Dating--On a Budget

     Look, we all know that the economy isn't what it was and although it is getting better, it isn't there just yet.  The majority of the world (who aren't in the top 1%) had to make changes in their financial lives in order to survive and maintain some semblance of normality.  We "trimmed the fat", so--not so bad, right?  WRONG!  In fulfilling the need to cut back, some of our extracurricular activities got cut back as well--like date nights/days.  But, there is a solution for this and it is as easy as cracking open your computer to get started!
     First you have to dispel the misconception that you need to spend a lot of money to have fun on dates because that simply isn't true.  The economic status of America is a double edged sword.  We did have to cut back, but not just us.  A lot of companies had to cut back as well which means that unusual and unexpected deals are now a regular phenomenon.  Great sites like groupon (which gives you an opportunity to buy in on great deals) and pinterest (which can help you with ideas and orchestration of fun, memorable, dates) are a great starting point for anyone who wants or needs help planning something fun, special, but affordable.  There are a lot of other great websites and blogs (and let's not forget friends) that you can go to for ideas and information as well.  If there is a specific place or attraction you want to take your significant other to you can always save up for it and check out the attraction website because they have great deals on their "slow" days that will work to your favor.
     Ultimately, the most important thing to remember about Dates/dating is spending time with the one who you love--who is special to you--is the reason for the date in the first place.  As long as you are together, appreciating each other, enjoying the company you keep, that is what matters most.  You can turn any night/day into something special.  Whether you have a picnic, game or movie night or scoop an awesome deal for dinner, dance classes or even flowers the fact that you are taking time--making time--for the one you love will always be the most cherish and precious part of your date!
     Well that is all I have for now!  Until another time I wish you all Love and Happiness of the truest kind!
          ~Marissa

Inside My World

     As most of you know (or maybe don't) one of the major goals of my life is to be a successful published author (successful, not famous).  And after talking to Hunny and Finess, I thought that I would take y'all on a little trip to the world inside of my head.  Ok--that sounded a little off, but I didn't mean it in the, "I am a psycho come on a psychedelic trip with me", but more of a, "I am a writer, allow me to give you a taste of my world", type of way.
     Writers don't think like other people, or rather I should speak for fictional/fantasy writers--let me begin again.  Fantasy/Fiction writers do not think like non-writers.  The worlds we create are already alive, rotating, evolving, existing in our minds and they never end or stop until their story is told or sometimes, not even then (helllloooo trilogies/series)!  We see everything about those worlds and the people who live in them.  We get to know them, their looks; voices; hearts and souls--all of them.  We talk to them, with and about them.  Even when we write their fate (not always knowing the outcome until the words are put upon the page) we cry for and with them.  They are wholly a part of who I am and yet, they are their own beings simultaneously.   
     Being so involved in their world(s) is what makes writer's block so brutal.  Personally, it makes me feel like a failure and not just to myself, but to the characters that live and breathe within their perspective realms.  Nothing is more frustrating than leaving a world in limbo because I can't seem to do them justice.  Honestly, I can get lost in those worlds when I am writing.  I bask beneath the velvety night skies and four moons glistening in brilliant metallic colors; I walk through the great, vast, forests and soft velvety glades--listening, watching them as they live their lives.  These worlds are as real to me as the one I inhabit on a daily basis and best of all they are all mine.
     I could spend an entire lifetime trying to explain, but (to a degree) unless you have experienced this you will never truly understand.  But in this case, understanding is not key--no--but, appreciating is.  I believe one day that someone will say 'yes', and my books will fill shelves and Barnes and Noble and have the notoriety of Hamilton or Small.  Someday my world(s) will be out there for all to dive into, absorb and live in at least until they finish reading.  Until then I shall continue to work on bringing them to life, giving them immortality on pages, instead of the secretive existence they unfortunately dwell in now.  
     Well, that's just a little taste of what goes on inside my head.  Until another time, I wish you all Love and Happiness of the truest kind!
         ~Marissa     

Romance--Not Just for Girls!

     Ok ladies, this one is for you!  I post a lot of advice for our guys, but we can't forget that romance is NOT a one way street!  You have to romance your guys!  Let them know that they are special to you and that you are happy they are in your lives.  It doesn't take much (unless they are high maintenance) to make them feel special or happy.  Take time out to make them their favorite dinner or dessert.  Maybe even get them tickets to a game or concert; a bottle of their favorite cologne or shoes.  Remember that being supportive, giving and understanding is also another way to appreciate the men in your lives. Even something as sweet and simple as leaving a note on his car or in his brief case to remind him how wonderful he is, works too. 
     We should not desire to be romanced yet do nothing in return for our men, that isn't fair nor is it right.  It takes two to keep a spark going (or growing).  Don't get so comfortable or spoiled that you forget to make him feel special too.  We get what we give and that is probably most true in relationships than anywhere else in life.  So always strive to give them your best.  Say thank you and let them know that their efforts are amazing and what it means.  And make time to RECIPROCATE!
     I know this post is short, but I can only speak so much on guys (as I am not one), but I am happy to try!  Ladies--heed my words!  Guys--you are welcome ;)!
     Until another time I wish you all love and happiness of the truest kind!
     ~Marissa