Buy of the Week

Coco Chanel made a mark on the history of fashion. She personified class, and her layered pearls have stood the test of time.

Find these pearls 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!**

Caution... Wet Paint

It all started with a few drops of paint on a white ceiling. But add a "too independent for her own good" teenager into the mix, and you've got a disaster on your hands. What I mean is this.

Over the Christmas holidays, my sister and I decided it would be fun to paint our bathroom. We figured it couldn't be too hard, considering that it's the smallest room in our house. So we got out our supplies and set to work, thinking that it wouldn't take more than an hour. Boy, were we wrong. About five minutes in, I started painting the lines along the ceiling. We had already taken the utmost precaution, lining the whole thing with painter's tape. But right away I noticed that the paint just wouldn't go on like I wanted it to. Soon enough, there were little grey splatters on the ceiling above me. Now I want to go ahead and mention that my sister was all for going and asking our dad to help clean up the mess, but I had other plans. I don't know if I was too wrapped up in the project or if I was afraid the paint wouldn't come off, but I did know one thing for sure: that I was going to fix this all by myself.

 

I remembered that earlier when we were in our garage picking out the paint for the walls, I noticed a can of white paint on the back of one of the shelves. Can you guess what happened next? That's right. I gave our ceiling a little paint job that made the situation go from bad to worse. So when my mom and dad came downstairs, probably expecting to admire our work, they were greeted by the nasty surprise of large paint smears on the ceiling that looked like water leaks. Long story short, my sister and I ended up babysitting my little brother all afternoon while my mom painted over the ENTIRE ceiling. And I know I said it was a small room, but you try craning your neck up in the air for a few hours and you'll see it wasn't all that easy.

So I'm sure you're wondering why I'd want to share this story. I mean, it wasn't exactly my most triumphant hour, and to be honest, when I saw the damage I was so frustrated that I didn't even see the humor in it when my mom all-too cleverly reminded me that the paint can said flat wall, not flat ceiling. But there's a moral in this story that I think is important for girls around my age to realize. If I had just asked someone else to help, the problem could have been solved in minutes, but I was too busy trying to do it all. I thought that I could fix everything without any help, when I really just made it all worse. In a way, we do the same thing to God sometimes. We try to be too independent, thinking we can make it through life's predicaments relying only on our own capability. But I've learned that as capable as we people can be, God will always be all-powerful and we cannot. So set aside your pride and realize that the answer to life's frustrations is not always common sense. Instead of relying on yourself, who (no offense) is only human and has weaknesses just like any other person, lean on God. He's called the Rock of Ages for a reason, and that reason is that He can withstand our troubles for the long haul. Lastly, learn from my mistake. It's okay to ask people for help when the "wet paint" of your life tries to get the best of you. Accept the extra help, and move on to your next challenge. Because I don't know about you, but I've got too many everyday situations going on to worry about every excess splash of color on my canvas of life.

Makeup Musings

Have you ever been called freckle-face?

I love freckles. I wish I had them. I come from an Irish, fair, freckly family, but God gave me the Native American heritage in my skin. My mom, sister, brother, nieces, and nephew all have freckles. My dad and I -- we missed out. ;)

If you have freckles, firstly, embrace them! God has given you your skin and coloring, and it is lovely. Secondly, make wise choices about your foundation. Here are some tips:

• Match the color to your skin, not your freckles.
• Don't cake on the foundation. You don't want to look clownish.
• If you have only a few large freckles, use a bit of light concealer to cover the spots -- then use your foundation over it.

Traveling Girl

You may be taking a train, plane, boat, or car, but getting to your destination doesn't mean you have to look like a sloven. It's important to stay comfy on a long journey, so soft fabrics and minimal jewelry is best. Check out these looks.

Everyday Hair Styles, Part One

Curling Our Hair Naturally, Part One

Many people are blessed with hair that is naturally curly. Those of us who have wavy or straight hair often want curly hair for special occasions, or for something different than our everyday style. But curling your hair with heat can damage it and cause dead ends. Here are some wonderful ways to curl your hair without heat and still produce beautiful, stylish curls!

The Braiding Method*

1. Wash and condition your hair.

2. Towel dry and/or air dry for 10-15 minutes.

3. Braid damp hair into pigtails and tie the ends with hair ties.

4. Allow hair to air dry overnight or naturally throughout the day.

5. Remove braids, and gently tousle hair to release the waves.

6. Lightly hairspray waves, optional.

*This method produces waves, not tight curls.

The Pinning Method*

1. Wash and condition hair, combing out any tangles.

2. Allow hair to air dry until almost completely dry.

3. Gather 30-40 bobby pins. (You can apply mousse or styling gel at this point if you desire.)

4. Divide hair into one-inch sections.

5.Hold each section at the end, and wrap the hair around your index finger until you have reached the roots.

6. Gently slide the curl off your finger using your other hand, and slide the bobby pin into place.

7. Continue this process on the rest of your hair using one-inch sections.

8. Cover your hair with a scarf or shower cap to hold the pins in place.

9. Allow hair to dry overnight or throughout the day.

10. Remove bobby pins and gently tousle hair to release curls.

*This method will produce bouncy curls.

"But even the hairs of your head are all numbered," (Matthew 10:30).

Secret Swaps

What is your favorite hair product?

Abby ~ "Giovanni Natural Mousse Air-Turbo Charger is my go-to styling foam. It gives me volume, curls, or waves. Perfect for up-dos that need extra hold and wavy locks for a loose, casual look."

Elyse ~ "I have two favorite hair products -- apple cider vinegar mixed with water and infused with essential oils (vinegar makes the hair shiny and keeps flaky scalp at bay) and Giovanni 2chic Avocado and Olive Oil Conditioner."

Hope ~ "My favorite hair product is Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil. I have never colored my hair, but I know it works great on colored or natural hair. It's also a good product for people like me who have thick and sometimes frizzy hair but still want long hair that is sleek and feminine. One of the best things about this product is that my mom, my sister, and several of my friends also use it, and even though we all have different types of hair, it works great on all of us."

Meghan ~ "Suave Dry Shampoo. Although I couldn't live without my root lifter, hair spray (definitely a necessity), gel, and pomade, I want to share with you an inexpensive product that has definitely changed my thought on showering daily. Suave dry shampoo. I've found that it has kept me from having to take a shower every day and there are countless hairstyles that work much better on "day old hair." So give it a try. I've experimented with numerous different kinds of dry shampoo and yet I still keep coming back to Suave's. It's extremely inexpensive and not only keeps your hair from getting too oily, it also gives you some volume at the crown. I'm a fan!"

Season ~ "Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion by Organic Root Stimulator is something I don't use very often, but when I do, I know why I love it! My hair is long and very thick and tends to get coarse and dry from time to time. After using the hair lotion, it is silky and shiny."

Buy of the Week

Hayley Mills was at one time America's sweetheart. This little dress is reminiscent of Hayley in her role as Sharon. The great thing about this dress is that you can customize the length of the skirt and sleeve!

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!**

F.S. ~ A Bridesmaid

Many of us have been asked or will be asked to stand with one of our friends on her wedding day. It is an exciting thing to be invited to be a bridesmaid. We anticipate the silk or linen dress we will wear, the satin-wrapped flower bouquet we will carry, and the pure delight at dressing up and walking down the aisle. But when it comes right down to carrying out the responsibilities of being a good bridesmaid, what does bridesmaid really mean?

A bridesmaid by definition is a young woman who attends the bride. She is most often a close friend or sister of the bride or groom.

If you are given the honor of being a bridesmaid, here are some important things to consider as you endeavor to do your job well.

1. After you accept the bride's request and thank her for the honor that it is to be asked, remember to make yourself available to help with whatever she might need. The bride has a great number of things to choose and coordinate, and you being willing to help, or even being in charge of something, will be a great help to her.

2. Be supportive of the bride. Every bride is under a certain amount of stress, and your encouraging words and gestures will be a boost to her.

3. The bridesmaids often give or help give a shower for the bride. The Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor usually initiates it, but be willing to participate and help.

4. An important thing to remember is that being a bridesmaid costs money. You have to buy your dress and shoes, and often contribute monetarily to a shower or tea. Once you have accepted the request to be a bridesmaid, never complain about the cost. Consider this before accepting, but once you are in, be happy!

5. What if the dress is immodest? Oh dear, we all know someone who has had this trouble, or we have had it ourselves! If the dress is strapless or revealing and you are not comfortable wearing it, let the bride know discreetly how you feel, and ask if you could wear a bolero or shawl. Do not make a scene or cause difficulty for the bride. If she refuses to alter the dress, you may respectfully decline being a bridesmaid or you may be able to work with the dress itself to make it more acceptable. Just be sure to consult the bride before you make any cosmetic changes to the dress.

6. Keep in mind that this is her wedding, not yours, and respect her decisions and tastes. It is often beneficial to simply remain silent. Instead of having too many comments, be good at listening.

7. Be willing to work! The bride needs you -- she really does. Your efforts and willingness to do the grunt work will help make her wedding day even more special.

8. On the wedding day, be ready to set aside your personal needs for those of the bride. Offer to get her something to drink or eat as she gets ready, and constantly be aware of things she might need. Continue in the same manner at the reception. Do not be nagging, but be available and willing.

We can see that there is a lot of willingness involved in being a bridesmaid, but it is truly a blessing and a lot of fun! Just remember the golden rule: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you" and enjoy the blessed occasion that a wedding is!

Identify Identity

This video was created a couple of years ago, but still is relevant. Have you ever had an identity crisis? 

Getting Started with Pilates

Here are some wonderful tutorials for all you need to know about doing Pilates. Pilates is a system of exercise similar to yoga that is designed to build physical strength, increase flexibility, and improve posture. Pilates is a very feminine way to get a workout, and you will feel refreshed after doing them!

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0AAF4BCCF2837E78

"All the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before they can get to us." 

F.B. Meyer

Question and Answer

Q: "My question is about hair; what would you define as long hair, short hair, etc. I know this is an extremely subjective topic, but I would love to know what you think. I have hair half way down my back, and everyone says to me, "You must never cut it!" Yes, it makes me laugh because I have friends with hair below their waists. Long hair is beautiful, and glorious, but the question is, how long is long?"

A: Great question! And you're right -- hair length is a very subjective subject! I have had hair at all different lengths -- to my knees when I was very young, then hips, then shoulders, again to waist, then upper back, then down to waist again, mid-back, again to shoulders, and most recently a short bob above my shoulders. The Lord has blessed me with thick, fast-growing hair, so I've tried a variety of styles and lengths. (Still haven't tried the Audrey Hepburn pixie, but that is on my bucket list. ;)

I think "long" is in the eye of the beholder. If you google "long hair," you'll find pictures like this:

to

Long hair can be beautiful, but more importantly, healthy hair is what always looks best.

Young ladies who decide to keep long hair sometimes think they never need a hair cut. Nope. Regularly getting a trim will keep the dead ends off and hair healthy looking; it also encourages hair to grow. 

Also, it's important to determine what cut is best for you. Seek advice from a professional. A good hair stylist will listen to you and then talk with you about your face structure and hair texture so you can decide what cut and style(s) will be most becoming to your face.

Having your hair "short" or "long" is a tricky decision. Longer hair takes more time and can be really fun when you are young. Just remember, above all, go for healthy and well-styled. This will always look timeless!

Buy of the Week

You can sing in the rain and not get wet. A classy umbrella is perfect to keep you dry and looking chic.

$16.00

Find this umbrella 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!**

Living for God ~ My New Year's Resolution

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2)

Have you ever heard of being a people pleaser? It may not be a big deal if people I really don’t even know try to influence me, but when it’s my friends, it’s a whole different story. Those we love and care about have the biggest impact on our lives. If I heard that someone I know was hurt or in some kind of trouble, I'd be affected by that a lot more than if someone I have no relationship with was in the same situation; I'm sure you'd probably feel the same way. This is definitely not because we don't care about those we haven't met, but because things hurt more when we are closely involved with the ones who are affected. Most of us love our close friends and want them to be happy -- not only with what is happening in their worlds, but with what is happening in ours as well.

 

If I were to tell you that your best friend wanted you to go against everything you believe in, would you do it? Would you even believe my accusations? If you're anything like me, then you probably wouldn't. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely the type of person that loves to have lots of close friends around. As we grow, our friends grow, too, and sometimes our ideas and values can change. If we are following God's will for our lives, then our way of thinking should change for the better, drawing us closer to Him. But as we see from the headlines in the newspapers every day, not everyone is following God's will. In fact, most people aren't, and we can easily be led astray by those around us. It can be hard to say no to your friends, but anything that you think would be displeasing to God is where we as Christians must draw the line. Praying about our problems and reading God's Word will help with this. Also remember that when you strive to do what is right, you may lose some friends over it, but your true Best Friend will never leave your side.

This year, my New Year's resolution is to get closer to God and to let His Word shape my opinions instead of listening to others who might lead me astray. I know that there will be times when I don't keep it the way I should, but with His help I can stay strong and ultimately become a better person. I challenge you to have the same goal as you begin to take on the year. God wants us to be the best we can be, so why wait? With God's help, 2013 can be the best year we've ever had. So live to be acceptable in God's eyes and no one else's. Live renewed in His Holy Spirit. And most of all, live for God and then the allurement of others will not be nearly as great. Happy New Year!   

Makeup Musings

Found this great video on how to apply lip liner! Be sure to ask your parents if you can use this product if you have never done so.

Enjoy!

Everyday Style ~ Winter Wonderland

Girls, it's cold outside. (Well, maybe it's not below zero in Alabama but for us it's cold, right?!?!) It's that time of year when we pull out our tights, sweaters, boots, scarves, coats, hats, and gloves. Winter is upon us and with it the new exciting challenge of incorporating modesty, femininity, style, beauty, and warmth -- all in one outfit. WHEW! That sounds like a lot of work, but it's not as bad as it sounds. You're fully capable of pulling it off. I know it!!!

While in Colorado we snapped several pictures of my sister and me in the snow. Both of our outfits include items that could be worn every day, but I hope you find them inspirational and encouraging, knowing that it's still possible to dress feminine and stylish, and stay warm!

My sister's outfit is simple, yet paired with colored tights gives it a "pop of color." Colored tights are a big thing this winter and add a fantastic flair to a plain outfit. Her hair was curled with a wider wand to give her some boost and volume. The cowl neck sweater, paired with sparkly earrings, an a-line skirt, purple tights and brown boots, is perfect for an everyday outing.

My outfit is a little bit "boho." I placed a black drapey waterfall cardigan over my "little black dress." Without accessories, this outfit would be just plain boring, but accessories do EVERYTHING for this one. Textured black tights, a wrap bracelet, gold leaf earrings, brown boots, and a crossover brown leather bag pulls it all together. My hair is done into an upside down french braid pulled into a high ponytail and made into a sock bun. 

So remember, just because you're bundling up does NOT mean you should be looking sloppy. Order and beauty brings honor to your Maker. Don't be afraid to mix and match your clothes. Play around with what you have! Come on Southern Belles, let's make a statement by pulling together our winter wardrobes!!!

The Beauty of Exercise

What thoughts does the word exercise bring to mind? Maybe sweat and pain or drudgery and hard work. But that is not what exercise has to mean for you! When we look at exercise from the right perspective, it brings a whole new light to this important part of life. Let us take a few moments to see what exercise can mean when we view it in the right way.

Exercise is:

~A self-discipline

~A stress reliever

~A way to help us sleep better

~A time to meditate on God's Word

~A time for prayer

~A way to help our bodies and minds function more fully

There are many wonderful forms of exercise that do not require a membership at your local gym. Here are just a few suggestions.

~Walking/jogging in the neighborhood or public gardens

~Hiking at the local state park

~Biking around the neighborhood

~Yoga (non-spiritual) in your bedroom or living room

~Playing any sport for fun or competition

As I mentioned earlier, exercise is a self-discipline, and it may take you a while to form the habit of exercising 5 days a week. But once you get started, you will never regret it. Use your exercise as a way to glorify God and enjoy Him more fully! 

Texture

Layering with textures adds a lot of interest and warmth to your outfits! Take a look at these inspirations to help create your own textured ensemble.

Buy of the Week

Here is a dress that makes you blink twice. For modesty, add a cami and a shrug. Or if you are handy with a needle, add some swooping fabric to the back like the original dress.

Find this dress remake 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!**

F.S. ~ May I take a message?

   

In the not so distant past, the only forms of long-distance communication were telegrams, telephone, and letter writing. Now most of our communication is done by telephone and cell phone. We pick up a landline or cell phone more times a day that we probably realize. So etiquette now extends to the manner in which you represent yourself over the phone.

1. Don't forget to give your name. When calling another person, be sure to say what your name is. However, when answering a phone call not related to business, it is not necessary to give your name.

2. Be careful of the tone of your voice. The person on the other end of the phone does not have the benefit of seeing your facial expressions or body language to know your exact mood. Therefore, it is important to communicate properly through your tone.

3. Focus on your call. It is easy to let things around us distract us from the phone call. Usually the person you are talking to can detect if you are engaged in something else, and it can make them feel like they are unimportant.

4. Speak clearly and not too fast. Speaking too quickly can cause your listener confusion in person but especially on the phone when they cannot read your lips. Never eat or chew while you are on the phone.

5. Cell phones. Remember when you are at someone's home that it is very rude to text or call other people constantly. It gives the impression that you would rather be elsewhere and that the present company is not adequate to please you. If it is necessary for you to send a message or make a call for business or communication, then it is okay to do so. But remember to be sensitive to your hosts.

6. Taking a message. If someone calls and asks to speak to someone else in your household, respond with courtesy: "Yes, hold on just one second." If they are not available: "She/he is not available right now. May I take a message?" or "She/he is busy right now. May I have her call you back?"

7. Respect. As the basis for etiquette, remember to use respect in all phone situations and communications.

     These are just a few tips to help us all as we attempt to maintain etiquette in a world of electronic communication.