Our family has discovered a new found passion that has a tendency to take our breath away. My little man is now a bonafided baseball player (t-ball that is). So as I sit and watch their fielding exercises a thought crosses my mind. I wonder how many couples have included their love of baseball into their wedding celebration. I journey off into one of my imaginative moments. A preacher stands in the center of the field on the pitcher’s mound and the lovely bride and groom are together on home plate. Upon the question of wether this man will take this woman the preacher stops. Loudy he announces that as a measure of good faith the groom will run the bases until he makes his way home in the arms of the woman he loves. The crowd awes in unison. As he aproaches the home plate a wave spreads through the stands. The crowd roars as he aproaches and wraps his arms around her securing a home run. Here is were I find myself chuckling amongst the other proud parents who are watching an amazing little team develop their skills. Go Purple Cats!

What do you think of when you hear the word planning? The dreaded task of writing a minute by minute plan you are required to stick to. Try again. Instead try thinking of it as the first rough draft of an english paper. The guideline you follow to complete the task (work) that gives you the ability to change the flow to your liking up until the time has arrived to provide a final draft. If you learn how to master this task you are heads above heals over your peers.

I’m sure you have heard co-workers discuss their upcoming weekend plans with all sorts of emotions attached. However come Monday you may hear an entirely different story. How does this happen? They found a way to be flexible regardless of why they changed and adapted to the variables that where present once the weekend appeared. As a person, as a bride, or any other matter in life a rough draft should always occur to point you in the direction of your choice. However the outcome once arriving may not be exactly what you have imagined. Why do I bring this up you ask? I found in my life it is easier to determine certain matters or upcoming events based on a sketched image. However when the time is of an essence, you could say, not all of the needed factors are present to pull off the original image. So how do you correct the elements you can not control? You don’t!!

This is where the troubles, stress, and over zealous concerns sneak in and throw you through a whirlwind. Instead you could allow yourself the grace and consideration of re-routing as our GPS’s do when we take a wrong turn. Use what you have available and derive a revised plan that accomplishes the main goals of the rough draft. Wedding planning will throw you through many loops like these…So will life! If you can find the strength and flexibility to adjust to the changes in the well laid plan you will inevitably find your path along the infamous yellow bricked road. We all know this is the supposed path to the wizard who is waiting to grant our most sincere wishes!

Behind the curtain you will only find that all you seek has been present within you from the start. So just take a deep breath click your heels and bask in your knowledge as you master the art of planning.

Houston Wedding show….

For my brides who are still looking for those perfect or last minute touches to their weddings. Whether your just looking to settle on the ideas you already kinda had or are looking to find some to inspire you. This event is a must see. Not even two weeks away! On August 27th you will have the opportunity to find the resolutions you needed or possibly accumulate all the things that would create your very special day! Come one, Come all if you dare and find what is in store for you that is guaranteed to feed your imagination.

If your not one who enjoys standing in the ticket line then you can go to www.houstonweddingshowcase.com and purchase your ticket online to skip the fuss and start the fun.

If you do make it out to the Houston Wedding Show please come back and share the gossip of your experiences. Especially since I am unable to attend this year. I would love to see it through your eyes!

He’s only a step or two away from a full release of his newest book Words of Wisdom Worth a Second Thought.

I am very proud to announce that my wonderful husband has decided to publish one of his works of art. That’s right he is now a full fledged 100% bonafide all around writer. For those of you who are familiar with my other half you will not be surprised by this one bit. For those who are not, you can get a feel of his style for yourself at www.xaviernelson.net  oh and by the way you will find a sneak peak of the new book there. The full version will soon be available on www.createspace.com and www.amazon.com you can just search for my beloved author Xavier T. Nelson. I hope you enjoy the insight and words of wisdom as much as I did!

Since I have been writing to you for a bit now about topics that have sparked my interest. I thought it would only seem fair to tell you a little bit about me. Seeing as time and time again I find myself keeping tabs on wedding related topics it would seem to have become a passion of mine. It would also only be naturally that I would have the need to share my new found knowledge! My sweet and loving husband having heard more than enough on the subject has convinced me to begin sharing with others who may actually benefit. So began Divine-Moments.com! A new way for me to share things I have learned or stuff I would just like to tell someone about.

Looking back I would say I have always had a love of weddings. I will never forget the first time I was a flower girl. I was so honored and made sure I took my duties very seriously even though I was only five years old. Fast forward to adulthood and I had been a flower girl and bridesmaid many times over. Through all of this I found that a wedding consist of more than just a marriage. Where else do find a room filled with a variety of personalities who look past their differences to come together in celebration. In the midst of this you could easily find things that happen like a conversation that inspires heart felt laughs. Those who brave the dance floor since it is a special occasion. The words of wisdom that are offered on marriage and life. The senses that ignite when the feeling of love strengthens and travels around touching all within reach. Many of these memorable moments rapidly occurring in a relatively short amount of time could be seen as commotion. However after taking a closer look like me you may find the dynamics quite fascinating.

Many years ago someone close to me had become engaged. She had wanted a formal wedding yet she was at a loss on how to bring everything together. We had a few conversations and after asking many questions I had a good basis to begin the planning. Within a couple of weeks, some research, and endless phone calls I had lined up appointments for things she had expressed passion and excitement over. A list was created containing facilities, dj’s, photographers, caterers, and the other staples of a wedding. I was feeling very proud of myself for accumulating the information she had needed. Then it hit me, that wasn’t hard at all, and I had a blast.

I was blessed enough to have another go at it when my brother decided to get married. This was very different experience since we basically had a $0 budget and very little time. Creativity was our only hope! We hand made and off-the-cuffed designed everything to create a simply elegant wedding. Now I wouldn’t consider myself a planner or coordinator. I would say I am more of a wedding enthusiast! I truly enjoy the planning, the challenges, and everything else that leads up to the I do’s. An amazing party to celebrate when all is said and done is just the icing on the cake.

I can only hope you also develop a passion for the creativeness, sharing of ideas, and things you learn by going through the process. More importantly my wish for you is an overwhelming love you can’t help but pledge to one another before God, your family, and friends. For me these would be the makings of some Divine Moments!

Yours Truly Brandy Nelson

DIY Brides are popping up out of the wood works! Why wouldn’t they? Especially given the economy we exist in today. There is a contagious excitement flowing from brides who are creating their own decorations, invitations, wedding favors, and dresses. OK, so I fudged a bit on the last item! Seriously, I am truly amazed by all the ideas people are developing and then kindly sharing with others. There were ways to use things like hurricane lamps, artificial flowers, floating candles, beads, and crystals that I would have never thought of to create decorations.

Some brides are throwing out the fancy card stock and choosing to use their own photos as their invitation backgrounds. I even heard of a couple who wanted the design of their invite to look like a plane ticket with the wedding details written as flight details. I guess you could say the sky is the limits when your designing things yourself.

You have it in you to create all the things that add the personal touches to your wedding even if you aren’t Martha Stewart. Do it yourself (DIY) weddings can be a lot work and a lot of fun as long as your up to a challenge. Not to mention the savings that you will gain. All in all it sounds like a task that may warrant spending time with your friends..uuhhmmm I mean helpers.

A new exhibit is now on display at Buckingham Palace! If you somehow missed the coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and still desire to see the infamous gown first hand then your in luck. Even though the  secret of the dress design has long passed the beauty it holds had stood to the hype.

Once upon a time is a phrase everyone knows all too well! As children we are drawn to imaginary lands full of promise many of which stem from visions inspired by none other than Walt Disney. When I was a little girl I wanted nothing more than to visit the enchanted castle to spend time with Cinderella and all of her friends. Days and then years pass and for us women a new magical adventure begins. An entire day that just for us were our wishes come true as we pledge an undying love to our very own Prince Charming. Just as visiting Disney World for the first time, a wedding will drive you to ride wild roller coasters, travel great distances, and find excitement in the small things.

I recently ventured out to the Houston Bridal Extravaganza Show to revive the planning bug that every bride get after she tells him ‘YES!’. I dutifully stood in line amongst the brides-to-be and those they cherish. I patiently awaited my turn to walk through the doors and I couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement and emotion that surrounded me. Hearing the soon-to-be brides joyfully discussing ideas they had or hoped they would gather for their very important day.

As the doors open I made my way into the crowd anxious to explore the wedding wonderland that existed before me. In awe I caught magnificent glimpses of picturesque scenes created to inspire the desires and visions that lead us to design the wedding of our dreams.

Chances are your one of the many who were swept off their feet with emotion when Cinderella married her Prince Charming. Imagine that feeling brought to life in a refreshing way which is now available in the David’s Bridal’s new Disney Princesses line. A modern day take on a timeless classic gown. If a ballgown does not fit the style you have envisioned. Have no fear there were many elegant styles, fabrics, and designs on hand from various stores and boutiques that would make you shudder with excitement. There were times I would stop to hear the conversations that took place around me as the soon-to-be brides gave their reviews of the dresses they had seen. Through their evaluations of sleeve length, ruffles or layers that would add volume, etched patterns in the materials, or even the movement a gown would have as they walked. I was inspired to let my imagination roam through the created visions of a perfect dress.

Then with the sense of waltzing, I moved along the aisles to see beautifully arranged settings that would encourage the decorator within you to come alive. The linens and table settings available today are surely different than those used when your grandparents were married. Decorating the room and tables for your event have taken on a bigger role in today’s overall planning. This is where you are able to turn your wedding venue into an environment that expresses your sense of style. The choices are limitless the various fabrics, embossed and embroidered prints, elevated rose or squared patterns, not to mention the multitude of colors and layered looks that were presented. There were centerpieces that branched straight from imagination that would transform your guest tables into works of art. There were such thought provoking displays to see that I had lost track of where I was for a brief moment. I saw bead work that was formed in the shape of vases or bowed branches that held small lanterns, blown glass that gave an added touch to the flower arrangements they held. The options were  plentiful and you could easily develop a table top setting that would appeal to the masses and would delight your senses.

In seeing the fully set tables I was compelled to have a sit down dinner made of the delectable scents wafting through from the caterers who were offering samples of their creations. The food was so delicious that it was a shame you weren’t able to order a full plate. However you would be able to leave with the full knowledge of how the flavor of your meal would compliment the flavor of your cake. The moist and flavorful treats provided by the master bakers in attendance were tremendously appealing to the eye and deserved to be entered in competitions. Using the mastery of their skills they presented a new look to the traditional wedding cakes we have all come to know. For those who enjoy the newer designs there were cakes that made statements of their own. My favorites, because of uniqueness, were the grooms cakes that would certainly have your guests still talking about them years later.

There are also the missing links that help tie all of the planning aspects together. The Musical Engineers who provide the sound track to one of the most important days in your life. Photographers who provide the needed utensils to capture memorable still moments of an active event. The not-to-be easily forgotten modes of transportation that carry you hassle free to and from your destinations while you catch your breath and recapture your beautiful smile

To be honest there was so much to see and so many things you may not have considered in your previous planning that you really should see it for yourself first hand. As hard as I try, it truly is difficult to express the thoughts, ideas, and the true visions the Houston Bridal Extravaganza Show provided. So I ask that you not just take my word for it instead you go and check it out for yourself. If you missed the July show, rest easy knowing there will be another show coming in January. So mark your calendars because this is an event you can’t afford to miss!!

As I said I would I spent some time this weekend at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza Show. Looking to gather some up to date information in the wedding industry so to speak. I truly enjoyed the event and felt it was eye opening, creative, and guaranteed to inspire any one looking to plan a wedding. This is where my struggle began! I have so much I want to share with you I am having a difficult time putting it into words. Almost!! So I sat down at my computer and began to write. It would have been quite a read if I do say so myself. The trouble comes when I went to physically try to share it with you. I click my beloved publish button and anxiously awaited. To my surprise, disbelief, and then frustration I receive the not so beloved **Problem loading page**

No, no, no, oh no…………

I am sad to say I had lost everything. How you ask well I became so excited that I had begun to type away in the area used to apply my posts to publish. In my madness I had not stopped to create a saved draft. In my rush to share the information with you I……

Well you get the jest. So I no longer have the amazing summary of my time at B.E.S. available to post. Not such a big deal you would think, however today I have constantly tried to recreate the story I desperately want to share with no luck. Writer’s block rears it’s ugly head and stared me in the eyes just to show me it could.

It just goes to show that I may have gone about this incorrectly. I spent a lot of time thinking it over and over in order to emphasize the highlights of the event that would further motivate and heighten the desire you will come to rely on to breathe life into your special day.

There were some definite lessons to be learned from this:

SAVE is now the most cherished feature my computer possesses.

I don’t need to think it to death. Time would be better spent sharing the interesting tid bits of knowledge I come across with you.

When you get knocked down get back up dust off and keep going.

I fully intend to re-write a summarized view of my experience at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza Show so please stay tuned…..

Houston’s biggest wedding event is back this weekend (July 16-17)!

The Bridal Extravaganza Show is a premier one stop shop for all those pesky lines left blank in your planners.

There is no better place! Imagine having Houston’s four star caterers, photographers even a celebrity would want, DJ’s or should we say music engineers, the most talented bakers in town, and of course the most magnificent venues available giving you the star treatment.

That’s right they can’t wait to tell you everything you would want to know about them. Some will be so excited for you they may offer the gift of a discount on their services. There are also some amazing prizes (honeymoon) to be given away.

Hurry on over to BridalExtravaganzaShow.com and don’t miss out on the savings by purchasing your ticket online.

If your anything like me you may not know the definition of vacation! What does that mean anyway? Well I have been told that is where you leave the day to day behind briefly to do something different with your day…. At first I was still confused I won’t lie I had to ask a few other close friends for advice on this but we eventually figured it out.

So we told our bosses we would like to take a couple of days off and sat down to plan our so called vacation. Where should we go? Hey this sounds great but it cost about a months salary! If you have ever been in this stage of vacation planning then you are nodding in agreement with me. So how do you have a vacation without all the hassles, travel expense, timing issues, or the cost involved….

By taking a stay-cation which also happened to be a new concept to me. How I translated this new beautiful concept is by stepping out of your life for a couple or maybe even a few days if you dare and think outside the box of a to do list in the areas surrounding your home.

Living in the mist of a forest you wouldn’t think there is much to do around us but with just a bit of research I learned just how wrong I was. There are resorts, parks, golf courses, lakes, and of course the daily shopping and eating places we are usually not able to visit due to our working hours.

In the end my husband and I have taken our first vacation EVER!! It was amazing the things we were able to see and do with the added excitement that everyone else we know is at work while we are out running around.

So if you were to ever feel that traveling or a vacation is out of your reach consider changing the definition and have a good time close to home and relieve the pressure on your pocketbook.

Let’s be realistic here! Today there just doesn’t seem to be enough money to go around after everything is said and done. This is for my brides who are scrimping and pinching the pennies to put that last touch on the wedding of their dreams. For those who are saving for a long overdue vacation or worse yet those who are just taking a licking from the economy. All those things will be right where you left them when you get back. For now just take some time to sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home.

I have found some extremely budget friendly recipes that will allow you recapture that luxurious feeling you get after a day at the spa. If your anything like me you will all ready have everything you will need without traveling further than your kitchen. NO appointments needed, come as you are, or whenever you deserve a break.

Banana Avocado Mask
A homemade facial mask perfect for moisturizing away dry skin
Ingredients
1/2 overripe banana, mashed
1/2 overripe avocado, mashed
2 tbsp plain yogurt (not nonfat)
1 tsp olive oil

Directions
Combine all ingredients thoroughly. Apply to clean face and neck. Leave on for 20 to 30 min. Rinse with plenty of warm water.

Yogurt Cucumber Parsley Facial Mask
A creamy facial mask that leaves your skin soft and refreshed like a professional.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. cucumber
1 Tbsp. parsley

Directions
Puree the cucumber and parsley and then mix in the yogurt until smooth. Wash with your favorite gentle Cleanser then apply the creamy mask. Leave the mask on for approximately 15-20 minutes for best results.  This will revive and moisten your skin for that baby smooth feeling. Rinse with water. Follow with your best Moisturizer.

Peach Tightening Facial Mask
Ingredients
1 ripe peach – peeled and pitted
1 egg white

Directions
Whip the egg white put in the blender add the peach and blend until smooth. Gently pat mixture over face leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse clean with cool water.

Chocolate Facial Mask
A decadent moisturizer that leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
1/3 Cup Cocoa Powder
3 Tbsp Heavy Cream
2 tsp Cottage Cheese
1/4 Cup Honey
3 tsp Oatmeal

Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a small blender.  Indulge and cover your face.  Relax for 10 minutes and then rinse clean with warm water.

Frozen Egg & Honey Facial Mask
This is a homemade double duty spa treatment
Ingredients
1 egg
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (but not hot)
1 tbs. honey
1 empty toilet paper roll

Directions
Beat the egg in a small bowl until frothy and well-mixed. Slowly add the liquid coconut oil and honey, beating until you have the consistency of mayonnaise. Take an empty toilet tissue roll and set it on end in a clean bowl. Spoon mixture into the cardboard toilet paper roll (or consider using an empty deodorant container). Place tube, in the bowl, in the freezer overnight.
To use, peel away the top of the cardboard roll and gently massage you face with the frozen treatment that resembles a push up pop. Leave your mask on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.

Cover the remainder with plastic wrap and keep in the freezer between uses.
This mixture is soothing way to treat a sunburn. You can keep this on hand since it lasts indefinitely in the freezer.

Sensitive Skin Cucumber Mask
Afraid your skin is too sensitive for a spa treatment think again.  If you chill it in the fridge beforehand you can make it especially soothing.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Brewer’s Yeast
1 Tbsp finely ground Oatmeal
1 Whole Cucumber
2 Tablespoons plain yogurt or sour cream

Directions
Mix the yeast and ground oats together in a small bowl and set aside. Peel the cucumber and using a food processor blend until only liquid remains. Add the yogurt and honey to the cucumber and mix. Add the brewer’s yeast and oats to the cucumber/honey mixture and mix fully. To use, apply to clean face and neck leave on for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse well and follow with a toner and moisturizer.

There you go, some awesome, sure-fire ways to increase your radiance and decrease the stresses of everything else. So I dare you to get up and find the spa that is lurking in your kitchen! Try one, actually I recommend you try them all. I get a kick out of the Chocolate facial mask it melts away my day and leaves my husband with a sweet tooth. Then come back and let me know which one you love to use to soothe away even the most troublesome of days.