MISS ELAINI OUS - Page 8 of 69 - creating beauty & living intentionally by elaini

Quotes

March 18, 2016

Quotes 3-18-16 | Misselainious blog “Accustom yourself to look first to the dreadful consequences of failure; then fix your eye on the glorious prize which is before you; and when your strength begins to fail, and your spirits are well nigh exhausted, let the animating view rekindle your resolution, and call forth in renewed vigour the fainting energies of your soul.” William Wilberforce

“Why shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world.” Pierre-Auguste Renior

“For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.” J.R.R. Tolkien

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Voltaire

“It is astonishing how many difficulties clear up without any effort when the inner life gets straightened out. If half the time we spend trying to fix up outward things was spent in getting our hearts right, we would be delighted with the result. Strange as it may seem, harmony within our hearts depends mostly upon our getting into harmony with God.” A.W. Tozer

“I pray that we’ll understand the transforming power that lies in saying no, because it’s an act of faith, a tangible demonstration of the belief that you are so much more than what you do. I pray that we’ll live with intention, hope, and love in this wild season and in every season, and that the God who loves us will bring new life to our worn-out hearts this year and every year, that we’ll live, truly and deeply, in the present, instead of waiting, waiting, waiting for perfect.” Shauna Niequist

Posted on March 18, 2016 by misselaini |

Easter outfit inspiration

March 16, 2016

Easter outfit inspiration 3-16 | Misselainious blog Easter outfit inspiration details 3-16| Misselainious blog Easter is a big deal in my house. It’s the celebration of everything I believe in. I’m not talking about the bunnies and little chicks. I’m talking about Resurrection Sunday. So in celebration of Christ rising from the grave we love dressing up. Back in the day my Yia yia would buy us Easter outfits.

I still remember the year I got an all powder blue/navy ensemble. There was a a powder blue shirt, flowered skirt, and jacket. Someone had just given me navy clogs and I thought that head to toe blue was so chic which just makes me laugh now. I was beyond thrilled that I got a little plastic coin purse (also blue floral) and that was also the first year I got my first lip gloss. When I think about it I can still remember the smell the vanilla lip smacker fragrance. To me it felt so grown up but it was as sheer and as light as they come lol! It’s doubtful that anyone could even tell I was wearing it but I adored it.

This year I wanted to either rework something from my closet or thrift a piece to create my Easter outfit. I’m hoping that showing you this will inspire you to create a special look using pieces you already own or adding something thrifted. Not only does thrifting mean you don’t have to worry about whether or not it was made with slave labor but it’s also less expensive and better for the environment when we recycle! If you’re having a hard time though finding something I’ve added some links to similar pieces. 🙂

When I found this skirt at my thrift store I was really excited because it looks Grecian to me with the canvas fabric and gold threads. Since I’m half Greek that I enjoy finding things that remind me of that. Simultaneously though I loved that it also looks like a piece of fabric you’d see on a sari from India. I have kiddos in India that I love dearly so it makes me smile when I wear this skirt because think of them. The shoes and shirt I’ve had since high school! The slender bracelet was a gift and my dad made the other one. Yes, he’s amazing. My earrings I got at a vintage store.

I love that you probably have a lot of these items in your closet already: white button down, gold bracelets, brown leather sandals. It’s pretty easy to find skirt this shape as well and they are really flattering.

Skirt (handmade) / Shirt here (this company is very upfront about how their products are made and you can see pictures of the factory and such) or here (made in the usa) / Shoes here or here / Earrings (made in the usa) / Bracelets here and here or this DIY version (closest to what I have) /

Tell me, did you have Easter outfits growing up? If so what was your favorite one? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. 🙂

Posted on March 16, 2016 by misselaini |

A divine gift

March 14, 2016

Forgiveness- A divine gift | Misselainious blog Today I have my amazing mom guest blogging for me! A) Because this is a hard topic and B) she’s really wise! Thanks mom, I have a huge amount of respect and love for you.

Have you ever been wronged or hurt deeply by people who should have your confidence and respect? Have you ever played and replayed a hurtful scenario in your mind and wish you could forget but you can’t seem to?

When this happens you know in your heart that you should forgive, but instead you want to hurt back, you want to get even, you want revenge. You even believe your feelings are justified. They were clearly in the wrong.

Recently, I found myself in this predicament. I rehearsed the verses I knew about forgiveness, especially those from Matthew 18: 23-35

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

This parable, which usually moves me to repentance, was having no affect on me. I prayed to the Lord admitting that the battle in my heart was fierce. I said, “I do not want to forgive! I want to hurt those who have hurt me in the same way I have been wounded. I really need your help Lord, I need a divine intervention.”

It was just a short time later that I picked up an old book, The Words of Jesus From the Cross, by Spurgeon, and read these words: “It is remarkable that our Lord’s prayer to his Father was not for himself. The first of His seven great cries on the cross has scarcely even an indirect reference to Himself; it is ‘Father forgive them.’ This petition is altogether for others, and although there is an allusion to the cruelties which they were exercising upon himself, yet it is remote; and you will observe, he does not say, ‘I forgive them’—that is taken for granted—he seems to lose sight of the fact that they were doing any wrong to himself, it is the wrong which they were doing to the Father that was on his mind, the insult which they are paying to the Father, in the person of the Son; he thinks not of himself at all. The cry, ‘Father, forgive them,’ is altogether unselfish. He himself is, in the prayer, as though he were not; so complete is his self—annihilation, that he loses sight of himself and his woes.”

This was the arrow that pierced my heart. In all my fuming I had lost sight of whose glory matters. I had forgotten the first statement of the Westminster Catechism: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The passion for my glory instead of God’s had clouded my vision.

When I thought about forgiving offenses done to me, I was unable to forgive, but when I realized it was the wrong, which they were doing to the Father that was most grave, the insult that they were paying to the Father, then I could ask Him to forgive them, and for grace for me to forgive for His glory. The ability to forgive took divine intervention. It was God’s great grace to help me identify in a small way with my Savior Jesus Christ on the cross, and also stamp a little more of his image on my soul. It is also a testimony to a skeptical world that God alone has the divine power and character to forgive and to grant it to His children who ask Him for it.

Have you ever experienced a time when forgiveness seemed impossible? How did you deal with it? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!

Posted on March 14, 2016 by misselaini |

Have a beautiful weekend!

March 11, 2016

Link Love 3-11-16 | Misselainious blog If you haven’t seen these gorgeous photos and video of Misty Copeland recreating Degas artwork then you’re in for a treat!

Need time saving tricks? Me too! I especially like #4.

Stop crying over chopped onions?! YES PLEASE!

These gorgeous two seasons portraits by my friend Miriam.

HAHA! Wait for it…. 😉

The choreography at the end made my jaw drop. Wow.

It’s spring! There are pretty petals everywhere so here’s a lovely tutorial on how to arrange flowers.

Prettiest pasta I ever did see!

44 cozy nooks you’ll want to crawl into.

Posted on March 11, 2016 by misselaini |

Moments of kindness

March 9, 2016

Moments of kindness | Misselainious blog The most beautiful thing just happened to me. It was one of those moments of kindness that still has me smiling. I was on my walk and having a conversation with Jesus and one of my neighbors saw me and came over. She offered to let me pick a little bouquet of daffodils that fill the corner of her yard.

Now you have to know that I love, love, love daffodils. They are like happy little dew drops of straight sunshine and they make me smile. I’ve been wanting daffodils for a few weeks now since they started popping up. I had just been thanking the Lord for the day and thinking how I really wanted him to just show me something special. Lo and behold it wasn’t even a moment later when my neighbor was so kind to offer me one of my very favorite flowers. The thing is though that she didn’t know they were my favorite. In fact she doesn’t really even know me.

It was like the Lord just winked at me and wanted me to know that he was giving me a bouquet. He romances me like that and it’s really the most astonishing thing. It awes me. I don’t need flowers. Yet he knows how much my heart delights in them. So just because he could he made sure I got some. Here’s the thing, the God of the universe who is making sure the sun stays in place also takes the time to see a girl taking a walk and sends some of her favorite flowers her way! That’s amazing! He used a neighbor just being spontaneously kind. It was just a moment but it made my day.

I wonder how the world would change if we took more opportunities to be a moment of kindness to someone else? Not to make us feel good about ourselves but to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Sure random acts of kinds are awesome but what if we were more intentional about doing little things to show people we care. In the long run I think it’s the little things that can make the most impact. It’s taking the time to notice someone and say, “I see you.”

All around you there are people needing to know they aren’t forgotten. Showing someone kindness can change their day maybe even their life. There have been certain moments of kindness shown to me that I will literally never forget because they made such a huge impact on me. Yet I bet that if you were to ask those amazing people about it they wouldn’t even really recall it with much clarity.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”Mother Teresa

I hope today you choose to give a moment of kindness to someone. I hope it’s for a bigger purpose than just feeling good about doing it (although that certainly is a perk!).

Friends let’s love well.

Will you spread some joy with us today by sharing of a time when someone did something “small” for you that made your day? I’d love to hear your stories about moments of kindness so please leave a comment below. 🙂

Posted on March 9, 2016 by misselaini |

Benefits of tea

March 7, 2016

Benefits of tea | Misselainious blog Anyone that knows me probably knows that I love drinking tea. That may be an understatement. Sometimes I have so many cups of tea a day I loose count. I realize that tea isn’t everyone’s thing but what a lot of people often don’t realize is that tea is beneficial for many different things. So today I thought I’d share with you a few teas and some (although certainly not an exhaustive list) of the reasons they are good for you.

Peppermint tea: Okay so peppermint tea is my favorite tea without a doubt because I love the fresh taste but then I discovered peppermint tea is also really helpful for an upset tummy (or if you just ate too much food). Use hot and steaming water that hasn’t quite boiled and steep for 5-10 minutes.

Fresh squeezed lemon with honey tea: I love the sweet and sour taste of this and it’s really good if you have a cold or need to sooth a sore throat. Also fresh squeezed lemon in warm water in the morning is a good way to jump start your digestive system.

Echinacea tea: supports the immune system! Pour freshly boiled water over tea bag or tea leaves. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes

Rooibos tea: this tea is high in antioxidant properties. (I love drinking this with coconut milk and honey so add that if you wish after it’s been steeped!) Bring water to a boil and steep for 5-7 minutes.

Chamomile tea: this tea is great for helping you sleep better. Bring water to the point of boiling and then let it rest while you prepare your cup and tea. Steep for 5-7 minutes.

Lavender tea: Stressed out? This tea is very soothing and will help relax stressed nerves. You’ll want to steep this tea for a little longer (10 minutes) since it is so mild.

Ginger tea: this one is good for nausea so if you’re on a boat ride or you’re pregnant… Use fresh ginger slices if possible. Boil water and steep for 5-10 minutes. (A little honey would be nice with this since ginger is quite a strong flavor.)

Rosehip tea: is a great source of Vitamin C. It also has diuretic properties. This tea is also good for your skin but is best avoided by those who have diabetes.

I highly recommend using organic teas since you are pouring hot water over the ingredients to release the properties in them. You don’t want harmful chemicals being released into your water! Whenever possible I would also suggest using loose leaf teas since you don’t have to wonder what the tea bags themselves are made of. Quick tip: The best way to store loose leaf tea is in an air tight container. If you like the convenience of a tea bag Numi or Choice Organic teas are great (this isn’t a sponsored post I just like their tea and know they are better about their tea bags.)

Please note that since teas can have a medicinal effect not all of them are safe for pregnant or nursing women or if you have certain health issues.

Many of these teas are helpful for a lot more than things I listed and it’s quite fascinating to discover all the ways teas are beneficial for your health. Now go enjoy a cup of tea because it’s tea time!

What are your favorite teas? Do you have any tea time tips for us? Have you noticed any benefits from drinking tea? Please share in the comments below!

Posted on March 7, 2016 by misselaini |

Quotes

March 4, 2016

“If you do things out of duty, it will deplete you. If you do things out of love, it will energize you.” Mother Theresa “The first and most important step in the process of becoming genuine is to be once again authenticated by the original designer.” Erwin Raphael McManus

“If you do things out of duty, it will deplete you. If you do things out of love, it will energize you.” Mother Theresa

“God does not give us everything we want, but he does fulfill his promises.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Pearls don’t lie on the seashore. If you want one, you must dive for it.” Chinese Proverb

“Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” Elizabeth Elliot

“To trust God in the light is nothing, but trust him in the dark- that is faith.” Charles H. Spurgeon

Posted on March 4, 2016 by misselaini |

DIY crochet cotton washcloth

March 2, 2016

DIY crochet cotton washcloth | Misselainious blog 2 Last week I needed to make a handmade gift for a special party. Last week I also realized I hadn’t crocheted in years. This DIY crochet cotton washcloth is the easiest and most practical first crochet project though. My mom said as she watched me, “Even I could do that!” and she normally doesn’t like this sort of thing. I was able to whip these out and considering that I haven’t picked up a crochet hook in well over a decade (wow I sound old) I think that’s a good sign for everyone.

Also If you haven’t ever used one of these types of washcloths then you’re in for a treat! They work so well! All you need is 100% cotton yarn (DON’T use wool…) and a crochet hook. I used size J (9 or 6.0mm). Warning: I don’t know all the crochet terms so I’ve put in the words I would use if you were sitting on my couch and I was showing you how to do this. 🙂

Step 1: Make a slip knot. (Pictures 1-3)

Step 2: Place hook in slip knot. Taking your long string connected to the ball of yarn weave that over your ring finger, under your middle finger, and over your pointer finger. (Picture 4) Hold the base of the slip stich with your thumb and ring finger + middle finger. (Picture 5)

Step 3: With your other hand twist the hook around the long piece of yarn in a clockwise motion and bring it down through the slip knot. (Picture 6) You just created your first stitch! Way to go!

Step 4: You’re going to make a chain of stitches so repeat step 3 twenty more times (or until you think it’s a good size for a washcloth length!) (Picture 7) Keep in mind that you don’t want the tension of the string to be too tight or too loose. Now that you have your chain you’re going to want to look at it and make sure you’re on the side that has the little “bumps” running down the center. (Picture 8) The other side will look like V’s.

Step 5: Insert your hook into the closest bump. You should now have two loops on your hook.

Step 6: Then wrap your hook around the string clockwise and bring it back down through the first loop. Repeat. Next wrap the hook around the string for the third time and draw it back down through both loops on the hook. Repeat steps 5-6 until the end of the row. (Pictures 9-13)

Step 7: From here on you’ll need to repeat step 6 but instead of going through the bump you’ll want to pick up both sides of the V. (Pictures 14-18)

Step 8: Once your piece is square you can then finish it off with a pretty edge. Begin at the start of a new row by going into the V and wrapping the hook around the yarn once and drawing it back through the loop. Then wrap the hook around the yarn one more time and draw it down through both loops on the hook. Repeat this all the way around the square. There won’t always be perfect little V’s on two of the sides so just use the holes along those edges.

Step 9: Cut the string leading to the ball of yarn with a few inches to spare. Pull that tail through the last loop and then knot. Once it’s secure you can weave in your end a few times (and then knot again) or just cut it off.

Have you ever crocheted before? If so what is your favorite thing to make? Feel free to leave some encouragement for beginners in the comments below! I hope you enjoy this tutorial and if you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Posted on March 2, 2016 by misselaini |

Leap Day 2016

February 29, 2016

Leap Day 2016 | Misselainious blog

Today is leap day. The day that magically appears as February 29^th every four years. It’s an extra day in our year. 366 days instead of the usual 365. There’s something physiologically weird about having an extra day. Yet isn’t that what most of us are clamoring for, more hours in our days? Don’t we all wish we just had a little more time?

Here’s the thing. We all get an equal amount of hours in our days. We all get the same 60 minutes to each hour. Some people use this time well and take advantage of it. Some do not. Leap day is still just a day.

I was recently talking with a young woman when a poignant question came up. “If someone were to look at the way you spend your time what would he or she say are the most important priorities in your life?” (Nancy Leigh DeMoss) That’s a very thought provoking question and one I think I often don’t want to consider. Yet I think it’s very crucial that we do. If we don’t take time to examine what we are doing the days will just roll into weeks and the years will pass by faster than we can imagine.

So much of our culture seems to say, “Put off responsibility and play! You’re entitled to it!” Hold up. We aren’t entitled to anything. I think the people that use their time wisely know how to work hard and rest well. They know how to filter out what is most important from the fluff. They have goals instead of dreams. You can wish all day for this or that but until you’re willing to put in the effort it’s really unlikely it’s going to drop in your lap.

There’s a scene from one of my favorite films (and books) The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien where Gandalf (the leader of the fellowship) is engaged in a moving conversation with Frodo who is the ring bearer (the one on whom the world’s fate seems to rest upon). While Frodo wishes the ring had never come to him Gandalf comforts him with the fact that no one wishes for hard things. Then Gandalf says this gem, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

None of us know how much time we will get in our lives. In light of that fact will we squander the time we’ve been given or will we use it to the fullest? I want the highest priority of my life to be Jesus and so this is my prayer, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

We may get this extra leap day today but I hope that all your days you make the time to choose what is important. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

Happy Leap Day everyone! What are some of your top priorities? What helps you refocus? Please share in the comments below!

Posted on February 29, 2016 by misselaini |

Have a wonderful weekend!

February 26, 2016

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Can’t believe it’s already the end of February!

Have you heard of this amazing app/website? (I know it’s been around a while but it’s still so innovative and cool.)

I’ve always wondered what goes on before those celebrities look all glamorous on the red carpet…sounds crazy!

Such an insightful personal story about what wanderlust will cost us (and she’s not talking about money).

A Bachelor’s Degree for $1,000? This Kickstarter has me intrigued.

I tried this salad recently and it was so yummy!

A beautiful bag with a mission for more than just carrying your stuff.

Super cute and easy DIY. Gonna need to make myself one of these!

Posted on February 26, 2016 by misselaini |

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