I’m Officially ‘Bloggity’ =)

Have you ever been to Sophie’s blog? Well, have you? =) It’s a sweet little place where you can be you, after all, it is called “Free to Be Me.” I do hope you’ll schedule a visit soon, not only because Sophie’s blog is just so charming, but because I’m her first ever “Bloggity Blogger of the Week!” I’m bursting with excitement! Thanks so much, Sophie! Click the link below to head on over to “Free to Be Me” & see my “Bloggity Blogger” interview! Yes, you might even learn something new about me!

LINK: http://freetobeme23.blogspot.com/2010/07/introducing-very-first-bloggity-blogger.html

Love to All,

-Bess-

P.S.: I can’t wait to get some more posting done, but life has just been super busy this week! =)

Awards, Awards, Awards

Taking another quick break from Purity & Romance month (I should have a new post up tomorrow (hopefully=)), I’d like to take a moment to thank some lovely gals who have awarded me & to spread the love, too! My greatest lil sis in Christ ever, not to mention future famous authoress, Grace, over at “From the Desk Drawer of a Young Writer” presented me with two sweet bookish awards that she created herself. Thanks so much, Grace! The rules for both of these are to award as many as you wish & to let the winners know.

I award these two to: =)
Shaynie at “The Book Blog”
Moe at “Helping at Home”
…& any others who stay up late with a good read &/or love to scribble down thoughts!

The lovely Allison Elizabeth who boldly embraces her love of life both old-fashioned & countrified =) (which I love) over at “Girl of the Prairie” presented me with this “lovely” award. Thanks, Allison Elizabeth!

I award this one to: =)
Those Listed Above
Grace at “Grace’s Garden Walk” & “From the Desk Drawer of a Young Writer”
Amber at "Taking Life One Step at a Time"
Jenna at “Where the Heart Remains”
Heather at “A Hopeful Romantic”
Lily at “A Lovely Lane”
Anneliese at “Anneliese Loves Life”

Hope to see you tomorrow…

Homemaker in Training & Faithful Commenters

Moe of "Helping at Home" presented me with this lovely award. Thanks, Moe! You can tell just from her blog title that she's a true blue homemaker in the making! =) My great sis in Christ, Grace of "Grace's Garden Walk," also presented me with this one! Thanks, Grace! I love all my sisters in Christ!

Here are the rules:

•Award at least 4 other bloggers.
•Name someone you really admire as a homemaker.
•Post a Scripture verse that inspires you in daily living (please not Proverbs 31 - be creative).

My sweet mother is a wonderful homemaker. She was able to stay home with me until I entered kindergarten, & then she began to work again as a professor while I went to school. Through that time she worked diligently with home, family, church, & her school career. She is wonderful & amazing!

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." -Romans 12:12

Verse 13 reminds me of homemaking, too: "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

I award:

Shaynie of "The Book Blog"
Shannon of "Below the Plateau"
Lady Florimel of "Rose of Venice"
Samarah of "Samarah's Sayings"

& any homemakers in training that are reading this & haven't received the award yet... Yes, you! =) Bess thinks you're great!

Grace of "Grace's Garden Walk" also presented me with the "Faithful Commenter Award." Thanks, Grace! I love exchanging little notes with a dear blogging friend! You're an encouragement to me, little sis! =)

I would like to thank all of you that comment here! If you're one of my faithful commenters this award is yours! Congrats!

Sunshine Sisters + Blue-ness!

The literary all-star, Shaynie, who is just plain bookish to the core (which I love & admire=), presented me with the Sunshine Award. Thanks so much, Shaynie!

I pass this on to these blogging rays of sunshine:

Grace - "Grace's Garden Walk"

Jenna - "Where the Heart Remains"

Moe - "Helping at Home"

Amber - "Taking Life One Step at a Time"

***

The sweet Samarah over at "Samarah's Sayings" presented me with this "Blue Award." Thanks, Samarah...you know I just love that name! =) I love your profile picture of the moment, too! When I 1st saw it I did a double take! Go to her blog & check it out! =)

Rules: For the award, answer the 10 questions your tagger has made up, make up 10 of your own, and award 6 other bloggers!

Samarah asked…
1. Favorite board game? The Uncle Wiggily Board Game (It's based on this old kids series of the same name that my dad always read us.)
2. Favorite Female singer? Can I tell you 3? Francesca Battistelli, Ginny Owens, JJ Heller, Britt Nicole (oh goodness, that’s 4=)
3. Have you ever wanted to have a twin? Hmmm… I don’t know - maybe sometime. I think the twin-thing is cool, but I think I like being solitary.
4. Do you have anything really exciting planned for this summer? I’m thinking about taking a trip to England to see the Cotswolds, London, & more – but I don’t have any firm plans, so who knows what’s in store? God. Yep. I can’t wait to see…
5. How long have you been blogging? blogging since Feb. 15, 2010 (the day after Valentine’s Day=)
6. What do you want to do " when you grow up"? live God’s adventures & purpose He has for me
7. What is your favorite subject in school? art or literature
8.Would you say that you are the kind of person that likes to stick to the rules and stay safe or the kind of person who likes to stray away from the rules and have adventures ;)? I’m not a rule (as in law) breaker, but I do love adventures…if you mean breaking “rules” like people’s conceived notions kinda thing, then yes.
9. Favorite dessert? ice cream (I scream for it=)
10. Favorite month of the year? November

I ask…
1. Have you ever swam in the sea?
2. What’s your fav book of the Bible?
3. Do you have a favorite baby name for a boy &/or girl? Tell us!
4. Where’s your favorite place? Can be specific or general…
5. When & why did you become a Christian?
6. Name a fav movie.
7. What’s something in your closet/wardrobe you love?
8. Tell us something interesting, wacky, or unusual about yourself.
9. Which is your fav: Psalms or Proverbs?
10. Have you ever dreamed of being a princess?

I award...

Grace - "Grace's Garden Walk"

Moe - "Helping at Home"

Celine - "Iradessa"

Josie - "Hillbilly Chronicles"

Allison Elizabeth - "Girl of the Prairie"

Josie - "The Many Adventures of a Country Girl"

If any of you above are too busy, etc. to accept this award at the moment I totally understand, so don't sweat it! =)

Tootles,

-Bess-

The Prolific Blogger Award

The lovely (& bookish=) Shaynie presented me with this! Thanks, Shaynie! Check out her library of a blog (that's a term of endearment=) here:
http://bookreviewsbymyself.blogspot.com/

About this Award:
A prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive, keeping up an active blog with enjoyable content. After accepting this award, recipients are asked to pass it forward to 7 other deserving blogs.

I present this 1 to...

Grace - "Grace's Garden Walk"

Samarah - "Samarah's Sayings"

Jane - "Novel Pretender"

Josie - "Hillbilly Chronicles"

Amber - "Taking Life One Step at a Time"

Samantha - "Simple Delights"

Moe - "Helping at Home"

Somebody Thinks I’m Stylish! =)

Yes, the wonderful Samarah (Don’t you just love that name?) has presented me with the “Stylish Blogger Award!" Thanks so much, Samarah! =) Visit Samarah at “Samarah’s Sayings” here:
http://samarahsblog.blogspot.com/

I think there are lots of definitions for stylish (beyond the obvious clothing one)...like stylish living, stylish behavior (manners, etc.), stylish confidence, stylish actions (kindness & service to others), etc.

Instructions:
-List 5 random things about yourself.
-Award 5 stylish blogging friends.

5 Things…

1. I know my library card number by heart!

2. Sharks give me the heebie-jeebies – even on TV or in pictures – but I still swim in the ocean, I just don’t go out too far.

3. I’d love to receive a bouquet of Almond Joy mini candy bars (or perhaps, Butterfinger…Hmmm…).

4. I love to pick up those cute little papers to sample perfume on at department store counters. I use them (sprayed) in my drawers, closet, & car as air fresheners or (unsprayed) in craft projects & scrapbooking.

5. In high school I had a secular teen fashion magazine subscription...some things in the mag were totally fine, but other things weren’t - providing negative messages; unrealistic body image expectations; immodest clothing, thoughts, etc. I finally chucked em’ all out to the curb on a recycle day long ago. It was kinda hard, because I liked some of the things in the magazine, but could never truthfully justify the negative parts. That experience is one of the reasons I started this blog.

I award the ever-stylish…

Grace – “Grace’s Garden Walk” & “From the Desk Drawer of a Young Writer”
Bridget – “Gonna Take a Ride Across the Moon”
Ashley Nicole – “Bramblewood Fashion”
Jenna – “Where the Heart Remains”
Lily – “The Birdfish”

Friendship Awards + Tags

I received 2 super sweet & lovely friendship awards from one of my greatest blogging sisters around...Grace over at "Grace's Garden Walk" (gain entrance to her 'garden' through her blog button in my sidebar)! She is just such a kindred spirit & I'm so blessed to have her friendship! =)

Instructions:

~Choose any amount of friends, blog friends, or real life friends, & say at least two things (or more!) you admire or like about them.
~Tag the friends you wrote about.
~If those friends have blogs, be sure to link back to them!

I'm presenting this award to 2 blogging gal pals:

Ashley Nicole - "Bramblewood Fashion" - You are such a great blogging pal to have! You were Bess' Bag's 1st ever Gal Pal (which automatically makes you incredible)! I love your sense of style & how you are always true to you! =)

Moe - "Helping at Home" - You leave such encouraging & kind comments on my blog that I just love receiving! You're definitely industrious & hard working! I love your feelings about your family! So glad to find you, friend!

***

Instructions:
~Tag at least five 'sweet friends,' on Blogger.
~Answer the tag (below) in your post.
~You may tag the person who gave you this award.
~Don't forget to comment on the post that awarded you!

-Let's Get Started-

You are _______ in your family.
I’m the youngest!

Do you have your own camera?
Yes, but I’m on the lookout for a new one. Mine has been acting up a little!

List three of your character qualities:
Thoughtful, Creative, Adventurous

What is your favorite thing to blog about?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I love to blog about things that I love – God, modest fashion, books, vintage things, etc. I’m no good at choosing!

How long have you had your blog?
Bess’ Bag was started on Feb. 15, 2010 – the day after Val Day!

I'm awarding these 5 Blogging Pals:

-Ashley Nicole "Bramblewood Fashion"

-Moe "Helping at Home"

-Celine "Iradessa"

-Jane "Novel Pretender"

-Shaynie "The Book Blog"

***

Okay, it feels like I've been tagged by a million & 1 people (large overstatement, but...)! Thanks to all those who tagged me (I don't think I remember everyone - SORRY)! Another big SORRY for how long it's taken me to get this up! I do love tags, but they can be time consuming. If you've tagged recently & it's not a tag in this post, I have probably totally forgotten or been overwhelmed by everything. Sorry!

I know that Ashley Nicole ("Bramblewood Fashion) & Allison Elizabeth ("Girl of the Prairie") both tagged me for this post - I think more of you did, too, but I can't remember!

Rules: Copy the questions & put in your own answers! Tag 8 people (Eeek!).

What song are you currently listening to a lot?
“Walk on the Water” by Britt Nicole & other tunes on my blog’s Mixpod. =)

What books are you currently reading?
The Eyes of the Amaryllis by Natalie Babbitt
The Bible

What did you do today that was really fun?
Went tag sale-ing! (That makes it sound like a water sport!=)

Do you sing a lot?
I don’t sing in front of anyone…it’s more of a secret pastime. Shhh! I sing along with the radio when I’m in my car!

Sweet or Salty?
Both, but I do LOVE sweet!

What is your current obsession/addiction?
Oh, well, I’d probably have to admit blogging!

What books have you read at least 3 times?
Okay, goodness, I’d have to say mostly kids’ books like Dr. Seuss titles, Madeline books, Tomie dePaola stories, etc. I do love my kiddie books! =)

What site do you always visit when you are online?
Bess’ Bag, of course!

What was the last thing you bought?
A sweet little Wedgwood dish with a dainty pink rose on it! I got it for 50 cents at a yard sale!

List 5 things you love about summer.
No school!
Adventures are waiting to be had!
Swimming!
It’s laid back & cool.
Popsicles & shaved ice – yum! =)

Favorite earliest memory?
My family thinking I was missing in our hotel room. I had just slipped headfirst into the tiny space between the wall & the bed & was utterly stuck. I had to call out (muffled like, I’m sure), “I’m standing on my head, I said!” I must have been anywhere from 2-4 years old. =)

What do you do to change your mood?
Talk to my Father in prayer. Listen to some uplifting Christian music (& sing, if no one’s around=). Take a walk. Take a deep breath. Read my Bible. Remember that God is with me & has a purpose in the storms or doldrums of my life. Be alone.

What was the last thing you ate?
Super yummy amazing caramel cups ice cream!

Do you want to learn another language?
I’ve taken 2 semesters (college) Spanish, but I am in no way fluent! I used to want to learn Dutch…Hmmm…I don’t know.

Five things you can't live without:
Jesus’ Sacrifice
My Family
Ice Cream
Art
Music
(Okay, I could get by without the bottom 3.=)

Find the closest book currently sitting near you, and flip to page 54. What is the 1st sentence of the 2nd paragraph?
“In the days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” –The Holy Bible, Exodus 13:14

What are you looking forward to?
Seeing what job God has in store for me! I’m currently waiting & praying for a job in the field I went to school for. I know He will provide!

I Tag:
Any of my super cool readers who want to participate! Yes, you’re tagged!

2 Sweet Awards!

Happy Saturday, girls! =)

I've received 2 sweet awards this week!

The 1st is from the lovely Jane over at "Novel Pretender!" If you haven't you should definitely go on over & visit her fun blog - she's got an adorable t-shirt shrug (+ the tutorial she used to make it) on her blog right now!

LINK: http://novelpretender.blogspot.com/

I'm passing this oh-so-beautiful award on to 3 beautiful bloggers!

Faithngracegirl (AKA: Moe=) - "Helping At Home"

Ashley Nicole - "Bramblewood Fashion"

Grace - "Grace's Garden Walk" & "From the Desk Drawer of a Young Writer"

(I think the rules for this one are pass it on to 3. That's what Jane did.=)

***

The 2nd award is from the wonderfully bookish Shaynie over at "The Book Blog!" She is one major reading machine! =) Looking for a good read? Head on over to Shaynie's blog to read all her reviews (& yes, she's read ALL those books=)!

LINK: http://bookreviewsbymyself.blogspot.com/

If you are tagged:
1. Post about the tag.
2. Pick 10 bloggers who deserve this award. (I'm with Shaynie on this, I think I'll pick 5, so those I tag/award can pick some folks, too. Hope that's okay! If I tag/award you, feel free to pick 5 or so, too.=)
3. Leave a comment on the blogs of the people you tagged letting them know they were awarded.
4. Answer the questions along with your post. (Omit questions you don't want to answer - I'm all for simplicity!)

1: Apples, Oranges or Bananas? Oh, I’ll say bananas.

2: How many siblings do you have? I have 2 older sisters.

3: How old are you? What kind of a question is that to ask a lady? =) Just kidding! I’m in my early 20s.

4: Do you live on a prairie, woodland, swamp, city or other? I’m a city girl…who loves nature (just in case you wanted to know=).

5: Scissors or glue? Um, slightly strange question, but I’ll say scissors. I love to cut pics out for collages!

6: Describe your dream house. A cute little crafty cottage featuring a window seat, Dutch door, mini balcony, loft, spiral staircase, library, garden – okay, maybe it’s not that “little” of an abode - & tree house in the backyard.

7: Is your room clean? No. Um, mmm…no. You just don’t want to go there! I’m sorry to say it’s quite bad right now.

8: If you could be a movie character for a day, who would you be? I’d say, Ariel of “Little Mermaid” fame. Yes, I’d love to be “under the sea!”

9: Italy, Greece, France, Spain or England? England! A couple or so years ago I went to Scotland for a week by myself (the lovely area right above England)! I had never been on a plane, I didn’t know a soul, & wasn’t with a tour group. Crazy, right? But I loved it! Sadly, I didn’t make it down to England, though, so I’d love to go back & see the jolly old land of the Queen Mum!

10: What denomination are you? (independent) Christian Church (non-denominational)

11: Do you sleep with a stuffed toy (BE HONEST!)? When I was little, yes. It would be very rare if I did today, though.

12: Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans? Chocolate, most definitely! =)

13: What is your favorite book? I hate questions like these, cause I hate to choose! Well, of course, the Bible is the most important book ever & a great gift from God – so I’d have to go with that! My favorite book in the Bible is Romans.

14: Favorite ice cream flavor? Do I really have to choose (this is another one of those questions I hate)? I say it depends somewhat on my mood, but I love cookies & cream!

15: If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be? Pasta! Mmmm! =)

16: What is your favorite Olympic sport? Figure Skating

17: If you woke up and discovered that you had turned into Miley Cyrus for the day, what would you do? Another curious question! Well, I know some of you are going to be like “What?” – but I’d help myself to some of her (excuse me, my=) Miley Cyrus/Max Azria clothing samples (you know, the line she does for Walmart). I know, I know…but some of those clothes are darn right cute. Yes, I said it! =) Then, I’d go to DisneyWorld…ride some rides & sign some autographs! =)

18: Describe yourself in three words. Christian, Creative, Thoughtful

19: What chore do you hate? Cleaning the above said disaster zone which is my bedroom.

20: If Elmo came into your room with a gun, what would you do? What? Okay, thinking fast, I’d jump on him from behind & tickle him till he surrendered his weapon. Then, I’d escort him to Sesame Street Maximum Security Prison…& wait for a call from my lawyer (Mr. O. Grouch) – because you know, there’s a law against tickling monsters…something about them being an endangered species, or something.

I present this award to these 5 "pure in heart" gals!

Jenna - "Where the Heart Remains"

Ileigh Jean - "A Certain Slant of Light"

Heather - "A Hopeful Romantic"

Bridget - "Gonna Take a Ride Across the Moon"

Josie - "Hillbilly Chronicles"

Lots of Love From Your Sis in Christ,

-Bess-

"Beyond Imagination Award" From Rachel! =)

The wonderful Rachel over at "Peculiar Treasures" presented me with this award! Thanks Rachel! =) If you haven't "met" Rachel she's a God-loving, modest, & artsy girl living in South Africa. Go check out her charming new blog!
LINK: http://peculiartreasures-rachel.blogspot.com/

-Award Rules-
1. List 8 stories or books you'd like to live in.
2. List 8 other bloggers who deserve this award.
3. Comment on their blogs & let them know you've awarded them!

***

My 8 Choices: (Psst! This is going to be hard deciding!)

1. The Bible (How cool would that be!)

2. The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen (I'd love to live under the sea (for a while)!)

3. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (If you've seen the movie but not picked up the book, I recommend reading it. The book is very different & I like it better than the film!)

4. Cinderella by Charles Perrault (I do love a good fairy tale!)

5. Nancy Drew Series #41: The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes by Carolyn Keene (So I've not actually read this one (yet), but if it's Nancy Drew & bagpipes I think it's safe to say I'd love it!)

6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Yep.)

7. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (I just finished reading this the other day. It's a magical fantasy tale set in China.)

8. Betsy Zane: The Rose of Fort Henry by Lynda Durrant (I haven't read this in a long time, but when I 1st read this book I remember not being able to stop! =)

***
I'm awarding these 8 Blogging Gals

(Hope none of you already have this award!):
1. Grace ("Grace's Garden Walk") 2. Jane ("Novel Pretender") 3. Shaynie ("The Book Blog") 4. Mackenzie ("Mackenzie the Movie") 5. Lady Florimel ("Rose of Venice") 6. Southern Maiden (blog of same name) 7. Bridget ("Gonna Take a Ride Across the Moon") 8. Faithngracegirl ("Helping at Home")