Tag: balance

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Redefining Elegance: The Bold Choice of Dressing Bridesmaids in White!

via Best for Bride

If you thought that white was for the bride, it is no longer the case. Ever since Kate Middleton introduced us to her bridal entourage in white, it’s been a hit and more celebrities have followed suit.

One reason why white isn’t usually chosen for bridesmaids, is to avoid any confusion on who the bride is. Interestingly, this prompts us to take a closer look at the tradition of having bridesmaids in the first place. Did you know that bridesmaids originally had a far more important role in a wedding, than they do today? It was to protect the bride from evil spirits! In order to achieve this, bridesmaids were intended to dress just like the bride.

Where modern weddings are concerned, the last thing you want is to see the entire bridal party looking the same. So, while we toss superstition aside and step away from dressing up the bridesmaids to resemble the bride, let us not write off white as a dress color for the bridal party. Here is why!

White balances and blends with any color palette

White is refreshingly beautiful and renders a casual, relaxed vibe to the ceremony. This is a neutral that blends into any décor, and if you have some unusual color themes at your wedding, you can create a balance with white as your bridesmaids dress color. Also, with white, you will be spoilt for choices where the bouquets and rest of the colors in your wedding décor are concerned.

If you are having a white winter wedding, or a chic beach wedding, white for your bridesmaids would be a beautiful choice. White goes with white, but it would be an even better choice for your bridesmaids dresses if your wedding gown is in an uncoventional color. In this case, choose white and you needn’t worry about it clashing with the color of your wedding dress.

Factors to remember when choosing white for your bridesmaids

via Best for Bride

If you’ve made your mind to go with white for your maids, remember that bridesmaids dresses come in varying shades of white, just like bridal dresses do. So, you have to choose from ivory, milky-white and diamond. Ensure that all your bridesmaids are in the same shade of white, so the look is cohesive.

If your bridal gown is in white, let your bridesmaids dresses be in a length that is different from yours. With the bride in a gorgeous gown, there is no chance of confusion. Nevertheless, choose a different silhouette and neckline pattern to keep it interesting and to add more visual interest. Another option is to choose the bridesmaids dresses in white lace or with ruffles, to add a dreamy and delicate touch to your wedding.This is perfect for an outdoor wedding, where the white will pop against the natural background.

At Best for Bride, we have a large collection of bridesmaids dresses, both in white and colors, to draw inspiration from, and to choose for your favorite girls on your big day. Visit us to browse our online gallery, for all your wedding shopping needs and for valuable wedding tips and advice.

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The Benefits of Eating Chocolate

The month of February is often associated with Valentine’s Day, an occasion often celebrated with chocolate. Considering its historic use as an aphrodisiac, ability to improve mood, and potential heart health benefits, it is no wonder why this dark delight has long been linked to the celebration of love.

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Here are some benefits of eating chocolate include:

1. Improved mode, libido, and alertness

Eating chocolate releases chemicals in the brain that can help improve mode and libido. As well, its caffeine and threobromine content gives chocolate stimulant properties similar to coffee, which may help to improve alertness. This, in combination with the carbohydrate energy it supplies, makes chocolate a great snack for long romantic evenings.

2. Antioxidants

Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which help repair damaged cells in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease. However, antioxidant content varies greatly among chocolate products, with the least processed—i.e. cocoa powder and dark chocolate—being highest in flavonoid content and potential health benefits. For the greatest benefit, choose dark or unsweetened chocolate that lists 60% or more cocoa solids on the label.

Despite some health benefits of chocolate, it also contains compounds that are detrimental to health.

Cocoa butter—a saturated fat that can raise cholesterol—is a popular chocolate additive. As well, all chocolate is high in sugar, fat, and calories, which could all lead to increased weight and associated co-morbidities. Unfortunately, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or chocolates with any sort if additives (nuts, nougat, caramel, etc.) are low in flavonoid content and thereby lower in health benefit.

When weighing out the pros and cons, it is still best to enjoy chocolate in small quantities, particularly since research is insufficient to recommend chocolate for its health benefits benefits. If you do choose to indulge,

  • choose dark chocolate containing >60% of cocoa solids
  • use cocoa powder in beverages and baking to reduce the fat and calories content

The health benefit of flavonoids can also be reaped from consuming citrus fruits, apples, berries, nuts, grapes, green tea and onions. In addition, these foods provide other nutrients beneficial to overall health and can easily be incorporated into the daily diet without the drawbacks of chocolate.

If you have any questions about healthy eating, weight loss, chocolate or any other foods, Registered Dietitian Anna Gofeld will be more than happy to answer them for you.

~Live, love, laugh, and eat chocolate in moderation~