Sorry it has taken so long for a post, folks

sorry its taken so long for a post....i have been kind of busy with work and my family and well other stuff. Nevertheless, here is my formal Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays belated! Anyway no more delays heres the scope...I have noticed that alot of stores are giving tons of discounts this season! I am so happy about it I'm jumping for joy! Here's some that may raise eyebrows:

Group USA Bridal is having a bridal coupon sale with the purchase of a wedding gown:

10% Off Bridesmaid Dresses 15% Off Accessories and Shoes 20% Off a Sportswear purchase of $100 or more Effective February 04, 2008 through January 31, 2009 Just Engaged January at David's Bridal: The $99 bridal gown sale! Plus for in store purchases they will take 10% off veil, headpiece, bra and slip! Plus dbOnline and the online outlet has some dresses on limited sale discounts. At Bridal Online Store there is a couple of deals with any purchase of $399 or more you get a gift certificate of $100. Also buy 3 bridesmaid dresses and get $100 gift certificate! JCrew Weddings is having a sale on some of its wedding dresses and tons of its bridesmaids dresses! Also look in the regular sales too! One of my favorites? Silk tricotine Rebecca long dress for only $99.99! Dillards is overflowing with affordable dresses. as usual.Thank God for fashion! Target is having a sale on its classic dresses. more to come!

SUPER SCORE!!!!

HERE'S A SUPER SCORE!!!!

I found this Ann's Bridal Bargains on:

Super cute invitations only $78 for 100! Here's the description: "A black-and-white photograph of two young sweethearts, your name and the words, "This day I will marry my friend..." is printed on the front panel of this bright white z-fold invitation. Your choice of quotation is printed on the center panel and your invitation wording is printed on the far right panel. All wording is printed in the same ink color and lettering style. Folded Size: 4 1/2" x 6 1/8" " Its called Young Love and I'm lovin' it! Check it out : http://www.annsbridalbargains.com/

Hidden Treasures of Georgetown

Secret Garden Florist

202-337-0833

3222 m st n.w. washington dc 20007

I was doing my normal thing in Georgetown mall when I noticed this cute and secluded flower shop right near the food court. Secret Garden Florist is a cute little shop that has tons of creativity. Leon Lam and Ti Huynh are a dynamic duo. Secret Garden has worked for members of the Washington Club and many Washington area brides. One of Secret Garden Florist's core beliefs are savings for every client and beauty in all of their floral designs. Check them out: http://www.secretgardenfloristdc.com/

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

JUST DOING SOME MUCH NEEDED UPGRADES!!

A NEW POST SHOULD BE UP 12.16.08!

TILL THEN CHECK OUT MY POST AND MY LINKS!

Cool secret gifts for your beloved. Girls Edition.

As you know I just finished the guys edition. Well gals need love too! So lets begin: Sexy Siren: Is your gal a sexy senorita? Give her gifts that are as unique as they are sexy. This Personalized Ensemble "Bride" undie set from Customized World.com. Only $25.00! Treat her like a work of art...literally. Kama Sutra presents Lover's Paintbox. This set "Includes: Jars of Kama Sutra dark, milk and white chocolate body paints, Body paintbrush." Only $36.99.

Hot Sports Fan:

Is your gal a fan too? Let your favorite Mrs. keep her sexy sports style. This off the shoulder top is from the awesome Bombshellsports at Etsy.com! No more baggy tees and jerseys! Show off her sexy curves in this unique top. Customize with your favorite team and let her know she is a part of your special team! Only $40.00! NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH corset top also a creation from Bombshellsports. Get a custom one in your favorite team for only $55.00!http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6420638 Geek Girl: Is she your sexy geek by day and super girl by night? Show her you care.

The super cute Crystal Rhinestone USB Optical Scroll Mouse is a great way to incorporate style and geek thus geek is chic! Only $32.99 at computergear.com!

Hoop Earrings with Tiny Circuit Board Charm Blue and Gold are super cute and super cool gift for your tech babe! VioletsNewVintage are the creators of the fab earrings and you can find them on Etsy for only $21.00.

Fashion Diva Is she your stylist? Does she know all the hottest trends? Then give her gifts that are worthy of her love.

Give her Versace! This fab fragrance is inspired by Donatella's favorite smells. Only $48,Versace Bright Crystal is a wonderful gift!Available at Sephora.com! Also at Sephora is the Limited Edition Dior Dior Chic Palette: Eyeshadow set. Only $49.50! Marc by Marc Jacobs...wonderful stuff, really. This bag is luxury that is affordable. Under $100, its $98 and available at eluxury.com!

The Gamer Gal Pal: Does she stay up and play video games with you until 3:00 am?

This pretty tee is fun and flirty. Loyal Army Clothing created this tee with the gamer gal in mind and its only $19.50!http://loyalarmy.com/index.php

Let them know your Mrs. Pac has your back with this super cool tee! Vicious Gobbler Women's Tee is an awesome tee from JINX and its only $19.99-$20.99! http://www.jinx.com/

The Romantic Rose: Is she your Cinderella? Prove that you are her Prince Charming with these swoon worthy gifts!

Give her roses, literally.A dozen red roses for $59.99! Available at 1800flowers.com and they deliver nationwide! Give her chocolate with a personal message.Hersey's Personalized Hearts & Ribbon Chocolate Card with Red Personalization is thoughtful and yummy. Only $24.95!

The Giant Glam Gal: Are diamonds her best friend? Does she like the finer things in life. Give her the best without breaking the bank.

Give her pearls which are very rare and special. This Pink Freshwater Cultured Pearl Bracelet with 14k White Gold (6.0-6.5mm) is available at Blue Nile for $65! Give her something blue and bright with this 14k White Gold 1/10ct Diamond Blue Topaz Necklace from Overstock.com only $152.99! Enuff said.

The Nature Nymph

She is more likely to recycle and reuse than to shop til she drops. She dreams of saving the planet. Ethical and thoughtful gifts is what she wants.

Give her diamonds just ones that are guilt-free. The Milestones pendant from Diamond Nexus Lab is beautiful and real. Only $145 for 2.05 carats total weight!

I knew I loved this as soon as I saw it. This Jeunebugs Real Birch Leaf Pendant is just beautiful. The artist said this herself " Each leaf is a "Real" item of nature; handpicked, carefully selected, sized and preserved at the peak of it's beauty. A very delicate process has been achieved by trained artisans to protect their natural shape. They are then dipped in iridescent copper, 24K gold or Sterling silver. The step by step procedure usually takes seven days.. The tiny veins are exposed so you can see through the leaf...Beautiful!Each pendant includes a leather cord in Brown or Black in lengths of 16, 18 or 20 inches. . Matching chains available for an additional $9Pendant size: 1 3/4 inches Wide... 3 inches High from top of bail" Whats the price for this treasure? Only $25.00!

Well thats it for now.love ya!

Cool secret gifts for your beloved. Guy Edition.

Gifts, gifts gifts and more gifts! Your friends give gifts, your family gives gifts even sometimes your co-workers give gifts but what do you give each other? I know you are giving your undying love, unshakable commitment, your fun companionship and your small closet space but what gifts do you give your special love OUTSIDE the wedding? It is very important that couples don't forget the big picture...the relationship. Its why you are getting married in the first place. Its a way of saying "You are important to me","I look forward to spending my life with you" "You have made my life better"or " I love you and this is a way of showing you I care." Your gift can be fun and exciting or serious and traditional depending of the nature of your spouse. Normally gifts are given the week of the wedding but its also great to give anytime. I have found some cool gifts and affordable for your beloved:

For Him:

Macho Movie lover?

Try one of the most classic movies of all time: Star Wars! I love these Darth Vader Cuff links by Bellamodaartist on Etsy.com

3/4 inch in diameter, the Vader cuff links are a sure way to add humor and fun into your hubby's life! How much? Only $18.25!

The Sports Guy:

This guy knows and loves his sports, give him some love he can root for! Football fanatic? Try this Wincraft (Any team here) Snack Helmet. Super cool "This full-size plastic helmet has a removable plastic container for snacks and a removable dish that fits into the face guard, which is great for dips and sauces. Both the dish and snack bowl on this helmet displaying the team graphic decals are dishwasher and microwave safe." The price for this officially licensed team multitasker? $54.99 at the NFL Shop. http://www.nflshop.com/

Baseball bonkers? Cool mugs like this set from Duckhouse is a great way to say I love you.This set is called New York Yankees Crystal Mug 2 Pack. I found it on MLB.com and the set is only $27.99! http://shop.mlb.com/home/index.jsp

Basketball Lover? Make him the hero of the tailgating party with this cooler bag! The Kolder Philadelphia 76ers 12 Pack Kooler Bag is a great way to send him out in style! Find one in his favorite team, he will appreciate it. This one is only $19.99 at the NBA Store!http://store.nba.com/home/index.jsp?league=nba

Golf Guru?

Give him a way to remember you at work with this Driver Head Crystal Clock with Pen.I found this beautiful gift on PGA Store. It looks pricey but its only $30.99! http://www.shoppga.com/

There are tons of sports hockey, soccer, boxing etc.But by now you get the idea. Remember when buying for a sports lover, its always good to stick with his favorite team/player.

The Tech Nerd Hottie: You know he is a nerd but he is the hottest nerd in the neighborhood and now he is your husband to be. What do you get him?

I really like the Microchip Cufflinks from digiBling on Etsy. "Cufflinks made from real microchips! This stylish accessory is made from real chips. Chips measure 3/4" (19mm) square, and 1/8" (3mm) thick." Only $12.00!

Another great gift is this IBM ThinkPad Keyboard Wall Clock from GeekGear also on Etsy.com! Super cool! "This is a one of a kind gift for that special geek in your life. This clock is manufactured out of an old thinkpad keyboard, CD-ROM, and one of the finest quartz clock movements.The clock measures 10" x 5" and would look great on the wall in your office or computer room." Whats the price? $34.99!

The Classic Smooth Guy:

Is your guy Mr. Cool? Does he like his martinis shaken not stirred? What to get the guy who likes a distinctive touch of class?

Classic and sleek, the Swiss Legend Men's Steel Black Dial Watch is perfect for the cool fellow in your life. I found this watch on Overstock.com for $128.24.

Want a luxury watch under $100? Try this ESQ By Movado Men's Tournament Watch! Movado is one of the leading names in watches. Usually movado watches run $500 and up, this watch is only $80.99 on Overstock.com! Why? Its a more affordable brand from the same designers.

The Gamer

He loves playing games...any kind.

This is a great gift for the video gamer in your life.The Madden NFL 09 - 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition is $79.99 at Circuit City.com.

This poker set is a cool upscale way to add style to his boy's night out. The 500 Dice Striped Poker Chips with Case and Buttons is only $49.99 at Overstock.com.!

Mr. Outdoors Guy

The SwissFlash 1 GB Laser Pointer is the ultimate in outdoorsy man in the modern world gift. It has the following : Removable USB flash drive, Blade Nail file with screwdriver, Scissors, Key ring, Laser Pointer and Retractable Ball Point Pen. All this for $89.99.

There are tons of gifts that you can give to your hubby. Just remember to consider his hobbies and special moments in your lives together. love ya!

Hot Celebrity Engagements!!!

AH, love. Its wonderful isn't it? Its unbelievable how it can grow from the first hellos to wedding bells. Today I'm writing about Hollywood future I dos. The who's who of Tinseltown are getting hitched. Some quietly and others with a bang but no matter how they do it (which is their business unless they make it public) I'm getting the names and giving them a Posh congrats! LET'S DO IT: Kendra Wilikinson and Hank Baskett The super cool Playboy Bunny and the Eagles (yah hometown team!) wide receiver are getting hitched at the Playboy Manison! This is going to be a super hot wedding y'all scheduled JUNE 2009! Congrats Chica!!!!!! Megan Fox and Austin Green Speaking of the hotness, Ladies how cute is Austin Green? And Fellas, you know Megan Fox is a hottie and baby lovers, wouldn't they make a cute....ok I'm getting ahead of myself but these two are the cutest Hollywood couple ever! Check Austin out on my favorite show : The Sarah Connor Chronicles! So here is a formal congrats to you guys, Megan The Fox and Austin Green With Envy! Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga The beautiful Oscar winning actress and singer is engaged to reality TV star and Harvard law graduate David Otunga. He presented her a Neil Lane ring on her birthday. Congrats you two!!!! Here are more hot Celebs who are soon going to the chapel: 1. Mena Survari and Simone Setito 2. Jill Scott and John Roberts 3. Adriana Lima and Marko Jaric 4. Mark Walhberg and Rhea Durham 5. Maria Bello and Bryn Mooser 6. Fergie and Josh Duhamel 7. Carmen Electra and Rob Patterson 8. Natasha Bedingfield and Matt Robinson 9.KT Tunstall and Luke Bullen 10. Rachel Hunter and Jarret Stoll 11. Anyone who is engaged!!!! I want to say Congrats you guys and have wonderful futures

Storys of Saving Magazine Edition!

Extra! Extra! Brides are saving moola and lots of it!!!!

Everyday brides are no longer interested in spending ten paychecks for the perfect wedding!

Dont believe me check out the following link:

Today I'm writing about:

Essence Magazine- This lady had a fab wedding for only $6,000! Its so possible folks! Cheers and Congrats!!!!

http://www.essence.com/relationships/advice/articles/budgetbride

under $2000 wedding is now Practical Posh!!

http://under2000wedding.blogspot.com/ is now http://practicalposh.blogspot.com/

New NAME CHANGE!!!!!

I DECIDED TO CHANGE THE NAME OF UNDER $2000 WEDDINGS TO PRACTICAL POSH! WHY, CUS I LIKE THE NAME BETTER AND I THINK IT DESCRIBES MY BLOG BETTER.

YES I'M STILL TRYING TO HAVE MY PERSONAL WEDDING FOR $2000 OR LESS. HOWEVER I REALIZE THAT A LOT OF BRIDES WANT TO HAVE THEIR DREAM DAY....ITS IMPORTANT TO THEM. THEY WANT TO GO ALL OUT BUT STILL SAVE MONEY. MY GENERAL IDEA WAS TO TEACH FOLKS HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, TO SHOW THEM THAT THEY DO HAVE OPTIONS. THAT A WEDDING ISN'T DEFINED AS A SUPER SHOWOFF AFFAIR BUT THE UNION BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE WHO LOVE EACH OTHER REGARDLESS OF GENDER, ETHNICITY, AGE (as long as legal) OR WEALTH. SO I DECIDED TO CHANGE MY SITE TO PRACTICAL POSH.

Fancy Shamacy: ALL WHITE POSH WEDDINGS!!

Photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service

Are you a winter bride? But also a budget bride? Great, today I'm writing about a cool trend: The All White Wedding! Sleek and chic, the all white wedding theme is great for any time of the year but especially winter. The all white wedding brings the nostalgia and beauty of the winter to your guest. The snow, the glitz of the holiday season, the silvery tones of Christmas can all go into your wedding! All white weddings are also affordable cus white is the basic norm. Hello, renting plain white linens? Got a venue with all white boring walls? Great you are on your way to success! Here are my tips:

I think its good to host a winter wedding before or after (especially after) Christmas because its not fun to compete with such a big holiday. Also there are alot sales after X-mas.

Flowers: A great all white rose is an awesome way to get on track. 200 white roses are simply glamorous! At fifty flowers, I have found a steal 200 White Ecuadorian Roses for only $199.99! Just enough to DIY centerpieces! Check out : http://www.fiftyflowers.com/product/White-Ecuadorian-Roses_318.htm

Another DIY Tip : Use Baby Breath filler as a main flower in your centerpieces. Its light like snow, pretty and cheap! Score!

Decor:

Ceremony: Keep it white hot. White aisle runner or white rose petals. An affordable option for decor is to line the aisle with silver vases filled with baby's breath, feathers and silvery twigs! Use all white folding chairs, and give white and silver programs!

Reception:

Think winter wonderland! Frost pine cones with silver glitter, Twigs with shimmering ice and snowflakes!

I love DIY snowflakes and they don't have to be your second grade snowflakes project. You can add sophistication by changing the paper used. Instead of regular printer paper try Bond Paper for snowflakes. Its much sturdier and can withstand folding.Get your scissors, some glue and glitter and go nuts! Dangle snowflakes from the ceiling!

I found these cool and affordable place cards from The Wedding Coach.com. The Snowflake Design Place Card Holders (WC5358) are beautiful and they are only $0.99! www.theweddingcoach.com/5358ind.htm

DIY TIP: Add feathers, ornaments, small white votive candles, and tons of silvery bling!

Here are some more finds that would be a great addition to a winter white wedding:

Sparkle Willow White Branches 24" (20 for $11.49) at Save On Crafts.com! Just put these into a vase and tada you have a great flower less centerpiece that looks expensive but isnt!

This is so pretty I gasp when I saw it! Also at Save On Crafts.com, the Elegant White Peacock with Feather tail is super cute. Only $4.49 ea when you order 6, this is a super cute detail that your guest will notice.

Got a boring long rectangle white reception hall table? Spice it up with diamonds! Add icy diamond glass gems to your tables and bedazzle em! The Glass Diamond Gems 20mm Luster Clear 12oz is super cool and only $2.29 for 24 pkgs. Also at Save On Crafts!

DIY TIP: Rent all white coffee tables and comfy chairs or benches to make plush setting.

Be creative and remember it doesn't have to be the perfect white- it could be off white, ivory, eggshell, whatever.

Cakes- White cakes are the budget norm! Check out your local wholesale club/ grocery store. Budget TIP: Keep it affordable by keeping it simple and then adding safe & edible treats onto your cake

Also a snowflake cake topper would be super cool!!

Dress- Keep the cool vibe going by asking everyone to wear white. your groom and his men wear white too and then you can also wear a white gown or totally be different and wear another color like red or pastel baby blue!

Also try a faux fur white stole or jacket! I found this one at YesStyle.com from 59 Seconds for only $62.50! Its the Tie Front Faux Front Cropped Jacket! http://www.yesstyle.com/Product.aspx?lang=en&pid=1013002133/

Accesoires: Emitation.com is known for the best in affordable jewelry. Here are some super cute looks I am loving right now!

The Sakouny's Classic Rhinestone Tiara is a cute way to be an ice princess. Its less than $100, its $65.00!

Also add something blue with this cute set for only $75! The Joey's Sapphire Blue CZ Necklace and Earrings Set is a sure way to glitz up any dress!

Food: Let your food be your splash of color with everything so posh and white, it will make food look better.DIY TIP: Give out white chocolate favors, white Jordan Almonds, white pretzels etc.

Travel: If you can find a white car....awesome!!!

So thats it for now till later...thanx and loveya!

Happy Thanksgiving Folks

DEAR READERS,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

EAT WHATEVER AND BE MERRY!

(Try to save your self embarrassment and invest in elastic pants)

I WISH YOU LOTS OF LOVE, SUCCESS, KINDNESS & FOOD!!!!!

Remember to give to those less fortunate (yes even to the homeless guy with a fur coat and a 14k gold watch!)

FOR THE THANKSGIVING BRIDES AND GROOMS: CONGRATS & GOBBLE GOBBLE!

(Enjoy ur party and embrace you future together)

-LOVE ME

THE CREATOR OF THE UNDER $2000 WEDDING!

Say "save your money and cheese"

Photography and videography is a touchy subject in the bridal world. I can understand why. You spend whatever you have on your wedding. You oversee every detail and spend months planning it so you need your pictures perfect. But you dont want to lose an arm doing it. So whats a gal to do? Well some say "DIY" and others say "Dont even try" and unlike catering which all the big wigs say that you should never try to do, I think that so care and professionalism should go into pictures.

Here are some cool sites I like:

Ritz Pix: Here you can send your prints or digitals via pc, phone or online and they will enlarge your pics (4x6) in an hour or they're free. You can share them with friends or family. You can also go into any Ritz Pix location and make a dvd out of camcorder/film, design your wedding album in a hardcover book and much more for less. http://www.ritzpix.com/

YouShoot.com: This site is super cool!!!!! YouShoot lets you rent out digital cameras for your big day!!!! Rent a digital camera for only $19.95! Seriously!!! Keep only your best pics, record video and more! I love it: https://youshoot.com/s_home.php

Panraven: is another great site! You can make a story book (hard copy) with your wedding pics for only $29.95 for twenty pages.The pages are beautiful! Edit your photos here, share your "stories" with your friends and family and more. http://www.panraven.com/home/homepage.html

IdoStream: What do you do if people cant come to your wedding? Let them watch it online live! For $395 (the basic service), you can have a live webcast of your nuptials.Also it includes On Demand access to video for 30 days after the event, live technical support chat for viewers, guestbook for your viewers to sign, up to 50 concurrent viewers and more! No one has to miss anything!http://www.idostream.com/index.html

Here are some ways to get professional pics without the money drama:

1. Ceremony only: Have a professional take pics of the ceremony only.
2. Be on the lookout: For talented photography students at universities or community colleges. Ads in the local newspapers (city papers or criagslist) or online too. Be sure to take a look at their work before booking!!!
3. Disposable cameras at the reception: Yea some pics may be total flops but there will alot to choose from. or you can use YouShoot.com!
4. Get the proof with proofs: hire a photography who will sell you the proofs.
5. Get to see CDs: Hire a photographer who will put your prints on a cd. You can use your prints to make your wedding album, or get more pics etc.

there you have it some tips for DIY and/or budget savvy folks! love ya! picture from Budget Travel Magazine. which rocks!

What does it Mean? Putting You into Your wedding.

I am into weddings....a lot. I love bridal fashion, crazy flower wedding cakes and different color schemes so its easy to lose sight of the BIGGER picture:

You Are Getting Married To Your Partner Whom You Love! (I hope...)

There is nothing bigger then that fact. No matter how big or small your wedding is that is the one variable that will never change. You can take away the fancy dress, the nice cake, the cool shoes and your massage and still get married.You really don't NEED away of those things.

Yea as a bridal Diva, I am trying to get the most bang for my tiny buck but the worst advice ANYONE can give you is that if you don't have that one or a million special things your wedding wasn't or isn't elegant.

Its impossible to have everything and still have an elegant wedding. Imagine this: A nine tier cake with hundreds of sugar flowers, A dress with a 15 ft train, flowers imported from all around the world, firework displays, a red carpet aisle,a dog as a ring bearer, fifty man gospel choir...

You get the idea. Its not a wedding, its a circus. Its way too distracting the bride will get lost it its glory. I'm not saying that fancy weddings suck. What I'm saying is that there is a beauty in simplicity and carefree fun.

My Advice: If you are on a budget esp. an under $2000, two splurges are okay but your life wont end if you don't have the super pimp wedding. Pay for the basics first: Venue location, Food, Photography, Legal Stuff and then the less basic: Music, Transportation, Dress n tux, Decor and Finally the fun stuff: makeup hair, cool shoes etc.

DIY is your friend, ladies!!

Consider writing your own vows which is a popular way to personalize your ceremony. Have your family say special prayers or give their blessings publicly at the ceremony. Its ok to add your culture into your ceremony or to even combined traditions into one ceremony.

Before the ceremony send your partner a love poem or a letter with your traditional gift. Or send boudoir pics that are meant to be private.

Make your own invites and get save the dates from affordable sites like Pingg and Vista Print.

www.pingg.com

www.vistaprint.com

Favors don't have to be expensive. DIY edible favors are cool and donations to your favorite charities are awesome. I plan on giving some money to Breast Cancer charities. (I love the pink ribbon and my grandma died of breast cancer)

Avoid Saturday nights and try a Sunday instead or a Friday or whenever else!

Have a family member/ friend/helper cater your wedding. Have her pick up the food and put it on display. Or have a family style buffet. It will save you tons.

There are tons of ways to save money, add personal touches and still have an elegant wedding.

Sales! Sales! Sales!

"What do I have to do in order to get a deal on a wedding dress ?"

Nothing violent. You just have to be on the lookout for deals locally and online. I love online deals cus its easy to just have a dress sent to your house. No hassle or fuss and alot of deals are exclusive to online stores.

Check out some I have found recently:

1. Yup ladies get to your nearest Davids Bridal and get your dresses! The $99 bridal sale is in its final days! Also, Check out its online only section!www.davidsbridal.com 2. On Target online the Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Eyelet Sheath Gown - Igloo is only $129.99! Supplies are limited but cute! http://www.target.com/ 3. J.Crew.com has beautiful beautiful gowns at pretty good prices! For my under $2000 brides I'm really feeling the Silk tricotine Cecelia long dress. Its only $300 now and its a simple classic dress for the bride who doesnt like alot of fuss. Check it out : http://www.jcrew.com/ 4. At Dillard's online store, there are tons of dresses under $300. My favorite brands are the JS Collection, Betsey & Adams and Scala. http://www.dillards.com/ 5. Jcpenney's White Cuff Ballgown is clean, traditional and crisp. Its only $49.99! http://www.jcpenney.com/ 6. I am loving the One-Shoulder Dress Item # 2104-52016-1160 from Chadwick's online site. Its on sale for only $159.99! 7. Bridal Online Store is a great site to order affordable gowns.The sales reps are super friendly, some of the dresses come with sashes/purses and the designs are unique. Some of my favorites are the Leena ($199), Cleopatra ($299), Chloe($299), J809W ($249.99), Destiny ($279.99) and Diana($299). http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/

Pic Courtesy of Flicker.

Thats it. Thanks and happy hunting!!

Love advice from Dr. No Love Degree!

To me its so cliche when you hear brides say "I knew he was going to be the one." Yea right. Its impossible to know if someone is going to be the one. I think its better to say " I knew he was going to be special and unique" I feel that way for my hub, that clarity in my mind came one night and I knew this maybe the big it for me. It wasn't love at first sight for us.(Which was kind of refreshing, since I normally crush hard in my relationships. I later learned that crushing was a bad sign for me. Its like shaking a soda can and then opening it up. Its a big rush but nothing meaningful left. Not enough meaning to have a lasting relationship) I can say that we have very different ways of doing things but have very strong core beliefs. Which to me is important in a relationship. I'm like "You say yada and I say yada as long as we are one the same page" Sometimes we drive each other nuts...most times we drive each other nuts.It takes alot of work. However, we normally come to the ultimate decision together. Most of my friends ask me,"what can I do to have a strong relationship?" or "why don't guys take me seriously?" or "Why do I get so jealous?" or etc. Well I'm not perfect but here is what I have to say. I hope it helps people. My advice for any relationship are: 1.To not sweat the small things. Who cares if you like polka dots and he/she hates them. 2. Compromise and figure out ways to keep both of you happy. 3. Have open communication even when it hurts. Some times there isn't a way to say something nicely. However, I rather have my partner say than hide it. And vice versa. Hiding leads to dishonesty and dishonesty leads to anger. 4. Know your core beliefs and expectations: These are things that you can not live without. Its like air for your soul. Your partner should mirror or at least acknowledge and respect those beliefs. 5. Know when enough is enough: its good to have an exit strategy and know when its time to part ways. To many times girls become beggars in their own relationships. We beg to be treated right, we beg for companionship and we beg to stay in a relationship. I have done it before but no longer. It is what gives you self respect in your relationship. Its not a threat device like " If you don't give me a pony, I'm leaving you!" but its a "I know my worth but you don't so I leave." I learned that from Kimora Lee Simmons' book and Isaac Sykes. 6. Show Love to get Love: Smiles bring smiles and love equals love. No one wants a zombie for a mate. 7. Know when to back down: Women are so use to fighting. We have a fighting spirit. We have to be tough at our jobs and to the outside world. However in our relationships, it shouldn't feel like a battle. Part of that is knowing when to back down. There isn't any good to a I'm always right contest. 8. Know your place: This isn't what some ladies may think. Knowing your place isn't about being a servant to your partner but its about knowing your place in the life of your partner. Its about jealousy. Its very interesting how you can never find a date until you are in a relationship. Well, your partner is probably seeing the same coincidence. Before you boil in hate. Stop and think is a cheater worthy of your love. The point is that you cant be with your partner 24/7 and it isn't your job to intimidate every lady/man who winks at your partner. Its your partners job. You must know your place as your lover's love, you have the right to be the only one/whatever and your mate must respect that right.Any questions read rule 5. 9. Be ready to work: All relationships take work, prayer, more work and wisdom. There isn't a ready made relationship, it takes time to build something beautiful. If you cant put the effort into a relationship then its best to read rule 5. 10. Have a tough skin: There are people on this Earth that are miserable. Just miserable and they can be family, friends or strangers. These folks have one job to bring problems into your space. They can be permanent bullies or just moody folks but they will come and you will have to deal with them. Its best to be kind and keep on moving since they like confrontation. So there you have it....I'm not a love guru but here is what works for me. love ya!

Real Love with Real Smarts: Chelle & Dave

So many couples have this idea of the perfect wedding. The big church, the holy choir, the princess gown etc...then the real life kicks in.

Chelle, a pretty bride who is wise beyond her years told me her story: " To give you some background, we started out with the plan to do a big church wedding, but I got a little overwhelmed by it all and decided to do something smaller at a location away from everybody. I figured those that wanted to be there would then make the effort to be a part of our day. You have no idea how many people will try to help you plan your wedding, even telling you who you should invite! I chose a destination wedding to keep it neutral...so that both my family and my husband's family would have equal opportunity to attend."

How did she do with the moola: Awesome for 100 people. Here are her stats: "Invitations: I did my own, purchasing one of those kits from a paper supply store and printing them on my home computer. It took a lot of time, but saved us a considerable amount of money. Invites, ink, postage all cost around $300.

Flowers:I really wanted real flowers at my wedding, so this was probably my biggest expense aside from lodging and feeding everyone. I think I spent around $600 on flowers.Officiant: We were married by the Justice of the Peace for the county in which we were being married. We paid him $100 for his service.

Ceremony: Everyone stood for the ceremony, except for the grandparents, who sat on benches on the observation deck. The only decorations we had were rose petals that had been strewn on the ground along the path and up the stairs of the observation deck.

The dress: I found my dress at a bridal shop on a clearance rack. It was originally $600 and had been marked down to $250. As I was looking through the dresses, the owner of the shop told me she was marking them all down to $99. So that was a lucky break, but many non-bridal stores have gorgeous bridal-looking dresses for a fraction of the cost. I did have to get the dress altered, which added another $75 to the total cost of the dress. We decided on only one attendant each and my maid of honor and I searched consignment stores for a dress suitable for her. We found one for $26 (color was not something I was too concerned about...this dress was navy and looked great.) My husband rented a tux to match the dressiness of my dress and his brother as best man, wore a suit that he already owned. Guests wore dressy but comfortable clothing and in the invitations, I specified comfortable shoes for the hike up to the falls. You've already seen the white Nike's I wore under my dress!

The food: We chose to keep it as easy as possible, so we went ahead and paid for everyone to eat at the Lodge's buffet. I think it was $15 per person plus the cost of beverages, but you could easily skip this expense and bring your own food or have it catered. The Lodge was going to charge us an arm and a leg if we chose to have a catered reception, so I chose this avenue instead. Total cost was close to $2,000 for about 100 people to eat and drink (that included tip). They did give us our own room in which to eat, away from the rest of the Lodge's guests, at no extra charge.

The reception: We rented one of the meeting rooms to host the reception and my brother put together the music on a laptop, brought speakers, and played deejay for me for free. We decorated ourselves the morning of and had made the place settings and everything else ahead of time. We also purchased disposable cameras for the guests to use at the reception. I chose not to have a professional photographer and decided to do this instead. If there is one thing I would change, it would be to hire a professional photographer for the ceremony. The cake was purchased from a local bakery and we had beer, wine, tea and soda for the guests. The reception, including rental fee, cameras, drinks, decorations, and the cake, cost around $1000."

Congrats of Chelle & Dave! Thank you for your tips! Love ya!