When Daniel's parents ask for Christmas lists for the kids, I can rattle off several things right off the top of my head. But when I'm supposed to write down what I want....it's a different matter. I just stare at a blank page. I think other moms have the same issue. We spend our days focused on other little people and it feels weird to focus on ourselves. I just sit there for several minutes … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 112
Advent has been great so far. If only a tad too busy due to the book launch. But things are settling back into a groove and it feels lovely. Although our typical "homeschool" mainly consists of trips to the library, hours reading together, history audiobooks in the car, and the occasional math lesson for Benjamin when the girls are napping, we're taking it even easier this month. Advent picture … [Read more...]
5 Favorite Ways to Not Hate Housework (or at least hate it less)
# 1: Start with a cup of coffee or tea. Before I do anything else, I turn on the electric kettle to make a cuppa. Instant mood lifter! That laundry mountain doesn't look quite as overwhelming as it did pre-caffeine! #2: Love your cleaning products. I recently have found two revolutionary cleaning motivators. I've never cared about cleaning products much (other than not wanting anything … [Read more...]
Why We Don’t Do Santa
Last week a friend confided to me that she wasn’t comfortable telling her young child that Santa was bringing presents on Christmas Eve. She recalled the confusion, outrage, and betrayal she felt as a child when she overheard the truth about Santa. Not wanting to repeat that experience for her child, she explained to friends and family that they would be skipping Santa. Her concerns were dismissed … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 111 (St. Nicholas Day Edition!)
Happy St. Nicholas Day! Life has been so busy busy. With Thanksgiving, launching our new book, starting Advent and just the usual crazy, it's been nonstop. I'm ready to start the Advent sloooooow dooooown. Last weekend we picked out our Christmas tree at the farm we always go to. It was Gwen's first year in the thick of it and she loved it. She also sported the nerdy Christmas sweater … [Read more...]
Friday Fashion Frivolity: Coffee Cup Dresses, Second-Hand Shoes, and Twice vs. Stitch Fix
Every so often, we chat fashion at Carrots. I hope it feels like going shopping with a friend, but not having to try on jeans, or leave your couch. Today I'm gonna share my latest fix from Stitch Fix, but FIRST I want to share about Twice. My friend Mandi guest posted awhile back about how Twice is a a thrifty alternative to personal styling services like Stitch Fix or Golden Tote, and I was … [Read more...]
The Best Comfort Movies for a Sick Day
There seems to be a magnetic attraction between December and illness in the house. Thankfully, so far it's just been mild colds for the kids, but I don't think we're alone in this phenomenon. And sick days often merit some snuggle time with a good movie. Tis the season of comfort movies, amirite?! Which made me wonder....what movies are comfort movies for other families? So I asked the Carrots … [Read more...]
Blog Tours, Invitations, Shows About Dresses, and More!
First of all you are cordially invited to a Facebook Party to celebrate our new ebook launch on Thursday evening (9:30 pm EST) to chat liturgical year traditions, Advent, and whatever strikes our fancy! Oh, and I have tons of giveaway prizes to give out (including candles, beautiful prints, picture books, print copies of Feast! and, of course, a few copies of our new ebook!. It'll be like a hobbit … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: December
It's HERE! It's finally here! Our new ebook, More Feasts! Celebrating Saints and Seasons with Simple Real Food Recipes is available for purchase this Advent season. 10 new recipes! Reflections on Advent and Holy Week and a few activities to do with children to bring the liturgical year into the home. We are so excited to share it with you! And just for Advent, our first ebook … [Read more...]
Skip Black Friday and Support a Good Cause
I'll be honest. I don't enjoy going shopping on a regular ol' day. I much prefer using "me" time to read a novel with a cup of coffee. And so Black Friday? Yeah....I don't leave my house. We usually snuggle in with some hot cocoa and Thanksgiving leftovers. I have no problem opting out of the shopping madness on Thanksgiving weekend. If you have Christmas shopping to do today, … [Read more...]
