Book Review- The Finishing School

If you are looking for a book to teach you this new and never heard method to study the Bible, pray, save time, and eliminate distractions you won't find it here. In The Finishing School, the author reaffirms that we as christians already know what we have to do, and her purpose of the book is to practically implement them into our daily lives. 

It is time that Christian women start practicing what they have learned. Too many times we have head knowledge, but very little hand to foot action. It is my desire that we can arise from our spiritual stupor and live out the holy consecrated lives God has called us to. I think this book can be a starting point for many who just need a nudge in the right direction.

Valerie's is not an impersonal writer. She writes with a simple dialogue and easy to follow style. She is great at breaking down her themes into key points and keeping the chapters short enough and straight to the point. At the end of each chapter she includes a homework worksheet, which is great to jot down key points in the text you want to remember and re-visit. The worksheets can turn this devotional style book into a mini Bible-study. For those who want it to remain a devotional, the author still includes deep reflective questions to engage while reading. She also includes other recommended resources from other literary works that take what she explained further. 

I enjoyed the versatility of this book and look forward to re reading it with a finer toothed comb and gleaning more from it. 

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

Book Review- Set-Apart Womanhood

Leslie Ludy's newest book Set-Apart Womanhood will challenge you to  exchange your  watered down christian principles and adopt a dynamic on-fire relationship with Jesus. This book will cover areas like cultivating Christ-honoring daily habits, overcoming fear, redeeming the time, and many more just like these. Leslie Ludy is a woman of God who uses the Bible profusely throughout the book, unlike the modern so called Christian devotionals of today. She also sprinkles candid personal stories throughout the book and shares practical steps to actually put to test what you are reading. 

By starting each chapter with a page of Bible verses and related quotes of the upcoming topic, she helps set the stage for what you are about to read. She also ends each chapter with a Let's Talk About It section where she lists a few questions for group study and discussion and a Take It Deeper section with questions for personal study and reflection. This book works well as a personal devotional/study and it could also work as a small group study as well. 

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

Book Review- I Have Seen God

I Have Seen God by Klaus-Dieter John is truly the miraculous story of two highly qualified doctors who leave everything take a giant leap of faith towards building a modern hospital in impoverished Peru. Without any resources the couple puts their faith to the test time and time again as they trust God for their needs and watch Him super naturally provide each and every time! 

This story is living proof that God cares and still does do miracles. The supernatural provisions, set backs, scandals, and connections were all testament that God works in His own way not ours. His ways are definitely much higher than ours. 

The extraordinary events surrounding the establishment of the Diospi Suyana Hospital reminded me of the incredible life of faith lived by George Muller. This story prompted me to remember that all things are possible in God, we can believe Him for the very big things. 

I enjoyed the very easy to read writing style and the pictures included in the book helped put a face to some of the events. 

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

Book Review- Revolutionary

Thalli, Berk, Rhen, Dallas, and Alex are back in the State as hostages. The groups young faith is severally tested as they face with evil. Dr. Loudin plans to control or eradicate all remaining  pockets of survivors aboveground and resorts to all manners, torture, murder, and manipulation to achieve his goals. 

Thalli was one of the best main characters, she was emotionally complex, brave, and smart. I enjoyed seeing her evolve with each story in the series. The doubts, fears, and hurts were there but with God's help she was able to press on. The most noble example of Thalli's character was when in the middle of a love triangle she was able to remain focused on the mission at hand.  The slow progression of her emotional and spiritual life unfolded in a most beautiful way.

The continual chases, escapes, fights, and mind games made for a definite page turner.  

The only drawback to this wonderful series is the abrupt ending. The whole premise of this series was based on how emotions are needed in life and how we can use them for God. I expected a more emotional (anger, pain, or heartbreaking) finale to truly seal the deal, but it was quite blunt. 

Each book in the Anomaly series seemed to have a main spiritual topic for the reader to chew on throughout the book which I enjoyed. This series was a great combination of excitment, adventure, romance, and spirituality. This series is a great alternative for the secular YA fiction out in the market.

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

Book Review- Thrive

You've probably heard the words 'Live out your faith' dozens, if not hundreds, of times, but what does that phrase really mean? And how do you really follow Jesus in today's world? In this student adaptation of his book Thrive, Casting Crowns' Mark Hall explores exactly what it means when your faith and your life collide, and how you can take the next steps in making that faith real and evident to those around you. Using relatable stories, applications you can use, as well as some life lessons, Hall shows how you can root yourself in the truth and grow strong in your beliefs as you become the person God designed you to be.

Mark Hall takes the 'Live out your faith' concept we all think we know about to a further step. The book is broken into two parts: Digging Deep and Reaching Out. With quick wit, truth, and grace Mark Hall tackles these topics with a Biblical and personal view and a sprinkle of testimonials. At the end of each chapter Mark highlights the Point to Remember making the overall message easier to remember for the reader. 

Many authors today try to water down the word of God to make it attractive to teens, but not so with this book. On the other hand this book is best fit for a somewhat mature Christian.

If you desire a devotional to lead you in a closer relationship with Jesus this is for you. If you want a spiritual read to lead you in deep reflection of your spiritual condition this is for you. If you are a high-school student, then this is definitely for you.

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

Book Review- Butterflies and the Violin

Butterfly and the Violin, a masterpiece in itself, is the first novel in the Hidden Masterpiece Series. Sera, a Manhattan art dealer, is intent on finding a mysterious portrait of a young violinist ravished by the horrors of WW||. When William, wealthy heir to a real estate company, intends on finding the same exact painting to save his family's inheritance, Sera's and his paths cross. Together they uncover the dark hideous past that lurks behind those startling blue eyes. 

The author seamlessly went from contemporary to historical sharing two distinct stories. The author did a fantastic job creating two distinct and very sweet romances. The ending was perfect, sweet, and complete leaving no strings hanging.

As more of the story enfolded each page seemed to whisper hope. The beauty with which the author portrayed how God gives beauty and talents to people to use for his glory was emotionally riveting. More than once I had to stop reading to analyze the rich profundity, my feelings, and even my convictions. The author tastefully created a richly endowed spiritual book with contemporary elements, and a rich historical backdrop. 

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

Dear Internet,

I've decided to write a letter, yeah you know a thing people actually used to do before you came along, #happymail #snailmail you happen to get me back talking your lingo anyways, to talk about our relationship. You may be wondering why I've seemed to reject you. You may even beg me to return to the way things used to be, but my eyes have been opened to your true nature. 

You're greedy and selfish wanting all of my time all of the time. Instead of drawaing me closer to Jesus you tend to draw me away. The Bible in James 4:4 says "You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." A friend is someone you invest time with, look to for counsel for all things big or small, and have fun with. 

When I spend countless minutes with you, look to you for advice, and choose to find my entertainment in you I am showing that sadly enough I've grown quite friendly with you. The Bible goes on to say in 1 John 2:15  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. Here we see that the world is described as having cravings, lusts of the flesh and eyes, and is prideful. 

You have us scrolling harmlessly through picture perfect pictures of peoples lives. We all know the truth of the matter is that we are merely glimpsing into the 1 second of a glorious picture perfect moment, or even worse a perfected staged photo. We know the truth yet we desire the life we know that doesn't exist. We love to indulge our flesh with many hours of nonsense. What we do not know is that what we think we are doing harmlessly you use it against us. We begin to secretly covet what we see. People joke constantly about their addictions to you but fail to realize how serious the situation is. We drown out the hurts, the fears, and ultimately the Holy Spirit's still small voice. We choose fake relationships over the ones placed in our lives. You encourage us to post countless selfies to have others merely boost our ego. We  over share information because you've taught us to devalue discretion. 

I am no longer content with wasting my time, growing discontent and being fed on shallow relationships. I want and CHOOSE Jesus. He is my contentment, the one who satisfies my every need, In him I have all the answers. In Jesus I have the VICTORY to conquer you and your temptations. I no longer need you to function, but now you need me to operate you (when I want to). You have this world looking down at a gadget but I REFUSE- I will look up to my Savior, redeemer, and hope: Jesus. 

Cordially,

Alicia C. 

Video- 12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum from Alicia on Vimeo.

SAT For Homeschoolers!

Being a homeschool student myself, and one who has recently taken the SAT, I decided to share some tips and helpful information for those considering taking it. 

-Studying

I would highly recommend for you to get one of those huge SAT study books. They do a great job of preparing you for the types of  (essay practice, math, reading and writing) problems to be seen on the test.   Because those College Board or Kaplan study books are so expensive, ranging in the twenties, I would recommend for you to go to your thrift store and find one there. I was able to by a Kaplan 2012 edition for only $2.00!

While thrifting, I also found Kaplan SAT flashcards for $2.00 aswell. 

I found this youtube channel to be very helpful for me with my math prep.

This is a great website to use for studying your vocabulary. A lot of the words that showed up on the test were used in the website! 

The College Board app is also a great resource to use. A daily question in either the writing, reading, or math section is given to test your knowledge in each category. 

Since everything is timed I felt rather rushed and unprepared mentally for that. I would definitely advise you to take a practice test with the corresponding time so that you can have an accurate feel on test day.

-PRAY

Prayer is such a powerful tool. I had a lot of people cover the test in prayer so I knew that God was with me  during it. 

-Take the test with someone else. I was able to go with a friend and that was really a blessing and a nerve soother. Even though we weren't in the same room because they separate you based on your last name, it was reassuring to know she was there taking the test too! 

-Testing

Do not bring a mechanical NO. #2 pencil those are not allowed, but rather the standard sharpen your pencil NO. #2 type! I found that out on the test day and had to borrow one from the teacher. The pencil she gave me barely had a point and that really added to my nerves. 

Forget all those outlining and penmanship classes you took previously when doing the essay. Time really flew by for me during the essay part. I was informed that to get somewhat of a good grade you have to minimally write a page but preferably two. So choose your argument and write like the wind!!!! 

Though they tell you to bring a snack, I don't think it very necessary. I brought a smoothie and did not even drink it, because I was not hungry and I did not want to use the bathroom.

Really try to skip using the bathroom. (I know its a long test.) While using the bathroom there was a huge line and I came back not even five minutes later and was a bit late for the next test section.

These were the study materials I used and things I learned while taking the test. I hope it was beneficial for someone who is in the process of taking there SAT exam. If you have any further questions send me an email or leave a comment below.  

Book Review- Behind the Wall

Behind the Wall is a three in one novel including: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure which effectively portrays life behind the Berlin Wall. Taken from the point of teenagers it proves to be a lot more relatable for the intended young reader. The author masterfully shows the danger, death, and need for survival that was a part of everyone's (young and old) everyday life in Germany. 

The author does not try to assuage the situation with rose colored pictures of life for those living in east Germany. With each book he keeps them short sweet and straight to the point. He makes it appoint to write the cold hard truth in an easy to comprehend manner for all ages not just the intended middle readers group. 

I definitely enjoyed reading this series and would recommend it as great starting point for young people to learn about the Berlin Wall as it covers its building up and demolition.

I give Behind the Wall a 5 out out of 5 for its excellent job at teaching young people a very important part of History in an easy and engaging manner.

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

Book Review- Meant to be Mine

Have you ever wanted to read the story after the I do? Well this is the story for you, but instead of a happily ever after scenario you get broken vows, a secret baby, and two very hurting people. Meant to be Mine's story plot is not your typical texas romance, but holds its own on the unique department.

The things that I did not particularly enjoy were the fact that gambling and having a girl friend while being married to another woman was looked upon as ok for a Christian. For the sake of testimony the author should have just left out that they were believing christians but rather fallen christians. The godly influence Meg and Bo provided in the story was very uplifting.

The romance that was rekindled between Ty and Celia was sweet and progressive not at all rushed. The road to rebuilding each other's trust was a bumpy, spiritual, and funny one. The incessant petty arguments, though very witty at times, proved quite tiring after awhile. 

Addie proved quite different from the usual 6 year old with her mature and sensitive nature. She is most memorable for her beloved pink cowgirl boots. The author seemed to forget about Addie towards the end, so I would have loved for her to reappear more often, since Ty and Celia wouldn't be trying to work anything out if it weren't for her. She had the cutest daddy and daughter relationship with Ty. 

We all know the gist of what the outcome is going to be for most books, so I felt that after some time the book dragged on to a slow stream; however, the sweet and sacrificial ending definitely made up for it! 

I give Meant to be Mine a 3.5 out of 5 (the lack of christian righteousness was a big draw back.)

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

Book Review-For Such a Time as This

Centuries have come and gone and yet we see history repeating itself. Instead of Queen Esther trying to save her people from certain decimation by the hand of evil Haman, we are witnessing the same murderous plot against the Jews yet during the Holocaust. For Such a Time is a 1944 holocaust retelling of the story of Queen Esther saving her people.

Hadassah Benjamin is saved from a firing squad only to be pressed into serving the enemy, a highly esteemed SS-Kommandant doing clerical work. Through her work and connections with a person in authority she quickly sets to work in trying small ways to make a difference for her people. She takes risks and learns to trust in God fearing no one not even death,"If I perish, I perish."

Though using Esther's story is a bit overplayed in the market, Kate Breslin was able to use that same story and weave it into her own unique tale. Her research was clearly evident as you could sadly, yet vividly picture life for the Jews during the holocaust. Her characters were also very well developed. Hadassah a.k.a

Stella was a hurt woman who throughout the book finds her way back to God. Though romance did occur between her and Aric it wasn't a love at first sight thing, but she took a more cautious deliberate approach. How different yet refreshing to see a Nazi SS Kommandant portrayed with human being kindheartedness. He understood the wrong occurring around him and willingly sacrificed his life for others.

I greatly enjoyed For Such a Time and if you love an emotional fictional yet historically rich WW2 novel this one is for you! 

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

Video: What's on my I-touch?

What's on My I-touch from Alicia on Vimeo.

Healthy Girl Series

Awhile back my family and I decided to go healthy! YAY! After watching the documentary Forks Over Knives we were convicted to let go of a lot of things in our diet, namely milk and dairy products, meat, high sugary, and processed foods. When I say give up I mean its not that we never eat it, its all about modifying. We have replaced cow's milk with natural homemade almond milk. Instead of store bought bread we make our own. We also eat a lot of fish now instead of meat or chicken. When you take out things that you are accustomed to eating, it can be hard to come up with substitutions and healthy alternatives. I am going to be sharing some of our favorite recipes in hopes of inspiring you in your healthy eating lifestyle. Eating healthy can still be yummy!!! 

For this recipe you will simply need 1 can of tuna, 1 avocado, bread, and salt and pepper.

Place your avocado in a food processor to save time in not having to hand smash. Mix your tuna with the creamy avocado, which substitutes the use of mayonnaise. You can add salt and pepper to flavor it.

When paired with some delicious homemade bread you'll have one delicious and healthy lunch! (Its always good to add some fruit to your meals wether in actual form or in a smoothie.) 

Hope you enjoyed and were inspired to make delicious healthy food. I seriously reccomend watching the Forks over Knives documentary!

EOS V.S. Burt's Bees V.S. Baby Lips

There is nothing worse than having super chapped lips. Chapped lips are something I used to suffer with. I finally decided enough was enough and dedicated myself to finding a cure. Thankfully the prognosis was simply some chap-stick. Over the course of three months (Jan. - Mar.) I have conducted somewhat of an experiment to find the perfect chap-stick. My findings are as follows.

As you can see through the chart, I liked each one for different reasons.

The EOS chap-stick had the overall highest points for each category and rightly so. I was completely happy with it and it worked immediately to repair my lips. Though you may not be able to stick this in your back pocket and run out, the chunky size makes it easy to find in a messy purse. Conveniently enough, the flat base prevents your chap-stick from rolling away.

I liked Burt's Bees a teeny bit more than my EOS because it felt more natural. It scored low on texture not because it was nasty or anything, but because it took some getting used to. Because the base is beeswax, which is known for being quite firm, it took some extra effort to get it on your lips. I enjoyed the continuos moisturized effect it left. 

Baby Lips is a super cute and fun looking chap-stick. Promising smooth soft baby lips, Baby Lips (Quiver) almost made true on their promise. While using this chap-stick I noticed that the outer part of my lips were super soft, but weirdly enough the inner was still dry. It did not last as long as the others so that was set back for me. Because of its oily texture, I wouldn't use this as your staple chap-stick. Overall it is a cute girly chap-stick to keep in your purse and comes in different pigmented and non-pigmented shades. 

NOTE: I am a super chap-stick smearer :) I will coat and re coat my lips until I have a nice layer on top, so the endurance varies from person.

Book Review- Daises are Forever

Having read Snow on the Tulips, I was super stoked to read the next book this author wrote. The story plot was very intriguing, but the author failed to see it through. The book began with some serious edge of your seat tension, but gradually slipped to a casual story. With the many different point of views it was hard to draw close to the main characters and keeping the whole picture straight. I really would have enjoyed some more narrow escapes from Mitch, him being an escaped POW and all, but his role seemed too easy. 

I really enjoyed that the author took two real life stories to use as the inspiration for Daisies are Forever, making the book much more authentic. The first part where Gisela leads a band of people escaping the Russians is based on Ruth Sabine Hildegard Lippert. The second part is based on the authors own aunt who experienced the awful bombings in Berlin.

I very much enjoyed the historical aspect of the book over the fiction. The inside view to the life of the average  German person during the war was both eye opening and informative. 

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

Video: BFF Tag!

Ideally I would love to fill this blog with so many interesting posts, tutorials, life posts, and all things girly, however; life always seems to get in the way. I would also love to start posting videos more frequently. The first one I made was on my family's trip to DR, then I made one on tips for drinking water, a no-heat curling method, and today's is a collaboration with Kianna. 

I have mentioned this girl plenty of times on this blog, so you should all know that we are best friends/ cousins. She's my prima hmna, crib-mate, babysitting buddy, crime fighting, make believe playmate, long time confidant, and sister-in-Christ. 

Here is a little something we put together. You can finish watching the second part and bloopers over at Kianna's blog.

BFF Tag! from Alicia on Vimeo.

Dear Thrift Store,

 I walked xx blocks amongst a busy crowd to get to you.

 I had to clutch my skirt because it kept on trying to run with the wind.

 I endured the shoulder ache from carrying my already heavy purse + books.

 Some of your other cousin stores are good for their clothes and others for their vintage stuff,

 but you won the prize for having the best books!

 I even found someone's diary, and I read the three entries "she" wrote:)

But it was all worth it! I had a great time and found such cute vintagey books!

Sincerly,

A

1. I found this little 1962 gem and though my family wanted to keep it bought with the intention of giving it to someone.

2. Jo's Boys the sequel to Little Men
3.Eight Cousins also by Louisa May Alcott
4. Not pictured here I also found a Kaplan SAT prep book for only 2 dollars!

Book Review: Below the Surface

Something is wrong with Cooper. He’s plagued by a fear he doesn’t understand and can’t control. Cooper just wants to escape, and a summer vacation aboard the restored cabin cruiser, The Getaway, with best friends Gordy, Hiro, and Lunk seems like the perfect way to do it. Two weeks of fun---with no mysteries or life-and-death danger. That’s the plan. But their plans are shattered the very first night when they witness a murder. Or did they? Despite their intentions of leaving the investigation to the police, narrow misses and creepy encounters lure them in. Is there really a body floating in the underwater currents of the lake? The closer they get to the truth, the deeper into danger they get. Too late they see the trap. Now each of them must face their own buried fears . . . just below the surface.

Having read the previous installment to this series, I was glad to re-visit with friends Gordy, Cooper, Hiro, and Lunk. They proved very entertaining with their typical "teen" behavior/speech, antics, and pranks. All jokes aside, this book dealt with important and in-depth topics like facing fears, making important decisions, and doing the right thing. 

The author geared this series for boys, but it is very versatile for girls as well. The suspense is enough to draw and maintain the readers focus throughout the story, without being a bore. The suspense, touch of humor, and spirituality of the book were well balanced throughout. 

The a word from the author was very informative. Because the main theme of the book was fear, Tim discusses fear in a candid way and shares tips on how to overcome them.

I would recommend this book for preteen boys and girls who love a good mystery. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- Destination Unknown

It’s senior year, and Whitney Richards is tired of the constant pressures to be perfect. When she gets a D in Calculus, her mother immediately hires a tutor, worried Whitney won’t get into the “right” college---her alma mater---with imperfect grades. Her tutor, Taylor, is a quiet, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone Whitney has met before. But Taylor’s rougher upbringing has her mother and friends discouraging any type of relationship. Tired of having to play a part for everyone else, Whitney quits the cheerleading squad that once defined her social identity, and begins spending more time with Taylor. Her mom and friends worry Whitney is making a huge mistake, and even Taylor begins to show concern for some of her choices. But for the first time, Whitney is in the driver’s seat of her life. Will she be able to find her identity---and God’s plan for her life---before she throws everything away?

As I head towards the finishing high-school and getting closer to college stage, this book really seems  to resonate with me. Amy Clipston took your average perfect cheerleading teen with the privileged lifestyle and overbearing parents and transformed it to a real life story.

Whitney is a very hard character to describe. She has good intentions, likable, naive, and a tad bit spoiled. At times you applauded her for her change in character and other times you wondered what is going on with her.

Throughout this story I kept on wondering if this family really had a relationship with Jesus would they act this way. Would the mother be so overbearing and judgmental? Would Whitney be friends with who she was with, lie to her mother, and feel so overwhelmed. Whitney did pray in the book, but if she had a true relationship with the Lord she could have avoided so much hurt. 

Though the man focus of the story was finding your identity many other lessons are also presented. The importance of truth, handling
betrayal, good friendships, and getting closer to the Lord.

I really enjoyed the applicable plot, the overall message of the importance of finding your identity, and the many sub-messages. It is an easy to follow story that hopefully will help to draw you closer to your parents, friends, and most importantly God.

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