When Ryan and I signed the contract for our wedding venue, the wedding was 440 days away. I blinked, and now we’re below 100. It’s truly been the fastest time period of my life. They are not kidding when they say wedding planning flies by. I cannot believe how quickly it’s approaching. With that said, we can’t slow time or turn back the clock, so it’s GO TIME, people.
At our engagement party last May, my sister (and MOH) gifted us with these little blocks so we could countdown the days until our wedding. We started at 440 and we’re down to 87 today. *GULP* So in honor of this, I thought I’d do a little post about how I’m prepping in the last 3 months leading up to the Big Day. Some of these things are new, others I’ve been doing for years. Most of these are affordable, too. I know the internet and wedding industry sometimes share the most absurd “requirements” of how to prepare for your wedding. Without spending a fortune or changing your entire body, here are some things I’ve been doing to help be gentle to myself, take care of my mental and physical health and honestly, help myself have fun along the way! If you’re a bride, please feel free to comment below any additions you have for this list, I want to be as prepped as possible! ♡
SKIN
If you know me, you probably know what I’m about to say… Glowbar, Glowbar, GLOWBAR! I’ve been going since February of 2021 and I am OBSESSED. I am a member, so I get facials monthly. They are only 30 minutes, so they’re quick and easy, but let me tell you, they get the job done. Each month, the esthetician takes a look at my skin and and then decides which treatments to do that day. Every facial is different and I love knowing I am doing something good for my skin every month. I definitely feel the effects now, but I KNOW I will feel (And more importantly, SEE) the effects when I’m older too. I’ve already asked them when is the best time to get a facial before the wedding. They said around 5 days, and I plan to request dermaplaning at that appointment. This is where they do a manual exfoliation that removes dead skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin, as well as 80-90% of “peach fuzz” on te face, which provides smooth, glowy skin and allows for better absorption of product post-treatment. I know it will help my makeup apply flawlessly on the day of!
*If you’re interested in joining Glowbar, you can mention my name at Checkout and get $10 off your first treatment!
Next up – Gua Sha! I started this about a year ago, but not consistently. I am officially doing this RELIGIOUSLY (and have been for about a month already) just to see if I can manage any stronger results before October 😉
Lastly, Fenty Hydravizor… Let. Me. Tell. You. I am OBSESSED with this stuff. I’ve put many friends on it. It’s SO good. This is a moisturizer and sunscreen combo that gives fresh hydration, fades the look of dark spots and defends against pollution. It’s invisible on all skin tones, is SO hydrating, but does not feel greasy, and can be worn flawlessly under makeup. It has has niacinimide and the most delicious melon scent, as there is melon in it! I’m literally addicted – it’s the best part of my morning, every morning.
WELLNESS
Even though mornings are usually a little slow for me, I still struggle to have time to do the things I want to do. One of the things I’ve been trying to prioritize is doing a Devotional. One of my best friends (and bridesmaid) Claire, gifted me with this journal called Write the Word, and I am LOVING it. It helps me to spend a few minutes each day focusing on my faith and grounding myself amidst all the hectic-ness!
Secondly, I have started taking two different types of new gummies — Ashwangandha and Immunity. I was gifted Ashwangandha from Goli recently. I’ve been taking their Apple Cider Vinegar gummies for years, but I am so excited to try Ashwangandha. These are known for lowering cortisol, which I absolutely need right now, as well as helping with memory and sleep! Sounds like 10/10 to me. Additionally, I recently ordered some Immunity supplements from Olly. (I LOVE Olly.) My Bachelorette is later this month, and I want to make sure my immune system is strong before I leave, as well as, to just keep it up and stay healthy leading up to the wedding. I remember last Fall I got sick many times in a row, so of course this Fall I want to avoid that as much as possible!
*You can use code “jordannnleee” for 25% off Goli products!
Lastly, I have been trying to get back into reading before bed. I used to do this almost every night. If you know me, I am on a goal to read 40 books this year (a few more than how many I read last year.) However, when I made that goal, I was not prepared for how much time I would spend working on wedding planning and such, and how much reading time would be lost. I spend many nights working on ordering products, searching Etsy and Pinterest, planning renderings, etc. With the wedding getting closer and closer, it’s been helpful to set “limits” and turn off planning mode at a certain point each night, so that I can slow my brain down and enter a fantasy world while reading. Plus, reading before bed helps me fall asleep better as well!
FITNESS
This is another one where if you know me, you know what I’m about to say. I do the 12-3-30 EVERY. DAY. This workout has changed my life. I know it’s not for everyone and that’s totally fine. If you don’t enjoy it or don’t feel like it’s for you, that’s ok. But if you try it and LOVE it, then I’m so happy for you! What I love about this is it’s “just walking” but it’s at a pace and at an include that makes me SWEAT every. single. time. I also love that I can watch something while doing it, lol. It helps motivate me that I ONLY watch a certain show while at the gym, so if I want to watch it, I gotta get my butt on the treadmill. I always feel SO much better after my daily 12-3-30. I’ve been doing this for about 2 years, but just started the “every day” part very recently. I just want to make sure I’m in the best shape (mentally) and feeling good before the wedding!
Lastly, I am also trying to incorporate some short Ab and Arm Workouts. If you remember my strength training era, I used to be a big weight lifting gal. It was so much fun and I did enjoy it, but something changed lately. However, with the wedding quickly approaching, I know that in addition to healthy eating, I need to be incorporating some small ways to work out my arms and stomach to assist with the cardio from the 12-3-30.
If you know me, you know I am not about the idea of “sweating for the wedding.” All brides are beautiful and worthy as they are. I have always been very vocal about how I workout for my health and my anxiety, and NOT for how I look. I just want to make that clear. I still feel this way. If I happen to tone my arms a bit before I walk down the aisle, amazing. But that’s not my number one goal. My number one goal is to be HEALTHY. Thanks for reading this far, if you have. I love you all and I can’t thank you enough for following on this wedding planning journey. The countdown is on!!
