Catch me on NBC's show "I Do!"

A little advance notice here...the August 2nd episode of "I Do!" on NBC features me and The Knot's Anja Winnika talking about wedding etiquette...all the while sitting in front of the most amazing cupcakes I've ever seen. Yes, close to 4pm as I'm writing this, and I'm having a sugar crash, so perhaps that's why I'm thinking about those cupcakes right now. Check out the show at www.lxtv.com/ido, and look for your local NBC airing schedule to catch the program.

Great news for your feet!

Ooo, here's a great one for you...every bride wants to look her best from head to toe, and especially if you're planning to wear fabulous shoes on your wedding day, you want them to 1). Look great, 2). Be comfortable, and 3). Stay ON your feet for a long, long time so that you're not in agony halfway through your reception, kicking those designer shoes off.

Check this kit out:

Foot Petals...a world of sexy sole-utionz!” The Runaway Bride gift set gives you all (even spa socks!) that you need to achieve this once-impossible feat of comfortable and sexy style!
Style #RUN1006
The ultimate shoe solution bridal gift set includes:
· Killer Kushionz-shoe insoles, provide foot support
· Tip Toes-ball of foot cushions, stop feet from sliding
· Heavenly Heelz-heel cushions, keep feet secure in shoes
· Strappy Strips-thin strips, add comfort to any shoe
· *Sole Stopperz-non-slip, patch protects soles from wear
· Petal Plusheez-comfort your stressed out feet
· All products are one size, one pair per pack
· *Two pairs per pack

Find these at Bare Necessities, and get your feet ready for action...as well as the new trend photographers are practicing all over the country -- getting closeup shots of you wearing your amazing shoes!

Rachael Ray's new charity line of dogfood

In the 'Good to Know' category, Rachael Ray has expanded her line to include nutritious pet foods, and the profits go to animal charities! Since we have a lot of pet-parents among us (you'll love the link I'm about to share!), I thought I'd do my part to spread the word. Perhaps a bowl of Nutrish under your sweetheart table to feed your tux-wearing pooch? Find out more here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/25885558/, and check out the videos on the right. No, I'm not in them...just looking out for my brides and grooms who want to include their pets in their Big Days.

Have you had your juice today?

I love this site -- and its terrific newsletter -- for the latest on easy, healthy practices to incorporate into your life, nutrition reminders, their picks for the top fitness moves and products, and just general 'take care of you!' messages...which you really need now, during this time of stress and added activity that can deplete your energy levels. Visit them today, and sign up for that newsletter at http://www.vitaljuicedaily.com/.

Looking for a Calligrapher?

As I'm updating my book 1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding, I thought to expand my list of professional calligraphers, and I hit the jackpot when I found the Association for the Calligraphic Arts: http://www.acatemp.org/calligraphers.htm. Here are some possible leads for your own calligrapher search -- just be sure to ask about their specialties and see samples of their work!

Joe and I are just back from a *wonderful* weekend attending our cousins' post-destination-wedding reception. They did an amazing job planning, the details were perfection, and their deejay kept the dance floor packed. It was a great celebration, made all the better by my husband's brilliant idea that we spend a few days at the beach. (After the hell we've been through the past few weeks, we needed it!) We explored a neat boutique hotel in Spring Lake that I'll be reporting on soon, and found the most charming little breakfast spot. Now we're back and jumping right on our work...

Catch me on NBC News!

After a tough day, I needed a little boost, so it was a thrill to see my podcast "Here Come the Moms" featured on NBC News. Watch the video to find out some of the top, helpful wedding websites.

A cover with...connotation?

Many people ask me if I get to design the covers of my books. No, I leave that up to the talented designers at my publishing houses, and I've never been dissastisfied. Speaking of which...we're getting ready to release the 3rd edition of the very first book I ever wrote: 1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding. My editor Sarah Pelz just sent me the cover graphic for this edition, with a question about a certain phrase featured on the cover: "Over 150,000 satisfied brides." The design team mentioned that the term 'satisfied' had a certain...connotation, so we've decided to change the cover to "Over 150,000 happy brides." While finding ways to save money on wedding planning is always exciting, we don't want anyone thinking it's that satisfying. (Although it might be if you find a Vera Wang dress on sale for almost nothing!) ;)

Wanna win $500?

Sharing an announcement I received the other day...

Wedtro.com Creates the "I Did" It This Way Contest for Brides to Share their Best Planning Ideas.

People are still shamelessly interested in other people's business, and brides are people too. Wedtro.com wanted to create a forum for brides to share their most fabulous wedding planning ideas. The "I Did" It This Way video contest was born, with a reward of $500.00 going to the bride with the most inspirational idea.

Wedtro.com presents the "I Did" It This Way video contest for brides searching for inspiration while planning for their wedding. Brides will be asked to share their best planning ideas through videotape. The entries will feature an example of the idea itself or an explanation of the plan to be. This will allow brides the opportunity to scan other entries and get the inside scoop on what other brides are doing.The winner will be selected by the viewing public. The entrant with the most inspirational idea and highest number of votes will win $500.00. In today's economy, a chance at trimming a little off of the wedding budget is never a bad idea. The contest is currently underway and will run through August 14th, 2008. Visit www.Wedtro.com for contest details and submission instructions.