Tag

christianity

Browsing

2014 Summer Reading List Part 1

I used to read a lot, but then I graduated college and started working and quickly, reading became a past time suited only for vacations. I read six books during our honeymoon to Bali – my favorites being Da Vince Code and Where’d You Go, Bernadette? Both books were total page turners. Now that Isla has arrived, I do not have a lot of free time; however, I have been reading books on my iPhone while breastfeeding, as page flipping is much easier than texting (unless you one-finger type!). So far, I’ve read four books – The One and Only by Emily Giffin, The Fault in our Stars by John Green, #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso, and Love Does by Bob Goff.


 

91BiKjrxd+L._SL1500_

 

The One and Only by Emily Giffin is an interesting read – especially for a Texas girl, given that the story is based in Texas and mentions The University of Texas at Austin (my alma mater) throughout the entire novel. The story is based on a sports editor, Shea, whose life is changed drastically when her best friend’s mother dies from cancer, her job changes, and she begins dating the Dallas Cowboys quarterback. There is an interesting (yet predictable as the story unfolds) plot twist which really freaked me out – I won’t ruin the plot line, but it’s perhaps the only Emily Giffin book that I wouldn’t recommend reading. I absolutely love her other novels – Baby Proof, Where We Belong, Heart of the Matter, Love the One You’re With, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue.


 

The_Fault_in_Our_Stars

 

Cue me sobbing. A lot. The Fault in our Stars by John Green is probably not a good book to read immediately after having your first child. This story is about two teens battling cancer – a beautiful love story – but Sasha walked into the nursery on multiple occasions as I was feeding and found me crying uncontrollably. I kept telling him that Isla cannot get cancer, to which he completely agreed. Besides my hormonal self, the book is beautiful. What a moving read. I am not sure I’m ready to see the movie any time soon, but I would definitely recommend this book and will be buying the hardback book to read again in the future.


 

girl-boss

I decided to read #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso after Christie (of KiKiMac) recommended it. I flew through it and immediately decided that I need to create my own business. #GIRLBOSS is extremely inspirational – especially for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. The book outlines how Sophia grew Nasty Gal from a small eBay business to a multi-multi million dollar online retailer. #GIRLBOSS should be read by anyone who needs motivation to start doing what you love.


 

41+IoEK9zsL

Loves Does by Bob Goff has definitely been my favorite read so far. This amazingly strong Christian lawyer tells a variety of stories about his life – all of which are unbelievable and had me both laughing out loud and sobbing. Love Does is one of the most inspiring books I’ve ever read, and Bob does a wonderful job tying his unique tales into God’s love for us. “Simply put, love does.” This novel is a must read.


I’m now reading The Vacationers by Emma Straub – I’m enjoying it so far. Other books I have lined up after include Wild by Cheryl Strayed and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynch. Do you have any good book suggestions?

 

featured image via

A Very Hoppy Easter

It is rare that Serbian Easter and Protestant Easter fall on the same day, since the former follow the Julian calendar versus the more common Gregorian calendar. Last year, Serbian Easter fell on the same day as my older sister’s wedding, so we weren’t able to go to Galveston to celebrate; however, this year we got to spend time with both families on the same day, which was so fun (and utterly exhausting).

The weather was absolutely amazing – super sunny, as evidenced by my very red shoulders today! We went to Sasha’s family’s church in Galveston (see pictures of a previous visit here), then headed to his mom’s beach house nearby for lunch and an Easter egg hunt with the kids. I love the excitement over finding eggs, and cannot wait to add Isla and Ana (Mila and Lazo’s sister who will be born one month after Isla) to the festivities. Around 3pm, we headed to Katy to celebrate with my family, where we found Easter baskets of our own. You can never be too old! We ate dinner, then headed home at 8pm after a long and exciting day. I love Easter so much, as it is the day to remember that Christ is risen and alive in us today (which reminds me of this song).

Easter2014

DSC_0739

Easter2014_2

DSC_0762

Easter2014_3

34 week bump! So excited to only have 44 days left!

DSC_0746

“Oceans” by Hillsong

oceans

I love Hillsong United so much (last referenced here). One of my favorite songs of all time is “Oceans” from their most recent CD. My friend, Brooke, sent me this live version, and I have watched it more times than I could count. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I listen to this song – “You’ve never failed, and You won’t start now.” What could be more encouraging than that? I highly recommend this song – whether you are religious or not.

I hope you all have an amazing Easter weekend. 2014 is one of the rare years when Serbian Easter and Protestant Easter align, so we are heading to Galveston to celebrate with Sasha’s family, then jetting back to spend the rest of the day with my family. What Easter traditions do you have?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m_sWJQm2fs]

Initial Bali Snapshots

I’m in love with Bali. It’s truly one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited, and the people here could not be any nicer. I’m a little behind on posting, so I’ve compiled our first few days in one post and will share additional pictures from our cooking class, trip to Padang Padang beach (where they filmed Eat, Pray, Love), dinner at Jimbaran Bay, and elephant ride soon.

Food

Eight Degrees South – great Mediterranean food
Suku – tasty Asian cuisine with nightly Balinese dance performances
Azure – our poolside go-to for lunch
East – a casual dining spot at the Conrad
Sakala – a phenomenal food experience – a trust “must” in Bali
Lakeview Cafe – delicious Asian buffet with breathtaking views
2Day Cafe – as close to a warung (local restaurant) as we’ve tried – great veggies
______________________________

Experiences

Relaxing at the gorgeous Conrad Bali lagoon pool and beach
Eating miso soup and drinking freshly squeezed mango juice for breakfast
Practicing outdoor yoga and exploring Nusa Dua by foot
Watching the awe-inspiring Devdan Show (think Cirque du Soleil + So You Think You Can Dance?)
Trying fresh Luwak coffee (read this to find out how it’s made)
Exploring the Balinese coffee plantation, Santi
Witnessing a perfect rainbow between Mt. Agung and Mt. Batur (sleeping volcano)
Trying lots of fresh fruit (except the stinky durian fruit – see Sasha eating it below)
Enjoying the cultural Barong and Kris Dance performance
Our favorite so far – praying in Bali’s holiest water at Tirta Empul
 

Processed with VSCOcam

Morning view from our room

DSC_0373

Where you’ll find us (every second day – 50% culture, 50% tan!)

DSC_0374

Temple style watch guard points

IMG_4482

I’m never leaving

Processed with VSCOcam with g3 preset

Miso and mango for breakfast

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Onsite temple

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Practicing my yoga moves (outside of the 7:30 Sunrise Yoga class)

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

My poolside Summer Salad and Sasha’s hamburger – is there anything better?

DSC_0409

At the Kris and Barong Performance

DSC_0448

Evil and Pure Spirits are fighting (can’t you tell?)

DSC_0471

Amazing costumes in play at the performance

DSC_0479

Two of the main performers

DSC_0523

Waiting to pray in the holy springs at Tirta Empul

DSC_0548

Lots of people and things to be praying for

DSC_0566

Sasha looks darn good in a sarong (I’m totally biased)

DSC_0590

Trying teas and coffees at Santi Plantation

DSC_0587

The freshly picked coffee beans and spices at Santi

DSC_0581

In front of Mt. Batur

DSC_0572

A gorgeous rainbow outside of Lakeview

DSC_0605

Sasha being brave and trying durian

DSC_0609

Me being less brave and trying mangosteen

DSC_0606

Durians look as unappealing as they smell (and taste!)

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 presetMy only picture at Devdan before getting scolded for taking pictures!