Spring Cleaning Inspiration - Plus a giveaway

Spring. Oh, I just love you so much! It means winter is finally over. Spring seems to give an extra spark of inspiration every time. This year I'm exited about decluttering. It might have something to do with a book I got to review (and host a giveaway, YAY!)

There's something satisfying in decluttering, don't you think. 

Decluttering books are pretty trendy right now, so before I started reading Ruth Soukup's Unstuffed: Decluttering your home, mind & soul, I wondered what new could it offer to this genre. There has to be something special about this book, because it's a best-seller (in Christian Personal Growth section) on Amazon! And there was.

Unstuffed thoughts

I like how Ruth writes from a holistic (a fancy word) point of view. Decluttering is not just getting rid of stuff - it's getting rid of things, thoughts and habits that affect our well-being. My favorite part was reflecting what kind of vision I have for my home and the Unstuffed weekend challenge. I'm a challenge person, what can I say.

Unstuffed quotes

"First, it's important to choose long-term values over short-term bargains. --How will this item enrich my life over the next year, five years, or ten years?" 

"If you don't love something or if it doesn't bring joy or value to your home, don't let it stay." 

Unstuffed inspiration

1. I want to get my digital world unstuffed too

2. I'm going to change the way I shop. 

3. Decluttering is a holistic way of life

The Giveaway

I'm happy to say, one of my readers can win her (or his) own copy! Enter below. (International giveaway) 

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Undercover Jihadi Bride - 2016 Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge

March keywords: Game, fire, darkness, school, like, change

Because the keywords can be tweaked, I chose the word darkness. And the book I chose to read was Undercover Jihadi Bride.

I bought it from Kinokuniya, Singapore (I just love that book store) on our holiday there. And let me just say, I couldn't put it down. A true eye-opener. It really gave me an extra spark to do my best to help my own students to see how valuable and important they are.

Book overview

"Twenty-year-old ‘Mélodie’, a recent convert to Islam, meets the leader of an ISIS brigade on Facebook. In 48 hours he has ‘fallen in love’ with her, calls her every hour, urges her to marry him, join him in Syria in a life of paradise – and join his jihad.

Anna Erelle is the undercover journalist behind ‘Melodie’. Created to investigate the powerful propaganda weapons of Islamic State, ‘Melodie’ is soon sucked in by Bilel, right-hand man of the infamous Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. An Iraqi for whose capture the US government has promised $10 million, al-Baghdadi is described by Time Magazine as the most dangerous man in the world and by himself as the caliph of Islamic State. Bilel shows off his jeep, his guns, his expensive watch. He boasts about the people he has just killed.

With Bilel impatient for his future wife, ‘Melodie’ embarks on her highly dangerous mission, which – at its ultimate stage – will go very wrong … Enticed into this lethal online world like hundreds of other young people, including many young British girls and boys, Erelle’s harrowing and gripping investigation helps us to understand the true face of terrorism."

My very first reading challenge!

I noticed that Claudia is hosting the 4th annual Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge. It sounds so fun that I'm going to join her. 

The idea "is to read one book each month whose title includes one or more of the keywords for that month". The keywords can be tweaked and it's ok to use variations. 

Keywords

January: Crowd, Girl, The, Bad, Soul, Soft

February: Veil, Kiss, Her, Break, Love, Stars

March: Game, Fire, Darkness, School, Like, Change

April: Far, Life, Stay, One, War, Thorns

May: Cure, Trial, Family, Key, Thief, Bend

June: Moon, In, Only, Whisper, Sleep, Trap

July: Rose, Sun, Clock, Day, Angel, Unto

August: Prince, Boy, Glass, Heart, Lost, Now

September: Wind, Color, Touch, At, How, Sweet

October: Rock, Ghost, Fall, Away, Sky, Storm

November: Dream, Holiday, And, Of, Dawn, Beautiful

December: End, Promise, Everlasting, Ice, Snow, My

Anchored by Kayla Aimee: Review & Giveaway

I was asked to review Kayla Aimee's new book, Anchored. 

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book (though I had to read it on my computer because a postman lost my copy). When I first read the overview, I thought "nah". I mean, sure, I like real life stories about divine hope, but still I didn't expect much. Probably, because I thought I couldn't relate to her story. 

This book turned out to be more than just "nah". Anchored was a book that touched my heart, made me cry and laugh, but most importantly it made me think: Who is my anchor? And do I trust my anchor when the storms come. I like books that do this to me. 

Seems like, I am not the only one who enjoyed this book. The reviews on Amazon are pretty amazing. Kayla is a wonderful writer; she uses words beautifully. So a combination of a touching story and beautiful writing style makes this a book I recommend.


If you'd like to win a copy, enter my giveaway below.

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A Summer Book List

Here's a list of books I'd love to read this summer. Do you have any book plans?

1. The Jane Austen Marriage Manual by Kim Izzo

2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

3. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

4. Easy by Tamara Webber

5. The Host by Stephenie Meyer

6. #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

8. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

9. Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

10. The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

Men in kilts and other awesome things!

I saw a trailer of Outlander (TV series). I had to check it out. I ended up watching 13 episodes and ordering the first book.

If you love romance, history and action, this is a story for you!

Have you watched Outlander? Or read the books? 

Giveaway - More: From Messes to Miracles by Tammie Head

I am a lucky girl, because I was asked to review Tammie Head's new book. And I'm totally honest about being lucky, because when it comes to reviews, I am honest. (I've written a negative one too!)

Tammie's book, More: From Messes to Miracles, has been a wonderful reading experience. 

Here's why:

1. From the very beginning, you get to know the author. Tammie is not a distant "guru" who tells you how you should act and think. She is like a friend who wants to share something wonderful.

2. She doesn't cut herself any slack. She writes openly about her  not-always-so-glorious past.

3. Her style is wonderful. I liked how easy and quick it was to read. Still, it didn't lack depth and it made me think and reflect my own thoughts and longings.

I would recommend this book to everyone, because Tammie writes about something that is so universal; it doesn't matter whether you're a woman or a man, young or old, Christian or non-Christian. 

"People everywhere are looking for something more"

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1. An Old-Fashioned Girl

I remember when my big sister read to me when I was little. One of the books she read was Louisa May Alcott's An Old-Fashioned Girl. I've heard people say that it's a boring book with a boring heroine. I completely disagree. Being an outsider, being kind though you are treated badly and standing behind your values are themes that spoke to me even as a little girl. And of course the romance was lovely!

2. Pride and Prejudice

I was 13 when I read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for the first time. Before that, I'd seen the BBC mini series and fallen in love with it. 

What I love about this book is that every time I read it, I learn something new. I notice something new. But the lesson that made this book significant from the very first time I read it, is that people are not always what they seem to be. In both positive and negative way. And we ourselves are not always who and what we think we are.

3. Esther

Esther, from the Bible, has always been my hero. I've read her story many times and I'm always mesmerised by her. She chooses courage.


4. Jane Eyre

Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre is another book that has been dear to me since I was a teenager. Jane Eyre has made me realise that we create and define ourselves. We should not blame our past and circumstances nor the people around us. Instead, we should decide who we want to be. There's also an interesting religious aspect that made me think about hypocrisy.


5. Matilda's Last Waltz

Unlike the 4 books above, Matilda's Last Waltz by Tamara McKinley, doesn't have a so-called virtuous teaching. I still had to include it into this list of mine. Why? It made me love stories even more. It made me want to write and create more than before.

  

Original photo by Kate Ter Haar. (CC BY 4.0)

Book Review - The Passion Translation

I received The Psalms: Poetry on Fire (The Passion Translation) and John: Eternal Love (The Passion Translation) to read and write about. This is the first time I don't strongly recommend the book I've received to review. 

The Passion Translation Bible is a bit different from other translations. 

1. Different Bible books are literally different books, as seen in the pic above. I think that's great! Also the covers look great and the material feels wonderful. 

2. It's done by one man only. I personally feel this is is not a good thing. 

3. The goal of the man who did it (Brian Simmons) was to create Bible that speaks to our heart. So the goal was not to make a good accurate translation. I feel sad about that. 

If you choose to buy Passion Translation Bible books, I'd recommend to have a "good" translation as well. Good translation: aim to translate the original text without adding something to make it better.

Survival kit - Rainy days

Fall equals rain and cold. How to survive? Even enjoy it?

1. Find cute rubber boots

Hai rubber boots

2. Buy a perfect mug for tea or hot chocolate

Jane Austen quote mug

3. A lovely scarf is a must-have

Athenia Scarf from Anthropologie

4. Find books to read.

Reading list:

Living history by Hillary Clinton

Persuasion by Jane Austen

#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

A Book Suggestion - A Lady In France

If you're wondering what to read next, I have a suggestion:

Why you should read it

A Lady In France is a book about journey through many things: countries, cultures, faith, depression and other struggles. In the end there's hope, healing. 

You should read it, because of hope and encouragement. Also, if you like foreign countries and cultures, it's a great book! It's beautiful and capitative. A well written book! 

Overview 

"At seventeen, Jennie Goutet has a dream that she will one day marry a French man and sets off to Avignon in search of him. Though her dream eludes her, she lives boldly-teaching in Asia, studying in Paris, working and traveling for an advertising firm in New York.

When God calls her, she answers reluctantly, and must first come to grips with depression, crippling loss, and addiction before being restored. Serendipity takes her by the hand as she marries her French husband, works with him in a humanitarian effort in East Africa, before settling down in France and building a family.

Told with honesty and strength, A Lady in France is a brave, heart- stopping story of love, grief, faith, depression, sunshine piercing the gray clouds-and hope that stays in your heart long after it's finished." Barnes & Noble

Find Jennie's blog HERE. (Jennie asked me to read her memoir and write this post)

Becoming an Adult

Do you remember when you moved out of your parents house and started to take care of yourself? I do. 

I remember the last night before falling asleep; I laid on my bed in my almost empty room, thinking this was my last night as a kid. Next time sleeping in this bed, I would be "just" visiting. 

The next morning we packed my stuff in our car. And as my dad started the car, I took a look at my house. It was a bitter sweet feeling. A Goodbye and a hello at the same time. 

Why everything went well 

Though it was bitter sweet, everything turned out great. Mostly because I knew I was safe, though on my own. My parents always told me, that if I needed anything, like money, advice, support etc. they would help me. I could always come home. I also had a great support network in my new home town. And, of course, I had a strong sense of being protected by my Heavenly Father.

Parents + Support network + Heavenly Father = A great start

Becoming an adult

I moved out of my parents house when I had just turned 19, right after high school. I started my uni studies. I can't believe it's been 7 years! Oh, the time flies. It was interesting time; I got to choose and decide EVERYTHING, but before that, I had to learn to do it. I had to learn to live with a budget, to pay rent, fill forms, grocery shop and plan ahead. 7 years later, I know how to do that, I guess I'm an adult.

My tips for moving out of your parents house

1. Start early: Find information, learn, shop for things you'll need in your own home, save money, build your self-esteem, make sure you'll have everything needed, like an insurance, make a realistic budget and learn to make healthy and cheap food.

2. Have a good routine: When you move out, try to have a  good routine; don't go to bed too late and clean your apartment regularly. And remember to eat a warm meal! It's hard to change your ways, so start to "live good" from the very beginning.

3. Be smart: You are free to make your own choices, so make smart ones. Stay in your budget and have self-discipline. Pay your bills in time. 

4. You don't always have to make your own mistakes: A part being smart is taking advice. You are surrounded by life-experts, who have made not so great decisions in some point in their lives. Life-experts, like your parents, are a great source of information. Use that information.

5. Explore, enjoy and make memories: Take pictures, hang out with your friends, see the world and try to understand it. Maybe you could make a difference.

My tips for parents whose kids are about to move into the real world 

1. Start early: Find information and read. This is a critical time in your child's life and she/he needs you. Raise your child in a way that she'll/he'll succeed in becoming an adult. Raise your child to be independent, smart and a "good person". Talk about this new phase with your child and plan together. Make sure your child saves money in case of an emergency. Teach your child to shop, cook, do laundry and clean. 

2. Make your "child" feel safe: Your child might be moving out, but make her/him know that you will always be there for her/him. You'll always help her/him, if asked. If your child is moving to another city, try to find a great support network, a group of adults who can help.

3. Be part of their new life: Visit your child's new home and let her/him be the host. Call regularly and don't let your relationship fade away. But remember to give space. 

4. Acceptance: You're little baby has grown up. It's her/his time to choose and decide. Don't manipulate. Don't try to get your own way.  

5. Explore, enjoy and make memories: This is a new phase in your live too. Explore it. See the world, learn new skills and get to know your adult child. Have fun together!

This book might help parents

Dennis Trittin and Arlyn Lawrence have written a book called Parenting for the Launch: Raising Teens to Succeed in the Real World. I recommend the book; it has workable exercises, it's easy and fast to read, it gives insight and practical tips. I'm not a parent, still the book was interesting to read, probably because, I'm studying to become a guidance counselor. (I got this book from Icon Media Group) 

Photo credit: Drew Coffman, CC BY 2.0

Summer Book List

What kind of books you like to read this summer? Leave a link to your Summer Book List below. And check out other Blog Challenge topics!

An InLinkz Link-up

A Giveaway: Pulling Back the Shades

Yesterday I wrote about why women love erotica novels and promised you a giveaway.

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Why women love erotica novels?

I bought a book couple weeks ago. It seemed interesting. The cover was cute. I started reading it. A shock. It was pure porn. 

I had no idea I had bought an erotic novel. I put the book away. I'm not going to lie, I was tempted to read it, but a part of me felt that it was corrupting my views of sex. Sex is a beautiful thing but this book made it appear like a power struggle.

By Cas Cornelissen

I started to think why women like erotic novels. A huge help was Dannah Gresh and Dr. Juli Slattery's brilliant book, Pulling Back the Shades: Erotica, Intimacy, and the Longings of a Woman's Heart. 

I find it quite strange, that women get turned on by a male character who is controlling, abusive, moody and objectifying a woman. I know not all erotic novels have a male characters like that, but most popular erotic novels do. What does it say about women, who claim to be equal and demand equality in our societies? But still... it's sexy to have a man who says "You are mine" like he owns her. Strange.

Gresh and Slattery (17) suggest that successful erotica uses skillfully female longings: to escape reality, to be cherished by a man, to be protected by a strong man, to rescue a man and to be sexually alive. Erotic novels twist these (sometimes unconscious) longings. A strong man turns into a controlling alpha male. He controls a woman and she loves it. Though the reader would never want a relationship like that, she'll find the characters and the story very... well... sexy.

Why women love erotic novels? Because erotica exploits female longings. 

About the book 

I was asked to review Pulling Back the Shades. I honestly think every Christian woman should read it. Sexuality is such a big part of our lives, so it's important to talk about it. Sexuality is more than what Hollywood, books and the society is telling us. Pulling Back the Shades talks about it (and erotica) in a straightforward way. There's no need to hide in the shades of grey and feel ashamed. This book helps you to see things in a new light. I'm glad I read it!  

If you'd like to win a copy, come back tomorrow!

A Bit Like Taj Mahal - Neilson Hays Library

Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal in memory of his wife. 

I visited a beautiful library in Bangkok last week. It was a bit like Taj Mahal, but not because of its size or style. It was built in a memory of a wife. 

 I loved the athmospere in this small library. The neo-classical building has witnessed interesting historical events, like 2nd World War (Japanese troops used it for billeting troops). Now it stands proudly in the middle of a modern and fast-paced metropolis. 

Unfortunately it was forbidden to take photos inside, but below you can see other people's pics.

Borrowed from HERE

Borrowed from HERE

If you're in BKK, I recommend visiting Neilson Hays Library. It's about a 15 minute walk from Chong Nonsi BTS station. It might be hot, but worth it! 

Still by Eniola Prentice

I was honored when this beautiful lady asked me to read her new novel and write about it here on my blog. (There's a giveaway below!) Her name is Eniola and her writing style is superb. But here's a bit more about Eniola...

Author Bio

Eniola Prentice was born in Lagos Nigeria where she began to pen her stories as early as nine years old, inspired by an eclectic group of writers. Her budding writing career was put in the back burner as she pursued her dream of becoming a medical doctor, completing her undergraduate degree in Chicago, Illinois and her medical degree in Washington, DC. However in the third year of medical school inspired by the holy spirit or the voices in her head (she would prefer to blame God for this one) and the unique and inspiring stories of friends that became her family in medical school she began to write her debut novel and series, Still. She hopes that her writing compels challenges, inspires people and draws people to the Christian God’s redeeming love. You can connect with her by visiting eniolaprenticewrites.blogspot.com.

A NOVEL

A broken soul,

an alcoholic,

a certifiable genius,

a Christian man

and a secret that will destroy the bonds of their friendship.

When self-proclaimed atheist Fadesola, gets into medical school she believes that it’s a fresh start of sorts for her. Until she discovers  her class mate is charming and handsome Tayo Smith, a man she encountered in a violent moment years ago. This revelation shatters Fadesola’s already fragile emotional state but hope comes where she least expects it. A seemingly innocent friendship with Tayo’s friend, Ladi, slowly develops into a smoldering relationship with both afraid to acknowledge their mutual feelings. Things get even more complicated when Nikky, Fadesola’s classmate and friend, ignores her desperate warnings and decides that Tayo is the man she is meant to be with. However, within the complexities of this friendship these flawed individuals will experience God’s redemptive grace in a setting each believed his love would never find them. Still, the first book of a four part series is a coming of age story about navigating through medical school in the first year, complete with hilarious hook ups and breaks ups, legendary parties and incessant studying, and experiencing the triumph of success and disappointment of failure.

Eniola Prentice, in her extraordinary debut novel has written a gripping and thought provoking story that examines Christianity, mental illness, suicide and alcoholism.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the characters. From the very first pages, the reader gets to know them: their struggles, families and who they are as persons. I bet, every reader can identify with at least one of them. Eniola has done amazing job writing her characters; they feel realistic and deep.

It was also nice to read about medical school. I don't have the intelligence needed, but I still sometimes day dream about being a doctor. I also loved that Still dealt with difficult issues, but still it was easy and fast to read. It made me think and feel but it also entertained me.

I warmly recommend this book if you like romance fiction WITH BRAIN (plus, there's a nice international flavor.

Still is a perfect book for you to read this summer!

You can find Eniola here:

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