Earlier this month Mark and I had the chance to preview a documentary about an adult adoptee’s search for her birthparents. I love documentary movies, and I really appreciate hearing perspectives of adults who were adopted, so I was excited to see tis film. It was so well done, and the story was honest and moving. Angela Tucker was adopted as a young child, and her search for her birth family takes some unexpected turns. Her husband Bryan is the direcctor of the film, and I’ll let him . . .
The Fair-Trade, Handmade Christmas Gift Link-Up
A few days ago I shared some gift ideas from organizations that are helping to empower others with the purchase. I also wanted to provide a space where we could collectively link up to some other non-mainstream gift ideas. I’m specifically looking for help in highlighting homemade items, fair-trade goods, or products that give back in some way. If you are an artisan, run a non-profit with gift options, or just have a few favorite companies that fit that you would like to promote, please . . .
what i want you to know: I’m Catholic and I like it.
What I Want You to Know is a series of reader submissions. It is an attempt to allow people to tell their personal stories, in the hopes of bringing greater compassion to the unique issues each of us face. If you would like to submit a story to this series, click here. Today’s guest posts is by an anonymous reader. What I want you to know is what it is really like being Catholic. I grew up in the midwest in a large Catholic family. We moved to the East Coast when I was in . . .
Thanksgiving Weekend
This past weekend was one of the more relaxed Thanksgivings we had. Remember last year, when we were in Peru and I was mugged? No mugging this year. Bonus! Mark’s sister had the family over and it was a fun flurry of food preparation for a few hours. Mark’s mom made this fun turkey veggie plate as an appetizer. Thank you, pinterest! Someone decided we needed to boil the turkey neck. Now, Jafta has eaten everything known to man. He’s the kid that will eat a mussel straight out of the . . .
Questions of eternal signifigance: Do you get offended by people saying Happy Holidays (or conversely, Merry Christmas?)
According to a certain news outlet, a War on Christmas is waging. I always find this hype to be a bit curious because I have many friends, both religious and secular, and most of them seem to be pretty unfazed by what greeting others use around the holidays. In fact, I can only think of a handful of people I know that seem to be engaged in this “war”. So I thought I would throw it out here and test my hypothesis that most people don’t really care. Maybe I’m wrong? If you are . . .
A pie as an act of love
I’ve got a number of photos to share from our Thanksgivving weekend, but first I wanted to share some funny photos of Jafta’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition: having a pie thrown in his face. This was something he first asked me to do when he was 5 years old. I have no idea where the idea came from . . . he just saw some pies and knew they would be more awesome in his face. He begged, and to the cheering screams of his entire family, I obliged. Every Thanksgiving since, he has remembered this . . .
Christmas Gift Guide: Gifts That Give Back 2013
This is the fourth year I’ve compiled a list of gifts that give back. There are some old favorites on this list as well as some new finds, but all of these companies are making a big impact in the world. As you are doing your holiday shopping, consider some of these options . . . the gifts will be meaningful and your dollars will be well spend. 31 Bits In addition to being cute and fashion-forward, 31 Bits Jewelry is made out of 100% recycled paper, posters, and magazines by internally . . .
The lazy shopper’s guide to Black Friday deals
The video footage of the brawls at Walmart last night . . . I cannot even. While people are going shopping in droves, I’m hiding out home in a panic, hoping that no emergency could possibly force me into a store today. (Or this month.) I am truly hoping that I can avoid going to the mall altogether from now until Christmas. I hate the crowds. That being said, there are some stellar online deals happening right now, and I did take advantage of some sales from the comfort of my living room . . .
How to cultivate gratitude with children
Originally published in OC Family Magazine. Looking at the world through a lens of gratitude is not easy -- many adults have not even mastered it. But instilling the practice of being thankful in our children is important because thankfulness is a habit that will benefit them throughout their life; people who focus on gratitude tend to report more contentment and also tend to cope better with life's challenges. There are several tips for teaching your children the art of being grateful, but the . . .
Mamas & Kids: Gift Guide 2013
Gift Ideas For Mom/Sister/Wife/Friend 1. Sky Cocktail Ring 2. Gap Two-Tone Leather Clutch 3. Flower Vases 4. Vera Bradley Grand Traveler 5. Luxe Slippers 6. Gluten Free Cookie/Brownie Gift Pack 7. Gluten Free Artisinal Bread 8. DreamTime Calming Crescent Shoulder Wrap 9. Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Melton 1. Madewell Pavé Arrowstack Necklace 2. Gap Robe 3. Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist 4. A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet by Sophie Hudson 5. Donsuemor Madelines 6. Caleta . . .
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