Pretty Pink Dress

Found here


I absolutely love this dress! So beautiful. It's hanging on a tree for a wedding. Gorgeous.

Mommyhood Doesn't Mean Frumpyhood

I am currently reading the novel, Yummy Mummy by Polly Williams, and it has been an enjoyable read so far. I can so relate to the main character who is struggling with maintaining her old identity and realizing that her new identity as a mother, as well as many other mothers in her mommy circle are, well, . . . frumpy.

This book has made me laugh, but also I've thought about how important it is as mothers to still put forth effort in our appearance. It's easy to hide behind, oh I'm a mother now, it doesn't really matter. But, it does matter.

What are a few things every mommy can do to rejuvenate herself and feel feminine and appealing?

1. Keep fingernails and toenails painted.
Simple, but goes a long way toward feeling feminine and reflecting someone who cares about themselves and their appearance. Before, I usually kept my toes done during the summer, and very rarely had my fingernails done. But, I've decided lately to start doing both and it does put an extra pep in my step, and it just feels good. If you can't afford to go to the salon, just do it yourself!

2. Wear flattering dresses.
Having a couple of cute, casual dresses in your closet can be a lifesaver! Dresses are the most comfortable article of clothing, in my opinion. Your body can breathe and you don't have to find something to match. Just grab a dress and go. Perfect for having small children, and not a lot of time to primp. Make sure it's a dress that flatters your body, and doesn't just hang like a sack.

3. Wear a bit of make-up.
Even if it's just lipstick and blush. Doing that little bit will help you look pulled together and refreshed.

4. Wear heels.
I'm not saying you have to walk around the house in heels, but if you're going out of the house, try wearing some heels. I did this the other day, and I was amazed at how feminine I felt. Before having children, I lived in heels. I did not like flat shoes. After having my children, I wore flat shoes a lot more, because I thought it was more practical. Needless to say, I did not feel as fabulous. Heels look more feminine, and help you feel more feminine.



Those are my top ideas for not being a frumpy mommy. There's nothing wrong with looking pretty while being a mother. It does require extra effort, but the rewards are worth it.

What about you? Are there any other ideas you have for being a yummy mummy?


This post is linked with:

Women Living Well Wednesday
Raising Homemakers

The Blessing of Girls

Yesterday I watched a show on the Discovery Health channel entitled, "8 Boys Wanting a Girl". The show followed a couple of families who had boys who were desperate to have a girl. One woman had 8 sons, and was hoping for a girl. Her very first child was a girl who did not make it full term, and she has grieved for that daughter that she should have had and has never had.

Two other women had four boys. One tried one more time to get pregnant and she prayed fervently that this fifth child that she was carrying would be a girl, because this was her last time trying. She went to the doctor for the ultrasound and found out that she was carrying. . . another boy. She broke down in tears and quickly composed herself and said it was ok and that she was fine.

Later in the show she said she did not know what to do with her sadness over knowing that she will never have a daughter.

The other lady that had four boys tried a type of in vitro fertilization that allows parents to choose the sex that they want and have that embryo implanted in them. They had 8 embryos and only one was a girl. She was very excited.

The doctors implanted the female embryo, and told her to take a pregnancy test in 9 days to confirm that she was pregnant, and that everything was a success.

She took her pregnancy test, and sadly, she was not pregnant. She was crushed and broke down into tears.

I was completely fascinated watching this show. Astoundingly, the last woman profiled had four boys and was not married to the father, and refused to marry him until they had daughters. They did the in vitro fertilization that allows you to choose the sex, and they ended up with twin girls.

She married the father, and she said that is so thankful,and that it was completely worth it. Her girls are everything that she hoped for and more.

Now, for the commentary:

Most of the women on the show said that people thought they were crazy for wanting a girl so badly, and that they should just be thankful for the children they already have. And, these women wanted to feel that way too, but they just couldn't shake their strong desires for a girl.

It sounds so selfish and absurd, but, honestly,. . . I could relate to them in a way.

Is it right? I don't think so. But, is it a feeling that many women have? Yes.

It sounds sad and pathetic, but I understood what these women were feeling to some degree, because I felt the same way with my own children.



Growing up I always wanted to have a son first, and then a daughter. I always wanted to end up having two boys and two girls. After being a teacher, though, I began to really long for having a daughter.

In my thinking boys were a handful: they were super active, always had to be moving around, always into things, most of my behavior problems were boys. And, the thing was they weren't bad boys. Most of them were kind hearted and good boys, but they were just so active!!

Most of my girl students on the other hand were sweet and quiet and sat attentively in class, and it did not take much to get them back in line if they were disruptive. Afer being a teacher I couldn't wait to have a little girl of my own, plus there were sooooo many cute things for little girls.

When I got pregnant with my first child, I just assumed I was having a girl, and daydreamed about all of the cute stuff she would have, the fun things we would do, and that I would have a little person like me. When my husband and I were at the doctor to find out the sex of the baby and I found out it was a boy, I was crushed. I surprised myself with how crushed I was.

Embarrasingly, tears sprang to my eyes, and I tried to hide them, but my husband saw them and looked at me with bewilderment. After leaving the doctor's office he told me that he couldn't believe I was crying over having a boy. I should be thankful just to have a healthy baby. Of course, I knew he was right, but it did nothing to stop the sadness over not having a little girl. All I could think about were the little boys I used to teach, and how superactive they were, and I thought what life would be like ahead.

But, as my pregnancy went along, I became more and more excited about his arrival. When I had him, I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness, and he has been a true blessing in my life.

When I found out I was expecting again I prepared myself for having another boy. When we went to find out the sex, I was so nervous, and silently prayed for a girl. I was so excited when I found out I was having a girl.

I was so excited that wasn't even that sad about having another C-section. I was really upset about having a C-section the first time, and was depressed about it for awhile afterwards. Anyways, I was laying on the operating table just giddy with excitement, not even caring that I'm having another C-section, I just couldn't wait to meet my daughter.

So, I could relate in some ways with what these women felt. And I felt bad for them, because I know that there are blessings with having both boys and girls. Have you ever noticed when a woman has one of each sex, people are like, oh good, you have one of each now. It's a blessing to have children, period. But, it's also great to have boys and girls, and not just one sex.

Obviously if a couple just has one sex of children they have to be thankful for what they have and realize that God doesn't make a mistake.




So, what's so great about having girls:

1. You can do girly things with them.
2. They are like human baby dolls that you get to dress up and enjoy. :)
3. You can train a little homemaker and have a helper in the kitchen and around the house.
4. You have someone to pass on womanly wisdom to, and see that wisdom manifest in her life.
5. You have someone to go shopping with and go to tea with. I love afternoon tea, and I have a little girl that can share in that pastime with.
6. In a way, you can relive your own childhood. You get to reexperience playing with dolls, having tea with your dolls, and just remembering how you were as a girl.
7. As they get older, you (hopefully) have a best friend. My mother is definitely one of my best friends, and we have always had a close, special relationship. My grandmother is one of my mother's best friends. And, I hope when my daughter is older that we will be best friends too.
8. There are many more. . .

Boys are blessings too, no doubt, and I will do another post about the joys of boys.
Watching the show just struck a chord in me and I understood their sadness. Having a girl is a blessed thing for many reasons, and I am thankful that God blessed me with one of each.

Disney Princess

I've been watching The Princess and the Frog over the past couple of days, and I must say that the movie is growing on me.

I love the whole Disney Princess thing, and I was SOOO excited when I heard about the movie being made. I was so happy because I had lamented the fact that there was no Black princess for years before the movie came out. I remembered thinking, I want my little girl to have a Black princess to look at. And now she does, and I'm excited about that.

When we went to see the movie last year, I was. . . disappointed. I had such high hopes and was so excited to see the movie. I was let down. Mainly because she was a frog for at least half of the movie.

My two year old absolutely adores Princess Tiana and here are some of the things that I love about the movie:

*Princess Tiana is pretty.

*She has a strong work ethic.

*Her singing, "Almost There" in her soon to be restaurant.

*The beautiful animation.

*The prince and princess make a handsome couple.

*The first half of the movie before she turns into a frog.

*That she was a feminine, kind hearted, and lovely young lady.

*Did you notice that most Disney princesses always wear dresses throughout the entire movie? In this movie all the women in the movie wear dresses, and it's just. . .nice, I guess.

What I did not like:

(Before becoming a parent I used to think some parents were being over the top when they said that many children's movies and shows are actually not suitable for them and contain things that should not be viewed. Case in point here. I have to fast forward through various scenes.)

- I did not like the whole voodoo aspect in the movie. I had to fast forward through those scenes. I think they are inappropriate for young children.

-Some parts were VERY crude, like the guy who shot the bug out of his nose. Absolutely disgusting!

-The fact that they were frogs through most of the movie.

-Princess Tiana was a frog for half of the movie.

-She spent most of her time being a frog.

Ok. Other than that I really enjoyed the movie. My favorite Disney character is Belle from Beauty and the Beast, because she loves to read and the movie is just so wonderful. I was hoping to like this movie just as much or more, but that did not quite happen. Maybe if she had been a human throughout the entire movie, or the majority of it at least.

A Rules Marriage on Real Housewives

I enjoy watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It is one of my favorite shows. I love all of the beautiful homes and scenery, and just watching the women interact with their families.

My favorite housewife is Kyle Richards Umansky. She is a beautiful woman with a very handsome husband who seems to adore her, and four beautiful daughters. Blessed life! I think it's sweet that she has four children, considering she lives in Beverly Hills and is a former actress. Most people in general keep it at two children, especially the rich and fabulous.

Her husband seems to adore her. The way he looks at her and interacts with her just exudes love. I'm sure it's because of the way that she carries herself. She seems to be a strong, confident, feminine woman who is sure of herself, and won't take any nonsense from anyone, including him! Which, of course, makes him love her all the more I'm sure.

One of my favorite dating books to read when I was single was The Rules by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider. It basically talks about having high standards when you are dating and having confidence in yourself. To believe and know that you are a unique woman and carry yourself as such. When women follow these rules, which many are old-fashioned rules that your grandmother would tell you to do, they will be much smarter about relationships and how to carry themselves in it. Most are things that my grandmother and mother told me to do, but it was still an informative and entertaing read. A Rules Girl is one who follows these rules and eventually marries the man of her dreams.



Kyle Umansky seems like a Rules Girl who ended up in a Rules Marriage. Way to go!

Another interesting tidbit is that her sister is Kathy Hilton, who has been married to her husband, Rick for 31 years. She married at 20 and has four children as well. When asked what was the secret to a long, happy marriage she told OK! magazine,

In addition to hard work, respect and date nights a couple times a week, it’s vital not to take one another for granted.
“Never get too, too comfortable, I believe. And be a little mysterious, unpredictable in a sense. You don’t want to wear your hair the same way all the time. Always keep things fresh and fun.”

I love hearing stories of loving marriages and happy families. Have a great weekend!

One of my birthday gifts a few weeks ago was a gift card to Victoria's Secret. Initially, I wasn't super excited about my gift, but once I entered the store, gift card in hand, I was so thankful for my gift.

I purchased a number of very feminine, frilly underthings, and I felt so good when I left the store. While shopping for my items I was reminded of how important it is for women to have pretty underthings. Even while growing up, my mother made sure that I had pretty slips, camisoles, and other underthings. Her mother had impressed upon her the importance of always looking your best, from your undergarments to your outergarments. It makes you feel even more feminine, and it's just important to care about your overall appearance.


I admit that after I had my son I slipped in this department, much to my husband's dismay, due to nursing and putting comfort over beauty. But, I made sure to go back to making sure that I always look feminine and pretty with my outergarments as well as my undergarments.

Little girls should be used to having pretty and girly, t-shirts, camisoles, slips, etc. Impart to them the importance of grooming and taking good care of themselves. It may seem like a minor thing to many women, but once you actually take the time to invest in beautiful, feminine undergarments, especially comfortable ones, then it will only enhance your femininity and beauty.

And, there's nothing like a beautiful hatbox or lingerie chest to keep your pretty things in, and having a pretty chest or hatbox for your little princess' pretty garments!



The beauty just inspires me. Seeing and wearing beautiful things just uplifts and inspires me. It's definitely a worthwhile investment.



Check out Raising Homemakers for more homemaking inspiration.

Visions for my Daughter

*m.c. wrey, "my precious"

I delight in being feminine, and I want my daughter to do the same. It's amazing that so many people around me, who know that I delight in femininity, enjoy telling me that my daughter is going to be a rough and tough little tomboy, because she is an active almost 2 year old and she loves to climb on things. When we go places she usually wears a dress, unless she is going to be outside at the park and could get dirty then she'll wear a pair of shorts.

These same people, usually women, tell me that they were tomboys, and it's a good thing. I'm starting to think that they are secretly hoping that she will reject being a feminine, girly girl.

I usually don't respond to their comments, because I do not think there is much need. Young children will be young children, and that does not make them a tomboy. I enjoyed climbing trees with my brother, riding bikes, exploring in the woods, and playing basketball when I was younger. It was fun, and it was part of having a great childhood. But, I never considered myself a tomboy. I also enjoyed playing with my dolls, pretending to be a teacher to them, helping take care of my younger brother and sister, and wearing dresses and "looking pretty."



What things am I doing now to help nurture my daughter's femininity?

- Letting her help me clean. She enjoys dusting and wiping off the table.

- Dressing her like a little girl.

- Encouraging her to speak with a soft voice when she likes to get loud and boisterous.

- Letting her watch me cook, and "help" me with simple cooking tasks, like stirring.

- Praying vigilently over my daughter that God would mold her into the young lady that she needs to be, that He helps her maintain her purity until marriage, and live a life that is pleasing unto Him.

- Be an example of a feminine, Godly wife, mother and woman for her to see everyday. Knowing that I have little eyes watching me and mimicking me forces me to constantly try to be the best that I can be.

Do want more inspiration to raise your daughter to be a homemaker and embrace her femininity? Check out RaisingHomemakers.com !!

Real Housewife and Movie Recommendation

I thought it was cute how Teresa, on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, told her party planner that she cooks the meals for her family every day, keeps her house very clean, and takes care of her four children - all without help. It was funny that the party planner was taken aback at that prospect. But, in this day and age, I guess it almost seems abnormal for a woman to do all three of those things.

She did inspire me to go clean my kitchen floor so that it could be extra sparkly clean and pretty right after watching the episode. :)

On another note, I highly recommend a wonderful Christian movie, called Belle and the Beast. I watched it the other day, and I really enjoyed it. Now, granted, the acting is not the best, but the overall story was beautiful and inspiring. It is a Christian version of Beauty and the Beast, and that movie is one of my all time favorite Disney movies. So, I encourage you to check it out.

Have a happy Thursday!

A Touch of Pretty

Here's a picture of a vase of flowers in my kitchen. Small things like having a vase of pretty flowers does a lot to add beauty and cheer to your home. I love looking at it when I go into the kitchen.

If you cannot tell, I also love Portmeirion china. I think it's so feminine and pretty.

Over the weekend I found a fabulous little book that I want to purchase. It's called How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew by Erin Bried. It seems to be jam packed with delightful insights into how to be an excellent homemaker. It reminded me of how I need to sit down with my grandmothers and learn more from them about being an excellent housewife, because they definitely fit the description.

Lastly, I was excited to learn about an acquaintance of mine who has started her own business, Pink Pastry Parlor, which is a bakery and also hosts girls tea parties and other events. It is soooo cute, and I was so excited that a young lady that I know has a cute business like this. If you live near the Norcross, GA area, be sure to check it out.

Have a wonderful Monday!

The Importance of Beauty

Surrounding yourself with beauty is so inspiring and refreshing. Looking beautiful, and creating a beautiful surrounding can make life so much more pleasant and make you feel happier, despite whatever negative things in your life may be going on.

What makes me feel happy and inspired?

1. Taking a shower and dressing pretty. Putting forth the effort to look pretty just makes me feel good. Even if no one is going to see me, just knowing that I look nice, makes me feel good inside. We value what we take care of, so take care of yourself, and reflect your value. On the flip side, when I put on a baggy t-shirt and sweats, I just feel drab. Wearing a cute housedress, hair styled nicely, a touch of lipstick, and perfume, makes me feel so feminine and happy.

2. Cleaning. Seriously. Three years ago, I never would have thought I would say that, but cleaning makes me feel good inside. When you have a lot of clutter and disarray it can make you feel tense and anxious. At least, that's how I feel. So, I feel great when I tackle the clutter in my closet, on my desk, make the bathroom sparkly and clean. Cleaning makes me feel accomplished and I inwardly say "aaaahhhh".

3. Looking at pretty things. I love reading Romantic Homes and Tea Time. It just lifts my spirits to see such pretty things.



These are just a few things that make me feel happy on the inside, and put me in a good mood. They are simple things that I can do everyday to help me recharge and keep in touch with being beautiful on the inside and out.

Reading this verse inspires me to seek the beauty and joy in any situation:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Have a happy Monday!

Smallest BlessingsThursdays: Thankful To Be A Homemaker

It's Thankful Thursdays over at Southern Housewife's Blog, and I decided to participate. The blessing that I'm so thankful for today is being able to stay home with my children and care for them.

Yesterday, I happened upon the website, www.daycaresdontcare.org, and I felt extrememly grateful that my children don't have to to be in daycare. It's something that I purposed since I was younger, to not put my children into daycare.

For some reason it just made me open my eyes even more to the powerful impact that being at home with my children really makes. I felt sad for the many testimonials of the negative effects of daycare usage. But, I didn't need to read it to know. It just made me all the more thankful for the fact that I'm home with my babies, and get to love on them and teach them, and have fun with them throughout the day.

They get to enjoy being at home with Mommy, and being always near me. They get to have a sense of security in knowing that Mommy is always near, and I am so grateful for that, because extenuating circumstances could have reversed the situation. But, God has provided for me to be home with them and I am so thankful.

The pictures above are of me in a dress that I had stashed away for awhile. When I put it on I thought I looked like a 1950's housewife. How cute, I thought. I have felt so much more productive today, wearing a cute little dress around the house, even though I had absolutely nowhere to go today.

Femininity Revisited

I've been at home with my parents while finding a place for my family and I to dwell. We will be moving into a charming and pretty apartment complex in a week or so, and I'm quite excited. We will be living about 10 minutes from my parents, and I think it's going to be fun. Living in Alaska, while my family was in Georgia, was a HUGE adjustment for me. I have always been extrememly close to my parents and siblings, and it was hard being away from them. But, now, my new little family will be close to parents and siblings, and I'm excited about that. I think we'll have a swell time.

Ok. Now, a while back I posted about the importance of looking feminine and putting your best foot forward. Leave it to your parents to speak the truth with love. They told me basically that I need to step up my game. Stop looking so motherly. They admonished me that just because I have small children to look after, doesn't mean that I let myself go. . . which, of course, I didn't think I had, but apparently I was in denial. Excuses. . . well, most of my pre-second pregnancy clothes just don't fit anymore. So, I kind of stick with clothes that are somewhat loose fitting. And apparently, not so flattering.

So, when my husband sees me in a couple of days, hopefully he will be wowed by the new me who puts forth extra effort to look nice. Hair nice and neat, nicely applied make-up, a feminine outfit that complements my new shape. I'm sure that he will be pleased.

It's important to be feminine and feel beautiful on the inside and out. And, it helps you have a better outlook on life. Putting forth the extra time and effort to look feminine and pretty each day goes a long way.

Grandmother

My grandmother is a lady that I truly love, adore, and admire. I would like to be like her as a homemaker and woman. She is such an inspiration. I went to visit her over the weekend, and I realize that I need to do that much more often. She's 83 years old, but she looks like she's in her sixties. She has smooth skin, and a beautiful spirit. Everyone loves my grandmother because she is so sweet and kind, and always looking to give to others.

My mother told me that growing up my grandmother was involved in various clubs and organizations for women, and they would have meetings at different members' homes monthly, or however often they met. And, she said that the women were always so delighted when their meetings were at my grandmother's home, because they knew that they had wonderful, tasty food awaiting them. My grandmother's cooking is legendary in the town that my mother grew up in. Everyone knows how well my grandmother can cook and bake.

Even more so, the ladies loved what an excellent homemaker my grandmother was. They would say that she was so neat and clean that they could eat off of her floors. Now, that's a compliment! Grandmother was and is always hospitable. She always has a fresh pitcher of sweet tea in the refrigerator and a delicious cake on the countertop that beckons to be eaten, no matter what diet you may be on.

My grandmother is beautiful on the inside and out, and she inspires and encourages people around her everywhere she goes. She's such a positive and loving person. And, she's quick to share the good news of the gospel to those who will listen.

She has often talked proudly of the fact that she inspired my late grandfather to change. He was a rough and tough manly man, who was not a Christian, and she fondly told of how she firmly laid down the law with him at the beginning of their marriage, and told him that she would not tolerate disrespect and mistreatment from him. Gradually, as the years passed, he grew stronger and stronger in his walk with the Lord. My grandfather was a highly respected man who was known for his integrity and excellent work ethic. He was a great provider, and he treated my grandmother with respect and love.

They were married for more than fifty years, and she is always encouraging me to love my husband, and be a good wife. She always says, "Married life is a good life. It's what you make it." I just wanted to share a bit about my grandmother, because I love her so, and she inspires me in so many ways. I hope to one day be the excellent homemaker and woman that she is, and inspire and uplift as many people as she has. She is a true Titus 2 lady!

Going The Extra Mile

Happy Monday to everyone! It's the beginning of the week and I am determined to go above and beyond this week to be the most excellent homemaker that I can be, with a strong focus on cleaning and organizing. Today is one of those days where the inspiration to clean and declutter is not quite there. So, I want to share an inspirational post from fascinatingwomanhood.net, about Helen Andlin's mother-in-law. For some reason, this article about her really inspires me to go the extra mile, and put forth as much love and care toward caring for my family and home. Here's a snippet:

My mother-in-law was a Real Domestic Goddess. Not only was she an excellent housekeeper, she was a devoted homemaker in all areas of endeavor. She managed her house like it was a five star hotel. The most noticeable thing about her was that she seemed to enjoy it. She usually arose about 4:00 am, not because she had to, but because she was anxious to begin her day. She reminded me of a little girl anxious to begin playing house. To her it was a career – her career in the home.

In the afternoon her husband urged her to take a nap. She earnestly tried to but she enjoyed working more than sleeping. Finally he resorted to paying her for each nap.

My husband told me much about his mother during his childhood. When he was six years old and ready to begin first grade he put up such a fuss to stay home that he got his way. He began school when he was seven. Home, he thought, was the very best place to be. When he was in school he described how great it was to go home. As he and his brother walked home in the snow they were thinking of home. Soon they smelled fresh bread baking. When they arrived they never had to raid the refrigerator for a snack. She had freshly baked bread and homemade jam waiting for them.

To read the rest of this wonderfully inspiring article, go here. I encourage you to read it and be inspired to give 100% to your families and homes. It always blesses me to read this, and I hope that it does the same for you.

Feminine Friday: Tea and Shabby Chic

So, I'm typing at almost one a.m. on this Sunday morning. My last post was on Wednesday, and I have been meaning to post since then, especially to write my Feminine Friday post, but as we all know, life gets in the way.

For the past few days, I have been busy trying to clean and organize, search for an apartment, take care of the kids, etc., and I haven't had time to blog. I do wonder sometimes, how do women find the time to blog everyday? I have come to really enjoy blogging, and I think of a post, and can't wait to write it, but then the time to write it just does not come. I like to blog during my kids' nap time, but for the past few days, as soon as one falls asleep, the other one wakes up.

Anywho, I wanted to do my Feminine Friday post. I had said that I would write about dressing femininely and such, but I will revisit that next week. I just had to share two feminine loves of mine: Tea and Shabby Chic.



First, the tea. Well, I enjoy watching Peter Perfect on the Style network, and last Saturday, the shop that he chose to give a makeover to was a tea shop!! I was so excited! The tea room is called La Tea Dolly, and oh, how I enjoyed watching the show. The makeover was fabulous, beautiful, and elegant. The shop is run by three sisters, and they do children's tea parties, and teach etiquette. How wonderful! You can watch a clip of it here. Just click on the My Little Princess clip. La Tea Dolly is located in Ohio, so if you live in the area, maybe you can take your princess in for a tea party. You can learn more information at www.lateadolly.com.

Now, Shabby Chic. I have said before how much I love Shabby Chic decor. I absolutely love Shabby Chic decor. I have written articles about decorating around a Shabby Chic theme.

So, imagine my dismay when I heard that Shabby Chic was filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They are closing down stores. I do not know if this means the beginning of the end of Shabby Chic, but I seriously hope not. In honor of Shabby Chic, I thought I would post some beautiful pictures of some of their items, for your enjoyment.





I just wanted to share some beauty and inspiration with you. I hope you continue having a great weekend!

Feminine Friday: Dressing Femininely

I was out of town on Friday, so I was unable to write my Feminine Friday post. I do want to talk about being feminine, and dressing the part. On Friday I went to my mother-in-law's 50th birthday party celebration, and I enjoyed myself. I wore a nice little black dress that was fitted in the waist, and flared a bit. The dress came to my knees, and it had small straps. I wore a pretty shawl to throw over my shoulders, complete with some cute, high heeled silver shoes. I wish I had taken a picture to post here, but I didn't. Sorry.:( Here's an example of the dress:



The dress was made similar to the middle dress, except it had straps, and the dress had sequins on it. I loved wearing it. I felt so feminine to be dressed up and in high heels again. I absolutely love a cute dress with nice heels. I feel so ultra feminine. While I was pregnant with my second child, I basically always wore a cute dress and shoes, and I felt so beautiful.

I say this because I think that all women should take the time to dress themselves in a way that makes them feel beautiful and feminine. Dressing that way on the outside can have a tremendous effect on how we present ourselves, our mood, and the way we carry ourselves. Now, I'm not saying that it should be all about how we dress, because it definitely is not. But, I encourage all ladies to take effort and care in how they present themselves to the world.

Since having my daughter I slipped into a rut, because I was basically home all the time. I usually wear things that are not ultra feminine, and it does affect my mindset. When I shower and throw on something pretty and feminine, I feel so much better, and much more motivated to do what I need to do for the day.

It's okay to be a pretty mama. Just because you have children, or are at home most of the day, does not mean that you don't put forth the effort to be pretty and feminine. I think it's wonderful to cultivate our beauty on the outside as well as the inside. What a wonderful way to minister to our husbands and children!

On Friday, I hope to post more about this subject for Feminine Friday. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Here's to a happy Monday, and getting the week started off right!

Feminine Friday: Tea Parties

I have been hearing of Feminine Friday on a few blogs, and I decided I wanted to join in on it. So, on Fridays, I will try to post about feminine things that I love. Well, one love for me are tea parties. I love visiting tearooms and having afternoon tea.

I developed this love for tea parties when I was a little girl. I had my cute little pink tea set that I would set out for myself and my dolls. I would love to have some sort of tea party business. It's something that I have thought about before, but I'm not sure.

I think tea parties can be wonderful ministry tools as well. You could invite young ladies to your home for afternoon tea, and have a Bible study, etiquette lesson, or teach lessons on how to be a lady and biblical womanhood. I think it would be really cool to do something like that, and I guess it's better to just try it, than to keep thinking about doing it.

My sister, who is in college, used to kind of laugh at me for loving to go to tearooms for tea. But, then I dragged her to one, and she fell in love with it too. She has even raved to her friends about it, and encouraged them to go to tearooms with her.

Of course, tea parties and afternoon tea are not just for ladies. But, usually tearooms are very feminine. I love the dainty teacups, the pretty and feminine decor, the scrumptious food, and . . . just everything about it.

Here are pictures from my bridal shower tea held a few years ago. It wasn't a traditional afternoon tea, but it was beautifully presented.




I have never made scones before, but I would love to try making them. I hear that they are difficult to make. Right now, I'm trying to conquer making my grandmother's homemade biscuits. They are the best biscuits that I have tasted. If I can make them like her, I would probably make them at least every other day.

If you want to find a great tearoom in your area, you can go to www.teamap.com and put in your zip code. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

Southern Belle

When I was in college, many of my friends were from the Northeast and other parts of the country. Southerners were a minority, even though I went to a school in Atlanta. People used to tell me all of the time about how I didn't talk southern. They were like, "You don't have an accent. You don't sound like you're from the South." But, I am. I guess I don't have a drawl, but people said I was a Southern belle anyway.

According to them I was a Southern Belle because it was important to me to look nice everywhere that I went, even if I was just going up the street to the store. I was astonished that people felt comfortable going out in public looking any kind of way. Sweatpants, no lipstick, hair uncombed, etc. I was like, dressing presentable makes me a Southern Belle? Interesting.

But, then they said it was just an air I had to myself. I guess Southern Belle's have an indescribable charm. :) Anyways, I've been enjoying so many blogs about all things southern, so I just wanted to post about it.

So far, my favorite southern girl blog is www.hersoutherncharm.blogspot.com . She's a former teacher like me, and right now she is a housewife. I think that it's absolutely charming that she decided to stop teaching to devote herself to being a wife. If you have time, check out her blog.

Inspiring birthday party

Last Saturday, I attended a children's birthday party at a friend of my mother's. Her daughter was turning four. She invited my son, so we took him to the party. There were about thirty kids there. What really caught my eye was how every single little girl in attendance wore a pretty dress, complete with matching bow, and dress shoes or sandals. I was surprised. The party consisted of both indoor and outdoor activities, so I would have thought that the girls wouldn't be so dressed up.

But, they looked so beautiful and feminine. And the mothers were well dressed too. I asked my mother about this, and she said that it is part of their culture (many of the people there were from Venezuela) to dress up and be very feminine every day. No matter what the activity. She went on to say that many mothers there even took their children to the park dressed the same way. She has never seen these little girls in jeans or anything like that. Always a pretty dress and matching bow.

I was amazed, but inspired by the party. I remembered thinking that this definitely did not look like a typical American party, because most of the girls there would not be dressed up. The usual attire would be jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes. If there were girls with dresses, they would be simple, summer dresses, not these fancy dresses, that were the type that you would take your daughter to church in. It was refreshing to see. Even the little boys that were there were well dressed.

It was so nice to see these children so beautifully attired. While I don't think I will dress my children up like that everyday, I do think that it is important to dress in an inspiring and beautiful way. It really is refreshing both to those who dress beautifully, and for those who see those dressed that way. Of course, it doesn't have to be expensive, name brand clothes. But, just showing that you have carefully taken the time to look nice when you present yourself and your children to the world.

Dresses/Skirts

For the past month or so, I have been wearing more dresses and skirts, both maternity, and just larger sized dresses, and I must admit I feel more feminine when I dress that way.

I suppose that should be self explanatory. But, not necessarily so, because it's rare for me to see young ladies wear dresses/skirts a lot.

It's interesting, because when I was in high school, or maybe it was college, I realized that I preferred wearing skirts and dresses as opposed to jeans and shorts. But, it wasn't because of modesty or the fact that it was more feminine, but because it was way more comfortable. With properly fitting dresses and skirts, I felt my body could breathe better, and it was just roomier and more comfortable. Although I enjoy wearing jeans, oftentimes they feel restrictive after a period of time.

I realize that when I go out now, people look at me differently. It's like they notice me more, but in a very respectful way. It's probably also due to the fact that I'm noticeably pregnant. I've even had guys to stop me and compliment me on how nice I look. They preface it by saying that they do not mean to be rude or disrespectful, but they just couldn't help but tell me how nice I looked.

I think that my feminine attire kind of inspires people. It sounds kind of weird, but I remember being inspired by ladies that I saw who looked really feminine and pretty in what they were wearing.

There is just something beautiful about being truly feminine and carrying yourself in a lady-like, feminine way. It makes me feel good when I go out to know that I'm presenting my best self. Not in a flamboyant way, but just simply feminine, and taking care to make sure that my hair is neat and I have a touch of lipstick on.

It's amazing how beauty inspires people. And there is beauty in being feminine, kind and lady-like.