{Wise Words} Quote of the Week

Published on August 1, 2014July 31, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

This is an oldie, but goodie. Instead of doing my normal “Wise Words“, I’d like to share a quote with you that shows, it’s not smart to mess with a smart woman. During a radio interview with Sway and Lauren Conrad, a caller asked her, “What’s Your Favorite Position”? Her answer, well, it’s a classic!

Oh Lauren Conrad… I remember being in high school watching her on MTV during her high school days in Laguna and then her Teen Vogue days in Hollywood. Now she is all grown up and clearly a Woman to Watch.

Mint Interviews Danielle Y. Boler of She Makes Cents

Published on July 30, 2014June 29, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason5 Comments

Back in March, I was contacted by an Editorial Assistant for Mint asking if I would be interested in doing an interview. I interview people all the time, but rarely am I on the other side of questions. Excited and a little nervous, I agreed. Yesterday, they contacted me to let me know that the interview was published.

Danielle Boler hopes to start a conversation about how women can make smarter financial decisions and live a fabulous life on her blog She Makes Cents. When it comes to how women view money compared to men, Danielle says she believes women are more cautious – which can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, saving more creates a good cushion for emergencies and other unforeseen events, but it can also prevent big financial gain. “Some believe it’s because women are not confident in making big financial decisions. I’m inclined to disagree,” she says. “When armed with the proper tools to make sound financial choices, women prove to be confident, powerful and commanding in their financial choices.” In the end, diversifying your financial portfolio (no matter what your gender) is important on every income level to make your money work for you, she says.

We recently checked out with the sassy blogger to learn more about her site and get her take on personal finance. Here’s what she had to say:

Click here to read the full interview and find out financial freedom is important!

{Splurge or Save} Christian Louboutin Nail Polish

Published on July 24, 2014August 13, 2016 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments

Anyone who knows me personally, knows that I have an affinity toward nail polish. The Mr. once described my behavior in a Sephora on the Las Vegas strip as a “lioness approaching her prey”. With that being said, I have tried it all and I must say, nail polish should not be a splurge. Take the Christian Louboutin nail lacquer that was released yesterday. For $50.00 a bottle, that is smaller than the average nail polish bottle I might add, what are you getting?- A nice rouge polish that can be replicated with OPI or even NYX polish (which is becoming my new favorite because of how long it lasts). You see, you are paying for a name, cool branding with the spiked top, and for people to see you wearing Christian Louboutin. But unlike his shoes, which can be readily identified by their distinctive red bottoms, no one is going to recognize your Rouge Louboutin polish. Think about it like this, 12 bottles of polish could buy you a pair of Louboutin heels…which I would consider a better investment, by far.

Splurge or Save? : SAVE

Would you spend $50.00 for nail polish?

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{Wedding Budget} Could My Wedding Expenses Be Tax Deductible?

Published on July 22, 2014January 22, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason4 Comments

Have you ever had an ah-ha moment in front of total strangers? You know, when the light bulb goes off and your mind starts racing. Well, I had that moment early this summer when meeting with a bride and her CPA father to discuss her décor for her wedding. We were talking trends in weddings, when someone asked, “what happens to the wedding flowers after the wedding?”. I told them of the article I read that inspired me for my own wedding (which then was just a daydream). The article suggested that couples donate extra floral left from the wedding to the residents of a senior care facility. While there, ask the residents for their wedding advice so that they get visitors and the newlyweds get advice from generations before. I thought it was a great idea and a sweet way to start a marriage- giving. The bride’s father interjected agreeing that it was a great idea! Especially since, you could write it off on your taxes. AH….HA…..MOMENT!

Who knew that some wedding expenses are tax-deductible? I starting researching wedding related tax-deductions using an online tax calculator in planning my own wedding and I was surprised by what I found.

Click here to find the secrets behind tax-deductible wedding expenses and how they can work for you!

What are your thoughts on tax-deductible wedding expenses?

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Email SMC: shemakescents@gmail.com

This post was first featured on the FeeX blog.

{Wise Words} Be Happy!

Published on June 30, 2014June 26, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

For those of you suffering from a case of the Mondays, hopefully this is a little something from one of the most chic women ever…Audrey Hepburn.

Happy Monday Lovelies…

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{Personal Story} The Mr. Asked Me to be His Mrs.

Published on June 26, 2014June 26, 2014 by Danielle YB Vason9 Comments

He stole my heart, so I’m stealing his last name!

It’s been a minute, but I have a really great reason for getting slightly off the editorial schedule. One week ago, the Mr. asked me to be his Mrs. That’s right folks, I’m GETTING MARRIED!! Every since I was a little girl I have dreamed of this moment. Yesterday, when visiting my dad, he reminded me of a school project I had when I was five or six years old. Then when asked to write about what I wanted to be when I grew up, my proudly wrote a ballerina, a bride, and a firefighter. Well, at least I got two out of three. Ever since he proposed, life has been a complete whirlwind in the best kind of way. In honor of this exciting time, I’d like to share some of my favorite Money and Relationship posts of the past.

{Money & Friendships} The Real Cost of Being a Bridesmaid

{Money & Relationships} 5 Great Reasons to Have the “Money Talk” with Your Boyfriend

{Money & Relationships} One Reason He Hasn’t Put A Ring On It!

{Money & Relationships} 5 Money Questions You Need to Ask Your Significant Other TODAY!

Let’s Connect!

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Email SMC: shemakescents@gmail.com

{Business Cents} How Your Memory Can Help You Stand Out

Published on June 25, 2014September 7, 2014 by Danielle YB Vason1 Comment

Photo Credit: Professional Women’s Business Network

I say that first impressions are everything but I would also like to add that the little things matter too. Let’s try a little experiment. Raise your hand if you have experienced this statement:

Nice to meet you. I’ve already forgotten your name.

Did YOU forget the name or was YOUR name the one forgotten? I experience both sides of this example on what seems like a daily basis when meeting with new clients. I’m embarrassed to admit that; however, I have made the ability to recall names or better yet face/name recognition on my priority list of things to work on. Remembering someone’s name makes them feel important, shows you are engaged, and makes you more likeable. Todd Smith, in a blog post entitled The Value of Remembering Names sums it up nicely in a series of questions that hits close to home. “Have you ever met someone for the first time who hardly looked you in your eyes, said the standard nice to meet you greeting without any authenticity behind their words and couldn’t remember your name five seconds later? What impression did this person make on you?

How Your Memory Can Help You Stand Out

Apparently, you tend to hear your own name instead of others when you are introduced to a new person. It takes a conscious effort to hear the other person’s name and in the world of shortening attention spans, people who actually make the effort to learn the name of another person, stand out. I am working on it and one thing that helps is using the person’s name when speaking about them. Remember, you want to stand out in a positive way and doesn’t it feel great when people remember you? Check out these 10 Simple Tricks to Remembering Names that can help you make your first impression be a lasting one…. you know, the good kind.

What are your tricks for remembering someone’s name?

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Email SMC: shemakescents@gmail.com

{The Bouqs} The Most Epic Way to Buy Flowers – But Is It Worth It?

Published on June 21, 2014April 24, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason1 Comment

You know I’m all about using my “cents” to live a fabulous life. As I get older, however, I’m feel empowered to define and redefine what a fab life looks and feels to me. One thing that is classic and has always made me feel… well fabulous is fresh flowers at home. It’s something about them that makes me feel very adult and chic, which inspires me to get my house super neat and clean as if Elle Décor was coming through. Being in the event design industry, I am fortunate to see all sorts of beautiful floral from around the world. Being on a financial plan, though, means that it is imperative to find creative yet economical ways to make sure that a simple luxury like fresh flowers is in the budget. Check out what could be one of my new go-to stops for fresh flowers on a budget.

The Bouqs

The Bouqs is a company out of California who contacted me last month about reviewing their product. Prior to that, I had not heard of them (I guess I missed that episode of Shark Tank). After doing a little digging, I learned that they offer sustainable and eco-friendly flowers that are grown on an active volcano in South America. Have you ever had volcano flowers??? Yeah, neither had I, so I had to order a bouq (short for bouquet) and let you all know if this is worth adding to your “simple luxuries” money envelope. I went to their website and I was immediately impressed that they had Ranunculus at a time when my floral distributor could not even get them for my brides at work. Swoon-worthy right?

While I LOVE ranunculus, I wanted something with a little flirty touch, so I took a chance and ordered their Desperado bouquet. As seen below, the Desperado is comprised of a lovely composition of pink roses and soft purple Dianthus. I thought the colors were gorgeous so I pressed “order” and waited a week. The delivery came as scheduled, but to my surprise, my pink and purple bouquet was all pink. It was not a big problem, but it just wasn’t what I expected… until I looked online and saw the note that stated: “Pink Roses with Purple Dianthus or similar accent flowers“. This folks, is a prime example of why it is important to read to the end of the line and the bottom of the page J.

Being that I had these delivered to my office, I had a slew of vases in our floral department to choose from. They arrived in a box so I immediately cut them under water at a slight angle to help them last longer. I also was advised by one of our senior designers at my office to remove all extra leaves and cut them short so that water and flower food is not wasted on foliage. I mixed in the flower food that was provided and started playing with how I wanted to style the arrangement I was making. This was my first arrangement right after I took it out of the box on day one.

Day Three

A Week Later

Bouqs start at $40.00 an order, including shipping, and would be a great option for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, dinner parties or just because. It’s not in my financial plan to get these weekly, but I will definitely take advantage of their concierge service that allows you to schedule floral deliveries to your favorite people. I know I will also use them again because the quality, service, and ability to stay fresh longer than your grocery store flowers makes it worth the money. I will list this as: A GOOD BUY.

What’s Your Take on Fresh Flowers? Fab or a Waste of Money

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Email SMC: shemakescents@gmail.com

{Quick Tips} Every Woman Should Know How to Be More Efficient.

Published on June 19, 2014January 19, 2015 by Danielle YB Vason25 Comments

Women wear several hats everyday and in a society where time is money, learning to be more efficient could be exactly what you need to become more organized, sleep better, and be a ROCK star in your career. I can’t think of one person who couldn’t benefit from these friendly reminders of simple lifestyle changes that could make a big impact on your well-being. Check it out!