Interested in something other than a sandy beach and snorkeling for your honeymoon?  Thinking about a mix of activity and relaxation?  Love to cook as much as you enjoy eating?  How about a culinary adventure to Tuscany?  You can study, savor, shop and site see at a relaxed pace. 

Organic Tuscany is located between Florence and Siena, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy.  Experience hands-on Italian cooking classes which are “from farm to table,” accommodations in a beautiful 19th century Tuscan villa on a farm, exploring nearby medieval cities, relaxing by the pool, gentle countryside walks, picnic lunches and wine tasting.  If that sounds as good to you as it does to us, click here to experience a typical week at Organic Tuscany.  Makes us want to go on another honeymoon! 

Looking for something a bit closer to home, how about Cooking with Julie, in Napa Valley?  Prefer Mexican to Italian, try Casa Sagrada in Oaxaca.  Love pho over farfalle then check out Red Bridge Restaurant & Cooking School in Hoi An.

Happy Honeymoon!

It’s always a plus to finds gifts that work double duty- a fun present that can be both for you and him!  A perfect example is Mary Green’s seven-piece set of silk boys shorts.  We are all familiar with the universal language of love but each of these 7 fun undies are stitched with the phrase “I love you” in a different language.  Perfect for your honeymoon, Valentines, or just for fun!  Languages include English, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Hebrew and Chinese. So, say “I love you” to your sweetie 7 days a week with these adorable undies and he’ll be sure to thank you later!

We recently read about a couple that is going to volunteer at an orphanage in Nepal for their honeymoon.  They travel a lot already and feel so lucky with the incredible year they are having leading up to their wedding, and want to give back.  You may volunteer already in your daily life so the thought of doing more of that on your honeymoon is not as relaxing has you had pictured.  Fear not, there are a lot of ways you can still give back if you are so inspired!  Read the rest of this entry »

Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean are popular places that boast tropical weather, pristine beaches, honeymoon suites, and a fair share of palm tree/hammock combinations.   These are all great contributors to your honeymoon but we thought we would do a little digging to find destinations that are uniquely beautiful, less known, and have all the characteristics of a perfect beach honeymoon.

 1). Morocco- Often called The Gateway to the Mediterranean, Morocco’s cultural diversity make it a great destination for those looking for a flare of the exotic.

2). Cuba- A little harder to get to but well worth it!  One can enjoy the beaches, check out the beautiful Spanish-colonial architecture in Havana, and spend nights salsa dancing under the sunset.

3). Seychelles- The hidden gem of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles’ natural beauty is truly breathtaking.

4). Turkey- Istanbul’s long and colorful past provide many a ruin and castle to explore.  After your view into history, make your way to the Lycian coast where you can snorkel over the ruins at Aperlai and swim with dolphins!

5). Cinque Terre, Italy- Five Seaside Villages nestled at the bottom of terraced cliffs offer romanticism and old world charm.

6). Croatia- Nicknamed “The New Riviera”, Croatia’s coastlines are well preserved and haven’t been spoiled by over-development.

There is something innately romantic about the Greek Isles so what better wedding inspiration than Santorini, the jewel of the Mediterranean.  Numerous aspects of your wedding can take inspiration from this Greek Island; from invitations and favors to attire. Set the tone of your wedding by sending out this “Passport” save the date.  Incorporate Greek cooking in your hors d’oeuvres and entree choices.  Love the Grecian style as much as we do?  Channel a Greek goddess on your big day with this gorgeous wedding dress by Manuel Mota paired with a Grecian inspired headpiece and these fun pumps by L.A.M.B.  Lastly, send your guests home with sailboat tea light favors as a memory of their voyage to Santorini. 

People have been giving coupon books as gifts forever.  You know, with coupons good for things such as back rubs or a homemade dinner.  Well ladies, the coupon book has evolved and now you can find them pre-made and with themes from sexy to sweet.  These novelty coupon books make such fun gifts and are perfect for any couple or newlyweds.  Add them to any bridal shower, bachelorette, or just for fun gift to really give it an extra kick!

New Item!!  We thought that this item was just too fun!  The “Tonight/ Not Tonight” decorator pillow by Hortense B. Hewitt Co. is a playful way for you to “say” whats on your mind.  This double- sided, black and white, satin pillow with pink embroidery stating “Tonight” or “Not Tonight” can be a fun way to tell your significant other how you feel.  A perfect novelty gift for couples, stop by New and Blue to check it out! 

I haven’t met a lot of people who get motion sickness as bad as I do, but there has to be some others who do out there somewhere! Which is why this site appealed to me so much. Psi Bands (pronounced “sigh” bands) relieve nausea for travel/motion sickness (as well as other causes) and look cute, too! Going on a long flight for your honeymoon? Are you cruise ship bound and getting a little seasick just thinking about it? Taking a long road trip? Nothing to worry about. Just slap one of these puppies on your ever-so-fashionable wrist and worry-no-more! Psi Bands come in 5 cute designs, are waterproof, drug-free, and reusable. What a psi of relief…

In the Portland area, you can pick up your Psi Band at Rite Aid or REI, or buy online at a variety of retailers. Click here for more options.

Psi Bands  .  www.psibands.com  .  Online and in Retail Stores near you!

I am not typically one to advise on relationships, but I am one to advise on fun. While we already carry wedding planning books, we have recently added some fun items to our inventory for couples to enjoy together. They are promised to keep things fun and fresh, and you will be spending time together. That’s a good thing, right? Check out these new items:

Eat Chocolate Naked, By Cam Johnson

“Here’s how to ignite it yourself and find sizzling ways to fill everyday with romance.  Whether you’re after the ultimate seduction or a more intimate connection with your partner, included are hot tips and tricks for 143 sexy, silly, passionate and just plain fun activities to add spice to your life.”

Intercourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook

“Covers 17 sensual foods ranging from traditional aphrodisiacs like oysters and honey to lesser known - but just as potent - black beans and pine nuts.  Beyond the recipes, though,InterCourses is packed with aphrodisiac histories, couples’ comments, elaborate appendices, and full-color photographs of aphrodisiacs Read the rest of this entry »

Tired of scanning gravy boats and silver platters for your registry? We hear ya! Why not have the honeymoon of your dreams instead? This fantastic site Read the rest of this entry »