Tag: wedding mishaps
photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com
While weddings take months to plan, it feels like the actual day itself can go by in an instant. Making the following analogy ideal… Planning a wedding is to the actual day as Michael Phelps’ training is to the Olympics.
Phelps trained day in and day out for years in order to jump in the pool, swim less than a minute and take home the gold… 8 times. It’s madness, I tell you! Complete madness!
And while your wedding day might not garner you the same fame as eight Olympic gold medals did Sir Phelps, it’s still one you’ll hopefully want to remember forever. But how do you remember something forever when it’s done in a flash?
In pictures, of course!
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a schmillion times… Your wedding photos are hands down some of the most important – if not the most important – keepsake you’ll have from your day. So, it’s important to make them count!
Recently, theknot.com put out a list of the 50 (New!) Must Have Wedding Photos for Your Album, and I’m dying to know what you think (or what you would add!)! While I consider several of the items to be a bit of “Pete and Repeat” and slightly unorganized, I do think it’s crucial to get as many ideas as possible; hence why i even put a few more of my personal suggestions at the end as well! Whoop, whoop! So, without further adieu, here they are (with a couple examples from our big day courtesy of the ahhhhmazing Jessika and Jimmy Feltz!!):
1. A Really Good Kissing Shot
2. The Guys Getting Ready (see also #21, #41, #43 and #50)
Ohhh to be a dude on the wedding day. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
3. Your Bouquet (see also #10, #14 and #49)
4. The Reception Tables
5. Your Shoes (see also #25)
Granted, this is merely the heel of my shoes... but I love this shot! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
6. You — In Action
7. Your Favors
8. Your Wedding Party Kids – Junior Brides, Ring Bearers, Flower Girls, etc.
Haha! Yessss! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
9. The Wedding Cake
10. Bridesmaid’s Bouquets (see also #3, #14 and #49)
11. The Ceremony — Pulled Back
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
12. Your Dress
13. Your Hairstyle
14. His Boutonniere (see also #3, #10 and #49)
15. Candid Shots of Your Bridesmaids
Love love love these ladies! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
16. The Ceremony — From a New Angle
17. Your Wedding Party –Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ushers, Miniature Attendents, etc.
18. Your Guests
Might I suggest doing a Photo Booth? The pics WILL be epic. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
19. The Scene (see also #32)
20. The Reception — Pulled Back
21. Getting Ready with Your Mom (see also #2, #41, #43 and #50)
22. A “New Angle” Photo (see also #46)
23. The Ceremony Details
Part of the Four String Quartet (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
24. Your Jewelry
25. His Shoes (see also #5)
26. A Sign of the Times Shot — Twitter, iPad, Facebook, etc.
27. Your First Dance
28. A Posed & Composed Couple’s Shot
From our editorial / aeroplane shoot :) (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
29. The Escort Cards
30. A First Look Photo
31. A Silhouette Shot
Feel free to include the groom too, hehe! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
32. A Scene Setter (see also #19)
33. A “Magic Hour” Photo — reference term of photographers for right before sunset or right after sunrise when the light is best
34. The Wedding Dog
35. The Little Odds & Ends
One of our reception decorations standing proud. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
36. The Getaway Car
37. A Dramatic Couple’s Shot
Again, from our editorial / aeroplane shoot! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
38. A Funky Backdrop Couple’s Shot
39. A Movie-esque Old Hollywood Shot — Black & White
40. The Lighting
From inside one one of the trees :) (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
41. Your Bridesmaids Before the Ceremony (see also #2, #21, #43 and #50)
Grouped together outside the church! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
42. You and Your Dad
43. Getting Ready Photo of You (see also #2, #21, #41 and #50)
44. A Before the Ceremony Toast
45. Your Glamour Shot
46. An Artistic Angled Shot (see also #22)
47. A Stolen Moment Away
Just the two of us! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
48. Your Fashion Shot
Hiiiiiiiiit it! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
49. The Boutonnieres (see also #1, #10 and #14)
50. A Before the Ceremony Shot (see also any # that becomes before the ceremony, hehe!)
I would also like to offer few more shots you could benefit from… ’cause goodness KNOWS I did!
- Cake Cutting
- Other “Special” Dances (ie. father/daughter, mother/son etc.)
- Speeches & Toasts
- Bouquet Toss
- Garter Toss
- The FOOD! (Dead sere, these were some of my faves!)
- Bridal Exit from Church
- Wedding Party Entrance to Reception
- Grandparents
- Guest Book
November 12, 2010
Thanks, mom and dad, for all your continued, loyal support!... wait. what? (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Like any good blog stalker, this pretty little lady has her FAVES saved for go-to good reads. It truly is one of my life’s truest joys to not only read what people are writing about but also, to see how and even why they’re writing about them. While I have a tendency to lean (almost too) generously towards wedding blogs the world over, I can’t help but stray from time to time when a true gem rears its fabulous face onto my screen.
One such gem, you may wonder?? Well, that would be AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com.
While it’s generally one of my most golden rules not to bully (aka. put others down to bring myself up), I can’t help but point out the majority of treats being posted on this site (and now BLASTED on ours) have been and continue to be submitted by the “stars” themselves. So, they really only have themselves – and the photographic genius behind the lens – to blame.
So, without further adieu, may I present to you SEVERAL rules you should consider, and photographic evidence of why it’s so important :)
Rule #1. Firstly, make sure you pick a wedding photographer who’s got the goods – shout out to Jessika & Jimmy Feltz who have the BEST goods ever! – otherwise, you run the risk of what this bride calls her uncle’s (yes uncle!) lack of “professionalism.” Poor, potty mouth bride!
Just what every bride wants... a pic with a Port-O-John! (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #2. Don’t give me no lies, and (tell them to!) keep their hands to themselves! Nothing ruins a good photo quite like uncomfortable groping from the peanut gallery. I mean, photo op #1 is awkward enough with the painful parent poking, but photo op #2?? Somebody needs to tell sister friend in the corner to ease off… he’s taken for sobbin’ out loud!
Mom, PLEASE! (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Some bridesmaids simply have no boundaries (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #3. If you doubt it, don’t show it. And if you show it, perhaps it’s best to not do it. It appears that no one, and I truly mean NO ONE, is comfortable with these marriages becoming offish… brides, grooms, family members, even officiants. Mayhaps, things should’ve been thought through more thoroughly before the big plunge.
Can't you tell everyone agrees that it's a "nice day for a... white wedding!" (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Wow. You know it's a good ceremony when even the priest objects. (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #4. BEWARE OF BEWILDERING BACKGROUNDS. Some of these I honestly have no other words for other than… whhhhyyyy?
You've heard of "Four Weddings & a Funeral" but what about having YOUR wedding and a funeral? (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
The sentiment is there - sure - but we can't get passed the poor guy gettin' butt grabbed from a distance. (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
I blame the bride mostly for her bridesmaids blending into the decor. For the record, there is such a thing as TOO matchy / matchy. (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #5. Finally, don’t fall victim to vicious photo editing! As stanted in Rule #1, choose your photographers wisely or you may end up with these tripped out treats. Granted, the photos are dated several years, but the rule remains as modern day as ever…
Why's the groom snarling at me? Better yet, why are they both floating above the entire ceremony? Wizard wedding? (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
'Cause you were always on my miiiiiiiiiind! This trippy photo is CREEPED to the max! (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
October 8, 2010
photo courtesy of english-wedding.com
Every wedding has one. Some are given by the best man; some by the maid of honor, and still others by the bride or groom’s parents. They may make you laugh; they may make you cry, but one thing they certainly should NOT do is make you cringe.
I’m – of course – talking about the inevitable wedding speeches!
Wedding speeches are perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of your big day. It is, or at least it should be, an interesting insight to your relationship as a couple, a wish of goodwill and a toast in to your love. And because whatever the speech-giver says is generally amped across a microphone and loud speakers, it’s important that it’s good! So, here are a few tips on how to make it count:
First, let’s start off with what you should avoid at all costs. Humorous anecdotes are wonderful, but keep in mind that embarrassing does NOT always equal funny. Reminiscing about senior year spring break or that one time the groom went streaking through the frat house may make some (namely the bride and groom and more than likely Great Aunt Edna) uncomfortable.
On the other hand, don’t be boring. An easy way to find a compromise is through genuine sincerity. Try taking the emotional high road. Whether you choose to be humorous or sentimental, make sure that any stories or memories you have about the couple are relevant, sincere and stay on topic.
Another thing to consider when beginning the speech-writing process is time frame. It’s difficult to wax poetic about a couple’s love in five minutes, but any longer than that and guests will be agitated by your long-windedness. (Heck, they may even get restless after 2, pending on how many people feel the need to speak after!)
That being said, do not go into a speech without a plan… no matter how skilled you think you are at impromptu. Because even the most brilliant “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” stars can stutter after a couple drinks.
When you actually start to construct your dialogue, think back to your middle school speech class: every speech should have a beginning, middle and end. Begin your toast by introducing yourself and your relation to the bride and groom. Talk about the beautiful ceremony to create an easy gateway to lead into the meat of your speech.
The Middle. This is where your original content should come from. Memories are great, but too many inside jokes will leave those on the outside unsettled. So, stick with subjects that will personalize your toast and maybe garner a few laughs and tears. Having the best of both worlds will create a well-rounded speech. So for every joke you tell, balance it with a genuine, maybe even tearful, sentiment of love. Also, avoid hard subjects like the economic state or politics and harsh language like cursing or vulgarity.
Finally, finish with a bang! If you’ve racked your brain for more perspective only to come up empty-handed, it’s time to bring in the experts. Quotes, whether they’re spoken by a famous author or a member of the family, serve as the perfect standby conclusion. Some great examples of touching quotes:
- “Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner.” – Amy Bloom
- “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
- “Marriage: that I call the will of two to create the one who is more than those who created it.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
- “We have the greatest pre-nuptial agreement in the world. It’s called love.” – Gene Perret
- “A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” – Andre Maurois
- “A happy home is one in which each spouse grants the possibility that the other may be right, though neither believes it.” – Don Fraser
- “To laugh often and love much… to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one’s self… this is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
At this time, you will cue all of the wedding guests to join you in a toast to the bride and groom by raising their champagne flutes and wishing them eternal joy and happiness. And hopefully you’ll hear cheers and clapping, not crickets.
October 1, 2010
(photo courtesy of 1weddingsource.com)
If you’re a bride-to-be who’s anything like me, you’ve more than likely been guilty of (or mayhaps a better term: fallen victim to) the inevitable, internet OVER-search. With the World Wide Web access being so readily available and containing such a vast threshold of all the latest and greatest, it’s soooo easy to get sucked into the “Hottest Trends for 2010″ or “Wedding Etiquette 101″ or “What 2 Do 2 Cure the Monster-in-Law Blues” or… you get the drift. And with all this pre-wedding curiosity bursting at the seams, wedding searches just may be the biggest version of unnoticed overload ever.
Because there are so many options for brides to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning your wedding. So, why not try to sort through things by the process of elimination? If your interest is to have an event that your guests will love as much as you do, why not look to see what other people or even you, yourself, are constantly complaining about and delete them off the list!?
Recently, lemondrop.com – a self proclaimed sweet, tasty and tart blog – published an article on wedding trends they hope will disappear titled, I Now Pronounce You Annoying — Wedding Trends That Need to Go. Written in a sarcastically humorous tone, the author introduces the “Debbie Downer” trends by stating:
The older you get and the more weddings you attend, the more they stop being fun and start sucking the life force out of you. (lemondrop.com)
Haha, I’m guessing the author is not friends with these guys…
Pic from Wedding Crashers, the Movie (courtesy of wedding-999.blogspot.com)
And while the sentiment being expressed is over exaggerated, its underlying message is not. Here are lemondrop.com‘s Picks 2 Nix, but what I want to know is if you agree:
- “Half-a-Dozen Parties Before the Actual Wedding.” Stating annoyance in the fact that a wedding is not just a wedding, but an Engagement Dinner, Bridal Shower, Bachelor / Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony and Reception… are weddings becoming too costly – and, in turn, too annoying – for guests to remain excited for when the actual day arrives?
- “The Long, Intensely Religious Religious Ceremony.” Because not everyone on a couple’s guest list will necessarily be of the same religious denomination, is it too much to ask for everyone to participate in a ceremony that may or may not last over an hour when they don’t actually practice the faith?
- “The Bouquet Toss.” While a time-honored tradition – no doubt – is the bouquet toss becoming more of a necessary evil, filled with self-conscious single ladies battling for a bouquet or is it still a fun and essential part of the reception’s routine?
- “Stupid Toasts.” Laying reference to the excess length (and inevitably, the excess amount of undisclosed information) a wedding speech can emit, do you think it’s more important to keep things moving along or let your best man recall the ultra embarrassing time you blankety-blanked the blank, down to the very last, nitty gritty - painfully discomforting – detail?
- “DJs Who Demand You DANCE!” In lieu of the fact that in due time, all the beer drinking patrons will eventually make it to the dance floor, is it necessary for DJ Jazzy (fill in name here) to constantly announce for everyone to “get up off of that thang!” or simply just let them “dance when they feel better?”
- “Video Testimonials.” Stating that only the most “obnoxious, drunk and unstable guests take the opportunity” to divulge in such a awkward process, are video testimonials becoming the TMI portion of a bride and groom’s happy day?
Now, more importantly than this list, is your opinion of it ORRRR even better yet, other things you’d like to add!
September 29, 2010
photo courtesy of stylemepretty.com
According to the Bridal Association of America, the average couple spends a whopping $659 on their wedding invitations and that doesn’t even include the cost of postage! So, as more and more couples start cutting the fat from their wedding budgets, invites seem to be taking up an unnecessarily large piece of the monetary pie. And unless you’re willing to take a risk on an empty reception hall, invitations are absolutely essential. Sure, e-vites are informational, but they lack a sense of formality and tradition. So, how do you get what you want without paying a pretty penny? Here’s some advice :)
Paper – Here, you will need to think a little out of the box. Stationary retailers are expensive for the same reason any retailer is more costly: markup. But if you stick with office suppliers, wholesalers, or any paper-carrying company that offers bulk sizes, you can purchase printable card stock for mere cents. Always remember that the more folds and detailing on each invite, the more costly the total will be; so stick with basic, flat cards to avoid the extra fees.
Design – This is the part where a couple’s home-made creativity can really shine. Make sure you have a printer that’s up for the task with plenty of ink. It may sound intimidating, but a multitude of design templates and programs have popped up recently to provide DIY brides more personalized options when printing at home. For those of you who still find templates too daunting, there are still many options. If you’re lacking a design guru friend willing to work for free, consult the web for a vast array of pre-made design templates and make sure the design you choose goes with your wedding theme and colors.
DIY –These details will provide that budget-friendly, je ne sais quoi you’ve been looking for. And by doing-it-yourself, you save the inherent overhead you’d be paying for someone else to do it. The following invitation extras can run the gamut from basic to extravagant, but here are a few ideas that are popular today:
- Ribbons: The most enduring of trends, a classic ribbon tied around the card that complements the themes and hues of the invitations adds a feeling of elegance. Many brides also punch out two holes near the top, thread the ribbon through, and tie a beautiful bow for a chic touch.
photo courtesy of handmadebymeda.blogspot.com
photo courtesy of taylorjilldesigns.com
- Stamps: Getting a personalized or monogrammed stamp is an effective and affordable tool when it comes to the paper products of your wedding. Embellish your invites and RSVP cards and then seal the deal when you adorn the envelope with your customized wedding design. And get really fancy by creating a melted wax seal and closing your envelopes shut with with a look that’s truly vintage!
photo courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com
photo courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com
- Flowers: If you want your invites to really look fancy without the frivolous cost, add some fresh blooms. Keep in mind that extra weight equals extra postage costs, so keep the flowers minimal. Try tying a single sprig of baby’s breath into bow on the invitation. For a flatter finish, adorn the invites with pressed flowers; simply use a spray adhesive and press.
photo courtesy of make-your-own-invitations.com
photo courtesy of weddings.thefuntimesguide.com
Postage – Mailing costs often seem trivial, but can really add up if you’re not cautious, especially for guest list that seem to scroll on for days! As mentioned above, keeping the weight of each invitation to an absolute minimum will save you a pretty penny; every extra ounce per envelope will cost you. With that in mind, send your RSVPs as postcards. This avoids the extra weight of an excess envelope, and costs less anyway. Also, avoid square-shaped envelopes or ones that don’t fit within the traditional requirements – they’ll increase postage fees by 50%.
So as long as you plan ahead and avoid excess costs, keep your eyes peeled for great bargains, and put your mind to a little DIY, you’re wedding invitations will look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag.
September 20, 2010
Drake + Nicki (photo courtesy of urbanislandz.com)
Born Aubrey Drake Graham, the lyrically blessed rapper, Drake, has been topping the charts and winning Grammy’s throughout his short career as a hip hop artist, which really only took off at the end of 2009. And while his lyrics are as smooth as butter, it’s his love life that really has ears perking up and paying extra special attention.
According to People.com, Drake, 23, caused quite a stir – even with his own mother who believed the tweet was true – after posting, “Please refer to @nickiminaj as Mrs. Aubrey Drake Graham and don’t stare at her too long. She’s finally mine,” last month via Twitter.
Signed to the same label (Young Money Entertainment) as Drake, Nicki Minaj played the role of blushing bride very well by tweeting, “Yes, it’s true. Drake and I tied the knot.”
Seems pretty clear to me where the marriage “rumors” started, but it turns out the whole thing was a prank that even had Drake’s mom questioning.
My Mom was actually like, ‘What happened? How did you elope?’ But we were just joking around. I never thought it would get so out of hand. (Drake, People.com)
But it’s no wonder why the little lady was suspect of possible eloping illusion, especially considering this isn’t the first time we’ve heard Drake talk about marrying the 25 year old rapper, singer and song writer from Trinidad and Tobago. During Drake and Lil Wayne’s chart topping hit, Miss Me, Drake raps, “I love Nicki Minaj. I told her I’d admit it. I hope one day we get married just to say we <bleep’in> did it.”
So, the real question is, is there any TRUE true love in the air for these two or is it simply all another Hollywood publicity stunt? Siiiiiiiiiighhhh, who even knows? But one thing is for certain, you know I’ll be keeping at least one eye and ear prepped and ready for any news that develops!
September 13, 2010
photo courtesy of stylemepretty.com
While there’s always discussion on whether or not children will or won’t be attending certain weddings, there’s not a single doubt in my mind when they do make the “A List,” they’ll have nothing but love for these creative, autumnal creations!
*Candy Apple Creation Stations
Feel free to set up a table and cover it with stick sturdy apples, warmed caramel, melted chocolate and all the crushed candy toppings you can find, and let your guests enjoying making their own treat to eat or take with them when they leave! It’s a great way to involve your guests as well as keep the kiddies occupied. (And no worries about hyping them up on too much sugar… they’re not going home with you! Haha!)
photo courtesy of recycledlovelies.com
photo courtesy of inspiredoccasions.blogspot.com
*Pumpkin Carving Campgrounds
photo courtesy of reverseshot.com
Okay, you don’t really need campgrounds, but the name just rolls off the tongue; so, I went with it :) Anyhoot, this is something – when done under adult supervision – can be a really great way to create lasting memories, as well as super fun photographs for your album. Hit up your local pumpkin patch, buy in bulk and let the fun begin! Feel free to accompany this reception section with pumpkin carvers, gloves and aprons… and if you’re worried that the carving may cause too much stress, use acrylic paints instead! And let the kiddies paint on their favorite face!
*Coloring Book Bonanza!
There’s no question that kids love to color. Whether you choose to man your coloring book station with fairy tale / dream-come-true images or Marvel comics finest character pages, there’s no doubt that kids of all ages will love gettin’ their color on during your big reception!
photo courtesy of weddingcustomcoloringbooks.com
*Disposable Glam Cams for Kids
And even more so than coloring, kids love feeling like grownups; so, why not arm your mini attendants with disposable glam cams for their very own “I feel soooo biiiig!” photography debut? They can get goofy pics of each other while trying their best to capture the day as they see it. And trust me on this one… some of their finds will be priceless :)
photo courtesy of greatexpectationsky.com
*Face-painting, Magic Tricks and Balloons… Oh My!
Pending your budget, sometimes the most well received children stations are the most over-the-top ones! So, bring in a magician, a balloon animating clown or even a face painting wizard to really let the kids get “wild” at your wedding! Of course, it never fails, sometimes these sections become even more populated by adults. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a butterfly painted face or giraffes made out of rubber? Uhhh, no one! Duh :)
photo courtesy of blog.catchmyparty.com
September 10, 2010
Part 2: Letters N – Z
photo courtesy of owltastic.tumblr.com
For your viewing pleasure, the conclusion to Wednesday’s post, inspired by Women’s Health…
N = Numbers
This is my most dreaded letter… just ask the nurse practitioner who had to battle it out with my index finger for the scale knob to move to the appropriate weight. That’s right. I’m talking about your weight, people! Research shows that people who weigh themselves at least once a day or more likely to not only lose but also to maintain their weight loss more so than people who don’t. Sigh, looks like the scales wins… again!
O = Omelet
When it comes to protein, omelets are egg-selent! Haha! Yesss! Protein helps build muscle, which in turn fries more calories per pound than fat According to Jonny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, informs you’ll burn 25% of the eggs’ calories simply by digesting them! Nuts!
P = Peanuts
It’s all about the “p’s” in this study, which was conducted by Purdue University. In this study, researchers found high-protein, high-fiber nuts are extremely filling and can boost the resting metabolic rates significantly… making the nut an ideal snack food for curbing your appetite!
Q = Quinoa
Quinoa is the queen of whole grains! Higher in protein and fiber with less carbs, this white rice substitute is an ideal source for dietary deliciousness!
R = Replacements
In its most simplest of forms: Eat this, not that. Try substituting liquid meals or healthier snacks and sides for some of your less savory choices.
S = Success
Stress causes no success. In a study conducted by Georgetown scientists, it was discovered that mice under stress or duress gained twice as much as their de-stressed counterparts. Reason being?? Stress can cause us to hold on to extra fat cells; hence, the term stress eating. So next time you’re stressed, try having a “wooo-saaaa” moment instead of a doughnut.
T = Tea
Green tea brings the catechins – a metabolism boosting antioxidant, and the catechins bring the weight loss! Not to mention, green tea is a MUCH healthier substiture than a half and half cup of coffee filled with sugar! Duh!
U = User-friendly
In a recent study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was discovered that the success rate of one diet plan to the next is not determined by the diet itself, but the compliance each dieter has with it. Sooo, find a diet you can live with, and then, (more importantly) actually live with it :)
V = Vinegar
Just a spoon full of vinegar helps the weight loss stay off… weight loss stay off! (I know. Sweet remix to Mary Poppins, huh?) Published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, it was discovered that swallowing 60 grams or 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a high-glycemic index caused people to eat 200-275 less calories a day… of course this doesn’t surprise me, due to the fact that stomaching a spoonful of vinegar makes me nauseous in thought alone!
W = Weights
I’m here to PUMP (pause for effect) you up! While many women fear lifting weights will cause them to look like the incredible hulk, they couldn’t be further from the truth. Pumping iron not only causes you to burn more calories after an average cardio workout, but researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham also discovered that women who lifted 3 times a week for 25 minutes lost an average of 4 pounds of bady fat! SWEET!
X = Xenical
Given the green light by the FDA last year, this prescription fat blocker can be found in the over the counter supplement, Alli. However, this does come with a price… loose stools. So, if the side effects are too much for you to handle, I totally suggest going at it the old fashion way :)
Y = Yoga
Self explanatory… grab a mat and get moving! Downward dog, anyone?
Z = ZZZZ’s
While dieting, you may want to scrimp on certain foods, but you should never scrimp on your zzzz’s! By not getting enough sleep, your body is tricked into thinking it’s low on fuel, causing your belly to growl and more than likely you to eat! So rest up… you need it :)
September 3, 2010
Part 1: Letters A – M
photo courtesy of promotehealth.info
Often times, I will receive emails looking for advice, and while I’ll easily admit my awesome level is off the charts, my expertise level – especially on certain subjects – can be almost non-existent. And there’s no area less exercised (pun intended) by my expertise than weight loss. Ugh.
Luckily for you, however, I can pinpoint the experts and share their knowledge with the masses! And when it comes to losing weight and feeling great, who could possibly be better than a magazine dubbed entirely for the subject matter at hand? No one, duh! So, when I saw this article published in Women’s Health I couldn’t resist sharing their “skinny” on weight loss vocab… and let’s face it, my own 2 cents as well! Haha! Check it out!
A = Alcohol
While binge drinking is a huge (and considerably unattractive) no no, having a glass of wine a day is proven to be good for the body and the soul. Because alcohol has the potential to increase leptin – a hormone known for its power to battle the sweet tooth, a nice glass of sauvignon blanc might be just what the doctor ordered :)
B = Buddy System
“Hmmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends!” It’s like the Beatles knew… Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have proven you’re nearly 3 times more likely to lose weight faster and keep it off longer “with a little help from (your) friends.” And if you just so happen to be friends with all skinny minis: 1) How sad! Chubby people are the best people! (High fives self) and 2) Hit up weightlossbuddy.com for a long list of fat-reforming friends!
C = Cortisol
This adrenal hormone secretes stress, and we all know what stress can do to a body. So, if wedding planning, work or personal woes have you out of whack, try spending a date night fund on a couple’s massage instead!
D = Density
Studies produced by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered women who eat water-rich foods, high in nutrients and low in calories are more likely to lose weight than women on a strictly low fat diet. So, go ahead, my dear ladies-in-waiting, grab that celery stalk and go for a walk!
E = Estimation
Next stop, Estimation Station… all aboard! Women’s Health encourages us all to commit the following estimates to memory:
- 3 ounces of meat = a standard deck of 52 cards
- ½ cup fruit, vegetables or grains = half a baseball
- 1.5 ounces of cheese = 3 dominoes
F = Fructose
Fructose isn’t free. In fact, it could cost you a waistline. So, put down those artificially sweetened beverages and pick up the peaches… or oranges or any other fruit of your choosing! Because this is where fructose is at its best!
G = Grapefruit
And speaking of fruit, why not try this ruby red delight! In a 2006 study published by the Journal of Medicinal Food discovered that people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal lost more weight than those who didn’t. (3.5 pounds, as opposed to one)
H = Hydration
The key to duration (and a slimmer, trimmer you) is hydration! Research has shown that sipping an extra 6 ounces of water a day may be just the ticket to curbing your appetite and caloric intake. So, pick up a glass near you and cheers to H2O goodness!
I = Insulin
This natural, sugar regulating hormone could be what dictates your diet. Low carb diets generally work best for people with high levels of insulin secretions. Don’t know if you’re a high insulin secretor? Well, peep yourself out in the closest mirror, if you store fat in your belly and have a more round or apple shape, you’re more than likely on the list and should focus on cutting carbs – more so than low fat.
J = Journal
That’s right. Take it back to the Junior High days; except this time around, instead of gushing over your latest crush or ranting about your hellish seventh period science teacher, write down everything you eat… yep, I said it… Chances are if you see it, you can cut it. Food journaling – according to the National Weight Control Registry – increases your chance for losing weight and keeping it off.
K = Ketosis
Ketosis is key for jump starting a diet or boosting one that’s plateau’ed, because it’s the result in which your body runs low on carbs and is forced to burn off excess fat instead. So, be sure to vary your diet and workout routines in order to keep your body guessing and your weight dropping!
L = Leptin
Let your leptin find a balance. Leptin is a hormone that tells your brain when it’s full. Often times, women will think eating less or even fasting is the way to lose weight fast; however, this can sometimes cause a decrease in your leptin levels, which may cause over-eating… a completely adverse effect of what you’re going for. Bottom line, don’t starve yourself or your body might get angry!
M = Milk
It truly does a body good :) A study done in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking two cups of skim milk after a weight-lifting workout built more muscle and burned twice as much fat as its sport’s juice enthused counterparts… making cow juice aahhh-moo-zing! Haha, yes, I took it there.
And look for Part 2: Letters N – Z on Friday :)
September 1, 2010
photo courtesy of momentaldesigns.com
After receiving my girlfriend’s wedding invitation (waddd up, Tay!) a couple days ago, I couldn’t help but be inspired by her custom finished, attention-to-detail-and-design creations. Featuring an architectural Chicago skyline, these well illustrated invites were almost as beautiful as the bride to be… wait a tic, not poss :)
Now, y’all know me well enough (and if you don’t, how sad for you! haha!); so, you know that there’s nothing I la-LOUVRE more than when a bride and groom customize their big day celebration with hints of their own unique personalities. Hence, why I’m currently going Lady GaGa over custom illustrated invitations!
They truly are an INCREDS way to catch and capture the attention of all your intended attendees before the big “I do’s” and also provide an ideal means for the DIY diva bride to really shine. From graphic designs and structured layouts to vintage comics and modern day masterpieces, there is simply no limit to what your invitations can be!
So, whether you choose to save some moolah and create your own or really splurge and leave the printing power to a professional, custom illustrated invitations truly are an amazing accent to really get your guests excited! Here are some of my favorites for your viewing (and mayhaps inspiring) pleasure :)
Inspired by… A Touch of Vintage
Vintage Illustrated Invitations courtesy of Google Images + weddingbee.com
Inspired by… The Powerful Peacock
Peacock Illustrated Invitations courtesy of momentaldesigns.com - love them!
Inspired by… Celebrity Caricature Creations
Caricature Illustrated Invitations courtesy of the divas of lehrandblack.com
Inspired by… Modern Day Mapping
Map Illustrated Invitations courtesy of mustardandsage.wordpress.com + weddingistas.com
Inspired by… A Pop of Pop Art
Pop Art Illustrated Invitations courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com + w-weddinginvitations.com
Inspired by… Comic Book Culture
Comic Illustrated Invitations courtesy of elseachelsea.typepad.com + theindigobunting.blogspot.com
Inspired by… A Return to Retro
Custom Retro Illustrated Invitations courtesy of elseachelsea.typepad.com + theindigobunting.blogspot.com
And be sure to check out our full line of Wedding Invitations & Stationery for the perfect, easy to use canvas to create your one of a kind, inviting masterpieces.
August 20, 2010
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