Inspiration: Hair Styles

Loving this outline from our friends at Simply Bridal!

This guide was created with the intention of helping brides pick their hairstyle, but we’ve found that it can be used by any girl, anytime! It doesn’t matter if it’s your big wedding day or just a normal everyday day. Every girl is thinking the same question when they wake up, what shall I do with my hair today? Braids? Twist? Bun? Take a look at our little guide to help you with your decision.

Real Wedding: Kelly

Product of the Week: Eyebrow Threading

 Threading is a hair removal technique that uses 100% cotton thread. The cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread which are then lifted quickly from the follicle. It is more precise than waxing and allows for defined lines.

The technique is rather inexpensive because it does not require costly chemical ingredients. Messy waxes and creams are avoided altogether. For women who would like to pursue a more natural beauty regimen, hair threading is a good choice.

As opposed to waxing, the top layers of skin are not peeled or traumatized in the process making threading gentler on the skin. Threading is highly recommended and an excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane, or similar products.

 Above you can see a picture of a threading client. As you can see there is no redness and leaves no evidence of hair removal procedures.

Waxing can sometimes burn and cause blisters if the wax is too hot. It can also cause breakouts.

Cheers to threading and perfectly shaped brows!

xoxo, 

Lindsay

Photo credit: Google.com

Real Wedding: Kristin

My bridesmaids and I had a blast working with Julie on my wedding day!  She was amazing during the trial so I knew she would be even better on the big day and she did not disappoint.  My bridesmaids and I were so satisfied with Julie's work and our hair stayed put all day.  Julie did a truly amazing job on me and my girls, I couldn't have been more satisfied.  Ashley and her team are so much fun to work with and I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!

Mondays with Mindy: Budget Savvy Wedding Ideas

In celebration of Cyber Monday, here are a few ways to save big on your wedding day.

1.) Cut your floral budget down dramatically by featuring non-floral items such as rocks, candles, crystals, lanterns  etc. 

2.) Serving family-style meals instead of a plated service. This will cut down on the number of servers needed. Also, this option is sure to get your guests engaging with one another.

3.) Save up to thousands of dollars on wedding invitations by creating your own. If you have the smallest amount of creativity and some time, simple but elegant invitations might be the way to go.

4.) Instead of renting fancy linens try creating custom table coverings using fun textured fabrics. Textiles such as burlap or muslin are natural earthy choices and can literally be cut by your own sheers. No need for sewing!

5.) Instead of the ever popular bridesmaids' bouquet, ask them to carry quirkier items such as lanterns, pinwheels, button or broach bouquets, or get inspired by the time of year. Wheat for the fall can be extremely stylish and even subtle Christmas ornaments can bring in a seasonal touch without going overboard.

Whatever your budget, finding ways to make your wedding your own is key. And if those personalizations can save you a few bucks in the process, why not??

XOXO Mindy

Dream Team: Thankful

 Natasha

1. Beaches.

2. Sunny days.

3. Sweat pants.

4. Hot cocoa.

5. Puppies.






Beth

1. Marrying the man of my dreams this summer.

2. My faith in God and the good in other people.

3. Being able to play with makeup for a living.

4. The sweetest dog.

5. Netflix.

 Sami

1. Thankful I am a part of the Up Do's For I Do's team!

2. Memories.

3. Music.

4. Thankful for positive people!

5. Freedom.

Steffani

1. My family.

2. My boyfriend.

3. My best friend.

4. For my job with Up-Do's For I Do's.

5. My google calender- without this I would not know where to be!

Lisa

1. My little growing baby that I cannot wait to welcome into this world!!!

2. My career with Up-Do's for I Do's. I have never been so lucky and blessed to have a job that I love so much!

3. The fact that I live with my mom and sister and get to wake up to their beautiful faces every single day.

4. My best friend finally being able to rest in peace up in Heaven. I love you Jacqueline. Rest easy beautiful angel!

5. The love that my Boyfriend and I have for each other. It is unlike anything I could have ever dreamed of. I love you Tim!

Sara

1. I'm thankful to live in a nation that allows women to express themselves. This gives me the opportunity to do the job I enjoy and love. And to work with amazing colleagues and mentors.

2. I'm thankful for the team of doctors that have literally changed my life this year. They have made me well, again.

3. I'm thankful for the new home my husband and I recently bought.

4. Music can change your mood, define your feelings and pull people together. I'm thankful for music and for the joy it brings into my life.

5. I'm thankful for my daughter and husband. They have brought true joy to my life and I couldn't ask for anything more!

Serena

1. I am thankful for the advancements in technology, because my boyfriend and I wouldn't be able to bear the burden of a long distance relationship without it.

2. Fall afternoons when the sun and the wind have the perfect combination, and you can sit outside comfortably with a book for hours. (A mini-vacation in my world) :)

3. Chocolate- there are just those times when a girl needs it!

4.  Hurricane Sandy made her path all up the eastern coast. My family lives from Florida all the way up to Vermont. I am extremely thankful that although she made it far, everyone I love was safe and unharmed.

5. The O's season baby! So happy that we made it as far as we did! Let's go O's!

Leann

1. Zebra Print.

2. Waterproof Mascara.

3. Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha.

4. I-Phone Facetime.

5.  Spray Tanning.

Kelly

1. I am thankful to finally be graduating from Anne Arundel Community College.

2. Thankful to have received my make-up artist certificate from Von Lee Academy.

3. Blessed to have an amazing job with the amazing ladies at Up Do’s.

4. So thankful that my new puppy, who was stepped on and injured before we got her, is healthy and incredibly cute.

5. I am mostly thankful for all the opportunities I have had this year and all the great people I’ve been able to meet.

Stephanie

1. Dry Shampoo-Enough said :)

2. Cooking-I love food!

3. My talents as a hairstylist-I'm so grateful that I can make money doing what I love!

4. My iPhone-technology has made my life so much easier and organized.

5. Being able to make people feel beautiful- such an awesome feeling!

Lindsay

1. My dog Titan.

2. My Keurig.

3. My iPhone.

4. My bathtub.

5. My faith.

Mindy

1. A job that is fun, entertaining, and challenging

2. A warm house to come home to.

3. My dogs. Even though they test my patience at least once a day, nothing is better than seeing their faces after a long day!

4. Lots of upcoming events and trips on my calendar.

5. The Baltimore Ravens. Even though I moved to VA, Purple runs through my veins!

Ashley

1.  I have an army of people that help me daily. I wouldn't be able to do what I do without the many important key people in my life ~ Mindy, Lindsay, Mom, Dad, Husband, Jan, Tom, Joanna + fam, Crystal and so many others.

2. My monkeys. The two adorable children that hang from pantry shelves, climb over the back of the couch, that create a mess and pretend it is a fort. I love them. They have made my life so rich and have taught me so much about our world.

3. Prince Charming. The man that took me out for pasta for our first date, proposed to me by our Christmas Tree, stood by my side while our daughters were born and the person that has promised to be with me through thick and thin. I am blessed to have such a loving, committed, funny, handsome, hardworking, strong and perfect man to share my life with. He is also my babies daddy.

4. Talent. I can not cook. I can not sew. I can not do math. Calculator anyone? I can barely use correct grammar and punctuation (holla for spell check!) but I can do hair.  I love going to "work" and I absolutely love what I do. I am even more honored to work with the best of the best in our industry and am thankful I get to call them co-workers. Love our Up-Do's team.

5. Risks. I am thankful that there is an option to take risks, that life isn't dull and it can be as creative and bright as you make it out to be. I have learned that sometimes risks involve big consequences but they can also end in big rewards. I try each day to expand my personal and professional goals. I am thankful I have the opportunity to do that.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends, readers, clients, brides and family!

Who's Who: The Wedding Party

Tuesday Tip: Holiday Redness

During the holidays, we all reach for that extra dessert, bread, pastry, sugar cookie or our favorite drink! The extra sugar and processed foods promote bloating and that lovely red/pink blotchyness from drinking or the extra foods usually trigger extra hormones and...Ta Dah! Our skin breaks out.
Most of us don't enjoy putting on extra makeup or trying to cover up pimples & redness. A few extra steps, to make you feel less "cakey" or fake and my personal favorite, looking slimmer!

 

 

 To look slimmer - contour those cheekbones! Add a few extra swipes of bronzer underneath your cheek bones, chin and across your forehead. Finish with blush and a setting powder to hold it all day and night.

Pimples and Redness - These two go hand in hand.
 First, DO NOT pop the zit. It's so much easier to conceal when it's not popped.

Next - Use primer. I prefer a green based primer to help even out the skin tone.
Put on your favorite concealer. Try using a cosmetic q-tip, brush or beauty sponge to help covering the pimple/blemish.

Lastly - Apply a warmer or yellow based (undertone) powder to help hold on the concealer.
Remember, highlighting never hurts either ;)

Finish with your favorite lip gloss, mascara and you'll be feeling fabulous for any holiday party!

 

Sara 

 

 

Mondays with Mindy: Beautify Your Thanksgiving

As unbelievable as it seems, it's that time of year again! The holidays are here. In just 3 days, millions of people will be entertaining family and friends with a table full of delicious autumnal foods. Top items include turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing (or is it dressing?!?), and don't forget the pumpkin pie! But as I was browsing through what seemed like hundreds of pumpkin pie recipes, I noticed something odd. More than half the recipes I found call for less than one can of pumpkin purée. So the question is, what to do with all the left over pumpkin??

Here are a few at home, DYI beauty recipes that are sure to get your skin glowing just in time for turkey day!

Why is pumpkin a great additive to many popular skin care products? Pumpkin is filled with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin A, to name a few. Pumpkin renews the skin, removes the outer layer exposing the new skin, creating a beautiful glow.

DIY Recipe: Pumpkin Honey Mask

What You'll Need:

4 tablespoons of plain pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons of honey
2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel
2 teaspoons of mashed pineapple
1 teaspoon of green tea
½ teaspoon of sunflower oil.

Preparation:



Prepare green tea and let it rest a bit. While that is cooling down, combine pineapple, honey, pumpkin, and aloe gel. Add to that sunflower oil and then green tea. Mix well.

Apply the mix on the face and neck and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pad dry. This amount is enough for 4 applications. Keep it in a glass jar, tightly closed and refrigerated. It is not to be used after 2 weeks.

DIY Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Pedicure

Since pumpkin is chock full of good-for-you nutrients, it only makes sense that it would pack the same benefits for your skin. With the weather getting colder, it's a great ingredient to add to your beauty treatments since it nourishes tired and dry skin instantly, plus gives it a gorgeous healthy glow.

What You'll Need:
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
Optional ingredients: splash of milk, 1 tsp honey

Preparation:
Mix ingredients together and apply the pumpkin masque to feet and calves. Wrap in plastic bags. Sit back and relax for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Dry off and apply a few pumps of your favorite moisturizer or lotion (try a Vanilla scent) to keep feet and calves silky-smooth and hydrated. Cut and file nails as desired.

And while your at it...here's a great recipe using any leftover butternut squash you may have!

DIY Recipe: Brightening Butternut Squash Enzyme Mask
This great mask works like a scrub to exfoliate without being abrasive to your skin. Butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C and zinc, and can brighten, heal, and protect your skin from free radicals, all while gently dissolving dead skin cells.

What You'll Need:
1 raw egg and 1 cup cooked butternut squash. (Optional Ingredients include papaya, honey, apple cider or cranberry juice.)

Method and Application:
Adding an egg to the mask helps bind the ingredients together, as well as nourishing and lifting the skin. Whisk together about 1/2 cup of the squash and the egg (feel free to use pumpkin, either fresh or canned, for this recipe!). How to customize your mask: For more exfoliation: Add 2/3 cup fresh mashed papaya. The additional enzymes will dissolve dead skin on the spot, leaving you fresh and glowing. For dry skin: Add a tablespoon of honey, which acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. For oily skin: Mix in a tablespoon of apple cider or cranberry juice for a toning astringent effect. Slather the mixture on your face in a fairly thick layer. Avoid the eye area. You'll feel some light tingling as the enzymes gently exfoliate the top layer of skin. Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water and a washcloth.

So to all of you, have a happy, safe, and beautiful Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble,

Mindy

Sources:
Eric Sakas, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Vapour Cosmetics.
Skin Care Recipes and Remedies: Pumpkin Skin Care
Real Beauty: 7 DIY Thanksgiving-Inspired Spa Treatments

GIVEAWAY: Simply Bridal Veil

Product of the Week: Eyeshadow

Shopping for eye shadows can be SO much fun. There are a variety of places to shop and so many colors to choose from.

As a professional makeup artist, one question I get from our mother of the bride/groom's is should I wear shimmer on my eyes? 

First, here is a breakdown of the different options of shadow. 

Frosted eye shadow: has an opaque finish with a white or silver sparkle. Pastel hues are often frosted eye shadows and usually brighten the eyes. This is typically more suited for younger skin.

Matte eye shadow:  can be used for creating natural looks and they are great for shaping and defining as it is higher in pigment. This type of shadow can be used on all skin types. 

Satin eye shadow: (one of my fav's!) this is an eyeshadow that has more sparkle than a matte, but less sparkle then shimmer. This is great for all skin types as well as mature skin.

Shimmer eye shadow:  this is used usually as a highlighter, due to the sheer coverage and a hint of sparkle. If applied correctly this is great for all skin types. 

For women with wrinkles or crow's feet you want to avoid the areas around the eye with frosted eye shadows. This will accentuate those areas and draw attention to unwanted areas. It is best to use a satin or shimmer eyeshadow to help open your eyes up but be sure to keep away from trouble areas.  We prefer to use it on the inner crease or brow bone.

Nocturnelle

Some of my favorite shadows that work well on most skin tones:
 
M.A.C Shroom (Satin)

M.A.C Haux (Satin)

M.A.C Soft Brown (Matte)

M.A.C  Carbon (Matte)

M.A.C Naked Lunch (Frost)

M.A.C Cranberry (Frost)

M.A.C Nocturnelle (Frost)

Cranberry

  xoxo,

Lindsay

Tuesday Tip: Mascara Smudges

Mascara Smudge....
We've all done it. We are in a rush & all the sudden, we swipe that mascara past our lashes & mascara is everywhere. Our first impulse? Grab that toilet paper or cotton swab & wipe quickly....but then it just smudges more. Even more frustration!!! It's so aggravating & time consuming to fix your eye makeup & then re-do the mascara & liner!


Next time you decide to have a mad dash morning, you'll be prepared! Just wait until that mascara dries, grab a Q-tip (I prefer the cosmetic kind with a point on the end) & simply wipe away! Works every time, on regular OR waterproof mascara. It usually flakes off the skin, not even really taking off your foundation, concealer or powder. If you see that it has taken some off, dab a cosmetic sponge with foundation or powder over the area if you rubbed to hard.

Hope this helps you in your next morning rush!
 Sara

Mondays With Mindy: 10 Registry Tips

Register Early
Registering early gives friends and family the chance to buy gifts in advance. If someone is throwing you an engagement party, guests will really appreciate choosing items from registry to bring to the party. Start with a few items and build to the registry throughout the engagement.
Update and Manage Registry
Make sure as the wedding approaches, there are always enough items available for purchase. Be sure there are plenty of gifts in various price ranges. One of the biggest complaints about registries is that they are empty or have too few items available.
Create Multiple Registries
Having more options for your guests makes buying a gift much more convenient. Choose at least one retailer which is accessible to many guests. Register for traditional and trendier options with varying price ranges. But be sure not to register for the same items at different stores.
Inventory
It’s important to take an “inventory” of the things you already have and are keeping, things you have but need an upgrade, things you both need, and things that you want.  This will make it much easier when actually going to the store to register.
Consider Short and Long Term Needs
Know yourselves; if you hate to cook and entertain, a crystal serving dish may not be top on your list. However, think about the future and being invited to parties. How lovely would it be to bring an appetizer in that crystal dish to a party in the future? China is on many registries. If you aren't an entertainer and are leaning towards skipping china, think about some colorful stoneware. It’s a great casual alternative to china at a more affordable price. Either way, it’s a good idea to register for 13 place settings because you know someone is going to break a piece throughout the years.  Luggage is another popular registry item. Be sure to choose lightweight and durable pieces and collections with a good warranty.  High thread count linens are nice to add to the list as well.
Wedding Website
Because it is never appropriate for a bride and groom to ask for gifts, a wedding website is a nice way to discreetly list stores where you've registered. It also gives your guests a place to refer to throughout the engagement. This means no last minute or day of phone calls and/or emails from guests inquiring about wedding details!

Go Together
Not only are two people being married, but it’s a marriage of your belongings. It’s important to decide on items together so you both can use the gifts in your new life together. Decide on an overall style, theme, and formality of your lifestyle. And don’t bring mom along! In this case, she might not know best.
Modern Approach
Honeymoon Registries are a trendy way to get what you really want…an awesome honeymoon! Websites like HoneyLuna.com and HoneyFund.com are examples of online tools which list details of the honeymoon. These items can include anything from couples spa treatments, to airfare vouchers, to dog care while you’re out of town!  Lifestyle registries are also a newer trend. This is a way to receive gifts the two of you really love and are passionate about. For example, if you two love to camp, wouldn't it be nice to register for a high quality tent or new lanterns? Say you’re buying a new house with a deck. Lifestyle registries allow the couple to choose items such as a grill or a handsome chaise lounge for that new deck.  Charity is another option for some couples who would rather have guests donate to their favorite charity than receive gifts. Any of these registries are great options for couples who really know what they want and want a modern approach to receiving it. Keep in mind, this is why it is important to have multiple registries because some guests (i.e. Great Aunt Sally) may not feel comfortable buying the non-conventional gifts.
Perks
Look for retailers who offer discounts and perks. One example is something called a completion program. This allows the couple to purchase items still on their registry after the wedding at a discounted rate (10-15% off) for up to a year after the wedding.
Thank Yous
When gifts are received before the wedding, it is suitable to send thank yous within two weeks of the present’s arrival. For gifts which are received on or after the wedding, thank you notes should be mailed within one month of your return from the honeymoon. Although it’s never appropriate to ask for money, if cash is what you really want, tell your parents or a close family member. Word of mouth will come in handy when it comes to money. If a guest wants to give the couple what they really want and need, they will most likely ask the people most close to the couple. When writing thank you notes to guests who have given a cash gift, make sure to mention how you’re planning to use the money. People love to know where their money went!

XO Mindy

Shoot and Feature: Alice in Wonderland and A Paper Proposal

We had been planning this Alice in Wonderland shoot for weeks. We were wishing for the perfect winter day with crisp air and the sun peeking through trees. As Rusty Love Vintage Rentals unloaded the truck, the rain came down harder and harder. Plan B. Let's shoot inside. Yay for brick walls and a warm fire place. You may remember the behind the scenes photos on facebook. Well now we can officially share the jaw dropping photos from this awesome day. The rain slowed down and our models braved the cold wet ground. 

Check out our feature on A Paper Proposal! 

Every morning I wake up feeling blessed that I get to do what I love, work with creative people and sometimes bring my little monkeys along with me. My daughter Brooke had a mini play date while modeling! Score!

Photography: Seven Set Studios

Wedding Stationery: Allison Barnhill Designs

Floral Designer: Intrigue Design and Decor

Hair and Make Up Artist: Up-Do's For I Do's
Hair by Ashley, MakeUp by Lindsay and Beth 

Overall Design: elleDesigns

Furniture: Rusty Love Vintage Rentals

Dresses: Garnish Boutique