March Book Review!

I've done a lot of reading this month, but seven of the books I have read before!

I started thinking about how I haven't read The Selection Series in forever, so I started book one and then had to read books two and three.

After that I did the same with the Pretty Little Liars Books 1-4. I suppose I will read a couple more next month. I think there are sixteen total? 

Anyway, I did read two new books in the Christian Inspiration genre. The first was ok, the second...meh. I guess that's what I get after reading those 7 page turners above!

Every Day a Friday

I'm not a huge Osteen fan theologically, but he is a good writer. I've read one of his before, and I was expecting this one to be really good too. We all need a little encouragement on how to live happier lives, right? This one got a little redundant, unfortunately. Have you read any Osteen books that you would recommend?

The Counsel of Heaven on Earth

I picked this book primarily because it was on the list of books I had to choose from for a book review. The first third was actually quite good. Then it got boring. Paper is written. Book is shelved. For life.

The Selection Series

I love The Selection, and I'm soon to purchase the next two in the series. I've been waiting for them to go in paperback format. These page turners are easy to read, in a day if you can! You are just totally entranced by the story of America who is picked to join the Selection for a chance at being the Princess. It's like the Bachelor + royalty. You're sure to love them all!

Pretty Little Liars Books 1-4

I read these books 5+ years ago, and since the TV show is almost at its end (next season will be the last!) I thought I'd reread one. Or 4. If you love the show, you'll like the books, but don't try to compare them. The stories are different, but the characters are the same. It's like two PLL storylines! It can't get any better than that!

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What have you been reading lately? Let me know in the comments!

January Book Review!

This was a BIG month of reading!


Having some time off school allowed me to read a lot more for fun, and I've got some great suggestions for you!


(Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a GIVEAWAY!)





A Trip around the Sun: Turning Your Everyday Life into the Adventure of a Lifetime

I love Mark Batterson, and this book did not disappoint! How to make your everyday life an adventure? Sign me up!

The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition

I read the original Five Love Languages a few years ago, so I thought I would explore this one too. If you are not married - you are a single. Don't get hung up on the word "single". Even if you're in a relationship - you're a single. I think this book should be a requirement for youth groups everywhere! Who couldn't benefit from learning about love and communication?

Audacious

Beth Moore finally put out a new book, so of course I gobbled it up immediately! I love Beth. She's so real, well spoken and you cannot help but be changed by her writings. Beth tells you that you are audcaciously loved - and you can audaciously love God in return.

The End Times in Chronological Order

This book is not for the Seminary scholar. It's for everyday people like you and me. There is so much "end times" and "prophecy fullfilled" in our faces these days, it's hard to know truth. That being said - learn it for yourself! This book guides you through accurately interpreting Scripture and prophecy.

Big Little Lies

LOVED this book!!! Liane Moriarty will definitely be returning month after month. This story is so good, you have to read it!

The Nightingale

Beautiful story! A great pick for history lovers set in World War II France.

Stuck 

I've chosen the Bible study Stuck by Jennie Allen for my latest studies. I'll have to let you know how it turns out when I finish in a few weeks, but so far it is just what I needed. God desires for each of us to live wholly and freely in Him!

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Alright, friends! 

We have our first GIVEAWAY of the New Year, and I am so excited to be giving away a copy of one of my favorite books from 2015, Spirit Hunger, by Gari Meachem!





To enter, simply follow the steps on the Rafflecopter below, and the winner will be announced tomorrow!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November Book Club!

Hey, everyone! 

I love book club day because I get so many wonderful suggestions from you guys! Just like last month, my "for fun" reading has been put on hold for school reading, but I did manage to squeeze three in. 

The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker


I really enjoyed this book! Catalyst events are huge in the Christian ministry circuit, but they are also for secular leaders as well. It's for leaders in general. So, of course I grabbed a copy of this book when I saw it. I didn't even know it existed till it made the bargain buys at my local Lifeway. And I love me some bargain buys! This is a great read for anyone looking to build their ministry or influence in their communities. There were also a lot of interesting ideas to implement.

God, Marriage, and Family (Second Edition): Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation


Long. Hard to stay interested in, but it is a topic that people everywhere need to read about. Especially with our current cultural crisis. It's a bit on the wordy side, but the message is basic - BRING GOD BACK!

Spirit Hunger: Filling Our Deep Longing to Connect with God


I loved this one! I poured through it, soaking up every single word. I even bought another copy to give to my spiritual accountability friend.




What have you guys been reading lately? Sound off in the comments!

September Book Club!

I haven't been able to do a lot of reading this month. It makes me sad! A lot of you always ask how I manage to read 5+ books a month, but now it's catching up to me. I've been reading, but I doubt any of you want links to my text books :)! 

I managed to read two books this month. I read one chick lit for fun and one for inspiration! 

My Heart's Cry: Longing for More of Jesus

Beautifully written, I love all of Anne's books. 

A Summer Affair

This was my first Elin Hilderbrand book. I've heard a lot about her from Shay, and this book did not disappoint. I will totally be reading more of Hilderbrand!

Do you have any book suggestions for me? I love finding new authors from you guys!

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August Book Club!

Where, oh where, has the time gone? I knew once school got started time would get away from me. Thank you to all of you who have reached out to see how Seminary is progressing and for just giving me an encouraging word. I appreciate you all so much!

Let's hear it for some great books this month! 

Unstoppable: Running the Race You Were Born To Win

I absolutely loved this one! Christine is an incredible speaker and writer, but I also learned a great deal about her humanitarian efforts in human trafficking. This gal loves the Lord and really gives your the 'umph you need to keep running the race God has set before you.

Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus

Kyle calls you out in Not a Fan! Don't be fooled by the once saved always saved mentality. True salvation has true results. A great read! He's spunky which I totally love when reading Christian literature.

Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion

I downloaded this one to have something light to read while working out. It's a good story of how Derek developed into the man we see on Dancing with the Stars. He's my favorite dancer on the show, and it's fun to learn a little about the ballroom dancing that got him there.




Not That Kind of Girl

I downloaded this one as a quick read too. I did not like it at all. The sexual overtones and innuendos were pointless. In fact, the whole book was pointless.




Our Covenant God

I heart everything Kay writes! She's a hero of mine and someone I intend to emulate in my own ministry. The way she guides the reader through understanding covenants is perfect. Kay Arthur is truly one of the most genuinely beautiful creatures God has ever created!




Well, that wraps up my August reads (a week late!) Do you have any suggestions for next month? With all the heavy reading I've been doing (can you say biblical hermeneutics?!), I would love some light, happy books.


Have a happy Monday, everyone!

July Book Club!

As usual, I have some great reading suggestions for the month! Every single one of these were great. Don't forget I've created the Book Club page where all of my book suggestions are in one list - including the links!

Live Original

I've never watched Duck Dynasty. I've heard it's a good show and the family is a great representation of Christ's love. We need more Christian shows! I saw Sadie on Dancing with the Stars, and that's what made me pick up her book. It's such a good, encouraging story on how to be the best you. She includes scripture readings and questions at the end of each chapter inviting you to dig deeper into your own story, how to live according the Fruits of the Spirit and how to live a life that best exemplifies Christ. It's a great read for all teens and young women.

Free to Be Me

This is a great read for younger teen girls. I read it just for some useful knowledge on young women's ministry, and Stasi explains being a girl in a way that even a guy could understand! She really encourages the reader to live a life reflecting the life and love of Jesus Christ. (Perhaps that was a theme this month?!)

Bossypants

A good, funny, light read. One of my goals this month was to read more "fun" books, and this was a good one!

Just As I Am

Warning: this is not for the causal reader. It's long and deep, but absolutely beautiful. What a man Billy Graham was and is. Deeply moving.

The Last Days

This is the second book in Joel Rosenberg's series. (Refer to the Book Club page for a link to the first book, The Last Jihad.) I really enjoy his writings. Normally, geo-political thrillers do not even get a second thought, but I've been really impressed with these. Have any of you ever read Rosenberg? I'd like to know your thoughts. 

Make it Happen

A positive, encouraging book on how to lead the life you've always wanted.

I'd love to hear some of your suggestions in the comments! 

I always get the best recommendations from my readers!

Summer Home Decor and Introducing New Books Page

Confession. I am a book HOARDER. I love, Love, LOVE books! I never leave home without one. Can I get an amen? I know many of you are with me on this one. The "Vogue Happiness" monthly Book Club will list all of my favorites from the month, where to find them and what they're about. Then I will upload them to the Book Club tab on my home page for a complete listing. I hope this helps. The Book Club page will be published soon!

Today's post is all about Summer home decor. Do you decorate your home for summer? I do for fall and holidays, but I've never really considered updating the decor for spring and summer months. I've seen a few trends on Pinterest, so I thought I'd share them with you here today. 

You can follow Vogue Happiness on Pinterest here.

I love pretty much everything Kristin designs

Bliss @ Home

(link in sidebar)

I love the mix of blues and grays

I LOVE that sign!

The best way to change up decor is with accessories.

And I love me some throw pillows!

What are your thoughts on decorating your home for the summer months? 

Have a great Tuesday!