JaimeLynne

Have you tried searching on this? I'm sure there are threads (well not 100% sure since I haven't searched myself I guess ) But, I was just reading an article on this... I think it said 1-2 months. Here's the link: How To Throw a Bridal Shower | How To Do Things.com

Quote: Originally Posted by LisaG I just got my computer back this weekend, and was able to download pics from our girls night. I'm pretty sure these are the same pics as Jaime posted, but I thought I'd share anyways since I already downloaded. And has Rachelle posted hers yet?? Riiiiighhhht... so YOU were the one who got the pics of me that look like I'm wearing a "Moomoo" (lmao - don't know if that's the right spelling ) And yes we still need Rachelle's pics

Jamy - the 2 classes I need to graduate are advanced and one is degree specific (my thesis/capstone paper). Which online program did you take? I don't wanna just take anything and waste money, obviously.

Cool! Have fun!!!

Thanks for the advice, Dina! I agree, the course info is SOOO vague!! I'm not going to take it. As for interning, I really have no idea where I'll be doing that. I had a small agency in mind awhile back (I used her for my TA) but honestly she sucked and lost me as a client so that's out the door. What do you think about working for a large vs. a small company? I will check out the other things that you mentioned.

Eek, the 2 weeks of redness and peeling sound scary! Tammy, did you use one of the plastic surgeons they recommend off of the website? Did you go get a consultation somewhere first? I'm really not sure I can afford 2k right now unfortunately since I have other health expenses to take care of first - health before beauty, right But I have 9 months until our wedding so hopefully I can find something that will work for me by then. It is so impressive that you didn't even need foundation on your wedding day!! Btw, I have very fair, sensitive skin with freckles - I wonder if this would be too harsh for me??

Quote: Originally Posted by futureeilen JaimeLynne - Do you eat a lot of dairy? It has a tendency to worsen cystic acne and other skin problems in some people...I had a friend who had bad cystic acne and stopped eating dairy - her skin cleared up right away. Couldn't hurt to try... That facial you had sounds painful! I would recommend finding a good medical esthetician, not just an esthetician at a spa. They'll be able to help you the best with more serious skin problems. I'll see my friend, who is a med esth, tonight and will ask her if she recommends anything specific for cystic acne. Ugh, I do eat a lot of dairy - I LOVE cheese!!! (I don't really drink much milk or eat yogurt tho, mainly just cheese) Interesting advice about seeing a medical esthetician - where do you find those?? Thanks for checking with your friend - I appreciate it! Quote: Originally Posted by Tammy Host jaime, i had cystic acne right before my wedding and it was horrible...they left such horrible scars. i never had acne as a teen then all of a sudden got it and it was such a blow to my ego. i started on an obagi and IPL program and in 3 months had perfect skin for my wedding...i didn't even have to wear foundation or anything for my wedding. Bleh, yes - sucks huh! I definitely wanna get this straightened out by my wedding. I've not heard of Obagi and IPL - but I'll go research it. Sounds like you got amazing results! Quote: Originally Posted by Kat81 I also use to get reactions to Dairy products. I had cystic Acne in high school. It was sooo much better when I would stay away from Dairy and Caffiene. Try staying away from milk,yogurt,cheese and coffee for a while and see if you see a difference. I know it sounds stupid but I went to the doctor and told him I thought it was making it worse and he said he heard that a lot. Sorry I am not much help. I am on a prescription face wash from the Derm I go to one in FT worth. I am completely clear now. I feel your pain though! Sucks! I don't drink caffeine on a regular basis (maybe 3 or 4 times a month), but like I said I do love the cheese - cheese & potatoes are my favorite foods! LOL Quote: Originally Posted by luckygirl I have had acne since 3rd grade, so for about 27 years. And for the past year I've finally gotten it under control. I use MDSkincare's correct and perfect spot treatment when one does pop up. I put a big glob on it and let it harden overnite and hope that it doesn't get on my pillow..lol. I tried Mario Badescus and I think the line is crappy. Have you tried a chemical peel? I like the alpha beta peel pads from MDskincare because they give me acids that can go into my pores and help to clear them up. But I've been using them everyday now for over a year. They're not cheap, but they work for me. Also, make sure the cleanser you use to remove your makeup takes off everything. Your issue definitely sounds hormonal and stress related. I'm using Yasmin, the generic finally came out thank gawd!, and that helped too. I've also found sticking products in one line totally helped me out. I can actually feel ok if I forget my foundation...which happened this weekend at the beach! My skin's the best it's ever been since I was 7. And that's not an exaggeration. Oh, I forgot, when I tried all natural products it did make my situation worse. Good luck! p.s.- I've heard good things about Obagi. It's expensive, but I would have tried it if my MDSkincare line had not worked out. I have tried the MDskincare line (samples from the spa esthetician) but found it to be super expensive. I loved the exfoliating pads. Hmmm... I'll check out the Obagi and that and see what I come up with... I think it sounds good though to see a medical esthetician first and see what they might recommend. Thanks for everyone's advice!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Andi hooray! convincing your FI should not be too difficult! So far deciding on Las Caletas has been the best decision ever! They really do take care of it all! My FI had to convince me! LOL (not that it took much... it's just that I'm scared of stairs and there's like a million in my eyes LOL ) Quote: Originally Posted by Ashleykmorgan Thanks for answering all of my questions! I will have to search for the FAQ sticky...I checked into flights out of Minneapolis, MN where most of us would fly from, and they were $800 for June 2009I am thinking there is no way that can be right...Does that sound right? For May 2009 from DFW it's around 600+ roundtrip. You're further so it might be more. My TA actually suggested waiting a couple months because airfare is so high right now (maybe due to summer travels?). Do you have a TA yet? If not I would definitely recommend hiring one. As you can see on the banner on the top of the screen we have several great ones right here Quote: Originally Posted by tvt Or 7 HOURS of open bar Well ladies, I think I'm basically done planning my wedding! Aside from a few DIY projects like welcome letter and wedding timeline, I'm done. It's nuts! Kelley and I have everything all set up and I'm astonished that it's August and my November wedding is basically done. I'm soooo excited for the time to finally get here!!! HOORAH Tara!!

Quote: Originally Posted by LisaG BTW - I never clean my brushes....I will so be doing this when I get home. As for the cortizone shots - stay far away from them. That's all I need is for you to get one and flip out and I'm the one that told you to do it...lol. LOL yeah, at least I know about my reaction to them! This would be me: doooon't need that lol

Ok, I'm going to try to answer you all - so bare with me, lol Quote: Originally Posted by KLC77 The first thing I was going to ask was if you were on bc pills or would consider taking them. I guess if you're trying for a baby or something you can't, but they really really helped solve my problem.l I am actually on BC pills but only the lowest dosage ones called Aviane/Alesse. Those work for me (not necessarily for zits) but they don't make me crazy or anything so I'm definitely sticking to those for awhile (until we want to have a baby). Quote: Originally Posted by Island Princess I hate pimples... drive me up the wall... i get bad acne on my chest and back makes me very self conscious... and nothing clears it up.. Does proactiv work on these areas? I think ProActiv makes a body wash... not 100% sure tho... Quote: Originally Posted by yamille Hey Jaime, Well.. I don't have anything organic to offer you. I would say if it's painful to see a dermatologist and see if they can offer you something more natural. (But it sounds like you did that since you are seeing a holistic dr.) I used to use the Arbonne skincare line- which I loved- but waiting for shipping and stuff just wasn't working for me anymore. It is all natural though. :: Arbonne International :: Now I use Kiehl's but I still have several samples of Arbonne products if you want me to drop them in the mail just PM me and I will. They have an awesome exfoliator that I still use every now and then. I'm sorry it's so painful and annoying. Hey Yamille, someone else recommended the Arbonne skincare line before but I'm not sure it's that much different from Boscia. I will check it out tho. Do you know if it's specific for oily/acne prone skin? I'll PM you for the samples - I love samples Quote: Originally Posted by LisaG I use to get these all the time. I went to a derm for "zit shots". It's basically an injection they do directly into the zit. I'm not sure what it was though...something to shrink it - cortizone maybe. They were like $20 per shot and totally worth it. The zit was usually completely gone within a day. His name is Dr. Cook and he's at Medical Center Dallas. I read about that Lisa! It is cortizone - problem is that I have bad reaction to cortizone injections. Like, they make me go ballistic - as if I were on speed or something. Last time I had an injection (because I was so sick) I didn't realize that's what he was giving me (had only taken it in a pill form before) and FLIPPED THE F' out on the way home - trying to pull out my hair!! So I'm not sure if it works the same way but if it does I've gotta stay away from that!! Quote: Originally Posted by beachbride08 I do think that it takes a month or two to really see if your regiman is working so maybe you just need to give it some more time. Microdermabrasion facials also work well for acne, but they are very pricey. I had one done and have been wanting to go back hopefully before the wedding, but not sure if our budget will allow. Yeah, good advice on sticking with the regimen for awhile longer. I will try that. I've been switching things up so much lately my skin is probably like Microdermabrasion is a good idea too. I recently had a facial and it was the worst experience EVER! It was at a super nice spa (@ Northpark) but the lady is older eastern european and she said "I'm going to give you a real facial. I probably should have ran then.... anyways, she proceeded to squeeze every SINGLE ONE of my blackheads/whiteheads and then pop cystic zits with a needle! OMG I was in AGONY - it was like medieval torture, seriously. I've had a facial before and it was *not* like that... and to top it off the whole time she was talking down to me like it was my fault that I had oily skin and clogged pores... Quote: Originally Posted by Jacqueline Hey Jame. Sorry you're having to deal with this, it is def a bummer ( Have you ever tried the Clean and Clear Advantage Kit? Joe started using it less than 2 months ago (he breaks out sometimes) and it def shows! I use it too and I do love it, it gives you a fresh feeling tingly when done. My face is also clearer and soft. It comes with on the spot treatment that is great however I noticed if you use it everyday on a pimple, it will dry the skin out, so use that every other or something. You mentioned your brushes... DEF clean them at least once/twice a month. My friend's uncle is a makeup artists and told her to use Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. Good luck and I hope you find something that helps. Hey Jacq - just cleaned my brushes this morning! I do usually get it in at least once a month but should probably do it more often since I'm sensitive to breakouts. As for the Clean & Clear Advantage Kit - I'll check into it but I'm really trying to eliminate Sodium Laurel (and Laureth) Sulfates from my soaps, face wash, etc. You'd be amazed how many things it's in! I'll be it has that, unfortunately... Quote: Originally Posted by SoontobeMrsE Oh Jamie, I am so sorry that this is going on! I am such a freak about my face because I have sensitive skin and honestly, I dont even like people touching my face, or even kissing my cheek because it grosses me out. I would say if Proactiv worked in the past, maybe you should try again. I use it and my pre-teen daughter uses it too because her face was breaking out really bad. I have seen a complete turn around in her skin in just two weeks. I know it's not organic, but if it worked before?.... Sometimes you can find unopened packages for sale on Craigslist for pretty cheap. Sorry if I wasn't any help. I guess I just am really over the harsh chemical thing, ya know? I agree, it worked. However my skin is not as bad as it was when I first went on it. Plus I have a feeling that a lot of it is hormonal - it's mostly on my chin and cheeks of all places which I think signals hormonal issues. Since I've been on a new supplement/medicine regimen I'm sure that's exacerbating it. Not to mention I'm about to start my period And I have been under a LOT of stress lately... probably not the best combination for clear skin ~ I guess one good thing about the cystic zits are that if you leave them alone they aren't too noticeable. I had 3 pop up last night and while they hurt like a biatch, you really can't see them on the surface. I just know they're there. But then they usually pus up eventually - that's when I have to stay strong and not pop 'em! (I'm kind of a freak about this - LOL, weird I know.)

I have cystic acne - the kind that grows underneath your skin and HURTS. I read that it can be caused by hormonal imbalances or dirt on the skin. I have a skin care routine that I follow religiously (although I've only been on this particular one for about 3 weeks now)- AM: -Boscia Oil Free Cleanser -Witch Hazel Toner -Boscia Willow Bark Breakout Treatment -Kinerase Clear Skin Moisture Light (If I'm staying indoors) OR Boscia Oil Free Moisturizer w/SPF if going outdoors - Makeup: Bare Minerals PM: -Boscia Oil Free Cleanser -Witch Hazel Toner -Boscia Willow Bark Breakout Treatment -SkinMedica Retinol Complex (Every other night or so) -Kinerase Clear Skin Moisture Light -And Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask 1x/week or so. I've tried sooo many different brands over the years (I never really had acne until I went off of birth control pills for 6 months - then it hit with a vengeance). I had to use ProActiv for a year or two which really helped but then I was able to get off of that. Recently I've really been into "Natural" or "Organic" products - trying to use those as much as possible. I tried Dr. Alkaitis products but they completely broke me out (which the rep said was unusual). I tried the Clairisonic Skin Care brush but then was told that it wasn't right for me since I have acne and it can spread the infection. I would really love to go on SoPhyto (a completely organic skin care line) but we're on a fairly tight budget saving for the wedding so I don't wanna go there yet. I'm happy with the routine I have now because it's a compromise to me - not organic, but mostly natural ingredients (except for the retinol complex) and at a decent price. I have been on Armour Thyroid for about a month now and I get hot flashes and things like that so I wonder if that could be aggravating the condition? It's pretty bad - like just as the first round starts to clear up 2 or 3 new ones have already started to appear. I also take Vit. C w/zinc & magnesium, Vit. D, Fish oil, B12, Drenamin (a natural Adrenal Compound) as prescribed by the holistic doctor I am seeing for various conditions. I know I probably need to clean my makeup brushes more often an stay away from touching them (as tempting as that is!! )... I drink a lot of water every day. I guess I'm wondering if there's anything else that I should be doing or that I could do health/nutrition wise to help. Any estheticians out there? I recently had a facial and the lady told me to use all oil-free products, which I do. So what is up?? Do you think it's hormonal?? Anything I can add into the mix (like 1 product max) without having to completely redo my line-up (like a good exfoliator maybe since I had to give up the Clairisonic)? These things hurt and I'm tired of them I'll also contact my doc and see if he thinks hormones could be playing a role and see if there's any natural product that he would recommend... TIA! ~ Jaime

Oooh, guess what. We were just over at FIL's and since they are paying for our flight with AA miles it just so happened to work out that we are being "forced" to stay an extra night here since it saves them 30,000 miles We'll be staying Tues. May 19-Wed May 27 (we were only going to stay Wed-Wed). Pretty sweet! I think we'll just try and see if we can book two different room categories - like an Ocean View for 4 nights and Jr. Suite for 4 nights or somethin' like that...

Thanks - I'll def go check out those sites! Also, I know about the Ocean Front rooms but they're the same size as the regular Garden and Ocean View rooms, just Ocean Front. So I don't know how that would count as a "suite" KWIM? I forget - are you going with the Jr. Suite? Have you been in the Ocean Front ones? We're really debating between the two... if we stay in the Ocean front we could save about the amount of one roundtrip plane ticket or one extra honeymoon night in Jamaica... but the extra square footage in the Jr. Suite does sound nice! (I think it's a 300+ sq. foot difference, 400-something to 700-something)

Quote: Originally Posted by Jenn Interesting product, but its not reusable... so it doesn't work as a green alternative. I was thinking about ordering the diva cup after it was brought up in the eco-friendly thread. I really don't know what size to order though, and it doesn't really seem like the kind of thing that if you order the wrong size you can return it after 'trying on' - lol. LOL Carly - I don't know if you'll get used to it after time, but I remember being aware of my tampon when I first used them. Hmm, true... This thing is freaking me out in a funny sort of way. Never heard of anything like it!! If it was truly "green" then I would consider it - otherwise I think I'll stick to tampons. Also I think that it would be really weird having to empty it and such. And I think FI would be completely grossed out if he knew I had something like that lol

Quote: Originally Posted by JoLo908 If I didn't ask them to do a T3 or T4 test does that mean they automatically won't do it? I have to go back for a follow up on August 25th... Most likely not. You need to ask specifically for this usually. Also, blood work does not ALWAYS reveal hypothyroidism. My bloodwork was actually in a somewhat "normal" range, though my doc thinks that is too low "for me". I had all the symptoms. Have not gotten in yet to see a dentist about the "cavitation" but hoping to soon! Still having good days and bad days. I'm still on 15mg of Armour Thyroid 2x/day plus a lot of other supplements (Vit C, D, Drenamin which is an Adrenal Complex, B12 and something called Frequensea). Also still on pain meds. It's a crazy roller coaster but I am hoping to get more answers after I get into see one of those special dentists... That's it on my end for now. Martha glad you are doing ok. I agree it's smart not to switch things up until after Noah is born. Then you might try the Armour and see if that works for you. I have read a lot of studies on Synthroid vs. Armour and am convinced Armour is the right one for me and for anyone else who is open to taking it (not many docs prescribe it tho). However, to each their own and if you are having success then that's all that matters!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by yamille I was thinking about this as well... I definitely recommend SaffronRouge.com - they're great. Also a brand called SoPhyto will do a whole skin care analysis on you online - it is really great and fine tunes everything just for you. They are not super pushy with their products - a real esthetician answers you and they are VERY helpful. If you want something cheaper that's "natural" (different from Organic, but better than most skin care lines out there) Boscia is a decent brand and not too expensive. You can find it at Sephora or SkinCare.com (again, they have free shipping which is great). Actually there's a whole thread on Organic Skin Care somewhere on here. Try doing a search. Hope that helps - good luck

Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel I really know how bad it sucks. Let me tell you that when we started having "definitely" turn into "maybe" or the dreaded "oops- i lied" we too became VERY upset. We even talked about giving in and doing a home wedding. Instead we had a long talk and decided that we wanted to do a DW no matter what. We changed our perspective to one of "we will just think about those that come, not those that don't." It was the best move we made. We didn't worry about anyone else and consider them bonuses- not let downs. I hope that once you get past all the intial shock and pissed off feelings you will find the light at the end of the tunnel. I was there too girl- it's possible for it all to turn around. Just keep your head up in the meantime and don't let the assholes rain on your parade. Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel We ended up having 18 people (not counting us) come to the wedding. Most that came were my parents' friends whom I have known for forever too. Poor DH didn't really know any of them prior to the wedding. We only had two of our friends make it too! All claimed to be too poor or were not able to save the money up in the end. Soo to sum it up, we invited around 120 people and had 18 come. We were so disappointed in the beginning and felt completely unloved. In the end, we decided to forget about all the negativity. I cried too much and DH felt shitty since he only had his parents and one friend "representing" his side. I won't lie- our feelings were really hurt. However, we didn't plan crap around anyone. Well except my own parents and sister. We chose spring break so they could easily come- my sister is in college and my parents are in the eduaction field. Had we planned specific resorts and times around people and then have them bail, I'm sure I would be furious too. BUT at some point you just have to stop being mad and focus on the good. Otherwise you will be soo miserable until May. I'm not saying you have to stop being mad right now- hell no. Vent, cry, get it all out. Then decided if DW is still in your heart and commit to focusing on you and FI- no one else! Keep positive and let your wedding be a pleasant, wonderful experience! Have I told you lately how much you ROCK Seriously Rachel, you are such an inspiration - you have the most amazing attitude! (Mind flying into Dallas to give me a swift kick in the butt?! heehee). Honestly, I just adore you and all your words of wisdom. Quote: Originally Posted by mummergirl kat, you crack me up! but i have to admit i was thinking the same (i hate the attention too, and it will definitely be cheaper!). i am seriously considering just going with the FREE wedding package now, and taking the 4 or 5 people who do come on a sunset dinner cruise or something for a "reception!" That sounds like a GREAT plan!!!!

You might try SkinMedica's Retinol Complex from SkinStore.com - they have free shipping. I got it as a sample and loved it. Other than that I always go back and forth. Right now I'm using Boscia's Oil Free Face Wash, Witch Hazel as a toner (like $4 at Walgreens), Boscia Acne Gel, Boscia Oil Free Moisturizer w/SPF. Then at night I switch Moisturizers to Kinerase Oil Control (whatever it's called) and also add in the Retinol (Supposedly it's a less harsh version of other retinol products...). After the wedding when I get a higher budget I plan on going all organic with my skin care regimine...

Quote: Originally Posted by ChristinaH I've just shot off an email to the wedding coordinator at the Marriott to find out how many jr. suites they have at the hotel. I definitely know there are connecting rooms to them, as my daughter will be staying in one next to my. Today is her 15th birthday!!! (just had to share that - proud mama that I am) I'll let you know what I find out. ** UPDATE ** There are 11 jr. suites available at the Marriott. Thanks Christina On the website it says there are 29 suites... I guess there is a category (or 2) higher than a Jr. Suite? I have not seen any info on this. Not that we are looking to go any higher, just curious in the discrepancy. Btw, has anyone formulated a brochure/Microsoft Word handout (information sheet, etc.) to send to their guests? I've spent so much time uploading all the info to our website but we've only had 14 hits so far and sent out 74 STDs. I'm thinking some of our invited guests might not be internet savvy. Anyways, I'm having a tough time fitting this all into a Word document and figuring out exactly how to go about this. Mainly I just want to put the Hotel Info, TA info and ask them to RSVP either on our website or by contacting us (email or phone). I think my brain is just scrambled right now. So anyways, if anyone has something like this that they'd like to share please PM me - it would be greatly appreciated!! P.S. Happy birthday to your daughter, Christina!

Y'all are cute! Love the pic of you on that guy's bike for his ex - LOL

We have 4 BMs and probably 2 GM (assuming they all book that is). We're probably just going to have the MOH and Best Man stand up with us and have the others sit so that it's not too crowded and doesn't look awkward. We also plan on having as many flower girls and ring bearers as possible - all will just walk down the aisle at once (no matter how chaotic it is - I think this will break the tension and cause some laughs ). I love kids and think it will be really cute

OMG a Dachshund!!! Oooooh you've got me there!!!! Tammy, your pics look AMAZING. Holy cow - that one with the swan is so beautiful. Really, great job. I wish you were around and could take pics of our little guy!!!

This is a great thread. It reminds me of those little "bathroom" books (as I call them, lol) of wisdom... This would make for a great compilation book! Seriously, we should get all these ideas organized and publish a "Destination Wedding Words of Wisdom" book. I really think it would help out all the future DW brides out there (not just here on BDW) but all over... I don't really have any words of wisdom right now cause I'm in a bitter mood trying to make everyone and myself happy, but I must say reading this thread made me a little teary-eyed. I'm so thankful to have so many girls who understand the ups and down and can offer such special words of wisdom THANKS LADIES!!!

LOL @ the ass slapping - that totally reminds me of my friend who gets sooo butt friendly anytime she drinks mountain dew or has a couple drinks (she rarely drinks caffeine or alcohol ) Too funny!

Karma, this is the one we're looking at: Honeymoon Plantation Ocean Front One Bedroom Suite (I think it's the category just above the one y'all stayed in!) ~ the only way we could afford it is with the 33% discount they're currently offering. We wanted luxury and that's what we're going to get! LOL Nearly 600 sq. ft in size this uniquely distinctive suite offers a romantic king-bedded room with panoramic ocean views and a large, open-air balcony; separate comfortable living area with large TV & VCR player, marbled master bathroom and walk-in closet. In addition to the marble bathroom, it’s most distinctive feature is its romantic Roman Spa room. The Roman Spa room it decadently outfitted with a marble bar, cozy Cleopatra chaise lounge, large Jacuzzi tub, additional tumbled-marble shower, and dramatic wall-to-wall French windows which frame the intense blues of the Caribbean Sea…this is one of the most romantic suites in at Royal Plantation. Panoramic ocean views from both the bedroom and the Roman Spa Room.