What is the Vision of Your Marriage?

I have been on a hiatus since 2014 from my business My Bridal Budget. I have taken a break from serving my clients to making a choice to serve me as I prepared to become a Bride. I recently tied the knot on October 2015. I wanted to share my deepest experiences as I planned my own nuptials, but I was very consumed in working on the emotional aspects of what is about to come next as being a Wife.

I’m excited to be back to share and tell the real emotional experiences of wedding planning, rather than just how to plan a wedding on a budget, or on timeline.

Planning a wedding on a budget and planning what colors to choose for your wedding theme sounds all fabulous and every woman dreams about that special day. However, a question that hardly no one asks to a Bride, is What is your Vision of Your Marriage? Deep question, right? Not a lot of family members or dearest friends would ask that. The normal question, is OMG Congratulations, Are you excited? What is your colors? When is the date? Where is your venue? However, that intuitive question hardly comes up. Perhaps, you probably haven’t asked that question yourself, due to all the excitement and planning surrounding a wedding.

Since 2014, I started to ask that question myself, What is the Vision of My Marriage?

Marriage is very important because it is a sacrament and a vow that will be the biggest transition of your life and its not to be taken so lightly nor taken for granted, similar to life choices such as what college you are going to, what career path you choose, and now Marriage- the partner that you will select to marry the rest of your life and to begin sharing your families, traditions, and growing your own family.

Marriage consist of love, friendship, passion, family, finances and more. How does this look like as you become Mr. & Mrs.? Sometimes, some engaged couples avoid these topics, which leads to plunging thoughts as “lets wish for the best” or pleasing family members to tie the knot or another mental phrase I have heard is “we can figure this out later AFTER we get married”. However, ignoring these topics prior to marriage can be detrimental to your relationship or it can lead to doubts such as if you selected the right partner and made the right choice.

It can be creating a Vision Board of your marriage. I find that to be very helpful when I was a Bride, working on a vision board of how my marriage would look like, not the bride I would look like on the day of, but how my marriage would be such as committed, focused, emotionally healthy, loving, family oriented, God-centered, and more.

It took the time for me to look within what the true meaning of marriage is. Absolutely, it felt good and I felt confident more so than ever to stand at that alter to commit to the man I love and to share my future with. My vows were aligned to my vision board and not a google script of what a bride is supposed to say, for better or worse, sickness or death, it’s really dissecting these words find out what does this ALL mean, and what does it look like in your own life.

This may take deeper long process, and here is some helpful tips:

1) Meet with a pre-marital therapist/counselor to ask you the deepest questions as to why you want to get married? (It can be your pastor as well. We met with our pastor on a quarterly basis and a therapist to challenge us as well and it gave us some helpful preparation). It’s okay to start therapy before marriage, rather than waiting for a catastrophic problem to arise. It will save your marriage before it starts!

2) Create a Vision Board with your fiancé, find out what your fiancé wants his marriage to be. This also helps to see if you are on the SAME page. Journal what are your desires and intentions about your marriage, and simply cut out images that are aligned with what you journaled and put it on a board.

3) Have a long engagement (1 year or 2 years max). What is the rush to get to the alter? Take the time to ask the questions that will define your marriage for a lifetime. As you take this time you are giving time for wedding planning and marriage preparation. All the hardwork is worth it! Remember Marriage is not a Sprint, it’s a Marathon.

4) Read books- lots of books about marriage! Educate yourself. Not wedding planning blogs/magazines. Invest in material such as Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (this books identifies how you and your partner express love).

5) Build a Support System-Meet with your married friends, your parents- Have them share their trials and tribulations, as well as the benefits of marriage.

As you read this blog, I do hope you are enlightened and you begin the path of what truly what wedding planning is all about!

My Bridal Budget Hot Sweet Picks in NYC for your Wedding

This past summer, I searched for unique cake vendors that are different to the eye and sweet in the taste buds. These are a few of my favorite cake businesses that are nestled in NYC. As you plan your wedding, or event, these selections can be helpful for you.

The first cake business is Momufuku Milk Bar.

http://milkbarstore.com/
Momufuku Milk Bar is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and has several locations in Manhattan. Momufuku Milk Bar has been featured in press such as New York Weddings and Brides. Martine who is a manager meets so many clients during the wedding season. I had the opportunity to meet with her to talk about these delicious cakes and what is unique about Momufuku Milk Bar. Martine has worked in Momufuku Milk Bar for several years and is very passionate to meet clients’ needs for weddings and events, as well as to make sure these specialty cakes get shipped out for destination wedding. They are known for the “inside out” cakes. They make 1-4 tiers in any combination of cake flavors such as apple pie, banana, birthday, carrot, chocolate chip, German chocolate, Dulce de Leche and more. The taste is divine, soulful and cozy. I had their wonderful German chocolate for our engagement cake. You can taste all these flavors in their tasting package that can be picked up from one of their locations.

The second cake business is Cupcake in Heels

http://www.cupcakesinheels.com/
I love this title so girly and fun! I found this cake boutique business in Bayside, Queens. Their store front and inside the store is so Parisian. All of their cupcakes are named after couture designers! Jenny is the owner and cake stylist of Cupcake in Heels. Her warm and friendly personality shows when she design custom cakes for her clients adds in special touches. Jenny comes with a special flavor every month, such as white chocolate with cranberry cupcakes, cappuccino and more. In addition, there is a Loyalty Program, at the back of our business cards, after 12 stamps (one stamp per visit with purchase) you will get 1 FREE cupcake and a chance to enter our monthly raffle on Jenny comes with a special flavor every month, the 15th of every month!

The third cake business is Heavenly Goods NY

http://www.heavenlygoodsny.com/default.html
I met the owner of Heavenly Baked Goods at Davids Bridal shopping for my wedding dress, her name is Tanisha Hill. She has a friendly and “anything is possible” personality. Heavenly Baked Good’s mission is to combine Beauty and Creativity with the absolute amazing taste of homemade cake. They are located in Brooklyn. Her unique cupcake flavors have liquor flavor such as a margarita and Irish Bailey Cream flavors and more. Perfect for a bachelorette party!

KEEP CALM & MARRY ON!

Planning a wedding can be the most amazing and fun event to plan, why? Because you are in love, you are getting married, you are planning for your future with your soon-to-be, and having your family and friends involved during this wonderful time. On the flip side, it can be the most stressful time of your life because there is so much detail involved in a 1 day affair that only involves 6 hours of your big day, such as your budget, theme, timeline, selecting your venue/vendors, selecting your bridal party, selecting your dress, your honeymoon and the list goes on…….

Why is it hard to remain calm and loving during this transition?

I think it’s because we have expectations of our day that we’ve always dreamt and envisioned- some expectations can be realistic or unrealistic. A few examples can be that our families will be united with no drama, which our bridal party will get along to plan a fabulous bridal shower, which the weather will be perfect, and every detail will be flawless! Which this can all happen, but we need to realistic that this may not happen.

It’s great to have expectations but we tend to be attached to these expectations, and if these expectations do not turn out into reality feelings of anger, depression, blame, guilt, loss of excitement, and the true essence of marriage is lost. Expectations can lead to sense of attachment that can lead to obsession and it can be quite difficult to surrender and live in the present moment on your big day and even after your big day as well.

How do we remain calm and focused during this transition?
The solutions to this problem is how we operate in our thoughts and actions.

Here are tips-
-Plan & Surrender: Be realistic with your timeline, planning a wedding whether small or big takes 9 to 12 months. Give yourself that time to plan. Give yourself a task once a month to complete and you will feel like you completed a lot on your checklist! Then most of all Surrender, truly surrender all your plans.

-Communication: Communicate with your fiancé about your feelings, and his/her feelings as well. When we get so consumed with planning a big day we forget why are we getting married? This will bring back your romance and will give you a stronger foundation.

-Work it out! - After you tackle your to-do list- work it out! Take a bootcamp class, join a run for a good cause with your bridal party, take a yoga class, move your body! Studies have shown that daily activity reduces stress and anxiety, and it also gives you a beautiful glow!

-Retreat- During the wedding planning process, go for a retreat! Whether if it’s for yourself or for you and your fiancé. A quick getaway weekend can sooth the hearts and light up passion in your relationship.

I interviewed an MBB bride named Carline Folkes, and she shared her experience about her day. Based on her interview, we are not alone, we all go through these feelings during transitions.

What was the hardest part of planning your wedding?
The hardest part was managing the guest list- who should be invited etc. Getting the guest list below 250 was very difficult and was a point of contention. Also managing all of tasks like buying shoes, mailing invitations, keeping a head count, shopping for favors all while working full time was a bit daunting. Also, my husband was a groomzilla at times! However looking back I know he was just trying to make sure everything was to my liking.

-How did you overcome the challenges?
I utilized any help that was offered to me from my family, and I also retained the services of MBB, which was my saving grace. I also remained calm and positive and visualized everything going perfectly on my wedding day. I also gave myself 16 months to plan!!

-Were you stress during these moments? If yes, what were those feelings like?
Yes! I had migraines at least twice a week! The last 3 months of planning were nerve racking.

-How did you cope with stressful moments? (Did you turn to exercise, yoga, friends, family etc?)
I would exercise, go out with my fiancé and do non-wedding related fun stuff. Or I would daydream about my honeymoon!

Unique Idea for Bridesmaid Gifts!

Are you stumped in what gift to give to your bridal party?
If you are someone that likes to give affirmations, why not give an affirmation bracelet to your bridal party. Say how you feel about them in your life with one word!
These wire word bracelets can be customized to any word. It is handcrafted, comfy, lightweight, unique and thoughtful bracelet. It can come in silver, gold, copper, rose gold, and it had glass beads. It is made to fit your bridemaids/maid of honor’s personality.

Visit this Etsy Link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/103524833/wire-name-bracelet-with-your-favorite?

How to Deal with Divorced Parents on your special day?

It’s the special time of your life that will be a cherished forever with your soon-to-be. All your friends, bridal party are excited, but your parents are divorced and are not sharing their happiness and excitement with you. How do you deal with the elephant in the room? How do you not let lose focus?

Here are some tips to not lose your cool:

1- Remember that it’s YOUR DAY, YOUR LIFE that will be shared with your fiancé. Your main focus is your partner; you will create a new future with your own nuclear family. Don’t lose sight of that, if you do then you are living in the past. You only get this time once!
2- Don’t let the past become your present and future. Whatever your parents unresolved issues are, remember it’s not your responsibility.
3- Have individual conversations with your parents. Speak your feelings and let them know how much it is means to you by having both parents there on your day, and to walk you down the aisle to give you away. This will be a relief because you might have everything bottled up inside and you don’t want to lose your cool on the day of the wedding. Speak now or forever hold your peace. Speaking now is the best peace you can have in your healing and heart.
4- Speak to an experienced therapist, relationship coach, or a pastor/priest/rabbi from your house of worship so they can guide you in how to deal with your emotions in this challenging topic.
5- If one parent is missing in your life, and the communication is not always consistent, always constantly to remain in your true light. Kill them with kindness and not distance. Obviously its not YOU, its them.
6- Send a wedding invitation to them regardless, hopefully they will attend, if not, don’t let it get to you. Your main focus again is your partner and all the loved ones that are giving you love.
7- Remain focused in your wedding plans and your partner. Remember you are in transition to a beautiful life, that you can you do over again and this journey is preparing you to become the loving and supportive spouse and hopefully a parent.
8- Taking a workshop in how to become a loving and supportive spouse and parent. When you come from a broken home, at times you don’t know the tools how to become loving spouse and parent, and you may need tips in how to deal with this transition. (Remember you do have love in your heart, otherwise you wouldn't be engaged)
9- Keep your expectations very low during this time because again it’s not you, its them- they haven’t reached to the point that they are at peace with themselves, so it’s very difficult for them to come around. Keeping your expectations low can reduce disappointment. Be compassionate, patient and have faith. You are an example and you can break the cycle of this toxic behavior, just by displaying that you are in love, and love is in your heart.
10- Create a happy environment; do not let them sit in the same table. Being in the same room is an accomplishment, but having them sit in the same table during your wedding can be awkward and uncomfortable, so be mindful and seat them in separate tables.
11- Remain PRESENT on your big day. Yes it’s ALL ABOUT YOU! This is the time where you can be a little selfish in a good way. This day only is about 6 hours of party time, 1 hour ceremony, and 2 hours of picture time- its goes by fast! If you aren't present in this beautiful occasion, then you will regret it and say- Why did I focus on my divorced parents, and not the man/woman I’m marrying?

DIY Personalized Champagne Glasses! Cheers!

Want to give something special to your bridal party? Maybe giving them a personalized champagne glass with your wedding colors and their name- you can place it on each of their plate setting for your engagement dinner or rehearsal dinner, so they can feel honored and special that you have included them on your big day and it gives them encouragement that they will share a toast.

Maid of Honor & Best Man can share a toast to you on your wedding day (3 minutes each speaker), and the rest of the bridal party can speak during your rehearsal dinner so they have a chance to say a few words of wishes.

You can DIY it perhaps or order from ETSY
http://www.etsy.com/listing/123690036/the-original-personalized-hand-painted?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=weddings_low&gclid=CMi-_86b7rgCFcue4AodNzgAwg

Above Picture from Preston Bailey

Black & White Affair

Are you planning a black & white themed color wedding? If you are not sure of how you want to achieve your centerpiece Black & White theme color wedding-
Here is an idea, have a cluster of White Hydrangeas (which are reasonable and voluminous) and add in touches of black baby breaths. You can spray paint baby breaths in Black, or any color. These florals can enhance the look in your table, and just simply adding a black lace overlay to the table.
We had the pleasure to work with Betty's Floral Design time at Betty's Catering in Corona - Queens, NY to achieve this grandiose classy wedding! http://www.bettyscatering.com/

Wedding Planner- My Bridal Budget
Photographer-SLR Photographer SLRphotographer.com
Venue-Bettys Catering
Floral-Bettys Catering
Linen- Lendable Linens www.lendablelinens.com

How to display your "Love Story"?

I always like to think outside of the box, I've came across a great idea to display your Love Story at your wedding.
How about creating a Love story timeline on a chalk board. Its rustic, old-fashioned and your guests will see it when they walk in to your venue , and say "Awww how cute" as they read how it all began.





Here is a reasonable link where you can purchase a 24 x 36 chalkboard, or you can also use this chalkboard as a seating chart

http://www.amazon.com/Board-Dudes-Chalk-Style-9184BDUA-6/dp/B0018N72T0

DIY Mehndi Inspired Cookies

Are you an Indian Bride, Muslim Bride, or a New Age Yogini Bride?
Looking for a sweet favor for your wedding or bridal shower? how about Mehndi inspired cookies?
This can be a great treat for your guests whether if its for your bridal shower, wedding, Sangeet.

The symbol of the Mehndi is derived from the Sanskrit word Mendhika. This symbolic representation is from the Hindu Vedic ritual that represents the outer and inner sun, which is the idea of “awakening the inner light”. Mehndi also known as henna in the western world. Mehndi typically applied during special Hindu occasions like weddings, and Muslims adapted this to their festive celebrations.

You can bake these at home with your bridal party turn into a DIY day and have a day of Henna beauty. Here is a cool recipe from Sprinkle Bakes http://www.sprinklebakes.com/2010/02/mehndi-inspired-spice-cookies.html

What is your Vision For Love?

I hope you are enjoying February-this month represents LOVE. As you are preparing for a wedding, you always have a vision of what you would like your big day to be, such as your wedding dress, your soon-to-be looking handsome at the alter waiting for you, your family and friends celebrating with you and more.

As you are preparing for your marriage, you have a vision of what you would like the your marriage to look like and thought come into your mind such as - will it last? will it be enriched with love? will it be nourished with happiness, peace and joy?

So many thoughts are flooded in our mind and planning a wedding at the same time can be quite overwhelming.

The above questions need answers and that is to visualize what exactly you want in your life.

Relationship Coach Jackie Janiec & I are hosting a Vision for Love workshop for the Ladies=). Jackie will share the 3 Secrets of Woman with Happy Lives & I will be discussing on how to manifest love from finding your ideal partner to walking down the aisle.

Check out the link for more details for Saturday, February, 23, 2013
www.visionforlove.eventbrite.com
You don’t want to miss it, and spread this all your GIRLFRIENDS!

Are you working out your New Year’s Resolution?!

You may have set a goal for your New Year’s Resolution- that goal may be to stay fit or to look amazingly game ready for your wedding!
But now it’s cold outside, you are probably saying “oh I’ll work out tomorrow”, or ugh I “don’t like gyms at all I need a better fulfilling workout.”

These past of couple of months I wanted to add in more Cardio to my lifestyle and I needed stamina to train for my first 4 mile race in Central Park. I can’t stand gyms! That’s probably why I’m a Yogini=)

On a brighter note, I did finish my 4 mile race in less than an hour – I was so proud of myself! How did I do it? Well, I met with Rayality Fitness which is a personal training center in Forest Hills, Queens NY.

Ray +Paula Lomando are amazing trainers. Once I went inside to their center, the aura in the room was full of Zen and it didn’t smell like a sweat gym, instead it smelled sooo fresh-I felt like I was in a Spa. Part of their mission is to consciously work toward providing the most comfortable environment possible for everyone to enjoy, which they have been successful to achieve.

Rayality Fitness has trained me to be game ready for my race, as well to get my brides + grooms game ready for their BIG DAY!

They offer exclusive one to one personal training sessions, which entails a complete body assessment and offer healthy nutritional recommendations, affordable 30 minute sessions that will get your body in shape and they offer Buddy sessions. Buddy sessions are great for you and your soon to be bride/groom to work out and be together, or you can take your Maid of honor with you.

Their service is impeccable and very down to earth and personal, which we all need in training our bodies.

Rayality Fitness will turn your GOALS into REALITY!
See you at Rayality Fitness!
Check out their link
http://www.rayalityfitnes.com/index.html

Bright Ideas for your Wedding Favors

Are you looking for wedding favor that is useful and memorable for your guests?
You are tired searching for favors and you are probably stumped. Maybe you are a fan of florals, and would like to give a flower vase to your guests. This is a great idea because your centerpieces are most likely rentals that your guests can’t take home or some guests may want to battle for the 1 centerpiece on the table, why not give mini vases with your favorite flower to your guests! and also you can use it as a placecard holder!
Pretty neat- right?

Check out this link for inspiration:
http://www.hotref.com/Mini-Vase-&-Place-Card-Holders-p-7574.html

What is your VISION FOR 2013!

Happy New Year! I've been lately MIA and I've missed sharing my tips and advice, but the cold/flu season is here and that occupied me!Without further delay, we are officially in 2013! We will be holding our 2nd annual Vision Board Night. As a result from last year, it has been such an honor to hear our guests say that their Vision Came True! We are bringing it back to truly help you envision your purpose in your life and marriage.

It is a beautiful moment when a couple is committed to take their relationship into the next level and that is MARRIAGE. In addition to the wedding planning, budget, planning, deadlines, décor, theme etc- its important to focus on the marriage because you will share a beautiful day but you will live in union and experience highs and lows throughout your everyday life.

Do you have vision for what you want to see in the dynamics of your marriage? Such as the home you would like to live in- either a house in the suburbs, or an apartment in the city, or to move to another state, or if you want or do not want children, or discover both of your spiritual paths, or to envision what kind of love you both have for each other.

A vision board can be useful element in your relationship. It is a board of a collage of images that gives you and partner to help you see, feel and discover your personal and unique “vision” around marriage-the next phase in life.

Come and join My Bridal Budget LLC & Neelu Kaur from SattvicLiving on our Vision Board Night 2013 workshop on January 12, 2013. We will begin on mediation, setting intentions, and then releasing your inner child and create a vision board of your personal goals for the New Year. This is a perfect date night out with your beau in creating a work of art activity and it is helpful to make sure you are on similar paths in your marriage for the New Year.

Please visit http://visionboardnight2013.eventbrite.com/ to get your tickets! Space is limited
Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 3:30pm to 6pm
Living Yoga
117-20 Queens Blvd
Forest Hills, NY 11375
No Yoga class
$25 for singles
$40 for couples
Art supplies/magazines and light refreshments will be provided

Christmas Ornament Wedding Favor

Are you stumped in what to give as a wedding favor? If you are having a wedding during the holiday season, why not give the gift of LOVE!
Give your guests a Heart Ornament to take home to put on their Christmas Tree.

Check out Oriental Trading
$10 for a Dozen Heart Ornaments!

http://www.orientaltrading.com/heart-ornaments-a2-2_732-12-1.fltr?Ntt=heart

Why not add in the Gangam Style Dance to your reception!

The other night I was watching the season finale of Dancing with the Stars, and the Gangam Style dance routine appeared! It was funny and unique to see. I never seen this popular South Asian you tube Gangam Style video, so I checked it out to see what the hype is all about. Oddly, I researched what does this song mean, as a result the Korean song talks about “the perfect girlfriend who knows when to be refined and when to get wild”. I laughed how silly the dance was but definitely entertaining. It was “cheesy” dance moves including panda and kangaroo moves, horse trots (pretending to ride a horse), moving into a legs-shuffling side gallop.

We have the Electric Slide, Cha-Cha, YMCA, and the Cupid Shuffle group dances to add to a wedding reception-why not add in the Gangam Style dance! If you have a guestlist that loves to party and loves to laugh, this can be a great dance to add in your reception.
Perfect memorable dance with your family and friends! Great laughs as you watch your wedding video!

Here is the link to see Gangam Style Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0

Bella’s Bridal Gown from Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

For all you Twilight fans, the saga Breaking Dawn Part 2 is in theatres this weekend. Last year, you might have watched Breaking Dawn Part 1 and marked your favorite fashionable scene, which was the beautiful Bridal Gown that Bella was walking down the aisle as she weds Edward.

This might be the perfect gown for you for your Fall/Winter Wedding-its elegant, and breathtaking. Here are the details of this gown. Its only $799!

•Replica of BELLA'S BRIDAL GOWN
As seen in Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Long sleeves with button detail
Cut out back with lace embellishments
Available in Ivory
•Sizes: 0 to 26W
•MSRP: $799.00
•http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/styles/8400

THANKSGIVING CONVERSATION CARDS FOR YOUR GUESTS

We've all got a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! If you are having your wedding or festive holiday event get the conversation started with these delightful thankful for cards using Avery Rounded Business Cards to express your gratitude. Place these cards on the table and pass them around the dinner table, give everyone a moment to write down their thoughts, and then share! It’s a perfect icebreaker especially if there are guests that do not know each other.

You can use this template PDF link from Avery to print out these Conversation Cards on any card stock.

http://dpo.content.avery.com/WorkingDir/dpo/anonymous/Projects/fe997bf0-cd9b-4b85-afa8-b9683c979be7/preview.pdf

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours!

Move your Body for Hurricane Sandy Survivors!

Two weeks ago, Hurricane Sandy came at a full force with high wind speeds and tides that damaged homes and left survivors without power in the Tri-State Area. During these 2 weeks it was a tough time to do anything, such as go to work, help a friend/families in need because of no power in the subway system, no gas, and more- we are still experiencing challenging times.

As a result from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we remained resilient New Yorkers full of strength and hope. We kicked Hurricane Sandy to the curb and we are moving our bodies! We went to work, we serve damaged communities, and we dropped off donations to Rockaway, Red hook, Staten Island and/or New Jersey and more.

Now its time to work out our minds, body and soul with our families and friends through Buti Yoga! I’m a true living testimonial of how it’s important to move our bodies through challenging times. Give your families and friends, and yourself a gift of a workout that feels like a party while you're in it, and leaves you smiling, dripping with sweat, sore in all the best ways, and loving your life and loving your body when you're done! AND the funds we’ll be raised for supporting Hurricane Sandy victims while we are at it!

All funds donated for class are being DOUBLE matched by Fast Retailing USA! Get a sweat-dripping, heart-pumping workout, and make a difference. What could be better?! Tues & Thurs 7-8pm.

Certified trained Buti Yoga instructor Paige MacKenzie Welborn will teach Buti Yoga classes. You are probably asking to yourself “What is Buti Yoga!?”

BUTI is a super fun and sexy workout that combines yoga, dance, circuits of plyometrics and BOOTY shaking! Classes consist of deep stretching, BUTI shaking and heart-pounding cardio that will free your hips (and BUTI!), tighten your abs, and skyrocket your energy!
* Free your hips. Free your mind. *
Here is a link of a BUTI YOGA CLASS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6ksLaIE2pU&feature=youtu.be

Donate funds and your loving soul
Make your BUTI Pop Drop and Roll!

Come make purposeful your play,
This Tuesday and Thursday,
Move your feet and move your hips,
Put a smile on your lips.

This BUTI Class is for those in need
Now's the time for you and me
To show in our word and deed
That when others ask for help we heed.

Move your hips, move your feet,
Let your booty shake to the beat,
Bring your oh-so-appreciated dollah,
Paige will be sure to make you hollah!


DETAILS:
Tuesday Nov 13th: 7-8pm
Liberated Movement at Battery Dance Studios
380 Broadway, 5th Floor - (NE corner of Broadway & White St. off of the Canal Street Stop- map here)
New York, NY 10013
Look for the door to the left of the Blues clothing store (street level) and ring buzzer #5.

Thursday Nov 15th: 7-8pm
DANY Studios
305 West 38th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)
New York, NY 10018
BRING : Yoga mat (if you want, but the studio marley floor is fine too)
WEAR : No shoes. Be ready to sweat.


Suggested Donation: $18 (anything more or less will be happily accepted) This will be DOUBLE matched by Fast Retailing USA!

Blessing to you all your loved ones! See you there!

How to set up an affordable Candy Buffet?

I hope you all celebrated the Halloween holiday in your homes with your children, despite of Hurricane Sandy. Halloween has past and now on to the holidays. Most weddings and even other celebrations are displaying the candy buffet trend. It can be used for your guests to scoop up their favorite candy to take home with them after your event. If you are having a fall themed or a Christmas Holiday themed candy buffet, you can purchase your favorite candy matching to your color theme palate.

Usually candy buffets will cost $50 to $200 approximately, such as purchasing the vases, and pounds of candy, and adding a DIY flair to your vases and jars. All you need to buy is 5 jars/vases of your favorite candy.

Here are couple of items to purchase for you candy buffet:
·http://www.koyalwholesale.com/pages-productinfo-product-17023/candy_buffet_jars_-_candy_jars_set_-_glass_apothecary_jars_set_of_3_999_vase.html

·http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/vases-bowls-containers/202c203c203/index.cat?index=0&viewall=1

·http://www.koyalwholesale.com/pages-productinfo-category-835_1274-product-16403/hot_and_new_for_20122012_candy_buffet_supplies5_oz_aluminum_candy_buffet_scoop_best_seller.html

·You can purchase jars/vases and scoopers at your local 99 cent store.


Here are tips when buying your favorite Candy/Chocolate:
·Buy themed candy/chocolates that are similar to your colors. You buy mixed candy a little bit of everything, a variety of it all, if it is a Christmas themed candy buffet table, you can have as Holiday M&Ms, Candy canes to put in a cylinder vase.

·Here are suggested candy/chocolate websites:

http://www.candydirect.com/christmas-pinwheel-starlight-mints-5-lbs
http://www.candydirect.com/candy-canes-peppermint-red-white-5-oz-36-count (you can order 4 packs of these if you like)
http://www.candydirect.com/candy-canes-mini-size-500-count (these are actually cheaper as well)
http://www.candydirect.com/hershey-s-kisses-original-silver-foil-5-pound-bag
http://www.candydirect.com/chocolate-foil-marbles-gold-and-silver-5-lb-bag
http://www.candydirect.com/fruit-slices-red-raspberries-unwrapped-boxed-5-lb-box
http://www.candydirect.com/gummi-red-raspberry-5-lbs (gummy bears )
http://www.ohnuts.com/buy.cfm/bulk-candy/kids-corner/pink-cotton-cherry (you can do cotton candy as well to give it that snow affect for your Christmas Holiday Candy Buffet=)

How to store candy?
·Cellophane Bags are the best affordable solution for candy, and you can add on a personalized label to your bag for a DIY décor flair.
http://www.boxandwrap.com/economybopp.html


How much should I order per guest?
We recommend about a third to a half pound per guest. (Or put another way, 1 pound for every 2-3 guests). But keep in mind that it's better to go a little over than go under. Think of the last guest in the line, who should still get a few options.

How many different items should I include?

5 items would make a nice a assortment; however, more items would certainly be lovely as well. Here is an estimate of how much candy you need.
Cups Ounces if Small, Dense Candy Ounces if Medium Candy Ounces if Large Candy
1/4 cup 2 1.5 1
1/3 cup 2.75 2.5 2
1/2 cup 4 3.5 2.5
2/3 cup 5.5 4.5 3
3/4 cup 6 5 4
1 cup 8 6 4.5

How should I store chocolates and candy?
Chocolates and candy can generally can be stored up to 6 months in a cool dry place. Please refer to the details for each candy and treat on our web site for the exact storage information. We recommend storing your chocolate in areas that are between 59-63 degrees Fahrenheit (15-17 degrees Celsius) and with a relative humidity of less than 50%. "Blooming" can occur if chocolate is refrigerated.

Enjoy your sweets!

Secret ceremony/reception location nestled in Long Island, NY

Are you looking for an affordable secret gem location for your intimate engagement party, wedding rehearsal, wedding ceremony, or wedding reception? Well a month ago, we had the opportunity to coordinate a wedding at the Bailey Arboretum in Lattingtown, Long Island for beautiful Bride & Groom. The ceremony was enchanting and peaceful because of its nature ambiance. Bailey Arbouteum has 40 acres of woods, ponds and gardens nestled on Long Island’s North Shore-it’s away from the busy catering venues and highways.
Bailey Arboretum is known for their well-marked woodland trails, public programs and special events for children, The Children’s Habitat: a place where children can explore, climb, build, create, make music and enjoy the outdoors. They are opened every day, year-round, and admission is Free-donations are welcome to sustain this beautiful location.
This site is affordable for wedding ceremonies, intimate reception, engagement parties for up to 80 guests.
You can have your wedding ceremony outdoors provided with white folding chairs, and if it rains the ceremony can be indoors in the Sun Room. The staff of Bailey Arboretum is friendly, helpful and willing to accommodate your needs. Please contact Mike Maron- Resident & Manager at 516-571-8020 or email him at baileyarb@optonline.net for more information.

Photography: Felipe Osorio Photography
Wedding Coordination: My Bridal Budget, LLC
Ceremony Venue: Bailey Arboretum
www.baileyarboretum.org/