Honeymoon packing tip #11 - Double your shoe wardrobe with Zuzatz

You know how shoes take up so much room on your luggage? Here's a great solution to lighten your honeymoon load without sacrificing your fashion sense... Zuzatz are a black platform sole (great for adding some height) with various interchangeable straps (or uppers)!

The straps click into the base holes with a high-tech QuickClick technology and voila, you've got a brand new look. Definitely read the instructions carefully because it does take some practice to master the fasten. And, if you wear them on the beach like I did, be sure to carefully wash out all the sand before installing a new strap! Click here for a demo.

I took them on my recent trip to Anguilla and St. Martin.

Here they are on the plane (I like that the platform keeps my feet inches away from the bathroom floors...)
And on the ferry to Anguilla:

And on a day of sightseeing:
These are great for traveling since they easily go from day to night - dressed down like a flip flop or dressed up with some bling. Best of all, they are super comfortable. They'd be a great gift for the bride-to-be or your bridesmaids.

Need a great gift for a Globetrotting Couple?

How about a Bespoke Map Dish covered with vintage maps from Etsy seller Bombus?!?! Each one is unique and you can specify the location you'd like featured.


I also like this London map tray:

And the world atlas bowl:

Honeymoon packing tip #10 - Make Room for RuMe!

If you're like me, you never know when you're going to find something you need - on a vacation, on your way home, or as you're heading out. Since I love the planet as much as I love shopping, I have taken to carrying a reusable tote in my bag at all times.


Sure there are lots of these on the market but my favorite comes from RuMe. They are super small and light when folded and large enough for groceries or a day's worth of shopping when unfolded. Best of all, they are super sturdy (think groceries for the week) and they fit perfectly over your shoulder keeping your hands free. I also discovered that they can also double as a beach bag - here we are in Anguilla last month:

They're available in an array of sizes and patterns so order one or a few to throw in your honeymoon suitcase. They would also make nice bridesmaid gifts or destination wedding Out of Town bags.

Groom's Week: Target Practice - A Nightlight for Guys

Here's a groovy gadget for grooms that brides will benefit from too. Whether you're already living together or will be after the upcoming wedding, one of the irksome things about guys is when they leave the seat up (add groan here...). Even the most well mannered gents will be guilty of this from time to time so here's your chance to be prepared.

The Johnny Light is a night light for your toilet bowl that lights up when he leaves the seat up! No more falling in for you and no more misguided pee pee for him. Genius I say! The Globetrotting Groom says any gadget with LEDs and batteries will be a sure hit with men. Just watch this video for details.

Get one for your groom as an "I can't wait to live with you" present and spare yourself the "seat-up vs. seat down" controversy before it starts. Its also a fun bachelor or bachelorette party gag gift. Next up, getting him to put a new roll of toilet paper in after he uses it all up.....

Groom's Week: What to get the guy who has everything???

Traditionally, the bride gives her groom a wedding present but what if your guy is one of those guys who have it all????

Here are a few unique gift ideas for grooms....

1) Is he the nautical, coin collector type? If so, check out these El Cazador Shipwreck cuff links from Arca Fine Coin Jewelry (call for details) ($795).


2) Is he the political type? Maybe he needs a Jorg Gray 6500 watch ($325) like President Obama!


3) Is he a cigar aficionado? Why not personalize this Not Just Any Old Day sterling silver cigar tube ($398) with your wedding date?

Nifty, Eco-Friendly Personalized Gift Idea

Staying hydrated is super important for summer brides and bridal parties! I love the idea of giving your bridesmaids and groomsmen personalized and eco-chic SIGG water bottles from CafePress.

You simply enter a personal message or date, select your design template (or upload your own artwork or photo) and voila, you're done!

These bottles are great to bring along on your travels too...

Destination Weddings For Dummies - and smart cookies too!

Destination Weddings are great for so many reasons - my favorite being that everyone gets to go on vacation! If you're thinking of tying the knot away from home, get all your planning advice in one fun to read book: Destination Weddings for Dummies.


From organizing tips and budgeting guidelines to destination suggestions and fashion tips, this book really covers all the bases. I especially enjoyed the tips for last minute emergencies and destination wedding etiquette.

Available on Amazon in print and Kindle version for you paperless types. Makes a great wedding shower or engagement gift too!

Recessionista Wedding or Honeymoon Savings Tip!

Trying to save some money for your wedding dress or exotic honeymoon? Here's a cute idea...
The Dream Bank is the perfect way to save up for that special treat. Insert a photo of your desired object in the back of the box and start tossing your spare change into the slot each day.

If your guy leaves around as much loose change as mine does, this might just do the trick. And remember, a penny saved is a penny closer to Tahiti...

Have you scanned any travel experiences on your bridal registry lately?

Here's a great bridal registry idea for Globetrotting Brides and Grooms!

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has launched the Hyatt Gift Registry, where couples can register online for a host of amenities, services and accommodations at Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide - think tropical honeymoon, destination wedding, spa treatments, scuba diving, golf lessons, romantic dinners, wine tasting, etc. Much more exciting than toasters or china if you ask me.


Guests make a contribution towards Hyatt Gift Cards (redeemable at Hyatts in the U.S., Canada and Caribbean) or Hyatt Check Certificates™ (redeemable at Hyatts worldwide). Best of all, there are no expiration dates or blackout dates so any extra honeymoon credits can go towards future vacations - think anniversary trips, romantic weekends, babymoons, etc.


Just like traditional registries, you can sneak a peek as the gifts arrive and you'll also get an email notification so you can confirm your honeymoon activities. It's an ideal option for any couple and I can guarantee your groom's eyes won't glaze over when you're selecting spa treatments.


And if you're planning a destination wedding, couples who wed at a participating Hyatt property (in the U.S., Canada, Cancun, Mexico or Aruba) by June 30, 2010 will receive up to five complimentary nights towards their honeymoon.

A bridesmaid gift she'll really wear again and again.

I saw these chunky rainbow bangles on Style School and they made me say "WOW" out loud.


Stackable bracelets are in vogue and I love the idea of giving your bridesmaids a gift they'll really wear again and again. Roberta Chiarella Sparkle 24/7 Bangles are available in 15 colors and two finishes (gold and platinum) so you'll surely find something to please every gal in your group. And, at $48 each you can give your girls a small stack.

You may just want to get some to match your honeymoon outfits too...

To see more of Roberta Chiarella’s gorgeous jewels,visit robertachiarella.com.

The coolest bridal shower gift idea, ever!!!

When I was a little girl there was this huge money tree made with real dollar bills at my grandma's bank and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Imagine my reaction when I saw this money bouquet on the Blissful Bride? It was, "OMG, what a great idea!!!!"

This is way more fun than a gift card and I think it would make a super cute bridal shower gift.

Heres me with my bridal shower hat. Imagine how thrilled I'd be if I had a money bouquet too???


Click here for a DIY tutorial.

Give her the key to your heart...

Here's an idea for guys who are afraid to pick out an engagement ring. What if you gave your gal one of Tiffany's new key necklace and said "Here's the key to my heart. Let's go ring shopping?"


The guy gets to surprise the girl and the girl gets double bling. How perfect is that? The necklaces start at $100 and go up to $15K. They would also be great wedding, birthday or anniversary gifts...

I'm leaving on a jet plane. Are you?

I'll be heading over to Sedona, Arizona next week so be sure to stay tuned for my destination wedding and honeymoon report. I think those Red Rocks would be an amazing wedding backdrop! If there are any spots you want me to check out, just let me know.

Here's a little secret, I've yet to find the suitcase of my dreams! My current favorite is showing some big signs of wear and tear but I think it will survive a few last trips.

Here are some of my luggage contenders in case you're looking for a brand new bag. And, this luggage store offers free shipping on orders over $100.

Tumi T-Tech Adventure Large Wheeled Duffel - The Globetrotting Groom is a big Tumi fan and I love anything blue. I think this could squish under my bed for storage.


This Zero Halliburton Z-Flex piece looks pretty indestructible and I love that it expands (always a welcome feature for shopaholics).


Last but not least, the Delsey Helium Hyperlite bag. This one is also expandable and at just 9 pounds, I can stuff it with 41 pounds of clothes!

If you're registering, think about adding some designer luggage to your list. I think it makes a great gift.

Come Fly With Me - Amazing Sale at Flight 001

Flight 001, one of my favorite travel shops is having a 30% store-wide sale on everything to celebrate their 10th anniversary! Now through April 19, you'll save in store and online with the promo code BIRTHDAY (minimum $50 purchase).


If you need cool toiletry kits, luggage, Spackpaks, eye masks, travel guides, totes, passport cases, umbrellas, games, cameras, and anything else for your travels, be sure to check it out! Lots of great gift ideas here too including bridesmaid/groomsmen presents...





Click here to read about some of my favorite in-flight gadgets.

Mark your wedding date with this personalized necklace

Remember my post on personalized calendar charm gifts? Here's another option that would make a great present for any bride-to-be. I think it would also make an awesome anniversary or birthday gift...

Dalla Nonna Jewelry's signature piece, the calendar necklace comes in gold (rose, yellow or white) or silver with a brushed or shiny finish. You mark your special day with your choice of sapphire (pink, blue, green, purple, red or yellow).

Aren't they drool-worthy????

Do you have the most perfect wedding shoes?

If you love shoes as much as I do, you'll want to keep you perfect wedding shoes looking perfect right until the big day.

(source)

From dress maker fittings, dance lessons and celebratory parties, brides-to-be do a lot of shoe schlepping. I've found the perfect solution to let your shoes travel in style....no more plastic grocery bags, scuff marks or dirty clothing when you use....a Shubi bag!

Shubi bags are the most beautiful shoe bags I've ever seen! They come in two styles (one piece or two for those who don't like their shoes to touch), are made of top-quality cotton (super durable), are fully lined in complementary-colored fabric and close with single drawstrings made of grosgrain ribbon.

Best of all, they can also be used for toting toiletries, hair dryers and straighteners, handbags, wine and even a laptop!

There are dozens of fabrics to choose from. Check out these great designs:
I think they'd be a fantastic present for any bride-to-be and a great gift idea for your bridesmaids.

Need groomsmen gift ideas? For your guys only....

Is your fiance still looking for groomsmen gift ideas?

Cufflinks are a classic choice but I think these vintage subway token cufflinks from Etsy's QA Create add a nice personal touch.

Did they go to school in Boston together? Go for these:


Are you getting married in the Big Apple? Here you go:


Is someone from the Windy City?

And finally, for the Californians....

Best of all, I think they they are a real steal at just $20-30 each.

Put a ring on it! Fashion forward ring pillows...

There are so many little details that come up in wedding planning, its a wonder we don't all just elope!

Got the bling? Check. Got the ring bearer? Check. In case you don't have a ring pillow yet, here's a great find I found on Love Notes.

5eizen's Etsy shop has a great selection of gorgeously modern and fashionable ring pillows (and hair clips, birdcage veils, belts, sashes and garters now too). Here are some of my favorites.









Custom designs are welcome too! And, for $15 extra she'll make a matching garter which I think would be so cute if you're doing the garter thing.