*JillD*
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Posts posted by *JillD*
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TA Maureen 
Maybe things work differently in Canada, so I can only speak for the 2 agencies I have worked for in the US, one being a huge chain and one being a smaller specialty agency.
1. We do not charge any fees. In some instances such as a large DWs or foreign independent travel trips that get pieced together and are time intensive we may charge a retainer. However, 100% off that either gets applied to the clients' trip or refunded in full after travel.
2. When giving price quotes I have NEVER added additional costs to the trip to make more money. In this day and age with everyone comparing prices online a TA could never get away with it even if some unethical ones in the past did.
3. The average TA in the US makes $30,000.00/year. I don't know what you think a huge cut is but I think it's time I break it down since there is such a huge misconception. The average length of stay for DW guests is 3-5 nights so I will use a 4 night stay in a moderate priced AI resort for this example:
4 nights AI at ROR, transfers, and round trip airfare from PHL for 2 adults. Total cost to the guest: $1050.70 per person/$2101.40 total.
Now we have to break it down more because we don't get paid commission on airline tickets, transfers, or taxes. So the total portion of the trip that is commissionable is $1168.00. We make 15% commission from this tour operator (which is one of the highest percentages offered) so that comes to a commission total of $175.20. Now this is before anything is paid out, not what the agent gets to keep. The agent needs to give 30%-40% of the commission to the agency for operating and marketing costs so the total commission amount the agent takes from that 2,000.00 trip is $105.12. Oh did I mention that the international phone calls, faxes, and document shipping that we spend on each booking comes from the agent's portion of the commission
Then it gets taxed in a higher tax bracket because it is commission.
And that is only if the clients actually travel. If they cancel or decide not to book, we get nothing!
So can anyone who thinks of TA's like we are money grubbing salesman that do no work and take huge cuts from people's vacation total please explain to me how they can say that with a straight face now 
Mo, I'm SO glad you broke that down for everyone!! It really bothers me when people think that we try to rip them off and that we're making so much money off of them, completely UNTRUE! -
Hi Nadine,Quote:
Originally Posted by Nadine2010 Let me say first CONGRATS to all of the past and present Dreams Cancun brides.
I have been reading this forum for a bit now and have finally read every post in this thread! I am super thankful for all of the information in the thread. I will be getting married August 10th 2010, i just sent my Q+A form back to claudia and am super excited!
I have a question if someone happens to know the answer, there are tons of attachments in this thread that i would love to open, when i click on one it takes me to a page that says i do not have sufficient privleges to acces the information. It doesn't say anyhting about not having enough points, which i know has been a problem for newbies in the past, it just says i dont have the right to view the info, any suggestions??
If anyone has the 2010 pricing for picture pacakges through the resort and also bouquet/cake info for 2010 that would be super helpful. Any other info people may have that would be great aswell. My email is nadine_marshall@hotmail.com (note the underscore between names) if i cant figure out this attachment thing.
It is looking like our guest list will be smaller than we anticipated, the quote we got for our guests is actually a good quote, but due to the early booking bonus on the quote, if everyone is not paid in full by November 27th then the price goes up by 500 a person. I am happy that our immediate family will come no matter what it seems though that not many others will be coming if we havent sent out invitations and it has to be paid in full in less than 3 months... oh well..
Anyways, i will stop rambling, I am super excited to hear from you ladies, i notice there is already a BDW bride with a wedding the day before mine!
congratulations! The reason you can't open attachments is because the rule was changed. It's no longer how many points you have, it's when your status changes from noob to member (I think it's member) I think you have to have 50 posts. There are reasons behind this which I'm sure you probably read and it is to encourage people to participate in the forum, not to just take from it. Don't worry, if you spend a couple of days on the forum you'll be there in no time and be able to open anything you need to!
Good Luck with your plans! -
2 more days of low carb and then I can have some fruit!! Yippee!
It really hasn't been that bad, I think today was the first day I really wanted to eat something other than protein. I've never been a huge meat eater, but I will eat it as part of a meal, but it's hard when you're eating it sort of, alone. I kind of have to choke it down. I've been eating a lot of cottage cheese.
I do have a question because I can't remember and I'm too lazy to read back through the whole packet right now. But am I supposed to weigh myself this weekend? On what would normally be my cheat day? or am I supposed to wait until priming is over?
How's everyone else doing?
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you can have just one or two people in a room as well, but it is more expensive for just one person.Quote:
Originally Posted by indy_chic Is anyone anywhere of the occupany options for the rooms?!!
The only room occupancy options I've seen are 3 adults, 2 adults & 2 children or 3 adults and 1 child. Does this mean they will not put 2 in a room
generally the package is the most cost effective option, unless you're having a really small wedding, I did all of the numbers when I was married at dreams cancun. We had 25 people and to price that seperate for dinner and cocktail hour was a lot more than the package.Quote:Originally Posted by Megan24 Well I am booked for May 21 officially. I am so glad that part is over. I was not able to get the sunset time I wanted but I hear the sun sets on the other side of the resort. So I will not really be missing much.
I am having a very hard time picking the wedding package. At first I was going to just go ahead and do the ultimate wedding package so I would not have to worry about adding anything on. But my T.A/W.P thinks that I would get a cheaper price if I got the free wedding package and add on my reception. I see that some of you are going to be doing the same thing.
The only thing that I worried about with this is that all the separate prices are going add up more then what the package is priced at. But we will see.
Also are any of you planning on getting a d.j.? It seems that the d.j for dreams is about 280 a hour.
In the free wedding package I see that their is not any music for the walking down the aile included. What are you plans for this? I would hate to walk down the aile with no music. I would think it would look kind of strange.
Last but not least I know that the wedding gazebo is not finished yet but does anyone know if this is going to have a beach view or garden view?
Okay no really this is the last question lol
Do you plan on having your honeymoon at dreams or do you think you might go to a adults only resort and get the benefits of having another honeymoon at a different resort?
you can always change the packageQuote:Originally Posted by indy_chic Pamela -> if we commit to a wedding date , we don't have to decide on a pkg. right away??
dreams only allows certain DJ's, they don't usually allow you to book someone other than what they offer, so I would definitely check with them before you give a deposit to someone.Quote:Originally Posted by Megan24 I completely agree with you. If I have enough guest I think it would be worth throwing a private party for my guest. But like you said it is adding up. My wedding planner is going over the difference in prices between a package or adding on what I want. I will let you know what she comes up with. I am really thinking the love package might be the best. But that is a big jump of price between free to 2 grand. lol. I also want to have a d.j if I have the private party. I wonder if we could find a cheaper d.j off site? But 280 a hour I do not think is to much compared to what the price would be in the states. But then I think why am I paying this much money at all inclusive resort that provides food drinks and entertainment. I dont know I am at a lose of what to do. I really wanted a mexico wedding b/c I wanted to have a budget wedding. But my spoiled self is getting the way. lol -
Did you just start the diet 3 weeks ago? Why are you doing only low carb? after the first week it's supposed to alternate between low carb days, low GI/GL, and high GI/GL, right?Quote:
Originally Posted by Outdoor_girl1010 I am having issues. On my low card days I am very tired. I know that sounds odd, but I was wonder if my body needs a little bit of cards. I have been on the low carb for a little of 3 weeks now and body is not likeing it. Being that I have been doing it for 3 weeks I don't think it is my in shock anymore. Before I started this the only carbs I really ate were 100% wheat bread and potatoes once or twice a week with my dinners. I was not able to give up fruit. I'm just not sure why I am so tired. I take a b-12 pill every morning and i take a vitamin on top of that, which is high in Iron.
A few months ago I was getting ready for a wedding that we had to attend and a couple weeks before I started doing no carbs, just to lose a quick 10 pounds before the wedding. I felt great the first few days, tons of energy, but towards the end I got really tired, I couldn't even keep up with my workouts at the gym. I know they say it's supposed to give you more energy, but maybe my body doesn't agree with that. -
I just saved this list to my computer. I've done low carb diets before, but never where I actually had to be aware of how many servings of fat and protein I was having at once. My meals have been pretty lame, so thanks for the list, this gives me lots of great options! I also noticed that you have some proteins that aren't on the list, like roast beef, I mean it is a protein, but I was having a hard time seeing beyond the list, so this really helped!Quote:
Originally Posted by finzup
Low Carb Meals
breakfast:
2 egg whites + 2 turkey sausage links (I use banquet frozen)
2 egg whites + 2 bacon (I use the very thin pre cooked kind . they are low fat.. if you use regular bacon I would only use 1 slice)
2 egg whites + 2 pcs canadian bacon
1 whole egg + 2 egg whites
cottage cheese + ham
Lunches, Snacks
1 chicken sausage (sams club asiago/spinach) + walnuts
1 chicken sausage + cheese stick
full fat cottage cheese (that counts as both protein + fat)
low fat cottage cheese + almonds or walnuts
low fat cottage cheese + cheese stick
piece of chicken breast + celery stuffed with cream cheese
deli roast beef + goat cheese wrapped in lettuce
deli turkey + goat cheese + red peppers
can tunafish + mayonnaise (over greens or plain)
1 egg + 1 egg white + low fat mayonnaise (over greens or plain)
1/2c chobani 2% plain greek yogurt + chopped walnuts (gives it a nice crunch)
Suppers
chicken breast + mozzarella cheese + tomatoes + string beans
chicken breast +low fat cheddar + thin bacon + spinach
salmon + grilled zucchini
Grilled chicken or shrimp Caesar salad - no croutons, dressing on side
Chicken/Beef kabobs - with mushrooms, onions, peppers, zucchini
Pan seared scallops + garlicy spinach
turkey mignons (from sams club.. basically a white meat turkey breast peace surrounded by bacon -- it looks like filet mignon) + string beans
The options are endless .. mix and match!
I eat cottage cheese quite a bit and almonds. I just ate a grilled chicken salad with olive oil and vinegar for dinner, I'm still a little hungry, but it's almost shake time. -
finz, congrats on the loss! And your cheat day sounded really yummy, especially since I just finished Day 1 !!
I've been pretty hungry today, I think it's just because I've been eating so much the past few weeks that my stomach needs to shrink back down. Hopefully tomorrow I won't be as hungry.
I've got a ways to go before my first cheat day!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ~*Kathy*~ Woo hoo, good luck with it Jill! I'm excited to hear about your progress in the coming weeks!
Thanks Ladies! I will definitely keep you all posted, and I think you're so right about the planning, if I don't plan, I will have a hard time finding the right components to eat to follow the plan.Quote:Originally Posted by finzup good luck Jill -- you will be fine as long as you plan out the meals... planning is key
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm so sick of all the crap I've been eating the past few weeks, I can't wait to get started! -
so I just looked back through the packet and it looks like I'm supposed to start with a cheat day on Sunday, so that's what I'm going to do. I'm working on my menu for the first week now so that I can stop at the grocery store over the weekend, can't wait to get started, I have eaten so horribly the last few weeks with vacation and moving, I'm ready to eat healthy!
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Congratulations girls on the losses! I got home late last night and am happy to see how well everyone is doing with the diet! I need to look back through the program, I can't remember what day of the week I am supposed to start, I'm thinking I'm supposed to have a cheat day on a saturday, but I have to look back.
We're moving this week, so I'm hoping to have my cheat day this upcoming weekend and then get started! My vacation week was like a cheat week, I ate everything!
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Just wanted to stop in before I leave for vacation and say keep up the good work, girls!
When I get back I expect to hear all about how much weight you've all lost!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lisaloo79 I'm just afraid that if I eat ice cream, which is the plan, I'll never stop!! lol I heart ice cream!!
ME TOO!!
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Good question! This is something I've been concerned about too, because I know I fall off the wagon quite a bit!Quote:
Originally Posted by lisaloo79 So the FI and I were going to see a movie tonight but decided against it because of the smell of the popcorn! He wanted me to bring a bag of veggies so that we can snack on during the movie. lol We'll wait until saturday (our 1st cheat day!!!!!) to see a movie so that I can have my popcorn!
Kathy - you've been doing this for a little while. I'm concerned about the cheat day thing. What if I get a taste of whatever it is that I haven't had in awhile and then just go all crazy and can't get back on the diet?! Did you have a hard time following after your cheat day?? -
Congrats on the loss! I LOVE ice cream, I don't know how you quit, lol!Quote:
Originally Posted by ~Stephanie~ So I have been doing a loose version of the CYWT diet, I did the diet for a few weeks and then I decide I didn't want to live without my carbs, so I have been watching my portions and still eating healthier and not taking in "liquid calories" like soda unless its diet and then there are no calories.. anyways, I am down 14 lbs this morning. I am going to the gym or doing a workout DVD 4-6 days a week and I think that is helping. I am glad its finally starting to come off, I wasn't dropping anything for the longest time. I did have to give up Ice Cream though, which made me sad until I saw the scale this morning, lol. -
I'm so excited to hear how well you girls are doing! Congrats Lisa & Kathy on your losses, that's fantastic!
Kathy thank you so much for the tips, it really helps to hear about what you can & can't do from someone that this has worked for.
And as far as the protein shake, I think I'm going to shake mine up with water and ice and then take the ice out and just chug it, if it's that yucky!
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Thanks for checking that out!Quote:
Originally Posted by finzup I did some more research -- I think the chobani yogurt is best for the low gi/gl days because it does have 9 sugars per serving. So it's not good for the low carb days but at least it's not out of the picture entirely:)
However, I was considering it for the night time snack in lieu of hte protein shake because I think most protein shakes have at least 9 sugars? So if there's a shake with 9 sugars or more, it would probably be okay to switch it out for the chobani... (I think)
So, I decided to get up off my butt and check out my protein powder. I have "Body Fortress" in the vanilla flavor. It says that one scoop has
2 grams of sugars, so I'm not sure if substituting yogurt instead would be okay, maybe some of the other girls can check how many sugars are in the powder they have to see if there is much of a difference. I wish they gave sort of a standard for the protein powder, as far as calories, grams of protein, grams of sugar, etc....
Can't wait to get started with this when I get back! -
I love chobani greek yogurt, I eat it almost everyday, I'm glad you asked about what day would be appropriate for that, because I'm curious too!Quote:
Originally Posted by finzup Hi Girls, I'm officially starting today (my cheat day...lol) I've already had a giant iced coffee with cream and a bagel with cream cheese.
Tonight we are going to a french bistro restaurant where I probably will have a steak.. yum.
I have a few questions --
Are there any brands of protein shakes that are better than others (taste-wise)? I know that I HATE that 'fake chocolate' taste so any recommendations for vanilla or strawberry kinds?
- Milk -- is milk okay on the low carb days? I think skim milk does have some carbs in it. I would assume it's okay on the low gi/gl days...
-- Snacks -- for low carb days, I will probably just eat a cheese stick or some almonds but what about on the low or high gi/gl days? Any reccomendations?
-- yogurt - does anyone do the greek yogurt (fat free, plain, high protein) and if so what days do you eat it on?
-- tea - i know it says to limit caffeine but is plain unsweetened green tea something that would be okay?
Has anyone found a good website to get the GI numbers of foods? I tried the The Glycemic Index one but couldn't easily locate foods. I did find nutritiondata.com which shows the GL number and found that to be helpful.
As far as the protien shakes, I have some vanilla whey protein mix, I forget what brand it is, I bought it at walmart. Everyone says that they don't taste very good, I've never minded them, but it's probably because I mix it with milk or in the blender with fruit and stuff.
but has anyone tried mixing the protein powder with water and ice in the blender? I'm wondering if it would just be really gross and hard to drink frozen or if it would make it a little bit tastier. -
I'm no longer a bride and I don't live in Boston, but I do live in Mass
I'm about an hour from Boston
Good luck with your planning ladies!
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Jennifer is wonderful, you're in good hands!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady_Di I almost went with them but decided to go with Jennifer from this forum! I already picked a location so I will be using her as my point for travel for my guests. I can't wait to start working with her.
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Lisa, that's perfect!
I was planning to do something like this and now I don't have to!
I think it will make it much easier for planning out what you need to buy at the grocery store and also, for making sure you don't eat something bad, just because you can't find an option that fits into the diet, spur of the moment.
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I took a look around and can't locate it either. Every now and then glitches like this can happen with the forum. Unfortunately, I think we'll probably have to start a new one.
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I can't wait to start this when I get back from vacation!
Well it's perfect that this is the "cheat" diet, because I am so bad about cheating on my diets!!
at least we will have a day that we can cheat and not feel guilty!
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did you ask about having it on the other beach? they do receptions on bothQuote:
Originally Posted by keiperwedding Thanks so much for all your supportive words. I appreciate the help you offered Sunitam, and how it may be a good choice after all. Cecilia is being very sweet and she did let me know there was a big wedding taking place in the garden at the same time which ruled out the tower terrace as the two receptions would be so close to each other. She is trying to make us happy and I REALLY appreciate her quick responses. I think the spa terrace it is. We will have to hope our guests can handle not seeing the ocean for a few hours! Heck, we are from LA, it is not like we aren't blessed with that great view on a regular basis.
You all are wonderful! Thank you. -
I just read through the entire plan, sort of sounds like a twist of the south beach diet, but I love the cheat day because that's usually what de-rails my diets. I cheat and then I end up eating horribly for days or weeks because of one mess up. It will be nice to have a cheat day and not have to feel guilty!
I've been doing well eating wise this week, so I think because I leave on vacation in a couple of weeks, I'll just stick with what I'm doing now until I get back. No point in having a binge day this week when I just got myself to stop bingeing, lol!!
I would love for you ladies that have already started to continue posting about your progress! I'll be starting in September and will keep you posted!
Cheat Your Way Thin diet ~ **guide available to download in post #45**
in Beauty, Exercise, Diet
Posted
congrats to everyone this week!!
lisa don't beat yourself up, it happens to everyone and yam fries are the best.
i am in the middle of cheat day
for breakfast I had eggs benedict *YUM*
for lunch I had fish & chips although I couldn't eat the fries and I had to stop eating the fish about 1/2 way.. WAY too greasy for me. I ordered an extra portion of tartar sauce but didn't even finish the first one.
Dinner -- who knows but I know it will be something good and I will cheat and have a glass of wine....
I've been thinking about what I want when it finally comes, I know we're not supposed to plan, but it's so hard when you're waiting for that first one to get here! So I'm thinking chinese food & a mai tai, definitely some ice cream, who knows what else, I want pizza too, but I think that's too much chinese & pizza, lol! I'll have to save something for the next cheat day.
Lisaloo, I've been wondering where you've been. We all have those kinds of days, just get back on the horse!
I weighed myself this morning, I was down 3.2 pounds. I had wanted to start back at the gym this week, but am still unpacking from the move, so I'm hoping to get in there on monday to start the week off right!