Book Review ~ Beauty Begins by Chris Shook and Megan Shook Alpha

 

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 Blurb:

 

You are, and always have been, beautiful.

“Beauty begins. That’s the point of this book. Our understanding of beauty got started somewhere and somehow, and probably due to someone. Now that may have been a good start, but then again it may not have. But regardless of what your past looks like, we want to offer up this word of hope: it’s never too late to make peace with your reflection.”

We live in a culture that’s obsessed with beauty. Walk by any magazine stand, turn on a television, or visit the local shopping mall, and you’ll be bombarded with the images and ideals that our culture believes are the epitome of what it means to be beautiful. And if you’re like most women, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to measure up to this standard of beauty whether you realize it or not.

But if you don’t make peace with your reflection, you’ll end up declaring war on yourself.

That’s where mother-daughter team, Chris and Megan Shook, want to help. In Beauty Begins, they explore the origins of beauty (hint, it didn’t start with a fashion magazine) and challenge each of us to trade the pressure of perfection for God's perfect love.

Poignant, relevant, and relatable, Beauty Begins is for every woman who wants to reclaim what it means to be truly beautiful.

Do you feel beautiful?
 
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Others may tell you that you’re beautiful, but do you believe them? Why not? Don’t let another day go by without believing and knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
It’s time for you to exchange society’s cookie-cutter suggestions for what is beautiful and instead discover and reclaim what true beauty looks like – and the One who created it.
In Beauty Begins, Chris and Megan Shook share with you their own experiences and struggles with appearance and body image, as well as equip you with the wisdom to distinguish what’s artificial beauty and what’s real. Filled with heartfelt encouragement, insightful challenges, and undeniable truth, after reading Beauty Begins, you’ll never look in the mirror the same way again.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I can't believe my last book review was almost 4 months ago!  Crazy!

 

I was in such a reading funk (I go through those now and again) that I decided to switch things up with a non-fiction book and this one jumped out at me from my shelf.

 

I thought it was going to be all about not looking at the outer self.  Instead it was all about looking at the INNER self and then the outer self will follow.  Such a slight difference but so thought provoking!

 

The book has three sections:  The Beautiful Truth, The Beautiful Struggle and The Beautiful Rebellion.  I think The Beautiful Rebellion was my favorite as I had never thought about being a rebel as a good thing.  I kinda like the thought of being a rebel :)  It is a good thing!  Really.

 

I loved how each chapter ended with Reflection Questions (just one or two) and a Prayer.  It really brought the whole chapter together and made an impact.

 

"Beauty Begins" was such a great book; for me as a 41-year-old wife and mom as it would be for my soon-to-be 18-year-old daughter getting ready to start College.

 

I think I'll have her read it this summer :)



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 6/10/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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I mentioned in my last HHM post that May was a crazy month and that I was looking forward to slowing down in June.  Ha!!!  June has been just as busy but I want to start taking the time to blog and read and do the things I enjoy more.  So, here we go!

 

The weather outside is::::

The rain is POURING down at the moment.

It has rained pretty much all day but Laken's softball team managed to get their game in the evening.  Rain and all.  Her feet were soaked and all wrinkly :)
 



 

On my breakfast plate:

Granola Bar

As I look around the house::::

It isn't too bad.  I just have some laundry that needs done.  It is on the list for tomorrow.

On today's to do list::::

Devotions- done
Exercise
Menu/Grocery List - done
Groceries - done
Supper - done
Softball Game - done

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Devotions, exercise, Schedule, Cheer Camp, Laundry, Ladies Meeting
Wednesday... Devotions, exercise, Softball Game.
Thursday... Devotions, Exercise, Bills, Shop for Party Food, Doubleheader Softball Game.
Friday...  Devotions, Exercise, Decorate for Kaylee's Party, Help make pies at Church.
Saturday...  Kaylee's 18th Birthday Party!!!!!!!  (and all the prep that entails!)
Sunday...  Church, Devotions, Exercise

Currently reading::::

 

I finally finished "Beauty Begins" Chris Shook & Megan Shook Alpha!  The review will be going up tomorrow.  I decided my next read will be a fiction and from one of my very favorite authors, Tamera Alexander:

 

 

 On the TV::::

National Treasure
Forrest Gump

Pirates Baseball

Listening to:

Sirius XM The Message
Sirius XM The Highway
 
On the menu this week::::

Monday - Bacon, Fries
Tuesday - Ladies Meeting Potluck
Wednesday - Fish, mac-n-cheese
Thursday - Pork Chops, Fried Potatoes
Friday -  Spaghetti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread
Saturday - Kaylee's 18th Birthday Party!
Sunday - Picnic at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I'm STILL working on another baby blanket in the Beautiful Shells pattern with colors inspired by "Cat in the Hat".  I'll add a picture next week (hopefully done!)

Picture From the Camera

 

I can't find my cord to download any pics, but they would have been from playing softball in the rain! 

 



Devotion/Inspiration

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

 

Proverbs 31:25

 

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you can come by and visit my ETSY SHOP!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 5/20/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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May has been such a busy month!  I'm looking forward to the holiday weekend and a slower month of June!

 

The weather outside is::::

GLORIOUS!

I actually had to ask the hubby to put the AC on :)
 



On my breakfast plate:

Cereal

As I look around the house::::

I had a nice Saturday at home to get the housework done but the Family Room is still a bit trashed as Kaylee has been camped out on the couch after having her wisdom teeth out.

On today's to do list::::

Devotions
Menu/Grocery List
Supper
Cheer Practice
Chorus Concert

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... Devotions, exercise, menu/grocery list, Cheer Practice, Chorus Concert.
Tuesday...  Devotions, Groceries, exercise, Schedule, Softball Game.
Wednesday... Devotions, exercise, Laundry, Floors, Cheer Practice, Prayer Meeting.
Thursday... Devotions, Exercise, Budget, Laken's Field Trip.
Friday...  Devotions, Exercise,
Saturday...  Devotions, Exercise, Laundry, Family Night
Sunday...  Church, Devotions, Exercise

Currently reading::::

 

I picked out a book to try to get back into a reading routine.  It is a book I had on my shelf and is a non-fiction called "Beauty Begins".

 

 On the TV::::

Zootopia
Chrisley Knows Best (Hilarious!)

Pirates Baseball

Listening to:

Sirius XM The Message
Sirius XM The Highway

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Fish, French Fries
Tuesday - Ladies Meeting Potluck
Wednesday - Toasted Cheese, Tomato Soup
Thursday - Bacon, mac-n-cheese
Friday -  Porkchops, Mashed Potatoes
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I'm working on another baby blanket in the Beautiful Shells pattern with colors inspired by "Cat in the Hat".  I'll add a picture next week (hopefully done!)

Picture From the Camera

 

 

None this week.



Devotion/Inspiration

 

Colletta

Friday's (again on Saturday) Fave 5 ~ 5/17/19

~Saturday at home.  It has been a crazy few weeks!  It feels good to have a Saturday with nothing much going on.  I have one load of laundry in the dryer and other than that I'm just hanging out with the family today :)

~Mother's Day.  It poured down the rain on Mother's Day but we still had a nice day.  I got a new umbrella for my patio table in my favorite teal color to match my painted chairs and swing.  We had a Mother's Day Banquet Tuesday night at Church and the cake was beautiful and oh so delicious.  We're hoping that Laken will get enough practice decorating cakes that she'll be able to make our cake next year :)

~Hummingbirds.  We always get a little gift at the Mother's Day Banquet.  This year we all got a little hummingbird feeder!  We already have some hummingbirds coming around.  It is either a few different hummingbirds or the same one flittering back and forth.  I'm not quite sure.  Either way, I love sitting on the porch watching him (them?)

~3 Softball Games.  Laken had 3 softball games this week.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  The team has improved so much but have only managed to win 1 game so far.  Last night we stopped for ice-cream after the game at a new ice-cream place as the game was away.  I got a peanut butter sundae and it was delicious and huge.  I should have gotten the small...

~Kaylee's Wisdom Teeth.  Kaylee got all four wisdom teeth out on Thursday morning.  She has been in pain but taking it like a trooper.  We're making sure to keep the meds going and she has spent the majority of the time on the couch per doctor's orders.  This is the third day which the dr said would probably be the worst so prayers would be appreciated!

Colletta

****Come check out my etsy shop at Colletta's Kitchen Sink!****

Wednesday Medley ~ Nylons and Chocolate Chips ~ 5/15/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

 NATIONAL NYLON STOCKING DAY – May 15

NATIONAL NYLON STOCKING DAY

National Nylon Stocking Day is observed across the country each year on May 15.

Many may not remember ever hearing the term “nylon stockings.” Varying in color, design, and transparency, a nylon stocking (also known as hose) is a close-fitting, variously elastic garment worn the same as socks or tights.

Stockings worn before the 1890s were made of woven cloth such as cotton, linen, wool or silk.   Before the 1920s, women’s stockings were worn for warmth.  As hemlines of women’s dresses rose in the 1920s, women began to wear stockings over their exposed legs.  These 1920s stockings were sheer, made first of silk or rayon, followed by nylon after 1940.

Chemical company DuPont’s introduction of nylon in 1939 began a high demand for stockings in the United States.  As nylon stockings were inexpensive, durable and shear, up to 4 million pairs would be purchased each day.

On February 11, 1942, as America entered World War II, DuPont ceased production of nylon stockings and switching their focus to the manufacture of parachutes, airplane cords and rope.  This created a mass shortage followed by a black market for stockings.  At the end of World War II, DuPont resumed production of the stockings but could not meet the demand leading to nylon riots in American stores. In time, DuPont was able to increase its output.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the first pantyhose made its appearance.  Film and theater productions had stockings sewn to the briefs of actresses and dancers, as seen in popular films such as Daddy Long Legs. Unlike stockings, pantyhose did not require a garter belt to hold the stockings up.

Pantyhose were introduced in 1959, providing a convenient alternative to stockings which led to a decline in their sales.  In 1970, for the first time, United States sales of pantyhose exceeded stocking sales and has remained the same ever since.   In 1987, there was a slight decline in sales in pantyhose due to the newly invented hold-ups. However, they remain the most purchased kind of hosiery.

Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar site.

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1.  Do you (men don't have to answer) ever wear stockings today?

 I very rarely wear dresses or skirts so no I never wear stockings.

2.  Terri can remember her mom wearing hose with the seam in the back.  Do you have any memories of those?  During the war, when stockings were scarce, women would draw a line on their legs to simulate wearing stockings!  How far would you go to superficially fake something today?

I guess wearing make-up and dying my hair would have to count!

3.  Women actually rioted after WWII because Dupont couldn't keep up with the demand for nylon stockings!  Is there anything today you would riot for if the supply dried up (other than basic food and water needs)?

I can't imagine myself rioting for anything but that might be because I've never had to do without.

 

4.  Pantyhose were first called Panty Legs.  I'm sure we all have worn pantyhose at one time or another (again, men don't have to answer). Do you still have a pair or three in a drawer?  Do you wear them?

I don't think I even own a pair!

5.  This is also National Chocolate Chip Day.  Perhaps chocolate is something to riot for if we ran out?  Joe's favorite cookie is chocolate chip.  What is yours?

Now this is a day I could talk about!  My favorite cookie is Chocolate Chunk with the big chunks of chocolate :)

6.  Please share something with us about your week.

Kaylee get her wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow.  She is all kinds of nervous!  I keep telling her it will be alright but she's only 17 years old and has never had any kind of procedure done before.  Prayers would be greatly appreciated!

---Also, I've re-opened my Etsy shop, Colletta's Kitchen Sink .  I'd love if you'd stop by :)---

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 5/13/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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I've taken a bit of a blogging break, again.  This time I've been busy working on items to put into my re-opened Etsy shop :  Colletta's Kitchen Sink .  I hope you'll come stop by and see some of my new items!

 

 

The weather outside is::::

This weekend was a bit rainy but we did manage to get a Softball game in on Saturday afternoon.  Laken's team lost by 1 run :(  Bummer...
 



On my breakfast plate:

Cereal

As I look around the house::::

It is in pretty good shape inside and the outside is coming together nicely this Spring.  The lilacs are blooming and the azaleas are budding.  It smells glorious outside :)

On today's to do list::::

Devotions
Menu/Grocery List
Supper
Softball Game

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... Devotions, exercise, menu/grocery list, Cheer Practice, Softball Game.
Tuesday...  Devotions, Groceries, exercise, Schedule, Ladies Meeting
Wednesday... Devotions, exercise, Laundry, Floors, Cheer Practice, Softball Game
Thursday... Devotions, Exercise, Budget, Kaylee's Wisdom Teeth out.
Friday...  Devotions, Exercise, Softball Game
Saturday...  Devotions, Exercise, Laundry,
Sunday...  Church, Devotions, Exercise

Currently reading::::

 

I haven't been reading much of anything lately.  I've been so busy crocheting and watching ball games!

 On the TV::::

The Kid Who Would Be King
Mary Queen of Scots

Pirates Baseball

Listening to:


Sirius XM The Message
Sirius XM The Highway

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Pork chops, Mashed Potates
Tuesday - Ladies Meeting Potluck
Wednesday - Spaghetti, Garlic Bread
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday -  Chicken, Stuffing
Saturday - Pizza
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

 

This is the latest addition to my etsy shop.  It is a "Beautiful Shells" pattern in white, purple and dusty gray.  This pattern works up quickly and beautifully.  Click HERE or the picture to check out my listing.

 

Picture From the Camera

 

 

 

Laken had her Spring Band Concert Thursday evening.  She looked gorgeous!



Devotion/Inspiration

 

Colletta

Friday's (or Saturday's) Fave 5 ~ 5/11/19

~Monday, Kona our chocolate lab went into the vet's to get spayed.  Everything went well and she was home by 5pm.  She's still healing but doing great.  We only put the "cone of shame" on her when we leave the house.  Other than that someone is usually close by to make sure she isn't bothering her incision.  Check one off the list!

~Cheer!  Monday also kicked off the start of cheer practice for the Fall.  I know, THE FALL!  Laken is very excited about moving on to 7th grade and being able to play Jr. High Sports. ~ (Yes, we consider cheer a sport :)  They are practicing Monday and Wednesday during the month of May and then one day a week for a few hours during the Summer break.  I love seeing the kids do the things they love :)

~Driving Miss Kaylee.  Kaylee has been driving pretty much everywhere lately.  She's learning small town driving and also driving in more congested areas.  I'm very proud at how well she's doing even though it does make her a bit nervous.  She drove during a rain storm a few days ago and almost pulled over to let her dad drive.  However, she prevailed as the rain lightened up and she drove all the way to the destination!

~Spring Concerts!  Both Kaylee and Laken had their Spring Band Concerts this week.  On the same night!  Ugh.  What to do????  As a family, we decided that my parents would go to Kaylee's concert and the Hubby and I went to Laken's concert.  I enjoyed Laken's concert very much but missed seeing Kaylee play as well.

~Etsy!  I posted a while ago that I was re-opening my Etsy shop, Colletta's Kitchen Sink . I've been crocheting as I sit on the deck, watch Pirates games and sit in the parking lot during Softball Practices.  I've gotten some kitchen items listed as well as some aprons and baby blankets.  I'd love for you to stop by and check out what I've done so far!

 
Colletta

Re-opening My Etsy Shop!

Hey guys!  Sorry I've been MIA!


I've been busy creating some items to re-open my Etsy shop.


I'm in the process of listing some wash cloths and face scrubbies/dish scrubbies. 

I'll be listing some aprons in the next few weeks.


Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions!  I'd love to hear from you :)


I'd also love if you came by to visit:  www.etsy.com/shop/collettakay


Thanks!


Colletta

Menu Plan Monday ~ 4/1/19

Every Monday I take time to plan out our menu and grocery list.  Here's what we're having for dinner this week:

Monday:  Kielbasa, au gratin potatoes
Tuesday:  Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread sticks
Wednesday:  Chicken, macaroni salad
Thursday:   Pork Chops, buttered noodles
Friday:   Ham Pot Pie, Crescent Rolls
Saturday:    Pizza
Sunday:     Church Potluck

What are you eating this week?


Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @collettaskitchensink  !



Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 3/29/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

Washington D.C. -- 1879


There was only one thing Kate Norton loved more than winning, and that was winning against Trevor McDonough.

 

 Page 56

 
"I can't save those people, but I can try to save you," he said.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @collettaskitchensink  !

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Tuesday Talk ~ 3/12/19

Things I'm thinking about lately:

~Sickness.  I mentioned that our whole house was sick last week.  It was horrible!  It started out with a head/chest cold and ended with an intestinal bug.  I was so excited that it turned March (Yay for birth-months!) and then we had a week of misery!  Thankfully, we're feeling better for the most part.  Have you gotten sick this winter?  Did you get a flu shot?  Did it help?

~Multigenerational Home.  In case you weren't aware, a little over two years ago, our family of 4 moved in with my parents.  We added an addition onto the back of the house with a large Family Room and a Bedroom.  There were many reasons for our decision but one that keeps me feeling great about the move is that we are here to care for each other.  My Mom was the first one down with the Sickness (yes, capitalized :).  While she was resting, my Dad and I washed and dried the dishes.  Spending that quality time with him is priceless.  Even doing something as mundane as dishes together was special.  I think of the time my kids are getting to spend with the grandparents and I'm very grateful that we are where we're at.  Right where we're supposed to be...

~Softball.  Have I mentioned yet that Laken signed up to play softball?  She hasn't played ball since she was in t-ball but a bunch of her new friends are playing and she decided to give it a try.  Her coach called a few evenings ago to let us know that practices will be starting April 1st and opening day is May 4th.  (it is getting real!)  We still need to get her a pair of spikes (or are they cleats?) and a few other small things.  I'm so excited to watch the girls play ball.  Spring is coming!  Do you have a ballplayer in your life?

What have you been thinking about lately???

Colletta



Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 3/11/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

Last week was a blur of sickness.  We're now feeling better and I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of our regular routine :)

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The weather outside is::::

Glorious!
Sunday was absolutely beautiful.
Bring on Spring!
 



On my breakfast plate:

Toast

As I look around the house::::

All bedding and blankets from the Family Room have been washed due to our bout of the flu.  It took all day Saturday to wash and dry them all!

On today's to do list::::

Watch Damon
Devotions
Menu/Grocery List
Supper
Blog

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... Devotions, Babysit Damon, menu/grocery list,
Tuesday...  Devotions, Groceries, exercise, Schedule, crochet, Ladies Meeting
Wednesday... Devotions, Babysit Damon, Pick up fundraiser items, Laken from Reading Comp Practice, Prayer Meeting,
Thursday... Devotions, Exercise, Budget, crochet, laundry, Laken from Environthon practice
Friday...  Devotions, Babysit Damon, Family Dinner
Saturday...  Devotions, Exercise, Laundry, Bowling for Andrew's Birthday (my nephew)
Sunday...  Church, Devotions

Currently reading::::

<

I haven't actually started this book yet and , as a matter of fact, I don't even own it yet.  However, I'll be picking it up at the store on Tuesday.  I'm not reading anything else right now, so I'll count this as my "Currently Reading".

 On the TV::::

The Voice
Jaws Marathon 1-4

Listening to:



Sirius XM The Message

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes
Tuesday - Ladies Meeting Potluck
Wednesday - Pork Chops, Fried Potatoes
Thursday - Sausage Gravy, Biscuits
Friday -  Yoyo (You're On Your Own)
Saturday - Breakfast, Pizza
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I finished the Beautiful Shells Baby Afghan and will continue to work on Laken's Ombre Afghan this week.

Picture From the Camera

I can't remember if I shared Laken's most recent creation.  She loves baking :)

 

Devotion/Inspiration

Colletta 

We've Been Sick!!! :(

Everyone in our house has been so sick the past few days.  I took a few days break to recuperate.


I'm hoping to get back to my normal posting schedule Monday :)


Thanks for your continued support!


Colletta

Wednesday Medley ~ Oreos ~ 3/6/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

NATIONAL OREO COOKIE DAY – March 6

NATIONAL OREO COOKIE DAY

Be ready to observe by having your glass of milk handy as it is National Oreo Cookie Day.  This day is recognized across the nation each year on March 6th.

The Oreo sandwich cookie is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling and is loved by millions.  Since it’s introduction, the Oreo cookie has become the best-selling cookie in the United States.

The National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco) first developed and produced the “Oreo Biscuit” in 1912 at its Chelsea factory in New York City. Today, the block on which the factory was located is known as “Oreo Way”.

• The name “Oreo” was first trademarked on March 14, 1912.
• The first Oreo cookies in the United States sold for 25 cents a pound in clear glass topped novelty cans.
• In 1912, the Oreo Biscuit was renamed to “Oreo Sandwich”.
• In 1948, the Oreo Sandwich was renamed to “Oreo Creme Sandwich”.
• William A. Turnier developed the modern-day Oreo design in 1952 to include the Nabisco logo.
• Nabisco’s principal food scientist, Sam Porcello, developed the modern Oreo cookie filling.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Grab a glass of milk and a handful of Oreos to enjoy and use #NationalOreoCookieDay to post on social media.

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1.  Are you able to pass by a plate of cookies and not take one or are you a bit of a 'Cookie Monster'?

"Cookie Monster"!  lol

2.  Tell us about your favorite cookie. Have your tastes changed since you were a kid?

Bought:  Oreos;  Homemade:  Chocolate Chip.  My taste in cookies has remained the same :)

3.  Enquiring minds want to know if you are a dunker and, if so, do you dunk in milk, coffee, or tea?

Yes, I'm a dunker :)  The cookie lends itself to what I dunk in.  Milk for Oreos; Tea for Chocolate Chip.

4.  It is that time of year and they are selling them on every corner and in front of every store!  Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and if you do, which is your favorite?

They've gotten so expensive!  I usually refrain but I absolutely LOVE the Tagalongs and Shortbread.

5.  Raw cookie dough.  Yay or Nay?

Well...Yay, of course!

6.  Please tell us something random about your week!!

Gotta go!  The Oreos are calling my name from the snack bin!

Colletta