National Moment of Chill

Today is National Moment of Chill! 

Seriously!

Do something for YOURSELF today!

My favorite...

Calm & Happy Commute

(We spend tons of hours in our cars!)

Place a few drops of grapefruit, sweet orange & lime on your car's floor mats or plug in an Aura Cacia car diffuser to transform your commute from blah to blissful.

Makeup Artist-GiGi Jara

My friend and makeup artist GiGi Jara out here in California has launched her website!! I'm so excited for her!  If you are in the need of a talented and trustworthy makeup artist..she is your girl! So take a minute and check out her site! I even made the cut for a few pics!!

Gigi Jara

WWW.GIGIJARA.COM

Support OPI

So, yes I am that girl who always has her nails painted...It's "ME" time....I enjoy every single minute of my pedi/mani :D But I enjoy it even more when I can support a cause at the same time! For the past two years OPI has created a nail polish to support Lung Cancer. They have made a nice donation to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America! So, go and pick up a bottle and wear this adorable polish to show your support!

On another note, I am currently loving these lines of pink! Perfect for any bride!! On my wedding day I sported a pretty pink polish on my toes!

Not sure how these colors would look on? Hop on over to OPI's site where you can play around with all the colors! Click on "try on this color." I know some colors are a bit too "wild" or just not your style..but you may be surprised! I went with a blue/green color last week...it took me a while to get used to but I ended up loving it and got tons of compliments. I took a picture for proof :D In the end, you simply can't go wrong with a french manicure!

I hope everyone had a fun Monday!! I just found out
Betty White is hosting SNL this weekend!!

My Love for Amy!

When I was hunting for the perfect wedding dress, I came along some amazing designers..such as Amy Michelson. When I slipped into her gowns I immediately felt amazing! I fit in her gowns perfectly!

I specifically fell hard for her "White Chocolate" gown. I can't even find the right words to describe how I felt looking into the mirror... My Mother was speechless...First of all I loved how the back crisscrossed. Secondly, not sure how Amy does it but my bottom looked amazing in that dress! I felt so feminine!

White Chocolate

Below is showing the same dress except, they added flowers to the one strap... so unique! Again look how she does the material to enhance your bottom!!!

Gold Rush

I didn't have the opportunity to try this gown on..but it is so romantic! Again, I'm loving the crisscross back design.

Grace

But in the end...I just couldn't pay over 3,000 for one of these beauties..I just didn't have it in my budget. But that doesn't mean I don't think about my White Chocolate every now and then...My venue also played a huge part in the decision as well... My final choice fit the venue perfectly and I felt gorgeous wearing it!

Did you find a gown that you had to put back on the rack....but secretly think about all the time?

Chicago Boudoir!

Are you in the Chicago area? In need of a last minute Valentines Day gift?

Olivia Leigh Photographie is offering a special for a Valentines Boudoir!



Click here for all the juicy details!!!!

As many of my readers know...I did a boudoir session last February as a wedding gift to my Husband. It was one of the most exhilarating days of my life!! My Husband LOVED the book of images and it was worth every penny! So jump up on this deal and have a fabulous time!!

Oh La La!!

I was at the salon this evening and came across an article that completely pulled me in... In big bold letters it stated, "New Dress, No Stress" Basically you are able to rent a runway dress for a fraction of the cost! So I definitely hurried home and plugged in the website! It is called, "Rent the Runway." I think it would be amazing to wear one of these dresses for my birthday party!

These are a couple of my favorites! They are constantly changing the collection that is available.

1. Designer: Richard Chai, Price Tag:1595.00, Rent: 150.00

2. Designer: Brian Reyes, Price Tag: 995.00, Rent: 100.00




3 Designer: Moschino Cheap and Chic, Price Tag 895.00, Rent 100.00


pictures taken from Rent the Runway


InStyle Magazine is also giving us a promo code! Rent one dress and get one free!!! Code: INSTYLEFREE

Oh and get this! When you order a dress they will send you a 2nd size dress to ensure the perfect fit! I will let you lovely Ladies know if I go ahead and order a dress!!!

Our Wedding: The Bride Getting Pretty

I was very calm the morning of our wedding. Everyone came together in my parents room for hair and makeup! My two favorite stylists were there to make everyone gorgeous for the big day! I must say...that morning went super fast and when scheduling your ladies appointments please add extra time! It will go faster than you think!

I was on my blackberry all morning! I was getting so many messages!!

Here is a cute shot of my bridesmaid! Who knows what we were chatting about! Oh, I miss her! I wish I could simply beam myself back to that moment!

I totally recommend hiring someone to do your makeup!

Love this creative shot!

Gotta love that Sexy Little Bride jacket! I also got an amazing delivery of balloons and flowers! I told you I loved balloons!!


Photo Credits: Sight Photography
Please link back to East Coast Wedding when posting any picture

I really enjoyed spending that time with my friends and family. Living across the country and away from everyone...really makes you appreciate those special times! Unfortunately, I didn't get a group shot of us ladies all done up prior to getting dressed! I'm telling you...the morning will fly by!!!!! So, maybe make a specific list...and give it to a bridesmaid to make sure you get your shots!

Our Wedding: For the Groom

I had absolutely NO idea where to even begin for my now Husband when it came to a gift prior to the ceremony. He is not a cuff link type of guy...So when I heard about a Boudoir shoot I was sold! I posted about my experience here and here. I put together a book from www.blurb.com along with an adorable card I made with a love note inside. As a last minute purchase, I picked up a Coach money clip. So, I was set!

My Husband L*O*V*E*D the book of pictures! As did I! I am so glad I took a leap of faith on this one! It was one awesome experience!

Here are two pictures of the homemade card! He really loved this! Kingston is definitely our son and we missed him all weekend!

The photographer who I went to is based out of Los Angeles. Jordana, from Hazelnut Photography, did a great job and I already signed up for our Trash the Dress session in August! She launched her new website! It is really adorable so go check it out!

Have a fun TUESDAY!

Thinking Warm Weather...

I was thinking about our honeymoon yesterday...the warm sun....beautiful ocean...sipping a mohito!


I instantly grabbed my Victoria Secret Gift Card (a gift from my bridal shower) and drove off to the mall...where my eyes landed on this adorable cover-up perfect for Mexico!

and..its on sale... :)

I'm also anxious for summer weather!!! Have a fabulous weekend!
Thanks Val!

Debbie Downer...

I have been searching for a floral piece since..like forever!! So, when I came across these online at Etsy I thought my prayers had been answered. Until I opened it up to find myself not smiling. I guess I was expecting something a bit more even color...I do like the center of the flower but the ends of some of the petals are just too yellow?! Take a look for yourself. Maybe I am over-reacting... maybe not... I will be taking them with me to the hair trial to see if they work...but in the mean time I am back to searching...and trying not to be a debbie downer...
.

photo : ME

Any suggestions as to where I should be looking ?
Have a great Wednesday!

My Hair!

So, a huge thank you to my hair stylist Becky from Vicara Salon in El Segundo, Cali!! She hunted me down some beautiful hair extensions for my big day! So now I can definitely achieve this hairstyle for my wedding! It is human hair..and we can curl it..cut it..wash it! I'm excited for my trial!

Did you use extensions to achieve a certain look?

photo:ME

Make up.....hmm....

Are you hiring a makeup artist to do your makeup the day of the wedding? I hired an artist for my boudoir shoot and I have absolutely no regrets...Was it a bit pricey...Yes...was it worth every penny...Yes! It made me feel so much more confident and beautiful! I am getting married in Central PA, near Gettysburg.. which is not a Los Angeles by any means... plus, it is not near any large city..Do I want to pay someone to drive all the way to the venue for my big day? When I go for my hair trial I am hoping my hairdresser will assist with the makeup..and make all my makeup fears go away!

photo: Jessica Claire

Follow up with Boudoir...

Ladies, let me tell you how AMAZING yesterday was! It was definitely a life changing event for myself. After yesterday..I honestly feel it's something that EVERY woman should do! If you are not engaged...or not in a relationship..then do it for YOURSELF.

My makeup and hair looked so good and it was worth the extra $ to hire someone to be with me the entire day! The weather was perfect! We did it on a hiking trail in Los Angeles! I sooo wanted to tell my Fiance..but I know I have to keep it a secret! I already saw 1 amazing pic and soo anxious to see the rest!

Some other fantastic news....drum roll please!!!! 4 months today we will be saying I DO! I think this photo says it all!!!

If you are in the Los Angeles area and in need of a makeup artist please contact Gigi Jara: Ggzmakeup@gmail.com

Tomorrow!!

Tomorrow..is the day....wish me luck!! My very own boudoir session!!

I can't wait to see the look on the Fiance's face when I give him a book of my shots! He is absolutely going to LOVE it..and then 2nd...in shock that I actually did it!

This lucky groom just received his gift of photos! Photo from Hazelnut Photography. Wish me luck my friends!! What an experience this will be! xoxo

Wave...Wave... Wave...

Since November..I have been attempting to grow out my hair. I found a great hairstylest out in California who has been helping me resist the urge to cut!! So far, it is just hitting my shoulders! I think we should have a little party for that accomplishment!!!!

On March 28th, I will be meeting up with Becky, my since HS hair stylist to go over a trial run for the wedding! This is very difficult planning trial runs...with me in Los Angeles and her in PA!! The only homework assignments was to come up with pictures and anything I wanted to put in my hair. Okay, so far I found these photos..on Model Bride.

I am liking the "off to the side" bun. Using a curling iron or flat iron to create wavy curls...

photos: Model Bride

I will have to get some hair extensions to create a fuller look. My bangs will be down in the front..swept off to the side...Next, I need to find that "something" to put in my hair. I am wearing these earrings...and want to keep my hair piece simple.

Part Two..Zap Zap Zap!

I want to share a little about Laser Genesis Skin Resurfacing. Last week I had my first appointment with Cecelia. I was informed it wasn't as painful as the laser hair removal session but I must disagree. It was VERY painful!! She told me it was due to my "thin skin." I am not very educated when it comes to skin care...etc.. I use Clarins lotion..face wash and that is about it! Since this past summer, I have had a couple facials but they do not help out with my "collagen." As I was informed!

So, back to Genesis--it basically stimulates collagen regrowth. It helps with scars, redness, uneven skin textures and wrinkles! I have those lines between my eyes...around my eyes...ahh..and I'm only 27!! It also assists with large pores...the pain intensifies when it "zaps" around the larger pores or lines. The cost is slightly less then laser hair removal. The spa I'm currently going to has a special going on right now for 5 treatments for $450.00. They recommend a treatment every 2-3 weeks for the first couple months. She recommended for me to follow up 1 treatment per month..then every other month. Even though it was very painful I feel this is more beneficial at this time versus the hair removal. My skin is getting older..my hair will always be there! Plus..who is honestly going to notice I had laser hair removal!! Hopefully the photographs will show my gorgeous skin!

Now..if I could only get the groom to participate in the "facial" department :)

Beauty Pain

Is anyone doing anything special to get your skin looking beautiful for your big day? For the past few weeks I have dabbled into the world of 'laser." There is a new aesthetic spa which opened in Hermosa Beach a little while ago, "Contour Aesthetic Spa" and they were selling spa promotions to get new clients to visit and try different services. So, I figured I would give it a try and test out everything. If you live in the LA or OC area click here to find spa promotions located near you! Let me share my experiences with all of you!

The first treatment that I had was Laser Hair Removal. I decided to attempt the bikini area. When I scheduled the appointment the receptionist was 100% honest with me and said it will hurt. I was like...really?! So, I signed up for the numbing cream (IS A MUST). I arrived 30 minutes early to my appointment and threw on the cream. No numbness....15 minutes later no numbness....another 15 minutes later no numbness... at this point I was a little worried. Cecelia came in (who I totally loved) got me ready to go! She did some test spots and it didn't hurt that much...like a rubber band snapping on your skin. Okay..lets go! Within 30 seconds of her starting I thought I was literally going to shed some tears! "Maybe we should have left the cream on longer," she said... After 5 minutes we were done. Yes, it was quick but extremely painful. "how much longer" I would say! She placed a cold washcloth on me and it gave me relief! By the time I was dressed and at the desk the pain was gone. The cost would be about 500.00 for 5 sessions which would be the amount of times I would need to go to have all the hair removed. You schedule appointments apart about 6 weeks. Now that it has been 2 weeks..I am able to reflect on the whole experience...I don't think I am willing to shed that much money right now for that amount of pain. Pros: No more shaving..waxing...GONE! Cons: 5 -10 minutes of suffering each visit and expensive, Long term commitment (several months) and can not be in direct sun.

Don't let that smile fool you! ouch ouch ouch! :)

Photo Credit

Stay tuned...up next I will share my experience of Laser Genesis Skin Resurfacing.