Five on Friday// 02

What a week! It wasn't so great in the productive department and my poor little blog has suffered because of it. Sleep for me this past week has been terrible and not to sound like I am complaining (that's what naps are for), it's just really affected my days. I had great feedback from the last Five on Friday that I've decided we'll give it another go! :)

One. I've ordered some things from pretty places like Nordstrom's and Fifth and Mae, which packages have arrived this week. Good news is that something I ordered from Nordie's doesn't fit me well, so that's going to be something I'll be giving away in March! Now, fifth and mae. IF you haven't heard of the website, it's super cute and you should visit. They have super cute jewelry that is way affordable. Do you love my new ring? I sure do since I am an instagram fanatic now! I got this baby from a flash sale! It's good to be friends on facebook with companies!

Two. All this hashtag biz reminds me of that funny video with Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake, which video can be number two because i love it.

#ilovehashtags #letmeseeyouhashtag #canigetahashtag


Three. Went to lunch with my dear amanda on wednesday. we enjoyed cheeseburgers at johnny rockets. we had fun while waiting for our food. then did a lil shoppin! Can't wait to wear my new dress. It's a bit more dressy for church. It was nice to spend time with amanda since she's been quite busy finishing up school and did so before she went out of town to visit her family.

FOUR. people that are bipolar are interesting. I have a good friend that struggles with it at times. He can be quite entertaining and can also entertain himself, yet at times needs to be entertained. I worry about him often, but overall, he's got it under control. I feel bad when he spirals out of the loop, and can't imagine living with a mental disorder like that. I pray his spirit to be strong and for anyone who deals with this or any other mental or behavioral issues( i sometimes struggle with anxiety & take a low dose med for depression), I hope you never feel alone, because you are not. And there's nothing to be ashamed about.

FIVE. I was a victim of a drive by hello an hour ago. this person reads my blog, so i should tell him that I bought him a surprise, which is chewy, sweet and in the shape of an animal. Also, James, my P.I.C,  and I were almost gone with the wind...meaning, AZ is expecting a storm and rain tonight and all day tomorrow. We sure could use it.

Goodnight all. I am about to go watch The Spectacular Now. Redbox was out of alot of movies and the two that James and I had originally picked out. Oh well, snacks here I come.

out to dinner, blog designer news + [giveaway!]

Hey Friends! Happy Tuesday! We got a little bit about a bunch of nothin' goin' on ova here!

I ventured out last night to the Outback to celebrate my roommate Sherri's birthday! It was a fun dinner and a treat.

I've never been to the Outback, and while the food was pretty good, the customer service was even better! Our waitress was so helpful and brought me two Styrofoam cups for my soda and water each, since the glasses she originally brought them in were way too heavy for me.  Plus, the lady (probably manager) who seated us, re-arranged the tables so I could better fit under with my wheelchair.

I got a chicken sandwich with buffalo sauce, asparagus and "aussie" fries, which were basically seasoned fries. Tasty!

hmm, what else? I have a few awesome posts in the works and two of them you won't want to miss. They'll be appearing on the blog in the next couple of weeks! hint hint! free, girly stuff! ;)

I've been going crazyyy on instagram. I love it. Find me at: btrevino3. Oh and I decided on my designer for my new blog design!! It's Sabrina Dellinger of Hey Sabrina Faith. This girl is sassy, so creative and just a sweetheart. I am SO excited to get the process started. I just need to browse blogland and pick a few blogs that give me inspiration.

Oh yeh, I am featured today over at Life with a side of coffee!! Woot woot! Christine is one of the best bloggers I have EVER worked with! She makes me and my blog look good! ;) anddddd....just yesterday, she posted her group giveaway which yours truly is participating in, so you can enter over there or enter here below in the rafflecopter!

Up for grabs is ad space (muy excelente if you have a blog!), starbucks money and a super cute candle! Good prizes to be won if you ask me!

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Eat, Drink and Be Mary - $10 Starbucks

Sunny Tails, Happy Mail - $5 Starbucks

Lifeology - Arrow & Twine Candle

Life With A Side Of Coffee - $5 Starbucks and 1 month Medium Ad Space

a Rafflecopter giveaway

just keep swimming.

"Don't be afraid to be unique or speak your mind, because that's what makes you different from everyone else," ---Dave Thomas 1932-2002, Founder of Wendy's

My friend and neighbor Kae posted this quote on her facebook page recently and I thought it was SO perfect for this post.

I will not be ashamed or be afraid to share what's on my heart.  That includes sharing about my faith and the decisions i've made that have led me to this point in my life. I haven't publicly declared my religious affiliation ever. Like, not even when I was a practicing Catholic, or when I considered myself non-denominational Christian. It's so crazy scary to become so vulnerable and share something so private, personal and sacred but as you know, I've always been open and honest about my life and well, faith is my life motivator and core of who I am. That is something I don't see changing. In this little space of the internet, I bear part of my story.

I've had this post sitting in my drafts for weeks now. I got distracted with being sick and other social activities that I haven't forced myself to quiet time and sit here in silence with my thoughts to pour out my heart and leave it for all to see/read.

About a month ago I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a beautiful, spiritual day for me and those who attended. Alot of different emotions ran through but they were all good. Such a memorable, blessed day!!

I won't go into too much detail of how I got there (maybe later), but I can tell you that I've seen many blessings many months before I officially became a member of the Church. Some of these blessings would have brought me to my knees if I could kneel!

Every Good and perfect gift comes from above. ---James 1:17

Last summer, when I first told some family members, including my mom and dad, that I wanted to convert to this church, I was very nervous about their thoughts and reactions. They took it quite well. I was so relieved. The bottom line is that they love me and they support whatever makes me happy. Some teachings of the "mormon" church are the same as in the Catholic church, and I think that's what made it not so "weird" plus they knew that I was interested in the Church years ago. I felt incredibly blessed to have them back me up as I faced challenges with close friends opposing the LDS church and my decision (they are completely entitled to their opinions and beliefs as am i). I cannot even express how much I love my family and how them being there for me means to me.

There were times I felt so overwhelmed and stressed, that I cried and I cried to God that He would strengthen me through those times. I know that on this journey, there will always be people who oppose, but that doesn't and will not stop me from growing in the gospel and keeping the faith. All I want is for others to let me be and allow me the same freedoms they hold as they practice their faith (first amendment) or their choice to not even be Christian, you know what I mean. While I've had adversity there have been more moments of happiness and I know they were a gift from God. Such happiness that my heart seemed as though it would burst. I was overcome with gratefulness yet just appreciation for this beautiful life, that I get to experience such happy, simple moments.

Just like the old saying, treat others how you'd like to be treated. I guess it's hard for me to understand others disagreeing with me when I'm only accepting of their choices who make them who they are, which is wonderful. I believe we are all children of God and we are all in this together.

I am not here to preach or condemn, that is not my intention at all. Preaching and telling someone what they should do or what they should believe is totally not my style, AT ALL. I do, however, feel comfortable enough to share my beliefs and the things that bring me joy. If my story gives you hope or courage to take that leap of faith, in whatever aspect of your life, church related or not, then I am so glad! If you have questions for me(within reason) whether it's about my personal journey or about the church, email me or leave me a comment and I will happily answer them as best as I can.

I don't know everything. I am just like you, still learning forever, but the things I do know, I cling to and have hope in. That is faith to me. I know God loves me. He is real. Our Father in Heaven loves each and every one of us so deeply, I cannot even wrap my brain around it sometimes. I know I am so blessed to know that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that through Him, I am saved and redeemed. I think most of us are always seeking truth (maybe the first part of your life) and what that truth means to us. Like Dori says in Finding Nemo, "just keep swimming." In life, we just keep moving forward and that's the direction my life has been going and the way I'd like to keep it. I have my truth and my testimony grows as I grow.

This bird has been set free.

what is your truth? are you still searching?
what do you believe in?
could simply be kindness and love :)

what i wore wednesday: chevron maxi + braid

*This post is not sponsored by any name brands/products mentioned. I simply like praising my favorites.

This dress is one of my favorites from Downeast Basics. It's cute, modest and just so comfortable! Chevron print is and has been a trend among bloggers and women in general, as far as I can tell, from photos posted on facebook, instagram and sold in stores large and small. Downeast's "steadfast" maxi dress has cap sleeves and thinner lines that's cute. I can't justify the price right now though. I didn't really jazz up my outfit, though I am thinking in the future of a bubblegum pink necklace and my bow studded earrings? hmmm...future OOTD (outfit of the day)!?The focus was more on the hair today. The fact is, I rarely have my hair braided, so it was a treat and I liked how it turned out. Maria didn't know what style of braid this was called; she just saw it on youtube.

totally in the kitchen

Hey! Speaking of instagram, you can now find me at: btrevino3.
I've been thinking of getting a new blog design, so once I finally go through with it, i'll make sure to get a insta button link! I am looking for someone {very} affordable, like $50 or less. I am just not sure what color scheme I want. I have a few designers in mind though.

I decided to keep my makeup pretty natural since I was in a more, relaxed kind of mood today. I used a single light tan shadow on my lids from my Urban Decay Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette with extra coats of mascara. I then topped my lips with Kate Moss for Rimmel's lipstick in 101 (i'll be reviewing this soon) with a caramel gloss on top.

Once again, my grandpa M. did a great job snapping these couple pics for me with my iphone! He thought it was easier to take photographs with my phone versus my Sony digital camera. haha.

I, of course, got a photo of sweet Perla enjoying the fresh air and overcast sky (hanging right over us) outside.

Arizona's been having gorgeous days and I am so in love.

Beauty Review: Rimmel's Clean Finish Matte Foundation

It's been a long while since I've posted something about beauty and that's one of my likes in this life! MAKEUP!!

Now, I usually let you guys know what products i love or have worked for me, but today I have one that was a disappointment.

Mind you, this is my own personal opinion and perhaps this product works for you, depending on your skin type.

I bought Rimmel's Clean Finish Matte Foundation in soft ivory about six months ago (i like to give each product a fair shot and test them out a handful of times as I've been using three different foundation/bases in these last months depending on the occassion.)What attracted me to it was that it claimed to mattify my face which was like, Hello, awesome! I need you, like now!

My skin is so completely oily that I have to blot it every hour. This foundation did in fact help give my face a more mattifying look for about 3-4 hours in the day, but i still had to blot my face.

Unfortunately, this foundation didn't quite soak into my skin. If there are any dry patches on your skin, they will show up like a green eyed monster. Yeh, I don't know why I said, that's the first thing that came to mind lol.

Anyways, I would recommend that you use a silicone based primer before you apply this foundation PLUS moisturize your face first (i typically use a sunscreen specifically for my face that won't cause breakouts.)

This foundation is pretty thick in texture and comes with a little spatula attached to the cap to help scoop out the foundation. I actually put some on the back of my hand and mixed in a bit more of the said above sunscreen into it to help thin it out.

I picked the shade soft ivory which was a shade too light for me, but that was my own fault. I couldn't justify spending $6 more dollars to buy a shade darker in this same formula of foundation, I just wasn't too impressed.

Out of five stars I'd give this product two stars.

Would I buy it again? No.
Would I suggest this product to you? Maybe. It depends on your skin type and how oily your skin tends to be.

It just didn't work for me. On the upside, I can tell you that I LOVE LOVE Rimmel's lipsticks which are good quality for the price, but we'll save those for another day.

Thanks for reading!

catching up: the gilbert lds temple + glendale chocolate affaire

It feels nice to be writing on my laptop again. The weather has been glorious and I sat outside on my way in from mailing off some valentine's yesterday morning. The sun's rays warm on my face, the birds chirping in the nearby tree and the silence of the morning brought me moments of peace. I thanked God for that day and for the ways He shows us his love. He created all things and so, the beauty and intricacies of nature and life, just made me smile so much.

I am happy because I sold about eight valentine cards in the last week. It makes me happy that people like my cards, but also that they buy them to give to their loved ones. I think about the sliver of cheer that person receives when they get handed a card I made.

Remember when I told you I was sick? Well, i feel SOO much better since then. I am not quite 100% but dang, I feel so much better. I am thankful for medicine that works! and seriously, for God who gives me strength. Thanks to you for sending me well wishes and prayers, they worked :)

Over one of the most awesomest weekends, I had so much fun and was nice to visit my hometown.

Friday, a few friends and I met up with my mom, aunt June, grandpa H. and his girlfriend Nat at the Gilbert Temple open house. We toured the temple and it was ah-mazing! The grounds are beautiful and some parts reminded me of a garden and then the inside is just as beautiful. really so. absolutely. gorgeous. For me, it was a spiritual experience, it's hard to describe. I can't wait to go back! If you're curious as to why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints builds temples, check out this video.

pretty little clouds just for us

ah, so breathtaking

The Temple grounds. Pretty flowers and such. and the angel Moroni atop of the temple. That up close shot was especially for my grandpa.

After the tour, grandpa & nat took us out to lunch at Arriba's mexican grill and it was delicious!! I had to bring my food home, which I gladly ate the next day for lunch.

On Saturday, a group of us went to the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. It was pretty fun. The day was gorgeous with sunshine and a touch of warmness. It was my first time going to the event and I had been wanting to go since I've lived on the west side of town for nearly six years. Now, I can say that I've been. We all kept getting samples of different fudge lol, and just looking around at different vendors. I ended up getting a chocolate coconut shake (i thought it was iced) and well, I had already ordered and paid for it, so I drank a bit, and it just too much for me, too rich lol, so thankfully Mr. J finished it for me. We vow to never order that again! haha.

selfie!

scott & kjerstin in deep convo

:)

the brothers

 A bit later, Mr. J concocted special "fry sauce" that he insisted I try..so i did, and it was tasty! We all shared this huge plate of fries because they were yummy! I got a super cute pic of Amanda and her boyfrand Andrew at what I'll call the "lovers tree." This tree is obviously old and had felt hearts tied around the tree on a diagonal. Only amanda and I were brave enough to go check out the wolf dogs. They were huge!

just the girls, dont mind the photo bomb

 The next few pics were toward the end of the afternoon. the weather was just perfect!

 

The weekend was one of the best! I still have catching up to do on the blog, but this post will suffice as I need to get back to working on valentines. Happy Wednesday! TWO more days til St. Valentine's Day!!! I am so excited!