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.