say i do to bbq.

springin’ cards.

So your Spring wedding is just around the bend. As you tick off each and every detail from your to-do list in record time, you find yourself scrambling for a creative way to doll-up your seating card table. Here are some fabulous and out-of-the-box ideas! Take a look and check off that final to-do before you say I do!

FLORAL FUN

ROCKS OF LOVE

PAPER PETALS

FAN FAVORITE

POPS OF COLOR

FRESH PICKED

Have a fun way to display your seating cards? Share below or on the Mrs. Why Knot facebook page! Be sure to check out Pinterest for more pin-spiration for your big day…why knot?!

Stay updated all of the time: Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. Etsy.  Email.

Shop 24/7…why knot?!

Mrs. Why Knot Bracelet Shop

Mrs. Why Knot Custom Date Art Shop

eat clean (+bonus recipe!)

Finally!! Spring time….the sun is out, the birds are chirping and the tank tops are out of the closet. It’s time to step up our diet and exercise routine a notch. And what better way to stay committed and motivated than the always-so-fun-bathing-suit-shopping. Diet is KEY with maintaining health, wellness and weight. You could be working out every second of the day, but without a balanced diet, you are sabotaging your own progress. It’s all about clean eating.

What exactly is clean eating? Clean eating is the idea of eating more fresh and whole foods, opposed to pre-packaged and processed foods. Hello lean protein and vegetables, goodbye fast food. Leaning more towards complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, over white flour. It’s also being committed to replacing saturated fats with healthy fats. Note that people who follow the clean eating lifestyle avoid dairy. It’s not about counting calories, but believing in good quality.

Yes I understand, Spring is filled with outdoor parties with fruity drinks and tasty treats. Don’t worry about temptation, when you can enjoy your own tasty recipes! Check out this one below for guilt free pancakes!

Guilt Free Pancakes
1/2 cup Organic Oats
1/4 cup Almond Milk
1 Large Egg White
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 Tbsp of Baking Powder
1/4 Cup Blueberries
In a medium bowl, mix oats with milk. let stand for 5 minutes. Add egg and oil and mix. Continue to add baking powder and blueberries. Pour onto nonstick skillet until golden brown. Flip and cook until desired. Makes 8 pancakes.

Stay tuned for more fit tips from our expert and guest blogger, Angela Claire Fitness!

be our guest…or not.

Between the list in your iPhone, scribble on your desk calendar, post-it notes with names, emailed list from in-laws and the late night dreams of just how many people you’re actually ‘forgetting’ – the initial draft guest list can seem overwhelming…or down right scary! Lucky for you, I came across this chart while having my morning affair with Pinterest and I couldn’t help but share it. It is a quick and painless guide to who you really NEED to have make the final cut. Keep in mind – it is your day so if your neighbor, longtime friend or even dog groomer thinks they have a say in who ‘should’ be there, gently remind them that it isn’t up to them to ‘say yes’ to your guests! (graphic from simply bridal)

fit @ home.

March is almost done! And can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday we were trying to figure out New Years Eve plans and rushing around to find the tightest dress! Most importantly, we were writing down a list of New Years Resolutions. Let me be the first to remind you of the goals you set two months ago and check in to see how your progress is going!

Spring is around the corner! And yes we still have a few more cold fronts to dodge.  However don’t let the weather set you back from reaching your goals. Yes the weather is gross and all we feel like doing is wearing sweats, vegging out, and watching re runs of Real Housewives. But there are no excuses! Especially when we have goals set. Don’t feel like making the trip to the gym? No fear! Here are some exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. No equipment needed!

1) Standing Side Crunch – Stand with feet shoulder width apart, and make a fist with your right hand overhead, extend left arm at side. Shift weight to left leg and raise right knee out to side as you bend right elbow, crunching it toward inside of right thigh. And repeat. Do 20 reps and switch sides for 4 sets each.

2) Glute Lift- Position yourself on all fours and pulls abs in so your back is flat. Raise right knee to hip height behind you, foot flexed, and lower to start position. Do 20 reps. Switch legs and repeat for 4 sets each.

3) Full Extension – Lie face up with knees bent over hips and extend arms overhead. Crunch up as you reach for your hands toward feet. Extend legs a few inches off the ground in front of you as you extend arms overhead. Crunch up as you bend knees, placing weight back on ankles to return to starting position. Do 20 reps for 4 sets.

4) Stationary Lunge – Stand with your legs staggered, your right foot about two feet in front of your left. Bend your knees to lower your body until your right thigh is parallel and your shin is perpendicular to the floor. Straighten your legs to return to start. Do 10 reps, then switch sides and repeat 4 times.

5) Incline Push up- Get into a pushup position with your hands more than shoulder width apart on your couch or low table. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the surface. Pause at the bottom and then push yourself back to start. Do as many reps as possible until you can not maintain form or have to stop.

6) Tricep Dips – Sit on the edge of your couch or a chair with your knees bent and your feet on the floor in front of you. Place your palms face down next to your thighs and keeping your arms straight, shift forward until your hips and butt are in front of the seat. Bend your elbows to lower your hips until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Push back to start. That is one rep. Do as many reps as possible until you can’t maintain form.

Stay tuned for more fit tips from our expert and guest blogger, Angela Claire Fitness!

‘cheap’ date.

Going on a date doesn’t need to break the bank. There are plenty of things to do in each of your neighborhoods that cost little or nothing and can turn a boring ‘what to you want to do’ day into something much more exciting (and doesn’t include racking up another huge expense!)

Local Concert (many are nearly free!) – Amateur Comedy Club – Sight-See in your Nearest City – Volunteer – Attend an Art Gallery – Minor League Baseball Game – Go for Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt – Go to a Neighborhood Fair – Trivia Night at your Local Bar – Try a New Ethnic Restaurant – Go for a Hike – Make a Picnic – Board Game Night at Your Place – Go for a Walk in a Nearby Neighborhood – Visit your Local Park – Make Breakfast for Dinner – Paint Together – Purchase Discounted Tickets for Broadway Shows in NYC at the TKTS Booth on Broadway (some may be up to 50% off or more!) – Blast the Music and have a Dance Off – Visit a Local Farmer’s Market – Check out your County’s Website for Upcoming Free Events – Visit your Local Library and Rent a Movie (for as little as a dollar!) – Play Wii or Playstation – Make Your Own Pizza Night – Visit your Local Pool – Check out a Second Hand Store – Ice Skating – Go See a Local Game/Sport – Grab a Camera and Take Some Pics on Your Day-cation – Go Rock Climbing at an Indoor Center – Go for a Walk with your Pets – Fondue! – Feed Ducks or Birds at a Local Lake – Drive Around and Attend an Open House (costs nothing and you get some great renovation ideas) – Try Out a Dance Class (many first times are free!) – Go Bike Riding – Go-Kart Racing – Clean! (I mean this is a last resort, but so much better when two people are working together!)

Here are just a few to get your list started. Feeling adventurous? Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘cheap’ date night giveaway this week! It will be posted to our facebook page. You won’t want to miss it! Two pairs of gift certificates for a super-fun date place will be given away to two lucky couples (in the Westchester area or those willing to travel.) Stay tuned! Why knot?!

As always remember – it’s not what you are doing but who you are doing it with that makes all the difference. That, ladies, is priceless.

mardi gras goodness.

Happy FAT TUESDAY everyone! Love the bright and bold colors and theme of Mardi Gras? If so, then you will swoon over these pin-worthy images. Get creative for your upcoming big day and incorporate a theme sure to bring the party any time of the year – why knot?!

PS! Are you planning on overindulging today and the rest of the week? Get in on our giveaway for a chance to snag a FREE personal training session and help deflate after a sweet-spree week! Details here!

giveaway monday: free personal training.

What better way to kick off Valentine’s week than with a giveaway? This week, up for grabs is a FREE personal training session with fitness competitor and certified personal trainer, Angela Claire Fitness! Angela is also the Mrs. Why Knot fitness guest blogger and we love love love the fit tips she shares with all of our readers.

Entering is simple and remember…you’ve got to be in it to win it!

race to the aisle: final planning tips.

Is your BIG day just days away? It is starting to feel a bit surreal that after all the planning the day could actually arrive? (um, note to self: that’s what supposed to happen!!) Below is a list of helpful hints to glance through as you cross off your last to-dos before you say I do!

CONFIRM & RECONFIRM: No matter how many times you’ve ‘checked’ with your vendors, make a list and reconfirm full details and write any expectations down so you are all on the same page. Also create a sample timeline so you know who to expect, where and when! It takes the guess work out of the morning-of.

MAKE USE OF THE MAIDS: Grab your girls and get together! Finish up any last minute projects (ceremony programs, favors, menus, etc.) Also take a quick ride to drop off everything necessary for the reception. Feel free to bring a list so the person setting up knows exactly what you want. Everything done? Have a girls night in with some wine, sweets and sweats! Girl time is the best time.

SWEET DREAMS: Are you having nightmares of missing the ceremony? Waking up super late? Losing your wedding dress? Get into a routine before bed to keep calm and have sweet dreams. Try a relaxing bath, cup of tea or warm milk and some reading. Stay OFF your phone/computer right before bed (they super-stimulate your mind) and avoid any chocolate (it gears up crazy thoughts!)

LEADER OF THE PACK: Whether you are honeymooning right away, taking a mini-moon or staying at a local hotel suite – be sure to make a list and check it twice. Pack ahead of time and always add some extra outfits ‘just in case.’ Don’t forget something sexy for your wedding night too! Also – pack a go-to bag for the limo/party bus. Don’t forget a plain white sheet or towel to cover your gorgeous gown while heading to the reception. You’d be surprised how many things spill!

LOVE NOTES: Take five minutes to write a note to your future-hubby. Handwritten and stuck into his tux, or even a note in his phone you can remind him to check. It’ll be the perfect thing to wake up to on the big day. It is also a great keepsake!

DRESS TO IMPRESS: Finalize that dress fitting! As crazy as it sounds, you’d be surprised how just before your wedding you may gain/lose a few pounds. I actually wound up going the week of my wedding for one extra fitting! Be sure you are comfortable (literally sit, stand, dance and move around in your dress – test it out!) You will be wearing it for hours on end and you will want it to be PERFECT.

Most importantly – BREATHE!

Your big day is just moments ahead and you should make the most of each and every second. Dance, laugh, love and enjoy it! It goes way too fast and some of the best memories are yet to be made. Congratulations!

Stay updated all of the time: Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. Etsy.  Email.

Shop 24/7…why knot?!

Mrs. Why Knot Bracelet Shop

Mrs. Why Knot Custom Date Art Shop

brides against breast cancer.

Who says the men have all the fun on Superbowl Sunday? Pack up your favorite team of ladies and head into NYC to the Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Wedding Gown Event! There will be nearly 1,000 designer gowns with huge savings and proceeds benefit education, information and outreach for those affected by cancer. Get a jump start on your gown selection and stop by this fabulous event!

What are you waiting for? Get your ticket today and trade in your Sunday jersey for a chance to grab the gown of your dreams…why knot?!

Never been to an event like this? Read this past post on bridal gown shopping event tips from Mrs. Why Knot!

Stay updated all of the time: Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. Etsy.  Email.

Shop 24/7…why knot?!

Mrs. Why Knot Bracelet Shop

Mrs. Why Knot Custom Date Art Shop