Index Card Journal

Check out this fun idea for an Index Card Journal from our Spring 2015 Issue!

This would also be a FABULOUS idea for Mother's Day - your Mom would love a way to keep track of the comings and goings of your family - and you could add cute pics of your family in between each month!

It could also be a great YW Activity, Personal Progress project, or something you just make for yourself!!

You can get the steps below or also check out Jenn's tips at Endlessly Inspired!

April 2015 General Conference Quotes - Part One

Mkay. We know that we're almost a month behind on posting this,

but man oh man! We just needed some time to re-read the conference talks and really immerse ourselves back into the messages that were shared.

Wasn't conference wonderful?!?!

So here is PART ONE of our favorite quotes from the April 2015 General Conference.

Which ones were you're favorite? Which ones did we miss?

(And look for PART TWO coming soon!)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PS. We made all of these with the awesome app from Rhonna Designs!! 

DIY Heart Ring

We shared this easy and cute tutorial in our Spring 2015 Issue

but it could also make a great Mother's Day gift!

Whether it's a ring, or maybe you turn it into a necklace or bracelet,

the Mom in your life is sure to feel the love!

Favorite Things Friday: YW Activity Ideas

Today we just wanted to share a few FUN and exciting YW Activity Ideas!

Many of these could even be used for Combined Activities with the Young Men - 

though they might not like being part of the Un-Miss America Pageant...haha.

So check 'em out and have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Board Game Olympics 

from Jonesing 2 Create

Around the World in 80 Minutes

from Go Forward With Faith

The Un-Miss America Pageant

from Let's Get Together

Cupcake Wars

from Some Sweet Talking Girl

Jeowardy

from Jonesing 2 Create

Patriarchal Blessing Activity

from Some Sweet Talking Girl

Our Spring Music Playlist

 To listen on webpage click here.

From our Spring 2015 Issue

Make the Earth Happier!!!!

Happy Earth Day!

Make some time to make a difference.

Think of how you can help the Earth.

There are endless ways to do this.

image source

REDUCE

Using less of something or using products more efficiently. Examples:

Stop buying disposable water bottles and instead purchase a sturdy reusable bottle.

Don't leave the water on while brushing your teeth.

Use less paper products such as paper plates, cups, and utensils.

Buy products that use less packaging.

Only make or take the amount of food you'll actually eat.

Help your parents cancel junk mail that is sent to your home.

Plant a garden - this means less products and packaging from the store.

REUSE

Using items over and over again instead of throwing them away. Examples:

If your clothing gets a tear, fix it instead of throwing them out.

Donate unused non-perishable food items to local food banks or shelters.

Take reusable shopping bags with you to the mall or grocery store.

Instead of buying new school supplies, check and see what you can reuse from home.

Borrow or rent decorations for parties, school dances, group dates, etc.

Many items like bottle caps, food containers, soda tabs, and more can be reused.

Give outgrown clothing to neighbors or friends who could use it.

If something breaks, try fixing it before buying a new product.

Reuse gift bags and wrapping paper.

RECYCLE

Using materials from old items to make something new. Examples:

When purchasing items, look for the recycling symbol on the packaging.

Recycle your used school papers, notebooks, folders, assignments, etc. that can't be reused.

Many items can be recycled beyond paper and plastic - batteries, electronics, glass, and more.

Contact your city to find out where and what can be recycled in your town.

See? Isn't that easy! I'm SURE there is something there that you can do!

And any little bit helps!

Also, because we love info graphics we just had to include one for recycling. 

Educate yourself.

The Earth will love you.

image source

Indoor Garden Ideas

Earth Day is tomorrow and even though it might not be warm enough to plant something outside, 

it is definitely warm enough to create some Indoor Garden fun!

In our Spring 2015 Issue, we gathered some great ideas to make your own indoor garden!

Don't those look fun! I'm thinking the avocado tree might be my next experiment!!!

Find the links below :)

Mason Jar Herb Garden via averielane.com

Indoor Tabletop Water Garden via radmegan.com

Grow an Avocado Tree via tipnut.com

Indoor Succulent Garden via acultivatednest.com

Grow Bulbs in Blass Vases via ehow.com

Are We Not All Beggars?

Yesterday in Sunday School we studied Matthew chapter 18.

I've read it before but it struck me so hard yesterday that I need to be more forgiving.

Let's quickly review what is in the scriptures.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The disciple Peter asked the Savior, "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? tell seven times?"

The Savior responded with "seventy times seven" and then taught Peter through the parable of the unforgiving servant (found in Matthew 18:23-35):

There was a servant who owed his King 10,000 talents.

In our class someone said this was the equivalent of three LIFETIMES of work.

Meaning, the servant would have never been able to pay it!!!

The King commanded that the servant, his family, and all he owned should be sold to pay the debt.

The servant begged for patience from the King so that he could pay.

The King was compassionate and forgave him the debt.

THREE LIFETIMES of debt!

That same servant then found one of his buddies who owed him 100 pence.

In class this was said this was about three months of wages.

NOTHING compared to the three lifetimes of wages that servant #1 owed.

The buddy couldn't pay and begged for patience, in fact, he used the same exact phrase of "have patience with me and I will pay thee all" that the servant used when speaking with the King.

But the servant had no compassion and threw his buddy in prison until the debt could be paid.

Others saw what had been done and told the King of this servant's actions.

He was called before the King who said, "O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thous desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?" The unforgiving servant was then delivered to the "tormentors" until he could pay the debt.

Christ then says:

------------------------------------------------------------------

So what's the take-away message here?

If we are not willing to forgive others of their debt or offenses or rude comments or unkind actions or whatever it may be that hurt us or inconvenienced us, our Heavenly Father WILL NOT forgive us.

That's pretty clear.

Which led me to think about the talk from Elder Holland last fall "Are We Not All Beggars?"

Am I not in just as much debt to my Father in Heaven as the next person?

Don't I have just as many weaknesses, sins, faults, errors, misjudgments, imperfections, misdeeds, flaws, and more that I NEED God to forgive me for?

If I have any glimmer of hope for forgiveness or any little bit of belief that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help me overcome my HUGE PILE of shortcomings, how could I not forgive someone else? How could I expect God's grace to cover me but not them.

Something to think about.

Here are a couple of talks that I thought were helpful on the subject or forgiving others and helping others that you could listen to:

President Dieter F. Uchtodorf "The Merciful Obtain Mercy" April 2012 General Conference

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "Are We Not All Beggars?" October 2014 General Conference

The 411 on 5 Modest Swimsuit Companies

We know it's still chilly in some parts of the States...but we're dreaming of warmer days! Before we know it we'll all be hanging out at the pool, right???

We sure hope so! 

Others seem to be gearing up for summer too...you've probably noticed swimsuits all over social media and in retail advertisements! There are swimsuits that we've been gushing over with the cutest patterns and styles. The best part? There are SO MANY MODEST swimsuit choices out there!

So today we want to share info about a few of our favorite modest swimsuit companies with you. The pieces range in price from $20 to $90 which we know is a bit pricey, but the point we want to make is that modesty is definitely possible even at the pool!

(And please note we are not sponsored by any of these companies...just trying to share modest options with you!)

-------------------------------------------------------------

Lime Ricki
This company is based in Salt Lake City (all these Utah companies!!!) and their mission is to provide women with a conservative swimwear option without compromising great style.

Price for one piece: $69.50
Price for tankini top: $47.50
Price for coordinating bottoms/skirts: $29.50 - $36.50

(And if you sign up for their emails you can get a coupon for 15% off your first purchase!)

$69.50 Shirred Band Seafoam One Piece

We love the stripes on this suit!!!! Such a fun and almost retro style that will brighten any summer day :)

$47.50 Color-Block Peplum Block Floral Tankini Top

We LOVE this style! So unique and fun!

Lots of options for the bottom for $29.50

















Rad Swim
This company was founded in Utah by Michelle Shumway. Their slogan: "We are constantly working to create new swimsuits that are quality, flattering, modest, classy, fun and affordable!"

Price range for swimsuits: $65 -$82
Price range for coordinating bottoms/skirts: $11-$18

$65.00 Brighton (currently on sale)

If you love 'bright' colors and some serious cute fringe detail, this suit is for you!

$82.00 Holly

(Also available in a mint color, called Lexi)

Are you addicted to Sparkle? This suit has adorable sequin details in a bright gold, mixed with the pretty pale pink.

There is a matching skirt available as well for $18.















Beverly Swimwear
Created by Beverly in California, her company strives to provide stylish and trendy swimsuits that still allow you to be modest and feel comfortable. She also allows you to customize your suit which is a great option if your body needs a different fit, length, etc. This is also why their prices show "start at" since you can customize the suit to fit you!

Price range for one piece: starts at $60
Price range for tankini tops: starts at $45
Price range for coordinating bottoms: start at $25

$90.00 Slice 'n' Swim - in Pink Tribal

We love this retro vintage look in the Pink Tribal fabric! And if you like this style but want a different fabric, you can choose a different fabric since all suits are handmade according to your order!! So cool!

$55.00 Bella Babe - in Lemons

This halter top is LONG which is great when your swimming but also during a game of beach volleyball! Again, totally customizable and you pick what fabric you want!!!!

Coordinating bottoms start at $25.














Shabby Apple
This company was created with the goal to beautify and empower women. They make vintage-inspired clothing that is modest and SO cute - and their swim line has so many options to choose from!

Price range for one piece: $35 - $88
Price range for tankini: $30 - $56
Price range for bottoms/skirts: $18 - $88

(You can save 10% on your first order by subscribing to their email list or follow them on IG and they post deals there as well.)

$86.00 Bonaire Swimsuit

Such a fun suit!! This same style also comes in pink, pink stripes, or an adorable floral pattern!

$37.50 (currently on sale) Cabrera Tulle Top

This is a classic tankini top that we love with a vintage style and fun color!

The coordinating bottoms are currently on sale for $18.70
















Downeast Outfitters
This Utah-based company offers many modest clothing options, not just for swimsuits! And typically their products are very affordable which who wouldn't love?

Price range for one piece suits or tankini tops: $40 - $45
Price for coordinating bottoms/skirts: $23

$44.99 Sand Stroll One Piece

The stripes with pink accents are so fun on this suit!

$39.99 Sun Soaker Halter Top - Mosaic Floral

We're loving the modge podge of patterns on this swim top! It's such a fun mix of girly and funky!

And of course there are a few different coordinating bottoms to choose from that are each $23.

Mother's Day is Just Around the Corner....

Mother's Day is about a month away - which gives you a good amount of time to make something!

Over the next couple of weeks we'll be sharing some fun ideas for the Star Momma in your life,

but until then you can also check out our popular post from last year with Easy-to-Make Mother's Day Gifts!

Standards Night Jeopardy

Featured in our Spring 2015 Issue is this fun idea for a Standards Night!

Created and shared by Allison at Freshly Completed, you can see our article below highlighting her idea! Thanks so much for sharing Allison!

10 Beginner Cooking Tips From The Chef In Training

In our Spring 2015 Issue our friend Nikki (aka Chef in Training) shared some great tips to help you get cookin' in the kitchen! Check out the article below as well as two of her yummy and easy recipes!

You can find more recipes and info about Nikki on her blog!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Knowledge Value Experience #2: In your journal list talents you have and others you would like to develop. Read Matthew 25:14-30. Learn a new skill or talent that will help you care for your own future family or home (for example, playing the piano, singing, budgeting, time management, cooking, sewing, or child care). Share with your family, class, or Young Women leader what you have learned.