All Things Wedding: The Old, The New, The Borrowed, and The Blue: March 2011

Workout

These super-sculpting exercises were created by personal trainer Brett Hoebel, and designed to make toning up for the big day easy -- whether you're a beginner or a fitness fanatic. Choose a few of them to target a trouble spot, or incorporate them all into a full-body workout.

For best results, do 12 to 15 reps of each exercise, and 2 to 3 sets every time. Switch sides so your muscles develop evenly, and take it slow -- count about six seconds per move -- to really get results. When you find that the basic moves are no longer as challenging, take your routine to the next level with these upgrades.

Front squats: for quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Start here: With your arms crossed over your chest, lower yourself down, bending your knees, so your legs form a 90-degree angle (as if you're about to sit in a chair). Then rise up, squeezing your glutes together.

Take it to the next level: Hold a set of 8-pound dumbbells, with your arms by your sides. Bend your elbows to bring the weights to shoulder level, and then begin the squat.

Pushups: for abs, chest, and arms

Start here: Get into plank position, keeping your back straight, abs contracted, feet shoulder-width apart, and head up. Count to three as you lower yourself down to the ground, and repeat as you rise back up.

Take it to the next level: Rather than placing your hands on the ground, elevate them on a step or yoga block.

Forearm plank: for abs and shoulders

Start here: Get into plank position, keeping your abs contracted and feet shoulder-width apart. Place forearms flat on the ground, palms facedown. Hold for 60 seconds.

Take it to the next level: Instead of positioning your feet side-by-side, stack them heel-to-toe.

Close row: for triceps and upper and lower back

Start here: Holding onto the edge of a chair for support, bend at the knees with a dumbbell in one hand. Pull the weight back toward your chest. Fully extend your arm, keeping it parallel to your thigh.

Take it to the next level: Let go of the chair and lightly place your free hand on your thigh

Twisting jackknife: for your core

Start here: Lie on your back with your arms extended to your sides. In one sweeping movement, touch your left hand to your right foot, lifting your head, shoulders, and right leg off the ground. Return to your starting position.

Take it to the next level: Lift your entire torso in addition to your head and shoulders.

Stationary lunge: for quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Start here: Stand with your feet about a leg's distance apart, right foot in front of the left. Let your arms hang straight by your sides. Bend your right knee down to a 90-degree angle without letting your left knee touch the ground, then rise up.

Take it to the next level: Hold an 8-pound dumbbell in each hand, and bring them together at collarbone level. Rest the weights against your chest, and then begin the lunge.

Waiter's bow: for triceps and upper and lower back

Start here: Stand with your knees bent, arms fully extended to the sides, and back angled forward. Fold over at the waist until your torso is parallel to the floor, then raise up to the starting position.

Take it to the next level: Instead of extending your arms at your sides, raise them up and over your head, palm to palm.

Leg drop: for legs and core

Start here: Lie on your back with your arms straight along your sides. Lift one leg to hip level, keeping it fully extended with your foot flexed. Drop it slowly till it hovers above the floor, then bring it back up.

Take it to the next level: Raise and drop both legs, and instead of keeping your hands by your side, tuck them underneath your head.

Interval training: for endurance, speed, and overall health

Start here: Run for 30 seconds, then walk for 90 seconds. Do this six to eight times.

Take it to the next level: Run for 60 seconds, then walk slowly for 90 seconds. Do this 10 to 12 times.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Wedding Fitness Routines -- Martha Stewart Weddings

Prepping your Skin for the Big Day

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The trends emerging seems to be that pretty, soft, slightly glamorous and fresh look. A little more makeup than normal so you don’t get washed out in the photos, but always “pretty and soft”. The hair is one place that women want to change it up a bit. They seem to be more willing to experiment and do something that flatters their dress and veil.
Start thinking about your skin months in advance of your wedding. Victoria provides these prep steps to beautiful skin for brides.

This is a good time to curb your sugar,alcohol, and salt intake. Sugar can make your skin dull, wrinkled and saggy. The sugar molecules attach themselves to the collagen fibers causing them to become stiff and inflexible leading to wrinkles and facial sag. Alcohol in excess effects the blood flow to the skin and can cause a red and blotchy complexion.
Salt as we all know can make us retain water and cause puffy eyes as well as a bloated look.

Purge your sin of acne flare-ups rather than suppress them. No one wants acne to show up on your big day. It is good to use products that purge rather than suppress your acne. Try to start using the products two or three months ahead of time. Esente’ has a great acne kit that helps to do just that.

Exfoliate you skin. It’s a good idea to either do some at home exfoliation or perhaps do a few microdermabrasion treatments in the months leading up to your big day. Exfoliation will help to purge your skin of comedones (blackheads) minimize your pores ,and help to retexture your skin.

Don’t try to get that tan! Healthy skin is in. All brides look better with the beauty of their own natural skin tones. The effects of the sun and tanning beds will age you quickly. Tanning beds even more so as the rays penetrate deeper into the dermis aging our skin up to 40 times faster than if we don’t use them. Remember we want to look beautiful for our anniversaries as well as our wedding day.
http://trulyweddingblog.com/wedding-makeup/skin-care-tips-for-preparing-for-your-wedding

Prepair that Hair!!!

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As soon as possible decide on the length, shape and style of your wedding day hairstyle. This will allow you to have an early trial with your hairdresser to determine whether the style is right for you. Remember to take your headpiece and veil to complete your look.

Many brides decide to color or highlight their hair for their wedding day. However it is important that you give your hairdresser enough time to create the desired look and to correct any mistakes. We suggest at least 4 months before your wedding day to work with your hairdresser to determine the exact color/s you desire. Then have the process done at 6 weekly intervals, the last just before the big day. This will ensure you are happy with the look of your hair and have no big unwanted color surprises.

It is a good idea to book weekly deep conditioning treatments for your hair. This will give your hair a boost before your wedding day, leaving it healthy and shiny.

Consult with your hairdresser to schedule your final cut before your wedding day to ensure your hair looks its best.

http://www.glamourgirlz.info/2007/03/20/preparing-for-your-wedding-day/

Hands and Feet

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Don't forget to prepare your feet and hands for your wedding day. Your hands will be the centre of attention for guests and the photographer viewing your wedding ring. You feet will have to survive a long and busy day! Try to include a manicure and pedicure (maybe at the same appointment as your facial) in your weekly beauty regime before your wedding. On a daily basis, moisturise your hands and give your feet a relaxing soak for ten minutes followed by rubbing in some essential oils (peppermint is very refreshing). Remove and refresh any areas of dry skin from your feet. The groom should also bear in mind that his hands are probably going to be photographed showing the wedding rings, so a manicure is a consideration for him as well.
http://www.weddingservices.eclectic-choice.co.uk/Wedding-Beauty/wedding-beauty.htm

Inspiration Board!!!