Archive for the 'Lord Thompson Manor' Category
At the Lord Thompson Manor, we pride ourselves for our attention to all the thousands of little details that coalesce into impeccable weddings. One of our absolute favorite details is flowers. We can either work with a bride on her choice of arrangements or recommend an expert, but either way, beautiful flowers adorn our venue every weekend.
There are more factors that go into flower choice than many people realize. Color and fragrance are obviously important elements of a bloom’s decorative qualities, but a flower can also contribute a certain texture and symbolic meaning to an arrangement. In the Victorian Era and before, people crafted an entire subtle language of flowers, sending romantic messages to one another through bouquets.
That practice is outdated (and perhaps a little silly in the context of our modern times), but remnants of symbolic meaning can imbue a beautiful bouquet with a little extra love. Here are a four of the most popular flowers the Lord Thompson Manor sees at its weddings, and what they mean.
1. Rose. Roses come in a myriad of colors, but they always symbolize a connection between people. Red, white, pink and yellow roses signify the same concepts as wedding ceremonies themselves: love, unity, adoration, friendship, trust and faith.
2. Tulip. The tulip represents beauty, both literally and metaphysically. There are many colors, but wedding arrangements frequently include white, yellow or red tulips, which suggest honesty, hope and devotion.
3. Lily. Numerous species of lilies exist, and every one of them is elegant. Bridal bouquets and wedding arrangements often include white calla lilies, which typify beauty. White, yellow and tiger lilies also appear at the Lord Thompson Manor’s weddings with frequency, and they represent purity, profound happiness and success.
4. Hydrangea. Hydrangeas generally come in whites, greens, pinks, or bold blues and purples. They express appreciation and thankfulness, which our brides often find appropriate—hydrangeas can thank the bride and groom for their love and/or the guests for attending the wedding.
December 10 2009 | Lord Thompson Manor | Comments Off
Author: Beth Tabak
“The stress-free way to enjoy the holidays is to plan, take one step at a time, and have a sense of humor.” Beth Tabak
Can you feel the holiday jitters beginning? Suddenly there it is right around the corner. Relax! Take time to plan well today and ease into the holidays with a big smile. Grab your journal and pen, and let’s get started.
1- Reminisce over previous holidays- In your journal create two columns and label them What Works and Not That Again. Under What Works list activities that come naturally, bring you joy, and ease into place. Under Not That Again list challenges. Jot down energy draining activities that bring you down. What changes will you make to delegate, dump, or modify the items in the Not That Again column and embrace more of what is in the What Works column?
2- Choose a theme that motivates you- What is most important this holiday? Base your theme on that. If you want to cut out traveling consider “Home for the Holidays”. If your budget is tight ponder “Simply Sensational”. Your theme keeps you focused. One that honors your spirituality could be “Faith and Family First”. Or choose a favorite quote such as Mahatma Gandhi’s “Be the Change You Wish to see in the World”. Be creative, have fun, and write it down.
3- Set your top 4 priorities- Base them on what you really want which connects with your theme. Get crystal clear. Write them down. When you know your priorities you are able to respond easily to a request and set boundaries. When someone asks you to get involved look at your priorities and see if it serves them. If it does, consider it. If not, the answer is likely no.
4- Create a Map- If you took a big trip without planning you would likely get lost, waste time, and experience anxiety. It makes sense to plan at the holidays when so many areas of our lives are affected: time, energy, personal care, relationships, physical environment, and finances. Consider creating a task list thru the end of the year. It takes a block of time but saves time and stress. It will rescue you from running in circles, going back and forth to the same place, and trying to remember what is next. In the past I have had hundreds of items on my task list. No wonder we get stressed when we attempt to keep it in our heads.
Here’s a tool to help. Pick up a holiday task list at the website below or create your own. On your computer create a chart with 4 columns. Use your theme for the header. Under your theme list your priorities horizontally. Label the columns in a way that is helpful to you. I use Business, Personal, Holiday, and Need List. Use small font and minimal margin space to fit as many rows as possible. Print your map. List your tasks and add on as they come to you. Keep your map with you at all times. Schedule blocks of time to carry out the tasks. Have fun and build momentum as you make progress. Remember to save it for next year.
5- Simplify- Every task must be handled. You can do it, delegate it, or dump it. Eliminate what does not serve your priorities. What can you get help on? Get rid of those items on your Not That Again list. Hire out when possible. Ask guests to bring a dish instead of you doing it all. Get your family involved and remember that things do not have to be perfect. Let go! This will give you the freedom to embrace what you truly enjoy this season.
6- Set a budget- Develop a budget that feels good. There are lots of ways to have a special holiday without adding stress to the budget. Show people they are appreciated. Plan family fun and activities. Let someone know what is special about them in a card, letter, cassette, or video. Be creative. Hide gifts, wrap up boxes with little clues inside, and let the kids have a scavenger hunt. Don’t let a tight budget steal your joy. Make it fun and begin 2007 stress-free.
7- Set boundaries- Decide now what you will not tolerate. Write it down. Remember your Not That Again list? Is there someone who ropes you into things you don’t want to do? Have the conversation that is overdue. Be compassionate, and no is no. If someone keeps asking after you have said no they are trying to control you. Setting boundaries is about educating others on how they can treat you. Is there someone you need to educate?
8- Schedule time for planning and yourself- When is a good time to update your plan? When can you take time for you? Put it on your calendar each week thru the end of the year. Keep the appointments. Add this line to your day timer as a reminder: “I have an appointment in honor of myself this _________ (day) at __:__ (time) to do something special for me because I sooooooo deserve it!”
9- Give in a way that gives you joy vs. obligation- When you give in a way that comes naturally, you stay authentic to yourself. Thereby, you are able to share your own special gifts with others. When you are doing what you love, life clicks. If there is a situation you are dreading, think about how you can tweak it to handle it in a way that would bring you more joy.
10- Take action now- Begin today so that you are tying up your last bows well before the pitter patter of hoofs on the rooftop. Keep your holiday journal and map close at hand. The sooner you complete your tasks, the sooner you can prop your feet up, sip your favorite hot beverage, and enjoy the atmosphere you created this season!
What I want for you is to take the first step…Starting Now!
December 20 2008 | Lord Thompson Manor | Comments Off
Author: Harry Lawrance
If you have been saving up for months and spent time planning and preparing for your holidays and a precious couple of weeks in the sun, the last thing you want is to have your holiday ruined by illness.
It makes sense to make preparations and take precautions while you are on holiday to ensure you remember your holidays for all the right reasons.
Before you leave for your holiday
Vaccines – You should do a little research into your holiday destination and check if you will require any vaccinations for your trip. If you are required to have vaccines, these may need to be administered several weeks before you leave.
Insurance – You should ensure you have taken out adequate holiday insurance before you leave to cover any medical bills you may incur in the event of an emergency.
First aid – It is a good idea to always pack a small first aid kit to take on holiday with you, as this could prove invaluable in a minor medical emergency. This kit should include a minimum of antiseptic cream, dressings and plasters for small cuts and grazes, paracetamol or another painkiller, antihistamines for treating mild allergic reactions, eyewash, tweezers, rehydration solution and travel sickness pills.
Medicines – If you are taking any prescription medicines then pack these in your hand luggage along with the prescription and a doctor’s letter. In addition to this, make sure the medicine is legal in the country of your holiday destination.
While on holiday
Food and drink – For many of us trying new foods and eating well is part of the fun in a holiday abroad. But you should always exercise caution as hygiene standards may not be as high as you are used to.
Avoid purchasing food from any stalls where dishes may have been out in the sun all day. Always check that seafood and meat has been properly cooked before eating and don’t drink the tap water unless you are certain it is safe to do so. If you are in any doubt you should stick to drinking bottled water and remember to avoid ice cubes, as they may have been made using the local water.
Out in the sun – Again, the sun is one of the main reasons for going abroad on holiday for many, but it is important to be sensible. Avoid being out in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day between 11am and 3pm.
Over-exposure can lead to sunburn and heat stroke. Sunburn can be extremely painful and a sufficiently high factor sunscreen should be applied regularly throughout the day particularly after swimming. You should also keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water regularly.
November 20 2008 | Lord Thompson Manor | Comments Off
Author: Kieron Sellens
If you’re looking to do something different with the kids when you next go on holiday, have you thought about horse riding in America? How about cycling beside the Danube? Or dog sledding in Lapland? If you want an experience that your children will really remember on holiday, then a family activity holiday may be just the thing for you.
Many parents may be put off by health and safety concerns for these kinds of adventure holiday, but they shouldn’t be. Almost all standard activity holidays will have some kind of child friendly option, and there are plenty of niche operators that specifically offer family activity holidays. If you are worried about safety, it is always a good idea to check out any adventure holiday company that you decide to go with, to make sure it is reputable and provides a good service. Read any online reviews that you can find, and call them up and see how they respond to your concerns.
If you start to look around for a family activity holiday, you’ll be spoilt for choice: here are five ideas to get you started.
Cycling in Europe
Cycling abroad can be a safe and fun family activity holiday, and it is very easy to organise. Make sure you check the difficulty level of any cycling trip before you go, and be sure to let your travel operator know that you’ll be bringing children with you. Sweating your way up a steep mountain pass with an exhausted child in tow is no one’s idea of a fun holiday!
But as long as you pick a route that all the family will be comfortable with, you can have a brilliant time. The Loire Valley and the route along the Danube are two of Europe’s most established cycling routes, and they are also suitable for children on a family activity holiday, being on flat and gently hilly terrain and taking in astonishing views along the way.
Safari in Africa
There’s little that gets kids more excited than wild animals, and an African safari makes for a great family activity holiday. Safaris can include hippo spotting on boat trips, 4×4 drives through nature reserves, visits to farms, animal sanctuaries and orphanages, and many other activities.
The safari business is very well established, and you’ll find plenty of companies that can provide packages specifically for family activity holidays. Kenya is the most common destination, though safari holidays are run in many other African countries as well, such as South Africa and Tanzania.
Riding & Ranch Stay in America
For a real cowboy experience, there’s nothing like a ride and ranch holiday – learning to ride, spending time with the animals and learning some basic cowboy skills are all things that appeal to kids and their parents! Many tour operators accept absolute beginners, though it may be worth getting your children (and yourself!) a little experience in the saddle before you travel abroad.
Make sure you choose the right kind of ranch experience for your family activity holiday. Working ranch holidays (including cattle drives) aren’t suitable for young children, as they require long hours in the saddle and a fair amount of riding experience. Centre based riding holidays, where you stay in a single location with daily riding activities, can accommodate all ages, and some progressive riding holidays (where you move from ranch to ranch over a number of days) are suitable for slightly older children.
Dog Sledding in Lapland
If cutting through the snow with your kids on a husky driven sledge sounds like your idea of heaven, this might be the activity holiday for you! For children, the combination of snow, animals and adventure can be irresistible. The scenery in Lapland is remarkable, and there’s even a chance that you’ll catch a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights when you visit.
Dog sledding can be done as a one day excursion or, if you and your children are feeling adventurous, can be part of a multi-day expedition, stopping off at various lodges and cabins along the way. This is a family activity holiday for slightly older children – check with travel companies to find out the exact minimum age for their trips.
Sailing through the Greek Islands
Sailing can make for a superb family activity holiday, and the Greek Islands are an ideal destination – not only is the scenery beautiful, the steady waters make it a very safe place to sail and swim. Children and adults can learn the basics of sailing, swim in the Mediterranean, visit harbour towns and bask in the sun. No previous knowledge of sailing or yachting is necessary in most cases, with full tuition and assistance available.
Most family sailing holidays will be based on a flotilla, which are medium sized yachts with sails and engines. Flotillas are a very family friendly way to sail, and have become hugely popular in recent years. There are plenty of tour operators that offer flotilla holidays in Greece, and if you have very young children they can provide extra safety precautions, such as safety netting along the guardrails, to help keep your kids safe.
October 20 2008 | Entertainment and Lord Thompson Manor and Lord Thompson Manor Review | Comments Off
Author: Leroy K. Calstard
An ideal vacation for many people will be an ocean shore nearby with sandy beaches and a warm and comfortable climate. A great way to remove yourself from the daily routine and to take that much needed rest is by going on a vacation. Here are some number one hot spots for those who are water sports enthusiasts and enjoy water skiing, surfing, sailing or variety of other water sports.
The tropical island of St. Lucia, which is 27miles long and 14 miles wide, is a dream come true for many sailors and water sports enthusiasts. If you are planning to visit this island then you should set your sails and prepare your body, mind and soul for absolute adventure. For each and every type of explorer the western coastline presents exciting adventures and anchorages. You can easily sail the west coast till Rodney bay and then enjoy the beach on Pigeon Island National Park.
After that you can sail to Soufrière and then visit the Mineral baths, the Botanical Gardens, the volcano and the Diamond Falls. You can then drop the anchor on a magnificent deserted beach at Ansa Cochon. This magnificent deserted beach was made just for snorkeling. You can enjoy the afternoon by continuing your snorkeling at Coral Gardens or enjoy it on a beach at Jalousie Plantation Resort.
The “Soupbowl” at Bathsheba, Barbados has attracted many water sports enthusiasts over the years. Champion players of water sports and many water sports enthusiasts come to the “Soupbowl” to spend their training vacation and to enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere and the uncrowded waves. Bathsheba is mainly famous for its big thundering barrels and fast walls.
Both the locals and the overseas surfers have enjoyed surfing at the “Soupbowl” at Bathsheba for many years. In November this charming fishing village turns into a hive of activities because it is at this time that the International Surfing Championships takes place as it is at this time that the waves are at their best.
There are also other sites that have good waves for surfing, like, St.Vincent and Lagoon Bay. Although the windward side of the Shipping bay also has good waves for surfing, it is definitely not for the faint hearted. Another good surfing site is on the East coast of Trinidad called the Ministers Bay. The Caribbean Sea doesn’t disappoint the enthusiastic surfers who wait from sunrise to sunset on the boards for the break.
Water Ski Magazine has rated the water skiing at the Ski Paradise, Acapulco, in Mexico as the ‘finest site for skiing in the world’. Even if you are a beginner or you just want to sharpen your skills, you will have a great time at this resort. This Ski resort is a vital water skiing and fun holidays destination as it includes instructions from famous guest coaches and good accommodation. The Ski Paradise will make any visit to its resort an experience to remember with its vast services and activities. Another amazing factor about the Ski Paradise is that it also caters to the sport fishing, golf and tennis.
Thus, in the end we can say that these are not the only destinations in the world for water sports. It does not matter whether you live on the west coast or the east coast; there are plenty of other great water sports destinations too. All you have to do is find a nice affordable vacation and then enjoy your adventure holidays and your water sports to the fullest.
September 20 2008 | Entertainment and Lord Thompson Manor and Lord Thompson Manor Review | Comments Off