05.22.09
Natural Health Blog
Ok, Ok, you got me. guess it’s easy to tell where my mind is these days. I came across natural health blog that has some great ideas. It is obviously geared towards natural health, which I am a big proponent of, but the author really has some great ideas that you might not come up with on your own.
Whether you are still trying to fit into that incredible wedding dress or are really stresses out about all of your wedding preparations from so far away, there is something for everyone.
Just to make it real interesting for your guests, why not treat everyone to a wonderful natural and healthy bag of goodies for when they arrive.
The standard water and sun tan lotion are prerequisites, but why not add some healthy herbs or a massage to the gift bag for some rejuvenation after the long flight?Your friends and family will really appreciate it.
05.20.09
Natural Weight Loss
If you are like other couples who are about to be married, you are probably trying to fit into a fabulous gown or tux. Many couples, especially brides, want to lose “just 5 pounds”. Instead of starving yourself or going the pill route, consider using natural weight loss.
I recently came across a natural health forum that has an active membership and tons of information. There’s info on nutrition, men’s and women’s health, and many other items. You can even find info on natural remedies for air and sea sickness.
Take some time to browse around, they really know what they’re talking about. You can read without joining, but can only post after you join the group.
04.18.09
Hawaiian Wedding Lei
A Hawaiian wedding lei is the perfect way to use beautiful Hawaiian flowers in your ceremony. You can capture the beauty and fragrance of the islands.
The lei has a deep tradition. It was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands with the Polynesians. They would wear leis made from flowers, leaves,shells and many other beautiful items. They would wear them as accesories and give as gifts.
Today the lei is the classic symbol of Hawaii. It is used in all special occasions: weddings, birthdays, graduations, births, funerals and as a welcome home or to the islands.
The Hawaiian wedding lei is seen in any flower that you can imagine. There is no right or wrong flower to use. Some of the most popular are orchid, ginger, maile and ti leaf, plumeria, tuberose and rose. Many of these are also very fragrant.
It is traditional for the bride to give a lei to the groom’s mother and the groom to give a lei to the bride’s mother to symbolize the union of two families. The entire wedding party (and guests) can wear these beautiful flowers, too.
You can also have your guests throw fresh orchid petals instead of rice and use loose flowers for a circle of flowers that you will stand in for your vows. These will be the perfect compliment to your Hawaiian wedding lei.
04.16.09
Save The Date Cards
Using save the date cards is the easiest and best way to let everyone know of your upcoming festivities. They can be fun and whimsical or lavishly elegant, what ever suits your tastes, budget and wedding style.
You can find save the date cards that match your invitations or use ones that showcase your wedding. Beach, tropical, winery, flower themed (and many more) are available from the different invitation companies.
A couple fun alternatives are save the date magnets and photo save the date cards. They can be personalized to suit your wedding theme.
Be sure to send the cards out 4-6 months ahead of time (or more if you have it). This will give your guests plenty of time to make arrangements for time off of work and to find the best prices for travel.
04.14.09
Cost of a Destination Wedding
Many assume that the cost of a destination wedding will rival a traditional wedding at home. While the destinations can be extravagant, the prices don’t need to be.
You have so many options when you are planning your Hawaii wedding. It can be over the top or simple and wonderful, you decide.
With the average home wedding at $25,000, it’s easy to see how a destination wedding can be cost effective. If you purchase an air, hotel and car package through a destination wedding travel agent, you will see the biggest savings. Have your guests do the same and all of your major planning will be taken care of for you. Bonus!
You can also use packages for your wedding, as well. Wedding planners offer great prices on packages and they are very easy to customize to suit you and your dream wedding.
Many of the resorts will even have their own wedding planners on staff. The packages offer the basics and you can add the special touches that are important to you.
So while it will save you tons of money, you will also have a built in vacation for you and your guests. The low cost of a destination wedding is just one of the added bonuses.
04.12.09
Waimea Canyon, Kauai Hawaii
Waimea Canyon in Kauai Hawaii, The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is an incredibly beautiful and unexpected surprise.
Located on the west side of the island, it is easily accessible by tour bus or car. Renting a car is a great way to see everything… you can stop to take in the sites at your leisure.
If you have a group or would like to book a tour, Kauai activities are like all other Hawaii tours… it’s best to book before you go. You will be sure to get the time and tour that you want without the hassle.
Another unique way to see Waimea Canyon and all of Kauai is with the ever popular helicoptor tour. They give a very different perspective.
When you visit the canyon, you will notice the temperature change as you head up and a light mist will appear. The colors of the rainbow are seen everywhere. The canyon itself is beautiful shades of red. Be sure to go to the end and see Kalalau Valley. It is one of the most magnificent views on the island.
Waimea Canyon in Kauai Hawaii will give you treasured photos and memories for a lifetime.
04.10.09
Maui Bike Tour, Haleakala
One of the most popular sightseeing tours is a Maui bike tour of Haleakala. This 10,000+ foot volcano is a tremendous site.
You can enjoy a full day tour or even a sunrise ride sown the mountain. Be sure to dress for the weather, though. It is very chilly at this evelvation in the morning. For safety reasons, the start of all the bike rides is now at an elevation of 6500 feet.
Haleakala National Park is a very popular tourist area. It offers many different beautiful views. You can easily find tours that will also include a narrated van ride through the park.
You can easily book your Maui activites before going tso you can be sure you get the tour that you want. If you are adventurous, this is one not to miss. It will easily be one of the highlights of your trip.
04.06.09
Hawaii Whale Watching
If you are going to Hawaii from the months of December to April (with February to March being prime viewing), be sure to add a Hawaii whale watching excursion to your activity list. It is an incredible experience!
The humpback whale migrates yearly from Alaska to Hawaii to give birth to their young. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are best for viewing. If you don’t want to take a boat trip, there are often viewing areas on land. Taking an excursion will offer you the best chance of seeing and getting up close to these magnificent animals.
It is best to plan your Hawaii activities early. Pre booking allows you to have everything in place and will guarantee you a spot when you want it. These trips can go fast since they are so popular and the season is so short.
Hawaii whale watching offers an incredible opportunity to get close with nature and can easily accommodate a large group or just the two of you.
03.25.09
Hawaii Sunrise Wedding
Since writing about sunset weddings, I’ve had several people contact me about having a Hawaii sunrise wedding.
Although they sound terribly romantic, they aren’t done very often… for several reasons.
- Many wedding planners and photographers don’t prefer to find their way to the site and set up in the dark.
- The sunrise can be very unpredictable for pictures. It can be cloudy or overcast and there are often showers in the morning. This makes it difficult for good photos.
- The temperature can often be chilly and windy at sunrise… not the usual Hawaii sun and warmth you would expect.
- With the sun angle, the sky and water can often be dark, not the beautiful blue that you would expect for your photos.
If you are set on a Hawaii sunrise wedding, it would be best with a small party. This way you can change the date easily if you aren’t happy with the weather on your scheduled day. Be sure to call around for a photographer first, it may be difficult to find one.
03.23.09
Road To Hana
The road to Hana is a wonderful day trip for either the two of you or a group. It is one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Full of waterfalls, orchid farms, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and majestic ocean views, there is something for everyone. The drive is a perfect time to rent a convertible. The sights will be even better with the top down.
Be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of water. There are many different trails to hike on (be sure to stay on the trails). The water will come in handy and there are many great places to have a picnic.
If you are traveling with a group, there are a couple ways to do it. You can rent a van if your group is small enough. Take turns driving and everyone will have a great time. If your group is large, you can go with a tour group. You won’t need to worry about driving and can have all of the scenery explained along the way.
The road to Hana is well worth the trip. If you are in Maui, this is one of the sights that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
