My younger brother got married earlier this year and had a beautiful sunset ceremony on the beach. My favorite element was the use of sand — in the sand ceremony. Although not brand new tradition, I had never seen it before.

Like a unity candle, the symbolism is to unite the couple as one. Candles are great, but not in a windy beach setting. It’s a simple ceremony — the bride and groom each has a separate bottle filed with sand. An empty glass container sits between them. At the same time, they each take his/her bottle of sand and begin pouring the sand together — uniting as one.

What I like about the sand ceremony is that, unlike using candles, the sand stays intertwined forever. There is literally nothing you can ever do to separate his sand from her sand. All of the grains are forever mixed.

This got me thinking. Why not use it for families? Parents get one bottle of sand, each child gets one bottle and together you each pour them into one glass container. Another option would be for each family member to leave a little bit of sand in his/her bottle to represent individualism, while still showing unity as a family with the mixed sand.

The new family bottle can then be showcased in a proud spot within the home, or shared in individual containers for each family member to keep in a special place of his/her own. When the kids leave the house, they can take their bottle of family sand to remind them that their family will always be with them, no matter where they are. I think this would work especially well with adopted children and step families too. Or with teenagers who may need to be reminded the importance a family plays in ones life.

It’s great symbolism for all families — although separate grains of sand, we unite as one and stay forever connected.

Related:

• Wedding ceremony wording
• Family ceremony wording

I’m not sure why I watch awards shows anymore. After all, I don’t know these people. Why should I care that someone I watch on TV wins a statue?

I think it’s the excitement of the moment. Getting all dressed up for that special moment right before I go on stage to collect my award.

I watch because it’s inspiring. I love feeling like I could win an Emmy for what I do. I know the reality is that I can’t win one of these precious statues, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to be the best at all that I do. It helps inspire. Isn’t that reason enough?

Two lucky ladies won tickets to this weekend’s Orlando Home Show:

Congratulations Heidi and Modern Mami

Here’s how I randomly generated the winners.

Placed all the entries in random.org

Clicked “Randomize” and it shows the two winners at top:

I’ll be emailing you both with specifics on where to pick up the tickets. Have fun at the show!

The year before I got pregnant with my son, now nearly 3, I read more than one book a month. One of those was Steven King’s “On Writing,” memoir. At the end of the book he shares a list of the books he’s read . That’s when I started my own list: “Books I’ve Read.” I write down every book title I complete.

Because of the challenges and time constraints balancing work and family, reading is something most parents abandon. This was true during my first pregnancy, I was preoccupied with what was happening and the impending arrival of the baby, and I read zero books (pregnancy books don’t count). Eventually, I began reading again.

People often ask, “How do you find time to read?” Sometimes it’s challenging, but for me it’s what I do.

How? One page at a time.

I steal away time to read anywhere I can; when my son is in the bath, I sit on a stool by the wall; in the morning when my husband might be getting my son dressed, I’ll read one page; instead of doing the dishes, I’ll read a few pages.

We have quiet time in the living room every evening before bed and put on soothing music. No TV. This is the time that my son winds down from the day. He plays, and I usually read. I also try to read a few pages before I go to bed at night, but most of the time I get through only two pages, lean over and turn the light off and go to sleep.

It may take longer to finish a book than it used to, but this year my list says I’ve completed almost 8 titles. Not the highest number ever, but I think even Steven King would be proud.

Related:

• What I’m currently reading: “The 19th Wife“
• Steven King’s “On Writing” book — even if you aren’t a fan of King, it’s an excellent book about writing.
• My recommended books

As a busy mom I’ve neglected my home lately. I want to redecorate and make our space unique and inviting. Designers are typically expensive and I don’t have time to watch HGTV anymore, so when I heard about a design event at the upcoming Orlando Home Show, I was intrigued. Called “Speed Design,” it will help busy people like me get expert advice in minutes.

The premise is like speed dating. Just bring photos of design dilemmas from your home and rotate between five different local interior designers. You’ll have five, five-minute sessions where you are one-on-one with each designer. You’ll be sure to walk away with a variety of solutions from each designer. Once you enter the Home Show, there is no cost for the event.

If you go: Speed Design takes place at The Orlando Home Show, on SATURDAY ONLY (September 20, 2008) at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Arrive early — registration for this event is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Orlando Home Show runs, September 19-21 at the Orange County Convention Center. See its Web site for details, ticket pricing, parking information and a list of exhibits.

Win Free Tickets!
Two readers will win a pair of tickets to The Orlando Home Show. Just submit a comment to this blog post.

The two lucky winners will be randomly selected.

Deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008.

Only one entry per person please.

Winners will be announced on Friday.

Photos courtesy Marketplace Events.

Related:

• The Orlando Home Show
• Florida Home Shows
• Home Shows

Post a comment in the section below (even if it’s just your name or to say hi) to enter to win the Orlando Home Show tickets.