Pink Heels (or whatever makes you happy)

simple pleasure

 

  painted fingernails trick

 

So I know this is super girlie, with no depth to it at all…but it makes me happy and hopefully it will make you happy too. 

I love having on a new coat of nail polish.  It’s fun when you are at work and look down to write something and see your hard work and patience (of sitting still long enough to let it dry) has paid off.  It makes me feel…well, polished if you’ll excuse the pun. I wanted to do a fun silly post about my nail polish trick for you to enjoy. Even if you hardly ever wear nail polish, think about doing this and see if it doesn’t bring you even just the smallest bit of happiness.

I learned this from my hair stylist whose nails always look polished to perfection, even though my appointments are at the end of a day of having her hands in water and chemicals.  I asked her how she keeps them so nice after a day of that and she told me she actually only polishes them once a week!  The secret is not only the polish, which I’ll get to below, but to paint them before you go to bed.  This way the polish can dry while you are sleeping. I know that sounds crazy but it works.  I make sure I have my jammies on, my hair up in a ponytail (it’s long and I don’t need the polish in my hair overnight), my computer is on and the show I want to watch on Hulu is up and ready to push play.  I make sure all I have to do is turn off the light and lay down.  I just clasp my hands and let them hang over the side of the bed or lay them flat on top of me to dry.  At first when she described this to me it sounded torturous like a straight-jacket!  It’s really not I promise…you’re going to fall asleep and lay still anyways.

I use a clear coat and of course a color.  My stylist recommended the OPI clear coat nail strengthener. I didn’t have any at the time so I just used my Maybelline Express Finish 50 second clear nail polish. I’ve loved this kind so much I’m on to the third bottle and have never thought about the OPI clear coat again.  I do however use OPI nail color, and I love it!  I also like the Sally Hansen Xtreme wear if you want to save a few bucks.

Here’s how I layer the polish, so that it last for at least 5 days:

• clear coat

• thin layer of color -I’ve discovered if I do a thin coat first I don’t get as many bubbles when my nails are dry

• thicker second layer of color

• two more layers of the clear coat

 

I know this sounds like an obscene amount of polish, but it’s necessary if it’s going to last through washing your hair, the dishes, etc. It will get you through up to five days without any chips out of the polish at all.  It’s totally worth it since you are sleeping through the hardest part of painting your nails anyways…letting them dry without messing them up. 

Painted fingernails make me happy. 

 

All in fun & happiness,  Torrie

 

 

 

 

 

(image: we heart it)

Quote

 

 

 

Moderation.
Small helpings.
Sample a little bit of everything.
These are the secrets of happiness and good health.

- Julia Child

 

 

 

 

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who is the ideal woman? continued...

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Verse 10

 

 

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
- Proverbs 31:10

I want to break down the Proverbs 31 woman for you verse by verse.  There is a treasure trove of knowledge in every line of this description of God’s ideal of feminine character and beauty.

 

First of all we must be aware that God’s idea of beauty is far different from the world’s idea of beauty.  God says of Himself “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, and My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine…My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)  It will take the study of the entire chapter of Proverbs 31 to fully understand His idea of beauty, so lets begin.

 

Who can find a virtuous wife?  Let’s start with the meaning of the word virtuous.  There are two sides to this word, the power of mind and the power of body.  The power of mind is comprised of moral principles and moral excellence.  The Proverbs 31 woman needs this power of mind to keep from giving up and to have some stick-to-itiveness. Many of the traits of this woman will be seen in the verses to follow: her honesty (verses 11-12) thriftiness (verses 14,16), kindness (verses 20, 26), etc. The power of body means the strength of the body to accomplish tasks and to be effective. This virtuous woman’s life and all she has to accomplish requires a lot of physical energy and stamina. Examples of this will also be seen in verses to follow: she works from early in the morning until late at night (verse 15 & 18), and she helps the needy (verse 20).  This woman, in all of her power of mind and power of body, is an actual army of virtues! The word virtuous is used some 200 times in the Bible to describe an army. Mental toughness and physical energy are the traits of an army; they are also the traits of God’s virtuous & beautiful woman.

 

For her worth is far above rubies.  The red ruby is very unique and rare. Large rubies even surpass diamonds of equal weight in value.  Other translations of this verse state that her worth is far above diamonds as well. Back when this chapter of the bible was written and this mother told her son of this virtuous woman he was to find for a wife, living conditions were very hard and bleak. They fought daily for their survival.  This virtuous wife truly was the sparkling gem in her husband and children’s lives!  She made their bleak living conditions lovely with her care and demeanor. Her smile, kind words, and love for her family was the beauty in their lives. Proverbs also speaks of the rude and cold wife who is rottenness to her husband’s bones (Proverbs 12:4) and the brawling woman whose husband can no longer endure living in the same house with her (21:9 and 19, 25:24).  None of us are determined to be this woman, however stress and our fast paced lives can lead us away of our true purpose as a wife and mother.

 

I want to leave you with this information for now, but I’d like to come back to you with information about how we (and I mean me as well!) can change our habits, our lifestyle, and our attitudes to be more of a sparkling jewel in the lives of others.  I don’t think that Proverbs 31 is for wives alone.  All women can aspire to be like the Proverbs 31 woman and can do so as she prepares herself to find a companion, raises her children as a single mother, or just lives happily as a single woman who is beautiful in God’s eyes! 

 

If you are truly interested in studying more about the Proverbs 31 woman, I recommend the book Beautiful in God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George. This book is simply and beautifully written, and is so encouraging.  Much of the information I am sharing with you, I was blessed with by this book.

You can visit Elizabeth's website at www.elizabethgeorge.com.

 

 

Always with love,  Torrie

 

 

 

 

(image: we heart it)

Quote

 

 

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do...
but how much love we put in that action.

- Mother Teresa

 

 

 

 

(image: we heart it)

another relaxing weekend, yaaaawn...

 

 

Now for the dog lovers...

 

Nothing warms my heart more than a little puppy face! I hope it brings you happiness too. Are you ready for a relaxing weekend? It is definitely in order for me. I'm working on lots of stuff to share with you, and can't wait to unwind and work on it.
Until then...be blessed! 

Torrie

 

 

 

(image: we heart it)

Quote

 

 

Charm is deceptive,

and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who honors the Lord

is to be praised! 

 

Proverbs 31:30

 

 

 

(image: we heart it)

 

who is the ideal woman?

 

 

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Who is the ideal woman?
How does she act, think, and live? 
What does she look like?
Do her looks really even matter? 

 

Proverbs 31 is a passage in the bible that describes a conversation between a mother and her son, a prince who would one day become a king. She sat him down while he was very young with the intention of teaching him not only the ways of being a great leader (Proverbs 31: 1-9), but also the qualities he should look for in a supportive wife (Proverbs 31: 10-31). These qualities she teaches him are God’s ideal of feminine character.

 

I have always found this story very fascinating, and at one time researched and read all I could on it.  I think it’s time I revisit this information and I’m excited to share it with you, especially if you are not familiar with it.  There is so much information to be had; I feel it would do the topic more justice if I break it into different posts for you.

 

I want to leave you with the section of Proverbs 31 that describes the virtues of an excellent woman, and a wife of noble character.  Please take into consideration that this was written in a different place and time; so take the specifics with a grain of salt. Focus on how you can translate it into your own life. I have used The Message Bible translation below only to make it simple and understandable. If you’d rather read a different translation please click on this link, www.biblegateway.com, where you can look at it in whichever translation you prefer.  I personally enjoy the New Living Translation for most of my studies.  I hope you enjoy this passage and that it will bless your day. 

 

More to come! 

 

Proverbs 31 (The Message)

^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God (meaning one who honors God).

Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

 

 

Much love,  Torrie

 

 

 

(image: we heart it)

Quote

 

 

 

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

 

 

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yes please!

 

 

Last weekend I attended a birthday/slumber party for a very special woman. It was such a blessing to share in the fun with everyone. I love to watch people open presents. I can see their inner child shine through their eyes! One gift that the birthday girl received was a beautiful plush blanket. What a great idea to give someone a blanket as a gift. It was from Pottery Barn and I went online immediately to see if I could find it but alas it was gone...sigh. I did find this one though, it looks so snuggly and soft. I love anything made of chenille and this blanket looks like heaven! I have a few special blankets that always make me happy when I crawl under them. They are just so comforting and secure.

When I was little my Mom had a special quilt that my great grandma made and we were only allowed to use it when we were sick. How comforting and special you would feel when you used it. It sure warmed a sick little kids heart. I think it was so fun that my Mom made that a special treat for us!

Do you have a special blanket that you run to for comfort? Do you wash it in Downy so that it smells as good as if feels? It's time you treat yourself to one you can enjoy and look forward too. Maybe you are feeling down, or you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.  When you sit down to relax and cover up with that blanket, tell yourself while you are under it you are not allowed to worry about anything. There is plenty of time to worry later (if you so choose), but for right now it's not allowed. Grab a warm cup of coffee and a good book (or watch The Real Housewives of Somewhere or Another - my guilty pleasure), and get cozy. It's a small pleasure, but again happiness doesn't have to be a grandiose event.

I hope you are having a relaxing and blessed weekend. I don't know about you, but this weekend couldn't get here fast enough!  I'm so thankful to finally be snuggled up in my blanket and writing this blog post. 

Comfy blankets make me happy.

 

Warm and snuggly regards,  Torrie 

 

 

(image: pottery barn)

Quote

 

 

St. Patrick - one of the few saints whose feast day
presents the opportunity to get determinedly
whacked and make a fool of oneself all
under the guise of acting Irish.

- Charles M. Madigan

 

 

 

 

 

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