Safeway To End Hunger

Did you know that about about 795 million people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life? That's about one in nine people on earth! This information and much more can be found on World Food Programme. After learning this, I new I wanted to find a way to help feed those who are less fortunate then I am as well as share the information with others. This is when The Albertsons Safeway campaign comes in.

In an effort to help aid in the relief of childhood hunger in America, Albertsons Safeway stores have launched a national Hunger Is campaign that is running through September 30th. It is a scary fact that one in five children in America lives in a home without consistent access to adequate food. With your help we can help give these children the nutrition that they need on a daily basis.

There are a couple of ways we can help:

Purchase items from participating brands – The brands include

Con Agra - Marie Calender's, Healthy Choice, Bertolli's and PF Changs brands

Coke

Unilever

Kellogg's

Campbell's

Just by purchasing an item from one of these participating brands you can help generate donations to Hunger in your neighborhood. I found some items that are sure to be in your grocery list.

You can also find even more variety from the O Organics Line.

Donate at the register – Select Albertsons and Safeway stores have donation tabs on the key pin pad at the register where you can make a donation.

The participating stores include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons Pavilions, Jewel-Osco, Randalls, United Supermakets, Tom Thumb, Acme, Star Market, Shaws, Carrs, Market Stee, and Amigos. To find your nearest store to participate click here.

Lets work together to help stop hunger!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Safeway . The opinions and text are all mine.

How We Planned A Debt Free Wedding In 6 Months

With our one year wedding anniversary around the corner, I catch myself reminiscing on the amount of time it took to plan a wedding in 6 months. Luckily for us, it was a debt free wedding! I knew from the moment I said yes to my husband's proposal in March 2014, that wedding planning would be fun, yet challenging. We are located in Virginia, but the mass majority our relatives are in New York and the D.C. area, so we had to make a decision on the location quickly to accommodate their traveling arrangements. One thing we both knew was that we were not going to go into debt because of the wedding and thus we came up with some pretty creative ideas to save money. Want an instant way to know how much to save? Click here for a wedding calculator from SunTrust.

Venue

It was always a dream for me to get married outside on a nice warm sunny day surrounded by flowers and family. Unfortunately, all of the botanical gardens near our area were either booked or super pricey. Luckily, my husband found this beautiful state park that rented out specific locations just for weddings! Douthat State Park was perfect for us once we found out that we could rent cabins and lodges for our bridal party to stay in for the wedding rehearsal and day of the wedding. My photographer had so much fun taking pictures of moments inside the inside of the cabin.

We were also very blessed to be able to take pictures in both a grassy area and a beachy area. This was all included in our price for the venue.

DIY Decorations

Finding a florist with amazing prices can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to having multiple types of flowers. Luckily for me, my favorite flowers are carnations, which also happen to be some of the cheapest in comparison to other types of flowers. Instead of paying the florist to supply the flowers and to decorate, you can do the decorating yourself. Pink had to be included in the decorative color scheme for the wedding, so my husband and I went to our local Michael's store about bought pink water jewels that grew to the size of a marble once mixed with water. The jewels were $3 a pack and we used three packs to fill the about two dozen mason jars. Also, the jewels lasted a little over two weeks, as long as I kept them wet. Everyone said they were pretty and we agree!

Another ‘DIY-thing' we included was a chalk board with a quote from one of my favorite movies. Chalk boards are a cost effective way to add an amazing touch of personality to the wedding or for a way to give directions to the guest.

Invitations

My husband and I knew that we did not want a large wedding and therefore did not have to order that many wedding invitations. We did find some that were very reasonably priced at invitationsbydawn.com. Fancier invitations that charge an arm and a leg are so tempting, but don't do it! I recommend signing up to receive emails for special deals as a way to avoid the regret of making a quick purchase when you could have doubled your amount just by waiting to use a discount.

Reception

The catering for the reception is usually the most expensive thing you are going to pay for at a wedding. But trust me, less is more. If you are going to have your wedding in the afternoon like we did, it is much more cost efficient to have a bunch of finger food then a 3 course meal. Before planning a wedding I had no idea that wedding caterers charge by the plate! If you are thinking about having your wedding in the early morning, I did find out that breakfast food is not so expensive. Either way make sure that you shop around before settling on a caterer. Need some extra help with saving specifically for the reception? Try SunTrust's Personal Banking. You can set up a budget plan for yourself and even check out how to have better spending and saving habits by signing up for the twice a month Shine Newsletter.

DIY Tip: Have someone bake you cupcakes instead of a cake. A member of our local church made amazing cupcakes, some were even gluten free. Also, if catering is not an option, then try a potluck style reception. Click here for tips on how to master a potluck style reception.

Dress

Even before being proposed to I had my wedding dress picked out. Unfortunately by the time I was engaged, that dress was no longer being manufactured in stores that were in my area (or state for that matter) and I was left to search for the perfect dress. One day I received an email about a company called "Brides Against Breast Cancer". This company goes on tours allowing brides to donate their used dresses and accessories for future brides to pick out at a largely discounted rate. The proceeds from the purchases all go to cancer patients and their families. I was able to get a dress and a crown for under $850 including my alterations. On top of that, Brides against Breast Cancer offering free titanium wedding bands at the event for brides to be that find a dress. For more information about how you can help and shop click here.

Photography

Who doesn't want to have tons of pictures taken at their wedding? In order to cut down on costs, try asking a close friend if they would like to be the photographer at the wedding. I had two photographers, both who are a part of my local church. In exchange for their talents, they were able to stay in one of the bridesmaids cabins for free. It was totally worth it.

Honeymoon

My husband and I had an awesome time on our stay-cation honeymoon. Something that we are for sure going to do is save up some money for a nice vacation by using SunTrust's vacation calculator. Also, if you are planning on going someplace out of the country, try having a honeymoon fundraiser. Use Honeyfund to help raise money for your honeymoon. Who knows, you just might get a free honeymoon.

DIY Tip: For a honeymoon that doesn't require too much traveling try going to new restaurants in town, have a themed movie night where you watch a movie and cook food that is the same theme, and relive your first date.

Lastly, remember that your guests are going to your wedding to support you and share in this beautiful time in your life. Yes there may be some items in your wedding that you were not able to include, but as long as you are married to your spouse and are smiling, everything else will not matter. This is your wedding and it will go by so fast. Cherish every moment of it.

Sunny Days start here. At SunTrust, we have the tools and resources to help you achieve your sunny day. Start here to find out how we can help you enjoy the things that matter most to you.

At SunTrust Bank their purpose is lighting the way to financial well-being. When you feel confident about your money, you can save for your goals and spend knowingly on what matters most to you. 

They know we all live for the sunny days and want to you help you live yours.

yoursunnyday.com
 Subscribe to the Shine newsletter and receive inspiration and advice twice a month to help you live for a sunny day. 

 Visit the SunTrust resource center anytime for help achieving your financial goals.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SunTrust Bank. The opinions and text are all mine.

Wednesday Wisdom: A Rich Wife

Being a "rich" wife doesn't necessarily mean having a lot of money.

I want to be rich in love, kindness, godliness, gentleness and much more. Be the "rich" godly woman for yourself and if it's in God's will, he will provide a "rich" husband for you.

"A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value."-Proverbs 31:1-2

I would also like to point out that a wife of noble character is also a hustler yall! 

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."-Proverbs 31:16-18

What kind of wife have you been lately? 

Liebster Award Nomination!

I can't believe it! I have been nominated for an award that has to do with my blog! The origin of the word Liebster is German meaning "dearest or kindest". This award is essentially like a letter to other bloggers about yourself. It is a way for bloggers who have less than 200 followers to get to know each other and find other awesome bloggers to follow. I started my blog back in 2013, but recently I have started taking my blog seriously. I have even joined a few blogging communities. 

So who nominated me for this award? Only the awesome Rachel, author of the blog Rachel Lynn. In her blog, Rachel talks about fashion, her weekly Friday favorites, and her love for travel. I also love her bright IG pictures which you can see here. 

On to the questions..

1. If you could teleport to one place, where would it be? Oh gosh let me think..I would have to say Hawaii. I have always wanted to go to Hawaii and plus there is now a Disney Resort ( I have never been to Disney) in Hawaii called Aulani. Kill two birds with one stone ;)

2. What is the most important thing you want your readers to get out of your blog? I believe that my blog is a space where readers can come and find out the latest fashion trends, giveaways, fitness advice and everything in between. I want my readers to know that there is someone else out there that they can relate to. If I make someone else's day a little brighter then I'm content.

3. Who is your biggest supporter when it comes to your blog? Even though my mom is the reason why I love to read and write, I would have to say my biggest supporter is my husband. He not only takes the time to edit my blog posts when he has the chance, but he also brainstorms ideas with me and cheers for me whenever I get a new follower on any of my social medias.

4. What is your most embarrassing moment? My husband likes to tell me that things that happen to me only happen in sitcoms so I think my most embarrassing moment happened to me twice. First was when I was a pre-teen at an after school program. I walked out the bathroom to find a trail of tissue stuck to my sneaker. Only a few kids saw before I quickly removed the evidence. This happened to me again years later when my husband and I went on a quadruple date to see the love movie "The Vow". I was the last woman to come out the bathroom while all the other couples were outside waiting for me. I of course came out with tissue stuck to my shoes. I laughed it off this time.

5. What is one thing you would like to accomplish by the fall? I would really like to be a healthier person with a six pack. Or at least the outline of a six pack. I have had my ups and downs with my Hip Hop Abs journey which you can see here, so I would really like to stay consistent and be healthier. 

6. Whats your guilty pleasure snack? Cheesecake. 

7. What is your spirit animal? I would have to say a lioness. My husband calls me Nala sometimes.

8. If you could recommend one book, what would it be? Hands down the book I would recommend is the Bible. I'm a disciple of Christ and I have no shame in sharing my faith with others.

9. Your ideal way to spend the night in. I would be eating some sort of Chinese food with my husband, drinking a pina colada and watching Vampire Diaries. You can check out an IG picture I took here,

10. Why did you start blogging? I remember always reading Fashion magazines or going online to fashion websites and I knew I wanted to be the girl in the pictures posing with some gorgeous outfit on. So I thought, why not make my own platform to do so? I also discovered that even though I love to write, I hate (with a passion) writing essays on a topic that doesn't interest me. If I were to blog, I would be writing about things I love, and connecting with others who feel the same.

11. Favorite flavor ice cream. Butter pecan. Well, actually anything with nuts in it. I'm allergic to chocolate so I can't eat delicious fudge. However, cheesecake ice cream is the bomb. Ahh so many options! 

Whew, you made it through the questions. Now, lets take a look at the lucky bloggers who have been nominated for the Liebster Award:

1. Our Happy Houses

2. Chelsea Shoots

3. Canyon Howls

4.The Paper Heart

5.Chicken Nugget Diaries 

6. Living A Romans Fourteen Life

Nomination Rules:

Questions for my nominees:

1. What is your #1 vacation spot?

2. Why did you start a blog?

3. Who is your favorite author?

4. What are your top 10 movies?

5. What is your favorite summer song?

6. What are your hobbies?

7. What is your favorite adult beverage?

8. Walk at the beach or walk in the park?

9. Tell me a fun fact about yourself.

10. If you went to college, what was your major? What would it be if you plan on going back?

11. Favorite restaurant. 

Don't be afraid to be creative with your answers! Thank you again Rachel for the nomination!

Buy The Change: Shopping To Make A Difference

Do you love shopping? Have you ever shopped at a store that donates a portion of their sales to those in need? If not, do you want to shop at such a store? I have recently discovered a socially conscience brand named Buy The Change. Their products include bags, jewelry, soaps, home decor, and throws which are handmade by various female artisans around the world.

These organic cotton envelope style iPad cases make the perfect summer clutch! They are hand crafted by women refugees in Thailand.

The "Lily" necklace is handcrafted by women in Asia who are working to create new lives outside of the sex trade industry.

Necklace created from recycled material. Both jewelry will help provide funds for Haiti. 

As a registered Benefit Corporation, Buy The Change is changing lives with with every online purchase by donating money to their very own Buy The Change Foundation. Click here to learn more about their foundation.  

In 2014 the Foundation helped many artisans in need by providing life changing services such as water filters in Guatemala and a gate for a feeding center in Haiti. 

Many of the artisan women that provide the beautiful handmade products live in  hazardous situations such as prisons, city slums, or shelters. 

A prison in the red light district of Kolkata. Over 60K women, many of which are still girls, are living there. Many were trafficked into the sex trade, others were born into it. Buy The Change helps give these girls a better life with more options.

Amazingly these women have hope and that hope has ignited their ambition to change their lives and the world for the better. Everyone that purchases a product helps in their pursuit of change! Check out the brand by clicking here. 

This girl had to quit going to school after her father died in 2013. Her mother now has a job through Buy The Change creating Kantha blankets. The ongoing income will pay for everything the family needs, including tuition.

If you like what Buy The Change represents and want to  spread the word, then you should consider becoming an affiliate for Buy The Change! 

Click here to sign up. 

Have questions? Comment below or email me at ivelisse.estes@gmail.com.
*Pictures provided by Buy The Change.

Radioactive Flamingo Mason Jar

I have always been a fan of mason jars. I even used them as decorations in my wedding.

Because of my love for these jars, I was over the moon when I won Radioactive Flamingo’s “Spring Brings New Beginnings” giveaway!

Tasha, the owner of Radioactive Flamingo was extremely helpful with helping me to decide on what style mason jar I should have created just for me. Of course being the girly girl I am, I went with a sparkly pink jar.

The inside of the package that the mason jar arrived in was simply adorable! Inside I found a flamingo taped to a card that welcomed me to the “Radioactive Family”.

Another card in the package contained “Glitter Jar Care and Facts”.

Underneath, I found the jar tightly packaged along with tons of pink paper confetti. 

Here is a video of my initial reaction to unwrapping my jar.

You can tell I was pretty excited to see all that glitter on the jar! There are flecks of gold in the glitter which really makes the jar shine in the light. The glitter seems to be very “frost-like”. When I touched the jar some of the glitter came off onto my finger. Here are some close-ups of the jar.

Despite the little bit of glitter that came off, this jar is absolutely perfect for holding flowers, tall brushes or even long lip-glosses'.

If you would like to see more of Radioactive Flamingo’s jars you can check out her Etsy store by clicking here. I guarantee you will find a jar that is perfect for your personality! 

20 Fab Facts About Me: Ivelisse Estes

1. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ!

2. I'm happily married to my best friend.

3. I'm allergic to chocolate (yes, I know its sad).

4. I LOVE all things Disney. 

5. Also, I am Princess Jasmine by the way.

6. I'm a cancer survivor (2-times diagnosed)

7. Is my favorite number.

8. I want to have twins ( a boy and a girl).

9. I love that "new book" smell.

10. I'm Dominican and Puerto Rican with a dash of Irish, Taino Indian and Spanish .

11. I love the Twilight Series. Vamps in general are awesome.

12. I love to eat..like a lot.

13. At one point during my childhood my mom had me convinced that "The Rock"
 Dwayne Johnson was my father.

14. Glitter and sparkles really make me excited.

15. I have a love/ hate relationship with butterflies. They kinda scare me.

16. My favorite foods include sushi, chicken, and cheesecake.

17. Even though I'm 24, I still get mistaken for being in middle school. 

18. I was born and raised in Manhattan (L.E.S. woot woot)

19. I like making new friends!

20. When woken up on my wedding day by my maid of honor, I said I wanted to sleep some more (hehe).