Sapphire723

Disney has the meal plans, and I believe there is a Club Med in Florida, but I don't think booze is included with either package.

If it were a bridesmaid or someone who you were actually counting on, I would say go ahead and tell them off. But with kids, you never really know if they're going down the aisle until after they've gone down the aisle, so keep the invite open and don't lose sleep if they bail on you. I think you could get away with saying "Well, since I hadn't heard from you for months, and I still don't know what size to get, I probably won't have time to go get the outfits myself. Here's what I'm envisioning; please go pick it up."

Quote: Originally Posted by sungoddess_08 Those of us who have Weddings coming up -- do you also find it funny that we're working so hard to lose weight, but most of us are going to an all inclusive!...I don't know about you, but I know my hard work will be out the window by the second day! lol OMG. I totally know what you mean. I'm going to an all inclusive next week, and I know that I'm going to gain weight if not only from the sodium and alcohol intake! Thankfully, one or two weeks of cheating won't make you gain back all of the weight you've lost (unless you've only lost 5 lbs) unless you manage to ingest an extra 20,00 Calories above what you burn. I'm going to try to hit up some exercise classes to counteract all my bad behavior.

JetBlue | $10 Fare Sale Hey ladies, All remaining seats on flights going out tomorrow and Wednesday are only $10 each way through Jet Blue! I know it's kinda short notice, but it would be great for anyone who wanted to spend the night somewhere tropical today.

Quote: Originally Posted by Oryx Ah LeAnne, that is really frustrating! Glad you made up, but I know how tough it can be sometimes to find the time and energy to get groceries, make healthy dinners, and think of FI as well. I would love for FI to make dinner sometimes, but his idea of dinner would be like hot dogs and pita bread with ketchup (ewww), so I end up doing most of the cooking. My guy is awesome, but he doesn't really think ahead about healthy dinners or getting groceries. Anyways, I hope you finished all of your marking and found something decent to eat! FI will make yummy food, but he'll dump unhealthy things into it (like 4x the amount of cheese or lots of oil) and he doesn't understand that those little changes add a TON of calories and fat. I went grocery shopping and I'm good to go now.

So, I yelled at FI today and cried. I wanted to grab some food, because I still hadn't gotten groceries, and he insinuated that I could have fit it in when I was on the couch and watching tv (I was actually grading papers with the TV on in the background, which was at a time where the local grocery stores were closed, and I'd have to drive a little ways to find a 24 hour one). I pretty much lost it and said "OR you could have picked up something healthy for me to eat on your day off when you went grocery shopping for non-healthy food and played video games all day! That would have been nice!" We talked it out and made up, but man was I upset!

Great job, Jannae!

Heather and Natasha - I hope you ladies are hanging in there. I'm sorry life has been being crappy to you. Jenny - awesome! Isn't a great achievement to see your weight in the "not overweight" BMI category? And good for you for trying to make sustainable changes to your life. It's much better physically and psychologically than yo-yo dieting (although, I do have to say that following a strict diet temporarily does help jump start weight loss, and some people need to see that scale move quickly in order to get motivated to run the distance). As for me, I'm just thankful that my scale moved in the right direction this week! I have been working super long hours all week and traffic has been so bad that I think I spent an extra 20 hours working and an extra 10 hours (in addition to the normal 10) on the road. I was also completely out of groceries at the beginning of the week, so I've been eating the dinners that work orders for us. I ended up eating some salad drenched in dressing (they serve it that way), veggies drenched in oil, pizza, chinese, chicken alfredo, and a meatball sub. Plus two cans of coke. I think my job is trying to kill me, because there honestly wasn't one option that was what I would consider healthy (except for a grilled chicken salad one night, but somebody stole the one I ordered). I really need to hit the store. That + Stress + Aunt Flo = YUCK! On a positive note, my BD shoot is tomorrow... or later today, I guess. I don't know how I'm going to keep this a secret. I'm really bad at hiding things from FI.

Quote: Originally Posted by JENISE Wow, didn't want to spend that much money on each bottle. But thanks for offering. The search continues! I am sure if you go to your local liquor store and tell them you want a case if they can offer a discounted price, they would lower it. Although, to the OP, I don't know why you want to sell those! Paaarrrtay! For the shoes: is that metal on the design? If so, would metal touch the skin of the person wearing the shoes?

Anyone know a good place to get your hair done? Jennifer recommended someone, but they're really expensive and have really bad reviews. I'm not familiar with the immediate area.

I think the mods recommend not starting a new thread if there is already one with the same topic out there, because creating duplicate threads wastes forum space.

Oooh, I also have a Kohl's store card, which gets me 15% off 12 times a year. It also gets me up to 30% off about 6 times a year. In addition, I only have to pay $50 (or 1/3 of my balance... whatever's higher) a month in order to avoid any finance fees.

Gran Bahia Principe

Quote: Originally Posted by hoyt75 They are not necessary, and only bring risk into your life. I can tell you that living debt free is the only way to live life. Also, there is such a thing as leveraging your debt. For example, if you are paying 4% interest on a loan but can earn 8% by investing that money properly, then by incurring debt, you can actually increase your wealth. FI was recently able to do this by using a 0% interest card. Instead of paying cash for everything, he put everything on his 0% interest credit card and invested the cash. He was able to make a few grand in a few months just by using his credit card as a temporary interest free loan and investing that cash.

Back to the original topic -- I use World Points Visa (mine was issued from M&T Bank) which has no annual fee and the points can be used for various merchandise, gift cards, cash, and travel. What I usually do is save up my points all year and then spend them for Christmas presents at the end of the year. Although, lately I've been saving them up to possibly spend on a flight to the wedding for friends and family who we REALLY want there, but who honestly cannot afford to pay to fly to Mexico.

Quote: Originally Posted by hoyt75 Sorry ladies, but I disagree when you say that credit cards are a necessary evil. They are not necessary, and only bring risk into your life. I can tell you that living debt free is the only way to live life. No stress, no worries. If DH and I don't have the money to pay for something, anything, then we don't buy it. We scrimp and save until we can pay cash for everything. And for those you that still believe that you need a credit card to build your credit score, I think you're wrong again. If you don't borrow money then you don't need a credit score. Your FICO score is an 'I love debt score". Trust me, it is possible to live a wonderful life without the stress and worries of debt. You willl never be able to build wealth if you're constantly giving your hard earned cash to make payments. Just my $.02.... Your FICO score is not just an "I love debt score." Landlords, insurers, employers, and cell phone carriers can AND DO check your credit score. You could be denied employment or a place to rent simply because of your credit score. Also, if you ever want to purchase a house without paying for it in full in cash, you will need a good credit score. None of us are recommending keeping a balance that earns interest. And making one payment a month for all of your needs is not worse than paying cash for all of your needs. The amount spent at the end of the month is the same. PLUS you earn rewards and have buyers protection on many items by using a credit card. If you are responsible with your credit card, it is actually more beneficial to use it than to pay cash. However, if you are irresponsible, can't avoid spending money you don't have, or carry a balance, then I would recommend using a credit card. If you don't have money to cover what you're spending, you shouldn't be charging it. They do not only bring risk into your life. If used correctly, they help you avoid risk. When renting a car, Visa covers the insurance for the rental for free if you use your Visa to reserve the car. If you lose your wallet, most credit card companies will not make you pay for any unauthorized purchases made with your credit card. Try getting your cash back if someone takes it!

That's our song!

I forgot to mention... I will be missing weigh in two weeks from now, but I have a good reason. FI and I are going to Jamaica, mon! We're gonna stay at the new Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. And I'm going off diet, but I'm planning on doing some of their exercise classes so it's not a complete waste for my waist.

Yeah, is this still for sale?

Haha, I love you guys. Thanks for being so nice. And you know, despite all the period problems, there is something great about being a woman.... If you're losing weight, nobody hesitates to tell you how great you look or how skinny you're getting. If you're gaining weight, you can punch anyone in the face who even alludes to the fact that you've put on a few! Or you could tell them that you're pregnant and make them feel like a jerk. Speaking of Aunt Flow... I'm in the same boat. I realized that I'm taking my placebo pills next week, but my BD shoot is on Saturday. Knowing me, I won't be done by then, so I'm going to try to skip this week. I just really hope I'm not too bloated. I don't want to have worked so hard for these pics only to have Mother Nature sabotage me. Jannae - Have you ever seen the show Bulging Brides? The premise is that each week they take a girl who is close to the wedding and worried about looking good in the dress. Then they give her a nutritionist and a personal trainer to help her shed a few pounds and tone up the parts that are flabby. If Bridesmaids or FI help her cheat, the PT will bootcamp their butts. Natasha - 6 lbs, 11 lbs, or the same weight you are now, you're going to look AWESOME for the wedding. But we'll help try to keep you motivated to reach whatever goal you want. Renée - Have fun dress shopping. And Cindy is right. If you buy what looks good on you now, you'll stress out less and only look more beautiful on your Big Day. Sheri - No worries. Just work it off and get back on track. Cindy - I think I might have been super bloated yesterday too, because I weighed myself first thing this morning and I was 1.5lbs lighter than the picture I took yesterday! Of course, some of that might be the camera weight, but not all of it. Oh well, I've got a jumpstart on next week. All of you ladies, regardless of loss, lack of loss, or gain, should be proud for just weighing in this week and trying. My friend who occasionally runs a 5k for fun but always comes in last tells me, "I beat everyone who sat on the couch that day."

My quick fix suggestions: Before you leave: Do lat pull downs, rows, pushups, and pull ups (if you have the equipment) from home every other day. Try to see if the alterations person can fix that (especially if it's too tight around the bust or if it's uncomfortable). Loosen your corset bra or consider losing it in favor of boob tape (especially if there's a bit of padding that you don't need, because bulk in the front can make it tighter in the back). At the resort: See if the spa has a body wrap that specializes in taking off inches. They're not long term solutions, but some of them will take off an inch in a pinch by tightening the skin in your trouble areas. Day of the Wedding: Do any arm, shoulder, and upper back exercises you can with the equipment you have (don't have weights with you? Use a waterbottle in each hand!). Muscle training the day of a big event pumps blood into the muscles and makes you appear more toned. Don't stress (as everyone else mentioned, you look great now). Consider wearing a pashmina for some of your pictures. Have your new husband put his arm around you! It covers the top of your back, and has the added bonus of getting to spend a few minutes in your lover's arms.

I agree that she's still probably a little messed up from her mom's death. One of my friends lost her mom and she's since decided to binge drink (thankfully, after a few interventions, she's cut down on that) and then tell her husband (who is a great guy) that she's not in love anymore and wants to divorce. But, even with issues and excuses, it still hurts a lot. I hope that these girls realize how stupid and selfish they're being and pull through for you in the months to come, but even if they don't, I would give them a "Well, it was very important to me that you be there, and it does hurt me deeply that you're not coming. However, we knew by having a destination wedding that some people would not be able to come. Thanks for letting me know." At least they're telling you months in advance instead of waiting until the last minute and then avoiding you instead of telling you! The silver lining? You will be there. Your wonderful FI will be there. It will be an amazing wedding. AND you're not having to bend over backwards to accommodate "friends" who may be taking your love and support for granted.

Woohoo! I'm over the 20lb mark (since the beginning of Season 8... not this season!). AND one of my favorite dresses fits with room now. I was unable to zip it up a few months ago, and I was blaming the dry cleaner for screwing up the zipper. Guess it was my fat butt all along!! Great Job to all of you ladies who are keeping your goals. And I'm totally with all of you ladies who are saying you feel yucky. I've been in that same boat all week it seems, and it feels like it just drains me of my willpower and stamina. But it seems like all of you are trying despite your obstacles, which is awesome. And speaking of awesome.... 10k?! Wow. I'm trying to train up to being able to do a SLOOOWWW 5k by June, so I'm impressed. On a side note, I've been doing the couch to 5k workouts with music on my iPod and I just realized that I'm allergic to the metal snaps on my iPod arm band! My arm started itching very badly and I developed little bumps that looked like they were all in a row. Since we had just been at a couple of hotels, I was paranoid that we had picked up some bed bugs even though I try to check thoroughly when we check into our hotel room. It wasn't until after I took a few days off from running and then went back to it that it dawned on me that the bumps were in the same spot as my armband. Duh... So, I'm trying to cover the snaps and if that doesn't work, I'll have to get a new case.

Quote: Originally Posted by elifrigo GIRLSSS I'M A U.S. CITIZZENNNN!!!! Afterrr being there from 10AM until 5PM! Totally worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go!! So, I dragged my FSIL to the gym with me yesterday, and she did quite well. I felt a little bad, though, because they hard core sales pitched her. I stayed close by, so they didn't sucker her into anything she didn't want. It's really stupid how sneaky they are. If your gym is awesome and your prices are good, we'll want to buy the membership without being tricked into it. You don't have to push! On a totally unrelated note, we've decided to go to Jamaica in two and a half weeks! So, now FI thinks I'm being hard core about being bikini ready, when really I'm being hard core about being BD shoot ready. Anyone watch BL last night? Even FI got a little emotional!

Quote: Originally Posted by Patourn Ok so I got an email tonight from DJ Biijan...he gave me a quote of $400 for 2-2.5 hours!!! I emailed Jazmin in the meantime to make sure that it would be ok to go ahead with him and of course I haven't heard anything!!!! Now I don't know what to do! Do we have to pay for a day pass too? Congrats, Cheryl!