The Winter Wonderland Tag

Hello, my friends!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I'm back with yet another tag!  (They are such easy and fun things to post, you know?)  Thank you so much to Samantha over at Bookshire for another wonderful tag!  Let's get started!!

Praecepta:
Link back to The Storybook Journal (the creator of the tag)
Answer the questions; think Winter-y thoughts! Include pictures, if you like.
Tag at least 3 other bloggers, or more if you're feeling ambitious. :)

1. Name a few things you love about Winter and a few things you don't love so much about it.

Winter... I'm not even sure you could call what we experience here in the low desert "winter." 😅  We get lows in the low 40's, maybe the high 30's if we're lucky.  That being said, I do like the cooler temperatures, the ability to bundle up in cute modest winter outfits, drinking tea, seeing Christmas lights, Advent, and of course, Christmas itself!

I don't love the bare trees but other than that, I can't think of much I don't like about winter.  Isn't that odd?  Maybe also the fact that it gets darker earlier but this year hasn't been very bad because our house is all cozy with Christmas decorations. 😊

2. When you were a child, did you "believe" in Santa Claus?

Yes, yes I did.  I know, "shock and disbelief!" 😱  My parents did a wonderful job of playing Santa and the Easter Bunny and I loved Santa.  But Christmas was still first and foremost about the Baby Jesus.  Santa certainly wasn't the star of the show.  When I was 12 or so (if I remember correctly,) I found a receipt for one of my Christmas gifts from Santa in the garage and went to ask my mom about it.  Thankfully my sister didn't catch on so I got to have a good laugh when Easter came around and she still thought the Easter bunny was real.  I don't remember the discovery coming as a shock to me.  It just made sense as Santa was a bit far-fetched since we didn't have a chimney and he was able to visit every kid across the globe in just one night. 😅  It was really a seamless transition, I think.

Credit: Pinterest

Sam also asked if her readers would keep up the legend of Santa for their kids.  I haven't decided yet and I think I would decide that for sure with my future husband.  I have heard of a beautiful tradition of telling your children that the gifts were from Baby Jesus and having them write their wishlist with prayers to Him.  Then when they're old enough, you explain that Jesus blessed mommy and daddy with the ability to get them those toys.  Or maybe I'll just stick with Santa because he is a right jolly old elf. 😉

Credit: Pinterest

3. Is there a book or movie that you really love to read in the Winter as opposed to other times of year?

I'm usually pretty busy around Christmas (both before and after) so I don't get a lot of reading in during that time.  But after the beginning rush of the Christmas season has worn off and we reach mid-January, I can settle in with a good book.  This is the time of year I usually read something new.  One year it was "Little Women."  That was a nice winter read.  I also read "Christmas with Anne", a delightful collection of short stories by my favorite authoress, L.M. Montgomery.  I also like to browse through our box of children's Christmas books that I grew up with.  

4. Is there a particular Christmas movie that you watch EVERY year as a tradition?

Credit: Pinterest

Oh yes!!  There are quite a few.  Our family's absolute favorite movie to watch each and every single year is "It's a Wonderful Life."  Other honorable mentions include "White Christmas", "A Christmas Story", "A Charlie Brown Christmas", and in recent years we've added "The Man Who Invented Christmas" to that list.

Credit: Pinterest

5. Do you usually get a real tree or a fake tree for Christmas? Who's in charge of decorating it at your house?

We've had an artificial tree for a number of years (although there was a time in between when we bought a real tree for a number of years.)  We usually like to decorate it as a family in the week before Christmas.  This year, we decorated it on Christmas Eve and that was a wonderful time.  

6. Does your family usually stay home or go visiting (relatives, friends, etc.) on Christmas Day?

Well, we usually start Christmas Day off at church and then come home and enjoy Christmas brunch as a family.  It's been years since we've exchanged many presents between ourselves on Christmas day proper because in the afternoon we go to our cousins' house for dinner and gifts!  But it is always such a fun time with family, food, games, and Christmas cheer.

7. What does your family usually do on New Year's Eve? Any traditions? Do you ever stay up till midnight?

Our New Year's Eve hasn't really kept the same tradition from year to year.  Some years we're at friends' houses, one year we had Mass and Adoration through midnight, other years we've been at home, and others we've celebrated at our cousins' house as well.  It usually involves sparkling apple cider (or now, champagne!)  This year, we were blessed to attend the enthronement to the Sacred Heart of our friends' home on New Year's Eve!  And yes, I always like to stay up past midnight!  It wouldn't feel right to go to bed earlier. 😄

8. Do you get snow where you live? If so, have you ever built a snowman and named him Olaf?

Snow is a rare phenomenon that graces us every 5 years or so.  The last time we had a light dusting of snow here in the valley was January of 2020.  We do have mountains around though and they get snow every year!  So if you go up there, you can experience snow, skiing (I've never been), and sledding!  2 years ago, my boyfriend and I took a trip up to the mountains and built a genuine snowman.  I don't remember what we named him but I don't think it was very original. 😅 It wasn't Olaf though.  

We also made some vanilla snow ice cream.  😋  When I was a little girl and we got some snow in our backyard, my sister and I made a mini-snowman and used a baby carrot for his nose.

9. If it's snowing outside, would you prefer to go outside and build snowmen and enjoy it, or would you rather stay inside with a blanket and something hot to drink and maybe a movie or a book?

Ooh!  Well, since we don't get snow very often, I absolutely love to go out walking in the snow looking at all the beauty around.  If we had more snow, you could guarantee that I would be out sledding and once I got thoroughly cold, I'd come in for a cup (or two or three) of hot cocoa and a cozy movie or book.

10. When do you start looking forward to or getting excited about Spring?

That depends, but usually in February. 😅  Of course it doesn't really feel like spring until maybe late March or even April sometimes but I'm sure our temperatures feel like spring in other colder parts of the country.  I get excited about spring once I can start wearing lighter layers and it's not so cold out.  

Credit: Pinterest

Wow, that was fun!  Thanks again, Sam!!  Now, to tag three other bloggers...

I Tag:

Katherine and Grace @ The Maidens of Green Gables

Catherine @ Femininity From Scratch

And you!  If you'd like to steal this tag, please do share the link to your answers in the comments below! 

Sending warmest wishes for a wonderful 2023!

God love you,

Sarah

Let's go Christmas Shopping!

Hello and blessed Advent dear friends!

I'm always attracted to the small Catholic businesses at this time of year whether I'm shopping for others or making a wishlist for myself.  Of course, I find tons of great products I would love for myself but alas my budget is tight so I'll put a couple things on my wishlist and dream about the rest.  But I thought it might be fun to share my most favorite gift ideas with you!!  The Catholic mom, Jessica, over at Shower of Roses puts together a drool-worthy Sleighful of Gift Ideas and Giveaway every year on her blog with tons of great gift ideas for the whole family!!  But since I'm a few years older than her oldest daughter, I've always found there could be more recommendations for "older" Catholic young women.  So think of this list as the ultimate gift guide for that 20-30-year-old Catholic young woman in your life!!  Or maybe you are that young woman and need inspiration for your wishlist and friends' gifts!  Well, look no further and enjoy this festive and faithful gift list!

(This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support of Catholic small businesses!)

1. Traditional Catholic Planners

First up on my list are calendar planners! I've been a fan of the Happy Planner designs and layouts for years after being gifted one in 2018. But just like many other secular artistic businesses, The Happy Planner includes gay pride and other woke concepts in their products so I'm looking to make the switch to a traditional Catholic calendar planner. I've been pretty spoiled by the layout and customizability of the Happy Planners so I have high expectations when searching for alternatives. Here are four of the absolute favorites that I found!

(Pictured above clockwise starting top left:)

1. Women's Traditional Catholic Planner 2022-2023 from Raising Hearts shop on Etsy

        This one is my top favorite so far with plenty of room, a simple yet elegant design, and extra goodies such as a dinner planner and Sacraments tracker!

2. 2023 Half Size Catholic Planner: Simply Catholic Edition from Elizabeth Clare Shop on Etsy

        This purse-sized planner includes both Traditional and NO calendar feasts so you'll never miss anything yet there's still plenty of room for your own plans and personalized touch.

3. Fiat: Traditional Catholic Planner from Sophia Institute Press

        A gorgeous option with the stunning artwork you may have seen in the Illustrated Liturgical Year Calendars also from Sophia.  This full-color planner is also a great portable size with room for all your plans alongside lots of Catholic richness.

4. 2023 Liturgical Daily Planner from Angelus Press 

        A classic Catholic planner with all the liturgical info you need including traditional feasts, vestment colors, and days of fasting and abstinence.  There's also room for notes and sketches!

Ps. If you've already got a classic calendar or planner for this year, I highly recommend these Feast Day Stickers from Mourning Dove Co. on Etsy.  My parents gifted them to me last year and I absolutely loved them.  The minis fit in my Happy Planner perfectly allowing ample space for other plans in the date boxes.

2. Missals

Every Traditional Catholic needs a hand missal!!  Here are some of the best and most affordable missals I've found and like!

(Pictured above in order of ascending price clockwise:)

1. St. Andrew Daily Missal from Daughters of Mary Press    

        This is the pre-1955 missal that is chock full of prayers, images, and propers for Mass!  The most economical option out there for just $40!

2. 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal from Angelus Press

        This missal is simple and easy to follow with all the basics (and more) you'll need!  Check out the link for a full description of all this missal has to offer!

3. Father Lasance - The New Roman Missal from Daughters of Mary Press

        I believe this one is a fan favorite!  You can't go wrong with Father Lasance, the beloved author of "The Catholic Girls Guide."  

4. St. Joseph Daily Missal from Fraternity Publications 

        Although this missal does not include all that the others above have to offer, this is the one I've had for years and it's still my favorite.  Easy to read text, plenty of illustrations to keep you on track with your progress in the order of the Mass, and all the basic prayers and propers in English you need!

3. Catholic Spirituality Books

1. Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. from Fraternity Publications

        Full of beautiful daily meditations on Catholic life and the Saints!  This is at the top of my wishlist this year!

2. The Catholic Girl's Guide by Fr. Lasance from Angelus Press

        This book is small yet mighty with a plethora of wisdom and prayers for young girls from the tween years even up through their adulthood.  I have a hand-me-down copy that I use all the time and take almost everywhere with me because it fits in my purse.  Good for both meditative reading and prayer.  It is a wealth of spiritual nourishment that you can use for years to come!

3. The Little Flower Prayer Book: A Carmelite Manual of Prayers from TAN Books

        A newer addition to my spiritual armory, this prayer book is a must for all lovers of the Little Flower, the little way, and all things Carmelite in general!  There are excerpts of St. Thérèse's writings along with prayers to her, composed by her, and for all the special Carmelite devotions.  It is my new favorite prayer book!

4.  The Golden Arrow: The Revelations of Sr. Mary of St. Peter from TAN Books

        A wonderful and easy read about the origin of the devotion to the Holy Face and the Golden Arrow prayer that Our Lord Himself revealed to a Carmelite nun.  A beautiful and inspiring read.

4. Catholic Apparel

(Pictured clockwise starting at top left:)

1. Venite Adoremus Dominum Nativity Sweatshirt

2. Our Lady of Guadalupe t-shirt

3. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel t-shirt

4. Lattes, Leaves, & Latin Mass Please t-shirt

        I know this one is more of a fall-themed shirt but I just love the concept so much!

5. Christmas Decor

(Pictured from top left clockwise:)

1. Nativity Wood Carved Religious Icon from Kozakworkshop on Etsy

        All of their products are gorgeous!  Check them out!

2. Madonna and Child Christmas ornament from Caritas Dei on Etsy

        Also tons of other great gifts from this shop on Etsy!

3. Immaculate Heart of Mary ornament from In Aeternum Boutique on Etsy

        Such a gorgeous ornament and there are also Holy Family and Sacred Heart ornaments as well!

4. Christmas Tree Creche Candle from The Cloister Shoppe

        We get our Advent candles from these Dominican nuns!

There are so many other gift ideas such as rosaries, jewelry, art, statues, craft supplies, and music; the list is endless!  All you have to do is search "Catholic Christmas" on Etsy to find lots of great and festive ideas!  Also, I have lots of ideas saved to this board on my Pinterest!  I hope you found this list helpful for starting your own wishlist or shopping for that special Catholic young woman in your life!

Wishing you a blessed Advent and happy Christmas shopping!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

My Simple Daybook Vol. 2: November Edition

For Today: November 2nd & 15th, 2022

~Daybook template from The Simple Woman Blog~

Looking out my window...

The sky is cloudy but the sun is coming out!  It was very windy yesterday and today so I'm assuming the clouds blew in and they'll blow out just as quickly.  That's kind of sad because I do really like cloudy weather.  We don't get much of it here.  But there is a chance of rain tomorrow so maybe it'll stick around for a little bit!

Ps.  I've been working on the post over the course of a couple of weeks so we actually did have nearly a full day of rain and it was glorious!!  I was babysitting in the morning so it was so fun to show the baby the rain. 😊

I am thinking...

...Of all the upcoming plans I have!  I teach Latin class on Thursday (more on that in a later post probably,) have some upcoming babysitting jobs, my aunt and Granny are coming into town for Thanksgiving, I'm planning what Christmas gifts I'm making, and therefore knitting all the time!!  So much to do, so little time!

I am thankful...

...For all the dear Saints in Heaven who intercede for us, especially my patron Saints, especially on All Saints Day at the beginning of this month!

One of my favorite things...

I have a few favorite things right now!  

*cuethesoundofmusic*

First off, my new junk journal (it feels wrong to call it that because it's so beautiful!!) made by my dear friend, Cecilia!  She put so much time, effort, care, and thought into it!

Also, (story time...) I've had the same brown boots for probably 12 years (at least 11 because that's the earliest I could find a picture of them.)  I've been wearing them for probably 11 or maybe 10 years because when my mom bought them for me on clearance at the outlet, they were too big. 😂  But since my shoe size hasn't really changed since I was 13 or so, I've been wearing the same boots all these years.

The first photographic sighting is of my sister wearing the boots in May 2011, me wearing them in April 2012, the first sighting of them being worn regularly in December 2012, and the last photographed sighting of them in November 2021.

So you see, I've been wearing them for quite a long time.  So long in fact that the sole of my right boot has cracked clear through!  My sock is visible from the outside!  (I do believe that is due to all the genuflecting I've done at church.  I wore these a ton to Eucharistic Adoration.)  It was high time for a new pair.  (I may end up getting them re-soled in the future, who knows!  They're such dear shoes. )

But in the meantime, I've been looking for a nice pair of brown leather boots to be a staple in my wardrobe.  Well, I finally found these on Poshmark!  They're the same brand as my children's boots and just as comfortable!  I got them brand new but the price was decent!

And finally, I saved the best in this list for last... I found my very special Friend at a thrift store of all places for just $30 and there was a discount as well!!  Isn't He just adorably perfect?!?!  I love my Little King.

I am creating...

... all the knitted things!!!  I just finished knitting the "The Classic Tee" by Darling Jadore.  It's currently being blocked and soon I'll be weaving in the ends!  (Look out for a post all about the knitting process!)

I also just finished my first pair of knit socks!!  🎉  (Slip Stitch Socks by Yarnspirations.)

Oh!  I almost forgot!  I also knit my first pumpkin in about 3 days!  😍

Also working on knitting Christmas gifts! (sshhhh!)

I am wearing...

The aforementioned brown leather boots all the time as well as cardigans, fall colors, and the scarf and hat I knit last year!!  So glad this fall/winter is colder than last year.  (and by cold I mean lows in the high 30's low 40's. 😅  I hear that's balmy for some people.)

I am reading...

"The Story of a Soul" by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, my patron Saint!  I believe this is either my 3rd or 4th (probably 3rd) time reading it in my life but I am sooooo incredibly excited to say it's as if I'm reading it for the very first time!!  If you've read a book more than once, you know the feeling of rereading it doesn't usually compare to the feelings you have when you read an instant favorite for the first time.  It's indescribable but for some incredible reason, I'm experiencing it again during this reading.  Thanks be to God!!  He is so good!  I'd love to do a whole blog post after I'm finished reading this and I'll rave explain more then.

 I am watching...

...plenty of different things from black & white movies, to YouTube vlogs, to a Hallmark movie or two, but the thing that our family keeps coming back to is a YouTube channel called "The Veggie Boys!"  It's such a fun show following a family farm in Pennsylvania!  I highly recommend checking them out!  They also have another show about their horse boarding called "A Stable Life."

 I am listening to...

It's that time of year again!!!  (No, not Christmas music time yet.)  I mean the time of year I listen to Autumn playlists!  Of course, I'm always gravitating toward my own curated list but I also discovered this other playlist of instrumental music that is just so cozy! 

I am hoping...

To make a trip to the yarn store.  I've been plenty of times to Hobby Lobby and Michaels but I have yet to venture to an actual yarn store.  I'm a little nervous to do so but I'm hoping my sister will go with me and help me pick out some yarn for gifts!  

I am learning...

How to knit cables and I am LOVING it!!  I want to cast on a cable knit sweater immediately! 😍

In my kitchen...

I'm just surviving really.  Leftovers all the time.  I help my mom make the meals for the most part.  Last night we got creative and made a pretty great chili mac 'n' cheese.  😛  It was really rich though and I'm really hoping to start eating healthy again before the Christmas season.  Of course, there will be Thanksgiving but other than that I'm going all in health nut! 😅  Forget about waiting for the new year!  

Some other highlights of the kitchen recently have been fall french toast!!  😍  For my mom's birthday in October we made pumpkin french toast which was delish and then this last Sunday we made Trader Joe's Maple Streusel Bread into french toast and that was absolutely dreamy!! 🤤  If your local TJ's still has the bread, I highly recommend making it into french toast!  Sooo good!!

(I know this post is really documenting early to mid-November and I'm sorry for the delay, but I guess I can include my Thanksgiving make as well.)  I made two green bean casseroles this year; one for our young adult Friendsgiving meal and one for our family dinner on Thanksgiving at my cousins' house.  Other than that I actually haven't done any Thanksgiving cooking!  But I've definitely been enjoying the food! 😜

Board room

Ok, my Pinterest is just such a cozy spot full of autumnal aesthetics so instead of choosing just one pin, here is a little sampler.

Post Script

This section is to share a favorite link or account.  Well, today I'd love to share Ravelry.  It's an incredible database of knitting and crochet patterns, yarn, and more!  There are tons of free patterns and great features that allow you to organize your knitting like nobody's business.  (This is not an ad although it sure does sound like one.  😂)  If you'd like some knitting inspiration, here's my list of favorites over on Ravelry.  It's really like Pinterest for yarn art! 😍

Shared Quote

"To dedicate oneself as a Victim of Love is not to be dedicated to sweetness and consolations; it is to offer oneself to all that is painful and bitter, because Love lives only by sacrifice and the more we would surrender ourselves to Love, the more we must surrender ourselves to suffering."

~St. Thérèse of Lisieux

A moment from my day

Three things...

Praying at the cemetery for the Octave of All Souls.

Saturday morning coffee and breakfast with some beautiful young women after Adoration!

Organizing my yarn stash before the Christmas gift yarn run!  Isn't it scrumptious?

Closing Notes

Thank you so much for sticking with me to the end of this post if indeed you did!  I hope you enjoyed it.  I really like this daybook format.  Please let me know if you do too in the comments below!  (If not, that's ok too.  You'll just have to let me know what other kinds of posts you'd like to see! 😉)

God bless you and keep you, friends!  I hope you have a wonderful rest of the month of November!! 🧡

Happy Thanksgiving (Week)!

 

Hello dear friends!  That blessed time of year has arrived once more!  This season I've already been feeling quite thankful ahead of the holiday and I'm grateful for that in itself!  😄

Last year was a Thanksgiving filled with both joy and sorrow and I was grateful for the growth I had experienced but this year there is even more to be thankful for.  

I've made new friends and strengthened friendships with old ones.  I've grown in devotion and grace; thanks be to God!  I've been blessed to celebrate life and death having before my eyes the constant reminder that life is short and full of sorrows but also blessings and that the life to come is a great source of hope.  I've learned to unite my sufferings to Christ's and His have given me incredible strength and comfort this year.  I've improved my own skills and grown in courage learning to take new opportunities and face hard situations.  For all of these blessings and graces, I'm so grateful to God!

Of course, I'm also thankful for the little things too.  My family, friends, church, Catechism class after Mass, good books, Eucharistic Adoration, knitting, yarn, good food (especially Chick-fil-A 😜), fun times, hiking, dancing, tea, and the opportunity to teach again are just some of the little blessings I can think of off the top of my head.  

This last Sunday, our Catholic young adult group had Eucharistic Adoration and then a Friendsgiving potluck afterward.  It was simple and there was a fun variety of food but I was most grateful to be able to sit around a table with wonderful new and old friends.  Many of these people have had an impact on my life, whether great or small, and I'm especially thankful for them.  The real reason I mention this event, however, is that it really started the Thanksgiving week off right and I felt so excited to be wishing these friends a Happy Thanksgiving as we all made ready to leave.  The same happened on Monday night when some of us met up to play kickball at the park with dear friends visiting from out of town.  When taking our leave of one another outside of In'N'Out Burger, we wished each other a Happy Thanksgiving heartily and I was so happy.  

So don't forget to be thankful in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and also those after.  It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays that can be filled with stress and anxiety.  Remember to take a step back, think of Our Lord, and be Thankful for even the smallest blessings in your life.  He desires your thanks every single day.  It makes His heart so very happy.  

Wishing you and yours every blessing this Thanksgiving season,

In the hearts of Jesus and Mary,

Sarah