Betty Beguiles

Fashion Friday, Take 3

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:16:00 +0000

I’ve spent a fair amount of time exploring the wonderful world of modest fashion over the last year or so and have been delighted to see the quick pace at which it has grown.

This is thanks in large part to an adventurous group of young women who noticed there was a void in the fashion industry and set out to fill it. They recognized that more and more women were pining for clothing that was not just modest but also feminine and flattering...

I'm over at Faith and Family Live! today talking about my three favorite online modest fashion boutiques. I'd love it if you'd stop by to share your favorite resources for modest fashion! I hope you all have happy, restful weekends. Love!

Jennifer Lauren on Etsy

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:35:00 +0000

<-- How cute
are we??? -->

Good morning, girls! Happy Friday! What are y'all up to today? I'm planning on spending my morning decluttering, organizing, cleaning and feathering in anticipation of the weekend. The weather here is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous and, call me crazy, but I'd rather spend it peacefully reading in front of a warm fire than tripping over Legos and baby doll strollers. Of course, this vision requires my actually tackling the chores mentioned above rather than just thinking about them...and that is something I'm going to do very, very soon! Really!

But first I wanted to selflessly share with you my super-cute new Etsy find... (Yes! I said selflessly! This has nothing to do with any propensity I might have toward procrastination. Who would suggest such a thing? I think I just might be offended!)

Jennifer Lauren on Etsy

Swoon...I think I'm in love. Honestly, if I had a variety of these skirts in different colors along with a handful of blouses and sweaters I'd be all set...and as happy as a clam, too. I'm still dreaming about that ideal wardrobe of mine. You know, the one comprised of a mere five outfits but five outfits that I absolutely adore. One day... :)

I must admit to finding Etsy a wee bit intimidating (there's just so much goodness on there!) but stumbling upon treasures such as Jennifer's skirts makes all that head-spinning worth it. ;)

Do any of you have a favorite Etsy artist/designer? Please share!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! Kisses!

Apron Love

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Hi girls!

I'm over at Faith and Family LIVE! today blogging about the deep affection I feel for my sweet apron...

Fashion Friday: 5 Ways I Love My Apron

Come on by and share the love!

ban.do

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Oh, girls...I've been bitten by the ban.do bug! Sigh...

Sadly, there doesn't seem to be antidote for this particular malady. Not in my case, anyway. I suppose I'll just have to suffer. $100+ hair accessories somehow got left out of the budget this year. How ever did we forget that, Mr. Beguiles? (Actually, ban.do does have a lovely $35-59 line called heart by bando but, wouldn't you know, my own heart's been stolen by their ever-so-slightly more expensive lines).

Please don't misunderstand me...I fully support artists, their small businesses, and recognize the value of their work, I'm just not currently in a position to support them financially, if you know what I mean. Still, I can blog about them, dream about their gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces and imagine that one day I might actually own one of my very own ban.do creations and that's good enough for me. :)

Aren't they amazing? I'm such a sucker for vintage-inspired creativity.

You had me at "hello", ban.do!

7 Quick Takes

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:48:00 +0000

1. Hey, girlies! So nice to "see" you all again! For a variety of reasons this season of life has been a particularly busy one for me but I do feel some blogging coming on soon! ;)

2. Maybe even today! Well, over at Faith and Family LIVE!, anyway. The sweet gals over there have invited me to do a Fashion Friday feature! I'm so excited!!! I'd love if you stopped by to say hello!

3. I'm thinking of starting a regular Date Night series here on Betty Beguiles where we can all share details of our Date Nights. I'm always looking for inspiration! Would anyone be up for that? We could either do it in the combox and you could send me any details and/or pics you might like to share for me to post here, or we could utilize Mr. Linky...let me know if you're up for that. :)

4. Speaking of Date Night, your movie recommendations are knocking my socks off! We watched How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog last night and LOVED it (thanks, Kate)!

5. Does anyone know how to get red wine out of carpet? I have a friend in need! Have any of you tried any of these products with success?

6. Okay, so it may be warm and humid (boooooo!) outside but colorful leaves are falling and being swept up by frisky gusts of wind, my AC is blessedly efficient, I am baking Pecan Pie and I have a rockin' imagination so it's all good!

7. I hope you all have a very happy Halloween or All Saint's Day or Fall Festival or even just a lovely, simple autumn weekend. However you are spending the next couple of days, I hope they are full of laughter and merriment!

Stroll on over to Conversion Diary to check out more of these fun Quick Takes entries. Thank you, Jen! You’re the hostess with the mostest!

Two Become Three

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Backing our car into the parking space of an empty parking lot was the last straw.

I’d bitten my tongue during our first months together, parking peccadilloes being easily overshadowed by the first blooms of young love. By the time we were engaged, I’d graduated to the occasional lighthearted, though pointed, remark. But when our wedding day came and went without any adjustment in parking practices I decided to be brutally honest and enlighten him as to the error of his parking ways.

My husband was unmoved.

In the case of parking disputes, you should know that there is no middle ground. You either believe backing into a parking space to ensure a quick exit in the event of an alien invasion is necessary or you do not.

Clearly my marriage was doomed...

Stroll on over to Faith and Family Live! to read the rest of my latest article, Two Become Three.

I hope you all have the loveliest of lovely autumn weekends!

MikaRose Coupon

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Hiya girls!

I just received an email from the lovely ladies of MikaRose. They'd like to offer a 10% discount to any of you who might have your eye on one of their darling dresses. Isn't that sweet?

Simply enter "bettybeguilesblog" in the coupon box upon checking out.

Thank you, Team MikaRose!

Take care!
Betty B.

2920 days and counting...

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:24:00 +0000

and I am grateful for every single one.

Happy anniversary, my love. I'd be lost without you.

Is "Lovin' Laundry" Infectious?

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:58:00 +0000

Lovin' Laundry, a recent Faith and Family Live! post by one of my favorite bloggers, Rachel Balducci, raised a question that has been on my mind for a long time now: Just how much does our attitude toward housework affect our children's attitudes towards housework? Could it be possible for us to "foster the love?"

Call me a romantic but I adore the picture I have in my mind of the happy housewife, all decked out in her fetching apron, singing and smiling as she folds laundry. I say "in my mind" because that lovely lady bears absolutely no resemblance to yours truly. I'm much more likely to be cursing my lot in life as I begrudgingly attack the endless piles of laundry that are ever present in my home than I am to be whistling a happy tune.

It's a given that a cheerful Mama benefits everyone in the here and now (after all, who wants to watch a loved one grumble and bumble about all day). I am curious, though, as to whether it might be possible for me to train my kiddos to enjoy domestic pursuits by demonstrating a love for those pursuits myself.

For example, if I were to wake-up tomorrow morning and from that day forth make a conscious effort to radiate joy while tending to the laundry (miracle do happen, you know) would my children become adults who view laundry as a pleasant activity?

So...what say you? I know you laundry (or bathroom scrubbin', or floor moppin', or window washin') lovers are out there! Do your mothers share your love of domestic duties? Do you think their enthusiasm was infectious?

THE SATURDAY EVENING BLOG POST

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Well, I do believe it's the first Saturday of the month which means it's time for THE SATURDAY EVENING BLOG POST hosted by my dear friend, Elizabeth Esther! TSEBP is a monthly carnival which invites bloggers to share a favorite post of theirs from the last month.

This month I chose my post from September 3rd: Caveats and Clarifications.

I originally wrote this post because many of the things I write about can be controversial and I wanted to give my readers, and friends, a bit more insight into where I am coming from when I write the things I do.

So, welcome, new friends! I'd love it if you'd leave a comment so I can visit your blog and get to know you a little better, too!

For those of you who didn't wander over here from Elizabeth's home away from home, please do stop by her place for a bit of Saturday night entertainment. Cocktails are on the house. Right, Elizabeth? ;)

Drumroll, please...

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:17:00 +0000

We have a winner!

Congratulations, Valery! Have a fabulous time shopping at MikaRose! (Contact me at BettyBeguiles at Gmail dot com for details on claiming your prize!)

Have a fabulous weekend, friends!

Love!

MikaRose Giveaway!

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:34:00 +0000

I have long been a fan of MikaRose. In fact, I am the happy owner of this dress which I assure you is every bit as adorable in person as it is in the picture.

The gals at Mikarose have so very generously offered to let me play hostess for one of their giveaways! (Thank you, ladies!) Oh, and get this...you could win any MikaRose dress your little heart desires!

So, here's how you enter: Stroll on over to MikaRose.com and take a peek around. Then, mosey back on over here and tell us which dress you fancy and why! On Saturday morning I will select the winner! It really is that easy. What are you waiting for? ;)

Which dress is the lucky recipient of your affection? Could it be Alice? Or is Emily the apple of your eye?

I can't wait to compare notes!

Much love!
BB

(Contest closes Friday night @ midnight CST.)

Hearts Grow Fonder Still

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Psst.

I'm over here today. Won't you come by for a visit and share your tips for nurturing long-distance love? Don't you hold out on us! ;)

Take care, girls!
xoxox
BB

Date Night Entertainment

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:04:00 +0000

I need your help, ladies. I have wasted far too much time aimlessly wandering around Netflix trying to find something to order for Date Night. This doesn't seem like it should be a difficult endeavor seeing as I have my choice of pretty much any movie ever made (well, the ones on DVD, anyway) but I got nothin'. So, will you help a gal out? Leave a comment with your favorite Date Night movie. It doesn't have to be a romance but you just might get bonus points if it is. And you know how valuable those are.

I'll start. My top five Date Night movies (currently) are Casino Royale, Walk the Line,
When Harry Met Sally, The Notebook and The Break-Up (for the life of me I cannot figure out why this movie was not more popular).

Mr. Beguiles' Top Five Date Night Movies list reads ever-so-slightly differently from mine (with the exception of Casino Royale, of course) but this isn't his blog, now is it? If I can beat him to Netflix and my movie arrives first then I'm the winner! (He likes to be sneaky and mess with the Queue but I'm watching him like fox!)

So you'll help me?
Pretty please with a cherry on top?
Many thanks in advance!

A Call to Action

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Since this is a modesty blog (in part, anyway) I feel obligated to help a dear friend out in her crusade against a highly disturbing new trend. I must warn you though, this is not for the weak of heart...

There comes a time in every blogger's life when she sees something amiss in the world and must decide whether or not to use her blogging platform to call it out, even if what she has to say might be unsettling or just too much hard truth for some readers. I have been pondering such a dilemma a long time now, and have decided that it is time for me to raise my voice in a call to action. I have tried to avoid bringing up this subject. I really have. But something must be done, and it is time to speak out. You may want to prepare yourself for what you're about to read.

I heart Melody Gardot

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:21:00 +0000

(Sadly embedding is disabled for the Official Video on YouTube. I highly recommend clicking through and checking it out though. It features a full orchestra and is simply intoxicating.)

Heart's Grow Fonder

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:01:00 +0000

I'm over at Faith and Family Live! today confessing my addiction to romance and sharing five of my tricks for loving your man from a distance:

Hearts Grow Fonder

Come on over and share your secrets for nurturing long distance love. I'm always looking for more ideas!

Take care, girls!

In Memory

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Brothers and Sisters,
Dear Synodal Fathers,
one month since the inhumane terrorist attacks
which occurred in different parts of the United States of America,
we again recommend
to the eternal mercy of the God of our Fathers
the numerous innocent victims.

We ask for consolation and comfort
for their family and relatives,
burdened by pain;
we invoke strength and courage
for the many who continue their work
in the places struck by this terrible disaster;
we implore for tenacity and perseverance
by all men of goodwill
continuing on the paths of justice and peace.

May the Lord remove from the heart of man
every trace of resentment, of hostility and of hate,
and open him to reconciliation,
to solidarity and to peace.

Let us pray so that the "culture of love"
may be established all over the world.

Pope John Paul the Great’s Hora Tertia for the one month memorial for the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

7 Quick Takes

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:24:00 +0000

1. Mr. Beguiles has a new job!!!!! He says it's the best job he's ever had and I agree. It's in his field, it utilizes all of his talents, he's passionate about the work, his coworkers are amazing and well, I could go on forever.

Thank you, thank you, for all your prayers.

2. As I said on Facebook:

If you are facing difficulties that go unresolved for years on end, look for resolution in that one place you said you'd never go. God just might be waiting for you there.

We searched high and low and from coast to coast for employment for years. Years! We came up empty handed *every* *single* *time*. It was starting to get a little strange, actually.

We were willing to go (almost) anywhere and do anything! We were ready to follow God's lead! The one little thing I asked was that he not lead us to a certain teeny tiny area of the country. That's not too much to ask, right? Well, apparently that teeny tiny area of the country in question is exactly where God wanted us to go.

Once I decided to trust God completely doors began to open left and right, blessings were showered upon us and all of my fears were proven to be unfounded.

I have to give credit to my wise friend, Jen, for the above advice. She gently prodded me to look for resolution in the one place I wasn't willing to look and she was spot on. Thank you, dear friend.

3. Are you married? Engaged? Think you might possibly one day be married? Go read George Sim Johnson's article, Preparing for Marriage, right now. It is excellent!

4. My husband will attending the Global Catholic Radio Conference next month. Is there no justice in the world? I think I might have to stow away in his luggage. I'm not sure I can resist an all-expenses-paid three day conference that involves a posh hotel and delicious food for body and soul.

Not that I'm envious. Not a bit. That would be wrong. ;)

5. Does anyone else know the goodness that is Senscience? It is hands down the most delicious smelling beauty product I have ever used. I was obsessed with this shampoo when I was in high school and then all of a sudden it disappeared. Just up and left me without a warning or even a goodbye!

Where did you go, Senscience? And why are you suddenly back to taunt me? And is that really you or is it an imposter? You look so different now. Do you still smell as good? And am I willing to pay $34.00 to find out? We shall see just how much of a sucker I am...

6. Girls! You are knocking my socks off with your responses to my Adriana Lima post! So much food for thought! Thank you! (If any of you out there haven't read the comments to yesterday's post yet I highly recommend you take a peek.)

7. Can someone please send me a list of things that are not supposed to go into a garbage disposal because apparently I didn't get that memo. I have now clogged up our kitchen sink three times this year. (Actually I have clogged up two different sinks three times this year so I know the problem is me and not the sink.) My dear, sweet, wonderful, patient, loving husband is not amused. I'll just have to find some way to make it up to him... ;)

Stroll on over to Conversion Diary to check out more fun Quick Takes entries. Thank you, Jen! You’re the hostess with the mostest!

Lingerie Models and Modesty

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:28:00 +0000

So now that we've gotten that little caveat post out of the way, let's chat.

Go away, boys!

Are they gone? Good, because today I want to have a chat about a certain seriously attractive young lingerie model. Today the topic of discussion is Adriana Lima.

Here's what we know about Adriana:

She is a church-going, devoted Catholic.
She remained chaste until marriage (let's just take her word on that one, girls).
She has always wanted to be a wife and mother and is newly married and expecting her first child later this year.
She does not believe in birth control (for us Catholics that says a lot about her devotion to her faith).
She carries a Bible with her and often reads it backstage at fashion shows.
She is happy to share her faith and is unapologetic about it.
She is, according to statements she has made, faithful to her understanding of Church teaching.

Now here is what I want you to forget about Adriana Lima, just for the sake of argument:

She has posed nude in various print work.

And here is what I would LOVE to hear your opinion on:

How do you feel about lingerie models? Do you think pictures of women clothed only in lingerie, in order to sell said lingerie, it's an offense against modesty? Or is it just fine because ultimately lingerie catalogs are intended to serve and be seen by women? Would you prefer it if lingerie retailers used only mannequins? After all, men grab the mail from the mailbox just as often as we women do. Or is it the responsibility of men to guard their eyes? (I think we can agree that ideally risque images should not be put on display in malls or on the covers of catalogs.) Do you find it helpful to view lingerie on real women (even though they may not have "normal" bodies, being lingerie models and all) before buying things through catalogs or on the Internet? Is it demeaning for women to use their scantily clad bodies to sell merchandise even when the target audience is fellow women and displaying the product in question necessitates wearing little in the way of clothing?

And finally, keeping all those things in mind, do you think Adriana Lima, an outspoken supporter of abstinence before marriage and devoted Christian, is doing anything wrong by modeling lingerie? (Again, let's pretend she has not posed nude in the past.)

I'm on the fence (though I'm leaning heavily in one direction). Anyone care to give me a push?

Take care, girls!
BB

Caveats and Clarifications

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Over the short life of this little blog I've heard a few criticisms and concerns here and there that I'd like to address.

The remark I hear most often, and the one that concerns me the most, is that the impression I have given of myself and my life, has made someone feel bad about themselves. I am so sorry if this is true. I would never want that! I have also been told that I hold women to standards that are unattainable for many.

I can see how from the tone of my blog, one could come to the conclusion that I am ever cheerful, always energetic, have the perfect marriage and moonlight as a runway model. None of these are true, of course.

I think it might be helpful for me to tell you a bit more about myself and clarify a few points that perhaps I should have made clearer from the beginning.

As many of you know, I am a convert to Christianity, Catholicism in particular. Prior to my conversion I was a mess of a girl. I was morose, cynical, hard-hearted and full of despair. These are things that Christ can, will and does heal. These are also habits that die hard.

Many things prompted me to begin writing here but one of the motivations was selfish, I'm afraid. I wanted to use it to counter and correct the depressive side of my personality. And it has. By blogging here, and striving to take my own advice, I find myself becoming a little less Hallie-circa-1999 and a little more Betty Beguiles.

Here are a few caveats and clarifications, if you will. I want to do my best to ensure that no one who stops by my little home away from home on the web leaves discouraged.

Appearance

I have problems with my adrenal gland. It's nothing serious but something that does require my taking small amounts of medication that make maintaining a healthy weight difficult at times. My weight yo-yo's up and down and has for my entire life. The condition also makes me very tired if not treated properly. I am an emotional eater. I have had four children in five years. I am no Heidi Klum.

But, I maintain what I wrote here: Every woman is unique and possesses her own set of physical attributes that set her apart and make her shine.

What I want women to strive for, myself included, is to not be so hard on themselves. Celebrate what is beautiful and feminine about whatever kind of physique God gave you. We all have flaws but no flaw has the power to inhibit you from dressing in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and is pleasing to your husband.

That having been said, stressful, busy, and tiring episodes will come and go throughout your years. On the hard days (or months or years) you may not be able to set your hair, dress your best, stay fit or keep your lipstick fresh every day. I understand this. I have been there. At times I have been stuck there for such a long time that I started to give up on myself. I felt terrible, and I was not the wife I wanted to be.

So, when I post exuberant posts about fashion, make-up, hairstyles or shoes or even when I write more seriously about dressing well for our husbands and as a means of more effective Christian witness, I simply do so to inspire and to impart the value and attainability of such a goal. Most of us are not going to fit into sample sizes, many of us are not wealthy, and all of us feel overwhelmed, exhausted and down-in-the-dumps from time to time. But none of us need to wear sweats every day, go days without showering, or forgo the small feminine pleasures that lift our spirits. You deserve better and so does your spouse.

Marriage

When my husband and I met we were both leading very sinful lives, we had immoral habits and we were angry. Again, there is nothing that Christ cannot make new but healing takes time, is painful and is hard work. We have a beautiful, grace-filled, loving marriage. We also hurt one another regularly and have had our fair share of walks through the valley.

I could tell you all about our fights and struggles but I'd rather chat with you all about the fun, romantic and loving aspects of marriage. Everyone is different. Some people are encouraged by hearing stories of marital strife because it shows them that we all go through hard times and makes them feel less alone. I think that kind of honesty is important and I'm glad that there are bloggers out there who offer that style of encouragement. But other people are most inspired by images of beauty and romance. They breathe in these images and it motivates them to try a little harder to obtain such loveliness. I fall into the latter category which is why you see what you see here. It doesn't mean there's not ugliness in my life, it just means that I don't feel called to write about it.

Also, you should know that I am willful, stubborn, opinionated and controlling. When I discuss things such as submissiveness, service and selflessness, I hope it is clear that I am writing about an ideal I am striving for and one that I think is worthy of such effort. I'm not there yet. I'm not even close. Don't be discouraged. We're all works in progress.

Modesty

I hope it goes without saying that my understanding of modesty is mine alone. It is not my place to tell you whether you should or should not wear pants or precisely where your hemline should fall. That's between you and God. I simply seek to demonstrate that dressing modestly is a worthy goal and that you can do so without being frumpy. Modesty can and should be feminine and flattering.

Oh, and lest you think I am ashamed of the female form, take a peek at this post: Behind Your Veil.

The Past

For as long as I can remember I have loved vintage fashion and have drawn inspiration from the past, particularly the forties and fifties. It's not for everyone and probably leaves some people cold. There's nothing wrong with that. We all have our own unique sources of inspiration. This is mine and that's why I choose to demonstrate modesty and femininity through that lens.

Am I a romantic? Yes. But, you knew that already. ;)

Do I think this is a bad thing? Absolutely not.

I am aware that the past was not perfect and I truly do not idealize it. I do draw inspiration from it though. I try to take what is good and helpful from the past, apply it to my life and leave it at that. I want my writing to be uplifting, fun and lighthearted. There are endless criticisms of the past and that is well and good. It's just not what I do here.

This blog is all about celebrating womanhood and femininity, in its classic definition. One of the reasons I draw inspiration from the 1940's and 1950's is because it was an era when the classic definition of femininity was celebrated (maybe not perfectly, but moreso than today when we think that women need to have rock-hard abs, no hips and thongs hanging out of their size 4 pants). Betty Beguiles, the blog, isn't about wearing a certain size or being magazine cover ready; it's about loving being a woman -- a real woman -- with all that encompasses.

7 Quick Takes

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:31:00 +0000

~One~

Before I say anything else, I'd like to ask you all to pray for the Barrett family. I just learned that they lost their precious son, Ryan, this month. Mary Ellen has been a regular source of inspiration, laughter, encouragement and wisdom for me and this news broke my heart. Requiescat in pace, sweet Ryan.

*****

~Two~

So, we are at last settled (and stable, to boot). It's a miracle! And I do mean that literally. Thanks to the humbling show of support and love from friends and family we have returned to the Gulf Coast, found a cozy little beachy cottage, and set about to embark upon a new adventure. God is showering us with peace and joy and the relief is indescribable.

~Three~

Facebook. I thought I should join Facebook, but then people told me I shouldn't, and then other people said I must. It was really quite distressing. I'm kind of scared of FB now quite honestly. ;)

All this to say, if you've friended me (is that the right term?) on FB I love you and desperately want to be your friend but I just don't know how. I may one day take the leap and figure out how it all works but for now I'm just going to let my account hibernate so please don't feel slighted if you sent me a request and I haven't responded!

~Four~

Can I just tell you how much I love A. J. Cronin? He is without a doubt my new favorite author. I read The Keys of the Kingdomand The Citadela while back and absolutely loved them but when I looked for his other books they seemed to all be out of print. Most people would then either buy them used on Amazon.com or proceed to the library, those being the logical next steps, but I'm not most people and my brain doesn't seem to function all that well at times so this obvious solution did not occur to me until recently...two years after reading Keys of the Kingdom.

All is well now though. I have no less than nine books of his checked out from the library. I have read four of them in the last week. Yes, I am very tired and yes, my house is very dirty but how can you resist a book that has this for the first paragraph...

"Afternoon had turned to evening and all the sweep and movement of the Downs lay still, bathed in pearly light. The drenched grass, silvered as with hoar, gave off a wispy vapour that hung cobwebs on the hedgerows, made lace-work in the hollows of the fields. The dew ponds, saucers of skimmed milk, held no image of a yellow moon that watched, round and low, like the eye of a great cat, crouched on the hill, ready to lap."

And yes, for those of you who are familiar with the recent accusations leveled against me of romanticism. It's all true.

~Five~

We just signed up for a Netflix account and I need recommendations, pretty please. So far we've watched The Great Buck Howard(eh - though John Malkovich was brilliant as always), Into Great Silence(excellent!), Jules and Jim(we couldn't finish it though it did get 4 stars on Amazon), and Walk the Line(LOVE this movie). I desperately wanted to rent The African Queen but it's not on DVD yet? What's up with that?

~Six~

Mr. Beguiles has steady work for which we are eternally grateful though he is still seeking employment in his field. Are you getting sick of my asking for prayers yet? He had another interview yesterday that looks promising. If you'd say a little prayer it would mean a lot. Thank you...again.

~Seven~

I've missed you all and am so excited to be back to regular blogging soon. If you have sent me an email, a tweet, left a comment, or tried to contact me in any other way using the Internet I'm sorry I haven't responded. We just had our Internet service turned on recently. I can't wait to catch up with you all though! Oh, and if there have been any really spectacular posts about marriage, modesty, femininity or vintage fashion, etc., would you please leave a me link? I'd hate to have missed out on those.

Stroll on over to Conversion Diary to check out more of these fun Quick Takes entries. Thank you, Jen! (You will forgive me for being a day late, won't you?) You’re the hostess with the mostest!

Shabby Sister

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Hello ladies!

We're knee deep in boxes and covered with dust (thanks again for the love, girls) but I wanted to stop packing (it was a real sacrifice, let me tell you) just long enough to share some fashion news for those of you with preteen daughters, relatives or friends.

One of my favorite companies, Shabby Apple, has just launched a brand new line for "tweens" called Shabby Sister. I spent some time over at their website this morning and was delighted by what I saw. You should go take a peek. The dresses are too sweet for words!

The girls at Shabby Apple were generous enough to send one of their new dresses to the beautiful daughter of one of my dear friends, Elizabeth. Here is her review of the "Seventeen" dress:

The dress is very comfortable because the fabric is stretchy. When I sat down, it was not super tight. Yet sometimes it was hard to take the dress off--even when the zipper was down. Personally, I love cute and modest clothes. Everywhere I went people said, "That is such a cute dress!" However, sometimes walking in the dress was a little more difficult than some of my other skirts. I love the color navy blue and think it goes really good with the dress. The way you put the buttons on and the collar were a cute finishing touch! I do think the dress would look good with white stripes around the edge of the collar. My Dad said this was his favorite dress on me. I love it and thank you so much for sending it to me!!!

Sincerely, Jewel Henderson (age 9)

Thank you, Jewel! You're a peach!

What Our Grandmothers Knew

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:10:00 +0000

I'm over at Faith and Family Live! today writing about the surprising difference small wardrobe decisions can make in your life:

What Our Grandmothers Knew

Won't you stop on by? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Have a lovely day, girls!

With Gratitude

bettybeguiles@gmail.com (Betty Beguiles) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:37:00 +0000

Dear friends,

I only have a second but I wanted to pop in here to quickly send you all some great big hugs. Your outpouring of support has blessed me in ways that are hard to articulate. Your compassion, concern, and generosity has touched my heart and I thank you. Know that you are all in my prayers.

With love!
B.

Betty Beguiles

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