Give Back To the Sistas in Your Life This Season!

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Hi, ladies! Normally, we at Yazzie & Co. would dish on latest ways to be a fly and fabulous bride. This time around, we’re going to get in the true spirit of the season by having you give back. That’s right; instead of salivating over the spectacular gifts that you’re going to get this year, why not channel that same energy into treating the sistas in your life? Not only will they appreciate this gesture from your heart, you’ll also feel great about making them smile. If you’re not sure how to go about that, keep reading for some great ideas from yours truly.

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Chances are that you’ve been driving your maid of honor up the wall while planning your wedding. And as great a best friend or sister as she’s been to you, we’re pretty she’d love you even more for showing her how much you appreciate her being there. So, what better way to do that than to give her a lovely jewelry keepsake? We personally think that she’d really appreciate a pretty pair of pearl earrings from Macy's.

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Perhaps, your Thank You list has extended to every bridesmaid in your party. After all, they’ve weathered the craziness that is planning your wedding, so it’s only fair that they receive lovely tokens of appreciation. You’ll definitely score a home run by gifting them with Yazzie & Co.'s bridal t-shirts. Not to toot our own horn, but they’ll appreciate the sass and the soulfulness that they’ve got to offer!

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Then again, you may want to take some time out of your bridal organizing schedule to pay homage to the woman that has raised you from girl to woman this season. While Mom may be proud to see her baby walk down the aisle, we’re certain that she’d adore you even more if you presented her with a gift of love. So, why not go the extra mile by treating her to a mother-daughter spa day at The Back Room? You’ll be able to bond over the exquisite treatments while sharing in your sisterhood.

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With a few great gift ideas on your list, you ought to be ready to hit the scene for some last-minute holiday shopping. Even better, you’ll be able to treat all the ladies in your life who’ve made it this far with you as you prepare to start your new life. You’re blessed with the gift of sisterhood and we encourage you to celebrate that this season.

Wishing you a Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and a Wonderful New Year,

The Yazzie Blogger

Shop Smart for the Sensational Bride This Season!

Hello, everyone! If you’re one of the lucky people who have to shop for an upcoming bride this season, fear not. Yazzie & Co. has got the perfect present for the soon-to-be newlywed in your life – our chic bridal t-shirts. Designed with sass and soul, our tees represent the tradition of our culture with the modern sensibilities of today’s sista. If you’re not sure where to begin, scroll on down and let us introduce you to a few of our snazzy numbers that’ll work for every kind of bride.

Let’s say that you’re on the lookout for a t-shirt that’s just as brash as the busy bride in your world. Well, you absolutely can’t go wrong with our Rapture baby tee. It’s cute enough for her to wear as she’s running the town, yet comfy enough for her to chill in when she’s winding down. Even better, she’ll love the Bridezilla icon for being as bold as she is.

Rapture Bridal Tee for $28.50

Perhaps, the soon-to-be bride is a mellow smooth kind of girl who is all about keeping things peaceful. It’s as easy as a Sunday morning to find the perfect tee – our Close Your Eyes tank top. Created in four lovely colors – gentle pink, soothing gray, tranquil lavender, and serene blue – she’ll fall head over heels with the simple t-shirt.

Close Your Eyes Bridal Tank Top for $14.40 (20% off)

Then again, you may be shopping for a bride whose heart is firmly steeped in tradition but aren’t sure how to pay homage to both. Well, this is where our Carrie bridal t-shirt comes in. Long-sleeved and styled in a baseball design, it honors both the longstanding legacy of HBCU pride and the beginning of a new life. Not only will she appreciate the tribute that you’re paying to her, she’ll fall in love with its jazzy style.

The Carrie Baseball Tee for $30.00

You’ve got a few weeks to check out our vast selection of bridal tees, so don’t fret. After all, Yazzie & Co. is here to help make the best choices for your holiday gifts. You can catch us on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, or even drop us an e-mail if you’re seeking more holiday shopping advice from yours truly. So, until next time…

Happy Holidays,

The Yazzie Blogger

Be At Ease in Planning Your Marvelous Military Wedding!

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Though we at Yazzie & Co. would usually kick off the holiday season by writing about holiday weddings, we wanted to switch gears this time around by honoring our troops. With so many of you all fighting for our country, we thought it right to discuss wedding planning – military style. After all, you brave men and women are in love with love as much as we civilians are, so why not share in that by learning how to pull off a magnificent military wedding? It’s not as daunting as you’d think, so stick around and let us show you how to pull it off with panache!

(Image Courtesy of MB Weddings)

Should you decide to go all out by getting married in a military chapel or military academy, you’d do well to book well in advance. EHow thinks that a year’s time will suffice in ensuring that you don’t get lost in the military marriage shuffle. Do make sure that you thoroughly investigate who you choose as your chaplain, for you don’t want to be stuck with someone who is unlicensed or unqualified to preside over a military wedding. According to EHow, decoration standards are very particular, so you also want to check with the staff to make sure that what you’ve chosen is in line with what they allow. If you’re not sure how to go about decorating your military venue, we suggest featuring the American flag. Not only does it pay homage to your military background, it also serves as a symbol of unity. Even better, you can take things a step further by featuring flowers that reflect the flag – like red and white roses and blue cornflowers. While military chapels don’t charge to rent for weddings, Tracy Guth from The Knot recommends that you donate to its fund out of courtesy. Think of it as giving back to the milieu that made you the person that will stand tall in front of your new spouse.

(Image Courtesy of the Old Glory Ranch)

Your next priority, soldiers, is to address your guests properly. Not quite as easy as seating your soon-to-be in-laws in the front row, one needs to follow proper military protocol when inviting your wedding guests. For instance, while using regular invitations are fine, you should include yours and/or your soon-to-be spouse’s rank and title on them. Also offer your military loved ones and colleagues the option of attending in full dress, EHow suggests. That way, they will be able to pay tribute to your military bond in uniform. You should also be aware of who you invite and where they will be seated, since this also directly reflects on military tradition. According to Gigi Rena Rogers of Favor Ideas, your commander and high-ranking officers should be seated beside your immediate family while your colleagues should be seated directly behind them. Once you work your seating arrangements out, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step – dressing the part.

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If you’re a soon-to-be bride that’s currently serving, you aren’t bound to wear your uniform. However, you can if you choose to do so. Should you be a soon-to-be groom in the military, it is recommended that you dress in traditional military garb for your big day. Since Winter’s around the corner, EHow recommends that you wear a blue uniform with your medal(s) and pristine white gloves. You’ll be dapper enough in your gleaming shoes to do the Arch of Sabers walk with your new bride. The most defining moment of a military wedding ceremony, this consists of you and your new bride walking through an arch of sabers towards your new life together. Whether you’re using swords as a Naval or Coast Guard officer or sabers as an Army officer or a Marine, EHow strongly suggests that check to see that your chosen base location has them available. Also make sure that there are commissioned officers available to hold up those swords or sabers during that moment on your wedding day, for Tracy Guth mentions that they’re the only ones that are authorized to participate in this part of the ceremony. Once the walk has been walked, your former civilian spouse will now officially be a military spouse – another thing that you’ll be proud to hold your head up high about as a member of the military.

Thanking You from the Bottom of Our Hearts for Your Dedicated Service,

The Yazzie Blogger

Express Your Enduring Love with Sincerity!

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Penning your wedding vows can be as difficult as picking out an engagement ring or choosing your wedding dress. This is why Yazzie & Co. felt it right to dedicate this blog to all the soon-to-be marrieds who are stumped on how to speak their heart on paper. After all, the last thing we want is for you to become so overwhelmed that you forget the main focus – to express your love in front of those that are near and dear to you. So, how to pull this off, you ask? Well, keep reading for great tips on creating those timeless vows.

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Say that you and your love have decided to collaborate on your vows. You both should bring your voices into the mix while being able to compromise on what you’d like to include and omit. This is where patience and open-mindedness come in, for the main thing that should be kept in mind is that these vows will reflect your new life together. In addition, About.com suggests that you be mindful of what you’re writing if you both decide to get married in a house of worship. After all, you don’t want the official to decline presiding over your nuptials out of offense.

(Image Courtesy of the Wedding Channel)

Then again, if you’d prefer to surprise your love with words of tenderness on your wedding day, no need to worry about getting it all wrong. All you need to do is remember the little things about him or her that made you fall in love with them, as well as the big things that solidified your love for them. Whether this takes you back to the first time that you ever laid eyes on them or the day that you decided to commit yourself, express these heartfelt feelings by putting pen to paper. If it takes you checking out some great love poems or sincere love letters for extra inspiration, About.com believes that it wouldn’t hurt - just as long as you allow yourself to shine in the finished product.

(Image Courtesy of the Forever - Tim and Becky’s Finger Lake Wedding)

Above all are the heartfelt words that you put to paper when you write your vows, since they represent your innermost thoughts about your spouse-to-be. Streamline them so that they resonate just as well when you recite them aloud on your wedding day. Ask a loved one to listen in and provide you with their feedback so that you can be prepared to share your feelings about your love to the world.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Choose the Loveliest Of Locales for Your Honeymoon!

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Hello, everyone! Last we met, we dished on planning the honeymoon of your dreams. Now that you’ve figured out how much you’d like to spend on your first vacation together as man and wife, here comes the fun part – deciding on your honeymoon destination. Whether the debate lies in how far you’d like to travel or what climate you’d like to vacation in, there’s always a location for anyone and everyone. So, sit back and let us at Yazzie & Co. give you the lowdown on the best places to honeymoon at.

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If you want to stick around in the good old USA, you can easily find a variety of locations to spend your honeymoon. We at Yazzie & Co. highly suggest that you look into booking your vacation in Hawaii, which is the number one American location to relax at – according to About.com. The ultimate paradise within the fifty states, it boasts tons of perfect beaches, floral fresh air, and wonderfully warm weather. What’s more, you both will be able to enjoy the local cuisine favorites such as fresh mahi-mahi and homemade kettle chips. Whether you’re staying in Maui or Oahu, you both can rent a car and explore the natural beauty of the island. However, if you’d rather honeymoon in a cooler climate, then we suggest that you vacation in Aspen, Colorado. Long known as America’s skiing capital, there are plenty of things that you both can do to occupy your time. About.com suggests that you take up fun activities such as horseback riding or biking while there. Not only will you get to enjoy the breathtaking mountain view, but you’ll be at one with the clean and crisp air. Whether you decide to stay at a resort of rent a cabin, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

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Then again, if you’d prefer to leave the States, you’d have more opportunity to visit locales that you wouldn’t generally find in the fifty states. The sky would be the limit for you both, which is why Yazzie & Co. thinks that this would be the perfect time to have that once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas. If both of you are up for a honeymoon of sightseeing perfection, you should definitely visit Italy. Whether you’re in the mood to take in the ancient architecture of Northern Italy in Turin or immerse yourself in the modern glamour of Rome, there’s something for everyone in this lovely country. If you’d like to take a chance by traveling to the other side of the world, why not consider South Africa as a honeymoon destination. You’d be able to go on safari in the game preserves at Sabi Sabi’s Earth Lodge at the internationally renowned Kroger’s National Park outside of Johannesburg while viewing some of the most beautiful plants and wildlife in the world. However, if you’re more into spending your honeymoon in the fast pace of nightlife and shopping, you both can head over the Cape Town for activities that range from relaxing on the beach to tasting the country’s wines. About.com also recommends checking out the Cape of Good Hope to see both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans clash in what is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

(Image Courtesy of the Hamilton's Official Website)

Wherever you decide to travel for your honeymoon, you can easily book a package through your local travel agent. If you’re seeking a great deal, your best bet is to book your trip on a website such as Orbitz or Expedia. However you decide to plan this, plan it effectively so that you can guarantee yourselves the most unforgettable and wonderful experiences in your new life together.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Plan a Heavenly Honeymoon that’ll make A Wonderful Memory!

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Hi, everyone! We’ve already dished about planning your big day, so it’s only fair that we discuss the next best thing – planning your honeymoon. You deserve a vacation that is just as perfect as your wedding, which is why we at Yazzie & Co. are going to give you a few pointers on how to get it right. Whether you’ve got time to spare or are seriously pressed for time, we’ve got foolproof ways for you to rock at doing both.

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Let’s just say that your wedding’s months off and you want your honeymoon to happen without any glitches. Susan Breslow Sardone of About.com suggests that you create a six month timeline to plan things accordingly. A lot less stressful and time-consuming, you’ll also be able to make clear decisions about what you can and can’t afford. You’ll also have time to deliberate your destination choices with a certified travel agent that you trust. Whatever you do during this time, do not forget important documents like your passport and luggage, as well as exchangeable currency and a planned wardrobe.

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If time isn’t on your side, fear not. You can surely swing a last minute wedding by planning your wedding on a great travel website such as Travelocity or Expedia. According to Breslow Sardone, there are great last-minute deals to be found constantly. While you may have to compromise your travel dates, hotel accommodations, or airplane seating, it’s worth a try in snagging a sensational seven-day trip to St. Croix for a fraction of the price!

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No matter which road you take in planning your honeymoon, the most important thing is making sure that you and your hubby-to-be are on the same page. After all, the last thing you want is to be miserable in a mountainside chalet or for him to be bored at a beachside resort. eHow also recommends that you come to a satisfying agreement in budgeting your trip. Once all is settled, you’ll both be on your way to having the most memorable experiences of your new life together!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Prep Your Skin for That Perfect Wedding Day

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Hello, ladies. We at Yazzie & Co. know that planning for your upcoming wedding can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we’re dropping a friendly reminder about prepping your skin. If you’re thinking that a good makeup job is all it takes to be a beautiful bride, then we definitely need to drop some skin care knowledge on you. While you’re all about giving good face on the big day, it’s just as important to work on total body skin care. According to Bathtime Suds Report, it’s never too early to start up a skin care regimen to make your skin healthy and complexion luminous for your wedding. After all, with culprits like acne breakouts and dry skin ruining a bride’s look, you ought to get into the groove by becoming your skin’s best friend.

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Nina Callaway of About.com suggests that you visit a dermatologist, for this will serve as the perfect opportunity to learn more about your skin. They, in turn, will use their knowledge of your skin to set up a comprehensive skin care program that will cater to your needs. Whether this means combating any skin irritations or schooling you on protecting your skin from the sun, they will provide a step-by-step guide on how to take care of it before and after your wedding day. Keep in mind that you must be honest about your dietary habits and your current skin care regimen so that they can effectively steer you towards having healthy and lovely skin.

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If you can’t afford to see a dermatologist, fret not, for it’s just as easy to create a skin-care regimen on your own. Provided that you’re as dedicated to sticking to it as you are to finding that wonderful wedding dress, you should have no problem getting your skin in tip-top shape. Though harsh cleansers and loofahs are a no-no for any type of skin, you should thoroughly clean your skin every day with a gentle cleanser. According to Tamar Nordenberg of Discovery.com, drugstore brands that cater to your skin type work best – whether it’s moisturizer for dry skin or sunscreen with SPF 15 to 30 to protect you from the blistering sun’s rays. Should you need to revive your dull skin, Dr. Susan Taylor of Brownskin.net suggests that you exfoliate to remove the dead skin.

(Image Courtesy of the the Fotolia Community)

As we mentioned before, despite the extra melanin in your skin, exposure to the sun’s rays still presents a threat to our skin. This is why you should make it your business to apply sunscreen twenty minutes before you go outside and do so often while you’re in direct sunlight. After all, you can strike that ideal balance between protecting your skin and getting that natural glow. Norderberg also recommends that you choose your makeup wisely by matching it up to your complexion for a natural look. Pick according to your skin type, whether this means embracing water-based makeup if you’ve got oily skin or getting oil-based makeup for your dry skin. Again, don’t let prices and brand names dictate what you decide to buy, for some of the best makeup can be found at your local CVS drugstore.

(Image Courtesy of UK Wedding Website Designs)

Of course, there are general rules to stick by when cultivating that great complexion for your wedding day. Since your skin is very susceptible to the changes in climate, The Knot suggests that you adjust your regimen to the changing seasons. As long as you lay off the caffeine and processed food while consuming eight to ten glasses of water a day, you should be on track. It also doesn’t hurt to exercise and take daily vitamins to maintain the work that you’ve done thus far, according to Beauty Tips Hub. Most importantly, we at Yazzie & Co. highly recommend that you get a decent eight hours of sleep every night, for you should be refreshed and ready to take on the next chapter of your life – as a blissful bride!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger