SEO: 2017

Over at the Register

On the last day of 2017, I made my writing goal, to get 52 pieces published. In the ongoing series on meditations on the Rosary, I thought the Christmas season the proper time to take on the Incarnation. I've always found the quote by C.S. Lewis to be helpful in cultivating a sense of wonder about God's willingness to submit Himself to our condition. However I discovered the world is filled

The Family Sticking Point of Christmas

The Night before Christmas,
We couldn't escape the ugly reality,... We'd run out of tape.

The packages we'd bought with such thought were all here languishing and naked, with no paper or bows to adhere.

Our children lay sleeping, certain in their deep doze, the gifts would be dazzling and bedeckled with bows.

My anxiety and fear at what we should do, made us scramble through the

At the National Catholic Register

If you haven't had a chance to read my latest, it's about embracing the cross like a lover, as I continue trying to get through writing a piece about meditating on each of the Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous and Glorious Mysteries. It's been a hard long series, growing more difficult with each subsequent essay. I've numerous false starts and bad drafts. What's more, it's been hard to keep track.

Darth Mutter or Mom Shot First

Somewhere between the ages of 3 and 18, children attempt to use Jedi mind tricks on their parents, certain those who birthed them want to sell them death sticks. What children do not know, is those mind tricks don't work on parents.

I told my six year old, "You can't go out dressed like that; it's cold outside."

She shook her head, "Check the weather app." Since when do first

Backlog of postings

Hey everyone! This past weekend I journeyed to Florida to celebrate my second born's graduation from college, six months early. As such, I left the computer behind at home. Yes, my fingers itched occasionally to write down everything, but it's also good to make my brain store up things which I'm sure will pour out when I'm not paying attention as I try to consistently make a go at writing

Keep Calm, and Catholic and Write On

It started with reading a piece by a favorite Catholic writer and fellow mother of ten, Is Catholic Publishing Sexist? I can't speak to that reality, but the discussion of women having to be "sweet," hit a nerve. Wrestling with joy isn't that what having a faith is? Isn't that what we're called to be? To Live with hope despite all the proof over prof of our great and seemingly constant

On Point

Today I took my kids to see the Nutcracker. I remember seeing it almost yearly and almost yearly making a silent promise to myself that next year, I'd somehow try out. I didn't because 1) I'd forget, and 2) The studio which put on the production was the competitor to the dance school I attended and 3) I wasn't so much a ballerina as someone in love with performing.

Watching the performance,

Small Success Thursday on Friday

I never get to linking to the Small Success Thursday post until Friday, so here it is.

Over at the Register Today

Today, I'm examining the Baptism at the River Jordan, and what it reveals for a person preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation: Confirmation is an Initiation, not graduation in faith.

At the Register Today

Hello everyone. I have a piece over at the Register on Relics, on what we leave behind, and how sarcasm is hereditary.

Be More Thankful, not Less

I wrote this yesterday, but it wasn't finished until today. So as part of Thanksgiving weekend, you get to partake in the meal the day after the meal and the words I would wish to all who bother to read my blog a day late as well. Happy Thanksgiving to each of you, even if you do not celebrate it. Thanks for being here, for being part of my life in whatever manner, and for all the blessings

Piece on the Luminous Mystery

Hello everyone, hope you had a great Thanksgiving with your family. I have a piece in the Register dealing with the Transfiguration. I hope you enjoy it. This journey with my son's confirmation in mind keeps teaching me.

Breakfast Order

This morning, my twelve-year-old came to the table
irritated. We didn’t have full servings
of anything. She could have half a bagel or one blueberry waffle, but she didn’t
want either, she wanted two blueberry waffles.
I offered her both. She sat
feeling frustrated her brother beat her to breakfast.
I knew this was merely “

Siblings

So, this week I made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for my sophomore in college. It became a family project. I'd packed them in a tin and my twelve year old wrote her a note. Dear Marta,Hope you like these muffins we made. There are twelve.Love Rita.

Her brother came by and decided to make his own note. I ate one. --PeterHer father wrote a note. "I didn't. True love. --Dad"

Her sister

Today's postings...

So it's Thursday, and I have a piece each week at Catholicmom.com. I hope you like it. I also have work over at the Register. Yes, I'm taking on the folks who make policy decisions over in Southbend, Indiana, with respect to discussing Catholic identity.

Today's piece over at the Register

Hello everyone. I'd love to tell you things are slowing down but they seem to be speeding up. This week included filling out the FAFSA, two teacher parent conferences, a meeting at the school, teaching CCD, preparing a son for state championships (running), and laundry. I also dealt with cleaning out one closet, (finding the infamous 42 shoes without mates), and learning that Anna-Maria knows

Origin of a Specious Argument Testing my Certifiability

Three hours and forty-seven minutes later, I have an answer.

Not one to act impulsively, I didn't come to this decision over night. Originally, I wanted a teaching certificate. My original teaching license expired in the year 2000. However, I thought having a bachelor's degree in English, a master's in Special Education and an additional 33 hours of doctoral work might make it possible to get

World Series Poem

Last year, I wrote a poem about the Cubs in Game Seven as it played out, line by line. It helped that while I rooted for the Cubs, I didn't have a stake in the outcome, only the poetry. This year, I gave my heart to the Astros, the first team I ever saw play. They had an epic series, but my son also needed to have us shepherd him through applying for college, so I couldn't devote my

What is the More?

Last week we introduced students to a memoir in which the main character (before
the age of nine), started a house fire, experienced being beaten half to death,
abandonment at an orphanage, starvation, life threatening hatred based on his race, and
became addicted to alcohol. My high
school charges dubbed the first two chapters of this story, “Boring.” At which point, I wondered “What in

What Kind of Candy Test?

It's Halloween, and before we all collectively raid our children's stashes for those coveted Almond Joys, Twix bars and Snickers, it's time to play everyone's favorite hypothetical, "What kind of candy are you?" test.

We'll get the big guns out of the way.

Donald Trump: "If I were a candy bar, I'd be huge, wildly popular, the most amazing candy you've ever seen."

The researchers here at

Happy Halloween

So you get a treat, my latest at the Register in the Rosary Series. I promise more writing this week, once we get past tonight. Happy Halloween everyone!

Sorry I've been AWOL

Here's my latest at the National Catholic Register, part of my series on the Rosary. This time, we delve into the Visitation. Also, I'm posting a link to last week's Small Success Thursday, "Will it until You Become it."

Where has Sherry been? Is she still writing? Why is she writing about herself in third person? She's been grading essays. She's writing, but finds her prose is junkola,

There's a Hole in My Wallet

I love giving gift cards as presents.It's the slacker Mom in me, but as a slacker mom, it's better to give than to receive.When my kids get them, it's a constant reminder to go shopping until said child slaps that plastic down at the store. Whether they want it or not is mostly irrelevant, what matters is spending the money.
...
Something about birthday money triggers the

Over at the Register

As Gandalf says, it's a dangerous thing going out your front door. And if you do...you will never be the same. Tolkien says it with story, I'm more blunt. Being open to the Gospel is a dangerous thing.

At the Register

Taking on the 1st Joyful Mystery where else? The University of Notre Dame....and Saint Mary's College. Will write more when I return...from getting pizza.

Catch Up Saturday

Hello everyone,I know, it's becoming a routine. I write a piece, I link to it two or three days after it runs. This time, I have an excused absence. On Thursday, I took a train to Southbend, Indiana. No wi-fi. Friday, I spent with family and friends, no time on the computer. So today, Saturday, I'm finally slowing down enough to be able to write...and here we are. So if you want your SST

The Unspoken Battle

There is a great war within the general population of the Catholic church over the nature of what it means to be faithful. It stems from a sincere desire to be "right with God." (Proof even our loftiest desires, those we think most holy, can be the means of our failure to be faithful disciples).
With the sending of the Filial Appeal, signed by the people here, I remember Pope Benedict's

Today I'm talking about...

the second Luminous mystery, the wedding feast at Cana. Come join me at the National Catholic Register, and help further the discussion on the mysteries of the Rosary.

It's the End of the World...or Not

Every few years some person no one has ever heard of, gains national attention with the age old prediction, "The world ends tomorrow." It's funny how people can work the numbers, roll the bones, or read the stars to discern, the end is near and yet, never in the math, the dice or the heavens do these same souls receive instructions like, "The world will keep going. Carry on. Carry on...."

Keto Bread ! Yes You Can Have Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Again!

When moving to the Keto lifestyle, I knew a factor of making this sustainable is learning a substitute for bread. I tried some that tasted too eggy, and I don't know about you but I hated the taste. Eggs are already very hard for me to eat, so I needed a bread recipe that can pull me through and keep my on the right track! Another factor when making food, is the ease of the recipe. If I have more than 6 steps, I have to weigh its convenience. Here are 5 steps to making yummy Keto Bread, and one of those steps is turning on the oven.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup of Butter (microwave in a microwave safe bowl to melt it)
2 Cups of Almond Flour
5 Eggs (you can add 1 more, but I don't enjoy the eggy taste when it comes to breads)
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil
1/2 teaspoon of Xanthum Gum (this is not 100% necessary, but it does improve the bread texture)
Pinch to 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
Cooking Spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 355 F.
Mix all ingredients well in a bowl. Once it thickens up, you are done mixing!
Spray a Bread Loaf pan with Cooking Spray (I use the butter flavor).
Pour the mixture into the Bread Loaf pan.
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove and check that if sticking a pick in the bread, it comes out clean. If it has bread mixture, bake for an additional 5 minutes, and repeat.

Macros: Whole Loaf = 2,039 calories, 197.7 g fat, 41.7 g net carbs, 54.96 g protein

If cut into 16 slices, each slice would be= 127.4375 calories, 12.35625 g fat, 2.60625 g net carbs, 3.435 g protein

Once you get the base of bread down, then you can really have fun! Add cinnamon for a sweet bread, or garlic and cheese for a dinner style bread.

KetoCake - Very Easy Chocolate Cake!

Working in an office, there is always a birthday celebration it seems every week! Of course I sit right next to the table where the cake is presented, and it smells delicious! Being on day 20 of my Keto lifestyle, I knew I needed a way to fight this head on! Therefore here is my KetoCake in chocolate! This recipe is easily doubled or tripled if you want to make more. I brought in extra for others to try who don't know about Keto, and they absolutely loved it.

Ingredients

Butter or Cooking Spray
1 Egg - 77 Cal, 1 g Net Carb, 5.3 g Fat, 6.3 g Protein
1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream- 51 Cal, .42 g Net Carb, .51 g Fat, .31 g Protein
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder - 1 Cal, .59 g Net Carb, 0 g Fat, 0 g Protein
3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract- 9 Cal, .4 g Net Carb, 0 g Fat, 0 g Protein
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder- 12 Cal, 1.3 g Net Carb, .7 g Fat, 1.1 g Protein
1 tablespoon of stevia (or your choice of sugar substitute) - 0 Cal, 0 g Net Carb, 0 g Fat, 0 g Protein

For a sweeter taste, you can use up to 2 tablespoons

OPTIONAL TOPPING: If you are following Keto by Macros only, you can add Sugar Free Frosting as seen in this picture. I used Pillsbury brand - for 2 tablespoons it is Carbs: 16g, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugar Alcohol 10g - 3 Net Carbs.

EDIT for Macros - please remember that depending on the brands you use, it may vary slightly!

Total without Frosting: Calories- 150, Net Carbs- 3.71 g , Fat- 11.51g, Protein- 7.71 g

Instructions

Butter a cup or spray with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients (except for the optional topping) together with a whisk until it has a liquid consistency.
Microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds.
Once cooled enjoy!

Optional - once cooled off, spread 2 tablespoons of sugar free frosting on the cake and enjoy!

That's it! I love this recipe because you can make for one person, or you can double for two! I would love to hear what your favorite Keto dessert recipes are! If you have any personal tweaks to this recipe, please also share!

Minimalism... As Seen On TV

Minimalism, what does it mean to you? Webster defines it as : a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.

That's a broad definition, don't you think? PERFECT! Minimalism, and the way of living minimalistic will have a variation for each person. I watched a great documentary on Netflix called Minimalism A Documentary About the Important Things. For me it was life changing. It is a great story told primarily by Josh & Ryan, otherwise known as the Minimalists, about their life from childhood to present. They explain how they felt happiness meant have lots of things, and money. But yet, they still weren't happy. Josh & Ryan talk about their journey in letting go of items and how they were able to take back their lives.

Let's go back in time.....When my husband and I were moving we decided to hire professional movers and a 16 foot truck. The days leading up, we did a couple of trips in my SUV, and when the big day came the guys filled up this 16 foot truck like the expert Tetris players they are and we STILL had more items in our 1 bedroom apartment. The moment I knew something wasn't right here was when this professional mover who does at least 3 moves a day said "You have a lot of stuff." OUCH.

I knew I had too much, but how could I get rid of anything that I love so much!? Then came my answer... I watched the Minimalism documentary. I immediately felt the message and knew I had to change. Over the next week I had donated 15 very full 30 gallon bags of stuff I didn't remember I had or couldn't figure out why I bought it... All that money wasted :(
I looked around and felt better, to have room to walk in our apartment and play with our dog was amazing! A couple more weeks went by and I discovered the KonMari method. Only keep items that spark joy. I tried her method, and even though I had already gone through all of my clothes and belongings i was able to gather 30 more 30 gallon bags.

Then something weird started happening with the rest of my life... Ever see this ??

Truth be told this was 100% me... before. Now I go into all my favorite stores because as a habit I would do this when I was bored (I am not the only one right???), and I walk out with not one thing. I don't need these items, I don't need to spend the money on something that has no value to my life. Instead I want to focus on memories with the people I love. I am my own version of a minimalist, filling my life with people I love, and things that are essential to my everyday life.

Want to learn more? Check out the website from Josh & Ryan: http://www.theminimalists.com/minimalism/

Want to try an easy minimalism challenge? Starting today, pick one thing and put it in a box to donate. Tomorrow pick 2 items, and put it in the box. The day after that choose 3 items, and so on until 1 month has passed. Most people get so excited, they skip ahead and do more than what the assignment was for the day.

Food Budget: No Magic Involved

When working on my budget, my last piece of the puzzle is budgeting for food. Up until last month my husband and I have been very guilty of fast food excursions instead of a home cooked meal. In the beginning of cooking at home, it was difficult to make the transition because after our meals we were not very satisfied with what we ate. But over time and finding easy and tasty recipes we have been making more and more at home, and even craving some of our home cooked meals. We rarely eat out anymore, to think back I don’t really know the last time we did. Which if you are anything like my husband and I, it’s a complete 180.

Here are some tips I used when we were beginning our budget, that really don't take too much time:

Driving Home:

· On our way home from work we pass all of our favorite fast food places: In N Out, Panda Express, Jack in the Box, Yoshinoya, McDonald’s, Taco Bell… it’s a great street. So now I drive on a different street, and only pass by Burger King, which I am not crazy about. This has been a huge help because we aren’t tempted to pull in to a drive-thru.

Shopping Smarter, not Harder

· Be open to going to different Markets. I mainly shop at Ralph’s. But I am always checking out the sales at all of the stores around us. Von’s, and Food 4 Less are my other go to stores. But only when it is worth it, and when I do I stock up on the items that are on sale.

Couponing without Scissors

· * Ibotta: Ibotta is a great app where you can go to a lot of store, even Target, Walmart, Joann’s Fabrics & Best Buy, and get money back. Before I go shopping I check the Ibotta app for the deals they offer add them to my list. After my shopping trip I open the app scan my receipt and if necessary I also scan the items I bought. I have earned $40 in 3 months. The money earned can get sent to you via paypal, or an electronic gift card.

o Use this invite code and get an extra $10: vl2dta

· * Shopkick: This is a great app because you get points from walking in a store, scanning items, and purchasing. On purely getting points from walking in a store, and scanning items I was able to get $15 in a few months. But if you were to purchase the items you can earn a lot more. The money earned here can be redeemed with an electronic gift card.

· *Grocery Store Reward Card: For markets like Ralphs & Von’s (there are more!!) you can link you card to an account thru one of their apps. From there you can make grocery lists and even add coupons straight to the card. I love it because it saves me a lot of money, and you can even earn gas rewards at their designated partner gas stations.

· * Cartwheel from Target: This is a must have if you are addicted to that bullseye. You can get typically 5 % to 10 % off items they have available on the app. These items include pretty much everything in the store, but make sure you are getting the right brand. When you get to the register show the cashier your barcode from the app and the money gets taken off. I can normally save a few bucks each purchase. But if you are shopping for a big family the savings will multiply!

Walking the Aisle

· Here is my biggest secret, that may not be such a huge secret… Check the price per unit not the price. It is labeled on the price tag in a corner; once you get the hang of this you can find it everywhere or even calculate it yourself. Here is an example. I am going to buy salsa. My options are $1.99 for an 8 ounce jar or $2.49 for a 12 ounce. On the surface the 8 ounce seems cheaper. Using my calculator I found that if you divide the price by the ounces you will get the price per unit. For the 8 ounce jar it is .24 cents an ounce. For the 12 ounce jar it is .21 cents an ounce. Always check this when you are trying to save money, sometimes buying in bulk is the way to go! Here is another example:

What food budge tips do you have to share?

Beginning Your Crafting Journey

Thanks for all your support from those who saved a little during St Patrick's Day! Are you just starting your Crochet or Knitting Journey but don't know where to begin?

Here are a couple things you can do today!

1) First you will need to figure out if you want to learn Crochet or Knitting. Crochet will use one hook, and Knitting uses 2 needles at once. The Knitting will give you a beautiful classic look, and crochet will allow you to make unique granny squares.

2) Mentor, this is really important. A mentor can be a family member, friend, a craft teacher, or a Youtubervthat inspires you. This will be your go to person for your questions you may have. My inspiration to start crocheting was from a great famil friend named Mary. Not only is she a great friend and baker but also an awesome crocheter. Along my learning journey I am ready to be a mentor for another! I have taught a few young girls, and even my husband!

3) Supplies, supplies, supplies! You will need hooks or needles, yarn, yarn and more yarn! There are many different types of yarn! Sport, baby, fine, super bulky! What kind do you need? Well it all depends on what you want to make.

Click Here! To start you supply shopping!

Are you ready?

Ok, it's time to learn how to chain, or cast on!

Try these videos:

Chain- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtmOEzm_OXQ

Knitting- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iv03nRS8xU

$1.00 Off a $2.00 or More Purchase at the Hello Gabby Etsy Shop!

Discounts are my favorite thing, especially when we are all trying to budget. Do you crochet, sew, or maybe need a new item for yourself or a loved one? Check out the Hello Gabby Etsy shop and receive $1.00 off any purchase of $2.00 or more.

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HelloGabby88

Coupon Code: STPATRICKS2017

When does it expire? March 17, 2017

How many times can I use it?? As many as you like. Make multiple purchases and stock up on crochet patterns!

The Plastics

The very first topic we need to talk about is Credit Cards. Most people live their lives in a state of credit. We lease, finance our cars. Takeout loans to pay credit cards, and never use cash to pay for anything anymore. What is cash? I almost forgot the days of my childhood where I counted my money, instead of logging into my bank app on my smartphone.

I have looked into many ways that we could go about paying off debt, and finally having what we call financial freedom. So far I have made my own plan! Everyone is different and we all need different methods to achieve a goal.

Here are my steps so far!

1- Gather all the information on every single credit card, and any other debt you have. Be prepared for this to sting, and for some it will sting A LOT. I don't know how it happened but I managed to accumulate $20k in credit card & loan debts. I think back and try to figure out were this money went to. My husband and I went thru some hard times for a while, and the only way we were able to live was to use credit cards. But once those times were over, we were programmed to be ok with incurring debt and material positions. Being a craft person, and trying to start my own business I incurred a lot of debt from yarn, fabric, jewelry, and machines to make it happen. Adding to that I know we bought things that we didn't need, and we went out to dinner when we really should have cooked at home.

I gathered all of this 3 months ago, and only now am I truly accepting of what happened. It took awhile to realize how in a sense this was very self destructive. I dug myself in a hole that will take years to get out of.

OK deep breaths... Ready to move on? Remember the first step is admitting you have a problem.

2- In the next step which I did over this weekend, I called and canceled all but 1 credit card. Every single creditor asked me "Why?" I know it's their job to keep me as the wonderful and loyal customer I have been, but I knew it had to end. What really felt liberating was hanging up, and cutting up each card. Don't get me wrong I have the same amount of debt from when I picked up the phone to when I hung up, but it felt good not to have this crutch. Ok, so why did I leave one of them open??

All will be revealed in step #3

Until then, here is an important question:

How much debt to you have?

Please note these steps are my own personal journey, and that this is not financial advice. You can plan your own journey with help family, friends, your own research, or a financial advisor.

Welcome to the C and D Blogspot!
My new blog is to help learn, and share tips of new ideas for diet, fitness, budgeting and crafting! I have been a crafter since I was a teenager. Also, like most I have been struggling with weight loss for most of my adult life. It is my hope that everyone will benefit from the info I share. Thank you!