FIRST STATE FETES

What could be better than puppy love? Nothing. That's why Skipper's Biscuit Company, based in Lewes, now makes doggie treats as wedding favors. These are all-natural treats are made from ingredients such as whole wheat flour, organic applesauce and cinnamon. They're adorable, and look (and smell) like something you wouldn't mind eating yourself. If you do opt for these as favors, just be sure your guests know that they are for four-legged friends. Otherwise, you might have a tipsy aunt or two trying to nibble away.

Do you know about our wedding planning guide? If you haven't already checked it out, it's a download-able workbook that will show you everything you need to account for, from attire to stationery. It's worth checking out.

Town criers won’t relay your engagement news to the masses. Gossips are no good either. You could call everyone you know, but that would monopolize precious daytime minutes. If you want to get the news out, the best option is an engagement or wedding announcement in the local newspaper. Announcements just might be the easiest part of planning your wedding. In most instances, all you have to do is fill out a form with you and your fiance’s names, hometowns, education levels, graduation years and current employers. Some publications will also ask for the parents’ names and addresses, as well. Many weekly newspapers such as the Dover Post and Harrington Journal run the announcements for free, however, others charge a nominal fee.

Try to get the information to the paper as soon as possible. Don Flood, publisher of the Dover Post, says it can take a week or two to be printed. “Sometimes we have some backlog of announcements,” he says. “That can take some time to clear out.”

The Newark Post Email announcements to postnews@chespub.com. Or call 737-0724 for more information.

The Dover Post You can submit annoucements online, or stop by in person 609 E. Division St., Dover. Call 678-3616 for more.

The News Journal  Submit announcements online at or in person at 950 W. Basin Road, New Castle. Call 324-2456 for more.

Ah, the bachelor/ette party, one of the great last rites of singledom. It can mean lots of different things to different people. In B-rate Hollywood comedies, it can be a cause of dread. Or, if you have a good attitude about the whole thing,  it can be a great way to celebrate friendship and a new marriage. I suggest going with the latter.

But the real question isn't how to look at a bachelor/ette party, but where to have one. We're lucky to have plenty of options. Here are some of my top picks:

Dave and Busters-Eat lots of food, play lots of games, drink lots of... well, you get the picture.

Casablanca-There's plenty of room for even the biggest parties with the couch-like seating. And at the end of the day, who doesn't like eating with their fingers? If your party really needs some extra skin, there are belly dancing shows, both male and female.

Continental-This Philly staple serves food family style, which always makes for a lively dinner. Afterward, be sure to down one of their innovative martinis.

Dewey, as a whole—I don't think I need to explain this one. The

Borgata—Gambling, top notch food, hot clubs. What more could a girl (or her fiance) want?

I have an older bottle of olive oil that's seen too much exposure to heat and light (read: it's lost its culinary appeal). So, I've decided to take it out of my kitchen and relocate it to my bathroom. Here are some of my favorite beauty uses for olive oil:

Nail/cuticle soak-Let 'em soak in a small tray of EVOO for 10-15 minutes.

Hand moisturizer-Slather some on, don a pair of cotton gloves and go to bed. Your hands will be silky by morning, even in this dry, cold air we've been having.

Exfoliant-Mix some EVOO with sugar, and start buffing away.

Makeup remover-Dab a little on a Q-tip, and swipe. This will remove even water-proof mascara. Who needs the store-bought stuff?

And, just like in the kitchen, all of this goes really well with a glass of vino. There's nothing like la dolce vita...

What about you? Have you got any favorite beauty routines using olive oil?

This is an older list that was printed in the New York Times. But I came across it again recently in my web browsing. It's a list of questions you should ask before you contractually blend your life with someone else's. Not all of the questions are heart warming (going over the other person's health history doesn't scream romance), but they are crucial to building a healthy marriage. Check them out, and then be sure to go over them with your significant other.

Vote now or forever hold your peace. The couples are up for the Best Proposal contest. We had lots of entries, but these represent the sweetest, funniest and most romantic. Make sure you pick your favorites, because the winners get a shopping spree at Macy's.

On December 1, Jaclyn Ryerson and Timothy Savery threw a beautiful wedding inspired by the style of Audrey Hepburn. The look is so chic, I just had to share. The wedding's theme was a classic-meets-contemporary palate of black, white and red. But a lot of the details have a very now feel to them. Look at the table setting. The linens boast a pattern that would have sent brides from the '50s into a tailspin, but are really quite stunning, and are very current. Combine that with the architecture of the Raskob Estate in Claymont, and the look is an enviable one.

Photos are by Elizabeth Crook Photography.