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With this in mind, a perfect wedding day breakfast would include some of the following good-for-you foods:

• Blueberries and orange juice: rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce stress
• Yogurt: the live cultures in it can help settle an upset stomach
• Whole-wheat toast: full of vitamin B, which helps ease anxiety
• Chamomile tea: promotes relaxation.
• Bananas: Contain Vitamin B6,  are easy to digest and have been shown to produce digestive-enhancing mucous, helping to protect your stomach against acid.
• Applesauce: Easy to digest, will provide for a quick boost of fructose sugar that can boost your mood.
• Vanilla Bean: Soothing, calming and relaxing. Vanilla has an intense smell that seeps into your bones and makes you feel good.
• Dark Chocolate: Chocolate contains a neurotransmitter known as anandamide that has the ability to alter dopamine levels in the brain, causing a sense of peace and relaxation.
• Oatmeal with milk: Eating complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal with a protein source such as milk helps to boost serotonin levels in the brain which can reduce anxiety.

Sources: Martha Stewart, LunchBox, Natural Medicine

Antioxidants

Glowing Skin! Antioxidants keep your skin healthy by blocking out cell-damaging free radicals from pollution and UV exposure.  Aim for one serving of antioxidant-rich foods a day.

For example: 1 cup of berries, 20 pecans, a few cups of green tea. Also good: kiwifruits, prunes, artichokes, and pinto beans.

Beta-carotene

Silky Skin! The vitamin C helps produce skin-smoothing collagen.  Plus, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which keeps your eyes and immune system strong. Aim for about 15 mg per day.

For example: 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes.  Also good: carrots, winter squash, spinach, and kale.

Calcium

Strong nails, teeth, hair, and bones! Aim for 1,000 mg of calcium into your diet each day.

For example: 3 cups of milk. Also good: low-fat dairy products like yogurt, and cheese. Go organic to avoid added hormones or antibiotics.

Healthy Fats

Supple skin & Shiny Hair! You’ll like the effects of consuming these essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3.  Healthy fats will give you a radiant complexion, shiny hair, and also decrease inflammation in the body.

For example: 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day. Also good: salmon, walnuts, avocado, and olive oil.

And on a more superficial note, sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your looks, causing dark circles or bags under your eyes, make your skin break-out, and give you an overall listless, washed out look that you don’t need any day, let alone on your wedding day!

The good news is, there are many natural techniques you can learn to get the beauty rest you need, whether you have difficulty falling asleep, waking up too often, or still feel tired when you wake up in the morning.

Create a Peaceful Sleep Sanctuary

1. Make your bedroom as dark as possible. Even the tiniest bit of light in the room can disrupt your internal clock.  Close your bedroom door, pull down the shades, get rid of night-lights, cover up your glow-in-the-dark alarm clock. Don’t turn on any light at all during the night, even when getting up to go to the bathroom. Wearing an eye mask may help.
2. Keep your room cool. Many people keep their bedrooms too warm, but the temperature should be no higher than 70 degrees F. Studies show that the optimal room temperature for sleep is quite cool, between 60 to 68 degrees. If you are too hot or cold, it can lead to restless sleep.
3. Your bed is for sleeping. If you are used to watching TV or doing work in bed, you may find it harder to relax and drift off to sleep, so avoid doing these activities in bed.
4. Sleep alone. Recent studies suggest that sharing a bed with a partner (or pets) can significantly impair sleep, especially if your bed mate is a restless sleeper or snores. If this is the case, you may want to consider a separate bedroom.

Preparing for Bed

1. Get to bed as early as possible. Your body does a majority of its recharging between the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. In addition, your gallbladder dumps toxins during this same period. If you are awake, the toxins back up into your liver, which can further disrupt your health.
2. Don’t change your bedtime. You should go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, even on the weekends. This will help your body to get into a sleep rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep and get up in the morning.
3. Relax. Make time for a relaxing bedtime routine, which could include meditation, deep breathing, relaxation CD’s, using aromatherapy or essential oils or indulging in a massage from your partner. The key is to find something  to help you release the tensions of the day.
4. Eliminate the bathroom problem. Don’t drink any fluids within 2 hours of going to bed, and go to the bathroom right before bed. This will reduce the chances that you’ll wake up to go in the middle of the night.
5. Eat the right foods before bedtime. Several hours before bed eat a high-protein snack, which will aid in melatonin and serotonin production. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. But don’t eat anything right before bed, particularly grains and sugars. If you do have something, snack on a small piece of fruit.
6. Take a hot bath, shower or sauna before bed. When your body temperature is raised in the late evening, and then falls at bedtime, it facilitates slumber. The temperature drop signals your body it’s time for bed.
7. Put your work away at least one hour before bed. This includes seating charts and those DIY centerpieces! You need to give your mind a chance to unwind so you can go to sleep feeling calm, not hyped up or anxious about tomorrow’s deadlines.
8. No TV or suspense novels right before bed. Anything that’s too stimulating to the brain will prevent you from falling asleep quickly. TV disrupts your pineal gland function. Instead, try reading something spiritual or uplifting, which may help you relax.
9. Keep a Journal. If you find yourself in bed with your mind racing, it might be helpful keep a journal and write down your thoughts before bed. Getting things out of your system will help you fall asleep.
10. Exercise regularly. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can improve your sleep. But don’t exercise too close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. Morning exercise is the best if you can manage it.

For more advice, information, and further reading on the tips mentioned above, please read 33 Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep by Dr. Mercola

There is a lingering suspicion among girls… that boys don’t value cleverness as an essential quality in a life partner. Given a choice between gorgeous or brainy, there is no guarantee they’ll do the right thing, because men think they’re clever enough for two. Well, it turns out they’re wrong. Swedish scientists have discovered that long life and good health have nothing to do with a man’s education and everything to do with his wife’s. Men married to smart women live longer — simple.

And why might this be so? Well the answer is not as exciting as you might imagine.  It’s simply that “educated” women know the value of good health, a proper diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, not smoking, sky diving, or skipping breakfast, etc etc etc, and are able to encourage (nudge? harass? just kidding!) their husbands into better habits. Another added benefit might be the “healthy, strong, intellectual bond that keeps them alive for years to come!” Keeping your mind sharp has shown to increase life span and slows the onset of dementia, Alzheimer and similar diseases. A wife who keeps her man on his toes is good for him in so many ways!

Image from NY Daily News: Men with educated wives live longer lives: study

feature image from Mind Body Partnerships Blog

Do Something You Loved Doing as a Kid

Do you ever long for those days when recess, pillow forts, and Saturday morning cartoons were your biggest pleasures?  Just because you’re all grown up now doesn’t mean you can’t still partake in the simple joys of childhood. Turn off your cell phone, disconnect from the internet, and act like a kid again!

Ride a bike to the park. Start a pick-up kickball game with your family or friends. Go to the beach and bring along your favorite book. Make a snowman in the wintertime. The possibilities (and your imagination) are endless.  Take along your own kids, or borrow a friend’s to really get into the spirit of things!

Cost: Free!

Volunteer Your Time or Expertise

One of the best feelings in the world is giving back to others.  Non-profit associations are always looking for more help, so even if you can only donate 5 hours a month, your time will be very much appreciated and well worth the effort. Volunteering can be something small – like reading a story to young cancer patients one day a month – or something bigger – like serving as a disaster relief nurse. No matter what you do, you can be content to know that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.

(Extra bonus: Not only is volunteering incredibly fulfilling, it’s also a great resume builder. If you’re a recent grad or career changer, volunteering can give you valuable training and hands-on experience to jump start your career!)

Cost: Mostly free! (You may have to provide your own transportation and pack a lunch). Volunteering abroad may cost the price of airfare and lodging.

More Info: Check out AllHealthcare’s exclusive Guide to Volunteering. You can also Google “volunteer” and your town and state or visit Volunteer.gov, American Red Cross, Serve.gov, Volunteers of America, and Habitat for Humanity.

Stretch, Breathe and Meditate

It’s hard not to feel stressed and overworked by the hectic pace of our hyper-connected society.  Before you go into meltdown mode, hit pause, relax and take a breather.

Yoga is a great thing for some , but even some basic meditation, stretching and breathing techniques can work wonders for your stress relief. When you stress out, tension is stored in your body, causing pain and tightness, especially in your back and shoulders. Stretching will get your body loose and your circulation flowing in full force again.

To meditate, find or create a relaxing atmosphere, sit on level ground (use a cushion if you like), close your eyes, relax every muscle and breathe deeply with your abdomen, not your chest. Focus on each inhale and exhale to exclude other thoughts and quiet your mind.

Cost: Free
More Info: Google “how to meditate” or visit How-to-Meditate.org

Have a Really Good Laugh

It’s been scientifically proven that laughter is both preventive and therapeutic. It decreases your stress hormone levels and boosts healthy hormones, like endorphins, while strengthening your immune system. You even get a mini workout for your abs, diaphragm and your shoulders!

One good way to achieve this is to spend some quality time with your funniest friend. Not only will you laugh a lot, it will also take your mind off all the stressors in your life. Plus, the emotional bonding will boost your self-esteem and feeling of connectedness to others.

Laughter really is the best medicine, so call up your funniest friend and hang out. You can also rent your favorite comedy or watch re-runs of a funny show together. You’ll be glad you did.

Cost: Free

SLEEP

Nothing beats a good night’s rest.  Many working professionals bring their troubles home with them and that equals more stress for you and your loved ones. Why not sleep it off? Getting even 30 minutes of shut eye can help you relax and put your problems in perspective.

If you’re going to try to sleep off your stress, make sure you’ve got surroundings that promote good quality rest. A dark, cool, quiet room with few electronics is best (turn off the phones, blackberries, and laptops!). If you still feel too antsy to rest, try a cup of Valerian Root or chamomile tea. A warm bath can also help put you in a restful state of mind.

Cost: Free
More Info: National Sleep Foundation

Get in Touch with your Creative Side

Looking at art definitely has its calming effects, but it’s not always all about the finished product. You don’t have to be Picasso to get the health benefits of producing beautiful works of art either. People who make art as a hobby find that the process of self-expression through unwinding and creating art can be extremely soothing as well.  Art therapy is thus frequently used in hospitals, clinics and rehab facilities to promote physical, emotional and mental wellbeing via creative expression.

Artistic self-expression helps lessen anxiety, stress and depression, and promote self-awareness, self-esteem and insight into your life. You can pick up reasonably priced art supplies or art kits at any hobby store. Just set aside an art space, turn on some relaxing music and paint to your health!

Cost: $7 and up
More Info: Google “art store” or “hobby store” and your town and state. For more info on art therapy, read Mending the Heart–Calming the Mind With Art Therapy

Cook a Delicious Homemade Dinner

America’s “Fast Food Nation” has us plowing through processed, barely digestible microwave dinners and super-sized extra value meals. Not only is our physique suffering, our stress and anxiety levels are off the charts. Everything around us, even food, is moving way too fast.

Back up, slow down and consider taking the time to cook your next meal with simple items you already have in your fridge and cupboards.  The process of chopping, measuring, stirring and sautéing (and even washing the dishes afterward) can be incredibly therapeutic.

Check what ingredients you have in your kitchen, and look up a recipe (see below). Pick something simple that won’t stress you out! Let the culinary sensations overtake you, and then invite a friend (or fiance) over to enjoy your delicious meal and bask in the compliments!

Cost: Free!
More Info: Visit any of these websites to get recipes:
• Allrecipes.com
• Cookingbynumbers.com
• Bigoven.com
• Recipematcher.com
• Supercook.com

Get Outdoors, Go to the Park, Take a Hike

Let’s not forget to stop and smell the flowers!  Science has proven time and time again how the psychological benefits of nature can calm the brain and better your mood and concentration. Hospital patients recover faster when they have a view of trees and flowers from their window, and children with attention-deficit disorder exhibit less symptoms in a natural environment.

So get back to basics, and enjoy nature. Bring a blanket to the park and lie out, or go for a hike and take in the scenery. Bask in the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate all the colorful simplicity of the outdoors. Your brain’s health depends on it.

Cost: Mostly free (Some parks/hiking grounds may charge $3-5)
More Info: Check out this great great interactive park directory or just Google “hiking trail” or “park” and your town and state

Take a Bath with Candles and Aromatherapy

The recuperative and healing properties of water have many stress-relieving benefits and allow the body to fall into a deeper sleep. Submerging in a bath tub relieves your body from the constant pull of gravity, and heated water relaxes muscle tension, improving circulation, range of motion and energy flow.

Melt away your stress by creating a mini spa in your bathroom. Turn on soothing music, dim the lights, light candles and prepare fresh towels. The music will drown out household sounds that you may associate with everyday stressors, and relaxed lighting can go a long way when creating a peaceful mood.
Most importantly, make arrangements for your well-deserved uninterrupted solitude. Turn off your cell phone, log out of email and if you have roommates or family around, tell them to leave you alone for an hour or two. Be sure to prepare your bed beforehand so you have a nice, comfy space to crawl into after your bath.

Cost: $4 and up, depending on how many spa items you want to buy.
More Info: You can pick up high-end aromatherapy bubble bath soap, scented candles, skin-moisturizing oils, and exfoliating body scrubs on the cheap at your local T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross stores.

• Increase life expectancy
• Lower a cancer patient’s risk of dying from the disease
• Lower a surgical patient’s risk of dying in the hospital
• Strengthen the immune system
• Decrease rates of schizophrenia, alcoholism and suicide
• A longer, healthier, more satisfying life

Well this magic pill is not something you’ll find at the drugstore, explains James Burg, Ph.D., an associate professor at Indiana University-Purdue, Fort Wayne, and executive director of the Healthy Marriages Sturgis program. And it’s not something you can swallow, inhale, or inject. It will take a little more effort than that… well, actually, a lot more effort. It’s called a Happy Marriage, and while it’s not a miracle cure or surefire way of preventing disease,  the benefits are really incredible.

This association between marriage and health was first reported in the ’70s, with evidence accumulating that suggests powerful health benefits, at least for men. Check out this statistic: Heart disease may reduce a man’s life expectancy by six years, but bachelorhood takes 10 years off a man’s expected life span.(So I take that to mean that marriage adds 4 years to guy’s life?)

According to researcher John Gottman,  “If it is a good marriage, the benefits are equally as great for women as for men; for men, just being married confers a tremendous amount of benefits.”

The obvious question: And what if it’s an unhappy marriage?  Well that could increase the chances of illness by 35 percent!  But this is a bridal website, and we’re looking forward to all of you having a wonderful, happy, healthy marriage, which you are committed to working on every day! And our statistics say that “working on a marriage every day does more to promote health and longevity than working out at a health club.” So skip the gym and go out for ice cream with your spouse (just kidding… kind of)!

Statisticians Bernard Cohen and I-Sing Lee, compilers of a catalog of relative mortality risks, were quoted, “Being unmarried is one of the greatest risks that people voluntarily subject themselves to.” So, while marriage is not a magical cure-all, it does seem to be the best thing going.

Congratulations on your marriage, and here’s to a long, healthy life!

Info from this article from Bliss Marriage and Parenting Seminars.

Image from psychologytoday

Here are some of their secret weapons to help you get sexy for the season!

Plan toward your Goal

Chris Gaines of Equinox Fitness in Palo Alto, California offers these key steps:

1. Set a goal: Get specific about what your goals are, write them down and make a firm commitment to achieve them. (For example: Loose 10 lbs in the next 6 weeks)
2. Set a plan: By creating “stepping stones” or short-term goals, we give ourselves the opportunity to celebrate minor victories, which help us stay motivated. (For example: I will aim for 1.5-2 lbs a week.)
3. Practice time management: It is critical that we set aside the appropriate amount of time in each day to accomplish daily goals and schedule it in like an appointment with the same urgency and priority as a dress fitting. (For example: I will go running in the morning twice a week, work out at the gym 3 afternoons a week, and go swimming twice a week.)
4. Reward yourself: Set specific rewards for your accomplishments, such as spa treatments or favorite treats, when you achieve a short term goal. This way you will have incentives to look forward to. (for example: After every 2 lbs lost I will celebrate with a girl’s night out at the movies!)

Don’t Starve– Diet Smart

“Every bride wants to look her very best on her wedding day, but when they pursue drastic weight loss at any price they traditionally end up walking down the aisle with lackluster energy and a haggard look,” says Oz Garcia, PhD. “The best diet is eating frequent healthy small meals and snacks throughout the day consisting of fruits and vegetables of every color, fish and lean protein.”

If you omit carbs completely, you will lose weight initially because carbohydrates make you retain water. However, a carbs-free diet often backfires because it increases your desire for carbohydrate-rich food and it’s quite hard to stay on track. Instead, Oz Garcia advises that you replace breads, pasta and potatoes with one small serving a day of basmati rice, millet, squash or sweet potatoes, which are digested more slowly and are therefore more filling. Brett Hoebel suggests the following substitutes: agave (for white sugar), whole grain (for white flour), brown rice (for white rice), almond milk (for white cow milk), Celtic sea salt (for white salt).” Alcohol is also filled with empty calories and should be avoided.

One glass of raw vegetalbe juice a day has also been show to help dieters loose weight, according to celebrity trainer Marco Borges “Besides the weight loss, juicing will also significantly increase your Vitamin C intake along with many other important vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.  Juicing also reduces your appetite and you’re much more likely to meet the recommended three to five servings of vegetables daily. Increased energy, stabilized insulin levels, improved immune response and too many more benefits to ignore.”

A 3-Part Workout

Here’s a 3-step routine, designed byPJ Stahl, an elite personal trainer in Los Angeles:

1. At each workout, start with strength training exercises. This will kick-start your workout by burning a large amount of calories and will get your body tight and toned for your wedding day.

2. Move as many joints as possible: During your strength training workout, do multi-joint exercises, which work more muscles and burn more calories than the traditional isolated exercises.

3. Finish with cardio. Even if it is only 10 minutes (20-40 minutes is ideal), cardio exercise will burn additional calories and decrease your percentage of body fat.

Partner with your Partner

“When you have someone to help motivate you or someone else relying on you to make good on the evening jog or workout class, you are much more likely to stick to your goals,” says Peter Park, trainer to cycling champion Lance Armstrong. If you can grab your fiancé as your workout buddy, that’s great! Otherwise, ask your maid of honor or a good friend, and setup a few workouts a week. It not only forces you to stay focused, but  exercising with a buddy is a lot more fun that doing it alone!

image from effortless movement

Resurfacing Lite

Best for… Those with lackluster, sun-damaged skin marred by brown spots and/or tiny broken blood vessels, and anyone troubled by the redness of rosacea. Improvements in skin tone and texture typically last for years.  Ronald Moy, MD, a professor of dermatology at UCLA, says: “Skin tone is so even that you can go without makeup.”

Cost $250 to $550 per treatment; repeated treatments over several weeks yield the best results. (Most doctors give a discount for multiple sessions.)

What’s Involved A numbing cream is spread over your face a half-hour before the cosmetic procedure begins.

Wearing goggles to protect your eyes, the doctor glides the laser or light-treatment tool over your skin, emitting a broad spectrum of light that targets brown spots and reddish areas; the laser seeks out only brown pigment. The laser’s heat also spurs new collagen production and so, over time, plumps up fine lines. (IPL treatment has only a minimal effect on fine lines.)

Total time under the light or laser is about 40 minutes. You’ll leave with a good-to-go glow. Hairline broken blood vessels and red patches are history within a few days; brown spots turn darker and then begin to flake off in about a week.

Downside Because brown spots darken before they disappear, you need to schedule your cosmetic procedure well in advance of  your wedding day!

Low-Cost Alternatives Over-the-counter bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, and prescription creams with higher concentrations of the skin-lightening ingredient, will fade patches of discoloration to a degree but aren’t useful for red blood vessels. Also, when you stop using the creams, the darker patches may return. An opaque camouflage cream offers instant improvement but wears off over the day and comes off on your clothes.

Click here for more info on this procedure!

Lip Plumping

Best for… Lips that have lost their fullness and crisp, clean edges, particularly in women over age 40. This isn’t about ultra-pouty Hollywood lips, but rather a “subtle enhancement.” He says, “Just a little bit of extra volume can have a rejuvenating effect.”

Cost $500 to $1,000 per treatment. Maintenance booster shots are generally needed every 6 months.

What’s Involved The lips and surrounding skin are numbed with lidocaine injections. A hyaluronic acid gel–such as Restylane, Hylaform, or Captique–is injected along the border of the lips. The substance itself is durable, but it also attracts water molecules, giving the filler additional staying power. Filler material injected along the outer edge of the upper lip will prevent lipstick from bleeding upward into lip lines. For the lower lip, two injections are typically needed, Moy says. The doctor then gently massages the lips, sculpting the gel to achieve the desired shape and volume.

Downside About one in five people experiences swelling of the lips that may last a few days. Holding an ice pack to the lips for 20 minutes after the injections helps minimize bruising and swelling.

Low-Cost Alternative Over-the-counter topical lip plumpers that rely on mild irritants, such as cinnamon, ginger, and menthol, will slightly swell the lips for a few hours.

Click here for more info on this procedure!

Chemical Peel

Best for… Those with sallow skin tones, tired tans, overactive oil glands, or acne breakouts.

Cost A solo superficial peel for $75 to $200 sweeps away old skin cells, leaving a babylike smoothness and glow that last for several weeks; a series of five peels, 3 to 4 weeks apart, repeated twice a year, equalizes slight variations in skin tone and polishes the skin’s surface, minimizing fine lines (though not usually as much as IPL or laser treatments).

What’s Involved The lowest-tech and perhaps oldest of the pricier treatments, light peels have long given models’ and celebs’ complexions that enviable fresh glow. After thoroughly cleansing your skin and covering your eyes with gauze pads or goggles to protect them from splashes and drips, a nurse or medical esthetician (under a doctor’s supervision) paints your face with a mild acid solution using an oversize swab or gauze pad. A number of acids are used, and dermatologists have their favorites based on their personal preferences and experience. These include alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, or trichloroacetic acid. You’ll feel a mild stinging immediately after the acid is applied. Some acids “turn off” on their own; others need to be deactivated with a neutralizer spray. Some doctors follow this with a 20-minute ice pack or lightly apply a moisturizer.

Downside Depending on sensitivity, skin may redden within an hour, and the blush will remain for a few days. Applying a nonprescription cortisone cream several times a day will usually calm it down. Within 48 hours, skin will begin to flake slightly for a day or so as old skin cells are shed.

Who Shouldn’t Do It Anyone who expects to get rid of deep wrinkles or scars and improve skin’s elasticity. (Superficial peels mainly improve your skin’s texture.) Even a series of light peels won’t remedy serious flaws. Women with sensitive skin should have a skin test first.

Low-Cost Alternative The closest route to a similar result is microdermabrasion, which mechanically lifts off a thin layer of old skin cells. But to achieve the same dewy, smooth look, at-home or salon microdermabrasion treatments must be done more frequently–every 2 to 3 weeks for a month or two and refresher treatments four times a year.

Click here for more info on this procedure.

Laser Hair Removal

Best for… People with dark hair and fair skin. This contrast makes it easy for the laser to target the pigment. Until recently, laser hair removal was thought to be risky for women with dark skin because it caused alterations in skin pigment. Today, a new generation of gentler, longer-wavelength lasers makes it safe for all skin colors.

Cost A single laser session ranges from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size of the area treated, and multiple sessions are usually needed. How many depends on hair density–as many as 1,000 hairs may be rooted in each section. To fully remove noticeable hair from the smallest area (above the upper lip) to the largest (both legs) costs between $400 and $4,000 (with discounts given for multiple treatments).

What’s Involved After shaving the hair and applying a topical numbing cream, a heat-conducting gel is put on the skin, and a laser beam is guided over the area. Each energy pulse of the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hairs beneath the skin’s surface, all the way down to the follicle. The absorbed light is converted to heat, which destroys the hair shaft and surrounding follicle. Each pulse feels like a snap on the skin or a pinprick. The face typically takes about 15 minutes; the bikini area requires 20 minutes; and the lower leg and thigh require about an hour each during this cosmetic procedure.

Downside Skin blistering, third-degree burns, and scarring are rare but can occur if laser hair removal isn’t done properly by an experienced professional.

Who Shouldn’t Do It Those whose unwanted hair is predominantly blonde or gray. Because light or colorless hair has little or no pigment, the laser isn’t effective. (In these cases, Battle recommends electrolysis, in which a heated needle destroys one hair follicle at a time.) If you’re tan, steer clear of hair-removal lasers until your natural bronze has faded. The pigment in tanned skin can burn and blister. If you have an ankle tattoo or moles, forget about having your legs lasered.

Low-Cost Alternative Waxing removes hair instantly but leaves the root undisturbed, so every few weeks you have to wax or shave the growing stubble. Also, waxing, which some find quite painful, can cause rashes, burns, and ingrown hairs.

Image from stylehive.com

There’s nothing like an impending deadline—and a formfitting gown—to inspire someone to take her diet seriously. But too many women try to shed the pounds by starving themselves or by trying fad diets. So wouldn’t it be great if you could actually EAT your way slim? By concentrating on the right foods, you can reduce your calorie intake while inspiring your body to burn only fat, not muscle. The result: a lean wedding-day physique that can look as toned and fine on your 5th, 10th, or even 20th anniversary as it does on your honeymoon.

Brides.com offers advice from David Zinczenko, author of The Abs Diet For Women, with top 10 eat-your-way-slender solutions.

1. Focus on the good, not the bad. One of the problems with traditional diets is that they are all about deprivation. You can’t stick to them for very long because they make you feel bad—it’s all about “can’t, can’t, can’t.” A smart nutrition plan is about finding more foods that you can and should eat, and eating as many of them as possible every day.

2. Never let yourself get hungry. Two bad things happen when you get hungry. First, you start craving fast, easy energy—and the fastest, easiest energy comes from junk like chips, cookies, and candy. Second, when you’re hungry, your body starts breaking down muscle (not fat)—leading to the rebound weight gain so common with fad diets. Try to eat six times a day. Huh? Really? Yes! Three square meals and three smart, nutritious snacks will keep your body constantly fueled and constantly burning fat. And the real bonus: Since you’re not depriving yourself, there’s no temptation to ever go “off your diet.”

3. Pay attention to the 12 food groups. In researching The Abs Diet for Women, I discovered that healthy eating can be as simple as remembering this phrase: ABS DIET POWER. The letters represent the 12 foods that should be the staples of your daily eating plan. Every meal and every snack should have at least two of the following: Almonds and other nuts; Beans and legumes; Spinach and other green veggies; Dairy; Instant oatmeal; Eggs; Turkey and other lean meats; Peanut butter; Olive oil; Whole grain breads and cereals; Extra protein (whey) powder; Raspberries and other berries.

4. Cut back the baddies. In a dramatic rush to slim down? Cut them out entirely. Just looking to maintain your figure for a lifetime of lean living? Then give them the hairy eyeball as much as possible, but don’t worry about the occasional incursion into your diet. Here are the baddies:

TRANS FATS: Some fats, like those found in nuts, avocados, and other natural sources, are good for your heart and actually help you burn away flab. But there’s nothing natural about trans fats, which your body uses to build its spare tire factory—and which will gum up your arteries down the road. On ingredient lists they are called “partially hydrogenated oil” and can be found in packaged baked goods like cookies and cakes, as well as fried and battered foods.

REFINED CARBOHYDRATES: Refined sugar and refined flour give you an instant energy high, followed by an energy drop—and cravings for more refined carbs. Focus on whole-grain breads and cereals, and snack on nuts and fruit instead of cookies and candies.

HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (HFCS): Your body loves to turn this supers-weet sugar substitute into fat. HFCS is found in soda, cookies, and candy. It also lurks in processed pasta sauce, ketchup, even bread. The average American consumed about 62 pounds of it in the last year—an average of 228 additional calories every single day. Open the door to your fridge or pantry, take a look at the ingredients of the food inside, and you’ll be shocked. You can’t avoid HFCS entirely unless you move to Alaska and start hunting moose, but you can cut down on it significantly by reading the labels before you buy and limiting your intake.

5. Do the 20-second abs workout. Your abdominals are designed to stabilize your core; the more stable your core, the tighter your tummy. Think of it as creating a natural corset that helps keep your belly flat. Your secret weapon: an exercise called the plank. To do it, get into push-up position, but bend your elbows and rest your weight on your forearms instead of your hands. Your body should be in a straight line from your ankles to your neck. Now brace your abdominals as if you’re about to be punched in the stomach, and hold them that way for 30 seconds (work up to a minute) while breathing normally. Do two sets, three times a week.

6. Have a smoothie (or two) every day. This drink is a great way to ensure that you’re getting more of the power foods into your diet. Use plain or vanilla yogurt as a base; add fruit, some whey powder for extra protein, and ice. Toss it all into a blender and press “start.” Now you’ve got a delicious, nutritious substitute for ice cream. A University of Tennessee study found that people who added three servings of yogurt a day to their diets lost 61 percent more body fat and 81 percent more stomach fat over 12 weeks than those who didn’t eat yogurt.

7. Build more muscle. It’s depressing to spend an hour on the treadmill sweating away like a guest on The O’Reilly Factor, only to discover you’ve burned a measly 300 calories—that’s about two Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. But you can boost your burn after your workout by bringing some resistance exercise into your plan. Unlike aerobic workouts, lifting weights has been shown to raise your metabolism for up to 39 hours after your last repetition. So you burn more calories even while you’re lying on the couch. And if you can’t get to the gym, exercise such as climbing stairs, hiking, or even just walking uphill will firm and tone the legs and butt—where the majority of your body’s muscle already resides.

8. Skip the liquid sugar. You may think a glass of OJ is just the thing to start off your day, but, in fact, most juices are packed with calories and often include added sugars. And don’t get me started on soda. People who drink sweetened beverages (including iced tea and lemonade) consume an average of 330 calories a day more than those who don’t. That’s enough to add a pound of flab to your body every 11 days.

9. Beware of booze. I like beer, wine, and the occasional gin and tonic on a hot summer day. But alcohol and weight loss don’t mix. Your body sees alcohol as a poison, and as soon as you have a glass of wine, your digestive system becomes all about getting rid of the booze—which means it takes everything else you’ve eaten and stores it to the side of your stomach. Booze distracts your body from the task at hand—burning off fat and building a leaner, sleeker physique.

10. Cheat once a week. Not a great prescription for marriage, but a terrific remedy for weight loss. By giving yourself one meal a week where you can have whatever you want, you reward yourself for being a conscientious eater.

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When the big day arrives, you’ll feel great and look gorgeous! Reward yourself and treat your guests to some wedding favors that are just as delicious as they are pretty. Visit American Bridal for edible wedding favors, including cookies, candies, chocolates, mints, Jordan almonds, coffees, teas, and more!

Rustic homespun details

Outdoor weddings — on a farm, in a vineyard, or even in the backyard — are huge right now, and t’s really no wonder: An outdoor setting makes for a fun, laid-back vibe and the decor options are limitless. So what kinds of details are in store? Vintage vases filled with fresh-from-the-garden flowers, mismatched china in bright colors, and homemade wooden signs to direct guests. Even catering is in on the action with in-season ingredients paired with local wine.

• See photos from at-home real weddings
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Jewel tones

Say good-bye to pale pastels and bright poppies. Rich gem colors like navy, plum, and amber are going to be hot. And instead of chocolate brown, look to a soft creme brulee hue, bronzes, coppers, and black. Yes, that’s right — black is back too. Yay!

• See hot color combos
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Patterns that pop

Gingham, checkered, polka-dotted, paisley, toile, damask — you name it, colorful patterns are in and in a big way. Add patterned overlays to your tables to instantly perk up the room… find an off-the-rack patterned dress for your bridesmaids… have your invitations and envelopes lined with colorful designs. The best part about this trend is that it lets you throw around a lot of different hues and still keep a cohesive look and feel.

• Get more decor ideas from our wedding style blog!

Ball gowns are back

The full A-line silhouette will make a huge resurgence down ceremony aisles this year. And you don’t have to have a ballroom wedding to pull it off either — the key is in the fabric. Find one with layers of airy tulle or even cotton for an outdoor spring or summer wedding; get a silk satin ball gown for a more formal wedding; or go for ultra-soft suede for a wintertime wedding.

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Two-tiered wedding cakes

While cupcakes and dessert bars have been popular for the past few years, wedding cakes are making a comeback — but not in tall towers anymore. Now just two tiers is enough to make a statement! Order several small cakes and put them on each table as a centerpiece, or set up a table of tiny wedding cakes mixed with desserts, cookies, pies, and more. And vintage cake toppers are in too. Find one online at a site like Etsy.com, commission one from a local artist, or borrow your parents’ or grandparents’ to make your cake extra-memorable. And of course, you can always make your own!

• Search 1,500+ wedding cakes
• See 60+ dessert display photos

New centerpiece vessels

The classic floral vase has given way to mix-and-matched clusters of vintage pitchers, vases, jars, and galvanized buckets. Other ideas: apothecary jars with colorful rocks, sand, or even candy; uniquely shaped glass vases featuring fresh fruits like raspberries and blueberries; and mason jars loaded with fresh flowers like daisies and dahlias. To throw extra color or texture into the mix, line your flower-filled vases with patterned paper or even fabric. For a wintertime fete, get knit and sweater-like coverings to line your vases and complement a cozy decor.

• Get 800+ centerpiece ideas
• See our guide to wedding flowers

Chandeliers and creative lighting

Lighting designers are turning out impressive designs, projecting chandeliers, large trees, flowers, and even city skylines right onto the walls. When it comes to your space, hang chandeliers in different sizes, add colorful lamps and shades to the tables, line the room with strands of twinkling lights, and don’t skimp on the candles.

• Get lighting ideas from real weddings

The updated photo booth

Renting a photo booth has been growing in popularity over the past few years. The updated version? Entire photo sets with fabric backdrops and props. Set up a photo area at the reception that’s big enough for a group shot. Drape the background with fabric and add couches, chairs, and plenty of props (think easy-to-throw-on hats and scarves). You may be able to have your photographer or an assistant man the station, or ask a trusty friend to be on hand with a digital camera.

• See photo and video basics

US honeymoons

This year, newlyweds will prove that you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to find an amazing honeymoon spot. Many will be looking to book a honeymoon right here in the US. And there’s no shortage of domestic honeymoon-worthy options — from a romantic winery in Sonoma County, California, to a hot hotel in Miami, Florida, to a cozy lodge with a stunning view in Juneau, Alaska.

• See our top US honeymoon picks

Themed rehearsal dinners

Couples are getting more creative with their rehearsal dinners and making them extra-meaningful. Invite your guests to the local pizza and beer joint down the street where you shared your first date and rent out the back room. If he proposed over champagne and strawberries, serve them for dessert. Going to Mexico for your honeymoon? Have fajitas for dinner.

• Get rehearsal dinner basics

Tousled up-dos

Hairstyles will get a lift this year in the form of sweeping undone updos. Get a modern twist on a beehive hairstyle with a tousled look and added barrettes, or ask your hairstylist to give you a slightly undone, pulled-back chignon.

• See 150+ hairstyle photos

Navy is the new “something blue”

Light blue is cute, but the new sophisticated version of “something blue” is navy. Wear a pair of navy shoes for the reception, don a navy necklace or earrings, or wrap your bouquet in navy lace.

• See our navy accessories slideshow

Going-away dresses

The grand exit at the end of the night is coming back in style; more and more couples are skipping the post-wedding brunch and leaving straight for the honeymoon. An exit like this calls for a going-away outfit, like a blue dress and flats or another white dress with a higher hemline.

• See dramatic exit photos from real weddings

Bright eyes

Makeup artists say that more and more brides are asking to emphasize the eyes, keeping the look natural, dewy, and glowing. Try sheer pale eye shadows in peaches and gold, adding a few lash extensions to the middle of your lash line and using a little eyeliner in violet or dark gray.

• Get our top makeup tips

At-home workouts

Beyond the gym, brides are enhancing their workouts at home with yoga moves and virtual personal trainers, like Wii Fit and The 30-Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.