August Book Review -

This was a good book month for me.   I hope it was for  you as well.  Here's what I read this month.

First up, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah



I am not a late night person which apparently is when Trevor Noah is on TV but I have seen clips of him on morning talk shows.  This book is about his life in South Africa.  I, of course, am familiar with apartheid but to hear it told from someone who lived in it and through it is really interesting.  I learned all kinds of things plus it is funny.....very funny.  I will warn you he uses a lot of colorful language but in the way comedians tend to do which somehow doesn't come across as so offensive....if that makes any sense.  I really enjoyed  this book.  It has some tough parts in it but it is told from a perspective of perseverance not defeat.  I found it to be inspiring and entertaining.  Highly recommend.

Then I read The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton



During a picnic at her family’s farm in the English countryside, sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson witnesses a shocking crime, a crime that challenges everything she knows about her adored mother, Dorothy. Now, fifty years later, Laurel and her sisters are meeting at the farm to celebrate Dorothy’s ninetieth birthday. Realizing that this is her last chance to discover the truth about that long-ago day, 

This takes you through Laurel's quest to piece together what really happened by exploring her mom's past.  It toggles between life in the 1940's and today.  Well written and kept me interested from page one all the way to the end.  And I love the language and the phrasing used.  I cannot tell you how many times I have wanted to say " well we better to get on with it shall we" since reading this book.  I recommend this one too.  I think you will enjoy it.

I finished the month with A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman



I listened to this one as an audio book and was glad I did.  When I saw this book in stores I always read the title as A Man Called Ahhve......pronouncing the name like ahhh but it is actually pronounced like the double o sound in moon...and two syllables.....oova.  Ok, I thought that was interesting but so was the story.  I am going to be honest the first 4 chapters I thought I was not going to make it.  But I am so glad I stuck with it.  Wow. What a story.  It turned out great.  It may be one of my favorite books.  It has tons of dry humor and such interesting ways of describing people and events.  Give this one a try.  It is worth the first four chapters.

August was truly a good book month.  I am gearing up for what is hopefully a good September.

Enjoy a good book, ladies, and then share with me so I can do the same.

Take Care.

Gifts for Girls

We continue our gift idea series.  If you missed any feel free to look back at
Neighbor gifts
Gifts that give back
Cook Gifts

Today let's consider some ideas for the girls on your list.

For the artsy girl on your list


Stabilo Pens.  I have a set of these pens.  I carry them in my little tote and I use them for writing on my calendar, the grocery list or just wrtiing on greeting cards.  They have the prettiest colors and the perfect size writing tip.

I personnally love a nice journal and a nice leather bound one can't be beat.


This one is a great size.




And you know I love a good May Designs Book that you can personalize for someone special.  You can do journals, calendars or even coloring books on this site.  And those markers above are great for adult coloring books.

Other personalized items can be found on Frecklebox.


Personalized Storybooks


Placemats


or journals.

Now what girl doesn't like a good shower gel.  Bath and Body products always work with a nice bath pouf.  Or if you have several girls to buy for consider this set of 3 Gingerbread Shower Gels by Philosophy. Or another fun shower product Spongelle.  These are sponges that have shower gel built in.  Great for travel or for that younger girl who hasn't mastered the whole bath pouf thing.  I have included the Spongelle website here but these can also be found in nicer department stores like Belk.

If you have girls who are into make-up consider


The make-up eraser.

And, of course, a good Clarisonic is always a great gift idea.  Again, Department Stores like Dillards will have them.  QVC usually gives you a little bonus with theirs.  Or there is always Amazon.

I also fully believe in a good tote.


 The Madewell tote is nice but pricier.  This Madewell Tote is 50% off.  Or click here for several options by Sole Society.


And girls of all ages love Kendra Scott Jewelry.  Click here for some ideas.

Let's wrap up today with a candle that you absolutely cannot go wrong with.  The Capri Blue - Volcano candle




So maybe that gets you started on some of the girls on your list.  As always you are invited to share any ideas you may have in the comment section.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Resigned to Pray

Well all we can do now is Pray.

I guess we will just have to pray about it.

I'm just praying.

Are you guilty of saying any of the above things? I am and I don't want to be.

Prayer is Powerful.  Prayer is a Privilege.  I don't ever want to feel that ALL I can do is pray.  I don't want to GUESS that I should pray.  I don't want want to ever feel that I am JUST praying.

No.

I want to see a challenge, a problem, a sickness, some confusion, a decision to be made, a natural disaster, a hard heart, an unsaved soul, a bitter spirit, a new Christian, a relationship in trouble, a new marriage growing in the Lord, any and every situation and I want to immediately think...... LET'S PRAY. Let's cast it before the Lord (1 Peter 5:7).  Let's give this to the One is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).  Let's look to the Lord and His strength and seek His face always (1 Chronicles 16:11). Let's call on Him and pray to Him and know He listens to us (Jeremiah 29:12). Let's be joyful in hope, faithful in affliction and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12).

I don't want to feel I am resigned to pray because there is nothing else I can do.  Truth is I can't do anything anyway.  But my God can, will and does.

What if we aren't resigned to pray but instead we are empowered by prayer?

What if our problems, our challenges, our struggles quake BECAUSE we pray?

Here's wishing for each of you some powerful time in prayer!

Happy Labor Day!

Hope you enjoy your day!

Here are a few sales if you have a notion.

Shoemall has 30% off $30 purchase with code LABOR30

Urban Outfitters has 30% off clearance.

Loft has 60% off sale.

JJill has 40% off sale prices.

Bath and Body has a really good sale on with an additional 25% off with code AIRISCRISP

Talk to you on Wednesday!