A new life together

Right now, as I write this post, my husband and I are in the middle of preparing to put our house on the market. We are now undertaking the most difficult process -- clearing out the clutter and straightening up the closets!

You, as an engaged couple, are about to start your new life together. Some of you may be living together already in the home you will share as a married couple. Others will be moving in together once you say "I do!" Either way, you should step back from wedding planning and make sure you are both ready to purge your old baggage and begin a new slate.

Believe me, I was filled with trepidation before conquering (or at least starting!) the "junk room." Over the past 8 years that we have lived in this house, there always was this one room that just ended up being the place where things ended up. And this room was in shambles! It took one weekend, at least 3 huge garbage bags, 1 huge recycling bin and a lot of patience to go through and get rid of the stuff that we didn't need/want. "Why did I keep that?" Funny to see what you felt was important at one time in your life - turns out to be trash later! But at the end of the weekend, how amazing was it to walk into the "junk room" and see its true beauty!

Before you get married, take a bit of time to get rid of the old stuff - be it literally or figuratively. Cleanse your house, and get ready to enjoy the endless possibilities!

Until next time, happy planning...

Buff Brides

With all of the planning that you're doing for your perfect day -- trying on numerous wedding gowns, doing hair and make-up trials, selecting your jewelry, getting your teeth whitened -- one area to remember is to work out and tone up! After all, you want your body to be in the best shape possible, and you'll have the photos to prove it!

There are so many ways to get in shape available. Think about how you like to work out - are you a gym person, or do you like to work up a sweat in the privacy of your own home? Do you want a personal trainer that comes to your house? Do you have free weights in your basement next to the treadmill, gathering dust? Or, do you like DVDs?

Another consideration is what is your goal? Are you looking to lose weight overall, or tone up your arms only? If you want buff upper arms, jogging around your neighborhood with your dog may not be the best option.

Also, think outside the box! I started doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about 1 1/2 years ago and, without changing my diet, lost 20 lbs. Not to mention gained a lot of confidence and cardio health!

Until next time, happy planning...

Honeymoons

My favorite topic! I love to travel, and have been lucky enough to have seen many parts of this beautiful world, so I enjoy assisting my clients in selecting their honeymoon destinations.

There are so many places to choose, it's almost overwhelming at the beginning. When working with a client, I start with how they like to relax. Do they go hiking, skiing and scuba diving, OR do they go to the beach? In other words, are they active or more laid back? Another question I ask is whether they want to go sightseeing on their honeymoon, or want to go to a resort where everything is included and they don't have to leave the property. Also, do they want to stay within the US, or travel abroad?

Based upon their responses and budget, I make recommendations for places for them to consider. Beach bum? Think Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii. Sightseers -- Europe or South America. Adventurists, how about an African Safari? Resort-lovers should look at Sandals or even a cruise. Exotic locale? Try Bora Bora (where I spent my honeymoon), Australia or Asia.

Once we zero in on a location, I usually recommend a travel agent to help them with their booking. While online booking engines certainly can be expedient, I've found that, especially with a honeymoon, getting that personal touch with insider knowledge really enhances the experience! After all, your wedding day is filled with professionals - shouldn't your honeymoon be as well?

Until next time, happy planning...

Congratulations...the winners are

Thanks to everyone who sent me emails in response to my last post!! The answer is no more than 50% of your total wedding budget should be spent on your reception - and less is better!!

The winners, who each received 2 complimentary tickets ($40 value) to the Association of Bridal Consultants' bridal show, Before "I Do," coming up on March 16th at Dolce Basking Ridge are Kirby Henderson, Amanda Huckabee and Mike Luteran. I look forward to seeing them -- AND YOU -- at this amazing show!!!!