Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Every Wednesday Hallie host a 5 favorites link up on her blog and I love it. Is there a better way to share the latest and greatest?  Nope . . . Hallie is the bomb and you all should check her out. AND, heck I am linking up with What Were Reading Wednesday too. Why not. :)

Here are my latest favorites . . .

 1 . Amazon you prove yourself to be wonderful AGAIN, you never fail. When you sign up with amazon smile  they donate .5% of what you buy to a charity of your choice. I chose St. Gianna's Maternity home in Bakersfield, CA - i'm sure there are many wonderful organizations on there.





2. Librivox. Free audiobooks in the public domain! I can't believe it's taken me this long to find out about Librivox. It's wonderful and I have been in book nerd heaven since. Some of the readers are professionals, and do a wonderful job. My two favorite narrators are Karen Savage and Elizabeth Klett. If YOU know any others please let me know. :) I have downloaded THIS app on my phone so in the evening I can listen to them with headphones while cleaning the house. I haven't done so much cleaning since, well, never. Thank you Librivox. :)




4. Speaking of being a book nerd, I started using Paperbackswap and it's been really fun. I sent off a few of our unwanted books and received a few in exchange. Is there something cooler than that? Here's what we added to our shelf: E.B. White's Treasury for the kids and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn for me. I can't wait to delve in. I have Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Professor by Charlotte Bronte coming in the mail for a book club I belong to. SO, if YOU sign up and tell them it was me that sent you then I will get credit for another book. Go sign up. :)








 3. I'm tired of Pandora's ads (mostly naked ladies anyone?) so we have been listening to Spotify. It's wonderful! You can listen to any album (at least any I have looked for so far!) and then a streaming station just like Pandora. There are FAR fewer advertisements.

We are going to see the Wailin Jenny's on Thursday and I can't wait. We have been enjoying all their music on spotify.






4. Speaking of Spotify, I discovered some new music through their streaming station and I couldn't wait to share it with someone. You will have to be it. :) Joy Kills Sorrow, fresh out of Boston. I love their name.

No finer words . . .

Thanks for sticking around, I probably should be getting on with my laundry or something, maybe a shower would be nice. :) See ya later!

- Sarah

5 Favorite Books for a New Mama

Curling up with a good book in a comfy chair has got to be one of the most wonderful things in life. Give me a classic, a children's book, a cook book, or even a birthing guide - I love them all. I also love sharing my favorites and learning yours. If you would add to this list I would love to know! I am not an amazon affiliate (anymore), but if you buy books from amazon, support this homeschooling, book-loving momma! If you purchase books through clicking on her links then she will get a fraction of the cost, (merely penny's) but they add up!

Now for my favorite books to gift a new mom:

1. Beautiful Babies: Nutrition For Fertility, Pregnancy, Breast-Feeding, and Baby's First Foods.  This is the book I wish I had before I got pregnant with my first. I do not own this book, but I have checked it out at the library and it's fantastic. Pregnant with my first I thought I could eat whatever I wanted and baby got what it needed. I think this book would have helped me to understand that nutrition and gut health do matter. Kristen does an amazing job of keeping it simple and easy to read, just what a new mama's would need. Another journal similar to this book is the Weston Price Healthy Baby issue that I did get a hold of and love it, most of the articles can be found on the Weston Price website, but it's so nice to have it in a journal.   

   

2 . Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers.  I had almost every nursing problem in the book with my first, and then more with my second and I feel like i've read plenty of books out there on nursing. I didn't find any of them helpful except for this ONE book.  Most of them were entirely overwhelming, especially being postpartum and trying to figure out why the heck it hurt till I cried every single time. With the help of a wonderful lactation consultant and the advice from this book I was able to successfully breastfeed all three of my kids, I am so blessed. I think every new momma needs this book. :)

3. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. This is a great book for the Mama who wants to go all natural. :) Its a perfect overall guide that's very positive about birth. I personally have not read the whole thing, but many of my friends and my sister has and they love it. We read the Husband Coached Childbirth and it's great, too - but I would recommend Ina May's first.

4. When it comes to fertility books, I'm really impressed with Katie Singer's The Garden of Fertility: A Guide to Charting Your Fertility Signals to Prevent or Achieve Pregnancy--Naturally--and to Gauge Your Reproductive Health. What I appreciate most about this author is her nutrition standpoint. She understands that certain foods can help or hinder our fertility, and she's totally on board with Weston Price. (whom I love :). Its a secular book so she's not in line with the church's teachings, but completely worth the read. I have learned a lot from her.

5. Jane Eyre. Although I list this book last, I think this is the best one. The BEST ONE, folks. Im in love with this book. What more can I possibly say? Maybe, just maybe it's making it on the best book I have ever read category. It's only $2.99 on amazon for the paperback and free for your kindle. You can't beat it. :) I don't have a lot of sit-down-peaceful-reading time around here (and most new moms don't) so I downloaded this free app on my phone and listened to it for free on Librivox. I could listen to it while I went for a walk, did the dishes or while I laid the baby down at night.  Im really impressed with the narrator and I simply couldn't put it down. Im hooked on audiobooks now, such a great way to listen to classics!



So that's it! I'd love to hear which books helped or inspired you as a new mom - or even a seasoned mom. What would you buy someone for their baby shower?

Im linking up with the sweet Hallie today, click on over. Have a blessed day,

- Sarah

“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” -Philip Pullman (taken from here)

The Environment by Pope Benedict XVI

If there is anything I've learned from blogging it's that, 1) I'm not a writer, and 2) I'm so inconsistent! There are so many good writers out there who know how to articulate their thoughts, make people laugh, cry and ultimately bring people back to their blog for more. That's not me and I am OK with it. If I write a post, great! If I don't, I don't. I'm pretty sure I won't be missed. :)

That being said,  I have had this book to review for MONTHS, and maybe even a year?? It's been sitting on my bedside begging to be read and reviewed. SO here you finally go!

The Environment - Pope Benedict XVI

At first glance I thought, "Pope Benedict wrote a book about the Environment?? I gotta read this...." Well, he didn't, and I was a little silly to think so. This book is a compilation of Pope Benedict's speeches, homilies and addresses that have something to do with the environment.

The different speeches range from topics about the environment, ecology, the economy and even some things ecumenical. The Holy Father stated that he has "an inner obligation to struggle for the preservation of the environment and to oppose the destruction of creation." (Light of the World, p. 45).  He makes another point stating, "Experience shows that disregard for the environment always harms human existence, and visa versa." (Message, World Day of Peace 2007).

I wish I could say I was enthralled with the book the entire time, but I truthfully struggled through reading it. I think if I re-read it as a meditation book, slowly pondering each homily or speech, I would get a lot more out of it. That being said, there are plenty of gems inside and I want to share them with you.

Especially this quote on the family and the environment: "The family needs a home, a fit environment in which to develop its proper relationships. For the human family, this home is the earth, the environment that God the Creator has given us to inhabit with creativity and responsibility. We need to care the the environment: it has been entrusted to men and women to be protected and cultivated with responsible freedom, with the food of all as a constant guiding criterion."
   
Thank you Pope Benedict. We are stewards of the earth God has made for us and therefore we have to care for it. Of course, like most things we can make an idol out of caring for the earth, elevating it above God, but at the same time we cannot ignore it either.

Pope Benedict makes a strong connection between peace in the world and caring for the environment. "I readily encourage efforts to promote a greater sense of ecological responsibility which...would safeguard an authentic "human ecology" and thus forcefully reaffirm the inviolability of human life. at every stage and condition, the dignity of the person and the unique mission of the family, where one is trained in love of neighbor and respect for nature." He goes on to urge us, "If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation." (p. 133).

Overall, it was a great read and I highly recommend it. It opened up my understanding of environmental issues with the light of our faith.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Environment. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

Linking up with What We're Reading Wednesday at Housewifespice

"I willingly join in spirit all who are grateful to the Lord for the fruits of the earth and the work of human hands, renewing the pressing invitation to respect the natural environment, a precious resource entrusted to our stewardship." - Pope Benedict XVI (Angelus, November 15, 2009)

Five Favorite Children's Books

I am linking up with Hallie today who happens to be one of my favorite bloggers. Make sure to check her out, you won't be disappointed. :)

A few years ago a dear friend of mine introduced me to the world of beautifully illustrated children's books. I have fallen in love since. There are so many wonderful books out there and I am going to share with you some of our favorites. Let me know which books you and your children love!

1.

 Seven Silly Eaters

This book is a true gem. It's a story about a family with seven picky eaters and how they solve their dilemma. It's very sweet and the pictures are beautiful. If you have never read a book illustrated by Marla Frazee, make sure to borrow one at your library! Take a peak here...

2.

Hush, Little Baby

Another great book by our favorite, Marla Frazee. I just ordered this for our sweet baby #3 due to arrive any week now. The children love it already.

3.

Gingerbread Baby

This is more of a Christmas/winter book but we read it all year long. My 4 year old will look at this book forever and ask me to read it again and again. All of the books illustrated by Jan Brett are treasures, this just happens to be one of them.

4. 

Peter in Blueberry Land

This is a must book if you have a son named Peter.  It's an adorable story about a boy who goes to pick blueberries and cranberries for his mother's birthday. He then meets the blueberry king who takes him on an adventure. It's one of those books I don't mind reading over and over again, we love it so much. Elsa Beskow has many other beautiful books we would love to own someday.

5.

Jamberry

And last we have treasured this book I found at Goodwill awhile back. The rhymes are hilarious and the pictures are so fun to look at. Maybe we like berry books because we live in the land of overflowing berries? Not sure but we'll take it.

Thanks for hanging out and letting us share our favorite books with you! Make sure to pop on over to Hallie's blog and check out the other five favorites.

“And I understood that the greatest attribute of God is love and mercy. It unites the creature with the Creator. This immense love and abyss of mercy are made known in the Incarnation of the Word and in the Redemption [of humanity], and it is here that I saw this as the greatest of all God’s attributes.”

 - St Faustina's Diary, 181

On the Nightstand

photo credit

There is nothing like escaping into a good book. You can travel anywhere, learn about anything and explore the universe, right from your comfy bed. Now we're talking!

I remember my mother's nightstand being cluttered with tons of books she was reading. What do they say about turning into your mother? I'll take this trait from her, I love having books all over the place!

Let us share our love for good books with you! Grab your tea, enjoy this post and then go grab your favorite book!

What we are enjoying:

Mommy's Nightstand:

Style, Sex and Substance by Hallie Lord. 

I ordered this book recently and I couldn't wait to delve in! I have only read a few chapters and I love it. Hallie gathers ten or so women who talk about what a true authentic Catholic women looks like. They cover a range of topics such as the working mom, fashion, trying to fit a mold, sex and more. It's hilarious and uplifting at the same time! The women are real - and I feel as if Im having a heart-to-heart with them. I read a chapter every night and it's one of those books I can't wait to grab my tea, snuggle up and enjoy some conversation with the ladies. 

The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz. This is more of a reference book rather than a snuggle up in bed book, but it's a beauty don't you think? A friend recently bought this for me and I can't wait to delve in. It's basically a history book on fermented foods. I was never into science but this is really fun science in my mind! Or I guess you could call it art! We try to eat fermented foods and beverages for all the good bacteria. It's fascinating to learn that it has been going on forever and it's basically a lost art. Amazing.

Bringing it to The Table by Wendell Berry. I have only read one of Wedell's books and really enjoyed it. So I couldn't resist grabbing this one at the library to sneak a peak. Wendell writes beautifully about the art of family farms, I guess you could say. I think his writing is enchanting. These are essays he has written over the years, I can't wait to read them!





The Little Way of Saint Therese of Lisieux - John Nelson. This wonderful meditation book puts together daily meditations that draw from Scripture, St. Therese's writings and The Imitation of Christ. I LOVE this little book. It's short and perfect for a morning meditation. I have really grown in my spiritual life by reading St. Therese's writings. Her spirituallity entails doing small things for God with great love. It's something I can strive for, and these mediations help me to stay focused during the day. 


Backyard Livestock by Steven Thomas. I borrowed this book to research a little more about keeping chickens! *fingers crossed* Now I have to convince the landlord. :)  I like this one on keeping farm animals compared to the many others because it keeps it simple. It makes keeping chickens seem like something we can manage!

Hildegard's Healing Plants. One of my goals for this blog is to study and write about healing herbs. St. Hildegard of Bingen was a healer that lived in the 12th century. She wrote extensively on healing plants and remedies. In fact, this was the main reason I started the blog. Time for me to get refocused! If you interested in her, read this. 

Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha-McBride. I pretty much always have this book out as a reference. I gotta hand it to being the best health book I have ever read.  It's an expensive book but worth every penny. It opened my eyes to the reasons why our gut health is so incredibly important to our well-being. Love it, love it, love it. Borrow it from the library if can - it's awesome!

Daddy's Nightstand:

 

The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life by Fr. Charles Arminjon. My husband has a range of interest, eschatology being one of them. This book was one of St. Therese of the Child Jesus' favorite. I hear it's great!






Catholics and the New Age by Father Mitch Pacwa. Father has an incredible story of dabbling in the new age in college. He has done extensive research since and writes about the different influences and new age practices that are harmful. Fr. Mitch is a great writer and you can tell he is a very holy priest. 

The Glory of Christendom by Warren Carrol. My hubby is quite the history buff and is reading the third book in this series. He tells me about some of the interesting things he reads about Church history and politics. It's nice to have a little history lesson here and there - that I can understand! If it's not about food, it's a little too complicated for me!






Catholic Bible Dictionary by Scott Hahn. This has been an amazing reference for us while we read scripture. It can be pretty intimidating and hard to read the Old Testament if you don't have a clue what's going on! This book has helped us navigate God's word a little bit. Highly recommended!

Our Children's Nightstand:

Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman. We could read this book over, and over and over! I even enjoy it that many times! The story is incredibly sweet with amazing illustrations to go along with it. We can't recommend this book enough - definitely a family favorite!







Jamberry by B. Degen. Berry season wouldn't be complete without this sweet book! Make sure to look it up at your library, it will bring you joy. We love the illustrations and silly rhymes.









Peter in Blueberry Land by Elsa Beskow. In honor of blueberries being in season we couldn't miss this one either! Having a son named Peter it was a must on our shelves. I could pour over the illustrations in this book too. We simply love everything by Elsa Beskow!




Only recently have we discovered beautiful children's books. We enjoy quality when it comes to our books  - so we have decided to foster the same love for quality books in our children. These books can be expensive though. I usually have an amazon wishlist of all the children's authors that I love and then keep my eyes peeled at thrift stores and garage sales. This is where we buy most of our books. We usually pay about 50 cents a book! I try to remember quality over quantity - it helps simplify our book shelves and encourages my children to love the good stuff!

I can hear my mother's voice in my head, "There are so many good books out there, why do you want to read this?" It was a bit annoying at the time when I wanted to read Harry Potter - but she encouraged me to read "The Lord of the Rings" instead, and I am so grateful for that!

Which children's books do you treasure? 

I'm always on the hunt for good books!


Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a good book!