Blog Archives

Wedding Planner Tips: How to Avoid Holiday Fluff :)

Posted by on December 10th, 2013

With the holiday season approaching, many of us find ourselves surrounded by festive food and the subsequent concern of weight gain. Studies have shown that the typical American may gain two to seven pounds over the six-week holiday season.

We may also find it harder to maintain our exercise program with all the holiday parties, shopping and travel. In addition, many people have much more stress during the holiday period, which can result in overeating as a “feel good” response.

The best way to avoid gaining weight over the holidays is to eat in moderation, keep a consistent exercise program and try my 10 tips to avoid holiday weight gain.

1. Stick to a regular routine with sleep and exercise. Many times feeling tired or stressed is mistaken for hunger.

2. Watch your alcohol intake. Alcoholic beverages contain “empty calories,” offering little to no nutritional value and contributing to excess weight gain. Try having a seltzer with a lime twist or a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help cut calories and remain well hydrated.

3. Eat a small, healthy meal before party time. It’s a common misconception that you will lose weight by skipping meals. The truth is your metabolism slows down causing you to store body fat if calories are too limited for too long. Another negative result is that you are more likely to binge later at night resulting in greater weight gains.

4. Don’t stand by the food at the party. You will be less likely to partake in unconscious snacking all night if you instead move, mingle and socialize with friends.

5. If you’re hungry at the party, reach for the vegetables (without the dip), fruit or rye crackers. If you do host a party have plenty of water and low-calorie snacks available.

6. Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to register a “full” sensation and signal the brain that it’s had enough. Slow down and listen to your body.

7. Set goals and keep a food diary. Plan your weekly food intake and calorie count to include those treats or Christmas cookies in your diet — in moderation, of course. Don’t totally avoid sweets and holiday food; just plan for it and eat more fruit and vegetables during the week to allow for this. With this plan you can also avoid the guilty feeling afterward that can add to your stress level.

8. Eat protein. Quality protein includes lean meats, seafood, chicken, turkey, eggs, yogurt and low-fat cheeses. Protein will help you feel full and control your appetite.

9. Try to stay consistent with your workout routine. Don’t fall prey to the excuse that you’ll get back on track after New Years Day or when the weather warms up again. You may need to modify your program for the busy holidays. Do what you can, but keep it up, trying new fitness activities and cross training to keep things fresh and fun. Seek out a professional to help you with your program if you need motivation.

10. Always remain positive. If you do have a “bad” day, don’t worry or stress about it. Just get back on track the next day.

Maybe this can be the year your New Year’s resolution doesn’t include dropping those extra holiday pounds.

Posted in Health, Tips from a wedding planner | Tagged , ,

Recycled/Green Wedding Details: Thrift Store Picture Frames

Posted by on August 17th, 2013

Picture frames are always a great find at thrift stores. If you are like me, you have a collection of them. When Rachael Grace Photography and I were thinking about recycled/green décor ideas for a wedding, I wanted to incorporate them somehow. Tables need numbers and I needed a place to put the picture frames. Perfect. Table numbers in the picture frames! Adds a special something to the table and best of all, you can put your favorite wedding photos in them to remember that special day.

Thrift store picture frames for wedding table numbersThrift store picture frames for wedding table numbers

Posted in Just Because, Recycled Wedding Details | Tagged , , , ,

Top 5 Wedding Dress Trends for 2014

Posted by on August 2nd, 2013

The industry’s top bridal designers descended on New York last weekend to show their Spring/Summer 2014 collections at Bridal Market.  Thank you Collin Cowie weddings for sharing!

1.  Bare Backs–Designers took a backwards plunge this season with naked, open, draped and cut out backs.

picture of a wedding dress

Bare back wedding dress

2.  Pastels– Don’t be afraid to show off your girly, sweet side in cotton candy pink or a creamy caramel color.

picture of pastel wedding dress

Pastel pink wedding dress

3.  Long Sheer Sleeves– Lace, tulle, chiffon covered the arms in a delicate playful take on the reveal-conceal.

picture of a wedding dress

Beautiful sheer sleeve wedding dress

4.  Screen Siren–Designers were clearly influenced by the past icons of film noir and the silent screen days.

picture of a wedding dress

Screen siren wedding dress

5.  Short Skirts–Short skirts were all over the runways, from tea length to way above the knee.

 picture of wedding dress

 

Happy shopping ladies!

Posted in Things we love | Tagged , , , ,

Breckenridge Wedding Planner: Tips

Posted by on July 31st, 2013

A while ago I blogged about how to keep your heals from sinking into the mountain terrain during your wedding. At the wedding I recently planned, I saw this brilliant idea! Get rid of the heals all together and wear cowgirl boots. They are perfect for the uneven mountain ground and also have a wild west feeling. Your bridesmaids will be able to dance the night away in comfort. Thank you Four Cornered Photography for this awesome photo!

Cowgirl Boots for a mountain wedding; perfection!

Cowgirl Boots for a mountain wedding; perfection!

Posted in Fall Weddings, Summer Weddings, Tips from a wedding planner, Wedding Planning Tips | Tagged , , , ,

Tips from a Breckenridge Wedding Planner

Posted by on March 28th, 2013

One of the most important components of every wedding is the photographs.  Whether you are a traditionalist or prefer more of a documentary style approach you will have these mementos of your big day forever!  My advice to all brides when it comes to photography is simple.  First, look at your potential photographers portfolio and make sure you two share the same style and tastes.  Second, you need to be comfortable with and even really like your photographer.  You and your significant other will be spending a lot of quality time with this person so make sure you click!  Third, give your photographer a list of  shots that you would like him or her to get.  That being said, I have picked a few shots that I love to share with all of you.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

Posted in Tips from a wedding planner | Tagged , ,