A Crowning Effect - DIY Headbands

These next few posts will all be ones created while gathering ideas for YW Camp.  This one is a list of various DIY Headband ideas I came across:

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Headband from a Men's Tie

found here

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Upcycled Bra Strap Headband

found here

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DIY Braided Headband

found here

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DIY Coachella Inspired Floral Headband

instructions here

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5 Step No-Sew Lace Headband

You could also use rickrack, ribbon,

tutorial here

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Ruffly Headband

tutorial here

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T-Shirt Refashion - Headband

found here

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How to Tie a Scarf into a Headband

instructions here
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Housewife Headband
Just love the look!
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DIY Bandana Headband
idea from Needles and Roses
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Wired Fabric Bow Headband
fabulous tutorial here, from Kelly Hicks Design
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Braided Headbands
tutorial here, from Alisa Burke
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Floral Headbands
tutorial here, from Frock Stock

Mormon Prom

This weekend my daughter and her friends attended a Mormon Prom. They were joined with youth, ages 16-18, from four of the LDS stakes located in our area. I am not sure of the exact number in attendance - but it was a lot of youth!

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Note:  I was not involved in the planning.  I am simply a parent of a youth who attended.  Thank you to those individuals who volunteered their time, their talents, and their resources to create a wonderful night for our youth!

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What is Mormon Prom?

Mormon Prom is an alternate "prom" experience for youth. A night where youth are surrounded with others who share the same values and high standards they are trying to live themselves. It isn't held in all areas, but I am happy we are in an area where one is held. I am not sure where this originated from, but I think this is wonderful. For all intents and purposes... the youth seem to think this is the prom of all proms!

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This is what has been done in our area:

Mormon Prom is held on the night of the month's already planned Quad Stake Dance.  Youth 16-18 are invited to attend.  (kind of reminds me of the original Gold and Green Ball which used to be held). 

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The boys ask the girls in classic form - in unique, fun, creative ways!  Which in turn, the girls respond in the same fashion.  :)   Brie's date, Kurt, showed up at our house while she was out for the night.  He decorated her bedroom with streamers - the question written out on a poster board and on her mirrors.  He had quite a few helpers.  Luckily, he called ahead and asked permission to decorate her room - giving me just enough time to make sure it was presentable and all personal items put away. :) 

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Side-note:  All youth 16-18 are encouraged to take part, whether with a formal date or in a group.

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This year there was a website set-up for registration.

One huge difference between a Mormon Prom and a tradition prom - the price.  Do you know of any young men who do not go to prom due to the cost.  I do!  And families who may struggle to pay for tuxedos, prom dresses, flowers, photographs, dinner?  Well, let your burdens be light(ened).  :)  I read an article where the cost of a ticket to Mormon Prom in their area was $10.00 and that included dinner!  Another area offered professional photographs for free.  How wonderful is that?  Our youth were not charged for anything.  They only needed to worry about what to wear and how to get there.  :)

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In keeping with prom history, girls still stress over finding the right dress.  In this case, a modest one.  There are some who chose to go with the traditional full length dress.  Others, including Brie and her friend, Lauren, chose a more modern route.  So darling!

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Brie searched high and low.  She tried on some really adorable dresses.  When asked by sales associates what the occasion was she said with a smile, "Prom."  In addition to the dresses she was interested in, she tried on a few dresses that were chosen for her by the sales associates.  The dresses were all cute and/or beautiful, but less modest.  She wasn't afraid to let them know she was looking for something she felt comfortable in and was modest. 

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In one particular store, after trying on a dress that fit her wonderfully, but was not as modest, she told the sales associate she didn't feel comfortable in it.  As Brie went back into her dressing room to change into another dress, the woman looked at me - like I was the one to blame for Brie not liking the dress (she obviously does not know my daughter) - and said, "Come on. It's prom."  Trying to get me to let this one slide, because it was prom.  I thought to myself, why does a young woman have to wear an immodest dress just because it's prom?  The answer, no reason at all.  There are subtle pressures everywhere, aren't there?

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Brie turned these moments into an opportunity to "shine".  While trying on a dress (finally deciding on the one she wore to prom) she explained to the associate that the dance she was going to was great because she and her friends didn't have to worry about listening to inappropriate music or awkward dance moves.  To overhear her "shining" in the world, not knowing I was listening in, was awesome!  And even more awesome was the response from the young associate, she was sincere in letting Brie know she thought that sounded wonderful!

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The day of prom was filled with excitement.  A couple of Brie and Lauren's friends, who haven't reached the ripe old age of 16 yet, offered to be their personal stylists.  A huge thank you to Emily Cleveland (one of Brie's past YW leaders) who did an amazing job with their make-up!

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Adorable girls!  My son wanted in on the photo.  He's a lucky little boy! 

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Parents and friends were invited to gather for a photo session before the youth head out for the evening. Thank you to the Arnold family for offering up their beautiful backyard for photographs. (and the ice water) The photo above gives you an idea of those who gathered for their group's photo session. Such great support!

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This group of youth were lucky enough to have a fun and generous couple offer to drive them around in their personal bus, "Miss B. Haven".   (Yah, I know. Cute name!)

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Dinner was held before the dance (6:00 pm). Provided and served by the adult leaders/parents. Dance from 8:00-11:00. My understanding is, that in the past, the dinner has been held at one building - the dance in another. This year both dinner and dance were held at the same building. I wonder how the take-down/set-up went in between? :)

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This group of friends had a great time at the dance, but left a little early because the boys had one more item on the adgenda.  They had their drivers take them back to the home where they had taken their photos.

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I understand they danced under the stars (in the driveway) one last time before changing into more comfortable clothes.  The night ended with a game of flahlight tag and s'mores.   Hopefully they all returned home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.

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What are the Guidelines?

The night is based on the standards found in "For the Strength of Youth" provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, for youth ages 12-18.  In a nutshell:

• good uplifting music
• modest dress
• appropriate (non-suggestive) dance

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Where is Mormon Prom Held?

This all depends on the area.  This year in our area, Central California, Mormon Prom was held at the LDS Stake Center, which shares a parking lot with the Fresno California LDS Temple.

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How do you plan a Mormon Prom in your area?

I suppose the idea needs to be shared with leaders in your area first.  :)  Then, once approved...  let the planning begin.  Remember to make it affordable for the youth, incorporate good music, encourage modest dress, expect appropriate dancing, and send the youth home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.

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LINKS TO OTHER STORIES & RESOURCES

A Night To Remember, New Era 2007 - Michigan

A Brand New Year 2010: Dating, video - lds.org/youth

Mormon Prom in California Promotes High Standards, Deseret News 2012

Mormon Prom Celebrates 7th Year, The Orange County Register - Southern California

195 Dresses: Mormon Girl Seeks Modesty During Prom Season, Chron.com

2008 Mormon Prom "Let Your Star Shine!" - Alexadria, Virginia

2010 Mormon Prom Portraits,

Arizona Teen Enjoy Multi-Stake Mormon Prom in East Valley, - 2009, Gilbert, Arizona

Pageant of Progress

This is for Julie, because I love you!  :)  Sorry I wasn't the one who posted the pageant themed activity.  I wish I was, it sounds like fun!
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By the way, is this what you were looking for:  New Beginnings: Young Women Values Pageant, skit found here.

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I decided to throw a few more ideas your way, with the Pageant Theme in mind.  Here are a few photos I dusted off for inspiration.  Julie, I would love a few from your pageant days!  :)

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{insert photos of 1990s Miss Orem Pageants here}  

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IDEA FLOW

I began by looking up the definition of  pag·eant/ˈpajənt/

• A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in costumes, or an outdoor performance of a historical scene.
• A beauty contest.

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My thoughts then turned to developing... "Pageant of Progress:  a celebration of the Young Women program".

• celebrate the history of the young women program
• present through a procession of costumes and historical tidbits
• celebrate individual beauty and accomplishments

I had to do a little research on the Young Women's program next.  This was pretty fun.  :)  I know I used more resources than listed below, sorry I didn't document very well.

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RESOURCES USED
History of Young Women Achievement Programs
Young Women - Then and Now,
A Century of Young Women
134 Years Young! New Era November 2003 (great photographs in article - here is the PDF)

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PURPOSE

Celebrate the history of the Young Women Program. Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill, and by displaying their creations.

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PROGRAM

I could see the night coming together in a number of ways.  I narrowed it down and chose to share this idea with you:

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Welcome:  ____________________

Opening Song:  "Carry On" (which was written as the anthem for LDS youth)

Opening Prayer:  ____________________

YW Theme:  ____________________
YW Historical Overview:

• A presentation put together by the young women.  Each of them given a specific era to cover.  Creating a timeline of the Young Women Organization.
• Or, this could be combined with a fashion show. (see idea below)  (I know a number of young women who would love to put outfits together for something like this.)

Musical Number:  ____________________
Fashion Show:  (if done separately)
Bishop's Remarks:  ____________________
Closing Prayer:  ____________________
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FASHION SHOW IDEA

Have the young women grouped into different time eras. Each young women dressed as a girl would from their assigned era.  I would let them do their own research (10 hour project?).  :)

The MC could describe what young women might have worn during that time and a "Did you know?" - tidbits about what the young women organization was like during that time.

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1869

Fashion:
pioneer dresses - you know the ones!  :)
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Did you know?

• In November of 1869, one father wanted to do something specific to help his girls. It so happened that this father was President Brigham Young. And the way he organized his own daughters soon spread throughout the Church. One evening he asked his older daughters to stay behind after family prayer. There were ten of them in their teens. He pointed out that other young ladies in the Church looked up to the Young girls as examples. He asked them if they would form the Retrenchment Organization. He asked them to meet together to study the gospel and to keep their clothing simple and attractive.

1900s

Fashion:
long skirts, large brimmed hats, buttoned gloves
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Did you know?

• In 1902 the first joint opening exercises were held for young men and young women.

1910s

Fashion: 

Long dresses, high collars, long sleeves.

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Did you know?

• In 1915, every female over 14 was a Beehive girl until she entered Relief Society. There were no Mia Maids, Gleaners, or Laurels.
• At this time, the Church established its first systematic awards program for girls.
• First summer camp for girls was held in 1912.  (100 years old this year girls!)

1920s

Fashion: 

The flapper look, a shapeless dress.  I love the hats!
Hair styles were typically short and sleek.
I loved the swim picture, that's the only reason it is there.  :)

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Did you know?

• In the 1920’s all young women who belonged to the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association were called Beehive girls, regardless of their age. They were arranged in groups called “swarms,” and their leaders were called Bee Keepers.  The Beehive program included three ranks:  Builders in the Hive, Gatherers of Honey, and Keepers of the Bees.
• In 1922 gold and green became the official colors of MIA and the first Gold and Green Ball was held.
• In 1929 they combined Young Woman's Journal and Improvement Era, to make one magazine for young men and young women.

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1930s

Fashion: 

well matched sweaters and skirts with blouse and jacket combinations

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Did you know?

• In 1930 the hymn "Carry On" was introduced as the anthem for LDS youth.
• Girls ages 12-13 did not become part of the MIA until 1934.
• In the 1930s, leaders gave new emphasis to music, dance, and the performing arts. They published a recreational song book, and sociable singing became popular. They sponsored ten-minute musical programs or "road shows" that were locally created and rehearsed and then presented in successive wards in each LDS stake.

1940s

Fashion: 

*Skirts and dresses were A-line in shape (not pencil tight) and dropped down to the low knee. 

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Did you know?

• Class symbols of the beehive, rose, and sheaf of wheat are introduced in 1943.
• In 1944 the Big Sister program was started for young women and mothers who needed to go to work during the war years.

1950s

Fashion:
Poodle skirts, cashmere sweaters, sandals or loafers.

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Did you know?

• In 1950 the Roses class was renamed Mia Maids.
• Also in 1950, the Beehive girls became the first two years of Young Women. The next age-group was called Mia Maids. At that time, the 16- to 18-year-olds were called Junior Gleaners. 
• You would mark your progress by attaching felt seals to your bright blue sash.
• In 1959, the Junior Gleaner name was changed to Laurels.
• It was an exciting time to be in Mutual, because every year you got to be in your ward's road show with the young men.  :)
• You would also probably love the Saturday night dances put on by wards and stakes. These dances were a fun opportunity to mingle with young men, enjoy good music, and taste good food.
• If you enjoyed playing basketball, you would have been excited about the girls' basketball teams—you could play as long as you had a female coach and followed girls' rules.



1960s

Fashion:
tailored suits and dresses
Our parents pictured above at a high school dance in 1964 or '65. 
Aren't they a good lookin' couple?

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Did you know?

• In the 1960’s, some of the requirements to earn emblems for the Beehive bandalo included:
• Strive to get your full nine hours beauty sleep each night this month. Make it a habit!
• Increase your self-confidence by acquiring a good posture (sitting, standing, and walking.)
• Politeness in all things is the mark of a lady. Practice at home being considerate and polite. Learn to accept directions graciously. Conscientiously try to improve.
• Make the dinner hour joyous by improving table manners of the entire family.
• Look for something beautiful every day for two months.
• The first For The Strength of Youth pamphlet was printed in 1965.

1970s

Fashion:

Bell bottom pants.  Platform shoes.  Polyester.

(and yes, I watched Charlie's Angels)  :)

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Did you know?

• Bandelos were discontinued in the early 1970s.
• In 1974 the name is changed to Young Women, and the New Era begins.

1980s

Fashion: 

Over sized shirts, leggings, bleached denim, shoulder pads, and accessories were big and gaudy.
(This is Kathy, a couple years ago, dressed up for a Vanilla Ice concert at UVSC)  :)

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Did you know?

• The Values program was started in 1985.
• In the first Church wide Young Women activity, (on October 11, 1986) an estimated 300,000 gathered at sites around the world to release helium-filled balloons containing personal messages from the young women.  I remember this!

1990s - 2000s

Fashion: 

baby doll dresses, blue jeans/navy blazer/classic white shirt
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Did you know?

• A new camp manual was introduced in 1993, focusing on service, spirituality, and the Young Women values.
• In 2002 the Young Women Personal Progress program was revised and new Young Womanhood Recognition Medallion introduced.
• The words "strengthen home and family" were also added to the Young Women theme in 2002.
• In 2008 the value Virtue was added to the Young Women Theme.

Today

Fashion:

End with a presentation of all the young women. Each with a sash representing one of the value colors.  My thought would be to let the girls dress in their own way.  Celebrating their own unique beauty.(photo is of my beautiful daughters) :)
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Did you know?

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Over the years, the classes, requirements, and awards have dramatically changed. But the goal of learning to make the world a better place through service and self-improvement has been the same throughout the history of Young Women.
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Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president , "If young women know of God's love for them, it will influence and shape all of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They will understand they have a mission to perform in this life. They will have confidence in their ability to make responsible, righteous decisions. They will be able to resist temptation, to flee from worldly things, to dress modestly as is becoming of a divine daughter of God."

"Colour In" Your Wardrobe

I saw this DIY Colour In Dress and thought it looked like a fun project for the young women. This would be a great time to incorporate it. And a great ten hour project. Have them use fabric markers (in the value colors) to personalize their fabric. 
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PURPOSE
Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill and display their creations.
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ACTIVITY

Have the girls design their own piece of fashion. It could be anything as simple as a headband or bag, to sewing a dress or skirt. But have them incorporate one yard of black and white fabric (samples below), which you provide.

DIY "Colour-In" Dress

found here

Just use fabric markers to color away to your heart’s content.

Here are a few more Black and White fabrics to get the ideas going:
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Say Yes To The Dress

Tonight we had a special guest speaker, our Relief Society President (mother to one of our laurels and one of our beehives).  She presented a wonderful lesson on the importance of modesty.  I sent her an email asking for a copy of her presentation.  I am so happy she was willing to share.  "Thank you Monique!"
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Here is the outline of the lesson she prepared and presented (in her own words):

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LESSON

I opened the night by talking about a commercial I had just seen for PacSun clothing. I was watching Sweet Home Alabama on "E" Network. When their commercial came on it caught my attention because their current add and tag line is "Dress Immodestly". I was shocked and thought I must be misunderstanding so later I went to their website and sure enough there is was..."Dress Immodestly". They also have a facebook page where you can upload your photo or view others photos of how they interpret that tag line.

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I decided to look up the word Irresponsible on http://www.dictionary.com/. The third definition of the word Irresponsible is: not responsible, answerable or accountable to a higher authority. The girls eyes got big and I asked them if we had a higher authority that we are responsible to. It was cute because one of them said in a whisper as they were all shaking their heads yes, "Heavenly Father".

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From there I grabbed a bag of Mounds & Almond Joys. I took an Almond Joy and then passed the bags around to the girls for them to take one and then asked them if they loved Almond Joys, what was the best part of the Almond Joy???....the Almond! How could we then relate that to us? Like and Almond Joy, we have The Spirit that our Heavenly Father gave us that can stand out and be the best part of who we are. But like the Almond in the candy bar, (I pulled the almond off and ate it) it can be very easy to loose that spirit that is such a vital part of who we are.

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From this point Courtney (Monique's daughter and laurel president) wanted me to focus on Modesty and how it is a vital part of our Spirit within us. So we came up with the idea to talk about Modesty at school, church and preparing to go to the temple. I built a small lesson from questions I found on www.lds.org/youth about modesty. I can't really take any credit for the questions and answers part of my lesson. I just used what I found and then tried to use personal testimony to expound on the answers a little more. Here is what I used:  (taken from here)

What does it mean to be Modest?

• “Modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. If you are modest, you do not draw undue attention to yourself. Instead, you seek to ‘glorify God in your body, and in your spirit’ (1 Corinthians 6:20; see also verse 19)” (True to the Faith, 106).

How can I know if what I am wearing is appropriate?

• “If you are unsure about whether your dress or grooming is modest, ask yourself, ‘Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?’ ” (True to the Faith, 106).

Besides wearing modest clothing, what other standards are there for personal dress & grooming?

• “In addition to avoiding clothing that is revealing, you should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. In dress, grooming, and manners, always be neat and clean, never sloppy or inappropriately casual. Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If you are a woman and you desire to have your ears pierced, wear only one pair of modest earrings” (True to the Faith, 107).

Why should other people care how I dress?

• “Revealing and sexually suggestive clothing, which includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, and shirts that do not cover the stomach, can stimulate desires and actions that violate the Lord’s law of chastity” (True to the Faith, 107).

Why should I care about the way I dress?

• “Your clothing expresses who you are. It sends messages about you, and it influences the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you can invite the companionship of the Spirit and exercise a good influence on those around you” (True to the Faith, 107).

Why should I dress modestly?

• “Prophets have always counseled us to dress modestly. This counsel is founded on the truth that the human body is God’s sacred creation. Respect your body as a gift from God. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. . . .“Maintain high standards of modesty for all occasions. Do not lower your standards to draw attention to your body or to seek approval from others. True disciples of Jesus Christ maintain the Lord’s standard regardless of current fashions or pressure from others” (True to the Faith, 107).

Why should I dress nicely for Church Meetings?

• “It offends God when we come into His house, especially on His holy day, not groomed and dressed in the most careful and modest manner that our circumstances permit. . . . Some say dress and hair don’t matter—they say it’s what’s inside that counts. I believe that it is what’s inside a person that truly counts, but that’s what worries me. Casual dress at holy places and events is a message about what is inside a person. It may be pride or rebellion or something else, but at a minimum it says, ‘I don’t get it. I don’t understand the difference between the sacred and the profane.’ . . . You are a Saint of the great latter-day dispensation—look the part. . . .“Acting and dressing in a way to honor sacred events and places is about God.” (D. Todd Christofferson, “A Sense of the Sacred,” New Era, June 2006, 30).

How can I truly feel that I am beautiful?

• “‘Deep beauty’ [is] the kind of beauty that shines from the inside out. It is the kind of beauty that cannot be painted on, surgically created, or purchased. It is the kind of beauty that doesn’t wash off. It is spiritual attractiveness. Deep beauty springs from virtue. It is the beauty of being chaste and morally clean. . . . It is a beauty that is earned through faith, repentance, and honoring covenants.“The world places so much emphasis on physical attractiveness and would have you believe that you are to look like the elusive model on the cover of a magazine. The Lord would tell you that you are each uniquely beautiful” (Elaine S. Dalton, "Remember Who You Are!” March 2010 general Young Women meeting).

What is the difference between dressing for church and dressing to go to the temple?

• Wear modest Sunday dress when you attend the temple. Avoid extremes in dress and grooming, just as you would in a sacrament meeting. You show reverence and respect for the Lord and His house and invite the Spirit by being clean and presentable. In the temple there are private dressing rooms where you change out of your Sunday clothing and put on white clothing. This change of clothing serves as a reminder that you are temporarily leaving the world behind and entering a holy place. White clothing symbolizes purity, and the fact that all are dressed alike in the temple creates a sense of unity and equality.
• I took the opportunity to tell them about how we take off all our jewelry, we don't wear heavy makeup, and testified of how amazing of a feeling it is to sit among the women who are there to participate in ordinances with you and feel love for each and every one of them. You feel equal and the same and that every single woman shines and has no flaws when you are there, clothed in white, ready to participate in the Lords work. You can be a mom or a lawyer or a check-out clerk or a waitress...in the temple those things don't make a difference...just like in real life...they shouldn't make a difference.

How does it make you feel when you see women of RS who are dressed immodestly? 

(I added this question)

• As the RS President, I was interested in hearing what they had to say.
• SIDE NOTE:  The young women shared that it makes them feel uncomfortable.  Here are a few of the things the young women said made them feel uncomfortable:  skirts being too short, clothing being too tight, and later someone mentioned tops scooping too low (showing cleavage).

What happens to us when we choose to ignore the counsel of the Lord?

(I added this question)

• Those who do not appreciate holy things will lose them. Absent a feeling of reverence, they will grow increasingly casual in attitude and conduct. They will drift from the moorings that their covenants with God could provide. Their feelings of accountability to God will diminish and then be forgotten. Thereafter, they will care only about their own comfort and satisfying their uncontrolled appetites. Finally, they will come to despise sacred things, even God, and then they will despise themselves. (Answer from "A Sense of Sacred by D. Todd Christofferson)

My next question for them was after graduating from HS and maybe going to school or serving a mission, what would be the next part of their life they would be looking forward to?

• Being married in the temple! We talked about wedding dresses and that they have inserts for you if you have a short sleeved dress. We talked about how some women are sealed in their regular temple dress and then change into their wedding dress for pictures outside the temple. Either way works.

SIDE NOTE:  As Monique was talking, my mind kept going back to the Almond Joy.  If the almond joy represents you, with the almond being your spirit - why couldn't the wrapper on the almond joy represent modesty as a whole.  Modesty in dress, in language, and in actions.  Just as a candy bar becomes stale when left open.  Each time you choose to be immodest in any of these areas it is leaving you and your spirit unprotected.  Leaving you open to becoming stale.  Stale as in losing the sweetness that comes from having the spirit of the Lord.  Just a thought.

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The discussion took about 30 minutes and it was definitely a great part of the night.

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ACTIVITY

From there the time was turned over to Courtney who divided the girls into their classes. She gave everyone a giant pack of white napkins and some tape and sent them to different rooms and gave them 30 mintues to design a modest wedding dress. It was AWESOME!!!  The idea originally comes from here.

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At the 25 minute mark, Courtney delivered a small bouquet of flowers to each class and gave them their 5 minute warning.

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After 30 minutes all the girls (except the brides) came back into the main room. Courtney turned on a fun dance song and the brides came in, one by one, with the girls cheering to fashion show their designs.

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A closing prayer was said and then the girls ate "wedding" cupcakes!

They laughed and had so much fun. It was a pleasure and joy to participate in this activity.

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FOR FUN

Here is a yummy recipe for Almond Joy Bars

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