Eat the right foods to beat wedding stress and pump up your energy!!!!

The months leading up to your wedding are no time to run out of steam — make sure you know which foods will give you a natural boost, and invite them into your daily diet. Here, the top three.

Protein

Why: High-protein foods will keep you from getting hungry and snacking, and also help to maintain energy throughout the day.
Serving Suggestion: Center every meal around protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, light cheese, cottage cheese, or peanut butter. For breakfast, have a toast with peanut butter; for lunch, include cottage cheese with fruit; and for dinner, go with fish or chicken. Get healthy recipe ideas on Pinterest!
Tip: If, two hours after you’ve eaten, you feel hungry and tired, chances are you didn’t get enough protein.

Complex Carbohydrates

Why: Complex carbs take longer to digest, contain less fat, and supply more energy than simple carbs.
Serving Suggestion: Opt for whole grain pasta, bread, and cereal and complex carbohydrates whenever possible. Instead of white bread, go for 10-grain; in lieu of corn flakes, try raisin bran.
Tip Don’t be afraid of the organic foods section at the grocery store, where you’re likely to find tons of whole-grain pasta, bread, and cereal options.

Water

Why: Water is the number-one way to flush out toxins, prevent dehydration, and keep your body running in top shape.
Serving Suggestion: Instead of reaching for that can of sugary soda, make an effort to substitute a glass of water. The amount of water you need depends on your weight. A good way to determine how much you need is to take your body weight and divide it by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces you should be drinking every day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should try to drink 80 ounces of water daily.
Tip: To wean yourself off soda, get flavored bottled water or add a lemon to your glass.

Running a zillion errands? Pack a healthy snack so you can refuel quickly without resorting to fast food.

•  15 Raw almonds
•  Hummus with 5 baby carrots 
•  Apple slices with peanut butter 
•  Dried fruit & nut mix
•  1 Banana 

-Betsy Hernandez 

I would like to show you all a great new website to help with your wedding registry. Store registries can be nice, but isn’t it annoying when you realize that you can only add gifts from that specific store?

Creating a wedding registry is the perfect time to shop for everything you want… vintage glassware set you hearted on Etsy, those patterned dish towels from Macy’s, the Lenox flatware you’ve been eyeing, the list goes on. Well, welcome to Astoria Road: The perfect wedding registry that allows you to add gifts from any store! Think of it as the Pinterest of wedding registry’s!

A few  perks that come with creating a wedding registry with Astoria Road…

* Create a registry that’s completely you. Add products from any store, add your favorite charities, or even create your own gifts… ahem… a Honeymoon fund.

* Straight forward design. You can feel proud to share your registry with all of your guests (no matter their web skill level). Astoria Road is easy to use and navigate through.

* Check out process is easy. Guests won’t have to go through the hassle of being redirected to other stores to complete the checkout like with other universal registries. The entire transaction takes place on the website (so helpful!).

I wanted to tell you all about our new delicious dessert vendor Beni Delights!

Catherine Botero owner of Beni Delights creates fresh handmade cake pops and other desserts for any special occasion. I had the pleasure of sampling the goodies at our spring bridal show this past April. Im a huge chocolate lover and fell in love with the Chocolate pops. I placed an order for my nephews Communion party right away! It was a perfect addition to our candy buffet display. Even though I cheated on my summer diet, I could not resist eating some ( 5 to be exact)  lol!

I highly recommend Beni Delights for your next affair or even just to have a couple dozen at home for a rainy day

Here are some of the tasty flavors:

Red Velvet      Vanilla

Chocolate          Carrot Cake

Strawberry       Lemon 

Visit Beni Delights on the web or their Facebook page

-Betsy Hernandez 

www.benidelights.com

www.facebook.com/benidelights

On Wednesday Night we hosted our first Brides Night Out event! What a fun night! The vendors who participated were : Cloud Nove Events, Beauty By Francisca, Dolce Aesthetics, and Passion Parties By Yonnah.

All I can say is what a fun night! The champagne was pouring and our brides were having a great evening! Here are some photos from the event.

How did Howard Beach Studios start?

I have had a passion for photography for many years, and while working in post-production, I developed a keen eye for well-composed images.  My passion turned into an apprenticeship at a NYC photography studio, owned by two photographers.  One specialized in traditional photography while the other focused on a photojournalist style.  Under their supervision, I honed my technical skills while learning how to shoot in both styles.  Within a short time, I rose from assistant to second shooter to eventually lead photographer.  When an opportunity arose to open my own studio, I did not hesitate.  Howard Beach Studios has been in business since 1999.

What do you love most about Wedding photography?

Besides being a part of a couple’s special day and providing them with “moments of the day” that they might not have otherwise seen?  The look on the bride’s face when she has too many great images to choose from for the album.

What is the best time of day to take Wedding photos?  Early morning and late afternoon.

Any advice for couples that are searching for the right photographer?

·         Hire an experienced photographer who has professional camera and lighting equipment, backup equipment and can provide the right mix of traditional and photojournalism styles, as well as a choice of albums.

·         Have a professional album made with quality photo-finishing and binding.

·         Make sure you like your photographer, not just the work.  Choose someone with an easy-going personality and a great smile.

What are some of your favorite locations in NYC for wedding photos?

·         Promenade in Brooklyn Heights

·         In front of the Plaza Hotel

·         Central Park Boat House

·         Under the Brooklyn Bridge

·         On the beach

Howard Beach Studios is located at 135-05 Crossbay Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11417 (718) 845-2631

howardbeachstudios.com

How did you start Beauty By Francisca? What is your background?

Early in my career I started as Project Manager for the US Makeup team for a TV News company in NYC. I manage a team of makeup and hair stylists for NYC, San Francisco and Washington DC bureaus.  It was working with this creative team of veteran makeup artists where it opened the doors for me to explore the industry and launch my own freelance business. Beauty by Francisca was launched in November 2010, with the goal to create a name for myself by making women feel confident from the inside out. Beauty by Francisca’s focus on both beauty and bridal, but I also had he opportunity to work in the fields in TV and photo-ops.

What do you love most about your business?

Expect the unexpected !! It’s what I love most about the business. I can be at a set location, wedding or at a bridal expo learning and meeting a new client each time. It’s that personal connection you get from each person you meet and being at a “surprise” location each time, it’s what makes my job exciting and rewarding.

Airbrush by Beauty by Francisca

Any advice for Brides when searching for the right Make up artist ?

Here are my (3) basic steps when searching for the right makeup artist for your wedding day:

1) Go to several bridal expos or bridal events where you have the opportunity to meet with makeup artists in your area.
2) Create a list of your favorite bridal makeup artists and include those who have been recommended by a friend or wedding venues.
3) Make an appointment for a bride makeup trial and be specific on how you would like to look on your wedding day. Remember it’s your special day, so you want to communicate well with your makeup artist.
What is your favorite makeup product and why?

I have several products that rank as my favorites .. Mac and Eve Pearl are on my top of my list. I am also a big fan of Arbonne Cosmetics and Skincare because of their botanically-based products. Since women have become more health conscious of products they use on their skin, I prefer using products that are pure, safe and beneficial. My favorite must-have’s from Arbonne Cosmetics are its makeup primer, liquid foundation and tinted moisturizer.

Francisca at work!

What do you think are the biggest trends in makeup for 2013?

When it comes to beauty and makeup, less is more. I love the natural look and for this year the most popular trend for the spring and summer are bright and bold lips. Bold lips can range from bright orange, neon pinks or scarlet red lips.  It’s all about LIPS this season !

In New York City this week, top wedding dress designers introduced  their Spring/Summer 2014 collections during the Bridal Fashion Week. One of my favorite trends was the curve hugging flare and the illusion neckline! Great for a bride who wants the feel of a strapless gown, but provides extra coverage and support while she dances the night away! Here are my top picks:

Vera Wang 

Maggie Sottero 

Vera Wang

Amsale

Maggie  Sottero

Carolina Herrera 

Marchesa

Marchesa