2012 Top Honeymoon Destinations – #7

Black sand beaches. Mountain backdrop. Romance. Water Sports. Shopping. Spas. Fine Dining. True island living.

7. Tahiti

Created as the result of volcanic activity, Tahiti is the largest and highest island in French Polynesia. Known for its black sand beaches and striking mountainous landscape, Tahiti can be your honeymoon of serene relaxation or divine exploration. Rent a bungalow situated directly over the water and spend your week wrapped up in romance, or explore the waterfront and Le Marche in search of local treasures. Be sure to reserve a day for the coveted circle-island tour, a 71 mile route around the island!

Things To Do while in Tahiti:

1. Snorkeling – Enjoy snorkeling in a beautiful site and dive down below the ocean’s surface in the warm current, where you can see schools of colorful fish nibbling on the coral reef. Watch hundreds of silvery needlefish asthey dart about in perfect sparkling unison.
2. Scuba Diving  – Tahiti has a variety of sites for all levels of divers and is a good place to get certified. There are a variety of dive sites in Tahiti, with subjects ranging from wrecks to sharks. The Aquarium is where one goes to feed fish by hand. Fish come in such abundance that it is sometimes difficult to see a few yards ahead.
3. Catamaran Cruise – The popularity of bare boat charters in Tahiti has grown tremendously over the last five years. See the island from an entirely different angle. Literally.
4. Mountain Safari by Quad – Crossing Tahiti via the Papenoo valley. The interior of the island can be crossed on a trail that follows the large valley, rich in archaeological sites and spectacular views of impressive waterfalls, river crossings, and pure mountain streams. You can also go over to Mount Marau for a half- or full-day trip in the luxurious tropical forest.
5. Surfing – The north coast offers good surfing, where there are both beach breaks and reef breaks. The best time to surf is actually in the winter, where there are big waves caused from storms in Antarctica and New Zealand. The southern coast of the island has the most breaks, with the exception of the Papara waves. Some of the popular reef breaks are: Taapuna pass (PK 10), Paea (PK 14,5) , Papara ( PK 36).
6. Deep Sea Fishing – Deep-sea fishing is a very popular recreational activity for visitors to French Polynesia. Game fish include marlin, yellow fin tuna, sailfish, swordfish, mahi mahi, barracuda and other pelagic fish.
7. Hiking – Climbing Mount Aorai (2,066 m.) is a very pleasant walk and can be done without a guide. There are many professionals offering different levels of hikes and mountain climbing of 1-4 day circuits.
8. Explore the Three Waterfalls of Fa’arumai – Leave the circle island road at PK 22 in Tiarei to reach these three waterfalls in the valley. The Viamahuta waterfall is 90 m. (295 ft.) high and is easily reached by walking across a bridge and following a well-defined path under a cool canopy of trees. The other two cascades require more effort and time. This is a “must” stop for most visitors to Tahiti and is worth the effort.

When to Go:

Tahiti’s peak season is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is dry. Temperatures  average 75 degrees during the day. In June, the largest cultural festival in the country, Heiva i Tahiti, takes place in Papeete’s To’ata Square. Expect music, dance, arts, and other pageantry. Almost every weekend in summer brings a sporting event, be it world-class surfing, a sailing regatta, an Ironman competition, or outrigger canoe races. A favorite among islanders is the Tahiti Traditional Sports Championship in mid-June, when contestants climb coconut trees and lift heavy boulders.
September and October are delightful months on the island. The July and August crowds are gone, yet you still have the same dry weather. Be on the lookout for Mahana Pae, a traditional dance show performed at Place Vaiete in Papeete throughout the month of September. A number of handicraft shows that feature local artisans dot the town this time of year.
As the calendar hits November, the humidity rises and the rainy season begins, lasting through April. This being the tropics, the rain is usually a torrential downpour that moves out quickly, with sunshine returning again. Be aware that a cyclone might threaten the island in the months of January, February, and March.

How to Save Money on your Honeymoon:

• Off Season:Pick a travel time to visit the French Polynesia islands when it is off season. For Tahiti bungalow rentals, consider traveling at another time besides in the months of June through October. June through October is the island’s high season for tourists and rentals of Tahiti bungalows. The weather generally is always beautiful on the islands.

• See Different Parts of Tahiti: Save money on Tahiti bungalows by splitting your vacation stay up. Consider staying half of your time in Tahiti bungalows and the other half in a regular hotel. Tahiti bungalows average anywhere from $200 – $400 per person a night and are 30% more in cost than hotel rooms.

• Plan Ahead: Schedule your stay in Tahiti bungalows at least 6 months in advance. You might be able to save costs by booking early. The more time that is closer to your travel departure, the more you will end up paying. Also, by scheduling to rent your Tahiti bungalows early, you will be able to request and receive better amenities such as asking for hut that has a glass floor for viewing oceanic wildlife, satellite television, and choosing a secluded hut that is on the end away from other tourists.

• Research, Research, Research: Research your options for staying in Tahiti bungalows. Different resorts, when you travel to Tahiti, offer different amenities such as a canoe breakfast. When you stay in The Manini Pearl Resort Tahiti bungalows, servers paddle your breakfast out to you. Luxurious baths in your Tahiti bungalows are included at Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. Some even offer private balconies off of the huts which may be cheaper than another resort.

2012 Top Honeymoon Destinations – #9

Wilderness. Safari. Mystery. Adventure. Nature. Romance. Seclusion.

9. Africa

Combining a beach and safari adventure. Imagine waking up to a herd of giraffes walking past your window. Explore the wilderness by safari. Discover Africa’s wine country by horse. Bask on the beaches of Zimbabwe. See where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet in Cape Town. Walk on the white sand beaches along the turquoise water of Benguerra Island. An African Honeymoon has much to offer.

Honeymoon Destination: Africa

Some top things to do while in Africa:

1. Go on Safari – see the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopard, rhino & Cape buffalo) – check out safari’s in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia
2. Beach Relaxation – there are several beautiful beach options. We suggest checking out Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Azura Benguerra Island, or even Lake Malawe.
3. Mountain Hiking – Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, the Atlas Mountains or even South Luangwa National Park along south Africa’s Wild Coast.
4. Be Adventurous – As the extreme adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls offers you the opportunity to bungee off a bridge, swim up to the edge of the world’s largest waterfall, whitewater raft down some of the wildest rapids & see a pod of hippos and crocs living in the Zambezi river. Or, try sand-boarding in the Sahara desert.

Azura Benguerra Island

2012 Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations Countdown

Planning a wedding comes with planning your honeymoon. The relaxing, fun part. It allows you to wind down after the planning madness. To just be. As a couple. To celebrate the vows and commitment you just shared. To have an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

For the next 10 days, we will give you our top 10 ideas to get your mind started. Remember: BOOK EARLY – a lot of these places book fast!

10. Croatia

Plitvice Lake, Croatia

Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in Europe, but the booming tourist industry was interrupted by war in the early 1990s. Now, tourists are rushing back to enjoy the country’s long stretch of Adriatic coast.

With a cultural history that is sure to wow, rich in natural beauty, mountains, beaches, lighthouses, and a diverse cuisine, Croatia will fit most’s likes, wants & needs when it comes to a honeymoon destination. Enjoy the crystal blue sea, the climate, historic towns and unspoiled nature.

Top Beaches in Croatia:

1. Lumbarda – Sand
2. Bol – Water sports
3. Novalja – Party
4. Crikvenica – Family
5. Baška voda – Pebble

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. See the glowing blue sea inside the Blue cave on the island of Biševo near Vis.
2. Spend the night in an Empress Sissi style accommodation in Opatija and feel like royalty.
3. Play Picigin with the friendly locals on the Bacvice beach in Split.
4. Listen to the unique and only sea musical instrument in the world – the sea organs in Zadar.
5. Taste delicious meals prepared under a coal covered pot in the restaurant Lička kuća at the Plitvice National park.

Pinterest Addiction

Addiction. Obsession. You just want to take one more look. Pin one more item. The newest time-stealer has arrived. And we are totally hooked. Yes, that’s right – PINTEREST. It is the most fantastic website that exists. It consumes all time, yet has the most incredible ideas. Ever. Follow us at: http://www.pinterest.com/simplymoxie Here are some […]

Shoes

My name is Karen and I love shoes. It’s true. I am a woman. I do have a serious love, no passion, ok obsession with shoes. So creating this post is one of my favorites. And there may be more to come.

When shopping for wedding shoes, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind:

Comfort – probably the biggest factor. You’re wearing them all night.

Height – it’s up to you how tall you want to be in your pictures but it’s something to keep in mind.

A Change – you may want to consider putting on your dancing shoes after the wedding and for the rehearsal.

Colors – remember to make sure the shoes match exactly. Too many shades of one color can definitely be a bad thing.

Style – definitely keep your every day style in mind – it helps make your day about who you guys are as a couple.

With all those factors in mind, here are some things that I’ve found that I love!

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Valentine Deliciousness!!

So, Valentine’s Day is on it’s way. Less than a week. Trust us, life gets busy. Things get forgotten prioritized. Especially in the gifts department.

Do something different for your love. More thoughtful than a box of chocolates.

We have the perfect solution for you. If you have not heard of The Cookie Chew (on the Vendors We Love page), you absolutely NEED to check them out.

Cookies & Cream Truffies Photo Credit: The Cookie Chew

Red Velvet Stuffed Cookie Photo Credit: The Cookie Chew

Amazing.
Delicious.
Gooey.
Delectable.
One-of-a-Kind.
Incredible.

Just a few of the immediate words that come to mind when thinking about these insanely fantastic little treats.

Don’t take our word for it. Check them out on your own. You will be just short of heaven. The best part? You can order them for any kind of event, party, corporate treat, showers, favors, bridal party gifts, birthdays, etc.

Valentines Day Package - Photo Credit: The Cookie Chew

DIY Seating Chart Ideas

Along with the DIY Escort Card ideas post, I thought it would only be appropriate to throw out some seating chart ideas as well. Check them out, mold them to your theme, and send us pics on what you decide to do!

1. Rustic Seating Chart
Loving this adorable and totally rustic seating chart. This would be perfect for an outdoor wedding or a rustic, earthy themed wedding.

Photo Credit: LadieJ37

2. Window Pane Seating Chart
Again, completely easy to make and super cheap, especially if you can find an old window pane!

Photo Credit: WeddingBee

3. Chalkboard Seating Chart
Love this and it would be so so easy! You could buy a piece of plywood, they now sell chalkboard paint and make your own from scratch!

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

4. French Inspired Board with frames
This would be totally easy and totally fun to make!

Photo Credit: The LANE

 

*Now Offering* Custom Coasters!

How Simply Adorable are these custom coasters? These were made as an anniversary present and a birthday present! And now they can be yours too!

For just $19.99, you can have a set of four of your very own customized photo coasters, too!
Or, if you want them in bulk (say for favors for your guests or for bridal party gifts), I will offer you a bulk discount of $17.99 for orders of 20+ sets.

Don’t want a picture & just want plain colored coasters? They’re yours for $17.99 with a bulk discount at $15.99 for 20+ sets.

Just send me an email at simplymoxie@gmail.com with the following:

• Colors/specific pattern you want
• 4 Photos for the coaster
• If you want them uniform or different (different pictures or all the same pattern)
• How many sets you need

Questions? Just contact me!

DIY Escort Cards & Board Ideas

When your guests first walk into your reception, the first thing they’re going to look for are where their table is. If you are not doing pre-arranged tables, we suggest making some type of sign telling your guests they can seat themselves wherever they’d like.

Here are some fantastic ideas we found to direct your guests to their seat for the fun!

1. DIY Chicken Wire Seating Chart

Photo Credit: Scissors and Spatulas blog

Scissors & Spatula’s blog has created this SimplyAdorable DIY Chicken Wire Memo Boards. Pair this with some DIY painted or fabric clothespins and you’ve got yourself an adorable place to hang your escort cards!

2. Rustic DIY Escort Card Holder

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

Loving the rustic, vintage look of this awesome escort card holder. The cards on the tower are fantastic too!

3. DIY Wine Cork Escort Card Holders

Photo Credit: Lollipops & Paper

This is quickly becoming THE thing to do for weddings! And they’re adorable, yet somewhat difficult to make. Check out the instructions and try your own!

4. Escort Stones

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

Instead of paper, just pick up some river stones and either write or paint names & table numbers on them! So easy & free as long as you live near some water!

5. DIY Flower & Moss Escort Cards

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Ann Designs

Loving the look that Elizabeth Ann Designs put together to make this!

6. DIY Starfish Escort/Place Cards

Photo Credit: Newport Nuptials

These would be a perfect fit for a nautical or beach-themed wedding. **Just a note, they do sell plastic ones which we would highly recommend. Starfish otherwise were living animals at one point, but there are plenty of places to find the plastic kind!**

7. DIY Butterfly Place Cards

Photo Credit: Princess Panda

Princess Panda takes you step by step in how to make these adorable little escort cards/place cards.

8. DIY Lemonade Escort Cards

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

Martha comes through once again with these delish escort cards!

9. DIY Ribbon on Bamboo Poles

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

This would be so incredibly perfect for an outdoor, summer wedding!

 

DIY Table Numbers

Going along with the centerpiece posts the last couple days, I thought I would also share how I made my own table numbers. On a budget. They were fun. Festive. Easy to make. Easy on the budget. And I was able to include a lot of people in them.

I found these fantastic frames at Ikea. Again, we had 20 tables, so I got 20 of them. I think they were $1. Each. Fantastic. And, the reason I liked them a little more? They have 2 sides on them. So, rather than the regular frame that only faces half the table, I was able to include 2 pictures per table.

What you need to make each table number:

• (1) 4″x6″ frame
• (1) 4″x6″ colored paper (pink in picture)
• (2) 2″x3″ other colored paper (brown in picture)
• (2) 2″x3″ picture
• (2) 1.5″x2.5″ Table # printed on paper
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Double stick tape

I also chose to use a paper cutter since it turns out a lot neater looking with straighter edges than using a scissor. And you only need 1 sheet of 4″x6″ colored paper (pink in photo) since you see it on both sides.

Cut out the picture of your choice a little smaller than the width of the paper. I chose 2″x3″. Cut the other colored piece of paper (brown in photo) the same exact size.

I used Microsoft Word to type out the table numbers. You can see the size of your lettering on the ruler toolbar on the left to see how big it will be when you cut it out. Once you get the sizing right, you can print all of them at once. Remember, you need 2 of each Table Number since the frame is double sided.

Cut the Table Number a little smaller than the second color sheet of paper (brown in photo). I chose 1.5″ by 2.5″.

Use double stick tape on the back of the table number piece. Center it on the small colored piece of paper (brown).

Visualize an imaginary line that goes down the center of your colored (pink) 4″x6″ piece of paper. Use double stick tape on the back of the small colored paper (brown) with the table number on it and center it on the bottom half of the larger piece (pink) paper.

Use double stick tape on the back of the photo and attach it to the center of the top half of the colored (pink) 4″x6″ piece of paper.

Do the same thing on the back side of the large (pink) piece of paper and insert the entire thing into the frame. And there you have it! An easy, cheap budget-friendly, yet classy looking table number!! You could also choose to spray paint the frame if you’d like. It comes as white and that’s the way I left it.