Happy New Years Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!! This message was sent to me today and I thought it was too beautiful not to share.:
Like birds,let us leave behind what we don't need to carry..... GRUDGES,SADNESS,PAIN,FEAR AND REGRETS.
Life is beautiful. Enjoy it
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Interesting Article on Destination Wedding Makeup from my good friend Lori!
Destination Wedding Makeup
On the cliff at Laguna Beach - photos by Steve Dachman
Destination Wedding Makeup
By Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com Guide
Destination weddings are popular for a number of reasons, but they do require extra planning in everything from when to send invitations to the type of makeup the bride will wear.
Rick DiCecca, global makeup stylist for Estée Lauder, travels the world as a roving brand ambassador and creative consultant. In this exclusive interview, he offers advice for destination brides to look their very best on their wedding day.
Are there special considerations a destination bride should make so that her face looks beautiful in the wedding photos?
A month before you go to your destination, get your beauty regime and any procedures you plan on having done, such as facials or Botox injections. One mistake brides make is getting a peel at the hotel spa right before the wedding. Don’t do it! No one wants to look raw and orange in her wedding pictures.
What type of cosmetics do you recommend for destination brides?
Use a humidity-proof foundation, such as Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 (compare prices). It’s non-transferable; once it sets, it won’t come off on your clothing, veil, or anywhere else until you remove it. Double Wear Light also contains a sunscreen, has skincare ingredients in it, and photographs beautifully.
How can a destination bride know what shade of foundation is best for her?
The biggest issue with foundation is not finding the right color. The last thing you want to see in wedding photos is a line of demarcation. Ask for iMatch at the Estée Lauder counter. It’s a way we have of determining the intensity level, undertone, and shade of a woman’s complexion that yields the perfect shade, perfect finish, perfect match. There are many variations but a shade for everybody.
What advice do you have for a destination bride who doesn’t normally wear makeup?
Makeup can transform a woman’s appearance so that her true self comes through. The ideal is to look like yourself, but even more beautiful. Wear foundation on your wedding day so that years from now you won’t look at your pictures and see skin that looks blotchy and uneven. Foundation perfects the look of your skin, its texture and luminosity. Double Wear Light foundation looks like skin, not makeup, when it goes on.
What items do you consider essential wedding-day makeup?
At a destination wedding, you want to make sure makeup stays on your face and doesn’t move. So choose water-resistant products. The basics are foundation, eyeliner (I like our new formula Double Wear Stay-in-Place. It comes in seven shades and gives you 90 seconds of play time. After that, it’s water- and fade-resistant and you remove it with eye makeup remover). You also need a mascara (compare prices) that defines the lashes and creates length and definition.
You’ll also want to use a bronzer or bronzer or cheek color. Bronze Goddess (compare prices) is a soft matte shade that can be used as blush or all over. For a little more color, add a special-effects blusher to the apple of the cheek, such as Peach Nuance or Rose Nuance.
What advice do you have for a destination bride who wants to have a healthy tan but doesn’t want to expose her face to the sun unprotected?
If you don’t have the money to get tanned at a spa, use a great exfoliator (compare prices) and a great self tanning product such as Bronze Goddess Self Golden Perfection Tanning Milk or Gel (compare prices). Alternately, save money by using a washcloth and your favorite body foaming gel as an exfoliator. Pay special attention to the back of arms, knees, and feet. If you use self tanner on dehydrated skin, the chemical in the product will grab it and give an uneven, blotchy finish that looks fake when it dries.
Brides consider a range of hairstyles before settling on the one they will wear on their wedding day. If the same applies to makeup, what are the styles of bridal makeup that brides should consider? And what distinguishes them?
There are four basic styles. Their application techniques and the number of products they use are different:
Natural: Ideal for beach weddings, Natural makeup uses the fewest number of products to accentuate features without going overboard.
Classic: Subtle and chic, Classic makeup provides soft definition. Wear it at a hotel destination wedding held indoors. It’s a hit with older brides and MOBs because it’s not too luminous but it helps a woman look like herself, only better.
Dramatic: This is a super-glamorous look and palette for a confident woman who’s comfortable wearing makeup and wants to be the center of attention.
Romantic: Perfect for a destination wedding in a garden setting, the Romantic palette is soft and rosy or peach-toned.
A bride typically visits her regular hairdresser to try out different wedding-day hairstyles. How can she try out wedding day makeup looks in advance?
Go to an Estée Lauder counter and choose a beauty advisor whose makeup you like. Or watch one of the artists at work, and see which results you like. Then ask if you need to make an appointment to have your makeup done.
How can you get the most out of a pre-wedding makeup session?
There are several pieces of information you can bring that will help the artist to recommend makeup for your destination wedding:
Reveal when, where, and the time of day the wedding will take place.
Bring a tearsheet that shows the type of makeup you are attracted to.
Carry a picture of the dress, or even a piece of fabric. The neckline is important to mention.
Find a makeup artist who will do what you want to do. Shop around. Take pictures when your face looks the way you want it to. Ask for a face chart before you leave that identifies which cosmetics were used. Go home and practice, practice, practice. Use the lipstick trick.
What’s “Rick’s Lipstick Trick?”
Choose a beautiful lip shade and apply lip liner first. Don’t just outline the shape of your lips. After that, fill in your entire lip area with the lip liner before applying lipstick. If you do that, it will keep the cosmetic's finish and color longer than if you wore lipstick alone. And if you want to be really on trend, skip the lipstick and just use the full lip liner with a High Gloss color finish (compare prices).
According to the Transportation Safety Administration, passengers may only carry 3 ounce or smaller containers of liquid or gel in one clear, quart-size plastic bag. While a bride can certainly fill her checked luggage with cosmetics, there’s always the chance that a critical suitcase will go astray. What are the essential cosmetics a destination bride should carry onboard in her baggie?
All the items we’ve talked about can fit in a quart-size bag. And you can transfer quantities of self tanner, body lotion, and other liquid cosmetics to little bottles to bring aboard.
On occasion you’ve been flown to a destination to work as a wedding party’s makeup artist. What’s the advantage of having a professional handle wedding-day cosmetics for a bride?
I’m on call from the moment we start the process till the last picture is done. A bride gets the look she wants and the finish she wants. She doesn’t have to worry about her face being shiny or her lipstick faded when formal pictures are made.
Are there new cosmetics or treatment products that destination brides should be aware of?
A product no bride should be without is Advanced Night Repair (compare prices). It goes under moisturizer and repairs environmental damage, forces the skin to perform at its optimal best, holds moisture, and gives skin luminosity and softness.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Don’t be afraid to make requests. Your destination wedding is your day. A bride needs to be able to say to her makeup artist, “This is the way I want to look,” and be happy with the results. Estée Lauder used to say our goal is to make every woman beautiful, and I believe in that philosophy completely.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Destination Weddings with Passport Inspired Invitations
Although going abroad for destination weddings is still a hot trend, having a destination wedding locally is becoming more popular too. Couples are really thinking outside the box and coming up with more unique ideas to personalize their special day. Passport inspired wedding invitations are an EXCELLENT way to get guest excited and geared up to travel near or far to witness the couples unforgettable affair! Monday, December 28, 2009
Most Popular Destinations for the Perfect Wedding
There are some many trends for new brides and one of them are destination weddings. I found this article in 2009 Road and Travel Magazine I hope you find it as intersting and insighful as I did.
From the white dress, the prince charming husband, to the cake, it’s a day most women have dreamt about since they were little girls. It’s your wedding day. The one day where everything is to be flawless--from the way you look to the manner in which your special day flows. You want to feel like a princess and be swept off your feet by the sheer magnitude of the moment, recalling every romantic, breathtaking minute forever.
St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers beaches and beauty.
Traditionally, weddings are a ceremony held in front of hundreds of your closest friends and family members. But if you are a bride picturing something a little more original, perhaps exchanging vows with your fiancé on a tropical beach as your closest friends and family watch on, you are not alone. Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, with over 16 percent of all American weddings being destination.
With so many great choices throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii, how are you supposed to find the perfect spot for your wedding? Don’t reinvent the wheel; here are the top 10 wedding destinations of the year. These favorite destinations have been identified from the data of several thousand weddings being planned by the specialists at DestinationWeddings.com.
#10: Turks and Caicos
This destination has consistently been recognized for its amazing natural beauty, and touts its motto as “beautiful by nature”. Endless beaches and surrounding coral reefs make for an incredible experience for beach and diving lovers. Turks and Caicos also has over 300 square miles of protected area, many of which are available for your exploration and enjoyment.
#9: St. Thomas
This U.S. Virgin Island is always on the list of most popular locations for a destination wedding. This is because it is a U.S. territory that boasts beaches that have been recognized as some of the best in the world, world-class duty-free shopping, and nature preserves.
#8: Costa Rica
Central America has been a recent new-comer to the list, with Costa Rica being the first location to become popular for destination weddings. This area offers incredible value combined with the unspoiled beauty of amazing rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and countless other wilderness wonders. From the minimalist to the luxury-seeker, there is a resort for everyone in Costa Rica.
#7: St. Lucia
Rich, cultural heritage and cuisine rank St. Lucia’s diversity amongst the best in the world. The region is known for its mixture of British and French influence as well as its rich volcanic soils. The volcanic make up of the island has created a lush tropical paradise of mountains, valleys, forests and beaches, all of which are stunning backdrops for destination weddings.
#6: Aruba
Sitting far south in the Caribbean, Aruba enjoys a near constant 80 degree temperature year-round, with an incredibly low average rainfall, which makes it popular for destination weddings. Never ending sandy beaches are backed by popular resorts offering fine cuisine and casino gambling, along with plentiful nearby shopping opportunities make this the number six location for favorite wedding destination.
#5: Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas
Just off the coast of Florida, Nassau and its bridge-connected Paradise Island offer a great combination of nightlife, casino gambling, luxury resorts, and miles of fine, white sandy shorelines that merge into the crystal clear ocean waters. The culture is colorful and friendly, with the famous Junkanoo Dancers always a must-see.
#4: Hawaii
Hawaii combines Polynesian legend and creation with stunning waterfalls, forests and botanical wonders that simply enchant. Six gorgeous islands - Maui, Oahu, Big Island, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai - which are surrounded by magnificent beaches and sparkling, blue ocean making Hawaii weddings truly spectacular.
#3: Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is home to a host of world-class all-inclusive resorts, making it a perfect spot for couples looking for value, natural beauty, and glorious beaches. Much like Jamaica, the “D.R.” has many choices from the lush mountains and valleys of Puerto Plata, to the spectacular beaches of Punta Cana and La Romana, there is something for everyone.
#2: Jamaica
Jamaica is an amazing combination of exquisite natural beauty, and friendly and fun culture. The beauty of lush tropical forests, waterfalls and endless beaches is accentuated by the island’s continual party atmosphere and friendly locals. And if you are looking for options, Jamaica has at least four for your destination wedding to include the beaches of Negril, highlands of Montego Bay, waterfalls of Ocho Rios and the caves of Runaway Bay.
#1: Mexico
Mexico claims its seat as number one destination wedding location with little challenge. This country has two main areas of attraction for weddings: Cabo San Lucas on the west coast, and Cancun/Riviera Maya area on the east coast. Cabo boasts an incredible location, being on the tip of the Baha Peninsula-where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. Cancun is the quintessential party town with incredible nightlife and beaches. The Riviera Maya also enjoys a great location just south of Cancun with unbelievable beaches, archeological ruins close by for exploration, and luxurious all-inclusive hotels.
Destinationweddings.com has planned thousands of weddings throughout the tropics, and is the largest destination wedding planner in North America.
(Source: Destination Weddings)
From the white dress, the prince charming husband, to the cake, it’s a day most women have dreamt about since they were little girls. It’s your wedding day. The one day where everything is to be flawless--from the way you look to the manner in which your special day flows. You want to feel like a princess and be swept off your feet by the sheer magnitude of the moment, recalling every romantic, breathtaking minute forever.
St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers beaches and beauty.
Traditionally, weddings are a ceremony held in front of hundreds of your closest friends and family members. But if you are a bride picturing something a little more original, perhaps exchanging vows with your fiancé on a tropical beach as your closest friends and family watch on, you are not alone. Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, with over 16 percent of all American weddings being destination.
With so many great choices throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii, how are you supposed to find the perfect spot for your wedding? Don’t reinvent the wheel; here are the top 10 wedding destinations of the year. These favorite destinations have been identified from the data of several thousand weddings being planned by the specialists at DestinationWeddings.com.
#10: Turks and Caicos
This destination has consistently been recognized for its amazing natural beauty, and touts its motto as “beautiful by nature”. Endless beaches and surrounding coral reefs make for an incredible experience for beach and diving lovers. Turks and Caicos also has over 300 square miles of protected area, many of which are available for your exploration and enjoyment.
#9: St. Thomas
This U.S. Virgin Island is always on the list of most popular locations for a destination wedding. This is because it is a U.S. territory that boasts beaches that have been recognized as some of the best in the world, world-class duty-free shopping, and nature preserves.
#8: Costa Rica
Central America has been a recent new-comer to the list, with Costa Rica being the first location to become popular for destination weddings. This area offers incredible value combined with the unspoiled beauty of amazing rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and countless other wilderness wonders. From the minimalist to the luxury-seeker, there is a resort for everyone in Costa Rica.
#7: St. Lucia
Rich, cultural heritage and cuisine rank St. Lucia’s diversity amongst the best in the world. The region is known for its mixture of British and French influence as well as its rich volcanic soils. The volcanic make up of the island has created a lush tropical paradise of mountains, valleys, forests and beaches, all of which are stunning backdrops for destination weddings.
#6: Aruba
Sitting far south in the Caribbean, Aruba enjoys a near constant 80 degree temperature year-round, with an incredibly low average rainfall, which makes it popular for destination weddings. Never ending sandy beaches are backed by popular resorts offering fine cuisine and casino gambling, along with plentiful nearby shopping opportunities make this the number six location for favorite wedding destination.
#5: Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas
Just off the coast of Florida, Nassau and its bridge-connected Paradise Island offer a great combination of nightlife, casino gambling, luxury resorts, and miles of fine, white sandy shorelines that merge into the crystal clear ocean waters. The culture is colorful and friendly, with the famous Junkanoo Dancers always a must-see.
#4: Hawaii
Hawaii combines Polynesian legend and creation with stunning waterfalls, forests and botanical wonders that simply enchant. Six gorgeous islands - Maui, Oahu, Big Island, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai - which are surrounded by magnificent beaches and sparkling, blue ocean making Hawaii weddings truly spectacular.
#3: Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is home to a host of world-class all-inclusive resorts, making it a perfect spot for couples looking for value, natural beauty, and glorious beaches. Much like Jamaica, the “D.R.” has many choices from the lush mountains and valleys of Puerto Plata, to the spectacular beaches of Punta Cana and La Romana, there is something for everyone.
#2: Jamaica
Jamaica is an amazing combination of exquisite natural beauty, and friendly and fun culture. The beauty of lush tropical forests, waterfalls and endless beaches is accentuated by the island’s continual party atmosphere and friendly locals. And if you are looking for options, Jamaica has at least four for your destination wedding to include the beaches of Negril, highlands of Montego Bay, waterfalls of Ocho Rios and the caves of Runaway Bay.
#1: Mexico
Mexico claims its seat as number one destination wedding location with little challenge. This country has two main areas of attraction for weddings: Cabo San Lucas on the west coast, and Cancun/Riviera Maya area on the east coast. Cabo boasts an incredible location, being on the tip of the Baha Peninsula-where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. Cancun is the quintessential party town with incredible nightlife and beaches. The Riviera Maya also enjoys a great location just south of Cancun with unbelievable beaches, archeological ruins close by for exploration, and luxurious all-inclusive hotels.
Destinationweddings.com has planned thousands of weddings throughout the tropics, and is the largest destination wedding planner in North America.
(Source: Destination Weddings)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Excellence Expansion
Events by Excellence's commitment to doing ordinary things extraordinarily well prompted us to expand our event planning services to travel planning. Events by Excellence is pleased to introduce Travel By Excellence. In conjunction with offering full service event planning, we offer full service travel. We are EXCITED to be the clients one stop shop for all their planning needs.
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