Tom Luxsox Coins

Nearly Perfect

Destination Wedding in Aruba Makes Perfect Sense

Many brides-to-be dream of a beautiful beach wedding, set against a backdrop of white sand, calm seas and blue skies. For most, marrying that vision with a hometown location can be unrealistic, as seasonal and additional logistical factors become a deterrent: summer is a short, popular and expensive time to get married, and the high competition among other brides to get married during the summer can make planning that dream wedding into a blustery nightmare.

Enter the Caribbean destination wedding, and what better locale to pick than Aruba? With its abundance of beaches, fun activities and consistent weather, Aruba is the perfect place to plan a destination wedding.

It's always sunny in Aruba

Normally, the biggest gamble when planning a beach wedding is the weather. Not so in Aruba. With nearly perfect weather, Aruba boasts an average daily temperature of 82 degrees year-round. The island is also located outside the hurricane belt and sees less than 20 inches of rain per year, further lowering the odds of inclement weather on a wedding day to slim to none.

With an eternal summer climate, Aruba offers a low-pressure alternative to brides who want to plan a summer wedding, but are normally hampered by the time constraints and lack of options if they stay closer to home. Limiting potential wedding dates to June, July or August can be frustrating and stressful since those are generally the most popular months to get married, meaning venues and vendors are at a premium.

Luckily, the conventional summer months fall within Aruba's off season, which is generally considered to be May through November. Engaged couples can take advantage by planning an Aruba wedding during the slowest tourist times, where hotels and vendors are likely to offer discounted wedding packages in order to keep business during the off season.

Wedding planning made easy

Arubahas made legislative changes over the past few years to make destination weddings more attractive to visitors. While at one time it was legal only for Aruban citizens to marry on the island, the law has now changed so non-citizens can legally tie the knot.

As a result of the updated legalities, Aruba has become a hot locale for destination weddings and local businesses have rushed to accommodate that growing segment of tourism. Many hotels and resorts in Aruba have in-house wedding planners on staff, making the process of off-site arrangements a breeze for couples in the months leading up to their wedding. From room accommodations for wedding guests, ceremonial details, flowers, music and reception, Aruba resorts have become a one-stop shop for guests who wish to marry on-site.

Nearly every hotel in Aruba offers specific wedding packages, many taking advantage of their beachfront real estate. Couples can say their vows against the backdrop of Aruba's scenic landscape, or incorporate some of the island's traditional Dutch culture in their ceremony as hotels like the Marriott offer replicas of Aruba's famous Kunuku houses that couples can marry under. Fresh, tropical flowers and the use of local photographers and wedding vendors can also give the wedding an authentic feel, both of which can be arranged through a hotel wedding planner.

The two-for-one guest experience: A wedding and a vacation

A bonus to planning a destination wedding on one of the Caribbean's most beautiful islands? Guests can enjoy a wedding and a tropical getaway in one trip. Aruba plays a great host to wedding groups, as there are limitless activities to enjoy in the days leading up to the main event.

Many couples choose to host their guests for a week of wedding activities or an extended weekend, a luxury that allows for more personal time with guests that is often lost at traditional weddings that tend to be one-day affairs. Group beach or snorkeling excursions can be a fun way to spend the day with friends and family, capped off by a sunset cruise with cocktails and music which is also a popular idea for a rehearsal dinner.

For non-beachgoers, a day of adventure awaits any wedding party in Aruba's deserts. ATV and jeep tours are a fun alternative group outing, with a jaunt around Aruba's bar scene to relax after a day-long adrenaline rush. The island's famed Kukoo Kunuku party buses are a popular pick for Aruba wedding groups, as betrothed couples often charter them for guests on a night leading up to their big day.

Erin Keaveney writes articles about Aruba travel for the Marriott Resorts.

A Nearly Perfect Dog $23.3 A NEARLY PERFECT DOG is a collection of stories that deftly, vividly, philosophically and amusingly brings the reader into Grace Saalsaa's home. Her own dogs assist with fostering each new dog. All the while, they plot and strategize to maintain an orderly lifestyle from a Border Collie's mindset.

The Air's Nearly Perfect Elasticity $3.41 No Synopsis Available

A Nearly Perfect Dog by Saalsaa, Grace [Paperback] $30.65 A NEARLY PERFECT DOG is a collection of stories that deftly, vividly, philosophically and amusingly brings the reader into Grace Saalsaas home. Her own dogs assist with fostering each new dog. All the while, they plot and strategize to maintain an orderly lifestyle from a Border Collies mindset. Author: Saalsaa, Grace Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 210 Publication Date: 2009/12/11 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.48 inches

Perfect $17.28 In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem. Aria can't resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can't keep her hands off "anything" that belongs to her sister. "Lucky me." I know these pretty little liars better than they know themselves. But it's hard keeping all of their secrets to myself. They better do as I say . . . or "else"

Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage [With CD (Audio)] $16.99 ">The only thing funnier than marriage is Rick and Bubba talkin' about it >Rick and Bubba are at it again, and this time it is all about marriage. Addressing such topics as apologizing (The Ten Worst Ways to Say I'm Sorry), communication (Grunting Is Not a Language), date nights (Worst Date Nights in History), finances (I Thought "You" Paid the Gas Bill), and playing sports together (I Did Too Let You Win), the two "sexiest fat men alive" will have couples everywhere tied in knots. With stories, top ten lists, and even a bonus addendum of their oft mentioned, "The Book of Blame," this humorous look at marriage is long overdue. This book will revolutionize your way of looking at married life. And it might just remind you all over again why you fell in love in the first place."

Floppy the Monster Is Nearly Lost Forever $18.38 This is the first title in the fantastic "Floppy the Monster" series which is aimed at 4-6 year old children who are beginning develop their reading skills. These products are an exciting way to learn any language and are available in a number of different languages. With a fun storyline based upon Emily and Floppy the Monster, her cuddly friend who is always getting into trouble, the book contains exciting images together with a discreet health and safety message which makes them perfect early reading books. With the possibility of changing the language of the story, they help children develop the language part of the brain and encourage their language learning.

Girl, Nearly 16 Absolute Torture $3.95 Just when things were going so well. Jess had the perfect summer planned: She and Fred, lounging in the park, gazing into one another's eyes and engaging in witty repartee. It was going to be so romantic. And then her maddening mum stepped in: She suddenly announced a two-week "road trip" to Cornwall to visit Jess's dad, something Jess might have enjoyed, actually, were it not for the monstrously bad timing. Not only will this force Jess and Fred apart for two whole weeks, it will also leave the darling and handsome Fred in the clutches of Jess's blindingly beautiful best friend, Flora--who, you might recall, expressed an interest in Fred not too long ago. As if all this weren't enough, Jess's mum seems to expect her to weep at the grave of every departed literary hero in Britain's long history. "It's absolute torture." And little does Jess know, a huge surprise awaits her when she visits her dad at his home for the first time in years. "From the Hardcover edition."

Nearly No Christmas $5.99 Nearly No Christmas

Nearly Finished $24.99 Nearly Finished - Photographic Print

Nearly Ready $24.99 Nearly Ready - Photographic Print

Nearly Under $24.99 Nearly Under - Photographic Print

Nearly Natural Silk 4778 Large Buddha Head $96.63 An exceptionally well designed Buddha head statue is perfect for display on its own or against greenery to give your place a jungle hideaway look. This 14 inch high Buddha head pays respect with traditional attributes such as eyes closed in mediation short curly hair elongated ears to hear whatrsquo;s happening and a dot on the forehead for wisdom. Perfect for anyone desiring peace and tranquility.

Nearly Natural 4827 Amaryllis with Round Vase $61.85 You no longer have to worry about planting bulbs in the spring or removing them from your garden in the fall with this Amaryllis silk plant. This gorgeous red Amaryllis is the perfect finishing decor for both the holiday season and year round. Green leaves natural looking bulb river rocks and artificial water truly bring this piece to life. At 20 inches in height this piece is perfect anywhere you need a splash of vibrant color.

Nearly Natural 4643WH Phalaenopsis with Glass Vase White $75.2 Standing twenty inches high this grand member of the orchid family is sure to make a spectacular impression. A mix of brightly hued petals graced by two delicate buds adds a simple yet elegant touch. Perfect for a dining room centerpiece this attractive Phalaenopsis arrangement is adorned by lush green leaves. A delicate round glass vase adds the perfect finishing touch to this floral masterpiece. 18 in x 16 in x 7 in. Pot sizeWidth 6.25 in Height 6.25 in

Nearly Natural 4660 24 Inch Poinsettia Wreath $96.79 Bursting with bright reds lush greens and plump berries this incredible wreath embodies the festive delight that is the holiday season. A full 24rdquo; round it certainly commands attention and serves as the perfect holiday welcoming plant on your front door (or anywhere else you wish to bring some holiday cheer)

Nearly Natural MAAsst1 Miniature Arrangements Assortment 1 $56.68 These beautiful miniature silk arrangements are small enough to fit in the palm of your hands. Remarkable detailed down to the leaves pot and root systems; you ll be amazed at the intricacies of these hand made items. This group of six is a perfect beginning to your amazing collection.

6' Areca Silk Palm Tree - by Nearly Natural $219 The 6' Areca Silk Palm Tree is the perfect way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into any room of your home. This elegant faux tree is the perfect way to create a peaceful aura in any setting, without causing any allergies to you or your family. Always thriving, always beautiful; a decorative tree lets you show off a green thumb without getting your hands dirty. The silk-like material is easy to maintain, and the decorative container highlights the entire look. The 6' Areca Silk Palm Tree will be a captivating accent to your home decor for many years.

4' Areca Silk Palm Tree - by Nearly Natural $92.99 The 4' Areca Silk Palm Tree is the perfect way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into any room of your home. This elegant faux tree is the perfect way to create a peaceful aura in any setting, without causing any allergies to you or your family. Always thriving, always beautiful; a decorative tree lets you show off a green thumb without getting your hands dirty. The silk-like material is easy to maintain, and the decorative container highlights the entire look. The 4' Areca Silk Palm Tree will be a captivating accent to your home decor for many years.

The Perfect Murder - $14.99 Someone has tried to murder Mr. Perfect (Dinshaw Daji) and now the beleaguered Inspector Ghote (Krishna Shah) must figure out who tried to do it. Set in Bombay, India, this rollicking crime drama centers on Ghote's search for the would-be killer. Mr. Perfect was knocked out with a candlestick in the home of the jovial Dilap Lal, his employer. As there was no sign that the assassin forced his or her way into the home, Ghote assumes the prime suspect is Lal or one of his family members. Unfortunately, the pressures from his other cases that include a ring of jewel smugglers and a bureaucrat's purloined piece of costume jewelry prevent Ghote from giving his full attention to Perfect's assailant. That Ghote must also entertain the meddlesome Axel Svensson (Stellan Skarsg?rd), a renowned Swedish crime scientist, does nothing to help matters. To make matters worse, Lal's clan belongs to the upper caste, making it nearly impossible for him to get answers to his questions. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

A Perfect Stranger $4.95 Charismatic Nick Martelli is all smoldering good looks and animal magnetism. Unfortunately, he's not the man Sydney Gordon is nearly engaged to--the man who's waiting for her to come back from Europe and accept his marriage proposal. And Nick's certainly not what you'd think of as ideal husband material. Sydney needs somebody steady to help her rein in her impulsive nature... Doesn't she?

Nearly Natural 4605PP Dendrobium with White Wash Pot $42.06 Brighten up your living space with this vibrant and cheerful Dendrobium silk arrangement. Standing 25 in tall this beautiful silk arrangement features stalks of delicate Dendrobium blooms and buds. Life like in appearance these stalks boast circular patches of white and green like its natural counter part. It sits in a timeless white wash pot and is a perfect fit for any d cor.

Nearly Natural 4605WH Dendrobium with White Wash Pot $42.06 Brighten up your living space with this vibrant and cheerful Dendrobium silk arrangement. Standing 25 in tall this beautiful silk arrangement features stalks of delicate Dendrobium blooms and buds. Life like in appearance these stalks boast circular patches of white and green like its natural counter part. It sits in a timeless white wash pot and is a perfect fit for any d cor.

Nearly Natural 4687 Dogwood Silk Flower Arrangement $56.46 Welcome spring with open arms when you display this beautiful Dogwood arrangement. Bursting with soft pastel colors the delicate flowers provide the perfect cure for the winter blues. Wispy stalks with green leaves and tiny buds complete a look that will certainly freshen up any home or office. Complete with a glass vase and liquid illusion this arrangement is sure to please.

Nearly Natural 6614 Hibiscus Han/ Ng Basket $63.79 One of the most distinct looking blooms that Mother Nature offers is the Hibiscus. Splashy and full of life these beautiful flowers are known for their classic petal shapes and distinct center stalk that emerges from within. This 10rdquo; hanging basket perfectly displays these beauties amongst a backdrop of leafy greens making this the perfect hanging basket for any home or office.

Nearly Natural 4688 20 Inch Dogwood Wreath $73.39 Few flowers can provide the soft beauty like the dogwood. Therersquo;s just something ldquo;warm and sunnyrdquo; about these magnificent flowers. And this dogwood wreath perfectly captures that feeling. A full 20rdquo; in diameter the whites greens pinks and yellows mix hypnotically to provide a breath of fresh air that says ldquo;springtimerdquo; all year roundrsquo; Perfect for your kitchen sunroom or as a gift for that ldquo;sunnyrdquo; person in your life.

Nearly Natural 4605RO Dendrobium with White Wash Pot $42.06 Brighten up your living space with this vibrant and cheerful Dendrobium silk arrangement. Standing 25 in tall this beautiful silk arrangement features stalks of delicate Dendrobium blooms and buds. Life like in appearance these stalks boast circular patches of white and green like its natural counter part. It sits in a timeless white wash pot and is a perfect fit for any d cor.

The Perfect Wife $7.99 "The Salinger Sisters series spins the tales of four sisters who find love - in spite of them-selves. Now in Book Three, after years of trying to be "the perfect wife, " Felicia is struggling, for her children's sake, to rebuild her life following a divorce. Now Felicia decides she needs a "wife" to help her juggle the demands of childcare, housework, and her fledgling career. Sensitive Brody Collins, an old classmate and "child care provider, " fits the bill perfectly. But is Brody really who he seems to be? And what actually prompted him to take on the job of caring for her kids?> Author Shari MacDonald writes: "Nearly every woman I know struggles to balance dozens of competing demands on her time: kids and the carpool, finances and friendships, responsibilities and romance. Many of these women daydream of someday getting a little 'extra help.' In The Perfect Wife, single mom Felicia Salinger Kelley is about to get exactly that, and so much more...""

Almost Perfect $3.94 At the time Stella Blake meets Richard Fallon, she is nearly broke. Her semi-famous father, who has always neglected her, is dying. Her job at a San Francisco newspaper is only tentative. Richard, on the other hand, is wildly successful as a commercial artist, even if both his marriages to bosomy blondes have failed. Of course, he immediately notes that Stella is not his type, being small, dark, and exotic-looking. For her part, Stella thinks Richard is far too sure of himself, and vain. Naturally they fall in love. Theirs is an almost perfect relationship -- except for the violent fights followed by passionate reconciliations. And there is Stella's suddenly ascending career...and a shimmering San Francisco whose dark side is AIDS. Something is terribly amiss with this golden couple, something one of them is only beginning to suspect. In "Almost Perfect," Alice Adams creates her most searing account of modern relationships when illusions crack, secrets seep out, and women face the consequences of falling madly in love.

Perfect Game - $12.99 A group of youthful misfits learn the value of teamwork in this made-for-TV comedy-drama. Kanin (Cameron Finley) is a 11-year-old kid who loves baseball and wants to play on the local Little League team. But as much as he loves the game, Kanin isn't very good, and he figures he doesn't have much of a chance of making a place on the team coached by Bobby Geiser (Patrick Duffy), who has guided a number of league champions. Kanin is pleasantly surprised when he and a number of other less-than-stellar players make the cut, but they soon discover Geiser was forced to take them onto the team after losing a bet -- and that he'll see to it that they ride the pine all season. Kanin and his friends are outraged, and so is Diane (Tracy Nelson), Kanin's mom; with her help, Kanin and his friends oust Geiser as coach, and a retired high school baseball coach (Edward Asner) is brought in to replace him. However, the kids soon discover that their new coach needs a dose of confidence nearly as badly as they do. Perfect Game was produced for the Disney Channel, where it originally aired. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

The Perfect Princess $6.99 Nationally bestselling author of Princess Charming Elizabeth Thornton has created one of her most thrilling and sensuous novels ever — the story of a woman who’s nearly given up her hope of finding a noble hero...until fate throws her unexpectedly into a breathtaking plot to save a scoundrel. Lady Rosamund Devere has no interest in becoming the wife of a dull prince, no matter how perfect the newspapers think she is for that role. But not even the unconventional Rosamund could imagine the headline the papers will soon be running: the one where she is the willing hostage of a condemned murderer. Yet Richard Maitland is no ordinary criminal. Steely-eyed, arrogant, and dangerously attractive, the ex-chief of His Majesty’s Secret Service is also, as far as Rosamund is concerned, guilty as sin. Caught up in his daring escape on the eve of his execution, Rosamund, who can handle a gun as well as any man and is not afraid to use it, soon finds herself in every bit as much danger as Richard. For the more she learns about this mysterious lone wolf of a man, the more determined she is to help him clear his name. But even more perilous than the conspiracy surrounding Richard is the passion that ignites between them — a passion that is rash, reckless, and impossible to resist. From the Paperback edition.

The Perfect Paragon $7.99 After being nearly killed by both a hired hit man and her former secretary, Agatha Raisin could use some low-key cases. So when Robert Smedley walks through the door, determined to prove that his wife is cheating, Raisin Investigations immediately offers to help. Trouble is, Agatha hates divorce cases--especially when the client is as pompous as Smedley--but she has a business to run and she's not about to turn away a paying customer. Unfortunately for Agatha, Mabel Smedley appears to be the perfect wife, young and pretty and a regular volunteer at church. Although Smedley’s case doesn’t look promising, Agatha’s attentions are diverted when she stumbles across the body of missing teenager, Jessica Bradley. In a sudden gesture of kindness (and good public relations), Agatha offers to investigate Jessica’s death free of charge. As Agatha juggles her two biggest cases, things are turned upside down when Robert Smedley is found poisoned in his office. The prime suspect, his sainted wife Mabel, immediately hires Agatha to find the real killer. With the help of her old friend, Sir Charles Fraith, and some newly hired staff, Agatha Raisin sets off on another adventure solving crime in the English Cotswolds.

Perfect Blend $3.95 From Sue Margolis, the beloved author of Forget Me Knot and Gucci, Gucci Coo, comes a clever, capricious novel about lust, longing, and sizing up the competition. After enduring her share of commitment-phobic boyfriends, Amy Brown trades in her high-powered PR job and designer shoes to embark on the journey of single motherhood. Now, with a rambunctious boy of six and chaotic shifts serving decadent muffins and high-octane brew at a local coffee bar, Amy could use a fix herself--preferably the sexy, smoky-eyed grande type. No one is more shocked than Amy to discover that Sam Draper is made perfectly to order: hot, sweet, and delicious. There is just one teeny problem. He's the architect for the neighborhood's brand-new Bean Machine, her employer's fiercest rival. Still, Sam is sexy, fun, and really likes Amy's son, Charlie. Amy can't resist the steamy passion--or the feeling that Sam is hiding a secret or two. Could there be something rotten in the beans that make up the Machine's secret blend? Or is it something more personal? Harnessing her untapped yet formidable journalistic skills, Amy blows the lid off a story that will change her life, but will Sam stick around to share it? Perfect Blend is as addictive as a Frappuccino--but not nearly as fattening.

Perfect Pies $12.99 The smell of a pie baking in the kitchen immediately conjures up feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and love. Michele Stuart vividly remembers standing at her grandmother’s apron hem as a child, as she fine-tuned (and improved!) family recipes that had been passed down for generations. Eventually, Stuart’s lifelong passion for pie-making inspired her to open what would become the world-famous shop Michele’s Pies. You don’t have to travel to Michele’s Pies in Norwalk and Westport, Connecticut, though, to taste Stuart’s mouthwatering creations. Perfect Pies shares nearly eighty delicious recipes, many of them National Pie Championships winners: There are desserts bursting with fruit (Country Apple Pie, Blueberry-Blackberry Pie), crunchy with nuts (Chocolate-Pecan-Bourbon Pie, Maple Walnut Pie), cream-filled delights (Coconut Custard Pie, Lemon Chiffon Pie), and pies perfect for a party (Ultimate Banana Split Pie, Candyland Pie). And let’s not forget Stuart’s sensational savory creations, from Lobster Pot Pie to Quiche Lorraine to Italian Wheat Pie. Stuart also passes along easy recipes for Hot Fudge Sauce, Raspberry Jam, and Whipped Cream to top it all off. Stuart’s secret, she says, is that her pies are “made by hand with love,” but she doesn’t neglect to advise you on the basic kitchen tools you’ll need as she reveals essential tips and techniques, from how to roll out dough to the best way to make light and flaky crust. And of course she stresses the use of fresh, seasonal fruits and other wholesome ingredients. “The best pies are the ones that keep it simple,” Stuart notes. So whether you’re a pie novice, a weekend baker, or a seasoned pastry chef, Perfect Pies will help make everything you bake worthy of a blue ribbon. From the Hardcover edition.

The Perfect Poison $3.74 Plagued by rumours that she poisoned her fiance, Lucinda Bromley manages to live on the fringes of polite society, tending her beloved plants - and occasionally consulting on a murder investigation. For the notorious botanist possesses a unique talent: she can detect almost any type of poison. But the death of a lord has shaken Lucinda to her core. At the murder scene, she picks up traces of a poison containing a very rare species of fern - stolen from her conservatory just last month. To keep her name out of the investigation, and to find the murderer, Lucinda hires fellow Arcane Society member, Caleb Jones. As a nearly overwhelming desire blooms between them, they are drawn into a deadly conspiracy that can be traced to the early days of the Arcane Society - and to a legacy of madness that could plunge Caleb into the depths of his own tortured soul

Nearly Natural 4665 Mixed Peony Centerpiece Silk Flower Arrangement $81.17 A colorful addition to any room this dazzling peony arrangement will have you dreaming of a sunny spring day no matter what the season. Plush pastel petals are flanked by a crisp mix of delicate buds and foliage. Nearly three feet in length itrsquo;s the perfect size to compliment a dining room table or fireplace mantel. Perched gracefully atop rustic intertwined twigs yoursquo;ll be impressed with its authentic beauty.

The Perfect Summer $11.81 One summer of nearly a hundred years ago saw one of the high sunlit meadows of English history. A new king was crowned; audiences swarmed to Covent Garden to see the Ballet Russes and Nijinskys gravity-defying leaps. The aristocracy was at play, bounding from house party to the next; the socialite Lady Michelham travelled with her nineteen yards of pearls. Rupert Brooke (a 23-year-old poet in love with love, Keats, marrons glaces and truth) swam in the river at Grantchester. But perfection was over-reaching itself. The rumble of thunder from the summer's storms presaged not only the bloody war years ahead: the country was brought to near standstill by industrial strikes, and unrest exposed the chasm between privileged and poor; as if the heat was torturing those imprisoned in society's straitjacket and stifled by the city smog. Children, seeking relief from the scorching sun, drowned in village ponds. What the protagonists could not have known is that they were playing out the backdrop to WWI; in a few years time the world, let alone England, would never be the same again. Through the eyes of a series of exceptional individuals; a debutante, a suffragette, a politician, a trade unionist, a butler and the Queen; Juliet Nicolson illuminates a turning point in history. With the gifts of a great storyteller she rekindles a vision of a time when the sun shone but its shadows fell on all.