Fashion~ The First day of Spring

I know technically the first day of spring was a while ago. However today is the first day it has both felt like and technically been spring. Yea!

Today I wore a very plain and versatile outfit. It got me from classes, to studying, to fishing in the creek!

This jacket is my favorite! I love wearing it in slightly cooler weather because it has leopard print lining!

The headband I have on is one of my favorites. I can do so many things with it. While I was attending classes I wore it on my head with my hair down.

I don't really like this headband on my head with my hair in a ponytail, nor do I like studying with my hair loose. So after classes I came home and changed the headband to a necklace.

After studying a while I decided to go fishing with my younger sister and her friend.

I only caught one. But that was fine with me :P

white t-shirt//Target

white cami// L.L.Bean

brown jacket//Christopher & Banks

jeans//JC Penny

brown sandals//borrowed from a sister

headband//Claire's

earrings//Claire's

bracelet//brought back from Nicaragua by a friend

toe nail polish//Minted (Revlon)

Since I wrote last my family added a new member, a PUPPY (alas she will not be a puppy much longer). My siblings and I have begged for a dog for ages. We were promised one once we moved. She's a black lab. We named her Ellie. Isn't she so cute?

Lastly I would like to ask you to Visit April's Blog and read about the Romeike family. Then go sign the petition. They are a German home school family who our government is trying to send back to be persecuted by their government.

1920's Themed Artwork

I am severely behind on all internet related things, (I didn't do anything except check email for two whole weeks!) especially writing blog posts :) This post is about why!

But first, I want to say "hi" to my new followers (a little late I know).

I hope you all are enjoying spring where ever you are. Unfortunately I'm NOT. We had a lovely week of warm weather right before spring 'officially' started. But this past week has been full of snow. And annoying snow at that. The kind that doesn't even do you the kindness of sticking. Just floats around without leaving a trace on the ground. Leaving you to deal with cold and wind without letting you out of classes :P

Now that I have that out of my system, on to the purpose of this post.

Every year my church has a talent night. It always has a theme. Sometimes a musical, but more recently an era of history. So far we have done western and European WWII themes. This year the theme was the 1920's. Not the best era of history for sure, but it was fun to dress up for it! (I found out that black eye shadow does weird things to my face :P)

Anyone that knows me knows I HATE getting up in front of people and performing. I have found a lovely way around that :)  I have begun to just bring artwork that I have finished over the past year. This year however I had a new idea... I decided I would 'copy' four pieces created during the 1920's. Boy was it a lot of work (and why I haven't been on the computer). Here's what I have been working on.

'I Saw the Firgure 5 in Gold' (original by- Charles Demuth)

This one was my favorite. It was so much fun to do!

'Nature Symbolized' (original by- Arthur Dove)

'Still Life with a Beer Mug' (original by- Fernand Leger)

'Pinapple Bud' (original by- Georgia O'Keeffe)

This was my second favorite. The colors were so bright and contrasting.

After doing this project I've decided that (if I must work in color) pencil is my favorite medium. In fact I bought a big box of Prismacolor pincels to use with these drawings. I can't wait to find some other project for my new pencils!

An Obsession

I've always loved fancy dresses. Especially fantasy ones. Since I don't have any need for a 'prom' type dress, I decided to make my own dress. This one will be very much on the fantasy side. I have never done much sewing so this will be quite the project. Fortunately I have a friend up the road who is very good at this type of thing.

As it just so happens I have a conference to attend in June that ends with a dance. So, if I finish in time, I may just have something to wear the dress to after all.

Without further ado, this is what I'm planing on doing:

I've seen a lot of Maid Marion's outfits around the Internet, and this dress in-particular caught my eye. So when I decided to make a fantasy dress I new exactly what my inspiration would be.

At the moment I'm planning on using this pattern, McCall's 4491.

 

I am going to make two dresses, both sleeveless. A scarlet colored one and a grey colored one. I will probably attach them together at the neck and arms. In the grey dress I'm going to leave one of the seams along the front open and lace it part of the way. Then I'm going to make the long, flowy sleeves. The outside of the sleeves I'm going to do grey and the inside the scarlet color. I will then put in eyelets around the sleeve holes and make the sleeves detachable.

 

What do y'all think? Are any of you expert sewers and can give me some advise? I'm started to be very daunted by the size of this project! However I do have some dear friends I can call on if I get stuck.

I ♥ thursday {6}

First off I've bought several items this month...

 

I can't wait to receive this dress in the mail, then for spring to arrive so I can wear it! Styling it is going to be so much fun. (from eShakti)

I asked for this bag as an early birthday present (very early since my birthday is in June!) from my sisters. I wanted something new to use for carrying school books, etc. (from Target)

I got this to go with my obsession I posted about a few weeks ago. More on that tomorrow (yes, I'm finally getting around to posting about it). (off Amazon)

And last, this box of coloring pencils. I love them! I have already used them a ton :) (off Amazon)

 

I've also been listening to this song on the Lady of Shalott this week

 

And this recording of JRR Tolkien reading in elvish (LOVE it!!!)

 

 

Literary Quizes

I don't know about you, but I love taking quizzes  When Kellie posted about the JA quiz (below), a few weeks ago, I just had to retake it. As you can see I got distracted and looked up lots of other 'literary' quizzes  Below I have the links to the quizzes and the people I turned out as. Hope you're not to busy, 'cause if you are anything like me you will be distracted for about an hour. I'd love to know who you turned out as, so leave me a comment and tell me! If you know of any other great quizzes let me know. I chose books for the quizzes based on my answers in the Literary Heroine Blog Party

Jane Austen Heroine Quiz

You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.

Scarlet Pimpernel Quiz

You are a charming, witty, beautiful French actress with a passionate heart and caviar tastes. You are a trend-setter, and the bright star around which all London society revolves. Men adore you. Women wish they could hate you. When things look bleak, you take matters into your own hands. You love whole-heartedly. Other turn-ons include attractive, angular, blonde Englishmen with secret identities.

Which Character are you from Little Women/The Inheritance?

IDA from The Inheritance. You are independent and know what you want. In your desire to achieve your goals you can sometimes plow over others or neglect their feelings. Learn to be more perceptive, and people will value your thoughts more.

Which L. M. Montgomery character are you?

My Result: Sarah Stanley Enjoying the fine art of storytelling, you enthrall your friends and acquaintances with the power of your imagination and your wonderful appreciation of the world around you. Runners-up
Emily Starr
Victoria Stuart
Marilla Cuthbert
Anne Shirley Which LM Montgomery Heroine are You? You're Emily of New Moon. You're funny, and independent, but often stubborn. You've wanted to be a writer your whole life, and are very talented and intelligent.

Pinterest Fashion Challenge {1}

   Seeing as how I did quit a few fashion posts on my old blog, I figured it was time to do one on here. 

   April over at What Makes Up My Life started this little challenge. I thought I'd join in this week. 

The idea is to find an outfit you pinned on pinterest. Then go through your closet and see how you can recreate the same look. Here are some of April's older posts: week 1, week 2, and week 4. 

Click the photo below to see April's outfit this week and join in!

As I went through my board looking for outfits I could do I realized a few things. One, most of the outfits incorporate items that I don't own but want to find. Or, they are very spring/summer outfits. I also realized that I like plaid, cardigans, and maxi skirts. All of which I could use more of. I've been wanting to go shopping recently anyway...

Today I'm going to be mimicking this outfit. One of the obvious changes I will be making is changing it from a summer/spring look to a winter look.

Here's my version:

skirt- Belk

cami- Target

cardigan- Kohl's

flats- hand-me-down

earrings- Claire's

necklace- handmade by a friend

purse- borrowed from a sister (not pictured)

(it was a small black cross body bag)

If you would like you can follow my fashion pinterest board here.

I ♥ thursday {5}

click the photo to join in

I've started reading both of these blogs recently and love them

I've been listening to both of these songs a ton recently

                     

(in fact, I love the movie to)

                           

Mug cakes have been my most recent obsession. I mean really, there are so many variations, they're just right for a last minute snack, and they are (usually) easy to make. Here are some of my favorites. Click on the photos for the recipes.

My Life Recently

I thought I'd share a bit about the recent happenings in my life.

Back in January I moved. That was quite an adventure, though fun. While moving I ran across a ton of stuff I though was lost. Plus some books I hadn't seen in years. Here are some pictures of our new house.

Moving gave me  an excellent opportunity to go through my stuff, throw out some of it, and reorganize the rest of it. (I love to organize my stuff during my spare time!)

Our new bedroom is huge. Which is nice since I share with three other sisters. All of my school stuff, crafting supplies, and books are now in one room. Much more convenient!

We also got quite a bit of land... including woods and a creek. I can't wait till summer so I can get in the water!

Then came problems with the weather. And it didn't even let us finish moving in first :) Rain, rain, and more rain. Our creek flooded and our back yard looked like a swamp. Even our driveway was covered, leaving some of us 'stranded' for a while. Then came the snow. Then a week of more snow, freezing rain, nice 70's weather, a tornado watch, and last (but definitely NOT least) worse flooding than before. Thankfully this all happened back in January/ beginning of February. We've had pleasant weather since then.

More recntly I started reading North and South (Elizabeth Gaskell) and The Circle series (Ted Dekker). I'm enjoying both of them. Though they can be slow at times. So far I think I definitely prefer the mini series for North and South over the book. I've also been watching some new (and old) films/shows. Like Merlin and Horatio Hornblower.

I'm also watching The Fellowship of the Ring for the umpteenth time (and falling in love with my favorite characters all over again). Which reminds me, I need to reread the book again!

So that's all I've had going on lately. What about ya'll?

Literary Heroine Blog Party 2013

I'm joining in Kellie's annual literary heroine blog party again. This is one of my favorite blogging events. I look forward to it every year. You can see my previous answers here: 2011 (I wasn't able to join in 2012). Click the button bellow to join in and enter the giveaways!

The Literary Heroine Blog Party Link up:

~ The Questions ~
1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
I'm a sixteen year old girl who can't wait for spring. That's pretty much it! :)
I also enjoy reading, sewing, drawing, and cooking.

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
A girl who portrays God-fearing characteristics, knows what she believes in, is gentle and caring, and resourceful.

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
Rose Campbell (Eight Cousins/Rose in Bloom), Eowyn (Lord of the Rings), Margaret Hale (North and South), and Edith Adelon (The Inheritance)

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?
To Have and to Hold, The Scarlet Pimpernel series, Stepping Heavenward, the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes, and The Blue Castle

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?
Sherlock Holmes, definitely. His talents are amazing and he can play the violin excellently.

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?
Marguerite Blakeney. She's a gracious lady and stands by her husband. Though she is rather headstrong!

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
I have two dream vacations. One is to visit Hawaii. Live on the shore. Try the food. Ride horses along the trails. Viewing the sunsets and the scenery. The second one is a cruise to the Caribbean. I love the ocean. And the pictures people have taken are amazing. I'd love to see it for myself. Of course since both of those are out of the question, I'll settle for a cabin in the mountains of Tennessee. It's one of my favorite actual vacations.

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
I used to not know. But apparently it is the French Revolution. I've read so many books from that time period recently. And without even meaning to. I didn't realize it until recently. Stuff like The Three Musketeers, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and A Tale of Two Cities.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
Quit frankly none of those. I can play the piano and violin, but not very well. When there's something like this I usually just bring some examples of my art work to display. It keeps me from having to get up in front of lots of people :)

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Either Anne Shirley, Rose Campbell (from Eight Cousins), or Anne Elliot (from Persuasion)

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
It's the best stuff on earth! Excellent for remedying a bad day. Dark is preferable. Chocolate filled with caramel is even better!

12. Favorite author(s)?
Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, all three Bronte girls, Victor Hugo, Brian Jacques, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery, Emma Orczy, and J. R. R. Tolkien

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
A camera, journal, my knitting (I can't live without it), and my Bible (which is of course an essential)

14. In which century were most of the books you read written?
I have no idea. I don't pay as much attention to the authors and their lives as I should :(

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…
Aragorn Dunadan (Lord of the Rings) and Captain Ralph Percy (To Have and to Hold)

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.
I have two. The first is a big rambling farmhouse with a wrap around porch, plenty of extra bedrooms, and a huge kitchen. It would be placed on a ranch, which my husband would own :) The second is a small and cozy English Tudor style home placed in the woods. With a white fence by the road and a large flower garden.

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.
A mixture of classic, country, and bohemian.

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?
At first I didn't think so, but then I remembered something. It seems like I didn't like the name of the guy character in The Blue Castle (I think it was Barney).

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
Chauvelin (Scarlet Pimpernel) EDIT- I forgot someone, Lord Carnal (To Have and to Hold)

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?
If I Perish, Joyfully at Home, and The Nine Day Queen of England: Lady Jane Grey

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
Either sewing, reading a book, playing in the woods, watching baseball games, enjoying a picnic, or going for a run.

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
It would be a large floppy, straw hat. Covered in just the right amount of exotic flowers, with maybe some pearls intertwined.

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
Turning 16, and realizing I'm half way through being a teenager :( , and moving to a new house.

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
(Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)
This has been a very good verse for me this semester  I've had lots of assignments this year that I do not enjoy in the least. It's good for me to remember who I'm really working for.

Christmas 2012

I know this post is sadly late. I'll be posting more on why later.

I had a lovely Christmas. First of all there was almost three weeks of no school, ah! We celebrated as a family the Saturday before. It snowed (finally) on our pretend Christmas Eve. There wasn't much, but it was pretty to look at. We left on Monday for North Carolina to see family. The week was spent opening presents and visiting relatives.

I thought I'd show ya'll some of the presents I received. This was definitely the year of books. Between my sisters and I we filled up a whole new shelf with books. That's fine with me, because I love books. I just like them to all fit on my bookshelf. :-)

1. Celtic knot flexi clip / 2. BBC's North and South / 3. Two pads of drawing paper / 4. The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Doyle / 5. The Circle Series by Ted Dekker / 6. From Rack Room (my first pair of boots)/ 7. the Jane Austen magazine for fall 2012 / 8. Sherlock Homes paper dolls / 9. My first fountain calligraphy pen / 10. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell / 11. Diamond lattice weave ring from Target / 12. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo / 13. A perfect cup for taking to classes/ 14. One Night with the King

How was your Christmas? What were your favorite gifts?