The Past Two Months

by Meredith

I hope my readers have stuck with me over the past two months.  I apologize for not being present, but a lot has gone on.  First, my wonderful boyfriend proposed February 9th, 2013.  We are planning a wedding celebration for July 20th of this year.  Secondly, my beautiful mom and best friend passed away March 20, 2013 after a courageous 26-month battle with brain cancer - a glioblastoma multiforme.  It was the hardest time of my life and I hope the only.  Since early February I've checked out of my normal routine and spent all of my time and energy living in the present and with loved ones.

Now, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things... slowly but surely my blog too will be up and running.

Sending wishes your way for happiness, love, success and health.

Meredith

 "Life is all memory, except for the present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going." ~ Tennessee Williams

The Perfect Proposal

It is wedding season as many of you may know. This year, surprisingly I have no weddings to attend. However, in I have four very close friends who have just recently gotten engaged and will wed in 2012. My group of friends have all been buzzing about how each was asked, what their rings look like and the details of the coming year. This has gotten me to think - wow what a stressful position the guy has been in. Asking a woman to marry you has a lot of pressure. So for the rest of you single/but dating men, what matters in a proposal? I've done the digging and here are the answers to the perfect proposal.

Great engagements do not need to be expensive - just creative.
If you're not certain what ring to get her, go with a placeholder ring.
Your engagement should reflect you and the unique couple you are.

The Essentials.
First, keep things to yourself. The more people that know - the more likely things will get screwed up.
Second, if you're trying to decide between a square or a round diamond, go with round. It looks larger and is timeless. And for the most bang for your buck choose a setting in either white gold or palladium instead of platinum, so that you'll spend the most money on what matters - the stone.
Third, if you're not sure and can't decide what ring she'd like, go with a placeholder - a ring pop or a toy. Then you can enjoy shopping together.
Fourth, make you sure you document the event - use either a flip cam, smart phone, or whatever it takes. You'll both be glad you did.
Finally, remember that the wedding day is all about the bride. But, that the engagement is the groom's time to shine.