We think you'll love these fabulous welcome totes for your out-of-town guests available through Navy and Lavender. It's always nice to show your guests how much you appreciate the extra effort they put into attending your wedding. By arranging a welcome gift in their hotel room upon their arrival, you show them just how much it means to you that they traveled the extra miles to see you get married. Plus these gifts often include the extra out-of-town TLC they need after a long travel.

Labels: Gifts, Travel

Alexis Hotel:
THE ART OF ROMANCE

Package Details: We'll pamper you and that special someone. Accommodations for two. Champagne and Truffles. Etherea Spa.Salon Gift Box. Enjoy complimentary Full American breakfast served in the comfort of your room.

The Edgewater Hotel Seattle:
Snuggle & Smooch - Seattle Romance Package
Package Details: For Valentine's Day (and all of February 2010) come to The Edgewater for a steamy, sultry one-night escape with our newly redesigned romance package – Snuggle & Smooch. Start your overnight love-fest with chocolate dipped strawberries delivered to your room and hand made by our in-house pastry chef. With an exclusive Romance Box made especially for The Edgewater by Bumble B Design your romantic getaway is just a click away! Get down and chocolatey with chocolate body frosting, or indulge with ylang ylang and ginger lotion – perfect for a sensuous massage! To keep things easy, your overnight parking is also included!

Hilton Seattle:
Romance Package

Package Details: The ultimate in "do not disturb" getaways...There's just something about a luxurious hotel room that makes whispered sweet nothings sound even sweeter. Add a touch of elegance, a hint of indulgence, and you've got the makings for our Romance Package.

Homewood Suites Hilton Seattle Downtown:
Homewood Suites by Hilton® Romance Package

Package Details: Let the romance begin! Indulge yourself with our Homewood Suites Romance Package. Check-in to one of our spacious suites and relax in a comfortable bath robe - yours to keep - while enjoying a luscious box of assorted fine chocolates. There's no need to rush. Plan to sleep in late and feast on our delicious complimentary Suite Start® hot breakfast. And to top it all off, we'll arrange for a late check-out at 1:00pm.

Hotel Monaco:
Wine Me, Dine Me

Package Details: Accommodations for two at our hotel in downtown Seattle. $50 dining credit in Sazerac restaurant, offering serious food and damn good fun. Complimentary valet parking.

Hyatt Seattle Olive 8:
Mayflower Park Hotel:
Love is in the Air Romance Package

Package Details: Available February 1st through February 28, 2010. Deluxe or Suite Accommodations. Bottle of Sparkling Wine or Cider and chocolates upon check-in. Full American Breakfast for Two. Valet Parking.

Resort at Port Ludlow:
Lovers' Valentine's Weekend Getaway

Package Details:

• Accommodations for two nights at The Inn At Port Ludlow
• (Fri. & Sat. 12th & 13th, or Sat. & Sun. 13th & 14th)
• Six-Course Valentine's Day Dinner for Two at The Fireside restaurant
• Inroom amenities including 1 bottle of Bubbly Prosecco Wine and
• 4 Chocolate Truffles by Joanne

Sorrento Hotel:
Snuggle Up Package

Come snuggle up with your honey at the Sorrento Hotel. The package includes a deluxe guest room where Cantebury Naturals Snuggle Up Hot Chocolate and a keepsake fleece blanket await. Continental Breakfast for two and complimentary Valet Parking included. What could be better on a cold winter night? Starting at 229 + tax.

W Hotel Seattle:
WHO PUTS YOU IN THE MOOD THIS VALENTINES DAY?

Package Details: Get away with your special someone for a provocative escape at W Seattle this Valentine's Day Weekend. Your racy rendezvous will include:

• Tickle Me Intimacy Lovekit by Booty Parlor
• Exclusive Jimmyjane SPIN ME game, Feather Tickler and Seduction Sash
• Box of truffles
• Two sexy cocktails
• Plus, a wonderful room you won't want to leave!

Labels: holidays, Local Events, Travel

Sometimes picking out a unique gift that all your bridesmaids will love can be a difficult task. After all, you've chosen your bridesmaids based on their unique personal style and personalities. You want whatever gift you select to be loved by all your bridesmaids. So we've done some homework and found these fabulous gifts that any woman is sure to love. Plus, these gifts will fit your budget too. And anyone who's planning a wedding knows how great it is when you can actually find something to fit your budget.

Hope you enjoy!

1. Juicy Convertible Cosmetic Bag: $98
2. Dogeared Boxed Sentimental Pendant Necklace: $58
3. Archival Medallion Journal: $20
4. Satin kimono wrap: $42
5. UGG® Australia 'Ultra Long' Sheepskin Gloves: $145
6. HOBO wallet: $64-$128
7. Kodak - Pocket Video Camera with 2.4" LCD Screen: $159

Labels: Beauty, Fashion, Gifts, Ideas, Travel

Not only are we involved heavily in the wedding industry, in our other lives we also publish the Puget Sound Event Resource Guide and produce the Northwest Event Show. The Northwest Event Show brings you a collection of professional event planning services and vendors displaying their best work in one day and in one place. Now in it's 15th year, the Northwest Event Show is the largest and most impressive show of its kind in the area. We invite you to come and make a day of it as you...

Eat - The Northwest Event Show feeds you creatively, visually, mentally, and of course physically, bringing together the area’s top caterers, bakers, wineries, and breweries.

Play - Engage in interactive games and activities and enter to win overnight trips for two to some of the hottest nearby retreat locations.

Shop - The Northwest Event Show is the only place you can comparison shop the area’s event vendors and services. From hotels, entertainers, decorators, rental companies and restaurants to printers, convention services and speakers, the Northwest Event Show has it all!

...And the greatest part is, you can tell your boss you’re working!

Show details:

Date: September 29th, 2009
Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Cost: It's 100% Free to attend, but you must pre-register at nweventshow.com!

Labels: Food and Beverage, How-Tos, Ideas, inspired, Local Events, Travel

One of the fun parts about getting married is imagining what you life will be like in 10, 15, or 30 years. Will you have children? Will you live in your hometown or have moved out of the area? Will you be successful? I'm a firm believer that dreams are healthy. And if you are going to dream, why not dream BIG!

I came across the pictures of this incredible Atlanta house featured in a recent edition of Veranda magazine. And I must admit, it was love at first sight. If I closed my eyes and pictured my dream house, this would be it. In fact, I can see myself curled up with a good book in front of the fire or on the outdoor patio with a grin on my face. Sure it's a lofty dream, but it's not doing anyone any harm. So for now, this girl will keep dreaming...Oh and by the way, it's for sale!

Labels: Home, Travel

Don't you just love customization? So do we, which is why we had to share this novel idea from a Miami based shoe company called Morgan Miller. At Morgan Miller the entire shoe buying and selecting process is completely custom. You get to choose exactly the style, color, and fit of your shoe and in just a short time, you'll walk away with exactly the shoe you want.

Buyers start be selecting a base, then move to choosing the strap, accessory strap, accessory and tack. Then voila, you'll have a shoe that truly is the shoe of your dreams.

But what is a girl to do that doesn't live in Miami. No problem, you can begin customizing your own shoe right now online at MorganMillerShoes.com.


Morgan Miller is the name of the 25 year old woman who came up with this great idea. Look for new stores to open in New York, South Florida, Los Angeles and Las Vegas in the near future.

Labels: Fashion, Ideas, Travel

For Christmas this year I received one of the best gifts I've ever been given....Rain Boots. I have been a Seattleite my whole life, and yes, yes, everyone knows it rains here practically more than the rain forest itself. But for my whole life, I have never owned a pair rain boots. If you are from Seattle or know someone who is, you know that Seattleites have just learned to deal with the rain. We hardly ever use umbrellas and most of us have given up on straightening our hair because the second we step outside our perfectly styled hair frizzes and frays like we never styled it at all.

But I have to tell you. These rain boots are fabulous! I can trounce around in the puddles and the hem of my pants never get wet. Why have I never had these before???? Especially when rain boots are so cute. Check out some of our favorite designs below.


Above: Rain boots by Sperry Top Sider. Also available at Nordstrom.


Above: Rain boots available at J Crew.

Above: Hunter boots available at Nordstrom in multi-color options


Above: Huge selection of Chooka boots are available at Nordstrom

Labels: Fashion, Travel, Trends

We are very blessed to live in the Northwest, where so many incredible destination spots are just a short drive away. For all you brides to be, we highly suggest making a trip to the adorable town of LaConner in Skagit Valley for the day. Grab your mom, your best friend, or your whole family and make a trip to LaConner for a full day of bridal pampering and ultra girly activities. Here are some hot spots to make sure you check out.

Hot Spot 1: Something Blue: A fine bridal boutique - 623 Morris St., Suite E-3
For all you brides to be you must check out this quaint but fabulous bridal boutique in the heart of LaConner. As the exclusive store in all of Washington to carry Amy Kushel's bridal line, Something Blue offers brides the ultimate wedding experience by tailoring to your style and also to your budget. Something Blue also carries gowns from Avioanni, Modern Trousseau and Studio 163, including bridesmaids gowns, mother of the bride attire and flower girl dresses.

Also, for your information, Something Blue is currently running a sample sale. Some gowns are 15% to 60% off. Hurry up there soon for the best selection.

To learn more about Something Blue, click here.




Hot Spot 2: Hellams Vineyard - 109 North 1st St. #101
When visiting LaConner be sure to stop by the Hellam's Vineyard and wine shop and pick up a bottle of a fantastic local wine. Their inventory also includes custom crafted local and international beers, and locally crafted artisan cheeses on a seasonal basis. Their philosophy is to support local wines, and as native Washingtonians, they believe in promoting the regions world-class wines, beers and cheeses. When you stop by the wine shop, they will always have a smile and something for you to taste!

Hot Spot 3: Cascade Candy Company - 605 S 1st St
Mmmmm....candy! What girl doesn't love a taste of chocolate here and again? Cascade Candy Company has a storefront in historic La Conner, Washington where their products are lovingly handmade and produced in small quantities to ensure the freshest product possible is going out the door. In their retail store they also offer full barista services and delicious ice treats in addition to their regular line of candies and seasonal specialties.

Hot Spot 4: Calico Cupboard - 720 S. 1st Street
If you like a good burger, you will love Calico Cupboard. Calico Cupboard boasts fresh bakery items all day as well as breakfast and lunch. Enjoy comforting bread pudding with a latte or cup of tea in the most inviting atmosphere in La Conner. But when it comes to a good old fashioned burger, nothing beats a Calico Cupboard specialty. Our pick, Mushroom and Swiss!


Hot Spot 5: La Conner Channel Lodge - 205 N. 1st St
Looking to stay over for the weekend, check out the luxurious accommodations, Northwest styling, and views of Swinomish Channel from this truly memorable lodge. Here you can drink in the beauty of the Swinomish Channel and the wonder of Rainbow Bridge.

Labels: Fashion, Food and Beverage, Local Events, Travel

Looking for that special gift for your special man this Christmas or as a pre-wedding gift? Consider the gift of shaving, particularly the fabulous products from The Art Of Shaving. The Art of Shaving has become the best-selling men’s brand at high-end department stores. The Art of Shaving was started in a kitchen. Today the company is a worldwide organization still nurtured by the founders' talent and passion. They have succeeded in creating a brand with a mission, one that promises to be a household name for generations to come.

Click here for the best options for holiday gifts for your man, but don't forget yourself either. Click here for a full collection of female shaving products.

Labels: Beauty, Gifts, Travel

Hey all you lucky honeymoon planners planning a tropical getaway this winter...we have a delightful accessory we're sure you're going to love. Check out these customizable flip-flops from Switchflops. Switchflops® is a revolutionary new concept in designer footwear. Buy one pair of flops and switch out the straps to fit any occasion! Simple as that! What a great bridesmaid gift idea…..several flipflop styles to choose from – as well as more strap options online at www.switchflops.com.

Labels: Beauty, Fashion, Gifts, Travel

If you are planning a honeymoon abroad, which many couples getting married today are, we highly suggest talking to your travel agent about the Classical Baby Grand Hotel, located in Athens, Greece. It is truly one of the most unique hotels we've seen, and we just know you're going to love it -- particularly if you or your groom-to-be has a secret obsession for comics and superheros. (Come on, just admit it). After all, just because you are getting married, does not mean you have to lose the kid in you.

Conveniently located right in the heart of Athens, Classical Baby Grand Hotel is an ultra-modern and inspired hotel. This trendy art hotel is fully-equipped for business and leisure.

The entrance features Mini Cooper reception desks, waiting to drive you to your graffiti guest room. Each room has modern amenities for a comfortable stay and comes with its own personality, through its contemporary design and décor.

The Baby Grand has a business centre and high-speed internet access, as well as meeting and banqueting facilities, making it a cutting-edge venue for business meetings. Taste the fine Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel restaurant. Enjoy your champagne, amongst the relaxed vibe of the Moët & Chandon Bar.

At the spa, you can enjoy being pampered with the famous Carita treatments. Make time to experience the best manicures and pedicures in the city at Athens’ favorite beauty salon.

Don't just take our word for it, check out some of these amazing photos below.

Labels: Travel

Have you ever noticed that the city you live in is the one city you hardly know? In other words, when you go on a vacation to another place you find out what the main attractions are and plan sightseeing tours or trips to go see them. But in the own city you live in you often get caught up in your day-to-day agenda and neglect its own attractions and so-called "touristy" activities.

With a three-day weekend coming up, here's your chance to get re-acquainted with your city. For those of you who live in the Seattle area, here are the top six tourist attractions according to About.com to get out there and explore! And if you are a bride planning a wedding, remember to take some time for yourself this weekend. Planning a wedding can be an exciting but often stressful time, and Labor Day comes around for the one purpose to take your mind off of anything stressful and just relax...

1. An afternoon on Broadway in Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the most densely and diversely populated neighborhood in Seattle. Broadway, the main thoroughfare, has the most active sidewalk scene, day or night, in the city. It is a bustling area that is home to the entire cross-section of Seattle’s population. A trip down Broadway will basically introduce you to everyone you share the city with. It also has many diverse shops and restaurants worth visiting. Spend an afternoon shopping on Broadway and grab an inexpensive lunch.

2. Starbucks at the Space Needle
When is the last time you took the 41-second ride to the top of the Space Needle? Do you even remember how beautiful Mt. Rainier looks from there? If not, its time to pull out the $17 (yeah its still a little pricey) and make the trip up the Seattle icon. Once you're at the top, make sure to enjoy a local favorite Starbuck's cup-a-joe.

3. Washington State Ferries (WSF)
WSF offers an inexpensive way to see Seattle from the water. You can catch the ferry to Bremerton at Pier 52 for $6.50 round-trip as a passenger. It will cost an extra $7.60 each way to take your car. The ride is 60 minutes each way with a 20-minute stop in Bremerton. It offers excellent views of Blake Island, the naval shipyard in Bremerton, and downtown Seattle from the water upon your return. Pack a lunch and enjoy a better time than you would have had on an expensive Elliott Bay Cruise. If you live in the northend, you could also try the Edmonds Ferry or the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferry. The rides are much shorter, but offer the same beautiful sights and fun places to explore on the other side.

4. Pike Place Public Market
You know we had to add it to the list. Pike Place Market is still one of the most famous Seattle hot-spots and for good reason. Adults love it. Kids love it. Dogs love it. What is not to love. Pick up a local bouquet of fresh flowers. Watch fish flying through the air. Shop around the local craft stands. Sit and people watch. The Pike Place Market is rite of passage for any true Seattle native or adoptee and is truly the place that defines the city.

5. Pioneer Square and Underground Tour
In 1853, Seattle was founded in the area now known as Pioneer Square. An area of about ten square blocks serves as both the center of Seattle's nightlife and history. You can see and learn a lot without covering much ground by taking a Walking Tour of Pioneer Square. Go on Bill Speidel's Underground Tour first. The 90-minute, $11 guided-tour will help you get your bearings and allow you to experience things in chronological order. It is the best activity in Seattle that nobody knows about.

6. Bumbershoot
Bumbershoot is of course not a permanent fixture in Seattle, but it is certainly one of the main attractions during Labor Day weekend. Venture to Seattle Center, the 74-acre park located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest to find a festival that has it all. Bumbershoot, as the name implies, umbrellas a number of artists from different genres representing the best in music, film, comedy, theater, spoken word, dance, visual, performance and literary arts.

Labels: Local Events, Travel

A wonderful thing to prepare if you have out-of-town guests coming to your wedding is to create a Wedding Welcome Basket, full of local goodies so they can acquaint themselves with the area and feel right at home. After all, your guests are paying a lot of money to attend including airfare, hotel accommodations, pet boarding fees and maybe even more. So, a gracious thing to do is put together a token of your thanks and have it ready for them when the arrive in their hotel room.

Here are some items you may want to include in your welcome baskets...

• A bottle of a local wine or beer
  
• Local candies or gourmet treats
• Maps of the local area
• A book of "Things to do in Seattle" or in your wedding city
• Tickets to a local attraction like the zoo, Space Needle, aquarium, museum, etc.
• Weather related items like an umbrella in the fall or warm socks in the winter
  
• Mini travel accessories like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, razor, etc.
• Also include a thank you note reminding your guests how honored you are that they came to share in your wedding festivities
  

Here are some samples of charming welcome baskets from Brides Magazine.

Labels: Food and Beverage, Gifts, How-Tos, Ideas, Travel

One of our staff members recently took a trip to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Croix is the ultimate honeymoon hotspot because it is not as well known as some of the other Caribbean Islands like St. Thomas or St. John, making it less populated and more secluded. With hundreds of incredible beaches to choose from, you can literally be the only person on the beach for an entire day. The Caribbean's warm, clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Although the island embodies many European influences, the island is part of the U.S. territory, making it simple to travel to without the need of a passport.

If St. Croix sounds like a place you'd like to explore, here are some must-see locations to visit during your stay.

Places to stay:

The Buccaneer Hotel
Founded in the 17th century and family-run for generations, St. Croix's Buccaneer is the Caribbean's and Virgin Islands' longest running resort. Both historic and modern, the resort blends old world charm with warm hospitality and the amenities expected by today's traveler. More than a hotel, The Buccaneer is a premier destination resort for golf, tennis, water sports, weddings, honeymoons and family vacations.

Tamarind Reef Hotel
Tamarind Reef Hotel boasts one of the Caribbean's most beautiful white sand beaches. Whether to visit the beach for a quick dip in to the warm Caribbean waters or to relax on the beach chairs with a nice book, the beach and its surroundings are very inviting and offer an island experience. Even more, you can even plan a family reunion or your wedding on this spectacular white sand beach, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Places to see:


Buck Island
One of the world's most spectacular underwater national parks, Buck Island Reef National Monument was established to preserve "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea." The park is one of a few fully marine protected areas in the National Park System. The 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem support a large variety of native flora and fauna, including the hawksbill turtle and brown pelican. Just a short boat ride away from St. Croix and you are in another spectacular paradise.

Christiansted
Stroll through this picturesque Danish colonial town starting at the waterfront's grassy lawn, the Christiansted National Historic Site managed by the U.S. National Park Service, an ideal place to learn about the town's 18th century origins. Climb to the top of yellow Fort Christiansvaern for a striking view of the harbor, poke your head in the Scale House, and walk up King Street from the wharf to see the original Government House of the Danish West Indies. Shop, then relax with a cool drink on the boardwalk and watch the seaplanes take off.

Frederiksted
Step up to St. Croix's most historic structure, the handsome, red Fort Frederik, built at the end of Strand Street around 1760. There, on July 3, 1848, enslaved workers demanded their freedom and it was granted at last by Danish Governor-General Peter von Scholten. After touring the fort's historic exhibits, head south along the waterfront to the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, to see galleries of paintings and changing exhibits housed in an 18th century merchant's building. Have a late lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants and linger for a spectacular sunset.

Cruzan Rum Distillery
The Northwest may be known for its wine tastings, but St. Croix is known for its local Rum Distillery, Cruzan Rum. Sniff and see masterful rum-making in action on a guided tour, the way it has been done here for centuries. Learn how a master distiller brings rainwater and molasses together to end up in fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas—it's the same process islanders have used since the 1650s. At the end of your tour, samples await—savor Single Barrel Estate Rum neat, sip an exotic flavored-rum cocktail, or quench your thirst with a classic rum and Coke. Say hello while you're there to the Nelthropps, the family that has been making these rums for eight generations. They still gather daily at the distillery to taste-test the product before it is bottled. It's no wonder their Cruzan Rum is still considered the world's most honored rum—and a few bottles make a great souvenir to take home, and because it's made locally it's also half the price from what you'll pay in the states (and duty free).

Estate Whim Plantation Museum
Tour the unusual oval great house, dating from 1743, furnished with period antiques that can help you imagine life as it once was here. Walk through fields for a close look at one of those stone sugar mills you've wondered about, as well as the animal and steam mills employed long ago to grind sugarcane. The 11-acre property also includes slave quarters, a cookhouse, bath house, and watch house.

Places to eat:

The Bacchus
Located in the heart of historic downtown Christiansted, Bacchus is upstairs on Queen Cross Street. When you enter, the ambience lends itself to remind you to relax and let us take care of you. Named for the god of wine, it is fitting that Bacchus has the largest and only award winning wine list on St. Croix; many available by the glass.

Kendricks
Kendricks, the island's toniest restaurant, lies in the historic Quin House complex at King Cross and Company streets. Some of its recipes have been featured in Bon Appétit, and deservedly so. You'll immediately warm to such specialties as grilled filet mignon with a port-wine demi-glace and red-onion confit. The signature appetizer is king-crab cakes with lemon-pepper aioli. Another great choice is the pecan-crusted roast pork loin with ginger mayonnaise.

Click here to view photos from a couple who got married in St. Croix.

Labels: Ideas, Travel