5 Sincere Ways To Say ‘I’m Sorry’

You’ve had an argument with your spouse or partner and you are in the wrong. You personally do feel it may be your fault, but you also have plenty of reasons why you did what you did. Maybe you feel that the things you said your partner needed to hear and you had well intentions. Now the relationship is at a breach and it needs some repair. You know if you don’t apologize there is going to be a silence act and some nasty words that may come back up. So, why not fess up and just apologize to restore what it is you had before?

The bottom line is that it’s not really all about who was right and who was wrong. You probably both have things to apologize for. You want your partner to know you mean you’re sorry when you apologize and it should be a heartfelt one. No one really enjoys the act of apologizing. So there are some really good sincere ways to say you’re sorry and really mean it.

Be Prepared – First, be prepared with what you are going to say to your partner and never rush the apology! Think it through very well and have a game plan for what you intend to say. You need to word things in a way that your partner feels you put a lot of time and energy and thought into apologizing. Make them see that you are truly sorry.

Be Sincere – Apologize with true sincerity. Realize the things that you did wrong or said wrong and confess those to your partner. Speak about what you feel wrong for doing to your partner and tell them that you feel more relieved by wiping the slate clean and that you want all the negative feelings to go away. Look your partner in the eye and hold their hands when you apologize. Show complete attention and sincerity.

But – Never ever use the word “but” when you apologize. This is the way you put blame on someone else and you want your apology to be all about you. Use the word “I” instead and never say what your partner did or how they may have been wrong. Let this apology be about you completely and what your faults were without any “but” to it.

Don’t Argue – If you’re trying to apologize and your partner does not accept it right away, don’t get upset, angry or argue about it at all. The apology is going to be worthless if you get into another confrontation. Let them have time to let your apology sink in and know that you did the right thing.

Changes – When you given this apology, always think about what you’re saying and what you’re trying to change. Try your best to focus on what happened and don’t let that happen again. What you want your partner to see is that you truly care enough to not make the same mistake again. Try to be true to your word and let those actions speak loudly next time.

Apologizing is not always easy and may not be very fun, but it’s a positive step in repairing relationships and it helps to heal the heart.

On the other hand, if you believe your partner is the one who is betraying your trust, there are resources you can access to find out for yourself. Visit Are You Cheating to learn more.

Twenty-one Ways To Save Money On Your Divorce

The joke goes like this. Find someone you don’t like, give him or her half your net worth. That way you save $10,000 in fees for a divorce lawyer. With the divorce rate at 50%, chances are that either you or someone you know is getting a divorce. In this article, a divorce lawyer and a financial planner explain twenty-one practical

 ways to save money in a divorce.

  1. Be your own Private Investigator. Chances are, no one knows your personalbusiness – or that of your spouse – like you do. What are your assets? Has your spouse said anything to indicate that there might be money someplace other than in your joint accounts? Where is your spouse Thursday nights? Are there records left casually around the house, in Day Planners or notes on the desk or the office trash can? Are there old retirement plans housed with former employers? Chances are that you can at least develop the questions, if not find all the answers.
  2. Fill out the Court Financial Forms. Fear is the primary cause of unreasonableness on the part of both parties. Each foresees a future in which they must live in squalor while the ex lives in splendor. The court financial forms help you to organize necessary data for today, and begin to look forward to what your expenses will be in your new life. It in turn gives you an opportunity to evaluate whether current income can support two households at the lifestyle you enjoy now, or whether a re-prioritization is in order.
  3. Get a real estate agent to value your house.  Real estate markets are volatile and fickle. Assuming a value for your home, beach house or investment property, or basing your assumptions on last year’s mortgage refinancing appraisal may not be an accurate picture of what your property would sell for today. Realtors do “comps,” or comparative valuations, as a part of their regular business. Or you can hire an appraiser who, for a fee, will give you a valuation of your home.
  4. Ask your accountant to value a business. If you or your spouse have a small or closely held business, it may well have a value beyond the computers, desks and vehicles. The goodwill of the business (name recognition) can have tremendous value, as can patents and other intellectual property. If your spouse has an ownership interest or partnership share in a larger entity, the value of that interest may well constitute a sizeable portion of the marital estate, even if the business is not currently profitable.
  5. Calculate Child Support. Every State has state-specific child support guidelines. These can generally be found on-line or in your public library. While a guideline is not the same as a law, it is generally the Court’s default position, from which deviation may be granted if circumstances warrant. Support schedules are based on total income of both parents, parenting schedules (number of nights the child/ren spend at each parent’s house), child care and medical expenses.
  6. Pro Se (Do it Yourself). Especially in California, this option is gaining popularity. In cases with few complications (no children, short marriage, few assets), do-it-yourself can save time and money. Talk to your county Bar Association as to whether there is a pro se division to help with the legal paperwork. Divorce is a legal matter, and you want to be sure that the court will accept your filing.
  7. Talk to your lawyer’s secretary. Staff bills at a different rate than attorneys, when they bill at all. For simple questions (Has something happened yet? Did the attorney get my Fax?) it is often quicker – and cheaper – to ask the secretary. Also, often your attorney will have to ask her to get the answers on paperwork issues!)
  8. Talk to your Therapist. Many people make the mistake of confusing the expertise of the experts they work with. Your lawyer is the best resource for legal issues. Your Financial Planner can help with economic issues. But for the emotional challenges presented by this life change, your therapist is the one with the tools to assist you. Divorce is very emotional, and we all come to it ill prepared. The rash decisions that come from the parties being so emotionally raw are the greatest undoing of a successful negotiated settlement. Getting some help in taming your emotional demons – and dealing with those of your spouse— will greatly enhance the likelihood of a successful settlement. Make sure that whoever’s clock is ticking is the person whose skills can be most advantageous to you at that point. Your result will likely be both better and more cost effective.
  9. Talk to a Financial Planner. If you were selling a business, would you come to the table without a financial professional to assist you in making the deal? For many people, divorce is the single biggest economic decision they will make, and yet they expect their lawyer to simply switch hats and become a financial expert, as needed. What’s the pension worth? How much income can I get from a lump sum deal? How much alimony will I need to stay afloat economically? What if he dies or is disabled during the support period? A planner will not only help you to understand the most advantageous means of dividing assets and creating cash flow, but will help you to empower yourself as you move into your new life. Many women have not handled the bill paying function in their households, and are not clear on their costs of living. Assets need to be invested post-divorce in order to create a financially secure financial future. How many women have an “inner bag lady,” and regardless of income or net worth, live in fear of poverty? Taking control of your financial well-being will help control this fear.
  10. Do your own copying. Disclosure of financial information is very paper-intensive, and everyone needs copies of everything. Your attorney must bill you for the time staff spends making copies of your paperwork. Set aside a couple of hours to spend at a copy center (these vary widely in price and hours), and make three copies of everything: one for your attorney, one for planner, and one for yourself (which you may eventually provide to your spouse or their counsel).
  11. Use alternative dispute resolution. Mediation is a means of taking control of your own divorce. If you and your spouse are able to work together, even indirectly, mediation can be a non-adversarial means of deciding the outcome of your divorce. Who knows your needs better than you do? Who is better able to determine a parenting schedule? Often the future is smoother (especially when kids are involved) if the divorce does not become a pitched battle. If working with your spouse through a facilitator is uncomfortable for you, another potential method is Collaborative Divorce, in which both parties and their specially trained attorneys work together (often with Financial Planners, parent coordinators and other experts) to create a settlement in which each party is represented, but the object of everyone at the table is to create a settlement in a non-adversarial climate.
  12. Educate Yourself. Initial Consultation. In your first meeting with your attorney or financial planner, you will learn a great deal about two important things: What you face as you move ahead in the divorce process, and who is this individual with whom you will be intimately involved over the course of the next several months to several years. Initial consultations should be very informative and worthwhile. To maximize the benefit of time spent with your professionals, it is also important to bring yourself up to speed on the process, and on finances. The court financial forms help you to better understand what it really costs you to live, month by month. Take a class. The newspaper has mortgage rate information. There are some very good books on the subject of divorce which will help you to become familiar with your lawyer’s vocabulary and with the process, so you feel like the important member of your team which, of course, you are.
  13. Understand the billable hour. The tendency to contact your attorney with every question as it arises is great, and easy to understand. The more organized you are when you speak or meet with your attorney, the less of his or her expensive time you will take in conversation and paper shuffling Also, being in touch by e-mail or Fax allows your attorney to efficiently work with you, addressing your question at a time when he can focus on your case, rather than shifting gears by spontaneously taking your call when he is focused on another project.
  14. Let your spouse pay the filing fee. As a matter of ego, there is a tendency to want to be the one who files for divorce. As a practical matter, there are costs involved in filing (lawyer’s time, court costs), which might be borne by your spouse more easily.
  15. Sell the house. This is a hard one. Often the house is one of a couple’s greatest assets, and greatest expenses. If, in the property split, you get the house, you have to keep up not only the mortgage, but also all the ancillary maintenance expenses. Likely you will have to refinance to get your spouse’s name off the mortgage, which involves fees. If you find a year later that the house is more than you can handle and decide to sell then, the cost of selling the house will likely approach 8%, between commissions and selling concessions. That 8% comes out of your pocket, as do any taxes on appreciation beyond $250,000. Also, you will not have amortized your refinancing, and it will set you back a couple thousand dollars. If you sell the house pre-divorce, you share the selling expenses, generate cash for a down payment on a new home, and can absorb up to $500,000 in gain tax free.
  16. Appraise the pension plans. Some retirement plans, like an IRA or 401-k, are a lump of money, easily valued and easily distributed. Your interest in your spouse’s pension may or may not be 50%. Some retirement plans have vesting schedules, or defined benefits (at age 65 you will receive $5000 per month for life). The value of the pension, and of your interest in the pension, need to be determined so you can understand how much money you have going forward. The values are often surprising.
  17. Get a good lawyer. Often, clients who are confused about how to choose a lawyer will make a decision based on hourly rate. An expensive lawyer may end up as a more cost effective choice if he helps you get a better settlement or uses fewer hours. The inexpensive attorney’s rates may just be reflective of her costs (suburban vs. downtown?). Your friend’s “killer” lawyer may not be a comfortable fit for you and your situation. Be certain that your attorney works in Family Law. If you have special issues (foreign spouse, disability), see that he or she has some expertise in this area, as well. Friends, your local Bar Association, other professionals (your accountant, attorney, therapist or Financial Planner) may be able to provide you with some names.

If the grounds for your divorce includes infidelity, you may be able to get your terms met if you have verifiable proof of the affair. Visit Are You Cheating to learn more about how you can get proof of a cheating spouse.

  1. Check your bills. Has there been some aggressive spending post-separation? Is your spouse generating expenses, which should not be your responsibility? Does Fifi really need a grooming every month? Your bills are very telling about your – and your spouse’s – expenses and lifestyle. They will help you understand what you might need to cut back on if separation and divorce do not leave you with enough income to cover every expense. They will also show you your spouse’s expenditures, some of which might be difficult to justify as reasonable expenses going forward. Bills are a good reality check.
  2. Try to work it out with your spouse. The more you can settle between yourselves without third parties, the easier, cheaper and more amicable it will be. If you have kids, your spouse is likely going to be in your life for the long haul. Your children’s special occasions and milestones will be times to encounter each other, or possibly even work together (who’s paying for the wedding?). Making your own choices about your future, using your professionals for guidance as to how best to execute your decisions, will allow you peace of mind as well as peace in the family, that your interests are being served.
  3. Do not fight over the children. Children are often hardest hit by divorce. They need to know that even if Mom and Dad no longer love each other, they both love the kids. Likely you and your spouse can find creative, realistic parenting schedules that will allow you to co-parent to the children’s best advantage. Parenting coordinators can help you come up with schedules if you cannot, with the help of your mediator or attorneys, determine a workable schedule.
  4. Do not fight over personal property. Do you really need the lawyers discussing sofas and spatulas? It is much more cost effective to make a list, determine what each of you really wants, and negotiate the items of common interest. If the division seems disproportionate, either shrug it off or find a means of equalizing through cash or other assets. Photos? Copy them. Often people find that it’s not the items, but the letting go that poses the greatest challenges.

Remember that divorce is the beginning of a new life. Legally it is an event, but in actuality it is a process. Becoming knowledgeable and staying strong will enable you to play a key role in shaping your future.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic method that is being applied to a client under hypnosis. The hypnosis is induced by putting the nervous system in a sleeping state. The key condition for a person to be able to undergo hypnosis is for him/her to exhibit a kind of hyper-suggestibility.

History

Hypnosis has a long-standing history, its roots stemming from the tradition of mesmerism. Mesmerism represents a healing technique initiated and developed by Franz Mesmer. who believed that all living organisms possess an “animal magnetism” which can be stimulated through verbal suggestion for the purpose of healing the body. However, James Braid proposed in the middle of the 19th century a differentiation between hypnosis and mesmerism, considering mesmerism to be a simple illusion that tricks only the most suggestible of people.

Hypnosis has been practiced ever since Victorian times for pain relief and the curing of alcoholism and hysteria, the method used in these early hypnotherapy sessions being the inducing of a state of complete relaxation followed by the active transmitting of suggestions.

A powerful movement for the school of hypnotherapy happened in the 20th century when Milton Erickson developed a new method of therapy. Using therapeutic metaphors and narration during hypnosis sessions, he demonstrated that significant results can be obtained even with very few sessions. He used for his hypnosis some popular, tried and tested therapeutic methods, implementing techniques such as those from a family therapy, as well as techniques for exploring the unconscious, specific to psycho-dynamic orientations. (Haley, 1993).

The Ericksonian psychotherapy school has grown to adopt a wide array of techniques in the present day, but it still has not discarded the validity of hypnosis as a gateway to the unconscious.

The key principles of hypnotherapy are:

  • The patient has a wish to be hypnotized
  • The hypnotherapist brings the patient to a trance state by using his/her voice and making appropriate suggestions for the given situation and patient
  • The messages are accompanied by pleasant sounds or smells with the purpose of relaxing the patient
  • The therapist proposes ideas of improvement and helps the patient with integrating them due to the highly suggestible state that the patient is under.

Is it for me?

Hypnotherapy has nowadays found a broader spectrum of uses than ever. It is associated with positive effects in quitting smoking (Abbot, Stead, White & Barnes, 1998), post-traumatic and dissociative conditions (Phillips & Frederick, 1995), stress anxiety and panic attacks, as well in pain relief (Hilgardm, 1984), weight loss, migraines (Andersona, Baskerb & Daltonba, 1975), severe refractory irritable bowel syndrome (Whorwell, Prior & Faragher, 1984), depression and insomnia (Barrett, 1999).

There are, of course, other methods of therapy available to you. To learn more about your options, visit Estadt Psychological Services.

If you want to try hypnotherapy, it is necessary to actually have an active desire of making real progress and to completely trust your therapist for the suggestion process to give real results. However, before actually putting your issue in his/her hands and letting yourself fall under a hypnotic trance on his/her couch, it’s important to make sure that he/she has a good preparation in the field of hypnosis, as well as being acknowledged by the psychotherapy associations in your country.

Home Equity – Loans

Home equity loans are loans that are issued out to people in need of finance, against the security of their residential houses. In this kind of loan, the houses of the borrowers are kept as collateral against the sum borrowed by them. Usually, equity home loans are borrowed by individuals who are in desperate need of money, but have no means to repay them. Individuals in need of money have to keep their home as security against the sum that is lent by them.

Home equity loans, in recent times, have emerged out as the main source of finance to people who are in desperate need of cash. More and more individuals are increasingly resorting to home equity loans for their financial needs, the main reason being the collateral and security factor. Usually, to take up a loan of such a huge amount, people have to sell off their assets and dispose of their belongings to raise the finance, for their needs. But, the one standing character of home equity loans is the fact that the borrower needs not to submit extra collateral except the house against which he is getting the loan, like he needs to do for getting any other loan credited in his account. Also equity home loans are really beneficial and affordable since the interest that accrues, actually accrues on the amount that the borrower has drawn till that time, or while repayment of the loan, the borrower needs to pay the interest only on the amount that is yet to be repaid. All these enticing factors are drawing more and more number of individuals, looking for a loan that involves easy repayment terms.

The best part of home equity loans is that of revolving credit, once the amount of loan that the lender will lend to the borrower has been fixed by the lender, calculating on the value of the home against which loan is sanctioned, the borrower needs not to borrow the entire amount at the same time but can actually draw according to his needs, and pay the interest only on the amount that he has drawn till that time and not the entire amount of loan that has been sanctioned. The lenders to attract more and more borrowers also give the borrowers many schemes, which make the repayment of the loan all the more easy. The fact that the borrower needs not give any other collateral, or pay any extra interest makes the entire thing even more easy for the borrower.

Interested in a different kind of loan? Riegelwood Credit Union offers a variety of loans and banking services to fit your unique needs.

 

Applying For Bank Credit Cards

Some of the best credit cards in the world are those you can get from your local bank. Of course, “local” banks are often simply branches of worldwide organizations that offer the buying power and efficiency we want. Getting your credit card from your local bank offers some unique advantages, especially if you’ve been a long-time customer.

For example, it’s easier to offer low interest credit cards to those who have money in savings and checking accounts and whose faces are familiar than it is to take a chance solely on the basis of a credit report. Banking and credit cards are all about relationships. You want the best interest rate, fee schedule, and options you can get, and the bank wants reassurance that they will be able to collect what you owe them. Consider what they already know about you.

They know your average balance in your savings account. They also know how much you regularly deposit into your checking account and where it comes from. They may even know whether you pay your mortgage on time every month. They will still run a credit report on you when you ask for a credit card, but they may be more likely to give you the card even if your credit is not perfect because they know you.

On the other hand, they may know you so well that they offer you credit cards every time you walk in the lobby door. If you’re looking for a credit card, it’s probably a good idea to hear what they have to say. You may get better rates and more options locally, but, as always, you should compare rates and fees before you select any credit card.

Major Bank Credit Cards

You will probably recognize the names of some of the major bank credit cards you can get. Names like Chase, Citi, and Wachovia Bank are familiar to millions who carry their cards. Most of them carry a wide variety of cards and include cards designed for everyone from those who have no credit or bad credit to those whose credit histories are impeccable. Conveniently, all of these bank credit cards are available on the Internet.

If you’re looking for a credit card that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the Internet is one of the best places to look. Card applications are sorted by type, such as MasterCard and Visa. Cards are also sorted by credit score with most banks clearly defining those cards that are designed for persons with bad credit or no credit and those for persons with excellent credit.

Why Major Banks Offer Cards to Credit Risks

There are millions of people whose credit has been ruined by events beyond their control. For example, a medical crisis can take a family from sound credit to very bad credit. The loss of a job can mean the loss of credit stability. Even natural disasters can have an impact on a person’s credit, and it can take years to rebuild credit once it is lost.

Banks offer credit to these people because they have analyzed the risks and have determined that the level of risk is acceptable. The credit cards they offer come with higher interest rates and a long list of fees including monthly fees, annual fees, origination fees, and late fees. While the cost of the credit may be high, it may also be the only way some people who have suffered financial loss may be able to reestablish good credit. The higher fees are often required up front or on a monthly basis that helps the banks recoup their losses should the customer not repay what they he or she has charged.

Bank Credit Cards–the Choice

There are a lot of reasons to get a credit card from your local bank, especially if you have excellent or good credit. On the other hand, getting a bank credit card from a major bank, even if it costs you more money, can also be a good move, especially if you are in a situation where you need to repair your credit. In the long run, if you fall into the category of poor or no credit, an online bank credit card may be your best option.

There’s more than one way to secure your finances. If you want to know how a credit protects you and your money, check out Riegelwood Credit Union.

Building And Construction Loans

Building or construction loans provide funding for fulfilling dreams. In America ownership of a personal home is the first priority, as everyone wants to have their own piece of land. Having a piece of paper in hand; with the design of a dream home; thinking of interior decorators; standing on land free from any living creature ever what can be comparable to this feeling?

Construction Loan Financing:

After locating the site and finalizing design the next task is to locate a loan lending organization. Mostly land buyers look for a loan that not only includes lot price but also construction expenditures. As far as development in residential areas is concerned, a number of banks are easily financing loans as there is grantee of water, sewerage system, utility system and also fulfilling local government ordinance.

Customers usually look for a salesperson known as real estate agents for buying a construction lot or a new home therefore they don’t need to worry about buying a lot and constructing homes separately as this is the task of real estate agents. Qualifying for a loan is the foremost task of a homebuyer to fulfill his dream.

Loans can help you build yourself a better future today. A great credit union can help you with that. Click here to get started.

Homebuyer: As A Self Constructor

Those who qualified for loan are financed by loan lending companies for buying a lot at a rate of ninety five percent of respective lot. Beside paying for purchased lot loan lending companies also offer loans for permits, construction material and labor salaries. Instead of hiring a constructor, usually the homebuyer itself becomes project manager and looks after for his home’s construction.

The savings thus made helps in keeping cost at a moderate rate; moreover it provides satisfaction to the homeowner who is building his dream home. However those who can’t look after their home construction can hire a professional constructor for this task keeping his budget in mind.

Formulating Mortgage Value:

Lowest interest rate is offered by companies who are financing building loans providing the customer with a comfortable repayment plan. After the completion of the project the exact market value of the home is calculated, however, cost of lot plus construction expenditures including laborers wages are not included. Figure thus provides real equity, which is to be used by loan lending companies for figuring out mortgagee value.

Let a customer buy a property for fifty thousand dollars of twenty thousand five hundred square ft, and plan to construct 3 bedrooms; the estimated cost would be one hundred thousand dollars.

But the customer decided to do a large amount of work himself  for the sake of saving money thus loan lender companies agreed to give loan for ninety five percent of total cost estimated to be one hundred, forty two thousand and five hundred dollars  plus owners seventy thousand five hundred dollars.

What If the Project Goes Over Budget?

There are some possibilities that project might go beyond decided budget and total cost came out to be one hundred and sixty five thousand dollars, thus  current value of market regarding home comes out to be three hundred and fifty thousand dollars  and equity comes out to be one hundred and eighty five thousand dollars  by subtracting construction expenditures.

Now customers can contact a bank owning a property worth three hundred and fifty thousand dollars with one hundred and eighty five thousand equity, and under these circumstances he can make a contract of paying lesser monthly payments within thirty to forty years. The best thing about this loan is that one can fulfill his dream of having home while investing very little from his pocket, and as soon as the construction is over interest rate is decided instead of waiting for years for having equity.

Forethoughts before Buying Property:

Interest rates planned by loan lenders are usually according to the customer’s qualifications and location of plan. Best conditions are offered by the loan lenders to the customer regarding financing projects.  Before buying a property; self home constructor should visit different sites all over the country, should inspect services provided by respective residential developers; and last but not the least should try to meet with professionals to inspect facilities and local government ordinance.

Before buying a lot; soil tests have to be done to know whether a lot is suitable for building or not. Before buying a lot a customer should satisfy himself about the sewerage system and network of road. Real estate agents can give estimation about the rate of nearby property and future developmental plans. All this work meant to be done before lending a loan for accomplishing a dream of personal home.

 

Went a bit over budget with your wedding? You can try short term loans

Taking out short term loans would be a great idea when you need some extra money to pay for a gift for a friend. Many times, you will have to find a method of paying for something special on a limited budget without the benefit of time. When you are faced with this situation, you may want to avoid simply buying an inexpensive item. The gifts that you give for weddings or birthdays are often ones that reflect your ideas of the person that has invited you to the gathering. If you select a cheap gift, you will leave a bad impression for some time to come.

 

Do not make this mistake simply because you do not have a lot of extra spending money in your pocket at the moment. Instead, you may want to use a short term loan as a method of getting the money you want as quickly as possible. What you want to do is apply for the loan before heading out to purchase any gift. Once you are approved, you can get the cash and start shopping as soon as possible.

 

These loans are the ideal solution for such a problem because they provide you with money during the very same day. As a result, you can begin the application today and purchase the gift for an event you may be attending tonight. When you do not have to plan very far in advance, you will face less need to worry about what you will do to make sure their gift is special.

 

Very Easy To Apply!

The short term loans uk services that are available to you today would offer you once of the easiest solutions that you could find. Financial matters are always worth considering before you need to put a plan in place. However, many people make the mistake of not planning until it is already too late to avoid taking on a financial burden that they cannot afford. You do not have to do this, what you can do is see what these loans have to offer you today. Since they come with very reasonable rates, you may be able to purchase a better gift than you thought possible previously.

 

However, you should understand that these loans are the perfect solution for any financial problems you may be going through. Not only are these great for gifting, they are an ideal solution to a need for a vacation. When you are planning on going somewhere on a very limited budget, you may find yourself waiting for months in the hopes that you will be able to put enough money away. However, you do not have to wait till long in order to get the vacation that you deserve.

 

When you have the benefit of being able to come to these lenders, you can rely on them to pay for your next vacation. Once you have the money in your hands, you would be able to determine where you would like to go on vacation. The most difficult aspect of planning any vacation would be the lack of financial resources that can help you to make sure you have the best experience possible. These loans are a simple way to give yourself some freedom during the planning. Feel free to apply when you need some additional money for any purpose.

 

If you want to know how a Credit Union Protects You and Your Money, check out Riegelwood Credit Union.

Awesome drinks for your wedding celebration

Cider Mimosa

A brunch time favorite!
Ingredients
Sparkling Wine, Cava, Prosecco or Champagne
Carolina Cider‘s  Cider

Preparation
Fill half of a champagne flute with chilled sparkling wine or Champagne (about an ounce) and top off with chilled cider (again about 2 ounces), gently stir. Garnish with fresh fruit: strawberry, raspberry, or orange slice.

If you want more recipes with cider, check out the Carolina Cider company.

Butter Me Up

4 oz (112 ml) Carolina Cider’s Cider
4 oz (112 ml) Apple juice
1 teaspoon (15ml) Peanut butter
A pinch of Cinnamon
A pinch of Nutmeg
A drizzle of maple syrup
Crushed peanuts

Pour all the ingredients in a blender and mix. Top with crushed peanuts and serve. Enjoy!

Valentine’s Day Ideas for a Girlfriend

Valentine Gifts for Her on a Tight Budget

Learn some ideas to make this Valentine’s Day memorable and romantic for a woman. Even when adhering to a budget, the day can still be special!

Men are in need of some sympathy. Every year, they must raise the bar higher and make Valentine’s Day bigger and better than the previous year. How is this possible for a man who does not have a lot of money to spend?

Simple Present Ideas for Women, Sweet Cheap Gifts for Girlfriend

Sometimes the simplest present is the best way to say, “I love you.” The extravagant is great too, but often the little things are what count in a woman’s eyes. For example, just acknowledging the day itself and making it her day all day is a start. Men should remember Valentine’s Day is mostly for women.

Here are some romantic and cheap ways to celebrate and spoil a sweetheart all day long:

  • Buy or make pancake batter. It should not cost over $5 for a whole box of pre-made batter. Then buy heart-shaped cookie cutters. From Chef Central, one cutter costs a mere 69 cents. On Valentine’s Day morning, make a breakfast complete with heart-shaped pancakes. She’ll love the thoughtful touch!
  • Also for breakfast, buy a carton of orange juice (no pulp) and a bottle of affordable champagne. Mix both together and voila! A mimosa for a sweetheart.
  • Buy flowers. Yes, boys, flowers are the way to a woman’s heart. However, a man doesn’t have to spend a fortune on long-stemmed roses. Instead, opt for a single long-stemmed rose and put it across her empty breakfast plate or in a small vase next to the place setting.
  • Buying chocolate can be difficult. Some women are on a diet, others will eat to nauseum and then blame the man for bringing it in the house in the first place. The safest bet is to buy a sampler box of four chocolates that she can enjoy throughout the day and return to normal eating habits the next.

What Are the Best Gifts for Valentines? Unique Gifts for Girlfriends Wives

So the breakfast was perfection and she’s now basking in the afterglow. But what does a man do for the rest of the day and how does he incorporate the big, grand finale present?

Plan a simple, fun and cheap activity. This activity is the big present, so put thought into it. Since in most places in February it’s cold, an indoor activity may be the best choice. For example, take the woman to a special showing of a romantic movie. Often times at independent movie houses, they show romantic classics on Valentine’s Day. Buy tickets in advance though because many other men may have this idea too! Two tickets, plus popcorn and drinks will cost around $30. For a sportier girlfriend, take her ice skating or find an indoor rock climbing wall.

For those in warmer climates, pack a picnic lunch and take a special hike – maybe one the couple has been wanting to do all year long. If the man executes the hike, he looks like he’s thoughtful and a great listener.

When a man chooses to spoil his Valentine, he doesn’t have to be a millionaire to make the day special. Plan ahead and keep with simple and budget-conscious ideas. An easy way to plan ahead your valentine’s gift is by checking Always On My Hear and their romantic presents.  As long as the woman feels spoiled and special then the day will be a success!

Vintage Wedding Accessories for Women

Bride and Bridesmaid Accessories with Vintage Flair

Even if a wedding doesn’t have a full-blown vintage theme, classic elements will never go out of style. Here’s how to use vintage pieces when outfitting a wedding party.

Vintage is “in” everywhere: fashion, interior design, even cutlery–so why not incorporate a little into a wedding? Even couples who may be nervous about having a theme wedding can use vintage pieces as accessories without going over the top.

Vintage Jewelry
Jewelry is an easy way to allow gorgeous vintage pieces to mingle without making a huge statement. Vintage jewelry can be found everywhere, so it’s handy to have a good idea of what style or era of jewelry to shop for. Here’s a rundown of some classic styles that could easily make the cut as wedding accessories:

  • 1900’s. The Victorian era revealed in colors like ruby, sapphire, opal, and ebony jet. Coordinating necklace, earring, and bracelet sets were popular, although one of these pieces is enough to make a substantial statement. Shop for cameos, pendant necklaces, and intricate metal cuff bracelets.
  • 1920’s. Vibrant colors like peacock blue, deep dark red, and emerald green celebrate the Roaring Twenties’ adventurous, glamorous side. The Art Deco movement meant that geometric floral shapes and angular graphic designs were all the rage. Look for chandelier earrings, cocktail rings, and long strands of pearls.
  • 1950’s. In colors like turquoise, coral, and purple, vintage mid-century jewelry suits a lively summer wedding. Look for unique items such as pearl chokers, delicate brooches, and gilded cuff bracelets.

Vintage Headpieces

  • Headpieces are a way to make a dramatic vintage statement. These veils, hats, and other pieces are not for the faint of heart, but when used tastefully can add an air of sophisticated style to any wedding party.
  • Birdcage veils. Reminiscent of film noir, the birdcage veil is a very short veil that lies either just under the cheekbone or the chin. Paired with a delicate headpiece, pillbox hat, or a comb, the birdcage veil is an elegant way to blend a vintage look with contemporary style.
  • Feathered headpieces. Feathers work in weddings from formal to funky and hearken back to the high-rollers of the 1920s, or the romance of the Victorian era. Check out etsy.com for handcrafted headbands trimmed with feathers.
  • Hats. This often-forgotten accessory has had a rich history. Consider outfitting bridesmaids with a close-fitting 1920’s cloche or a dramatic wide-brimmed hat.

Vintage Gloves
Once an essential part of an outfit, gloves are a great way to add some refined elegance to a wedding party wardrobe. Antique gloves can be found online in the wrist- to bicep-length. For strapless gowns, go with a longer glove; for a cap or short-sleeve gowns, stick with shorter gloves that end before the elbow.

Where to Find Vintage Wedding Accessories
It’s best to start looking for vintage pieces to use for accessories well ahead of the big day. This ensures that there is time to return the piece if it is in poor condition or won’t work with the outfits, and to spruce up any jewelry that could use a little polishing.

Search for vintage accessories online, at antique malls and shops, at estate sales, and at thrift stores. Etsy.com, vintagejewelryonline.com, and absolutelyvintage.net are some places to start looking online.

Vintage elements in a wedding don’t have to end with fashion accessories: they can be used as wedding centerpieces, invitations, reception decor and more.