A large income in the best recipies for happiness I ever heard of. Jane Austen – Mansfielf Park
This quote is actually from yesterday. I went to a quote of the day website, and checked out yesterday’s quotes as well. It was a fun thing to do at the end of my lunch break. Tyring to get back into the habit of blogging. Baby steps. Quotes count!
Most people would like to be delivered from temptation, but would like it to keep in touch.
Robert Orben
Liz and Josh gave me this book for my 21st birthday. Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating. It’s cute, I want to share some it with you.
Chapter One – If You Like Someone, Make It Clear That You Do
Henry & Catherine
In finding [Henry] irresistible, [Catherine] became so herself.
Northanger Abbey
Lesson to be Learned – Enjoy the Moment
What Not to Do: Don’t Obsess Over Him
What to Do Instead: Let Him Please You
Marianne and Willoughby
‘To have resisted such attractions, to have withstood such tenderness! – Is there a man on earth who could have done it!’
Sense of Sensibility
Lesson to be Learned – Be Open and Easygoing
What Not to Do: Don’t Make Things Difficult
What to Do Instead: Trust Your Instincts
Elizabeth & Darcy; Jane & Bingley
‘In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister, undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.’
Pride & Prejudice
Lesson to be Learned – Don’t Make Snap Judgements
What Not to Do: Dont Narrow Your Options
What to Do Instead: Be Open-Minded
Tips for Telling if a Man Really Likes You
- He will ask you for dates in advance – though he may spontaneously call and ask you out for the same night, he will also plan ahead to schedule time you can spend together.
- When he kisses you, he will take your hand and kiss it, or give you an extra good-night kiss on the forehead – he’ll kiss you on the mouth, too, but his attentions to you will be romantic.
- He will remember things you told him about what you’ve been ding at work or socially, and ask you how they went.
- He won’t make you feel insecure; he will call when he says he will and turn up on time for your dates.
- He will make an effort with his appearance – on your dates he will be well dresses and groomed.
- He may well call or e-mail you after a date to say what a great time he had. This is one of the best signs of all that he likes you seriously!
- He will make you feel included in his life by telling you about his day, his friends and his interests.
I think it’s cute.
I think sometimes I think too much.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how it shouldn’t be that hard to find beautiful things in the world.. things to make you smile. It feels like in the world we live in there are just too many awful things happening and we forget to even look anymore. I think sometimes there’s beauty right in front of our eyes and we miss it. I spend way too much time staring at a computer screen at work, watching the news, checking my bank balance at an atm to realise the beauty in life. I think on this blog I talk a lot about beauty, I post pictures about beautiful things, beautiful people. But that’s mostly for my benefit, so that I don’t stop looking for the pretty things in life. I know that life is messy, it’s full of bad things and bad people and awful tradegies, and that a lot of the time there can be beauty in pain. I wish that wasn’t so though, I wish that there was enough beauty in the world that I didn’t have to search for it.
Here’s some things I’ve been finding beautiful lately.
Knowing that there’s only 35 days til holidays.
That in a single moment. Everything can change. That can be bad at times, but it can also be so good.
I love that photo. I love that it’s all pickles. But there’s a heart in the middle of the prickle. That’s beautiful.
I love songs. I love that there’s this episode of One Tree Hill I’ll watch over and over again, simply because one of the songs in it is so moving.
Romans 5
1THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).2Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.
3Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.
Eden and Joelle
In an effort to overcome my naturally negative disposition. Here’s some things I love at the moment.
List of things I love
Making lists. I started this ‘100 things to do before I’m 30′ list last weekend. It’s a pretty fun thing to just write. To think of all the things you want to do in life.
New music and old music. I’ve been doing a fair bit of downloading (all legal of course) and a lot of copying of old cd’ onto my itunes. I just put an old Stephen Curtis Chapman christmas album onto the itunes. Pretty cool stuff. Downloading some of The Almost. Can’t wait to see them live.
Planning holidays. I’m believing that I will be able to get a particular weekend off work, so that I can go on this amazing trip. Details to come.
Photos. My new camera is going well and taking some great pics. Takes wonderful photos at night, and is so ridiculously light, that I forget I’m carrying it.
Nando’s Salads. I really love the mediterranean chicken salad. I’m not sure if its the dressing or the classic nando’s chicken - but it’s delicious.
Ruth Limkin. A living breathing legend. If you combine Nando’s and Ruth – what an evening!
Art. Emily and Laura (basically the only people who really follow this blog – haha) I’ve started work on my entry again. You should hopefully see it soon.
Jesus. He’s been a pretty great source of strength lately. I kinda really love Him.
Christmas. I’m a super big fan of Christmas. It’s coming and it’s coming soon. I get two wonderful weeks off and I think I’ve started to drool just thinking about it.
Tegan Maree. Talking to her is the best part of my day.
Once upon a time a man and lady blinked and then had a baby called Steffany. She grew up and fast and with many bad habits. One of which – was an addiction and love for shoes (and bags, lollies, chocolate and music – but let’s talk about shoes for now)
Call me crazy but I think shoes tell stories. I mean shoes go with you everywhere, unless you don’t wear shoes. I think shoes say a lot about a person. I mean, a guy can have his outfit totally right… and then you look down, and he’s killed it with the wrong pair of shoes. Shoes make or break an outfit. Shoes should never really just be about comfort, or about wearing them because you have to. I wish I had one pair of shoes for everyday of the year. Unfortunately I don’t, but here’s a peak into the shoes in my wardrobe and a little note about each of them. You might be shocked by how many shoes I own, so I’ve also included prices so you don’t completely freak out.
Despite the height on these Tony Bianco heels, they are a very reliable shoe. No blisters, not too much pain from the height and I tend not to fall over a lot in them.
TONY BIANCO – $70 approx
Can anything be wrong with a $7 pair of shoes!!
KMART – $7
It took me a long time to come around to the whole gladiator sandal type thing. So I bought these real cheap in the off season, thankfully they came back. Sure they cut off your ankles, but they are a fashion must have. So I often wear with jeans.
ZU – $30
These were a birthday present from Blaine for my 19th birthday. They’ve been pretty amazing work shoes.
DIANNA FERRARI – PRESENT
I purchased these shoes as part of my new look that I’m working on. A whole lot less corporate and a lot more casual, bohemian, eco friendly.
STEVE MADDEN – $10
These are also part of that look. I think I really wore these in during an Anberlin concert. I might have even bled in them. But yeah, I basically just wanted to mention that I saw Anberlin live.
STEVE MADDEN – $10
I scored these in a ‘throwing out stuff, but you can have it if you want’ session at Tasmania House last year.
TARGET – FREE
I bought these for Liz and Josh’s beach wedding. I had a boring black dress so I went with electric blue shoes and accessories.
RMK – $70 approx
Everyone should have a nice pair of gladiator wedges or heels, but hardly anyone does. They are the perfect way to dress something up in summer.
MARCO FIORANO – $30
I was trying to break away from my ‘I always wear black heels’ look when I bought these I think.
ZOE WITTNER – $20
Tegan and I bought matching pairs.
PAYLESS – $14
Bought mostly for comfort, turns out after an hour – they rip your feet to shreds!
COLORADO – FREE
Work shoes I borrowed off Mum once because they are a tiny bit big for her. I still have them.
DIANNA FERRARI – FREE
Bought initially for an engagement party. Worn for many other occasions.
ZU – $20
I kinda love Kmart rip offs!
KMART – $12
My mum actually just bought these for me randomly one day, I think I was sick or something and these were on sale. Yahoo!
GINO PUCCI – PRESENT
These are my school formal shoes. Definitely sentimental.
C’EST BON (WILLIAMS) – $80 approx
Work shoes I also scored free off a housemate.
WONDERSOFT or SO SOFT, or whatever that brand is – FREE
I actually had a gold pair of these a while back. The gold ones died, so I bought black ones. Pretty loyal to this shoe.
MOOLOOLAH – $30
Borrowed once cos they went with an outfit for a wedding. I never returned them. Haha
DIANNA FERRARI – FREE
First fusion formal shoes!
C’EST BON – $30
No story needed.
HAVAIANAS – $25 approx
Of if a shoe could talk would this one tell stories. It could tell you of all the embarrassing things I did in my high school years when I thought I was cool, it could tell you about all the music gigs I saw in these and all the travels I took in them. I like how worn out mine are – it proves I jumped on the chuck taylor band wagon a fair time ago.
CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLORS – $80
This is my oldest pair of shoes. I got them in Grade 7. I’ve worn them to retail jobs all day long, hospitality stinks.. and any other time I need black-ish shoes and need to be comfortable. See Mum, I told you they’d be worth it.
DOC MARTENS – $120 approx
Great summer sandals.
NO IDEA – $$ NO IDEA
Work shoes. Worn purely for work, except for when I do a suit and jeans look.
DIANNA FERRARI – $60 approx
I do love havainanas.
HAVAIANAS - ALL GIFTS
Gold and silver variations of the classic black flat.
SILVER TARGET FLATS – FREE
GOLD FLATS – $20
These are my gorgeous 21st birthday shoes.
They are the most painful but beautiful shoes ever.
SACHI – $60
These boots feel like slippers, that you can wear outside!
Hmmm… I don’t know and they were freee!!
I really love these shoes as well. Originally bought for a Fusion Formal – they go perfectly with this dress I have in the same colour. I would also like to take this moment to say, that I bought these shoes before they started doing cheap rip offs with like gross heels. Everyone’s wedding shoes these days are like gross white version of this. Ew.
ZU – $80
The purpose of these shoes is a surprise.
Wow. I own a lot of shoes. And the scary part is, this isn’t even all of them.
..September..
Books Read: Max Lucado – No Wonder they call Him Saviour & Max Lucado – Siz Hours One Friday
Clothes Bought: I bought a birthday dress and shoes. Yikes those shoes are painful, but beautiful.
Consumed Music: I got some itunes vouchers for my birthday, so I purchased a bit of music this month. I also made a 21st playlist, which meant I downloaded a classic song from every year I was born. Some highlights included Seal – Kissed by a Rose, Simply Red – If you dont’ know me by now, and Destiny’s Child – Bootylicious. With the vouchers I bought the new Paramore album – can’t wait to see them live. And also a few other random songs from The Almost, Alexisonfire who I’ll also be seeing live next year.
Birthdays: Birthdays are pretty big in September. Happy Birthday to Aunty Kerrie, Nathan, Amy, Kelly, Beth, Dave, Sarah, Chetti and most likely others. Highlights were obviously Laura’s 21st party, which was black and white cocktail themed. Nathan’s 21st which saw hand made candleabra’s set on fire. And my own 21st — which saw my hair set on fire. Accidentally thankfully.
Films Watched: The Surrogates (pretty thought provocing) … and I think that’s all.
Lessons Learned: Lots of hard work and planning can’t necessarily guarantee a successful party. I think successful parties are basically flukes. Cakes can cost a fair bit. Fasting is difficult. Tea is amazing.
A secret blog reader made herself know at my birthday and suggested that I do a blog about my birthday presents. I don’t really like unwrapping presents in front of people, but people still like to see what you got. I got lucky.
My delicious wall clock from Rebecca Mumberson and Nathan Whitecross, soon to be Mr & Mrs Whitecross. I love love it.
I super duper wanted new pyjamas. So I got this lovely voucher for Peter Alexander from Michelle, Clair and Jess. Delightful!
This is half my present from my beautiful sister, Georgia. Narnia books and my favourite ring.
Wow! I love this! From my Aunty Wendy, Uncle Ian and cousins Mitch & Maddy!
Beautiful flowers from beautiful Amy!
I seriously love this bag like I seriously love the Greenwood’s.
My little pamper pack from Luke and Brie!
Zab gives a decent gift! I always need these!
Laura’s awesome wrapping.
Just delightful! The Fraser’s gave me this gift which I should have opened before I cut the cut. But I love it a lot anyway.
Ben Seymour won big points with this present.
You can’t really tell from the picture, but that is like the most amazing candle you have ever seen. And the massage will be the most amazing pain I’ve experience in a while.
Delicious perfume from Ruth and Steve xo
Seriously, what is a birthday party for if not to stock up your jewellery collection! Love these Clint and Joelle. I’m sure Clint did the picking though.
I actually need more photo frames. Thanks Dave Stay. Your birthday is at a very cool time of year.
Liz and Josh. Books. Jane Austen. Things I really really like.
I love this. Blaine, Matt & Rachel and Courtenay gave me this lovely Royal Albert collection of loveliness. I seriously love tea hey, thanks so so much!
Thank you Casey, Kristen & Jayden, Dan, Amy, Kelly, Chloe and Aj for this! Seriously! Yahoo!
It’s hard to show in a picture how amazing this really is. It was wrapped amazingly also. Sarah and Sarah are good present givers.
Thank you Anna and John! Timed this present perfectly for my party!
Vase also from John and Anna. Flowers from Sarah. 
These are just some of the delightful things I received. Parental presents deserve their own post.
Thanks so much everyone. xoxox
Hi darling blog readers,
I’m excited. It’s my 21st birthday soon. I love birthdays. I love presents, cake, decorations, birthday dresses. Birthday parties on the other hand, yikes. So much stuff to do, so much money. Every year I say, ‘I won’t have a party’ and then somehow, I get suckered into having one. I’m sure it will be fun, but right now it feels like lots of work and lots of money. Things I still have to do.
- Pick up and pay for cake. Probably will be the best part of the party.
- Set up lights. How does one actually do this?
- Pick up chairs and tables from church. Hmmm.. trailer anyone?
- Get food from caterer’s. Pay for it.. More money.
- Buy hot outfit and find matching shoes. Matching shoes will be harder. I think.
- Find spots for candles.
- Clean, because I’m sure the dust will make things dirty again.
- Mow the lawn.
- Buy beverages. And coathangers. Actually coathangers are unrelated.
- Haircut
- Massage, because of all the stress
- Finish playlist and find something to play it on
- Make a powerpoint, maybe.
Typing this list out for everyone online has been helpful.
Thanks peeps. Unfortunately I’ve started using words like peeps.
Love love Steffany. xo
If it is true that a picture paints a thousand words, then there was a Roman centurion who got a dictionary full. All he did was see Jesus suffer. He never heard him preach or saw him heal or followed him through the crowds. He never witnessed him still the wind; he only witnessed the way he died. But that was all it took to cause this weather-worn solder to take a giant step of faith. “Surely this was a righteous man.”
That says a lot, doesn’t it? It says the rubber of faith meets the road of reality under hardship. It says the trueness of one’s belief is revealed in pain. Genuineness and character are unveiled in misfortune. Faith is at its best, not in three-piece suits on Sunday mornings or at V.B.S on summer days, but at hospital besides, cancer wards and cemetries.
Maybe that’s what moved this old, crusty soldier. Serenity in suffering is a stirring testimony. Anybody can preach a sermon on a mount surrounded by daisies. But one one with a gut full of faith can live a sermon on a mountain of pain.
No Wonder They Call Him the Savior – Max Lucado
Really enjoying getting into reading more again during this 21 days. I think Max Lucado is an amazing writer. He writes about amazing things but his writing skills are also top notch. Something about the way he weaves words together makes you want to read and read and read. As if I needed any incentive!
