The Legend of the Ladybug

Several years ago, my friend, Mary L., shared this legend with me:

"The Legend of the Ladybug"

In Europe, during the Middle Ages, swarms of insects were destroying the crops. The farmers prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary for help. Shortly thereafter, the Ladybugs came, devouring the plant-destroying insects and saving the crops! The farmers called these beautiful insects "The Beetles of Our Lady". Over time, they became known as "Lady Beetles", in Germany as "Marienkäfer" (Mary Beetles), and in America as "Ladybugs". The red wings were said to represent the Virgin's cloak and the black spots were symbolic of both her joys and her sorrows.

(taken from http://www.celticbug.com/Legends/Lore.html, additional information)

I have liked ladybugs even more since hearing this story. So I was happy to learn on Saturday that Lilla Rose's June 2015 Flexi of the Month is a ladybug. I am looking forward to receiving the ladybug clip that I ordered for one of my daughters.

Mystery Hostess Party Link: https://www.lillarose.biz/parties/10870

Lilla Rose 25% Off Flash Sale

Lilla Rose is having a 12-hour flash sale. Please visit one of the following party links to take advantage of the sale prices:

Christine's party link: https://www.lillarose.biz/parties/8419

Jessica's party link: https://www.lillarose.biz/parties/8465 

If you are a new Lilla Rose customer and purchase 3 or more hair accessories through one of the above links, please contact me at prettynwrose at gmail dot com for instructions on how to receive a free flexi clip (retail value up to $16).
http://lillarose.biz/pretty

Violin Recital

On the Feast of St Cecilia, Bernadette and Theresa participated in their fall violin recital. Theresa just started violin lessons in September. She was accompanied by Bernadette as she played Marching Song, Norwegian Folk Song, and Lightly Row.

Bernadette enjoyed playing Meditation from Thais by Jules Massenet. She started playing when she was around Theresa's age. Her playing has come a long way.

Thank you to everyone who has placed orders through my Lilla Rose website, mystery hostess parties, review links, and home or online parties since May. You are helping make it possible for my children to continue with/take music lessons.

Lilla Rose is currently having their BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR. In addition to the mystery hostess party that I am hosting, Angela is hosting an online party, Jessica is hosting a review and giveaway, and Kim has an open party. Purchases made through any one of these parties are greatly appreciated.

Friday Finds

Each Friday, I hope to share things of interest that I have found online and elsewhere. If you would like to join me and share your finds, please leave a link to your blog post in my comments. I hope you like some of this week's finds. Enjoy!

Liturgical Calendar
I was happy to see that Fraternity Publications has the FSSP's 2015 liturgical calendar in stock and excited to read that this years theme is The Glories of the Faith. I am looking forward to seeing the calendar and the pictures that have been seen selected.

Fr. Peter Cutouts

Lena shared these Fr. Peter cutouts on pinterest a couple of weeks ago. I am planning on printing the cutouts and then wrapping them up as a Christmas present for Patrick and Finnian.

Advent Calendar

I saw this delightful free Advent calendar on Audrey Eclectic and had to download it. I am fairly certain that Elizabeth will be thrilled with the calendar when I give it to her on November 30, the first Sunday of Advent. The author of Audrey Eclectic, Heather, is a very talented young folk artist. Her blog is an absolute treat. 

Chapel Veils

I lost my favorite chapel veil after Kilian was born, and I have been making do with what I have because I couldn't see buying black lace to make just one chapel veil. I noticed Robin Nest Lane on Jessica's blog and was intrigued by the name, as was one of my sons. When I visited the website, I was even more intrigued. I saw this beautiful infinity veil and wished that it was available in black. I like the brown infinity veil, but I prefer wearing a black mantilla for Mass. Anyway, I soon found that infinity veils were available in black and in white. I purchased the white one for Catherine as a Christmas gift from my father-in-law, and I got the black one as a Christmas gift for myself from my father-in-law (my father-in-law gives me money to purchase Christmas presents from him for all of us). I am anxious to unwrap my gift on Christmas morning.

Lilla Rose

Lilla Rose is having a flash sale through 11:59 p.m. tonight, November 7. 10% off select styles and free shipping on orders over $40. At the same time, I am throwing an online mystery hostess party and all my readers are invited. The party link is https://lillarose.biz/parties/7220 If you would like to be one of the first to know when Lilla Rose will be having their next sale, please visit my website and "create a New Account".

Independent Lilla Rose Consultant

In addition to their sale, Lilla Rose is also offering free shipping to consultants on orders over $150. My first priority is God, followed by my family, and then my friends. However, I am finding that I do have a little time between Mass, prayers, homeschooling, cooking, dishes, and laundry to "work at home" and make a little money to pay for some of my children's extra-curricular activities (children's choir and violin lessons). If you want to join my team and make money from home, now is a great time to do so. Anyone who signs up as a consultant on my team this month will receive a "Joy", "Winter Wonder", or December FOTM flexi clip as a little thank you gift from me. Please contact me (prettynwrose at gmail dot com) if you would like more information about becoming an independent Lilla Rose consultant.

I look forward to sharing more finds next Friday. God bless you!

Lilla Rose Sale

It's a Lilla Rose 72-Hour Sale!

Sale ends Saturday, October 18, at 11:59 PM

Brass, brown, and black items are 15% off and everything else is 10% off.

Jennifer at Veils and Vocations and Tracy at Pinewood Castle are hosting online Lilla Rose parties. Please visit Tracy's or Jennifer's party links to take advantage of the sale.

I am offering buy 3 or more, get 1 free* to all new Lilla Rose customers who order through Tracy's or Jennifer's links. Do not add the free item to your cart. After you place your order, please email me (prettynwrose at gmail dot com) and let me know what you would like for your free item (up to $16 value). This offer is only good through one of the party links (please make sure it says Christine). 

Email me if you order over $45 worth of Lilla Rose products, during the sale, and I will refund you $4.00 for shipping.

I am happy to answer any questions. 

Please Note: Lilla Rose does not send emails verifying your order through party links, but I am happy to confirm your order if you email me (prettynwrose at gmail dot com) after placing it.

Shop Tracy's or Jennifer's Party!

*The "buy 3 or more, get 1 free" is only available to customers in the USA.This post contains affiliate links. Thank you to everyone who uses them. 

Autumn's Delight and Jen's Review

Lilla Rose's October Flexi of the Month, Autumn's Delight, is now available on my Lilla Rose website.

Jen wrote a lovely review of Lilla Rose's flexi clips on her blog. Her party link is open through this Friday, October 3. If you would like to purchase Autumn's Delight, the flexi of the month, or other Lilla Rose hair accessories, please consider doing so through Jen's party link. Thank you to those of you who have already made purchases through her party.

I hope that everyone has a delightful autumn!

Busy September Daybook

Outside my window

The sun is setting. Planes are flying overhead and the branches of the trees are swaying with the gentle breeze.

I am wearing

a denim skirt, a brown t-shirt, and a fleur-de-lis flexi clip.

In the kitchen

I am so thankful to a friend and fellow parishioner who has been giving us Italian prunes, heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, and three overflowing boxes of apples.

In addition to eating the apples out of the box, we have also been making dried apples, applesauce, and apple pies.

Outside

Between our parish picnic and our State Fair, we have been spending a lot of time outside. Each year, our children look forward to our parish picnic. Our pastor, assistant pastor, the Knights of Columbus, and the young adults all work together to ensure that the children have a great time.

Like all of the other games, Tug of War is enjoyed by both young and old at our parish.

Our youngest daughter participated in her first egg race this year. She didn't quite understand the rules of the race (notice the egg), but she had a great time. She is such a sweet child.

This is the first year that we have all gone to the State Fair with "Daddy".  The younger children enjoyed some of the free activities like:

riding the tractors,

helping the ducks get to the other side

and running through the maze.

The children also had fun going on the rides.

We all had a great time.

I am thankful for

the Catechetical series that my pastor, Fr. S., started this month. I was happy to go to the first class in this series.

I am hearing

my children playing outside.

In our learning home

I am having a tough time so far this year. Please pray for me.

I am reading

Padre Pio: The True Story. Fr. V. recommended this book in one of his sermons and I decided that it was about time that I start to read it. My mom had a devotion to St. Padre Pio (he was Blessed Padre Pio at the time), and I read Stories of Padre Pio by Katarina Tangari, based on her recommendation, shortly after my mom died. It is good to be learning more about this great saint.

I am listening to

Modesty of Dress: You are Your Brother's Keeper

I am pondering
this quote from Bl. Mother Teresa that Cay Gibson shared on A Beehive of Spiritual Activity.

"If you are discouraged, it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own power. Your self-sufficiency, your selfishness and your intellectual pride will inhibit His coming to live in your heart because God cannot fill what is already full. It is as simple as that.”

 ~ Bl. Mother Teresa ~

St. Philomena

picture from Catholic Tradition

On Friday, a young Catholic lady who is a member of my Lilla Rose team, emailed me, sharing, "Last night when I was praying my St. Philomena novena (my Confirmation saint & sisters) I saw the anchor with her image & was blown away that this month's flexi is a St. Philomena flexi! :)  St. Philomena, pray for us! St. Dominic, pray for us!"

Although a friend's daughter is named after this wonderful saint, I have other friends who are parishioners at a parish named after her, and a friend recently spoke to me at the beach about St. Philomena's cord, I didn't know much about St. Philomena. So, I started reading about her. St. Philomena is truly a beautiful saint!

May we always be anchored in Hope and anchored in God!

Saint Philomena Prayer

Hail, O innocent Philomena, who, for love of Jesus, preserved the lily of thy virginity in all its brightness. Hail, O illustrious Philomena, who shed thy blood so courageously for Jesus Christ.

I bless the Lord for all the graces He granted thee during thy lifetime, and most especially at the hour of thy death. I praise Him and glorify Him for the honor and power with which He has crowned thee, and I beseech thee to obtain for me from God the graces I request through thy intercession.

Saint Philomena, beloved daughter of Jesus and Mary,
pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Amen.

taken from Catholic Tradition

Happy Feast of St. Philomena!

Anchors Aweigh

Here's one more reason to become a Lilla Rose consultant:

If you become a consultant today, July 31, then you can purchase the August Flexi of the Month today.

If you would like to become a consultant, please visit http://lillarose.biz/pretty and click "become a Consultant".

Additional information about becoming a consultant is available here.

If you have any questions, please contact me at prettynwrose at gmail dot com. I would be happy to have you on my team!

For customers who would like to purchase the August Flexi of the Month, Anchors Aweigh, you may do so on my Lilla Rose website starting at midnight. These flexi clips will be available through the end of August while supplies last.

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful summer!
Anchors aweigh my friends!

A Great Way to Earn Money from Home

Are you looking to earn a little extra income? Lilla Rose might be able to help you do so. Please visit http://lillarose.biz/pretty and click "become a Consultant" to learn more or email me at prettynwrose at gmail dot com. If you have any questions, please contact me. I am happy to answer your questions and would be grateful to have more people on my growing team.

More information about being a Lilla Rose consultant is available here.

It's a Great Time to Become a Lilla Rose Consultant!

Lilla Rose is offering

This means that everyone who signs up to be a Lilla Rose consultant between now and July 31 can save between $9.80 and $21.95, depending on which consultant kit you purchase and whether you live on the East Coast or West Coast.

Why become a Lilla Rose consultant?

Well, aside from the obvious:

I have 7 good reasons why you might want to become a Lilla Rose consultant:

1. Flexi clips and hair bands sell themselves! When someone sees a flexi clip or hair band in your hair, they often comment. When someone tries a flexi clip on, they usually like it and want to buy one! Once someone buys one, their friends will most likely want to buy one (or more) for themselves. As one of my friends shared, “Rebecca’s been wearing her flexi and getting lots of compliments!”
2. Depending on how much time you have and what your goals are, you can be a casual, part-time, or full-time Lilla Rose consultant. You can sign up as a casual consultant to purchase hair accessories for yourself and as gifts for family and friends. You can be a part-time consultant, selling Lilla Rose products online or at parties. Or you can be a full-time consultant, build a team, and sell online, at parties and shows.
3. Lilla Rose offers an affordable start. Becoming a consultant costs between $49.95 and $599.95, depending on what package you select. I personally wish that I had signed up with the fast start kit (please see the video below). I am happy to explain the differences between the kits. Simply email me at prettynwrose at gmail dot com or leave a comment.
4. There are no monthly fees and there is no inventory to store. The only yearly requirement is that consultants have $29 in sales for the entire year.
5. Consultants can earn 30-45% commission on all sales, plus receive the same discounts on items they purchase!
6. Being a Lilla Rose consultant provides a great way to make new friends! 
7. I would be happy to have you on my team!

Please consider signing up to be a

LILLA ROSE CONSULTANT

ON OUR TEAM TODAY!

*This video explains the benefits of signing up with the Fast Start kit. As I mentioned above, I wish that I had signed up with this kit.

*If you have any questions about becoming a Lilla Rose consultant, please email me at prettynwrose @ gmail dot com.

Pretty as a Flower

Recently, Eva purchased some flexi clips from us and took advantage of our "buy 3 or more, get 1 free" offer for new Lilla Rose customers. Eva emailed me after Flora received her free clip, letting me know how much she liked it and included a couple of photos. I asked her if I could use the photos and Eva graciously offered to take more pictures.

I think that the Hawaiian Flower, the hibiscus, looks beautiful in Flora's hair. I am also in awe of all the daisies in the garden. They make me think of St. Therese's words in Story of a Soul, "The splendor of the rose and whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charm." Anyway, I will be using the beautiful photos that Eva took for graphics like the one below. Thank you, Eva and Flora for sharing these photos. Flora is named appropriately. She is as pretty as a flower.

These are some of the pretty clips available on our website.

If you are a new Lilla Rose customer and would like to take advantage of our "buy 3 or more, get 1 free" offer, please visit www.lillarose.biz/pretty. Place your order for 3 or more items. Once you have completed your order, please email me the item number that you would like (up to a $16 value) and I'll order it for you.

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them.

Lilla Rose Mystery Hostess Party Winner

And the winner is...

Congratulations Kathy!

I will be contacting you to find out what hostess rewards you would like.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our first Lilla Rose Mystery Hostess Party a success by purchasing hair accessories and sharing information about the party.

If you would like to be notified about future Lilla Rose sales

and/or mystery hostess parties, please let me know in the comments

or via email (prettynwrose @ gmail dot com).

If you would like to get a flexi clip, bobby pins, a hair band, or you pins, I have a special promotion for new Lilla Rose customers:

I hope that everyone has a 

Happy 4th of July!

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you to everyone who uses them.

July Daybook

Outside my window

The sun is shining and the children are running through the sprinkler. At least they were when I started to write this daybook.

I am wearing
a denim skirt and a black t-shirt.

In the kitchen

I am hoping to get our barbecue's propane tank filled so that we can have a barbecue tonight. Check, I did it!

I am thankful for

friends who give me beautiful flowers to grace our table and home.

I am also thankful for children who cut flowers from our garden to give to Our Blessed Mother.

I am hearing

the children playing outside.

I am continuing to pray for

the repose of Fr. Walker's soul and for Fr. Terra. It is amazing that Fr. Terra survived. My friend, Elena, shared this photo of Fr. Terra with me. In your kindness, please pray for Fr. Terra's complete recovery.

We are also praying for Fr. V. as he begins his new assignment. We are praying for Fr. H. as he begins his first year of his priesthood and we are praying for our pastor, Fr. S. We are so blessed to have such a holy priest for our pastor.

We are learning all the time

Brendan was blessed to be able to participate in our parish's boys' camp, Camp St. John Eudes, this summer. Fr. V. organized it and three FSSP seminarians (two from our parish) helped him run it.

After reading Greg's Microscope, Patrick and Finnian became very interested in using our microscope. So, Anthony has been using it with them regularly, looking at bugs' wings, legs, etc. The boys have also started making a bug board again. I''ll have to share a photo of it eventually.

Cecilia has been bitten by the sewing bug again and has been making tiered skirts, following these instructions. As the title states, they are easy to make. I think that the lovely pearls hair band looks so pretty in her hair.

Agnes is learning all about sales and has been happily taking photos. After we received these liberty bow bobby pins, she decided that she had to take some photos of them. I like how she captured the rain on the rose. Agnes is very artistic and she tends to see things that others might not notice.

I am reading

The Glories Of Mary by St. Alphonsus Liguori.

I am listening to

Fr. Ripperger's presentations on modesty. I have also been listening to Fr. Walker's sermon on Mercy and Justice. Thanks go to my pastor for the latter recommendation, as he told a friend and me about the sermon after Mass one day.

Plans for this week

• Meet with a homeschooling mother to show her our Lilla Rose samples.
• Go to the beach
• Visit with a friend who has signed up to be a Lilla Rose consultant on my team. If any of my readers are interested in becoming consultants, please let me know. I would be happy to have you join my team.
• Go to First Friday Mass
• Have a 4th of July barbecue
• Garden
• Clean up around the house
• Start checking to make sure that the children have everything that they need for the camps to which they will be going.
• Enjoy my husband's 4 day weekend! I really like it when he gets to spend a few extra days at home with us.

A favorite prayer

My Jesus, I adore Thee.

My Jesus, I love Thee.

My Jesus, I trust in Thee.

My Jesus, have Mercy on me, a sinner.

My Jesus, Thy Will be done.

Clothing Advice from my Daughter

Catherine: "Mommy, I really like the skirt that you and Theresa made tonight. I like the style and everything. I would buy a skirt like that, but..."

Me: "What don't you like about it?"

Catherine: "I like everything about it, but I don't think that she can wear it to Mass because I think that it would be too much of a distraction. I know that if I were sitting behind her, I would be looking at it."

I don't know whether or not Theresa will be wearing her skirt to Mass, but I do know that I got a good laugh.

If nothing else, Theresa will wear her skirt, red shirt, and liberty bow flexi clip on the 4th of July. Oh wait, Independence Day falls on First Friday and we will be going to Mass!

At least, she can wear the skirt when she goes camping this summer.

Lilla Rose Summer Sale, Mystery Hostess Party and Flexi of the Month

Lilla Rose is having a summer sale
and we are throwing a

4th of July Mystery Hostess Party!

When you place an order through the party link between June 25 and 26, you will save 10% and receive free shipping on orders over $40. You will also automatically be entered in the drawing to win the hostess rewards. We will draw the winning name on Independence Day!

The lucky winner may earn up to $150 in free products and up to 6 half-price items!

You can receive a second entry by letting your friends know about the mystery hostess party. Simply let me know in the comments or via email (prettynwrose at gmail dot com) how you shared the mystery hostess party link – on your blog, via email, Facebook, etc.

In addition, we are offering all new Lilla Rose customers "buy 3, get a 4th clip free". If you are ordering from Lilla Rose for the first time and you or anyone in your household have never redeemed a "Have-1-On-Us" coupon, you are eligible to get a free item of your choice, worth up to $16, when you order 3 or more items! Simply email me (prettynwrose at gmail dot com), telling me the item you would like after you place your order (do not order the 4th item yourself). This offer is only good through the party link (please make sure it says Christine). 

The mystery hostess party will stay open until midnight on Thursday!

Tips:

Lilla Rose flexi clips work in fine, medium, and thick hair.

If you order the wrong size, Lilla Rose allows you to exchange the flexi clip within 90 days (keep the packaging). Lilla Rose will even pay for the return shipping.

A styling and sizing video is available on my Lilla Rose website.

I am happy to answer questions.

Shop the Mystery Hostess Party here!

I just have to say that I like July's Flexi Clip of the Month so much that I ordered one for each of my daughters and one for me, plus extras for friends who might want them. I wouldn't be surprised if these clips sold out within a few days.

All those who made a purchase during my grand opening party will automatically be entered into the drawing. We really appreciate your kindness and support. Thank you!

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you to everyone who uses them.