my new reality: part 1

This past week has been an emotional one for sure.
My grandpa henry passed away somewhat suddenly last Wednesday, March 26th.

Let me tell you how much I saw God's hand in my life last week.

Last sunday, march 23-24th, I was having a discussion with a good friend about loss, death, family, eternal life and the things that really matter. Looking back, I feel like that talk with him prepared me for Wednesday. Tuesday night, my friend Carrie posted on our ward's facebook page if it was fast/testimony sunday (yesterday) and I thought, "yeh I am not going to go up for testimony since I just did a few weeks ago). This will come into play later. My mom happened to have vacation from work last week and we had planned for her to come visit me two weeks prior for the 26th. On wednesday, my mom and I went to Rubio's for lunch, one of our favorite places to eat. As we were waiting for dialride to pick us up to go there, my cousin steph called but I don't like talking on the phone when I am with other people, so I texted her and told her i'd call her back later that I was with my mom. Well, about 10 minutes later, my phone is vibrating and it's my dad calling, but I didn't answer because I was literally going down the lift on the dialaride bus and it was too loud for me to answer. My mom and I order food and get settled at a table and start eating when my dad calls again. I had to pick up. I knew something was going on to have him and my cousin be calling me at the same time. I answer, say, "hi dad." and my dad replies, "hi brittany. um, grandpa henry passed away this morning. yeh, my dad passed away." what felt like a minute, was probably just a couple seconds that it took to register in my brain that grandpa was dead. I immediately start crying, which quickly turned into sobbing. my mom is crying too and got up to stand and hug me to the side and picked up the phone because I couldn't even talk to my dad.

I cried and couldn't believe this happened (the shock factor.) Different thoughts crossed my mind including, "everyone in rubio's is probably wondering what happened to that girl." Then I didn't care, my grandpa just died. After I settled down a bit, in crying I asked my dad what happened. how did it happen? He said, "i don't know. all i know is that natalie (his girlfriend) found him and that we got to get his body to the mortuary right now."

After I got off the phone with my dad, I cried off and on more and just gushed out to my mom how thankful I was that she was with me that day. It's rare that my mom visits me during the week and just the fact that she was there with me was such a blessing. Later after we got home, I had a group of friends show up as we had a meeting planned for 4pm. I completely spaced it after talking with my dad. My elder missionaries and my friend J gave me a blessing which was so comforting and my girls (aka my teachers) gave me hugs and just let me know they were there for me. My friend stayed and talked with me for an hour and I cried more. Then, later that evening my friend Des stopped by unexpectedly and we talked and cried together for a little over an hour. It was such a Spirit filled conversation I just felt so strongly God's love for me that day.

Personally, I've had many condolences offered and prayers offered on behalf of me and my family. we truly appreciate it so much. I've had many texts and phone calls and facebook comments and messages left offering words of comfort as well as just communicating with family near and far. It was honestly overwhelming those first few days, not to say that I am not grateful. it's just that my grandpa was a popular, friendly, funny guy. I am so blessed to have so many who love me. Also, i think it was thursday evening that my friend carrie stopped by with flowers for me and was good to chat with her about other things too and then my friend rachel came by saturday and again, was so therapuetic to talk about my grandpa and just his life and the last two days of memories I have with him which I'll share in another post.

So about testimony/fast sunday? Yeh, after wednesday, that night, i just knew that I had to go up and share my testimony, the things I know and believe. I did and I went up for my grandpa. To share a bit about him and even though this is a time of saddness because we miss him, there is hope in Christ and the atonement.

In Mosiah 16:7-9,

  "And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

  But there is a resurrection , therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

  He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death. "

It comforts me to no end that death does NOT claim victory over us. Because of Christ and his sacrifice and resurrection, He overcame death and it's such a blessing to know that death will not conquer us either and that we can have eternal life and live in a perfect paradise with our creator, God. I know I'll see my grandpa again, someday.

It's monday now, and it still hasn't quite hit me that my life is completely changed with my grandpa gone. This is my new reality: that I must keep going forward and living my life wholeheartedly and passionately as he did. I do know that I've just gone through and am going through a major life defining moment. I know everything will be good because of my Heavenly Father and the promises he has made. My faith and trust lies in Him and my grandpa would want each of his family members and friends to not be sad so much, but rejoice  and honor  his life and that's what we will be doing later this week. Forever yours grandpa.

giveaway with Modern Penny

Good news for ya today!
My week has been so jam packed filled I've neglected my poor little blog, but I just had to pop in say hello to give you an opportunity to win an Ipad mini!! I'll be back as soon as I can to share in length some personal news.

I am teaming up with Ashley from flats to flip flops and other amazing bloggers to bring you this sweet giveaway courtesy of Modern Penny! I've never heard of ModernPenny.com before, so I'm definltely checking them out to see what daily cuties I find :) you know I love to shop! you too, eh?

Started by BFF's Kelsie & Julie as a way to share items they loved at prices you'll love, Modern "Penny" is your very own personal shopper disguised as a daily deal site that offers one amazing deal a day. No worries though...they also have a "past deals" section where you can grab past deals for a limited time. Not only do they offer some amazing clothing and jewelry, they also sell home goods, baby, craft supplies and much much more!

Here is just a sampling of what they have to offer:

Go ahead and check it out here!

And if you aren't already loving them(you know you are).... today they are generously giving away....drum roll please.....

an IPAD MINI

Enter using Rafflecopter below! Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end April 1st!

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*as always, my opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. However, this post is sponsored by modern penny. 

take me out to the ball game

psh, it's midweek and I am just getting to the weekend recap. it's ok, right?

over the weekend i ventured out with a group of friends to go see the mariners vs the giants! it was so fun much! Now, it hit at least 85 degrees out and if you're basking in the sun, it doesnt take long for that sun to zap you of energy and overheat you! But i brought my little umbrella and we shared and drank lots of water and slathered on sunscreen.

Clint put his sunscreen on standing up, so when he sat down he didn't think about his shorts riding up a bit, so his upper legs got burned. Then, me and des went and got some food so, browsing around helped not be in the direct sun. Around the end of the 4th inning, I needed a breathing treatment so david found an outlet right behind where our group was sitting and there was glorious shade!! and the breeze picked up again. The spot I did my breathing treatment was near the smokers area. perfect! haha.

Alot of people started leaving the game between the 5-6th inning, and our group was baked and hungry and wanted to be in A/C, so we went to eat at Red Robin.  Eric and I had our own basket of precious fries to share haha.

It was a great to enjoy being outside and being with great friends!

Ta-Da!

DO you love my new blog design!?
I sure do!! It's been in the works for a couple of weeks now as I've communicated back and forth between my designer/blogger, Sabrina Dellinger of Hey Sabrina Faith. I definitely wanted a simpler, cleaner look and that's what got delivered! Yay! I love the color yellow and well, black is a fave too, so those had to be there! Sabrina was an absolute joy to work with! She was so patient with me and assured me that she wanted me to be picky if I didn't like something. I feel like this new design represents me better now, as I've grown and experienced so much good things this past year. It was time to be out with the old and in with the new. I wanted something bold, but sophisticated. Serious, but fun and with pops of color!

oldie but goodie

Sabrina's rates are {very} reasonable, especially considering the time & talent she dedicates to making sure you love your new design. If any of you want a new design for your blog now, or sometime this year, check out her packages and things she offers, like a cover for your facebook or etsy shop? and see her previous work too.

So yeh, this is the BIG REVEAL and Sunny Tales & Happy Mail is new & improved and here to stay for the foreseeable future! Thank you Sabrina for the new look! And thank you, my readers, for supporting me and my blog and for all the love you give me every time I post.

One of my goals for this blog since the beginning is to be a source of inspiration. A place that you feel hope or happiness and maybe have a smile on your face after you close the tab and go on with your daily life. Even though I do share struggles in my life, I don't think I portray myself to be a debbie downer nor can anyone expect happy, pretty posts all the time. No one's life is like that, for real. And Brittany likes to keep things real here. We all go through trials. We all have uncooperative hair days, food in our teeth, cars breaking down (in my case, my wheelchair), or physical ailments, but we can choose to be happy as we realize the good. The blessings we do have measure far more than that particular struggle or negative thing in our life at any given time. Let's get through it together. Thanks for being awesome people! Chat soon!

Beauty Review: NYX Butter Gloss + (giveaway)

Ladies Ladies Ladies, and gents too, if you care,

I am such a girl because I love lip products! Even though I have over 15 lipsticks and lipglosses (ok, probably 20), I can always justify trying something new. I mean, you could never have too many, right?

I bought NYX's butter lipgloss in apple strudel. The texture of the gloss is not too sticky and it adds moisture to my lips. How I've been wearing it is layered over my lipstick and it gives the perfect addition of shine and dimension to my lips. I also like the applicator, it's soft.

the gloss by itself

To be honest, it's not as pigmented as I imagined. However, I do like the gloss. It smells fruity too!
For five dollars, I'd probably try another shade. 

Out of 5 stars, I rate this 3.5 stars.

Now, because I know I have other lip product junkies out there, I bought an extra gloss in maple blondie (shown below) which is very very similar to apple strudel, for one reader!
Open to U.S. residents only please.

Enter below in the rafflecopter and make sure to read the rules at the bottom of the widget.

:)

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Sunday Style

I think I have a problem, but maybe it's more of a skill that I bargain shop! Yes! Let's call is a skill.

I went out with my roommate to the mall on saturday. She had an appointment to get her hair cut, but we had extra time to browse around beforehand, which we did in JCPenney's.  As I was following the pathway, this skirt just jumped out at me as I kept driving forward, then I drove back around to it just to see what the price was...$30. Psh, yeh right. There's no way I am paying thirty bucks for a skirt. So I just kept driving forward looking around and going with my friends.

We do our business at the mall and go where everyone wanted to go. We go back through JCPenney's as that was where our transportation was picking us up and I see that skirt again. I notice there is a sign above the rack that said it was 50% between 9am-1pm and it was 12:45! what?! Omg, I have to get it!! How did I not see this before!? I wore it to church the very next day.

So behold. What I call, the watercolor pencil skirt.

Outfit Details:
Shirt// Target
Skirt// JCPenneys
Headband// forgot!
Watch// online boutique that I forgot
Earrings// downeast basics

Because you are...

I've been debating about when to publish this post. While my original plan was to post this on thursday (running back and forth about the fact that giveaways do better when started on a monday--i read this stat somewhere)..and my plans for sunday style (tomorrow)...i just couldn't fight the feeling that it needed to be posted today.

I typed my thoughts for this post at 2:08 am yesterday morning while laying in bed. Sometimes, the best inspiration comes to me at night when I can't sleep, haha. My cousin Joe has these moments too, and maybe that's the artist in us. The creative mind. I hope it leaves you thinking about how great you are, even if we don't know each other.

Did you know that you are worth so much? So much more than the price of Rubies (Proverbs 31). Do you feel unloved, less than or lonely? I know that I do at times. I know that comparison is a killer of joy. I am guilty of comparing myself to other who I "see" as perfect. This leads to me not loving myself and not being thankful for the talents and gifts I DO have! For every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). The girl I see as perfect, who has a pretty face, a thinner body, healthy hair and stylish clothes, well she has struggles too. She faces insecurities just as I do. No one is exempt from trials and hardships. No one is entirely happy all. the. time. It's comforting to know that God sees all his children on an equal plane. No one is above the other. I want to see others and myself as God sees them! and it's possible.

How can I say that you are beautiful or handsome? That you are loved? That you are worth MORE than you think? I can because I am a daughter, sister/sibling, friend just like you. I understand how it feels to doubt myself. I know how it feels to think your life may never change...for the better. I've been in that place where you don't feel pretty (hey, i still sometimes think that!). You are pretty (or handsome, guys!). I've been in that place where you don't feel like what you have to give is enough. You are so valuable in our father's eyes and in others, because you are! You are full of promise! Believe that. Your life is a gift. You are here for a divine reason. Your life is meant to touch others. Your life is a gift to others even if you think you haven't made an impact in some large scale. It's the little things. If you don't think so, try focusing on someone in need, a complete stranger perhaps and do some simple act of kindness. I bet you'll feel better that you extended love and generosity to someone who was very possibly having some struggle too. I promise you hope. There is always hope. Hold onto it. Believe in miracles because you are a miracle.

Sunday Style

Last week I did a little retail therapy with amanda and that's when we wandered into New York & Company, where I found this black and white dress. It was a last minute purchase, since I spotted the beauty at the corner of my left eye as time was running out.

I ventured to the rack and noticed the lovely 50% off sign, but I wasn't sure if that applied to this dress. So, Amanda picked one out for me and I took it to the register to ask the sales associate if that particular dress was 50% off and it was so, so I was like, "ok great. I am taking it!"

This dress is mod and reminds me of the 60's. I thought it'd be perfect for church. Sofia and Katie did my hair with extra volume and you couldn't tell, but I wore light blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick. I definitely felt like I could have been in Mad Men.

I got lots of compliments on the frock and it was comfortable to wear. I styled it with my bright pink one dollar earrings from Downeast Basics and my black crossbody purse from Forever21. And because Sunday morning was a bit on the cold side, I had to wear my furry boots (those don't count).

weekend re-cap

So over the weekend I...

-rented movies from redbox with James.
you probably saw that redbox was out of alot of movies if you rented movies too. At least ours was.
I didn't get to finish watching the Great Gatsby, but what I did see was good. I absolutely LOVED the menswear and the ladieswear that they wore in that time period. So classy and gorgeous.

-stayed inside friday during the day and all day saturday. we sure did have a heck of alot of rain on saturday. I loved watching the rain and branches of the trees swaying from my window. AZ sure did need it. Katie was kind enough to do a Del Taco run, so that's what we had for lunch. Pibb Xtra was my drink of choice as I worked on blogging stuff.

-experienced my first LDS temple dedication of the Gilbert, Arizona temple. It was a neat experience, one that I will never forget. I just felt full of hope during the session. It was nice to have good friends to sit with too, like miss tscotty (below)! She's adorable!

-I got to meet Alyssa Dawson of Impractical Composition! Say what??! She is the sister-in-law of one of my friends, so he kinda got us connected, mentioning each other to each other and then, we just happened to meet at church! She's so sweet, caring and fashionable!

I know this is like the third giveaway going on within a week, it's just how it happened, but I'm giving away a few goodies over at Life with a side of coffee this week and while you're there, you can read Christina's book review! Yay for book nerds! I love reading! :)

and fyi, friend me at: Trevinoscloset on instagram to shop my closet! Just posted some stuff today!

Anything exciting happen to you this weekend?
Hope you all have a great week!

-linking up with Lisa & Rachel and Alyssa.

A Gem in Uncommon Goods

Jewelry...it could be funky, classic, and bright. What I like about jewelry is how versatile it can be and how any one piece can be worn with other outfits. I think I have a pretty diverse collection of jewelry, mostly a mix of "silver" and "gold" pieces with some pieces that have a pop of color. Some of my most favorite jewelry is handmade, bought from bloggers who have had their own etsy shops or from arts and crafts festivals.

Handmade things and handmade jewelry have a soft spot in my heart. Maybe it's because I make handmade things too, like my cards, so I know the dedication and creative process it takes, which I surely appreciate.

Have you heard of Uncommon Goods? They are a online store that sells cool, unique items. Some of their items are created with the environment in mind, so they may feature recycled or upcycled materials. I love that!! I love Mother Nature, so anything we can do to help protect our home is a must in my book. Getting a bit off track, do you remember the three R's? Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. I try to do those three things, but hey, if I get a gift that I cannot use, I make sure to pass it along rather than just dump it in the trash.

So what makes Uncommon Goods a more attractive site to me? It's the fact that $1 from every sale is donated to non-profit charities of the customer's choice, like RAINN or City Harvest. Plus, half of the items they are sell are handmade, including jewelry. I have a thing for birds, so this item is adorable!! It's definitely on my wish list.

Uncommon goods has a variety of neat, one-of-a-kind items, that as I was browsing this page and this page, I couldn't help but gravitate toward looking at all their jewelry. This bracelet is cool. It would make the perfect gift for my cousin Brookie because she often says, I love you to the moon and back, especially to her niece.

One of my favorite bracelets on Uncommon Goods is this bracelet. I think it would be the perfect gift for a mom-to-be or even for mother's day (it's coming up!!). It looks so dainty and heartfelt. Click here to see more pretty bracelets for yourself or the women in your life.

Now, you will have the chance to buy any of these pieces or your favorite jewelry because Uncommon Goods has kindly offered a $70 credit to one of you!! So go on ahead and check out the jewelry at Uncommon Goods and see what you'd like!

Enter below in the rafflecopter and make sure to read the rules at the bottom of the widget!

Have fun! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway