Wedding Things: Is This All Necessary?

Hello beauties!

We are all too familiar with the events of a wedding. First, the engagement party, then the bridal shower, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, reception, and sometimes, brunch the next morning! For people on a budget, people who are extremely busy, or people who are low-key, this is a huge amount, and many people question the necessity of these events. Here's a little guide to explain the purpose of these events, and the pros/cons of each.

The Engagement Party:

An engagement party is a great way to celebrate your engagement, and is a great way for guests to get to know each other a little before the wedding. However, engagement parties can be costly, and are not crucial. If someone is willing to throw one for you, great. If you are set on having one, but are on a budget, you could try a barbeque, or another fun, less expensive alternative to the traditional thing. Engagement parties are great, but not necessary.

The Bridal Shower:

This is at the discretion of your wedding party/mother/mother in-law. Brides don't throw themselves a shower, so it's up to your bridal party!

Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties:

Again, this is up to the wedding party and close friends. Typically, the wedding party each pays their own way, then all chip in for the expense of the bride/groom. This is not necessary, but it is tradition. The cons of this event? These parties can get out of control, so state your limits upfront.

The Reharsal Dinner:

Weather or not this particular event is necessary depends on your wedding style. If it is a formal ceremony, or you have a wedding party, it is a good idea . Typically, everyone will want a little guidance. However, if you are not having a formal ceremony, or not having a wedding party, it is appropriate to skip this event.

The Ceremony:

Duh, this is the most important part!

The reception:

You should have a reception, even if it is as small as cake and punch afterwards. There are many ways to cut costs, but a reception is defintely a necessary event!

Good-bye brunch/party:
If you can afford it, and have any patience or energy left the next day, this is a do. If not, don't weat, I'd say this is totally not a necessity.

Diary Entry July 26, 2012:
Tomorrow is the big day! As you can imagine, I am over the moon! Today has consisted of last minute cleaning and preperations. I am going in an hour to have my hair washed by the stylist for tomorrow's style. Tonight we are having a little barbeque, and practicing our dance a little bit ;) A long time friend of mine is coming in time for the reception, and is staying for the weekend. I am looking forward to seeing her! I do wish my family could be here, but we are having a second US wedding, so I get to start the planning process all over again. I will not have a post for you tomorrow, but I will resume posting on Saturday. I can't believe I will be a married woman tomorrow! I will try to post Sunday and re-cap the whole wedding experience for you! Tonight I am going to take a long, relaxing bath and pamper myself with bath bombs and a facial. Ahhhh. :) I hope you enjoyed my las tpost as a single woman!

X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: Week-of Tips !

Hey Beauties,

For today's post, I want to share some tips for you for the week of your wedding! I even have tips for the grooms, since they are kind of important, too ;) These tips will help you de-stress, keep things running smoothly, and of course, keep you looking your best! Enjoy:)

Brides:
~Several days prior to the wedding, confirm all beauty appointments.

~ Make a schedule for the week-of. Write down a to-do list for each day. Delegating yourself a small list of things to do each day will provide for a more stress-free week. Leave yourself next to nothing to do the day before! You need to get lots of rest that day:)

~Pamper yourself everyday. Take bubble baths, use lots of lotion, face masks, etc. This will help you relax and look fab!

~ RELAX. Here's the thing: something (small or large) is bound to not turn out just how you wanted it to. Have backup plans for anything possible, but try not to freak out when things are out of your control. Weddings should be a fun, exciting time. Remember the purpose of this day : you're marrying the man of your dreams! Take a moment to reflect on the most important thing when things get crazy.

~Confirm details with all of your vendors!

~Create a day-of schedule. This can take alot of stress off of your plate!

~Chill with your fiancee! Go for a walk, watch a movie, try to spend some quality together before the big day!

~ Create a day-of bridal emergency kit!

 ~Take care of yourself. Drink tons of water, eat nutritious foods, take vitamins, and  get plenty of rest!


Grooms:

~ Take care of yourselves. Get lots of sleep, eat well, drink lots of water, and take vitamins! You don't want to fall ill for your wedding day!

~Good grooming(hehe). Put more effort into your appearence. Make sure your nails are in good condition( yes it DOES matter,you will likely have photosof your hands) make sure you are clean-shaven, use lotion

~Be as helpful as possible. Help your bride with last-minute tasks!

~ Spend some quality time with your bride:)

~Work on your speeche(s)! DO NOT TRY TO IMPROVISE! :p



Diary July 25, 2012:
Today involved alot! I did alot of cleaning, baking, and last minute projects! Tomorrow is the day before, and there is so much to do! We are having Andre's aunts and uncles over tomorrow for a barbeque, I am having a step in my hair process done, I am pulling my emergency kit together, doing a final cleaning of our place, a little first dance rehearsal,  and of course, we need a good night's rest! I will update tomorrow!

Are yoou enjoying the Wedding Things series?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: Save or Splurge?

Hello Girls!

If you're planning a wedding, you might wonder which aspects you should try to save on, and which you should spend a little more money on. It can be overwhelming! Here is a little guide to help you out! This is just my opinion, but I hope this is of some help. :)

The Dress: Splurge with caution. You don't want any regrets later on (i.e "I wish I would have gotten the OTHER dress"),but at the same time you don't want to blow half of your wedding budget on a dress you will wear one time. My advice is to do your homework! Shop around, and try on lots of different styles. Look online, look everywhere! If you can find a deal, then that's a huge plus! If not, this is YOUR day, and you deserve the perfect dress. Just spend within your limits.

The Veil: Splurge with  caution. Veils can get pretty pricey, so again, do your homework! If the veil isn't super important to  you, save!

The Shoes: Save. Unless you have a GIANT wedding budget, it's hard to justify spending alot on your shoes. The exception? If you TRULY know you will wear them again with lots of different outfits. But be honest with yourself!

The Invitations: Save. While the invitation is a crucial aspect, there are so many inexpensive options, and DIY options. You can hand-make some really elegant invitations.

The Venue: Splurge with caution. Before you start looking, get a clear picture in your head about what you want in a venue. Some fairy-tale venues are expensive, and if it's perfect, and you don't mind splurging, splurge. For more budget-friendly brides, look around. Look at places that are not typically used as wedding spots. Look at publically owned places.  You CAN get a nice venue without going broke!

The Photographer: Splurge. There are some solid reasons as to why you should splurge on  photography. For one, you want someone who will capture your vision. You want quality photos that you will still be happy with in the years to come. Another reason to splurge? This photographer will be hanging out with you all day. From getting ready, the ceremony, reception, the whole day. You want to choose someone you get along with well!

Favors: Save. Favors don't have to be extravegant. There are alot of inexpensive favor holders, and favors themselves. Favors can get expensive! Especially when you are having a large wedding. If you have 300 guests, $2.00 per favor is going to sound like alot! Defintely shop around, and again, there are tons of DIY options.

Wedding Party Attire: Save where possible. You want to be concious of the budget of your wedding attendants. Realistically, they will probably only wear the dress once, so keep that in mind. You can even have them pick their own dresses, just make sure everyone sticks with the same color and length.

Bouquet: Save where possible. Are you going to be giving it away in the bouquet toss? Preserving it? Keep these things in mind when flower shopping. Some flowers are more expensive than others, so if you want to save, maybe pick a few cheaper blooms in your color pallette. For the bridal party bouquets: SAVE! there are so many beautiful, inexpensive options. Shop around!

Decor: Save. With decor, you can get really creative without spending a fortune. Alot of venues have decor of their own that they will use, but if not, don't get too crazy. Again, TONS of DIY options! Decor things post coming soon!

Food: Splurge with caution. You don't HAVE to drop big bucks to get great food, and you have to be concious of how many people will be attending. My advice would be to research a little, and come up with a food budget. Alot of places will be willing to work something around your budget.

The Cake: Splurge, but shop. Have a few cake tastings, and have a vision. Meet with several differnet bakers, and describe the style and flavor you want. Some cakes are expensive, but if it is delicious and beautiful, it's worth it. However, there are bakeries that offer beautiful cakes that aren't too much. Anohter factor that will affect your cake price is guest count!

Jewelry: Save. Simply put, you don't need real diamonds for every piece of jewelry you wear. And with everything else you have to pay for, there's absolutely no need to splurge alot on jewelry! Go to Claires, or another inexpenisve store.

Hair: Your discretion. If you are comfortable doing your own hair, I reccommend it! I think it is a special touch. If you are really trying to save, you could also ask a hair savvy friend to do your hair. You could also check out beauty schools. No matter who you decide to do you r hair, TEST run at least once before the wedding. Make sure your stylist can re-create your vision.

Makeup: Depends on your skill level. If you are totally unskilled, and find a pricey place that does a good job, I say splurge. However, if you are comfortable doing it yourself, it is recommended! You may want to invest in a few higher quality products to use, but you can re-use the products over and over, so it is worth the price!

Attendant Gifts: Be generous. You don't have to go all out, but like the favors, you want to show them a special appreciation for taking part on your special day!

Entertainment: Splurge with caution. Entertainment is vital, but some bands/ DJs are just overpriced. Generally speaking, a DJ will be considerably cheaper than a band. Have an idea of the type of music you want played at your wedding, and meet with several people.

So this covers some of the basics, let me know if there are other aspects you want me to cover! I hope this was helpful! What is your favorite Wedding aspect? :)

X's and O's,
Amanda

Christmas in July?!?

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! Andre and I are finishing up last minute wedding details this week only 11 more days! EEEK! A Wedding Things post will be up later this week :)

So this is semi random, and not really beauty related, but I wanted to know if I am the only one who does this. Do any of you plan ahead for Christmas ridiculously early? I totally do! I always start doing a little planning during the summer. Why? The holidays can be costly, and time consuming. Around late summer, I always make a list of who I need to purchase gifts for, an approximate amount I want to spend, etc. This way, I can set aside just a little bit of money every month. This relieves alot of financial stress around the holidays. Am I totally crazy?!?:p

My wedding is so close! I keep having nightmares about losing my dress, etc. I am very excited as our countdown comes to a close! I know we will have a wonderful wedding that is lots of fun!

What are your plans this week?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: In Case Of Emergency

Hello Hello!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday! Wedding season is here, so I plan on doing alot more "Wedding Things"  posts. One topic that has been on my mind is wedding emergencies, and how to cope. Although I certainly hope nothing goes wrong on mine, or anyone else's wedding, let's face it; it's bound to happen. Normally it's something minor(i.e. your flowers aren't exact, a member of your wedding party is late for beauty appointments, etc) Or, it could be a more complicating situation. Here are a few tips for how to deal, along with a emergency check list for your emergency kit!
Tips:
~ Try not to stress too much. Sure, you want everything to be absolutely perfect, but if the flowers aren't EXACT, what is it hurting? Your guests probably won't take notice, and there's no use stressing over things beyond your control.

~ Accept help. It's totally ok to ask your maid of honor or other bridal party members to deal with mini dillemas, or just help out. You should be happy and care-free today. Ask for help when things get crazy.

~Have a back-up plan. Planning for the worst can help ease our mind the day-of. Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception? Have an indoor venue in line, just in case. If there happens to be rain, you won't be stuck outside figuring out what to do. Same goes for entertainment, etc.

Next, and very importantly, every bride should have a Bridal Emergency Kit. This kit should contain all essentials you might possibly need. From fashion emergencies, hair emergencies to falling ill, all brides should be prepared. Here's what you need:

~ A bag for all of your essentials. You can give this to your maid of honor or other VIP. It should be easy to access throught the day.
~ Stain remover pen
~ Bobby pins
~Hairspray
~blotting sheets
~ makeup, for touch ups
~ Tissues
~ Gum, dental floss
~ Mini sewing kit, including threads that match your dress, and your bridal party's dresses
~ Pain reliever
~ Saftey pins
~ fashion tape
~ tampons, pads, pantyliners
~ bandaids
~ perfume, deoderant
~ hand creme
~ clear naill polish for stocking runs
~ the nail polish you are wearing for touch-ups
~ cash (just in case)
~ a cell phone
~ A list of all vendors, and phone numbers
~ easy to pack snacks
~ makeup remover wipes and q-tips
~ your moisturizer, and other essential skincare products

I know it sounds like alot, but if any emergency occurs, you'll be thankful you brought these things.
Bonus tip: learn the basics of your hairstyle with your stylist, and bring someone with you. That way , you can fix your hair if something goes wrong! Same goes for your makeup!

Hope this was helpful! Anything I left off of the list?
X's and O's,
Amanda

*photo courtesy of google*

Wedding Things: Makeup

I'm bacccckk! :)
Thank you to everyone for being so understanding while I took some time away to focus on my wedding. I appreciate it, and got alot done! Still a lot to do, but I will be resuming regular posting again. My wedding is in 43 days! AHHHH!:)

In today's Wedding Things post, I wanted to discuss bridal/bridal party makeup. For brides especially, choosing your makeup for your wedding day can be so hard! I've been looking into makeup for my wedding day, and I was suprised at the advice I found online. There seems to be no consistent answers when it comes to bridal makeup! One thing I noticed is that many people advise brides to wear very natural/ bear minimum makeup. Ok, true you don't want to look like a clown or a whole other person, but I think it depends on the person. I change my makeup daily, but I go for smokey, or more complicated eyes than natural looks. So why should someone who likes to rock bolder eyes all of the sudden be wearing next-to-nothing eye makeup? In my opinion, it doesn't make any sense! When choosing your makeup, consider your personal style, wedding colors/theme, time of year, and make sure to choose a look that photographs well. My wedding color is purple, so I hope to be incorporating that into my eye makeup. Nothing too heavy, but a little smokey. Stick within your comfort zone. I have friends who were upset that they weren't wearing enough makeup on their wedding day, and I have heard of people who cry because it's just way too much! Also keep in mind that this is a long day! Don't choose anything that will smear or fade quickly. Of course you'll need to touch up at some point, but too much makeup on the eyes can leave you looking like a raccoon. Here are some more universal tips for bridal makeup:

1. Prime and set. Use a face primer and eye primer. This will make the makeup not only look better, but last longer. After makeup is applied, set with powder, and then a finishing spray. You want to really lock everyhing in. Hint:If you're using creamy or pencil liner, set with a matching eyeshadow color.

2. Contour. Contouring provides definition and dimension to your face. It's especially important to have this because you will be photographed more than ever on your wedding day. Flash photography can wash out your features. Contouring counteracts this.

3. Highlight. Highlight your cheek bones, brow bones, and center of the face for a beautiful glow. Highlighting also adds dimension to your face, and brings more light in.

4. Waterproof. Even if you don't cry, you never know what emotions are going to creep up on you on the most special day of your life. Not to mention, you might sweat a little from all the dancing! Waterproof mascara is non-negotiable. Use waterproof or liquid liner if you can too.

5. Bring a touch up bag filled with your essentials to eep your makeup fresh throughout the day.

6. Smile. That's the most beautiful thing you can wear on your wedding day.

I hope these tips were helpful!
X's and O's,
Amanda

Catching Up With Me: Updates!

Hello beauties,

Today I just want to chill and catch up with you guys. Alot has been going on lately, so I am going to fill you in!

Firstly, thanks to all who read my blog. The views have been increasing lately, and I appreciate all of the support. <3

So some updates about my wedding: Our wedding date has been moved to July 27, 2012. I am breathing a huge sigh of relief- I still have some time to plan! The wedding has also taken an entirely different course...
We originally planned to do the small ceremony , followed by a small reception at our home. We originally planned on around 30 guests. Well, our "Original" plans went straight out the window this week! And I think the plans changed for the better. My future mother in law and I began to plan the reception this week after we paid for and finalized a wedding date.  While we were planning, we came to some realizations. We have a beautiful home with a good amount of space outdoors, but for a reception? We don't have enough tables, chairs, etc for even 30 guests- and the guest list is at 65.  We would have to rent extra things, which would be a huge cost. We also considered weather. Sure, we hope that it will be nothing less than gorgeous in July, but you never know. We defintely wouldn't be able to move the party inside. You don't throw a wedding without a backup plan-ever. We also considered the formailty. Our original plan was to make all of the food here and grill for the reception. We planned this in an effort to save money. This would require me, my fiancee, and my in-laws having to work on our wedding day ( taking care of guests, cooking, etc.) Also, the outdoor space posed the problem of having no place to dance. So grilling, no dancing? We surely couldn't expect guests to show up in formal attire. Although our at - home reception was planned to save costs, we decided it wasn't worth it. We figured-this is a once in a lifetime event. We want it to be nice- and formal. So we booked a nice reception room at a local hotel. It has a proper dance floor, bar, buffet, etc. We are excited at the change of plans! I will keep you posted as we continue the planning process.

I have really been enjoying not working. Although sometimes I wish I had more work, I also have to remind myself that my fiancee and I will be working more than ever come September. I am trying to make the most of the time I have now. I am able to maintain a spotless apartment, read, paint, workout, draw, garden, bake, anything I please. I know that this fall, alot of these things probably won't happen. I've really just been living life to the fullest, and it has been peaceful.

On another note, I miss America and my family greatly. I find myself wishing I could be at my mom's house for just one day. Or an hour. I would give anything to give my mom and brother a hug and play with my dog Phil. To simply lay down for a few minutes in my old room. I am missing America, but I live insuch a beautiful place here!

Lots of cool events this week. Mother's Day, Father's Day, and my aunt Becky is getting married on Friday! I am so bummed that I cannot be there in New York to celebrate :(

I have to admit, I haven't had the best attitude lately. I have been stressed about the wedding, money, being homesick, family drama, the list never seems to end. I have felt negative and thought "why me?" a great deal. This weekend, I had to step back and reflect, and scold myself. So many people go through horrible things, far more horrible than I, and have positive, hopeful attitudes. I have plenty of food, a roof over my head, nice things, and love. I have it so good. My challenge to all of you is to find the good and the positive in your lives this  week, despite any yucky stuff that is happening.

I hope you all have a fabulous week, and as always, stay tuned for more posts! <3
X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: Accessories!

Hey Beauties,
Fot today's "Wedding Things" post, I want to talk about accessories for not only brides, but bridesmaids. Accessories are a great way to enhance your dress and overall wedding day look. Here are some key accessories, and how to choose them:

1. The veil. Brides have so many options for veils  these days! Long, short, catherdral length, the possiblities go on. Some brides opt for no veil, and put decorative hair pieces in. Your veil or head decorations should be whateveer your heart desires. If you want to be "traditional", longer veils are bettre suited for church ceremonies, while shorter veils are fine for less formal ceremonies. It depends on your dress style, and more importantly,  your hair style.

2.  Bridal jewelry. Jewelry should show your personality, and compliment your dress. Jewelry should not distract from your dress. If your dress has a lot of intricate detailing, etc, less is more. If your dress is a little onn the plainer side, it's okay to dress it up with some bling. Not too much bling. Alot of brides I know have been opting for a strand of pearls. I am personally choosing a white gold necklace with small diamonds that my fiancee gave me a year ago, and some earrings. A bracelet if I find a nice one, but I am keeping the jewelry simple.

3. Bridal party jewelry. This is up to the woman of the day, the bride. Some brides pick out specific pieces of jewelry they want their bridesmaids to wear. Some brides give their bridesmaids a general style to stick to. If that is the case, you should approve your jewelry choice with the bride before purchasing. Take a photo of the piece you want, or if the return policy allows, purchase it to show to the bride. If she says it's a no-go, you can return it. Bottom line: ask the bride!

4. Shoes. It is so important to consider your shoes immediately, as the type of shoe you decide on will affect alterations to your dress. You need to have your wedding shoes in order to have your dress altered to the perfect length. A few things to consider with your shoes: How long will I be in these? If you have a long reception filled with dancing, etc, make sure your feet can withstand the abuse. Some people can last for days in heels, others are dying after an hour. I personally opted for a white ballerina flat. Your shoes should be everything you dreamed of, just consider comfort before you purchase. Also: you won't be able to change shoe lengths. If you are in a 4 inch heel, your seamstress with alter the dress to the perfect length for those 4 inch heels. If you change into a flat shoe for the reception, your dress will be too long and drag.

These are just some basic points with accessories. Let me know if you want to see more!

May 7, 2012 One Year

Hey everyone!
Today I want to do a special diary type post because it is a special day! Today is May 7th, and it has now officially been 1 year that I have been together with my fiancee.  This post is dedicated to this, and I thought I would share some of our story with you!

I met Andre in March of 2011. I had been going through an extremely difficult time in my life, and had been pretty down. A friend of mine was good friends with Andre, and she invited him to a party she and I were going to. Truth be told, I didn't want to go to that party. But my friend got me in the spirit, so we went.
When Andre arrived at the party, I didn't take much notice. Of course, I thought he was totally gorgeous right away, but he almost seemed TOO gorgeous, like he was probably aware of how cute he was. I didn't go near him much at the party, but he did come up and talk to me eventually. I don't know what I was expecting him to say( probably introducing himself?), but nothing could prepare me for the first thing he ever said to me. He came up to me, and without even saying his name, said " Hey, do you want to get pregnant?" I was suprised at the boldness of this jerk( who says that?!?!), and responded with something along the lines of "who do you think you are?". Realizing that I was unamused and had taken his statement seriously, he got red in the face and started apologizing, saying he was only kidding and just wanted to be funny, because he had heard me talking to people all night and he thought I was funny. Seeing how embarrassed he was made me feel kind of bad for him, and I did give him my number.
We began talking everyday, and were instantly best friends. We hung out everyday, and talked about anything and everything. We confided in each other from the begining. Of course, I was falling for him the whole time, and he was for me as well, but I didn't know. Late April, early in the week, we had planned on having a super epic weekend together. But some unexpected money on Tuesday changed out plans- I was on a plane to Los Angeles instead that friday. I would be gone for 8 days. Of course I would miss him ( yes, we had kissed at this point), but this was an important family event I didn't want to miss. When I had been in LA for a couple of days, Andre had texted me the usual "Goodnight, I love you" He always told me he loved me, because we were best friends! But something inside of me got the courage to ask him if he meant it as a friend, or if he was in love with me. When he replyed "Im really in love with you, I hope that's ok", my heart skipped a beat. I loved him too. The next 6 days seemed to drag on, I couldn't wait to see him! He suprised me by waiting for me at the airport the day i came back. That evening, we had a date, and he asked me to be his girlfriend. I was thrilled and said yes. Here is the thing , though. Andre was an exchange student from Germany. He would be going back to Germany in exactly one month. We decided that we still wanted to give things a try, and that's what we did. Andre left in June 2011, and I was so scared. Not knowing when or if I would see him again was hard. At the begining of the summer, I booked a flight to visit him in October for his winter break. We started counting down the days, and I worked and spent time with friends and family to pass the time. The distance was hard, but we pulled through, and finally got to see each other. My trip was great, but it had to come to an end. When I flew home, we knew we didn't want  to be apart, and decided that I would move to Germany- In January 2012. That time flew.

I moved to Germany in January, and it has been wonderful. Andre and I got our first apartment and furniture together, and we have loved every minute of living together.
On March 20, 2012, Andre asked me to be his wife, and I said yes. We will be married this summer.

This year has been the best time of my life.  Our love has overcome incredible distances, judgement, and more. We have laughed together, cried together, and grown together. My love for Andre gets stronger with each passing day, and I know his love for me does as well. He is my very best friend in the entire world, and I would be lost without him. He has shown me what it means to truly fall in love and trust someone. He has shown me the world through a different set of eyes, and I am lucky that I will get to spend the rest of my life trying to see the world through his eyes. We have has a fantastic year, and I hope the years to follow are just as fantastic. I love you, Andre. One year down, forever to go. Ever thine. Ever Mine. Ever Ours. <3
<3 Amanda

Wedding Things: Being a Good Guest

Happy Tuesday!

In today's wedding things post, I want to discuss being a good guest. Yep, nothing about being the one planning today. We are talking about attending a wedding. If you're like most people, it isn't everyday that you have the pleasure of attending a wedding. Far too often, I witness girls( and guys) poorly dressed with even poorer behavior at weddings! Weddings are a very special occassion, and should be treated as such. So here's How to be a Good Wedding Guest 101:

Being a good wedding guest begins from the moment you recieve your invitation. It is important that you respond promptly, as it is essential for the wedding party to get a headcount for food, etc. Furthermore, upon recieving an invitation, you can clear up anything necessary ahead of time. For example: have you been seeing someone new (or your current boyfriend didn't recieve an invite?),  and thinking about bringing him to the wedding? You need to call the bride and ask permission first. Do this upon responding, and take a "no" with grace. A wedding is not cheap, and the more guests, the pricier the event. More and more couples are adopting "no random dates" and "no kids" rules for their weddings. This is their perogative, and needs to be respected. So you better ask about your kiddos, too. More than likely, the bride will have the common grace to know that she must invite live-in partners, fiances' and husbands/wives to accompany her guests. But when it comes to Bobby you have been seeing for 3 months, that might not fly. A gracious guest is understanding of these situations and doesn't take it too personally. If the bride doesn't want kids/ random dates present, don't ask to be an exception. The couple has this in place for a reason, and if they allow one exception, they will either have to allow more or hear from some very angry and offended guests. Find arrangements for your children, and if you can't bring a date, hang with friends at the wedding! The bride probably won't forbid you a date if you don't know anyone at the wedding.

Probably one of the biggest aspects of good guest ettiquete is what you wear to a wedding. You should pull out all the stops on this one- a wedding is a formal event for which you should look classy. Unless of course, it is a specific theme or a redneck wedding. But in general, you should look classy and well groomed. Ladies- probably the biggest and most offensive thing you could wear to a wedding is white. There should only be one woman in white that day- the bride! It is considered highly offensive to wear white to a wedding (unless the couple is hosting an all white wedding of course). Hints of white are ok- i.e. a white pair of shoes, a small little jacket for over your dress, just make sure the white doesn't stand out too much! Another color to avoid? Black. You are at a wedding, not a funeral. I would say some black is okay, but I don't reccommend showing up head to toe in black.  Other things to keep in mind? Keep it appropriate. No extreme plunging necklines, extremely high dress slits, fishnets, exposed private parts, or dirty articles. You are at a nice event, not a strip club. Plus, the brides grannies and other elderly relatives will probably be there. No need to scandalize the bride's grandmother. As for grooming, do something with yourself. Not a girl who wears makeup? Fine. But you better make sure your face is clean, brows groomed, etc. Wash your hair every other day? I would avoid second-day hair here. Wearing shoes that expose your feet? Those feet better be well groomed. I personally like to go all-out for weddings, they are a chance to get done up!

So you've been a proper guest and responded in a timely fashion, found arrangements for your children, and gotten ready. You look nice, and are ready to head to that wedding. It goes without saying, but leave in plenty of time. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the bride walking down the isle. Be sure to come bearing gifts- a card/ gift card will do if you are in a tight pinch, but you need something to recognize the couple and their special day.
Take this advice to heart when it comes to good guest behavior- today is not about you. Today is about a couple who is beginning the rest of their lives together, and thinks enough of you to want you present for their big day. Many guests (primarily women), get it in their minds that they need to look and act so impressive at weddings. Some people dress in a way t otry to steal the attention from the wedding party. Today is not your day, so don't try to make it such. Don't excessively bother the bride with silly questions like "where should I put this?" The bride spent so much time and effort planning, and it was probably stressful. After all the stress, she deserves to relax and enjoy the day. Never, under any circumstances ask how much the wedding costs. Because frankly, it's none of your business. Have a complaint about the venue, etc? Hold your tounge. Nothing but gushing about how awesome the wedding is when  the bride asks you. Do not gossip with other guests. Know your alcohol limits, and stick to them. Don't embarrass yourself or the wedding party by getting totally hammered. It's not attractive, and is extremely poor guest behavior. Also, a wedding is not a club. It is not a place to try and find someone drunk enough to have a one night stand with. It is not cute to throw yourself all over other guests. I know far too many people who use weddings as places to hook up. I think it's gross. Save that for Friday night at the bar.

Those are the main points I wanted to touch on. Keep it classy, people! What poor behavior have YOU seen at weddings?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Lazy Sunday: Random Ramblings

Hello Sunshine Babies!
So today is Sunday, and what better way to spend a Sunday than being completely lazy? My apartment is a total disaster, and while I find it nearly impossible to relax amidst a mess, I promised myself today was a day free  of cleaning. This post is going to be totally random today. I have a lot of different things on my mind, and so I thought today could be a chill post where you can catch a glimpse of what is going through my oh so random head :p

Sadly, today is the last day of Andre's vacation, as classes resume tomorrow. BOO! I really enjoyed having him around all day for the past 2 weeks. We have gotten to spend alot of quality time together, and I have been so thankful. We got to sleep in everyday, play games, shop, go for walks, spend time with family and friends, relax, and get wedding stuff done. We had a blast, and the quality time was defintely needed! The past 2 weeks have reminded me why Andre is my very best friend in the entire world. Although classes resume tomorrow, there is also a very exciting event: Andre will get his contract with the IT company tomorrow night! This is a huge accomplishment for him, and I couldn't be prouder! I know he will achieve great things with this company.

In other cheery news, Andre and I had the opportunity to finish shopping for all of my wedding day essentials, and new makeup! Being as passionate about makeup as I am, getting new makeup is the best feeling in the world. All of Andre's accessories were purchased, as well as my shoes, etc. I opted for white ballerina flats. I figured, if I want to enjoy dancing the night away on my wedding day, I had better be comfortable. Plus, I can wear white ballerinas all summer!  I will do a haul post sometime this week!

I feel like my German is improving, and I am excited to hopefully get a job soon. Andre and I look forward to saving more money for our trip to America next winter. Being in Germany has brought so many changes, but I feel so blessed to be here with the love of my life, learning a new language, and having a new lifestyle. But along with being amazing, living here has made me really appreciate and miss my family, friends, and America in general. I really do miss my siblings, parents, and of course, Phil the dog. Despite my missing them, I am excited to be here with Andre, ready to take the next step forward in our lives. The past year with Andre has been the biggest blessing I have ever recieved. We have grown together, overcome huge obstacles, succeeded, and our love and friendship has grown so much. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness.

Another big thing that's been on my mind is body issues. I have never been 100% happy with my body (has anyone?), but recently  I have been in the doldrums wishing I was thinner, prettier, the list goes on. I literally couldn't look in the mirror or at a photo of myself without feeling hatred towards myself. It was so destructive. I would spend hours getting dressed to try to find the perfect outfit to conceal my imperfections. I wasn't wearing what I wanted at the risk of not looking thin. Friends and family wanted photos, and I would cringe and hide. But then I was getting dressed one morning, and I asked Andre how the top I had chosen looked. The top was pretty, but I thought that it made my hips look too big. I asked Andre, and he said " Amanda, you have wide hips. It's your bone structure, so you can't change it. But why would you want to hide it? You're beautiful." For some reason, that really stuck with me. I have been looking at myself so harshly. Over Andre's vacation, we took more walks and that teeny bit of exercise completely changed my outlook. So a small amount of walking and Andre's loving words made the biggest difference. Last night, I looked at some photos of Andre and I in Paris last fall. Last time I looked at those photos, I wanted to delete them all and hide in a corner because they were so awful. But last night, they didn't seem so bad. Some of them were actually pretty good! I have been wearing clothes I usually wouldn't have, and trying to take more photos. I hope that if anyone is struggling with these things, you can take this little bit of advice: be nicer to yourself. If you take a moment and look at those flaws with a nicer attitude, they won't be so bad.

So enough of my random nonsense. Can you believe we are in the middle of April already?!? The time is flying! I hope everyone is enjoying their spring! I have a lot of posts planned for this week, so stay tuned!
X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: Bridal Beauty Part 1

Hey Pretties,
As alot of you may know, I am getting married very shortly! I would like to share with you some of my tips for wedding planning success. So this is the first post of the series "Wedding Things".

First of all, I want to inform you that I will actually be having 2 weddings. The first in May here in Germany, and another in the United States in a few months. This first one is not going to be large or extravegant whatsoever. Here in Germany, you actually HAVE to have a civil wedding in a Standesamt ( US equivelent to the courthouse) in order for it to be legal. You can have another later in the day at a church, if you are religious. In the US, you just need an officiant, and your ceremony can be wherever. Because I am not religious, we will only have a ceremony in the standesamt, and a small reception at our home. Although my wedding won't be big (this one, anyway), I have aqquired an abundance of knowledge that brides may find helpful!

So today we are dicussing bridal beauty, specifically the dress and accessories. First things first : your look on your wedding day is no place to comprimise. This is the most important day of your life, and you want to look and feel your most beautiful. This is a once in a lifetime event. It won't happen again, and you don't get a do-over. You will reflect back on this day forever, and it is important to be able to look back and be satisfied with the day- not remembering how you would have chosen a different dress, etc. Your look doesn't have to be extremely expensive( maybe a friend can do your nails, etc.), but it is not a place to skimp. My future mother in law told me that the dress she wore on her wedding day wasn't the original one she had picked out, but she chose it because it was cheaper than the one she wanted. And guess what? Her wedding was 27 years ago, and she's angry about it. She wishes she would have just gone for the dress she really wanted. So you defintely don't want this regret years later.

How do you find the right gown? The initial thought of dress hunting is almost more dreaded than it is exciting. I mean, you want it to be perfect. But where to begin? Firstly, I would set a dress budget, and be realistic about it. When you go to the bridal salon to begin looking, tell the associate helping you what your price range is. This way, she can give you gowns to try on that you can afford. No sense in trying on a $3,000 dollar gown and falling in love  with it when your budget was $1,000. That will only be disappoiting, and tempt you to maybe cut back in other areas that are also important. So before you head out that door, know how much you want to spend, and stick with it. Don't let pushy sales people or family members talk you out of it, either. You're bound to hear " but it's your WEDDING DAY! It's once in a lifetime!" Yes, it is. And that dress will only be worn once, too. You don't need debt or hungry guests because you had to have the designer gown.

Secondly, it doesn't hurt to look at styles before you go shopping. Look online for inspiration, and research good styles for your body type, etc. However, don't let this discourage you from certain styles while in the actual store.  Maybe a mermaid dress wasn't really suited for your body type, but who knows? You might just find one that looks fabulous on you in the store. Don't knock anything before you try it on. You will likely be suprised. Alot of brides find dresses that look less than pleasing on the hanger, but end up wearing those as their dresses. Be open minded, and remember: rules are meant to be broken. Typically, true white looks better on darker skin tones, while off-white better compliments pale skin. I have extremely pale skin, and my dress is a true white, and it looks great.

Another suggestion I have is to be realistic about your body when dress shopping. It's probable that you will need some sort of altering, even if it's small alterations. Your wedding gown is a piece that you need to fit you absolutely perfectly. Your wedding gown should look made for you. So a word to the wise: don't buy a dress that is a size smaller because you plan on losing weight. You will have sveral fittings before your wedding to make sure the dress fits perfectly. But you should maintain your weight. That being said, I wouldn't purchase a dress until you are at the size you'd like to be for your wedding. It's easier to take a dress in than to let it out. Be realistic about your body, and remember: your groom loves you as you are!

And finally, let's talk accessories. It is almost impossible to wear a bra that matches each pair of underwear you own everyday. But your wedding is a time where you should match. I personally reccomend wearing a corset under your gown in white or cream. It really enhances the way the dress looks on you. However, if you do not choose this route, make sure to have a bra fitting to make sure you have to right size. Buy a pair of pretty panties to match. And again, don't have your dress altered without the right bra. Have a fitting before alterations with your undergarments, accessories, and hair, veil, and shoes. This way, if you want a different accessory or need a new hair do, you have time to figure it out.

Dress shopping was a fun experience for me. I am in love with my dress! A side note: don't forget to factor in alterations to the final cost of your dress. I hope this was helpful! I will have another Wedding Things post here shortly! Happy dress shopping!
X's and O's,
Amanda

Closet Essential : The Perfect Jeans. and other stuff:)

Hey Sunshines:)

So today I am getting back in the swing of things with the blog. As you can imagine, it is somewhat difficult to plan a wedding on such short notice! So today, I will tell you some things that have been going on, and we will talk about my second favorite closet essential, the perfect jeans.

Another reason I have been slow on updating is that I hurt myself last week :( Andre and I were barbequing with some friends, and the next thing I knew, we were at the hospital :( My knee had gone completely out of place, then back in, but it was very painful! I dont remember how it happened, but the pain was something fierce. I have been wearing a brace, using crutches, and have had to give myself daily injections in the stomach so I don't get a blood clot in my leg! :( I did have an MRI last Friday, and my appointment with the knee specialist is tomorrow morning, so I will keep you guys posted. I am hoping nothing serious is wrong, and that I can start walking normally soon! The weather turned around to Spring just as I hurt myself, and I can't wait to start running around outside:)

Closet Essential:The Perfect Jeans

My second favorite closet essential next to the LBD, these jeans are really magical. They fit you perfectly, and flatter your figure. They can be dressed up or down, and worn in any season. These are perfect jeans.

Jeans are such a versatile item. The same pair of jeans can reflect 10 different girls' styles. It's all about what you pair them with. Every woman should have a pair of jeans that fit her like a glove, and save the day, anyday. When looking for these jeans, I suggest taking your time. First and foremost, these jeans need to fit well, perfectly. These jeans need to be comfortable, and look awesome on you. Your figure should look awesome, no matter what your size! Ask sales associates to help you find your perfect size and fit. Don't be shy if you need to go up a size, either. I know too many girls who are only concerned with the size on the tag. For instance, if you are a true size 6, but squeeze yourself into 4s because it is a 4, you're not going to look a size 4. You're probably not even going to look a size 6. You will only make yourself look worse. Plus, you'll likely be pretty uncomfortable! When your jeans fit, you will look slimmer and flattered. Another tip I have is the style. The goal with this particular pair is to have a more classic wash and style. Sure, distressed denim looks awesome, but you can't really dress it up. Denim without holes or flashy designs, however, can be dressed both up AND down. I suggest a pair without holes, studs, and other designs. I also suggest a medium to dark wash. This wash is more flattering, and in my opinion, looks much better dressed up than a lighter wash. Also, it is okay to splurge on this item. The perfect jeans may be pricier, but when you calculate how many times you will turn to these jeans, it is worth the price! If you find a pair at an awesome deal, super! But don't skip the perfect fit or style because another pair was cheaper. The splurge is an investment, I swear!:)

Okay, quick wedding update! I found my dress already! I am completely in love with it. I really can't go into many details, because I want my fiance' to be suprised. I don't want him to know the details of what it looks like, or worse , see a photo. I promise I will have pics up shortly after the wedding. Also, we will have a wedding website up soon, and I will link that so you can all check it out! Do you guys have any food ideas? We are making some of our own, and we'd like your ideas! I am making tuxedo strawberries and heart shaped brownines, but we'd love more suggestions!

Lastly but not leastly, I am releasing my interview with Aires Wednesday! I also just noticed I forgot to link his youtube channel in my last post, so :

http://www.youtube.com/user/aires552

Please check him out, and subscribe!

Until tomorrow!

Amanda

Here comes the Bride:)

Hey Pretties:)

So, I wanted to begin this post with a big thank you. My blog has grown so much, and I want to thank all of you who regularly check up on it. I appreciate the support.

I wanted to continue with an apology. I know it has been so long since I last updated the blog. Alot of super stressful things happened in my life, and I was busy/ unmotivated to blog, etc. But I have some exciting news:

I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!:)

I just got engaged this past week, and I couldn'tbe more excited about it. Here's the catch though : my wedding is in 45 days...yikes! This is awesome because I am impatient, but that's such a short time to plan a wedding! I figured if The Kardashians can plan a wedding in 9 days, 45 is good for me. Although they had more money....

So, I am officially back, and will resume normal features. Look out for another closet essential post coming this week, I am really excited! I will also updat my Manda Likes, because there are new products I want to discuss.

I am dying to show you all April's music of the month. This artist is amazing, and truly one of my favorites of all time. He's been on my Ipod constantly. The artist I am referring to? Aires! Aires is an extremely talented rapper whose lyrics are dark, but inspiring. I cannot wait to do his feature on here. I have a special treat for you as well: I actually did an interview with Aires, and i'll post that on here with his article. I can't wait!!! Here is the link to his youtube channel, check him out to get to know him before the interview! :

I am also going to be blogging about the wedding planning process, and answering wedding questions! I will keep you all updated every step of the way, and of course, post pictures!

I am going to be taking votes on myyearbook.com about weather or not I should start a vlog channel. Message or leave a comment there or on here and let me know what you think!

Talk to you soon!!:)
p.s

The Marriage Trend

Hey Sugar Pies,
So there's a topic that's been on my mind alot lately. Marriage. Why? I am begining to see a new trend when it comes to marriage. I haven't found any statistics that prove this or anything, this is just what I have noticed!

Think of your grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa likely didn't wait until they were in their late 20's until they were married. Most people your grandparent's age got married very young, and started families young as well. They weren't in 5 year relationships before they decided to get married. Okay, there may have been a few exceptions, but as far as my grandparents and most people I have spoken withs grandparents, they were together for less than a year ( in my paternal grandparent's case, less than 3 months) before tying the knot. Our grandparent's generation didn't have much of a divorce rate, either. Maybe not all of them had happy marriages, but they seemed to try settling issues, or at least hold on. I don't necessarily think that it is good to hold on for the sake of not getting divorced, but this generation didn't call it quits easily!

Now, on to your parents. Our parent's generation had a HUGE divorce rate. I hardly know anyone whose parents stayed married. Most people my parent's age have been married and divorced- sometimes multiple times! So many people my age are children of divorce. Our parents split, we were bounced around between houses, etc. Some parents left entirely. As far as when they got married, I think there was a good mix of those who waited until they were a little older and those who married young. The majority of people I know, however, waited until they were a little older and were in longer term relationships.

So here's what has caught my attention lately. People my age( I am 20, been out of high school 2 years). SO many people around my age, or who I graduated high school with are getting married, engaged, starting families, etc. I am friends with a lot of the people I graduated with on my social network sites, and it seems like everytime I log in, a new person has gotten engaged, married, or pregnant. Last week alone, 4 girls from my graduating class were married. Several got engaged. I have been noticing this for awhile. It seems to me that people are getting engaged or married younger and younger! I personally think that the trend is cool. I really believe that my generation does take marriage very seriously. Many of us were children of divorce, and we know how hard it was for both our parents and us. The people I know who have gotten married couldn't be happier, and I think it's awesome. I am personally in a serious relationship where marriage is in the works( in the not TOO distant future;)), and I hope everyone my age who is getting engaged, married, etc, have very happy marriges. Of course, we cannot tell what the divorce rate of people our age will be, but I hope it is nowhere near where our parent's divorce rate was!

So all of this being said, what do you think? Are the trends different where you live? Do you think the trend is positive? Comment below!
X's and O's,
Amanda