A Savior is Born - Christmas Video

I thought I should share this. I hope you and your families are enjoying this wonderful Christmas season! <3

Patterns, Memes and Other Things

Why hello there! I decided to drop in today and let you know that I am still alive and well. Don't you worry about a thing.

For starters, I honestly don't see how people can keep so up to date on blogging! I honestly don't feel like it sometimes. Or maybe it's most of the time lately...Busy busy busy... busy with work, busy with family, busy with friends, busy with my plants, busy painting, busy sewing, busy not sleeping even though I really really really want to be sleeping! You know, that kind of being a little bit busy. Though, in all honesty...

Haha...right?! I mean, come on... who is with me with that one? Or shall I say, who isn't with me?! *Crickets*

Anyway, I thought I would share some sewing related memes that I thought were a little funny. Some of these pertain directly with my life. Scroll all the way down and I'll also share some sewing patterns that I absolutely adore right now. I'll go into a little more depth with them next time. So for now just some linkage. Sound good? Good. 

Love this! It's too true..

These just make me giggle inside! I hope you at least enjoyed them half as much as I did. :) Anywho, here are some patterns that I adore!


Women's Raglan <-- Looser fit
Layer Me Up Shirt
Seafarer Top
Kimono Jacket <-- Free!
Hudson Pants


Ginger Skinny Jeans <-- Now I haven't tried this one yet, but I am SUPER pumped to try it out! Here goes my next sewing extreme project! If I can make me some jeans, I'm pretty sure I can do just about anything. Boom.

Happy sewing and I'll see you on the flip side!

Time Out For Women - Tucson

Happy Sunday! This weekend has been fabulous! I had the opportunity to go to Time Out For Women, and this was the first time it was in Tucson! (Click here to watch a little video to find out more and if there is an event coming soon to your area!) TOFW is really a time out for women where we gather together for one purpose, to grow spiritually and draw closer to Christ. It's a two day event, Friday evening and Saturday morning to early afternoon. There are always fabulous presenters and wonderful music!

I'd love to share some thoughts that I took from the conference and things that I learned...

Christ had the power to change things. He turned water to wine, which was the first of many miracles. With the help of Christ's atonement and coming unto Him, we too can be changed. He can make our weakness become strengths. However, there is an expectation to do something when requesting a miracle.

Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weakthings become strong unto them.

The different works, trials, etc, that we do or go through on this Earth are preparing us for Heaven. Shaping us! And Heaven will teach us as much as we want to know. We just have to be willing to ask and put forth work.

Grace is the source of all righteousness.

Questions are good! They lead to answers, which leads to revelations, which in turn leads to knowledge.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, fear not, not be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, not forsake thee.

True conversion brings change in someone's believe, hope and self.

The finished product isn't always the most important part. It is a great gift to be able to learn and grow from our different journeys and experiences.

If you think of yourself as a failure, you are most likely wrong! A failure is an experience you didn't learn something from.

Idiot = Not professional. So basically we all have a little bit of an idiot inside us! ;)

The three most important things you can say to someone: 1. I love you 2. I appreciate you 3. I forgive you. Christ's whole life ended in forgiveness.

This too shall pass...like a kidney stone. In reference to trials and the difficult things we go through at times, it will pass! It may not be easy, but it indeed will pass.

In order to be a disciple, you must be a learner. To be a learner, you have to be disciplined. Letting go of a weakness often requires discipline.

In order to become who you really are, you need to let go of who you are not.

Pick your hard!

Believing is a choice and often takes discipline.

Moroni 7:19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. 

Calee Reed was the musical presenter on Saturday. She is fabulous! She is also just so sweet. If you'd like, pop on over and read this lovely post from a few years ago. It's good that life isn't fair.

What a great and spiritually uplifting weekend that was! And I am super excited that I will also have the opportunity to attend the Phoenix TOFW in the fall tour. It is such a wonderful weekend and I love being surrounded by such lovely sisters in Zion. <3

Until next time!

 

Technology: A Help or A Hindrance?

So in my class these last few weeks, we've been working on a persuasive essay. I hate essays and writing papers. They are the worst! But I'd like to share this one that I wrote and then a little more insights that I have as well. It's not the greatest, because I hate writing for school. (I'm so ready for next semester...math!)

Modern technology is simply an advancement of old technology and it advanced so rapidly that society scarcely noticed the significant impact that it has created. It began with the advent of the radio in the early 1900s, and then with the television (TV) in the 1950s. In 1969, the United States NASA program launched a rocket to the moon, landed astronauts on the moon, and returned them safely back to Earth using less computational power than what is found in today’s smart phone. That is remarkable but society now relies heavily on communication, information, and transportation technology to make life faster and more efficient. With this increase of modern technology, has society become too dependent? Is the development of the younger generation being hindered by this increased exposure to modern technology? 

With all things, there are advantages as well as disadvantages and there are many benefits to the increase of modern technology. Some of these benefits include easy access to information, improved communication, improved entertainment, and social networking. There are, however, disadvantages that include a decreasing amount of direct interpersonal communication as a result of increased use of social media and text messaging, and young children relying heavily on technology for the majority of their play, causing possible development delays.  

The conversation of technology and its impact on society’s development is not new; however, with the invention of the Internet and compact portable devices (e.g. cellular smart phones and tablets), technology’s influence is now everywhere. Many studies have been performed to determine whether technology is simply a distraction to children, or if technology is actually impeding a child’s development. One impediment is the evolution of interactive and realistic technology-based experiences, such as Role-Playing Games (RPG) and interactive social media sites. According to a research study performed by Judith Van Evra, a psychologist in Mental Health Care, “technology advances have led to slick and evocative productions in which reality and fantasy are mingled and often indistinguishable.“ A Ph.D graduate from Stanford University conducted a survey of 30,000 gamers that discovered from those surveyed, “nearly 40% of men and 53% of women who play online games said their virtual friends were equal to or better than their real-life friends.” More and more information seems to be pointing out that technology is more than just a distraction to young children. Another study that shows that 12% of boy and 8% of girl video game players exhibit pathological patterns of play, and fit the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) category of addiction. This study also shows that pathological gamers are twice as likely to have ADD or ADHD (Gentile D 2009). As you can see, young people are affected greatly and continue to be increasingly infused with all types of media and technology.  

It seems that a decade ago, children were more interested in playing outside, riding bicycles, playing sports, building forts and scraping their knees. Children back then didn’t require costly equipment or even parental supervision. Family dinners were full of conversations about what went on during the day, now home cooked meals around the dinner table are far less frequent. On top of that, instead of being engaged in conversations with one other, people of all ages are more enthralled with what’s happening on their technological devices. This can be witnessed just about anywhere. It is also evident that children are relying more on technology for their play and entertainment. Children ranging from 0-2 spend 2.5 hours per day occupied by technology, children ages 3-5 spend 4.5 hours per day, and elementary aged children use roughly 7.5 hours of entertainment technology (i.e. TV, video games, cell phones, internet, etc.) per day. Out of these elementary aged children, 75% have devices in their bedrooms (Kaiser Foundation Report 2010). These finding are also causally linked to developmental delays in children (Christakis D). The impact of rapidly advancing technology on the developing child has seen an increase of physical, psychological and behavior disorders that the health and education systems are just beginning to detect, much less understand. Child obesity and diabetes are now national epidemics in both Canada and the U.S., causally related to technology overuse. Diagnoses of ADHD, autism, coordination disorder, developmental delays, unintelligible speech, learning difficulties, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are associated with technology overuse, and are increasing at an alarming rate. 

Society will continue to gravitate towards a more technological state. It makes things easier, faster and more efficient. Society needs to be more conscious of how technology is affecting the younger generation. More tests and studies also need to be conducted to determine exactly how children are being affected, both positively and negatively. Technology shouldn’t be used as a means to distract kids from other activities in order to give their caregiver a break. Children should be encouraged to actually go outside and play, ride bikes, and develop their creativity and imagination. There is more to life than what is found on a TV, smartphone or tablet. Let’s not allow our children to get trapped in the world of modern technology and ever glowing screens.

It's always interesting to see other families when Scott and I go out for dinner. Just the other day we went to California Pizza Kitchen and as we were leaving, we passed by this family. There were two boys, probably in elementary school, playing on their tablets and all the older kids or adults were focused on their phones. What an interesting family dynamic we have been slowly warped ourselves into. Our use of technology should have more thought put into it, especially when it is affecting our young children. Conversations should be made face-to-face and with eye contact, not the half listening, nodding while scrolling your Facebook or Instagram feeds. I personally don't want my future children spending immense amount of time staring at a screen. There are so many better things to do; going to the park, sports, swimming, hiking, bike riding, imagination, painting, coloring, reading. Or would you rather your kids doing this; Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, Wii, Candy Crush, Mind Craft, World of Warcraft, Snapchat, YouTube, texting instead of calling, etc. Which do you think will help your child the most in their quest of development? Are you helping them to achieve greatness? Or are you holding them back without even realizing it? (A really good read here)

Steve Jobs, the master behind iPhones and iPads, did you know that he didn't even allow his own children to use iPads? (read the little article here) He said, "My kids accuse me and my wife of being fascists and overly concerned about tech, and they say that none of their friends have the same rules… That’s because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand. I’ve seen it in myself, I don’t want to see that happen to my kids." Our society is addicted to technology and social media. Can you go a day, let along a week, without using social media and these mind numbing games? Let's try and strengthen the relationships around us by having real interactions! Going out to lunch, inviting another couple over to dinner, sit down and have a real conversation. Let's get to know each other on a more personal level.

Weekly Ranting

Recently, I read the most ridiculous thing ever, at least the most ridiculous in the last week... So on facebook, your friends occasionally—or a little more often that you'd like—share or "like" different little buzzfeed stories or something along this nature. I occasionally will read the ones with the lists, mainly out of curiosity. This particular one was 12 Things No Woman Should EVER Do in Front of Her Husband. Naturally this sparked my curiosity because I am married and I was interested to know what this lady thinks I shouldn't be doing in front of my hubby.

Oh my goodness, this was so silly! So after the first couple of them, I didn't even read her reasonings, I was just dying to know what else she didn't think was okay. And apparently after 10 years of marriage, she didn't do any of these twelve things, which I think is CRAZY honestly. Showering, urinating, have babies, laugh until soda came out of your nose, and sleeping are all okay to do in front of your spouse, but here is a list of things that a woman should never EVER do...

1. Be sick to your stomach (the number 2 kind of way)
Okay, what? It's not like anyone would have a choice on this matter, right? Besides, if I wasn't feeling well, I wouldn't hide this from my husband. I wouldn't appreciate him knowing so if I were to need anything, he would be able help. Obviously I wouldn't make him stay in the bathroom with me... unless he really wanted to. lol

2. Pick your nose
Stupid. Just stupid. I won't pick my nose in public with people watching, but I'll totally do it in front of my hubby. No shame.

3. Clip your toenails
This is also stupid. There is nothing wrong or gross about clipping your toe nails or any nails. I'm pretty sure I've clipped Scott's nails once or twice. But it's only gross if you leave your clippings everywhere.

4. Pick a wedgie 
Really??

5. Floss your teeth
Also stupid.

6. Shave your face (for exfoliating or for removing hair)
She thinks you should NEVER let your husband see you do this. Personally, I think shaving your face as an exfoliant is kind of weird. If you have hair on your face, so what? You shouldn't have to hide it from your spouse who is supposed to love you for everything that you are, flaws and all.

7. Pop your pimples
Stupid. I bet there are a lot of couple that assist each other on this one. Sometimes there are hard to reach ones and what's better than to ask your trusty sidekick to help?

8. Belch
I'm sure this would be annoying for anyone if it someone did it ALL the time. But still, I think it's stupid.

9. Remove any kind of hair
Stupid.

10. Poop
Stupid. What, are you ashamed? It's your spouse. No big deal.

11. Drive badly
Also stupid. It's not like people drive badly on purpose. (unless you are naturally a really bad driver) Besides, I don't see how this is really that big of a deal.

12. Criticize his "manhood"
This really is just stupid because why would anyone do this anyway? This is a no brainer.

SERIOUSLY? Stupid. I was under the impression that when you get married to your eternal companion, you can be 100% yourself and 100% comfortable with them. I don't think there should ever be anything you can't do with your spouse. I mean, I must be a terrible wife if we've only been married for a year and we have both probably done these things multiple times (not including number 12). You shouldn't feel the need to be ashamed or embarrassed to do anything in front of your spouse.

I love my hubby for all that he is and I'm sure he loves me for all that I am. What would life be if we couldn't have someone to be silly, gross, comfortable, goofy, and everything else with, right? That's one great thing about marriage! Total comfortability. No shame.

Anyway, don't listen to this silly list of nonsense. You definitely may need to hold off on most all of these things, and then some, when you are dating, but once married, who cares! :) Your hubby should love you no matter what! Flaws and all. <3

Anyway, that's my rant for the week.

Cheers!

To Sweat With Love

So right now I'm in the second trimester of this one year program called the Pathway program. (I'm going back to school to finish my bachelors degree and this program allows me to go to the best online school ever! BYU-I Online!) And it's cheaper than anything. It's basically low cost educational opportunity that focuses on online classes and local gatherings, helping those who haven't been to school in awhile get reacquainted before starting full-time. Only two classes each term. (Not too shabby.)


Anyway, this trimester is Writing. We had this silly assignment to write a love letter to one of our favorite things using descriptions and use of the senses and whatnot. It also has to be an actual object or thing, not a person. (I guess it's made to be more on the silly side.) I chose Bikram Yoga, naturally... and I decided to share it with you! It's kind of lame, but I don't care. Enjoy!  :)

Dear Bikram Yoga,

   Words cannot express the way that I feel about you. It pains me to imagine life without you. You have become a part of my everyday life and I cannot let you go. You’ve changed me. You’ve made me into a better person. I cannot and will not go back to how my life was before you.

   When I first met you, sweating was almost the only thing I could do. The enveloping heat made it hard to breathe, and the humid air caused moisture to tickle the inside of my nose. Beads of perspiration multiplied exponentially as I strained to go deeper into each posture. The unfamiliarity of each pose caused my heart to race and made my head feel almost light enough to join the clouds. You worked me into the ground. But after that one class, that first encounter with you, I was hooked.

   I just love stretching out of my spine, reaching back as far as I can go, and straining to look for the floor behind me. I will continue to bend over backwards for you. It doesn’t matter how deep into each posture I am able to go or how far I am able to reach, I will always put in my best efforts—despite the pain you may cause me. I can’t complain, for you have brought my flexibility to a whole new level. You keep me on my toes and coming back for more, giving me the energy and stamina to move mountains. You electrify me. You make me sweat. You make me thirst. You make me feel things I haven’t felt before.

   Every day I hope to see you, feel you, and embrace your presence; that humid heat bearing presence that gives me great comfort. Even the scent of the room brings me to a special, peaceful place. With every deep inhale, every breath, I can feel you clearing my mind, my lungs and my soul. When I’m with you, the only thing I can focus on is my breath and that one spot in the mirror.

   There are times when I truly hate you, yet I will always love and yearn for you. But please forgive me, for sleep often gets the best of me and I can’t see you as regularly as I would like.

   I love you more than is fathomable. I will always remember you and the way you make me feel. Our relationship is one that is eternal. Our next encounter will always be just around the corner.

With love,

Refuse 'Demo'

Hello ladies and gents!

I am just so exciting right now! So a few years ago, I used to write music with my friend Mark. It was super fun. He's basically a musical genius. I only wish I was a musical genius... I only know like seven chords on a guitar...and I could maybe get better than barely decent on the piano...if I happened to have one in my disposal... Any who, I haven't really written anything in..uh...years. It's hard to write music when your happy and content. Sad songs are so much easier! And I love minor chords!

So with that, I whipped up something on garageband! It was kind of my little practice run. I wrote the song a few years ago. I spliced it up a bit though and I think it sounds pretty decent. Not as awesome as if I were able to have Mark assist me...but that's besides the point.



Go take a gander if you wish! Here! (Or click the picture..) I hope you like it. (At least just a little bit.) Hopefully we can look forward to some more music in the future. In the mean time, check out my other sounds. Fading Spaces


Thanks! :)

The Start of 2015 Giveaway

I cannot believe that 2015 is here! I feel as if the past year just flew by! Some big things that happened in my past year was hit the one year milestone with my hubby, enjoyed two baby announcements in my family, trip with Scotts family in Moab, spent the summer in New York City, started sewing, and so much more! It was filled with good things, things that taught me life lessons, times for growth, and lots of reasons to smile. God is so good to bring us through another year.

Today I want to bring you a giveaway with a few of my blogging friends! It's perfect to start off the new year. Here are some things you will be winning!

• A blog planner
• Some fun little accessories from Modcloth
• And a "Cheers" banner from Ash's Party Accents! 

These items are perfect to bring your office space some organization and sparkle. See below for entry details!

"Cheers" garland

Blogging Planner

Here are a few of your sponsors! Be sure to check out their blogs!

Trissa // Kayty // Aleshea Ashley // Leah // Sarah

a Rafflecopter giveaway

​

The Attitude of Gratitude

In my online class, this last week is titled Giving Back. How appropriate it is during this wonderful Christmas season.

I would like to share with you this touching message from President Gordon B. Hinckley. It is only about 4 minutes long and it is definitely worth the watch. It's titled Lessons I Learned as a Boy.

It is so important for those of us who have plenty and enough to share to help those less fortunate than us. You never know what someone is going through. I also think it's important to give those individuals the things they need, and not necessarily what they want (i.e.: money). We need to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and without a spot of judgment on them. We are all mortal beings. We all go through trials and on top of that, we all sin. Charity is the greatest of all the gifts of God. To be able to see and love others the way Christ sees and loves them.


Also, this little video is so so so good too! Have I Done Any Good In The World Today?

Remember what this time of year is really about. Remember the gift of giving. Let's spread a little more love and peace this Christmas season!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you lovely people. :)

Liebster Award Nomination

Okay so yes, I am a little late on doing this but better late then never, right?! I also have never heard of the Liebster Award before but I'm happy to accept it! I was nominated by Neive over at The Aussie Osborns and Rachel from Officially Stoked! Both adorable little ladies! The Liebster award is for the smaller blogger to help them grow their readers. As long as you have less than 200 followers, you can be nominated! 

Below I have answered eleven questions that Neive and Rachel gave me. After that, I will nominate eleven other bloggers with less than 200 followers on Facebook or bloglovin and they will answer my questions and repeat the process!  

1. How did you decide on the title of your blog?
It's my name so it was pretty easy. I had my last name before, but I'm pretty positive that nobody can pronounce it, ha! Maybe one day I'll have a super creative blog title that everyone will love and adore

2. What is one word that sums up the heart of your blog and why?
Sporadic! I kind of jump around a lot and I don't really stick to any one specific thing. I think it's fairly accurate though ha. 

3. What is your favorite pastime other than blogging?
If you can't tell already, I love love love sewing! It is by far my favorite pastime. 

4. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?
I guess I like sharing my projects with the world. Is that dumb?

5. Which project, recipe or idea on my blog would you most like to try yourself?
Basically most everything under the "Creative Cooking" just looks so scrumptious! 

6. Where does your blog inspiration come from?
I just pull it out of the abyss I guess. Or really from my life and things I'm doing, making, creating, etc. 

7. What is one country in the world you would like to visit? Why?
Austria! Probably because I just recently watched the Sound of Music and it is just so pretty over there! And... the hills are alive! 

8. If you have children, what are there names? If not, what are your favorite girl and boy names?
No children yet, and I'm definitely not spoiling any of my names! :)

9. A long-lost relative leaves you a large sum of money. What do you do with it?
Well, since I did marry a finance guru, invest it! And buy a house and a mommy wagon and maybe go to all the Disney parks! (I think there are four..?)

10. In your opinion, what is the best blog post you've written so far? (Include the link!)
I'm going to copy Neive and just go with the post with the most views! I'm definitely not sure if it's the best though...(I think it's just because Tilly is just super awesome)
Skirt From Love At First Stitch 

11. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
First off, hopefully aways away from Arizona! I've just been here far too long. Maying in another country, which would be kind of cool and hopefully the family of two will be a family of four! (Finger's crossed!)

Anyway, here are my nominations! (in alphabetical order!)

Angie ~ Chasing My Halo
Ashley ~ Yearn Love Grow
Bethany ~ Dandelion Pie
Melanie ~ Missing You, From Mel

Rachel ~ Choosing Human

Robin ~ An Ocean Dream

Sabra ~ Becoming A Gilbert
Samantha ~ Moving Peaces
Sarah ~ Joyfully Organized
Sierra ~ Enjoy To The End

Tasmin ~ Bright Little Corner

These are the steps to accepting your award:

• Answer the eleven questions given to you by the person that nominated you (see below). Please comment on this post with your link when you are done so I can see your answers!
• In your post, link back to the person/blog who nominated you and give a little thank you shout out.
• After completing the questions, nominate eleven bloggers with under 200 followers on the social media platform of your choice, and give them eleven  questions of your choice.
• Notify your nominees of their nomination, and provide a link to your post so that they know what to do.
  
  

These are your questions:

1. How did you decide on the title of your blog?

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why?

3. What’s your favorite pastime other than blogging?

4. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?

5. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you most like to try yourself?

6. Where does your blog inspiration come from?

7. What is one country in the world you would like to visit? Why?

8. If you have children, what are their names? If not, what are your favorite boy & girl names?

9. A long-lost relative leaves you a large sum of money. What do you do with it?

10. In your opinion, what is the best blog post you’ve written so far? (Include the link!)

11. Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Happy connecting! :)

Thanksgiving Giveaway!

Ashley: Keeping Up With Ashley and Cody --- Ash: The Grits Blog --- Gennie: New Home, New Name, New Adventure --- Lisa: Showered With Design --- Suzanna: One Hoolie Mama --- Angie: Chasing My Halo --- Chelsea: The New Wifestyle --- Trissa: Trissa Marie --- Janelle: Simply Love --- Mae: Endlessly Ever After

One winner will win
$70 paypal cash
1 beautiful handmade calligraphy print made from B Sullivan Calligraphy (see below)
6 months of sidebar ads on Showered with Design
Huge sponsorship opportunity from New Home, New Name, New Adventure

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Social Media - A False Sense of Reality

I can't quite pinpoint what exactly triggered this buttttt oh well. I hope you find my thoughts at least slightly insightful.

Social Media. Creating a false sense of reality.

Let's think about that for a moment. Do you agree with that statement? Do you disagree? First initial thoughts?

I personally think this is a completely accurate statement. Just think about it. On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc, what do you see? We see your best self. Your "perfected" image of yourself in a sense. I mean, come on. Are you really going to post that picture of yourself with no make up on, or the disastrous burnt, failed recipe you tried to attempt, or that craft project that really was a complete and utter failure? How many selfies did you take before you got the one you were satisfied with? How many pictures do you have online that are raw or unedited? I'm going to assume that there are way more edited/ filtered photos rather than yourself just as you are. I know, cause I've been there. I mean, that x pro filter really does give just the right about of contrast, right?

Other than our physical image, we also put out the personification that our lives are perfect too. Perfect family, perfect husband, perfect relationship, perfect, well behaved children that are sweet little angels. 

We tend to focus on all of our strengths, good qualities, things that make us feel good because others give us positive feedback. 

This is totally find and dandy to a certain extent, except when it effects the thoughts of others in a negative sense. Your so called "perfect" seeming life makes some of us feel inadequate. Your constant crafting and awesome ideas makes us feel like we aren't making any progress in our craftings or that we just aren't good crafters. We don't see your mistakes or that it took you five times to get that pie just right or you had a cour failed attempts at a sewing project, having to constantly grab your seem ripper...

But we don't see that. We don't see the hard work or the multiple attempts or the little mistakes or spills on our clothes.  

This lack of transparency sometimes gives some of us the feeling that you are better than we are. 

This is so not true. We are all individuals with different talents. Some people are great at blogging, connecting and promoting. Others are great at sewing, painting or scrapbooking. Some don't have a hand or keen eye for crafts but sre great at math or computers and problem solving. Or maybe even baking or patern making or design.

I think we should add a little more transparency into our lives. Help to let other people know that they are doing find with whatever it is they are attempting. Don't worry, I've wasted great fabric too because I cut it out wrong. 

You really don't have to put a sweet filter on every picture. You look exactly how you were intended, and I think that's wonderful. Embrace it. 

Don't get discouraged with all these people doing awesome things. Remember, they had to start somewhere.  Failures included. 

In closing, let me be briefly transparent with you...:

The other day, I left the oven on all day long! (Thank goodness nothing burnt down!)

I love my husband with all my heart, but we fight sometimes. (Or argue?) Completely normal. 

I tried making a dress form and FAILED miserably. See? I swear the foam just keeps growing. 

It can't even stand up straight because the foam is coming out the butt!

Ugh. It also coated my hands. Gross. Took FOREVER to get that stuff off.

(Sometimes they mean it when they say to wear a glove...)

When I first was getting into sewing, my seam ripper was my best friend. But I hated it haha. Ripping seams SUCKS.

Looking at other people's blogs totally discourages me. I mean come on, WHO TAKES YOUR PICTURES?! I swear a lot of these awesome bloggers have somebody take all their photos OR they awkwardly do it themselves with tripods and such. At least I think that would be awkward in public.  Seriously something that blows my mind and I have yet to know the answer! 

I hate doing the dishes after cooking and like to leave messes. Maybe not like but I occasionally leave messes. 

Sometimes I throw my cat off the bed/couch/etc when she is being ANNOYING. or shove her kindly...

Empty water bottles laying around in my living quarters drives me CRAZY. The only thing that really does. Weird. 

There you have some of my slight transparencies of Trissa. Let's help strengthen those around us that need some extra encouragement by being transparent. Not just by saying "practice makes perfect!" Let's share the shame and our silly imperfections. Let's draw closer together by what makes us human! 

Be a little transparent with me. I'd love to get to know you a little bit better. The real you.

:) 

Be a leader

Don't mind me. I'm just going to ramble a wee bit!

First, let's start by looking at the definition of a leader.

According to Google: the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country

Dictionary.com: 1. a person or thing that leads (that's super descriptive..) 2. a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group.

British dictionary: a person who rules, guides, or inspires others; head

That all seems pretty normal and accurate, right?
       Did you know that there are two kinds of leaders? At least that is my thoughts and I have also learned this through my studies in the Pathway program, preparing to attend BYU I online. There is an upper "L" leader and there is a lower "L" leader. Which one do you want to become?

I'm sure we all know what an upper "L" leader is. That would be more of what we would consider a king or a ruler. Someone who directs and takes control. High and mighty, gets to boss people around. Most likely this type of leader will have servants and will rarely serve others.

I hope nobody strives to be this kind of a leader!

A small "L" leader is a little bit different. It includes serving and ministering, loving and supporting and blessing other people.  The Savior is the great exemplar of this kind of leader. And I think it would do the world good if the people within strived to be like this. Like the Savior.

A small "L" leader doesn't do things for praise or recognition. They do things because it is the right thing to do. I think the easiest way to be this kind of a leader is simply to lead by example. Doing the right thing, being kind and loving towards others, uplift and strengthen those around you, help those less fortunate that you, be compassionate, be a guiding light that helps illuminate the way for others.

Don't condemn, speak ill or gossip, don't make someone else's struggle seem less than it is just because you personally don't think that is much of a trial. We are all different. We have different hardships and trials, along with different strengths and talents. Different things affect us in different ways. The best thing that we can do is lift up those around us. Teach each other and love one another. Most of all, be humble. Put others before yourself. I guarantee that this will bring more joy into your life. Serving others without expecting to get something in return will increase your outlook in life. So if you are feeling down, go serve someone. It will make all the difference.

The biggest thing I've achieved...

Another #projectpositive prompt I'd like to expand a little bit on! (I kind of like these prompts! Get's my brain churning!)

The biggest thing I've achieved...

This is yet another one that just seem so difficult to put one moment on. I feel like I have achieved a lot! And over came a lot. But you might not think some of them are all that impressive. But when you are the subject, when you achieve something, it's a great feeling! Whether big or small!

One of the biggest thing's I've achieved is a temple marriage. The steps that I took to get there also were an achievement on their own.

Just like everyone else living in this world, we all make mistakes. Big one's as well as small. I have had my share of bad decisions (along with good ones!) But for a portion of my life I wasn't happy. Nothing I did could give me complete gratification. There was a lot of instant gratification but eventually it faded and left me, again, with that void. When spiraling down, you don't really notice the journey getting there, you just realize that you are there once you've reached the bottom.

I found complete happiness for myself again through the gospel of Jesus Christ. My spirit began to grow and strengthen and I began to have a positive outlook on life. I would wake up in the morning full of life and energy and I just wanted to love! I found purpose and true meaning to life. Yes, it was a journey to get to where I needed to be, and I'm still progressing and growing, but I got out of my downward spiral and now I'm looking up! And up is the best way to be headed. There is one book that will bring you the most happiness and bring you closest to Christ. And you can learn about it here.

I've also have had other achievements like every time I complete a new sewing project! Especially when I make a mistake and try it again. It is great that we are able to make mistakes because we learn SO MUCH from them! Just think. You will appreciate something that you've done way more if you have to work for it and learn from it. It isn't always as satisfying when we do it right the first time. Where is the challenge? Where is the growth? When that happens to me, I just think... "Well, that was easy..." Putting your blood, sweat and tears into something will make you cherish it more.

I have also had achievements while in Track & Field in HS and college. Getting a new personal best is such a great feeling and accomplishment! I worked hard and I got better!

You cannot achieve anything without working for it first. We cannot expect to sit around and wait for things to come to us. If you want to achieve or accomplish something, go out and get it! Don't give up until you have completed it! All those annoying, tedious or hard steps along the way are shaping you and getting you ready to reach the end goal. You just can't give up. And don't let the success of others discourage you. We are all different! No one should expect more from the best that you can do, whatever that may be. And your best and my best are not the same.

We can all achieve anything we put are minds do. We just have to take the first step!

<3 Until next time

The biggest thing I've overcome...

So this month in the twitter world I decided to join #projectpositive. Each day there is a prompt and you finish off the sentence, followed by the hashtag. I feel like going into depth a little bit more on a specific prompt. There aren't enough characters allowed in a tweet!

The prompt for September 15 is as follows: The biggest thing I've overcome is... #projectpositive

(If you don't know, the hashtag is a way to join everyone involved so we can see what other people are saying and connect and so forth)

I don't think I can really pinpoint the biggest thing I've overcame because at the time, each individual trail is hard. But they are supposed to be. Each trial that we go through is essential to our growth; physical, spiritual and mental. If we didn't have to over come anything, how would we be able to become better? How will we progress?

Some of the things each of us goes through might not make sense at the time and I'm sure we often wonder, "Why is this happening to me?" And there are probably times when things just seem to never go our way. One thing to remember is that you don't have to be able to see the entire staircase! Just the first step. And sooner than you think, you will have made it to the top!

I think sometimes we go through certain trails simply for being able to have empathy for others going through a similar trial and be able to help others through their struggles. This also allows us to love, support and comfort. One of the worst feelings ever is feeling alone and feeling like you are the only person going through a specific trial. Being able to see that the people around you have overcome something similar is such a strength and a blessing. It's a confirmation that you can also get through it and things will get better.

If you ever feel alone, remember Christ knows exactly how you feel. He is the one person that can have full empathy on how you are feeling because he has felt every pain, sorrow, heartache. Don't forgot that he has also felt all the joys and happy moments! So don't cut Him out of the good times. 

We also need to remember that each and every one of us is different. This means we all have different trials, struggles and different reactions to things. We all make different mistakes. We need to be mindful to those around us and simply love and support instead of judge and condemn. In times of struggle is when we need love and kindness the most. 

Trials and struggles are an essential part of God's plan. There is a talk by Elder David A. Bednar that has such a great explanation on this. I love it and couldn't agree more.

I love this quote from his talk:

"Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: "Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load i am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?

Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful not to haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most." 

Also, remember what the Savior has said:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30)

 Have faith! And know that things will get better. Serving others will also uplift your spirits.

<3 Until next time!

Music Monday

Here we have us a little list of some of the tunes that have popped up on Pandora. I'm still waiting to be able to make a station based off of Taylor Swifts new hit 'Shake It Off'! Hopefully they will get that fixed sooner than later!! But I love that song. And it came on the radio when I was driving to lunch. <3

1. The Virgins - Private Affair
2. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
3. Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
4. Iyez - Replay
5. Flo Rida - Good Feelinh
6. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts
7. Boys Like Girls - Dance Hall Drug
8. B.o.B. - Magic
9. We The Kings - Heaven Can Wait
10. All American Rejects - Gives You Hell

Well there you have it! Some nice toons for the day. :) 

And anyone in Arizona, hopefully you didn't get too wet this morning or get your car stuck in a wash!! 

Music Monday- Dance!

Hello! So I admit, yes, that I have been a wee bit behind. But good news! Music mondays are back and I'm just going to run with it. I'm sure someone will fall into this and enjoy it sooner or later!

This is more of a Dance theme! These songs make me wanna dance! And hey, maybe you too will join in on the dancing. It's a new day so why not smile and throw down some beats!

1. Taylor Swift - Shake It Off (you just HAVE to watch the video! click me)
2. James Brown - I Got You (I Feel Good)
3. The Hush Sound - Honey
4. Thurston Harris & The Sharps - Little Bitty Pretty One
5. Melee - You Make My Dreams
6. Sugarcult - Bouncing Off The Walls
7. Beyonce - Single Ladies
8. Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight
9. Head Automatica - Beating Heart Baby
10. Relient K - High Of 75

So there you have it. Ten jams to start of this beautiful Monday and a great start to this new week!

It's a new day. Enjoy it. Love it. Smile at someone today. Tell someone you don't know that you like their shoes. Text someone you haven't talked to in awhile to have a great day. Be kind. One small act of kindness towards somebody could brighten their day or even change their lives. So let's get going!

Be sure to share with me some of your favorite dance beats and any acts of kindness you witnessed or given to someone!

Happy Music Monday!

Music Monday

Here's my music recap and top ten songs from the last week! (no particular order btw)

1. Landon Pigg - Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop
2. Lily Allen - Never Gonna Happen
3. Lykke Li - Everybody But Me
4. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
5. Steel Train - I Feel Weird
6. Jack Johnson - bubble
7. Trace Adkins - Honky Tonk Badonkadonk
8. Sublime - What I Got
9. Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful
10. Regina Spektor - The Call


I'm thinking of maybe having some kind of theme for each music monday.... Hmmmm?

So there's this bird...

Happy Saturday everyone!

Soooooo there's this bird… let's call him George. He took my parking spot!!

Okay so let's back up a little bit. After I cleaned up the apartment a little bit, I went to the fabric store! And I got some goodies… I am so excited about that and can't wait until I share it with you! (later) And  then I went to Walmart to pick up some materials for pineapple salsa! (seriously is delicious) And when I came back to my apartment, I came across this little guy, George.























That's my parking spot! Bleh! That bird is a little monster! But when I pulled up, it wasn't moving out of the way. Just was standing there. So I opted out of the spot and parked in the sunshine. I'm pretty sure the bird is a crow of some kind. At least it's one of those dark brown/black birds… And I decided not to fry it with the heat of my car. So night huh?

When I went to my car to make sure it was locked and put up my sun shades, the mama bird came! Up to where the nest was though and little George was just chirping away and the mama was looking around for him and then she spotted him! And flew down to George. The mama bird seemed to be yelling at Gworge as to say, "Why did you leave the nest?!" And George was squawking as if to say, "FEED ME!" And then the mama flew away. But she's come back a couple times. Every time the mama goes over to the baby, I can just HEAR the squawking bird… And then over in the grass, there was a bunch of the grownup birds chirping at each other as to figure out what to do with this bird that was on the ground. I honestly don't even know how the bird got out of the nest. There isn't even a real opening at the bottom and the bird surly can't fly to go up and out! I just want the little guy to move so I can park in the shade…