Lilpaisley

I'd be in for the 3/20 date (at night)...but I can't on 3/21 as I already have plans. Kris

Also, Michaels seems to put 25% off your entire purchase coupons in Brides and Modern Brides magazines. Both current issues have one.

I was diagnosed with IBS about 2 years ago and have taken probiotics from time to time. I have always used the refrigerated brands. I've generally taken them for a few days to weeks after I've had a severe "IBS attack" as I call it. I can't say for sure how much it helps as my system is already haywire. I have to limit my dairy intake due to the IBS, so a daily yogurt would be my preference if it was possible. One thing I can recommend is Acacia Fiber. This seems to help tons. I've also had great success with peppermint oil capsules.

I wear fake eyelashes all the time. I also recommend the MAC lashes, but I have also had luck with the drugstore brands after I trimmed them to fit me. What I do HIGHLY recommend is getting yourself Duo eyelash glue. It is the same glue that MAC sells available at the drugstore. (I worked for Nordstrom for 10 years and can vouch for that). It comes in 2 formulas one that dries clear and one that dries black. The black version is great if you are going to to wear black eyeliner anyway. I find the easiest way to apply them is to use an orange wood stick (the wood sticks that manicurists use). It helps to get in those spaces that are hard for fingers to fit. Use extreme caution though, you don't want to hurt yourself. Also, make sure to put eyelash glue in your emergency wedding kit.

Unfortunately you can develop an allergic reaction to things over time. I've never used the Addidas deodorant, but I have had problems with other brands. Both FI and I are allergic to Tom's of Maine roll-on...the stick formula is fine...but the roll-on isn't pleasant.

I use my slower cooker quite a bit. I love that dinner is ready when I come home from work...and the house smells so good. My fav. recipe is one of the first things I got from my FMIL. It's super easy and no cream! Take 1 whole chicken (you can use parts if you want, but we love the left overs) and place in crockpot. Over the top spread one large can of tomato paste. Then and one jar of green olives and one bottle of beer and a few garlic gloves. Cook on low for 8 hours and serve over white rice. The chicken just falls off the bone and the rice soaks up the sauce. We do keep a small bones bowl at the table, but make a game out of seeing who finds the wishbone. I've also placed a roast in the cooker and added frozen stew veggies, red wine, and a few spices...so easy.

congrats and welcome.

welcome and congrats. I'm also looking at PV for next year

welcome and congrats. I am in the same boat as you...there are so many great locations to choose from...my brain is spinning

Welcome and congrats! I am also looking at PV for spring of 2009.

Here is mine. I just love it. It is an actual antique ring from the 1920's. It is from an estate jewelry place in IL. The stone is .55 ct and looks gigantic on me. I guess I have small hands and never realized it. I am most likely going to have to have a band made to match the curve of the setting, but I would love to find and antique one if I can.

Wow, thanks for this tip. My father (and 2 of his brothers) is a retired Naval officer and I might just qualify. I actually grew up in Oahu and thought it was out of my budget...but maybe not!

Welcome and congrats. I am in the same place you are...PV vs Cabo!! I feel so overwhelmed about making the right choice. I think ultimately no matter which one we choose, we'll be happy.

Welcome and congrats!

Welcome and congrats Your photos are fantastic. I am a bride considering PV and Las Caletas, so any info or helpful hints you have would be great.

Welcome and congrats. PV is at the top of my list right now for locations.

Welcome and congrats! I love Jamaica. I can't wait to see a review from you soon!!

Welcome and congrats! Jamacia is fantastic. I've been there 3 times and if Seattle wasn't such a tough plane trip, it would be at the top of my list.

Wow 25 years, that is so great!! Congrats!

Welcome! How exciting to have selected the location. I'm still in the research process. I have been to Cancun and Cozumel a few times on SCUBA trips and loved it. Kris

Welcome from another noobie! I am in the same boat as you. I haven't picked the place or date. I'm still researching PV vs Cabo. It's all so excited and overwhelming at the same time. Kris

Thanks all. I'm so excited I don't know where to start. I hit Half Price Books today and bought my first WR magazine and book. I have already gotten so many great ideas off this web site, I can see I'm going to get addicted. I spent a long time in the DIY section last night. Jean-Marcus...so great to see another Seattle person! I also love that Hurricane Dean pic.

Hi All, I am Kris and my FH is Joel. We live in Seattle, WA. I am a brand new bride to be. In fact I am heading to the jeweler tomorrow to have my ring sized. I can't believe that at 35 I am so happy I feel like squealing like a teenager. We are looking at a destination wedding for a number of reasons: I have a gigantic family. My sister got married last June and when they were making the guest list my dad's family alone was over 90 people (that's aunts, uncles, and cousins). Also I am a Navy brat and grew up in Hawaii and Ventura, CA. So I am a serious water sports person. I SCUBA, surf, outrigger, etc. I guess I always assumed I would get married barefoot in the sand. I've never thought otherwise. Budget...we are trying to keep costs low. I just opened my own business it will take me a while to make back all the opening costs. So I need to keep to the budget! Right now I am leaning towards Puerto Vallarta, but Cabo is looking good as well. I think we want to stick to the Pacific as our family is all on the West Coast. I've also done allot of SCUBA all around the Caribbean and would like to go somewhere I've never been. However I love Jamaica and have been there 3 times...so if I can work that into the budget...it might be a location as well. As for date...could be Jan '09 at the earliest, but April might be a possibility. Cheers for now, Kris