Literary Heroine Blog Party Link Up

So I have entered Kellie's Literary Heroine Blog Party and am now here to answer her questions for the link up!  Be sure to stop by her blog and join in the fun yourself; tomorrow is the last day. :)

All images, besides the banner below, were sourced from Pinterest and are not mine.

The Literary Heroine Blog Party Link up:

~ The Questions ~

Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!  My name is Elizabeth.  I am in love with the country life, and hope to have my very own farm someday complete with a Victorian farmhouse with a porch. :)  My spare time is usually spent sewing costumes, reading novels, crocheting, or doing dishes.  Oh, and also blogging!

 

 What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?  I think a true heroine is one who is courageous, wise, charitable, and capable of dealing with the most difficult situations while still keeping her head on straight.  She looks out for others without thinking of herself.

 

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.  I will have to say that first and foremost I relate to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  Ironic, right?  We just seem to have the same personality and reactions to things, and throughout the entire book I could feel deeply for her in her struggles.  If I were to pick another, it would probably be Margaret Hale from Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South.  We have a lot of similarities, and I'm afraid I will end up falling for a Mr. Thornton too! ;)

 

 

Five of your favorite historical novels?  Pride and Prejudice (JA), Emma (JA), Sense and Sensibility (JA), The Virginian (Owen Wister), An Old Fashioned Girl (Louisa May Alcott).

 

 

Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?  Golly, I don't know if I could pick.  They are all like my best friends.  One of my favorites is Miss Molly Wood from The Virginian.  She is kind, yet very strong headed, like me, and I like the way she handles the Virginian at first with an air of superiority, but as the book moves on, well, I won't spoil the story if you haven't read it yet.  So go and read it.  Now.

 

Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?  Hmm, well I liked Sydney from An Old Fashioned Girl.  He was such a perfect gentleman, so kind and caring, and I can't believe Polly didn't marry him!  Excuse me if you haven't read the book yet, but that is what happens.  I felt so badly for him.

 

 

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?  My dream vacation would be campi- *ehem* glamping in the wilderness of Canada.  My dad camped there a long time ago and his stories of the place never fail to capture my attention.  I would cook over a fire, canoe, observe the wildlife, go hiking, and, of course, bring my watercolors.  I could probably fill a whole sketchbook.

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?  I have many favorites, but my top favorite is probably 1840s-1860s American West.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?  Oh my, I do not like performing in front of people.  It makes me all shy and nervous.  But, if it was for a good cause and they really needed me, probably singing while playing the piano.

 

 If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?  Margaret Hale!! :D  In that dress, too.

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? I. Love. It.  No really, it's divinity.  Although my favorite form of chocolate is an oreo.  Anything oreo is my favorite.

 

 

Favorite author(s)? Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, Janette Oke.

 

Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?  I would take my beloved Darcy (known to some of you as my DSLR), and my watercolors.

 

In which century were most of the books you read written? Goodness, that would be hard to figure out.  I have read so many books, but if you want to pick Austen, which I read quite a bit of, I suppose the 19th century.

 

 

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…WHY OF COURSE, MR. THORN- *ehem*  Why I must say definitely Mr. Thornton. :)  I don't think I need to explain why.

 

Describe your ideal dwelling place.  A historical farmhouse, preferably between 1840 - 1900.
 

 

 

Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.  Golly.  This is going to be hard.  Okay, here it goes.  "Slightly classy, with a touch of mod and a splash of vintage."  Please note that that is my *ideal* fashion style.  Some days I really don't care what I wear, since I don't have time to put it together.  This is one of those days. ;)  By the way do you like the outfit above?  It's on my Polyvore. :)

 

Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? Heavens, no!  I think all the characters I have read about in novels have the perfect names assigned to them by the genius authors.  Although one time I read a book where the girl was named Caroline, but her hero called her "Irish" since she had red hair, and it drove me nuts.  Every time he said that I would mentally say to myself "Caroline".

 

 

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... Is there any question?  Willoughby.

 

Three favorite Non-fiction books?  Besides the Bible of course, I like "The Hope Chest; A Labor of Love" by Rebekah Wilson, "Raising Maidens of Virtue" by Stacy McDonald, and "Before You Meet Prince Charming" by Sarah Mally.

 

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? If it isn't too hot, I would probably take a walk through the woods to the lakes and pack lunch; if it was too hot to hike, I would spend it in my craft room making something for myself or my Etsy shop.
 

 

 

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.  Ha, for this one I have a picture!  But I suppose I will give you a verbal sketch as well.  "A bonnet in black, dark brown, or deep cranberry, with a lace veil and a thick ribbon." 
 

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. A lot of things have happened this past year, but probably one of the biggest was my brother leaving for boarding school in another state.  It has been so different without him at home.

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.  

 

Isaiah 55:8-12  

For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

 For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.

And as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return no more thither, but soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring, and give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

So shall my word be, which shall go forth from my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall do whatsoever I please, and shall prosper in the things for which I sent it.

For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall sing praise before yen, and all the trees of the country shah clap their hands.

Happy Valentine's Day

It seems like just yesterday it was Valentine's Day, and Dad and Stephen were coming home with flowers for Mom and I, and candy for Therese.  This year my brother won't be here to bring flowers, but I'm sure he'll make it up when he comes home for Easter break.  And in case you were wondering, no, I don't have a date for tonight.  But that's okay.  I'm only seventeen and have plenty of years ahead of me for that.  Mom told me I should treasure these last few Valentine's Days when I can spend them at home with my family.  Never know how many more years it will be until I will be quite distracted with someone else. *wink* 

We don't really have many Valentine's Day traditions around here, except the usual flowers and such.  Mom likes to read the story of St. Valentine to all of us, because after all, it is the feast day of St. Valentine, and it was that long before it was turned into what we know today as "Valentine's Day". 

 

I usually bake something sweet and chocolatey for after dinner.  Maybe this year I can come up with something that is sugar and gluten free, but tastes so good the rest of the family doesn't notice! :) 

  

On a random note, I just love vintage valentines!  I have found quite a few online which I have posted here.  I think this one above is one of my favorites. :)

 

I like this one too.  So cute and so author-ish :)

(source)

And here is the story of St. Valentine. 

Have a lovely day!

Being a Stay at Home Daughter Means...

(source: Google)

Making dinner almost every night while Mom is busy with the many other things she has on her docket

Helping little sis' with her schoolwork

Singing all afternoon when nobody is home to hear you

Answering those last minute "I need a babysitter quick!" calls from your friend's family of 7 kids down the road.  It's loads of fun and good practice for when you have your own little precious ones.

Vacuuming every floor in the house.  And yes, I sing when I do that too. :)

When you feel a little lonely, sitting down at your piano who has been your best friend since you were big enough to reach the keys. 

Writing letters to your brother far away

Spending hours in your sewing room making beautiful costumes, practical clothes, and anything that will go in your hope chest.

Drawing your little sister's bunny until she absolutely WILL NOT sit still a moment longer

Taking long walks in the woods

Talking to your best friend on the phone

Writing that book you know will make a major motion picture one day.  In your mind's eye, anyway.

Sharing what's on your heart with your mother while chopping onions side by side

Laughing uncontrollably at your dog who shows up at the front door after a run around the property... with mud all over his muzzle

Watching a movie with your little babysitting charges, and with a baby on your lap, whose eyes are glued to the screen and chubby hand mechanically placing pieces of popcorn in his mouth

Rushing upstairs to grab your homemaking journal to write down that sweet potato pot roast recipe you just made that tasted fabulous, and wondering if your future family will like it as much as you do

Picking your way through an estate sale, spotting that beautiful blue and white tablecloth and buying it up before anyone else can get it.  Then later lovingly tucking it into your hope chest, imagining it on a table in a sunny future farmhouse kitchen.


And most of all, entrusting your whole being to God and his plans for you. :)

I'm a Shabby Apple Affiliate!

I just recently got an email from a member of the Shabby Apple team saying that she loves my site and thinks I would make a great affiliate to their team! *squeal*  She explained that all I have to do is display one or more of their banners on my blog, and that from each order that comes from someone clicking through one of my links, I will get a commission!  So.....

If you are looking for modest and cute dresses, shoes, and more, consider stopping by Shabby Apple by clicking through one of their banners in my sidebar. All of their pieces are mostly made with modesty in mind; higher necklines, skirts reaching at least to the knee, and no sleeveless anything.  Just scroll down and you will see my banners on the right.  I have one for their ladies collection, and one for their "Shabby Baby" line (adorable!). 

Have a lovely day!

Healthy Eating | Crepes and Jam

Some of you know that I am now on a sugar and gluten free diet due to my food allergies.  We had tried different things, and when I eliminated those two from my diet my reactions were reduced greatly, so for now, I can't eat any of it.  But, over the last couple of weeks of being on my new diet, I have been experimenting in the kitchen with all sorts of alternatives and have developed quite a few tasty meals for myself!  So, I thought I would share one with you today.

Crepes and Jam

I found the original recipe on Simply Sugar & Gluten Free, but I did change it a little to suit me.  It's an amazing site with tons of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert!  

Here is what my crepes and jam looked like when I made them this morning:

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 2 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 tablespoon of oat flour
• 15 drops of liquid stevia 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• a pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons plain raw yogurt
• All-fruit preserves (I used Strawberry.)

Instructions

1. Put the egg, egg whites, water, oat flour, stevia, vanilla, and salt in your VitaMix or blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until the batter is thoroughly combined. It will be watery. That’s how you want it.
2. Heat a small skillet over medium low. 
3. Coat pan with a little butter. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and quickly rotate pan to evenly distribute batter. Cook for about a minute, until the bottom starts to get light golden brown in places. Flip with a wide spatula and cook for another minute or so until light golden brown. Place on a plate. Repeat with remaining batter.
4. Spread a thin layer of yogurt on the surface of each crepe. Fold crepes in half, then in fourths. Thin the jam with a little bit of water to make it syrup consistency, and drizzle over the top of the crepes.  Yum!

 This recipe yields about 4 crepes.

   I hope to post about more of my sugar and gluten free adventures in the future.  It really is surprising what you can come up with with a little experimenting!

Blessings,

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

I was just tagged by Amy at Old Fashioned Girl.  Thanks Amy!  I absolutely love this award, especially the logo I get to display on my blog! :D

Rules

*Acknowledge the person who passed the award to you and provide their link.
*Include the award logo on your blog.
*Answer the ten questions posted below.
*Make up your own ten questions for the next people.
*Nominate blogs and link those you have especially enjoyed reading. The number you can select is up to you.
*Notify each individual that you have nominated them

Now for the fun stuff.

1.) Rain or Snow?  Definitely snow.  It's so magical :)

2.) If your friend asked you to go bungee jumping with them, would you?  Absolutely not!  I cannot imagine a more unladylike occupation of my time than something such as that.  (Although secretly, if I was a boy, I would definitely do it :)

3.) If you were a criminal, what sort of criminal would you be the most likey to be? (Thief? Con-man?)  Definitely a unique question, but I suppose I would be an outlaw from the wild west.  Smoking guns, fast horses, black bandannas, and fringes on my chaps.... ooh yes. :)

 

4.) Airplane or train?  It depends.  If it's an old-fashioned train, then definitely train.  But between a modern plane and a modern train, then I will take the airplane.

5.) Have you ever broken a limb?  I broke a toe once, but it wasn't as big of a deal as when I sprained my neck at 5 years old.  Golly that was terrible.  I couldn't even play outside. *gasp*

6.) Where you a tomboy or more of a girly-girl?  By "were you" I am assuming this means "when I was younger", in which case, YES, I was 100% tomboy.  I basically lived in a tee shirt, jean skirt, cowboy boots, and a ponytail up until I was about 14 or 15 then I finally began turning my tastes towards cute clothes and other more girly things.  But there still is some tomboy left in me which will probably never go away.

7.) If you had to pick your weapon of choice, would it be a sword, bow and arrows, or daggers?  A sword definitely!  An 1860s cavalry saber, to be exact.

8.) Do you prefer long hair or short?  *tosses waist length braid over shoulder*  I definitely prefer long hair. :)

9.) Do you have a historical hero? If so, who? If not, why NOT!!??  Hmm.... well I greatly admire Robert E. Lee, the general of the Confederate army.  And I do have a soft spot for the ancient Romans, and there are a lot of heroes who came from that time period.

10.) What's your favorite time-frame in history?  Ask me this a few years from now and it will probably be different, but currently I'm obsessed with the 1840s and the Westward Expansion.  Probably because I'm writing a book on it. *smiles*

And now, for my questions:

1. If you were to imagine yourself as the heroine from a novel, which heroine would you be?

2. What color are your hair and eyes?

3. What is your favorite BBC drama?
4. Who would you rather have to escort you through a bad area of town, Mr. Thornton, Mr. Darcy, or Captain Wentworth?
5. Do you prefer wearing your hair up or down?
6. If you were to be abandoned somewhere for the rest of your life, where would you rather be: the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Museum, or Buckingham Palace?
7. On a scale from one to ten, how would you rate your fear of snakes?
8. What would you do first if you fell into a swamp in the jungle full of crocodiles, snakes, and all sorts of other creepy crawlies?
9. You are sent on a mission to find a lost golden crown belonging to an ancient king.  What would you rather have to help you on your quest: the wings of a bird, the legs of a horse, or the fins of a fish?
10. What food do you dislike the most?

And now I'm going to tag:
Marlene
Rose M.


Have a lovely day, and thank you again Amy for awarding me!

I'm *finally* on Polyvore!!!

So the day has come ladies..... yours truly has joined up.  And it's such an amazing site.  Honestly, you can pick from zillions of things, be they tops, skirts, dresses, scarves, shoes, earrings, you name it, then put them all together in endless combinations, save them, and make more!  One of the best features of Polyvore, in my opinion, is the ability to click on anything in an outfit, and it takes you directly to the site where that thing is sold!  So if I see some breathtaking pumps on a friend's set, I can go right to that site and buy them in my size!  Of course, you have to have ridiculous money to *buy* everything you like on there, but it can give you some great ideas for reassembling some of the things in your own closet, or even make you look at that shirt hanging in the thrift store and say to yourself, "I'll bet I could do an operation on this thing with my sewing machine and make it a real gem!" 

So, here is the link to The Country Handmaiden on Polyvore, and here are some of the outfits I have put together since I signed up:

 

  

So, if you have Polyvore do follow me!

Have a lovely day,

In the Hope Chest | A Nightgown for Miss Bennet...

Yesterday as I was cleaning up my tornado of a sewing room, I came upon a creamy white sheet that Mom had given me a while back.  It had been tucked away in my fabric chest of drawers for a while, since I didn't know what to do with it at the time.  But now that it rested in my arms once more, I decided to cut it up and make a something out of it.

So, within a couple of hours, and after some digging through my lace and crochet trims, here is what I made!

Miss Bennet's Nightgown is what I have decided to call it. :)  And since my name is Elizabeth I thought it was all the more appropriate.  It is a bit Regency, don't you agree?

 

 I added this thick panel of lace to the entire front of the bodice.  Isn't it divinity?... *sigh*

 I added the same crochet trim to the edge of the sleeves to tie in the trim at the waistband.

 Window shot!  I love the way the light was gently streaming through the fabric, highlighting all the lace...

I am very happy with it.  I'm almost afraid to wear it, it's so pretty!  Mom suggested saving it for my trousseau, which I think I will do.  Now to find some pretty tissue and ribbon to wrap it in and tuck it into the oaken depths of my hope chest!