Before & After: Bridal Make up

Skin Rx: Clean & Clear

The wedding day is one of the most photographed days in a bride's life. Manicures and Pedicures are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to looking your best. Even a relatively nice complexion can benefit from nine- six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition, and added water-drinking. It is definitely key to meet with a licensed esthetician or dermatologist to analyze your skin and create a customized plan geared specifically towards your skincare needs.

Cortisone Shot is the best way to treat a mountain size pimple. Not for the needle phobias out there but for anyone who can brave the quick injection of the miracle steroid, this procedure is instant gratification. Great for those brides who only have 48 hrs before their wedding. This shot fights the inflammation and the pimple head.You need a dermatologist for this procedure and it usually costs around $125 but it may be covered by insurance. Cortisone shot is also used as treatment for keloid scars.

For those who suffer from acne or severe hormonal break outs during that wonderful time of the month, a switch in oral contraceptives may help significantly reduce the acne. All birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that imitate the hormones that a woman naturally produces. However, some oral contraceptives like Yasmin has been known to work effectively against acne. Yasmin for acne treatment is a monophasic combination birth control pill, which combines the two major female sex hormones, Estrogen and Progesterone. Talk to your gynecologist or reproductive health councilor if Yasmin is right for you.

Another option for clear skin is a treatment called, Isolaz. It utilizes a new technology called photopneumatics. The two pronged approach to treat acne uses a vaccum to suck up excess oil from the pores and a painless laser to reduce bacteria content. It usually takes 1-4 treatments but it does come with a steep price tag, between $400-$600 per treatment. The perk is that the procedure last about 10 minutes with minimal redness and can be used to remove unwanted hair, fight sun damage and is practically painless. In about one month, you can achieve clear skin with Isolaz.

Of course a good cleansing program is important too. Use a multi-step system including

• a good cleanser appropriate for your skin-type in the mornings
• make-up remover and cleanser at night
• daily moisturizer with an spf
• an exfoliant once to several times a week.

For acne prone skin types, I suggest using a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide of at least 2%. For those who have sensitive oily skin like myself, Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser with botanical blast is a great cleanser. I use this in conjunction with the Boscia Clear Complexion toner with botanical blast. It works for all skin types especially those with sensitive skin and the entire Boscia line is preservative free so you'll feel good knowing that the skincare products you use are not toxic to your skin.

It should be noted I also use the Clarisonic facial brush. This device is really effective in removing make up residue and giving an overall clean face. The FI gave me the Clarisonic for X-mas and it has since been my Holy Grail of skin care tools. You will have skin as soft as a baby's bottom! Other benefits include better product absorption and reduction in pore size, creating healthier looking skin. This mini microdermabrasion cleansing tool is really ideal for those who want an effective and thorough cleaning.

Brush heads available for sensitive skin types and a body brush is available too. Brush heads should be replaced every 3 months for best usage.


WATER

Always, always drink enough water. Usually 8-10 glasses daily will help clear up blemishes. Keep a water bottle to help make sure you get enough water intake. And reduce your caffeine consumption, it will help with stress levels and it keeps skin more hydrated.

Traditional Cambodian Wares

Traditional silver crafts are deeply rooted in Cambodian culture. Originally created for the aristocracy to use in religious rites and ceremonial occasions like weddings. Today the typical Cambodian house hold has several imitation pieces used for the same practices. Most of the design work in the silver wares depict delicate filigree work, an echo of intricate carvings seen at Angkor, which has been passed down through generations of silversmiths and still manifests itself today in modern pieces. I hope to incorporate them as containers for my floral centerpieces.

Inspiration Board VII

Inspiration Board: Teal & Raspberry Pink

Let Them Eat Cake!

Last week my MOH and I met with Jennifer Luxmoore, the cake lady and owner of Sin Dessert. Jennifer is as sweet as her cakes. She is also quite attentive and is very creative, which is reflected in her work. Her cake shop won the title of R.I Monthly Best Wedding Cake so it made sense to set up a cake tasting with her. I chose a few flavors and fillings from the menu on her website but Jennifer paired some complimentary fillings that charmed our taste buds. I was pleasantly surprised with the Mexican Ganache (pepper flakes and cinnamon) filling and Banana cake. However, I knew that most of our guests would favor the Coconut and lemon filling because the sweetness was more subtle. Our least favorite pairing was the hazelnut cake with the raspberry filling but it is simply because we don't fancy raspberry. As for the chocolate cake, it reigned supreme with its absolutely sinful hazelnut filling. I saved a piece for FI and he loved it! Overall, the cakes were rich and moist and I simply love the butter cream frosting, which is light and fluffy (not too sweet). It was difficult to decide on just one flavor so we chose three; the coconut, banana and chocolate. Jennifer sketched me a beautiful lotus inspired cake with lotus leaves detail spiraling down the cake in the shades of my wedding colors and gold trimming as accent. The top of the cake will have a large lotus flower identical to the lotus candles I will have as reception decor. The inspiration for the cake came from an ornate three tier peacock cake featured on her site from an Indian wedding. Aside from the cake, we will have cupcakes too! Yes, double the pleasure. I loved everything about Sin but I will have to wait for their proposal and I still have two more cake bakeries to meet with before we can make any decisions. However, my birthday is coming up so I might treat myself to one of Jennifer's sinful creations. I know there will be a party in my mouth!

Visit Sin Dessert

Inspiration Board: Here comes the bridesmaids

Lela Rose dress, origami earrings by moi, etsy peacock hair pin, etsy custom clutches, Christian Louboutin hot pink pumps, pink floral bouquet (roses and peonies) in a teal clutch wrap.