Today is National Proposal Day! Are you ready for marriage?

Affirm -I am content to wait to get married.

I am in a loving relationship, and I am perfectly content with the way things are at the moment. Therefore, I am patient to wait, instead of jumping into a marriage before I am ready to do so.

Aside from parenting, marriage is the strongest commitment one can make in life. Though I love my partner dearly, I choose to wait until I am sure I am ready to take that final step.

In time, we may decide to take our relationship to the next step. But, for now, I choose to slow down.

My patience can be rewarded, in the proper time, with a lifelong marriage that I can cherish dearly.

When I decide that it is the right time for me to get married, I do so for the right reasons. I plan to get married only when I’m totally sure that I want to spend the rest of my life with the person I love. Until that assurance comes to my heart, I ignore the social pressure and protect myself.

For now, my partner and I savor life together as an unmarried couple.

Today, I choose patience, rather than haste, in making marriage plans. I choose to listen to my heart and enjoy the relationship with my partner with little pressure. I am free to be myself, and I enjoy that freedom. I choose to wait to get married until I am completely sure that marriage is the right thing for me.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Does my partner share the same stance on starting a family, finances, and home ownership?
2. How would our lives change if my partner and I got married?
3. Am I in love with my partner, or with the idea of having a wonderful wedding?

#NationalProposalDay #relationshipgoals #weddinginspiration #love #ProposalDay

What I Wish My Wife Knew

Do you ever wish you could get inside your husband’s head? However open and honest we might want to be in our marriages, there are still some things we wish our spouses knew without us having to tell them. For this reason, I’ve decided that every now and then we’ll address some of these tricky topics ourselves. I’ll start tonight with one of the trickiest topics…

Your husband cares about the way you look.

We have heard many times from many sources that “men are visual.” Still this is a tough topic for many men because historically we have made them feel like it is immature or shallow of them to put so much importance on physical appearance. It’s also a tough one because, since our husbands love us, they do not want to add to the unhealthy messages we receive from culture and the media that we simply are not good enough. How, then, can we take an honest look at this topic without condemning men for their “shallow” feelings or condemning ourselves for not measuring up?

Let’s start by looking back to what it was like before we got married. I don’t know about you, but I wanted to look cute every time I knew I was going to see Garrett. I wanted him to notice me and to be attracted to me. Thankfully, he did and he was. Understanding the ways that guys are visually stimulated worked to my advantage in those days. I understood it and I leaned into it. I made an effort to look good because I cared about the way he thought about me. I never got mad at him or felt resentful when I was looking for the perfect jeans so that he might take a glance as I walked away. I wanted him to be drawn to me.

I’ve heard women say countless times that it is frustrating to them that their husbands no longer romance them and do sweet things for them once they get married. As women, we want to be pursued by those thoughtful little details like we were in the beginning of the relationship. In the same way, I’ve come to learn that men felt similarly pursued by us when we used to make an effort to look our best just to see them. Just like we might miss the flowers and the love notes, he might miss seeing you in something other than sweat pants and a baggy shirt.
Really, I’m preaching to myself here. I work from home and most days wear a uniform for gigs. Some days my office may be on the couch in my yoga pants, cozy hoodie and fuzzy socks.
I realize that my attitude about my appearance could take a toll on my relationship with my husband and we’re still in the honeymoon phase (which is 2 years by the way).

I know …I know what you’re thinking. “Wait until you’ve been married 5, 10 or 15 years”! Well I’ve decided to set my intentions and change my perspective early on.

What if, instead of making our husbands feel like jerks for caring about the way we look, we could remember how much we wanted to look good for them when we were first together? They don’t need us to look like someone else. They just want us to know that they are delighted when we thoughtfully make an effort to care about our own appearance the same way we are delighted when they thoughtfully bring home fresh flowers. Your husband does care about the way you look, but not more than he cares about you and wants to be married to you. 💛

Festive Holiday Makeup 101: Bold Red Lipstick and Charcoal Smoky Eye

Loved this by L’Oréal Paris ❤️

‘Tis the season for sipping hot cocoa, building snowmen (yes, this is still fun even when you’re all grown up), and hopping from holiday party to holiday party. But with so many soirees to go to, it can be overwhelming to think about wearing different outfits—and switching up your makeup—for each one. The thing is, you can’t go wrong with the classics. A deep, charcoal-silver smoky eye and a bold red lipstick are holiday makeup staples for a reason. These two timeless makeup trends look chic on just about every woman (especially when paired together!)—and they can add a serious touch of glam if you’re wearing your favorite little black party dress. Looking to up your holiday makeup game? Here’s how to create a gorgeous bold red lip and dramatic charcoal smoky eye.

HOW TO APPLY A BOLD RED LIPSTICK

For a striking lip color that lasts, it’s not just swipe-on-your-lipstick-and-go. Help ensure your lipstick stays put through a makeout session under the mistletoe by following these steps.

Step 1: Prep your lips. Although this season is full of holiday cheer, winter can have some pitfalls—especially when it comes to your skin. In fact, you may notice that your lips feel drier and flakier than usual this time of year. So, before you apply any lipstick, make sure to use a lip scrub to exfoliate dead skin cell buildup from the surface of your lips.

Step 2: Use a lip balm. Once you’re done exfoliating your lips, apply a lip balm to help lock in moisture.

Step 3: Swipe on a lip primer. Once more step to go before reaching for your red lipstick! Pick up a lip primer and apply it to your lips to help create a smooth, even canvas for color.

Step 4: Go bold with red lipstick. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Enamel Red to create a glossy red lip or the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-ly in Love to create a matte red lip. Simply start by applying your red lipstick of choice to the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to the outer edges, following the contour of your mouth. Then, glide your red lipstick across your bottom lip to complete the look. (More of a sparkly lipstick kind of girl? Check out our Holiday Makeup Tutorial: Berry Metallic Lipstick.)

HOW TO APPLY A CHARCOAL SMOKY EYE

Nothing reminds us of tinsel like shimmery silver eye shadow. Take things up a notch by opting for a more dramatic charcoal smoky eye that features a pop of metallic silver color.

Step 1: Apply primer. Prime your lids to help ensure your eye shadow doesn’t crease as you’re dancing and drinking your way through holiday party season. If you don’t have any primer on hand, a dab of foundation or concealer will work in a pinch.

Step 2: Add sparkly eye shadow. Once your base is set, it’s time to get to work on that charcoal smoky eye. Start by applying the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye Shadow in Aluminum Foil across your eyelid using your fingertip. Keep layering the eye shadow until you get your desired effect. Then, reach for a darker eye shadow shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eye Shadow in Noir Cest Noir, and blend it from your lashes to crease and under your lower lash line.

3. Finish your eye makeup look. When you’re done with the silver and charcoal eye shadows, apply a thin line of black liquid eyeliner close to your lash line and a coat (or more, depending on how dramatic you want to be!) of mascara. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner in Black Party and L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara.

 

 

Top 10 Marriage Firsts Every Newlywed Experiences #HappilyEverGarrett

I loved an article by Sharon Naylor so much I had to create my own version! We know you can’t wait for your wedding day to arrive — envisioning the first time you see your groom, your first kiss after you proclaim your vows and your first dance as husband and wife. Your transition to newlyweds will be filled with more milestone “firsts” that will strengthen your relationship. Here’s how to prepare yourself for all the celebrations (and challenges) that you’ll face together down the road.

1. Your First Epic Fight ➖

We haven’t really experienced our first epic fight as newlyweds, however we have already established rules around fighting fair. No name calling or being disrespectful with our words, we’re allowed to walk away or hang up to have a moment to calm down not forcing a conversation when it might be intense, and to always sleep in the same bed, even if we have to create a pillow partition or sleep on the mattress seam!!

Why It’s Big

We’re not talking about being snippy, here. This is The First Big Fight, the one where you scream, slam doors, and even throw some plates against the wall. You’re angry, scared, and feel on alone. Fights like these can burst your newlywed bliss bubble — you’re not in wedding fantasyland anymore. You’re in a full-out battle over something trivial, like your husband dumping a skillet into the sink, covered with caked-on scrambled eggs. But it’s not really about the eggs: The fight is about pent-up frustrations, including leftover wedding stress, money fears, and adjusting to living together.

How to Deal

You’ve had arguments before, but you may have noticed that this one felt different; more charged, somehow. Chalk it up to being a learning fight, one where you’re doing the good work of marriage, learning how to argue more productively next time. Avoid red flags (phrases like “you always” and “you never”) and bringing up old points of contention just to weaken your partner. Whatever you do, don’t jump in your car and speed away—testing him to see if he’ll chase you — or launch into round two when he’s on the ropes. That old adage is true: People don’t remember what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. Just go to your separate spaces, unwind a little, then tell your partner you love him, hate fighting, and you’re sorry if you hurt him.

2. First Time Getting Together With Friends After the Wedding ✔️

Photo Credit: Magda Rondeau Photography

Were still working on it 🙂

Why It’s Big

You’re back to your normal, non-bridal self. You have more socializing time now, so this is a good time to enhance your personal life (and marriage) by spending time with close friends. Depending on your inner circle, you might have a challenge on your hands if you’re the first one to get married. Pals might not know how to include you in their “going out to flirt” nights, and angry single friends may even resent your happiness. Friendships may shift with this big change in your life — your relationship dynamic may never be the same as it was pre-wedding.

How to Deal

Accept that your marriage might be a strange first for your circle of friends. Some of them may feel their married-by-30-clock ticking, or become bitter that you have “the perfect life.” The truest of friends just need to see that you haven’t completely changed and your happiness isn’t a threat to them. So when you’re invited to girls’ night out, show up, even if you’re tempted to blow it off. If you make time for friends, you show them that they’re still important. Don’t talk nonstop about how amazing your wedding was or tell single friends “your time will come.” Things have been all about you for a while, so make an effort to be a good listener and supporter. This applies to social occasions with your husband’s pals, too: Try to be cheerful, even if you’re nervous. Smiles and compliments go a long way!

 

3. First Major Purchase ✔️

After a very challenging process with new construction and settlement, We did it!!!

Why It’s Big

Whether it’s a house, car, or remodeling your kitchen, this is the first time you’re pairing up on a big purchase. Your partner may be more acquainted with the details, there’s unexpected information involved, and your credit score/financial standing comes into play. Yikes!

How to Deal

Before you begin a huge project, you both have to be 100 percent open about your financial position — whether or not you can afford this right now, if you have good credit or bad and if you feel like making this investment right now. You might like to charge full-steam ahead with new projects, while your husband may be more slow and methodical. Compromise, and you’ll get a crash course in budgeting, as well as working together towards a shared goal. Although this sounds unpleasant, tasks like painting a room, picking out stainless steel appliances and applying for a variance of property codes can actually be fun. You’re creating a home together, after all. Another perk: You may get to impress your spouse with something he never knew you were good at and vice versa, as life takes you into new adventures.

 

4. First In-Law Issue ➖

Not Now and Not EVER!  My mother and father-in-love  ❤️

Why It’s Big

In a perfect world, the in-laws can see how awesome you are, but some brides get stuck in a position where their in-laws just don’t like them, or on the flip side, their family just doesn’t like the groom. Maybe it was a bad first impression, they favor your partner’s ex (ouch!) or just have other issues. Whatever the cause, you keep getting hurt by their nasty comments and eye rolling whenever you speak. You want your groom to take your side…or at least defend you. This is one of those toxic tensions you have to deal with right away, before it gets worse.

How to Deal

Your husband is used to his family’s flaws: He’s learned how to tune out Mom’s criticisms, Dad’s elitisms, his sister’s jealousy. And he just wants you to let their comments roll off your back too. If you stand up for yourself when they strike at you, your spouse may get angry with you for being too sensitive, not respecting them, and so on. Avoiding family parties and dinners also won’t work—that’s what mean people want, to divide and conquer. After the conflict clears, explain to him that you want to have a close relationship with his family because they’re important to him and you need his help making that happen. Ask him for shared topics of interest you can use to bond with them and ask if you can say a quick hello when they call to speak with him. They may still act snotty, but he’ll love you for trying! Consider it a gift to him to be cordial when you’re with his family. Even if it takes years, your relationship with them may very well grow…or not. But at least you’ve kept them from driving a wedge between the two of you.

5. First Time You’re Asked, “So When Are You Having a Baby?” ❤️ ✔️

We have been asked and we just tell them about YaYa and PopPops Baby Nova Jade!

Why It’s Big

Depending on who this comment is from, you’ll have different reactions. If it’s from your best friend, who’s blissed-out with her own newborn, you won’t take offense. If it’s a comment from your great-aunt, who had her first baby when she was 20 years old, it’s just a generational thing. If the comment is from a competitive coworker or sibling, things can get tense pretty quickly.

How to Deal

Think of the baby chatter as them wishing you a happy blessing, and a compliment that this person thinks you’d be great parents. Don’t make it a problem by overreacting to the topic itself, assigning all kinds of pressures and judgments that reflect how you feel about having a baby. It’s a common mistake for newlyweds to interpret too much from these kinds of comments. Just say, “We’re not quite there yet, but you’ll know very soon after we do!” Then, move on to the next subject.

6. First Time Hosting a Dinner Party ✔️

We love entertaining!  We don’t make a big deal of it. Just show up.

Why It’s Big

This is one of those fantasies of married life that you may have had for years: You and your spouse welcoming wine bottle-toting friends into your home, sitting down at an elegantly-set table by the fireplace, dining and laughing until the wee hours. It’s your first time hosting and using all of those bridal shower and wedding gifts to give your guests a wonderful experience. It might also be your first time making specialty dishes for family and friends.

How to Deal

Just have fun! Don’t ruin it by putting too much pressure on yourself, crying because you couldn’t find anise root at the supermarket or waking up at 3 a.m. to iron the napkins. Expect that some things will go wrong and you’ll just have to adapt. Just keep your first dinner party on the small side (around six to eight guests), so that it doesn’t become an ordeal with rented tables and linens, a larger amount of food to prepare, and the threat of you working all night to keep guests’ drinks and plates filled. A smaller group for your starter dinner party lets you mix, mingle, and enjoy, while also being a fabulous host.

 

7. The First “Flirty Girl”➖

 

For all the flirty girls, I get it!!  I find him totally irresistible myself and flirt with him often. If we run into a ‘flirty girl’ it just makes our evening better😜

Why It’s Big

What is it about a man’s wedding ring that attracts random flirty girls? They may try to get your husband’s attention at the supermarket, in a sports bar, or even at a friend’s party, for an ego boost and a little bit of fun. At the start of your marriage, your general insecurity levels will be tested—will you laugh it off since you’re confident he loves you, or are you the type who goes on full alert whenever someone even so much as glances in his general direction? That first flirtation is going to light a fuse, and it could go either way.

How to Deal

The first time a flirty girl comes on to your guy, give him a smile and say, “I can’t blame her. You’re the hottest guy in the room.” That way, you’ve boosted his ego, and the woman in question just did you a favor. Your husband will love that you’re confident in his loyalty to you. Don’t overreact; unless he gives her his number, this is likely just a chatty woman who acts this way towards all men. If she’s a maneater, most guys don’t react to that act anyway, and you can believe that yours didn’t interpret anything by her casual bump into him at the bar. She may have shot you a look afterward, but he didn’t see it, so don’t go ballistic on him. Don’t be that wife: the always-angry one who’s suspicious of every woman in the room, giving the silent treatment in the car or causing a scene when he’s just being polite and engaging in conversation with someone. Insecurity can be a huge turn-off.

8. Establishing Your First Tradition Together➖

Hmmmmmmm…Not yet but definitely looking forward to it!

Why It’s Big

Traditions are shining moments in a marriage—they give you celebrations to look forward to. Start them now, early on, so that you can carry them out throughout your happily ever after. Teach your kids about traditions and someday you’ll watch them create their own with their spouse, all because of you!

How to Deal

Honor established rituals that were passed down from both of your families (especially holiday-related ones), and create new traditions of your own. Choose two or three traditions to maintain that you’ll both stay enthusiastic about. Your tradition doesn’t have to be something big, like renewing your wedding vows every six months. It could be something small, like choosing a holiday ornament that represents your biggest adventure or goal of the year. Look for anything that you’ll look forward to that represents the two of you.

9. The First Holiday You Split or Host ➖

We have not done the holiday split or host as The Garrett’s, but were hosting Thanksgiving this year!  Super geeked to have both families together  ❤️

Why It’s Big

When you were engaged, you may have gone to one family’s house for half of a holiday, then the “other side’s” to continue the celebration. Or you may have just gone to your family’s house, while your groom went to his. Now that you’re married, you’ll both face the nervewracking question of where to spend the holidays. Will you take turns, use alternate years, or just invite everyone over to your place? It’s important because there’s a lot of relatives who hold onto family tradition dearly and don’t like change. If your families live very far apart, it can be tough to decide who gets first dibs on major events like Christmas or Hanukkah.

How to Deal

Before you talk to your families about this—they may approach you about it months in advance, to get a jump on the competition—talk with each other about any special circumstances that will help make the decision easier for you. Perhaps a parent or grandparent has an illness, or your brother and his wife just had a baby. One family’s circumstances may make it a no-brainer as to which “side” gets to have you first. Accept the fact that someone might not be happy about changing family tradition, so you might have a Scrooge at your table. Don’t let that overshadow the importance of this being your first married holiday together. If you and your husband decide to host, consider this first year an experiment; you can always switch it up next year. But no matter what you plan with your families, it’s also important to plan something special just for the two of you. Start a new holiday tradition you’ll keep going every year and make your gift exchange really special, so that the last hours of the holiday are blissfully yours together.

10. The First Time You Get Scared by Marriage➖

Being married hasn’t scared me yet.  I’m not sure if it ever will.  When you feel that you were created to be married and be a wife, it’s like I have already been where I am now. I’m feeling pretty blessed to have met and married the man who is ‘perfect for me’. I pay more attention to living in and enjoying the present❤️

Why It’s Big

You love your spouse, but let’s face it, sometimes marriage can be scary. At some point, when you return back from your honeymoon (and into the real world), it might hit you that you’re finally married. Being someone’s wife comes with lots of responsibilities, potential loss (what if they leave or pass away?) and financial obligations. That first smack of marriage fear can really throw you.

How to Deal

In a great marriage, you feel comfortable saying, “I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.” It shows the depth of the love you share for your partner. Make sure you appreciate each other, have fun together, be kind to one another and continually work at strengthening your marriage. If you find that the panic doesn’t subside over time, and you test your spouse’s love level by picking fights, speak with a qualified, reputable counselor who can help you figure out what’s going on. Negativity and fear can be offshoots of depression or anxiety. It’s always smart to get an expert’s opinion—rather than just confiding in Mom or your best friend—because their opinion isn’t colored by previous experiences with you and your husband. If couple’s counseling is necessary, consider it an investment in your marriage. Tackle your problems head-on and do the smart thing by protecting your relationship (and yourself) against destructive thoughts.

Study Discovers 7 Surprising Benefits of Holding Hands

Great Article by Dejan Kvrgic! Totally supports our excessive hand holding ❤️.Holding hands is an ordinary thing that we see and do every day. It can signify friendship, love, or marriage. Yet this tiny, commonplace behavior triggers chemical reactions in our minds that make us feel loved, happy, cared for, and respected.
These days, non-verbal communication is important to understanding human behavior. Holding hands is one of the fundamental ways we can positively impact our lives. When we hold hands, the nerves in our skin communicate with our core nervous system, producing hormones that make us feel pleasant and warm. There’s much more to it, of course, and new studies continue to explore the positive psychological effects of human touch today.
Here are seven benefits of holding hands which you may not have realized existed:
1. Holding hands is a great stress reliever
Holding hands with your significant other decreases the level of a stress hormone called cortisol. Even the touch of a friend or a teammate can make us feel more content, connected, or better about ourselves. When we are stressed out, a light touch on our hand can help ease the strain, both physically and mentally. Our skin also gets more sensitive when cortisol is rushing through our bloodstream, so the touch of a helping hand will have a significantly larger impact. The largest concentration of nerve endings is actually contained inside the hands and fingertips.
So, next time you’re having a really tough day, get together with your partner or a friend and ease the stressful day with them.

 

2. Holding hands boosts love & bonding
Oxytocin is the hormone behind this benefit. Oxytocin strengthens empathy and communication between partners in a relationship, which is proven to be a contributing factor for long-lasting, happy relationships. Holding hands with your partner will improve your relationship and create a bond that will impact the quality of your relationship significantly.
Couples who have happy relationships hold hands automatically, sometimes without even noticing, because of a habit developed by their nervous systems. Holding hands produces the oxytocin, which makes us feel happier and more loved.

 

3. Besides relieving stress, holding hands with your partner lowers your blood pressure, which is one of the major contributors to heart disease. When we’re clasping fingers with our loved ones, we’re not just easing stress and improving our relationships – we are providing a comfortable sensation that helps our heart. The power of a warm touch goes beyond the health benefits to the heart; a study from Behavioral Medicine backs up this claim.

 

4. Holding hands relieves pain
While enduring pain, humans have the natural reflex to tighten their muscles. Think of childbirth – husbands are typically inside the delivery room holding their wife’s hand while she’s going through labor. The reflex to grasp our partner’s hand comes as second nature: It’s always easier to endure pain while holding hands with your soulmate.

 

5. Holding hands fights fear
Remember that horrible scene in the last horror movie you saw that made you want to jump out of your chair? Luckily, your darling was with you to hold your hand and make you feel safe. The human brain responds to sudden stimulation using adrenaline; this stimulation gets our blood pumping and releases high levels of cortisol throughout our body.
During these moments, our natural reaction is to hold hands with someone we trust. It varies from person to person, but a large portion of women will instantly grab their partner’s hand. That’s the intuitive way to fight off nerves.

 

6. Holding hands provides a sense of security
Simple hand holding is a source of safety and comfort for young children. Remember when your parents taught you to how to cross the street or walked you down a crowded sidewalk? Or when you were learning to ride a bicycle? Insecurity disappears when we have a hand to hold and allows us to more easily conquer obstacles. The security that parents provide their children by holding hands shapes their children’s behavior and their way of thinking.
Additionally, the sensation of safety goes both ways; parents also feel safer when their children are within their grasp.

 

7. Holding hands is just plain comfortable
Everybody loves comfort. The sensation of holding hands often provides a comfy feeling while talking a walk with your loved one. A great example is holding hands inside a jacket pocket to warm them up on those cold December nights when you decide to take a stroll in the snow with your partner. Even with gloves, we love to hold hands. It bonds us; it provides lovely sensations and gives us quality time with people we care about.

 

How often do you hold hands with your partner?
Holding hands is a pain reliever, a source of security, and a cure for stress. Do you enjoy the comforting sensation of holding hands? Now you have seven reasons to do it more often.

 

 

Easy Ideas for a Beach Themed Bridal Shower

photo: Magda Rondeau Photography

 

Many destination weddings take place on sandy beaches. It’s romantic, it’s picturesque, and most importantly, it is memorable. Particularly for couples who love the ocean side. For beach loving couples, why not pull out all the stops and throw a beach themed bridal shower as the perfect pre-wedding party?

Planning a beach themed bridal shower is no easy task, but with a little creativity and help from a few co-hosts, anyone can pull it off. Here are some creative ideas to get you started!

Plan Ahead

A theme party requires a bit more planning than a non-themed party. There are more details to consider and pieces to pull together.

Setting the Mood

The ideal venue for a beach theme bridal shower is somewhere with a swimming pool. Decorations are key when you’re trying to recreate a beach atmosphere. One way to bring the beach feel to your poolside venue is by stringing paper lanterns around the pool. This creates a festive mood and serves as soft lighting after sunset.

If you can’t go to the beach, you can still bring the beach to you. Hang netted sacks with seashells and candles, and fill an inflatable wading pool with sand and prop a surfboard inside and set it by the entrance. Pull up some beach chairs for seating and drape colorful beach towels on the chair backs.

Centerpieces can be paper lanterns with votive candles inside surrounded by sand and seashells to carry the theme through. You can also place small fishbowl with fish on every table. This will surely become a conversation piece for the guests.

For even more beach fun, request that guests come in their beach wear! Now it’s a beach party!

Beach Themed Favors

To thank your guests for coming to the bridal shower, party favors are essential. Needless to say, favors should also be beach themed. You can give seashell tea light candles, starfish wine bottle stoppers, or a decorative seashell picture frame. For a great beach themed gift, stuff a straw bag, or beach tote with an embroidered beach towel, some personalized sunscreen and a hand fan. This custom beach kit is sure to be a hit!

photo Tiffany Chalk Events

Host a Pool Party for Bridesmaids

by Tracy Kunzler
A bridal luncheon is the traditional way brides thank their bridesmaids for all they do to make the bride’s wedding day special. We’ve all been to them. They are sweet, lovely, well-intentioned occasions that, on a fun scale of 1-10, typically rate a strong “Meh.” You want to do something especially fun and memorable, and you’ve come to the right place! We have a plan for a poolside spa party worthy of all the time and energy bridesmaids spend on the bride that won’t take a ton of your time and energy. With the top five wedding months being May-September, a poolside spa party makes sense. Besides, who wouldn’t choose “relaxed, exfoliated and manicured by the pool” over “dressed-up and bored indoors?” This is also a terrific party to host for tired moms, stressed-out girlfriends and helpful neighbors! Best of all, even though it appears to be “all about the bridesmaids,” as host, you’ll get pampered too! Check out this easy plan for creating a spa oasis for your girls!

Spa Services

At least five to six weeks before your event, you’ll want to start preparations and figure out what spa services you’ll offer at your party so you can book your professionals. Pamper Perfect offers mobile spa parties!  They are fun, sophisticated, and allows you to relax and have fun with your gal pals. Poolside manis, pedis and massages are PERRRRRRRRRFCT for your summer pool party, bridal shower, bachelorette party or girlfriends and/or family gathering.

Invitation

You can get custom invitations printed through sites like etsy.com, or you can make your own. We love this one we spied on meandmyinsanity.com. You have to admit it has a certain “polish” to it! It’s so cute; your girls are likely to save it as a special keepsake. Be sure to print all your party details on the label like date, time, what services will be provided, and be sure to tell guests to wear their swimsuits. You can find all the how-tos here.

Set the Scene and the Mood

This party plan offers something appealing to all the senses and offers your busy bridesmaids a chance to slow down and unwind. Just having your party poolside makes for a serene setting. Add to the beauty and serenity of your spa setting with a few “lotus blossoms” floating in the pool. Thanks to water-resistant battery compartments, these beautiful floating lotus flower lights add beauty to your pool both day and night. They’re the perfect compliment to your spa theme.

Consider having pretty, comfortable robes for your bridesmaids to wear once they enter your “spa.” Pamper Perfect Mobile Spa can provide robes to be rented and worn during the party or order  as a keepsakes for your guests.  Bridesmaids can wear them during the party and again while getting dressed on the big day. For as little as $22 each. Or, if you travel a lot, just take one from each hotel you stay in. Just kidding!

Be sure to load your iPod or smart phone with soothing, instrumental music or nature sounds and play your selections via a pair of portable speakers or docking station during the party. Many libraries have a selection of CD’s of instrumental music and nature sounds you can check out at no cost.

Light scented candles throughout your spa setting. Put out a few containers of scented body butters for guests to apply to hands and elbows. Place a few fashion magazines around. Take clippings of fresh flowers, large leaves and ornamental grasses from the yard to put in vases. Scatter some pillows on your lounge chairs, and set out a pretty basket of your best towels for guests to use.

Menu

Being that your party will likely occur just days before your bridesmaids will don the bridesmaids’ dresses they’ve had carefully altered, your guests will probably prefer to eat light. (Believe me, I know from experience Spanx can only perform so many miracles!) We recommend a menu made up of small bites your girls can eat one handed as they sip and receive a mani or pedi by the pool. Keeping portions small will allow each guest to try a taste of this and that, leaving them happily satisfied. Here’s a spa-tacular menu that’s easy on waistlines and hosts!

• Cucumber-mint water – No spa is worth its weight in bath salts if it doesn’t offer the classic spa drink. Simply add sliced cucumber and fresh mint to a pitcher of ice water.
• Flavored ice tea – It’s also nice to offer a flavored iced tea such as peach or raspberry.
• A signature drink – By offering one signature cocktail you make by the batch, you’ll save time and money. We like this Skinny Girl-Inspired Sparkling White Sangria from nutrition coach Linda Wagner. It’s a slimmed-down version of a summer favorite that is beautiful to boot.

Skinny Girl-Inspired Sparkling White Sangria – Lindawagner.net for the full recipe. Simply add the sliced fruit and mint to the wine and then the stevia until desired sweetness is reached. (Linda recommends an alcohol-free stevia.) Let sit for at least an hour in the fridge to let the flavors infuse. You can also freeze half of the fruit and add right before serving to keep the Sangria cold without diluting the flavor.

Spa facial cheese ball – We fell in love with this clever and adorable appetizer from Hungry Happenings and are sure your girls will love it, too! Check out the Hungry Happenings website to see what you need!

 

Finger sandwiches – Use favorite sandwich fillings to make finger sandwiches. Consider perennial girl favorites like chicken salad, cucumber and cream cheese and pimento cheese. You can buy prepared chicken salad to save time – Trader Joe’s has several delicious varieties – and prepared pimento cheese as well.

Fresh fruit skewers – make up skewers of fresh fruit guests can nibble on while receiving spa services. Seasonal and favorite fruits like strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, pineapple and cantaloupe make a pretty and delicious combination.

Mini dessert tray – Make up a tray of small favorite desserts like mini éclairs and cream puffs (these disappear any time I serve them), mini lemon bars, and cheesecake bites. I will share my secret recipe for these with you: I buy the cream puffs, éclairs and cheesecake bites in the frozen food section of the grocery store. I buy the lemon bars from the bakery and cut them up into smaller bites. I arrange them on a pretty tray with some fresh mint leaves or a few pansy blossoms. You’re welcome!

When Your Guests Arrive…

Greet them with the drink of their choice, offer them robes to wear over their swimsuits if you choose to provide them, and encourage them to turn off their cell phones or at least set them on vibrate.

Discuss what treatments are available and let the guests rotate through the circuit. While they are waiting their turn to have a mani, pedi or massage, let them enjoy a facial mask you can make up easily and inexpensively. This DIY skin-brightening mask caught our eye. Be sure to have enough ingredients on hand to make up enough for all your guests.

Ideal bridesmaid gift – Tradition dictates that a bride gives her bridesmaids a thank you gift such as a picture frame, scented candle or a necklace or pair of earrings for the bridesmaids to wear during the wedding. Tradition once dictated that women were not allowed to vote or show their knees. Present your bridesmaids with a unique, nontraditional gift they will cherish using during your spa party and all summer long like a pool float! Your girls will happily think of you and your savvy gift skills each time they peacefully lounge. Picture frames, candles and earrings are really nice, but I can’t nap, lounge, or tan in any of them! Just sayin’!

 

Allow guests to rotate through desired service stations and sip and nibble at their leisure. You will have created a spa afternoon so wonderfully Zen, that when the party is over, your bridesmaids will say, “Leave? Namaste right here!”

How to Plan a Spa Bridal Shower

How to Plan a Spa Bridal Shower

With engagement season in full swing and proposals occurring over the next several days during the Christmas/ New Year holiday, we may have to begin planning a bridal shower.
A spa bridal shower is the perfect way to spend time together with close friends and to give the bridal entourage some indulgent pampering before the wedding day. It’s also a time to soothe tired minds and bodies. A spa bridal shower can be conveniently held at home or in a hotel wirh spa professionals from Pamper Perfect Mobile Spa!

Like other bridal showers, this should be hosted by the maid of honor with the help of the bridal entourage or a close female relative of the bride’s. Typically, a bridal shower is held a few months before the wedding or the day before.

A Checklist of Things To-Do

Pre-planning: A month or two before the party

Planning for a spa bridal shower with lots of spare time is the best way to ensure that you’ll have a successful event everyone will remember.

Decide on the date. The ideal day would be over the weekend as this when most people will be available. Consult the bride and make sure she’s available on the day.
Decide where you will host. Pamper Perfect is able to set up in any traditional living room, family room or basement. Reserving a hotel room or suite is a great option as well. Check with PP for bridal packages and select one that best suits your group.

Plan your budget. Set a budget for the whole event and ask the other members of the bridal entourage to chip in. By doing this, you avoid over-spending and depleting your savings.
Send your invitations. The moment you have the basic details like date, location, and guest list, send out your bridal shower invitations. You can buy pre-made invitations, or you can order online.
Planning the Details: 4 to 6 weeks before the party

A significant event like this happens just once in a bride’s life, so guarantee her special day by taking care of the important details of the party.

Food – since having a spa is all about being healthy, the food should be healthy and simple as well. Try to serve salads, deli sandwiches, fruit salads, cheese and crackers, and veggies with dip. For your drinks, serve fruit juices or fruit punch with floating slices of fruits. Keep plenty of water on hand too.

Guests – traditionally, the guests for the bridal shower include the bridal party, close female relatives of the bride and groom, as well as close female friends of the bride. However, be sure that all guests will be invited to the wedding as well.

Spa set-up – if you’re having the bridal shower with Pamper Perfect Mobile Spa, we bring all equipment and supplies. You may still want to add special touches.

Pre-arrange the packages that will be available to guests to avoid any unforeseen expenses. If you have a large group, you can set-up a spa stations. Have a massage station, a facial center, and mani-pedi place.  Be sure to play some relaxing music and decorate in soft colors to keep the soothing mood.
Favors – consider bridal shower favors that fit your theme of a spa. Give aromatherapy oils, scented candles, or bath salts and package them nicely within a lovely favor box tied with some personalized ribbon.
Spa Bridal Shower Etiquette FAQs

Here are some common questions for hosting a spa bridal shower:

Who hosts the bridal shower?

Traditionally the maid of honor is responsible for hosting the bridal shower. However, nowadays it can be anyone, even the bride’s co-workers. Just make sure that the same people won’t get invited to another bridal shower because it can be too costly for them.

Who pays for the event?

The host shoulders the cost of the shower, which is in this case the maid or matron of honor. But, she can ask the other girls in the wedding party to share with the expenses.

Do brides-to-be really need a bridal shower?

It’s up the host and the bridal entourage if they want to celebrate the wedding with a pre-event like a bridal shower. However, wedding events can be costly, so consider combining the bridal shower and bachelorette party to avoid duplicating costs. Just make sure that the theme is appropriate to all guests present.

What kind of gifts do you bring at a bridal shower?

If you have a theme going on, then a gift that fits the theme is great. Traditionally, bridal shower gifts include items to be used on the wedding night or any item that is specifically for the bride to be and not for the couple.

 

Check out more of our spa party pics in our gallery at http://www.pamperperfectmobilespa.com

10 Holiday Party Tips-How to Entertain Guests

Kimberly Fusaro says; woe get it: Knickknacks, plastic toys and your kids’ art projects multiply while you’re sleeping. But the more serene your home is, the more serene your guests will feel. So use your party as an opportunity to clear out the extras. Stow toys in a room with a closed door, and tuck two-thirds of your tchotchkes (especially the breakable ones) in a box. Cut down the number of framed photos on the mantel to one or two. “Wedding portraits isn’t a proper home decor theme,” points out Stephanie. And pare down the fridge door decorations: Permission slips, rec center schedules and your kids’ last three report cards can be moved to a drawer for the night.

3. Dress up your home. Cleaning up is part one of creating ambiance. Part two: making your home as special as you want the evening to be. So it should look nicer than it does when, say, your best friend swings by to pick up your kids for soccer practice. Try switching off the overhead lights and setting out lots of unscented votive candles across mantels and down the center of tables, suggests Madhu Puri, entertaining editor for shopping site One Kings Lane and their online magazine Live.Love.Home. Add pops of color with unfussy floral arrangements: Choose a single variety—poppies, carnations, even baby’s breath—and cut the stems at varying heights for a stress-free display.

4. Do another sweep through your bathroom. This is one private space that all your guests will have access to, so make sure it’s pristine. “I don’t need to see your fluffy bathrobe or know what type of birth control you’re on,” says Elizabeth from Portland, OR. After you’ve cleared out personal items and swept the floor, make your loo guest-friendly with a scented candle, clean hand towels and extra rolls of toilet paper.

5. Stick with a menu of familiar, easy-to-cook foods. This isn’t the night to test those high-effort vegan Slovakian recipes you clipped from a magazine. The point of a party is for everyone—including you!—to mix and mingle, so make sure your party-day to-do list is minimal. “Your guests are there to spend time with you,” says Elizabeth, “so please don’t attempt something you’ve never cooked before or take on more than you have time for.” Pick crowd-pleasing dishes you can prep beforehand and finish quickly when guests arrive.

6. Have no-cook snacks at the ready. In spite of your careful planning, don’t count on dishes being done when guests show up—and don’t make anyone starve! “I make sure my guests can graze while I finish cooking,” says Puri. Nuts, cheeses, cured meats and chips can be set out in seconds, and they’re the perfect small bites for guests to nibble on while they wait for cooked food to be served.

7. Set up your bar and glassware ahead of time. Rather than rushing to get each new guest a drink, encourage everyone to help themselves. You don’t need to put out a full bar; just arrange a few bottles of wine and a small tub of iced beers—and don’t forget a pitcher of water and plenty of glasses. “Your guests will be thirsty when they arrive,” says Puri. “Think ahead and you’ll save yourself time spent getting every guest a glass of water.”

8. Choose your playlist in advance. Music should already be playing when your first guests arrive. That way, you don’t get stuck fumbling with the stereo while they stand around in awkward silence. “You want your home to feel inviting,” says Puri. “And music creates instant atmosphere.” If you don’t have time to pick individual songs from your music library, check out Pandora.com, where you can type in an artist or genre, and the site will churn out a nonstop selection of fitting tunes.

9. Make cleanup easy for everyone. Right after your guests reach for an hors d’oeuvre, they’ll look for somewhere to wipe their hands. “If you’re serving finger food, put out cocktail napkins,” says Puri. Similarly, have small bowls for discarded toothpicks and olive pits on hand. To keep buffet tables from getting overrun with used plates and napkins, set out a few small, discreet trash bins, and leave a tray for empty glasses just outside the kitchen.

10. Don’t apologize! Once the party’s going, avoid pointing out flaws, like that the floors need re-finishing or your sofa’s outdated. “Stop apologizing for your house!” says Stephanie. “Your home is lovely and you should feel confident about it.” To that end, also bite your tongue if you’re worried the food is sub-par. “Explaining why the risotto didn’t turn out well only makes it less appealing for your guests,” says Elizabeth, “and it forces them to work overtime to assure you how well everything turned out.”

‘Footnanny Foot Cream and Salt Treatment Set’ Makes Oprah’s Favorite Things List Again

We use Foot Nanny Foot Cream and she listed us as giving the best pedicures in the zip code!!!!

Great Article From
EURPUBLISHER
5 NOV 2016
rose-foot-treatment-2016

*Oprah’s Favorite Things 2016 announced the selection of the limited edition Rose Footnanny Treatment Gift Set – Rose Foot Cream and Rose & Lime Aromatic Foot Salts– with a bonus pair of spa socks (valued at $132) as part of Ms. Winfrey’s highly-anticipated annual holiday gift guide. The Footnanny Foot Treatment Gift Set is described as the ultimate indulgence for your feet.

“I love roses and the Footnanny Foot Cream and Foot Salts, are a great combination,” said Winfrey. The gift set is offered at 20 percent off with the code Oprah for a limited time at Amazon.com and Footnanny.com. The Favorite Things edition of O, The Oprah Magazine is available online or at newsstands on November 8. You can shop the 2016 Favorite Things online at amazon.com/oprah and Footnanny.com, or order by phone at (888) 698-4785. For a great year round gift and holiday stocking stuffer, shop all the Footnanny products at the Footnanny App.

“There’s a reason Footnanny has made the list for three years in a row: it’s just incredible! Founder Gloria Williams and I sniffed so many scents before settling on rose and rose-lime.” — Oprah

 

“Thank you Oprah for the 3-peat. I am honored to be included in O Magazine’s List for an unprecedented third year in a row,” said Celebrity Pedicurist Gloria L. Williams aka Footnanny who expanded her brand to include the new fragrance rose and lime foot bath salts with therapeutic properties of essential oils of rose and lime combined with a blend of four salts: Himalayan, Dead Sea, Foaming Sea Salt, and Epsom to create the perfect balance of a natural foot detox.

“My creams are made with a blend of shea and cocoa butters, aromatherapy, and vitamins in a rich cream designed especially for feet,” said Williams, a certified reflexologist. “I chose rose essential oils for its refreshing floral effect, which can evoke the spirit of love and romance, and especially in loving memory of my dear mother who adored the smell and feel of roses.”

Gloria Williams

Promoting health and wellness for feet globally is Williams’ mission. The Footnanny Treatment sets have been the ultimate indulgence for Ms. Winfrey, her long-time companion Stedman Graham and best friend Gayle King. Celebrities, such as First Lady of the U.S. Michelle Obama, Maria Shriver, 2016 Olympian Gold Medalist Justin Rose, Taraji P. Henson, Randy Jackson, Lady Gaga, Loretta Devine, Omar Gooding, A$AP Rocky, Cicely Tyson, Julia Roberts, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Bellamy Young, Sela Ward, Rita Wilson, Patrick Faucette, Paula Jai Parker, Christy Turlington, Keri Russell, and more have experienced the Footnanny “dream” cream and salts.

Footnanny is on Twitter and Instagram @Footnanny. Like her on Facebook to get tips about foot care. To connect with Footnanny, send a note to footnanny@footnanny.com.