Selecting the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress: Top Things You Need to Know

Preparing for your wedding is no easy or quick task; it takes patience, planning and lots of time and support. While you are planning the wedding things might seem chaotic and stressful but it is amazing how on that special day everything just falls into place nicely.

One of the most thought about decisions other than your wedding gown is the gowns your bridesmaids will wear. You want them all to be happy but you also know what you want to see on your wedding day. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to pick out bridesmaids dresses.

1.     1.  Try to pick a style that will compliment any body type. While this may be a bit trying to accomplish if your bridesmaids feel comfortable in their dresses everyone is bound to have a great time. The last thing you want is to make one bridesmaid feel horrible in her dress. Enlist in the help of your bridesmaids, take them on a trial run of dress shopping and try out as many styles as you can and see which looks best on all the body types. Another idea for this topic is you picking the color and material of the dress you want and then giving your bridesmaids free run to decide which style of dress they want. This can add variation to the wedding line up and it helps ensure everyone is comfortable with the choice.

2.    2.  Start the shopping early enough that you can try different styles and also have plenty of time to order in the dresses should you need to special order. You also want to be sure the dresses are in with enough time for alterations to be done if they are needed as well.

3.     3. Consider your colors, the color scheme you have chosen might not look good with all styles of dresses, so before you go making purchases try to see the color you have chosen on the style of dress you like best.

4.      4. Consider your bridesmaids input and opinions as well; after all they are the ones who have to wear the dresses. It would be the same thing as your mother picking out your wedding gown and just handing it to you saying “here you go.” Depending on how connect your mother and you are that may or may not be a good thing. So, before deciding on the bridesmaid dresses ask what your bridesmaids think first.

5.      5. Don’t forget that your bridesmaids may or may not bring home as much income as you. When selecting bridesmaid’s dresses remember typically the bridesmaid is responsible for purchasing the dress and alterations, so be kind. Don’t pick a dress that is $500 and can only be worn once. Try to find dress styles that can utilized and worn on other occasions that way your girls aren’t spending hundreds of dollars for a dress for one day. I wish wedding gowns were that versatile.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, hopefully these tips can help you while you are on the hunt for the perfect bridesmaids’ dress.

By: Trista Wilson

How to Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Summer is a time most people look forward to all year, especially through those cold winter months when the snow just seems to never end. While enjoying the summer heat and weather you must keep in mind you also want to be safe, it is very easy for our bodies to become overheated which can lead to serious consequences. Below you will find some tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the summer heat.

1. STAY HYDRATED - You could be drinking any beverage and it will help to keep you hydrated, but the best drink to consume on a hot day is water. Just be careful leaving your plastic water bottle in the sun, the plastic chemicals can leech into your water. Instead, opt for a stainless steel or aluminum reusable bottle.

2. PROTECT YOUR SKIN - While the heat may not be a factor in getting sunburn, you should still take precautions to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Remember even on days that are overcast you get sun exposure, so be sure to lather up often with a high SPF sunscreen.

3. TAKE BREAKS - Be aware of the heat and how your body is reacting to it. If you are spending time outdoors and are partaking in strenuous activities like sports or yard work, be sure to take frequent breaks. While on your break sometime in the shade with a cold drink is highly advised to help cool your body temperature. If your body temperature rises too high you run the risk of heat stroke and other serious consequences. While we are on this topic here are some common signs of heat overexposure you should be on the watch for. Heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, feeling weak or tired, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and passing out. 

4. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER -  Don’t wear your heavy black wool slacks to a picnic in the park, and opt for lightweight and light colored clothing to help keep your body cool. Throw a sun hat on as well to protect your head from the rays of the sun. This can also be said for children, be sure to dress them the same way you would dress so that you do not end up over dressing them. The typical rule of thumb is if you would wear a t-shirt and shorts than your baby or child needs the same. You could always pack a blanket if you think a young baby would get chilly later.

5. PROTECT YOUR EYES - One of the most important accessories you can have when spending any length of time in the summer sun is a good pair of sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from sun damage as well. The sun is linked to higher risk of cancer growths, macular degeneration, and even cataracts, so keep those baby blues or greens covered and protected. 

By: Trista Wilson

Family Vacations on a Budget

Everyone needs a little time away from the grind of daily life every once in a while, but how do you take a family vacation with the family without spending a fortune? According to ABC News the average family of four will spend about $1,180 per person for their summer vacation. There has to be a cheaper way to vacation, right? Of course there is as long as you are smart and budget accordingly.

First, try not to vacation during peak season times. Going to the beach in June and July will cost you more per person than going in say, October or November. Depending on which beach you plan to travel to it might actually be nicer to visit in the cold months especially if you experience winters normally. When you travel off season you tend to get better hotel deals and the destination tends to be less busy, meaning less people to deal with.

Second, skip the expensive restaurants and opt to cook from the hotel. When you book your room try to book an efficiency room that will have a fridge, stove and microwave in it. By cooking in the room or condo you can save hundreds of dollars. Let’s take a look for a

moment; the average person eats three meals a day, not including drinks and snacks. The typical meal at a restaurant in a tourist destination, costly roughly $10 per person. So, for your family of four to eat three meals a day at a restaurant it would cost about $120 per day for food alone! If you cook in the hotel room even 2 out of 3 meals you will save lots of cash.

Third, skip the costly attractions and opt for the natural beauty of things. Instead of going and playing golf or go karts, or some other costly attraction choose to see the local sites like state parks and wildlife refuges. Most times

these places are free to visit, are educational and very fun. Our last trip to OuterBanks, we got to explore a sand dune at Jokey State Park and see some wile animals. I think the kids had more fun there than in the actual ocean.

Fourth and maybe the most important. Before you even think of planning a vacation, plan a budget, save the money, and set it aside. Use only this money while on your vacation, if you took cash then once the cash is gone that is that, there will be no more. Do not use the cards or other forms of payment unless of course you need gas to get home or something like that, but don’t break out the credit card for a dinner on the pier. 

Remember your family vacation is about spending time with those you love not about spending the most money. You can have a wonderful vacation without spending your life savings, just plan it out and stick to your budget.

By: Trista Wilson

Cool Summer Treats

Summer is here and the weather is getting hotter! How can you stay cool and refreshed while maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

A typical favorite summer snack among kids and adults alike are frozen juice pops. If you make these with natural juice and not the sugar laden stuff, you can make a healthy and refreshing snack you won’t have to feel guilty about consuming.  

Healthy Frozen Juice Pops

Have you tried to freeze fruits yet? Frozen bananas and grapes make fantastic snacks on those hot summer days. Peel your banana and stick a Popsicle stick in the end of it and freeze. It is super creamy and delicious and best of all…healthy.  

Frozen Bananas

Who doesn’t love a good kebab on a summer day, especially when they are grilled over a fire pit or the grill. As delicious as they are they aren’t very refreshing though, how about trying out a frozen fruit kebab! Simply take your kebab sticks and cut your fruit into bite size pieces. Slide the pieces onto your sticks and place on a cookie sheet in the freezer for a little while. When they are done you have a healthy, cool treat that is super easy to eat.  

Frozen Fruit Kebabs

If you prefer vegetables to fruits why not try a sweet and sour cucumber snack this summer. Simply slice your cucumbers and place in a gallon plastic bag, marinate them with your favorite marinade and place into the refrigerator. Once chilled pull out and serve. For this one I personally love my marinade of vinegar, stevia, and mayo. It makes the cucumbers creamy and delicious.

What are your favorite go to summer snacks? Leave a comment below and let us know, we love trying new things, especially recipes.

By: Trista Wilson

All about THE G-Q Diaries

THE G-Q DIARIES

It’s been awhile since you have heard from us because we have truly been quite busy, but we are back and we have something incredible to share with you. It's time that you meet the newest addition to our team....G-Q.

G-Q is a yellow lab/golden retriever mix and one of the hardest working dogs in entertainment today because she is the service dog of Simply D.   Although it is common knowledge that Simply D is visually impaired, what most of you don't know is that last year he stepped away to receive training to obtain his very first seeing-eye dog.

While Simply D was undergoing the training to build a strong bond with G-Q, the Innermix team kept the show running as they transitioned from radio to Google Hangouts and continued to entertain the fans while solving everyday relationship issues around the world.

But let's talk about the real reason this blog is re-emerging G-Q... We realized that although the public may know of a few celebrities with visual impairments or other disabilities, it is rare for them to let you into their life and see how they adapt to the world around them.  This blog will take you on that journey, but from the perspective of the service animal itself. Welcome to the G-Q Diaries.

Launching March of 2015

www.THEGQDIARIES.blogspot.com

By: Trista Wilson