Winter Wedding Showcase 2011

Page 12 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Sunday, Jan. 16 12:00-5:00

2 Fashion Shows • 1:30 & 3:30 You’ll want to see them both!

Over 35 Booths

Of Wedding Professionals On Hand to Help Plan Your Perfect Day!

BRIDES REGISTER TO WIN

Over $2500 in Prizes including a

Honeymoon Package 4 days & 3 nights at the Breezes RESORT & SPA RIO BUENO, JAMAiCA CERTIFIED TRAVEL

PLUS: $500

towards airfare from Northbridge Mall

2011 Bridal Expo Exhibitors 1000 Words Photography 4 Seasons Vacations Accents Aces & Eights Entertainment Americas Best Value Inn AMP Studios BeautiControl-Kara Ruge Belles & Beaus Century 21 Certified Travel Completely Kids & Maternity Conger Catering & Party Shop Dawson Limo Diamond Jo Digital Dreams Sound & Light Show Flowers To Be by Bree go2wed.com Grizzly Sound Hemingway Photography & Video Herberger’s

Hy-Vee Jackson Forderer Photography Jan Bernau Photography Jessica B Photography Kelly’s Photography Kelly Lynne Originals Knights Inn Leutholds lia sophia-Joyce Hoium/Vikki Jenkins Mary KayLori Arnold~Karen Rowland Mega Force Sound & Light Show Memories Aloft Michaelis Photography & Design Midwest Stainless Nails Expressions The Silhouette Simply Home Grown Sound Tronics Productions Sugar Chic Cake Designs Wedgewood Cove Golf Club Your Home Improvement Center

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I-90 & Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN

M-F 10-9; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 12-5 • (507) 377-3185 • www.northbridgemall.com

Page 2 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 11

Tips for getting engagements and wedding announcements published in the Tribune

“The Vineyard” Ballroom

• Perfect location for wedding receptions, banquets, holiday parties, meetings and private dinners. • Seats up to 480 people or can be separated into thirds to accommodate smaller gatherings • Overlooks a full length balcony and offers scenic golf course and lake views. • Two-sided full service bar. • No room rental fee. • Outdoor area by lake for Wedding Ceremonies

(507) 373-2007 ext. 104 Bryce Nelson, Director of Sales and Events

So you’re getting engaged to be married. Or you’ve just gotten married. How do you let everyone know? Through an announcement in the Albert Lea Tribune, of course. Announcements will also be published on our website at www.AlbertLeaTribune.com. Forms are available online at www.albertleatribune.com, click on the “services” tab, and find the appropriate tab. Forms are also available at our office at 808 W. Front St. in Albert Lea. Call 507-379-3439 A Gift Suggestion from Clothing Care

Wedding Gown Preservation*

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lothing are enter

“The Professionals” 116 S. Washington, Albert Lea 373-2318

with questions. Couples can announce their engagement any time they choose before their wedding. Announcements after a wedding need to reach our office no later than four months following the ceremony. Photos may accompany either announcement and may be color or black and white. Photos can be any size. We discourage couples from submitting photos that have been taken with a filter (soft focus). While these are beautiful, they do not reproduce well in the newspaper. People may claim their photos after they have run in the newspaper, or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return. The information and a jpeg photo (with a resolution of no less than 200) may also be e-mailed to lifestyles@ albertleatribune.com.

Because you and your guests deserve the best!

Land Between the Lakes Event Center • Delicious Cuisine • Elegant Setting • Impeccable Service • Beautiful Courtyard • Private Bridal Suite • Large Dance Floor • Only hotel in Albert Lea with restaurant and lounge • Beautifully remodeled rooms • Largest pool on property in Albert Lea

Wedding planning questions answered You’re engaged! Now what? The top five wedding planning questions to answer first. Holiday season is engagement season. But after he pops the question and she says “yes,” the reality of wedding planning sets in — and that feeling of joyful romance can fade as quickly as Christmas lights on an overloaded circuit. Here are the top five questions you will need to answer to make your wedding planning journey a pleasant experience. Brides should begin their planning by answering five basic questions:

1. What is our budget? Setting — and sticking to — a budget for your wedding is an essential step toward starting your married life on a sound financial footing. Determine where your funding will come from — if your parents can help or if you’ll be paying on your own — and decide how much you can afford to spend without going into debt.

2. What season works? Virtually as soon as you announce you’re engaged, people start asking what the wedding date will be. To make answering that question as simple as possible, start by considering in what season you would like to be married. Would you prefer a spring ceremony? Or do you dream of a holiday wedding? By narrowing down the season, and selecting it well in advance, you’ll be able to secure a date that will work for everyone.

3. Where do we want to get married and have our reception? Will you have a destination wedding? Or do you want to keep it local? While wedding planning is usually most successful when done well in advance, if you’re interested in a destination wedding, planning far ahead is essential. Popular destinations book quickly in prime wedding seasons and

you may find venues in the destination of your choice are booked a year or more in advance.

4. What kind of venue do you want? Do you dream of a big church wedding? Or saying your “I do’s” in a beautiful natural setting? Perhaps you want your reception to be in a grand hotel. Knowing the type of venue you desire will help you refine your options and choose a specific location down the road.

2011 Wedding dates are filling fast! • Member of the MNPPA & WPPI • Visit my Web Gallery at www.JessicaBStudios.com The Perfect Photographer for Your Perfect Day!

2137 Grand Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 507.369.5186 www.JessicaBStudios.com

5. Who do you want to officiate? Is it important to you to be married by your own church’s minister? Or are you OK with a justice of the peace? Do you fantasize about being joined in marriage by a ship’s captain? Or does your mother have her heart set on seeing you married by the rabbi who was there at your bat mitzvah?

Special occasions are stressful enough, don't worry about the cake! Whether it is your big day, B-day or your first baby, we will celebrate it in edible art.

1417 St. John Ave. • Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-402-3864 • info@sugarchicakes.com www.sugarchiccakes.com

What’s on your doorstep?

We specialize in exceptional wedding receptions for up to 400 guests with 5 break-out rooms Located at: 2306 E. Main St Albert Lea • 373-6471

www.abvialbertlea.com

866-373-6471

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422

Page 10 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 3

How to personalize gifts for special occasions

Personalization: The all-occasion gift that truly touches the heart. Finding a gift that really touches the heart is the great challenge of all gift giving, whether the token is for the holidays, a birthday, wedding or other special occasion. A personalized gift is the perfect expression of caring, commitment or gratitude.

2011 Bridal Expo in A.L. vendors this year, as well as many that have been vendors in the past. kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com The expo will again have two fashion shows courtesy of The Silhouette and The 15th annual bridal show at the Belles & Beaus. Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea is fast There will also be people who can approaching. Couples will want help plan vacations or help to attend the show from noon to guests figure out what to buy 5 p.m. Sunday to see what’s new the newlyweds. Otterson said in bridal fashion, photography the show attracts vendors and and various aspects of wedding people from all over Minnesota planning. and Iowa. Vendors of many different “It’s a big draw,” Otterson items will be showcasing their said. wares at the show. Anything Val Prizes this year include tote from photographers to disc Otterson bags from GO2Wed.com (while jockeys to cake decorators and supplies last). Couples attending reception locations will be featured in will have the chance to win a threevarious booths. night vacation to Breezes Rio Bueno “It’s great information for the in Jamaica as well as $500 from the public,” Val Otterson, marketing mall merchants sponsored by Certidirector at Northbridge, said. “They fied Travel. Brides and grooms must can see the different choices and register at the main table and be presselections.” ent to win. She said people planning weddings Otterson said it’s a big show that has have the chance to see lots of selection many local vendors, which means less for all the items and services they’ll traveling for brides and grooms who need on their special day. still have planning to do. Otterson said there will be new By Kelli Lageson

Personalizing gifts doesn’t have to be difficult. You can personalize a gift in several ways: • Engraving for glass and metallic gifts, like beer mugs, coffee cups, money clips, etc. • Debossing for leather gifts such as wallets, clutches and luggage • Embroidering for fabrics like linens, towels, totes and cosmetic bags How, when and for whom a personalized gift is appropriate:

Holidays

Wedding Dresses

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Locally owned by Jesse & Mary Zamora

Mary’s Dry Cleaning 507-373-6279

1617 S.E. Broadway Albert Lea

Next to Health Reach

Mon - Fri 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Because customer service matters

For many people, gift giving is rarely as stressful as it is during the holidays. Faced with a long list of people to shop for, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and at a loss for gift ideas. Opting for personalized holiday gifts can make the task easier. A simple gift, such as a holiday ornament or mug — the kind of item you might give to an acquaintance or office friend — becomes a unique offering when you add the person’s name. And personalization can add an air of sophistication to more individualized gifts, such as a humidor or wine stopper and pourer set.

Exhibitors at the 2011 Bridal Expo: Weddings Finding perfect bridesmaid gifts can be a challenge, especially for brides who have a large wedding party and multiple attendants to buy for. Most brides want to give gifts that speak to the individuals who helped make her big day so special. Choosing a single elegant bridesmaid gift, such as a tote bag or cosmetic travel bag, and adding personalization is a great way to make the gift unique and memorable. The concept works for gifts for grooms-

men as well. Traditional groomsmen gifts such as flasks and beer steins can all be personalized with a groomsman’s name or initials. Personalization also adds a layer of sophistication to elegant gifts like cufflinks and business card holders.

Family events Whether it’s a reunion, graduation, birthday party, anniversary or other family celebration, what better way to remind family members of their common bonds than with a personalized gift? Adding the family’s last name, monogram or even a favorite saying to a carefully selected gift can elevate a lovely memento to the status of treasured keepsake.

Award-winning news coverage.

Every day in the Tribune.

Digital Dreams Sound & Light Show Conger Catering & Party Shop Simply Home Grown Herberger’s America’s Best Value Inn Sugar Chic Cake Designs Dawson Limousine Flowers To Be by Bree Megaforce Sound & Light Show AMP Studios Jan Bernau Photography Mary Kay advisers Lori Arnold and Karen Rowland Wedgewood Cove Golf Club Grizzly Sound The Silhouette 1000 Words Photography Knights Inn Kelly Lynne Originals Leuthold’s Midwest Stainless Brant Hemingway Photography & Video Completely Kids & Maternity Nails Expressions Michaelis Photography & Design Hy-Vee Jackson Forderer Photography BeautiControl adviser Kara Ruge Century 21 Realty Diamond Jo Casino 4 Seasons Vacations Lia Sophia advisers Joyce Hoium and Vikki Jenkins Jackson Photography Aces & Eights Entertainment Belles & Beaus Certified Travel

A wedding reception to remember

Whether it’s set in the great outdoors, a lavish ballroom, the couple’s favorite restaurant or at home, the wedding reception is a special time for newlyweds to celebrate with family and friends. The signature dessert — cake — is usually the centerpiece for this occasion, a continuing reflection of the wedding theme and colors. An assortment of cupcakes or a tower of layers allows today’s cakes to take almost any form — from square to round, even pillow or heart-shaped. This stunning all-white creation is both simple yet elegant. Cake layers are covered in pure white fondant, while additional bands of fondant glistening with white sparkling sugar decorate the bottom of each tier. Dots of sugar pearl sprinkles, resembling perfect pearls add a hint of texture, while a gem-studded monogram topper adds the finishing touch. This unique do-it-yourself wedding topper kit can easily be customized with one initial, two or a trio. Self-adhesive crystal-like gems are used to trace the initials onto the clear disc. Gems can also be used to create a border or other complementary design. After the reception, it makes a perfect keepsake for the couple that will be treasured for years to come. Guests will want to raise a glass in honor of the newlyweds with the timeless custom of a champagne toast. Decorated flutes for the bride and groom create a long-lasting memory of this special tradition. Individual boxes are ideal for truffles or other candies to send home with guests. Tie with ribbons

reflecting the color theme of the wedding. Another fun memento is a mini champagne bottle favor that can be filled with small candies. Attach a label with a personalized message. Make it elegant or simple and always make it meaningful and memorable.

Elegant cakes with decadent taste

Express your individuality with our unlimited range of creativity!

1417 St. John Ave, Albert Lea 369-0272 info@sugarchiccakes.com www.sugarchiccakes.com

Dawson Limousine Service

* Ask about our new limo bus! * Ask about our extended rental rates * Weddings, Birthdays * Concerts/Sports Events * Airport & Casino Call 507-402-0606 for booking/pricing information

Page 4 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011

GROOM’S TUX FREE!

79

Tuxedo prices starting at

$

50

See store for details

Leutholds Men's & Ladies' Fine Apparel

Northbridge Mall Mall ••Albert LeaLea • 373-3142 Northbridge Albert 373-3142

Bridal

REGISTRY 1550 Blake Ave 507-377-2998

1. Consultant from Jewelry Department will walk you through the process 2. Scan anything for your wish list 3. Consultant will load your information so anyone can shop from your list from any Walmart 4. You can print information cards to send with your invitations.

Enjoy your special day we’ll make it stress free

If you can dream it, we can do it!

Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway, Alden • 507-874-3425

Facts worth knowing about marriage licenses

By Ed Shannon

complete

• Fresh & silk flower arrangements & bouquets • Decorate reception halls for any occasion • Interior design • Elegant product collection

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 9

ed.shannon@albertleatribune.com

People preparing to obtain a marriage license in Minnesota may encounter a rather odd situation. There are two fees involved with the application for a license at any county courthouse in the state. One fee is $115, and the other is $75 less. However, to obtain the license for the $40 fee the couple must present a Premarital Education Certificate when applying. (More specific information about this fairly new Minnesota law is with a separate article in this publication.) There is a five-day waiting period to pick up the license after the application is made. The license is valid for six months from the date of issue. And the license is valid only in the state of Minnesota. For those people who might want to get married at the famous Little Brown Church in the Vale near Nashua, Iowa, or elsewhere in that state, then a marriage license from an Iowa courthouse is required. Also, a couple from south of the state line wanting to get married somewhere in Minnesota will find out an Iowa-issued license isn’t valid at all. The age limits for Minnesota marriage licenses to be issued are based on the following: 18 years or over, no consent needed; 16 years, but less than 18 years, consent of parents/guardians and court; less than 18 years, no license; less than 18 years and not a resident of Freeborn County, no license. Pick-up dates for the marriage licenses are based on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the following Monday, Thursday is the following Tuesday and Friday is the following Wednesday. A Minnesota marriage needs two witnesses. Those witnesses must be 16 or older. The law prefers both parties appear at the time of application. If one party is unable to appear and the requirements of Minnesota Statutes are met, the license may then be issued. Those requirements include the second party getting a copy of the initial application, filling out a special form, having it notarized, and returning it to the issuing office. It’s obvious that there is a strong preference for both parties being present when the application is made for the marriage license. The person who actually fills out

the marriage license needs their current photo ID. If either of the parties has been married before, the person handling the application needs to see a copy of the divorce decree with the judge’s signature, or a certified death certificate of the previous spouse. Under emergency or extraordinary circumstances, ask about a five-day waiver.

How to save money on a marriage license

There’s a way to save $75 on the fee for a marriage license in Minnesota. It’s based on having a Premarital Education Certificate when applying for the license. Minnesota State Statutes, Chapter 517 (partial): “The marriage license fee for parties who have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education is $40. To qualify for the reduced fee, the parties must submit a signed and dated statement at the time of applying for the license from the person who provided the premarital education confirming that it was received. The premarital education must be provided by a licensed or ordained minister or the minister’s designee, a person authorized to solemnize marriages under section 517.18, or a person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy under section 148b.33. The education must include the use of a premarital inventory and the teaching of communication and conflict management skills. The statement from the person who provided the premarital education under paragraph (b) must be in the following form: “I, (name of educator), confirm that (names of both parties [full names]) received at least 12 hours of premarital education that included the use of a premarital inventory and the teaching of communication and conflict management skills. I am a licensed or ordained minister, a person authorized to solemnize marriages under Minnesota statutes, section 517.18, or a person licensed to practice marriage and family therapy under Minnesota statutes, section 148b.33.” The names of the parties in the educator’s statement must be identical to the legal names of the parties as they appear in the marriage license application. The statement must be on the educator’s letterhead and must be notarized.”

How and when to get the best deals on these top 5 vacation destinations While last-minute deals often get a lot of press, what smart travelers know — and live by — is that thinking ahead is the most reliable way to get the best deals. These five destinations would work for honeymoons or gifts for newlyweds. After all, waiting until just before you’re ready to go might leave you stuck with few options and lots of restrictions — or worse, no vacation at all. Airlines and hotels are thinking ahead, too, and are eager to fill up planes and hotels. That translates to great prices right now — the ideal time to book for the best vacation deals. These five destinations are the perfect combinations of great deals, plentiful sunshine and activities for all types of travelers, including honeymooners: • Mexico. Our neighbor to the south has more to offer than you might imagine. From beautiful beaches to rich history, cultural diversity to delectable cuisine, Mexico has it all and then some — just a short flight from the United States. It makes sense, then, that Mexico vacations come in many forms. On the Caribbean side, you’ll find Cancun and the Riviera Maya, which combine luxurious beachfront resorts with the opportunity to explore Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum. On the Pacific coast, towns like Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta are perennial favorites for their laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. • Las Vegas. If you’re looking for glitz, glamour and non-stop fun, Vegas should rocket to the top of your list. And if you’re looking for a lowcost vacation, it’s hard to beat Las Vegas travel deals. The beauty of Vegas is that it’s a paradise for savers and spenders alike — you can find great deals on hotels and entertainment and still have plenty to lavish yourself with fine dining and luxurious spa treatments. Despite its reputation for fast living, Vegas is a family-friendly destination, even boasting hotels and resorts with themes that play into kids’ favorite daydreams. Of course, if you’re looking for a more grownup experience, Vegas won’t disappoint, with scores of four-star restaurants and designer shops to keep you busy for days. • Hawaii. America’s slice of tropical paradise is the best way to get a taste of the South Pacific. Beach bums

and adventurers alike will fall in love with these beautiful islands. On Maui alone, you can relax on secluded, sandy beaches or take a thrilling bike ride down the side of Haleakala, the sleeping volcano, before making the famous drive to Hana or dining and shopping in charming Lahaina. On Oahu, you’ll find world-famous Waikiki Beach, the Pearl Harbor Memorial and a picture-perfect hike up Diamond Head State Monument. • Florida. A family vacation to Florida’s theme parks is just about as American as apple pie, and for good reason. It’s the thrill of a lifetime for kids, who won’t ever forget meeting Mickey and Minnie. The variety of theme parks is ever expanding, and cleverly combines fun and learning about science, nature and other cultures. What you might not expect, though, is that Florida’s theme parks are also a great getaway for an alladult trip like a girlfriend getaway or a golfing trip with your buddies. With top-notch spas, gourmet dining, luxury shopping and perfectly manicured golf courses, it’s a perfect place

for some grown-up relaxation. • San Juan, Puerto Rico. It can be a challenge to make a decision about Caribbean vacations - with so many options, it’s hard to know what’s best. Skip the suspense and set your sights on San Juan. This charming city has been quietly winning the hearts of travelers over the years and you can easily find out why — you don’t even need to change your money or get a passport. Puerto Rico is a melting pot of European and Caribbean culture with great food, rich history and architecture and lively nightlife. You’ll also be able to get in touch with nature — it’s a top ecotourism destination; boasting the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Park system. With great deals available now, all you need to do is choose your destination and start planning. You can find deals by following your destination, hotels or vacation providers on Twitter and Facebook, which will help you to learn more about where you’re going, get the most up to date specials and ask fellow travelers questions.

Here’s a Party Just Waiting to Happen Tents Tables/ Chairs Glassware

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Easton, MN • 507-787-2211 Hours: M-F 10-5pm, Sat. 10-4pm Weekday evenings by appt. www.SilhouetteWedding.com

Page 8 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Look tantastic on your wedding day! • • • • •

Enjoy the finest tanning equipment in the area

20 minutes beds 15 minute bed with face tanners Custom airbrush tanning Skin conditioning hydration spa Full line of tanning products

ETC Etcetera

Tanning & Clothing

Located in Skyline Plaza • 1663 W. Main St.

M-F 10-9 p.m. Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 1-5 507.377.TANS (8267) Walk-ins wlecome

Make your wedding reception a truly exceptional event!

• Groom’s Suppers, Wedding Anniversaries, etc. • Will do catering for any size group, from full sit down meals to sandwiches, salads and desserts made to go. Call 507-265-3265

Conger Inn Catering & Party Shop Conger, Minnesota

The Bride & Groom will Love Your Gift! Personalized Wedding Gifts

• Afaghans • Aprons • Towel and Sheet Sets • Bride & Groom Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Hats

and so much more!

Reinertson’s Embroidery 127 S. Broadway 373-0751 Hours: M, T, W, F 9-5:30 Thurs 9-7; Sat 9-3

Plan your destination wedding to Las Vegas, Hawaii, Jamaica & Carribean Islands

We’ve been making your honeymoon vacations for over 46 years.

130 W. Clark St • Albert Lea 373-2473 1-800-247-5330

www.4-seasonsvacations.com

Preparing no-stress bridal shower food

If you’re planning a bridal shower, you want to make it a relaxing, fun time for everyone — and right at the center of the fun is good food. If you’re feeling anxious about what to serve and how to get it prepared — especially with everyone nowadays paying so much attention to what they eat — relax. You can serve delicious and healthy food without hiring a professional chef or spending a week in the kitchen. Here are some time-saving tips and recipes to help you get the food under control and host a simple but sensational shower for the bride. • Share the work. When guests ask if they can bring anything, say “yes.” And don’t be afraid to ask them to bring something if they don’t contact you first — most guests are eager to help. Get others to prepare dishes you either don’t really enjoy making yourself or you know they do especially well. You can even have each guest bring a dessert or appetizer and share the recipes with the new bride. Doing the food as a group is fun, and it helps build the joyful spirit of the occasion. • Keep it healthy. There’s a good chance a lot of your guests are trying to eat healthier. Why not go that route and make it delicious too? You can provide great-tasting, nutritious snacks that also go easy on artificial additives, salt, fat, sugar and other potentially unhealthy ingredients. For guests with special diet restrictions, gluten-free baking mixes are now readily available for easy, worry-free baked treats. • Take some shortcuts. For enticing, freshly made dips without fuss, use high quality organic dip mixes. Just add a creamy dill, French onion, guacamole or ranch dip mix to equal parts low-fat cottage cheese and nonfat plain yogurt and mix in a blender or food processor until smooth. Serve with fresh veggies you can buy already cleaned and cut up at the store, and you get a lot of healthy snacking with very little prep time. Or use preblended mulling spice to create flavorful cider, punch or other beverages without a lot of work. • Remake everyday favorites. One way to combine simple and special is to take easy-to-prepare favorites and dress them up with special festive seasonings. Try distinctive seasoning

blends like curry or Italian seasoning. A seasoned sugar combination like lemon sugar or cinnamon sugar will add a gourmet touch to your tea. Or add a touch of a spice like tarragon or a chili powder seasoning blend to your usual deviled eggs, and you’ll instantly have something out of the ordinary. • Shop smart. Make your shopping list well in advance. That way you can pick up everything in one trip — and eliminate any last-minute sprints to the grocery store. You can even order some ingredients online. For example, some websites offer a wide range of all-organic products online to enhance your shower food — everything from spices, seasoning blends and baking extracts to easy-to-make mixes for dips, dressings and other snacks — and they’ll ship them to your house within a few days. Here are two of the many easy-toprepare, healthy bridal shower dishes:

Spicy Chicken Dip Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and finely diced chicken 1/4 cup low fat yogurt 4 finely diced Roma tomatoes (approximately 2 cups)

Spicy chicken dip

1 package guacamole dip mix 1/2 cup shredded cheese 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapenos

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, stir chicken and yogurt together. Add tomatoes and guacamole dip mix; stir. Blend in shredded cheese and jalapenos. Refrigerate. Serve chilled with chips or crackers. For a less spicy version, substitute green olives for jalapenos.

Turkey & Cheese Meatballs Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey 1 package turkey gravy seasoning mix 1/4 cup pancake mix 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 cup shredded cheese Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly distributed. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Serve with a side of barbecue sauce or ranch dressing.

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 5

Scent-sational ideas for wedding favors

Hunting down the perfect wedding ensemble, negotiating seating arrangements with squabbling relatives, honeymoon flight reservations that change on a dime — how did something that should be so joyful become so stressful? Planning a wedding can be a highpressure time, even for couples with a clear vision of what they want and the budget to accomplish it. One aspect of your wedding that doesn’t have to cause stress is choosing wedding favors. Go with something simple, elegant and timeless that will fit the lifestyle of virtually every guest — aromatherapy. Scent is a mood-setting gift that can help establish the tone for your reception and remind guests afterward how much they enjoyed sharing your big day. You don’t have to give every guest a pricey personal essence or resort to costly scented candles to achieve the perfect aromatherapy wedding favor. Making your own favors not only saves you money, it puts your personal stamp on the mementoes your guests will keep long after the wedding day has passed. Tips for using aromatherapy to combat wedding-planning jitters and create memorable favors: Surround yourself with scents that soothe. A potpourri that features real lavender flowers is a wonderful way to bring comforting, peaceful aroma into your home. Sprinkle the flowers with lavender essential oil and tuck a sachet of the mixture in with your bed linens. Place a bowl on the dining room table. Store some in a mesh bag inside the luggage you’ll be using for your honeymoon. Make the same lavender-based scent the centerpiece of your aromatherapy favors by placing it in small, handmade sachets that guests can carry home. Planning a holiday wedding? Create a “wise men’s favor” by recycling an empty tea tin. Paint it with your wedding colors or cover it with festive gold paper. Fill the tin with coarse salt and sprinkle with 16 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 16 drops of lemon essential oil, 16 drops of frankincense and/or myrrh essential oils, and replace the lid. Include instructions to release this ancient sacred scent by removing the lid and placing the tin in a warm location. Another idea that’s good year-round is a soul-warming spa kit. Create a home spa kit with a mineral bath and a body and massage oil. These gifts have a green, lemony-balsamic aroma that revitalizes the body and chases

Drop Off Foods to Upscale Events

☞ 377-9672 ☞ away the blues. Wrap these items in a small basket, adding a loofah or other bath items. Or present them in a personalized mini-tote that features the wedding couple’s name and marriage date. Here’s the essential oil blend you’ll create to add to the mineral bath and massage products: 16 drops peppermint essential oil 16 drops sweet orange essential oil 16 drops lavender essential oil To make the mineral bath, combine the essential oils with these ingredients (readily available at a drugstore or pharmacy): 1 cup sea salt

1 cup Epsom salt 1 cup sodium bicarbonate To create the spa kit body and massage oil, combine the essential oil drops with: 2 cups sweet almond oil 1 cup grape seed oil For a fizzy foot soak, mix the essential oils with the ingredients below (available at a drugstore or pharmacy): 1 1/2 cups sea salt 1 cup Epsom salt 1/4 cup sodium bicarbonate 1/4 cup citric acid granules Use 1 to 2 tablespoons in a basin of warm water for a revitalizing foot soak.

32nd Anniversary

Sale

20% OFF

gowns (Regular priced, in stock or special order)

TUX SPECIAL $20 OFF Tuxedos

Groom's tux included, plus FREE!! ringbearer tux with qualifying order Hurry! Sale ends Monday, January 31

Courtly Manor Bridals Downtown Albert Lea • 373-2515

M, T, F 10-5; Th 10-8; Sat. 9-4; Closed Wed & Sun Exclusions apply.

Page 6 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 7