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	Bethanie Lunn
	The Modern Girl's Guide

Guide to: Weddings

The Modern Girl's Guide to Fabulousness: Weddings

As a child, I never day-dreamed about the fairytale wedding day - puffball white dress, horse and cart and sparking crystals. I’m not sure why other brides feel compelled to follow suit but thankfully, times are changing and we’re all using our imaginations more.

Sure, as a girl, I have thought about the big day - especially since mine is coming up this year but I’m not looking for anything that may be perceived as ordinary or traditional.

I want my day to suit me, my husband-to-be and our guests, reflecting everything we love. I want a ‘cool’ wedding, one with style and originality.

So in opting for what suits me, gone is the assumed natural make-up, the meringue dress and the pretty flowers and in comes the vintage touch, the personalised accessories and a dress designed by me.

I know I’m not alone here so if you too are a modern girl looking for unique touches for your big day, keep checking back for some of the most up-to-date, hard-working, individual and impressive treatments, products and services around, all tried and tested by me first…

Hypnosis

If you’re an avid reader of The Modern Girl’s Guide to: Weddings you will know that I’m not a traditional bride with traditional tastes so I will be taking centre stage on my big day and doing a speech.

So, in preparation for the heightened responsibilities my wedding beholds, I sought help in hypnosis and can now happily recommend it as a treatment everyone should try…

Andrew Gillespie is a health professional having worked for the NHS for a number of years. He has worked as part of community drugs teams, counselling, health promotion, and the stop smoking service and trained as a psychiatric nurse. He has numerous degrees at postgraduate and masters level in health related disciplines but more importantly, he is a fully qualified hypnotherapist - so I knew I was in good hands right from the start – which is something Andrew says is highly important since you need to trust your hypnotherapist to be able to fully relax and therefore respond effectively to hypnosis.

Andrew uses a combination of counselling, CBT, psychotherapy, NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming), and hypnosis techniques to treat clients/patients. He receives regular referrals from GPs for patients needing help with stress and anxiety, pain, eating disorders, post-traumatic Stress and depression though his specialist areas are weight loss and smoking cessation.

I decided to see Andrew to help me with any confidence issues and nerves surrounding my big day. Your wedding day is full of emotion and the planning process takes so much energy, thought, time and feeling and with giving a speech too, I hoped Andrew could help me feel my most confident self alongside lifting my spirits.

During an initial consultation, Andrew found out a little about me and my problem, as the whole session would be based on the information I gave him. He also talks to you first to gain an understanding of whether you absorb information visually or audibly. Providing him with information enabled him to get a clear picture of me and what I wanted from the session – giving him a firm foundation upon which the process of change could be built.

From there, he led me into a hypnotic state using the information he had learnt, for example, he asked me what I did to relax (wine, bubble baths, beach holidays!), and used this as part of the process through visualisation.

I’m always switched on; consistently alert – the sort of person who is sat awake on a long haul flight whilst everyone else sleeps – wired, full of beans, mind turning - so I didn’t think I would let my mind or body relax, but I did and pleasantly drifted to a satisfyingly relaxed state. My body felt heavy yet my mind felt focused whilst simultaneously feeling peaceful.

Andrew led me into a medium trance. In assessing my situation, Andrew states, ‘Although the depth of trance is influenced by many factors, a person will only go as deep as they feel comfortable to go. Each individual will settle on a level at which they feel comfortable and receptive at that time. What was needed was a hypnotic state to provide a state of mind where therapy would be effective. If therapeutic suggestions are made at the conscious level they will be blocked by logical, rational thought. Since you already had the resources within you that were needed to achieve your goal my task was merely to mobilise those resources in order to bring about change’.

The next step was to create a focused, motivated and confident state and use direct suggestions for more appropriate thoughts and behaviour within the context of my future performance. Andrew asked me to imagine a control room and to make it my own. So naturally I added a pink chaise lounge and champers on ice, and to envisage a dial labelled ‘confidence’. Andrew said the dial should move from 0 to 100, 0 being low and 100 being super confident. I turned the dial up full blast.

Andrew also reframed my physical reactions as excitement and projected me into the future with good feelings after my wedding and linked past positive performances - when I felt really pleased and great about myself - to the future performance of my wedding speech. This evoked a feeling of confidence and feel-good emotions within me – re-living those sensations. Each time I thought of and felt these positive feelings, Andrew asked me to squeeze together my middle finger and thumb so that each time I wish to muster and recreate these feelings again, I just simply squeeze and all those emotions return.

Another exercise was to identify a positive role model or character that I felt embodies the aura I want to evoke. I enacted my performance in her shoes and imagined myself as her, seeing the scenario through her eyes and visualising the happiness surrounding me and a successful outcome.

This was followed up with what is called ego strengthening to generally help me feel even better about myself.

Andrew counted me back into a conscious state and I felt instantly more fulfilled, happy and somehow lifted. After just one session, I felt more energised and positive and generally – a better version of myself.

Andrew does recommend a course of hypnosis for best results, since the more he learns about his patients, the more he has to work with – benefiting you but for my situation, one session provided me with all the poise and positivity I need.

I highly reccomend Andrew and thank him for the boost I feel…if you ever see my squeezing my thumb and finger together, you’ll now know what I’m channelling!

It is important that anyone considering visiting a hypnotherapist chooses someone who is professional, well trained, and committed to patient care. Any legitimate therapist will be a member of a bona fide ethical organisation and subscribe to the organisation’s ethical code of conduct.

Andrew Gillespie, Clinical Hypnotherapist.

Available at Innercore Therapy Clinic, Leeds and Brierley Medical Centre, Barnsley

For further information or to book an appointment please call: UK 07807 785443

Diamonds are a girl's best friend...

Nails Inc. have created the lavish Crystal Pedicure, perfect for Brides who don't want to limit the sparkle just to their ring finger! Expert Nail Technician's place 500 individual Swarovski crystals on each toe nail taking 1 hour and fifteen minutes for a stunning result that lasts up to three weeks.

The Crystal Pedicure is £110.

To book contact your nearest Nails Inc. salon or Harvey Nichols concession: www.nailsinc.com

Nails Inc. at Harvey Nichols,Leeds: 0113 234 6757

Fabulous Beach Bag for your sunny honeymoon

I love this casual tote bag – big enough to fit all of your beach essentials inside. The postcard design featuring 1950s pin-up girls adds retro charm whilst the rope handle gives it an added edge of nautical chic.

Lagarmi Postcard Bag, £19.95

Buy online www.womenlikeusclothing.com

or order by telephone on: 0845 230 1931

FlutterFly Events is a London based wedding consultancy with an American eye for detail. Originally from America, Founder, Erika Unbehaun, moved to London four years ago and claims to offer 'that level of service that Americans are so famous for offering weddings that are a polished blend of traditional British with the service and style you expect from the States'.

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If 'polished' sounds appealing and you're in desperate need of some sound advice, check out Erika's expert insider tips on wedding planning.

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1. If you're serving your wedding cake as dessert, offer the same flavour and filling throughout all tiers so guests eat the same thing and don't ask the waiter for the same flavour his neighbour has.

2. No matter what day of the week or what time of the year your wedding is being held, you should always ask for extras to be thrown in.

3. If you’re spending more than £1,000 on your wedding then yes, you will want to invest in a good wedding insurance plan! There are numerous things that can go wrong and insurance can give you the piece of mind as your wedding day approaches. Reasons to get wedding insurance range from weather being unpredictable, wedding clothes are expensive, wedding rings can go missing, transportation doesn’t show up, suppliers go out of business, wedding presents are stolen, double bookings are made (think: Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway!), slips and trips blamed on bride and groom, people pass away. Wedding Insurance can protect you and give you a great start to your new life. My best advice is to get a plan in place as soon as you hand in your first deposit.

4. If your heart's set on live music but your budget can't stretch that far, contact your local college of music where the students are just as good for half the price.

5. For a budget friendly reception, layout a cheese platter and a fruit buffet as well as a signature drink such as a Mojito and a non alcoholic option. You will save on fancy canapes and serving staff while guests enjoy a staple appetizer.

6. Serving theme stations during your wedding breakfast will cut costs and produce a beautiful display of fusion. Offering a Thai station, fajita bar, tapas bar, curry station, etc is proven very trendy, fun and affordable!

7. Hire your diamonds from DiamondThrills (www.diamondthrills.co.uk) instead of purchasing your jewellery for the big day. Hire prices start from £50 and you have up to a week with them. Talk about pure luxury!

8. If you're getting married in the warm summer months consider printing your order of service in an elegant typing font then attach wooden lollipop sticks to the bottom to make hand fans for your guests. Scallop the edges with craft scissors for a finishing touch.

9. Before you start to book any wedding suppliers, sit down with your fiance and discuss what your priorities are. Think about what you must have and what you can live without. Is a live band important? Lots of fresh flowers? What about the venue and service staff?

For more top tips and ideas, visit FlutterFly Events- 'Wedding planning and design'.

Gorrrgeous dresses

I have fallen in love, no not with R Patz but with a clothing label that transports me into a land of fairytales - yet with added cool. Ouma Clothing is ideal for brides who desire exactly what this guide is all about - something individual for their big day that screams style and originality as opposed to taffeta and tradition.

My ultimate pick would be the Blushing in Pink gown, £540.41 (pictured below). Check out their Etsy store now!

Image courtsey of Ouma Clothing.

La crème de la Crème of complexions

A bride’s complexion has to be clear and radiant since all eyes are on you and there will be hundreds of photos to pose for. If your skin is clear and smooth, your beautiful make-up will also sit much better on your skin so you can feel confident and ready for that close-up.

If you are unsure of how to make your skin look its radiant best or find searching for your skin care products a minefield, then you will be pleased to hear about the new and welcome service available at selected Crème de la Mer counters.

Complimentary sample treatments and consultation services are now offered to customers where, after analysing your complexion and requirements, a fully trained Crème de la Mer expert will offer guidance in every skin care desire from adding radiance to your face and body using their renowned products, soothing away your stresses with sumptuous massage techniques and finding your perfect foundation.

You can then choose from an array of complimentary treatments but my favourites include;

The Essentials Treatment

A three step daily regime to boost radiance and create a visible transformation for skin’s appearance. Treatment 20 minutes.

The Eye Treatment

A customised eye treatment, addressing your specific eye concerns brighter looking peppers – ideal if you are feeling tired from all the planning and perfect for those loving glances at your new hubby! Treatment 20 minutes.

The Skincolor Consultation

Using Crème de la Mers treatment-rich foundations and powders, you will be shown how to achieve a naturally flawless and luminous finish that lasts and also gets to work in conditioning your skin as you walk around looking immaculate. Consultation 20 minutes.

I felt truly pampered and full of knowledge after the experience with the bonus of utterly luminous skin. The results were instant thanks to the power of these renowned products and my skin stayed clear and bright for days after too.

Top of my wish list is The Body Refiner, £77.00 (200ml) - infused with over a carat and a half of pure diamond powder. This refined my skin, sloughing away those ghastly bumps on the back of my arms, which I know many of us battle with and left a delicate sparkle for a touch of grown-up glamour. Well, they do say diamonds are a girl's best friend!

www.cremedelamer.co.uk. Stockist No. 0870 034 2566 and visit your nearest counter to book in for your consultation now.

Give us a B, give us an R-I-D-E

Every bride-to-be has to have a ‘Hen Do’ but forget the lame assault courses and greasy strippers and get active and have a giggle with cheerleading! It’s just starting to make its mark here in the UK, being hugely popular in the States.

GoHen.com organise it all for you including your equipment and the instructor will ensure you have all the moves.
Your cheerleading experience will teach you some classic pom-pom routines, incorporating cheers with the bride's name and to add to the party atmosphere further, you'll also receive a free bottle of bubbly* and the entire group will receive a certificate of commendation.
Now all you need is a sexy cheerleading outfit and, should he be lucky enough, you can show your hubbie-to-be your new skills when you get home!

The GoHen.com cheerleading lessons are only available on the weekends across the UK, For your nearest destination, please visit: www.gohen.com
*dependant on destination
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Colonic à deux???
When I say ‘Colonic irrigation’, do you automatically cringe, blush or say ‘eeuugghhk’?
Most people do. In today’s world, it is surprising to realise the subject of having a plastic tube inserted into your back passage to reduce waste matter, can still be considered taboo. There, I said it. That wasn’t so bad was it?
Imagine my surprise then to learn that Dual Cleanses (that’s where you and your partner go for a colonic together), are actually popular. There are better ways I can think to spend time with my other half but when Leeds based clinic, Innercore invited us to experience this for The MODERN girl’s guide to: weddings, I agreed – you don’t get more modern than this!
About colonics
Colonic Irrigation, also known as colon hydrotherapyis a safe and painless procedure in which built-up waste is gently released from the colon by introducing warm filtered water. Egyptians used this method as an alternative to harsh purgatives or laxatives for colon-cleansing, and today it remains popular for the same reasons.
The Dual Cleanse
Thankfully, the colonics were not performed together in the same room (we’re close, but really?!), and instead during a designated time slot per person within the same afternoon. We therefore arrived together and chose who went first (me).
The practitioner, Kirsty McEnroe RGN Dip HE is a qualified nurse with years of experience that instantly put me and my partner at ease.   We both had a private consultation addressing our lifestyles and diet and came away with some sound advice which I share onwards.
I then stripped off the lower half of my clothing with a towel to cover my modesty and lay on my side on the treatment table as instructed.
The tube was inserted which wasn’t at all painful and then the purified water was released. There are two tubes in the inserted nozzle: one is used to gently push the water in and the other carries it (and the contents of your colon) out, as the system automatically flushes it away.
I think my partner thought the tube may be more the size of an exhaust, than the test tube width it actually is, just from his sheer anguish the night before the treatment. But he commented that, despite the ‘strange’ feeling it wasn’t an uncomfortable one at all.
The feeling may experience a feeling resembling cramping in your tummy due to the pressure of the water working its way further into your colon which makes you want to instinctively ‘release’ yet with the process removing waste, you don’t have to worry. Kirsty helps you relax and explains the process step by step which appeased us both greatly.
The Results
I noticed an immediate difference in my belly, which looked flatter, and I felt lighter and healthier on the inside. This makes it an ideal treatment pre-wedding or special occasion.
For my other half, despite being told he ‘passed a lot’ and therefore has a build up of much waste matter (less of the Ale for him, then), he felt empty and tired with no obvious physical difference.
Kirsty warned us both that we could feel drained and to drink plenty of water following the treatment so this was expected.
To conclude, I believe the results of a colonic irrigation vary for the individual but I’m personally now so convinced that I am signed up for seasonal cleanses and happily opt for a solo experience.
Kirsty McEnroe’s tips pre-wedding tips to keep those toxins at bay:
Kirsty recommends a colonic irrigation three months before the big day and one three days before your wedding, coupled with the Detox Body Wrap.
Use Epsom Salts to further flush out toxins. Add two cups of Epsom Salts to warm water in a standard size bath. Soak for at least 12 minutes and repeat three times a week.
Skin brushing is excellent for encouraging circulation and skin cell renewal giving you clearer and smoother skin. Innercore sell them on their website for £3.50
It is also important to monitor what you put back into your body. To rid any unwanted chemicals from your food, wash vegetables in one part vinegar to 12 parts water then rinse.
Use a massage ball in clockwise circular motions across your tummy to encourage digestion.

Innercore Clinics Ltd, Deanfield House, Asquith Avenue, Morley, Leeds LS27 9QS
T: 0113 243 1255
W: Innercore.co.uk
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Nail polish that last two weeks!
I have found a nail treatment that will give you perfectly polished talons long past your wedding day and into your honeymoon...
This is the latest craze set to revolutionise the nail world! Shellac combines the properties of polish and gel to create a new system that goes on just like a polish yet lasts like a gel giving a mirror-like finish that lasts for at least two weeks with no smudges or chips!
Shellac provides support to the nail giving flexibility and added strength and the process involved no filing of the natural nail, just a simple three step process. After the nail is prepared and a base coat is applied, two layers of your chosen colour are painted on and each layer is set for two minutes under a UV lamp, followed by a top coat. It’s as quick as that! It is recommended that you have Shellac removed at a professional salon once the colour starts to grow out which you will notice around your nail cuticle. There are currently 12 colours in the range but I have it on the down low that there will be 60 by January 2011!
Check out www.salongeek.comfor more reviews and a salon near you.
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Happy feet, happy bride
I adore these cosy Uggs for brides. I'll be wearing mine when my feet are screaming from too much dancing and again en route to honeymoon as I snuggle down on the plane next to my hubbie!
Check out the full collection here:
http://www.lovefromaustralia.com/aw10_brochure.html
£229 from: www.designerdesirables.com

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Personal Hair Stylists aren't just for the celebs, you know!...
Winners of the British Hairdresser of the Year Award, HOB Salons have a new bridal package in their Leeds branch and they’re now open seven days a week! I love the idea of having my hair quaffed on a Sunday pre lazy afternoon drinks with the family but importantly, since I’m a bride-to-be I was thrilled to discover the exclusive Weddings Abroad package.
The package is entirely tailored to the wedding parties needs and commences with an in-depth consultation in the salon, a hair trial and that all-important glass of champers.
The most cost effective way to benefit is to hire your chosen Stylist for the entire day at £650 which entitles the bride and as many of her bridal party to have their hair done within the designated time. This time period allows for a minimum of seven people to get their hair done and a maximum of ten – working out at a very decent cost per person!
Your Stylist will be on hand for re-touches throughout the day and a change of look for the bride at the evening event if you so wish, so you can rest assured that your wedding photos will look stunning, or at least the bride will, which is the most important factor, right?!
Details:
www.hobsalons.com
HOB Salons, 12 Duncan Street, Leeds
T: 0113 2435555
Payment for flights, accomodation and transfers will be required.
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Funky Favours
Bedcrumb is one of my favourite online bourtiques - bursting with hand-made gifts, accessories and little touches for you and your home. I adore the vintage style fascinators and illustrated greeting cards but it is Vintage Tea Cup Treats that have recently caught my eye.
Individually sourced vintage tea cups are filled with scrumptious marshmallows in champagne net and tied with a pretty ribbon, vintage fabric bow and rose trim, making the perfect wedding favour whilst adding to the glamour of the table settings.
Each vintage tea cup set comes with a bedcrumb Dot doll tag and a 'Thank-you for helping us celebrate our special day' paper motif which can be personalised for free.
Prices are £6.50 each or £5.00 each for orders of 15 + tea cups.
www.bedcrumb.co.uk
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Microdermabrasion - for smoother, more radiant skin
Medical Microdermabrasion sounded a little high-tech for me at first. I even had trouble saying the word but when informed that it is a modern and safe way to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and other skin ailments, yet without the pain and long lead times of chemical and laser peels, I jumped at the chance to try it.
I visited Leeds based clinic, Innercore who use state of the art Dermagenesis Medical Microdermabration M2, available only to medical professionals. The procedure is performed under the supervision of a certified professional so I felt completely comfortable after a full consultation of what the process involved.
The treatment involves passing a fine collection of medical grade crystals over the skins surface using a hand held device which gently exfoliates the skin, removing the dead skin cells to reveal the new skin cells from underneath – giving you a smooth complexion.
The feeling compares to drying your face on a course towel – not at all painful though certainly abrasive so you may experience a little redness after although this disappears within the hour.   The entire treatment lasted around 20-30 minutes and though the practitioner recommends a course of treatments for best results, I could see an improvement in the radiance and suppleness of my complexion instantly.
Due to the exfoliation process, Microdermabrasion is particularly great at treating the following skin conditions:
·       Acne prone skin and acne scars
·       Fine lines and wrinkles
·       Hyperpigmentation superficial age spots
·       Oily skin
·       Dry pr patchy skin
·       Blackheads and whiteheads
·       Certain types of scar tissue
·       Sun damaged skin
I’d definitely try it again in preparation for my wedding to reveal a rejuvenated complexion for all those photos since it is such an efficient experience with fast results. I’ll also be looking into a course for the winter when everyone’s skin looks grey and tired.
Details:
Innercore, Deanfield House, Deanfield Mill, Asquith Avenue, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS27 9QS
T: 0113 253 1255
W: www.innercore.co.uk
To find your nearest participating salon, visit http://www.wahanda.com

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I love this casual tote bag made up of postcards featuring 1950s pin-up girls. The rope handle adds a touch of nautical chic to its retro charm. I'll be using mine for the beach on honeymoon to keep all my essentials inside.

Lagarmi Postcard Bag, £19.95

Buy online: www.womenlikeusclothing.com

or order by telephone : 0845 230 1931

Guide to: Weddings