Books 2021 Reading Challenge Completed And 12 Short Book Reviews 8:34 AM Who else did not open a book in 2020? Just me? Okay.2020 was like a nightmare. I couldn't even bring myself to read a book then.So I made a promise that I'll go back to reading again this year.Thus, my "Read one book or one series in a month for one year" Reading Challenge started.I joyfully and proudly completed the task I gave myself at the start of the year. 😄 Oh, the commitment it took and the feeling of accomplishment after. You should try it. I'm sharing my short reviews for the books I read in twelve months in 2021. Hope this helps you decide which book to choose and not to pick for your next reading challenge.This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost.2021 Reading Challenge Completed & 12 Short Book Reviews1. January 2021 - Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. JamesRating: ⭐⭐ I'm not saying this to diss the author because I can only imagine the time, effort, sleepless nights, coffee, and glasses of wine involved in writing a series. High respect.But about the book...You'd know right away that it's written by a woman...A drop-dead gorgeous young multi-millionaire who wants to give you the world, a sex god who just happened to have a big heart for the needy, with an equally kind-hearted family...Anastasia Steel is supposed to be an English Lit student who later became editor-in-chief. But can she have a more boring train of thought? There are so many lines that I wish were deleted as it made me cringe and want to throw the book across the room.I will never understand why the first book outsold JK Rowling's, Harry Potter. Okay, maybe I do. Sex really does sell. No matter how jejune the narrative is, no matter how gray the characters are (pun intended), it will sell if there's crazy sex involved.I also read Fifty Shades as Told by Christian Trilogy: Grey, Darker, Freed, and I would say it's better.Rating: ⭐⭐⭐Maybe because Christian is a successful young entrepreneur, his everyday life is more exciting. His past is also colorful, to say the least. He's a complex human being, so there's a curiosity in trying to figure out why he is the way he is and what's going on in his mind.It's less torture to read as Christian doesn't have an inner goddess who annoyingly bounces, spins, pole vaults, and pirouettes. It's more tolerable.Whatever you think about this series, I'd say I started my 2021 Reading Challenge with a bang. 😄If you want an honest trailer about the movie adaptation and have a good laugh, you should watch this:2. February 2021 - The Red Queen by Victoria AveyardRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I didn't know this was a part of a series when I picked it up at the bookstore. It reminds me of Hunger Games and Divergent. In this novel, their society is divided into Silvers and Reds. The Reds are the inferior community, and the Silver possesses superpowers.Lo and behold, they discover that Mare, the story's protagonist, is a Red with extraordinary gifts.Though I predicted who the real villain was, I like how it was written creatively. The battle scenes are thrilling. And there's still an element of surprise.I can't wait to finish the whole series soon (it's currently out of stock in the bookstores here).And I also wish that this would be made into a movie or series. Hi, Hollywood. Please?3. March 2021 - Thy Brother's Wife by Andrew GreeleyRating: ⭐⭐⭐It's intriguing but not as engrossing as I expected it to be. Two brothers - a senator and a priest - fell in love with their adopted sister.They both thought the other one deserved the woman better, but they lived out their lives according to how their father planned them to be. So again, it's about the struggles of being human.Struggles of children who follow their parents' dreams instead of following their hearts.The struggles of siblings who want the best for each other are willing to risk their own morality and principles.Struggles of humans seeking God's answers and looking for signs when going through a dark time. Struggles of a young priest.This novel also reminded me about how things could grandly change if only we learn to say what is really in our hearts. 4. April 2021 - Eleven Minutes by Paulo CoelhoRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Eleven Minutes is about discovering love from unconventional people in the most unexpected place and how far a person is willing to go for ambition or dreams.It's the first Paulo Coelho novel I read so fast I finished it in days. It didn't lull me to sleep. :D I love that airport scene. It's the least I expected from this character, so it's a pleasant surprise. I literally had to stop reading and squeal like a high school girl. I've not done that since Eleanor & Park.It made me wonder why Maria the prostitute's thoughts are more eloquent, poetic, and sensible than English Lit major Anastasia Steel's. I wouldn't have predicted why it's titled Eleven Minutes. So that's another great discovery. 5. May 2021 - After Series by Anna ToddRating: ⭐⭐Another book that sold probably because of all the sex involved. My friend warned me that it's hard to read (too wordy), and I should have listened.I was reading fast to get it done and over with. I want to know if Tessa finally realized her worth and allowed herself to find the healthy love she deserves.There are some similarities with Fifty Shades of Grey, or at least with the characters. Tessa is also a bibliophile and a virgin. Hardin is an enigmatic guy with a complex past who fell obsessively in love with this naive girl. Both men don't have a problem when it comes to money. Neither seems to make an effort; Hardin is in school, and Christian is in his Forbes 500 business but is thriving anyway.Both have aggressive or violent tendencies.Though when it comes to red flags, Hardin is the winner."Toxic" is an understatement to describe their relationship. Their story is about trying to fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed and suffering through a toxic cycle. If you want to know what red flags to look out for and what happens if you meet them head-on, instead of dodging them, read this book. 6. June 2021 - Great Cases of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan DoyleRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐It's exciting to read how the brilliant mind of Sherlock Holmes unravels mystery after mystery, but I would say the TV series and the movies are better.There were cases that I thought were easy to solve, and there were plot twists I didn't see coming.A great break from the previous romance books I've read, that's for sure.7. July 2021 - Write It Down Make It Happen by Henriette KlauserRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I've always believed in the power of written words. My thoughts and plans get more organized when I see them written down on paper. Heartwarming, inspiring, and astounding sharing of people who have turned their dreams into reality by writing them down is waiting for you in this book.It renewed my faith and reminded me just how powerful we are in creating our destinies and shaping our future.8. August 2021- Whiteout by Ken FollettWhiteout by Ken FollettRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Another novel I'd like to be made into a movie. I love how the story is plain and simple but full of suspense. I seldom see plots wherein the heart of the action climaxes and (almost) ends in one location.Not everyone loves a happy ending, but I do. Needless to say, I closed this book with a smile on my face.9. September 2021 - Forced RestThat's not the title of my September read. I got sick this month and didn't have the energy to read a book. So I took a break and read two books for October instead.10. October 2021 - Beach Town by Mary Kay AndrewsRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Greer and Eben. The two characters in this book were a breath of fresh air from Christian + Anastasia and Hardin + Tessa. Eben is uncomplicated, genuine, and honest. Greer is no-nonsense, especially when it comes to her job.I love how the story happened in one place - the Beach Town. The simple way they live in Cypress Key reminds me of my old hometown. I miss going to the beach, and this book makes me want to live near one.It's not a complex story - no suspense, action, heavy drama, and, most importantly, no mysterious boyfriend with a heavy baggage to carry.But it makes me look forward to what will happen next, especially where Greer and Eben's relationship is going.It brought me that pleasant summer vibe even though I read it in October.This book is an excellent come-back read for me after struggling with my health. October - The Distance Between Us by Maggie O'FarrellRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I'm not a fan of book flashback scenes, but I don't mind it with The Distance Between Us. It's highly relevant to the story and effective in piquing your curiosity. Why do these sisters have this unique bond? Why does Stella keep seeing this man or think she did, and why is he making her feel this way?What is she running away from?How in the world is she going to meet Jake when he's halfway across the globe?How will they work things out when they seem to live in different worlds?How is Jake going to make peace with his past?Questions that keep adding up as you read along but, in the end, were answered satisfactorily. Jake and Stella didn't have a good past, but you'd know they'll have a promising future. 11. November 2021- The Road Home by Rose TremainRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐It's raw and moving. A story about a man who once became homeless in hopes of providing a better life for his family back home.It's good to be reminded of how kindness, even from people we barely know, can change our lives. And that we really have no idea what the other person is going through.I love how Lev did not let his present circumstances hinder him from dreaming new dreams.He worked hard and persevered to save his family and turn his dream into reality. To give the people in their small town another chance.There's also a part about the wrong love he chose that still haunts him but makes him more human.And that's what I love about this story. It doesn't shy away from the reality of life. Only four stars, though, because I wish he's found peace in his heart and allowed himself to move on and be really happy. 12. December 2021- The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath and Dan HeathRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I read this book as a requirement from our club. It was reading out of obligation at first which was no fun, but I eventually enjoyed it.Enlightening, perceptive, and sometimes funny.As someone who's been working with customers for about 18 years now, I have many eureka moments here.Not only are the insights helpful for work or business, but they also gave me an idea of how to create powerful moments in an otherwise ordinary time, build a stronger relationship with others, and turn something unpleasant into an opportunity for an epic moment.A must-read, especially for entrepreneurs or those who want to improve their career in customer care.2021 Reading Challenge TakeawayWhen I was a few pages away from completing my 2021 Reading Challenge, I had an incredible sense of pride and satisfaction.This year was far from perfect, but at least I've been productive and learned more than I did last year.I hope my picks for my 2022 Reading Challenge will be much better.What's on your reading list for 2022? Recommendations are welcome.
Holiday May Your Days Be Merry And Bright 5:04 AM As you get into the celebration's festivities, remember what this day is really about.May you find reasons to be more thankful for the year that was and look forward to the coming year with a cheerful disposition. Indeed, may your stomachs and hearts be full tonight, and may your days be merry and bright. May Your Days Be Merry And Bright Amidst the heavy traffic and the long queues at the malls, While you're caught in the merriment of the occasion, As you give and receive warm hugs and answer calls, May you not forget the Reason for the season. The Baby born of the virgin and laid in the manger, Who sacrificed and left His glorious throne above, Who gave His all without asking anything but hopes you remember, That Someone important and infinite wants to give you His love. So, believing in Him or not, go on and get into the spirit, Celebrate this wonderful time, get drunk with love tonight, Forget about the year's lows and let the joy of the season get you lifted, May love fill your hearts and your days be merry and bright. Happy Christmas!
Holiday 7 Simple Steps To Save Money During The Holidays 4:45 AM 7 Simple Steps To Save Money During The Holidays It's the most wonderful...and most expensive time of the year. Gathering with your loved ones to celebrate the holidays is nice, but gift-giving could hurt your budget if you're not careful. You can stay frugal without becoming the Grinch. Here are seven simple steps to save money during the holidays.1. Make a list and check it twiceBe like Santa. Make a list and check it not to find out who's naughty or nice but to see how much you'll spend on presents.Write the name of the recipients in one column, the gift options you're getting them in another, and the price. Having more than one gift option is good, so you have a backup in case one item is unavailable or more expensive than expected. 2. Start early When is the best time to start your Christmas shopping? As early as you can. Luckily for most of us, some online stores have a monthly sale. No need to wait for significant holiday sales to start buying Christmas presents. This helps you avoid the Christmas rush. If you are in a hurry, chances are you will be unable to think clearly and spend more than you planned.I usually start in August. How about you? 3. Recycle giftsIt's not as bad as you think. Recycling gifts is a practical and sustainable way to celebrate the holiday.For example, my friend gave me a coin purse on my birthday. After a year of sitting in my closet and accumulating dust, I gave it to my other friend, who's not connected with her.Rather than hoard items you don't use, give them away. Be bold and recycle gifts. It is yours to give anyway. 4. Use coupons or vouchers Make use of coupons, gift checks, certificates, or vouchers. They're there to make your shopping life better. You can use them to buy gifts or give them as gifts. It is a practical and thoughtful present, especially for those with everything they need. Or for moms who'd love to buy some groceries or items for the house instead. 5. Shop online Online shopping helps you avoid long lines at stores. You save time and effort going outside to buy, and the options are endless. The items get delivered to your doorsteps. You practically don't have to leave the house. Buy gifts that give back to the community, the environment, and yourself from Human Nature Lucky Shop. 6. Volunteer Give your time, talent, and treasure to those who can't repay you. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. -Luke 14:13-14Many charity works are being done in the communities during the holiday. Lend a helping hand.7. Give a DIY giftA gift that's not only picked out at the store but was given a lot of time planning and creating is the best! Make your own Christmas card.Create a photo album or scrapbook of memories you have with the recipient.Give them a DIY sugar scrub, bath bomb, or body butter.Cook something. Christmas is the season of giving and giving is rewarding. Whatever happens, know that God can never be outdone in generosity.Remember that you can enjoy and show your love this Christmas without overspending. Do you have money-saving tips for the holidays? Hero image
Life Lessons Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes 1:35 AM Every day we encounter famous quotes about life from people we talk with, videos we watch, or posts we see on social media. Some resonate, some make us smile, and others still make us think. What is your favorite quote or life motto?Here are my top 10 favorite inspirational quotes about life. I hope you’ll find them helpful too.Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes1. We don’t see the world as it is; we see it as we are. - Anaïs Nin Really handy to remember when you encounter someone with a negative point of view about everything. It’s not your fault. And you can’t change them unless they change their mindset.2. You will never speak to anyone more than you think to yourself.Do you have a toxic person in your life that spews nothing but poisonous words toward you or others? Or perhaps encountered a stranger with such hostility that left you befuddled? I pity them. For by the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks. -Mt. 12:34Imagine what’s going on in their heads. Imagine what they might have gone through to be the bitter person they are now.Like you, I love hanging out with people whose words are like honey. Genuine, wonderful people who inspire and encourage by their mere presence.Which one are you?3. Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life; you didn’t settle for it. - Mandy HaleI look back ten years ago when everyone I met would pressure me into “settling down before it’s too late.” Whatever that means.Some of these people are well-meaning. But I’m glad I didn’t give in to that pressure. Truth be told, I wasn’t pressured at all. I’ve had this scary kind of calmness in me, knowing that I am living the life I chose and not what others impose on me.I am confident that ten years from now, my future self will be smiling while looking back because my present self is making conscious decisions that I believe are best for her.I know I would still make mistakes along the way. But...I am doing the best I can with what I have with where I am right now.My life may not be perfect, but it’s a life well-lived.4. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed or both will be good. -Ecclesiastes 11:6Sometimes I get demotivated and think about slacking off even when I know I’ve got a lot of tasks to accomplish. I’d remember this passage. I wrote it down on a post-it and put it beside my mirror so I could see it while preparing for the day.The Bible really is like a life manual. A complete guide. It even teaches us about hard work and mindfulness in sowing for our future.5. Do more of what brings you joy.Life’s too short to live miserably. Live with a purpose. Choose to be happy. Don’t take life for granted.What brings you joy?Walking in nature? Or going to the beach?Watching KDramas, happy dog videos, or ASMR of people cleaning and organizing? (Mine’s the last one).Taking long showers?Drinking tea?Or writing?Do more of it.And avoid things that only bring you anxiety and stress.6. You must get good at one of two things. Planting in the spring or begging in the fall. - Jim RohnI may be too prideful to beg, so I choose to always plant in the spring.I make sure I won’t be a burden to my family. And that I can be generous to them in sharing things I know they’d love.To be financially secure, you don’t have to be a wiz in investing. Instead, some simple budgeting tips and basic investing knowledge are all you need.Read here and learn how to be truly rich.7. Choose someone you enjoy talking with. Because a day will come when that beautiful body will shift. A day will come, there will be one thing left — conversations. - Bo SanchezConversations are priceless. Especially when you and your partner are apart. Physical attraction is a plus, but if you can’t have a heart-to-heart talk with your significant other, life could get complicated.8. Eat the damn cake.A “life is short” quote, if you please. I love desserts - especially cakes. It’s okay to indulge once in a while.From a more figurative view, eating the cake could mean going for something you want or risking trying.9. The grass is always greener where you water it.I used to think my life would improve if I went somewhere where opportunities were more promising. I thought I’d be happier if I did what society said I should.But now I know that life is better and happier when you learn to bloom where you’re planted.You’re more at peace when you follow your heart and ignore the shiny object syndrome.10. Don’t apologize for keeping your circle small and exclusive.Not everyone will celebrate you. Cut off people who are not contributing to your well-being...even if they’re family. If they’re too toxic to be around...If they stunt your growth...If they just keep hurting you...You need to let them go.When God takes someone out of your life, it’s because they’ve already served their purpose. And your next chapter does not require them to play their roles anymore.Protect your inner peace. You owe it to yourself.How about you? What great quotes about life are your favorites? Share them in the comments! 😀
Listicle Top 10 Blog Posts In The Past 10 Years 11:51 PM Can you believe it? We've been together for a decade now!Ten fantabulous years of writing for you. Time does fly when you're having fun. If you're new here, welcome! I'm glad you've stumbled upon this site. I hope you stay. For 10 years or more.To celebrate my 10th blog anniversary, I'll be writing 10 things about different topics. Kicking it off with my top 10 blog posts in the past 10 years of blogging (according to stats). I hope you enjoy revisiting them or reading them for the first time.Top 10 Blog Posts in the Past 10 Years1. About Hush Puppies and Finding Your One True LoveIt seems only yesterday...I was fresh from a heartbreak. In an unfamiliar place. Surrounded by the most toxic people I've ever known. I felt like Eeyore. With a constant storm cloud above me. GfycatAlas, one day...a silver lining! I received a bonus. And since my shoes then were at the end of their life, I went shoe shopping. While looking around for a good pair, I realized that shopping for shoes is like finding your life partner. Finding your one true love as with shoe shopping could take longer and could be frustrating. But in the end, it's rewarding.This is where I shared why. Pinterest2. 16 Reasons Why The Feast Is The Coolest Place To Recover Your FaithThe Catholic faith is boring and superficial. They worship sculptures. They're blind followers.That's what they say.The Feast will show you otherwise. What's The Feast? It's a weekly gathering of the LOJ Family. There's live music and worship, fun and moving talks, and it's lightyears away from boring.I went through a phase when I was thirsting for more, spiritually. I wanted to seek God on a deeper level. Going to mass wasn't enough to quench my thirst. I searched for God in other religions. I'm glad I've found The Feast. I saw God in a different light. A loving Father more than a ruler. A generous provider.An invincible protector.A loyal friend.My vindicator. God is the best life-planner and matchmaker ever.He looks at me with adoration. He's been waiting for me to return without question or judgment.I've met some of my lifelong friends at The Feast, too.The Feast truly is the best place to recover your faith. Check out the other reasons why here.Tenor3. I Choose To Be HappyThis was written when I was down in the dumps and have had enough of my situation. Dramatic but true.I realized...God didn't knit me together in my mother's womb so I'd wake up feeling dejected every day. I've had enough of the dark times. I wanted to see the light. And I realized the only person stopping me from doing so is...Myself.So, I made a choice.I chose to get up and make things happen.I chose forgiveness even when I never received the apology I needed.I chose to be happy then, and I keep choosing happiness today.Read here and find out why you should too.Tenor4. 13 Things You Should Never Apologize ForDo you catch yourself apologizing even when it's unnecessary? I'm sorry, I just have a question.I'm sorry, but I think you should leave.I'm sorry, but that's not funny. It's offensive.It's like we're too scared to rock the boat. And to show how we really feel.Women, especially.GiphyI love this quote from Marianne Williamson:Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? We shouldn't apologize if we shine too brightly for others who choose to stay in the dark.You should not apologize for being yourself (as long as you're not hurting anyone).What are the things you don't apologize for? Here are mine.Shine bright, baby!Giphy5. Life Lessons From Maleficent MovieAnother post about making a choice and how our choices affect our lives.Hold a grudge or forgive?Love or hate?To vindicate or to let go?In every choice we make, there's a consequence. Especially choosing the words that come out of our mouth. Because words are extremely powerful.Maleficent is also about the importance of not judging others based on their appearance.She may have a menacing look but she's got a good heart.She was only temporarily hateful because she was hurt. And you know what they say about women scorned.No? Read about it here.Pinterest6. The Power Of An IntrovertI scored 99% introvert in the personality test I took. No kidding.I'm at peace and at my best when I'm in my own little bubble. When I finally realized that choosing to stay home over partying is not being a killjoy but just being myself, I felt more powerful. In control. And blissful.Oh, the quiet power of an introvert and the fun things we can do.I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. -Henry David ThoreauAre you an introvert or know someone who is? You should read this.Tumblr7. 25 Powerful Declarations To Shape Your Day & Change Your LifeWords can shape your day and change your life. We all need motivation. Every day.Do you speak encouraging and kind words to yourself? Or do you wake up feeling defeated?This could help you. I love what Annie Dillard said: How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.Copy and paste these 25 declarations here.Giphy8. 10 Signs Your Partner Is A Man-Child And Not A ManBig thanks to guest blogger Tracey Clayton for this enlightening and fun read. Could it be that there are more "man-child" than we think there are? Why the interest in knowing the signs? If you're in a relationship and you're not sure if your partner is a man-child or not, this article is for you.Save yourself from a lifetime of headaches and tears. If you see a red flag, run.Gifer9. Dogs Are Family, Not FoodI wasn't vegan yet when I wrote this. I found out that there is a festival wherein people feast on dog meat. As disgusting and preposterous as it sounds, it's true. It's happening. Every year. I wrote this as a petition. Man is the only one to whom the torture and death of his fellow-creatures are amusing in itself. -James Anthony FroudePLEASE sign the petition because sadly, it's still happening.Tenor10. My Birthday Gratitude ListThankful every day but especially during my birthday. I would look back at the year that has passed (because my birth month is December), and think about how blessed I am. My heart is filled with gratitude as I'm listing down my blessings.Writing down a gratitude list improves your life.You become more mindful and focused.You're more cheerful and optimistic.You'll have fewer worries. Have more energy. More motivated to do more. And you feel more confident that no matter what happens, everything's going to be okay.Make it a habit to write a gratitude list, especially on your birthday. You'll feel more special and you'll appreciate life more.TenorRereading these articles is a trip.I could picture my younger self hunched down on my laptop and baring my soul. What a wonderful 10 years of blogging it has been!Thank you for being a part of it. 😊Tell me which of these top 10 blog posts you enjoyed the most. What has resonated with you? I'd love to read your thoughts in the comments below. This post here may contain affiliate links. Meaning I get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thank you for your support.
