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Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 4)

Read Part 1, Part 2 , and Part 3

Gifts 

Besides the usual….Red roses, lush bouquets of flowers, teddy bears, chocolates, candies, candles, gourmet gifts, champagne, jewelry, lingerie (for you), silky boxers (for him)…Here are some romantic gestures for you to give to your guy-for-life:

 

*Send him a wild flowered bouquet with a personalized note attached.

*Make him breakfast in bed along with some red roses.

*Prepare his favorite dessert and surprise him.

*Make a calendar with pictures of the two of you together.

*Stick some love-notes all over the house at different places for him.

*Purchase front row tickets to watch his favorite sport live.

*Lay down on his chest and hug him like you would never give him away for anything in the entire world.

 ( Idea found on pin interest )

 

Take 12 large envelopes … on each one, write the month, so start with February, next March, and so on until you reach next January (2014).
In each envelope you will put a date night in it…whether it’s a nice candle-lit dinner at home, or movies…or something you know he’s always wanted to do or go to…if you decide movies, go get a gift card and stick it into the envelope.  Each date you decide on, write a letter as to why you decided to go with that date for that specific month.  For instance, gift cards for 2 ski passes to go in March would be ideal.  Cover the expenses as much as you can, so at least 1 thing in each envelope is already paid for.  You can even stick a menu from a restaurant (if you got restaurant gift cards) or if you have concert tickets, stick a mixed tape of the group’s greatest hits…brochures for an art exhibit or vacation…etc…(you get the picture)…just to give it some extra excitement.

 

On the 1st of the each month, open up the envelope together.  Let him read it and then look at a calendar together and decide which day that month you will plan that date night…or day.  This way, it ensures that each month you will be spending time together and doing something special.

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Go further into the arms of love by melting into his

…In honor of your first wedded Valentine’s Day,  keep that heart pitter patter-ing! Bring back that old-school, first-falling in love feeling with a classic 90’s movie such as Empire Records.  Skip the movie and just go imitate Liv Tyler’s character in the last scene: let your soul mate drag your weak knees and feet in a sweeping motion on a rooftop…dancing and kissing playfully…blasting a soundtrack by Gin Blossoms, whose sound is reminiscent of discovering you have a crush on your high school sweetheart, and whose music echoes the butterflies pouncing around in your stomach.

 

When somebody makes your heart pitter patter, they are the one for you. 

 

Love is friendship set on fire. 

 

Happily Ever After Never Will End

When you share your life with your Best Friend.

 

ONCE you believe your life is a fairytale…that is when “ONCE upon a time…” begins.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.

 

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 1)

Reservations for TWO…of hearts.

By Jaclyn Ianetti

 

A Little “Love” Lesson from your Valentine Teacher  : 

February 14…The modern day celebration of Love began in Europe when the first Valentine was sent in 1415 on February 14 when a French Duke was in jail and sent a Valentine to his wife.  (Let’s hope your first year of marriage doesn’t put your husband in jail, or else you’ll be receiving love-grams by mail too!)

 

So what about Cupid?  How did he get involved?  In Greek mythology, he is the Roman god of beauty and love…and is the son of Venus (and for those of you who are up on their astrology, Venus is the love planet of our zodiac).

 So there’s your very brief background of Valentine’s Day.

 

Are you ready to point your bow and arrow and shoot your husband yet?  (Just kidding).  But in a more figurative and subtle sense, you can “shoot” your loving energy towards him so that he feels like he has been struck by your arrow to inspire your magical feelings of love.

 

Aimed Arrow…for the Newlywed V-Day

Be on tour with the love in the air and make a high-speed love connection through celebrating this day on however the two of you wish.

You may not even expect to do much together or even receive any gifts, because you may have just had the wedding recently, or you’re moving in and getting settled.  But don’t let that stop you…it’s your first V-day being married…and I can’t imagine the two of you being anything but in a warm and romantic mood this day!

 

Ring in the day with…a Ring

Surprise your sweetheart and propose to him this time with a ring.  Yea, I said it…a RING.

 Pop the Proposal

Your turn to make a very own proposal of your own.  Get creative and give your husband some candied ring pops or even a glowing light up ring.  This light-hearted way will spark up the playful kid in both of you as you offer a promise for life-long love…and not just for this special occasion, but for everyday for the rest of your lives.  He can keep it as a keepsake forever…a timeless token from your heart.

Read Part 2 , Part 3  and Part 4

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. 

 

Wedding Last Minute To-Do Tips (Part 2)

Read first Part 1

 

ONE WEEK BEFORE: First, you’ll want to have your RSVP list and call anyone who has not responded to confirm if they will be attending or not so that you can finalize the design for table arrangements and give a final count of your total guests to the caterer.

*DJ DUTIES!: Show your DJ (or band) the directions to your dance floor dreams…the end product of your music set-list that you want played at the reception.  Be specific as to what music you wish to include and what songs you most certainly will not stand to hear!

*Put together a wedding day schedule for the bridal party and all of your VIP’s.  This will ensure that all A-list attendants will be on the same page.

*Confirm rehearsal plans

*Organize a spot specific to all of your wedding day attire…a spot that is clean and free of any mishaps happening around it! (Water spills, animal accidents, etc.)  Make sure you have everything you need for the day of: products, makeup for touch ups, stain remover (something like the TIDE stick), sewing kit (threads, needles, buttons…for any wardrobe malfunctions…you never know), Kleenex tissues, q-tips, Tylenol/vitamins/medications, and a clutch or bag to hold all of this stuff together.  You’ll want to include anything else that will help solve a crisis if one does happen to occur.

*Do laundry, set clothes aside, and pack the majority of what you will need for your honeymoon.  Keep passports and all other documents secured nearby.

*Make appointment for manicures, pedicures, massage, waxing, etc. with your bridal party.

Read Part 3  and Part 4

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

Wedding Last Minute To-Do Tips (Part 3)

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.

Love your body

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.

Accentuate your assets during your wedding day

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

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

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

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 Twoand 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.

Possible wedding disasters (part 3)

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

 

Watch out for…

Gown issues:  Make sure it comes in on time by not procrastinating in the first place.  Your gown should be the first thing handled during your bridal journey.  What if it doesn’t fit you? – Make sure your not fluctuating weight by staying on a balanced diet/exercise regimen.

 

Fires and Flies:  Beware of candles…and stay away from those “bar flies” – those intoxicated guests who keep enthusiastically hitting the bar and then making their way over to hug you with their glass in hand-  to avoid alcohol spills on your precious gown!

 

Wah Wah Wahhh…Babies crying:  People bringing their children to the ceremony, when you sent out invitations instructing guests’ “NO CHILDREN ALLOWED!!!  Can we say…annoying?!?  Make sure everybody understands your sincerity with this wish by clearly stating in conversation your “rule” with those you know who have children before the big day arrives.

 

Extra guests…with no seating.  There may be some stragglers and wedding crashers, so make sure there are extra chairs at the venue just incase these unruly scavengers come and crash!

 

Rainstorm.  Of course the weather being bad could be quite devastating, especially if you have an out-door ceremony…but have arrangements made so that the ceremony could easily be brought in-doors.  If you have the reception outdoors, just have an area or patio covered by a tent…and hope that everybody could fit into this spot!    And if the weather really gets out of hand?  Please avoid mud by all costs! (My bridal beg to you!)

 

Out-of-line Speeches:  The maid of honor and best man may just have had a little too much to drink…and now they confidently take the mic., and deliver a very inappropriate…and embarrassing speech.  All you can do in this case is make sure they know beforehand that you will not tolerate nothing but a classy and respectful speech, and that they will suffer the consequences if they fail to deliver this promise.  Deal?  Deal!  Make this agreement.  And promise one another that they will limit their drinking till after they give their speeches.

Worst Wedding Disaster?…

Being stood up at the alter cannot be argued to being anything else but the worst nightmare imaginable to any bride…and groom!  Cold feet, no groom, and a run-a-way bride?  Sounds like nothing else can top that!

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 or call 201-444-1500.

Possible wedding disasters (part 1)

By Jaclyn Ianetti

Before we get started, let’s look to the stars for a second…

 

Venus is the planet for love and harmony…and when Venus goes retrograde (moving backward), it can feel like anything BUT love.  When a planet goes retrograde, its’ powers dim down, and things under its’ ruler ship can go a little bit haywire.  So with our planetary peacekeeper taking a nap, it will be up to us scrappy humans to get along on our own.

Venus was actually retrograde this past wedding season/summer, from May 15 through June 27.  Venus goes retrograde every year and a half or so, and it’s typically known as a “blackout time” for weddings.  But seriously, with weddings being planned months (if not years) in advance, who can call off their nuptials just because of this temporary transit?  If you happen to be getting married during any Venus retrograde, just take some extra precautions: Seat those argumentative relatives across the ballroom from each other…Put a presumptuous maid of honor in her place, or she’s out of the party!…And if you’re having serious second thoughts about your betrothed-to-be, don’t “say yes to the dress” just because the flowers and cake have been ordered.

During Venus retrograde, we’ll see our share of breakups … and makeups.

Retrogrades also bring back the past, so you’re as likely to take a temporary time-out from someone as you are to hear from “the one who got away” and even to consider a reunion.  Relationships built on a shaky foundation will need to strengthen and fortify.  This wouldn’t be a bad time to call up a couples’ therapist, try a workshop, or just simply make the communication channels between you and your sweetheart extra clear so you know where you both stand with each other.

Have no fear, though!…With a conscious mind and a generous heart, anybody can offset the waves of discord during Venus retrograde.
Wedding Woes

Some of these may seem like itty-bitty problems, but we all know that one tiny little issue on the day of your wedding is the equivalent to being the biggest disaster EVER!!!!

Facial Flare

What can be worse than waking up with a pimple on your wedding day?  For any facial flare-ups, just ice it…and then leave it alone.  DO NOT pick or squeeze anything the day of the wedding.  This includes extractions.  Any doing of the previously mentioned will just make the problem area more inflamed, reddened , and harder to cover.  Apply a concealer with a green base to counterbalance the red in the pimple on top of foundation to the area and set with a powder for more staying power.  Keep your concealer on hand for touch-ups through out the day.

Read part 2 and Part 3

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 or call 201-444-1500.