It's not just about chocolates and flowers. It's about condoms.

In addition to Valentine’s Day, February 14th is National Condom Day and February is National Condom Month.

Did you know that condoms are subjected to rigorous testing methods? Condoms are checked to ensure their dependability and safety via air inflation tests, water tests and electronic testing procedures that detect microscopic defects not visible to the human eye. In fact, during the air inflation tests to gauge condom strength, condoms are inflated with air until they reach three feet high and one foot wide!

LifeStyles Condoms recently released a video show that shows this thorough, hands-on process. See how condoms are tested.

Posted February 9, 2011 9:34 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader actor Liam Neeson talks with Beliefnet's Laurie Sue Brockway about lions, preparing for his role as Aslan, and what inspires him.

Posted December 10, 2010 8:05 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Feel like a fish out of water at family events? Worried that the holidays will bring more stress than joy?

Read more on how to cope with holiday gatherings. Here's an inspiring gallery of tips on Beliefnet.com by Dr. Leonard Felder.

Find more on Love and Family at Beliefnet.com.

Posted December 14, 2008 9:35 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

New York has not yet legalized gay marriage. But this is not stopping gay couples from falling in love and planning weddings.

Reporter Mike Diamond went out into the field this week for his "On The Gaydar" show to interview men and women about gay marriage.

Traveling into Chelsea, "one of the gayest neighborhoods in New York City" he asked men and women what they think of gay marriage, if they are married, and what the first dance was.

He came up with some great interviews. Check out "Queerly Beloved," on On The Gaydar.

See more editons of of On The Gaydar at Mike Diamond's MySpace page.

Source for cake topper graphic.

Posted August 5, 2008 8:22 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

This fascinating internet project, The Great American Think Out, is aiming to give peace a chance - truly!

Created by Stephanie Gunning and Richard Aronow, it features dozens of teachers who bring you insights on meditation and how to calm your mind and feed your soul.

Here's what Stephanie and Richard have to say about their project, which is circulating inspiration around the internet daily!

"A momentum is occurring. Growing numbers of people are interested in being peaceful. The action of peace is being peace. Since we began in June 2008 we've already reached people around the globe in 44 countries and in every U.S. state."

"Peace is fun. When people are peaceful, they laugh a lot. They take care of each other. They share resources and are open to new and diverse ideas. Peaceful life is good life. It's spontaneous, generous, and wildly creative. It's an art and skill."

"That's what The Great American Think Out is all about: inviting everyone in this country and throughout the world to be generous with their presence, to promise to spend a day basking in the intentions of peace and meditation all at once."

Check out 30 days of inspiration from The Great American Think Out at: www.stopthinkingnow.com/30hope

Posted July 25, 2008 5:30 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

Sex and the City is one of the best, most powerful and most meaningful movies I've seen in a long time.

In addition to the many lessons it teaches about love and relationships, it says a lot about how a pricey wedding dress and huge guest list can sometimes take the joy out of planning a wedding (I see that all the time)!

And takes us through a journey of understanding human nature, male-female nature, and the whole Big and Carrie thing.

Valerie Reiss, an editor at Beliefnet.com, wrote an awesome article about what the SATC girls have taught us all, 15 Love Lessons From Sex and the City. Very inspiring piece!

There is buzz that a second Sex and the City movie will be coming our way!

Posted July 14, 2008 7:01 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
From Wedlok.com

I am so excited to share the good news that my guest column on Summer Love appears today in my favorite newsletter, The Three Tomatoes.

The Three Tomatoes was created and is edited by Cheryl Benton, and columnists include the awesome Valerie Smaldone, New York Queen of radio and Broadway, and Joan M. Stigliano, a talented designer and Feng Shui expert and dear person, who also happened to be one of my teachers at the Long Island Feng Shui Institute!

The Three Tomatoes is dedicated to boomer women of a certain age, wisdom and wherewithall, and focuses on the New York Market. Find out more on the publishers page.

Subscribe to The Three Tomatoes at www.thethreetomatoes.com.

Pictured above, The Three Tomatoes Founder and Editor, Cheryl Benton.

Continue reading "A Buddhist Approach to Romance - Summer Love!" »

Posted July 3, 2008 12:30 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

See the latest and the greatest bridal wear from Vera Wang, today, at the The Wedding Salon is in Somerset New Jersey.

I saw a number of Vera's creations up close and personally recently when I officiated the wedding of Vera's gorgeous executive assistant, Priya, to her dashing hubby Ralph. I will be sharing more about their beautiful Rainbow Room wedding soon. Priya had two dresses for her big day and they were stunning!

I will also be doing a book signing today of Wedding Goddess. So come on down to the Wedding Salon!

The Wedding Salon
Wednesday, June 25th 2008
3pm-8pm
The Palace at Somerset Park, NJ
333 Davidson Ave. Somerset

Tickets are 2 for $75 or 2 for $25 when you use the special Wedlok.com code WEDLOKNJ08P at www.WeddingSalon.com or call 212.631.7777. See you there!

Photo: Vera and Priya

Posted June 25, 2008 6:05 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

Once again brides can find everything to help them say I DO at the Wedding Salon.

Today, The Wedding Salon is in Somerset New Jersey. Here are the details!

The Wedding Salon
Wednesday, June 25th 2008
3pm-8pm
The Palace at Somerset Park, NJ
333 Davidson Ave. Somerset

Today's show features an Exclusive Vera Wang Bridal Fashion Show. And a book signing of Wedding Goddess by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway.

Spectacular table decor, honeymoons, ceremony musicians, couture gowns, jewels, invitations, venues, catering and more! Complimentary beauty services, music, martini bar, and lots of bridal surprises.

Tickets are 2 for $75 or 2 for $25 with code the special Wedlok.com code, WEDLOKNJ08P at www.WeddingSalon.com or call 212.631.7777

Photo: Wedding Cake by Ana Paz

Posted June 25, 2008 5:54 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

Join us for our annual Wedding Goddess Blessing of the Brides and Grooms in Central Park on June 14, 2008, at 4 PM.

This is the only event of its kind for engaged couples in New York City. Brides and their grooms, of all faiths and backgrounds, join us each year in one of the most sacred parts of Central Park. The blessing is in a place blessed by the hundreds of weddings that are held their each year.

Space is limited so you must RSVP to let us know you want to attend, and for location information.

The Blessing of the Brides and Grooms is a ceremony before your ceremony, to help you feel more relaxed, centered and confident …show you how to visualize your wedding going your way … and empower you to be present and there for one another on your big day!

It is a blessing meant to help give your marriage the best possible start.

The Blessing of the Brides and Grooms is offered by husband and wife officiants, Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway and Rev. Vic Fuhrman.

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a bridal stress expert. She is editor of Wedlok.com and author of Wedding Goddess and Your Perfect Wedding Vows.

Rev. Victor Fuhrman is an ordained Interfaith Minister. He was officiant for “The Knot Presents My Celebrity Wedding” in 2007. He has been a Reiki Master Teacher since 1996 and heals with both his touch and his voice. He’s a meditation expert for Beliefnet.com and co- author of Pet Prayers and Blessings

Our wish for all brides and grooms is that your journey to the altar be blessed! And that their marriages have the best start ever.

This blessing is our gift to you each year!

PLEASE RSVP to Rev. Laurie Sue ASAP!

Posted June 10, 2008 6:43 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedlok.com is offering the opportunity to get a discount on tickets to New Jersey's most elegant wedding event, The Wedding Salon!

Tickets are 2 for $75, but Wedlok readers can attain 2 for $25 with code WEDLOKNJ08P at www.WeddingSalon.com.

The Wedding Salon is an important event for brides and grooms in New Jersey. Its a chance to familiarize yourself and find important vendors and get yourself ready to tie the knot!

The Wedding Salon
Wednesday, June 25th 2008
3pm-8pm
The Palace at Somerset Park, NJ
333 Davidson Ave. Somerset

The Wedding Salon is featuring exclusive Vera Wang Bridal Fashion Show.

Also, spectacular table decor, honeymoons, ceremony musicians, couture gowns, jewels, invitations, venues, catering, Complimentary beauty services, music, martini bar, and more.

For more information please call, 212.631.7777.

Posted May 19, 2008 11:47 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedlok.com is offering the opportunity to get a discount on tickets to New Jersey's most elegant wedding event, The Wedding Salon!

Tickets are 2 for $75, but Wedlok readers can attain 2 for $25 with code WEDLOKNJ08P at www.WeddingSalon.com.

The Wedding Salon is an important event for brides and grooms in New Jersey. Its a chance to familiarize yourself and find important vendors and get yourself ready to tie the knot!

The Wedding Salon
Wednesday, June 25th 2008
3pm-8pm
The Palace at Somerset Park, NJ
333 Davidson Ave. Somerset

The Wedding Salon is featuring exclusive Vera Wang Bridal Fashion Show.

Also, spectacular table decor, honeymoons, ceremony musicians, couture gowns, jewels, invitations, venues, catering, Complimentary beauty services, music, martini bar, and more.

For more information please call, 212.631.7777.

Posted May 19, 2008 11:47 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

Engaged couples are invited to join us for our annual Wedding Goddess Blessing of the Brides and Grooms in Central Park on June 14, 2008, at 4 PM.

This is the only event of its kind for engaged couples in New York City. Brides and their grooms, of all faiths and backgrounds, join us each year in one of the most sacred parts of Central Park. The blessing is in a place blessed by the hundreds of weddings that are held their each year.

Space is limited so you must RSVP to let us know you want to attend, and for location information.

The Blessing of the Brides and Grooms is a ceremony before your ceremony, to help you feel more relaxed, centered and confident …show you how to visualize your wedding going your way … and empower you to be present and there for one another on your big day!

It is a blessing meant to help give your marriage the best possible start.

The Blessing of the Brides and Grooms is offered by husband and wife officiants, Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway and Rev. Vic Fuhrman.

Our wish for all brides and grooms is that your journey to the altar be magical and blessed! And that their marriages have the best start ever.

This blessing is our gift to you each year!

PLEASE RSVP to Rev. Laurie Sue ASAP!

Posted March 22, 2008 8:41 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Check out the movie trailer.

Excuse us for harping on this, but the trailer for the movie is such a tease.

It shows Carrie Bradshaw and the gilrls in the city they love... and has lots of images of Carrie in a wedding gown.

In this movie adaption of the hit TV show, will Big and Carrie finally take the plunge. In the last episode he rescued her from the heartbreaker artist she thought she loved. And he took her home.

But will they share a home?

Swirling around in a wedding gown, is she appearing in another fashion show? Will she finally marry Big?

Posted February 17, 2008 6:20 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

For more information

The Wedding Salon in New York City is hailed as the world's first luxury wedding showcase, featuring upscale products and services for the sophisticated bride and groom.

Each year they typically showcase some of New York's finest in a spectacular display of cakes, gowns, calligraphers, wedding bands, floral arrangements, romantic honeymoon destinations, and more.

Top guests have included Oprah's favorite event planner, Colin Cowie, as well as Philip Baloun, Darcy Miller, editor of Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha Stewart, and cake designer Silvia Weinstock (all pictured here with one of Sylvia's famous wedding cakes).

The Wedding Salon is produced by the dynamic Tatiana Byron, president and founder of 4PM Events.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming show in New Your City:

Show date: Monday April 21, 2008
Show hours: From 3 pm to 8 pm
Venue: Gotham Hall
Address: 1356 Broadway - New York, NY 10018

For more information, please visit www.WeddingSalon.com.

Posted February 15, 2008 6:43 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Editor, Wedlok.com

Here's Valentine to brides acround the globe:

Wanted to invite you all to The Bridal Bliss Club, a brand new online community I created as a way to support brides (and grooms!) on the journey to the altar.

It is a place to share stories, ask questions, get support from other brides and to-be-weds. It is a very relaxed and soulful place to seek advice and to also receive my guidance on your wedding issues.

Interfaith marriage. Problem mothers. Difficult bridesmaids. Wedding Stress and more. These are all discussed with an eye toward turning your wedding stress into bridal bliss.

I know how busy you are, but if you are a cyber bride, and feel moved to be part of a safe space for sharing ideas, challenges and bridal comraderie, please consider signing up for the BBC (Bridal Bliss Club). It's free.

To get involved you would go to the Beliefnet.com community, become a member of Beliefnet, and create an online profile. It can have minimal information on it, or you can really get into creating it. You can make up any user name. You can use a photo of you and your honey if you want, or keep your identity and image completely confidential.

Once you are on, you can go to The Bridal Bliss Club home page to sign on.

The Bridal Bliss Club offers a soulful, completely online approach to helping you through the challenges of wedding planning and assisting in finding your "wedding bliss" and a sense of "wedding zen"

Hoping to see you there!

Photo of Denise and Jason by Lensgirl.com

Continue reading "Wedlok.com Invites You to The Bridal Bliss Club" »

Posted February 14, 2008 7:13 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Editor,Wedlok.com

WE TV, formerly the Women's Entertainment Network, discovered with Bridezillas that wacky wedding TV gets good ratings and they have made it a mainstay of their programing. From February 10th till the 17th we'll be treated to a week of wedding-themed "reality" shows.

I want to preface this by saying I do not like the way WE sometimes makes brides look like crazy she-creatures who eat their mates and scream at relatives and friends. Hate that. And the perpetuation of those images worry me, especially on a woman's station.

On the other hand, if you consider that what is called "Reality TV" is actually very smoothly and carefully produced "real life drama" moved along by producers looking to create a certain show then, and only then, can you watch the stuff on WE and consider it pure entertainment.

But, before I share with you the information on the upcoming "WE Go Bridal Week," you must promise never to be as hideous, or let yourself get as stressed, as their featured Bridezillas. Please. And also, be inspired but don't feel you must go as crazy with costs and trimmings for your wedding.

Try to remember, the ceremony is as important as the celebration!

That said, enjoy the line up of these four, all new WE TV Premieres as they "celebrate sweethearts everywhere" during Valentine's Day week.

You will find your fill of brides and grooms making their way to the altar in episodes of Bridezillas and Platinum Weddings. Straight from the press release, here, wedding mavens, is what you can look forward to:

Continue reading "WE's Valentine To Viewers - Unforgettable Celebrity Weddings, "Bulging Brides" and More" »

Posted February 7, 2008 2:15 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

See the video

This couple truly had a an awesome sense of humor about their wedding!

They started out slow, but look where they go. What a surprise!

They were so much fun, the bride got to wear her dress again and do this on The Ellen Show.

Sit back and enjoy a good laugh!

Posted February 5, 2008 6:12 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

See the video

By now we all know that actress Katherine Heigl married musician Josh Kelley in a December 27 winter wedding. Now we are on to marriage-watch.

Katherine was on Oprah last week. Oprah, who called Katherine the new "it" girl, agreed with Wedlok.com . She loved Katherine's new chick flick, 27 Dresses.

The new bride mentioned that she and new hubby didn't live together prior to the wedding and they are barely in the same city. Sigh. He's on tour a lot, she said, and she's working much of the time. At least they'll have lots of opportunities to experience ways in which absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Her goal and wish is to have a month together where neither have to run off and work. Sounds like a good idea. We hope they get some together time... because they are so cute together.

Turns out Katherine and Josh met in one of his movie videos. She was hired to be "the girl" in the video. Wow. When she looks at him! It's a very cool video.

The entire thing was obviously shot on Venice Beach, California. It takes place in to buildings and on the walkway of the beach. (Low budget but high octane on the love energy connection.

Check out the chemistry between them. This was where it all began. Awesome!

As everyone is saying on YouTube.com, they are so super sweet and natural together!

Posted February 3, 2008 8:52 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Sex and the City is coming to the big screen on May 30th. Can't wait to see it. Hoorah!

I wonder, will Carrie finally become Mrs. Big?

Interestingly, though the show was so related to my work and life in Manhattan in the early 1990's, while raising a small child in my old studio apartment, I never had much chance to watch it. Not until I ended up appearing at a special event with Cynthia Nixon, for NikeGoddess athletic wear several years ago.

I was doing a prepublication signing my first Goddess book and she was appearing on behalf of a charity.

She was such an awesome person -- pregnant as could be, and so down to earth -- yet very willing to work on behalf of causes import to her.

When I told her that I had been the editor-in-chief of Playgirl at the time Candice Bushnell was writing the original Sex In the City column for the New York Observer, she, like many people, almost didn't believe me.

I shared my personal Playgirl-to-Pulpit transformation story. She shared her early fascination with Goddesses.

I immediately started watching the show and soon enough, was hooked.

Cynthia Nixon, of course, will be in the movie along with Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall and Kristin Davis. Coming back as the men in their life are Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler and Jason Lewis

I heard the Carrie and Mr. Big at least attempt to tie the knot and Charlotte is finally pregnant. Carrie is successful enough to have an assistant, played by Dreamgirl's Jennifer Hudson. Stay tuned for more.

Posted January 31, 2008 10:19 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Editor, Wedlok.com

My 16 year old son gave me a great gift last week. He agreed to sit through over 2 hours of a pure chick-flick wedding movie just to K.M.H. (Keep Mommy Happy).

Oh, and I was so happy! As a journalist who covers weddings and as a wedding officiant who officiates them, this movie really hit home for me. I know people panned it ... but those people must have been people who hate weddings. It just is not a guy flick or a movie for non-romantics.

Wedding mavens like me, brides, bridesmaids and anyone who has anything to do with weddings will love 27 Dresses. It is all about that special passion we have for honoring brides and making a bride's day all she wants it to be.

Sound sappy? I make no apologies.

Starring Kathryn Heigl and James Marsden, 27 Dresses tells the story of a beautiful and giving young woman who is devoted (and,ok, somewhat addicted) to weddings and serving brides, and a cynical journalist who writes the wedding column for a major metropolitan newspaper in New York.

Continue reading "I Loved 27 Dresses!" »

Posted January 29, 2008 6:13 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Entertainment news has been filled with exciting tales of Katherine Heigel's exciting real life wedding over the holidays.

She seemed pretty involved in the entire creating of her dream wedding. She's appeared on many talk shows chatting in a manner not uncommon with brides-to-be. It is that special vibe that brides share when they have mastered the art of planning a wedding, the knowing grin. Been there, done that, planned my wedding from A to Z.

Mazel Tov on the big event, Katherine!

Now the new Mrs. is out and about promoting her upcoming film 27 Dresses, fresh from her honeymoon. Hmmm... interesting timing.

At any rate, bet the film is fabulous. Heigl has become a movie favorite, her down to earth charm blended with comedic skills really work in romantic comedies.

In 27 Dresses, she plays Jane, a gal who is great at taking care of others and not great at caring for her own needs. A real people pleaser, with 27 bridesmaids dresses in her closet to prove it!

She meets a fairly cynical reporter at a wedding reception and he smells a good story when he sees it - a woman addicted to people pleasing who has morphed into a true wedding junkie.

Can't wait to see the movie!

Posted January 10, 2008 8:19 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

See the trailer

We loved this movie!

It is one of the funniest, sweetest, most inspiring romantic comedies we've seen in a long time.

Not only does it treat us to a classic a Disney love story with a modern twist, and fine acting (Amy Adams rocks as the Princess-to-be), it is set in some of the most romantic spots in New York City.

In the multiple scenes filmed in Central Park, we recognized all our favorite spots for weddings! Bridal Bridge. Bethesda Fountain. Belvadere Castle. And many spots near (and even in a boat on) the Central Park Lake.

Central Park weddings are always so romantic and it was so awesome to see all those favorite spots so magically alive with singing and dancing.

The Princess-to-Be and her New York Prince (Patrick Dempsey) even dance with a dozen or so Brides and Grooms in the park. Ah, felt like wedding season!

It left us with such a happy, upbeat feeling -- just the way we feel officiating at weddings in Central Park.

Check out the magical "official" Disney website and trailor for Enchanted and this cool report posted to YouTube.

Posted December 27, 2007 6:47 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Find out more at www.meta-md.com.

Good news for stressed out brides: It's okay to feel happy and sad while planning your wedding!

Brides have long been sold a bill of goods regarding the emotional state they are "supposed" to be in during what is commonly known as "the happiest time of your life." There are so many ups and downs on the way to the altar that some brides feel there is something wrong with them when bridal hormones and stress kick their emotions around and up and down.

If only we realize at the start of the wedding planning journey, there will be stress. There may be a little strife. You may wish you eloped to Las Vegas (and you are welcome here!). But this is all part of life, exacerbated by the fact that your emotions can be on edge when dealing with such a major life event.

Next Tuesday, November 13, Steven Hodes, MD, will be addressing the topic of "The Power of Happiness and Sadness: Why You Need Both for a Truly Healthy and Balanced Life" in Manhattan at the Quest Lecture Hall, 242 East 53rd Street in Manhattan from 7 to 8:30 PM.

This is part of his ongoing FREE lecture and dialog series, "Tuesday with Dr. Steve." While it is not specifically for brides and grooms, it will be helpful to anyone who wonders if there is something wrong with them if they do not feel happy all the time!

Dr. Steve is a board certified physician with almost 30 years in private practice and author of Meta-Physician on Call for Better Health: Metaphysics and Medicine for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Praeger Publishers, 2007), in which he writes about the connections between metaphysics, medicine, and healing. He's a traditional doc with a metaphysical point of view.

Here are some of the points he will discuss:

Continue reading ""Tuesdays With Dr. Steve" Can Help Brides Embrace All Emotions!" »

Posted November 10, 2007 6:27 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

You are cordially invited to the hottest wedding of the (television) season.

Tonight, Vanessa Williams, as Wilhelmina Slater, steps into her Vera Wang wedding gown and walks down the aisle with her mogul hubby-to-be Bradford Meade on Ugly Betty on ABC.

But will he be her hubby?

After sleeping with a security guard and scheming her way to the top, chances are do-gooder Betty (who happened to be under the bed when Wilhelmina jumped the security guard) may also walk down the aisle, to speak now about why they should not be joined.

The network would not release a review copy of the show, but it promises drama, Ugly Betty style, and great comedy!

Special guests include Posh Spice Victoria Beckham, as herself, and Vera Wang, who designed the dresses for both stars.

Posted November 8, 2007 8:42 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This