Vote With Your Dollars: The Hydrangea Hut

Let's talk about something: money.  More specifically, what you do with it.  I can remember the very first time I heard the phrase "voting with dollars".  I had a high school social studies teacher who used that phrase maybe too much.  But it rung true with me and I still think of it every time I make a purchase.  You see, you make a much bigger impact on society with the money you spend than with the ballots you cast.  I still vote (you should too!) but each time I spend my money, I'm sending a much stronger message about what is important to me.  

Do you hold a strong position on a specific social issue?  Don't support companies that contribute to the opposing position.  

Disagree with the lifestyles of athletes in certain professional sports leagues?  And how much they get paid?  Probably should be thinking twice about going to a game, buying a jersey.  (You probably shouldn't watch either - those ratings are as good as money.) 

Serious about the environment? Buy from environmentally-friendly companies.

There are several things I'm passionate about that affect how I shop.  Environmentally-friendly.  Pro-life.  Non-toxic.  Small business. 

Now let me share a small business that I love supporting: The Hydrangea Hut.

Elizabeth has been an online friend of mine for a while now and we were recently blessed to be able to meet her and her family.  In addition to being super sweet, she's also incredibly talented and creative. 

She has channeled her creativity into The Hydrangea Hut, where she makes baby and child items ranging from bowties and hairbows to tutus and scarfs.  While she has items in her etsy shop, she specializes in custom orders and this is what makes her truly unique.  Does your child like a certain character or animal?  Elizabeth is able to take that love and make it into something special.  Take a look at this minion tutu!  Where else can you get a Despicable Me tutu?  Nowhere.  

Elizabeth offered to send me a bow for Lulu.  When I told her that she loves ladybugs and, in fact, is her papa's "Little Ladybug", she told me she had just the thing.  And this is what arrived in the mail:

Gorgeous, no?  And it (quite coincidentally) matches the ladybug dress Lulu got from her papa.  

Now let me tell you what the picture doesn't adequately show: the quality.  I've bought homemade bows before.  They are usually glued together.  I love me some hot glue and all, but any toddler parents knows that their little ones can destroy pretty much anything and hot glue just doesn't cut it.  This bow is sewn together, including that sweet little ladybug button.  Sewn on.  Already yanked and yanked and that bug isn't going anywhere.  I love this.  LOVE this.

And now what Lucia wants you to know: this is her favorite hair bow.  She always asks me to wear this.  She usually doesn't wear this with her ladybug dress.  She wears it with pajamas.  Or just a diaper and shoes.  Or that orange dress that totally clashes with it.  And you might just see a tantrum if I try to put a bow on her that matches.  So I guess Elizabeth is going to have to make us bows in every possible color.  Bummer, but I guess I will just have to get more darling bows.  (*wink, wink*)

Did I mention that the prices are really reasonable too?  

You can check out The Hydrangea Hut on facebook here, the etsy shop here, or request your custom item at thehydrangeahut@gmail.com.  Get 10% off any order with code "messywife".

Enter below to win $5 to The Hydrangea Hut (that's the price of many of the bows).  Two quick entry options and you could be on your way to a cute little hairbow or bowtie (or any item you and Elizabeth can think up together).  US only please!

$5 to The Hydrangea Hut

I received a hair bow free to facilitate this review.  Opinions are 100% my own and 100% true.  I just love this bow, you know?

Wedding Re-do Photos

Last month, David and I celebrated 3 years of marriage!  I'd been toying with the idea of anniversary pictures for a while now.  Not just any anniversary pictures, but ones where I dusted off my wedding dress, squeeeezed in, and took the outdoor pictures I always wanted.  Our wedding day was a hot one, and add to it the church employee who kicked us out of the church before we finished pictures (and left me crying), I just wasn't up for outdoor pictures on the day of our wedding.  With our impending move (I wasn't bringing my wedding dress with us) and the possibility that at some future anniversary I might be unable to fit into my dress (due to pregnancy, or otherwise), I figured if it was ever going to happen, now was the time...

(1)

"3 years

1096 days

1 baby girl

3 states

& 1 PhD later,

we still do!

(& the dress still fits!)"*

 (2)

We read to each other from our family Bible the readings from our wedding.  Neither of us could remember what they were, so I had to find our wedding program.  It was exciting searching for the passages, unsure of what we would find there, then remembering the discussions we originally had when we chose them over three years ago.

 (3)

(4)

(5)

Photos were taken by an old high school friend of mine, Lacy, who recently started a photography business, Dandy Little Lens.  If you are in Northern Colorado, I can't recommend her enough.  Lacy was not only a fellow cheerleader in high school, but she's a mom of a preemie and cancer survivor.  She and her sweet one are both healthy now, but she's gone through some hard times and is still one of the most genuinely kind people I know.  And talented, obviously.

*When posting this photo on Facebook, I got numerous comments from friends saying they thought it was going to be a pregnancy announcement.  Honestly, I thought about that too when planning the pictures.  It really would be a great pregnancy announcement, right?  Well, can't announce news you don't have, but now I'm going to have to raise the bar when we do have something to announce.  If you have a favorite pregnancy announcement, won't you toss the link in comments?  I have to start a Pinterest board now...

I'll be sharing more next week, including some individuals of my sweet Lulu that Lacy took during the shoot, but for now, I'm linking up with Moxie Wife's Five Favorites.

For Those with Mental Illness

Today, I will be starting a novena to St. Dymphna for all people suffering with mental illness.  Several people have shown interest in praying with me, so I am posting the novena prayer here and will be sending out reminders each day through social media.  If you would like to follow along, you can like Messy Wife, Blessed Life on Facebook, follow on Twitter, or leave me your email (in the comments or email it to messywifeblessedlife@gmail.com) as I'll be emailing out a daily reminder as well.  

What is a novena? A novena is a nine day series of prayers said for a specific intention(s). 

Who is St. Dymphna? St. Dymphna was a young Christian girl living in Ireland in the 7th century.  Her father was a pagan king, her mother a Christian.  After the death of her mother, she was pursued for a romantic relationship by her father, she fled from home, was eventually found by her father and was killed.  She was only 15 at her death.  She is the patron Saint of those suffering from nervous disorders and mental illness.  Her feast day is May 15th.  You can read more about her here.

Why do Catholics (and various other Christian denominations) pray to Saints? When we pray to Saints, we are not worshiping or adoring them, rather, we are asking for their prayers.  They, for various reasons, are examples of how to follow God.  We also know that they are with Him in heaven,  Just as we might ask friends or family members to pray for us, we ask the Saints, who are in heaven with the Lord to bring our petitions to Him.  We do not do this instead of bringing our prayers directly to God, but in addition.  For more, read this short and sweet 2-minute apologetics on the topic or this explanation.

Prayer (to be said nine consecutive days):

St. Dymphna, a great wonder worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick.

You are filled with love and compassion for the thousands of patients brought to your shrine for centuries and for those who cannot come to your shrine but invoke you in their homes or in hospitals. Show the same love and compassion toward me, your faithful client. The many miracles you have wrought through your intercession give me great confidence that you will help me in my present need. (state your specific request or intention here!)

I am confident of obtaining my request, if it is for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul. For the sake of Jesus and Mary, whom you loved so earnestly, and for whom you offered your life in martyrdom, grant my prayer.

St. Dymphna, young and beautiful, innocent and pure, help me to imitate your love of purity. You chose to be martyred by your own fathers sword rather than consent to sin. Give me strength and courage in fighting off the temptations of the world and evil desires.

As you have given all the love of your heart to Jesus, help me to love God with my whole heart and serve Him faithfully. As you bore the persecution of your father and the sufferings of an exile so patiently, obtain for me the patience I need to accept the trials of my life with loving resignation to the will of God.

St. Dymphna, through your glorious martyrdom for the love of Christ, help me to be loyal to my faith and my God as long as I live. And when my hour of death comes, stand at my side and pray for me that I may at last merit the eternal crown of glory in God's Kingdom.

Good St. Dymphna, I beg you to recommend my request to Mary, the Health of the Sick, and Comforter of the Afflicted, that both of you may present it to Jesus, the Divine Physician.

O God, You gave St. Dymphna to Your Church as a model of all virtues, especially holy purity, and willed that she should seal her faith with her innocent blood and perform numerous miracles. Grant that we who honor her as patroness of those afflicted with nervous and mental illness may continue to enjoy her powerful intercession and protection and attain eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

WIWS: Two Weeks in a Row

What I wore last Sunday:

 And because she's so cute, what Lucia wore:

What I wore this Sunday:

 

Dress: Elle (Kohl's) 

Shoes: Bandolino (hand-me-downs!)

Necklace: Blessed Life Boutique

Flexi clips: Lilla Rose

Notice anything? Yep, I wore the exact same dress and shoes.  Only my jewelry/hair accessories changed.  Moving in to our new home, both David and I realized we have way too much clothes.  And most of it we don't even wear.  We have several staple items we wear over and over.  I've decided that I'll be working on building up those staples and getting rid of the things I don't wear or that I do wear but don't fit well.  I did the whole "turn your hangers the opposite way" trick so I can see what I actually wear and I'm going to be very, very critical about every piece of clothing I wear.  A few items have already headed to the sell/give away pile.

If you have any tips on paring down a full, full closet and cultivating a small, classic wardrobe, I'd love to hear them.  Which items are wardrobe essentials?  Which stores are best to shop from for a balance of value and quality?

In other news, each week Lucia has lasted longer and longer during Mass without having to be brought out.  Last week she lasted until Communion.  This week she lasted the entire Mass - never had to leave at all.  So Mass grade: A.  To be honest though, she had a cold (still does) so she was a bit more sleepy than usual so we'll see how it works out this upcoming week.  

Later today, I'll be posting a novena prayer to St. Dymphna for those suffering with mental illness.  If you are interested in learning more or want to pray along with me, make sure you catch my post.  

I'm linking up to Fine Linen and Purple's What I Wore Sunday linkup.  Head over for more church attire inspiration.

On Marrying Young: 4 Tips for Young Married Couples

When I asked some of my blogger friends for guests post during our move/transition, I gave a few ideas of topics, including my two blog series (this one and Baby on a Budget).  Haley quickly responded, "Oh, marrying young. I can write on that. I was 12 years old. OK, 20. But I look 12 in the wedding pics."  Lucky you, you get to check out one of those pictures below!  And some tips from a young bride turned experienced wife and mama of three.

__________

I didn’t plan on getting married young, it’s just how things worked out. My high school sweetheart Daniel and I broke up before I moved across the country for college, but after a few months apart we decided to try long-distance. A year later we were engaged and set the date for our wedding for five months hence, just after I completed my sophomore year. I was 20 and he was 21. Look how young and cute we were!

I’m a big fan of getting married young, but seeing that many of our friends who were married in their early twenties are already divorced, it’s clearly not for everyone. And many times we’ve asked ourselves, what makes a marriage work when you marry young? Why have we been able to stay together? I’m going to share a few of the things we’ve reflected on:

Don’t Give Yourself an Out:

Even before we converted to Catholicism, we were given strong examples of committed marriage from our parents (something we were so lucky to have!). Both sets of parents are still married and that gave us a huge advantage as we entered the married state. So we came into marriage believing that there was no “out” if we were no longer happy together. This was the decision we had made and we would have to make the best of it, come what may. This emphasis on the lifelong commitment of marriage only became deeper and richer when we entered the Church and came to see marriage as infused with sacramental grace. Despite all our mistakes and shortcomings during those first years, divorce simply was never an option and so we were motivated to solve our problems and find joy in our marriage even when it was difficult or we felt distant.

Don’t Overspend:

If you get married young, most of your friends are still college students or living like college students. There’s no need to up your living expenses simply because you’re married. In fact, getting married and sharing an apartment saved us money after living apart. Our first year we had a one bedroom apartment and couldn’t even afford furniture. We sat on pillows and Daniel made a tabletop that we rested on flower pots as our dining room table and we felt rich as kings because being married is fun. Exceeding your income will only stress out your marriage.

Don’t Overemphasize Your Individual Journey:

When you get married you are now a family that has to journey together. That means that your marriage becomes more important than your journey as an individual. This certainly does not mean that you will not grow and expand as a person, but if your journey takes you in a very different direction than your spouse, it will be a huge stress on your marriage. This means that decisions about careers and pursuits have to be made in light of what is best for your marriage. Although you both might find a career in academia personally fulfilling, if those careers require you to live in separate cities, it may simply be incompatible with a healthy marriage. It’s also crucial to encourage your spouse’s interests and enjoy those things together. I would never have become interested in farming and homesteading if not for Daniel, but as I supported his interests, I became genuinely interested myself and it’s now a part of our identity as a couple. He listened attentively to my musings on Jane Austen novels until discussing Austen’s examination of human virtue became one of our favorite topics to talk about together. So, putting your marriage above your individual aspirations doesn’t mean you will be damaging your personal journey, but that you are expanding your world to always include the other person. This was especially important as we journeyed toward the Catholic faith. We were able to do it together.

Discuss How Your Friendships Will Change:

When you’re the only married couple in your circle of friends, you have to navigate some changes to your friendships that your friends haven’t faced yet. While pre-marriage you may have had many friends of the opposite sex that you spent time with alone, you may need to alter how you view those relationships. And it’s important to discuss these transitions with your spouse at the very beginning so that you’ve already laid some ground rules before any awkward situations arise. It’s so important to expand your friendships to include your spouse. And while it might still be appropriate to spend time with friends of the opposite sex, depending on the relationship, it really might not be. It’s probably never a good idea to discuss any marital problems with a friend of the opposite sex. The bottom line is that you need to address these issues as a couple and have a game plan in place.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to start out our married life early. Marriage makes a big dent in the selfishness that has been hiding in your heart. It brings it right to the surface so you are forced to deal with it. And the younger you are, the easier it is to attack those selfish bents. I know I’m a far better person that I was 7 years ago when I had the good fortune to marry Daniel. Sharing life with him is one of the best things to ever happen to me!

Haley Stewart is a bookish Catholic wife and mama of a preschooler, a toddler, and a newborn living in the deep south on her little urban homestead. When she gets a moment to herself she loves to read Jane Austen, Evelyn Waugh, L.M. Montgomery, or Flannery O’Connor with a cup of coffee in hand. Her husband of seven years is an amazing cook, gardener, beard-grower, ultra-marathon runner, and father who patiently puts up with her failure to stay organized and her obsession with musicals. Haley muses about cultivating a Catholic family through literature, liturgical living, and urban homesteading at her blog Carrots for Michaelmas. 

Please check out the other posts in the On Marrying Young series.