• Home
  • Bridal Style
    • Fabulous Dresses
    • Your Bridesmaids
    • Shop Stella & Dot with me
    • Amazon Wedding Style
  • Wedding Decor
  • Custom Veils
  • Inspirational Weddings
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

FrouFrou Le Bleu

Vintage Inspirations for a Modern Day Bride

Categories: Helpful Tips, Planning

Your Last Minute Pre-Wedding Day Checklist! Start making notes! :-)

vintage-20's-bride-art-wedding-planning-vintage-wedding-vintage-bridal-retro-wedding-1

 

Last Minute Checklist

In the craziness of all the day-of excitement, it’s so darn easy for even the most detail-oriented person to forget to take care of some last minute wedding details, whether it be to make sure grandma Irene’s restricted diet dish with the special gluten free details is accounted for or to pop a couple of breath mints before the big kiss. I know it can and will be so easy to forget some minor and major details for your big day! I know I did.

So, I decided to make this list of things I think are most important as far as last minute wedding details that could ruin your big day if not attended to and if you don’t make that checklist! So, read mine and let your worries fall to the wayside! 🙂

1. Check in with your vendors.

“Confirm arrangements with your pros and make sure they all have exact directions and a contact person’s cell phone number,” advises Julie Pryor of Pryor Events in Los Angeles.

2. Prepare final payments.

“Pay your vendors ahead of time,” says Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning in Columbus, Ohio. “Then you don’t have to try to remember what is owed to whom on your wedding day.”

3. Have an “insurance policy.”

“When your vendors collect your final payments, have each of them sign a note indicating he’s received it,” advises Samantha Goldberg of Gold Events Planning in New Jersey. “Then if anyone claims he wasn’t paid, you will have proof that he was.”

4. Create tip envelopes.

“If you plan on tipping anyone, such as the banquet captain, wait staff or DJ, prepare envelopes with their names and insert the correct amounts,” says Duncan. “Sealed envelopes are a whole lot safer than a big stack of bills in someone’s pocket!”

5. Bring extra cash just in case.

“You might want to give a gratuity to someone who you feel has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” says Kathi R. Evans, event coordinator for All the Best Weddings and Celebrations, based in New Jersey.

6. Drop your luggage off early.

“If you’ll be staying overnight at a hotel after the reception, bring your bags the night before or have a friend or family member drop them off the morning of the wedding,” suggests Sarah Lusardi, wedding planner for NY Engagements, LLC, in New York.

7. Pack for your honeymoon early.

Doing it sooner rather than later is the way to guarantee one less worry,” says Pryor. “Also, make sure your passports and travel documents are in order.”

8. Pack properly for your destination wedding.

“Make a list of all the important things you need to bring and, if possible, pack them as carry-on,” says Cindy Clearwater of SunCelebrations in the Virgin Islands. “You may be able to pick up such necessities as drugstore items at your wedding destination, but don’t assume so.”

9. Have wedding items in place before the big day.

Lusardi suggests having your wedding favors, toasting glasses, cake knife and server delivered to your reception site a few days beforehand. For anything going to the ceremony site, designate a trusted friend or family member to get everything there before the guests arrive.

10. Put your signature-drink recipes in writing.

“Give a list to your bartender the day before, so he doesn’t forget exactly what you want,” says Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events in California.

11. Name those tunes.

Songs are often covered or remade by different bands, so double-check with your DJ or band leader that they have the versions you want.

12. Have a discussion with your photographer.

“Leave nothing to chance. Give him or her a list of people you’d like to have photographed together,” advises Pryor. “He’ll probably get the obvious ones, but if you want a picture of your sorority sisters or everyone who flew in for your wedding or your new husband’s coworkers, let your photographer know in advance.”

13. Create a wedding-day photography schedule.

Jean Picard, state coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants in California, says this is the best way to keep things moving smoothly. “For example,” she says, “if the bride, the bridesmaids and the bride’s family are being photographed at 3:15 p.m., this means they need to be at the location at 3:00 p.m., fully dressed, coiffed and made up. You don’t want a bridesmaid thinking she can pull into the parking lot at 3:15 p.m. with rollers in her hair and her dress in a garment bag!”

14. Create a day-of itinerary.

“Write a detailed schedule for the bridal party and family to be distributed after the rehearsal,” suggests Jo Ann S. Woodward, wedding coordinator in Texas. “This lets people know where and when to arrive for photographs and so on.”

15. Review printed materials.

“Be sure to carefully check place cards, table numbers, menus and programs for errors several days before your wedding,” says Pryor.

16. Make your guests feel loved.

“Have thoughtful welcome gifts with personalized notes waiting for your guests in their hotel rooms,” adds Pryor.

17. Line your cards up.

“Arrange all your escort and seating cards in alphabetical order ahead of time,” suggests Souza. “Bring an extra copy of the seating arrangements or give it to a bridesmaid and let her be in charge of it.”

18. Hydrate your flowers.

“Have a vase of water ready for bouquets when it is hot and dry outside,” Goldberg advises. “Certain flowers, like hydrangea and lilies, need water, so if you want your bouquet to live past the ceremony, don’t let it get thirsty!” Souza adds, “Order a few extra boutonnieres in case some die or are lost.”

19. Figure out how to get your gown to your location.

If you and your bridesmaids expect to dress at your ceremony site, don’t end up trying to fit large garment bags into one car along with you and your maids. If you have a plan in place, you’ll avoid stress.

20. Get your limo driver’s number.

“Don’t forget to bring his cell phone number in case you change your exit time or leave something in the car,” suggests Isha Foss, wedding consultant and owner of Isha Foss Events, based in Virginia. “At midnight, it won’t help to have only the office number.”

21. Arrange transportation home for your bridal party.

“Don’t strand your attendants at your wedding location!” says Duncan. “If they’re planning to arrive via shared transportation, make sure they have a ride at the end of the evening as well.”

22. Prepare for rain.

“If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, be sure to have a tent set up and umbrellas on hand for guests just in case,” suggests Goldberg.

23. Nominate a gift caretaker.

“Designate in advance someone to take your presents home,” suggests Foss. “Give her a house key so she can have everything there for you when you return.”

24. Designate a wedding-day supervisor.

“Have a well-organized relative arrive early at the ceremony and reception site to ensure everything is in order,” suggests Lusardi.

25. Give your legal documents to someone responsible.

“Appoint someone to keep your signed marriage license until the end of the evening so it doesn’t get lost,” says Duncan. “Some honeymoon locations will give you special perks if you show proof that you’re honeymooners. That license may be all you’ll have.”

26. Don’t go hungry!

“Pre-order breakfast delivery to your hotel room the morning of the wedding,” says Souza. “Going through the day on an empty stomach isn’t helpful in dealing with all the excitement.”

27. Make sure everyone knows when it’s over.

“Double-check the end time of your wedding with your venue, as well as the time it must be cleared out, and give this information to all vendors,” says Foss. This will prevent unexpected overtime fees.

28. Pack a big-day emergency kit.

Lusardi suggests including bobby pins, hairspray, face powder, lip gloss and lipstick, hemming tape for last-minute repairs, traction pads for heels, a pair of panty hose, an umbrella and a shawl, stain remover, tissues and backup copies of your music choices should something happen to the originals.

Most of all and finally...Enjoy your wedding day!!

Oh and trying to stay calm, relaxed and pretty is pretty important too!

Hugs!

XOXO,

Kirstin@froufroulebleu.com

Share my post:

  • Email

Categories: Helpful Tips, Wedding Cakes

Check out these Wedding Cake Alternatives that will wow you into trying something different!

wedding-cake-alternative-cream-puff-tower-13

‘Let them eat cake’

Seriously now, who says you can only serve cake at a wedding?! These days there are so many fun ideas to really put a modern and edgy spin on the traditional wedding to match your personalities…be it quirky, artsy, green, traditional, international or just plain fun!! It is so great to watch your desert choices shine through on your special day and how fun that your choice can really reflect your personalities and become a real wow factor that makes your day something unforgettable to everyone! Hey, if a traditional wedding cake isn’t really you then why not treat your guests to a taste of you as a couple with a fun and unique treat!

Here are some really fun, interesting and fabulous ideas!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Kirstin @ FrouFrou Le Bleu

wedding-cake-alternatives-6wedding-cake-alternatives-cake-pops-4wedding-cake-alternatives-cake-pops-7wedding-cake-alternatives-cannolis-vintage-inspired-8wedding-cake-alternatives-cream-puff-tower-vintage-inspired-desert-alternatives-10wedding-cake-alternatives-cupcake-tower-vintage-inspired-cupcake-tower-shabby-chic-cupcake-tower-12wedding-cake-alternatives-cupcake-tower-vintage-snspired-cupcakes-12wedding-cake-alternatives-donuts-2wedding-cake-alternatives-Little-petite-fours-cakes-mini-cakes-vitage-inspired-adorable-little-cakes-wedding-9wedding-cake-alternatives-mini-cakes-8wedding-cake-alternatives-mini-desert-bar-vintage-inspired-wedding-deserts-5wedding-cake-alternatives-oreo-cookies-1

 

Happy Planning!  

Share my post:

  • Email

Categories: Helpful Tips, Planning

It’s Fall! Time to put the finishing touches on your Winter wedding! Check out these beautiful vintage winter wedding ideas!

winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-19

Winter Weddings!

10 New Winter Wedding Ideas

My favorite time of the year is Fall, mainly because that means it’s almost Winter! Even though I live in Southern California, I still do appreciate the cooler “sweater” weather, that crisp feeling in the air and just love getting ready for the holidays! My husband told me I should be living in New England and I am born to be wearing cozy sweaters, hunter boots and bundling up by thee fire with a nice cup of coffee!

Snowflakes and pinecones are tried-and-true winter wedding motifs, but don’t feel bound to these seasonal standbys. Here are 10 ways to reinvent your winter wedding! Is this you? If so, check out some of these great ideas and photos to see if anything works for your theme and decor!

1) Wedding Colors

Reds and greens certainly reflect the season, but overdo this color combo, and your wedding may seem more holiday-oriented than you intended.

What’s Hot Now: Consider a less-is-more approach to your color palette: Silver and white with crystal accents can add some serious glamour to your winter wedding. For your ceremony, try a white velvet aisle runner trimmed with white satin ribbon, or decorate the altar with a crystal curtain backdrop adorned with hanging strands of elegant white phalaenopsis orchids. If you’re exchanging vows outdoors, get your guests in on creating the ambience by giving out clear umbrellas to friends and family members as they arrive.

2) The Flowers

Red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are decidedly winter wedding flowers, but if you step outside the flower box, and you’ll find a variety of options for winter blooms.

What’s Hot Now: Consider fuller flowers, such as white hydrangeas and soft ranunculuses. White boutonnieres can be handsome when they’re accented with greenery, but they also look great with a simple white ribbon. Add sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in ribbon embellished with crystals.

3) Invitations

Since winter weddings are usually held indoors (it’s an ideal time for ballroom receptions), they often call for a more formal invitations.

What’s Hot Now: A black-tie event is nicely conveyed by heavy cardstock and a navy blue, chocolate-brown, or even eggplant font with hand calligraphy. For a fresh way to achieve a formal tone for your winter wedding, use thick, frosted Plexiglas invitations in white scripted ink. Send the sturdy invites out to all your guests tucked into silver envelope liners.

4) Centerpieces

Go beyond glowing candles to add both warmth and romance to your reception site.

What’s Hot Now: If you want to heighten the drama, bring in the icy outdoors with ice-carved vases on your reception tables. Have your florist fill the vases with tall winter-white branches and hanging crystals to reflect the light from the tables. Surround the centerpieces with votive candles, and top your tables with white dupioni table linens and frosted glass china.

5) Escort Cards

Miniature sleighs and holly motifs stamped onto your escort cards would spell out the season pretty clearly, but they might not dazzle your guests.

What’s Hot Now: Leave everyone awestruck as they retrieve their escort cards by making the entire table sparkle. Have the cards hand-calligraphed in silver ink and attach them to individual crystals with a ribbon. Hang each from an oversized crystal candelabra centerpiece for a new take on the popular escort card tree.

6) The Music

A classical pianist playing during dinner is a sure way to create an elegant ambience, but consider a more unexpected accompaniment.

What’s Hot Now: For a twist on the tunes, consider hiring an a capella quartet to sing background music at your reception. Have the group sing your favorite jazz and pop songs to set a welcoming and festive tone for the evening. If you’re into a more classical sound, hire a cellist and ask that Vivaldi’s “Winter” be included in the repertoire.

7) Cocktail Hour

A winter cocktail hour calls for warm, comforting drinks. You really can’t go wrong with hot chocolate and warm apple cider, but it’s your wedding — why not take every opportunity (drinks included) to add an element of surprise?

What’s Hot Now: Serve up white hot chocolate in small espresso cups and eggnog in small punch glasses for your guests as they arrive. At the bar, offer saketinis (Japanese rice wine and sweet-flavored vodka) in glasses rimmed with sugar crystals.

8) The Cake

A wedding cake trimmed in red or green ribbon or topped with roses looks pretty, but bakers who are willing to push the fondant envelope can reflect the winter in totally creative ways.

What’s Hot Now: Play up the season with a white, vintage-style cake, dusted with edible silver powder. For accents, have your baker add a white sugar ribbon and crystal drops cascading down one side of the cake.

9)Favors

Food wedding favors are always a hit, but if cookies or truffles seem passe, try new treat ideas to send your guests home satisfied.

What’s Hot Now: Give out small packages of chocolate-covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts. An over-the-top idea that will undoubtedly impress: Have your caterer set up a hot chocolate and churros station to top off the evening.

10) Honeymoons

While many couples flee the blustery weather for warmer (and sandier) locales for their honeymoon, a winter wedding can segue perfectly into a snowy escape.

What’s Hot Now: Embrace the season and rent a cozy log cabin for a week in Lake Placid, or join the jet-setters at a luxurious hotel in Aspen for some serious skiing, wining, dining, and snuggling.

Ok, let’s get started with ogling over some gorgeous photos and ideas!!! The best part! 🙂

Happy Planning!

winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-1winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-7winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-2winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-3winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-9winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-11winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-4winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-6winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-14winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-15winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-12winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-24winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-18winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-27winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-28winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-8winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-16winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-22winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-17winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-21winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-20winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-29winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-25winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-26winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-34winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-30winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-23winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-31winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-5winter-wedding-ideas-vintage-winter-wedding-35

xoxo,

Kirstin @ FrouFrou Le Bleu

 

 

 

Share my post:

  • Email

Categories: Beauty, Hair and Makeup, Helpful Tips, Planning

Pre-wedding Skincare Woes and tips to help you avoid them!

pre-wedding-Skin-Care-1

Beauty Bummers

This was a fun post for me to write. I am a closet skincare junkie and am obsessed with beauty, spas and wellness. I get excited at the sheer thought of a lavender scented oil and some Enya playing in a treatment room, lol. So, even though this post may not be all about spas…you can think of your skincare regime as a journey to your personal wellness and you can do treatments at home which will help prep your skin for your wedding day. Don’t worry..you can get some amazing spa and pampering time in on your honeymoon. 😉

Ok, as a bride, of course you’ve taken great care to make sure you look picture-perfect from head to toe, right? Designer pumps are on your pedicured feet, and your glittering flowing white dress is accented by gorgeous headpiece you’ve chosen or the perfect vintage inspired veil which will lie atop your beautify; flowing locks pr perfectly coifed up do!

You feel confident and beautiful, am I right? No one can steal the spotlight from you on your wedding day! Then.. the horror..before you turn the corner to walk down the aisle, you take a quick look in the mirror to discover that a flaming red pimple has taken up residence in the space between your perfectly shaped brow, eek!! You open your mouth to scream, but instead, you wake up in a cold sweat. It was all a pre-wedding nightmare.

To any bride slacking off on their daily skincare regimen, don’t let this nightmare become your reality! Use the months during your engagement to whip your pores into tip-top shape, no matter what the present-day condition of your complexion may be. Every bride can have skin that radiates with a natural glow..all it takes is a little preparation and special attention to detail. Here are 10 tips I’ve put together to help you achieve gorgeous skin by the time your wedding day arrives! Hope it helps! It’s helped me writing this even if I am already married! Every girl needs a little skincare help to give us that special glow!

Get ready to inspect those pores

Alright girls..pull out a magnified mirror, turn on a bright light (Oh no!!) and take a long look at your reflection. Do you have dry skin or an oily complexion? Knowing your skin type will help you decide which skin care regimen is right for you. If you suffer from regular breakouts or acne, you may need to seek the help of a professional to ensure your skin is in great shape by the wedding. Some medications take up to 12 weeks to take effect, so book an appointment with a dermatologist for a consultation at least six months in advance of the big day. Even if you don’t have a year to prep your pores, it’s important to adopt a healthy skin care regimen as soon as possible! I think you will thank me on your wedding day!

pre-wedding-Face-Skin-Care-Wellness-3

Drink plenty of H2O!

It’s no secret that drinking water is good for your health. And while experts can’t prove that drinking pure H20 will give you clear skin, it can’t hurt to cut carbonated beverages from your diet and drink more water instead! I always wonder if thats true so I slack on drinking water myself, but I will tell you that once I start pounding the water, great things start happening in my body and my skin does indeed have a much prettier look! Some attribute a glowing complexion to water, and that may be true. Experts report that drinking two or more glasses of water a day increases blood flow to the skin, perhaps giving the organ a little boost at the same time. Fine lines and wrinkles may become more visible if you’re dehydrated, so drink plenty of water in the months before your wedding to look and feel your very best. So drink up my Ladies!!

Wash your face every day

Regardless of how much makeup you wear, it’s imperative that you wash your face every night before you go to bed in order to maintain a clear complexion. Use a cleanser that will effectively wash away makeup, dirt and bacteria from your face, and when you’re traveling, use makeup remover towelettes as a convenient alternative. When in doubt, reach for a foaming cleanser that rinses with water — it works well with most people’s complexions, including those who suffer from breakouts. No matter what skin type you have, always use cold water to rinse the suds away — skin could become irritated when exposed to hot temperatures. I also notice that if I have any broken capillaries (which I do sadly), that the warmer or hotter the water is…the more irritated they become. Keep it cool..

Bad Blemish!

No matter how hard to you try to keep your skin in tip-top shape, the stress of planning a wedding is bound to leave you with a pesky pimple or two over the course of your engagement. I find this still to this day during a stressful time or that “time of the month” especially.  To safely zap a zit, dab a small amount of benzoyl peroxide on its surface before going to bed. The blemish should dry out and reduce in size, and in some cases, it could completely disappear by morning. Whatever you do, never squeeze or pick at a blemish (although so tempting!!), even if you’re in a pinch! Doing this could result in an infection, or worse,  leave you with a permanent scar. eek!

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize, did I say Moisturize??

pre-wedding-facial-pamper-spa-wellness-7

Skipping the use of a daily moisturizer will most likely wreak havoc on your skin. Whether you wash your face in the shower or in the sink, apply a moisturizer immediately after drying off — skin is porous and will absorb liquid best during this time.

Those with oily complexions may choose an oil-free moisturizer that’s applied only once a day, while those with dry skin may need a product that’s applied in the morning and at night. Remember, you don’t have to treat all patches of skin the same. Pay attention to which areas are dry and oily, and moisturize accordingly!

Get your beauty rest girlies!

Never underestimate the power of getting a good night’s sleep. It’s not just good for your well-being, but your skin will benefit from a good snooze fest, too. The body produces more proteins as we sleep, rejuvenating tissues and cells, so getting enough rest is important to having healthy skin. Ever notice how on a night you get awful sleep you look awful too? (insert smiley face here!). Sleep deprivation can leave you looking puffy with dark circles under the eyes, so avoid over-celebrating at the bar with your bridesmaids or any late-night wedding planning, especially right before the big day. Make a conscious effort to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep every night and you’re sure to look and feel your best as a result.

Keep Makeup Brushes Clean

Not only can dirty brushes muddy the colors of your makeup palette, but they’re full of dirt and bacteria, too, which can be detrimental to your complexion. No bride needs to deal with blemishes, so clean makeup brushes regularly with a little shampoo and water to avoid any breakouts on the big day. After rinsing the suds from your brushes, hang them up, bristles facing down, and allow them to dry completely before using them again.

Try some at home face masks

pre-wedding-skin-care_2

While masks shouldn’t replace your daily cleansing routine, wearing one regularly can improve your complexion. Masks melt hard sebum that resides deep in your pores, removing grit and grime that most daily skincare products are unable to do. Plus they look funny and you can scare anyone around you while wearing. haha!

Those with oily skin should wear a mask every other day to remove oil and dirt, while those with dry skin should wear a mask sparingly — just once or twice a month. Even though masks work well with most skin types, don’t wait until right before the wedding to try one for the first time — there is a small chance that you could have an allergic reaction!

Slather on that SPF!

Many brides want their white dress to pop against bronze, sun-kissed skin, but exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful rays without wearing sunscreen is dangerous to your health. To prevent skin from burning, choose cosmetics with built-in SPF. These makeup products should include a label with PA+, PA+ or PA+++ to indicate the level of UVA protection in the formula, but achieving full coverage doesn’t stop there. Most women don’t wear a makeup application heavy enough to protect them over the course of an entire day, so it’s best to layer moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher on skin before applying a base. When you’re outdoors for a significant amount of time, always reapply sunscreen and makeup to ensure long-lasting coverage from morning to night. Finally, don’t forget to wear lip balm that’s SPF 30 or higher to maintain a perfect pout — a very important accessory for a successful first kiss as husband and wife!

Hope these tips helped and you will be on your way to a fresh face for your wedding day!

XOXO,

Kirstin @ FrouFrou Le Bleu

 

 

Share my post:

  • Email

Categories: Helpful Tips, Planning, Vintage Inspired Weddings

21 Day Fix Program by Autumn Calabrese – Lose Weight and Get in Shape for your Wedding day!

21 Day Fix EXTREME gives you everything you need for serious results.
bridal-motivation-facebook-cover

OK..so, who’s ready to get in shape and lose weight for your wedding day?

Ok, first of all, make sure you follow my new bridal weight loss and fitness page here called fit and fab bride – click RIGHT HERE for my Facebook page accountability group for brides just like you! here is my personal coaching page as well, I am not a coach with beach body, but just offer a free page for you to feel inspired and motivated. – https://www.facebook.com/coachkirstinlawrence

21 Day Fix EXTREME gives you everything you need for serious results.

So I  decided to do this post because I really want to tell you all about this great new program called the 21 day fix by beachbody! I just started it myself and so far I am amazed with the results, so far I have lost 5 pounds in 10 days. Yes I am serious! What’s crazy is…the amount of food I am eating, I mean..I am never hungry and I was shocked when I got on the scale and saw I was 5 pounds down already, um..score!! My favorite weight loss system I have ever done! I am loving the container system and the half hour amazing workouts are fabulous, super quick and easy to follow. The results are amazing and I will post a couple results of real girls who have lost weight and got in amazing shape using this program at the end of the post! I recently decided to become a beachbody coach after seeing friends have amazing results with the program. One friend lost 11.5 pounds in the 21 days and another friend lost 10 pounds. Yayy! I mean, how cool is that? Another passion of mine is Shakeology by beach body and the reason I decided to become a coach with the company. So, I lost my baby weight (my daughter is 1 and 1/2 now) of about 55 pounds in about 15 months drinking their yummy chocolate shakes, see below for my shakeology weight loss, I replaced one meal a day of their chocolate shakes and then watched what I ate and did cardio and yoga 3/4 times a week! I still drink them today and this is what brought me to the company and now I am also excited about the 21 day fix. I am drinking my Shakeology on the program and most days I will replace a meal with a shake, or have a shake as my snack. Yum! Anyhow, on to the 21 day fix and why you have to do it with me and join my challenge group for your wedding (insert huge smiley face here!!)!!! See below for Challenge groups I am always hosting for free and again I am not a beachbody coach, but I do still offer a great private (as in none of your friends can see posts on Facebook timeline) free support page!  Make sure to follow me on Facebook for  challenge groups updates!  Here is my Facebook page! “like” me here now for motivation, updates and new products! CLICK RIGHT HERE for my Facebook page and make sure to like me! Again, here is my personal fitness and health coaching page, blog also coming soon! 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/coachkirstinlawrence. If you purchase the program, please email me at froufroulebleu@gmail.com and I will friend you and add you to my private support group of women for help and motivation, this is a separate page I offer and not my normal Facebook “like” page. Would love to be a part of it and join our fun group!

21-day-fix-bridal-wedding-boot-camp-lose-weight-4

 

Ok, so What is this 21 Day Fix thing?

21DayFix-lose-weight-for-your-wedding-day-get-in-shape-for-your-wedding-1

21 Day Fix is a nutrition and fitness program that makes losing weight so simple, anyone can do it. Easy-to-follow portion control and 30-minute workouts take the guesswork out of losing weight to help you see results fast—up to 15 pounds in just 21 days!  Whether you want to lose a few pounds before your next vacation or jump-start a bigger weight-loss goal, 21 Day Fix is the program for you. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it works. If you’re ready to get serious, 21 Day Fix can help you lose the weight. A wedding day is the perfect start to this program because you are more motivated than ever to look fabulous for your upcoming special day! Not to mention your honeymoon…if you plan to be going somewhere bikini friendly! eek!

Ok, so why is the 21 Day Fix so effective?

Because it’s so simple! You don’t have to count calories, points, or log your food into diet software. With 21 Day Fix, everything is laid out for you. All you have to do is use the specially designed portion-control containers (they are so darn cute!!), pick your choice of food from a very long list of the different categories of approved foods (carbs, veggies, etc.) and then do one 30-minute workout per day. that’s it! Commit to it for 21 days, and you’re going to love your results. I am in my first week and will for sure be posting my results as well..keep watching this page or check out my website here! I will be starting a fitness blog as well so I will make an announcement when this is launched and be sure to give you that info once I have it for you!

What makes the 21 Day Fix unique?

It’s the only fitness and nutrition program that combines portion-control containers and world-class workouts. By placing equal emphasis on fitness and healthy portion control, 21 Day Fix can help anyone lose weight—and keep it off—in a way that’s simple and sustainable. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, you can do it with this program. The amount of food is crazy, one day I was in “food coma” after a salad I kid you not! I then decided I was still full from lunch and so I ended up having one the yummy huge shakes I told you about called Shakeology for dinner with fruit and some almonds on the side It is like a creamy shake and feels like desert (only much healthier!) and very filling!

How does the 21 Day Fix work?

With the 21 Day Fix container system, you’ll learn how to create healthy portions simply and intuitively.  It shows you how
to eat whatever you want, in the right amounts, so you can reach your goals fast.  No guesswork, and no calorie counting! I love how it is teaching me how to eat. I am a mom of two and I run all over the place constantly and have completely lost touch with how to actually sit down for breakfast or lunch. I am either eating in a rush, having a meal replacement bar in the car…or when I do get to prepare myself something…I am eating standing up in my kitchen while I take care of my kid’s needs! Ugh. It gets crazy! So, this is really a great learning experience for me and I feel like I have the assistance of a real dietician who is helping me, plus I have the benefit of weight loss, win-win situation. Oh and the exercise program is fabulous and Autumn Calabrese is so easy to follow and she really makes it easy for you to get through it. I have never been an “at-home” dvd exercise person at all, I have always preferred the gym or outdoor activities like power-walks etc. Now that I have these DVDs I will be doing them for years! I love how there is a different dvd and exercise for each day (cardio, upper arms, lower, abs, Pilates (did that yesterday, ouch!) and even yoga! Lots of Variety with the 21 day fix I am telling you!

Who is Autumn Calabrese and why did she create the 21-day fix?

A rising star in fitness circle, Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer and National Bikini Competitor. Her 14-years in dance studies sets her base to lay her foundation for her approach to exercise and wellness. Certified from NASM and AFPA, Autumn is the founder of Mighty Mommies Fitness. Through Mighty Mommies Fitness, she taught women to take care of their body and feel strong and sexy during pregnancy while raising their family. She started working on portion controlled systems to control accurate serving size while eating in 2012. Autumn’s knowledge and motivational training have earned her a reputable name in Los Angeles. Some of the famous celebrities trained under Autumn’s supervision are:
• Brooke Burke
• Rachel Zoe, and
• Tom Bergeron
Autumn- Versatile in her skills, writes for MomzInTheMix.com. Her workouts are also featured in
• C Magazine
• LA Parent
• The Palisadian Post
• Daily Candy

A few real live 21 day fix results pics! (mine included, scroll down.. 🙂

21-day-fix-results-pics-lose-weight-for-your-wedding-day21-day-fix-results-before-and-after-lose-weight-wedding-day-bridal-bootcamp21-day-fix-results-before-and-after-pics-wedding-day-lose-weight21-day-fix-results-before-and-after-wedding-day-weight-loss-bridal-bootcamp

Beachody Works!

I started my journey at 180 after the birth of my seconds daughter, here is me “before” in October 2012 about a month after I gave birth to my 2nd child and right underneath is my “after” pic…of me now in May 2014!…I still drink Shakeology and am totally addicted to it now! I honestly crave those shakes! It’s amazing dense nutrition full of vitamins and super foods plus they taste amazing! My total weightless since Oct 2012 is 60 pounds!

beachbody-before-me-post-baby-2012 

me-21-day-fix-results-1

As promised my actual before and after the 21 day fix results. I am finally updating! I did the program for 27 days and had a couple set backs! Hey, I am human! Point is…I stuck with it and I love my results!

My before pics for the 21 day fix – 127 pounds (I am 5 ft 3)

21-day-fix-before-pic-121-day-fix-before-pic-2

 

Drum roll… tada..My after pics for the 21 day fix! My results – a loss of just under 7 pounds. 120 and 1/2 pounds was my weight after completing the 21 day fix/ 

21-day-fix-results-pic-1 21-day-fix-results-pic-2  21-day-fix-results-pic-6 21-day-fix-results-pic-5

And…how could I forget, my Selfie 🙂

me-selfie-2

before-and-after-post-mom-facebook-page

Honeymoon Bikini Dreaming?? A little motivation for you to start this program!!

21-day-fix-get-in-shape-for-your-vintage-wedding-lose-weight-wedding-day-bridal-bootcamp-21-day-fix-program-beachbody-1121-day-fix-lose-weight-for-your-wedding-get-in-shape-for-your-vintage-wedding-bridal-bootcamp-stylish-bikini-1021-day-fix-lose-weight-for-your-wedding-bikini-diet-honeymoon-diet-bootcamp-9

 Want to Join my 21-day fix Challenge Group?

It’s super exciting to see the girls on my 21 day challenge group doing so well and getting amazing results! One of my girls lost 11.5lbs in just our first week weigh in. Since summer weddings are fast approaching, I’ve decided to open up the challenge once again for July and Aug. Give me 21 days…. Working out 30 minutes a day following and exact meal plan with portion control container so you know exactly how much of each food group to eat (super easy!! I am doing it and I can tell you it is easy and fun!). Nothing complicated here… Super simple and easy a child can do it, all you need to do is commit and show up in our supportive Facebook page on occasion to get results. This is an online challenge so anyone in the US or Canada can join. It’s a fun filled group of devoted and motivational individuals!! Along with me sharing my own struggles (and lord knows I have many! ha!) as I do this program with you!! If this is something you’re interested in doing send me an email to froufroulebleu@gmail.com. Lots of fun girls in the group who are serious about getting in shape and losing weight, brides and non-brides too! Open to anyone!

Hope this inspired you! I decided to do a different kind of post today and I know everyone loves a little health and fitness inspiration so hopefully I have given it to you and inspired you to try the 21 day fix with me! Email me at froufroulebleu@gmail.com if you are interested in coming on this journey with me! Remember to like me too on Facebook here !

Are you ready to lose weight and get in the best shape of your life?

motivation-facebook-moms-12

Ok ladies, who wants to join me and be a part of my next challenge group for brides!! I am setting up an accountability group and starting one soon! Email me at froufroulebleu@gmail.com and let’s do this together! Looking forward to hearing from you! Make sure to like me on Facebook too! 🙂

xoxo,

Kirstin @ Froufrou Le Bleu

21 Day Fix

Share my post:

  • Email

Categories: Helpful Tips, Planning, Vintage Inspired Weddings, Wedding Cakes

Spotlight on Craftsy.com – online classes on baking, sewing, jewelry, clothing design & photography classes and more!

Craftsy-DIY-your-wedding-day-create-your-own-veil-vintage-design-your-own-veil-online-online-video

Have you heard of Craftsy?!

The company I am spotlighting today has developed a sort of online creative university.

It’s a website designed with creativity in mind- a place in this world where creative people can go and make new things, learn techniques from experts and polish up or advance in crafty skills.

Craftsy is a website chock full of instructional videos (really good ones!) from anything from vintage cake design, to Vintage style veils and headpieces, to retro bombshell dress designing, to knitting or vintage inspired designs, all sorts of sewing and even photography. You get the idea and I could go on.. on and on, the classes are endless.. and that’s just a small preview! In the next few months they will be adding even more courses to their catalogs!

Here is an example of just a few of their classes below..a little snippet..

 

You can take classes on your own schedule, and at your own pace, but still be able to interact with your classmates and instructors. So cool!

Craftsy produces four to six new classes a month. Courses generally cost between $20–$50.Around half of the courses are filmed in the company’s Denver studios, with the remainder being filmed in the instructor’s studio or shop. Videos also include a 30-second repeat feature to enable students to rewind to sections they have missed.

Courses are delivered by experienced craft teachers and video courses are typically 10 lessons long, amounting to five hours of video tuition. Courses paid for never expire, so can be rewatched and searched to find a particular section. Students who are having difficulty with a particular method or technique can also post a question and photo to get help from the instructor or other people taking the class, with the question appearing as a pop-up bubble below that section of the video.
In addition to video lessons, Craftsy has a range of downloadable step-by-step craft workshops, combining photographs and instructions. Workshops typically cover one project, whereas videos cover several projects or techniques.

Check out all these fabulous sewing and design classes, um…wow!

Craftsy-Sewing-Classes-online-classes

Wanna start your own cake business and looking for ideas?

craftsy-cake-design-classes-vintage-inpired-tiffany-blue-cake-how-to

Ever wondered about becoming a wedding photographer or learning more skills?

craftsy_wedding-photography-the-romantic-portrait-session-learn-photography-classes-online

Who’s ready to sign up for some classes? Hurry 50% off sale ends soon!

Craftsy

DIY your wedding

I also love their array of wedding related instructional video classes below. So much fun and perfect way to DIY your wedding. I designed my own veils and floral headpieces for my bridesmaids and it was so much fun! Oh and wait until you check out their cake design classes!, they are very popular and the teachers are amazing! It’s all very fresh, modern, professional and edgy as well.  This is a great way to learn and super fun! I also love that you can keep your classes to refer back to and watch again..

Here is a little below about their wedding related classes...there are of course a ton more here..

craftsy-vintage-veil-designcraftsy-vintage-cake-design-classes-online

I personally am in love with Craftsy! I am now officially addicted to learning new ideas and picking up new talents constantly. What a fabulous site! I am so happy to share it with you..

Enjoy!!

Hugs!

Kirstin@FroufrouleBleu

 

Share my post:

  • Email

Categories: Beauty, Hair and Makeup, Helpful Tips

Lose weight and get in shape for your wedding day with Yoga and Cardio. How to get your Sexy back & keep your sanity!

lose-weight-with-yoga-wedding-day

I decided to write this article because I feel losing weight and getting in shape after having a baby have lots of similarities. When you’re getting married..you want to push to look your best in your wedding dress and feel amazing, after having a baby..you have probably gained the baby weight  (for me it was a lot!) and want to feel amazing again..just like you did on your big day! 🙂 I had a baby 11 months ago and have been working hard on getting myself in the best shape ever and also losing the weight. Everyone loses weight different…for me it has been watching what I eat.. cutting out carbs and eating a ton of fresh fruits, veggies and proteins! I have used meal replacement shakes (shakeology) for one meal a day.. and I also started juicing along the way too. I go to the gym 3-4 days a week where I do yoga, the elliptical and run on the treadmill. So far I have lost all the baby weight (I gained over 65 pounds this pregnancy on my 5 ft 3 frame!) and now am just feeling amazing and the best I have ever felt! It was not that hard because I enjoy it! I think my favorite part is yoga and the serenity it gives me, although running on the treadmill makes me feel so alive!

Anyhow, moral of my story..is that I want my brides to have that same excitement about themselves on their wedding day and it is easier than you think! How you lose the weight and get into shape is highly individual and what works for others may not work for you. You have to find your niche and go with that. Some of my friends love step or zumba classes, whereas I really just love my yoga and some cardio and that’s enough for me. You need to find a good fit for you!

How you feel on your wedding day about yourself is so important. You really want your confidence to shine through and when that happens…you will just glow from the inside and your smile will feel so genuine and that internal beauty will shine as well as the gorgeous bride you will be on the outside!Since I have had such success with yoga and cardio,.I am going to talk about that and give you some great tips, hopefully it will help you!

Yoga

Practicing yoga yields a myriad of benefits, ranging from an increase in flexibility to weight loss in the long run. “Yoga is a good way to elongate muscles that become contracted during other forms of physical activity or due to long periods of inactivity,” Sabu explains. “It also increases the range of motion and lubrication in our joints, which results in a sense of ease and fluidity throughout the body.” Practicing yoga also helps improve muscle tone and strength because you learn how to carry your weight while executing the poses. No external weights are used during the workout, making it perfectly safe for individuals with sports or any form of injuries to rehabilitate and strengthen their bodies without further injuring themselves.

Regular practice of yoga also results in an alert and calm mind. “Yoga is the only exercise, aside from Pilates, that allows blood to flow towards the head and brain through inversion poses such as the downward facing dog or standing forward bend,” Sabu reveals. “This rejuvenates the mind while building upper body strength and improving flexibility in the lower back and legs.” The breathing techniques you learn during yoga will also help in quietening your mind to relieve stress – a skill that will definitely come in handy during your stressful wedding planning.

Just because yoga is a low-impact workout that comprises mostly of stretching and breathing techniques doesn’t mean it doesn’t aid in weight loss. Higher intensity forms of yoga such as Vinyasa and Hot Yoga is great for weight loss as it keeps the body in constant motion to build up the cardiovascular system while simultaneously stretching and toning the muscles. “As compared to running or other high intensity exercises, yoga is a more complete workout because it works the cardiovascular system while stretching and toning the muscles – the 3 criteria every complete workout is made up of,” Sabu shares. For optimum results, try a combination of Hot, Vinyasa and Sun Salutation Yoga lessons if you’re a veteran yoga practitioner. For beginners, it is advisable to start with a basic Hatha Yoga class to learn the fundamentals before advancing into more challenging classes.

Certain yoga poses such as the plank, boat and triangle poses are especially helpful in firming up the mid-section, waistline and arms. The plank pose and its variations requires you to support your body weight using your arms and core muscles, thereby strengthening and firming up these areas. The boat pose is especially useful in toning the upper thighs and mid-section while the triangle pose and its variations stretches the side muscles and targets the waistline. Maximise your practice by keeping your core muscles engaged by tucking in your belly during every yoga pose for a trim and fit waistline.

Running

Running-Bride_Lose-Weight-for-wedding-day

Benefits

There are many methods of exercising to lose weight, but using a treadmill can be a particularly wise choice due to its many advantages. One of the most significant advantages is its convenience. Commercial treadmills are available for purchase so you can use one in your home, making for highly convenient workouts. Treadmill running at home allows you to escape from having to fight bad weather running outside or investing time commuting to and from the gym. Treadmills also offer more precision than running outside, as you will be able to gauge your speed, distance and number of calories burned each workout. Running on a treadmill for weight loss also allows you to multitask — or distract yourself — by reading a book or watching TV during your workout.

Disadvantages

Of course, treadmill running for weight loss may not be ideal for everyone. If you have joint problems, the high level of impact may aggravate your injuries, in which case a rowing machine or exercise bicycle might be preferable. And, running on treadmills can be boring with the lack of changing scenery. This boredom may cause you to reduce your workout time and you’ll end up burning fewer calories. Treadmills and gym memberships can also be expensive, so you may find running or riding a bicycle to be preferable for weight loss.

Rate of Calories Burned

How much you get out of your treadmill workout depends upon the speed at which you run. If you weigh 180 pounds, running at a pace of 5 mph will burn 686 calories in 60 minutes. If you maintain a rate of 7 mph, you’ll burn 986 calories in 60 minutes, while a pace of 8 mph will burn 1,157 calories in 60 minutes. Most treadmills have an information panel that allows you to track how many calories you’re burning throughout the duration of your workout so you can adjust speed accordingly to meet your goals. Seeing this information can help motivate you to get the most out of your workouts.

Advanced Techniques

If you aren’t satisfied with your weight-loss progress when running on the treadmill, you can try some advanced techniques to speed up your efforts to slim down. Incorporating some high-intensity interval training, in which sprints are alternated with periods of slower jogging, can help you burn calories efficiently and overcome any frustrating plateaus. Additionally, increasing the incline on your treadmill runs will help you burn more calories and build muscle tissue — which helps increase your metabolism — at a greater rate than endurance workouts with no incline.

The End Result

So how often should you practice yoga and running before you see any changes in your body? Ideally, five times a week, but I truthfully can only manage 3/4 max. I think 3-4 times a week on a regular basis to start to see results. Diet should also play a part in any weight loss plan. Try not to deprive yourself of certain foods; the plan might backfire when you over-deprive yourself and end up overeating. Instead, keep to a clean and healthy diet to complement your exercise regime and reward yourself with an occasional treat every now and then. As an example, I recently started having half and half in my coffee twice a day..rather than Nonfat milk, which I have had for years. It just is so boring to me now! If you can have a few vices while still eating healthy, then by all means go for it! Enjoy yourself..while also remaining mindful of what you are eating at the same time. 🙂

It isn’t too difficult to see why yoga is growing increasingly popular, especially among the female population, as a weight loss exercise. Even though yoga is a low-impact exercise, it works the cardiovascular system as hard as and burns just as much as or more fat than high-impact exercises like running do. So, why no do both!? 😉

My last tip would be to just have fun with it! This is your body were talking about the best thing you can do EVER…is to nourish it…and it will nourish your soul!!

Enjoy your workouts, being healthy and your wedding day!

Hope my tips have helped!

XOXO,

Kirstin @ FrouFrou Le Bleu

Sources – The knot/Nest, Pinterest Images, wikipedia

Share my post:

  • Email

Next Page »

Meet Kirstin

Meet Kirstin

Hello and thank you for visiting my blog, here you will find lots of Vintage Inspiration for the modern bride! My name is Kirstin and I am simply and truly obsessed with weddings and vintage feminine style! I am so happy to have a place to share my ideas, thoughts and design interests surrounding the world of nuptials. Please see my about page for more and I am so happy you're here!

About me

Search

Shop Stella & Dot Jewels

Shop Bridesmaid’s Style

Dessy

Pinterest

Visit Kirstin's profile on Pinterest.

Connect with Kirstin

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by Blog Pixie

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.