Choosing Your Veil

The spring/summer 2013 issue of The Knot Florida (TheKnot.com/florida) features an informative piece that helps brides choose which type of veil best suits their overall desired look. The Knot briefly details three different veil styles: the cage veil, the blusher veil, and the fingertip veil.

The Knot writer Jennie Ma says that the cage veil is a shorter style that covers and frames just the face. The result is a minimalist statement. The best way to wear this style of veil is to let the edge of the veil fall just below the nose.

The “blusher” in blusher veil refers to the piece of tulle that covers your face. Ma says this veil may come in at the chin, shoulder, or fingertip length. The blusher also works as a double-tiered veil where you have two layers of tulle. One of the layers is pulled over your face, and the other layer is draped behind your head. Both styles should be fastened on the crown of your head.

Ma details the fingertip veil as one that falls below the hips and extends to the fingertips, of course. This veil can be worn secured at the crown of the head, slightly behind the crown of the head, or if the hair is worn up, just above the updo.

Choosing a veil comes down to the bride’s personality and which style makes her feel most confident. Trying on veils on the day that you find a wedding dress is a great way to ensure that you’ll get a veil that compliments you and your dress in the best way possible.

Photo credit: Photos found on Pinterest under utterlyengaged.com; Photos by James Hong of Perpixel Photo (perpixelphoto.com) 

10 Tips For Reaching Your Desired Wedding Day Shape

When it comes to preparing for your big day, getting into the physical shape that you desire is hard work. In Gulf Coast Bride Magazine’s Spring 2013 issue, writer Geoff Kalmbach details the following tips for helping you reach your desired wedding day shape.

1) Forget Counting Calories

 - Eliminate the inflammatory and high-glycemic foods, and instead focus on natural options. Just remember, quality over quantity.

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2) Eat Snacks in Moderation

 - The easiest way to measure how much you should be eating per snack is to use your hand as a measuring device. Snacks should not exceed more than one handful of food.

3) Workout in Pairs

 - When you’re lacking the motivation to go for a run or hit the gym, a workout partner will get you back on track. Plan out days that you can exercise together ahead of time, and you’ll feel motivated to workout on those days if someone else is joining you.

4) Drink Green Tea

 - Green tea contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols, which work with other chemicals in your body to intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermo genesis. Drinking at least 16 ounces a day will have you feeling and looking better.

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5) Go on Walks

 - During you lunch break, make a habit of going for a walk. Walks not only get your heart pumping, but they also help to reduce stress. A brisk walk will get your muscles moving and release endorphins; a chemical that relieves stress and promotes mental clarity.

6) Take the Stairs

 - Whenever possible, take the stairs over riding the elevator. It’s a great way to get a quick spike in your heart rate and activate your glutes.

7) Eat Vegetables

 - Try to include vegetables (especially the green ones like broccoli, kale, spinach, and collard greens) in every meal that you eat. With their high fiber content, vegetables keep you fuller longer and leave you energized.

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8) Consume Nutrient-Dense Foods

 - Eating foods high in nutrients will provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. These foods contain vital vitamins and minerals, as well as energy support.

9) Steer Clear of Processed and Refined Foods

 - Processed and Refined foods promote internal inflammation, which has been linked to most of our country’s health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s. Not only will eliminating these foods have you feeling better, but you will notice a dramatic difference in commonly bloated features such as your face and abdomen.

10) Limit Grain Consumption

 - Due to most grocery store grains being over processed, our bodies can’t properly digest the food. Weight gain, water retention, arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a list of other health problems result. Limiting your grain intake will help prevent these health conditions and, of course, have you feeling energetic and lighter on your feet.

Not only are these tips great for incorporating into your life in the months before your wedding, but they are also great to incorporate permanently to promote a healthy lifestyle.