Dating....

Ah.

Yes, I know.

The wonderful subject of dating.

Personally, I'm not even old enough to date.  But, that doesn't mean I can't prep myself to be a worthy young woman to date all this fantastically spiritual young men!

In this post, I'm going to talk a little bit respect on dates.

In the book "What Girls Need to Know About Guys" by John Hilton III and Lani O Hilton, it gives some insightful tips on respect.  I strongly encourage ya'll to read it - I read it in under 24 hours and even read the vice-versa part for boys. 

In a chapter about respect, they say:

When you really know you are a daughter of God and you really feel it, it affects how you act.  True doctrine changes behavior.  It will not only affect how you fix yourself up, how you dress, how you interact with others, but it will affect how you expect to be treated by others.  Think of a princess in ancient times. If she were taken out of her castle, she would still expect to be treated like a princess.  There were certain things she wouldn't put up with.  This is one reason we really need to internalize the principles from the first chapters because if we REALLY feel we are God's supreme creation, we will expect to be treated respectfully.

I love what they say. 

Girls: You are literal daughters of God, sent to this earth to represent Christ.  You are elect and you are divine.  You deserve respect, but you also need to give respect in turn.

Tip One:  "Expect Respect"
    In the Hilton's book, it talks a lot about expecting respect.  But how can you do that?
     -First of all, let the boy be courteous.  I know many head-strong young women who are fully capable of opening the door themselves.  But that's not the point.  It's not the ability of being able to open the door for yourself, but the ability to test both yourself & your date on door-opening skills.  As a daughter of God, you deserve respect.  Expect nothing less.  If he can't do the small acts of respect and treat you like a princess, then he can't respect you in larger aspects.
      -Secondly, wait.  If it takes him a minute to get around to opening your door, then take a minute to double-check your make-up or that your fancy-do stayed in through the drive.  If it takes him a minute to realize that you aren't walking, let him gather up his senses.  Slow down your pace so that he can open the door to the restaurant for you.  If he walks in the building while you are still waiting in the car, stand your ground. 
       -Realize, that like girls, boys sometimes forget.  The Hilton's book reads: You don't have to go to the extreme of waiting forever.  If a young man is not giving you the respect you deserve, be as gracious as you can be.  Some guys aren't used to doing these simple courtesies for women...and may have not been taught this principle in their home.  If you want to bless him for the rest of his life, kindly says something like, "I really like it when guys open doors for me," or even more specifically, "I would really like it if you opened the door for me."  Often they just need to be taught or clearly told, and then they are happy to comply.

Tip Two: Give Respect
     Give respect in return.  Not only should you let him show respect and accept it, but you should show it in return.  Thank him for the night.  Use your manners.  Treat him as a son of God.  Dress modestly.  And most importanly, keep your standards up.


Tip Three: Respect Yourself
    No self-respecting person would waste their time with somebody who doesn't comply to their standards or treat them correctly. 
     Elder Holland says:
     In a dating and courtship relationship, I would not have you spend five minutes with someone who belittles you, one who is constanly critical of you, one who is cruel at your expense and may even call it humor.  Life is tough enough without the person who is supposed to love you leading the assault on your self-esteem, your sense of dignity, your confidence, and your joy.  In this person's care, you derserve to feel physically safe and emotionall secure.

Tip Four: Accept Compliments.
     Accept compliments graciously and sweetly.  If a boy tells you that you look very nice in your dress, accept it!  Don't go back and scream in his face, "I look like a pig.  This dress makes my waist look fat.  Don't you think my thighs look chubby....?"  No, that's awkward.  Accept the compliment!  They really mean it!
Tip Five: Look for the Man Who Honors You
    Lani Hilton says: Girls, a real man will honor you.  Expect the respect you derserve as a daughter of a Heavenly King.  Graciously and gratefully accept the respect that is offered.
     A true prince will automatically know and treat you like the princess you are.  He will never have to be reminded.  He will have been trained in the hand of the Lord to be your worthy prince. 


Here are some adorable videos:  click here
I LOVE THESE!

-Flame

Girls' Camp Gear

Hi Ladies,

Girls' Camp....

I know mine is coming up in like two weeks, and I'm super snazzy excited!  If you've already gone, please comment and tell us your experiences or email us. 

So, one of the best things about girls' camp is preparing for it!  I know last year, I was packed two weeks before it even started.  But, ya gotta know what to pack and how to pack it.  So, here are some ideas.

1. Go light.  Exclude anything you don't need.   You really don't need to curl your hair, shower, or lather yourself in perfumes over this masculine-feminine experience.  It's camp for Pete's sake!  So, don't be afraid to wear the same pants multiple times.  Don't be afraid to have unruly hair for a moment.  It's part of the experience...and it really helps lighten your bag.

2. Know how to pack it. I honestly prefer a duffle or camping bag to a suitcase.  Camping is dirty, camping is rough.  It's easier to carry a duffle down a mountain, than to wheel a suitcase down.  Duffles/camping bags usually have lots of pockets and great easy access.  Lots of camps have you bring a backpack on the side for the hike.  And that works great.  I usually like to attach my sleeping bag or mat to my main bag by a caribeener clip, just to free my hands a little.  Here are a few pictures of some ideas. 


3. Wear the appropriate clothing.  Shirts should be modest and practical. They should allow you to move freely, and should be light so you don't sweat to death.  Lots of camps provide hoodies - which are great.  They've got lots of pockets. :)  Many campsites require pants.  I personally feel jeans are very heavy and not quite so handy.  I prefer cargo pants - they are light with lots of pockets. Shoes shouldn't be your best school shoes and should be good for hiking, climbing, walking, playing, and so forth.  Water shoes work great for swimming, kayaking, and tubing.   Here are some ideas, I found these at CampMor.



4. Get a good camp journal. I personally prefer "My Girls' Camp Journal: Keep your favorite Girls' Camp memories forever" from Aspen Books to any other book.  I love it!  It makes sure you get every detail of girls' camp, apply it to values, and gives you plently of writing space.

-Flame

My Youth Conference Experience

Hi girls!

    So, I just got back from Youth Conference....and it was fantastic!
    On the first day, we went to the Draper Temple.  My ward was assigned the 7:00 AM session.  Since we live at a good distance from this temple, we had to meet at 5:30 in the morning in order to reach our destination on time.  It was so beautiful and calm and peaceful.   I enjoyed it immensely.
     After we finished at the temple, my neighbor, family friend, and stake presidency member, spoke to us.  He reminded us of how sacred the temple is and how privelaged we are to be able to attend it.  He also reminded us of the words spoken by President Dieter F Uchtdorf at a regional conference this year.  President Uchtdorf told us that CTR doesn't just stand for "Choose the Right" - it also stands for "Current Temple Recommend."  We all made a promise to consistantly have a recommend and be worthy.  We were given these cute little "CTR" wristbands to remind us.
     Then, that night, youth from my ward were invited over to my neighbor's house.  We ate food, played a game called "Koosh" - I think that is how you spell it.  It was very fun.  Then they turned on an appropriate movie and put it on a projector and displayed it off of the balcony of my neighbor's home.  It was very fun!
      Eight o'clock on Friday, we went to the stake center.  We got our t-shirts with our theme "SMILE" - Spiritually Minded is Life Eternal."  Then we plalyed games with our designated groups before heading off to Salt Lake City.  We got to choose from three various activities.  I chose to go to the SLC Cemetary.  It was so special to go to the burial grounds of many prophets in the Church - including Spencer W Kimball, Joseph F Smith, & Gordon B Hinckley.  We learned a little about a few of the deceased in that cemetary.  There was even a guy who was buried in a copper coffin filled with whiskey.  Weird, huh?!
      Then we went to Heber Valley Camp.  It was very nice there.  Travis, who played "Albert" in 17 Miracles (the short guy), spoke to us about going through trials with optimism.  He reminded us that there is always somebody who has it worse off than we do.  Then we watched 17 Miracles.
        Afterwards, we had ward testimony meeting.  All the girls were so impressed how all these young men stood up and bore their testimonies.  In my Mia Maids class on Sunday, we also all agreed that boys are very attractive while bearing their testimonies and crying! 
        Saturday: My group got up, had devotional, ate breakfast, and then played some interesting games....like Bobble Head, Wet Balloon, Beach Ball Volleyball, and "Frolf."  The Frolf leaders decided to sing the instructions to us, which made it all the better.  :)
        Then we did the challenge course.  SO MUCH FUN!   First, we played "Spider Web" and then "Shark."  Then, they harnessed us up, and we climbed up a very tall rope ladder.  Then, we walked across a long bridge (with about 2 foot gaps between planks) that was suspended about 30-40 feet in the air, maybe more.  Then, we clung onto a pole while the elderly sister missionaries switched our lines.  Then DOWN THE ZIP LINE (I did it backwards.)  I was screaming "YES!" as I went down.  And then I did ballet moves on it, as well.
     Over all, Youth Conference was a fabulous experience!

-Flame

Secret Sister Ideas

Hello Friends!
   I hope all of you know what Secret Sister is...but if you do not:
  
   This is how you do a secret sister.
   Step One: Have all the girls who are going to girls' camp in your ward (or branch) fill out a form of questions.  For example:  What is your favorite scent?  What is your favorite quote?  What is your lucky number?  What are your hobbies?  You know - personal (not TOO personal) questions.  They put their name on the top.
    Step Two: Put all the papers facing down on the floor.  One at a time, each girl quietly selects a paper.  They let the leaders know who their person is, but not any of the other girls.
   Step Three: Most girls' camps are 3 full days long & a half day.  So, for each full day, you buy a present.  (so like three.)  These presents should be fairly cheap (like dollar store), and, in American dollars, should sum up to less than $10.
     Step Four: Each day, you secretly (without letting your girl know) place her gift in her tent.  I like to have other people sneak them in, so she doesn't suspect me.  Attach notes, cute things, etc.  They should be personalized to her or the theme.  On the last day of "Secret Sister," you gather together and tell everyone who your sister was.  Then you give her last present. 
    It is so fun to get to know your "sisters" and I love it!  So, here are some ideas for what you can give your sister.

:) XO, Flame


1.  Go with the theme. 
   -Last year our theme was "Be Beautiful to Him" in my stake.  So, I based my present around the theme.  I gave her little beauty items, and then attached a note explaining how it applied to her and gospel principles.   So for "Be Beautiful to Him", you could give:

Rose Petal Soap.  I think I related it to how we need to be pure, like a rose.  Like the Mia Maid Symbol


I don't have a picture of homemade soap.  But I did give her some soap.

I think the mask said "Beauty Sleep" or something like that.  I believe I related it to the theme.  Just don't remember how.
    -This year my theme is "I will Stand."  So, I'm going to base my gifts off of feet & legs (standing.)  Tada. 
Like a pedicure paddle in her favorite color.  Symbolizing how we can become pure and spotless through the Atonement.
 Nailpolish in value colors.  If you do just one, you can have it symbolize a certain value.  Talk about how that value applies to the theme, them, or to the gospel.

Princess Socks.  Choose their favorite princess.  Socks can relate to either the princess's values or to how we must walk with Christ.

2. Relate to their likes, them, etc.:
   -Let's say that on the form, it asked for their favorite animal.  Say your girl is Jackilyn and she loves dogs.
Stuffed animal dog.  You could relate it to how a dog obeys his master, and we must follow God's commandments.

   -And let's say she loves the scent of coconut.
Coconut scented bath salts. Delicious.  "We are the salt of the Earth" - heh?!!

    -And she really loves them 'Ranchers.


  Jolly Ranchers.  The gospel brings us happiness...Jackilyn + Gospel= Happy Jackilyn.

Craft ideas: Feather Pens

Hello,
Here are some more ideas.  All these ideas can work for Secret Sister, Mutual, Fundraisers, Girls Camp, and so forth.  :) Have fun.
XO,
Flame


1. Feather Pens: These are way cute to go with journals, gifts, stuff like that.  I personally think these would be way cute for Secret Sister or for new girls coming into your class - like a gift from the presidency.  I know my ward gives gifts to new girls and these would be way cute!

Materials:

• regular pen with no handle or fancy bits to it (it needs to be a basic pen so you can wrap the ribbon around it)
• ribbon in a favorite color or pattern (about 2 feet... though the wider the ribbon the less you'll need)
• feathers
  • to get a really poofy pen, we used an old feather boa and just snipped off a couple of inch long pieces of it. You can find these at craft stores, costume stores and sometimes even the dollar store. They're also fairly common at garage sales (old halloween costumes). A brand new one from the craft store costs about $8 and will give enough pieces for about 15 pens.
  • you can also use a few plain feathers... just keep adding them until you're happy with the look (about 5 or 6 feathers is nice)
    
• hot glue gun
• scissors
• a friend (an adult could do it solo)
  

Instructions:

• This project is best done with a friend -- one does the glue and the other does the wrapping.
  
• put a dab of hot glue at the end of the pen and attach your ribbon at an angle
  
• wrap the ribbon around the pen once
  
• Put another dab of hot glue on the pen and wrap again
  
• continue dabbing and wrapping until the pen is covered in ribbon
  
• Snip off the ribbon
  
• Put a bit of extra glue and use a popsicle stick or the back of another pen to secure the ribbon really well.
  
• put a dab of glue at the end of the pen and attach a feather or a feather boa piece.
  
• flip the pen over and attach another feather boa pin (or another feather).
  
• if using feathers, continue to rotate the pen and glue feathers on until the end is covered on fluffy (4 to 6 feathers) 

Ideas from: http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/birthday

More Ideas....

Some more cute ideas for whatever!
-Flame


Idea 1: Homemade Bath Salts: Bath salts are way fun and very simple.  These can be cute for Mother's Day, Secret Sisters, Mutual Activities, Girls' Camp, Birthdays, or just about anything else!

DLTK's Crafts for KidsBath Salts

The recipe assumes you are making this with a few children or if you're making the project to package as gifts for a couple of people. You can half or quarter it if you are only want one batch.

Materials:

• Large Bowl (ex: empty margarine container) per color for mixing
• 4 cups Epsom Salts (purchase at the drug store)
• 2 cups coarse salt or 1 cup table salt - I prefer coarse salt
• 1 cup baking soda
• food coloring
• jars with wide mouths and lids (baby food jars and small jam jars work well)
• spoon
• ribbon
  
• Optional: 1/2 tsp glycerin (purchase at the drug store)
  
• Optional: essential oil (scented oils like vanilla or citrus) -- available at most craft stores (I also use them for candle making)
  OR
• Optional: a few drops of strong perfume (erm, this is a good use for some of the perfumes you might get for mother's day that you don't really wear much *grin*)

Instructions:

• Mix the two kinds of salt and baking soda together in one large bowl
  
• Optional: Add 1/2 tsp glycerin and about 10 drops essential oil (or about 5 drops of perfume) to the big batch of salt.
  • Sprinkle it all over instead of dumping in one spot so it's easier to mix.
  • Mix well.
    
• split the salt into as many batches as you need for the colors you want (for example, if you want pink, blue and white you'd use three bowls and split the salt into three batches)
  
• Add two to six drops of the color you have chosen and mix well with the spoon.
  • don't get too carried away with the food color -- keep it pastel -- we don't want to turn grandma blue!
  • (note: Put each drop in a different spot so the mixing is easier)
    
• Carefully spoon the salt into the jar.
  
• While spooning, you can alternate colors to give a nice pattern.
  
• Tightly seal the jar.
  
• Tie a ribbon around the jar and add a gift tag if you like.
  
• Use up to 1/2 a cup of the salt per bath

Faith...

Faith...
Our first Young Women value that we state in our theme.

Why is faith so important?
To me, faith is knowing that God knows what is ahead and that I can do what He has called me to do.  It is believing He is putting me through these trials because He wants me to come out as a better person.  It is knowing that He loves me, that He is watching me, and that He hears me.

I don't know how much this applies, but I am going to share it anyway.

A few weeks ago, I received notification that one of my close friends was suicidal.  It was a very tragic time period and...phew, luckily she is getting better now.  But I noticed one thing that happened and caused her to turn to that option (which should never be an option.)

My friend had began to loose faith that there is somebody out there who knows her personally, who loves her, who cares for her, and who knows exactly what she was going through.  We tried and tried to tell her that God loved her, but she couldn't seem to find it in herself.  She kept asking if there was somebody who would understand her. 

I promise you - there is somebody who loves you and understands you.  Please, good sisters, don't loose your faith in His divine love, His perfected plan, and His infinite understanding.  He knows you.  I promise you - He is there.  If you will just have the faith to trust in His love, to climb into His everlasting outstretched arms, and to give your life to Him - knowing that He knows all you are going through - you will find peace, understanding, joy, and comfort.  It may not be easy, but life was never meant to be easy.  Have the faith to get to know Christ and your Heavenly Father.  Have the faith to give your life over to them.  Have faith in Their plan.  Have faith in their infinite knowledge.

:) Much love,
Flame