My Middle Earth Adventure: Tauriel

Ok, here we go.  I have taken on the making of a Tauriel costume to go see The Battle of Five Armies in the movie theaters.  I thought of this about a month ago, and I started working on it a few weeks ago, but as you all know, something always comes up when it's time to blog.  So I am finally able to fill you all in on this "little" (yeah right) undertaking.

The dress I decided to make was her archer dress.

There is a pattern for her spider dress, but I liked this one better.

The costume turned out really well!  We went to a 7:15 showing on the 16th!!!  I almost went to the Hobbit marathon, but the costume wasn't ready yet.

Sooner or later I will post how I did it, words for the wise, and so on and so forth.  

I had so much fun!!  We almost went to U-Swirl after the movie, but unfortunately they closed earlier than advertised online.

I got quite a few comments and cheers!  When we walked into the theater, my sister came up behind me and whispered, "Walk epically."  Later she told me that she saw a lot of jaws drop when I walked in the theater!!!  I will definitely wear it when I go see the movie again!! (wink wink! ;))

As to the movie....

!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!

:If you have not seen The Battle of the Five Armies, I would suggest skipping the next paragraph:

It was amazing!!  I actually liked it better than the first two.  To me they did a really good job on how Thorin was consumed by greed, and his conversion.  The things I DID NOT like, was how they killed Fili!!! He's a fighter!!!  You don't just, pick him up and kill him like...like....*starts balling* *sniff* I'm ok now.. *sniff sniff*   Alright.  Anyway, another thing I did not like is how Fili and Kili died not defending Thorin, not to even mention Kili just HAD to die for Tauriel.  Don't get me wrong!  I LOVE Tauriel, but a dwarf and an elve do NOT BELONG TOGETHER!!!!!  If I had had my way I would have put Legolas and Tauriel together.  I mean, they are perfect together!!!  Not to mention I have the biggest crush ever on Legolas!!  He's plain AWESOMENESS!!  The way he walks, the way he's soooooo cute!!!!!!  Then there's he's an elve.  But, I wish Legolas' fighting could have been a little more realistic.  I loved watching it, but there's no way he could do it in real life.  That made it 10 times cooler, but I don't think he could've actually steered a troll, knocked down a tower that stayed in tact, and then, the best of all, run up falling rocks!  That was the coolest thing ever, but there were WAY too many people laughing in the theater while I was gasping for breath!!!  Almost from the beginning I was crying.  I have to say it was one of the BEST MOVIES EVER!!!!!

I will try to post as soon as possible, but life has been very busy lately.  Until next time, namárië! 

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Tonight we've been having a lot of fun, making Christmas treats, listening to Christmas music, and getting dressed in our new pjs!!!  Every year on Christmas Eve, we get to open up one present.  After the first 6 or so years, we kind of caught on that the one's our mom and dad suggested to open were nice, clean, fresh, Christmas pajamas!

Another one of our family's tradition's is to make puppy chow.  (What's that? You've never heard of puppy chow?!?!?!  Let me tell you about it!)

1 bag of chocolate chips

1 bag of butterscotch chips

1 box of Crispix

About a half of a bag of powdered sugar

Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips together in a medium bowl, until smooth.  Combine with Crispix in a large bowl.  Stir together, being careful not to brake to much of the cereal.

Pour some powdered sugar into the bottom of a paper bag. (exg, a Trader Joe's bag.)  Pour the cereal into the paper bag.  Pour some powdered sugar on top of the cereal, close the bag, and shake well.  You will have to keep putting more powdered sugar on the cereal and shaking, until all of it is coated.  Let it rest until hard, and viola!  You have deliciousness!!!

That's my sister, helping.  Actually, doing most of it.

Well, I guess you could sort of say I made a little bit of a mess...
ok, yes, that is powdered sugar on the cupboards.

What are your family traditions?  Comment below and tell me!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

A Powerful Message

Two Sundays ago I meant to write a post, but with Thanksgiving and all I got really busy, therefore I will write it now.

That week's gospel was about the end of the world.  As I was listening, I started getting a picture in my head.  I'll explain so you can get the same picture too.

"...For even as lightning comes forth from the east and shines
to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Wherever
the body is, there will the eagles be gathered together.  But immediately
after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened  and the moon
will not give her light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers
of heaven will be shaken.  And then will appear the sign of the Son of Man
in heaven; and then will all tribes of the earth mourn, and they will
see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with
great power and majesty.  And he will send forth his angels with
a trumpet and a great sound, and they will gather his elect from the
four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other...."

Summing this all up, the picture I got in my head was....

The Return of the King.

Wow.

Wear the Veil!

Today is National Wear the Veil Day!!  When you go to Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate conception, wear the veil!  Please share!

Modest Monday

I know I haven't posted one of these in a while, so I figured I owed you guys. :)  Here is an outfit that I found that I thought would be appropriate for this season, the season of Advent.  I especially thought it would be a good choice because lately it's been non-stop raining!

What I Wore Sunday

I feel like I need to say, "Happy Birthday!" or something like that!  I'm back, and ready to do more blogging!  Well, for the moment.  As it is Sunday, I will post what I wore Sunday. :)

This week I wore....

The dress and shrug are from Stein Mart, the tights, well, who know's where?!..

And the shoes I got from Payless a LONG time ago.

Happy Second Sunday of Advent everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Thanksgiving Duty

Once again it's Thanksgiving time,
With nutmeg, and turkey, and sweet pumpkin pie.
In all of the good things to eat galore,
Let us remember what we're thankful for.

In this wonderful country of ours,
Let's think of those who sailed on the Mayflower
On that sea journey many years before.
Our forefathers came here for freedom and more.

This Thanksgiving, let us start
By giving thanks with a grateful heart.
Thanks for safety in travel when needed,
Thanks to the Lord for the blessings he's given.

We're thankful for all of our family in town,
For all of the food; enough to go 'round.
Let us be thankful and remember these things,
And God will bless this thanksgiving indeed.

Update!

This time of year means it's time to put away the ol' swimming pool.  This past weekend was operation, "put that thing back where it came from or so help me!"  We probably should have done that sooner, because my sister and I had to get in the inch deep water to pump it out and it was FREEZING!!!  Overall we got most of what we needed to done, though we still have a little to do.

Before....

In between...

Ta da!

Well, that's all gone now.  It's so sad!!  Technically it means that it's time to pull out the heavy coats and tights.  Not to mention the late freeze warning!!!.  Ugh!   At least this means the third Hobbit is coming out.  I can't wait!!!  I'll let you all in on a little secret.  I'm going to make a Tauriel costume to go see it in the theaters! (Sssh!!)  When the time comes closer (and when I have some good pictures) I'll post about it and hopefully try to give some good tips for those who want to make one.  Just to let you know, I'm no where near a pro so you might not want to take it. :)  Actually, I'm getting my info from adventuresofanelvenprincess.blogspot.com.  You should check it out!

Anyway, last weekend (or was it two weekends ago...) was my birthday!  I turned 14~ finally!!!  I had a really fun day with family and friends.  I went to gymnastics practice, Joann's, Buca Di Beppo for dinner, and yes, I went to Dairy Queen for dessert.  I just felt in the mood for ice cream!  I mean, it wasn't my first choice, but I had forgotten that we have a Thrifty's ice cream in town.  It was still pretty good, and I enjoyed hanging out with my sis and my cousin.

Also, I got the best birthday gift ever!!!!  

You have no idea how excited I was when I saw that.  I still have yet to hang it up, but when I do, oh the hours I will spend studying it!!! :P

I guess that sums it up for tonight.  Hopefully I'll find time between being a busy 8th/9th grader, teenager, Catholic, and seamstress to be able to blog! :)

An Amazing Weekend With Amazing People

 Last week I promised I would try to post about an upcoming trip to Alhambra, California.  This past Thursday we headed down with one of our friends and her mom for the Carmelite Sisters of The Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles' annual Boutique.  There is more information about the boutique in general on their website. ( http://www.carmelitesistersocd.com/ )

 Right when we got to the retreat house the sisters put us to work in the kitchen.  After getting hair nets and aprons on, ( I brought the one I had made here ) we started working with the postulants and novices.  It is such a joy to work with them, especially in the sister's giant kitchen!  Mostly on Thursday we boxed cookies for the boutique, but we also helped with other small tasks.  Friday morning we got up bright and early to go to mass with cloistered Carmelite sisters.  It was so cool seeing them behind the grate, participating in mass, and even getting to talk to one of the sisters and use the round-a-bout thingy to give them a donation!!  You know, the same thing in the movie  Thérèse.  Then we headed back to the retreat house to be put right back to work in the Carmelite kitchen.  There was so much to do, and I'd say we all worked from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, but it was so worth it.  I was always thinking to myself, "Why can't work at home be this fun?"  Being surrounded by tireless, joyful sisters gives you more energy than you ever think you can have.  As well as we would have a few candy or "mistake" brakes.  The mistakes are cookies or treats that can't be sold at the boutique, which the sisters end up eating.  The day of the boutique came upon everyone so quickly, and we didn't even finish with everything until after the boutique started.  My sister, friend, and I went to go get our name tags to see where we were assigned for the day.  They were assigned to go to the front gate to hand out flyers from 12:30 to 2:30.  All mine had on it was my last name.  I asked Sister Gloria Therese what I should do and she told me I should just help out wherever I was needed.  Then she wrote my name on my tag in the Most beautiful handwriting ever!!  It's a certain style of writing, and all the sisters have to learn it.  Even if I don't become a sister someday, I will certainly try to learn it!  Anyway, I helped in the kitchen until there was no more I could do.  Then I went to wander around and see where else I could help.  I ended up heading over to Santa's workshop ( a.k.a. the kids area ) to see what I could do there.  I was recruited for face painting, and those who know me will know I was pretty excited.  I love drawing or painting, and previously I had considered setting up a face painting business, but I had never actually had a real experience.  It was so fun!  I think my favorite part about it was seeing the kids reactions when they looked in the mirror.  Seeing someone so happy with something I did just completely made my day!  I even got a tip! (which I later donated to the sisters )  After the boutique ended at four, everyone cleaned up and went home.  Well, everyone except me, my sister, our friend and her mom.  My parents headed home while my sister and I stayed with our friends.

That's my name badge.

We found these in the Mater Dei Hall during the boutique.  Aren't they so cute?!

Here is where we went to mass with the Cloistered sisters. 

The is the inside of the cloistered sister's church.

That's me, face painting.

 We heard somehow that during their evening prayers, the sisters were going to sing the Salve Regina. We thought that would be so cool to hear.  So the three of us ( me, my sister and my friend ) went into the chapel with our veils to wait for the sisters to sing.  As we were waiting in the back pew, a sister came out of the side chapel and motioned for us to follow her.  At first we were hesitant, but then a sister came from behind us and asked, "Would you like to join us for evening prayers in the side chapel?"  Not knowing what to expect, we all went with her into the chapel that is on the right side ( if you are standing in the pews facing the alter ) of the alter.  It was such a special
 experience that I don't think I could even try explaining it here.
 After evening prayers we talked with the sisters' Chaplin, Fr. Anthony.  He was going to take us on a pilgrimage that had something to do with St. Jude.  We ended up not going because we still had to eat dinner, but hopefully we'll get to go someday.  I just love Fr. Anthony!!!  He's so holy, yet so hilarious, plus he adds these little points that make everything personal.

 Anyway, we went and had dinner at Wahib's Middle East Restaurant.  It was the first Greek food I've ever had, and it was good!  I especially liked the baklava!! ( Of course ;)

 Sunday morning we went to mass with the sisters, and after mass we sang happy birthday to Fr. Anthony.  Then we packed up and headed back home.

 To sum it all up, this was one of the best trips I've ever taken.  I want to thank my friends for making this trip possible, and the sisters for their hospitality.
I had so much fun and was surrounded by joy the entire time.  Would I do this again?  Even after all the hard work I had to do?  Totally!!! I will never forget that wonderful experience!!!

Busy, busy, busy!

Oh my! Where do I start!  School is as always, tough yet easy. As of late, I've been realizing that if I want to do two grades in one year, I'm going to have to step up the work. : /  Slowly but surely I'll get there! :)

Last Saturday my mom, sister, and I returned from a trip to California for a conference with Leah Darrow.  She talked about her story and how us girls need to "reclaim love and beauty."  I wish I had recorded her talk, it was really beautiful!

Then again in less than two weeks we will be heading back to the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart retreat house for their annual boutique!  I've never been, but I've heard it's lots of fun!!  I'll be in the kitchen or behind the booths helping! I can't wait!!  For some reason, work is so much more fun when you're surrounded by habits!! :)  Yes, I see that I keep using exclamations, I'm so excited!!!  Being around the sisters always makes me feel at peace, and helping them always gives me joy.  It really is a one-of-a-kind experience to help the postulants clear the dirty tables, or refill the creamer cups in the (freezing!!!) walk-in fridge with Sister Carmelina!  After the boutique I hopefully will fill you all in.

Last Sunday we sang at a local parish for an installation mass for the priest who became pastor.  I was a little nervous, as we sang for the bishop! :O It was so beautiful as we and another local choir sang "O Sacrum Convivium." The acoustics in the church are AMAZING!!!

God bless!!!!

What I Wore Sunday

This week my What I Wore Sunday post almost became a What to Wear Sunday question and answer session!!  As time goes on and I get taller, my dresses grow shorter and shorter to the point where I just don't feel comfortable wearing them.  Being a constantly growing teenager is getting pretty annoying!

Anyway, I was able to find a dress that wasn't too too short, and here it is.

Clifford decided he wanted to make an appearance this week.

The shoes are American Eagle black flats from Payless ShoeSource,

The dress a Bonnie Jean from Burlington Coat Factory,

and a Jessica H. shrug from Stien Mart.

Modest Monday

Today I have been inspired by my Thorin fandom when designing my outfit.  I know it's not the most authentic or accurate, but hey, at least it gives you an idea.

Here's the outfit I based it off of.

And to top off my Thorin fandom, here is one of my favorite images.  If Balin's name wasn't already on this quote, I would say it were mine. :)

Modest Monday

I'm am writing this Sunday and setting an automatic post so I don't forget again!!! :)

This is me in a skirt from Burlington Coat Factory, a shirt from Justice, and I made the scarf at sewing co-opp!

Clifford Decided to make a guest appearance! :)

What I Wore Sunday

Hello all!  I am back on track with my posts! ;)

We had such a nice Sunday morning!  Starting with Mass, then a fun ride in a friend's car to Farmer Boys for Sunday brunch! :)

This Sunday I wore an American Princess dress from Burlington Coat Factory with a No Boundaries shrug from Walmart.

The shoes are the same from Payless ShoeSource. 

Happy Sunday!!!

Modest Saturday?

Once again, I have failed to post on monday.  So I decided to post it today.  And to start this post, I found a beautiful quote about modesty that I just had to share.

“Either we must speak as we dress, or dress as we speak. Why do we profess one thing and display another? The tongue talks of chastity, but the whole body reveals impurity.” 
                                                                    St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church

Anyway, here is an outfit that one of my homeschooling friends put together.  She also made the skirt and scarf.  So cool!!

She used the bird pin to add some bling!

Her blog is Here.  You should check it out! 

Hopefully I will post my Modest Monday outfit on time next week!

Shower of Roses Givaway

One of our favorite blogs, Shower of Roses, is hosting a giveaway.  If you enter, you could win these two books

I've seen these books before, but was not able to get them.  They sound really good.  You can enter the giveaway in multiple ways here.

Modest Monday

Here's an outfit that is easy and most people (that I know) have on-hand.  I took similar clothes that I had in my closet and put together an outfit of the same style.

Oh, The Joys of Homeschooling!

School has been going very well, but of course, it's crazy.  The more I delve into the year, the busier I become and the less time I have on social media.  If I miss a Modest Monday or What I Wore Sunday post, please know I probably have a pile of school to do and try my best to remember that I indeed have a blog!!! :)

One of the reasons I might have more to do is because I got behind because my dog laid on my homework.  No, not ate, laid.

As you can see, I was peacefully doing my history and poetry reading when our dog Clifford decided he wanted me to pet him.  So I stop my reading, put my book down, and pet him.  He suddenly decides to lay down on my book.

( I zoomed in so you can see the corner of Fingal's Quest underneath his collar. )

Then when I finally finagle the book out from under him and go back to my reading, I feel a gentle touch on my back.  Clifford had rolled over and his paws were resting on me.  I just love homeschooling!!

Also, to add on to my post from yesterday, today was Favorite Sport/Sport team Day for Homeschool Spirit Week!! To learn more about it, check out this link here

Then, yesterday evening was AWESOME!!!!!  The Hobbit dinner turned out great!!  Also to celebrate Bilbo and Frodo's birthday (The reason for National Hobbit Day) we watched The Desolation of Smaug for the first time!!  I love it more than the first!!  If you are following my Pinterest, expect to see a lot of Tauriel and Legolas ( I will only mention those two, though the list goes on!!)

What I wore Sunday

Here is the What I Wore Sunday  post I missed this week!!

Anyway, this is me in what I call my "modern Cinderella dress."  I wish it were a little longer, but that would be kind of hard to find these days.

The dress is a Bonnie Jean from Burlington Coat Factory.

The shoes are American Eagle from Payless ShoeSource.

(Those two stores are where we d a lot of our Sunday shopping.)

To look for more Sunday ideas or share your own, check out the What I Wore Sunday link up .

http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/category/what-i-wore-sunday/

Today's an Important Day!!

Today is awesome!!!  Not only is it backwards day for Official Homescool Spirit Week, but it's also Official Hobbit Day and the first day of Fall!!!  Today for 'supper' I decided to make beef stroganough with cooked mushrooms (recognize those? ;)).  I'm going crazy!!!

And of course, I must post this pic for today. :)

And this! :D

This is what I wore when I made dinner!

 I made it last Saturday at our Homeschool Sewing Clinic.  When I chose the fabric, I wanted something that conveyed comfort. ("...: it was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort." ~The Hobbit, Chapter one, sentence two! :)).  As I searched through the fabrics, nothing conveyed hobbit to me.  I found everything from, "The eagles are coming", to elvish green, but I figured that of all the people in middle earth, a hobbit would be the one most likely to wear an apron.  I was just about to give up hope when I spotted this fabric (the one I used for the body.)  It was perfect, and Walmart had just a yard left, or in other words, the exact amount I needed!!  I was ecstatic!!

(That's me making dinner (oops, supper!).  Please excuse the hair, as I did not have time to brush it this morning or even fix it before my sis snapped the pic. :))

Now to The Adventurous Side of Me...

I know this is a really random post, but our family just re-watched the first Hobbit Friday night and ever since I have either been belching out "Blunt the Knives" or randomly quoting parts of the movie.  It is the best movie ever!!!!  As well as I just have to share with the whole world this photo.

If this quote was not owned by Balin, I would say it is mine.  Though I only like Thorin in the movie, because to me in the book he's plain stuck up, and I don't see that as much in the movie, just Thorin, the proud son of Thrain.  As well as Richard Armitage does the best job of portraying the bravest, awesomest, handsomest, hero I've ever seen.

One of the things I love about Tolkien's books is the symbolism of the Catholic faith he incorporated into it.  Maybe It's just me, and a wild guess, but I believe Aragorn symbolizes Jesus. (I have no proof, just a thought, so don't judge too hard if I'm wrong.)  The prophecy makes that easier to believe, especially the, well, whole thing!  Then there's Frodo, and although I can't put it into words very well, he is you and me.  His troubles are our troubles, and we can either choose to let temptation take over, or persevere.  Thankfully, each and every one of us has a Sam along the way!  I just love The Lord of the Rings!!!   And yes I have to put another picture!!!

If you can not already tell, I really like Thorin and Aragorn.  My other favorites would be Pippin, Legolas, Ori, Balin, Bofur, Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, and the list goes on still. :)  Other than that, let's see,… I would give all the books a five star rating, suggest it for anyone 10 or above, (comprehension and content,) And close here so I don't bore you to death with something I could go on, and on, and, you get the gist of it!! :)