Five Favorites (Vol 14): Family, Jane Austen & Sherlock

By bobbi
January 22, 2014
No Comments

I’m linking up with Hallie for Five Favorites this week. 🙂

~ 1 ~

Family Time

I have been relishing the time we can spent together as a family, particularly before Brian goes for his surgery. I know it is wrong of me but in the back on my mind I will think…what if something goes wrong? What if they can’t get all the cancer out? What if the unspeakable happens… I try not to go there and think positively but my drama queen tendency rears its ugly head. That is when I say a quick prayer and just focus on loving my sweet man and my babies and ignore the what ifs.

~ 2 ~

Monterey Walking Trail

The stress of these days would normally have me munching stale Christmas cookies but when Brian found out the cancer returned, we revamped our diets and stopped eating take out, processed food, white flour and regular sugar (as much as we can.) I have also been trying to deal with the stress by going for walks on my favorite trail along the beach. One good side affect of these changes is that I’ve lost a couple of pounds. There’s many more to go, but it’s a start. 😉

~ 3 ~

The Support of Family

On Thursday two of my sisters will come and stay a few days with us to take care of the kids and the household so I can spend time with Brian in the hospital. And if that wasn’t a big enough blessing, once they leave my mom will be flying in and staying a week with us. Just knowing that they are coming is a balm to my soul. They know just when to give me a sympathetic hug and when to get me laughing hysterically. I wish it were under different circumstances but I’m loving that they are coming anyway.

~ 4 ~

Jane Austen Bookmarks

When I saw these Etsy Jane Austen Bookmarks from Castle on the Hill, I could not resist them! They have each of the Bennet sisters from Pride and Prejudice and one with Mr. Darcey for good measure. So cute!

There are also sweet prints like this one –

Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice – Jane Bennett and Mr Bingley take A Stroll

Or maybe you prefer a more modern print. Try this –

Downton Abbey Lady Mary

~ 5 ~

Sunday Night Sherlock/Downton Abbey Fest

I think these guys have made it to my Five Faves before but they deserve to a repeat performance. Brian and I just finished watching the premiere of Sherlock, Season 3. The show has a different feel and Sherlock has been humanized a bit but I loved it. Sunday nights have become my night of TV bliss. Downton Abbey followed by Sherlock. It doesn’t get much better than that, baby! (Even though next week’s bliss will be watched in a hospital room. 🙂 ) Also, if you are into Downton Abbey, here’s my take of Sunday night’s episode.

Thanks again for the prayers!! Keep em coming. 🙂

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 or Instagram. 😉

Five Favorites (Vol 13) & What We’re Reading (Vol 5): Catching Fire, Advent & Holiday Planning

By bobbi
November 20, 2013
4 Comments

Today I’m linking up with Hallie’s Five Favorites and Fave #4-5 is linked to Jessica’s What We’re Reading Wednesday. Enjoy!

~ 1 ~

Movie Nights – Catching Fire

Last year I finished reading The Hunger Games a couple weeks before the movie was coming out. I was so excited to see the movie that although I was getting a fever and (unknowingly) coming down with the flu, I was there in the theater during the opening weekend. I purposely did not read the second book Catching Fire until closer to the movie release so I would would be completely hyped up for the movie. Well, I finished the book last night at 1:30 AM and just purchased tickets to tomorrow night’s showing. Now I just have to figure out a way to get all the kids in bed and Brian okay with me sneaking out for a couple hours. 😉

NOTE: Technically, Catching Fire is what I have also been reading, but I didn’t include it since I didn’t review it. Others have done that better than I could. 🙂

~ 2 ~

Chevron Print Sash Bag

Source

The website Jane.com has so many cute etsy finds on sale and I particularly love this Chevron print sash bag that is 50% off ($24.95) for the next 12 hours. I am really, really tempted to buy it but it is not in the budget right now, especially with our Disneyland trip coming up next week. I don’t know…I may have to hint to Brian that it would make a great Christmas gift but he has to act now. LOL.

~ 3 ~

ABFOL’s The Holiday Planner

Source

You know how much I love a cute planner and A Bowl Full of Lemons is one of my favorite organizing sources so I was excited to see Toni’s new Holiday Planner. The downloadable sheets are great for keeping track of (and budgeting for) Christmas.

What We’re Reading

~ 4 ~

The Advent Christmas Planner

Source

Speaking of planners, to also keep track of the spiritual aspect of Advent and Christmas, I downloaded and have been reading Catholic Icing’s e-book The Advent Christmas Planner. Anyone who has browsed Laci’s website knows that it is ground zero for any kind of Catholic craft you may have in mind. This is what Laci says about her book:

“This whole ebook has been designed to help the average mother actually execute living the liturgical year at home during the Advent and Christmas seasons rather than just dreaming, filling Pinterest boards, and then becoming overwhelmed.This ebook was written to help you actually accomplish the things you’ve always wanted to by integrating it into your life.

This ebook integrates all the religious aspects of celebrating Christmas with all the practical stuff us mothers also have to take care of this time of year. From stocking stuffers to Jesse Trees, from Advent Saint celebrations to gift budgeting, from meal planning to Epiphany door blessings- it’s all in one easy place for you. No searching all over the internet, or picking from this book and that book…

Love that! I was a little leery at first because some Catholic books frown on any kind of Christmas fun before the actual Christmas day. Whereas I am one of those people that officially listens to Christmas music every day since the day after Halloween. So not decorating or not putting up our tree until Christmas was not going to work in our house. However, I knew this e-book would be good for me when Lacy says:

“If you really want to celebrate Advent and then Christmas, Advent is a time of waiting and preparation. But you don’t want to look like a scrooge, or make your kids hate being Catholic because the Advent season is not fun and festive. What you want to do is replace all the empty stuff this time of year with feast day celebrations and rich traditions that the whole family can enjoy!”

Well, I can certainly can do a better job at incorporating the Catholic feast days into our Advent/Christmas activities and Laci’s suggestions are just the motivation I need to make it happen. I won’t be doing everything at once but I’ll be picking just a couple things we can do to start new family traditions. Lastly, the book also has a number of printable organizer pages (which will go great in my Christmas planner from above). 🙂

The e-book is normally $12 but right now it is on sale for $10 if you order before Advent starts. 🙂

~ 5 ~

The Parish Picnic

The other day someone ordered the book The Parish Picnic from our old website and I had completely forgotten we had it! So I took out my copy and gave it to Brian to read to the boys during their nightly bedtime stories. The boys were intrigued with the story of Caleb and his two best friends and how he would solve his dilemma at the parish picnic. I heard groans of “Awww” when Brian shut the book half way through and said, “To be continued tomorrow night.”

The Parish Picnic (Book One of the New Illustrated Catholic Children’s Series) is a heartwarming story about friendship, self-sacrifice and the love of Christ. It was written by Carmen Marcoux (Catholic wife, mother of nine and author of Arms of Love and Surrender) with her husband James. Together they have authored the first of a series of books aimed at the younger reader. The book is beautifully illustrated by their daughter Rebekah.

The Parish Picnic is a celebration of our Catholic heritage and the life we share as the family of God. 🙂

You can see a preview of the book here.

I still have a few copies left of the book so if you’ d like a copy, you can place an order here. They cost $16.95 but I’ll mark it down to $14.95 and include shipping. 🙂

BONUS FAVE – FREE BOOKS!

~ 6 ~

I just saw that the new novel by Erin McCole Cupp called Don’t You Forget about Me is free on Amazon (Kindle) until Nov 21, 2013. It is listed as a “Catholic thriller.” I just downloaded a copy. 🙂

Okay, that’s it for now! Thanks to Hallie and Jessica for hosting!

Five Favorites (Vol 12) & What We’re Reading (Vol 4)

By bobbi
September 10, 2013
3 Comments

Today I’m linking up with Hallie’s Five Favorites (guest hosted by Grace) and Fave #5 is linked to Jessica’s What We’re Reading Wednesday. Enjoy!

~ 1 ~

Classic Movies

When I am in the mood for a classic movie, I usually watch one from the 30’s or 40’s but I couldn’t resist watching this 1958 movie Nowhere to Go because I wanted to see this awesome actress when she was only 24. Recognize her?? It is none other than Maggie Smith, aka The Dowager Countess of Downton Abbey. 🙂

~ 2 ~

The Clash

Speaking of classics, Brian just picked up the newly released collection of The Clash called Hits Back. I borrowed it and downloaded it to my ipod. Tomorrow when I take my morning walk I’ll be rocking the Casbah. 😉

~ 3 ~

Washi Tape

I love washi tape (which is basically a decorative craft tape that can be removed easily). It is an easy way to decorate and add color to a number of things. 🙂 (Oh and the photo is from the Planner Addicts Photo Challenge because I’m nerdy like that.) 😉

~ 4 ~

This Guy

With the kids in school, Matthew and I have a lot more time together. This morning I was upset because the strap on his car seat was broken and I was having a hard time fixing it. Seeing my frustration he patted me on the hand and said, “Don’t worry, Mama.” I looked up at his cute face and kissable cheeks and melted. I kissed him then snapped a photo to savor the moment. 🙂

~ 5 ~

What We’re Reading Wednesday:

21 Days to a More Disciplined Life

I first heard about 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine from Jen at Suscipio’s. She is doing a book discussion and it just started on Monday. If there was anyone that could use some more discipline in their life, it’s me!! So I downloaded the book (it was only $4.99) and joined the online group study. So far I love it! Usually, I try some kind of “resolution” and either lose interest or burn out but the book is set up so you work on one project for only 10 – 15 minutes a day and it slowly helps you to build a positive habit and grow more disciplined. It is short and concise and effective. I highly recommend it. You can read more about it on my post about Day 1 of the program – here.

Okay, it is officially Wednesday, which means Ive got to get to bed pronto. Have a great day!

Five Favorites: Birthday Edition

By bobbi
August 20, 2013
10 Comments

This weekend I celebrated my birthday so this Five Favorites, hosted by the adorable Hallie, is the birthday edition.

~ 1 ~

Birthday Flowers

Nothing cheers up a room like fresh flowers.

~ 2 ~

Love Letters

After Brian and I got married, we agreed not to spend money on store bought cards. Instead we write letters to each other. I have to admit that my favorite part of a special occasion is to receive his sweet letter.

~ 3 ~

Mac

For a long time I’ve been wanting to get a laptop (I’ve only used desk tops) and I had been thinking about getting my first Mac. Well, Brian got a bonus and I had some money saved up (all that money from not buying cards ;-)) so Brian surprised me by saying I could go pick one out for my birthday. HAPPY DANCE. I am loving my new Macbook Air and this is my first post written on one.. 🙂

~ 4 ~

Laptop Sleeves from Etsy

I found these macbook covers on Etsy and I really like this one.

~ 5 ~

Mi Familia

But of course, my biggest favorite of the week (heck, of my life) is having the privilege of being the mama to these cuties and the wife of this amazing man. There’s no greater gift than that. Blessed be God. (And when I forget and start complaining, feel free to give me a swift kick in the butt. ;-))

Five Favorites: British Entertainment Edition

By bobbi
July 30, 2013
6 Comments

I have to admit that I am a bit of a nerd and I was loving catching up with the comic con news and seeing various video clips. I don’t think I’d actually dress up in character, unless it was something like Michonne with my zombie slaying sword. That would be cool if you don’t mind a short, chubby Mexican version. Brian would want to carry a weapon too but since he is more likely to be holding a book than a sword maybe a Sheldon costume would be more appropriate. 😉

When I am not geeking out over things like that I am loving/obsessing over British entertainment such as these.

~ 1 ~

Downton Abbey

There seems to be two categories regarding the BBC/Masterpiece shows Downton Abbey. You either love it or you don’t get what all the fuss is about. I am definitely a love it. If you are too, you’ll also love these.

I haven’t done a Season 4 update since this post but have you seen the new stills from Season 4? Here are a few.

It breaks my heart a little to see Mary and Tom without their better halves.

I’m loving this photo.

Edith is looking sultry.

Oh dear, is this why?

Rose and her current beau.

~ 2 ~

Jane Austen & Outdoor Movie Nights

Jane Austen is my favorite author (along with Charlotte Bronte) and I love watching all the many adaptations of her stories. I still enjoy watching the old Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet and was excited to see it was one of the summer movies offered at our local “Theater in the Forest.” It is an outdoor theater nestled in a foresty area of downtown Carmel. A couple of my mom friends brought their daughters and together we got cozy under blankets, sipped hot chocolate and passed the popcorn as we watched the movie. It was Bella’s first Jane Austen movie and I was sooo happy to share it with her. 🙂

~ 3 ~
Masterpiece Mystery

Brian and I are also big fans of BBC/Masterpiece Mystery, although some of the stories can be a little grittier for the sensitive viewer. Our fave, hands down, is Sherlock Holmes. I’ve enjoyed Benedict Cumberbatch in previous movies but didn’t become a fangirl until Sherlock.

Then seeing him as Kahn in Star Trek pretty much sealed the deal.

Here’s a video of Freeman and Cumberbatch with a video message to Comic Con participants.

Watch Sherlock’s Martin Freeman & Benedict Cumberbatch; Comic-Con on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

~ 4 ~

English Actors & The Hobbit

When the Hobbit came out I was pleased that Richard Armitage was to play Thorin since I loved him in North & South. I was equally excited when Martin Freeman/Dr. Watson played Bilbo in the Hobbit. Now Freeman will be reunited with his partner Cumberbatch/Sherlock in the sequel The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the dragon Smaug. Although his physical likeness doesn’t appear, his voice and body movements are used in a similar way as his co-star Andy Serkis’ were used for Gollum. I can’t wait for that one!

~ 5 ~
Peppa Pig

Our British love is rubbing off on the kids because they adore the cartoon Peppa Pig. It cracks me up they can go from having a Star Wars light saber battle to discussing having tea and biscuits during their summer holiday. Yesterday John-Paul was playing store with me and he handed me a coin saying, “Here is one pound, Mummy.” Maybe one day he can teach me the metric system. 😉

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

Tag Archives: five favorites

Five Favorites (Vol 14): Family, Jane Austen & Sherlock

Five Favorites (Vol 13) & What We’re Reading (Vol 5): Catching Fire, Advent & Holiday Planning

What We’re Reading

Five Favorites (Vol 12) & What We’re Reading (Vol 4)

Five Favorites: Birthday Edition

Five Favorites: British Entertainment Edition