Nest Feathering: TV Stand DIY

I’ve come to a realization. My apartment’s a forever-work-in-progress. I’m not going to be able to get everything “just so” so that I can show you around in one humongous post…it’s simply not possible {well, it’s possible, but scurrying about to get it all presentable may send me over the cuckoo’s nest}. So, I’ve decided to show you the progress – bit by bit, feather by feather. It’s funny, with all these bird analogies flying about =) that, indeed, my apartment does have a decidedly feather-friendly design element. I’ve always loved the simple, poetic, magical quality of birds… so I’ve sprinkled them about the house in various ways.


Here’s my latest DIY project... {I am getting quite excited by interior decorating – you should see me dance about when I see a design show on tv with fabulous ideas!}

My mom found this great tv stand for me at a yard sale for $8! It’s got great storage cubby holes on each side + in front. I wasn’t sure about the black shiny paint job, however. My original plan was to have mostly white furniture… Hmmm… Then I looked about me…on the walls were pics I’d put up in black frames {one even has a big black bow surrounding it}. I decided mixing the 2 colors wouldn’t be so bad. I thought it might even look neat, since the tv I bought {yes, I bought my 1st tv} is white, of all things. A trip to Michael’s soon after the epiphany, gave me an even greater one! At the front of the store was a big sign 7 for $1, & underneath were piles & piles of scrapbooking paper {a weakness of mine}. After digging in the pile for quite an embarrassing amount of time, I came to the check out with 7 different papers {I stopped myself from purchasing more} =), one of which was black, white, & even sported a cute birdie (see below).

After my crafting mind got into gear, I discovered the shiny black & white birdie paper would look great on the front blah panels of my tv stand. I rushed back to the store the next day & got more sheets, measured & trimmed to size, & affixed using pieces of wall sticker backings that I glued to the back of the scrapbook paper & then peeled the backing off & stuck on (so it can be removed without damage) {I love removable wall stickers, by the way, but more about that in another post.}. So, with 14 cent pieces of scrapbook paper {I’d say easily less than $1 for all} I updated my $8 tv stand into something quite snazzy {well, I think so} =)! What do you think?

Mini DIY project…
I love having plants inside! The big palm I bought came in a plain black plastic pot, which wasn’t very attractive, so I found a woven placemat at a thrift store, cut it to the height of the pot & hot glued it to the sides. It didn’t reach all the way around, but thankfully {& sneakily} it doesn’t have to as the back of it is towards the wall.

Love from the Nest Feathering,
-Bess-


P.S.: If you’re wondering about my tv antenna, it’s a strange one that has room for a photo. I was sick of looking at the fake photo frame models, so I cut more of the scrapbook paper & put it in.

P.P.S.: How do you like the blog's new look? {Notice the bird theme - yep, it comes full circle - home & blog.} =) 

Instant Chic: Scarf Styling {With ModCloth Videos}

There's something very Audrey Hepburn about scarves...& if Audrey isn't "instant chic" than I don't know who is!  Amber, my great blogging pal {who I love sooo much} & sister-in-Christ, asked for a post on scarves & how to wear them.  This is for you, Amber.  {Hope you all like it, too, as a silk scarf is the lead favorite springtime accessory so far, according to this month's Girl Talk Poll!}


Bess' Notes: Last spring, I created a scarf post with even more ideas {including how to wear them as tops}.  Visit here!

Neck Tying Lessons...







Bess' Notes: The tutorial below is entitled "Winter Scarves," but could definitely be used for lightweight or sheer spring & summer-evening scarves.



Head Tying Lessons...

...Silk scarves as seen on DKNY's ready to wear spring 2011 collection.

Springtime Love,

-Bess-

Dear Japanese Sisters (& Brothers)

There are days in my own life when I wonder how I could ever make it through without the love, hope, & strength Jesus gives… & I’ve gone through nothing like the natural disasters of an earthquake & tsunami. So, dear Japanese sisters (& brothers), I pray you know Jesus as your Lord & that it gives you a “peace that passes understanding”* during this horrific time of loss, pain, & fear. God is with you & has never left, even when the waters rise & rage. Know we hurt for you, love, & pray for you daily. This path is hard, but it will not last forever. God will lift up your head. And, if you do not know Jesus as your Savior... if you have never been told about him…


Every person on this vast planet has sinned. We are all sinners because God’s standard is perfection, which we can’t reach. We have all done many of these offences (which are some of the sins we commit) (often repeatedly): lied, hated others, thought mean thoughts, lusted after another, stole, hurt others, hurt ourselves. We are all broken on our own, & nothing we can do can fix us. The penalty for sin is death, which means we should die if justice was given for our behavior. But, praise be to God, that the mighty God gave his own Son, Jesus, who was perfect & blameless, to die for us – everyone, every sin (no matter how horrific). When Jesus died on the cross, He took the death which should have been our own & vanquished it forever; He took our sin & with His death has forgiven us of all the wrong we’ve done. Now, we have the hope & promise of eternal life with our true Lord – in this special place no more pain will be felt, no more tears will fall, no more sins will be committed by or against us. We will be new & whole & in a place of amazing love, because we will be with God who made & loves us. But, God has given us the free will to make our own decisions, if we do not accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, follow & obey His Holy Word which is the Bible, strive to live anew, seeking to leave our sinful ways of the past behind, & striving to please & live our lives for Him (which doesn’t mean we won’t sin again, but that we will try our best to do right & to know Christ has covered our sins & will forgive them when we confess & ask Him). You must do more than just believe in God, because even the devil does that, you must obey what His Word tells you to about becoming one of His followers. When you become a Christian, God changes you & gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit, which guides & helps you along the way. He comes into your life & fills the void that you couldn’t fix on your own. With the Lord you now have peace, purpose, hope, love, strength to make it through (because He is in your heart) & forgiveness of the wrong you’ve done. It’s amazing!


When we were unable to help ourselves, at the moment of our need, Christ died for us, although we were living against God. Very few people will die to save the life of someone else. Although perhaps for a good person someone might possibly die. But God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. -Romans 5:6-8


Peter said to them, "Change your hearts & lives & be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you, for your children, & for all who are far away. It is for everyone the Lord our God calls to Himself." -Acts 2:38-39


But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God. Then, by believing, you may have life through His name. -John 20:31


Please visit the Good News page & read through all the scriptures – there is hope for our terminal human condition.
We love you all so much! I which I could fly over & wrap my arms around you & cry with you & do something to help ease your pain. Know that my prayers are being lifted to our perfect God who will not leave you. I pray earnestly you will choose Him if you have not.


Love Your Sister in Christ,
-Bess-


*from Philippians 4:7

Modest Spring Runway Rundown {Dolce & Gabbana}

Oh, how I love these looks from Dolce & Gabbana's spring ready-to-wear collection!  The white lacey frocks are some of my favorites this spring!  Aren't they amazing?  They remind me of little white dresses from my childhood.

Bess' Frugalista Tips:

• Add a plethora of vintage & new gold (or otherwise) pins to a crocheted bag to achieve the eclectic beauty shown above!
• Layer on your chains, charm necklaces, & lockets.
• Add a belt to your look (place near your bellybutton or a little above).

Love & Loveliness to You From Your Sister,
-Bess-

"The Truth About Dating, Love & Just Being Friends" Book Review

Hey girls, I've got a book to recommend...

The Truth About Dating, Love & Just Being Friends by Chad Eastham

Yep, that’s some long title Eastham thought up, huh? It’s even longer if you look past the three little dots – okay, here’s the entire title of Chad Eastham’s book: The Truth About Dating, Love & Just Being Friends… & How Not to be Miserable as a Teenager Because Life is Short, & Seriously, Things Don’t Magically get Better After High School & Lots of Other Important Stuff, But We’ll Get to that Later… That sums up the book pretty well, however. It’s a tome geared toward teenagers & young adults (the Milleys, as the author calls us – those in the Millennial Generation (born anywhere from 1980-2000))…those in middle & high school are the main target, though, I’d say. I’m an older Millenial, myself, but I have to say, I truly enjoyed reading the relationship advice & wisdom found in Mr. Eastham’s pages. He puts things clearly, truthfully, & with godly encouragement (though in a non-pushy way, which makes this book great for a non-believing friend you want to witness to)… Oh, did I mention he’s quite funny, too? Well, he is – so you won’t be bored reading about “Dating, Factoids, & Quark-Gluon Plasma” (one of his chapter titles). He’ll hit you up with some of the strangest facts ever – seemingly unrelated to dating, relationships, & love on the surface – but he takes you deeper, & you come from the book not only better prepared for the relationships of life (friendship & romantic) but also smarter. For instance, did you know coconut liquid is a universal blood donor? Yep, Chad’s made me one smart girl. I love how in the chapter entitled “Why This Book Could Be Stupid” (stay with me here), he humbly explains that this book can’t answer all the complexities of relationships – you need to use what you know, too, & keep learning. Chad doesn’t have all the answers (as he’s confessed) - only God does – but he undoubtedly has wisdom teens & anyone else willing to read can glean from. From advice on how to tell whether someone from the opposite sex is attracted to you, to the myths of “just being friends,” to answers for our vampire/zombie/werewolf/weird obsessed culture… Chad helps guide you through the often crazy waters of relationships with a God-loving voice.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers through the BookSneeze program, in exchange for my honest review.

Bookish Blessings,
-Bess-

Modest Spring Runway Rundown {D&G}

Quite sweet, huh?  Try out the look yourself by donning ruffled skirts & pastel-y florals paired with Wellies (i.e.: rubber rain/garden boots), or any of the other options listed above!  If you've got a spring dress with straps hanging in your closet, pair it with a fitted tee or other well-fitting top (it's no good to show your undergarment straps in public...ever {it can make guys' minds wander & we don't want that}...& it's simply bound to happen with those skinny straps that move when you move).  Make your clothing choices please your heavenly Daddy! =)      

Bess' Frugalista Tips:

• Hot glue {or clip/tie} a posy of silk flowers to each ankle strap on a pair of wedge sandals for the runway look for next to nothing!
• Tie a bandana or scarf over your hair.  Not only does it protect your tresses/scalp from the sun, but it makes you look oh-so-D&G-stylish!
• Sew a simple carry-all bag {or keychain or scarf} out of red checked cloth. 

Love to You,
-Bess-

The Fashionable Spring

Spring is in the air! I promise, it is. =) I can feel it. I hope you can where you live, too! But, if not, it’s coming (unless you live “Down Under” or somewhere exotically wonderful like that – sorry, you mates can’t have it all & we’re definitely praying for you & all the terrible natural disasters you’ve been experiencing). In the coming days & weeks I’ll be creating a modest spring guidebook for ya with inspiration straight from the runways of Paris, London, Milan… all with modesty at heart (cause I handpick ‘em just for you – no more wading through filthy ads & articles in the latest teen/fashion mag for a glint of style gold - & please remember models aren’t the normal, or most often healthy, body type – you are beautiful) .


Heads Up: From March 13th – April 10th Target will be bringing back 34 dresses from past designer collaborations! I know I’ve missed some adorable frocks in the past {if they’re short I pair ‘em with pants/jeans {I love doing that}}, & now maybe my favorites will return & I can snag ‘em on clearance! A frugal girl’s hope… =) It really is an amazing opportunity to add lasting creations from the uber-fancy Thakoon, Rodarte, Luella, Behnaz Sarafpour, etc. to your wardrobe. All the dresses are under $45.


Love,
-Bess-

For the Birds...{Sometimes}

Hello girls! 


I have to say...leaving the nest sometimes feels "for the birds."  It's not this perfect equation for adventure, happiness, & coolitude.  Sometimes it's plain tiring, lonely, &, well, hard...& I wish I could hop back in the nest & be fed, taken care of, & chatted with.  {NOTE: My *old* family home (it sounds weird typing that) welcomes me with open arms anytime.}  Going "home" to visit just isn't the same as nesting with the folks, & while it's hard sometimes in this new nest out in the big world, I know it's where God wants me to be...hard nights & all - even when I chip one of my new glasses while I'm washing it; when one of my dinner plates cracks right down the middle in the microwave; I bump my car into the yellow base of a parking lot light at the grocery store; haggle with the checkout clerk that my purchases are on sale {it says so right in the ad} & leave all my unpaid purchases in a small {as polite as possible} huff at the checkout; spy the yellow paint on my car with much angst; drive to my unfinished nest; & have a cry.  God's with me every step of the way & understands my birdie (that sounds much nicer than 'bird brain') thoughts...  And He's with you too, sis.


Love,
-Bess-


Here are the nest's before shots...

living room

fireplace close up (+ my robin's egg blue rain/garden boots=)

 kitchen

 

bedroom

I promise more nest pics when I finish the feathering process!