Favourite Childhood "Hobby"

Not to long ago i attened a workshop and one of the questions were "what is your favourite pass time?" While many things came to mind, i realized these were all things i did in my earlier years (between 10-17) lol Some of these things i still do, however many were my hobbies as a child. Like running, sewing, reading, writing, beading, socializing and the list goes on.

The speaker then said "for those of you who find you have to much time on your hands or just don't have a hobby at all because there is not enough time to figure out what you would love to do.......think back to what you LOVED doing as a child" All the women in the class began to put up their hands and comment on what is was they loved doing as a child.

"Drawing, painting, double dutch, baking, playing pretend teacher and student, making jewellery, writing, putting projects together, cleaning....." and the list went on.

The speaker then commented "Well whatever it was that you came up with, that is what you need to start doing as early as this week"

There were many "oohhs and awwws" there after. Many women including myself were surprised at how true this was. It did not take me long before i realized that nothing will make you happier then what made you happy as a child.

We were then told to write these things down and start doing them one by one.

My list went a little something like this:
Writing
Skipping
Catering to friends and family at home
Consulting
Making jewellery
Cooking
Cleaning
Sewing
Running
Making people laugh

So far i have began 7 of these hobbies. I only wrote the list a few months back.
As the months go on i will add to this list, but not until i have done all of the above and continue to do. It is not a part time list for the "Now" it is something i would like to continue.

Then a great friend of mine and personal make up artist, Nicole Stilleto, mentioned that she wrote a list out of 100 things she would like to accomplish or do in her lifetime, and wanted to start getting people to do the same as she has a plan to get 100 people to do this. Well, i have decided i will put in some time in May to write my "100 List" A few things on that list will consist of:
My Boaters License
Back to school
Start my own Talk Show
........and cant give it all away. DONT steel my ideas lol

I think you should do the same.

Ladies, every successful person has a daily To-Do List. I encourage you to start doing this as of tonight.

Every night before i go to bed, i write down my "to-do's" for the following day. As i accomplish each goal, i check it off. Whatever i did not do gets added to the next day.

I have given you a few things to think about. Let me know how it goes.

Luv, Elizabeth

The "D.e.v.a In You" Pot Luck Spa Day

Hello Ms.Deva

I'm so excited for this "Deva In You" Pot-Luck Sparty (meaning spa party)

Come out and get pampered in style.

Bring the dish or hors d'oeuvre of your choice and the martinis and sushi are on me.
(Please do not forget to include your choice of dish with your reply)

I welcome you to leave the loads on your back at home and be prepared to have an amazing time with other wonderful women like you and i.

Along with our professional estheticians we will also have:
Flower "Invisible Love Line" Jewellery
Elizabeth (myself) Mary Kay Consultant along with Kareena Mary Kay Director- doing a free skin care class.

Tip:
Be prepared to purchase a treat or two because you won't be able to resist :-)

Dress Code- Its up to you.

Prices:
Nurturing Beauty -Angela Bennett and her team of estheticians will be offering:

Manicure & Pedicure $60
Aroma Foot scrub & massage $10

Come out and "Believe In The Deva In You"
Please RSVP as soon as possible for i would like to keep it intimate and sweet. Between 20 - 25 women.
elizabethwilson@devainyou.com or 647-338-2107

Organize YOU!

I'm (Elizabeth)one of those "girly girls" that tends to hang onto everything. The more of an old school look of feel it has, the longer i will keep it.

I'm also the type that is always giving. So wether that means me inviting you over for dinner and end of giving you a bag of stuff to leave with or just passing on the ring or chain im wearing at that moment, i tend to be very generous.

However i have had a problem up until this week "Letting Go" of accessories. I mean a real big problem. lol.
Purses, rings, head ties and bands, chains, bracelets, shoes, clutches, ear-rings, scarfs, belts and the list goes on.

After reading last months Oprah Magazine on "organizing & decluttering" i told myself "Ok Liz it is time to let go"

I began with my files and papers..then moved to books, then baskets, and my next stop was my accessories (much to my surprise i had 67 belts) However the one i knew would hurt most was the jewellery. I had 7 baskets of it. After doing this i started on the shoes and bags.

I went to the dollerrama and bought a few new accessorie boxes and then went at it. This task took me 2 hours in total. But please let me be the one to tell you, there was no better feeling like getting rid of what i was not wearing and had been sitting around for months if not years. Yes i sat and stared at the bag i threw away for about 10 minutes and went through it again and again lol.....

Ladies, put a day aside to declutter your home. The way you feel internally will depend on how your living space feels. If you are using your bedroom as your storage space and have clothes laying around everywhere because you do not have the closet space then purchase roller stands that can hold allot of clothing or pretty baskets (Ikea) to seperate your clothing. Under garments in one, socks in another, T-shirts in another etc You can place these baskets fashionable on top of one another.

For those of you (us) that collect and keep all pay stubs, magazines, receipts from 5 years ago (lol), magazines and so on, please do yourself a favour and throw them out. Limit the space around you. Make it easy to locate files that are important. Especially if your working space or computer desk if filled with papers, files and junk (its what i call things that need to be thrown out)

I have attached a few pictures i took while decluttering my accessorie storage space. I'm very proud of myself :-) I ended up with 22 bags and 20 pairs of shoes all to give away to charity.

While i did this, my son and foster kids looked on in AWW! In amazement that one person can own enough accessories to open a boutique. LOL! Yes i admit, i had very bad shopping habbits ONCE UPON A TIME.

This week im decluttering my closets (clothing) and i do not mean throw away a shirt or skirt here and there as i usually do for charity. I mean i'm going to get rid of those many pieces i just refuse to "let go of" which will accumulate to about 2 full garbage bags. Keep in mind i do the charity thing about every 5 months or so. Hhhhmmm sounds like fun huh? lol

Luv, Ms.D.E.V.A
Elizabeth Wilson

LADIES, START TODAY!

What Are You Doing?

Not feeling good enough? Worthy enough? Smart enough? Are you bored? Too much time on your hands? Or doing to much of nothing?
It's ok. Many of us are doing to much of nothing or not enough of something. If you know what i mean.

Ladies and gents, i strongly advise and encourage you to get out there and volunteer your time in making "a difference" in your community. Wether you live with the richest or the poorest, there is something you can do. I challenge you to make a difference.

What are you doing?

What can you do to make things better around you? What you suggest as your answer will depend upon your level of responsibility. But anything good, is something.

This past Saturday March 6 2010 D.E.V.A Group had their official G.O.D -Girl's & Guys of Destiny launch with our Girl's of Destiny Workshop/Brunch. This event was a great success. We had over 70 girl's. 40 of them were sponsored by friends and business associates (much love)

The majority of these young women reside in low-income housing in the GTA and without these sponsors they would not have been able to make it for one reason or another. Most likely financial reasons. Never the less, these young women have forever left their signatures in our hearts. Gifted, beautiful and talented children of God.

Speakers Included:
Neola Husbands (Ms.Teen GTA) Shared her deep and amazing testimony
Louise Fox- Manners On The Go (social & table etiquette)
Kelly Gentile - Performed her skit "Inventions By women"
Ibrahim Downey - Keeping it real!
Jaime Carrington & Ruth Lewis - Sexual Warfare( amazing and life changing for us all. 22 out of the 70 young women gave their lives to Christ after her sermon) Jaime you are amazing.

The room was filled with laughter, comfort, warmth, joy as we all felt safe and in no rush to end the evening.

Nicole Stilleto- Make up artist- put on an amazing workshop titled "Smokey Eye" and after explaining and showcasing the secret techniques to "perfect smokey eyes" she continued the entire day applying make-up to over 20 young women.
Nicole you did a FAB JOB!
If you are looking for a make-up artist, please contact Nicole at 647-830-4463

Flower CEO of Invisible Love Line Jewellery -blessed us with lovely and affordable pieces for the young women to purchase without putting a hole in their pockets :-)
For custom pieces please contact Flower at 416-434-6932

Shereice Founder of Khanzi Creative Expressions donated 5 D.E.V.A Custom bracelets as raffle give aways to these special girl's. She also runs a yearly workshop "Imagine Me" a self esttem program for young women.

A special thank you to Karina Morales. What a wonderful woman. Karina brought over 15 girl's with her which were all from rexdale. She is there running a program titled "Microskills" She is warm, gifted friend of mine who wears her heart on her sleeve. Mami you ROCK!
For more information on Microskills, please visit www.microskills.ca

Performances included:
Sojay- An upcoming artist who rocked our morning with her soothing voice
D.I.V.A Girls (not associated with D.E.V.A) who included:
Keta/Singer Song writer performed "Waitin"
Bonnie Blue performed a spoken word piece "Though i try to steer away from the topic me"
Mercedes Rodriquez performed spoken word, a reflect piece "Child of Destiny"
Keyonna Singer & Song writer sang "Get it together" by 702
Zoe- Spoken word artist performed a piece titled "D.I.V.A"
Renee- Poet & Guitarist shared an instrumental piece titled "A world of Chances"

These young women are on their road to success. Juggling between university, the trials and temptations that their everyday life throws at them, and the fustrations that upcoming artists face daily. I have great faith they will do JUS FINE! :-))

A LOUD shout out to Vee Clarke (D.E.V.A's outreach co-ordinator) for the effort in making this event "special" Thanx BOSS :-)) wink wink lol

Everyday i pray that God will bless me with breathtaking ideas and actions on how to make a difference in this world. I'm not perfect and i have never claimed to be. I only know that i would like for God to use my talents and abilities in ministering to people, women and youth.

I know that i will be faced with many trials and tests in this life time, i mean, afterall the enemy is after those who are "especially chosen" RIGHT? However i would like to know that before i leave this world, i did the very best i could as a mother (first) and then to make this world a better place.

My passion comes from being able to reach out to a soul. Even if it is just one at a time.

My story was made for ME, because it is ME that will make that difference. Without my story, there would be no ME!
Believe in your DESTINY, Believe in the D.E.V.A in YOU!

Please visit www.biographyonline.net to read the stories on people that made a difference. Some amazing stories and great inspirations.

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

Planning a fantasy wedding is a dream that most, if not all women or brides to be have.I can personally remember ever since i was a young girl in my jelly bean shoes, the visions i had of my fairy tale wedding.

The floral, decor, the flying doves and butterflies,and the dress all seem like simple subjects to address when the time comes to plan this special day and probably one of the most important dates in our lives. With very little space for mistakes.

There is a myth going around that wedding planners are not affordable for working class individuals. Actually quite the contrary. Yes, a very long time ago, many years ago actually, only the high end/high class individuals knew of and hired planners and it was something, us, normal people never heard of much and if we did, we assumed it was a service that was not affordable.

Today, wedding planners are very common and used by everyday working class people. Celebrities, of course, take full advantage of a wedding planners services. For mainly 2 reasons. #1 They do not have the time to plan their wedding #2 A wedding planner will bring down even a celebrities budget.
Now of course a planner will charge an extreme amount of money to plan their wedding but please keep in mind that these particular clients request the top of the line services, therefore their service charges reflect that of a celebrity like budget.

Misconceptions about wedding planners being expensive comes from media -T.V, magazines and other sorts of media outlets. The facts are, a bride and groom will always save more money when hiring a wedding planner because we (planners) are trained to work within the couples budget. We are able to calculate their budget, break it down into various sections and vendor shop according to that budget. Not to mention our artistic decor visions. Whether you are wealthy or just getting by, hiring a wedding planner is a wise choice.

Mainly- A wedding Planner will eliminate stress for both the wife to be and the husband. I cannot describe here in words how true this is. I have seen time and time again, sisters of the bride to be, the maid of honour, mother or mother in law all become the "bride zilla"
Consumed with the running around, trying to make dead lines,keeping everyone happy with their choices, settling family feuds, and then what ends up happening? The closest person or people to you DO NOT get to enjoy this beautiful experience and at the very least barely remember the event the day after.

Our loved one are not trained on how to help you save money, contact vendors or tips on how to save yourself allot of "wedding planning" stress. Instead, because of their desire to help you, they end up telling you directly or indirectly, what to do - and even get upset when other family members or friends step in to assist along the way (lol). The planning then becomes messy, leaving family members at war and the brides and grooms are at their wits-end.

Once a couple trusts the decision to contact a planner, a consultation (which is complimentary) is then scheduled. At the meeting, your vision, budget, and personal needs are discussed and from there the planner (myself) will create a memorable event, and of course leaving you feeling like a D.E.V.A (divine, exalted, victorious, angelic)

Planners are known to make things happen the way you imagined it to be as a young girl laying in bed dreaming about her wedding day.
We are known for building strong and lasting relationships.

Our job is make sure the bride,groom and their attendees are all relaxed enough to enjoy the festivities.

Now isn't that priceless?



What Can a Wedding Coordinator Do For Me?

The list is long but here are a few of the duties you can expect:

Help you to create the type of wedding you want. With that knowledge you'll be able to pick your venue, vendors, colour scheme, theme, music, etc.

Help you create a budget sheet and keep track of where your money is going and how much is still owing.

Help keep you on your budget and not go over...too much!!

Suggest vendors that fit your budget and ideas.

Make a wedding planning schedule so that you know what you've done and what still needs to be done.

In most cases a coordinator can save you money because of their connection in the industry.

Take care of any emergencies that arise.

Create a wedding day schedule.


What Type of Packages Do Wedding Coordinators Have?

Consultation only: This is like a mini wedding planning course, best taken at the beginning of your planning. The coordinator won't be at your wedding but will teach you the skills to planning your own day. Some will charge by the hour, others by the meeting. You can book one meeting only or go back as many times as you like.

Planning Preparation: Along with consultation they will save you time by listening to your needs and booking appointments for you with vendors, that meet those needs.

They contact these vendors and describe what you want, what your budget is, if they're available on your date. This way the vendors already know about you when you walk in the door.
They will help you put together a wedding binder, making it easier to keep track of things.
They will make a floor plan for the vendors and a wedding day schedule.

Full Wedding Day Package: A coordinator can be hired for the wedding day alone. She will direct the events of the day and make sure everyone around you is doing their job. Should any emergencies happen she will take care of them. Although a coordinator is hired for one days work, in actual fact they have been working on your wedding, anywhere from 30-50 hours before the day actually get there, getting prepared. You should meet with the coordinator at least once if not twice to go over the details of your wedding. Any coordinator that says no meeting are needed isn't a professional.

What Does a Coordinator Charge?

Wedding coordinators can charge 3 different ways and you will have to ask yours how they work out their prices:

by a percentage of the total cost of your wedding,
by the hour; or
a flat fee.

If you are interested in hiring a wedding planner please contact myself Elizabeth(The Deva's Wedding Planner) direct at 647-338-2107 or email elizabethwilson@devainyou.com

Church or Cult? How Do I Recognize A Cult?

I have been boggling my head and going crazy researching and trying to find answers to this question. What is a cult and do they really exist? I'm getting closer and closer to finding answers and details. I guess the "niave girl" in me refuses to believe that there are such people or churches out there programming as a "cult" Could this really be real?

After experiencing horrific experiences personally in the past 7 months, i have come to the conclusion that this is real!! People of God, please keep your spiritual eyes OPEN. After great research, this is the shortest and best description i have come up with the question- How do i recognize a cult?

How Do I Recognize A Cult?

Practically every cult has certain characteristics that can tell the careful observer that something is wrong.

For instance, what does a group think about Jesus? Jesus Christ is God, Lord of all, the only source of salvation. Invariably, a cult will put something else on an equal footing with Christ. It will have a ritual that is equal to Christ, or it will have a doctrine equal to Christ, or it will have a leader who is equal to Christ. In other words, even if it acknowledges Christ as Savior, it will say that you need something else before you can get into heaven. Cults teach that salvation comes through Christ, plus their little unique way. Some cults do not acknowledge Christ at all. They may make Him coequal with their religious teachers or with certain great men of history. The quickest way to recognize a cult is by its treatment of Jesus.

Second, cults frequently attempt to instill fear into their followers. The followers are taught constantly that salvation comes only through the cult. "If you leave us, you will lose your salvation," they say.

The third area has to do with the exaltation of the leader of the cult. Cults often center around a man or woman who is trying to gain power, money, or influence from manipulating people. A true leader who serves Jesus Christ has one goal, and that is to exalt and manifest Jesus. When someone says he has unique insight into God or is the special one that God has anointed to reach the world, you are dealing with cultic behavior. A true leader lives off of and speaks the TRUTH. Anything outside of Gods word is not tolerated. A true leader of Christ speaks the truth to expose the lies.

A final mark of a cult is the unwillingness of the leaders to let the people grow up. A true shepherd will do everything he can to bring Christian people to maturity as quickly as he can. He will not seek to avoid necessary teaching, nor will he try to keep people from maturity. Many cults perpetuate spiritual dependence so that their followers lose the ability to make independent, rational decisions. Often techniques of brainwashing are used to create robot-like behavior. (wow)

Although there are other marks of cultic behavior, these seem to be the ones that stand out.

For those of you who are as confused as iam. Please visit www.cbn.com A very reputable website that can answer many of your questions.

It is not a game out here my people. Look around you. Keep your eyes open and please be sure of the people leading your children. Teachers, daycare assistants, ministers, pastors, bishops, officers, friends...ask God to show you who is who. Because he always WILL! Listen to his voice and go with your heart ALWAYS!

I have seen enough betrayal out here to write a book on "Betrayal" All in Gods KINGDOM.

Please feel free to comment.

Love you all.

A Nurse, Provider, Referee, Chef, Chauffeur...A Hero!

I became a single mother pretty much when my now 17 year old son was still in diapers. When i say single mother i mean two things, one- not married and two - his dad was in and out. By that time, 1990's being a single mother was a common thing. It was "almost" excepted... Outside of those finger pointing folk of course and some quite influential. Who, saw us as child neglecting, not worthy, poor and selfish. They saw our children as disturbing, loud, mis-behaved, and dysfunctional. That in my eyes is and was a bunch of nonsense. Many single mothers are caring, sensitive, hard working, capable and loving. Most of their kids turn out just fine. My son is a living testimony to this. With people like these "finger pointing folk" it only makes for many mothers and their kids an already difficult situation all more difficult.

If we think we are looked at as monsters to these individuals, just think of how difficult it was in the 1930's and 1940's for women raising their children as single mothers. The discrimination and hardships they endured were heart breaking. I don't have any family members that were single mothers then. My father and mother were the first to break that flow when they divorced back in the 1980's. However i have read about and heard many personal stories from much older women about being a single a mother back then,

But even now in 2010 women are dealing with the same old misconceptions and criticisms that have haunted single mothers and their children for many decades.

Now of course laws and attitudes affecting sinlge families are better today then in the past. But they are still facing hardships and discriminations.....and sadly still do not get the credit they deserve.

It is interesting though that when men are raising their children as "single dads" they are praised and looked as "An awesome father, strong, responsible, caring...and many times a KEEPER (in the eyes of women)" Hmmmm think about how true this is.

I personally think it is time for us to truly look into the souls of these women and what is there. Strength, beauty, perserverance, A WOMAN, A MOTHER.

Let's start talking about the heartening and timeless truths about single-mothers and not about how she became a single mother. Wether by chance or by choice, we are doing the hardest job on earth-alone. For most of us we are doing it very well. with prayer, love, faith, grace and integrity. Its time to give single mothers the praises they deserve. Afterall a child is a blessing.

Call up a single mother today and tell her she is A HERO!

Chosen Single Mother of The Month:
The Late Ann Duham who sent a message to all single moms today that even if we are left to raise our child alone, they can become something great one day. She is the Kansas born late mother of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the USA.

If you are a single mother, please comment on your road to SUCCESS :-))

G.O.D - Girl's of Destiny Workshop / Brunch

Girl's of Destiny Brunch
is a motivational & self awareness workshop for young women ages 12 - 19

There will be 5 speakers at this event:

Louise Fox - Manners On The Go! (table and social etiquette)
Gloria McLeod - Analysis in Hair (hair care and techniques)
Ruth & Jaime - Sexual Warfare (teen talk)
Sandra Jones - Destiny's Child (girl talk)
Ibrahim Downey - Stand Up ( real talk)


The D.E.V.A ladies believe in the importance of supportive communities in the positive development of young people. We want Girl's of Destiny to
acknowledge and embrace their gifts and build them up to be leaders.

Let's come together and help these young women become the women G.O.D created them to be.

There will only be 70 tickets and we would like to sponsor 30 girl's who are
not able to attend for personal reasons (most likely financially) We are asking you to consider sponsoring a couple young women or a table of 6 ($25each) at $150.

Even if you can sponsor one young girl which would only cost $25…please do so. We have chosen 4 community centres in the projects of GTA to sponsor these 30 girls from. Please consider it. I myself was born and raised in the projects (St.Jamestown / Regent Park)and know first hand the feeling of not being able to attend these type of community events. This is why i have chosen the community centre right in my home town to sponsor some of these girls from. There will be three pick up and drop off points where we have arranged a driver to pick up these young ladies from.

Proceeds will be donated to Vita Center. An organization that educates and
supports parenting and pregnant youth.
If you are able to sponsor a table of 6 we will add your name or company
logo to the event flyer.

Even if you do not have a teen daughter, please do not ignore this email.
There must be a young lady you can either forward this email to or offer a
purchased ticket to on your behalf.

The DEVA ladies are REAL women, with a REAL story, that want to help REAL
people.

Please contact us direct to sponsor a young lady or a table of 6 girl's.
Vee Clarke (outreach coordinator) 416-857-9951

Have you stuck to your "New Year" Resoloutions....so far?

Well we (Vanessa and i) will start by saying, "thank you all for the support you have given us through "09"Ok, so we really want to hear from you. As the new year is well on its way, we are sure you have all made some promises and goals you would like to achieve for 2010. One for sure might be "The Gym" as i have worked in the fitness industry myself, i know how busy it gets for the month of Jan, however by Feb, it dies down. Yeah sad to say, but true.

To be honest Vanessa and i have not made any resolutions outside of doing the best we can as mothers to our children and to be the best we can be as "women"

Well we did say we will give "no energy" away to petty things and (oops have to say it) people. Outside of that we will just continue to reach for the stars, succeed and put our all into helping others and supporting one another.

But, please comment below on what your goal is for this year or what you promised to stop doing or to do! Not only tell us, but be honest on how well you have done so far. We are only 12 days into Jan but hey just be honest and do not be shy about it (if you have quit already)

Thank you DEVA's and stay tuned for next week's blog on "G.O.D - Girl's of Destiny Workhop/Brunch"
Now go ahead and tell us.........:-)))