To all you wonderful readers who, over the years, have left comments or emailed me to say “put it in a book!” I say: thank you, I did! Really, thank you for your enthusiasm and, well, nagging. It has kept me going! For years! It took years! (My faithful and patient readers, rolling their eyes: “We know, Auntie Leila. We know.”)
All those thoughts about homeschooling, menu planning, teaching the faith, doing dishes, dusting the baseboards, washing and ironing… all the musings about books and what it means to be a woman. I plopped it all in these books.
And it's… well, not quite here. But it's available for pre-order and let's pray that binderies and paper manufacturers and shippers do their thing and it all doesn't get left in a container somewhere on the Pacific coast.
That's all that stands between you and the three hardbound, beautifully produced volumes in a lovely presentation-worthy slipcase that are The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in the Home!
Yes, you can pre-order here on Amazon (affiliate link) or here at Sophia Institute Press, directly (sometimes Sophia has promotions and they do offer discounts for bulk orders). You won't be charged until it ships to you, but you will be the first to get this three-volume set!
And throughout, there are illustrations by our very own Deirdre! Just like in the Little Oratory (affiliate link). The same charming air will be in the new volumes as well.
I am hoping that you will love this work of my bosom. Over the years the comments have said things like “I will definitely give a book you write as a wedding gift” or “to my daughters” and so on. That's what has spurred me on. Even if I play a small part in starting the journey to peace and happiness in the home, even if I can help a family just a little with the whole re-inventing the wheel, recovering the collective memory thing, I will be content.
So all along I've had in mind something beautiful that could be given as a gift. Something durable too. I want to draw you in to my world where we can have a cup of tea, not mind that things are not perfect, and have a chat about how to do things and why.
The many (many) things I've written about here over the years have been sort of organized (as best I could do it) and edited to form what I hope is an accessible, abiding whole. And yes, it took three volumes! And yes, I wake up in the middle of the night worrying about all the things I didn't put in there!
But don't worry, I'll still churn out the musings and proddings and doings and chats … it's what I'm here for!
bits & pieces
- For my new homeschooling readers, here is a short article nicely expressing the themes you will find here in my own approach: The Goal of Education Is to Learn to Love What We Ought to Love
- Denis McNamara again — this time, an essay, in case videos are not your thing. The Rite Way to Understand a Church Building: Theology of the Order of the Dedication of a Church and an Altar. It's so important that we understand that the building that is the church is more than “a gathering place” for worshippers. It has a sacred character of its own.
- I will probably post soon on my other blog, Happy Despite Them, some links regarding the expansion of Covid shots to children. I did want to bring to readers' attention this article, about the one doctor who did not go along with the FDA's approval. His observations seem reasonable: FDA advisory committee member who ABSTAINED from voting on vaccines for kids as young as five says there is not enough evidence all children need them
- But did you see my commentary on gun safety, in the wake of Alec Baldwin's tragic mistake and subsequent implication that someone else was at fault? No, the person handling the gun takes the responsibility. Basic gun safety (that everyone should know and pass on to their children as well).
- A Brief History of Perfume — makes me think about how incense is used in liturgy… or not so much any more…
- Always good to get a dose of Chesterton: The Wildness of Domesticity
- Adding just a little baking soda transforms your ground beef, apparently. I am going to try this, because I was rather dismayed by the sautéing I did the other day. I wonder how it works for a hamburger patty? Will I remember to try — grilling is over for a good long time now.
from the archives
- My musings on C. S. Lewis's oft-quoted aphorism about men without chests. Sadly the comments on the original post on the old blog got lost in the transfer. People had some good thoughts about it too. See what you think.
- That time I made Porchetta. The perfect sumptuous fall dish for a nice big gathering.
liturgical living
St. Alphonsus Rodriguez; then All Hallow's Eve; then the Feast of All Saints; and then, All Souls!
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The boards of the others: Rosie’s Pinterest. Sukie’s Pinterest. Deirdre’s Pinterest. Habou’s Pinterest (you can still get a lot of inspiration here! and say a prayer for her!). Bridget’s Pinterest.
Judith says
Happy dancing for you and your book!!! I absolutely adore the cover of the set. It reminds me of Mastering the Art of French Cooking or The Joy of Cooking. Such a visual delight! But the best part is knowing how it’s full of the bits of wisdom you’ve poured onto this virtual page for years. I’m buying one set for myself for Christmas and will buy one set for my 8 year old daughter for when she is older. Thank you for spending so much time creating these books and for making them beautiful and affordable. And thank you for continuing to write here and other places.
Jennifer says
YES! I concur! I pre-ordered a copy about a month ago and am so excited to see the gorgeous design. Congratulations and thank you for your hard work!
Catrina says
Yay!!! Congratulations!! I’m so excited for this!
Candice says
So exciting! I pre-ordered long ago and can’t wait to have your book. And so pretty!
Nicole says
I’m so excited! I started reading LMLD when my first child was born and now I have four! Your blog has been a wonderful source of inspiration and common sense as I embarked on my homemaking/homeschooling/wife/motherhood journey. It has had a significant impact on my life. Thank you so much!
caitlinloiko says
I concur with all of the above– there is a special angel who delights in leading first time mamas to Leila’s blog 🙂 I had my first in 2015, found LMLD, and now have four and have begun homeschooling.
Kate says
Congratulations on the books! I hope it will be available for Christmas for gift-giving. I hope they are not being printed in China. I worked with a Catholic publisher who originally had their books published overseas. They did research and number juggling and found that they actually weren’t saving much money over having books printed domestically. When you also consider other more important moral factors and Catholic social teaching, the extra money is worth keeping business at home.
Donna L. says
These are simply gorgeous! I’m thrilled that they are done–happy to wait a little bit longer to hold them in my hands! God bless you and thank you for all the time it took. I’m eagerly anticipating the wisdom, love and prayers that I’m certain you tucked inside~
Jenny says
Congratulations! I am so looking forward to reading this! There is also a sigh of relief that whatever happens to the internet my daughters will have a hard copy of all this valuable information! Thank you!
Jamie Gottlieb says
How exciting! I just passed the link along to my husband as a gift idea if he is stumped for my birthday… 😉
Vera says
Congratulations! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! I’m at the 35-weeks-pregnant-my-life-is-falling-apart-my-kids-are-monsters phase. So I can’t wait to read them!!!!
Castagna says
Great job, Auntie Leila! I’m thrilled. I’m getting married next year and this is going to be my wedding gift for myself 🙂
Could you share with us the Table of Contents?
Karen says
Congratulations on your new book! I just placed my order and I can’t wait to get it!
Lisa G. says
Congratulations to you, they’re very beautiful! I’ll order them from somewhere. 🙂 That baking soda thing is crazy, isn’t it? But I’ll try it.
Serena says
Auntie Leila, I have to say this post made me tear up a little bit. I have been reading your blog since my daughter was 3 months old and now she is 13, along with a 11 old son and my 9 year old twins. We have emailed a few times over the years when I had questions and wanted your advice (which was always thoughtful and sound), and I have followed your family’s adventures like I would a friend. Although the chances of us meeting in person are slim, you have been a blessing to me all these years as if you were a next door neighbor, and I am so, so happy for you and this wonderful accomplishment ❤️! I am off to pre-order a copy for myself and have no doubt I will be ordering more in the future!
Esther says
Congratulations! Can’t wait to get your book❤
Mrs. Bee says
HURRAY! Sound the trumpets, this IS an accomplishment! Hopefully, you’ll never have a vision that makes you conclude all you’ve written is just straw 😉
What can I say, so many things in the daily life of my family are happening because of something you’ve written… be it the firepit bought so we could have a Midsummer fire, the little oratory, or the candles on the dinner table – and these are just the “small” things! There are two words you’ve communicated for years – order and wonder – they’re powerful and have stayed with me like a treasure. Because of the way you’ve framed them, for me they’ll always be connected with Advent, so that Advent is always the time when I try to do things better, or when I try to take them “to the next level”.
It’s very good that your book is coming out now, when things are feeling so bleak and I very often remind myself of another favorite quote from you, that the answer to big evils is often in the small ways we decide to live our everyday lives. I think you’ve said this about abortion and the society-wide effects of a good marriage.
I still have so much to learn, but it’s a pleasure to declare oneself ignorant when the schooling is so lovely – thank you!
Celeste says
Congratulations, Leila! I’m excited to read your bookS and look forward to recommending them to others!
Nadege Armour says
Today, definitely could use some good news and TA-DA your book! Congratulations and just pre-ordered. 🎉🎊🍾
Betsy M. says
Congratulations!!! I am thrilled to have such a resource to gift to my girls and brides going forward.
Elizabeth says
I’m so excited for this book! I’ve been reading your blog for years and years…you started when I was in college. I’ve been dreaming of the day when I would be getting married and hopefully having babies and now I’m engaged! So thrilled to have this physical book as I start this next chapter of life.
Elizabeth says
Also, wanted to add…I made your Egyptian lasagna today for my fiancé. It will be a definite part of my meal rotation!
Natalie B says
🥰💗😭 soooo excited to hear the book is on the way!!! I’ve proudly begged for a book these 12 years of reading your delightful blog!! Thank you!!!!!!❤️❤️
Ginni says
Oh, the joy! What courage and calm you have transmitted to me through your blog. The Summa Domestica is another gift that you are giving mothers, and what a legacy to pass on to your own daughters and granddaughters. The lovely covers, the slipcovered case, the heft of a hardback. Hooray! I just pre-ordered my happy reading on All Saints Day, an auspicious day to order these beautiful books, to be sure. Congratulations, Auntie Leila!
Caitlin says
Oh, I am so excited to hold a physical copy in my hands! I’ve been known to print “Auntie Leila” articles to keep on hand for quick reference. I pre-ordered a while ago and am eagerly anticipating the arrival of these beautiful books.
Stephanie says
Congratulations! And a hearty thank you! One question about the education section. Is it geared toward homeschooling parents, or parents as educators generally?
Leila says
Thanks, Stephanie! The education section is for education generally as well as home schooling. There is a lot in there that is about books, moral education, music, art… pretty much all of it can be helpful for the family that sends their children to school!
Jessica Steed says
Thrilling! I, too, have been so abundantly blessed by your wisdom and humor through the years. Our family is truly better because of you. THANK YOU for your efforts here on your blog and for these wonderful new books.
Luana says
Congratulations!!! So happy to be able to order these books! Thank you so much for this blog and your books and golden advice and loving care for all the mums out there and your prayers for us all and everything!
Eva Marie says
Much love to you, my Auntie Leila, for teaching me so much that my own mom and aunts seemed to have forgotten by the time I became a mom. Also, yes! Baking soda and ground beef! We didn’t eat beef for so long because of family budget cuts that I had completely forgotten, but it works wonders.
Lindsay K says
This is truly the best news!! Merry Christmas to ME!!! 😀
Victoria says
So excited, my husband pre-ordered these for me for Christmas! HOW DID HE KNOW?!?!?!?!? 😉
Alice Gunther says
Pre-ordered! Looking forward to it!
Josie says
YAY!!!! I’m clapping through my screen! So excited for your books!!!
Rozy says
I’m delighted to see that you’ve put your wisdom into book form. Is there any way to make them available through other outlets? I refuse to order anything through Amazon and would prefer to order through my local bookstore to help keep them alive and well.
Thank you for using your time and energy for this project. It will be a gem for generations.
Victoria says
We ordered our copy directly through Sophia Institute Press’s website.
Annie says
You can try to talk to someone your local bookstore about your interest in this book! It’s my understanding that the employees of bookstores are always looking for ideas of what books their customers want them to stock. Similarly, once the book is out, most libraries have a process by which you can suggest books for them to buy for their shelves. I’ve requested several books this way at my library and every time they’ve bought my recommendation!
Leila says
Thank you, Rozy! I am sure that some bookstores will carry it. You can request it at the one you frequent! And you can order directly from the publisher if not.
Laura Austin says
Oh, I am so excited about these books, Auntie Leila! Thank you for writing them and doing all of the other things that go into publishing.
annadonnelly100 says
We’re thrilled in the Donnelly house! I pre-ordered, hoping my husband would bite when it the books were officially released (and would cancel in time before the order went through if not). This morning I was halfway through the description when he said, “I’m sold. I think that’s going to be good.” Then he noticed the title and *loved* it. He thought it was a great title and “very clever”. Thank you so much! Already a family heirloom, I’m sure, and it’s not even here yet!
Alyssa Will says
When I told my husband about this he was delighted with both the concept and the title and said I should get it. So I did (on back order) for myself, and I hope later to squirrel away a couple more copies for my daughters to present them when they get married. I’m so glad you did this; there’s never any guarantee that the content on the internet will stay put, but condensed into a book, your writing can encourage generations.
Anna says
I’m reading Volume 3 (so far, I’ve read 95% of Volume 1 and skipped and skimmed through Volume 2… reading that next), chapter 47, Counting Utensils, and it’s official: you are writing to me! You will laugh for a month, but I’m realizing that I had thought that you are someone who was born knowing what “clean as you go” means, but that no, you are (or used to be) like me in these areas, and that’s how you know how to explain what to do. I’m the often- paralyzed cobbler of efforts, and your book is getting me to a solid, intermediate level housekeeping status. A long time ago, I started learning really practical things from your blog (that are also included in the book), like cleaning in one direction around a room. Looking back at how little I knew then (six years ago, or so), those pieces of advice were like little flames of light that helped me put order to the fog. I read through your worksheets at some point a few years ago and applied much from those, too. The comprehensiveness of the book form, read straight through, cover-to-cover, rather than poking around the blog, is helping me to really get on the saddle. (And not fall off when it is more like saddle bronco riding at a stage when you have to get a handle on things, or else! God knows just what we need when we need it.) Thank you!