And the Tassi winner is...

The Tassi contest winner is.......

Caitlin!! Email me with your address.

InStyle Weddings! What exciting news.

InStyle and InStyle Weddings are two of my favorite magazines. So, I guess its no surprise that their wedding blog Style School is one of my favorite daily reads.

I'm thrilled to report that Globetrotting Bride (and five other amazing blogs) has gotten its second shout out in their weeky What's Hot in Weddings on the Web.

In case you missed the first mention, just click here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

London's Pound is falling down, falling down, falling down

Remember when a trip to London was super expensive? Times have changed and a trip to see Big Ben can be had for about 25% less than last year.

Who's ready for a hip and luxurious stay at The May Fair? This centrally located (in the heart of London's West End) hotspot is a celebrity favorite (Pink, Paris, Penelope, Whitney...). The hotel features an amazing collection of over-the-top suites, a pampering spa, an award winning bar, casino and much more. Want to shop while you're there? London's chicest shopping is just a few minutes away.

Pack your bags, the hotel is offering a weekend special (about $250 US!) now through March 31.

Virginia is for lovers! Enter to win 40 free trips.

Itching for your next vacation? To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the "Virginia is for Lovers" slogan, the state of Virginia has launched the 40 Years of Travel Passions Sweepstakes. Starting this week, they'll be offering up 40 free trips over the next 40 weeks.

The 40 trip prizes range from two to seven nights and each trip will focus on Virginia's most popular travel passions such as wine, music, history, adventure and luxury. I'm hoping to win trip #9 - Shopping and Spa Sensations at the Ritz-Carlton but I'd also be happy with trip #35 - Coastal Culinary tour with chocolate, wine and native cuisine along the sea in Virginia Beach.

Good luck!

It's as easy as ABCD!

Not only is Amy of ABCD Designs one of my favorite bloggers and Twitters, she's also an extremely talented invitation designer! She's got amazing style, a knack for envisioning, a keen sense for details AND shes also a worldly globetrotter!

Check out this elaborate invitation suite she designed for a Nicole and Michael's destination wedding in the Bahamas:

This funky and modern design is actually inspired by vintage damask (see the pink kissing couples pattern? That design is made from an actual photo of Nichole and Michael kissing).

Wish I was invited! The couple arranged chartered flights and hotel rooms for all their guests.

Amy works mostly on custom (or bespoke) designs but she's also got an off-the-peg (ready-to-write) collection loaded with great designs. Check them both out here. And keep in mind that her invitation suites can be as minimal (invite and RSVP) or maximum (directions, programs, table cards, place cards, menus, etc.) as you want. Oh an if you want to see some of Jeremy Lawson's photos from Nicole and Michael's destination wedding, click here.

Help Broke-Ass Bride Win a Costa Rica Honeymoon!

Ok ladies, Dana from The Broke-Ass Bride is one of the Costa Rica Honeymoon finalists for the Green Wedding Contest sponsored by Trees Instead. Remember their great eco-friendly wedding favors and gifts?

It's a super close race so please help her out with your vote! The deadline is Thursday. Click here for the most up-to-date contest answers.

Honeymoon packing tip #5 - Pack wine like a pro

One of the best mementos to bring back from a special trip or honeymoon is a bottle or two of local wine. Since airline restrictions require that any liquid over 3 ounces go in your checked luggage, you'll want to bring a BottleWise bag on your next trip.

I like the BottleWise Duo above since it can pack two bottles of wine and can also be used as an on-the-go carrier for bringing wine to picnics or parties. Inside you'll find two padded liquid-tight Bot'lPacks (each holds one 750 ml bottle) that feature a patent-pending protection system. It's designed for the culinary traveler and can also be used for transporting olive oils, balsamic vinegar, vanilla, etc.

We tested it out in Mexico and it worked like a charm! I should add that the Globetrotting Groom was very impressed with its durable and well constructed pouches that snap into the outer bag.

There are also picnic basket coolers and elegant wine carriers with glasses and corkscrew. Check them out quickly while they're still on sale. I think they're a really great present for a newly engaged couple or really anyone who likes to travel.

On a side note, if you're buying alcohol at Duty Free, you'll need to check it in your luggage if you have a connecting flight home. I learned this the hard way last year...

Free: The Bridal Inspiration Event

If you’re in NYC and looking for bridal inspiration, here's another fun and FREE event from Always a Bridesmaid.

Here's the scoop:

Lisa Hoffman of CeCi, Sylvia Weinstock of Sylvia Weinstock Cakes and Thomas Preti from Thomas Preti Catering will all be taking part of a bridal inspiration panel discussion in addition to Josh Friedman, owner of Elan Artists, Jessy the owner of Fleurs NY and Christine Merser who is a design expert for Classic Party Rentals.

After the 1 hour panel, our panelists will be available for Q & A and cocktails, while we have tastings of Sylvia’s cakes as well as the new White Label Collection of Ceci. Finally, for those brides who couldn’t make it last time, there will be another Catwalk of the Pronovias bridal gowns and accessories.

The entire event will begin at 1PM with the Panel and wrap up at around 4PM. The cost is free, but space is limited! RSVP here by Friday.

Betcha didn't know this...

I've been tagged by Once a Bride, to tell you 10 random facts about me! In no particular order, here you go....

1) I'm often called a hypochondriac.

2) I took 100 engaged couples to Jamaica to test drive their honeymoon for a day.

3) I can write backwards with my left hand. Yup!

4) I once swallowed a marble playing Chinese Checkers.

5) I am named after a red-headed cheerleader my mom knew in college.

6) I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch daily from elementary school to high school. Every. Single. Day!

7) Even thought I drive maybe 10 days a year (this is normal for a New Yorker...), I can drive a stick shift.

8) I am not afraid of powertools, even after the emergency room visit.

9) I was once a serial dater!

10) I learned how to play croquet from Robin Leach (yes the one from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous!)

I'm tagging five fabulous bloggers with this one:

- Lemiga Events - One of Atlanta's most creative party planners
- Classic Bride - Your everything wedding planning site. Don't miss her new calligraphy shop!
- Veiled Vows - Inspiring thoughts from an almost-bride-to be.
- The Wedding Decorator - For oodles and oodles of decorating ideas.
- Well-Heeled, with a mission - In search of financial stability and great shoes.

If you've got hair, you'll want to win this!

Here's another one of those amazing inventions that no girl should be without! If you've got hair, you need a Tassi.

In short, this is an ingenious way to hold your hair back off your face leaving you free to wash your face, get a facial, take a shower or relax with a mud mask while your hair stays safe and dry. Better than a ponytail or headband since you can splash away without getting the infamous ponytail dent and it doesn't flatten your hair. It's made of soft terry cloth (pop it right in the wash) and comes in lots of fun colors (mine is hot pink).

I just got bangs last month, it has seriously saved my sanity in a way no guy could ever understand (sorry Globetrotting Groom).

A real must have for brides-to-be since every hair stylist hates working with just washed hair (a good tip in case you didn't know). And a great gift idea for the gal who has everything.

Here's your chance...one lucky Globetrotting Bride reader will win her very own Tassi. Just visit the Tassi shop and comment below with your favorite color by end of day Friday.

Good luck!!

Destination Honeymoon Hotspot - Adventure lovers, here's your ticket

Ladies and gents (hi GrumpyGroom), I’ve got another travel installment from Globetrotting Cindy. If you’re an adventure junkie, you’ll want to read on…

Looking for an adrenaline packed honeymoon? Why not choose the adventure capital of the world and one of my favorite spots, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Expect five-star accommodations at three-star price tags, a safe environment and the greatest adventures in the world.

The number one reason people visit Victoria Falls is to see the amazing falls. You’ll want to do a walking tour of the falls through the natural rainforest as well as an aerial ‘Flight of Angels’ by helicopter or light aircraft.

For soft adventure, Zambezi River cruises offer romance and unlimited photo ops to capture hippo pods against flaming sunsets for which the river is famed. Sedate canoeing brings you up close and personal with the wildlife and night while game drives awaken the nocturnal world of the African bush.

For adrenaline junkies, Victoria Falls offers more than a fair fix -- arguably the planet’s wildest whitewater rafting and river boarding (surfing) through ferocious rapids aptly nicknamed The Boiling Pot, The Devil’s Toilet Bowl, The Terminator and Commercial Suicide.

Try the heart-stopping 364 feet bungee-jump off the historic bridge straddling two countries, or a harnessed bridge swing giving a 360-degree view of the river, gorge and bridge. Or take the new bridge slide from the lip of the gorge to the center of the bridge.

For animal lovers, Victoria Falls offers the chance to see big-five wildlife at half the price of a South African safari. Want to get close? Try an interactive elephant-back safari, game-spotting walk, lion encounter walk and drives in open safari vehicles. How’s this for close?

With so much to do in Victoria Falls, it’s a battle between staying within the luxurious confines of your hotel (indulging in a relaxing massage, enjoying cocktails on the balcony, soaking in Nature’s amazing wonders) or venturing out to take on as much of the Vic Falls adventure as you can. But why battle? Simply stay for longer and enjoy it all! I’ll be back to talk about the area’s luxurious and romantic hotels and shopping hotspots so stay tuned.

For more information on all the exciting activities offered at Victoria Falls, click here.

When you gotta go, you gotta go...

In public restrooms, which toilet is most often the cleanest?

1. The first (closest to entrance)
2. The second
3. The last (furthest from entrance)

Correct answer: The first (closest to entrance)

Here's a handy discovery I read about on HipCompass. If you're honeymooning in Europe or the USA, this will definitely be of interest.

MizPee.com (MizPee.eu in Europe) is a website dedicated to helping people find clean bathrooms. Just type in where you are and a list of nearby restrooms appears with cleanliness ratings, hours of operations and reviews from fellow-toilet seekers.

It's fairly new in the states so not all U.S. cities are listed but more are being added ever day. European cities include Berlin, Brussels, Parma, Udine, Treviso, Verona, Pisa, Florence, Genoa, Trieste, Palermo, Naples, Bologna, Venice, Milan, Rome, Barcelona, London and Paris.

I tested it out and it gave me many fine New York City options in addition to the expected Starbucks and McDonald's.

Want more bathroom trivia?

Which European people use the most toilet paper per person?

1. The English
2. The Germans
3. The Swedes

Correct answer: The Swedes

Which city calls itself the Toilet Paper Capital of the World?

1. Seattle, WA, USA
2. Newark, NJ, USA
3. Green Bay, WI, USA

Correct answer: Green Bay, WI, USA

The average person spends how much of their life on the toilet?

1. 1 year
2. 2 years
3. 3 years

Correct answer: 3 years

Which country used flat sticks before the introduction of toilet paper?

1. China
2. Japan
3. India

Correct answer: Japan

Celebrity Stunner Wedding Gown

Did you see Eva Mendes at the Golden Globe Awards?

She had on a really great white silk Dior gown with a taffeta bustier and an eye catching turquoise and diamond necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels. Don't you think this look could double as a great wedding dress for a destination wedding in Greece or Mexico or the Caribbean? I sure do.

Click here to see more images.

(source)

And, while we're talking about red carpet style, didn't Michelle Obama's inaugural gown remind you of these Greek inspired wedding dresses?

OMG! J. Crew Sample Sale - 5 Days Only

Hi from sunny Mexico!

If you're in NYC, here's a little something to warm your spirits...J.Crew is having a sample sale today - Sunday. What a great chance to stock up on one-of-a kind designs and classic spring and summer favorites for your upcoming honeymoon! Or maybe you'll even luck out and find some bridesmaid dresses. Who knows...

Click here for details and leave a comment below if you go since I won't be able to make it till later this week : ).

Are you a Globetrotting Bride? Check here for the top ten signs...

Welcome to all my newly engaged Globetrotting Bride fans! In case you're wondering, here are the top ten signs you're a Globetrotting Bride:

Me and my Globetrotting Bridesmaids

10) You've traveled more than two hours for a Running With the Brides wedding dress sale

9) You're just as excited for the honeymoon as you are for the wedding

8) You live in California but you read Brooklyn Bride, Southern Weddings and An Atlanta Bride every day

7) You keep your fave summer sun dresses and sandals under your desk, just in case of a last minute weekend getaway

6) You have as many Trip Advisor friends as you do friends on The Knot

5) You help your bridesmaids with all the planing for your fun Bachelorette Getaway

4) You're thinking about honeymooning in Australia so you can meet Polka Dot Bride

3) You spend $40 a month on glossy international wedding magazines even after the wedding

2) You register for fancy luggage AND fancy china

1) You're excited about getting married because now you have a lifelong travel partner


And, don't forget, you can also be a Globetrotting Bride on Facebook, Facebook Networked Blogs and Twitter.

Fun wedding trend takes flight...Asian Wedding Tradition

Ever notice that a lot of brides feature origami cranes in their wedding decor? Just look here, here and here.

Well, this popular wedding trend is based on an Asian tradition. The crane mates for life and symbolizes peace and longevity in Asian cultures. According to Japanese lore, a bride who folds 1,000 paper cranes before her wedding will have a prosperous marriage! Mini origami cranes make great escort-card holders or favors so start folding. Click here for directions or check out Thousandfold Origami for some custom project ideas like this.

Want more? For details on the Origami Club, check out this Daily Candy article.

Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Hotspot - Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

How many of you are dreaming of a tropical Hawaiian wedding or honeymoon? This post if for you!

Hawaii is stunning and the Four Seasons knows pampering. What more do you need for an amazing wedding, honeymoon or both? Here's the scoop on the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai:

* Who: Couples who want eco-friendly wedding and ultra luxurious honeymoon. Think tropical, romantic and pampering with a "love butler" at your beck and call to arrange anything you desire.

* What: Eco-conscious couples will love the Sustainable Nuptials Package which includes everything from a wedding planer, ceremony set up, officiant, music, florist, and photographer to wedding cake, champagne and a 50-minute couples massage. Best of all, the package includes a carbon credit to offset the wedding's carbon footprint (up to 25 guests)!

* When: Hawaii offers sun-filled days year-round. High season (crowds and high prices) is mid-December through April.

* Where: Located on the exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. A six hour flight from Los Angeles.

* Don't Miss: The resort's Bungalow 33 - a premium ocean view suite that sits at the edge of a natural fishpond offers super seclusion. You might need to save up for this $3,800 per night splurge.

* Stay for the honeymoon? Yes. The resort's new Lava Love Nest romance package is perfect for newlyweds. You'll be greeted with a fragrant lei and taken to a luxurious ocean view room where a love basket awaits full of snacks, wine, candles and map of romantic spots to stargaze. You'll also receive breakfast daily, a 50-minute couples massage, a dark lava chocolate cake and bottle of red wine and a digital photo frame. Package rates start at $825 per night. Want to kick things up a notch, just ask the "love butler" to arrange a little something special like a beachside dinner with hula dancer, hundreds of orchids scattered in your room, romantic picnics and other surprises.

* Booking: To plan a wedding or honeymoon, call 888-340-5662 or visit online. For more information on visiting Hawaii, click here.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

We all know this saying but did you know that it comes from a Victorian wedding tradition?

A bride at her wedding should wear:

Something old,
Something new,
Something borrowed,
Something blue,
And a sixpence in the shoe.

source

Or, in the United States:

...And a new dime in the shoe.

The "old" must be something which has belonged to a happily married woman. The wearing of such an item insures a lucky transfer of happiness to the new bride. The "new" is the wedding gown, the shoes, or other apparel of the bride. The "borrowed" must be some object of gold to guarantee wealth and fortune in the future. The "blue" is symbolic of the heavens and also of true love. The "sixpence" or "new dime" must be worn in the heel of the left shoe to insure wealth and prosperity.

Tips from the Pros: How to take amazing engagement and wedding ring photos

Speaking of photography, have you ever noticed how hard it is to take a good photo of your engagement and wedding rings?

Here are my best attempts. I'm obviously a novice here.

I found a great tutorial on ring photography from Anne Ruthmann Photography and I'm excited to test out some of her ideas. Since I'm heading off on a Mexican vacation tomorrow, I thought I'd start a new tradition of photographing my rings in exotic settings. I'll share some pics when I return. And, if you have any good shots (travel themed or not) to share, send them on over.

Recession friendly find - free wedding photography raffle

As seen on Blue Orchid Designs, Brooklyn Bride, Bridechka and the wedding and many other places:

Pink Initiative is a non-profit organization made of wedding industry folk dedicated to funding awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer. Emilie Sommer, the founder of Pink Initiative and the owner of emilie inc photography is hosting a raffle where the winner will receive $5000 worth of wedding photography coverage good from now until 2012 for their wedding anywhere in the United States. Raffle tickets are $50 each and all proceeds benefit Pink Initiative.

Hey, you gotta be in it to win it....

Honeymoon packing tip #4 - Pack mini versions with Minimus

Ditch the full-size lotions and potions and minimize your toiletries with Minimus' Honeymoon Travel Kit.

The kit contains mini sized versions of products from Kiss My Face, Tom's of Maine, Colgate, Gillette, TRESemme and more that are expertly packed in handy, reusable totes. The carry-on friendly contents are stowed inside a Ziploc in case you don't want to check your bags. It comes in a really nice gift box making it a great shower or engagement gift.

Minimus also offers other getaway goodies including the Car Travel Essentials Kit and the Business Traveler Kit as well as bridal friendly products like the VIP Clothing Care Kit and the Pink Bag Wedding Survival Gear.

Recessionista Wedding Gown Extravaganza. Get there early!

One of my favorite Boston friends (hi Amy!) sent me this flyer for the famous Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" wedding gown sale. If you're in the market for a wedding dress and will be near one of these cities on these dates, you'll want to check this out! Hundreds of designer dresses can be had for just $249, $499 or $699. Be sure to bring some pals to help you navigate...

Click here and here to read about Miss Latte's first-hand account from last week on Weddingbee.

Want to sample some honeymoons??

If I wasn't going to be away on glamorous Mexican vacation, I'd definitely be attending this amazing sounding BFF Bridal Best in Bridal Honeymoons & Destination Weddings event on January 21st. Some of the world's best honeymoon hot spots will be there and attendees can enter raffles to win trips and spa packages. Oh, and you'll get an amazing goody bag too.

Let me know if you go...

Want a new wedding WAR-drobe????

The wait is over! I'm sooooo excited to see Bride Wars!!

Do you have a Wedding War story? Bluefly wants to hear all about the crazy mother-in-law, bad bridesmaid dress, impossible florist, hair catastrophe and what every else you have to share. Best of all, the winner gets $1,000 towards a new WAR-drobe (like bridal shower shoes, rehearsal dinner dress, honeymoon bikinis and more, oh my)! Click here to enter.

Matchy, matchy wedding gown??

We've all heard about matching bridesmaid dresses but what about bridesmaids who match the bride's wedding dress? I just love these fun dresses from J.Crew!

Silk Dupioni Gwendolyn Gown

Silk Dupioni Gwendolyn Dress

Honeymoon packing tip #3 - Make-Up Musts

I'm never one to over-pack but I do love having all my favorite make-up and toiletries when I'm on the road. All eyes are on you during your honeymoon so here are some make-up basics to pack for the big trip:

• foundation, concealer or powder
  
• blush or bronzer
  
• lipstick or gloss
  
• eye shadow and liner
  
• eye drops
  
• amazing mascara
• make-up brushes
• eyelash curler
  
• Kleenex, Q-tips, cotton balls, etc.
• Blotting sheets
  
• Tweezers
• Makeup remover
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
  

I love to bring trial size lotions and make-up that I can just toss at the end of the trip. Sephora and Kiehls will give you product samples so be sure to ask.

Pack it all up in a fun bag like this Double-Zip Foldover Cosmetic Bag and you're good to go!



A cute make-up bag filled with goodies or a Sephora gift card would make a great gift for any bride-to-be.

Anything to add to the list?

Recessionista Fashion Find

Did you notice all the bows on Gossip Girl last night?
How cute is this short sleeved cardigan with chiffon ruffles from Forever 21? I think it would be fun with some skinny jeans for an engagement photo shoot or afternoon brunch. And, at just $29, you can afford one in every color!

Pronovias: Day and Night

If you'll be in NYC this month, be sure to check out these two fabulous and FREE events sponsored by Pronovias and Always a Bridesmaid. Be sure to RSVP to save your spot.

January 15th - Glamour Night will feature champagne cocktails, glamorous gowns, veils, shoes and accessories. Some of New York City's most talented hair and make-up professionals will be on hand offering tips, consultations and trials for wedding day hair and make-up.

January 31st - Bridal Inspiration Event will be a shopping and learning experience where brides-to-be can hear tips on personalization and style from top New York City wedding vendors selected from the Always a Bridesmaid rolodex. Xochitl Gonzalez from Always a Bridesmaid and "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" will be on hand to take questions from attendees.

Do you know someone who got engaged over the holidays?

Here's a fun engagement gift idea. Smittens from Restoration Hardware are mittens-for-two. Two single mittens and one tandem mitten for hand holding in the cold. I can't say I've ever seen anyone wear these but the idea is cute. On sale for just $25.

The ultimate personalized holiday cards

If you haven't heard of Moo, a very cool UK based printing company, you're missing out. They have an array of products that I'll be writing about in the coming year but I just had to share the beautiful holiday cards I created with photos from our recent wedding. The paper quality is amazing and what I love most is that each holiday card can be personalized with a different picture. Here's a sampling of my favorites.

Check them out:

A front view:

Inside:

You can even customize the back!

Happy New Year! Did you make a fitness related resolution?

Yoga is a great way to get into shape for that wedding dress or honeymoon bikini. If you overindulged this holiday season, YogaWorks is coming to your rescue with free yoga classes in New York (Manhattan and Westchester) and California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco Bay) this January. No reservations necessary, just show up with your mat or rent one for $2.

More than 15 studios are participating so call the studio closest to you for exact days and times.

And, if you're in NYC today, drop by for complimentary New Year's Day classes in these two locations:

- Downtown (138 5th Ave.)
Vinyassa Flow 11 - 12:15 and 11:30 - 12:45
Iyengar 12:30 - 1:45 and 1:30 - 2:45

- Westside (37 West 65th St.)
Vinyassa Flow 11 - 12:15
Hatha Blend 11:30 - 12:45
Mat Pilates 12:30 - 1:45
Yogaworks 12:30 - 1:45 and 1 - 2:30

You might even see the Globetrotting Bride there...