What does modesty mean to me?

mod·est

 

adjective \ˈmä-dəst\

Definition of MODEST

1

a : placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth

b : neither bold nor self-assertive : tending toward diffidence

2

: arising from or characteristic of a modest nature

3

: observing the proprieties of dress and behavior : decent

4

a : limited in size, amount, or scope <a family of modestmeans>

b : unpretentious <a modest home>

via M-W.com

Around the Catholic blogosphere, there has been a lot of discussion regarding modesty. It seems as though each individual has their own rules regarding what is viewed as "modest".  In my opinion, modesty is defined by the amount of "skin" that is showing and whether your attire causes you to receive inappropriate attention. 

Tops - Generally, tops should have sleeves. If they do not have sleeves, they should have thick enough straps that your bra straps are not showing. When you lean forward, you should not be revealing cleavage. Also, when bending, your shirt should not pull away from your pants or skirt to reveal skin. I do not particularly subscribe to the two finger rule. "A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers breadth under the pit of the throat..."

via

Bottoms - I am not an exclusively "skirt wearing" woman. However, I love my long skirts because they are comfortable, lady-like, and modest. It is the easiest way to get dressed, look nice, and feel good. I wear sweats, jeans, and dress pants however, I make sure that they are not too tight. By too tight, I mean they do not show underwear lines. Bottoms of any variety should not show any part of your buttocks. I also do not wear pants that have any kind of words across the backside. I make sure my pants have a high enough rise that nothing is exposed when sitting or bending.

Dresses - I tend to wear dresses on special occasions - Christmas, a fancy dinner, a special concert or other event, or even Sunday Mass.  I enjoy getting dressed up and wearing accompanying jewelry such as pearl earrings or a necklace.   The dresses I choose to wear generally do not have a low neckline.   I don't feel comfortable wearing that type of clothing.   Also, I don't wear short dresses, such as a mini-skirt.  My rules regarding underwear lines and appropriate fit also apply to dresses.  

I'd love it if you shared your thoughts on modesty in the comments section below! 

What I Wore Sunday - vol. 2

The wonderful ladies over at Fine Linen and Purple are hosting a link up called "What I Wore Sunday". Women are asked to link up what they wore to Mass with the hope of giving other women some fashion ideas. So, what did I wear?

We spent all day prepping for the hurricane so, I didn't get to take pictures until after Mass on Saturday. I took a cue from Katie @ NFP and Me and decided to wear a ruffled shirt (completely outside my comfort zone). I really like the shirt but, would love some feedback on whether it just made me look "fluffier".  What did you think about the color? The pants, shoes, and sweater were just basic colors. I'm thinking next time I might need to go with a brighter top.

The outfit was put together from the Talbot's MEGA sale. Everything was $12.99 or less. Mandi @ Catholic Newlywed had talked about this sale over the summer and I was able to take advantage of it. It is always fun to wear something new! There was no time for make up, accessories, or a hair do since we were running late.

What I Wore Sunday

The wonderful ladies over at Fine Linen and Purple are hosting a brand new link up called "What I Wore Sunday". Women are asked to link up what they wore to Mass with the hope of giving other women some fashion ideas. So, what did I wear?

Brown cardigan (NY & Co.)

Purple tank top (Old Navy)

Brown skirt (Macy's)

Brown heels 

I picked my outfit because we had practically no sleep last night and I was dressed up for a wake/funeral yesterday. Therefore, I wanted to be comfortable while still be somewhat dressy. I always have to keep in mind that my little guy tends to pull on me during Mass so, whatever I wear I have to make sure it will stay put and keep me covered. 

As I was thinking of what to write, I couldn't help but think that there should be a before Mass photo and after Mass photo. I definitely look put together before Mass however, by the end of Mass it is an entirely different story. Generally, my hair and clothes are askew from having the little guy clawing and climbing all over. 

I don't make it a habit of wearing much makeup because I know that Charlie will likely lick it off my face. I do put on mascara and liquid lip color but, that's about it. In terms of my hair, it varies between half up half down and a bun. It entirely depends on how much time I have to get ready and how much I feel like Charlie pulling on it during Mass.

You are my I Love You!

We received this book at my baby shower and I still can't read it without crying but, it is a beautiful poem. I thought I would share since our baby boy will be FIVE MONTHS OLD on Monday!

You are my I love you 

by Maryann K Cusimano 

I am your parent, you are my child

I am your quiet place, you are my wild

I am your calm face, you are my giggle

I am your wait, you are my wiggle

I am your dinner you are my chocolate cake

I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake

I am your favorite book, you are my new lines

I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine

I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo

I am your kiss goodnight, you are my I love you

Ten Things I'm Grateful For Thursday

Another shout out to Sarah @ And Twins Make Four for hosting this link up!

via

1. Plumbers - hopefully, the plumber will come tomorrow and the giant leak in the basement will be fixed

2. Grandma - for watching Charlie today so I could have some much needed "me" time.

3. Sunshine  - it warms the house on a cold morning

4. Seasonal weather - so Charlie and I could take a walk in his stroller

5. Consignment shops - for inexpensive shopping and the opportunity to possibly sell some of my unneeded clothing

6. Housing - to keep us warm and safe

7. Food - to fill our stomachs after long days

8. Financial Resources - to allow us to help out my parents, to provide us with the things we need.

9. Wisdom - to discern the difference between needs and wants

10. Family - to support us in our times of need and to love us unconditionally

Mr. Bobbily Head

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Mr. Bobbily Head 

I love you 

how could any

baby be so good

and so alert

and so sensitive

and so beautiful

Mr. Bobbily Head 

Thank you so much 

for being born 

~Susan Polis Schutz

July 4, 1975 

We took our little one to a local park yesterday.   It was a lot of fun.   As you can see, we took lots of pictures.   The hubby found the above poem in a book called "Someone Else to Love."   It reminds us so much of our little guy, especially when he tries so hard to hold his head up on his own.   He enjoys his trips outdoors.   Hopefully the weather holds up and we can get in a few more adventures before summer's end.     

Poconos

This weekend our friends Jenn and Tim invited us to spent a night with them in Albrightsville, PA. They rented a beautiful house in a development with a lake. We saw some changing leaves and deer! The best thing about our visit was that we finally got to meet their beautiful daughter, Emma. The hubby and I really enjoyed spending  time with them. Thanks guys!

Love one another

I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.

John 13:34

We are waiting for the arrival of Hurricane Irene. I believe we are as prepared as we can be. I only wish our landlady would take in all of her stuff that is on the outside of our property because I do not want it flying into our giant picture window. In the event that it does, we have moved most of our belongings away from the window and will continue to move things away as the day goes on. It looks like by the time Hurricane Irene gets here it will be a category 1 hurricane. The biggest issue is that they are unsure as to whether the center of the hurricane will be super close to us bringing high winds. So, we are here and we are hanging in there. 

NYC keeps saying to open your home to those that are evacuated from their home so that the shelters don't get overcrowded. We have posted on Facebook that we are not in an evacuation area so, family and friends on Long Island and Staten Island can come to stay with us. We have plenty of resources so, my hope is those relatives of mine that are "staying with their homes" would be willing to come here. At some point your life is more important than your property. 

The Nassau County Supervisor is calling for "Common sense from the Nassau County residents." Please leave when they tell you to. Gov. Christie told the NJ shore residents to "Get the h-e-double hockey sticks off the beach." Mayor Bloomberg has said, "If you don't evacuate you may die." Clearly the government employees are tense about what is happening. I would think that you should heed their warnings and do what you need to to comply with their directions. 

We are expecting the storm tonight between midnight and noon tomorrow. We are expecting flooding and high winds. Guess we won't be sleeping much tonight. 

Sun after Rain

On Sunday, we usually have dinner with my family on the island. The past few Sundays have been rainy, humid, and generally gross. Needless to say, yesterday, I was out in the garden picking a few more tomatoes and the new white cucumbers that are growing. We had planned on planting some beets and (something else I can't remember) but, I didn't think it would be a good idea with the crazy wind and thunder.

Rain is one of those things that we need. Puddles are fun to play in but, not to drive through. The birds enjoy swimming in them. Eventually puddles turn into flooding which causes damage to property. I cannot believe that rain washing away the dirt from beneath the enormous tree outside our apartment knocked the whole thing down.

During the fleeting moments of sunshine over the weekend, families riding bikes and taking walks were trying to find ways to circumvent the enormous tree that fell. Unfortunately, the tree is closing off our pass through to the lake. I'm sure at some point in the near future the quiet will disappear because the city will come to cut up the tree. But, I'm in no rush. I think it's neat to look at the huge roots . Perhaps, if they leave it there long enough it will start to grow again?

This morning after the hubby left for work. I went to our front picture window, opened the blinds, and then threw opened the windows. My breath was literally taken away by the cool breeze coming through the windows. Usually I open the windows, try forget about the head as I sip my first cup of coffee. My sole purpose is to think about what I can do to escape the heat. I'm am not sure what I am going to do today to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Today, the sky is perfectly blue. The wind chimes are singing. The breeze is blowing. It is a beautiful day!