starchild

Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel I also think it's kind of funny that some people thought they over explained because I have seen a lot of threads where people don't explain anything and the bride and groom are left bewildered wondering what the hell went wrong. I agree. I've seen plenty of threads here where someone says something like "They said they won't be staying at our resort with no explanation, wtf?". They did not overexplain, they carefully chose their words and tried not to offend because they probably know how delicate brides are. They could have said "That place isn't our style, we will be staying at X spot. See you at the wedding". Then that would have angered people too. As Maura said before, few people care or think about your wedding regularly, and even fewer think to consider that the couple may get hurt feelings if they don't stay at the same hotel. I'm a bride and even I think that's kind of silly...in this case her guests were very considerate and I don't think there was a better way to say it. Quote: Originally Posted by soontobeamrs Thanks Everyone. I think what they are going to do is fly in on Saturday and stay at a larger AI then come to Playa Fiesta on Tuesday-Sunday so they can be with the family and group. That is more than fine with me! WOW, these are the nicest guests ever! That's a generous compromise.

Gwen is just hanging out at the hotel, so funny and cute as ever! I was thinking, this kid of yours is going to have to start putting up lemonade stands a few years early to make a dent in your travel expenses LOL

Nice! You're on your way!

Quote: Originally Posted by Raeka Thanks hon, I appreciate that. What should I be looking for? Like what is the devil when it comes to natural products vs. synthetic products? I realize sulphates and alcohol is horrible but I don't know any other key ingredients that are killers. Any artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives aren't good. Mineral oil is not so hot. In makeup - dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP) for example. Stuff like "yellow #5", "fragrance", or those random chemical ingredients aren't good in anything. Parabens are preservatives for example and when exposed to the skin over time, like in the lotion you rub in every day, it is believed to cause cancer. Sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are in most popular products that foam up or lather - soaps/shampoos/detergents/shaving creams/toothpastes etc. They essentially break skin down and make it more susceptible to environmental damage, and have also been linked to cancer and even liver damage. You can get natural versions of all of these products. BTW I'm no scientist and Snopes will tell you this stuff is false, but I read a lot of natural health stuff and my gut says something made in a lab that hasn't been tested since the beginning of time is not as safe as something that comes from the earth

Welcome! You still have time left and you may get some last minute ideas here and share your own as well

Melissa I'd have to double check but I'm pretty sure you're right...well at least they smell like it LOL

Haha I love when you can catch whiffs! I'll check it out!

Quote: Originally Posted by cmmdee Cinnamon and rosemary are great for the hair. I always try to buy shampoo/conditioners with these as their bases. The more natural things in your hair, the better. I love glycerine soap. Also, I'm a huge fan of this line of shampoo/conditioners. They also offer other great beauty products, all natural, of course. The hair care stuff smells delicious: Nature's Gate Nature's Gate, I believe I used to have their Jojoba shampoo/conditioner. You're right, it smelled great and worked well too. Thanks, I'll have to check out their other products!

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa well, i am also a Gemini, a product junkie and try to use as much natural stuff as possible. i will take some inventory later in the bathroom and linen closet of my favs and post them here I knew you were! I'll tune in later

Princess Glitter Ridge LOL Yours are way better!!

A fellow Gemini product junkie, thanks, MarieSam! LOL I use the green/yellow Alba..I think it's Hawaiian botanicals? They have so many lines! I love Palmers but I do think there is something in there that shouldn't be...but olive butter just sounds good! And the cocoa butter I want to eat by the spoonful it smells so god. I'll look into them again. I do keep those little push-up sticks of 100% cocoa butter on hand always, definitely greasy but I put it on at night. They don't smell nearly as good as Palmer's though

I love watching these movies with wine when I'm alone: House of Spirits Like Water for Chocolate Westside Story (I cry every time) Poetic Justice Two for the Road DH likes 50 First Dates so we watch that together, love that movie!

I've been slowly eliminating synthetics out of my life after reading a really informative book. Once you know what to look out for it's amazing how many of your everyday products are potentially harmful! Do you have any favorite natural soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, etc. that do not contain parabens, sodium laureth/lauryl sulphates, or phthalates? I really like the virgin coconut oil and creams made by Tropical Traditions, it's great for skin. I like some Alba products too. I keep several types of shampoos, lotions, etc. to have variety (I've heard it's a Gemini thing LOL) and I'm looking for more natural goodies because I can't get enough! Sometimes I make my own stuff (olive oil & sugar makes a great body scrub) so if you have recipes for homemade products bring them on!

Quote: Originally Posted by Maura edited to add: my parents are staying at a different hotel about 15 mins away from the resort where the rest of our guests are staying and where our wedding took place. they wanted to make a weeklong vacation out of it but couldnt afford to do so staying at our resort, nor did they want to bother us on our honeymoon since we're staying at the same resort the whole time, so they asked for my help in finding a less expensive one. My parents also stayed elsewhere, at a place their TA recommended and said they didn't want to stay with us anyway because we should have some privacy. Only a handful of guests stayed with us, and not even all of the wedding party. I wouldn't worry too much about it because your time there will be busier than you think and you won't be lounging around at the hotel much. The few times we got to relax briefly it was nice not to have an overwhelming crowd to have to entertain.

Quote: Originally Posted by Maura amy, alcatraz is the spanish word for calla lily just in case you wanted to know Is that why choice A looks like callas? LOL They are beautiful, they remind me of Rivera paintings.

LMAO!!! Wowwwwwwww....Boston is clowning!

You can totally use a starfish. I never saw any there either but we weren't at the bottom of the sea much...LOL If you like them, go for it! Never been to Epoca, we had our welcome dinner at Barcelona Tapas and I can't recommend it enough. Happy planning

Old Navy is a great one! I was just in store last week and they had some really cute trunks...and bikini's but these knockers aren't fitting in those bad boys

OMG I love A! It's sort of calla-ish, completely beautiful and unlike other bouquets I've seen. It's simple & classic, and screams Mexico to me. And like Maura I think it will compliment your snazzy dress beautifully!! Edited: I just looked at the pic of your MOH's flower and A really looks great with that as well!

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa what is mervyn's? (duh) Oh yeah, that was pretty ignorant of me! They probably aren't nationwide! Mervyns.com

DH got his at Mervyns but you can't order online They were very stylish and $20 each. Target is always good like you said. Macy's usually has good online sales, check them out too.

My gf in high school swore by Cetaphil, glad it's working for you.

I think they were almost too nice about it! LOL Not rude at all, they make valid points. Keep in mind I did no room block and let people stay where they wanted for the same reasons your guest stated, so maybe I'm biased...but I think that was fair of them to ask and a super nice way to present it without stepping on your toes. It sure beats the "we aren't staying at that place and if you expect us to come you should let us stay where we want" kind of email.

I'm so happy and this is long overdue. Quote: Originally Posted by COFPhoto You actually have any faith left in our government? You might want to read about the San Diego lawsuit over the removal of the Mount Soledad Cross. With all due respect to this issue which is obviously near to your heart as a San Diego resident, I think it detracts from the point of this thread which is the legalization of same sex marriage in CA. Some people do still have faith in the government, if even a little bit, and I'm not sure that knowing about the Cross lawsuit in your city would change that...but I digress, this thread is about equal marriage rights for all and it seems we all agree this is something to be celebrated

Congrats, Jenny! Best of luck in the new field!