"Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread"

[tinklvr64]

Evening GF gals,

Cinder, my one FAV thing from pampered chef is the chopper. This tool is truly worth every penny..in fact I just used it tonight to chop some walnuts into a salad.

Arbonnette, your daughter was soo cute in that thing costume! What is the hair made out of???

Channing, did you make your ressies w/SW? I have rec'd alot of discount offers in the last couple of days.....still 400+ for airfare in Nov hoping SW comes out with some good rates for that time frame.


dawn

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Thanks for the post on the ediblearrangements. They all look delicious. I think I'll give these a try in August (nice change from cakes!).

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I agree Princess
something not so heavy and much healthier

 

[marcij]

I am back, but still feel lousy... I need a nap!! I don't think it is the flu (I had that right after New Years) unless it is rearing its ugly head in milder form this time.

Channing, remember to take pics of these bears!! I love Build A Bear!! DS has two (a construction bear that he named JoJo!! and a White Sox bear named SouthPaw after their mascot). I can't believe you are 2 weeks away (I am so jealous!!!!!!!! We are still 9 months out... )

I have been answering some of the newbie questions on the FAQ. I feel like I was one of them not so long ago!! Besides, I think it is cute to see how excited they are getting. Getting these codes are a dream come true for some of these families who may never stay there otherwise

I hope you are feeling better today. I love pampered chef, but haven't seen any of their newer stuff. I think it's been several years since I've been to a party.

Regarding the edible arrangements -- I've been sending them to DH for a couple of years now (anniversary, birthday etc.) and have been very pleased every time. They can be pretty pricey, but we've always been very happy with the quality of the fruit.

Our weather is super crazy here. We woke up yesterday to ice and snow in the DFW area, then it warmed up to high 50s and sunny, then by tomorrow we may have a wintery mix again. We haven't really had any snow this season -- tiny flakes for maybe a couple of minutes about a month ago, so I'm hoping for some big fat flakes. Since a lot of you are sick of snow, send yours my way!

Kelly -- I hope you have a great time. Please tell V and J I said hello.

I better get busy with work. Have a good day everyone.

 

[WishesQueen]

Edited to add....boy I am noticing a LOT of people that are newly trying the GF....asking stuff like "What do you like about the GF".....and other questions. A lot of them could be answered if they'd just look at the start of the GF thread. I am feeling cranky because I bet they are GF newbs due to codes. Of course I want one.

I would love a code too!!! Do you think we don't get codes because we go every year, sometimes more then once?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

marci I will

 

[Lives4Disney]

I would love a code too!!! Do you think we don't get codes because we go every year, sometimes more then once?

Ya...I bet. Good for the folks that got them...I dont' mean to take away from their happiness I am just miffed at Disney for not appreciating our repeat business. They should throw codes my way....I'd go every month if I could.

Wouldn't it be so nice to just say I AM HAVING A BAD DAY TODAY....hop on a plane and get some Disney magic? I need to win the lottery. Because I am having a bad day. DS17 is a pain in the butt and making us miserable here. My escape can't come soon enough.

Marci, be careful what you ask for!! I saw the TX weather on the news last night.....it looked nasty. I am a goofball...I never pictured TX getting snow. I think desert and cactus and all that jazz. We need spring here! At least the sun is out now, but they are predicting snow later today.

OOOH! I am excited though about ordering the adorable Easter Build a Bears for the girls. Last night Jo wanted me to put her on the NEW BuildaBearVille website. It's like Webkinz and Ty's interactive websites....she was bummed because she dind't have a new bear w/a code to use - she'll have a new one soon!!! Perfect timing. YAY

Happy day! Talk to ya later, I'm sure.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Another quiet day around here!!

I went to bed at 7:30 last night (see I am staying up later!!) and slept through until 7am today. I feel SO much better!!! I went to the salon and got a cut and a full highlight so I feel all refreshed

Thanks for the comments on the PC stuff. I had a party here when I first moved in so all the neighborhood hens could get together and drink wine and be social. I got tons of stuff!! I have almost all of their stoneware and most of the gadgets. I love the chopper!! I use it all the time (ditto for my baking stones, rubber scrappers and spatulas.) I was pleasantly surprised to see all the entertaining stuff they have now!! Most of that stuff I have always gotten from Southern Living, but I really like this new stuff too!!! Can't wait to see it in person.

RE: codes... I am a little surprised that WDW doesn't reward frequent guests more. I know they offer bounceback from time to time (but never at a time of year we would use it) and AP rates for the passholders (which according to what I read here aren't the greatest anymore). I cheated to get my code this year (SHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! ) I ordered a planning DVD in my maiden name and sent it to my parents house It was only for 20% and I am still hopeful that a general public code will come out to cover ALL of my dates so I can get rid of this silly split ressie. But I am doubtful since that is PW week... I just wish airfare would come down. We are being quoted well over $300 pp which is crazy!! I paid $163 for Labor Day last year and $265 for Thanksgiving weekend in 2006.

Take Care!
Kristin

 

[Tinkaroo]

Happy Hump Day, GF gals!

Kristin - I hope you're feeling better today. It's no fun to just feel "off."

Channing - your comments about Texas had me laughing. Do you picture us riding horses around, too? In my line of work I meet people from all over the country, and you don't know how many times I have been asked that!

Yep, we in Texas had a decent snowfall (for us, at least) on Monday night - I think I had about 3 inches at my house. We might see some more of the frozen stuff tomorrow night. Crazy! Of course, I think it's in the 60's out there right now.

tinklvr - good luck with your airfare! Those prices definitely sound scary!

Kelly - have a great upcoming trip! I didn't get the pleasure of meeting V last December, but did spend a nice evening chatting with J. I told him he was a minor celebrity on our little thread! Maybe I will get a chance to meet V (and see J again!) in December. Can't wait!!!!!

Oh.....

Look at my ticker!!!!! We're staying at the GF in May!!!! (Did anyone take any bets? )

I'm traveling with just my mom in May, and I worked it out with my dad that we'll split the increased resort cost as an early Mother's Day gift for her. She will still think we're staying at the AKL, and she will be very surprised and thrilled when we pull up to the GF! She just loves the Grand, and it's perfect for a girl's trip.

In discussing this with my DH last night, the man kept saying over and over: "For you guys, this makes sense. However, when you and I are traveling, if we're staying at the GF, I only want to stay RPC!"

I don't know how it happened, but I brainwashed him for sure!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Lindsay- congrats on making the GF decision for May!! Your mom will be so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I wish I could get DH to see the wonders of RPC, but I am just happy that he agrees GF is the only way to go anymore- so I will take what I can get at this point!!!)

You mean you don't ride horses to work in Texas


























Kristin

 

[Tinkaroo]

Lindsay- congrats on making the GF decision for May!! Your mom will be so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I wish I could get DH to see the wonders of RPC, but I am just happy that he agrees GF is the only way to go anymore- so I will take what I can get at this point!!!)

Stranger things have happened. When I booked us in RPC for last December, DH about choked on the price. Leading up to the trip, we talked all the time about how this was a "special" trip, a one-time thing, etc. After being there for a few days, though, he didn't want to leave!

Trust me, we love a good deal in just about every other aspect of our lives, I coupon clip, bargain shop, and do my research on everything else we do/buy. When I do look at the price, it is somewhat atrocious (and we were fortunate to nab a AAA discount both last year and this year). However, vacations are really important to us and are where we splurge. And for us, the value is there for RPC. Particularly this year, we'll be going later in December, right up to when the holiday pricing starts. I'm sure we'll appreciate the sanctuary of RPC!

Of course, I'll also take my GV when I'm at the GF! Heck, I'll take any room (as long as it's not a broom closet or looking out on the dumpster!) at the GF!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, guys! Lindsay, lol....well my parents live in Tucson, AZ....they get snow, too - which surprised me when they first moved there...and they do ride horses. I guess I just always pictured TX WARM. Although I have never been there. This weather has been crazy. That is great about your May trip. My DH was the same about RPC. He was difficult at first but now he's hooked. Although, I told Kelly I need to prepay my Easter stay haha so he doesn't know the nightly rate. That would be ugly guaranteed.

Kristen! I am glad you're on here. I got part of my QVC order!!! YAY! I watched the DVD and it's a breeze. The only thing is I feel like the powder gets into the teeny lines on my face and accents them.....I am seeing lines I didn't even know I had. What am I doing wrong?!?!!? The medium is a great match...I got the kit w/DVD, my hyacinth eye shadow, and the mineral veil kits w/different shades of that....I am still waiting for my other items. Hope tomorrow...I have to go see what I did order. I need more brushes for sure - like the concealer brush and eyeshadow brush and then the Kabuki brush...too bad that doesn't come in the kit since they use it w/the basic set. Help on the face lines, though! It was really bad and then I washed it off and started fresh with fresh moisturizer but I still see lines that I didn't know wre there.

OK, I am not having a whole lot of Ebay luck lately at all.....I ordered some (supposedly) adorable skirts/tops for the girls.....well the Minnie head is off center. It is totally noticeable. The elastic in the skirts is cheap VERY thin so it doesn't have holding power or stretch to keep ruffled praire style twirl skirts up. I was really nice because the stuff looks adorable, but it is not right. She was super pissy with me - told me she lost money on the transaction - she KNEW what I wanted before she quoted me, the Minnie is centered by the bandana (it's a pirate Minnie) but then the head looks off......ugh. THAT IS IT with the special order Ebay stuff for me. I LOVE clothes & my mom is a super seamstress so I am used to NICE things....these people took like beginner sewing classes and are trying to make a buck and not doing great work. I prefer the Limited Too and Gymbo stuff I bought way more. Except the bows and flip flops - those are adorable.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Make sure your moisturizer has a chance to dry before you put it on...Hang on crisis here... I'll be back

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK, I am back- crisis averted (Tinker Toys were falling and he thought the world was coming to an end )

You might not be tapping enough off The only place I notice the lines anymore is right under my eyes. I am careful to get moisturizer there and let it dry for about 10 minutes before I put on the bisque (or well rested now). Make sure you are giving it a good tap... I find a couple of layers is better than 1 thick coat...

 

[Lives4Disney]

OK, I am back- crisis averted (Tinker Toys were falling and he thought the world was coming to an end )

You might not be tapping enough off The only place I notice the lines anymore is right under my eyes. I am careful to get moisturizer there and let it dry for about 10 minutes before I put on the bisque (or well rested now). Make sure you are giving it a good tap... I find a couple of layers is better than 1 thick coat...

Oops....bad crisis!

OK, I'll try that tomorrow!! Yep the lines are under my eyes and tops of my cheeks. I have crows feet from all my smiling and I feel like they are accentuated with the makeup. My pores, too!!! I didn't even know I had pores, haha....

Do you use their moisturizer?? Do you use that Prime Time?? Would something like that help it go on smoother??? OH! One more thing....in the DVD the ladies she makes up look like they're glowing - all dewy and shining....I feel so matte. No shine here. Very flat.

I think I might head to Ulta soon and get the brushes I want and maybe the prime time or something.

THANKS!!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I think Brooke uses the Prime Time... it is on my list of things to get next time I go. I think the ladies look "dewey" from the "radiances" they also brush on (ie bare radiance etc). I am more matte, especially after Mineral Veil, but that is how I prefer it. I don't notice the pores any more. I put on a couple of thin layers of the foundation (1 doesn't do it for me) and that second one seems to help with that. Putting Mineral Veil on first then foundation then mineral veil at the very end might help with that too. (Brooke, please get your internet back and chime in here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

For brushes I use the flawless face that came with the starter for the foundation and mineral veil. I don't have the kabuki. I use the max concealer for bisque and well rested. I use the handy buki for blush (but should get the angled brush). I have a bunch of different eye shadow brushes that came with carious eye kits. I have a tall fluffy one (that I can't remember the name) I use for the vanilla sugar base coat and and a medium contour for my lid color (I have an angled one too that I use if I go for a third color in the crease- but I only do that when I am going "out"). I should get a lip brush, but for now I put on the lipstick stright from the tube!

HTH!
Kristin

 

[Lives4Disney]

I think Brooke uses the Prime Time... it is on my list of things to get next time I go. I think the ladies look "dewey" from the "radiances" they also brush on (ie bare radiance etc). I am more matte, especially after Mineral Veil, but that is how I prefer it. I don't notice the pores any more. I put on a couple of thin layers of the foundation (1 doesn't do it for me) and that second one seems to help with that. Putting Mineral Veil on first then foundation then mineral veil at the very end might help with that too. (Brooke, please get your internet back and chime in here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

For brushes I use the flawless face that came with the starter for the foundation and mineral veil. I don't have the kabuki. I use the max concealer for bisque and well rested. I use the handy buki for blush (but should get the angled brush). I have a bunch of different eye shadow brushes that came with carious eye kits. I have a tall fluffy one (that I can't remember the name) I use for the vanilla sugar base coat and and a medium contour for my lid color (I have an angled one too that I use if I go for a third color in the crease- but I only do that when I am going "out"). I should get a lip brush, but for now I put on the lipstick stright from the tube!

HTH!
Kristin

Thanks, Kristin. I need my other items to arrive!!! I think I get an eye brush with the shadows I bought as a kit. I will try the mineral veil thing tomorrow....I just feel really flat matte. I like a little glow/shine or I feel like I look dead. I guess I don't notice much difference either except my lines!

I only have two flawless face brushes right now.

Gotta go check out my QVC acct and see what I have coming.

 

[arbonnette]

I am laughing about the Tinker Toys bc Hannah just had a similar issue with Barbies while trying to get them out the closet. She had the day off from school for a teacher's in-service thingy.

Channing, I am sorry for the ebay issues. That's very disappointing when you expect something to look a certain way and then it doesn't and you have paid a good amount for it. IMO, a lot of people THINK they do quality work and are justified in charging A LOT when in reality they just aren't that detail oriented and/or talented. I know that sounds harsh, but as a crafter myself, if I am going to buy something, it better look professionally done or very close to it, not homemade and full of flaws. Not only is it annoying, it's bad business.
That is why with a lot of the stuff on ebay if I recognize fabric that I have seen with my own eyes at Walmart, and someone wants $40 for a simple skirt, I keep looking.

And here is my BM routine in case anyone is interested. I like to read how other people do theirs. That's the great thing about BM. There is no right and wrong way!
1. Small pea size amount of Prime Time on freshly washed/toned skin.
2. Use Fairly Light foundation as concealer on breakouts, under eyes, redness around nose/mouth with Maximum Coverage Concealer brush.
3. Light coat of Mineral Veil with Flawless Face brush.
4. 1-2 Light coats of Fairly Light with Baby Buki brush.
5. TINY bit warmth on forehead, cheeks, chin, nose with Flawless Face.
6. More Mineral Veil with Flawless Face brush.
7. Beauty blush with Flawess Face brush on apples of cheeks.
8. Clear Radiance with Feather Light brush on temples, over blush, not too much, gives skin a bit of a dewy feel. I think it's the brush that makes a difference. I tried this product with Flawless Face brush and looked glittery.
9. Vanilla Sugar on eyes with whatever eye brush I grab first. I have a few that came with an eye starter kit.
10. Sometimes I do Fashionista shadow as liner and finish with black mascara.
I know it sounds like a lot, but it takes me 5-7 minutes in the morning depending on whether I do eyes. My pores disappear and I have huge ones and blackheads that I can't seem to eradicate no matter what I try. BM covers all of it.

Have fun with your new stuff, Channing.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks for chiming in Andrea!! I knew there were a ton of us out there that could help her!!

I went to check out my brush names:

For my vanilla sugar shadow it is Soft Focus eyeshadow. (I use the fashionista liner too!)

When I apply Bare Radiance I use the Soft Focus Face brush (it is a bigger brush like flawless face, very fluffy) and I apply it on the tops of my cheeks, eye and temple area (not my whole face) and I put it on after the foundation but before eyeshadow and blush... I don't tap too much into the lid they way I do with the foundation and mineral veil (only about 1/4 of what I use there)

Channing, as the stuff comes, just play with it for a few days. Try different combinations, orders etc. Within a couple of weeks you will be a pro with your own little routine and putting it on lightning fast!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Andrea, thanks for all that BM routine info.

OK, what do you think makes your pores disappear?? Now that I put on the BM, I am seeing pores & lines I didn't even know I had!! Not sure what I am missing that I really need!!! I also need some type of glow. My skin looks blah flat. I saw I have Clear Radiance on it's way - hopefully tomorrow....Will that give me some help? I don't have black heads or blemishes or anything except freckles and some sun spots and they are still there & that's OK, I just don't want to emphasize the bad stuff!

Ebay....well I have learned a new lesson for sure. I don't like custom stuff. I like my store bought clothes.