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Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker (Book Review)

Mar 12th, 2013 1 Comment

Where do I begin…… Chasing Jupiter has been added to my list of favorite, feel-good reads. I first read Interrupted when it came out and fell in love. And I was so excited when I heard that Rachel Coker was writing a new book.

At the same time I was also concerned that she couldn’t top what she did with Interrupted. But, I think she just topped Interrupted with Chasing Jupiter.

I’m sitting here trying to form a review and I’m not sure exactly what to say. This book was so emotional, raw, and rich. Rachel Coker has a beautiful and unique writing style that stays with you long after the final page.

I fell in love with the story world. Scarlett made for a perfect main character and all the side characters were really well developed.

And the plot itself? Woah. I connected with it so much. I was not expecting to relate so much to Scarlett. I was wrong though and ended up loving both Scarlet and her story.

I did feel like the ending was a wee bit rushed and at times it seemed to drag, but everything else about this story was so very beautiful.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but you have to read this book. If you are looking for a good clean feel-good story then you’ll love this one.

You can find Chasing Jupiter at Amazon.com

How Does Paris Inspire Your Fashion?

Mar 4th, 2013 Leave a comment

I’ve got a serious case of wanderlust. One of my biggest goals after I graduate and before I settle down is to travel. Somewhere. One place I really want to go besides back home in Canada, is the United Kingdom, Scotland and France. Not only are my roots firmly lodged in all those places, but Paris just sounds so utterly gorgeous and charming.

I’m part French on my mum’s side and I grew up hearing her talk French to us as children. I also grew up receiving adorable French berets as presents from doting aunts and my Great-Grandma.

I guess you could say I’ve been influenced quite a bit by Parisian fashion, but berets aren’t the only thing about Paris fashion that I love.

The www.cheapflights.co.uk online blog post recently interviewed three amazing french fashion bloggers and they answered three questions that are all really inspiring and got me thinking about my own style. So, I thought I would answer them below.


· What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion to me is a way of expressing myself. If you know me well enough you can often tell my mood just by what I’m wearing. I see makeup, shoes, and clothing as an art. I don’t consider myself to be an expert by any means, nor do I bother to follow the trend. I prefer to do my own thing and with fashion I can do that.

· How does Paris inspire your style?

Growing up French played a huge part in my love for fashion, yet the biggest thing about Paris that inspires my style is the classic and elegant atmosphere. I’m a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal most of the time, but thinking about Paris makes me want to dress up a little more. Especially dress wise. Plus who doesn’t love a cute little dress with heels?

· What item you always take with you on holiday?

My NikonD5100, it would take alot for me to separate myself from my baby. Photos are how I capture memories and what better way to document my travels then by taking pictures of them to remember at a later date! Now fashion wise I’m never without my favorite pair of converse. Sure they aren’t the most elegant thing, but they are comfortable.

· Your fashion tip for holidays?

Don’t overpack. It took me forever to learn this one, but you’ll have alot more fun if you aren’t worrying about your expensive jewelry that’s back in the hotel while you are out sight seeing. Just bring the essentials (and no a second flat iron isn’t an essential) and nothing more. I promise you that your trip will be a whole lot more enjoyable this way.

How does Paris inspire your fashion style?

Do You Believe in Fairies?

Mar 4th, 2013 Leave a comment

I’ve always loved and believed in fairies, ever since I can remember. Even growing up hasn’t changed that and now I have even more reason to believe in them thanks to a little visit from the Fairy Hobmother.

Who is the Fairy Hobmother? He’s a generous fairy that spreads love (and fairy dust) around the blogosphere in the form of a gift card! He’s a hard working fairy who spreads good will and asks almost nothing in return.

The little thing that he does ask for, is just a mention of his website Appliances Online . The magic doesn’t end there though, his fairy overlords sell really affordable appliances, and pretty much every one you can imagine I might add.

Do you believe in fairies? (If you still aren’t a believer yet, then I do feel sorry for you.) Let me know in the comments! Who knows, but maybe the Fairy Hobmother will pay a visit to your blog and send you a little gift and a sprinkling of fairy dust too!

Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Book Review)

Feb 19th, 2013 Leave a comment

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission…and a race against his rival for Gleamdren’s favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren’s rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

It can be hard to find good, clean fantasy stories to read these days. Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is sure to be a favorite with readers of all ages. From the parents to children. While youngsters may find some parts scary, older children and adults will be wrapped up in this action packed tale.

My sister read this book before I did and loved it, it took me awhile to read it in part to my busy schedule and a slow beginning. However, since I had this book review due I forced myself past that and once I got into the story? I was sold.

A few of the characters annoyed me at times, but overall I loved Starflower and the Dragonwitch. Their stories captured my heart and I loved them by the last page.

Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s writing is simply captivating at best. I loved how she wove lessons into the story without being preachy.

Overall this was a fascinating read, while slow in points it was highly enjoyable. I’m quite glad I was sent this book to review as it had some amazing themes.

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

My Week in Photos #1

Feb 18th, 2013 Leave a comment

I decided to start posting photos from my life every week. This week you mainly get faces and randomness. I had some photos I *thought* I liked, but they turned out to be utter evolitry so enjoy these.

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Just because this shot amused me. (Hey, I love the moon!)

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Seeing this adorable face every morning makes my life so imperfectly perfect.

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Filling notebook pages with doodles and words.

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My little shadows.

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We had some lovely 50 degree weather up here for a day before the blizzard hit. Now we currently have two feet of snow that I need to take pictures of…..

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We have a huge dining room table that has more then a few scratches on it. I like to think that it tells the story of memories that were made, pictures that were colored for mummy, apples that were chopped, quilts that were sewn, and messes that were made.

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Amelia being adorable as usual. This week we made a quilt for Nookie together. It’s not quite finished, but we had a blast. Then we redecorated our bedroom. Which I still need to take photos of…

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Moi. In all my messy glory. (And Kit-Kat looking adorable in the background. Actually…she’s the only reason I’m sharing this photo)

Electronic Cigarettes Giveaway

Feb 18th, 2013 1 Comment

Remember this post that I did awhile back? And how I talked about my Nanny coming (in two weeks to be exact) as well as how she smokes and I’m hoping electronic cigarettes will help her quit?

Well I’m back today to share with y’all about a great giveaway that is being hosted by a client of mine. If you have a loved one that you hope will quit smoking then you can enter to win two electronic cigarette kits every week, for four weeks (worth a total of $1200)!

Both the kits come from two of the most popular brands on the market, so you can be sure that your loved one will be getting a positive experience that just might help with quitting smoking.

You can enter this awesome giveaway here. Or in the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Praying for Your Future Husband (Guest post by Katie)

Feb 11th, 2013 4 Comments

23 Lovely

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As a single gal who wants to marry some day I am very passionate about making the most of your period of waiting. It is so important for us to embrace the life God has given us right now. You can read more about that here.

Today I want to share with you another topic that is very close to my heart. The most important thing you can do now as a single young woman for your future husband, PRAY FOR HIM. This is something I have been doing for over ten years. Prayer is such a powerful thing!

I pray for my future husband daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Over the years I have met different young men whom I was interested in. I would start praying for them as well as my future husband.

Everyone can use more prayer! I think about what Debbie Pearl said in her book, “Preparing to be a Helpmeet”, she recounts how at a young age she felt that God had told her that she would marry her now husband, Michael. She started then praying for him by name. She later found out that other young women thought that Michael was the one they were supposed to marry as well. They too prayed for him. That man was showered in prayer!

 

If we've ever needed You...

 

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If there is a young man that you could see yourself marring bring it to prayer, ask for God’s wisdom. Ask your parents to pray as well. I know that from my own experience over time God has helped me put those feelings aside because that man was not who God has planned for me. I still continue to pray for that special man whomever he may be and one day if it’s the LORD’s will I will marry.

You never know how God might be using your prayers right now in the life of your future husband. I’ve read stories of women who at different times would feel God placing on their heart to pray for their future husband right then; only to find out a few years later after they had met and married their husbands that at that specific time their spouse had been going through a great trial. Those men truly needed the prayers. God used those men’s future wives to pray for them in the midst of hardship.
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Here are some ways that you can pray for your future husband:

1. Pray for His Relationship with Jesus
2. Pray that He Will Be Sold Out for Christ
3. Pray for Self Control
4. Pray that He Will Wait on the LORD
5. Pray for Patience
6. Pray for Trust
7. Pray for Loyalty and Faithfulness
8. Pray for Strength
9. Pray for Protection
10. Pray for His Ministry
11. Pray for Commitment
12. Pray for Contentment

Pray these same things for yourself. Pray that God will continue to grow you into the woman, wife and mother he wants you to be.

Here are books that I have enjoyed reading and learned so much from:

~Katie

 

Have you started praying for your future husband?

When A Loved One Smokes

Feb 10th, 2013 Leave a comment

weedevil

I’m no stranger to smoking. No, I don’t smoke but several loved ones do. Sometimes it can be hard to watch them, since one of my Grandfather’s died of lung cancer because of smoking several years back. He was really ill for a long time and eventually cancer destroyed him.

My Nanny (my mum’s mum) is coming down for a visit in less then two weeks from Nova Scotia (that’s up in Canada for anyone not familiar with that side of the world). We are SO excited to see her since it’s been four years. It’s kind of sad that we haven’t seen her in so long, but we are looking forward to hanging out with her for a few weeks.

I’ve been counting down the days on my calendar till March 1st. It’s circled and all marked up. I don’t think I’ll be able to sit still the day before or on that day until she’s really here. It’s kind of surreal. I haven’t seen her in so long, but I’m so happy that she is finally coming down.

I know y’all haven’t met her and you probably never will, but I’d just like to take the time to say that she is one of the most hilarious, real, and heartfelt people that I know. I really look up to and admire her. She’s so strong and has the world’s biggest heart.

The only thing I’m not looking forward to, is the fact that she smokes. The smoke itself doesn’t bother me, it’s just hard to watch her smoke since I often worry that she’ll end up getting lung cancer. I know I shouldn’t worry, but it’s just hard sometimes. I don’t even what to think about what would happen if she ended up passing away from something so evile as cancer. I’m really hoping that electronic cigarettes will be able to help her at least try to quit smoking.

I know it isn’t easy to quit smoking (trust me, I’ve watched loved ones try and struggle through that), but I’m really happy that technology has advanced so much that they have things to help smokers quit. Electronic cigarettes aren’t some quick fix, but judging from all the positive reviews on the flavors and way they work, they sure do seem to help smokers.

Do you have a loved one who smokes?

I can’t lie. This post is sponsored, but all opinions and thoughts remain my own and not influenced by momentary compensation.

Spring Fashion Shopping Tips and Coupons!

Feb 5th, 2013 Leave a comment

Currently my corner of the world is covered in snow and ice so really the last thing on my mind is my spring wardrobe. Or not.

Where I live the weather is weird. Earlier last week it was 59F, now? It’s below zero. So technically spring could be coming in a month. And I still don’t have anything on the list I made for my spring wardrobe last fall.

I’m a student and I’m on a budget. It’s not like I have a few hundred dollars lying around to spend on clothing. Sure coupons and deal vouchers help, but here are my top tips for spring fashion:

-Budget effectively. That lipstick that you really want, but you really don’t need because you have the almost exact shade in your makeup bag? Don’t buy it. Put the money aside for those cute leather boots you’ve been eyeing for ages.

-Thrift stores. Pffft….as much as I love Walmart skip them unless you are buying t-shirts or pajamas. Instead head to thrift stores to find your skirts and sweaters. My town has quite a few thrift stores that I simply j’adore. Often you can find great deals on clothing and fashion accessories in mint condition.

And make sure you know when they have special days like 50% off days or buy one item get one free days. Every Wednesday and Friday a local thrift store in my town has dollar days. Where all day long, every week during the spring/summer months everything is one dollar. Yeah, it’s kind of amazing.

-Pay more for bigger ticket items. Don’t buy the cheap jeans unless they are on sale or clearance. There is a reason they are only $8.00 at certain stores. I did that and now I have extremely ripped jeans. The pair of $40.00 jeans I got at a department store last fall? They still look brand new. It pays off in the end to pay more for jeans, a cute little black dress, a coat and shoes. They’ll last.

-Coupons and deal vouchers. Mama mia, words cannot express my eternal love for coupons and deal vouchers. Sure I forget to use them 80% of the time because they’re sitting in the bottom of my purse, but I LOVE using them. One of the best deals I got all last year was a winter coat from Forever21 for $30.00 on sale with a coupon.

-Watch for sales. This is when stalking is perfectly ok. Stalk deal websites and your favorite stores just so you can be the first to know when a sale is coming up. And a tip- if you can take the e-mails then do sign up for your favorite stores e-mail lists. Often they send out amazing coupons just for their subscribers along with sales.

I’d recommend using a fashion discount to help balance the pain that spring shopping leaves on your bank account as well as following my tips.

Now it’s your turn, tell ME your spring fashion shopping tips? What is your favorite store? What do you do when you only have a limited budget to spend?

 

Romwe Street Fashion

Feb 5th, 2013 1 Comment

I love taking inspiration from street fashion. I can’t deny I’ll often use the search button on Pinterest just to find some inspiration for my next outfit. Sure quite a few of the outfits are wacky or far too pink, but that doesn’t mean I don’t leave my computer feeling a bit more inspired after seeing a few cute outfits.

Romwe Street Fashion is one of the biggest fashion brands in the industry. Their wide variety of clothing is beloved by woman all over the world. From cute booties to soft jumpers and vegan leather purses they pretty much have everything.

They sent me a boho feather inspired dress to try out. Technically it’s more of a tunic and since during the time these pictures were taken it was far too hot for jeans, I paired it with a long maxi skirt and tucked it in to make it work.

While short, this dress is lightweight and perfect for the summer months that are coming up. And who couldn’t resist feathers? I adore the boho chic feel that the overall look to the dress holds. The sparkles are a cute touch, although typically not my thing.

Sadly it was nice and warm when these pictures were taken. Now my little corner of the world is currently under a blanket of snow and ice. Didn’t my sis do a good job though?

What about you? Do you love street fashion? Where do you get your inspiration for your outfits?

*I was sent a sample in exchange for review purposes.

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