Top Five Tips for Planning a Destination Bachelorette Party

April 17, 2014 Leave a Comment

Whether you’re a meticulous maid of honor or a hands on bride, you’ll need some serious organization skills to pull off a destination bachelorette party. If you want to take a Spring break with your girlfriends in honor of the wedding, check out our tips for having the most awesome bachelorette party ever!DestinationParty.jpg.jpg

Start a Chain

Stick to one form of communication with everyone that’s going to keep everyone updated all at once- email. This way you can send links and skip over messages that you don’t need or aren’t relevant anymore. Keep everyone on the chain by hitting ‘reply all’ every time. Just be sure to not reply with ‘lol’ at everything. Keep it strictly to travel related information and save all the side conversations for chat or text.

Do Research

Narrow down any destination options if you haven’t already. Use the email chain to settle anything you’re unsure of with a vote. Be sure to do research on all destinations and activities that you could do and present that to the group with links or reviews. An informed traveler is a happy traveler!

Divide and Conquer

When you have a game plan, divvy up the work so you can all enjoy the festivities. If you have a friend who has a knack for finding great restaurants, have them in charge of finding nearby restaurants or bars. If you have someone who knows hotel professionals, have them in charge of the hotel (you may even be able to score a discount!). Use your awesome team to your advantage to have a smooth and safe trip.

Set Deadlines

Have a timeline and make sure everyone sticks to it! To keep costs down for everyone, get any plane tickets booked at least two weeks in advance of departure. Have everyone get their days covered at work if they need it a few weeks before departure. Keep everyone accountable so there’s no drama later on.

Pack Light

Stick to the essentials and pieces that are versatile. Plan ahead- if you’re spending most of your time at the beach, you may not even need any jeans or sweaters at all. If you’re going out, skip the bikinis for cocktail dresses. Really try to plan your packing ahead so you don’t overpack. If you’re close enough with your bridesmaids, plan out who’s going to bring flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers. If you can keep it to a purse and a carry on, you’ve done it right.

 

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Five Ways to Save on Your Bachelorette Party

March 23, 2014 Leave a Comment

You’re going to be spending a whole lot on your wedding, and that should be the only night you’re saving for. Your bachelorette party is going to be a great night too, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Here are a few of our tips on saving on your bachelorette party.

Start at Home

If you’re doing drinks, start slow and start at home! Pick up a few bottles of bubbly and a flat of strawberries and let the night start at your own pace. You’ll all save big bucks versus bar prices, plus you don’t have to worry about standing in lines or waiting for servers.

Do Your Research

If you’re doing a girl’s night out, do some research on any bars or clubs that may do specials for groups. One of the best ways to find a new place to go is to check out local deal sites for deep discounts. You may find a hidden gem that does an awesome girl’s night or a new favorite with an awesome dance floor!

Call Ahead

Speaking of waiting in line, if you were planning on going out to a hotspot plan for it.  You may be able to get a cover waived if you milk the fact that it’s going to be a bachelorette party (clubs and hotspots love groups like bachelorette parties). It’s worth a shot and could save you time and money at the door.

Don’t Splurge on Specialty Items

If you’re dressing up or doing a theme at all, don’t shop for new items to wear. Try your best to shop your stash to save on going out clothes (those shoes alone can cost more than the whole night out). If you and your girlfriends want to do a theme brainstorm together to figure out what you can all pull off. If you’re going to do something wacky, at the very least check out second hand stores first so you can get a deep discount on an outfit.

Designate a Driver

Not only is this smart, but it could save you a boatload in cab fees. You can get a few of the groomsmen to volunteer if a few of your bridesmaids offer to drive for the bachelor party. If you’ll be having a few drinks, you absolutely cannot be driving at all. Just remember, if you ask someone else to DD for you, you’ll have to repay the favor.

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Five Tips for Throwing your 2014 Oscar Party

March 2, 2014 Leave a Comment

Are you ready for the Oscars? The stars are getting glammed up in Hollywood, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get in on the action too. Gather up your girlfriends and throw a bridal-Oscar party this Sunday! We’ve got tips to make your party unforgettable (just like Angelina Jolie’s leg-dress).

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Have a Dress Code

Your bridesmaids may be waiting for the big day to get all dolled up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun! Make your party red lips only, or a highest heels you own party. It doesn’t even have to be taken seriously, it can just be for fun with your ladies!

Give Out your Own Awards

If you’re the bride (or even the maid of honor), create awards for each of your girls to win. Best eyes, best driver, best performance at karaoke are all great superlatives for your bridesmaids. It’s a great party gift and reminds each of your friends what you love about them. Plus, you all get to give goofy ‘thank you’ speeches to each other!

Make Drinks as Fancy as Possible

Even if it’s a dry party, go crazy with the garnishes to make every drink as decadent as possible. Cut fresh fruit and have umbrellas and fun stuff to stick on the side of your glass. No matter what the drink is, serve it in a champagne flute or cute glassware. If you don’t have crazy glasses on hand, you can pick up a pack of plastic flutes or margarita glasses for under $5.

Become the Fashion Police

Be as specific as you wanna be and hit pause on every single dress. Since it’s just among girlfriends, you don’t have to rush through to get to any speeches or half-hearted interviews. You can also nominate one of your ladies who would look better in whatever your favorite starlets are wearing!

Give Thanks

A fun game to play during the Oscars? While celebs are giving their thank you speeches, mute your television and take turns ad-libbing the thank you’s (we’re big on thank you’s!). You’ll have more fun than you realize when you’re thanking a star’s ex for them!

 

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Five Tips For Throwing and Engagement Party

January 20, 2014 Leave a Comment

Engagement parties are a fun way to celebrate and share the news with all of your family and friends.  Whether the party is extravagant or small and intimate, here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction.

Location

There are lots of fun places to have the party.  Decide whether you want a large or intimate event before you pick the location.  A backyard or yacht is a great place for an intimate gathering. You can go big in a ballroom or estate. Either way, first consider the size and grandeur of your wedding.  The engagement party shouldn’t upstage the wedding, but instead should compliment it.

Who to Invite

According to ancient engagement party etiquette, you are only supposed to invite guests who are also invited to your wedding.  However, if you are having a small wedding you might want to invite more friends to the engagement party who won’t be attending the wedding.  This is also an opportunity for your parents to invite friends they may want to share in the celebration.

When to Have It

Engagement parties generally happen within three months of the proposal.  They are generally thrown by the bride’s family but a friend or member of the bridal party may throw one as well.  If you are planning a long engagement then plan your party no less than nine months before the wedding.

What to Serve

Don’t feel as though you have to serve an extravagant meal at your engagement party.  The food you serve is a great opportunity to showcase who you are as a couple. Choose the food that reflects both of your favorite foods for the appetizers and desserts.  This is a fun way to give an overview of the couple and what similarities or differences attract you to each other.

Gifts?

Gifts are not usually expected at an engagement party,  however if there are people coming who know they will not be able to make the wedding, then gifts are a definite possibility.  You can create a registry just in case someone asks your parents what to get you.  It doesn’t have to be the large wedding registry but just something small for the gifts you may receive.

Engagement Announcement

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Five NYE Looks for Wedding Events

December 28, 2013 Leave a Comment

Weddings aren’t the only time we get to stay up late and celebrate with champagne. New Year’s Eve is a time of celebrating your accomplishments and looking forward to a brand new year. It’s a time of reflection as well as a time of hope for the upcoming year. Whether you’re heading downtown to watch the ball drop, partying with some friends, or even staying at home for a romantic night, you’ll want to look extra fun for the occasion. We’ve got the goods for you to look your best and start your new year off right, and how to keep these looks rolling through to your next wedding event.

 

Bling it on

Glitter and sparkle is a NYE staple. The key is to look glamorous, and not like a disco ball. Skip the body glitter as well as any glitter in your blush or bronzer and go straight for the eyes. Put on a creamy primer (like MAC’s cream colour base in Hush, $20, MAC counters), contour your favorite shadows over, and give a few swipes of Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal liner ($19, Sephora) all over it. It’s buildable, so you have the freedom to be as bright as you want to be.  We like the shade ‘Baked’ for a golden eye that will be remembered from the new year and through the reception. This will be perfect for bachelorette parties and more non-traditional weddings.

 

Lustrous Lips

Line your lips with a wax-based liner to keep them in place, and pick a color you love. Red is classic and timeless (we LOVE ‘F-Bomb’ by Urban Decay, $22, Sephora) and always a great staple to have in your back pocket. Use that liner to keep your lips together through champagne toasts on any night of the year.

 

Color-Correcting Primer

Do you fall victim to cocktail flush? Does a martini give you a natural blush? Fight back with a color correcting primer under your foundation that leaves the blushing to the bride. Even the medium to heavy coverage foundations can let some redness through after a few cocktails. The Clinique redness solutions primer ($21 , Clinique Counters) is fantastic, lightweight, and keeps us glowing the right way.

 

Baby-Doll Lashes

Lashes may be too much for the office, but they’re perfect for nights out. Look for lashes that are fuller towards the outside to give a rounding, full effect. This is fun for NYE, or any time out with your bachelorettes. If you’re not super comfortable tossing your lashes on, do a bold black eyeliner on your upper lid first. Get your falsies as close to your natural lash line as possible, and if they don’t line up perfectly use more black liner to cover any mistakes. Many people learn how to apply false lashes using this method. We love Ardell’s false lashes in ‘Wispies’ ($3-$4, drugstores).

 

Powder for Pictures

There’s going to be flashing lights all night, and it won’t all be from fireworks or the dancefloor. Weddings and holidays are always highly photographed, and you want to be sure you look your best for both. Skip dewy looks that will look greasy for matte looks that will look polished. Have a pressed powder on hand for any oily patches, and dust your face with an HD powder before you head out for the night.

 

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Five Sun Safe Must Haves for Summer Weddings

July 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

We’re knee deep in the summer season and that means we’re knee deep in the heat. Outdoor weddings are fun, but now with the weather so hot here are a few products you may want to consider picking up.

Load Up on Sunscreen

Being outside should always warrant sunscreen, but be sure you’re packing it on for weddings. It’s something that’s easy to forget in the rush of things, but is incredibly important. A wedding is a day you want to remember, and you don’t want to remember it as the day you got a horrible sunburn! Pick something non-scented and not greasy, so it doesn’t affect your outfit or perfume. If you know you’ll be dancing, pick up a sport sunscreen like this one from Coppertone ($7-$9, drugstores). It covers both UVA and UVB rays and is water and sweat resistant.

SPF Everywhere

Remember that SPF counts everywhere! Having a sunburn on your lips is a nightmare. The Maybelline Baby Lips ($4-$6, drugstores) line are all SPF 20, and offer a light tint on your lips. They stay moisturized and help block out any sun damage. I also love the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm ($7.50, beauty specialty stores). It’s an incredibly moisturizing line and makes lips feel pillowy soft. The SPF 25 doesn’t hurt, either!

Seriously, Everywhere

I like to use a leave-in conditioner in my hair to keep it from drying out, particularly when the air is more dry. Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Leave-In Cream ($8-$10, drugstores) has a UV Shield, which helps protect your hair from sun damage. Your hair won’t get a sunburn, but it may get damaged or dry out in the heat. Dab a little in your hair and work it out to the ends before you style.

A Flawless, Sun Safe Face

Laura Mercier is known for their tinted moisturizers ($42, beauty specialty stores) year round, but the SPF 20 really helps out in the summer. The tinted moisturizers offer fantastic hydration as well as light coverage. Plus they offer a wide range of shades to accommodate all complexions.

Full Coverage and Sun Safe

If you’re looking for a foundation with more coverage, the MAC Matchmaster Foundation ($33, MAC counters) is for you. It offers SPF 15 and a wide range of shades. I find that it goes on moe matte to absorb any oiliness you may encounter. It goes on light but covers blemishes and redness very well.

In addition to wearing more products with SPF, just remember…

Ditch The Soda

Yes, soda is bad for you, but carbonation in general can throw off your fashion game plan completely. Skip any bubbly sodas the day before and the day of to avoid any unwanted bloat. If you need something sweet, stick to juice or a flavored water. Being bloated and in the heat is no fun at all. Plus, you’ll absolutely avoid any accidental burping.

Opt for Water

Going hand in hand with ditching soda, stick to water until the reception. It keeps your teeth from getting stained, it’ll keep you hydrated all day long, and if it does happen to spill, it’s not a major crisis. Yes, it’s fine to have a glass of wine (or two) but be sure to pair your glass with some water to avoid becoming sloppy. You don’t ever want to be that girl.

 

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Five Trending Eyeliner Shades for Bachelorette Parties

July 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

One of the most fun perks of being in the bridal party (aside from the wedding, of course!) is a good girl’s night. A bachelorette party or night on the town is one of the best places to try out a new look. Here’s my guide to ditching the standard black eyeliner in favor of a fun trendy shade.

Stila Eyeliner in Lionfish ($20, beauty supply stores)

Stila’s eyeliners always go on smooth and have a great color payoff. Lionfish is an unbasic brown that is warm and a little glamorous. It’s the perfect shade for those of you looking to break out of a classic routine without being overwhelming. This shade is complimentary to every skin tone and will transition well into the fall. The gold tones give skin a subtle glow, which is perfect for summer.  Keep an eye out for this new staple shade, it’ll be your new favorite liner.

Covergirl Liquiline Blast in Silver Spark ($6-$7, drugstores)

 

A silvery-grey can help break any girl out of a dark eyeliner habit. The grey is neutral like black, but isn’t nearly as dramatic.  This shade in particular is smooth and smudgable, making it perfect for beginners or advanced glamour girls. Silver Spark is very complimentary to cooler skin tones and eye colors. The formula wears for a long time, but won’t be a pain to remove at the end of the night.  This low maintenance liner also transitions well from day to night.

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in LSD ($19, beauty supply stores)

It’s almost impossible to talk about trendy eyeliners without mentioning Urban Decay’s line of liners. They recently rebooted their entire brand and rolled out a bunch of new shades in their famous 24/7 eyeliners. One of the breakout shades is LSD, a blue-toned shimmery liner. Don’t be intimidated by the blue though, this shade is fun, trendy, and surprisingly complimentary to many skin tones. LSD was initially introduced as a limited edition shade, but is now a part of the permanent line.  Thin application along the lash line gives a subtle sparkle, but packed on it creates a wide-eyed sultry look.

M.A.C. Pearlglide Eyeliner in Black Line ($16, M.A.C. counters)

Earthy tones are on the rise this summer, and this liner is one of the best ways to wear it! The Pearlglide formula is one of my personal favorites because of how smooth and soft it is. If you are more comfortable with black liner, this dark earthy shade may be your new go-to. The khaki green tone in this liner is very complimentary to warm skin tones and have the ability to bring a sparkle to green and brown eyes. Going lightly and tight on your eyes warms your face for a romantic look.

Covergirl Ink It! in Golden Ink ($5-$7, drugstores)

There’s no harm in going a little glam for girl’s night! Open up your eyes with a touch of gold, like this one from Covergirl. You can pair this with any of the other liners listed, and keep the gold on your inner corners. Small pops of color have been popping up everywhere, with gold leading the pack. This formula is incredibly well pigmented, so a little bit goes a long way. If you’re going super glam, use this liner as a shadow pencil for a golden glowy look.

Which of these shades are your favorite? Leave a comment down below saying which shade you’ll be keeping an eye out for!

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Top Five Nail Polish Shades for Summer

June 9, 2013 1 Comment

Summer is here, and that means that summer wedding events are just on the horizon. With bachelorette parties, showers, weddings, and everything else in between right around the corner, here are some fresh nail polish colors to wear at your next event. While the classic french manicure is a go-to for a reason, here are my five favorite shades that are more fun and adventurous.

 

Papaya Punch by China Glaze ($4-$8, beauty supply stores)

Papaya Punch is the perfect compliment to a summer mimosa with fellow bridesmaids. The yellow-toned orange makes the bright punch pop on any skin tone. China Glaze polishes also wears for a few days before major chips or nicks, so you won’t have to worry about a messy looking manicure. Plus, it’s an excellent accent to floral dresses as well as the pop of color you may need to brighten an outfit.

 

Collide by Illamasqua ($17, Sephora)

Collide is one of the strongest shades Illamasqua has released so far, and it’s proven time and time again why. This powerful pop of pink stands out on all skin tones and its’ formula rarely shows any signs of wear and tear. A few coats of Collide will last you an entire weekend, giving you more time to enjoy yourself and not worry about touching up your nails. A bright fuchsia is daring, fun, and stylish. You can dress it up with a solid dark outfit or dress it down with something light and colorful.

 

Electric Pineapple by China Glaze ($4-$8, beauty supply stores)

For some extra summer fun, go with a shade that hints at sunshine and mojitos. Electric Pineapple is just that- electric. This China Glaze shade sits in at a cozy spot between yellow and green without looking icky. This compliments earthy tones and brightens up cream tones. Dress it up with dark jewelry to make it pop at night, and dress it down with silver and white gold during the day.

Cotton Candy by Revlon ($4-$6, drugstores)

If you’re feeling something a little more conservative for your event, Cotton Candy by Revlon is a fresh take on a favorite. This light pink has a rose gold tint to it, warming it up more than a basic pastel pink. Two to three coats of Cotton Candy will completely cover your claws, plus it has a little extra something to it- it’s scented! That’s right, it actually smells like cotton candy! It’s nothing offensive, and it doesn’t smell like chemicals which is what I was afraid of before trying it. It’s a neat little novelty that makes both this shade and this formula a must have for summer.

 

Turquoise & Caicos by Essie ($6-$8, beauty supply stores)

If you want to show your camaraderie to the bride, this could be your ‘something blue’. Essie’s shade Turquoise & Caicos is a turquoise tinted Tiffany blue. I love the instant mermaid glow it brings to all skin tones. Essie shades are trusted for a reason- their formula lasts through hard wear and goes on smooth and evenly. This shade proves to be versatile with different outfits and looks too, making it a must for all your upcoming summer events.


From the bachelorette party to brunch with the bridesmaids and even through to the big day, your nails will thank you for dressing them up in a fun summer color. Swapping your typical shade for one of these summer shades could be your ‘something new’, and you will look fabulous wearing them. Enjoy!

 

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Healthy Super Bowl Party Ideas

February 2, 2013 Leave a Comment

Super Bowl Sunday is here. The party is about to begin, and all you can think of is how to avoid stuffing yourself with all those delicious salty, sugary and saucy Super Bowl snacks. After all, you have been getting in shape,working out and eating well, all in preparation for your wedding day. But, do not despair. Just because you have opted for a healthier life style, it does not mean that you have to give it up for one day. Follow these easy steps and you will have a great time without the guilt!

Step One: Preparation

Make all your food ahead of time. Focus on what you made for yourself, and don’t go looking for something else.

Step Two: Variety

Avoid the one type food thing. You know it will lead you right in the trap. Before you know it, you will be reaching for the chips and salsa and pigs in a blanket.

Step three: Don’t Eat for the Sake of Eating

Keep your focus on the game. Not the food.  In this case, you have more than one game to look for….the Super Bowl and your Wedding Day.

To help you stay on track, here are some easy and healthy recipes:

Dip without the Guilt

We all love the fatty, delicious and high calorie dips. But guess what? You can still have dip without all that! Yes it is possible.

Mint/Basil Greek Yogurt dip

Mint/Basil Greek Yogurt dip

Mint/Basil Greek Yogurt dip

Here is how to prepare it:

  1. Chopped fresh mint
  2. Chopped fresh basil
  3. Non fat Greek Yogurt

Can it be any easier? Paring with Cucumbers, Carrots and Celery for a crunchy snack!

Crunch without the Guilt

Have you heard of the wonder world of Kale? Kale is a power food, full of fiber and vitamins. Most importantly, when baked right, it becomes the best crunch you will ever crave. The good news? You can have bowls after bowls and not have one ounce of regret!

Kale Chips

Kale Chips

How to prepare Kale Chips:

  1. Chop some fresh Kale
  2. Toss with salt and olive oil
  3. Spread on a baking sheet
  4. Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes then broil for another 5 minutes
  5. Enjoy!

For the Sweet Tooth

You will never believe it, but this is not your average pudding. Not at all. The main ingredient? Avocado! Believe me, you won’t even taste it. This will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Choc-ado Pudding

Choc-ado Pudding

Choc-ado Pudding

Here is how to prepare this yummy treat:

  1. In a food processor or blender, add one avocado, chocolate powder (the one without sugar), and honey
  2. Blend
  3. Chill for one hour
  4. Devour

Drinks

Cappuccino

Cappuccino

I am not going to lie. You have to stay away from the soda, the alcohol and the mixed drinks. Don’t worry, there are other options.  With the following substitutes, you will not feel the craving and you will still enjoy the party spirit.

  1. Lemon Spritzer: Sparkling Water with lemon
  2. Steamers: Warm drinks which will delight you. Here is how:
    • Microwave some milk
    • Add sugar free vanilla syrup (or any other syrup)
    • Dress up with a cinnamon stick
    • Sip to your life
  3. Cappuccino
    • Hot milk, Foam and Espresso. This sophisticated drink is the party VIP.

ENJOY THE SUPER BOWL!

 

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