Rate: 6.5/10
Format: Paperback
Genre: Adult Colouring
Acquired from: Pan Macmillan Publishing
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Well this was definitely a first in my short adult life. Dot-to-dots? Heck yes! I loved these suckers as a kid, and clearly I love them now! Throughout this compact little book there are hundreds of dot-to-dot activities that are extremely satisfying and mature! From foxes to trees and mermaids to bees, this book has it all. One of the best things is going in having no idea what you will be creating, and emerging with an amazing picture you can proudly say you drew! "Anti-Stress" though? I'm not so sure about that! I nearly threw it across the walls trying to find number 59 and 347... All round, an excellent book to have with you no matter where you are or what you're supposed to be doing.
Rate: 6.5/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Adult Colouring Acquired from: Pan Macmillan Publishing *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
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It has been quite a while since my last review; 3 weeks to be exact! Things have been pretty heckers, and I'll write a post on my LifeBlog to update you all soon.
I was so excited to receive a copy of 438 Days as it is the incredible true story of Salvador Alvarenga, who is the longest person to survive lost at sea. Let me just say now that I love a great survival story! There is something so authentic about how the human mind and body shifts and adapts when forced to live relying on our basic instincts to fulfill our basic needs. Alvarenga was a professional fisherman living illegally off the coast of Mexico, when in 2012, he and his first mate were ambushed by an almighty storm. At only 25 miles from land, their engine died and they were swept away. For Alvarenga, it would be 438 days before he was back on solid land, and for his mate, Cordoba, he never would be again. An extremely emotional and raw recount of how Alvarenga battled wild weather, near starvation and dehydration, the loss of his only friend, sharks, severe depression and suicidal thoughts for almost 15 months. Author Jonathan Franklin spent a year interviewing Alvarenga and his friends, families and witnesses in order to explain how, against the extreme odds he survived and thrived lost at sea. I really enjoyed reading this book, which I did on a return trip to Southern Queensland to visit my sister and brother-in-law post Christmas. The whole time I was stopping and starting to fill in my parents and older brother on what was happening and to explain where in the Pacific ocean he was at that point. It was such a great experience, especially knowing that I piqued my bother's interest enough for him to actually want to read it himself. Rate: 7/10 Pages: 274 Format: Paperback Genre: Non-Fiction Acquired from: Pan Macmillan Publishing *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
I have really, truly been looking forward to sinking my (metaphorical) teeth into this book for a good while. It tells the tale of 23 year old Kika, who is a wonderlusting travel bug stuck in a 9-5 office job in New York City. With her memories of how it feels to be on the road; she jumps at the opportunity to work as a nanny for a family in London; where she can catch up with friends, be on the world's doorstep and rekindle an old flame. Kika cannot believe her luck when everything begins falling into place exactly as she planned; but when all seems to begin to unravel, she must decide whether she will fight for what she has never dared dream of, or return to the life she once desired.
I was a bit disappointed in the beginning of this book, as I had so many expectations which I felt weren't being met. Kika's character was quite immature, and while there were a million things I could relate to her with, there were a million more I couldn't. However, as happens in life; once I let go of my expectations and just accepted things as they were, I began to enjoy it a whole lot more. I even ended up devouring it in two sittings! I enjoyed the romance dynamics in this novel and loved how Kika's growth and attention didn't focus around that. I loved how bold, unique and honest she was throughout, and in many ways, she is a friend that I would love to have in real life. Overall, it is an easy read which inspires creativity and the desire to dream, and it is a book I would definitely take with me on a trip away. Rate: 7/10 Pages: 366 Format: Paperback Genre: NA Fiction Acquired from: Penguin-Random House Australia *I received these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own* Chewbacca, a notorious rebel ally, is wanted for crimes against the Empire. Not often seen without his partner-in-crime, Han Solo, this Wookiee has evaded capture on multiple occasions, due in no small part to the fastest freighter in the universe, the Millennium Falcon. Chewie, as he is more commonly known, has a sizeable bounty on his head. Can you find this furry criminal before other accomplished bounty hunters beat you to it? A uniquely illustrated search and find format, perfect for Star Wars fans young and old! Imagine Where's Wally?! on Star Wars steroids! Like really good, geek-loving, aesthetically pleasing steroids! This book is perfect no matter the age; no seriously, 5, 20, 90, its all good. It is almost so good that I was going to share it with my students; but then too good that I didn't because I wanted to protect it... Rate: 8/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Children Fiction Acquired from: Hardie Grant Publishing *I received these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Motivational speaker and life coach Gabrielle Bernstein shows how to make happiness a way of life. Designed to bulldoze negative thought patterns and create personal change through positive affirmations, physical activity and visualization meditations, she guides the reader to happiness via her 'ing Equation'.
I found Spirit Junkie to be an uplifting and enjoyable guide on learning how to listen for and trust the spirit within us. There were many flashbacks into her life before The Guide by Marianne Williamson, which Bernstein claims turned her life around. I enjoyed the flashbacks and found her transformation from drug-addict to spirit junkie inspiring. On the whole, the book was based off The Guide, with constant reference to it, which got a bit tiresome as everything felt a little second hand, as though she was just repeating stuff. There were a lot of great activities and tips throughout this book and I learned quite a bit about my self and my journey. Rate: 6/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Growth/Spirituality Acquired from: Hay House Australia *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Soul Purposes is like something I have never read before. The introduction to emissaries and spirt guides was interesting and eye-opening, and while I do not have a complete set of spiritual beliefs, I went in with an open mind, which allowed me to learn a great deal. Choquette believes that we are here to learn 22 basic soul lessons throughout our many lifetimes on Earth. During this book, which is actually narrated by the Emissaries of the Third Ray, you are exposed to how these lessons may manifest in your life and how you can grow and learn from them. Choquette also shares stories from her own life, and her clients' to demonstrate and show examples of the lessons. I particularly enjoyed the way it would help you to identify where you are at this point in time in each lesson, whether it be a; student, apprentice, journey-man or master. It would then give you specific techniques and strategies to use in order to complete the lessons. Meaning that if I read it in a year, or even ten years from now, I would be able to find something new, helpful and relevant.
Rate: 6.5/10 Format: Paperback Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Growth/Spirituality Acquired from: Hay House Australia *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
Well here I am, grinning from ear to ear like an absolute idiot. This. Book. Is. Fantastic. I mean, I literally devoured it in one sitting. And it was a Saturday. I even had offers to leave the house. But nope, sitting glued to my book on the hammock, that there is the perfect way to spend the weekend. So now I have to tell you what I thought of this book. And its so hard because I am so emotionally raw right now and am literally on the verge of my booking myself a one way ticket to Nebraska!
Perhaps we'll start with a small synopsis... Seventeen year old Stella is living a lie. Well, several lies if we are being specific. After witnessing a horrific crime, she is placed in witness protection, in a place where she can't tell people her real name, have an honest conversation or even plan for a future. Everything about Stella in the town of Thunder Basin is a lie, or so she thought. Soon she has a job where she is valued, a 'foster-mum' who cares, and a budding friendship with a guy who might just be too good to be true. Stella comes to realise that maybe it is her past, which was actual the lie. But will this revelation come too late, because true or false, the past has a way of always catching up with us. And here comes the feelings part... I LOVED IT! Every single page had me hooked and reeling for more! The characters were so three-dimensional, and Stella was a cracking leading lady. The emotional investment is coaxed out of you from page one, and ends when, well, I guess I'll have to get back to you on that one. As for romance, spot bloody on! I won't say who ends up with who, but let me just hint that I had my heart broken, healed and humoured in more ways than one. Dangerous Lies is an excellent stand-alone, and yet I am so intriegued by the world Fitzpatrick has created that I am crossing every finger and toe, and hoping for sequel, or at the very least a spin off. I'd love to see Reed's side of the story... just saying. Rate: 8.5/10 Pages: 385 Format: Paperback Genre: YA Fiction Acquired from: Simon & Schuster Publishing *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own*
This book encompases quite a magnitude of content, and opportunities for growth. Megan is a self-confessed, ex work and stress-aholic. She has worked in multinational corporate companies, had a marriage break down and now raises her son as a single-parent, all whilst working, teaching, inspiring and playing all of the other important roles we take on as women. That is probably the main point of this book, to touch the lives of normal women who are taking on far too much, give them a good shake and say, "hey, you're amazing and you need to look after yourself". Topics regarding work, exercise, mindfulness, mothering, nutrition, positivity, self-care, and so much more are covered. It is like a literal guide book for how to live a full and happy life. I really quite enjoyed reading through it quite slowly, and absorbing all of the wisdom she was sharing. There are so many golden gems and truths within the pages which really struck into the core of who I am, who we all are as women. For too long we have been shouldering the burden of everyone around us, and there is literally no need. Again, it all comes back to self-love and nurturing ourselves. Everything seems to just take care of itself after that.
Rate: 7.5/10 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*
Book three! I definitely enjoyed it more than the second one, as Lana was easily distinguishable from Faye and Anna. She had some great characteristics and her and Tracker had real chemistry, steam and some excellent one-liners. So what's Lana's story? Well, she is a twenty-five year old uni student (I actually forget what she is studying) and best friend of previous protagonist Anna. Oh, and she is also a highly successful romance author writing under pen name Zada Ryan. Bring in bad boy Tracker, who has been pinned by a jealous and slightly crazy Allie, and of course you're in for some drama! The thing I liked most was probably the friendship dynamic between Lana and Anna. They have a truly special bond and are loyal to each other beyond belief. The whole dominance and sexist thing still pisses me off a bit, but I try not to take it seriously. I did feel that Fernando did a lot better writing wise with this addition to the series, and the story line flowed better. Plus, there were references to Smallville AND Harry Potter! And I am pretty sure Lana was named after one of my favourite people/characters of all time in Kristen Kreuk/Lana Lang. So you know, that was cool. Should I mention now that I am also naming my daughter Lana...The name refuses to get tainted, even now.
Rate: 6/10 Format: Paperback Genre: NA Romance Acquired from: Simon & Schuster *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own* This book is filled with nostalgia, and reading it was truly like getting a big ol' teddy bear hug. Well it was for me anyway. The Saddler Boys follows city girl Natalie, fresh in her teaching career and biting at the bit to really start educating some young whipper snappers. In what is her last chance to really have a chance to be and do what she wants, Natalie takes a job in the tiny town of Lake Biddy, in rural Western Australia. Of course, she gets a great deal more than she bargained for; being welcomed by a supportive community, making genuine friends, having her own class with adoring students, oh, and a gorgeous farmer and his son relying on her. Natalie has a life back in the city though; a wealthy family, a boyfriend and a future already completely mapped out for her. Just when she thinks she couldn't be more torn between choosing which life is the one she is supposed to live; the threat of Lake Biddy primary school closing is revealed. Now does she even have a choice? Or will she fight for her little school and community, and most importantly, for her dream? I genuinely loved The Saddler Boys so much! There were just so many things that I could relate to (for an extensive list, see below). I grew up in the country; on a crop farm specifically, so when Natalie was experiencing all of the wondrous joys of rural living for the first time, I was smiling at the memories. My primary school had twenty-seven students; from K-6. Yepp. There was the little room and the big room, and two teachers. I know the ins-and-outs, the pros-and-cons, the known-and-unkown when it comes to small schools. Not just because I did my entire education in them, but also because I am primary school teacher (I finish my degree in T-minus 4 months!) majoring in Rural and Aboriginal Education. I understand exactly how incredible it is to be educated in such a close-knit environment, where you literally grow up with the same five people and your teachers are your friends. Where cars are used for excursions, not buses, and the joy of having your Mum volunteering in the canteen once a week is known. There is also the pitfalls though; such as a high teacher turn-over ratio, minimum resources and funding, and the ever present fear of school closure if numbers drop too much. All of these things are explored in Palmer's masterpiece, and more! There is romance, drama, comedic relief, and the some fair dinkum Aussie slang. It is an inspiring and heart warming read which I know I will easily pick up again, and again, and again. Rate: 8/10 Pages: 371 Format: Paperback Genre: Adult Fiction Acquired from: Penguin Books Australia Thoughts and things I loved (as told from my little brown book) • Ringing the bell! Best job ever! • They're reading Harry Potter! Is this my life?! She is doing a HP classroom theme! I have already planned mine!!! • Turbo! Does everyone have a dog named this?! We did! • Arriving the morning of school for the first time? Heck no! • Mcleod's Daughters mention - cheering! • "An hour later Billy signalled by banging on the roof [of the ute]. 'Stop Dad'" -pg 55 - ME!! • "Her parents had spent thousands on top schools. But really, was she any better off than the teachers who'd gone through Government schools?" -pg 80 • "He smelt like grease and fuel, and for some reason she liked that" - pg 208 - My poison is diesel, welding and grime remover soap. • "Some kind of darth vader helmet" -pg 216 - BAHAHAHAHA! • "possum" - that's my nickname! Q&A with author Fiona Palmer: 1. There were so many things I could relate to throughout your book. What were the biggest reliability points within The Saddler Boys for you? For me it’s keeping the sense of small town community and keeping it as close to real life as I can, but also moving the story forward. 2. A very real issue for rural schools is explored in your novel. In what ways have small school closures touched your life? The very Primary School I went to closed down in 1998, a few years after I left but it does still affect me with my own children. The Primary School where I worked as a teacher’s assistant also closed down in 2005. Both were great little schools supported by the community but when towns shrink, farmers sell up there just aren’t enough kids about for the government to be happy about keeping it open. I’ve seen how it can change a town and I wanted to touch on a few of these issues in the book. 3. The structures Kim creates sound breath-taking! Please tell me you know someone in real life who does them, so that I can get my hands on one of these beauties? I know so many people, men and women, who are talented like this. So many farmers know how to weld and when you throw in some creativity, voila you have gorgeous creations. Most of the great things I’ve seen made are by friends who are too busy farming to start a business selling their creations but there are many others you can find through Facebook. I’ve seen the most beautiful metal horse, which is now on display down south in WA. 4. I found so many incredible quotes within The Saddler Boys pages which I love. Do you have any favourites? No favourites that come to mind. I do love Doris, she’s a character. And I loved writing the Bogan Bingo scene. I can just picture Drew covered in so many orange dots he’s turned into a bogan-looking oompalompa. 5. Natalie and Drew's story is one I know I will continue to think of. Is there any chance that it may continue in a sequel sometime in the future? Funny you should ask. I am writing a follow-on book, but it will follow Kim’s story line. So we will still see Drew, Billy and Natalie and many other favourites in the next book. Plus a few new faces to town. I’ve just started writing the first chapter today. *I received this book in exchange for an honest review and 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*
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*
Heal Your Gut is an extremely informative and inspiring book. Lee takes you through the intimate details of her health journey, and how she has come to heal herself completely of autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia. Step-by-step she shows you how she did this, and how you too can completely change your life simply by altering what you eat and drink. Lee explains in easy to understand language and dialogue how the health and bacteria found in our gut can ultimately dictate our inner and outer health, influencing our hormones, weight, mood and energy. Included in the book are simple to follow weekly meal plans, for the all three phases of "spring-cleaning your gut". There are also over ninety recipes which are produced from organic and wholesome foods available readily and to everyone. I really enjoyed reading Heal Your Gut (as did my best friend; who I had to keep an eye on so she didn't steal the book)! So much of what Lee discusses in this book, I could relate to, and so could she. The simple truth is that gut, and other stomach related health issues are so prevalent in today's day and age, that we really need to stop and think about how we are treating our bodies. Out of myself and my closest friends, over half of us have stomach sensitivities, intolerances, allergies and/or serious stomach related health issues. For my full stomach-related health issues check out my previous review of That Sugar Book. I would definitely recommend this book to them all, and will! The four week Elemental Diet consists of eating/drinking only extremely easy to digest juices, smoothies and soups, and Lee recommends reintroducing solid foods slowly after this period to give your gut time to heal and adjust. That in itself is a big step, and something not to be done on a whim as you need to be very prepared, and in a situation where you are able to cook and dictates your own meals for over four weeks. This isn't a situation I am currently in, but as soon as I am, I intend to heal my gut and feast on some of the marvelous recipes included in this book. I also really loved the way Lee expresses the need not to only take care of our inner health, but also our outer health and spiritual health. She includes tips and advice on how to live an organic and clean life, with easy to follow suggestions and directions on how to make and use yoga, dry body brushing, meditation and chemical-free beauty and cleaning products. It also happens to be wrapped up in a beautiful and coherently clutter-free package making it a lovely addition to my shelves.
Rate: 7/10 Pages: 274 Format: Paperback 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* |
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