• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

  • CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.

Good Vibes

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Homegrown Herbal Tea Recipes for Better Sleep

Good sleep is crucial to our health. I have been struggling with having restorative, high-quality sleep for over ten years which impairs my daily functioning greatly. It feels like I'm on an endless quest of finding a good medicine and at the moment I'm experimenting with my homegrown herbs.

 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
What I'm Reading

red book reading.jpg


I haven't read a classic all year. I don't know how it happened! But that explains the slump. I usually open the year with longer titles like Dickens and Hugo. They're meatier and the pace is slower. Mine quickens in the process and by summertime I'm nearing my goal. That isn't happening now and I'm not sure if I'll hit it. But I've done crazier things. So we'll see.

Completed
  • This Victorian Life
  • The Diamond as Big as the Ritz (short story)
  • Anne of Green Gables
  • Outdated
  • Gods and Kings
In Process
  • The Secret History (at the end)
  • Bless Your Husband (half point)
  • Fascinating Woman (1/4 done)
  • Pray Like a Gourmet (1/4 done)
Starting
  • Modern Etiquette Made Easy
  • Brave New World

red book stack.jpg


Three of the titles I'm reading are Christian. Two are TBR's I need to finish. I'm covering the original Fascinating Woman and the book she wrote for singles in the fall. I wanted to see the changes to have a better idea where the topic is heading today. That gives me insight on content and how I'll shape my message.

I thought about the Mysteries of Udolpho. But I forgot its gothic and I like to tackle them in the fall and do Russians in the winter. I'm opting for a modern classic instead. The Secret History is really good. So, Brave New World it is.

E625AC1F-B09E-4170-AC2E-33C23443DE17.jpeg


One of the things I discovered while delving into light and dark academia was how much I missed it. I love literature, the arts, philosophy, and the antiquities. My interests are wholly personal. It isn't an outgrowth of my beliefs. Learning Latin doesn't make me feel more religious or knowledgeable. I just like the language.

D4CBBB48-54D0-4BDC-8560-4762AC510351.jpeg


Being in the company of aficionados is nice. You're not debating or trying to prove a point. You're sharing a passion, perspective, etc. with like-minded people. It's a different vibe and I like it. I'm surrounded by creatives. They're really smart and successful. But they're not learning Greek. Their focus is elsewhere.

592BD2CB-5F3D-4AF0-A5CB-EE1ADD3E6334.jpeg


The wonderful thing about God is He understands that. He gets our nuances and dichotomies. I adore creative types. But the Lord knew I needed more. And He led me to them. That part of me won't go unfed. He made sure of it.
 
Upvote 0

GOD Shines Forth!

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Jan 6, 2019
2,615
2,061
United States
✟400,297.00
Country
United States
Gender
Male
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Writing My Friends Victorian Letters

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. —Proverbs 27:19

I've always dreamed of getting an old fashioned Victorian letter in the mail, so why not make it happen for my friends? Complete with tea dyed paper, diy wax seals, envelopes, stickers, botanical paintings, and pressed flowers.


I can imagine your letters being insightful and treasured. I get a lot from your posts. I read some love letters between my Grandfather and Grandmother back when he was off at WWII (she and I were cleaning out her garage and found some). They were so respectful and loving and alien to our coarse times. I’ve thought about trying my hand at it but I always tear them up!
 
  • Friendly
Reactions: bèlla
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
I can imagine your letters being insightful and treasured. I get a lot from your posts.

Thank you. You’re very kind. :yellowheart:

I’ve done it in the past. I was dating someone who lived on the west coast. Email was popular but we sent letters too. On paper and postcards.

I’d use a fountain or dip pen today. Or maybe a quill for a different effect. I’d make a journal with ephemera filled with things I love about him with room for him to add the same. I’m very old fashioned in that respect. His delight brings me joy.

I read some love letters between my Grandfather and Grandmother back when he was off at WWII (she and I were cleaning out her garage and found some). They were so respectful and loving and alien to our coarse times. I’ve thought about trying my hand at it but I always tear them up!

Don’t sell yourself short. Read poetry and books on letter writing. The recipient isn’t desiring perfection. They want to hear from you! That’s what stokes their heart. The letter came from you. That’s what matters most. :)
 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Letter Writing Tips

*nudges @GOD Shines Forth!

I find Victorian etiquette rules SO interesting and hope that you do too! If you want to read Wentworth Hamilton's guide to letter-writing in full, you can find it here: https://archive.org/details/cihm_1302.


A step-by-step tutorial on how to create the perfect penpal letter.

 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
How to Start a Vintage Wardrobe

Do you want to start dressing vintage on a day to day or for your first day of school but have no idea where to start? here is a complete fashion guide on how to find your style, where to shop, how to shop, how to be budget friendly, easy DIY ideas, and how to style and accessorize!

 
Upvote 0

GOD Shines Forth!

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Jan 6, 2019
2,615
2,061
United States
✟400,297.00
Country
United States
Gender
Male
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Paris Chocolatier Walking Tour

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31


I got a kick out of this Janis Joplin photo they had on the wall at Les Choupettes (with a pastry photoshopped into her hand).

At 3:24

JOPLIN-1-SUB-articleLarge-v2.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: bèlla
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Self-Care at Home

96b9d2e4ee61dbf4918f44f9b75fc458.jpg


I’ve put together a girly self care list full of little things to boost your mood, calm your mind and soothe your soul. If you are feeling low, I want you to know that it’s totally okay to not feel okay! However you simply can’t pour from an empty cup, so you must take care of yourself first, and when you feel good that energy radiates like sunshine!

Take Time for Yourself

67f7ac633e4e6351a2623379cb2f6aaf.jpg


Plan your week out in your diary and give yourself a task each day even if it’s something small, it will help you to feel accomplished for checking it off. Craft your stress away and create something pretty to look back on. Make a scrapbook full of your favorite memories, print off pretty photos, add washi tape and cute stickers.

Watch your favorite films that make you feel happy, or a film you’ve been meaning to see!

Sweet Dreams

7bdd31ae222b6f1a2d97be50392dae78.jpg


Sleep like a princess on a silk pillow case which helps to make your hair super sleek and prevents breakage, as well as promoting soft skin with less breakouts, and protects your skin from forming deep set wrinkles.

Pamper Yourself

70637f9eac40767c7d62eeb281cbaf8c.jpg


Little beauty pick-me-ups can make you feel lovely so give yourself a fancy pamper evening using all of your most luxurious products. Exfoliate your skin with a sugar scrub, moisturize with a dreamy vanilla lotion and use that hair mask that you’ve been saving. Do your full skincare routine and use a hydrating face mask for angelic glowy skin.

Enjoy a Treat

d258c9b8cf5466606070920975c21e79.jpg


Stressed is just desserts spelled backwards right? Baking will always be therapeutic to me, especially when I’ve got time to bake purely for myself and can let my own imagination run wild. Bake a batch of cupcakes using a recipe you’ve not tried before or a flavor you’ve been wishing to try! Pipe them with fluffy frosting and decorate with pretty sprinkles.

Just Relax

9e5a90d39c8b0de446cd85eb11f7921c.jpg


Run yourself a warm bubble bath, light a rose scented candle and listen to soothing music like Clair de Lune and La Vie En Rose. Spritz your favorite perfume on straight after bathing/showering as it boosts the longevity of the fragrance, so you’ll smell lovely all day long. Put your cutest comfiest clothes on, braid your hair and tie with satin ribbons, and paint your nails your favorite shade of pretty pink

Declutter and Organize

5944d48df34bfdc55492f0593ecec3b2.jpg


I always find my mind feels much more stress-free when my home is clean and tidy and I can let myself relax. Take the time to declutter your space, go through your closet and beauty drawers and only keep what you use, wear and love. Reorganize your dressing table and create a beautiful area you’ll love to spend time at.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Self-Love Languages

e1d0de263bf47bccfce43000fd5b5fe4.jpg


I never really thought about my love language until I began dating my boyfriend. From the very beginning of our relationship, I was determined to find out exactly how I show love, how I prefer to receive love, and what doesn’t make me feel loved. Plus, not only is it a great tool in romantic relationships but in friendships and other relationships as well!

That’s when I realized, you could definitely apply the 5 love-languages to yourself and simply think of them as the 5 self-love love languages in order to figure out how to invest in yourself and focus more on self-care and all-around self-love on a day to day basis!

e4afc30272f1498428a5b379adccc51d.jpg


However, while our interpersonal/romantic relationships are the initial reason we look to the love languages for guidance, the relationship we have with ourselves might actually be the most important one of all! With that, we all know how necessary self-love and acceptance is for our confidence, emotional, and mental well-being, and our overall lives; so, why not figure out the exact things that get us there (and those that maybe don’t) with the 5 self-love language test?!

Your self-love love language might be the same as your regular love language, or it could be completely different.

00329A08-8223-43C8-BD07-FB7E5D5524A9.jpeg


The Five Love Languages
  • Physical Touch
  • Words of Affirmation
  • Acts of Service
  • Receiving Gifts
  • Quality Time

4f3127ac9412798bd63e3c0911ba09da.jpg


Words of Affirmation: Think Self-Love

Those who identify the most with “words of affirmation” are the people who love hearing compliments and knowing what they’re doing is right and effective in a relationship. They love it when you give them reassurance and let them know that they are loved and give a lot to the relationship. The same goes for your relationship with yourself! Encouraging yourself through words helps you feel appreciated and loved — and it doesn’t even cost a penny!

Examples
  • Practice daily affirmations (by journaling them or saying them out loud).
  • Journal all of your strengths.
  • Create a gratitude journal.
  • Channel your inner BFF and write yourself a love letter.
  • Talk to a loved one.
ea8318033d9d4e7079f103be35ba8478.jpg


Acts of Service: Do Self-Love

If you’ve ever done something for yourself (such as making your bed in the morning for an easy night later, meal prepping your lunch the night before, or creating a to-do list you knew you’d need tomorrow.) and were grateful for your past self, this is likely your self-love love language! This basically means that you enjoy setting things up and preparing things for yourself to make life easier for you later on. Another indicator that this is how you show love to yourself is doing small acts of kindness for yourself!

Examples
  • Prepare healthy meals for the week. Put thought and effort into grocery shopping and meal preparation.
  • Dive into a practice of self-care for 30 minutes. For example, a soothing bath, a face mask, painting your nails, etc.
  • Create an organized, clean, and aesthetically pleasing home environment for yourself. Love where you live, even if you’re on a budget.
  • Workout and move your body each day.
  • Be sure to schedule any needed physical, dental, and mental health check-ups. Also, address any health concerns in a timely manner if they arise.

0eede8d9b16d46467284325763bb8cda.jpg


Receiving Gifts: Absorb Self-Love

When I first read this list, I thought to myself, “Well, who doesn’t like to buy themselves gifts?” However, this goes a little beyond the simple idea of “treat yo’ self.” These gifts don’t always have to be big purchases — individuals who closer to this love language feel revived and loved through life’s little indulgences. From enjoying a piece of chocolate when you’ve made it through most of your workday, to buying something for yourself or going somewhere when you reach a set goal, etc. You like to reward yourself for a hard day’s work and when you accomplish something.

Examples
  • Buy yourself only what you love – purging anything that doesn’t bring you joy.
  • Gift yourself with a certain experience on your bucket list. Always wanted to go skydiving or go whitewater rafting? Budget it out and plan it.
  • Invest in your education and expand your knowledge. Want to pursue a higher degree? Take a cooking class? Do the research, apply for grants and scholarships, volunteer to learn new skills. Gift yourself with knowledge.
  • Allow yourself to finally use those face masks you’ve been saving for a special occasion.

cee8d2ada4edee05c5bc98b140d6193a.jpg


Quality Time: Be Present with Self-Love

Quality time is about spending productive time with yourself. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be cleaning out your closet or checking off tasks on your to-do list all day every day. Instead, focus this time on being present and getting to know more about yourself. Just as you would when spending time with a partner or your friend, pay attention to what sparks joy and happiness when you are alone.

Examples
  • Don’t overschedule yourself or make yourself too busy. Give yourself some much needed relaxing, you time!
  • Prioritize your sleep!
  • Prioritize exercise and movement.
  • Set aside time for daily mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation.
  • Spend time doing activities and hobbies that you love, allow you to de-stress, and bring you plentiful amounts of joy!
9a389212dc96608b46cfb2665dd1f7cd.jpg


Physical Touch: Feel Self-Love

If your self-love love language is physical touch, you feel at peace when you’ve done things to make your physical body feel better and more relaxed. If you book a massage after a stressful day or hit the gym when you’re worrying about something, you feel loved when you’re focusing on your external health and wellness.

Examples
  • Stretch your muscles, use a foam roller, or get a massage.
  • Take a bath with Epsom salt to detoxify your body and relieve your sore muscles.
  • Establish a relaxing, in-depth skincare routine.
  • Moisturize your face, neck, and body.
  • Treat yourself to a day at the spa, a manicure, pedicure, facial, a haircut, etc.
 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Bedroom Makeover

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. —Ecclesiastes 4:9

*Note: This is a young married couple. I love their togetherness and how they relate to one another. It’s beautiful to watch.

Today I'm sharing my extreme cozy bedroom makeover and how I did it for less than $500. It's Victorian, Little Women and Anne of Green Gables themed. In terms of aesthetic, it gives me vintage cottagecore/light academia vibes. And maybe a bit of Hobbiton/Shire inspired as well.

 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
23,023
19,303
USA
✟1,124,901.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Reorganizing My Cottage

I wanted to share a little bit while reorganizing my bookshelves and talking about my love of books and art, and while I find it to be a very therapeutic pastime. I felt a need to pick myself up this week after a lightening storm started a lot of fires, so it felt right to indulge myself in some of my favorite pastimes and share some of what I love with you.

 
Upvote 0