M A N A A L A Y A
EVERY GROOMS BESTMAN
Page 01
MANAALA Health Thursday 28 May 2015
SPA TREATMENTS for Grooms to Indulge In!
City pollution,
extended travel, business and work place pressures and lack of sleep can all
cause dull, lifeless skin. Therefore grooms deserve to look their best on their
wedding day and a treatment at the spa will only do him good.
A visit to a spa and
salon for pampering is not restricted to just women as men too are getting conscious of how they
look and specially so when it is time for them to be at the altar on their
D-day.
Marriages may be made
in heaven but then the photographs are taken here down on earth. Isn’t it a bit
unfair that the spotlight is on the bride and the groom is expected to just
sport the suit or sherwani and be by the glowing bride’s side?
Isn’t it time that
grooms too take their looks seriously and put up their best self on their
wedding day. MANAALAYA lists a few treatments that no bridegroom to be can
afford to miss.
SPA
for Men
A tension releasing treatment to
revive aching and tired muscles in the back, neck and shoulders. Warm pads are
gently pressed onto the back to help release tight muscles and melt away stress
before a deeply soothing massage begins.
Firm pressure,
stretching and therapeutic massage strokes invigorate tired, aching muscles
prior to a calming oriental head massage to ease any remaining pressure to
leave your mind clear and muscles relaxed.
Glow
up face
Ko
Bi Do is an ancestral ritual technique from Japan containing specific
anti-wrinkle movements focusing on the fragile areas of the face (eyes,
forehead and lips). It promises a more youthful skin. It balances the body heat
relaxing the whole body.
Break the fatty cells!
A highly effective, stimulating
treatment to target cellulite, fluid retention and uneven skin texture. Using
potent marine extracts, iced mitts, a deep detoxifying massage and specialized
stomach massage techniques to help cleanse and purify the colon, giving
excellent results.
Look
young-Anti-Aging
In this treatment, rejuvenating vaviar
and repairing freeze-dried Escutox® replenish skin while counteracting ageing
aggressors. Visibly resurfacing, this mask promotes healthy, youthful-looking
skin. Benefits of the treatment include repairing, nourishing, wrinkle
smoothing, strengthens elasticity and provides immediate radiance and
rejuvenation.
Skin
and Body
This deep cleansing,
therapeutic facial for men is designed to cater to your specific skin care
needs such as razor burn and skin sensitivity. This therapy includes a
de-stressing facial massage and a mask of Hungarian moor mud to refine pores.
Ends with scalp and shoulder massage for thorough rejuvenation.
DEEP
CLEANSING BACK THERAPY
Created especially for
men, this therapy begins with a deep cleansing exfoliation and hot compress
followed by a warm thermal clay mask to draw out impurities. It concludes with
a soothing back massage leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Full
Body skin renewal
The treatment uses
papaya enzymes and lemon sugar body polish. This conditioning and hydrating
treatment for body, hands and feet counteract the signs of aging. The
exfoliating powers of the Papaya Enzyme are enhanced by a warm envelopment to
soften the skin. A refining Lemon Sugar Body Polish and application of
intensive age-defying body emulsion follows to leave the skin soft and silky
smooth with a vibrant, healthy glow
Men's
Facial, Shoulder & Scalp Massage
This facial starts with
the Triple cleanse procedure which includes steaming hot towels that soothe and
soften bristles, promote drainage and aid in preventing blocked pores.
Following a relaxing acupressure face massage and purifying mask, a deep shoulder
and scalp massage is performed with ESPA Body Oil.
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai
Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
Page 02 MANAALA Finance Thursday 28 May 2015
A PRINCELY WEDDING
on
a Paupers Budget
Your "big day"
can generate some big bills. But reining in your wedding costs doesn't
mean you won't feel like royalty when you finally walk down the aisle. Here
MANAALAYA gives you some ideas on how you can have a wedding with style -
without giving away the kingdom to pay for it.
The Outfits For a beautiful ceremony at a budget price, start shopping early.
For the groom to be: as soon as you know that you are going to get married,
begin your hunt for that special suit.
The more time you have,
the better, because you can shop the sales and won't feel rushed to purchase a
big designer tuxedo if you can find a similar one for a quarter of the price
off-the-rack.
If you're not overly
sentimental about a dress, or don't have a lot of money to purchase your full
suit, consider renting or purchasing a gently-used grooms-wear, which you can
pick up for a fraction of the retail price and keep an eye out for special tux
rental offers.
It is not uncommon for
the groom to have a free or discounted rental if enough of his groomsmen, male
relatives or guests rent their outfits from the same establishment.
Invites and Programs Invitations and programs are another item that
can set you back a substantial sum. Update your wedding to the age of the
internet and consider creating a wedding website (or "wedsite") and
announce your wedding via email - directing all guests to your site for
additional information.
If you do print your invites, achieve the "understated elegance" look
by skipping costly papers, ribbons, embossing and other fancy designs. If the
email announcement was received well by your guests, then there's no reason you
can't request that guests RSVP by email too.
Speaking of guests,
cutting the guest list for the dinner is a great way to save a significant
amount of money. That third cousin you haven't seen in 20 years and that friend
of your parents that you don't even know can be left off of the list.
An intimate event filled
with the people you really care about is not only more meaningful than a room
full of near-strangers, but it's also a whole lot less expensive. If cutting
the list isn't an option, then consider cutbacks like having a late
lunch/cocktail reception instead of a seated and served four-course meal.
Flowers, Decor and Transportation Flowers, decorations and transportation are also
areas where you can trim your budget without hurting the overall feel of your
event. To save money at the florist, skip the exotic orchids in favor of a
seasonal bouquet.
.
The flowers will be
beautiful and the bill will be too. Go easy on the flowers when it comes to
decorating your tables as well. Candles cost much less than fresh flowers do,
but look just as elegant - not to mention that your guests won't have to look
around a giant bouquet to talk to someone across the table.
Save money on the
transportation portion of your event by holding the wedding and the reception
at the same venue. There are plenty of catering halls, restaurants, hotels,
parks and private residences where the wedding and reception can be held in
close proximity.
Photography and Videography - There's no need to pay a professional for
photographs that aren't going on your mantle or a video you'll never watch.
If you don't think
you'll need more than a few shots as you get ready the day of the event,
challenge your bridesmaids and groomsmen to see who can capture the most
memorable photos and reward them after the wedding with a nice dinner or movie
tickets.
There's a reason there
are professional wedding photographers for hire - they are trained to get you
the photos you want! Pay what you can afford and get the poses you want - no
more, no less.
When it comes to the
reception, consider planning it so that the cake cutting, garter tosses and
first dance happen at the beginning and only pay to have those shots covered by
your photographer. The price should be lower and you'll still have the shots
you want for your album.
The Dinner and Dance The time of day and time of year both have a big
impact on the cost, so shop around and plan accordingly. Once you've
figure out the "where" and "when," it's time to plan
"what to serve".
Go easy on the hors d'oeuvres if you're
serving a full meal, and cut dessert if you're serving your cake. Consider
limiting the type of alcohol to only beer and wine instead of an unlimited
open bar to cut back on consumption.
The hard
stuff costs big bucks, and five years from now, nobody is going to remember the
amount or type of liquor available at your party if you don't make an issue of
it yourself.
When it comes to drinking at weddings, you don't
want to spend the first five years of your marriage paying for your fiends' overindulgence.
The Honeymoon If you don't have the cash for a trip to Bali, consider a
destination that's closer to home. In addition, driving instead of flying to
that now-closer locale can help you save hundreds, perhaps thousands.
If you want to be pampered for a reasonable
price, consider a cruise. You'll get to visit multiple destinations without
spending much time at the airport and, if you shop for a bargain, you'll make
the trip for less than you would have spent for a comparable land-based
vacation.
The
Ever After A beautiful wedding
doesn't have to cost a fortune. Keep it simple, plan carefully and make
memories that last a lifetime instead of debt that takes a lifetime to pay off.
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene –
Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
PPage 03 MANAALA Fashion Thursday 28 May 2015
Latest Suit Trends for the Groom
Groom
suit styles have certain new approaches which are selling hot and include
designs that aim at giving a slender and trimmed look to the groom suits styles
and the masculine figure with some hot styles such as retro suits with jackets,
three piece designs with printed or patterned matching/contrasting waist coat,
which can look graceful even if the top coat is taken off.
Block
designed suits are also a new addition to the groom’s attire that has great
sober contrasts of dark shades to give a lively look. The buttoned look is also
a prominent feature nowadays with so many dramatic sizes being used to adorn
the latest groom suit styles.
The trend
of metallic shine fabric pants is the latest change of uniqueness made in the
groom suits; which is a good way to draw attention through its lustrous look;
if not anything else. Many suits also have embellished stone coats in patterned
designs on the top chest side to give a dazzling royal look.
These
fancy styles have appeal on almost all colors they are tried on. The trend of
certain fabrics is also some of the highlights of the trends that are running
in vogue for the groom wedding attire.
Accessory
trends with suits for the groom include the inevitable part and parcel of a
man’s formal getup- the ties. The numerous tie styles such as that of the
bow-tie, plain normal office tie, printed, contrasting etc, tend to mark a
great difference in the outlook when worn.
Color
trends in the suit attires for the groom have made them livelier in look; which
is why they can also be worn as trendy wear. When we talk of the latest ; we
mean the up-to-the-minute in every sense of designing and fashion combining out
of which hottest shades for the groom suits are light gray, chocolate, beige,
burgundy, cobalt blue, midnight blue to name a few are some of the bold colors that give the
groom a more fashionably rebellious image but certainly praise worthy.
A great
advantage of the color trend in the groom suits is that they have given a
better prominence to whatever creativity of stitching or adornment has been
added. Black has always been a charmer no matter what the variety of outfit and
the suits for the groom tend to flaunt no better grace than this night and day
charmer.
Wearing
contrasting dress shirts is another very popular trend in the groom suits and
has many fabulous shades that will really pull it off.
_______________________________________________________________________
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai Sunthush
Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
Page 04 MANAALA Grooming Thursday 28 May
2015
What Are You Putting on Your Face?
The average man
absorbs more than 4 pounds of toxins from his bath, body and skin care products
every year. Would you believe that you may be using skin care
products that are harmful to your health?
Chemicals are
easily absorbed through the skin, and once they are absorbed, the body has no
effective way to get rid of these toxins, in some cases toxins may remain in
your body for years. So it’s up to you to know what’s in the products you put
on your skin.
·
Sodium
Lauryl and sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl and
Soduim Laureth Sulfate are commonly referred to as “SLS” and are the chemicals
used in body care products (facial cleansers, liquid soaps, shampoos, bubble
baths, etc) to create a lather.
These chemicals
are known to be skin irritants; the more concentrated the “SLS” the more
irritation it will cause to your skin.
·
Butylated
Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
BHAs are used in
skin care products, but it is also frequently used in food and food
packaging! BHAs can cause hyperpigmentation, have a negative effect on
the levels of thyroid hormones in the body, have the potential to interfere
with reproductive development and the products of reproductive hormones, and
cause liver damage and stomach cancers.
·
Parabens
Parabens are
a commonly used preservative which may be listed on labels preceded by Ethyl-,
Methyl-, Propyl-, Isopropyl-, Butyl-, or as Isobutylparabens. The use of parabens
is the suspected reason (along with the hormones used in meat production) that
little girls are menstruating at extremely young ages. Parabens are also
suspected of causing lowered
sperm counts in men.
·
Polyethylene
Glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene Glycol has many different uses in cosmetics
and is commonly found in cleansers, lotions, creams, lip balms, shaving creams,
body washes, shampoos, oral pain gels, bar soap, baby wipes, contact lens
solution, eye drops, toothpaste, hair care products, etc.
PEGs also contain
1,4 Dioxane and contain high amounts of heavy metals. Heavy metal contamination
is known to cause neurological, autoimmune and kidney issues.
In contrast there are ingredients
that are good for your skin. Always check the labels to see what ingredients
are in your products. This is just as important as checking the label on
your food products, your skin is the largest organ in your body so you should
treat it accordingly.
LOOK
FOR PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN:
·
Shea
Butter– Shea butter is a
natural, non-toxic way to moisturize your skin it is ideal for
dry cracking skin especially on the elbows, heels, knees and foot. It
helps with skin elasticity, minimizes stretch marks, and helps reduce razor
bumps and rashes.
·
Aloe Vera– Aloe is a great product to use because it has wound
healing abilities and is beneficial in treating first and second degree burns
and psoriasis. Aloe Vera can also help counteract the effects of UVA
rays.
·
Vitamins– vitamins as Vitamin A and Vitamin E are a great way to
keep your skin looking healthy. These vitamins can stimulate collagen and
elastin (which is what helps keep your skin looking young and wrinkle free).
Vitamin E can reduce water loss from your skin and
strengthens the skin’s barrier function. Vitamin A can help reduce acne and can
protect skin from free radical damage.
_______________________________________________________________________
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai
Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
Page 05 MANAALA Planning Thursday 28 May 2015
Wedding Etiquette
THE RECEPTION
Originally
introduced as a way of celebrating the marriage and the joining of the two
families. The reception, or wedding breakfast as it was once called, is almost
as old as the ceremony itself.
Historically only
close family members attended, unlike today where everyone invited to the
ceremony normally attends the reception.
Today, the usual
format for the reception would be drinks on arrival followed by a meal,
speeches, cutting of the cake and then less formal celebrations such as
dancing. Financial constraints may dictate which style of reception the bride,
groom and their families choose. Some may opt for a sit down meal with
unlimited drinks while others prefer a buffet style affair.
Until you have
booked the reception and ceremony venues you won't actually know how large the
guest list can be. It's always a good idea to establish numbers of family
members and close friends that will make up the essential invitees.
Before compiling
the guest list, a budget for the reception must be decided and agreed between
those who will be paying the bill. Once you establish your budget, decide how
many people you can invite and be realistic.
Now is the time
to agree ground rules. If parents are paying, you should ask them how many
people they wish to invite. Be prepared for some negotiation if they want to
invite far more people than you had anticipated.
Remember, it is
your wedding day and ultimately you decide the names and numbers that will
appear on the final guest list.
Having left the
ceremony before everyone else, the bride and groom will hopefully be first to
arrive at the reception, closely followed by the parents. A receiving line is
formed to greet the guests individually as they arrive.
The hosts
(usually the bride's parents) stand at the front of the line. Ushers introduce
each guest by name to the mother of the bride. (It’s a good idea to have an
usher from each family). Next in line would be the groom's mother and father,
followed by the bride and groom and any other attendants.
The guests then
make their way to their respective tables. When all the guests have been
received, the bride and groom lead the bridal party
to the top table and take their seats. Guests remain standing until the bride
and groom are seated. For smaller functions it is not unusual for the bride and
groom to welcome guests themselves.
To avoid
confusion it is essential to have a seating plan. Handwritten place cards - in
the style of the invitation, numbers on tables and a plan of the room will help
guests find their seat with the minimum of fuss.
The ushers can be
asked to direct arriving guests to their table and help any who are having
difficulty finding their seat. It may be a good idea to have a few extra places
available for unexpected guests.
The reception
venue will advise on the best table layout depending on the number of guests
attending. Round tables give a less formal impression and allow invitee couples
to sit next to each other. If long tables are used guest couples would normally
sit opposite each another. When devising the seating plan, try to group
together guests who know each other. It might also be beneficial to pay
attention to guest’s interests and ages.
The most popular
layout is a long top table for the bridal party and a series of small round
tables for the guests. Smaller display tables for the cake and gifts should
also be provided.
CUTTING THE CAKE
It was believed,
in order for the bride to bear children, she (with the help of her groom)
should cut the first slice. Today the first cut is more symbolic to the
couple's shared future together. The couple would normally pose for photographs
just prior to cutting the first slice, allowing guests to take snaps of the
occasion. The cake is said to spread good fortune to all who eat it, hence the
reason for sending a slice to all those who were unable to attend the wedding.
DEPARTURE OF THE BRIDE & GROOM
Traditionally a
time for the best man and friends of the couple to be a little mischievous.
They would decorate the going away car with balloons, crazy foam and tin cans
without the couples' knowledge.
The best man
would announce the departure of the newlyweds, who by this time would have
changed into their going away outfits. The guests would usually participate in
the throwing of confetti or rice over the happy couple.
So as not to
disappoint the guests, it is recommended the couple has a strategically placed
second car a few miles up the road, in which they would continue their journey.
A White Dove
Release at your wedding creates a spectacular visual effect. White Doves have
long been a symbol of peace, love, faith and fidelity. The release of White
Doves by the Bride and Groom signifies a romantic and everlasting new life
together and is now a popular alternative to the throwing of confetti.
Whether a single
Dove, a pair of Doves or a flock of Doves, this will be one of the most talked
about events of the wedding day - a magical moment to be captured forever on
camera.
ENTERTAINMENT
The only
traditional entertainment at the reception takes the form of the speeches and
the bride and groom's first dance. With today’s weddings it is common for there
to be a very informal evening party, usually including a buffet.
Sometimes a live
band provides the entertainment but more often a disco is preferred. A wider
circle of friends are normally invited to the evening party, some of whom may
choose to bring gifts.
The best man
would take responsibility for the gifts. Remember to inform guests when the
reception is expected to end. If the party is expected to last into the early
hours, it should be explained to elderly guests that they may leave whenever
they wish without causing offence. It can be considered rude to leave the party
before the bride and groom
_______________________________________________________________________
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai
Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
Page 06 MANAALA Travel Thursday 28 May 2015
12 Best
Cruises for Honeymoons
On a cruise honeymoon, you get exotic
destinations, lodging, meals, entertainment and transportation - all in one
package that delivers more escape for the money. But of the hundreds of ships
that ply the sea, which is best for you and yours lovingly?
That depends on your travel style.
Easy-breezy or culturally curious? Indolent or adventurous? Gregarious or private?
Here, MANAALAYA has compiled a couple of ships with high romance and sailing to
climes from tundra to tropical. Read on to find your perfect launch.
THE NEW 3,690-PASSENGER CARNIVAL BREEZE
FROM CARNIVAL.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE Newfangled extras here include a water park, a comedy
club, a tequila bar and — no kidding — 5-D movies. For some respite: an
adults-only deck.
WHERE IT’LL TAKE YOU Six-day trips to the eastern Caribbean
call at Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, where you can snorkel above a 7,000-foot
drop-off. In Jamaica, climb the terraced Dunn’s River Falls and ride a
(snow-free) Jamaican bobsled.
At Nassau, in the Bahamas, spend the day at Atlantis
resort’s water park or sample conch salad at downtown seafood shacks.
WHAT
YOU’LL LOVE The five-masted ship
anchors in deserted bays where you can go swimming, kayaking or water skiing
off the stern’s water-sports platform.
WHERE
IT’LL TAKE YOU The seven-day
Yachtsman’s Caribbean itinerary, round-trip from St. Maarten, island-hops. Go
snorkeling on Tortola, swim around the Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda
and have signature Painkiller cocktails on laid-back Jost Van Dyke, where an
overnight call allows you to party late. Then slip on your best sundress for a
day amid the swanky set on St. Barth.
THE 2,886-PASSENGER CELEBRITY
SILHOUETTE FROM CELEBRITY CRUISES
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE Walk barefoot on the real grass lawn on the top deck. Sample some of
the 32 vintages at the wine bar. And take advantage of the DIY scrubs in the
water-centric spa.
WHERE IT’LL TAKE YOU The 13-day Adriatic cruise starts out in Venice and
makes its way around the Italian boot to Rome. En route, walk the walls belting
the city of Dubrovnik, cycle the villages surrounding the fjord-like Bay of
Kotor and swim with dolphins in the island country of Malta. In Italy, taste
olive oil, cruise the Amalfi Coast and visit the ruins of Pompeii.
THE 49-PASSENGER S/C PANORAMA FROM
VARIETY CRUISES
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE The triple-masted yacht switches to sail power in the right
conditions. When it stops in remote coves, you can swim right off the boat.
WHERE IT’LL TAKE YOU The eight-day Aegean Odyssey in and out of Athens visits
freewheeling Greek islands including Mykonos, where the ship overnights,
allowing you to sample the area’s ouzo, mezethes (appetizers) and legendary
nightlife and Santorini.
(Tip: Rent a moped and hit the black-sand beaches.)
Wander around tiny Delos, mythical home of the sun god Apollo and Ephesus,
which has the most magnificent ruins in the region.
THE 2,138-PASSENGER PRIDE OF AMERICA
FROM NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE Shipboard diversions range from lei-making lessons with a Hawaiian
expert to whale watching from your balcony
.
WHERE IT’LL TAKE YOU based in Hawaii, the Pride visits four major islands
round-trip from Honolulu in weeklong tours. An overnight call in Maui allows
you to catch the sunrise at Haleakala Crater, drive the remote road to tranquil
Hana or snorkel offshore at Molokini.
Watch the lava flow on the Big Island, and cruise Kauai’s
rugged Na Pali Coast.
THE 5,400-PASSENGER ALLURE OF THE SEAS
FROM ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE This is the floating home of nonstop wows: boardwalk games, a climbing
wall, a surf pool, a 12,000-tree park, water shows with aerial acrobats and a
three-level bar.
WHERE IT’LL TAKE YOU eight-day trips to the Caribbean stop in Haiti, where
you can gaze up at the ship from sea level aboard a WaveRunner; Falmouth,
Jamaica, where you can poke around the gingerbread-trimmed buildings in the
historic port and Cozumel, Mexico, for snorkel stops and tangy margaritas.
Best of all, you’ll have three full days at sea.
THE 76-PASSENGER WILDERNESS EXPLORER
FROM INNERSEA DISCOVERIES
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE The new ship launches this summer with commodious cabins and extra
elbowroom in public spaces. You can stargaze from the hot tub and even watch
wildlife on the underwater TV channel.
WHERE IT’LL TAKE YOU The new Northern Passages & Glacier Bay tour from
Juneau to Sitka spends three full days inside Glacier Bay National Park, where
rangers and guides lead hiking treks and kayaking excursions.
The Explorer pokes into passages bigger ships can’t,
including Peril Strait, popular with otters, whales and bears and Chichagof
Island, where the coast is lined with waterfalls.
______________________________________________________________________
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai
Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
Page 07 MANAALA Romance Thursday 28 May 2015
WHEN HUSBANDS EMULATE THESE
QUALITIES
STRONG
MARRIAGES RESULT
CHARACTER WHICH INVITES PRAISE -
Most marital problems would be avoided if the wife could say to her husband,
“You are the most excellent of men.” It’s the man’s responsibility to conduct
him in such a way that his wife can honestly praise him.
The
telltale sign of such sterling character is how the husband talks to his wife:
“Your lips have been anointed with grace.” Many marriages languish because the
husband rarely, if ever, expresses love, appreciation, or compliments.
HANDSOME
BEARING The groom looks great in
his full military uniform. What bride wouldn’t be impressed? Why not keep it
that way throughout marriage? Stay in shape and look the best you can. “Clothe
yourself with splendor and majesty.”
NOBLE
IDEALS Let the husband be a Don Quixote. “In your majesty ride forth”
in quest of truth, humility and righteousness. What great goals! His purpose in
marriage goes far beyond self-pleasure.
INNER
STRENGTH This young man intends to be successful. His “sharp arrows
pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies.” He will be a victor and not a victim.
A Groom should have wholesome self-confidence in him as the young archer in
this story.
LOVE FOR
BEAUTY A groom should smell
good, possess a keen sense of beauty and loves music. He should treat well his
sisters but his wife is honored over them - she is pure gold.
HOW SHALL
THE BRIDE RESPOND TO SUCH A STUNNING BRIDEGROOM?
BREAK WITH THE PAST She is to “forget” her people and her
father’s house. Marriage does involve transfer of loyalty and affection. By
loosening the strings to parents, a bride and groom both enhance success in
their marriage.
GENUINE RESPECT One can
marry from false motives - money, power or security but when a couple truly
love each other, they do everything possible to honor their vows.
PRIDE IN BELONGING A
bride not only marries the groom, but all he represents and is proud to belong to him. Troubled marriages
on the other hand are just the opposite: partners feel they would be better off
alone or with someone else.
A DELIGHTFUL APPEARANCE There is wonderful charm in how this bride looks in her
“embroidered garments” and “saree interwoven with gold.”
Not all can dress lavishly, but all can enter
their husbands’ presence with “joy and gladness.”
Intimate love in marriage should be marked by
the groom and bride making themselves beautiful to one another.
FROM WIFE TO MOTHER Most marriages produce children. Smart is the
bride who picks not only a good husband, but a good father; likewise the groom
chooses not only the woman he loves, but also a great mother to his children.
So, don’t
get married unless you find just the kind of bride or groom in your thoughts.
And, if you are married, take inventory - do these qualities for bride and
groom describe how you relate to your spouse?
_______________________________________________________________________
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai
Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
Page 08 MANAALA Honeymoon Thursday
28 May 2015
Your bride has the wedding preparation under control, so why not
take over the honeymoon plans?
Get ready, groom-to-be. Not long ago, you were watching the ballgame
with some friends, unequivocally stating, “I’m nowhere near ready to get
married.” But now, you have proposed to the woman you want to spend the rest of
your life with, she said yes, and the planning for the big event has begun.
If you are following tradition,
your fiancé and her family will most likely bear the brunt of the planning and
financial responsibility for the wedding. The honeymoon, however, traditionally
falls onto your plate. If you enjoy planning things, or even if this task
reminds you of a trip to the dentist, read below for quick, helpful pointers on
subjects to consider when booking the perfect honeymoon.
WHEN, WHERE AND HOW MUCH?
Have a budget in mind and a few destinations and the date for your
honeymoon, then do some research. Be sure to find out about the following:
Airline
travel (or other preferred transportation)
Car rental
Cruises
Lodging
Promotions
Special rates
Tour packages
All-inclusive resorts - All-inclusive resorts offer a great value, and going
into the trip you will have a more precise idea of what you will spend.
You can then bring extra cash
and spend it on extra outings, like swimming in an indoor pool, snorkeling,
surfing, horseback riding, sailing, to name a few. Often, these extra
adventures are even included in the price.
THE DOCUMENTS
Once you choose the location, be sure to determine the
identification you will need. Some foreign countries require a special visa as
well as a passport. Along the same lines, some countries require specific
inoculations.
Check with your doctor to determine required medical clearances or
strange diseases to be wary of, as well as any shots you will need. Have these
vaccinations administered well in advance of your wedding day to guard against
any reactions.
Finally, it is also a smart precaution to photocopy your
identification (passport, driver’s license), travel itinerary, airline tickets
and credit cards in case of theft or loss.
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
Now and then, you may come across instances where travel warnings
and advisories are effective in countries deemed unsafe for travel for tourists
and visitors. If you are traveling abroad, be sure to gain access to this
information and plan accordingly. Also, it is important to know the location
and contact information of your countries embassy in case of emergency.
THE TERRITORY
Essential to the enjoyment of your honeymoon will be your
familiarity with the surroundings. When booking your trip, contact the local
tourism bureau and request a map, brochures, and any details regarding special
events in the area.
If available, purchase a travel guide and read over the details
before you arrive at your destination. Having this knowledge and a rough plan
can save time and put you more at ease when you arrive.
Also, inquire about the
expected seasonal weather in the area during the time you will be there. More
efficient packing means a lighter load to carry.
“WE’RE ON OUR HONEYMOON”
You will want to publicize that you are on your honeymoon at select
times before and during the trip. Start with your travel agent if you’re using
one and she can find honeymoon specials and discounted rates.
Selectively doling out the “We’re on our honeymoon” rap can pay off
like a long overdue slot machine. You’ll be surprised how often it works in
your favor for complimentary meals, room upgrades, discounted tours and
adventure outings and other fringe benefits.
At the same time, be wary of vendors looking to overcharge
honeymooning newlyweds they believe will pay anything to avoid a confrontation.
PACKING
Make sure you pack a small carry-on bag that includes your
essentials in case there is a delay in receiving your luggage once you arrive
at your destination. You don’t want to be caught without a change of clothes or
your toiletries during the travel day and first night of your honeymoon.
One master packing list should be built over time before you leave,
just to ensure you have thought of everything you will need. Consider any
honeymoon activities that will require special clothing or equipment and
consider buying some of the items before you travel (scuba gear, sunblock,
hiking boots, etc.).
This is more difficult if the honeymoon is a surprise, since you’ll
have to pack her things. If you are up to the task, go for it anyway.
THE EXTRAS
Overextend yourself in a few areas. First, be sure to bring more
cash and traveler’s checks than you think you will need. You can’t be caught
penniless on your honeymoon.
Second, since this is a trip you must document, bring more film than
you think you will need. Finally, include a lot of quiet, down time when you
are alone. Sightseeing and other activities are great, but ultimately this trip
is the beginning of the incredible life’s journey you have embarked on
together.
AND MORE…
Once your plans are set, be sure to keep all the information in one
place and to double-check your reservations, identification, and packing list
at least a week before you leave. Have a wonderful honeymoon…!
_______________________________________________________________________
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai
Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
Page 09 MANAALA Intimacy Thursday 28 May 2015
Get
the Orgasm You Both Deserve!
For many grooms, having an orgasm or ‘getting
off’ is as simple as manipulating a remote control. But what if you or you and
your bride wanted to intensify your orgasms? How would you “get there”
when you are with her?
Too often, we become so fixated on having a
mind-blowing, earth-shattering, toe-curling orgasm that
we forget the pleasure of being teased, touched, enticed, and taken. Here are
a few simple approaches you might consider the next time you are ready
for takeoff.
BE FULLY PRESENT Be “in the moment” and try not to think about work,
bills, the challenges of life. Focus on what feels pleasurable for you.
BE PATIENT Don’t rush it. If you try to rush your climax it
may likely actually delay the experience from happening. Give yourself as
much time as you want to enjoy for yourself and your bride.
BE CREATIVE Explore other ways to stimulate you and her.
If you have only one way to “get there” it may get old soon. Try new positions,
locations, lubricants or even role-play.
BE YOURSELF You have got to ‘let loose’ and be free to be you. You
should know what turns you on and off. Do you like seductive talking?
Sexy clothes? Do you prefer the lights on or off? Do you enjoy a soft or
firm touch? Figure out what it takes to get you “there”.
BE WILLING AND ABLE
Be willing to teach your bride what you like. Be willing
to consider her needs. Be willing and
able to communicate your needs and make an effort to respond to her needs. Some
people enjoy kissing passionately while others prefer to have their feet
caressed. Tell your bride what you like and be willing to show her what turns
you on.
The biggest challenge here is being comfortable with your own
body. Oftentimes, people feel shameful about their body size or shape and
this prevents them from surrendering themselves intimately to their bride.
Healthy relationships involve talking about how you feel about your body as
well as how it impacts your sexual experience.
Finally, you and your
bride should take time out to discuss sexual expectations (e.g. frequency,
birth control, condoms, sex positions, etc.) for yourself and your
relationship. Remember that your best sexual organ is
your brain and the dirty four-letter word most couples fail to address with
regards to sex is to…T-A-L-K.
_______________________________________________________________________
Conceptualized & Developed by Jai
Sunthush Abeyewardene – Freelance Creative Director / Copywriter
WHILE
STRENGTHENING THEIR BODY AND OVERALL WELL-BEING
