The Unbride - A Unique and Unusual Wedding Blog » Beauty + Health

Fit & Fabulous Giveaway!

Justine — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:14:50 +0000

With my wedding about 11 months in the past, I am also about 11 months past the fitness boot camp that got me in tip top shape for my wedding. I remember telling my trainer, “I just want good arms”…and it was so true. And as a photographer I get to see first hand how much people love seeing pictures of themselves when they feel they look great. I had to plunk down big bucks to have someone yell at me 3 times a week to actually exercise hard enough to see a difference in my body. Sure I go to the gym now and then but I mostly just walk on the treadmill and watch episodes of Bones or Law & Order. Sometimes I run during commercials because I know I’ll get to walk again in less than 3 minutes.

But all of you current brides-to-be out there are lucky because I just heard from fitness expert Brooke Griffin who has written a fabulous book called The Fit and Fabulous Bridal Guide.

Brooke Griffin’s “Fit and Fabulous” Bridal Guide includes a complete nutrition program with 4 full weeks of meal plans, a nutrition template, and grocery list, a complete fitness program including 8 full weeks worth of workouts with detailed pictures and descriptions, a full wedding work-book complete with timelines, worksheets, and checklists, a dining out guide, beauty secrets, top wedding trends, and the top honeymoon destinations. As a bonus you will also receive Brooke Griffin’s “Fit and Fabulous” recipes and the 21 Things To Do Before You Say I Do.

I seriously wish I’d had this before my own wedding but one of our lucky readers is going to get this e-book for free. Just leave a comment below and we’ll select a winner.

Fashionista Friday: The Un-Bridesmaid

Ellen — Fri, 29 May 2009 06:58:21 +0000

'Nashelle' Identity Initial Ring $60

Arena CPH 'Lova' Gold Heart Studs $80

Jessica Elliot 'Virgo' Zodiac Pendant $88

Let me start by saying that I’ve been in a lot of weddings, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed (well, most of them). I also have a lot of crap to show for it. I am by no means being ungrateful, since I have certainly not accepted the honor of standing up for someone in hopes of scoring some awesome schwag; I am however, going to be honest.

I was fortunate to have had only one matron of honor in my own wedding (Hi S!), therefore allowing me to choose a single, lovely, gift for her. Most Unbrides when planning their nuptials have a budget in mind, one that probably doesn’t allow for extravagant bridesmaid’s gifts. Chances are that being an Unbride yourself, you will most likely have some Un-Bridesmaids in your wedding party; allow me to speak on their behalf. They do not want a) Another monogrammed tote bag containing ‘cute’ flip flops b) A picture frame with or without a photo of the two of you c) A random piece of jewelry that is solely pertinent to their bridesmaid’s dress or d) All of the above. A good rule of thumb is to think of what you would like to receive. After all, you are an Unbride and therefore rife with fantastic taste. You also don’t have to spend a lot of money; enter Max & Chloe.

I love this site for both it’s diversity in style and in price. There are tooooooons of fantastic gifts here, including a section called ‘Bridesmaid’s Gifts.’ Go figure. I’ve chosen a few wedding gift appropriate pieces, that I would love to either give or receive; the ring can be personalized with an initial, the earrings represent love, and the necklace symbolizes the zodiac signs, so dig in. And for the record? I’m a Virgo.

Fashionista Friday – Vegas Baby!

Ellen — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:56:16 +0000

It’s a better idea than you think – trust me, I did it. It doesn’t have to be all ’shades of Elvis impersonators in front of a white plastic trellis.’ Think more along the lines of Sharon Stone in ‘Casino’ (could you not get enough of that pillbox hat ensemble?!). I was married in Vegas – in pants – and if I had to do it again, I would for one thousand percent do it in this incredible Halston jumpsuit! I drool. Teamed up with the ‘Homage To The Showgirl’ headpiece, a ‘diamond’ necklace, and a pair of shiny gold kick-ass platforms? I’m in. I added just a hint (okay way more than a hint) of Rock ‘n Roll, with a black leather rose bouquet and a ruby-eyed snake ring; After all it is Vegas, and hey – if it’s good enough for Rita Hayworth…? I’m just saying. (Click to Polyvore for details.)

Fashionista Friday – A Little Something Blue…

Ellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:57:26 +0000

Why tuck a dainty lace-edged hankie, with your soon to be married initials embroidered in a most delicate shade of robin’s egg into your sleeve, when you can rock it out with a stunning electric blue wedge? A no-brainer if you ask me. Although I opted for the Cosabella thong pictured here (TMI? I got married in pink and didn’t want to clash), there are a ton of out of the box blues for you to consider. I’m completely digging the idea of something vibrant, as opposed to the once audacious concept of *GASP* a sapphire clasp on a strand of pearls (most likely said with a giggle, that only someone that daring could muster)!! Hey, I figure if you’re going to do it? Do it and go BIG.

Fashionista Friday – Headbands: The ‘Un-Veil’

Ellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:31:48 +0000

From now on every Friday will come to be known here as “Fashionista Friday” and we can look forward to posts by our very wonderful contributing fashion editor, Bethany.

: Urban Outfitters Double Skinny Flower Headband $24

: Jennifer Ouellette Ostrich Feather Headband $70

Eugenia Kim ‘Valerie’ Headband With Crystal Strand $99 (left), Marciano ‘Grace’ Feather Headband $87.99 (right)

: Jennifer Ouellette Satin Extra-Wide Headband With Tulle Trim $75

Headbands are a huge bridal trend right now – not tiaras – headbands. There’s something so current about them that speaks to the modern bride, whoever she may be. While the styles shown here are at several different price points (all extraordinarily less expensive than a fluffy tulle veil), I have to admit that I’m partial to the glamorous Jennifer Ouellette versions. I’m particularly fond of the ‘Extra-Wide Satin With Tulle Trim,’ which would be stunning on any Unbride in ‘Ballet With Black.’ There is also a gorgeous ‘Veil’ version available at Barneys; It comes in a color called ‘Petrol’ (amongst others), acting as the perfect ’something blue’ for a lovely and unexpected take on the traditional touch. I adore the bit of netting on top – suggestive of a veil without being so ‘in your face.’ Literally!

Boot Camp results

Justine — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:47:43 +0000

I know I’ve taken yet another hiatus from the blog lately but those of you who have planned a wedding know how crazy things can be in the months leading up to a wedding. Add to that owning your own business and it’s just plain insane. Anyway, I wanted to share that I must be losing my mind because I signed up for yet another month of Boot Camp which started yesterday. Am I crazy or what? I mean every time the alarm goes off at 6am, I fantasize about all of the reasons why I can’t go to Boot Camp…maybe I’m sick…maybe I have a headache…but ultimately I always go and get my ass kicked for a good solid hour. I have not done quite as well on my attempt to avoid eating dessert every day but somehow I still managed to show some improvement at Boot Camp. I saw results that I thought quite pitiful but were somehow enough to earn me the “silver award” at Boot Camp. I stayed exactly the same weight, lost 1/10 inch from my waist and 7/10 inch from my hips. So let’s hope that my tailor, Murat is impressed when I go in for my first dress fitting today. I actually dropped my dress off about 2 weeks ago but when I mentioned that I was attending Boot Camp they decided that it was best to hold off on actually doing any alterations in case I managed to change in size.

On another note, invitations are out and I’ll post a picture soon but my new favorite thing is waiting for the mailman to come every day. I’m just so excited to get those reply cards to see who is coming to the wedding. Oliver’s favorite thing is to try to snatch them as they come through the mail slot so that he can shred them. Reply cards are his new favorite food. His old favorite food was any piece of mail that included a check.

It’s Weigh In Day at Boot Camp

Justine — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:40:40 +0000

I’m actually just barely awake as I type this but in a few minutes I’m off to Boot Camp. I’m not even sure if it’s the last day but I do know that it’s weigh-in day. Now I can tell you right now that I haven’t lost any pounds. I’ve weighed myself and I’m sincerely hoping that I’ve gained some muscle weight as opposed to just eating more to make up for the calories I’ve been burning. Since I started boot camp, I’ve been an insatiable eater and today and I’m really hoping that I see some improvement in my body fat level which is also going to be tested…wish me luck. I’ll report back in a little bit along with lots of other updates about wedding planning.

Meaningful Beauty

Justine — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:38:02 +0000

No this isn’t going to be some really insightful post about how true beauty is on the inside blah blah blah. Here’s the story, I fly back to DC pretty often to shoot weddings. Now adjusting to a new time zone is always tough and I find that it’s hard to fall asleep at 11pm when it feels like 8pm…I mean, what am I…6 years old? Anyway, when I have a hard time sleeping I find myself up late way past any sort of decent tv shows are on so I end up watching infomercials instead. I don’t know what it is but I totally get sucked in and I watch them as if they are actually real entertainment. During one of my last trips I got sort of obsessed with the infomercial about Cindy Crawford’s skin care line, Meaningful Beauty so I went online and ordered it and then felt a little embarrassed about it like I had had too much to drink or something and then had buyer’s remorse. So about 6 weeks later (an awfully long time to wait, I think) the products arrived. I was feeling quite skeptical about it by this time since it was daylight and all but after a few days of using it, I became obsessed. Now after several weeks I can’t even believe it but this line is awesome! My skin looks and feels great…what more could you ask for just a few weeks before your wedding? I’m thrilled. So if any of you out there have been considering trying Meaningful Beauty, go ahead and jump in and know that you’re not alone in your own infomercial obsession.

Boot Camp – day 2

Justine — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:33:48 +0000

I can’t remember if I ever blogged about this but today was my 2nd (workout) day of a 4-week fitness program I joined in order to try to whip my butt into shape in time for the wedding. Since today marks just 2 months from the big day, I figure I’m cutting it a little bit close but hey, what can you do? All I can do is try to put in 2 months of exercise and a sensible diet and hopefully I’ll look and feel great come October. Since I don’t actually need to lose weight I’m trying to concentrate instead on toning up my arms a bit (after all that’s all that’s going to show in my dress anyway) and dropping a little bit of body fat as opposed to worrying about pounds. So I’ll keep you up to date with my progress and you all can throw virtual rocks at me if I fall off the fitness wagon. Anyway, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday mornings at 7am, I meet my trainer, Steve and 4 other ladies for a solid hour of ass-kicking. It is a much better workout than I could ever get by myself at the gym because let’s face it, I need someone cracking a verbal whip at me and making me feel guilty to actually work out hard. Sad but true. So I’ve survived last Thursday and this morning’s workouts and although I’ve been quite sore, I think I just might survive the program. Wish me luck!

If anyone else in the LA area is interested in trying out Boot Camp, go to www.stevejohnsonfitness.com.

Urban Botanic

Justine — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:00:42 +0000

Okay, here is one for all of you DC ladies out there, this is a pretty cool idea that I think would be really fun as part of a bridal shower or a luncheon to thank your best ladies. I heard about this through a friend of a friend and wanted to share it here.

Urban Botanic – Affordable Custom Fragrance for The Bride and Her ‘Maids
Wedding dress? Check! Photographer? Check! Perfect fragrance created for me, by me, that will remind me of my special day forever? CHECK!

With Urban Botanic, the bride can create a signature scent for her wedding day. Choosing from over 65 oils offered, and with assistance from UB Fragrance Designer Catherine Javier-Wong, she mixes her own blend FOR FREE. Once happy with her scent, she has the option to add it to a parfum spray, nourishing body lotion, refreshing shower gel, and/or luxurious bubble bath all priced under $25.

Not only can you create a unique fragrance that will remind you of your special day forever, you can treat each member of your bridal party with this truly personalized gift as thanks for their support. UB also provides a fresh idea for the traditional bridal shower…

For more info, e-mail catherine@urbanbotanic.com

Catherine is offering our DC area readers the opportunity to win a consult and complimentary spray. Just post a comment below with a great “Unbride” name for a scent and we’ll pick the best, most creative name that you come up with. Good luck ladies!

Wax On, Wax Off

Justine — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:09:04 +0000

This is sort of a funny post I think that was prompted by Gary really so here goes. When we were at the spa on Saturday, my facialist asked me if I wanted to have my upper lip waxed. Although I’m a regular fan of eyebrow waxing, I usually pass on the lip wax in lieu of some good old Sally Hansen bleach to take care of a few stray brown hairs inherited from the Italian side of the family. Anyway, I figured sure why not, with the wedding coming up I might as well explore my grooming options, right? Wrong! Now I remember why I don’t ever do the lip waxing thing…because now I’m all broken out with little bumps there. Not fun. So let this be a warning to all of you brides-to-be out there, if you’re thinking of trying anything new in your beauty routine, be sure to try it well in advance of your big day. Considering I’m still 2.5 months out, I’m sure I have plenty of time to recover. But still, not fun!

We are getting “Spoiled” today

Justine — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:09:18 +0000

In the past 6 or 7 weeks I’ve gone in for 2 rounds of microdermabrasion at the office of Dr. Courtney Herbert in Arlington, VA. Courtney also happens to be one of my portrait clients and she just welcomed an adorable baby boy who I will get to meet for the first time next week. Anyway, I’m loving the way my skin looks and feels since starting these treatments and I recommend it to anyone and everyone really. If you’re not familiar with the process, basically they blast away the top layer of your skin with tiny tiny salt crystals to reveal a more smooth surface to your skin. It’s not cheap, runs generally around $125-$150/ session and 4-6 sessions are recommended for results but I credit this treatment for my still constantly getting carded for alcohol purchases at 30 years old. Not bad, eh?

Anyway, Gary and I decided to head down the street to our local day spa, Spoiled which we can literally walk to so that we can get a couple of facials complete with microderm today. I’m so excited, I LOVE this place! There may also be some plans in the works to go test drive a new car for me…what do you think of these?

I’ll report back soon…

Fresh Dining

Justine — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:05:03 +0000

Since this has been such a busy time for both Gary and I, we’ve both found that we have been eating a lot of bad for us foods, or at least food that is just totally lacking in any type of real nutrition. We were eating carbs carbs carbs all the time, like PB & J sandwiches for dinner or we would go out and spend $80 on dinner out of pure laziness. Once we realized that this lifestyle was eating away at our wallets and adding to our waistlines, we decided to try something new and found Fresh Dining.

We started getting our meals delivered on Monday, lunch & dinner (delivered every morning fresh, not frozen) for both of us and since then our lives have changed. After eating the right amounts of lean protein and lots of diverse veggies, we are both starting to look and feel different. I have actually lost 3 pounds this week without a single trip to the gym. I have been meaning to go but it’s been like 100 degrees out every day and I’ve been trying to avoid going outside at all. Anyway, needless to say we both feel like we’re onto something and I highly recommend this to anyone else out there who feels just too busy to be able to shop for and cook healthy meals for themselves. Here’s the menu we’ve enjoyed so far this week…

Monday
Lunch – Smoked Turkey Breast w/Brie, Blueberries & Toasted Hazelnuts on a bed of Mixed Greens
Dinner – Charbroiled Beef Coulottes with Sautéed Yellow Squash, Broccoli & Port Wine Demi

Tuesday
Lunch – Chopped Italian Salad w/Blue Cheese, Tomato, Lomo, Avocado & Italian Herb Vinaigrette
Dinner – Herb Crusted Wild Caught Sole with Seasonal Vegetable Ragout and Lemon Dill Aioli

Wednesday
Lunch – TLT Lettuce Wrap w/Apple Jicama Salad & Toasted Cashews
Dinner – Roasted Lamb Loin w/Pineapple Reduction, Lentil Medley & Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Thursday
Lunch – Caribbean Chicken Salad with Jerk Pesto Vinaigrette
Dinner – Pork Tenderloin w/Summer Ale Demi Glaze, Caramelized Cauliflower, Black Eyed Peas & Roasted Peppers

One thing that I’ve noticed is that apparently Fresh Dining knows that at 120 pounds, I don’t need to eat as much as Gary who is 180 pounds. This is one of those things that I’ve struggled with. When I cook, I divvy out equal portions to each of us. I think that the feminist in me believes that is quite fair. Sometimes Gary will get one extra little spoonful of something since I know he’s bigger. But Fresh Dining measures out your portions according to how much you should actually be eating based on your size. So I longingly stare at Gary’s generous portions and can get a little bit jealous. But then after I’ve eaten I feel better about it knowing that I haven’t stuffed myself into a food coma once again. I think I tend to treat food as more of a hobby and entertainment value than as actual fuel for my body. Something to remember I guess.

Lush…yummy.

Justine — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:18:51 +0000

Sorry if I’ve been a little bit slow to post this week, I’m teaching a seminar for photographers in DC this weekend so literally all of my time has been spent preparing for that. However, a trip to the Apple store with my dad to pick up a new power supply for my laptop (I left mine in LA) resulted in a quick stop at the oh-so-fabulous Lush store. Both Gary and I are absolutely obsessed with this place and we bought everyone Christmas presents there this year. It is a totally swanky soap boutique, well I guess that’s what you’d call it. It’s full of hand-made all-natural goodies from “bath bombs” to hair products to the most amazing skin-care products as well as soap by the pound…just like the deli.

These are a few of my favorite things…(I sound just like Julie Andrews)…along with descriptions from the Lush website.
Ocean Salt Facial Scrub

Vodka margarita exfoliates and cleanses tired skin
Generous portions of fine and coarse sea salt line the rim of an enriching facial scrub to wash away everyday grime. Ocean Salt refreshes, nourishes, and tones, all while smelling deliciously of violet and lime. Butters of the avocado and coconut variety take the edge off, moisturizing and softening your face to reveal a brighter you. Try it on other parts of your body as well and take a trip to Margaritaville without the hangover.

CoalFace

Removes impurities and tones combination skin
Who would have thought charcoal and liquorice could get along? One is tough and gritty, the other sweet and syrupy. But charcoal and liquorice could just be the odd couple of skin care, teaming up to fight oily, troubled skin in our Coalface cleanser. Powdered charcoal removes impurities and mildly exfoliates while liquorice heals naturally. Sandalwood oil tones the skin (and mediates should charcoal and liquorice disagree about anything).

These ones are Gary’s faves…

Dream Cream

Light and herbal body cream miraculously restores sore skin
We take every natural ingredient aimed at transforming dry, bumpy and unhappy skin and combine them all into an epidermal elixir of excellence. This moisturizer helps you banish alligator elbows and impress that special someone with your baby-soft skin. Use a small dollop every night before bed and find your skin silky and comforted within days. This may look humble among LUSH’s other products but it’s truly the most gratifying.

He loves this on his cuticles.
Lemony Flutter

Softens stubbornly scaly skin wherever it may hide
If you have dry skin that would make an elephant shudder, then pick up a pot of lovely Lemony Flutter! This rich butter isn’t just for fingers, it’s for anywhere that dry skin lingers. Elbows, knees and heels feel royal when you butter them with mango, avocado and flaxseed oil. Wonder why you lived your life in the rough, when with Lemony Flutter you can strut your silky stuff.

My dad loves this shaving cream.
Prince Triple Orange Blossom

Exotic citrus shaving cream to leave skin soft and smooth
Prince is a ooey-gooey cream that smells like exotic citrus but is still tough enough for the guys. Linseed mucilage and moisturizing oils and butters protect your skin and form a smooth barrier between you and the razor, which means a closer shave with fewer nicks. Rose water and witch hazel soothe skin to keep you bump and burn-free. Slather it on warm, damp skin and shave, rinsing your razor frequently. Find yourself smooth and buttery soft.

Anything from this place would make a great gift…for any occasion really. If you have a big budget, you could find some awesome favors here.

Black fingernails

Justine — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:32:54 +0000

Today I went & got a much needed manicure with my sister-in-law Kay, one of the original unbrides…more on that later. Anyway, my usual dilemma of natural or black polish came up and today I decided on black. I’m thinking I might go this way on the wedding day too. There’s something about the glossy, black polish that reminds me of patent leather which I adore. Here’s a picture…which also gives me the opportunity to share with you the beautiful engagement ring that Gary designed himself. If you’re in LA and need a jeweler, go and visit KFK, they are just the nicest people ever and can custom make engagement or wedding rings.

I never hinted around about a ring or getting engaged or anything. In fact I always thought I knew what I wanted…until I got this ring and I realized that I couldn’t imagine anything more perfect if I had tried. Sigh.

Getting in shape

Justine — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:16:02 +0000

Since October is starting to creep up on us pretty fast (yikes only 8 months to go), Gary and I have decided that it is time to get in shape. So, today I plan to throw out the pudding, ice cream & cookies which collectively account for about 1/3 of the food in our house. We also decided that weekly Monday morning weigh-ins would be a good idea to keep us on track and to hopefully discourage us from too many bad choices. To make us even more accountable, we even plan to share those numbers on the scale here on the blog.

Before I see any eye rolling though or hear about how we don’t actuallyneed to lose any weight, I want to point out that this isn’t about trying to be as skinny and waify as possible. This is about getting healthy, getting fit, getting less soft and wanting to look as fabulous as possible on our wedding day…especially my arms, it’s all about the arms, right?

As to the state of our current fitness level…could we run (read “jog”) a mile? Maybe. Could we run 2? No freaking way! We hope to change that.

We also plan to share what works and what doesn’t so that those of you out there who are on the same mission can duplicate our successes and avoid those things that fail us.

So here it is, our first weigh-in ever.

Justine – 124
Gary – 182