Wedding Dresses under $500

Finding the right dress within your budget can be challenging and I highly recommend having a budget in mind.  You never want to try on a dress that's out of your budget because it's hard to go back once you fall in love.  A bride approached me recently and asked that I do a blog on gowns under $500.  Of course, I was up for the challenge!  I decided to pick dresses from David's Bridal because honestly they have a variety of  gowns that will fit within a $500 budget.  See my top 8 picks below.

$179
http://bit.ly/M3UrtM

$249.99
http://bit.ly/NCyzYq

$299.99
http://bit.ly/Ky4BFt

$399.00
http://bit.ly/ONrYIJ

$399.99
http://bit.ly/9N5iEQ

$399.99
http://bit.ly/ONuRt8

$449
http://bit.ly/egJVQd

$449
http://bit.ly/M9WkDb

Question from a bride....

Recently, I was approached by a bride in regards to my wedding dress. Unfortunately, my gown wasn't in her budget but she liked my sense of style.  I told her I would pick out dresses that are under $500 and feature them on the blog.  I hope to post something this morning or this evening.  Stay tuned..... 

Survey?!

My mother in Prague

My dad in Prague

1.  If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, with all of your expenses paid, where would you live? Prague!  From my parents Europe pictures it looks absolutely amazing!     

2. What is your favorite musical? Or do you not like musicals?  I like musical- don't have a favorite.


3. Are you better at singing or dancing? Dancing for sure!  You should have seen me at our wedding!   

What could I be dancing too??  hmmm ;-)

4. If you had the choice of getting dressed up and going out on the town or staying home in your PJ's on the couch, which would you choose? Both.  I'm turning 30 soon so lately I've been more of a hermit.  Staying home to do crafts! 

5. If you could win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, what would it be? HA! Umm, my athletic abilities are seriously limited.
6. What is your weirdest or most annoying habit? I multitask with too many electronics at the same time.  Too many sounds all at once. 

7. Tell us about your first best friend. My sister, Suzette---- she's the bomb.com.  

8. What is your favorite show on TV right now?   I watch too much tv!  Enough said.

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding-- this show is CRAZY

9. What is your favorite show from the "old school" TGIF or Nick at Nite days?  Boy meets World!
10. What is your favorite season of the year, and why?  Fall-- the changing of the leaves, scarfs, pumkin spice latte, and my birthday.

11. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names and what kind of animal(s) are they? I don't personally but I do have a lot of adopted pets that come to visit from time to time.   I hope to get a dog of one these days. 

Laughter from Ecards

Ecards always put a smile on my face or totally crack me up! Majority of the cards are probably inappropriate for this blog but here are some that still make me laugh!
Happy Wednesday!

The 3rd Package

Carey's shower was just a week or so ago and thankfully all my packages arrived, except this one. I made a wreath to match her baby shower colors and decor.  I was really bummed when I paid extra for it to arrive ON TIME.  Yup, days after the shower it arrived.  Big thanks to Miss Meredith to delivering it to Carey and Kyle this weekend.   I'm really excited to see were they will be hanging it in the house.  Carey already had her wreath hanger all ready to go!  Baby Eliza we LOVE YOU!

Jamaican Night

My dad took this picture in London

For weeks now, my father has been raving about the new Bob Marley documentary.  He first heard about the movie when my parents were in London.  The city was flooded with billboards of the documentary.  Of course, being the Marley fan that I am.......I needed to see the movie.

Friday night, we decided to see it but it was only showing in downtown Phoenix at a place called the FilmBar.  As we were headed there, I remembered this amazing Jamaican restaurant called Breadfruit.  We ended up stopping there for dinner.  OH YUM!

The FilmBar was only walking distance from the restuarnt which was so convenient. This movie theater was ideal because they also sold wine/beer/coffee!  Can we talk about amazing! We were also able to recruit my cousin and his wife to join us.

FilmBar- drinks anyone?

The walls of the theater

Ryan, Bridge, Bianca, Oscar Ray

If you're interested in watching it..... here's a clip from the movie.  Enjoy! 

Angels Among Us

Where do I begin?  Do you see the picture above?  I know your first reaction is  " WOW... this was taken in the 80's...nice hair."  My first reaction..."WOW....these girls are beautiful!  This was taken a long time ago."

The brunette woman in the photo is named Amanda and I knew her as Mandy.  Mandy was someone I looked up to and admired.  I remember thinking she was so pretty like a model. Not only was she pretty but she was intelligent and kind.  I remember when she graduated college and was planning to attend law school.   I remember her red sports car.  I remember her smile!  I also remember the last hug she gave me.

Little did I know that hours after saying good-bye to Mandy, she was going to become an angel at 21 years old.  Less than 2 months from her 22nd birthday.

I remember the next morning at school, Mandy's sister wasn't there which was strange because she never missed school.  Mandy's sister was my best friend.  I remember the teacher sitting us down and telling us the news.   I was in 3rd grade at the time and didn't understand death.  I think a lot of the kids didn't understand as well because we carried on like it was a normal day.

Later that day, my mother picked me up from school and immediately got the news as she walked in to my classroom.  I will never forget my mother's face.  She looked frozen and shocked with tears in her eyes. Immediately, my mother grasped my hand and rushed me to the car.  We were headed to Mandy's parents house.  On the way there, we made a pit stop for some roses.

 As we approached the house, the driveway was flooded with vehicles, and as we walked into the house I saw pictures of Mandy on easels.  My mom immediately embraced Mandy's mom.  Ohhhh... I will never forget that hug.  I will never forget the tears too.  Right there at the moment in my kid-mind, I knew it was SERIOUS!

Mandy is Kimber Lee's sister.   Kimber Lee has been a part of my life since the age of 5.  Mandy was killed 20 years ago by a drunk driver. She had just graduated college weeks before her death.  Her funeral was beautiful as the church was packed and I mean PACKED with people.

At the burial, I was able to give Kimber Lee a hug and our necklaces got STUCK together.  Kimber Lee was wearing her sister's necklace and I was wearing my cross that I had just received from Holy communion. We were so tangled together that our mother's had to help us out.  This moment-- I felt, was a sign from Mandy.  That our life will always be tangled together and it's true till this day!

You're probably wondering why I'm sharing this story.  It's a true story and it's something that's impacted my life deeply.  Drinking and Driving is no joke and something not to take lightly. After this tragedy, Kimber's mom became a public figure for MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving.)  Her mother also fought the  North Carolina law system to decrease the drinking limit.  I think the person that took Mandy's life was extremely intoxicated but didn't hit the drinking limit so couldn't be charged!  RIDICULOUS! Right!  If you take your drivers ed course in NC, till this day you'll see Kimber's mom featured in the videos talking about drinking and driving.  Kimber's mom is a strong woman!  She's like my second momma and love her so much.

Kimber's College Graduation

Also, Kimber Lee is getting married in about 3 months. Ohhh... time is ticking!! 

During this wedding process, her sister has been on my mind.  She would be so proud and happy for Kimber and she would have loved JOSH! I know the day of the wedding she will be there in spirit enjoying the joining of Kimber Lee and Josh!