April Newsletter

2010 April 16
by Marianna
Bellissima! Modesty Boutique
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FEATURED ITEMS:


shabby-chic skirt

Lovely feminine skirt with ribbon detailing. Perfect for spring/summer outings- from casual to dressy!  Gentle blue print with roses, vines, and stripes. Side zipper for tailored fit, flattering A-line style.

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WORTH REPEATING:

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“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”

~Corie Ten Boom

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FROM MY DESK:

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I confess: sometimes I worry.  I know it’s a sin.  I know it doesn’t do any good.  But sometimes, I fail to take my thoughts captive and do it anyway. Sometimes, I even borrow trouble and worry about someone else’s problems.

But then… I think about the ladies I’ve seen whose faces were more often distraught with intense anxiety than not.  Faces where it’s not God’s beautiful peace I see displayed, but instead fear, anxiety, uptightness, and all those out-of-control feelings that we all so often face.  Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror when you were on a ‘worry-binge’?  Maybe your eyebrows were knit together, your mouth twisted into an intense frown, or perhaps a hard straight line?  I have.  It’s not a pretty sight for my family or whoever else happens to be thus inimically exposed.

I’ve also seen ladies like my friend “Ms. Annie”.  Ms. Annie is in a local nursing home, but she has learned to cast her cares upon the Lord.  Her face glows with joy and peace and she constantly seeks to be a blessing to those around her.  She pats my hand and tells me not to worry because “when you give it up to the Lord, He works it all out,” she says, lifting her aged hands upward.   Through her many years, she has seen the faithfulness of the Lord, and His peace is upon her.  Her face, though wrinkled and worn, is beautiful.

When I catch myself in this destructive thought pattern of worrying, I remember that one, I am being disobedient.  What makes me think that the sin of worrying is a little “less bad” than another “worse” sin?  Secondly, I remember that it is a woeful witness to a watching world.  I am a daughter of the King- I’m supposed to be different- have the peace and joy that was promised.  It’s true that I was promised “in this world you will have tribulation”, but also Jesus promised “be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world!”   Thirdly, I remember beautiful women who trusted God.  Women like Mrs. Annie, women like *Corrie Ten Boom.  Corrie Ten boom has some of the best quotes on worrying… and her quotes come from someone who knows what it’s like to have a genuine reason to worry.

“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.”
- Corrie Ten Boom

“There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.”
- Corrie Ten Boom

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”
- Corrie Ten Boom

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
- Corrie Ten Boom

So, my encouragement for you today, and my reminder for myself, is to not let worrying empty today of it’s strength.  Instead, be clothed in His peace:

For His peace is,

“a rare treasure, dazzling in delicate beauty yet strong enough to withstand all onslaughts.  Wear My (Jesus’) Peace with regal dignity.  It will keep your heart and mind close to Mine.”**

Blessings and peace to you!

~Marianna

*If you’re unfamiliar with Corrie Ten Boom’s story, I highly recommend her book The Hiding Place- a story of the true kind of beauty that overcomes all obstacles.

** From the devotional Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.

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TIP OF THE MONTH:

Dry rough hands?  Make your own all-natural hand and
elbow scrub!  Easy to make with all-natural and on-hand
ingredients. Fun and useful to use, and it makes a great gift!

Hand Scrub: Mix equal parts of sugar and canola oil. Rub to remove dead skin and rinse.

Elbow scrub: Mix 3 T. Olive oil, Juice of 1 Lemon, 1 T.
Honey. Rub into elbows and rinse after application.

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Tempting Tea Loaf

1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Optional Topping:
1 t. grated lemon rind
2 to 3 T. lemon juice
1/3 cup powdered sugar

Combine cream cheese and butter, creaming well.  Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating mixture well after each addition.  Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.  Mix well after each addition.  Stir in nuts.  Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ x 3″ loaf pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Combine lemon rind, lemon juice and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth; pour over hot loaves.  Cool.

Enjoy!

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March Newsletter

2010 March 16
Bellissima! Modesty Boutique
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FEATURED ITEMS:


Black & White Gingham Skirt

This lined gingham skirt is a perfect wardrobe basic for any age and any season! The unique decorative seams and a flared style adds spunk and style to a classic print.

Feeling colorful?  Try wearing a brightly colored top or shoe to add a pop of color!  You can’t go wrong with this too cute of a skirt!

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WORTH REPEATING:

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The clothes we wear are what people see. Only God can look on the heart. The outward signs are important. They reveal something of what is inside. If charity is there, it will become visible outwardly, but if you have no charitable feelings, you can still obey the command. Put it on as simply and consciously as you put on a coat. You choose it; you pick it up; you put it on. This is what you want to wear.

~Elisabeth Elliot

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FROM MY DESK:

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If you live in one of the Southern states, like I do, you’re probably noticing  that the promise of spring is all but here.  You can smell it in the air, hear it in the robin’s trills.  Longer days, warmer temperatures, neighbors out pruning trees and shrubs, and pink blooms are beginning to peek from the front azalea bushes.   In celebration of the joy of spring, I’ve joined forces with the local women over 50, as a green rookie (pun intended), at our local nursery and garden centers to help make yards more pleasant and colorful places.  As I roam
the aisles, stopping to sniff, examine, and admire the bright
blooms, the well loved and oft quoted verses from Matthew 6
continually comes to mind,


“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil
not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even
Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day
is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more
clothe you, O ye of little faith?”

When I was first praying about the decision to start Bellissima! Modesty Boutique, it was one of the verses that the Lord used to remind me that He  really cares about our clothes.  That when clothing the lilies, He cared enough to not merely dress them, but to dress them beautifully and with grace!


Consider the lilies with me for a moment…  they’re gorgeous flowers!  They come in various sizes, shapes, colors- snowy white, bright pink, flaming orange, and more!  None are the same; each is unique, with it’s own style and flair.  Far from being only practical, they do more than serve a
physical purpose; they represent and showcase the creativity and beauty of The Artist.  They brighten and bless anyone who walks by and notices their exquisite bloom.

How much more should we, as His daughters, cloth ourselves in not only modest clothing, but graceful, beautiful, and artistic apparel!   Apparel that is representative of the Creator God that we serve!  Apparel that splashes grace and beauty into a world that is often stark and drab.  Whatever we do, whether we eat, or drink, or dress ourselves, we are called to do it all to the glory of God!  (1 Cor 10:31)  What a privilege!

So this spring, whether you’re wandering through Texas bluebonnets, petunias, daffodils, tulips, lilies, or whatever blossoms adorn your life path, use them as a reminder to apply your own unique personality, style, and flair to clothe yourself not only modestly, but beautifully!  Representing to those around us The Artist, The Creator, our Father in Heaven, who supplies our every need and who cares about every detail of our life… even what clothes we wear.

Blessings to you and yours this Resurrection season!

~Marianna

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TIP OF THE MONTH:

The more days that pass between January and you, the more apt we all are to forget some of those healthy goals we set for ourselves at the front of the year when resolutions flew through the air like gossip at a
knitting circle.   Regardless of whether you’re on track with your goals or not, the one healthful reminder that we all need from time to time is to drink more water!  A friend of mine once asked a nutritionist what single thing could be done to improve health- the answer was to drink enough water!

Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will improve skin conditions, help soften brittle nails, and enhance your overall wellness  and energy level by moving toxins and waste through the body.

Healthy eating, exercising, getting enough sleep, and drinking lots of water will help provide a beautiful healthy glow that starts with making wise healthful decisions!

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Artichoke Spinach Casserole

1 6 oz jar marinated artichoke
hearts, drained
2 (10 oz) packages frozen spinach, thawed
2 (3 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
2 T. butter, softened
4 T. milk
freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 t. garlic powder

Place artichokes in a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.   Squeeze spinach dry.  Place on top of artichokes.  In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Stir in milk and garlic powder. Spread over spinach.

Top with a grind of pepper and Parmesan.  Cover and refrigerate as long as 24 hours.  Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake 10 minutes.  Makes 6-8 servings.

This would be excellent served at an Easter meal or brunch!

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February Newsletter

2010 March 2
by Marianna

Bellissima! Modesty Boutique

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FEATURED ITEMS:



Bolero Jackets!

Bolero jackets are short jackets that pair perfectly with strapless dresses and formals, tanks, camis, etc.    They’re great for making an immodest top or dress an option for a woman who wants to dress graciously.  Stylish, cute, and very versatile!


Black Velvet Bolero


Off-White Bolero

For more February fashion ideas, check out our
blog!

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WORTH REPEATING:

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“The world has enough women who are popular. It needs more who are pure. We need women, and men too, who would rather be morally right than socially correct.”

-Peter Marshall

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FROM MY DESK:

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Many people try to make modesty many different things.  It can be used as an affront for humility, for a form of godliness, a way to please and appease people, a fad, a thoughtless default, a means to hide beneath, etc.  Modesty with any of the aforementioned motives is missing the mark.

The only righteous motive behind modesty is love.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Love is kind, and it puts other first.  It does not seek it’s own best, but rather seeks the good of others.  It does not rejoice in sin, it rejoices in truth.  Love does not parade itself.  (1 Cor 13)

A heart full of love desires to honor and guard one’s own bodily temple that belongs to the Holy Spirit.  A heart full of love desires to protect brothers in Christ, desiring to serve them, rather than giving undo temptation to stumble.  A heart full of love seeks to reflect the purity and beauty of Jesus; the inward motivation spilling out into the decisions of how we portray ourselves to the world as His ambassador.

That is true modesty.  That is love.  Those are two sides of the same coin.  And that is what pleases and glorifies the Lord, and that is what makes us truly beautiful.

Blessings,
~Marianna

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TIP OF THE MONTH:

Bad hair day?  Use your disheveled locks to your advantage and try a “tousled bun”!

Bend over so that your hair is upside down and hair spray.  Flip it over, and gather into a loose pony tail, secure with elastic band.  Divide into 4-5 sections; take a section at a time, and roll up into a loose roll; secure by crisscrossing two bobby pins at pony tail base.   If you hair is straight, you can use a large barrel curling iron to help form a roll.  For more flair and style, wear a thin scarf tied around the base.  Easy, quick, and lady-like!

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Party Toffee

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club crackers
1 stick butter (no substitutes)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
chopped pecans
small chocolate chips (6 or 8 oz)

HTML clipboardPreheat oven to 350.  Line a 9″x13″ pan with foil.  Cover with crackers.  Boil butter and sugar.  As soon as it bubbles add baking soda.  Pour over crackers.  Bake for 10 minutes at 350.

Remove from oven.  When bubbles go away, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.  Let sit for 5 minutes.  Spread chocolate over crackers and cover with pecans.  Refrigerate.  Break into pieces.  Enjoy!

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~The Fashion of February~

2010 February 8
by Marianna

MODESTLY PULCHRITUDINOUS TIPS & TIDBITS:
pul.chri.tu.di.nous: [puhl-kri-tood-n-uhs, -tyood-] –adjective physically beautiful; comely.


Making your Valentine’s Day fashion a sweet success!

Valentines Day
Start out with your favorite denim skirt:

- Pair a chic off white or black bolero jacket with a red or pink tank.

or, pair a classic and simple white top with a brightly colored scarf.

- Brooches are the old new thing: wear one on your lapel for a feminine retro look.

- Ballerina flats come in all colors and sizes, they’re classy, and very comfortable.  Go with a fun or bold color, like red or pink to add character and pizazz.

– A brightly colored purse will add pop to your outfit!

- How can you not feel happy when you’re styling a pair of red sunglasses?

- Add a vintage inspired Valentine themed necklace for a finishing touch.  However, if you’re wearing a scarf, be sure to keep the necklace simple.

January Newsletter

2010 January 19
by Marianna
Bellissima! Modesty Boutique

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FEATURED ITEMS:

Black Vintage Skirt

A Victorian beauty, this tiered lace and ribbon accented skirt
will carry you through the cold winter months when paired with
black tights, all the way through the warm sandal wearing months
of summer.   You’ll feel lovely and feminine in this
skirt that is as versatile as it is beautiful.



Girls Plaid Skirts

Hard to find classic plaid skirts for girls! Long length,
graceful styling, and comfortable fit.  Available in both
black/red plaid, and brown/red plaid.  A “Girls size Large”
will fit as a small ladies.

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WORTH REPEATING:

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“You can only perceive real
beauty in a person as they get older. ” ~Anouk Aimee

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FROM MY DESK:

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It’s a new year!  2010!  We are rejoicing in what God has done in the past, we rejoice in the knowledge of what He will do in this new year!

We’re all a year older… and hopefully a year wiser.  However, regardless of our possession, or lack thereof, of wisdom, we’re all aging.  I see new gray strands in my hair from time to time.  I caught a glimpse of myself in a store mirror recently, and was somewhat surprised to see that the tired looking person in business attire looking at me, was me.  She looked like a young woman who had left her teen years behind her for good.  I mentally made a note to myself that I probably should start using my moisturizing cream a bit more liberally…  Later, I turned to my mom and said, “Mom, I think I’m ageing.“  “Uuuh, yeah… well…” my mom politely tried to respond.   Apparently, however, I haven’t outgrown my knack for genuinely being surprised when freshly discovering the conspicuous.

Our American culture rebels against the thought of aging.  It tells us that wrinkles are unsightly, so we need to buy this magic cream.  Plastic surgeons will be more than happy to give us a tuck here, a lift there, some silicone in all the “right” places.  It tells us that looking like our age is something to be avoided at all costs.  I’ve heard the names of celebrities that of have been around for many years, only to see them on television, their youthful appearance making me want to say, “are you for real? like, you’re in you 60’s and you look awkwardly like you’re in your 20’s!  and I’d be quite surprised if you can  even lift your eyebrows…”‘  (I told you, I’ve yet to stop being shocked at the obvious.)

Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “George Macdonald said, ‘If you knew what God knows about death you would clap your listless hands’, but instead I find old people in North America just buying this whole youth obsession. I think growing older is a wonderful privilege. I want to learn to glorify God in every stage of my life.”

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t see anything wrong with hair dye, moisturizing cream, etc.  It’s the motive behind our society’s “whole youth obsession”  that I question.  The motive is to hang on to outward beauty with everything they’ve got, because it is all they’ve got.

But, it is not so, for daughters of the King!  Aging doesn’t scare us.  Aging brings us one day closer to being with our Heavenly Bridegroom. While we should strive to be gracious, lovely, and feminine in our outward appearance, all our lives, we know that our outward appearance ultimately does not define who we are.

We have a love for Jesus that burns brightly in our hearts, we have a Father who loves us dearly, we have that love to offer to those around us and the world.  We have power from the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.  We are earthen vessels, it’s true, but we hold a heavenly Treasure.  It is the Treasure within that makes us beautiful.  Not a youthful complexion or a perfect figure.   And as we age and mature, and let Christ have more full reign in our life and hearts, our inward beauty grows.  We have the kind of beauty that actually grows lovelier as we get older.  (What an amazing anomaly to a watching world!)

This year I put on my list of new year resolutions that I want to continue to strive to become a beautiful Godly older lady.  As Nancy Leigh DeMoss has often said, “since I was a little girl, my goal in life has always been to be a godly old lady. I have found that the old part comes easier than the godly part.” You don’t just wake up one day as a Godly older lady, one must be intentional in the nurturing of our relationship with Him and of the building of our character.

I don’t want to be distracted or overly occupied by the outward form that fades.  I want the real stuff.  The beauty of His holiness is what I want to mark my life.  If that can be said of me when I am old, I will consider my life well spent.

The Kings daughter is all glorious within.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!

(Ps. 45:13a, 1 Chron. 16:29b)

Wishing you a happy and beautiful new year,

~Marianna
Bellissima! Modesty Boutique

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TIP OF THE MONTH:



Scarves

During these cold winter months, a

colorful
scarf
is a great way to add not only warmth, but color and
character to an outfit.  While printed scarves
can really add personality to an otherwise solid outfit, it’s
best to use solid colors when you’re wearing  printed or
striped top or bottom.   There’s lot of variations in
the way you can tie wear them, either tying them, wrapping,
draping, etc.  You can also use skinny scarves as headbands
or to tie on a handbag for pop and color.

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Fudge Pie

2 squares of unsweetened chocolate
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1 prepared 8-9″ pie crust


Melt butter and chocolate together in a medium sized sauce pan.   Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients: sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nuts and mix well.

Pour chocolate mixture into unbaked pie crust.

Place in un-preheated oven, and then turn oven to 350 degrees.  Cook for 30 minutes.

Pie will be gooey, and it is excellent served with vanilla ice cream. :)

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Bellissima’s December Newsletter

2009 December 18

Bellissima! Modesty Boutique December e-Newsletter

Sign up on our homepage for the newsletter to be brought straight to your inbox!


Having trouble viewing this
email? View it in your browser.
Bellissima! Modesty Boutique

WE HAVE A
NEW LOOK!


Visit our newly
redesigned site
at:


www.ModestyBoutiqueOnline.com

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FEATURED ITEMS:

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Velvet
Bolero

This is an amazingly useful black velvet bolero! Very
beautiful and flattering for any figure. Can be worn to any
event from church to a formal event. Perfectly pairs with
either a skirt or a strapless formal to provide modesty. Soft
velvet, lined with lace. Slightly puffed sleeves add an even
more feminine dimension along with covered buttons.

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Corduroy Skirts

Available in

brown
&

burgundy
.

Long demure skirt. Tiers trimmed with lace add a Victorian
touch. Small corduroy material, this lovely skirt that will
take you stylishly all the way through winter.

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WORTH REPEATING:

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“When a girl
ceases to blush, she has lost the most
powerful charm of her beauty.”

-Pope Gregory I

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FROM MY DESK:

InlineAs I sit here and think about the journey of why we began this store, I search my own
heart to ask why? Why is modesty so important? Why does the world
come against it so much? Why is it so rare? Why is it so little spoken about in churches? How do we find the balance between modesty and legalism? How can we help girls and women understand what a joy it
is to embrace the command of modesty? How can we help them to understand it’s a way to honor this body, this Temple of the Holy Spirit that we inhabit, and to honor those around us?

Of course I know the whys, whats and hows of these questions… I know that modesty is important because it protects us as women and honors those around us. I know that the world comes against us, because the prince of this world is against the Worthy One we seek to honor through our dress. I know it’s spoken about little in churches because pastors are afraid of being called legalistic if they mention it (even though obedience to God’s Word never brings bondage, but
freedom). I know that we can help others to understand the blessing of being blamelessly beautiful (or bellissima, if you will) by first of all being blamelessly bellissima ourselves… then by sharing at the leading of the Holy Spirit with those with open hearts about God’s good path for us.

Such things are true, but such things are easy to forget in the
every day hum drum of life… easy to get caught up in the how rather than the why. How can we keep all these truths from growing listless and dry in our own hearts? How can we make sure that we are doing it out of a heart of worship and love rather than duty?

I believe the answer to this, as well as to so many other questions, is
found in 1 Corinthian 13:1-3:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to fee the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

To do any of these things, to be blamelessly bellissima ourselves, to point the way to others through word and deed, to help further the Kingdom of Light and bring glory to the Prince of Peace, we must have love. Love for Christ. Love for others. Love for His holy commands. Perhaps if these verses were adapted to this area of our lives, and were written in the book of 1 Marianna 13:1-3, it might read something like this (in the original old English version, of course. ;) ,

Though we dress modesty, but have not love, we have nothing. Yay, though we dress fashionably yet modestly so we be not seen as a frump, and though never a mini skirt or too-low plunging neckline in public we wear, but have not love, we have nothing. Though we help shed the light of truth on the erring way of those who shouldst know better or know nothing at all, but do not love them, we are nothing. Though we say we love God and though we say we love others, if our fruit doth not meet the plumb line of 1 Cor. 13 or Gal. 5, we have nothing. Though we do everything in this are of modesty “right”, but love for Jesus Christ is not the motive, we have nothing. If thou makest an idol out of thine obedience to the command of outward modesty and forget about thine inward state and the beauty of His love and holiness that saved us from a wretched state, we have nothing and we are in error.

Without love, as our motivation, love for Christ, love for others, we have nothing. “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” (1 Cor. 8:1) True modesty, true beauty, true balance is obedience born out of a pure and loving heart rather than a prideful one.

So, as we seek to honor Christ in this area of our lives, whether it’s by offering a place for women and girls to easily purchase feminine clothes (like it is for me), or whether it’s just being that lone light in your church or workplace or at the mall (like it may be for you), let’s make sure our heart’s motivation is love. “Whatever you do, do heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men.” (Col. 3:23) Whatever we do, even in the way we dress, let it be on in loving worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you a joyful and peaceful Christmas season! Let’s celebrate Emmanuel, God with us.

~Marianna

Bellissima! Modesty Boutique

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TIP OF THE MONTH:

Layering is a great and easy way to make a top modest! Does the neckline plunge too low?  Add a Bellissima under tank, a lightweight long sleeve shirt, blouse, turtleneck underneath. Does an otherwise modest shirt pass the “praise the Lord test” (aka: raising your arms above your head), or can you see skin when you lift your arms? What about the “the touch your toes test” (can you bend over without showing skin or undergarments in the back), does it pass? If not, add a longer tank or camisole in a complimentary or neutral color to make sure that you can move free and easy and that those around you aren’t being exposed to more than you intended.  ;)

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

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Candy
Cane Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg
1/2 t.vanilla
1 t. peppermint extract
Dash of salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 t. red food coloring


Peppermint Glaze
(optional)


In a large bowl beat butter till softened. Add powdered sugar and beat till fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat well. Add flour and beat till well mixed. Divide dough in half. Stir food coloring into one half. Cover each half and chill about 30 minutes or till easy to handle.

For each cookie, on a lightly floured surface shape a teaspoon full of plain
dough into a 4-5 in. rope. Repeat with a teaspoonful of red dough. Place ropes side by side and twist together. Pinch end to seal. Form twisted ropes into a cane. Place canes 2 in. apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.



Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8-10 mins. or till done. Remove and cool. If desired, brush with Peppermint Glaze.


Peppermint Glaze: Stir together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 t. peppermint extract, and enough water (4-5 t.) to make of brushing consistency.

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Short but very eye-opening video!

2009 September 17
by Marianna

Our Society’s Standard for Beauty: is it True or False?

“Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not
lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord,
she shall be praised!”
~Prov. 31:30 (Amplified)

Summer Events

2009 August 30
by Marianna
It’s been too long since we’ve updated here!  This summer has been full of website hiccups (heh, what’s new :P ) and conferences and events for Bellissima!.   We can hardly believe that the summer is nearly behind us, and the fall season is quickly approaching!

We enjoyed meeting so many new costumers and friends at various events!  Thanks so all who came by our booth(s), what a joy to meet all of you, and we appreciate all the precious encouragement we’ve received through this endeavor!

Here’s some pictures to give you an idea of what we’ve been up to.  :)

The summer started out with SETHSA!

Our sister Lea, helping out, me, and Michelle.

Michelle: sleep deprived (if you’ve ever exhibited at a convention before, you know how tiring they can be!) but happy to serve! :)


Loading up inside Reliant Hall.

In June also we were hosted by these lovely ladies from an area church for a Mother Daughter Tea.  We (Bellissima) came and shared (and heard!) about modesty and Godly femininity. :)


(Photo by Allyson Huntsman)


(Photo by Allyson Hunstman)


(Photo by Allyson Hunstman)


(Photo by Allyson Hunstman)


(Photo by Allyson Hunstman)

Most recently was the THSC State Convention!




May the Lord bless and keep you!




Some ‘dos’ for your lengthly locks… compliments of Michelle. :)

2009 May 4
by Michelle
Hello Everyone!  This is Michelle here. :)   Marianna asked me to do a blog post on different hair styles that are not only quick and easy, but will also look like you spent an ample amount of time on your hair.  There are several do’s I’ve learned that can easily take under 10 minutes.

I have always loved experimenting with peoples hair, including my own, so I hope today you will be able to learn a few new idea’s and tips you will be able to use as well.

So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite ways to style my hair!

*Remember, what may work on one person’s face shape, hair cut, or volume of ones hair my not work for you. As always, experiment first, and see what best suits your needs. :)

I will show you a few of the styles below:

1. Hair down w/ clips (This style is great all the way from every day to church, or an evening out, etc.)

2. The Audrey Inspired Up-Do (Very elegant for formal events.)

3. The Low Pony Tail (Wonderful for when you’re on the go and need something quick and easy!)

4. The “Claw Clip Do”  (Another quick on the go hair do that gives the affect that you spent a while on your hair, when really you threw it up in under 30 seconds!)

Now for all of these do’s I’ll be showing you today, is with already curled hair. However, depending on the thickness of your hair, you should be able to do most with straight hair as well.

My hair is naturally more straight. However, I hot roll it almost every morning. I’ve found it’s easier in the long run, because it lasts longer without it getting messy so quickly.  Now before you gasp and say it would take up way too much time…..just hold your horses! Hot rolling is very easy and super quick once you get the hang of it.  I can get all my hair up in rollers in under 5 minutes. But I do leave the rollers in my hair for at least 30 minutes. But don’t sit around and wait!!  Use that time for getting the rest of yourself ready, or leave it in during your devotion time in the morning. (Which is what I normally do, and you wouldn’t be wasting any time at all!)

After your hair is rolled, this is what it will look like plain down with nothing done to it……

*Before……

In just a couple of minutes, you can add some volume to the top with these easy steps and using my favorite bendy clips. (Which can easily be purchased at Wal Mart or any store that sells hair supplies.)

First section off a small amount of hair from the front and pull it towards the back…..

Take your bendy clip and snap it closed….

Repeat on other side.

If you still need some volume on top, hair spray and/or tease where needed.

*After….

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~The Pony Tails~

I know you all know how to do a simple pony tail, but I like to add a little volume on top for my face shape.  And again, I use my handy dandy little bendy clips!

Start out with the “do” pictured above…..(with the clips in.)

All you have to do after that is pull back into a pony tail. (I usually use a large clip instead of a rubber band so my hair won’t be as frizzy by the time you pull through the rubber band several times.)  I then sometimes have to loosen up the sides a little with my fingers so it won’t be so slicked back.

The Low Ponytail……

And the high pony tail…..
which is the same concept as the one above, except you will pull your hair up higher before placing clip in.

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~The Audrey Up-Do~

1. Start with teasing your hair from the top crown of your head and spray with hair spray.

2. Tease again….

3. Pull back some up and some down making sure you have a nice puff on top of your head and use a clip to secure in place.

(Should look something like this:)

Pull back like putting in low pony tail……then twist around, tuck under and pin with bobby pins.

And Ta-da!


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And lastly, we have the easy throw your hair back in a claw clip way!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tho0mUZiL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Again, start with your hair down in clips, twist up, put your claw clip in, let the hair on top fall where is wishes, (although sometimes mine will go a little too crazy so I have to tuck some pieces back into the clip.)

Next, give it a quick spray…..

And it’s done!

It gives the same affect as the up-do, however this way is much more casual with the clip and doesn’t take as long. I often will throw it up like this or in a pony tail if I’m working around the house or cooking and want to get my hair out of the way.

Some fun ways to accessorize your hair, is with scarves, headbands, ribbons, etc…….

These are just a couple of idea’s you could do…….

Now again, these are just some idea’s you could try with your hair–each person’s hair is different and what may work for me may not work for you.  I encourage you to play around with it one day and see if you can find a fun, quick and easy way that looks both stylish and flattering to your face shape.

Here below is a chart that will help you find the right haircut for your face shape…….

The Right Haircut for Your Face

face shape guide Diamond Face: Narrow forehead, small pointy chin, and wide cheeks.
Haircut & Style: To create a balance shape look for styles that are narrow at the cheekbones and wider at the forehead. Add a little more fullness at the crown if required.

Heart face: Wide, short forehead, and small pointy chin.

Haircut & Style: Suited styles are like layered bob with extra volume and outward flicks at chin level. Asymmetric cuts are also flattering heart-shaped faces.

Oval face: High forehead and narrow, slightly rounded chin.
Haircut & Style: This is the most balanced face shape and almost perfect for any type of hair style.

Rectangle face: Long face with high forehead and long jaw and chin. Also known as long face shape.
Haircut & Style: Suited styles are like chin or shoulder-length cuts with a fringe that can disguises the long forehead.

Round face: Wide, short forehead, full jaw and chin.
Haircut & Style: The round shape normally makes the cheeks appear wider. Most short hair cuts works well for round face as long as there is some height at the crown area and little fullness above the ears to slim down the round face. Soft cuts with sophisticated layers coming forward onto the face look stylish and is an ideal hair style for round face shape. Soft curls will also flatter the frame of a round face. For straight hair asymmetric cuts can also be an option.

Square face: A wide, short forehead and square jaw.
Haircut & Style: Square edges should be soften by breaking the symmetry. Graduated layers with some volume at crown and soft curls looks stylish on this type of face shape.

Triangular face: Narrow at the temples, slightly wider at the cheeks and widest at the jaw line.
Haircut & Style: Most short hair cuts works for this type of face. Avoid styles with volume at the top.

Remember to note distinctive features like your nose, cheekbones, or jaw line. You can then decide to downplay or highlight these features with the short hair cut style you choose. The real trick is to pick hairstyles that enhance your best features while camouflaging any flaws.

Please remember that this face shape concept is only a simple hair cut guide and there are exceptions. Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish two face shapes from each other and you may not get an exact match. But usually these classifications of face shapes will help you select a better style for your face.

You can also visit this helpful site to find what hair styles look best on you: http://hairstyles.virtual-hairstyles.com/consultation.html

~Don’t forget, that although it’s nice to look good on the outside, true beauty isn’t in outward appearance but it comes from within; having a meek and quite spirit and joyful heart.

1 Peter 3:3-5
3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

Proverbs 31:30

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

May the Lord be glorified in all we say and do and may His face shine upon us.

Many Blessings,
~Michelle

More lessons from Proverbs 31!

2009 April 13
by Marianna

Part Two of the “Proverbs 31 and the Single Girl” journey.  :-)

The Lord has been challenging and encouraging me so much as I’ve been studying and sharing these lessons from Proverbs 31 over the past eight months! I encourage you to spend your own time before the Lord with your Bible open to Proverbs 31:10-31, seeking, asking, and knocking.  His plan for women and girls is the highest and best, much better than anything you could hope or dream of.  God always reward obedience.  When you follow HIS plan for your life, looking into HIS Word, He blesses abundantly, and best of all He is glorified.  It can be a challenging road at times, but it is so very worth it, my friends.  :-)   Seek Him and His Kingdom first and foremost, and all other needed things will be added to you.  Be encouraged! :-)

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And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
~Psalm 90:17