Hudson Valley Weddings | Westchester Bridal Reviews | New York

How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon...#5 Destination: Belize

Just south of Mexico and bordered to the west and south by Guatemala, the tiny country of Belize beckons all water lovers. Only slightly larger than Massachusetts, Belize is famous for its Barrier Reef--the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and home to the Great Blue Hole--so feel free to enjoy several hours of fishing, snorkeling, diving, wind surfing or just swimming in their crystal clear sea. Belize also offers unparalleled scuba diving, snorkeling, wave running and jet skiing.

Belize City is the main port for the Western Caribbean itinerary of many cruise lines, the perfect place to immerse yourself in spectacular water adventures. Unable to easily reach the shores of this jungle paradise, tendered boats take you from your cruise ship to land in about 20 minutes. Once there, join a Caribbean Sea excursion. You can take advantage of one of the cays (pronounced keys)-off-shore islands- and swim with nurse sharks, bottle nosed dolphins or with large docile stingrays and eagle rays. Maybe cave tubing is more your speed. Whichever! This fascinating port is known to help you forget your everyday life and help you leave all your wedding stress behind.

But if you aren't a water baby, don't despair. Explore the rainforest's Mayan ruins of Altun Ha and Lamanai, just two of the hundreds doting this landscape both excavated and jungle covered. Or visit one of the many national parks or wildlife protected areas such as the Belize Zoo, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Eco tourists will really enjoy the quick access to the "real" jungle experience of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary offering a protected jungle home to the jaguar and incomparable bird life preserves.

But want to see more of the land? You can also try zip lining over the jungle. Or try your hand at parasailing or kite surfing, both lofty ways of seeing the majesty of this enchanted land.

There are several resorts available for a stay in Belize as well as many cruise lines' stops. A truly unique destination, Belize offers truly exciting adventures.

 

Of course, you can always opt of a relaxing day on the Beach near the Tourism Village after shopping in one of the 50 businesses right there. Belize is not to be missed; it offers once in a lifetime experiences and will make your other memories jealous!

Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: Cruise With Emma or contact her

Tips From An Expert Wedding Makeup Artist

Last week I told the wedding makeup disaster story of a bride right here in the Hudson Valley.

Well, it doesn't do any good to share the story if I can't tell you how to prevent it from happening to you. Of course, I'm not a makeup artist. For that help, I turned to Jenny Magliano of Makeup By Jenny. Not only has she been providing amazing wedding makeup for years, she does makeup for professional photo shoots, fashion shows, TV, film and commercials.

She knows her stuff! Jenny reveals how to prevent a makeup disaster on your wedding day and shares the secret to natural looking makeup in this video shot at Space in Highland, NY. Here's some more of her advice that didn't make it into the video.

Four Makeup Essentials For Your Wedding Day

1. 1. Loose, translucent powder. You'll want to apply this with a brush...NOT a sponge. A sponge applies the powder too heavily or smudges what your makeup artist did.

1. 2. A good quality makeup brush. (See #1.)

1. 3. Blotting paper, especially if you have oily skin. BLOT, don't rub.

1. 4. Lipstick. You'll need to reapply this throughout the day because your lip color is rubbed off by all that eating, drinking and kissing you'll be doing.

Jenny Greene-Magliano is a makeup artist serving the Hudson Valley, Westchester and NY City areas. Contact her at Makeup By Jenny.