Recently, this has become one of my favorite ab routines. It’s very efficient and the time passes quickly because you are doing each exercise for only one minute. Get ready for some sore abs tomorrow and rock solid muscles soon after that!
Complete each exercise for one minute and move to the next exercise without resting:
Mountain Climbers
V-Crunch
Superman Planks
Side Plank (30 seconds each side)
Leg Lifts
One of the most important things to remember during this exercise is to keep that booty down! I know it’s hard (especially at the end), but it will be worth it! Repeat this exercise as many time as you can.
“As I drove the Alpine Loop one evening with Madalyn and Pamelyn of Sage Floral, we envisioned a bride and groom among the golden aspen trees and wanted to create a scene with simple, thoughtful details that were harmonious with the environment. Madalyn and Pamelyn gathered delicate and textural pieces from the surroundings as the guiding inspiration for this mountain wedding shoot.
Instead of bringing in blooms that were foreign to the setting, they foraged their ingredients from the ceremony site. Using dried grasses and ferns transitioning from summer green to golden autumn hues, they tied the bouquet with their hand-dyed ribbon. I began shooting when the light was golden and glowed through the birch leaves of the arbor, which was built to appear as if growing naturally out of the ground.
We chose a recently engaged couple as our bride and groom. Their affection and sincere excitement for their own upcoming wedding was contagious and brought this shoot to life.”
A healthy breakfast means a more productive day, a higher self-esteem, and more willpower
By Aly Peterson | Photos by Tess Comrie
When I start my morning with a healthy breakfast I feel ready to take on the day and whatever life throws at me. To me, a healthy breakfast means a more productive day, a higher self-esteem, and more willpower. I’m always on the go, so sometimes it’s tough to find healthy breakfast options that I can eat/drink in the car or take to work.
I found this green smoothie recipe and modified it to my liking, and now I probably drink it 3 times a week because I can’t get enough! I love that I get a serving of both fruits and vegetables and protein all in one drink. It’s also easy to put in a thermos (or any large cup) and take on the go. Here is the recipe that I use, but feel free to modify it to your liking. After all, healthy eating (or drinking) should be enjoyed, not forced!
In a blender, mix:
2 cups spinach
1 banana
1/4 cup of greek yogurt (I typically use chobani 0% plain greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
4 large ice cubes
Blend until smooth and enjoy! This recipe makes one smoothie.
Color — that’s what Kaylee Young of Flourish by Kay has embraced in what she’s labeled her “pretty, feminine, and imperfect floral design for weddings and events.”
While “imperfect” may not be the word most of us would use for her stunning work, it is, in fact, precisely the thing she loves about floral design. “I’ve always been a creative person ever since I was a kid, but I never fit into that ‘artist’ mold…I love flowers because they take me as I am, and I take them as they are. We work with each other. I don’t have to make my lines perfect, or force anything. I have just learned to work with them.”
Though Young hadn’t always known she’d wanted to be a florist, like any artist, she says now she feels it’s exactly right for her. “For me designing is quick…It’s strange, but I feel like I was meant to be a florist. Although I respect and draw inspiration from all art types, no type of art calls to me the way flowers do.”
When Young was eighteen she took a career quiz in college to help determine what jobs she might consider, and the results said “Florist.” Her curiosity piqued, the following semester she took a class and immediately loved it.
“I knew I wanted to work a job where I could help others, and use my creativity. I’ve also always been a hard worker who thrives in a fast-paced environment, so the job just kind of fits my personality type perfectly and is so fulfilling. Something about it is so fun, and I feel full of life each time I take on a new project,” says Kaylee. As a busy florist who, in addition to running her year-old business Flourish by Kay also works two other jobs, one of her goals is to be able to devote more (even all) of that time to floral design.
When it comes to the design work, though, she’s open to trying everything — editorial and set design, commercial work, more events. “Being a florist is definitely a lifestyle,” she says. “My busiest season is summer, and then my down time is mostly in the winter. It can be sporadic and crazy, or it can be really slow. I’m still learning how to balance my life. But like I said, I still love it. I thrive on spontaneity, so I enjoy the lifestyle for the most part.”
Photo by Maria Lamb
As for her personal tastes, it is again color, with its season changes and various moods that most inspires her: “I’ve always been a color-lover, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to embrace that part of me and just go with it…I stay inspired by looking for new color palates, or types of flowers that I have never used before. It’s fun to always feel challenged by the different seasonal blooms and different event concepts.”
Change is an inherent part of Young’s job as a florist, and it’s those changes—like in the many different colors, opportunities for travel, working with so many types of flowers, and meeting new people in the design world that make her especially excited to do the work she does. “It’s hard,” she says, “but so worth it…I’ve met wonderful people I consider to be great friends in this industry, and designing alongside friends have been some of the best memories of my life so far.”
Photo by Tess Comrie
For more information on her work or to contact Kaylee, visit her website here.
A snowy landscape becomes a rustic yet elegant stage for Jennifer and Keegan’s winter ranch wedding.
THE COUPLE
Energy brought them together, and in more than one way. “We met through work,” says Jennifer, who met Keegan while employed in the energy industry. “We kept it strictly professional for some time.”They got to know each other first through witty corporate emails sent between Denver, where Jennifer lived, and Salt Lake City, where Keegan resided.
“It was clear we clicked so we decided to spend a weekend together after a company meeting in San Diego, “ says Jennifer. “We explored the city and kayaked off Coronado Island. After that weekend together, we never looked back, and we’ve been together ever since.” After an eight-month long-distance relationship,Jennifer—and her two shih tzus—moved to Salt Lake. Ten months later, he proposed to her in San Diego, the city where they fell in love.
THE WEDDING
Located in the snowy Wanship hills, Blue Sky Ranch played host to Jennifer and Keegan’s wedding. The couple exchanged vows inside a clear-sided tent—decorated with whiskey barrels, old-fashioned lanterns and a simple arch—before heading to the venue’s spectacular blue barn for dinner and reception.
THE MOOD
The décor unveiled the day’s rustic yet elegant theme. Regal statement-makers included taper candles, gold flatware, table chargers and patio lights. Succulents, barn wood tables, antiqued cross-back chairs and an antler motif fostered an organic flair.
The color palette consisted of shades of fog and navy blue, sage green, ivory and grey with touches of blush pink and rose gold.
THE FOOD
Butternut squash soup and baby kale salad kicked off Montage’s “Steam Prairie” surf-and-turf plated dinner. Guests enjoyed oven-roasted Niman Ranch Black Angus New York strip and salmon with Brussels sprouts and wild mushroom risotto topped with Parmesan.
A dessert station offered campfire-inspired treats including High West S’mores, lemon posset, blueberry compote,old-fashioned High West Grillswich (a grilled glazed donut topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream) and mini dark chocolate brownies topped with powdered sugar.
THE TUNES
Classical guitarist Soren Charles Green serenaded guests before they danced the night away to the sounds of local Utah band The Strike. The band’s cover of “Gold Digger” was the highlight of the evening’s dancing.
Neck-deep in wedding planning? Take a break to pop some popcorn, settle down on the couch and snuggle up to your sweetheart to laugh, cry and gain unexpected inspiration from one of these memorable movie wedding moments.
1. Father of the Bride
When George Banks catches wind of his daughter’s wedding, he can’t quite process it. Fast-forwared a few months and he’s suddenly dappered-up and walking his sweet Annie down the aisle.
Memorable quote: “I suddenly realized what was happening: Annie was all grown up and leaving us. And something inside began to hurt.”
2. My Best Friend’s Wedding
When an impending marriage announcement threatens her chance with her best friend—and safety husband—Julianne Potter panics and attempts to disrupt all wedding plans. Hilarity, a hearty rendition of “I say a little prayer,” and odd metaphors ensue.
Memorable quote: “No. Crème brûlée can never be Jell-O. YOU could never be Jell-O.”
3.The Princess Bride
When lovesick Princess Buttercup and her evil betrothed stand at the altar, a nearby Wesley lays in wait to disrupt the ceremony and steal away his one true love.
Memorable quote:“Mawiage. Mawiage is what bwings us togeva today.””
4. Bridesmaids
Four words: just go watch it.
Memorable quote: “I’m glad he’s single because I’m going to climb that like a tree.”
5. Love Actually
When a chorus of “love, love, love” interrupts bride Juliet’s walk down the aisle, best man—and lovesick suitor—catches her surprised reaction on camera.
Memorable quote: “To me, you are perfect. And my wasted heart will love you—until you look like this. [picture of a mummy]”:
When it comes to wedding-day décor, au naturel is the way to go.
These days, wedding decorating is so much more than centerpieces and bouquets. Think elaborate aisle runners, silk table linens, custom light treatments and wood-finished chairs. And don’t forget about including lounge areas, escort cards, guest books and food stations in decor plans. Overwhelmed yet? Don’t be.
“I love seeing natural elements because it does away with the stuffy we-tried-really-hard feel,” says photographer Jacque Lynn. “The key is to make the décor look effortless.” Are you looking for no-nonsense looks for your mountainside nuptials? Jacque shares more of her favorite ideas, tips and tricks of the trade.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DECOR IDEAS RIGHT NOW?
A: I love the abundance of natural elements in mountain weddings right now. To me, it’s breathtaking when a florist and designer infuse neutral elements into the wedding that complement a woodsy venue. I suggest keeping your table linens a natural hue (think bone ivory, blush, or gray) or incorporating wood-finish chairs rather than plastic or metal to really create a cohesive feel.
Q: WHAT DECOR IDEAS ARE YOU TIRED OF SEEING?
A: Hmmm, this is a hard one because every wedding is so unique and sometime what works for one wedding might not be right for the next. But if I had to choose one trend I could live without seeing at another wedding it might be gold spray-painted deer antlers en mass.
Q: WHEN COMPILING A WEDDING DAY DECOR LIST, WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MUST-HAVES?
A: The obvious choices include centerpieces and candles, but the items that make the biggest impact in wedding photos are: statement aisle decor, lighting and place settings.
If you are having a traditional ceremony, line your aisle with lush florals, dense candlesticks, or a carpet or floral petals. It really does make all the difference.
The right lighting can transform any space. Work with a planner or rental company to determine the type of lighting that is right for the reception space. Bistro lights over a dance floor always photograph beautifully, as do an abundance of candles, which create a warm glow in photos. Ballroom reception? Make sure you work with your planner or venue to bring in some accent lighting that works best in the space.
Place setting will probably run you a pretty penny, but if you have it in your budget, a stunning place setting for each guest will take your table form pretty to perfection. I love seeing a hand-lettered menu adorned with a sprig of floral or a personalized place card that guests can take home as a keepsake.
All of these things are important from my perspective as a photographer. The more details I have to photograph, the better the photos will be. When designing a wedding album or compiling a fine art stack of prints, details woven throughout the collection really support the beautiful portrait images and make a difference in telling the overall story.
Q: CURRENTLY, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE UTAH VENUES?
A: I am a sucker for out beautiful Utah mountains. I recently worked at a private residence outside Heber called Wolf Creek Ranch that won my heart. Also on my list of favorite are Park City Mountain Resort (love their mountainside ceremonies), La Caille for their lush garden setting, and High Star Ranch in Kamas.
Q: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN WITNESS TO ANY DECOR DISASTERS?
A: Weather is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of wedding ‘disasters’ as all too often I have seen décor ruined by wind or rain. Unfortunately, there’s just not much that can be done to avoid this.
Q: WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR COUPLES ON A BUDGET?
A: Budgeting for details doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. If you’re working with a limited budget, select a few high-impact details and repurpose where it makes sense (take from ceremony and use at reception.) Overall, a talented and professional photographer should be able to make every details—large or small—look amazing.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY YET DISTINCTIVE DECOR YOU’VE SEEN?
A: You can’t have enough candles and they’re cheap. One thing to keep in mind is that some candles will melt wax onto your tablecloths, so unless you want a hefty bill from your rental company, ask your planner what can be done to avoid the wax melting onto the linens.
Q: ANY OTHER ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO BRIDES REGARDING DECOR?
A: Definitely hire a pro if it’s in the budget to do so. Leaving décor to the professionals will alleviate wedding day stress and allow not only you but also your friends and family to enjoy the day. Let your planner or designer/florist know that you’ve given your photographer permission to move whatever she/he needs to create lovely detail shots (putting it back where found, of course).
I love to pull a centerpiece and have a bridesmaid hold it, or place it somewhere unexpected to photograph it. I’ll grab a place setting and take it outside with some leftover floral remnant to create a pretty vignette in natural light. Allowing your photographer permission to move things around and be creative ensures you’ll receive beautiful detail shots.
How many of you brides say “I want toned arms” as you approach the time of your wedding? I know I did!
By Aly Peterson | Photos by Tess Comrie
Toned arms seem to complete the look for any bride—whether you are in a dress with long sleeves or a dress without sleeves. Many women say “I don’t want to bulk up” and refrain from exercising their arms.
The exercises I’m about to share is perfect to tighten and tone your arms to create leaner muscle. The best part is that you do not need any equipment! You can be at the gym, at home, or on vacation and still complete this exercise to get those arms ready to rock your wedding day.
50 arm circles (forward)
10 push-ups
20 tricep dips
50 arm circles (backward)
60 second plank
Repeat 3-4 times
If this arm workout seems a bit too easy for you feel free to add weights to the arm circles, a chair or bench to the tricep dips, or double the number of reps you do for each exercise. I recommend doing this exercise at least 3 times a week to maximize results!
Believe it or not, your body hears everything your mind says.
Have you ever been told by a coach or teacher to imagine yourself winning first place? Have you ever sat and imagined the best possible outcome, and then it actually comes true? Your mind is so powerful, and your body reacts to every little thing your mind believes.
For instance, when you were little, do you remember asking an adult to “kiss it better” when you got hurt? The second the adult did, the pain was gone. Your mind believed that all you needed was a kiss to be okay and as it turns out, that really is all you needed!
A professor at the University of Chicago did a study on visualization. He split people into three groups and tested how many free throws they could make with a basketball.
After the original testing, he had the first group practice free throws every day for an hour, the second group visualize themselves making free throws, and the third group do nothing.
After 30 days, he tested them again. The first group improved by 24%, the second group improved by 23% (keep in mind they didn’t touch a basketball during those 30 days), and the third group did not improve at all.
This test shows us just how powerful our minds are. When we visualize something and believe we can accomplish our goal, the sky is the limit. You can do anything you put your mind to!
This theory that your body believes what your mind tells it to has been proven time and time again throughout history. When it comes to becoming the healthiest version of yourself, you first need to believe that you are on the path to becoming the healthiest version of yourself. You need to believe that you are strong, capable, and deserve optimal health. You need to believe you deserve the best results, and that you are going to reach the best goals. When you believe in yourself you allow yourself the chance to do amazing things!
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your body hears everything your mind says! Tell yourself you can run one more mile. Tell yourself you can stand strong and eat healthy one more day. Tell yourself you can make it to the gym in the morning. Tell yourself you look amazing, feel amazing, and are amazing! If you believe it you will achieve it.
For more information on the University of Chicago study look here.
You know the drill. Each day, your mailbox flooding with same old envelopes that scream, “I am a bill. I am junk mail.”
Until you stop dead in your tracks. Square envelope? Thick paper? Beautifully-penned handwriting? The excitement builds as you open it and your heart skips a beat as you read, “You’re invited.” Yes!
A unique and personal wedding invitation is step one to setting the tone for your event. Invitation companies offer paper suites to take you from start (save the date cards), middle (invitation, RSVP cards) to finish (thank you cards).
Overwhelmed? Don’t be. Start with the mood of your event. Is it casual or formal? What season is it? What’s your venue like? Basic Invite shows us what’s trending right now and what’s to come.
Utah-based company Basic Invite allows customers almost unlimited customized color options with instant previews online. Plus, customers can order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see and touch what the final quality will be. What a relief! No more anxiety about those invites turning out just right.
Basic Invite has a staff of designers that currently has over 200 wedding invitation sets available.
Every element of the design can be customized to your taste and style with over 100 wedding fonts and forty different colors of envelopes to choose from. Not seeing something that fits your needs? Select the “upload your own” option and create your own look by adding text and color.
To the fun part! What will your invitation look like? How about adding foil to the invitation so the words really pop!
Or check out the Real Wood Invitations set to launch soon at www.BasicInvite.com.
Make a mailbox—and your guests—happy today. Seal the deal with a sensational paper suite.
This post has been made in partnership with Basic Invites.
