The Art Of Celebrating Magazine - Fall 2021

AKESHI AKINSEYE

THE ART OF CELEBRATING

EVENTS,DECOR & LIFESTYLE

SEPTEMBER 2021

AROUND THE WORLD 5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT BALLROOMS IN THE WORLD

FALL IN LOVE

A GUIDE TO WELLNESS 3 REASONS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER YOGA FOR YOUR NEXT SELF-CARE SUNDAY

TOP 5 LUXURY HONEYMOON RESORTS

DECOR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

DELICIOUS AND EASY TO MAKE FALL INSPIRED DISHES AND COCKTAILS

PLUS YOU ARE ENGAGED! 10 THINGS TO DO ONCE YOU GET ENGAGED

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE

PHOTOGRAPHY: COLLIN PIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography: Nicee Martin

SEPTEMBER 2021

FROM OUR EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY: GERBER + SCARPELLI PHOTOGRAPHY

COVER PHOTO BY SYED YAQEEN

New York City editorial lifestyle photographer specializing in branding portrait photography, editorial lifestyle photography, bridal fashion photography, and wedding photography. syphotography.com

FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH CELEBRATING Fall is definitely my favorite season. I love summer days but there is something so beautiful about fall. From the colors to cooler days. The season change means a lot of things to me but what excites me the most about fall is the reminder that we are approaching the holiday season - a time to come together and celebrate!

This issue brings you a ton of inspiration and expert advice from our amazing contributors and I can't wait for you to be explore. Enjoy my tips on planning and design, fall recipes, tips for your honeymoon, wellness tips and so much more.

Akeshi

AKESHI AKINSEYE EDITOR IN CHIEF

akeshi@keshevents.com keshevents.com @keshevents 4|THE ART OF CELEBRATING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYED YAQEEN

PHOTOGRAPHY: COLLIN PIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

The Akeshi Akinseye Podcast is a podcast for all things events, decor and lifestyle.....where Akeshi brings you latest industry trends, the ins and outs of planning a celebration, expert advice and guest interviews on all things celebrations, lifestyle, design and more so that you can celebrate in style.

NEW EPISODES ADDED WEEKLY Listen On: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

“WHERE THE SCIENCE OF CELEBRATING MEETS THE ART OF CELEBRATING”

The art of celebrating is a podcast hosted by top wedding/event planner, event designers and lifestyle experts, Akeshi Akinseye and Michelle Durpetti. Get expert advice, tips and amazing conversations with other experts in the wedding and events industry.

NEW EPISODES ADDED EVERY FRIDAY Listen On: Apple Podcasts + Spotify

The Art Of Celebrating

SEPTEMBER 2021

36. The art of the handwritten note 38. Decor Inspiration for your Thanksgiving table

WEDDINGS+ PLANNING 18. 10 things to do once you get engaged

21. Creative ideas for your flower girl

Bottom: Carasco Photography | Top: J Lauryn Photography

22. Your personal wedding day survival kit 23. 5 of The most magnificent wedding ballrooms in the world 34. How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue

40. Elevate your holiday dinner table 42. Wedding ceremony design ideas

FOOD & DRINK

44. Delicious and easy to make fall inspired dishes

46. Best fall Cocktails to try this season 48. Barware For your holiday entertaining

The Art Of Celebrating

SEPTEMBER 2021

BEAUTY & STYLE

51. Our top 5 nudes and neutral nail polish colors

HEALTH & WELLNESS

80. 3 Reasons You Should Consider Yoga for Your Next Self-care Sunday 83. Tips for creating the perfect romantic date night at home 90. How to get the best out of your scented candles 91. 5 Hacks To Improve Your Home Workouts 94. Self Sabotage: How to Overcome Those Behaviors and Achieve Your Wellness Goals 97. Why a sleep intervention will be magical for your mind, mood & muscles

52. Fall wedding makeup trends 53. Party Outfits: Best wedding guest dresses 60. Style tips to make sure you look your best for the Big Day.

LIFESTYLE + TRAVEL

63. Top 5 luxury honeymoon resorts

74. For Your Honeymoon: honeymoon swimwear pieces for your romantic getaway 76. Must-pack travel essentials for your dream honeymoon

TOAST TO LOVE, LAUGHTER AND EVER AFTER

SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE

10 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Our CONTRIBUTORS

Akeshi Akinseye

Merlyn Jose

Aga Rhodes

Merlyn Jose is the co-owner of The

Aga Rhodes is a Chicago-based

Akeshi is the founder and editor in chief of The Art

Grand Aberie, Chicago’s newest luxury

professional makeup artist and global

Of Celebrating Magazine. She has dedicated her

event space for celebrants looking for

educator with 20 years of experience,

career to bringing glamour and style to every

a unique and curated experience. With

and a love for art, color, light, and

celebration. She is also the founder and CEO of

its contemporary and modern touches,

texture. Aga’s signature look of

Kesh Events. Akeshi is highly regarded as a global

natural light and brick walls, The Grand

timeless, classic beauty has earned her

luxury wedding planner and event designer for

Aberie is Chicago’s go-to

an impressive bridal following. She has

clients of the most discerning tastes. She is the

contemporary event space for

helped hundreds of brides look and feel

leading expert in the wedding and event industry

weddings, milestone celebration and

dreamy and picture-perfect on their

on all things celebrations and is widely regarded as

more.

one of the best wedding planners in the world.

www.keshevents.com

Imani Muhammad Imani Muhammad, a RYT200 Yoga

www.thegrandaberie.com

special day.

makeupbyaga.com

Andrea Wise

JP Thomas

Andrea Wise is a fitness and nutrition

JP is a healthcare professional and NASM CPT that uses her platforms to

Alliance registered instructor, is a full-

expert, nothing short of a wellness

time accounting manager who loves to

power-house. Her personal credo: Eat

provide practical and accessible

teach a Vinyasa style yoga course in her

clean. Train Hard. Love life., goes a long

workouts for the everyday woman.

down time. She found her own personal

way in teaching people the value of

jzpthomas.com

practice 6 years ago through her need

improving their health and achieving

to find clarity and peace within her

their goals in a balanced and efficient

anxiety-filled life.

manner.

Instagram.com/GroundedinImani

andreawiselifestyle.com

11 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Our CONTRIBUTORS

Chef Greg Taylor

Syed Yaqeen

Natalya Vasquez

Greg Taylor has cooked and managed many

New York City editorial lifestyle

Natalya Vasquez is a certified personal

events for some of the world's most elite and

photographer specializing in branding

trainer based in San Diego, CA and the

notable public figures, including President

portrait photography, editorial lifestyle

owner of Bridal Bootcamp San Diego.

Barack Obama, Tom Cruise, Rihanna, Michelle

photography, bridal fashion photography,

While she works with a diverse population,

Williams, Halle Berry, Nancy Pelosi and so

and wedding photography.From

she specializes in bridal bootcamps, and

many others. He credits his experience and

weddings to branding to editorial lifestyle

pre/post-natal training. She is the author

luxury style of cooking and entertaining from

photography, Syed works with an

of "Dieting Reinvented...Just Kidding," a

his time working in Las Vegas at some of the

artistically astute and diverse clientele in

book intended to empower individuals

most prestigious hotels including the “Encore”

NYC and beyond, and he is always ready

through education, and sustainable

a Steve Wynn property.

for the next adventure.

nutrition and exercise principles.

chefgregtaylor.com

syphotography.com

www.bridalbootcampsandiego.com

Diana Michelle Diana Michelle is the owner and designer of PROVENANCE located in

Carmela Heintzelman As the sole proprietress behind Fiore Press, Carmela Heintzelman designs and prints beautiful letterpress paper goods. Letterpress is a very old printing method

the 900 N. Michigan Ave Shops

in which raised type is inked and literally pressed into

downtown Chicago. PROVENANCE

the paper, resulting in a deep, crisp impression and a

specializes in the in-house design and creation of tailored garments for men and women.

provenance.us.com

three-dimensional quality. She uses 100% cotton papers that are tree free and very pillowy soft, which show off the beauty of letterpress and its tactile quality.

fiorepress.com

Michelle Durpetti Located in the heart of River North, Gene & Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest and one of its finest steakhouses. Partners Gene and “Georgetti” worked hand in hand to establish the reputation of excellence that is continued through today.

geneandgeorgetti.com

JOIN AKESHI AKINSEYE LIFESTYLE INSIDER CIRCLE Sign up to receive updates on upcoming events, product launches, promotions, planning and design tips.

PLUS SO MUCH MORE! Join us today at keshevents.com/insider

Photography: Reem Photography

Photo: Luxy Munoz Photography

PHOTO: LUXY MUNOZ PHOTOGRAPHY

KESH EVENTS Planning and Design

CURATING LUXURY CELEBRATIONS FOR DISCERNING CLIENTS IN CHICAGO AND DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE!

WWW.KESHEVENTS.COM 312.253.7318 | INFO@KESHEVENTS.COM

WEDDINGS & PLANNING

YOUR INSIDER GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR WEDDING WITH EASE

THE ART OF CELEBRATING SEPTEMBERALL 2021

16 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARASCO PHOTOGRAPHY

INSIDER GUIDE

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...

EXPERT ADVICE

YOU ARE ENGAGED! NOW WHAT? 10 THINGS TO DO ONCE YOU GET ENGAGED

BY AKESHI AKINSEYE

Y

ou said YES! Congratulations!

This is the moment you have been waiting for. You have the ring and the finance! Now what? Engagements are exciting but it comes with a ton of questions and decisions. You are probably wondering what to do next. Don't fret! I'm going to guide you through the 10 things to do now that you are engaged.

Insure The Carats You now have this beautiful and dazzling ring. It is very important that you insure and protect it should the ring become lost, stolen, or damaged. Make sure you have your appraisal papers in hand and contact your insurance agent.

Call Your Loved Ones!

This is one of the most magical moments of your life.

Celebrate it and share the good news with your family and close friends.

Pop Some Champagne!

You just got ENGAGED! Make your way to a restaurant or a bar. Perhaps your new fiancé has come equipped with a bottle of delicious bubbly? Toast each other and celebrate your moment.

Now is not the time to make a trip to the nail salon! Your hands must stay photo ready.

Instagram Time!

It is time to tell the world and show off that gorgeous ring!

18 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

PHOTOGRAPHY: AMY ANAIZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Nails, Nails, Nails!

Hire A Wedding Planner A full service wedding planner is your greatest asset. From start to finish, your wedding planner will be instrumental in crafting your vision and producing the wedding you’ve been dreaming of. Your wedding planner will help with finding the perfect venue, styling your dream wedding, hiring vendors that fit your style and budget to coordinating events leading up to the wedding. Your wedding planner will help set things in motion while you enjoy being engaged.

Engagement Photos

PHOTOGRAPHY: KENT DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

It's time to celebrate the momentous occasion. Let your planner coordinate your shoot with the chosen photographer. Your planner will collaborate with your photographer to find a setting that defines you as a couple or a location that brings about memories from dating. Decide on colors, attire, and the timing of your pictures and poses.

Take It All In Take in the joy of this moment! Spend some quality time with your fiancée and family. Once you get into the details of wedding planning, it can seem overwhelming so this time together is crucial

Discuss Wedding Date Options Deciding on your date sooner than later can greatly increase the chances of your date being available at your preferred venue. Once your date and venue are set, the fun part of planning and designing your wedding begins! Together with your planner, you will discuss everything from flowers to food, dresses, music and beyond. Maybe you’re considering a destination wedding. Your planner is here to make your dream day a reality!

Budget Now that you’ve chosen your date and hired your planner, you and your fiancé need to determine a budget. Budgets are necessary because it allows you to determine how much you have/want to spend and whether your families will contribute.

Akeshi Akinseye has dedicated her career to bringing glamour and style to every celebration. As the founder and CEO of Kesh Events, Akeshi is a highly regarded as a global luxury wedding planner and event designer for clients of the most discerning tastes.

She is the leading expert in the wedding and event industry on all things celebrations and is widely regarded as one of the best wedding planners in the world. She brings the art of creativity and personalization to every single event making her the best at what she does.

She is widely regarded as one of the best wedding planners in America by Brides, Top 5 wedding vendors in the world by WEDLUXE, top wedding planner in Chicago by PartySlate and more. She has worked with celebrities, athletes, tv personalities worldwide.

Follow @keshevents on Instagram keshevents.com

19 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

COTE STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

T hings to carry

21 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

CREATIVE IDEAS FOR YOUR FLOWER GIRL Unique ideas beyond the flower girl petals and basket.

GINA AND TONY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY: APERTURA PHOTOGRAPHY

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FLOWER GIRL ALTERNATIVES THAT ARE NOT ONLY UNIQUE BUT BEAUTIFUL.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARASCO PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDINGS & PLANNING

YOUR PERSONAL WEDDING DAY SURVIVAL KIT MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR YOUR PERSONAL WEDDING DAY KIT!

There are so many moving parts to a wedding so you want to make sure you stay on track. While your wedding planner and your wedding dresser will provide a fully loaded weeding emergency kit, you should prepare your own personal wedding day survival kit. This kit is going to contain the personal things you need for big day. We’ve put together a list of must-have items to put in your

The proper undergarments for your dress

Your wedding day perfume

Mints

Getting ready robe

Deodorant

Anti-acid

Gifts for each other

Flats

Personalized stationery Any medications you may need

22

|

Mini clutch

Cash or credit card

Bridal lingerie

Make up bag

Wedding jewelry

THE

ART

OF

CELEBRATING

… don’t forget your DRESS!!

PHOTO: KENT DEAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

personal wedding day kit.

Around THE WORLD

5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WEDDING BALLROOMS IN THE WORLD 01.

SHANGRI-LA

LE

02.

THE

GRAND

ST.

RITZ

03.

SALON

REGIS

ROME

BALLROOM

FAIRMONT

04.

PARIS

ROYAL

YORK

CA’SAGREDO,VENICE,

ITALY

THE

MUSIC

05.

THE

BALLROOM

PIERRE,

HOTEL

GRAND

NEW

A

TAJ

YORK

BALLROOM

WEDDINGS & PLANNING

5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WEDDING BALLROOMS IN THE WORLD

Decorated in Louis XIV style, with a surface area of 1506 sq. ft., the Grand Salon is undoubtedly the heart of the receptions organized at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris. Le Grand Salon is classified as Historical Monuments, filled with details which will transport your guests to the time of the Bonapartes

Shangri-La Paris Le Grand Salon

WEDDINGS & PLANNING

5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WEDDING BALLROOMS IN THE WORLD The Ritz ballroom is Rome’s most striking and romantic ballroom for your Wedding. With its undeniable beauty and Belle Époque atmosphere it is the city’s premier venue for exclusive weddings and social galas. This Banquet hall is characterized by its original frescoes, marbled walls and magnificent chandeliers. Its wide-open space is able to host 450 guests for receptions or up to 300 for a seated banquet.

276 square meters and perfect acoustic with adjoining rooms for additional space, it is the perfect address for your most exclusive day.

The St. Regis Rome Ritz Ballroom

WEDDINGS & PLANNING

5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WEDDING BALLROOMS IN THE WORLD The Ballroom exhibits an Italian influence in its colors, materials, and ceiling oil painting.

Restored to its 1929 decor, it is still believed to be the most photographed room in Toronto, with close to 5,000 square feet of inspired visual splendor.

Fairmont Royal York

WEDDINGS & PLANNING

5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WEDDING BALLROMS IN THE WORLD 5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WEDDING BALLROOMS IN THE WORLD

The beauty of this ancient room with pectacularly high ceilings and its timeless atmosphere, make the wedding, a fairy tale

Ca’Sagredo,Venice, Italy The Music Ballroom

WEDDINGS & PLANNING

Enveloped by a stunning ceiling of silver and gold, our Grand Ballroom is donned opulently with lustrous drapes, handsome detailing, and floor-to-ceiling windows. With its vast, pillarless center laid out before the ballroom stage, a sweeping appearance make it the perfect space for big crowds to witness an elegantly planned gala or largescale special event.

5 OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WEDDING BALLROOMS IN THE WORLD

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel New York Grand Ballroom

EXPERT ADVICE

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE

BY MERLYN JOSE THE GRAND ABERIE thegrandaberie.com

Congratulations! You’re engaged… and maybe

Location:

you’ve picked a date… but now what? Most

Before you can choose your perfect wedding venue,

couples begin by choosing their venue. It’s the

you firstly need to decide on the best location.

biggest piece of the wedding-planning puzzle,

When it comes to choosing a location for your

and it can be difficult to plan anything else

venue, there are no limits to your options. You may

until you know where your wedding will be

choose to keep your celebration close to home and

held. Finding the perfect venue isn't easy.

get married in the town or city that you live in.

There are so many options to choose from,

Alternatively, you may have another area that you

whether you're looking for a loft-style venue, a

love, so planning a wedding there maybe a dream

hotel ballroom, an intimate restaurant, or an

come true for you.

outdoor terrace. I'm here to share top tips for finding your dream venue.

Guest list:

When you are choosing a wedding venue, your guest To create your own, choose a topic that

list will play a big role in where you ultimately tie the

interests you. It can be anything from fashion

knot. The biggest factor your guests will play is how

and beauty to travel and the news. Once you

many people can actually fit into your venue space.

have your overall theme, you can start

Look at how many people you’re planning to invite to

brainstorming the content. Just starting?

your wedding versus the number of people the venue

Design a memorable masthead with an equally

can comfortably accommodate. Keep in mind A

memorable name. This goes on the cover and

crowded reception can be quite uncomfortable and if

sets up the branding for your entire magazine.

a venue is too large, it can affect the atmosphere

What style are you going for? Is it playful?

and the overall look and feel. Put an initial guest list

Classic? Bold? A good masthead captures the

together before you start venue shopping so that

essence of your magazine, so it needs to be

you can make a better decision.

flexible, meaningful, and consistent enough for future issues.

Your Vision:

PHOTOS BY NICEE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Most people have a vision in mind for how their Expert Advice - Hire a Planner First:

wedding will look and feel. When searching for

Yes, before you start looking at spaces.

venues, you need more than just a spot that

Planners are much more familiar with local

accommodates the number of guests you expect.

venues and the capabilities of different

You need to seek out venues that fit the aesthetic

spaces. Wedding planners have the industry-

you have in mind as well. Choosing a venue that fits

wide experience that will be beneficial to any

with, and even enhances, your theme will enable your

couple, so if you’re having problems finding a

wedding to feel more connected to the space.

venue, HIRE A PLANNER. Not only will these experts know the size, location, and cost, but

Decor and Details:

they will know who to call to set up a tour so

When it comes to the details and décor, you’ve likely

that you can visit the facility to learn more

got a vision in mind for your big day before you even

about their amenities.

really start the planning process, and you want your venue to be able to fit, accommodate, and accent

Budget:

that vision effortlessly. If your plan is to transform a

Before you visit the venue, it’s important that

space to fit your vision with flowers, greenery, and

you and your partner discuss your wedding

decor, selecting a wedding venue that can be a blank

venue budget. Having this discussion

canvas for all of those items is important.

beforehand ensures you are both on the same

Look for venues that have neutral coloring, natural

page and are more prepared when going to

brick and stone, and open spaces or tall ceilings.

appointments. It will also save you time. After

This will ensure whatever your vibe, theme or color

all, if you know the per-head cost is double of

palette that will work perfectly with the space you’ve

your actual budget, there’s little point wasting

selected.

your time or the venue’s time going for an inspection.

Happy Venue Scouting!

34 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

The Grand Aberie A New West Loop Venue that Stands Out 910 W Jackson Blvd Chicago IL 60616

www.thegrandaberie.com

312 -20 - GRAND (204 7263) @thegrandaberie

THE ART OF THE HANDWRITTEN NOTE

BY CARMELA HEINTZELMAN

PHOTO: JULIANA MARY

PHOTO: MONICA ROGERS

WWW.FIOREPRESS.COM

When my husband and I were dating in college, I would often receive the sweetest notes in the mail from my future mother-in-law. Whether it was just to say hello or to see how I was feeling after finals were over (which often included a small gift for a job well done), I always noticed how thoughtful her notes were. When my husband and I got married, I thought I’d have to nag him about helping me write our thank you notes for wedding gifts.

I was pleasantly surprised (and a little shocked if I’m

How many times have you thought of someone and

being totally honest) when he happily took the stack of

said to yourself, “I wonder how they’re doing?” or

notes and wrote a thoughtful thank you for the gifts we had

learned that someone is pregnant, sick, or

received. I asked him about it one day, and he told me that

suffered a loss and thought, “I should send them a

when he was little (as soon as he was able to write his

note,” but never get around to it?

name) the rule in his family was that he and his sisters had

Having a set of notes (and postage stamps!) at

to write a thank you note for gifts received before they

the ready is the best way to act on that thought.

were allowed to play with or use them. It instilled in him

It takes five minutes to write a quick note and

the importance of showing gratitude, even if the only words

drop it in the mail. It may not seem like a huge

he wrote in his five-year-old handwriting were “Thank you,

act on your part, but the recipient will be

Jonathan.”

overjoyed when they come home to see a note from a

It shouldn’t surprise you to know that now he regularly asks

friend instead of a bill in the mail!

me to print stationery for him, as he always likes to have a stack of notecards just in case, and we’ve established that same rule for our own children when they receive gifts.

36 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Continued...

Any type of note card is better than nothing; however, as a letterpress printer, I always recommend personalized stationery with either your name or monogram printed at the top. If you opt for letterpress, your cards will be handcrafted with ink mixed by

PHOTO: KESTREL MONTES

hand and pulled one by one on an antique printing press. The result is a luxurious card with the image pressed into the paper that is sure to make an impression (literally!) on your recipient. Lovers of letterpress value the tactile qualities and handmade nature of the process, which only adds to the feeling one gets when the

PHOTO: KESTREL MONTES

recipient opens the envelope.

If you’d like to know more about the letterpress process or inquire about ordering custom stationery, business cards, or invitations, please visit www.fiorepress.com or contact Carmela Heintzelman at ciao@fiorepress.com.

Current projects and process videos can be found on Fiore Press’s Instagram @fiorepress

37 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Fall In Love

Decor Inspiration for your Thanksgiving table

Photo By Nicee Martin Photography

By Akeshi Akinseye

Photos: Nicee Martin | Calligraphy: Tierra Finley Designs

FLORAL DESIGN

BY AKESHI AKINSEYE

E

veryone loves a festive table. A Thanksgiving tablescape is a great way to set the tone for your dinner this year. While the turkey, desserts and drinks are stars of thanksgiving dinner, don’t forget about the decor.

When it comes to thanksgiving decor, there are so many ways to design your table. Try these beautiful thanksgiving table setting ideas for your thanksgiving table this holiday. Here are some tips to help take yours to the next level.

Color

Linens

Bring in some color in your decor

Dress your table with well though out

elements. Colors like gold, silver,

linen options. Don't be afraid to bring in

grown, copper, orange, green and

texture and patterns in your choice of

burgundy are great colors to use

table cloth. For your dinner napkins,

for your thanksgiving decor. The

think of personalizing them with the

best way to bring in a burst of

guest initial in embroidery or the names

color is with your flowers.

Tableware Invest in quality glassware, dinnerware and flatware for your table decor. I love glassware with patterns or a gold rim. Be adventurous and go for a mix of complimenting colors and designs when choosing your china and glassware.

Stationery One of the best ways to complete your table design is with beautifully stationery. Once you have the dinner menu finalized, design a menu through a local stationery store or online along with some place cards, custom cocktail

tied with a ribbon on the napkin. (Tip: Your napkin colors do not need to be the same as the table linen. Have fun by mixing colors that compliment each other.)

Lastly, don't forget about your table runner. There are a lot of great and inexpensive table runners and napkin rings on amazon and other online stores.

Personalized Details Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and celebrating your dear and loved ones. The art of personalization and attention to details can be very impactful. Consider making place cards with your guest names, a special note of thanks of a gift box with gifts.

napkins, stirrers and accesories.

39 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Photography: Collin Pierson Photography Floral Design: Kesh Events Planning: Michelle Durpetti Events Location: Gene & Georgetti

41 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Photography: Collin Pierson Photography

elevate your holiday dinner table

Invite seasonal charm to your table your festive table IDEAS TO STYLE YOUR OWN HOLIDAY TABLE

VIETRI - RUFOLO GLASS GOLD SALAD PLATE | NUPTIO GOLD METAL TAPER CANDLE HOLDERS CANDLESTICK HOLDERS | BARK TEXTURED JACQUARD NAPKIN | MICHAEL ARAM GLASS PUMPKIN DECOR | VERSACE VIRTUS HOLIDAY DINNER PLATE | BOSTON COLORED CRYSTAL GOBLET SET | ARTE ITALICA VETRO GOLD WINE GLASS | LA ROCHÈRE LYONNAIS WINE GLASSES | ARTE ITALICA VICTORIAN NAPKIN | KIM SEYBERT BRILLIANT NAPKIN RING | GODINGER 20-PIECE GOLD ACCENT BAROQUE FLATWARE SET

J Lauryn Photography Apertura Photography

WEDDING CEREMONY DESIGNS IDEAS Stunning aisle ideas to take your ceremony decor to the next level

42 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Carasco Photography

Lucy Munoz Photography

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 2 1

FOOD & DRINK THE ART OF CELEBRATING MAGAZINE

CELEBRATE DELISCIOUSLY DELICIOUS AND EASY TO MAKE FALL INSPIRED DISHES AND COCKTAILS

Delicious and easy to make fall inspired dishes CHEF GREG TAYLOR THE BLACK FOX WWW.CHEFGREGTAYLOR.COM Award winning Private Chef of sixteen years, Greg Taylor has cooked and managed many events for some of the world's most elite and notable public figures, including President Barack Obama, Tom Cruise, Rihanna, Michelle Williams, Halle Berry, Nancy Pelosi and so many others. He credits his experience and luxury style of cooking and entertaining from his time working in Las Vegas at some of the most prestigious hotels including the “Encore” a Steve Wynn property. In fact, that’s where his life mantra comes from, “You'll know luxury once you've experienced it. It'll change your life. Chef Greg is a Chicago resident and is gearing up for his next big adventure.

Tomato Soup

To Make:

In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the sliced onion and smashed garlic and cook over

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Add tomatoes, their juice, the water, heavy cream, sugar, crushed red

1 medium onion, very thinly sliced

pepper and oregano and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, crushing the tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.

3 garlic cloves, smashed 5 cups canned whole tomatoes in their juice 1 cup water 2/3 cup heavy cream

Working in batches, transfer the tomato soup to a blender and puree

1 tablespoon sugar

until smooth. Return the soup to a clean pot and rewarm the soup if

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

necessary. Season the soup with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with the croutons or any bread of your choice.

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and freshly ground pepper

44 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter ½ onion, chopped ¼ cup melted butter ¼ cup flour 2 cups milk 2 cups chicken stock 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Salt and ground black pepper to taste

To Make:

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Whisk 1/4 cup melted butter and flour together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue to whisk and cook , adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if necessary to keep the flour from burning, 3 to 4 minutes.

Find these recipes and many more at www.chefgregtaylor.com

Gradually pour milk into flour mixture while whisking constantly. Stir chicken stock into milk mixture. Let it simmer and cook until mixture is thickened, about 20 minutes. Add broccoli, carrots, sauteed onion, and celery; simmer until vegetables are tender, about another 20 minutes.

Stir Cheddar cheese into vegetable mixture until cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients

1 carton and a can of chicken broth 1 can of undrained crushed tomatoes 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed 1 large chopped onion 1/3rd of a cup of minced fresh cilantro 1 can of chopped green chilies 1 minced garlic clove 1 teaspoon of chili powder 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1/2 a teaspoon of dried oregano 1/4th of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper 3 cups of thawed and frozen corn Salt and pepper, to taste

To Make:

A pack of tortilla strips

In a large saucepan, bring a medium low heat. Pour the broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken cubed breasts, onion, cilantro, green chilies, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper.

Bring the mix to a boil. Keep stirring occasionally to blend the mix well. Lower the heat and cover the lid. Let simmer for an hour.

Add the corn to the soup, simmer for 10-15 more minutes.

Serve warm with tortilla chips 45 | THE ART OF CELEBRATING

Best Fall Cocktails To Try This Season

BY GENE & GEORGETTI GENEANDGEORGETTI.COM

SEASONAL COLLINS Equal parts 1 1/2 oz. of gin, Let’s talk fall cocktails. When I think of fall, I immediately go to crisp, sunny days and sweaters (my favorite!) and all that fall brings with it. Which for a passionate hospitality maven, always includes the flavors of fall in cocktails. Layers of deeper flavors, seasonal fruits and organically produced essences are what we start with when we begin to curate our fall cocktails at Gene & Georgetti. I am including four on my favorites that definitely make fall fabulous.

Sweet vermouth and campari.

Build in rocks glass, garnish with orange.

Photography: Soda Fountain Photography Gene & Georgetti was founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and his partner Alfredo Federighi, who was nicknamed “Georgetti” after a famous Italian cyclist. Located in the heart of River North, Gene & Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest and one of its finest steakhouses. Partners Gene and “Georgetti” worked hand in hand to establish the reputation of excellence that is continued through today.

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WHISKEY SOUR 2 oz jack whiskey 1 oz gingerbread syrup 1/2 lemon squeezed Dash of averna Dash of bitter Build in a shaker, shake, strain over fresh ice in rocks glass.

Gene & Georgetti is pleased to present classic dishes, new favorites and a variety of other options (including gift baskets and merch) to enjoy with us and wherever you are! geneandgeorgetti.com

THE NEW OLD FASHIONED 2 oz bourbon 1 oz winter spiced syrup 2 dashes angostura bitters Build in a rock glass over fresh ice, top with cherry.

CLASSIC NEGRONI 2 oz choice of either vodka or gin 1/2 squeezed lemon or 1/2 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz grapefruit juice and apple cider 1oz winter spiced syrup Build in a shaker, shake all ingredients together. Strain over fresh ice in a collins glass. Garnish with cranberries.

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FOOD & DRINK

1.

Coupe glasses

2.

Martini glasses

Barware

9.

White wine glasses

For your holiday entertaining The perfect cocktail glass for each drink.

3.

Rock glasses

5.

8.

Shot glasses

Red wine glasses

7.

Margarita glasses

4.

6.

Highball glasses

Champagne glasses

1. MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION - BLUSH COUPE GLASSES ($70) WWW.MACYS.COM | 2. DORSET MARTINI GLASS ($29.95) WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM | 3.

RICHARD BRENDON DIAMOND DOUBLE OLD-FASHIONED GLASS ($120) | 4. MIKASA CHEERS HIGHBALL GLASSES ($172) | 5. WILLIAM YEOWARD CORINNE SHOT GLASSES ($110) | 6. WATERFORD CRYSTAL LISMORE ESSENCE CHAMPAGNE FLUTES ($180) | 7. DURACLEAR® TRITAN OUTDOOR MARGARITA GLASSES ($14.95) | 8. VILLEROY & BOCH METRO CHIC RED WINE GLASSES ($ 80) | 9.TIFANY ALL-PURPOSE WHITE WINE GLASSES ($70)

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FALL

2021

STYLE & BEAUTY

LOOK AND FEEL FLAWLESS FOR YOUR BIG DAY!

BEAUTY & STYLE

NAIL POLISH SHADES PERFECT FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY MANICURE

Our top 5 nudes and neutral nail polish colors If there's one event where your hands are photographed more than ever, it's your BIG DAY! When it comes to your wedding day glam, there are so many decisions to make including the perfect nail polish to match your wedding day attire. Here are some of our top hues for your wedding day manicure to help you get ready before walking down the aisle.

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BEAUTY & STYLE

1

An eternal manicurist and fashion stylist favorite, essie's classic pale pink polish is graced with a subtle, sheer finish. this beloved awardwinning essential is an iconic color for all seasons.

Chanel - La Vernis 167-Ballerina Enriched with bioceramics and ceramides, it provides deep care to strengthen and improve the quality of nails over time.

Essie Ballet Slippers

5

Nail polish shades perfect for your wedding day manicure Our top 5 nudes and neutral nail polish colors

2

4

Deborah Lipman I'm Too Sexy I'm Too Sexy is a full coverage sandy nude crème polish.

The highly pigmented , chipresistant coverage and super glossy formula achieves in just two coats the effect of traditional lacquer

Christian Louboutin 002 Iriclare

3 Essie Mind-Full Meditation Our top 5 nudes and neutral nail polish colors

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STYLE & BEAUTY

Fall wedding makeup trends

BY AGA RHODES WWW.BRIDALBYAGA.COM

A

Photo by Clare Britt Photography

@BRIDALBYAGA

s nature changes colors to deeper and richer tones, fashion designers go with more textures, we change our skin care and makeup routines, bridal makeup trends are changing for fall as well.

As a professional makeup artist, before I design a make up look for any of my brides any time of the year, I always ask for a color scheme of their wedding & inspiration behind it and definitely try to incorporate the latest makeup trends .

Here are few trends I’m currently obsessed with to get inspired by when designing makeup looks in the fall.

Photo by Collin Pierson Photography

The return of the lipstick! With some mask mandates left at the lipstick is making a full on come back , for fall we see gorgeous velvet berries ( Charlotte Tilbury Festival Magic ) & deeper classic reds ( Patrick Beauty “She Must Be New “ Lash Away! With wedding season in full swing, as well as the return of events, lush false lashes are making their way back too, (Ardell Naked 420 Lash looks convincingly real for extra drama, add few individual clumps) Kitten Eye - My personal Fave trend! The full cat-eye is a classic, but not for everyone, a smaller flick—hence the “kitten eye”—as of late. And I love it ! (Stilla Micro Tip liquid eyeliner).

Pretty in Pink - Pink Tones on eyes are hot this fall as well, paired up with mentioned before Berry Lip color. Universally flattering, offering a quick way to brighten the eye and that’s what every bride is looking for (Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Pallet in Mesmerizing Maroon).

As the seasons turn cooler, complexions tend to transition more matte, but this year Glowy Dewy Skin is still trending even in Fall (Isla Beauty Base Priming Moisturizer).

As every trend - fashion & makeup, all those have to be taken with caution (lol). You have to not only look beautiful on your wedding day also you also have to feel beautiful, confident, comfortable, and leave it up to professionals to incorporate all the trends.

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Party Outfits Make a show-stopping entrance. Celebrate the festivities in style with our party-wear ideas. From timeless LBDs to stunning evening gowns, you’re guaranteed to stand out from the crowd in these eye-catching party outfits.

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Best wedding guest dresses

BEAUTY & STYLE

Dress to impress!

ADRIANA ORSINI Naturally 18K Yellow Goldplated Sterling Silver & Cubic Zirconia Feather Drop Earrings

ADRIANA ORSINI Stacked 18K Gold-Plated & Cubic Zirconia Coil Ring

CARTIER Juste Un Clou Bracelet

DOLCE&GABBANA D&G Girls Leather Shoulder Bag

BALENCIAGA Void Leather Sandals

ALICE + OLIVIA Harmony Asymmetric Midi Dress

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BEAUTY & STYLE

Dress to impress!

GEORG JENSEN Mercy Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

STEFERE Butterfly 18K White Gold, Blue Sapphire & White Diamond Spiral Ring

DAVID YURMAN Sculpted Cable Cuff Bracelet With Diamonds

SAINT LAURENT Kate Medium Smooth Calfskin Clutch Bag w/ Tassel

AQUAZZURA Celeste Glitter Leather Sandals

CHIARA BONI LA PETITE ROBE Stina Cocktail Dress

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BEAUTY & STYLE

Dress to impress!

ADRIANA ORSINI Naturally 18K Yellow Goldplated Sterling Silver & Cubic Zirconia Feather Drop Earrings

MARCO BICEGO 18K Yellow Gold & Diamond Cocktail Ring

ALEXIS BITTAR Asterales 14K Gold-Plated & Nano-Gem Cuff

CJEFFREY LEVINSON Elina Plus 18K Yellow Gold & Aluminum Clutch

GIANVITO ROSSI Leomi Braided Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals

RASARIO Off-The-Shoulder Floral Jacquard Cocktail Dress

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BEAUTY & STYLE

Dress to impress!

KENNETH JAY LANE Goldtone Faux Sapphire Teardop ClipOn Earrings

DAVID YURMAN Starburst Ring in 18K Gold with Pavé Diamonds

DAVID YURMAN Sculpted Cable Cuff Bracelet With Diamonds

CUDEMELLIER Florence Leather Pouch Clutch

AQUAZZURA Celeste Glitter Leather Sandals

AMSALE Satin One-Shoulder Gown

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BEAUTY & STYLE

Dress to impress!

ADRIANA ORSINI Vow 18K Gold-Plated & Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings

GEORG JENSEN Moonlight Grapes Sterling Silver Ring

ALEXIS BITTAR Asterales 14K Gold-Plated & MultiStone Cuff

NANCY GONZALEZ Gramercy Crocodile Box Clutch

SCHUTZ Altina Metallic Lizard-Embossed Leather Sandals

RAGALVAN Galvan Sienna Slip Dress

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BEAUTY & STYLE

Dress to impress!

PASQUALE BRUNI Stelle In Fiore 18K Rose Gold & TwoTone Diamond Earrings

PASQUALE BRUNI Figlia Dei Fiori 18K Rose Gold & TwoTone Diamond Flower Wrap Ring

PASQUALE BRUNI Petit Garden 18K Rose Gold & TwoTone Diamond Open Bangle Bracelet

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Skull Four-Ring Leather Box Clutch

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate 120 Patent Leather Pumps

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Sheer Draped Lace Corset Dress

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BEAUTY & STYLE

Style tips to make sure you look your best for the Big Day.

PHOTO BY JAKE NEWMAN

Groom's Style

By Diana Michelle Owner and Designer - Provenance

We all know that what you wear important for making that first impression. It’s your opportunity to communicate your style, taste and sophistication without saying a word. But so often, much attention is given to planning to the rest of the wedding that groom’s suiting becomes an afterthought.

Follow these tips for insights on my most common conversations and style tips I give to make sure you look your best for the Big Day.

PHOTO BY JAKE NEWMAN

What do you want to communicate to your future life partner during that First Look moment? What is your personal style and how can we amplify it so that you look your best ever and stand with confidence? These are the questions and conversations I have with my clients at PROVENANCE before designing and styling for them.

So often, much attention is given to planning to the rest of the wedding that groom’s suiting becomes an afterthought.

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PHOTO BY BRADLEY MOSS

Consider custom for imaginative design and classic fit When have something custom made, you lift the constraints of the typical off-the-rack suit. Aside from choosing your fabric and design, you can utilize the entire garment design such as: the inside lining, stitching and button colors, undercollars and monogramming to carry through the details of your wedding colors and design without being so literal (more on this later).

Add to this that a garment perfectly proportioned for your body type and tailored for your measurements can actually make you look taller and clean cut.

Use fabrics that “Grab” While most may think that staying with solids is the safer option, choosing a fabric that blend patterns and grab colors allow a multitude of design and styling options.

Embrace the colors and textures of the season. In fall, there is such a rich spectrum of blues, deep purples that can be paired with unexpected pops of browns and oranges that will not only add depth and creativity to your overall look, but on the practical side, can be paired with nearly any complimentary color shirt, coat and accessory. Classic patterns such as herringbones and paisleys can add a traditional feel while velvets can add a more creative feel.

Wear 3-pieces If you choose to wear a suit, go for the full 3piece look. This gives you a full look for ceremony and a tailored look when you remove your jacket for the dancefloor. Remember, you’re going to be photographed the entire day and evening so having a waistcoat to cover wrinkles on the eventual sweat spot will keep looking dapper throughout the night!

Diana Michelle is the owner and designer of PROVENANCE located in the 900 N. Michigan Ave Shops downtown Chicago.

PROVENANCE specializes in the in-house design and creation of tailored garments for men and women. With 10 years of experience designing garments, Diana works with each client to create custom designs that incorporate each client’s personalized style, budget and their broader wedding and/or brand vision. Diana’s designs have been been featured on the runway in New York Fashion Week, style publications, and worn regularly by notable personalities in the performing and fine arts world, professional sports and business.

Visit the store at 900 N. Michigan Avenue (Level 3) where Diana has curated collections from Europe and around the world for fine accessories, niche luxury perfume collections and specialty gifts and more. Follow @provenance_us or call 312-619-2425.

Keep your cuts classic Things to avoid If you look at dated wedding photos of past Avoid literal use of solid wedding colors decades, it’s usually the drastically slim or wide in your look. This could look solid widths of the jacket lapels and ties that don’t let colored ties, pocket squares and vests. the look stand the test of time. Today’s skinny Remember the solid colored vests from lapels are more common on your fast-fashion your have seen in your old prom photos! brands and therefore are more trend-driven Avoid matching accessories. Your tie or whereas going for a moderate width lapel is bowties should not be the exact same classic and elevated. Keep the cut of your suit color, but rather compliment each fitted without being tight and your lapels and other. Instead, COMPLIMENT the colors accessories a moderate width. so that your look is style and not a kit out of the box Finish the look in Sartorial style Avoid pre-tied bowties. This is fashion Classic mens accessories such as cufflinks, faux paus and a dead giveaway that one bowties, cummerbunds and pocket squares are is not used to dressing up very often. necessary to show that you have thought the Always use a hand-ties bowtie – no look through completion. Bowties should be exceptions. Plus, it always looks great to handtied. Pocket squares should have handuntie the bowtie at the end of the rolled edges and the shoes always polished. Try evening and drape it around the neck. creative touches such as lapel pins and funFinish the look a glass of your favorite patterned socks that are unexpected and Scotch in-hand! noticeable.

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Something wonderful awaits

LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

EDITOR'S PICK

TOP 5 LUXURY HONEYMOON RESORTS

By Akeshi Akinseye

Y

Your honeymoon should be one of the most memorable trips you've ever taken. This is the time to unwind from all the planning, decision making and stressing.

Picking a honeymoon location can be overwhelming. We’ve put together some of the best luxury resorts to explore while you are honeymoon planning.

Here are our top 5 picks of the most incredible resorts to consider when planning your honeymoon.

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1

Amanera Backed by jungle, fronted by a sweep of Atlantic Ocean, Amanera enjoys a panoramic clifftop perch on the Dominican Republic’s pristine north coast. Set above the celebrated golden sands of Playa Grande, it offers unparalleled access to water sports and backto-nature experiences, infused with the spice and flavour of Dominican life.

64 THE ART OF CELEBRATING

2

IKOS ANDALUSIA

Soak up the carefree ambience and ultra-cool Mediterranean style of allinclusive Ikos Andalusia, on Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Del Sol and the ideal location to experience Marbella’s luxuriously vibrant lifestyle. Close to the cosmopolitan glamour of Marbella, the exclusive Ikos Andalusia brings a new world of luxury and Mediterranean hospitality to Spain’s dazzling southern shores. Offering miles of fine sand, bathed by cooling waters, this peerless beachfront setting on the tranquil shores of Playa de Guadalmansa offers more than 21 acres of landscaped gardens and leisure facilities.

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3

Isla Palenque This is the heart of Isla Palenque. This 400-acre, private, tropical island resort in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama in Central America. A truly untouched tropical island experience. An undiscovered, faraway place that will energize you, refresh you, and send you back home anew.

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4

One&Only Mandarina Woven seamlessly into Mexico’s most awe-inspiring coastal rainforest, One&Only Mandarina, balances unparalleled seclusion with our signature One&Only atmosphere. Experience a unifying environment amidst the palm-fringed sands and emerald cliffside, punctuated with lagoons and estuaries, that encourage you to reconnect with yourself, those you love and the natural world. A sanctuary of unspoiled nature, open space and cultural heritage in Mexico.

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5

Belmond Hotel Splendido Splendido is one of the most enchanting hotels in Portofino. Gaze across the rugged coastline, enjoying prime position above the bay.

Delve into the spirit of irresistible glamour at the finest of all Italy resorts as you embrace all that’s best about the Ligurian Riviera.

Experience Italian dining at its best. Start the day with an invigorating motorboat ride or a soak in the saltwater swimming pool. End it with a candlelit dinner and a starlight stroll through the lush flower gardens.

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YTUAEB

&

ELYTS

for the honeymoon!

KEEP THE BLISS GOING

honeymoon swimwear Pieces for Your romantic getaway

BEAUTY & STYLE

1

2

Look and feel your best on your honeymoon Wondering what to pack for your honeymoon? These chic options will help you create the trip of a lifetime.

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4

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5

7

8

9

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SHOP : 1) Chan Luu - Turqouise Teardrop Earrings | 2) Chiara Boni La Petite - Rob Kiersten Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit | 3) Andrea Iyamah - Nisi Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit | 4) ERDEM - Natural White Vacation Fringed-trim Graphic-print Woven Hat | 5) La Mer - The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid | 6) PatBO - Lace-Up One-Piece Swimsuit | 7) Cult Gaia - Large Laszlo Leather Tote | 8) LELE SADOUGHI - Mixed-stone Drop Earrings In Coral | 9) Revel Rey - Cream Crepe Solana One-Piece Swimsuit | 10) Gucci - Fashion Inspired 60MM Oversized Square Sunglasses | 11) Fendi Medium Sunshine Logo Canvas Shopper | 12) SENSI STUDIO - Sicilian Stories Ii Lady Ibiza Sunhat With Medium Twist Band In Natural Black | 13) Dior - Diorsolar 59MM Square Sunglasses | 14) Chloé - Darryl Raffia & Leather Saddle Bag

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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

YOUR HONEYMOON CHECKLIST Must-pack travel essentials for your dream honeymoon

By Akeshi Akinseye

I

t can be a bit tricky to know what to pack for your honeymoon so we have made a list of everything you need to pack for your honeymoon vacation so you are not going from store to store looking for items you need.

The Essentials

Handy Extras

Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation Passports/visas/driver's license Credit cards (take only those you'll need) Hotel/Flight reservation confirmations Traveler's checks Two sets of photocopies of all of the above, plus a photocopy of related medical and/ trip Insurance coverage and prescriptions (carry one set with you, leave one in the hotel room) Phone numbers for your doctor, house/dog sitter, and credit card companies (in case your cards are lost or stolen) Prescription medicine Travel locks Camera/ Camcoder Tripod

Pair of jeans or sweatpants (for cold airports and the plane) Light jacket or pullover (take one that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack) Sundress Little black dress Cardigan (for chilly restaurants) Play shirts (T-shirts, tank tops, shortsleeve button-downs) Swimsuits (bikini for the beach, onepiece for water sports) Swimsuit cover-up Pair of walking shoes/sandals Pair of evening shoes/sandals Evening purse Extra socks and underwear Accessories Insect repellent Sunscreen and lip balm Sunglasses

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Must-pack travel essentials for your dream honeymoon

Continued...

Handy Extras:

Sun hat or baseball capAloe vera Band-Aids Aspirin Antacid Antihistamine Diarrhea medicine Motion sickness medicine Tote bag for beach or pool (also good for carrying souvenirs home) Electrical converter/adapter Bathroom Basics Travel-size toothpaste Toothbrushes Deodorant Hand Sanitizers

Cosmetics Make-up remover Cotton balls and swabs Comb/brush Hair gel/spray Nail file/clippers Shaving cream Razors Hair accessories Extra pair of glasses/contacts Sewing kit Shout Wipes (instant stain-treater towelettes) Anti-bacterial liquid or lotion Visine

Leave Behind With Family or Friends:

Your itinerary and hotel phone numbers Photocopies of your passport, credit cards, and traveler's check receipts.

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HEALTH

A

&

WELLNESS

GUIDE

TO

WELLNESS

Fall in love with taking care of yourself

HEALTH & WELLNESS

3 Reasons You Should Consider Yoga For Your Next Self-Care Sunday

By Imani Muhammad @GroundedinImani

T

Imani Muhammad, a RYT200 Yoga Alliance registered instructor, is a full-time accounting manager who loves to teach a Vinyasa style yoga course in her down time. She found her own personal practice 6 years ago through her need to find clarity and peace within her anxiety-filled life.

After falling in love with the practice and the overwhelming benefits it has had on her life, Imani graduated from the Chicago School of Yoga 200-hr training. As a medical cannabis patient & cannabis market employee, Imani is a strong believer in the healing power of cannabis and will sometimes incorporate cannabis into the beginning of her classes. Her focus during class is giving students the space to learn, grow, and enjoy their practice through exploration of fundamental yoga poses while also giving her students space to spend time with themselves and/or God.

here's a lot of talk about yoga in health circles, the media, and different social circles, and that can be scary. A lot of us get anxious about trying new things, especially when we don't understand them. However, for me and so many others, yoga has been life-changing! Here are 3 reasons I think you should give it a try.

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Personal Mission: Imani is dedicated to helping people find clarity, peace, and healing in their life through a Christ focused yoga practice that incorporates cannabis, devotionals, meditation, and Vinyasa style yoga.

3 Reasons You Should Consider Yoga for Your Next Self-care Sunday!

1.

Yoga incorporates breathing exercises, meditation and poses that help to nourish mind, body, and soul. Mindfulness is paying attention to the present, on purpose, and with no judgement. For the length of your yoga practice, you are focused on your breath and being present on the mat. In 2011, a Harvard study found that 8 weeks of MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction (MBSR), a therapeutic approach that combines meditation and yoga, resulted in a thickening of the prefrontal cortex and a decrease in size of the amygdala. “What does that even mean?”. It means that there are physical changes to your brain. The prefrontal cortex is connected to complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior. The amygdala processes fear and threatening stimuli. It plays a central role in anxiety responses to stressful and arousing situations. We can positively change the way our brain responds to stress and improve our cognitive behavior with yoga.

Yoga has also been proven to provide a great physical workout with numerous countless benefits, including flexibility, balance, strength, improved breathing, and heart health. In a year-long study completed on 66 elderly patients, total flexibility for patients in the yoga group increased by nearly four times that of the calisthenics group. In fact, yoga practice doesn’t have to be strenuous or time consuming to build muscle. By merely holding yoga poses, you can increase strength and build muscle.

One study showed that by simply doing sun salutations [24 cycles of sun salutations, 6 days a week for 24 weeks] that you can see a significant increase in upper body strength, endurance, and weight loss. Pranayama, the yogic practice of focusing on the breath, emphasizes breath control through breathing exercises and techniques. Improving breathing helps build endurance, increase lung performance, and keep your heart healthy.

Yoga has also been shown to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure & pulse rate. High blood pressure & excess weight are a few factors contributing to heart disease that can also be addressed through yoga.

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2.

Yoga can help decrease anxiety, depression & stress

Continued...As discussed, yoga can change the way our brain responds to stress. It has also been proven to affect the hormones within our body. Yoga decreases the secretion of cortisol and increases dopamine, serotonin & gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the body. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that influences levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and is often associated with depression when levels are low. When cortisol levels are high from chronic stress or depression, the ability for the body to produce and transport serotonin is greatly reduced. At the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health where they are studying Yoga and the Brain through MRIs and other techniques, they have found that yoga boosts levels of dopamine, serotonin, & GABA. You know that relaxing feeling you get after a glass of wine? Well, that is driven by the alcohol mimicking the effects of GABA by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. Yoga could be a good substitution for your evening glass of wine!

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3.

YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE!

Continued...No, you don’t have to be flexible and fit to start yoga. From yoga that can replace workouts, like power yoga, to classes that are more relaxing, such as restorative yoga; there’s a yoga class for everyone regardless of level or interest!. There are even yoga classes that incorporate animals & some that incorporate cannabis. You can also find yoga classes that focus on specific body parts or themes.

Take some time to think about what you would like to get from a yoga practice and I guarantee that you can find a class out there.

Yoga is diverse enough to allow you to find a class that fits your specific interest while also offering several mental & physical benefits.

If you are just beginning your yoga practice, look specifically for beginner or level one classes & workshops. If you aren’t ready to join a class, consider taking private classes with an instructor or starting your practice at home with zoom classes or free YouTube videos. A good place to start any yoga practice is learning sun salutations. A sun salutation is a series of poses linked together that can help stimulate your metabolism and organ systems. It can lengthen, strengthen, flex and extend many of the main muscles of the body.

Most vinyasa/flow yoga classes incorporate sun salutations so

Imani Muhammad | Instagram:@GroundedinImani

learning them will get you off to a great start.

If you are interested in giving yoga a try and are in the Chicagoland area, follow me on Instagram at @GroundedinImani to hear about classes I currently offer.

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Spice It Up! Tips for creating the perfect romantic date night at home

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

CREATING THE PERFECT ROMANTIC DATE NIGHT AT HOME Planning a celebration can be overwhelming, so it’s important to make time for weekly date nights. You don’t have to have to wait until its your wedding or Valentines day to have a romantic evening together.

Sometimes, all you need is a well curated date night at home?

"You don’t have to have to wait until its your wedding or Valentines day to have a romantic evening together."

As event producers, we spend a great deal of time crafting romantic celebrations for our clients. While those event are grand, romantic and elaborate events, I also love creating intimate and meaningful experiences. You can still enjoy some quality time and curate a memorable experience with your spouse at home.

Need ideas for at-home date night? Create a romantic experience with these tips to creating the perfect romantic athome date night and a lovely evening for two!I love the idea of creating a surprise date night for your spouse to make it even more special. These tips should get you that dream at-home date night you have been yearning for.

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AMBIANCE Ambiance is everything. You want the mood to be right for your romantic evening. You can do this in your living room or dinning area.

Candles are fantastic mood setters. Dim your lights at home and let the candles bring in the warm lighting and set the tone for the night. Go further and add some scented candles to the bathroom and bedroom.

Music is a must. It’s going to help set the tone. You can create a playlist with some of your favorite songs as a couple and play throughout the evening.

If you have a fireplace, depending on the the the time of the year, you can turn it on for a cozy setting or set the table close to the fireplace.

Nothing screams romance than flowers.

Grab some beautiful blooms from the grocery store or your favorite neighborhood florist to add to the ambiance of the evening.

"Don't wait for the perfect moment, create it."

LIBATIONS Date night or any celebration is fun with good drinks. A great bottle of champagne, your favorite wine or cocktails will do the trick.

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CREATING THE PERFECT ROMANTIC DATE NIGHT AT HOME

FOOD Great food is a must when creating a romantic date. Think of how you feel when you go out to dinner and the food is BLAH! You can order appetizers, salad and entree from your favorite restaurant or choose to cook together.

Start with small bites, salad and then entree. The small bites allow both of you to warm up with a nice conversation. music and drinks.

Don’t forget about dessert! The sweetest part of your dinner is going to be your sweet treats. You can order desserts from your favorite bakery or restaurant and pair with a dessert wine or cocktail.

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SET THE TABLE

Photo by Collin Pierson Photography

To pull this off, you are going to need: A Small table or use your dinner table Linens (tablecloths and napkins) Chairs (you can use your dinning chairs) Charger plates Dinner plates Salad plate Small plates for apps Champagne flutes + bucket to chill Beautiful flatware Glassware for water, wine, champagne etc.

Photo by Nicee Martin Photography

Lots of items are easy to get. You can find some really great tabletop accessories from your local home goods, retail store or Amazon to add some glam to your table design.

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Ditch the sweatpants

Photo by Nicee Martin Photography

While its fun to hop into your favorite sweatpants and t-shirt, spice it up and ditch the sweatpants for your date. Pull out the LBD or wear something fun and colorful.

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Health & Wel l ness

REFRESH YOUR ROUTINE

Tips to help create habits for a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life.

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR SCENTED CANDLES Scented candles add a nice fragrance to any space in addition to having a soothing and calming effect. Here are some pro tips for the best candle care.

Always trim your wick before use each use. Trimming your wick is an essential part of candle care. To avoid sooting, trim the wick to 1/4" prior to each use.

Don't burn for too long. Burn your scented candle for no more than 4 hours at a time.

Keep the lid on your candle whenever it is not being used so that it does not dry out.

Prevent uneven burning. Center your candle wick before lighting.

Keep your candle jar clean.

Always place candle away from flammable objects.

Never leave burning candle unattended.

Keep away from children and pets.

Remove all packaging material.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JESUS SANTOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Allow candle jar to cool before touching or moving.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

5 Hacks To Improve Your Home Workouts

By JP Thomas jzpthomas.com

Since March of last year I have been working out at home. Prior to the pandemic I loved working out at the gym. Being thrust into solely home workouts has changed my mind in so many ways. I used to think that they were not as effective as the gym, but I have proven that theory so few weeks of doing home workouts was not easy for me, but now I am in a groove so much so that I almost never go to the gym. Here are 5 simple changes I made to make my home workouts more effective.

PHOTO BY HANNAH SCHWEISS PHOTOGRAPHY

wrong. I’m not going to lie, the 1st

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

5 Hacks To Improve Your Home Workouts

01

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02

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03

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around to clear room for your workouts.

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5 Hacks To Improve Your Home Workouts

04 Plan your workouts Sometimes getting motivated to workout is a challenge within itself paired with trying to figure out what to do.

By JP Thomas

Instead of trying to think through what exercise(s) you want to do each time, leverage the many fitness videos

Instagram: instagram.com/jzpthomas:

on YouTube. If you know you want to workout in the

Website: jzpthomas.com:

morning, spend some time the night before and map

out what workout you want to do.

05 Try something new

One of the best parts of working out at home is privacy.

There is no one staring at you or paying attention to what workout you are doing. Use it as an opportunity to switch up your workouts. If you are someone who used to only run on the treadmill try doing a HIIT workout. Or if you have found that you only focus on one area of your body try to switch it up and do a total body workout.

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PHOTO BY JENNIFER HATHAWAY PHOTOGRAPHY

SELF SABOTAGE: HOW TO OVERCOME THOSE BEHAVIORS AND ACHIEVE YOUR WELLNESS GOALS

BY NATALYA VASQUEZ

WWW.BRIDALBOOTCAMPSANDIEGO.COM

It’s Sunday night. You’ve spent the weekend indulging in food and drinks that were off limits all week and now you’re oddly feeling guilty. On Monday, you committed to feeling better physically and mentally, and that meant a new fitness regime and meal plan. This was your 700th attempt at starting a plan on Monday, and you were absolutely convinced that this Monday would be different. For four days, you did great. You ate on plan and got your workouts in. You even posted a “Never miss a Monday” photo on Instagram. Then Friday rolled around, your drive started wavering, and the office donuts began to call your name. So after a couple of hours of circling the donut box like a hungry shark and arguing with yourself about whether or not to have one, you decided to reward yourself. It would have been fine if that’s where it stopped, but you kept celebrating your newfound food freedom by eating and drinking whatever you wanted for the rest of the weekend and pretending that the stroll to the fridge met your daily steps quota. By the end of the weekend, remorse and guilt settled in, and you physically felt worse than you did several days ago.

Isn’t it ironic that after a few days of honoring your body, you not only opted out of the commitment that you made to yourself, but also somehow convinced yourself that the weekend indulgences would make you happier? In reality, you quit on yourself. But if feeling great is what we all want, then why do we give up so easily and so frequently?

In the wellness space, self-sabotage is a common behavior that prevents us from reaching our goals.

It’s easy to prioritize health for a couple of days, but when staying on track gets more difficult, it’s easy to tell yourself “I don’t care” and revert back to old habits. The problem however, is that you do care.

You’ve always cared. You’ll care this Sunday and every Sunday for the rest of your life until you figure out why you’re self-sabotaging your goals because you’re tired of not feeling great and you know that you’re capable of being both happy and healthy.

WHILE IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE FOR BEHAVIORS THAT AREN’T SERVING YOU, IT’S ALSO CRITICAL TO LOOK AT AREAS WHERE YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR WELLNESS PLAN.

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HERE ARE TEN COMMON BEHAVIORS THAT FREQUENTLY RESULT IN SELF-SABOTAGE AND WAYS TO SQUASH THEM BEFORE THEY DERAIL YOU FROM MEETING YOUR GOALS.

EATING TOO LITTLE. 1,200 calories is not enough energy to fuel a toddler, why would it be enough to sustain an adult? If you’re basing your calorie needs on what a fitness application or online calculator tells you, keep in mind that these calculations do not factor in the variables that make up your unique physiology. When you eat extremely low-calorie, you’re setting yourself up to binge later because your body is starved. Remember, most diets, regardless of whether they’re paleo, keto, Whole 30, or other, capitalize off of less calories. They allow you to lose weight because you’re eating less in general.

Solution: Work with a professional that specializes in reverse dieting (eating more) and is willing to look at you as an individual, and not a data entry in an app.

The professional should look at daily activity, sleep, stress levels, and hormones to determine your calorie needs.

ELIMINATING CARBS Carbohydrates come in a variety of forms, including grains, fruits, and vegetables, and they provide essential nutrients to the body.

When you demonize carbs (or any other food group), you perpetuate diet fads and enable a poor relationship with food. Your goal should be to look at food as fuel; food is not the enemy. Eliminating entire food groups can also lead to binging, which is counterproductive to weight loss. Solution: Try the 80/20 principle. Eat healthy, unprocessed foods 80% of the time, and incorporate the less healthy food and alcohol for 20% of your meals. This could be broken up into daily or weekly treats.

The idea behind this principle is that if you incorporate some of the foods you love daily or weekly, it won’t lead to binging because they’re not forbidden.

NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO SERVING SIZES While counting calories or macros and measuring food isn’t for everyone, I do encourage people to learn what a serving size looks like. You’d be surprised to see what one tablespoon of peanut butter or a serving of nuts or cheese actually is (hint, it’s not half the jar of nut butter or a block of cheese).

Solution: Spend a few days journaling what you eat and measure out foods that are dense in calories (nuts, cheese, oil, etc.) so that you have an idea of what you’re consuming. Track and measure foods for a short period of time to build an understanding of your calorie intake.

NOT PLANNING MEALS AHEAD OF TIME Meal planning doesn’t have to look like asparagus and tilapia in Tupperware containers. It should however require some planning so that you don’t end up licking the inside of a potato chip bag after a 10 hour work day. While you may have the best of intentions, we all know that after a long day, the last thing we want to do is plan and prepare a healthy meal.

Solution: Set aside a couple of hours on a weekend to plan for the week. Plan your meals and snacks and do any prep work you can over the weekend like chopping up vegetables or cooking a large batch of protein to quickly use in a salad, wrap, or bowl. Focus on building meals that have a balanced ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and a variety of colors. If food is aesthetically pleasing, you’re more likely to enjoy it.

SPENDING HOURS DOING CARDIO If you want to appear toned, you need to incorporate resistance training. Doing large amounts of cardio will tell your body to conserve energy, so your body will become more efficient at burning fewer calories. On the contrary, what you probably want is to be able to eat more food, workout less, and look toned (not skinny).

Solution: Incorporate weights and bands into your workouts to build muscle. When you strive for strength and not thinness, you set yourself up for long-term success. Remember, you can’t out train a bad diet. No amount of cardio will make up for years of malnourishing your body.

THINKING THAT FASTING IS THE BEST WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT Fasting can be great spiritual and antiaging tools (when done properly), however, fasting 12-20 hours alone each day won’t result in weight loss if you’re eating the same amount of calories as you did prior to fasting.

Solution: Eat when you’re hungry. Yes, that’s easier said than done, especially when many of us use food to deal with our emotions, but learning to feel and not eat your emotions is one of the most beneficial behaviors you can adopt on your wellness journey.

USING THE SCALE AS THE ONLY MEASURE FOR PROGRESS The scale is one of many tools to measure progress, but should be used with other tools. Stress, carbohydrate and water intake, menstrual cycles, and sleep quality can all affect the number on the scale.

Daily fluctuations are normal.

Solution: Weigh yourself no more than once a week and incorporate other measurement tools like how clothes fit or a body fat scale to gauge progress.

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SELF SABOTAGE: HOW TO OVERCOME THOSE BEHAVIORS AND ACHIEVE YOUR WELLNESS GOALS

BY NATALYA VASQUEZ

Continued...

NOT ASKING YOURSELF IF LOSING WEIGHT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY Confidence doesn’t come from weight loss. If you think that being a couple of sizes smaller will make you happy, you’re mistaken. The joy you get from putting on smaller jeans is fleeting, but the sadness or pain you felt before losing weight will follow you until you deal with the underlying issues.

Solution: Wellness and health should not feel like punishment. Prioritize health in a sustainable way and allow your body to reach its set-point. You’ll be a lot happier in a body that not only feels great and moves well, but is also able to participate in celebrations that center around food.

Natalya Vasquez is a certified personal trainer based in San Diego, CA and the owner of Bridal Bootcamp San Diego. When Natalya isn't working, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Follow Bridal Bootcamp On Instagram For more information, please visit: www.bridalbootcampsandiego.com

COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE. How many times have you felt great about your progress until you compared yourself to someone else? You are unique and you have your own circumstances that drive your success.

Solution: Comparison is the thief of joy.

You have your own path to walk and lessons to learn. Cheer on your friends and family for their victories, and then stay focused on your own journey.

TELLING YOURSELF THAT YOU’RE TOO OLD OR TOO OUT OF SHAPE TO START Everyone has a day one. If you believe you can’t, you won’t. However, if you tell yourself that you can, you will.

Solution: Instead of feeding yourself self-limiting beliefs, look to inspirational individuals with similar stories or starting points that have reached their goals and use them as expanders for your own potential.

The majority of these behaviors are influenced by factors that are likely unsustainable for you. Yes, your friend, aunty, or coworker may have had great success fasting or eating keto, but will it work for you? Any time you are tempted to pursue a fad diet, slow down and ask yourself how long you can keep up with it, especially when major life events happen. If you can’t eat or exercise a particular way for the rest of your life, then as soon as you go back to old habits, so will the weight. Finding a balanced approach to wellness is key.

Instead of committing to a new diet and exercise plan every Monday, commit to honoring yourself and your choices daily. Evaluate the reasons why you’re starting a new plan and whether it will be feasible for you in the long-run. It’s time to get off the hamster wheel of failed diet and exercise plans, and get on the journey of wellness. When you feel great, you do great, and the world needs your greatness.

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WHY A SLEEP INTERVENTION WILL BE MAGICAL FOR YOUR MIND, MOOD & MUSCLES

By Andrea Wise

WHY A SLEEP INTERVENTION WILL BE MAGICAL FOR YOUR MIND, MOOD, & MUSCLES

BY ANDREA WISE The alarm sounds and you immediately think, ‘How is it already time to get up and on with my day? I just closed my eyes.’ [ugh] You will yourself out of bed. (If you don't hit snooze 1x or 10x.) You’re tired. Too tired for your training session AGAIN (and already behind schedule) so you reach for your first cup of coffee for the day. Your energy is low, you're tired, slightly irritable and you have several more cups of coffee on standby.

Throughout the day you have food cravings galore that come out of nowhere.

Salty to sweet over and over again. You don’t get much movement in AND may have a cocktail or two PLUS a glass of wine with dinner. You stay up later than planned.... AND next thing you know the cycle starts all over again tomorrow.

Unfortunately, this scenario is one you know all too well. In fact, it is your ‘normal’ routine on repeat and no matter what you try - nothing changes.

Sound familiar? f your answer is, ‘YES!’ Keep reading. The simple sleep tips below will improve your mind, mood, and body if you do them consistently.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

1. Go to bed and wake up around the same time daily. Sleep (good quality deep sleep) is the only time your body can repair itself. Consistent quality sleep is what will improve your hormones, mood, energy levels and so much more.

2. Cut out screen time and electronics an hour or more before bed. The light from our electronics keeps us up and our brains ‘awake’ and active.

3. Develop a wind down routine so your body can prepare to rest. i.e. a bath, tea, stretching, meditation, etc.

4. Keep your bedroom cool (67°or cooler) and keep it clean, tidy, and peaceful.

5. Remove electronics i.e tv, phones, computers, etc. if at all possible. At the very least - make sure you turn them off. Any buzzing, lights, sounds, etc can be very disrupting to your sleep quality throughout the night.

6. An eye mask/earplugs can also be very helpful if you are sensitive to noise and or light based on your surroundings and living situation.

7. Make your bedroom a place for sleep and intimacy. No reading, working, scrolling, tv, etc - sleep and sex only.

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Continued…

When you follow the above tips you will be able to reduce the amount of caffeine you intake daily and you’ll have the energy to move and train your body with better consistency. The consistent sleep will also help regulate your hormones which will improve your mood naturally and decrease those crazy food cravings.

Pick a couple of the tips from above and start with those first. Once you have them down consistently and they are your ‘new normal’ tackle another one or two from the list.

By Andrea Wise

@andrea_wise_ andreawiselifestyle.com

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