November Favourites

We are just about done with 2018 and I am very ready for 2019! New beginnings, new goals, new adventures and new growth!
November was an overall good month, but with much too much rain. It has even been flooding in some areas around where I live. And it is SUPPOSED to be Spring...
Anywho, I have a lot of favourites for this month, so I'd better get going!

Books

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
I really enjoyed this book and I have seen the movie twice. The movie is quite accurate and it's a great story of a boy with a facial deformity who has to go to public school after being homeschooled most of his life. Overall a lovely story of kindness and friendship. The way the story is presented in the book, going over the point of view of the main characters. I totally recommend both the movie AND the book!



Music

I Dream of You Vol. II by JJ Heller ~ JJ Heller is a favourite singer of mine and most of my family. She has just released a new album with lovely easy listening songs. Her music is directed at mothers and children but I still love it! Here is a snippet of the album:

Edelweiss is one of my favourite, favourite songs!

Days Gone By by Hillsong Young & Free ~ I love this song so, so much that I plan to attempt (important word here) to learn it on piano. There's a challenge for me!

Fall on Me by Andrea Bocelli & Matteo Bocelli  ~ This song and the way these two sing it is AMAZING! I have listened to it so much since! I have also listened to more of Andrea Bocelli's music and I am in love with his voice.
I'll just leave this here...

Those are the songs I'll be share in this particular post. I have discovered a lot this month and I will be dispersing them through some future posts. Look out for that soon!



Movies


The Star

I had no idea that I would love this film as much as I did. I thought, "Oh it's going to be a cheesy little kids movie", BUT I was wrong!
I adored this cute retelling of the Christmas story through a donkey's perspective. I can't recommend it enough!
There are some cute funny parts(like when Bo/Boaz, the donkey meets a sweet sheep and her name is, wait for it,.......... Ruth! I cracked up when I heard that).
And it's just a new perspective of the story that brings it to life in a different way.
I never realised till I was thinking after seeing this movie how beautiful the Christmas story is.



Mansfield Park {1999}

If you saw my review of this, you know how much I liked it. But if not, I'll put it here.

Other bits & pieces

- Revive Our Hearts Unexpected Grace series
I discovered this month the treasure which is the Revive Our Hearts ministry. I love all of their stuff, as it is all so inspiring and encouraging. But today I specifically wanted to share the Unexpected Grace series, which is all about the founder, Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth's love story with Robert Wolgemuth. It is a 16 video long playlist and I haven't seen all of them yet. They have a beautiful story that is full of grace and very Christ-centred.
Another short 3-part playlist on Revive Our Hearts is Unto Us Is Born This Day, perfect for this time of year!

- Coffee! I started to drink coffee again and I am quite enjoying it, to say the least(especially with the yucky and wet weather we've had recently).

See you next month!

Adieu! Au Revoir! Goodbye, my friends!

xoxo
Hannah

"Life seems nothing more than a quick succession of busy nothings."

Dreamy!

How does one put into words all a review of a movie when they love it so much they have no words?
This is my dilemma right now. You see, after seeing the 2007 adaptations of Mansfield Park I decided that it wasn't my favourite JA story. But after watching this one, I LOVE IT!

I'm trying to figure out how to go about this review, I suppose I'll just begin to chat about what I loved about it(well, technically ALL of it was my favourite but that goes without saying!).

First of all, there are two quotes which I loved and stood out to me as I watched:
1. The title of this post, "Life seems nothing more than a quick succession of busy nothings" (- Fanny Price). It's soooo true though! Sometimes life does feel like that. When I heard it, I went back instantly so I could save it.
2. "There are as many forms of love as there are moments in time" - Edmund Bertram
Is this not one of the loveliest quotes you have ever heard?

♥♥♥

Next thing I want to point out is how many of the cast I recognized. I love it when that happens, and usually one of the actors/actresses are from Downton Abbey!
For instance, in Mansfield Prak, there was: Johnny Lee Miller (Mr Knightly in Emma), Lindsey Duncan (only seen her in a Poirot movie, but still..), Victoria Hamilton (Ruby Pratt in Larkrise to Candleford & Queen Mother in The Crown), Charles Edwards(Michael Gregson from Downton) and last but definitely not least........Hugh Bonneville(who I'm sure you know...*whispers, "Downton"*) played the very cringy Mr Rushworth. I mean look.......(ugh, that hair!)...

On the right

Moving on, I love Fanny and Edmund. Together, obviously but also as individuals. Fanny is a perfect mixture of a person who enjoys reading but is also intelligent and doesn't have her head in the clouds like some heroines who read a lot. She's not full of airs from being partially brought up in more upper-class society, even when she returns to her lower class family for a time.

The carriage scene!!!! My ♥!

Edmund and Fanny have a sort of brother/sister relationship, to begin with, but that grows into something more over time as they get older. Edmund is a good sort. 

He is sensible, friendly and loyal.

I was a bit annoyed at his attentions towards Mary Crawford, but that didn't go far when Edmund realised Mary's true colours and character.

Overall, Fanny and Edmund have are a sweet couple and the fact that they spent a big part of their childhood together makes it sweeter!

~

Meh.

Naturally, I did not take a liking to Henry Crawford. Though I do think that I much prefer this actor for Henry Crawford than the actor in the 2007 adaptation.
Mary Crawford was also not my favourite, to say the least. I was glad when Edmund was no longer interested in or engaged to her. I also like this actress better than in the other movie although they look strangely similar.

Love this picture, it's so dreamy and pretty!

Of course, the setting and style of the movie were lovely! The Regency period style was less gorgeous than say...the Victorian and Edwardian era(where the dresses are sumptuous and amazing!) but I still loved all the feels from that time period.

Though I have not read the novel, I do believe that Frances O'Connor played Fann marvellously. I like it when actresses aren't drop dead gorgeous but naturally beautiful and the simple makeup style helps. 

~

Again, despite me not having read any of Jane Austen's main 6 novels right through. if the movies depict her stories right, it seems to me that Austen had an incredible talent for casting her characters. She always has such a wide range and so many of them!

I love Fanny's little window desk nook.

This adaptation vs. the 2007 version is a perfect example of how it the story(portayed in a movie) can be great or not so great based on how it is presented. I for many reasons didn't enjoy the 2007 one as much. I thought that Mansfield Park(the storyline itself) was nit interesting and a bit dull. A lot of moping around until Edmund sees clearly and realises he is in love with Fanny. Whereas this version was utterly lovely and sweet!
(Hope I didn't lose you just there!)

I really liked this outfit of hers!

So that, my darlings, is most of the thoughts I could compose together about this wonderful movie.
I confess I nearly watched it again tonight(like a few days after first seeing it!).

~

Tell me, have you seen it and which version do you like better?

xoxo
Hannah

A Few of My Favourite Things Tag

Hello, Wildflowers!
Here I am again, attempting to write an intro.....! Anyway, I was tagged by Danielle at Life is Like a Book.
The creator of this tag I believe is Beth at Beth in Boots. So thanks, Beth for creating a tag inspired by one of the bestest (yes, Grammarly, bestest IS a word because I say so!) films in the history of ever!
I will try to put things in this tag that you may not know about me and make it more interesting that way.

Ze Rules:
• Thank and link back to the person who tagged you
• Thank and link back to the creator of the tag
• Write about seven of your favourite things and include at least one picture of each thing
•Tag at least seven people, if you don't know of seven other bloggers just put as many as you can
• Put these rules in your post
• Include the picture above in your post
• Have fun!

My stainless steel bottle

A great investment as it will last me ages! I love it and use it daily. It helps me drink more water and be reminded of a scripture as well!

~ • ~

Decorating my room

This is the picturesque part of my room. No, the other part is not messy! But it is in disorder because of some rearranging. 

One of my favourite things to do is DIY things for my room, thrift decor to put in it and make it pretty and cosy. It's a way to unleash my creativity in a space all of my own!

~ • ~

My Bible & spending time reading it

What more can I say? I love this from the bottom of my heart! It is filled with all the wisdom and truth one needs for more than an entire lifetime! 

On a normal morning, having my quiet time is the first thing I do when I wake up(after waking myself up of course!).

~ • ~

These earrings

I have lost count of the times I have worn this pair of earrings. I got them from a stall a market in my town for only $4! I love wearing them. I would love to build a collection of pretty jewelry that just goes with so many outfits and that I love. #goal All that's to say, these are a go-to pair of earrings for me!

~ • ~

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

This is the perfect show to sit and watch whilst curled up with family and sipping a cup of tea (which is really what you do with most movies). There will be giggles, fuzzy feelings, occasional tear spillage, and lots of mail! 

I highly recommend this Hallmark series. It is and will remain to be a very fave of mine as far as movies go.

~ • ~

River swims

A cool, natural river beats any man-made swimming pool in my opinion. I am sooo looking forward to going to the river near us on 26 degrees up days this Summer!
The water in a river just feels (this might sound weird guys but I promise I haven't lost my mind) more beautiful than at a public pool. Plus there aren't chemicals in the water, it's just clear and clean.

~ • ~

Lace ♥

Ahhhh! Lace is one of the most beautiful creations man has ever made. Lace on my wedding dress will be a must!

The tiniest bit adds such lovely and quaint touch to a garment. That's all I have to say, I hope I have made my point! I'TS GORGEOUS OKAY!

I tag all of you who have a blog! I look forward to seeing your answers!

xoxo

Hannah

6 Simple things YOU can do that have Eternal Value

Hello, Wildflowers!
So lately, this topic has been on my mind and it has been prompted about it by some different sources too. The topic of making a difference, doing things for God's glory and changing this world a little bit at a time.
As Christians, we are called to live lives that bring all glory and honor to Him. What I lot of people don't realize is that you don't have to do anything super amazing to achieve this. You don't have to go and serve in a foreign country (if you're called to do this then it's a different story but don't feel like you have to just to be a good Christian), you don't have to be noticed for what you do, you don't have to give all your money to make an impression.

~ The simplest, most mundane acts can bring glory to God if done with the right heart and intent. 

And so in this post, I wanted to share some ideas that have come to my mind of simple ways you can start doing things that matter. Things that have eternal value.

1} Sponsor a child

This is something my parents have done with a couple of children. One of them actually became a doctor and he is now married and has a beautiful little daughter. Though my parents don't sponsor him anymore we still keep in touch.

It's a great and simple way to impact another person's life. I would absolutely love to do this once I get a steady job! There are a few organizations that do it but one, in particular, I have heard about is Compassion. 

2} Pray

Yes, I said pray. Small word, big impact. Prayer is so, so, so powerful. It's such a seemingly small and simple act but it changes everything.
It is a weapon, a comfort, a personal and beautiful part of your relationship with God and a brilliant way to spend time.
Prayer is also a way to serve others. Praying for others is giving up a small amount of your time to bring requests to God.
I am not perfect at this but lately, I have been challenged to purposefully pray for my Christian brothers and sisters as well as other things, people and situations. I challenge you today to take a little moment daily to pray for people.




3} Serve right where you are

You can serve in your own home. Go the extra mile with the chores. Offer to cook dinner. You get what I mean, where ever you are right now you can find simple ways to go the extra mile and give up your time to help and serve.
Just because I am saying this doesn't mean I am good at it mind you! Most times I would much rather paint or read or watch YouTube videos instead of making dinner, doing extra jobs or helping out elsewhere. But




4} Donate to a Christian ministry

Again, I would love to support my favourite Christian ministries and what they do if I had a regular paying job.
By supporting ministries, you can help them to continue, grow and do even more impacting things.
A few ones that I love are:
Girl Defined,
The Bible Project,
and Coffee & Bible Time




5} Listen to that little voice

You are probably wondering what on earth do I mean! I mean, do you ever have times where there's a little whisper in your mind that prompt you to do things, you might shove it away or act upon it.
(I should mention here that there are two types of "little voice". The evil one and the good one. I am talking about the good one here.)
The good little voice that tells you to go and help that person with their bags, or go and play with your siblings instead of on your phone, or wash those dirty dishes instead of your mum having to do it. The voice that tells you to do those things that you could choose to leave or obey. Obeying it might have amazing results. It might create a domino effect (see the movie I'm Not Ashamed for examples of this).
I hope you get what I mean! If you are confused, I can elaborate in the comments!




6} Invest your time in others

This point is pretty self-explanatory really. Spend your time with others and encourage them, treat them to cake and coffee, pray with them etc. It means a lot when you go out of your way to spend time with family/friends/other people.
This goes especially for the younger generation. I know for me that I want to invest time in my younger sister. To be there for her and support her. As older siblings, this is an important role we have.

Note: These are only ideas. I am by no means perfect and don't always do these things. But I have been challenged to and I hope you are challenged and inspired too.


There you go, people! I hope you are inspired and will take away at least one thing from this.
Have a great weekend!


xoxo
Hannah

a poem I wrote by accident

via Pinterest

~

Journaling

by Meeee

"Journaling in a tree,

so many thoughts in my mind,,

I want to write them all down before

they vanish out if my memory.

Pen to paper,

as I breathe the evening air,

thinking of God's blessings,

to which nothing else can compare.

~

xoxo

Hannah

Recent Thrift Finds

I realized yesterday that it's been a while since I've done one of these and since I have collected some stuff from the last few months I figured I'd share them with you.
Not all of this stuff is clothes (like the picture suggests) and I'm excited to show you so let's get on!

Clothes

I love this tee so much and some of my favourite selfies have been from when I was wearing it! I love how flowery, bright and springy it is. I have worn it a lot already AND from what I can remember it was only a few dollars!

How gorgeous is this colour? I have only worn this once but I loved it. It's soft and light for Spring and possibly Summer. I tied it up at the front and it looked great! I also love the little delicate buttons.

This one has already become a great staple! I have been looking for some striped tops recently so I was glad to find this for only $1. I love how it looks tucked in at the front with jeans and the way it fits it actually looks better styled that way too. Let me know if you would like a little styling post!

Not my usual kind of thing but I grabbed this because I like the adventurist vibes from the text that says: "Take Me To The Mountains".
It's a comfy, casual plain tee that will go with a lot of things, that I picked up for just $1!



Accessories

Ok, there's actually only one accessory but I really love it! Good looking second-hand bags are normally hard to find in the store I go to but I scored this one just this week and I am very happy I found it. It is very new and has only a little dust on it. Preferably a brown colour would be nice but this blue is quite nice too.


Books

This is an illustrated edition of The Legend of Pocahontas which is in great condition. I decided to pick it up because I quite liked the Disney Pocahontas movie and I was curious about this book. And for only $2.50 it was a steal!

These three I got from a small market in our town for a dollar each. I have read and enjoyed The Help once but the other tow I have not read.
I am trying to collect all of the Anne of Green Gables series so I was glad to find Rainbow Valley!



Decor

Though the flowers in this frame are faded, they have a new beauty that I like. I also love the note on the back that tells you what flowers are in your frame.

There are two things in this photo that I got. 1) The Jug. I got this because I liked that it was neutral but still had a light speckled effect. I pictured this looking very cute with flowers in it and I was right(I'll insert a picture below.)
2) The ceramic pot. I am not quite sure why I git this or what I'll use it for but I like the colour and style it had.
I am trying to add a slightly bohemian vibe to my room while still keeping it flowery, lighter toned and girly. It's a bit hard to balance and mix the tow but I'll figure it out!
(Fun fact: the butterfly is handmade by my mum!)
This is what the jug looks like displaying flowers. I also took this photo for a photography project!

That will probably be the last bunch of things I get from thrift stores since I am supposed to be saving up my earnings for and upcoming family holiday. So.......yeah!

Have you taken any trips to the thrift store recently? What have you found?

xoxo
Hannah