DIY Paint and Refurbish Chair

Are you ready for a quick and fun project. Anyone can do this. No matter what your skill level is. It is great it to take an old chair, give it fresh new paint, and whahlah you have a super cute chair. 

The items you will need are:

- Wood or metal chair

- 1 Yard of Material

- 1 Can Spray Paint, or Primer

- Small piece of fine grit sand paper

- Hot Glue Gun

- 1 Yard Desired Cording, length of cording varies depending on chair

1.  First things first, removing the old material.  In my case I didn't need to remove the old material. It was in great shape. I only removed the old cording around the edge of the material.
2.  Start by sanding the wood of the chair.  Just enough that the paint sticks to the wood. 

3.  Using a primer spray paint start spraying the chair.  Keep the spray can about 6" - 8" away to allow even paint coverage. Keep the spray can moving so paint doesn't start running. You will want to do two coats to ensure even paint coverage. ** If you would like a distressed look, once your paint is dry use your sand paper and remove a little bit on the paint until you achieved your desired look.

4.  Place material on the seat of chair. Tuck material into areas around where the back of chair meets the seat. Smooth out the material. Cut the material with an inch of extra material.

5.  Roll the extra material under. As you get the material to the edge, hot glue the material to the edge. Being careful not to let excess glue dry on the wood.

6. Glue the edge of material down as you pull the material gently to smooth out material.  

7.  Attach cording edge buy using the hot glue gun.  Take your time around corners. Add small amounts of glue until you get the hang of it. Some cording might start to unravel so you might need to use a dot of hot glue on the cut end to stop unraveling before you attach to chair.

That is all it takes.  Please show me your finished projects.  I love seeing ideas come to life.

Thanks for visiting,

~ Jeannine

DIY Laundry Detergent 3 Ingredients

DIY Laundry Detergent. 

Easy Easy Easy, cost .02 cents a load.
Three items needed, 10 minutes to make.

Here is your DIY Laundry Detergent Instructions.
- Find a two-gallon container.  

- Pour in:
3/4 Cups Borax
3/4 Cups Washing Soda
3/4 Cups Blue Dawn

- Add 2 Cups VERY Hot Water.  Apply lid and shake until the Washing Soda, and Borax is dissolved. (Should take about 5 minutes.)

- Now fill the container with cold water.  Reapply the lid, and you are done. I love the container I found with a valve on the front.  I place it over my washing machine where the detergent goes in.  No lifting just turn on valve to dispense laundry detergent.  Anything that makes laundry easier, makes me happy.

To use:  Add 1 Cup of detergent to laundry. 

Thank you for visiting my blog.
~Jeannine

Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin - Quick & Easy

CROCK POT PORK TENDERLOIN

2 lb Pork Tenderloin
1 Dry Onion Soup Mix or Ranch Packet
1 Cup Water
3/4 Cup Red Wine
3 tbsp Minced Garlic
3 tbsp Soy Sauce
Freshly Ground Pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Place pork in crock pot.
Sprinkle all ingredients except garlic on top of pork.
Spread garlic over pork making sure it stays on top of pork during cooking.

Cook for 4 hours on low.
Serve with liquid from cooking on the side as Au Jus.

It really is that easy. I promise this will become your favorite recipe. Serve on French roll bread once meat is cooked and shredded with Au Jus sauce on the side. Add grilled onions if you like.

Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting!

Jeannine

Rapid Weight Loss Meal Plan

EAT TO LIVE, DO NOT LIVE TO EAT

Congratulations, are you ready to loose weight?  It sounds too good to be true I know. But it isn't! You will need to stick to this eating plan, and remember one thing.... this isn't a diet this is a Life Style.

If you start off with the wrong way of thinking you WILL ruin your attempt to loose weight, and begin a healthy way of life. This is not about loosing weight quick and returning to bad eating habits. This is about eating healthy, and staying healthy.  While doing so you will experience Rapid Weight Loss. You WILL start feeling better mentally and physically while watching your pounds disappear.

** It is not listed above... sorry I have to be the one that says this but NO ALCOHOL is allowed. (Go to Tip #1 for more information if you choose to drink alcohol). This eating/meal plan is for a female with little to no exercise.  My week consists of Yoga, working around the house, and Riding Horses. Due to a neck injury, and back pain I am only able to do little amounts of exercise.   If you are an VERY active adult you run, exercise often you might need to adjust this plan by increasing amounts from 2 ounces to 4, etc. You might have to add salt and a little sugar.  For one reason or another if you are like me, you are unable to workout or choose not to this eating plan is right for you and needs no adjustments. 

Let's get started....
1. Print out the above Meal Plan and put it on your refrigerator. Tell the people in your household that you are starting a new Life Style. Inform everyone to help by not tempting you with the wrong foods. Let everyone know you are not being rude but you will turn down wrong foods if they are given for you. I always feel bad turning away meals my husband cooks for me. This took care of that. Announcing your new Life Style to your household holds you accountable.  And yes you will need to be accountable. :)

2.  Write down your current weight, and measurements. This is where it gets exciting to see the change.

3. When can you start this Meal plan?... right now.  Even if it is almost dinner time. Start at the dinner meal idea.  These meals are designed to be ideas. When you see a protein/meat, or veggies, just use what meat, or veggies you have and enjoy.  Also, add at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week, if possible. Also, be patient.  If you are really overweight remember your stomach is shrinking with each day.  You are going to feel more hungry than you should due to your stomach being larger than it should.

Warning **** the below information contains harsh to the point facts explaining why you can't lose weight and why you are overweight. If you are one of many in our society who gets their feathers ruffled easily you might not want to read on. If you have a level head and can handle the hard facts please keep reading.

If you are having difficulty managing your weight this is because:

1. Portion Control (eating way too much food)
2. Eating all the wrong foods
3. Not thinking just eating (being bored not hungry)
4. Not planning your daily meals (If you don't plan your meals, you are going to be starving and eating at fast food restaurants or pizza joints. This WILL guarantee to put on a LOT of weight. Stop it!)
5. Drinking specialty coffee often instead of water (one coffee can contain two days worth of calories and more sugar than you should be consuming in a month).
6. Being lazy and not exercising. (Stop sitting on the couch for hours at a time.If you do this I guarantee you will be/stay overweight. So get off your booty and go do laundry, clean your house, do the dishes, or mow the lawn, better yet go for a run/walk, or play with your kids.  You should only be sitting on your couch at the last hour of the night. If you are always saying you do not have enough time in your day to get things done. It is because you are spending too much time sitting on the couch looking at your phone, and over eat at the same time.If you do work from your computer put in up on your kitchen counter and work standing up.  At least standing circulates your blood flow. Much healthier for your heart, and your body )

Again, this is a tough love. If you are ready for tough love, the truth, and weight loss results please read on. If you are a sissy-lah-lah go sit on the couch, eat, make excuses, and keep expecting results that will NOT happen.

Being Successful:
Tip# 1 The More You Cheat, The Longer It Takes

Need I say more?  I don't know about you but I like to see quick results.  I want to know my hard work is paying off.  If you stick with this plan, I guarantee you to see results QUICK.  I will include recipes for no carb, no "real" sugar cookies for the days you are having impulse control issues.  But remember each cookie is 60 calories, contain natural sugars from bananas, and contains carbs.. You will quickly stop your metabolism, and ruin your hard work. Everyone has cheat days, just expect to be disappointed when you wake up the next morning and see the pounds have crept back on overnight.  To me, cheating isn't worth it. I feel I don't need to give into cravings.  I always say to myself, are you really that hungry, are you starving? The answer is usually No. Be strong, and you will become strong.



Tip# 2 Knowledge is Power, Download "Fitness Pal" App

Go to MyFitnessPal app and download this free app.
If you have another app like it that you prefer great stick with what you like.  This app is wonderful. Just enter your weight, and your meals eaten.  Remember to add coffee, and snacks.  The only person that sees this is you. You can also check out restaurant food and see just how unhealthy eating out it is for you.  It gives you calories, sodium, carbs, sugars in all the foods we think are healthy at restaurants..... like salads. Prepare to be amazed that salads can be very unhealthy when ordered at a restaurant.  I will be going into knowledge about food later on.


Tip #3 Train of Thought:
EAT TO LIVE, DO NOT LIVE TO EAT

Are you really hungry, or just bored?  Most people eat fast go back for seconds and feel miserable because they ate way too much food. Next time eat your small portions then drink water. If you think your hungry wait 15 minutes. This allows your stomach time to tell your brain you are full and satisfied.

Stop letting food control your life.Develop a hobby, volunteer, get to all the tasks you think you don't have time for. Remember, this is not a diet, it is a Life Style.   To be successful in eating right you must stop saying the word "diet" and thinking this is a "diet".  A "diet"  is temporary, a get thin quick then go back to being a pig way of thinking. Diet creates self-pity, and thinking we deserve the wrong foods. If you want to be successful in your life, and with your body stop making excuses.Stop eating that bowl of cereal late at night. In fact,  you should not be eating past 6:00 p.m. The earlier you stop eating the better. That will give your body time to work off calories before going to bed, otherwise it will be stored as fat. Get real about what is important to you. Your flabby butt being gone, or the glazed doughnut in the break room.  Also, I believe it is a bad message we send our children by using the word "Diet".  If we teach our children how to eat right, how to eat correct portions, they should never have to diet. Doesn't that sound good?  Obviously, use common sense when teaching your kids self control and how eat healthy. Explain in a fun educational way. Do not be demanding or make them feel like they are overweight, etc. You want to be careful so you don't give a negative body image to kids. If you are careful what you say this will be a positive learning experience. I am here to tell you my Mother taught me great eating habits, and I have never had to diet my entire life. Don't we want to pass that Life Style onto our children?  Be a good role model for your family and kids.


Tip #4 Drink Lots of Water

Every nutritionist will tell you, the first step to good nutrition is drink a lot of water. When you have just eaten a meal, and you want to go back for seconds drink a glass of water.  Chances are your brain hasn't had time to figure out that you are indeed full.  So, be patient, use self-control, drink a glass of water and wallah you will be satisfied. Your daily intake of water should be 96 ounces.  Get a large cup with straw, get your measuring cups out with ounces on it.  Pour in 96 ounces to see how much (of that particular cup) you need to drink.  I carry the same cup/container with me every day.  I come home and throw it in the dishwasher and use it the next day.  It helps me not forget how much water I need to consume.


Tip #5 Picky Eating

Once you are ready to stop wining about how bland food tastes, and when you are done being a whinny baby.... you will see results.  The people that are highly picky eaters will have a harder time with eating right. Why? First of all, they are only use to salty fating sauce soaked food. This is how they tend to think "Oh, that chicken looks okay, yet if I put this yummy sauce on it, boy that is going to taste so much better."  Yes, it will taste better. But, what have they done?  They have added salt, carbs, and calories, and excuses. You can ruin your entire daily intake in one meal with this one mistake. Stop this way of thinking.



Tip #6 Not all Salads are healthy
How many people do you hear say "I must have a metabolism problem because all I eat are salads, and I keep gaining weight.  Research what you are eating, before you eat it!   Use step #2 and download Fitness Pal app, and enter in what you are eating.  Or another example, a small container of Greek Yogurt has 38 grams of sugar. Sugar=Fat.  That one mistake a day could be what is causing you to gain weight.  Example, Applesbee's Oriental Chicken Salad contains 1,390 calories, 98 grams of Fat, 15 grams of Saturated Fat, 1,610 milligrams of sodium. In one meal you have exceeded your daily target calories, sodium, and carbs. Knowledge is power, educate before you eat. Pay attention! In the above meal plan, go ahead and make a salad with the correct above portions, use Balsamic Vinegar as dressing. Otherwise, Do Not add dressing to your salad. Also, do not add canned vegetables.... (very high salt content).
If you must eat out here are a few ideas what you can order:
- Grilled not fried chicken, or Pork with Veggies on the side.
- Salads, ask for Balsamic Vinegar on the side, do not add bacon, cheese, croutons, etc.


Tip #7 Stay away from the middle of the grocery store
Stay away from processed, pre-packaged anything.  Get ready to make your own salsas, sauces with Balsamic Vinegar, and making your own spices.  I will add recipes at the bottom for more meal ideas. Everything prepackaged contains TOO much salt.  Why are Americans overweight? We are spoiled, think we should have whatever we want, especially when it comes to food. Most Americans are sold on the quick and easy unhealthy food choices.

Tip #8  Eating Healthy is Scientifically Proven to make you Happy
Eating healthy is Scientifically proven to make you happy. If you would like to read more about how Happiness is a choice check out It Is Scientific Proof That Happiness Is A Choice

Tip # 9 Make your weeks worth of meals up Sunday night
I spend less money, and time worrying about food.  Because my food is prepared on Sunday for my week.

Chicken/Pork/Fish: Sunday is my night to get ready for my week to come.  So, get the BBQ fired up, or get out a few frying pans, put water in them. Turn burners on Medium-High, Add your chicken breasts to the pan and bring to a boil, Add Mrs. Dash seasonings (contains no salt) Cook for 20-30 minutes, check meat is thoroughly cooked.  Get out your Ziploc bags and put 2oz of meat in a bag. Easy to grab on the go.

Tuna: Yes, you should eat it raw. No adding mayonnaise, if you must add a little mustard. I go to Coscto and buy the Albacore Tuna in water. Cans are 7 oz each so I make three even sections out of the tuna.  Put each section in a Ziploc bag ... tuna is done. Eat with a fork.  If you can't stand tuna add another protein: Chicken, Turkey, or Pork no red meat.

Veggies: I personally love raw spinach, so I buy a big bin of organic spinach and throw a small hand full in small Ziploc bags.  If spinach isn't your thing you can use any veggie.  Just don't use Ranch Dressing to dunk them into.  High in Saturated Fat, and salt.

Oatmeal / Egg Whites:  I do not get these ready a week ahead of time. I make this every morning.  Stores sell egg whites now.  However, check the sodium levels.  Pre-Packaged = Salt.  If it contains sodium you will need to crack those eggs every day like I do. :)

Food Facts:
**This is a very brief overview. Dive in deeper into each topic. Knowledge is power!

Drinking Water = Lose weight If you drink water does it help you lose weight? Yes. Drinking water helps boost your metabolism.  There are many articles out there this one is a quick read How Drinking Water Helps You Lose Weight

Don't forget to ask yourself  "Are you really hungry, or just bored?"  Most people eat fast go back for seconds and feel miserable because they ate way too much food. Next time eat your small portions then drink water. If you think your hungry wait 15 minutes. This allows your stomach time to tell your brain you are full and satisfied.

Salt/Sodium = Salt retains water/fat. Especially for women when your body receives salt, it goes into storage mode. It stores water and fat, because naturally the body thinks it needs to in order to survive.  It is a survival kind of way the body reacts. Take away salt,  and watch the water weight, and fat disappear. Learn what foods contain Sodium. Read the labels on foods you will be surprised how much sodium is in pre-packaged foods, even salsa.

Pre-Packed Foods = Contain Salt/Sodium 
Get out of the lazy way of living, thinking all things should come to you quick and fast.  Spend some time in the kitchen and make your own food. This is the only way to know exactly what is going into your food.

Bread/Pasta/Carbs= Carbohydrates are found in many foods, especially breads, pastas, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Carbs provide your body with its primary source of energy, although it can also produce energy from fat if you are on a low-carb diet. All carbs are broken down into sugar.....

Sugar = Fat.  Sugars will turn to Fat. Did you know most fruit contains a lot of natural sugar?  Eat fruit in moderation.

Cravings = Basically you are coming off a drug 
Studies has shown that Sugar is more addictive than Cocaine. So, here you are stopping your sugar consumption cold turkey.... you are going to have cravings.  I don't know about you but I don't want to be addicted to anything. Especially sugar, or a drug. Stop, sneaking sugar, take a deep breathe, a level head, relax, and get over it. You will notice your body will crave sugar at the times you usually have given it sugar.  Notice the pattern, accept that you have an addiction and you need to get past this. Develop self control, and be strong. Do not let cravings control you. If it is really that difficult, Please find my Skinny Cookie recipe below.

Sorry for the bluntness of this article.  Somethings we just need tough love to get serious with ourselves. I cannot wait to hear your incredible weight loss stories. Please share your questions, comments, stories, and pictures below. I encourage you to tell me your excuses. I will give you advice any way I can. :) And, most importantly do not get discouraged.  I will be including healthy recipes shortly.

Cropped Pic of Meal Plan if you need it smaller:

Thanks for reading,
Jeannine

Planning Your Wedding

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT!  You must be so excited. You found that special someone to share the rest of your life with. Let the planning and fun begin!

No matter what your budget, this will outline all you need to do. I will offer budget advise in most categories. A wedding can be an overwhelming time, especially for the bride. So remember take a deep breathe, smile, and enjoy this experience.  Whether you have 2 years, or 2 months to plan your wedding, you can do it! There are so many options out there. When I planned my wedding, I will be honest, I wasted a lot of time searching for a good deal.  I will share with you my money saving tips, and websites.

Start with drinking a lot of water, eat healthy, and exercise. I know you are probably thinking this has nothing to do with staying organized. I am here to tell you it will help you keep a clear mind. Plus, drinking a lot of water will help you feel great. Also, start a Yoga routine, if you haven't already. It will help you feel less stressed, and drinking water will make your skin glow. Now let's get planning!  

If you are not excited enough (I'm sure your excitement is through the roof) these websites will start getting the creative juices flowing. Click on the links below, and enjoy!

Fun Inspiring Websites:
Pinterest
theKnot
Wedding Chicks
Wedding Wire
Martha Stewart Weddings
Real Simple Weddings
My Wedding
My Wedding Favors
Project Wedding
Wedding By Color
Designed By The Bride
Kinser Event Company


Websites for the DIY Bride:
Diy Wedding
Do-It-Yourself-Weddings
Koyal Wholesale
Wedding Monograms
Intimate Weddings
Ivy Belle Weddings


FREE Printables:
You will love these websites  ... and yes they are FREE FREE FREE
Wedding Chicks Freebies
Printerest Wedding Freebies
World Label

For my California, Shasta and Tehama County Brides:
This is a one stop shop website, check out:
North State Bridal Guide

(9 Months and Earlier)

 Announce Your Engagement

With social media, this is much easier than it use to be.  Please remember to tell your close friends, and family first.  Before, you decide to put it on social medial, or however you choose to tell the world. Your close friends, and family will happy when you took the time to tell them before you told the world. You might enjoy this article from Bridal Guide.

Make your own Wedding Planner Binder
Some brides want to go buy expensive wedding planners with a few printed pages inside. However, if you are a budget conscience bride, this is easy, fun, and all the while saving you money.

Your only need to purchase:
2" Binder and
11 tab dividers (with pockets),  label each tab:
- Payments Made  (click HERE for a FREE record-keeping system for payments made to Vendors)

- Venues

- Photos & Video

- Hair & Makeup

- Dresses & Tux

- Catering

- Music (Ceremony & Reception)

- Reception

- Flowers

- Honeymoon & Travel

- Cake & Desserts

- Save-the-Date & Invitations

You will be surprised by the information you will start accumulating. By keeping it all in one spot, your fiance will not get annoyed, and you will be able to find everything when you need it.

CLICK ON THIS LINK:
Wedding Wire Wedding Planner. Once you print out these forms, hole punch and put on top of your tab dividers. As you get ideas, or events planned fill in your worksheets. This will be a vital tool on the day of your wedding. Either for you and your wedding party, or for your wedding planner. That way you both are on a clear understanding of what you want on your wedding day.

What is your Wedding Style?  
Now, that you have looked at a few fun websites, a magazine or two (or in my case twenty), you can
start asking each other a few simple questions:
- Large or Small wedding?

- Elegant or Simple?

- Outside, Inside or Church wedding?

- Hometown or Out of town?

- Average how many people attending?

- What time of year do you want your wedding?
- Will you include children in the guest list?

- Once you have determined both of your wishes and wants, now you can really start planning your wedding.

Check out this website for an online What is Your Wedding Style Quiz.

Use your favorite wedding websites, or the few I mentioned at the beginning. Collect images from magazines, to determine what colors you both like.  Be sure to ask your soon-to-be groom if he likes the color choices you have found.  Most grooms are not too picky. However, my husband would have cringed during our entire wedding if I choose any shade of pink.

To make your color choices easier, to find hundreds of wedding ideas, and to create a free wedding website (if you choose) you have to check out theknot.com.  If you don't already have one - get a Pinterest account. Just go to Pinterest.com and request a login account. Curl up on the couch with some wine, start flipping through magazines, pull out any pictures of wedding dresses, wedding colors, and decorations, you like. Hole punch these pages and put in your Wedding Planner Folder. If time permits spend a couple months figuring out your wedding style. Then run the decorations (not the dress), and color ideas past your fiance. Once you get approval, the real fun begins.

 Select a Date for Your Wedding
If you already have a date in mind, great. Dates are important, and if you share a significant date that you will not change, that is wonderful.  If you are able to keep the date flexible, yet staying in the time of year you want, it will make booking your venue much easier. Be sure you keep in account the weather for that time of year. Here is a great article about selecting your date from Bridal Guide.

Book Your Ceremony Site
For most people, this is the most time consuming part of planning a wedding. Try to go think where you both met, or where you both shared a romantic evening.
- Use this FREE Printable Venue Questions Checklist
- Also use this FREE Printable Venue 
- Google "Wedding Venue (and your hometown city, state).
- Call each venue you are interested in. Ask is if they have your projected wedding day open (or your desired wedding date booked).  The more flexible you can be on the wedding date, the easier it will be on booking your dream wedding venue.
- Ask how much they charge for a wedding. If the price is workable, then schedule a time to go and look at their facility.
- Ask as many questions as you can.
- Add your needs and questions to the Free Printable Venue Checklist.
Once you find your Venue, book it! All other wedding plans fall into place once the venue is booked.

Reserve Your Officiant
Now that your date and location is set. You can ask your favorite officiant, or start calling to interview officiants.  You want someone with experience.  I wanted someone who did not become nervous in front of people, someone who is not going to slur their words, and someone who made sure to have fun, yet reminding us, and our guests this is a serious moment.

Find Your Reception Venue
Be sure to ask if the Wedding Venue also has a Reception space.  If your Wedding Venue does not a Reception space, start doing all the above for your Reception site using the Free Printable Venue Checklist.  

Book a Wedding Planner / Coordinator
I am a huge DIY bride.  I didn't need anyone, and I mean anyone to help me with my wedding.  I planned the entire day,  made every single decision, decoration, chair cover, centerpiece, cake topper and managed every tiny detail.  However, I did not want to stress ON the day of my wedding.  I wanted to know I can show a wedding planner exactly how I want my wedding decorated, and on my wedding it would all be taken care of.  And, it was.  I was able to relax, and enjoy the day. A wedding planner will bring up ideas you might not think of. For example, do you friends, or family set up to help pick up after the wedding?  Most Wedding Venues now, require all decorations, tables, chairs, etc be removed from the premises before midnight.  Most of the time as a bride we get absorbed into the plans, the details, yet stuck cleaning up after our own wedding just by missing this one detail. She was the one to tell the wedding party when to walk down the isle, where to stand, when my husband and I should make a toast, when we should have our first dance, etc.

So, if you need a wedding planner, for everything or just a few things. I would highly recommend this expense. Search the internet in your area. Since you have already booked your venue, and you have your wedding date set. You can book your Wedding Planner, for just the day of decorating, and keeping things moving. Or, you can have her do everything for you.  Either way, I promise you will be happy you have a Wedding Planner.  Our planner also kept the entire day on time.  I did not have to think (or stress) on forgetting to do anything.  My wedding planner only charged me $300.00. The best money I ever spent.

** On a budget, contact your local College, or University.  Ask for their Wedding Planning Dept. Ask to post a job for those who are almost out of school, and need the experience.  Most people who plan on being a wedding planner are highly organized people.  Having someone highly organized to help during your wedding will be worth it.

 Determine Budget
The easiest way to lower your budget, is lower that amount of people you invite.  Start by getting a brief idea of how many people you will invite.  Then take that number times it by 25. (The average price per plate for reception).  This is a good way to get an idea just how much your reception could cost if you have a sit down dinner or buffet.  This helped me in determining the number of guests we could invite. Another website that might help you out from costofwedding.com

 Select and Order Your Bridal Gown and Headpiece
** On a Budget, check out Davids Bridal.  They offer a lot of great deals. However, don't be fooled this is the only bargain Bridal Store out there.  Have you thought of going to a thrift store?  There are a ton of wedding dresses at thrift stores still in their plastic covers.

 Select Bridesmaids, and flower girl dresses
** On a Budget,  around Easter time there are so many beautiful dresses.  I went to my local Ross Store.  I told all my Bridesmaids what color I would like their dresses to be, and let them  pick their own dress.  Not only did they feel more beautiful, and comfortable, the dresses only cost $19.00 each.  If you can manage to pay this expense I highly recommend it. I feel they are doing so much for the bride, this is the least you can do as a bride. Especially at those great prices.

Attend a Bridal Expo
This website could help you find a local Bridal Expo from theKnot.com

Go online and search "bridal expo (and your city,state).  Not only will there be hundreds of venues, caterers, honeymoon travel agents, photographers and more. There are giveaways, and discounts given if you book them at the expo. You can sample caterers food, and ask all your questions.  Put all brochures in your pocket tab dividers in your wedding planner folder.

Book your Photographer
It can be scary when you start booking Vendors for the big day.  Just remember they only need a deposit to lock in your date. If you are having your wedding locally, use Facebook.  Ask your friends, and family their recommendation for a great photographer.  It is a huge time saver to see your friends photos photos from their wedding, along with the photographer they used. This time saving method will make you feel great when you book your photographer.

Once you have a photographer in mind, call him/her, check if your wedding date is available, and schedule a meeting. If you are happy with this photographer, schedule your ENGAGEMENT PICTURE SESSION.
Log into your Pinterest.com account, and start looking at Save the Date/Engagement picture ideas. Save or Print out any ideas you both like, and share with your photographer.

DO YOU WANT A PHOTOBOOTH FOR YOUR RECEPTION?
Most Photographers offer Photo Booths too.  Ask, and check out prices.  Usually you can get a deal when you book Photo Booth, and Photographer package. I will say all of our guests (young and old) loved the Photo Booth.  I bought a scrapbook, and put in blank pages. The guests received a picture, and a copy to put in our scrapbook with a message to us.  My husband and I loved this so much.

** On a budget, you can ask a friend who might be needing photography experience. You can also contact colleges and ask if you can post a job board. There are a lot of great photographers who need experience. Plus, you can always look at their work before booking them.  Now days, almost everyone is camera savvy.  Be sure to outline exactly what you want for your pictures.  Send them a pinterest board showing wedding pictures you like.  Be sure to find a contract online, for you and the photographer to sign.  Outlining price, and details.

Order Save-The-Date Magnets

Your guests will be so pleased to find your Save-the-Date reminder in the mail.
Once you find your Venue, your wedding date is set, your engagement photos have been taken, go to magnetstreet.com and order your Save-The-Date Magnets.  This website has the best quality for the price. Walmart.com has been creating more and more. The quality has been much better lately. People love Magnets because they go right on their fridge, and it is easy to remember when your wedding is coming up.  

(6 to 9 Months Before Wedding)

Book your make-up and hairstylist 

The REALLY good Hairstylists & Make-Up Artists book up fast. I wasn't sure if I wanted to use a hairstylist, or a makeup artist.  I waited until three months prior to my wedding, unfortunately all of the highly recommended ones were taken.  Book early on, set up a day to go in and the Hairstylist can play with your hair.  Find a style you like, express your likes and don't likes. Request from your Hairstylist who she would recommend for a Make-Up Artist.  Word of mouth referrals are the best. Plus, it insures your Hair and Make-Up Artist will be able to work together well on your big day.

Book your Caterer

This was an easy choice for me. I ran into an old friend at a Bridal Expo. Come to find out when we lost contact, she became a Caterer. The Bridal Expo allowed me to sample food from over 30 different Caterers.  When would I have had the time to go around and sample all that food.  As fun as it sounds, this girl does not have that much time on her hands. :) I also used Social Media to narrow down my catering choices (and the Bridal Expo). The options were endless, and honestly it seemed overwhelming. I went on Facebook and asked my friends "Does anyone have a recommendation for a Caterer?". The responses quickly came in. It made making a choice a lot easier. Oh, and if you are have buffet style at your wedding, please ask your Caterer to fix the Bride, and Groom plates up for them, and bring them to your table.  Unless, the idea of possibly spilling food on your dress, or tripping with a plate full of food in your hands sounds like a good time. :)  My Caterer offered this without me asking. And, as silly as it sounds I was so excited. I think it was one less thing as a bride I had to stress over. Eating, and not getting food on my dress was up to me though.  

Book your Music, Band or DJ
Will you need music played while walking down the isle, and when your guests are being seated?  Many couple getting married forget this. (See below) Start by determining if you want a band, or a DJ. Cost might be a determining factor in this decision. Check out DJs on the Internet, and start by asking if they are available on the day of your wedding. Ask their pricing, and the amount of time they will play for.

If you were able to go to a Bridal Expo (advised above), this process will be easier for you. The expos give you a chance to meet and interview DJs, ask your questions, (will they use a music preferred list you can offer? Are they willing to NOT play certain songs, or genres?). One DJ in particular I met and I knew I did not want on my wedding.  My fiance informed me that he kept hitting on me.  The last DJ I want for my wedding was a tacky one, that will hit on me, or say inappropriate things during our wedding. I also heard of a local DJ who always cries.  Yes, I said cries.  It's one thing to cry during the ceremony but a blubbering DJ during the reception... no thank you.

Ceremony Music
I kept this separate because a lot of people assume the DJ, or band will play the music for the ceremony. Not always. Check when you book your Band or DJ.  Don't forget the option of having an artist sing or play an instrument while your guests are finding their seats, and for your arrival down the isle.  My husband and I found our Ceremony Musician by chance.  We were at a local concert, and fell in love with the band we heard.  I looked them up online, called and I  was very happy to hear he was able to perform for our wedding. And, the best part was the price wasn't as expensive.

COST:  $ - $$

Flowers
Depending upon your budget, your flowers could be just a few to add color, or a major flower explosion. Flowers can get expensive, and it can easily tip the budget. Do not be afraid to add silk flowers to arrangements. There are wholesale silk flower companies online which make them a lot easier.  The great party of using silk flowers is you can start decorating your centerpieces right away. You do not have to wait for the day of the wedding.  If you want to add a few real flowers to a silk flower arrangement, it will be a quick task to accomplish the day of the wedding.  Just like the other Vendors, call or shop around.

**  On a budget, take a flower decorating class. Buy your flowers in bulk, grab your flower girls, enjoy some wine, and arrange your own flowers.  You can also buy silk flowers by wholesale.  The silk flowers now days looks as real as the real flowers do.  The best part is you can arrange the flowers months in advance, and save a ton of money.

COST:  $ - $$$$$

Create a Website
This is FREE, FREE, FREE.  If you have a ton of information you want your guests to know, yet not sure how you can inform everyone. This is really simple, and really fun to do.  All my out of town guests enjoyed this.  I shared the local hotels that would be nice to stay at.  My guests felt informed, and excited about the big day as much as I was.
To create your website:
- Go to http://www.theknot.com/gs/wedding-websites
- Just have a few engagement pictures of the two of you ready, and you will very quickly have a website to share with your family and friends.


 Schedule Fittings
It is important for the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girls to try on their dresses closer to the wedding date.  We all can fluctuate in weight, and dresses can look a bit drab.  Fittings make a big difference.

 Select and book Videographer
** On a Budget, contact your local church and ask if they know someone who might like to video a wedding. There are very talented people in churches with a lot of great equipment. Also, you can contact a local television station to see if someone would like to video your wedding.  A lady at our local television station filmed our wedding for FREE, because she just wanted the experience.