How to Choose Your Quinceanera Dress

I receive calls all the time from Quinceanera's planning their special Quinceanera Celebration. They are looking for a dress they have been dreaming about since they were a little girl.

Most of the time they have an idea of the color and style of the dress they want. But, when I start to ask them some questions about their body type, they realize what they had in mind to wear would not be the best for them.

We are now carrying many Quinceanera Dresses on our regular site. And we started to put together an informational guide on how to choose the right Quinceanera dress.

Check out the information and the dresses. There are terrific savings, beautiful styles and lots to choose from.

Here is a picture of one of my favorite Quinceanera dresses:



Have fun shopping our Quinceanera dresses. Let us know which dress you like the best.

Wishing you all the best,
Priscilla

Good Planning for a Quinceanera Prevents Mistakes

I spoke with a single Dad today who handled all the planning for his daughters elegant and lavish Quinceanera by himself. He said the only mistake he made was that he thought the photographer was also taking video footage of his daughter's Quince. Ouch...

After the event is over we can't go back and correct our mistakes.

If you are planning a Quinceanera or helping a friend or relative with planning one. It's never too late to get my free 17 page Quinceanera eplanner.(sign up for my
free newsletter and you will be guided to the link to download the free 17 page eplanner, when you receive your auto-responder email.)

The eplanner contains check off lists covering all areas of the entire day and evening of the Quince Celebration.

If you order my book you will receive a bonus/gift of a 70 page Quinceanera eplanner. The eplanner refers to the area of book that covers the information you will find helpful for the area you are working on.

You will have a complete guide covering every step along the way. You will feel as if a professional event consultant was helping you through the entire planning process.

Not only will your prevent making mistakes, you will also save money using the professional advise and tips in the book.

Plus, you will have more fun with less stress.

Enjoy,

All the best,

Priscilla

Quinceanera Shares Ideas After Her Party

Do you wonder what impact the Quinceanera Celebration will make on your daughter? The tradition of Quinceanera celebration is the transition from a little girl to a young woman. Do you think the Quince rite-of-passage celebration does make an impact on a Latina teen's life?

To find out how it made a difference...I recommend you read Lily's blog entry, about how she feels the week after her very special day in her life. Her Quince celebration.

Click to read Lily's blog entry: My Post Quince Diary.

I think you will find it very interesting.

All the best,

Priscilla

Quinceanera's Diary The Party Day

Are you curious how a Quinceanera feels after her party is over? Click: My Quince Diary and read Lily's diary blog entry about her Quince party.

Her Quince party was held at home for friends and family. Her story tells the good and the bad. We can learn from an unexpected experience that occurred during her party.

We have all heard about party crashers and how this can ruin a party. Read about how Lily's mother took control of the situation.

I would like to hear about what your thoughts are about preventing this from happening. I'm going to write some articles and blog entries about what to do regarding party crashers.

As a reminder if you live in Los Angeles I hope you can join me at Barnes & Noble at the Grove on Sunday - November 9th at 2PM for my book review presentation. For all the information go to my blog - Ask Priscilla.

Till next time,

Priscilla

Meet Quinceanera Author at B & N November 9th -The Grove L.A.

Do you live in Los Angeles? If so you are invited to attend Priscilla Mills presenting her review of her book: How to have a Dream Quinceanera on any Budget'.

Learn the secrets professional party planners use and don't share with their clients.

During these difficult economic times you will want to hear the great tips she has in her book. These tips will save you hundreds of dollars, while you are planning your Quince party.

Don't miss this great opportunity...come with your questions. You will get the answers.

Date: Sunday - November 9, 2008

Time: 2 P.M.

Place: Barnes & Noble Book Store - 189 Grove Drive, Suite K30 Los Angeles,CA 90036
(The Grove at Farmers Market - Los Angeles)

Click here for your...

Directions

Hoping to see you there... Priscilla will also give prizes to some lucky Quinceanera's in attendance.

The Quinceanera's Diary 3 more days

Have you ever decided to throw a large celebration three weeks before the date of the event? And when you announced your plans you thought it would be easy? Then did you get an awakening that the challenge was more than what you had bargained for?

Well that's what is happening at Lily's home. There are only three more days till her Quinceanera celebration. Everyone is stressed out. They had hoped some relatives would come and help with the food preparation ahead of time. It's not happening. The guest list is getting bigger.

But, would Lily ever have wanted not to have her special Quince day? Read her blog entry, My Quince Diary and hear what she has to say.

Read about a miracle that has just happened to her mother. I had mentioned her mom was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Link over to my site and bring a hankie with you.

All the best,

Priscilla

Quinceanera's Diary 4 More Days till

Has planning your daughter's Quinceanera celebration been stressful? But still very enjoyable?

If you have been following Lily's, My Quince Diary, don't miss her entry that's only four days before her special big day.

The stress is building, but read in her own words how she feels about the last few days before her Quinceanera.

Everyone who is planning a Quince or is going to be a guest shouldn't miss reading her blog.

Let me know what you think.

All the best,
Priscilla

Quinceanera's Birthday Diary

How long have you been thinking about the Latina Quinceanera tradition of celebrating your daughter's rite of passage when she turns 15?

Have you and your daughter discussed what this milestone means to her? If you haven't, I invite you to get an inside view of what this important time in a Quinceanera life means to a special girl named Lily.

Check out Lily's My Quince Diary blog entry as she celebrates her 15th birthday. Her blog entry is very exciting. Not only is it her Fifteenth birthday, it's five days before her Quinceanera celebration.

Lily is so excited, it's wonderful to be able to read her thoughts and feelings that she generously shares with us on her Fifteen birthday.

I hope you enjoy reading her blog entry as much as I did.

All the best,

Priscilla

Lily's Quinceanera Diary

Is your family working together to make your daughter's Quinceanera Celebration the day you have all planned for and dreamt about?

Lily has only eight more days till her special Quince party. The party is going to be held at her home. Since her mother is suffering with Multiple Sclerosis, Lily has to help her mother much more than most teens.

Lily has such a wonderful attitude about everything. We can all learn from reading Lily's blog entries in her My Quince Diary. She shares every day and how she and her family are planning for her Quinceanera party.

She shares her dreams and fears with us. Don't miss out and I hope you share and leave your own comments for her.

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. Lily read my Quinceanera book She shared with me she couldn't put the book down. She read it three days. I recommend when you read her blog entries look for Lily's own personal growth. She speaks from her heart.

The Quinceanera's Diary ten days to go

Do you sometimes think about when you were a teen and who you talked to about things? The small things in your life and then things that seemed overwhelming you were too embarrassed to talk about them to anyone?

Things are different today. Our teens need their mom to listen to them more than ever before. So often we don't listen to our teens. We lecture. Our teens then run to their peers to listen to them. When this happens there is a risk of the outcome.

• They need us to listen to them.
• They need us to be understanding.
• They need us to be interested in what's on their mind.
• They need us to express that we are proud of their accomplishments-big and small.
• They need us to share our own ideas when they are ready to hear us.
  
• They need our appreciation and acceptance for who they are.
  
• They need our love.

Don't miss Lily's ... My Quince Diary.. the days before her Quinceanera. Lily shares her excitement in her blog entry every day with us. We are fortunate to be able to follow along with her introspective look at herself as she prepares herself for her celebration of her rite-of-passage.

Hope you enjoy her diary as much as I do.

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. Share Lily's blog - Diary with your daughter or a teen you know. If you haven't purchased my book for the Quinceanera and her family. Read what others say about it.

Quinceanera's Diary 11 days to Her Special Day

As a mom of a Quinceanera have you ever wondered how your daughter will feel weeks before her big day? Did you ever wish you could peak into her diary and read what she is writing about?

Go over to my main website and read Lily's - My Quince Diary. Her daily entries express how she feels. She shares her excitement as her special day gets closer and closer.

I recommend you read all her entries. Follow the increase in her self confidence and how she is expresses it. Hear her change in attitude from holding some anger to expressing gratitude and love.

Don't miss this wonderful sharing. Plus, it's a good idea for your daughter to read Lily's entries and then both of you can have fun discussing them.

Enjoy,

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. Lily read my Quinceanera book and she loved it. Check it out.

Quinceanera's Diary Countdown 14 more days

Have you been worried that you have so much to do before your daughter's Quince Celebration? I invite you to read our new blogger's entries on our main Quinceanera site.

Her name is Lily and she is doing such a great job working with her mother and father planning her Quince Celebration. And no matter what stress the family is experiencing they all end up happy and appreciate everything they have.

• Use the link here and read about how her mom is making the guest's souvenirs.

• Read about how the family took off to relax and enjoy their hobby.

• Read about what they are doing when time is short before the party and dealing with a small budget.

Lily's diary should be named:
'there's always a way to solve a challenge and still have fun'

Enjoy...

All the best,
Priscilla

A Quinceanera's Diary

Do you wonder what your daughter is thinking? When planning your daughter's Quinceanera are you communicating with each other? Are you discussing the choices to be made together or are you assuming she will like everything you choose? Do you ask your daughter what does she want and then go and do what you really think is best, without considering her feelings?

Check out the real feelings of a Quinceanera as she and her family plan her celebration party. Her name is Lily and she is writing 'My Diary' blog entries on my regular site.

I believe every mom should read Lily's daily blog entries too better understand what does a soon to be fifteen year old, a outstanding student and compassionate daughter really want for her Quince celebration.

The story is... Lily's parents decided three weeks before her fifteenth birthday to have a Quinceanera Celebration. There's usually a lot of pressure when planning a large party, but this family has more challenges than most families.

Her mom is suffering with Multiple Sclerosis and her dad just lost his job. He has been unsuccessful in finding a new job. It's a sad story, but it appears that the Quinceanera Celebration party is the bright light the family needs at this time.

I have gotten to know the family over the phone. I won't give you any more information right now. Because, I hope you will read Lily's own story. It's straight from her heart. Leave her a comment. She would love it.

All the best,
Priscilla

Quinceanera's Sponsors Help Make Her Celebration Happen

Are you confused after listening to newscasters describe the financial situation in the U.S. and around the world? Do you worry about what will happen tomorrow? With the free press we have in the U.S. everyone can speak what's on their mind. That's why we hear different reports from different people.

There are a few things that you can do to make sure your focus is to keep everyone in the family happy and not stressed. That means you need to take care of yourself and not worry about things you have no control of. And to control things you do have control of.

Thank goodness for the Latino Quinceanera tradition of having honored sponsors. When we divide the costs of a Quince celebration it can become a reality. As a mom or aunt or friend of the Quinceanera I recommend you do a few of the following things.

1. Develop a budget for the entire celebration. Then cut the budget back 20%.
   
2. Put a plan together and list each item that you feel is required for the Quince celebration.
3. As a guide when you're developing a budget I recommend the break down for each item as follows:

• 52% of the total amount to be spent is usually for food and beverage.
  
• 18% 0f the total amount to be spent is usually for Photographer and/or videographer
• 4% of the total amount to be spent is usually for Flowers
• 3% of the total amount to be spent is usually for cake
• 6% of the total amount to be spent is usually for Quinceanera dress and accessories
• 3%-18% of the total amount to be spent is usually for music
• 3% of the total amount to be spent is for Invitations
• 5-10% of the total amount to be spent is for miscellaneous item

TIP: The more time you spend on pre planning and working with your sponsors who have committed to participate in your daughter's Quinceanera will help make it happen. By dividing up the costs of the celebration with many people the event will not be a financial burden for anyone. Every sponsor is honored to join in with the planning and sharing of the financial costs. That's the beauty of the Quinceanera tradition. We should be thankful and grateful for what we have and especially for our honored sponsors who will help make your daughter's rite of passage is one of the most special days of her life.

Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday

There is a new bilingual book available for purchase from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 'Order For the Blessings on the Fifteenth Birthday'. The book is being released September 19th 2008.

The book explains the celebration of a young woman's passage from childhood to maturity. The new bilingual book contains rituals for use to honor the Quinceañera within her community.

It contains options for using the rite of passage within and outside of Mass and includes an appendix of intercessions. Helping create a living memory and support of the Quinceanera as she thanks God and requests his blessing and dedicates herself to Mary as models of faith.

The book can be ordered on the website usccb.org website.

A good companion book is Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. 'Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday' will help your daughter with the planning of the ceremony for her special day.

Quinceanera and Mom Bond When Planning Her Celebration

As a mom planning your daughter's Quinceanera Celebration do you feel over whelmed and stressed at times?

A mom called me the other day. Her younger kids were crying in the background and her daughter was leaving all the final planning work for her celebration up to her.

After some discussion it sounded like she and her daughter had gotten into some arguments and weren't talking. The celebration was in one month. The mom was just about crying on the phone. She asked me what could she do? I told her to take a few deep breaths and write a note to her daughter and ask to sit down and talk with her.

I asked if she had signed up for me free newsletter so she could receive my gift of 17 page eplanner. She said no. I advised her to sign up immediately and print out the pages from the Quinceanera ePlanner. Then she should review what has to be completed for her daughter's celebration and ask her daughter for her help.

I read to her the following Seven Ways to Make a Difference In Your Daughters Life. She took notes over the phone. She thanked me. But better yet...she phoned me back the next week, too let me know she followed my advice. She and her daughter had a beautiful bonding experience. She is happy. She said her daughter was much happier also. They were both excited about working together putting the final plans together for her daughter's dream Quinceanera celebration.

I want to share a section from my book - Quinceanera Connection :Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget. - 'Parent Talk' with you.

'Seven Ways To make a Difference in Your Daughter's Life'

• Speak from your heart.
• Be her parent, not her friend. Be friends when she is an adult.
• Listen with love and understanding.
• Praise your daughter for her achievements...big or small.
• Listen to her problems and discuss solutions.
• The support and love given at home make a life-long difference.
• Accept her for the special person she is.
  

Wishing you and your daughter all the best,
Priscilla
P.S. If you would like the whole story order my book: Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget - Order Now and receive your bonus gift of 70 page Quinceanera e planner.

Quinceanera's #5 Secret For Saving Money

Teresa phoned me and asked me to share the fifth secret with her, since she had an appointment with a reception hall manager. She and her daughter thought they liked this hall the best, but the price was a little to high for her budget. She said she was afraid to ask for a lower price, because the manager wasn't a friendly type of person. Teresa said she felt nervous about going to the meeting.

I was happy Teresa had phoned me, since I knew I would be able to help her feel confident about herself for the meeting with the reception hall manager.

First - I asked Teresa to please take the phone and sit in a comfortable chair. The next thing we were going to do was to help her get rid of her fears. The fear and worry she had regarding her appointment with the reception hall manager. I recommend you follow the same process anytime you feel afraid to do something or you are overwhelmed with fear. I had Teresa follow the following steps:

• Take a deep breath and exhale - repeat this process at least 3 times.

• On your third exhale... smile ;-).

• Take another deep breath and smile again ;-).

• Now think of the meeting with the manager or anyone else - see that person smiling ;-) back at you and thanking you for everything. Feel the positive outcome and both of you are happy.
  

• Take another deep breath and as you exhale smile ;-) again. Focus on the good feeling inside of you ...that the meeting went well and you are very happy with the outcome.
  

• Life is what we make it. When you feel confident with yourself the other person will see your inner strength and not try and take advantage of you.
  

• If your negative feeling returns... repeat the same process. (You can modify the process if necessary - your deep breathing and exhaling combined with a smile changes how your brain works. The process changes the messages sent to your brain from negative to positive. And you will feel relaxed. That's how you can change your attitude of inner peace and with inner self-confidence). The more often you practice this power of positive - inner confidence the happier and healthier you will be. ;-).
  

Now... for your meeting with the reception hall manager or anyone else you have an appointment with.

• Tell the manager you and your family really liked the facilities or services and you would like to have your daughter's Quinceanera party at the reception hall, but you and your family feel the price is too high for what you had budgeted for,

• You will probably be asked what can you afford? THIS IS WHERE YOU ANSWER WITH ANOTHER QUESTION...

• Ask...WHAT IS YOUR MOST COMPETITIVE PACKAGE???

• Don't say anything...LET THE MANAGER TALK!!!

• Sit quiet and let the manager talk...the more the manager gets into the salesperson's mode the more money will be knocked off the price. A price as low as they can and still afford to get your business.
  

• Remember the manager wants your business as much as you want to have your daughter's Quinceanera fiesta there.
  

• Keep your positive attitude and listen. Don't say anything until you think the manager has given you the lowest price possible.
  

• Another insider secret: "Walking power"* - If you aren't still happy with the price you were given.
  

• Get up and start to walk out ...with a smile... let the manager know you were hoping for a lower price than what you were given. Let the manager know you are going to your second choice on your list.
  

• The manager will probably ask you what price you had in mind? You can then share the price you would be happy with and see it they will give it to you.
  

• Always be friendly and upbeat. Managers want to work with people who are easy to work with not complainers.
  

Good luck and things to remember:

1. Have a positive confident attitude.
2. Don't share your price or budget early on.
3. Let the manager know the price quoted was too high.
4. Answer the manager's question with a question ..."what is your most competitive package?"
5. Be quiet let the manager do all the talking...until you are given the final price.
6. Then use your = "Walking Power"*.

You can make it happen...getting your best deal.

Wishing you all the best,

Priscilla
P.S. For your own complete Quinceanera guide book for having - Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget. Filled with tips that will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
GO TO: download the first two chapters as my gift to you. For a limited time you will receive - gift/bonus with your book purchase: 70 page - Quinceanera eplanner.

Quinceanera's #4 Secret For Saving Money

Diana phoned me after reading my last post and she had some questions. She asked how she should move ahead with making a final decision in choosing the venue.

Diana said, she and her daughter had chosen a reception hall they both liked, but the amount they were going to be charged was more than what they had planned on spending.

Diana said some her daughter's friends from school had used the reception hall and spent less than what she was quoted.

I recommended she needed to revisit with the manager and go over a list of final questions covering all of the areas of service she was quoted. I shared with her - to discuss with the manager the areas that could be cut or eliminated in order for her to get a lower price.

I shared with Diana - in todays economy, unless she was planning to have her daughter's Quinceanera celebration at Christmas time or June she should be able to get a lower room charge and other service charges should be negotiable.

I recommended that she should follow the guide lines listed here, plus ask any other questions she felt would help her in getting a lower price. I explained the manager wanted her business as much as she wanted her daughter's Quinceanera to be held at their reception hall.

• Get an itemized list of exactly what is included in the fee?
• Ask, does the fee include a kitchen clean up fee? - can this be waived?
• Can you bring your own alcohol? If so. Is there a corkage fee? A charge for every bottle opened. If so can the fee be cut or eliminated?
  
• Is there a fee for cutting the cake? If so. Can this fee be waived?
• Is there a fee for the dance floor? Or any other items such as: table cloths, tables and chairs, fancy china plates, etc. -this might be an area for cost cutting.
• Many hotels and reception halls include a coat room charge. This is an area of service that you can decline to have. Make sure this service isn't included.
  
• Are they charging you extra for insurance? If so, you can probably obtain your own insurance for the event for a lower cost.
  

If you still feel the price they want to charge you is still too high. Revisit your second choice and review the same questions with them. Tomorrow I will explain: 'how to get your best deal'.

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. If you would like a complete guide on how to have your dream celebration on any budget-
Go to: www.Quinceaneraconnect.com for a complimentary download of the first two chapters of my book. If you order the book you will receive a bonus/gift of a 70page Quinceanera eplanner.

Quinceanera's #3 Secret For Saving Money

When Rosemary called the other day and said, she was confused about choosing a place to have her daughter's Quinceanera celebration. I recommended she sit with her daughter and discuss what was most important to both of them.

I said safety should be considered. Most of us never think about our safety when going to public places until we hear about a tragedy. Then it's too late.

So, if you and your daughter have checked out at least three venues and found at least two that are with in your budget. The next step is to go back and get two recommendations for each venue. It's best to get recommendations from someone who had a Quinceanera celebration within the last six months.

Not only are you going to find out whether the venue delivered everything they promised. You should ask if they would share information of what they would have done differently if they were going to plan their Quinceanera over again.

Phone the referrals as soon as possible. Most people love to share their stories - both good and bad. A few of the questions to ask are the following:

• Would you choose the same venue again to have your Quinceanera celebration?
• If they answer yes...ask what are the three things they liked best about the venue?
  
• If they answer no...ask what did they find wrong with the venue?
  
• More than likely a manager of a banquet hall wouldn't give you the name of an unhappy customer. But you never know!
• Find out if there were any extra charges they weren't told about before hand, and if they were surprised at the end?
• Ask - what they would have done differently - if they could do it all over again?

It's a good idea to write down the answers to your questions. Often we are caught up in the emotion of the conversation and forget things someone tells us. This information is important. We can learn from other people, so we don't make the same mistake. Or better yet, we can learn from other people's recommendations and ideas.

...congratulations!!! when you have completed your phone calls.

You are ready for my #4 secret. Check tomorrow. Book mark this site.

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. If you would like the entire story and best guide for planning a Quinceanera celebration Check out: www.quinceaneraconnect.com for my book: Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget. You will receive a gift/bonus of 70 page Quinceanera eplanner.

Quinceaneras' #2 Secret For Saving Money

Yesterday here in California we had a mild earthquake. It was scary to feel the earth moving and not having any control. As the earth was still moving, I disconnected the power cord from my lap top computer and ran with my computer in hand. I felt helpless. However, when the earth stopped moving I sighed of relief and got back to work.

The unsettling feeling of not feeling in control when planning your daughter's Quinceanera can also make you feel uncomfortable...unless you know all the secrets I'm sharing with you.

With these secret tips I'm sharing - You can be in total control. Knowledge is power! If you like the secrets I'm sharing with you. Check them our in greater detail in my book: Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget. It's available on my website: www.Quinceaneraconnect.com or on Amazon.

Secret #2

• The reception will be at least 50% of your total budget, so it's very important to do your home work in this area before making your decision and signing any contracts.

• After you have checked out at least three venues. (Reception hall, hotels, home party and others on your list) and figured out approximately how much each one would cost you...your next step is to...

• Discuss with your family and rate the venues. Which one is your first choice, second choice and so on.

• The first set of questions to consider are the following:

1. Which venue's costs best fit your budget?
2. Which venue is most convenient for your family and guests?
3. Which venue appears to be the easiest to work with?
4. Can the venue hold the number of guests you are planning on attending easily?
5. Would there be other parties going on at the same time? If so would there be a sound problem?
   
6. Which venue does your daughter and you like the best?

Once you have the answers to these questions you are ready for tomorrows secrets...

Until then.

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. If you want the entire guide for planning a Quinceanera on Any Budget
Go to: www.quinceaneraconnect.com - for a limited time you will receive a gift/bonus of a 70 page Quinceanera eplanner when you purchase my book - Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget.