Want to just pick up and travel the globe????

I've got just the inspiration you need! The Lost Girls are a threesome of gals who left their New York City lives (bye bye jobs, apartments, families and boyfriends!) and embarked on a yearlong round-the-world journey. How amazing is that?

Check out their blog to read about their exciting trip, get some travel inspiration, find some cool travel links and read about other cool Lost Girls around the world. You'll also get some amazing honeymoon ideas from their travels (um, Bali, New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, Brazil, India, Thailand, anyone?).

Oh and you might even spot a familiar face -- The Lost Girls did a really great feature on yours truly yesterday. Check it out here!

You're all dressed up and WHERE?????

Sarah from Wed2010 did a really fun post the other day that featured photos of two of my favorite TV ladies all dressed up in McDonalds!

First was Gossip Girl's Blake Lively and Penn Badgley (Serena and Dan):

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Second was Sex and the City's Carrie and the Russian:

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These pics reminded me of some fun pre-wedding photos the Globetrotting Groom and I took. We got married at a very glamorous venue called Louis XVI (think crystal chandeliers, water views and French waiters) and about 200 feet away is a very beachy take out spot called Nancy's crab shack.

During the planing phase, we kept joking that we were going to stop by for a pre-wedding snack and we did! How fun are these photos? All photo credits go to Belathee Photography.

I just love the expressions.

You can safely say they don't get many brides and grooms.

Are you gonna share that?

I should send these to Snapple!

And off to marry we go...

Are you planning to take any fun pre- or post-wedding shots?

If only I could invent nail polish color names...

When I went for my Valentine's mani/pedi, I spotted this cute OPI Nail Lacquer display. Their spring/summer line is named after South Beach, one of my favorite spots (be on the lookout for my recent trip review).

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The colors all have great nail polish names and I think they'd be fun for a tropical honeymoon or bachelorette trip.

I think my toes will look great in these shades:

- OPI on Collins Ave.
- Party in My Cabana
- Miami Beet
- Done Out in Deco

For my fingers, I'll go with:

- Suzi & the Lifeguard
- Sand in My Suit

In case you're still in the fall/winter mode, check out their Paris inspired colors.

Wedding Tradition Explained: "Tying the knot?"

You all know that "Getting married" = "Tying the Knot," but do you know where this expression originates?

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In many cultures including Hindu, Egyptian and Celtic, the hand of a bride and groom are tied together as a symbol of their new bond and commitment to the marriage. This is the origin of the expression "Tying then knot".

Are you incorporating this expression into your wedding? I'm loving these Save The Dates with the little Mini Moo cards and bakery string.

To read more about the origins of tying the knot and other interesting wedding traditions click here.

Love and Shoes! What more does a girl need?

How cute are these Love Moschino (formerly Moschino Jeans) thong sandals? I think they'd be perfect to bring along on a tropical honeymoon!

Looking to add a little sparkle to your wedding step?

Take a peek at these blingalicious shoes:


Flying First Class?

Try these Rene Caovilla open-toed sandals with a Swarovski crystal jeweled heel ($1,250)

Want a red hot entrance? Stuart Weitzman's "Pomp" Pump features a matching set of Swarovski crystal-encrusted rosettes ($855).


Flying Business Class?

Grey satin L'Infante crystal applique pumps from Christian Louboutin ($442).

How about this gold knotted Siana peep toe from Delman Shoes ($177)


Flying Coach:

Check out this rsvp Maribella satin pump with crystal applique ($69).

Or these satin Coloriffics open toe shoes with rhinestone embellishment ($80).

Destination Spa Getaway - Riviera Maya, Mexico

Continuing on from my earlier post Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Hotspot - Riviera Maya, Mexico, I'm back today to share the scoop on my favorite spas.

As the Globetrotting Groom points out, even manly men need a little pampering so be sure to put a couples spa getaway on your to-do list.

On our recent Mexico getaway, we tested out the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Mayakoba and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. Both left us feeling nurtured and relaxed. Plus, they both featured top-notch technicians and local-inspired treatments that incorporated Mayan traditions and local herbs, oils and even Cacao for chocolate lovers.

Here's the scoop:

The Willow Stream Spa is in a super tranquil building that has a fitness center, comfortable treatment rooms, an upstairs relaxation lounge and a sun-filled outdoor area with a vitality pool, sea-mineral soaking pool and lounge chairs (yes, this was my choice pre- and post-treatment spot - see below). The locker rooms are spacious and feature luxe toiletries, sauna and steam room, showers and a tranquil waiting area with refreshments.

We tested a bunch of treatments including Customized Deep Cleansing facials (so soothing I almost fell asleep), Sports Massage (the GTG loves his massages) and a Body Quench (perfect for hydrating my dry winter skin and hair). We splurged on a two-hour Yucatan Healing Retreat (for couples) that took place in our own spa suite with private balcony and soaking tub. This started with a foot bath followed by a choice of sea and sand body scrubs, body mask, bath in the soaking tub and side-by-side massages.

If there was more time, I would have tried the Cha Chac Rain Ritual, Papaya Body Illumination and Hip Honeymooners (couples treatment featuring rose petals, rose oil and rosehip oil).

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya serves up pampering in chic yet earthy surrounds (think bamboo, stone, and mosaic tilework) as Mayan philosophy meets Asian-rooted healing rituals. The outdoor garden patio and Zen relaxation room are a great choice for pre- or post-treatment relaxation. The his and hers locker rooms feature "walk through" experience areas with a bubbling vitality pool with underwater recliners (my kind of relaxation - see them at the far end below), experience showers, artfully displayed crushed ice and an amazing mosaic tiled steam room (one of the largest I've been in with a really cool domed ceiling, dramatic lighting and steam coming out of a "fountain" - even the GTG remarked on its coolness).

(I promise, this is not me)

There are treatment rooms, VIP couples suites and waterfront spa palapas depending on your treatment. We tried the two-hour Mayan Tzolkin Couples Ritual, one of their signature experiences. It began in the medicinal garden where we hand-picked our herbs, which were later ground up and used in our body treatments. From there we entered an enormous treatment room where we were welcomed by a foot bath. Following a full body scrub and outdoor shower, it concluded with a relaxing massage. The whole treatment was very private and luxurious and we loved it!

Next time, I'd like to try one of the Aqua Experiences - one where you let the mud sink in as you relax in a warm throne-style chair or the other where you float in the Watsu Pool.

Too bad all the relaxation seems to vanish by the time you're back at JFK...

Have a great weekend!!!

Honeymoon packing tip #6 - Give your bras and panties a safe home

Here's another one of those things you didn't know you needed...invented by necessity of course.

I introduce you to the amazing duo: the Bra Bag and Panty Pak from the Brag Company.

(And no, this is not a photo of me and my friends...)

The Bra Bag (in regular and buxom) safely protects up to six bras in a durable, yet cute hard case that will surely make any customs officer blush. Best of all, no more dented bras or bent underwires.

The Panty Pak is a lightweight tote with two zippered compartments labeled "clean" and "not so clean" and exterior pockets.

I took them for a test drive on a recent trip to Miami and I was very impressed. Here we are:

The only downside is you need to save a little extra space in your luggage for the Bra Bag. I think they would also be a great way to transport bikinis.

If you're looking for great gift idea for a bride-to-be or a cute bridesmaid present, check them out online or click here to find them at a store near you.

You Don't have to be Greek to wear these Greek Goddess Gowns

Did you fall in love with a gown from my post on one-shouldered wedding dresses? I was just checking out Reem Acra's Fall dresses and I think they would be be a perfect match for your glamorous bridesmaids.

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These Greek goddess inspired dresses come in yummy shades of silk satins, taffetas, chiffons and shantungs with plenty of draping and twisting going on. And, I think any girl would definitely want to wear these again and again.

Snap, snap. I've won the picture tag award

The lovely Jane from In the Waiting Lane tagged me with this fun Picture Tag Award. Here are the instructions:

1) go to your pictures on your computer

2) go to your 6th folder

3) choose the 6th picture in that folder

This not particularly flattering picture of me and my friend Eric is from April 2005. We were having dinner with our then newly engaged friends Beth and Isaac at Spice Market in New York's Meatpacking District. Eric is definitely one of my more fearless friends when it comes to trying new foods. We had a delicious meal and for dessert Eric ordered this pungent Durian ice cream. It was absolutely awful and I don't think we took more than a bite each. I checked the menu and they no longer serve it so the coast is clear.

I pass this along to the following six bloggers:

Amy Jean at The Relentless Bride

Ellen at To The Max

Jamie at It's a Jamie Thing

Jeana at My Dream Ring

Nina at According to Nina

Rachel at Rachel's Ramblins

Fight Global Warming With Lip Gloss!

Future brides buy a lot of make-up. In fact, I think I told the Globetrotting Groom it was actually a law.

Since most make-up packaging can't be recycled, I was happy to hear about Cargo's eco-friendly line called PlantLove. The packaging is super eco-friendly and compostable (plastic made from corn, who knew?) and the products are all natural -- no dyes, chemicals or fragrances.

You'll find loose and pressed powder, illuminator (blush, bronzer and highlighter in one), bronzer, blush, lipstick, lip gloss, lipliner, lip balm, eye shadow and eye liners. There's also a Green Goddess Collection featuring four eyeshadows and two blushes (bridesmaid gifts anyone?).

You already know I'm a fan of Cargo's lipgloss names so you'll be happy to hear that nine of the PlantLove lipsticks are named after places of Ecological Beauty!

Nahinni (Canada): a shimmering copper brown
Yakushima (Japan): a sheer glimmering red
Killarney (Ireland): a soft terracotta pink shimmer
Majella (Mediterranean region): a sheer rose plum
Yellowstone (USA): a rich rose plum shimmer
Sagarmatha (Himalayan highlands): a sheer rosey taupe cream
Gamba (Africa): a sheer cranberry
Joshua Tree (USA): a shimmering cinnamon sand
Muir Woods (USA): a sheer spiced mauve

Head on over to Sephora to check it all out.

Destination Adventure Honeymoon Hotspot - Victoria Falls Part 2

Globetrotting Cindy previously recommended Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe as a great adventure honeymoon destination and now she’s back to talk about the area’s luxury honeymoon accommodations and shopping.

Every Victoria Falls visitor should check out the famed Victoria Falls Hotel. Nicknamed the “Grand Old Lady of Africa,” this hotel has hosted royalty and celebrities for more than 100 years. If you honeymoon here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and gorges below the falls, Edwardian-era furnishings and top-notch service. Ask about the “Buy 3 Nights, Stay 4 Nights” promotion for 2009.

Nearby, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers a proudly African personality and eco-sensitive design. The guest rooms overlook a well-frequented waterhole so you can experience the area’s wilderness views around the clock. You’ll want to check out The Boma restaurant where you can get your fortune told (just $2) while enjoying dinner. Oh and be sure to request a Deluxe Suite for a honeymoon. Nice views right?

Away from the bustle of Victoria Falls town, the luxurious Stanley and Livingstone, is an exclusive 16-suite lodge known for its pampering staff and Victorian-style elegance. Set on the 6,000-acre Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, the lodge offers honeymooners luxurious suites with sumptuous Victorian-style bathrooms and secluded patios overlooking the African bush. This is the most romantic of these three hotels. Just check out this honeymoon suite and lobby.

What’s a trip without shopping? You can shop till you drop at the Victoria Falls’ Craft Market (bring US Dollars or South African Rand). The vendors are very eager to sell their treasures so bargaining is welcome and they’ll even barter with you! Plus, the dollar is super strong right now (1 USD = 9.8 Rand).

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You’ll find life size giraffes, polished hippos, intricately carved busts, thousands of pocket-sized replicas of Africa’s many animals, curios ranging from wood and stone carvings, scrap metal sculpture, paintings, safari-wear, leather and game-skin products, wall-hangings, place mats, ethnic jewelry and much more.

Globetrotting Bride's Top 10 Valentine's Gifts for Guys

For the guys in your life, here are the top 10 Valentine's gift ideas for guys from the Globetrotting Bride. I won't tell you which one of these I'm getting for the Globetrotting Groom in case he's reading...

For the martini lover, how about this modern Cubist Cocktail Set? I think a Cosmo would look pretty cool in these too.

Here's something he probably doesn't already have...Personalized Boxer Shorts in red, black or gray.

You can't go wrong with cuff links and these Watch Movement Cuff Links will impress the watch lover and gadget guru alike.

Feeling domestic? Why not bake him these adorable Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies or any other delicious looking treats from Bakerella.

For the insomniac, this Projection Alarm Clock and Weather Monitor displays the time and temperature on the ceiling. Much more fun than counting sheep.

For the couch potato, these fuzzy UGG Slippers will keep his toes warm.

Got a foodie? Make him a Personalized Apron with your photo. Here's one I made for the Globetrotting Groom (and yes, I bedazzled it too!).

Speaking of photos, here's a cool Leica Camera that takes amazing close up shots. I used this for my Mexico ring shots.

You can't go wrong with a Wii, Wii Fit, or the million games that will keep him entertained for hours...

Last but not least, this Sling Bag is big enough for his gym clothes or a weekend away, super sturdy and actually looks pretty cool in person.