Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

Friday Favorites & Link-up (Vol 8)

It’s the Saturday version of Friday Favorites (a link-up normally posting every 1st and 3rd Friday)! It was a crazy busy week and at the moment I am in SoCal for my brother’s wedding so I never got to finish this post but better late than never!Β  Here are this week’s favorites…

(Note: Revolution of Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.)

~ 1 ~

This Week’s Fave Social Event

Family Wedding

Me with some of my siblings. Nate is the cutie in glasses.

 

I am the oldest of nine siblings and anytime we get together it is a party. However, nothing is more exciting than gathering together for a family wedding! I’m so happy for my brother Nathaniel and his soon to be bride Jovie. Welcome to our crazy family! πŸ™‚

~ 2 ~

This Week’s Fave Podcast

Blessed Is She’s The Gathering Place

The drive to SoCal (about 375 miles) was made easier listening to the new Blessed Is She podcast The Gathering Place. I like that it is fun, short but always containing some spiritual nuggets of gold. Here’s the link to this week’s show.

~ 3 ~

This Week’s Fave Book

by Jen Fulwiler

There has been a lot of buzz about Jennifer Fulwiler’s new book “One Beautiful Dream.” I got in the mail just before we left for our trip so I just started it and I can already tell it is going to be a favorite. I’ll give you more details when I am done. Also, check out the great IG posts from #onebeautifuldream.

~ 4 ~

This Week’s Fave Rolling Backpack for the Boys

The boys needed new rolling backpacks for traveling. I found these on Amazon and they are great. They are sturdy and small enough for them to roll around (the handle goes up to different heights) but roomy enough to hold toys and books. They especially loved all the little zippered areas where they could stash important items like Legos, Star Wars figures and fidget spinners. The two older boys like this blue version but Matthew wanted this football/sports print. There are also some cute girl prints as well.

 

~ 5 ~

This Week’s Fave Color

Pink

If you have been watching my Instastories, you already know that I had planned to wear my old faithful black dress to my brother’s wedding because I couldn’t find anything else that looked or fit right. Then the day before we were to leave (while I was supposed to be packing) I made a quick Target run for some needed items and quickly looked at the dresses. Lo and behold, there was a pretty pink floral dress in my size that fit me decently. I worried that I looked like a big pink Peep but after a few SOS texts to my sister, she convinced me to get it. SO instead of safe black I’ve be in a bold pink. Wish me luck!

 

~ 6 ~

This Week’s Fave Wedding Dance

From Fiddler on the Roof

I was watching Fiddler on the Roof the other day and saw this wedding dance. When I was younger my mom loved it and we always joked that we’d do it at one of our weddings. There has been a lot of talk about the dancing to come in today’s reception so either this will be replicated or we’ll see other moves that become my favorite. πŸ˜‰

 

~ 7 ~

This Week’s Fave Prayer

Come Holy Spirit

Earlier this week I was on the Blessed Is She Instastories giving a behind the scenes look at how the writers write the daily devotions. I mentioned that I pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit before I start writing and showed this photo of a prayer card I made. A few people asked if I could share the card with them so here is the PDF you can download. Enjoy!

Those are my favorites of the week! What have you been enjoying?

Okay, that’s it for now. Time to get dressed practice my readings for the wedding and dust off my dancing shoes. πŸ˜‰

I’m also linking up with Kelly for this week’s 7 Quick Takes.

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, Instagram, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify. πŸ˜‰

Are you ready to link up?? Here are the rules.

1. Create a post with your Friday Favorites.

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

3. If you want to add the logo to your post, here is the html.

<p style=”text-align: center;”><img class=”aligncenter wp-image-10649″ src=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fri_fave_logo_640.jpg” alt=”” width=”500″ height=”500″ /></p>

4. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address. The link-up will be open for three weeks. Have fun!



Friday Favorites & Link-up (Vol 7)

Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to Friday Favorites (a link-up posting every 1st and 3rd Friday.) I’m glad you could join us. πŸ™‚ Here are this week’s favorites…

(Note: Revolution of Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.)

~ 1 ~

This Week’s Fave Catholic Item

Blessed Is She’s Encouraging Bible Verse Cards

Photo credit: Blessed Is She

Since getting involved in Blessed Is She (not just as a writer but as a reader of the daily devotionals) I have spent more time in God’s word and have been wanting to memorize more of my favorite verses. I got these beautifully hand lettered Encouraging Bible Verse Cards and pick one each week to pray about and memorize.They can also be used as card to friends.

Then I chose three of my favorites – “I will be with you,” (Joshua 1:5) and “Arm yourself and be brave,” (1 Maccabees3:58) and “You are God’s field.” (1 Cor 3:9) I added them in a frame and every morning I read the three verses and it sets the tone for my day. πŸ™‚

~ 2 ~

This Week’s Fave Movie

The Quiet Place

The other night I went to go see the movie The Quiet Place.Β I had heard a lot of good things about it both from the entertainment world and the Catholic world so my hopes were high. I was not disappointed. The movie thoroughly freaked me out, especially watching it in mama bear mode. It is not one of those bloody slasher movies but one of those psychological terrors, which to me is much more scary. Add to it positive elements of family, married love (the tender scene with the dance and the earbuds had me in tears,) prayer, the value of new life and sacrificial love. There is plenty to ponder. Excellent work.

~ 3 ~

This Week’s Fave Snack

Sabor Mexicano Homemade Corn Chips

Photo credit: Instacart.com

Whenever I happen to go to Whole Foods to stock up on certain items, I always have to get a bag or two of Sabor Mexicano Homemade Corn Chips.Β They are so good! They taste like they came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant. Warning: Serve a small amount then close the bag and put it away. Otherwise, you may not be able to stop eating them. Ask me how I know. πŸ˜‰

~ 4 ~

This Week’s Fave Hand Cream

Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream

Winter is over, at least theoretically speaking, but my hands are still rough and dry from the cold weather and (still) having the heater on at night. I bought this Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream when I was shopping at Trader Joe and it is lovely! It works so well to smooth my dry hands. It is thick but not too greasy. It blends into the skin well and smells great! Plus, I was surprised to see that they actually sell it on Amazon. πŸ™‚

~ 5 ~

This Week’s Fave Flowers on My Deck

Hydrangeas

For Easter I got this gorgeous potted hydrangea plant from Costco and now all the little buds are opening and blooming. It makes the deck really look like spring! I love it.

 

~ 6 ~

This Week’s Fave Road Trip

Pixar Fest at Disneyland

Photo credit: Disneyland.com

Bella and I made an impromptu trip to Disneyland (we are there today!) to catch the new Pixar Fest. It is running until September but every weekend in May and June in the calendar is booked. July is sketchy and August starts school again so this was literally our only free weekend when all the stars aligned.

So we played hooky and are enjoying a girls’ weekend. πŸ˜‰

Here is a little peak at the limited run (4/13/18 – 9/3/18) Pixar Fireworks Show. πŸ™‚

 

~ 7 ~

This Week’s Fave Order Placed

Blessed Is She Planner

I know I already posted about the new Blessed Is She Planner earlier this week but I just want to remind you that the pre-order sale price runs for a limited time. The planners will ship out in June and with my busy schedule, I will be filling it in quickly. πŸ™‚

Those are my favorites of the week! What have you been enjoying?

I’m also linking up with Kelly for this week’s 7 Quick Takes.

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, Instagram, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify. πŸ˜‰

Are you ready to link up?? Here are the rules.

1. Create a post with your Friday Favorites.

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

3. If you want to add the logo to your post, here is the html.

<p style=”text-align: center;”><img class=”aligncenter wp-image-10649″ src=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fri_fave_logo_640.jpg” alt=”” width=”500″ height=”500″ /></p>

4. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address. The link-up will be open for three weeks. Have fun!



Friday Favorites & Link-up (Vol 5)

Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to Friday Favorites (a link-up posting every 1st and 3rd Friday.) I’m glad you could join us. πŸ™‚ Here are this week’s favorites…

(Note: Revolution of Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.)

~ 1 ~

This Week’s Fave Evening Activity with my Boys

Read Aloud

For years, I have been hearing about Sarah MacKenzie’s Read Aloud Revival. I’d see numerous photos on Instagram with little ones all nestled on the couch with their mama reading childhood classics together. I have to admit that I’d roll my eyes and was slightly jealous of their perfect little kids listening intently. My boys would read picture books with me when they were little but now they are too independent and rambunctious to sit and listen to me read. Then a strange thing happened. During Lent I wanted each of my boys to read a saint book. One of my sons chose Maximilian Kolbe: Saint of Auschwitz but there were some words he didn’t know and he didn’t understand the meaning of the paragraph. I told him to sit down next to me on the couch and we’d read the paragraph together. I explained what it meant and read some more. His two brothers saw us and they sat on the couch next to us. As I sat there reading aloud to them it hit me, wow, my boys are the kind of kids who would sit and listen to me while I read them a story. I had to stifle a tear.

The following day after our evening family prayer, I picked up the book about Maximilian Kolbe again and asked the boys if they’d like me to continue reading. They all ran to the couch and sat down. The next day and we did the same as well as the day after that. So started our entrance into the world of the Read Aloud Revival. And I love it. (With that in mind, any suggestions for our next book? My boys are 6, 8, & 10)

~ 2 ~

This Week’s Fave Homework Assignment

I Dream of Being A Priest

When my six year old had a school assignment to write about something he’d like to dream, I thought for sure he’d write about being a football player. I was happily surprised when he chose a priest instead. Although, his little mind still struggles between the two. I overheard this conversation the other day.

Matthew: “I don’t know if I should be a priest or a football player.”

His brother: Can’t you be both?

Matthew: “But the games are usually played on Sunday and I’ll need to say Mass. That’s a problem.” (LOL. Love that.)

His brother: “Just pay football first then when you turn 30 and are too old, join the seminary.” (My little planner has it all worked out for him.) πŸ™‚

~ 3 ~

This Week’s Fave Drink

Orange Spice Herbal Tea

We have been having the strangest weather here on the Central Coast of California. Normally we would be well into spring with an occasional shower but instead we’ve had countless cold, gloomy and/or rainy days. (It’s pouring as I type this.) I don’t remember ever having the heater on in mid-March. (I know, I’m a California wuss that thinks 50 degrees is cold but that’s besides the point.) As such, it makes me crave a hot drink but I don’t like coffee or tea. I’ve been trying to break that pattern by getting myself used to the taste of tea. Recently I tried Simply Balanced Orange Spice Herbal Tea from Target. It smells so good (actually, it reminds me more of autumn) but the taste is pleasing and warms me up on cold mornings. They just may make a tea drinker out of me yet!

~ 4 ~

This Week’s Fave Outdoor Activity

Deck Gardening

With the aforementioned rain, when a gorgeous sunny day arrives, I seize the opportunity to work on our deck garden. For years I suffered from a “black thumb.” I would plants flowers and herbs and inevitably forget to water them and end up with a collection of dead plants. Over the years I have gotten better (not to mention making my boys go out to water) and now I love working on our deck, planting flowers, herbs and a few small vegetables. I haven’t reached the point of having a “real” garden but for now, this is good. Just looking out my window and seeing all the colorful blooms fills my heart with love for God, Our Creator. I love it!

I also saw that Lara Casey has a series about gardening (for newbies and pros.) I’ll be reading along and using some of her advice. Lara is also running an awesome gardening give-away. Check it out here.

~ 5 ~

This Week’s Fave Easter Basket Ideas

Sports Rosaries

Photo credit – SpunSuggr

The Catholic Sistas posted their 2018 Easter Basket Ideas with Coupon Codes on their blog. There were a lot of great Easter basket suggestions for boys and girls. With a house of boys (and one teen girl), I especially loved the Lego rosary and this sports rosary from SpunSugrr. Matthew has already requested it for his Easter basket. πŸ™‚

 

~ 6 ~

This Week’s Fave Magazine Cover

Captain America

Photo Credit – EW.com

I enjoy reading Entertainment Weekly to get all my movie, TV and entertainment news and the latest issue features 15 different covers – all Marvel characters from the upcoming Infinity War movie. (woohoo!) As I opened up the mailbox I felt like a Lotto player waiting to see if her numbers were chosen. I really wanted to get the cover with my favorite super hero. I may have yelled a little cheer when I pulled out Captain America. (My apologies to the grandma next to me that I startled.) When I brought the magazine home, the kids noticed the cover (but they aren’t allowed to read it) and they all decided that Cap looks better with a beard because now he looks like Daddy. I agree! #teambeardedmen πŸ˜‰

 

~ 7 ~

This Week’s Fave Reading Material

Catholic Graphic Novels

Speaking of comic book heroes, I’ve been collecting Catholic graphic novels featuring various saints. I remember back in the 80’s reading comic books about Mother Teresa. Pope John Paul II and Maximilian Kolbe. I loved reading them and was excited to find new graphic novels available for my kids to read. In an upcoming post (hopefully next week) I will review the novels and share links where you can buy them. πŸ™‚

Those are my favorites of the week! What have you been enjoying?

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, Instagram, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify. πŸ˜‰

Are you ready to link up?? Here are the rules.

1. Create a post with your Friday Favorites.

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

3. If you want to add this week’s logo to your post, here is the html.

<p style=”text-align: center;”><img class=”aligncenter wp-image-10562″ src=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/fri_fave_3_16_18_logo.jpg” alt=”” width=”538″ height=”549″ /></p>

4. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address. The link-up will be open for three weeks. Have fun!



Online Daybook/ Currently/ 7QT: February 2018 Recap, Fave Music, Links and Movie Reviews

RevolutionofLove.com - logo_online_daybook_1

I can’t believe it is already mid-March. The days are just getting away from me! This Daybook is late but better late than never. πŸ˜‰

~ 1 ~

od_logo_quiet2Grateful for…

  • Green hills and flowers growing after the recent rains.
  • Blue skies and spring weather after the recent cold days.
  • My feeling better after being sick.
  • Family time.
  • Good health reports.
  • All the little things I take for granted like a warm bed, running water and food on the table.

Praying for..

  • Many special intentions from family and friends, especially those carrying heavy crosses.
  • Those fighting cancer, illness and mental health issues.
  • For victims of violence and abuse.
  • All pregnant moms (especially family members), those trying to get pregnant, those who have lost their babies and for moms contemplating an abortion.
  • The souls in purgatory, especially family, friends and those most forgotten.

Pondering…

From yesterday’s Instagram:

It’s been a long time since I’ve let the β€œcomparison poison” creep into my head and make me feel like a loser compared to others but this morning it was trying to take hold.

Then I read today’s first reading, especially these lines: β€œThus says the LORD: Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create…”

There is happiness in what God creates. That includes me. It brought to mind yesterday’s Scripture reading that said, β€œWe are his handiwork.”

We are God’s creation and He takes pleasure in us. Let’s not forget that. And when the evil one starts to whisper negativity that makes us fell β€œless than” cast it aside and rejoice that God created each of us unique with our own talents and gifts so there’s no need to worry that someone else’s gift is not our own. Be your beautiful, unique self and God will work wonders.

 

~ 2 ~

revolution of love blog - od_logo_home2

Around the House…

The purging and spring cleaning continues. I’ve got huge piles of stuff to take to St. Vincent de Paul. Now just to get it in my car and over there. πŸ˜‰

 

Family Chit Chat…

February Memories – Highlights of the month include – Worked with the boys on their school fundraiser for Children of Compassion.org, celebrated St. Valentine’s Day, enjoyed some Room Mom time at school, revived my love for snail mail, celebrated Ash Wednesday, went on a road trip with my “baby” girl, happy danced at one of my favorite places and made it an awesome girls’ weekend with my daughter, sister and mom! (And counting the days until I can go back.)

 

~ 3 ~

revolution of love blog - od_logo_kitchen

In the Kitchen…

Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette fromΒ  Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts

I’ve been looking for a lemon salad dressing and found this one that I have been really enjoying. So good!

 

~ 4 ~

revolution of love blog - od_logo_sights

Reading…

Finished…

A Man Called Ove

Currently…

A Bitter Truth: A Bess Crawford Mystery (Book 3)

 

Frankenstein

(For Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Reading Challenge category – A Classic I Haven’t read Yet.)

 

Watching…

(MOVIES)

The Greatest Showman I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this movie since it got mediocre reviews but all over Twitter and IG people were saying how much they loved the soundtrack and they wanted to see the movie again. So finally in February I went to watch it before it left the theaters. Oh man, was I wrong to wait because I loved it. No, let me clarify, I looooooved it. In a nutshell, Hugh Jackman plays P.T. Barnum, who began as a penniless orphan, and Michelle Williams is his wife Charity, his rich childhood friend. Together they overcome obstacles, marry, raise a family and start what would become P.T. Bartum’s Circus. Along the way Barnum recruits the local “misfits” who don’t fit into polite society and creates a show of music and wonder. This provides a new family of love for the circus performers who come to love themselves for who they are and shine despite the hate of cruel people. Unfortunately, in Barnum’s quest for ever greater accolades and acceptance into the right kind of society, he loses sight of his family and friends and loses everything in the process. However, redemption wins the day and the movie ends on a happy note. (The final scene of Barnum singing the lines “it’s everything you ever want…” had me bawling.)

The themes of the dignity of all people, learning to love and accept yourself (can I hear an Amen for “This Is Me”?) and the power of family life and love (whether by blood or chosen as friends) are strong. Granted, this movie won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I loved it and will be downloading it March 20 when it is available online. (The DVD/Blu-ray will be released April 10.) I rate this movie 4 out of 5 stars. The movie is rated PG. (Parental note: Surprisingly, the movie is relatively clean cut. There is a bit of language such as “damn” and a racial slur. There is some violence from the protestors/ bullies. There are a couple of “skimpier” outfits from the circus performers, depending on how strict you are about those things. If you listen to the soundtrack, the song “The Other Side” does have the phrase “oh, damn” in the chorus. That’s a problem when you have little kids who like to walk around singing the songs they hear. πŸ˜‰ )

Black Panther – It’s a joy when I see two movies in a row that touch me so much! I’ve seen all the Marvel movies and Black Panther is definitely one of my favorites, especially because of its amazing cast. Although I am not African-American and cannot comment of the significance this movie would have in that aspect, as a mom to three boys I loved seeing a strong male character who valued family, honor, perseverance, and doing the right thing. T’Challa goes above and beyond just seeing a larger problem but figures out how he can be a part of a lasting solution. And as a mom of a teen girl, I love that there were numerous strong female characters and unlike other movies (as much as I love you, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, I am looking at you) they had both strong male and female characters who were a credit to their gender without putting down the other gender.

Secondly, I like a movie that has a “villain” with multiple facets. You get to learn why they act the way they do and what made them the “bad guy.” In this case, Killmonger had a tragic back story and you can’t help but root against him while still rooting for his redemption. Overall, the themes of overcoming obstacles, finding healing, and working together as a larger brotherhood of humans (despite race or gender) truly moved me. The fact that movie itself was visually stunned, well written and suburbly acted just made it all the better. I rate it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. This movie is rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture. (Parental note: TheΒ  language is tame for a PG-13 with a a couple of sh*ts, a*s and a middle finger gesture. However the soundtrack does have explicit lyrics. There is a lot of violence for the younger set. For a more detailed parent review, check out Common Sense Media’s review here.)

The Shape of Water – I saw this movie the day after it won the Academy Award for Best Picture and afterwards, I thought two things: I should have read the parental review of why it was rated R and are you sure that was voted the best movie of the year? In a nutshell, the movie takes place in the early 60’s. Elisa is a mute cleaning woman who falls in love with a part man/part fish creature. The man-fish is tortured by the sadistic Strickland character.Β  Eventfully the creature is scheduled to be killed and dissected so Elisa, with the help of her sassy co-worker and gay best friend, plot to rescue him and bring him to safety.Β  As weird as that may all sound,Β  I didn’t hate the move. It was actually sort of a sweet “woman and creature from the Black Lagoon” love story. It was a thriller as they tried to escape the villain and it had its comedic moments. However, I barely would have watched it a second time, let alone voted it as the best movie of 2017. Plus, I did not realize how “adult” some of the content would be. There was full frontal nudity as the main character got into the bath and the camera panned away as she pleasured herself. And there was more nudity in a second scene (with a married couple) and a rather absurd scene where Elisa flooded her bathroom so she can enjoy some amore with her man-fish. I felt the adult content was over the top for this kind of movie. I just appreciate a movie that can tell a story with strategically placed cameras and not have to resort to full body shots, especially when it was unnecessary to further the story. For some, it may not be an issue but I found it disappointing because the movie was visually beautiful andΒ  had a touch of old school movie nostalgia. I rate the movie 2 out of 5 stars. It would have been a 3 had it been PG-13 level content. (Parental note: It’s not for kids.)

Darkest Hour – This movie is more along the lines of what I would consider Academy Award material. Although set during WWII, there is very little action or war scenes in the movie. Instead it a slower paced political movie about Winston Churchill and the early days of the Nazi invasion of Europe, particularly at Dunkirk. I felt as if it was a little “old news” having recently watched two other TV movies/series about Winston Church. However, Gary Oldman’s portray of him was amazing. You could hardly recognize the actor as he became Churchill. I would recommend watching this movie first them watching the other Academy nominated movie Dunkirk. While this movie was all talk and not much action the other movie was all action with very little dialogue. Together they tell an incredible story of Dunkirk and the behind the scenes drama surrounding it. I rate this movie 4 out of 5 starts. Rated PG-13 for some thematic material. (Parental note: The movie was relatively mild in all areas of concern. For a more detailed parent review, check out Common Sense Media’s review here.)

Get Out – This was another one of those movies that was on my list to watch because I heard so many good reviews but I was afraid it was a slasher movie and those don’t entertain me at all. However, while in the horror genre, it was strong in the thriller category, which I love. I prefer psychological terror over mindless blood and guts torture. And psychologically, this had me freaking out! In a nutshell,Β  Chris is a young African American man who is going to meet his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. The meeting goes from awkward, to disturbing to horribly wrong. The movie has dark comedy, social commentary, and tension up the wazoo. My heart was pounding as I was inwardly screaming, “GET OUT!” I loved it.

Rated R for violence, bloody images, and language including sexual references (Parental note: There is violence and blood – although not as graphic as some movies –Β  and a lot of language, especially a lot of mother*.Β  For a more detailed parent review, check out Common Sense Media’s review here.)

Lady Bird – Since I have been trying to watch all the Best Picture Academy Award nominees, this was next on my list. I have to admit, I have mixed feelings about this one. I heard a lot of good things about it from Catholics I respect (like this review from Bishop Barren) but I feel like I need to watch the movie again because I wasn’t as touched as others were. In a nutshell, this is a coming-of-age story of Christine “Lady Bird” MacPherson, a high school senior who longs to leave her small town and go to school on the East Coast. Her dad has issues but is loving and supportive of Lady Bird. Her mom is tough and sometimes demeaning to Lady Bird but she loves her daughter in her own broken way. While Lady Bird is not Catholic, she attends a Catholic school and surprisingly, the main priest and nun at the school are shown in a positive light. There are a couple of sweet moments, some touching moments, lots of teen angst and a positive ending as Lady Bird comes full circle. I enjoyed the film somewhat but would categorize it as a once-only movie. Some believe the Catholic faith was portrayed positively but it just made me sad to think of all the kids like those in the movie (myself included) who just went through the religious motions but lived a life contrary to the faith. I rate this movie 3 out of 5. Rated R for language, sexual content, brief graphic nudity and teen partying. (Parental note: There is a lot of language, disrespectful attitudes/ dialogue, smoking, drinking and the main character has sex although there’s nothing graphic. The “brief graphic scene” was a brief shot from a magazine. For a more detailed parent review, check out Common Sense Media’s review here.)

 

Listening to …

I gave up my favorite playlists and radio stations for Lent (except for Sundays) so I have been listening to my Lent playlist instead.

On Sunday, I added these songs to my playlist.

Wake Up by Loud Forest

Handyman by Awolnation

Saturday Sun by Vance Joy

Apocolypse by Cigarettes after Sex (When I first heard this song I thought it was a husky sounding girl. LOL. But it reminded me of years past when I loved a great shoe gazer song. And if you are offended by the band’s name, just picture it as a happily married faithful couple experiencing the joys of Phase 3. πŸ˜‰ )

 

* * *

Added to the boys’ playlist (and I’m loving it too) …

Changed by Jordan Feliz

 

~ 5 ~

revolution of love blog - od_logo_blog

Recent Posts:

It’s funny that I blogged very little last year and was thinking about quitting all together but then something happened in the new year and the posts started flowing. These were posted in January.

Artist Spotlight: Welcome Bee (& A Giveaway)

* * *

Lenten Family Activities and House Decor

* * *

Friday Favorites & Link-up Vol 3: Lent Edition & #7QT

* * *

Friday Favorites & Link-up (Vol 4) & #7QT

* * *

In the Kitchen: Trader Joe’s Wonton Soup

* * *

From the Archives

abi_letters_logo

Unbound and Our Sponsored Child

* * *

revolution of love blog - quote_obedience_faustinaI Am the Handmaid of the Lord

Coming Soon

  • Friday Favorites
  • A Review of Various Catholic Graphic Novels about the Saints

~ 6 ~

revolution of love blog - od_logo_web

Pinned…

I’d like to try this Greek Pasta Salad by Pastafits.org

 

Around the blogosphere…

Here are some posts I’ve been reading…

 

~ 7 ~

RevolutionofLove.com - od_logo_captured_2

From my Blessed Is She Lent journal.


* * *

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately. What about you? What’s currently happening in your life? Any book, movie or TV show recommendations? Do share.

I’m linking up with Kelly for 7 Quick Takes.

Have a great week!

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, Instagram, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, πŸ˜‰

PPS – * Disclaimer: “Revolution of Love.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.”


Friday Favorites & Link-up (Vol 4) & #7QT

Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to Friday Favorites (a link-up posting every 1st and 3rd Friday.) I’m glad you could join us. πŸ™‚Β  Here are this week’s favorites…

(Note: Revolution of Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.)

~ 1 ~

This Week’s Fave Roadtrip Destination

Disneyland

Anyone who’s read my blog or followed me on IG or FB, knows that we are Disney lovers. Two years ago, my daughter Bella and I took an impromptu girls trip to Disneyland. We had soooo much fun, we made it a regular thing! During Bella’s winter break, she and I kissed Brian and the boys good bye and spent a long weekend at Disneyland. Extra bonus, my mom and sister joined us, making it a true girls’ weekend! (More pics in next week’s Online Daybook/ Currently post.)

~ 2 ~

This Week’s Fave Entertainer

Michael the Piano Player

 

I love this guy. πŸ˜‚ #rolgirlsroadtrip #roldisneyland2018 #rolroadtrip

A post shared by Bobbi Rol (@bobbi_rol) on

To go with my Disney love, is Fave #2 – Michael the Piano Player. I loved his pep and sense of fun as he played, especially when he caught me recording him. πŸ™‚

~ 3 ~

This Week’s Fave Praying Tool

Rosary Booklet

Photo credit: Do Small Things with Great Love

I purchased this Rosary Booklet from Do Small Things with Great Love.com and it is great companion to praying my rosary this Lent. Each mystery has a short Scripture passage, a virtue, fruit and reflection. It helps me to go deeper into the rosary without being overly complicated or too long for my busy day. Love it. Available in digital and printed form.

~ 4 ~

This Week’s Fave Soundtrack

The Greatest Showman

I finally went to go see The Greatest Showman a couple weeks ago and loved it so much I wanted to see it again once more on the big screen so I watched it again last weekend with my Mom, sister and Bella. We all loved it and spent the rest of the weekend listening to the soundtrack. If you are a fan, I’d love to know which song is your favorite. Mine always changes but today it’s “Come Alive.”

~ 5 ~

This Week’s Fave Decor

The Letter “B”

I am a sucker for items monogrammed with the Letter B – coffee mugs, stationary, wooden B’s. You’ll find a few in my house and most recently this one I purchase on sale at Michael’s. So pretty with reminders of spring. πŸ™‚

 

~ 6 ~

This Week’s Fave Snack

Coconut Granola

Yesterday Brian asked when I was going to make his favorite coconut granola again (it’s been months) so I pulled out my recipe and started cooking. I forgot how good this tastes! Although, I think I’ll have to wait until Saturday to eat it since Friday should be a day of sacrifice. πŸ˜‰

 

~ 7 ~

This Week’s Fave Journal

Every Sacred Sunday Journal

I have been using the Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal since it came out at Advent. I’ve gotta tell you, it has changed the way I attend Mass on Sundays! I get there a little early to pray and write in the journal about what I’m grateful for and my prayer intentions for the week. I follow along while the readings are being read and underline anything that stands out to me. During the homily I take notes and try to see what God wants to teach me. It’s not that I wasn’t an active participant at Mass before using the journal, but it has brought me into a deeper level or praying and meditating on the readings and promptings of the Holy Spirit. It has truly been spiritually beneficial.

* Note to moms/dads of little ones. You may roll your eyes at the thought of being able to read along or take notes during the homily. You may simply be happy when you make it through Mass with your sanity intact. I remember those days of crying babies, flying cheerios, evil-eyes given by impatient parishioners and being almost in tears wondering why I even bother… but have hope! One day your munchkins will be old enough to sit quietly and pay attention (relatively speaking) and you will have entered a new phase in parenting at Mass. It’s a game changer. So hang in there! You could always use the journal after Mass (or before) to read the words you couldn’t hear because you were wrangling kids or chasing toddlers out in the garden. πŸ˜‰

Well, that’s it for now! What have you been enjoying this week?

* * * * *

Also…

 

Also, a big congrats to Kim R for wining theΒ  Welcome Bee Prints contest. Thanks to everyone that joined the fun. πŸ™‚

Lastly…

 

I’m linking up with Kelly for 7 Quick Takes.

AND

with Ashley for Five Favorites, even though I technically have seven. Ashley also does some fabulous monthly giveaways and this month’s is especially lovely. Go check it out!

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, Instagram, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify. πŸ˜‰

Are you ready to link up?? Here are the rules.

1. Create a post with your Friday Favorites.

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

3. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address. The link-up will be open for two weeks. Have fun!