Men everywhere have scrambled for centuries on the day or two leading into an anniversary to both remember and find the perfect gift for their spouse. It can be a nerve wracking process, the kind that ends in either a romantic evening for two or a cold stare from across a long dining room table. The right anniversary poem can go a long way in ensuring the second situation never comes to pass.

Why an Anniversary Poem is the Perfect Gift

Poetry has been handed back and forth as a gift for millennia. Before anything was written down even, in ancient times, poetry was a gift given from one person to the next and was greatly appreciated as it displayed thoughtfulness and intellect. An anniversary poem given to a wife shows much the same. Instead of the same box of chocolates or flowers – both of which are thoughtful, but expected – the right anniversary poem will light up her day and ensure the kind of response you always want to see on an anniversary.

The Right Anniversary Poem

The right anniversary poem does not need to be about an anniversary. The right love poem is an ideal gift or a beautiful description of the landscape if it is worded well enough. There are endless options to choose from. To avoid cheesiness, do not choose a poem that she has likely heard numerous times before. Shakespeare’s sonnets are beautiful, but they are well known. Try to find a poem that best suits your particular relationship by mirroring your situation directly. You will know it when you find it.

Places to Start

There are dozens of poets who have written poems specifically for an anniversary. Some of the most famous, to give you an idea of what these famous wordsmiths gave to their wives and husbands include touching declarations of love on anniversaries, the days following a new marriage or just because they wanted to say “I love you.”

Of the Romantic and Victorian poets by whom so many of us know romantic poetry to be written, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Marriage Morning” is a prime example of the kind of anniversary poem a wife would surely love to receive. Describing the interminable nature of love, Tennyson describes his marriage as the culmination of his life’s work.

Emily Bronte’s poem “Love and Friendship”, while never directly speaking of marriage” describes the intertwined nature of love and friendship and how they feed each other, creating a stronger entity. The poem is short and evokes the simple image of a rose-briar and a holly-tree comingling, but speaks volumes of the love she had for her husband and family.

Poetry that describes the love for a wife or a husband is abundant throughout history and for that reason, though it might differ in context and form, the words of a couple that lived 200 or even 500 years ago can accurately describe the feelings a couple today, on their 20th anniversary feel for each other.

Gray Ward loves to use poems to express his feelings for the right occasion, why not enjoy more articles and poems by visiting his website at http://www.poemanswers.com where you too will find the right poem for you.

‘A time like this is for old guards like us to get together and reel off dying memories of those good old days - the good old days at school, I mean.’ That was grandpa speaking whilst me as wel as father and mother sat listening raptly to his chronicle of experiences.

Now gazing pensively into the distance, he continued: ‘Years have gone by, taking with them, good souls. Many of my school friends whose company I would have otherwise been enjoying are now safe in the world beyond - men like Doctor Oduwole Patson-Thompson, my best friend, always so compassionate and hilarious, but dutiful when it comes to work. Oh life! Fades just like a passing breath.’ Grandpa declines his head and relapses into another spell of reflections. Raising it up once more he turned towards me, saying, ‘We have done our part. We are now handing over to you, for you to play your own part.’ He took a deep look at father and turning to me and directing my attention to him said, ‘You see your father?” He took one long puff at his pipe and in a second his face is blurred by a thick haze of white smoke, as he continues reminiscing: ‘He has been hardworking and conscientious. For singleness of purpose, I couldn’t think of anyone to match him. That is why I think he has risen up the rung so fast. Senior Engineer, National Electricity Corporation. So young boy I will implore you to follow his footsteps closely so that you’ll never go wrong.’

My head remained bowed in humility as I maintained rapt attention to the grey-haired but still strong man. He returned to his usual pensive reflections for a while and then resuming voicing his thoughts, said: “Our own days were very difficult ones. There were no cars. Barefoot, we walked long distances to school, often through stony or untarred roads.’ I opened my eyes in disbelief and in quick reaction, he emphasized - ‘Barefoot, I’m telling you, my boy. You must thank God you are growing up in a world where much advancement has been made. You don’t have to go through the trouble we went through. You won’t appreciate what I’m saying without having gone through the experience yourself.’

Grandpa at this point took a particularly long puff at his pipe and then threw up another cloud of whitening smoke which half covered his furrowed face. Then resuming, he went on to, ‘ I remember once when I had to walk from mid-town to Lumley, barefoot under the hot burning sun. And to add to it all, my head was bare having only the previous day been shaved right down to the skin. I could have worn a cap, but I couldn’t afford one. How I managed through that festering heat was to sometimes rest wherever I saw a tap, wash my face and feet before continuing or sometimes walking through patches of shade cast on the tarmac by tall buildings.’ Now cleaning his pipe and then refilling it, he said much loudly: “Those textbooks that you carry in your bag to school! Who could afford owning more than two or three of them then? If you didn’t listen to what the teacher said in class you’re finished, old boy. Teachers were then the be-all and end-all of everything going on in the classroom. For they spoke with power and authority whilst we, the helpless pupils, listened in rapt and reverent attention both in adoration and fear of losing the slightest details of what he was saying to us. But despite all that, our days were still good ones. We did our very best, although competition was very keen. A keen rivalry was always maintained between me, Oduwole Patson-Thompson, Gerald Thompson-Smith and Clifford Mac-Lawson. We were always in the 80’s. Only by fractions did we manage to outwit each other. So the first position will always be rotating between the four of us. I remember once when we gave the form teacher the rare opportunity of sharing the first position between me and Patson.’ Then smiling towards father, he said: ‘Football was our favorite game. We played it during the long break as well as after school. We often played against other schools. Most of the other players from other schools were big, strong and rough boys. They never scrupled in resorting to violence in the field of play. So our team which was composed mainly of slightly built boys didn’t always come off well. I remember once when in spite of all the fouls, our boys managed to beat the other team how much jubilation there was.

Father kept smiling encouragingly at Grandpa as he continued his chronicle: ‘I was centre forward. Our goalkeeper then was Amadu Sheriff of blessed memory. He was a renowned goalkeeper, one with great talents. No ball in my memory passed through those bars. It was as if he tied a charm to them. He thus became popularly known as ‘Amadu the unwinnable’. Another one, because of the power he had in his feet, got dubbed ‘the shooter’ He is still alive. I’ve forgotten his name though and strangely I don’t even know where he now lives.’

‘That’s really unfortunate!’ My mother lamented, ‘How nice it would have been to have had him with us today.’

‘Oh yes, and he’ll make good company as well…’ Father butted in to complement mother’s compliment and then sensing a sound, signaled, ‘I heard the door bell ringing.’

‘I heard it myself.’ Grandpa affirmed. Mother then asked me to go and see who. With grandpa’s critical eyes fixed squarely on me, I ran to the door. As I opened it, a huge and light-skinned man came in.

‘Oh, hello, Lightfoot,’ father heartily hailed him on recognizing him. ‘God! You seem to be getting younger and younger everyday. This woman must have a special hand for you, eh, lucky you.”

‘Oh no. Don’t pull my legs. Come on. This is nothing compared to yours. Seeing those muscles one would think you are still in your teens when you used to wrestle. And besides, your ever-smiling face gives the impression you’ve no problem at all. And how should you with such a beautiful wife always by your side?.’ My mother blushed and then burst into raucous laughter with all the adults there joining in as the new entrant kissed her on the hand. Father then introduced him to us as Dick Lefevre, an old school friend. ‘We were all in the graduating class of 1970.’

‘Pleased to meet you, old boy,’ Grandpa greeted him with a hand outstretched to him. ‘You’ve come in at a good time to share with us greetings and sentiments for a happy anniversary. Take a seat then and feel as much at home as you could.’

‘It is indeed a rare opportunity for us to reunite at such a time as this when we are celebrating our school’s centenary anniversary. I’m sure this should bring much inspiration to our young friend here and spur him to opt for no other school than ours.’ Whilst saying that Dick kept patting me fondly on the nape of my neck and continued, ‘How could he do otherwise? It’s only natural for one to opt for the best which is no other than what we consider so.’

‘Well, as a matter of fact he has already started going there.’

‘What! That’s damn smart of you, my young boy,’ Dick said, giving me a much warmer pat on the back this time. ‘ So you are quietly nurturing a new stock of Kingwaleans here, with the exception of the woman, of course.’

‘Oh she? She did sixth form there, you know.’

‘Well I just have now to doff my hat to you people. You have indeed completed the circle and therefore you are through and through of the noble stock. And indeed you have all due rights to have the greatest part in the celebrations.’

‘Don’t you say it , we are well prepared. The house is well -stocked, to start with. So let’s not be bothered about any other thing. Let’s just settle down here and have a rollicking time. Together.’

‘Oh how thoughtful of you people. I’m more than pleased.’ Dick seemed visibly enthused as Daddy went in and brought out a tray of drinks which mummy proceeded to serve. After everyone had been served father started reminiscing, ‘I remember years ago when we were still at school’, he stole a mischievous look at granddad and with a beam lighting his face, continued, ‘Indeed, those were days. How could they be otherwise with men like Tuboku-Betts and Taylor Davis around? They were never short of jokes to entertain us in class. I remember the incident between Tuboku and Pa Daba. That was when we were in Form 4 towards the end of 1968, I think.’

‘Oh Pa Daba!’ father’s friend exclaimed.’ He was a damn tyrant. So I felt extremely good the day when Tuboku checked him up. I couldn’t remember what exactly he had done. But what I could recall is Pa Daba heaping strings of invectives at him. Then Pa Daba moved up onto his parents and there it became too much for Tuboku to stomach. He could not take it lying down anymore. So he rose up to his full height and gruffly said. ‘Look sir, I’m not going to take that from you, you understand?’ Pa Daba was shocked. He stood for some minutes dumbfounded and unable to utter one more word. Then he summoned his full authority as a teacher and demanded, ‘Who do you think you are talking to like that? Perhaps that’s the way you’ve been used to talking to your father. But I am going to teach you today how to talk to elders if your parents never did. Before Tuboku could realize it Pa Daba had fallen like a wounded hyena on him flogging him wherever he could reach including his face. Tuboku fought hard to repel the strokes. He then seized the cane and ran away with it, swearing and cursing. Pa Daba crestfallen, retired immediately from the now rowdy class. He never recovered from that blow to his ego.’

‘By the way could someone tell me where Tuboku and Taylor are? It’s really been quite a long time since I last saw them.’

‘Tuboku is working in the mines in Liberia. Taylor, I heard, is lecturing at a University in the U.S.’

‘Oh that’s so wonderful to hear.’

‘Everyone in that class is proudly holding his own in this highly competitive world. Even Abidor who was always clowning in class and thus becoming the target for the teacher’s constant curse: “You’d never come to any good! You’d never do well! You’d never come out well, you mark well my words.” is now a prosperous businessman in Nigeria. He was always first from the rear of the class, scoring remarkably low marks like 10% and 15% I can never remember any time he ever scored above 20%. But what would infuriate the teachers the most was that he was always preoccupied in taunting the younger, smaller and more brilliant boys who were the ones actively participating in class.’ He paused for a while, took a gulp at his beer and gulping it down, continued: ‘When last did you visit the school Dick? As for me, it has taken years. I’m certain to have many difficulties finding my way around and in even recognizing it.’

‘No doubt! The school is not in the same shape as it was when we were there. It has gone through many changes. Tomorrow we are to attend the prize-giving ceremony. So I hope we’ll meet there.’

As the evening was being spent away, the men who had drunk several glasses of alcohol were getting hilarious and were already pitching varying melodies in songs of praise. It was an all-out excitement which only ebbed as Grandpa and mother were retiring to bed for the night. Somehow I was able to remain lounging around and enjoying the fun. As I saw them gulping more and more of it, I felt tempted to steal up and get a gulp myself. How much I envied them, I must confess.

The centenary celebrations of a great school like this is by no means a small affair and when it happens to be of one to which so many great men in the land owe much of their life and career, one could then imagine how significant it could be. I am indeed lucky to be enrolled at such an auspicious time. So I was filled with much eagerness to participate in every single part of the program.

Although Daddy had bought me a new pair of shoes, I briskly brushed all my shoes effecting from each a brilliant glossy shine. Mother had had me sewn a new suit. This had been pressed the previous day and with my shirt and tie looking very straight, hung on a hanger in the wardrobe.

As the time drew nearer, my anxiety mounted further up to feverish heights. I couldn’t even sleep that night. Imaginations of how grandiose the start of the celebrations would be like kept me awake. The elaborate preparations seen so far gives me much assurance it was going to be a very big and impressive show. What with the President himself slated to attend and open the celebrations. What also with the fire crackers, school bands parade, march past round the city and fun fare as side attractions?

So with great excitement, the next day, I wore my full ceremonial uniform of ‘cream- cream’ with matching straw boater and black shiny shoes. I then eagerly followed father, grandpa and mummy to our cream colored 504 saloon car. Daddy also neatly clad in his cream suit went towards the car, opened the door and sank swiftly into the soft cushioned seat of the driver’s part. He opened the other door on his other side and called mummy to come in and take her seat beside him. Then mummy promptly seated, opened the back doors for me and grandpa to get in. All of us now seated, all the doors were shut. Daddy then turned the ignition key. He pressed the accelerator. A hollow and sharp sound came. He turned the key again and pressed the accelerator once more. The same hollow sound was again emitted. He repeated the process but it was the same response. He decided now to allow the engine to cool down for a while. Death-like silence ensued as daddy kept looking silently at the machine as if praying to it to be of help. My excitement was already beginning to subside. I was on edge, praying to God, not to the machine, that we would not get late and that life would be restored to the stubborn engine. Father turned the ignition key once more whilst in my heart I kept fervently praying that it would respond positively, this time. But as he applied the accelerator, the same sound was again heard. ‘What an unfortunate thing to happen at such a time!’ Daddy exclaimed as he was opening the car door. Moving to the front bonnet, he got it opened. He ran his hand through a number of the suspected parts and ran back into the vehicle. He turned the key and applied pressure on the accelerator pedal. The response was resounding but deafening. A full-throated cry blared out from the previously reluctant engine. This restored everyone’s already sagging spirit. He went out again, this time to close the bonnet. Then he hastened back in and quickly settling into the seat, breathed a sigh of relief as the car moved out of the compound into the heavy traffic out. It was a long but refreshing drive passing streams of other cars destined for the same event as shown by their assemblage of the blazing cream colors.

After covering the long expanse of roads and avenues the car slowed down as it was negotiating into the school compound which was already jam-packed with people, cars and policemen. Father was directed to a spot where he parked the car.

We were all waiting for Dad to close the vehicle when mum raised an alarm. Looking at him wide-eyed, she was asking ‘John, what for goodness sake is that on your suit?’ He instantly stopped his action and carefully examined himself. He was struck at a large black band stretching from the right side of the waistline on his coat covering both the coat and his trousers. ‘Gosh! What is this now?’

‘Must be from the engine, when you were working on it, most likely,’ mummy suggested.
‘Well, seems like a decidedly unlucky day indeed. What else could one do now?’

Mummy, daddy and grandpa conferred and then decided that we return home . As for me, my heart sank into my body as we reentered the car and were negotiating our way out of the crowded but festive air of the school compound.

‘Don’t worry , we’ll see everything on T.V tonight. The President being in attendance, it is surely going to receive full coverage. Just ensure you don’t sleep early’ Grandpa was trying to coax me . But my spirit was now sufficiently killed. As I arrived home, I had perforce to get to bed and slept right away. What for God’s sake is a Vtelevision recording compared to being there flesh and blood yourself looking and delighting in the things that really bring joy to your heart.

Arthur Edgar Smith was born, grew up and schooled in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Having taught English since 1977 at Prince of Wales School and, Milton Margai College of Education, he is now at Fourah Bay College where he has been lecturing English, Literature, and Creative Writing for the past seven years rising to the rank of Senior Lecturer.

Mr Smith is widely published with his writings appearing in local newspapers as well as in West Africa Magazine, Index on Censorship, Focus on Library and Information Work amongst others .

He was one of 17 international visitors who participated in a seminar on contemporary American Literature sponsored by the U.S.State Department in 2006. His growing thoughts and reflections on this trip which took him to various US sights and sounds could be read at lisnews.org as well as here.

His other publications include: Folktales from Freetown, Langston Hughes: Life and Works Celebrating Black Dignity, and ‘The Struggle of the Book.’

Milestone wedding anniversaries are often celebrated through gatherings with family and friends. Though it isn’t necessary, there are guidelines as to the types gifts given to the couple celebrating their anniversary. Whether you’re traditional or modern, there are many ideas with each type. Below you’ll find the types of gifts given with each milestone anniversary and ideas for those types.

5 years
Wood (Traditional) / Silverware (Modern)

Ideas for wooden items can include furniture, decorative signs or displays, clocks, coat racks, jewelry boxes or even art pieces. Many items are wood-trimmed or accented with wood. Wooden items can be hand-crafted, customized or personalized for a unique and heartfelt gift.

Silverware can refer to flatware or utensils, but also to gifts made of silver. For instance, jewelry, photo frames, candlesticks, coins, jewelry boxes or cases, and mirrors. There are a great number of elegant keepsakes with silver accents that make great gifts for couples celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.

10 years
Tin, Aluminum (Traditional) / Diamond (Modern)

Many decorative items and keepsakes have tin or aluminum accents or trim. A few items that may contain tin or aluminum and make great gifts for married couples are clocks, fans, or even gift baskets that include tin or aluminum cans of coffee, food, etc.

Diamonds are most often found in jewelry like bracelets, rings, earrings and watches, but they can also be found in other keepsakes that make great gifts. Visit your local jewelry and diamond store for more ideas.

15 years
Crystal (Traditional) / Watches (Modern)

For the traditional gift, crystal is often found in jewelry, but can also be found in light fixtures, dishes, wind chimes and more.

For the modern gift, there are countless types and styles of watches that would make great gifts for a couple celebrating their fifteenth wedding anniversary.

20 years
China (Traditional) / Platinum (Modern)

The traditional version of this traditional gift would be china dishware. A creative interpretation would allow for an oriental gift basket, gift certificates for Chinese restaurants or markets, or Chinese herbs and teas.

There are a variety of jewelry items made from platinum (which is more precious than gold), like bracelets, rings, and earrings. The scientific element of platinum also plays a role in the art world with print-making, so a print could make a great gift for this anniversary, too.

25 years
Silver (Traditional) / Sterling Silver (Modern)

Silver is found in many, many items that make good gifts, such as jewelry, various collectibles, coins, musical instruments, kitchen utensils or cookware, and mirrors.

Sterling Silver is an alloy of silver and is used often in items able to be engraved, making them great gifts to personalize for the couple.

30 years
Pearl (Traditional) / Diamond (Modern)

Pearls are most often used in jewelry (and are also the birthstone of those born in June). There are also religious implications associated with the gemstone, as it is mentioned in several religious tomes. Therefore, religious items may also be suitable.

Diamonds, like pearls, are most often found in jewelry.

40 years
Ruby (Traditional) / Ruby (Modern)

Both traditional and modern gifts for this anniversary involve the gemstone ruby. Like others, it can be found often in jewelry, like pendants, bracelets and earrings. Rubies are also the gemstone of persons born in July, are associated with the Sun in astrology, and are very highly valued in Asian countries.

50 years
Gold (Traditional) / Gold(Modern)

Gold, suitable for traditional and modern gifts for the couple celebrating their fiftieth anniversary, can be found in jewelry, as well as many other decorative items. A few good gift ideas for this anniversary are coins, collectibles, photograph frames, watches, artwork, and some items can even contain gold thread.

For unique ideas, look for items, businesses or even places with the key words in their names. For instance, “Crystal Cruises” “Gold Canyon,” makers of aromatherapy candles, or “Ruby Falls” America’s highest underground waterfall. There are many choices to make when choosing a suitable, memorable and meaningful gift for the couple celebrating a milestone anniversary.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations.

A wedding anniversary is the anniversary (or yearly celebration) that occurs on the month and day of the wedding ceremony. The 25th and 50th anniversaries are the most often celebrated anniversaries. These celebrations often include family gatherings.

Specific types of gifts are traditionally associated with many of the yearly anniversaries, and gifts for the first five anniversaries are a great way to help a newly married couple celebrate. In general, there are two types of gifts associated with each anniversary - a traditional gift and a modern gift. Below is a list of the traditional and modern gifts given for the first five anniversaries, along with some ideas for each.

One Year:

Paper (Traditional) / Clocks (Modern)

For paper, stationary with the family name printed on it is a good idea. Photographs may be another. Creative baskets filled with various paper gifts (like cards, gift certificates, etc.) can create a unique and personal gift idea.

Clocks are the modern choice for the first anniversary. With a seemingly endless assortment of clocks available, you have many to choose from. Engraving the anniversary date is a nice touch.

Two years:

Cotton (Traditional) / China (Modern)

Cotton bed sheets may be one of the first items to come to mind, but there are also many other items made from cotton. For instance, terrycloth towels and bathrobes are made of cotton, as are denim and corduroy. Again, a gift basket of items that include cotton could be a unique and personal gift idea. Choose items that relate to hobbies or interests shared by the couple. A few items that include cotton are books (book bindings include cotton), coffee filters, and tents.

China isn’t just for dishes. An oriental gift basket or a set of Chinese herbs and teas can make an original gift idea.

Three years:

Leather (Traditional) / Crystal, glass (Modern}

Leather items can include watches, luggage, leather-bound books, jackets and shoes.

For the modern gift, crystal and glass can be found in many items, such as photo frames, dishes, light fixtures, televisions, windows, art pieces, dishes, clocks, computers and jewelry. Again, customize or engrave items to make them personal and choose items that can be related to the couple’s interests.

Four years:

Linen, Fruit or Flowers (Traditional) / Appliances or electrical gifts (Modern)

Tablecloths or sheets make great linen purchases for a gift. Baskets of flowers or fruits are suitable traditional gifts for this anniversary, too. In addition, memberships for monthly flower or fruit clubs are a great idea for this gift. Items decorated with fruit or flowers can be easily found for gift ideas.

Electrical appliances can range from dishwashers, refrigerators, etc. to smaller items like travel coffee mugs, blenders and food processors. Even assorted items related to cooking appliances can be given for this modern gift.

Five years:

Wood (Traditional) / Silverware (Modern)

Wood can be found in a countless amount of items. A few good traditional ideas for this anniversary would be coffee tables, coat racks, or perhaps a welcome sign with the couple’s name printed on it. Many household items have wood accents and hand-carved wooden objects can be elegant, personal gifts.

Silverware can be fairly straightforward as a gift, but you can also consider other items that contain silver, like jewelry, various collectibles, coins, musical instruments, kitchen utensils or cookware, and mirrors.

The focus of wedding anniversaries and wedding anniversary gifts is to celebrate the union of two people. Be sure to keep those two people in mind when choosing your gift. A personal gift is sure to be loved and appreciated.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations.

50th Wedding Anniversary is by far a very important point in a couple’s life. This is a moment of joy and happiness and a time to look back and see how wonderful the days have been. For this wonderful and joyous time there needs to be a detailed planning as to what needs to be done in terms of different areas such as making a list of guests, party invitations, party decorations, sorting out the best menu, etc. It is really challenging and it should be noted that whatever you do just document everything so that you have a referencing point to look back during the process of planning.

Different combinations of menus can be tried for the 50th Wedding Anniversary. It would be best if you have a three course meal served on the party. The Appetizer that can be made for this awesome event is Antipasto Kabobs. The Main Course can be Caribbean Chicken Shish Kebabs, which are low in fat and is healthy. And for the dessert, Ice Cream Sandwiches would be best. We will go over to prepare Main Course Meal, which is Caribbean Chicken Shish Kebabs.

In order to prepare Caribbean Chicken Shish Kebabs, we have to prepare Caribbean Rub. To prepare Caribbean Rub, we need to have 2 jalapeño peppers halved and seeded, 2 peeled cloves of garlic, 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup minced fresh thyme, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. The ingredients that we will require to make Caribbean Chicken Shish Kebabs will be 8 skinned and boned chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 2 red bell pepper that is quartered, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 cup uncooked basmati rice, 3/4 cup water, 1-1/4 cup free fat chicken broth, 2 tablespoons flaked sweetened coconut, which is toasted, and 4 lime wedge.

The first thing that needs to be done to start the recipe is to prepare the Caribbean Rub. For that, drop jalapeño and garlic through food chute with the food processor on and process it until minced. Then you need to add parsley and 6 ingred and blend it well and clean the sides of the bowl from time to time. Now comes the process of preparing Shish kebabs. For that you need to trim chicken and sprinkle one tablespoon of thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper over chicken and then roll up. After that you need to place two 12 inch skewers parallel to each other that are about half inch apart. Then thread four chicken rolls and four bell pepper pieces alternately on the skewers. Then brush two tablespoons Caribbean rub over the kebab.

Then place the kebabs in a baking dish and follow the same procedure for the rest of the kebabs and then cover and marinate them for three hours. Now prepare the grill and spray it with oil and grill the rolls on each side for 12 minutes. Your Caribbean Chicken Shish Kebabs are ready that you can serve with rice and lime wedges.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for 50th Wedding Anniversary party supplies and fun 50th Wedding Anniversary party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including 50th Wedding Anniversary Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or “just because” parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

30th Anniversary means 30 years of rock solid relationship, with a lot of ups and downs, but the thing to highlight here is the LOVE that was cherished. To commemorate those years of friendship and love, there needs to be an awesome event planning. This planning must be done about a month to two months before and that should entail planning different areas to make the party a success. There are a lot of areas that need your creative thinking, and one such area is the selection of menu, which you know would rock the party.

Before you sit down and think as to what kind of foods you can make for your 30th Anniversary, it is important here to mention that you can just do that by jotting down the traditional foods that you make the best and once you are done with that, you need to see as to whether you want to try them or would like to try something that is new. Once you have made your mind to try something new, then you can look for the different recipes and can try them out. It would be nice if your meal is a three course meal, starting with an appetizer, main course and dessert.

For the 30th Anniversary, the different recipes that can be tried as an appetizer include Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips. The main course would be Baked Garlic Thyme Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, and Honey Dijon Spinach Salad. And the Dessert would be Raspberry Cookies. Let us take a quick look on how you can make the Baked Garlic Thyme Chicken. You will need 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 scallions chopped, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves, 2-1/4 lbs. of whole chicken, which is rinsed and patted dry.

Now you need to preheat the oven to about 350 degrees. Then you should combine all the ingredients except the chicken and season them. Now spread the seasoned butter over the chicken and place the chicken in the oven, breast down, for about 35 minutes. Then turn the breast side up and bake for another 35 minutes until it is tender. This recipe serves four people. Happy 30th Anniversary and lots of fun.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for 30th Anniversary party supplies and fun 30th Anniversary party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including 30th Anniversary Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or “just because” parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

If you can not decide what to prepare for your 10-year wedding anniversary party favors, know that you are not alone in that dilemma. A lot of people are in a similar situation. For how can one really pinpoint the best item to symbolize 10 years of togetherness?

There are a lot of memories and meaningful things that a couple of 10 years have shared. Picking out the best to symbolize those years of partnership is pretty tough. To start that decision-making process, read the following tips on how to choose 10-year wedding anniversary party favors.

10-Year Wedding Anniversary Party Favors Need Not Be Expensive

Party favors are given in appreciation of the guest’s presence to share a special occasion. Your 10-year wedding anniversary party favors should show recognition of your guests’ effort to be there. At the same time, these should reflect the theme of the party and should be somewhat memorable or special to you and your spouse.

These items need not be costly at all. Traditionally, the 10th year is symbolized by tin or aluminum but the more modern symbolism goes for diamonds. You might want to opt for any item with these elements but of course, you know the cost implications if you go for the modern symbol.

A safe option is to give out an item that you and your spouse find significant for your 10th year like a shared hobby that you recently took up. You can also have a miniature/replica of your gifts for each other made to order to give away as your 10-year wedding anniversary party favors.

10-Year Wedding Anniversary Party Favors That Can Be Used By Guests

A practical approach is to think of something that the guests can bring home and actually use later on like wine glasses or coffee mugs with your names engraved on them. You can actually engrave anything you want on them – a message, a thank-you note or a meaningful poem. If you have the time and are resourceful enough, you can actually make your 10-year wedding anniversary party favors like embroidered items or baked goodies in romantic likeness like hearts or cupids.

Imagination is all you need to settle for the best 10-year wedding anniversary party favors to give away. And if you were able to last that long in a relationship and is still in a party mood, you must be an imaginative and resourceful person.

At a time when there are as many divorce cases as there are weddings, 10 years of marriage is already a feat. So go ahead, celebrate and give away 10-year wedding anniversary party favors that will make your guests believe in marriage again.

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Your anniversary day should be the highlight and most unforgettable event of the year as it pertains to your relationship. No questions asked. Sometimes we take things for granted as we go through our life’s journey, and even momentous occasions such as our anniversaries are not as highly regarded. If you aspire to maintain an enriching relationship with your man or woman, don’t make the mistake of making that important day a low priority. Your goal is to make each and every anniversary day an affair to remember.

To help you plan for that special day, here are some anniversary do’s and don’ts:

1. This is an exclusive event, the one moment which must include just the two of you. If you have children, you need to make daycare plans ahead of time. A backup babysitter would be beneficial in the event your original plan doesn’t pan out. Other housemates will need to make alternate plans and vacate the premises should you decide to celebrate at home.

2. Don’t wait until the eleventh hour to book your lunch or dinner reservations if the plan is to wine and dine at your favorite café or fancy restaurant. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance to avoid any last-minute snafus. Otherwise, you may end up in the midst of an unnecessary argument.

3. If you live in an area where traffic is an issue, allow yourselves plenty of time to get to your place of destination. You want to make this moment as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

4. Don’t pick a fight. If you need to address any concerns which could potentially lead to a disagreement, wait after your anniversary celebration. There is a different place and time for such discussions; definitely not during your anniversary. Ideally, your aim is to strive for a perfect day, evening, or weekend of fun and romance.

5. Look and feel your best. Remember, you are celebrating the anniversary of your first encounter, your first date, or wedding day, so dress to impress and leave all your worries behind for a joyful occasion.

6. Don’t talk about anything negative. Complaining about work drama, family squabbles, financial problems, and the like should be discussed at a different time. If you feel the need to state an opinion or bicker about something, save it for later. Instead, mention the positive things about your relationship and what’s keeping your love for each other stronger than ever.

7. Say “I love you” and compliment your partner on his/her appearance, accomplishments, successes, and everything you admire about that person. Express your love by enumerating all the wonderful qualities he/she possesses and the reasons why you love him/her. After all, it’s your anniversary and your partner should be treated like a king or queen even more so during this special occasion.

8. Don’t rehash bad memories. Alternatively, talk about the good old days. Stroll along memory lane… how you were spellbound when you first met, your many laughs together, your honeymoon, vacations, to name a few.

9. If your anniversary plans include a trip for two at an exotic location somewhere in the Caribbean, for example, make sure you organize it well in advance. Create a checklist of things to do for a smooth and hassle-free holiday.

10. Don’t forget to buy a gift that comes from the heart for that special someone.

Joy Bates is a co-owner of relationship-remedy.com, which provides articles, e-books, advice, and the like pertaining to relationships. Come visit our website http://www.relationship-remedy.com your gateway to a happy relationship.

“Your anniversary marks the day
When you both said “I do”,
The two of you became as one,
A marriage bright and new.”

Every one of us would like a partner to share, a companion for life, as humans are social creatures. Romance keeps relationships alive, happening, deepening our intimacy. Romancing makes you fall in love all over again with your mate. An anniversary is an important occasion that comes just once a year. Your anniversary is a time for sharing your affection: it’s obvious the two of you have a deep connection. So here are some romantic tips that you can follow to revive the romance in your marriage and show your partner how much you care for them and love them:

• Send a different romantic card, complete with romantic notes inside; on the days prior to your anniversary and on the big day give the anniversary card with flowers or gifts. You can include thoughts of love, romantic memories along with hopes and dreams for your relationship in the coming year.

• History please: spend a little time putting together a wedding day memory book with you photos right from the start when you were dating till that day with some notes attached to them.

• Throw a surprise party. Invite all your near and dear ones and the people special to your partner like childhood friends, teachers etc.

• Treat your partner with a luxurious spa day. Give them complements on how they looked completely changed and beautiful.

• Make a surprise dinner, lunch or breakfast with their favorite dish along with a surprise gift.

• Turn your home into paradise and decorate your rooms with themes, or rent a suite and decorate your rooms with your romantic vacation theme.

• Take your spouse on a surprise holiday or weekend. Just the two of you on your same honeymoon, to bring back the wonderful memories.

• Surprise your sweetie by decorating their cars. Fill the cars with balloons, petals. Write a ‘Just Married’ across the back window and tie a few aluminum cans to the bumper. Wisk them away in the car to celebrate.

• Organize a vow renewal in same place where you tied the knot.

• Count the years. It is traditional to celebrate an anniversary with the gift that symbolizes the number of years a couple has been together.

Johnson Tee is a romantic. For more romantic ideas, go to http://www.101-romantic-ideas.com/blog