30 Days to Calm Book Tour

October 18, 2015 By Jenna 1 Comment

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!

I wrote a book.

September 8, 2015 By Jenna 5 Comments

Ok, it’s more of a journal, really. But if I titled this, “I wrote a journal,” you’d be like, “Oh, LiveJournal is still a thing?” and then you’d be all sorts of confused…as if you’re not already.

Moving on.

So, I wrote this journal called 30 Days to Calm: Create Your Own Anxiety Toolbox, and I hope to have it ready for purchase before Christmas.

What is it about?

Here’s a little excerpt from the journal:

This journal is designed for use over the course of one month. Take it more slowly if need be. Just don’t try to rush through it. Instead, each day read the tip or tool. Then use the space provided to answer the journal prompt. The prompts are designed to help you practice your new skills, reflect on your current beliefs, and ignite new ideas to help yourself.

Each tip builds upon the next, meaning it is designed to be carried forward and practiced the next day. I encourage you to try to think of each tool as a new habit. Then, incorporate the ones that work; forget the ones that don’t. Just be consistent in your practice of the ones you keep.

By the end of thirty days, you will have a whole new set of skills on hand during times of anxiety and stress. Save this book as a reminder of what you have learned along the way. Reference it when needed. It is your toolbox.

Who is it for?

This journal is for anyone who has chronic stress, suffers from generalized anxiety, has panic attacks, or has any combination of those maladies. While I wrote it from my perspective (a woman, a mother, a Catholic), I truly believe that the tips and prompts are valuable for people of all walks of life.

I say things like “walks of life” now.

Three Ways You Can Help

The next step is actually printing these babies o’ mine. And, that is where you can help:

I need prayers that this project will be successful and fruitful for all who are in contact with it
I’d love you to share this idea with your social media circles
Fund the Kickstarter campaign: any amount (even a dollar!) is so incredibly helpful!

As soon as I hit the $700 funding goal, I can start taking orders and getting this journal out to those who might need it.

For help coping with chronic #anxiety: back this @Kickstarter to be a part of the solution.

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Thank you to everyone who has already supported me in these ways. You’re not just helping me – you’re helping anyone that is dealing with anxiety and panic in their lives. Muah!

Back This Project on Kickstarter

How I Read a Fiction Book

August 31, 2015 By Jenna 2 Comments

What does it say about me that I am fascinated with how people do the mundane? Takes one to be fascinated by one? Or something.

Like, what steps do you take to clean your bathroom? What does your daily hair routine look like? How do you organize your pantry? Or, lucky you, the topic de jour: how do you read a fiction book?

Assuming you are here because you are exactly.just.like.me, have I got a treat for you. I’m going to share how I read a fiction book. Ta-daaa.

How I Read a Fiction Book

Pre-Reading: First I check out the front and back cover. I familiarize myself with these things to form a schema (knowledge base) around the book. Brandon Vogt goes into a lot of detail in his video course calling this “x-raying a book”, and he has 8 easy steps to learn how to do this.

Read Slowly: At first. The first 15-25% of the book normally. I spend time flipping back often, reminding myself of characters and plot points. I like to read slowly to get every detail straight in my head.

Plow Point: You know, the point where you understand the writer’s style, the language and the plot enough that you can just race to the end? You can recognize and skim over small details that you know aren’t imperative. This method fails me when I am reading a book that is style/character based: a book where the language and descriptions are the main focus as opposed to plot based books. (Think What Alice Forgot vs. P&P) I love plot based books because I like to read fast and furiously. I am always wanting to get into the next book.

Reflect: Ha. I don’t really have time to do this. But, if I did, I would sit with my thoughts, ask myself questions about the book, think about what I learned or how the book changed the way I think about life. Maybe blog about it. As it is, I can’t go to the bathroom on my own, so you can take this step or leave it.

Fave Plot Based Books of Late

As a (super!short!lived!) former English teacher, I know that these tips are things all good readers should know how to do. They are things that come naturally to me (toot toot!) and things I spent hours trying to teach my students. If you find yourself questioning HOW to read a book – what is the best way? – then you can learn these things in Brandon’s course that I mentioned above.

How do YOU read a fiction book? What are your favorite titles right now?

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How to Read to Your Baby and Toddler

July 6, 2015 By Jenna 1 Comment

There’s nothing wrong with just picking up a book and reading it to your child. You don’t need to get all fancy and educational with it. Honestly, just snuggling close and browsing your latest library choice is enough to instill a love of reading in your kid.

But, if you want some advice on taking it to the next level, try these seven tips. If your child is old enough to think about your questions and respond, great! If not, answer your own questions out loud. Babies and kids love to hear and learn how you work things out in your head as well.

Before opening the book, talk about the cover. “What do you see on the cover?” “What is this book called?” “What do you think this book will be about?” “How do you think this book will make you feel?”
Let your child hold the book and/or turn the pages. Learning the structure of a book and how it works is important information!
Don’t worry about reading every single word. If you child is interested in something on the page, talk about it. It’s like a baby bookclub! You’re not memorizing the book; you’re just showing your child how to love reading.
Don’t just read the words either. On each page, talk about the pictures and words. “Can you say hippopotamus?” “What does a cat say?” “Can you find the moon?” “Where do you think that little girl is going?” “Let’s find all of the letter Bs on the page.” “How do you think the little boy feels?”
When your baby is playing next to you and you actually have time to read a book, try reading out loud. Kids learn to read from hearing what a good reader sounds like.
When the book is over, keep it alive. Ask you child her thoughts about the book. “How did that book make you feel?” “Do you think you’d read that one again?” And point out things in real life to make a connection. “Look! A cement mixer just like in the book we read.” “Are you frustrated just like the boy in the book? What did he do?”
Read the same books over and over and overandoverandoverandover…which probably won’t be a problem. Kids love repetition because it is familiar, and they learn from doing things again and again. Some of our favorites are:

It Looked Like Spilt Milk

Press Here

Bubble Trouble

Night House Bright House

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

What are your best tips for reading to babies and toddlers? How about great read-aloud book recommendations?

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#5 Faves: {Catholic} Blogger Books II

June 16, 2015 By Jenna 2 Comments

Due to popular demand (sidenote: look up definition of popular…and demand…), I’m back with five more Catholic blogger books you need to be checking out.

Handbook for Adaptive Catechesis

“This handbook reflects on the needs of individuals with a wide range of disabilities and calls on catechists and religious education programs to consider special needs students for their mainstream and specialized programs.”

A Little Book About Confession for Children

“A Little Book about Confession for Children explains the hows and whys of going to Confession. It includes step-by-step instructions for preparing and receiving this beautiful sacrament of healing, which draws us into the infinite mercy of God. The book even provides an examination of conscience just for kids.”

Feast!

“Feast! is a guide to observing the seasons of the Christian Year and honoring the saints through real food recipes and thoughtful reflections. It’s the perfect introduction for those who want to learn how to celebrate the liturgical year and special saints days with simple recipes and traditions.”

Joy in the Ordinary

“Joyce “Joy” Barrett thought she had her life all figured out, until one day her hopes and dreams for something extraordinary came crashing to the ground. Feeling lost without a purpose, she follows her family’s urging and takes a job hundreds of miles from home at an Irish restaurant and pub in small-town Indiana. Here, amongst new friends and new interests, she must come to terms with her wrecked dreams and choose whether to hold onto the past or learn to find joy … in the ordinary.”

Spice Up Your Marriage: A 28-Day Adventure

“Every assignment was created with the goal of deepening the sexual-love aspect of your relationship so you won’t find suggestions that demean or objectify. Contrary to what popular culture may assert, the spiciest relationships are the ones that cultivate trust, selflessness, and respect.”

Have you written a book? Or do you just have a fave blogger book? Let me know about it!

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#5Faves: Blogger Books

June 9, 2015 By Jenna 5 Comments

Just about anyone can publish a book these days, but it doesn’t always mean that they should. Ahem. Luckily, I run in a pretty rad crowd of bloggers and authors. So, check out these mindful and faith-based ebooks for mothers guaranteed to make you the best mom in your town – or at least your house.

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A Catholic Mom’s Guide to Working From Home: 101 Tips to Help You Make Money Without a Commute

“Society tells women that we can’t have it both ways. But I am telling you that you can. You can stay at home with your children and also make money, and I will give you 101 tips to make it happen. This guide will give you, in a Catholic context, ideas on: how to decide the job that is right for you, how to make time for an at-home job, work time vs. family life, Catholic spiritual advice and practical tips on everything from taxes to web design. If you want to start making money at home, this is the booklet for you.”

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Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting

“In Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting Laura Kelly Fanucci sees the Catholic sacraments through the smudged and sticky lens of life with little ones. From dinnertime chaos to bath-time giggles to never-ending loads of laundry, Laura stumbles into the surprising truth of what the seven sacraments really mean: that God is present always, even in the messes of motherhood. A spiritual memoir of parenting’s early years and a sacramental theology rooted in family life, Everyday Sacrament offers an honest, humorous, and hopeful look at ordinary moments as full of grace.”

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Rosaries Aren’t Just for Teething

“In this beautiful collection of reflections, written by Catholic mothers, you’ll come to better know the heart of Mary.” And, just a little FYI, I may or may not have written a reflection for this one. Ok, I can’t keep you in the dark. I did. I wrote part of this book!

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Minimize the Mess

“The reality is that Minimalism means allowing only the things that serve a purpose in your home. It’s OK to have toys and kitchen gadgets, as long as they are being used and aren’t taking over the house. It’s when those things aren’t being used and that you find yourself stressing over the messes that keep popping up everywhere. This book will walk you through the process of going through each room of your home and identifying which items are causing the clutter. You’ll find practical suggestions for dealing with toys, books and sentimental items as well as tips and tricks to help you sell the items you no longer need.”

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Faith Beginnings: Family Nurturing from Birth Through Preschool

“Faith Beginnings helps parents form and nurture their infant, toddler, and preschool children’s development with concrete activities and suggestions.” I love this one because when I was a new mom, I always struggled with what I should do with my baby all day. Everyone told me to just relax and enjoy her, and that’s true, you should! But, I am a doer. I don’t like to just sit. I enjoy my children more when I am doing with them. This book will help you in that area.

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What are your fave books by bloggers? Tell me in the comments or link up your #5Faves (about anything!) below. .

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Minimize the Mess + eBook Giveaway

May 12, 2015 By Jenna 8 Comments

Sometimes it feels like Mike goes to work so he can make money so we can buy things. And then we spend time cleaning and taking care of those things. It leaves me wondering what the point is.

I know we need “things” in life. In fact, we need a lot of things. But, what about all of that extra stuff? Is everything in my house useful? Does every object bring me joy? Or, is all of the clutter just another thing I need to deal with before I can enjoy quality time with my family and activities I find relaxing?

It’s no wonder I’ve always loved this quote from William Morris:

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

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Something else you might not know about me? Or maybe you’ve picked up on it…I absolutely love organization. I mentioned on Facebook the other day that purging is my love language and organizing bins are my spirit animal.

This applies to all areas of my life. I strive to keep my house clutter free, and I am a big believer in streamlining my days with schedules and spreadsheets.

And I KNOW. I know that isn’t necessarily how life works. That’s what I do these things with an important idea in mind: I can have all of the schedules and charts in the world, but life is unpredictable. So, I consider these things to be fluid and changeable. So yes, I might have a daily cleaning schedule for our house, but if something more fun comes up or I need to schedule a doctor appointment for the littles, scrubbing out the fridge can wait. And, I’m ok with that because it still feels like my head is organized.

I have a soul sister in this bizarre fascination with the orderly. You might know her as the host of #5Faves for the month of May while I get my life, um, organized. Rachel from Efficient Mama is equally, if not more, adept at creating a clutter free, peaceful life.

AND GUESS WHAT!

She has a book out. Minimize the Mess: A Mother’s Guide to Simplifying Your Home. And it walks you through step by step on how to implement her incredible strategies into your own home. I mean, it covers everything. Take a look at the table of contents:

Buying Info

You can snag a copy for $2.99 on Amazon or on her website, Efficient Mama. If you buy through her site, you can use the code LAUNCH for 25% off your copy (good May 11-22). And, hint hint, newsletter subscribers get an exclusive coupon, so sign up here.

Win a Copy

Use the Rafflecopter to win a copy of Minimize the Mess. Good luck and all of that.

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8 Simple Ways to Fit More Reading into Your Day

April 30, 2015 By Jenna 4 Comments

The other day I posted a picture on Instagram talking about why I love my Kindle Paperwhite. Some people then wanted to know how I manage to read (a fair amount of) books with three kids under four. It’s more than just finding books worth reading. And it’s not just hiding in the locked bathroom. Here are 8 simple ways I fit more reading into our days. (some links affiliate)

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Listen to Audiobooks: (per Everyday Reading’s suggestion) We use the Overdrive app to download audiobooks from our library. Ellen can then choose to listen to a book at the end of her daily quiet time. So far she really likes the Fancy Nancy series.

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Read Picture Books During Meals: I used to try to cross things off my list while the kids were eating. Now I try to read to them while they eat lunch. Breakfast is still a bit hectic, and dinner is for family cpnversation, but lunch? Lunch works for us.

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Read an Easy Chapter Book at Night: After we do our bedtime routine, Ellen and I like to read a chapter from a “big girl” book. We have been doing this on and off since she was three. And while I think that they are a bit over her head, she loves to just snuggle and listen to the rythym of my reading. Our favorites so far include Anne of Green Gables, The Children of Noisy Village, Charlotte’s Web, and Stuart Little.

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Read Books Before Bed: I’m going to guess this isn’t new to you, but it’s important. It helps my kids unwind, and it’s just part of our routine. PJs, teeth, prayers, books, bed.

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Kindle Paperwhite: I used to be a Kindle dissenter until I realized that I wasn’t reading books anymore because it was too hard with kids. Now I can DL books instantly, read without the light on, and read one handed. I read infinitely more books now, and isn’t that what it’s really about?

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Reading Rainbow App: This is a paid subscription app, but we find it to be worth it. It contains hundreds of picture books that you can read to your child or that they can listen to. Sometimes I even use this at lunchtime so I can eat with the kids while they listen to books.

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Have Other People Read to Your Kids: When we have relatives visit, I always ask if they would like to read books to the kids. Think grandparents, aunts and uncles, godparents, etc. We also take advantage of story time at the library. We even have a day in our weekly schedule where we try to make it a library day. It’s beneficial to have your kids hear other people read aloud too.

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Read More Books Now eCourse: Brandon Vogt has a new ecourse out where students will learn his secrets to reading dozens of books a month without speed reading. This really changed my perspective on reading books and confirmed that some of the tricks I use are actually useful!

How do you fit more reading into your day? Let us know in the combox!

Progress in the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2015 Reading Challenge

April 13, 2015 By Jenna 12 Comments

By now you’ve heard that Anne is doing a reading challenge, and who doesn’t want to join someone like her in something so fun? Probably just people who don’t like to read. I don’t trust those people.

I shared on Instagram a draft of what I was thinking of reading for each category, and I’m here today to set it in stone. And by that I mean I will do really whatever I want at my own discretion because it’s my life. Stop telling me what to do.

Without further tapping:

A Book I’ve Been Meaning to Read

The Expats: I’m not quite sure where I heard of this book, but the idea of a new stay-at-home-mom moving to a small European country and having to confront the various secrets lives of herself and those around her – well, that just sounded interesting and exciting.

Update: And it was. Definitely some small, graphic parts, but nothing this wimp couldn’t handle. Even though I’ve finished this, I find myself thinking, “Ooh, I can’t wait until bedtime so I can pick it back up again.” And then I remember I finished it, and a little wave of disappointment washes over me.

A Book Published This Year

Formerly Fingerman: This is one of those categories subject to change. It is only April after all. But, this book fits my requirements for what seems to be an enjoyable book: a fresh plot line that isn’t about coming of age, sisters becoming friends, children dying/being hurt, or illness. I feel like I have read all of those stories over and over.

Update: So, I changed my mind on this one and decided to read Almost Famous Women. I read about half of it and returned it. Not my kind of book. It’s a book of short stories about real women who have brushes with fame but their stories remain untold. So, the author decided to fill in the blanks with her own rendition of what their lives may have been like – historical fiction, if you will. Sounds fun, right? Each story left me sad and empty much like the lives of each story’s subject. Not only were the stories hopeless and often lewd, they were also written in such a fashion that grasped at poetic and came up sounding like an art student was trying too hard. Gosh, can you tell I didn’t like this one?

A Book in a Genre I Don’t Typically Read

Hands Free Mama: I tend to shy away from self-improvement type books. I find them to be overwhelming, and often I finish feeling bad about myself – thinking I should be more. But, I challenged myself to read this one since it is so light and easy.

Update: I went into it remembering to be kind to myself, and I came out of it with an overall desire to spend more time enjoying the quiet moments with my family. Not a bad outcome. There were also a lot of instances where I had to disagree with the author, but often they were differences in opinion over specific situations and not overarching ideas. So, keep in mind that she is writing about her journey, and take her wisdom and apply it to your life as you see fit.

A Book from My Childhood

Anne of Green Gables: I’ve never actually read this before. I have tried many times and been sidetracked by something newer and flashier. So, I suppose this is not really one from MY childhood. But, I am not a person to reread books – never have, never will be. So, I decided to make this the year I read it. More than likely I will read this chapter by chapter with Ellen at night – after we finish The Children of Noisy Village.

Update: Ok, this book was adorable. I am actually upset that I was never introduced to it when I was younger. I’m sure I would have loved it. Charming. I’ve tried reading a few books lately that I’ve surprisingly never read before (P&P, Lord of the Flies), but this was the most pleasant experience of them all!

A Book My Mom Loves

The Secret Life of Bees: My mom and I couldn’t have more different taste in books (or anything else for that matter). So, this is a hard one for me. Her favorite books include this one, The Kite Runner, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Red Tent. Honestly, I have specifically avoided all of these books even knowing full well that they are extremely popular and well-received. I thought about picking one of my dad’s favorites, but I’ve read all of those already. Sorry, mom.

A Book Originally Written in Another Language

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared: Mandi from Life Your Way has this book in this category. This was the hardest for me to pick because it’s not normally a factor I pay attention to. I know of some heavy classics that fit, but that’s not my style. This one seems quirky enough to work.

A Book “Everyone” Has Read but Me

The Rosie Project: You’ve probably heard of this because everyone has read it. I’m looking forward to it, and I might just be delving into this one next. A did hear that the sequel left much to be desired, so I imagine I will stop with this first book.

Update: This was the perfect book to read when I found myself drained. I had just finished a few books that were on the heavier side, and I was feeling unmotivated to pick up a new book. This was light and fairly predictable, but the characters are so wonderful that you are pulled all the way through. Think Sheldon Cooper and When Harry Met Sally.

A Book I Chose Because of the Cover

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie: This got mixed reviews, but I have been looking for a mystery that isn’t gory or too slow moving. And, I liked the cover for some reason. Also, if I’m going to be really honest with you, I ONLY ever pick books based on the cover. It’s my M.O.

Update: I’m not sure why this got mixed reviews. After reading it and talking about it with people, this series seems to have a pretty steady cult following. I loved the mystery aspect of it without being overly gory or gratuitous. I actually found myself laughing in a few parts, and I was able to stay up late with it just to see what happens – and it didn’t even spook me to do so, baby that I am. And, having littles, I usually end up reading books that have a more contemporary language feel to them so I can plow through easily. The writing in this book definitely had literary merit, but I felt I was still able to read through it with kids underfoot.

A Book by a Favorite Author

The Undomestic Goddess: You got me. I loved the The Shopaholic Series. I blew through it one summer in about a month. And, there is a new short story out in the series that I am itching to read. I’ve read others of Kinsella’s (as well as some of her Wickham books), and they are always the entertaining fluff I need when I am in a reading slump. I will probably save this one for summer.

A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste

Unbroken: This is the last book left on Anne’s book rec list she made up just for me. Everything else she told me to read was knock-out-of-the-park wonderful, so I am imagining this one will be as well. It’s been getting a lot of buzz lately because of the movie. I was told that the book focuses more on human strength and resilience while the movie picks out the suffering and struggles (perhaps because that makes for better drama?).

A Book I Should Have Read in High School

Lord of the Flies: This was never on any of the reading lists for my classes in high school. Again, I’ve read those and don’t really want to reread. But, I know this is a popular book in a lot of English classes – one that I never taught either (I used to be a high school English teacher). So, it will be brand new to me. Plus I have it sitting in the basement already.

A Book That’s Currently on the Bestseller List

Station Eleven: Post apocalyptic, Great Lakes and Shakespeare? Sign me up. This again hits my marks for a readable book. Is it just me or do people get sick of reading books about a character coming of age, a terminal disease or a heartbreaking event?

Update: Turns out this one does hit on a lot of my triggers mentioned above. And actually pretty hard. I thought it would be a little less challenging in that department, but there are a lot of moments from the book that have stuck with me, haunted me even. But, despite some of the more heartbreaking moments, this was so well-written (and compelling enough) that I had to read to the end. Maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world if a book makes you question things long after you’ve read it…

Are you doing the challenge? What’s on your list? If not, what are you reading anyway?

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Twitterature

February 9, 2015 By Jenna 3 Comments

The Remedy for Love: Two adults find themselves in a survival situation during the snow storm of the century. One straight-laced. One free-spirit. #love #winter

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore: A quirky bookstore has a secret layer. Newest employee hunts down ancient answers and unlocks the secret using modern technology. #nerdy

The Boys in the Boat: Combo of human interest, sport, and history during 1936 #Olympics. Perfect #nonfiction book for fiction lovers. #rowing #ifyoulikedunbroken

What Alice Forgot: Typical amnesia story-lovely just the same. Women wakes up to life she doesn’t recognize. Must piece together and fix before it’s too late.

My True Love Gave To Me: 12 holiday stories focused on love. Christmas might be over, but winter is still here. Great to read one each night as a snack. #Christmas

The Expats: CIA agent turned SAHM moves family to Europe. Discovers intricate web of lies and deceit. Some graphic parts. #suspense #intelligent #lovedit

Tell me the best thing you’ve read lately, puhlease.
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What is it about?

Who is it for?

Three Ways You Can Help

How I Read a Fiction Book

Fave Plot Based Books of Late

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Buying Info

Win a Copy

A Book I’ve Been Meaning to Read

A Book Published This Year

A Book in a Genre I Don’t Typically Read

A Book from My Childhood

A Book My Mom Loves

A Book Originally Written in Another Language

A Book “Everyone” Has Read but Me

A Book I Chose Because of the Cover

A Book by a Favorite Author

A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste

A Book I Should Have Read in High School

A Book That’s Currently on the Bestseller List

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