Thursday, November 27, 2014

Payless Shoes!

I have got to tell you about my favorite shoe place.

Payless Shoes.

They are awesome! (Especially the boots)

If you love their shoes also, post a comment!

What I wear to church...

This Skirt. I love black Maxi's!

This shirt. Purple, purple, and more purple! I love girly colors.

This scarf. A perfect accessory!

This belt except mine is in black. I love wide stretchy belts like this! I also like this. I don't have a belt like that, but that is something that I want! :D

These shoes. I have a pair very similar to these. But mine are lower to the ground than this. I wouldn't feel very comfortable wearing something so high.

So imagine all these pieces put together. How do you like it?

P.S. I want to tell you all about Hanna Andersson. I am captivated by their clothing! Some girls will fit size 160 Girls- not womens. So go ahead and look at all of it. :D

So what do you think? Do you have a go-to outfit similar to mine?

I'd love to hear from you. :D

Thankful!

A Happy Thanksgiving Greeting to all of you.
Sorry I'm a bit late, things have been crazy here. :D

What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for:

My best friend! Nothing will ever beat you! You are awesome! <3

Learning basketball! I am thankful for the opportunity! (Not a pro yet, but getting there)

Planning for what I'll do in life :)   (I am going to college in the near future, and now I'm planning what my major will be)

Helping friends... I love to help others, and I'm thankful that I can

This is only a sampling of all the things that I'm thankful for!

What are you thankful for? Let me know.

Got to get back to the pie now....  :D


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanks to all of my Readers! :-)

Thanks to all my fabulous readers who have emailed me comment the past few days. Come on, follow my blog and comment on there! :-) But just a big Thanks to all of my friends!

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Shooting Star!

We were driving home from a meeting last week, and it was late at night.

Suddenly, I saw something that I had never seen before.

A shooting star.

Wow! I have never seen anything like that! It was so lovely.
For the three seconds that I caught a glimpse of it.

It just made me think.... about many things. About my past experiences.... of the last months.... of the most recent trials.... of the torn, broken hearts, that I want to fix.... (I am an aspiring Social Worker, LOL but yes, that is what I want to be)
My train of thought ran over the many things that I have done in my life.

Where are you?

To sit outside until midnight watching the stars come out, and naming the constellations.
Or laying in bed until midnight, long for a breath of fresh air, and a break from the city.

Having water fights in your backyard on the hottest summer days.
Or are you sitting on the air conditioner, (yes I've done that) wishing for a breeze in San Francisco's sweltering weather? Wishing to get away from all the people?
Or are you enjoying the city and waiting patiently for your basketball game that's in two hours?

Are you riding your horse on the beach with your best friend?
Or are you skiing in the Rocky Mountains?
Or shopping at the mall and eating at your favorite gourmet restaurant?

Where are you today?

Are you shoveling snow?
Maybe sweeping the sand off your feet after walking on the beach?

Where are you right now?

Wherever you are, whether watching shooting stars in the night sky, or singing a solo in a big concert, or asleep in bed in a five-story apartment building....

Wherever you are, God still sees you. You can never run away from God.

I have had a Jonah experience. Turn in your Bible to the book of Jonah, and re-read it to refresh your memory. Jonah didn't do what God wanted him to do. But when he was in the whale, he decided that he would! Afterwards, he got out of the whale, (God got him out) and preached to Nineveh. (That is my summary, not the whole story.)

I did not want to go where God wanted me. I was in the wrong place.
I started having trials. Struggles. Tribulations.
And I REALIZED...

I was not where God wanted me.
SO......
I went to where He impressed me to go.
I was instantly accepted.
I was asked to come again.

And I KNEW..... I knew why everything had happened. Whether you are watching a shooting star, or doing anything else, you are not hidden.

What are you doing at present? Have you ever stopped to think that God is watching you even now? He is watching you in His LOVE for you. He brought me back to where I needed to be. To where people would want me......

He died to save you. He is watching you now. You are His precious child.

I am honored to serve such a Ruler.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

How to layer clothing: A written tutorial

How to layer clothing: A written tutorial

Start with socks. I recommend knee highs. Put these on before continuing

Now for the tights: Tights are like leggings with feet on them. Pull these tights on over the socks.
*You can also use leggings. It is just prone to be more noticeable, because of your socks. But it does work if your legs feel like ice cubes, and your feet feel on fire, like me!

Next get a pair of knee length jean shorts. Pull them on over the tights/leggings.

Over that, wear a long, thick, jean skirt. You're set! And no one will know unless you tell them or they scrutinize your skirt!

Want to know part two of the layering tutorial?

On top of all that, put on a thick sleeveless undershirt.

Over that, wear a long thin undershirt. Make sure that it hangs down low, and don't tuck it in.

Then, put on a thick warm shirt of your choice.

Over that, wear a pullover sweater, or a sweater dress.

Don't forget a pair of cozy boots and a warm jacket for outside! (I wear a ski jacket.)

You're set! At least I am.
This is my go-to outfit for this cold weather we've been having!

What are your favorite layering ideas? Why not try it and see what you think?

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Farsighted?!?

I found out not long ago that I was farsighted. I was horrified, as I had thought that I had perfect vision! I knew that I had a slight difficulty reading, and often strained my eyes.

But now that I know about my problem, I decided to fix it! So I just got a pair of reading glasses. I like to perch them on the end of my nose, that way I can still see people who are not two inches away from my face!

I never wore glasses before, (except for the novelty of it LOL) so this is a new experience! Another friend of mine wears reading glasses some too, but she keeps them in her purse, and only wears them when she has to read something. Her problem is worse than mine, but she is very adverse to wearing glasses. Now that I am wearing them, though, she is not so unhappy with it.

So do any of you wear reading glasses? Are any of you nearsighted/farsighted? It's okay to be different. God made us all just the way that we are!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

What is on your gift list?

Christmas is coming soon! Are you ready? It's time to be thinking even more about gifts, because last minute shopping is never good.   :)

I have a gift list for people. No wish lists for me, I am all about giving. Now, there are some things that I want, but people know about them, so I don't need to vocalize my wants very often.

So here's my gift list.

My wonderful Mom: I already showed you that in the last post. P.S. Do you like it?

Dad is getting this. He likes them, and I'm happy to get them for him!

I am giving my brothers something slightly funny, pesty, and annoying! Fow my oldest brother, a purple eraser that says on it "My Bad" and my other brother is getting a pink one that says "Not Again". They will not know what to think! (especially of the colors, LOL)

I like to paint, sew, and knit, cross-stitch, etc. So I love to give people my creations! I also like custom designing clothing, which you already knew about.
I am right now trying to make a skirts for my riding friend for Christmas, that has so many pleats and gathers that it looks like a skirt, but it easily splits to make pants. And when it is pants, It shouldn't look crazy! If you have any ideas for that, please let me know in the comments box. Thank you!

I also like to give the girls jewelry, small pins, hair accessories, scarves and so on. What is your favorite hair accessory? What is your friend's favorite hair accessory? Get thinking!

I have so much more, but these are only the highlights. I hope that I've inspired you to start a wonderful gift list, and remember the Greatest Gift to the world. That is why we give anyway, isn't it? :)

Now for some tried-and-true tips on gift giving:

Don't try to be cheap. Be willing to spend a little more money to get something a whole lot nicer.

For stocking stuffers, go to the dollar store and get some fun things. If you are doing a silly theme, get light-up necklaces, jingle-bell bracelets, wind-up penguins, reindeer antlers for the adults. You can find them at most dollar stores. Children will like them too, but the adults may be entertained! You never know!

Make sure to label, Label, LABEL or else, if you don't have an elephant memory, you may be sorry! (I speak from experience)

Don't do things at the last minute. You don't want to be crabby, stressed out, and flustered on the big day.

So, what are your tips for the Holiday Season? Please be sure to let us all know about them! Thank you, friends.   :)



Awkward + Awesome

What's been happening lately for me...... a combination of Awkward + Awesome. :)

Awkward:

When the choir director begins, "1, 2, 3, 4" And you begin heartily singing the wrong song. Everyone looks your way.

When you are playing a song that is a medley, and you forget where the next song comes in, and keep going on the first song. Oops!

Making lemonade and forgetting the sugar... Ouch. Everyone blinks their eyes and asks who made it.

When the leader says, "Line up in the order of height" and you have to stand sideways because the person beside you is talking to their friend and won't move.

When a girl that is definitely shorter than you says "I'm taller than you" and everyone says she's right

Eating at a restaurant and entertaining your family, (and the people at the next table) by all your jokes and funny stories, and then realizing that your family, as well as all the other people, are all almost finished and you've barely started to eat.

Playing soccer and kicking the ball the wrong way... lots of 'looks'.

When you have your earphones on in public, and your Mom's friend comes up to you and asks you if you are trying to communicate with aliens from outer space. (she means it as a joke) Everyone looks at you like, Wow.

When you hold the door open for the person behind you, and then end up holding it open for the next ten people. You finally slam it shut when you think you're clear, only to hear "Hey, It was my turn to come out! She shut the door in my face and I will just tell-...." from inside. Oops!

When you start cutting up very strong onions, and someone asks you why you are crying when cutting up onions is so much fun.... Well.... Not really.

Awesome:

Singing all through the dress rehearsal without forgetting anything

Finding the most awesome jeans that are the perfect fit and on sale!

Getting snow, not too much, but just enough to have fun!

Scoring points in the soccer game! Wow! I am the least athletic in the group, and that is great!

Getting a letter from my long-lost pen-pal

Finding the secret place where you stashed your Christmas Presents. (Yes, I did forget) Thought I'd have to wait until next year to give them out!

Starting a new (rather weird) song in the right key the first time I sang it :) YES!!!

Watching a piece being played on the piano, and playing it out by ear when I get home! Awesome!

Composing music and finding that it does sound awesome!

Starting on my Christmas music (rather late, but I'll make it!)

Best one Ever:

Finding the most special Christmas present for my Mom, check it out here. She'll love it! She's musical like me.


What has been awkward and awesome in your life lately?

Fashionable while musical, in the cold!

Every musician needs a pair of these! The cold won't dampen my passion for music!

 

What do you think? How do you play the strings in the cold? Why people have concerts outside in the fall/winter, I do not understand. But I am flexible, and these gloves fixed my problem!

Cuter ones:















So what do you think? What are your cold-weather music playing tips? :)>

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

What did Music do to me?

I composed a verse that explains my passion for music and the result of it.

No one could have forced me to go as far as I have in music. It was solely upon my passion for it, that drove me. Now I know that I didn't know what music was then. I only know now, the dedication, the struggles, the pain, and the power of music. For some it comes naturally and easy, but not me. I was driven to perform, to be the best of the best, to become something. 

Never came naturally to me. Never came easy. Never just happened.

But that is what built me. Shaped me. Molded my outlook on music.

I have come to appreciate music more. I have stretched. And I am glad for it.

How can you
LOVE
Music if you've never learned the
STRUGGLE
that comes with playing the instrument
The
PAIN
of blisters on your knuckles
The
SORROW
When things don't go as planned, or you mess up
The
DEVOTION
That is part of any real musician
The life-changing
EXPERIENCE
And the
POWER
To touch people and impress them?
You can't. Only By experience can you 
KNOW
What it really means........


How has music made you? How has it changed you? It will ever, forever, be a part of my life!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

I live by this!

"Waste Not, Want Not." -Benjamin Franklin

It is true. I have seen so many poor people waste food and it makes me shudder.

My grandpa was very firm with this, and taught it early into my Mother, and in turn, Mother taught it to me. Thank you for teaching me this, Mom!

Remember that whenever you are tempted to waste; you can save lots of money by draining the milk juggs well, or scraping the last bit of food out of the pot. I have seen it demonstrated many times, and I know that I will always be saving and careful!

Couch Potato!

Well, You probably wouldn't have guesses it, but I am NEVER a couch potato. I am so active all the time, it is hard to just sit!
But.... there is a new problem.

In August I got my own computer. Since then, I have packed on the pounds, and not even realized it! WOW! That is terrible!

The computer, for me is a magnet. I just now realized the effect when I saw that I could not run as fast as I could before..... Oh noooooo.....

Okay. I need to do something about this! Out comes the trampoline, the running shoes, the stretchy pants. 

And I'm also convinced that I need new running shoes. What do you think of these?

So what are your favorite running shoes? What do you do to stay fit? Email me or leave a comment in the box below. I'd love to hear your ideas! 

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Music in my mind!

Have you ever been doing something and the lyrics of a song keep rattling around in your head? Well I have! In fact, right now, a song is rolling through my head- a song that has become part of my life story- and I want to share it with you.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.


Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.


Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.


Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.


Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.


When I heard this sung by a choir, I was touched by the music and set out to learn it. In the end, I sung this at a concert. And many times I have sung it in my head. Something about its melody touches me in a way nothing else has. 

I think of all the trials in my life....... Yet there is LIGHT! Light in all the darkness! The Lord is on my side. I am forever grateful to my Heavenly Father that has helped me through all my trials. 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.


What music touches you in a special way? How does it touch you? I'd love to hear about it!

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Hair and Fashion!

Hello! I would like to share with you my style! :D

http://www.trendshairstyle.com/cute-hairstyles.html   if you want to look at it.


This is my hairstyle, only a little longer. I like to find different things to try though!
I just cut my hair shorter. It was a little hard at first, but I am happy with it now!

I will share what my fashion is:
Maxi skirts, baby doll tunics, turtlenecks, belts, and high heels! Except not all at once. :) that would be quite a combination!

I love blue or red heels. And scarves! Sometimes a scarf is all you need to pull an outfit together. :)

What do you think of these shoes and this dress paired with a black concert dress? Definitely my style. The heels are darker than the scarf for some contrast. Black concert dresses are awesome!

      


I like to sew my own skirts, and this skirt is something that you might see me wearing any day. I like to wear fun skirts, but simple with less bling.
     

Here's my belt (or one like it)


I do think corsets/corset style belts are cool, but I've never tried them. I hope to soon. :)
  


Well, what do you think of my style? Comments? I'd love to hear them. :)

So what is your clothing style?

One thing...

There is one thing that God never does.

He has the power to do it, but he doesn't.

Well, what is it?

Forcing someone to do something.

Why?

Because God is a God of freedom.

Well, sure, you might think that you have to be good to be in heaven, and that is true.

But God doesn't chase you around saying, "Better be good, better be good, or bad things will happen."

Surprise:

It is the Devil saying that! The Devil is all about fear, bondage, and lies.

God never forces.

I want to be like that!
Don't you?


PS. More on this study later. It is something very important to me. :)

What is your style?

That is a good Question.


I have many different styles, and to good reason.

My hair is styled a certain way.

My clothes are certain way.

My music is a certain way!

Yet they all display who I am.

Who are you?

I do not know who you are, but I know that you are a unique person, just like me.
You have your own talents, quirks, problems, joys, trials....

Yet God looks down and loves us all, despite our differences and even problems!

That is what is called Agape Love. Love that never dies.... Love that is not based upon performance.

I long to love others that way. Even the people who are not kind.

"Dear Heavenly Father, Please give me a servant's heart. Give me the power to love others like you. Mold me into the person that you want me to be. Let me love others with Agape Love, not conditionally upon performance. Make me be like you....."

Welcome to Olivia's new Blog!

Hello!

I am Olivia, and this is my new blog. I hope that you enjoy it and feel free to comment!

I'll be seeing you again! (hopefully!)