A slimmer you & me !!

Most brides want to lose weight before their big day, Me on the other hand need to shed the pounds after the birth of my boys, as Daniel is now 2 I should really make the effort ! And with summer round the corner I have set myself the challange of being back in those skinny jeans and summer dresses by my 1st wedding anniversary 17th June. so wish me luck !

Heres my plan,

Its quite simple, as with most diets you get bored and lose intrest when you get a craving for the naughtys, for me its wine or chocolate ! this plan isnt going to fail if you do have the odd bit of chocolate or take-away, nope with Slimming world you are allowed to treat yourself as long as you stay with your syn allowence.
Sounds great !!

Slimming world lets you eat more healthy and by adding a bit of exercise and staying within your goals you could lose up to 7lbs within your first two weeks!! thats half a stone! By following Slimming Worlds Extra Easy Slimming plan you really can eat what satisfys your appitite.
   Its all about filling up on the satisfying foods like fruit and vegetables, rice, potatoes, Fat free dairy, eggs, pasta, fish and lean meat - these are called free foods as you can eat as much as you like as their is no weighing or counting. As well as your free food you can also enjoy weighed measures of milk, cheese, cereals and bread and still have the treats like alcohol and chocolate that most other diets ban ! These are your healthy extras A is dairy option and fibre is a B option.

How it works:
A typical day in slimming world
Breakfast :
* 2 slices of wholemeal toast ( from a small 400g loaf also your healthy extra B) with a tin of baked beans and 2 pieces of fresh fruit ie: apple & pear.
Lunch:
* Batchelors Goldern Savory Ricemade as instructed mixed with cooked shredded chicken sliced mixed peppers and chopped spring onions. Have a nice bunch of grapes as pudding.
Dinner:
* Spaghetti Carbonara - stir-fry 100g back bacon in low calorie spray untill lighty brown and add 4 diced garlic cloves and stri fry for another 30 seconds.mixed the mixture into cooked spaghetti (400g before cooked)add 3 large eggs and 60g parmasan cheese, ( healthy extra A) season and toss. Enjoy tomarto and cucumber and carrot salad.

Sounds Yummy !

Join your nearest Group today ! call 08448978000 to find your nearest group today !

Weigh in for me is on a monday night and as part of keeping on track I will be recording my progress online to, to help keep me focus.
 so I started on 19/03/12
this week I celebrate my 27th birthday on wednesday and with a celebration meal at our local indian and a beauiful cake made by my lovely husband I still managed to lose a 1lb !! so not quite what I had hoped for however its still a loss so we are on the right track !!

So heres to a great weight loss success and both me and you will reach our goal asap !
 Gemma xx

From a bride to another.......

It can be hard to think about anyone else when your planning your special day, but as I like to say, the most important people not to ignore too much are your bridesmaids! its important to me  as your maids are your suport network, a group of girls all excitied at the planning and events of your big day, I dont think  that I could of managed without them!  I was very awear of how fast the day came round and I decided that I would take the time to take each of them out where I banished the word 'wedding' to enjoy some quality time with them. This was such a great idea, as it ment not only did I enjoy spending time with the people that I adore, I also had 4 mini extra hen nights to !!

DIY Wedding Cupcakes !!

''With lots of couples trying to save money on their wedding day, I thought I would share with you a few cupcakes recipes !
   Lots of couples choose cupcakes now, as it's a lot cheaper than spending hundreds of pounds on a wedding cake, for more than one reason, 
* you only need to make enough for the amount of guest that you have
* plus you can make smaller ones for the kiddies!
* they can double up as favours !
and of course they look sooooo pretty !!

Cupcakes can be decorated with any type of decorations, from butterfly's to flowers to more extravagant designs so will always be worked into your chosen theme.

 Pink Butterfly Cupcakes
(this is only is is only to decorate)                                                 Equipment
for 12 Butterfly cupcakes you will need,                                 * cocktail sticks
* 12 cupcake cases                                                                   * non-stick board
* 100g white flower paste                                                        * smooth rolling pin
* claret food colouring                                                             * small butterfly cutter
* pink food glitter                                                                    * a4 white card                     
* 50g royal icing sugar                                                            * flat brush
* 350g icing sugar                                                                    * 3 disposable piping bags
* 175g slightly salted butter (softened)                                    *  scissors
* 2 tbsp water                                                                           *  large open star piping nozzle
* 1 tsp vanilla extract.                                                              * bowl & teaspoon
                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Step 1
First we need to make your pink butterfly's, so you need to divide your paste in to two 50g parts, and using a cocktail stick dab a tiny piece of colouring into one piece. knead in well until one is pale pink.

Step 2
On a smooth service, roll out the pink paste and using your small butterfly cutter cut out 12 shapes.

Step 3
Bend your white card, line each 'v' in the card with greaseproof paper, place your butterfly's in the centre, this will help them set to dry, leave overnight for best results. 

Step 4
When dry, brush over the glitter and try not to overload them, less is more !!

Step 5
Spoon 25g of the royal icing in a bowl add a little water, tinting it to match your butterfly's,

Step 6
Spoon two teaspoons into a piping bag and fold down the open end of the bag. Snip a hole in the top of the bag and pipe a head and a tail onto each butterfly.

Remember to do a different colour with the second lot of paste.

To make the buttercream
* Sift the icing sugar into a bowl and add the butter, mix together with a fork or mixer add the water and the extract mix well untill fluffy,
* Place the large star nozzle onto the piping bag and spoon in the buttercream
* Hold your cupcake and carefully swirl round the outside edge of the cake piping inwards and upwards to the middle of the cake.
* To attach the butterflys lift each one carefully off the card and place into the cream,
* Gentle push down on the body, so that they look like they have just landed.

Ta da !! butterfly cupcakes !!

My A-Z of wedding planning !

A is for Alcohol - If you can afford it, use genuine champagne for the toasts and have a choice of red and white wines. Remember, there may be people who don't drink alcohol, and those who are driving, so have an option for them.

B is for Bridesmaids! A  brides best friends! not only will they be there to calm your nerves they will also be on hand to help you get ready and have your lippy on standby !

C is for Cosmetics - Brides should wear make-up they feel comfortable in and shades that bring out the best in their features, False lashes are popular but have a pratice wearing them before hand !

D is for Dress - I am a firm believer in when you find the one you will know ! what looks awful on the hanger might look spectacular ! don't be afraid to try something completely outrageous ! it maybe the dress of your dreams !

Dress is by Maggie Sottero @ pure bridal in Norwich

E is for Entertainment - Most receptions are followed by a party. Think about your guests before you book a band or DJ, so Great Auntie isn't forced to dance to R n b and hip hop !!.

Fis for fireworks ! Nothing better finishes a wedding than all the guests 'ooohhing & aahhhing' at the sight of fireworks!such a romantic way to finish your perfect day, but do check with your venue that you are allowed !!

G is for Garden games! Keep it high class with croquet or go all out with giant jenga and a bouncy castle or splash out for the lads with a rodeo bull !! (contact evissa weddings for more info and quotes )

H is for Honeymoon - Not the most important part of a wedding or a marriage, but getting away from it all with your new hubby  will be a relief after a busy day. Book early and look out for special honeymoon offers at travel agents.

I is for ice-cream vans !! nothing brings a smile more to your face when you reminisce hearing the chimes of an ice-cream van !! suitable for all ages !! 

J is for Jewellery - Brighten up a plain dress with some vintage or sparkly jewellery statement pieces will create a major impact !

This hairpiece is from www.tamtrumsandtiaras.org

K is for Kind Advice - Family members excel in this department. Listen to what they have to say, but take everything with a pinch of salt. Remember, it's your day.

L is for lookalikes! fancy a Johnny Depp or a Basil from Fawlty Towers being your toast master ? or how about Hangrid from Harry potter! go on surprise your guests!! (Basil & Handgrid from Edward Wells contact evissa weddings for more info)

M is for Money - Budget your wedding carefully and make sure you can afford it. Don't start married life in a financial  mess.

N is for Nails - Make sure they're at least manicured, preferably with a clear or opaque polish, for showing off that all-important ring - everyone will want to see it!

O is for Organisation - Careful organisation of every aspect of a wedding is the key to success, maybe consider hiring a wedding planner ?

P is for Photobooths !! no not the ones for your passport !! these have big funky glasses, straw hats and bight wigs !! plus chalk boards for your guests to wright down there messages- perfect for your guest book !!

Q is for quizzes !! Mr & Mrs quizzes will bring fun and laughter to all your guests perfect for after dinner games !!

R is for Reception - This is an enjoyable part of the day. Keep it traditional, simple, but not too long. Don't settle for the first place that is free and make sure you visit the reception room and taste examples of the menu before making any commitment. Get a written statement of what the venue intends to provide.

S is for Speech - The main men usually make them, but these days the bride often has a go too. Do it if you feel comfortable and use notes if you need to.

T is for tea party !! us Brit's love a cup of tea! so bring on the vintage crockery and why not add a touch of summer with strawberries and cream !!

Vintage crockery by Pineapple Vintage in Norwich

U is for Underwear - Wedding lingerie is traditionally a firm favourite with brides, so why not splash out - it'll make your wedding night even more special!

V is for Vows - Most people still follow tradition when it comes to wedding vows, but adding something of your own can add a personal touch to the ceremony.

W is for Wedding Rings - These days you can choose from more than just the traditional band of gold. If you want something more personalised, forget the High Street windows and find a local jeweller or goldsmith who can design and make a ring.

X is for Kisses - Keep a stick of lip balm handy - both bride and groom will get plenty of kisses throughout the day!

Y is for your time - you and your groom should find some time to be alone during the day in order to remember that a wedding is about a long term commitment and not just a big celebration. Give yourselves a few moments to stand back and take it all in .

Z  - According to new brides , one third of them said they fell straight to sleep on their wedding nights. Ah well, you've got the rest of your lives...

15 top tips to save money on your big day!

Save ££££'s on your big dream by cutting back with my top tips!!

1) Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter ?
Imagine a beautiful snowy setting with twinkling lights in the trees,, winter weddings can be so romantic and half the price !! Don't think you have to have a spring or summer wedding just to make beautiful use of the weather !

2) Insurance !!
Its more having piece of mind than saving money, however those few pounds you spend on a good cover means you could of lost thousands if the venue or a supplier cancel last minute!

3) Do your homework !
Quotes, Quotes & more Quotes ! The more quotes you get  the more your going to be awear how much things cost and it will be a great knowledge to use when booking the right supplier for the job.

4) Make sure all the boxes are ticked !!
A lot of couples don't realise that basic venue packages don't always come with simple things like cutlery and  chair covers within their basic packages, These add ons will show up on your final bill and can be a bit of a shock, Make sure that everything is written in black and white. Remember that VAT isn't always included in the quoted price!

5) DIY !
Save money on decorations by creating your own, or book your venue when it will be beautifully dressed IE Christmas or Easter !

6) Accommodation
Ask to see if you book a block of rooms if you will get a discount, only ever reserve and remember its up to your guests to pay for these,

7) Time to get organised
If you are an organised person then you may choose to book your venue last, which means they do it at a cheaper price to fill the slot that may of been cancelled. It can be a lot cheaper than 12-18 months away. check out www.lastminuteweddings.com for all the latest deals.

8) Keeping your guests topped up!
When it comes to refreshments, the wedding couple only really need to opening drinks,and reception beverages, Don't be pressured into buying a paid bar or putting  a tab behind bar

9) Here comes the bride....
Getting married later in the day can reduce your food costs as you will only need to pay for one meal as opposed to a breakfast and an evening meal!

10) Look out for all the freebies !!
Attend as many wedding fairs and shows as possible! £100's off honeymoons and venues can be saved if you book at a wedding show plus they may offer a free chair cover service or overnight accommodation for the bridal couple!

11) Sit-down or buffet?
Have you thought about swapping a traditional sit down wedding breakfast for a more trendy option?
Hog Roasts, Fish 'N' Chips or burger vans are great for outside weddings as can be a fish buffet or a Vintage Afternoon Tea for the modern wedding.

12) Midweek Bookings.
Having a Friday or Sunday wedding can be the biggest money saving idea, especially in the popular summer months, which means your have more availability at your dream venue. Just make sure that you have sent out the save the dates in enough time to ensure guest have time to book the time day off!!

13) Ice- cream for champagne !!
Instead of having a champagne welcome drink try having a champagne sorbet from an traditional ice-cream bike ! will cut the cost of the alcohol and means everyone can try it and theres nothing better than a nice ice-cream on a hot summers day !

14) Budget !
Keep all your wedding related receipts and invoices so that you are always in the know about how much you are spending! if you overspend one thing you must cut back on another !

15) The Cake !
Have you thought about your cake ??
Worried its alot of money to spend on a cake that some people wont like ??
Try having a cupcake cake !! Make enough cupcakes for the total number of guests and then make a giant one for you to cut and then all your guests will be able to take it home and you cab freeze the top one whilst your on honeymoon !!

Hello and welcome to the new Evissa Weddings blog !

Were here to bring you all the information about planning your wedding in the East Of England.
We will be recommending top suppliers and vendors, plus DIY tips and how to budget your wedding fund!
As well as bringing you all the top news and events from your area,
So keep watching !!
To view Evissa Weddings packages and hair, beauty and make-up offers please log onto www.evissawedding.co.uk or drop me a line or 07791574407

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