Book Review: The Wedding Dress

Currently, it's 1:58am on a weekday. Why am I still up and blogging you ask? Only because I literally just finished this novel and am eager to share it with my dear readers!

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck is a lovely new book from Thomas Nelson publishers, telling the stories of four women whose lives have been interwoven through history through a bridal gown.

Four brides. One dress.

A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift—and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress—or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed”?

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

Thinking of You...

Can’t stop

   thinking about

  your smile…   

      I want to

wake up

       next to you…

Heart soars ~ feeling lighter than air

  '

Seeing you

makes

my day…

Book Review: Called to Controversy

In an amazing tribute to the late Moishe Rosen, his daughter Ruth tells a heartwarming account of the man who founded the organization known today as Jews for Jesus.

After reading Called to Controversy: The Unlikely Story of Moishe Rosen and the Founding of Jews for Jesus, it really gave me more insight to the similarities and differences between Christianity and Judaism. The fact that this was told almost in a biographical way only made it more real and meaningful.

Confessions of a Hopeless Romantic

Never give up

on someone you can’t go a day without thinking about.

I'm a closet romantic. 

Many of those close to me don't know this, but I am.

I've been to Narnia and back in this wardrobe.

I love being in love.

I don't fall for someone easily, but when I do...

Grammar Lesson

Hello boys and girls! Popping in for a quickie -grammar lesson- ;)

This made me smile.

Also reminds me of a recent conversation with a friend, in which we both confessed that...we detest stupid people XD

Of course, we don't mean just academically, just in short, people who don't have any redeeming intelligence...in any field.

There are truly SO many types of intelligence that pretty much everyone has something about them. Know your own strengths and weaknesses and strive to improve yourself with each day.

Solution to the above statement in the 'read more' ... just in case some of you misplaced your thinking caps ;)

Job Hunting Gloom

*Gloom* *Gloom* ... approximately five minutes ago I got a call. It turned out to be from a guy whose ad I answered about needing a sales assistant for an expo. My kind of gig, see new things, learn new things, meet new people...I'm always for new experiences. So anyways, I hadn't expected such a quick reply since I had only submitted my application this morning. The guy on the phone sounded happy about calling me, and in my head, I was frankly just like "omgomgomgI'veTOTALLYgotthisyesyesyeyes". Anyways, moving on, he invites me for an interview-but I was pretty sure it was just going to be a thing where they want to see you in person and make sure you're not some weirdo-and just as our conversation is ending, "oh, and just confirming, you're available for the whole ten days right?" SHIT. "March 16th-25th, 10-6?" SHITSHITSHIT. Long story short, I was NOT available. *sob* It slipped right through my fingers ;'(
I also looked like an idiot for wasting his time since it had CLEARLY stated on the ad "March 16th-25th".

*siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh*

Book Review: The Founders' Key

   Dr. Larry Arnn' most recent work The Founders' Key explores the connection between the Declaration of Independence,  the United States Constitution and also how religion ties into it all.

The ringing words of the Declaration of Independence have a way of continuing to ring across the ages. The arrangements of the Constitution have a way of organizing our actions so as to produce certain results, and it has done this more reliably than any governing instrument in the history of man. Connect these arrangements to the beauty of the Declaration, and one has something both inspiring and commanding. The Declaration acquires a practical form and operation that do not seem to come from it alone. The Constitution soars to the elevation of the natural law, and its arrangements are reinforced with that strength.

   A very well-researched piece, Arnn suggests that politics and religion are interconnected and that each make the other greater. He also allows the reader to notice the differences between America's government now, and how the Founders first intended it to be. The impacts of such changes are illustrated in a clear and understandable manner.

A Dangerous Method

Micheal Fassbander as Dr. Carl Jung 

Those eyes… ♥

A Belated Birthday Wish...

   I realize this is rather late as dear Rickman's birthday has already passed (doubly late as it is 2:26am here), but I'd still love to wish one of my favorite actors a very happy 66th. One can only hope to still be as dashing as he at that age ;) I'm drooling over the above picture, courtesy of a very talented tumblree...mmm, Alan...

Book Review: Blue Moon Promise

   As a first time reader of Colleen Coble, it was lovely to be given the opportunity to review the leading novel in her latest series, Under the Texas Stars. I've never really been partial to reading Westerns, but the aspect of a Christian romance did pique my interest. It was actually very interesting to see how the author tied in various lessons of faith, such as mercy and love. The other thing that caught my attention was the elegant name of thisromance, Blue Moon Promise. Probably inspired by the saying "once in a blue moon", the significance of the title is grasped by the reader as the book finishes off.

   Blue Moon Promise is the story of young Lucy Marsh, who is determined to take care of her siblings after her father's untimely death. With no family or money to support her, she enters a marriage of convenience, hoping for a safe refuge. However, her new husband isn't what she expected and adjusting to life on the ranch is no easy task either. When she discovers that her father's death was no accident, it seems that there are more problems than she can face alone, but will she have her husband by her side?

" Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance and suspense... immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under the Texas stars."

   One main difference that I noticed between Christian romances and modern romances was

Haircare Review: L'Oreal Professionnel Intense Repair Masque!

   First off, a big thank you to the great folks at the ChickAdvisor product review club (link to join below!) for sending me this as part of a L'Oreal Professionnel duo!  It was the perfect cure for my winter-dry, split ends! I must admit, of the shampoo and conditioning masque set I received, I definitively loved the masque more! I haven't tried many deep conditioning treatments, but of the ones I have, the L'Oreal Professionnel Intense Repair Masque definitively stood out.

   Packaged in a medium sized, rounded tub, I loved how this allowed me to get every last bit of the product as opposed to being in a pump format. On the pricey side at $30 a pop, this isn't a conditioner you want to waste. I also really enjoyed the clean, fresh scent the masque had. It wasn't overpowering at all, just pleasant and light, suitable for both male and female  users.

Lady Killers ♥

For your viewing pleasure...I've compiled the current top three lady killers on the inter-web and for the first time ever, they're all here together ;)

3)                                                                    

With stylish threads and smooth words, who can resist number 3?
He's not small...he's fun-sized.
Gotta love the young 'uns ;)

2)    

He is the epitome of the suave, worldly
gentleman. He's been featured prominently
on television and has spawned countless
memes. Let's give it up for Number 2, *snicker*
"the Most Interesting Man in the World".

Oh, Hai There!

It's been a while, my lovelies...
I'm sorry I've been off the radar for a while here, but I'm baaaack!

How can you not forgive me on behalf of this cutie? ;)

Pip pip cheerio! ♥

Fanfiction Addiction

Just trolling some shipping sites and lo and behold:

"When you stay up until ungodly hours of the night to finish that amazing fic you found and you have to work/take care of your child/function in the morning and you know you will be dead tired but..."

Credits: http://hgxss.livejournal.com/185672.html#cutid1

Story of my life.

Snape vs McGonagall

A showdown between Slytherin and Gryffindor.

Book Review: Then Sings My Soul 3 by Robert Morgan

  

Then Sings My Soul 3 is the latest addition to a wonderful series by Robert Morgan. Then Sings My Soul is an amazing collection of books that explore the meanings and stories behind the hymns of faith that still prevail today. Getting to know the events behind these songs truly add to the experience of singing them and the depth of the background surrounding the hymns is truly astonishing.

  While I've personally never heard many of these hymns before, this only added to the joy of reading this book because it gave me the chance to discover so many new beautiful pieces of music. I love that fact the Morgan chose both new and old hymns, allowing readers to experience a wide range of music. Then Sings My Soul 3 is divided into sections that include some history on the writing and creation of hymns, some early hymns, as well as six hymns with words and lead music included. Truly a treat for any music lover!

Storage Wars: Barry Weiss

Barry Weiss: the only reason people watch Storage Wars ♥

Snape, Snape, Severus Snape!

I want this on my ceiling. ♥

Daily Terrible Haiku

A fine spray of stars,
Splatter the silky darkness,
That is the night sky.

Book Review: Surprised By Laughter - The Comic Word of C.S. Lewis

The name C.S. Lewis brings back fond childhood memories of The Chronicles of Narnia. Of a magical land which could be reached through a wardrobe, of talking animals and wicked witches. So I was overjoyed to receive the book,  Surprised By Laughter: The Comic Word of C.S. Lewis by Terry Lindvall, in hopes of learning more about this acclaimed novelist.

  To be honest, I wasn't quite as familiar with Lewis's non-fictions works  in comparison to his children's literature. Lindvall's wonderful biography highlighted many key aspects of Lewis's life that were previously unknown to me. Surprised By Laughter is the trade paperback edition of a hardcover book, and at 486 pages, it's not a lightweight-neither in size nor content. The author takes us on a journey through Lewis's life, from his childhood as an atheist, to adulthood as a Christian as well as his becoming of a well known theologian and apologist.

Daily Terrible Haiku

That curled up feline,

Oh, that kitty cat creature, 

Purr! Like a motor.

The Boy Least Likely To

Just discovered a lovely new -well, new to me- band, and wanted to share them with you guys! The Boy Least Likely To is an English pop indie band composed of the very talented duo Pete Hobbs and Joff Owen.

 
After listening to their first album, The Best Party Ever, I do believe I've fallen in love. Many songs in this album have a really nice laidback, catchy beat, with a couple different ones thrown into the mix like Monster and The Battle of The Boy Least likely To that are a little sadder or creepier.

My Winter Rut ... Seasonal Affective Disorder?

So I've been away for quite a while, and as always, I have my excuse ready and prepared. Only this time the excuse is rather legitimate for once :/

It's funny how simple this flow chart to happiness is. 

It's almost deceptive to think that there's a "formula" and that if one follows it, happiness can be achieved.

But there probably is.

It's out there.

We just have to find it. 

It's 4 AM...

I think I've finally made the transition from getting 5 hours of sleep a night and being a walking zombie during the day to full on insomniac. It's a weird state of being, because it's somewhat by choice, more brought on by routine rather than by stress or medical background :/ Anyways, this is the music I listen to in the dead of the night.

 I'm gonna lose and go for a ride, seeming that I've got time.
 So let's lie, in the sun, 
 You didn't want the world to know, 
That I'm not strong and you'll find out 
How your girl likes rock 'n' roll. 
So let's swoon and get high, 
 You know you better come and get right, 
And I don't know if we're still alive, 
But the best comes back tonight. 

-Daniel Powter, Song 6

 After listening to this song repeatedly, at 4 am in the morning no less, this is what I've derived from this indie singer's croonings. I know the lyrics floating around on the web are different, but honestly, this is what I heard. Anyways, love the song, very laid back. It has me thinking about balmy days on the beach, even though it's the middle of winter here :/

Holla, 2012!

A happy, happy New Years to all those out there! :D
Goodbye twenty eleven, HEEELLLO TWENTY TWELVE!

New year, new start, new dreams ♥

Afroman Biscuit?

This made me LOL hard, so I just had to share. I'm not exactly sure what this is although it appears to some sort of biscuit, brownie, Oreo-type thing. All I have to say is that the packaging's pure genius.

Daily Terrible Haiku

Drifting white blossoms,
Like fragile, melting flowers,
The sky is their field.

There's finally snow on the ground! It really just doesn't feel like winter until there's a a nice, soft blanket of white covering the ground!

I'm definitively feeling a hibernation mode coming over me. Perhaps in a past life I was a bear? ;)
Right now it's all about lazy days in pajamas, comfort food, and sleeping away my mornings...

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

        So a couple days ago, Tuesday to be exact, I watched the second of the Sherlock Holmes movies! :D

It. Was. Amazing. 

If you've been even casually following the news of this movie, I'm sure you'll have heard of the infamous "train scene". 

It. Was. Amazing. XD 

Yes, there's an abundance of chemistry bromance between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Do you need any more reasons to run to the theatre right this moment? I think not. 

Oh...and did I forget to mention a certain Stephen Fry gets naked? ;)

Read on for more fangirling and a regurgitating toilet's worth of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows GIFs

Book Review: I Am Second

I Am Second is a powerful collection of personal stories, showcasing people from all walks of life. Whether they are major league baseball players, multi-platinum rockers, or soldiers fighting for our country, in I Am Second they bare their souls and speak freely about some of the most challenging obstacles they have faced in their lives. They tell stories of drugs and addiction, of fame and rejection, of war and death. However different their situations may be, they are united in the fact that when they had reached rock bottom, the ends of their lines, they discovered a saviour and found hope. I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives. is about a journey that countless people have travelled, about discovering a love and safety in God, and putting Him first in their lives and shouting proudly to the world, "I Am Second".

Bottled Passion Screenshots: Day 3

Yes I realize these are late, my sincerest apologies...however, do enjoy! :)

I'm currently on episode 17 of Bottled Passion, yes a little behind, but unfortunately, reality does have its obligations to attend to. The long waited finale of episode 21 will be airing Monday, January 2nd. Yep, 2012 is slowly but surely sneaking up upon us!

As always, 10 in all!