I Guess I Do

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Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to share with you all this year's Kelley Christmas card. They didn't make it in time to mail this year, but Santa has finally given us the go ahead to share...

Kyle and I are beyond grateful and honored to have been given the chance to bring a little one into this world! We can't guarantee you we know what we are doing, but we can guarantee you there will be stories. Stay tuned for our I Guess I'm Due posts in the new year!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 14, 2015

Winter Bridesmaid Dresses

Finding a dress for your bridesmaids to wear in the cold wintery months can be tough, especially because you are most likely shopping for them during the spring!

Here are some of my picks I think would make great options for your upcoming snowy nuptials...













Monday, December 7, 2015

Tips for Holiday Wedding Planning

Photo Courtesy: Style & Story Creative


1. Add Wedding Needs to Your Wishlist

I know, I know... it's more fun to ask for that sweater you've been eyeing online, but during the holidays before your wedding it's more important to ask for your needs for the Big Day. Whether it's your shoes or some personalized napkins, anything you can get gifted to you now will be one less thing for you to spend money on next year. 

I still ask Santa for underwear and face wipes. What can I say? I'm all about basic needs people! But this year, your wedding needs should take priority this holiday season...

2. Buy DIY Supplies at a Discount

After Christmas is the time to stock up on any supplies you may need for your upcoming DIY projects. Don't worry about sifting through all of those picked over clothes on the shelves. 

You should be focusing on stocking up on fabric, mason jars, glue, wood, or anything you may be in need of for your projects. So when you have glued your hands together and are crying at the eleventh hour, at least you'll know you got all of this stuff half off. 

3. Be Mindful With Your Budget

This should be a given, but is definitely important when leading up to the year of your wedding. I love to give and I love to buy gifts for people. Really, I am just excited that Christmas gives me an excuse to go shopping and not feel bad about it. 

But these past couple of years I've set a limit for how much to spend on each person so I'm not just mindlessly buying gifts and over-spending. With all of the upcoming costs for the wedding, it's really important you stay tight with your pocketbooks. 

Here are a couple things you can do to save this season: Cash in all of your credit card points at the end of the year for gift cards. I do this every year and it takes care of all of my family members! As a couple, instead of buying each other gifts, try to give experiences instead. Kyle and I like to go to see The Nutcracker, drive and look at Christmas lights, or volunteer at a Special Olympics event. Focus on activities you can do together to get you into the holiday spirit rather than spending money on each other!



Monday, November 16, 2015

Don't Pack on the Extra Holiday Pounds

Un-Brides. It's holiday season - a.k.a. The Devil's way of undoing all of the hard work you've put in before your wedding. 

I used to be the queen of the yo-yo. Pack on at least 10 pounds over the holidays. Work hard from January to May to get that 10 off. Still feel self conscious in a bathing suit. Say screw it and stuff your face over the holidays. Repeat. 

Endless cycle feel familiar? 


Here are some tips for not packing on those extra holiday pounds:

1. Keep Eating!

You heard me right, but it's not what you hoped for. You should be eating every 2-3 hours to keep your metabolism going, but this does not mean eating leftover stuffing and pumpkin pie every 2-3 hours. 

Don't starve yourself all day and then splurge on a huge meal. Eat small healthy meals throughout the day so your metabolism can handle the cheat one. Always have some protein bars on hand or some trail mix so you can snack on them at the first signs of hunger.

2. Flush it Out!

You know I've harped on the importance of water since the beginning of the year. You better believe my 32 oz. water will still be present at Thanksgiving dinner! Because it is pretty inevitable to avoid bad foods over the holidays, it is even more important that you get your 100 oz. of water in a day!

Another little trick I use around the holidays is teas. Not to get into too much detail, but they really help de-sludge your system, if you know what I mean. Try any type of peppermint tea at night so you are ready to go in the morning. It's sad, but as I've gotten older I've found there is no greater joy than starting out the day with a good BM. 

3. Have a Cheat Meal, not a Cheat Day!

It may be last, but it is certainly not least. Whenever I would eat bad for breakfast, I thought that would then give me license to eat bad for the rest of the day. This day would then turn into the rest of the week. Low and behold, that cheat meal has now somehow turned into a cheat month! Surely, some type of cleanse would then be tried. 

I now allow myself 1-2 cheat meals a week. Over the holidays at home, with all of the eating out, it seems like this is closer to a cheat meal a day, but I try to balance it out. If I know I'm going out to dinner, I stick to all protein and vegetables during the day leading up to it. Then I don't feel bad about splurging. 

You should be able to enjoy the food you eat. And you'll enjoy the splurge foods even more if you aren't eating them endlessly. 

I know the holidays are hard, but just look at it as doing your best to stay strong so you are having less work to do in the new year!




Monday, November 9, 2015

Nonna's Pumpkin Cookies


Just wanted to share with you all my Nonna's recipe for her pumpkin cookies. I hadn't had them since a little girl, so it was too fun making them this year with my Mama when I was home. They are amazing and you won't be disappointed you tried this recipe. So soft and thick with just the perfect amount of sweetness!



Oh and side note: I'm still not sure what the term 'basic' really means but I know it has something to do with liking pumpkin-ish things. I am convinced this term has been conjured up by the masterminds behind the Kardashian Think Tank as a term to make others feel bad for being themselves and is yet another ploy to urge people to be just like them. 

If wearing clothing that actually covers your ass cheeks, wanting to be known for a talent or a skill rather than a sex tape, and enjoying freaking pumpkin makes you 'basic,' then I will gladly be a basic bitch 24/7, 365. 

Oh, yeah. I was writing about a recipe. Back to that: 

Nonna's Pumpkin Cookies:

1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup oleo or butter
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cloves
3 1/2 cups of sifted flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups pumpkin 
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup raisins

Mix in order given. Spoon drop on greased pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool and ice with butter cream frosting. 






Monday, November 2, 2015

Halloween Weekend



This weekend we made a surprise trip back to see our families in Ohio. It was our nephews last football game since they are seniors in high school (which is crazy because I've known them since they were in diapers) and we hadn't been able to make it back for a game since we moved. 

Last week, Kyle randomly said over dinner, "I think I want to go to the boys' last game. You want to go?" Catch me in the right moment, I will most likely board a plane to anywhere!

Nothing says fall like a cold night watching high school football and some neighborhood trick-or-treating. Hope your Halloween weekend was 'boo'-tiful as well!


Monday, October 26, 2015

Get Your Fall Drank On

Just wanted to share with you all my favorite drink I like to make for any fall party I throw. It tastes so good you don't even realize there's alcohol in it. I've been pretty good at perfecting this craft over the years. All of my friends always gobble down my concoctions and then curse my name while hungover the next day. 

Ah, life is to live right? Here's the recipe. Drink up!

 

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Choose Your Wedding Party Wisely

This weekend I flew to Houston to visit my best friends from college. We all live in different states and each year we rotate where we spend our yearly girls weekend. 

I believe you can have different kinds of great loves in your life and these two are definitely ones of mine. Good, genuine girlfriends are hard to come by, so when you find them, don't let them go. Make time. Call often. Travel. Sacrifice in order to make trips work. The great ones are worth making it last. 


All we need is a couch and some takeout (Margaritas if you are in Houston... apparently its legal and legit to buy them to-go. Who knew?!) and the conversations and laughs will go on for hours. I am so thankful these two were there for me on my wedding day. Which got me to thinking about the importance of who you surround yourself with on that day. 

My chapel had a limit of 4 Bridesmaids, so I went with my best friend from high school - Whitney, my best friend from college (Jade - pictured left), and Kyle's two sisters. Natalie (pictured right) was our reader. (Nat is my holy friend. I knew she was one of the few I knew who wouldn't burst into flames when starting to read in a church.)

So when you are choosing your bridesmaids and those partaking in your wedding day, choose wisely. Don't make choices because you feel pressured, make choices because these people have made a significant impact on your life. And the key is that you think they will continue to do so. 

Also, selecting those who have already seen you at your worst is a plus. So when you are crying over chocolate covered strawberries, they won't think any less of you. They already knew you were kinda bat-shit to begin with. 




Monday, October 5, 2015

Anniversary Getaway

Every year I say this weekend in Laguna is much needed, but I really mean it this time. It was MUCH NEEDED. 

We were planning on rounding it all out with the Browns v. Chargers game, but when we woke up to pouring rain on Sunday, we decided against it. We've turned into a bunch of wusses, but I'll take the couch and sweatpants any day. 

Have a great week everybody. 

xo


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Year Three

Today marks another year in the books. Each Anniversary we try to let all of our readers in on a more candid look at our lives. This year, we want to let you into our home. 

We purchased our first place in Los Angeles in January 2013, a couple of months after we were married. Our townhouse in The South Bay has become much more than just a house, it's become our Safe Haven. 

Lots of people may call the idea of interior design or buying furniture as being 'materialistic.' I disagree. My girl Oprah says, "Your home should rise up to greet you." (Sometimes I say that while ingesting her lovely, chai tea. What a juggernaut that one is...) 

Everyday, I want to wake up and be proud of the space I created. I don't want it just to be a place where I reside, but a place where memories are held between the walls. 

And while I love every minute of getting to be creative and artsy with it, in the end it's all about who's inside. 



Kyle and the Har-man, whether we end up in a shack on the beach or a big house in the country, you will always be my home. 

All my love. 
xx




Monday, September 7, 2015

Labor Day


Welp, in honor of the weekend, I did some labor. Here's a behind the scenes look at where the action really takes place on Fashion Police -- The Control Room. 

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

xo


Monday, August 24, 2015

Shoe Poser




Obviously as you can see from quote above, when I took the illegal approach to shopping (aka. trademark infringement), it didn't go in my favor. So I then I ended up with these...

Don't let me fool you. Those pictures above? That shit was from Ebay. Everything Designer I own is basically from outlets, Ebay, or stylists friends pulling favors for me. Yes, I live in a world where people pay an exorbitant amount of money for brand names, but I also came from a world that taught me enough to know that if you do that, you're an idiot. 

You're spending enough money on your wedding day. Unlike venues, take advantage of things like shoes being half-off. Or in my case shockingly low from France which never come. 

Monday, August 17, 2015

How to Address Your Invites

When it comes to a wedding, there is always tons of etiquette involved, most of which I had no clue about when I got engaged. For instance - the invites. How in the hell do I address these things? What's correct? Where do I even begin?
 

Well, have no fear. I Guess I Do is teaming up with stationary extraordinaire Wedding Paper Divas so all of you aren't in the dark like I was! Check out their advice for us:
... 

First comes the ring, then comes the planning. For many brides, wedding planning is an exciting time. But on the other hand, it's a large undertaking for those who have never planned a large scale party. Finding vendors, determining budgets and organizing your guest list are just some of the bigger tasks. Not to mention all the menial to-do's like sending checks and addressing the dozens (maybe hundreds!) of invites. For that last to-do, we've found something to help! Check out this How to Address Wedding Invitations Guide created by Wedding Paper Divas

It includes comprehensive instructions on how your guests should be addressed—from married to divorced to members of the military. Even better, at the bottom includes a quick interactive where you can input each name on your guest list and receive a custom result. 


Be sure to check out more titles in their entire Wedding Invitations Guide and show one of my favorite stationary companies some love on Social Media!




Monday, July 6, 2015

Heading Home

Hope all of my UnBrides had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! I was fortunate enough to be back home in Ohio to celebrate with family and friends. In my book, nothing beats a little sweet corn and sparklers!

Next week, Kyle and I are heading to Europe for my 30th Birthday. It will be a success as long as I come back clot free! Anyways, after our trip, we have, you guessed it - another wedding!

I'll be back in August with tons of stories, but until then take care and take some time out for yourselves this summer. 

Talk soon!

Monday, June 29, 2015

Must Have Summer Beauty Products

Celebrity Makeup Artist & Expert on TLC's Dare to Wear, Mathias Alan, is back and chatting with me all about the Must Have Beauty Products for this summer and bridal season! For all of you schweaty girls like me out there, Mathias even talks about deodorant for your face! Yes, you read that right. Who knew!

Enjoy all of these makeup must have's and beauty secrets for this summer season!


To see more from Mathias Alan, follow him on Social Media - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google +, My Beauty Blog, & LinkedIn Business.

Leave any questions or comments you have on the video and we will be sure to answer any you may have!

Monday, June 22, 2015

Charney & Rasheem : Foster Ambitions Photography

Meet Charney & Rasheem, by far the most dapper couple we've ever featured on I Guess I Do! While it may seem like no detail was overlooked, the couple may have forgotten to sign the most important one - the marriage license! Enjoy Charney's story in her own words below...
...
OUR STORY
We wanted a wedding that displayed an African flair while exhibiting a sense of classic elegance. Our goal was simple, incorporate details that gave a nod to culture and blend it with our New Jersey roots by hosting it in our hometown among our closest family and friends. In honor of tradition, we took part in a "Tasting of the Elements" ceremony to demonstrate a commitment to remaining together no matter what life may bring. 

Our wedding day was filled with so many memorable moments that we will cherish forever. Looking back, what made our wedding extra special was Rasheem's grandmother, who was battling cancer, got to see her grandson get married before passing away three weeks later.


 I GUESS I DO MOMENTS
1. Every bride's nightmare is having to deal with WEDDING CRASHERS. Lucky us, we were fortunate to have guests attend who DID NOT RSVP. What a disaster! Thank goodness my venue was accommodating.

 2. We were so caught up into our wedding day we actually forgot to sign the WEDDING CERTIFICATE ! Yikes.

 3. At the reception my beautiful Enzoani dress ripped! Luckily, this diva had dress #2 waiting in the bridal room :)

 4. Note to self... Hire a videographer next time ! I was so overwhelmed I missed out on a few moments, I can only hear stories about :(


5. Last but not least, although we practiced this a million times with our coordinator. We were so nervous we got a little bit confused at the alter regarding the proper hand the wedding bands go on ! lol




Venue: The Mansion on Main Street, Voorhees, NJ  Photographer: Derrell Foster & Gary Edmundson of Foster Ambitions Photography  All Wedding Decor (Centerpieces, Flowers, Signs): Parishell Studios, Hi Nella, NJ: Artist/CEO Linda Shelley Custom Wedding Cake: Karen Baxter Wedding Coordinator: Catherine Brooks Assistant Coordinator: Lucia Brooks Bride MUA: Courtney Singleton, MAC Email: muacourtneyp@gmail.com Bridesmaid, Mother, Grandmother MUA : @MakeupbyChristalYS Bride Hair: Amavi Salon; Stylist/Owner: Ngozi David Bridal Hanger: Two Broads Design Here Comes the Bride Sign: 4 Love Polka Dots Personalized Wooden Tags: 4 Love Polka Dots Wedding Programs/Mini Mags: Unlike Juliet  Bridal Shoes: Gucci Bridal Gown: Blue By Enzoani (Brides Against Breast Cancer)  Bridesmaid Dresses: Style the Aisle  Groom Dinner Jacket: Jos A. Bank Groomsmen Tux: Vera Wang Black Bridal Reception Dress: Renee France Designs, Berlin , NJ  Bridesmaid Custom Tribal Belts: Renee France Designs Groom & Groomsmen Custom Bow Tie/Ties : Renee France Designs Flower Girl Dresses: Renee France Designs Veil: Windfall Bridal, Toronto, Canada Groom Shoes: Calvin Klein




Monday, June 15, 2015

Summer Staples

If you are planning a trip for your Honeymoon or going on a little Summer Getaway, then these are some essentials to consider packing. Kyle and I are gearing up for a trip to Europe in July. Here are some things that will definitely make it in my suitcase!



1. Garnier Anti-Sun Damage Moisturizer  2. C.O. Bigelow Lip Balm  3. Madden Girl Flat Espadrilles  4. Waverly Boutique Kimono  5. Ralph Lauren Fedora  6. Kai Perfume Oil  7. MAC Lipstick in 'Snob'










Monday, June 1, 2015

Dreamed Corner

If you are looking for your one-stop-shop for all of your luxe bridal needs, than look no further!  

Dreamed Corner brings the bridal shopping experience to a whole new level of indulgence! This fresh shopping platform offers brides a chance to not only shop the most luxurious selection of accessories and footwear, but to also pre-order their beloved designer gowns!

I've had the opportunity to try most of these designers on first hand -- Stella McCartney, Roland Mouret, Aruna Seth to name a few -- and I'm in love with the fact they now can all be found in one spot! Makes life bridal life so much easier!








The aim of Dreamed Corner is to offer a luxury and curated selection of bridal accessories as well as honeymoon essentials... Be sure to check them out on Instagram and show them some Facebook love! 





Monday, May 25, 2015

Bridal Makeup 101

Happy Memorial Day UnBrides!

I'm excited to be bringing you all a series of makeup tutorials by Celebrity Makeup Artist - Mathias Alan! He is the mastermind behind all of the makeup in my headshots, engagement photos, and various shoots throughout the years...

Up first in the series - A Makeup Tutorial For a Sophisticated Bride.  Enjoy!



My name is Mathias Alan and I am a professional makeup artist working in Los Angeles. I've been painting faces and creating stunning hairstyles for brides for over 15 years and I absolutely love collaborating with a woman on her special wedding day. Creating a DISTINCT LOOK that fits her individual personality as well as incorporating my EXPERTISE in celebrity red carpet makeup and hair is what make my bridal parties UNIQUE and EXCEPTIONAL.

If you live in the Southern California area and would like to book me for your wedding date, please email me at Mathias@Mathias4Makeup.com for my rates and availability. Hope to hear from you soon.

Please subscribe to my beauty channel right now because I also have posted PART 2 of this bridal transformation in which I show you how I created my client’s GRACE KELLY inspired updo!

Also, check out my Discount Product Links Below for purchasing any of my Must Have Beauty Items used in this video tutorial:

1. MURAD PERFECTING SERUM & MURAD ENVIRONMENTAL INSTANT RADIANCE EYE CREAM AT ULTA   2.  TARTE AIRBLUSH MARACUJA CREAM BLUSH IN SHIMMERING PINK   3. TARTE MARACUJA RAINFOREST GLOW INSTANT MATTE WATERPROOF BODY PERFECTOR   4. ANASTASIA BEVERY HILLS CONCEALER AND TINTED BROW GEL   5. MAKE UP FOR EVER ARTIST SHADOW   6. URBAN DECAY NAKED SKIN ULTRA FOUNDATION, NAKED SKIN ULTRA DEFINITION LOOSE FINISHING POWDER, AND ALL NIGHTER MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY   7. MAKE UP FOR EVER AQUAROUGE IN CHESTNUT #4   8. OCC CREME COLOUR CONCENTRATE IN VICE   9. URBAN DECAY "PERVERSION - BAIT” FALSE LASHES   10.  SIGMA GEL LINER IN STUNNINGLY LADYLIKE   11. SIGMA LOOSE SHIMMER IN GILDED  12. SIGMA 3DHD KABUKI BRUSH   13. SIGMA 3DHD PRECISION BRUSH

If you would like to keep up with my behind the scenes adventures as a makeup/hair artist then please check out my Portfolio and follow me on Social Media - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google +, My Beauty Blog, & LinkedIn Business.


Stay tuned next month for a Bridal Beauty Makeup Tutorial on Raquel herself!



Monday, May 18, 2015

For the Dudes

Here are my gift picks for the dudes in your wedding by a dude himself. It doesn't take much to please us (unlike someone of the opposite sex I may know...I will never live down the JLO Glow perfume purchase many birthdays ago!)  So anyways, the task at hand wasn't hard!



1. Cologne – Bleu de Chanel  2. BBQ Tools Golf Set  3. The Art of Shaving Gift Set  4. Personalized Bar Sign   
5. Citizens E-Cigar  6. Personalized Wall Mounted Bottle Opener


Sunday, May 10, 2015

Happy Mother's Day

Just wanted to wish my best friend, who just so happens to be my mom, a Happy Mother's Day! 

The more I mispronounce words and over-share random stories with strangers, the more I know I'm turning into you - and that's something I'm proud of!

Have a great day Ma!

xo