Bachelorette Parties- Idea #31: Austin, Texas

Austin is a cool town to visit (or live in!) no matter what the occasion; especially a bachelorette party. There's a new W Hotel that opened downtown in walking distance to everything: shopping, restaurants, music clubs and more. Its guestrooms are the usual mix of contemporary and streamlined furnishings:

The rooftop pool is the place to catch sun rays or cool down with a dip:

If you're looking for more unique digs, check out The Irons Austin, a boutique hotel that specializes in providing its guests with a "true, live like a local Austin experience." It's in great proximity to good eats and great boutiques on South Congress. Ask owner, Rusty Irons, to recommend her favorite go-to places, she's well connected and will always steer you in the right direction. Book early since The Irons fills up quick with rock stars and celebs.

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #30: Bridesmaids' Gifts

We recently stepped foot into a David's Bridal for the first time (full disclosure: it was for a press event) and we're impressed with what we saw. One of the things that struck us most was the selection of bridesmaids' gifts. These would also make festive bachelorette party favors—and they all cost less than a golden retriever puppy. A few of our favorite items:

Bridesmaid's rhinestone tanks

Pink camo flasks

Personalized cozys

Travel jewelry box

Bridesmaid's picture frame

Check out David's Bridal for the full selection.

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #29: New York's Gansevoort Meatpacking

For first timers to New York, one of the easiest ways to tackle the city is to stay at a chic boutique hotel where you can party, eat and sleep all in the same location. The Gansevoort Meatpacking offers all that and more.It features a rooftop pool bar, Provocateur night club, Tanuki Tavern for sushi and an on-site Exhale spa.

Sign up for the Gansevoort “Night Owl” package and you'll get:

• · Early check-in - 2pm


• Deluxe Room or Suite accommodations


• Pool access and a complimentary poolside beverage


• Complimentary in room 750ml bottle of Belvedere Vodka, Johnnie Walker Black, Bombay Sapphire or 375 ml Patron Tequila (one bottle per stay)


• Two VIP passes to La Pomme, Marquee, or Cielo


• Two VIP passes to Red Market, the city's premiere late-night salon, good for 25% off hair styling services.

Log onto HotelGansevoort.com for more info.

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #28: Waikiki Edition by Ian Schrager

Hawaii would be a long way to go for us Eastcoasters for a bachelorette party; but you lucky gals on the other side can hop over without too much trouble. Where would we go? Ian Schrager's newest venture with Marriott the Waikiki Edition. His latest brand will be spreading around the world; and this first "Edition" is a winner. The restaurants and bars are intimate and modern:

The views are TDF!

The rooms are fresh and clean:

Rates begin at only $195 per night with the Anniversary Offer!

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #27: Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, like Charleston, is a great town for women travelers. They both have great boutiques and restaurants and both are close to beautiful beaches. They also have convenient airports which make flying in for a short trip nice and easy.

We're planning a trip to Savannah in late September and chose the Bohemian Hotel on the riverfront. The Bohemian Hotel boasts Rocks on the River restaurant, Rocks on the Rooftop lounge and guests have access to its sister property, the Mansion on Forsyth Park, with a pool and the 700 Kitchen Cooking School. We'll drive to Tybee Island for a beach day as well.

Rates start at $269 per night.

Rafael Nadal's New Emporio Armani Ads

While the start of the U.S. Open may get rained out thanks to Irene, at least we have these sexy images of Rafael Nadal in the latest Emporio Arman ads to drool over in the meantime.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #26: Sedona, Arizona

If your bride is on the nervous side, take her to the serene Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ. It recently underwent an $11 million upgrade of the rooms including new furniture, linens and decor. For large groups, a full Hacienda with six Queen beds, full kitchen, living room, fireplace, and 3 outdoor patios, is ideal. To further calm her nerves, take your bride to the Mii amo destination spa and sign her up for the Anasazi Ubtan, a combo of a wrap and massage that is a traditional beautification ritual for brides in India.

Bachelorette parties should consider the Enchantment Resort Girlfriends Getaway Package that includes:

• Two nights at Enchantment Resort


• One breakfast entrée or breakfast buffet each morning, per person at Yavapai Restaurant, Mii amo Café or Room Service


• One 60-minute private group session once during stay, choose from yoga, tarot card reading, tennis clinic, or red rock hiking tour


• One 60-minute spa service per person, once during stay


• Welcome bottle of wine and cheese and fruit plate

For more info, log onto EnchantmenResort.com.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #25: Scavenger Hunt

A bachelortte party scavenger hunt gives your friends a mission and will help girls that don't know each other bond—not to mention you might just find yourself in a little bit of trouble. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Remember the JK wedding dance that turned into a YouTube sensation? Recreate the dance. In public. 


• Take a photo at a romantic spot in your city, like the top of Empire State building, or the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago.


• Find a t-shirt or other paraphernalia from the groom’s college.


• Ask a couple who has been married for 25+ years for advice.


• Find a penny from the year the groom was born.


• Bring back a pack of matches/cocktail napkin from the bar or restaurant where the bride and groom had their first date.


• Karaoke to “their song”.


• Crash a wedding that’s going on tonight. Bring back proof.

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #24: Hotel Jerome in Aspen

Use your bachelorette party as an excuse to ogle hot, sporty guys in Colorado. The “Blazing Adventure” packages offered at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen includes three nights of lodging at the historic hotel and your choice of adventure, ranging from the following:

• Blazing Trails-Sunset Dinner Tour-- includes a 4-wheel drive tour and dinner


• Blazing Paddles - ½ Day River Rafting Adventure


• Blazing Pedals- Downhill Bicycle Tours down Maroon Bells Wilderness or Ashcroft Ghost Town


• Blazing Trails- 4-Wheel Drive Backcountry and Scenic Excursions along the the Gold Hill Mine Route or the Elk Camp Wilderness Tour


• BlazingTrails- Wilderness Hiking Excursions--½ day guided wilderness hike

After your adventure, you can chill out at the hotel's famed J-Bar, which has been the place to have a drink for the past 100 years.

The package is offered through October 2, 2011. For more info, log onto HotelJerome.com.

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #23: Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

Just over an hour from Atlanta, the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is a great fit for the bachelorette who's looking for a laid-back but lux getaway. Located on Lake Oconee, The Lodge has a spa, an infinity pool, a bistro, a steakhouse, and a golf course for our sporty friends.

The Lodge’s Girlfriend’s Getaway includes:

Overnight accommodations in resort-view guestroom
American Breakfast for two in Georgia’s Bistro including tax and gratuity
$100 spa credit (one per room, single or double occupancy)
10% off additional spa treatment purchases
Complimentary Cosmo Cocktail (one per person, single or double occupancy)
One complimentary in-room movie with popcorn

Starting at $385 per night on weekdays and $465 per night on weekends. Valid through December 30, 2011.

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #22: Bachelorette Party Playlist

No bachelorette party is complete without a rocking playlist to set the mood. Play these tunes when you're getting dressed or shuttle around between bars. 

Hot in Here—Nelly
Single Ladies—Beyonce
Let’s Get It Started—Black Eyed Peas
Tik Tok-Ke$ha
Wannabe—Spice Girls
Only Girl (in the World)—Rihanna
Oops…I did it Again…Britney Spears
Waking Up in Vegas—Katy Perry
Like a Virgin—Madonna
For Once in My Life—Stevie Wonder
Telephone—Lady Gaga and Beyonce
I Do—Colbie Caillat
We Are Family—Sister Sledge

Review: Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour

Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour is a great new product for gals on the go. Whether it's before a big meeting or a night out with the girls, we need makeup that's easy to apply and long lasting. These cream shadows blend fabulously together using ones fingertip, and with 12 energizing colours the possibilities are endless.

My personal favorite is combining Bit O' Honey with Currant Affair for a shimmery smokey effect. The product leaves the eye lid with a soft and powdery finish. Also, knowing that the makeup I'm wearing on my face is good-for-the-skin (the shadows contain an antioxident rich blend of vitamin E, broccoli, blueberry, cucumber and spinach extracts) is an added bonus.

 Available at Clinique counters and Clinique.com for $19.50.

—Alison Greaney

This review is based on a free sample.

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #21: Lingerie Shower

Some brides have a separate lingerie shower; but we've been to bachelorette parties where we start off with some naughty gift giving.

This sexy little cowgirl nighty from Victoria Secret would be a fun way to "kick" it off ($78):

The groom will thank you later when he sees his bride in this naughty nicker thong by Fredericks of Hollywood ($16)

You can't go wrong with these cute "I do" thongs from Hanky Panky, especially if she's looking for something blue ($31):

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #20: Bachelorette Party Games

Photo courtesy of Jenn's Bachelorette Party

Whether you’re staying in for the night or pre-partying at home, these games will rev up the fun.

Carve the Cucumber
Forget toilet paper brides. In this game, you carve a cucumber to look like your S.O.’s member.

The Name Game
Breakout the name tags and give each other silly nicknames. One idea is to go with your “porn name”, the name of your childhood pet for your first name and the street your grew up on as your last.

Bridal Ban Game
Give everyone at the party 10 grains of rice. Every time someone says “bride” she loses a grain to the woman who called her out. At the end of the evening, the woman with the most grains of rice wins.

Bride and Groom Trivial Pursuit
Ask guests trivia questions about the bride and the groom. Some ideas: What’s the groom’s middle name? What’s the bride’s pet name for the groom? What color is their bedroom?

Wedding Mad Libs
Get a bunch of Mad Libs books. Only let respondents choose bridal themed answers (i.e. noun=gown, cake, reception; verb = dance, kiss).

I Never…
You probably haven’t played this game since college, but surprise: It’s more fun than ever! Get started with tamer items like: “I’ve never smooched in a foreign country” or “I never did a walk of shame” and let the fun build from there.

Bridezilla Boozing
DVR a Bridezilla marathon and drink every time the reality-TV bride throws a fit or cries.

Bedroom Advice
Anonymously write down your best bedroom advice—it can be anything from never go to bed angry to get monthly Brazilians. Have the bride guess who wrote each one.

Almost-Newlywed Game
In this spin on the Bob Eubanks’ classic game from the 70s, ask the groom questions that range from funny to intimate about the bride and their relationship before the bachelorette party. If you have a Flip or video camera, videotape his responses. If not, write them on poster board.
Sample questions: If the bride was stranded on a desert island, name the CD she couldn’t live without.
Where’s the craziest place you ever had whoopee?
What did the bride say when you first proposed to her?

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #19: Soho Beach House Miami

Soho Beach House, Miami from sohohouse on Vimeo.

We've already had our bachelorette parties; but if we could choose a place to go ourselves, it would be the new Soho Beach House Miami. We're fans of the Soho House in New York and getting into the members-only club in Miami is no easier. Fortunately, guests of the hotel have access to the private lounges and the pool and beach clubs.

The rooms are decorated with comfort and style and are very unique, like the rooms at their properties in NY, LA, London and Berlin. While we're there, we'd get treatments at the Cowshed spa and have dinner at Cecconi's.

Hotel rates begin at $400. Visit www.sohobeachhouse.com for more information.

Past Tense Emo

Found this picture of a girl who was a very cute emo, but apparently not so any more according to her tumblr.

http://digital-urn.tumblr.com/

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #18: Vegas Review

Our girlfriend, Shelly, just returned from her bachelorette party in Vegas and was a good sport sharing her experience. We only wish we'd been there for the fun!

Why did you pick Vegas? Fav place to people watch by the pool and know you will be eating at a fabulous restaurant and have many types of entertainment venues to choose from in the evening (from dance clubs, to irish pubs, to more formal shows if that’s your thing..oh yeah, and the shopping….you can’t beat the shopping!).

Why did you pick the Venetian? Love the suites concept especially for girls sharing rooms, lots of room and phenomenal service. The pool is adjacent to the Tao beach club pool so you can watch the crowd without actually going INTO the crowd if you’re not in the mood for an over-crowded overly warm pool environment (ick).

How would you rate your stay there? A 10, we all got spa services compliments of my groom so given that Canyon Ranch is the largest spa in the U.S. we definitely enjoyed taking advantage of it!

What was the most fun, best restaurant, club, pool etc on your trip? I have to say the cucumber vodka shots at the sushi restaurant (Yellowtail at the Bellagio) we hit on Friday night were the best shots I’ve ever had. Best food was at Lavo, loved the Kobe Beef meatball appetizer that I had as my meal which was PLENTY of food! 

Was there a funniest moment? Too many to count, one of my favs was the guy talking to us in the pool who was wearing his leather flip flops in the pool that kept coming off and every time he popped out of the water he asked “so, where are you girls from??”…about 30 times.

Any other advice? Don’t take the limo service with “Johnny” in his souped up Escalade, he drives crazy fast and talks 800 miles a minute about the dregs of Vegas society and frankly , none of us really need to know that much about the seedy side of Vegas…keep it light!


Thanks Shelly! We also love the Venetian and its sister property, the Palazzo. Join their "Grazie" network to receive special offers on hotel stays. Currently, they're offering an end of summer special to Grazie members with suites for $129 per night with a $20 dining credit and 2 for 1 cocktails at the Fusion lounge.

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #17: Ritz Carlton in Grande Lakes, Orlando

Photo courtesy of CustomInk.com

If your bride is a Disney fan and wants to hit Orlando, do it up right and stay at the Ritz Carlton in Grande Lakes. The hotel is about 20 minutes away from Disney World and offers all the luxury you've come to associate with the Ritz Carlton name.

For a special treat, sign up for the Spa Diva Ritual Package, which includes: 

* Girlfriends' Martini, Manicure and Pedicure
* The Ritz-Carlton Signature Customized Massage
* The Ritz-Carlton Signature Tailored Facial
* A spa lunch in Vitale ($30 lunch credit per person)


For more information, log onto RitzCarlton.com.

Girl Tattoos

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The Jet Set Girls on Pulse Network

JSG's Annie was recently a guest on the Pulse Network chatting about her favorite packing tips. Watch the video and let us know what you think!

Travel Tuesday Links

The courtyard of the Mandarin Oriental Paris

Move over Georges V. Our new dream hotel in Paris is the brand-spanking-new Mandarin Oriental (Travel and Leisure)

It won't help get your luggage back, but at least you can find out why it went missing. Find out the most common reasons airlines lose luggage. (Budget Travel)

A new website celebrates all those tacky tourist photos. (USA Today)

Anyone who has ever been—or plans to go—to the Mondrian in South Beach will want to read this story. (Hotel Chatter)

Get tips on how to make your hotel room healthier. (Today Show)

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #16: Bahamian Shark Adventure

What bachelorette could be nervous for her nuptials if she survived a shark encounter?

The Sheraton Nassau Beach and Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas are offering a shark adventure for guests who stay either three or five nights. A three night stay includes one two-tank shark dive for two people and a five night stay includes two two-tank shark dives. The experience include a free swim where divers swim along a wall with sharks following them. The second is a feeding dive where divers kneel in a semi-circle around a professional shark feeder. The sharks swim around the divers interested in the bait and not the divers- let's hope!

The Sheraton Nassau Beach sits on seven acres with one thousand feet of beach frontage, has three large pools with waterfalls and a swim-up bar (that you'll certainly visit after your shark encounter), and is 15 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport.

To book the Shark Dive Adventure Package visit www.sheratonnassau.com/swimming-with-sharks, or call 866-716-8106 and mention rate plan ‘DIVE3’ for the 3 night package or rate plan ‘DIVE5’for the 5 night package. Travelers must be a certified divers.

How to Pack for a Yoga Retreat

Today's guest post comes to us from Rebecca O'Brien, a yoga retreat veteran. That's her on a yoga retreat last summer--she's third from the right.

Packing for any trip can be an agonizing task. You’re there the night before you leave trying to anticipate day and night clothing scenarios, climate, if you’re going to need shoes for walking or dancing, and even how to squeeze in a workout - but packing for a yoga retreat is a whole other process! I discovered this last year when I attended the Ki Power Vinyasa yoga retreat with Isauro Fernandez in Rioja, Spain. I’m a pretty easy going packer with a tendency to pack more than I need (only to end up wearing the same three outfits!) – I realized I could not allow myself that luxury or the idea that I’ll bring those fun few pieces to experiment with a new look. Oh no, I had to factor in yoga pants, sports bras, yoga tops as well as casual clothing for touring vineyards throughout Rioja and dresses for evening dinners. Not to mention squeezing in my yoga mat – which was not as portable as I had imagined!

In the end, I was pleased to discover that by factoring in so many of these workout outfits – I was forced to only pack what I knew I would wear and also suck it up and accept I may end up having to repeat an outfit (gasp!). With extra luggage fees even on overseas flights I wasn’t going to spend more to bring an extra bag just so I could be the yoga fashionista! Therefore I ended up with the following:

• 5 yoga pants and tops
• Comfortable day dresses for touring around the area
• One cardigan in case it was chilly on the bus or in the wineries
• Two fancier frocks for the welcome and farewell dinner
• Two pairs of flat sandals for easy walking and only one pair of nice heels (the hardest thing to do!)
• Bathing suit
• Nightgown and robe
• A pair of jeans and two t-shirts
• And of course my yoga mat!

For this year’s Ki Power Vinyasa yoga retreat to Penedes, Spain – I will most likely follow the same formula, adding few more bathing suits since this retreat is near the beach on the Costa Dorada. And, maybe, just maybe, I’ll sneak one more pair of heels into my boyfriend’s bag without him knowing…don’t tell!

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #15: San Diego

Today's bachelorette party guest post is from our friend Nancy who recently went on a bachelorette party in San Diego from Chicago.

Who is getting married? 

One of my best friends from college! We were in the same sorority.

Why did you pick San Diego for your destination?

The bride moved to San Diego (from Chicago) about 2 years ago with her fiancé and she’s been there ever since. We thought it was about time to make a visit to the West coast for some fun and sun.

Why did you pick your hotel?

One of our friends works for Hyatt and hooked us up with a great deal! We wanted to be downtown, close to bars/restaurants of the Gas Lamp district in San Diego. We were upgraded to suites complete with kitchens, living rooms and a giant dining room table – big rooms are a MUST for a bachelorette party. Girls need their space!

Here was the view from our room:

What did you like the most about the Bachelorette Party?

Since college, a lot of our gal pals have moved to different cities. Because we were all together, we decided to do the bridal shower and bachelorette party on the same weekend. The bride’s sister-in-law (who lives in San Diego) planned an AMAZING bridal shower at a swanky rooftop bar called LOUNGEsix. We had our own cabanas and the food was excellent – especially the shrimp ceviche – and of course we had pitcher after pitcher of this delicious cocktail with lemon/lavender flavors! The crowd was great and very receptive to our bride-to-be as we adorned her with her the classic bachelorette sash, veil and a bouquet of lollipops which she sold for cash! She worked the group and ended up scoring roughly $100 – who doesn’t love a woman getting married?!

What surprised you the most about the destination?

San Diego is so laid back and might I add – gorgeous!! Surfers were running around the streets barefoot with surfboards tucked under their arms and nobody had a care in the world. It was such a great and friendly atmosphere.

Funniest moment?

One of the bridesmaids is one of my dear friends and very creative. She stenciled out about 20 different shapes and put them on sticks (below) including lips, glasses, halos, etc. Each of us had our own for the night and we made up a game: whenever you put on the costume accessory, you had to speak with a British accent – quite fun!

What didn't you like about it?

It was too short! I wish I could have stayed a week.

Any advice for ladies planning a bachelorette party to San Diego?

Make as many activities as possible outside and/or on the beach. The weather is amazing and you can’t help but want to be outside every waking minute! If you didn’t party too hard the night before, go for a hike – there are some great trails along the beaches - the views are breathtaking.

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #14: Invitations

While there's certainly nothing wrong with a Facebook invitation, sending a sexy or pretty invite will get the other girls more excited for the bachelorette party you're throwing. Here are a few festive options:

If you're super-organized and have enough time to order paper invites, Tiny Prints has some cute choices, including this suggestively naughty plume.

For the sophisticated bride, this handbag from PaperlessPost is a chic option:

Headed to the beach for your bachelorette? This glamorous bikini shot, also from Paperless Post, will get the guests excited.

And don't forget about good, ol' Evite. This lace trimmed invite is made for a lingerie shower.

If you are planning a destination bachelorette party (and we hope you are!), consider using a site like TripIt to help keep track of everyone's flights, contact info and the hotel deets.

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #13: XV Beacon in Boston

Our New England readers will love this one: one of Boston's chicest hotels, XV Beacon, is offering the The Spoil Me Silly Package. It includes body bronzing, manicure and pedicure, chilled champagne and late check-out. When you're done getting pampered and ready to show off the final product, head up to the hotel's rooftop lounge area. There's even a hot tub up there if you're feeling naughty.

 One of our favorite things about the 62-room hotel is guests are chauffeured around in a Lexus Sedan—all complimentary. For more info, log on to XVBeacon.com.