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Showing posts with label Joseph Rodriguez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joseph Rodriguez. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--GUEST JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ

photo by Tracy Hunter

Joseph Rodriguez  writes about everything related to his thoughts on personal finance and money matters. His recent work is about the Top Online Masters in Accounting Degree Programs in the US. Today he joins us to offer some suggestions on saving money when planning the floral centerpieces for a wedding.

How To Save Money On Floral Arrangements for a Wedding
Floral arrangements are very important for any wedding. They're often the focal point to many beautiful backdrops for the special day, centerpieces during the reception, and an important accessory for the bride herself. So for the sake of saving a little bit of money on what's likely going to be a very costly day to begin with, there are easy some steps that you can take to keep your investment at bay.

Plan Out What You Need
First think about what arrangements you're going to want, and then start thinking about the place for all of these arrangements in the wedding. The ideal time to do this would be well before the wedding itself. While you want something that is fresh and delivered the day of, or the night before, you're going to have to inform the florist of the precise order well before you actually need the arrangements, to give them time to prepare.

Pick a Florist
You should do a little bit of research into your local area to see who's able to provide the quality of arrangements you're hoping for. There are likely several shops in the vicinity competing with one another, and you might be able to use this aspect to your advantage to get a better deal (this'll be worth it - flowers are costly). Make sure that you're spreading the word around that you have a big order for an upcoming wedding, and that you're looking for the means to save the most money while simultaneously getting the best arrangements.

Be Flexible
As a bride, groom, or other member of the court, you've got to give a little on what your ideal vision is. Furthermore, you might not have a particular arrangement in mind, and simply know what color scheme you're attempting to provide the ceremony. Give what information that you have to local florists and see what kind of arrangements they can make to best match what you would like to see. Give them a few days, especially if your arrangement requires flowers that aren't as easy to come by. Be open to suggestions, and never be afraid to ask for another idea - as long as you're doing so well in advance.

Give a Bit
If you're not willing to give in when it comes to your vision, at least be willing to give a bit when it comes to your time. Consider a trade off in order to save some money - is there room in your contract to thank your florist by name? Are you willing to spread the word to all your guests about where your beautiful flowers came from? Consider mentioning one of these possibilities in your next negotiation.

These tips should aid you in saving money a bit of money. Remember that timing is of the essence, and that providing an ideal amount of it can benefit your budget greatly. Just formulate a good idea of what you want, and see which of the flower shops in your vicinity can give you what you want for a price that you can both appreciate.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--THE BENEFITS OF QUILTING

photo by Misocrazy

Joseph Rodriguez writes about hobbies and arts that help with stress relief. His recent work is on earning an online psychology degree.—AP

A Creative Craft: How to Discover the Benefits of Quilting
Making a quilt is more than just making a bed covering to keep you warm at night. It’s about expressing yourself through the art of sewing. Quilting is an inspirational and creative craft that allows you to create wall art, comfort a sick child or adult, travel and bond with other quilt makers, create a source of income and more. Discover the joys and benefits of quilting by looking at the sewing craft through the eyes of adventure.

Wall Art
Express your own individual taste by creating a quilt to hang on the wall of your home. A handmade quilt can be made any size and any color to perfectly fit into your unique living space. A full size quilt often is the perfect solution to add color and texture to the large, open wall space in homes with high vaulted ceilings. Mini-quilts can be handcrafted to tell a family story, and/or matted and framed to become a priceless heirloom. When friends come to your home and see your unique wall art, they will be requesting their own unique pieces and a business can be born.

Comfort the Sick
A personal touch of a hand-crafted lap quilt will bring comfort and warmth to a sick child or adult. A medium sized quilt, just right to fit over the top of a hospital bed or across the lap of someone who is ailing, will benefit both the giver and receiver. Taking your time to create a unique quilt for someone who is sick will minister to both you and the recipient on many different levels.

A handmade quilt gift does not have to be reserved for the sick only but would also make an outstanding gift on many occasions. A wedding gift, baby shower gift or as something unique to give to a college-bound teen. A quilt can be made to suit the recipients, the occasion and still allow the creator to express themselves through their sewing talents.

Travel and Bond
Quilt shows and workshops occur regularly all across the U.S. and are usually open to the public. Quilt makers can and should travel to various venues, near or far, and meet like-minded seamstresses and form bonds of friendships. These events allow for displaying and selling your handmade quilt items, learning new sewing techniques and gaining new ideas for future projects. You never know who you might meet at such an event and a new business venture could be formed along with a new friendship.

Stress Relief
Immersing yourself in the quilt-making process is therapeutic. Shopping for fabric, selecting the design, cutting and sewing, the whole creative process keeps the mind and body active while relieving stress. Quilting can be done seated or standing, so no matter what fitness level you’re at (or hope to be at), you can adjust to doing most of the work in whatever way suits you.

Creative Covering
Quilts aren't only for covering beds—you can cover a multitude of household objects with quilts to make a decorating statement. A couch back, chair, ottoman or table top can easily be covered with a quilt. Cover a window, shower curtain liner or create a room divider with a lovely quilt. Look around your home for creative and inspirational ways to use quilts, and you'll never be left bored or wanting for more.