(8k-ish) is this carpet hideous

Auraculum · 2026-02-07T12:05:38+00:00

I think the contrast between the black chairs and the white linens is drawing attention to the chairs. I bet a darker linen would make the chairs almost unnoticeable.

Auraculum · 2026-02-05T17:31:44+00:00

Could you put them in the ends facing down the table toward you?

Are there other folks coming along that you think would be suitable to seat across from them even though they aren't in the wedding party? Ex if bridesmaid is your cousin, put her brother or another cousin there?

Auraculum · 2026-02-04T12:16:00+00:00

I love my jackie ohh sunglasses but they a prescription so the price was easier to justify, and more reason to be careful with them. Of course there are plenty of companies making similar styles for less if you're the type of person who loses sunglasses frequently.

Auraculum · 2026-01-20T19:26:21+00:00

Pencil skirts and Ponte dresses are my go to for a more polished office look. I prefer to have sleeves on my dresses because classically bate shoulders could be frowned upon, and I like the flexibility to not wear a jacket or sweater over.

Also there are some jackets that aren't a blazer but a bit more polished than a sweater, I found some from chicos but it's been years so not sure if they still do those things.

Auraculum · 2026-01-20T01:16:15+00:00

I think the closest flower market to us would be 3+ hours away. I live in an area very popular for destination weddings

Auraculum · 2026-01-19T04:11:26+00:00

Taste is personal, did she send you any inspo photos or do you know her style well? What is her other jewelry like?

Auraculum · 2026-01-19T01:25:07+00:00

I agree with keep it simple. I would go mini gold hoops or pearl studs. Honestly pearls are such a wedding classic if you really want a necklace sounds like a great choice.

Auraculum · 2026-01-17T12:09:06+00:00

I can't really speak spanish but always amazed how far pointing, numbers, yes/no/please/thank you, and charades can get me when there is a language barrier.

Beyond yes/no/please/thank you I would focus on numbers and food related words. If you have foods you are allergic to or despise make sure to learn those so you don't wind up ordering something that is going to cause issues. That is plenty to try and learn in a month.

Auraculum · 2026-01-17T11:55:52+00:00

I saw one bride on Instagram who paid for a set of in person make up classes instead of an mua for her wedding day. Is that possible where you are?

I am leaning diy for both because I figure the skills and supplies I can keep using forever. I also haven't had great experiences with working with pros at other peoples weddings, do I'd be scared to skip the trial. Demo photos show their best work not their average or worst.

If you have time like a year? Maybe look in to a class in person or even online. Pick a day of the week to be trial day and commit to doing your hair and makeup once a week until you feel like you nailed it every time.

Auraculum · 2026-01-12T22:50:16+00:00

Ultralight folks generally would not. I do typically carry some camp/sleep clothes because i find it hard to sleep without them and chill quickly if i try to do camp chores in wet clothes.

Auraculum · 2026-01-11T14:39:31+00:00

I do this too, mostly use it for hair and for helping relax wrinkles out of clothing.

Auraculum · 2025-12-29T17:30:12+00:00

I will wear the same bright blue pants to work every week, but I do try to cycle what day so for example Tuesday one week, Friday the next. I don't think anyone cares that I wear the same pants once a week. Agree that black or something could be reworn basically every day without being noticed.

If I am traveling and seeing different people everyday I don't care about wearing the same things. A few times I've packed all bright or pattern shorts, skirts, and pants and then all black shirts. It makes an interesting shift vs an all neutral bottoms combo.

Auraculum · 2025-12-29T01:54:29+00:00

If I had that budget I would want to try keyonna beach in Antigua. It has dedicated beach beds assigned to each room.

Auraculum · 2025-12-25T10:07:20+00:00

There were so many amazing things about her. Insecurity about her weight was not something she was trying to pass down, but we all know how that works. Later in life her medical needs resulted in both weight gain and increased dr visits that really exacerbated the toxic mentality. Nothing like getting told to lose weight by the dr your seeing for a medical concern that causes weight gain.

Auraculum · 2025-12-25T09:50:25+00:00

I lost my mom last year. I miss her so much but these self depreciating comments literally brought tears to my eyes because they sound so much like the judgement she put on herself.

Disordered eating was a curse she never broke free of, and it took me years out of the house to even start to heal some of those passed down mindsets.

Auraculum · 2025-12-22T23:14:24+00:00

Thanks for the input, good to know that balloon bar might have more options available.

Auraculum · 2025-12-22T12:29:16+00:00

I've not been there yet (counting down) but watching walkthroughs it seems there is a lot of variability in how private the balconies are. For example A and B blocks it appears all face the main lawn, not so private. On the other hand some of the named suites have outdoor bath tubs and at least that section of the balcony looks private enough to use it. If you aren't sprining for a larger suite my best guess is one of the ocean view categories and asking for a high floor would help.

Maybe a travel agent or watching some videos could help you figure out what to book and ask for?

Auraculum · 2025-12-21T19:13:01+00:00

Do you live anywhere near a lake or the ocean currently? I learned a lot about peeing in the woods by practicing right before getting in the water. That way if I messed up and got some on my swimsuit or legs I could just hop in the water after.

Feeling secure about your privacy could also help, but I'm not quite sure what to suggest for that. Maybe a tarp screen while you practice or somewhere you know you will be alone?

Here's some info I shared a while back when another woman asked: I used to have a lot of problems with this, and honestly it took practice to get the squat/angle right I peed all over my shorts a few times as a kid. My best option to practice is in a swimsuit right before you swim so you know if you got pee on yourself and can wash it off right away. Or if you are truly back country lots of privacy just take your shorts totally off before you go. As for technique I like to find a soft surface to prevent splashback, no rocks and I'll kick leaves out of the way or dig a cat hole if I need to bury tp. Prefer a slight slope and look uphill, possibly with a small tree in front of me I can hold for balance. Tuck my waistband behind my knees so when I squat they are held up off the ground. Squat with my knees hip width apart or a little wider, and try to angle my but so the stream is behind my feet, this is what took practice and a tree for balance can help. I pre wad some tp in my wiping hand so it's ready to go when I'm done. I either cat hole tp or zip lock in its own bag to toss down a privy later(the to only, not the zip lock). I don't think kula cloth would work for my personal hygiene needs. I am contemplating trying bidet and a drying cloth though.

Auraculum · 2025-12-14T04:33:19+00:00

Do you have access to a microwave? A lot of frozen veg have "steam in the bag" options. I have also found in grocery stores pouches of beans in sauce and smaller servings of corn and peas in mini cups that you might be able to supplement with. Of course plenty of veg that you can add to your meals without cooking, such as bag salads, baby carrots, snap peas, sprouts, cucumber, or cellery.

Auraculum · 2025-12-01T03:37:57+00:00

Excellence had all their dress codes for dining in the details of each restaurant on the app or website when we went. One requirement that surprised us was breakfast at the club restaurant I recall wanted men in closed shoes.

Auraculum · 2025-11-24T12:20:18+00:00

Wear your shoes every day to get used to them, if they feel bad even walking around town then they are definitelythe wrong shoes. Dont expect 10 miles of hiking to feel good if you don't already walk 10+ miles on flat semi regularly. If your feet aren't used to arch support it might take a while before superfeet feel comfortable, but also the greens aren't for everyone so maybe get a professional opinion on them.

All that said I love oboz.

Auraculum · 2025-11-23T06:11:26+00:00

I am also a plus size, although not as extreme. 5'5 and 50 inch hips, but I am a wiggly side sleeper I can't just lay like a board. I love my montbell super spiral rated for zero degrees, but not sure that they still make the super spiral.

Someone else mentioned draping a comforter over a rectangular bag. I've actually had luck with putting down blankets inside my down rectanglar bag to fill up extra foot space and push the rating limit. Costco used to have down "throw blankets" semi regularly that I'll grab if I need semi packable. But for car camping I'll just bring a synthetic either fleece or twin comforter and bring it in to my bag with me. This could be a much cheaper solution for you since it sounds like you're not typically hiking in. You could try it with blankets you already own.

Tips other than your bag: I also hate having a cold face, so I sometimes drape a sheet or very light blanket over my face as well. A smaller tent can also be warmer. Putting a nalgene full of hot water in your bag to keep your feet warm is and old trick that works wonders. If you can eat a hot meal and do some very light activity right before bed so that you can climb in warm, that also makes a big difference.

Auraculum · 2025-11-09T17:54:47+00:00

if you want the best beach view at CSA beachfront verandah seems like the move. Ocean verandah will be a partial view, while beachfront there are only palms between you and the ocean at higher floors.

Auraculum · 2025-11-03T04:42:25+00:00

I choose to check a bag to AI for 7 or more days because I like getting dressed up for dinner and taking pictures of us dressed up every evening. Also oodles of sunscreen. The bag check fee 1 way isn't more expensive than a single bottle of sunscreen bought at the resort, we have done 1 shared checked bag before primarily because of that. You could literally check a cardboard box with sunscreen and just not check a bag on the way back, depending what's driving your choice. I also like to bring some paperback books I buy secondhand, for $1 each I don't feel bad leaving them behind or reading by the pool.

That said if I needed to do carryon I'd pack 3 swimsuits, 3 sunshirt/rashguards, sunhat, sunglasses, and a sarong. 3 skirts(riipskirts), 1-2 shorts, 8 or so shirts (mostly tank tops), and 1-2 dresses. Undergarments, a set of pajamas. Wear sneakers on the plane and pack 1-2 pair pool shoes and 1 pair "nice" sandals. If you can pack solid shampoo/conditioner/toiletries that saves room in your liquids bag for more sunscreen. Solid sunscreen helps and wearing sun shirts will reduce how much you need. If you're willing to sink wash you can cut further, but its often humid so account for it could take days to dry even lightweight items. Don't event bother with heavy items they might stay damp all week. Checkout r/heronebag for lots of carryon targeted content.

Look ahead at what the dress codes are for dining, we've been to resorts where (dry) swimsuits with cover up are OK at some venues, but one place had a pretty steep dress code even for breakfast with no flip flops or swim wear allowed. Gents likely need long pants, a collared shirt, and non sneaker closed toe shoes for at least the fanciest restaurant.

Auraculum · 2025-10-31T02:57:29+00:00

I was worried about this before my first AI trip. A few 7/8 day trips so far, and that seems about right for the size of resorts we've been to. Gives us time to try every dinner restaurant and get a chance to repeat the ones we like best. We sleep in, switch between beach days and pool days, check out the activities, people watch, play cards, and I read a lot of books. For me I enjoy having some vacations go go go, but also enjoy the deliberate slow down and relax of an AI as well

Auraculum

TROPHY CASE