Book Review- A Place To Belong

A Place To Belong, the conclusion to the Wild West Wind series, is what Cassie has always wanted- a home. After spending her entire life performing in a wild west series, then moving into a home of strangers, Cassie has never had a place to call home. 

I definitely enjoyed the conclusion to the series. I feel like the author did a great job tying up all loose ends. This book was my favorite out of the three. This story included spiritual topics, romance, and action. The series did seem to drag on to me,  but I think that is just the writers style. 

All the characters were easy to love. By far Mavis, the matriarch of the family was my favorite. She was mother, friend, teacher, cook, and she exemplified a truly God-filled woman.

I enjoyed my stay in South Dakota, learning about country life, city life, and the spiritual life. I give  A Place To Belong a 4 out of 5. 

I received a complimentary copy, from Bethany House,  in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.

Book Review- Stealing the Preacher

As a first time reader to Karen Witemeyer's writing style, I have to say I was very impressed. She crafted a historical romance, brimming with originality. I loved the fresh concept and the pace of the story. 

The topics varied from love, to hurtful pass, acceptance, and salvation. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship with each other and others, the personalized true Godly young people. I thought; however, that their romance progressed rather rapidly, but it was still sweet and proper. I love the honest relationship Crockett had with the Lord, he stood up for his beliefs all the while trusting the Lord. 

Overall I enjoyed my read and would love for the author to develop

the other second characters. I give it a 4.5 out of 5!

I received a complimentary copy, from Litfuse, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- Avenged

Avenged is the third book to The Costal Guard Series. As per to the previous two books adventure and suspense is present. I enjoy the whole 'cops and robbers' feel to the story. The police talk, and action scenes seem to validate the police feel. I thought this was a great ending to a wonderful series, I was left with no questions. As much as I enjoyed this book, however; because of the timing between each book I forgot a lot about the previous characters and their role in the big picture. 

The beautiful transformation of Carly's life was very realistic. The gradual softening, and the love for the Lord was with a measured accuracy.  

I enjoyed reading this series, and would reccomend it for other thrill seekers and suspense loving people. I give Avenged a 4 out of 5. 

I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

The Joys of Blogging

This is a paragraph I submitted for my college course assignment. What do you think about it?

Having started my blog almost two years ago, I had no idea what a big part it would play in my life. From that point, I did not realize how much I would enjoy blogging and the many different aspects that come with it such as making friends, improving my writing and photography, and teaching others. 

One of my favorite things about blogging would have to be making friends. Because I became more cyber friendly, blogging served as a common denominator to making new friends. As I have gotten to know them better, I have deepened my online relationships further through emails, letters, and gifts. I enjoy the fellowship I share with other like minded teens. The friends I have serve as a huge encouragement to me. 

Furthermore, blogging has helped me tremendously academically: in my writing and photography. Throughout the years, with the help of writing book reviews and writing my thoughts for all to see, I have witnessed my progress of grammatically incorrect and run-on sentences, to clearer and more concise ones. Reading other photography blogs has also aided me in my knowledge of the subject. Seeing others take beautiful pictures spurs me into action to do likewise. 

Lastly, blogging helps me to help others. I enjoy teaching people through a simple DIY, tutorial, product review or even by answering questions. Though I do not claim to know all the answers, I enjoy sharing the information I do know about. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I could help someone improve his or her life. 

Overall, I think blogging is a creative outlet where I am able to make friends, express myself, improve myself, and teach others all the while having fun.

Pop O' Color- Fashion Post

Summer is almost on its way! As summer comes, so does the bright colors. This outfit was a quick comfy put together outfit. Sorry for the stiff awkward poses, it was a rushed last minute thing:(

The coolest thing about this skirt is that it isn't one! The 'skirt' is originally a bathing suit coverup.  By simply (No Sewing Included!) folding the chest part over you have your brand new skirt- no weird bulges. I love the comfortable feel to it and the its modest length.

Shirt- Mom's closet

 Undershirt- Hanes 

Skirt- Old Navy 

Shoes- Gift

Book Review- Barefoot Summer

Barefoot Summer main lesson is about redemption. We see that constantly in the lives of both main characters, Madison and Beckett. Madison hopes to let go of her hurt and pain surrounding the death of her twin brother by fulfilling his dream to be the youngest sailor to win the regatta. The only problem is she can not swim, nor can she sail. Beckett has difficulty seeing himself as the new person he has become in Christ and with the help of Madison and the Lord he begins to heal.

The plot was refreshingly unique with the deep heart issues and the fun sailing lessons. I enjoyed the nautical feel to the story. The author did a great job developing Madison, I could relate so much with  with her fear of water and her lack of expressive emotions. She felt real and was very down to earth. The author transitioned from both main characters and past and present with such ease. The writing style was simple, but so impact full. The emotions and spiritual topics ran deep and meaningful. 

I can not wait to read the next installments the the series and would definitely recommend this book to others.

I received a complimentary copy, from Litfuse, in exchange for my independent and unbiased review. 


Enter Today - 6/10 - 6/22!

Free: College Courses

Recently I started this program that offers free college courses. The point of the website is not to give you actual college credits, however it prepares you for college work. The course is very nicely put together. The theme I am working on is English Grammar which is a five week study. Divided into five weeks, the website breaks everything down into a day to day syllabus. They literally tell you when you should do the work:) 

Each lesson has a video lecture with questions in the end, a textbook reading portion, and a journal 'homework' spot. On Fridays you have to 'hand in' an assignment to be graded by peers, while you yourself have to grade five other of your peers work. There also is a discussion board in case you have any questions.

Thus far I've enjoyed the experience. I feel so grown up doing college work, but the actual subject material is things I've been learning, so it is nothing 'new'. Some of the courses are designed for highschoolers and freshmen college students, others you need to meet certain requirements to enter. You do get credits so to speak of and sometimes even a certificate that could go into your portfolio for college applications. Since Junior year is the time where you start applying for colleges and  getting your portfolio ready I feel super excited. I am still not entirely sure of my career path or better said the specific area, but the homeschool clock is ticking away!

I thoroughly enjoy Coursera and if another subject should interest me I see myself doing more courses in the future. 

Gift Giving Ideas

For the year of 2013 I decided to give a different person a gift every month. Here is an update and ideas for simple gifts to give.

January:

CBD- The Hiding Place audio drama

 February:

Target- Recess Pieces

March

Five Below- Bubble Wands bow tutorial here

April:

Bath&BodyWorks- Cute hand sanitizer:)

May:

Printed it off the internet and bound it at Staples- For a friend that just turned the eligible age to start driving

These are the gifts I've given so far. I have enjoyed wrapping and giving the gifts. These were all inexpensive yet meaningful gifts. (Nothing was more than $10.)

D.R. TRIP 2013: RECAP

Our family unlike most families, likes to take our vacations off 'season'. This year we went to the Dominican Republic. It was an out of the blue pick, and it all came about so suddenly. We were finally able to meet my dad's side of the family (and him reunite with them). We visited a nice resort, and a family that was part of our church but then opened up a church over there. Overall our 2 week vacation was relaxing, encouraging, filled with fun, and Ohh so memorable. Instead of taking a lot of space sharing photos I decided to try something new! Here is the recap to our trip, hope you enjoy!

How'd you like it ? I would love to make more vlogs in the future any suggestions?