How to Keep Your Dogs Calm During 4th of July BBQs and Fireworks

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Ah, the 4th of July! A time for BBQs, fireworks, and quality time with family and friends. But for our furry friends, it can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing night. The loud noises and bright lights can send dogs into a panic. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to make sure our dogs are safe and comfortable. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to keep your dogs calm during the 4th of July BBQs and fireworks all night long. Plus, I will share some of my favorite dog items to make your family and furry babies happy.

  1. Create a Safe Space
    Create a quiet and safe space for your dog. This could be a bedroom, a closet, or even a crate. Make sure it’s comfortable, cool, and dark. Provide your dog with comfortable cool bedding and cozy blankets. You could also consider using pheromone products like Adaptil or Feliway to help keep your dog calm and relaxed.
  2. Play Soothing Music
    Playing soothing music can help drown out the loud noises and calm your dog. Research shows that classical music has a calming effect on dogs. You could also play white noise or calming sounds like rain or waves. Try leaving the music on during the entire evening to help keep your dog calm. The Modern Bluetooth Stereo I have has Bluetooth allowing me to control the music from my phone. Convenient for when your outside.
  3. Use Calming Treats and Supplements
    There are many calming treats and supplements available on the market that can help reduce anxiety. Supplements like melatonin, L-theanine, and chamomile can help keep your dog calm and relaxed. Make sure you consult with your veterinarian before giving any supplements to your dog.
  4. Exercise your Dog Before the Big Night
    Take your dog for a long walk or run earlier in the day to help them burn off energy and reduce stress. A tired-out dog is more likely to rest and relax during the evening. Also, make sure your dog has plenty of potty breaks throughout the evening.
  5. Avoid Fireworks Altogether
    Finally, consider avoiding fireworks altogether if your dog is highly anxious. Instead of attending a fireworks show, spend the evening indoors with your dog. You could watch movies, play games or have a BBQ with just the family.

We want our furry friends to enjoy the 4th of July with us, but we must also keep their safety and comfort in mind. Creating a safe space, playing soothing music, using calming treats and supplements, exercising your dog earlier in the day, and avoiding fireworks altogether are just a few ways you can help keep your dog calm during 4th of July celebrations. Remember, we are responsible for our pet’s wellbeing, so let’s take precautions to make sure they feel safe and comfortable during the festivities. Also feel free to check out other items from my Amazon Store front that I bought for my dog’s to use all year round. And if you have any questions please feel free to contact us as well. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Why Hiring a Social Media Manager is Paw-sitively an Essential for Any Small Business | Happy Dog Sell

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The rise of social media has changed the way businesses approach marketing. With millions of active users on different social media platforms, it has become essential for businesses to invest in digital marketing strategies to reach and engage with potential customers. Especially for small businesses, social media can be a powerful sales tool. However, with all the demands of running a business, managing a social media presence can often fall by the wayside. That’s why hiring a social media manager is essential for your small business. In this blog post, we will discuss five reasons why you need a social media manager today to keep your small business thriving.

  1. Helps Build Brand Awareness
    Having a strong and consistent social media presence can help build your brand and make it easy for potential customers to find you. A social media manager can create and post engaging content, reply to comments, and ensure that your brand message is consistent across all social media platforms. By building brand awareness, you can attract more customers to your small business and keep your existing customers coming back.
  2. Boosts Engagement and Customer Loyalty
    Social media is an excellent platform for engaging with customers and building customer loyalty. A social media manager can create engaging content that encourages followers to participate in conversations, answer questions, and offer solutions to common pet care concerns. By engaging with your customers, you can establish a loyal customer base that will help you grow your small business over time.
  3. Provides Expertise
    Effective social media management requires in-depth knowledge of various social media platforms and trends. By hiring a social media manager, you’ll have someone on your team who has expertise in creating impactful content, analyzing engagement, and staying up to date with the latest social media trends. This expertise will help you create a social media strategy that is tailored to your small business’s unique needs and goals.
  4. Saves Time and Resources
    Managing social media can be time-consuming. By hiring a social media manager, you’ll free up your time to focus on other essential aspects of your small business. Additionally, having a dedicated social media manager can help avoid costly mistakes that could lead to social media mismanagement and damage your brand reputation.
  5. Drives Conversion
    Social media can help drive conversions by guiding potential customers toward your website or physical location. A social media manager can create content that promotes special offers, promotions, and events that can drive traffic to your website. Social media can help boost your small business’s revenue and growth by driving conversions.

Now more than ever, social media plays a significant role in the success of businesses. If you’re running a small business, hiring a social media manager can help you build brand awareness, boost engagement, provide valuable expertise, save time and resources, and drive conversions. By partnering with a social media manager, you’ll be able to create a successful social media strategy that aligns with your business goals and help you achieve sustainable growth in the pet care industry. So, contact Happy Dog Sell, invest in a social media manager, and watch your small business thrive.

5 Reasons Why You Need Video Marketing

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Learn why small business in Central Texas are using Video Marketing

There’s no denying that video marketing is the hottest trend in digital marketing right now. With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, video content has become the most engaging and shareable form of content. But is it really necessary for your business? In this blog post, we’ll show you 5 convincing reasons why you need to start incorporating video marketing into your business strategy.

1. Captivate Your Audience:

Let’s face it. People have shorter attention spans than goldfish nowadays. To cut through the noise and capture your audience’s attention, you need captivating content, and video is the best medium for that. Video can tell stories, demonstrate products and services, and share your brand’s personality in a way that no other media can. By producing high-quality videos that speak to your target audience, you can build trust, establish credibility, and ultimately convert leads into customers.

2. Increase Your Reach:

The sheer power of video cannot be overstated. With over 2 billion monthly active users on YouTube alone, video is an excellent way to extend the reach of your content. By uploading your videos to different platforms, you can reach new audiences, increase brand awareness, and drive traffic to your website. And since video content is more shareable than any other type of content, your reach can grow exponentially through shares and virality.

3. Boost Your SEO:

Did you know that videos can boost your search engine rankings? Search engines like Google prioritize video content over traditional text or image content. By creating optimized video content, you can improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your website. Plus, if you host your videos on your website, you can also keep visitors on your site longer, which also boosts your search engine rankings.

4. Build Trust:

One of the most significant benefits of video marketing is that it helps build trust with your audience. Video content allows you to showcase your brand’s personality and values, which is much more effective than simply telling your audience what you stand for. Through video, you can tell stories, share customer testimonials, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at your company. All these can help build trust and rapport with your audience, which is invaluable when it comes to customer loyalty.

5. Stay Ahead of Competition:

While video marketing is still relatively new for small businesses, it won’t be for long. Many businesses are already jumping on the bandwagon, and those that don’t may risk getting left behind. By embracing video marketing now, you can stay ahead of the competition and gain a competitive advantage. You’ll be able to reach more customers, build your brand, and ultimately grow your business faster.

In conclusion, video marketing is no longer optional for small businesses in today’s digital landscape. By leveraging this powerful medium, you can captivate your audience, increase your reach, boost your SEO, build trust, and stay ahead of the competition. If you haven’t yet ventured into video marketing, it’s time to start now. Your business and customers will thank you for it. So, call us at Happy Dog Sell Agency for a free consultation and lets get you started today!

How to Determine the Budget for Your Website

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A website is one of the most important investments a business can make in today’s digital age. As such, it’s crucial to determine the right budget to spend on your website. With the increasing number of website builders, you can easily make a website at a bargain price. However, a website can represent the whole entity of your business to the world, so you don’t want to put too little or too much into creating it. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss how to determine the right budget to spend on your website.

1. Determine Your Goals and the Nature of Your Business

The first step to setting a website budget is to determine your goals, the nature of your business, and your business’s size. For instance, a startup business that wants to launch its product would likely require a different budget from a larger company that wants to revamp its existing website. Your goals will determine what kind of features your website needs and the amount of money you’ll need to invest.

2. Design and Functionality

The more complex the website design and functionality, the more you can expect to pay. While a basic website may have a few straightforward pages, an e-commerce site or a website with a sophisticated blog would require more time and effort. Complex features like animation, advanced forms, and other customizations might cost more, so it’s essential to keep such features in mind when deciding on a budget.

3. Third-Party Software and Plugins

Do you need a third-party software or plugin to run your website? If so, these will affect your budget, and the costs can add up quickly. It’s crucial to research and determine the cost of any third-party software or plugins you require for your website.

4. Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Your website won’t run itself after you launch it. Many websites require regular maintenance to ensure they continue operating correctly and are safe from outside threats. It’s important to factor in ongoing maintenance and update expenses which can include; hosting fees, web development, data backup, scalability, and cybersecurity.

5. “Hidden” Costs

There are also some costs that are often overlooked when planning your website budget, including legal fees, licenses, copyrights, and search engine optimization (SEO) – this is where the website is optimized to ensure it is highly ranked in the search engines.

Like most business investments, website costs will vary significantly depending on the goals and size of your enterprise. Nevertheless, your website is a vital marketing tool, so it’s essential to allocate a reasonable budget to make one that can represent your company correctly. By understanding the costs and various factors involved in website development and maintenance, you can create a realistic website budget that will provide an excellent result for your business. So, upon building your website, you should strive to get quality rather than settle for affordability. Contact Happy Dog Sell today and get a free consultation because it is better to do it the right way the first time around!

10 Reasons Why You Need SEO

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1. Increased Visibility: SEO increases visibility in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find and learn about your services or products.

2. More Qualified Traffic: SEO helps you attract relevant visitors who are searching for exactly what you offer on your website. This means more conversions since the people clicking through are more likely to buy your products or services.

3. Cost-Effective: SEO is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies, as it targets users who are already looking for what you offer. With SEO, you don’t have to pay for each click like with PPC advertisements, so your marketing budget goes further.

4. Increased Brand Awareness: SEO helps build brand awareness by helping your website show up in search engine results for relevant keywords. When people search those keywords and find your website, they become more familiar with your business or services.

5. Long-Term Results: Unlike traditional marketing strategies such as radio or television ads, SEO provides long-term results. The benefits of SEO are not temporary, but help your site remain visible in search engine results for the long term.

6. Mobile Ready: Most websites that show up in search engine results these days are mobile friendly, which means they provide a good user experience when accessed on a smartphone or tablet. SEO helps make sure your site is optimized for mobile so that potential customers can easily access it no matter what device they’re using.

7. Local SEO: SEO helps you target local customers as well, which is important for brick and mortar businesses. Optimizing your website with location-specific keywords can help you rank higher in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find your business.

8. Improved User Experience: SEO helps improve the user experience of your website by making it easier to navigate and understand. Search engine algorithms take into account how easy it is for users to find what they’re looking for on a page, which can affect your ranking in search engine results.

9. Increased Social Signals: SEO can help increase the number of people who share or like your content on social media, which contributes to your overall ranking in search engine results. When more people are engaging with and sharing your content, it tells search engines that your website is relevant and useful.

10. Stay Ahead of the Competition: SEO can help you keep up with the competition by allowing you to monitor their strategies and adjust yours accordingly. By staying on top of what’s working for your competitors, you can stay one step ahead and make sure your website is always visible in search engine results. So contact us today for a free consultation!

Stepmom Outsider Syndrome

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What is Stepmom Outsider Syndrome?

Stepmom Outsider Syndrome is a term used to describe the isolation and alienation that stepmothers often feel in their roles as stepmoms. Stepmothers often feel disconnected from family and friends, overlooked by society, and unable to relate to other stepmoms. They may also experience feelings of inadequacy, guilt, insecurity, and resentment towards their stepchildren, as well as the biological mother and/or father. This can create tension between family members, leaving the stepmom feeling like an outsider in her own home. Stepmom Outsider Syndrome is a common problem for many stepmoms and can prevent them from enjoying their role in the family. It is important to recognize this issue and seek out supports to address the underlying issues. Through therapy, support groups, self-care, and communication with family members, stepmoms can learn to manage their feelings of isolation and alienation and find ways to enjoy life as a stepmom. Learn how I am working on this from personal experience here.

Stepmom Outsider Syndrome at Birthday Parties

One of the most common explanations for why birthday parties can be awkward to be around is because some parents may not know each other, or even feel out of place. When you are the stepmother of a child and don’t know many other people at the party, it’s natural to feel like an outsider.

The best way to deal with this is to start conversations and introduce yourself. This can be done by talking about the birthday child or asking questions about other guests like their children, work, or hobbies. Starting conversations is a great way to break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable — including you!

Another thing that can help is attending parties regularly. This will allow you to become more familiar with the other parents and build relationships. Additionally, bringing your own child could help make you feel less awkward, as it would give you something in common with other attendees.

Finally, don’t forget that everyone else may be feeling just as anxious or uncomfortable as you are. Knowing this can help take some of the pressure off and make it easier for you to start a conversation with other parents.

No matter what, birthday parties shouldn’t be a stressful experience — so remember to relax and enjoy yourself! Try your best to socialize and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need help getting started. With a little bit of effort, awkwardness won’t be a problem anymore. Good luck!

Explore, Discover, and Grow: The Importance of Travel in Today’s World

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Traveling has often been considered a luxury, seen as a break from daily life or a time to indulge in relaxation. However, in reality, it offers so much more than mere escapism. Traveling is a powerful means of personal development, learning, and growth. In today’s increasingly interconnected and globalized world, it’s more important than ever to broaden our horizons, empathize with different cultures, and understand the world we inhabit. This blog aims to articulate the reasons why traveling is not just a hobby, but also a necessity, for anyone with a desire to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Personal Growth and Development:
One of the most significant aspects of travel is the personal growth that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. As you leave the familiar behind and embark on new adventures, you learn more about yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, and your ability to adapt to change. The experiences, challenges, and triumphs you encounter during your journey, whether on a solo trip or with companions, will inevitably shape your character, boosting your confidence, resilience, and self-awareness.

Education and Learning:
Traveling is undeniably one of the best forms of education you can receive. When you visit new places, you’re exposed to various histories, cultures, traditions, and languages. This provides a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and inform your worldview. Moreover, it allows you to experience firsthand what you may have only read or seen in a textbook or a movie, providing a genuine understanding that is impossible to achieve through secondary sources alone.

Social Connections and Networking:
During your travels, you will almost certainly encounter people from all walks of life. Interacting with individuals from different backgrounds can lead to meaningful and lasting connections, both personally and professionally. These new relationships will not only enrich your life with unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships but may also open doors to unforeseen opportunities. As you share experiences and engage in conversation with locals and fellow travelers, your worldview widens, and your ability to empathize and communicate with various cultures deepens.

Health and Wellness:
Traveling can foster emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Stepping away from your usual environment, routine, and responsibilities can reduce stress and provide a much-needed break from life’s daily grind. Trying new experiences, visiting beautiful natural landscapes, and engaging in physical activities during your trip can contribute to improved mental health and physical fitness. Additionally, research shows that those who travel regularly demonstrate increased creativity and problem-solving capabilities, which can have a positive impact on your well-being and personal success.

Global Awareness and Empathy:
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, political unrest, and economic disparities, traveling will expose you to the real, unfiltered life that billions of people across the globe experience. Witnessing firsthand the hardships faced by others and the diverse beauty of our planet can cultivate a deep sense of empathy and appreciation, fostering a more informed worldview, and a drive to contribute to meaningful change.

Conclusion:
Traveling is so much more than a leisure activity. It is an opportunity for personal and professional growth, learning, forming meaningful connections, and healing on multiple levels. An enriching and immersive experience, traveling allows us to appreciate diversity and cultures, while cultivating empathy and understanding in an interconnected world. So keep exploring, discovering, and growing – for the journey itself is as important as the destination.

10 Best Amazon Gadgets for Dog’s

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We’ve all been there, where our beloved pets would jump into a puddle of mud or won’t sit still in a car. One time when I first adopted Mr. T, we were leaving the dog park and he jumped out the window of my Honda insight! Thankfully we were only going 5mhp and the vehicle was low, but he had his seatbelt on hooked to his collar and I panicked. I seriously thought he just hung himself and I was about to cry. But we were both quick, while he gripped unto the side of my car leaving the door all scratched up I came from behind and was able to lift him back into the car. Ever since that day he has never attempted to jump out the window, but I also got him a body harness to clip the seat belt to. I was just so glad he was ok after that incident and thankfully I was able to find the right supplies I needed to keep my babies safe from Amazon. Here are my top 10 gadgets I love to use for all three of my pups.

The Mighty Paw Dog Seat Belt

I discovered that Sky our Australian Shepherd loved to chew literally everything. And when she chewed through her seat belt she decided to chew Mr. T’s seat blet as well! So for one of our road trips to visit my mother in law we had both pup’s roaming freely in the back and it was very unsettling. Plus we had our 5 year old son in the car with lot’s of snacks so we made multiple stops to try and keep them safe. With this new seat belt, it is made out of metal so thankfully Sky can’t chew through that. If she does, then we have a super dog.

Pet Grooming Kit & Vacuum

Both Mr. T and Sky are shedding dogs which means lots of brushing is needed. And for Necia she even though she doesn’t shed, we still need to cut her hair because she has a habit of getting her white coat dirty with food or mud. And since we have three pup’s taking them to the groomers once a month can quickly get expensive. So my husband and I decided to do a lot of reading and did a lot of YouTube videos on how to properly groom your pup. And having three different breeds mean having three different styles of grooming. And this one gadget the grooming kit and vacuum has been our safe haven. This little machine not only gets the job done for all three pups, but it also helps that it’s not extremely loud or scary for our dogs so they can relax while we get them groomed. Click here to watch me groom my pups. A great alternative if this item is too expensive is the MalsiPree Pet Grooming Brush, 2 in 1 Deshedding Tool. It really helped us in the beginning with Sky’s undercoat and Mr. T’s coat.

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

Living in Texas we get brutal summer days and nights. And all three pups having different ways of keeping cool and saying cool. Mr. T and Necia both always have short hair during the summer to keep them cool, but Sky unfortunately has long hair. And Australian Shepherds tend to shed their winter coat but still have a thick coat all year long. So we decided to buy her a large cooling mat for her to lay on to keep cool. At first, I was skeptical, but she loves it! We bought three. One for the backyard patio, another in her crate, and one in the living room where she likes to lay. It has literally made her life in the summer 100% better than before. As for Necia and Mr. T they just like to lay on the cooling kitchen tile floors or sit in front of the fan to cool off. So for anyone with a fluffy dog I highly recommend this cooling mat.

Waterproof & Anti-Slip Dog Bed Cover and Pet Blanket Sofa Pet Bed Mat

When we realized were going to have shedding pups we needed a couch cover to collect as much hair so our guests don’t leave with a fur coat. And these waterproof and anti-slip covers were just what we needed. We had to buy different kinds of blankets to find the right one. And this one was the one for us and our pups. Plus, it’s so comfy they love sleeping on the couch with the cover blanket. And it’s so easy to remove when we have guests over for movie or game nights. Not only do we use it on the couch but we bought two more for the car and our bed when we have them sleep with us.

Special Dog Hair Remover Multi Fabric Edge and Carpet Scraper by Uproot Clean

When cleaning or moving we found out it was hard to get certain dog hairs out of carpets and fabrics we owned. When I found this tool not only did it save my carpets, couches, and car seats. But it was just so easy to use and it got every bit of hair that the vacuum couldn’t. This tool was my lifesaver because I almost gave up on my rugs and was about to throw them out when I couldn’t find a solution to clean them within my budget. This tool is a must have in out home and we gift it to our friend who also have furry babies.

Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

Our Australian Shepherd Sky loves to run into anything wet including mud puddles. She also loves to get her brother dirty by chasing him into the mud puddles with her which is hilarious to watch. But what’s not funny is having to clean their muddy paws from our couches, rugs, and car seats. With this portable mud buster we just fill it up with water halfway and some soap (optional) then just clean one paw at a time not causing any discomfort. We then just pat dry the paws and let them back into the house or car with no trace of mud. This is another gift we love to give our friends with furry babies to help keep them and their home clean.

4 panel pet enclosure with lockable pet door

This next one isn’t really a tool but a necessity for our little one Necia. Since we have two bigger dogs with a large appetite, we needed to keep Necia and her food separate from the other dogs. And this little enclosure was the ultimate best solution. It allows Necia to enter and exist on her own with the lockable door. We only lock her in at night when it’s time for everyone to go to bed. Or if I am cleaning the floors which means all pets go out back or get crated for 30 mins. But Both Mr. T and Sky know that the enclosure is her space and they don’t try to jump in or squeeze in. Plus it’s a safe space for her when the two bigger dogs are running around playing rough. She’s 13 and the last thing we need is for her to get injured.

2 Pack Licking Mat for Dogs with Scrub Pad

Whether you have 1 dog or like me have 3, these licking mats are a great way to distract your pup. When it’s grooming day for all three pups we use the licking mats for them to focus on while we cut their hair, nails, or brush their coats. Even when were not grooming them it’s a great way to keep them busy and mentally stimulated because their so focused on licking the peanut butter off the mat. These mat’s also stick to glass or metal so their great for car rides or just around the house.

Foldable Dog Water Bottle

Having two very active dogs in our lives we are constantly going out on long walks and hikes. But living in Texas with this summer heat water is a MUST for our fur babies. We always make sure to carry plenty of water wherever we go. This foldable water bottle is perfect for the pups because it holds their water and also serves it to them in a small bowl so they can get more out of it. When we go hiking it was always a hassle to bring 5 water bottles or more including their large water bowls. So, this was just much for efficient and it get’s the job done.

The Original Calming Donut

Now before I was blessed with a wonderful husband and two more dog’s, it use to be just me and little Necia. And since day one she has always had separation anxiety. Every time I had to go to work it would break my heart to hear her cry and leaving her at home alone. I would hire dog walkers to let her out while I was away but I needed something more for her to keep calm. And this calming donut was our answer. To this day we still have the calming donut (even though I work from home) because that is her safe place to take naps. The other dogs Sky and Mr. T have also been drawn to the calming donut and try to squeeze their entire body into a tiny donut. It’s adorable to watch and my husband and I are thinking of ordering two large ones for them.

A Healthy Marriage Means Two Healthy Individuals

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Marriage is hard. You always hear it, and you always assume well maybe you’re with the wrong partner. But until you go through it you don’t fully understand just how hard it really is. As a woman we all have an idea our or “perfect” man and marriage.  We think that the man we first started to date would be the man we will be married to our whole lives. But over time not only do they change but so do we. Over time we discover more about ourselves and each other and if you’re dating it’s always easier to break up and move on to be with someone where meant to be with. But being in a marriage unless you want a divorce you two need to talk about it and try to make things work even when it gets ugly.

I was listening to Jordan Peterson on the True Geordie podcast, and he said that woman on average experience more negative emotion than men. And that 75% of divorces are initiated by women. Women are more unhappy than men, women are more prone to depression, anxiety disorders, and even suicide attempts. Even though men commit suicide more often that is because they use guns due to being more violent towards themselves. But back to woman having more negative emptions it starts at puberty. From the start we have always had a physical disadvantage. Boys and girls can wrestle and fight, but men and women can’t. Men are way stronger especially in the upper body. That’s why you see women hitting men more but it’s never aggressively or to the point where we hurt the man. But being the other way around it’s never fair. And as we all get older the women’s body gets weaker faster vs the mans. So, the worlds more dangerous. Were also more vulnerable sexually, and we must take care of infants on top of that. With all of this were tilted more towards a threat detection.

Listening to Jordan Peterson say all this about us women it’s no wonder why we always prefer to find a “bad boy” to fall in love with. Because deep down we crave a man to protect us. That’s why most women fall in love with characters like pirates, werewolves, vampires, and more. We want the adventure, the excitement, the thrill of a lifetime inside and outside the bedroom. We don’t want to just settle down we want to thrive up and create exciting new adventure with our partners. If you and your man are out in public and your holding each other’s hands, if he were to get into a disagreement with someone, he is still holding your hand. He will continue to look back at you to make sure your ok and to let you know he’s got this. That is what most women crave for. And not getting that from your partner will just drive them to cheat, second guess their marriage, leave then divorce. You hear time and time again that even when your married you still need to go on dates. You need that one-on-one time with your partner to remember why you fell in love with them in the first place. Lack of dating and communication is key to a failed marriage.

I am not a marriage professional or therapist, but from my own experience in my own marriage this is me just ranting. I may be right or wrong, take this how ever you want. But If your married and you truly love your partner and wish to make things work then talk to each other. And if you can’t then seek counseling with a professional or if you both go to church talk to your pastor, minister, whoever you feel comfortable talking about this to. Time to put away your pride and ego and make sacrifices to make the relationship work. Together you must learn to love each other again, support each other and listen to what the other person has to say. Stop taking each other’s love for granted because this life is too short.

Your Dream Wedding Under 10k!

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Every girl want’s her dream wedding to be a fairy tale with a happily ever after ending. But, unless you’re a millionaire it’s a bit impossible. But with a few sacrifices and amazing family and friends to help you can make the impossible possible.

I already knew I wanted a small intimate wedding with my close family and friends near me. And my loving husband was a great supporter all throughout.  First thing we did was get our marriage license in the state of Texas and got married in the court for $200. Once that was done we began our “ceremony” and reception planning to be done in Virginia.

I had asked my dearest friend Bridgette to be our officiant. And I am so lucky and glad that she accepted because her speech was absolutely beautiful and my husband and I tried not to cry the whole way through. Next, I had my best friend Haritha and my oldest sister to be my maid of honor. Having two maid of honors was the smart thing to do because the work is split and not too stressful on just one person to handle. And they did an amazing job planning and even decorated the venue. As for the venue originally I wanted a vineyard, but we only had a month and most placed offered tiny rooms that were overpriced or just not what I had imagined. So next I began to look into Fairfax city hall where I grew up. The city hall was already booked for the day I wanted but the next best thing they had was the Historic Blenheim. I have never been there before but when I went to take the tour it was just stunning and immediately had to book it. The venue alone cost us $1325.00 which was a lot cheaper than the tiny vineyard room.

Thankfully the venue had chairs and tables for inside, but I rented from Sammy’s Rental to get a few more things. Like the bride and groom’s chairs and table along with a cake table, my colored linens, and 40 outdoor seating chairs for the ceremony outside. That along cost $540.45. Both the venue and the rental company were amazing on having what I needed for our wedding and to make sure our gests were comfortable.

Next, I had to look for a catering company. That was a bit of a struggle for me because I was concern about dietary restrictions and both my husband and I are a bit picky about what we would want to feed our guests. After a lot of research I was able to find Dalia’s Catering. They were able to accommodate our needs and provided everything for our guests at the wedding. They served mini cheeseburgers and mini fries as the hors d’oeuvres. The main course was baked chicken with butter and herb. Sides consist of vegetarian lasagna and steamed vegetables and for dessert we had tiramisu. They also provided our guests with soft drinks, water bottles, ice tea, all the utensils and napkins. That came out to be $2205.

Our wedding cake and cupcakes were done by a dear friend my mine who I use to work with. Her name is Tess, and she makes all her cakes from scratch. She charged us $300 for them and we are forever grateful. She made them just how we liked them to be and that is vanilla cake, vanilla and lemon flavored cupcakes, both with Italian cream icing. We even ordered 2 bobbleheads and 2 dog shaped cake toppers from Etsy and that was $234.22. Totally worth it when you see how they came out in my gallery.

My dear friend Meilanie then referred to me a DJ who would be perfect for the wedding. Since he did her brothers wedding I decided to hire him and he charged us $1458. He oversaw not only the music but the lighting as well. He was so easy to work with and extremely helpful in setting up our playlist throughout the wedding.

Lynne who I saw as a second mother in my life then recommended me Rachel who was our photographer. My husband and I decided not to have our wedding filmed because we already had family and friends who would be filming. We ended up paying $1210 for all our wedding photos, photo album and even a pictured wedding frame. It was all just a perfect package for our intimate wedding. I even hired The Photo Booth Lab which was a 360 photo/video for our guests to take home. That alone was $450.

Finally all I had left to get were the floral bouquets for myself and my bridesmaids. Since I only had 4 amazing bridesmaids and myself to worry about I was able to get the flowers I loved at $755.13. I didn’t get extra flowers to add to the décor because I wanted things to be simple. And my best friend Haritha knew exactly what I wanted and how I wanted so she was able to gather a few things her and her mother had already to decorate the venue. Honestly it was all a dream come true and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Since my husband and I were coming from out of town we obviously had to get a hotel room and car rental for the days we were out there. And that came out to be close to $1100 for 5 days and four nights. Plus, we used some of our built up reward points to help cover the car rental and hotel. So over all we ended up paying $9777.08 for the wedding. My wedding dress was $178 ordered from HEBEOS. It was cheap enough so I can buy a white romper to wear for the reception to dance later. Honestly since I was only going to wear it for that one day it made since to just go cheap on the dress. Plus it still looked like a thousand bucks in all of our photos. My husband also went ahead and rented out his tux just cause it made more since.

Again, in order to stay in your budget, you must be willing to make a few sacrifices or changes in order for it to be possible. Also asking your friends and family for help really does come along way in order for your wedding to be picture perfect. Plus having them feel included means so much more than just attending.