Five on Friday 4.27.18

Hello? Hello? Is this thing on? Dusting off the cobwebs from the blog.

//1// We've been doing some home improvements!

After nearly six years in our house I finally painted over all of the depressing cream, brown, and tan of our entire main floor and changed it to a nice light gray with blue undertones. My MIL was instrumental in getting it all done. Nick had some friends over this past weekend to help him with Phase II of the deck rebuild. I love progress.

//2// I've been kind of lazy about reading thus far this year, but I did just finish Night Road by Kristen Hannah. I definitely recommend this one!

// 3 //  Last Friday I didn't have to work so Nick took a vacation day. We visited our state's capital and went to the Michigan History Museum and the Library of Michigan.

We also walked around the campus of MSU and visit Beaumont Tower, where Nick proposed. It was actually sunny and somewhat warm so it was great to be outside!

//4// I've started using Poshmark and have gotten some really cute things! Does anyone use Posmark? I'd love to follow your closet! Mine's called ACuteAngleBlog (of course!).

//5// Awww. My sweet, little doodle dog!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

DIY Acne-Clearing Face Mask

Once upon a time I believed acne only affected teenagers. Truth be told, I've been been plagued with acne for most of my adult life. Between antibiotics courses and topical creams/gels I like to throw in all-natural remedies. This mask features egg white, honey, and lemon which all offer acne clearing properties.

What You'll Need:

1 egg white

1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon of honey

What You'll Need to Do:

Whisk together the egg white and lemon juice until the mixture becomes frothy.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of honey and stir well.

Wash your face with warm water to open your poor.

Apply to mixture to your face using a cotton ball or clean hands.

Keep the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes

When the mixture has completely dried your face, gently scrub off using warm water and circular motions.

Pat your face dry with a towel.

Extra Tips:

Work upwards using a gentle circular motion when applying the mask.

Avoid sensitive areas around the eyes and mouth.

This mask is effective in getting rid of excess oils. If you have dry skin, do not use, or only apply to oily areas such as your T-zone. 

How This Mask Works:

4 Weeks to Go: Everything We Know (About the Royal Wedding)

We are down to the final four weeks before Prince Harry weds Meghan Markle and makes her Her Royal Highness Meghan. Here's everything we now with only four weeks to go...

St. George's Chapel; Windsor Castle; Windsor, England

Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 12pm 

The invitations for the big day were sent out in mid-March. The invitations were created by Barnard and Westwood. American ink was used on English card, and the invitations were printed in gold and black, then burnishes to bring out the shine, and gilded around the edge.

Around 600 guests were invited to the service at St. George's Chapel and to the lunchtime reception at St. George's Hall, which is being give by The Queen. 

St. George's Chapel

St. George's Hall

The couple have asked 1200 members of the public to be on the grounds of Windsor for the celebration. The Lord Lieutenant offices will choose the guests which are said will come from a broad range of backgrounds and age groups. 

aerial view of the grounds at Windsor Castle.

Meghan and Harry have invited 200 guests to an evening reception which will be hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House.

Frogmore House

The Dean of Windsor will conduct the service and the Archbishop of Canterbury will officiate as the couple make their vows.

Following the ceremony, the couple will undertake a carriage procession from St. George's Chapel through the town of Windsor returning to Windsor Castle. 

Following the couple's arrival at Windsor Castle, the official wedding photos will be taken by Alexi Lubomirski. Lubomirski also took Meghan and Harry's engagement photos at Frogmore House. 

Meghan and Harry have chosen a lemon elderflower cake. It will be made by Claire Ptak of Voilet Bakery. The couple has chosen to decorate with branches of beech, birch, and hornbeam. White garden roses, peonies, and foxglove will be sourced from the garden and park land of Crown Estate and Windsor Park. Wedding and floral designer Philippa Craddock will be in charge of the arrangements. 

Those heading to Windsor for the big day can enjoy food stalls, large screens showing live footage of the wedding and procession, viewing area along the whole procession route, bunting and ceremonial banners, and live entertainment from local groups. Windsor is offering a 6,000 space pre-booked car parking area, and rail operators will be offering extra trains and extended hours. 140 Royal Borough Ambassadors have volunteered to help steward the event and assist visitors through the day.  

Even with all excitement (and press releases) there is still so much we don't know about the wedding day. Who will Meghan be wearing (I'm guessing Ralph & Russo), and will she wear a tiara? Will Meghan and Harry go British and have children in their wedding party or go American with adult bridesmaids and groomsmen?

We are still unsure of who will walk Meghan down the aisle of St. George's Chapel. With the press reporting that she is closer to her mother, and describing her father as a 'recluse' it leads you to believe her mother may be by her side in some capacity. Will it be Meghan's mom, dad, or both?

When William and Kate wed in 2011, they were bestowed the titles of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (among others). What titles will the Queen give Harry and Meghan? Odds on favorites are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The wedding will be broadcast on American television, including on NBC and PBS. Will you be watching?