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.

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 :)

weekend recap + i am featured at...

Hello and welcome to the last week of November, friends.

I am excited for this holiday season. This past week I was feeling so sluggish with little sleep, but I talked with my primary doctor and have started a new medication to help me sleep. Last night I slept the best since starting the new med. I am dressed in flannel pj pants and a tee and enjoyed a cup of sleepytime tea earlier today. It doesn't make me sleepy, but it does feel soothing.

I've been productive today and I feel good about myself. I am excited too because I am featured on Carrie's blog, My So-Called Grown Up Life for a Thanksgiving Dessert Round-Up today!! I submitted the pumpkin cheesecake recipe. There are lots of other yummy treats featured! The mint fudge looks amazing and if you like Butterfingers, then you'd love to try the Butterfinger Pie.

Since Friday, things have been go-go-go. On Friday night, my friend Elisa spent the night and had dinner with us. Later, she went and got us frosty's! I was craving another one! She had to pick up the van rental that evening and instead of driving all the way back home (an hour), it was smarter she stay the night on my side of town.

We rented the van so that I could attend her brother's 40th birthday party! But before the party saturday, we got some things at walmart and then went to the mall so I could exchange something. It was so neat to be able to sit in the front passenger seat (in my wheelchair) and talk to Elisa while she was driving. I haven't rode in a car with her in about eight years!

So while we were waiting in line at walmart (it was so packed!), there was a friendly guy from the south who was with a female friend or family member. He was talking to everyone in line and toward the end when my items were getting scanned, he complimented me on my sweater and then my "beehive hair" and said I looked so cute. I was like, whoa, he's pretty cute too! I imagine him to be in his late 30's. I replied thank you and just mentioned how nice it is to be friendly to people and converse while waiting more than 15 minutes in line and not to be so grumpy and impatient ya know. He agreed. Talking with him was just a little perk of my day! lol

what a cool cake!

It  rained for 2-3 days straight here in AZ, so the rain kinda dampered plans for the party for Rudy, which was going to be outside too: about 35 people showed up out of the 100 invited and part of the roof at their parent's home (where the party was) caved in just before the party began! Oh the rain and cold!

Despite all that, we still had a great time. Her aunt E made awesome beans! I think she made them in a crock-pot. I was so happy that I got to be at Elisa's parent's house and see them and other family members who I used to see often, especially before I got on the vent. Elisa and I hung out quite often, so i know them all fairly well. It's amazing to not have seen anyone for four years and then to see new babies and the kids growing up. Tomorrow is Rudy's actual birthday, so HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUDY!

Yesterday, I got to help teach Sunday School with Amanda. I basically just shared my conversion story, what was on my heart and how we can reach out to those who might not know God or who are just curious about our faith. Later, in Relief Society, I strongly felt the Spirit and got so teary eyed! I was like, nooooo, don't look down, your mascara is gonna run! I could definitely imagine myself being called as a sunday school teacher. I think that would be such a fun, rewarding experience. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend even though it was colder and rainy. I am so blessed to know amazing people and have them be a part of my life.

How was your weekend? Did you cozy up by the fire or were you out running around like me? :)

weekend news

Happy Fall!
This is my favorite season EVER! Yesterday was the official first day of autumn. It only got to a high of 94 yesterday, which in AZ, is cooler. It was so lovely outside yesterday!

So over the weekend, I went to Rubio's for lunch with my mom. We had a great time chit-chatting too. We were kinda bummed because they (rubio's) changed their recipe for the tortilla chips. Oh well. #firstworldprobs Shouldn't complain too much. They were still yummy.

While we were waiting for our ride, we sat outside at the coffee bean and let the cool misters hit us. I thought that would be a cool shot to grab, so we did. I also tried their pomegranate blueberry ice blended drink, pretty tasty.

I also went to church with my new gal pal Amanda. She is awesome. She is funny. We just click and get along really well. I told her she is an answer to a prayer, which I won't divulge  (i think that's how I am meaning to use that word) how and why. Look for more photos tomorrow of our outfits!

Today was productive after 12 noon. I have been awake for at least 2 hours in the early morning for the past two nights, so I was quite sleepy this morning and fell asleep in my chair! lol. After I woke up, made a phone call, and then started working on making some cards to build up my "inventory". After tomorrow, I'll start making some holiday cards...definitely Christmas and maybe a few Halloween cards since I do have some fun paper for that holiday.

Oh and today was a HAPPY MAIL DAY thanks to my aunt sharon! She sent me some super cute Christmas embellishments! I can't wait to use them. Yes, that is her business card above :) She is a consultant for Arbonne. She sent me a translucent powder that I am excited to try.

How was your weekend? How was the start to your Fall?

sunday style

Howdy howdy! How's everyone's week going so far?

My week is flying by! I had part 2 of an ultrasound (pelvic) done yesterday morning (abdominals last friday). I think I've mentioned it here before, but I've been getting waves of sharp pain on my lower right abdominal area...and there are alot of organs in that area, so we are trying to pinpoint the cause of this pain. I am thankful it doesn't happen everyday. My last 'attack' was last wednesday night. I have an appointment with the gastroenterologist on Thursday. That'll be the first time ever in my life that I am seeing this kind of specialist. I just want answers and figure out what's going on.
 
I am taking a day off from blogtember, to bring you  another installment of Sunday Style...on a tuesday :) Paco was able to come with me to church this past sunday, so you know we took photos!

 Paco's tie is pretty rad. The colors almost matched my dress and we didn't even plan our outfits! I love being able to attend and so glad I got to meet a new girl who I get to see tomorrow in person. yay for new friends!

 

my outfit details:

dress// walmart for $5!

earrings// world market

lipstick// milani's hp advanced lip color in vivacious fucshia

sunday style + over the weekend

Oh hi there.
How was your labor day weekend?
Mine was jam packed with shopping, church, reading, more shopping & movies on abcfamily (The Breakfast Club and A Walk to Remember, anyone?)! Though I will have you know that I didn't spend a whole lot! yay! Oh and I got my eyebrows threaded on saturday too. It's not that painful at all. I don't have bushy eyebrows, but I wanted to clean them up and I can tell a difference, but my caregiver said laughing that she couldn't tell the difference. I got to spend time with my mom too. We made a stop at Paradise and got smoothies and browsed around a few stores. I even ran into a girl from church too. What a fun surprise. Although  Forever21 was having an additional 50% off their sale items, I didn't find anything I loved and absolutely had to have. Bummer. Maybe my mom was right that I just wasn't in a total shopping mood?

For Church this past sunday, since Paco couldn't make it, James went with me. I am so thankful to him for stepping out of his comfort zone and coming with me just so that I could be at church. I wore my new skirt from Downeast Basics that I got for around $9 on saturday {i went to find the receipt to double check and just remember that i threw it away yesterday}! James sported his new dress shoes. It was cute to see him all dressed up since he normally doesn't dress up like this...like,ever.

When we were leaving, Sofia said it looked like we were going to someone's wedding! I felt snazzy and awesome and James looked handsome.

Plus, you still have time to enter the group giveaway if you haven't already!

my outfit details//
top: kohl's (gifted)
skirt: downeast basics
headband bow: icing
earrings:icing
clutch: goodwill

sunday style + trials in life

I didn't intend for my last few posts to revolve around fashion, but it happened.
I didn't intend to only take a close-up photo of Paco's tie, but that's how it happened.

I didn't expect to be so tired last night, but it happened.
I didn't expect that I would sleep three hour intervals at a time, but that happened, and I am grateful.

What?! Only three hours at a time?
yes. oh yes. those three hours of sleep time were lovely. I only woke up twice last night, which is a rarity. I was able to fall back asleep pretty quickly too, and that was without taking ativan or valerian root either--not to make myself sound like a druggie either lol ( i say this lightly).

Yesterday in church, one theme talked about was trials. This topic really got me thinking. About trials, I've gone through plenty of them in my life so far. You too? Ok great, we can get through life together :) It's certain that there will be many more trials to come my way, however, I can be assured that I will never be alone through them, for God is with us, Emmanuel.

One aspect of trials is that it gives us an opportunity, almost a test, to be obedient to God and by doing so, we will see that he does not forsake us as we go up against our enemies or storms of life. His promises remain true.

D&C 98:14, "Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy."

Another aspect of trials is that they truly develop our character and we have the power to choose to see the lesson in that certain trial. We are made stronger (i know it sounds so cliche). We are made stronger not by our own efforts, but through Christ, whose joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It might sound wacky to have joy amidst trials, but really, there is a joy, an everlasting joy that comes from knowing that in Christ, we can overcome anything as He overcame the world and death!

I was reminded this week that the commandments God has given us are for our own benefit. Just like our earthly parents, He wants what is best for us and teaches us through His word the way we should go and things we should do so that we are protected, loved and happy.

My challenge for myself is to choose joy and *try to keep my attitude in perspective as I face trials, being confident in my father in heaven that he knows me better than I know myself.

dress// downeast basics
earrings// oldnavy
clutch// goodwill, originally from Nordstroms
lipgloss// almay's color + care liquid lip balm in apricot pucker

sunday style on a tuesday

yeh yeh, I am like two days late in writing about my weekend. Church was most excellent again. I love that wonderful insights were spoken of that direct us closer to God. One verse from Isaiah that I read recently reminded me, thankfully, that I must be patient as I wait upon the Lord. This could surely apply to many situations or "places" in life:

"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you, and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on your. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are those who wait for Him."---Isaiah 30:18

I certainly know how waiting can be difficult. Waiting on Him for confirmation or guidance is one of the best things we can do. Waiting for Christ's great light to rest upon us, especially in times of distress, what better peace could we get?

2 Nephi 19:2, "the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

So let's talk about Sunday Style as in what we wore to church, because that's how paco & I roll.

hey, I rhymed lol.

 dressed stellar-ly

Can you guess who Paco was trying to be?...uh that would be me. the girl with the star tattoo.

I also should mention the yummy frozen yogurt that James picked up over the weekend, which took me three days to eat. I haven't had fro-yo in probably four years! The flavor/s I wanted were not available, so i went with oh-so-original vanilla with some dark chocolate chips sprinkled with andes mint chips. yum!

shirt: Forever21

skirt:walmart

earrings:F21

sunnies:charlotte russe

clutch: yard sale!

How was your weekend? Or how's your week going so far? Did you enter this giveaway for eighty buckaroos?