Luck Be A Lady?

I am a girl (stick with me here), I have a mom who is a girl, and two grandmothers who are girls. Oh, and one more thing, I have a daughter who is a girl. The point?
We are all ladies as well. What does that mean? (I am SO glad you asked...)
I was born in 1976 to parents with very little money. My dad worked hard and steady for more than 20 years in manual labor, setting aside his own dreams for a technology career until my brother, sister and I were grown. My mom was a stay at home mom and music teacher. We were working poor. But the women in my family were/are ladies.  What is the difference between a woman and a lady?  I have thought about this quite a bit, and this is the conclusion I have come to.
*A lady speaks gently.
*A lady dresses appropriately for the occasion.
*A lady cares for her possessions.
*A lady has manners.
*A lady is not characterized by laziness.
*A lady is well-read, and can converse on many topics.

True life example: When I was growing up and needed a new pair of shoes, said shoes were not rushed out and purchased from the nearest discount store. The money was saved, and it was a treat to go have feet measured and quality shoes purchased and cared for to last as long as possible (with the possibility of being handed down to the nearest cousin or sibling.) I remember many Saturday nights of polishing shoes for church on Sunday, adults included. We did not have a large quantity of items in the closet, but what we had was good quality and well-cared for.

The same goes for character qualities. We were taught to be kind to those around us by the example of others. My grandparents had little money, but were always gracious to host friends and family in their home, and left behind a reputation of generosity. (One friend tells the story of starting his own painting business, which was helped along by the gift of a small truck given by my grandfather.) My grandmothers did not go anywhere without being clean and neat, and there was usually a swipe of lipstick involved.

I was also taught good manners. Being raised in the South, we learned "Yes, Ma'am," and "No, Ma'am." As well as the tone in which to speak respectfully. If an adult stepped into the room, we stood and gave up our seat. If a grandparent had a need, we were quick to respond and help. This was also true in regard to authority. If a teacher called about our bad behavior, no excuses were made, and the problem was dealt with, and an apology to the teacher was required. Yes, good manners also means humility, and having the grace to apologize when neccesary.

As I became an adult, I recognized the manner in which I was raised, and was incredibly thankful. I also determined to instill the same good qualities in my children.  It takes much discipline, but I am thankful and happy to be able to say that my children are a genuine pleasure to be with (that's saying a lot, because two of the four are teenagers!). They have manners and respect, and can converse easily with adults. (Which seems to be a dying art these days.) My daughter stands out from the girls that surround her as she is grounded and calm, and generally what I call "classy."

Does this mean you set aside your sense of humor? Not at ALL! We love to laugh! It is healing to our soul. But not at the expense of another, and not at crude humor either. Genuine laughter and happiness spills up from your soul, as a result of a purpose-filled life. A dedication to your calling and a general desire to help others and be kind.

Dress: Anthropologie, Refined Cord Shirtdress
Tank: Gap
Tights: Banana Republic, dotted tights
Boots: DSW, Audrey Brooke
Belt: Thrifted
Bracelet: J Crew, Studded Leather Wrap

What does it mean to you to be a lady?

Smart Chick Monday: Manners & Morals

As I walked my shopping cart back into the grocery store, I noticed all the carts left behind in odd places all over the parking lot. Including handicapped stalls, parking spots and grassy medians.  I can't help but wonder if I am the only one that is bothered by these things.
As our society becomes more and more attached to technology, we seem to become more and more lazy.  Even in our exercise we can take the easy way out. Example? We drive 3 miles to the gym, look for a front row parking spot, and hop on a treadmill to walk 3 miles. (Not judging, I'm guilty!)
So are manners and morals important?  What is important to you is not going to be as important to me. How do we reconcile that?

Sweater: Gap
Scarf: American Eagle
Boots: Target
Bracelets: Tiffany/Pandora

I have often thought (and said), "You can't legislate morality." It has to be taught, and caught. We all want to live in a clean environment, but what do we do to contribute to that environment?  I am not a tree-hugger, but I do love trees. They are a part of God's creation, and I find God more easily in nature than any other place. I also work to develop these characteristics in my children.  We look for a beautiful sunset, we talk about it. We also talk about living in such a way as to positively impact others around us. "No man is an island." And really, would we want to be?  It seems like a nice concept, but really no one likes to be alone for long.
So what manners and morals are most important to you?

Smart Chick Monday: December 1941

When you write a fashion blog, it is very easy for people to think that surface issues are the only thing that matter to you. Nothing could be further from the truth in my case.  I have a cousin that I have a very close relationship with who frequently asks me, "Why was I born with this love of fashion? It does not translate easily into a way to help people."  We toss about theories as to why we both love fashion, but ultimately, it is just one piece of the bigger puzzle.  Because the other things we talk about are our marriages, disciplining our children, how and when to pray, and books we are reading.

Perhaps I feel the need to overcompensate because I never went to college, but I choose to read books that will make me a smarter woman. I am a voracious reader, but have not always chosen to read books that will truly expand my depth of knowledge.  A few years ago, I decided to make reading quality books more of a priority, instead of wasting time on surface reading. Don't get me wrong, I still like the occasional historical fiction novel, I just am not characterized by it.

With all that being said, I would like for us to have a sort-of online book club. I will share with you what I am reading, and I would love it if you would give me feedback about what you are reading. This could also include reading articles. I love history, politics, sports, fashion, food- all those topics and more, so there is a broad range of interests for us to talk about.

To kick us off, I wanted to share a book I got for Christmas from Jay. I am reading it slowly, in order to absorb the information better. (Plus, I am also participating in a very in-depth Bible study, and that saps my brain power sometimes.)

Smart Girl 1/13/12 by modernmomx4 featuring slimming pants

December 1941 by Craig Shirley is this feature's book. (You can see the review and order here.)
My grandfather fought in WWII, so this time period has always fascinated me.  This is a 31 chapter book, each covering on day in December, leading up to December 7th and the days after.

Jacket: Gap, thrifted
Shirt: Navy striped Gap, thrifted
Scarf: Anthropologie, Welkin Dotted Scarf
Jeans: Anthropologie Pilcro Stet Slim Straight
Shoes: Keds, Champion Fall Stripes
Earrings: Lucky, Shaky Owl
Bracelet: J Crew, leather wrap

What are you reading right now? Do you have any good recommendations?

Nothin' In the Noggin

For fear of being considered an empty head (nothing could be further from the truth), I am going to now inundate you with all of the information that I have been processing for the past few months, days, weeks, whatever.
I was asked what kind of books I read from the "7 things about me" post. Basically, I am all over the map.
I teach women's Bible Study every week, so I am constantly reading things for new studies.  I also have a HUGE love for History, especially Presidential History and American (aka: Virginia) History, so I have stacks of books that run the gamut.   In addition to those two pretty heavy interests, I also like to read for fun, and my favorites are historical fiction, but I like to read all kinds of books.  Jay and I also like to read cookbooks for fun. (I know, it's kinda lame to read cookbooks, but we do like to cook, so it works out.)

So for Bible Study, I have been all over the place.  Everything from house and home type of studies, to social issues, to specific Bible passage studies.  Some of the more favorite studies- this is like asking me to pick a favorite child- are the Beth Moore studies, a book that I taught from years ago called, Intimate Issues, two novels that I have used for Bible Study groups, In His Steps & Not My Will (we are starting Not My Will again in two weeks.) Also, I love any study of the life of St. Paul- I feel like his conversion is the most relatable to my own life, and I love his teachings. You can find the life of Paul in Acts, Romans, I & II Corinthians, Acts, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, & Philemon. I have a personal quest to do a study on the life of Paul on my own, and write a study guide.  A very vast undertaking, to say the least.  I started Bible study at age 18 under my aunt, and she is who guided me in my spiritual growth for years- I still go to her for counsel and questions.  Last year, we did a really fun session together where we teamed up to teach a study on the home.  Basically, a how-to on running an efficient home, raising Godly children, marriage relationships, and self-esteem (God-esteem).  It was great to work with her on that, since she is the one who taught me from the time I got married.  I love studying God's Word. Since I want to be a smart chic, I have to constantly ask God to make me smart for a purpose. I want to learn in order to be an encouragement to others.  To make change in myself and those around me....

For history reading, I focus much of my attention on Presidential history. I just finished President Bush's book, Decision Points. It was an EXCELLENT read. I can't say it enough.  I think everyone should read it, regardless of your political affiliation. It is so well written, and informative, and intelligent- without being difficult to read.  But mostly, I am reading my way through the presidents. I have already read several books on President Washington, and John Adams, and one or two on Thomas Jefferson. My favorite book so far has been David McCullough's John Adams. David McCullough has the ability to take hard to read/understand information and make it current and interesting.  I just picked up his 1776 last Friday, and can't wait to get started on it!  Along these lines, I also like Presidential Wives history, and try to throw some of that in as well.  Whenever possible, I visit museums and Presidential homes.  My kids have probably seen more of those than the average kid. :)  It helps to grow up here in Virginia, where history was made.

My grandfather was in the Army Corps of Engineer during WWII, building and destroying bridges for Allied troops in Germany and France, so I am drawn to that frame of American history too.  I have a few of my grandfather's history books, and they are treasures to me.  I spent the majority of my time with my grandparents growing up and was crazy about my Papa.  I just read John McCain's Faith of My Fathers, and it really gave me a better understanding of family service, and why my grandfather never got over his love for the Army.  He was shot by a German soldier while standing duty for his friend in the woods of Germany one day, and was sent home on medical leave, then honorably medically discharged.  I am the proud granddaughter of a hero.

So now you know a little more about my reading choices.  Now, what do you like to read? Do you have a passion about a certain topic?  I am getting more into politics the older I get. What about you?

Here are my OOTD's, hope you get a laugh from my poses.

Shirt: Merona Chambray, Target
Skirt: Trina Turk, thrifted ($1.98!)
Belt: Limited Leather, thrifted
Shoes: Banana Republic, thrifted
Necklace: American Eagle
Bracelet: Kenneth Cole, Dillards

Behind me:
A 100 year old settee from Jay's grandmother's home.
The platter on the wall is from Target.  I have the matching bowl too.
My aunt tries to take it home with her every time she comes over.
I don't buy a lot of home stuff at Target,
but that has been one of my best purchases.

Winding up for a jump!

My cute thrifted shoes.

My awesome thrifted belt.

This is what I wore Thursday while running around doing errands, one of the places I went was to the Salvation Army thrift store, to look for something to make a costume for Little Man's school program (he is going to be one of the Three Blind Mice!). While I was there, I looked through the racks- since all clothing is 1/2 price on Wednesday's.  I found this stunning vintage Lord & Taylor dress. It is all wool, and a very high quality wool, fully lined, and it perfect shape plus, it fits perfectly!  I bought it for $3.49, and it is already in the errands pile by the door to head right out to the dry cleaners. I can't wait till next winter to wear it!