Frugal And Fly

  We returned home sated, another check on the bucket list.  Ever grateful. We were at Wimbledon, enjoying Pimm’s cups and strawberries & cream. As you may recall from our Wimbledon: Making It Happen post, we had procured one ticket.  It was for Day 1 of The Championships.  So to get an additional ticket for the day, we went through the infamous queue. All our research told us to get there early.  But none of it prepared us for the biggest queue ever or the check-in/security issues that plagued AELTC on the first days of the championships. We arrived at 5:30 am.  We ended up taking an Uber because the tube didn’t start until 5:27 am, which would have gotten us there lined up in the queue by 6:50 am.  That additional time would have made a huge difference in the queue position.  At 5:30, we were #2784 & 2785; by 6:30 we would have been near 4500. There were people at the front of the line that camped out in little tents.  People were s...

  I have wanted to go to Wimbledon ever since I saw Zina Garrison vs Martina Navratilova in the 1990 Women’s final on TV. I had seen other matches on TV before.  I even played some.  But that match, seeing a woman who looks like me in the final, launched my love affair with the sport and that tournament.  I have been blessed to attend the US Open in New York almost every year since 1993. Now, in 2023, I am going to realize one of my dreams.  I’ve been fantasizing about sitting in Center Court, smelling the grass, following the ball back-&-fourth across the net since that match.  I’M GOING TO WIMBLEDON!!  This is almost two years in the making.   I wanted to go to The Championships in 2022.   I heard about the Public Ballot (possibly the most fiscally sound way for us in the States to get a ticket).   Essentially, the ballot system is one of the most popular options to get your hands on your Wimbledon seats and they works like a lot...

Are you ready to master your finances and start living your best life? Understanding the basics of finance can help you achieve your financial goals and live the life you’ve always wanted.  Unfortunately, too many of us never learned the financial tools. It’s not taught in school.  At my mother’s knee, I learned the art of robbing peter to pay paul and how to work to make the ends meet. Living paycheck to paycheck not having enough money to do the things we want or need. 95% of us are out here surviving instead of thriving. But it doesn’t have to be.  There are some basic financial concepts, that once I was exposed to and started implementing changed my relationship with money. Budgeting Creating a budget is one of the most important things you can do to take control of your finances. Without a budget, it’s easy to overspend and lose track of where your money is going.   Creating a budget doesn't have to be complicated – start by listing your monthly income and e...

  Money is a significant factor in our daily lives, and our financial well-being can have a significant impact on our overall happiness and quality of life. Unfortunately, many people struggle with common financial barriers that prevent them from achieving their financial goals.   Managing it can be stressful, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds. Often, individuals face financial barriers that impede their financial success, such as low income, lack of financial education, and negative money mindsets. Shifting our money mindset plays a crucial role in our financial success. Negative beliefs about money, such as "money is evil" or "I'm not good with money," can hinder us from achieving our financial goals. Therefore, to overcome these barriers, we need to shift our mindset. We can start by focusing on abundance and gratitude and developing financial literacy. By adopting a growth mindset and believing in our ability to learn and grow, we can o...

St. Charles Streetcar The Essence Festival is an unforgettable experience. Even with everything it will have going on...Essence Eats Food & Wine Festival, Beauty Carnival, In His Zone, Wealth & Power Summit, ESSENCE E-Suite, and more…this is also a fantastic opportunity to experience New Orleans' vibrant atmosphere and unique culture. The city is full of life, history, and culture. While you are at Essence Festival, here are some must-see attractions and experiences to squeeze into your itinerary. Visit the French Quarter The French Quarter is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Orleans. The district is full of colorful buildings, street performers, and jazz music. Take a stroll down Bourbon Street or explore the art galleries and boutiques on Royal Street. The French Quarter is also home to some of the best restaurants in the city, serving up local delicacies like gumbo, jambalaya, and po'boys.  The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans and one of...

The Essence Festival is one of the most popular cultural events held annually in New Orleans, attracting thousands of visitors who come to celebrate music, art, and black culture. If you're planning to attend Essence Festival, you're in for an unforgettable experience. However, the festival can be quite expensive, especially if you don't plan and budget. You could end up overspending. Every trip/vacation begins when you start planning. It’s part of the fun. It builds excitement.  The earlier you begin, the better the trip you can create! Create your Budget! While attending the festival can be a dream come true, it can also be a financial burden if not properly planned and budgeted.   Between tickets for the concerts, transportation there, hotel, getting around town, and food, it adds up.   You can do Essence Festival for a few thousand dollars to five figures. Be honest with yourself about how much you can spend and pay off within a reasonable time.   A great tim...

Cajun/Creole Bloody Mary The Essence Festival is one of the most popular events in New Orleans, where music, culture, and food come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience. And if you’re a cocktail lover, then you're in for a treat, as the festival offers a range of delicious and unique cocktails that you won’t want to miss out on. In this blog post, we’ll explore five must-try cocktails at the Essence Festival that will tantalize your taste buds.  Your visit to New Orleans and Essence fest, isn’t complete without trying some of the signature drinks! Hurricane Nothing screams “New Orleans” quite like a hurricane! No sandbags or shelters here, just a fruity drink that’s sure to get the party started. The Hurricane has been a staple of the Essence Festival for years.  This dangerously delicious cocktail is full of fruity goodness, and a mix of light and dark rum typically served in a hurricane glass. If you are going to go for it, get the original at Pat O’Brien...