Hannah Han

Success - 3 Keys to Taking Control of Your Thoughts

2007-06-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

Your thoughts are a major part of the success that you have in your life. If you have thoughts that tell you that you can't succeed then you will find it very difficult to succeed at anything. However, if you have thoughts that assist you in your success then you will have much more success. Here are 3 keys to help you take control of your thoughts so you can succeed at whatever you put your hand to.

1. Become aware of what your thoughts are.

Do you know what kind of thoughts you have during the day or do your thoughts just happen without you ever knowing what is going on? If you start paying attention to what you are thinking you will find out that you may not be thinking things that will help you. Start monitoring what you are thinking and rate your thoughts on how much they either help you succeed or hinder you to succeed.

2. Snap your thoughts away.

One of the best ways to change your thought patterns is by snapping them away with a rubber band. I learned this from a book called 'The One Minute Millionaire'. Put a rubber band around your wrist. Every time that you realize you are thinking something that is negative snap the rubber band. You may be a bit sore for a while but before long you will stop thinking limiting thoughts because you don't want to snap that rubber band any more.

3. Replace your thoughts.

The moment you realize that you are thinking about something that will hinder your success, immediately start to think about ways to become successful. You have to train your mind to think the way you want it to. This may take a few weeks but you will begin to see the results of it in your life very soon.

Success - How to Live a Life of Wealth

2007-06-02T20:53:00.001-07:00

I have met so many people that want to live a life of wealth but don't actually know what that is. You may think that a life of wealth means to have more money than you know what to do with but that is not a complete answer. A wealthy life is one that encompasses every aspect of life.

You may know someone that is very rich but are totally unhappy. You may find it hard to believe that someone with a lot of money can not be happy. You may think that having money is the answer to happiness but it's not. For you to have true wealth you must be wealthy in all areas of your life.

If you want to be wealthy the first thing that you need to do is define what wealth is to you. This includes your finances, family, health, business, work, and so on. If you are able to reach all the things that you have listed as successes in these areas you will find true wealth. The reason why most people never reach true wealth is because they search after one thing which is usually money. In reality, money is only a part of wealth.

Strive to keep a balance in the areas of your life that you want to be successful in and you will find that wealth is yours. Learn from people that have gone down that path that you are endeavouring to go down. The more advice and wisdom that you can learn from someone who has true wealth that faster you will be able to obtain it in your own life.

Groomsmen Gifts- Top 10 Cool and Unique Groomsmen Gifts

2007-05-02T21:00:00.001-07:00

The bride is usually the super shopper during the whole wedding process. She's got a dress, shoes, purse, jewelry, pantyhose and makeup to buy - and that is just her outfit for the big day! Then there's all the details such as the save the date announcements, wedding invitations, wedding favors, flowers, cake, cake topper, serving set, toasting flutes, bridesmaids gifts, etc... just to name a few. Whew! I'm getting tired just thinking about how many countless hours all that will take. If you're the groom, you'll be lucky if she does all this with her mom or girlfriend and not you!

Traditionally, the groom gives out groomsmen gifts to the guys that stand by him in the wedding party. After all, your buddies are taking time out of their lives and busy schedules to be part of your wedding ceremony. They may be a little stressed out about this so it is only fitting that you show you appreciate for their efforts. I mean, really. Most of your pals will be getting into a tux for the first times in their lives. That is a huge deal for a guy. Most guys don't get that dressed up for anyone!

The dads, best man, the groomsmen, ushers, and ringbearer boy are all guys that the groom should definitely not forget. You can also get a modest gift for any special reader, photographer, pastor or priest that is putting forth an extra effort above and beyond their usual scope.

Groomsmen gifts need not be overly complicated or expensive. They should also not be something you drive yourself nuts picking out. Here are 10 suggestions for can't-go-wrong groomsmen gifts. These are the most popular that have stood the test of time and wedding tradition:

1. Liquor flasks. This is a favorite of the younger crowd. If given early enough, the flasks can be used during the bachelor party. Although, most guys will save this one for the wedding reception. Some receptions will have a limited bar or no bar, so sometimes you have to bring your party with you for maximum fun. Get these flasks personalized with names, monograms or initials for a personal touch.

2. Glass mugs. Most glass mugs come in many sizes, with 25 oz and 13 oz. being the most popular. This is a good choice if you have someone in your wedding party that might not use a flask. A glass mug can be used for beer, soda, water, sports drinks, or any beverage at all. The smaller 13 oz. size is good for the ringbearer. You can give the big guys the 25 oz. mug and the smaller 13 oz. version to the little guy. Glass mugs can typically be engraved with names, titles, initials or dates in one or two lines to commemorate your special event and good times.

3. Pocket watches. Pocket watches are cool in an old-school sort of way. They are one of those gifts that no one would ever think to buy themselves, but when someone gets one they think it's a neat gift. A pocket watch is a throw-back to yesteryear. It's an old-fashioned twist on a modern item. Everyone uses a watch or clock. A pocketwatch can be carried daily in your pocket or kept for special occasion use. Engrave initials on these for a traditional look.

4. Money clips. There is a wide price range on money clips. You can get basic silver plated money clips for under $20. Or, you can spend $400+ for a thick 14K solid gold money clip. Whatever your budget, a money clip is a sophisticated gift. Sometimes a wallet is too bulky. If a guy has a money clip, he grabs some cash, his license and maybe one credit card, and he's traveling light and ready to roll. Initials, monogram, name or a short message is all that needs to be engraved for that extra special touch.

5. Baseball bats and balls. Wood baseball bats are practical and special. They typically can be personalized with title (such as Best Man or Groomsman), recipient's name, and bride and groom's name, and wedding date. There is a lot of engraving real estate on a bat so you can fit a lot of information on there. Baseballs are also good for saying a lot in terms of personalization. You can get full size 34" bats for your guys and maybe a mini wood bat or baseball for the ringbearer.

6. Leatherman multitools. Guys love gadgets. Leatherman tools fit the bill perfectly. The Leatherman Micra and Squirt won't break the bank at around $20-$30. The Micra and Squirt are keychain size multitools. Or, go for a full size pliers with the Fuse, Blast or Wave. There are about a dozen models of Leatherman tools available. Pricing ranges from about $20 up to $100. All models can be engraved. This is certainly one of those items that a guy will keep forever. A tool is handy and will be used many times over the years.

7. Zippo Lighters. You don't have a be a smoker to appreciate a Zippo lighter. There are hundreds of designs to choose from. You can pick sports team lighters for sports fans. Or go with basic chrome or brass lighters for everyone. It's up to you. Here's a chance to get really personal and unique, yet everyone gets the same thing: a lighter. You can pick out a special design lighter for each person that holds a special meaning or fits the recipient's personality. Engraving makes this gift choice a winner.

8. Victorinox Swiss Army Knives. Let me say it again. Guys love gadgets. And there is nothing more gadgety than a Swiss Army Knife. Move over MacGyver. We got some groomsmen that need awesome pocket knives. Swiss Army Knives are not just knives. You can get basic models with a few features like a blade, scissors, toothpick and tweezers. You can go all out and get a model with over 50 features. It is all up to you and your budget. Engraving on the handle or blade is possible.

9. Cigar Holders. If you need an excuse to smoke some cigars, then a wedding is the answer. Hand out fine cigars to your buddies. But, make sure these cigars are placed into cigar tubes that have each been personalized with your guy's name or initials. This is the ultimate in class.

10. Pub Signs and Coasters. A personalized bar sign and matching coasters will elicit the "wow" response from any guy. Pick out a sign with a graphics design that matches his personality. Hunting scene, martini glass, beach scene, automobile motif, pool table theme, and more are all available. Matching coasters can be added for a complete bar package. Starting in the low $30's, these are definitely gifts that you can't find at the mall. And, personalized coasters? These are the bomb! Your guys will love hanging these in their dens, kitchens, rooms, anywhere in their house and seeing their own names on them. The signs and coasters are colorful and unique and make for a great gift idea.

You can't go wrong with any choices in the top ten groomsmen gift ideas listed above. Another surefire way to stay the course is to go with the same gift for all the guys on your list. Everyone gets the same gift. This way one person won't get something cheaper or more expensive than the next guy. Each gift can be made unique to the recipient by the engraving and personalization. Be sure to pick up some gift cards, gift bags and tissue paper at the nearest greeting card store to go for maximum presentation power when you get ready to present your gifts.

How To Be Successful Selling Timeshare and Vacation Owner - Get Your Share of the Big Bucks

2007-04-29T20:51:00.001-07:00

Timeshare and vacation ownership. what are they about? What is it like to have a career in this industry? What does it take to make a six-figure income and to stay employed in the industry?

I am not writing these articles with the intention of hiring anyone since I'm not a sales recruiter.I do have an MBA in real estate development and management and my pet peeve in business is employee turnover. I just don't like it. Turnover in the vacation ownership/timeshare industry is horrible.

My MBA side of my brain tells me that turnover is expensive and not exciting or positive for anyone involved. You've also probably heard that dissatisfied customers or employees can do more damage to the business in the long run than the happy customers and employees can do to improve your bottom line.

If something frustrates you or gets you mad, the best thing you can do, instead of anger management or psychotherapy, is to take action. So here I am.

Most salespeople hired to sell vacation ownership or timeshare need a real estate or timeshare sales license. If you have the time and the money, the more comprehensive full real estate license will allow you more career options and I highly recommend more education in any field if you want to be successful and stay in the industry.

What happens when a person gets a job selling timeshare or vacation ownership. At this time in the industry, potential guests or prospects are marketed and invited to a sales presentation. The majority of these guest invitations include an incentive or gift for the participant's time. People love gifts, and incentives, and a good deal. We're greedy, bargain hunters. The industry knows this and depends on us to fill the sales centers for presentations.

As a salesperson, the presentations you will make will often range from 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the company you work for. With timeshare or vacation ownership sales the unique factor is that the guest or participant you will try to sell has come to see your resort and product with intentions of getting a gift, getting out fast, and most have no intention of buying anything.

Selling people who have not come to buy anything and often who have an agreement not to buy no matter what you have, no matter how good it sounds, and no matter how affordable. This is such a different form of selling than working in a retail store where people have come in specifically to buy something and with intentions of taking it home with them.

The employee turnover in the timeshare and vacation ownership sales industry is huge. It's horrible. Employers spend an amazing amount of money to find salespeople and salespeople get in the business and are shocked by the rejection and how hard it can be to sell people their vacations and they run away. A successful timeshare salesperson must be perceived by the guest as authentic and sincere. Companies should have more comprehensive sales training to help build the employees skills so they will be able to stay on the job.

I attended a financial seminar and they discussed the "Asset Value of Employees ." My question is, " If employees are your greatest asset, how much money and value are you adding to the bottom line of your competitors when they leave you and go to work for your competitors?" If the companies finally calculate these numbers they will have to pay more attention to keeping their employees and not letting them fail and leave.

Dress For A Summer Wedding

2007-04-27T15:52:00.001-07:00

Many bride and groom want a wedding on summer. The wedding guests may receive a number of invitations. This leaves the guests to panic on what dress to wear for a summer wedding.

Restrain from wearing too much wedding jewelry. To wear too much glittery wedding jewelry will also compete with the bride. Wear Cubic Zirconia wedding jewelry. It is virtually hard to distinguish between Cubic Zirconia and Diamonds wedding jewelry.

Dress according to the weather. The sun fills the weather with lots of sunshine and warmth during summer. The weather may be hot and humid too. So, a tea length, strapless, or spaghetti-strap tops wedding dress is appropriate for the summer wedding. For Jewish wedding, you may want to avoid baring the shoulders.

The summer weather is perfect to show the marvelous tan skin tone. However, the skin may need to endure long hours of under the sun. A healthy dose of sunscreen will really help. Wear also your sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun.

With beautiful weather in most days, the summer wedding has the potential for outdoor setting. The wedding can be held on garden, backyard, or beach. So, there is potential to go barefoot. Hence, a strap sandals or shoes may be appropriate for the summer wedding.

It is also important to know the level of formality. The wedding invitation will show the level of formality. If it does not show on wedding invitation, it is good idea to ask the bride or groom. The level of formality may be black tie, formal, semi-formal, beach, informal, or casual.

Avoid the white dress. The white dress will compete with the bride. Let the bride be the star of the day. As long as wedding dress does not look mourning dress, the black wedding dress will look elegant and fabulous on the summer wedding. The wedding guests who like to wear daring colors can wear pink, and red.

Choose wedding flowers as design pattern. The wedding flowers are symbol of summer as the wedding flowers are abundant on summer time. Wedding flowers are basic design pattern, but you can choose a more intricate design pattern. In that way, black wedding dress distances away from the mournful look.

Is Marrying A Russian Woman A Legislative Nightmare?

2007-04-25T15:56:00.001-07:00

Many people are afraid that soon after your Russian wedding, you will be inundated with administrative work, and Visa hassles. Although there is some paperwork to file and deal with, it is relatively easy compared to what people think it will be like.

Years after your Russian wedding, you will only remember the day and the excitement of getting married rather than all the hassles you will deal with after. The hardest part of marrying a Russian woman is the questions that you will get from your friends about whether the woman is using you to get her citizenship in your country. They may assume she just wants to leave Russia and will do anything to get out. Only you will know the truth.

There is no question as to why you have married a Russian woman. It could be that you saw her for the first time on vacation or maybe even on a dating website, but either way, you have fallen in love with her and want to marry her. Being in love strongly outweighs any problems you have with the paperwork you have to file after the wedding.

First you should understand what the "Finance Visa" is, also called the K-1. This document allows your sweetheart to stay in the United States for a limited time period, during which the marriage should occur. Usually it is for 3 months, which is enough time for you to get to know here, and make the big step.

This paper is a non-immigrant Visa, and will allow your fiancee to stay with you, but as soon as you legalize your relationship, then you will be required to prove that you live together and are a functional family. In order for you to have the initial K-1 Visa, you, as the future husband, is expected to submit a Petition for Alien Fiancee, from I-129F.

This form is used to petition to bring your fiancee, and any children she may have, to the United States for marriage. For the children, you need to fill out petitions for forms K-3 for your future spouse and K-4 for the children she has. If you have these Visas, then they can enter the United States and complete the processing involved for permanent resident status. Do not be afraid that your new family will not be able to integrate fully into American society, because anyone holding K-3 and K-4 Visas can accept employment in the United States by obtaining an Employment Authorization Document.

It may sound very complicated, but it is actually simple. All you have to do is to follow the guidelines for filling out every document, and there are agencies that can help you out with this if you need them to. There are special attorneys that will look after your Visa processing and will update you regularly on the outcome. Of course they do cost money, but it will save you time when dealing with all the paperwork. In addition, many of them have websites in which you can see updates and the progress that you are making with the Visas.

You should enjoy your marriage, and let others deal with the formalities.

The Wearing of Mantilla Veils

2007-04-24T01:36:00.001-07:00

For the modern wedding, a bride may choose from a number of different types of veils. They vary in style, length and by the type and amount of fabric. Veils can be very short or very long and made from materials such as tulle or lace.

A mantilla veil, cascading about your hair and down over your shoulders is a beautiful way to frame your face during your wedding ceremony. These veils are traditionally made of delicate white Chantilly lace and are perched atop an ornate head comb called a peineta. While popular in Spain and Latin America, as well as among persons of Latino descent, a mantilla may be worn by any woman that wants a traditional, semi-formal look.

Historically, mantilla veils were more often of black lace instead of being white. They were originally worn by women of the Andalusia region of Spain. This may be due to some Arab influence in the early years of their use, as Spain had many Arabian visitors.

As can be seen from paintings of Velasquez, a Spanish painter of the 1600's, some women wore these lace or silk head scarves but it was not prevalent. Generally the women of this time period wore mantillas only during special occasions. As Spain explored and brought its cultural ways to South and Central America, so came the mantilla veil to Latin America.

In the mid-1800's Queen Isabel II of Spain encouraged women of her court to wear a black lace mantilla. After her death, the custom subsided except during Holy Week (the week leading to Easter) bullfights and weddings (a black mantilla would be worn by the bride's mother and possibly some other women). Also a black mantilla is traditionally worn when a woman, has an audience with the Pope.

Now, a white mantilla is appropriate for a church wedding but can be worn at other ceremony locations as long as it coordinates with the wedding gown. Available lengths for this type of veil range from shoulder length to below the knee.

The peineta comb gives the mantilla height. It could be made of tortoiseshell, be encrusted with jewels, or be of another simpler yet elegant material. Together with the lace mantilla veil, women adorned in this way appear especially feminine, royal and stately. While very lovely, the mantilla may be removed entirely after the ceremony. Depending on her hairstyle, the bride may keep the peineta or replace both with a tiara.

If the veil is custom made, a second layer of veil can be created to be used as a blusher. The blusher is a short, single layer veil that covers the bride's face during the ceremony and is lifted back at the point in the ceremony when the groom "may kiss the bride".

Wearing a mantilla can bring some old-world charm to the modern wedding.

Believe In Yourself and You'll Change Your Life!

2007-04-12T06:32:00.001-07:00

"If You Believe You Can Or You Believe You Can't, Either Way You're Probably Right…"

You may have heard someone say this about beliefs. It sounds contradictory, even ridiculous, but you had better believe that it's right! Understanding your beliefs, how they control your life and the traps caused by beliefs is a key ingredient in the mental game of success.

What are beliefs?

Very simply beliefs are those things that we believe to be true.

The first trap is that beliefs are personal – what we believe is not the same as what other people believe – two people can look at exactly the same thing and have different beliefs about it… and both can be right.

Yet we all fall into the trap of believing that our beliefs are right while anyone who holds different beliefs is wrong!

Some beliefs are built from shared experiences – we all believe that gravity will cause objects to fall to the ground – most people recognize this one! These basic beliefs which come from incontrovertible external facts are shared by the whole of humanity.

However, the majority of beliefs are not so clearly defined. They are about ourselves and the world we live in- who we are, how we should react, what is good for us, what is bad for us, who we should trust, who likes us… These beliefs are more likely to be shared by smaller groups of people – our friends, family, our cultural groups – or be personal to you as an individual.

Beliefs are formed throughout your life, in childhood, by copying people you respect, as a result of repetitive events, or even single, very emotional or traumatic events. You can also pick up beliefs from your culture and your environment. You will have some beliefs for your entire life while beliefs about some things may be changed several times during your life.

It is also important to realize beliefs are not values. Values are more fundamental statements about what is important for you and often underpin your beliefs. You can find out more about values in my article "Are Your Personal Values Aligned With Your Path to Success?"

Values frequently support your beliefs, although you can also hold beliefs that conflict with our values. Getting beliefs and values lined up is important if you want to be successful.

While you have maybe a few tens of values, you certainly have thousands of beliefs about every subject under the sun.

What do beliefs do for us?

Beliefs are like a lens through which we look at the world. Like a lens they fundamentally distort, reshape and change the importance of the information that we take in through our senses creating the view that we really have of the world.

Beliefs have a strong effect on your behaviour, if you believe you should do something or think something then you usually end up doing or thinking it!

Beliefs strongly influence both what we do and what we learn from our environment - it is difficult for you to learn anything or do anything that you believe is going to be unpleasant or bad for you.

"If you believe you can or you believe you can't, either way you're probably right…"

Beliefs not only shape our view of the world but they also control the way that we react, for example if you believe that someone does not like you, you are not going to react to them in same friendly way that you would to one of your friends.

Of course it may be that your belief is completely mistaken, that person may actually like you. However because you have decided that they don't like you, you continue to react to them as if they were hostile and little by little their opinion of you becomes more negative.

If only you had started with a more positive belief…

Another example is the well known medical "placebo effect" in which something as simple as water administered in a way that causes you to believe that it is the drug that is going to cure you can in fact be as effective as the real drug.

==>Beliefs can have a shockingly powerful grip on your mind!!

Warning – limiting beliefs can ruin your life!

We've seen that beliefs can shape our world by affecting the way we perceive it and by affecting the way that we react to it. We have also seen how powerful they can be. This can make them a fantastic tool for you or a mortal enemy.

Positive beliefs that support your goals and values will produce very positive results for you. However, through no fault of your own, you have almost certainly acquired some limiting beliefs during your childhood.

Limiting beliefs often begin with you saying to yourself "I can't…". They may even have been true, or are still true at some time in your life. The danger is that you are likely to automatically apply these beliefs to the rest of your life – jeopardising your future and your success.

For example it may be true that you don't know how to do something today, but so often, the way that this is expressed is as "I can't do…". If you say that often enough it becomes a belief and as you've seen, this belief becomes the truth.

Even worse are limiting beliefs that are not based on the truth but on some belief that has been instilled into by your parents, your friends, your society… If you believe that you're destined to be poor or that you're not capable of making money, well the outcome is inevitable.

Give Your Beliefs a Check-Up

Think very carefully about your beliefs, for the next seven days, watch yourself as you interact with people. Look for those "I can't…" statements. Identify them, write them down, ask yourself just how much harm are they doing you. Do you really want to let them kill your chance of success?

Every time you find yourself making one of those "I can't…" statements, turn it into a "How can I…" statement – "I can't make more money" becomes "How can I make more money". Can you feel the difference? If you do this consistently you'd better believe that you will find a difference in your life!

Weddings - The Best Man's Speech

2007-04-01T16:37:00.001-07:00

In wedding speeches, the center stage is on the best man who must speak with humor and interest. He must not be very loquacious and go on a minute-by-minute account of the life of the groom and steal from the couple the attention of the audience. It is the best man's duty to respond to this toast on behalf of the bridesmaids. His speech should be light hearted and fun. The best man delivers the speech that gains most interest at a wedding, It is a burdensome task and one which will need careful planning and preparation to carry out successfully.

The best man is an advocate of the groom. It is essential that the speech be suitably delivered so as to not cause either embarrassment or offense. A lot rides on the task. One must not, of course, be too boring but neither must one take over with verbosity or boisterousness.

Be sensitive to the relationship between the best and and the groom. Remember the times that you have spent together and, perhaps, the reason why the groom picked you for this delicate task. There must be some form of bond and relationship between you otherwise the groom would not have selected you. Read widely and gather sample;e speeches. Think about what you are going to say well in advance and write it down. Rehearse it over and over. Have crib sheets or cars to prompt you during the speech itself (this prevents drying up). Remember that rehearsal may make the speech boring for you but, if done correctly, the audience will be impressed by the delivery which, don't forget, they will be hearing for the first time.

It is an honor to be chosen as best man at any wedding. Make the groom proud that he has chosen you.

Iowa County Clerks Offices - This Is Where You Apply For Your Marriage License

2007-03-30T18:11:00.001-07:00

Iowa is the state you have called home for years. You are soon to be married and are about to tie the knot at your local church. Do you know where you need to apply for your marriage license? Do you know all of the requirements in order to obtain a marriage license. Well below I have listed the county clerks offices in Iowa so you can call them and get all the information you need.

Adair County Recorders

Greenfield, IA

515.743.2411

Adams County Recorder

Corning, IA

515.322.3744

Allamakee County Recorder

Waukon, IA

319.568.2364

Appanoose County Recorder

Centerville, IA

515.856.6103

Audubon County Recorder

Audubon, IA

712.563.2119

Benton County Clerk

Vinton, IA

319.472.3309

Black Hawk County Recorder

Waterloo, IA

319.291.2472

Boone County Recorder

Boone, IA

515.433.0514

Bremer County Recorder

Waverly, IA

319.352.0401

Buchanan County Recorder

Independence, IA

319.334.4259

Buena Vista County Rcdr.

Storm Lake, IA

712.749.2539

Butler County Recorder

Allison, IA

319.267.2735

Calhoun County Recorder

Rockwell City, IA

712.297.8121

Carroll County Recorder

Carroll, IA

712.792.3328

Cass County Recorder

Atlantic, IA

712.243.1692

Cedar County Recorder
Tipton, IA
319.886.2230

Cerro Gordo County Recorder

Mason City, IA

515.421.3056

Chickasaw County Recorder

New Hampton, IA

515.394.2336

Clay County Recorder

Spencer, IA

712.262.1081

Clayton County Recorder

Elkader, IA

319.245.2710

Clinton County Recorder

Clinton, IA

319.244.0223

Crawford County Recorder

Dennison, IA

712.263.3643

Dallas County Recorder

Adel, IA

515.993.5804

Delaware County Recorder

Manchester, IA

319.927.4665

Des Moines County Rcdr.

Burlington, IA

319.753.8221

Dickenson County Recorder

Spirit Lake, IA

712.336.1495

Dubuque County Recorder

Debuque, IA

319.589.4434

Emmet County Recorder

Esterville, IA

712.362.4115

Fayette County Recorder

West Union, IA

319.422.3687

Floyd County Recorder

Charles City, IA

515.257.6154

Franklin County Recorder

Hampton, IA

515.456.5675

Fremont County Recorder

Sidney, IA

712.374.2315

Greene County Recorder

Jefferson, IA

515.386.3716

Grundy County Recorder

Grundy Center, IA

319.824.3234

Guthrie County Recorder

Guthrie Center, IA

515.747.3412

Hamilton County Recorder

Webster City, IA

515.832.9535

Hancock County Recorder

Garner, IA

515.923.2464

Hardin County Recorder

Eldora, IA

515.939.8178

Harrison County Recorder

Logan, IA

712.644.2545

Henry County Recorder

Mt. Pleasant, IA

319.385.0765

Humboldt County Recorder

Dakota City, IA

515.332.3693

Ida County Recorder

Ida Grove, IA

712.364.2220

Iowa County Recorder

Marengo, IA

319.642.3622

Jackson County Recorder

Maquoketa, IA

319.652.2504

Jasper County Recorder

Newton, IA

515.792.5442

Jefferson County Recorder

Fairfield, IA

515.472.4331

Kossuth County Recorder

Algona, IA

515.295.5660

Lee County Recorder

Fort Madison, IA

319.372.4662

Lee County Recorder

Keokuk, IA

319.524.1126

Linn County Recorder

Cedar Rapids, IA

319.398.3441

Louisa County Recorder

Wapello, IA

319.523.5361

Lucas County Recorder

Chariton, IA

515.774.2413

Lyon County Recorder

Rock Rapids, IA

712.472.2381

Madison County Recorder

Winterset, IA

515.462.3771

Mahaska County Recorder

Oskaloosa, IA

515.673.8187

Marion County Recorder

Knoxville, IA

515.828.2211

Marshall County Recorder

Marshalltown, IA

515.754.6355

Mills County Recorder

Glenwood, IA

712.527.9315

Mitchell County Recorder

Osage, IA

515.732.5861

Monona County Recorder

Onawa, IA

712.423.2575

Monroe County Recorder

Albia, IA

515.932.5164

Montgomery County Recorder

Red Oak, IA

712.623.4363

Muscatine County Recorder

Muscatine, IA

319.263.7741

Obrien County Recorder

Primghar, IA

712.757.3045

Osceola County Recorder

Sibley, IA

712.754.3345

Page County Recorder

Clarinda, IA

712.542.3130

Palo Alto County Recorder

Emmetsburg, IA

712.852.3701

Plymouth County Recorder

Le Mars, IA

712.546.4020

Polk County Recorder

Des Moines, IA

515.286.3160

Pottawattamie County Rcdr.

Council Bluffs, IA

712.328.5612

Poweshiek County Recorder

Montezuma, IA

515.623.5434

Sac County Recorder

Sac City, IA

712.662.7789

Shelby County Recorder

Harlan, IA

712.755.5640

Sioux County Recorder

Orange City, IA

712.737.2229

Story County Recorder

Nevada, IA

515.382.7230

Tama County Recorder

Toledo, IA

515.484.3320

Wapello County Recorder

Ottumwa, IA

515.683.0045

Warren County Recorder

Indianola, IA

515.961.1089

Washington County Recorder

Washington, IA

319.653.7727

Webster County Recorder

Fort Dodge, IA

515.576.2401

Winnebago County Recorder

Forest City, IA

515.582.2094

Winnesheik County Recorder

Decorah, IA

319.382.3486

Woodbury County Recorder

Sioux City, IA

712.279.6528

Worth County Recorder

Northwood, IA

515.324.2734

Wright County Recorder

Clarion, IA

515.532.3204

This is a very accurate list of Iowa's county clerks offices. Some may have changed due to closings.

Wedding Centerpiece – How To Cut Costs

2007-03-23T15:16:00.001-07:00

Getting married is the best day of your life but it is also probably the most expensive. Often couples will put off getting married because of the costs involved or agree to tie the knot once they have saved enough money to do so.

The dress is considered one of the most important aspects of a wedding however some of the smaller effects can make just as big a statement as the dress its self

Once the wedding vows have been shared and the guests are ready to sit down and have enjoy wonderful food, they will begin to make note of the decorations, admiring the lay out of you wedding table and most importantly the wedding centerpiece.

One of the best ways to save money when deciding on your wedding centrepiece is to have a go at making your own. Keeping it simple and elegant will keep you within your budget and will also look stunning.

It is important that you make a mock one a good few weeks before the wedding day so that you are 100% sure that it looks right and you are happy with it. If you are making your own why not ask your friends and family to help out.

Your wedding centrepiece does not have to be flowers, you can try something unusual but keep in mind the time it takes to make and the time you have to do it, the more complicated the wedding centerpiece the longer it will take to create.

You can make you wedding centerpiece as personal as you like you could even consider providing your guests with the means to actually write down their thoughts and what they loved about the wedding day.

Wedding centerpieces can be extremely costly if you are having them made professionally so make sure you have a look at the resources you have around you and what you could do yourself. If you decide to buy flowers to arrange into a wedding centerpiece then make sure you buy it from a wholesaler to save money.

Another idea would be to use candles, not only are they romantic but they will look better and better as the day draws in and the evening entertainment begins. Floating candles are one of the safest as they are surrounded by water. You may need to check where your wedding reception is being held if they will allow this sort of wedding centerpiece.

Fruit and chocolate are also a great idea as they can be admired to begin with then eaten later on so nothing is wasted, it will also keep the children happy!.

Whether you decide to have your wedding centerpiece made for you or you make them yourself, it is a good idea to allow your self plenty of time to play with ideas before decided on the perfect wedding centerpiece.

Wholesale Wedding Ring Sets - Shopping Tips

2007-03-20T16:36:00.001-07:00

When it comes to wholesale wedding ring sets there are so many different options that you have that it can often become incredibly difficult and frustrating simply trying to decide on a single one of the wholesale wedding ring sets.

Wholesale Wedding Ring Sets - The Benefits of Buying a Wholesale Wedding Ring Set

There are many different benefits that come from the wholesale wedding ring sets, and for one, with wholesale wedding ring sets you are getting one for both partners, and so thus not only do you not have to worry about getting two different rings because they come in a set, but as well you are getting them wholesale, and so you are saving even more time and money.

When it comes to the pricing of these wedding ring sets, you are going to want to know that, depending on where you go to purchase them, the prices will vary, and so you are obviously then going to want to make sure that you take your time so that you can find the absolute best deal that you can.

If you are especially worried about pricing, then this brings up the issue of where you should go in order to find the wedding ring sets. If you have no idea where to start in this regards, then you should know that one of the best places of all that you can start with is the Internet, as the speed and the efficiency of the Internet allows you to be able to quickly and easily find exactly what it is that you need.

Taking your time, having patience, and putting in effort is very important here, especially if you want to save the best money that you can and get the best worth for your money as well, and you will see in the end that it was all worth it.

Another great idea is to ask around to your family and friends, and see if they have every purchased a wholesale wedding ring set, and then ask them where they went to get it. You never know, this may just be your best resource of all, because you would be getting a firsthand opinion in regards to how the company was, and whether or not you should go there.

Just remember not to get frustrated, and keep in mind the fact that you are going to be saving a lot of money if you get the wedding ring set, never mind buying it wholesale as well.

Getting a Fabulous Deal on a Wedding Gown or Wedding Dress

2007-03-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

So, you have just gotten engaged. You are so excited, sitting with your feet up, paging through the bridal magazines you just spent $30 on. The gowns sure are lovely; they sure are beautiful; and they sure are expensive. Well, you do have options and you can have a great wedding dress without breaking the bank. Here's how.

Especially if you and your fiancé are footing the wedding bill, you should consider the cost of your gown in the overall wedding scheme. There will be rings, flowers, music, catering, cake, a reception hall, a celebrant, and usually a honeymoon (maybe Fiji?). Make a reasonable budget and work backwards and then see if you can splurge just a little for the style you really want.

Sometimes, you will find new wedding dresses available for purchase at great discounts and/or show specials by attending a Wedding or Bridal Show in your area. These are often gowns that are worn by show models or are from a prior year's collection.

You can look for designer dresses at your local bridal shops that are from last year's collection. These would be considered discount or discontinued wedding dresses. The shops need to make room for new styles, yet these gowns are often new/never worn dresses. You may also find a dress that was altered for a bride that didn't get married after all. If this dress is your style and it fits, the shop will be happy to sell it to you at a very good price. See if a dress in a less expensive style can be inexpensively altered to your taste.

And lastly, try the internet. There are shops that sell wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost of a "brick-and-mortar" store. Keep in mind that you will not get the fittings and alterations as in a traditional bridal shop, yet the styles offered are varied and there are sizes to fit all women. As long as the gown fits, you can plan on using a local tailor for any necessary alterations.

Wedding Day Catering! Where to Begin

2007-03-17T17:07:00.001-07:00

Doing your own wedding catering is by far the most cost-effective way to feed your guests. Its certainly not a simple task, but with some careful planning and forethought, you can easily achieve success. Before you start planning, here are some essentials that you should think about so that you create the perfect catered wedding.

After reading our article, you can impress your friends with the amazing amount of knowledge you have gained on this subject.

Simple Is Key

The best guidance for anybody doing their own wedding catering is to keep your thoughts simple. Be constant not to overstretch manually. judge your abilities and work inside these.

select menus that can be ready in spread, are simple to make and relaxed to gather. Don't run the gamble of with complicated recipes as the difficulty (and your stress) will augment.

As we take the journey through the final part of this article, you can look back at the first part if you need any clarifications on what we have already learned.

Unfold the work

We all have relatives who are a dab hand in the kitchen. If you ask nicely I'm constant they'll be ready to help you out with a pair of dishes and perhaps the cost for those dishes too.

Hygiene should be a top priority

If you're preparing your wedding food manually, make constant think tenderly about shape and hygiene. monitor the main principles of launder your hands, lucid up as you go, check fractious-contamination of foods, grill thoroughly and nippiness perfectly.

For summer weddings, having enough fridge window to keep all your foods cold is very important. The reign of thumb here, is have too greatly window, fairly than too little. Beg, scrounge or hire.

Don't overlook about bowls, bowls and more Bowls

If you're providing your own food, don't overlook to think about how you're departure to eat it! You will necessity plates, knives, forks, spoons, glasses, ration dishes, ration spoons, ice buckets, bowls and napkins.

All these matter can be hired easily and the hiring guests typically does the laundering up too for a small additional fee.

Get help to full fill the drinks and food

On your wedding day, the last thing you want to think about ration the food or drinks, who's departure to lucid the plates away or do the laundering up. Make constant you get some unfailing help to do these little jobs for you and pithy them thoroughly on what they necessity to do.

Don't overlook the small material

When doing your own catering, its relaxed to overlook the small gear. matter such as baby, butter, salted and shower, ashtrays, ice, ice buckets, container openers, banqueting reel, storeroom boxes, submit water, jugs, ration dishes, ration spoons and condiments can easily get elapsed.

Unfold the cost

If you're catering manually, you can figure up your pigs up over time. Look for the unusual offers in the supermarkets so you get the best values. By diffusion the cost, you'll make

Go community

Try and mine your goods community. You will get better eminence and better values and best of all, you may even get your food at cost value and delivered released.

The tips here are projected to help you as greatly as workable, but to be successful in your wedding catering, you will necessity to tenderly idea and think about the food. Best of blessing!

This article is meant to both inform and entertain those who read it. Hopefully, we have (will) accomplished both goals for you.

Wedding Minister Bringing People Together

2007-03-16T10:39:00.001-07:00

As a wedding minister bringing people together in holy matrimony is one of the most rewarding things I could ever do. When two people willfully decide to commit their ongoing love one to another, it establishes a deep covenantal and unbreakable bond.

Marriage provides the perfect context to grow individually and together. As you give and receive unconditional love, you become increasingly secure and strong as a person. Trust and transparency grow over time as you celebrate the joys and share life's sorrows together.

Recently I officiated a wedding in Central Florida for a Japanese bride and an American groom who met at Walt Disney World. They first laid eyes on one another at It's a Small World, the unforgettable ride that separates the cultural divide. This magical moment led to them taking a journey together on Peter Pan's flight.

Truly the world is all interconnected and interrelated. This couple's love for one another attests to that and further joins East and West together in perfect harmony. The groom popped the question to his bride-to-be on the 4th of July, a surprise engagement with fireworks and people celebrating. It was a small taste of what their lives will be together forever.

Such is what matrimony is all about. The coming together of two vastly unique individuals to become one is magical and wonderful. I as a wedding minister could have no greater pleasure or honor than to seal the deal, tie the knot, and wholeheartedly celebrate the love two have got.

Love is the true meaning and essence of life.

Program Of Your Wedding

2007-03-14T09:10:00.001-07:00

For several years the invitation to the guests is not specialized but it quite normal. Guests love knowing what is coming up next in the ceremony, and if yours will depart from the usual they may appreciate any explanations of rituals or a lineup of events.

Your program may not have to serve as a translation notes, but it should outline all the steps of your ceremony as you have considered it. Some of the most important things or items you must include in your design are as:

The wedding date and time

The wedding hosts

The elements of your ceremony

The readers and performers name

The member's names of bridal party

The special thanks to contributed people

A list of songs or music being played

A personal message for each other

These are the common elements of the standard program. Now a days the brides have also included:

An explanation of which the bridal party members are

A special tribute to the people who introduced them

A copy of their vows

Their home address

An announcement of the brides name change, if applicable

A tribute to departed family members

Poetry

Pictures of the couple alone or with their children

The magnificent and grand verities is to be provided in the present age. Covers are glossy and feature lovely images and works of art. Natural fiber paper is tied with elegant ribbon. Beautiful decorative print accents the wording. Program folders even contain packets of flower seeds for the guests to plan in the couples honor.

There is no limit of choices and most brides report that this task was a fun one for the couple to do together as a team. Grooms say that the program was one of the places where it was most comfortable for them to express their individuality, and they loved the feedback they received from guests. It provides an optimum combination of wedding programs that is affordable for you. You can create own design with the help of computer, variety of paper and so many designs. You will too, when you hold the final product in your hand. And you will take pride in them, whenever someone compliments the fine job and time that was put into them.

Weddings- The Father Of The Bride

2007-03-12T18:26:00.001-07:00

Much has been said about fathers of brides. There was even a movie made with the same theme. Sending a daughter off in marriage is something very significant. It's certainly a moment filled with conflicting emotions; there are the feelings of sadness, trepidation, and loss, but there are also the feelings of joy, gladness and pride at the same time.

Father the Financier

Aside from being overwhelmed by various emotions, the father of the bride also has to contend with a lot of duties that come with the role. As the established family provider, the father of the bride is usually expected to take care of some of the costs associated with the wedding plans.

For instance, the father of the bride can give his daughter a certain amount of money which the bride and the groom can use any way they wish. The father of the bride can also take the initiative and reserve the wedding ceremony and reception venues for his daughter and his groom-to-be. He can also pay for the honeymoon, or if he's particularly wealthy, he can give the couple a great start by paying the down payment on the couple's new home.

It is Expected at the Ceremony

The father of the bride has to make himself available for the wedding rehearsals. He also has to be there in special discussions, if his daughter asks for his input.

During the wedding, the father is expected to give his daughter away to the groom. Despite the numerous times that he has gone through this simple act in rehearsals, come wedding day, he is bound to feel nostalgic. It is not unusual to see the father of the bride walking with glassy and teary eyes. This simple act of handing over his daughter to the groom is an act of surrendering his precious child to a stranger who will now become his daughter's immediate family. The father is naturally feeling a sense of loss.

On the other hand, the father can also be feeling excited at the prospect of gaining a son (especially if he likes the groom) and possibly, a passel of grandchildren in the near future.

The Toasts and the Dance

Aside from walking down the aisle with his daughter, the father takes the limelight when he gives the expected toast of well wishes to his daughter and her groom during a rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception.

Although it could be hard to propose a toast if the son-in-law is not exactly what the father would want for his daughter, the father of the bride has to be sincere when proposing his toast. He should do it if only for the love of his daughter who is most likely giddy with her happiness. The father should try to compliment not just his daughter but also his son-in-law. I'm sure no father would like to dampen his daughter's feelings at a momentous event such as this.

Finally, the father of the bride is expected to dance with his daughter at the wedding reception. At this point of the celebration, the father should give his daughter his most heartfelt wishes for a good marriage and a good life.

Personalized Cocktail Hour Gifts

2007-03-11T12:18:00.001-07:00

Want to know a great way to add a little spice to the cocktail hour? Well it is quite simple make it fun hand out keepsakes as gifts, have drawings for gifts and just relax and enjoy the evening. Below I have listed some popular personalized gifts that you can have at your cocktail hour.

Personalized Cocktail Shaker

Personalize your bar with this stainless steel cocktail shaker. You can usually get this cocktail shaker personalized with up to three block initials. This is a great item to have at your cocktail hour.

Personalized Drinking Glasses

Let cocktail hour begin in style when you purchase a set of 4 glass tumblers. May be engraved with a single block initial or three contemporary block initials on each glass. Purchase yourself a few sets and you are ready to go. Get the tumblers personalized for each member of your wedding party.

Personalized Glass Mug

Raise your glass and celebrate your special day in style with this classic glass mug. Groomsmen love this mug for its simple, light weight design. You can get this mug personalized with your initials.

Personalized Shot Glasses

They say boys will be boys so why should the wedding day be any different? Your groomsmen will have a blast toasting the bride and groom with this classic style shot glass. Makes the perfect gift that your buddies will enjoy for many years to come. Get this shot glass personalized with your initials.

These are just a few of the many different gifts that you can purchase for your cocktail hour. So just browse around and we are sure that you will find the perfect gifts.

Wedding Tips - Beautiful Hair, Beautiful Bride

2007-03-10T06:08:00.001-08:00

One of the most challenging decisions you will face after choosing your wedding gown is your style of hair. Keep in mind that while you might have thought you wanted to wear your hair up, but once you choose your dress, this might no longer be the best option. Here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect wedding hairstyle.

It's a good idea to start by having several hairstyle choices in mind so you can coordinate with the theme of the wedding, along with style of the gown. One of the best ways to gain ideas on hairstyles is by looking through glamour type magazines, bridal magazines, or even visiting with the stylist that will actually create the style for you.

As mentioned, the style of the wedding gown should play an important role in the hairstyle. As an example, if you decide to go with a princess ball gown, then soft, flowing ringlets would be gorgeous. However, if the wedding gown is an off the shoulder or backless design, then wearing your hair up might be most appropriate.

Another important decision is the stylist you select. If you plan to be married locally, chances are you have a favorite stylist, but the key here is to make sure this person knows how to create styles for weddings. In other words, just because a stylist is talented in coloring or cutting hair, he or she may not have the appropriate skill in creating wedding hairstyles. If your wedding is a 'destination wedding', out of state or country, it is important to take photographs of what you want before trying to find someone at that location.

Unfortunately, many brides make a common mistake in using the wedding day as a time of experiment. It's normally not a good idea to make major changes to your hair regarding a permanent or coloring until after the wedding date. In addition, having too much done on your hair within six months before the wedding could cause damage to the hair.

If you plan to wear your hair up, avoid having the top layers of your hair colored or highlighted. Although this coloring is gorgeous when your hair is down, once worn up, the two- or three-tone coloring will look odd. If your hair is thin, then talk to your hair stylist about adding clip-on extensions to create volume or length. Typically, a bride wants something special or unique for her wedding day, which is fine, but be careful not to go too over the top.

Finally, have your hair stylist try various styles months prior to your wedding. This way, the stylist will have the opportunity to "practice", getting the look exactly as you want. In addition, having various styles created ahead of time allows you the chance to make changes or adjustments if need be.

Wedding Keepsakes and Unique Wedding Gift Ideas

2007-03-08T05:15:00.001-08:00

So you are getting married and you want to know more about some really unique gifts that you can purchase that will make great keepsakes also. Well do not worry there are many different ideas and items that you can purchase that will fill the void in your wedding accessories. So below I have listed some unique wedding keepsakes and ideas for gifts that you can purchase.

Just Married Flip Flops

Step to it...and spread the word. Perfect for a beach honeymoon, these newlywed flip flops leave a "Just Married" impression in the sand.

Keepsake Wedding Cake Box

Store the top tier of your wedding cake in this special box keepsake box. A classic silver and white floral vine pattern covers the box and removable lid. Made of sturdy cardboard with slick coat surface for durable storage and easy clean up. Includes box, removable silver board for easy cake transfer, and freezer-proof plastic liner.

Keepsake Photo Box

Storing photos and memories has never looked so good. This keepsake box will add personality to any room! Available in red leatherette with tan suede finish lining, or white leatherette with black suede finish lining. May be engraved on a heart plate with an interlocking monogram.

Memories Photo Album with Silver Engraved Heart

Capture your memories and have them for a lifetime in this sassy leatherette photo album. Available in pink or black and personalized with an engraved heart.

Porcelain Signature Guest Book Platter

Create a unique keepsake for your next special occasion. This oval platter is perfect for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or any special celebration! Using a permanent black marker that is specially designed to write on porcelain finishes; guests can sign their names and thoughts to create a one of a kind gift.

These are just a few of the many different keepsakes and unique gift ideas that you can purchase before or after your wedding. So just browse around and we are sure that you will find the perfect gifts for you.