mom. craft. cook. photo. talk. blog

  • Home
  • start here
  • blog
  • sponsor
  • shop
  • 30 Days to Calm
  • contact jenna
You are here: Home / Archives for Holiday, Celebrate

30th Birthday Mess

November 2, 2015 By Jenna 9 Comments

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.

IMG_4850 IMG_4851 IMG_4852 IMG_4856

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.

IMG_4877

IMG_4888

made by my cousin, Patti Pfaendtner!

IMG_4883 IMG_4896 IMG_4919 IMG_4933 IMG_4939 IMG_4940 IMG_4942

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:

IMG_4479

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.

Filed Under: Daily Dose: Catholic Living, Holiday, Celebrate, Indie Biz Spotlight, You Know?

Shh…

December 21, 2014 By Jenna 1 Comment

He’s coming.

So, this week I’m quietly waiting and listening for sweet baby Jesus to make His arrival. #5Faves and 7QTs will be back in action next week. Happy Advent! Merry Christmas!

baby jesus sleeping

Filed Under: Holiday, Celebrate

This Year’s Dia de los Muertos Look

November 2, 2014 By Jenna 6 Comments

Last year I went a little tame. This year I added a more color – pink. Ellen approved this year unlike last year when I was told I am “never allowed to put that makeup on again.” Yeah, like her work isn’t scarier:

IMG_8607

Anyway, here is how I knocked ’em dead.

IMG_0716

more traditional flower crowns made from artificials from Michaels

IMG_0725

teaching my BIL’s GF the trade

IMG_0735

Does anyone have any good tips on taking impromptu photos in poor lighting?

IMG_0738

not the most precise job, but we had a room full of costumed drinkers waiting on us

IMG_0739

I tried a spade nose this year along with flowered eyes and rhinestones

IMG_0743

curled my hair last year. this year: big ol’ nest

IMG_0750

a trip to Goodwill for a lacy dress completes the look

I was a little surprised that I saw so many sugar skulls at the festival we went to. But, we were in southern Florida, and I know there is a large Hispanic population in that area. So, maybe I shouldn’t have been so shocked. I’m used to having to explain what the hell I am to Midwesterners.

Next year I’d like to get a higher quality white base as well as a liquid black liner for smoother edges. I think I will also try some shading with multiple colors too. What would you like to see me do next year?

 .

Filed Under: Holiday, Celebrate

Simple Construction Birthday Checklist

May 19, 2014 By Jenna 15 Comments

My mom and dad throw great, extravagant parties, but that’s just not my gift. Simplicity is my gift. Also, waiting until the last minute is a new gift I inherited. I birthed it right along with my children.

Back on topic, Jenna. Haley’s post really spoke to me, and I have kept it in mind while party planning. It’s not that I wouldn’t LOVE to throw a huge, expensive bash, but simple is really more my style and stress level.

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

 

Supplies:

Cake: chocolate/chocolate cake, construction toys for topper, candy corn
Decorations: yellow, black and orange balloons, streamers, tableware, caution tape, construction toys from around the house
Snacks: use construction toys to hold snacks
Tip: keep decorations focused in one area for the biggest effect; spreading it around the whole house will just make it feel sparse

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

Friend, I didn’t even make that cake. Store bought; so haute. I did decorate it though to be clear. I will take all the credit for that creativity.

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

Even if you do make the cake and you mess it up, it’s supposed to be like that. You win.

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

Do you know how many stores I went to for caution tape? Easily the most effort exerted for this party. A lot of very cautious people around here.

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

She put chips in a hard hat? No she didn’t. I did.

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

Snacks in the trucks! Now you’ve seen everything!

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

St. Joseph the Worker. Get it?

Thrill your baby boy or baby girl with this simple construction birthday party idea. No need to make a huge fuss to get a big result. My favorite part is how to display the snacks. Genius.

Yeah. That’s a library book back there. It has a truck on it so it belongs.

 

red-pinterest-button-1

Filed Under: Holiday, Celebrate

A Scavenger Hunt for Celebrating St. Valentine with a 2-Year-Old

February 14, 2014 By Jenna Leave a Comment

We’re trying to live more liturgically around here this year, but my oldest kid is two. So, let’s face it: she can’t do much. She doesn’t “get it” yet. And that’s ok. We can still do this. It’s just that all of those cutesy ideas and educational lesson plans on Pinterest just won’t work for us yet.

But it’s Valentine’s Day and I wanna party.

So, we’re going with easy ideas: coloring sheets, dressing in red and pink, eating chocolate, reading books about love, making a list of people we love. And, we’re doing a scavenger hunt. And, I want to share it with you.

Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Head over to CatholicMom.com to get it. Get it. I love you.

Filed Under: Daily Dose: Catholic Living, Holiday, Celebrate

Some for Realsies & Some for Not {V-Day Gift Guide}

February 12, 2014 By Jenna 3 Comments

 .

I’ll let you decide. No judging.

-1-

For the Crafty Love

Project DIY: I have reviewed these boxes before, and I am back with the newest one. I can’t even explain how much I would love a subscription to this service. You can order one box, a yearly subscription or something in between. The lucky gift receiver will get all of the supplies and directions to create 2-3 on-trend accessories that she will get compliments on and questions about all.the.time. Trust me.

In my book, there is nothing better than a gift that I can create with.

PicMonkey Collage

-2-

For the Never-Nude in Your Life

Denim Jort Boxers: Show them you care by enabling their obsessive disorder. These faux jorts have all of the comfort of real underwear. They are ultra thin which means they fit easily under another pair of real boxers. Buy two pairs so your loved one has a backup while these are in the wash.

source

source

-3-

For the Accessory and Makeup Maven

Wantable: Another box I’ve showed you before, and I wanna share anudder. This is another subscription box. Pick a one time box or an ongoing subscription. Choose an accessory, makeup or intimates box. Take the personal style quiz. Then, a consultant will hand-pick your goods based on your interests.

I picked a makeup box both times because I am well-rounded. What will I get? 4 to 5 full-sized premium makeup products, hand-picked to perfectly match my preferences. Nice.

source

source

-4-

For the Hygrophobic

source

source

Trongs: Picture this: Your man is watching the big game with all of his buds. They’ve got chips, salsa, nachos, beer, cocktail weenies, and wings! He heads over to make himself a plate, but wait! First he grabs out his Trongs. He wouldn’t want to get any sauce on his fingers, after all. Think of all the napkins he would waste. Think of all of the high fives he would miss. Think of how many germs he might consume without them. Think of how popular he will be with all of his friends. Think.

-5-

For the Catholic Sweetheart

546772_181282558657752_1696361396_n

Catholic Family Fun: Now, you could go out and buy a copy of this for your love-uh, and I heartily suggest you do. But, you could also try your luck at the giveaway going on over here. You won’t get it in time for St. Valentine’s day, but free is free, right?

-6-

For the Neurotic Jet-setter

source

source

Disposable Plane Sheets: I can’t think of anything more convenient than getting your family ready for a vacation, arriving at the airport on time, waiting through tickets, baggage and security, lugging them on a plane with all of your carry-ons, getting everything stowed overhead, making sure the toddler doesn’t have a meltdown, and then casually cover your seat with with a fashionable and disposable (comfort! quiet!) seat cover.

Honestly, out of all of those items, the seat is easily my biggest concern and anxiety inducer. And, what says “normal” and “I’m not a security threat” louder than unwrapping a camo body protector?

Happy Valentine’s Day! Tomorrow.

I was given some of these products for an honest review. And honest I was. Honest.

 .

Filed Under: Anxiety, My Friends, Holiday, Celebrate, Reviews & Giveaways

My {easy} Holiday Baking Lineup

December 22, 2013 By Jenna 2 Comments

Now that we are in our first house, I have been able to do the holidays like I want to: lots of baking and lots of sparkle.

Today, I finally finished up all of the desserts, and I went shopping for mimosa supplies for Christmas morning. Now I just need to make the breakfast casserole. Want some recipes? Come and get ’em.

Almond Spritz Cookies

IMG_7566

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

IMG_7664

Libby’s Pumpkin Pie

IMG_7435

Apple Pie

For each pie, use about 6 large apples. It’s best to mix the types of apples: the best are northern spy’s (but hard to find). Also good are granny smith, macintosh, golden delicious, galas. Peel and slice apples in large bowl. Add about 1/2-1/3 C sugar per pie and 1/4-1/3C flour. Add at least a tsp of cinnamon. Toss all together and dump in bottom crust. Top with second crust and crimp edges. Cut slit in top to let steam escape. Bake for 45min to 1 hr @ 375 degrees F.

Christmas Pear Pie

pear-pie-1024x731

Pear Loaf

Pictur_Blur

Filed Under: Holiday, Celebrate, I Made That, Savory & Sweet

7QT: Things I am proud of this Christmas.

December 19, 2013 By Jenna 12 Comments

-1-

While it seems like most days lately are straight from our toilet bowl which is in dire need of attention, there are actually a lot of things I am proud of this Christmas season. And while we may have done them unshowered and in dirty clothes while we ate lunch meat out of the package soon after I finished screeching for the umpteenth time that day coupled with copious F bombs by way of text to my dear and patient husband, we did these things, and I guess I can be a teeny bit proud of that.

-2-

Our tree – it sparkles. And we made ornaments.

IMGP3689

IMGP3686

-3-

We made a gingerbread house and so.many.cookies.

IMGP3696

IMG_7664

IMG_7566

-4-

I got the house decorated.

IMGP3693

IMGP3692

IMGP3695

-5-

We’ve been honoring Advent.

IMGP3690

IMG_7571

-6-

We’ve been reading books under the tree.

IMGP3688

-7-

We got to visit the man himself – twice. Ellen even picked out her outfit both times…

IMG_7546

BRW MALL_20131116_000008

BRW MALL_20131116_000005_P

Keep up with the rest of our Christmas here – it ain’t all sunshine, but sometimes we do good things.

Linking with Jolly Jen.

Filed Under: 7 Quick Takes, Holiday, Celebrate

Christmas List

December 16, 2013 By Jenna 7 Comments

This post title is courtesy of Mandi Richards.

Because why wouldn’t you want to know what I want for Christmas?

But, can I get serious for a minute? I love giving and getting gifts. I think it’s such a fun opportunity to be creative and make people smile. But, this year I am feeling more blessed than ever, and I want for nothing. I know I don’t need a thing. I love my life as it is. So. Blessed.

Desktop2

Essential Oils       Reindeer Leggings        BFF Face Scrub & Sleepy Sleep Stick       Crock Pot Cookbook      A Pig

Filed Under: Holiday, Celebrate

Blog with a Bow: My 5 Favorite Gifts for Bloggers

December 2, 2013 By Jenna 2 Comments

Out with the laptop cases and Starbucks gift cards. We got that covered. If you want to bless a blogger, try some of my favorite blogging gifts:

-1- Ad Space

Offer your blogging friend some free ad space for a month or two, or purchase ad space on her site. Either way, your pal gets exposure for her site or a little extra cash from your ad. Winning either way.

-2- Comments, Shares and Follows

This is the reason we blog: to interact with readers. So, if you like something your friend has written, leave a comment, share it on social media, follow them in a way you don’t yet do. It’s like Christmas every time I open Instagram and see that little legless silhouette popping up at me.

-3- Facebook Gift Cards

I love promoting via Facebook, but it costs money to get content to the right people. Send you techster a FB credit to show him you care about his reach.

-4- Business Cards, Flyers or Other Swag

I know that the design of these might be a personal thing, but try to match the colors and theme of your blogger’s site to the advertisements. Or, let her pick our her own. I find that physical marketing has not lost its value in the Internet age.

-5- Blog with a Bow from Viva the Blog

1450720_10151832678553269_1132207409_n

You know I was going there, right?

Right now until Christmas, get 20% off The Start Up Package or The Advanced Package with a Simple Blog Setup for you, a blogging friend, or anyone else you know! Want to wrap it up? Let us know and we will email you a sweet flyer to give to your buddy.

Bonus? You get to Skype with moi!

 

 Linking with Hallie

Filed Under: Gift Guide, Holiday, Celebrate, Viva the Blog

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 5
  • Next Page »
Follow

weekly digest

Follow Jenna @ Call Her Happy's board Best of Call Her Happy on Pinterest.

My Book

30 Days to Calm: Create Your Own Anxiety Toolbox

Search this blog

Categories

Lovely Sponsors

 photo 90d4a609-1acc-4b4b-89ad-331ee3af4f95_zpszr6xwooy.png

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

sign up for my free weekly digest

    • trendy mom tips
    • strategies for dealing with anxiety
    • daily dose of motherhood and faith

×