* You can afford a Fairytale Wedding *

Well, the first person I must thank is my creative and hard working mother. My wedding would have not been possible without her. She put months of all of her time and effort in planning and preparation. Many will ask, "how did you do it? How did you afford it?" Well, I made a budget for myself and stuck to it. First off, I planned my wedding a year in advance. I went to a variety of venues. They were beautiful, but the one I loved was the first one I went to (The Royal Fiesta Event Center). No, it wasn't the most luxurious venue, but it was the most personable. They didn't treat me like a transaction, which most venues did. So, I chose them and they truly made my night memorable. Anywho, let's get back to the planning, Pinterest and etsy were my best friends. They helped me with ideas and I was able to purchase items that were "not affordable" at a lower price. The vendors were more than gracious. They were extremely efficient and professional. Of course, I had an issue with some minor things, such as my invitations and videographer, but those are things I only know. Therefore, my wedding was an overall success. Anywho, think you can't do it, you can. Get ideas from etsy and Pinterest through lots of research and then go to your local arts and crafts store. You can make the same things at a less expensive cost. A lot of my items were handmade, such as my gorgeous bouquet and centerpieces. I know I haven't gone into a lot of detail, but that would spoil the entire idea. You can afford a wedding like mine if you plan ahead, especially if you have a strong support system and people who are willing to help. Thank you! Thank you all!

** "Just Fly" at Cheaper Prices

"Ahh! Tickets are so expensive. Where am I to find an affordable trip? Maybe I will just wait until next year." 

Looking for an accomodations at cheap prices? I have found one of the best solutions. No more orbitz, cheap tickets, travelocity, cheap flights, or going through the airline directly. I was once an avid user of orbitz, but the flight costs are ridiculous. So, I did some research and found justfly.com. Not only are travel prices worth purchasing, the site will not register your IP address while you search for tickets. That, to me, is the definition of reliable. I came across justfly while searching for a ticket to Europe. I saw an 855.00 ticket for departure and an 865.00 ticket for returns. I thought to myself, "this is impossible." Not only was it possible, but it was for a direct trip to Rome from Miami with a connecting flight to Ancona (my destination) at a total of 12 hours duration. The secret is, to keep inspecting the sight. They will say only two seats left, but it's not always true. The flight will come back across your screen. The best time to purchase a trip is on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. I noticed that every other night was well into the thousands. So, hop on just fly and book your ticket at an affordable rate. I promise, you will not be disappointed and you will be able to make the trip. Go now, don't wait or you will regret it.

** Breastfeeding, Why I said, "Yes."**

"Breast What? I am not doing that. You mean the baby has to feed from there? Gross! Breasts aren't meant for that."

People, it's time to stop sexualizing the breast. Stop relating the breast to sexual gratification. Before there was formula, there was solely breast milk. All of our ancestors breast fed their babies. If they didn't breastfeed, there was a town wet nurse, whom gave milk to all of the babies whose mothers did not have enough. Breast milk is a natural thing. It has many vitamins that nourish our babies brains. Researchers recommend breastfeeding for the first two years of life for maximum benefits. Research also shows that breastfed babies perform better than their formula fed counterparts. I know what you're thinking. "Formula was invented for a reason. Breastfeeding isn't for everyone. Who are you to judge anyone?" I am not bashing formula or anyone who chooses to formula feed their children. I was a formula fed baby. Therefore, I respect all mothers who feed their babies! I'm just going to share facts. I had plans of breastfeeding for three to six months and am currently in my 8th month of breastfeeding. I went through hell to breastfeed my daughter because I never give up a battle. I had inverted nipples, mastitis, bleeding and sore nipples, and was just about ready to throw the towel in. If it wasn't for a dear friend of mine who encouraged me to continue, I wouldn't be where I am today. She added me to a breastfeeding support group, "breast friends," that educated me on breastfeeding and its challenges. I read about the additives in formula and the unknown that exists in them. I decided I did not want my child to consume that. My breastmilk came in after two days. My daughter was determined to feed off of me. I wouldn't have made it through without Mama Earth's Nipple Butter. There were many times I cried my eyes out. I always asked myself, "why." When I read stories from other mothers in, "Breast Friends," I knew the answer. Believe it or not, so many people seek breastmilk. There are many children who are classified as "failure to thrive" and benefit from the natural nutrients of breastmilk. Their parents are unable to produce or adopt them and are incapable of producing, so they go on different websites in search of milk (Human Milk 4 Human Babies- Florida and Eats on Feats- Florida). There are also many mothers desperate for milk because they stopped producing. Believe it or not, if you have breastmilk and are willing to donate, these websites help you. Never trust anyone trying to sell their stash. Mothers are extremely grateful for whatever you give them. Some have even made me cry. Don't take anything natural for granted. That's why breast milk is "liquid gold." Some people use it as a method to cure their cancers. So, next time you judge a breastfeeding mother for being uncovered or whatever the case may be, consider what she's doing. Feeding her child. Admire her and offer encouragement. She may be an angel nourishing the world. If you are breastfeeding and have an extra stash of milk please, please look up the agencies provided. DONATE! DONATE DONATE! Your milk is someone else's treasure. If you've considered not breastfeeding, maybe now you will. If you're a formula feeding mother who judged people who nursed their children, maybe now you won't.

** Overcoming the Summer Downfall **

You have all heard the saying, "wouldn't it be nice if money grew on trees?" Oh how great that would be!

It's no secret that with summer, slow season follows. In a position where tips count, it's important to save your money for the summer downfall. No matter how hard you work, hustle, and put yourself out on the line, you find yourself breaking less than $100 a day. What can you do? It would make sense to frown, pout, and dwell on the situation, but what's that going to solve? Of course, you will doubt yourself and your ability to make money, but it's not only you, it's everyone. If you haven't put some money aside, the slow season will be brutal. You may find yourself searching for another position, but trust me, it's not worth it. Especially, if you've been with your current company for over a few years. You have seniority. Do you know how arduous it is to start at square one? Now you know the secret! Save, save, save. Don't buy that new blouse or tv if you don't really need it. Your bank account will be screaming at you later. If you're not a saver, maybe now is the time to learn how to save. Open up a bank account if you don't have one. Try to put $20.00 a week in it for the next 3 months and don't touch it. By the end of those 3 months, you will have accumulated approximately $240.00. Don't touch that money and continue your $20.00 deal for the rest of the year. By the end of the year, if you don't touch the money, you will have $960.00. I know that doesn't seem like much, but that's money you didn't have saved before. If you continue to do it, you will accumulate more and you can use the account as an emergency fund during rough times, especially slow season. That doesn't mean, wipe out the account. It means use the money for gas here and there if you're in a bind because you barely made enough to cover groceries and rent for the week. Learning how to save isn't easy, but it's worth it. If you can do more than $20.00 a week, you will have double the profit in your account. It's hard to make a dollar, so don't waste your money on unnecessary things. Remember, there will be tough times that come along and remind you of how hard you work like slow season. So, why waste your money on worthless items? Remember your NEEDS before your WANTS!!! Unfortunately, there is a slow season and money doesn't grow on trees. Appreciate what you work for and keep working hard! You will survive the summer downfall of less than $100 a day.  When busy season comes along, don't waste that money. Remember how truly hard it is to make and how fortunate you are to have it.

**Grocery Shopping on a Budget**

*Grocery Shopping on a Budget*

I know this may sound silly to some, but it could honestly save you from over shopping and buying unnecessary items. How many of you have walked into the grocery store and bought something you didn't need? How many of you have gotten home and asked yourselves why did I buy that? Almost all of us have purchased something that caught our attention because we WANTED it and did not NEED it. Maybe it was the pretty packaging or the fact that it made our stomach rumble. Here are a few steps that will help avoid this situation, which may lead to over spending.

** First off, make a list of what you really need. I know, I know this can be hard, but go through your cabinets and fridge. This can help you, so that you don't forget anything and won't have to go back to the grocery store.

** Second off, make sure to set a budget. I know this sounds silly, but put yourself at $100.00 for groceries and nothing more. I know what you're thinking. I have kids. How am I going to manage that? There's no way I can keep track with them. Trust me. It's possible. Instead of adding the top brands to your cart, try great value products instead. 

** Third off, make sure to go to the grocery store only once a week. So many of us are lazy and have no patience. It saves a lot of time to go on your day off and purchase everything you need for the week. Not only will you be saving money, but the hassle of standing in line every day. Think of meals for the week before you go.

** Fourth off, look for deals prior to shopping. Those of you who are smart phone aware, there are many coupon apps, which can be downloaded and savings catchers where you upload your receipts and receive cash back for items that roll back. I have almost $10.00 accumulated, which I can use towards any purchase at Walmart because of their savings catcher app. 

Be smart! Don't be stupid. Everything will work out if you set a budget and take a few minutes to focus. I would have put something less than $100 budget, but now a days, it's almost impossible to avoid going below. If you can, more power to you! Keep going and save! 

*The Real Church by the Glades Sample Road*

Ok, so I haven't been inspired to write in awhile. A lot has changed in my life since the last time the pen hit the paper. I'm happily engaged to be married to my best friend and we are expecting a child in five days. How amazing is that? I stayed away from my writing, my thoughts, my dreams that I shared with the world, etc. It had nothing to do with my followers or my fans. As the sun rays have hit my face or I found myself staring at Facebook for countless hours, writing crossed my mind many times. I temporarily disconnected from everything I believed in because of judgement passed upon me in a church that I loved. It broke my heart that people could be so cruel and quick to criticize a person because of their life choices. I never passed along my problems to fellow members and I never shared my situation with students. These individuals called themselves people of God and I tend to fully disagree. When I initiated the position as a teacher assistant to pre-k at Church by the Glades, I explained to the director that I was pregnant. I told him that if there were any issues, I wanted him to know immediately. He told me that it was great that I was pregnant and he was happy for me. He failed to ask the "vital" questions, which I was later hounded with. "Are you married?, when do you plan on getting married?," etc. After approximately three months of volunteering my time every Sunday to a position I adored, I was approached by one of the teachers whom I originally admired. She told me she had heard I was pregnant and if that was the case she wanted to know if I was married. I told her that my boyfriend was planning on proposing very soon. Her response was, "Well, how soon?" I could sense that she was passing a judgement on me by the way she was looking at me. I began to feel butterflies in my stomach and became extremely uncomfortable with her insinuations. I asked if there was a problem. She began to explain that it was a problem because I was not married and that I could no longer volunteer. I felt a whole in the pit of my heart and stomach. I could feel my lips quiver and tears formulated in the ducts of my eyes making my vision blurry. I asked her how dare she pass judgement on me as a woman of God? I explained that the director already knew my situation. She explained that she was not passing any judgement, but she was. She told me that I was not following the role as a leader at the church and that people would be uncomfortable if I taught their children. I was completely mortified. I immediately took off my volunteer lanyard with my name on it and handed it to her. She began to get upset. She asked why I was crying and leaving. I responded that she made me completely uncomfortable and that I've never felt so terrible because of her approach. I know my decisions aren't perfect, but church by the glades' logo is, "No Perfect People Allowed." I know that this doesn't make sense to many people, but because of this one individual, my feelings were destroyed and I chose to stay away from a church that I loved with all of my heart. I felt unwanted and betrayed. I know that I've gotten pregnant out of wedlock and that is a sin in the bible, but if that is so, so is being a single mother and many of the volunteers at the location are in fact single moms. This woman that approached me wanted to rush marriage in my life and attempted to preach to me. She told me I was an "unqualified" leader and that leaders are expected to follow the word of god. If that is the case, then why is their motto, "No perfect people allowed?" Why have they chosen to accept all people? I've written a blog about this before, but I had to share it with the world again. I know I will receive a lot of feedback on this, but I don't care. Everyone deserves to know how this church made me feel. After leaving the church, I sent a long message to the director explaining how hurt I was and how judged I felt. He said that the woman had no right to judge me and that he didn't feel that my situation was so serious. He was new at the position and didn't think that my volunteering was a big deal. After discussing my situation with the head pastor, he told me that they wanted to explain to me in person why I could no longer be a teacher. I felt that it was completely inappropriate and I didn't want to be judged or ridiculed again. He explained that I could come back to volunteer, but not as a teacher. I didn't want to do anything else. I was getting my CDA and I needed to be in a preschool setting. His response was to "pray" for "my sins." I cried that entire weekend and found myself in a deep depression blaming myself for the situation. I was devastated and prayed about it on many occasions. I decided to send the woman an email that attacked me and told her exactly how she made me feel. She responded by saying that she never attacked me or judged me, but she did. I asked her how she could act the way she did when she had children of her own. How would she feel if that happened to one of her children? She ignored my questions and said that she continues to pray for me, but I don't need her prayers. My fiancé proposed to me that day. He had already had a ring and it wasn't the ideal proposal that he had wanted to give me, but he was upset because of my feelings. He blamed himself. You see we have been together for 8 years. It wasn't a one night stand. He wanted to take his time and he told me he should have proposed a long time ago. I don't think so. I think when he was ready was the best time. When I told my mother what had happened to me at Church by the Glades, she was mortified. She immediately told me that we were not going to give up a fight. We went to the main location and told them what had happened. They told me someone would contact me. The pastor from the location where it happened did. We got disconnected and he never made an attempt to call me back. So, the issue is unresolved and my feelings are still of betrayal. I cannot walk into the church that I love without feeling judged or frowned upon. I'm sharing this because I don't want this to happen to anyone else. I don't want anyone to feel as insecure and belittled as I did. I don't want anyone to give up on their dream like I did because someone judged them. Maybe by exposing this church, they will fix their attitude. Maybe they will reconsider what they did to me. All I would like and appreciate is an apology, which I never received. Guess what Church by the Glades Sample Road? I'm getting married in May of 2015 and I didn't choose a pastor from any of the locations like my original plan because of how you made me feel. Guess what? I am a stronger and better individual because I am imperfect. In my opinion, you should practice what you preach and follow your motto. I may have sinned, but you committed a greater sin when you passed judgement on my choices and forced me to stop doing a job that I loved. My heart will never be the same because of you. You said you prayed for me? Guess what? I pray for you!!!

*Church by the Glades Really-no perfect people allowed?*

When I began volunteering as a VPK teacher on Sundays at the Church by the Glades Sample Road location, I informed the director that I was pregnant. After the fact, there were no questions asked and I volunteered at the church for three months before I was harshly approached by another teacher. The woman pulled me aside and asked if I was married. I answered truthfully and said, "no." I didn't understand why this woman was pulling me aside and interrogating me about my personal life. I began to feel extremely uncomfortable. She said, "well, I don't think this is going to work out then." I was like, "what do you mean?" She went on to tell me that their had been other "situations" as she's referred to them and people were asked to leave the church. I started to become offended and my adrenaline was pumping. I kept thinking, "how dare this woman judge me? who does she think she is?" I kept saying that I didn't understand where she was leading with her questions. She said, "I wanted to approach you before I went to the director about this." I said,"the director already knows." At this point tears were traveling down my face. "Do you plan on getting married? If so, how soon?" I said I was going to get engaged soon, but I felt extremely uncomfortable. Then the words came,"as a leader, you are expected to follow the word of God." Apparently, I wasn't following the word of God because I was pregnant out of wedlock. I was a horrible influence on children, who half were probably the product of unwed mothers. Her approach was extremely uncomfortable and I couldn't stand the judgement anymore. I took off my volunteer badge and walked out the door hysterically crying. I never felt so judged or betrayed by people who love The Lord as much as I have. I couldn't let it go. I messaged the director and wrote this: "Hello, had I known that I would be judged because of my current situation, I would have never volunteered at church by the glades. I have always loved children and wanted to be a teacher. I wish I was told from the beginning that I couldn't volunteer or pursue my dreams of teaching, I would have gladly stepped away and turned elsewhere. Church by the Glades has always accepted all people and I was glad to call it my church. I never shared my personal life with anyone because I didn't feel it was appropriate. I have never felt so judged in my life. Church is not the place of judgement. God is the only person that can judge me. It was very inappropriate and out of place to crush my dreams and humanity. That is no ones place. I feel extremely hurt and betrayed." The responses I received were that I could return to church by the glades as a volunteer in another field. I could no longer work with children. I didn't need their pity or the scheduled meeting with the pastor that they offered to discuss my situation. My "situation" did not involve the church and I never brought it through the doors. My personal life is my business. My lifestyle shouldn't influence my teaching and they had no right to let me go because their motto is, "no perfect people allowed." I didn't want to return to church because of what was done to me. Eventually, I did and I decided to voice out what had happened to me. I hope this never happens to you! Speak up for yourself, call the media, or post a blog. Make sure the world knows what kind of message people of God shouldn't send. I wasn't the only person that was volunteering that had a "situation", but unfortunately mine was publicized and I wasn't permitted to return as a teacher. It broke my heart. My heart still breaks and I hope that this story is spread and that the individual that did this to me is punished. She had no right and crossed a thin line. Don't let someone do this to you!