Brit's got the Golden Ticket, and so could you! (Photo Courtesy of thehollywoodgossip.com)
I don’t even care how big of a nerd my sheer and utter excitement for the following news makes me… because the minute my friend (holllllerrr, Linds!) told me about this new contest, I was instantaneously stoked! And we’re not talking semi / half-way-there stoked. We’re talking full on, LA luvin’, surfboard floppin’, missing member of Laguna Beach stoked! (Haha, who remembers how many times that ‘cast’ said it?? Classic.)
Anyhoot… according to reports from USA Today, the Nestle-owned Wonka candy brand is bringing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life and resurrecting real life ‘Golden Tickets!!!!’… Pause for effect… Can you even believs it!?!? Talk about the world’s biggest OMG evs! We all have the chance to frolic about with our grandpas singing, “We’ve got the golden ticket! (Ho!) We’ve got the golden tiiiiiiicket!”
Now, before you start to ask what any of my girlish excitement and Wonka bars have to do with adult weddings and dieting brides, I should probably inform you all of the prizes. Ten grand prize, Golden Ticket winners will really feel blessed when they (+3 of their nearest and dearest) receive a trip around the world, including $12,500 spending money!!! I mean, seriously, make the +3 a +1 and talk about the honeymoon of a lifetime… not to mention the story of a lifetime…
“Where did you go on your honeymoon?”
“Oh you know.” (shrugs soldiers) “Anywhere this bad boy… (whips out golden ticket from back pocket) could take me!”
(Flabbergasted)
“Which basically means a trip around the world… boo yeah!”
Yep, sounds like perfection. So, who cares if you have to gain a couple pounds in chocolate to gain the honeymoon of a lifetime?? In the end – as long as you win, that is – it would TOTALLY be worth it! Heck, even if you don’t win, you’re still eating chocolate; so, technically, it’s a win/win all around!
March 5, 2010
I’m baaaaaack! And there’s no need to say it… I know you missed me – hehe! The honeymoon – or as I have officially dubbed it: the honeyswoon – was AHHH to the MAAAZING! The Mister and I had the most fabulous time and would like to applaud not only the entire island of Aruba but the wonderful people who make it such a magical place. After a week in paradise, it was clear that the enchantment of the island was a direct relection of the people call it home. They made it very easy to make each day the BEST day of our vacation, and for that I would like to respectfully extend a nod of my head, tip of my hat and one big standing ovation in your direction.
We stayed at the Aruba Marriott Resort and spent the majority of our days lounging about soaking up the sun, sucking down the “Aruba Aribas” and straight BLASTIN! Below are some of my favorite honeymoon pics! And be on the lookout for Friday’s post… where I will feature photos from our favorite night out on a little extravaganza known as the Kukoo Kunuku!
Just our view everyday... rough, I know!
Yep, that's the water.
Pretty lights inside the casino!
Just hanging out with iguanas... we named this one Antonio, for his studly nature.
I mean really?? The WATER!
I mean really?? The VIEW!!
Purrrty flowers :)
And last, but certainly not least… my favorite picture from the trip… Tan Man doing his best impression of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model – haha!
Tanner doing "the Tyra!"
December 14, 2009
The difference between extraordinary honeymoon hotels and ordinary newlywed nights is the little “extra” that goes along with it. Separating the ho-hum fun from the down right fabulous, over the top hotel suites are sure to give “I do” swooners memories for a lifetime… or – in some cases, as luck would have it –, debt for a lifetime. Below is a list of the most jaw-dropping, eye-popping, wallet squeezing honeymoon resorts found around the world… and I think, the Mister and me more than likely have a shot at fancying ourselves in about all of them… well, if love were money and the receptionist excepted payment in hugs.
The Westin Excelsior’s Villa Cupola (Rome, Italy): Valued as the most expensive hotel suite in the world, this pricey $29,000 (and change)/night palace gives its guest the full-on royal treatment. With the ability to present a list of “pre-arrival” preferences, freshly married folks are made to feel like celeb-utante’s. Even though the regal room is already adorned with authentic Italian frescoes, stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings, every guest has the opportunity to fill the Villa Cupola with their favorite flowers, cigars and amenities. Not to mention, the spoil splurging stay includes a private, welcome massage, a fully stocked kitchen with over 150 of the finest wines, a clandestine library, a Jacuzzi bedecked fitness and spa center and elusive cinema, complete with surround sound. *After thought: Fine, fine. We’ll do one - haha!
Honeymoolah 1: The Westin Escelsior's Villa Cupola
Atlantis Paradise Hotel’s Bridge Suite (Bahamas): Newlyweds will easily be able to hob knob with the best of ‘em after staying in this über lavish, fit for the rich and famous suite. Soaring above the competition, the crown jewel of the Atlantis is suspended between its two Royal Towers and has housed some of the world’s most recognizably wealthy clientele, such as Bill Gates and Oprah. For a staggering $25,000/night, a couples’ eyes will be open to a luxurious ten room suite, featuring marble floors, a 22-karat gold chandelier, an ivory tickling grand piano in the 1,250-square foot living room, an 800 foot terrace overlooking the island and a ten foot, four poster bed. *After thought: if Oprah is planning on putting a stay at this ditty on her infamous “Favorite Things” episode, my booty better be seated in the crowd!
- Honeymoolah 2: Atlantis Paradise Hotel’s Bridge Suite
The InterContinental’s Terrace Suite (Hong Kong, China): As stated in its title, this glorious suite is all about its incredibly effervescent, state of the art veranda, and for a meager $14,139/night, the InterContinental will gladly open its doors to honeymooners everywhere. Fashioned with plush cushions for comfort, scented candles for ambiance, rose petals for whimsy and mosquito netting for calming convenience, this honeymoon hideaway’s balcony is truly a force to be reckoned with. Putting even Romeo to shame, the Terrace Suite makes sleeping under the stars and Jacuzzi’ing by moonlight a simple credit card charge away. After couples are welcomed with a bottle Dom Pérignon, they can easily toast to all the amenities they’ll receive, such as Rolls Royce transportation, 24/hour butler service, private spa treatments, yoga and tai chi classes, “Romance” baths and privately catered meals fit for a king. *After thought: Do you think they have gift registry available? Hehe.
Honeymoolah 3: The InterContinental’s Terrace Suite
Eagle Island Camp’s Private Suites (Okavango Delta, Botswana): Couples looking for a little more bang for their buck will delight in the unmistakable atmosphere of Eagle Island’s Private Suites. The most cost conscious choice on the list ($2,010/night), these adventure driven abodes will provide all the excitement of a safari within the confines of luminescent luxury. Featuring outdoor plunge pools, copper tubs and showers, each sensationally secluded suite offers an enormous viewing at the heart of the Delta, giving honeymooners the up close and personal chance to catch a glimpse of the island’s inhabitants: hippos, crocodiles and elephants. (Oh my!) Not to mention, every honeymooning couple who reserves a suite also reserves the right to observe a game viewing with an experienced guide. *After thought: I’m hoping for all the other guests’ sake that the “outdoor” showers have “indoor” privacy… because let’s be honest, no one ELSE really wants to see that.
Honeymoolah 4: Eagle Island Camp’s Private Suites
Parrot Cay’s Sanctuary Villa (Turks and Caicos): Donna Karan didn’t scrimp when she collaborated on the design of this straight out of a fantasy novel, secluded sanctuary. In fact, it is easy to say she splurged. For a breezy $20,000/night the Sanctuary Villa is one of the most costly honeymoon suites, and for good reason. Privately stationed – a five minute car ride away from its parent resort – this two bedroom, Balinese bungalow features voluminous day beds, teak chic furniture and a swoon worthy 360 degree view of the island, as well as private beach access, an infinity pool and an on call personal chef and two butlers. *After thought: Dear Donna, of course we’d love to stay with you! Thanks so much for asking! Love always, M & T.
Honeymoolah 5: Parrot Cay’s Sanctuary Villa
The Palm’s Sky Villa 2 (Las Vegas, Nevada): Playboy Bunny approved, this over-the-top, $25,000/night hotel suite takes sexy to the extreme. With its virtually floating, cantilevered terrace, the Sky Villa 2’s veranda features a full sized Jacuzzi with an unmistakable view of the Vegas strip, complemented by all sorts of atmosphere, and that is just the outside! The lap of luxury continues indoors with three bedrooms – the largest of which spotlights a rotating bed – media room, private fitness center and a personal butler. And what Vegas spectacle wouldn’t be complete without its very own poker table? That’s right; this ostentatious honeymoon bungalow even has its own private gambling area. Come on, big winner! *After Thought: Why is everytime I look at pictures of this place the Fossi number “Hey BIG SPENDER!” goes through my head?
Honeymoolah 6: The Palm’s Sky Villa 2
September 14, 2009
