Quinceanera's Diary - The Day Before

Do you remember how you felt the day before a big celebration? Did you feel the excitement of the moment? Or did you feel too much stress that it was overwhelming?

Check out Lily's blog the day before her Quinceanera Celebration. It's short and sweet.

Go over to My Quince Diary and read her thoughts and feelings the day before her very special celebration. Tomorrow she will accept taking on her new responsibilities of becoming a young woman.

If you have the time, please leave her your good wishes. I know she would love hearing from you.

All the best,

Priscilla

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 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 Diary 12 days to go

A mom phoned the other day. She said her daughter was so busy with after school activities she had no time to help her with the last minute details for her Quinceanera celebration. Is this happening with your daughter? I recommend you read Lily's - 'My Quince Diary' ...of the 12 days before her big day.

Every word that Lily shares is authentic. Her words are filled with love and pure excitement.

Does your daughter share the same real emotion about her Quinceanera with you? If not, it might be a good time to sit down and review all the positive things that are happening. Only talk about the good things. Then give your daughter a hug and tell her how much you appreciate her and how proud you are of her.

Tell her how much you're looking forward to one of the most important days of her life.

Look into her eyes and enjoy the blessed moment you are sharing with each other.

Hit this link to read Lily's - My Quince Diary...day 12.

All the best,
Priscilla
P.S. If you haven't purchased my popular book for the Quinceanera and her parents. Quinceanera Book - Check it out now.

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.

Quinceanera Celebrations - family decisions

First... if you linked to this page from my newsletter. Please scroll down for the five articles about the 'secrets for saving money' - when planning your Quinceanera celebration.

Next: I wanted to share one of my Bloggers Ilene for Quinceanera Connect.com is having her Quinceanera Celebration today. Therefore, I am leaving for the church now and then to the party. However, the family had to deal with a decision regarding today.

Ilene's grandmother had been very ill. So, the family decided to either postpone or cancel Ilene's rite of passage celebration. However, her grandmother asked the family if anything happened to her, she wanted Ilene to have her Quince Celebration anyway.

Sadly, her grandmother did pass away a few weeks ago. The family got together and decided to fulfill her wishes. They modified some parts of the mass and the party. But, Ilene's grandmother will be there in spirit.

I will report back to you in my next post.

Wishing you all the best,

Priscilla

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.

Quinceanera's Celebration #1 Secret for Saving Money

Isabel called me the other day. She said she wanted to have her daughter's Quinceanera celebration at the local hall in her neighborhood. She was upset, because the banquet hall wanted to charge her a rental fee of $700 for the room, plus security, plus...lots of other extra charges.

When she added up all the charges... they came to $1,500. That was before she added in the cost of renting tables and chairs, food and all the other costs for the reception.

She wanted to know what she could do. I first congratulated Isabel for not signing any agreement. And going home and adding up all the charges before making any decision. I told too many people don't do what she did. They say OK to what ever costs they are given. Then they go home add up the costs. Then they worry about where can they will get the money to pay for their daughters Quince celebration.

• #1 Tip is to sit down and figure out how much you have to spend on your daughter's celebration.
  
• Usually about one half (50%) is spent on the fiesta.
  
• Once you know how much you have to spend you can start checking out different places to hold your fiesta.
• Make an appointment with the banquet manager in order to find out the costs.
  
• Make sure they have the date you want available.
• Don't tell them the amount of money you are planning on spending for your daughter's Quince celebration.
  
• Thank the banquet manager and let them know you are checking out other places.
• Take the hand-out materials home with you.
• Figure out how much the costs would be for the number of people you expect to attend your fiesta.
• Check out at least three other places and follow the same procedure for each one.

Watch for the next secret re: how to get the best deal and what to do before you sign any contract.

If you can't wait for all the secrets to listed be on the blog. I recommend you order my book: Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget. You will receive a bonus/gift of a 70 page Quinceanera eplanner with your purchase of the book

Creating Magic When Planning your Quinceanera Celebration

Wow...I've been receiving phone calls from Mom's of the Quinceanera who are starting to plan their daughter's celebration two years ahead of time. Each mom shared they feel if they purchase the things they need for their daughters celebration a little at a time they can afford to have the dream party they had always hoped to have.

Thoughts from other mom's-

Elizabeth, one of the moms shared; she feels there is no financial burden on the family this way. Instead of spending small amounts of money on unnecessary day to day things, she is saving and buying things as she goes along planning her daughter's Quinceanera celebration.

Alma, another mom I spoke with said: 'after I make my purchase I put it in a special place for safe keeping. My daughter and I look at everything at least once every few weeks. We have a list of what we want to buy and we have so much fun checking out everything all the time'. I could hear the joy in her voice. It was magical.

I've found when I plan a party or vacation it's as much fun as the actual experience it self. Don't miss out on the double fun. It's important to take enough time during the planning process so everyone has the opportunity to share in the double fun and excitement. First during the planning process and then the actual celebration.

That's why it's so important to leave enough time to enjoy every experience along the way.

Think about how wonderful it's to watch your favorite movie twice. Don't you enjoy the movie more the second time? Don't you feel more comfortable because you've been there before?

I know for myself I miss things the first time when I see a movie. The second time I see new things and have a new magical experience.

Plan ahead make the planning process a lot of fun and a magical bonding happening for everyone involved in your daughter's Quinceanera celebration.

BUY NOW- your perfect guide-book with the bonus 70 page Quinceanera eplanner to help you create your daughter's magical day.

How to Handle Last Minute Stress or Any Stress

O. K. you waited until the last minute to order things and ouch things aren't going the way you had hoped. It's alright you didn't know about me before. That's my fault. I should have been on TV, newspapers and radio. Please forgive me. I will journey out there soon. In the mean time you need to be able to get through these difficult times as you plan your daughter's Quince. You need to feel fine and know everything will be beautiful for your daughter's dream Quinceanera celebration.

But, you need to take a few minutes each day and focus on JUST YOURSELF.

I recommend you start doing the following:

• Find a quiet place.
• Sit down and be comfortable.
  
• Close your eyes.
  
• Take a deep breath and exhale.
  
• Then repeat: take at least six deep breaths and exhaling after each deep breath.
• Next: say to yourself (or out loud) "I know GOOD is happening today" repeat the statement 6 times and then end with -
  
• Thank you God.
  
• Take one more deep breath and exhale and end with a smile.
  

• That's it! It works! You will feel more relaxed. You will be happier. You will look beautiful. You'll be able to enjoy the moment and the day much more.

Recommendation: Every time you feel stress or are uncomfortable with a situation. Repeat the process. You don't have to close your eyes. You don't have to say the statement out loud.

I used similar techniques working with Injured Workers for over five years as a life coach. Helping each person build their inner strength, while handling their challenges in life. The process helped hundreds of people. It's my gift to you.

I use this process all the time myself. Especially when Google changes my website position in the organic search engine for no reason at all.

Share the process with others. Let us all feel peace and harmony within. When we feel grateful more goodness comes to us.

Go for it! You deserve to have your life filled with unlimited joy, peace, love, abundance and harmony.

All the best,
Priscilla

Tips When Choosing Your Quinceanera Invitations

Once the theme and colors for the reception are chosen, it's time to think about what style invitation you and your daughter want.

• Printers will ship with a fast turn around. Make sure you leave enough time before you need to send out your invitations, just in case an error is found in your order. It's better to be safe than sorry. I found our printer to be very accommodating, but if you don't have time for having corrections made, it can be upsetting. Therefore order your invitations no later than five weeks before you need to start sending them out to your guests.
  

• One of the most popular designs is the invitation that has space for the Quinceanera's picture - enter 4969 - in the box marked- product search- and you will be taken to the design I am talking about. The picture is placed on the front of the invitation. The invitation is designed to hold a photo 2.5 inches by 3 inches. Everyone likes this design, because it personalizes the invitation. It becomes more than a invitation it's also a gift. A gift of a photo of the Quinceanera.

• It's fun to choose the print color of the invitation to match the inside color of the envelopes. That's why it's important to have your color theme picked out before you choose your invitations.

• Another important point, is to make sure you have your compete list of the Corte of Honor with their names spelled correctly.

• Allow at least two weeks from the time you place your order to the date you receive will invitations from the printer.

• For added protection for yourself make sure you have an extra two weeks before you plan to send out your invitations. Just in case there is an error made and it needs to be corrected and resent back to you.
  

• Plan to send your Quinceanera invitations six to eight weeks before your daughters Quinceanera celebration.
  

• Some families are sending out 'save the date' announcements six months ahead of the Quinceanera celebration. You know your guests and whether it's necessary to send them out or not.

If you would like more information about invitations.

Have a question??? Any question. Hit comments and write your question and I will answer it. ;-)


All the best,
Priscilla

Moms' of the Quince Girl - this is your space

Over the past few months I've received a lot of phone calls from moms who were very stressed, because of all the responsibility they had planning their daughters celebration.

All to often the person on the other end of the phone sounded like she was ready to cry. It was always the last minute mistakes that were popping up. I felt so bad for each one. I tried to help as much as I could with last minute orders etc. But, what everyone needed was having someone who cared and would take time to listen to their problem or sometimes problems.

When I wrote the book Quinceanera Connection Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget, I didn't realize the heavy burdens the mothers of the Quinceanera has. I expected the Quince girl to take on more responsibility for her special day. Now, I don't know whose fault it is that most moms are doing it all. It's just too much for one person to handle.

I recommend before it's to late. You need to get your daughter more involved with the plans. I worked with a group of girls planning their Quinceanera. I gave them my book and we made up the Quinceanera e planner. Anyway, we sat down and reviewed all the details it takes to plan an event for over thirty people. They were surprised as to the number of details that had to be taken care.

Each gal thought of their mother and how little extra time she had for herself. Their moms were working. There were other kids at home that needed attention. There was laundry, cooking and on and on. Does that sound familiar? No wonder the mothers who phoned me were so stressed.

OK, what can you do to make things easier for yourself and your family? No matter where you are in the planning cycle you need to consider some of the following suggestions.

• You need to have a planner to assist you with the organization of all the details relating to the event. This means contact names, phone numbers, contracts, agreements and everything else. The more organized you are the easier it will be for you. And the less chance you will have for expensive mistakes to happen.
  
• If the date of the Quinceanera is within the next month click here and download the free 17 page Quinceanera e planner It's a modified version of the bonus e planner. It will help with handling all the last minute details that can be so stressful you might not be able to enjoy your daughters special day. I could fill volumes with horror stories of things that occurred on the day of a major event that could have been avoided if the person in charge had been totally organized. That also means you will need to created lists for those who are assisting you with last minute and day of the event responsibilities.
  
• What makes a large family event successful with beautiful memories? It's getting everyone in the family involved. That means everyone has to have responsibilities. Sit down and share with your daughter what you have accomplished to date and what has to be done. Ask her where does she feels she can be the most help to you? This will help create a closer bond between the two of you. Plus, not only will she help you with the area she agrees to handle. She will also learn from the experience. She will feel more involved and really appreciate all that you are doing for her special day.
• Take time out on a regular basis reviewing with your daughter where you are in the planning stage and what has to be accomplished. Make sure you use the planner and calendar when you discuss things with her. When you use the planner in your discussions it will eliminate the chance of having any emotional outbreaks. Your daughter should feel comfortable using a planner and the need to meet deadlines. Therefore, when you use the planner workbook she will respect you and herself working together in a discipline environment.
  
• Your daughter needs you more than ever before. It might not seem that way, but it's true. From all the research I have done with groups of teens and moms I've found if a girl can't communicate with her mother, she goes off searching for a boy who she thinks will care for her and listen to her. Teen boys have a different agenda then your daughter has. This is the perfect time to make your daughter feel extra special and appreciated as you listen to her with out judgment. She will love and appreciate you more than ever and not have the need to find love in other places. She is still learning and testing what is best for her. That is why she needs you not a teen boy who is trying to grow up and find himself.
  

Wishing you all the best,

Priscilla