For Her and For Him

Ever since Carrie from Sex and the City married Big dawning a large blue feature in her hair, I’ve been more and more intrigued with the “something blue” accessory. While Carrie’s feather may be too large and dramatic for most of us, it’s a great idea! Since these items (something new, old, borrowed, and blue) are signs of luck, why not make them a statement? No need to tuck them away. Flaunt them!

The most widely used blue accessories are blue shoes. This is an easy and versatile way to incorporate blue without the color being immediately overpowering. Because most dresses will be longer than floor-length, the shoes are easily covered up. Unless the bride lifts up her dress to go up or down a flight of stairs or etc. no one will even notice it. However, when they do, it makes for a dashing surprise! Also, blue shoes nowadays come in all different cuts and styles, with many different embellishments to fit any bride’s fancy.

If blue shoes seem too conventional or overdone, you can always choose the route of Carrie Bradshaw and dawn a statement headpiece. It doesn’t have to be as garish or exaggerated. Some handmade pieces available on website such as Etsy.com are so elegant and detailed.

Another great option to exhibit a dash a blue is through earrings. Dangly earrings with wavy locks add just the right amount of emphasize to your face, without being overpowering. A great pair of accent studs also will work elegantly with a classic up-do. Whatever your muse, blue accessories will add to the overall festive atmosphere!

Photos curtesy of Glamour and Google Images

You have been the subject of scrutiny all day. Someone had whispered about every step you took and every hair out of place. But you’ve finally made it down the aisle toward your new husband. After the ceremony and into the reception hall, it is finally time to You have been the subject of scrutiny all day. Someone had whispered about every step you took and every hair out of place. But you’ve finally made it down the aisle toward your new husband. After the ceremony and into the reception hall, it is finally time to enjoy your night and (for heaven sakes) eat!

You can finally kick off your shoes and slip into something more comfortable. Dance the night away in affordable reception dresses that come in a variety of styles!  From rustic to vintage, there is sure to be a style of reception dresses that suits your wedding fancy. Choose between reception dresses that will take everyone’s breath away as you make your exit from the biggest party of your life. After all, why wear one dress when you can wear two?

It’s getting close to your big day and it seems like nothing can get in the way of you having the best wedding ever, however anxiety and a lack of sleep and other stressors that usually comes with wedding planning can dramatically impact your immune system.  Before your wedding day, load up on these super-foods to ensure a boost in your immune system so a nasty cold or flu bug doesn’t creep up next to you when it’s time to put on those wedding dresses.

We hear the word antioxidants a lot but what foods exactly contain antioxidants?  Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene all contain high levels of antioxidants.  Usually colorful fruits and vegetables contain the most antioxidants.  Vitamin C is probably the easiest to satisfy.  They are in most citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.  Have a grapefruit with honey for breakfast, which will help boost your immune system.  Not to mention that it’s delicious!  Citrus fruit not your thing?  Brussels sprouts or tomatoes also pack a tone of vitamin C.  (Brussels sprouts pack a whole bunch of beneficial vitamins; it really is a SUPER food!) Tomatoes are easy to prepare in everyday food and it can be eaten cooked or raw.  When cooking most vitamin rich vegetables, boil slightly so that all the nutrients remain in the food.  If you prepare foods raw and under 108 degrees, more of the natural nutrients remain within the food rather than being rendered out.

Mustard greens, mangoes, and spinach all pack a tone of vitamin E.  In the summertime, mangoes mixed with apples and a few types of leafy greens tossed with sweet vinaigrette make such a refreshing salad.  Spinach is also a very versatile vegetable.  It can be tossed in any type of salad or slightly steamed and served with meat or poultry.

Purple and blue colored foods are my favorite ones.  A handful of blueberries in a smoothie or red cabbage (which are colored more like purple) tossed in a simple salad with blue cheese and apples will easily satisfy your antioxidant intake for the day.  Boosting your immune system will help keep those nasty cold and flu viruses at bay.  After all you don’t need another thing to worry about with all the excitement that is already going on in your life planning for your wedding day!

Photos curtesy of Google Images

No wedding should be bound by the traditional multi-tiered wedding cake if you don’t want it to be.  Wedding cake alternatives are springing up everywhere and some are more than creative!  Basically, anything that is a pastry, dessert, or even dinner rolls can be made into a wedding cake alternative to suit your unique wedding style.

As most of wedding-planning brides know, anything containing the word “wedding” cost much more than average.  Needless to say, wedding cakes can cost up to $15 a slice depending on the type of cake and decoration involved.  A simple sheet cake costs significantly less (as low as ~$1 per slice), but you won’t get the tiered cake that people usually associate with weddings.  Fondant cakes with different colors and decorations also costs more than buttercream icing.  If you have a large RSVP list and opt for a fancy cake, the total quickly adds up.

More and more vendors are providing wedding cake alternatives.  Not only are these ideas refreshing, but they can also be customized to suit the wedding style.  The most popular alternative to a traditional cake still has to be cupcakes.  The gourmet cupcake movement really popularized this phenomenon.  Gourmet cupcake stores really treat each individual cupcake like its own individual cake; complete with its own elaborate and cute decorations and delicious taste.  It’s no wonder why more people are opting for delightful alternatives.

Another really fascinating idea is having a chocolate fondue fountain in place of a tier cake.  When the chocolate starts flowing, it looks exactly like the shape of a tier cake, but more interactive for the guests to enjoy.  You can even provide pieces of cake for dipping into the chocolate.

Would you have a traditional tiered cake?  Or would you choose one of these innovative pastry designs?

Images curtesy of eatmywedding.com, budget-wedding-planning, South Bound Bride, Marrily, and Sweet Treat Co..

He’s always been there for you through thick and thin.  He waits for you to come home everyday.  Nothing feels quite as comforting as the moment he comes and cuddles with you.  No! I’m not talking about your future husband; I’m talking about your beloved canine!  Weddings do tend to get chaotic and it is completely okay to opt for keeping your pooch in a doggie daycare.  However if you do decide to include your special little guy or gal in the ceremony, there are plenty of super delightful ways to incorporate your pet into your wedding!

The most popular idea still is to have your dog act as your ring bearer.  Not everyone can find a little boy to be a ring bearer.   But if you already have a well behaved pet, why not let him have this important role on the big day?  There are special cushion ring-holders that are especially made to be strapped onto your dog.  Many vendors online sell these specialized cushions, or if you’re crafty and feeling up for a challenge, opt for a DIY version that you can personalize.

On the other hand, if you already have a ring bearer in mind, you can still make your pet your VIP (Very Special Pet) guest. There are many cute DIY signs or outfits that are simply too adorable to resist!  Here are a few examples where these dogs wear cute doggie tuxes.  With so many ways to invite your specially little guy or gal into your ceremony, how will you incorporate him/her into your big day?

Photos curtesy of Bravo Bride, Etsy, Telegraph UK, and Zoe Nature.

Go ahead and thank them!  These girls have been with you through thick and thin and you’ve already asked them to stand by your side while you marry the man you love.  When your veil looks out of place, they’ll adjust it for you and if you’re makeup needs touching up, they’ll see to it that it happens.  On your last night out as a single lady, they will also be the ones responsible for embarrassing you at every venue you girls visit, making sure everyone knows that it’s your bachelorette party.

As a gesture for your bridesmaids, you can arrange for an extravagantly decorated dinner.  No, you won’t have to rent the whole restaurant, but you can bring along a few items to decorate the table.  Put down bright pink or festive tablecloth, and make a large Marie Antoinette-esque centerpiece with pearls, lace, and feather.  Serve delicious cocktails and personalize a small gift for each of them.

Another great idea is to give them bachelorette party favors.  Stuff these little grab-bags with bachelorette night survival tools, such as an emergency nail kit, small candy snacks, mints, lip gloss, and other cute items.  This can also be personalized based on your bridesmaid.

Ultimately, they won’t care what you gift to them.  They will be there for you no matter what, but this small extra step will really show them that you appreciate everything they’ve done and are going to do for you.  Having good bridesmaids is the difference between having to shoulder the responsibility of planning your whole wedding alone versus having girl friends to share your ideas and thought.

Photos curtesy of Google Images

It isn’t a complete summer vacation by the poolside unless your drink has an umbrella in it!  Why not bring that relaxing, “I wish I could stay here forever” feeling to your wedding with super delicious cocktails?  It doesn’t literally have to have an umbrella in it.  As soon  as your guests feel the bubbles of the champagne tickling their noses, or tasting the sweet juices of that fragrant mango, they will be immediately swept away into your magical midsummer night’s dream.  Prepare your summer wedding dresses because these summer cocktails will make you wish you’d never have to leave!

Cadillac Margarita:

Wish there was a drink that is delicious but low-cal enough to keep you in your svelte shape?  Look no further!  All you need is alcohol and fresh squeezed lime juice.

• 1 1/2 oz premium tequila
• 1 oz Grand Marnier
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• salt for rimming

Mango Mojito:

A delicious twist to a classic.  For even more mint flavor, blend mint leaves with ice and add the other ingredients to create a mojito slush!

• 2 lime wedges
• 5 fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup club soda
• 3 tablespoons rum
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 1 tablespoon mango nectar

Strawberry Bellini:

Such a simple preparation, yet definitely spells “celebration.”

• 1 bottle prosecco
• 2 cups pureed and strained fresh strawberries
• Special equipment: blender, strainer, iced Champagne flutes, pitcher and a tall “swizzle stirrer” (for the pitcher)

Strawberry Pina Colada Yogurt Pops:

A twist on a classic! Perfect for a sweltering summer day, yet still tastes like what you’re know.

• 6 tablespoons organic strawberry preserves pre-soaked in your favorite rum
• 1 cup Vanilla Low fat yogurt
• ½ cup finely chopped pineapple chunks
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes, reserve half for garnishing
• 6 Popsicle’s sticks
• 6 shot glasses

Who says you have to enjoy these delicious ideas only on the day of the wedding?  Hold a cocktail tasting party for you and your girls before the big day and help everyone unwind from wedding planning stress.

Photos curtesy of Smart Food and Fit and Google Images

Weddings are easily the biggest time for splurging.  Why not? It’s the biggest party you’ll ever throw!  However every small detail adds up.  The biggest costs for most weddings will be towards the venue, reception (food and drinks), and photographer.  Other good chucks of change go toward the wedding dress, the wedding cake, and the groom’s tux.  Not to forget other costs such as the bride’s accessories (jewelry, shoes, etc.), party favors, invitations, floral arrangements, rentals, bartender, and everything in between.  Because it will be the biggest day of your life, how do you choose to compromise on some details without really ‘feeling’ the impact?

Whether having a wedding on a budget is your personal philosophy or just simply because money is tight, every bride has to remember that most “dream” weddings that we’ve thought up in our wedding scrapbooks since we were teenagers are extremely excessive.  While every detail may seem like they cannot be spared, the truth is, they probably can.  You should always identify what is essential and remember that every additional detail that you exclude will end up saving you a few hundred dollars.

Having a budget wedding doesn’t mean that you have to compromise the essentials.  Choose a few things that you MUST have and those will be the items you splurge on.  I personally knew that I would splurge on a photographer no matter what because memory is fleeting.  The wedding day will come and then go.  However, years down the line, I can always bring out my wedding album and recount all the memories all over again.  Most wedding venues cost an arm and a leg!  If you’ve set your sights on a dream venue that you just can’t do without, try asking them about off-peak times.  Sometimes, omitting the word “wedding” will immediately save you a ton of money.  Instead of bringing gifts to the bridal party or signing up for a registry, have your guests donate alcohol or money towards alcohol.  Another big thing ends up being how many guests attend the ceremony.  Each person you invite equals a good amount of money.  If they’re only your acquaintance and you’re not sure you guys are even that close, skip his/her invitation.  A great resource is the internet.  Shop the internet for affordable wedding dresses!  From lace wedding dresses to beach wedding dresses, there are many styles in different price ranges for every bride.

Lastly, conquer a few DIY projects.  Recruit your bridal party, mom, or in-laws to help you make or put a personal touch on party favors, invitations, and dessert trays.  Thank them by having them be the first to taste your signature drinks

Photos curtesy of WeddingReceptionBlog and KaleasWedding

Red lipstick never goes out of fashion.  This may be because red lipstick can flatter any skin tone, or because the wearer feels that extra little bit of confidence and dominance.  Good red lips can convey a variety of different looks ranging from classy to vixen.  With vintage style weddings so popular nowadays, more and more brides in their vintage wedding dresses and 1940s wave are beginning to go the whole nine yards with their look and dawning perfectly roughed pouts.  Red lips don’t have to be just for the big day; they can be worn with reception dresses or rehearsal dresses!

What’s the secret to finding the perfect red lip?  The shade of red!  There are so many available from drugstore steals to department store splurges, where do you begin?  Certain shades of red contain different undertones to complement different skin tones.  If your skin tone is porcelain and light, opt for matt red lipstick with a peach or orange undertone.  Play up your complexion with a dewy and light foundation.  This will create a beautiful contrast to the matt texture of the lips.  For fair skin tones with a yellow undertone, try warmer shades of red with sienna or brick undertones.  Stray away from pink because they will highlight the yellow in your skin and teeth.  Golden skin tones can wear a wider range of reds: neutral reddish browns, bright orange, and deep matte coral.  Wearing warmer shades will bring out the glow in your slightly tanned skin.  If your skin tone is bronze, you can pretty much wear anything! Experiment with different bright shades at the makeup counter before deciding on anything.  Dark skin with golden undertones, as seen on Selita Ebanks, looks great with a matte red lip that contains orange undertones.  For deeper, darker skin, play with a lipstick that has a blue/violet undertone.

A good tip when applying red lipstick is to definitely use a lip brush.  Blot the first application with a tissue or even translucent setting powder, and follow up with a second application.  After applying, run a cotton swab dipped in concealer around your lips so that the color doesn’t feather and will stay put from the your first appearance to last dance.

Photos curtesy of Google Images

It is true that we often stress-eat or over-snack when we experience anxiety.  Fatty foods trigger the production of serotonin, which is a major component responsible for your body’s natural anxiety reduction mechanism.  Moreover, fatty foods and carbs simply stabilize sugar levels in our blood, which naturally will sooth irritability.  Snacking is your body’s natural way to cope with all the stress in preparing for your wedding day, but you might want to rethink what you put in your mouth.  Certain foods you eat on the big day will greatly effect how you feel.  Below are a few items you should avoid to ensure that you feel at your best because let’s face it, who wants to deal with an upset/bloated tummy or indigestion?

1. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol can often be found in foods labeled as “diet” or “sugar-free.”  Many brides-to-be who are dieting might not be stranger to these foods, however on your big day, it’s better to stay away.  Sorbitol is not an ingredient easily processed by the body if consumed in large quantities.  However, people all react differently to different things.  A big side effect of artificial sweeteners is diarrhea.  It has a laxative effect, sometimes even in small quantities simply because your body might not tolerate it as well as the next person.

2. Caffeine/Spice

Yes you need the energy to keep going, and a cup of coffee will help get you there.  However, don’t do coffee, espresso, and a Redbull!  Not only will this make you the jittery, restless, irritable, but it can also make you sweat profusely.  Another culprit in causing overactive sweat glands is capsaicin.  This is the ingredient responsible for giving spices and chilies its spicy or “hot” component.  Consider staying away from spicy foods and caffeine to avoid over-perspiration.

3. Salt

Avoiding salt should really be something that you consider doing weeks before your wedding.  Not only are overly salted foods bad for your health, but it will also make you retain a lot of water.  Ever wonder why some girls can never shake those last 5 lbs.?  You can probably attribute the bloating to water retention.

4. Soda/Carbonated Water

I personally love carbonated drinks and the bubbles make it so refreshing! But all that carbonation in your stomach can give off gas in your stomach and that will end up coming out one of two ways or get trapped in your intestines and cause bloating.  Moreover, if you’re opting for a diet Coke, well, remember what we said in #1?

5. Heavy Cheeses

Heavy or fatty cheeses are not very easy digest thanks to something called casein.  Casein becomes a rubbery curd in your stomach and is tough to break down.  While a cheese plates are an easy option as a quick snack, make sure it’s a light cheese.  Alternatively, fruit plates are just as easy.

Photos curtesy of Google Images