Procrastination: What It Is and How to Prevent It

I was excited to receive another guest post from Hope Tucker. It's so encouraging to hear the heart of a young woman. If cleaning your closet is an overwhelming task to you, be sure to read this!

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By: Hope Tucker

Procrastination. Everyone experiences it in their own way, and for something as simple as saying, "I'll do it later," it sure can cause a lot of trouble. When you procrastinate, you put extra stress on yourself -- stress that you don't really need -- and the longer you do it, the more the stress multiplies. Now at this point, you may be asking yourself, "Do I procrastinate?" Because it's so common, there's a good chance you do, but if you're not sure, then ask yourself these questions:

1: Do I have something I hate doing so much that I find it easier to just not do it? (In my case, it's organizing my closet. I'm not a very organized person anyway, and putting a mountain of clothes to sort through on top of all that can be really stressful.)

2: Are there times when I feel unnecessary dread, and can't stop thinking about whatever it is I don't like doing? (Again, with the whole closet thing.)

3: Are the phrases, "I'll do it later," "Not right now," and "I've got all the time in the world," a part of my everyday life?

If you said yes to any one of these questions, then join the club. Almost everyone procrastinates at some point in their lives. For the few who don't (if there are any of you out there), I highly commend you because, as you've already heard, I'm definitely not one of you. Procrastination is a hard habit to break, but it's not impossible. There's still hope for all of us who have this tendency, because (and I know this sounds hard) all you have to do is face your problems head-on instead of waiting until they're too big to solve.

Knowing that others are going through the same thing can really help you get through it. If there's something you procrastinate with that's always bugging you, then don't be afraid to tell someone close to you about it. I know that can be kind of embarrassing, but trust me, you'll feel a lot better after you've confided with a parent or mentor. They want what's best for you and can help hold you accountable, but remember to talk with God. After all, He's the best Friend you can have -- dependable, understanding, always willing to help. Plus, He can guide you in breaking your habit way better than anyone else can.

Like I said before, if you don't procrastinate and don't really need this message like the rest of us do, then don't worry about it. I'm sure you can help someone who does. But if you do, just hang in there. Once you defeat procrastination, you'll have the tools you need to prevent it. Remember, there's power in prayer, so I'll pray for you and you pray for me, and together, we'll all get through this, one step at a time.

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So, Ladies, do you hear those dirty closets calling? Don't procrastinate, get up, and go purge five things! ;)

(To read Hope's previous post, click here.)

Grace for the Good Girl

Some encouraging truths. We all need grace! Even "good girls."

Buy of the Week

The classic white dress shirt is part of your wardrobe basics. Dress it up or down and wear it year round! Go completely classic or take your own spin. Be sure to wear a white cami under your top for effortless modesty.

Find these classy tops 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!**

Eat Your Colors - White

Let's be honest...how many of us eat cauliflower once a week? Or once a month? I know I don't, but after doing the research for this post, I will start doing better about eating cauliflower!

-Cauliflower contains Vitamin C and maganese, both powerful anti-oxidants.
-Cauliflower is packed with omega-3 fatty acids (which reduce inflammation) and Vitamin K.
-Cauliflower is filled with Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9.
-One serving of cauliflower contains 4.1% of our daily protein, 8.5% of our daily fiber, and only 1% of our daily calories!


Here is a link to a wonderful recipe using cauliflower.


Hope you all have a wonderful summer week!

Wear Your Neutrals ~ White

White is the color of simplicity and purity! Yet white seems to come with a lot of "rules." 

"No white after Labor Day."

 "No white before Easter."

"White should be worn on your wedding day as a symbol of purity."

"Don't wear white if you are attending a wedding."

Some of these white rules still apply today! Some, like the Easter and Labor Day ones, are rarely thought of unless you live in the Deep South. I think we can all agree to the last one. Just don't show up trying to "outdo" the bride ;)

Is white good for all skin types? Mostly. White generally makes skin seem darker, but it might make some skin types look washed out. Try a white skirt if you don't want it around your face.

Three things to keep in mind when wearing white:

1. Give your teeth an extra scrub for a bright white smile :D
2. Be mindful of what undergarments you choose. Be sure to have slips and camis to go under the garment.
3. Carry a Tide-To-Go pen with you in case of spills.

Whites are basics in your wardrobe because of the clean, crisp look. So add some white to your life!

The woman who gave us the ideal princess bride dream dress.

Gone Fishin...

...well, maybe not literally, but we will be gone till Tuesday, May 29, 2012.

Miss ya and see ya real soon!

Congrats, Grads!

A BIG congratulations to two of Silk and Purple's grand team for graduating from high school!

Elyse and Nathan

Thank you for all you do!!

Buy of the Week!

The oh-so-classy black dress is a wardrobe must. Find one that complements your personal style preferences and fits your form.

Find these black dresses here, here, and 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!**

Eat Your Colors - Black

The Benefits of Blackberries

I am sure that most of you have enjoyed the taste of a sun-ripened blackberry. Picked fresh, blackberries are sweet and tangy at the same time, wonderful in yogurt and smoothies, and mouth-watering in warm blackberry cobbler. As you will see below, blackberries have many health benefits, so indulge yourself with this wonderful little berry!

-Blackberries strengthen blood vessels and fight heart disease.

-Blackberries are high in vitamins C, K, E, and A.

-Blackberries contain high amounts of fiber, which reduce the risk of diabetes and intestinal disease.

-Blackberries are packed with many anti-oxidants, which prevent and fight many forms of cancer.

-Blackberries contain Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease and improve brain function.

Blackberry Smoothie 

-2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries

-1 cup plain organic yogurt

-1 cup almond, rice, or hemp milk

-1/4 cup honey

-1 ripe banana

-1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

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

Wear Your Neutrals ~ Black

Let's get back to the basics. 

Neutrals are lovely colors that go with almost everything in your wardrobe. Neutrals are oh-so classic that can be dressed up or down. Basics purchased in these colors will save you money for they don't go out of style.

So this week let's talk about black!

Black is the neutral that every girl needs in her closet. Black shoes, a black dress, and a black cardigan will give hundreds of possibilities, but unless you are wanting to look like the gloomy Wednesday Addams, break the black up with other colors and look for black garments that are elegant rather than grungy.

Now black is great, but not perfect for all. All redheads raise your hands. Black can wash you out, making you look sickly. If that's you, you don't have to completely avoid the color -- just be sure to wear a scarf or jewelry in colors that are good on you!

The woman who made black oh-so-classic!

Question and Answer

Q: I was just wondering, what is the appropriate thing to wear for a school dance? I want to wear something cute, but don't want to show off so much. But how low would be too low and what would be too high? I am really confused when it comes to dress shopping. HELP!

A: What a great question. It is so fun to have occasions to dress up a bit more!  

With any occasion, it's important to know what the dress "code" will be. Is it formal, semi-formal, or just dressy casual? I say this because it's not good to be overdressed for any occasion. It shows a lack of good taste. For a school dance, you'll want to be comfortable and want to have the freedom to move around without the worry of a hemline rising or your top showing too much. You will have more fun if you're not constantly thinking about pulling at your clothing. If you observe girls with strapless or mini dresses, they will CONSTANTLY make adjustments throughout the evening... not fun.

Here are a few ideas of what would be appropriate to wear to a more dressy occasion. Remember you don't always have to wear a dress to be "dressy." An elegant skirt and top can be easier to find sometimes than a dress. For a more polished look, tuck in the top if the skirt has a fitted waist.

Remember to never underestimate a good black dress. Accessories are your best friend for dressing something up or down.

Add a cami to this red dress for modesty. Also note this dress hemline can be lowered by this company.

The Great Link Swap

Do you have a blog?

Then we want to swap links with you!

Grab our button on the side bar, add it to your blog, then send us your link and we'll add it to our Blogs/Links page. Leave a comment below with the link to your blog showing that you have added Silk and Purple's button.

**Please note Silk and Purple's team reserves the right to not list any blog that does not express similar views as Silk and Purple. Lifestyle, fashion, design, education, and ministry blogs are encouraged to participate!**  

N. P. A. (Nail Peeler Anonymous)

I am going to confess something across the world wide web. 

{Big gulp, deep breath}

I have a bad habit! I peel my fingernails... yes, I said it. It's a habit I have had since I was a small child, and this summer I want to break it!

So here is my personal challenge, and I want all of you to keep me accountable:

For two months I will care for my fingernails and abstain from picking at them. If I can complete this challenge, I will reward my efforts by visiting a local organic salon.

So here is my before picture -- not a pretty sight : (

If you would like to join me in this adventure (nail biters included), please email me at 

missabby@silkandpurple31.com.

Buy of the Week

A perfect pink shade for your toes and fingers this spring and summer is a must. Try these colors -- the first is a nontoxic formula that won't strip your nails of their natural color. It is safe to breathe indoors and is better for your overall health!

Find the butter LONDON polish here!

The second is a lovely polish and more economical if you're on a tight budget. Just be sure to paint your toes and fingers outdoors so you will not be inhaling toxic fumes.

Find the love & beauty polish 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!**

Eat Your Colors - Pink

An Apple a Day...

Most people have heard the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." This old saying has its basis in truth. Read further to find out why!

Pink Lady apples are slightly tart and very sweet. They are crisp with a thin, pink-red skin and white insides. Is your mouth watering yet? 

-One Pink Lady apple provides 195 milligrams of potassium and 4 grams of fiber.

-Pink Ladies give us 12% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C.

-Pink Ladies provide 2% of the daily recommended amount of both iron and Vitamin A.

-Pink Ladies are packed with anti-oxidants that prevent and fight cancer.

Fun fact: Did you know that eating an apple triggers saliva flow, which decreases the amount of bacteria that causes cavities? So maybe eating an apple a day would keep the dentist away, too! :)

Pink Lady apples make a great snack on a busy day and are wonderful for breakfast spread with peanut butter and covered with honey and cinnamon!

Wear Your Colors ~ Pink

Hot pink, fuchsia, coral, blush, rose, or just pink -- all these names for this extraordinary color.

Now before you start seeing pink elephants, let's ask this question: Is pink a good color for everyone's skin tone? Well, yes, but not all pinks work with all tones. Pinks come in dusty shades, electric shades, and pale ones. Usually we think of pink in a bright bubblegum shade or a baby pastel, but the world is filled with different shades. Try different shades to find your best fit. The right one can make you appear energetic and glowing.

Here are a few different color combinations for inspiration.

Bud or Stem?

This week I received a post from a young lady in the 8th grade who feels it's important for young women to make wise decisions in their lives. Here is what she wrote!

By: Hope Tucker

A young woman is like a rose, whether she resembles its bud -- beautiful, filled with potential and sweet fragrance, or its stem -- rough, jagged, covered with thorns capable of tearing into flesh. She reflects these qualities in all that she does; her words, her actions, even something that may seem insignificant can affect the world around her, for better or for worse.

Now, every woman must make a big decision in life -- and no, it's not which pair of shoes go with a favorite dress, or how many friends she'll accept on facebook. Those decisions can be important in their own right, but this one can easily become permanent, and it affects other people, not just the one deciding. Will this woman be the rosebud, and grace the world with a godly presence, or will she be the stem, with a disposition as sharp and unattractive as a thorn? It's important to be aware of this decision before making it. Wouldn't it be awful to spend all that time hurting those around you, only to have lost their trust so that whenever you try and make things right, they just walk the other way? You don't want to be that girl, do you? It's understandable to have flaws, for every rosebud has its torn petals, but taking it to the extreme causes a lot of unnecessary heartache for not only yourself, but for the people you love.

So take the first step. Try complimenting a friend, or giving a helping hand to someone who needs it. Anything can make a difference. Then, just wait. Your outlook on life will improve when your attitude does, and chances are, it'll be the same for someone close to you, because, as everyone knows, a smile is contagious.

God has blessed me with this important lesson at a young age, and I am fortunate to be able to share it with my sisters in Christ. If there's one thing you can take from my advice, it's this: For the next week, I challenge you to look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, "Am I a bud or a stem?"

Makeup Musings

Selecting the right foundation is a crucial aspect of wearing makeup. If you don't use the right color for your skin tone, you can look very unnatural! Save the heavy, clown makeup for the circus. ;)

Here are three tips to help you select and apply the best product for your skin.

1. Type

Determine if you should use a liquid, powder, or mineral foundation. Liquid foundations give the best coverage and are very helpful if your skin tends to be splotchy or prone to breakouts. Just be sure to set (apply over) the liquid foundation with a loose translucent powder in your correct shade.

Powder and mineral foundations are perfect for a lighter coverage and allow your skin to breathe more. It is great for giving an even skin tone very quickly.

If you don't really need to cover up anything, a tinted moisturizer will probably be your best choice. It will protect your skin throughout the day and give it a glowing look.

2. Color

Test the color of the foundation on the inside of your forearm before applying to your face. The color should blend well into your skin tone.

All makeup brands carry different colors, so be wise in your selection. If at all possible, test before you buy.

3. Application

Start with a clean sponge or brush and blend, blend, BLEND! Blend down your neck and don't forget to blend up to your hairline and ears. Use a minimal amount for achieving a natural, even skin tone.

Foundation is not needed to cover the glow of youthful skin. If you haven't yet begun to wear it, remember to check with your parents before experimenting. :)

Buy of the Week (Special Evening Wear)

For the beloved color purple, we wanted to show how to do evening wear modestly and tastefully. Whether you're attending a premier, a gala, a special dinner, or even a ball, this outfit will grace your form. Strapless gowns can be made modest with little effort! For this gown, a lace tee placed under the gown will give you the coverage you need, but still look natural.

 This outfit is on the frivolous side, so prices are not necessarily budget-minded, but it gives a lot of inspiration.

Find the gown here.

Find the lace tee here.

Find the necklace here.

Find the pumps 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!**

Eat Your Colors - Purple

Eggplant Anyone? 

Many of us balk at the thought of eating eggplant. But in truth how many of us have eaten eggplant in the past year? Taste buds change every 7 years, so try some eggplant this week and you might be surprised that you like it now! ;)

-Eggplant contains a very important phytonutrient called nansunin. It protects cell membranes from damage and protects the lipids in brain cell membranes.

-Eggplant is rich in phenolic compounds that function as anti-oxidants.

-Eggplant has been proven to lower cholesterol and relax the walls of blood vessels.

Try this delicious Italian favorite tonight with your family and you might be surprised at the delightful results.

Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs (about 2 large) eggplants
• Kosher salt
• 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• Olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1-1/2 lbs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 cup grated high quality Parmesan cheese
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves

METHOD

1 Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange one layer in the bottom of a large colander and sprinkle evenly with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant, salting, until all eggplant is in the colander. Weigh down the slices with a couple of plates and let drain for 2 hours.

2 While the eggplant is draining, prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

3 When eggplant has drained, press down on it to remove excess water, wipe off the excess salt, and lay the slices out on paper towels to remove all the moisture. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat, and pour in a half inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg. Working in batches, slide coated eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

4 Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the bottom of a 10x15 inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with one third of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with half of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with one third of the Parmesan and half of the basil leaves.

5 Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of sauce, remaining mozzarella, half the remaining Parmesan, and all of the remaining basil. Add remaining eggplant, and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan.

6 Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 8.

*This recipe was taken from Simply Recipes (www.simplyrecipes.com).

Wear Your Colors ~ Purple

You know we are excited about this week's color! ;)

Purple!!

Purple is the last of the secondary colors on the color wheel, and what a great one it is. The complementary color of purple is yellow. And this is how it is created:

red + blue = PURPLE

Purple is the color we have come to know and love here on Silk and Purple. Wearing purple is not that tricky, and is appropriate for most skin tones. It is helpful for you to determine if you should wear purples with a more red or blue tone. Purple has many names and shades -- violet, lavender, mulberry, and magenta, to name a few -- but whatever the name, try some in your life for a little royal feel.

Here are a few color combination inspirations:

 

Tomboy

Maybe lace, bows, and ruffles are not your preference. You'd rather wrangle a bull than fix your hair. Maybe you were the child that preferred your brother's Legos over your dolls. You wear the badge of tomboy proudly, but as you mature, what do you do with this thing called femininity when you feel far from feminine?

The etymology of the word "tomboy" dates back as far as 1553, used to describe a "rude, boisterous boy." Only a few years later, the meaning changed to "bold or immodest woman" and "girl who acts like a spirited boy." Tomboy has now become a name of endearment for girls who are "spirited," but if you are a lively girl that prefers cars over shoes, does this mean you lack the capacity to be feminine?


I think the answer to this is a resounding "no." Femininity is much deeper than the exterior. It starts in the heart. I once heard Nancy Leigh DeMoss talk about her personal battle of embracing womanhood. She said it's not that she despised being a woman, but a small part of herself wished she could be a man so that she could further the kingdom of God in a much "greater way."


Our generation seems to be in a tailspin of grappling with identity. Many young women want to set aside their gender and choose the ways of manhood rather than womanhood. The preposterous idea swirling around in our culture is that God gets gender wrong sometime, thus opening a door to define our own genders! The mixup is not God's, but rather our own. Sin twisted us the moment we entered the world. We are all born with sinful ambitions and discontentment with how God created us. Because of this, we should be even more grateful for the beauty of salvation. Jesus calls us to be born again -- to become a new person in Him! 


It's important to ask ourselves, "Are my actions of boisterousness and the desire to always 'beat the boys' really unveiling a discontented heart?"


 In a previous post, we talked about equality in genders, but that equality doesn't always mean we are the same. (Check that post out here.) If I were a young man, I wouldn't be able to write to you as I do now. The gift of womanhood has blessed me with the opportunity of connecting with and helping other young women.


If you consider yourself a tomboy gal, don't dislike your womanhood -- embrace it! Embrace your ability to nurture and turn the rough chaos of life into beauty and comfort. You may be lively and spirited, so use it to bring joy into the lives of others! You don't have to like lace in order to be feminine. Lace and such might not be your personal style preference, and that is okay! Don't cheat yourself of growing a feminine heart -- one that is passionate about showing the world just what a contented young woman of God can exemplify.


Your willingness to walk according to biblical womanhood just might shine so bright the whole world will notice!  

P.S. I still love Legos ;)

Identify Identity

Identifying true identity is a simple truth we often lose sight of. This truth is so important we created a video about it to emphasize its importance.

Share this video with your friends and tell the world we are loved by a loving, holy God. And we can identify ourselves in this! 

Buy of the Week

The color to add some zing to your wardrobe! Try any of these pieces separately, or all together if you're feeling bold. These items can be found at one store, so head on over to check these items out!

Find these items 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!**

Eat Your Colors - Orange

The Health Benefits of Oranges

-Oranges contain a compound called liminoid, which has been found to fight many different kinds of cancers.

-Oranges also contain many anti-oxidants, which protect the skin from the damage of free radicals.

-Oranges have a high Vitamin C content, which stimulates white blood cells to fight infection and builds a strong immune system.

-Oranges contain a flavonoid called hesperidin, which lowers blood pressure.

 Oranges are wonderful added to smoothies, salads, and are a great addition to breakfast! 

The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

-Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of Vitamins A and C, which aid in cancer prevention.

-Sweet potatoes contain a significant amount of Vitamin B6, which helps to prevent diabetic heart disease.

-Sweet potatoes provide over 90% of the body's daily Vitamin A.

-Sweet potatoes are a wonderful source of dietary fiber, which helps promote a healthy digestive system.

Sweet Potato Fries

-4 organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into strips

-olive or grape seed oil

-sea salt, to taste

1. Place sweet potatoes in a large glass baking dish, greased. (Do not overcrowd.)

2. Drizzle oil of your choice over sweet potatoes, and toss to coat.

3. Sprinkle sea salt over sweet potatoes. 

4. Bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees, stirring occasionally. 

Enjoy!