So, Kendra knows I love her (at least I hope she does. Love you, Kendra. Love your blog.) And Kendra isn’t afraid to stir the pot, which is something I really like about her. But I honestly lost sleep over her post about not liking Breaking Bad and Flannery O’Connor. Now, I could care less about Breaking Bad. I’ve seen all of two scenes of it and asked Daniel, “Um….is all of it like that? How … [Read more...]
Mrs. Gaskell: Hope for Jane Austen Fans?
You can find me over at one of my very favorite blogs, Modern Mrs. Darcy, chatting about a very important bookworm problem: what's the Janeite to read after finishing all of Austen's novels? … [Read more...]
7 Books for New Moms
A Note from Haley: While we're enjoying vacation with no internet connection in the NC mountains with our extended family, my favorite librarian mama and dear friend, Katherine of shouting hallelujah, is sharing some of her favorite books for mamas. I may have a not-so-secret hope that Baby Gwen and Katherine's young Pip (see below) decide someday that it would be a fine idea to marry. Ahem. Enjoy … [Read more...]
So, You’re Thinking of Converting to Catholicism…
I get a lot of questions from friends and readers who are interested in Catholicism but don’t know where to begin on their journey to learn more. As still a recent convert (class of 2010!) I’m no expert, but I’ll tell you a few things we’ve learned about crossing the Tiber. Pray Cover your spiritual journey in prayer. Pray that God will guide you. Pray the Rosary. Pray before the Blessed … [Read more...]
Any Expectant Mamas Out There? Check Out From Maiden to Mother
I'm three days overdue with Baby Gwen (Lucy was 10 days late) so I'm starting to lose my mind a little. I really gave all my natural labor induction methods a good try yesterday, including acupuncture, spicy Thai food, long walks, etc. but to no avail! One more weekend pregnant just sounds UNBEARABLE. C'mon Baby Carrot! I'm doing my best to distract myself from the fact that I'm still … [Read more...]
6 Must-Have Books and Cookbooks for Seasonal Eating Inspiration
Since our conversion, I've gained more appreciation for the rhythms of the Christian Year and that by observing those seasons, the story of the Gospel unfolds. One way to participate in the Christian Year is to feast and fast according to the traditions of the Church which, obviously, involves food! Sharing food with family and friends should ideally be a daily reminder of sacred things: The Last … [Read more...]
8 Reasons Molly Weasley Is a Great Literary Mama
Since becoming a mother, I read my favorite children’s books with different eyes. I find myself more interested in Marmee than Jo March and more fascinated by Caroline Ingalls than by Laura. One of my favorite mamas from literature is Molly Weasley. But what exactly makes this stay-at-home mom of seven so admirable? (Note well! Spoilers within!) 1. She opens her heart. Although she loves her … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 49 (Bookshelf Love/Project Simplify Edition)
Do you have a favorite bookshelf? This is mine. I have a little bit of an obsession with clothbound books (the Coralie Bickford-Smith covers by Penguin are my absolute favorites.) It's been awhile since I told you about how I organized our home library and I want to talk bookshelves, but first, a confession. I am not even close to keeping up with my 2013 reading goals! Are you? During the month … [Read more...]
Blogs I Love
I’ve had a few readers ask me what blogs I like to follow, so I want to share a few of my favorites with you. When I became a young mom, I didn't have any friends with children and having a window into the lives of other mothers (particularly Catholic mums) really encouraged me and that's how I started following blogs in general. But first, did you notice the changes I made to Carrots? New … [Read more...]
When Donkeys Talk: Book Review and Giveaway!
Soon after delving into Tyler Blanski’s new book, When Donkeys Talk: A Quest to Rediscover the Mystery and Wonder of Christianity (Zondervan 2012), I knew I had found a kindred spirit. And it wasn’t just because mutual friends kept showing up in the text: G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, Anne of Green Gables, Jane Austen, and even Martianus Cappella. You see, like Blanski, I have always been a … [Read more...]
