My Favorite B-Words: Brides, Baskets, Bridesmaids, Bling (not necessarily in that order.)

Being a bridesmaid is a big freakin' deal.
For those of you who've never taken on that responsibility, you don't know what I'm talkin' about. So I'll start out, by toasting to bridesmaids everywhere.

Your day will come, my sisters in the struggle.

Until that day, it's all about your friend. Yeah, her. The bride.

There's a reason why brides turn all 'Bridezilla' status, and go apeshit over ridiculous things like little napkins with their names on them, and what color of chocolate covered almonds to throw in tiny little paper boxes that nobody really opens (unless they're truly bored to tears, or the food sucks.) (Face it, the only bitch who notices the shit on the table is your pesky Aunt Imogene who has not had a date since 1972.) But try and convince a bride of that, and you'll be gettin' dirty looks for weeks.

Still, we all admit that planning a wedding? It can be a real bitch.
(That's the b-word that nobody wants to use.)

I attended the Phoenix Suns game this weekend, and also, happened to make it to the 'Brides and Baskets' festival that was celebrated at US Airways Center. My friend, Rebecca, needed moral support and a friend to accompany her, so she could check out more wedding vendors, and so I joined her.

Even though I'm not getting married right now, I had the best time, and got to visit with vendors from L'Auberge Sedona Resort and Hotel/Spa, Maggiano's Restaurant, Sandals Resorts, and all the local venues that host weddings. The Wedding Chronicle was also one of the sponsors, and I got to express my unbridled love for the magazine, and explain to the publisher exactly why I run to AJ's every time a new issue is released on the newsstands. The Wedding Chronicle is to LC, what Playboy is to Tiger Woods.

Now, if only Robin Lopez would ask me to marry him at a Phoenix Suns game. That would make it all worthwhile.

Robin, I did cheer for you, honey. Good game. By the way, I'm available, and I already have wedding vendors alllll picked out. All I need is the ring. That's the only finger without any bling, and frankly, it's feeling a little neglected, Lopez.

If you're getting married, or, always a bridesmaid, never a bride, check out The Wedding Chronicle for the creme de la creme on valley weddings and wedding vendors. It is a fabulous little magazine, and basically, my version of porn.

LC's Got a Thing for AJ's

AJ’s is one of my favorite stores, hands down. If you ever happen to be running about town with me, chances are, I will treat you to a drink from AJ’s boulangerie, because they have the best crushed ice around. Usually I do it because I will always find a reason to treat myself to a large iced tea. But AJ’s has a lot more to offer than just drinks. And here, my top reasons for loving AJ's:

1. Again, drinks with crushed ice always hit the spot, especially on a hot summer day.
2. AJ’s has the best selection of flowers, and you can usually arrange them yourself if you’re as creative and picky as I am about your flower arrangements. They have all types of flowers and an impressive array of vases and other accessories.
3. AJ’s carries a lot of vegan and organic products and fruits, veggies, etc. that many other locations don’t have. In fact, when I first read the book “Skinny Bitch,” I was able to find every product on my grocery list in the store.
4. AJ’s carries Sharon’s Organic Raspberry Sorbet, one of THE best tasting sorbets on the market, for sure.
5. AJ’s has an AMAZING selection of wines, it’s like a mini-Napa in there, and there’s a whole aisle of imported beer, as well.
6. They have THE most amazing selection of sweets, it is a diabetic’s worst nightmare, but any chic with a sweet tooth can get her fix on at the boulangerie.
7. The greeting cards there are adorable: they carry Papyrus, a great line.

Now do you see why I make everybody stop with me at AJ’s? Check it out for yourself today.