Buy of the Week

Dreaming of spring? Silk and Purple's team sure is, so we are sharing our dreams with you ;)

Here is a perfect, floppy sun hat! Great for gardening or maybe an Easter bonnet.

$11.50

You can find this hat here!

Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP. Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!

The Wonderful World of Smoothies

Smoothies are a healthy, delicious way to get your fruits and vegetables! They are great when you're on the go and don't have time to fix a big meal. Sometimes, I have a smoothie for every meal! 

Here are some of my tried and true smoothie favorites. The quantities in each recipe are estimated (I never measure!), so feel free to add a little more or less of an ingredient.

Elyse's Tropical Blast

~1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

~1/2 of a frozen banana

~1 cup orange juice(preferably organic)

~1 teaspoon vanilla

~1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Peanut Butter Banana Green Smoothie

~1 cup ice

~1 cup plain Greek yogurt(I use Stonyfield Oikos Greek yogurt)

~3 tablespoons peanut butter

~1 frozen banana

~2-3 cups spinach(or kale)

~2 tablespoons honey

~1 teaspoon vanilla

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Blueberry Cake Smoothie

~1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries

~1 very ripe banana

~1 cup almond milk(or rice or cow's milk)

~2 teaspoons vanilla

~1 scoop vanilla protein powder

~1/2 cup kefir(or plain yogurt)

~1 teaspoon cinnamon

~1 or 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Tea with the Queen ~ Winners

We had a three-way tie! Here are the three winners of Tea with the Queen! Thank you to all who entered. You impressed us!

Isabella

Heidi

Danika age 8

The Right Foundation

Think about this: You have combed your hair perfectly, and have a wonderful outfit on! You have taken care of your face and have a glowing countenance, but......................your undergarments are completely lacking.

We've come a long way since the days of wearing chemises and lacing up constricting corsets, but women have had beauty secrets for generations! In those days, pulling the strings to the corset until a young lady achieved a 17-inch waist was fashionable. Nowadays we select triple push-up brassieres! Maybe we've come a long way; maybe not. There's nothing new under the sun :) (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Finding the right fit is not hard! You just have to find a store with great customer service to help you select the best items for you. This doesn't always mean department stores. I regularly visit outlet shops; they usually have great customer service and quality garments at incredible prices. Different undergarments work better for different clothing styles and materials. Yet if one great multipurpose bra is all you can afford, then it is better to have one quality garment than several cheap, ill-fitting ones. Ask your mother for advice and shopping help!


The right foundation is the key to standing straight and building a modest appearance. Straps hanging out, panty lines, or slips too long or too short are VERY distracting and can lead your mind astray. Undergarments that do not best become your form can make you look sloppy and careless.

As with all clothing, the better you care for it, the longer it will last. So be kind to your garments and they will be kind to you!

Tea with the Queen

What would you wear if Queen Elizabeth and Princess Kate asked you to tea?

Here is a challenge! Visit this site and create an inspiration board with an outfit you would wear to have tea with the Queen! Select dresses, hats, shoes, and so much more! Tell us why you would wear this outfit!

Send your outfit to us via email by Monday, February 27, 2012, no later than 11:59 p.m. CST. We will select the winner and post your outfit on Silk and Purple for all to see! 

Have fun and tell your friends! Here is what I might wear...

Here is the site again: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/app

Here is my email: missabby@silkandpurple31.com

Confidence

We have had confidence long before Julie Andrews ran around singing about it with her guitar in one hand and bag in the other.

Confidence can be a big help or a big hindrance! 

Confidence helps people to feel at ease around you. Let's imagine for a moment that a doctor says you need heart surgery. He nervously explains that he is not very confident in the steadiness of his hands and the way he makes surgical cuts, but he would like to perform the surgery anyway.

Hmmm... I'm not sure about you, but I would find a different doctor.

Confidence shows people you are not fearful of meeting them, and that you're comfortable with your personality and abilities. Sometimes the lack of confidence can lead people to wonder if you are really snobbish or unqualified. However, confidence can be like playing with fire. Overconfidence can put us into some sticky situations. For example, leading a friend to believe you can sew a dress when you're really not qualified can lead to embarrassment -- possibly even jeopardize a relationship. In the end, you have spent her time and resources and have no quality garment to give her. Confidence can be the disguise for pride, deception, arrogance, and foolishness. The balance of confidence is greater than what we can handle!

So Julie Andrews was wrong.

I do not have confidence in me.

My confidence is found in the Lord!

"...Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Ephesians 3:11,12

"In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge."

Proverbs 14:26

"Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught."

Proverbs 3:25-26

My confidence must always be rooted in Christ and His eternal security. What have I to fear if I am in Him? My confidence should be clothed in honesty, humility, trustworthiness, and used for the uplifting of others. I urge you to reflect on what is in your heart to see where your confidence lies. Find it in the Lord and put your trust in Him!

Buy of the Week

The weather has been so unpredictable lately! At least it has been down south. Cardigans go well with everything, whether it's cold or warm weather. Layering is one of the best ways to make an outfit effortlessly modest and fashionable! This cardigan comes in a beautiful selection of colors! Simple and sweet!

$16.99

Find this cardigan here!

Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP.

Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!

The Benefits of...Carrots!

What do you think of when you hear the word carrots? I know I think about a beautiful orange vegetable, crunchy and sweet in salads and delicious when juiced. I hope that your thoughts are this positive! If you do not like carrots, I have great news for you: you can learn to like them! I had never liked carrots until a few years ago when I made myself eat a few a week because of the wonderful health benefits. Now I love carrots, and they are one of my favorite vegetables. You can do this too, if you diligently eat 3 or 4 carrots a week, and then gradually increase the amount as you grow to like them.

Here are just a few of the wonderful health benefits surrounding carrots:

-Improved Vision-

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A when it gets to the liver. In the retina, Vitamin A is converted into a pigment called rhodopsin, which is necessary for night vision.

-Cancer Prevention-   

Recent studies have shown that carrots are rich in falcarinol, which is an antioxidant that has anti-cancer properties. Carrots help prevent breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer.

-Healthy Skin-

The Vitamin A and antioxidants in carrots protect the skin from sun damage. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkles, acne, dry skin, and uneven skin tone.

-Healthy Teeth and Gums-

Raw carrots clean your teeth and gums as you crunch and munch away. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth decay.

-Stroke Prevention-

Recent studies from Harvard University claim that people who ate 6 or more carrots a week were much less likely to suffer from a stroke than people who ate only a few carrots a month.

So eat as many carrots as you want, and remember to thank Jesus for giving us such a healthy and delicious vegetable!

For His Glory,

Elyse

Proverbs 31:10~31

The Virtuous Wife (KJV)

¹⁰ 

Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

¹¹ 

The heart of her husband safely trusts her;

So he will have no lack of gain.

¹² 

She does him good and not evil

All the days of her life.

¹³ 

She seeks wool and flax,

And willingly works with her hands.

¹⁴ 

She is like the merchant ships,

She brings her food from afar.

¹⁵ 

She also rises while it is yet night,

And provides food for her household,

And a portion for her maidservants.

¹⁶ 

She considers a field and buys it;

From her profits she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ 

She girds herself with strength,

And strengthens her arms.

¹⁸ 

She perceives that her merchandise is good,

And her lamp does not go out by night.

¹⁹ 

She stretches out her hands to the distaff,

And her hand holds the spindle.

²⁰ 

She extends her hand to the poor,

Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

²¹ 

She is not afraid of snow for her household,

For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

²² 

She makes tapestry for herself;

Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

²³ 

Her husband is known in the gates,

When he sits among the elders of the land.

²⁴ 

She makes linen garments and sells them,

And supplies sashes for the merchants.

²⁵ 

Strength and honor are her clothing;

She shall rejoice in time to come.

²⁶ 

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

²⁷ 

She watches over the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ 

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ 

“Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all.”

³⁰ 

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

³¹ 

Give her of the fruit of her hands,

And let her own works praise her in the gates.

37 Ways to Tie a Scarf

I stumbled upon this great tutorial site that is all about scarves and how to wear them! I'm a big scarf wearer. Scarves can make an outfit a little more classy or a little more quirky, depending on how you wear them. They also provide an extra cover-up when needed over a dress or blouse. Enjoy the many fun ideas on how to wear scarves at this site.

http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/*

Here is a fun one to try!

*Please note the views shared on scarves.net are not necessarily the same as SnP. 

F.S. ~ Conversation

"Good day, Miss Smith, and how is your mother? Is she much recovered from her infirmity?"

"Good day, Miss Brown, she is most recovered. Thank you for your inquiry and for the recommendation of Dr. Jones. Are you and your family in good health?"

"In the best of health. Shall we have the pleasure of you dining with us at Manor Hall tomorrow?"

"Indeed!"

"Until then. Good day, Miss Smith!"

"Good day to you, Miss Brown."

The vocabulary of polite conversation may have changed a bit from the time of Victorian England, but the patterns and art of conversation have changed very little {at least down here in the south}.

How do you start a conversation? How do you keep it going? Are you a little shy, or are you the type of person who never meets a stranger? Is conversation awkward for you or something you enjoy? Regardless if you are Chatty Cathy or a timid mouse, the key to good conversation is this: ask questions. 

Questions can be your secret tool to help people feel relaxed in your company, and you the same. Questions can lead to all sorts of conversations that can sometimes create friendships. Many of us know basic questions such as, how are you, how is your family, or how has the weather been, but these subjects usually are quickly answered, especially when someone is shy. Before you indulge in conversation with someone you don't know very well, think of "fun" questions to ask. Also, be open to conversing about subjects of which you know very little. Here are a few questions you can use to help you and others feel at ease.

• Do you have any siblings? How many?
• Do you have any favorite hobbies?
• Have you read any good books or watched any great movies lately?
• Have you always lived in this state?
• Do you have any plans to travel soon?
• Have you ever been out of the country?
• Do you have a favorite food or restaurant?

These are only a few examples of the millions of questions you could ask as conversation starters. Always consider the person with whom you are talking as to what type of questions you will ask. Depending on the person depends on the question; for example, it's not appropriate to ask an adult her age, but it's fine when the person is young or a child. An older gentleman might enjoy a question like, have you ever been out of the country or what is your occupation, but not, how many siblings do you have. Being thoughtful of a few simple rules of etiquette can alleviate many awkward moments!

If you are faced with subjects you know nothing about, then don't air yourself to be a know-it-all. You can, however, show a sincere interest and a learning spirit. Asking to know more about subjects will help you become a well-rounded person and display a heart that puts others higher than yourself. Being friendly usually ushers in good conversation. The danger of being "shy" around others can leave your character a mystery to them. They might assume you are conceited or self-centered. As you get to know a person better, the more your questions will pertain to subjects you both enjoy and your meetings will be ones you look forward to!

Thank You!

We just reached 50 followers via blogger!! Thank you for your following and for spreading the word!

Buy of the Week

Every girl needs a basic black pump -- ones that are comfy, beautiful, and go with everything. Here are three great selections from Target to suit your personal style!

Find this one here! ~ $24.99

Find this one here! ~ $24.99

Find this one here! ~ $19.99

Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP.

Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!

Challenge of the Heart #2

Happy Valentine's Day!

As a followup to yesterday, please join me in this challenge as well.

Challenge of the Heart #2

Today, write a letter to your future husband and save it until your first Valentine's Day together as husband and wife. Find some nice paper or a card and write the things that are on your heart. Write one every year to your future husband on Valentine's Day and save them for him. Write about where you are in your spiritual walk now and about how you are praying for him. What a blessing it will be to your husband someday to know that all those years you were faithfully waiting on the Lord's best.

********************

You might be thinking, I don't know if I will ever become a wife.

Well, I don't know if I shall ever be married, either, but I do know that it is a usual occurrence to become married and to have a desire to become a wife. So I prepare myself for marriage; I know that growing a heart for a godly marriage will only bring me closer in my walk with the Lord. I know many women whose God's calling has been one other than marriage. Their calling is not more or less noble than wife and motherhood.

The big task we are faced with as young ladies is learning to give our dreams to our Heavenly Maker, knowing that Christ is, and will always be, our Bridegroom, Who is longing to be united with us!

 "'Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."
Revelation 19:7,8

Valentine's Day Special Recipes

I hope that all you lovely ladies are having a wonderful Valentine's Day. Remember, our true love is Jesus Christ, and He will never leave or forsake us!

Below are two recipes that are relatively healthy, but I would only recommend making these treats for special occasions. I have never used either of these recipes, so I do not guarantee that they will be 100% reliable. 

Enjoy making a special treat for your wonderful family to show how much you love and appreciate them!

Carob Balls

~1 cup natural peanut butter, smooth or chunky

~1 cup honey or agave nectar

~1 cup carob powder, sifted

~1/2 cup sesame seeds

~1/3 cup dried, shredded coconut

1. In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter and honey. Stir over medium-low heat until melted together. Remove from heat.

2. Gradually add carob powder and sesame seeds to the peanut butter-honey mixture.

3. Let mixture refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

4. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and sprinkle shredded coconut over the balls.

5. Store carob balls in the fridge until ready to eat.

Carob Brownies

~2 cups whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour

~1/3 cup carob powder

~2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

~1/3 cup honey

~1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

~1 teaspoon vanilla extract

~1 cup filtered water

~1/4 cup chopped nuts, optional

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, carob powder, and baking powder.

2. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix remaining ingredients except for nuts.

3. Combine the wet and dry mixtures and mix well, but do not over-mix. Stir in nuts.

4. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

For His Glory,

Elyse

Challenge of the Heart #1

love I made it mine

I made it small I made it blind

I followed hard only to find

it wasn't love

it wasn't love

love of songs and pen

oh love of movie endings

takes out the break

leaves out the bend

misses love

love not of you 

love not of me

come hold us up

come set us free

not as we know it

but as it can be

~ Sara Groves

The celebration of love at this time of the year can make a girl long for companionship in ways that should not yet be aroused. Many girls oftentimes get caught up in the excitement of Valentine's Day, weddings, or any special occasion where love is highlighted. The danger does not lie in a young woman feeling love; the danger lies in what she will choose to do with that love.

I am an unmarried, young woman. I chose at a very young age to save my heart for my future husband. I'm entering a stage of life when many of my friends are being blessed with marriage. I know the Lord, in the fullness of time, will bring me into matrimony with a godly young man. I long for that day and I feel the great pull to be united, with someday the blessings of children, but I know not when that day should come. So I wait... but what should I do with all the emotions and desires of love until that time comes?

The Lord has given us these longings for a good reason. After He created Adam, He said that it was not good for man to be alone, so God created Eve. It is a beautiful thing to see a young woman long for love, but oftentimes she will confuse that love with many other cheap feelings. Lust, impatience, and romance can be disguised in the name of love, but will lead to empty, broken hearts. Yet, when we wait on God's fullness of time and the men He would desire us to marry, we can be continually filled with true, unwavering love and pure passion.

Is it hard to wait? Some days it can be, like on Valentine's Day. It's like taking a child and sitting her in front of a cupcake and asking her not to touch it until you say. But just like the child and the cupcake, how much harder will it be if you leave the child alone with the tasty treat? As a plea from a young woman, don't leave your friend or daughter alone with all of her desires for love. Nurturing that love is so precious, growing it in righteousness will bring joy.

Let's try to nurture, grow, and cherish love. This can be a dangerous game, so we must first submit it all to the Lord and place our dreams in His hands, knowing that in Him we will never be lonely or without love.

Challenge of the Heart #1

Pray for your future mate.

Today, say a prayer for your future husband. Here are a few things I continually pray for mine, if the Lord so blesses:

~Protection

~Health

~Uncommon knowledge, wisdom, and favor

~Clean hands and a pure heart

~That he will love Christ far more than anyone or anything

~Continued spiritual growth

~That he will save his heart for me

~That his feet and eyes will not go astray when faced with temptation

~That the Lord will bring victory, success, and clear direction in his occupation

~For his family and church -- that he may be a blessing to them and they to him

~That he will grow bold before man and humble before Christ

~That he will desire to raise the next generation for the building of Christ's kingdom

Will you join me? Ask your parents to pray with you and friends to pray for each other. Whatever you do, don't be alone. Don't bury love or treat it lightly. Give it to Christ; save it for your future mate.

Living a Legacy Conference

We recently found out about a great opportunity -- the Living a Legacy Conference. Three blogging friends (friends in real life, too) are hosting this conference with incredible topics for wives and daughters, with wonderful giveaways. Come and be encouraged!

For more information, be sure to check out the website here!

And don't forget Silk and Purple will be there with fabulous giveaways, so be sure to visit our booth!

Why Modesty?

Why do we even care about modesty? Who draws the line of what is modest and immodest? And how does the culture play into this? You may live in a beach town where wearing a swimsuit and a t-shirt to Walmart is the norm, but what is our responsibility as young ladies in Christ?

Our eyes don't have to travel too far to find something that should make us blush.

One day my mother and I were running some routine errands, and I looked out the car window and saw a billboard displaying a photo of a less-than-virtuous woman. My mother and I were embarrassed and thought it was just an advertisement associated with some pop culture figure. To our great surprise, it was an ad for......water. Yes, water! One of the most simple, pure things in life turned into a stumbling block for eyes and hearts. Having a younger brother, I realize how hard it must be for him to drive down the highway without being attacked by impure images.


The woman on the billboard knew exactly what she was doing when she posed for the photo. Many women understand why they present their bodies immodestly. Women are always advertising something. Always. Some are in search of fame; others of men. If you're not advertising for one of these, then think about what you are advertising. We all do it, but not all ads are bad. Advertising a humble, intelligent, and beautifully content woman is wonderful!


  What many young ladies don't realize is as they adorn themselves in immodest apparel, they are presenting as trash the treasure God has bestowed. Women desire to be admired, but immodest dress creates all the wrong kinds of attention. Our culture has, unfortunately, seared in our brains that flaunting ourselves is the only way to be admired. We live in a world that keeps people in all kinds of slavery. The idea of wearing "sexy" clothes in order to gain favor is a form of slavery to sin.

Now, we shouldn't expect the world to understand our convictions about dressing modestly and becomingly. Before we received the gift of freedom in Christ, we also were on the precarious path as described in the scriptures below. But for the grace and mercy of Christ, we all were once in the same condition.

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Titus 3:3-7

Ladies, we have a special mission.

As young ladies, it is a privilege to help protect our fellow Christian brothers. I have had many friends of the opposite gender explain how hard it can be at times to divert their eyes away from young women because of their apparel. I'm not saying that this is our entire responsibility. We cannot solely carry the weight of our brothers' temptations -- there is a point where a young man's thoughts and self-control must be refined in scripture and held accountable to Christ. His personal responsibility is tested constantly, so why should we, his sisters in Christ, create more temptation?

I once heard the saying that we should desire to turn hearts, not heads. I think that sums it up pretty well. Turning heads can be accomplished very easily. Just throw on a tight dress with a deep-cut neckline and you'll get plenty of "attention." Turning hearts is showing Christ -- and that takes time.

So why modesty? Why not?

Modesty displays our value and identity in Christ, brings lasting relationships, encourages our brothers, and pleases our heavenly Father!

Lord, give us clean hands and pure hearts!
Hear one man's heart here.

Giveaway! (Closed)

An over-sized tote is a wardrobe basic! Enter for a chance to win this beautiful bag!

Here is how you can enter:

"Follow" our blog through blogger and/or bloglovin.

Leave a comment on this post telling us how you are following Silk and Purple and why you like this bag! Giveaway ends this Monday, February 13, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Winner will be drawn at random and will be announced Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Happy Entering!

**********************************

Congratulations, Rachel!

"I am following you and blogloving AND blogger! I love this bag because of the beautiful weaving on the sides and it's simple yet very classy style" ~ Rachel

 E-mail us at silknpurpleprov31@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Reviews

Be sure to check out Celebrating Motherhood Everyday and read Mrs. Robin's review about Silk and Purple.

"I have a blog that I would like for you all to take a look at. Silk and Purple is a new blog that a small group of some young ladies in our community have started. The blog is truly amazing, just in all of the work that they have put into getting it started and it looks great. If you have an older daughter, or even if you don't, this blog is sure to be added to your favorites list. More than just fashion advice, the young ladies over at Silk & Purple strive to make a statement that beauty is more than just skin deep. They truly try to honor Christ in their posts and bring Him into the middle of every issue. Raising daughters in this culture is hard, so when encouragement from like-minded sisters in Christ comes along, I for one know that my oldest daughter is very grateful for the Godly advice that is offered. Every thing from fashion advice and recipes to much needed posts on speech and using words carefully. The wit and humor mixed with truth and good advice is sure to make this blog a favorite of ours for quite a while.  I also appreciate the honoring attitude that the girls display towards their parents, consistently speaking highly of them.

"So go on over, give it a look."

~ Robin White

Buy of the Week

Let's talk about bang for your buck. I recently discovered an online shop that makes me smile. Their dresses are perfect and their tops are exquisite! They have something for everyone's style, and the best part is you can customize just about everything in their shop! Add sleeves, change the length of a dress -- even change some necklines. It's up to you!

No, these prices will not be like shopping at a thrift store. Expect to pay no less than $40 on items. Think of your purchase as an investment that is custom-made for you! 

1. Find this dress here!

2. Find this dress here!

3. Find this dress here!

4. Find this dress here!

Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP.

Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!