Secrets From A Bride-To-Be on a Budget

According to the U.S. CensusBureau, the average couple gets married in their late 20s, which is not unusual to see, but there's another number that says those ready for marital bliss need to be aware of certain things before they say 'I do': like the budget. The average wedding costs about $30,000 and can put a damper on any bride-to-be's dream. Thanks to Pinterest, Facebook, and Etsy, we know what we want and we will do anything to get it. Today, compromising on the budget doesn't always have to mean compromising on taste.

The Venue
I Do: Local parks are a perfect location to have your wedding. Most permits and location fees are nominally priced, and you get the gorgeous surrounding of the natural element. Another great way to score a terrific venue is to ask family members and friends if they own property or an estate that could hold a wedding. You will be surprised by how easy it is to find out uncle Jim's best friend has the perfect waterfront property just waiting for your event.

I Don't: Private venues can be very expensive and come with a lot of stipulations. Don't let the beauty of the venue blind you from the real binding agreement: your contract. Try cutting costs by having a Friday or Sunday wedding, if any upscale venue is what you really want.

The Food
I Do: If you chose a park or a rental property, that gives you the freedom to choose any caterer in your area, including grandma. Otherwise, a buffet setting allows your guests to mingle and get to know each other, and you don't have to hire extra staff.

I Don't: Quality trumps quantity every time. If you can't afford dinner, and don't want to cut down on the guest list, another options is to have a brunch wedding, where the cost is significantly less than an evening reception. You can serve hor'derves and mimosas, and still have a great time. When it comes to your cake, opt for a one tier for you and your fiancee, and order a cupcake tower or cake pops for your guests.

Flowers & Decor
I Do: If you are having a wedding outside, let nature take care of it for you. If not, choose flowers that are in season, stick to just one or two kinds of flowers, or skip them all together and invest in other decor like lanterns and candles. Check discount online retailers. Oriental Trading Company has a large selection of wedding-themed merchandise.

I Don't: Don't spend n entire month on DIY projects if you plan on having a larger wedding. Sometimes it's worth budgeting for a florist that can give you the flowers you want in your budget,and also a peace of mind. Also, watch out for too many Etsy purchases. They can add up, and the next thing you know, you will blow your budget on something you can live without.

The Dress
I Do: Trunk shows offer great discounts on favorite designer gowns. Websites like bridepower.com and Oncewed.com carry pre-owned bridal gowns for a quarter of the price. You can find a Vera Wang or a Monique Lhuillier for up to 80 percent off. Now that's a steal!

I Don't: Don't let the day overwhelm you. A lot of bridal shops work on commission, and will try to upsell you. Try as many dresses as you need, but stick to your budget.

The Entertainment
I Do: A DJ will most likely be less expensive than a band. Ask your DJ if you can pay in advance, many offer discounts for paying your entire fee upfront. By booking your wedding off-season, most companies charge up to 40 percent less than their regular price. Here's a tip: Many DJ's offer a lighting package that will cost less than a lighting company, so take advantage.

I Don't: Don't skip the band or the DJ. Besides celebrating the Bride and Groom, your guests are there to have fun. Many couples splurge on fancy invitations and decor, and forget about 4 hours of reception filled with static noise.

Every budget bride should always remember that the power of negotiating will go a long way in the wedding business. 

Step Into the Light: The Benefits of Light Therapy

Think about how you feel after a day at the beach. Your skin glows and you feel more relaxed. This is due to the light the sun gives off. Of course, too much sun can be harmful to your skin and health. This is why light therapy is the way to go.

The infrared light used during light therapy has a stronger wavelength than regular light. This allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin, and provide many therapeutic benefits including improvements in the skin's appearance, moods, and relief from pain. The most common types of light therapy are Red Light and Blue Light.

Red Light Therapy repairs, renews, regenerates, and heals the skin and tissue. It also provides relief from pain and inflammation. With consistent use of Red Light Therapy, you can obtain younger, smoother looking skin. Blue Light Therapy does not penetrate as deeply as Red Light, but is able to kill the bacteria that causes acne. It heals blemishes without causing additional redness or inflammation.


According to the Mayo Clinic, during light therapy, you sit near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off a bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.

Anti-Aging
Light therapy is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. The light also stimulates the production of ATP, an essential energy source used in the body tissues to promote rapid healing. Other benefits include: Relief of eczema, eliminates rosacea, lifts and tones skin, creates more moisture within the skin, decreases pore size, and increases circulation to provide a healthier skin tone.

Pain Management
Aside from cosmetic and anti-aging benefits, light therapy also provides relief from chronic and acute pain including muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, tissue and nerve damage, and can decrease injury healing time by stimulating white blood cell production. It is even used by professional athletes to promote healing with powerful results.

Mental Health
Exposure to light activates the hormone control center of the brain, and reduces the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, which is directly linked to your mood, sleep patterns, and mental disorders such as depression. By reducing the production of melatonin during the day, your body is able to produce more at night, leading to a restful sleep. Light therapy can also reduce stress, increase productivity, and decrease the symptoms associated with jet lag.

Light Therapy has been proven to be effective in all three areas. While the effectiveness of using light boxes vary from person to person, it's important to always be done in the presence of a licensed practitioner, qualified doctor, or dermatologist.

Say 'I Do' To The Perfect Wedding: How to Plan a Wedding to Remember

Weddings this year are big, glamorous and unforgettable. From the rings to reception, attention to detail is main priority for this year's happy couples. Every girl wants to feel like a princess on her big day, and let's just say, that Royal Wedding of William and Kate has led to many of the trends we are seeing this year.

Let's Start With Rings
Colored gems as engagement rings have been around for centuries, but Kate's sapphire ring has brought back the gemstone trend. Square-cut diamonds are a returning classic and sparkle so brilliantly.

Location, Location, Location
Once the question is popped, location must be set. Outside ceremonies make for a magical scene; landscape and plenty of floral will add to the elegance.

The Dress
Another direct result of the Royal Wedding: brides seeking out long-sleeved, lace dresses. Lace sleeves and illusion necklines are sheer, delicate and sleek. The style of your dress creates the overall look for your wedding. There are five basic styles: A-Line/Princess, Empire, Column, Ball Gown, and Mermaid. It all depends on your personal style. Bridesmaid dresses should also coordinate well with your dress. Keep in mind, your bridesmaids are going to be in all your pictures, you want them to look beautiful too.

Flowers and Colors

Flowers are the central part of any wedding decor. Before, flowers were simple, but now they are large and lush. You will see plenty of colorful and multi-textured bouquets in a variety of hues. Popular color schemes may range from creamy neutrals to more vibrant colors that pop like royal blue, lime green, and even sunset orange. When it comes to theme, many couples keep it simple and choose a coordinating color scheme, but themes may also range from a beach party to wine paradise to blockbuster films. The theme will be carried through into invitations, bachelor/bachelorette parties, ceremonies, and receptions.

Eat, Drink, and Be Married
When it comes to the reception, food, dancing, and cocktails are a must. Specialty food stations are becoming more common than a sit down meal. Food stations should individuality in the reception, and are only limited by the couples imagination. Guests also seem to prefer stations because of the variety of cuisine provided. It is hard to cater a meal that pleases a variety of tastes, but stations solve that problem. When it comes to music, DJ's are great. This allows guest to request songs and adds to the atmosphere. An idea, when you send out invitations, is to have your guests write in a song that they would like to hear and pass these requests to the DJ. When it comes to cocktails, open bar usually works best and is preferred by most guests. Ad something special by creating your own signature cocktail.

When it comes to dessert, the wedding cake is taking a backseat. Provide guests with options. Mini-desserts, cupcakes, and cake pops are taking (over) the cake. Of course, it's also important to have a wedding cake and popular flavors this year are vanilla, almond, and chocolate. Wedding cakes don't have to be over-the-top, or extremely pricey to make a lasting impression. Classic cakes dressed up with ribbons, flowers, beading, and jewels are picture perfect.

Picture Perfect

Speaking of pictures. What better way to remember your special day than with photo and a film? Videographers are becoming just as popular as photographers. It is a great way to relive your wedding day over and over again, as well as share special moments with your guests, family, and friends. A great favor, plus a lot of fun for guests, are photo booths. Photo booths keep guests entertained during cocktail hour. When it comes to professional photos, have fun with it. Some must-have shots: Through the wedding ring, a romantic lift, enthusiastic first kiss, holding parents wedding photos, frame within a frame, romantic dip, jump for joy, and jumping on a bed.

There is a lot that goes into a wedding, and you want it to be special, memorable, and unique. Wedding planners can hlep tie everything together for you and alleviate a little bit of the stress. Planners can also help you cut costs. The perfect day doesn't need to break the bank. Set a budget and plan accordingly. It should all be about being around loved ones anyways.

Hottest Bathing Suit Trends of the Summer

Summer is one of the best times of the year. We can wear shorts everywhere and even splurge on more than one fashionable pair of sandals at a time, guilt free. But the best thing about summer is being able to show off our new bathing suits. Here are some trends for the season:

Color Blocking

We are used to our triangle bikinis, but maybe it's time to invest in something different. Darker bands of color can be very slimming on the waist and hide most of our dreadful areas (muffin top anyone?). Mixing a light color with prints is just as chic.

Vintage Bikinis
Bringing back an older style of high-waisted bikinis, this vintage look is both feminine and slimming. The flattering look is making the rounds and it's here to stay. Although it can be the perfect choice for many body types, avoid a suit that has both a high waist and a high leg cut, which can transport you back to the 80s.

All White
Looking like a goddess has its perks and the right bathing suit can help you to achieve the look. All white bathing suits give out a flirty feel. Pair it with delicate gold accessories and you are ready for some fun in the sun.

Cutouts
If you are torn between a fashionable one piece and a small bikini, just go ahead and settle in the middle. Cut outs are a great mix of sexy and edgy. Try bold colors and you will never regret it.

Crochet 
The sexy, bohemian-chic crochet swimsuit options for summer scream fashion. The texture of a colorful crochet top and bottom will get you noticed right off the bat.

Mismatched Bikinis
This is the best time to mix and match some past season options together. Remember that blue top you bought last year? It will look great with the new white bottom you found on sale this season. Red bottoms and a printed top? This is the best time of the year to use your imagination.

Once Upon A Haircut...

Magazines will tell us what's new and trendy, and it's important to choose a haircut that you will love, but it's also important to consider one factor: the shape of your face.

Squared Away...
If someone says you have a square face, don't take it personally. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Emma Stone do too, and they always look fantastic! "A-line bobs are perfect for this shape. It elongates the face, giving a slimming effect. Heavy bangs are hot with this look, as long as you have a decent sized forehead. If not, a simple side swoop will complement the look fantastically," says top stylists, David Hensley, founder of Laid Brand Professional Hair Care.

Styling Tip From the Pros: Use a large round brush, preferably boar bristle, for smoothing, Separate into sections, blow-drying towards the face on both sides. Finish with a light hold pomade, giving the back a tousled look and separating pieces around the face.

The love bug...
Kourtney Kardashian is reality TV's sweetheart and she has a face to match. Did you know a true heart-shaped face has a widow's peak? The cheek area is slightly wider than the hairline, and then drops into a pointed chin. You can rock a pixie short look like Miley Cyrus, or longer tresses with tons of layers like Reese Witherspoon.

Styling Tip From the Pros: For the messy pixie, blow-dry loosely with fingers, separating and piecing out hair around the face and neckline. For the long hair, pump up the volume on the top and make layers messy with your favorite pomade.

Merry go round...
Round face shapes have a long history with fashionable hairstyles, includes the bob. Emma Watson and Cameron Diaz always stay within that trend. Go for hairstyles with less volume to help minimize full cheeks. Try a pinned back half-updo with volume on top and ultra-long, wavy strands.

Styling Tip From the Pros: Blow dry using a round brush or paddle brush. Then use a large curling iron or hot rollers to finish the look, giving it that soft, bouncy feel.

Oh, so good!...
Sofia Vergara, Eva Mendes, and Jessica Simpson were born talented and also with oval features, another gift from the hair gods. "If you are this shape, then the hair styling world is your oyster. Any cut looks great," says David. If you are lucky to be born with those features, use them! If you like short, a slightly angled bob would look great. Going for long? Try long layers. Get rid of your normal side bang and separate down the middle. Keep the layers shorter around the face, starting from the jawline down. But don't overdo it. "Even though oval can pull off so many looks, be sure to keep the fringe around the face layered, or your oval could end up just looking long," says David.

Styling Tip From The Pros: Use a round brush to brush it out or blow dry it with fingers, using a flat iron or curling iron to finish. Top it off with some argon oil to prevent frizz and add shine.

Declutter Your Room

Living with other people, even if that person is your spouse, can be tricky. You have to accommodate all of their things, and it can sometimes feel like you don't have enough room. Here are ways to create that room, and to create a space designed exactly how you want it.

1) Under the Bed Storage

Creating more room in a small space is always essential. Bed risers are a great way to add more storage room. You can add colorful bins and create a new look, or you can purchase a bed skirt to hide your storage. You can find bed risers at Target, IKEA, and even Walmart for an affordable price. You can even find bed risers with plugs so you can charge your phone and laptop.


2) Bathroom Hacks
When you have to share a room, it sometimes means sharing a bathroom. To avoid overstepping, you can create a magnetic wall for all of your beauty supplies. Magnetic strips are easy to find in any hardware store, and are easily attached with glue to your wall. You can create one for your makeup as well by attaching a little magnetic strip to the back of your makeup cases. It's easy, fun, and creative.

3) Double Your Closet Space

Soda can tabs are great to create extra hanging space. Loop the soda can tab onto the hanger's hook and you will be able to easily attach another hanger from the empty hole of the tab. Use shower curtain rings to hang scarves and put those old shoe boxes to good use by creating draw organizers for your tank tops.


4) Add Multipurpose Furniture

Most bedrooms only allow so much room: you can fit a bed and a desk, but not much else. If you add a floor ottoman, you can create storage and seating for guests without taking up too much space. You can find great options in many department stores that will fit your style.



Now that you have your room organized, it's time to decorate! Check the rules in the places that you live before you put any holes in the walls, or make any drastic changes to the space. Then, create a living area that will make you feel right at home!