If one of your girlfriends is planning a wedding, try to talk her into having the ceremony out of town. Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular, and if you're invited, that's an automatic vacation!

Top 10 Destination Weddings

1. Hawaii - Aloha, mahalo, melekeleke maka. These are all fun to say, and you'll get to repeat them frequently at the wedding in Hawaii.

2. Jamaica - who doesn't get that "One Love, One Heart" song, with the kettle drums, stuck in their heads when thinking of Jamaica. "Let's get together, and feel alright" - that's a great wedding theme!

3. Mexico - another destination with a great theme song. James Taylor's "Mexico" can be the first dance at the reception. Right after we play the piñata game.

4.Tahiti - sure, it's kind of far away, but what better way to avoid having those pesky "distant relatives", and colleagues of your parents usurping all your fun wedding time? Plus, those overwater bungalows are fantastic.

 
5. St. Lucia - often described as a "small, lush, tropical gem", which is precisely how the groom should refer to his new bride.

6. Italy -arguably the most romantic country in the world, where a glass of wine with breakfast is considered perfectly normal. Cheers to the happy couple!

7. Greece - one of my friends got married in Greece. Greece is stunningly picturesque and exotic and very high on my list of "places to visit". I wasn't invited - she said it was "just family". We're no longer friends.

8. Aruba - Aruba just sounds sexy, doesn't it? I mean, you just can't be frantic, stressed or uptight in Aruba. And frantic, stressed and uptight do not make for a sexy wedding anyway.

9. U.S. Virgin Islands - the perfect place for a white wedding. Ha ha ha. Please stop me.

 
10. Bermuda - if you want your wedding relaxed and casual, there really is no better place than an island that has a pair of shorts named after it. Plus it has beautiful, sunny, sandy beaches.

The majority of these were beach destinations, but all of them are definitely romantic, and we would be happy to attend any wedding in any of these spots. Just send us an invitation.

Playing dress-up is always fun, and there's no better excuse for it than a Bachelorette party. Whether you decide to take your theme out on the town, or keep it to a private girlfriend gathering, the photos will be hilarious and memorable. And probably embarrassing.

1) Slumber Party - jammies, bra-freezing, light as a feather-stiff as a board, M&Ms for breakfast. Being 10 again is awesome.

2) Cowgirls Gone Wild - giddyup! Grab your hats & boots & fake pistols and get ready to round up a good time!

3) Ball & Chain - marriage is a commitment! It should be taken seriously! Have all the girls dress as prisoners in orange jumpsuits, or the old-timey black & white stripes.

4) Toga - this is good for the lazy bachelorette. Or the Roman bachelorette. Throw a sheet on and go!

5) We're All Brides - everyone wears white/bridal-ish gowns. This will help everyone identify with the bride and what she's preparing for. This will also confuse everyone in the bars, and you'll all end up drinking for free.

6) Golf - if you've seen the movie "The Wedding Date" (with Debra Messing), you'll have an idea of how eccentric golf outfits can get. Bar golf is a great bachelorette party activity - no irons required.

7) Wig Out - save time doing your hair - everyone wears a wig to the Bachelorette party!

8) 80s Roller Skating - you will have a great time with your girlfriends, and get a little exercise too. Depending on how often you can "crack-the-whip". Crimp your hair, bust out the leg warmers and you're ready to roll.

9) Vegas Karaoke - have everyone dress up as her favorite Vegas singer (or just "singer"), and either rent a karaoke machine, or head to a karaoke bar. This bachelorette party has no room for self-consciousness. Who brought the video camera?

10) Tea Party - The tea party is the most refined option here. Just put on your garden party dresses and white gloves, and spend the afternoon bonding over tiny sandwiches. We didn't say you couldn't have mimosas and bellinis!

With drinks, without drinks, the Bachelorette party is all about soaking up your girlfriend-time. Make it special and just enjoy it!

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue." Why blue? Why not yellow? Why not pink? What is so wrong with aubergine? OH the other colors must feel slighted. But blue it must be - you know, it's tradition and such.

We have a list of the Top 10 "Something Blue"s for the bridesmaids to offer the bride. We're such conformists.

Top 10 Something Blues:

1) Garter - this is an easy one - tried and tested, but is anyone still wearing these?

2) Ribbon - Martha Stewart recommends discreetly pinning a blue ribbon to the inside of the bride's dress. She probably doesn't mean this kind, but we think it's far more entertaining:

3) Cosabella Thong - Slutty! Racy! And these really are very comfortable.

4) A lock of hair from Grandma - that Blue Rinse will really come in handy!

5) A cornflower - When Napoleon forced Queen Louise of Prussia from Berlin, she hid her children in a cornfield and kept them entertained and quiet by weaving wreaths of cornflowers. One of her children, Wilheim, later became the emperor of Germany. Remembering his mother's bravery, he made the cornflower a national emblem of unity. Get it? UNITY? MARRIAGE? We're all over this stuff.

6) Sapphire earrings - and our next question is "Will you be in OUR weddings?"

7) Bruise - Yep, it was a rough Bachelorette party. The bride bumped into the pool table, and her bruise is black and blue (and little yellow). It counts!

8) The bride's tongue - give her one of these before the ceremony

9) Pedicure - OPI Russian Navy (My mom hates this color - I'm wearing it on my toes right now)

or really easy (and we love easy)

10) MAC Prussian Blue eyeliner. Subtle, no? No. But then, the bride isn't supposed to be subtle. It's her day!

Many happy congratulations, and we're going to need our "Something Borrowed"s back soon!

Make the bachelorette bash an entire weekend to remember. Take the group to Vegas. Is there really a better excuse to go to Vegas? I mean, other than the shotgun wedding?

Top 10 Reasons To Have The Bachelorette Party In Vegas:

1) The slogan, obviously. "What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas" is probably the smartest marketing campaign ever. Let the bride-to-be take advantage of it.

2) The gambling - it's everywhere. And if everyone is lucky enough, you can win back the cost of that hideous bridesmaid dress that you'll only wear once!

3) The restaurants - with the variety of cuisine available here, you will be punished if you return home with an Olive Garden t-shirt.

4) The shows - whether you want the most water-tacular (it's a word) Cirque-du-Soleil magnificence of "O", or you're just dying to see Celine gorilla-pounding on that skinny little chest of hers, Vegas is the place for shows.

5) The drinks - fancy, fruity and some martinis come in industrial-sized "martini bowls".

6) The dance clubs - "We never go dancing anymore!" Is a common whine uttered throughout our generation. If you're going to go dancing, go dancing! Vegas has hundreds, of dance clubs from the numbing thump of the techno-rave-ish spot, to more grown-up options, where you can actually sing along to the dance tunes. Loudly, while swinging your martini in the air.

7) The swimming pool scene - They are everywhere, and very glamorous, with waterfalls and multiple pools and everything. Cannonball!

8) The shopping - Caesar's Palace Forum has everything from Agent Provacateur (lingerie) to Vosges (chocolate). This might be an entire weekend experience in and of itself.

9) The spas - Ahhhh.

10) The heat - It makes us do crazy things. Bachelorette parties need crazy things.

Remember to take a lot of photos. Blackmail can score you some great shoes!

OH yes, our fabulous screening of the film was as sparkly and champagney as you would have expected. And the clothes? Are you kidding me? I mean both on screen AND just in our little theater. Everyone was decked out!

SPOILER ALERT - if you haven't seen it, save this post for after you've seen it. Now GO!

Top 10 Things We Loved About "Sex & The City" The Movie

1) The opening sequence. Goosebumps galore. The amped-up big-band version of the theme song, coupled with the quick pace of the split-screen recap set the perfect tone for the movie.

2) Big's botox. Didn't Chris Noth look awfully "well-rested"?

3) These shoes

"Hello Lover" indeed!

4) Miranda's crazy giant UFO earrings. Her earlobes must have needed rehab after the film wrapped.

5) Carrie's closet montage. The tutu dress!

6) Samantha's sushi plate

7) That fierce black studded vintage belt Carrie wore with EVERYTHING

8) The bridesmaids dresses - Zac Posen, color us impressed.

9) Charlotte's black-bridesmaid-dress shuffle around the limo.

10) Male Full Frontal - Dante!

We're already looking forward to the sequel.

Did we miss any of your favorite things? Leave a comment!

Thanks, again, to all who attended with us, and also to our uber-gracious vendors:

Bag Borrow Or Steal

Crave

Urban Recess/Molly Scott (molscott@gmail.com)

Tucker Paisley

Kestrel Vinters

Zing Energy Bars

Come and check out our photos from the event on Flickr!

Memorial Day has passed, and it's officially Wedding Season! Or unofficially; we haven't seen "Wedding Season" marked on any of the wall calendars, you know how some of them have a little faded text in the corner of the day that says "Casmir Pulaski Day" or something?

Anyhoo, Wedding Season IS upon us, and today we have a special Expert Guest Blogger sharing a great Top 10 List today - Kathy Scott Rummage of Bridesmaid Essentials has graciously provided us with today's Top 10 List AND she is also featured in today's "We're Sharing" section.

Kathy says:

I Get Around

If the bride sees more movies on a plane than in the theater and she prefers the soil of a new town between her toes rather than the familiar carpet of her apartment, then she might enjoy the adventure of a travel-themed wedding shower. Encourage guests to bring a gift with the gal-on-the-go in mind.

Here are the BridesmaidEssentials top 10 great gift ideas for the bride who really gets around:

1. Blister prevention – (Dr. Scholl’s cotton “moleskin” padding - $5)

2. Travel-sized containers (ContainerStore.com - $8)

3. Luggage tags (Organize.com - fill-in; Swoozies.com - personalized)

4. Jewelry bag (TurqJewelry.com $12 + monogramming)

5. Travel neck pillow (Magellans.com - $16)

6. Travel umbrella (Totes micro pocket umbrella - $18)

7. Hanging cosmetic case (MarilynsKeepsakes.com - $32)

8. Slip on shoes for airport security line (Reef stash sandals - $46)

9. Passport cover (GraphicImage.com - $52)

10. Digital camera (Kodak EasyShare M853 - $115)

**************

THANKS TO BRIDESMAID ESSENTIALS!!

We made mixed tapes, then burned mixed CDs, and now create playlists on iTunes. However you're doing it, a Chick Mix is a must-have, especially for a girlfriend getaway. You need something to play on the roadtrip, or something to plug into the iPod dock in the hotel room, to get you in the PAR-TAY mood.

1) Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves - Annie Lennox & Aretha Franklin

The power-anthem for women everywhere. The accompanying dancing that will inevitably ensue will definitely include a lot of finger-wagging.

2) Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain

Even if you claim to hate country music, you will want this on your Chick Mix. Best played while doing "going out" hair & makeup.

Photo: Rolling Stone

3) Candyman - Christina Aguilera

A throwback to big-band 40s style swing, you cannot sit still when this song is playing. And she throws in some Dirrrrty lyrics, just to see if we're paying attention. Sassy!

4) Bad Girls - Donna Summer

Any song that includes police-whistles and a chorus of "Toot-toot, beep-beep" deserves to be played LOUDLY.

5) Wannabe - Spice Girls

Sure, it's totally 90s, and yes, the Spice Girls were an easy target for mocking, but for a Chick Mix this song is what you want. What you really, really want.

6) Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani

Indulge your inner-cheerleader and playground badass, and Hollaback with Gwen.

Photo: Spike

7) Express Yourself - Madonna

If the book "He's Just Not That Into You" had a soundtrack, this would be the song heard when opening the cover.

8) Rehab - Amy Winehouse

Awesome groove, perfect cautionary message. Drink responsibly.

Photo: Hecklerspray

9) Pon de Replay - Rihanna

We have no idea what Rihanna is talking about, something about replaying, but this beat will get you up off the couch and onto the dance-floor. Turn 'da music UP.

10) In These Shoes - Kirsty MacColl

We love any song about shoes.

Five words you don't want to hear while at the airport are: "Your flight has been delayed". Or a more annoying variation, "Your flight has been cancelled". Hmph. NOW what?

Top 10 Things To Do When Stuck At The Airport

1) Exercise - seriously. If you're going to be getting on a flight, where you are rendered immobile for 2-5 hours (if your flight is merely delayed), one of the best things you can do is use the airport as your own personal gym. If you have been paying attention to our recommended travel outfits (flats, not stilettos), you should be ready. Walk briskly from terminal to terminal, and just keep an eye on your watch. Before you know it, you can have covered several miles before the airline gets the flights back on schedule.

2) Read. And REALLY read - like an actual book, rather than that shiny new "US Weekly" you picked up because you just had to know if Angie & Brad were having triplets. These days it is almost impossible not to be distracted by the phone or the television, etc. The airport is holding you hostage, while your flight is delayed, and this is the perfect opportunity to get all the way through "War and Peace".

(Ed note: War and Peace can also be used as makeshift barbell for your workout).

3) Catch up on your correspondence. Busy people undoubtedly owe friends some phone calls. Your old roommate from college, whom you haven't talked to in over a year? Call her! You've got time!

4) Flatiron/curl your hair. If you did not have time to do your hair, in your rush to arrive at the airport on time for your now-delayed flight, and you packed your hair tools in your carry-on bag, get thee to the women's bathroom. They have electrical outlets! Ignore the bewildered stares of your bathroom mates. They are just marveling at how efficient you are, and they're annoyed that they didn't think of the idea themselves.

5) Do your make-up (same as above, minus the need for electrical outlet. We think?).

6) Plan your next trip(s). Wander on over to the "Departures/Arrivals" board and start making notes. Some cities may pop up that you wouldn't have previously thought of.

7) Indulge your inner-mallrat. When was the last time you let yourself eat a Cinnabon? Auntie Anne's pretzel? If your answer was "yesterday", skip this one, and repeat #1.

8) Have a drink! I typically just roll my suitcase right past those airport bars/lounges. Drinking dehydrates me, and if I'm getting on a flight, I don't want to be dehydrated. But YOUR flight has been delayed/canceled! Bottoms up!

9) Shop. Make a game out of it - there have to be a few items of value, crammed in between the commemorative spoons, wooden magnets and shot glasses. Try to find them!

10) Get a massage/manicure/pedicure. This is by far the most appealing option. Thankfully the Spa Gods have graced a number of airports with fabulous relaxation opportunities. CLICK HERE for our comprehensive list of airports, all around the world, that offer spa treatments in the airport terminals.

If you are totally stranded, you can do all 10 of the above. And if you do, can you please write up a guest blog for us? That would be hilarious.

In honor of Mother's Day (IT'S THIS SUNDAY, IF YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN THE CARD/FLOWERS/GIFT - STOP READING THIS AND GO TO THE STORE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD), we've created our Holiday Golightly list of Top 10 TV moms we'd want on a girlfriend getaway:

1)  Lucy McGillicutty "I Love Lucy" 

 Photo:  allposters

Lucy would make certain that we visited a chocolate factory on our girlfriend getaway.  Hilarity would ensue.   

2)  Samantha Stevens "Bewitched" 

 Photo:  mp3

Samantha would be awesome to have on the girlfriend trip, because she could wiggle her nose whenever we needed anything - like road-trip snacks.  Or a cabana boy. 

3)  Carol Brady "The Brady Bunch"  

Photo:  sitcomsonline 

We love Mrs. Brady, and would just really enjoy spending some quality time with her.  We might also want her to drive that sweet Plymouth convertible.  

4)  Miss Ellie Ewing "Dallas"
 

Photo:  tvrantingforum 

Miss Ellie was the venerable matriarch of Southfork, and she was tough as rawhide.  We would want to have her along for no-nonsense opinions, and her ability to mediate heated arguments about which drinks to order.

5)  Claire Huxtable "The Cosby Show"
 

 Photo: ebfu

 Mrs. Huxtable always had such a calming presence, and we would want her along on the trip to tuck us into bed, and read us bedtime stories in her soothing alto voice.

6)  Kitty Foreman  "That 70s Show"

Photo:  that70sshow 

 One word:  brownies.

7)  Marge Simpson "The Simpsons"

 Photo: animatedtv.about

Marge is the consummate caretaker, and has a quirky sense of humor.  She would remind us all to bring our IDs and lipsticks when we went out, and would offer up that wheezing laugh after all of our bad jokes. 

8)  Lois "Malcolm in the Middle"  

Photo: bbc 

There is no squabbling with Lois in the house.  She might be even more no-nonsense than Miss Ellie, and would absolutely be the muscle of the group. Disagreements would be settled by arm-wrestling.

9) Christine Campbell "The New Adventures of Old Christine" 

Photo: tvcomedies.about 

Christine is hysterical; usually unintentionally so.  She is always up for a good time, and would probably take the fall for us if the authorities became involved for some reason...

10) Jill Zarin "Real Housewives of NYC"

Jill is fantastic and would either take us all to fat camp in a private jet, or let us have the getaway at her house in the Hamptons.  She would probably let us also drive her Ferrari.  She's that kind of mom.

HAPPY EARLY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL! 

 We would like to officially welcome our clients Sonia & Tamara back from their Tuscany & Umbria Extravaganza!  The remainder of this week's "We're Sharing" section will feature the girls and their Golightly Getaway in Italy.

Which brings us to this week's Top 10 Tuesday list.

Holiday Golightly's Top 10 Most-Useful Italian Phrases:

1)  Ciao! - Hello!

2)  Buongiorno! - Good Morning!

3)  Grazie - Thank you
    
4)  Più pizza per favore - More pizza please

5)  Non desidero portare un casco sul vespa - I don't want to wear a helmet on the Vespa

6)  Il vostro ferrari è molto velocemente - Your Ferrari is very fast

7)  Siamo principesse molto di un piccolo dichiariamo in America - We are princesses of a very small state in America

8)  Dite che il gelato non ha calorie? - You say this gelato has no calories?

9)  Sono questi pattini sulla vendita? - Are these shoes on sale?

10)  Siete di destra, noi non dovreste bere il vino mentre acquistate per i pattini - You're right, we should not drink wine while shopping for shoes.