Weddings are one of the most, if not the most important day of your life. Unfortunately, they may also be filled with potential Bridezilla moments. I however, decided to be calm, collected, and low- maintenance. Between ordering a cake, flowers, scheduling photography sessions, etc. a girl can get pretty high strung-and so can her budget.

So, how can one plan a wedding on a budget when there are so many things to buy?

First of all, you have to find what is the most important part of your wedding-is it the dress, the church, photography, or food and entertainment?

I had a budget of $5,000 dollars-nothing to smirk at, but not enough for the Embassy Suites Hotel.

My now husband and I decided that photography was the most important thing to us. We won’t remember the food and lighting, but the memories through pictures. We had a wonderful photographer (who’s link is included) who gave us an engagement, bridal, and wedding photo sessions.

Almost a third of our budget went to photography, but once again, we wanted quality pictures.

In order to save money, you should:

*Shop around-find a photographer that incorporates your style and can cater your needs (I enjoy unique angles and colors)

*Ask to see a portfolio-this way, you can see their previous experiences with couples

*Ask for CD’s-instead of having the photographer print photos for you, ask if the images could be put on CD along with the rights to the pictures-you may have to pay a little more, but you’ll be able to print pictures whenever you would like

* Be specific- if there are special family members, friends, children, etc. ask your photographer to make sure to incorporate them into photographs (this also helps the photographer know who’s very important to focus in on)

*Quality and Quantity- Just because a photographer has a great price doesn’t mean they will be right for you. The same goes for costly photographers.

*Courtesy- Follow the gold rule, and except vendors to do the same (I have a friend who’s photographer smoked during the entire session, leaving the photos to smell like smoke.)

NEXT BLOG- Flowers

HOW TO MAKE A LOW-FAT, LOW SUGAR PEPPERMINT MILKSHAKE

Being diabetic and a health conscious person, I always am trying to find yummy versions of high fat, high calorie desserts.  Being diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a sweet treat!  However, America’s diets are super-loaded with Saturated fats and Trans fats- fats that are contributing to heart disease, high cholesterol, and many other ailments in our society.  My husband and I really enjoy the combinations of drinks you can order at a well-known fast food chain, Sonic.  I will always praise their name for offering Diet Cherry Limeades, but when it comes to shakes, malts, and other desserts such as Sonic blasts, it scares me to look at their nutritional content.

This is why I have created my very own low-fat, lower sugar Peppermint Milkshake:

Ingredients:

*Skim milk (according to your preference-less milk, more creamy; more milk runnier)

*Fat-free vanilla ice cream (or if you want the best of both worlds, use low-fat and sugar free)  I use low-fat because I am watching my cholesterol as well.  I can deal with carbs better than I can with saturated fats.

* 3-5 York Peppermint Patties (I use this many for two 12-14 ounce milkshakes)

* 2 Splenda candy canes (Now that Christmas is over, just use regular peppermints, or sugar-free peppermints)

Step 1: In a blender or food processor, add a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of skim milk. 

Step 2: Add 2-3 scoops of ice cream. (Again, you have to determine what won’t blow up the blender and what consistency you want your drink to have.)

Step 3: Add York Peppermint patties and crumbled up candy canes or peppermints (I’d suggest crushing the candy canes or peppermints in two zip-lock or similar bags.)

Step 4: Blend for 20 or so seconds.  Continually check to make sure all is thoroughly mixed.

Step 5: Pour in pretty glass, top with whip topping if wanted, and enjoy!

I would make a rough estimate that this drink has 200-300 calories verses the fast food milkshakes and ice cream treats.

To view Sonic’s nutrition information click here. 

Remember, healthy cooking doesn’t mean it can’t taste good!

 Hello World!  My name is Amy Marie. I’m in my junior year of college, majoring in nutrition– I just got married this past year to the most wonderful man on the planet–So here’s to 2008!  I will hopefully be writing more in the next week or so.  Enjoy my links and learning tools!

 ~Amy Marie