Thirsty Thursday: Looking Great for Your Wedding

My beautiful sister and her handsome new husband, courtesy of LC

Happy Thursday!  Many of you know that I attended my sister's wedding this past weekend.  It was a wonderful time spent with friends and family, celebrating an amazing occasion.  And as you know, or at least in the South, with June beginning tomorrow, wedding season is upon us.  I was a June bride myself, back in June 2004.  One day I promise to share the photos with you, of that whirlwind of a fabulous day!

Looking Great for Your Wedding

There is an almost impossible amount of preparation involved in setting up a wedding – you have to find venues for different events, figure out your guest list, send out the invites, etc., and that’s all without getting down to the details! It’s perfectly natural that, in the midst of all of this, the most personal sort of preparation can be easy to overlook. However, you also need to make sure that you yourself are looking your absolute best on your wedding day. Not only is this simply nice for you and your husband or wife-to-be, but you will also be looking at photographs from your wedding day for the rest of your life – it would be nice to look your best in those photos! So, here are a few suggestions for how to start making sure that you look as nice as possible on the day of the wedding.

• Start getting in shape now, not later. Plenty of people tell themselves that they’ll be in the best shape of their lives for their weddings – but then, as mentioned previously, the planning gets in the way, and it becomes tough to take time to exercise. This is how people end up with a few weeks to go, telling themselves that a short jog every day in that time period will make a difference. However, if you truly want to shed all of your extra weight and look like you’re in top shape for your wedding, you should start getting in shape as early as possible. A few months of consistent exercise will make just about anyone look better, so starting early is well worth it.

• Work on the little things as well. Getting in shape seems like the main priority to a lot of people who are about to get married, but you also want to make sure that your face looks great for wedding photos. Visit topdentists.com for information on fast and effective teeth whitening; explore different skin care products to make sure your skin is smooth and unblemished; make sure that your hair is the right style and length by the day of the wedding. These touches can contribute hugely to how you look on the big day.

• Finally, when you’re picking out your suit or dress, don’t succumb to the idea of doing something just because it’s unique. Of course, you can still get creative if you want, but don’t forget to dress like you. You don’t want to look like someone else’s idea on your wedding, so while it can be tempting to try something outlandish with your attire, you may appreciate it in the years to come if you stick to your own personal style – after all, this is what your fiancé loves anyway!

And there's nothing like toasting with a little bubbly to celebrate your new life together...and the many many celebrations you TWO have to look forward to!

Cheers!

Photo Credit: 1

SSP was compensated for this post.

Fashion Friday (Early): ANTM Finale Tonight! British Summer Dress Styles

Confession: I've watched all EIGHTEEN seasons of America's Next Top Model.  Yes, some say it's all about Tyra on the show, but I've looked passed that, and have always LOVED the competition between the girls.  The photo shoots are always fun to watch, especially to see the final photo they choose during the judgings.  This season was by far my favorite: Season 18: British Invasion!  They chose British models that had competed on Britain's Next Top Model before, and matched them up against an equal number of American models.

Tonight, it's down to two....Sophie (England) and Laura (America).  My favorite part has been listening to the British girls' lingo.  And Ashley, from Scotland?  They had to use subtitles when she spoke!  Catch tonight's final episode at 9:00pm, to see whether Sophie or Laura will win the title of becoming America's Next Top Model!  I'm Team Sophie!

For all you British readers, and worldwide readers too, I thought you'd love to know the top ten summer dresses, according to very.co.uk/.

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Top Ten Summer Dresses

"The summer is almost here, and what better way to celebrate the rare moments of British sunshine than with a gorgeous summer dress? Whether you want something long and elegant or short and sassy, here are the top ten summer dresses for 2012.

Skater dress

Easy to wear and practically perfect with anything, the skater dress is a casual day time staple which can be dressed up with accessories or played down with trainers.

Tea dress

The vintage 1940’s tea dress has always been hugely popular. Typically made with cute puff shoulder sleeves and a V-shaped or round neckline, the tea dress comes in a variety of styles. The majority of them have high waistlines and sit just above the knee with a fluid skirt or gathered pleats.

T-shirt dress

The name says it all with a T-shirt dress, which looks great with a pair of leggings or over bare legs if you want to brave the British summertime. The over-sized T-shirt dress is perfect for weekend wear or causal outings.

Cocktail dress

Perfect for summer parties and weddings, the cocktail dress is one summer dress your wardrobe cannot be without.

Maxi dress

No summer collection would be complete without a maxi dress – ideal for strolls by the beach and lazy summer days. Dress down with a denim jacket and gladiator sandals, or wear with wedge heels and statement jewellery for a bolder look.

Little black dress

This dress is a staple inclusion of every wardrobe – no matter what the season. Ideal for the work place and for evening wear, the LBD is something every woman needs in her arsenal.

Tunic dress

Another classic summer style is the tunic dress. This garment has stood the test of time and re-entered the fashion world in a number of different styles, cuts and shapes. Similar to the kaftan, the tunic dress has been given a bit more shape for a more feminine look.

Wrap-around

The iconic wrap around dress is a great little number for covering up at the beach. One of the best qualities of a wrap-around dress is that it can be adjusted to your size and shape perfectly.

Playsuit

The playsuit is not technically a dress, but it still emulates summer fun. Comfortable yet stylish, it can be worn on nights out or just relaxing at home.

Tulip dress

Great for pear-shaped bodies, tulip bottoms help to iron out hips and bums and draw attention to your narrowest point, the waist."

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Good luck to the competitors tonight!  Do you still watch ANTM??

Photo Credit: 1, 2

SSP was compensated for this post.

Wednesday Whereabouts: The Wedding Weekend

As promised...photos from my sister's wedding weekend, this past weekend.  Since they hired a professional photographer for the wedding and reception, I was unable to compete with their skills (otherwise known as, I didn't want to get in their way).  As soon as the photos are released, I'll be sure and share the wedding photos with you.  I'm excited to see them!

Practicing her flower girl role with Gigi (my mother)

My dad and the hubs

The awesome groom's cake (he went to Auburn)

My beautiful mother

Surf and Turf at its finest!

My youngest sister with one very excited flower girl!

About to get prepped for the BIG DAY!

 One very proud mama! W did a FABULOUS job!

Wedding photos to come soon!  Here are a few my cousin snapped at the reception...

W, with her dancing shoes on, breaking it down on the dance floor.

I'm not kidding, she stayed on the dance floor almost two hours straight.

My beautiful cousin, who looks more like W than I do!

My sister had seven bridesmaids. Each pair of bridesmaids wore the same style, leaving one by herself...which was sister #4.  They had to make her a maternity one.

Sister #2 and I wore this one...

Lula Kate, Style: Pearl

It's a great cut, and I'm definitely planning on wearing it again.

The color she chose was a champagne brown color.

Happy Hump Day!

Tuesday Trends: Summer Steals and Candids

I hope everyone is ready for a short work week.  I say short, but actually when I used to teach, I always remember the shorter weeks seeming the longest after a break.  Not quite sure why.  Maybe it was dealing with the rambunctious students, after coming off a holiday weekend.

Our pool doesn't open full time for another two weeks, so we'll be enjoying our blow-up pool in the backyard for awhile.  Today's the first day I'm trying it.  We'll see how long their attention lasts...

Here are a couple of deals I've found lately, that will ensure a fun summer, with fresh reads and bright kicks, wherever you intend to go...even if it's staying comfy and cozy in your own home...

First off, US Weekly is offering a full year's WEEKLY subscription for only $34!  Can't beat that.  Click HERE to check out the deal.  Even better, if you get three friends to take advantage of the same deal, you get a year's subscription FREE!

I'm still a big Town & Country fan, and my subscription was about to run out, so I went searching for the best deal.  The best I could find was HERE.  Only $10 for a year's subscription, which equals out to only $.91 per issue.

Neiman Marcus is having a 40% off New Arrivals Sale, and free shipping with code: MAYFS.  Get these babies for only $35 total.

Tory Burch Flip Flops

Currently, as of May 29th, all sizes are still available.

And perhaps a great cover-up, to match?

Nanette Lepore 'Seaside' Cover-Up

Candids...

 See, here's proof that Little L isn't happy all the time, just most of the time.

(At my sister's baby shower, a couple of weeks ago.)

This was at my mom's birthday party (May 12th).  I think we were saying the blessing?

Happy Tuesday!

Monday Manners: American Etiquette

Happy Monday! I hope most of you are enjoying your extra vacation day!  Thought this was pretty entertaining - As an American, not specifically a Southerner today, enjoy these tips on having good manners in America, as written by a British Professional Translating Service.

Customs and Etiquette in the U.S.A

Meeting and Greeting
Greetings are casual.
A handshake, a smile, and a 'hello' are all that is needed.
Smile!
Use first names, and be sure to introduce everyone to each other.

Gift Giving Etiquette
In general, Americans give gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and major holidays, such as Christmas.
A gift can be as simple as a card and personal note to something more elaborate for a person with whom you are close.
Gift giving is not an elaborate event, except at Christmas.
When invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a small box of good chocolates, a bottle of wine, a potted plant or flowers for the hostess.
Gifts are normally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette
Americans socialise in their homes and ‘backyards’, in restaurants and in other public places.
It's not at all unusual for social events to be as casual as a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park.
Arrive on time if invited for dinner; no more than 10 minutes later than invited to a small gathering. If it is a large party, it is acceptable to arrive up to 30 minutes later than invited.
Table manners are more relaxed in the U.S. than in many other countries.
The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating. The fork is held tines down. The knife is used to cut or spread something. To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand.
If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner, go ahead. It will not offend anyone.
Feel free to refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an explanation.
Many foods are eaten by hand.
Food is often served family-style, which means that it is in large serving dishes and passed around the table for everyone to serve themselves.
Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or says to begin.
Remain standing until invited to sit down.
Do not rest your elbows on the table.
Put your napkin in your lap as soon as you sit down.
Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.

I know there's a million things they could have added, but I thought these were interesting, especially to comprise their entire list on American Etiquette.  Do you have proper etiquette in the U.S.A., according to their list?

Happy Memorial Day!

Weekend Inspiration: Ruth 1:16

"But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."

Ruth 1:16

Fashion Friday (Part 2) The Bridesmaids!

Couldn't resist sharing these!  From the bridesmaids luncheon, this afternoon...

Tequila Sunrises

The Sisters

The Bridesmaids