Friends of AE: Bridal Skincare from Cheek Makeup By Lindsay

Our very favorite makeup gal, Lindsay Remley from Cheek Makeup by Lindsay has written another uber informative beauty must-read for all of your bride-to-be's out there.  This timeline will also work for MOB, MOG, MOH and any other special lady in the wedding party.  Read on and enjoy!  We are feeling brighter and fresher already!  xx  

Wedding Day Beauty Countdown

I am constantly surprised by the crazy treatments offered to brides to prep for their wedding.  I am here to tell you that you don’t need them, or at least most of them.  Here are some simple steps you can follow to get gorgeous for the big day- no expensive treatments required!

6 months

• Develop a great skincare routine that includes a cleanser, moisturizer (eye and face) and gentle exfoliant.  Make sure it is tailored to your skin type and concerns.
• Increase your water intake.  Your skin is made of water, the more you drink the better your skin will look, naturally.
• Book your hair stylist and makeup artist for the wedding day.

Last month

• Don’t introduce any new products or treatments.  You never know how your skin will react and how long it will take to recover.  This is NOT the time to get a laser peel or micro-derm abrasion if you have never tried it before.
• Schedule your hair and makeup trial runs.  If possible, schedule them for the same day so you can see how they look together.  Have an idea of what you want to look like already.  Pictures help bring visual representation to the idea in your head.

Two weeks

• Don’t neglect your lips!  Exfoliate (as needed) and moisturize your lips daily for a kissable smooch and flawless lipstick application.
• Find a great body polish and moisturizer.  Use the polish twice a week in the shower and apply moisturizer daily.  Your skin will be smooth as a baby’s bottom.
• Get your final haircut and color touched up (if you color your hair).

One Week

• All waxing (if this is something you typically have done) should be done a week before the big day to allow any irritation or swelling to heal in time. DO NOT start if you have never had it done before.
• Get your nails done the day before with your girl friends.  This is a great way to relax and enjoy all the excitement. 
• Minimize your salt intake (it can make your skin blotchy), not to mention bloat!
• Sleep! Relax! There is nothing more gorgeous than a bride that looks like she is enjoying herself.

P.S. - check out Lindsay's great reviews on Wedding Wire.  She recently won the Bride's Choice Award!  You Go Girl!  

P.P.S. - AND!  Exclusively for AE clients, Cheek by Lindsay is offering 15% off wedding day makeup for 4+ gals.  Thanks Linds!!! 

Press! Etiquette advice from AE!

So excited to have been featured in Capital Style's latest blog posting on manners.  We have Ms. Emily Post to thank for the knowledge!  We are always taking questions, so send our way and we may feature you on "Ask Ady."  Don't worry, you always have the opportunity to be anonymous!

http://www.capital-style.com/content/blogs/the-daily-dish/2012/01/wedding-etiquette.html

Happy Hour with AE: HOT TODDY!

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

January 11 was National Hot Toddy Day, and what better way to celebrate than to feature the Hot Toddy in our Happy Hour this week?!  A hot toddy is a mixed drink, most often featuring whisky that is served (go figure!) HOT.  Toddy's are traditionally enjoyed in wet or cold weather, AND, once upon a time, were believed to cure the cold and flu (try it! we bet it works!).

Whether you’re just looking to take the chill off, or entertaining guests who have a scratchy throat or runny nose, this is just what the doctor ordered. 

Cheers!

Photo Credit: blog.raileurope.com 

Ingredients 

1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey*
1/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz sugar syrup
1 slice lemon
1 clove
4 oz hot water

Directions 

Mix whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and heat either on the stove or in the microwave. 

Spear the lemon slice with the clove and float in the toddy, and of course serve HOT!  

Cinnamon sticks make a cute addition to the presentation.  

*Bourbon whisky can also be substituted with scotch or brandy

Ask Ady: Handling Invitations to Three Bridal Showers

Dear Ady, 

It looks like I will be having three bridal showers hosted for me and I am not sure if I should be inviting my Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids to all three or just one.  I do not want them to feel obligated to bring or send gifts just because they received an invitation. I would love for them to be a part of the festivities and to spend time with my family and friends if they can make it to one or more. What is the proper thing to do/say so they don’t feel obligated? 

Melissa, Columbus, OH

Dear Melissa, 

You are very sweet to be concerned about this and there is a very simple answer to your quandary.  Yes, do invite them to all three of the showers.  You just never know which dates might work best and as an your honored attendants, they should be included in all of the festivities surrounding your special day.  However,  I would encourage you to call each of them and let them know that they will be receiving invitations to all of these parties.   Explain to them that you would love for them to attend any of the events that they are available for, but that you would prefer that they not bring gifts.  This conversation will set the expectations appropriately and your bridesmaids will appreciate it.  In fact, telling them exactly what you told me explains it perfectly. 

Bravo Considerate Bride, 

Ady

NOTE TO BRIDESMAIDS:  If you find yourself in a similar situation and are unsure what to do about a gift, here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Bring one gift to one shower.  Your presence at the other showers will be gift enough.  You can also contribute to the party by helping the host, keeping track of the opened gifts, etc. 

2. The bridesmaids can all contribute to a group gift for each of the showers.  Either items from the registry that fit comfortably in the budget set-forth or something special off the registry that you know your bride will love (examples:  Anthropologie tea towels, a special candle she loves, a basket of cooking spices and oils, a meaningful cookbook; the options are endless)  

Press! Columbus Dispatch

Thanks Columbus Dispatch!   Great article on groom involvement.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/08/on-new-honey-do-list-plan-wedding.html

Ask Ady: Gown v. Party Dress

Dear Ady,

I would really like to change from my bridal gown into a party dress for my reception.  I am butting heads with my mom on this one - she really wants me to stay in my gown for the entire evening, but I just think it will be more fun to switch it up.  What do you think I should do?

Thanks!

Sara, Manhattan

Dear Sara,


I have to tell you, I am with mom on this one.  My philosophy is that your gown is KEY to the magic of being a bride.  Once you change out of that dress, you change from bride to wife.  Do not misunderstand me, being a wife is absolutely fabulous, but you do have the rest of your life (as a wife) for a fun party dress.  Your chance to wear your gown and be a BRIDE is once.  Stay in that dress.   Dance your heart out in it.  Have the time of your life in it.  And when you take it off, relish the memories you made in it.   


Team gown, 


Ady