Wedding Attire - Part 3

Buy of the Week

Classy and stylish clothing in girls sizes can be tricky.

Find these outfits 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!**

P.S. Don't forget our Sundee Best Challenge!

Defining Success

As a girl, what comes to mind when you think of success? With a lot of people, it's fame. Famous actresses, famous politicians, even ladies who are famous for ungodly things draw lots of attention from the world around them. As much as we hate to admit it, our world's point of view is all too simple: Attention = Success. But in order to be the women God made us to be, we must steer clear of this thinking.

   So if success isn't fame and attention, then what is it? Let's see what the dictionary has to say about it.

Success: (noun)

  1. The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.

2. The attainment of popularity or profit.

   The second definition points the finger right at gaining "popularity  or profit." But what if I told you this one wasn't God's definition, either? I'd say Jesus was pretty successful, and He didn't have a lot of either of those things. So now that that one's out of the way, let's focus on Definition #2: "The accomplishment of an aim or purpose." This here is much closer to what we're looking for, but it depends on how you look at it. Now's the time to ask yourself, "What is my aim or purpose? Am I focused on the world's deceptive view of what I need to accomplish, or am I studying God's Word and looking for what He wants me to do?" I can tell you that in my fourteen years, I've done a lot of both. It's hard to stay on track for God when the popular thing to do is to go the opposite way. But one thing is for sure: no matter what you're doing, if God's in it, it has to be better. Because His definition is way more accurate than Merriam and Webster could ever dream of being.

Success: (true meaning)

The accomplishment of an aim or purpose
of God's divine Plan for one's life.

 If you're following God's Will, you are successful. Even if the rest of the world can't see it, He can, and that's all that really matters. So bring glory to Him daily and work hard to please Him in everything you do. Success is best when you do your part and let Him handle the rest!

   

  

Toddlers & Tiaras

Oh, this show. If you are not familiar with Toddlers & Tiaras, here is a little video of only one of the hundreds of girls that are featured.

Now I could talk about outfits, hair, makeup, and parenting methodologies. Or the exploitation of little ones as no more than the objects of lustful ambitions. I could talk about money and the disillusion of beauty, but I'm not. 

But what I will talk about is the Diva Syndrome.

If you watch any of these shows for long, you'll find that most of these little girls are on a quest to become divas. They have the world revolve around them -- from their princess palace rooms to the staff of four or more who dress them, train them to walk, sculpt their wigs and hair, and bribe them when they are tired and don't want to perform. Their parents, families, and staff believe they are setting up the girls for success, giving them all they want.

But what type of success are they after? Many parents say they're involved to give confidence to their little princess. The argument is you will not get anywhere in life without beauty, but what does scripture say? 

Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

~ Proverbs 18:12

From scripture we know that we should desire to shape a giving heart rather than strive to be the center of attention. But let's be honest. These attitudes don't just come from being a beauty queen. Pride can creep into ANYTHING we are doing. It creeps into the piano recital, the test you aced, or the table scape you decorated. Does this mean we should never strive for greatness -- that we should just sit down and slide by for humility's sake? Absolutely not! We need to strive to please Christ in whatever we are doing. Focusing on Him takes the attention off of us, or at the very least, keeps us grounded when fame flashes its camera our way.

So... maybe these divas are in need of something greater than a bigger crown or an attitude check, but instead of casting blame and judgment on these families, reflect on what is going on in your heart. Have the little seeds of pride and the longing to be famous at any cost crept in? The cost of fame is much too high for the cost of our souls and the eternity to come. So let's take off our plastic tiaras -- God tells us He is giving us crowns someday, and those crowns we will triumphantly lay at His feet.

Sundee Best Challenge

I think it's time for a challenge! You remember our earlier post about Sundee Best (you can read it here). Then you'll love what we are going to do!

This Sunday shine your patent leathers and iron your blouse, then send us a picture to be posted on Silk and Purple! Here is how to enter:

1. Select a modest, feminine outfit that reflects your style and personality.
2. Snap a photo of your outfit (any camera will do).
3. Send it to silknpurpleprov31@gmail.com by Monday, March 4, 2013.

Natural Cleaning Products, Part One

Most of the cleaning products that line the shelves of our local grocery store are anything but natural. Dyes, harsh perfumes, and chemicals are just a few of the ingredients in most cleaning solutions. They are bad for us to breathe, are dangerous for our skin, and bad for the environment. Below I have listed several natural cleaning products that are safe for us and the environment. Many of them can now be found at the local grocery store.

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Cleaning Products

Green Works Natural Cleaning Products

Seventh Generation Cleaning Products

Happy cleaning!

Wedding Attire - Part 2

Let's apply what Season told us about dressing for a wedding. 

Find the chart here!

Buy of the Week

Finding classic heels can be a challenge when platform nonsense is the style, but nothing says feminine like a pretty pair of pumps. These fit the bill for style and budget (plus free shipping both ways).

Find them 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. ~ Wedding Attire

Flowery Hair

Love this idea for a wedding or special event!

Valentine's Day Dessert

Make your family a special dessert this weekend to show them how much you love them! 

Chocolate or Carob Dipped Strawberries*

-1 cup dark chocolate (or carob) chips

-2 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil

-4 cups strawberries with stems washed and dried

Over a double boiler add the dark chocolate (or carob chips) and coconut oil. Whisk until smooth and chips have completely melted. Remove from heat. Using the stem of the strawberries as a handle, dip the strawberries ¾ of the way into the sauce. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing onto a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. Allow to dry/harden on countertop or refrigerate for 15 minutes.

*This recipe was adapted from ameliaeats.com.