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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 “Purple Puppy Kitty.” Behold: snacks and cupcakes.
I let the kids decorate them with “kitty cat faces.” I think it turned into a competition of “who can put the most nasty food dye on one cupcake to gross out mom.” But fun was had! The cupcakes and icing were homemade and gluten-free. I’m thinking about devoting an entire post to the two recipes I used because they were delicious….and GF isn’t always….delicious.
Coming Up in the Liturgical Year:
Hallowtide begins next Friday! All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. Usually we trick-or-treat on Halloween, go to Mass on All Saints Day, and go pray at the cemetery on All Souls Day, but we’ll be out of town this year so things’ll be mixed up. Benjamin said, “as long as there’s costumes, candy, and fun, I don’t mind!” I have a recipe for Gluten-Free Soul Cakes for All Souls Day if anybody’s interested!
The Quotable Lucy:
Lucy: “I’m sorry, mama.”
Me: “Why, sweetie?”
Lucy: “For dipping my toothbrush in the potty. I shook it off so it’s ok.”
Me: “You….didn’t put it….back in your mouth….DID YOU?”
Lucy: “No……….well……yes. Yes, I did! But don’t worry because I shook it off. AND I said I’m sorry so….”
My BBC Obsession:
Life lately:
Me: “How’s the game?”
Daniel: “Good. How’s Larksouth for Cranberry?”
Between loads of laundry and cupcake-making I am still binge-watching Lark Rise to Candleford.
I didn’t realize how deeply I had immersed myself in rural Victorian England until a blouse I ordered last week arrived.
Yup. Just bring me my smelling salts and a parasol. (P.S. the shirt is Anthropologie, but I got it used from Twice which is my other current obsession. I’ll post about all the deals I’ve found there lately, but you can read what Mandi said about this thrifty alternative to Stitch Fix in the meantime.)
I really think Victorian style should come back. Ruffles, puffed sleeves, what’s not to love? Would someone please create a clothing line that is Victorian enough to satisfy my Candleford heart and modern enough that I don’t look like a walking historical re-enactor? Anybody?
Links:
The Homeschool Mom Capsule Wardrobe: This Ain’t the Lyceum (You will laugh. You will laugh so hard because Kelly’s awesome.)
Even the Mercy of the Lord Burns: Prophecy in The Violent Bear It Away: Daniel Bearman
The Friary Who Was Ordered to Skate: Brandon Vogt
I Want to Build a Living Church: fountains of home
Dancing Priests Become Internet Sensation: Crux
How to Be My Friend When You’re Expecting and I’m Not: Molly Makes Do
A Bitter Pill to Swallow: Ethika Politika
Oh! And the winner of the Angel in the Waters giveaway is Becky Scherer, so look for an email from me in your inbox, Becky!
And thanks so much for all your feedback last week about TWM! I will definitely keep it going 
Sponsors:
Be sure to give some love to this month’s sponsors! They keep the lights on around here.
- Ignatius Press
- Angel in the Waters (Sophia Institute Press)
- Holy Heroes
Lots of love,
Haley
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I’d love your gluten free cupcake recipe! I’m gluten free and my fourth son is as well, which just…complicates life!
I used this one for the chocolate ones (but I used sugar instead of stevia and I frosted with chocolate buttercream): http://www.chefkk.com/#!The-Comeback-Kid-plus-Paleo-Peanut-Butter-Chocolate-Cupcakes/cv94/B10C4AB1-422B-4EAE-A4F4-B5D9BA8A3E13 And then I used the recipe on the back of the Bob’s Red Mill Almond flour and frosted them with the Pioneer Woman’s cream cheese icing.
My daughter put used toilet paper in her mouth. Fortunately just pee. But still. Sigh.
It was so gross, Rebekka! And I won’t even go into what was IN the toilet at the time. AH!
I’ve already watched Lark Rise twice but you’re making me want to watch it again! And yes, my husband made similar comments about the name
It’s so good. I’m struggling to work on blog stuff because all I want to do is watch Lark Rise! haha!
Oh no, LUCY!
That is so funny. And, so gross. Kids.
At least she is honest. My 5 year old is like that, too. Honest to a fault.
My mum, older sister, and I all have celiac disease. This means half of our household was gluten free growing up. It took me until about 17 before I figured out a really good gluten free cake recipe. So please post your recipe I’m always looking for new gluten free cake recipes to try.
Hi April! I posted the recipe here: http://www.carrotsformichaelmas.com/2014/10/29/simple-soul-cake-recipe-for-all-souls-day-gluten-free/
Hope it helps
It is SO funny that you mention wishing Victorian clothing would come back in style because I feel the exact same way and my wardrobe is literally built around the desire to wear 19th century-inspired clothing without looking like I’m unhinged from reality. I’ve never met anybody else who felt the same! I constantly wish I could find an (affordable) Victorian- or Edwardian-esque clothing line, and I would probably buy every single item they made. In case you’re curious, I make due with my intense desire to time-travel to the 1800’s by making my own floor-length skirts (that don’t make me look crazy, I promise) and mixing them with thrifted peasant blouses or more modern (as in mid-century) vintage blouses and sweaters. Plus lots of braids, flowers in my hair, vintage accessories, etc. My (long) point is that it’s definitely doable, and it’s fun to live your life like you’re from a different time period sometimes! And also that I really enjoyed your little blurb about Victorian style because I completely agree! (P.S. I’ve been reading your blog for a year or two now and haven’t really commented, but it’s delightful! As a young, nature-loving, 19th-century-obsessed Catholic convert who loves classic literature and precious babies, your blog covers a lot of my favorite topics! :))
So glad you left this comment and that I’m not alone in my Victorian fashion dreams!
Thanks for your sweet words about the blog!