Jill and the Books Talk

I was skeptical when my sister in law and dearest friend gave me this book. I thought to myself that I am very much aware of my identity as a woman in Christ that I don't need to know the "secrets" to capturing a man's heart. I am complete now that God wants me to be entirely His and it would be a bonus if it is His will to share me with a man who will be the physical manifestation of His love for me here on earth. And so this book sat on my shelf for a couple of years until I finally decided to read it. What made me? I needed biblical answers and real life stories apart from those of mine to share to the women whom God brought into my life. They needed answers and at times I find myself at a loss.  Never judge a book by its cover or its title for this matter. I was so wrong about this book!  The tone of the author was very straightforward, witty and oftentimes funny. Reading this book was like reading my diary. Everything I have ever felt, done and gone throu...

I turned my most favorite tea into cookies! Lady Grey is a variation of my first favorite tea since I was a child, Earl Grey.  Flavor: Black tea, bergamot, lemon and orange.  Mild, citrusy, fit for a lady!

I should have spotted the word Scholastica before reading this book but no! It was too late before I realized that this was written for pre-teens. Still, it was entertaining enough for some light reading for a woman my age.  The author wrote a fictional diary of the young Antonia based on facts. Had this been a book for women instead of girls, I would have wanted to read all about Marie Antoinette's thoughts on becoming queen, being married and not having children for several years, the French revolution all the way to the last minutes of her life. Which reminds me that 3 books such as I've described was written by Juliet Grey. 

After watching the broadway musical Wicked at the Ford Center in Chicago, I immediately bought this book and read it during my long haul flight home. It was a challenging book for a sleep deprived and exhausted mind to read. Overwhelming details, uncommon words and the descriptions were too lengthy for my liking. I was left with unanswered questions long after I finished reading. Still, I was captivated by the whole story plot.   In the children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the story was centered on Dorothy Gale who killed the Wicked Witch of the West. That was the story that everyone was familiar with during their childhood.  In Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the story is all about a green-skinned little girl named Elphaba who grew up to be the Wicked Witch of the West. She's more than just wicked. She was an outcast who was befriended by a popular girl in school, fell in love, fought for what she believed in and ...

One of life's simple pleasures  is to sit back,  relax and enjoy  an afternoon tea with dear friends. The elegance of bone china, silverware,  decadent sweets,  canapes, savory dishes  and the  aroma of fine teas  make my senses come alive.  I am truly tealighted! One of the best scones I've had. Lightly sweetened, slightly crumbly, moist and soft.       Sugar cubes or sugar lumps Canapes French Pate Mini croissants, eclairs and sweets Opera Scones and cheese, fruit and nut platter More pastries Madeleines and Chocolate Eiffel Tower   The Lobby, The Peninsula Manila

Over 150 years of healing waters  with a majestic view of mountains  situated in Corona, California.  This spa resort is simply marvelous.  From it's Roman bath, geothermal and  red clay mineral baths, The Mud Club, hot and cold plunge pools, saline pool,  The Grotto's underground intense moisturizing treatment  and lounge pool to the quiet and secluded Vista pool  with a panoramic view of the Temescal Valley,  this place will surely take you to  a world of pure relaxation.   Mineral Pool at 104 ºF  Warm Roman Bath The Club Mud      The Vista Pool The Lounge Pool The Grotto