Sundays Thoughts: Forgiveness

Today was an incredible day at church. All of the speakers shared beautiful thoughts, the teachers had wonderful lessons and the comments were all inspired. In our Relief Society meeting (which is our women's meeting at church) we discussed forgiveness. We talked about why we should forgive, how we know we have forgiven someone and who we need to forgive.

Throughout the lesson I had one experience in particular in my mind that I was reflecting on. Through that experience I really learned the importance of forgiving others, forgiving myself and asking for forgiveness.

Have you ever met someone and you have known that you knew each other before you came to earth? Those people are rare and special. I have been blessed to have a few people in my life that I have that special connection with. One of those people I have known almost my whole life and we have always had a special connection. The last few years have not been easy on our relationship due to both of our actions.

We have finally been able to move past those difficulties and it has been because of forgiveness on both ends. We both had to forgive each other and ourselves. I really believe that before we came here to earth we both knew that we would be each others greatest trial so that we could both teach each other valuable, life changing lessons and by doing that she has become one of the greatest blessings in my life.

It dawned on me today that forgiveness is a beautiful blessing we have been given. Our Heavenly Father and Savior forgive all those that ask for forgiveness and so when we forgive we are becoming more like our Heavenly Father and Savior. In Doctrine & Covenants it says that "we are required to forgive all" and I know that to be true. I am so grateful for my friend for having patience with me through these years and I am truly grateful for the lessons that she has taught me. I am also grateful for my Heavenly Father for putting her in my life so that I could be greatly blessed and taught.

Forgiveness is not always easy but it is always worth it. I am grateful that my Savior died so that I may be forgiven; that is the greatest gift I have ever and will ever receive. I hope that you are all able to feel the power of forgiveness in your life as well, whether it be forgiving yourself, forgiving others or being forgiven.

xoxo, nb

P.S. This is my new favorite picture, I love the expression on Mary's face; pure joy.  The painting is called A Mothers Love by Scott Sumner.

Five on Friday

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One of the blogs that I love, Cupcakes & Cashmere, does a feature on her blog on Fridays called 'Five' where she features Five things that she loves or find beautiful and I thought it was a lovely idea so I'm going to start doing it too.

1. Beautiful fabric left over from a project, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet but I think that the colors are so rich and I love looking at them!

2. Home made Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, it is my favorite recipe, they stay soft and chewy for days. I once ate them straight for a few days... not proud of it but it's true.

3. The true meaning of Christmas. Santa is cool but I am grateful for this time of year to be reminded of how blessed I am because of the birth of my Savior.

4. A beautiful frame that was purchased for a print... but the print didn't fit. Any ideas? It was too lovely to return.

5. So this isn't the true meaning of Christmas but it's one of my favorite parts. I LOVE giving gifts... I cannot wait for my husband, friends and family to open their gifts from me.

Well I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend enjoying time with those they love OR working on finals. For those of you in school, Good Luck!

xoxo, nb

P.S. I am looking for some guest posters for the week of Dec 31 - Jan 4. Email me if interested at nicoleberezay@gmail.com, hope to hear from you!

50. Little Black Dress

Dress: Calvin Klein via Winners $32, Bracelets: Joe Fresh & Groop Dealz $10

Shoes: Shoemint via Pink Peonies giveaway, Clutch: Spring (old) Earrings: Claires $1

Project 100

It is very suiting that the Little Black Dress should end up as 50 on the list. The LBD is one of the most iconic dresses; think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys. They are so simple yet so chic and timeless. When I saw this dress I absolutely had to have it and I waited until it went on sale, luckily someone didn't snatch it up before I did. I literally searched for three years for my perfect LBD, they can be tough to find but don't be discouraged. There are tons of options out there but it was a little difficult to find one long enough with sleeves, it wasn't nicknamed the Little Black Dress for no reason!

xoxo, nb

51. Lotion

Project 100

You guys, how many of you skip over the, oh-so-important, morning-regime step of putting on lotion? It is so important! Especially if you live somewhere that is cold in the winter because coldness dries up soft skin. I use my St. Ives every morning to moisturize my legs. If I am going to wear perfume that day then I use my St. Ives for my arms as well but if not I use a pretty smelling lotion instead. So these are the top 3 kinds of lotions each girl should have.

1. A quality lotion you can buy in "bulk" at walmart, none of this 3 oz stuff, to use for your legs. I prefer Vanilla or Shea Butter, something neutral.

2. Pretty smelling lotion that you love! Don't get a smell because it's "trendy" because if you don't love it you will come to absolutely HATE it. Smelly lotion rubs off on your clothes so you better like it!

3. Mini lotions to put in all your bags. This is so important! They are so easy to find in your favorite scents. Also, confession time, some of mine are the complimentary lotions from hotels. Hey, if it smells good, why not?

What do you think? What is your favorite lotion scent? Mine is the Body Shops Shea Whip... Yum :)

xoxo, nb

Tutorial Tuesday: Yarn Trees.

Tis the season to make beautiful crafts! This is a very easy craft but I will warn you it is time consuming.

Supplies Needed:

Cardboard Trees

A different color of yarn for how many trees you decide to do

Hot Glue Gun

A topper for the tree or any other decals that you might want to use.

1. Put down a line of glue at the very bottom of the tree and then lay your yarn down.
2. Once you get into your second row once you lay down your yarn push it right into the row it's next to so it will be nice a snug.
3. DON'T over glue, you will not need a lot of glue, if there is to much it gets goopy.
4. Once you get to the top finish it off with a pretty star or some sort of ornament.
5. If you feel adventuress you can add some ribbon or little decals up and down your tree.

If you attempt this please share with me how it went! I would love to see how yours turns out!

xoxo, nb

49. Link Watch

Top: Ann Taylor $10, Skirt: MADE BY ME!, Necklace: eBay $12

Purse: Aldo $50, Watch: Guess - gifted, Shoes: Payless $20

Project 100

There is something about wearing creams and gold that makes me feel like I am a million bucks. It is such a classy pairing. Proud Moment: yes, I made that skirt! I made it in mind for my University Graduation, I think it turned out pretty great. Well, the link watch, in this case it is a dainty watch. I love my Mens-wear inspired watch, I wear it all the time but sometimes you want something a little more feminine. I once read that because your wrist is the smallest part of your body you never want to wear anything to bulky on it if you want to appear small and dainty. Now, I'm not sure how much I believe this but I do know that sometimes it feels nice to appear ladylike and dainty and if a watch can give you that then why not! What do you guys think?

xoxo, nb

Sundays Thoughts

I've been feeling like I should do this for awhile and I've been putting it off a little. I don't consider myself to be an especially talented writer so putting my words out to the world is a little intimidating. For those of you that follow my blog you will know that I don't write a ton in my posts, I like when the pictures speak for themselves. However, I have felt like each Sunday I would like to write a little about my feelings.

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The first Sunday of every month in our first hour of meetings we hold what is called a fast and testimony meeting. This is when anyone in the congregation can go up to the pulpit and share their testimony and feelings about the gospel. Today during our meeting I reflected on an experience I had earlier this week and I'd like to share it with you.

I was driving and listening to a song; Lullaby by Shawn Mullins. I don't know if you are familiar with it. It is a bit of a story song. It talks about this girl who grew up in LA, her parents are rich and friends with all the right people, despite all these things she is unhappy. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with this feeling of gratitude for my Savior and the gospel.

Earlier in the week I was listening to a radio talk show and they mentioned Lindsay Lohan and her latest legal problems. So when I was listening to the song I thought about her and how there are so many people around the world searching for true happiness and they don't know where to find it. True happiness isn't found in the perfect wardrobe, or having the best body, the coolest car, the latest technology, it is not even found in being more wealthy than anyone could imagine. True happiness is found in having loving relationships with the most important people in your life. It is found in coming to know and love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

At this time of year there is a heavy emphases on the "holidays". There isn't anything inherently wrong with celebrating the holidays. But please don't forget that Christmas is a time of year to celebrate the birth of our Savior and our abundance of blessings.

I hope you are able to spend this Christmas with someone you love.

xoxo, nb

If my feelings don't fall inline with any of your beliefs that is totally fine but please no criticism here :)

Foodie Friday: Sonoma Chicken Sandwich

I love a little dash of fruit when it is unexpected and isn't a little surprising in a chicken sandwich? Sometimes it's fun to spice up a classic and traditional dish. This is a very easy and quick recipe. If you try it let me know what you think, it's my new favorite. 

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread {toasted}

Lettuce/Sprouts/Spinach Leave {whichever you prefer}

Rotisserie Chicken Deli Meat

Sliced Pears

Raspberry Mayo

1. Toast your bread and add the Raspberry Mayo; be very generous, if you put it on to lightly it just soaks into the bread and you will lose a lot of the taste.

2. Slice your Pears. TIP: the bigger the slice the better but the bigger the slice the messier the sandwich so take your pick! I prefer them bigger for taste and I'll just deal with the mess.

3. Add your chicken and greenery.

4. Enjoy!

Raspberry Mayo

1/2 cup Mayo

6-8 Tbsp. Raspberry Preserves

1/2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

Dash of Pepper

1. Mix all the ingredients and add Raspberry Preserves to taste, how much you add will depend on how strong you want the Raspberry taste to be. 

This recipe makes enough for 4-6 Sandwiches depending on how liberally you add it.

xoxo, nb

45. Khakis

Khakis: Gap - old, Shirt: Gap $4, Jacket: Luii via Winners $35

Necklace: eBay $12,  Shoes: Shoemint via Pink Peonies giveaway

Watch: Guess - old, Earrings: H&M $1, Bag: Aldo $30

Project 100

Khakis have always alluded me. I'm not sure why they seem like such a challenge for me, maybe it's because of too many "counsellor" jobs where I was required to wear ill-fitting khakis and awful polos two sizes to big tucked in... maybe? Anyways I did some research for inspiration and I am crowning Jennifer Aniston as the Queen of Khakis, she styles them perfectly and it looks so effortless! I also found an article that was helpful. Also a big thanks to Pinterest! If you have any tips please, please, please share because I am in dire need of some assistance!

xoxo, nb

47. Lace Camisole

Blazer: Gap $25, Blouse: Forever 21 $15, Necklace: Joe Fresh $7

Pants: Joe Fresh $10, Heels: Maurices: $30, Cami: Target $10

 Purse: Aldo $50 Watch: Aldo $35, Bracelet: Groop Dealz $4

Project 100

Undershirts are an absolute staple of a woman's wardrobe. The Lace Camisole is the perfect undershirt when you are dressing up and you don't want a plain cotton undershirt. You can get them in silk to make them even more fancy. I searched for a years for my perfect Cami and I found it at Target! Who knew? If you aren't as picky as me though they are quite easy to come across you just have to decide what kind of lace you want and if you want it at the top and bottom or just one or the other. I only wanted lace on the top which made it a little trickier to find but I did prevail! I would also recommend getting one in white and black. After you have your basics covered go crazy if you want; collect the rainbow!

xoxo, nb