Jesus, My Guitar & I...

When I was younger, I pictured my life doing mission trips around the world and leisure traveling. I honestly feel this is true living, at least for me. It was the only goal I had for my future. As I was still trying to figure out what to do after high school, I picked up a teacher's assistant job in the meantime. Three years later I started traveling the world, like I promised my younger self. It was then, at a school in Thailand, where I realized I wanted to teach for the rest of my life (on top of the amazing students and wonderful experiences I had while being a teacher's assistant). I wanted a job where I could still be myself, have a reasonable schedule, and a home life. By being a teacher, I know Monday through Friday I'll be home by four o' clock, still go shopping, meet up with a friend, or clean my house, have some wine and relax. I can enjoy the weekends, and invest in my spirituality, physical and mental health.  I truly love teaching...

Why hello there!  I've been meditating a lot this summer. It's been quite majestical because this is exactly how I wanted to spend it. The past 2 years were very hard: I was taking 18 credit hours, working a crappy, minimum wage job, wedding planning, doing my teaching hours, and living at my parents. SUCKED!!!  Now life is definitely sweeter and much more relaxing. I found a teaching job, we are happily married, our home is cozy and calming, and we have two awesome cats. THANK YOU JESUS!  The reason for this post evolves from what I've seen on social media lately. It's literally all about weddings, engagement rings, and children. It is very tiring! And this comes from a married woman who just had a wedding, got proposed in the mountains with a beautiful ring, and went on an international honeymoon. I cannot imagine what people who haven't experienced any of these things feel like, and I want you to know that if you're single right now, you should not comp...

There's a fine line between getting everything you want on your wedding day, and also making sure you have enough for them bills, cause yeah, they don't stop or don't get if you're tryna have a life :D  It's good to have peace of mind you still have a little extra saved up in case some unexpected venue fees are coming your way. There are ways you can make your dream wedding happen, but it requires lots of understanding, flexibility, and an open mind from both parties. (Unless you take that second job, just saying!) I wouldn't call it settling either, but more prioritizing, and being a logical person. Being humble about it is key, and if you have friends you can talk to and ask for a favor, it would help you save lots of money!  Ask your friends for help! (If you know a friend who is a photographer, a pastor, etc, go for it! Unless you have the extra money to go for a fancier vendor. Flowers as centerpieces are unnecessary! (And pricey) Go fo...

There are definitely lots of checklists you have to go through when you're engaged, and the last thing you want after the honeymoon is to get into another checklist; however, I promise you this list first of all is WAY smaller than any of the crazy ones you had prior to the wedding, and second, your future self will thank you for taking these into consideration, especially things that you kind of have to get done ASAP such as changing your name and updating it everywhere!  Preserve bouquet/dress: You might not be thinking long-term now, yet think about the fact you might want to do a vow renewal in 10 years, pass down your dress to your next generation, or simply keep it for memories! I personally preserved my gown for all the above. I only kept a few pieces of my bouquet for memories, but there are people who do keep their whole bouquets and frame them. Return rentals: You definitely want to take care of this ASAP! Most preferably before you leave for your honeymoon. Ren...

Girl! First of all, congratulations!! This is such a fun stage in a couple's life. There are lots of mixed emotions and a million things going on in your head. Before you start getting super overwhelmed and anxious, let's check out some things that will help you focus and go back to basics. 1. Enjoy your engagement!  I've seen so many people rushing into things, and at the end of the day this isn't beneficial for anyone. Enjoy this beautiful time of calling your person "fiance," hanging out, and getting to know each other deeply. The big things will get done eventually, one step at a time. 2. Go on venue tours Some venues are so popular that they get booked out a year in advance. This should definitely be your next step after a couple of months of being engaged. When it comes to the venue, and of course the budget, make sure you pick something not only that you like, but also one that offers great vendors, options, deals, and packages! 3. Sched...

If you are thinking of getting married soon, there are certain topics that people take for granted (especially my last bullet point), yet, they are things that need to be spoken and figured out prior to making one of the biggest decisions in your life. One of the first things you can start brainstorming is how much money you want to spend. Think about realistic options that are available for you guys to make this day happen. 1. Decide on a budget, stick to it as much as you can, but keep an open mind! Budgeting is key. Make a list of things that you know you'd regret if you didn't have at the wedding/and or honeymoon. For instance, a big wedding was a no for us, but if you wish to have one, you should take into consideration that there will be things you'll have to compromise if you have a limited budget. Budgeting is very important and keeps you on your toes. Sure the bridal TV shows make you dream big, yet you have to choose. Since the very beginning, my husb...