Kianna’s Korner

Book Review: One Sentence Storybooks

2015-03-14T15:41:00.002-04:00

About the Book:

One sentence. One Bible story.One great teachable moment.

Each storybook contains beginning vocabulary words and charming illustrations as well as a devotional activity for parent and child to do together. All these elements combine for an outstanding educational and faith-building experience.

My Review:

Bible Favorites One Sentence StoryBooks by Nancy I. Sanders is a darling collection of one sentence story books. The illustrations, bright and colorful, appeal to small children. In addition, the simple sentences encourage reading comprehension as well as vocabulary.

My younger sister Genesis really enjoyed these ten mini books. She'd flip through the pages and though she is past the reading level, she enjoyed the extra activities in the last few pages of each book. The Story booklets feature stories from the Old and New Testament including: The Sun and Moon, Two Mice and the Ark, Moses and the Bush, David and the Giant, The City Wall, The Star and the Kings, Jesus on the Water, The Good Shepherd, The Sad Son, & The Angel and the Cave. The first book beginning with creation and the last the resurrection of Christ.

I personally think that this idea, one sentence mini books, is a great idea for small children.

The set of ten books comes in a small light weight cardboard box featuring a Velcro tab. The fact that these 5.5"x7" readers can all be stored together minimizes loss.These take up very minimal space in the home and can easily be brought along when traveling.

Book Review: The Jesus Code

2014-09-30T19:56:00.000-04:00

About the Book:

Jesus gets attention not with exclamation marks, but with question marks.

Jesus was always asking questions. Whether with a small group or large crowd, Jesus opened hearts and minds by asking questions that grasped attention and made one think. In The Jesus Code, author O. S. Hawkins poses fifty-two thought-provoking questions found throughout the Bible that believers should be able to answer as they grow in their faith and share their faith with others. Each question features a devotional thought to help readers find answers and promote further reflection.

Sample questions include:

What does the Lord require of you?

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Who is my neighbor?

What is your life? A vapor that appears and vanishes away?

Why do you seek the living among the dead?

Will a man rob God?

My Review:

The Jesus Code is the newest resource I've added to my Bible study repertoire. This book is beautifully bound and engraved with filigree pattern on the front cover, making it visually appealing. It's content is just as appealing as it's exterior. I have so enjoyed my study time while using this book, reading the given questions and answers and jotting down portions that have been a blessing for me.

I really appreciate O.S. Hawkins approach to scripture and study questions. Each question's answer is broken up into sections that help the reader gradually come to the Bible based answer. I also like how Hawkins draws out the story behind each question and explains how to live out these answers in everyday life.

Book Review: Get To Know Apostle Paul

2014-07-28T21:16:00.001-04:00

Book Description:

Apostle Paul - part of the Get to Know series - is a unique biography about Paul. Focusing on the life and character of this Biblical hero, using color photographs, maps, and other visual resources to tell the whole story, young biography fans will come to learn more about this man of the God, his writings, his impact on the early church, and the role he plays in history. Featuring a bibliography and scriptural references throughout, this is sure to become a favorite for young readers and for first book reports.

My Review:

My younger sister Genesis loves colorful books; she is always drawn to them and can read and re-read her favorites several times a day! When I saw this book, I knew that, even though she's in the earlier stages of reading, she would enjoy the facts and pictures.

Get To Know Apostle Paul is a full-color biography for kids complete with easy to understand text portions, fun facts titled Did You Know? and a dictionary of sorts that define words such as resurrection and false witnesses to give kids a better understanding of Bible terms. I found all of these resources within the book to be helpful and insightful. Not only is Get To Know Apostle Paul an easy read, it's also an entertaining read. Any curious child with an appetite for learning will find this read enjoyable. I think my favorite part are the full-color photos; they're just like the ones found in "grown-up" Bible dictionaries and concordances. The overall look of this book, I think, also encourages young children in their own study of scripture because it's easy to use but bits of it resemble study books parents use.

So, if you're looking for fun Bible study resource for your children (or younger siblings) I highly recommend the Get To Know series including the Get To Know Apostle Paul title.

Book Review: Gods At War

2014-07-01T16:05:00.000-04:00

About the Book:

The next step in becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus. False gods war within each and every one of us, fighting for a place of glory and control in our lives. In this student edition of gods at war, Kyle Idleman, bestselling author of Not a Fan, demonstrates how the desire for things like popularity, acceptance, and success can become modern-day idols that keep us from truly following Jesus Christ. Behind the everyday pressures, fears, and lack of purpose is a false god who too often is winning the war in our hearts. By asking insightful questions and looking at the issues from a teen's point of view, Idleman reveals which false gods most often take the place of the one true God. Then, using powerful and honest testimonies of people like you who have struggled in each area, gods at war student edition illustrates a clear path away from the heartache of 21st-century idolatry back to the heart of God.

My Review:

gods at war is an inspiring devotional that motivates it's readers to examine their spiritual lives and identify those gods that are trying to, and in fact are taking the place of God. Kyle offered such insightful views on the whole topic of idolatry and the root of every issue: selfishness. Reading through this book opened my eyes to the fact that everyday things, objects of our everyday lives can easily become idols and strongholds in our lives. Kyle Idleman address the struggles that come our way as young adults, adults, and tweens. There was also humor peppered all through this read, which made it even more enjoyable to read.

One highlights of this book is the fact that younger audineces can easily relate to and understand the topics. Also, its humor, it's straightforwardness, and most importantly, the fact that is it Bible based and heavily scriptural is also a highlight. Unlike many other spiritual books out today, gods at war was very honest about idolatry. It wasn't a watered down sugar-coated version of what the Bible says.

I think that anyone who reads gods at war will definitely benefit from it's insight and message.

BFF Tag! With Alicia

2014-05-08T20:57:00.001-04:00

Alicia is such a gem. She and I are cousins who grew up like sisters. We are only three weeks apart. She said, (and I totally agree!) that she is my prima hmna, crib-mate, babysitting buddy, crime fighting, make believe playmate, long time confidant, and sister-in-Christ. I love her so much and have truly been blessed by her!

A while back, she and I collaborated in filming a BFF Tag. You can watch part 1 on her blog here and enjoy part 2 + funny bloopers on mine :)

BFF Tag 2 from Alicia on Vimeo.

Tomorrow Is A Really Big Day + Giveaway Winner

2014-05-02T17:15:00.002-04:00

If you follow me on Instagram (@kianna_rose) then you might know that tomorrow I take my SATs! I'll admit, I am pretty excited for this test! When I attended public school, I was a great test taker. I paced myself well, I was never one to have nervous breakdowns and I always scored high (so I hope that those good test taking skills will be present)! Tomorrow, though, I will be confronted with a much longer test, one whose score can very well determine my college education!

Since the beginning of 11th grade, I have been prepping and studying for this test. I've worked on my vocabulary and I've watched YouTube videos to sharpen my math skills. I spent much of this week in my room taking practice tests, so I believe that mentally, I am prepared. All of this prepping got me thinking: What if I don't score well? Several times I simply brushed these thoughts aside, but this week, I addressed those creeping fears. So, what if, for some reason, I don't score well? I am continually reminded of my life verse, Jeremiah 29:11

If I don't score well, I know that HE was in control. I know that HE has my life in His hands and HE knows what is best for me! Maybe I won't go to college or pursue a profession. Maybe that isn't God's will for my life. BUT, I want to leave the results up to HIM and be content with whatever happens!

I was telling my mom today that I am excited for this test. I told her that it excites me to know that this it's the first step in my plan to attending college, it's the first step to a future that HE has mapped out for me. I look forward to a wonderful future and all that awaits me. I know that there will be challenges and struggles ahead but I also know that there will be victories!

***

Now, onto the winner! Thank you ladies for sharing your favorite apps and entering my April giveaway. The winner is: Karen!!! Congratulations!

A Few Of My Favorite Things || April + A Giveaway

2014-04-25T17:45:00.002-04:00

Ah… April has been a lovely month. Many days were warm and sunny and just made me excited for spring and summer! Who is ready for more favorites? Oh, and before I forget, I purchased a new something special that I hope to talk about in next month's installment of A Few Of My Favorite Things so sty tuned!

1. Okay! I just had to try the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer! I had such a good experience with their Baby Lips lip balms (did I mention that I bought another one?) that I had a pretty good feeling that this pore eraser/primer would be amazing. For a while, I had been on the hunt for a product that would blur my pores and give me a more even looking face. I'm telling you, the first time I applied the product, I was astonished at how well it worked! Now, it didn't completely erase my pores, but I noticed that they were indeed visibly blurred and that I had an almost airbrushed look. Something else I noticed about this product was its velvety feel and finish on my skin, just like baby skin! This product does not have color so it isn't for concealing but it work very well on pores!

2. My second favorite item this month was the e.l.f Zit Zapper. Both Liza and Elina shared how well it worked so I thought I'd give it a try. Plus, it was only a dollar at Target! #TargetDoesItAgain! This roll-on product worked well for me. Over a period of a few days I noticed that it helped to reduce redness and swelling caused by my *wonderfully* acne-prone skin. It smells minty, like menthol and that is due to the Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Camphor in it. It's now definitely a staple in my skin care routine!

3. If you read my last A Few Of My Favorite Things post, you know I'm a lip balm lover! I can now proudly say that since my last post, I have nearly finished two lip products, and one of which was my EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit. I first got "into" the evolution of smooth (EOS) when my mom purchased an EOS lip balm several years ago. She had a couple of them in our stock pile so I asked for one. I've used this lip balm almost daily and I can say that it definitely moisturizes. I've also noticed that this lip balm is long lasting which I think could be attributed to the thickness of the product. I even bought three more! I got the Strawberry Sorbet, the limited edition Passion Fruit and the Blueberry Acai.

4. I don't always have time sign on to blogger to check my favorite blogs (can you tell?) and read the latest posts, so I decided to download the Bloglovin' app. Now, if you know me, then you know how picky I am when it comes to having apps on my phone! I don't like to take up my phone's memory if I don't need whatever's on there and that includes pictures, notes, and apps! Basically, if there's an app on my phone, then you know I like it! I like that I can easily see when a favorite blog has a new post and I like that I can "heart" posts. The cool part is that the "hearts" are saved so I can look back to any post I want to re-read or reference.

I hope you enjoyed this month's installment of A Few Of My Favorite Things! For this month's giveaway, one lady willwin an EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit! All you have to do to enter is tell me what are some of your favorite apps? If you don't have apps, then share some of your favorite things (movies, music, products, etc.) (Giveaway open until 4/2. Must live in the USA)

(Disclaimer: The items in this post were not selected or mentioned for review)

Black + White + A Bold Aztec Print

2014-04-23T19:30:00.000-04:00

How did you all spend your resurrection Sunday? Mine was such a blessing! At our church, all of the children and youth shared words of gratitude or praised with a song. Celebrating the resurrection of our Savior is such a special time each year for us and our church. Aside from the spiritual preparation of Resurrection Sunday, there's also a bit of fashion preparation that goes into the day too :)

This past Sunday I wore all black and white, which is something I don't typically do. I love color… A LOT, so even a pop of color is a must with for every one of my outfits!

My top is actually two tops. The solid print one is a black tank style shirt with a flow-y criss cross in the front. In the back, there's a "train" or tail. This shirt was so fun and the "train" was a little bit unexpected. I think I like that!

Then, because it's still a bit chilly outside, I paired the dressy tank with a lace turtle neck. I love this shirt for so many reasons! It's so versatile in style.

In my opinion, I think that this aztec/geometric is the star of the outfit! The silhouette, length and of course the print bring together the other pieces of my look. Isn't it fun?

And finally, I chose my little cutout oxford style shoes to complete my outfit. I was toying with the idea of wearing a new pair of black heels, but these shoes seemed to coordinate with the look. Overall, I felt that this little ensemble I put together was just right for spring. The dressier pieces like the tank and lace turtle neck were toned down a bit by the oxfords. It was effortless (and by effortless I mean easy to wear) and still fashionable.

What do you think? Also, do you think I should post more of my outfits? And, I couldn't forget about my lovely photographers, Alicia and Aizess.

A Few Of My Favorite Things || March Giveaway Winner

2014-04-01T14:53:00.000-04:00

I know… I know. I was supposed to have the winner information up for A Few Of My Favorite Things || March + A Giveaway on Friday, but some unforeseen and wonderfully unexpected things came up like a sleepover at grandma's and an ice skating party the next day. I apologize ladies for leaving you in the dark but now into the good news!

Congratulations Chloe! You said, "Hi Kianna, I try to wash my face every day... And sometimes I put a natural face cream on, but otherwise I keep it natural. :) I'd love to win the lip balm! ~Chloe" You can email me here to claim your prize. Winner have 48 hours to redeem prize of another winner will be chosen.

Thank you all for entering and sharing what skin products you love!

A Few Of My Favorite Things || March + A Giveaway

2014-03-21T14:32:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that the month of March is nearly over? It feels like just a short while ago I posted my February favorites and it's already time for another post! Did you enjoy last month's post? Did you try anything from that post? I'd love to hear you thoughts :)

1. Like I told a friend of mine, I am guilty of opening new lip products (balms, tints, etc) without finishing the ones I've already started. As a result, I now have 6 or 7 lip products open that I'm rotating and/or combining in an effort to finish them off! This month, I've used my CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in #235 Tru Luv. Can I just point out how ca-ute the packaging is?!? No, but seriously, I really enjoyed this lipslick :) I usually get nude to lightly tinted lip balms and this particular color was a winner for me. It's sheer but has a slight pink-ish hint which I personally love. It's also glossy but not oily looking. I've worn this lipslick almost everyday this month (and have reapplied!) and something I've come to love is the smell! #IsThatWeird? It smells fruity! I'm actually wearing this as I write this post :)

2. This month, I've also focused on taking better care of my skin. I've washed my face everyday, several times a day and after each wash, I now apply my Boots Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner. Initially, I was worried that a new product, though it was all-natural, would irritate my already sensitive, acne-prone face. I was pleasantly surprised that that wasn't the case! I feel like this toner hydrates my skin while leaving it feeling fresh and truly brightened!

3. During a recent trip to Costco, we picked up a variety box of Special K Cracker Chips. The box came with three different flavors - Sea Salt, Sour Cream & Onion and Southwest Ranch- but my personal favorite was Sour Cream & Onion. I like a snack ever so often, but since the New Year, I am trying to limit my snacks and make all around smarter choices. These chips are under 100 calories (not that I'm counting!) and taste great!

4. I've been a fan of TOMS shoes for a long time! I liked the popular canvas slip-ons, but recently, I looked at the other styles and I am loving their Correa Sandals. I haven't ordered a pair yet, but I love the effortless style of these sandals. They're dressy and casual at the same time! My favorite fun prints would be the Navy Geometric or the Multi Geometric. They remind me of spring and boy, oh boy, am I ready for spring!

5. Last month I talked about the VSCOcam app but this month, a new fave is the Afterlight app. It's $0.99 but to me, its totally worth it! I started using my Afterlight app more frequently because for some strange reason, my VSCOcam wasn't working. Every cloud has a silver lining, huh! There are a ton of filters that are just gorgeous! Another cool thing about this app is the shape overlay tool. You can overlay your pictures with regular shapes (circles, triangles, hexagons) but also with letters! My favorite is obviously "K" :)

I hope you enjoyed this month's installment of A Few Of My Favorite Things! For this month's giveaway, one lady will win either a Cover Girl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in #235 Tru Luv OR Boots Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner! She gets to choose! All you have to do to enter is tell me what skin products you love? What keeps your face looking lovely and clear? (Giveaway open until 3/28. Must live in the USA)

(Disclaimer: The items in this post were not selected or mentioned for review)

Winter Days + Giveaway Winner

2014-02-28T09:25:00.001-05:00

It's been winter for a really long time. I'm honestly already looking forward to spring and summer weather. Yes, when the snow first fell, I was enamored by the beauty of it, but now, after several embarrassing slips, trips, and terrible tumbles, I'm ready for ice and snow free roads. One good thing about winter snowfalls: Lovely winter photos.

And, because I know you're all waiting for me to announce the winner of the A Few Of My Favorite Things || February giveaway: Alicia!

A Few Of My Favorite Things || February + A Giveaway

2014-02-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

I thought that it'd be a fun idea to start a monthly roundup of things I'm loving lately, as an add on to my A Few Of MY Favorite Things series. Some of the things I share will be beauty products while others will be books, a favorite article/blog/blog post, or some piece of clothing I'm swooning over at present. Basically, I want to share what I'm loving in monthly increments.

1. MY CAMERA! This purchase has been years in the making and it was so worth the wait! What do I love about my camera? Everything!!! It's a Canon T3i and it's been in my hand every minute since I got it in the mail… Well, not EVERY minute, but you know what I mean… like almost every minute :)

2. I don't know if you've tried these Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms, but they are wonderful! I love it in Peach Kiss! This particular color is not too pigmented so that it looks chalky or orangey (because of the shade) but not too sheer where it looks like you have nothing on. In my opinion, it's the perfect lip balm nude shade with just the right amount of gloss.

3. I received this Vera Bradley All-In-One Wristlet from Liza in a mail swap we hosted a few months ago. I love it so much and I can prove it: I take it with me everywhere! I love everything Vera Bradley but this wristlet is a favorite because it's so super functional for me! I can fit my ID in the window on the front, my debit card, library card, metro card in the slots on the side, loose change in the zipper pocket and small miscellaneous doodads in the inner and back pockets. On most days, I don't leave home without it! Oh, and mine is in the pattern Cupcakes Green.

4. I love sharing photos on Instagram (@kianna_rose) but sometimes I like editing them a bit before posting them. I use a few different apps, but one of my new favorites is the VSCOcam app. They have amazing filters and you can easily edit their intensity too! The VSCO filters give my photos an ethereal look to them. I've been using this app to edit most of this month's IG photos.

Now onto something fun: I found some products this month that I really love and I want to give one of you ladies a chance to try the Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss! Yes, all you have to do is comment below and tell me what are some of your favorite products. (Giveaway open until 2/27. Must live in the USA)

Also, stay tuned for next months edition (which I promise will have many more favorites)… and you guessed it, another giveaway!

(Disclaimer: The items in this post were not selected or mentioned for review)

Five On Five : February

2014-02-05T14:11:00.001-05:00

The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within.

-William C. Bryant

Two Thousand Fourteen || Making Goals and Sticking With Them

2014-01-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

Every year I make a list of New Years Resolutions. Some years the goals I've set for myself are reasonable and I complete them but other years, I just don't get around to them. You know how it is… school, chores, and a bunch of other things claim hold of my attention at present. This year, 2014, I've thought long and hard about which goals I want to make my resolutions. Not only that, but I've also taken broad goals like "Get Fit" and described exactly what I hope to achieve.

1. Read the whole Bible in a year

Stay on track each day.
Write down at least one verse that ministered me from that day's portion.

Why?

For several years, I had done a plan where I read the whole Bible in 90 days! It was a blessing but also a testing time for me. Each day I had to read 16+ chapters (I'd finish the book of Genesis in about 3 days) so I would constantly fall behind and feel a bit overwhelmed. There wasn't time for in-depth study or even putting much thought into what I was reading. I've decided to take a more manageable approach and read the whole Bible in a year. This way, I have time to study and write down any questions I may have.

2. Get fit

Eat better, healthier foods.
Drink much more water, 4+ cups a day.
Exercise daily.

Why?

I like junk food. I do. It's just so good but not good for me. I've decided that it's about time to eat better food and do exercises more often. I get winded walking up a flight of stairs… but that's going to change!

3. Get Organized

Straighten up my room once a week and put away what ever didn't get put away before.
Keep up with my pen pal letters.
Keep my journal and chore calendar updated.

Why?

I've lost way to many papers, sent out way to many letters later than I intended and quit writing in way to many journals this year!

4. Manage my finances

Track my deposits and withdrawals.
Set a monthly budget and not exceed it!

Why?

Last year I spent money and didn't always write down my deposits or withdrawals. I want to be a good steward of what the Lord has blessed me with and that means managing my money properly and knowing how much needs to go to tithe and offering.

5. Work on my character

Exercise and live out the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) even when it seems impossible.
Be more patient and forgiving.
Be more disciplined.

Why?

I realized that this past year, I wasn't fully living out the purpose and calling God had for my life. I want to walk in love more and in turn, reflect God's love.

6. Work on the things that make me happy

Photography: Buy my camera! (This is definitely {hopefully} going to happen!)
Web and print design: I've had a passion for this creative outlet and I think I'll pursue it further.

Why?

I really enjoy being creative and sometimes, that creativity pulls me in so many directions. I want to hone in on certain skills I think God had blessed me with, and perfect them for His glory. He has given me so many ideas and I can't wait to see where they take me!

_________

Like I siad before, I haven't always stuck with every one of my New Years Resolutions, but I have learned how to keep those that are really important to my heart.

1. Decide.

Which goals are most important to you? Why are they important? When you decide on what you want to accomplish this year, you are giving yourself purpose and direction, which is the first step to persevering throughout the year

2. Write it down + break it down.

Like I did above, I wrote down my goals and broke them down into smaller pieces. I was specific in what I wanted to accomplish with each goal. In this step, you can begin planning your first step. In the instance of buying my camera (which I REALLY want) I can start with doing research and comparing models.

3. Keep going.

I know that around February, we can start to forget about our goals and the passion we had at the beginning of the year starts to dwindle down to almost nothing. When this happens, the best thing to do is to remember why you started that particular goal in the first place. Even if you give up (which, in the name of Jesus won't happen!) you can always start up again! A year from now, you'll be glad you started today!

4. Celebrate!

After you've made sacrifices to fulfill your dreams and goals, you have to celebrate. Maybe you can buy yourself something pretty or indulge in something fun, like a spa day? In the instance of my goal "Get fit", I plan on setting apart a jar that I'll put a dollar into each time I exercise. Then, at the end of the year, I'll have, what I hope will be a good wad of cash and treat myself to something.

What are some of your New Years Resolutions? What are some methods that help you stay on track? I"d love to learn your secrets :)

Finally, remember that no matter what happened last year, no matter the failures, this is a new year and a new slate to write down your goals and dreams.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Something Fun: 5 Favorite Things Swap

2013-10-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, I have found different swaps among bloggers and Instagramers. You know, when different people mail each other little trinkets and gifts. Well each swap I had seen was over by the time I wanted to join. Bummer! Then Liza, Elina, Deanna and I decided to host a swap of our own! After discussing the details, we came up with the swap theme: 5 Favorite Things! For this swap, participants will mail their partner 5 of their favorite things. Sounds fun!?!

Well, we've decided to invite all of you to participate in this swap. Just email us here and you'll get paired up with someone.

Here are just a few rules and extra information to get you started in this swap:

The swap sign up starts October 7 and the sign up closes on October 21!

When you receive your package, don't forget to share what you received in a blog post or on social media sites using #5favthingsswap

When you send your partner their package, don't forget to include a little note with your social media links like Instagram so that you can connect after the swap too!

This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. Sorry :(

When sending your gifts, you will have to pay for the shipping fee, and stamps. (Just in case you were wondering:)

And last but definitely not least, don't forget to ship out your partner's package by October 31! Their counting on you!

Have fun with this swap and think outside of the box when you're filling up your partner's box with 5 of your favorite things. Girls of all ages are going to be a part of this swap so gifts must be appropriate.

If you would like to be a part of the swap, just tell us a little about yourself (like if you have any allergies!) and send your full mailing address (don't worry, your address will be kept private)

Do you think your friends might be interested in joining us in this swap? Feel free to share with them the details! The more the merrier!

Book Review: The Lost Medallion

2013-09-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

About the Book:

The legend of the Lost Medallion has haunted Billy Stone’s family for two hundred years. His father’s search for the treasure ruined his career and his relationship with Billy. But when Billy find the medallion himself, it isn’t the end of his troubles- it’s just the beginning.

Hurtled back through time, Billy and his best friend Allie must confront and evil that threatens both the past and their future. To defeat this dark force, they must search deep within themselves for the True source of power and strength- or they’ll never see home again.

More than just a story, The Lost Medallion is a tale of sacrifice, of good versus evil, and of learning that each on of us is a treasure to God.

My Review:

The Lost Medallion by Bill Muir and Alex Kendrick was a book that I was ecstatic about reading and reviewing. Knowing the type of creative and entertaining faith-filled works Alex Kendrick is capable of, especially in the films Fireproof and Courageous, I knew that this book was going to be a great read.

When I signed up for this tour, I had a vague idea of what the book was about. I understood that there was some sort of lost medallion and a kid was destined to find it and then hold great power. What I didn't know was that the authors were going to go deeper than just the average superficial adventure novel and touch base on some pretty tough topics like self worth, the importance of being a responsible leader and the need to look to God for help in every situation. I found their way of explaining these topics kid-friendly and easy to understand while being entertaining the whole way through.

I'll be honest: I'm not really into reading about evil kings who kill their subjects with a nail dipped in poison nor am I into the sci-fi genre, but this book was different. As I read, I was truly intrigued by the mystery and danger wrapped up in finding the legendary medallion. I was also surprised by the many twists and turns of this book. For several nights in a row I'd find myself up (at ghastly hours) hurrying to finish one "good" part after the other.

I thought that I should mention that though there were several mentions to fights it wasn't graphic, gross or gut-spilling.

One of my favorite external parts of this books was the QR codes and pictures scattered throughout. This made the adventure all the more real because I no longer had to imagine what was happening at different intervals of the story, but I could actually catch glimpses into the movie while reading.

I was pleasantly surprised how interested I became in reading and finishing this book. The messages of selflessness, self worth, trust in God and integrity were all clear and weaved right into the story, in a way that kids could easily understand. I love to find a book, that though targeted to another audience, in this case to young tweens and teens, can still be appealing to another audience, in my case a romance-historical-Amishetc. fiction reader :) If you're looking for a book that's a bit outside of your comfort zone, I encourage you to read The Lost Medallion. It was definitely a worth while read filled to the brim with suspense, action, adventure and faith! It wasn't a stagnant read, actually, it was pretty easy to get through because it was so interesting! I'd happily rate it 5 out of 5 stars!

Baking With Little Sister: PB Cookie In A Cup

2013-09-12T13:50:00.000-04:00

My sister Genesis loves to bake cookies with me. Almost every night before she goes to sleep she asks me, "Kianna, can we bake cookies tomorrow?" Months before, we used up all of our chocolate chips while making this recipe, so I was stuck. I was on a mission to find a new recipe that we could make to hold us off until we got a chance to get some more chocolate chips. I found this great recipe for Peanut Butter Cookie In A Cup and since we had all of the ingredients on hand, it was perfect.

Here's the recipe and a Instagram video of my sister and I baking it while jammin' to KLOVE.

Peanut Butter Cookie In A Cup

1 Tablespoon of Butter

1 Tablespoon of Peanut Butter

1 Tablespoon of firmly packed Dark Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon of Granulated White Sugar

2-3 drops of Pure Vanilla Extract {a splash}

Small pinch of Kosher Salt

1 egg yolk

3 level Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour

Crushed Peanuts for topping (optional)

In a bowl, melt peanut butter and butter together in microwave for about 30 seconds.

Add sugars, salt and vanilla and stir to combine.

Add egg yolk and stir again. Add flour and give a final stir. Scoop mixture into a mug.

Sprinkle peanuts on top (if you're using peanuts) heat in microwave for around 45 seconds. Microwaves vary, so start checking for doneness at 35 seconds. Serve warm!

Portraits // Alicia

2013-08-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

On July 27th, Alicia and I decided to have a little photo shoot. We had done one about six months back and at the time we realized how hard it is to pose and shoot in manual all while getting some decent photos of each other. We faced several setbacks, like uncharged cameras but we got through it laughing. We vowed that the next time we had a photo shoot, we'd be more prepared and we were. We busted out "the BIG cameras" and scouted the location we planned to shoot in. We got a sense of light and where we wanted each other to pose. We had so much fun!

Ali (as I call her) is my now 16 year old cousin. We've been besties forever and have these funny inside jokes that with just the slightest look at the each other, we can burst out laughing. She is super talented at drawing (even though she won't admit it) and her laugh makes me laugh. Without further ado here are just a few of my favorites of her. She's gorgeous!

Score Thrifty: With Just Twenty Dollars In My Pocket

2013-07-31T16:25:00.000-04:00

Today I went thrifting with one goal in mind: get as many things as possible, all with out going over my $20 budget. I had seen the idea on Pinterest and knew that it'd be a great challenge for me. I think that if I have this goal every time I go thrifting, I'd be more selective and choosy about what I get and how much I spend. Believe me, my wallet will thank me later! Doing this challenge also made thrifting extra fun; almost like a treasure hunt….

My first stop was to a thrift store in Mt. Vernon; a cutesy little neighborhood with pretty shops and what not. I like going to this thrift store for their great shoe selection and pretty baskets and skirts and you get the idea. I once found a pair of TOMS there! Today I found these super cute biker-esqe, vintage boots. They were regularly $7.99 but since this thrift store has the shoes at 50% off, these boots only cost me $4! They were the single most expensive thing I purchased!

The detailing in these boots is just gorg. The snaps there allow you to fold the high-top part down.

I also scored this beautiful Gap jacket (I should have steamed it first) I plan on wearing this when the weather gets a bit colder with one of my new scarves. It was regularly $6.99 but with an additional 50% off, I scored it for just $3.49

I love the detailing in the sleeves and neckline.

My second and final stop was to my neighborhood thrift store. This store is "THE" place to get great books! They sell them for 90% off the original retail price!

I got this vintage Snoopy 5 piece book set for about $0.30! When I saw it on the shelf, I didn't even thumb through it! I just saw that awesome graphic cover and was like "I'm getting it!" Then, in the car, I looked at them and guess what? These 5 books are…. comic books! Sweet!

I also scored these American Girl books for my little sister at about $0.19 apiece! When she learns how to read, she'll really enjoy these :|

I like helping Genesis grow her library so these classics are her's as well. I remember reading and loving these books as a kid! Now, wasn't that Amelia Bedelia something? I also bought some other books for Genesis and even an English & Grammar book for me… I guess that in the spur of my happiness to start 11th grade I bought that English book.

I borrowed Joshua Harris's book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" from the library about two years ago and didn't get to finish it then… We went on a trip during the time I had borrowed it and it just didn't get done. I loved it SO much that I bought a copy of my very own! The best part? It only cost me $0.20!

So, at the end of the day, I only spent 13.47!!! I was under budget!

I think that today's "haul" went well. I purchased a great crop of books all 90% off the original retail price and even scored some pretty awesome boots for the fall!

So, I dare you to try this challenge! The next time you go thrifting, set a budget and try to find as many things you can while staying at or below budget!

When The Skies Are Blue

2013-07-24T15:00:00.000-04:00

When the skies are blue and the weather is pretty, there's nothing more perfect than taking photos of it all. All around us there are signs of God's detailed hand, His eye for beauty, and His creative touch. I love looking, almost as if I were hunting, for the perfect shot to clearly display the majesty of creation. I also like capturing something a little different, like my little sister standing in front of a graphic wall or an old horse stable around our way. I've scouted this location for a future shoot… any volunteer models?

DIY Recycling Cereal Boxes Two Ways

2013-07-19T15:15:00.004-04:00

We rarely buy sugary cereals; just recently, my mom has been getting all the good ones like Reese's Puffs and Cinnamon Toast Crunch :) When we finished the cereals, my mom asked me to throw away the boxes, but I had another idea; I planned to recycle them into two things: a postcard and a journal.

To make your own cereal box postcard or journal just follow the steps below:

{Step 1:} Start with cereal boxes. (Simple right?)

{Step 2} Open up the cereal box so that it lies completely flat. Then, cut a rectangle out of the "prettiest part" like the name of the cereal or any cool graphics on the box. You might not want the nutrition facts as a part of your finished project :)

I cut my cereal boxes about 4x6" but you can cut them to whatever measures you prefer. Depending on whether you are doing a postcard, I recommend you use these measurements.

{Step 3} Create lines on the back side of your postcard for the address and if you want lines on the left side to write your message.

If you want to take this project to the next level and make a journal,

{Step 4} Cut inner pages (out of regular computer paper) and back cover (out of card stock) the same size as your cover. In this case, my cover, inner pages and back cover all measure 4x6")

{Step 5} Optional: If you have a corner rounding punch, use it to round the corners of your cover, inner pages and back cover.

{Step 6} With a Bind-it-All machine, make holes in the left side or top of you journal pages and bind it closed. And you're done! Simple and super cute !

If you don't have a Bind-it-All, simply use a regular hole punch and make several punches along the side or top and bind with ribbons.

What DIY projects have you been up to lately?

Book Review: Daughter of Jerusalem + 2 Giveaway Copies

2013-07-16T14:35:00.000-04:00

About the Book:

She was a widow, a businesswoman, an adulteress. In her lifetime, she knew murder, prejudice, and faith. She transformed from a Jewish girl longing for family to one of the closest friends of Jesus of Nazareth -- the Son of God.

HER NAME WAS MARY MAGDALENE.

My Review:

This is the second biblical fiction book I have reviewed here and the third that I own. After getting a feel for what biblical fiction has to offer and enjoying it immensely, I was overjoyed when Worthy Publishing contacted me about reviewing Daughter of Jerusalem. Mary Magdalene is a character mentioned throughout the Gospel so reading her story, though it be fictitious, piqued my interest.

When I read the Bible, I often contemplate the backstories of the characters; I wonder who they were, what they're lives were like and what lead to their becoming followers of Jesus. Daughter of Jerusalem follows the early life of Mary as she leaves her father's home due to a disagreeable step-mother and moves in with her dead mother's sister, Aunt Leah (and a whole broad of other distant relatives.) From the first pages, I sympathized with Mary. I felt her pain as she was forced to leave the only home she'd ever known and move in with others whom disliked her. I thought that Joan developed the characters well. I think she wanted us to love Mary and Daniel and very much dislike the villains, Lord Benjamin and even Marcus Novias Claudius who caused Mary pain. She achieved that!

The historical elements were so seamlessly weaved together with the fictitious, that the story was believable. Though the Bible does not say why and how Mary came to lead an adulterous life, I felt that Joan's rendition was appropriate and fit the time and circumstances of the story. The words, characters and locations seemed to come to life before my eyes. I could easily imagine the rich fabrics and luscious gardens just to name a few. The mentions to familiar characters like Peter, and events life the death of Lazarus also made the story more believable and historically intact.

The best part of the story may just have to be the redemptive part where Mary believes that Jesus is who He says He is: The Son of God and begins living a consecrated life. She repents and goes back to her Jewish roots, getting to love the God whom she always knew existed and is now convinced that He loves her too. I can now say that I look at Mary as a heroine; she overcame countless obstacles and misery all to become a student of Jesus, the Messiah she had been waiting for.

Another plus to this book is that fact that it's different! I can truthfully say that nearly every fiction romance novel I have read has had a predictable ending. You know the type: the ones where the guy always gets the girl and they live happily ever after. Mary didn't get her first love, or even her second love, and was thrust into uncomfortable situations and until meeting Jesus, she led an unhappy, sinful life. I thought that this aspect alone could set Daughter of Jerusalem apart from other novels!

I can only fault this book in two areas, one of which is kind of pathetic. I felt that the frequent mention of new names, followed by insufficient descriptions, left me wondering who each new, secondary character was. As I didn't find too much in the book right away, I immediately pinned the new names as either children or servants. The second fault I felt I should mention was the romance between Mary and Daniel. I know that the book is placed in ancient times, where marriages between 14 year old girls and 16 year old boys were permissible but, even though I loved that pair, I felt that the romance was too intense. I nearly forgot that I was reading of children!

I truly, absolutely enjoyed Daughter of Jerusalem and know that you will too! It's a different kind of novel; one that will be a joy to read, one that will touch your heart and at times leave you at the edge of your seat! I rate Daughter of Jerusalem 4.5-5 stars! It was truly a phenomenal read.

Now, onto what I know you've all been waiting for: the giveaway. Worthy Publishing had provided me with review copies for my readers. If you enjoyed my review and want a shot at winning you own copy of Daughter of Jerusalem, enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Something Fun: Instagram Videos

2013-07-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

A few months back, my mom and I were talking about the fact that at any moment, Instagram was going to come out with a video feature. I thought that it was a great idea and it would be SO much fun to see what my Insta-friends where up to in live time. Then, when I updated my app a few weeks ago, I saw an exciting, but not shocking, new feature: they finally added video sharing!!!

I've played around with the new video feature and I'm really digging it, especially the new filters. Below are my four instavideos from most recent to the oldest one. Enjoy :)

the beach. it's a beautiful day!

we're going to see fireworks! happy (now late) fourth of july. #proudtobeanamerican.

so, we're pretty stoked to be at the @verabradley outlet!

summer daze. p.s. please excuse that honk in the background :| #city living

And The Winner of Seed Bead Bracelet + Five Dollar Gift Code Is...

2013-07-08T17:25:00.000-04:00

Before I announce the winner of the Seed Bead Bracelet + Five Dollar Gift Code from my giveaway, I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to read my blog, follow along for the journey and leave encouraging comments. You have all made blogging more fun!

Are you enjoying the new posts so far? Well, I've got many more post ideas up my sleeve that will soon make their debut on the blog.

Thank you Deanna for all of you encouraging comments and input regarding my shop and blog :) You are the winner! Please contact me to claim your prize here.

Zoo Days

2013-07-08T01:00:00.000-04:00

The Bronx Zoo is one of New York City's landmarks. Many people from all over the world travel across land and sea to visit this zoo. (It's really neat to hear foreigners speak in Portuguese or some Asian dialect!) I'm so blessed to have this zoo just a few blocks from my house.

Every summer, several times each summer, we go the the zoo. Each time I go, it never ceases to amaze me. Yes, it is a LOT of walking but just getting to look at the animals and plants and watching the sea lions show makes the walk bearable.

And what zoo allows the peacocks to roam about freely?

I just love the whole feel of the zoo, you know. It's usually buzzing with people but I look forward to the trip every year :)