Since I love chatting about books, I’ve been trying to share our family’s current reads on a regular basis here on the blog. (This post contains affiliate links. If a sale is made through an affiliate link, I may be compensated but all opinions are my own.) Lately I Finished…: The Life-Giving Home by Sally Clarkson Sally Clarkson continues to be my go-to voice on motherhood and … [Read more...]
October 2019: Liturgical Living at a Glance
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...]
When Enough Is Found Through Your Own Front Door
I’m not moving. "Um, okay. I didn't think you were," you might say. The funny thing is, as of a week ago this statement would have been a huge surprise to me. Because I had this idea, see. Two weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night and decided we needed to buy a new house. One bathroom for six people is too hard. Three bedrooms and no where to host guests? Impossible. … [Read more...]
What I’d Tell My Past Self on My 34th Birthday
It’s my birthday weekend. I’ll be 34 on Sunday. I don't think it feels much different than 33. Will 35 feel different? It sounds more serious somehow. Birthdays always make me feel like doing some reflection. What have I learned? How have I grown? What has surprised me about life this year? I think if I could tell my younger self something, Haley in her early 20s, it would be this lesson: … [Read more...]
Big Announcement: The Raspberry Cordial Catholic Literary Gathering! Are YOU Coming?
I could barely sleep last night I was so excited to finally share this news with everyone! For years, our Fountains of Carrots podcast listeners have been asking us to host a gathering where we can get together in real life to talk about books and drink tea with like-minded women. Friends, we're doing it! In November I'm teaming up with FoC podcast co-host and everyone's favorite bookish … [Read more...]
Don’t Let Strangers on the Internet Tell You What’s Best for Your Family
I regret to inform you that the “is it a sin for moms to work?” issue has re-emerged from the ugly cave of groan-worthy online arguments. I’ve gone enough rounds on the ol’ internet to know that the militant people who make these claims are not going to be swayed by any reasoned argument and I’m not responding to change their minds. I am writing this for people who are trying to live as … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday, Hildegard Rose.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since I was sent home from the hospital sobbing. I knew I was in labor and shouldn’t leave. I begged the nurses to let me stay. I knew Hildie was coming and soon. But I was too disoriented and deep in labor to be able to put up a fight and I just cried all the way home only to realize things were farther along than either Daniel and I realized … [Read more...]
In My Fake Life with Succulents, Quiet, and White Couches
I keep dozens of succulents alive. They probably hang on the wall with a contraption I built myself from a design on Pinterest. The light streams in through sheer white curtains onto the wall where my little green charges reside. Not just the curtains but almost everything in this loft is white. White couch, white cushions. White bedspread. White walls with some exposed brick to add some … [Read more...]
Andrew Davies, Stop Sexing Up Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s six novels have been adapted for film numerous times, but Janeites have been eagerly awaiting the airing of a series based on an unfinished work by Austen: Sanditon. Household name, Andrew Davies, is leading the charge as screenwriter with numerous beloved adaptations under his belt (including the 1995 Pride and Prejudice starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth). I’m not the only … [Read more...]
Why You Should Read This Book by a Guy Who Sat and Talked to People at McDonald’s: A Review of Dignity by Chris Arnade
If I could suggest only two books about the current landscape of America right now they would be Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson about our prison system and the recently released Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America by Chris Arnade. I first heard of Arnade from my husband, Daniel, who started following him on Twitter ages ago. “Have you heard of the guy who sits and talks to people who … [Read more...]
