Sunday, November 9, 2014

The Healthy Bride


The Healthy Bride
By Victoria Thanoukos
Kensington Florals & Events


The Healthy Bride

The man of your dreams just popped the question and instead of thinking about the flowers and cake, you are stuck on “How will I look?” “The dress…can’t be in black, can it?” “Black always makes me look thinner!” You aren’t alone in this and many brides wonder how they will look in their wedding dress and what impression they will make.

This is not the time to consider a crash diet or strategize some outlandish goal of losing 300lbs by your big day. Instead, think of how to implement “healthy” into this new chapter in your life and make sure to get your fiancé on board. Remember...the little things go a long way!

Start by walking in the mornings before work or evenings after dinner. This can be a “no wedding talk” zone for both you and your fiancé to just enjoy each other on a stroll together. Walking for a minimum of 30 minutes provides amazing benefits[1] that enhance mental well being, improves blood pressure and blood sugar levels, walking reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, breast and colon cancer, promotes weight loss and it gives you the chance to just connect with your fiancé in another way. Perfect time to ask each other what you are looking forward to most in your day or how the day’s events went!


Begin your day on a great note, replace your cup o’joe with a warm cup of water with lemon[2].  Lemon is a great source of vitamin C, citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It balances your pH levels, helps to flush toxins from your body and reduces pain and inflammation from joints and knees. Not only do lemons help clear your complexion, but they help you lose weight and freshen your breath to make it more kissable. Adding lemon to your morning routine may seem too easy and simple to be true but over time you will experience all the rewards that this little magical fruit has to offer!



Feeling a bit more motivated and want to tone and tighten? Try our favorites: Windsor Pilates, Ballet Beautiful and Yoga Meltdown.



We love these workout routines because they not only produce the BEST results out there, you can buy them in dvd form and workout in the comfort of your home at your leisure.  Whether you decide to buy all three and rotate or just follow one workout, you won’t be disappointed! Start with three times a week and try to build up to six days a week. Working out helps you focus and allows your brain to dispel any stress or tension that has accumulated during your day. Just remember to speak with your doctor prior to starting any workout and stretch before and after to avoid any injury!

Try to apply these simple but effective methods to your daily routine and start to experience all the benefits that each has to offer! Remember that it’s not about the finish line but the journey. Get your fiancé, family and wedding party involved. Don’t worry about the actual pounds but focus more on how you feel. The better you feel the more confident and sexy you will look!

Here’s to your health!  Happy Wedding!!







[1] http://www.startwalkingnow.org/whystart_benefits_walking.jsp
[2] http://www.foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water

Friday, November 7, 2014

An Afternoon of Luxury ...


An Afternoon of Bridal Luxury: The Wedding Walk
by Franklin J.
Kensington Florals & Events

One of the most wonderful things about living in one of the greatest cities in the world (Chicago, of course!) is being able to get married in a town with so much history, culture and diversity. The home of the Blackhawks, deep dish pizza and Cloud Gate has become an epicenter for Midwest brides and grooms, becoming a source of inspiration and a leader in modern luxury.  As a Chicago bride or groom, there are so many resources here in the city and surrounding suburbs that are available to you to make your wedding day as special and as magical as you dreamed it to be. 

On Sunday, October 26th, I had the pleasure to experience a bridal expo like no other: Oak Street’s 8th Annual Charitable Wedding Walk sponsored by Modern Luxury Brides. Now when I first heard of the event, I had no idea what to expect. Was this a standard wedding expo but disguised the name to make it more appealing?  Was this a walkathon on Lake Shore Drive? Am I wearing the right shoes to be doing all of this walking? Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to experience…

I hopped in a cab and arrived at 980 N Michigan Ave, arriving at Spiaggia Private Events. When we arrived (I dragged a skeptical friend along for the mysterious ride, why go down the rabbit hole alone?) the CS team checked us in, and from the next room over we could hear a string quartet still playing as other staff members began to tear down the space. We arrived a little late for the festivities there, but the CS team assured us we still have plenty of time to see and experience the rest of the Wedding Walk. We were handed a “treasure map” with stores and businesses along Oak Street and the surrounding streets that were participating, what we were to see and experience before our final destination. We grabbed our complimentary tote and off on our journey down Oak Street; Chicago’s own 5th Avenue, we went.

We arrived at our first destination, Lanvin, and as soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the wonderful Lanvin team as well as treats from Vanille Patisserie. We blinked and next thing we knew we were on an elevator to the 3rd floor to see the spring 2015 bridal couture collection by the brand. And that’s when it hit me… I am experiencing Chicago bridal luxury at its very finest! (Eat your heart out Carrie Bradshaw!!) From there we continued on our journey, enjoying the Indian summer weather, skipping from Jewelry stores Lester Lampert and Buccellati, stopping by the Perfect Setting for some entertaining ideas, and peeking at the stylish collections of Carolina Herrera and Kate Spade. Each stop we were greeted by brand experts who provided extraordinary service, providing a one on one experience like no other.  Each retail store had some of Chicago’s top bakeries providing samples of their work, including Elysia Root Cakes and Toni Patisserie and Café. Other locations provided champagne and hors d’oeuvres to the guests journeying on this wedding walk. We were running out of time so we did skip a few spots, however we made sure to stop by The Thompson Hotel and Gibson’s Steakhouse, checking out spaces to host smaller, intimate functions such as a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower.

And of course they save the best stop for last. We arrived at a modern luxury hotel like no other… The Waldorf Astoria Chicago. As we turned the corner, we knew we were exactly where thousands of other brides dreamed of being. We arrived to the 3rd floor ballrooms where we met with other vendors Elizabeth Grace (one of my favorites!), David Rothstein Music, Bella Bridesmaids, Spin-Spun and BBJ Linens. And we received our “Swag Bag”, which officially puts any other bag that I have ever received in the past to shame. From treats to discounts to special offers this bag had EXACTLY everything a Chicago luxury bride or groom needed to plan and execute their perfect day.

As an up-and-coming Wedding and Event Planner here in the city with Kensington Florals & Events, I highly recommend this experience to any Bride or Groom looking for a different experience. You get exposed to the higher end of the wedding industry, get one-on-one service at your own pace, and really control who and what you want to see! This is also great for brides who might not have a luxury budget, but can come to this event for inspiration, and really see what the city of Chicago has to offer. Would I go next year? Of course! Maybe I can bring a few more of you brides and grooms down the rabbit hole with me…






 

Photos by: CS Brides
https://www.facebook.com/csbrides