"With My Eyes Wide Open" by Brian "Head" Welch

Heartbreaking-ly beautiful, brutally honest and tragically magical, Brian "Head" Welch of KoRn writes of coming home to his band and raising his daughter after his conversion to Christianity in his book, "With My Eyes Wide Open".  Don't get it twisted though, he isn't writing about warm fuzzy feelings and drinking pumpkin spice lattes while reading Joel Osteen books. He is writing about being tested by fire...legal issues, his daughter's struggle with depression and dealing with a friend's betrayal.  And through it all, he never loses faith. He cries out constantly to the Lord and in his humbleness and simplicity, this book is like a prayer. I'm not a fan of KoRn, but after reading this book, I will say that I am a fan of Brian "Head" Welch. A great read, raw and poignant, and I must confess, I shed more than a few tears.


Disclaimer: I was provided this book, for free, by the publisher, in exchange for an honest and un-biased review.  All opinions stated are my own.

NIV Lifehacks Bible

We are a busy people and the internet abounds with these little tips called "Life Hacks" that help our lives run a bit smoother. Enter the NIV Lifehacks Bible. With 365 articles containing tips, advice and practical applications, the Lifehack Bible is sure to help you with your spiritual life. Rather than scholarly information or devotionals, these articles give practical advice to help you build a vibrant relationship with our Lord. Topics include Character Formation, Journaling, Prayer, Stewardship and Gratitude, just to name a few. Also included are 30 Self-Assessments on various personal spiritual disciplines and over 75 "How-To" articles ranging from "How (and Why) to Pray the Word" to "How To Stop Worrying". I especially enjoyed the articles on how to keep different kinds of journals for bible study. This would be a great Bible for teens and young adults.

Disclosure: I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. All opinions are mine.

"Reset" by Nick Hall

"Reset" by Nick Hall is part of a movement for a new generation.  Everyday, young adults (and older people too) are bombarded by peer groups, social media and celebrities setting unrealistic standards that offer only unhappiness and emptiness. Sin is fun, but only for a season and then you are left, empty and alone. It's time for a Reset!  Written by a young man, who is on fire for Christ, "Reset" is fresh and relevant!  Nick Hall endearingly shares the troubling stories of the people he has witnessed to and the changes that he sees, while also sharing his own personal stories and struggles. The first part of his book chronicles his testimony and his ministry. The second part of the book offers advice and real suggestions that you can incorporate in your life so you can experience your own spiritual reset. This is a great book for high school-ers, college kids and young adults, I could see it being an amazing youth group study as well. I enjoyed this book tremendously and feel that the topics covered; renewing faith, making the right kind of friends, sexual purity are very important subjects for today's youths and need to be spoken about openly and earnestly which Hall has accomplished.

What will you ask Jesus to reset in your life today?

Join The Reset Movement Today

I received this book, from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Training Week is OVER!!!

And I have tomorrow off! I have some apt cleaning to catch up on and I need to make an appt for Monday for car stuff (oil change, etc).  I have received some new books in the mail on Tuesday and today, one is a review book, so I'm looking to finish that one tonight and get the review done by tomorrow:) It's called "Reset" by Nick Hall. So far, I'm loving it! I cannot resist a good book!

Busy Couple of Days!

It's been a busy couple of days! Enjoyed a local baseball game yesterday and I have training all this week with only one day off!!! Currently reading "Jesus Freaks" by DC Talk. And getting ready to read the book of Exodus in the Bible. Also started to go through all my materials and clothing (again) so I can get better organized for some sewing fun...I need to get my Etsy store stocked up again! Hoping to have the organization part done by the end of the month. So far, I only have one box packed/inventoried. The plan is to go through all the boxes and bins and inventory the items I want to keep. And then group items by type or project...This could take a while...

Size 4 Skirt...Into Size Awesome Shirt!

It was a great day here at Casa de Flamingo...Went shooting at the new gun range in town and then ate some yummy Mexican food. Bought a new book, "Fight Like A Cornered Cat" all about concealed carry for the womens:)

Came home and worked on this beauty...

This is a size 4 skirt that I picked up for $3...I loved the pattern even though I knew it was too small for me.

And this is what is became...a beautiful crop top!  I do have to fix one sleeve, but other than that, I love it! I have a black tank top that I will wear underneath it, as it is a bit shorter than I am used to, but all in all, I'm pretty impressed at how well it came out. I used the infamous Dottie Angel 1080 pattern for the shirt and did not make any adjustments as far as darts etc. If I make another one (and I probably will), I will put the bias tape on the sleeves BEFORE I sew it up...I think it would be easier that way.

Thrifty Friday

I was able to hit up two of my favorite thrift shops today and I found so really awesome items! And a few new projects. I also picked up a couple of new books! I read "Stuff That Christians Like" by Jon Acuff. I died. Hilarious!!! This guy definitely knows the struggle is REAL. I also picked up another Navigator's Life Change Bible study, this one is on the book of Romans.  I am currently reading "Before Green Gables" by Budge Wilson and I am enjoying it tremendously! I have always loved the
Anne of Green Gables books, so this was a great treat to find in the store today! I'm looking forward to reviewing both of those books very soon!

Just A Bit Of An Update

I'm still here! It is about time for an update though! Trailer Park Couture is still open on Etsy and I have sold 6 items so far! I have made quite a few projects and I have lots more coming up! My recent make, a maxi dress from a shower curtain has been very popular! A post on that coming soon! I have been working on using up my scrap satin and satin type fabric for flowers and I have made some beautiful poppies from some red scrap chiffon material. Hoping to get those in my shop soon!