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. I'm not a fashionista, but after not being the same size two months in a row for five years (thanks, three pregnancies!) I have to admit that I'm enjoying experimenting with fashion while the maternity clothes are stored away for a bit. I was kinda in a fashion rut … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: November
I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
Ready for Advent?! (100% Beeswax Advent Candle Giveaway!)
This giveaway is sponsored by Toadily Handmade Beeswax Candles. As soon as Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls Day are over, my mind turns to Advent. It's like I suddenly realize it's just around the corner (it starts November 30th). And it's time for one of my favorite giveaways of the year! Yay! My favorite Advent tradition is the Advent wreath (and it's the simplest one to start with if … [Read more...]
Simple Soul Cake Recipe for All Souls Day (Gluten-Free)
Making Soul Cakes during Hallowtide (All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day) has become a little tradition at our house. I wanted to share my recipe with you in time for All Souls on Sunday! The History of Soul Cakes As a kind of early version of Trick-or-Treating, folks would go door-to-door and ask for Soul Cakes in exchange for saying prayers for the dead. I really love the way … [Read more...]
When It Feels Like You’re Failing at Building Your Cathedral
The Most Important Person on Earth is a Mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral-a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body…The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. … [Read more...]
Saints and Pirates! A Travel Guide to St. Augustine for Young Families
Daniel and I went to St. Augustine for our honeymoon, so it holds a special place in our hearts. I immediately fell in love with the rich history of the Old City, but it wasn’t until after we converted that I realized what an amazing Catholic heritage it has! The first Mass in the New World was celebrated on September 8, 1565 on the shores of St. Augustine and the oldest devotional site in the New … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 107 (Lucy’s Birthday Edition!)
This is what's been going on this week at the Stewart household. Birthday fun for my big 3-year-old, born on the Feast of St. John Paul the Great. Look at that little gingersnap last year at her Beatrix Potter birthday party! You can read all about that one and how/why we do super simple family birthdays in that post. This year's theme (chosen by the birthday girl herself) was … [Read more...]
Angel in the Waters: A Children’s Book Celebrating Life (Review and Giveaway)
When I'm pregnant, the older kids love watching little videos of babies in utero. I love to explain how big the baby is compared to objects they know and whats happening with our baby. Is the tiny heart beating? Can it hear their voices yet? Are it's eyes open? They're always fascinated to learn how the baby develops. They love a new sibling months before meeting her. It's one of … [Read more...]
Good Music Monday
From the morning that started way too early (what happened to that awesome 6:30am wake up time baby Gwen? What's so great about 5am?!), last night's dinner dishes on the counter tops, and already losing my temper over messy bedrooms I definitely didn't act like the mama I want to be. But maybe I'm not the only one who wished they could have a re-do on Monday before 8am? Here's a little Spotify … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 106
Happy weekend, sweet friends! Thank you so much for sharing your prayer intentions with me last week in comments, emails, FB messages, etc. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to respond to every email and message, but please know that I prayed for you as promised at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Lechein St. Augustine on her feast day and lit a candle. The requests from those suffering from … [Read more...]
