This week, I am taking a break from our Bachelorette Fete series, which you can read here, here and here to talk a little about the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday!
For many of you, this means the start of at least three glorious days off from the demands of work and the start of summer. Woohoo! So, here are few things to keep in mind as you begin the season of fun in the sun.
1. Don’t forget the sunscreen! If you are planning your nuptials anytime over the summer or fall, the last thing you want to start is tan lines. Apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, has UVA and UVB protection, and above all, apply often! Even if you don’t think you need to, a little extra protection never hurts. 😉 Those perfectly tanned shoulders can go right out the door with one sunburn (well, at least for me!). Even if you are blessed to have olive skin that tans evenly, the damaging effects of the sun will add up over time, so protect that precious bridal skin.
1a. Apply self-tanner cautiously. Most brides don’t want to look washed out on their wedding day, but skin that doesn’t look as though it normally occurs in nature is just as bad. I have one word for you: Snookie.
2. Drink plenty of water. As the temperatures start to rise, be sure to stay hydrated. As I’ve said before, water does wonders for your health and well being. Usually the summer months are filled with backyard bbq’s and days out on the lake or the beach, and sometimes some alcohol, so be sure to keep plenty of water nearby.
3. Take care of your hair. Sun and swim can be devastating to your locks, and lead to dry, brittle hair, causing split ends. Make sure you moisturize deeply at least once a week. Don’t skip out on your regularly scheduled haircuts either. That will help keep damaged hair at bay.
4. Rotate your closet. I know, this one isn’t so obvious, but with a change in season, I like to weed out clothes I haven’t worn in at least one year, or that aren’t staples to my wardrobe. A hefty donation to the local charity will do wonders for your closet space and your karma.
5. HAVE FUN! Its easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of planning, but don’t forget to just be yourself and have the summer you would normally have. Have the family and/or friends over for a bbq to just let loose and enjoy the time you have together. In my opinion, summer is the perfect time for a girls weekend, too! Or why not plan a mini getaway for you and your soon-to-be husband to connect and revel in your “last summer” as un-married people.
But as my grandma used to say, there’s no time like the present. If you haven’t already done so, plan a little something to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. For me and my husband, it’s the start of Friday Night Grill Nights. We collaborate on the meal and connect as a couple after a long week. We started this tradition while we were dating and still enjoy a romantic summer dinner at home for two on Friday nights. It’s “our thing” and we love it. So start your own thing. Get out on your deck or backyard, or have a picnic in your living room, and just make the most of it! It’s time to welcome back summer with open arms. Ah, how we’ve missed you… Happy Memorial Day!
