Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

Pinterest Party & Link-up (vol 38): Country Potato Salad

Pin. Create. Inspire. Pinterest Party & Link-up. (pinterest_logo_new_640)

I was hoping to switch up my entry into the Pinterest Party by doing something other than a recipe but time is short and no matter how busy I am, I’ve still gotta cook! So it’s another recipe, but at least it’s a tasty one.

Revolution of Love - Country Potato Salad  (pp_pot_salad_7)

The inspiration for this recipe came from Gina at SkinnyTaste.com. I changed the recipe to suit my family’s taste.

Revolution of Love - Country Potato Salad (pp_pot_salad_1)In gathering the ingredients, it has been fun to pick herbs and vegetables from our little garden on the deck. This is the first year that we have actually yielded produce, mainly because I put the boys in charge of watering. (I have a knack for forgetting to water and killing everything. LOL.) The boys were excited when they could pick their first tomatoes for a salad.

Revolution of Love - Country Potato Saladpp_pot_salad_2)For this meal, Matthew, who is always ready to “help” me cook,  picked fresh flat leaf parsley.

Revolution of Love - Country Potato Salad - (pp_pot_salad_3)It was a proud feeling that made me understand why people had gardens. I’ve always been a “why bother if you can just buy it at the market” but now I’ve begun to understand why people bother!

Ingredients

Revolution of Love - Country Potato Salad - (pp_pot_salad_4)

  • 6 cups of red potatoes cut in bite size pieces
  • 1 medium red pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 medium onion (or one small red onion), chopped
  • 2 Tbs fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 & 1/2 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 & 1/2 Tbs mayo (or light mayo)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

— Place potatoes in pot and cover with water. Boil 10 – 15 minutes until soft. Drain and cool.

— Combine the olive oil, mayo, Dijon, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.

— Once the potatoes are cool, add the red pepper, red onion and parsley. Stir.

— Mix in the sauce and let sit briefly.

— Enjoy!

Revolution of Love - Country Potato Salad - (pp_pot_salad_6)

 

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What I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married Series - www.sweetlittleonesblog.com for www.waltzinginbeauty.blogspot.com

I’m linking up this post with the sweet Jess and Kate over at Sweet Little Ones Blog.com for this week’s Tuesday Talk. 🙂 Go check out their blog. There’s plenty of good stuff to read!

Now it’s your turn.

1. Choose your creation, share about it and snap a photo if you can.

2. In your post, link back the original blogger/idea, rather than your Pinterest pin. That way credit goes to the proper person. 🙂 (But feel free to add your Pinterest profile link so we can follow you!)

3. Add a link back here so others can play along.

4. If you want to use it, here is the html code for the logo:

<a href=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pinterest_logo_new_640.jpg”><img class=”aligncenter wp-image-6848″ src=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pinterest_logo_new_640.jpg” alt=”pinterest_logo_new_640″ width=”500″ height=”397″ /></a>

5. Link up below. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address.

The link up will be active for a month. Have fun!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, Spotify or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post may contain affiliate links.



Online Daybook (7/31/15) & 7 Quick Takes: Brian Update, Confession & Movies

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Happy Monday! Tuesday! Wednesday! Thursday! Friday! Okay, seriously?? I’ve sat down to write this post every day this week but every time something comes up and I’m sidetracked. Oh, well. Such  is life. However, I want to make the effort to post a Daybook since many of you have asked how Brian’s cancer testing went. In a nutshell, great! For the longer version, plus a little bit of this and that, read below. 🙂  I am linking up with Kelly for 7 Quick Takes.

 

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Grateful for…

  • Brian’s good health.
  • My brother’s successful surgery and that he’s back home with his family.
  • The kids’ swimming instructors and their patience.
  • Brian’s safe trip and return home.
  • The love and family and friends.

Praying for..

  • Those in abusive (physical or emotional) relationships.
  • Those who have recently lost their lives, especially under tragic circumstances, and the loved ones left behind.
  • The upcoming the BIS Brunches and those planing and attending.
  • All pregnant moms, those trying to get pregnant, those who have lost their babies (especially my sis) and for moms contemplating an abortion.
  • The souls in purgatory, especially family, friend and those most forgotten.
  • Some special intentions.

 

Pondering…

My need for Reconciliation this weekend. I can always tell when I am getting close to (or past) my monthly Confession. I am more easily impatient, short tempered and put out by inconveniences. Yesterday I was upset with Brian over something stupid and caught myself talking down to him like he was one the kids.  I have been trying to be careful not to do that and to lift him up with my words and actions.  But I was in such a foul mood that everything anyone said to me was getting on my nerves.

I know when I get like this I need to humble myself before God and receive God’s grace through the Sacrament to strengthen my soul. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to confession, let’s both get to it this weekend! 🙂

 

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Around the House…

As you know, I have been trying to work on the house a little each day but the progress is so slow sometimes it is depressing. I feel like I am so far behind and have so little extra time and even with the kids “helping” I don’t feel like I am making a dent. The other day Brian came home and I just broke down and cried. I felt like a failure. I let the mess get so bad that I couldn’t get myself out of it. Of course that wasn’t completely true and Brian was quick to soothe me and gently reminded me that life with a busy family means progress may be slow but it is there. After a good cry and getting the tension off my chest, I was able to see the corners of the house that did look better and how continued purging of all the junk (my hoarding tendencies really come out when I purge!) will help me make more progress. 🙂

 

Family Chit Chat… (Brian Update)

revolution of love - cwa_bv_15aMy best friend and sweetheart.

As many of you know, Brian has been battling cancer for the last two years. He was clean as of Jan 2015. Last week he was scheduled for another round of bloodwork and a CT scan. We got the results in Monday and his scan was clean and his bloodwork was good. In fact, the doc said his levels have improved. Three months ago his bloodwork had him in the lower normal range. This time he was in the solidly middle range. It is such a relief to get this news. it is never something that we will be done with and we will always have that cloud over our head somewhat, but hopefully Our Lord will continue to bless us with health and healing.

Thank you so much to all of you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. Brian thinks it’s a little weird that I share these things with you but I need the emotional support and prayers of my OL friends and in turn it may give an encouragement to someone else struggling with some of the things I discuss. So to you, the quiet lurker reading this who never comments, sending out an encouraging hug to you. No words need to be spoken.  🙂

 

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In the Kitchen…

revolution of love - cwa_pancakeW

I tried a new recipe for our Thursday’s breakfast dinner. I made Martha Stewart’s oven baked blueberry pancake. We don’t use white flour or white sugar so I made it with wheat flour and coconut sugar, adding a touch of cinnamon. It was a little more dense than a fluffy white pancake but still came out tasty and everyone gobbled it up! Next time I may try using wheat pastry flour.

 

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Watching…

(At the Movies)

Summer is movie time! Here are the latest…

me-earl-girlMe, Earl and the Dying Girl

Although I am old enough to be their parents, I enjoy watching the young adult movies filled with ironic teens who never quite talk like any teen I’ve known. Although, I happened to sit behind a group of hip, ironic teens that talked as if they belonged in one of these movies. It was kind of sweet to witness. Anyway, the movie was about a self-centered teen (Greg) who is forced by his mom to befriend a classmate (Rachel) that has leukemia. Although Rachel has cancer, the movie is really more about the self-loathing Greg learning to care about someone other than himself and risking getting hurt in order to connect with another person on a deeper level. There are touching moments and quirky humor that add to the overall movie. Rated 3 1/2 out of 5 stars or “I wouldn’t rent or buy the DVD but I’d watch it again if it happened to be on TV.” Parent’s note: The movie contains profane language, crude remarks/ behavior, a secular worldview and deals with cancer and it’s effects.

mr-holmes-ver2Mr. Holmes

Some may think that the story of Sherlock Homes has been done to death but I don’t mind the various versions. This movie is the story of a non-mythical Sherlock at the end of his life, dealing with his failing mind and his desire to right a case that he cannot remember. It is definitely more of a drama than a mystery. The story was a little slow at times (and the storyline a little depressing) but what really made this movie was the remarkable talent of Ian McKellen. He was painfully believable as a genius of a man grappling with the decline of his mental capabilities. Maybe it felt a little close to home seeing my father-in-law decline mentally but it touched me. Rated 3 1/2 out of 5 stars or “I wouldn’t buy the DVD but I’d rent it on DVD so Brian could watch it.” Parent’s note: The movie deals with some adult subjects.

 

Listening to …

Molecules by Atlas Genius is my song of the week. 🙂

Reading…

I’ve been so bad with my reading lately! I am trying to finish up Jen Fulwiler’s first book Something Other Than God so I can read her new one Like Living Among Scorpions: One Woman’s Quest to Survive Her Suburban Life.

Also on the night stand…

Lizzy and Jane

 

 

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Here are last couple of posts…

Other than the granola recipe and a couple Daybooks, it’s been quiet. I’m in summer mode. 😉

 

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In the blogosphere…

When life is so busy you don’t have time to read your favorite blogs, then I recommend at least reading Catholic All Year. Kendra manages to always have great posts such as these…

 

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Here are some Instagrams I’ve taken these past two weeks.revolution of love - cwa_collage_7_31_15

 

1 – #projectblessed – Goodbye. Goodbye lawlessness. There’s a new sheriff in town.

2 – #projectblessed – Sitting. I’m sitting down with the sweet @celia.oz to plan a Blessed Is She Brunch for Monterey, CA.

3 – That moment when your daughter says, “I’ll make the boys’ breakfast so you can do your work, mom.” ❤️❤️ Mamas of young ones, one day your 13 yr old will make meals and your 8 yr will vacuum and your 5 yr old will match clean socks and your 4 yr old will set the table. You’ll have helpers soon!!

4 – #projectblessed – Street & Glimpse. You can get a glimpse into Matthew’s mind when you see what he wants for his birthday. We saw this while walking along the street of downtown Carmel.

5 – #projectblessed – Clean. I was cleaning the kitchen and found this guy. After a few swats with a shoe I realized it was from Matthew’s toy Spider-Man car. (I don’t know if I was more relieved or mad.)

6 – #projectblessed – handwriting

7 – #projectblessed – Where I live. Even on a gloomy day, there’s no place like home.

8 – It’s been a busy day but now I’m slowing down and writing a letter to a @blessedisshe__ sister.

9 – #projectblessed – Drink. After shopping with the boys I feel like I need a stiff drink.

 

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Bonus Take

august 1

Speaking of Blessed Is She, tomorrow August 1, it is my turn to share a Gospel reflection with you. Here’s a snippet…

 

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately! What about you? What’s currently happening in your life? Do share.

Have a great weekend!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads Letterboxd, Spotify or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post contains affiliate links.

 

 

 


7 Quick Takes (7/19/15) & Answer Me This

amt_superhoes

When summer began I was so excited to have some time to myself to get things done. What the heck happened? Summer vacation is half over and I feel like I am running around busier now that I was during the school year. As a result, posting here has been sparse and there have been way too may blah, blah, blah posts that don’t really serve much more than letting me unwind a little. I guess that’s okay, so sit down and kick off your heels (or flats, in my case) and join me in Kendra’s virtual cocktail party Answer Me This and Kelly’s 7 Quick Takes.

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qt_rain_sky

It’s been a rainy Sunday with thunderstorm waking me up at 4:50 AM this morning. I can’t remember the last time we had a storm like that. I rushed to the boys’ room certain they’d be afraid of the loud thunder cracking over our house but they didn’t even budge. Why is it when I want to sleep in they are up at 6AM and when I am awake and ready to go they decide to sleep in. That’s a cruel joke, Mr. Murphy!

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Have you heard about Periscope? I first heard about it on one of Jen Fulwiler’s podcast. You know I love me some social media and I’ve jumped on the Periscope bandwagon craze! If you are unfamiliar, it is an app were you can post live video. As the person is recording, the names of participants come up on the lower half of the screen (you sign up with your Twitter account) and you can type in comments and questions. The ‘scoper can read and respond to your comments. There are some drawbacks – videos are only up for 24 hours, there’s no rewind or FF button and anyone can see your video unless you post it as private or block them. On the plus side, it is fun to see your favorite blogger or twitter friend live or to watch a clip of a concert or see another part of the world. It’s been fun! If you on Periscope, let me know so I can follow you. 🙂

The rest of the Takes will answer Kendra’s questions.

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 1. What’s currently on your To Do list?

Revolution of Love Blog - planner_2015_c(My Erin Condren planner. See more info here.)

My list is filled with a lot of rip roaring fun!  You know, things like  – paying bills, renewing my driver’s license, filling out school forms, taking kids to swim classes, dentist appointments, doc appointments, ortho appointments, speech therapy… fun stuff, people! It’s sort of our summer routine. In June, after school is over we celebrate a slew of birthdays and go to Tahoe. In July we pack in all our classes and appointments. Then in August we slow down and do more family fun things before school starts.

Oh, but you know one thing I want to add to my To Do list – a brain dump! Have you done one of these?? I heard about it when I was watching a periscope from Mystie from Simplified Organization.com. She said it is one of the best things to do when you feel scattered and distracted. Yeah, that’s got my name written all over it.

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2. Better type of superhero: magic/radioactive powers? Or trauma/gadgets/hard work?

daredevil_1

Hmm…interesting question. I think I am going to go with trauma/gadgets, hard work. There is just something about a guy (or girl) that trains and works their body to do incredible things, especially after they have suffered a trauma. It could also be because I just finished watching the last episode of Daredevil on Netflix and I love his character, flaws and all. It reminds me a bit of Batman in The Dark Knight. Would Star Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy count in that category because he’s a fave too. 😉

 

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3. Finding out if baby is a boy or a girl before birth: Good idea? Bad idea?

brm_birth_2WIt’s funny that I am the type of person that HATES spoilers. I don’t want to know how a movie ends. I refuse to watch a movie unless I start it from the beginning to get the full effect of the ending but when it comes to finding out about the baby, I want to know! I like being able to call our little one by name and picture him or her and what they’ll be like. Although, it does not always work out the way you planned.

Besides Bella showing up a month before her due date and on the day of my baby shower, she had another surprise for us.

When I went for my ultrasound the doc could not tell if she was a boy or girl but he said if he was forced to choose a side, it looked more like a boy. I didn’t want to admit to anyone that I was secretly hoping that my first born would be a girl. However, I embraced my future “son” and bought lots of baby boy clothes only to be shocked when the doctor announced, “It’s a girl!” I remember my mom running to the store and buying me a bunch of pink outfits to replace all the boy clothes I had hanging in the closet.  So in this case, finding out did not help. 🙂

 

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4. Have you ever appeared on a stadium jumbotron?

No, I am not much of a sport fan. I remember going to a couple hockey games with my brothers when I was growing up but no jumbotron sightings.

 

5. Are you more book smart or more street smart?

I guess, street smart. I probably have more practical knowledge than classical knowledge.

 

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6. Have you had that baby yet? (Feel free to skip this one if it’s not applicable to you.)

pregnancy_meme_1

Well, I may look preggers but my baby was born four years ago. So let’s just drop that subject, ‘kay!

All right, guys, it is nearly midnight and I am feeling punchy so I better get some sleep.

Oh, and if I remember correctly, tomorrow is Monday the 20th and it is my turn to share my thoughts on the Gospel over at Blessed Is She. Plus, it is my turn for the BIS Monday Introductions on Instagram. It’s a twofer! So check it out. 🙂

Have a great night/day!

xoxo,

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads Letterboxd, Spotify or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post contains affiliate links.


Online Daybook (7/13/15), 7QT & Answer Me This: Entertainment Edition

Revolution of Love - logo_daybook_4

Happy Monday! If you attended the Edel15 conference or the ComicCon then I was really jealous of you this weekend! However, I held no grudges and did hope you were  having a fun time as I kept myself busy stalking you. 😉 Now that it’s over I am linking up with Bonnie for 7 Quick Takes and Kendra for Answer Me This.

 

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Grateful…

  • A moment of unusual calm that lets me type here with a minimum amount of yelling from the kiddos playing outside.
  • For the beauty of the earth.
  • For the lazy mornings that let me sleep in a little later than usual.
  • For stolen kisses from the man I love.
  • For glimpses of hope and light when all seems grey.

Praying for..

  • Those who are being persecuted for their faith.
  • Those who are hurting, depressed and have lost their faith.
  • The attendees of Edel, that their spirits are refreshed and friendships deepened as sisters in Christ.
  • For those who couldn’t attend Edel, that they find joy and peace in their circumstances and feel united to the sisterhood of Christ.
  • Those who are ill, especially for those fighting cancer, and that Brian remains cancer-free.
  • All pregnant moms, those trying to get pregnant, those who have lost their babies (especially my sis) and for moms contemplating an abortion.
  • The souls in purgatory, especially family, friend and those most forgotten.
  • Some special intentions.

UPDATE: A very special intention today. Please keep my brother Rob in your prayers as he is having surgery today. May he recover quickly and get back to his wife and two little boys!

 

Pondering…

Revolution of Love - walk_1W

I was listening to a fave Christian podcast Relevant the other day while I was taking my walk. As you know, I love walking on the Monterrey Peninsula. The beauty of the ocean waves, the trees, the mountains, the wildflowers…they turn my eyes and heart to God as I marvel at his majesty. I was reminded of this when Relevant featured a live performance from Gungor. Their song Vapor carried me away and moved me to tears as I humbly witnessed the holiness of God in nature. With all the negativity and turmoil than can trouble my heart, I truly needed that moment to gaze at nothing more than the goodness of God and to remember that He is bigger than any problem or difficulty we may have. Blessed be God!

Here is the video of Gungor playing in studio.

Or watch the visually beautiful music video here.

Vapor Lyrics:

Oh the vapor of it all — It’s a chasing of the wind — The powers of the earth so pale and thin — We will set our hearts on you again

Heaven taunts the hearts of men — We can feel it from within — The beauty of it all — The mystery — The swelling of a voice — A rising sea

Holy — You oh God are Holy — Trees clap their hands for you — Oceans they dance for you — You are holy

Oh the mystery of it all — I can never peer within — I’ll never find the words or understand — The fullness of a God — Become a man

Holy — You oh God are Holy — Trees clap their hands for you — Oceans they dance for you

You are holy — Infinite and holy — A billion suns rise for you — Clouds paint the skies for you — Mountains stand tall for you — Valleys bow down to you — Everything rising to — Sing all our songs for you

Holy — The impossible and holy — Kings become fools for you — Kingdoms to ruins for you — Vapor finds ground in you — Music finds sound for you — Everything rising — Everything rising

Come like dawn — Like waves — Like sunlight — Bring this world to life

Come like rain — Like breath — Like springtime

Bring this world to life

 

 

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Around the House…

When summer started I thought I would have ample time to do some serious house cleaning and organizing but in between traveling, swimming lessons, spending time with Opa, speech therapy,  errands and such, I have as much time as I did when I was running around during the school year. Oh, well. I just try to do what I can in the pockets of time I have. So far I have been able to tackle a couple of things on my summer cleaning list. I’ll post more details in the weeks to come.

 

Family Chit Chat…

Now that we are back from Tahoe, we are into our normal summer routine. We’ve started swimming lessons, which the boys love.

I’ve also been trying to take an hour each day to have the kids review some school material. Mostly math and reading. I got the boys these Star Wars Workbooks. They enjoy using them! Well, as much as a normal kid can enjoy doing school work on a summer day. It makes it easier when they know they can play with their light sabers or watch an episode of Star Wars Rebels if they get all their work done. 🙂 (One note about the books if you are going to buy one, check the “look inside” feature on Amazon first. I noticed that they are a little easy so you may need to go to the next grade up.)

 

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In the Kitchen…

Sunday – We get a treat tonight with Burrito Bowls at Chipotles. YUM!!

Monday – Chef Salad topped with chicken and fresh baked bread.

Tuesday –  Turkey Enchilada Lasagna, homemade pinto beans and salad.  (Making a double batch to share with a new mama.)

Wednesday –  Italian Red Wine Roast Beef in the Slow Cooker  with roasted potatoes and broccoli. (This is my new recipe of the week. See the Pin below.)

Thursday – Breakfast dinner. Leftover enchiladas with scrambled egg.

Friday – Tuna Melts, chips and broccoli.

Saturday – Leftover roast beef on toasted garlic wheat rolls with Southwestern corn and black bean salad.

 

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Watching…

(At the Movies)

Here are the latest…

Collage_movies_7_13_15

Inside Out – I originally was going to take all the kids to see this but in the end I only took Bella. I am glad I did. The movie was sweet but it never would have held the boys’ attention. Many people were in love with the movie and although I thought it was enjoyable and had some really nice moments, I doubt I’d watch it a second time.

Jurassic World – Before I went to see this movie with Brian, I let Bella and Andrew watch Jurassic Park for the first time. Even 22 years later, it is still an incredible movie that hasn’t lost it’s awe and tension. It was a nice preview before watching Jurassic World since there were many cool tips of the hat to JP. That being said, it was hard no to compare the original with this version. JW was a fun summer popcorn movie but it had it’s flaws. Some of the acting and dialogue was stiff and characters were flat and stereotypical. However, this movie wasn’t trying to win an Academy Award. It was trying to give you two hours of dino mayhem and fun and on that front it delivered. — UPDATE: After writing this mini review, I took Bella to see the movie. (She is excited that she is finally old enough to see some PG-13 movies.) I have to tell you that I enjoyed it so much more the second time around. Maybe because there wasn’t all these expectations and I could just relax and enjoy it. I had a lot of fun and Bella loved it.

Minions – Our family loves the Despicable Me movies, especially Matthew. I didn’t know how a third Minion-only movie would be pulled off and now I know. It is basically 90 minutes of slapstick (and sometimes crude humor) with a splash of occasional bare behinds that will send the kids giggling hysterics and you chuckling despite your resistance. If you’re already a fan, you’ll probably enjoy the movie with your kids. If you aren’t a fan, skip it.

 

(On Youtube)

I have been following the ComicCon in San Diego and was excited to see some of the videos and previews coming out, including these:


Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens Official Comic-Con 2015 Reel (2015)


Skip this one if you aren’t already a fan of The Walking Dead – Season 6 Preview

Skip this one if your aren’t already a fan of zombies and TWD. – Fear the Walking Dead: World Premiere

 

Listening to …

With the gorgeous summer weather, I have been trying to walk more and hit my 10,000 steps goal every day of the week. To do that I have added new music to my walking list. These two songs are my faves of the week. 🙂


Night Riots with Contagious from their EP Howl.


Renegades by X Ambassadors from their debut album VHS.

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And if you aren’t into music, then check out the interview from Jennifer Fulwiler’s podcast with Jeanie Gaffigan. I have been reading Jim’s book Dad Is Fat and it is hilarious. I was interested to hear his wife Jeannie speak. It’s not often you find faithful Catholics working in the entertainment industry. The interview was short but I was touched by Jeannie’s faith, especially when she spoke about their little daughter that only lived a day and the struggles it caused in their marriage. Yet, their faith and trust in God pulled them through and made them stronger in their marriage and commitment to God. It is beautiful. I think Jeannie needs to write a book next! 🙂

 

Reading…

Revolution of Love - cwa_reading_7_15These. Some of these I am previewing for Bella. She like teen/romance novels bur from a Christian perspective. Any suggestions?

 

 

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Here are last couple of posts…

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In the blogosphere…

I have 150 posts in my Bloglovin feed that have yet to be read. I’ll tackle the highlights this weekend and share my faves next time. 😉

However, I did read Kendra’s Answer Me This and I did answer her questions.

1. At what temperature do you keep the thermostat set? Summer, winter, day, night?

Living in along the coast of Central California, we pretty much have mild weather year round. The homes here don’t have air conditioning, ours included, because it rarely gets hot enough to need it. When we do reach crazy hot temps (over 80) then we just pray the fog rolls in quickly to cool things off. LOL. Right now we are having a warmer summer with less fog, which is nice since it actually feels like summer. The temps in our house now are in the 70’s but normally it’s in the 60’s. In winter we set our heater to about 64.

2. What is your favorite frozen beverage?

I mostly drink water but if I get a treat then it would be something lemony. Like the lemonade frozen drinks at Disneyland. Yum. 🙂

3. Where do you keep your keys?

revolution of love - cwa_7_13_15_keys

We have this hanging in the entryway of our home, just opposite of the fmaily altar. You can see part of the Jesus icon in the mirror.

4. Have you ever really been lost?

Before the widespread use of GPS, I would get lost ALL THE TIME. The worst was when my sister and I would go to shows or clubs in LA or San Diego. I have a poor sense of direction and I’d never just go from point A to B. There would always be a few U-turns and detours on the way there. These days Siri is my best friend! The ironic thing is that I use Siri to go to kid friendly destinations instead of clubs and concerts. Oh well. 😉

5. What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?

See above. Although I forgot I also saw Me, Earl and the Dying Girl. I’ll wait to tell you about that for the next Online Daybook. 🙂
Pinned…cwa-pin-red-wine-roast-beef-2

Italian Red Wine Roast Beef by Barefoot in the Kitchen

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Here are some Instagrams I’ve taken this past week. (It’s been a slow photo week!)

 

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1. #insteadofedel – Watching the Minion movie with the kiddos.

2. #projectblessed – Dark. It’s a little dark in this section of our local library in Carmel but Blessed Junipero Serra keeps watch. #insteadofedel

3. #projectblessed – beauty. (No filter.)

4. #projectblessed – Hello. What’s that you say? Why is there a ghostbuster in our house? Hello??!! Life with boys!

 

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately! What about you? What’s currently happening in your life? Do share.

Have a great weekend!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads Letterboxd, Spotify or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post contains affiliate links.


Pinterest Party & Link-up (vol 37): Homemade Coconut Granola

pinterest_logo_new_640

Years ago, the thought of making my own granola sounded way too crunchy mama to me. (Let’s be honest, eating any kind of granola was too crunchy for me.) After Brian was diagnosed with cancer, I had to rethink my attitude. It was time to learn to DIY in the kitchen.

Revolution of Love - Homemade Coconut Granola (logo_pp_granola_6)

At the time I was also taking Elizabeth Foss‘ wonderful Restore workshop.  (I wrote about it here.) In one of the lessons she posted her family’s favorite granola recipe. I apprehensively followed the recipe and was surprised to find that it wasn’t that hard, it tasted delicious and the family loved it. Now making granola has become second nature. I have since played around with Elizabeth’s recipe and a number of others ones I found on Pinterest and narrowed down the ingredients and flavors that worked best for our family. The great things about granola is that you can easily add and subtract to suit your tastes.

Revolution of Love - pp_granola_1

Ingredients

(Part 1)

  • 7 cups of rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup flax seeds
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut

(Part 2)

  • 3/4 cups coconut oil, softened
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

(Part 3: Optional)

  • 1 cup of raisins
  • 1/2 a cup of dried cranberries.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Revolution of Love - pp_granola_2In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients.

Revolution of Love - pp_granola_3In a smaller bowl, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix well.

Revolution of Love - pp_granola_4Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well. Place in a large roasting pan. Bake 45 minutes, stirring the granola every 15 minutes.

Revolution of Love - pp_granola_5When the granola is done pour it onto two cookie sheets. (I tried following other recipes that cooked the granola on cookie trays but it didn’t work as well for me as the roasting pan.)

Next add the raisins and cranberry if using. (I make one tray with the dried fruit and leave one plain.) Let the granola dry and harden for about 1/2 an hour. Eat and enjoy!

Revolution of Love - Homemade Coconut Granola (pp_granola_6)Keep the leftover granola stored in an air tight container for up to a week or so. (If it lasts that long.) 😉

* * * * *

Now it’s your turn.

1. Choose your creation, share about it and snap a photo if you can.

2. In your post, link back the original blogger/idea, rather than your Pinterest pin. That way credit goes to the proper person. 🙂 (But feel free to add your Pinterest profile link so we can follow you!)

3. Add a link back here so others can play along.

4. If you want to use it, here is the html code for the logo:

<a href=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pinterest_logo_new_640.jpg”><img class=”aligncenter wp-image-6848″ src=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pinterest_logo_new_640.jpg” alt=”pinterest_logo_new_640″ width=”500″ height=”397″ /></a>

5. Link up below. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address.

The link up will be active for a month. Have fun!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, Spotify or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post contains affiliate links.