Chateau Dale Blog

Another tradition that has become popular in the United States is the reading of the book “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clark Moore (or similar tale about Santa Claus). Other families watch a Christmas-related video or television show, like: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas or Frosty the Snowman. Singing Santa Claus songs such as Up on the Housetop, Here Comes Santa Claus, or Santa Claus is Coming to Town are also very popular.

Just before going to bed, children around the world put their stockings on mantels in hope that “Santa will soon be here”, or so the song goes. They are full of anticipation that Santa will fill them with gifts, candy, and other goodies…ready for them when they wake up tomorrow morning. A quick look up the chimney to ensure that he has not arrived yet, a glance out the window to see if they can catch a glimpse of a passing sleigh, and perhaps unlocking the front door (in case Santa has problems navigating the chimney), then off to bed… Up til now it seems that children have been doing all the work, but not it’s time for mom and dad to join in on all the action. There are plenty of gifts that need to be placed under the Christmas tree. Many times these gifts will be signed “From Santa” or “Love Santa”. Did you enjoy this little tour of “The Night Before Christmas”? Christmas Eve is certainly a magical time of year…but we are not done yet. In future articles we will be exploring more aspects of Christmas, so stay tuned…

For more info check out christmas list.

In today’s world there are just so many different options and choices available to us. We can get a hold of people by traditional phone, smart phone, regular cell phone, email, or regular mail. If we want to get somewhere we can drive a car, ride a bike, take a bus, or stroll along. Given all the various options available to us today, it’s only natural that this variety should work its way into one of our most cherished and honored traditions…that of the wedding cake. Selecting the flavor of the cake and the color of the icing is just getting started with the process. You will also need to take some time to choose the best wedding cake topper for your special cake. In this article we will be exploring the realm of the wedding cake. We will be providing some background details on the tradition, and eventually working on up to the selection process of the perfect topper for that very special wedding cake.The wedding cake is usually strategically displayed during the wedding reception. Often towering into the heavens, it competes with the bride as the “center of attention” on her big day. This special work of art establishes a focal point that the other aspects of the reception will revolve around. For those who prefer a bit of the dramatic, the wedding cake can be wheeled in at the end of the wedding reception for a “grand entrance” for everyone to see. To many people this grand entrance will trigger the memories of the bride who walked down the aisle earlier in the day.

For more info visit wedding cake toppers.

There are mens custom sport coats and there are ideal mens custom sport coats. One is something you wear when you absolutely have to wear something dressy with out being formal and the other makes you look dashing and sophisiticated no matter whether you pair it with jeans khakis or slacks. For all men the latter is something they shoudl aspire to own and realizing that this is a great investment can take your wardrobe to a whole new level.

The ideal mens sport coat is something that will be made from light weight wool. Something you can take on a plane with minimal wrinkling and still wear to a meeting the minute you step off. The Ideal mens sport coat will be something you can wear to dinner with a pair of jeans. again it stays crisp and with out wrinkles but is soft and casual enough as not to look like you are wearing your suits jacket with your jeans. A great way to ge tthis look is by asking to have your suit made with half lining only, or even dare I say with no lining. An unconstructed sport coat will be the most flexible thing you will have in your closet. It will bridge the gap between dressy and ball game just perfect and there will be no need for expensive dry cleaning as it will stay sharp and ready at all times. Look for it in a dark color and wear it often. Pair it any way you like and it will look great!

The United States is facing a very formidable challenge in the years ahead. The problem, how do you get more American kids interested in math, engineering, technology, and science? The reason this is a problem is because many of the baby boomers are starting to retire, and young people are just not interested in pursuing careers in these fields. Could math comics be part of the solution?It’s a fact that technology and science are the bedrock of the global economy in which we now find ourselves in. Business and labor statistics tell us that employment in these areas alone will increase about 70% faster than the rates of other areas. With this sudden jump, it’s very tragic that American kids are not showing the interest or skills required to fill these types of jobs.Middle school in particular needs our urgent attention. As our kids turn to teenagers, it is just “not cool” to be good in math or science. Peer pressure is huge at this age, and we need to support and encourage our kids in the areas of the maths and sciences before it gets to them. Unless we take the necessary steps now, we as a nation will pay the price in the years to come.Math needs to be an interest of both boys and girls. Young women now outnumber men on our college campuses, but in far too many engineering disciplines women make up less than 20% of students. Professions in the math and sciences need to be more welcoming to women, so they will see a future for the math they are learning in their early years.

For more info check out math comic strips.

Jewelry with horses on it, otherwise known as horse jewelry, has fascinated people throughout the ages. Dating back to the most ancient of times, families and individuals would often incorporate the images of a horse on their most treasures possessions…including their jewelry. It was usually made from the most precious of metals and gems, such as silver, gold and of course, diamonds. Passed down from generation to generation, they were to become valuable keepsakes.Where did this practice come from? This desire to put a “mere animal” into beautiful jewelry that will be owned and loved and yes, shown to others? When we think of the horse it’s not hard to fathom. The horse is an animal with a number of desirable traits…traits that we all hope to possess in our own character. Some of these traits are:1) Strength – Horses have been asked to perform many of man’s most menial tasks. Consider the workhorses like the Clydesdale for example. They are powerful enough to pull the famous Budweiser wagons, and plow the fields as well. A piece of jewelry that incorporates the horse design will exude the strength and power of this animal. This type of gift is very popular amongst men.2) A Horse’s Grace. When you think of grace what come to mind? A horse? This is true for many people. If you watch a horse running along a field you see grace in action. Every fiber of their being seems focused on propelling this beautiful creature along. Beautifully streamlined, this magnificent creature has become the heart’s desire of many a young boy and girl. What happens if we add diamonds to the mix? We come up with a very special blend. Diamonds are also known for their class and elegance, and it’s a gem that marries perfectly with equestrian design.3) Nobility – What a noble creature the horse is. During the Middle Ages, knights decked out in full battle armor rode horses with the symbol of the horse incorporated into their shields. And how did the peasants get around? They walked along side their knights no horse, no armor, and no shield let alone one with a horse design. Let’s fast forward to our world today. People of high-ranking are often honored with horse jewelry, particularly gold brooches and medallions. Rings with the design of a horse’s head are often awarded to others as a sign of “higher social class” or “nobility”.We have left til now the main reason that people wear horse jewelry. Do you know what it is? It’s because they love this magnificent animal. Sure, like you and I, they have to go to work or school, shop or play, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t display their love of horses to the world.In future articles we will be detailing some of the finer examples of horse jewelry, and we hope you will join us. If you find that you “just can’t wait” for these items, please visit us on our blog.

Be sure to consider your budget before you let your imagination get the better of you. You want your wedding day to be one of celebration, not the day that you started your journey into financial disaster. Many people are surprised at the cost of a wedding cake. Keep in mind that you are asking an artisan to create a masterpiece for you, and this can often be reflected in the price that he/she will be charging. The cost of labor is often the largest expense in the creation of a wedding cake but keep in mind the simple fact that fondant is more expensive than buttercream.Have you thought about the staging of your masterpiece? Be sure to take the wedding cake stand into consideration during your planning phase. While some wedding cakes can be simply placed on flat boards (that will not be seen by the general public), others are elaborately displayed on beautiful stands for everyone to see. Keep in mind the simple fact that actual size of the table must be in proportion to the actual size of the cake. A table that is too small will make the cake look way too big, while a table that is too large will make it look like a mere cupcake. And before we forget, your cake table will need a beautiful covering (to compliment its strategic location at the wedding reception). Oh, and don’t forget the cake knife and cake server. There needs to be a place on the table for these two items as well.

For more info, visit us on our blog wedding cake toppers.

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t absolutely love MAC makeup products. I’ve heard of people who do like other brands, but I’ve never heard anyone actually complain about MAC. The only negative thing I’ve ever heard is from MAC snobs who complain that MAC has gone downhill since being taken over by Estee Lauder a while back. But, hello, these people still don’t think there is another brand out there that is better.

I usually feel pretty safe trying any of MAC’s cosmetics products. I haven’t really ventured out into their skin care line, or their fragrances. I usually like to get a makeover at the counter and have the makeup artist walk me through some simple makeup tips and techniques with a few new shades so that I can try some new looks at home and break out of my routine a little bit.

Once I’ve practiced my new looks, I feel happy that I have so many new options and things to try for a rainy day, or when I’m simply looking forward to a special occasion and want to do something new and exciting for that event.

Usually, people simply have great results with MAC, and they almost always get good advice from the makeup artists that work at the freestanding MAC stores as well as the MAC makeup counters. I’m glad I’ve found a brand I really trust and really like. And, it’s pretty affordable considering the quality and popularity of the product. What more could a beauty and makeup addict want? I can’t think of anything!

The second Arab Women’s leadership Forum, which was held in Dubai in January this year, was attended by almost 600 businesswomen from the different Arab countries. The one thing that was common among all these women was the fact that all were clad in abayas and portrayed the image of the perfect Muslim women. To the outsider, it may have appeared that these women were meek or subdued; however, in reality these women exuded very high levels of confidence.

The business women were seen in all types of abayas and the levels of enthusiasm and confidence that they displayed at the forum were in no way less than the chic and sophisticated businesswomen of the western world. In fact it seemed that the abayas gave them an added layer of strength and vitality that seemed to be pouring into the deliberations on the various business related discussions that were held. 

One of the key topics under discussion was to empower women in the male oriented societies that are prevalent in the Arab countries. The women keynote speakers placed emphasis on these topics and conversation also led towards how wearing abayas should not provide any hindrances in succeeding in the corporate world. Women entrepreneurs were also specifically encouraged and advised about improving and excelling at their work without the limitations that the western world places on women in abayas. The women’s forum brought under review issues that will help the attendees to progress and expand their business ventures so that they can compete with the big shots of the world.

Attending this forum were Turkish minister for women and family affairs; Selma Kavaf, Kuwaiti member of the parliament; Aseel Al-Awadhi, and various other representatives from NGO’s as well as private firms and members from various Arabic governments. Dubai’s own prominent working women were in attendance as current statistics show that there are more educated females than males in UAE today and these women pursue active careers in all fields of life.

It was a refreshing meeting to attend as it really provided refreshing and modern views that can help working Muslim women to great lengths. It also showed that no matter what the outer appearances may portray, it is the inner strengths that assist in reaching for the stars. Whether it is simple black abayas that you wear, or the more modern western suits, the women behind the outfit is what matters. These Middle Eastern women clad in abayas exuded high levels of confidence and enthusiasm for the working women of today!

Want to make your wedding fashionable and stylish? If yes, then you want to pay slightly more attention and detail to the marriage flowers alone. Using the wedding flowers in an unconventional manner alone will help in making your marriage a hip affair. Here are some top wedding flower ideas that are certain to make your wedding modern.

Opt for blooms which are bright in color. This is one of the finest strategies to make your wedding ; a hip affair. The trend of proven shades like muted yellow, light pink and white for wedding flowers is no more in. The present trend is all about daring colors. If you would like to add a touch of style to your wedding ; select bold colors like fuchsia pink, burgundy, deep purple and several others. Another good option for you is to select cheerful colors like orange and yellow.

If you are looking for something really different, you will want to choose colors which bring that additional to your marriage. The most suitable option so far has been red and pink, infrequently joined with white. But as you are out to do something else, your options include combinations like brown with purple, green with deep red or white with orange or white with maroon.

Going natural is one more idea for making your wedding happening and chic. Using proper and proper; well designed flower arrangements for marriages is the trend of the bygone time. The present times has more of an off-the-cuff approach when it comes to the wedding flowers. It is preferable to go for casual flower arrangements than to go in for cascade of bridal bouquet. This is so because they’re well tailored and therefore give a very formal touch to the marriage. Instead of such formal approach; using a handful of flowers that are loosely held appears more sound a choice.

Complement your wedding flowers with masses of foliage. Adding foliage and plenty of leaves will definitely add on to the natural feel of the marriage. One good option may be to use long stems. This will come in handy for venue useful for venue dcor. Add on some plants and fruits to the existing wedding flowers; if you want to go in for an experimental look and arrangement. This can also help you add on garden like feel to your marriage. You can experiment more by adding some bamboo and bass too. This way you are all set for a wooden feel too.

Different textures are a good way to add to the beauty of your floral patterns. The solution for this is to use flowers which have same color but have different shade and hue. You also have the option to base your entire wedding on a theme color. Consider using yellow as the neat thing about your floral patterns. The solution for that’s to use any sort of flower, as it is yellow in color. Different yellows will match to make a great combination.

Add on some embellished accessories to the wedding flowers arrangement and you are all ready for a classy look for your wedding. Add pebbles, feathers and the marriage flower display to give a bohemian feel to give a bohemian feel to your wedding.

Add style and funk to your wedding with above declared experiments in the marriage floral arrangements and be warranted to leave a mark.

“The Andy Griffith Show” was a 1960′s television show featured Andy, a sheriff in the small town of “Mayberry”. The show revolved around Andy, his friends and family, and the great fun times that they all had together. While “Mayberry” is a totally fictional town, did you know that there is a place that reminds us of it? This place hastens back to a time when life was much simpler, people were kinder to each other, and everyone seemed to know your name. The place? Ocracoke, North Carolina…located in the Outer Banks. It’s not only a great place for your family beach vacations, it’s a place that will move you in ways you won’t even realize. Read on to find out more…Why does Ocracoke maintain this ode to “Days Gone By” when the rest of North Carolina has marched on? One reason could be the simple fact that it’s much harder to get to Ocracoke. There is no direct bridge, road, or tunnel. If you don’t have your own private boat or plane, the only way to get there is to either swim (we’re kidding…) or take one of the public ferries that run to the island and back on a daily basis.Shopping in Ocracoke is not at all like it’s counterpart on the mainland. While shopping on the mainland can be rush, rush, rush…shopping on Ocracoke is like a leisurely stroll through the park. The shops are all rather small and quaint, and many focus on only one or two things. For example, there is one shop that focuses primarily on kites…one of the favorite pastimes on the island. They do have two main variety stores for your grocery needs, and a post office for those postcards back to the mainland.One of the main tourist attractions at Ocracoke is it’s historic lighthouse. Built by Noah Porter, a builder from Massachusetts, in 1832, it is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina (and the second oldest in the US). It is 75 feet tall, with a diameter ranging from 25 feet at the base to 12 feet at the top. You can see the light from the top of this lighthouse 14 miles out to sea. A US Park Ranger is on duty in the summer, and while they are there, you can enter the base of the lighthouse. No climbing of the lighthouse is ever permitted.In conclusion, what do we think of Ocracoke? We absolutely love it…love it. Even if you don’t enjoy going to the beach, this is the perfect place for your next family beach vacation, or family beach vacations… If you often think back to “days of old” when life was simpler and more carefree…definitely check out Ocracoke. Beware…you may leave your heart there….

We have a family beach vacations blog if you would like to learn more.