& why be afraid to make an honest mistake? ♫♥

Together by Demi Lovato ft. Jason Derulo, heard it for the first time yesterday and the fiftieth time today. :D

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to attend my best friend's graduation and formal (or prom, as he calls it). It was actually a new experience for me, because even though I graduated high school last year, I never went to any of my school formals. They were always organised by students without any school involvement (for insurance reasons, I think), and for that and other reasons, weren't exactly the kind of setting I would feel comfortable in. His formal, however, was so, so nice. He went to a private Christian school, so already the standards were already similar to mine and there was just a really nice atmosphere.

The formal was at a function centre and his group of friends travelled there in a Hummer limo, which was a first for me. At the venue, there were round tables for ten set up, and we had a sit down dinner with speeches and awards between courses. Then there was, of course, dancing and photo-taking and talking and laughing and all that jazz. Thankfully, I wasn't the only person at our table who wasn't from his school, so in all the class photos and teary goodbyes at the end, I had people to hang out with instead of standing there awkwardly by myself. Everyone was so lovely and it was nice to be able to get to know his friends a bit better. Despite random people coming up to me claiming positions at a wedding I was unaware I was having, I had a simply delightful time. :) It was so funny though, on the way back from the formal (a friend's mum was driving us), my best friend fell asleep and starting snoring. We were all trying so hard not to laugh loud enough to wake him up. He did eventually, and was grumpy for a bit then promptly fell back to sleep. :)

Since it wasn't my formal, I wasn't planning to spend much money or time on it. Luckily, it wasn't an issue finding something affordable and modest to wear, because I already had this purple dress that I'd purchased at an op shop a year or so ago, for a church ball. I just borrowed a black bolero from my brother's girlfriend, gave myself a French manicure (with $4 white nail polish), straightened my hair (it's usually really curly, so I thought something different might be nice), did my make up in record time of about 5 minutes and voila, I was at least passable.

Dress: Paco PM - thrifted ($15)

Bolero - Ice (borrowed)

Shoes - thrifted ($5)

Nawww, he got me a corsage and his mom took sneaky photos while he put it on. Also, you can't really tell in these photos, but when he bought his new suit (he needed it for Church anyway), he also bought a purple tie, hoping it would be the same shade as my dress... It was and we matched perfectly. :)

I haven't said much about his actual valedictory ceremony at school, but let me tell you, just to get there by 9 am, I had to be up by 4.30, and on the bus by 6.15 am with all my formal things in a big backpack. I ended up getting a bit lost anyway, and his Dad had to come pick me up. Haha all that matters is that I was there for his graduation, no matter how tired I was that night (I ended up getting home about 1 am).

Anyways, I'm rambling now and I think I'm just procrastinating all the things I should be doing today.

Also, I've decided to read the Bible. I've studied both the Old and New Testament at seminary, but never read it the whole way through by myself. My plan is to read a couple of verses everyday from the Book of Mormon, and then a chapter or so from the Bible. Wish me luck! :)

♥ Sariah

Happy Sabbath :)

So today has been rather uneventful, but a lovely day nonetheless. I just love Sundays. :)

Yesterday I spent the day nerding it up at the library with the bestie... surprisingly, we both actually got quite a bit of work done! Plus, we had two pickernicks at the park: one of strawberries and yoghurt for breakfast, and tuna-and-salad Subway, pumpkin cous cous salad and lemonade for lunch. Deeeelish.

Blazer: thrifted

Shirt: thrifted

Skirt: thrifted dress cut into a skirt

Boots: Target

Necklace: Made of bits and bobs from other necklaces

I wore this the other day and just realised that except for my shoes, tights and jewellery, this outfit only cost me $3!

Well, the aroma of warm zucchini slice is wafting in from the kitchen, so I'd better go grab some before it all disappears!

♥ Sariah

& you make me feel like the sun always shines. ♫♥

When I Look into Your Eyes - Shane Harper.

Wow, Radio Disney (yes, I listen to it sometimes :D) is so influential... Last night, I was really tired and while I was listening, Bridgit Mendler said that you should unplug your laptop overnight, once it has fully charged. I hardly remember doing it, but I must have reached out and pulled my charger out of the power point because in the morning that's how it was. The funniest ads, though, are the "Words from the Wise" or whatever they're called... They teach about doing your homework, exercising, not eating too much candy, picking up your rubbish, etc. Obviously they have really good messages aimed at children, it's just the way they're presented that makes me laugh. :)

Anyways, my not-buying-anymore-clothes thing kinda failed... Yesterday I went thrift shopping, looking for a dress to wear to my best friend's formal later this month. I didn't really find anything suitable, but I did find this green jacket/blazer marked down to $1. I really like it, and it's really comfortable and not too warm.

As it turns out, the decoration theme of the formal is purple, and I happen to already have a purple formal dress, so I suppose that is what I shall be wearing. I was only looking for a new one because I've worn that to a couple of dances already, but since this one will pretty much be with complete strangers, who cares?

This morning I'm being lazy when I should be finishing an Italian presentation I have to give tomorrow... So not looking forward to it, I don't see how I'm going to remember my whole speech. Oh well. This is what I'm wearing today:

Shirt: Thrifted

Vest: Thrifted

Jeans: Big W

Boots: Target

Necklace: Either Diva or Equip (pretty much the same anyway)

I used to love that vest (and still do, I guess) but I haven't worn it all Autumn/Winter and now it's Spring so I probably won't have the opportunity to again. :(

Anyways, I think I shall be leaving soon for uni, so have a wonderful day :)

♥ Sariah

& I don't know you but I want you all the more for that. ♪

Lyrics from Falling Slowly by Jake Coco ft. Caitlin Hart... Do you ever meet someone, and just feel so... fascinated... by them? And you won't stop feeling that way until you've discovered every detail, every reason, every piece of the puzzle that makes them who they are. You won't be satisfied until the moment that you stare into their eyes and catch a glimpse of their soul, a view that's taken so long to ease out of obscurity. This happens to me all the time, but I don't always reach that moment and it frustrates me. I just have to know. I have to know who they are and what they believe in and what they're afraid of and what inspires them and what makes them crinkly-nose smile all the way to their toes.

Anyways, let's swim back to shallower waters.

Last week after uni, I happened to stumble upon racks and racks of winter mark downs at Big W, priced between $3-$10. Of course, I had to take a look. I only had a few minutes to scavenge amongst the clearance items, but I managed to snag a few bargains:

Green cardigan: $10

Green Striped top: $5

Floral top: $5

Jeans w/belt : $10

Even though they were slightly impulsive buys, I'm quite pleased because I've been able to mix and match lots of outfits with them. And they're rather light too, which is perfect for Spring. So even though I don't usually spend that much in one go (I know it's only $30, but seriously, I'm tight... I prefer to use that money for food/other people :P), I think it was worth it. :)

Today before work, I stopped in at an op shop with my eldest brother. It wasn't as good as other times I've been there, but I managed to find a few things that caught my fancy:

Black and brown Marco Polo knit cardigan: $1

Oversized white shirt: $1

Blue shirt (to wear as a light jacket): $1

Amazingly comfy at-home pants which I am currently wearing with a cosy pink sweater: $1

So yeah, quite a few new clothes lately. Buuut I've drawn up a budget and I really, really, really want to try and stick to it, or else next year I'll be one broke uni student! Also... I have way too many clothes! I should take an inventory, perhaps it would dissuade me from feeling like I need anything new. Half the time I only feel like I have nothing to wear because I can't find anything, my room/closet/drawers/bed are that cluttered. I'm such a neat freak and I hate having a messy room, but you'd never guess it! :/

Okay, enough about clothes and clutter. In other news, I finished the Book of Mormon again the other night. I love it how no matter how many times you read it, you can always learn something new every time. I just know that it's true and I wish I were better at sharing that with others.

Tomorrow I'm planning to spend the day at my best friend's house. :) The only downside is that I'm only allowed over on the provision that we will study because he's in his last year of high school has exams coming up next month. It's okay though, because I have a LOT of uni work to catch up on, and I shouldn't really be going out all Saturday but he's had a lot going on lately and I figured he could use the moral support.

Well, I should probably head off... early start tomorrow!

♥ Sariah

& you're beautiful when you smile like that. ♪♥

Lyrics from Hideaway by Shane Harper. I think I'm in love... all his songs are so, so cute. Just saying.

Anyways, I decided to raid my sister's wardrobe yesterday, and I found this pretty floral vintage shirt which I wore today. :)

Black charity bracelet from Cotton On (it has a silver charm with 'believe' written on it, but you can't see it in the pic), silver 'Sariah ♥' ID and a silver scripture bracelet from the bestie... I wear these pretty much every day. :)

Shirt: thrifted

Cardigan: Big W

Jeans: Jay Jays

Boots: Target

I saw a video tutorial (forgot the link :/) for a messy fishtail plait ponytail, so I thought I'd give it a try... this one kind of exceeds just "messy" because it's from yesterday.

Nothing much happened today. I overslept (till 7am) and figured I didn't have enough time to get ready fast enough to make it to my first lecture so I stayed in bed a bit longer. It actually worked out well because I just read over it online, then went in to uni for 12-3 instead of 9-3... I should do that more often. :D My tutorial and two lectures weren't that enlightening, but interesting, I suppose. It's funny how you just know something, a gospel truth, but there are a million and one theories scrabbling around in the dark trying to explain it. I've found that a lot this year, it makes me grateful to have something solid to cling to. :)

Well, I should probably be getting some rest because even though I have a late start tomorrow, I have an Italian test and therefore should probably get up a little early to study. Then again... if I get up, will I even study anyway?

♥ Sariah

Meet the Bestie :)

Last weekend, my best friend came to visit for the first time in a billion years. Well, three months to be precise. In all fairness, it's not exactly his fault he hasn't been over here (I've been to see him at least once every two weeks) because he's had moving house, babysitting, exams and life in general to deal with. So I forgive him. :)




We met up at (my) uni, where we had a delightful yoghurt-and-strawberries breakfast in the park and did a spot of shopping before we caught the bus back to my house. Once there, we watched Horton Hears a Who (one of the best movies everrr and he hadn't even seen it!), ate lasagne and salad for lunch and since the weather was so lovely, went for a walk-and-talk. Nothing too profound but overall, it was a really nice day. :)



Me holding a clover "world" (see Horton Hears a Who).




Cardigan: from an old neighbour... I don't usually wear orange but I don't mind this.
White Shirt: my sister's, thrifted
Jeans: JayJays
Boots: Target
Necklace: Diva (you can't really see it, but it's a dainty light gold pocket watch)



An "echidna" we found... It's actually a pine cone or something. :)



On our walk, we went to my "secret spot" where I used to go to look at the sky and think. To our great surprise and delight, there was a special little rainbow waiting to greet us. :)

I'm so lucky to have a best friend who appreciates the simple things in life, and whom I can be myself around. Most of the time, I think we really help each other be better people. I know things can't always stay the easy, comfortable way they are, but for now I'm just grateful for the things I have and the things I'm learning. :)

Oh, and my favourite scripture today comes from Moroni 8:16: 'fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.'
Pretty self explanatory. I love it.

♥ Sariah

time escapes

like sand through an hourglass

each tiny grain counting

the things we never did

and the words we never said

because complacency is safer than the fall

wishes are wasted

on shooting stars

lost with the magic of the moment

while the stars in the sky

shine brighter

memories fade as

faces are replaced

and dreams are crumbled

then rebuilt

into cities of gold

and still...

we hold on.

shattered debris

cupped in dusty hands

trickle through our fingertips

to feed the wonders of

tomorrow

if every pile of ashes

holds the promise of a flower

why is it so hard to let it grow?

& we find out what we're made of when we are called to help our friends in need. ♫

Today's favourite song is Count on Me by Bruno Mars... so sweet. :)

Semester Two started this Monday... it's been so hard to get back into the routine. I'm really enjoying my classes so far, though: Sociology, Psychology, Italian and Ancient History (Rome). Also, I had a really good experience on the bus home yesterday...

At Institute on Wednesday night (a scripture study/church class), we talked a bit about how when people sit next to us on the bus or the train, we usually look down, turn our music up or pull out a book and hope they won't try to talk to us. Then, we talked about how everyone around us is a child of God, and Heavenly Father wants every single one of us to come unto Him. And who is going to help find all His lost sheep? We all have the responsibility to reach out to others.

Anyways, with this in mind, I was sitting on the bus, listening to music on my phone when a man came and sat next to me. I looked up and smiled at him as I moved my bag over, then continued listening to my music. All of a sudden, I thought, 'I should read my scriptures instead.' So I put my phone away, pulled out a mini copy of the book of Mormon (which I had borrowed from my little sister a few days prior), opened to Mormon 8 where I was up to and began to read. I could feel his gaze on me a few times, and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to say something, but I decided to just wait. I stumbled across a verse of particular interest to me, and got out a little notebook I have to write down impressions, notes, etc. As I wrote down my thoughts, I angled my scriptures so he could see the front cover. I still wasn't sure what was supposed to happen but then he spoke. He asked me if I was a Mormon, and if we believed in Jesus Christ. With a prayer in my heart that I wouldn't mess everything up, I showed him the subtitle of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. He was surprised but interested, because a lot of other churches say that we aren't Christian. To me, this a little ignorant, as the church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and we believe completely in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Our conversation following was rather nice, reflecting on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's relationship with us, and an explanation of the Book of Mormon and Bible's complementary nature. When I reached my stop, I left the man with the scriptures and a pass-along card with the missionaries' number on it, and invited him to read it then call them if he had any questions or wanted to know more. And that was that. I love it how Heavenly Father puts people in our path to uplift and share the gospel with, and I'm so glad I listened to the promptings, because sometimes it's easier to ignore them or drown them out.

Anyways, I was just really grateful for that experience, it made my whole week. Hopefully that man's, too. :)

I love the gospel, it blesses my life so much. I don't know where I would be without a knowledge of who I am, where I come from and where I'm going. And as that EFY song says, "How can I keep this gift to myself, when I can lift somebody else?"

♥ Sariah

& there is sunshine in my soul today. ♫

Just a quick post, because I have to go to bed soon.

The title is from a hymn, it kept playing in my head when I was trying to think of a title. And I suppose there is sunshine in my soul right now, so there it shall stay. As the title, I mean... hopefully in my soul as well. :D

Today was a thoroughly wonderful Sabbath Day. :)

I woke up about 8 am, read my scriptures, ate breakfast, read over today's Relief Society Lesson (about Family Responsibilities... I was called up as an emergency teacher), looked up the scriptures, set my alarm to 10.30 and went back to sleep. :D

Sacrament meeting was lovely, we heard from the two missionaries serving in our ward, and a recently returned sister missionary. They spoke of, funnily enough, missionary work. I wish I were more diligent in that area, but I guess all I can do is set goals and try harder. In my first few weeks of uni, I had lots of (small but awesome) missionary experiences, because I set little goals, each one stretching myself a little further, until I was able to bear my testimony and give a Book of Mormon to a stranger on the bus. He actually initiated the conversation, so it was a little easier for me. I invited him to the General Conference broadcast, but he never showed up. Still, I hope the little seed I helped to plant will someday grow into something more. I don't know... but the Lord does. :) Anyways, so yeah, definitely room for improvement from me lately.

Our Young Single Adults lesson was... well, to be honest, rather non-existent. We did have a few people share missionary experiences, though, and had a brief discussion about what it means to be a witness. So it was still nice. By this time, I was feeling a little nervous about the lesson I was to be teaching next... For starters, it was mainly about parenting and uhh.. yeah... I don't exactly have any children yet. Because of this, I decided to focus on the discussion questions and get as much input from the class as possible. Overall, I think it went fairly well. Our Relief Society sisters sure love to talk, so I needn't have worried so much. :P

After Church, I went to a missionary preparation class, where we learnt about Christ's Atonement. It was a beautiful lesson, and at the end we watched a video about forgiveness, which I shall maybe put here later when I have time to find it. :)

Oh yes, and before I forget, here are two outfits for you, as I haven't really posted any... Sorry about the cheesy mirror shots, and the dodgy quality... I was just using my phone camera. :P

Jacket: thrifted ($1)

White lacy singlet over white top: thrifted

black skirt (my favourite skirt... a little big so I have to pin it at the back but it folds really well into the pleats): thrifted ($4)

Belt: Country Road (thrifted - $1)

Jewellery: miscellaneous, mainly gifted

Denim shirt (usually I wear it as a jacket): freee from a neighbour :D

Jeans: Jayjays, hand-me-down

Boots: Kmart ($19)

Hair bow: Cotton On ($1)

Hopefully more later. Have a lovely night. :)

♥ Sariah

I'm no beauty queen, I'm just beautiful me. ♫♥

As corny as it is, I love Who Says by Selena Gomez. So true. :)

Today I had a pyjama day. A trip to the library yesterday with the younger siblings provided me with (almost) enough mental stimulation to keep me from going crazy, cooped up inside all day. Since uni started, I haven't really read anything substantial besides my scriptures and uni textbooks. I was delighted to discover that one of my favourite books, "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli, has a sequel! :D It's called "Love, Stargirl" and is so amazingly adorable. A little cry-worthy, too, if you're soft like me. :P It really made me think, too. About a number of things. Firstly, what kind of mark I'm making. Am I too wrapped up in my self to be truly involved in the lives and cares of others? Stargirl was happiest, and her truest self, when she was looking out for others, when she sought out those who had a need and filled it. Actually it reminds me of a poem President Thomas S. Monson quoted in a talk once:

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody’s need made me blind;

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind.

Why do we hesitate? Why do walk past with our gaze fixed to the ground, pretending we don't see the eyes that call out for help? What are we afraid of? Most of the time, it's not because we're lazy, or heartless. So what is it?

I'm going to find out what it is in my life. And then, build a bridge and get over it. Gifts from God are given to be shared. That's all I'm saying.

Oh, and the other thing the book made me think about was this:

"Who are you if you lose your favorite person? Can you lose your favorite person without losing yourself?"

Good question. Which then spurs the next one: do you ever really lose someone you love? I don't think so. They'll always be there somewhere; in the songs you sing or the thoughts you think or the way you bounce your leg up and down when you're sitting. They become a part of you. So maybe you only lose your favourite person if you lose yourself. Hmm.

♥ Sariah

“You can’t be a life saver if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach.”

The title is from a talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks at the April 2009 General Conference and I absolutely love it.

To me, dressing modestly is extremely important. It's about respect for myself, the Lord, and those around me. When I dress modestly, I feel beautiful for who I am and who I can become, regardless of how the world would define beauty. Modesty is not so much about rules saying what I should and shouldn't wear as it is about keeping my mind and heart pure, and preparing to make and keep sacred covenants someday in the Temple. I wish so much that all Young Women could understand that. It's not about restriction, it's about freedom, protection, respect, chastity and true, radiant, inextinguishable beauty.

Another important point is that dressing modestly does not have to mean dressing drably or unfashionably. My whole life, I have been taught to dress modestly, and as I've grown old enough to choose my own clothes and my own style, I never feel the need to depart from the standards I know are right. Furthermore, I'm no fashionista, and I'm not trying to boast or anything, but I often have people complimenting me on my outfit, which just goes to show that even though you don't need to dress for others' approval, you still get it! :P

The purpose of that was just to explain my own standards and what I believe, not to criticise others'. For more on modesty, click here. :)

Anyways, lately I've been on a few shopping expeditions which is both good and bad... good for my wardrobe, bad for my bank account.

We've discovered an awesome op shop where, every Friday, everything is $1. Yep, that's right, one dollar.

The first time I went (a couple of weeks ago), I bought a plain striped top, a striped skivvy tunic to wear with jeans or a black skirt, a dress which was too short so I cut off the top and made a cute floral skirt, a light pink Sportsgirl dress (also to wear with jeans) and a warm cosy striped sweater to curl up in :) Oh, and a brown leather Country Road belt (not pictured). All for a grand total of seven dollars. Sweeet.

Last Friday before work, my sister, Dad and I paid the little gold mine another visit, and this time I managed to snag a blue cardigan, red-and-white striped top, a faux brown leather jacket (which I was tempted to buy new not long ago... luckily I didn't) and a blue knitted hoodie.

I was really happy about the jacket (for one dollar, who wouldn't be?) and I decided to wear it (with a lace top/dress, jeans and boots) the next day to go shopping, this time with my little sister. We went to the local mall and after much deliberation, I bought these boots from Target for $28.50, and this cute flowered headband from Sportsgirl for $3.50. I'd seen one of them on someone's blog the other day and thought it was super cute, but hadn't seen any in the shops really, till I saw this one... on sale, too. It makes me feel like a fairy princess. :D

♥ Sariah

Day of Rest

This is going to be a very awkward first post. Just saying. I have, however, decided to skip the whole self introduction thing, as I'm still not sure what my purpose in blogging is. Is it for me? For others? Just for kicks? Only time will tell...

Today has been rather good. I woke up early, realised I had left my phone on all night to my best friend (we'd both fallen asleep mid-conversation) so I woke him up for Church (his ward meets in the morning), talked for a bit then fell back asleep. When I woke up again, after prayers and scripture reading, I fiiinally updated my rather neglected journal and realised it is almost full! I shall have to get a new one soon. By this time, it was already 11.30 so I leapt up and got myself ready for Church (our ward starts at one o'clock) which was made a lot quicker by the fact that it was Fast Sunday so I didn't need to fuss around with breakfast or lunch. :)

Church was delightful, as per usual. I enjoyed listening to everyone's testimony in Sacrament Meeting but I didn't get up to bear mine this month. Perhaps in August. In Young Single Adult class we talked about Christ's Atonement which is always good, and our teacher (a recently returned missionary) told us a good motto: Be a better person today than you were yesterday. I am going to try to follow that one. :)

I missed half of Relief Society for tithing settlement and other secretary duties (taking handouts/announcements to the women down in Primary and Nursery) but the little bit of the lesson I did catch was really nice. A quote I rather liked was from Sister Hinckley's book, “Small and Simple Things”. It reads, “I have two choices: I can choose to be happy, or I can choose to be sad.” This week, as one of my goals, I've decided to choose happiness over anger or misery. Especially since one thing I have been fasting for today is to be able to control my temper better in order to be able to love people more. So yeah. Wish me luck.

After Church, the missionaries came over for dinner, and my mum made pasta bake. Yum yum. Haha I just realised if anybody actually ever read this, it would sound like a whole lot of mumbo-jumbo if they weren't a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints like me. We really do speak a whole other language sometimes. :P

But I know that the gospel is true and that's all that matters. :)

Well, that has been my day so far, and as it is now 8:42 pm, I think it's safe to assume nothing too crazy will happen between now and when I go to sleep. Fingers crossed for that one, though.

I have, however, decided that because both looking nice and dressing modestly are very important to me, I may post some pictures, thoughts and ideas later. We shall see.

♥ Sariah