image courtesy of amazon.com
In a revealing Salon.com interview, Deborah Merrill, author of the book “Mothers-in-Law and Daughters-in-Law: Understanding the Relationship and What Makes Them Friends or Foe”, acknowledges that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships can occasionally be fraught with tension and conflict because “while the daughter-in-law is trying to create her own family, her mother-in-law is trying to maintain relationships in her family as they have always been.”

If you’re looking for a dress for an engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding, or just because, here are some of my current favorites (all on sale!):
Nicole Miller Sheath Dress for $183:
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Recently Mr. Jasmine and I visited his best friend and his best friend’s fiancee in Naperville. They took us to a fabulous tapas restaurant called Meson Sabika. Located in a beautifully restored 1840s mansion with lush furnishings, Meson Sabika features delicious and inventive Spanish tapas and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant recently built a gorgeous adjoining pavilion especially for wedding receptions! I decided to go on another information expedition for my Chicago brides-to-bee (sorry, I never get tired of that joke).
As a child, I spent many blissful hours playing with my mom’s jewelry. As I examined her ornate necklaces, earrings, bangles and rings, my mom reminded me that many of her favorite pieces would be mine when I got married. I would also receive my own special pieces to wear. And now that time is finally upon us!

Every day on my way home from work, I pass the River East Art Center. Actually, I pass it while stopping off at Fox & Obel for a cupcake– their red velvet cupcakes are so good! Anyway, the River East Art Center is a multi-use space in Streeterville, right along the Chicago River. It’s become an extremely popular wedding venue in recent years, so I thought I’d gather some information for Chicago area bride-to-bees

On Wednesday, October 24th, from 6-8 PM, White Chicago, is featuring an evening with Anna Post. Anna is the great granddaughter-in-law of etiquette doyenne Emily Post. She’ll be hosting an etiquette Q & A and signing copies of her newest book, Emily Post’s Wedding Parties. While you’re there, sample delicious desserts and martinis! Reservations are required; rsvp to rsvp@bettiebombpr.com.
On the day of a traditional Indian wedding, the groom travels to the wedding site with a huge procession of his family and friends. This procession is called a baraat (pronounced bah-rath). It’s a festive and jubilant parade, complete with dhol (drum) players, bhangra dancing, and singing. Surrounded by his baraathi/entourage, the groom is either on foot, elephant, horse, or slow-moving sports car.
The New York Times recently published an interesting article on the “plus one” controversy. What is the etiquette of allowing wedding guests to bring a date?