{Bridal Beauty Moment} ● Urban Decay's Urban Bride Kit

Urban Decay has partnered with Universal Pictures {Bridesmaids movie} to create a decadent gift-ready box of travel-sized products perfect for any bridesmaid or bride-to-be.   We stumbled upon this bridal kit last night while peeking in the window at ULTA and had to explore this further.  Needless to say, we purchased the  gorgeously packaged products this morning and will be adding them to our emergency bridal styling kit. 

For $42, this lavish kit includes:

•   Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder
•   Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion 
•   Supercurl Curling Mascara
•   Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy
•   Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
•   Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder 

Press & Publicity {Featured On CNN} ● Our Thoughts On Wedding Stress

Some exciting press to share with you this morning about us!  We are featured on CNN today discussing Avoiding Wedding Stress and How not to be a bridezilla – cut the stress.  Thank you to our blushing bride Olesha Haskett for her participation as well as Carla David Design for allowing us to enjoy this special moment in her cozy studio located in the Historic Savage Mill.  Finally, a special thank you to Val Willingham, CNN's Medical Producer for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts on one of my favorite topics, "Wedding Planning," and hugs to her dynamic film crew!

 

{Photo compliments of Tunji Sarumi Photography}

Wedding Wednesday {Inspiration}

"Fashion anticipates, and elegance is a state of mind . . . a mirror of the time in which we live, a translation of the future and should never be static. . . . "
Oleg Cassini

Friday's Signature Cocktail ● The Sparkling Princess

This is our favorite sparkling cocktail fit for a Princess.   We will be serving these next week to friends as we celebrate the impending Royal Wedding. 

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
• 1 oz Patron Silver
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• 2 oz. Veuve Clicquot
• Mint leaves
• 1 cherry

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients (except Champagne) in a shaker.
• Shake vigorously and then finely strain into a chilled flute.
• Float 2 oz. of bubbly on top and garnish with cherry and mint.

Cheers!

Friday's Beauty Moment ● Our Favorite Natural Home Remedies

Did you know that your elbows and knees are two of the most often neglected parts of the body?  Dark and discolored patches are embarrassing and we are here to provide you with our favorite home remedies for improving the appearance of your elbows and knees:

• Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice on a cotton ball and dab gently on your knees.  You can also place your elbows inside these lemon halves and leave for 15 minutes and then scrub gently before wiping with a warm cloth.
• Apply coconut oil to your elbows and knees one-hour prior to showering or bathing.  Alternatively, you can make an oatmeal scrub and exfoliate your knees and elbows while enjoying a hot shower.
• Slice a cucumber {a natural bleaching agent} and rub on your knees and elbows and allow it to set for 30 minutes.
• Apply honey to the darkened skin approximately 20 minutes before taking a shower as this may help in moisturizing and softening the skin.  Please invest in a quality skin moisturizer {I love Organic Shea Cream, Coconut Oil or Cocoa Butter}.

Since warm weather is in our immediate future and so is the temptation to rock minis and sleeves gowns, we must take the necessary time daily to nurture and promote radiant skin. It may take a while before these remedies start to take effect, but if you continue with the regiment as directed, you will see improvement in those affected areas.

Drink plenty of water to replenish and hydrate your skin and apply sunscreen before heading outdoors because sun exposure will cause the areas to become dark again. Take care of yourself and do not forget to treat yourself to something special this weekend!

Wedding Wednesday ● We Love BVLGARI Mon Jasmin Noir

Unexpectedly Modern . .  Refined . . . Sexy . . .  Classy . . .

 This is a follow up to a previous Weddzilla blog post that we shared with our clients and friends last Monday regarding our favorite Spring scents.   We've just added BVLGARI Mon Jasmin Noir {which was launched earlier this year} to the list of must-haves for our clients.  We were introduced to this intoxicating fragrance while attending the Cosmetic Trend Show last Saturday at the Nordstrom located in the Towson Town Center Mall.

This Eau de Parfum dazzles the senses and if you have a deep appreciation for exotic woods, fresh citrus notes mingled with vibrant spices this fragrance is for you.  We noticed that the bottle was a bit contoured and cut like a gem, which is slightly different from the Pour Femme and Rose Essentielle bottles {which are our faves too}. 

Since the fragrance is very seductive and sensual, it could be worn on your honeymoon or date night.  So, the next time you visit your favorite fragrance counter, do not forget to spritz a bit of Mon Jasmin Noir on your pulse points and let us know what you think.

Top notes:

Lily of the Valley

Middle notes:
Sambac Jasmine

Bottom notes:

Musky nougatine + vibrant wood

Monday's Inspiration ● Color Me Happy

Joy, blissfulness, healing, sunshine, positive energy, fruity cocktails, and lemon zest fragrances. . .  Yellow evokes emotion and inspires me on gloomy days - the color is vibrant, energetic and just simply beautiful. When I encounter someone wearing yellow, it makes me smile and think of warm sunny days and the blossoming of vibrant Spring flowers.

What color inspires you to dream, makes you smile and soothes your mood?