Biblical Study: Beautiful Girlhood

Beautiful Girlhood, revised by Karen Andreola, has a charming 1900’s tone with timeless lessons for girls. The book focuses on how a girl can grow in character to glorify God through her actions, thoughts and appearance. It guides young girls into asking important questions about the world around her such as “Is it right?” “Would it be for my good?” “Does it meet with the approval of my parents?” “Is it glorifying to God?” A girl is instructed to put off any activity, thought, or item that does meet up with a resounding “yes” to those questions. I love how … Continue reading

Extending Summer Clothing into Fall

Once the cooler weather hit, I knew we were in a little bit of trouble. My daughter needed clothes and we needed a bigger budget. Fortunately, I found a couple of tricks that have helped us extend her summer wardrobe into the fall. This is essence saves us from having to buy an entire season’s worth of clothing. Shorts All of those summer shorts are being put to good use under dresses as modesty insurance. With so many active things going on at school, I wanted to make sure she was covered. There are dresses and skirts with built in … Continue reading

Frugalista Fashions: Get Your Maxi Dress for Less

The maxi dress was the hottest clothing item for women last summer. This year it looks as if it is back with a vengeance. You can see it all over the red carpet, and even in grocery stores. This dress is elegant and comfortable. The maxi dress is basically long flowing dress with a tube top or typical halter top. You can also find it in more modest versions. This high waisted dress compliments every body type with minimal modifications. You can purchase a Just Cavalli maxi dress for $500.00 at shopstyle.com, or a Mossimo maxi dress from Target for … Continue reading

Senior Missionary Series: What to Wear?

When you receive your mission call, you will be sent a booklet that contains information specific to your area. Inside will be a picture of your mission president and his wife, general things you should know about your field of labor, and a list of items you should prepare to bring. Possibly the most studied part of this booklet is the list of clothing that should be brought. Missionaries are asked to dress conservatively, in Sunday-type dress most of the time with the exception of their once-weekly preparation day (known as P-Day) when they may dress more casually as they … Continue reading

What To Know Before You Visit–IRELAND, SWITZERLAND and POLAND

Continuing my series about learning the social conventions practiced in foreign lands BEFORE you leave on your trip abroad, this blog highlights social norms you should be aware of before you travel to Ireland, Switzerland or Poland. IRELAND The Irish have a reputation for being easy-going people who love to party and eagerly embrace visitors. In Ireland strangers are treated like friends (especially in pubs and restaurants) and it is not uncommon for locals to chat up tourists for hours at a time. Pubs are the center of social interaction in Ireland, especially in smaller communities throughout the country. It … Continue reading

Muslim “Barbie” Dolls Coming To A Store Near You… Maybe

If you have ever left a toy store frustrated because you were not able to find a modestly dressed doll I have good news for you. An Indonesian mother who couldn’t find a Barbie-like doll dressed in conservative fashions finally took matters into her own hands. Sukmawati Suryaman spent months designing the Salma Muslim doll for parents out there looking to inspire the virtue of modesty among young girls. The 28-year-old mother-of-one’s new creation exploded on the toy scene and now the Salma doll is the latest must-have toy for girls in Indonesia. The name Salma is derived from the … Continue reading

Celebrating Year 12: You and Me, So Happy Wii Be

Yesterday Wayne and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe that twelve years ago, in a little church in Denver, we exchanged I Dos. In some respects it feels like just yesterday, in others it seems so much longer than that. (But in a good way.) Like many little girls, I had always dreamed of being married. I had never dreamed of a church wedding, though. I had never really dreamt about the ceremony at all, save for wearing a beautiful gown and standing at an altar with my groom looking dreamily into each other’s eyes. (Goes back … Continue reading

Matching Outfits Are Sooooo Over Rated

I know there are many parents out there that feel strongly that their kids are to match when they go out. They are to have matching shoes, hair pieces if appropriate. . .I even know one girl who frequently has matching jewelry. (And yes, this is still the baby blog–the girl is only 3!) Maybe I have just birthed particularly strong willed girls or maybe I’m just a slob. But I could care less if my kids match. Okay–if we’re taking pictures or attending something important–I care. But on a day to day basis, to go to the park, meet … Continue reading

Holiness vs. Legalism: Drawing the Line? Part 1

This is an area I have one of the toughest times with in my Christian walk! I consider myself fairly moderate on the Christian spectrum. I am conservative in appearance and actions; however there are Christians out there who are much more conservative in apparel and routines than I am. I want to be a better Christian but where do we draw the line between striving for holiness and becoming legalistic by making servitude toward Christ more about rules and regulations than about relationship? Here are some things I’ve been thinking about: Dress: I am not a covered woman as … Continue reading

Young Women: Loving Your Rebellious Daughter

At some point you may deal with a rebellious daughter. It is very difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with her testimony. It can be even more difficult to watch her make decisions that can lead to a much more difficult life. It is important to keep an eternal perspective when dealing with a rebellious daughter. You should always make it clear to your daughter that you love her, no matter what her choices are. This will leave doors open so that she can come to you when she is ready to change her behavior or when she … Continue reading