The weekly “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
This summer I have completed the arduous process of collecting all my blog posts (ten years' worth!) that are worthy of collecting and am now actually (re) writing. When I started putting thoughts down here on Like Mother, Like Daughter, I wondered if I'd ever have enough for a book — now I wonder if I'll ever be able to contain and organize what I've written!
It's not as easy as it sounds because I'm committed to making the very best book I can, and not just regurgitating willy-nilly. Things that sounded great as blog posts are a bit unpolished when they try to be a chapter in a book! At least when it's me who's posting… I'm not sure how you can stand it!
Since I also try to be available to various people for their wife/mother/daughter/grandmother/friend needs, things are indeed a bit more quiet around here.
All this to say we still love you and hope that you are finding things to keep you occupied in the archives!
Besides the garden, we are slowly sprucing up some things here, including re-doing the kitchen island with a new (to us) butcher block top. I can't wait to show you how it turns out!
On to our links!
In art:
- The Artist, Deirdre's husband, has set up a shop to offer beautiful — and I mean beautiful — original art for your home or office. It's called Ratscullery, and really, I don't know where you could get an actual painting — framed! — at these prices. In fact, as soon as it catches on, the prices are going to go up. Much of the art is by his friend John Petersen, but some is by himself, John Folley. These artworks are amazing!
- Would you like to win a $100 credit towards a painting at Ratscullery? Simply enter the Instagram giveaway here by following and tagging someone — maybe be sure to let your friend know that to be entered, she too needs to follow and tag. The IG account needs lots of followers to make this art endeavor a success! Please go follow and tag!
In food:
- Rosie was, like everyone else who loves happiness, watching The Great British Baking Show. She was idly contemplating looking up Golden Castor Sugar (after Candice made her sponge, I think it was) when she came across this undoubtedly life-changing information regarding roasted sugar, which apparently not only gives the sugar a “faint caramel taste” but contains significantly less sweetness/calories! Do you see the implications! Now we need to try all those things that seem just too sweet, but need the sugar, like meringue, fudge, and angel-food cake! Wowee!
- Have I ever told you that I am a sucker for any recipe with the word “Cowboy” in the name? Cowboy Stew, Cowboy Beans, Cowboy Beef — seems like they are all basically the same thing but I get all excited about the very concept, every time. Well, closely related, I love camping food! As I was looking at the method for the sugar (above), I came across this collection of fun camping recipes. Shorter version, if you wrap potatoes, onions, and meat up in foil and grill the packets, good things will result. Honestly, they will be so good eaten in the backyard, don't you think?
- (Just for fun, not a link, I will give you my one of my best camp-food tricks: Throw some frozen sirloin steaks in your cooler, in ziploc bags of course. They will help keep the food cold, and by the time you are ready to grill them (on day two or three, maybe), they will be just the right temperature. Any leftovers make great sandwiches!)
As regards the upcoming eclipse, during which I will be (so gladly!) picking up the wandering Bridget from the airport, a little roundup of good links (feel free to add any helpful ones you've found, in the comments):
And all the rest:
- A friend sent this little video from Cardinal Burke that could be the perfect intro to our book, The Little Oratory. He gently explains how important the life of faith is in the family — how devotion unites the family to the Church, helps the children live and learn their faith, and brings peace to each person. It's not long and it's a wonderful little tutorial for mother and father to watch together, giving them lots of food for thought about family life.
- I don't know about everything on this site, but this little app for midwives in Africa seems so helpful and actually life-saving.
- An excellent primer from our friend Fr. Jerry Pokorsky on Just War Theory and its applications. When we are discussing current events and the proper response to them, it's vital that we have sound moral principles in mind.
- Sr. Katharine Drexel's life never fails to move and astonish me. What a great American saint, a true lover of mankind! This is the story of how she and her nuns stood up to the Ku Klux Klan. Also, can we just mention that her habit is intense.
- There are many issues facing us, but we have to understand that all moral truth works together; if we let go of transcendent truth, we let go of our power to do good. The truth about the human person, as Saint John Paul II called it, is that God made man in His image, and the most fundamental truth we know about being a human being is that we are nuptial, male and female. Anyone who denies this does not have man's good at heart.
- Cardinal Sarah: We need the spirit of the Vendéans! (To read more about the Vendée, here's a good book review with further reading recommended.)
Today is the feast of St. John Eudes, a really great saint who brought intelligence and a gentle spirit to the faith at just the right time. May God send us saints now! May we be His friends here and now!
From the archives:
- If you're thinking about school, you might also want to think about menu planning!
~We’d like to be clear that, when we direct you to a site via one of our links, we’re not necessarily endorsing the whole site, but rather just referring you to the individual post in question (unless we state otherwise).~
Stephanie says
Sending my best wishes for your writing project/book-in-progress, Auntie Leila! Your blog posts, in addition to being informative, have a pleasant flow, rhythm, and tone, and are very agreeable (as well as helpful) to read! So this reader’s entreaty is: please do not doubt yourself! I am sure I am among many who happily and encouragingly look forward to your next book! 🙂
God bless!
Leila says
Aw, thank you, Stephanie!
Rachel Contreras says
What?? THE book is finally happening??? This blog has been such a help and blessing to me. I will buy that book the second it is available! When is it expected to be finished?
Leila says
Rachel, I have no idea!! LOL — I hope not too long from now…
Tyna Begley says
Dear Auntie Leila,
Loving this! Any advice on teens who think the food we serve is “crap” and wishes we could have “normal food and snacks”. She’s referring to chips and soda, etc. I have communicated to her that she is welcome to buy her own food, but that was met with “You’re just too lazy to do your job”. We were not Christian early on in her life and are paying for some of our mistakes now, but any advice on a hostile teen (especially over food) would be welcome.
Leila says
Tyna, even those of us who made mistakes have the duty to correct them as soon as possible and not let the “baggage” prevent us doing what has to be done. We have to examine ourselves and be sure that we are speaking to each other with the exact same kindness and respect that we would have for a relative stranger in our midst. Let’s not let guilt make us shrink from what we have to do! This is all attitude and has to be changed!
In this case, a free and frank discussion about standards MUST take place, hopefully with your husband on board and present — even delivering the message himself.
I would say something like: “We were WRONG to allow unpleasantness and rudeness to flourish this way in the heart of our home. We have nothing other than each other! We have to love one another and treat each other with respect. You have to respect us and what we are giving you. We have made mistakes and the biggest one has been to allow disrespect. How can people who live together speak to each other unkindly, rudely, without love? First, as you know, God has been good to us and we have a roof over our heads and food on the table. Let us BE grateful and ACT grateful. We could be starving but instead we have abundance.
Second, no unkind words will EVER be spoken about the food. We will thank God for it first of all, then thank the cook. And we will all help set the table and clean up. We will do our best to see that each one has what he needs at the table. We realize that bad habits have grown up here on all sides. So there will be a period of uncomfortable resetting of what we will accept from you and what you are used to saying to us. We’re afraid that for a week or so things will seem rocky as we correct you, but soon, you will find, as St. Paul says, “Discipline is hard but in the end brings the peaceable fruit of justice.” We are going to do it because we love you and want you to thrive as a person of kindness and goodness, and those things begin right here, at home. Third, when mom is going shopping, THAT is the moment to KINDLY and RESPECTFULLY request one treat. However, we need to talk about what constitutes good and healthy food. That won’t happen until ALL OF THE ABOVE has been implemented. Finally, TREAT YOUR MOTHER WITH RESPECT. If not, there will be consequences.”
Leila says
Here is a post about all this http://likemotherlikedaughter.org/2012/03/seven-strategies-for-dinner-with/
Note that it has another post linked within that also addresses the rudeness issue. THIS is the issue, not being picky about food!
Toni Graham says
So, SO glad you are writing a book, Leila! Please keep us updated on it – and do whatever you need to do to get it done! I am so excited about this!
Leila says
Thank you, Toni!
Serena says
Super excited to hear you are working on a new book – will absolutely buy it the second it comes out! I have been re-reading your series on the reasonably clean house – always a motivator. I am hoping Sukie and Rosie start back in on the blog posting but completely understand how busy all of you are! Off to check out the Rat Scullery : ). Love and hugs from West Texas!
Leila says
Thanks, Serena! Thanks for checking out the art!
Caitlin says
Serena, where in West Texas are you? I’m in Lubbock! 🙂
Auntie Leila, I cannot wait for your new book! Add me to the list of those who will be getting a copy the moment it comes out!
Leila says
Serena, Caitlin, and other West Texas readers, I have no idea where you are but here you will find a list of St. Greg’s Pockets, including four in Texas: http://likemotherlikedaughter.org/st-gregory-pockets/
If they are not near you (and they probably aren’t!), think about forming one yourselves! Let Sukie know! (All info in that link!)
Charlotte says
You gals are so adorable! I wish you could adopt me! Here in Texas, we don’t actually use “Cowboy” in our recipe titles, but I understand your sentiment. When my kids were little, we could get them to eat just about anything by adding “Ranger” or “Camp” to the title: Ranger Stew, Ranger Beans or Camp Beans. Same concept! Can’t wait to read your book!
Leila says
I know, Charlotte! It’s so true! Just give it a name like that and they love it. I used to make polenta and I told the kids that cowboys ate it and called it “The Yaller [yellow] Stuff” — and they ate it eagerly! I love Ranger and Camp — great names for food!
Michelle mamabearjd says
oh but in Texas we do have Cowboy Bowl – chopped brisket, onions, beans, cheese, and optional jalapeños. Serve with cornbread. Then there’s the “gut pack” – from Vitek’s in Waco, which is basically Cowboy Bowl with Fritos.
Mamabearjd says
And about the book – YAY!
Melisa Capistrant says
I appreciate the article about Cardinal Sarah and his references to this world needing more of the courage/spirit of the Vendeans: I couldn’t agree more! I know I am inspired, encouraged and just plain blown away by the courage, faithfulness and resilience of people who have lived through such harrowing circumstances. If anyone would like to know about a good (family friendly) movie to acquaint your children with the War of the Vendee, there is a movie of the same title. The War of the Vendee is directed by Jim Morlino of Navis Pictures. I believe it has a cast of approx. 250 young Catholic people. Well-done, educational, enjoyable. There is also a great resource at the end listing/referencing many good books to find out more about the War of the Vendee. (My children watched it so many times, that one daughter tired of it and hid it: alas we don’t know where it is!)
God bless!
Melisa
Gina Swizer says
Leila,
Congratulations on starting book. Can’t wait to read it.
I didn’t get the link to Cardinal Burke’s video. Maybe it’s my phone? Would love to watch it and share it.
Blessings,
Gina Switzer
Rosie says
Gina, if you’re reading the post in your email or a feed reader, you’ll need to click through to the actual site – it should show up there!
Jody says
Just stopping by with a huge THANK YOU for the links to the pizza posts last week. Although I found working with such slack dough difficult at first, it was worth the effort! Best flavor & texture in a homemade pizza dough ever! You’ve changed Friday night for us.
Also, very excited about another book!
Mary Cooney says
I would so love to read a child raising book by you! But please don’t polish out any of your personality!
Love the post on whining!
Jayne says
Very excited about the book! It will be great to have a “giftable” version of your best stuff.
BridgetAnn says
Yes!
Dear Bride-to-be,
Here are your directions; you’re welcome 🙂
Emily says
Cannot wait! So excited about the book!
Sarah says
Yay!!! The book!
Teri Pittman says
I have actually been spending time in the archives, looking for the bake mix in the save a step posts. (Don’t worry–I know I’ll find it somewhere!) Very excited about the book!
I read this in the Tightwad Gazette and haven’t tested it yet. If you are making something sweet using fruit, you can add baking soda and reduce the amount of sugar. It neutralizes some of the sourness. I think the example used a teaspoon of baking soda in a mixed fruit crisp and sugar was reduced by half.
Donna L. says
Oh, Auntie Leila!
*The Book*~! I am so excited!
I dearly love your “voice” in the posts. I know you may not feel they are book-worthy, but I assure you, they are perfect, and just the thing for a Mommy to read, when she is unsure, or in need of a boost on difficult days.
God bless you in this endeavor, and truly, I am just delighted!
Abby says
I also love love love your chatty voice in the posts. I can see how it might not easily translate into a book, but it’s part of what makes it so approachable. I’ve gotten so much good advice over the last six years of my eight year parenting journey. Can’t wait for a book!
KarenM says
Thank you Leila for the beautiful photo of your stored garlic. Mine was sitting on the counter curing, and I was without a plan on how to store it. Then I saw your post . . . problem solved! Now for the cucumbers . . .
Anamaria says
So glad to hear about the book- and I know my husband will be, too– even if it’s not really for him! He is not into the blog style in general (Aquinas and Sir Philip Sidney are on his nightstand), so a “here, read this,” in book form will be quite welcome. He very much enjoyed The Little Oratory (as did I). I would also like to read things in one place! Good luck finishing it!