The All Natural Face Review

I have a secret.

I stopped using department and drug store foundation this year. I still buy the occasional tube of mascara, but almost every make-up product I use on my face now comes from The All Natural Face.

Here's why: I have very sensitive, acne prone skin and terrible allergies. I used to loathe having to wear makeup at all to cover my acne scars because most makeups made everything so much worse; especially the black heads. Ewh.

I was first intrigued by The All Natural Face because their products are Vegan - free from harmful toxins and additives that your skin doesn't need. I started by ordering eyeshadow samples. A girl can never have too many options, right? They are phenomenal and the pigments are really vibrant. Their samples are low cost with low shipping and oh-so-generous!

After trying the eyeshadow, I decided to try the mineral makeup and a few other goodies. There are currently 59 shades of foundation, so you can easily find a perfect match. I used a different color every day for a week (the samples are that great!) and finally decided on Almond Goddess, which I have been wearing for several months now and LOVE IT. Not only is it non-toxic, it's highly affordable.

{image © The All Natural Face}

I also use the eyelid primer, salmon concealer (which is fantastic), stick concealer in my foundation shade, Angel Wings mineral veil along with my smattering of eyeshadow and blush samples. As soon as I've picked a few favorites, I fully intend to switch over to The All Natural Face blush and eyeshadow. Also, they run a great many promotions and email you with promo codes frequently. I love that!

The All Natural Face has some of the most reasonable prices for the quality of the product that I've seen. I highly recommend The All Natural Face as an inexpensive and natural alternative to drugstore and department store beauty products.

Nine Months Later ...

No, not "that" kind of nine months. We're a long ways away from baby land. As of Sunday, we will be celebrating nine months of marriage!

I think it's time to come clean about something: I've kinda just let our blog go.

I gave up.

I gave up because I was sick and tired of weddings. And I was sick and tired of weddings because after 18 months of planning, it just that some things didn't turn out the way I had planned.

Now, I've talked to several Nashville newlyweds since my wedding. Almost every single one of them had a horror story to share, which was shocking because I had seen very few of them talk about it in the blogosphere. Don't get me wrong, I'm not calling anyone out by any means. Sometimes, it's better to just let it go. Maybe that's what these ladies are thinking. I think that too. Then I see some new photographer's gallery or a new wedding pop up with amazing this and nifty that and I start seeing red. Then I remind myself to let it go.

That's what I've been trying to do. Just let it go. But by doing so, I've lost any and all interest in keeping up with a blog. I have a wonderful new job, a loving, thoughtful husband and fantastic friends. I simply don't need this blog the way I once did and I've made no effort to convert it into a newlywed thing. I'm too busy for that. And do you all really care about my home renovations? And if every time I visit my own blog, I think about the things I've left unsaid, how healthy is that for me?

Probably not.

More than that, a part of me thinks that by keeping my mouth shut about some things, I'm doing a disservice to future brides and I won't put this blog (the wedding parts) to rest until I DO say something. (haha, get it.)

So here's the question? Do any of you want to read about the bad parts of my wedding day? Are you at all interested in what I have to say about the vendors I've quietly taken off my vendor list over there to the left? Because here's the thing, I sincerely doubt that I will have much more involvement in the Nashville wedding industry. Truly. I don't foresee myself launching that Etsy store anytime in the near future.

Do tell me your opinion and we'll keep this party going.

Problems With Deodorant Smudges? Take Away White!

So here's something cool and quite handy! I was asked to review a new product on the blog for Takeawaywhite. They sent me a few samples of this little gray foam that take the guess work out of getting that pesky white deodorant out of your clothes!

takeawaywhite is an eco-friendly dry reusable oval foam pad for men, women and teens designed to remove deodorant smudge marks from almost all fabric clothing. An unsightly deodorant mark is annoying and almost always happens when you are in a hurry.

You’ve seen it – you take a last look in the mirror and there is the deodorant smudge – a deodorant powder residue mark across your body! So annoying, and such a hassle, until now...

takeawaywhite lifts the white deodorant residue powder from almost all fabrics. However, it is not a stain remover and will not remove grease.

*Disclosure: I received one full-sized and two mini samples of this product to review.  I received no monetary compensation.

On Waiting and Patience

Big Spoon and I are still waiting on the DVD of our wedding day from our professional photographer, but our images are up online. Although I have enough pictures from family and friends to illustrate the remainder of our budget reviews, our vendor reviews and our wedding day recap, I would rather use at least some of the pro pictures we paid for and do things categorically.

We are contracted for a DVD of our images plus a custom album with 300 prints. Until I get both of those things, I don't feel comfortable proceeding with most the posts I have drafted. I don't feel like it is my right to pull those pictures out of the gallery and use them on our blog, although I'd really, really like to. When I have the images in my possession, I can use them here and credit them to our photographer.

But I really don't like waiting .... Big Spoon knows me as probably the most impatient person he's ever met. Patience is key and silence is your best friend in these types of situations. I've learned that the hard way more times that I care to tell you about. Fingers crossed that it is in the mail as I type because I really need to get started on a photo book and scrap book.

My wonderful family and friends have provided us with over 300 pictures from our wedding weekend, some of them as good or better than the professional photos (yes, I just said that.) My younger sister/MOH, my mother-in-law, my father's ex-wife (and mother of my older sister) as well as our fantastic caterer and a few friends have been so sweet to provide us with all the photos they snapped! And we are so very grateful for that.

I picked up our wedding day footage and highlight reel from the lovely Naomi yesterday at lunch. Again, something we got on an incredibly small budget and are pleased with. She did a great job and at some point, I may post it depending on how Big Spoon feels about it. 

I'm really excited to share our budget recap and vendor reviews with you in hopes that it helps some couples make educated choices while planning their own budget and/or Nashville area weddings! Stay tuned!

Vendor Spotlight: TruLu Couture

Let no one tell you that blogging is a waste of time. I've met so many wonderful ladies just by writing about our engagement and wedding planning journey. One that I always enjoy running into the the uber-stylish and talented 30 Something Bride. Thank goodness for Louise! She took a very big project off my hands - my wedding veil!

I'm happy to announce that I will be sporting a TruLu Couture original veil and a hair toy on my wedding day! I had the best time brainstorming with Louise and trying on veils to create my look. She's even incorporating a brooch I purchased on Etsy into my hair toy for the reception. I'm super stoked to see the finished product.

So what is TruLu Couture? Custom bridal veils & accessories and ...

"TruLu Couture has been an evolution of thought and design over the last decade or so. Refusing to be a part of  the nameless, thankless and penniless masses of fashion designers, Louise followed a completely different path of creativity that has finally led her to this particular doorstep. As with all things Louise does, this too will evolve. Come along for the ride, won't you?"

You may not see my veil for a while, though, because T30SB is in the process of moving. Away. Sniffle. But, you will see tons of pictures later!  If you are still in need of a veil for your big day, do yourself a favor and check out TruLu Couture! You'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your product is hand-made, one-of-a-kind and in support of an artist and her small business venture. Not to mention, who wants to wear some Made in China mass produced crap on your head on the biggest day of your life?

Venue Reviews, Part 2

Now that we have officially booked our venue and signed the contract, I'd like to wrap up the venue reviews. There are many lovely places in TN that I have not mentioned here - budget and personality were key factors while venue shopping. My suggestion to all new brides in this area is to check out Ashley's Bride Guide for ideas. Her website is a wealth of information and ideas.

Click here to expand and read reviews.

Belmont Mansion
Nashville, TN

Belmont Mansion is actually the first venue we looked at (way back in February). It is a beautiful home - inside and out. The mansion is now a part of Belmont University's campus. I did call them again while we were re-searching this week. Apparently, they have a new website and event coordinator, which is great for them. You can also now purchase packages to suit your wedding and/or reception needs. However, I could not visualize seating 100 to 125 people in the main room comfortably.

Pros: A beautiful, historic home in the heart of Nashville.
Cons: Small interior and limited rooms for use.

The Hermitage
Old Hickory, TN
We live nearby the Hermitage and I honestly haven't been there since I was a child. It is a lovely place and there are lots of affordable options that I feel are budget friendly. I had no problems setting up an appointment to meet with the event coordinator. You can also just drop by for a tour if you'd rather not commit to a weekday meeting.

Pros: Numerous options for ceremony and reception settings.
Cons: You must arrange all rentals through Grand Central Party Rentals. If you are a fan of choices (like we are), this could put a damper on things.

Old Hickory Country Club
Old Hickory, TN
This venue is nice and affordable - your ceremony and reception could take place in one spacious upstairs ballroom or use the patio area for an outdoor ceremony. They have a facebook page with lots of pictures detailing the customization you can do.

Pros: A spacious, mirrored ballroom with a stage and fireplace mantle.
Cons: Easy to miss the entrance and must use their catering.

Rock Castle
Hendersonville, TN
  
Rock Castle is an interesting-looking historic home (with connections to the Hermitage). It is located right on Old Hickory Lake and the grounds are lovely. All rentals and bookings must go through Grand Central Party Rentals (Kim McLean, who is very nice and helpful).

Pros: A new covered pavilion and historic home right on Old Hickory Lake.
Cons: No use of the house.