Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts

December 25, 2018

How We Watch Elf

Each December the family sits down and watches Elf together. We watch it in a special way and as I was telling some friends about it one said it needed to be on the blog. So here it is, how we watch Elf.

Needed Materials:
pajamas
blankets and pillows
one copy of Elf starring Will Ferrell
cotton candy, preferably white
mini bottles of Coca-Cola 
hot chocolate
gum drops (we used Dots)
candy canes
marshmallows
cookies
popcorn


First:
Feed the children lots of veggies and protein for dinner. This important because soon enough they will be inundated with sugar. Have them drink water, too.

Next:
Get everyone ready. Pajamas, favorite blankets, snuggle down, pop the popcorn, start the movie.

Then:
Wait for key phrases and scenes in the movie. When they happen pause the movie and pass out the food. (Or keep the movie playing - whatever works best for your family.)

#1 - "I'm a cotton-headed ninny muggin" = everyone gets a bit of cotton candy. I usually pass it out while calling everyone cotton-headed ninny muggins because I'm such a good mom.

#2 - Buddy walks through the Candy Cane Forrest = pass out a candy cane to everyone.

#3 - Buddy tells of how he ventured through the sea of swirly whirly gumdrops = each kid gets a small handful of gumdrops.

#4 - At dinner with his family Buddy guzzles a 2 liter bottle of Coca-Cola = pass out mini bottles of Caffeine Free Coca-Cola (watch out for Buddy-sized burps from the kids)

#5 - Buddy and Michael have the snowball fight = throw marshmallows at your kids.

#6 - Buddy takes Jovie on date and she drinks the World's Best Cup of Coffee = mugs of hot chocolate

#7 - When Buddy etch-a-sketches the apology / good-bye letter to his family (I'm sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR.) = everyone gets a cookie (or eleven, but I would stick with one small one.)

And that's it. If everyone sings along to "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" at the end that's a lot of fun, too.  And honestly, I either do the coke or the cocoa and not both.

My kids look forward to this every year, and honestly, I do too. It's such a fun tradition.
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December 9, 2018

Advent: Ever Ancient, Ever New


 I know that people will do what works for them, but what works for me is to have times of feast and fasts, flurries of bustling followed by blank spaces. After the abundance of autumn, with its pumpkins and leaves and groaning dinner tables, I like a good pause. Time to pack away the decorations, wipe up the dust, sweep away the crumbles. It's not even that I prefer or just like it this way: I need it this way. There is a sort of inaudible silence created in our home. There is nothing - no decoration or themed book stack - to communicate to me about what I should be focusing on. There is just room to sit, breathe, rest. 

Our assistant pastor said that the Church gives us liturgical seasons because change is good for us - we cannot get stuck in our ways, we must shake the dust off and switch gears. And he is right, but in my heart I also know that the liturgical seasons are change for people who don't like change. (me) There is a wonderful, circular rhythm instead. Fast, feast, pause, fast, feast, pause. Those pauses - those ordinary times - are ripe  with the opportunity to grow deep in the silence. And so it continues:

Ever ancient, ever new.

In the final days of this past November I clung to the last days of Ordinary Time and distanced myself from the barrage of Christmas-before-Advent. I know indulging that way is a balm for many weary souls and exhausted hearts, but it just wore me out and made me miserable. 

I know, too, that my kids would have loved to jump right in with everyone else, but instead, in our home, we slowly let Advent emerge. Stockings, Jesse Tree, empty nativities, and the Advent wreath on the First Sunday. Then eventually lights. And then the Christmas tree with all its trimmings. And no rush on reading the books or watching the movies - there's plenty of time to get them all in. 

I long for snow days and blizzards, for fires and cocoa and snuggling after sledding and de-bundling.
I crave silence, mitigated by carols and family movie nights. 
I bake, kneading the dough and reflecting on the millions of women who have kneaded dough before me, regardless of time or place or financial means. 

Ever ancient, ever new. 

I hope and pray that my kids will look back on their childhoods and appreciate the way that Travis and I have brought the liturgical year into our home. I hope that their childhoods will be remembered as being filled with wonder, love, and joy. I hope the meaning of it all is seeping into every nook and cranny of their hearts and souls so that it is impossible for them to turn away from their Lord and faith. To do so would be to turn away from gingerbread cookies and laughing at Home Alone and Elf as much as it is turning away from the stories that make up salvation history as told through the Jesse Tree and singing O Come O Come Emmanuel before Grace at dinner. 

Advent is my favorite of all the liturgical seasons. It is a time that acknowledges how weary I am, that I am laying in sin and error, pining for the coming of my Savior. It is a time that reminds me to wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord. It is a time that allows for the tension of all those things, while encouraging me to sit under a blanket and read to my kids, forgoing my chores for a little while to focus on what matters more. What matters most. What - Who - has always mattered most. 

Ever ancient, ever new.

The Mary Consoles Eve print is from the sisters at Our Lady of the Mississippi Monastery and can be purchased here. 
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November 16, 2018

Advent Care Package Giveaway

Photo by Caley Dimmock on Unsplash


Congrats to Bailey P and Margaret A who won the Giveaway!!!
And once again, a huge THANKS to all the small businesses who donated their goods! You guys are the best and I'm so grateful for the way that you spread good cheer. 
Advent starts on December 2nd, about two weeks from now. Did your chest tighten a bit from stress when you read that? Mine did when I wrote it.

We've got things to do, right? Gifts to buy, cookies to bake, parties and pageants and programs to attend. There's feast days to prepare for and holiday traditions to carry on or begin for the very first year. We've got wishlists to build or research and Sweet Baby Jesus, please don't let anyone get sick. (+Amen.)

It can be super stressful so let me help with that. This Advent Giveaway is a Care Package to two of you from me and all the wonderful crafters, makers, and small business owners who donated their beautiful, exceptional, hard work.

The value of this giveaway is $900! That means that each winner will receive a Care Package worth $450!

I am so, so grateful to all the vendors and crafters who donated items. People are so generous and so I hope that you thank them by showing them some love. Follow their social media accounts, favorite their Etsy shops, share their work and shop names with friends, and best of all: purchase from them, either now or in the future.

 Directions to enter and all the fine print are at the bottom. Now check out all the goods!
Beauty Counter - Susan Husband
Holiday Hand Cream Trio: $30


Brass Mint & Co
Mother of Our Savior, Queen of Heaven and Earth print: $30


Call Her Happy
Lazy Liturgical Book: $25 
30 Days to Calm: $25 
I Prayed a Rosary for You & misc postcards: $30


Catholic Curio
St. Nicholas Cookie Cutter: $7 
Hail Mary Pencils: $8 
JMJ Pencils: $10 
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop 
Mailing list, email catholiccurio@gmail.com with OPT IN in the subject line.
Wholesale orders are available! 
Coupon: ADVENT2018, $5 off a purchase of $30 or more, running Nov 16 - 20

Chews Life
Mama Necklace: $24 
Shop Credit for Divine Mercy Teether: $22
Follow on Instagram
Shop Website


Laura Kelly and Franco David Fanucci
Grieving Together: $16
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) 


Fitz Knitz
Adult Stocking Cap with ponytail slot: $20 
Child Earwarmer Headband with Hearts: $12 347
Etsy Shop


Just Love Prints
Be Who God Meant You to Be print: $16
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop
Coupon: 15% off your order of $25 or more with code AKNOTTEDLIFE18. Expires December 30, 2018


Lily Joy Designs
6' Advent Garland and Decade Rosary: $52
6' Christmas  Garland and Decade Rosary: $52
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop
Coupon: BONNIE10 for 10% until Black Friday. Black Friday through Cyber Monday 15% off the entire shop + use SMALLBIZ2018 for free shipping on Small Business Saturday. 


Look to Him and Be Radiant
Catholic Colorable Stickers: $8 
Advent Candle Stickers: $5
Watercolor Stain Glass Women of the Bible Stickers: $5


Marekmade
Our Lady Doll: $42


Marzipantz
Mini St. Nicholas Doll: $45 
Mini St. Lucy Doll: $45
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Etsy Shop 
Coupon: Bonnie10 for 10% off anything in the store through the end of December.


Providential Co.
Holy Family Candle: $24
Sign up for the mailing list for special Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday deals here.
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Shop the Website

Haley Stewart
The Grace of Enough: $15
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link)


Studio Senn
Pelican in Piety Enamel Pin: $12
Coupon: 15% off entire shop with SUPPORTSMALL from Black Friday - November 30th. Limited supply Storybook maps discounted, no code needed.


Telos Art & Design
2018-2019 Yearly Liturgical Calendar Poster: $18 
Color-As-You-Go Liturgical Calendar, inspired and informed by the Ordinary Form of the Catholic liturgy. The full, 365-day calendar year is represented on a single sheet of 12x18" heavyweight paper. Purchase the full-color version to display side-by-side. Great for teachers, religious education classrooms, or around the home! 
Vintage Aluminum Marian Medal on 16" sterling silver rope chain: $24
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Shop the Website


Kendra Tierney
Catholic All Year Liturgical Wall Calendar: $21
Follow the Blog
Follow on Instagram
Shop the Website

Usbourne Books - Sarah Ortiz
That's Not My Snowman book: $10
The Story of Baby Jesus book: $10
Thirty-One - Jessica Thornton
Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote: $35


Someday Saints
Bag with Tassel Keychain: $28
Join the mailing list here for exclusive pre-sales and coupons.
Coupon: DEFENDUS for free St. Michael zipper charm upgrade; FREEFIFTY for free shipping on orders over $50
Whole Parenting Goods
Stella Wall Quilt, size 9"x12": $62
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop 
Small Business Saturday Sale: 20% off everything


P l u s !
I wanted to add a lot of little extras because a lot of the time it's the little things that can fill the gaps, right? So here's a few more of my favorite things. All of these items were purchased by me for you!
Stocking Stuffers & Hygge Helpers: $30
Candles, hot cocoa, a new pen, window clings, candy canes, peppermints, and chocolates, snowflake washi tape, St. Nick chocolate coins, homemade chocolate chip cookies, and Advent Candles


Rules and fine print:
One winner will be drawn from the blog and one from Instagram. Care Packages will not have the exact same content but will be of equal cash value. 

To enter on the blog you must leave a comment below - tell me which item you're most excited to win and BE SURE TO GIVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. Your email will only be used to contact you if you are the winner and entries without email addresses will be disqualified. 

To enter on Instagram you must go to the main Advent Care Package Giveaway post (here) and follow the directions there. Instagram is in no way responsible for this giveaway nor is this giveaway sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with Instagram. 

The giveaway was extended and now ends Tuesday, November 20th at 3pm CST, or basically once I close comments. The two winners will be announced here, on Instagram, and on the A Knotted Life Facebook page. The blog winner will be contacted via email and the Instagram winner will be contacted via an Instagram Direct Message. Winners will have 24 hours to respond with their mailing address. If I do not have a response in 24 hours a new winner will be drawn. Open to US residents 18 and older. Sorry international friends.

Good luck and have fun!

PS - You can find a few of my family's favorite things for Advent and Christmas at my Amazon Store (affiliate link). This store includes albums, movies, games, and other items we really use and really love during the holiday season and all hygge-long. 
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November 20, 2017

Advent Care Package Giveaway




CONGRATS to Reagan and Madeleine! Thanks to everyone who entered and have a very happy Thanksgiving and a blessed Advent!



In 2014 I had an idea: wouldn't it be fun to give away a care package? Something filled with a variety of items that will help a woman feel cozy and ready for Advent, that will cross items off her Christmas shopping list, that will take a few things off her plate? And so I teamed up with vendors, authors, and crafters and together we did just that. And ... it was a lot of fun!

In 2015 I had a baby and that was enough, but last year I hosted the Advent Care Package Giveaway again. Once more I teamed up with superb artisans, movers, and shakers and I was so proud to showcase their work and bless two women with packages filled with an abundance of beautiful, fun items.

This year, I decided to Oprah it up and reach out to vendors who make and sell my favorite things. I am thrilled to be teaming up with the likes of Marzipantz, Tea with Tolkien, Catholic Curio, Chews Life, Lily Joy Designs, Just Love Prints, January in June, Emmaus Road, Sancta Bovina, Rose Harrington Art, The Keen Bean Shop, Whole Parenting Goods, and more.

The value of this giveaway is $700!* That means that each winner will receive a Care Package worth $350!

I am so, so grateful to all the vendors and crafters who donated items. People are so generous and so I hope that you thank them by showing them some love. Follow their social media accounts, favorite their Etsy shops, share their work and shop names with friends, and best of all: purchase from them, either now or in the future.

 Directions to enter and all the fine print are at the bottom. Now check out all the goods!

Catholic Curio
St. Nicholas Cookie Cutter: $7
Etsy Shop


Chews Life
Mama Necklace: $24
Follow on Instagram
Shop Website


Emmaus Road
St. Nicholas peg doll: $15
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop


Fitz Knitz
Stocking Cap with Pompom: $15
Etsy Shop


January in June
Embroidered Christmas Ornaments: $12 each
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop

Just Love Prints
Sacred Heart with Mother Teresa print: $16
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop
Coupon: 15% off your order of $25 or more with code AKNOTTEDLIFE. Expires December 30, 2017.


Lily Joy Designs
Wooden Wall Rosary: $62
Decade Rosary: $25
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop
Coupon: ADVENT15 for 15% through December 1st.


Lula Roe with Megan Stevenart
Leggings: $25
Shop the Roe going out of business sale page
40% off everything - no coupon needed through November 30th.


Marzipantz
Our Lady of Guadalupe Doll: $65
Our Lady of Guadalupe inspired mini Flower Crown: $10

Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Etsy Shop
Coupon: AKLTEN for 10% off any order through December 10th


Middle West Knitting Co
Pixie Bonnet: $20
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop


Polka Dot Bowlevard
Reindeer Bow: $12
Glory to the Newborn King Bow: $10
Christmas Red, Green, & Navy: $10
Etsy Shop


Rose Harrington Art
The Time of Advent is a Time of Hope Print: $18
Pause in Silence to Understand a Presence: $18
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop


Sancta Bovina
Love Like Mary Mug: $17.50
Follow on Instagram
Shop & Website


Sleightholm Folk Art
Santa Lucia Print: $18
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop


Tea With Tolkien
Sweatshirt: $48
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop


The Keen Bean Shop
Hey Nunnie Nunnie Mushies: $15
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop


Usborne Books from Michelle Mosbach
Christmas Activity Book: $10
Nativity Sticker Book: $7
Shop Michelle's Page


Whole Parenting Goods
Linen Dress with Cotton Lace Detailing: $60
Follow on Instagram
Etsy Shop
Coupon: BONNIE for 15% off


P l u s !
I wanted to add a lot of little extras because a lot of the time it's the little things that can fill the gaps, right? So here's a few more of my favorite things. All of these items were purchased by me for you!

Blessed Is She Advent Journal: $25
Blessed Is She Shop ( that's my affiliate link)


Stocking Stuffers & Hygge Helpers: $30
candles, peppermint tea, Christmas-y notecards, new pen, window clings, candy canes, St. Nick chocolate coins, homemade chocolate chip cookies


Rules and fine print:
One winner will be drawn from the blog and one from Instagram. To enter on the blog you must leave a comment below - tell me your favorite version of O Come O Come Emmanuel or which item you're most excited to win or just say Hi but be sure you give me your email address. Your email will only be used to contact you if you are the winner and entries without email addresses will be disqualified. To enter on Instagram you must go to the main Advent Care Package Giveaway post (here) and follow the directions there. This contest is in no way affiliated with Instagram.

The giveaway ends Wednesday, November 22nd at 5pm CST. The two winners will be announced here, on Instagram, and on the A Knotted Life Facebook page. The blog winner will be contacted via email and the Instagram winner will be contacted via an Instagram Direct Message. Winners will have 24 hours to respond with their mailing address. If I do not have a response in 24 hours a new winner will be drawn. Open to US residents only - sorry international friends.

Good luck and have fun!
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