Wednesday Fashion Item: The Wedding Dress

Two years before getting married I put together a list of things I wanted from my dress. Simplicity, elegance and timelessness. A dress that after twenty years I would like to wear and my children would be proud I wore for my wedding.

After trying on many already made dresses, I decided to design my own, because it was going to be one dress, one wedding. I still love my wedding dress. I adore it! It is also the most expensive fashion item I've ever owed. I wish I have a picture which makes the dress justice.

30th July 2005June 2010
After five years - 1 month, I could still fit the dress but the loose parts were filled in, WOW!

I still have it and hope it becomes a family heirloom. I LOVE my wedding dress.

How about you? Do you still love your wedding dress? Why did you choose it? (We would like to see your wedding dress, please post a link to the dress :). Do you hope it becomes a family heirloom? Do you know which type of dress you would like to wear for your wedding?

Please ladies, confess about your wedding dress :).

Be Inspired Monday: "... Enjoy your life and travel the world."

There was a time in my life that I wanted to have a boyfriend just like my friends. I didn't tell anyone, but when one guy started to pursue me, my elder brother took me aside and said "Don't rush into a relationship. Enjoy your life and travel the world." After those thoughtful words I still wanted to have a boyfriend. But the guy who was on my case was not the one I wanted, my heart was not there for him. Plus, I really thought I was too young. The thing that appealed to me was traveling the world.

That year, 1999, in the winter I left Italy for the USA for the first time. I bought my first ticket and instead of landing in New York I booked the flight for Newark, it was cheaper and, in my mind, it was so close to NY. When I got there it was expensive to take a bus from the airport to NY. I had to wait at the airport for hours, without money! But finally my mum managed to contact her friend who I've never met to come and get me. It was a great adventure because I met this wonderful woman.

One day, at her house her five year-old girl told her three-year old brother: "Sorry is a beautiful word to say." Those words from the little girl were so inspiring, because as a proud person I tend never to go back on my decision or say sorry easily. But I learnt from that little girl that winter!

The following year, around the same time, I went to Britain - London to be exact. I saw one of the actresses in Love Actually, a true British sweetheart. What an experience! I was also brave for the first time to ask random people to take pictures of me because I went sightseeing by myself while my auntie and uncle were at work.

After all these experiences I felt a bit wiser than some of my friends.  If on one hand they were matured due to their love relationships, I was matured due to my knowledge of having seen the world.  And possibly i was wiser to know which boy was right to be my boyfriend!

All this rant just to say that, if you are in a stage of your life in which you feel like you haven't achieved what most of your friends are achieving, don't fret. Your time will come, but in the meantime listen to my wise brother: "Don't rush...Enjoy your life and travel the world!"

Confess ladies, where is the most fun place you have traveled?

And what did you learn about yourself in the process?



Fitness, Food, Fun Friday: Botox Anyway?

I am not suggesting that ladies in their twenties, thirties, forties and fifties and beyond should think about botox.  I believe natural is beautiful but it's our duty to educate about all things health, fitness, food and fun on fridays.  Hence the botox subject is meant to be fun and informative.  Plus it makes for a good conversation starter!

What is Botox?
Botox comes from a kind of bacteria.  The bacteria can make you very sick.  But doctors have found a chemical in Botox can also help teat some health problems.  They have been using it safetly for many years.

How Was this Found?
Food Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox to treat problems with the eye muscle.  Doctors noticed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. 

How Does Botox work?
Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens.  Botox is injected through the skin into the muscle.  The botox keeps the muscle from tightening.  When the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much.

What! You can't move your muscles?
A doctor trainted in the use of botox will inject small amounts of Botox into the muscle.  Only the treated muscle can't move.

What happens over time?
Botox works for about four months.  As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects may include: droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks; feeling like you have the flu; headaches and upset stomach, risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with Botox, if used the right away
(this will make me runaway from Botox!)

Remember Botox is a drug, not a cosmetic!

What Should i do if i want to try Botox?

• Ask about how Botox could help or hurt you.
• Make sure your doctor id trained in the use of Botox
• Make sure you get treatment in a dcotor's office or clinic
• Botox parties are not safe.  Never share a tube of Botox.
• Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
• Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Do not use if you are breast feeding.
• Tell your doctors if you are taking antibiotics
• Tell your doctor if you have any problmes with nerves or muscles

What else should i know about Botox?
Botox is only approved to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows
Botox is only approved for people 18-65 years old.  It has not been tested in other age groups.

Confess ladies and help someone else: Have you ever thought about trying Botox?
Have you ever had Botox? Was it effective?

(All the information comes from Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

http://www.fda.gov/fda/features/2002/402_botox.html

http://fda.gov/womens

Wednesday Fashion Item: Every Lady is Allowed A Bad Fashion Day, Right?

A girlfriend sent me this picture and I wanted to share with you.

I love vintage clothing and style. I also know that 90's fashion is coming back making me feel old. But I was speechless when I saw this lady's style. I just thought about the Spice Girls. Then I wondered if it is style or bad fashion sense, because every lady is allowed a bad fashion day, right? Even Victoria Beckham had hers and I for sure had mine in the past.

Have you ever had a bad fashion day? How would you describe your style? Do you remember 90s fashion?

Please confess on TC30s :).

Guest Blogger: Secret Beauty Tip for The Summer

Hi Ladies! I am so glad that I’ve been asked to contribute to TC30s today. Although I’m not quite 30 yet I still have something that I can confess. Is that OK with you all? Yeah? Well, let’s get started!

I confess that I don’t wear foundation in the summer! GASP! I know-a makeup fanatic that skips the most essential part of makeup application. I should be slapped! Well, guess what? It’s not completely a crime. What’s even better is that you can do it too. Guilt free.

With all of the heat and humidity in the summer it’s nice to let your skin breathe. What was once a makeup crime is now totally encouraged during the hot days of summer. Instead of buffing in my Makeup Forever HD Foundation or brushing on my Smashbox Healthy FX, I say “to heck with it!” Instead, I choose one of the following options to present a flawless complexion while also allowing my skin to enjoy more oxygen.

• Tinted moisturizer: Tinted moisturizer is a great alternative to foundation. It’s light, hydrates my skin but also adds a tad bit of color to liven me up. There are so many amazing tinted moisturizers out there. Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizers are a favorite among many makeup lovers.
  

MONEY SAVING TIP: Make your own tinted moisturizer. Take a very small amount of your favorite liquid foundation along with your daily moisturizer and mix the two.

OR

• Light powder: Sometimes when I’m really in a rush my MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural becomes my best friend. Although my skin is typically dry, during the summer I get an oily T-zone. A quick dusting of powder is the perfect fix. It’s light but also warms my complexion. Powder works especially well for those with oily skin.
  

After deciding on my foundation alternative, one of the most important steps to achieving a flawless foundation-free face is using concealer. I brighten my under eye area, always being sure to set the concealer with powder (I prefer a slightly lighter highlighting powder). Of course, after this step I go on applying the rest of my makeup (blush, lip color, etc.,) as normal.

So there you have it ladies, a confession and an alternative to your daily foundation routine. Give it a try. Your face will thank you!

Brandi @Home Team Dreams

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Brandi, thank you so much for contributing this wonderful post. Ladies don't forget stop her personal blog to read more on make-up tips. Let her know TC30s sent you to confess :).

Until next,

Try Brandi's trick and keep your skin foundation free for the summer ;)!