[Budget & Holidays] Christmas Planning

So, here's the deal...I love Christmas to bits...but it can sure be stressful! Espescially on a budget.
I'm currently digging through articles and websites on cheap gift ideas...but I have yet to see anything that really applies to me. Not of it is really 'cheap'.

There is the default of baking for everyone. People seem to appreciate that. But that isn't always as easy as it sounds...I thought about it, and I may have to resort to that, but it's incredibly time consuming...Time that I don't know I'll have. There's the mixing and prep which, if you're making multiple cookies like I do (because one type of treat is boring),  takes forever. The baking (I'll only be able to bake 6-8 cookies at a time, of perhaps 100 or so that I'd need to bake.), and the decorating!

I certainly can't buy conventional gifts...and it's very frustrating! I have friends and family that I love dearly, and would really like to be able to give them great gifts. One year, I spent $80-ish on each family member...That was great! It's the worst feeling of disappointment to wonder how you can possibly show everyone how much you care.

I'd really wanted to post a list of gift ideas that are both easy on the time aspect, and the wallet. Unfortunately, everything that I could find is either very time consuming, or costs more than I assume any normal person on a budget these days could afford!

I had pondered maybe just hand-making a bunch of Christmas cards..but again, time consuming. I have also sworn off cards. I will make birthday cards for my fiance, because I know he really likes to keep them, but that's about it. The way I see it, they're a wast of money. If you're buying one, that is. It seems like a huge waste to spend $5 for some paper with writing that a person will look at, and throw out. Or maybe put it on display for a couple days. I'm sorry, but if you don't know how I feel, I haven't effectively communicated that to you, and I'm sorry.

The holidays are indeed stressful...everyone seems to have different reasons for it, too. For me, I just can't give everyone what I want, and that eats me up inside.

I think perhaps a trip to the craft store is in order...ideas are stewing, and I don't want to spoil it if I follow through. If it doesn't work out, I'll let you guys know what I'd wanted to do. :)

[Wedding & Health] It's Official!

This will be a short, short, post...but I've done it!

Yesterday, I went back to Coyote Creek and put down my deposit to rent our room! Yes, we are officially getting married now. (Sorry baby, no backing out now!)

Now begins the real planning...sorting out exactly what I want to do theme-wise, picking colors, and even wedding dress shopping! Though, I still dread that last part. I just need to work on channeling my inner zen master, and not stress over any of this.

 My biggest challenge of course, will be losing weight. That's been a frustrating battle thus far. I'm realizing exactly how big my problem is...Today, I had a cookie. I told myself, "I just need one more, and I'm done." Need. NEED? It's an f'ing cooking. I'm so full of excuses, it really sickens me. I think I need to sit down sometime soon, and find some yummy looking recipes that look simple to make. I have a hard time, even when I make something that should be healthy, believing it's really good for me. I need to find that special menu that tastes healthy, is healthy, and I want to eat more of! There's just so much I can't stand...broccoli, peppers, spinach, lots of leafy greens...Either the texture makes me want to gag, or the taste does. It's honest to goodness frustrating.

I'll keep you all posted on that, any how...Wish me luck! I need all the help and support I can get.

~Jenicsaco

[Wedding] One Step Closer

Okay, so it's update time!
I'm still in contact with the super nice lady, and she's sent me some proposals for some ideas on venue options. Now, I had said my budget was $1400 (canadian). My mom told me that I could push my my budget to $1900. The only reason I allowed this, was because I know having my wedding at an actual venue, not a hall, would take care of my biggest problem. They will handle all of the set-up/take-down. That was my biggest stress, and it's gone. That peace of mind is worth so much more than what they're charging.

At the moment, we're looking into a pasta buffet, which also comes with salad and garlic bread, and desserts. Who'd oppose that? Sounds great, and with everything else (decorations, set-up, taxes) it's just over $1800. Wow. It looks like I'm getting close to a wedding I never thought I'd be able to have!

I'm going to see the venue in September to check everything out. I'm so excited! Also really looking forward to meeting the woman who's been helping me. That's very odd of me to say...I'm generally crazy shy.

That's about it for wedding updates at the moment, I guess...short, but pretty darned exciting if you ask me!

My next big task is finding an officiant...Non-religous, and not stuffy. If anyone knows someone, let me know!

~Jenicsaco

[Wedding] Fingers Crossed!

That's something I've been doing a lot lately, keeping my fingers crossed. I tend to get carried away in my hopes and dreams, get a little excited, then everything gets taken away from me. I'm expecting that to happen with this venue I've been looking at. I'm trying very hard to to get excited, but the more I talk to the events planner, the more likely it seems. Even my friends think it sounds good, which I take as a positive sign. I expect them to keep me grounded.

This place is Eaglequest Golf (Coyote Creek location). It looks beautiful. They also take care of the setup/take down of everything (which means I wouldn't have to beg people to help), and they have a complimentary bartender service (we just pay for drinks, or however we decide to do that. Cash bar or toonie bar, likely).

I was very clear to the events planner that my budget was small. I specifically told her $1400 for venue and food costs. She mentioned that the cheapest buffet was $23 per person, which I'm not sure we can afford, but it's by far the cheapest buffet option in all of the venues that I'd already looked into. She said it could be difficult, but suggested a lunch or cocktail reception.

Now, in all my e-mailings to potential vendors, I ask for costs, and look through whatever they send. Unfortunately for each, I've had to reply with "Thank you for your time. Unfortunately, this is quite a bit over my $1400 budget. I will keep you in mind though, if I am able to get some more money.". Nobody's responded to that.

However, this lovely lady at Eaglequest seems to be making every effort to find some way to accommodate me. I'm seriously impressed with this! Very friendly, and I'm getting terrified with the hope that she's giving me. I never once thought I'd ever be able to afford any sort of a 'golf course' wedding. There is hope.

She's out of town now until Monday, but I'll be giving her a call when she returns, and we'll set up a date for me to go and check out the venue. This sort of thing would normally have me very nervous. I hate talking to new people. I'm excited, comfortable, and ready to go! This should hopefully be a fun, and fruitful experience!

~Jenicsaco

Wedding Woes

Okay, this seems like a good time for a post, while I'm bashing my head against the wall.

I had thought I found a good, affordable place that would balance cost and set-up, but after looking a little deeper, it's still way beyond my budget, which was probably too high to begin with. It was $3000, but I've knocked it down to $2000. I really can't let it go higher than that.


So now...I'm looking at renting a hall, or something similar. That can become very affordable, but at the cost of having to ask my friends and family to help with set-up and take down. That's one thing I want to avoid like the plague. I'd feel like scum, asking my loved ones to help me set things up and tear it down.

If anyone knows of some great and uber cheap locations for food, venue, or anything else in the Surrey/Vancouver area, please let me know!

The good news? I've got about $1300 save for the wedding so far! (Honeymoon is a different beast entirely...)