Tag: reading

Book, Review

Yesterdays Tides ~Book Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Such a great read! There are so many things to love about this book and I love when books teach me new things like this one. I had never heard of the Okracoke Island…have you?
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The story crosses two different wars and differant generations and the author keeps you guessing right up until the end.I love how she weaves family into the generations and brings the struggles within to life and the different angles of each character. It is packed full!
.
Our bookclub had the privilege to do a zoom with the author to talk through this book and it was awesome! We all loved getting her perspective and hearing about the writing process. A huge thank you to @roseannamwhite for taking the time to do this! We are looking forward to reading more of her books and if you haven’t read any of her books … pick up a copy!

faith, Gathered thoughts

Prayer

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

What amazing wisdom in these words spoken so many years ago. I am continually learning the power in prayer . So many things in our daily life that we have no control over like schedule changes, extra work handed to us, last minute school projects,attitudes of others,and the list goes on .
.
What we can control is our reaction to those things.Prayer has been a comfort to me . Knowing that I am praying over how things will go , inviting God to go before me in situations,asking God to be with a loved one or friend who has not been kind, asking God to shut doors that are not His best and so many more .
.
Praying has giving me a perspective to see the situation from different angles and to put on humility, compassion and empathy when I otherwise want to fix it or make it better in my own way and trust me that never seems to work out.. anyone else?
.
When I pray I’m able to take what ever is coming or causing stress and lay it at the feet of God . That doesn’t mean it goes away but it does mean I lay it down and I don’t pick it back up. I trust God with whatever is next knowing I have given it to him and I am fully submitting to his will in the next steps.
.
What are your thoughts on prayer? Share in comments below. I would love to hear!

Book, history, Review

The Librarian Spy ~Book Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

If you want a great WW2 read that is inspired by actual events then this is a must read. I could not put it down! I fell in love with the characters and loved all the historical references. There were some really tough moments with the characters in this book that honestly I had never considered in all my years of WW2 study that could have potentially happened. So hard to imagine what each person had to do and choose during this war. The author did a terrific job at bringing each of these characters to life as well as bringing the story full circle . I would love to know if you read this and your thoughts so send me a message or comment ⬇️

Book, history, Review

Italian Ballerina ~ Book Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron gives a rare look into the Nazi occupation of Rome and the fake Syndrome K of WW2 . Based on actual historical events it leaves you wanting to go back in history to reread events you may have missed. She gives the reader a wonderful story of the beauty even in the war from the London ballet stage and the allies storming the beaches of Salerno to the one moment that forever changed a soldier and a little girls life and those that got swept into life changing moments alongside them . The book bridges the beauty in how God can use each of us in a mighty way and create family where there is none.
.
As the story unfolds I couldn’t help but think of the holocaust museum in Washington DC and the moment where I stood in the hallway and countless photographs were hung of those who were missing or killed in the war. Families that stepped from this world to eternity . It made me wonder and think about how their pictures ended up there . I’m sure there is a story in all of it and this book reminded me of that . However, they did, I’m so thankful they did so that they could be remembered❤️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Book, reading, Review

Currently Reading

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Here’s what I am currently reading so be watching for reviews.. I already posted the Lady Unrivaled..so good!

.

What are you reading? I gather most of my must read books from others recommendation so I would love to hear what you are loving right now. Post in comments❤️

American Girl Doll, california, Disneyland, family adventures, Review

American Girl Doll Store ~Los Angeles ~Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

American girl just released their Disney Doll Collection and it was perfect timing with our trip to Disneyland. We knew we needed to plan a detour here to not only visit the flagship store but also to treat our little to some Disney Magic for her doll . She loved it all!

After checking out the whole store, she was able to narrow down her choices and pick a beautiful new Cinderella dress for her doll to wear for Disneyland ✨It was so much fun! Have you seen these sets? They are so beautiful and come with so many unique accessories. They are $55 each set and considering the quality and the accessories I feel like it’s a great deal . The dolls are $125 each but again such a great value for what you are getting!

Our little has been on her own agenda with wanting to visit all the @americangirlbrand stores when we travel and so Los Angeles ofcourse was on her list! The Los Angeles store is located in Westfield Century City and is absolutely beautiful! .The mall is in the heart of Los Angeles so grab coffee before driving there as traffic is almost always crazy. This past year we also visited the Nashville and Washington DC stores.


There are two floors ..the main floor is where the salon and shopping is . And the salon has ear piercing and hairstyles for both the girl and their doll. There is also pet pampering too!!

Check out our reel ⬇️

The second floor is the cafe where you can have brunch, lunch or our favorite Teatime❤️

Have you visited the American Girl Doll store in Los Angeles? What did you think? We would love to hear your thoughts on it so comment below ⬇️

Disneyland, family adventures, Gathered thoughts

Teacups at Disneyland

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

“Take some more tea,” the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.
“I’ve had nothing yet,” Alice replied in an offended tone: “so I ca’n’t take more.”
“You mean you ca’n’t take less,” said the Hatter: “It’s very easy to take more than nothing.”
.
One of the best rides…ever!

Family activity, gardening, homemaking, homesteading, library

Just in time for Spring… A Seed Library

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Have you ever seen a Seed Library? We were so excited to see this when we popped into a library . What a wonderful treat!!
.
We were able to pick several seeds to plant and it helped to minimize our cost in buying seeds.
.
Plus it gave the littles an opportunity to pick things that we would not normally buy like a quinoa plant and a few others.
.
We are so happy to see this back in some of the libraries this spring! Have you seen one at your local library?

Gathered thoughts, history

Women’s History Month

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Check out this Amazing display for Women’s History Month at a library branch📚. The dress is so detailed with women of all backgrounds ❤️As a history lover , I was surprised there were a few names I didn’t recognize . Let the research begin! I’m excited to research them and see how they played a part in history and learn something new.

.

Well done to the librarian dressmaker that made history come alive in this beautiful display 👏🏻 We need more displays like this!

.

Anyone on the dress you don’t recognize or that you were excited to see?

Check out the our reel below ⬇️