Return to Altar

By Meryl D. Pearlstein

At seemed at first like a sign of pure contrariness. After a traditional wedding, largely dictated by other people's expectations, I wanted our commemoration of 10 years of marriage to be something truly memorable, something unexpected.

So there we were in Las Vegas. Our two sons, ages 4 and 7, were wearing blue suede shoes and humming "Viva Las Vegas" instead of "Here Comes the Bride." My gown? A kicky '50s body-conscious sailor dress. My husband sported a white silk boutonniere (no real flowers anywhere in sight). A black, fringe-clad Elvis impersonator, Norm Jones, held a Liberace-style candelabra instead of a Bible as a videographer recorded each precious second.

We renewed our vows, but this time the marriage was in the eyes of both the King and God at the Graceland Wedding Chapel. And it was a trip.

Bar Mitzvah Tips

By Meryl D. Pearlstein 

 If you remember that a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is not a coronation, planning one and attending one (or more) won’t stress you out.  Here are some tips to help you maintain your sanity.

Creative Gifts

Give your child a gift that involves spending time together, such as tickets to an upcoming play or event.

Give your family a gift basket of things to use or do together, from games to gift certificates to the movies or a restaurant.

Instead of buying individual gifts for your immediate family members, pool the money to pay for a family vacation. Family memories on the beach or the ski slopes will last longer than material gifts.

Creative Gift Ideas

Have an endless stream of birthdays and holidays left you struggling under the considerable weight of gift fatigue?  Do you cringe as your child moans, "Another sweater," and tosses your carefully selected present aside? Banish your holiday blues with these tips for giving great gifts without breaking your budget.  Creative, affordable, thoughtful - you'll never be pegged the sweater lady again.