BIG DAY BIG HAIR

As your big day is slowly approaching, there is one detail that women tend to forget or overlook as they are busy with a hundred other things for the wedding.  But as small as the issue of hair may seem you dont want to reach the day of you wedding and have no clue as to what you want in your hair.  So we have compiled some inspirational pictures for you brides with all kinds of hair; natural or not.  You dont have to put chemicals in your hair for your wedding day if its not you thing.  You can rock your natural hair on your wedding hair and still look fabulous.

1.  Weave Hairstyles

      There are hundreds of weave hairstyles you can choose from for your wedding day.  Just make
       sure the style goes with the frame of you face.  You can also glam it up by pinning it up with sum
       sparkly hair pins or use a beautiful accessories with jewels or pearls on them.

 

2.  Hair Piece Hairstyles

 

     This is an easy style that can be done in a matter of minutes.  All you need is a nice hairpiece and beautiful hair accessories.  The hairpiece can be curly or straight, whichever one you like the most.

 

 

 

     

   

 

 

 

 3.  Natural Hairstyles

       Ladies, aint nothing wrong with natural hair!  you dont have to get it relaxed just for one  day .  

       Get creative and find ways of making it look fab like this beautiful natural hairstyle with a  

       sparkly pin in it.  

 

 

 





 4.  Short Hairstyles
      I love the natural look that short hair gives to black women.  So if you have short hair, you can
      still walk down the aisle with short hair.  Now there is not much you can do to short hair
      except applying some curling chemicals or gel to give it a shiny look.  But you can
     definately apply makeup that goes with the hair (natural look).  You can also use some hair
      accessories depending on the length. 

 

 

5.  Locked Hairstyle

     Just because you have locks does not mean you cannot look beautiful on your wedding day. 

     Get creative and get yourself a hairdresser experienced with locked hair and you can come up

     something beautiful.  Curling the locks is also something to think about.



6.  Natural Curly Hairstyles
     Last but definately not least, we have something for our curly haired sisters.  No need to torture
     your hair with a straghtening iron.  Your hair looks beautiful just as it is.  So you can pin it up on
     one side with a cute sparkly pin and match that with dazzling makeup and you are done. 

 

 

 

So there it is ladies, some hair inspiration for you right there.  As black women we are beautiful weather we have that Brazilian hair or we just going natural.  So be proud to be yourself and walk down that aisle as just that... yourself!

Face Mask for All Skin Types

Walking down the aisle means you are the centre of attention.  Everyone’s eye is on you so you have to make sure you look amazing.  A good makeup artist can only do much if your face is dry and your eyes are droopy!  Beautiful, healthy,  glowing skin is always a bride’s best beauty accessory for their big day.  So here are some good homemade facial masks that you can apply for some time before the big day for glowing flawless skin

 

1.       Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin is shiny skin, especially in the T-zone (from the forehead, down the nose to the chin). To test if you have oily skin, press a paper napkin to your forehead. When you pull it away, it should be soaked in oils. While you may find this annoying, the good thing about oily skin is it ages better than dry skin.

 

Banana Mask for Oily Skin

·         1 banana, preferably ripe (you can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using)

·         2 tbsp honey

·         An orange or a lemon

Preparation:

Mash up the banana, then mix in the honey. For best results, put the ingredients in a blender.
Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon.
Apply to face for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth. Follow with your regular moisturizer.

2.     Dry, Chapped Skin 

Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing. You have a tendency towards fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches. In women of color, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin buildup. These face masks, combined with regular exfoliation and daily use of moisturizers should soothe dry, chapped skin.

 Homemade Avocado Mask for Dry Skin

·          ½ very ripe, soft avocado

·          ¼ cup honey

Preparation:

Mash the avocado in a bowl, then stir in honey.
Apply to skin and leave for 10 minutes.
Rinse face with a cool washcloth.

3.     Combination Skin

Most women (some experts say up to 70 percent, although how anyone arrived at that number is beyond me), have combination, or "normal" skin. Combination skin means you may have a slightly oily T-zone and drier cheeks with dry patchy spots here and there. This rose-based mask is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.

Rose Mask for Combination Skin

·         Optional: 6 fresh rose petals

·         2 tbsps rosewater

·         1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)

·         1 tbsp runny honey (to get honey runny, you can warm it in a microwave for a few seconds).

Preparation:

Soak rose petals, then crush them in a bowl.
Add the rosewater, yogurt and honey.
Mix well and apply to the skin.
Leave on for 10 minutes.
Rinse.

 

 

4.   Sensitive Skin

       This mask is great for soothing chapped, sunburned or otherwise irritated skin.
       Extra tip: This mask works well for other skin types as well. For oily skin, add a couple

drops of lemon or lime juice. For dry skin, mix in a couple tablespoons of honey.

Yoghurt Mask for Sensitive Skin

·          1 cup natural yogurt (we like it just-out-of-the-fridge cold and I love the brand Fage's "Total" pictured here, because it's creamy and thick)

·          ½ cup oatmeal (any type of basic oatmeal works here)

Preparation:

Mix the ingredients together.
Apply to the skin for 10-15 minutes.
Wash off mask with a washcloth steamed in the microwave (careful that it's not too hot).

 

 

 

5 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE GETTING MARRIED

Getting married is a serious blessing and it just fills us ladies with joy.  I mean lets face it, no matter how successful a woman becomes; CEO in a big company, CA (Charted Accountant), Doctor or Specialist, every woman wants to eventually get married and have a beautiful family.  But usually our fantacies focus on the wedding day; the white dress, the decor and so on.  What we don’t realise is at the end of the day, all those people you invited to your wedding, go back to their homes to continue with their lives and you are left there, just the 2 of you, you and your hubby.  And thats when reality begins.  Many people prepare and plan for a wedding but very few prepare for marriage. These self-help books are very helpful and you and hubby should take some time to go through at least a few before getting married.

 

1.  THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES; THE SECRET TO LOVE THAT LASTS by GARY CHAPMAN

2.  FIGHT LESS, LOVE MORE; 5 MINUTE CONVERSATIONS TO CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT BLOWING UP OR GIVING IN by LAURIE PUHN

3.  THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN BEFORE WE GOT MARRIED by GARY CHAPMAN

 

4.  THE 7 PRINCIPLES FOR MAKING A MARRIAGE WORK; A Practical Guide From the
      Country's Foremost Relationship Expert by John M.Gottman and Nan Silver

 

 

5.  WHAT MAKES LOVE LAST?; How to Build Trust and Avoid Betrayal by John Gottman and

      Nan Silver

 

     

 

 

These are just a few.  You can find these great books on Amazon and you can buy them online in PDF.  Or you can find some in a few bookshops around the country.  We have offered one of the books, THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES in one of our previous articles.  You can just download it from there in PDF.  So take some time to get some expert advice on how to save your marriage from disaster.  Its really worth it.

Duties of Members of the Bridal Team

Nobody ever wants to deal with a bridezilla!  but honestly I don't blame them!  its hectic planning one's big day.  the pressure of multi-tasking while pleasing everyone at the same time.  But as family and friends we can do a little bit to ease the pressure.  I am especially talking to the bridesmaides and groomsmen out there.  You each have an important part you can play to release the pressure on the couple, allowing them to enjoy the moment.  So here are the jobs and duties of each person is responsible  for;

Mother of the Bride
Before the Wedding

• Remember it is your daughter's wedding, not yours!   So let her come up with her own ideas for her big day.   Dont force her to do something just because you think it is nice.
• Assist in the planning.  Hire service providers and book dates, for example.  if wedding planners are hired, you can still help in the planning and also make sure that your daughter's ideas are carried out (because wedding planner can sometimes get carried away and will do what they think is nice and fashionable)

Father of the Bride
Before the Wedding

• Im sorry fathers, but unfortunately you role in you daughters wedding is to open and close your chequebook.  Weddings are expensive and sometimes the bride may need some financial assistance.

Wedding Day

• Do a speech
• Father and Daughter dance

Mother of the Groom
Before the Wedding

• Draw up the guest list for the groom's side of the family
• Offer help in the planning of the wedding

Wedding Day

• Introduce the groom's family to the bride's family

Father of the Groom
Before the Wedding

• Offer Financial support to your son

Wedding Day

• Spend some one-on-one time with your son in the morning to share some advice.  An outing such as golf or fishing will make it more favorable and relaxing
• Dance with the bride

Maid of Honor
Before the Wedding

• helping with the general wedding planning.  For example seeing venues, picking flower arrangements etc
• Help coordinate the other bridesmaides
• Plan the 'bachelorette' party

Wedding Day

• Help the bride get ready
• Be by the bride's side at all times to calm her down and sort out any problems
• Make sure the bridesmaides are on time
• Hold the bride's bouquet during vows
• Keep the ring meant for the groom until its time to hand it over
• Witness the signing of the marriage license

Bridesmaides
Before the Wedding

• Pitch in ideas for the wedding planning
• Chip in financially for the bachelorette party
• Help the bride get ready

Best Man
Before the Wedding

• Plan the bachelor party
• Make sure nothing regrettable happens at the bachelor party (in other words, no strippers guys)

Wedding Day

• Make sure the groom is ready and at the church on time
• Make sure all the groomsmen are on time (and not monkeying around, lol)
• Hold the ring meant for the bride as well as the the marriage licence unitll its time to hand them over
• Decorate the 'getaway car' with items such as a JUST MARRIED sign.  If you cant do it, you can get someone to do it.

Groomsmen
Before the Wedding

• Help the best man to plan the bachelor party

Wedding Day

• Nothing!  Help calm the groom's nerves before the ceremony, in case he starts getting cold feet.

So if you have been chosen to be in someone's bridal party, know that its not all about looking pretty on the day!  its not about you, its about the bride and groom, so do watever you can to reduce the stress.  and please whatever you do, DO NOT ADD TO IT BY BEING A PAIN IN THE....

The Type of Girl we would all want to marry...

Yours truly is back, the quiet cousin. Yep! That’s me... you know that          cousin you have that never says a word? Laughs only when its appropriate and you’ve never really figured which one of your uncles and aunts are his parents. Since l’ve grown up all my life watching what goes on around me, quietly studying social interaction and the needy protocols around it, l thought it would be an awesome idea to share with you “the type of girl that most guys would want to marry”. (l’m saying ‘most’ because obviously l can’t speak on behalf of every guy out there). So ladies listen up and just maybe you might learn a thing or two...three...four...five things maybe.

The dream wife for every guy gots to have hair!! Extensions or a weave whatever it is girlfriend get something on that head, last thing we want is a girl that looks like she is going to get her passport picture taken all the time! She has to have a body that kills...mmmm help me lord! Curves, a thin waist and them long a## legs.

Stay with me now...LOL, l know most of you ladies are rolling your eyes in disgust. I LIED!! See the problem is most of you ladies think that’s what guys look for in a fiancé or a wife to be. Guys are different and are looking for different things. We get excited and put off by different things so the first thing l want to tell you before you give up on relationships is GUYS ALSO WONDER WHAT TYPE OF MEN YOU WOULD WANT TO MARRY, WE ALSO THINK YOU WANT THE RICH, TALL, BUFF AND HANDSOME TREYSONGS LOOK-ALIKE. Clearly we are both misunderstood, l don’t know about you girls but with us it’s the simpler things that make us decide if my jeans are worth extra time in the washing machine cause l spent the last minutes of our supper on one knee proposing. Now that iv got you reading this far, let me tell you what MOST guys are looking for in a future MRs what what.

FAITHFULL: nothing makes a man more secure about his future with a girl than knowing and trusting that no matter what, his girl will stick with him like a bad nick-name (nah mean). If a guy senses he can’t trust you with anything then the relationship is as good as perfect cheese cake to an elderly lactose intolerant black female. (don’t ask me....)

A FRIEND: this goes way beyond talking and mere hanging out without fighting.(i knew a girl that bragged that her and her man have never fought, l knew the guy and he was my fam buh he was cheating-fighting is good, shows you are talking about what you don’t like and trying to solve it). Be his friend, we need to know that we are in a place where we are not being judged for our mistakes, were we can open up and you’d both laugh or simply talk about it. Laughing together builds a certain bond that no amount of ‘touchy touchy’ can give. We are after all going to spend forever with you > forever is a very long time.

SELFLESS: yes girl l would make you my world buh... where would that leave me? See the mistake most girls make is they think a guy will feel himself if you show him you really into him yada yada yada. We want a girl that will equally show us she is in this relationship-that will be concerned about me too not leaving it up to me to prove that l deserve you. DESERVE me too.

REAL: as easy as that, won’t stay on this one for long. DONT lie... DONT pretend to be something you are not. You are a Mabvuku babe that’s who you are...

UP FOR IT: we have to see that ‘wifeness’ in you. I am not about to propose to a girl that can’t cook a single full meal-African men take pride in their wifes cooking. Basically you have to be able to act the part of a wife to be considered wife material (note that l said you have to be able to...NOT you have to be acting the part) like l said speaking for most men, i want to see you laugh and chill with my mom and sisters even if l know they piss the crap out of you, see you pull me back when lm overspending... (nah mean).

Of course you have to look good, you would be silly to think that you can walk around looking like wet dog and you will get your knight in shining armour. Even Cinderella needed a gown to go to the ball to meet her prince. It’s a known phenomenon that guys are attracted to the physical first (what they see). He has to like how to carry yourself first then the rest follows. That said...you have to be careful of one thing, the skill that every guy has mastered-We have the supernatural ability of seeing what you want and pretending to give it just long enough till we milk whatever we want from you.  It’s a crazy world out there... but he is looking for you.

Guess l have to go now... till the next funeral l guess, then you’ll hear more from your quiet cousin.

WHAT TO WEAR, WHAT TO WEAR

 

Lemme guess, you have a wedding to attend this weekend

and you have no idea what you are gonna wear, but you

do know you have to impress!  I feel your pain, Ive been

there!  So I thought I should do this article with

inspirational pics to help you out.  For those who had a

wedding to attend last weekend and are thinking,

“Maaannn this could have come in handy this weekend!”,

im so sori ladies, but not to fear, this can be useful in the

future.   You might see an outfit that is similar to that

number you have buried in your closet or go shopping for

similar pieces. 

The following pictures are courtesy of BLACK GIRLS

KILLING IT.  Want to see more pictures of divas

sweeping fashion off its feet?  Visit the Facebook Page,

BLACK GIRLS KILLING IT and like the page to get a

constant update of fashionable outfits that will inspire

you.

 

 

 

Lovely right?  These are just a few ideas.  Lemme know

what you think and which one you love the most. 

Here is a great offer for you guys; send us a picture of the

outfit you will be wearing for the wedding you are going

to this weekend on our facebook  page and we will send

you an e-book you will just love!   We look forward to

hearing from you.

THE SHADES OF FALL (cont.)

 

As promised Im back with more colourful  inspirational pictures for  choosing a colour for your Fall wedding.  The colours of Fall featured in this article are:

 

• Champagne
• Olive Green
• Hot Pink

 

 

Champagne Themed Wedding Pictures
 

Olive Green Themed Wedding Pictures
 

Hot Pink Themed Wedding Pictures

So these are the colours perfect for a Fall wedding.  If you have a colour you have in mind and would like some inspirational pictures to help you out lemme know by sending a message on our facebook page and we will definately oblige.



 

 

THE SHADES OF FALL

 

 

As fall is approaching, the weather becomes less...warm (lol) with the leaves falling off trees and everything is brown.  Well this month I have some colours that would go well with the fall.  they are as follows;

 

• Turquoise
• Burnt Orange
• Plum
• Red

 

These colours add a warm feeling to the wedding instead of dull and boring colours just like nature.  Now I can go on and on about these colours, but I think the pictures should speak for themselves.  Here are some inspirtation pictures for you guys to get a clear view of what they would look like.

 

 

Turquoise Wedding Inspirtation

 

 

Plum Wedding Inspiration

Burnt Orange Wedding Inspiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Wedding Inspiration

 

 

 

These are just a few of the colours for a Fall wedding!  But dont worry I will be posting more tomorrow.  Please let me know what you think of these inspirational pictures and if you have a specific colour you have in mind and would like some inspiration. I will gladly help you out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





A WEDDING ON A BUDGET

 

 

Don’t you just turn green with envy when you go to a wedding where the couple arrive in a Lamborghini or better, a helicopter!  The bride’s dress is an original Vera Wang, worth thousands and the groom’s wearing Loubiton shoes and an expensive suit.  The decor and catering are done by the best service providers in town.  And you sitting there thinking ‘gosh, I can never have a wedding this nice’ and ‘eish, vanhu ava vane mari (whoa, these people are rich)’.  Well to be honest, most people use all their money on the wedding and forget to save up for life.  But that’s a story for another day.

To be honest we all want lavish weddings, but not all of us can afford it.  But what should stop us from having the wedding of our dream, for less.  So here are some tips on how to save money when planning for your big day.

1.   Make a List

Make a list of all the important things you want for your wedding.  For Example; What is more important to you;  gorgeous flowers, inviting 400 guests, a particular venue location or serving cavier and lobster to your guestsJ.  Pick whats most important to you that you are willing to pay any price for it.  Then the rest you can compromise.

 

2.    Less Guests

Always keep in mind that you are charged per guest.  So keep it short.  Ok, I have to admit, as Africans, we can never have less guests.  I mean God forbid if your mother’s sister’s husband’s uncle’s grandchild is not invited!  ABORMINATION!!lol

Have a maximum amount you can afford and split it into 2, half for you and half for your hubby.  For your half, divide it further, into family, friends and workmates.  This helps you to really evaluate your guests and cut off the unimportant people.  Like...hmmmm I don’t know, EXES maybe??lol

 

3.   Signature Drink

Serve a custom made cocktail (alcoholic and/or non-alcohol) for guests instead of full bar which cost a lot of money.  It would be advisable to have 2 or more cocktails to give guests a variety.  If you guys want some cocktail ideas, lemme know and i will hook you up.

 

4.   Bridal Team Outfits

This saves money BIG TIME! Your bridal team should be understanding and be able to come up with the money for the outfits and shoes.

 

5.    Keep the Menu simple
There is no need to serve a 5 course meal at a wedding.  Keep it simple; a main meal and dessert will do.   Buffet tends to be more expensive so plated service is a better option.  No need to serve lobster and cavier to your guests!  Something simple and yet delicious will save you money.   Now the traditional rice and chicken has been overdone so you can try something different but still within your buget

 

6.   Online Shopping

E-bay and Light-in-the-box are some popular online shopping websites where you can find some beautiful items such as bridesmaid dresses, suits for groomsmen, wedding favours and even a wedding dress for yourself.  Now I’m sure you are all asking ‘and how will i get it shipped here?’  Well these sites do not ship here but they do ship to the United Kingdom and South Africa.  So you can ship them to a friend or family member’s address and then have it posted here.  Long process? Yes but it’s worth a try.  But please be careful people, make sure the sellers are top rated or well reputable to avoid being robbed online!

 

7.   Rent a Wedding Dress

There is no shame in renting a wedding dress for your big day.  Besides, its only one day and that dress is gonna take up loads of space in your cupboard until ure forced to see it anyway!  You can rent a high quality dress, enjoy and create memories in it and pay half the price that you would have paid if you were buying it.

 

8.   Save Money on Church Decorations

Most churches are very well built and decorated as it is.  So there is no need to spend money on expensive flowers and so on.  Keep it simple; a few flowers at the entrance, petals on the floor and some candles here and there.  The ceremony is more of a spiritual event (the joining of 2 souls), so the decor must be simple. 

You can save by moving the flowers at the church to the reception after the ceremony.

 

9.   Learn to ask for help from Family

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for financial assistance from family.  And yes I mean asking that rich uncle of yours that drives a Range!  lol!  As Africans we are very family-oriented and you will always find some people waiting eagerly to contribute to your wedding in any way. Family and friends can also help by donating a service.  Like their cars to transport the bridal team to the church and reception venue, and a family member being the M.C rather than hiring a professional.  This can save you a lot of money, which you can allocate in other important areas. 

 

10.               Get Crafty

Embark on some DIY projects to save money for your wedding.  For example wedding favours, invitations and centrepieces.  Now keep in mind that these projects will take time and need to be prepared well in advance. 

I would suggest you throw a craft party for friends and family to pitch in and put the various items together.  All you need are some snacks and a bit of music to turn it into a fun venture.

I will be posting some DIY projects for you guys in the future to inspire you for your weddings.

 

Well these are the few ways you can save money for your wedding. Hope these tips can help you guys out.  Lemme know if I missed one or two