Something about passports every BRIDE should know

Brides NEVER get back from their honeymoon with "change my passport" on their to-do list.  They're busy moving into a new home, writing thank you notes, finding a company to preserve their dress, calling their photographer on a weekly basis for an E.T.A on their pictures.  I know…I’ve been there!  :)  So, naturally the passport is no where close to the to-do list, much less ON it.  BUT if I told you it would save you $135, I'm sure you'd put it on the list, wouldn't you?

Now it's time for my BIG MONEY SAVING tip: 

If it has been less than a year from the date your current passport was issued and your name has been legally changed, you can have your passport updated without a fee!  Even better, you don't even have to go to the Post Office to do it!  This is all you have to do...

Mail in:   * your current, valid U.S. passport
                  * completed form DS-5504 (I provided the link below)
                  * original or certified copy of your marriage certificate
                  * a new 2x2 passport photo

POOF...it's done, and it didn't cost you a dime! 

Most people assume you have to apply for a whole new passport to update their name, so they toss their passport in a dresser drawer and forget about it until they get ready to travel again.  By that time, they've PROBABLY passed the 1 year mark so guess what...they're going to be spending a fat 135 bucks on a new passport. 

This is something I wish I had known 3 years ago!  I'm departing for Jamaica in less than two months, and guess where $135 of my money is going.  YUP!  Merry Christmas US Post Office, Love The Cains!   

If you're still within that year requirement, print this form out TO-DAY and get this done!  You WILL call me for another trip within the next 10 years, you WILL need your passport to be updated, and you WILL be glad you did it!

If you are past the year requirement, then girl...I know how you feel!  It's just one more reason women have it worse than men.  :)
 

Link to Form DS-5504:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds5504/ds5504_2663.html

Bride and Groom Stay Free Offer

We're going to MEXICO, and we’re, gonna get CASADO!!!

This is a fabulous offer from one of my FAVORITE all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, El Dorado Royale.  I have stayed here personally, and have sent lots and lots of clients here.  There are many reasons this resort is on my top 3 Mexican All-Inclusive resort list, but it's mostly because I know when my clients arrive, they will be well taken care of, have great food and activities to choose from, and will have a stunning 5 star resort to call home during their stay.

If you’re planning or even considering having a destination wedding, El Dorado Royal is running an awesome Bride and Groom stays FREE promotion!  Here are a few more details. 

GROUPS FROM 5 TO 11 RECEIVE:

·         20% discount off room rates or lowest promotional rates at time of booking

·         20% discount off private events (Only food and beverage)

·         $500 resort credit per room (2) $100 wine vouchers, (2) $100 spa vouchers, (1) Candlelight Dinner Voucher

GROUPS OF 12 ROOMS OR MORE RECEIVE: 

·         20% discount off room rates or lowest promotional rates at time of booking

·         20% discount off private events (Only food and beverage)

·         $500 resort credit per room (2) $100 wine vouchers, (2) $100 spa vouchers, (1) Candlelight Dinner Voucher

·         BRIDE AND GROOM STAY FREE in an infinity swim up casita!

Call or email me for more details!

205-538-2SEA (2732)

macycain@hotmail.com

ADIOS!!!!   

Travel Collage...Scrapbook...Picture...Display...THING!

I LOVE to share my vacations with people.  I blast pretty much every detail on facebook while I’m gone, I upload pictures, I blog, I hang pictures in my house, I do it all… but my most favorite way to share my vacations is with this collage/scrapbook/picture/display/thing.  I really do not know what to call it, but one thing I do know is I’m OBSESSED with making them!  Here's a step by step process of how I made my Las Vegas collage. 

Why am I OBSESSED?  I’m so glad you asked.  J

A lot of time, money, and thought goes into vacations.  You dream, save, and plan every little detail of them, so after living that dream, do you really want to bring those memories home and stick them in a plastic photo album to collect dust?  No thanks!   

How to make yours:

  

1) Keep EVERYTHING from your vacation!  Keep your boarding passes, receipts (gas, food, souvenirs, drinks), itinerary, hotel confirmation, luggage tags, brochures, show tickets, room keys, bus tickets, entrance wrist bands, restaurant information…EVERYTHING!  Obviously, you will not have enough room to use everything you collect; however, that’s not the point.  You want to collect a lot of stuff so you will have more variety to choose from while building your collage.

Side note:  I carry a file folder (with pockets) with me on my trips to throw all of my “precious junk” in.  Just toss it in there and worry about it when you get home. 

2)  Buy a shadow box.  I get mine from Hobby Lobby.  Just like everything else in that store, these boxes get marked down by 50% at least once a month, so wait until then to buy it.

 
3)  Sort.  Pull out your folder as well as all of your pictures from your trip.  Sort all of your stuff into three piles. 

  *Pile #1:  Must Haves:  things you must put in your collage.  I always choose pictures and/or items from the most memorable parts of my trips, what I enjoyed doing the most, hilarious moments, etc. 

  *Pile #2:  I like it, but it’s not a must:  Self explanatory. 

  *Pile #3:  Not going to use:  keep in mind, you’ve collected A LOT of items from your trip; therefore, there ARE going to be items you really don’t want to display.  If it’s not that interesting, didn’t have any significance to your trip, or you’re wondering, “Why did I keep this?”…this is the pile it needs to go in. 

#4:  The fun begins!  Start with your “Must Have Items” and get to layering.  Don’t glue/tape/pin anything down until you have every item placed exactly how you want it!  You have to play with this A LOT!  You will move things around, play some more, add items, take items away, and play some more.  It takes time before you get it how you want it, but the great part about this project is… there is no right or wrong way to do it.

#5:  Snap!  Take a quick picture of the almost final product.  It’s easy to forget where you had everything placed. 

#6:  Secure.  Remove all of your items and start securing them to the board.  I use pins, tape, and glue.  Layer it all back up (referring to your picture if needed) until it is secure and nothing falls off. 

#7:  Done!  Put the front of the frame on and hang it in your house…You’re finished!

Here are pictures of the other shadow boxes I've made from trips in the past. 

Disney Dream Cruise

2 Year Anniversary Carnival Cruise

Honeymoon El Dorado Royale Resort, Cancun Mexico

I hope you all enjoy making your shadow boxes as much as I do!  They really are the BEST way (in my opinion) to display your treasured memories.  They make me smile every time I pass by them!