Adorkable

The Fourth Fisherman

2012-01-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack is two different stories, two kinds of desperation, but yet both having the same need. The author his life, his rise to the height of what many dream of, yet at the top, he was unfulfilled. It wasn’t until he rose all the way to the top and then all the way down to the very bottom of life that he realized all his life what he had been missing. At the same time, a world away, there were some poor, desperate fishermen from Mexico lost and doing all they knew to do to survive. Both found their sustainer and deliver in Jesus Christ. As the author stated, when Jesus came in “It came as a trickle at first, then a rush, as if my heart was a bucket and hope was being poured into it. It filled me deep into my being, and I felt it…It flowed into me as if I was a withering plant, starving for water, a pure joy flooding my entire body until there was no more room left in me. It was real. Real joy” (p. 76). Both stories gripped your heart and the reader could relate in some way to both of the stories. It is two stories of redemption that cross paths only because of God’s ordained plan. This is an encouragement to those who have lost friends and family, it shows that they can find God, but it comes only by dying to oneself and finding that the only way to survive is by giving it all up and to Jesus.

The Lucado Inspirational Reader

2011-12-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

The Lacado Inspriational Reader is a compilation of some of Max Lucado's best written material. It is divided up by categories such as the following: comfort, compassion, the cross, encouragement, forgiveness, hope, miracles, perseverance prayer, purpose, and peace. If you are a Max Lucado fan, than this might be a good addition to your collection. Max Lucado's thoughts and stories are very heart- gripping, enlightening as well as thought-provoking. An example of this is when he stated, "Don't measure the size of the mountain; talk to the One who can move it. Instead of carrying the world on your shoulders, talk to the One who holds the universe on his. Hope is a look away. Now, what are you looking at?" (p. 227). Another quote that really stood out to me was, "You have one...An uncommon call to an uncommon life" (p. 340). If you are looking for a small, but thick inspirational book that you can pick up and read a little bit whenever you want, this might be a book that you would enjoy.This book was given to me by booksneeze. I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. I like it because it is like a collectable, but if you already have his books, some might not find the use for it.

The Grace Effect

2011-11-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Grace Effect was given to me compliments of booksneeze.com for an honest review. This book was not exactly what I expected, yet it was an excellent read. It is about a family who had been on a missions trip to the Ukraine and met a young blonde haired special needs girl that touched their heart. Ultimately it sent them on a year long process of getting back to the Ukraine to adopt her. One can expect the many hurdles one must face when adopting a child from another country, but adopting a child from the Ukraine posed unexpected challenges. In a country where most know nothing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in place where one is taught that the world is a better without Christianity, you find a precious little girl. This story takes you on a journey with the Taunton family as they work with many people who know nothing of "grace". The author's style is very educated, clear and meaningful. Wading through the corruption the system, triumphantly coming through it, "The Grace Effect" is very evident throughout this book. 4 stars

Heaven Is For Real

2011-10-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

I have had several people ask me if I've read this book and I kept just shrugging it off. I don't consider myself a skeptic, but one cannot help but just wonder if someone really has seen heaven. My oh my, by the end of this book the reader is convinced, Colton did see heaven. This book has rejuvinated my excitement to see heaven. What he saw brought such comfort to my heart, and his "no fear" of death was absolutely powerful. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at his parents skeptism, because I too had some going into this book. This book will bring so much encouragment to the Christian who is long to see the face of Jesus and even I feel it will bring comfort to those who are near death. As Colton said, if we know Jesus, we will go to heaven and oh what a wondeful place it is!

Our Last Great Hope

2011-09-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

**Received free from booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review**

When reading the synapse of this book, I thought it sounded like big aspirations and thought it might be just another one of those books that you really don't get a whole lot out of. To my surprise and delight, I thought this book was excellently written. One of the things I liked about this book was how biblically based it was. There were scriptures to prove what the author was trying to get across to the reader. There were many life changing thoughts to ponder such as "Life is to be lived for an audience of One...if I can focus utterly and completely on pleasing God, suddenly life becomes very simple. I've defined my path, and His Word will light that path for every step" (p. 7). I believe this book had the effect that it was intended to have on the reader. To make one realize how the Great Commission is a commandment and that it is life style of living the life and sharing Jesus everywhere. We must stand up and not compromise and as the author puts it, "Compromise always leads to weakness, because we lose the strength that comes through the purity of commitment" (p. 35).

Another Amazing Read!

2011-06-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

Once again I received another free book from booksneeze and this one is the best one yet. I was never so shocked at the ending!!!

A Place Called Blessing: Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins tells the story of a little boy who grows up without parents and no place to call home. This story draws you in making the reader feel that you are that little boy just trying to make a way. It tells the tale of foster care woes and the lack of stableness within his life. It is a book that breaks your heart as tragedy after tragedy strikes this boy. Miraculously he is led to some people who don’t care how “closed” he is, who continually reach out to him, even when he rejects them time and time again. It is about a family that is brought together through trials and hurts of life. It is a story of determination, courage and meaning. The ending is not at all what the reader expects, in fact it will probably make most cry. From the outside, many may look like they have it all together, but underneath they are hurting individuals with similar real-life situations. It is quite a fulfilling book that makes the reader want to seek out those who are hurting to offer a place called blessing. For it is at that place of blessing where healing may be found.

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and ME

2011-06-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

I obtained this book free from booksneeze as exchange for reviewing it!

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, And Me by Ian Morgan Cron is one of those books that cause the reader to want to stand up and read because it is so interesting and quite a page-turner! It is often hard to find an autobiography that does not get dull in the middle; this book keeps the reader hooked to the end. The writer’s witty and humorous analogies, along with such an inspiring story compels the reader to finish the book in record time. Cron brings the reader through his hard childhood growing up with an alcoholic father, his struggles throughout his life, and the choices he made in life along the way. It is journey from life with a nanny in England to a public highschool in America. It is a journey of finding oneself and ultimately Jesus in the midst of sadness and pain. This book leads up to a victorious ending that could have only been achieved through the hard times Cron overcame. The author’s heart throughout the book causes the reader to search one’s own heart. This book is for someone who wants to read books that inspire and has the potential to greatly affect their life.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0849946107/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Books Came!

2011-04-21T06:24:00.001-07:00

My books came in the mail today!!!

Decision Points ~George W. Bush
I have wanted this book since it came out, but it was so expensive. I read it at Barnes and Noble and thought it was so good. Finally got a deal on it.

Verbal Advantage: 10 Easy Steps To A Powerful Vocabulary
I have been on the look-out for ways to increase my knowledge and to become more educated. There is a pretest, 10 levels, and then a post test. When one has finally finished this book and adapted into their language, one will have the vocabulary of the top 5%! I plan to do this slow so I can retain it.

Crazy Love
Heard so much about it

Streams in the Desert
Both my mom and grandma really like this book, so I wanted my own copy

Currently reading...
Led By Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide
This is the sequal of Left To Tell
This is about a woman who learned how to forgive those who killed her family while she was hidden in a small bathroom for several months with several other women.

My next book I plan to read after these is Gray Matter
Coworker just read it and said she thought of me. It is about a neurosurgeon that prays before he does brain surgery and the miracles he has witnessed in doing so.

Favorite Quick Neutral Eye Palette

2009-11-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have tried lots of eye shadows, and I always go back to my neutral brown eyes. So I was on the hunt for palette that only contained the colors I wanted--and I actually found it and cheap too! This is the only product I own by them, but I've hit pan on all of them. "Avon Neutral Palette" (the bottom brown palette in the picture) The colors are rich and last the entire 12 hours I work! Even though I have never needed to touch-up my eyes, it is a small enough palette and cheap enough to just throw it in your purse for emergencies. It contains a highlighter for under the brow bone. A light shadow to put in the corner of the eye. Plus a couple different browns, some matte and others with some shine to give you that perfect sultry brown natural eye look.

Philosphy Products

2009-11-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

Because of my combination skin, moisturizers are just something I have always had a problem with. I don't like gell moisturizers like Clinique puts out--it makes your face slippery, yet I don't feel hydrated. Anything that does soak deep into the skin, has always seem to be too oily and then it's the "battle of the shine"...UNTIL

I tried Philosphy Hope in a Jar. Wow, this stuff is amazing. I went and got a sample at Sephora, then I ordered it online.

Oh MY, this product goes on my "thankful list" this year.

Favorite Drug Store Products

2009-11-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

I have tried many many mascaras from low to high brands and I always come back to Loreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black. It thickens my lashes and gives it volume. I get the brush that is curved and that adds some length too. It does everything you would want it to do, all for a cheep price! I have found nothing to top this!

My other staple is Revlon's Color Stay Liquid Liner. The brush is stiff, so it is easy to put on the liquid line. It lasts for 12 hours with no problem...doesn't smudge. I don't EVER EVER EVER use anything but this product. I am sold an in love.

Murad Oil Control Mattifier

2009-11-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

Murad Oil Control is crazy expensive, but I got it on sale a while back. This stuff is amazing. I had little bumps on my face that I could not get rid of. My face was shining ball of glistening shine...but this stuff has come into play. I no longer have tiny bumps on my forhead. I rarely have shine. This stuff is MATTIFYING let me tell you! My face is so smooth. It is almost extremly drying, but you only use a pea size. I only use it on my forhead and nose so I have high hopes that this will last me for quite a while. I cannot begin to explain just how non-oily my face is with this stuff. I have never felt this way...or at least I don't remember the days. It acts for me as a primer. I have never seen a difference with primers--but this gives me the look that a primer should give you. I don't use it all the time (because I forget) I usually do it if I'm not going to use my balance and brighten.

Laura Geller Balance & Brighten

2009-11-28T18:22:00.000-08:00

One of my co-workers always looks so amazing even after working for 12 hrs. I asked her secret was and she whispered "Laura Geller Balance and Brighten" So I went and watched Laura talk about her products on QVC and was completely sold. The only thing that held me back was the price. After much deliberation, I gave in. It only comes in 2 colors. Fair and Regular. I have the fair one. I bought the brush that goes with it on ebay for 7 dollars and it is so soft. What this product does is gives me a foundation look that lasts my 12 hour shift. Not around my nose, because I have severe redness, but the rest of my complection is even. It is quite subtle. When I first bought it, I thought I could not tell a difference. My mom loved it, but I just put it in my makeup stash. Two wks ago, I put it on just to put it on. 5 am I looked in the mirror and could not figure out why my face looked so complete after running like a mad woman all night--it then dawned on me--my balance and brighten. So it is a subtle thing. I don't want to stash out that money again, but I think it is going to last me 6 months--so that is 5 dollars a month.

Colors and Handbags

2009-11-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have this huge love for mustard and brown colored handbags--not sure why. Maybe it's having brown hair and being an autumn color supporter.
Pictures from polyvore.com

Mustard Handbag & Gladrags by Frances..x featuring Melie Bianco bags

Items in this set:
Bottega Veneta dress, 615 GBP
Shopruche.com dress, $37
Bottega Veneta sweater, 320 GBP
3.1 Phillip Lim cardigan, 120 GBP
Red Herring cardigan, 10 GBP

Luv Large Brown Bags

Handbags & Gladrags by Frances..x featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs bags

Here I go again...mustard and brown!

Gold & Brown Handbag by Frances..x featuring 1928 jewelry

Items in this set:
Vena Cava dress, $715
Forever21 dress, $18
Buckle.com t shirt, $70
Arden B top, $38
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania skirt, $337

I think red sometimes is too brass. I bought some red boots last Christmas and ended up taking them back because I thought it look "brass and too bold" for the type of person I am and wanting to protray.
I WILL though, carry a red purse. I bought one last year and just picked it lately and it is a new found love.

Red Handbag & Gladrags by Frances..x featuring Dorothy Perkins

Items in this set:
Oli.co.uk dress, 83 GBP
Oasis-stores.com dress, 35 GBP
Norma Kamali top, 315 GBP
Dorothy Perkins t shirt, 6 GBP
Ann Demeulemeester jacket, 505 GBP

This color combination is beautiful, but I don't care for the purse. Too stiff and shaped odd.

Pink/Green Handbag & Gladrags by Frances..x featuring Balenciaga bags

Items in this set:
Mytheresa.com dress, 2,344 GBP
Tara Starlet dress, 75 GBP
TopShop dress, 55 GBP
Old Navy top, $8.50
Victoria's Secret t shirt, $697

I'm Coming Back To Me

2009-11-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

I'm coming back to the old me. I went through this really long period (months) of wanting to just look professional and plain. Well, I decided, plain is not me and never has been quite me. I am professional in dress always--but there is always a distinct adorkable-ness me. I've always kind of dressed over the top...all the way up until I graduated from college, then I just lost it and all I thought about was being plain. Well, my old style has been resurrected and I am coming alive once again. :)
I got these plaid shirts where the sleeves roll up to the elbows and these are like pastal and brown fall colors and they they are quite long (goes over the back pockets of pants) then I'll wear them with slim pants, a large necklace and a big purse. I bought these shirts on sale at JC Penny for 8 dollars each!
I wish I had time to post pictures--they are highly adorable.

Embracing New Styles

2009-11-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

I would not mind embracing this style. I think I would look too big in the pants of the top pics though (pictures from justbecausefashion.com)

OPI "Mod About You"

2009-11-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

So, I purchased my first OPI nail "Mod About You". I debated and debated over actually paying 8 dollars for a bottle of polish, then after wks, I gave in and I luv it. :) I fell in love with lollipop26 wearing it (http://www.youtube.com/user/lollipop26#p/u)...it is just gorgeous on and so natural. I think I could even wear it to work at the hospital.

I really like this OPI and China Glaze haul... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHm-YzBNUYk&feature=related)

(Picture from google images)

Waisted Shirts, Blogs & Boots

2009-09-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I JUST DISCOVERED a website today looks uh GREAT!
http://www.kaboodle.com/ Can hardly wait to look and see what it is all about. The styleboard gallary and blogs might be something I've been looking for... :D

I love these types of waisted shirts. I am in need of a dressy black one like this.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=373960&CategoryID=41778

But I would never pay that much money for something that I did not try on first, and it kind of looks too thin for the winter.

I'm also on the lookout for cute dressy boots. I saw these at Debs the other day for 30 dollars, and didn't try them on because I just don't feel like I should fork out that much money for a pair of boots. If I can rational that I am going to wear them frequently then I would invest... I think they are really cute and don't too uncomfortable....
http://www.debshops.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3735999&cp=3371588.3365352

Sephora

2009-09-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

I think I want this...
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P242126&categoryId=C10214&shouldPaginate=true

I pretty much only wear a neutral brown eye with good mascara. I feel self-conscious (weird, because I sure played it up in college) in juicy lipcolors, but prefer a natural medium pink lip color.

Since mascara is my new way to be subtle and dramatic, I about flipped when I saw this new gift set....
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P247392&categoryId=C8330&shouldPaginate=true

but then discovered there is no water-proof mascaras in the stash. I was going to ease my conscious for making the purchase by giving my mom the water-proof ones, but there is none, so I think I must resist this purchase. I should not look at it anymore, or might wilt.

My mom picked up a sample of this http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P9889&categoryId=C10905 but I have not tried it yet.

When Rachel got a makeover by the smashbox artist, I told Rachel I would buy the foundation. But I literally screamed in the store when I saw the price and opted for ebay.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P228100&categoryId=C10905

FYI: I went to Bare Minerals for the first time over my holiday as well, and was completely disappointed and think the place is for the birds.

Shopping and Such

2009-09-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Russe has become my new fun store to shop in. I go through stages where I only like one store and well...this is the one I'm on right now. Well, that and Sephora. My style has dramatically changed since college life. I could never be bright enough, match enough and stand out enough. I am not sure why I've changed and even my family thinks that I've lost my personal signature, but I just don't feel comfortable like that anymore. I love brown, earthy colors. I feel more professional in neutral colors, yet colors that compliment my complexion. I'm still in the babydoll look to some extent.

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3769175

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3732580

The Twist

2009-01-09T12:17:00.001-08:00

I enjoy doing this when my hair is kinky

Step 1
Make a side part. Starting with the bigger side, gather front section from the ear to your part and smooth it so the hairline then twist several times upward toward your part.
Step 2
Secure the hair along the line of the twist with several bobby pins. At the end of the twist, criss-cross bobby pins to anchor the twist in place (what I do for my sister) or use a little clips if you have a lot of hair like me. Repeat on the smaller side.
Step 3
Spray into place
(pictures compliments of totatbeauty.com)

Milkmaid Braids?

2009-01-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

I don't really like the way I look in braids, but I wish I could pull these braids off. I just might try it...

(teamsugar.com)

(beautyglam.com)

Poofy Scarves

2009-01-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

I love poofie scarves!

Check out these scarves at www.mckernanscarves.com/

Making Jeans Cuter

2008-12-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, I don't like to wear jeans because it makes me look SO normal...but in the frigid winter months, one can't help but wear jeans every now and then out of necessity. I am highly excited about the rolled up jeans look!!!

I am also rolling my jeans up when I wear my ugg boots (instead of tucking them in sometimes) to which is so cute imho. :)

I don't like them neatly rolled up, they have to look kind of messy in order to look cute.

In search of boots...

2008-12-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

I am in search of some black boots for me to wear with my leggins as well as to wear to church. I want some dressy and some non-dressy ones. I am trying to hold off until after Christmas because I know everything will be on sale soon. :)

I love the rounded toe, and I think they look so classy!
Hot Tomato Justina

I wanted these boots for everyday in black and red, but the only have them in small sizes. I waited too long to decide. Boo Hoo

My Style~

2008-12-20T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have not watched Blair Waldorf on TV, nor do I care to...but I just became aware of a girl that has my taste of style!
I love the big, gaudy, yet girly headbands!

Look at this elegant look! So gorgeous!

Love the babydoll look, yet I would want the dress to be a bit longer with leggins instead of tights.What I love about this look is how it reminds me of what I wore when I was 5 and 6, yet you can still wear it and look preppie and girlie all in the same look!

Who would have ever thought to wear a green headband with it? I need to expand my colors and try to mix-match more...I'm working on it!I would want the dress to my knees

Look at that!!! Just look at that!!! That seriously has my name written all over it!