Wednesday Wedding Accessory : Personalized Custom Pillows

These linen ring bearer pillows from The Wedding Outlet are stitched with homespun charm and feature a personalized love bird flag banner or heart detail in your choice of color. A beautiful repositionable "pin" allows the wedding bands to be located anywhere on the face of the pillow. After the wedding, add this to your "toss pillow" collection to be enjoyed for years to come.

Simply Sweet Heart Ring Pillow + Simply Sweet Birds with Love Pennant Ring Pillow

The Wedding Outlet is a sponsor of Brenda's Wedding Blog

A Personal Post . . . Life is full of unexpected twists, turns + burgers

As many of you probably noticed there was no giveaway yesterday as Christine, the associate editor of BestWeddingSites.com, came by to leave a message for everyone. {But, good news is that I have a GREAT giveaway headed your way next Tuesday}

I don't often get too personal on my blog but I feel that I need to share what's going on in case I can't respond to emails as timely as usual. I have been sick much of my 2nd pregnancy - what started as the typical sick feeling the first few months then became two sinus infections, back to back. I was then better for a week before somehow catching a cold that turned into a nasty cough. This past week, the cough turned even worse making it hard to keep down food without getting sick {sorry for TMI}.

This past Monday night I ended up having to be admitted to the hospital for tests to be run and came home Tuesday morning at 3 am. The good news is it's not pneumonia as my drs thought it might be, and I'm somehow still hydrated enough which is great news for the baby and me. They say the cough is allergy/asthma related. I'm very glad to know it's not pneumonia, but after all this time, I just so wish the drs could easily help me get over this. I'm now taking cough medicine with codeine in hopes of calming the cough so that I can eat and keep food in me while my throat heals from the coughing. But, I'm left to wonder - what happens when I stop the cough medicine? I certainly can't keep taking it day and night for longer than a few days.

While I rest and pray for answers and a final cure, I'll be hoping I'm well enough for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to enjoy some fun outdoor games with my daughter and hubby. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. Oh, and of course I'd love a nice big juicy burger . . . hey, I can't help it, I'm still craving lots of good food LOL!!!! Maybe this burger will do the trick? {recipe from Jaime Oliver here}

Weekly Giveaway Delay

Good Morning Everyone - This is Christine, associate editor of BestWeddingSites.com here to let you know that due to increased illness, Brenda is unable to be near her computer at this time as she tends to the healthcare needs of herself and baby #2 that she's expecting. She has asked me to relay a message on her behalf that there will be a week delay in the giveaways scheduled on the blog. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding during this time. Please keep her in your thoughts as she takes this time to heal and keep baby #2 safe...thank you.

Alternative Honeymoon Ideas

Special post from John Lewis Wedding Insurance

Happy Monday. Today I have a wonderful post to share with you and it's filled with some GREAT ideas for your honeymoon. What is your favorite honeymoon idea?

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Once their wedding is over, many newlyweds look forward to their honeymoon as a way of recharging their batteries and spending some valuable time together as husband and wife. But choosing where to go can be tricky and the more traditional honeymoon destinations may not appeal to everyone.

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, take a look at our list of alternative honeymoon ideas…

Perfect for foodies: 
If you both share a passion for gastronomy, have you thought about a food and wine tour? Cooking holidays are a great way to immerse yourself in the local flavours and learn some new skills. France and Spain are classic destinations, or why not get a taste of South Africa or Argentina?

On the rails:
A rail journey is a great way to see many countries and sights in comfort and style. Cross a third of the world on the Trans-Siberian Railway, take a tour from Cape Town to Pretoria on the magnificent Blue Train, or sample some of northern India’s greatest cities in the Palace on Wheels.

Alternative accommodation:
If you fancy something a bit of out of the ordinary, staying in a unique hotel is becoming increasingly popular. From treehouses in India and cave hotels in Turkey, to medieval castles in Italy and eco lodges in Mexico, there’s every type of accommodation you can think of – and more.

Winter wonderland:
Reduced costs and a wider choice mean that winter weddings are becoming more appealing to many couples. So why not carry on the theme and take a winter honeymoon? Switzerland, Canada and even the Andes mountains have amazing hotels and resorts set in the snow.

Give something back:
If you’d like to use your honeymoon as an opportunity to do something good, a volunteering holiday might be just for you. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your dreams of luxury. Many companies offer you the chance to work as well as comfortable accommodation to relax in.

Wherever you end up heading, making sure that your wedding goes off without a hitch is the best way to start your travels. Having wedding insurance to cover your big day will give you valuable peace of mind. So, if the worst does happen, you’ll know that you’re covered.

About John Lewis Insurance
John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance products selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include Home, Car, Pet, Travel, Life, Event and Wedding Insurance policies. To find out more about John Lewis Wedding Insurance and get a quote, customers can visit www.johnlewis.com/insurance.

John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. A full copy of the policy wording and the insurance complaints procedure are available on request.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Don't forget to enter the current giveaway . . .

Don't forget to enter and win in this week's giveaway. Enter to win $75 to shop for Wedding Shoes at My Glass Slipper. Contest ends on Monday May 21st, 2012 at 11:59pm EST. PS: the giveaways are now open to ALL my readers!!! So hurry up and enter to see if you're the lucky winner on Tuesday morning.

Friday Favor of the Day : Antique Style Key Bottle Opener

This favor is just beautiful. The Antique Key Bottle Opener is not only a practical favor but it's also the perfect addition to any classic or vintage wedding. The packaging of this unique favor also has an antique theme. The ribbon and favor tags are sold separately, but how great would this key look on the plate of each guest with their name on it? Your guests will love taking this momento home with them.

Favor Days is a sponsor of Brenda's Wedding Blog

Green Moss Wedding Ideas

There's something so beautifully natural about using moss with your décor - especially for spring and summer events. Loving these ideas I came across. What is your favorite use of moss?

1. A moss monogram is perfect for the entrance to your ceremony or reception {can then be re-used after the wedding on your own front door} {from The Magnolia Company}

2. Moss as a centerpiece - a great alternative to flowers and makes a lovely low centerpiece for easy conversation {from Martha Stewart}

3. A moss tiered cake makes another great centerpiece and a great conversation starter too {from Pretty Little Weddings | photo by Tonya Joy}

4. Moss used on birch chargers is super clever {via Bronze Budget Bride}

5. Moss covered table numbers - hang them from an elegant branched centerpiece with beaded garlands and candles {from Camlie Inc}

6. Grapevine hearts covered in moss - perfect for entrance ways as well as décor on the backs for chairs {from Teresa's Plants and More}

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Looking for even more moss wedding ideas? Please visit my Fun Inspiration - Moss pinterest board. And, you can follow me on pinterest too.