Samantha K Schmidt

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to announce to the people we love that we were expecting our first child. Those people just happened to be nearly 100 high school students. My husband works full-time with students and I've volunteered as a mentor since we began dating 2 years ago. Although we have a few close friends, those kids make up the majority of our lives. It was amazing to see their faces light up when we made that announcement. It brought me so much joy knowing that they were so joyful for us.

If you're a coffee snob you probably spend a large portion of your monthly budget on the delicious libation. If you're budget conscious like me you probably take advantage of every Starbucks reward upgrading to Trenta size (yea, it exists). There's an easy way to save money on your morning (or all day) coffee. Even if you aren't a coffee connoisseur there are a few brews that are easy to make at home you just need a few inexpensive tools. Coffee Grinder Grinding your beans at home is the best way to get the most flavorful, fresh coffee. Plus, you don't have to buy anything fancy. I got mine at Marshall's for under $10 and this one is available on Amazon for $14.99.    You can use the grounds in everything from your home brewing machine to any of the options below. Coffee Dripper Pour over coffee is just as popular as drip coffee these days and creates a much tastier cup. Plus, it's just as quick and easy. You'll need a coffee dripp...

Venue:  October Oaks - Webster, FL Photography:  Jenny Tod - Indianapolis, IN Catering : Cuisine by Michael J - Webster, FL Florist:  Clermont Florist - Clermont, FL Dress: Aurora Unique Bridal Boutique - Melbourne, FL Groom and Groomsmen Attire: JCPenney Bridesmaid Attire: White House Black Market More Photos:  Schmidt 2016 Gallery

This week I had the opportunity to take a few friends to one of my favorite travel destinations. St. Augustine is a Florida treasure filled with history and culture. The city is only a short drive from Central Florida, so we gathered our cameras and headed east. If you are planning a trip to Florida, St. Augustine should certainly be on your list. Not only does the city date back to the 1500's, but the atmosphere is the closest thing to island life outside of the Florida Keys. The city streets are lined with locally owned businesses with handmade crafts and restaurants with fresh seafood straight out of the Atlantic. Here are just a few of the must-do's when you are in the city. - Take an Old Town Trolley Tour . Not only does the tour give you an opportunity to learn the history of this amazing city, it also allows you to hop on and off at different locations without taking a taxi.  - Go inside the Castillo de San Marcos . This architectural gem was built in 169...

Last week I gave you the basic guide to thrifting. This week we are going to talk about the best thrift store finds. What are the best items to look for when thrifting? Here are few things that you'll want to look for on your next excursion.