Project Hot-A$$ bride is in full swing these days. As I am now in the final weeks {that's right- weeks not months!} of prep for the big walk down the aisle I have been trying my best to be diligent with my skin care regime. Normally I am admittedly pretty lazy with skin care but I also normally don't have the motivation of being a bride. So here is my 'toolkit' for Project Hot Bride: Complexion.

For the face wash I have been a long time avid fan of Origins Checks and Balances. It cleans without drying...

I am the worst at remembering to do a weekly mask... I never do them. But as of late I seem to be able to fit it in and Origins Clear Improvement charcoal mask is not disappointing me...

Next in line with my toolkit is again by Origins, the Never A Dull Moment face polisher. I am loving it and will probably keep using this one well after the wedding.

For my eyes, I have kept my long-time favorite serum by Clarins. True, it was intended for a slightly older woman than my current age but I like it and my eyes have few creases appearing so...

And lastly for products, I have been a long time avid fan of Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer with sunscreen.

I was not fortunate enough to be born with a naturally glowing, rosy complexion so I am trying to improve my facial care regime now. As I look at it, right now I am motivated by the wedding day but hopefully the healthy habits will stick with me so that skin can age gracefully. Now if I can just avoid that level of stress that causes me to suffer breakouts in the weeks prior to the wedding...

There have been some interesting articles on brides going to extremes to look good on their wedding day, for example the shrinking bride article in Newsweek. I personally find this to be media sensationalism. A wedding is a point where you are starting another chapter in your life, so I say it is a perfect time to evaluate your lifestyle and health to make sure that both of you are starting this chapter with healthy habits.

Fitness and health has always been something that D and I work on together. We are essentially are a support system for each other as we both want to be healthy. However sometimes we do better than others. The wedding has helped us put health eating and exercise back up there on the priority list... because as D so eloquently stated "I want to look good on my wedding day."

Here are a few of the things that we are doing to make sure that we are 'looking good' {without shrinking}...

1. Exercise...
This is an obvious one, I know. But for me I added in to my normal workouts Pilates {love it!} and walking to work. Our main goal here: Be Consistent.

2. Plan Meals...
I was tired of buying groceries and then subsequently not having anything to make for dinner... and then ordering. By making dinner throughout the week it has been easier to keep those calories under control. And knowing ahead of time what I am making keeps me from the 'what do I feel like' which usually resulted in some type of comfort food. The menu/grocery list note pad from Jot It Down on Etsy has been an incredible help.

3. Take Lunch To Work...
Again, it is much easier to ensure that you are eating fresh and healthy foods if you prepare it yourself! I won't lie... It is kind of a pain to make sure you have lunch ready to grab on your way out the door but it is worth it.

4. Breaking Up with Dt. Coke...
Ok so I still have a few D. Cokes here and there... but I have significantly cut back. The jury is out whether this will actually help me be more healthy... but with Dt. Coke not an option I have been drinking more water.

5. Check Ups with the Doctor...
We are doing a routine check up to see where our cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and such are at to gauge whether we need to start being more contentious about this.

If you are trying to 'shape up' here are a few of the resources that I have come across and found helpful:

Calorie Count from About.com - Not sure how many calories are in your sandwich? You will find it here. You can even look up foods on your phone and start an online food journal. It is a comprehensive resource.

Exercise TV - There are lots of options for workouts in the OnDemand section of cable tv... for when it is raining too heavy to walk to the gym or in the winter when it is too cold.

Women's Health Magazine - This is quickly becoming one of my favorite magazines... it is full of healthy tips and exercises without being too fluffy.

Self Magazine Tools - The calculators on here are pretty comprehensive. Need to calculate your BMI? Want an idea of how many calories you may have burned in that pilates class? They can help you get an estimate.

Cooking Light - Great resource for recipes to keep some variety in your healthy menu.

{Images via Martha Stewart Living & Jot It Down on Etsy}