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Alexandrite has three main points for quality. 1) Strength of color change (Fully green to fully bright purple) 2) Quality of the material (eyeclean, brilliant) 3) Quality of the faceting A perfect piece of natural Alexandrite in a 1.0+ carat size will cost $4,000-$5,000. Synthetic Alexandrite is plentiful, but doesn't quite capture the beauty of the natural material. But it only costs 10% of the natural! Look for a piece that is BRIGHT. In gemstones the best material is vibrantly colorful and shiny and bright. You can also find an identical color change in some types of Garnet. Be careful when shopping as many of jewelers can't tell the difference and they'll accidentally sell you a garnet or a synthetic. Barron's had an article recently about a collector that received a synthetic when she thought she was buying a natural piece. Both her jeweler and a gem lab were fooled by the stone.
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Aug 12, 2011 01:20
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Alright Goons. I proposed to my fiancé a little while ago. I got him a watch, he said yes. Then a few days later we ordered my ring. I wanted a moissanite. So I researched, and saw tons of good reviews for moissaniteco.com and a handful of bad, but figured, every business has a few bad experiences. What's the deal on enhancement? The ring I ordered was a 5.5 cushion, which is equivalent to 0.85ct. I was reading that over 1ct you should enhance. A friend of mine is telling me that enhancing will void the warranty. Well if we go through the company, why would that void it? I'm afraid she's going through betterthandiamonds or whatever. And now I'm worried because she said that only one retailer holds the patent for moissanite. Now I'm worried we're getting robbed, because it (could) a fake. gogogiraffes fucked around with this message at 05:24 on Aug 15, 2011 |
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Aug 15, 2011 04:50
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Moissanite is made by the one company that holds the patent on the material. There are some differences in the quality that they put out, and seemingly some variation in cut quality, but you'll be ok with the gear from Moissanite Co. I wouldn't recommend paying extra for the enhancement. If I remember correctly, BetterThanDiamond is a Cubic Zirconia coated with a thin layer of synthetic diamond. That coating would add zero benefit.
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Aug 15, 2011 14:34
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JohnnyRnR posted:Moissanite is made by the one company that holds the patent on the material. There are some differences in the quality that they put out, and seemingly some variation in cut quality, but you'll be ok with the gear from Moissanite Co. I wouldn't recommend paying extra for the enhancement. That's what I was reading. That BTD won't read as a diamond. But Moissy will. I found on BTD message board that someone questioning and MoissyCo rep chimed in and set everything right. I feel tons better now!
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Aug 15, 2011 15:40
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Moissanite isn't diamond. It isn't anything close. It's a simulant. Meaning it "looks like diamond." And in most cases it does. When you say "tests like diamond" that refers to a single test designed around measuring thermal conductivity. Lots of things will fool that test. So don't rely on it as a sign of quality. Edit: I'm sure your ring is going to be A-OK.
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Aug 15, 2011 16:24
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They say that moissanite also has a slightly brown or grey hue to it, but I haven't noticed it in my fiance's ring.
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Aug 15, 2011 20:48
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I'm currently tackling the subject of florists. I have *plenty* of time to figure things out, so I'm not flipping out (yet). Right now I'm trying to figure out the budget. Right now, I'm using 13 guest tables and one long head table (for eight people) for my estimates. I have three bridemaids. I'm not doing ceremony flowers, or at least not that I think yet. If I do, I can probably just finagle centerpieces to be for the ceremony too (the ceremony and reception are in the same location). No cake flowers. The one quote I've gotten so far includes calla lilies in everything, roses in bouquets, dahlias in bouquets, and tree branches in the centerpieces. How much people tend to spend on flowers (for approximately the same size as what I'm got)? I know it's extremely variable, but I have no frame of reference for the quote I do have (and future quotes, which I'm dreading getting because it all seems like a royal pain). I thought about getting flowers wholesale to do the centerpieces myself but (a) I'm extremely paranoid and would be afraid they wouldn't have the flowers I want at the market, and (b) I don't know if any of my friends/family will be able to help out with that since nearly everyone is flying in.
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Aug 18, 2011 01:46
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So, I don't like flowers. When people start talking to me about flowers, my eyes glaze over and I stop paying attention. I can identify about ten flowers and that's it. How dumb would I look for having a bouquet of baby's breath and Queen Anne's lace, as well as just decorating with them? I know they are filler and technically weeds, but I like the lacy idea of them, and it would match my dress, which is lacy. I assume they would be cheaper than regular flowers, and easy to put together if I did them myself. I got the idea from a Martha Stewart Weddings issue from a couple months ago and can't get it out of my mind.
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Aug 18, 2011 02:19
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I don't know if you are looking for elaborate arrangements or even if you are open to silk flowers, but I've done flowers for four weddings now, my own included and I received mounds of compliments on all four. I'm in no way a professional but I kept it simple. For mine and two others I bought silk/velvety roses and stephanotis in lots on ebay that were nothing like the stuff they have in the craft stores. They were so realistic. I was able to make all of the arrangements and bouquets when I had time, weeks before and didn't feel rushed for any of it. For the last wedding I did I used real gerbera daisies in different colors that we ordered from Costco. They arrived the day before and we only lost maybe 8 stems out of 100 flowers. We did hand tied bouquets and really simple arrangements in vases that were gorgeous. Just a thought, I hated the thought of using a florist that didn't know what I had in my head and I would have to pay tons of money for something I could do myself Just a couple ideas in case it was something you might be interested in.
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Aug 18, 2011 02:56
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Anya posted:So, I don't like flowers. When people start talking to me about flowers, my eyes glaze over and I stop paying attention. I can identify about ten flowers and that's it. How dumb would I look for having a bouquet of baby's breath and Queen Anne's lace, as well as just decorating with them? I know they are filler and technically weeds, but I like the lacy idea of them, and it would match my dress, which is lacy. I assume they would be cheaper than regular flowers, and easy to put together if I did them myself. I got the idea from a Martha Stewart Weddings issue from a couple months ago and can't get it out of my mind. I just googled "baby's breath bouquet" and actually the results were very pretty. I think they looked really nice as centrepieces too. There was a bride's bouquet as well that was just baby's breath with three white roses in the centre, I thought that was a neat touch. Definitely looks like something that can be executed quite nicely, I say go for it if that's what you want! Maybe do some google image searches as well for inspiration/reassurance. 
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Aug 18, 2011 13:00
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So getting ready to send out save the dates... FML. 235 people on the list but only room for 200 or so... Should I invite all 235? Its way up in MN and Many of the guests are from Arkansas, North Carolina, and New York so I expect quite a few not to come. Edit: Just looked only 92 are from the same state.
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Aug 18, 2011 20:13
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MasterColin posted:So getting ready to send out save the dates... FML. 235 people on the list but only room for 200 or so... Are there some that are invited +1 that you know are single?
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Aug 18, 2011 20:23
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justFaye posted:I'm currently tackling the subject of florists. I have *plenty* of time to figure things out, so I'm not flipping out (yet). Right now I'm trying to figure out the budget. http://www.flickr.com/photos/47490793@N05/4955757306/in/photostream obviously I fucked it fucked around with this message at 00:11 on Aug 19, 2011 |
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Aug 19, 2011 00:05
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So, my Fiance and I were thinking about going to Hawaii to get married (we live in NYC). I'm not talking about taking a couple people or anything, just the two of us. Does anyone have recommendations as to where to stay? or heck, which island to start on? We tend to like to go out and do stuff during the day, but would want something that's relaxing and not crazy crowded or overtly filled with obnoxious children.
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Aug 19, 2011 06:32
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Maui.
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Aug 19, 2011 06:44
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Noooo don't go to Maui! Go to Oahu! It's the best island!Kingnothing posted:So, my Fiance and I were thinking about going to Hawaii to get married (we live in NYC). I'm not talking about taking a couple people or anything, just the two of us. Stay on the North Shore of Oahu. The Turtle Bay Hilton has some really nice little villas/bungalows and the North Shore isn't nasty and urbanized and crowded as gently caress like Honolulu. It's very green and is more rural and the beaches are MUCH MUCH nicer and less crowded than the south side. It's nice too because at the Turtle Bay you're within 15 minutes of Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, Waiamea Bay, Pipeline, etc. I used to live on Oahu and know the island really really well, if you want more info feel free to PM me or email me at --- Triangulum fucked around with this message at 22:13 on Oct 9, 2015 |
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Aug 19, 2011 17:54
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I would recommend Maui if you like to snorkel/kayak/golf and whatnot or Kauai if you just want to take in the beautiful sights and relax. Or...you could stay on multiple islands depending on how long you want to honeymoon!
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Aug 19, 2011 20:17
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Thank you! I've been thinking about just doing them on my own instead of using a florist. I've got a small bridal party and I don't want huge amounts of flowers for them, so in the end, I think just DYI'ing it will be the best. Thanks for the confidence booster and the ideas.
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Aug 19, 2011 20:24
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Thanks everyone for the answers! I would love any information anyone can give, there can never be too much research done! Island hopping would be great, but money is incredibly tight as it is so it probably is not an option. Triangulum posted:Noooo don't go to Maui! Go to Oahu! It's the best island! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60651-d87158-Reviews-Turtle_Bay_Resort-Kahuku_Oahu_Hawaii.html It seems like what I would be looking for, but is there a lot to do around there? We like to be active (not like sports adventure active, but like walking around a town, doing little activities, etc), so is there anything around there? Also, what is the weather like there in January? is it worth even going during that time? We're both students so we can't really go during the year, and summer at that resort is 100% booked for the type of room we would want. I do love the idea of a cottage on the actual beach though. That's pretty ideal. Pilfered Pallbearers fucked around with this message at 05:51 on Aug 20, 2011 |
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Aug 20, 2011 05:34
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My wedding is about 5 weeks out, and we are looking into getting our wedding bands. The jewelry store that sold my fiance my wedding ring has beautiful bands for about $600. I was checking Amazon today and they have practically the same bands for about $150. I am curious if anyone has purchased their bands off Amazon and has any feedback about them. I am a little nervous about purchasing them online, but it is so so so much cheaper! We don't really have the money to spend $600 on our rings.
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Aug 22, 2011 03:15
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Kingnothing posted:Thanks everyone for the answers! I would love any information anyone can give, there can never be too much research done! Yes that's the place. The condos and cottages are much nicer than the hotel itself (which honestly is a bit rundown). There are a lot of things to do in the area, the hotel itself has horses and a golf course, there is tons of surfing, diving, and snorkeling within 30 min of the resort, and you can do poo poo like parasailing, kite surfing, paddleboarding, shark cage dives, whale watching, etc down in Haleiwa. There's also some excellent hiking in the area. Haleiwa is about 20 min from Kahuku (Haleiwa is a nice little town with really excellent food, I can email you restaurant recommendations if you like as well as other things you should check out). January is the rainy season but it is ABSOLUTELY worth going. I go every year for Xmas and New Years, and while it does rain just about every day, it very rarely rains ALL day. Also summer in Hawaii sucks dick. It's so loving hot and humid and the entire island is crawling with Japanese tourists with terrible manners. One thing to be aware of though: The North Shore of Oahu has some of the biggest waves in the entire world during the winter. This is really cool to watch but unless you are an incredibly strong swimmer who is very familiar with big waves, this is going to limit where you can swim (depending on the surf of course). Please, don't underestimate the surf here. It can and will kill you if you don't know what you're doing. Please heed all the high surf warning and "no swimming signs". But don't let this discourage you! There are always nice beaches open for swimming evenduring the high surf advisories. My favorite beaches are Sunset Beach, Laniakea(go here to see wild sea turtles and monk seals), Freddy's, Three Tables (loving AMAZING SNORKELING HOLY poo poo), and Alligator Rock (a good beach if the surf is too high to go elsewhere). I really, really love the North Shore. It's a fantastic, incredibly chill, beautiful place and I have every intention of moving back someday. Triangulum fucked around with this message at 17:13 on Aug 22, 2011 |
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Aug 22, 2011 17:11
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Ambellina posted:My wedding is about 5 weeks out, and we are looking into getting our wedding bands. The jewelry store that sold my fiance my wedding ring has beautiful bands for about $600. I was checking Amazon today and they have practically the same bands for about $150. For basic bands without stones in them I don't think you have much to worry about buying them online from a vendor with good reviews. Some jewelry stores do offer some additional services (such as replating for white gold rings) with the purchase price, which might make it more worthwhile for you to pay more to get it locally, depending on how long you plan to be near that store. We bought both my engagement ring and our wedding bands online, though not through Amazon. The only real drawback we've encountered is that we wound up taking both of my rings to be resized at local places because it was not worth it to send them back (even though both vendors would have resized for free if we had sent them back). The rings being the wrong size in the first place was actually caused by a local jewelry store doing a poor job sizing me, not by mistakes on the part of the online vendors.
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Aug 22, 2011 19:36
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I know this is probably dorky as poo poo but I think its adorable that my fiance chose titanium for our rings because I have a lot of piercings and he knows it's the only metal I'll wear in them and he wanted them to match  Question: (cross posted to the fashion megathread, sorry if you have to read this twice): Ladies I need help, like bad. I'm getting married sometime in the next month (at the city courthouse, not like a big wedding) or two and I refuse to wear a dress. Other ladies look nice in dresses, but it really ain't my style and I feel uncomfortable as poo poo in them. The boyfriend's wearing a dark grey suit, and a blue shirt and tie so I'm thinking I'll wear some nice slim/skinny cut grey slacks and I found these loving amazing shoes: http://www.zappos.com/multiview/7841455/323 But what to wear on top???? Do the same thing the bf's doin' and wear a dress shirt and tie? Something else? AAaaaa I'm kinda at a loss here. I suck at dressing formally. I was thinking a velvet blazer maybe?? Besides the shoes + slacks, I found some 1/2" blue glass striped plugs that match the BF's tie almost exactly, and I'm gonna dye my mohawk to match my shoes lol
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Aug 22, 2011 20:23
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For tops, I would go for something like this in white or cream: whitehouseblackmarket.com Or something with a drape neck. Button up blouses seem more business-like, ties on women just remind me of waitstaff. Silk/satin tops, even blends, with a drape or ruffle seem more dressy-formal. Under a matching gray suit jacket of the same material/color your slacks are. If you go with a different color jacket try to match it to your shoes.
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Aug 22, 2011 20:54
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PopRocks posted:For tops, I would go for something like this in white or cream: See there's where the issue is, stuff like what you posted is way too frilly and girly for me. I'm a major tomboy and honestly, I feel really weird in ruffles and poo poo. I did find some high necked shirts with sort of a ribbon tie/bow thing around the neck (I'm sorry, I have no idea what this is called) but the nice looking ones are stupid expensive. $500 for a shirt? Yeah I'm sure lol. For the record this is me:  I feel like overly frilly stuff would be really incongruous with the rest of my appearance if that makes sense? regardless, thanks for the input
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Aug 22, 2011 21:05
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This section on Offbeat Bride has lots of cool suggestions for non-wedding dress dresses: http://offbeatbride.com/filed/advice/fashion-advice/ But just wear whatever makes YOU feel the sexiest/prettiest/most confident. Who cares if it's "bridal"?
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Aug 22, 2011 21:45
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Eris posted:This section on Offbeat Bride has lots of cool suggestions for non-wedding dress dresses: http://offbeatbride.com/filed/advice/fashion-advice/ Man I'm retarded, I didn't even think of looking there 
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Aug 22, 2011 21:48
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Ok so really need help on Father/daughter dance song. We are not the type that wants to get all weepy, we want a fun song. Because I grew up listening to it with him we both love Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Santana, AC/DC etc good bands. What would be a good suggestion that is more in the lines of this? The first song my dad every taught me when I was two was Dirty Deeds, but this doesn't seem appropriate haha. We just want to have a good time dancing together as we are silly people. TIA! I have already been on off beat bride.
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Aug 23, 2011 06:13
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Led Zeppelin "Thank You" It might be weepy, but in a good way. It's pretty long so you'll probably have to have the MC introduce the father daughter dance during the intro. Or incorperate the mother-son dance and also dance with his dad and have him dance with your mom, make it a big parental appreciation dance.
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Aug 23, 2011 06:52
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Newly engaged bride checking in! I've lurked in this thread for a while, and now I'm thrilled to actually be planning a wedding. My Lo and behold, he designed and ordered a ring in May and was just waiting for it to come in to the store. We had both just gotten home from work and were standing around talking in the backyard, and he got down on one knee and pulls out the ring. My first reaction was "are you serious?!" and my second was "yes, yes of course!" Obligatory ring picture:  I didn't want a)a big stone or b)a diamond at all, really, but I love this. It's taken a while to get used to it, but the pink sapphires are perfect, and I love that my fiance designed it himself. Now...on to wedding planning! Closet Nerd posted:Ok so really need help on Father/daughter dance song. We are not the type that wants to get all weepy, we want a fun song. My dad and I are also not very sentimental people, but he's already chosen "Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills, & Nash. It's a little bit cheesy, but it also has a very good message. (Parents teaching their children, then the children teaching their parents.)
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Aug 23, 2011 16:29
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Ugh, 10 weeks away, so much poo poo to do. Holy poo poo I'm going to be married in 10 weeks. We have so much stuff to do that we don't even know what we need to do.
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Aug 23, 2011 17:45
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Anyone have any stories of how they proposed/were proposed to? I'm kind of at a loss as to how to pop the question to my girlfriend.
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Aug 23, 2011 18:08
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One of my favorites, from page 119 of this threadThe Human Cow posted:I finally proposed to my girlfriend! We'd been talking about getting engaged for almost a year, so I wanted to do something that she'd never see coming to try to squeeze a little bit of surprise out of it. Ever since we met, we've both always wanted to go skydiving, so I called a place a few hours away, made an appointment for the weekend after our 5 year dating anniversary, and started getting things together. Two days later, my girlfriend came home from work to tell me that she had to work on the Sunday after I had made my reservations. She works at a credit union, and this is literally the only time she's ever had to go into work on a weekend. I ended up getting in touch with her boss and getting somebody else to take over for her, which was awesome. PopRocks fucked around with this message at 18:31 on Aug 23, 2011 |
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Aug 23, 2011 18:28
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PopRocks posted:One of my favorites, from page 119 of this thread Holy CRAP. Tempted to send that to my boyfriend and tell him that this is what he has to contend with (since I read this thread all the time and now have expectations of an awesome proposal).
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Aug 23, 2011 18:53
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Susical posted:Holy CRAP. Tempted to send that to my boyfriend and tell him that this is what he has to contend with (since I read this thread all the time and now have expectations of an awesome proposal). Please don't do this  That IS an amazing proposal but doing that will probably make him feel bad and super pressured to outdo that poster.
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Aug 23, 2011 19:56
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Triangulum posted:Please don't do this lol we've only been dating 2 years, and we are not getting married any time soon.
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Aug 23, 2011 19:59
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Susical posted:lol we've only been dating 2 years, and we are not getting married any time soon. Still that's kind of a dick move.
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Aug 23, 2011 20:01
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Triangulum posted:Still that's kind of a dick move. (I'm not actually doing it)
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Aug 23, 2011 20:03
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Susical posted:(I'm not actually doing it) Good! "cause if you are you might as well tell him exactly how much he needs to spend on your future ring as well.
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Aug 23, 2011 20:04
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I'm going to model mine after it and never tell her where I got the idea!
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Aug 23, 2011 20:08
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