Category Archives: From the Expert

Dressing the Mother of the Bride or Groom

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TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER THE KETUBAH GIVEAWAY! You or your loved one can enter the ketubah giveaway on The Wedding Yentas with Ketubah Studio by MP Artworks! Photo submissions are being accepted right now through February 16th at 11:59 p.m. PST Email photos to alison@theweddingyentas.com now so you don’t miss your chance to save big on this Jewish ceremony ritual! Details here!

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Andrea’s Couture, the sister salon to Andrea’s Fashions, serving women of Beverly Hills for 37 years, has opened in Corona del Mar offering the luxury of exquisite customized gowns in the convenience of Orange County. Women are treated to exceptional customer service by this family team as they choose from close to 400 dress options (various skirt patterns, necklines, lengths, etc.) to customize their style and over 250 colors before being custom fit using 22 measurements. This allows for endless combinations, creating a one-of-a-kind gown guaranteed to fit impeccably. The salon also offers select accessories.

One of the most exciting days for a mother is the day her child gets engaged. Everyone is very excited for the upcoming nuptials and the planning begins. Then months of planning go by and everything gets wrapped up. However, one of the last things on the list is usually the mother’s attire. I am not really sure why it happens like this, but it always seems to be the case. The majority of mothers do not think of their own gown until the last moments and expect to find the perfect look for an event that takes a year to plan by just taking a quick trip to the local mall. What a mother doesn’t know is that it takes just as much effort to find her gown as it did to find the bride’s gown.

It is important to keep in mind that half of your guests have never met you. It is my job to make sure it is obvious to everyone at the wedding that your role is the mother of the bride/groom and to make you feel your best on the day of the wedding. The photographs will last forever and so should your amazing memories of that day.

It is evident that there is no easy answer to the dilemmas mothers face in their gown search. Sleeve or no sleeve? Short or long? To match or not to match the bridal party?

There truly is no short answer. However, Andrea’s Couture boasts over 37 years of experience helping ladies make the right choice.

Here is my professional take on these questions:

Sleeve or No sleeve?
The mother of today is more youthful than ever before. After all 50 is the new 40, right? However, very few ladies accept that there is a normal change in the texture of their skin that occurs over time. Therefore, there is a bit of an epidemic of “bye-bye” arm obsession. (Ladies, the only one looking at your “bye-bye” arms is you). Hot flashes are bad enough, so why add fabric to compound the issue? It is not necessary to cover your entire shoulder to achieve a demure and sophisticated look. Wearing an on-the-shoulder sleeve instantly adds at least 10 years to your gorgeous face. I understand that you need to feel comfortable in your attire, but, unfortunately, long gone are the days of column dresses with little matching jackets. That being said, there is something regal about a portrait neckline or a soft Juliet sleeve to finish off a mother’s look. There are also stunning boleros which achieve an amazing line for a woman. Lastly, for Jewish weddings, a shawl tied appropriately can make a rabbi happy. Or for a very religious woman, I can create a dress that has a seamless transition to a narrow sleeve line with no obvious indication that you have added sleeves to a strapless dress.

I offer all these options in my store, Andrea’s Couture, simply because there are no two women with the same exact needs. A little more or a little less coverage is something that can be easily achieved with my professional experience on your side. It is my #1 goal that every single mother feels her most beautiful while celebrating at the wedding and I stop at nothing to achieve this.

Long or Short?
I firmly believe that this is indicated by each individual event. Today’s bride is savvy and is adding personal touches to her event. If the bridesmaids are wearing short, then the mothers should wear short, too. If the bridesmaids are wearing long, the mothers should also wear long. Tea length (mid-calf) is not a happy middle-ground for a mother. She should wear short (at knee or just below knee) or long.

Now, this is not to say that a long dress has to have a dramatic train. It can simply touch the floor. I personally love to create a long dress for the affair because after the wedding, I can shorten it to cocktail length. This always helps in amortizing the purchase and allowing for future wear. In our boutique, we have many designs that we have created long and short to illustrate how amazing each can look.

To Match or Not to Match?
Many women unfortunately struggle with the color selection of the gown. A simple rule of thumb is that mothers should never match the wedding party or the other mother of the bride or groom, but rather they should complement the wedding party. A mother should never look like a glorified bridesmaid, and a mother should never blend in with her guests. Furthermore, the mother of the bride and mother of the groom should not wear the same color either.

There are some simple color choices. For example, if it’s a black and white wedding then the choice has been made for you. The other side of the coin is that there are some color choices that are more challenging. For example, I recently created a breathtaking mother-of-the-bride gown that was ballet pink with a combination of silver and pink beading for a charcoal and pale yellow wedding.

Here are some other scenarios: If the party is wearing Wisteria or lavender, the mothers can wear burgundy, royal purple, silver, charcoal gray, or navy. Or if the party is wearing nude/champagne, mothers can choose sage green, gold, dark reds, rusts, bronze, or chocolate.

In the past when searching for a gown, women have been forced to pick between a few mainstream colors such as navy, chocolate, green or champagne. With over 150 colors in each gown, Andrea’s Couture never limits your options.

  • Bethany Thomas says:

    Great article and gorgeous gowns! It answered so many questions moms ask -thanks for answering!

From the Expert: Getting Married in Israel

It’s so exciting to have a special guest today on The Wedding Yentas who will be teaching us all about getting married in Israel! Tracey Goldstein is the Editor and Creator of Hatunot: The English Speaker’s Guide to Planning a Wedding in Israel. Tracey moved to Tel Aviv in 2010 and previously founded and managed NYC event planning firm, Polka Dot Events. Hatunot is the Israeli version of The Wedding Yentas, and as an American living in Israel, she knows exactly what brides in the U.S. love about weddings and what they should know about weddings in Israel. Funny, intelligent, and personable are perfect adjectives that describe Tracey, and it’s an honor to be BFF (Blog Friends Forever) with Hatunot!

When most Americans think about Israel, a collection of thoughts comes to mind; desert, war and camels, cute Israeli soldiers, delicious hummus, beaches, and maybe even a fun Birthright trip. But what most don’t know is that Israel could be on the map as the world capital of weddings! Before you go and book your destination wedding in the Caribbean, check out some of the top reasons I am so crazy about the wedding industry in Israel, and why I think YOU should celebrate your hatuna (“wedding” in Hebrew) here, too!!

The Ultimate Venue Selection
Sprawled across the country are hundreds of indoor-outdoor venues of equal quality to the venues American brides pay top dollar for as they cross their fingers for decent weather. Israel offers garden spaces, beachside hotels, modern lofts, and rustic farms all in a country the size of New Jersey. And since Israeli guest lists are often so large (the average Israeli wedding has 500 guests, while the average American wedding has 100), venues and vendors are much more accommodating for large groups. Why pay the typical $250+ per plate demanded by Manhattan catering halls when a Tel Aviv venue that is often larger, newer, and serves better food will charge only 250 shekels?! Kosher catering is almost never an issue, nor is the weather. Plan your event anytime between May and October and you can sleep easy knowing no last minute tents need to be ordered.

Venue: Cochav HaYam in Caesarea & Photo by John Edgar

An Incredible Trip for Your Guests
While destination weddings in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii are the perfect excuse for a vacation for your family and friends, inviting them to your wedding in Israel is giving your loved ones the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. Israel has the beaches, the restaurants, and the fun, but it also has the ancient history and spiritual significance that no other place in the world can truly match. And while the distance will certainly come with “destination” wedding expenses for family and friends abroad, the Israeli tourism industry encompasses numerous tour organizations than can assist with group flight and hotel rates, transportation logistics, and countrywide tours so guests will surely feel they’ve spent their money’s worth.

Talented and Enthusiastic Vendors
The one thing I have definitely learned from running my wedding blog is that Israel is full of talented, enthusiastic vendors that are fluent in English and dying to work with couples from abroad. Photographers, videographers, DJs — you name it — there are tons of vendors here that really understand American standards and taste, and can produce high quality services.

So Many Bridal Gowns!
Taking a walk down Dizengoff or Ben Yehuda Street in Tel Aviv? You’d have to be blindfolded not to notice the dozens of bridal gown shops, less than feet apart. Yes, I’ll admit there are a few designers who specialize in the see-through-bustier-cupcake-gown that can give any modern bride nightmares, but Israel has an immense selection of sophisticated, modern, romantic, and non-poufy dress boutiques for brides all over the city.

Omer Bar Photography & Dress by Limor Rosen

A Land of Milk, Honey, and Informalities
With so much diversity and such a central geographical location, Israel is a mix of European, American, and Middle Eastern culture. But what I think is so unique about this country is that it is a place to drop formalities. A wedding in Israel does not need tuxedos and bow ties, you do not need to have 12 bridesmaids, and the series of father-daugther, mother-son, grandma-uncle, my half-brother from my dad’s third marriage dances. It is about good food, dancing, and celebrating. Therefore Israel is the perfect place to wed if you are looking for a fun and comfortable environment.

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Don’t forget to take a minute to enter you or your loved one into the ketubah giveaway on The Wedding Yentas with Ketubah Studio by MP Artworks! Photo submissions are being accepted right now through February 16th! Details here!

  • Tracey Goldstein says:

    Thank you so much for this article Alison! I love the BFF part ha!

From The Expert: Zumba® Your Way Down The Aisle

Stacy Gross is a certified Zumba® Instructor with over 18 years of dance and performance experience. In addition to the catchy Latin-inspired rhythms of Zumba®, Stacy uses her fun-loving and enthusiastic teaching style to create a positive, exciting and engaging atmosphere. Whether it’s a class of 20 or a corporate event with 600 people, Stacy will customize her routine and leave you feeling energized, happy, and confident. Graduating in 2010 with a B.A. in Communications from California Lutheran University, Stacy now resides and works in Southern California. When Stacy isn’t Zumba-ing away, she enjoys going on nature hikes, reading inspirational books, and watching movies with her friends. For more information on Zumba® With Stacy call 507.351.9230, email sgross@clunet.edu, or visit her Facebook page!

When you ask Zumba® fanatics, “What is Zumba®?” chances are that they will start their explanation off with a smile. A big smile. They’ll get this sparkle in their eye and launch into how Zumba® is the highlight of their week, how the hour-long class flies by, or how they didn’t even feel like they were working out because they were actually having fun. Are we still talking about a work out here? Absolutely!

For those of you who like a more official definition, the Zumba® web site describes this party-like experience as “an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.” Sounds pretty great, right? It gets better. Not only does this international phenomenon feel more like a party than a workout, it also helps you burn hundreds of calories in just one session. So while you, and the 12 million other Zumba® enthusiasts around the world are shimmying and shaking away, the pounds and inches are melting off (Source: Zumba.com)!

Besides the obvious health and weight loss benefits of the Zumba® Fitness Program, this work out is energizing, liberating, and just plain fun! I have never laughed and smiled this much while working out. Ever! The thing I hear most often from my Zumba® Crew is how much they look forward to this time each week. Even when they are having a horrible day and exercising is the last thing they want to do, all of those thoughts and feelings disappear once they hear those catchy Latin rhythms. My greatest joy in teaching Zumba® is when I see people let go of whatever fear, worry, or insecurity they are holding on to, truly feel the music, and celebrate life and themselves.

Now there may be some of you reading this thinking “I can’t do Zumba®: I’m not a dancer, I’m not coordinated enough, I have two left feet, my hips don’t move like that, I would embarrass myself, I’m too this, I’m too that, yadda, yadda, yadda.” And to anyone who is feeling that way, I say: it doesn’t matter! Seriously! The only thing that matters is that you are having an absolute blast (and that you are doing the moves safely of course)!

When any of my students feel apprehensive about doing Zumba®, I tell them about a 60-something woman from Russia who would drop into my classes, which were mostly made up of college students. Most of the time, she was doing a completely different move than I was, but she always had a smile on her face. I didn’t care that she was doing her own thing, because she was enjoying herself and letting the music move her. I loved watching how liberated and free she was. She didn’t let her age or skill levels interfere with her experience; instead, she got out of her head, and danced from her heart. In my opinion, that’s what Zumba® is all about.

Regardless of where you are at on your fitness journey, Zumba® can be an excellent tool for brides-to-be. Whether you want to lose that extra cushion to fit perfectly into your dress, or just feel more sexy and confident about yourself, Zumba® puts you in touch with your body and reminds you that the more you love it, the better it will treat you. Besides using Zumba® as a means to boost your own confidence for the big day, Zumba® makes for a unique, amusing and memorable bachelorette party and provides a great way to bond with bridesmaids, mothers-in-law, and other honored guests of the wedding.

No matter how you would like to incorporate Zumba® into your life, just make sure you give it a try. I guarantee you will smile.

ZUMBA® and the Zumba Fitness logo are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license

Two Of A Different Kind: Planning an Interfaith Wedding

We are honored to have a rock star cantor guest-blogging for The Wedding Yentas today! Cantor Debbi Ballard of My Personal Cantor is here to unmix any mix-ups you may feel if you’re planning a mixed wedding! If the man of your dreams isn’t Jewish or if you’re still getting the hang of the Big J, you might be feeling some stress or confusion. Relax and read on as Cantor Debbi provides you some nuggets of wisdom from her many years of officiating interfaith weddings!

Congratulations! The day you’ve dreamed of forever has finally arrived, and you are newly engaged! What joy! It is so much fun to choose the venue, flowers, music, and colors for that special day. There are so many choices to make, and so many ways to make your wedding day a reflection of your individual personalities, and you are having fun doing it! Well, at least it was fun, until one of your parents asked you the “Question” –
Mother # 1: “Of course, you will respect your heritage and have a Rabbi officiate at your wedding…right?”
Mother #2: “Fabulous! I’ll call the Pastor! The wedding will be so beautiful in the church you grew up in!”
(notice that inevitably – there is just the appropriate amount of guilt inserted in Mother #1’s request….)

OMG! What to do? How are you going to pull this one off? Colors? Easy. Music? You knew exactly what band/DJ you wanted from the minute he proposed! Venue? A few tastings, and extra calories to work off, and you’ve got a hot spot. But, how on earth are you going to please your mothers, and make this ceremony a fair representation of both of you?

I cannot tell you how many desperate emails I receive every day from brides and grooms who are ready to pull the plug on the whole wedding planning idea because they have found out that the problems they encounter seem insurmountable, and they have no idea where to turn.

I hear from people all the time: “Well, we took out all the Jewish and all the Christian, and came up with a beautiful ceremony.” Great, but that pretty much gives you a civil ceremony. Certainly you want something a little more special (or faith-full) than that?

You both came from different faiths, and those rituals and traditions that you always dreamed of having are important to you, perhaps not in your every day secular lives, but your grandparents and parents are counting on you “honoring” your faiths, and you owe it to them — and to yourselves — to do just that.

image-courtesy-of-borrowed-blue-photography

RELAX! I know your hearts are beating fast and your pulse is racing just at the thought of the conflict this process is going to entail. But, with a little bit of guidance, and a few very simple rules to follow, you can do it!

Let’s get one thing straight: in the world of interfaith weddings, there are no rules! You need an officiant who will embrace you — a couple from two different faiths, and all that goes along with that. Sure there are Rabbis/Cantors who will tolerate you and tell you what has to happen, but then again, there are others who believe, at their very core (yes, this is me!) that love is amazing, and because it’s no longer a given that love happens within the boundaries of our faiths, we should celebrate the love and unity of the couple, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. Therefore, rules, traditions, rituals, etc. are there for us to use as guides, not hard core must-dos. Many rituals and traditions of a Jewish wedding have specific biblical origin, but they also carry modern-day symbolism that you can incorporate as far less religious and way more meaningful today.

Planning what that ceremony looks like most definitely begins with that awesome officiant who is creative and open minded, but also eloquent and able to handle sensitive issues and questions from parents and inquiring relatives. (So many times, it’s an aunt or uncle who proves to be the most “interested” in how things are going to look).

Each ritual/tradition brings with it a biblical/religious meaning, but also a modern-day, spiritual interpretation. You can include biblical traditions such as the Seven Blessings, the chuppah, and the breaking of the glass by incorporating the meanings and relevance to our lives today, rather than the strong religious connotations it might have originally carried.

Often, my couples incorporate the Seven Blessings, but have their friends and family read seven custom-written blessings, rather than the biblical translation. Or, when I am co-officiating a wedding, I often sing the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), while my co-officiant leads the Lord’s Prayer. (Actually, the Lord’s Prayer is rooted in our Jewish prayer, The Kaddish, so they’re actually related!)

The important thing to remember about planning your interfaith wedding is that you want and need this day to be about your union, so you need to focus on the things that unite you, rather than divide you. From there, everything is possible to negotiate and navigate.

Of course, some more serious issues arise, such as the style of the processional, parents standing at the chuppah, whether a yarmulke (kippah, or head covering) is worn, and many other issues, but again, when you are focusing on what you want to create for your wedding, and making choices based on that desire, everything will work out.

But when it doesn’t, when things begin to break down, and you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that it is a day, not a lifetime. Have conversations about what you want your life to look like, and remember you are each others’ best friends. Look to your officiant for guidance, or enlist the help of resources like www.Interfaithfamily.com. I highly recommend Rabbi Devon Lerner’s book, Celebrating Interfaith Marriages, or just seek out advice from other brides on the web. You are not the first, nor will you be the last, but you absolutely can plan a beautiful, inclusive, and original interfaith wedding! Enjoy the process, and most of all, have fun!

After more than 20 years in corporate management, Cantor Debbi Ballard decided to pursue the passions of her heart, and combine her love for music, faith, and people into the most rewarding career of her life! Today, as a Cantor specializing in performing Jewish and Interfaith weddings, you might find her officiating a ceremony in Florida, The Caribbean, Mexico, or even on top of a mountain! Debbi is known throughout the world for creating personalized, spiritual ceremonies, filled with warmth and passion. Her deep sensitivity for people, eloquence, and dynamic personality, help her create wedding ceremonies her clients and guests remember for a lifetime! Visit Cantor Ballard online at www.mypersonalcantor.com.

Q & A: Queen Of The Hamsas

The Hamsa Queen, Jenni of Lea Joelle Handmade is here to give us a little behind-the-scenes of her wonderful world of Hamsas. And she loves The Wedding Yentas so much, not only is she divulging her deepest, darkest Hamsa-making secrets, but she’s offering a giveaway! Just in time for Chanukah, read on to find out about this cute-and-yummy prize that’s waiting for a winner! Is it you?

The Wedding Yentas: Hi Jenni! Tell us about your love for Hamsas?
Lea Joelle Handmade: I love Hamsas! I have ever since my first trip to Israel. They were everywhere! In so many sizes, colors, and designs. I had already learned of the Hamsa when I studied Kabbalah for a short period of time back in college, but never connected with it so much before.

TWY: There are many interpretations behind the meaning of the Hamsa. What do you think of when you think about this beautiful symbol?
LJH: When I realized that the Hamsa is used in so many different cultures, including Judaism and Islam, it became even more special to me. As a religion major at Rutgers University, I studied many different religions and cultures, and very often the conflicts between them. So, to see a symbol that united so many of them is very moving. To me they represent peace and the universal desire for divine luck and protection.

TWY: Like so many symbols in Judaism, there are multiple meanings and interpretations. I like that. So, what’s your art background?
LJH: My art background begins with being a kid who always preferred crayons to sports. I’ve always taken classes in school and outside of school that taught me different forms of art and I often expanded on that on my own.

TWY: What would you say your artistic style is?
LJH: I think that the style I use on my Hamsas is very modern, cute, and fun. There are a million Hamsas out there, but most are very traditional. I like to use the shape to make a more personal piece of art.

TWY: That’s my style too. So, how did you get into the business of creating artistic Hamsas?
LJH: When planning my wedding, I immediately knew I wanted to give Hamsas as favors to my guests. But how? I looked high and low for an afforable and personal way to do this. It didn’t take long before I thought to make them myself! This way they could be as personalized as I wanted. I enjoyed making them so much I did not want to stop. I found a great place to share my passion on Etsy.

TWY: Etsy is amazing for artists of handmade goods. Can you tell us what materials you use?
LJH: I use mostly wooden Hamsas. I prefer using wood because it is easy to paint and personalize. Also, they are very lightweight and do not break so they are perfect for wall hangings. It is also the best material to use to make affordable gifts and favors. As you can see in my shop, I do like to experiment though!

TWY: How long does it take you to complete a project?
LJH: It depends on the size of the project, but since I work full-time at a small charity in Brooklyn, I usually complete my projects over a couple of evenings. Once I get started on a project, I don’t like to stop!

TWY: Ah, the beauty of being your own boss! I know it’s hard to choose just one, but what’s been your most favorite project to work on?
LJH: I love, love making Hamsa wishing tree tags. I think the idea of the wishing tree for special events such as weddings and showers are so beautiful. Guests write a short message of well wishes or advice on the back of each Hamsa and hang them on a tree provided by the host. You are left with a tree full of brightly decorated, unique and extremely personalized Hamsas! They are beautiful! I recently received an order for the Hamsa tags for a mother using them to build a family tree!

TWY:Keeping the Hamsa theme, what are the different items you make? I know keychains are what started you off, but what else do you create with hamsas?
LJH: There are so many ways to use the Hamsas. Right now I make everything from the wishing tree tags mentioned above, to wine glass markers, rearview mirror ornaments, magnets, and wall decor. I recently made a felt Hamsa for my kitten to play with! Even animals need a little good luck!

TWY: Awww, cute! What are some decorating suggestions you have for displaying your creations?
LJH: I personally have a collection of Hamsas when you enter my apartment. They belong in any room, on your keys, in your car and in your office! These mini flower pot Hamsas with Business Prayer are an adorable way to make your cubicle feel like home!

TWY: That’s a fabulous idea! So, are you running any kind of special promotions for the upcoming holidays?
LJH: Yes! I am offering $1 shipping worldwide through the end of the year! Also, please use code “YENTA10″ for an additional 10% off your entire purchase!

TWY: How nice of you! How can people place orders?
LJH: Please check out my etsy shop online. You can also contact me by email leajoelle462@gmail.com.

TWY: Finally, what would be your dream project?
LJH: My dream project is to make Hamsa key chain favors for a celebrity wedding! Each guest would take home a handmade Hamsa key chain personalized with the couple’s name and wedding date! Perhaps it could then be publicized and more people would learn what a Hamsa is and it’s beautiful symbolism.

Enter to win a masterpiece of Hamsa creations! Lea Joelle Handmade and The Wedding Yentas are giving away a set of wine glass tags and a gift certificate to BevMo so that you’ll celebrate in style this Chanukah season! The winner will receive four Hamsa Wine glass charms/markers with the tree of life design! These are made to order so if you prefer different colors, you can customize your palette upon claiming your prize. The Hamsas are 2 inches long and hang from 1″ silver hoops that will fit any stemmed and/or handled glass. Let your guests have their own identity at your party for a night of luck in friendship, good food, and maybe even love! The BevMo gift card will make sure your glass is not only cute, but full!

How to Enter:
Leave a comment below for one entry.
Leave a comment and mention the giveaway on The Wedding Yentas Facebook page for one entry.
Leave a comment and mention the giveaway on the Lea Joelle Handmade Facebook page for one entry.

The more entries in your name, the more chances you have to win! Sweepstakes ends Thursday, December 15 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, December 16.

Good luck!

  • Rachel says:

    ahh i LOVE hamsas! they’re my favorite. and i love all these designs. so delicate and and cute!

  • sharon says:

    love the hamsas. they are everything from whimsical to beautiful in design and message.

  • Katie says:

    Would love to decorate my apartment with these!

  • Rachel says:

    I love Wedding Yentas giveways! The hamsas are gorgeous! I love the key chain idea but the hamsas for wine glasses takes the cake!

  • LDDecoline says:

    These are so sweet !

  • Ilene Bauer says:

    What beautiful Hamsas! I would love to have some of my own and also share them with my Jewish friend who just got engaged. Her fiance will be converting to Judaism!

  • Nurit says:

    What a great business idea! I also love hamsas. I have a whole wall of hamsas at home. The wine charms are perfect for a wedding.

  • Stacia says:

    I LOVE these–especially the owls! They are absolutely perfect for our new apartment. I would love to be able to hang (at least) one up!

  • Lauren says:

    Hamsas show up in so many cultures and religions, it’s truly a uniting symbol that stands for goodness and protection. I try to have one with me everywhere I go. The one place I didn’t have covered yet were my wine glasses! And who doesn’t need a little guidance after a few glasses of Pinot?