Wednesday, February 27, 2013

WEDnesday Love: WOW, Your Wedding Dress

You look at some brides and believe they just have "it". That something that makes them look effortlessly stylish, pulled together, and WOW! But if you think they were born with it, think again.  Choosing a wedding dress is one of the biggest personal things you'll do for your wedding.  Everybody has a different shape and style and thinking about how your gown will fit is just as important as the venue you choose.
If you're pear shaped, you may want to look for a skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.  Keep in mind that a classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric.
If you're busty, consider a dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelf like). FYI: Ruched materials and fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest.

For my plus size ladies, an Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line is a good choice. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.
A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape is great if you have an apple shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.  However, be careful to avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.
If you're a taller bride choose a simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem.  Because of your height, you'll want to stay on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.
Last but certainly not least; if you're petite check out trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress appear longer.

Now that you've considered your shape - Did you think about how you will put it on? Have you considered who will be helping you with it? Be sure they know how to lace up the back of the dress and bustle you correctly.

Hope this is helpful when you're shopping for your wedding gown!

"Love & Laughter"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tuesday Tip: Relieving the Stress - Part II


In part one we took a serious look at some common reasons we stress during the wedding planning process.  This week, we lighten the discussion with a few great stress relievers.  Below are 5 ways to bust up stress and relax. Consider some or even all of these if you're looking for a way to escape wedding planning even if only for a day or two.

Meditation and Relaxation
"Peace has to be created in order to be maintained" is what I believe and live by.  Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace.  Considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine, meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing you stress.

Random Acts of Kindness
"Give Without Remembering - Receive Without Forgetting".  People who are kind are generally happier!  By helping others, you are likely to take the attention off of yourself and the stress of your world.  In addition, helping others can enhance feelings of joyfulness, emotional resilience and optimism.

Enjoy a Spa Day
"Self Care is the Best Care".  If you're aren't good to yourself, how do you expect to be good to others?  When the cares of the world, or in this instance wedding planning, get to you - take time to be selfish!  A spa day can be as simple as a mani/pedi or as extensive as massages, facials, hot yoga and/or a drive through the country.  Whatever you decide be sure you're able to clear your mind and have peaceful thoughts. 

Cut out stimulants such as coffee, soda, etc
"Strong hope is a much greater stimulant of life than any realized joy could be".  As an advocate for fasting, this is the perfect way to clean your body and your mind.  Commit to a fast even if it's only for three days, you'll have clearer thoughts and your body will thank you :)


Journal
"There are certain things that make me relax, like writing in my journal. That's the only time that I'm relaxing.  It's the only time I really get to examine myself".  I can imagine that during the planning of your wedding you've been bombarded with thoughts.  Some worth sharing with others and some that are just for you.  Keep a journal near your nightstand or in your purse so that when random thoughts enter your mind you have a place to write them down. 

It's YOUR wedding - find and create a peaceful space then maintain it!

"Love and Laughter"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

WEDnesday Love: Wedding Deals!


Planning a wedding or event of any size can become expensive and we all know dealing with the big B (budget) can add undue stress and suck most of the fun out of the planning process.  As a professional planner, I get joy out of finding deals and sharing them with my clients.

My friend and co-mom, Joyce, always finds terrific deals; so when I received this Groupon deal about weddings from she and my sister in law, I just had to share some of my favorite picks with my readers.

Many times wedding planning is geared towards the ladies; check out these that will also benefit the men in our lives ~ Enjoy!

Blue Nile Deal
Wedding jewelry is often passed down through a family due to its sentimental value and because only people who are related to each other have the same-sized necks and wrists. Start a new tradition with this Groupon.

Personalized Wine Labels
Personalized wine labels from PersonalWine.com. Choose from the following options:
  • $24.99 for 24 labels ($60 list price)
  • $37.99 for 48 labels ($120 list price)
  • $49.99 for 100 labels ($250 list price)
Wine labels measure 3.4" x 3.4"
Light up one of Gurkha’s quality cigars when relaxing with friends or pausing dramatically before delivering a one-liner to a defeated nemesis. Each sampler’s tobacco sticks range from mild to medium to full-bodied, and all arrive tucked safely inside an attractive suede roll holder.
Much like a well-tailored suit or a full-body tattoo resembling a well-tailored suit, a set of cuff links is the sign of a gentleman. These silver-plated shirt fasteners can be engraved with two initials, one for each cuff link, making them a thoughtful gift for a groom or groomsmen. The links are available in a round or square shape.

Calvin Klein Collection Ties
Known for his classic American aesthetic, designer Calvin Klein follows in his own footsteps with this collection of ties. Available in an array of colors and patterns, the ties are made in Italy from 100% silk.


"Love & Laughter"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tuesday Tip: Relieving the Stress - Part I

We all know that planning a wedding or event of any size can be stressful.  As a matter of fact, getting married comes in the top 5 of most stressful life events.  How and why is planning a wedding so stressful?  Everyone is different so your personality will determine just how stressful it will be for you.

Although you can't completely eliminate stress; we are going to discuss ways to minimize it.  Before we get into that, lets talk about some common causes of wedding planning stress.

  • What I've noticed over the years is that trying to keep up with personal and social expectations can cause a great amount of anxiety. Trying to combine your ideas of what you consider a perfect wedding while also trying to "follow the rules" AND attempting to keep up with family members, friends and everyone else happy is certainly a stressful task.
  • The search for perfection is another cause of wedding planning stress. Know that ALL couples want their wedding to match their view of a perfect event. Though this seems like a minor cause of stress, many couples take their quest for perfection too far. 
  • Control is another big issue and one that can't always be avoided. Whether it's because of monetary concerns or because of "keeping the peace", control of the planning process is often a responsibility of someone other than the couple.  While this is often unavoidable, there are ways to minimize the impact of a shift of control. Angry confrontation is not the answer and will only cause further problems. 

Always remember that some things will be more important to you than others. You can certainly compromise on other issues in order to retain those items that are most important to you. This suggestion will also help you once the wedding is over and the marriage begins.

A wedding takes a long time to plan and having a variety of emotions is  normal during the planning process.  Be sure to take time out for yourself and your relationship.

"Love and Laughter"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Soothing Saturday with Shay: Shrimp and Four Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce

Soothing Saturday's with Shay are often planned events where I allow others into my journey, my way, and my lifestyle.  However, that isn't all it consists of!  As a wife, mother and entrepreneur, I am very busy so personal Soothing Saturday's with Shay are very important to me.  There aren't many weekends that I get to be at home with the family so it's imperative that I make good use of the time. 

Today, after making smoothies for breakfast, watching the nephew and Dayton on ESPN2 and making everyone clean up, I thought I'd try my hand at a new dish. 


Shrimp and Four Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce was a fabulous choice for the family on this Saturday.  Being the daughter of Dorothy and the granddaughter of Jennie; I'm not one for measuring but here are the ingredients and how I created this Soothing Saturday with Shay dish.

Disclaimer:  I'm just a woman with a family so use your imagination on the parts you think I left out :)

Ingredients
Jumbo Shrimp (approx 50)
Mushrooms
Tomato and Basil Sauce
Vodka
Buitoni Ravioli
Minced Garlic
Lemon Pepper
Butter
Olive Oil
Cream Cheese
Pepper Jack, Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese


Once everything was sliced and peeled it was time to get this baby on the stove.  I must warn you that it took all four burners and several dirty dishes to complete, but it was well worth it in the end.

Directions
Prepare the shrimp and season with lemon pepper. Set aside

In a separate pot add water and salt for the ravioli.

In a medium sized pot mix the sauce and 1 cut of vodka.  Cook on low heat for approximately 20 minutes.


In yet another pan, add butter and olive oil.  Saute the mushrooms and then add shrimp.  Once the shrimp are pink add garlic and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.  Add the tomato sauce mixture and the other cheeses.





 Boil the ravioli for 8 minutes, rinse and add the above sauce.... bon appetite!

"Live Life With No Regrets"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails