Barbados: Enjoy Jet-Set Style on this Elite Caribbean Isle

While European royalty and rock stars reward themselves with some island R&R, they usually jet off Barbados (with their entourages, of course). This wee bit of Britain in the Caribbean is the epitome of luxury. Forget about throbbing nightlife and mass-market hotels. Rather, you’ll find refined properties like Sandy Lane tucked amid quiet, coastal gardens. When the sun sets, connoisseurs filter in to one of the gourmet eateries that line the idyllic west coast, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. But you don’t have to be a mega-millionaire to tour a Barbadian rum factory or snorkel with sea turtles. Check out what to see and do in Barbados for affordable options and wedding/honeymoon specials.
Here are five reasons we love Barbados:

• Mount Gay Rum Tour Enjoy one or more cocktails with expert shakers at the Mount Gay Rum distillery. Discover the colorful history of this brand and learn how the world’s finest rum is produced. Watch as the distiller shows you how to create this precious spirit, and become a rum expert yourself as you explore the subtleties of flavors that will tickle your palate.

• Island Safari Tour Embrace the nature, history, culture and folklore of Barbados at captivating places of interest, which are usually inaccessible to the public but pose no challenge to the fleet of Land Rovers. On the safari you’ll visit the highest cliff on the island where Jim Hackleton, devastated by unrequited love, rode his horse off the edge and crashed into the sea below.

• George Washington House Barbados was the only foreign country ever visited by the future first president. This visit is a little known but very important chapter in the life of the then unknown 19-year-old. George and his brother, Lawrence, resided in this historic plantation house, also known as Bush Hill House, for two months in 1751.

• Exploring the Crystal Room in Harrison’s Cave With an abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, streams, lakes and waterfalls, experts agree the Crystal Room Cave to be among the finest showcases of its type in the world. The Caves are located near the geographical center of Barbados, in St. Thomas parish and are a natural phenomenon in this tropical world.

 • Surfing the Soup Bowl at Bathsheba Come November, the Soup Bowl comes alive when the swells arrive from the North or Northeast, and break over a shallow reef, producing a perfect barrel or tube that many surfers relish. Located on the Northeast Atlantic Coast, surfers from the U.S., Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and the U.S. Virgin Islands compete for a prize of $10,000.

-Patricia Canole

  

Bridal Budgeting: How to Avoid Buyer's Remorse

There's one thing we at For The Bride cannot stress enough when it comes to wedding planning- make a budget and hold on tight to it! A wedding, just like any other major purchase, should have a limit as to how much can be spent. While flexibility is necessary (you will wear those expensive shoes after the wedding right?), it's important to know where to draw the line. So without further lecture here are our top three tips to avoid buyer's remorse when it comes to planning your big day...

1. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'MUST HAVE' AND 'I CAN LIVE WITH-OUT'
You've always had your ideal wedding in your mind but have you listed all the elements of that wedding on paper? Jotting down everything you need from food (really) to custom invitations and classifying it as 'must have' and 'I can live with-out' will help you quickly realize your budget's give-and-take. This way you can see that by downgrading to non-custom (yet still beautiful) invitations you can upgrade from buffet to a plated dinner or town car to Rolls Royce.

2. CHECK AND UPDATE YOUR BUDGET AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE
Create a document that has your total budget, necessary purchases, budget per purchase, and amounts actually spent. Keep this document handy and update it often to track where you need to be strict and where you have wiggle room. Put your 'must haves' at the top of the list so you will focus on making those purchases first. Print the budget out and put it in your purse as a reminder when you are shopping so you won't have to make any guesses when it's decision-making time.

3. GIVE IT A COUPLE OF HOURS BEFORE COMMITTING
You didn't choose your fiancé in a day so why should you choose your dress in less than 24 hours?Taking time to think through decisions will give you the chance to rationalize about what is the best choice for you. Call your fiancé or a friend to tell them the pros and cons of getting the more expensive flower arrangements, the pricer handbag or the luxury table linens. You might change your mind when your husband-to-be tells you the extra $1000 you would spend on taller centerpieces could be used for a down payment on the new car you've been eyeing.

By Stacy Holz

Pearly Whites: Take Your Teeth From Dull To Dazzling In No Time.

Not sure if you want to get your teeth whitened for your wedding? Well, there’s no denying a megawatt smile will get you noticed. The phrase “she lights up a room” refers to your smile. Luckily, brilliant white teeth—essential to a show-stopping bride—are easier to achieve than ever, thanks to advances in bleaching/whitening technology. Before you get on the path to a brighter future, consider these tips from Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kevin Sands whose clients include Hollywood royalty.

FOR THE BRIDE: Do teeth change with age?
KEVIN SANDS: Teeth yellow with age. Not only are they constantly being stained, but with normal wear and tear and grinding you can also lose enamel as well. White strips, whitening toothpastes and whitening mouthwashes (even whitening floss!) are excellent options for those with minimal stains. You can always supplement with at-home bleaching trays if you need more whitening coverage.
FTB: Are there foods that will aid in whitening effects?
KS: Just as there are foods and drinks that stain your teeth, there are also foods to help prevent discoloration. In fact, some common foods work very well to clean your teeth. Some of these stain preventing foods include the apple which is ideal and acts as a mini-toothbrush for whitening teeth; it also helps remove plaque and stains from the teeth. And remember while coffee and red wine stain tooth enamel, white wine contains more acidity, thus softening the tooth enamel and setting the stage for staining.
FTB: What are the major whitening treatments available today?
KS: Laser whitening is the most effective treatment. The special lights activate and whiten teeth the brightest level. Mouth trays are customized in my office to fit properly and used at home by those who need touch-ups. White strips have come a long way with a variety of options out there for at-home use.
FTB: How often does one need these treatments?
KS: Clients come in for laser whitening every six months, and if in the public eye usually every three-to-four months. At-home trays several times a year and white strips should be used as needed.

A Bag of Tricks
Here are some of Dr. Sands’ favorite products to get that Hollywood smile.
1. Moroccan Mint Tea Mints contain Xylitol which kills cavity causing bacteria.

2. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash is alcohol free and contains purified water and organic tea tree oil.

3. Phillips Sonicare Diamond Clean Toothbrush features diamond-shaped bristles, five cleaning modes, and a two-minute timer.

4. Herbal Brite Toothpaste contains 77 herbs with mint oils.

5. Crest Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss stimulates gums and removes plaque to help reverse gingivitis in two weeks.

FOR THE BRIDE’S BIG-DAY COUNTDOWN
• Start a healthy diet: This is the basic groundwork for a beautiful smile.
• Six months before: See your dental professional so that any problems with teeth and/or gums can be treated well in advance. This is also the time to discuss whitening procedures.
• Three months before: See your dentist for another cleaning.
• One-month before: If you plan to have an in-office whitening, schedule now.

By Patricia Canole

Valentine's Day: Bridal Steals & Deals

While most brides will be focusing on who (your fiancé!), what (dinner?) and where (the city?) which will make up your Valentine's Day, we've taken another approach to celebrating the day of love. This year we've pulled together some of the best sales in all areas of bridal to help you tackle some of your planning—all while getting great discounts. From wedding gowns to honeymoons here we give you our guide to Valentine's Day shopping. 

Fashion

Who: Brides by Demetrios, Macy's Bridal Salon by Demetrios, Macy's Bridal Salon
What: 20% off all Demetrios bridal gowns and 30% off all headpieces and veils.
When: Now through February 17.
How: Find a salon near you to make an appointment, walk-ins are welcome too.
 

Shoes

Who: Coloriffics.
What: 30% off all shoes site wide.
When: Limited time.
How: Visit their site and the discount will be reflected at checkout.
 
Who: My Glass Slipper.
What: Free shoe dyeing. 
When: Now through February 16.
How: Visit their site and enter code FREEDYE at checkout.
 

Lingerie

Who: Bare Necessities.
What: 25% off qualifying items. 
When: Limited time.
How: Visit their site and enter code BNS25 at checkout.
 

Invitations & Stationery

Who: Magnet Street.
What: 21.4% off wedding stationery.
When: Now through February 19.
How: Visit their site and use code WEDVAL14 at checkout.
 
Who: Wedding Paper Divas.
What: 25% off wedding invitations and 20% off save the dates.
When: Now through February 18.
How: Visit their site and use code VALWED14 (for wedding) or VALST14 (save the dates) at checkout.
 

Honeymoons

Who: Jewel Resorts Paradise Cove Beach Resort and Spa.
What: 52% off the Jewel Resort Experience of 4 nights or more.
When: Now through February 25.
How: On bookings via their website.
 
Who: Beaches Resorts. 
What: Up to 65% off bookings to Turks & Caicos, Negril, or Ochos Rios.
When: Now through February 14.
How: On bookings via their website.

 

Deals are dependent on the terms set by the companies listed. Check their website for details.Happy Shopping!

Postcard from New Orleans

 By Patricia Canole

The joy of Dixieland jazz in the French Quarter, the spicy aroma of Cajun fare, the sweet aroma of sugar-coated beignets--what’s not to love about New Orleans? Whether you call it the Big Easy, NOLA or Crescent City, this iconic piece of Americana on the mighty Mississippi is the place to love—again and again.

Royal Sonesta Hotel

COLLECTING MEMORIES Start your day with a leisurely breakfast in bed: hot beignets and coffee will set the pace. Then explore the French Quarter with its Old World shops and buildings. This section of town embodies romance, with its walled courtyards, narrow streets, tiny museums, and shops. Surprise waits around every corner and jazz spills out of every door. You’ll notice that distinctive Creole architecture combines lacy Spanish and elegant French elements, reflecting the mix of culture that give this city its continental flair. For a mid-day break, head to Tujague's (prounouced Two Jacks), where things are still done precisely as they were 157 years ago—only four authentic Creole entrees are served per day—one beef, two seafood and one chicken. All dishes are made to perfection with strict attention to detail. For dessert the kitchen also serves a heavenly bread pudding. Afterwards, stroll over to Jackson Square, where portrait artists, jazz bands, tap dancers, and fire-eaters can be seen—all in the shadow of St. Louis Cathedral, the nation’s oldest active church.

LIVELY BARS Once the sun sets, it’s time to party. For more than 50 years, the revolving Carousel Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone has been one of the city’s most popular gathering spots. Immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his writings, it still remains a part of New Orleans history. The bar completes one revolution every 15 minutes. Don’t leave without trying their signature Vieux Carre Cocktail….Built in 1723, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, a Bourbon Street watering hole claims to be the oldest in the country. Named for the notorious pirate, Jean Lafitte, the bar serves up a friendly atmosphere, surprisingly strong libations and entertainment every night. The popular Voodoo Daiquiri is addictive.

A ROMANTIC STAY Lush foliage-filled courtyards and plush décor have created a loyal following at the award-winning Royal Sonesta New Orleans (sonesta.com). Centered in the heart of the French Quarter, spacious rooms greet guests featuring elegant furnishings and private wrought-iron lace balconies. Honeymooners especially love The R-Club on the 7th level with its luxurious suites and private elevators, concierge, club lounge and special amenities. Because of its prime location on Bourbon Street, the hotel is often referred to as the "Jewel of the French Quarter” and offers romantics great choices in dining and entertainment. At the street-side Desire Bistro & Oyster Bar order some traditional favorites like Jambalaya and Po-Boys. If you’re in the mood for imaginative cuisine, reserve a table at Restaurant R’Evolution for its classic Cajun and Creole menu. Not to be missed is live jazz nightly at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse with its emerging young artists and contemporary jazz legends. The jazz club is a great spot to catch a late-night bite. Need some R&R? Then head to the Terrace level to take in a few laps in the pool or be pampered at the Cabana Spa.