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Monday, August 26, 2013

Bridal Jewelry That’s a Steal

The ring may be real but the rest of your jewelry probably won’t be.  Unless you have family heirlooms or want to stick with your day-to-day pieces, you’ll be scouring boutiques, online and department stores for the perfect bling to compliment your dress. 

Wedding day jewelry should make a statement – the bigger the better for photos.  Like makeup and hairspray, even those of us who avoid such trimmings regularly embrace them for the day-on-display. 

Whether strapless or shawled, beaded or lace, the jewelry below will compliment any white dress, all while under budget. 

 JCPenney DiamonArt CZ Studs on Brand New Belle

AuroraBridal Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings on Brand New Belle
Kate Ketzal Starlet Emerald Cut Earrings on Brand New Belle 

Earringsnation Swarovski Tear Drop with Leaf Charm on Brand New Belle 

Kate Ketzal Sofia Tennis Bracelet on Brand New Belle

Nadri Thin Prong Set Crystal Bangle on Brand New Belle

Kate Spade Steal the Spotlight Statement Necklace on Brand New Belle    

Nordstrom Princess Cut Pavé Pendant Necklace on Brand New Belle   

Swarovski & Pearl Lily Necklace from PureRainDesigns on Brand New Belle

Thursday, August 15, 2013

The $2,500 Honeymoon: Puerto Rico

Speaking of vacation: let’s talk honeymoons.  hon·ey·moon – even the word is charming. 
But as the big day nears, and budgets balloon, you may be tempted to put off the escape-for-just-the-two-of-you.  While we here at BNB are penny pinchers too, don’t discount the honeymoon.  After months of dizzying preparation and weeks of family celebrations, it will likely be the first chance you and your new husband get an hour alone.  You’ve survived the test of planning a wedding together and you’ll want to relax and recuperate – away from it all. 

It's the vacation you’ll be asked about for a lifetime, but it doesn’t need to cost your life savings.  Rather than skip such a rewarding experience all together, consider whipping up a simple-yet-spectacular vacation based on what defines “relaxation” for you.  Whether a beach, cabin or ski slope, you can turn any vision into a budget-friendly reality with a little compromise and research. 

Consider this island getaway: Puerto Rico.  A US territory (with the US $ as the official currency), English is an official language and you don't need a passport to visit. 

As an agriculture-based economy in the early 20th century, Puerto Rico has more recently begun shifting its resources to tourism.  With cruise ship visitors making up one-third of tourists, destinations outside of San Juan can feel like private sanctuaries.

The 100-mile long island boasts 300 beaches, a number of which top travel magazines’ lists for best beaches in the world (including Flamenco Beach).  Although the west side of the island is the ultimate destination for surfers (Rincón earned PR the title “the Hawaii of the Atlantic"), the north and east beaches include inlets with calmer waters, great views and easy access. 

Here’s one way to enjoy a beach honeymoon for less than $2,500 (2 guests, 6 days, 5 nights, including food and flights):

Thursday, August 8, 2013

On Vacation

Hello blog!  I’ve missed you.  But while on vacation I’ve had a chance to be inspired.  By sunny skies, good books, cold snow cones and killer artisans making all sorts of amazing products to make your big day a unique-as-you success.  Stay tuned for tips, lists and useful recommendations.