Friday, November 27, 2009

Best man, or Man’s best friend? By Annabel Heydorn

Having pets in weddings has become very popular this year. In fact, Nico Designs has even had the pleasure to work with some wonderful couples and their furry friends in creating some of the most spectacular and heart-warming weddings. After all, for pet-lovers, their dogs, cats, or birds may be just as important as any other member of their family- why wouldn't they want them to be included on their most special of days?














I did some research and have found some other websites that talk about pets in weddings as well as some canine fashion for all kinds of special occasions. As a dog lover myself, I could not think of a more fun-loving guest to have at a wedding!





Sources:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/25-really-creative-dog-costumes
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/30/weddings-gone-to-the-dogs/
www.Glamour.com--Do or Do Not? Dogs in Weddings
Here Comes the Pooch: Including Pets in Wedding Ceremonies-- NY Daily News
http://www.designerdudsfordogs.com/

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Nico Designs at Lotusland! By Annabel Heydorn

Last month, the Nico Designs team had the greatest pleasure of designing a very exclusive, private dinner at the one and only Ganna Walska Lotusland in Montecito, Calfornia. I was SO excited when asked to share a little bit about this event with all of you because I think Lotusland is a BEAUTIFUL and extremely unique location to visit… it's AWESOME!

Here are some photos!

We hung carriage lanterns down the lemon arbor to provide some twinkling illumination for the cocktail hour.















Beautiful, lush centerpieces filled the table with wooden and gold candlesticks to embellish the dining experience.















The dinner, the décor and the gorgeous, natural location was enjoyed by all involved in creating and participating in this truly one-of-a-kind event!


Sources:
http://www.lotusland.org/

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Touched By an Angel- by Maya Angelou

This is one of my favorite poems written by one my favorite ladies. Enjoy.










We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

Maya Angelou

Monday, November 16, 2009

we work with the most AMAZING couples...

Getting the chance to bring someone's 'dream' wedding to life is one of the things I treasure most about working at Nico Designs. Here is a Thank You note from a fantastic couple, who chose to make Nico Designs part of their special wedding day! Megan and Steve, we were honored to be included in your happiness and wish you all the bes the world has to offer :-)

Here is the sweet note we received from the happy couple:

Hey Nico!

I'm sorry I haven't emailed since the wedding- we have been traveling!

Steve and I just wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work to make our wedding happen! It was absolutely beautiful in every way! I was so excited to see the silver, chandeliers and especially the flowers. It was magical and we wanted to thank you for it all. Lani did an amazing job too! I was so impressed with the table centerpieces. You made *my* (and Steve's of course..lol) dream wedding come to life :) It was everything I had envisioned!

Hope all is well with you!

Thanks again,
Megan and Steve Selig

Saturday, November 7, 2009

A vintage touch... - Nico

I have always loved anything vintage... I sometimes think about how fun it would be to have partied with Billy Holiday, Cole porter or even The Rat Pack.. All from different Eras However everyone of them was known for throwing great parties.. Ive attached some awesome vintage decor pictures that make me want to pour myself a gin martini.... Cheers!!














Monday, November 2, 2009

Workout of the Month


Beautiful Brides here is the Nico Designs workout of the month. This workout routine includes weight training tips, as well as cardio exercises. This plan should be followed about 5 months before the big day for best results, so hop to it ladies and have fun!!

Workout:

Each week alternate two days of cardio with three days of strength training to help tone your legs, back, abdominals, chest and arms.

Monday

• Back, biceps, abs: Warm up with three to five minutes of cardio and stretching. Unless the instructions for an exercise say otherwise (see list below), perform each move 10 to 15 times without stopping, rest one minute, do another set of 10 to 15 reps, rest, and repeat for a final set of 10 to 15 reps. After weight training, do 15 minutes of cardio (choose from last month's list), followed by a cooldown and a few minutes of easy stretching.
• Rowing: Stand facing a bench with your left foot forward and your right foot back. Lean over, placing your left hand and knee on the bench. Grasp a 2- or 3-pound dumbbell in your right hand, wrist in, then pull elbow up and back, as if rowing. Switch sides to complete one set.
• Bicep curls: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes facing forward. Keep arms at sides, palms facing forward. Holding dumbbells (2 or 3 pounds each for beginners, 5 to 7 pounds for intermediates, 7 to 10 pounds for advanced exercisers), bend elbows and raise weights to chest. Return arms to sides.
• Standing abs 1: Standing on your left leg, extend right leg slightly to your right side, with toes touching the floor. Extend arms up to the left, forming a straight line with your extended leg. Keeping abs tight, pull hands down and right knee up to meet each other at your torso. Return to start. Do three sets on both sides.
• Standing abs 2: Standing on left leg, extend right leg behind you and slightly to the side, toes touching the floor. Extend right arm toward ceiling. With abs tight, lift right knee and pull right elbow down so they touch. Do three sets on both sides.

Tuesday

Skip the weight training today, and choose from any cardio options, such as a group fitness class, jogging, powerwalking, etc for 30 to 60 minutes depending on your fitness level.

Wednesday

• Chest, triceps, shoulders, abs: See Monday for instructions on stretching time, number of sets and reps, cardio work and cooldown.
• Push-ups: Do as many traditional push-ups as you can (aim for three sets of 10 to 15). When it gets tough, do knee push-ups. Keep your back straight and your abdominal muscles pulled in.
• Tricep dips: Sit on the edge of a chair or bench, feet on the floor. Hold onto chair and lift buttocks forward and off the edge. Lower yourself toward the ground until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then push yourself back up.
• Boxing jabs: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart; step one foot slightly forward, holding fists at shoulder height. Alternating arms, punch out without locking your elbow, turning wrist so knuckles face up.
• Overhead shoulder press: Stand with arms out to the sides, elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Holding dumbbells (2 to 3 pounds each for beginners, 5 to 7 pounds for intermediates, 7 to 10 pounds for advanced exercisers), straighten arms toward the ceiling. Return to start.

Thursday

Cardio: See Tuesday.

Friday

• Legs, abs: Follow Monday's instructions for stretching, number of sets and reps, cardio and cooldown.
• Squats: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes facing forward, arms extended in front of you. Squat until thighs are parallel to the floor, while keeping knees directly over ankles. Return to start.
• Reverse lunge: Stand with feet together. Extend left leg behind you and drop into a lunge, keeping right knee over ankle. Return to start. Repeat with right leg behind.
• Standard abduction: Stand on left leg, toes forward. Lift right leg straight out to side, squeezing right buttock, and return. Repeat with left leg.
• Single-leg dead lifts: Holding dumbbells (2 pounds each for beginners, up to 7 pounds for intermediates, up to 10 for advanced exercisers), stand on left leg, weight on heel, and extend right leg behind you with toes pointed. Keep arms at sides. Tip forward until your torso and right leg are parallel to the floor. Return to start. Repeat with left leg raised.
• Frog diamond: Lying on your back, extend legs straight into the air. Keep thighs and heels together and feet flexed. Open legs wide, bend knees and bring toes together to make a diamond shape. Extend legs while squeezing inner thighs, and press feet to ceiling.

Saturday

Take a yoga class either at your gym or via DVD.

Sunday

Relax and enjoy a spa day!

Source:

http://www.instyleweddings.com/weddings/article/0,,20166534,00.html