The Beautiful Mexico

I was very happy to be a part of the Romance Travel Forum in Cancun, Mexico.

We had a chance to tour many beautiful venues in the warm, inviting and exciting Mexico. Bright lights, friendly faces, white sand beaches, great food. Hospitality at it's best. All Inclusive, all life has to offer and also a perfect Destination Wedding spot.

This week i'll be highlighting the "Palace Resorts"

In Cancun there are 4 to choose from:

Moon Palace Golf & Spa

Beach Palace

Sun Palace

Le Blanc Spa Resort

All "I do's" are not created equal. Live the Palace life.

 

With over 100 locations. The perfect backdrop for a wedding. From a religious chapel to a 360 view of the Sky Terrace, the possibilities are endless. You and your guest will enjoy  the all inclusive luxury or 24 hour room service, restaurants, premium drinks and the beautiful atmosphere of Cancun , Mexico.

Something old, Something new

There are many wedding traditions we follow but the most popular one is "something old something new something borrowed something blue.

When getting married this has always been honored by brides and the wedding industry.  The tradition comes from an old English poem encouraging brides to be to add four items to their ensemble for good luck.

Something Old!

Something old representing continuity, which is not synonymous with something boring!  Get creative and find a way to incorporate a trendy vintage piece into your wardrobe, carry a family heirloom or make an entrance via a nostalgic transportation. Arrive in a classic car, carry a romantic vintage clutch,  take a trip down memory lane with photos at your gift table,  give each guest an old penny to make a wish. Love is timeless.

Something New!

Representing optimism for the future is the perfect excuse to treat yourself and add a touch of sparkle or uniqueness to your walk down the aisle. Splurge on a necklace that adds extra bling to your dress. Think ahead and pick up a parasol  as a prop and shade for outdoor photos,  purchase a pretty compact for touch ups throughout the day, add a new charm to a bracelet to symbolize a new chapter of your life.

Something Borrowed!

Represents borrowed happiness. Some brides use a borrowed item from a long time happily married couple for this item, but it can also be something borrowed from a friend or relative who is symbolic of happiness. The borrowed item should be returned to the owner following the wedding day. Borrow the song from the bride's or groom's parents wedding to dance to, borrow a headpiece,  wear borrowed jewelry from a happily married girl pal.

Something Blue!

Represents purity,  love and fidelity.  Some brides think this is the most difficult part of the tradition to incorporate, but the wide variety of shades make a touch of blue easily attainable for just about any bride. Commemorate the day by embroidering it in blue on the underside of your gown. Carry out the tradition with a blue bouquet stem wrap, opt for a blue embroidered garter. Cinderella proved that a pair of shoes can change your life, so mark the start of your married life with some blue pumps. Outfit your bridesmaids in a beautiful Pale blue, deep navy or any shade in between.

Whatever traditions you follow, do enjoy your your wedding and best to your new married life.

15 ways to say I Love You

Saying I love you, is a beautiful expression of how you feel about your significant other. Saying it in English is a wonderful thing but try showering your spouse with a foreign language approach it sounds even sexier.

French                          Je t'aime

Spanish                        Te amo

Greek                           S`agapo

Japanese                     Aishiteru

Italian                           Ti Amo

Hawaiian                     Aloha au iā 'oe

Korean                         Saranghae

German                        Ich liebe dich

Turkish                        Seni seviyorum

Mandarin                     Wǒ ài nǐ

Indonesian                  Saya cinta padamu

Irish (Gaelic)              Tha gra'dh agam ort

Filipino                          Mahal kita

Dutch                           Ik houd van jou, or ik hou van je

Tahitian                       Ua Here Vau Ia Oe

Keeping tradition

Enrich your wedding with one of these global rites of passage.

Africa               

Traditional African weddings incorporate sticks into the ceremony. They symbolize vitality and strength and date back to when weddings between slaves not sanctioned. Crossing long sticks, branches or the broom shows the couples commitment to one another and blesses their new life to one another and blesses their new life together. Slaves bought this custom with them to the new world.

Bermuda          

Islanders top their tiered wedding cakes with a tiny sapling. The newlyweds plant the tree at their new home. Where they can watch it grow. As the marriage also matures and flourishes following the celebration couples walk hand in hand under one of the island’s moon gates, beautiful limestone archways similar to a wedding ring the circular shape signifies unity.

 

China               

Couples consult and astrologer to ensure they begin marriage on the luckiest day of the year. The selection has to do with a variety of factors including the couple’s birthdates. As with other Asian nations red symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Brides often wear an elaborate gown of embroidered red silk.

Makeup tips for the beautiful bride.

On your wedding day, you aim to be your best. Your finest couture gown, immaculate jewelry, shoes and accessories, everything must be on point. You have followed your beauty regimen and now it’s time for makeup. Many brides tend to get a little confused, should I go with the wedding colors, and should I do dramatic or more demure. Should I try something new, new colors, new makeup, and new style? While you never want to look the same way you do every day on your wedding day I suggest, that you don’t stray too far from your regular makeup routine. If you’re a bride which normally goes for the minimal look, don’t go for too much heavy makeup and a dramatic flair, you may end up being self-conscious and uncomfortable. If you tend to be more dramatic in your everyday wear, this time try to tone it down a little, choose a focal point and make subtle hints.

During your wedding planning, please do remember to include your makeup.

Will you be trying a new makeup artist, or will a close family member or friend be doing your makeup? Will you be trying a new technique (airbrushing) or new makeup?

I generally suggest no later than a month or two in advance for your makeup trial. Many makeup artiste get booked way in advance and you don’t want to be caught looking for someone at the last minute. Look in wedding magazines or on websites for a look that suits you. It’s always good to have at least 2 looks to try for a compare and contrast. Many brides try a dramatic and a subtle look to choose from. Try not to go too dramatic as you don’t want to overpower the elegance of your wedding dress.

Here are a few tips for that perfect wedding day look.

Try you makeup look in the settings of you wedding will it be indoors or outdoors, lots of lighting or a little. Remember to tell your makeup artist the conditions of your wedding.

Contouring & Highlighting: A combination of light and shadows. By applying a dark tone, you create a false shadow, making it appear as if there is depth. The opposite is true for lighter tones; they act as highlights and trick the eye into thinking they stand out. 

Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof, mascara, foundation, primer get everything waterproof. It’s a very emotional day, you’ll be glad you did.

Blend well, blend all you foundation, concealer and powder well as the camera will pick up makeup lines better than the natural eye.

Try bronzing powder on your chest and neck, that there isn’t a stark contrast in your face.

Brighten up on lip color, try not to wear a neutral lip tone as your dress will be white (or close to) and you don’t want to seem washed out.

If possible have your maid of honor carry your lipstick, even if you’ve blended hues, choose one closest to it, that you can touch up as need be.

Setting spray. You’ll be at it all day and much into the night, invest in a setting spray or ask your makeup artist to get one. It keeps your look hours on end.

Enjoy you day, take great pictures and your beautiful you will shine.

Wine Tasting 101

Now that valentine is over and the engagement proposals are made. Now is the time to celebrate. Let me say to all the perspective brides. CONGRATULATIONS to you all.

Grab the wine list with confidence. How to swirl and sip like a pro. “Egad, the wine list” it’s the first thing that goes through my head each time I am handed the book of beverages, at a restaurant, often I cross my perfect bottle, often times I’m unsure of how to talk to the wine steward, I skip the process entirely since I refuse to believe, I’m alone in this behavior. I got some oenophiles (wine experts) to share the art of picking the best bottle for your romantic honeymoon dinner. CHEERS!

Ask the expert:

Unlike “Fight Club” The first rule is to talk about the wine list. Ask you server or sommelier what has her most excited on the menu, says Rajat Parr; wine director for mina group, including Wit & Wisdom restaurants at the four seasons hotel, Baltimore. Let them know what your preference tastes are. Personally I like Reds and bubbles, although not generally together. Parr says, I should lead with that. I also prefer fruity tastes as opposed to smoky wood finishes so that’s another detail. I should share based on that and the dinner selection. The sommelier should be able to recommend a wine to compliment your meal. Also ask why the pairing is recommended.

Speak up:

If the sommelier is tossing around terms that you don’t understand, let them know “a good sommelier should have the ability to put images in your head.” Certain terms are general in the discourse of wine including “Tannic” which refers to a dry lip puckering taste, akin to a strong cup of tea. “Juicy” a rounder taste that feels like a fruit burst in your mouth and “Demi-sec” or (half dry) which can be a bit confusing since it describes sweet sparkling wines. “Body” is another common term that refers to the fullness of the taste. A wine can be light, medium or full bodied.

Go for price:

Don’t feel compelled to buy the most expensive bottle, choose a price point and don’t be ashamed to stick with it. The least expensive is not always the worst there is. Reason it is on the list maybe a great value. When negotiating the wine list you may want to point to your preferred price and ask the sommelier for similar suggestions, they’ll give input on bottles that are in the same range. I tend to go mid-range wines, since I assume they will be more complex that the cheapies and just as yummy as the expensive ones.

Take a sip:

Once you have selected your wine, the server will open a bottle table-side and offer you a small pour to try. The process is to ensure that everything is A-OK with the bottle and that the wine is at its best. While handling the glass, hold it by the stem as your hand temperature may affect the overall taste. Once the wine is poured, tilt the glass and notice the color of the liquid. Is it deep and rich? Healthy reds tend to have a purple ruby and maroon tones to them. Older whites are golden and amber in appearance. Keeping the glass on the table lightly spin the base so that the liquid swirls around the glass and check for any cork or lingering sediments which may indicate the wines isn’t at its prime.

When in doubt go for a Pinot Noir, a red wine with a simple understated taste that goes well with meat and fish. 

Cheers to a wonderful life of marital bliss.

Being Engaged

Being engaged is a wonderful time. It’s that time of planning and festivities before the union and unity of marriage. Rather your proposal was extravagant, quiet or a mutual understanding. That day will always be your personal story. The day you decided on making it official. Even if you went ring shopping together or it was a total surprise. There will be that inner glee. You even hear the heartwarming stories of “he proposed with a ring from the popcorn box, or with a piece of string” It’s the sentiment that counts. Enjoy this time, take time out with your family and friends. You’ll tell your proposal story a million times over, as you call your friends and family, it’s the first question they’ll ask. Do keep in mind that while most family and friends wish you well, they might be a few ones that may not sound as elated as they should, don’t take it to heart. However if a lot of family and friends come with just and logical reasons, you can take some time and think about it, or try premarital counselling to put yourself and them at ease.

Decide as a couple what type of wedding you will be having. Large, Small, Destination or something intimate. At this point there are many things to decide before the actual planning of the wedding. While it’s best not to overdo it, laying the groundwork is best for having a stress free engagement. While asking him which china patterns, or which 5 shades of white for linens may not be advised. Try to include him in your planning the wedding is for you both, suggest things he may like, for e.g. Entertainment for the reception or surprise him with a groom’s cake. Try and take an engagement photo session, it's worth the investment. Also continue getting to know and enjoy each other, don’t let this period be only about the wedding. Getting to indulge in your significant other’s family is a great way to start.

After deciding what type of wedding you will be having. Just a few questions to keep in mind.

We’ll talk about the “B” word, your budget.

Will you be footing the bill as a couple or will parents or family members be assisting?

While setting your budget, do note.

Will your honeymoon be included?

Is your wedding planner fees included?

Will your wedding bands be included?

Will your other events “Bridal shower; rehearsal dinner; bachelor/bachelorette parties” be included in this budget?

 If during your planning you go over budget, will you be able to cover it, or will you scale down?

It is best to purchase a wedding planning journal or binder to keep organized. Hire a wedding planner, they can keep you on track best. If you decide to go it alone. KEEP ALL RECEIPTS. You’ll be surprised how all those beautiful items you purchased for the wedding adds up. Most wedding planning journals have a guideline of what you should be doing and when and wedding planners generally give you updates and a guide of what you should be doing and what is needed of you.

Enjoy the bliss and congratulations on your engagement.

Beauty tips on soft skin for the modern bride

Beautiful skin is always a must and there is nothing better than soft skin all over. We feel our best and rather it's the extra step before your wedding or your general beauty regimen. You've done a good job protecting your face from winter's freezing winds and cold temperature, but what about the rest of your skin, covered in warm clothing. 

The first step to getting soft skin all over is to exfoliate. When dead skin builds up it gets rough, dry and flaky, the dead skin accumulate over time and can leave your skin feeling rough and dry, but exfoliation removes dead skin cells, dirt and oil. While your face may respond better to exfoliating products. Other hard to treat areas may respond better to physical exfoliation like scrubbing. Heels and elbows are some of these areas. Soak in warm water, also try bath salts, followed by a scrub with a loofah, pumice stone or exfoliating shower gloves.

The next step is moisturizing to maintain soft skin. Apply moisturizer to freshly exfoliated skin to lock in the moisture and prevent dryness. Make sure to use lighter serums and lotions for your face and stay away from heavily oiled based creams as they can aggravate your skin. The moisturizer you use for your elbows, knees and heels are recommended for your face. Please note to take care in choosing moisturizers and read labels carefully.

Your skin regimen should shift to accommodate the changing weather as well. During winter try for heavy creams to keep extra moisture in from the biting cold. Spring’s daily fluctuating’s in temperature might be difficult with changing humidity levels. Also remember applying sunblock once per day is not nearly enough attempt to touch up at least 3 times daily. Use lighter serums and products during the warmer months and they can become overbearing and keep you soft and smooth without being too oily.  

Let's do Tea

Time for Tea, it can be for two or twenty-two. Tea time is a growing trend, that's here to stay. Brides and their friends everywhere are saying Yes to the traditional afternoon tea. This trend is gaining steam as a popular bridal shower theme. 

If you're hosting a Bridal shower, A "High Tea" gives you an ample inspiration. The possibilities are endless. Just think of tables covered in white lace, adorned with your finest china and a wonderful tea set. Dainty tea sandwiches, scones and sweets. Beautifully clad women in their finest day dresses and hats and the slow sipping cups of tea provides a great atmosphere for conversation and gift opening. 

Here's a quick tip, use a light green and pink for a color scheme or a beautiful sun yellow or peach.

High Tea can be held outdoors in a lovely garden, restaurant or a mansion for a beautiful touch. There are also  specialized tea shops that have Tea rooms available.

As an emerging theme, there are numerous tea themed favors to be had. 

Start with a beautifully designed invitation and work from there. Have the ladies come in the most extravagant hats or have a hat decoration game to liven things up. Try for mason jars filled with tea roses for a simple centerpiece.

Champagne High Tea: Serve a glass of champagne as guests arrive. 

Freshly made homemade Irish cream scones with devonshire cream, South African British colonial scones, jam and fresh fruit butter.

Assorted tea sandwiches: English cucumber, salmon mousse, smoked turkey, baked ham, Pimento-cheese.

Tea Breads: Black walnut lemon, chocolate pound cake, assorted scones.

Assorted Mini pastries: Eclairs, Fruit tarts, cream puffs, seasonal berries and fresh whipped cream.

A few quick tips for a beautifully done Tea Party:

Tea is served with milk, never cream; it's to heavy and masked the flavor or the tea.

Do colored sugar cubes to tie in the theme of your tea party.

Do British themed games for some fun or if the bride is a Downton Abbey fan, try that for a theme.

Once again Happy a Prosperous New Years and congratulation to all the couples that got engaged during the holidays.