via GayPolitics.com

Credit: GayPolitics.com

Same-sex couples won the right to marry in the nation’s capital Tuesday when the District of Columbia City Council voted 11-2 to pass a measure sponsored by openly gay council member David Catania.  Congress has 30 days to review the law before it takes effect, but Congressional leaders have already agreed not to block the law’s adoption.

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, congratulated Catania on the victory:  ”There are many people to thank today, but this community owes a special debt of gratitude to Councilman  Catania.  He has served the city with distinction for years, and he has never hidden who he is.  Openly LGBT elected officials are doing tremendous things all across America, and today’s vote in D.C. is another testament to their effectiveness as leaders in the fight for true equality.”

NBC Washington reports on the results of the vote:

As expected, the D.C. Council voted 11-2 in favor of same-sex marriage in the District Tuesday afternoon. It was the second of two required votes on the bill.

Mayor Adrian Fenty has said he will sign the bill.

The historic vote is of particular importance because it puts the same-sex marriage issue in front of Congress. Same-sex marriages would begin in the city as soon as the bill passes a period of Congressional review. Congress is not expected to alter the law.

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Edison, NJ —  America’s first GLBTI-specific wedding and event planning company, savvyplanners.com,  is honored to have been included in the newest, must-have, book on do-it-yourself  Gay and Lesbian weddings.  The company is listed in the book’s included GLBT Weddings resource guide.  By all indications, savvyplanners.com is the only full service wedding and event planning firm listed in its pages.

“The NEW Essential Guide to Gay and Lesbian Weddings” (ISBN-13: 9781593501211;  Alyson Books- 2009), by Tess Ayers and Paul Brown, is flying off the shelves and several photographs of our happy client couples’ events are pictured inside.

Many months ago, the company was contacted for images of weddings it had produced.  After numerous telephone calls, emails and referrals, photos and releases had been sent to the couples in agreement with being so publicly visible.

“I was so happy to be working on this with Paul Brown.  He and Ms. Ayers are the preeminent advisers for do it yourself weddings for our community”,  said senior event coordinator and gay and lesbian wedding expert, Marcinho Savant.

Added Client Care Director, Irma Rabinowitz, “We absolutely recognize that in these challenging financial times, some couples are not willing or able to hire professionals.  It is great to be listed in a book that will make their wedding planning simpler and more affordable.  We know that some people cannot afford to hire experts so it is great that couples won’t have to be without good advice and help”.

The company spokesperson added that even if people are unable to hire savvyplanners.com for their event, the company’s travel department would happily offer its expertise and booking services for gay-friendly honeymoon locations, free of charge.  Clients only pay the cost of their accommodations and travel.  The company will not charge the client to book reservations for them.

“I looked up the word essential and the definition fit Ms. Ayers and Mr.Brown’s book and savvyplanners.com well.  ‘Of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary’.   To have been included in such a vital release and listed as a GLBT Wedding resource inside it is a proud and thrilling mention!  It is an honor”, Savant said.

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About savvyplanners.com: The company was formed in late 2003 and launched in 2004 with its sole mission being to protect the integrity, dignity,  honor  and importance of gay and lesbian weddings and events from vendor biases, apathy or bigotry.  The company is preparing to enter its sixth year of constant operation.

By On Top Magazine Staff

Starting Monday, September 28 gay and lesbian couples in Scotland will be allowed to adopt children, the Herald Scotland reported.

Gay men and lesbians currently may adopt children but only individually. Under the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007, gay couples will be allowed to jointly share in parental responsibilities.

The new law puts Scotland on par with England and Wales.

Gay couples in Scotland are denied the right to marry but may enter into a civil partnership, a legal union similar to Vermont’s 2000 pioneering civil union law. About 34,000 gay and lesbian couples have entered into a civil partnership in the 36 months prior to December 2008 in England, Wales and Scotland.

“What all children need and deserve most of all is a safe, secure, loving and stable home environment and same sex couples are equally able to provide this as opposite sex couples,” Carl Watt, director of the gay rights group Stonewall, told the paper.

A spokesman for the Church in Scotland criticized the law, saying most gay couples are not interested in adopting.

“Children need security and stability and civil partnerships and same sex relationships are profoundly unstable,” Peter Kearney said. “This change is unlikely to have an effect on the shortage of adoptive parents because there are very few same sex couples interested in adoption.”

Email

Subject: Thanks!

“I just wanted to say, thank-you, for making my trip to Denver so successful…

Because of your fine service, I will be using booking services once again in November. Yes, my partner is coming out to see ME this time! And I will also be using your concierge services to move things to Denver. Yes, we’re moving onto the next level. Thank you for being a great part of it!

Most Sincerely,

Richard Willett”

Attending JayZ 9-11 families benefit? We’ve still got apartments, townhouses…even mansions for rent for less than midtown hotels. ^st

This is disturbing!  The scammers are now attacking Travel Agencies?  Really?

Pathetic.  Be on your guard folks!

-savvyplanners.com™  and savvyTravel™

Dear Sir / Ma’am,

I am contacting you in regards to collaboration in respect to some of our clients who are traveling from Beijing (PEK) – Hong Kong (HKG) and to different destinations.

Kindly let me know if you can book their flight tickets for me.

Moreso, I will need to know if you accept credit card payment.If you accept credit card payment,let me know the details of credit card that you will need to issue their tickets.

I will be waiting for your reply now so that I may send their details to you for flight booking.

Regards,

Bobby.

E-mail: voyagersconsultant@g

voyagersconsultant@g

Here is the first in a continuing series of make-up and skin care tips from renowned celebrity  makeup and hair stylist, Michele Bell!

She has agreed to be our savvyplanners.com Makeup Diva, bringing the best her tips to our clients, fans and visitors!

Our Personal Makeup Diva: Michele Bell!

“For those of you that enjoy the Vitamin D, we should protect our skin from the sun!  I know this all so well, I am 43 years old and have been worshiping the sun since I was 14!   I take care of my skin on a daily basis and additionally when it comes to visiting my favorite island in the Caribbean!  St.Maarten is a place for the “uninhibited” and that means, “nude beaches” where we must protect not only our gorgeous face but some “other sensitive” areas!

Few realize the most common cancer is the United States is skin cancer, accounting for almost half of all cases. Although skin cancer can be fatal, it is easily treated if caught early.

Be on the lookout for:

• Change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or spot, or a new growth.
• Roughness, bleeding or other discharge.
• The spread of coloring beyond the mole’s or mark’s border.
• A change in sensation: itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

Who’s affected?

All of us are at risk of skin cancer, but some have a higher risk than others.   Be  extra careful if you:

• Have lots of moles, irregular moles, or large moles.
• Have freckles and burn before tanning.
• Have fair skin or blond, red, or light brown hair.
• Have a family history of skin cancer or were previously treated for it yourself.
• Live or vacation at high altitudes live or vacation in tropical or subtropical climates.
• Spend a lot of time outdoors, especially if you work indoors all week and then get a tan on weekends.
• Have had an organ transplant.
• Have an autoimmune disease or take medicines that lower your immunity.
• Take birth control pills. Other prescription drugs also increase risk.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this applies to any medications you take regularly.
Proactive prevention is the key to a happy, healthy life.

Minimize sun damage to reduce your risk:

1. Apply a palm-full of sun block of SPF 15 or higher every day.  Re-apply mid-day or after an hour if sweaty or wet. Help kids do the same, although do not apply to babies under 6 months.
2. Restrict their sun exposure, and cover them with clothing, hats and blankets instead.
3. Limit sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., even on cloudy days.
4. Cover your body and limbs with lightweight, comfortable, dry clothing.  Darker, tightly-woven fabrics block the most damaging rays.
5. Wear a wide-brimmed hat (at least 2-3″ around all sides).
6. Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
7. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Try sunless tanning products instead.

Int
Thank you everyone for visiting! Feel free to ask me any questions!”

Michele Bell

International Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist
www.bridestobeny.com

You can post your questions right here in the comments!

The restaurant at La Terraza de Marti ( La Te Da) is offering some wonderful items for locals at lunchtime!

If you’re in Key West, make sure to take advantage of this special for locals!

We here at savvyplanners.com have always focused on sustainability and eco-conscious event design.

Though initiatives such as our savvySustainability™ program,  we make every effort to help our clients learn about how they can green up their events.  We’re even a portal for the purchase of carbon offset credits for our travel clients viaSustainable Travel International, of which we’re a member.

Here is a perfect synopsis of simple efforts to help couples achieve this goal!

via  BridalScoop

There’s a lot of talk currently about green or eco-friendly weddings, but Bridal Scoop wanted to ask, “What is a green wedding? Is it possible to have one on a budget?”

We found out many brides and grooms are looking to offset their carbon footprint (their greenhouse gas emissions) or use eco-friendly materials in their wedding. While it is true that many green products and services can be more expensive than traditional ones, it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little extra effort, a green wedding can be cost effective but still trendy. Couples making this choice also get the satisfaction of knowing they made smart choices to help our environment. There are many ways to go green in your weddings now – here are just a few:

1. Instead of disposable cameras, use a site like The Wedding Lens and have guests upload their digital photos into one private album. This way the bride and groom can enjoy all the pictures taken from their wedding at a lower cost. It also avoids the waste and extra expense of disposable cameras.

2. Go the route of linen and china instead of paper and plastic products. It looks amazing and there is no waste.

3. Use local growers/vendors: locally grown foods and vendors are a great way to support the local economy, and using flowers that are in season saves on cost, too. If you are not careful, this route can actually cost more. But if you shop around and pick “in season” items you can find it very cost-effective.

4. Many couples are donating to charities in honor of their guests instead of giving favors. Couples can register at sites like JustGive instead handing out the traditional wedding favors. JustGive provides the couple their own personalized webpage to share with their guests that showcases the charities they support.

5. Forgo the traditional wedding programs and use a chalkboard or creative display at the entrance to post the ceremony program. {Bridal Scoop loves this very cute (and green) idea}

6. Reduce paper waste: use recycled paper, send e-vite invitations for showers/bachelor parties/weddings, or make the invite all on one sheet, and have guests RSVP by email.

7. Save on transportation by having the same site for your wedding and your reception or by booking at venues that are within walking distance to each other. You might also be able to save money with your vendors by booking them for less time on your day since travel between sites would not be necessary. Set up carpools for your guests if travel is needed between the wedding and reception.

8. Consider buying a used wedding dress. Websites like Infacity and Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses connect buyers and sellers at a very high success rate! As a side note- Jen at {Bridal Scoop} ,bought her wedding dress used and was very pleased with it- she was able to get a much more expensive gown than she could have afforded if it would have been new.

9. Think of reusable centerpieces such as potted plants or live bamboo. You can then give them as gifts at the end of your reception.

10. Try to find and use vendors who make a green effort by saving water, reducing waste, and serving menus of locally grown/organic foods. Green Hotels and Green Seal can help you locate those vendors in your area that qualify.

Just remember – no matter the size of your budget, every effort taken to preserve our environment and resources by going green at your wedding can make a difference!

Cancun and Ixtapa lesbian resort vacations + free job loss protection!

Two all-inclusive resorts to choose from this winter

It’s time to plan your winter escape! Free travel insurance!*

Sure, it’s sunny now, but you remember our old friend winter, don’t you? Cold, short days are coming. Time to plan your Olivia winter escape to a dreamy Mexican beach! Book now and our convenient payment plans will ensure you get a sunny, affordable winter vacation.

Plus, receive 100% of your vacation investment back if you lose your job or become ill and are unable to go. We want you to feel safe and secure when you book your Olivia vacation. So, between now and August 31, 2009 when you book our all-inclusive Club Olivia, Ixtapa Mexico Resort (January 23-30, 2010) or our all-inclusive Club Olivia Cancún Resort (May 15-22, 2010), if you lose your job or become ill and are unable to join us, you will receive 100% of your vacation investment back!

Club Olivia, Ixtapa Mexico Resort (January 23-30, 2010)

($1699.00 for early booking to $4299.00 per person based on double occupancy)

If you dig beaches, deep blue waters, and poolside entertainment—including Vickie Shaw, Marga Gomez, Michele Balan, The Wau Wau Sisters, Gina Yashere, and Lori Michaels—then our Ixtapa, Mexico all-inclusive resort vacation is for you! When you’re not relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches, you can spend your days floating in one of the three beautiful pools, sailing, snorkeling, shopping in the lovely Zihuatanejo village, or swimming with the dolphins. The stunning Ixtapa Pacific Resort recently underwent a $20 million upgrade—come enjoy fantastic rooms, gorgeous grounds and included cocktails, and do so surrounded by hundreds of lesbians! Now THAT’s a vacation.

Those of you who traveled with us to Ixtapa, Mexico in 2009 told us you loved it, and we listened. We are going back in 2010 because so many of you said that this was the absolute best resort you’ve visited. This trip will sell out quickly! So get ready for another great week of fun and sun with the ladies of Olivia at this newly-renovated, all-inclusive Club Med resort. If you dig beaches, deep blue waters, poolside entertainment and umbrella drinks, then this is the place to be. Don’t worry about a thing—we’ll make sure this is a vacation to remember!

Your Experience

The stunning Ixtapa Pacific Resort recently underwent a $20 million upgrade that includes beautifully refurbished rooms, three resort-exclusive restaurants, and a luxurious new spa. When you’re not relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches, you can spend your days floating in one of the three beautiful pools, sailing, snorkeling, shopping in the lovely Zihuatanejo village, or swimming with the dolphins.

Your Activities

Take advantage of the endless adventure this amazing resort has to offer. Explore the beautiful blue waters—go catamaran sailing, take a snorkeling trip, or learn how to sail. Activities include wall climbing, circus school, tennis, archery, rollerblading, water sports, kayaking, and Olivia’s signature programming and entertainment. Of course, you can also just hang out by the pool and relax.

Your Resort

The 300 completely renovated and expanded rooms are amazing! All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, internet access and high-quality amenities. The refurbished bathrooms evoke the style of the 1940s. Enjoy cuisine from three delicious restaurants, and relax at any of the three bars, including the new pool lounge bar. The resort also features three swimming pools, an arts & crafts center, and a new spa.

Club Olivia Cancún Resort (May 15-22, 2010)

($1699.00 for early booking to $4299.00 per person based on double occupancy)

Location, location, location! Set between a large beach and a lagoon, this all-inclusive resort is perfect for an Olivia getaway. With proximity to el Centro (town center), significant Mayan archeological sites, and almost every water sport imaginable—including snorkeling by a protected reef—you’re sure to have an amazing time. At night, take in fantastic Olivia shows by Elvira Kurt, Dana Goldberg, Poppy Champlin, and Mimi Gonzalez, then dance the night away with friends new and old. Don’t miss out! Grab your bathing suit and join us for a fruity drink at this all-inclusive resort.

Set between a large beach on a protected snorkeling reef and a lagoon, this all-inclusive resort is perfect for Olivia first-timers and frequent guests alike! Join the women of Olivia as we enjoy a week of fun-in-the sun and great Olivia entertainment. As always, we’ve bought out the entire resort so you’ll have the complete freedom to celebrate your life in one of the most stunning places on earth, Olivia style. So grab your bathing suit and join us for a drink by the pool!

Your Experience

Join the women of Olivia in a race to the beach, a dip in the pool, or a walk on the sand. Your surroundings—evocative of a legendary pyramid emerging from an ocean of greenery—will transport you back to the time of the Mayans. Discovery awaits you in the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, where exotic fish and marine life abound. Relax on our stretch of beach, at the pool, or if you feel energetic, learn a new sport. At night, take in fantastic Olivia shows, then dance the night away with friends new and old.

Your Activities

Play catch in the water or put on a snorkeling mask and drift over schools of striped fish as you relax in the warm blue sea. Chill by the pool bar in the afternoon, enjoying the Yucatan’s coldest beers and smoothest daiquiris. Take advantage of superb instructors in the fitness center, on the tennis court, or at the windsurfing beach. Activities include basketball, cooking demonstrations, volleyball, scuba diving, sailing trapeze lessons, and much more. Best of all, when you’re having this much fun, you can’t help but make new friends.

Your Resort

Set between a large beach and a lagoon, this newly-renovated Club Med resort houses 376 colorful Mexican hacienda-style bungalow rooms at the tip of the Yucatan peninsula. With proximity to el Centro (town center), significant Mayan archeological sites, and almost every water sport imaginable—including snorkeling by a protected reef—there’s something for everyone.

**2-Bedroom Deluxe Room & 2-Bedroom Suite with Balcony are waitlisted.  Accessible rooms are limited.

Olivia Travel, the premiere lesbian travel company, provides amazing cruise and resort vacations for lesbians worldwide. From upscale European luxury trips to Caribbean cruises filled with 1,800 women, or a Club Med resort buy out on an island paradise, Olivia creates amazing all-lesbian vacations. We help lesbians travel the world—our guests have visited Europe, the Galapagos, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Africa, Tahiti and French Polynesia, Antarctica and the Amazon with us. Olivia has 20 years of experience serving the lesbian traveler; we have taken over 100,000 women on 150 lesbian vacations, and maintain a 98% approval rating. Whether you crave a fun-in-the-sun cruise or a stroll through a historic European city, Olivia, as the oldest and largest lesbian travel company, knows how to make your dreams come true. Everything about our cruise, resort and luxury vacations is done with you, the lesbian traveler, in mind. We bring you outstanding entertainers—musicians and comedians such as Melissa Etheridge, the Indigo Girls, kd lang, HEART, Margaret Cho, Whoopie Goldberg, and Lily Tomlin—and fantastic destinations. Let Olivia and savvyTravel™ take you on your next lesbian vacation!

Don’t forget to ask your savvyTravel™ agent about discounted AIR!

© Copyright 2009. The Olivia Companies, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

* Offer is only good on new reservations on the Club Olivia Ixtapa, Mexico Resort and Club Olivia Cancún Resort vacations made through Olivia from August 12, 2009 through August 31, 2009. This offer is for free travel insurance coverage up to $3000 per person, which includes coverage for loss of employment. Travel insurance is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company. See Olivia.com/insurance for details and restrictions. Offer is not transferable to another person, and may not be used on a vacation other than the Club Olivia Ixtapa, Mexico Resort and Club Olivia Cancún Resort vacations. Offer may not be combined with any other offer. Offer has no cash value.

savvyTravel™  is an authorized seller of travel for Olivia Travel.

OLIVIA

CST# 1009281-40