Wednesday, February 28

What I Wore Wednesday...


On Wednesday I wore a gray plaid skirt that I got at Old Navy years ago. In addition, I wore a white boat necked short sleeve knit top and a denim jacket. Both the top and the jacket are from the Gap outlets near our home.


I also wore black peep toes from Payless and a black quilted diaper bag by Vera Bradley. You will be interested to note, that the black and white paisley scarf (I have no idea what brand it is) was on my head during the Liturgy Wednesday night!

Tuesday, February 27

Nothing at all to do with Femininity...

Our Daily Routines...

When I first came home from the hospital after having had our little girl, I knew that I needed to have some sort of order to my day. I am, by nature, someone who waits until the last minute to do things and structure is one way that I can try to combat that tenancy.

Since I didn't really know how things were going to be with an infant, I was still recovering, and we were planning to move several hours away from where we were living, I devised a plan. Each morning, I would write down five things that I hoped to accomplish by the end of the day. Some days had lofty ambitions such as: clean the kitchen, vacuum, pack three boxes, write thank you notes, and do laundry. Most days, however were a little less strenuous: shower, load of laundry, pack one box, eat lunch, paint toenails.

As time wore on, I got more into a routine and was able to complete more in a day. Instead of diving right into a rigid schedule, I decided to continue my to-do list of five things, but also add a list of five things to complete in the morning. These five things have remained the same:

Morning Routine
  • Rise and Shine (shower, dress, put on make-up, etc.)
  • Tidy house (I go from from the room and straighten things up... usually, this means making the bed, gathering up some dirty laundry to start a load - I do one load a day, replenishing toilet paper rolls, diapers, etc.)
  • Morning Prayers (Hubby, Baby and I say our morning prayers together)
  • Breakfast (this includes making breakfast, setting the table, and cleaning up)
  • 15 minute project (This is usually something that I need an extra boost to get to... sometimes it takes more than fifteen minutes, sometimes not)
Once I was in the habit (more or less) of getting my mornings off to the right start and working on my five item to-do list, I knew that it was time to add an afternoon routine:

Afternoon Routine
  • Lunch (this includes making lunch, setting the table, and cleaning up)
  • Outside/Errands (If weather permits and we don't have any errands to run, The baby, Hubby, and I usually take a walk to pick up our mail... about a mile away).
  • Nap time/Reading (Once we get home, the baby and I lie down for a bit. The baby always sleeps, and so do I sometimes. Mostly though, I just read.)
  • Cleaning (clean one room of the house per day)
  • Tidy House (Before dinner prep gets underway, I dash through the house again and tidy things up... there's often not much to do, but it makes for a more pleasant evening! I also like to light some candles now!)
Several weeks after I got into the habit of my afternoon routine, I added my evening one:

Evening Routine
  • Dinner (this includes making dinner, setting the table, and cleaning up)
  • Evening Prayers (I say these with the baby in attendance, unless there is a church service)
  • Tidy the house (A last minute tidy up so that the morning is a fresh start!)
  • Blog/E-mail/TV (Mama relaxing time!)
  • Snuggle Down (Brushing teeth, washing face, pj's, etc)
As you can see, my routines aren't that structured. I don't have set times that I do things with the baby (other than when I *try* to put her down for a nap or bedtime). She usually just comes along for these tasks. I try to finish them within a decent amount of time so that we have plenty of time to play and learn and just do whatever comes up.

If something on my lists doesn't get done, I don't sweat it! That's just life! We are very flexible now because my husband works at home and there is no school for the baby. If we feel like going to the park or the mall or have an appointment and our routine is disrupted, that's okay! We'll just start again tomorrow!

Monday, February 26

February 25...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Prepare healthy AND yummy meals that keep Fr. John satisfied during Lent. Sunday was triumph: Stuffed mushrooms, asparagus, and sliced strawberries!

2. Keep To my morning, afternoon, and evening routines.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! My skin is so dry! The way things are looking, this one won't be off my list until the spring!

4. Visit the local thrift shop and see if there are any treasures awaiting me. Since I've never "thrifted," this will be an adventure!

5. Plan my spring/summer wardrobe by going through clothing to see what will work for this year, what won't fit, and what needs to be donated. Write a list of the things I need to keep an eye out for.

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section.

I look forward to reading how others are celebrating their Commitment to Loveliness!

Saturday, February 24

For Wives Only...

Awhile ago, I came across a site that promises to help wives become more loving, devoted , and kind to their husbands by practicing little acts of kindness each and every day. Though this site is only for married women, I have seen nothing inappropriate put forth on the website or though the daily e-mail tips that one can sign up for. Obviously, this is not a cure-all for marriages going through hard times, but it might start to ease a marriage into a more loving environment or even help to keep a marriage healthy.

The Enchanted Barn...


Beg, borrow, or steal a copy of this beautiful book by Grace Livingston Hill! I have been savoring every single sentence. I don't want it to end! It has gotten to the point that I am reading a page or two and putting it away to make it last longer!

Thursday, February 22

Head Covering 101...






Here are some examples of head coverings as some women wear them. All of these pictures were taken during services in the Orthodox Church. Some of the women are wearing hats, but more are wearing scarves. Here are some tips I've gleaned during the years I covered my head.

  • If you choose to wear a scarf, often it will slip down off of your head. If you fold the scarf into a triangle, cross the ends and then tie them in a knot at the base of your neck (like the woman in picture number four), it is quite easy to put the scarf back up onto your head (especially if it is silky). Ones that are long and rectangular like in picture number three work well wither tied under or chin or wrapped around and tied in the back of your neck.
  • Bobby pins are very useful for securing scarves to hair. Another trick (and my favorite) is to buy very tiny claw clips and use them to keep your scarf from slipping off. See picture number one (and my friend Gabby's head) for bobby pin how-to.
  • Tying smaller scarves/bandannas underneath your hear (like in picture one) is also easy to do.
  • Wearing a hat is less work to keep on, but it can be tricky to find a good one. Here is an article on the subject.
  • It is hard to keep children away from scarves, especially when they aren't used to their mother wearing one. Practicing around the house might help get your children used to seeing you in a scarf, but you may just have to train your children not to touch your scarf. I think that securing the scarf to your head with bobby pins or mini claw clips will work well though, too.

Wednesday, February 21

Dressing to the Standard of the Community...

I've been thinking a lot about the standard of dress we have here in the United States... especially when it comes to dressing for church. In the Orthodox Christian Church, there are women who dress in varying degrees of modest or immodest feminine dress and modest or immodest casual dress. I imagine that it is the same in Roman Catholic churches and Protestant churches.

I have belonged to several different Orthodox Churches in my lifetime and for the most part, the women of these parishes dressed nicely when they came to church. My father is priest to a small mission parish and the women there all wear skirts or dresses and head coverings when in church. My father-in-law has a parish where the majority of women wear skirts or dresses and only a handful wear head coverings.



I searched around on the internet to see if there was a dress code that people could follow and found this from a
Orthodox Church in New Jersey:

Sunday Dress - Remember the time when people put on their “Sunday best” to go to church? In fact, dress clothes were often referred to as Sunday clothes. In some parts of the country, this is not common today. In fact, all too often, dress in church has become too casual. In all areas of our lives, we should offer Christ our best. And the same is true of our dress. We should offer Christ our “Sunday best”, not our everyday or common wear. And we should dress modestly, not in a flashy way that would bring attention to ourselves. Our dress should always be becoming of a Christian - especially at church. Here are some specific guidelines we use in our parishes:

Children: Only young children (under 10) should wear shorts to church — and then only dress shorts. Athletic shorts, cut-offs, and spandex shorts are never appropriate church wear (for children or adults!). Shoes or sandals should be clean and tied. No one should wear T-shirts with any kind of writing on them (“This Bud’s for You!” is definitely out).

Women: Dresses should be modest. No tank tops or dresses with only straps at the shoulders, no short skirts (mini-skirts), and no skin-tight dresses. Dresses should have backs and not be cut low in the front. If women wear pants to church, they should be dress pants (not jeans, leggings, etc.). Shorts of any type are not appropriate for church.

Men: Men should also dress modestly. While coat and tie are not mandatory, shirts should
have collars and be buttoned to the collar (the actual collar button may be left undone, but two or three buttons undone is inappropriate). Slacks should be cleaned and pressed. Jeans (of any color) are usually too casual for church, especially ones with patches or holes. Again, shorts are not appropriate church wear. If you’re going somewhere after church where you need to dress casually, bring a change of clothing with you and change after coffee hour. Remember, use your best judgment and good taste when dressing for church. After all, you don’t go to be seen by everyone else — you go to meet and worship God.

A Final Thought - North American society in the late 20th century is rather casual in its approach to life. Don’t allow this prevailing attitude to enter into your Orthodox Christian piety. There are surely a lot of other areas that could be covered here. Much of church etiquette is based on common sense and showing respect for God and others. Always remember that you are in church to worship God, the Holy Trinity. The priest says, “With the fear of God and faith and love, draw near.” Let this be the way you approach all of worship. If you do, you will probably have good church etiquette. AMEN.

During my internet search, I also found an Episcopalian blog that had an entry on Dressing for Church. I thought that it was sad, yet interesting when the author of this post stated: "Now that I have children of my own, I frequently have to urge the younger one to revisit his bedroom and upgrade his sartorial selection before we set out for church. My concern, I must admit, has less to do with giving honor to God--whom I am not sure cares--than about dressing to the standards of the community. "

How do you dress for church? What are your thoughts on the matter?
Photo courtesy of oca.org

Tuesday, February 20

Like Merchant Ships...

I don't know where I've been, but I recently discovered the blog, Like Merchant Ships. Meredith's blog is chock full of great frugal ideas. In my mind, the best part about Meredith and her philosophy is that she is frugal in (as she puts it) a "cheerful" way! My favorite posts were the ones on how she put together her closet complete with glamor shots , pretty hangers, and feminine closet rod. If you haven't seen this blog, you're really missing out!

Sunday, February 18

Feminine Inspiration: A Feminine Corner...

Every woman needs a place that is all her own. Whether it is an entire room dedicated for her pretty things and pursuits or just a corner in the family room, it should be a place that is feminine and beautiful... a place where she can be peaceful, productive, or both. Whatever strikes her fancy!

When creating a space like this for yourself, consider all of your senses. Make sure that there is something in within your reach that celebrates your senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing,and sight. Consider what you will be doing in your little alcove. Will you be reading? Crafting? Dreaming? Primping? What kind of space do can you find to accommodate your pursuits? What treasures are already in your home that can be used to create this retreat?

If you are looking for a spot to read, for instance, is there a corner (perhaps by a window) where you can bring a plump armchair? Will a small table fit nearby? Perhaps you can add a footstool and a cozy throw that can be artfully tossed over the back of the chair for easy access. A lamp is vital for the table as well as a few pretty touches - a lacy doily, a dear little picture, and several blooms in a vase. Once you are ready for a few minutes of solitude, gather up a book and a snack and head to *your* spot in the house!

February 18...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Clean the downstairs rooms of the house... I was able to really deep clean the upstairs rooms of our house last week, but didn't get to the downstairs rooms.

2. Write a few letters to some friends and family members

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! My skin is so dry! The way things are looking, this one won't be off my list until the spring!

4.Clean my wedding band and engagement ring

5. Come up with at least ten lunch ideas and at least twenty dinner menus- that are delicious and healthy- for Lent this year. Since I don't keep the fast as strictly as my husband, I've been getting lax in this area. I am hoping that having lists will help!

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section.

I look forward to reading how others are celebrating their Commitment to Loveliness!

Friday, February 16

Our Morning in Pictures...

Good Morning! I quickly run through the routine of primping... Time to change Baby!



We say our morning prayers together as a family once everyone is ready for the day.



Yum! Blueberry Buckle for breakfast!



Once we finish eating, the day must begin! The baby and I hurry through washing the dishes and tidying the house... We want to play!



Just before lunch, we spend fifteen minutes on a project. Today we decide to straighten up the pantry.


Our Afternoon in Pictures...


First comes lunchtime!



After we clean up the dishes, I quickly tidy up the house.



When it is warm out, we like to get some fresh air. Since it was pretty cold today, we played by the big sliding glass doors in the family room.



We soon get tuckered out, and need to take a break. Then big bed is perfect for reading and napping!




Once we get up, we quickly give one room a good cleaning and get started on dinner.

Our Evening in Pictures...

First, we have dinner. Ooops... I forgot to take a picture until nearly the end!



Next, we wash the dishes and tidy the house. Baby likes to hang out in her sling while I buzz around.



Once everything is cleaned up, we relax by spending time together, watching television, blogging, and talking.




Before we get ready for bed, we say our prayers.



Finally, I brush my teeth, wash my face, and snuggle down under the covers!



Longchamp Bags...


It has been a year since I bought my last handbag. Now that I have more things to haul around, I have decided that the time has come to get a new bag. The great thing about Longchamp Le Pliage handbags is that they are stylish and simple. In addition, they come in wonderful colors. If you like to have unique items in your wardrobe, you can also visit Longchamp's Create Your Own Very Own Le Pliage website. You get to choose the size and style of bag you want, the length of handle you prefer, and the colors and metallic accessories you like. In addition, you can get embossing, embroidery, and/or gift wrapping. It's a pretty cool way to give your wardrobe a little more punch! Now, how to decide which beautiful color to choose?



Thursday, February 15

I have officially hit a mental block with this blog! What do you want me to blog about?

Monday, February 12

More Happiness for the Love You Give...

Devotion and habit are not necessarily love, though all three often make a comfortable trio.

Imagination brings its shining ideals to love- and these ideals should be kept shining.

IF YOU HAVE LOVE, BELIEVE IN IT! Don't let doubts and fears dull its gleam. If you have love, show that you value it by little gestures of remembrance, little attentions and services to it. Your own valuation will carry its power to those you love. The beauty of small romantic services will add to your own beauty in the eyes of your loved one.

PAY HOMAGE TO LOVE! Express your happiness in words and acts! It will build up a strong fortification of beauty to defend both your hearts.

I've never seen a situation that would not respond eventually to love and joy. Patience and faith in the cure are often needed, but if one can hold out, love and joy win.

Please note the combination of love and joy. Love alone has been known to miss fire. Love can be tearful, reproachful, accusing.

Forget the blame, buy some flowers, sing a song, whip up a favorite dessert and serve it with a good story. Happiness is the flame that draws all the moths. Cultivate a joy that can withstand a few heartaches - and by the way, who are you that you shouldn't feel pain, since everybody else does? Is your heartache going to floor you, turn you into a dolorous creature, ruin your health, your talents, your mind? Really! Then perhaps heartache is just showing what a flimsy character you have.

No one can shrug or sing at the first impact of hurt or loss. The noblest of us has stifled sobs of agony in a pillow. But if we have real faith, the resilience of clean, clear minds and bodies and the ability to take our minds off ourselves, we can think with the wisdom that shows us joy is the way out.

Is it love that says "I will give the best of myself so long as you toe the mark to suit me. But if you don't do as I think you should do, I shall go to pieces and make piece out of you." Sweet, pure love is this! If it's pure anything it is pure selfishness - and pure asininity. A little joy, beauty, and fun would prevent discord from developing."

Margery Wilson
-How to Live Beyond Your Means-

Sunday, February 11

Sitting Prettily...


The Question of Brown vs. Black. (Part Four)...

Just in case this comment written by Elizabeth was missed, I am posting it here as part four of the series on Brown vs. Black. Elizabeth has outlined several outstanding ways to marry these two colors together in one's wardrobe. If you've never visited her blog, A Merry Rose: Blooming as Keeper of My Home, you simply MUST go there immediately! She has a wealth of knowledge that she shares in her posts... each entry she has written has helped me enormously!

Regarding the black/brown dilemma, have you tried using cocoa or camel as your brown? These are versatile browns, especially if you are trying to include both warm and cool colors in your wardrobe.

(In theory, I don't believe in mixing cool and warm in your wardrobe. But, in practice, we all do it, don't we?)

Cocoa is a cool brown, and it pairs well with many cool colors. Being brown, it's not too bad with some warm colors, either. It's listed as a potential netural in the summer (low-contrast, cool-based) palattes.

To me, camel is even more versatile. You could build an entire wardrobe around a pair of black shoes, a pair of camel shoes and a camel purse. I've also seen lots of purses and shoes with both black and camel on them. That's the great thing about camel. While it's warm, it also coordinates beautifully with black.

I have dark blonde hair and ultra fair, pinkish, cool-toned skin. I look best in the light summer palatte. For simplicity's sake, I have narrowed down my best neutrals to winter(soft)white and light gray, with some blue here and there. But, I also confess to having some netural pieces in black in my wardrobe. It's not my best, but, being cool-toned, I can get away with it. And, sometimes, black is easier to find than other neutrals.

Being light, I can reach across to light spring and "borrow" light camel. So, I use camel with my soft (winter) white, with certain of my beloved pinks, with certain blues, with greens, and with black. For me, it's a great wardrobe bridge.

Commitment to Loveliness for the Week of February 11...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Clean the house from top to bottom... with all the goings on in our family lately, the house has merely been tidied - not cleaned!

2. Complete and mail valentine cards to friends and family

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! My skin is so dry!

4. Do evening prayers together as a family each night this week... we've gotten into the habit of doing morning prayers as a family everyday, but it would be good to add evening prayers as well

5. Groom my eyebrows and give myself a pedicure.

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section. On Saturday, post the results of your Commitment to Loveliness (good or bad). Above all, enjoy yourself!

I look forward to reading how others are celebrating their Commitment to Loveliness!

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