Secondhand Fashion - Day 3: Madame Butterfly Was A Hippie

..Madame Butterfly Was A Hippie..

What I've donned:

• white butterfly embroidered tunic (vintage?) - Daisy's Creations - thrift store (couple dollars, or so)
• vintage shell belt - thrift store or yard sale or my mom's (can't remember=)
• vintage cropped jacket - The Strawberry Plant - yard sale ($1! - Do you see the cute little compass? Wearing this jacket I can't be lost!=)
• jeans (rolled at cuff) - Old Navy - consignment sale ($2.50)
• flats - L.J. Simone - yard sale ($1! - These remind me of Anthropologie or Modcloth!)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Tuesday Tutorial: Cross Craft

Today's tutorial is pretty simple (& it's pretty, too)! Yes, even the most uncertain crafter can tackle this project! =)
Here's what you do:
1. Get some fabric scraps. I raided my mom's sewing room trash bin! =)
2. Create a card out of cardstock or heavy paper (or use a blank pre-made one). I used a small blank card I already had. If you want to make a mini card like mine just cut one down to size! =)
3. Cut your fabric scraps to create the shape(s) you want. I used two skinny rectangular pieces to create the cross & then two almost triangular (with one of the angles cut off) pieces to create the purple sash.
4. Pen a little message on the front if you wish, & punch a hole near the fold & insert a skinny piece of fabric if you so desire! =) SIDE NOTE: I suppose, since I wrote "He Lives!" on the front, I should have used a white sash (purple - royalty/death on cross / white - resurrection), but I couldn't find any white scraps!=)
5. Send your card with Easter greetings to a friend or someone in your family! You could also use these for name place-cards for an Easter meal. Enjoy!

Secondhand Fashion - Day 2: Peachy Keen

..Peachy Keen..

What I've donned:

• thermal shirt - The Limited - thrift store ($1 or $2?)
• lacey vest - Pierre Cardin - thrift store (less than $3)
• skinny khakis - Old Navy - Old Navy Store (These aren't secondhand, but they were only $1.99! I got 3 pairs that day in khaki, navy, & black (it's been a long while ago))!
• canvas/leather oxfords - Timberland's - thrift store (about $7)
• bag - Liz Claiborne - consignment sale ($1!)
• doilie bib necklace - made by me (see below for more=)
  

I made this super sweet & easy bib necklace from a tutorial created by the incredible Disney ("Ruffles & Stuff")! Click the link below to view the tutorial. Get your craft on! =)
http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2009/11/cheaters-guide-to-bib-necklace.html

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control."

-Galatians 5:22-23

Secondhand Fashion - Day 1: Eclectic Dreamer

..Eclectic Dreamer..

What I've donned:

• gray short-sleeved sweater top - First Issue (Liz Claiborne Company) - thrift store (this was $3 or less; I can't remember the exact cost)
• denim cropped jacket - Mossimo - consignment sale (for $2!)
• pants - Tommy Hilfiger - thrift store (a couple dollars or so; can't recall)
• canvas/leather oxfords - Timberland's - thrift store (I got these very recently for about $7, which to me is a bit pricey for thrift shopping, but I had been searching for a cute pair of oxfords, so I got em')
• beaded vintage Alaskan necklace - no brand name just a sticker on the back that reads, "Souvenir of Alaska" - yard sale ($1 or less?) (I love this because Rhoda from the Mary Tyler Moore Show has a very similar necklace in 1 episdoe! =)
• vintage canvas/leather clutch - La Rella - yard sale ($1 or less?) (This reminds me of the tribal trend - love it!)

This entire ensemble is secondhand! =) And it cost less than $20 for the whole look (maybe even less than $15 if I could remember right)! I do so love frugal life!

"But ye are a chosen generation...a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness..."

-1 Peter 2:9

Excitement (+ Freebie)

Hello all! I hope you enjoyed a lovely Palm Sunday yesterday! It’s hard to believe Easter is almost here! =) This week is going to be a very exciting (& busy) one here at Bess’ Bag. The amazing Amanda Beth is hosting “Secondhand Fashion Week” over at her blog “Amanda Beth Online” (click the button in my sidebar for all the info – it starts today, 3/29). As most of you probably know, I am a thrift store huntress & frugalista, so I will definitely be participating! I’ve also got Easter excitement planned as we celebrate our Savior’s death & resurrection. Easter tunes are playing, so turn up your speakers! Technically one of the songs is a “Christmas” one, but it really speaks about the cross & it is one of my most favorite songs…ever ("He Made a Way in a Manger")! Stay tuned in this week for all the excitement!

I’ve got a freebie for ya! Just think of it as a late Palm Sunday gift (or an early Easter treat)! Click the link below to get a free copy of the book Jungle Pilot, the true & inspiring story of missionaries who died for their faith. If you’ve seen the movie The End of the Spear, that’s about the same missionary pilots this book is about. Hurry, while supplies last! =)
http://www.maf.org/free

With Christian Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: If you're a Gal Pal you've got an award on my sidebar! You earned it! =) If you're not a Gal Pal yet, think about becoming one! I'd love to have you in my circle of kindred spirits!

Jump Ship! (& 30!)

Well, this is my 30th post. Already? Really? Time flies, doesn’t it? And I’ve got 32 Gal Pals who are so incredibly wonderful! =) Yes, you! Thanks to all my readers & Pals – you gals are all so great! =) Thank you, thank you!

So, for my 30th post (& my 32 Pals), I have something special in store… Pop some popcorn & grab a cold (or warm) drink & sit back & enjoy the show.
PLEASE SILENCE ALL CELL PHONES NOW. YOUR FEATURE PRESENTATION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. =)

I LOVE this episode in “The Stranger” series. The series (& there’s a couple movies, too) involve characters in present day that meet a stranger who just happens to be… Wait, should I be giving this much away… I don’t think so. I’ll just let you find out for yourself. My favorite part is at the end – I won’t describe it, cause when you see it I think you’ll know. This particular episode is called “Walk on Water” & is about 30 min. I recommend watching it from beginning to end – otherwise you might get confused. No cheating, here. Enjoy & remember that part at the end –when you’re scared, or low, or just uncertain. Yep, you never get to big for that! Love you girls!
-Bess-

I’m throwing in this music video, too.
It just seemed the perfect ending.

JUMP SHIP
Back Story: Jesus has just fed 5,000 folks with just 5 loaves & 2 fish (& you thought your mom could stretch a meal)! He’s sent his disciples on ahead in a boat now that the feasting’s done with (& there were leftovers!). Jesus goes up a mountain side to pray alone. The disciples are in the boat (a good distance from shore) & it’s being tossed about in the waves & wind. At nighttime, Jesus walks out to them on the water & they think He’s a ghost! The disciples are scared silly! (Matthew 14:13-26)

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water & came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid &, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand & caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
-Matthew 14:27-32

Even if your faith fails, His faithfulness won’t. Trust His faithfulness...& jump ship!

Bookish Fashion Delight: Nancy

Oh, Nancy! What a super sleuth you are!

The Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene

BOOK 1-
The Secret of the Old Clock

What I've donned (left):

sweater set - vintage - (this used to be my aunt's)

gloves - vintage - (from my grandma=)

tweed skirt with pockets - To The Max - (thrift store!)

brown tights - (Dollar Tree)

Black Flats - (Walmart)

Old Clock - (it's a mystery...=)

What I've donned (below):

yellow wool blazer - Paul & Joe For Target - (thrift store)

blue scarf - vintage - (my mom's)

white button down shirt - French Toast - (Target - Kid's Dept.=)

yellow sweater vest - WeatherVane - (thrift store)

trousers - Old Navy - (Old Navy)

oxfords - Timberland's - (thrift store)

shoulder satchel (clue kit=) - Mondani - (thrift store)

Nancy's Sleuth Kit:

Nancy's Accessories: gold detective hat necklace - (yard sale); Counter-Top Culture necklace - (made by me - see tutorial here: http://bessbag.blogspot.com/2010/03/tuesday-tutorial-countertop-culture.html); Nancy Drew bag - (I got this for my birthday, but sadly have never carried it yet! It's not too sturdy or large, but I love it anyways=)

Drew Clue:

-Did you know Carolyn Keene was the pen name of a whole set of authors who wrote the Nancy Drew stories!

A while back the wonderful Ashley over at Bramblewood Fashion, created a Nancy Drew Fashion post that was mysteriously comissioned by one of her readers. Well, I was that reader! Ashley did an amazing job (I especially love her Polyvores=)! Click the link to see the post: http://bramblewoodfashion.blogspot.com/2010/02/nancy-drews-style.html

Oh, I love Nancy! She's a real go getter!

To see some Nancy Drew clips & more scroll down to the bottom of Bess' Bag & click play on my Nancy Mixpod. (CLUE: Turn off my main Mixpod 1st!)

Tuesday Tip: Side-Saddle Braid

Okay, so I made up the name “Side-Saddle” braid, but I thought it was more imaginative than just mere old “side braid” (I’m acting like Anne Shirley, here =). Anyways, whatever you call it – this trend is BIG for spring. The tricks to this look are to create a sweeping side part in your hair, pull your hair to one shoulder, & create a loose braid securing at the end with an elastic hair band. For extra cuteness you might like to tie on a medium-to-long skinny scrap of fabric over your hair band. Voila, carefree crafty chic!

The sad (sort of) part of this post is that I can no longer recreate this trend myself! Yes, I had my locks chopped short. Thirteen inches gone in a few snips! Oh my goodness! But, you know what, I really like it! =) I needed a change – the ponytail police should have arrested me long ago! My hair feels so light! Ahh, spring hair! I have to admit I was somewhat nervous about the whole thing, but now I’m happy! And, what of my 13 inches? Donated to “Locks of Love” – which I love! =)

oval image: Alexander Wang backstage

Spring Hath Sprung!

On this sweet new day that our Father has made, I plant not flower bulbs, but seeds of poetry for thee! =) Each tiny bud & waiting butterfly, sky blue sky & whispering cloud, robin’s tune & warming breeze recount how God is the greatest artist of all! Happy 1st day of Spring!

Snippets of Poetic Joy – These verses are only a snippet of the whole poems from whence they come. If you like what you read seek out the rest! (Don’t you love my attempts at lyrical language.=)

Out in the lonely woods the jasmine burns
Its fragrant lamps, & turns
Into a royal court with green festoons
The banks of dark lagoons.

In the deep heart of every forest tree
The blood is all aglee,
And there’s a look about the leafless bowers
As if they dreamed of flowers.
-Henry Timrod, Spring

Spring rides no horses down the hill,
But comes on foot, a goose-girl still
And all the loveliest things there be
Come simply so, it seems to me.
-Edna St. Vincent Millay, The Goose-Girl

And lo, the Lord of the Garden,
He makes His sun to rise,
And His rain to fall like pardon
On our dusty paradise.

On us He has laid the duty-
The task of the wandering breed-
To better the world with beauty,
Wherever the way may lead.

Who shall inquire of the season,
Or question the wind where it blows?
We blossom & ask no reason,
The Lord of the Garden knows.
-Bliss Carman, Roadside Flowers

P.S.: I've got spring tunes playing! Turn up your speakers! This new Mixpod will be around for about a week...& then it will be time for Easter music! =) Get the Barlowgirl song for free by clicking my tape cassette in my sidebar!

My Coonskin Cap Crush

Fess Parker 1924-2010

I know you all may be thinking this is craziness, but I love Fess Parker. Most of you probably are still in the dark. Have you ever seen those old “Daniel Boone” reruns or the Disney “Davy Crockett” films or the dad on Disney’s “Old Yeller”? Well, that was Fess Parker. Just this year I started watching those old “Daniel Boone” tv shows, & I just really liked them…loved them. I didn’t know who Fess Parker was before that. I was just as surprised as you probably are! It doesn’t really sound like something I’d like, but I really do love em’! So, I’m sad to see old Fess go…boy did I like him!

Hope you’re not all thinking this is the weirdest blog right now. =)

Free Goodies on This Green Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Actually we don’t celebrate much around here, we just don a little green & we’re done (my Scottish-loving self barely permits me to do this, but I do hate pinches). =) Gain a reason for celebrating today on this green day, by saving a little green & taking advantage of some free goodies I’ve got for you! Just think of em’ as your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! =)

-Get a free download of The Pilgrim’s Progress by Paul Bunyan!
LINK: http://christianaudio.com/blog/?p=323
CODE: PROG103
You’ll have to add this to your cart, create an account (if you don’t have one), & then click check out. You’ll have a chance to enter the code before you have to confirm your order - & you shouldn’t have to enter any credit card, etc. info at all. NOTE: It does take quite a few downloads to get the entire book downloaded. I don’t know if this offer is only for today or quite a lot of days, so snag it while you can! =)

- Get a free Smead’s hanging folder sample at the link below. Help tame organization for school, etc.!
LINK: http://www.smead.com/Director.asp?nodeid=1720

P.S.: A lot of my vintage graphics come from "The Graphics Fairy" (including the image above)! Visit her site for more free clipart cuteness! Ahh, free! LINK: http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

P.P.S.: I haven't the foggiest why that piglet is jumping over the clover! Must be some strange sign of Irish luck. =)

I do not wish you luck, but sweet blessings!

Tuesday Tutorial: Countertop-Culture Necklace

“Hmm… Funny name,” you may be thinking to yourself right about now, but these necklaces are actually made from countertop samples! This little adornment can actually be created for next to nothing (if you use things from your stash =), & there’s something very counter-culture about that.

Here’s how you make em’:
1. Go to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s & pick up some countertop samples in colors you so desire. This part is sort of a Nancy Drew-ish challenge – to go into the hardware store & look like you’re there in hopes of making some home improvements. =)

2. Next, decorate your necklaces with whatever you want (or have on hand =). I used various beads, rhinestones, stickers, & paper cutouts from magazines (use a glue stick for these).

3. Next, loop a ribbon through the hole in the countertop sample & tie a knot at the end. I didn’t measure my ribbon, but just experimented with it before I made the final cut. All my “Countertop-Culture” necklaces I’ve made so far have been the kind you just slip over your head, but you could use a jewelry clasp & make them with a shorter ribbon. Using jewelry supplies, I attached a bead to some of my necklaces through a link on the ribbon, also.

4. Lastly, wear your frugalista creations with a secret grin (no one has to know you’re wearing a countertop sample, but I kinda like to share (sometimes)).

And, yes, I made a Nancy Drew one... I'll clue you in a little, if you're a Drew fan, too, check back in the next few days...

Plan A Visit To "Iradessa" - Blog Interview!

“Iradessa” – the name just sounds magical & full of wonder, doesn’t it? It’s one of those words that is even more wonderful when you say it out loud… & it happens to be the title of a blog created by a lovely needle-&-thread-loving girl named Celine. On my first “visit” to “Iradessa,” I discovered the needle-&-thread-loving Celine also loves her Heavenly Father, poetry, & Scotland. Since the moment of those three revelations I have been certain that I have found a kindred spirit! Celine & I recently had a “cyber conversation” about her blog, & we’re allowing you in on our little chat…

--Bess’ Bag News (BBN) interrupts your regularly scheduled Interview to announce a new upcoming challenge to soon hit the blog world! Our sources tell us this “event” has something to do with girlhood companions, but these “companions” are utterly silent & won’t share a single peep about the future festivities. Sources tell us you should visit “Iradessa” for updates! We now return to your scheduled program featured in its entirety. BBN signing off.--

THE INTERVIEW:
Bess: Why did you choose to create & keep a blog?

Celine: Well, I was very fond of the “Thoughts of a Shield-Maiden” blog (which now is a Wordpress blog) & I’ve always been a “blogging” sort of person; I have that sort of “journalism” in me, my dad says.

Bess: What’s a reader likely to find on your blog?

Celine: Lots & lots of posts about possible sewing projects! It’s more fun to dream about a dress you could make than actually making it sometimes. : )

Bess: Fill us in on some of your hobbies.

Celine: reading, writing, illustrating fairy tales, water color painting, having picnics or doing yard work outside with my littlest sister, drafting my own patterns, buying fabric, playing the piano, cooking with Mom or by myself, hiking, swimming in the creek…oh! One other thing: SEWING!!!

Bess: Take the first letter of your name & create 1 word (that starts with that 1st letter) to describe you! What’s the word?

Celine: A word that would describe me is…creative. : )

Bess: Tell us about your relationship to Christ. =)

Celine: I became a Christian when I was very young, & I’m still growing. I struggle with certain sins constantly, but God is helping me through them. : ) I can’t imagine what life would be like if I didn’t know Him.

"Iradessa" LINK:

http://iradessa.blogspot.com/

So, take a wondrous visit & meet Celine at “Iradessa!” See what all the fuss is about! (P.S.: Tell her, Bess sent you! =)

"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")

Bookish Fashion Delight: Beatrix

Oh, Beatrix! What a charming & imaginative artist you are!

The Tale of Peter Rabbit (& other titles) by Beatrix Potter

What I've donned:


Libertine for Target blouse (thrift store); heart locket; Peter Rabbit bag(yard sale); David Benjamin wool jacket & skirt (I got these at a yard sale where you could stuff a bag for $1! I purchased this wool set for literally less than a buck!); off-white tights (I really don't wear white tights much (I prefer the darker colors), but these seemed a little Beatrix Potter-y =); Flexisole shoes (yard sale - They're a tiny bit too big, but they were only (you guessed it) $1!)

Beatrix Facts:
-Beatrix kept a journal that she penned in a secret code!

-She authored & illustrated more than 20 books!

-The Tale of Peter Rabbit began as a letter to a sick child Beatrix was fond of. This is my favorite Beatrix-inspired outfit. Perfect for a holiday in the Lake District! =) The film Miss Potter is a lovely film about Beatrix & her life. I highly recommend watching it if you haven't (I own it =). It's rated PG.

What I've donned:

Faded Glory jeans (Walmart); Royal Silk vintage blouse (thrift store); Daniel for "Spellbound" tweedy jacket (I think this was my aunt's); Timberland's leather & canvas oxford shoes (thrift store - I just got these the other day & I love em'); Peter Rabbit pin (on jacket) & Peter Rabbit necklace (made em' myself)

Scroll down to the bottom of Bess' Bag for some Beatrix-inspired clips, etc. - including the Miss Potter preview! (Hint: Turn off my main music player 1st) Click on the link below to send a free Beatrix Potter e-card: http://www.peterrabbit.us/us/ecard-form.asp

Beatrix was a talented artist & writer! Discover what gifts God has given you (& then work on whatever they are, thank God for them, & use them for His purpose & glory). He has blessed us all uniquely!

Hope you enjoyed this little bookish romp!

20!

Well, this is my 20th post & I have 21 Gal Pals! Yippee! A big THANKS to all my readers, & especially my Pals! I love you gals!

Here’s 20 Things To Remember (Go ahead, tie a lovely ribbon to your finger & keep these things in mind!)

1. Being a Christian makes you a daughter of the King! Yep, you’re truly a princess (dig out the old plastic tiara =)

2. If you ask earnestly for forgiveness, God will forgive & forget your sins! If He can, then you should be able to forgive yourself, too. Let go!

3. The devil is a big time LIAR! Don’t believe the things he tries to tell you – they just aren’t so!

4. God made you beautifully unique – He DID NOT make mistakes!

5. You don’t have to dress immodestly in order for a guy to like you.

6. God’s timing really is perfect.

7. If you make a mistake or have an embarrassing moment, life will not end. It’ll go on quite unaffected, actually.

8. Worry really is a waste of time & a controller! Work on letting go of fears & trusting in Your Heavenly Father. (I need reminding of this quite a lot, but I’m working on it!)

9. Your Heavenly Daddy is always with you! If your Dad is present, what’s to fear?

10. God is the perfect Father! He won’t disappoint or fail.

11. Purity is not only waiting until marriage for intimacy…it is also keeping a pure mind, motive, & heart! Keep striving for it!

12. Don’t lie to yourself & think that an immodest outfit won’t affect your Christian brothers (& any other males). Don’t con yourself into the “I just wanted to look cute” lie, either. There are plenty of cute & God-pleasing garments out there!

13. Just because “the whole world” goes to see rude & crude movies, doesn’t mean you have to. Don’t think, “I can go; that stuff won’t affect me.” The Bible tells us to think on lovely, pure, & good things.

14. If someone was about to walk into a burning building, you’d warn them right? Tell others about Christ (whether witnessing makes you scared silly or not). Jesus died for everyone!

15. Being brave does not mean the absence of fear. If you weren’t afraid, how could you ever be brave! Go ahead be brave & bold (even with your knees knocking).

16. Your past has no claim to the throne of now. Don’t allow it to rule your present or future! It’s in your hands; don’t live in the past – but do learn from past mistakes.

17. Life is precious! Don’t waste your time. You aren’t promised the next moment.

18. You can do amazing things! Dream! (& make sure to let God in on your dreams – dream with Him, after all, He’s your pilot on this journey of life)

19. Remember that every single person on this planet is someone for whom Christ died. Everyone is special to God – strive to treat them that way!

20. God’s plans are better than yours. =)

And since I do have 21 followers here’s one more…

21. Press on! Don’t give up now; the race isn’t over.

In Christian Love – Your Sis in Christ,
-Bess-

Hey, 2 New Free Tunes!

Hi everybody!

Just wanted to alert you of 2 new free songs at Amazon! I just realized today that Francesca Battistelli's music is no longer on the free list (sorry) =(. Anyways, here are the songs (be sure to act quickly - who knows how long they'll last)! Happy freebie day! =)

Click on the cassette tape in my sidebar for the freebies (tracks 16 & 17):

"Everything is Different Now" - Stellar Kart
"Eyes of a Rescue" - Chasen

P.S.: I'll hopefully have my next Bookish Fashion Delights post on Sat.!

Blessings,

-Bess-

******************************

Tuesday Tip: Writing to the Writers

As we are in the middle of the Bookish Fashion Delights series I thought this would make for a good tip…

Do you have a favorite author (or say, lots of favorite authors)? Have you ever read such a good book that you thought, “Hey, I wish I could thank the person who thought this up”? Well, if you answered yes to either of those questions read on dear friend!

I love to read – always have. I also love to write – always have (again). So, I started writing to some of my favorite authors thanking them for their bookish gems & seeking advice for an aspiring writer. And guess what (no fooling), I started getting responses! (Sorry your writer does need to be living for this. No epistles to C.S. Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, & Jane Austen.) =(

Here’s how you can write to the writers:
1) Find a book your author has written & look on the copyright page (at the beginning of the book (usually)), & find an address for the publishing company. (You can also search for your author on the web & see if they have an e-mail address on their site.)
2) Use this address with your author’s name 1st & then “c/o” (“in care of”). See example:
Grace Lin
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
3) Be sure to leave your name & address & express that you would love advice or an answer to any questions you asked, etc. Be prepared to wait, but more often than not you’ll receive a reply… & I’ll tell you, it’s lovely to hold a letter written & signed by a hand that has written such wonderful tales!

I’ve received letters from Ann M. Martin, Suzanne Fisher Staples, Annie Dalton, & Margaret McAllister (to name a few)!

Plan A Visit To "Grace's Garden Walk" - Blog Interview!

I’m not sure exactly how I stumbled upon “Grace’s Garden Walk” (that’s usually how friendships start, I’ve noticed, at some unnamable moment), but I’m so glad I did. Grace is a newbie to the blog world (I know how that feels =), & if you follow me (& her link =) to her lovely garden path you will find the musings, dreams, & thoughts of a lovely Daughter of the King. I had a little “cyber chat” with Grace about her blog, & we’re kindly lending you a peek…

THE INTERVIEW:
Bess: Why did you choose to create & keep a blog?

Grace: I decided to create a blog because…I thought it would be really fun! In the past, I had read a lot of other people’s blogs & it inspired me to start one of my own. It really encouraged me to see so many Christian ladies sharing their blogs.

Bess: What’s a reader likely to find on your blog?

Grace: Readers are likely to find my…sewing projects, stories, & daily activities.

Bess: Fill us in on some of your hobbies.

Grace: I have a lot of hobbies including: sewing, writing, reading, lettering friends, blogging, card making, cooking... You can find more of my pastimes at my blog.

Bess: Take the first letter of your name & create 1 word (that starts with that 1st letter) to describe you! What’s the word?

Grace: A word that would describe me is…grateful.

Bess: Tell us about your relationship to Christ.

Grace: I want to please & serve the Lord in all I do, & want Him to direct my path in life.

"Grace’s Garden Walk" LINK:

http://gracesgardenwalk.blogspot.com/

So, take the path less traveled & visit Grace’s blog for a perfect garden stroll. Spring is in the air, & it’s a lovely time to be in the garden! (P.S.: Tell her Bess sent you! =)

Bookish Fashion Delight: Alice (+ Freebie)

Oh, Alice! What a strange & curious tale you have!

Alice's Adventures in

Wonderland

(& other Alice titles) by Lewis Carroll

Oh dear, I've shrunk down to the size of a dormouse!

Now, I've shot up like a telescope!

What I've donned: white detailed top - Faded Glory (yard sale); blue & white striped dress - Old Navy (thrift store); white skirt (to give the dress a little more length & fullness) - Isaac Mizrahi For Target (Target); red mary-janes - Alice Crocs (appropriately named =) (crocs.com); black knee-highs; pocket watch necklace - borrowed from the White Rabbit (just kidding; I made it myself)

***

There's lots of excitement about the new "Alice in Wonderland" film from Disney. I'm curious about it myself! Check out the link below to download "Alice's Theme" from Amazon for free! Snag this while you can, who knows how long it will last! =)

LINK (Track 1): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039F67GE/ref=dm_sp_alb

Lewis Carroll Quotes:

"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there."

"No good fish goes anywhere without a porpoise."

><>><>><>Follow God's Purpose><>><>><>

Love,

-Bess-

Free Bronte Book - Hurry

Random House is offering a free advance copy of a new book: Romancing Miss Bronte by Juliet Gael. I've never read this book, so I don't know how it will be (but I like the title). Hurry, these are while supplies last! =) Free is so great!

LINK:
http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/features/RHPGgalley/romancing_miss_bronte.html

Bookish Fashion Delights

Hello all! I’m excited to announce a new series of posts to soon come to Bess’ Bag: Bookish Fashion Delights! In the coming days I will be posting fashion inspired looks (from my personal wardrobe) inspired by beloved book characters & authors. Ever since the Jo March photo shoot for Rebecca’s Little Women challenge ("A Young Lady’s Blog"), I’ve been itching to do more. So, check back & while you wait here’s some hints to what will be coming soon…

P.S.: I’m a finalist in Rebecca’s Little Women Challenge in the categories: Little Women Photo Shoot & Little Women Inspired Post! If you haven’t, go check it out (see sidebar button) & vote for me (well, as it says, if I’m your favorite). Thanks!