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Be aware of glued-on beading

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in Paramus  NJ Bergen County.

Some of you might like lots of stones and studs of the bridal dress. If you are considering a  moderately priced bridal gown, be sure that the beads on the dress are sewn rather than glued on. Dresses with glued-on beads and sequences tend to fall off, as well as cannot be pressed, dry cleaned or steamed.

The quality, cut, make and size of the stones make a big difference in price and look. For example, the Lead Crystal is, by far, the most brilliant of rhinestones, for leaded glass transmits light better than glass without lead.

Rhinestones can be Machine Cut or Molded. Machine Cut Rhinestones are far more brilliant than molded rhinestones, but are far more expensive than molded glass rhinestones.

Rhinestones have their own size names and it could be very confusing to understand. Flat Back Rhinestones are sold by sizes preceded or succeeded by an SS number. (SS = Stone Size)   There is NO relationship to millimeter in this number, in that 6SS or SS6 rhinestones are NOT 6mm in diameter!  In general, the higher the SS number, the bigger the rhinestone’s diameter, and the  more flash it will have .

Quality of rhinestones is determined by how and where they are made.

  • Swarovski offers 14 facets and 100 colors/treatments at this time. These stones are still best on the market.

  • Czech Preciosa was producing rhinestones of very high quality way before  Swarovski was born.  Their colors are great, their coating are every bit as good as Swarovski. The kicker here is the price!  Preciosa runs about 20% less expensive than Swarovski.

    China is now duplicating both Preciosa and Swarovski’s cuts!  Those stones made of cheap glass, not lead crystal. Those who buy them get a very low price, but quality if is not there.

 

Wedding Last Minute To-Do Tips (Part 3)

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Read first Part 1

 

ONE DAY BEFORE: ONE DAY…Just ONE.  This is most crucial part of the to-do list/tips for last minute because the day before, consists of all those last minute to-do’s that you can only do on…you guessed it…the day before!  Two days before just wouldn’t fit because it’s the DAY before that makes sense to do all of the following:

*Go to mani and pedi appointment with your bridal girls and RELAX.  Also, book a massage  if you would like.  Take a bath before you go get nails done…or after (but just watch your nails, you don’t want the color coming off while soaking in the tub!).  This nail appointment and/or massage treatment will give you the last chance to relax with your girls before the chaos of the next day.

*Make sure the men go pick up their tuxes.  Have them try it on while in the shop to ensure they don’t need last minute alternations.

*Put wedding rings and marriage license in a safe place.

*Set aside cash for tips/payments in marked envelopes for limo driver, and others who deserve a tip, and give them to a relative or trusted friend in the bridal party to hand out when the time calls for it.

*Give out bridal party gifts at the rehearsal dinner.  Make sure people are being monitored so that the bridal party, and the bride and groom mostly!, do not drink too much- – NO HANGOVERS ON WEDDING DAY!

*Go for a mini-walk after the rehearsal to walk off the dinner.  This will help clear your mind before bedtime.

*Do a meditation before bed.  I call it, BRIDAL BEAUTY BREATHING:  Do alternate nostril breathing where you close one nostril with your thumb, breathe through the other, then close off that nostril with your pointer finger, and exhale out the other.  Repeat.  Do this for a few minutes.  It helps to bring equilibrium for a deeper meditation.  As you sit and close your eyes to meditate, create visualizations…sort of like “dream building” for the next day: Create mental images of love and beauty, how you want to look in your wedding dress, how you wish the ceremony and reception to be.  Play out everything in your head that you wish to happen.  Creating mental images of the energy, mood, color, and feel for the general picture of the wedding day will attract that all to you tomorrow!  You can even throw in some gentle yoga postures and stretching before the meditation.  All of this will help you SLEEP peacefully and awaken with a fresh face.

Read also Pat 4

Aleana’s Bridal Shop in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County will help you design the dress of your dreams.

Wedding Last Minute To-Do Tips (Part 1)

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

By Jaclyn Ianetti

The song that will be playing as you pace dreamily down the aisle is playing like a broken record over and over again in your head.  The only time you need to hear this song is at the wedding.  How to tune it out at such a stressful and crucial time?  Pace yourself – -and get FOCUSED!  You don’t want to miss doing these last few significant things as the big day approaches…

Tail Spin or To Do?

Before you get caught in the tail spin of stress, try and catch yourself to stop and see what exactly it is that is stressing you out.  One way of doing this (and probably the BEST way) is to make a list.  Make friends with your notepad and use some sticky post-its as your new guidance.  This helps you keep track of appointment timings and the zillion other things you have to do.  In order to organize all of this, the timeline with tips offered below helps to let you know when you need to be making the last call for things to get done and crossing them off.

(Notice how you feel when you cross things off your list…it feeds that good type of stress hormone that your body pumps to keep you motivated in getting something accomplished.  You feel empowered and productive with the swift cross of ink flooding over a “to do” that is equivalent to the sound of a sigh of relief.)

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YOUR LAST MINUTE LIST…before true love’s tick of the clock tower strikes at the time of the ceremony!

ONE MONTH BEFORE: You’ll want to confirm the appointment with hair stylists, make up artists, and whoever else would be part of the glamour team to transform you into a bride beaming with beauty on your special day! Book a facial and other date/time set-ups for skin maintenance (you don’t want to go on a date that is too close to the wedding day).  Also, make sure to go for a trial run to test out different styles you were thinking about to see what makes just the right fit for you…and on you.  Stick to a fitness regimen.  Have a separate calendar for all dates/times to set aside for your personalized work-out agenda, including exercise classes.  Exercising shouldn’t just primarily be to focus on your weight.  Exercise is about energy…endorphins…feeling good.  You want to feel your very best during this time in your life.  And look it, as well!

Aleana’s Bridal Shop in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County will help you design the dress of your dreams.

 

 

Love your body

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Brides by body type: What’s your aisle style?

….And once you thought the mission was accomplished of you being so lucky enough in life in finding the ONE…the one person who suits you so well, your best friend, your soul mate…a sigh of relief is put on hold once more because you need find the OTHER ONE: your perfect wedding dress.

 You may try on four or five gowns, still being unsure of which one you want.  Exhausted and ready to give up for the day, your mother, sister, or best friend (or maybe all three!) will eye-ball one last dress that they beg you to try on.  Reluctantly, yet with grace (because this is all about you!), you give in.  After trying on the gown, you may turn and see your loved ones break down in tears.  Then you turn and look at yourself in the mirror.  Your reflection leaves you awestruck.  You begin to cry…This is it, your moment…you found the one.  It stunningly fits like a glove, and you finally feel like a gorgeous bride!

Sometimes your family & friends can see your strengths and flaws easier than what your own eye is capable of seeing.  Notice how we take notice from a compliment of a stranger?  When someone acknowledges or reassures us of something, an instant rush takes over our bodies.  We are suddenly swollen with a moment of pure happiness and self-confidence.  Let that someone be someone closest to you, and include them in your days of wedding dress shopping.  Their eyes may see something yours miss.

The right clothing to suit our body types, the right or “perfect” wedding gown may not even be in our radar.  We have a certain sense of style instilled in us and that is our taste in fashion that we usually stick to.  This doesn’t mean that we should change our tastes, but to just become more aware of how to choose the proper dress and details that work with us and our bodies.  A dress that fits is a dress closer to perfection.  And don’t we all want to look perfect (our best) on our wedding day?

“CHOOSE THE RIGHT STYLE

BEFORE WALKING DOWN THE AISLE“

 Identifying the type of body you have first will help you understand what dress works best for you.  Every bride wants to looks her best on the big day, and by keeping an open-mind by viewing several styles of wedding dresses for your body type can help you choose the most flattering fit for your figure.  Look for a dress that creates a balanced build.  Once you begin to understand what body type you are, it will be easier to concentrate on certain styles that accentuate the shape of your body.

Refer to our simple guide to get started: Rectangular Body shape, Hourglass Body shape, Apple Body shape,  Spoon Body Shape.

This article brought to you by www.aleanasbridal.com a bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ.

What you need to know about wedding gown fabric

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

The bridal gown’s fabric affects both its beauty and price. The medium to low priced gown usually made from man-made, affordable fabrics such as polyester satin, polyester chiffon, and polyester organza.

When you are shopping for a wedding dress always ask the salesperson what is the fabric of the dress. The most popular bridal fabrics are: “satin”, “taffeta”, “chiffon”, “dupioni”, “brocade”, “Georgette”,  “jacquard”, “crepe”, “crepe de chine”, “Organza” and “charmeuse”. Don’t assume that those fabrics would be made from natural fibers. You always should ask, “What is the content of this fabric?” If the answer is “Silk”, you know you are buying the queen of textiles, the most luxurious fiber in the world.

Silk comes in many different thicknesses and textures; it can be soft and shiny, or shiny and rough. The weaving and knitting of silk fabric may contain minor variations and irregularities that should not be treated as defects. Silk fabrics are always slightly off white because silk is a natural fabric.

Silk is one of the best bridal fabrics that is perfect to wear in any season. It is warm in the cool season, yet cool enough when it’s hot. Silk fabrics are usually lighter, more comfortable and breathable than man-made fabrics. It would be your choice if you have a Sensitive Skin. Silk has natural thermostatic properties and contains many amino acids that help moisture penetrate the skin (aid in absorption) and aid in skin healing.

If it’s always been your dream to have a silk gown but thought they were too expensive come to Aleana’s Bridal in Paramus, NJ, where 80% of our gowns are made from silk fabrics at a very affordable price. We proud of our silk bridal collection and confident that you will be able to find your special dress.

Please schedule your first appointment at www.aleanasbridal.com.

 

Accentuate your assets during your wedding day

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Make your special day become everything you’ve wished for in finding your Dream Wedding Dress.  Choose a dress that will accentuate your unique assets, taking you down the aisle and onto your own red-carpet runway.  With a few of the simple guidelines mentioned, you can find a wedding dress that will maximize your best qualities and minimize your flaws.  While these general tips can help brides look for dress details that will flatter their figures, keep in mind that there is no “one size fits all” rule for dresses for different body types.  If you love a dress, don’t let the suggestions hold you back.  Go ahead and try it on.  To look your gorgeous best for your wedding day, just remember that the most impressive gown on you will be one that creates balance and puts your best traits forward.

MORE GUIDELINES

If you’re TALL:  Princess-line dresses, mermaid or trumpet dresses.

If you’re PETITE:  You want to elongate, so avoid too much fabric, mermaid dresses, and big ball gowns.

                                                                                                                                                 Fuller-busted: Bridal corsets.

Corset has been always important article of clothing that has helped shape and achieve the fashions of many centuries. Women used the corset as a mean to shape their bodies into the perfect shape, that achieved by reducing the thickness of the waist.

Modern corsets often feature boning and back lacing that generally mimic a historical style of corsets. Modern corsets also used to slim the body and make it conform to a fashionable silhouette.

Fuller-arms:  Off-the-shoulder straps, lace tops and sheer fabrics.

 …And when you find your perfect fit…A sweet sigh of relief takes over.

Ahhh…You found the other ONE.

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, Bergen County, NJ, where you dream comes true. Please schedule your first appointment at www.aleanasbridal.com.

Dress by Zodiac

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Turn to the Universe…for Guidance to your Gown

By Jaclyn Ianetti

What a magical day it is…if you happen to find just the right wedding gown… with out too many complications, within a reasonable amount of time, and without trying on a trillion dresses.  However, how can you be so sure you’re going to be that lucky as to finding a dress within the first selection or at the first store?  You can’t put all of your bets on destiny, depending on the stars & fate alone to bring you your perfect dress!  Unless, of course, you look to the one star that can guide you: the Sun.  What’s your Sun sign?

Meet the fate of the cosmos by working with them.  Before heading out dress shopping, be in control of the magic and cast your own spell on your bridal dress day: peek into the crystal ball of the zodiac and let your astrology sign reveal the perfect look for you.

Astrology will reveal your “wedding dress horoscope” and predict whether you’ll swish down the aisle in an elaborate ball gown, make a statement in a stunning, low-cut satin sheath, shine in simplicity with a more classic, refined taste, or flaunt an elegant yet edgy look.

Will be right on point, fitting the qualities of your sign? Or, are you like many others who will choose a style dress that represents your moon sign and/or rising sign/ascendant?  Complete a full birth chart first and foremost if you are not already aware of your moon sign and rising/ascendant sign.  These signs are just important as your sun sign, and can reveal a lot about you, so look to them too for additional support on selecting a bridal gown to lead you in the right direction.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) The Dreamy Princess

Aries (March 21 – April 20) The Bold Beauty

Taurus (April 21 – May 21) The Comfort Creature

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)Miss Pretty, Playful Personality 

Cancer (June 22– July 23)The Soul Sister 

 Leo (July 24– Aug 23) The Drama Queen

Virgo (Aug 24– Sept 23) The Victorian Virgin

 Libra (Sept 24– Oct 23) The Balanced Bombshell

 Scorpio (Oct 24– Nov 22) The Sultry Siren 

Sagittarius (Nov 23– Dec 22)The Free Spirit  

Capricorn (Dec 23– Jan 20) The Classic Charm

Aquarius (Jan 21– Feb 19) The Retro Rebel  

Schedule your first appointment at Aleana’ s Bridal Shop

Astrological Wedding Guide (Part 1)

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Cosmic guide to the wedding of every sign’s dream.

By: Jaclyn Ianetti

Just incase someone in YOUR life decides to put a ring on your finger and your suddenly swamped with initial wedding fantasies filling up in your head, this quick guide will give you a glimpse into the visions of your true wedding wishes according to your zodiac sign.  By connecting with the cosmos, you will be more in touch with the overall image of how you want your wedding day to look and turn out just by keeping in mind what matters most to you.  Be sure you know your sun sign as well as your moon & rising signs, which can also help to pull all the pieces together to creating that vision.  This visualization is a sneak peak to your wedding day, as it reflects all of the colors of your imagination…and your imagination will lead you to your truest wedding dreams.  Astrology can help show you what belongs in your mental picture…a first step that beautifies the final outcome of your wedding day.

ARIES (March 21-April 20):  “The Royal Ram”

Think Mariah Carey:  Royal, rich, extravagant.  Aries brides want a wedding that is fit for royalty.  Whether it is your first walk down the aisle, or a third trip to the altar, you want the full white bridal affair.  However, there is also a tomboyish aspect to many Aries who would much rather skip those stereotypical trappings.  If you are this type, you might prefer to spend your bridal budget on a trip around the world instead.  Bottom line:  You’re impatient and want a wedding that reflects your individuality without compromising your independent nature.
TAURUS (April 21-May 21):  “The Beautiful Bull”

Think Donatella Versace:  Simple sophistication.  Luxury-loving Taurus has refined taste, and your wedding day is a chance to show that off.   Although you can certainly be over-the-top, your wedding will be chic & classy, not tacky.  As an Earth sign, you love an outdoor element.  An outdoor ceremony under a wedding arch, or billowing white tents with chandeliers or floating lanterns and a lavish buffet of gourmet, local food can fulfill your wedding wishes.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21): “The Teasing Twin”

Think: Games, jokes, joy & laughter…adventure & adrenaline rushes.  For you, getting married is all about fun.  If your adventurous sign is going to commit, there better be some adrenaline involved.  You’d rather strap on a parachute and say your vows while jumping out of a plane and skipping the traditional altar ceremony.  After the vows, you’ll throw an awesome, informal rooftop party as your reception party…with everyone dancing until dawn.  You might even hop into the DJ booth yourself, or convince your guests to jump fully clothed into the swimming pool, leading the way in your wedding dress!

CANCER (June 22-July 23): “The Crab of Comforts”

You’re traditional and sentimental, and weddings are all about family for Cancers.  Female relatives and friends are particularly important to you, and you’ll want to honor your mom, grandma and lifelong best friend (who will undoubtedly be your maid of honor) with personalized segments of the ceremony and party.  Teary-eyed toasts, your mother’s engagement ring (maybe even her dress) and a wedding on the beach all resonate with your sign’s Water element and create the feeling of being comfortable and right at home.  Your biggest hassle will be getting your huge bridal party to agree on a dress color and length that they all like and can agree on.
LEO (July 24-August 23):  “The Loud Lioness”

Loud as in …Lights, Camera, and Matrimony!  Your showy sign loves to put on a theatrical production — and your wedding day is the perfect excuse. Choosing an appropriately dramatic venue and dress will be most important to you.  In fact, you may have several outfit changes (a different costume for each “act” is only fitting, right?).  Your main goal is to make sure that there’s “too much” of everything: food, drink, merriment and, of course, romance.  Every poetic word of your vows, every toast, and every glass-clinking kiss should move people to tears.
Read more: PART 2

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call at 201-444-1500.

 

 

Astrological Wedding Guide (Part 2)

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Astrological Wedding Guide (part 2)

read part 1

By: Jaclyn Ianetti

 Here’s a cosmic guide to the wedding of every sign’s dream.

VIRGO (August 24-Sept 23):  “The Picky Princess”

You’re a simple kind of girl, but your wedding day is an exception.  You want to feel like an absolute princess on your wedding day.  Handling the production details will be important to your practical sign, and you’ll work side-by-side with your wedding planner (or may even chose to wear that hat yourself) to craft a spreadsheet that tracks your budget, vendors and timeline.  You want to make sure every guest is exquisitely taken care of, with gift baskets waiting in their hotel rooms and special favors on their dinner plates.  But make no mistake: You’re the Queen Bee of this day!

LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23): “The Goddess of Glamour”

Your wedding should be a gorgeous day of love and sentiment.  Libra is the sign of relationships and ruler of the zodiac’s marriage house…and also is the sign governed by Venus, the planet of love, beauty and romance.  You want tons of flowers, poetry, music, champagne and other sweet touches.  Your sentimental side will come out in full force, not that it’s ever really hidden.  You love to get glamorous, so book a full glam squad for pre-wedding pampering before you slip into your show stopping gown.  Of course, your nails are your biggest priority, so a meticulous manicure and pedicure are at the top of your list before the big day!
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): “The Sexy Shadow Girl”

Admit it Miss secret Scorpio…you’ve been planning this day since you were a little girl, down to the very last detail.  You know exactly what you want and where to get it.  Picking out the ring, the dress, and the cake will seem like a piece of cake to you! –because you know the styles, the shops, and the exact store locations as to where to hunt them down and find exactly what you’re looking for.   You want this to be the most memorable (and picture-worthy) day of your life.  The icing of the cake for you is the chance to channel your creativity and show off your impeccable taste.  Scorpio is a private sign, so you may want to keep the guest list small enough to make your wedding intimate and meaningful.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 22):  “The Wild Child Wedding”

Adventurous and fiercely independent, you’re hardly the traditional bride. Just because you’re getting married doesn’t mean you’re not the same wild-and-crazy girl, and your wedding proves it.  If that means hiring Cirque du Soleil performers, setting up a karaoke lounge, or eloping to a Vegas chapel, so be it.  You’ve got a zillion friends from all walks of life, so bringing them together for a fun, memorable day could take quite a toll on your budget.  As the sign of the traveler, you may want to host a destination wedding, or just have everyone gather informally on the beach or in a big open field for your vows, before heading off to a separate reception.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 23-Jan 20): “The Loyal Lover”

You take “till death do us part” right to the very core of your heart.

Deeply traditional, Capricorn takes her vows and commitments seriously. When you give your word to something, you really do mean exactly what you say.  Family is a big part of why you’re getting married, so you’ll honor your very own by having the wedding location in your “childhood church”…a house of worship you grew up going to or even in your parents’ backyard.  You like simple and classic with a VIP twist, and that will be expressed in your dress, your ceremony and your reception.  The ultimate giveaway that you’re a Capricorn bride?: Your understated elegance and pared-down wedding style…which makes you an instant icon.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): “The Bohemian Badass”

Think: Barefoot in the park or at the beach.  With your bohemian soul, you want a wedding that defies convention and expresses your unique, quirky personality.  As the sign of group activity and friendship, you’re most concerned about the guests having a good time and feeling at ease.  You’ll add creative, funny elements to ensure that.  You want it to be relaxed and fun for everyone, with more laughter than tears.  Chances are, you’re marrying your BFF, and you want to make sure the playful spirit of your bond is expressed.
PISCES (Feb 20-March 20): “The Mystical Mermaid”

You’re the zodiac’s sign of fantasy and illusion, and your wedding should sweep people away to a magical land.  Romantic to the core, you want the fairy tale, albeit with a creative twist.  You take pride in your “indie” tastes and will have a ruling hand in the music playlist, the decor and other aesthetic details.  Pisces is ruled by Neptune, mythic god of the sea, so a beach ceremony or one surrounded by water will suit your fancy and make you feel like a true aquatic angel.  Your inner mermaid emerges with the help of sequins, shimmery satin, pearls, or even a fishtail gown.

Photo credit to: Remko van Dokkum on Flickr

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’ s Bridal Shop or call at 201-444-1500.

A Couple’s First Home Feng Shui (Part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

Feng Shui Photo Tips

Display happy pictures of you and your loved one laughing, smiling, hugging, and kissing.  Frame the pictures that conjure up the best of memories, including any professional wedding pictures.

 

Save the happy family photos to be showed elsewhere around the gathering spaces of your home, like the living room or kitchen.  Keeping family photos out of the main bedroom and putting any stray photos into albums will minimize struggles with family fall-outs and help to maintain healthy boundaries with relatives and within your own romantic relation.

It’s just those…good vibrations. 

…and I don’t mean you’re cell phone vibrating constantly updating your inbox.  Empty old messages everywhere you can think of…you’re text message log, voicemails, email accounts, etc.  Letting messages accumulate can make it difficult to get your wants and needs across.  Erasing old messages will keep the means of communication clear, thus inducing clear communication between you & your spouse, minimizing misunderstandings in dialogue and feelings of being unappreciated.

 

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Accessorize candlesticks, lamps, picture frames, etc. in pairs anywhere in the home, especially the bedroom, to amplify that two-of-a-kind energy you’re going for.   Always keep in mind that being selective with colors, photographs, and other subtle details add to the aura of keeping it a sacred place for two. 

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Every other room and detail in the house can create a more relaxing home for your relationship to stay happy & healthy…

 

The Living Room

Think…Inviting.  Position the sofa back up against the wall to face the main entry to enhance feelings of security.  Create symmetrical arrangements between pairs of seats and sofas to invite connection and positive energy.

The Bathroom

This is the “self-care” room in the house.  Splurge on a new shower curtain, towels, and bath mats: the more sparkling clean it is, the more you will find time for the things and people that bring you the most joy…including the holder of your heart, your spouse.

The Kitchen

…The health & wellness sector.  Clear out cabinets, cupboards, the pantry, refrigerator & freezers.  Purging and detoxing your kitchen will purge unwanted, stagnant energy out of you, creating an overall sense of well-being for you and your loved one.
Feng Shui for Two…and YOU.
All of these Feng Shui tips are designed to bring renewed energy to the areas of your life that will positively impact your romance, as well as many other relationships including the most important one…the one you have with yourself.

 

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop. A bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop in NJ or call 201-444-1500.