Wedding Week Immunity Boosts

Last week we mentioned some foods to avoid on your wedding day, so what should you be eating in preparation for the big day? If it's getting close, anxiety, lack of sleep, and other stressors that usually tag along with wedding planning can dramatically effect your body. These super foods give a major boost to your immune system so a nasty cold or flu bug doesn’t creep up when the day finally arrives. Before your wedding, load up on them to ensure you're looking and feeling radiant!

We hear the word antioxidants a lot but which foods exactly contain antioxidants? Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene all contain high levels of antioxidants. Usually colorful fruits and vegetables contain the most antioxidants. Vitamin C is probably the easiest to satisfy. They are in most citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Try a grapefruit or other citrus fruit with honey for breakfast. Citrus fruit not your thing? Brussels sprouts and tomatoes also pack a ton of vitamin C. (Brussels sprouts pack a whole bunch of other beneficial vitamins too; they really are a SUPER food!) Tomatoes are easy to prepare in everyday food and like all foods contain the most nutrients when eaten raw. When cooking most vitamin rich vegetables, boil slightly so that most of the nutrients remain in the food. If you prepare foods raw and under 108 degrees, more of the natural nutrients remain within the food rather than being rendered out by high heat.

Mustard greens, mangoes, and spinach all pack high amounts of vitamin E. In any season, mangoes mixed with apples and a few types of leafy greens tossed with a sweet vinaigrette make a refreshing salad. Spinach is also a very versatile vegetable. It can be tossed in any type of salad or slightly steamed and served with pasta, meat, or poultry.

Purple and blue colored foods are also nutritious favorites. A handful of blueberries in a smoothie or red cabbage (which is actually colored purple) tossed in a salad with blue cheese and apples will easily satisfy your antioxidant intake for the day. Boosting your immune system will help keep nasty cold and flu viruses at bay. After all, you don’t need another thing to worry about with all the excitement that is already going on in your life!

Check out these free ebooks on Amazon for some kitchen motivation!

Foods to Avoid on Your Wedding Day

We often stress-eat or over-snack when we experience anxiety. Fatty foods trigger the production of serotonin, which is partially responsible for your body’s natural anxiety reduction mechanism. Carbohydrates and high fat foods also stabilize sugar levels in the blood, which soothes irritability. Snacking is your body’s natural way to cope with stress, but you might want to rethink what you put in your mouth. Certain foods you eat on the big day will greatly effect how you feel. Below are a few items you should avoid to ensure that you feel at your best because let’s face it, who wants to deal with an upset or bloated tummy or indigestion?

Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol) are found in foods labeled as “diet” or “sugar-free.” Many brides-to-be who are dieting might not be stranger to these foods, however on your big day, it’s better to stay away. These ingredients are not easily processed by the body. A frequent side effect of artificial sweeteners is diarrhea. They can have a laxative effect, sometimes even in small quantities simply because your body might not tolerate it as well as the next person.

(Too much) Caffeine
Yes you need the energy to keep going, and a cup of coffee will help get you there. However, don’t have a coffee, an espresso, and a Redbull! Not only will this make you jittery, restless, and irritable, it can also make you sweat profusely. Another culprit in causing overactive sweat glands is capsaicin. This is the ingredient responsible for giving spices and chilies its spicy or “hot” component. Consider staying away from spicy foods and caffeine to avoid over-perspiration.

Salt
Avoiding salt in foods should really be something that you consider doing weeks before your wedding. Not only are overly salted foods bad for your health, but it will also make you retain a lot of water. Ever wonder why some girls can never shake those last 5 lbs? You can probably attribute the bloating to water retention. By avoiding salt and increasing your water consumption you can lose those extra pounds in just a few days!

Soda/Carbonated Water
Carbonation in drinks can give off gas in your stomach and that will end up coming out one of two ways or get trapped in your intestines and cause bloating. Moreover, if you’re opting for a diet Coke, well, remember what we said in #1?

Heavy Cheeses
Heavy or fatty cheeses are not very easy digest thanks to something called casein. Casein becomes a rubbery curd in your stomach and is tough to break down. While a cheese plates are an easy option as a quick snack, make sure it’s a light cheese. Alternatively, fruit plates are just as easy.

Conflicting Choices

Recently, while browsing in a jewelry store I began making small talk with a diamond salesperson.  It turns out she is one of the few people who has ever been allowed to visit the Canadian diamond mines in the northern most part of the country. As you can imagine, they don't want just anyone wandering around there! These diamonds are very successful in the Canadian market, to some extent because consumers want to buy nationally produced products.  But there is a darker force influencing diamond shoppers today.

It’s become well-known among consumers that many diamonds have histories tied to violence and human suffering. But most people looking for a diamond never receive any more information than these basic words of advice: avoid buying a “blood” or “conflict” diamond. That advice is surely, well-intentioned, but it’s hardly enough information to make an educated and ethical choice. The truth is, many so-called “conflict free” diamonds are not actually free from bloodshed and other serious injustices including child labor, worker exploitation, and sexual violence. How is it that reputable jewelers could be misleading customers about such serious issues? Why isn’t the diamond industry being held accountable to a higher standard? The simple answer is that the industry has done a masterful job of setting the terms of the debate – and of encouraging any discussion about blood diamonds to end before it even starts. But if you want a more complete answer, it’s helpful to take a deeper look at what happens in jewelry stores, at the history of the blood diamond issue, and at how the diamond industry developed a marketing strategy that misleads consumers and makes real change a serious challenge.

Ethical Origins

Where do ethically-sourced diamonds come from?

Look for diamonds originating from Canada.

Canadian diamonds are some of the most ethically-mined diamonds available. Diamonds from Canada are mined in the Northwest Territories in accordance with Canada's strict labor and environmental laws. Canadian diamond mines work cooperatively with local indigenous communities and are carefully protecting the Arctic environment.

Look for diamonds originating from Namibia or Botswana.

Of the countries in Africa that produce diamonds, Botswana and Namibia have done an especially good job of managing their diamond resources. In both countries, the diamond industry supports investments in education and infrastructure and raises the standards of living for all citizens. Mining operations in Namibia and Botswana are violence-free and meet strict labor and environmental standards.

Potential Pitfall: Avoid diamonds from Zimbabwe, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Diamonds from Zimbabwe and Angola are tainted by killings, torture, beatings, sexual violence, corruption, and the use of forced labor. In Côte d’Ivoire, diamonds are also fueling a lengthy civil conflict. Any retailer who admits to providing diamonds from these countries should be strictly avoided.

Potential Pitfall: Avoid retailers who cannot identify a mine or country of origin.

Retailers should know exactly where each of their diamonds was mined. They should also have detailed information about the labor and environmental conditions in place at those mines. Retailers with incomplete information on the source of their diamonds are not providing a reliably ethical product.

Defining "Beyond Conflict Free"

What does it mean for a diamond to be ethical or go "beyond conflict free"?
Look for diamonds free from all violence, not just civil wars. For a diamond to be ethically sourced, at the very least, it should not have financed a civil war. But diamond-fueled violence often happens in countries that are not officially at war. An ethically-sourced diamond should be mined in conditions wholly free from bloodshed, genocide, and any human rights conflicts, regardless of the cause.

Look for diamonds mined in accordance with strict labor and environmental standards.

To be ethically sourced, a diamond must be mined in keeping with strict labor regulations and environmental standards. Child labor should not be used. Workers should earn fair wages and enjoy safe, decent working conditions. Miners or mining companies must take care to avoid serious environmental harm and treat local ecosystems with respect.

Quality & Affordability

Are ethical diamonds the same quality?

Buying an ethically-sourced diamond does not mean compromising on quality.

Diamonds from Canada, Namibia, and Botswana meet the highest labor and environmental standards. They are also known for their exceptional quality. But it should be emphasized that the quality of an individual diamond depends on objective characteristics such as cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. When considering diamonds greater than 0.30 carats, make sure the diamond has an independent lab grading report from a leading gem lab. 

Are ethically-sourced diamonds easy to find?

YES! Ethical choices are available from select retailers.

A broad selection of ethically-sourced diamonds are available today through verified suppliers, such as Brilliant Earth. Canadian diamonds remained undiscovered well into the last century. When they were eventually discovered, special priority was placed on negotiating mutually beneficial agreements with local indigenous populations and respecting the Arctic environment. A broad inventory of high quality Canadian diamonds is currently available in popular shapes and sizes. Additional sources of ethically-sourced diamonds are available from Namibia and Botswana, where diamonds are fully verified to be mined, cut, and polished using responsible and labor and environmental practices.

You don't have to compromise on price.

Choosing an ethically-sourced diamond does not mean higher prices. Many companies offer excellent value by providing socially conscious jewelry at the lowest possible price, generally lower than many traditional jewelry retailers offer for standard jewelry.

Retailer checklist

Use this handy checklist when checking out diamond jewelry retailers.

		Look for	Avoid
1	Do you acknowledge that there are serious ethical problems in the diamond industry?	Retailers acknowledges ethical problems.	Retailer says not to worry about ethical issues.
2	Where can I find your diamond sourcing policies?	Available on website or in printed form.	No official statement in written form.
3	Do you incorporate ethical considerations when deciding on diamond suppliers?	Retailer selects suppliers based on ethical considerations.	Buys whatever diamonds are available, without regard to ethical origin.
4	What are your standards for ethical sourcing?	Retailer avoids all diamonds tied to violence, child labor, and environmental harm.	Retailer avoids only conflict diamonds. Relies solely on compliance with Kimberley Process.
5	Where are your diamonds mined?	Mines or countries of origin are directly named. Diamonds come from Canada, Namibia, and/or Botswana.	No information available on mines of origin. Diamonds come from countries such as Zimbabwe, Angola, or Côte d’Ivoire.
6	Can you provide specific information on the labor and environmental standards in place at the mines you source from?	Information is aviailable on labor and environmental conditions at mines.	No information available on labor and enviornmental standards.
7	Are your diamonds tracked from the mine, to cutting and polishing, to your store?	Retailer has investigated supply chain and knows exact path diamonds take from mine to market.	No knowledge of supply chain and no tracking ability.
8	Do you stand by your diamonds by providing a written guarantee of their ethical status?	Yes.	No guarantee or just an oral "take our word."

Want to learn more about this important ethical issue?

Check out this months Foreign Policy article: Rough Cut

Happy New Year!

2013 is a year to look forward too! Whether you're getting married, celebrating an anniversary, or attending some exciting events Farrah Furtado Couture will help you create your fashion fantasy!

Waterproof Mascara: To Wear or Not to Wear?

Waterproof mascara, what a love/hate relationship we have. Despite the fact that it stayed on through The Notebook, and various other tearful occasions, this is also the same reason to hate it! Sometimes its staying power even lasts through makeup removers and face washes. The difficulty of getting it off can rip off at least a few strands of already barely-there eyelashes. Not only are waterproof mascaras hard to remove, most formulas are also clumpier than their non-waterproof alternatives.

On your wedding day however, the inevitable tear-shed could happen. Even if you are able to fight your emotions and keep it all in, a few hours of dancing will have you sweating buckets. Who wants their mascara to be the weakest link when they’re standing in front of family and friends in a beautiful wedding gown?

Here are a few waterproof mascaras that won’t wear out your lashes, and will stick with you throughout the whole day and night.

Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Waterproof Mascara
A steal at only $8, the tiny brush can catch every individual lash and even the tiniest of lashes in the inner corners of your eyes. This is also a great mascara for lower lashes because of the mini-brush feature.

Lancome Hypnose Waterproof MascaraA cult classic! This is one of our favorites because it adds volume and length without clumping. It won’t give you spider-leg lashes even if you layer multiple coats.

Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof
Talk about a mascara that does it all. Not only does this mascara have a whole bunch of conditioning agents to sooth your lashes, it is also super buildable and hangs on to your lashes forever. This is a mascara that everyone can appreciate.

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
If you already have voluminous lashes and just need a waterproof formula that will add color intensity to your lashes while holding its curl firmly, this is the one for you. This mascara also dries super fast so you don’t have to worry about it getting elsewhere on your lids.

We hope you have a Happy New Years Celebration!

See you next year ツ

Couture Favorites: Lazaro and Alvina Valenta

This week we're showing off another favorite design house: JLM Couture. They distribute both the Alvina Valenta and Lazaro collections. Last week we discussed re-wearing bridesmaid dresses. Why not? Below are some of our favorites that could easily double for a cocktail party or other special event.

 

 

The next four dresses are part of the Spring Lazaro Collection:

Glamorous styling, dramatic silhouettes, and rich embroidery are what make the Lazaro collection one of the most exciting and sought-after bridal labels in the world. This season, designer Lazaro Perez blends his signature hand-beading and floral elements with lush textural skirts, corset bodices to create striking, chic gowns. Lazaro’s craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics and impeccable fit give each gown an undeniable haute couture feel.

 

 

✉ Email us today for a quote on any of the styles pictured above.

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Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Occasion

You've just gotten engaged and can't wait to tell your closest friends that you want them to be part of your special day. It probably won’t occur to anyone at that point in time how expensive it is to be a bridesmaid nowadays! Sure you can wear a pair of shoes and jewelry from your closet, but you won’t be able to escape having to purchase a dress. People used to believe that bridesmaid dresses were a waste of money because they’re a one hit wonder. After the wedding day, it’s rarely ever worn again. However don’t let yourself or your bridesmaids be subjected to such injustice! There are plenty of dresses that can go easily from wedding day to cocktail party. Now there are endless options of stylish designs for all the members of your wedding party! Pastels were hugely popular in weddings this year so don't be shy about re-wearing your dress.

Some of our favorites from 2012:


Even though you’re responsible for your own dress you don't have to choose something that costs an arm and a leg. Moreover, so many affordable bridesmaid dresses are available in different styles that you can choose something you really love An important thing to remember is that the bride will always have the final say in what she wants her bridesmaids to wear. With that being said, bridesmaids and bride can still brainstorm ideas together to figure out what works for everyone. If it’s agreeable that everyone’s dress doesn't have to be exactly the same, then things will be even simpler.

These styles are versatile for many occasions and will be a worthy investment for events aside from just the day of the wedding. Pastel colors are immensely popular right now. These dresses can double easily for a weekend affair or a fancy brunch. Satin material can easily transfer from day to night, while chiffon material looks sweet and carefree in the daytime.

✉ Email us today for a quote on any of the styles pictured above.

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Couture Favorites: Atelier Aimée

We love the variety of colored gowns in the new Atelier Aimée collections! The Italian design house has dedicated each collection to a different type of bride. Some of our favorites styles:

Ivory & Mint 2013 Collection

Powder Pink Collection

THE ROMANTIC BRIDE

Dreams of an ivory-azure silk taffeta gown with bouquets of roses and peonies. Precious pearl and flower embroideries on draped skirts. Elegant silk organza A-lines with bouquets of roses between the frills of the neckline. The peony-gown with pink and fuchsia shaded petals. A happy and valentine girl who loves pastel-coloured flowers. Her wedding day has to be a fairytale come true, every detail will be romantic and very sweet: from her makeup, to her hairdo, to the table decorations.

THE MINIMAL CHIC BRIDE

Loves elegance: from the organization of the reception to the choice of her gown, that will certainly be realized in prestigious fabric, sophisticated and exactly as the bride who wears it. Ivory rose bouquets and little coral dahlias. Trains that are overskirts of light ruffles, with delicate trims, small bows and inserts of precious laces.

THE DIVA

A confident woman who dreams of the perfect wedding, down to every detail, starting from her gown: whether it be a pink sculpture gown with pleated frills, or a sophisticated duchess satin mermaid with feather inserts, or a tulle cloud with a turquoise-embroidered belt… She will be the true protagonist and with her charisma and personality, it will be an unforgettable day for everyone!

THe WINTER BRIDE

An absolutely new look, the Juliet & Romeo collection thought for the modern bride who wants to dare with Swarovski embroideries and finished with Dutch evergreen roses shaded in ivory and bud-green for a touch of grace and romanticism.. Create a luminous and elegant evening effect, perfect for the winter bride that chooses to marry during the end of year holidays.

THE SUMMER BRIDE

In the garden inspired collection, magnificent ivory and fuchsia bougainvillea and the delicate light pink and powder blue hibiscus also stand out, presented in crunchy taffeta and delicate printed organza for a ceremony that takes place in a beautiful park, perfect for a summer bride.

✉ Email us today for a quote on any of the styles pictured above.

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Pink Wedding Dresses Becoming a Trend

Wedding Gown by Alfred Angelo

Reposted from Iowa State Daily on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 
By Korrie Bysted

This year pink wedding dresses are a huge trend. With celebrities like Jenni “JWOWW” Farley, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, Gwen Stefani and Jessica Biel wearing the color, how could everyone else not join in? 

Fashion experts and wedding dress lovers across the nation agree on the popularity of the new trend. Many go-to wedding sites are chiming in their opinions on the new blush-pink dress trend. According to Brides.com, “head to toe blush gowns are the new normal.” 

Soundtracktoido.com writes: “Just like music, fashion speaks as well. Femininity and romance are characterized by the color pink and what more romantic day than your wedding day? These blush dresses make a statement.” 

Additionally, many designers, such as Vera Wang, 

Wedding Gown by Alfred Angelo

Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier, have used pink as an accent color on bridal gowns in the past.

During the Spring 2013 season, however, pink was less an accent and more the star of the runways. It’s not just pink making a splash in bridal trends this season — it’s color in general. There have been numerous spottings of celebrity brides in yellow, green, red, purple and even black dresses on their big days.

The Huffington Post got it right when they said: “Remember that time we speculated that after Reese Witherspoon and Anne Hathaway in pink, and Amber Tamblyn in yellow, colored wedding dresses were a thing? Apparently Jessica Biel went and wore a pink and white gown to her Italian wedding. So there you have it: After not one, not two but three pink wedding dresses (plus some yellow and green thrown in for good measure), the trend for colored wedding dresses is official.” 

It’s well known that pink, or blush, is flattering on almost every skin tone; as opposed to white, which generally only looks good on some.

Skin tone aside, it may not be a good reason to shy away from tradition. There are a lot of people that may disagree, but if you plan on wearing pink on your wedding day, make sure it’s because you want to make that statement, not because it looks better on you than white does or because celebrities are doing it.

With all of this in mind, there have been some noteworthy things started because of this trend. For example, a new magazine called “The Pink Bride” has been created. The magazine provides “local pictures, wedding stories and planning advice from many of Tennessee’s best wedding professionals.” The publication has also been producing bridal shows since 2000, according to its website.

Additionally, “Brides” magazine started an initiative called “Something Pink,” which supports research on breast cancer, according to Style.com. “They asked 21 designers to create custom gowns in a rose-colored theme, with the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”

No matter what your stance is on colored wedding dresses or the rising trend of pink gowns, we can all agree that for the most part, wedding dresses are beautiful no matter what. With colored dresses being a trend across the nation and more brides getting the guts to step outside the box, don’t be afraid to try it yourself. If a colored dress is your thing, go for it!

✉ Email us today for a quote on any of the styles pictured above.

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Organic Fabrics

Farrah Furtado Couture is excited to announce the arrival of organic, environmentally friendly fabrics for our clients! We are pleased to offer a selection of bamboo, banana yarn, and hemp fabrics to choose from to create the fashions of your dreams. Check out our Facebook Fan Page for some inspiration!

✉ Email us today for a quote.

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