoken follow-up into your jewelry philosophy.  The full saying is, of course, "A diamond is forever -- until you can afford a bigger one."  <br /><br />Most major jewelry retailers offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your original purchase toward something bigger and better down the road -- provided that you're trading up to something at least twice the value.  (This is the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.zales.com/jewelry101/index.jsp?page=inStoreServices">Zales policy</a>, which is pretty standard throughout the industry.)<br /><br />This sounds like a nice idea for the couple who doesn't have the money to buy what they want when they're first engaged, but we have to wonder -- doesn't an engagement ring (no matter the size of the rock) have huge sentimental value?  Is this something one could really trade in?  Grooms, how would you feel about your bride trading up for something "better" than what you first gave her?  Tell us what you think!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/23/ring-upgrades/#poll13167">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/23/ring-upgrades/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1175347/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/23/ring-upgrades/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>anniversary</category><category>diamonds</category><category>engagement-ring</category><category>engagement-rings</category><category>jewelry</category><category>ring-upgrades</category><category>rings</category><category>trade-in</category><category>upgrades</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Bridesmaids: How likely are you to wear your dress again?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/22/bridesmaids-how-likely-are-you-to-wear-your-dress-again/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/22/bridesmaids-how-likely-are-you-to-wear-your-dress-again/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/22/bridesmaids-how-likely-are-you-to-wear-your-dress-again/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/after-the-i-dos/" rel="tag">After the 'I Do's'</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/morileeforpost.jpg" />We've been involved in about a million weddings, and out of all of them, and nearly every bride we've known has selected her bridesmaids' dresses saying, "I <em>totally </em>think my bridesmaids will be able to wear this again -- don't you?"<br /><br />Truth be told, many of these dresses were quite beautiful, but did we think the bridesmaids were going to keep them at the front of their closets and wear them at the very next opportunity? <a href="http://fabsugar.com/1559199">Nope, not likely</a>.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/would-you-wear-these-anywhere-but-a-wedding/">Would you wear these anywhere but a wedding?</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/would-you-wear-these-anywhere-but-a-wedding/764035/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/mori-lee-noimg0large_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Mori Lee" title="Mori Lee" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/would-you-wear-these-anywhere-but-a-wedding/764021/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/bari-jay766bg_sage_chocolate_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Bari Jay" title="Bari Jay" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/would-you-wear-these-anywhere-but-a-wedding/764017/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/aria-104ka_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Aria" title="Aria" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/would-you-wear-these-anywhere-but-a-wedding/764013/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/alfred-angelo6124-600_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Alfred Angelo" title="Alfred Angelo" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/would-you-wear-these-anywhere-but-a-wedding/764025/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/simple-silhouettes-zinnia_1p_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Simple Silhouettes" title="Simple Silhouettes" /></a></div><br /><br />This makes us wonder -- how much do bridesmaids really care about the "post-wedding wearability" of their dresses? And if that's something that's important, what factors are most important? Color? Style? Formality? Or should brides worry more about what dress fits in best with their wedding and not worry about whether the bridesmaids will wear it again?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/22/bridesmaids-how-likely-are-you-to-wear-your-dress-again/#poll13043">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://fabsugar.com/1559199>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/22/bridesmaids-how-likely-are-you-to-wear-your-dress-again/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1173456/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/22/bridesmaids-how-likely-are-you-to-wear-your-dress-again/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>bride</category><category>bridesmaids</category><category>dress</category><category>poll</category><category>wedding</category><dc:creator>Kristen Seymour</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>How old should a flower girl be?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/how-old-should-a-flower-girl-be/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/how-old-should-a-flower-girl-be/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/how-old-should-a-flower-girl-be/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/wedding-party/" rel="tag">Wedding party</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/439126415_ba76418cb9_m.jpg" />It can be difficult to find ways to include all the people you hold near and dear in your wedding, especially when those people are children.  Whereas adult attendants get antsy about how they look in the dress you picked out as they stand in front of all your friends and family, kids are totally psyched to have all eyes on them.  But what will they be doing?<br /><br />The common solution is to include the wee ones in your life as flower girls and ring bearers, but what is the appropriate age for these designations?  Is a three-year-old mature enough to understand the job and cooperate?  Would a ten-year-old be offended that you'd even ask her to play such a kiddie role?  At what age should a girl be promoted from flower girl to <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/14/bridesmaids-vs-junior-bridesmaids-whats-the-difference/">junior bridesmaid</a>?  <br /><br />We suggest speaking to the parents first when you decide to include children in the wedding party.  The parents can give you an idea of where the child will best fit in, and whether or not it's a good idea to ask.  Maybe a two-year-old won't do the flower girl job exactly by the book, but who says she won't be an adorable part of your wedding?  It all depends on what you want.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/how-old-should-a-flower-girl-be/#poll12727">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/14/bridesmaids-vs-junior-bridesmaids-whats-the-difference/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/how-old-should-a-flower-girl-be/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1168109/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/how-old-should-a-flower-girl-be/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>age</category><category>attendants</category><category>children</category><category>children-in-the-wedding</category><category>flower-girls</category><category>including-children</category><category>junior-bridesmaids</category><category>poll</category><category>polls</category><category>ring-bearers</category><category>wedding-party</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Gay couples pay more federal taxes</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/gay-couples-pay-more-federal-taxes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/gay-couples-pay-more-federal-taxes/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/gay-couples-pay-more-federal-taxes/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/after-the-i-dos/" rel="tag">After the 'I Do's'</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/138729370_71516ced3f.jpg" />In Massachusetts, gay couples are allowed to marry. And in several other states, couples can take advantage of civil unions or domestic partnerships. Those arrangements at least offer some of the same protections as marriage.<br /><br />Until it comes time to filing taxes. While gay couples can file in their respective states with no problem, they still can't file together on federal taxes. And that means paying more money to Uncle Sam. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/04/14/gay.taxes.ap/">According to CNN</a>, a couple making $60,000 would pay over $800 more than if they filed together.<br /><br />There are many benefits that gay couples could get from marriage or civil unions. But until the federal government recognizes those unions, taxes won't be one of them. So what do you think, should the federal government recognize same-sex marriages? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/gay-couples-pay-more-federal-taxes/#poll12708">View Poll</a></p><br /><br />Photo by <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/babasteve/138729370/">babasteve</a> licensed under <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en">Creative Commons</a>.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/04/14/gay.taxes.ap/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/gay-couples-pay-more-federal-taxes/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1167155/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/15/gay-couples-pay-more-federal-taxes/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>gay marriage</category><category>gay-marriage</category><category>GayMarriage</category><category>same-sex-marriage</category><category>taxes</category><dc:creator>Becky Scott</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:32:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Why not have a prenup?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/04/why-not-have-a-prenup/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/04/why-not-have-a-prenup/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/04/why-not-have-a-prenup/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/negotiating-speed-bumps/" rel="tag">Negotiating Speed Bumps</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/after-the-i-dos/" rel="tag">After the 'I Do's'</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/04/wedding_619390_l.jpg" alt="" />There are a number of reasons couples don't opt for a prenup. Some couples go into the marriage with little in the way of money or assets, and therefore little to dispute should they ever divorce. <br /><br />Others, though aware of the fact that the divorce rate is near 50%, just don't believe for a moment that they could ever get divorced. As a matter of fact, a Harvard Law School study showed that couples gave themselves a 12% likelihood of getting divorced. <a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/ThePrenupProblem.aspx?GT1=33009#pageTopAchor">This even has a name -- optimism bias</a>.<br /><br />If you've opted against a prenup, what are your reasons? Take the poll below and share in the comments!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/04/why-not-have-a-prenup/#poll12170">View Poll</a></p><br /><br />
<div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<h2>A few of our favorite crazy celebrity prenups</h2>
<a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/16/crazy-celebrity-prenups-katie-and-tom/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/02/katie78875032_10.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/16/crazy-celebrity-prenups-catherine-zeta-jones-and-michael-dougla/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/02/catherine77432403_10.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/16/crazy-celebrity-prenups-nicole-kidman-and-keith-urban/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/02/nicole78109993_10.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/16/crazy-celebrity-prenups-jack-welch-and-jane-beasley-welch/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/02/jane77490984_10.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/16/crazy-celebrity-prenups-britney-and-k-fed/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/02/kfed51839420_10.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/16/crazy-celebrity-prenups-elizbeth-taylor-and-larry-fortensky/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/02/larry51959248_10.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/16/crazy-celebrity-prenups-charlie-sheen-and-denise-richards/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/02/charlie52001789_10.jpg" /></a> </div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/ThePrenupProblem.aspx?GT1=33009#pageTopAchor>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/04/why-not-have-a-prenup/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1157548/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/04/04/why-not-have-a-prenup/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>break up</category><category>BreakUp</category><category>bride</category><category>divorce</category><category>groom</category><category>marriage</category><category>money</category><category>optimism bias</category><category>OptimismBias</category><category>prenup</category><category>split</category><category>wedding</category><dc:creator>Kristen Seymour</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Is it tacky to register at a bank?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/27/is-it-tacky-to-register-at-a-bank/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/27/is-it-tacky-to-register-at-a-bank/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/27/is-it-tacky-to-register-at-a-bank/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/couplemoney.jpg" />We all agree that it's bad form to just ask for cash gifts. Sure, you can hint at it, and spread the word through your bridal party that "the couple would really prefer cash gifts since they already have all the <em>stuff</em> they need for their house." That's a pretty effective way to get the word out without looking greedy. <br /><br />But what about registering for cash? While some think registries of any kind are tacky, they're still a generally accepted part of wedding culture. So what difference does it make if you register at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.potterybarn.com">Pottery Barn</a> or at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mercantilebk.com/personal/bc/dreambuilder-choice.php">bank</a>? Lots of banks are jumping on board with this growing trend and offering bank accounts that double as registries where guests can simply make a deposit. <br /><br />We've seen honeymoon registries, which are really just another form of cash registry -- what do you think? Are bank registries over the line of proper etiquette, or are they no different than any other registry?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/27/is-it-tacky-to-register-at-a-bank/#poll11865">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.mercantilebk.com/personal/bc/dreambuilder-choice.php>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/27/is-it-tacky-to-register-at-a-bank/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1150777/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/27/is-it-tacky-to-register-at-a-bank/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>bank-registry</category><category>banks</category><category>cash</category><category>cash-gifts</category><category>gifts</category><category>money</category><category>register-for-cash</category><category>registering</category><category>registries</category><category>wedding-gifts</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Why aren't we renting our wedding gowns?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/21/why-arent-we-renting-our-wedding-gowns/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/21/why-arent-we-renting-our-wedding-gowns/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/21/why-arent-we-renting-our-wedding-gowns/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/99154-domo-adami.jpg" />According to the results of <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/">this poll</a>, most brides are willing to rent a wedding dress instead of buy one.  But very few people actual do this.  I asked around on message boards:  why, if you are willing to rent a gown, are you buying them anyway?<br /><br />Most of the answers were that brides didn't know they could rent gowns, or couldn't find a place that offered such a service.  Hmm.  There are a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rentabridalgown.com/">few places</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alexandriasformal.com/">online</a> that offer this service, but it seems that it's just not widely available.  Yet, according to our readers, there is a market for dress rental.<br /><br />Entrepreneurs, here's your chance.  And if you know of any stores that will rent wedding gowns, by all means, let us know!<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/photos/dress-of-the-day-bride/">Dress of the day: Brides</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/photos/dress-of-the-day-bride/901822/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/caroline_white_back_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/photos/dress-of-the-day-bride/901821/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/caroline_white_front_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/photos/dress-of-the-day-bride/901772/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/olegcassinidavids_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/photos/dress-of-the-day-bride/901771/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/backofolegcassini_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/photos/dress-of-the-day-bride/901764/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/cd278_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/21/why-arent-we-renting-our-wedding-gowns/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1138104/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/21/why-arent-we-renting-our-wedding-gowns/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cost</category><category>dresses</category><category>expenses</category><category>gown-rental</category><category>money</category><category>renting</category><category>renting-a-wedding-dress</category><category>saving-money</category><category>wedding-dress</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>It's all about the bride?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/16/its-all-about-the-bride/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/16/its-all-about-the-bride/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/16/its-all-about-the-bride/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/after-the-i-dos/" rel="tag">After the 'I Do's'</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/all4bout7bride.jpg" />Ever notice how everything wedding is aimed at the bride? Some days, you brides probably resent that the weight of all this rides mostly on your shoulders. Some days, you grooms probably resent feeling like a mere accessory to her show. But even now that men and women are more equal than they've ever been, the wedding is still mostly all about the bride. Why is that?<br /><br />One reason put forth by the authors of the book <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/16/why-a-lavish-wedding/">Cinderella Dreams</a> is that with a wedding, a woman's status changes more than a man's, so she's more invested in the ritual. In fact, the authors test out the idea then dismiss it, but we're not so sure. In the US, going from Miss to Mrs. changes a woman's name <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/11/01/will-you-change-your-name/">a solid 90% of the time</a>. She'll probably alter her career path to include children in a way her husband just won't. Once she's married, statistically she'll do more housework, while her <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/26/is-he-doing-his-share-probably-not/">husband will do less</a>. She has probably suffered more pressure to marry from friends and family (though men get it, too, just not so much).<br /><br />What do you think? Does marrying change a woman's life more than a man's?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/16/its-all-about-the-bride/#poll11221">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/mindandbody/a/cohab0104.htm>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/16/its-all-about-the-bride/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1139365/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/16/its-all-about-the-bride/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>men-vs-women</category><category>sociology-of-marriage</category><category>wedding-statistics</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Girl's fiance barred from prom</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/14/girls-fiance-barred-from-prom/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/14/girls-fiance-barred-from-prom/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/14/girls-fiance-barred-from-prom/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/prom-party-040.jpg" />Kaela Covert, a 17-year-old high school junior in Quincy, Illinois, has been looking forward to her prom for a long time. She wants to take her 22-year-old fiance, and her parents want them to go together, too -- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/03/14/il.too.old.prom.wgem">but her school district says she can't bring him because he's too old</a>. <br /><br />Her parents insist that he's just a normal kid who won't cause any disruptions, so the school should let him attend the dance with Kaela. The two have attended several school dances prior to the installment of the new policy that requires all prom attendees to either be high school students or under the age of 21. Is this a case of the school stepping in where the parents won't? If the parents are fine with the relationship, should the school back down?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/14/girls-fiance-barred-from-prom/#poll11282">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/03/14/il.too.old.prom.wgem>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/14/girls-fiance-barred-from-prom/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1140090/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/14/girls-fiance-barred-from-prom/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cnn</category><category>news</category><category>older-man</category><category>poll</category><category>polls</category><category>prom</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Does every man need a prenup?  Askmen advises it.</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/13/does-every-man-need-a-prenup-askmen-advises-it/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/13/does-every-man-need-a-prenup-askmen-advises-it/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/13/does-every-man-need-a-prenup-askmen-advises-it/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/negotiating-speed-bumps/" rel="tag">Negotiating Speed Bumps</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/brit_kfed_prenup.jpg" />No one gets married expecting to get divorced. Divorce is one of those things that happens to other people, right? Certainly not you. We hope you won't ever go through it, but the fact is, about half the people who never think they'll get divorced are proved wrong. <br /><br />In <a href="http://www.askmen.com/dating/curtsmith_100/133_dating_advice.html" target="_blank">this very misogynistic article</a>, Askmen.com lays out the practical reasons for signing a prenup. The underlying assumption in the article is that women are ruthless gold diggers who will screw all men who drop their guards, which is annoying to read, but take out those undertones and the points about protecting assets are still true. <br /><br />Prenups simply determine how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. It's a wholly unromantic and really depressing idea, but if you do end up splitting, a prenup can save both people a lot of money and anguish. If your terms are already agreed beforehand, no one has to pay a lawyer for hours and hours of fighting about how to divide things. For tips on negotiating a prenup, read our post <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/09/25/romantic-no-practical-yes-4-tips-for-negotiating-pre-nups/">here</a>.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/13/does-every-man-need-a-prenup-askmen-advises-it/#poll11146">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.askmen.com/dating/curtsmith_100/133_dating_advice.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/13/does-every-man-need-a-prenup-askmen-advises-it/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1138224/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/13/does-every-man-need-a-prenup-askmen-advises-it/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>askmen</category><category>assets</category><category>celebrity-prenups</category><category>celebrity-prenuptials</category><category>divorce</category><category>featured</category><category>legal</category><category>pre-nups</category><category>pre-nuptials</category><category>prenups</category><category>prenuptial-agreements</category><category>prenuptials</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Who actually gets china anymore?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/12/who-actually-gets-china-anymore/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/12/who-actually-gets-china-anymore/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/12/who-actually-gets-china-anymore/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/which-ones-are-wedgewood/">Which ones are Wedgewood?</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/which-ones-are-wedgewood/694169/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/wedgewoodplatowhite_bslg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Cheap or china?" title="Cheap or china?" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/which-ones-are-wedgewood/694172/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/target41tkjx1ltcl._aa354__thumbnail.jpg" alt="Cheap or china?" title="Cheap or china?" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/which-ones-are-wedgewood/694167/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/wedgewoodknightsbridgechina_bslg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Cheap or china?" title="Cheap or china?" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/which-ones-are-wedgewood/694161/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/wedgewood501155_mood_1lg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Cheap or china?" title="Cheap or china?" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/which-ones-are-wedgewood/694156/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/target41cf12s107l._ss384__thumbnail.jpg" alt="Cheap or china?" title="Cheap or china?" /></a></div><br />I pose a question to you brides and grooms out there (former, present, to-be, whatever): What's up with china?<br /><br />I get it -- it's nice to have a lovely matching set of dishes. But <a href="http://engagemental.wordpress.com/2008/03/02/choosin-china/">I ran across this post</a> recently, and, to put it in a nutshell, the couple wants china that is microwave and dishwasher safe <em>and</em> informal enough to go with some <em>really</em> casual flatware they've chosen. So, I ask again, why china? Why not a nice set of matching dishes that are less expensive and more to the couple's taste?<br /><br />Also, most couples I know will be inheriting china sets (whether they want to or not), so why continue the cycle? In a home where you plan to have many ritzy dinner parties and where the guests will recognize a Wedgewood china pattern, I understand. It's a status thing. But for most people, is it necessary? Let me know!<br /><br />Also, be sure to go through the gallery. Can you guess which ones are fancy china and which are everyday dinnerware?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/12/who-actually-gets-china-anymore/#poll11107">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://engagemental.wordpress.com/2008/03/02/choosin-china/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/12/who-actually-gets-china-anymore/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1137662/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/12/who-actually-gets-china-anymore/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>china</category><category>cost</category><category>dishes</category><category>plates</category><category>poll</category><category>price</category><category>registry</category><category>silver</category><dc:creator>Kristen Seymour</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Save money when you rent your wedding gown</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/ja2701-14-2.jpg" />Why is it that grooms are never expected to buy tuxedos, which can be worn again to other events, but brides are expected to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a dress they can really only wear one time?  Does anyone else find this sort of stupid?<br /><br />We understand that wedding dresses can be hugely sentimental, and many women like to own theirs simply to be able to look at it hanging in the closet, or dream of passing it down to daughters and granddaughters.  But think of all the other keepsakes you'll have from your wedding -- gifts, framed invitations, photo albums, your spouse -- do you really need to spend so much money on the dress, too?  <br /><br />Some people will say yes, but for those of you who want to cut costs on the wedding dress and are willing to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rentabridalgown.com">rent</a> instead of buy one, you're in luck, because <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alexandriasformal.com">you can do that</a>!  Most brides don't even think to ask about this, because it's so out of the norm, and most stores won't mention rental to someone willing to buy, but just ask around and you may be surprised at how many options you have.  Many of the stores that offer gown rentals will also rent out bridal accessories to save you even more money.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/#poll11096">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.rentabridalgown.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1137121/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/11/save-money-when-you-rent-your-wedding-gown/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cutting-costs</category><category>dress</category><category>gowns</category><category>poll</category><category>rentals</category><category>renting</category><category>renting-a-wedding-dress</category><category>saving-money</category><category>sentimental-value</category><category>wedding-dress</category><category>wedding-gowns</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Is Mr. Good Enough really good enough to marry?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/is-mr-good-enough-really-good-enough-to-marry/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/is-mr-good-enough-really-good-enough-to-marry/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/is-mr-good-enough-really-good-enough-to-marry/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/negotiating-speed-bumps/" rel="tag">Negotiating Speed Bumps</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a></p><p><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/j0424410[1].jpg" align="right" vspace="4" border="0" />Once a woman hits the big 3-uh-oh, she invariably has that moment of utter bewilderment as she stares into the mirror murmuring unkind phrases to her reflection. Inevitably, she must ask herself that downright dirty, evil question: <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23053553/">Is it better to be single or to settle?</a> </p>
<p>Author Lori Gottlieb addresses this very question in an excerpt from "Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough" in the March 2008 issue of <em><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/">The Atlantic</a></em> magazine.</p>
<p> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/is-mr-good-enough-really-good-enough-to-marry/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Is Mr. Good Enough really good enough to marry?</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23053553/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/is-mr-good-enough-really-good-enough-to-marry/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1129968/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/is-mr-good-enough-really-good-enough-to-marry/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>average-guy</category><category>Lori-Gottlieb</category><category>marriage-material</category><category>Mr-Good-Enough</category><category>Mr-Perfect</category><category>older-marriages</category><category>older-women</category><category>settling</category><category>single-men</category><category>single-women</category><category>The-Atlantic</category><category>Today-Show</category><dc:creator>Heather Hawkins</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>