Hope you enjoyed them:)
Part II coming soon!
velvet desert
Ahh, this MN chill just won't leave us alone!
I love the weekends mostly because I get to spend more time with my husband. Together, we get to explore our 'oh so cute' city called "Edina." Teddy and I like to spend more money on the weekends. We like to keep it fresh. Yet, we can't forget to clean our apartment on the weekends if we decide to stay inside. Wink wink.
Since it doesn't feel quite like Spring, we can't just yet put away our sweaters. Lately, I've been obsessed with loose, warm, comfy sweaters. Pairing baggy tops with tighter fitting bottoms will always be the perfect balance between ratchet and dapper. One way to make your loose tops look more attractive is by decorating your neck. Since the neckline in this sweater is already high enough, I've tucked in my favorite bandana.
I couldn't resist but to pair my velvet boots (that my mom bought me) with my outfit.
Good thing I had my wool coat - it really came in handy.
PA conference, 2017
Another conference! Woohoo!
Guess what?! I FINALLY got to reunite with my siblings and my very close friends!!! Oh how Great That Was! This past weekend was another good one due to an engaging church service and a blessed reunion for my family and friends. My Sharikov family rented out a minivan and we took it for a spin across the States. Counting the pit stops, it took us 15 hours to get from Edina, MN to our final destination - Erie, PA.
All of the gathered people spent the Saturday together in one building. The church service started at 1pm and ended at 7pm. The good thing is that we didn't sit on one spot for the entire six hours. We enjoyed an afternoon snack break along with challenging Bible games. Two of my pals and I helped with keeping score. After the Bible games, the crowd ordered pizza. Since Teddy doesn't eat gluten or dairy, we came to a mutual agreement to ditch the pizza party and go to Chipotle instead. Can't forget to mention that we took one of our "daughters" along with us. Lana was the perfect kid to take out that night. Not to confuse you or anything, but I've adopted a couple of kids here and there. Thankfully, my husband graciously accepted them into our new family. Sadly, my kids are spread out across America. The only thing that brings me peace is that most of them are not much younger than me. They are quite independent youngsters.
For the after-party, everyone went to play some ball. Bowling was definitely the highlight of the night. The church that was hosting the conference covered the expenses. That sweetened the deal. After winning (and more winning), the game came to an end. Coffee Culture is open until midnight, so that was our last stop. Coffee Culture is the same cafe where Teddy and I spent time together for the first time. Since we met at last year's Erie Conference, this marks our one year anniversary.
The next day meant it was time for worship - round two. Sunday morning, rain was falling. Skies were gray. But none of that nonsense crushed our spirits.
Our family participated in the Sunday morning service. This meant that voices needed to be warmed up, instruments needed to be tuned, and sound checks had to be completed. What a short Sunday though! We had to head back home to make it back to work on Monday; while our friends stayed for another night.
Ramen noodles, cozy cuddles and editing pictures composed the ride home.
sisterhood is everything
Having girlfriends is just like having extra caramel drizzle on your Frap.
Prior to dating, you always have your girlfriend/s. Before you share that picture, you send it to your girlfriend/s. When you are craving good advice, you call up your girlfriend/s. Once you receive good news, you share it with your girlfriend/s. On occasion, you want to spill a secret. Who do you turn to? Your gf.
As I was preparing for my wedding, one of my best friends came up to me and said, “I have to look for a new best friend, now that you’re getting married.” This comment struck me. I never wanted to be one of “those” friends who forgets about her girls after she gets married. In fact, I never understood those who would give up on their clique just because they are now settled down.
Your settlement doesn’t mean that your friends have moved on. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that you haven’t moved on either. Your friends are still up for grabbing a cup of coffee. They are still willing to share their newest wardrobe piece with you. These friends still want to share this human life with you in all of its full glory. And when you are feeling down, those lively girls will be sure to put some cheer into your day.
Here’s an idea: How about you pray for your single friends? Pray for God to send them that one person who they’ll be obsessed with.
And vice versa - praying for your married friends wouldn't hurt their marriage either. In fact, it’ll bring them more blessings.
Throughout my short life on earth, I have gotten to know such incredible ladies who are so dear to my heart. The following camera roll photos are proof that I always had a blast with my gal pals. Miss and love you girls. I can’t wait to reunite with the finest gals on this planet. Cash me outside ;)
"long distance never works'' they said
“Long distance relationships never work.” (insert rolling eyes emoji)
This is another lie you tell yourself and unfortunately, others. If you believe in yourself, you can make anything work - especially if there are two of you putting in the same effort and energy into your supposed future together. Your future depends on the way you handle this moment, the way you handle this day, and the way you handle this long distance relationship.
I acknowledge the fact that at times, long-distance relationships do NOT work. However, I will share with you how we made it work, and a sure-fire recipe on how you can now make it work, AS WELL.
Chasing after a better job offer, my family moved away to Pittsburgh. We had to leave behind our neighbors, friends and relatives. I remember people were judging my dad by saying, “What do you think you’re doing taking your family far away from everybody? Your kids will never get married like this!”
People like to assume..and people like to think they’re always right. Sadly, sometimes humans like to assume the worst, and consider everyone else in the room clueless. But not us, young adults! We don’t think we are right..we KNOW we are correct! (I’m speaking for all yinz out there, so don’t let me down). Let’s prove them wrong because God is with us.
My people, you will never have the “ultimate relationship” unless God is involved. You will never be able to have healthy relationships with people until you have a strong bond with God.
We will conquer the devil the minute we hear him wanting to battle. Why? Because 1 John 2:13! “...I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.” So let us go beyond the cross. Do more for the family, do more for the people around you, and do more for Jesus, who is your Personal Savior! As soon as you get God’s “ok” from Him, ask that significant other to pray with you about your intentions. Another verse that comes to mind is Matthew 18:19-20, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” There is power in couples praying together. Prayer will lead to long-term commitment and blessing.
Here are some moves you need to perform in order to get that endless flame:
Guys, you need to make the first move. Be confident in your decisions and believe in yourself.
Phone calls, Facetime, and texts is much needed to communicate.
Agree to pray about your future together.
Travel as often as possible to see each other.
If you feel God’s favor on this relationship, then get married already! Why wait any longer when you finally found everything you’ve been looking for in that person?!
This last number 5 is for guys because your girl will never propose to you..she wants to be a wife already, for heaven's sake!
When communicating, always ask how your person is TRULY doing. Ask them how you can be there for them when you’re physically not. Ask your person how you can turn their bad day around. Also, don’t forget to write handwritten love letters, and don’t forget to send each other selfies. At the end of the day, make sure you make your person smile on daily basis as you make them patiently wait for the next step in life. But don’t make them wait for too long..
You are at peace with God, your family, and yourself. You are now ready to go the extra mile! Can you imagine how easy it will be to make a long-distance relationship work?! You might even have a crush. Or you might already love your person. Don’t let that person get away. Chin-up buttercup because your time will come:) Now that you have a game plan, things should go smoothly.
No, it’s not weird if you go and create a wedding board on Pinterest. But if you already did, then give yourself a high five. It’s good to be prepared.
see ya later, winter
Spring is around the corner and only now, we finally went up north to Mille Lacs. Teddy, Susana, Steffen, Matthew and I are officially saying our farewells to this incredible season called Winter.
We stayed at the cabins in the camp that our Shakopee Church owns. Well actually, Teddy was going because he devoted his time and energy to adjust the elders of our church that were at the meeting, and the rest of us just tagged along.
By the way, my husband is a chiropractor whose patients get positive results in the least amount of time. If you need a great doc, I have one here for you. Come see him work his magic on you.
If I could describe this weekend in one word, it’d be beingadventurouswhilefacingourfears. We were adventurous by spending the night in the woods away from home. Doing exciting and dangerous things always gives us an adrenaline rush. We were facing our fears by petting the two huge German Shepherds. Just for the record, I personally wasn’t THAT scared. I was more afraid of the outcome after Susana screams as she sees the dogs running her way. They did chase us back to our rooms though..
We also faced our fears by driving on the frozen lake. I probably shouldn’t be saying “we” here because it was mostly Susana and I who were afraid! Haha. And the guys were brave! Brave enough to Tokyo Drift on the frozen lake.
Waking up to the smell of waffles and burning wood was definitely lovely. And ending the day having a room party with the siblings was definitely splendid. In fact, we partied so hard with bunk beds, popcorn, and coconut water that we all needed adjustments after that weekend.
It was time to go home. Finally, a warm shower washed away the smoke off of our skins. Spending the night in the cabins with sleeping bags and twin mattresses loosely attached, only made us appreciate our king size bed. Going over our weekend pictures while being treated to a bowl of Chipotle was a perfect end to this last Winter getaway.
I know that it’s only February, but I’m already excited for the Spring transition. It’ll be Teddy’s and my first Spring together.