Your Style Statement

I didn't read the book (Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design), but reading reviews about it made me think it would be fun to come up with my own style statement. From what I've heard, the book helps you come up with your own two-word style-statement, among other things. It may be a very silly, good, or useless book. But I liked the idea of defining your stlye. So after leaving it in the back of my mind for a month or so, I came up with Nostalgic Utilitarian. (Although some might argue I have no style!)

For me this means I like things that have meaning and a purpose. Like the little jars that make me think of a 30's kitchen. And I fill with spices to use every day. I don't like to have too many things just sitting around being decorative. I love depression-style antiques that are in good shape for everyday use! Like my sweet measuring spoons. (Thanks, Mom!

What's your style statement? Try to think of two words that best describe your style and leave your answer with a little explanation in the comments box.

Just found this lovely

I found this book through Genine's Art Blog and thought I'd share. The photos are just so pretty!

Abiding Peace and Content

This one has been copied out and posted in my kitchen!

A woman, therefore, needs to cultivate the habitual feeling, that all the events of her nursery and kitchen, are brought about by the permission of our Heavenly Father, and that fretfulness or complaint, in regard to these, is, in fact, complaining and disputing at the appointments of God, and is really as sinful, as unsubmissive murmurs amid the sorer chastisements of His hand. And a woman, who cultivates this habit of referring all the minor trials of life to the wise and benevolent agency of a Heavenly Parent, and daily seeks His sympathy and aid, to enable her to meet them with a quiet and cheerful spirit, will soon find it the perennial spring of abiding peace and content.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21829/21829-h/21829-h.htm#CHAPTER_V

A Thought

I hope everyone had a warm and happy Christmas. It's so nice to get to be at home for two weeks. My Christmas gift was paint!!! My kitchen is finally going to be fresh and white!

I began reading this book I found at Project Gutenberg and there are so many interesting quotes that I thought I would share a few with you this week. This one seemed like a prophecy to a future America.

"There are people … who, confounding together the different characteristics of the sexes, would make of man and woman, beings not only equal, but alike. They would give to both the same functions, impose on both the same duties, and grant to both the same rights. They would mix them in all things,—their business, their occupations, their pleasures. It may readily be conceived, that, by thus attempting to make one sex equal to the other, both are degraded; and, from so preposterous a medley of the works of Nature, nothing could ever result, but weak men and disorderly women." (Emphasis mine)
A Treatise on Domestic Economy

While I am one who is thankful for female doctors, voting, education, and the many other freedoms we now have, there is something to be said for a statement like this.

If you don't know, Project Gutenberg has all sorts of books you can read online for free. A TREATISE ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY, FOR THE USE OF YOUNG LADIES AT HOME, AND AT SCHOOL is a book from 1845 that covers health, rising early, the American home (including floor plans) caring for the sick, etc. I love to read about historical homemaking from the sources instead of a history book that
interprets it all for me.

Here's another homemaking book from the past: Public School Domestic Science

Up-do's

On Monday I came back to school refreshed from the break, and for some reason with my hair up. (I just use two bobby pins and some tiny claw clips.) It was a great combination I guess, because I seemed to be able to think more clearly with my hair pulled back from my face. And I didn't have to worry about it getting tangled because it was all rolled up. It also feels so neat and old-fashioned; at the end of the day I still felt pretty and together.

Anyway, I have put it up every day since, and I think I am a better teacher now! One stress is completely eliminated, and I didn't have to shave my head. :)

Beauty: Day 5- Heaven on Earth

"In the Lord's prayer, you ask that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. You can bring a reflection of the kingdom of heaven to earth in your heart and in your life by your attitude, acts of kindness and love, and willingness to worship God in beauty, simplicity, and holiness.

~ I will...try to create a little bit of heaven on earth wherever I am.

~ Things to do: Here are a few suggestions for making a little heaven on earth today:

Pamper your loved ones today. Make a special meal. Grant a longed-for wish. Cuddle and hug them. Whisper words of love in their ears. Your husband, your children, your parents--all whom you love--need to be reminded in practical ways that you care.

Wear a beautiful dress, make home a haven, and create beauty and order wherever you can. Beauty is a blessing that speaks of heaven without words.

Take a long walk in God's creation and savor the earthly beauties that remind you of God's love and creativity.

Light a candle and worship God in the beauty and silence of prayer.

(From Checklist for Life for Women)

Beauty: Day 4

"Beauty is God's handwriting. Welcome it in every fair face, every fair day, every fair flower." Charles Kingsley

~I will... be compassionate and empathetic toward others.

~Things to do: Write in your journal what makes you feel feminine.

These are the things that make me feel feminine:

• wearing a long skirt that goes out when I twirl
• wearing tea rose perfume
• quilting, sewing, baking

What makes you feel feminine?

Beauty: Day 3

"Characteristics which define beauty are wholeness, harmony, and radiance." Thomas Aquinas

Yesterday I tried to sit for 15 minutes and think about what God is doing in my life. I went into the bedroom but my mind kept wandering. I talked to God, texted my sister, and checked blogs. All in 15 minutes. At the end of the fifteen minutes I looked around me and laughed at myself. I couldn't leave my computer and cell phone in another room while I sat to think??!! This being-still-and-listening thing is going to take some practice. I am certainly not the serene, feminine woman I want to be. Not even as serene as I thought I was.

~I will... enjoy my femininity.

~Things to do: Take a fragrant bubble bath.

(Well at least the cell and computer can't take a bath with me!)

Beauty: Day 2

A woman who is at home in her own skin is able to be a comfortable and compassionate companion, helping others become comfortable with themselves....she surrounds herself and those she loves with beauty and thoughtful comforts. When you walk into the home of such a woman, you can sense a spirit of peace and sacredness immediately. (From Checklist for Life for Women)

I will...stop comparing myself with others. Have a peaceful and quiet spirit.

Things to do: Sit quietly for fifteen minutes and reflect on what God is doing in your life.

Beauty Checklist

I was reading Checklist for Life for Women this morning and came across the devotional on beauty. It inspired me to devote my blog to beauty this week. Each day I will share a quote or thought about beauty along with two of the items from the checklist in the book. Here is the first quote:

"Strident voices may tell you that you that you are not good enough and will never measure up to today's artificial and airbrushed standards of female beauty. But you can cultivate gentle strength, love of beauty, and a quiet nurturing spirit instead of trying to fit into the world's mold....remember Esther's brave spirit and never forget that lasting beauty comes from a heart that is at peace with God, ready to offer a womanly touch to heal a hurting world."

I will...remember that lasting beauty begins in the heart.

Things to do: Ask God today to reveal to you what special feminine gifts you can develop.

Finishing School

Many months ago I was wandering around on the internet researching my latest whim...finishing school. Some older books I had read mentioned it but I wished I could find a detailed account of the subjects and methods used to "finish" young ladies...and I was feeling rather rough-hewn myself.

I found many useless and some aweful sites before coming across the loveliest blog--Charming the Birds From the Trees. It exactly fit what I was looking for...anyway, if anyone is interested, this is a fun read--with homework, too! (Can you tell I'm a teacher?)

http://charmingthebirdsfromthetrees.blogspot.com/search/label/Finishing%20School

An I believe this is the Blog where it all started: http://elizabeth-themerryrose.blogspot.com/