A Day of Lovely Engagement Photos

I saw three engagement sessions today on the blogs I stalk; they were all to die for! Couldn't help but share...

Green Wedding Shoes





The Bride's Cafe Hotel Session







The Bride's Cafe Wide Open Spaces

Honeymoon-worthy

Victoria's Secret is having a semi-annual sale, including their swim suits and cover ups! So glad I caught it in time to snatch up a white bikini (in case anyone wonders whether I am a newlywed) and the perfect color purple cover up.

Not exactly the one I got, but close. Mine has little metal design detailing...



LOVE the purple!



Maui, can I come tomorrow instead of two months from now? :)

The Proper Care and Feeding of A Bride-To-Be

Studying for the bar is painful, for me and those that are "graced" with my presence each day. It has turned me into a mean fiance ("barzilla," to quote him exactly), a less than adequate mom to my devoted puppy, and otherwise just rendered me MIA in terms of friends and family that haven't heard from me in weeks (you should be glad if you are in this bunch).

Ultimately, though, while stressful and consuming, I have also figured out that balance is necessary, and that comes to me by way of getting some real exercise for the first time in years, tanning (yes, actually submitting myself to UV rays in a coffin-like tube!), and since I am home most of the time each day, taking better care of my skin, nails, hair and body.

This all fits together quite nicely for me because these two months could be the key to making me the glowing, healthy, happy bride that every girl wants to be. Plus, I am getting a base tan for the honeymoon! (I am so not a tanning bed kinda girl... but I am kind of enjoying it this, the only, time)

Anyway, I have discovered a few fave health and beauty products that I love, and thought I would share!



Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Gel with Aloe Vera
A little greasy for everyday, but great if you are lounging around the house or showering after a workout and need unbeatable moisturizing.



Hempz Sunburn Relief
My after-tanning solution. Ultimate moisture, and a delicious(non-aloe-y) smell.

Trader Joes High Potency Multivitamin for Women

Super absorbant, and I haven't felt sick taking it yet! Gotta keep the immune system up!



Purell
Along the same lines, no getting sick for this bar examinee/bride!



Solar Oil
Awesome cuticle oil, with a great smell. You have to let it sit for a few minutes before touching anything... It is oil, after all.



Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
Preventing rough patches and body acne; a must for normal showers, let alone pre-wedding showers :)



Shuga Dressy Mist
The ultimate hair volumizer and texturizer! Cheap too!



Pureology
I have both volume and hydrate.... they smell fabulous! And protect your color.



Pilates
Probably the most important so far, getting some exercise has been fabulous, considering I haven't really gone to a gym regularly since law school started! Pilates is the best because it stabilizes your core and lengthens your muscles, without adding bulk. Plus, what a great stress-relief!



Five A Day
I have also been trying to eat healthy and stay hydrated throughout the day. Frequent study breaks for fruit, almonds or (sometimes... when it's necessary) a small cup of coffee seem to make a world of difference. Plus, I just feel better when I eat healthier!

Piercing the Corporate Veil

First, apologies for taking so long to write, I have been very busy studying for the bar exam! Bar review is also my excuse for my cheesy title... For those of you that are non-corporate lawyer types, all you really need to know is that it has absolutely nothing to do with this post except that it has the word "veil" in it! :)

I have noticed that the easy decisions have all been made and all I have left are hard decisions. I am sure that's because I have been putting the hard decisions off for as long as I can... Hoping that it will just come to me or that I will just know one day. Turns out, that isn't really how it works!

Anyway, one of the areas I have been mulling over is whether I want to wear a birdcage veil. I have known all along that I didn't want a traditional veil. I think they are lovely on many brides, but just don't go with my dress. At first, I was not into birdcage veils because I thought they were too trendy and "high fashion" for me. I hate to admit it, but I am a sucker! After months of browsing photos online, the idea has progressively grown on me. There is something about the open netting that is so vintagey and bridal, and when else will I get to adorn with such fancy decoration?! :)

Yesterday, I decided, what the heck? I can have my cake and eat it too! I will just wear the sucker for the ceremony and maybe the family photos and then take it off for the reception and probably our first look photo session. Plus, since the designer of my hair flower (Twigs & Honey) sells a pretty cool one, I may as well save on shipping and order them together. So, as I type, my birdcage veil is being crafted.

Here's the veil with a different flower...



And my flower...



Anyway, hopefully I can make sure the hairdo can handle my on-again off-again fickle tendencies! Anyone have any tips or similar indecisiveness? :)