Wedding Wednesday

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

It just dawned on me the other day that we have less than six months until our wedding- ahh! I started frantically making a to-do list immediately, and after my minor freak out, I realized we don't have too many "big" things left to do. I thought today I would share with you what's left on my list.

To-Do List //

1. Find an Officiant
I've heard a lot of people pick a friend or a family member but I'm just not sure! I also have no clue where you seek out an officiant if you want to hire someone- help! If you've gotten married I would love to hear what you did.

2. Pick a Florist 
I feel like I'm the type of person who likes to put off things I deem as "easy" such as calling in a prescription or picking a florist as I always think "oh it will only take a minute" and continually put it off thus I never get it done! I have a few options in mind but I need to shop it out a bit more- who knew flowers could be so pricy! Not me! Someone suggested I look at a wooden flower bouquet which are actually so cool!

3. Seamstress
I have my wedding dress as well as my bridesmaids dresses, and they all need to be altered. I tried calling a few places but none of them returned my calls! If you are local and have any suggestions as to a great seamstress let me know.

4.  Finalize Music
We decided to have live music at our wedding and found a group we like. We're currently working out the details and making sure they will be able to accommodate some pre-recorded music. I really have my heart set on one specific song playing as I walk down the aisle & for my first dance so we shall see.

5. Order Invites
I used Basic Invite for our Save the Dates and I love how they turned out. I'm planning on using them for the invites as well. I didn't realize how many pieces go into an invite! You need RSVP cards and direction inserts and so much more. I'll be sure to share once I have them ordered.

I'm sure I've forgotten some things but this is my current to do list!
I hope you've enjoyed
XO,
Nicholle

5 Must Have Beauty Products

Hi All!
Today I wanted to share with you some of my must-have beauty products, it was pretty hard to narrow it down to just 5 but I did it. See my favorites below!

1 // Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

I have found a magic potion and this is it! This is the first product I have found that can actually reduce and clear up blemishes fast. What I love about this drying lotion is that it doesn't overly dry out your skin. I've found that some acne products can really dry out an area causing a whole other issue; this one clears up blemishes without making your skin dry and red in the process. 

2 // Jergens Natural Glow

Living in a state with no sunshine for months leads to me missing that Vitamin D and of course being extra pale- not fun! I've been using this self-tanner for years now and I can say it's the best one I've tried. What I love about this product is that it gives you a truly natural looking tan. The color isn't orange and it doesn't make you look too tan- we all know how bad it looks if you're either orangey or way too dark in the middle of the winter! 

3 // Wet Brush Detangler 

After finding this hairbrush I got rid of all of my other brushes- it's that good! I've been using this for a few years at this point and I can't recommend it enough. I have very fine long hair that gets so tangled and this gets all the snarls out with ease. My sister has very coarse curly hair and the brushes work wonders on her hair as well- definitely, a must have! 

4 // Remedy Lotion

If you live in a place that gets brutally cold November-March then you know the struggle with dry air and in turn extra dry skin. I felt like I just couldn't apply enough lotion to keep my skin moisturized until I found this! I love how this product leaves my skin feeling. It's moisturizing but not at all greasy- my hands instantly feel smoothe and nourished after using it. 

5 // IT Cosmetics Foundation 

This foundation is a game changer! I have never used a foundation that works as well as this one. This is a true full coverage foundation. I use a little less than a full pump and apply it to my face using this buffing brush. This products stays put all day and leaves me with a velvet finish.

Let me know if you try or have used any of these products!
XO,
Nicholle 

Dip Nails vs. Gel Nails

Hi All!

I recently tried out 'Dip Powder' nails after hearing much talk about them. Prior to trying Dip Nails, I had been getting Gel Polish manicures for the past 5 or so years every 2 weeks. After having the dip nails for a month I thought it would be a good time to give my thoughts on both.

Gel Polish //

Pros:
* Fast to get done- takes around 30 minutes from start to finish including removal of previous gel
* Lasts for about 2 weeks- my appointments for the past 5 years have always been 2 weeks apart
* Can get a manicure- I love being able to get a manicure every once in a while & get my cuticles cleaned up
* Affordable - It's around $20 dollars at my salon to have just a gel polish color change

Cons:
* Peels- this is the one thing that really drove me insane, sometimes it would last the full 2 weeks but often it would start peeling up on me all around the cuticle.
* Makes nails weak feeling - my nails were very weak when I would let them grow out so they would break really easily resulting in me having to cut my nails very short.
* Becomes "dull" looking- the shiny finish would wear off after the first week leaving a kind of scuffed look.


Dip Powder //

Pros:
* Lasts 3+ weeks  - I love changing the color of my nails so I would never go longer than 3 weeks but this stuff lasts forever!
* Makes nails stronger - When the dip is on your nails it creates the same hardness as a fake nail which I love as I can't break my nails easily.
* Gives nails a great shape- They build up the product on your nails and then buff it into the perfect shape.
* Never peels or chips- this product has never come off my nails, it seems indestructible

Cons:
* Takes 45 + minutes to have done- I have little patience and sitting in a nail salon for almost an hour is not my idea of fun! You have to sit for 10-15 minutes to let the product soak off and then they get your nails ready and begin to apply it, once it's applied they have to go back in and buff and shape your nails and then they add a final clear topcoat. It is quite the process!
* Can't get a manicure prior as your nail beds cannot have any moisture on them- as I mentioned previously I really enjoy manicures so it's a bummer you can't get a full manicure when getting the dip powder applied.
* Makes nails thicker- since the product is built upon your nails it does make your nails thicker, not as thick as fake nails but the same idea.

Final Thoughts //

After having both types I can honestly say I like both, that being said I do prefer the dip powder nails as I think they last longer, stay nicer overall and are much more durable! If you're going to spend the money to get your nails done that's the route to go! I felt like with gel nails mine were constantly peeling up on the edges prior to my 2-week appointment which was frustrating. The dip nails stay looking nice in between my appointments and I've yet to have any issues with peeling or breaking. I also love that it makes my nails feel "stronger" whereas, with the gel my nails were very bendy, this allows for me to grow my nails much longer without worrying about them breaking.

All of these opinions are my own- of course, everyone will have different experiences with products but these are mine. Let me know if you have any questions!

XO,

Nicholle