jennaLynn544

Quote: Originally Posted by kgeecee ok so i just did it!! i booked my friend who happens to be a photog and her boyfriend / assistant. they way we worked it was i paid for their resort stay (1200) and they are getting their airfare. And i will have them their w their cameras thurday - Sunday! wish me luck. and btw she wants to do many more!! What is your friend charging you for the photos? I am just trying to get an idea of what this is going to cost...so, you are paying $1200 + the cost of photos? Are you going to be looking at paying over $2000 for your wedding photos then? If we fly & pay for hotel stay for our photographer...it'd be a little over $1500 JUST to have her there...this wouldn't be counting the cost of taking the photos (not sure if she would even charge for that?) and the costs of editing the work...since she just gives her customers CDs w/ all the photos once she's finished editing. Good for you that you no loner have to stress about it! I am still going through what you just went through w/ this photo crap! haha! I have honestly been getting migraines EVERY day for the past 3 days now (sigh).

Thanks for your words of encouragement, SSNM! I will admit I'm not the greatest at time-management...I just need to get more organized & maybe come up with a strict schedule, so I am able to fit in all my daily chores, baby duties, schoolwork, and workouts. Most days it feels like there is just too much to get done in one day, but I bet if I was able to make better use of my time I'd find that it's possible to get everything done!

Keila, I don't think you'd have to worry. I don't think there is any way they would know that an individual in your group is a "professional". You could just say you & your FI purchased the camera & are having a guest take your photos for you. That's about all I can come up with at this point. I really don't want to shell out for "professional" photos done by a resort employee who isn't truly a pro photographer..and especially if it shows in the pics! I was talking about this w/ my FI & he suggested we could go shopping for a really nice, expensive camera designed for taking pics outdoors & plan on having on of our trusted guests be assigned the duty of taking pics for us. THEN, he said we could just upload all our photos on our computer, burn a couple CD copies, & return the camera...LOL! That's his 'master plan' anyway! I guess we'll see what we decide on doing. While this sounds like a cool way to save some $$ and have the luxury of taking as many pics as we want for as many hours as we'd like...I am concerned about a lack of artistic view. It'd just be nice to ensure we'd have THAT aspect...but in order to fly in the photographer we had in mind (even though she'd likely give us an awesome deal AND she lets us own complete rights to all of our photos...giving us the privilege of making as many prints as we want...it's going to cost us at LEAST $2000). So, I dunno, is it worth it? Please feel free to post YOUR opinions! What do couples typically spend on wedding photos I am the type of person who likes to weight lists of pros & cons before making important decisions like this

I'm no expert here but I think the statement about exercise alone not promoting weight loss isn't to say that it doesn't help. Usually after a big workout people tend to go home & kind of binge eat because their bodies feel fatigued after working so hard & there is a need to refuel. The mistake most people make is going home & eating WAY too much (even if it is healthier food choices) OR people "treat" themselves by eating foods that aren't so healthy. The key to losing weight by working out is to burn more calories than you consume. If you consume, let's just say 2000 calories in one day, but you only do a workout that burns 1000...then, no, you're not going to experience any weight loss--it's impossible! "Dieting" or "watching what you eat" PLUS exercise will definitely help you shed the lbs. but ONLY if you are burning more than you consume! I believe that eating junk food & exercising isn't going to help anyone lose weight. Exercise improves mood & I think when we feel better emotionally, we tend to eat better, feel better physically, and have more energy...all of those things combined plus a healthy diet will absolutely help a person shed weight. BUT you can't just do weight training...you can do all the sit-ups you want but you won't see those ab muscles unless you work in some cardio to your weekly schedule...cardio helps burn off stored fat. I hope this helps...and makes sense! haha

Umm, yeah, still unsure of how to post pics in my responses...I *thought* I followed the directions but I must've done something wrong still! Hopefully I'll figure it out sometime...haha!

Okay, so in addition to all the stresses of planning my wedding I have been wracking my brain for weeks now about my hair! I haven't had it done (colored OR cut) since the beginning of May, so I am well over due & have been thinking about what I would like done. Funny thing is, I *always* go through this process & desire some sort of change/improvement but in the end I *always* chicken out & just go get my "usual". The people around me aren't much help...always saying I look fine the way my hair is now. So, I guess what I'm looking for are additional (unbiased) opinions. When you see someone look the same way for years & years I understand it can be hard to see them looking any differently...so maybe you ladies can help?! Here is what I look like currently (this pic was taken 3 weeks ago). I'll likely have a little deeper of a tan for my big day since in this pic I don't have one (despite the fact that it's summer)...and, yes, my eyes are actually blue...I don't know why the photographer "enhanced" them, I think they look really fake in the pics & I actually pretty cool blue eyes...but whatev, I guess![/color[/font] http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...rrett_6174.jpg Lately, I've been letting him keep more of my natural color show through (the strawberry blondish...darker stuff) but I used to ask for more platinum blond & it looked more along these lines... http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...-picture-1.jpg I've always imagined what I may look like w/ a darker, deeper color...some girls really look good making the change but I'm apprehensive, so this could be a possibility--for a more gradual change... http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...lhaircolor.jpg Or, even a bit more brownish, like this... http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...n544/hair3.jpg I am fans of both these ladies but I especially like Rachel McAdams because (i love her movies) & she is so beautiful AND since we share the same coloring, I always take a look at her pics...she is always changing her color & seems to look amazing no matter what her hair color is!

Ladies, thank you all SO much for responding & giving me your suggestions! I am going to try & get to the store this weekend & make a purchase so I can get started. I'll probably have to shoot for getting my workouts in during Sienna's naps...whenever I try doing anything with her hanging around she feels the need to crawl all over me...trying to sit on me or lay on me while I am doing sit-ups...lol! We'll see how it goes...I'll probably try to take a before pic prior to starting, so I can see my results. I haven't worked out in sooo long because being a mom is exhausting enough!

He knows my weight but not because he asked to know it. We don't have a scale here at our house but when we go back home (where our families live) my parents & his have scales so we've gone in & stepped on them in front of each other. As PPs have already mentioned, it really IS just a number. I had my baby in July of '08 & around 3 months postpartum I was already back to my pre-pregnancy weight (all thanks to breastfeeding!!) BUT my body does not look the same at all. My hips & thighs expanded (not that I'm surprised or anything), my arms gained a little flab, & my butt got bigger. It's not a horrible situation or anything, I know, I just need to start making time for myself & focus on getting some workouts in each week. My point is, it really doesn't matter what the scale tells you because, like in my situation, I might be the same weight as I was before I got pregnant but the pairs of shorts I was able to wear then do NOT fit me now...the scale is not a helpful gauge, for me anyway!

.:.celery & buffalo wing sauce.:. .:.Wasabi & Soy Sauce flavored Blue Diamond Almonds.:. .:.s'mores (minus the chocolate) w/ low-fat graham crackers.:. .:.Jolly Time Mallow Magic Popcorn.:. .:.jalapenos sliced in half w/ easy cheese.:. hmm...that's all I can think of for now! I know their not *creative* but I just thought I'd share Almost everything I eat is loaded w/ crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper, or this "Jalapeno Sizzling spice"...we also buy these little red & green peppers--called TexasPete Peppers--I believe they are tabasco peppers & we eat them with our veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice w/ dinner. Bottomline, we LOVE spicy food...or spicing food up!...the plus side is plan on drinking water w/ your food & you'll end up drinking LOADS of water (which is never a bad thing)! I try my best to cut out the use of salt & stick to using pepper & other spices to add zest & flavor to our meals!

I was reading through this thread last night & it got me to thinking...we just had our pics taken nearly a month ago (engagement & family photos) by a girl I danced with in highschool & DF went to the same school as her. She now lives in another state with her new husband but she & her husband come back home (here) to visit their families & she took our pics for us at a pretty huge discounted price! On her website she says she charges $300 for a family photo session & $250 for an engagement session...she did both for us for just $200!! AND we own ALL rights to all of our photos! She mailed us two CDS full of pics 2 weeks after she shot w/ all editings completed & we can do whatever we chose with them! BUT I read a post in another thread a few minutes ago where someone had contacted someone at Beaches & asked about the new *rumors* of allowing outside photographers if they are a guest at the resort...it sounds like this may not be entirely true. I believe they are allowing other people/guests to take photos during your event BUT they cannot be a professional, since this service is offered at the resort. So, I am at a loss here...I am going to get these questions answered for myself a.s.a.p. because I am wondering how they would know if someone is a "professional" or not?! My friend who we are considering flying out to take our pics literally just started her business 2 months ago...she has a website, uses facebook to gain exposure, & is still building her portfolio (by giving friends & family discounts to be able to shoot them). I am wondering if there would be any way Beaches would actually KNOW that she has a business taking photos? She doesn't use any equipment other than her camera..she wears it around her neck & snaps away! (So far, she specializes in outdoor pics...so she doesn't NEED a flash or any fancy equipment). I am anxious to solve this photography issue...how bout you ladies?!! Ugghhhh

Quote: Originally Posted by future_mrs2010 Hey ladies. There has been talk about Beaches now "allowing" outside vendors to take your photographs if staying at the hotel for a minimum of three nights. I did email my WC and I also called Beaches about this and this was their response: I am well aware of this blog, but actually for ex. if a bride brings a friend and has her stay on property and she takes photos professionally then we do allow them to shoot the wedding. No equipment will be allowed with the exception of a camera though. I can send you some photos that we have done for our other past couples if you are wondering or concerned about this. Please keep in mind that we still don’t allow any offsite vendor or person/entity coming from outside to offer any services for our weddings. I hope this clarifies details for you. So, I am wondering if we fly in a friend of mine...who just started a photography business, literally, like 2 months ago....could she take our pics? She doesn't use any equipment for outdoor pics other than her nice camera. I wonder if there is even any way they would know?? I mean, how would they know we didn't just purchase the camera & are having a guest take pics for us...?! This photography crap is pissing me off about this resort...I was in love it until NOW. I will def. be requesting a showcase of their past work...if they can't meet that request then there are NOT making any extra $$money$$ off of us! What do you ladies think, though, is this something you would just go ahead & do anyway to make sure you are getting quality pics?? Do you think there's a way they would find out that she does have a business doing this (even if it's still small at this point)??

Quote: Originally Posted by Amarillis I too was worried, bought a great little dress to change into... at the end of the day with the assistance of 'Honey Dust' body powder..... I wore my dress the whole day. I highly suggest investing in some 'honey dust' body powder - I purchased mine through one of those fantasia parties... it truly was a godsend and kept me fresh as a daisy all day! I have never heard of this, but I am definitely going to look into it! Thanks for your helpful tip My dress isn't your typical DW gown...but it isn't nearly as big & poofy as the one the OP picked out. I'm still just as concerned, though!

That IS your dress! It is a beautiful fit on you!! Yay! You can check THAT difficult task off your 'To Do' list The dress is just gorgeous!!!

Welcome & congrats!! I'm a newbie, too So far I am VERY impressed with the help these forums & lovely ladies have to offer! Best of luck!

Welcome & congrats!! I'm a newbie, too So far I am VERY impressed with the help these forums & lovely ladies have to offer! Good luck

Quote: Originally Posted by mummergirl ...thanks for the best noob intro thread title i've seen in awhile ... i LOL'ed! Glad you got a kick out of it You're welcome!

Welcome & congrats!! I'm a newbie, too So far I am VERY impressed with the help these forums & lovely ladies have to offer! Good luck, I'm sure you'll find whatever you need here!

Welcome & congrats!! I'm a newbie, too So far I am VERY impressed with the help these forums & lovely ladies have to offer! Just as others have advised, check out the thread dedicated to all that is CABO & you'll find endless amounts of information on resorts & DWs at this location. Best of luck in planning

Welcome & congrats!! I'm a newbie, too So far I am VERY impressed with the help these forums & lovely ladies have to offer! And hey, don't be *ashamed* of spending so much time on here...I did the same thing the other night. I've been so addicted to these threads the last two nights that I've been neglecting my homework...haha! Oops!

Welcome & congrats!! I'm a newbie, too So far I am VERY impressed with the help these forums & lovely ladies have to offer!

Done: * engagement pics * booked trip/wedding * purchased dress, shoes, undergarment, jewelry * sized my wedding band * contacted academic counselor to adjust my class schedule, so I won't have to worry about schoolwork, or even be signed up for a class during the week of our trip, a week prior, and a week following our return WOOHOO!! * umm....lol...well, this is embarrassing...haha...this list SHOULD be longer... To Do: * find & purchase DF's wedding band * find & purchase DF's wedding attire * find & purchase DD's wedding attire * find earrings * convince DF to buy me a diamond tennis bracelet -or- toe ring * determine reception details (menus, entertainment, location, time limit, etc) * lose 10 lbs. MINIMUM * get a TAN *do SOMETHING with my disappointing head of hair... * purchase an adorable wardrobe for our 8-night stay * determine ceremony details * confirm our guest count * OOT gifts * prepare required documentation to marry * find a sitter for our pooch * inquire about strollers, play-pens, etc. for our baby (grandparents are being so kind to handle baby for us while we're all down there!) * hmm...guaranteed there are several more things, but this just goes to show how big of a procrastinator I am & highlights my disorganization Yikes, I took a step back to view my lists & am a bit overwhelmed by the fact that my To Do list is significantly longer than my Done list...(gulp)

I feel your frustration! I am a stay-at-home Mom, so you'd think I'd have it a little easier, what with more time to prepare healthier meals, to exercise, etc. but I DON'T It is VERY difficult to fight the urge to snack ALL day long...I sit here hour after hour thinking about going into the kitchen to grab a snack...and since I take care of my attention hungry little 1-year-old, she doesn't exactly allow me time to prepare the best of meals for myself. I am crunched for time in that respect, so I am prone to just grabbing whatever's quickest! I have to consciously remind myself ALL day long to remember what I am working towards. There is NO reason any of us should STARVE though, so my tips include the following (and I am no expert..hehe): (1) Drink lots of water, continually, throughout the day!! (exclude soda--yes, even diet--coffee, juice, & even limit your milk) People are under the impression they need to load up on milk each day b/c we need the calcuim &, as women, we fear osteoporosis but the truth is most people develop osteoporosis due to a lack in VITAMIN D! (vit. D helps your body ABSORB calcium) And you can get vit. D for free...just get a minimum of 10 min. of sun/day! (2) Don't avoid fruits because of all the sugar! Eat 'em up! INDULGE even ! People think fruits can be *bad* b/c of all the sugar they contain but truth is these are NATURAL sugars which are fine, even for weightloss! Fruits contain tons of vitamins & minerals we need to stay healthy, so don't be alarmed by the sugar...processed foods & processed sugars are the things we should be steering clear of! (3) Limit your meat intake to 3 meals per week. People generally eat meat b/c they are taught they need to consume protein in their diets...for weightloss we are told to look for LEAN-proteins but the fact of the matter is...people generally try to consume meat in every meal...or at least lunch & dinner...BUT the human body was never designed to consume such high amounts of animal product...so we are in turn, putting our bodies through hell just to digest & process these meats! (4) For health & weight-loss, stick to a diet full of FRUITS, VEGGIES, LEGUMES, and WHOLE GRAINS...stay away from white-starches, limit your meat, and really limit your dairy intake. You can still consume all of your necessary vitamins & minerals from various fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains WITHOUT consuming cheeses, eggs, milk, etc. (like people think!) (5) Choose snacks & foods that tend to "stick" longer & fill you up so you aren't finding yourself *hungry* an hour later. (6) Be sure to eat every 4 hours, during your waking hours. This should keep your energy levels from falling, keep you alert, and deflect any *binging* from occurring at any point during your day. **If you really want a piece of that chocolate cake, just take a small slice & enjoy it by taking small bites, slowly The larger the bites you take & the faster you inhale it, the more you will consume in the end. Take the time to enjoy those foods you truly love by actually TASTING them...you'll likely consume LESS of them in the end & it's always OKAY to indulge a little **

Quote: Originally Posted by rfedak Congrats Jenna on your upcoming wedding! I will try and help you with anything I know...but bare with me, I am still trying to figure out this website. I can't even seem to post a profile pic. I never bought a DW dress either, mine has tons of beading and is loooong. Whatever, as long as your happy on your big day!!! Thank you & Congrats to you as well I am also still learning the site & tools. I went under the Quick Links tab at the top, selected Edit Signature, and was able to upload my photo (the one that appears under my name each time I post, along the left-hadn side of the screen, above all my info)...for a profile pic, I would go under that same tab at the top and select Your Profile...you should be able to upload a photo there, I think! About dresses...mine has minor bead-work, but has 4 layers to it (I believe)...it has a train, but I am planning to keep it bustled. The 2 dresses I had it narrowed down to were the same color but were totally different in all other aspects....the other was very lightweight, only ONE layer of fabric (which is one reason I didn't choose it...it was almost *see-through* to me & wasn't very forgiving), it also had a train & I felt, compared to the other dress (the one I chose) it wouldn't have bustled as nicely. Out of the 7 people who cast their votes (I was the 8th), 4 voted for the one I ended up choosing & 3 were all for the lighter-weight, DW-style gown. The girl in the store almost had me convinced, though, b/c she kept going on and on about how I might be sweaty, uncomfortable, etc. with the 4-layers in the one dress...but I just HAD to go w/ the one I felt flattered my figure the best I am keeping my fingers crossed the heaviness won't backfire on me & make me miserable on my special day :S I'll probably get around to posting pics of my dress in the appropriate thread when I get a chance!

Ladies, thanks so much for the welcome notes! Lyndsey, thanks for point out the problem with my signature I have a feeling I am going to be "addicted" to this site in no time...I am already having a hard time diverting myself from this site to complete my homework...LOL!

That p90x sounds like it has the intensity I am looking for, but to be completely honest I don't think I could commit to one hour/day 6 days a week. Although, I am a stay-at-home Mom my rambunctious 1-year-old is a super active baby who thrives on attention most of her days. Add schoolwork & keeping up with my reading assignments each day into the equation, along with my household chores & I am left with little time to myself! Plus, DF gets home at 5:30 & he craves my attention during the evening hours...he's much like our 1-year-old...haha I appreciate all the suggestions ...is there anything out there around 30 minutes that is high-intensity. I won't have trouble keeping up, but I need something challenging but not too time-consuming. Thanks in advance, ladies