DIY Life

Chances are, despite careful planning and attention to detail, there will be something that doesn't go exactly as planned at a wedding. Weddings are human events, and we humans are known for making mistakes.

At my own wedding, the photographer was nearly an hour late and my veil got stuck in my mom's bracelet after I hugged her during the ceremony, leading to a five-minute pause to detangle ourselves. Neither one derailed my day or diminished my joy, but as a bride-to-be, it's hard to remember that in the stressful days leading up to the big day.

You can help your bride-to-be or groom-to-be relax by gifting them with a wedding day emergency kit. Just knowing that someone else has the small stuff covered will give them a little breathing room to focus on the bigger picture.

After the break, I'll share a few ideas for what to put into the kits.

We're heading into a week of wind warnings. Power companies are busy preparing for outages, and homeowners are anxiously bringing in their outdoor toys. There's some important preparation that you can do when you are anticipating a storm. Here are 11 steps that should prepare you for any storm right through winter.

It's important to carefully inspect your yard and the outside of your house. Unless you want your patio furniture to end up in your neighbor's yard, it's time to take them in. You'll also want to make sure that you are stocked up on flashlights, and other emergency tools. You'll want to keep snow clearing tools on hand, along with salt for managing ice buildup. Check last year's supply now and replenish what's missing.

It might seem a bit early, but each year people are caught by surprise, and it's worth being ready for the stormy seasons. Make your way through the 11 steps, modifying it for your climate and specific needs. You'll be glad you were prepared.