Wedding Dress Tips from David Tutera!

Golden Rules for the Right Wedding Dress

How to Still Be Fabulous When You're Broke.......

How to Still Be Fabulous When You're Broke! extends to your fabulous Sanojah's wedding as well. Get some great tips from Michelle and check out our faboulous wedding linen rental offer.
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Lee's Favorite Find

Break out dem old college tight jeans and add a fresh cardigan or jacket, a hot pair of heels and refresh your spring look.




Talbots Women another favorite of Sanojah's

Sassy Sisters of the Soil.

We get to work with some incredible women all over the island who turn into the most incredible brides. It seems every year they come sassier, bolder, stronger and more confident. They come in all shapes and size, all shades, ethnic and religious backgrounds and they are women who know what they want and go after it.

At Sanojah's we get to climb inside their heads and create their dream weddings. Boy! what a job. Sometimes I have to pinch myself in amazement at the awesome job the Sanojah's team does in creating every wedding to every brides individual specification. It's a vocation we all love and give our all and we couldn't do it with out them. Thanks Guys.

Speaking about sassy sisters of the soil. Meet Michelle McKinney Hammond.


I was introduced to Michelle's books back in my single days by one of the sassiest sister I know.

Michelle McKinney Hammond was born in London, England where her parents were pursuing their education. Michelle's father was from Ghana, West Africa and her mother was from Barbados, West Indies. After her parents separated, she spent her early childhood in Barbados with her grandparents and her aunts while her mother finished school. Michelle's mother eventually met, and married Mr. McKinney, a loving father who adopted Michelle as his own daughter.
Read more on Michelle and her books on http://www.michellehammond.com/

Live Breathe Art check out New York ps22 chorus

So awesome!

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Achieving Balance: Diary of a hard working mom! Dealing with high blood pressure one day at a time

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you are not alone.

Around 350 Barbadians suffered a stroke of which 70% have history of hypertension. In most of these strokes (83%) were due to blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain and occurred in more women than men over the age of 65.

It is likely that your doctor will prescribe medication. However, blood pressure medications, although they are effective and necessary, are not the only way to control high blood pressure. Under your doctor's guidance, you can forge a plan for lowering your high blood pressure based on some natural treatments.

As a lactating mother I had serious reservations about the use of blood pressure medications. Although meds are effective and necessary, breast is best for baby. So I did some research on my prescribed medication. And what do yah know….under use in lactation it states:

"Use in Lactation
It is not known whether valsartan is excreted in human milk. Valsartan was excreted in the milk of lactating rats. Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta and is excreted in human milk. Thus, it is not advisable to use Co-Diovan in lactating mothers".

That said, I decided to forge a plan for lowering my high blood pressure based on some natural treatments. Realistically weaning my 14 month old overnight was not only heartbreaking but impossible… since he wouldn’t understand why he couldn’t be fed and cuddled to sleep. And the thought of breastfeeding him with medication in my system which could harm him in any way was certainly NOT an option.

So after making a self assessment I've decided to make some serious changes to my lifestyle.


Reducing Stress!
It's all about balance. Stress is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, so eliminating stress in your daily life should become a priority.

Exercise!
Exercise should become your first priority in trying to lower your blood pressure.
A good aerobic workout for 30 minutes a day is the only type of exercise that will aid in lowering your blood pressure.
Read more: Natural High Blood Pressure Treatments | eHow.com

Drinking More Water!
You might be surprised to find that one of them is simply water. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is often caused by chronic dehydration. In fact, in one of the interviews conducted with Dr. Batmanghelidj, he explains the mechanism by which this takes place. Essentially when the body is lacking water, it attempts to hold on to the available water supplies by resorting to vascular constriction throughout the body. This helps reduce the loss of water through the skin and through respiration. And by doing so, it helps conserve the remaining water in the body.
So if you want to avoid this response to dehydration, just drink a lot of water. This will hydrate your body and lower blood pressure without any negative side effects
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/
Fresh Food vs Processed Foods!
Eliminating the following:
Canned soups, vegetables and juices.
Ketchup, Chili sauce, Soy sauce
Mono sodium glutamate
Processed drinks such as Horlicks Chocolate, Milo and Bournvita

Including more:
Lemon juice, garlic, oregano, coconut, mint, onions and chives.

Fish oils work to keep arteries and red blood cells more elastic, which in turn helps to keep blood pressure down.

Olive oil consumed approximately two tablespoons of olive oil per day to get its health benefits.

Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 and alpha-linolenic acid, which are both known to reduce blood pressure.

Reduce Meat Intake!
Change Up Your Diet:
Take it easy on the amount of meat you consume. The recommended portion of meat for a meal is about 3 oz. (the size of a deck of cards), which may not seem practical. eat more fruits, vegetables and low/fat-free dairy products. Then commit to having a meal or two a week with no meat whatsoever
Read more: How to Reduce High Blood Pressure Naturally | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2076152_reduce-high-blood-pressure-naturally.html#ixzz1F3uMxq6R

Cayenne pepper is one such spice which contains medicinal components which have proven advantages for the human body. Cayenne pepper is dried chilly pepper which is ground and used as a condiment. Individuals undergoing holistic healing have used and felt the advantages of this pepper for treating hypertension. Other essential features of cayenne pepper are—
It reduces dangers of arteriosclerosis and thus reduces the chances of high blood pressure.

When you have hypertension then the cholesterol and different lipids in your blood stream are likely to thicken the arteries. Cayenne pepper comprises capsaicin which is a substance identified to reduce the blockage within the arteries and in the process improve the circulation of blood.

Starting this weekend I will be exploring the wonders of cayenne pepper.
Add one tea spoon of cayenne pepper powder to a mug of water and warmth the water to the desired temperature. Drink this each day for a month. After a month examine your blood pressure. The pepper has thermogenic aids to improve metabolism, blood circulation and other activities. These capabilities help in regulating blood pressure.

Sanojah's your #1 stop for destination Barbados Weddings!

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Sanojah's your #1 stop for destination Barbados Weddings!

Misconceptions about garden wedding venues and tourist attractions in Barbados

Had an interesting interview with visiting wedding professionals about wedding venues and tourist attractions in Barbados.

Q:-What are the biggest misconceptions about garden venues and tourist attractions in Barbados:

A:-That they marginalize black locals choosing to focus on the white seasonal tourist market. There is a MASSIVE misconception that these venues are "just for tourist”
Both tourist and local patron who visit Orchid World for example comment on the beauty of the garden. Simply put it’s a well run, beautifully maintained garden in the middle of no where..... and the majority of local clients and guest we meet at every function leave with the dispelled notion that Orchid World is just for tourist.
At the end of every site visit or function we constantly get comments like
-“I can’t believe this was here”
-“What beautiful views”
-“Thought this place was just for the tourist”.


Q:-What should you consider when booking and hiring a garden venue

A:-Can the venue accommodate both your ceremony and reception?
-Is there a covered area on property for your reception?
-Is there an on site wedding planner/company who knows the property from a function point of view and is able to offer logical advice on planning your wedding.
-Has your photographer and your other chosen vendors ever worked that location?
-Are they steep inclines that hinder mobility or wheel chair accessibility?

Q:-What sets you apart from others?

A:-We tailor our services to all of our clients, every event is unique and, we treat it as such. Sanojah’s supplies most items itself, however, where we utilize a nominated supplier those services are supplied at cost, with no loading. Sanojah’s also has a policy whereby we charge the same price for Resident or Non-Resident.

Sanojah's your #1 stop for destination Barbados Weddings!

Frugal Wedding Ideas

It's no doubt that given the economic climate that this is going to be a challenging year. It's certainly the time when the rich get richer, the greedy get greedier and the poor get poorer. Honestly we all have to survive no matter our skin color or social standing. As a wedding planner and mother to four, frugality is the name of the game. But how determined are you to make some frugal choices? Some decisions may not be too easy, but others may be. It pays to prepare for an emergency before it actually hits you, so I would recommend the following steps to any family that already struggles with their monthly budget and any couples looking to tie the knot.

1-Gather the family and explain the situation to the kids. You’d be surprised how quickly they’ll rally around you. Make it a team effort to conserve your finances.

2-If you can, try to live with only one paycheck (if both spouses are working, of course), for at least one year and put the rest in protected financial instruments.

3-If you have two or more cars in the household, how about selling at least one? Can you get by with fewer vehicles? Not to sound radical, but you may consider unloading your car now (especially if it’s a gas guzzler), while people still have the cash to buy your SUV or truck at reasonable prices. You’ll save on gas if you keep the car that uses the least amount of fuel.

4-Try these grocery shopping tips. Make a list and don’t deviate. You’ll save a bundle and you’ll also help your children s health by no longer buying junk food and sweets.

5-Concentrate on necessary expenses and make a detailed budget every month.

6-Get rid of the credit cards as soon as you pay them off. The temptation to overspend is greatest for those who carry all that fancy plastic in their pockets.

7-This may come as a shocker for many young couples: but would you consider waiting to have a new baby for a couple of years? Aside from not spending many sleepless nights, you’ll be delaying a lot of expenses. This decision may not be for everyone, but it’s a practical one to make at this time.

8-Cancel subscriptions to magazines and newspapers. It may not be much, but it counts — much like many other smaller expenses that add up, especially over the longer term. Besides, you can get the news for free over the internet. You won’t have to look far for extra savings if you realize how much money drains can add up over a decade!

9-Check your phone bill’s extra features and eliminate them. Your extra phone lines: are they really necessary? Could you use a better, more affordable phone plan? Same goes with your cable or Direct TV bills.

10-Looking like a million dollars in your wedding dress is key, but instead of the costly gym spin classes, try the local school track and get your 30min power walk there instead.

11- Save money for your wedding by making my own centerpieces for the tables.

12-Sanojah's has always offered basic white trestle linen when you use our catering at our partner venues.

13- Take advantage of rental deals for your upcoming wedding. Sanojah's 25% off in stock Chair Covers; Chair Ties and Linen Napkins is extended until March 31st 2011.Check out our older blog post for details.

Sanojah's your #1 stop for destination Barbados Weddings!

{Guest Post} Quiz: Are You a Bridezilla

Before you think, "Me? No, that's definitely not me," take our quiz to see just what kind of bride you really are -- and if you need to chill out or crank it up a notch.

1. You have to take time out of your workday for wedding stuff. So you:
Take care of the easy stuff quickly and deal with the tough stuff after work.

Tackle it all during your lunch hour.

Deal with a crisis as it comes up, even if it means skipping out for an afternoon.

2. A bridesmaid is really concerned about the costs of being one of your lucky ladies. How do you handle it?

Totally empathize, apologize, and then offer to pay for her portion for everything.

Ask her to swing the money for the dress, but tell her no wedding or shower gifts or splurges on a bachelorette party are necessary.
Tell her she doesn't have to be a bridesmaid if she can't afford it.

3. Your parents agree to pay for the wedding, but you feel as though your in-laws should chip in. So you:

Just let it go. If his parents really do want to contribute, you're sure they'll offer.

Talk to your fiance about the situation and brainstorm solutions together.

Call them yourself and explain that you think it's only fair that they give some $$$.

4. You and your groom decided to have two different cake flavors. He wants one of the flavors to be pistachio. But you hate it! What do you do?

Agree to the green cake.

Suggest the idea of doing a groom's cake so he can have his pistachio.

Insist on doing a lemon cake.

5. The flowers for your wedding are important to you. How many florists do you feel like you should meet with before choosing the right one?

One to two.

Three to five.

Five to ten.

6. Your future mother-in-law asks you to make time at the reception for a mother-son dance. You respond with:

"Hey, that's so cute! Okay!"

"Why don't you and Greg join my dad and me toward the end of our song?"

"We just don't have the time for it."

7. Your fiance planned a weekend away, but you wanted to take your friends to look at bridesmaid dresses. You:

Decide your girlfriends can go without you. Just tell them what color you want.

Reschedule with your girlfriends.

Think he's being really inconsiderate. You have so much planning to do and don't have time to escape for the weekend.
8. You've talked to the florist about what you want for your wedding. But when you show up to see the sample centerpieces, they look completely wrong. What do you do?

You don't want to hurt her feelings, so you tell her that it looks really nice, make some suggestions, and decide to trust her.

You sit down with her, explain exactly what's wrong and tell her you're going to email her some images of what you do want.

Unleash all of your fury on her, demanding that she needs to come up with something much better to show you...in two days.

9. You're looking at invitations, which are a lot more expensive than you had anticipated. The stationer tells you a few ways you can cut costs, but it means not getting the look you'd always envisioned.

You decide to:
Switch gears completely and come up with a new concept for the invitations.

Take a couple of the stationer's suggestions, getting it as close as you can to the look you wanted without busting your budget.

Start interviewing new stationers -- you're not going to change your whole design based on this stationer's ridiculous bid!

10. You had your heart set on going to Vegas for a bachelorette weekend, but one of your bridesmaids is pregnant and another one can't afford the big trip. You tell your friends:

Whatever they want to do is fine; you don't really care. They can decide.

You'd rather just do something low-key and close by, and then suggest maybe doing a girls' trip to Sin City some other time.

You still want to go to Vegas. You also suggest doing a second, smaller bachelorette party in town so the other two girls can go.

11. You find out that some of the groomsmen are planning to speak at the rehearsal dinner. You'd like your bridesmaids to do the same. So how do you go about asking them?

You can't ask. They probably know how these things work, so if they have something to say, you assume they'll get up and say it.

You send an email explaining that there will be some time for them to make a toast at the rehearsal dinner if they want to.

Ask your maid of honor to tell the other girls that you'd like them all to say a little something about you at the rehearsal dinner.

12. Your mom has been looking all over for a dark pink mother-of-the-bride dress, but she can't seem to find anything that she likes. Recognizing her stress, you tell her:

"If you're having trouble finding a dark pink dress, just get whatever color you like."

"Mom, I'm sorry, but I just have so much going on, and I can't be worrying about your outfit too. You'll find something."

"Okay, don't worry; we'll find something. I'll go with you this weekend, and if we have to try out other colors, we'll do that."

13.You show up 5 mins late for a site visit and are told to sit in the waiting area until the coordinator finishes with the client who came before you.

Do you wait patiently until it's your turn considering you were late in first place.

Do you wait for 8mins then storm off shouting expletives and wheel spin out of the car park like a 5 year old.


14.You're looking at wedding venues, which are a lot more expensive than you had anticipated. The planner tells you a few ways you can cut costs, but it means getting back to you to get updated quotes from 3rd party suppliers the following week:

You switch gears and talk over with your fiance eloping?

Have your friend call the planner everyday after the meeting for an update. Then impatiently call yourself making all kinds of accusations?

Chill, with the understanding that your best interest is being looked after and they’ll do exactly what they say they’ll do?

"the knot"


Sanojah's your #1 stop for destination Barbados Weddings!

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Now through March 31st 2011, bookings made on our in stock selection of chair ties, linen napkins and chair covers, get 25% off our already low prices.
Offer good for events dated to December 31st 2012 subject to 50% deposit paid on or before March 31st 2011. . Delivery and collection charges NOT included.

Sanojah's your #1 stop for destination Barbados Weddings!

Sanojah's WHO ARE THEY? and WHAT DO THEY DO?

WHO ARE WE??????

Pronounced sah-NO-jah's

Sanojah's is a bespoke wedding planning and design company based in Barbados. We do destination weddings anywhere on the island of Barbados. We also undertake custom event linen rentals, venue management and catering management.

WHAT WE DO??????

BRIDAL FLOWERS

PLACE SETTING RENTALS

PRIVATE WEDDINGS

GARDEN WEDDINGS

BEACH WEDDINGS

WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN

CUSTOM EVENT LINEN RENTALS

DINNERS FOR TWO

SPECIAL ORDERS

WINE & CHEESE PARTIES

CATERED WEDDING RECEPTIONS



Sanojah's your #1 stop for destination Barbados Weddings!

BOOK NOW! SALE ENDS MARCH 31ST 2011.

Did you know, Sanojah's Linen prices are staying the same for 2011!




BOOK NOW!!!!! take 25% off our in stock chair ties, linen napkins and bistro chair covers.
50% deposit required to secure bookings. Delivery and collection NOT included.

Honeymoon Locations Lee's Favorite Find

I guess you can say we have a skill for finding wedding locations in the middle of no where, so it's no wonder finding honeymoon locations which are off the beaten track is our specialty as well. If you are UK based, then YES, this is an awesome "staycationer" however if you can afford to travel, Mainoaks is a MUST SEE, if you are thinking of a super romantic get away in the Symonds Yat,Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire area.
"In the shadow of Symonds Yat rock, this 15th century farmstead, set in 80-acres of wild pastureland, lies at the mouth of a beautiful gorge beside the River Wye. There are six holiday cottages each with their own individual charm and character sleeping between 2-7 people". Check them out on http://www.mainoaks.co.uk/

CHIC & MOD

This minimalist table scape oozes girlish sophistication as Deidre's love of bold purple blends with contemporary lime green.



Dream Team:-

WEDDING DESIGN & COORDINATION – Ralph and Lee-Anne York, Sanojah's (www.sanojahs.com)

WEDDING LOCATION - Orchid World Groves St.George

BLOG PHOTOGRAPHY – Lee-Anne York

EVENT LINENS – Sanojah Linen (find us on face book at sanojah linen)

BISTRO CHAIRS - Quality Occasions

SWEET HEART TABLE - Ellco Rentals

CATERING - Sanojah's
LUNCH MENU
MENU:
Tossed Salad
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Coconut Basmati Rice
Scalloped English and Sweet Potatoes with Bread Fruit
Sanojah's Carnival Chicken
Creole Herb and Plantain Stuffed Flying Fish
Curried Goat
Steamed Local Vegetables
Bread Pudding with Rum and Vanilla Sauce
French Vanilla Ice Cream
Tipsy Fruit Salad