Envelopments!

Recently, I partnered with Envelopments as another option for invitations and stationery. I have been a big fan of their items for a while now and have recently made a decision to become a dealer for them, and I'm so happy I did! I received their design studio a few weeks ago and love the way everything is laid out. The moment I received it I couldn't help but skim through the books and all the information. I'm so excited to add them to my services.

Folks, if you haven't seem their papers and options brace yourselves. There are so many possibilities and there's more coming soon! I'll be working on my own samples in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for the pictures!

A Dreamer's Guide to Life: Business pt. I

Yet another topic I can write (and talk) about forever...yes, EVER! Business. After all, it's the "American Dream" right?! Well, I don't know if it's the "American" dream, but it's definitely a dream of mine and many other people. Business is what makes the world operate. Meaning it's what provides people with jobs, education, items that we need to survive, and more.

Business: n. the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce

I'm all about business. I live, think, breath, and dream about business. I love talking to business-minded people, hearing what they have to say, their ideas, it's all very exciting. I own 2 and help operate a third. I've even got another one on the way! Why do I love it so much? Because possibilities are endless. You can make anything a business. As long as there is a need, you've got a business. And that fact with such an open ended answer is something that drives me. Crazy? Yes, some times. Actually, many times. But in my opinion, all of it is worth it. So, you interested? How do you get started?

1. Have a concept. Believe in that concept. As long as there is a need, your business can thrive.
2. Name your business. It can be straight forward, it can have hidden meaning. As long as it's not too difficult to pronounce, you're good. :)
3. Write a business plan. This is a very, very important step to your business's success. Many people think that writing a business plan isn't necessary because their business is "small" or they'll figure it out when they get started. WRONG. Having a plan for your business, no matter how small or large, will spearhead you into the right direction. Sure, I'll admit, the unexpected can (and probably will) happen. You might even fall off track or need to update your plan, that's okay. Hire a business consultant to write it for you if you have to. Just make sure you read it. :P But outlining your goals for the start-up of your business will be a key component to your success. Trust me on this one.

Okay, let's stop there. That's enough to keep an entrepreneur busy for a while. Really think it through, take it seriously right from the get-go. Don't "see how it goes." Put yourself on the track for success. Think big in the beginning and push hard to achieve it. It starts with believing in yourself and what you have to offer the world. And believe me, you have a lot to offer. I know, I know. I sound cliche and over-positive, but I'm not lying.

For more information, a great resource is the Small Business Administration website.

Happy New Year! New Year, New Life

Ok, I know. It's already the 12th and I'm only now greeting everyone a happy new year. But to my defense lots has been happening in the past few months. With that being said, forgive me? :)

The year has started and I'm ready for it. This year I can tell is going to begin an upward climb for myself, but also for many other people. And I'm happy to say it! I've already begun to make things happen, but have been praying for continued guidance. And boy am I getting a response! So far, 2010 has been treating me well and I'm very thankful for the positivity around me. It definitely keeps me going.

This past Friday was my mom's birthday. We didn't get to celebrate like we normally do. My mom loves to be a great hostess (I guess that's where I get my party planning skills from). We normally throw a little get together at our house and have the family over, but with the shop being open and all the hard work that she does on top of that we had to have our own little celebration with just immediate family. As a tradition, we always make noodles as a sign of long life so we all had some for my mom.

Mom, happy birthday. You're a beautiful woman: strong, giving, motivated, hard-working, and loving. I hope to be just as wonderful as you are one day. I know that many of the traits I take pride in are from you. Learning from you and seeing how hard you work motivates me to do the same. I love you.

One of my groomsmen, Ray, also shares my mom's birthday. I've only known this guy for almost 4 years, but he's one of those people that I feel like I've known forever. Ray was actually the first person (besides my parents and Charlie's parents) that found out Charlie and I were engaged. Ray Ray, happy birthday. You're a shining light to everyone that you meet. You've always been a great person to look to for guidance, loyalty, a shoulder to cry on, a good laugh, and so much more. Thank you for being such a great friend. I pray for you every day.

I found out on Christmas Eve from one of Ray's best friends that he was admitted to the hospital. A few days later, we discovered he was sick and had leukemia. It hit many of us very hard. Such a wonderful person now battling this horrible disease. I know many of you out there know the feeling. Those that know someone or is battling any type of cancer knows the every day battles. I now know 2 people (and families) that have suffered from the disease of leukemia.

Ray's brother with the help of family and friends is throwing multiple events, first being "A Ray of Hope Bone Marrow Donation Drive." For those interested in becoming a donor, not just for our friend Ray but for anyone suffering you can easily register with the National Marrow Donor Registry.

To all those that celebrate another year of their life, happy birthday. It's such a blessing to be alive. I am grateful for everyone's presence in my life and pray for your continued presence every day. I wouldn't be the same person without you.

Yay I'm Engaged! Now What?!

Congratulations to all the fellow engaged couples! Welcome to the engagement club, it's going to be a fun and memorable ride! Your fiance proposed, you said yes, you've told your parents...now what?! So for those that are in the beginning stages of their engagement, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Choose your wedding date. Maybe not necessarily a specific date, but a time of year/month is good. When you're ready to shop for locations you can give the catering/venue manager your ideal dates.
2. Throw an engagement party. Let the festivities begin! Celebrating is the funnest part of getting engaged/married. Sharing this momentous occasion with the ones you love will create lasting memories of togetherness and joy.
3. Send an announcement. Not many people do this on its own anymore, but many people usually combine this with the Save the Date card or use social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc.) to spread the news.
4. Discuss your budget. Or in my case, lack there of (haha!). This may be difficult, but putting the numbers together will be one of the most important parts of a successful wedding (and successful planning). Ask/discuss your families (if this applies) how much they will be contributing.
5. Hire your Wedding Consultant. It takes a lot of time to plan a wedding, having a planner there to help you will help you feel at ease. Even if it's just for the day-of.
6. Start thinking about your wedding party. Best Man, Maid/Matron of Honor, Groomsmen, Bridesmaids...who are you choosing to play a special role? Make sure it's someone that you can trust, depend on, and knows you best. They'll be helping not only on the wedding day, but maybe even before that.

Overwhelmed yet? :P Don't be, taking it step by step is key. Good luck everyone and happy planning!

Glancing Back at 2009

I believe that if you don't learn from the past, the future isn't going to be much different. There's no improvement without a little reflection and action. After this personal reflection, I am definitely making some meaningful resolutions for the upcoming year. 2009 was a year of roller coasters for me, but I'm more than blessed to be alive, healthy, and in the presence of love from my family and friends. God has been truly good to me. So, my dear 2009, thanks for everything. These memories will bring everlasting gratitude and warmth to my heart.

First and foremost, this has been quite a year of transitions. This year, I resigned from my position of Administrative Director for VENT Dance Group. It was a very difficult decision for me to make as the people that have been, are still, and will be part of this group remain near and dear to my heart. Relinquishing control is something very difficult for me to do, especially with this group. The success of the team and the success of the individuals that have come and gone means very much to me. I have learned so much from being a leader and dancer for this group and I am very grateful. I now hold the proud title of "Advisor" and will forever love this team, my family. You guys have made the past 3+ years of my life fun, exciting, and rewarding. I'm looking forward to continually being part of your lives and the future of our team.

October 2009 completes that 1 year anniversary of the opening of Ninong's Pastries & Cafe. My parents and family own this little shop in Granada Hills. We have invested our time and money because we believe we have something good to offer the public. The bakery has definitely brought my family closer and I am so thankful for this blessing. It's a dream come true for my family and I'm so happy we are living it. With time and dedication, I know the success for my family and our little bakery will pay off. I love you all very much!

In 2009, I have been blessed with new, existing, and old friends. I've reunited with some, gotten closer to some, and even drifted apart from a few. Regardless of our current status, you are all still my friends and I value everyone's friendship.

On April 1, 2009, Charlie and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. And shortly after that, we got engaged (as my blog, twitter, and FB followers already know)! I am a very, very lucky girl to have found such a wonderful person to love. He has made my days brighter, my smiles bigger, and my heart beat faster. I'm so thankful for his selflessness, understanding, faith, and overwhelming love. Being engaged to Charlie has made me the happiest I've ever been and I owe it all to him.

Life wouldn't be complete without its downs, and I am also very thankful for these blessings in disguise. Every day has its own ups and downs, some bigger than others. Because of the lessons I've learned in the past years, I've learned to take them in stride. Continue to live on, be a student of God, always believe that there's a plan. You just have to believe that it's there.

Dear 2010, I look forward to what you have to bring: good or bad. Please be as kind as possible, though. :) I'll be speaking with you again shortly.

White Christmas Inspiration Board

It's 2 days before Christmas. Usually by now, I'm already in the Christmas spirit. I'm trying, believe me, I'm trying. But regardless of sprit, I'm thankful for everything the Lord has blessed me with this year and I can't wait to give everyone their presents and seeing their faces light up. That's the part I love most about Christmas anyway. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Whatever holiday you celebrate, do it with love.

Here's a White Christmas inspiration board to keep everyone in the spirit (and to remind us Californians of snow). Check out this "chilly" color scheme of whites and blues and warm up the ambiance with some flickering candle light.

Photo sources: winter-wedding-dress.com, beaucoup, blogforbrides, project wedding, the knot, wedding paper divas, ioffer.com, instyle weddings, thebrideandgroom.com

A Dreamer's Guide to Life: Goals Pt. II

In continuation to my long-ago-post about goals.... so you've written down your goals? Let's make sure these goals are your REAL goals. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Will these goals make you happy?

2. Will your goals be of benefit toward your future and not just momentary satisfaction?

3. Will your goals not only benefit you, but others as well?

4. Do you believe enough in yourself to make these goals happen?

Having goals is one thing, but being active and continually giving yourself opportunities is the bulk of achieving them. Knowing and understanding what you have to do to achieve a goal is an integral part in success. Sitting and hoping isn't going to cut it. You need to be brave, seize every opportunity, do research, and work hard. Success very seldomly happens overnight (and if it does, it's very short lived). That being said, let's break this down a little bit.

As an example, I'll use my goal of wanting to make a difference to break down how I believe will help me to achieve it.

I. My lifetime goal: Make a difference in the world.

II. Things I want to achieve that will put me closer to this goal: 1. Become a public speaker. 2. Teach. 3. Volunteer my time.

III. What can I do now to help make it happen?: 1. Begin writing my "Dreamer's Guide to Life" blog, meet with clients and make presentations, be a leader. 2. Teach dance classes, train employees, apply for teaching positions. 3. Helped start a not-for-profit dance group, help my family at their bakery, volunteer at events.

This is just a shortened version, but you get the idea. You always want to start with your ultimate goal, and work down. Figure out what you can do to achieve that goal, and what you can do NOW to make those things happen. While you might be doing things now, you should always look and be open to new opportunities, adjusting, and change. Maybe there's a new opportunity that will come along down the road. Consider adding those things to your list, or maybe replacing it with another. Goals are subjective, and they can always change. Nothing is concrete.

One thing to remember: RESEARCH! Doing research in things you want to pursue is very, very important. The internet and literature are great resources to help find statistics, opportunities, internships, jobs, information, and guidance. You should always go into something well informed about the topic.

Last thing, don't worry about what everyone else is doing. The most successful people in the world (yes, the WORLD!) took a chance on themselves; regardless of other people's thoughts and opinions. They knew that what they had to offer was of value and never looked back. They didn't follow the crowd. They didn't let set backs get them down. They persevered through it all. It might be a long road, but believe me, it'll all be worth it in the end.

Stay tuned for my next DG2L: Careers.