A Bride's Blog - A Bride on a Budget

Husband's Ex-Girlfriend Commits Suicide

2010-12-18T13:15:00.002-05:00

We're sad and shocked. She didn't have to lead the life she did.

I Made a Top 50 List!!!

2010-12-16T13:55:00.002-05:00

Special thanks to http://www.projectmanagementtraining.net/top-50-wedding-planner-blogs

"This budget bride creates videos posted on her blog that will give you a feel for her fun-loving personality and make you feel like you’re chatting about planning a wedding on a budget with a close friend."

Thank you so much!!!!

Easy gourmet Steak at Home

2010-12-16T00:18:00.003-05:00

Here's an easy way to make even a 'bargain' steak taste like it's steakhouse quality. Salt and seasonings tenderize and flavor. The extra sauce makes it extra juicy.

Even BETTER Cook Book for Brides

2010-12-02T22:59:00.005-05:00

I use this SO often! Not only for the many recipes, but for the unique sections customized for new brides, such as 'cooking for two' recipes, party planning and easy appetizers.

Book Review: Barefoot Contessa "Back to Basics" by Ina Garten

2010-11-26T12:43:00.005-05:00

This book is a great gift Idea for the bride to be, new brides, or those who just love to cook. Provides some wonderful "Top Ten" lists such as the Top Ten Things Never to Serve at a Dinner Party. Well-organized. Wonderful photography that makes you hungry.

Quick Green Bean Casserole "Skillet Style" with or without Beef

2010-11-24T08:29:00.002-05:00

Yummy, quick and easy

Tasting My Homemade Pasta and Homemade Sauce

2010-11-04T16:54:00.004-04:00

Though I cooked the pasta about a minute or two too long, I was very impressed with the taste.

Brides: What NOT TO DO at Your Rehearsal Dinner

2010-10-28T13:23:00.003-04:00

We were quite surprised and a bit insulted. Hint: If you are too embarrassed to ask your guests, it is probably in poor taste. Please be CONSIDERATE to your guests. Consider them and their enjoyment in your budget. Yes, it's YOUR day, but, remember all of the time and money they are also spending just to see YOU. Your guests may feel 'taken'. You don't want that! You want everyone invited to feel almost as good as you do!

Making Pasta From Scratch!

2010-10-20T12:55:00.006-04:00

My first time making pasta! Can't wait to get better at it. It will be cheaper and healthier in the long run; no preservatives. I love the breadmaker for making the dough quick and easy. Used the traditional Imperia pasta maker.

Sur La Table Haul

2010-10-07T19:59:00.002-04:00

Reaping the rewards of wedding gift cards ;)

We Are Eating Silicon

2010-07-07T13:13:00.001-04:00

Easy, Healthy Fajitas

2010-06-16T07:35:00.002-04:00

An easy and healthy way to add some spice to your dinner. Fajitas are fun, fast and healthy with WildTree's Fajita Seasoning Blend.

Great Gift for Brides and the Holidays - Back to Basics Egg & Muffin Toaster

2009-11-30T00:41:00.004-05:00

The Back to Basics Egg and Muffin Toaster was one of the first items I chose on my registry. This product is fun, easy and no mess. Hubby and I find ourselves having a balanced, healthier breakfast more often, and it's GREAT for a quick, healthy snack in front of the TV. Creative types will like the meat warming tray can also be used to heat a veggie patty, a tomato slice, or other yummy things.

"Is My Fiance Abusive?"

2009-10-05T19:17:00.005-04:00

This is a vlog to a question from a VERY dear reader. I give her insight from my own experience with an abusive relationship, plus excerpts from a book that really helped me turn my life around, Verbally Abusive Relationships by Patricia Evans.

WE BOUGHT OUR FIRST HOUSE!!

2009-09-16T21:13:00.001-04:00

Soooo excited. My vlog on how we got it.

My Cat Died pt.2

2009-08-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

My Cat Died

2009-08-29T20:57:00.000-04:00

I had to put down one of my cats

2009-08-29T17:15:00.002-04:00

yesterday. I will write a post or do a video on her. I'm so upset. I had pets as a chld, but this was MY first pet. Rest in peace, my sweet little pretty kitty girl, Maya.

First Time Home Buyer's Blues

2009-08-28T14:49:00.003-04:00

Was our offer really that 'insulting?' Or, are the owners unrealistic? We were pretty frustrated. We're over it now and ready to continue our search. A bit nervous that we may not close on something in enough time to take advantange of the $8k incentive.

Budget Bride Has Been Tagged

2009-08-23T16:49:00.003-04:00

I was tagged on my YouTube Channel by Ladypradege with "21 Questions." It was fun to to and thought I'd post it on here as well.

here is Lady's Vid:

Our First Home?

2009-08-19T14:20:00.006-04:00

We took a second look at the house last night. We brought my mom the first time a few weeks ago when we found this among six we were viewing that evening. This time we brought my in-laws who just returned from vacation. They liked it, too. They agreed that it seems like this was a solid, well-built and well-cared for home. We met the owners for the second time as well. They've lived there for over 40 years and now wish to permanently retire to their second home in Florida. The husband is a retired firemen, which further boosted our hopes that this is a well-constructed, well-wired, safe home

We like its character, too. Since it was built in 1930, it has lots of charm with old wood and leaded glass windows. There will have to be several cosmetic updates including the destruction of outdated wallpaper and carpet. These will be fun (hopefully) weekend projects in the future. I wish the kitchen was a little bigger, but it's definitely 'doable, and better than my 5x5 'kitchen closet' I cook in now at the apartment.

Our realtor is taking her kid to college this week, so we're meeting next week to write an offer. I'm getting pretty excited, and have alredy began my 'mental move-in.'

Our Wedding Photos

2009-08-15T16:17:00.004-04:00

Finally, the professional photos arrived in the mail. We saved money and took advantage of a special deal our photographer and the website he publishes on extended to us. Our photographer (who is a friend of my brother so we got a good deal, more on that in a future post on budget wedding photography) publishes to a website that offered all the wedding guests a free duplicate offer for the first 10 days and the last 10 days of the 90 that they would be available to order online.

We would have gotten them earlier if our first order went through. For some reason, whether it was my fault and I didn't click on something, or an oversight on their part, our first order in the first 10 days did not go through. We realized this a week later, as I was stalking the mailman and received an email from the site saying that our cart was still full. We checked the card we used and (thank goodness) it was not charged and the site still had my order unprocessed. We called the company and told us there were two ways we could still get free duplicates:

1) Ask the photographer to re-submit the photos under a 'new event;' therefore, our order would qualify under the first 10 day offer.

2) Wait until days 80 - 90 to order them. We'd get an email from them reminding us of the last minute deal and we can submit our shopping cart then.

We contacted our photographer, and of course we was more than willing to set up another site for us. However, after discussing it with my husband, we thought that waiting a couple of months or so for them would cut on an immediate expense when we came back from the honeymoon (the photographer didn't publish them until we came back and approved them).

We told him that he didn't need to bother to set up a new site. We'd wait until the end of the 90 days to place our order. With that extra time, we were able to fit it into our budget and save for it for a couple of months. Yes, we were getting a little impatient and anxious at the end to get them, but happy that we were able to get a few things paid off on our card before we added something else to it.

Pork Fajita Stew

2009-08-15T12:43:00.004-04:00

So easy in the slow cooker, which I swear is a gift from Heaven.

WildTree products used:

Wicked Good Slow Cooker Sauce
Fajita Seasoning Blend
Cilantro Lime Rice Seasoning

Great Dinner Invention with Leftovers - Cheesy Casserole

2009-08-12T13:17:00.003-04:00

With some leftovers and Wildtree, I was able to 'wing it' and made a fantastic Au Gratin Potato Casserole with Mushrooms, Ham, and Turkey.

I used:

3 leftover baked potatoes with skins peeled off, sliced, diced, or 'chunked'
two cups skim milk
one cup water
two tablespoons WildTree Butter Flavored Grapeseed Oil, 1/4 cup of WildTree Alfredo Extraordinare.
1/4 (approx.) of grated Parmesan cheese (I just finished off what was left in the container)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small (4oz.) can of mushrooms
2 slices of lunchmeat turkey,
3 slices of lunchmeat ham sliced into squares or torn into pieces

Combine all ingredients in casserole dish, cover and place in preheated over at 400F for 40 minutes. Remove lid and keep in oven for 5-10 minutes until the top is brown enough to your liking.

Easy Coleslaw: Low Carb, Low Cal, Low Fat

2009-08-12T12:03:00.002-04:00

Coleslaw is even healthier if you make it with low fat mayo. Quick, crunchy and perfect for summer.

Smooth Away - Great for the Honeymoon

2009-08-11T11:09:00.002-04:00

Forget trying to get your razor checked at the airport - this products is great on the legs when you travel. Although, I do not recommend it for the bikini area or face.

How to Make Mushroom Alfredo in 10 minutes

2009-08-10T10:21:00.003-04:00

This is the same mix 1Xellus1 used in her Chicken Alfredo recipe.

My Husband's First Video

2009-08-09T11:47:00.002-04:00

He was a bit shy, but a good sport, indeed.

Our House Hunt

2009-08-08T10:16:00.003-04:00

We may have finally found our future home! The search was not without frustration, and to my surprise was not as an enjoyable experience as I hoped it would be. We got so tired of looking at 'dumps' in our price range and beautiful places that were either beyond our budget or a reasonable commute to my husband's job. It was stressing me out BIG TIME - worrying that we won't find something in time to take advantage of the US Stimulus' 1st time home-buyers offer - 8k if you close on a house by Nov 25. It would be silly for us to pass this up.

However, we may have found one. It's a 1930 all-brick colonial that's close to my husband's job, and it even has a separate workshop. This was a 'must have' on our list, as my husband is a machinist and can't wait to finally use the machines he got from an old job that closed and are stored in his parent's basement. This limited our search somewhat, of course. There weren't too many homes with a separate building for a workshop in our budget.

So, we're thinking that this house may be ours. My husband got that 'feeling' as soon as he walked in. I definitely got the best feeling in that house, but I was hoping for a slightly larger kitchen. However, I still have not found anything better after almost a week of additional searching.

We're scheduled to go looking again on Wednesday. If we can't find anything by then to look at then we're going to put in an offer for the colonial - which fits everything on our checklist and happens to be our ideal price.

A RAVE REVIEW for WildTree's Alfredo Extraordinare

2009-08-06T14:28:00.006-04:00

1Xellus1, a long time reader, friend and valued customer recently posted her review and recipe using WildTree's Alfredo Extraordinare on her blog What's Cookin'? It's a SUPER EASY sauce mix you make just like mac'n'cheese - only it tastes far better, it's more versatile and it is low-sodium and preservative free.

Just a bit of what she says:

"My family LOVED this! Forget about those prepackaged noodles & sauce mixes. Having the Wildtree Extraordinare as a staple in the pantry is the way to go!"

Read her review and her recipe for Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli here:

Buy it here:
Large 8oz

Small 3.5oz

The Benefits of Grapeseed Oil

2009-08-05T19:02:00.006-04:00

I did not know this until recently, but there is a cooking oil out there that is better than olive oil. A few benefits listed and recorded on video.

Video Reviews of My Wedding MakeUp Products

2009-07-25T12:24:00.003-04:00

These are videos of the MUST HAVE products I mentioned in the last post, plus a couple more.

Gift Ideas for Bridesmaids

2009-07-24T11:02:00.009-04:00

There's no need to spend a lot on bridesmaid gifts (unless you want to and have the budget for it). Especially if you're having a large bridal party, gifts can get pricey and eat in to your budget. However, with a little brainstorming and time to browse online or in stores, you can find affordable, yet thoughtful gifts.

The best gifts in my opinion are ones that will help prepare them for your special day. They are going to be spending, too; not only on their dresses but on your shower, bachelorette party, etc. Keep that in mind when selecting their dresses and accessories. Do you want them all to wear the same shoe or same color? Consider purchasing their shoes and/or getting them dyed.

Spa gifts are great - who doesn't like to go to a spa with their friends? This can be expensive, so look for local beauty colleges (even Aveda has one!). You may not get the total 'spa experience' but you'll save lots if you want all your girls to have a mani/pedi. Massages are nice and well-appreciated, but, if you are all on a budget consider this: what would be better for the 'Big Day,' buying them massages or their make-up application or up-dos?

Don't worry - there are plenty of more affordable ways to make your girls feel and look beautiful. One of my readers, Lilli, is considering buying teeth whitening kits for her girls. What a great idea! It's a great bridesmaid gift under $50 (heck, even under $30 for some kits). Not only will their smiles look great in the photos, they'll thank you for their pearly whites in the future, too!

Eyeshadow and foundation primers also have immediate and long-lasting appeal. These will keep your and their eyeshadow and foundation looking flawless and it should last through the evening with little to no 'touch-ups' required. The best primers I've ever used are the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
for eyes and Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
for face. A friend gave me a gift certificate for a professional make-up application for my wedding - I made sure I brought these two products along to the artist, just in case she didn't have them. She had the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
, but not the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
. I would not have walked down the aisle without Urban Decay under my eyeshadow - it was the only way I knew I wouldn't have to do any touch-ups. And, zero touch-ups were necessary. I bought my Maid of Honor these primers as a Christmas gift. She loved them and used them before, during and after the ceremony.

I plan on doing some review vids on the products I used for my wedding. Until then, you can see an older review of the Urban Decay Primer Potion:

First WildTree Cooking Video

2009-07-21T15:10:00.000-04:00

New Job for a New Bride

2009-07-21T10:13:00.009-04:00

As some may know, the economy killed my last job. So far, I'm really enjoying doing this. It's not been as lucrative as my full-time career or 12 years, but I have made a profit and it's only been a month or so that I started. And, I have not been doing this full time, either.

As a new bride I have plenty of things to do to lay foundation for our future. We're looking at tons of homes online and in person. Fortunately, it's a buyer's market; however, it takes time to find YOUR needle in the haystack. Plus, I'm packing for our eventual move. So, I haven't even been able to devote the time I want to into WildTree. I haven't even had my own tasting party yet. I may have one in the next few weeks. I was waiting to have it when we moved to our new house. I had thought we'd be there by now. I've just been taking orders on my site:

Post Wedding Update

2009-06-03T15:11:00.001-04:00

Oh my goodness! I can't believe how busy I've been since our honeymoon return. I was pretty busy before the nuptials - getting everything together for the ceremony - but now I jokingly wish I only had tasks like that on my 'to-do' list. Now, instead of preparing for one day, I'm preparing for the rest of my life with my husband.

I'm not complaining, though; in fact, I'm quite happy taking on all of these new responsibilities, it's just been a slight challenge fitting new tasks into my routine. First on this list is to start looking for a home. Fortunately, it's a buyer's market. More on that another time.

Another task at the top of the list has been to find a job. I have been in media sales since '96 - mostly local magazines. Due to the current economy, print advertising has REALLY taken a hit. One of the magazines I worked for recently ceased operations after 28 years. Another one I worked for is just barely surviving, but I had to part ways. One of my paychecks bounced and the others had been late. I understand that most of those said problems happened because advertisers were late paying their bills; however, I cannot cureently base my life on others' payment schedules or lack thereof.

I need a change. I may have found one. More on that later.

As for bellydancing, I had full intentions getting back into it after the wedding, but I broke my right pinky toe almost two weeks ago. OUCH!

First Wedding Photo

2009-05-21T15:49:00.001-04:00

I had the wedding of my dreams!

In-Law Challenges with the Rehearsal Dinner

2009-02-04T07:16:00.000-05:00

As the big day gets closer the stress and possibility for conflict seems to be growing.

The Ped Egg Really Works!

2009-01-24T21:20:00.004-05:00

It's been a LONG time since I've posted. However that does not mean I have not been thinking aobut the wedding. Actually, it's been quite the opposite.

I've been wanting to do a video demo and review for the Ped Egg since I got it for Christmas. IT REALLY WORKS. And, better yet it works WELL!

This is a great item for the budget bride, as it will definitely cut down on the need for a professional pedicure. I've been using it twice a week since the holidays, and my feet haven't looked better. And - this is the middle of a harsh, cold winter and after a vacation week of SCUBA diving. My feet have taken a beating, but you wouldn't know it.

You can see all of the Ped Egg products here

Thanks to those who have already posted comments on my You Tube channel

A New Apartment for Newlyweds

2008-11-11T13:04:00.004-05:00

We're not married yet, but we've just moved in together. We initially hoped that we'd find a 'once in a lifetime' offer on a home close to where he works, which is about 60 miles away from where I've been living since 2005 (about 40 miles away from his parent's house, where he's been staying at during the work week).

We have only been engaged since this summer, home prices keep dropping, the holidays plus six birthdays are approaching through Feburary, March is the shower, and Arpil is the wedding; so, we decided to bite the bullet and pay a reasonable rent for a reasonable place until we get 'official' and start looking for places as a legal Mr. and Mrs.

Until then, where going to start living together and growing together here. I's going to be so nice to see him regularly. I used to not mind ahtat he did not live here. I've only live with one boyfriend for a week and only a few roommates since college. I loved living on my own. My jobs have all been social, and I've always had a good group of friends. I savored the feeling of being social whenever I wanted to or to be a hermnit under a blanket, a spell of tea and Bach. It's only been since I've found someone who I can naturally share all of that with - that I want to see that person everyday.

Ohh - I jabber on so - a fool in love

but a smart one indeed ;)

Reception News and Shoutouts to Kelli Ann and Brady

2008-10-18T11:09:00.002-04:00

Thanks for finding me, Kelli Ann! You and your fiance look so cute together - love the pic of you on 8/8/08. Brady, thanks for finding me as well! Looking forward to more chatting.

Wedding Makeup - Please Help Me Decide

2008-10-16T10:54:00.006-04:00

I sometimes hate admitting to these 'girly moments' as I have named them but I can't help it - I am beginning to stress about my wedding day makeup.

I do not wish to spend additional money on makeup application at a salon, so I'm getting a head start on my application practice and a color scheme that will look best on me on my special day.

Special thanks goes to Ladyvdesigns on You Tube for suggesting that I create videos of the looks I'm considering and asking viewers to vote and share their thoughts. Thanks so much, LadyV!!!

Please leave your comments and participate in the poll if you wish. Thanks so much!

Bride Look: Copper/Bronze #1

Bride Look: Black and White #1

Bride Look: Rose and Pink #1

Urban Decay Primer Potion perfect for your wedding

2008-09-25T11:11:00.006-04:00

I almost believed it until I tried it, now I'm a total believer in the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Almost all of my 'makeup girlfriends' on my You Tube Channel and http://makeupmasters.ning.com swear by this stuff. I'm not walking down the aisle without it! I re3corded a video of my actual 'staying power' test. Watch below.

Amazon.com Widgets

Here's PART ONE

and PART TWO

My First Contest - Enter for free cd or $5 gift card

2008-09-17T19:48:00.007-04:00

PART ONE

PART TWO

If you are a You Tube friend of mine, especially in the makeup genre, then you are familiar with contests. Contests are a fun way to connect with like-minded bloggers and vloggers.

Any female 18 years of age or older may enter my contest. The rest of the rules are mentioned, and the prizes are mentioned in one of the two videos.
Details are in the next few vids.

If you decide to enter and subscribe to my You Tube Channel you will see several examples of 'real' women bellydancing. Plus - I am here to help and guide you. I will be happy to direct you to free how-to vids, .99 cent music downloads, free video & music previews, anything you may need assistance with.

My two blog/vlogs are:

http://bellydancerlessons.blogspot.com
and / or
http://abrideonabudget.blogspot.com

Check out these other vids: Student testimonials for 'JadeTheBellydancer'

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3lQXcgcP6Hw

and Jade's fantastic dance to TINA TURNER

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=64bBsRJpnRc

Plus, SEEDCOVERS has lots and lots of beautiful hip scarves to start you off

The best Tripod for Bride Bloggers

2008-09-17T18:22:00.001-04:00

I posted this video for my You Tube friends - especially the ones whom have shown their make-shift camera set-ups for their vids; and, did not see it necessary to invest money in a professional tri-pod. Like most fledgling vloggers, I had my camera propped up on a pile of books, until I was "liberated" with the Gorillapod by Joby

I'm Late and I Lied

2008-09-11T15:52:00.002-04:00

I was supposed to post this a few days ago. Been quite busy lately.

For my new readers on this blog who have been asking about my bellydancing ... here's a recent vid. The rest can be found on my bellydancerlessons blog or my You Tube channel.

Vlog Entry - Makeup and Wedding stuff

2008-09-09T13:08:00.004-04:00

I was supposed to post this yesterday but ran out of time.

Bride Blog - Expenses and Makeup

2008-09-04T11:12:00.000-04:00

Budget Rant re: floral expenses

2008-09-03T19:54:00.000-04:00

Bride Vlog #1

2008-09-02T21:39:00.000-04:00

Makeupmasters.ning.com and YouTube

2008-09-02T18:28:00.000-04:00

I have found valuable make-up advice recently at a couple of cool sites. For the first few months of my YouTube membership I kept to myself and kept to publishing practice vids for my bellydance blog. However, my social nature crept through my video curtain and I began conversing and subscribing to a host of beautiful women that have been publishing exceptional makeup application tutorials and product reviews. I didn't care much about make-up for a while - since I got out of the 9-5 corporate life. However, since I've been watching these vids for the past few months I have been inspired to try new looks with different colors and WOW - it has paid off!

There is also a great site DEVOTED to makeup reviews and application. Don't trust the commercials - trust the women who have already purchased the product and see what they have to say.

These You Tube women and the members on http://makeupmasters.ning.com will be my PERSONAL CONSULTANTS when it comes to me choosing a pallette for my wedding. I feel it's better to consult with 'real' people first instead of a salon stylist first - unless you REALLY know your stylist! Otherwise, the stylist may just suggest the 'easiest' up-do and makeup application and tell you it's the best for you - when it's really the best for him - because he will get you and the rest of your party out of the salon an hour earlier for the same price. I'm not saying that happens all the time - but I do have a friend that felt like she was TOTALLY rushed out of the salon after spending gobs of money.

I'm hoping to find a good look for both my face and hair by watching vids, reading posts, and submitting my own pics and vids for review. Hopefully this way will help me find a look that I can sucessfully do myself instead of adding on the extra salon expense.

Video Friends and Other Channels

2008-09-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

I have just recorded and am currently downloading a video that I will also be posting on my You Tube channel and my other blog that focuses on my first year in bellydancing lessons. I've met many wonderful and inspiring people on both sites. Please listen to the upcoming shout-out videos I will be posting and check them out!

Video after His Proposal

2008-09-01T05:41:00.000-04:00

I made this vlog for my YouTube friends to tell them the good news. I'll share this and I will be creating more for this this site.

My Wedding Gown and Tiaras from Outer Space

2008-09-01T03:42:00.000-04:00

My mom and I found the perfect dress just four days after the proposal. David's Bridal was having a sale. Mom and I were just going to have a look, and the teenage romantic in me couldn't wait to try on my first gown. I was looking for something simple, something classic. It was easy to choose, actually; it was the fourth or fifth one and the only one where mom and I both started crying. It also was the most comfortable by a landslide. It's ivory, beaded lace. The photo is from the catalog. I have a much shorter veil. They had beautiful tiaras but SHEESH - they were @ $200! Are they from Mars? Get real! That's 1/3rd of what my mom paid for the dress! She loved it on me and said with a nervous smile that she would also buy it if I wanted it. I assured her that we will both have fun looking around for the best discount on one.

I admit - the little girl in me has always wanted to be princess just for one day - so I want a tiara.

I've already found some on Amazon that are under $15! That's worth it for me to get a couple to try on, then maybe save for bellydancing. There's also the accessory stores at the malls.

My Other Blog

2008-08-27T00:14:00.001-04:00

as I just begin this one you may wish for more content and more background. You may fid it at my other blog: bellydancerlessons.blogspot.com

An Unveiling - an Engagement of Love

2008-08-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

I'm not new to blogging - and as I approach my second year of bellydancing I can not say I'm new to that anymore. However, I AM new to being engaged and planning a wedding. I will be celebrating or stressing, but I will be archiving this beautiful process.

First Post

2008-07-22T14:57:00.000-04:00

First post. Testingthe waters. Will be back soon for more posts and additions to layout.