F.S. ~ Embroidery

Finishing schools of yesteryear not only encouraged young women to be proficient in social graces, etiquette, and manners, but also in the art of homemaking. To be truly finished, a young woman would be accomplished in handwork such as knitting and embroidery.

Embroidery can be done on the hem of an apron, on the face of a pillowcase, on a cloth sachet, or simply on a piece of linen to be framed. There are patterns for embroidery, but unlike specially knitted things or counted cross stitch, one does not have to have a pattern to embroider. Use these stitches to create your own beautiful embellishment.

Dove Beauty Sketches ~ Part 2

A viral video by Dove has hit the Internet. Here is the video.

When I first saw this, I thought that it was a really creative way to talk about beauty! As women, the picture we paint in our minds is usually negative. We focus on the aspects we don't like. 

Now, let's not talk about sales behind this ad. (Dove is a company that sells beauty products.) Let's talk truth about beauty!

The two completed sketches in the video look very different, but what if the woman really did look like the first picture? Would that make her any less beautiful?

As we have talked before, the definition of beauty is one that changes from culture to culture. In order for us to not have a worldly definition of beauty, we must be founded in the Lord's standards.

"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth." 
Psalm 50:2

"Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor..." 
Ezekiel 28:17

These two verses show two very different versions of beauty. The first talks about the beauty of the Lord and its perfection. The latter verse talks about the beauty of man being corrupt. Is it not amazing that scripture tells us God has a standard for beauty? The standard is one that is holy and pure and God calls us to strive for that perfect everlasting beauty.

"...but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
1 Peter 3:4

So I'm going to say something that might shock you. 

Girls, you are less beautiful than you think.

This being said, I'm NOT talking about exterior beauty -- beauty that is perishable with time and death or that changes with culture or fad. Beauty within the soul is what we should strive to attain that will last into eternity with Christ. Apart from Him, our hearts are not beautiful at all because of sin. It is only the perfect beauty of Christ that covers us and gives us the longing to become beautiful.

I'm not against Dove. I think more people need to encourage women to embrace the bodies the Lord gives us. We should strive for beauty (on the inward person and the exterior) -- NOT for the sake of beauty, but for the glorification of the Lord Who is the Author of beauty!

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4

Dove Beauty Sketches ~ Part 1

This video has gone viral. Take a look, then watch for an upcoming post!

Buy of the Week

Dress pretty! I love spring dresses for church, a special lunch, or any occasion. Here are two dresses for two different types of personalities, but are still feminine and stylish!

Silver Dress

Printed Dress

**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 Pure Woman, or the Invisible Woman?

          Have you ever noticed how most modern TV shows just won't seem to admit that the pure woman exists? To name a few:

The Gypsy Sisters

Long Island Medium

and, though the title doesn't sound like it,

Preachers' Daughters

I don't know if you've ever heard of these reality shows, but trust me, all I needed to see were their commercials before discerning that the women and young girls on these shows were not doing what God created them to do. Instead of glorifying Him, they are sending a message to the public that glorifies impurity. I can't help but think, "What happened to Laura Ingalls, or Anne of Green Gables? Why'd they have to go and replace them with influences like Jennifer Love Hewitt and the Kardashians?" It's almost as if the Duggar girls are some of the only godly women that TLC will come within a fifty-foot radius of. But the more I thought about it, the more it became clear. One of the big reasons is that the godly girls are a lot less common than we realize.

Growing up the way I have, I always assumed that women of God were "normal women," but as I've gotten older, I've come to the conclusion that being pure is considered unusual and even unnatural in our world. And some of our most popular TV shows make it even worse by warping our view so that we think that being impure is "the thing to do," and that purity is a sign of being unattractive to those around us. "But purity is a gift from God," we reason. "So that can't be true." Well, I know the truth just as well as you do, but what about all the lost souls out there? They look to the idols of our society as a comfort to fill the empty place in their lives when really they should be looking to God. The pure woman has become the "invisible woman" to them because they don't know anything but what the world has to offer.

Even though it's not so likely that you'll star in a reality show someday, remember this. You are in charge of your own reality, so make it count. Spend time with God and with the godly women in your life and let them be your examples, instead of the people you see on TV. Because let's face it. Half the things they do are fake, but God is real and so are you. As a pure woman, you are not an invisible woman, and it's your job to show that to the world -- one person at a time. Because our God can heal the blind, and thanks to Him, we can be the tool He uses to show light. We can help lift the scales of worldliness off the eyes of the people around us so that they can see our Savior's Glorious Light. Purity is a gift, and if we use it rightly, it can shine brighter than all the glory and fame in the world.  

   

Spring Trends ~ Global

Global style is filled with bold pattern mixing, large jewelry, and bright colors! From dusty Spanish roads, to climbing the Great Wall, a globetrotter travels collecting the beauties of different cultures.

60,000

Over 60,000 pageviews.

That count is visible on the sidebar, but did you know that Silk and Purple is read by young women in over 60 countries? And 6 continents! Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Israel, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States... I think you might tire of reading if I listed them all.

I've had the pleasure of watching these numbers steadily climb in the short lifespan of this blog. But it's not for numbers' sake (I'm no statistician) that I regularly observe. It's what these numbers represent -- young ladies all over the world are reading and gaining insight into how to live out biblical femininity.

I'm very thankful for my daughter and the team who so faithfully make Silk and Purple a reality day after day. I'm grateful for the vision the Lord has given and His call to each of the sweet-spirited young ladies who contribute to this blog. They live their lives obediently, passionately, and boldly for their Savior and their families.

But it's you, Reader, that I pray for most fervently. Your input is so welcome to the team, especially on challenging days. But did you ever stop to think how you might be encouraging a young lady down the street, or halfway around the world!? Your comment or question might be just what the Lord has ordained for someone to read that day, to push away the lies of the enemy, doubts, or feelings of loneliness.

We would love to have you weigh in on this post. If you're comfortable, post a quick comment to tell us where you are. There's just something about seeing the universal Body of Christ come together that makes me marvel even more at the magnificence of our Lord and Savior!

Love and prayers,

~Abby's mom

Green Smoothie Recipes

Green smoothies make a wonderful breakfast, dessert, or an after-workout snack. They are high in vitamins and minerals and are a great way to get your salad in a smoothie! The taste of spinach is undetectable, so why not add it to your smoothie? Here are the links to several recipes to try. Happy drinking!

1. http://www.oatmealinmybowl.com/the-kitchen/30-delicious-green-smoothie-recipes/

2. http://kimberlysnyder.net/blog/ggs/

3. http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2013/01/my-favorite-green-smoothie.html

Buy of the Week

Flowers for all! I love spring trench coats. Here are a few that are so very bright and happy, for all sizes!

1. Yellow Flowers 

2. Yellow Flowers (plus)

3. Pink Flowers (girls)

**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. ~ Dining Out

  Imagine the days when dining out was rare, expensive, and only for the extremely special occasion. Today, we often dine out instead of at home, we call in carry-out, and we have events catered in lieu of home preparation. So, here are a few tips for those times when you're dining out with an individual or group.

• Always be on time or early. When it comes to eating, schedules and hungry people appreciate promptness.
• If you are early, wait for your party to be seated, unless you clarify that you will be seated before they arrive. "I will go ahead and get a table if I am early," or "I will wait for you in the lobby." Of course, if there is a wait time, sign in as soon as you get there to facilitate your time.  
• At nicer restaurants where the table setting is more complex, follow the chart below. Also see the earlier F.S. Post. 

• Do not begin eating until the entire table has been served.
• If you are with a large party of people and you know that the check is going to be split up, most restaurants will accommodate you and give each person or couple their own ticket and collect accordingly. Most waiters or waitresses will ask as they take orders, but it is always most polite to let them know at the beginning of the meal how the checks will be paid. When dining at finer restaurants, it is proper for one person to receive the check and then have everyone pay that one person. 
• Leave a generous tip. The tip is a reflection of what kind of person you are. The proper amount to tip a waiter or waitress is 15% to 20%. The rule used to be to calculate it from the before-tax total, but it has recently been pointed out that wait staff pays taxes off of their tips, so now the tip should be calculated from the after-tax total.
• The question most often wondered about when eating out is, "When do I let someone else pay for my meal?" When friends meet up for lunch or dinner or tea, it is usually understood that everyone will pay for themselves. If you are out to eat with people older than you or more important than you, they may very likely offer to pay for your meal. It is all right to object, but eventually, when they refuse to surrender, thank them. 
• What if it is a guy and you are not sure you are comfortable with letting him pay for your meal? There are two ways to look at this: 1. Girls feel as if they are sending the signal "I like you" when they let the guy pay, and sometimes they are. 2. Guys sometimes like to pay for the girl, because it is their nature to provide and protect and letting her pay for her own seems to them against the grain. Basically it comes down to judging the situation. The same applies here as when anyone else is buying your meal; it is all right to object but do not cause a scene. 
• Most importantly, use your manners! Listen more than you talk and treat the wait staff and hostess with kindness. See the earlier post: Table Manners. 

Questions regarding this topic? Leave them as a comment!

Spring Trends ~ Mint

Mint is one of the season's freshest colors, but be careful, it may not be the best color for you.

Find the right tone of mint for your skin, eyes, and hair. Or wear the color as a skirt, pant, or shoe away from your face.

Be a Granola Girl!

How to Make Your Own Granola

Making your own granola just can't get any easier. All it takes is a few ingredients, an oven, and your imagination! Let's get started.

1. Measure out 3 to 4 cups of old-fashioned oats into a large bowl.

2. Add a few handfuls of any of the following: raw pumpkin seeds, raw sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, almonds, walnuts, dried bananas, dried apples, unsweetened coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or cocoa powder.

3. Add 3-4 tablespoons of flax or chia seeds, optional.

4. Add a few dashes of any of the following spices: vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.

5. Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup oil (sunflower, safflower, grape seed, or canola) over the oat mixture and mix thoroughly.

6. Pour granola into a large greased baking dish.

7. Bake at 250 degrees, stirring every 20 minutes, until crisp and golden brown.

"Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace... If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you know what His will is."

Amy Carmichael 

Buy of the Week

April showers bring May flowers... but this doesn't mean you have to be wet too! 

Find the sunny umbrella here!

Find these bright boots 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!**

Spring within Our Souls

Here in the sweet southern air, we are surrounded by bees buzzing, birds nesting, flowers blooming! (oh, and tons of disgusting pollen :)

It's utterly amazing. Amazing that death can be life. Sleep is awakened.

This is why sonnets are written, songs sung, and paintings painted, because mankind is in need of that new life within our souls. If you long for spring within your life, if you crave that the clouds of winter within your soul be rolled away, then simply do this:

Follow Jesus.

In Him you will find the beauty and majesty of death turned into life, because if you are living apart from Him, your soul is dead. You need life. He IS life.

If you are a follower of Christ but feel hope is far from you, then don't grow faint, dear sister. I would be lying to you if I said things are always sunny in my own life. Even as I type this, my family is having an argument over things that need to be accomplished and if we are really trusting God. Our family dynamic has been changing over the past few months, and we seem to have had more clouds than sun, but in these moments we hold fast to Christ and His promises. We know that these "winter days" make us long for spring and the everlasting spring to come -- eternity with Christ!

As you crave a spring within your soul, know that it's not just a happy day or a new high of excitement -- it's Christ and His joy and life! He freely gives this, and if you need prayer, talk with your parents, pastors, teachers, and contact us at Silk and Purple. Together we will pray for new life, hope, and joy in Him!

Makeup Musings

Spring into a fresh new makeup regimen! Keep it natural, light, and bright. 

Here are a few nice ideas for the spring. Remember to talk with your parents before wearing new makeup! Honoring them is more important than pink lips!

Spring Trends

Spring is upon us! I have been watching some cute trends this season. Trends are not to become a driving force behind your wardrobe, but it is fun to change things up a bit to keep yourself looking fresh and sunny.

Dots

The Best Blueberry Smoothie

During the spring and summer, my mom and I love making this blueberry smoothie. It is cold and delicious, and very healthy to boot! 

Blueberry-Almond Smoothie

~ 1 cup raw almonds

~ 1 1/2 or 2 cups purified water

~ 2 Tablespoons tahini

~ 2 frozen bananas

~ 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

~ 2 or 3 Tablespoons maple syrup

Blend all ingredients until creamy.

Buy of the Week

Mint Maxi ~ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=love21&Category=love21_skirt&ProductID=2038175608&VariantID=

Pale Pink Midi ~ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottom_skirt&ProductID=2030186046&VariantID=

Spring Color Block ~ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottom_skirt&ProductID=2020615060&VariantID=

Sweeping Skirt ~ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottom_maxi-skirts-midi-skirts&ProductID=2036332549&VariantID=041

**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 Maid of Honor

Back to our wedding series...A Maid of Honor. She is a very important part of the wedding! First of all, it is an incredible honor to be asked to stand as Maid or Matron of Honor. The Maid of Honor leads the bridal party. Many of the responsibilities are the same as a bridesmaid (see post A Bridesmaid), except that this is more of a leadership role.

• Be there for technical and moral support. The bride may rely on you to be her right hand during the wedding process, but she may also need you for stress relief! Be encouraging, make her laugh, be supportive, and help her enjoy it. 
• Help with pre-wedding logistics with the bridesmaids. There are lots of decisions to be made, orders to be placed, and errands to be run when it comes to outfitting the bridesmaids for wedding day. Let the bride know that you will be in charge of anything she needs to hand over to you. Just keep in mind that it is her wedding, and be sure to get her approval when necessary. 
• Stay informed as to where the bride is registered, where events are being held, what the arrangements are for out-of-town guests, etc., so that you can take some of the pressure of questions from guests off of the bride.
• Attend all of the showers and parties given for the bride.
• Make sure that you or some other designated person keeps a record of all gifts received at pre-wedding events. 
• Host a bridal shower. The bridesmaids may also want to participate in this, and it is a great opportunity for all of you to get together and throw the bride a party. However, you as Maid of Honor lead the way!
• Coordinate bridesmaids during wedding weekend. Make sure that out-of-town bridesmaids have somewhere to stay and that they receive all the details of events. 
• On the day of the wedding, be sure that the bridesmaids all get where they need to be, have their hair and makeup taken care of, and receive all the necessary items they need for the ceremony. It may be helpful to type up a sheet of information for them (dates, times, and places of events; when to arrive on wedding day, what to bring, and helpful little tips and reminders).
• On wedding day, be sure the bride has all she needs. You should be assisted in this by the other bridesmaids who are also looking out for the bride. Usually, you are most helpful in seeing that the bride is not overloaded with little details that you can handle.
• Make sure the bride has the marriage license.
• As the ceremony begins, help arrange her train if needed. 
• Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony when the vows begin.
• Make sure the bride's train is properly arranged as she leaves the ceremony. 
• At the reception, help direct guests where to go for the food line, where to sign the guestbook, where to place gifts, etc.
• Be sure that the bride gets something to eat before she leaves the ceremony. 
• Be willing to assist the bride whenever she needs you! 

While it seems like a lot of things to remember, it is a joy to come alongside a bride and help make her special day as special as possible!

For Laughs

A few laughs for this happy day of April the First!