Fairy-tale femininity {Leslie Ludy}

"When I was a little girl, I loved wearing frilly, lacey, puffed-sleeved princess dresses--the more poof, the better. But back then the Disney Princess outfits hadn't come onto the scene, so I had to settle for wearing fancy nightgowns or bridesmaid dresses my mom picked up at second-hand stores for my "dress up" collection. They were always about five sizes too large, but I loved wearing them anyway. I would twirl around the backyard and pretend I was the most beautiful princess in all the land.

--Nearly every woman I've ever met has at one point in her life imagined that she was a beautiful princess, twirling gracefully in yards of satin and silk, with gallant noblemen fighting duels in order to win her hand in marriage. And judging by the hundreds of little princess walking around Disneyland, this is a dream that continues to thrive within the hearts of little girls everywhere.

--For some reason, the idea of becoming a princess seems to capture the intrinsic longing in every girl's heart to be fully feminine--to glow with grace, radiance, and loveliness. It's an innocent desire. In fact, I believe it's a God-given desire. But as we progress from childhood into young womanhood, the culture quickly warps and twists our longing for feminine beauty into something altogether different than the Disney Princess version.

--In all of the fairy tales I'd grown up with, the heroine might have been beautiful, but she was not admired for her sex appeal. Rather, she was admired for her poise, grace, gentleness, courage, and feminine charm. (And, by the way, the idea of graceful, heroic femininity didn't originate in fairy tales--they are part of God's perfect design for a woman.) 

--When I was young, I had spent hours imagining I was a captivatingly lovely heroine, exuding a sweetness and charm that caused even the birds to come rest upon my finger as I walked through the forest. When I saw injustice, I would quickly rush to offer help and protection. And when confronted with evil, I would sacrifice my own personal happiness to protect what was right. I used to dream about meeting a gallant prince who would be fascinated by all the amazing qualities he saw in me; a man who would slay dragons and conquer kingdoms in order to win me for his own.

--[I had] come to the sad realization that modern guys couldn't care less about feminine grace or nobility. They measured your worth based on the size of your chest and shape of your body. . .Modern culture scorned fairy-tale femininity. Nearly every magazine cover or fashion ad portrayed the same image of "beauty"-a haughty-looking young woman with an icy scowl on her face, waifish clothes draping her anemic body, and her lifeless eyes lacquered with ghoulish black liner. This, apparently, was the standard for womanly allure--the type of girl that guys were attracted to and that society applauded. 

--So I traded my pursuit of true feminine beauty for the cheap counterfeit presented by the culture. . .

--Then I began to read about the amazing, world-altering, Christ-built women of days gone by. I came to realize that though truly beautiful feminintiy may be scarce these days, it didn't used to be quite so uncommon. Woman who exuded enchanting beauty can be found all throughout the pages of Christian history. [they] rejected the empty feminine charm of the world and embraced an altogether different kind of beauty-the beauty of Jesus Christ. They showcased femininity as God intended it to be in all it's elegance, grace, nobility, and lasting loveliness.

--Captivating femininity  isn't supposed to only be found in Jane Austen novels or Cinderella stories. Words like enthralling, enchanting, breathtaking, stunning, delightful, and noble should be the description of every set-apart, Christ-built young woman. It's God's perfect design for each of His royal daughters. Our desire to be a radiant princess  didn't originate with Walt Disney-it's a desire placed within us by our Maker. He created us to shine with royal beauty. Not to dazzle with a self-promoting beauty; but to be a sparkling reflection of the stunning beauty of our King.

--When Christ overtakes a woman's life and transforms her from the inside out, she becomes truly feminine--a picture of elegance, grace, and loveliness blended with sacrificial, selfless devotion to her King. She becomes a true lady, carrying herself with poise and confidence, yet deflecting all attention away from herself and toward Jesus Christ. She is enchantingly mysterious, holding her inner life sacred and guarding her heart with quiet tenacity.

Noble, breathtaking, captivating, Christ-centered femininity is truly a sight be behold. It's a beauty that does not draw attention to the woman, but to Jesus Christ. It's a radiance that is not dependend upon age, circumstances, of physical enhancements. It's loveliness that flows from deep within--the refreshing beauty of heaven, of a life transformed from the inside out by Jesus Christ.

--Even now He is gently whispering to you, calling you out of the world's darkness and into His marvelous light. "Listen, O daughter, consider and lincline your ear; forget your own people also, and your father's house; so the King will greatly desire your beauty.""

Taken from The Lost Art of True Beauty, Leslie Ludy

{Note from Mich--I highly, highly recommend reading this ENTIRE book--or at least the first couple of chapters. Excellent stuff. (I'm not  100% "pro-Disney", though I love the princess movies and Disneyland is my favorite place on earth.) There ya go. ;)}  

what i'm wearin' // victorian-boho

pistachio/chocolate frozen yogurt topped with dark chocolate shavings, red raspberries, walnuts, and toasted almonds. it was that sort of day. {twice a week ;) } finally got a picture of my lemonberry--been meaning to post a pic for some time now. just one of those things you never really get to. but today my mom and i had a few errands, it was a beautiful, sunny afternoon on our town square, i'm in need of an outfit post. . .and the camera was around. voila!

meet my hippie skirt. one of those pieces i've fallen in love with, even though it isn't my typical style. picked it up at my favorite consignment shop because it was long. . .i adore super long skirts. somehow they make me look taller. also trying to incorporate colors other than purple, brown, black, pink, pink, and pink, into my wardrobe. plus it has this awesome shape that makes it drapey and longer on one side, just showing the tips of my toes. i feel extra feminine and a little bit wild in it--out of my comfort zone. confidence in one's wardrobe is so important, and in recent years i've really discovered my sense of style. very classy and girly--and now i have the opportunity to buy clothing i truly love. it's an adventure. 

really having a blast with PicMonkey lately. it's even better then Picnik, and free (at least for now.)

this is one of those foul-proof outfits that just *goes* together. the purple top was a natural. i tried it for the first time when my friends visited, trading a brown top for this one. borrowed earrings (thanks Anna!) that are usually hard to style fit perfectly, and just today i combined the flower hair clips. mustard is my current favorite color trend, so this purse gets a lot of use. the neutral color works with almost anything.  

living in a small town is chic in a sophisticated, laid back mom and pop sort of way. the restored victorian buildings, the white-haired barber sitting in his chair monday mornings, waiting for costumers. the cupcake and frozen yogurt shops. {obsession.} where folks know you by sight and where the band still plays. . .after 150 years. there is country in my soul, but if i left i'd miss this little bit of "mayberry" goodness. 

finally learned to make a perfectly-round "doughnut" bun! ;) so nice getting my string-bean hair out of the way. (it's coming along, btw, for those of you who've been following my progress.) they are so easy to decorate--i'm loving the hair accessory sales at FR21. . .picked up a couple of really cute headbands.

yes, there IS yogurt somewhere in there. don't judge. :P 

:specs:

dusky-purple top: Kohls

"boho" style skirt: consignment shop {$12!}

earrings: {borrowed} Etsy {free!}

flower clips: Charming Charlie & Target (?)

gold flats with flowers: Target

purse: Kohls {$11!} 

what i'm wearin' // lemonberry

 

what i'm wearing*~

white t-shirt: K-mart?

mustard peasant top: Old Navy

Route 66 ankle-length jean skirt: made by me

large gold and pink flower hair clip {not shown}: Target

pink stud earrings {not shown}: Icing

tan cowgirl boots: Famous Footwear

an outfit post. i've decided to throw one into the mix now and again. remember the polyvore i made featuring Old Navy style? voila--my mustard  peasant top! the pic is blurry since it was taken on a phone--our camera is still, *ahem* in texas. this is the only one that turned out. . .and you can't see the flowy-ness of the skirt. {break to say--decent jean skirts are the hardest things to find. . .} i LOVE the Route 66 pattern {Marie Madeline Studios.} it is so easy to make, and fits just like my dream skirt--slimming, narrow at the top and A-line through the skirt. can't wait to make more in varying lengths and all sorts of colors/patterns!!

sunday was perfectly lemonberry--a new frozen yogurt shop; mountains and mountains of toppings--cookies, candies, cookie dough, chocolate shavings, peanut-butter sauce, mini CHEESECAKE squares. {died and went to heaven} our victorian square was beautiful as always,  sun-shiney and breezy that afternoon. oh, and i think it's so cute that my dad appreciates pretty things--PINK things. it's even cuter when he searches a tearoom to find the perfect gift for mom. {break to say--i want the red and white polka-dotted teapot i saw. . .} walking nick around the lake, (you've been asking for a picture--there he is!) and Road to Avonlea summed everything together. now i'm dreaming of huge, pistachio-chocolate cups of yogurt.

He loves me, he loves me not. . .

I spent this weekend with two of my bestest friends: my mom and sis, Anna. Thinking back, I learned two very important things. . .

1. Coming in late at my grandparents house means breaded eggplant, fried peppers, and homemade sausage - to be eaten in the dark with fingers at 11:00 PM by three majorly slap-happy women.
2. Coffee and organic, DARK (super caffeinated dark,) chocolate taken together is dangerous. 

Both experiences = amazing fun, lots of obnoxious laughter, and sour stomachs. Just sayin'. 

But most importantly, I spent a refreshing weekend with like-minded girls and mothers from around the country, brought together by one source: a Radiant Purity conference (Sarah Mally. Note that I do not necessarily endorse all her teachings.) Though I was already familiar with all the ideas/thought process/material presented, I came away with a full heart, encouraged . . .knowing that WHO I am in the Lord, WHAT I am in the Lord, matters to HIM, matters to my future (unknown) "Prince". . .and that I need not fear what the world thinks of me. 

Before I continue, this question has been circulating through my mind: why are people with standards so harshly judged? Why are people who believe in courtship dubbed "Josh Harris followers"?  Why are ladies who wear skirts for modesty and femininity reasons called "legalistic"?  Yes we have freedom in Christ, yes everyone has different views/opinions on Christianity, but please, please don't mock those who choose to be "different", or "peculiar" according to the worlds ideals. I am not "more holy" or a better Christian because I dress differently or choose to "wait" for the right man. However it hurts - more - when a fellow believer mocks. . .when they are closed minded. 

This article is taking a slightly different path then I planned. ;) When it comes to "my skirts", I like to tell inquirers that while I could go through the whole "modesty spiel", (or at least my interpretation of modesty,) my primary reason is simply one, very obvious, very valid fact: I feel beautiful. 

The worldview of most Christian women is one of supreme respect for our male heads; our leaders. The thought of someday sitting under the man God has crafted, selected just for me is thrilling. And why do we appreciate men? For their masculinity. .. this is what makes a man a MAN, this is what attracts us to them. Skirts are feminine, they flow, swirl, swish. . .instantly transform me into a princess - a GIRL. A woman who wants to stand out. I want to be radical, different, a light in our world. 

Most folks assume that words such as "waiting," "purity," and "courtship" surround a small  percentage of girls who aren't allowed to associate with men - even speak with them. . .the type that run for the nearest corner if a young man looks in their direction. "Oooh . . .he MUST be interested in me. What do I do? Daaadddd???" 

WRONG. Personally, I'd rather be friends with guys then girls. Honestly and truly. Guys balance things out. . .they add a fun, manly dimension to a group setting. . .and they aren't catty. There's no peer pressure. They accept me (usually) for who I am - no jealously, no conditions. And they are no more then FRIENDS. If anything, being friends with guys has taught me NOT to jump at every man as "a potential".  When talking and even English Country dancing  in a mixed group setting, I am able to assess character. . .work on that "check list" of no-no's and absolutes. Not that I'm pouring out my deepest secrets to guys! o.O Of course not. . . but I think there is a level of respect in a friendship when a girl isn't desperate, treating each male friend as a human being. . .a brother, a friend. Nothing more. Never assuming anything.

What is my point in all this? I don't know. Really, it HAD one, before I began writing. ;) Now its full of rambling, non-related topics. My thoughts poured out for your sorting. 

Conviction. It truly sums this mess together. We all have different stands. . .different concepts our Jesus placed especially on our hearts. As a testimonial this weekend reminded, ignoring a conviction deadens us to sin. Never ignore that still, small voice pulling at your heart. And listen, listen for His call to you. "Waiting" is such a beautiful thing. . .sharing so many "firsts" with that special someone. We can be friends with guys within limits - but girls, don't become desperate. The Lord will bring you your Prince in His time. Not "God's best" but "God's Choice."

There is a difference. 

"He loves me, he loves me not." Christ loves you, He is our all in all. Lets focus on HIM, stop judging each other. Lets celebrate being WOMEN and MEN of God. 

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. - Psalms 84:11

Please note that skirt-wearing is simply my personal preference. I see them as more modest then pants, however, if pants are modest for YOU, and if your dad agrees, I do not judge you! (and yes, they can be feminine. :) ) I do not want to sound like "I have the answers", or holier-then-thou. Again, just my view of things.

Confessions of an anti-Curly Girl / Rambles of a Mocha addict

Hair. There are some days when I hate it - "if I were a man, I would totally grow a long beard and shave my head." It would be so easy. But no. . .bald women are unattractive and pagan-looking. Bummer. So, like EVERY "normal" gal out there, I struggle, fuss over, and bemoan my glory - my hair. . .and yes ladies, if properly cared for, it CAN be glorious.

It all began about a year ago, last summer, to be specific. You can read HERE about my earlier hair-care adventures. Let just say. . . I've come far, very far since then. Not one egg touches my locks nor conditioner penetrate my scalp. No more heavy, stringy gobs of hair. In other words: I am speaking out against the Curly-Girl method of hair care. :nods confidently: For the most part. I still "scrunch" dry my hair, but have since learned through diverse trials that leave-in conditioner and my particular set of hair DO NOT get along. (btw, random side-note, but am I the only  Blogger who must have even paragraphs? I don't like seeing sentences or super long, blank-white spaces. Its a terrible, perfectionist habit.)

Before I continue, I must say that frozen mocha's from Panera Bread are the most divine, chocolaty, coffee-ish, sugary, fattening, beautiful things on the planet. I've never been in love like today. Forget ever eating a solid meal again. . .I could seriously live on those things. Every day. Great for the waistline, might I add- and see my nice, almost even lines? Note the "almost." ;) This is good. This is off topic. Where was I? Ah yes, hair.

So. To begin again. I've always had natural waves. . . they would form into long, loose corkscrews when I was little, and show up throughout my tween years despite the constant brushing and strange need to have completely stick-straight, FLAT-as-a-pancake hair. (Pulled tighter then tight in a ponytail or smooshed under a headband. Terrible look, might I add.  I saw a family picture today from about six years ago. Frightening. . .Thank the Lord adolescence only plagues once in life.) My mom would always shake her head, saying, "but Michaela, hair is *supposed* to have bumps. . .if you'd only let it hang naturally you'd see how pretty it is." Me? Bumpy hair? Absolutely not! Thankfully my eyes were opened to the possibility of actually looking like a decent human being, and my thoughts on "bumpy" hair changed. Now the more "bumps" the merrier! This was the initial reason I permed my hair. . .twice in one week.


To make a long story short, I'm now dealing with and controlling (trying to, at least,) frizzy-ish ends and broken hair. Hey, it almost looks layered! But one thing I have learned - my hair is very much naturally wavy/curly. It just needs gentle treatment and proper care -  something I learned when one day I looked in the mirror and screamed: "I have no hair!"

The culprit? Curly-girl. Or, my bad-interpretation of natural hair care. . .which actually isn't at all natural, since Tresemme conditioner and other hair products are full of nasty chemicals. Girls, if your going to leave conditioner in your hair, please use only very light-weight, specially made leave-in conditioner, or else your hair will thin out. . .scary, yes? 

Rapunzel's plan for natural hair-care {because admit it. . .her hair is just PERFECT.}

• Shampoo is ok. Especially if it contains Rosemary, which is an essential ingredient for damaged, thinned hair. (like the mess of my own.) Avalon Organics Shampoo,Volumizing Rosemary (from Walmart,) is my favorite. It is very gentle, smells lovely, and doesn't contain any nasty chemicals. I can use it several time a week with soft, full, completely beautiful results. With each wash I dollop on a generous  amount of  all-natural, ultra lightweight conditioner, ion Volume Solutions, (Sally's Beauty Supply) which is promptly washed out along with my shampoo. I love it so very much. . . ! 

• Reduce water pressure. Heavy, hot water damages hair. However, I learned through study and a respiratory cold that freezing water is terrible - for your health and hair. Warm water is acceptable and  tolerable during winter weather. (No clogged, impossible-to-breath-through throats!) Turning the shower down/shielding your hair is an easy way to block excess water.  

• Throw away your brushes and combs! If possible, untangle your hair with your fingers. . .this is impossible for some hair types, like my sister Anna's. However it works fine for me, and I rarely need to use my wide-toothed comb. Yes, picks and wooden wide-toothed combs won't tear or damage hair, though picks need to be used very carefully. When my hair absolutely needs combing, out comes the handy-dandy wooden contraption.

• Dry with paper towels. Yes, you read that correctly. For quite some time I used a regular bath towel to dry my hair. . .another reason for hair thinning. Now I "scrunch dry" my hair with wades of paper towels,  though old t-shirts also work. Make sure every drop of water is absorbed. . .

• Gel. Lots of gel - but not too much. Ok, so my gel isn't organic. . .have to look into that. If your going for the curly look, gel helps waves define and keep their shape. But be warned -  too much weighs hair down, giving it that awful, stringy-ended look. 

• Connect to the "canopy" - in other words, the roots. When washing and air drying (after scrunching, of course. Blow-dryers are sinful!) simply flip hair upside down and run, or "shift" your finger from the roots and downward. . .as you slowly work it you'll feel a difference in volume.

• Separate and "lift". To add even more "bounce" or to hide a part, take small sections of hair from the top of your head (while still damp,) and twist into little, raised  knots. . .clip and wait until completely dry. This is really cute if kept in all day. A fun, unique hair-style! See here.

My hair . . this was in San Diego, CA. Ohhhh, the beautiful bay, the boats, the wind blowing through my hair. Divine.

Voila! I'm not a hair-care expert, and I'm still working very slowly to repair the damage I caused. . .I know it'll take much time before my hair is completely vibrant and full again. HOWEVER this method works for me, and it isn't as frightening as it sounds. ;) Oh, but I almost forgot the most important tip of all:

• Hop in car. Drive to Panera Bread. Order a tall, frothy Frozen Mocha. Slowly savor every bad-for-you drop. Repeat. Feel your heart swell with happiness. Recommended: one dose each day.

Queen Susan the Gentle // photoshoot

In this post  I asked you to guess which character I portrayed at my friends Literary Ball (English Country Dancing). . .yes, I was Susan from Narnia, wearing a "mock" version of the Archery Dress.  Nooo, the movie dress isn't made with satin fabric, and of course a few minor details are "missing". However! I LOVE my gown (which a friend of a friend made for me.) Normally I like to make my own messes - I mean dresses - for Balls, but felt I lacked the experience, and *definitely*  the time to dabble with the project. Funds were limited, (go figure,) but even sooo . . .like I said, the dress is magnifique. . .simply because it is oh-so feminine.

 If I could wear a medieval-style gown each and every day I more then happily would. I'd spend endless  hours in open, flowered-sprinkled fields; drinking in the sun, wishing the earth always sang of spring, feeling a gentle breeze on my cheek - loving life and the Lord's beautiful creation.

My bestest friend and lovely sister Anna  recently bought a beauteous camera  that she is getting rather incredible at using. She has been *wanting* to use it. . .constantly. Perfect timing for the photo-shoot I've been scheming up! I can now proudly check  "Susan photo-shoot" off of my need-to-be-posted list. Could this mean Michaela ceases at last to be a procrastinator? I only wish. :P 

First we headed to the backyard. We have a lovely "wooded" area that is very nice for pictures. . .but something was missing. This is when we opted for one of our local parks - a favorite place of our family, and just gorgeous with its "lake of shining waters", country air, and foresty paths that open into little grotto's of dead fir trees. Footsteps are whispered away when one melts from the bustling park onto a carpet of needles so thick and soft it is possible to walk without shoes. The outside world vanishes under a canopy of semi-gloom. . .it isn't difficult to imagine small men in pointed caps peeking through the brittle branches . 

"It was when I was happiest that I longed most...The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing...to find the place where all the beauty came from."  — C.S. Lewis

It is just magical. A Susan-inspired dress, talented budding-photographer sister, and Picnik bring to life all the emotions of the day. It was perfectly overcast, slightly chilly, the lake was slivery, and I felt in an extra-exuberant mood. Be grateful that I chose to leave some of the photos out. Like the one of me running full force up a hill, right into the mouth of the camera (while my mouth gaped open.) Would have ruined the "Susan-ish" feel, you know. These pics are a testament to the fact that I am capable of being mature. :P

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." — C.S. Lewis

Susan, little men in caps, shining waters and whatnot aside, the photographer and I needed *one* picture together. . . this was the result. No, I didn't just post that on my blog. You didn't see it, k? 

"To the radiant southern sun, Queen Susan the Gentle. . .Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia. May your wisdom grace us until the stars rain down from the heavens."  

— C.S. Lewis  (somehow that line seems dreadfully misplaced. ;) ) 

Elegance according to brocade and puffed sleeves...

Finally! Actual pictures of one of my sewing projects! ;) Here is the incomplete (but nearly finished) bodice of the Regency gown I am making. What do you think of that amazing brocade fabric? I thought it had a very old-fashioned, elegant, almost Colonial-era touch to it.

The bodice neckline will be  gathered - for now I pinned it flat to the dress form. It was given to me recently by my Nonno (grandfather.) Wasn't that sweet? I am hoping to eventually acquire a full length, adjustable dress form, but this will do for now! - trying to think up a good name for her. Any suggestions? 

The sleeves still need binding and like I mentioned above the neckline needs gathering. (Sorry about the messy strings all over the place.)  Other then THAT  I am very pleased with my work so far. ;) Lord willing I will soon have an Esty shop started! :) 

...now to tackle the skirt placket. Yikes. o.O 

The Challenge! day 7 - pink n' girly!

Last day of 'The Challenge!'

~*~ What I'm wearing ~*~

cream skirt with pink flowers and brown trim - Christopher and Banks

pink t-shirt - Walmart

brown shrug - Dillards

cream headband - Target or Walmart?

dangly earrings - ??

The Challenge! day 5 - casual colors

Day 5 of "The Challenge!"

"Mr. Linky" should be working at the bottom of THIS post. "He's" waiting for your entries!

I am going to be out of town this weekend, so Anna and I crammed in as many photo-shoots as we could in two days! o.O Whew! They will be posting themselves while we are away... Lemme just say, taking so many pictures in so little time gets old VERY quickly! lol

This outfit is VERY fall-ish, perfect and casual enough for a warm September evening at home. I love consignment shop finds and comfy "lived in" skirts! This one is a treasure - worn several times a week until, well, it looks slightly worn and is always comfortable! ;)

~*~ What I'm wearing ~*~

Tiered jean skirt - Christoper and Banks

button down checkered and ruffled shirt - 'The Gingerbread House' consignment shop

"gold" flats with flowers - Target

earrings - Walmart?

cream rose clip - Claires

The Challenge! day 4 - country roses

Day 4 of 'The Challenge' already! o.O

"Mr. Linky" wasn't working in this post, so please leave your entries in one of the posts below

(that have a linky.)

I feel the need to explain that I *do not* stand around getting pictures taken all the time! In fact I feel rather uncomfortable posting all sorts of pictures of myself every day. Gah. I am NOT that vain! Just needed to clarify, in case anyone is taking this influx of photos the wrong way. They are for the Challenge - especially since I am one of the hostesses! :)

Whew, glad to get that off my chest! o.O Now to proceed...

I like the very feminine feel of this outfit. Again, something "new" I decided to try out, and ended up liking the results! The skirt I picked up for very little $$ on a trip to Toronto Canada a couple of years ago. Yesterday I pulled it out for the first time after months of "living" in my dresser drawer. :P Its long and flowing, and the baby pink looked cute with the two-toned pink rose buds on the jacket/shirt.

I could imagine strolling through a flower covered meadow, soaking in the September sun...but in reality? - do we have to THINK about that? Ok fine. I was in my grandparents front yard with houses on all sides! (kinda obvious by the house *behind* me?) Yikes. lol

~*~ What I'm wearing ~*~

long tiered baby pink skirt - random shop in Toronto's Little Italy

black rose-sprinkled jacket-shirt - Rue 21 Outlet (on clearance!)

black flats - Target

The Challenge! day 2 - fall freshness

Day 2 of the Feelin' Feminine Challenge! This event has been so much fun thus far, and I hope its been a blessing and encouragement to my readers! - don't forget to join me in the challenge! If you'd like to find out more about this week-long event, click the icon below:

Today I went for a more "nice but not overly dressy" look. Quickly threw together some odds and ends...a big flower clip borrowed from Anna, a fun consignment shop find, and a skirt I've had for a few years now. There is *always* a piece of clothing (or two!) that is just special and indispensable - you can wear virtually anything with it, and it ALWAYS fits. Like my infamous grey skirt. Several of my friends have seen me in it at various times/occasions. Its getting a wee bit old now, but still looks fresh enough to mix and match now and again.

~*~ What I'm wearing ~*~

grey A-line skirt - Dress Barn

white t-shirt - Walmart?

light green shrug - 'The Gingerbread House' consignment shop

black heels - DSW Shoes (on clearance)

"diamond" dangly earrings - unknown

white "leather" flower clip - Claires

Can't wait to see what you've come up with for this weeks challenge! Don't forget to add your posts to the "Mr. Linky" feature below and at the other hosts (Anna's) blog.

The Challenge! day 1 - pink sunset

NOTE *~

You've arrived at one of the host blogs for this month's Challenge at Feelin' Feminine.

You can add your name and Challenge post into the linky at the bottom of *this* post if you are participating,

and take a moment to visit the other host's blog

(my sister Anna) and do it there as well.

Thank you!

~* The Challenge begins today, Sept. 5th, and ends Sept. 12th *~

~*~ What I'm wearing ~*~

dark jean A-line skirt - Dillards on clearance

long "peach" baby-doll shirt - 'The Gingerbread House' consignment shop

pearl earrings - unknown

olive green rose bud clip - Claires

brown flats with bows - The Gap

~*~

"The Challenge" is a way of life for me --

I started wearing skirts 8 years ago. My

decision helped to encourage my mom to wear skirts, and a short while later Anna followed. At this time the 3 younger girls were all toddlers/preschoolers, so they didn't have much of a say-so in what they wore. ;) Skirts and dresses have always been a regular way of life for them and they love it!

Why am I "skirts only?" Not only do I believe they are modest,

but skirts make me feel feminine and look pretty.

I would encourage YOU to take up this challenge - it only lasts a week, and you might just see a difference in your life because of your "new" way of dress. Who knows, you may like it all so much, skirts will become a way of life for you too! :)

Blessings,

Got Curl? My haircare adventures!

A few months ago my dear friend and "adopted" sister Hannah told me about the Got Curl? method of hair care featured on the YLCF website. I had gotten a perm not long before and wasn't very pleased with the big "poof" of sticky curls my hair became after I used mousse. Soooo...I decided to try the more natural approach, especially since I've always had plenty of natural waves in my hair. NOW I'm almost sure most of my perm is gone (there is still a trace of it though,) and more of my natural wave is coming through.

I'm very pleased with the results! :)

Note that I do not follow the 'Got Curl' guidelines *exactly* - I wash my hair with conditioner many more times then is recommended, but for me the little schedule I've fallen into is perfect. I use zero hot water, no shampoo, and I never comb or brush my hair! And the method REALLY works - I was wary since my hair tends to become oily, but I don't seem to have that problem very often anymore.

Below are the "products" I use. And YES those are eggs you see! o.O The springy waves and curls they produce are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I normally follow a pattern of: wash with conditioner - sometimes I let it sit for a few minutes before giving it a light rinse (that leaves most of the conditioner still in my hair.) Then I scrunch dry it and apply gel. As the gel dries I continue to scrunch it, and after a couple of hours...lovely waves!

I'll then only rinse my hair with cool/cold water for the next 2-3 days before using conditioner and/or egg again.

I wash with two eggs yoke occasionally.

Brown sugar (fondly known by some as "Boy-Bait,") added to a few tablespoons of conditioner smells SO lovely. Yum. I always have to remind myself the mixture isn't edible. hehe

{all photos by me}

and

Before ---------------After

My hair in '09 ------------- vs. now

{sorry the "now" pic doesn't enlarge.}

I would be interested in hearing how YOU care for your hair. Shampoo, eggs, cold water, hot? What has your experience/results been??