ASK THE EXPERT: Fresh, flushed cheeks

Hi ladies,

With the cold wind blowing and winter coming, why not add some color to your cheeks for your big day?

For flushed, rosy cheeks try Tarte cheek stain in "Flush," a sheer berry color.

For a sheer, deep plum shade, use "Blushing Bride."

This product from Tarte is a water-based gel cheek stain, which will give you that natural flushed look. Just like you stepped in from the brisk cold. It is oil free, so it won't clog pores and does not contain parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances.

Here is a great process in which to apply the stain:

First, prep your skin with Precleanse by Dermalogica, following up with your favorite cleanser and moisturizer. Makeup wears better on clean, prepped skin.

Apply a sheer layer of foundation, and for a natural glowing look use either Armani luminous silk or Face and Body by Makeup Forever. This will even out your skin tone and help the blush stay in tact, since it has a product to adhere to.

Then apply a sheer layer of translucent power, like HD Powder by Makeup Forever, all over your face to set the foundation.

Finally, add Tarte cheek color with your finger and/or a foundation brush, applying until you the desired look.

Until next time,

Laura

Lion in the Sun: A treasure to behold

Beautiful invitations, wonderful personalized service and environmentally friendly – what more could you want from a stationer?

A Lion in the Sun is based in Park Slope, Brooklyn – the same neighborhood as Stellina Events – and is only two stops off the train from downtown Manhattan. Owners Melinda and David Morris consider A Lion in the Sun to be a family business.

Melinda manages the store and has a passion and pride for creating important keepsakes for the memorable occasions of life, as well as imparting importance and elegance to everyday occasions. She is grateful every day to be able to help her clients navigate the events that might seem overwhelming at the time, but that will undoubtedly become part of their most cherished memories.

At Lion in the Sun, Melinda and her team of experts design invitations based on your style and desires whether you are looking for a simple, classic invitation or a Save the Date with an illustration of the Brooklyn Bridge. They listen to your ideas and provide you with a range of options as to how they could be implemented. They will find ways to work within your budget, no matter how large or small. There are a wealth of options available and with their knowledge and expertise you will be steered in the right direction to make the invitation of your dreams a reality.

While the store reflects a deep appreciation for fine paper products, Lion in the Sun is also respectful of their place on the planet and actively seeks out quality recycled paper goods and companies that participate in programs to keep our planet green.

With an inviting storefront and a warm reception, it is always a pleasure to walk into Lion in the Sun. If you are looking for gorgeous designs and friendly & talented stationery experts then look no further.

For more information, please go to:
http://lioninthesunps.com/

Lion in the Sun is located at:

232 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Phone (718) 369-4006
Fax (718) 369-9438

mailto:shop@lioninthesunps.com

Store Hours:
Monday – Friday 11AM – 7PM
Saturday – Sunday 11AM – 6PM

Directions:

From NYC – Take the F train to the 7th Avenue stop in Park Slope. Walk north on 7th.

Other nearby subways:The M or R trains to 9th St and 4th AvenueThe 2 or 3 trains to Grand Army PlazaThe B or Q trains to 7th Avenue

Or visit their sister store on Long Island:
Lion in the Sun of Huntington
314 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743

Phone (631) 423-5757
Fax (631) 423-5324

A special note from Amanda

Dear all brides- and grooms-to-be, maids of honor, bridesmaids, MOBs, MOGs, and all other followers of my Stellina Events blog,

I just wanted to write all of you a little note apologizing for the delay of my blog postings. As you may already know, Stellina Events just opened in New York and with my new location also came a transatlantic move for me from London to New York after seven years of living in Europe. I am back at home in NY now (Park Slope, Brooklyn to be exact) and ready to get back to writing giving you your weekly bit of inspiration for all of your wedding planning needs.

Have a great weekend and stay tuned for my next post on a local Park Slope invitation company called Lion in the Sun that creates beautiful, unique stationery for all of your wedding and party needs!

xoxo,

Amanda

ELEGANT BRIDE Fall 2009 - A feature on my wedding in Italy

Pick up the latest copy of Elegant Bride magazine (one of my favorite wedding publications) and check out page 28. There is an article on my bridal look from my wedding on July 3, 2008 at Castello di Modanella in southern Tuscany.

To discover your own bridal look to suit your personality and style, have a look at my previous blog article: How Your Street Style can inspire your Wedding Style.

Happy reading!

ASK THE EXPERT: How to get Perfect, Luscious Lashes

Hi ladies,

My current favorite mascara at the moment is MAX Factor volume couture. It comes in waterproof (just in case) for your very special day. The brush is flexible and has very small teeth to comb into each individual lash while keeping the curl, and adding a thick luscious coat of product without looking clumpy.

First, curl your lashes with a lash curler by Shu Uemura. Then use your index finger to lift the eyelid, applying the product starting on the root of the lash, next to the skin under the eye. Brush the mascara all the way through to the end. This creates a fuller and thicker lash line, and distributes the product evenly throughout each lash.

If you want a really full, thick lash angle the wand vertically and use the tip of the brush on the ends of the lashes to add extra volume. If you feel that you added too much product or want to tone it down, use a clean mascara wand (sold at most drugstores) to comb through the lash.

For the ultimate lash that will open up the eye and make them pop in photos, have your makeup artist apply individual fake lashes using waterproof glue by DUO, (sold at Ricky's in New York and other beauty supply stores).

Cheers,
Laura

Presenting STELLINA EVENTS BY AMANDA DIAMONDSTEIN-CIEPLINSKA

I am thrilled to announce that the website for STELLINA EVENTS, my wedding design and special events consultancy is now up and running for all of you to see. Please go to the site, wander around, and let me know your thoughts.

http://www.stellinaevents.com/

On the website, there is a Contact Us page if you are interested in speaking with me about planning your upcoming nuptials or special event.

We offer free consultations for anyone planning a wedding or event, so do go ahead and contact me. I would be happy to help!

Or you could always just drop me an email at:
amanda.diamondstein-cieplinska@stellinaevents.com

I look forward to speaking with you. :)

Happy Planning!!!

xoxo,
Amanda

A beautiful bridal bouquet for winter: Black & white gerbera daisies

Last week I was at Claridge's, a hotel in London, enjoying afternoon tea with a friend to say goodbye before I relocate from London to New York next week. When exiting the foyer, I saw the most beautiful flower arrangement that would make for an outstanding bouquet or centerpiece for a black and white themed wedding.

The bouquet was a tight bunch of white gerbera daisies similar to the photo above. It might sound simple but it was beguiling - just gorgeous and made me stop in my tracks to take note.

Whilst winter is still months away, this bouquet had me picturing snowfall and a winter wedding. Maybe it was the stark contrast between the winter white petals and the dark insides. Or maybe it was just the essence of the gerberas, which usually tend to look modern to me but these had a look all their own - one that could work in many locations from a modern loft setting to a country estate covered in snow.

So for all you winter brides out there, here is a bit of inspiration…