How to look (extra) pretty on a first date

The absolutely positively most nerve-wracking moment of a date? Right before you see each other. Answering the front door or walking into the restaurant...eeks! Just writing this paragraph gives me butterflies.

So how do you look extra gorgeous for the big moment? My #1 random trick from my single days: Pinch your cheeks. Honestly, whenever I'd walk into a date, I'd pinch the apples of my cheeks, then gently rub them to "even" it out. Your rosy cheeks will make it look like you just walked in from the cold, and the color will suit your face perfectly since it's your natural color. (Or you can just cheat and wear blush; here are my two absolute favorites:)

What beauty routines do you have for dates? I'd love to hear your secrets! xoxo

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10 unforgettable wedding moments

The most memorable wedding moments often come when you least expect them. Here are ten amazing moments, a few of which were actually mistakes!

Putting on the dress.

A groom's first look.

Enraptured.

Sweet kisses with old-fashioned veils.

The most beautiful dress (maybe tied with this and this:)

"Irene and Alison rode the freight elevator up to the roof to make their grand entrance, but the lift got stuck for about five minutes. (The band played the 'Wedding March' on repeat till they finally emerged.)" Eeks! Here, they're dancing the hora. -- New York Weddings

"We choreographed a dance to 'If There's Such a Thing as Love," by the Magnetic Fields. But we hadn't practiced with Mary wearing her dress; plus, we were nervous and maybe a little intoxicated. The dance was falling apart; then her veil fell off when I dipped her. Our friends started cracking up, and we just made up our own dance. It ended up being one of our favorite moments of the wedding." -- our friends Austin and Mary

"People kept asking me if I was going to do a split; it's my signature move. I was like, 'Absolutely not!' But later there was a dance-off with break dancing and an older gentleman spinning on the ground. That set off the happy endorphins. I did the split and Ninja Turtled out of it on my back." -- Kim Zatina, New York Weddings

Sparklers at Rob and Susan's wedding.

What was your favorite moment of your wedding--or any wedding you've been to? :)

(Photos by Ali Harper, Rob Meyer, Tec Petaja, Braedon Weddings, SNAP, Jenna Walker and Lauren Ross, via Snippet & Ink; Lynn Michelle, via Glamour; Sarah Tew, Our Labor of Love, Jess + Nate)

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Office romance

My jaw dropped when I saw these effortlessly sexy J. Crew work dresses. If you're in the mood for an office romance, I think these would do the trick.

Which of these would you wear?

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Star projector

Picture this: Your crush invites you over for dinner, and, when you arrive, you're greeted with a glass of wine, Sigur Ros on the iPod, and this star projector. How amazing would that be?

I'd love it for quiet married nights at home, too. Would be a fun way to eat burritos and watch Curb your Enthusiasm, haha.

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On relationships

My sweets, I LOVE doing Motherhood Mondays and talking openly about all things parenthood. Thank you so much for the fascinating discussions and eye-opening comments.

So, I had an idea! I'd like to start a new series: Relationship Thursdays. (Is there a catchier name?:) I keep thinking of relationship-y things that I'd love to discuss, but so far, there hasn't really been a place on the blog for that. So, now, we can talk in honest and fun ways about everything from first dates and break-ups to weddings and spouses, as well as other relationships, like those with friends, parents and siblings.

What do you think? I'm excited. Let me know if you have anything in particular that you'd want to talk about! xoxoxo
(Top photo by Corey Arnold; bottom photo of the sweet Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward)

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New York City Hall wedding

Our good friends Maz and Lee tied the knot at New York's City Hall. The following evening, they threw a big party in Brooklyn for our friends. The weekend was so relaxed, easygoing and full of love. These photos look straight out of a 1960's French film!

Would you ever consider getting married at City Hall?

(Photos by Stephen K. Schuster. Lee's dress was from Theory; her veil, jewelry and shoes were vintage.)

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Travel fantasy: Maine cottages

How's this for a romantic travel fantasy: A weekend at the Cabot Cove cottages in Kennebunkport, Maine. You stay in a private cottage, and breakfast arrives at your door each morning. For the rest of the day, you hike to lighthouses, swim, sail, go whale-watching, drink wine in Adirondack chairs, and eat lobster for dinner. Wouldn't you love to go with your partner? :)

P.S. Maine-scented perfume.

(Via Momfilter)

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What do you wear to bed?

My darlings, what do you wear to bed? A nightgown? Little shorts? Underwear? Do you sleep naked?
I usually wear a tank top and little shorts, but now and again, I'll shave my legs and wear something prettier. :) My favorite slip is the Eberjey Godiva chemise. I wore the pink one almost every night of our honeymoon.

What's your bedtime uniform?

(Top photo by Magdelena Fischer)

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DIY wedding hair: Pretzel braid

I'm excited to share another hair tutorial! My friend (and hair genius) Caroline adores this gorgeous pretzel braid, which she says is easy enough for brides to do themselves. So, we met at our favorite wedding shop, and Jamie Beck took photos. Doesn't her hair look breezy and romantic?

Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try it out...
"I have a friend who was an Irish dancer, and she would always wear her hair in amazing elaborate braids. This one is not-too-fussy (my favorite way to wear my hair) and would look so pretty for an evening wedding or outdoor summer party."--Caroline

1. Start by making two pigtails, using rubber bands. Make them a bit higher up on your head.

2. Braid both pigtails...

3. ...and secure ends with a rubber band.

4-6. Remove the top rubber bands from the pigtails.

7. Cross one braid over the other.

8. Starting with the braid that's now on top, create a sort of "C" shape and pin. It doesn't have to be precise; you just want to have a nice curved shape from the braid.

9. Make the same curved shape with the other braid and pin. Curve it up and over the top of the braid you just pinned down.

10. Ultimately, you want to get a nice sort of pretzel or knot shape from the two braids. Tuck the ends of both braids behind the knot and pin them down securely.
Voila! Isn't it gorgeous? Would you wear it to your wedding (or a summer party)? This is one of my favorite hair tutorials of all time! Please ask any questions in the comments below; the instructions are a little tricky...

P.S. Seven genius hair ideas.

(Photos by Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo. In the step-by-step photos, Caroline is wearing an Eberjey robe. In the wedding photos, Caroline's wedding dress is by Ivy & Aster from Lovely, a gorgeous bridal boutique in the West Village. Her jewelry is from her own line, Brvtvs, and her lip color is lipstick is NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned.)

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Would you date older?

Have you ever dated an older man or woman? I had never dated an older man before, but Alex is a whopping 13 years older than I am. At first I thought his age might be a deal breaker, but it's worked out (old movies, cooking skills, doesn't mind my under-eye wrinkles:).

Have you ever heard this funny trick? "Divide the older person's age in half, then add seven, and that's the biggest age difference you can have. So if you're 30, the youngest you can date is 22." It's actually a pretty good rule of thumb!

So, I'm curious: Have you ever dated an older man or woman? Much older? Would you rather date older or younger? How old would you go? Is your current partner older than you? I'd love to hear your thoughts...
(P.S. Btw, George Clooney is 50, so he's fair game for any of you older than 32 1/2!)

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Which fall outfit would you wear on a date?

Picture this: Your handsome crush asked you out to dinner on a beautiful fall evening. He picked out a neighborhood Italian restaurant, and you have butterflies in your stomach. He just texted, "I can't wait." Now, the big question is: What will you wear?!

Above, a cozy knit sweater with flattering jeans.
A chic belted dress.
A feminine silk dress with tiny flowers.
A simple yet sexy henley top. (I actually wore a shirt just like this on my first date with Alex.)
A 1970's-inspired red dress.

Which of these pretty outfits would you wear on a first date? Which suits your personality best? (I'd LOVE to get the sweater and dresses for the fall!)

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Wedding idea: Burgers!

Abby and her fiance wanted a relaxed wedding, so they invited their friends and family over for burgers! "We celebrated at my parents' house in Maine," says Abby. "We ate burgers, sweet-potato fries and salad. For dessert, we served Maine blueberry pie." Isn't that sweet? Would you rather have a casual or formal wedding? I love this idea!

(Via Smitten)

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