M A N A A L A Y A

                                                                                       Every Grooms Bestman

Page 01            Celebrity Weddings             Thursday 29 October 2015

Steal-Worthy’s

from celebrity weddings

There is something magical about celebrity weddings that seem to capture attention. Maybe it's all the famous guests, the incredible fashion or the over-the-top receptions, but they are exceptionally popular or they wouldn't continually grace the covers of bridal magazines. If you have ever felt like you wanted your wedding to feel like a celebrity wedding, consider adding some steal-worthy celebrity wedding features into your own to add a little celebrity sparkle.

LOVESEAT is a couch or sofa designed for seating two persons with only  two cushion seats and has the two parties facing parallel^[ to each other.  There is something about it that just looks cozier and more romantic than normal chairs or any other individual seating options.

FIREWORKS - If the idea of fireworks excites you, talk to your planner or local fireworks company to see what options are available in your budget from a full fireworks display to having your getaway car drive through a tunnel of remote controlled sparklers.

BRASS BAND - is a fun and memorable idea that your guests will love. Most local entertainment companies can get you a quote on a brass band and it's pretty affordable since they will be performing for less than an hour.

NON-TRADITIONAL WEDDING DRESS - It is no longer a requirement to wear white, ivory or any other version of cream favored by traditional brides for decades. Champagne, blush and even black, red or blue are making more and more appearances.

 LET YOUR VENUE SHINE - Select a venue that complements the aesthetic of the wedding you are planning instead of having to hide the walls behind pipe and drape. When you select a stunning venue that fits your style, you might save in the long run by spending less on flowers and décor.

MIS-MATCHED BRIDESMAID DRESSES - Work with your bridal or bridesmaids salon to select dresses that look great together and complement your girls.

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter communications consultant

Page 02          Health           Thursday 29 October  2015

Get fit Groom

Dear Groom. You may be fit. You may be fat. But wherever you're at, everybody who is important to you is coming to the wedding, and you'll be the center of attention on your wedding day. Better to be in the best shape of your life because your friends and family will notice and wedding photos will not lie. It's time to Get Fit, Groom!

Whether you have one month, three months or six months to go before your wedding, you can make some great gains in terms of your body shape and ability to properly fit into your tuxedo. The pace of the program and the gains will differ depending on how much time you have.

You do not need to spend a ridiculous amount of time in the gym to see results. In fact, you should spend no more than 30-40 minutes of high intensity training. For example, hit the gym with a goal of doing ten pushups followed by five pull ups with no break in between.

You will be using your core muscles (lower back and abdominals), chest and triceps to perform a pushup. You will be using your core muscles, back and biceps to perform a pull-up. While pulling up, your chest takes a break.

You'd be amazed just how much eating less is critical to a groom's success in losing a few inches before wedding day. It is the most important factor. "I'm working out," grooms may think. "I can certainly go to one of the plush restaurants in town and have an extra helping of of what I like best ." Wrong.

Finally, why the back, chest and shoulders? These large muscle groups are likely to show the most gain. Working your biceps is pure vanity, but it's your chest, shoulders and back that will really create total buffness!

 THE GROOM'S TUXEDO

A word of advice for the prospective groom: If you embark on any fitness plan, be sure to save your tuxedo fitting until closer to your wedding day. If you get measured for a tuxedo in December, for example, and then diligently work out for the next 3 months, be prepared to have a different physique by March.

You will be trimmer, your shoulders will be larger and your waist will be smaller. In short, you'll look great, but you will need to be re-fitted for your tuxedo. Granted, that is a small price to pay for a buff body, but you can avoid all that trouble by getting fitted later on in the process.

A GROOM'S DIET

To keep your metabolism in high gear (which means that your body will burn calories at a rapid rate), grooms ought to eat six mini meals throughout the day, rather than "breakfast, lunch and dinner." Instead of gorging yourself on a huge chicken and pasta dinner, have a smoothie at 3pm and a smaller helping at dinnertime.

You will want to eat plenty of protein to build muscle as well as hearty portions to fuel your cardio workouts. The goal is to tailor your daily meal plan to your daily activity level so that you consume more protein on days that you strength train and more carbs on days that you cardio train.

If your body gets used to eating the same amount of calories each day, then your metabolism will slow down (i.e., becoming more efficient at using the calories you consume) and your weight loss will plateau.

The worst part is that if your metabolism becomes sluggish and you go on a 3-day eating bender, then your body won't know how to burn the excess calories that you have consumed. The result: Your body will store the calories as fat.

But weight loss isn't just about caloric intake; it's about the quality of the food you eat, as well. Our bodies are not made to digest hydrogenated oils, and as a general rule, you should try to avoid foods that are overly processed.

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author +  Copywriter communications consultant

Page 03          Grooming            Thursday 29 October 2015

Looking great on your  wedding day

Grooms can knock one of the bride's underlying fears out of the ballpark by looking like a million bucks on wedding day.

THE GROOM'S 'DO

About three months before the wedding, find a salon that has experience in getting grooms ready on the day of the wedding. Go there. Tell them what you are looking for. Schedule an appointment to get your hair chopped leading up to the wedding. Have your final pre-wedding haircut no later than two weeks prior to the wedding day.

THE GROOM'S UGLY MUG

A trip to the spa or dermatologist can ensure that your skin will look its best. This will probably mean a facial treatment to cleanse, remove any dead skin and get rid of any unsightly blackheads or blemishes. A facial should be done no later than three days before the wedding day as they can leave some redness for up to a day or two after a treatment.

A PROFESSIONAL SHAVE

If it's still a bit much for you to waltz into a spa to have a men's facial, you can certainly treat yourself to a professional shave at a reputable barber.

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter communications consultant

Page 04             Fashion              Thursday 29 October  2015

A tie is the first thing people notice

Mark Thompson/Getty Im

A tie is the first thing people notice. "Nice tie!" That's always what people say. Their eyes can't help but go there. So while you do want a tie that looks great all on its own, it's meant to speak to the rest of your outfit, not stand apart from or clash with it.

LENGTH MATTERS

Whether you're six feet four or five feet six, the tip of the tie should hit right at your beltline not three inches below it, not two inches above it. That is, unless you're doing the whole short-suit thing. And then, yes, let the tie hang tight above the navel.

AND SO DOES WIDTH

At MANAALAYA, we like a narrow but not super skinny tie, about two and a quarter to two and three-quarter inches at its widest point. Much wider than that and you start to look like the odd-man-out.

KNOT SHOULDN'T RESEMBLE A GIANT

You really need to know only one knot - the four-in-hand. It's neither too big nor too small nor too perfectly triangular. It's natural and elegant, and it works with every collar, from a spread to a point. Learn it, never forget it and always use it.

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter communications consultant

Page 05                           Finance                  Thursday 29 October 2015

Don’t borrow for a wedding

When a couple got married, the groom and bride decided to have a big wedding that cost a princely sum. To pay for it, they took out a personal loan at an affordable interest rate and put the rest on a credit card.

They thought that, with both their salaries, they'd be able to pay off this debt in a short period of time. But her husband was laid off due to recession also burdened with a house payment and a car payment.

How did thinking go wrong?

·    Problem #1: "decided to have a big wedding"

·    Problem #2: "Lavish cost"

·    Problem #3: "took out a personal loan"

·    Problem #4: "Affordable as it seemed but a big interest rate"

·    Problem #5: "put the rest on a credit card"

·    Problem #7: " husband laid off"

·    Problem #8: "also have a house payment and a car payment"

This is the way it is when you live life on the edge of your financial limits everything has to go perfect to keep the ship upright. But when it doesn't (and it usually doesn't, "real life" seems to happen along the way) then you start taking on water. This is what happened to this couple.

Here are MANAALAYA’s suggestions for those of you about to get married:

·    Learn from this couple. Do NOT spend a huge amount on your wedding if you can avoid it. Keep the wedding costs reasonable.

·    If you "must" spend big on your wedding, at least do not borrow a huge amount for it. Pay in cash (or charge the expenses and then pay them off when the credit card bill comes due.)

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter communications consultant

Page 06                        Travel                 Thursday 29 October 2015

BEST BUDGET VACATIONS FOR NEWLYWEDS

These days everyone understands that vacation rentals are a smart way to save money on travel. It's a smart idea to scale back a little bit, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo vacationing altogether.

NEGRIL, JAMAICA

On the western edge of Jamaica, still very close to all of the island’s highlights, Negril is affordable and extremely pretty. A stunning white-sand beach stretches on for seven miles and the incredible cliffs are perfect for sitting and watching a lovely Caribbean sunset together.

QUEBEC CITY

Quebec is one of the oldest cities in North America. The Old City is rich with charm and culture, complete with cobblestone streets, European architecture and plenty of excellent restaurants where you can spend an evening sharing a bottle of wine. Check out enchanting attractions like the Sainte Anne de Beaupre Basilica and the Montmorency Falls, or take a scenic ride on the Levis Ferry.

TULUM, MEXICO

Tulum is home to some of the most fascinating Mayan ruins in Mexico, and the rocky beaches and romantic cliffs on this stretch of Mexico’s coastline are far less crowded and far more affordable.

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author +  Copywriter communications consultant

Page 07           Honeymoon           Thursday 29 October 2015

Things You Must Do on Your Honeymoon

You may have taken vacations with your fiancé before. And you definitely will go on couples’ getaways again. But after all the stress of wedding planning, you deserve a memorable honeymoon. MANAALAYA wishes to share a few tips with you to make it an unforgettable episode in your life.

DO SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER DONE BEFORE.
Kayaking in the sea is an unusual idea but you need to be watched over by a good diver in case you need help. It could be fun and exciting.

ORDER ROOM SERVICE.
Have your meal sent straight to the room although it may cost a little more if it is not included in your package. This way you would feel comfortable and at ease.  

GET OTHER PEOPLE TO TAKE PICTURES OF YOU.
Your honeymoon is one trip where you would want more pictures to include all of your wife’s cheer, so it’s time to get over your shyness of asking for favors.

 Resort staff members would be happy to shoot those memorable moments when you both take a dip in the azure waters and at dinner and they could be your favorite pictures from the whole vacation.

EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEARTS CONTENT

If your meals aren’t part of the hotel deal, make sure to squeeze in at least one crazy delicious and filling dinner during your stay.

HAVE A LOT OF SEX

Wedding night sex is a must. You may never be as blissful as you are on your honeymoon, so take advantage of your happy, relaxed state and get busy

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter communications consultant

Page 08            Sex              Thursday 29 October 2015

Sexy Wedding Night Secrets

The best part of your wedding just may happen after the guests go home and you slip out of your fancy clothes. After all, it's your wedding night and the two of you would want to be alone together.

There are a lot of little things that couples can do. MANAALAYA has some simple ways to make your wedding night a memory to cherish.

FLIRT WITH EACH OTHER during the wedding. Sure, you're busy attending to guests, but take the time to meet each other's gaze, touch each other's arm or hand and steal some kisses. These little things keep you focused on each other and build anticipation as the wedding night approaches.

 FILL YOUR ROOM WITH FRAGRANCE. "Scents are carried to your brain's emotional center, where they can stimulate memories, emotions and moods. They soothe, relax, energize and arouse.

 If you're staying in a hotel room, arrange to have a bouquet of flowers put by the bed, as well as scented candles. You can also sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on your sheets. Try sandalwood, lavender or jasmine - scents that are said to increase arousal and sexual desire.

CARRY HER ACROSS THE THRESHOLD. Its fun for both partners. Give each other foot massages (she’s been standing all day), and progress as slowly or as quickly as you like to a sensual full-body massage.

SET THE NIGHT TO MUSIC. Load the CD player with your spouse's favorite tunes and put it on when you enter your hotel room.

SLIP INTO SOMETHING SEXY Soft, silky lingerie may not be the newest idea, but it's always fun.

MAKE A LOVE LIST.  Start by letting your partner know that you can't wait to spend the rest of your life as a twosome and then list the physical, mental and emotional things about her that you love.

FEED EACH OTHER.  Put a bowl of strawberries, melon balls, chocolate truffles or other succulent snack by the bed to nibble on.

USE APHRODISIACS. Chocolate contains caffeine and a feel-good chemical called phenylethylamine, both of which may put you in the mood for sex. Also try honey, which contains boron, or oysters, which contain zinc. Those minerals may increase the production of testosterone, the hormone responsible for sexual desire.

PLAY "FIND THE HONEY” For this game, blindfold your partner, put a dab of honey (or another sweet sauce, like chocolate or caramel) somewhere on your body and then have her find it (giving a few hints is a fun part of the game). "It's cute, fun, erotic and playful.

GET HIS-AND-HERS MASSAGES. Arrange to get massages in your hotel room right after the wedding. This will help work out any stressful kinks in your bodies, ease tired-from-dancing feet, and get you both in a very relaxed and cozy state of mind.

CHANGE THE LIGHTING. Surprise your partner by replacing an everyday lightbulb with a red or blue one. This creates a soft, romantic glow or, have a bridesmaid, the hotel concierge or your wedding planner fill the room with rows and rows of candles and light them just before you arrive.

LEAVE SOMETHING SEXY ON THE BED. Buy your bride some fancy lingerie that sets a fun, sexy tone.

BLISS OUT IN THE TUB. Prepare beforehand for a romantic bath. Think rose petals, massage oils and candles, as well as sponges or loofahs to wash each other with. Just turn the water on and enjoy.

RELAX! REALIZE THE PRESSURE IS OFF Take the time to talk about your amazing day. Get romantic; make out the way you did when you first met. All of this will make the sex more intimate and thrilling.

HAVE A TREASURE HUNT. Hide sweet (and sexy) items around the room and give her a list of clues. for example, hide chocolates, a bottle of champagne, a CD of your favorite songs, and so on. The final "find" can be you—soaking in the tub or cuddled beneath the covers.

STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE. Decorate the room with playful, romantic pictures of the two of you. You can also burn a DVD with a slide show of these special photos set to music, and arrange to have it playing when you get back to the room.

PAINT A ROSY FUTURE.  Write down private vows like “We promise to love each other. To help each other. To believe in each other." Another is: "We are committed to providing understanding and forgiveness. To creating a partnership that can grow mentally, physically, sexually and spiritually."

DO NOT DISTURB. The most important tip for making your wedding night sexy and romantic? "Don't invite friends and family back to your room after the reception

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Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter communications consultant