The Girl in the Mirror

I love seeing motivational blogs and pins about loving yourself for who you are. Most of these posts are geared toward curvy women, which is fantastic because they need to see the beauty in their shape!

But some people go about this the wrong way. While telling women with curves that they are gorgeous, there is also a message being sent to the slender that they are "boring," "not feminine enough," "probably anorexic," etc. All body types have insecurities, and are prone to getting their feelings hurt.

The media supports opposite ends of the spectrum - one side encourages girls to workout without eating enough, and to be completely toned without a speck of fat. The other side says curvy girls are prettier and more womanly. This battle always leaves both sides hurt. Why can't we celebrate ALL body shapes, instead of criticizing the other in favor of our own?

I'm still working to be completely confident in my own skin. Girls tell me that they would love to be as thin as I am. I look back and think, I would love to be as curvy as you! I think wide hips are adorable, and I would be thrilled if I could graduate from an A cup to a B cup bra!

It's easy for me to find the beauty in everyone except myself. I think we all struggle with comparing our flaws to another's strengths.

When you look in the mirror and find something you don't like about yourself, find something that you do like about yourself!

Isn't this the sweetest thing? Remember this next time you think negatively about yourself :)

I was born in the wrong century

Reading and watching classic books & movies gives me an (almost) unrealistic expectation of life and romance. What I would give for a Mr. Darcy...

Isn't it interesting that the best books have a setting in past centuries? Historical society is so fascinating, and historical romance is spectacular. I can't imagine people 100 years from now looking back at 2014 and thinking how adorable and old fashioned we are.

It just seems life would be so blissful back in the day... fancy accents, no calculators, etc. This is my chart displaying how I sometimes despise this day and age.

At least we have microwaves and Chik-fil-A.

Waiting on my time machine. Sincerely,

Belle

New Adventures

I feel like Belle when she sings, "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere!" Now the next adventure of my life is not too far away because....

I got accepted to BYU Provo!!!

I am unbelievably thrilled & I almost can't contain my happiness!!

I'm so excited to call these mountains home! I have dreamed of coming here ever since I was a little girl, especially after visiting the beautiful campus!

Isn't it gorgeous? I feel like I will spend all my time laying in the grass gazing at the mountains, like I'm crazy. Until winter. 

I'm leaving in July, which is coming up fast! Better have as many adventures as I can here in Tennessee before I leave! It's sad and exciting to think about leaving, & it has only been this past year that I have truly appreciated living in Tennessee. To all my friends who live in TN and think it's boring, go hike a mountain. It's awesome. In the meantime, I'll be hiking bigger mountains in Utah :)

DIY Dorm Creations

I am obsessed with dorm decor, & I have made so many crafts that my dorm may explode! My latest projects have been tiny organizers made from an iPhone box. 

This one holds odds and ends like bobby pins, coins, nail polish, etc.

& this one is to display your lovely earrings, obviously :)

Making these is really self explanatory. I just cut out pretty paper & mod podged it on! The earring holder requires lace ribbon (I recommend a thick lace ribbon that's not too wide, so it can be sturdy enough). More craft posts to come, undoubtedly. :) 

-Belle

Beautifully Modest, Classy Dresses

I love dresses. Especially prom dresses. I love feeling ladylike in a big dress and high heels. The only thing I don't like about prom is seeing girls wear things that make them look... desperate for attention. It's sad that in today's society, a woman's value is measured by how much skin she shows, how "sexy" she looks, etc. I want you to know that YOU are more valuable than your outward appearance. Your beauty is more than just skin-deep. You don't need to put your body on display to earn respect. Remember, a classy woman has everything to flaunt, but she chooses not to show it.

That being said, I would love to share some classy, modest dresses :)

I adore these dresses, especially the beading at the top. $398 

(I promise the rest of the dresses I'm posting aren't this expensive!) 

Link: http://www.dressprom.net/95062-paparazzi-prom-dress.html

This dress is so unique, & the skirt is drop dead gorgeous! $195

Link: http://www.latterdaybride.com/modest-prom-dresses/nora-details

I am in love with everything about this dress, especially the color! $377

Link: http://promdresses.frenchnovelty.com/p/PPT6494/PartyTime-6494-Ball-Gown.html

The lace is so cute, and this dress reminds me of Paris! $119

Link: http://www.shopweddingdress.co.uk/Prom-Dresses/2012-Prom-Dresses/7881.html

This dress comes in a billion colors, thank goodness! I love the design, not the color! $136

Link: http://www.topwedding.com/beaded-cap-sleeved-flowing-chiffon-prom-dress-with-criss-cross-bodice-lf00125605.html

I saved my favorite for last! I love the elegance and the color, it looks absolutely radiant! $320

Link: http://www.latterdaybride.com/modest-prom-dresses/skylar-details

I hope you lovely ladies find that beautiful dress that makes you feel confident. :)

-Belle

Inspired Thoughts from Frozen

     The movie Frozen was incredible. There were tears streaming down my face, right there in the movie theater! It was so emotional because I thought of my own sisters, and it inspired me to savor every minute I have left with them before I leave for college. The theme being centered around sisters made this movie so original and unique.

     Little philosophical me loves the deeper meaning in this movie. No matter how brave you may think you are, it's not heroic to shut people out. This idea has spoken volumes to me, because I can't stand to hear modern songs and poems telling girls to "Put walls around your heart so you don't get hurt." Living in fear of rejection is not living life to the fullest. Protecting your heart from hurt also blocks pure love. I know many people would disagree, but I think life is more beautiful with the full spectrum of emotions.

     Being brave is putting your heart on the line and going out on a limb, whether it's in a romantic relationship, reuniting with a long lost friend, or reaching out to a family member you may feel distant from.

     Expressing love creates joy in our lives in such a powerful way that nothing else can replace it. Gather up your courage, work to strengthen your relationships, and put your whole heart in it. Not everything will always work out perfectly, but just say to yourself, "The cold never bothered me anyway!" And you will make it through whatever happens. It is only when you know sadness that you will truly appreciate joy, and it's worth it.

Roses Are Red, Violets Are... Violet.

As Valentine's Day is inexorably approaching... I thought I would share some sassy, not-so-classy cards to give to your beloved. Nothing says "I love you" like criticism with the best intentions.

Don't do this unless you're prepared to rip someone's heart out and spend Valentine's Day alone and craving chocolate. Look on the bright side, you will find yourself losing weight from lack of delicious treats sent by an adoring prince charming. Prepare to live through the healthiest Valentine's Day in your personal history.

I may change my mind, and make pinterest-inspired crafts & give out treats created by an aspiring domestic goddess. But as for now, this will have to do.

xoxo, 

Belle