thefuturemrslutz

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Alright ladies, here's our to do this to complete by (Black) Friday, November 27th 2009: STARTING Friday, November 13th 2009 – ENDING Friday, November 27th 2009 We will check in with what is done either as it’s done or every other Friday and start a new list KittenHeart (Amy) to do’s: #1 -Finish wording on invites and get info over to Ana #2 -Pay deposit to DJ #3 - Go to Banana Republic on Sunday to look for groom attire #4 - Go to fabric district and pick up supplies for fascinators and jewelry (already planned) AmyBermuda to do’s: 1) book the caterer for my AHR 2) find a couple hotels for room blocks for my AHR 3) send out all brochures to RSVP'ers MrsVaughn2B (Andrea) to do’s: #1 Write thank you notes for shower #2 Pick out bridesmaids shoes #3 Select remain ceremony details (sand color, bows on chairs, how many additional chairs) Afrommert (Amy) to do’s: 1. Pick out/ Get Bridesmaids dresses (NOPE haven’t found any lol) 2. Figure out music for Private reception 3. Go shopping for Grooms attire Meghan to do’s: Print invitations thefuturemrslutz to do’s: 1) SAVE the DATES!!!! Pretty much everyone knows about my wedding, but I want to make it official. 2) Travel agent stuff. I need to make a decision whether to use one or not. 3) Book MY wedding trip. 4) FINISH website!! I have started it...it is a work in progress. The only sections I have completed are the first page, "Happy Bday Marry Me," and our blog ("Keep up with us"). Don't forget to update us as you complete your items! Thanks for doing this!! Good to have you girls to get my booty in gear!

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsVaughn2B Lindz, Your website is really cool keep up the good work on it! Thanks lady!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Lindz, love love love the site. I totally feel like TAs are shady. Mine is really nice but does not instill a lot of confidence in me or my guests. I rushed in and chose a TA which is basically a one woman shop b.c I wanted to support small businesses. Bad decision ! My friends keep making fun of me b/c her email address is @aol.com. LOL I do think large tour operators can help you get better deals though. My TA is using a large tour operator and they have the clout to help. I would ask your hotel who is the biggest Travel Agency or Tour Operator they use and try that out. They can also "price match" in case the prices go down after you booked your rooms. Good luck! That is a great suggestion!!! Thank you so much!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart As for TA's... worthless in my opinion (who I've dealt with so far). I keep going to FI, "I could have done this faster... what is the point?" I can't stand my TA. He is so bad with getting back to me via email. On the other hand my AS WC is the best thing that has happened to me yet, so helpful and sweet. I'm about ready to start sending my guests directly to Karisma to book, it's getting ridiculous. I feel the same way!! And my TA is lying to me. For example, she told me Ryan and I had to book our trip for 7 days in order to get certain things...blah blah blah. Well, I emailed my WC at Le Blanc (who is amazing!!) and she was like "I specifically told your TA that you only needed to book 3 nights." Not really that big of a deal...just annoying.

oh I need to add one more: 4) FINISH website!! I have started it...it is a work in progress. The only sections I have completed are the first page, "Happy Bday Marry Me," and our blog ("Keep up with us"). Wedding Website - Lutz & Lindz

Hey ladies! Sorry I have been MIA! I have decided to plan a last minute surprise party for Ryan next Saturday! As if I didn't have enough to do!! Ok, here is what I have been working on and plan to complete over the next 2 weeks: 1) SAVE the DATES!!!! Pretty much everyone knows about my wedding, but I want to make it official. 2) Travel agent stuff: Do you guys ever feel like some of the TA's are kind of shady? I feel like all of them give me different prices and are always suggesting stuff I don't want to do. So, I need to make a decision whether to use one or not. 3) Book MY wedding trip.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Crista - haha, it's ok, it's there for display Ladies, I'm thinking of starting a game to get wedding items done in an easy and fun way. I know, seemingly impossible right but I know Katie and myself have been working out every day successfully and are motivated by talking to you all so I was thinking we could do the same with wedding to do's. We could either do this weekly or monthly and we could pick one item to get done or top 3 to get done and check in here once done and post our next item or 3 we're working on. When I work on too many projects I get zero done but if I have only a few and I need to check in with you ladies, I think that may get me more focused. Also, that way we can share what we're doing, which can help each other think of things to do they maybe missed etc. Let me know your thoughts, I'm open to all suggestions but this may make things simple! Happy Thursday aka almost Friday! I'm back!!!!!!!!! That sounds like a GREAT idea! I am in that "i am getting waayy overwhelmed stage!"

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Thank you! BigHugeLabs: Do fun stuff with your photos Lindz recommended the site, it was super easy to use! Oh my gosh, I am 100 posts behind! ahhh I'll catch up tonight! Your inspiration board looks amazing!!! Nicole!!! Welcome back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert just wanted to share how I asked my bridesmaids!!! I got this off BDW forum, Cant remember who wrote this but I borrowed it, Shout out to them and and a big THANKS for sharing!!! I Printed out a pic of me and the each girl and then printed this on card stock and pasted it on the back of each pic... and sent each in the mail! The day, the dress The bride, the groom The joy, the tears Will all come soon. Professing true love, To my husband to be, with family & friends all watching me. I hope the sun will be shining down. Keep your fingers crossed that I’ll fit in my gown…. But there’s just one more thing that there needs to be… and that’s to have you standing with me! ______<I would be honored if you would be my bridesmaid..! LOVE that! So so cute! I will be posting pics of my "message in a bottle" soon!

do you have any pictures

Quote: Originally Posted by Katie_2010 just to update you all....(more to motivate myself!! lol) I went for a run again today ) and I have to say i am feeling very pleased with myself....ran a longer route than last time and lasted a lot lot longer running without stopping ) so that's 2 runs this week...that beats my normal by 2!! haha. hope everyone elses is going well too xx SO proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep it up! If you can do it for 2 straight weeks, you will get in the habit of it and want to keep going!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Lindz - I do use the BBM, my friends love it too The cigar roller was an option (additional cost) and I don't even know how many people will smoke cigars but FI is so excited he said he doesn't care if he's the only one... anything to make him this happy is so worth it to me My FI will LOVE that! Yes!!!!! Add me on BBM!!! My pin is 2097E836 Girls, I am sending out my "will you be my bridesmaid" things today!! I am doing a little message in a bottle with hot pink sand, silver paper, and a little umbrella in the bottom! I'll take pictures as I complete them!

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert Sooo Im super excited i just decided to go purchase a wedding slip/crinoline and have it dyed PINK!!!!! how fun! OMG! I am planning on doing that too! SOOOO cute!!

DJ Mania promotion: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-30-off-40125/ Even if it is expired or does not apply to your dates, I am sure he would honor it.

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Lindz - its totally cool if you do not have an AHR. I invited a VERY limited # of ppl to my wedding and Mark's step-siblings and their families are not able to afford it (12 ppl) - we knew this going in. So we kinda had to have an AHR. Its going to be a party at my Dad's neighborhood center thingy and its $500 to rent. Prob about $10k in catering though. I think its OK not to have one. I would only worry about it if family cannot attend - and then you can always do a family get together and show pictures from the wedding. It might be cute to send out wedding announcements to everyone that say how happy you are and that you cant wait to see them and look forward to getting together soon? Thanks Amy! $10,000 is not too bad. Are you paying for that party or your dad?

AHR: thanks for all the suggestions and comments. Luckily, my FI's family is on board! Whew!!!!!!! It seems like in this 9 month stage, I am starting to have regrets or anxiety about different things I have chosen. Gotta love a destination wedding!! Also, let me know if you guys have any questions about AS. Fabio and I got pretty tight there for awhile!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I'm in sales too!!! I'm in software sales though and don't travel, so I'm lucky. Do you have a BB Curve? That's what I have and it's full internet with a little mouse and everything... haven't tried it but it should work. My quote I received from DJ Mannia was $990 for 4 hours, I didn't hear about any 30% off! I also let my WC know that I was bringing an outside DJ and they said it was fine, just have to pay the fee. I've also decided on a cigar roll which FI is over the moon about I personally don't think it's bad that you aren't have an AHR... I'm not The wedding is about you, not everyone else! Besides I'm going to go all out on one day, not two! Oh and Almond Milk... BEST EVER... low in fat and sugar ahhh I love it. You can buy it at Trader Joes, Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, Whole Foods etc. Do you have any of those out there? Some of my friends sell software. Ohh the joy of sales. Do you have BB messenger?? Um, my friends and I are OBSESSED!!! I have tried it on my BB Bold, but it didn't work that well. I'll keep trying. Do a search on here about the 30% off. I don't know the terms, but I remember seeing it. Lemme try to find it for you. We want to do a cigar roller too!! Was that part of the resort or did you pay for it seperately? Ok, good, those were my thoughts exactly on the AHR! Yes, I have those places. I am going to go to Whole Foods TODAY and check it out! Sweet!!!!

I wish this sit would work on my Blackberry. I can't believe I missed all those posts in 1 day! I am in medical sales, so I LIVE in the car. I wish I had a cafe in my car! haha Tell me more about this unsweetened vanilla almond milk or whatever?? I am obsessed with milk but it has SO MUCH sugar! I know you guys are all freaking out, but to me it seems like everyone is right on track! You guys have gotten SOOOO much done!! very impressive. Also, I think the DJ, or having someone man your IPOD, is definitely worth the money. You don't want anything to worry about at the reception. You want to enjoy it!!!!! AHR: Is that bad that I am not having one? It will be 600 people and EXPENSIVE! I don't want to spend another $20,000. That was the whole reason to go to mexico. Am I being a bad bride by not having one?

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Lindz, You are a star. I am going to print out your post and keep it at home in my kitchen. It will keep me inspired! I have been doing better the last 2 weeks - lost about 3 pounds so far. We all have problem areas for sure. I have the "saddle bags". They are awful! Even when I was skinny, I still had them, they were smaller - its just my body type. I am doing breakfast - bran flakes & skim milk - Lunch - Lean pocket (it feels like cheating) with a huge salad w/ tons of veggies and light Hidden Valley Ranch - which is so good it also feels like cheating. Dinner last week was chicken, whole wheat cous cous and broccoli. This week dinner is shrimp and snow peas with brown basmati rice. I find that 1/2 cup of starch at dinner really fills me up and keeps me from wanting a snack later. I love the drinks you mentioned. Vodka & water is actually not bad, so is vodka & club soda w/ lime. I love Bloody Marys too. They are so good for you except the salt content is very high. Have you ever had a bloody ceasar? Its a bloody mary w/ Clamato juice which is tomato & clam juice. Sounds gross, but even less calories and delish! The one thing that I try to do is go to bed a little hungry. In the past if I did that, I lost weight. If I go to bed full, I gain weight. I just read online a study where they fed mice a high fat diet and the mice with a lot of the food at dinner gained 42% more weight compared to the mice who's high fat meals were broken up evenly throughout the day. You girls are so supportive & I really appreciate it. CONGRATS on 3 pounds!!!! That's awesome!!! You are SO right about going to bed a little hungry. Last night I made my FI and I this super healthy soup (he is sick ). Even though the whole meal MAYBE had 400 calories, I was still so stuffed when I went to bad. Now I feel like a fata$$!! haha GREAT suggested Amy! ABout salt content...that is my major weigh gainer right there. I could eat 1000 calories a day and gain weight if there is a lot of sodium. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Funny that you mention the DJ Mannia! I emailed him last night and heard back this morning. I got quoted for 4 hours of DJing with all the equipment and lighting for $990. With the $500 outside vendor fee that's still cheaper than Lomas DJ and I'm happy with all the reviews I read. They seem very professional so I am 90% sure I'll be hiring them. That's who I was going to hire when I was at AS. I think he has some 30% off deal going right now too. Just make sure you get approval from your wedding coordinator IN WRITING before you hired him. My TA at dw.com said there had been some situations where they wouldn't allow them to come in or something. Who knows. That seems a little dramatic, but just a heads up!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart That's awesome AmyBermuda! Sounds like you're doing great, keep it up. I'm a huge fan of Vodka Seltzer w/ lime now because I realized that soda water has sodium in it and seltzer doesn't. Vodka water isn't something I've ever tried though, I'll definitely check it out. I'm a big fan of flax meal, my morning breakfast is where I like to have my only grain carb (if possible). Small cup of oatmeal (or half oatmeal half cream of wheat) with a cinnamon, a sprinkle of brown sugar and flax meal with a few sliced, toasted almonds & half a banana. I love it, I never get sick of it. I agree too that breakfast is most important, absolutely, I normally split my breakfast up in two when I'm working out really hardcore (also, I'm up @ 5:30am every morning because I start worK @ 6:30am) so the oatmeal earlier and then 3 egg whites with diced tomatoes, bell peppers and mushrooms a little later to get me tied over until lunch. Eating every 2-3 hours always skyrockets my metabolism. Ok we really are diet twins! If I don't drink a smoothie, I eat oatmeal with those EXACT ingredients. Flax meal is soooooo good for you! And yes, I have to eat every few hours myself!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Lindz you are freakin adorable! Can I come live with you? Mmm everything sounds so good! I swear we are totally diet twins, although you're in much better shape than I am, I saw some of your pix on FB and you have got KILLER legs. It seems that no matter what I do my legs don't tone up too much, then they got a little bulky at the end of P90X but my goal is to get the nice and toned. Katie thanks for starting the other thread, I'm going over to read it now! hahaha yes! Come live with me! How much fun!!! Well, thanks for the compliment, but you know what comes with my "killer legs?" A NOT SO KILLER tummy! I guess we all gain weight in different places. I would DIE to have a 6 pack!! Yes, I think we should keep the exercise thing over here. Ooops!! Amy, I am borderline freaking out about the wedding. My passport save the dates are soooo far behind, and I am 4 days from being 9 months out. I guess I will go ahead and send an email out to buy some time. And my friends are getting so upset I haven't asked them to be in the wedding. I will send those out on Friday!!!!! I need to just get this stuff done, pronto!!!!

yes maam! No problem at all. I will post now!

Diet Info!!! Ok, to preface this, I will tell you my FI and I LOVE fine dining, wine, partying, drinking and all that!! We drink a TON, especially during football season. Every weekend we have people over to our house and eat junk and drink and stuff, so during the week, I try to eat perfectly!! Here are some suggestions: 1) FISH!!!! Fish is soooo good for you! Amy, this should be easy living in Bermuda too. Go buy a grill pan from Bed Bath and Beyond or Walmart or whatever everyone has. It is so great to cook fish, chicken, etc on. Also, you can bake the fish. All you need is olive oil, salt and pepper, and a some freshly squeezed limes. We also make healthy sauces to go on the fish, instead of cream sauces and all of that. (think Mango Habanera, basil pesto, etc). Trigger fish is a kind of a "hit fish" right now, and you need hardly any seasoning on it. 2) Grilled chicken: I know this can get boring, but it is a diet staple and so cheap! Also, google "healthy chicken recipes" or "asian chicken" or spicy chicken or whatever you are in the mood for. I also bought this magazine called "Cooking Light-Chicken." It has awesome recipes. You can google those as well. 3) Lean Meat: We LOVE steaks, but those calories can add up. You can buy Bison meat (filet, ribeye, hamburger, etc). It is not only delicious, but half the cals and fat as a regular filet or ribeye or hamburger. It doesn't need much seasoning either. If your FI is tired of "healthy food," you can trick him a little. Go buy ground sirloin meat or 93/7 ground beef or bison burger meat and whole wheat buns. Add a little lettuce, tomato, onion, whatever and a slice of cheese and you have a decently healthy hamburger. He won't even know the difference! Also, a lean pork tenderloin is healthy and delicious. For lunch, you can do turkey sandwich on whole wheat. Here is a healthy recipe that my FI LOVES! SO easy and healthy: Ginger Asian Wraps 1/2 cup chopped carrots I use slivers that you use in salads 1/2 cup water 20 oz lean grd turkey 3 garlic cloves minced (don't have to add if you use soy vay teriyaki sauce) 2 tbs minced fresh ginger 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (I use Soy Vay and skip adding garlic...don't substitute this brand. A lot of grocery stores don't have it but for some reason Walmart does...and I think Whole Foods) 1 tbs creamy peanut butter (I use the healthy, all natural stuff to cut down on the cals and sugar) 1 tbs olive oil 1 tbs rice vinegar 1/4 cup hoisin sauce 1/2 cup green onions chopped cashews to taste -chopped Cook carrots in water til tender, then add turkey and cook til brown. Add remaining ingredients and blend, cooking for 10 minutes or so on low to medium heat. Serve in tortillas or iceburg lettuce wraps. I use organic hearts of palm lettuce. SO delicious and healthy. If you use tortillas, make sure they are whole wheat! Some other suggestions for lean meats: white bean chicken chili, healthy taco soup (ground turkey or sirloin), healthy tacos (same), etc. 4) Healthy Snacks: ok, I LOVE snacking and am basically a chip monster. I am not a big dessert fan but LOVE salty foods, especially chips and dip. So, when we go to Mexican restaurant, I make sure I only eat 10 chips with SALSA, not cheese dip. But here are some even healthier snacks you can eat at home: -Hummus and veggies...SO SO SO SO good and healthy -Multi grain Wasa crackers and salsa or hummus or anything. These are so delicious and healthy. Go get them!!! -Nuts! Now, I am not talking about honey roasted or extra salt or whatever. The all natural nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, cashews, etc. Just eat them in small portions. A small handful of almonds for a morning snack is the healthiest 150 calories you will eat all day! -Healthy tuna fish. You can google this and it is a great afternoon snack to hold you over until dinner. 5) Sweet potatoes: Ok, there is a reason that Victoria's Secret models eat sweet potatoes. They are SO SO SO good for you. You can bake them in the oven whole or even cut them up as "fries" and bake them. Sprinkle a little salt, red pepper, olive oil, and fresh garlic, and bake them for 45 minutes or so. Dip in ketchup and they are AWESOME!!!! 6) Veggies: SO SO SO important and can be delicious. I LOVE salads too. Just make sure you fill them with veggies and avoid the creamy dressings and croutons. Instead of croutons, try sliced almonds. YUM! Also, I am OBSESSED with ranch dressing, so I always ask for light (not fat free...it has too much sugar) and get it on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing first! Any green veggie is good for you. Try doing this: Take zucchini, squash, and sweet potatoes, and cut them up. Salt and pepper and garlic and lime juice sprinkled on top. Then wrap in foil and bake for 45 minutes in the oven. AMAZING! When you go out to dinner, always get double veggies instead of potatoes or a sweet potato instead of a white potato. 7) Alcohol: My FI and I are huge wino's. We always have a glass or 2 of red wine with dinner every night to "take the edge off." Try to stick to red wine. You can get some awesome bottles for under $15 per bottle. We subscribe to Wine Spectator and they have awesome suggestions for inexpensive wine. I try not to "go out" during the week, but I usually end up doing something. We always have some event or happy or whatever. Here are some suggestions for when you go out: -Red wine -Vodka and water: ok, before you get squeamish, just hear me out! I always use Stoli vodka. It is not high end vodka or low end. It is right in the middle. HOWEVER, for some reason, it mixes great with water. Better than Grey Goose! THEN, squeeze 3 lemons in the vodka water. It is delicious and only 60 cals. -Bourbon and diet coke: great for gameday! 60 calories -Sweet tea vodka: This is sweet tea infused vodka. Just add water and lemons or diet lemonade and you have an awesome drink. 60 cals. -Bloody mary: Surprisingly, depending on the size and the mix, this can have 80 cals or so. I would recommend drinking 10 of them, but they are great to drink before brunch or lunch or something to fill you up. Sunday afternoon brunch is always my cheat meal (and fav meal). I ALWAYS order a bloody mary before I eat to fill me up, instead of eating the bread they bring out. -Mimosas: Ok, calories can add up quickly here! Tell them to go light on the OJ or avoid the OJ all together. If you are at home, you can by the "light" OJ. -Fruity Drinks: AVOID these at all costs! UNLESS, the bartender can make a skinny girl version. They usually know how to make a skinny girl margarita or mojito or daiquiri or whatever. JUST ASK!! Breakfast: This is the MOST important meal of the day. Seriously, if you skip breakfast, you are 300% more likely to be obese. I usually make my FI and I a smoothie every morning. Just make sure you split it, because the whole thing is about 600 calories. I usually don't even drink all of mine to keep it around 200 cals. Recipe: 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup OJ, 4 strawberries, handful of blueberries, half a banana, flaxseed oil, light yogurt, and protein powder. (I use Gladiator brand from Smoothie King, but the one Amy uses is delicious too). You can also do egg whites, turkey bacon, whole wheat toast, etc. 9) Dessert: I am not a big dessert person, so you may wanna get suggestions from someone else on this one. A protein shake is a great idea Amy! Also, a piece of dark chocolate with a glass of red wine is perfect for me and good for you. 10) Rice/pasta: I don't eat much rice or pasta, but when I do, it is ALWAYS whole wheat/grain! You can find sooo many healthy recipes using whole wheat and whole grain. Try homemade marinara (onion, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and jalepeno) with grilled chicken or trigger fish, and whole wheat bowtie noodles. YUM! 11) Beans: SO good for you! Incorporate beans into your diet ASAP! Black beans, whole grain brown rice, and hot sauce. Such a good quick dinner. 12) Restaurant Tips: Like Amy said, ALWAYS put half of your food in a to go box. Also, try to order fish or lean steak when you can. Get a salad and a side of veggies and you are good to go. Even if it is not on the menu, you can usually request something like this: grilled salmon, with NO butter and light on the olive oil; sauteed spinach (NOT in butter but a little olive oil); and a salad. SO yummy and healthy! I always say no butter. Even if you are are at a 5 star restaurant, they may cook your steak or whatever with butter. Also, check out the P90x menu, like Amy said. This will give u great menu ideas. Also, I LOVE Abs Diet for Women book. It is THE easiest eating plan, with sooo many great recipes. You can definitely make healthy food interesting. Just google recipes for everything I have listed. Please let me know if you have any questions. OH yeah for lunch, you can do a turkey sandwich on whole wheat or healthy tuna salad on lettuce or whatever!

holy hell, I just posted the longest reply in the history of the website and it did not post...so here goes again!