Book Review: Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run

When a friend recommended Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run to me, I knew I had to read it. I love running, and I love reading... so why wouldn't I love reading about running? Well, I did love it!

As always, Goodreads provides a wonderful synopsis: 

In Mile Markers, Runner’s World contributing editor Kristin Armstrong captures the ineffable and timeless beauty of running, the importance of nurturing relationships with those we love, and the significance of reflecting on our experiences. This collection considers the most important reasons women run, celebrating the inspiring passion runners have for their sport and illustrating how running fosters a vitally powerful community. With unique wit, refreshing candor, and disarming vulnerability, Armstrong shares her conviction that running is the perfect parallel for marking the milestones of life. From describing running a hardfought race with her tightly-knit group of sweat sisters, to watching her children participate in the sport for the very first time, Armstrong infuses her experiences with a perspective of hope that every moment is a chance to become a stronger, wiser, more peaceful woman. Running threads these touching stories together, and through each of them we are shown the universal undercurrents of inspiration, growth, grace, family, empowerment, and endurance.

Overall, I absolutely loved reading Mile Markers. The author is Kristin Armstrong, who just happens to be Lance Armstrong's ex-wife, so that is also pretty cool. This book was easy to read in chunks because it is split up into a series of blog posts that Armstrong has written. If you're a woman and a runner, I highly recommend this book. If you're not but you'd like to be (a runner), check it out - it will give you the inspiration you need to get started! This book makes me want to find a running group so I can become great friends with them like the women I read about. 

• Do you like reading books about sports?
• What is your favorite memoir type book?

Top 8 Vegetarian Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

It's that time of year! Thanksgiving is fast approaching (as in NEXT WEEK! Can you believe it?).

I am making this post because I sure would have appreciated something like it during my first vegetarian Thanksgiving five years ago. I had been meat-free for over six months when Thanksgiving hit, but it was my first true test. I made it through, but it wasn't easy. Over the years, I have come up with some delicious side dishes that fill me up and keep me happy while everyone else eats their turkey. (I'm more of a sides kind of girl anyway.)

Without further adieu, here are my top eight go-to Thanksgiving/Christmas recipes that are sure to please even those who make fun of your eating habits:

*Dish names are linked to recipes, so click on them!*

1. Macaroni & Cheese (With Onions & Garlic)

2. Green Bean Casserole

3. Creamy Garlic & Chive Mashed Potatoes

4. Creamed Peas

5. Creamy Cornbread Casserole

6. Candied Sweet Potatoes

7. Vegetarian Stuffing

8. Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Casserole

I hope some of you found this post helpful! Even if you aren't vegetarian, these are great side dishes that accompany the rest of your meal perfectly. So now I must ask...

Are you a vegetarian?
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish (veggie or not)? 
Do you enjoy Thanksgiving as much as I do?

Book Review: Think 4:8

*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.*

Think 4:8 - 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life, by Tommy Newberry (with Lyn Smith), is an uplifting book based on scripture.

As always, Goodreads provides a wonderful synopsis: 

The best-selling author of "The 4:8 Principle" and "40 Days to a Joy-filled Life" returns with a special edition for teens. In just 40 days, teens can change their minds and their attitudes. Tommy Newberry, together with writer Lyn Smith, takes teens from thinking negatively to thinking positively, which will change their entire outlook on life. Not only will this devotional make teens think more positively and have a better attitude, this devotional also points teens to Scripture and helps them understand more about God. The devotions not only help teens understand how their thought life determines their perspective, but they also help them focus their minds on godly truths so they can live out their faith. This book is the perfect way for teens to get a new attitude and start living a fulfilling, joy-filled life in just 40 days.

Please note that I am not a teen. I am a 26 year old woman, but I selected this book to review for two reasons:

1) I am still in the early stages of discovery when it comes to my faith, and

2) I work with teenagers on a daily basis as an 8th grade teacher. 

First of all, this book is based on a verse from the Bible, Philippians 4:8. 

What I loved about this book:

1. I LOVE how Think 4:8 is a daily devotional. It is so much easier to comprehend the "lessons" each day when you have a limited amount of reading to do.

2. I enjoyed the exercises at the end of each day's reading. Sometimes it was a challenge to fill in the blanks in the tables provided, but I was really thinking about my life, what makes me happy, and how I can add more joy to my life just from thinking like Jesus. 

3. I appreciated the reminders of the scripture this book was focused on throughout the 40 days. Philippians 4:8 will forever be in my head now, and I am hoping it will continue to focus my thoughts on positive things in life and bring more joy to my life. 

What wasn't the greatest:
1. Some of the scenarios were a little unrealistic for me, as they discussed talking to your parents, teachers, etc. about situations. As an adult, that is strange; however, I acknowledge that I am an outsider looking in as a 26 year old. I still think this book would be a phenomenal tool for adolescents who are looking to grow in their understanding of God, feel better about their own lives, and find more happiness in the simple things. 

All in all, I highly recommend this book to not only teenagers but to ANYONE who is looking to focus their thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. As an adult, I was only put off a couple times, and I took MUCH MORE out of this book than was lost on me. If you're trying to rid the negativity from your life and focus on the positive, READ THIS BOOK. Seriously. 

• What is your favorite faith based book?
• Have you ever received a book in exchange for a review?

Have You Started Holiday Shopping?

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I have, and I'm overwhelmed already.

If you're looking for a fun, original gift for someone on your list, consider purchasing from my Etsy shop, Two Cats Decorations.

Check out the following products below, and click on them to see them listed in my shop with pricing and shipping information.

Custom Photo Magnets

Custom Photo Collage on Canvas

Colorado Scenery Magnets

Bible Verse Magnets

Motivational Quote Magnets

Military Leadership Quote Magnets

And since I love my loyal blog followers, I want to offer you a special discount! :)

Book Review: Jenny Pox

I use Grammarly's plagiarism checker because I like to prove to my students that I can catch them.

When I first heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. It sounded like it would be right up my alley, and it certainly was! Jenny Pox by JL Bryan was everything it promised to be.

As always, Goodreads provides a wonderful synopsis: 

Eighteen-year-old Jenny Morton has a horrific secret: her touch spreads a deadly supernatural plague, the "Jenny pox." She lives by a single rule: Never touch anyone. A lifetime of avoiding any physical contact with others has made her isolated and painfully lonely in her small rural town.

Then she meets the one boy she can touch. Jenny feels herself falling for Seth... but if she's going to be with him, Jenny must learn to use the deadly pox inside her to confront his ruthless and manipulative girlfriend Ashleigh, who secretly wields the most dangerous power of all.

Doesn't that sound absolutely intriguing? I couldn't put this book down, and it definitely got me out of my reading slump. I know I post a lot of reviews about YA books, but they're exactly what I'm looking for. Jenny Pox was no exception. In the novel, Jenny tries to overcome being treated poorly by a girl in her town. When she finds out that Ashleigh also has a power (actually the opposite power), she knows she has to stop her in order to finally have love in her life. 

This story is a powerful coming-of-age tale with a supernatural element. Keep in mind that although the story sounds like it is suitable for young adults, there are a couple scenes in which the content is definitely only for adults. 

• Do you read supernatural stories?
• What is your favorite novel?