lara&mike

If you have booked through a tour operator then cash is fine. The tour operator blocks off rooms and prepays for them. You are essentially paying them (eg Sunquest) for the room they have already prepaid for. The issue with credit cards usually occurs when you book through the hotel directly, or through an internet site where they pay locally in Jamaica, and not in Canada. I have never had to pay a deposit on a room, and i've stayed at a riu before. Some hotels require this if you are under 21 yrs and over spring break..but that's an exception. They may also need a credit card if the want to charge anything to the room. Generally they can pay for a safe, or any tours in cash. Sometimes it's nice to have a credit card because they can chargeback anything they didnt get (ie. a tour that was cancelled if you're getting the runaround). However, less chance for any cc theft which is a bonus!

Quote: Originally Posted by ~Angela~ Lara, they also have that dress at Bridal Depot in Waterloo. I am pretty sure it's one of the ones I tried on. I'm not sure how much it is at Sophie's, but I think Bridal Depot price matches and I've heard WAY better things about them than Sophie's. I also had a much better experience there just trying dresses on. Worth checking out maybe? Good luck! Thanks Angela. I went in there before sophies and found their prices really expensive. However, that was when i wanted a cheaper dress. Then i ended up going to sophies and finding this dress and after i changed my mind on my first dress (in my budget) i was stuck with sophies to not lose my deposit (See previous post about my deposit..) and got this more expensive dress. Bridal depot was really nice though, and to be honest the mgr at sophies is a bit of a bitch. oh, and did you know VS Pink is opening in Conestoga? Yayy! They open this weekend i think. Hopefully they carry some of their good stuff there and not just sweats...maybe they can order something??....fingers crossed!

Quote: Originally Posted by Shommy128 The information about clevage helps. If you want that look then go for the sweetheart and a Very Sexy bra from Victoria Secret If you go sweetheart I think you'll have to loose the flower. Thanks for the tip! I just checked them out...they are "very sexy". Now to find a VS near me... Thanks to everyone for your comments too. Every one of them is appreciated! I love the different opinions!

Quote: Originally Posted by MsAmErika Its lovely...did you take any pictures of the back? Thank you :-) I have a pic but it's not very good. I cut off my head because it's not a very good pic..haha. The dress is 4 sizes too big so it doesn't look right at the back. It is zipper back with buttons on the side. It has the same rouching across. There is a flower halfway down the back of the train which is where the bustle will go. I dont have pictures from the designer website either because they dont have lots of views...i dont know why. Everyone looks at their dress from 50 different angles!! The more i look at it in pictures, i think i want a sweetheart with removed flower. Lots of mixed views on the flower...what to do.....

Check out Anse chastanet too. It is beautiful and very romantic. ANSE CHASTANET RESORT St Lucia, Caribbean's romantic resort hideaway But, also very expensive!! The Sandals resorts are more affordable. The Regency is great if you're into golf, but the Grande is a bit larger and has the nicest beach area. I am soooooo jealous!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by ~Angela~ I think it looks awesome on you. Also, I think a slight sweetheart neckline would be great but I am not a huge fan of deep ones. Maybe you are like me and will never have that feeling of "the one" .... I have been looking forever!!! Is this at Sophie's?? It is at sophies.It's a madison collection. I tried on literally about 50 dresses. This one is the only one that i thought was perfect because i loved the raw silk and it's super light (but over my budget). I saw one at Balletts i loved but i thought it was too heavy for a DW and i might just sweat to death.

Thanks for all your replies!! You girls are awesome! Don't get me wrong I love the dress. The thing is, I actually have put down a small deposit on the dress, so I was kind of misleading because I wanted honest opionions and not for everyone to make me feel good :-) I went back today to try it on and take pics so that i could decide on jewelry, shoes etc, and it just didn't feel the same as the first time i tried it on. It is a size 10 and Im a 4, so i think the top feels a bit large for me and my little breasts :-) That's why i think a sweetheart would look a lot better given that i dont have to hide anything, and it may actually create the illusion of cleavage....that would be nice ;-) Also, i"m not 100% sold on the fact it gives me a womanly figure. I'm very straight and i'm not sure this dress gives me enough curves. But, what can you do! (besides cxl, lose my deposit, and start over!). Also, this is the SECOND dress that I have put a deposit on...I have real issues making decisions!! So, I guess I needed someone besides my mom and my MOH to tell me it looks good. Sometimes it takes others to lay it on the line. Like i said, the first time i tried it on, i loved it...and even had that moment where i knew it was perfect. I just keep looking at dresses online for my TTD and then want a different "real" one. I must stop!! I could technically sell this one when it comes in and get a new one, but I wanted opinions so that I could decide if it is worth it or not. So, I wasn't entirely truthful that i was thinking of getting it, because i somewhat have it, but i wanted opionions that were real (hopefully!). Hope you can forgive me ;-) What do you think, veil or no veil with this dress? I am torn. My mom wants veil, i was just thinking a flower or possibly bird cage veil. BC might be too much though, u think? Thanks again for all your feedback :-)

I think I might get this dress but need your opinion! I have been on the fence about it and like it but then not sure if it is flattering. I need your honest feedback! I was thinking of creating a sweetheart neckline and possibly removing the top flower and creating a hairpiece instead. Thoughts?? Thanks !! [/i

Quote: Originally Posted by Married_In_Maui I have an appt with my son's pediatrician in 10 days upon completion of his antibiotics & I now plan to discuss the H1N1 vax with her. I would love to hear what your pediatrician says & compare it to what ours has to say, so if you would be willing to share, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm driving myself up a wall with this decision; I'm back & forth. Hopefully the doc can help make this difficult decision. THANKS!! I hope you find an answer you are more comfortable with. My daughter had surgery at 5 months and had to go on antibiotics. My naturopath and I were discussing possible vaccinations for her (standard ones) and she said to wait 30 days after surgery if possible to ensure that she is fully healthy again. Antibiotics kill all good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria is essential for a strong immune system and general health. It is standard not to vaccinate when your child is sick, but i would recommend that you fully strengthen his immune system before vaccinating if that is what you choose. Upon her recommendation we gave her probiotics daily, and vitamin c in powder form in her bottle/cereal. This will naturally boost his immune system. If you know a naturopath or have the ability to purchase these products i highly recommend it, and to give at least 14 days minimum of loading before vaccinating. It will lessen any side effects that the vaccine may have. Get them specific for children and follow dosage on the bottle. We did not end up vaccinating but her recovery was swift. Just some recommendations to look into. I'm not a dr., but follow natural therapies and there is something to be said for boosting your natural immunity, as other members have said.

Quote: Originally Posted by sjmacphe I can definitely understand your hesistance, but every year a new flu vaccine must be constructed quite quickly based on the new mutations that the viruses undergo each year, there is not much reason to believe that this vaccine will be any different in terms of side effects. And I would also argue that the risks associated with the vaccine are much less severe and WAY more unlikely than a serious and potentially life threatening H1N1 infection. From the CDC: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report has increased and now exceeds what is normally expected at this time of year. In addition, 19 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week; 16 of these deaths were confirmed 2009 H1N1 and 3 were unsubtyped influenza A and likely to be 2009 H1N1. A total of 76 laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1 pediatric deaths have been reported to CDC since April. This is what is concerning about this particular virus, and why I would vaccinate your child if you have the chance. But that is my opinion so I will leave it in your hands obviously . I definitely understand where you are coming from. Deaths are scary, whether it's from the flu or from reactions to a vaccine. There are many cases of vaccine damage that go reported and unreported beyond this vaccine. The side effects that have been in studies are not even for the H1N1 that is being rolled out, it's based on the Flu vaccine that was already created. This is a link from the FDA of the pamplet insert of H1N1 vax (novartis) : http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Biologi.../UCM182242.pdf It states the above. Also i would recommend if you are able to, do ask for a single dose vial rather than a multidose. The multi dose use mercury to stabilize the vaccine tmake it last longer. Mercury is damaging to the nervous system, especially those in young children. I believe these are offered to pregnant women and children anyway but I would still ask for one for me too ( if i was getting it). I respect all opinions and think it is a very difficult decision to make. I think that all sides should be taken into consideration before making any decisions on such a new vaccine. There are obvious known risks of the flu and h1n1, but there are unknown risks to the vaccine. I would rather treat the illness than create a new one. I suppose i'm lucky to live in Canada where health care is covered. I guess i'm a skeptic and feel that because the government, who receives money from pharma companies tells me everything is OK, I'm not quick to believe everything they tell me to do. Sick days at work equals employees not working and therefore a faltering economy = unhappy government. I'm not a conspiracy theorist or anything crazy, I've just always questioned where information is coming from and who is supporting it (on both ends). Anyway, hope this doesnt come across bitchy. I guess I just feel that people get so much information fed by the government and pharma companies, and not enough from the other side, where opinions can be shunned and silenced by the larger, louder other side. It's good to look hard for both sides that's all. Anyway, not trying to start a fight, just encourage everyone to make decisions base on both sides, and to research before you put something foreign and potentially damaging into your body or those you love.

I would definitely be skeptical of anything that has been rushed through testing this fast. There has not been sufficient time for the vaccine to show any long term negative side effects. The death rate of h1n1 is a low % for anyone that did not have any pre existing conditions. Many times the risks and side effects of the vaccine can outweigh the illness itself. There are many doctors who would never give it to their children. That says something because dr. are notorious for promoting vax that have been pushed on them by the pharma companies. I'm not huge into vaccinations though so I definitely wouldn't get a new one with no long term tests. I would rather treat the illness with an anti viral then potentially harm myself or my daughter.

Thanks everyone! I am not worried at all about her giving me a good deal. I know she definitely has our best interests in mind. I just want to get an idea of how much i'm saving so that I can best compensate her beyond the actual "cost" of the invites. That gives me a good idea :-)

Just added me in May! October 2009 Carmen & Tiny: October 09, 2009 - Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Darcy & Dave: October 11, 2009- Melia Caribe Tropical- Punta Cana Angela & Jason: October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Kelly & Pablo: October 22, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Jenny & Matthew: October 27, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical c & d: October 27, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana November 2009 Tanya & Joe: November 4, 2009 - Palladium Palace, Punta Cana Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Lisa & Jim: November 5, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Punta Cana Sandra & Rob: Novemeber 7, 2009- Ocean Blue/ Sand Golf & Beach Resort Erin & Trent: November, 9, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical Rosa & Eddie: November 10, 2009 - Barcelo Bavaro Palace Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial Andrea & Chris: November 24, 2009, Majestic Elegance Krista & Dave: November 25, 2009 - Sirenis Tropical Annida & Sante: November 27th, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Debbie & Benny: November 27th, 2009- Excellence, Punta Cana December 2009 Liz and Krishjen: December 3, 2009 - Moon Palace Punta Cana Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Amber and Dan: December 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Tara and Philip: December 7, 2009- Majestic Elegance Nonnie and Marj: December 10,2009-Grand Palladium Punta Cana Beth and Ian: December 12, 2009- Excellence Punta Cana Lindsay and Tracy: December 31, 2009 - Majestic Colonial January 2010 Jacqueline & Craig: January 5, 2010 - Sirenis Tropical Katie & Ivan: January 22, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess Shelby & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Jocelyn & Michael: January 25, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Lisa & Adam: January 2010, Dreams Punta Cana Nicole & Chad: January 12, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2010 Anne & Tim: February 20, 2010 - Jellyfish Restaurant (Staying at Melia) Jessica & Chairoj: Feb 20, 2010 - Grand Palladium Palace Resort Amber & John: February 27, 2010, Paradisus Palma Real March 2010 Melissa & Mark, March 3, 2010 - Iberostar Bavaro Jennifer & Cory March 13 2010- Palma Real Punta Cana Amy & Robert March 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Kim & Ron March 17, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Diane & Devin March 25 2010 - Paradisus Palma Real Anna & Lawrence March 26 - Majestic Colonial Erin & Pat March 27 2010 - Dreams Palm Beach Lindsay & Seth March 28 2010 - Paradisus Palma Real April 2010 Ken & Carla April 12, 2010 - Grand Oasis Marien Courtney & Michael April 13, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Tracy & Mike - April 13, 2010 - Grand Palladium Royal Vanessa & Eddie April 16, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Steph & Jason April 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium Palace Punta Cana Alli & Darren April 19, 2010- Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Tammy & Ryan April 19, 2010- Grand Paradsie Bavaro(Alli were getting married next door) Mylène & Jenrené April 19, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Crystal & Tyler April 20, 2010-Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Jennifer & Trevor April 21, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Helen & Scott April 21, 2010- Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Dianne & Adam April 21, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Jess & Aaron April 22, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Stacey & Eric April 22, 2010 - Dreams La Romana Holly & Shawn April 26, 2010 - Bavaro Princess Erin & Jeremy April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Amanda & Craig April 28*, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana May 2010 Lara & Mike May 3 2010 - Majestic Colonial Jennnifer & Trevor May 11th 2010 - Majestic Colonial Nicole & Matt May 13, 2010 - Majestic Colonial (Hey Jennifer, maybe we'll see you there!!) Rosa & Larry May 15th, 2010 - Excellence Punta Cana Heather & George May 15th 2010 - Dreams La Romana mary & joey may 21st, 2010- dreams punta cana Lauren & Nate May 18, 2010- Majestic Colonial Sara & Adam May 22nd, 2010 - Indecided, Punta Cana (Palladium, Dreams, Iberostar or Excellence) Iris and Mike May 27, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Rebecca and Hector May 27, 2010-Grand Palladium Punta Cana Shanelle & Michael ~ May 28, 2010 ~ Paradisus Punta Cana Susan & Roberto ~ May 28, 2010 ~ Dreams Punta Cana Valerie & Jake May 29, 2010- Dreams La Romana Melissa & Jason~ May 31, 2010 Paradisus Punta Cana June 2010 Bobbi And Tyler: June 4th 2010 Majestic Colonial Jen & Joe: June 5, 2010, Dreams Palm Beach LaToya & Micah: June 18, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana July 2010 Natasha & Benjamin - July 2, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana Lynette and Darnel July 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Laura & Zach July 15, 2010 - Majestic Colonial or Grand Palladium Palace Jenn & Andrew - July 21, 2010 - Majestic Colonial, PC Liz & Miguel - July 26, 2010 - Undecided location {Santiago, Puerto Plata, or Punta Cana James and Jessica- July 17, 2010 -Paradisus Punta Cana August 2010 Jeanette & Julio - undecided Punta Cana, (PPC or PPR) Aug 2010 Linda & Robin: August 3, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana Denise & Julio: August 7, 2010- Punta Cana- Melia Carib Tropical Ashley and Eric: August 31, 2010- Paradisus Palma Real October 2010 Autumn & Dominic - Oct 16th, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Michele & Andrew - Oct 19th, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Luciel & Emil - Oct 20th, 2010 - Melia Caribe Tropical January 2011 Ashlee & Daniel - January 12, 2011 - Paradisus Punta Cana July 2011/ 2012 Yvonne and Andrew- last week of july 2011/ 2012 (money dependant), dreams la romana

I was looking at those too! It's a great deal plus it's in your colours, so even more perfect. It's nice and dressy but casual at the same time.

I have petsecure for my dog. I got it as soon as I got her, which was almost 3 years ago. Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my money but I went to cancel it and the slick salesperson convinced me to keep it. It started at $36/month and is now $50. I was pretty ticked about that. I mean $50, seriously?? They just got bought out by another company though and added dental so that's how they justified it (not the usual % increase). But once you're in, you start thinking, well, i've put all this in, why don't i just keep it? Plus dental is like $300 so that might pay for itself. Prices depend on the type of animal and breed, due to their predisposed conditions. I used it when i spayed and microchipped her, also got blood tests and vax (first year). That pretty much paid for itself the first year (well 3/4). Last year i only used it 1x, and nothing this year...will likely go get her teeth cleaned. In the end i think of it as any other insurance. It depends on how much your animal is worth to you. If something happened and they needed treatment for $3K, do u have that, would you come up with it? If you have it and are willing to spend it, then maybe you dont need the insurance. I kind of feel this way. I would spend thousands to make her better...pple think im crazy, but shes our baby (well, first..now we have a real one!). However, i also like the peace of mind to know i can do whatever is necessary for her. Anyway....long post, but i think it's ultimately a financial decision. Vet bills are costly but are necessary if you really care for your animal. Even if you put away that $50 and something happend next year that required $$ surgery, you may not have enough. You can also find ways of spending it too...like extra special laser surgery (for spay/neuter), dental, etc. Oh, and I have a mid range plan, so there is cheaper and more expensive. Decide what you are going to use it for and then compare the plan coverages and the different companies. You may just need something basic...anyway...

I bought a bunch of big beach bags on sale, but now i want different ones. I have 10 black ones, 1 aqua, and 1 white. If anyone wants them let me know!! They were 2 for $5.99 + tax (40.61 cad). I would prefer to sell all at once and for the same price. I can figure out shipping if you're interestd. If you are giving towels they would be great b/c they are really big! here's a link of the aqua, but i have mostly black: La Vie en Rose - Online Shop - Detailed product :: Accessories :: bag :: NYLON BAG. bras, panties, sexy lingerie, casual wear, sleepwear, swimwear, bikinis, womens clothing, womens apparel, lingerie online, stockings, corsets, romantic intimates, Can

I went out and bought a bunch and have 10 black ones, 1 aqua, and 1 white. But, now i want to SELL them. If anyone wants them let me know!! I will post in FS as well, but just in case. Never used. They were 2 for $5.99 + tax (40.61 cad). If anyone wants them let me know. I would prefer to sell all at once. I can figure out shipping if you're interested. If you are giving towels they would be great b/c they are really big! here's a link of the aqua, but i have mostly black: La Vie en Rose - Online Shop - Detailed product :: Accessories :: bag :: NYLON BAG. bras, panties, sexy lingerie, casual wear, sleepwear, swimwear, bikinis, womens clothing, womens apparel, lingerie online, stockings, corsets, romantic intimates, Can

I have a friend who is a graphic designer and she offered to design our invitations and monogram. We ended up going with a boarding pass style so I showed her samples and told her what to put on it, etc. I also sent her samples of monograms I like so she could create one for us as well. She has offered to do it for free, but i want to give her something..whether it be money or a GC. So, she ended up outsourcing the printing to one of her printers at work and they are charging $3.90 CAD per invite which includes 2 inserts of invite and the cardstock folder they come in. Envelopes are not included. This is $190 for 50 invites. I'm not sure if this is a good price or not. From online I've seen about $4 -$6 an invite...but that may include envelopes (60Cents not a big deal). What did you pay per invite, or was there a surcharge for the design service you used? I want to get an idea of how much to give her without insulting or going overboard. Thanks!

Oh, and I just checked, if you are flying out of T.O and going to Sirenas La Salina (SLS??) then Sunwing is going on Wednesday. Have them check that too, not just Signature. Not sure if that's your hotel though.

I am a TA and can asure you that this not your TA's fault. I definitley wouldn't say that Nolitours is a fantastic company, but since they generally use Air Transat I'm surprised that there are not more flights available to you, especially in November. However, as it was mentioned this completey has to do with Nolitours. Unfortunatey agents are at the mercy of the tour operators as they are the ones running the show. They get their space through the hotel for the rooms, and through the airline for the air space (except AC and Sunwing who own their planes). Noli. has done what they think is enough for you, and I"m sure your TA has been trying every single thing possible to resolve any situations. I have encountered this situation many times, or similiar when hurricanes tear through and we do the best we can. If you have the option to switch to Signature I would take it. After the relationship you and your TA have probably built I'm sure you wouldn't want to start over. Not only that you will have to have all of your guests call and redo everything all over again with a new agent...very confusing for guests. I'm really sorry to hear about the situation though, that completely sucks. You really never know what can happen a year in advance in terms of schedule changes, but complete cancellations are really frustrating...especially for a wedding!!!

thanks for the info. I get emails all the time so once i figure out how many guests are coming I will place an order. It's so hard to hold off, but i dont want too many or too little of something. I figured it out though! That's a start!

What is the website you used? Do you mind sharing? Thanks!! I still need a TTD dress!

Thanks for sharing! Lots of great info for us to work with :-)

I completely agree. If you ask your FI he may not even care about doing a dance. I'm not sure if we are doing anything other than the first dance. DW are so informal and I dont think a lot of guests really care about watching it anyway. I was raised by my mom so don't have a father to dance with either. I am just going to dance with my mom if we do dances...who cares, it's your family and your wedding. However, you may not want to do it at all since this could remind you of your loss as well. Just do what feels right.

At least you MOH can go. Mine just got preggers this month and is due the week of our wedding! If this is her second baby then she will probably be bigger than the first time too. Just have her look at pics of her before and add a few inches! I agree with everyone else too, if she is your MOH you can always have her in a different dress too. Lots of brides do that anyway. Then she can have a nice maternity dress in similar colour, or your second main colour. Don't forget many of the flowy dresses are still lilned and they still won't work. Some online retailers offer bridal maternity as well which will keep everyone looking the same, if that's what you prefer. At 6 months I was still wearing my regular jeans (lowrise stretch) but you never know.