What are you doing here? 5 Faves is over at dear Ashley’s place now. Head over there to fave out with her every single Wednesday for.ev.er.
Shameless plug:
Check out some of the new stuff in my Etsy shop. Buy handmade this Christmas. xo
#5Faves: Ever
Maybe not, like, everrrr, but I had to do something every so slightly epic-ish for my very last 5Faves. Did you read on Monday? Ashley will be taking over while I take a step back in the blogging world to pursue other endeavors of the creative variety.
So, here she be.
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Konmari: My house is still crazy awesome put together after Mike and I read The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up. Still. And sometimes we just look around the house and smile at how clean it is. Do yourself a favor.
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Seamly: After we completed Konmari, I decided to take a hard look at my wardrobe. Instead of buying a ton of cheap t-shirts each and every season, I wanted to fill my wardrobe with just a few well-made, classic pieces that withstand time. On top of that, I wanted items that were either made in America or made in an ethical manner. Hello, Seamly.
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Embroidery Ring: Esmerelda is making me one of these beauties, and I CANNOT wait to wear it each and every day. It’s already my favorite.
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Kindle Paperwhite: I am fairly certain I have mentioned this is many previous 5Faves. And Kindle lover or not, you can’t deny that owning one of these babies enables you to read so many more books. I do. I really do. If you’re thinking about buying one for the Christmas season, also consider buying it through this link. It would help me and my fam out with our Christmas shopping too.
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Hoover Carpet Cleaner: I might have asked for one of these for my 30th birthday. And I got one. And I spent said birthday cleaning my carpets, and it made me happy. So there’s that.
Some links may be affiliate.
What are your favorite things ever? Tell me in the comments or link up your #5Faves (about anything!) below. .
Loading InLinkz ...30th Birthday Mess
Instead of writing a bunch of separate posts, you get this big old mess of a post, but it’s my (30th!!!) birthday today, so maybe just roll with me?
Dia de los Muertos
Today is All Souls Day. Remember to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. And learn more about today’s indulgences here. I’ve got some pics of this year’s sugar skull makeup. See past years here.
We spent yesterday at the Detroit Institute of Arts where they had an ofrenda exhibit. I was in Dia heaven, while the kids were less than thrilled and more than scared.
made by my cousin, Patti Pfaendtner!
The best gift? My brother surprising me from Cali <3
Etsy News
- I’m having a sale in my shop until the end of today. 15% off with code DIADELOSMUERTOS. Get some Christmas shopping done, maybe?
- Also until the end of the day (7:30 est), there is an Insta-auction going on to support the Van Drie family. Kristen is a fellow Michigan maker, and her family recently suffered the loss of their sweet 6yo daughter Kaylee. Consider supporting her family by bidding on one of the hundreds of donated items in the Instagram auction located at @candlesforkaylee.
- My friend Kathie just opened up her Etsy shop, and it is just in time for the chill coming in. Adorable hats and high quality photography. I mean, check out my kiddos:
I think my favorite item in her shop right now is the Cinderella hat. Supah clever! Click over and give her a heart on Etsy.
Blog Announcement
Now that my book is done I feel like my blog has come to fruition – like it was all building up to this: a resource to really help people battle a cause I feel passionately about.
I’m not done blogging; I’ll still post here from time to time, but I’m going to focus my efforts on my embroidery shop and (if the winds of the spirit blow me in that direction) homeschooling. Oh, and God wants me to write another book coming next year: The Lazy Liturgical (all about how to celebrate and observe the many feasts and solemnities of the Church without any preparation at all) – so there’s that too.
Ashley will be taking over 5Faves starting Nov. 11. She’s so incredibly qualified that it ain’t even funny.
And my site will remain as well. Consider it more of a landing page for all things Call Her Happy: the blog, the book, the shop, the girl.
And, if you’d like to keep up with me, I’ll be over on the gram peeking on you too.
El Fin
If you made it all the way down here, good on ya. Leave the names of your faithfully departed in the comment section. I would love to pray for them today.
#5Faves: Mini-Vacay
I’m taking a mini vacation from 5 Faves this week, but I will be back next Wednesday for one final 5 Faves before I pass the torch to Ashley from Big White Farmhouse.
Yup.
I’m on to greener pastures, my fave-lettes. And Ashley is going to take mucho bueno care of you.
So, link up your faves here this week, watch for one last Call Her Happy 5 Faves next week, and head on over to Ashley’s place after that!
Muah!
Loading InLinkz ...These are good people.
These here are my people. I implore you – yes, implore – to check out what they have to offer. Why? Because these people (among men-ay men-ay others) made 30 Days to Calm possible. Show them the love they deserve, mmkay? If you do, I’ll be all like
Into Your Will
Jen started blogging after losing her first son, Levi Anthony, at 22 weeks along in the pregnancy. After seeing how God carried her through the most difficult experience of her life thus far, as well as everything that has followed since then, Jen is learning to trust that God always knows best. She now writes about faith, family, and embracing God’s will in all aspects of life.
D. Michael Designs
D. Michael Designs is a full service design firm that has the ability to take your project from “Conception to Completion.” At D. Michael Designs, we have upgraded our services this year to include a 5 week design schedule which streamlines the process and gets you ready to have your project estimated in a timely fashion, while some of the well-known San Antonio interior designers are taking months to complete!
Conversation with Women
A website where Catholic women come together and discuss. They share their stories and support each other in matters of sexuality, marriage, society, and living the faith. Women submit anonymous testimonials of how they have accepted the church’s moral teaching and how they have lived the teaching, struggles and all….most importantly how that moral teaching has born fruit in their lives. The on-line conversations continue through comments and also provide kindling for many off-line conversations.
Mary’s Mantle
Not all women face pregnancy with the support and love of family and friends. Many women who contemplate abortion do so because they feel they have no other choice. There is no one to support them, protect them, or nurture them as they bring new life into the world. Mary’s Mantle was born from the experience of one such young woman. Young, alone, and finding herself kicked out of her family home when they found out she was pregnant, this mother had nowhere to go. Worse yet, those who tried to help her could find nowhere for her to go – there were little to no resources for her as she thought about bringing this new life into the world. Sadly, feeling alone, unloved, and frightened, this young woman ended her baby’s life, though that was not an avenue shehad initially considered at all. The founders of Mary’s Mantle felt that no woman should have to suffer in this way. The doors of the metro-Detroit home opened in June of 2010. Since then, over 40 women and their children have called it home.
Pitter Patter Diaries and Rakstar Designs
Californian by birth. Iowan at heart. Texan by education. Michigander by marriage. Catholic convert from Hinduism. Wife (to Tim), Mother (of 3), Daughter, & Disciple. In this station of life, I am aspiring to become a “seasoned amateur” like my dad before me, both in photography and other art forms, primarily digital design, watercolor, and hand-lettering/calligraphy. With the advent of “the YouTube” and online seminars, I am learning as I go, in photography and in other art forms. Rakstar Designs originally began as a photography studio, but has since evolved as my adventures in the creative process ebb and flow their way through time and space.
Flourish in Hope
Flourish in Hope is a resource of solidarity, encouragement & support for postpartum women, especially those who are battling the darkness of PPD. This space is a safe haven where you can feel affirmed and revived, certain that you are not alone. Know and believe that you are infinitely loved by God! There is abundant hope — you can overcome fear and darkness. You can find joy and peace again. You were made to flourish!
Tattered Pages and Tea
A unique shop in an historic area of East Side Bay City. We are nestled on the tree lined streets of the Johnson Street Consignment district. Offering used/new books focusing on Ladies’ Literature. Maintained by local book lover, Judi Hayward. We also offer a selection of local authors for your gift giving needs. Offering Marketspice teas to compliment your reads.
Veils and Vocations
A blog and essential oil company rooted in faith. Check out Jennifer’s page for your Young Living questions and needs.
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p.s. Today is the last day to preorder 30 Days to Calm and take advantage of the preorder price. Grab yours today, k?
#5Faves: Anxious TV Characters #streamteam
Netflix provided me with a streaming device and free watching privileges, but opinions are all mine.
I’ve mentioned you can preorder my journal now, but someone should get the memo to these fine folks. Here are my five favorite TV characters who should be given a complimentary copy of 30 Days to Calm. Who would you add to the list?
1. Buster Funke from Arrested Development: Honestly, I think any of these characters could use the journal. But Buster? Buster would be my number one…or Tobias…
2. Chris Traeger from Parks and Rec: The tips in this journal might *literally* be life-changing for Chris. And we all know he is about self-improvement.
3. Zoey Hart from Hart of Dixie: Maybe Zoey could use 30 Days to Calm; maybe not, but I’m pretty sure she could hand this out to a handful of people in Bluebell.
4. Jacqueline Voorhes from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: I didn’t add this tip to the journal, but I love Kimmy’s advice to her: jump up and down and chant, “I’m not really here! I’m not really here!” Maybe I add that to the revised version.
5. Arnold Perlstein from the Magic Schoolbus: This kid’s teacher clearly has him all sorts of upset. Arnold can take his 30 Days to Calm anxiety toolbox with him on all of those field trips. Problem solved.
All of these shows can be streamed on Netflix right this very minute. Is instant gratification an anxiety related problem? If so, I don’t want to be cured.
Link up your #5Faves below!
Loading InLinkz ...30 Days to Calm Book Tour
You don’t have to worry about if I’m coming to a city near you, because you can join this tour from your comfy couch in your active wear.
Each day, a new lady will be telling you her opiniones honestos about 30 Days to Calm. The schedule looks like this:
Monday: Jenny from Mama Needs Coffee
Tuesday: Mary from Passionate Perseverance
Wednesday: Rachel from Efficient Mama
Thursday: Dwija from House Unseen, Life Unscripted
Friday: Nell from Whole Parenting Family (+ giveaway!!!)
Check back each day for the link to the next locale. And, if you want to preorder a copy right now, head over to my Etsy shop to do just that. If you preorder, you can take advantage of the sale price. I’m a sucker for sales.
And, for el fin, a big thanks to the Holy Spirit for pulling all of this out of me. It wasn’t me. It wasn’t me. It wasn’t me.
Preorder your copy of 30 Days to Calm!
Preorder My Book
Yep. I said it.
My book is officially available for preorder. And, for right now, it is at a special reduced preorder price which you’re probably going to want to take advantage of before it goes back to el normal.
Well, what are you waiting for? Hop to it.
Wait.
One more thing: if you share this post or my book listing from Etsy encouraging people to purchase, I will give you a coupon code for $1 off the discounted price. Just email me the link to your post, and I will send you the secret code to use at checkout.
#5Faves: from Aldi
psst! Super secret announcement at the bottom of this post. But first…
The first time I walked into an Aldi, I spun around and walked right out. I called Mike and was like, “Um. Nope. Not a place where we are going to cut the budget.”
Looking back, I was probably put off by the lack of grocery store foo foo: free XL corralled carts, baggers for my groceries, limitless options for every item on my list, aisles and aisles to walk through browsing and label reading.
And then I realized how much I was missing out on. Much missing out. So, grab a quarter and your own shopping bags, and check out my 5Fave (among many) things about Aldi.
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Prices: Let’s start with the obvious. I can go into Aldi and do my “big trip” once every two weeks and walk out around $100…for a family of five. That’s including meats, snacks and other big ticket items including some organic. That same trip at our other grocery store? $230.
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Options: There are few. And we live in a world where this is looked down upon, but how many minutes have you wasted staring at the bread isle at the grocery store thinking, “Why are there so many different loaves of bread???” I want 100% whole wheat bread and there is one option, so I buy it. And it’s like that for everything. So my trip takes me about 30 minutes to go up and down the five aisles and check out.
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Clancy’s: This is Aldi’s snack brand, and they are hands down the best snacks you’ve munched. Chips, pretzels, anything they make. Buy it. You will never be disappointed in a Clancy product.
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Trader Joe’s: Did you know Aldi is owned by Trader Joes? And their products are of similar quality – I’m serious.
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Efficiency and Improvement: They are constantly figuring out ways to cut costs and pass the savings on to us. They also recently removed tons of food additives from every product in their store. Stuff like MSG, hydrogenated oils and synthetic colors. Poof. Gone. I like a company that puts it’s people first.
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Ready for the super secret announcement? My book is ready for preorder! You can find it in my Etsy shop, and it will be ready to ship in 3-4 weeks. All preorders will be able to take advantage of the reduced price, so grab yours now!
And, watch for a post coming soon announcing preorders to the rest of the folk. You just get first dibs on the hot tips. muah!
Link up your #5Faves (about anything!) below. .
Loading InLinkz ...#5Faves: Things I Learned from Konmari
For my 30th birthday coming up, I told Mike I wanted only one thing: for us both to read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and to implement it. So, this past weekend, we enlisted my rents to corral the kidlets while we Komaried our house. And, we didn’t just pick and choose items. We.cleaned.out. It’s, like, spartan in here. And I love it. LOVE it. Here’s why:
© ronstik / Dollar Photo Club
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We only have what we use. There aren’t tons of other objects and whatnots cluttering up the house. If it’s in our house, we use it. If we didn’t use it, it went away. Now the house looks fresh and picked up all day long. There is no more scrambling at the end of the day to get toys put away or to shove items back into closets only to be pulled out the next morning. Everything has a home either in our home or at Goodwill.
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We were forced to confront our pasts, presents and futures. We couldn’t just hang on to things because we used to like them. We got rid of items that we thought we should save, but they just reminded us of times in our lives we’d rather forget. We had to look at what we use and need NOW. And we got rid of things that we might use someday.
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Speaking of someday: by getting rid of all of the “someday” items, other people will be able to use those items right now. Why would we hang on to a huge bunk bed set for years when our kids aren’t ready for them yet? Someone else’s kids could be sleeping in it. And, when the time comes, I’m sure we will find more bunk beds. People love giving those away.
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It’s kinda scary letting go of something you might need later. What a waste of money, right? But, if I give up my attachment to material items, I am saying, “Lord, I trust you with my future. I will not keep more than I need right now because I know you will provide when the time comes.”
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Less.To.Clean. So much less. I hated having things in my house that I had to clean and which also brought me no joy. Talk about a total downer. Less stuff equal less time dusting and washing and wiping and fixing.
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We are still tallying the number of bags we donated to Goodwill. And the total is not in yet for the cash money from items sold. But, I can tell you this: the count is currently around 60-70 garbage bags donated or in the trash. That is not including large items like tents, skis, bikes, strollers, etc. And it’s not including any of the items we are selling. Our entire garage is packed to the brim with just the “to be sold” items at the moment.
That might give you an idea of how much we purged. And I know you can do it too. It is liberating because it’s not just a deep cleaning, it’s a lifestyle change.
I could type out pages and pages about our experience, tips for doing it with a family, and ways to confront common problems, but you can find that stuff all over the web. I’m just going to tell you to read the book, pick a weekend, and do it right.
Some links may be affiliate.
Would you ever Konmari your home? Tell me in the comments or link up your #5Faves (about anything!) below. .
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