At long last and just in time for Advent, our ebook, Feast! Real Food, Reflections, and Simple Living for the Christian Year, is here! Thank you so much, Carrots readers, for all of your encouragement and excitement about this project. I can't believe that we FINALLY get to share it with you! I'm thrilled and a little nervous to finally send this book out into the world. We're having a special … [Read more...]
Creating a Liturgical Year Binder
This is a guest post from Kelly of This Ain't the Lyceum, one of my favorite blogs. I can't wait to create one of these binders because when I keep ideas only on Pinterest they're out of sight, out of mind and I simply won't remember the recipes, activities, and prayers I wanted to do! - Haley Our home library contains an impressive amount of Catholic books, however when it comes to praying as a … [Read more...]
Feast! Our eBook! (A Michaelmas Announcement)
Happy Michaelmas! (Daniel carrying Gwen over the finish line) Even though Daniel ran 50 miles yesterday (and came in first in his age group!!!), he didn't forget how much I love Michaelmas and took the kids to the store to get ingredients for a big feast tonight. Speaking of feasts, I want to officially announce that we're writing an ebook that will launch in November! The working title … [Read more...]
Little Holydays: Trinity Sunday Blueberry Pie
On Trinity Sunday (May 26th this year) we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity–the doctrine that distinguishes Christianity from all other faiths. A concept like the Holy Trinity is difficult to denote through food, but in our family we try to start food traditions for the Christian Year that also tie into what’s seasonal where we live. During early summer in Florida, blueberries are fully … [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...]
Preparing for Lent
Lent is almost upon us! It’s very early this year beginning a week from today, Ash Wednesday. This season of the liturgical year is represented by the color purple: the color of the bruised heart. This is the uncomfortable time preceding Easter when we remove distractions, focus on spiritual formation, and take an honest look at ourselves in order that we might prepare our hearts. Here’s a few … [Read more...]
A Simple Meal for St. Brigid’s Day, February 1st
Tomorrow is St. Brigid's Day, so I wanted to share a post I wrote for our neglected real food liturgical year blog. Included is a simple recipe for a seasonal soup to be paired with bread and honey butter. It's quick, easy, and as St. Brigid's Day falls on a Friday this year, vegetarian. Enjoy! February 1st celebrates the Feast of St. Brigid (c. 451-525), a nun, abbess, and friend of St. … [Read more...]
Holy Time: The Joy of the Incarnation and the Pietà
The Incarnation of Christ, celebrated in the liturgical season of Christmastide, takes on a richer significance for me with each passing year. The story of the Nativity is fuller, but undeniably more strange. It loses the saccharine quality of greeting cards and becomes complicated. Christmas becomes more intricately connected to Holy Week and I’m reminded that the miracle of the Incarnation … [Read more...]
First Advent
Something from the archives today. I wrote this little reflection soon after Benjamin was born. I was huge. Not just big—gigantic. Even before I entered my third trimester, well-intentioned old ladies would pat my shoulder and say, “Any day now!” encouragingly as I waddled my way through the grocery store. Considering the raging pregnancy hormones running through my system, I’m impressed that … [Read more...]
Sleepers, Wake! An Advent Music Guide and Playlist
After explaining how we fast from Christmas music during Advent (and then turn up the jams during the Twelve Days of Christmas until Epiphany!), I get a variety of reactions including “Are you insane?” Well, probably. And “so, what DO you listen to during Advent?” To be honest I am just now discovering “Advent music” instead of just abstaining from Christmas music and I have completely fallen in … [Read more...]
