Mandy lives with her husband and new daughter in Washington where she’s a teacher. She says, “One of our favorite things to do as a family is to take vacations. Some of them are more extravagant and others are just to get away.” They count Lake Tahoe and the Grand Canyon as a few of their favorites.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week – some of you numerous times! We’ve got another book giveaway coming up in the near future, so please keep checking back. And keep leaving your great comments. It makes my day to hear from all of you!

She told us she and her fiance are thinking about a honeymoon destination in Italy after their October 2010 wedding. Congrats!

You’ve got another chance to win a great book. Comment on any post this week and you’ve got another entry to snag a copy of Once in a Lifetime Trips.

WOW! What an absolute blast we had at Wedding Crashers this weekend! It was so much fun to meet all the engaged couples – many of whom had only been official for a few weeks – and hear about the trips they’re planning. From beer tours in Belgium to local honeymoons in the Berkshires, from popular destinations like Italy and Hawaii to unusual spots like Antarctica (or real!) these love birds are planning some awesome travel adventures. I hope many of them will share their trips with us over the next year.

I also loved meeting some the other fantastic vendors at the show. Elena from Melangerie was incredibly kind – and everyone was gaga over the gift bags they made! Megan from Hello Super 8 and the guys from 3 photographers were lovely, as was their work. I was so happy to meet the Sesame Letterpress folks (I’ve been a fan for years) and got to sample the delicious goodies of Nine Cakes. Lori of IndieBride was awesome as well.

I was most excited to get the opportunity to chat with Vané Broussard of Brooklyn Bride. Many thanks to Nicole Davis of Brooklyn Based for including us in this amazing event.

To our regular readers and new friends, stay tuned this week for a great series about a Massachusetts couple who stayed local for their honeymoon. The Finger Lakes in NY let them hike, wine and dine while still driving home with some dough in the bank!

And more excitement! Wednesday we’ll be announcing the winner of the Bed In A Tree book give away. Also this week we’ll be holding a second book give away contest for anyone who comments. Details to follow later tonight.

1. Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel 2010 – $14.99

Compiled from the vast resources of the Lonely Planet folks, this book offers the best and hottest destinations around the globe. With over 200 pages of reviews and advice, this book is a must for any brides and grooms looking to plan an adventurous trip in the next twelve months.

2. 1000 Places to See Before You Die – $19.95

You’ve probably seen this a zillion times already at Barnes and Noble, but what better way for undecided couples to consider the best spots on the planet for their honeymoon? Written by Patricia Schultz and published by Workman, this book is packed with natural wonders, historic ruins, fine restaurants and divey diners.

3. City Walks Architecture: Paris or New York – $18.95
From Chronicle Books, this is the perfect gift for culture junkies or building buffs planning to visit these romantic cities post-wedding. Each set includes 25 two-panel cards, 25 color photos and 25 color maps which highlight sites such as Greenwich Village and Central Park in New York, and Versailles and the Louvre in Paris.


4. Moleskine City Notebooks – $17.95
Part detailed city map, part travel journal, these pocket-size books from Moleskine become DIY guidebooks as you record your experiences. Organize your memories in the tabbed sections and save business cards, photos and ticket stubs in the back pocket. Available for over 40 cities, these guides will be the best souvenir a couple takes back from their honeymoon.