The weather is cooling down, we’re all ready to bundle up in sweaters and it’s peak season for pumpkin pie, cookies and peppermint mochas. Add in the stress of wedding planning and the temptation to abandon your kitchen in favor of dinner out with friends, and it seems nearly impossible not to gain a few pounds this fall!

But fear not, wedding planners! You can still fit in that dress as long as you keep making smart choices at every meal. If you need a little help, check out this fun new Menu Decoder on the Eat This, Not That website. You can select what style of restaurant you’re visiting and then scan through the menu to find out what’s your healthiest option (and what you should stay away from).

I’m thrilled to hear that pad thai and potato skins are healthy options to indulge in! What’s your favorite nutritious pick for dining out?

Nestled in between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Barbara is one of California’s most beautiful cities. With sweeping ocean views, pristine beaches, world-class restaurants and premium shopping, it’s like a little piece of heaven on earth—making it a great option for a honeymoon or romantic weekend getaway!

If you are considering a trip to Santa Barbara, check out some of these hot spots for food, fashioned and fun:

Where to Eat & Drink

Food

• The Santa Barbara Shellfish Company: At the end of Santa Barbara’s historic Stearn’s Wharf, The Shellfish Company provides a casual dining experience coupled with some of the best seafood the city has to offer.
• Arigato: Santa Barbara is full of amazing sushi restaurants! Arigato offers a delicious range of rolls, sushi and other menu items with plentiful wine, beer and sake options.
• Opal: Cozy up next to your new spouse in one of the chic tables facing all the action on State Street. The perfect place to watch the many parades and festivals go by, Opal combines California cuisine with international flair.
  
• The Biltmore: This Four Seasons Resort offers breathtaking views and the utmost in luxury. Stop by for brunch that can’t be beat at the Bella Vista restaurant.

Drinks

• Soho: Check the website for Soho’s calendar of events, or just slide up to the bar to enjoy Santa Barbara wines and a range of premium cocktails.
• The Boathouse: Enjoy your cocktails while taking in an amazing view of the Pacific! The Boathouse offers great happy hour specials, a fun crowd and some of the best scenery in the city.
• Joe’s Cafe: Strong drinks, cushy booth seating and a casual vibe combine to make Joe’s the go-to spot for late night cocktails.

What to Do

• The Santa Barbara Zoo: It might be small, but the Santa Barbara Zoo is full of cute little animals and amazing views of the surrounding area. You’re sure to love the quaint and cozy atmosphere.
• Whale Watching: Every year gray whales migrate past Santa Barbara on their way to Mexico, providing the perfect reason hop aboard a boat for the afternoon!
• The Santa Barbara Mission: Step back in time with a tour of this California landmark, and then fall in love all over again in the Mission Rose Gardens (a popular site for weddings!).
• Beaches: Santa Barbara has a wealth of beautiful beaches where you can spend days lying in the sand and soaking up the sun!

Where to Shop

• State Street: This famous stretch of road features some of the best shopping in California! Cruise down toward the beach to visit shops like Blue Bee and Blue Beetle, which feature fun and fashionable designs for you and your hubby, respectively.
• The Closet: Also known as designer resale heaven, The Closet offers vintage and consignment designs that will make a thrift store convert out of you!

Planning a fashionable wedding celebration in the face of a rocky economy can be a challenge, but with a little help from your fellow fabulous recessionista brides and grooms, you can pull off a chic and sophisticated ceremony that won’t break the bank. Share your best money-saving wedding ideas for a chance to stretch your budget even further!

Wedding Paper Divas and our partner, Beau-coup, have teamed up to offer the perfect prize for any bride. Submit your ideas to be entered to win $1,000 in Wedding Paper Divas and Beau-coup gift certificates. Plus, by visiting Resourceful Brides, you’ll find tons of money-saving, savvy tips to help you make the most of your wedding in these rocky times.

Enter today, plus find great tips for planning your wedding!

The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Winning idea will be posted online on Friday, July 24 at www.ResourcefulBrides.com.