Rate: 7.5/10
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Genre: Non-Fiction/Health/CookBook
Acquired from: Pan Macmillan Publishing
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Since quitting sugar nearly six weeks ago I have been researching and reading up on the ins and outs of a lifestyle without the white stuff. Sarah's first book does an amazing job of outlining how to acclimate and rid your body of sugar in a safe and 'easy' way. Her 8 week quitting plan guides you completely on exactly what you need to do for the process. Don't have the access or means to sign up? Then this book is definitely for you. It is a much more basic guide, but still includes everything you need to know, including the natural sweetener, alcohol and 'what about fruit?' questions you have. Plus, there are 108 amazing sugar-free recipes! I have made a few already (see some below) and am inspired by how easy they are; especially the delicious soups. Tomorrow is shopping day (I live in the country, so designated shopping days are essential) and I have my shopping list already filled with ingredients I can use to create a bunch more yummy dishes from Sarah's book. Another essential factor to this book is the simple and yet aesthetically pleasing design and structure. There is nothing worse than a non-fiction book which is hard/boring/ugly to read. Thank goodness this book takes the cake (a sugar-free one of course) in the enjoyability (because that is a word) to read department!
Rate: 7.5/10 Pages: 224 Format: Paperback Genre: Non-Fiction/Health/CookBook Acquired from: Pan Macmillan Publishing *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
0 Comments
Talk about powerful stuff! Bronnie's book has quite literally changed my life. Each paragraph, each chapter, each regret had me reeling with an overwhelming amount of growth, understanding, compassion and tears. I cried a lot throughout this book. There were happy tears, delightful sobs, and heart-aching gasps for breath. To be touched on such an emotional depth truly highlights the wonder of a good/excellent/life-changing book.
Bronnie has spent her life ever growing, changing and adapting to life's processes as she navigates her way through the the journey we must all take. For many years Bronnie worked with and in the homes of those taking the inevitable final task; dying. Throughout the book she shares not only her own memoir, but the beginnings, middles and ends of many people who have so much insight to give. It is not only the regrets that they recite to her, but also the joyous lessons and personal growth they have learned. There are so many incredible life lessons to be heard, and learn them you do. The amazing thing though, is that you do not have to wait until your final moments to discover and start practicing them. We have the opportunity to embrace and begin living the life we desire and deserve. Bronnie expresses how she herself did this, and shares how you too can do it. This is an inspiring and immaculate book which I honestly feel every single person in the world should read. The 'fixer' in me, who I am learning to heal, wants to shove it in everyone I know faces'. I want to put it in school libraries and talk about it over every meal I have. And yet, I remember and hold dear this quote from the book " You also want to help others clean theirs [muck] off. But they have to do it themselves, as no one but them knows just how fragile they are underneath". I have truly taken on so many wonderful advice and strategies from The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, but the acknowledgment that the growth is ever present and ever lasting gives me hope and joy for all that is to come. Rate: 10/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Growth Acquired from: Hay House Australia *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own* Q&A with author Bronnie Ware: 1. Living a mindfully happy life is a life-long journey. What do you think is a good first step? To accept that it is actually a step-by-step process. In doing so, the focus becomes on the present step rather than always striving to a future date and missing the potential bliss of the moment. The more present we become, the happier life is. 2. What is your favourite book? Are there any you would recommend to your readers? There have been some significant books that have shaped my journey. But my favourite, and the most influential, has been ‘Footprints on the Path’ by Eileen Caddy. I’ve had it for years and still get more from it any time I open the pages. I absolutely love that book. 3. Reading your book exposes us to a life time of learning and growth in matter of 245 pages. There are so many life changing thoughts we are able to take on. What would be the one lesson you want your readers to take away from your book? Give yourself permission to truly enjoy your life. Time is a gift. Use it incredibly well.
I first heard about Elsewhere from a Booktubing friend and just thought that the plot sounded so unique and intriguing that I had to read it! What would that plot be? Well, Elsewhere is the place we return to after we die; it is the afterlife, or technically the before life; as from the moment you reach Elsewhere you begin to age backwards until you are a baby ready to be sent back down to Earth to be born again. Cool right?! The story follows fifteen year old Liz, who was a simple girl, with a simple life, who simply forgot to look both ways when crossing the road. Accepting the reality of death is something she struggles to come to terms with; but is this really death, or is it actually life?
There were so many interesting elements in this novel which I totally adored. Considering that it is about death, you'd think it would be heavy, but it is truly the opposite. It is a speedy read which was a complete joy to buzz through, all the while underlying that very serious message, what even is life? Rate: 7/10 Pages: 271 Format: Paperback Genre: YA Fiction Acquired from: Literary Gladiators (Giveaway Prize)
This is probably my favourite cookbook to date! It is just so simply superb! My Family Table isn't a designated sugar, gluten or dairy free cookbook, and yet it includes elements of all of these if you wish. All of the recipes consist of whole and fresh ingredients which are available anywhere. Health radiates throughout this beautifully bound book and I feel so content among its pages. What I loved most was the way you could easily adapt and alter the recipes by swapping, using less and even removing certain ingredients to make the dish suit you and your lifestyle; and most importantly, what is already in the fridge, freezer or pantry. Ozich shares thoughts and tips throughout the book, suggesting what to swap what with and why she loves each dish so much. I have been sugar free now for over a month and almost all of the recipes included are sugar free, using natural sweeteners; and mostly focusing on the simplicity of natural sweetness. The recipes all use minimal ingredients and I found myself remembering them effortlessly, and beginning to use many as my staples, especially the breakfast dishes. You can see below a few of my interpretations of the beautiful dishes; which certainly tasted a lot better than I managed to make them look. I have genuinely enjoyed cooking and creating so much more thanks to his book and experimenting with foods and flavours is something that I am coming to readily enjoy and do often.
Rate: 9/10 Pages: 256 Format: Hardback Genre: CookBook/Health/Non-Fiction Acquired from: Murdoch Books Australia *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Henry has lost his life-long friend, Rabbit. Alone and miserable without him, his wise old Grandpa suggests that Henry use the most powerful tool any and everyone is equipped with to find Rabbit, his imagination. Soon Henry is on a quest which takes him literally to his wildest dreams, and beyond. But will it be enough to find Rabbit?
This book is a beauty for a number of reasons; and here they are: 1. The illustrations are unique and capture the image of imagination perfectly. 2. Each page had not only an illustration, but also incorporates a photo of one or two 'real' things which reinforced the idea that imagination is linked to real life. 3. It shares the power of imagination and creative visualisations, and how they can make anything you desire come about. 4. The realisation that magic can be real is a wondrous thing for children to discover 5. It is a fun, and yet powerful read which will leave children with hope, and their parents perhaps rethinking their whole life. Rate: 8/10 Format: Hardback Genre: Children Fiction Acquired from: Simon & Schuster *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
I really enjoyed this book! It is sweet, compact, witty and all round well put together. I started reading aloud to my best friend as our feet sat soaking in a tub of warm (burning hot) milk bath water. After that I dabbed in and out; reading a chapter or two a day, which is the ideal way to do it I think. Practically this is a how to book on being ready for, falling in, and keeping love. Boland takes you through how to achieve these things in a light and spiritual way. She discusses how the energy and thoughts we have ultimately dictate our whole life; especially in regards to romantic relationships. I loved the way she isn't pushy or demanding in the book; but rather tells you to take what calls to you, and leave what doesn't. There are so many great ideas, activities and strategies for attracting love into your life included; some of which are; clearing (the past, clutter and air), Feng shui, creative visualisation, positive affirmations, the power of crystals, stars and numbers; plus more!
I did try and work out my kua number using the formula in the book, plus the calculator on her website and got different numbers, so I am a bit confused about that... At this point in my life my sole focus love wise is on the relationship I have with myself. I have begun on the most important journey you can ever undertake; which is loving, accepting and cherishing yourself. Therefore I didn't try a lot of activities from the book as I am not looking to attract a romantic relationship into my life at the present time; but as soon as I am, I now know exactly how to do it. Rate: 6.5/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Non-Fiction/Spirituality/How To Acquired from: Hay House Australia *I received this CD in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
This woman is changing my life; and I know that I am only one of millions growing beyond my wildest dreams because of her. This book was first published in 1984; over twenty years ago! I think that fact in itself is enough to show just how much truth it holds, that all this time later it is still hitting home; and not just with older people of Louise's generation, but with me; a young whippersnapper as my Pop would say. There are five parts to this book, and it is broken down into a further sixteen chapters focusing on a range of sensitive and spiritual topics and issues. Louise doesn't shy away or try to be politically correct, she is just honest and tells it like it is. Louise goes through how our negative beliefs, thoughts and actions have been shaped by others and how they in turn have shaped our own lives in a million little and large ways. She then goes onto describe how we can change them; how we can change any and everything really. The power truly is within us, we just have to have the courage to reach out and take it. Louise is a huge self-love advocate and explains how almost all negative experiences and issues are a result of us not treating ourselves with the love and care which we deserve. Louise shares in the book her own incredible story of self-growth and the turmoil and adversity she once faced. The thing I loved most was that she doesn't just tell you what is wrong and give you some vague speech on how you can fix it; she actually teaches you how, with simple and structured examples, activities and affirmations. I don't agree with every single thing she says and believes; but I certainly connect with 95% of it. I am learning how to be my own goddess, and how to truly treasure and nurture myself and my life. It is so refreshing to find a lifestyle approach which tells you that you are in-fact a whole and perfect being; capable and deserving of everything our hearts desire. I finished it this morning and will be literally starting again tonight, plus getting my own copy sometime soon.
Rate: 10/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Non-Fiction/Spirituality/Self-Growth Acquired from: Mobile Library
I really treasure this little book of light. It is filled with gems of wisdom and knowledge and I have learned so much from within its pages. It includes 12 chapters; most of which focus on specific topics such as money, forgiveness, critical thinking, friends and more. It also goes through step by step how to use positive affirmations and how to incorporate using them into your everyday life. There are activities and tasks which help you to see which areas you need to focus on and how to overcome your negative beliefs and thought patterns. The book also came with a CD which has a 70 minutes worth of positive affirmations on the same topics as the book. It is something that I will be putting into my car and listening to on a regular basis.
I now feel so much more comfortable using affirmations and do them twice, if not more times a day; and I am already reaping the rewards (yes I see you fixed car, HD and happy soul). Rate: 8/10 Pages: 128 Format: Hardback/CD Audio Genre: Non-Fiction/Spirituality/Self-growth Acquired from: Hay House Publising *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Kids love big things! I should know, I am a teacher; plus I am practically still a kid myself. I mean, I nearly wet myself with excitement when I got to see the Big Dinosaur in Ballandean last year. This book is full of some really interesting facts (did you know that Ned Kelly's suit of armour weighed more than 44kgs? - I didn't!). It also has some great jokes and a bunch of easy to do activities; including cool pop outs of some of the big things. A great addition to my classroom!
Rate: 5.5/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Children Fiction Acquired from: Hardie Grant Publishing *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Abigail is a truly pretty book. The illustrations are beyond beautiful and I could truly stare at them all day. The story follows a cute giraffe named Abigail who loves to count! Unfortunately for her though; her environment and friends are making it hard with all the changing, moving and being eaten and what not (leaves- no cuddly animals were eaten- phew!). I first read it with three beautiful girls that I babysit as their bedtime story. I explained that I would be reviewing it on my blog and the oldest, Georgia (who is the most switched on eight year old I know) took it upon herself to assist me in this job. Here were some of her thoughts...
"Well you know, it doesn't say who Abigail is. I mean people might get confused. Who is Abigail? The giraffe? Or maybe it is the ladybug or zebra, or even the leaf? Who knows. They should definitely make that clearer so people know". The other two just sighed in awe at the pretty pictures and lift out flap like me. Rate: 6/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Children Fiction Acquired from: Hardie Grant Publishing *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own* Anita Moorjani has quite an extraordinary life behind her. Diagnosed with cancer and on her death bed within hours; she slipped into a coma and traveled between worlds; experiencing clarity that changed her life extraordinarily. Upon waking, she discovered that her body had begun to completely rid itself of the cancer, and she was soon completely healed and full of abundant energy and health. This disc offers "a highly specialised program that uses sound at different frequencies to guide you to a state of very deep and meditative relaxation". The sixty minute recording is broken into two parts. In the first part Moorjani explains a little about herself and the aims of the disc. The second part is solely positive affirmations which focus on health, happiness and holistic wellness. I really enjoyed the affirmations and can easily see the healing power in Moorjani's words. There is a gentle background music which I found to be very soothing and relaxing. Now I am no expert on sound waves or frequencies so I really cannot comment on that aspect, but I did often get annoyed at Moorjani's voice. Throughout the recording she has a very hypnotic tone and talks very slowly, dragging the words out. This is most probably intentional and would have benefits I have no doubt; but at times I found it distracting and actually quite irritating. I listened to the CD over two nights, with my discman (I was born in the nineties, give me a break) sitting beside my pillow. I did think that I would fall asleep, but was surprised to find that I didn't neither times. I did however fall asleep immediately after, as I was so beautifully relaxed and at peace. Rate: 5/10 Format: Audio CD Genre: Non-Fiction/Spirituality/Meditation Acquired from: Hay House Australia *I received this CD in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own* |
|