Philosophy of Makeup

March 29, Saturday of the 3rd Week of Lent.

I've gained a sizable collection of little makeup tips and tricks over the years and come back every now and again to the idea of publishing them here, to keep a record for myself and to pass the knowledge along to others.  As I got down to writing, however, it became apparent that I would first need to set out a philosophy of makeup, at least for me personally, because makeup-wearing covers a great expanse of tastes and purposes.  It's also highly personal and subjective.  Like in art and parenting, learning the rules is just the first step toward breaking them.  There is no one right way to wear makeup.

So here is a little breakdown of where I'm coming from when I recommend or write about makeup on this blog.  (It can also apply to fashion.)

One of the most flattering comments I ever received was from a friend who said she liked how I wore makeup.  I can't remember her wording exactly, but the gist of it was that she saw how it improved my appearance, and it didn't look like I wasn't wearing any makeup, but it didn't look like my makeup was hiding me either.  I liked that a lot because it is exactly my makeup philosophy.

Makeup serves two main purposes: (1) to decorate and (2) to beautify.  These purposes don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think when the decorating takes away from, distracts, or frustrates one's God-given beauty, it's a shame.  Except in the case of costuming, such as during Halloween or a stage production or festival, my rule of thumb is to use makeup to decorate in a beauty-enhancing way.  I think some women who are afraid of wearing makeup have been scared away by the misuse of decorating-type makeup.

Let us illustrate the two purposes with the following:

sources here and here

In the first photo, the eyeliner is soft and smudgy.  If you were to take several steps back, so you weren't, you know, staring this poor stranger in the eyes at an uncomfortably close distance, then the definition of the makeup marks would become less and less clear, 'til it blended in with her lashes, making them look thick, full, and numerous--traits commonly considered attractive in the human female.  In the second photo, if you were to step back, the definition of the eyeliner would remain clear for a much greater distance; the line is solidly defined, and the colors and luster are not naturally found on the human face.  See the difference?

There are all sorts of variations on these two styles above, and as many variations for each part of the face, and even for each makeup product.  I have both purposes for wearing makeup; my daily routine aims to beautify, but every now and again I like a smudge of red lipstick or colorful eye-shadow.

What is your makeup philosophy?  Do you wear makeup, and why or why not?  What is your main purpose in wearing makeup?

(Also, if you're interested, there's some thoughtful Lenten discussions on modesty going on here.)

Wearing Lately

March 3, Feast of St. Katharine Drexel, foundress of Xavier University of New Orleans in 1915, the first university in the United States for African Americans.

1  //  white and navy striped shirt

2  //  jean capris

3  //  glitter sandals

4  //  Bonlook glasses

5  //  Milk + Crown necklace

Getting this all out of the way before we brave the (bitter?) cold of the United Kingdom.  I can see an opportunity for capris again in the summertime, but without a car to get around, wearing sandals open to showers and city puddles is highly risky.  Oh, well.

(The glitter on the sandals is prismatic gold and silver--so pretty!  I've had them since the summer and they've held up splendidly.  If they come back to Target this year, I highly recommend.)

And . . . new glasses!  You might have noticed them (if you've seen me in person or are perceptive about the few photos I put up of me around here).  The style is called Fancypants (!!!) and the color is Strawberry Daiquiri.  You know you shouldn't love it on the merit of the name alone, but you do.

Next week, it's wellies and rain coats!

(Gosh, my style is boring.)

Five Favorites (vol. 48)

Feb. 26, Feast of St. Porphyrius, bishop.

1  //  Sephora by OPI in A True Romantic

2  //  Sally Hansen Dry Kwik Nail Color Dryer

3  //  essie in Butler Please

4  //  Sephora by OPI in Green With Envy

5  //  Sephora by OPI in Break a Leg-Warmer

Let's be honest here: I don't make nail polishing a regular thing, but I'm starting to think I ought to.  Even the name suggests a sort of tying-up and patting-down, the finishing touch of a well-put-together woman ("She's so polished, right down to her nails!").  I like the idea of old Hollywood glamour, making a certain amount of ceremony part the everyday.  My father's raised me on the black-and-white dramas of Greta Garbo and later Katherine Hepburn, who wore trousers with a bored look that said, "Why yes, I do ride."  Back then, the average woman might have a use for an evening gown without having to enter a beauty pageant.  You had to think about it before going somewhere.  It took planning.  You couldn't just dash out the door.  Not if you had to pin on a hat.  And how elegant would it be to cast your gloves down on the hall table when you come home?

All dreaming aside, I thought my polishing days were over after I had a baby.  But lo-and-behold, there is this awesome phenomenon (#2) that makes painting nails not too much more than an extra step in your bedtime routine.  After applying the nail color of your choice, you wait a one minute before applying the Kwik Dry clear coat.  After that, it dries within minutes.  So much more practical than sitting in a salon.  Like anyone has time (or money) for that!

The other polishes in my "collection" are ones I've had from years ago (told you I don't wear it often!) or that I've found at Big Lots for a dollar.  The only one pictured above which I don't actually own is #4.  Anyway, I like that they're subtlety spring without being Easter egg-pastel.

My fashionista baby sister swears by soft pink, and it looks nice on pretty much all skin types.  Just as long as you avoid matching it exactly to your skin tone; that'll just blend in and wash you out.  essie's Butler Please is TARDIS blue; kinda says spring in London to me--a traditional color with a fresh brightness that's not at all shy.  OPI's Green with Envy is likewise fresh, without being sweet and simpering.  And gray . . . I'm really liking gray nail polish right now.  It's sophisticated without aging, and I think it's a good middle way between light and dark to transition well from winter to summer.  I've also got a Sinful Colors in In the Mist, which is kind of gray, kind of dusty moss.

Pair one of these colors with Christy's bright lipstick and winter will be running for cover.

Do you wear nail polish?  What's your favorite brand or go-to color?

Five Favorites is hosted at Moxie Wife.

Seven Quick Takes: Volume 28

Dec. 21, Feast of St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor.  This remarkable Jesuit almost single-handedly re-evangelized Central Europe, founded dozens of colleges, revitalized Catholicism with his prodigious writings, and laid the groundwork for the Catholic Reformation north of the Alps.  Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1925, he is patron of Germany, the Catholic press, and catechism writers.  Also, east of St. Thomas the Apostle in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

I've got out of 7 Quick Takes lately, mostly because I'm really bad at them (ask an absentminded bookworm professor type to do anything "quick," I dare you!), but there are some days that I just have a lot of little things to say, and this is one of them.  So, without further ado:

-- 1 --

I waffle between under- and over-exaggerating my struggles.  What one day seems to be a true-to-life, honest examination of what's-happening seems on other days like a drama queen performance; what is judicial silence and determination of irrelevance on good days seems like prideful denial on bad ones.

I hope I didn't upset anyone too much by my "confessions" yesterday.  It's hard to know how to say it.  I've been put into place by dear ones who remind me to be a reverse Pharisee by denying need when need is real is not the Christian way.  Especially if I'm not at the place spiritually where I really don't care about my own suffering (pray that I get better at that, won't you?).  But it's all relative.  When I see what others are going through--a mother of two under two who just found out this Christmastime that she has cancer; a dear friend whose husband is dying; a coworker who admits she has never felt happy in her entire life; a relative who spends Christmas alone because her only son died years ago--I realize my issues are drops in an ocean of suffering.

So somewhere between everything-is-fine and the-world-is-ending, there's me.  I just wanted to share my thoughts as an exercise in reflection, in hopes it could help others the way it helped me.  And you needn't worry: I've come to the conclusion about a year back that I would not be too proud to ask for help--but I would only ask for that help if it's truly needed.

-- 2 --

And how the Lord provides!  I should have mentioned during the mild ranting that at the company Christmas party I got a gift card to Subway and a Christmas bonus; my EBT card was spontaneously renewed when I went to fill out the forms online this week; the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at my parish got wind of things and insisted on sending three bags of groceries home with me last weekend; my grandmother wrote a generous check for my Christmas present; and my folks, though out of work for two years and struggling themselves, are still in a place where they are able to and do provide anything I might need.  The Squirt will have no lack of presents from Grandmama and Grandaddy, that's for sure!

My poverty over this Advent has truly been a spiritual one.  But even in this, there is cause for rejoicing!  For how can we merit God's graces if we don't first find the gaping lack of them?

-- 3 --

I have to say, too, that not having spare money during Advent is liberating, a gift in itself (which follows on the heels of what I concluded yesterday).  Since I don't have the resources, I can't buy gifts.  Since I don't have the time, I can't make them.  Or if I do find myself with a little extra spending money, it's going to get spent on something that really wants to be given, and not just a it's-Christmas-and-it's-what-we-do-so-I-bought-you-something-even-though-I-wasn't-sure-it's-what-you-wanted.  You know?  It's a pure philosophy of gifting, in which gifting is better for the giver than the one who receives.

I might have to write more on that later.

-- 4 --

What I'm crocheting lately:

It's sweet, isn't it?  Eventually--eventually as in when Christmas is over and I'm not rushed for time-and-money economical presents--I'm going to venture into learning how to make garments like baby hats and sweaters.  My true dream, though?  Doilies.  Lace, delicate doilies, with iron hook crochets, like what Sarah makes.  Love it.

-- 5 --

(The one my husband might not want to read!)

(Hi, cariad!)

Speaking of clothing, learning how to sew has been on my radar for a while, at first as just a fun "what-if" hobby, then as a "cool people are doing it" scenario, and finally as a "I really want to make my own clothes someday" resolution.  And I don't mean in the fashion-y sense, though it'd be fun to experiment and make things inspired by otherwise obsolete fashions or considered un-cool by today's standards.  But also because things have been developing over the last two years in a direction of greater self-sufficiency and homemakery--or at least, my attraction to them has.  And certain shifts in income and lifestyle seem to support a change in that direction.

I've always had an inexplicable attraction (one of many) to spinning; and as I've picked up my crochet hook again this past autumn, I've let my mind wander along the story of production.  Even yarn from Walmart can rack up unnecessary expenses, if you're talking about really making things to supplement what you would ordinarily buy from a store.  With the handsome spindle given to me by a friend, I can spin my own yarn.  But I still have to buy the wool, and that's not something that's easily accessible either.  So get a sheep, I say to myself--or at least a cat or a dog or something, and use their fur to make your own thread, to crochet your own things.  But while we're at it, why not keep chickens, so we can have our own eggs, and maybe poultry.  In fact, why not throw in a farm?

-- 6 --

I know it seems incompatible with the prim, preppily dress girl in these photos, but my interest in semi-self-sufficiency--via either farming, urban homesteading, or community gardening--has steadily grown.  It started with an affection for rural life and peaked my interest as distributism when reading Chesterton.  Now I've come to know, on varying degrees of intimacy, families and individuals who are learned in, striving toward, or who actively maintain this alternative lifestyle.  The best part is that it's lock-in-key complimentary to the liturgical lifestyle we're already pursing.

In my internet wanderings, I've come upon a resource called the New Catholic Land Movement.  There is a greater dignity in seeing the product you have created, rather than doing abstract work for a symbol of a symbol of wealth (checks are imaginary money, and money is just made out of paper, and that paper is supposed to symbolize the gold in the national vault--wha??); or earning your daily bread by just spreading around ideas and things, rather than creating them--or worse, using and destroying them.  I see all these exceptional, lovingly and quality made items on Etsy that I actually covet, and I think, 'the only thing that keeps me from making those things myself is that I'm busy blundering doing unrelated things in order to make money so that I can eat and clothe myself and my family.'  But wouldn't it just be simpler and more satisfying to remove that nonsense in the middle and just do something that has an immediate, practical, and good end--like planting seeds for food, or keeping sheep to spin thread, or building the things you need like furniture and shelter?  A life like that wouldn't be devoid of luxury altogether, and I there's no question that there'd be a need for poets and painters, but the two types of vocations are much closer in their purpose than the modern world seems to imagine.

That's sort of the philosophy of distributism.  I know the romance would melt away for me soon enough, with hard winters and dependence on the hand of God, but I've already had to train myself in doing without, especially this past month.

-- 7 --

Last but not least, Soul Gardening is hosting its inaugural incentive offer.  Donate any amount to keep the grassroots ministry going and they will send a free copy of the award-winning "Eastern Bound" CD.  If you haven't yet, sign up to receive this quiet little journal; it is truly a must-have for any mama, stay-at-home papa, homesteader, homeschooler, or person who feels the occasional loneliness of isolation and wants lifting up by the black-and-white printed spiritual communion of the Church on earth, Catholic or no.  And oh my, the illustrations are so humbly breathtaking!

Join Jen at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday!

What I Wore Sunday

Dec. 15, Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudette Sunday.

Dress  //  Merona, Target

Shoes  //  Merona, Target

Belt  //  ???, Target

Green Scapular  //  Saint Leo Abbey gift shop

When I wore this dress sans belt into the childcare center a couple of months ago, my son's teacher joked I was in my Catholic schoolgirl outfit.  Only the collar would have to be much higher, and the hem much longer to be acceptable in the Catholic elementary school I attended, no lie.  And at my Catholic high school, skirts were banned altogether, and we wore trousers.  So there.  c;

I wore this with a flowered bonnet--and then a lace veil when the Squirt wanted the bonnet, so I guess I should thank him because looking at these pictures, the bonnet definitely didn't match.  But I'm saying that like I care or something!

I don't.

Really!  (Ask my sister.)

If I had it my way, we'd all dress Japanese lolita-style or like 17th century Flemish.  (There's a little bit of the Puritan in that dress up there with that collar.)

Anyway, I've had some meditations and questions incubating regarding fashion and clothing these past months, ranging from

• self-sufficiency in fashion thanks to sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc.
• what fashion means (which definition do I subscribe to?) and if and how it is compatible with a Christian lifestyle
• how and if we even need to balance creative self-expression in clothing, hair, makeup, and jewelry with glorifying and respecting the self as created in the image and likeness of God (here's a for-instance: my begrudging respect for Lady Gaga and simultaneous outstanding disapproval of her)
• headcovering, and if/how to incorporate it into everyday life (I can have this please? and this!)
• and even the very serious thought of transitioning into giving up shorts and trousers and wearing only skirts and dresses

But they're not done baking yet, much less separated and solidified into coherent thoughts.  In the meantime, if you need a wholesome fashion fix that's not vacuous, there's always The Evangelista!  Also, this sweetie has good fashion sense and makes the prettiest jewelry.

Unrelated: for you readers and studious types, my latest Harry Potter book club post is finally up!

WIWS is hosted at Fine Linen and Purple.

Five Favorites (vol. 39)

Dec. 4th, Feast of St. Barbara, a virgin whom her pagan father imprisoned in a tower.  Eventually tortured and killed by his own hand, she is patroness against death by artillery; against explosions, fire, impenitence, lightning, mine collapse, and storms; of ammunition magazines, ammunition workers, architects, armorers, artillery, artillerymen, boatmen, bomb technicians; brass workers, brewers, builders, carpenters, construction workers; dying people; fire, fire prevention, firefighters, fireworks, fireworks manufacturers; fortifications, founders, geologists, gravediggers; gunners; hatmakers, hatters; lightning; mariners; martyrs; masons; mathematicians; military engineers; milliners; miners; ordnance workers; prisoners; sailors; smelters; stone masons, stonecutters; Syria; tilers; warehouses; watermen; and sudden death.  So basically, everything.

1  //  Winter Birds by Lauren Merrick; I'm so fond of birches, and the scene embodies the peacefulness of a wooded winter.

2  //  The Plague Doctor hand-painted box by my good friend Nat.  Wouldn't this be neat for Hallowe'en (or any time of year)?

3  //  The hand-stitched Sarita Dress from Little Tienda makes me want to pick up a needle and learn to embroider!

4  //  Subdued colors and simple lines are perfect for the nursery in this little print by nomuu.

5  //  I've got my eye on this puppet playsuit from une belle epoque for the Squirt come spring.

 

Today

Nov. 18, Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, a French nun of the Order of the Sacred Heart who became a missionary to the Potawatomi in America at the age of 71.  Her convent was a wigwam, and the Indians called her "the woman who always prays."  She is patroness against the opposition of Church authorities.

Today, I am. . .

Feeling . . . better.  Almost energetic.  Saturday I woke up feeling OK for the first time in nine days.  Also, agitated at the unfailing humidity. 

Seeing . . . all of the ridiculously cute and affordable clothing I stockpiled for the Squirt for the winter.  They're size 3, so they'll last through next year!  Poor child has looked like a ragamuffin for the past year or so, what with hand-me-downs and the distinctive lack of attractive and fashionable toddler boy clothes for reasonable prices.  I got him three sweaters, a cardigan, a polo, a long-sleeved polo, and four pairs of non-jean pants!  All right! 

Next time, maybe I'll even buy something for me! 

Smelling . . . the Squirt's lavender bedtime body wash.  Soothing. 

Tasting . . . rosemary and thyme, sauteed with mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil for our dinner. 

Listening . . . to the tumble and click of the sheets in the dryer.  Monday is my day to clean the bedroom, and that means wash day! 

Grateful . . . to have good spells in-between my poor health.  And for the poor health, too, so that I can offer it for souls. 

Reading . . . Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.  I have a theory that if I agreed to read Twilight or another favorite of Jenna's, I'd actually read Harry Potter for once!  When you've made a commitment to do something, why is everything else so tempting? 

Loving . . . the latest updates to Picmonkey. 

Hoping . . . for a secret hope.  <3

See more sensory notes at Masha's.

Today

Nov. 4, Feast of St. Charles Borromeo, patron against ulcers, intestinal disorders, stomach diseases, colic, and of apple orchards, bishops, catechists, catechumens, seminarians, spiritual directors, spiritual leaders, and starch makers.  I don't know if what is meant by "colic" is a sad disposition or fussiness in babies.  If the latter, that knowledge would have come in handy when the Squirt was an infant!

Masha's recipe for soul cake gives "piece of cake" a whole new meaning!

Today, I am . . .

Feeling . . . calm.  The initial rush of autumn and October is over.  For a few weeks, we have peace to look forward to, with nothing but our own little goals and private commitments. November is a lovely month, contemplative, especially in the light of October, but also because it is the month of the Holy Souls.  (Don't forget to pray for them!)

Seeing . . . the Halloween decorations come down.  And you know what?  I'm not a bit sad.  That's the funny thing about holidays (holy days) and seasons.  You don't want them to be always.  Already I feel the turning of the wheel, and that time of year, the excitement, the indescribable aura, is fading away and we are moving on.  It's time. 

Smelling . . . the autumn-scented candle burning in a fresh, clean bedroom. 

Tasting . . . pumpkin!  So much pumpkin.  Everywhere.  Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin butter,  pumpkin soup, pumpkin sauteed in a pan with olive oil, salt, and spices . . . everything but pumpkin pie (which, interestingly, is my least favorite pumpkin food).  Delicious! 

Listening . . . to "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman.  I'm not a big contemporary worship music fan, but this one is good.

Also, a talk on CD by Dr. Scott Hahn on the New Evangelization, about how it is a Eucharistic evangelization.  Highly recommended. 

Grateful . . . for online thrifting.  In other words, threadUP.  My world will never be the same!  Click the link to shop and get a $10 credit applied to your order at checkout.  Sorry to sound like an advertisement, but I'm really excited about this.  The clothes are so cute and like new!  I got an entire winter wardrobe for the Squirt between $3 and $5 apiece!  Delivered straight to my door.  Awwwwwwwwwww, yeah. 

Reading . . . nothing . . . yet!  But The Prisoner of Azkaban is right around the corner, kids! 

Loving . . . our cozy little home.  The Eucharist.  The profound peace that comes from surrender and obedience to Holy Mother Church (can you tell I just went to Confession?). 

Hoping . . . to finish up my Halloween series tomorrow.

See more Today sensory notes over at Piękno.

Five Favorites (Vol. 31)

Oct. 2, Feast of the Guardian Angels.

-- 1 + 2 --

Primitives by Kathy makes embellished word art for every season.  As I've said before, I like word art, and not just because it's a fad.  Unfortunately, they're pretty expensive for a chunk of painted wood.  Fortunately, they tend to come out early and so go on sale about a month before the approaching holiday.

Which, in this case, is my second favorite: HALLOWEEN.

I am a huge fan of Halloween.

-- 3 --

Haling back to my inexplicable obsession with all things Scandinavian--and I mean in furniture, art, culture, literature, genetics, language, landscape, knitting . . . all things--the Norwegian and Swedish art of rosemaling attracts me.  It can range from simple, Shaker-esque paint strokes on wooden furniture to rich-colored, highly detailed stenciling.  If I see anything that vaguely reminds me of rosemaling or that could pass as it, I want it.

I've yet to paint my own decorations, but I do want to.  Especially with the abundance of resources online nowadays.  I can find some authentic stencils and decorate the pieces I already own.

-- 4 --

I saw these witty paper organizing tools in the bookstore, and now I can't remember the name of the company that makes them.

-- 5 --

I purchased this scarf at World Market this past summer.  It's part of a collection called Gypsy Caravan (awesome, right?!).  The color, the weight and feel of the fabric, and the bunch and drape of the scarf make a winning combination.  I bought with it a necklace to match (it's woven many strands of woven string of the same color, strung with small, brassy beads).

I also got two ceramic doorknobs to install into an old cupboard.  They're stamped with a very simple red design that reminds me of . . . you guessed it!  Rosemaling.

I could have stayed in World Market for much longer, but I didn't, which was a mercy to all parties involved, myself and my wallet.

Seven Quick Takes // What I Wore Sunday

Linking up with Conversion Diary and Fine Linen and Purple!

-- 1 --

I wouldn't have if I couldn't have, but I can, so I will.  I said I'd do a What I Wore Sunday linky--had all the images ready and everything!  Credit to my sis Caroline for the photographs (and flattering pose advice).

Polka-dot dress:  Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit (Bealles)
Cardigan:  Mossimo Supply Co. (Target)
Flats:  Mossimo Supply Co. (Target)
Costume watch:  Premier Jewelry
Glasses:  Walmart (is that a brand?)
Gold crucifix:  jewelry store/gift shop at the tippy-top of Saint Peter's Basillica
Naturally frizzy hair:  genes, by Mother Nature

-- 2 --

I hauled the Squirt into the car last Sunday for a 55 minute drive to the closest Marionite Rite Catholic parish: part of an idea I've had in my mind for the past six months beginning the Squirt's Catholic education and enriching my own.  It was a pretty little church, sparse but arranged like other Roman Catholic churches I've been in (not the octagonal ones, thank goodness!).  Though there wasn't an abundance of art, what they had was mostly iconography--with a photo of Pope Francis and the traditional Sacred Heart painting--and lots of pretty writing in Arabic.  So pretty.  Did I mention how pretty it was?

I expected the Mass to more closely resemble the Latin extraordinary form, but it too appeared to have been modified via Vatican II.  The priest faced away from the altar, responses came readily from the congregation, and I only counted two veils.  Before the reading, the lecterns turned to the priest and asked him to bless them, which he did, and then blessed the rest of the congregation as well.  For the sign of the peace, the ushers walked down the aisle, from the front to the back, and greeted only the people on outside of the pews.  Instead of shaking hands, the ushers placed their palms together in a prayerful gesture and held them out, and the people placed their palms on the outside of the ushers' hands and slid them off.  I've never known anyone from the Middle East very well or otherwise been exposed to the culture, but I assume that is how they shake hands!

The sacred music consisted overpowering voices chanting in Lebanese, though I could discern an "amen" and an "alleluia" every once in a while.

I didn't get to take any pictures or stay around and socialize because the Squirt was being Especially Bad.  But I don't regret taking him, and I'm really glad we went.  I wouldn't mind going back, so . . . we'll see how my days work out that I'm free and able to drive two extra hours to attend church.

-- 3 --

Yesterday was my mom's birthday, so my sister made a homemade red velvet cake with cream cheese icing.  It was so soft and spongy and moist.  Happy birthday, Mom!  Happy birthday, Uncle Chris!

-- 4 --

Here is the sprightly lady at a the tender age of [message garbled]--ahem.  My sister took the photo of her on the same day she did the ones of me above.  I tried to give her some instruction, but the posing and look-capture is all her.

I edited this photo in RAW format for clarity, lighting, and sharpness.  Also messed with the noise reduction, which I'm not entirely sure is necessary.  I can't remember if I adjusted the white balance or not.

No makeup--pretty good, right?

But I wanted to give her the softness a little makeup would add (not that she needs it--my dad is insistent).  So I converted the RAW file to JPG and uploaded it to Photoshop.  Using the Perfect Portrait action from Coffeeshop Blog, I smoothed her skin, reduced redness, whitened her teeth and pupils, highlighted and brightened her eyes (these things are done manually by "painting" on the photo in different "layers").  There probably wouldn't have been much to do if I'd had my soft lens filter on the camera that day.

In the latter photo below, I played with lighting so that it looks like the evening is creeping up from behind on the left.  (The photo was taken at dusk.)

Last, in Picmonkey, I added some color to her lips and cheeks

and experimented with different types of effects.

There's even a tool to smooth/remove wrinkles, but I stand against that on principle!

I feel like I'm getting more and more ready to start a little side business soon.  Thoughts?

-- 5 --

Tomorrow my sister and I are attending the wedding of a college friend of mine.  I haven't seen him since my own wedding, and I'm looking forward to toasting the nuptials and dancing like nobody-that-I-actually-know-is-watching.

-- 6 --

The Squirt got his British passport in the mail on the same day Queen Elizabeth's great-grandson was born.  He is now officially a citizen of "her Britannic Majesty."  I quipped on Facebook that someone should be made aware that my boy is now available and eligible for the position of Tiny Gentleman-in-Waiting.

-- 7 --

Read the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets--hope to have the introductory post on that up before Monday (fingers crossed?).  See Jenna!

Simple Is Beautiful

That's what stands out to me when I admire the lovingly made, 14k gold-filled jewelry at milk + crown.

Just look at the symmetry and muted light of the emma necklace or the eye-drawing and elegant tangle of the little gold ball on bryony (a name meaning prickly vines--get it?).

Also, as an enthusiastic jewelry browser (I can spend twenty minutes alone examining one section of the jewelry counter in Sears), I can assure you that these pieces are very affordable!

I believe in small businesses, using the talent God gives to support oneself and make others happy, and the good, hard work of human hands.  I'm impressed with the craftsmanship and vision that goes into these unique pieces of jewelry.  I've enjoyed getting to know Kristyn, a fellow Floridian and lover of literature, and am so pleased to be able to offer support to her budding business in any way I can.  So keep milk + crown in mind if you want to give a unique, quality gift or deserve to treat yourself; favorite, share on Facebook, and tell your friends!

Disclaimer: I receive no monetary reimbursement for the recommendation of these products.

Photo copyright Kristyn Pankiw.

WIWS: Father's Day

Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple this evening for What I Wore Sunday.

Today I could have actually had my husband take a full-length picture, but when I asked him, he said his hands were too greasy (he was happily eating a sandwich . . . how could I ruin that for him?).  So I hope I don't get dropped from the linky for this.  I've been okay so far . . . you can see the skirt ends about there, around the knee, and I'm wearing a black Spartan sandal/flip-flop hybrid.

Slip (worn as a blouse):  old Noa Noa
Skirt:  old Noa Noa
Cardigan:  borrowed/stolen Mossimo (from my mom, I think)
Sandals:  Faded Glory

Here's one a kind person took of us three after Mass.




Squirt looks like he's photobombing. 

It was a a pleasant Mass, with Squirt at about 90% for behavior.  It helped that I had one of those waterless, to-go toothebrushes in my purse; gave that to him about 1/4 of the way through and it kept him entertained the whole time.  Kid loves to brush his teeth, I'm impressed.  (You can see him holding it in the pic above.)

I didn't have to work today, and I'm off tomorrow, so I had the luxury of dressing up.  Most days I have to wear my uniform because I have to dash off to work, or else I go on Saturday evening.  So I brought out some old Noa Noa favorites, which definitely fit much better two summers ago, but let's ignore that.

People have been talking recently about the appropriateness of wearing sleeveless shirts or dresses to Mass.  The best has already been said, but I like to be a parrot for the sake of thinking aloud.  So much depends on culture.  In mid-Florida, the climate this type of year is sweltering, and we've just come off of the cusp of a pretty good winter, a.k.a. the-season-after-Chrismas, a.k.a almost summer.  So the heat is quite a burden, and in most parishes, people take it for granted that a tank top is acceptable.  I've even seen people in spaghetti strap tanks.  I draw the line at tube dresses--like the fashionable wedding gowns women are wearing everywhere with no sleeves whatsoever, and a straight line collar over the bodice, underneath the armpits and around the back--looks like they're wearing a bath towel to church.  That's when you know that modest it is not.  I saw several of those today, but we weren't going to our home parish, which is more traditional, and it's common to see veils there.

Anyway, there are so many things that factor into modesty, culture and climate being two of them.  When I lived in Rome, the nearest English-language Mass was quite a walk from where I lived.  I wore a modest shell top, with a collar right up to my neck and "sleeves" whose cuffs were right on the outermost top part of my shoulders.  A nun came up to me during Mass that morning and handed me a shawl, indicating that I was to drape it over my bare upper arms.  She was nothing less than helpful about it, but being only 20 and for the first time out of the country, I was a bit taken aback.  Even in my traditional and modest parish, Florida custom permits tank tops with thinner straps and lower collars.

It's nice, though.  If you're ever in Rome in the heat of summer, remember to wear long shorts and bring a cardigan before you visit Saint Peter's.  They won't let you in if you're any barer than that, and, to be honest, it made me happy to see the world subject to the Church's standards, for once.

I still occasionally wear the sleeveless shirt or dress to Mass, and I probably shouldn't.  But I think it's important to stress that, in an instance when a woman is finding herself so distracted by worrying about her modesty in the presence of the Lord, it's best she doesn't beat herself over the head about it.  The fact that she's even thinking about it is sign that she wishes to please God, and He'd certainly rather have her full adoring attention during the liturgy than anxiety about His displeasure or, worse, what other people might be thinking of her and her children.  So say a prayer, let it go, and do better next time!

After our sandwiches, we moseyed down to the city for a visit to the aquarium.

So I hope you had a happy Father's Day; we did!