It's Wedding Season!

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white, or pink, or maybe even red or yellow! Spring has sprung! And that means the beginning of wedding season and all that comes with it. You’ve finally received your invite; besides feeling oh so special for making the cut, what now?!

Not everyone is familiar with the do’s and don’ts of wedding etiquette so Friends and Family Circle wants to give you a few pointers. Grab a pen and pad! We’ll be covering when you should and shouldn't bring a date, engagement party gift-giving, and actual wedding appropriateness! Let’s get started!

GIFTS FOR ENGAGEMENT PARTIES
Do you or do you not bring a gift to the engagement party? Hmmm. Well the answer to this depends on a couple of things including how close you are to the couple and your budget. As far as engagement party “etiquette” goes, a gift isn’t expected. This is the first of many gift-giving opportunities to follow. However, if you’re, say, the aunt of the bride, giving a simple gift like a bottle of wine to celebrate the occasion is fine. Nothing too over-the-top!


BRINGING A DATE TO THE WEDDING
Make sure to check the invitation! Was it addressed to ‘G. Whiz and Guest’? If so, you’re in the clear for bringing someone with you. Just know that it’s not an obligation! The last thing the happy couple wants is uninvited guests. More than likely, they’re paying by the head, so if you do decide to have someone tag along, RSVP accordingly. As for whom you should bring, make sure it’s someone who’s in good graces with the bridal party, of course. Someone who had a falling out with the groom just months ago would not be the best candidate. It may be water under the bridge for them, but don’t take any chances!


WEDDING ETIQUETTE BASICS

• Répondez s’il vous plait! That’s fancy (or French) for “please respond”. This is probably one of the most important things you MUST do. Whether you are able, or unfortunately unable to attend to the union, let your hosts know.
• Read the invitation! We know you’re excited and all but there is very important information on your invite. This includes the date, time, location, whether you were invited with a guest, if the event is kid-friendly, your deadline for confirming/declining your attendance and possibly much more. Your hosts have enough on their plate so try to avoid calling them to ask questions that may already be answered on your invite.
• Give a little!  Whether you are able to attend or not, send a gift! How much should you spend? There’s no set rule, but in general, the closer you are to the couple, the more you should probably spend. Also, if at all possible, send your gift to the couple BEFORE or AFTER the event. It’s difficult for family members to transport all of their gifts after the wedding.
• HAVE FUN… but not too much! Remember to be respectful. It’s not about you; it’s about the bride and groom, so act accordingly.

Answers to the Burning Questions: Is This Week's Deal Too Delicious to be True...

So we normally don't dedicate any of our blogs to our weekly deals, but with so many questions and forums that are coming up regarding this week's incredible $8 for $100 Restaurant.com eGift Card, we thought it's be a good idea to clarify some points so no one misses out!  We promise not to make this a habit!

Q: Why does the Value say $40 but it is for a $100 eGift Card, is this a mistake?

A: This is actually quite confusing.  You are purchasing a $100 Restaurant.com eGift Card but these are normally sold by the business for $40.  So even though they get you $100 worth of food at various local eateries (18,000 nationwide to be exact), the normal cost to purchase is usually only $40.  Our deal gets you it for $8 though so that's a 80% savings!!  Savvy shopper...savvy diner....

Q: So I take in my Friends and Family Voucher to any of the restaurants I want to eat at?  

A:  No, you actually need to redeem your Restaurant.com eGift Card at Restaurant.com!  You'll choose REDEEM GIFT (it's the 4th tab at the top) and you'll be prompted to enter your eGift Card number which is found next to the words REDEMPTION CODE on your Friends and Family Circle voucher.  Once you redeem you'll search for restaurants in a specific area - near your home, office, maybe you're going on vacation and want to look there - it's up to you, enter a zipcode or City/State and Restaurant.com will pull up the participating locations near your destination of choice!

Q: Do I have to use it all at once?  

A: No, that's what is so great!  You can choose to buy a full $100 dining certificate to your favorite restaurant, or you may want to try a few places and decide to purchase just a $25 dining certificate.  Come back and use the rest later!  Maybe you've got a birthday party you need to grab pizza for next month - your certificate will still be valid so save it, divide it up, use it all at once!  It's up to you!!

Q: I see a lot of deals from Restaurant.com, why would I buy from Friends and Family Circle and not just directly from them?

A: Because you can't get this deal directly from them!  This is the best deal out there for Restaurant.com dining certificates!  So while you will find Restaurant.com running other promotions on their eGift Cards, you'll never find one like this!  And let's be honest, this is a BIG savings!  Since they don't expire for a year, I stocked up!  There is no limit to the number you can buy, so while you can only use one dining certificate at a time, a year is a long time with lots of dining out excursions so... Be smart, buy several and eat for less for the next 365 days!

Still have questions?  Contact out Customer support hotline at 1-866-316-3001 or via email at help@friendsandfamilycircle.com. 

Worst Red Carpet Looks!

The best part of awards show for us is the Red Carpet! Who’s wearing what and paired up with who? We’re ready to dish on what caught our eye, and what made us want to gouge them out! Time to play Joan Rivers (who could use a little fashion policing herself, but we digress) and list our worst dressed of the awards season so far!

We’re all for being “eclectic” and standing out… but this is out of control!

Helena Bonham Carter - Golden Globes '11

Sometimes you want to play it safe, but Jenna didn't get the memo.  We're not at 'the office'.  Turn your fancy up, and let your hair (and neckline) down!

Jenna Fischer - SAG Awards '11

Very Victorian.  But it looks like Flo borrowed this from her high school's costume department!

Florence Welch - Academy Awards '11

Extra short and extra tight.
For the club, this may have been alright.

Business on top, a party on the bottom.  He's living la vida loca!

Ricky Martin - Grammy Awards '11

Have you come across any fashion faux-pas on the red carpet? Let us know!

Tracking The Trend: Stripes Are In For Spring!

Year in and year out, we see a resurgence of this trend: STRIPES! They're classic, clean and they're bound to be everywhere this Spring and Summer so get ready to rock them!  But not before we lay down some ground rules.

The "sailor" look is always cute!  They give a nautical feel, reminiscent of resort wear. Show off your sailor stripes with plain shorts or a skirt!









Some of us would like a little help in the height department.  Vertically striped dresses or skirts can make you look taller.  Pair that with with a solid-colored blazer and it makes for a very stylish outfit!

 

 What else should you know?

• If you want to wear a belt over your stripes, make sure it's wider than the stripes.
• Do not try to go for a head-to-toe striped look.  That could end up being a head-to-toe disaster!
• If you're new to the trend, start with pinstripes, then work your way up! Wider stripes make for a bolder look! 
• Have fun and go beyond just tops and bottoms - try striped summer hats, striped wedge heels and even striped jewelry... just not all at the same time!

Sticking To Your Resolutions!

Time sure flies doesn't it?!  Just the other day you were wrapping gifts for the holidays; now, the snow is clearing up and the sun has been staying out a little longer with each passing day.  But let's not forget those plans we made just a couple of months ago.  You know, that long list of New Year's resolutions you promised you'd stick to this time around?  Some of us have managed to follow through so far. I myself have been Latte-free since January 1st, and it feels pretty good to have followed through with it!  Other resolutions, like my drink less, workout more, haven't been so easy to stick to.  So, like many of you, I have some catching up to do to get back on track! 

Here are a few ways to make sure we all keep our eyes on the prize!

Write It Down
Get a journal so you can record your successes.  When you need a little extra motivation, you can refer back to your entries to see how you felt about them!

Be Specific
We were are a bit vague when we made our resolutions the first time around.  This makes it easier for us to go around them.  Instead of saying, "I plan to work out more",  say "I plan to work out for 30-45 minutes every morning".

Reward Yourself

Are you setting short term goals for yourself?  If you plan ahead, you have milestones to look forward to.  But remember, don't reward yourself with something counterproductive.  For example, don't splurge on an expensive pair of shoes as a reward for paying off a credit card bill on time. 

You Can Do It! 
Keep the fact that you didn't follow through the first time around behind you!  It's a new day, and this time you WILL be consistent. Keep a positive attitude and you will be well on your way to achieving whatever goal you have put in front of you!  And we all slip up every now and again, if you fall off once or twice, don't concentrate on the negative, brush it off and just get right back at it!

Finding The Best Travel Deals!

For those of you looking to get away and feel the sand in between your toes, what better time than now! Get away from the routine of the daily grind and spend some long overdue quality time with yourself or loved ones at a place you've been yearning to visit! And you don't need to break the bank to do so!  Here are some budget travel trips to help you take a few long weekends this season! 

  

Know Your Budget
First,you should put together a budget and see how you'd like to distribute your money. Then choose a destination. Once you've decided where you'd like to go, it's time to look into flights.

Buy Tickets In Advance
Ticket prices tend to rise as your travel date gets closer. Secure them a few weeks in advance if you're traveling domestically, or a few months in advance if you're traveling internationally.  Use the fare finder found on almost all travel sites. to check dates a few days before or after your desired travel time to see if you can get a better deal by flying out the night before!

If you can't book in advance, Book Last Minute!
This may seem odd considering our previous tip, but if you find yourself with a Monday free and it's the Wednesday before, well it's a  great time to get out of town and find some EXTREMELY low deals.  Hotels and Airlines release rooms at seriously discounted rates right before the date if they aren't filled - they'd rather have someone pay 70% less then just have empty space.

Be Flexible Many airlines release flight listing details on Mondays and Tuesdays. These are the best days to find deals. Weekend prices are the highest. And always avoid peak travel dates if you can!

Comparison Shopping
Shop around!  There are so many sites out there that make it easy for you to find airfare deals.  Once you find the package that works for you, buy it! You might miss out on amazing deals if you don't act quickly!

Here are 5 "private sale" sites that offer great travel deals. They say you have to be invited by a friend, but you can just as easily register on your own! Check them out!

• Vacationist
• Sales are limited-time only, typically lasting between three and seven days, or until sold out!
• JetSetter
• Deals are valid for a limited time only, and offered on a first come, first served basis. Remember, the earlier you log in, the better the selection!
• SniqueAway
• Their limited-time-only sales showcase the sleek, chic, and always unique!
• TripAlertz
• Collective buying power - as bookings go up, prices go down!
• VoyagePrive
• Offers high-end travel deals at prices of up to 75% off! 

Bon Voyage!!

Tracking The Trend: Shoes for Spring 2011

According to Punxsutawney Phil, Spring is around the corner! It sure doesn't seem like it. It's been blizzard after blizzard, slippery streets and freezing weather. We think it's time Phil had a sit-down with Mother Nature because it's clear she didn't get the memo! In the meantime, let's take our minds off the layers of ice that have formed outside our homes, and imagine our "happy place"... out shopping for shoes.

Shoes are one of the pieces that most define a woman's fashion style. It is one of the items that can really make a certain outfit pop! Friends and Family Circle shows you a few fashion trends that you might want to consider for updating your wardrobe.  Peep-toe ankle boots are on their way out, but gladiator sandals are here to stay!

We haven't seen too many celebrities in these yet, but the "flatform" is one of the latest in shoe innovations!

"Flatform" Shoes

Wear a pair of ballet flats or gladiator sandals with your favorite maxi dress!

Gladiator Sandals

"Jesus" Sandals

Ballet Flats

Wedges will continue to be an option for your spring wardrobe, just with a little twist - platforms and scarf-ties!

We're ready for the sun to start shining again! Are you?