Monday Recap: January 2017

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.

At CatholicMom.com

listen-to-our-writers

Tech Talk: Listen to Our Writers: Several CatholicMom.com authors have their own podcasts! Subscribe to their shows for encouragement, entertainment and education.

At Cook and Count

walnut-cake-c

Walnut Spice Cakea dressed-up quick bread perfect for dessert.

mushroom-rosemary-sauce-7b

Mushroom-Rosemary Marinara: a hearty meatless pasta sauce.

orecchiette-with-ricotta-and-peas-b

Orecchiette with Ricotta and Peas: comfort food!

cod-with-panko-and-mustard-c

Cod with Mustard and Panko: a jazzed-up baked fish dinner.

 

Monday recap 2016 edition

Monday Recap: January 2, 2017

 

 

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.

At CatholicMom.com

i-played-my-best-for-him

I Played My Best for Him: A meditation on my favorite Christmas song. It’s not a traditional carol, but it sums up what we need to do every day.

featured-nativity-linkup

2016 Nativity Scene Linkup: Our Celebration of the Creche: Join our Nativity scene linkup! Share a photo of your family’s Nativity scene on your blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget the hashtag: #CMnativity. Open through January 8!

book notes

Book Notes for Teen Readers: Romance and Mystery by Cynthia T. Toney: Cynthia T. Toney writes novels for teens that combine Catholic characters, compelling mysteries and a touch of romance. I introduce readers to the “Bird Face” series, which would make great gifts for girls in middle school and up.

Book Notes: “What Pope Francis Really Said” by Tom Hoopes: Tom Hoopes’ book “What Pope Francis Really Said” unpacks the truth behind the media’s rush to judgment. I recommend the book to all Catholics committed to defending and living out their faith.

Book Notes: 4 Books for Young Readers from Pauline Books & Media: A new book is always a welcome Christmas gift. I reviewed 4 inspiring reads for children from Pauline Books & Media.

Book Notes: “Fearless” by Sonja Corbitt: I reviewed a new book by CatholicMom.com contributor Sonja Corbitt. “Fearless” invites the reader to take up spiritual warfare against fear, stress and anxiety.

cm-praise-moments-fi

Praise Moments: “Winter Snow” by Audrey Assad: I spotlighted “Winter,” a new EP by Catholic musician Audrey Assad.

mexican-omelet-1c

Meatless Friday: Mexican Omelet: Try this Jersey-diner favorite for your Meatless Friday breakfast, lunch or dinner!

crs-digital-advent-retreat

Tech Talk: 10-Minute Advent Retreat from Catholic Relief Services: For those who don’t think they have time to make an Advent retreat, Catholic Relief Services packs a powerful spiritual experience in a 10-minute online retreat. Here are my impressions of “Holy Family, Refugee Family.”

At Cook and Count

cod-with-caper-sauce-1c

Cod with Caper-Mustard Sauce

mexican-omelet-1c

Mexican Omelet

lamb-stew-with-roasted-vegetables-c

Lamb Stew with Roasted Vegetables

At Dynamic Women of Faith

Book Review: Who Does He Say You Are? A review of Colleen C. Mitchell’s spiritual work on women in the Gospel.

 

Monday recap 2016 edition

Monday Recap: October and November 2016

The beginning of November got away from me, so I’m including 2 months’ worth of articles in this edition of Monday Recap. It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.

At CatholicMom.com

coloring-book-notes-logoColor and Pray: At Play in God’s Creation Coloring Book

A review of a different kind of coloring book: At Play in God’s Creation is an invitation to prayer and creativity.

Review of "The Perfect Blindside" at Franciscanmom.com

Book Notes: The Perfect Blindside

My review of Leslea Wahl’s novel for teens, “The Perfect Blindside,” featuring an unlikely couple who team up to solve a mystery and find something more.

meatless-burrito-beans-2c

Meatless Friday: Burrito Bowls

Faster and cheaper than takeout: I break down the veggie burrito bowl for your Meatless Friday dinner.

spiritinthemorningwidebanner-1
Courtesy of Holy Spirit Radio.

Tech Talk: Spirit in the Morning Radio with Gary Zimak

Catholic evangelist Gary Zimak launched a new morning radio program this week! Here are the details on how you can listen, no matter where you live.

rosasola_cvr_lrg-1800-x-2700

Book Notes: Rosa, Sola by Carmela Martino

Rosa, Sola by Carmela Martino deals with the sensitive topic of infant loss and brings up questions about living out the Works of Mercy. I discuss the book with the author and interview key characters.

you_bundle

Book Notes: YOU, a Theology of the Body study program for teens

YOU, a new Theology of the Body study program for teens from Ascension Press, that challenges and engages teens in the discussion of a difficult subject.

journey-to-the-cross

Book Notes: Journey to the Cross by Shane Cloonan

My interview with teenage author Shane Cloonan about Journey to the Cross, a picture book for children that’s perfect for Advent and Christmas reading.

who-does-he-say-you-are

Book Notes: Who Does He Say You Are?

My review of Who Does He Say You Are? by Colleen C. Mitchell, a book inviting women to put themselves in the places of women in the Gospels.

cod-with-caper-sauce-1c

Meatless Friday: Cod with Caper-Mustard Sauce

Here’s an easy way to dress up plain baked fish fillets with a 4-ingredient sauce. This dinner takes just minutes to make but looks and tastes fancy enough for company.

Book Notes: Two Guidebooks for Young Adults

My review of two guidebooks that will make great gifts for the young adults in your life, with tips on keeping the faith in college and finding a faithful spouse.

benedicta-album-cover

Earthquake Topples Benedictine Basilica

The Benedictine Monks of Norcia, who released a chant album honoring the Blessed Mother last year, have suffered the destruction of their monastery and basilica in this year’s earthquakes in central Italy.

og-front-cover-final

Book Notes: Ornamental Graces

My review of Carolyn Astfalk’s newest novel, Ornamental Graces, and interview with four of the novel’s supporting characters.

Teresa-21

Book Notes: Advent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta

I had a hard time putting down a new Advent devotional by Heidi Hess Saxton. Advent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta offers food for thought and prayer for any reader who is devoted to this fascinating saint.

Biographical Book Notes

Capsule reviews of 6 biographies: no tell-alls here, but books that will inspire you in the spiritual life.

pray-the-year-banner
Courtesy of PraytheYear.com

Pray the Year: Liturgical Resources for Families

My interview with Jonathan Sullivan, the creator of “Pray the Year,” a free email service providing liturgical prayer resources for families. Sign up today to receive the Advent email from “Pray the Year!”

Print

Book Notes: Prayer in the Catholic Tradition

How many ways can a Catholic pray? “Prayer in the Catholic Tradition” covers the history and how-tos of Catholic prayer.

cm-advent-wreath-linkup-pin

Advent Wreath Linkup 2016: A Celebration of Advent Wreaths

Join our Advent wreath linkup! Share a photo of your family’s Advent wreath on your blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget the hashtag: #adventwreathcm

At Catholic Underground

9780996816847.MAIN

At Cook and Count

chicken-paprika-romanian-3c

Romanian Chicken Paprika

giant-ginger-oatmeal-1c

Cookie Time: Giant Orange Ginger Oatmeal Cookies

chicken-with-tortellini-3c

Chicken with Red Wine and Onions

At Dynamic Women of Faith

Book Review: Catholic Coloring Books for Prayer, Reflection and Relaxation

Teresa-21

Book Review: Advent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta

At Midwest Review of Books

Full Cycle cover

At The Ruth Institute

Monday recap 2016 edition

Monday Recap: October 3, 2016

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.

At CatholicMom.com

shrimp-fra-diavolo-for-2Meatless Friday: Date-Night Shrimp Fra Diavolo. My recipe makes just enough for a fancy dinner for two!

seven riddles to nowhere

Book Notes Goes to Middle School: 7 Riddles to Nowhere. Are you wondering if 7 Riddles to Nowhere is appropriate for your middle-schooler? I asked author A.J. Cattapan some insider questions about the book.

intercessory-prayer-gets-behind-the-wheel

Intercessory Prayer Gets Behind the Wheel. Emergency vehicles don’t have to be the only things that move you to intercessory prayer while you’re driving. Any car on the road can be a reminder to pray.

works-of-mercy-coloring-book_cover_web2-300x300

Book Notes: Works of Mercy Coloring & Activity Book. I reviewed the Education in Virtue Works of Mercy Coloring & Activity Book, which will appeal to parents, catechists and Catholic-school teachers who’d like to supplement their children’s religious instruction with fun and worthwhile educational activities.

coloring-book-notes-logo

Book Notes: 2 Coloring Books for Prayer from Pauline Books & Media. I reviewed two new coloring books for adults. Pauline Books & Media publishes “Our Lady’s Garden” and “Windows into Christ.” How can you incorporate prayer into the coloring craze?

feeding-your-familys-soul-dmcob

Book Notes: Feeding Your Family’s Soul. Has family dinnertime gotten lost in the shuffle of your busy family schedule? I reviewed a new book by CatholicMom.com contributor Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle that aims to give family dinners pride of place.

caravaggio_st-jerome-writing-sm

St. Jerome, Doctor & Curmudgeon. On September 30the Church celebrates St. Jerome, patron of librarians, scholars, students, translators…and grumpy people. I shared how St. Jerome’s story gives me hope.

At Cook and Count

Giant Double Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Cookies by Barb Szyszkiewicz @franciscanmom

Giant Double-Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Cookies

Cheesy Potato packets by Barb Szyszkiewicz @franciscanmom

On the Grill: Cheesy Potato Packets

Pork Lo Mein by Barb Szyszkiewicz @franciscanmom

Pork Lo Mein or Stir-Fry

Pork Scaloppine by Barb Szyszkiewicz @franciscanmom

Simple Pork Scaloppine

Roasted Broccoli  by Barb Szyszkiewicz @franciscanmom

Roasted Broccoli

 

Monday recap 2016 edition

###

This month I’m joining all the cool kids in the #Write31Days adventure! I didn’t pick a keyword or a theme, because just getting something written for all 31 days is challenge enough for me right now.

Monday Recap: September 5, 2016

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces, from book reviews and Tech Talk (will I ever get to Inbox Zero?) to recipes and back-to-school tips from none other than Ramona’s mom!

At CatholicMom.com

mailbox-55464_1920
Image via Pixabay (2009), CC0 Public Domain

 

Tech Talk: Is Inbox Zero a Pipe Dream? I fight an ongoing battle with my inbox. Are you working on controlling your email? Find out what works for a detail-oriented thinker.

Ramona
“Beverly Cleary Fandom” by Multnomah County Library (2014) via Flickr, CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0

 

Mrs. Quimby’s 6 Best Back-to-School Tips (Plus One from Me). I loved reading Beverly Cleary’s “Ramona” series as a child. Turns out, these books are chock-full of sound parenting advice.

WLA-P

Book Notes: Works of Love are Works of Peace. My review of the newly-reissued photobook about Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta: Works of Love are Works of Peace. This book will challenge and change the way you serve.

marys-way

Book Notes: “Mary’s Way” Encourages Praying Moms. Mary’s Way: The Power of Entrusting Your Child to God is both a testament to perseverance and a guide to surrender. I reviewed this new book by CatholicMom.com contributor Judy Klein.

At Catholic Underground

A Single Bead by Stephanie Engelman

Catholic Underground picked up my review of Stephanie Engelman’s A Single Bead. Thanks for hosting me!

At Cook and Count

I haven’t made too many new dishes this summer, so there’s just one recipe this time!

shrimp fra diavolo for 2Shrimp Fra Diavolo for Two

At Dynamic Women of Faith

CM Prayer Companion cover art

Book Review: The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion. The book is out now, so be sure to order your copy today! Want an autographed copy? Leave a comment or email me for details.

Monday recap 2016 edition

Monday Recap: July 4, 2016

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.

At CatholicMom.com

sunflowers in a hurricaneBook Notes: Sunflowers in a Hurricane. My review of a new novel by Catholic author Anne Faye. Terrific characters in this one; it’s a great summer read.

 

 

QOW Summer ice creamQuestion of the Week: Ice Cream Edition. Just for fun–what’s your favorite ice-cream flavor?

 

 

find a real friend in JesusBook Notes: Find a Real Friend in Jesus. Gary Zimak’s new book, Find a Real Friend in Jesus, is full of friendly, personal advice from someone who is so invested in his faith that he can’t help but share it with others.

 

QOW-for-FI-351x185Question of the Week: Summer Reading. Our question of the week: How do you handle summer-reading assignments with your school-age children?

creed by scott hahnBook Notes: The Creed by Scott Hahn. Scott Hahn’s new book, The Creed, invites readers to consider the importance of affirming their beliefs, and why we still need to do so today.

 

 

QOW-for-FI-351x185Question of the Week: Summer Activities for the Kids. Our Question of the Week: do your children participate in summer activities, such as sports, camps, or VBS?

Full Cycle coverBook Notes: A Novel for Fathers and Sons. This Father’s Day, consider giving a father-son gift: a novel that fathers and sons can enjoy together. Full Cycle by Christopher Blunt is just such a book.

 

mahi burgers (3) c T smallMeatless Friday: Mahi Burgers with Grilled Pineapple. For your Meatless Friday meal, I introduce a healthy and delicious burger alternative: mahi burgers with grilled pineapple.

Mercy OTEM IGWhat My Daughter Has Taught Me about Mercy #OTEM. I examine the lessons I can learn from my impulsive daughter, who never hesitates to take action when others are in need.

 

At Cook and Count

Pineapple-salsa CPineapple Salsa: a picnic-worthy side that goes with just about anything you’ll be grilling up this summer!

 

 

fuego box 1 FBA Spicy Father’s Day Gift for Foodie Dads: my review of a deliciously spicy combination of ingredients from Fuego Box.

Monday recap 2016 edition

Monday Recap: April 2016

 

At CatholicMom.com

Easter ham and cheese bakeCooking with Kids: Easter Ham and Cheese Bake. I shared a frugal recipe that kids can help prepare for the non-Meatless Friday after Easter.

 

 

Catholic-Catalogue-Book-Club-CatholicMom.com-720x340-351x185Catholic Catalogue Book Club Part II: Seasons of the Church Year (#32-44)We discussed Part Two: Seasons of the Church Year (#32-44) from The Catholic Catalogue, by Melissa Musick and Anna Keating. Reading this book has convinced me of the need to make sure that the observations of both the daily and the seasonal aspects of Catholic life take place on a family level, not just a personal one

four keys to everlasting loveBook Notes: The Four Keys to Everlasting Love. My review of The Four Keys to Everlasting Love by CatholicMom.com contributors Dr. Manuel and Karee Santos. The book is an excellent resource for marriage prep, but it’s not just for engaged couples or even newlyweds.

 

AmorisLaetitia WOF for FIAmoris Laeticia, The Joy of Love. A roundup of early commentary on the latest papal exhortation, as well as a link to the document itself.

blue eyed dollBook Notes: Blue-Eyed Doll. I reviewed Blue-Eyed Doll, a fascinating historical novel that transports the reader to 1920s California, where students collected dolls to exchange for dolls from students in Japan.

 

Catholic emoji FITech Talk: Texting and Tweeting with Catholic Emoji. Just for fun, I tried out the new Catholic Emoji app for iPhone and iPad. Those new emoji from Apple? Try to find real Rosary beads in there. Catholic Emoji has you covered.

hope unfoldingMother’s Day Book Notes: Hope Unfolding. I reviewed Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truths for the Momma’s Heart. It’s a perfect Mother’s Day gift for any overwhelmed mom.

At Cook and Count

cilantro citrus chicken 2cCitrus-Cilantro Chicken

 

 

roast pork orange pan sauce C (1)Roast Pork with Orange Pan Sauce

 

 

three way tacos CThree-Way Taco Topping

 

 

 

chesapeake bay shrimp CMeatless Friday: Chesapeake Bay Shrimp

 

At Dynamic Women of Faith

blue eyed dollBook Review: Blue-Eyed Doll by Deanna K. KlingelThis fascinating historical novel transports the reader to 1920s California, where students collected dolls to exchange for dolls from students in Japan, and follows the collectible dolls into World War II and its aftermath. Don’t miss Ruth Mary, the gutsy main character–she’s terrific.

Note: All links to books are Amazon affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my website with your purchase!

Monday Recap: February 2016

At CatholicMom.com

Lent-2016-CRS-Rice-Bowl-and-CM-Meatless-Fridays-702x336Meatless Fridays with CRS Rice Bowl: Rice and Lentil Mash

This Lent, CatholicMom.com is partnering with CRS Rice Bowl in a special way, sharing the CRS Rice Bowl featured recipes on each Lenten Friday. I sampled Rice and Lentil Mash, a recipe from Laos.

touched by an angel box setNow on DVD: a TV Series that Proclaims God’s Mercy and Love

I reviewed the Touched By an Angel Complete Series boxed set of DVDs, a program with a message of mercy that’s needed even more now than when the show first aired.

 

 

bread upon the waterBook Notes: Bread Upon the Water

I reviewed Bread Upon the Water, a story of perseverance that was written for the young adult audience but which will inspire adults as well.

 

 

 

Magnificat Lenten Companion app collageTech Talk: Magnificat Lenten Companion App

If you prefer to use a digital resource for your Lenten prayer and meditation, you’ll definitely want to explore the Magnificat Lenten Companion app for iOS. I examined its many features in my monthly Tech Talk column.

 

Inheritance album artRejoicing in the Dark Places: Inheritance by Audrey Assad

Praising God when you can’t see the light? Amazingly, it helps more than you might think! The music on Audrey Assad’s new CD, Inheritance, is a gentle reminder that we’re not in this alone.

 

3 Bean Chili Mac small T CMeatless Friday: 3-Bean Chili Mac

My recipe for meatless Chili Mac is Snow Day food at its best: it’s warm, tasty and fills you up. You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry!

Kiss of JesusBook Notes: The Kiss of Jesus

Catholicmom contributor Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has written a memoir that views suffering through the lens of faith. I reviewed “The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross.”

At Cook and Count

sesame chicken tenders (2)Sesame Chicken Tenders: Crispy chicken tenders are always a family favorite. These no-fry chicken tenders get a little extra crunch from the sesame seeds, but don’t dry out in the oven thanks to a sour-cream-based marinade.

gnocchi e fagioli 2Gnocchi e Fagioli: Here’s a meatless dish that comes together in about 20 minutes! It’s easy to make and very heart-healthy. You won’t even miss the meat in this simple meal. Add other quick-cooking fresh vegetables to change up the flavor.

 

 

 

lazy duchess (2) cCooking with Kids – Lazy Duchess Potatoes: These potatoes might not look fancy, but they’re fun for kids to make and an easy way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes.

 

Blueprint- Crumb Crusted ChickenBlueprint Recipe – Crumb Crusted Chicken: This 3-ingredient “blueprint recipe” is a favorite around here and easy to change up by swapping in different varieties of one ingredient!

 

 

maple brown sugar chicken C (2)Maple – Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs: The sauce on this chicken has a subtle sweetness. While the recipe’s a little more complex than my usual cooking repertoire (because I’m lazy), this is definitely worth the extra effort. It goes with any of your favorite side dishes.

honey lime fish fillets with spinach garlic bow tiesMeatless Friday – Honey-Lime Fish Fillets: Fish fillets are an easy way to make a Meatless Friday meal. Try this simple and flavorful dish!

At Dynamic Women of Faith

Book Review: 3 New Lenten Resources from Ave Maria Press

Book Review: A Single Bead by Stephanie Engelman

Book Review: The Kiss of Jesus by Donna Marie Cooper-O’Boyle

Monday Recap: January 2016

Monday recap 2016 edition

New year, new logo! I’m also going to be doing recaps monthly instead of weekly, with the hope that I’ll be doing more writing here rather than just gathering up links to what I’m writing elsewhere. We’ll see how that goes.

I was pleased, in December, to be contacted by Mercatornet.com’s Reading Matters, because they wanted to publish one of my YA book reviews. There may be more to come, and I’m grateful for the privilege of sharing my reviews with their audience.

At CatholicMom.com

CM Christmas Cookie ExchangeChristmas Cookie Exchange: Mrs. Wagner’s Cookies: For our CatholicMom.com Christmas Cookie Exchange, I shared the cookie recipe that’s become a family tradition–and makes plenty of cookies to share!

chasing a second chanceBook Notes: A Christmas-Season Sequel. What’s more fun than a sequel to a novel you’ve enjoyed? A sequel set at Christmastime! I reviewed Chasing a Second Chance by Catholicmom.com contributor Lisa Lawmaster Hess.

 

meatless-friday-redesignMeatless Fridays: A Year of Mercy Resolution. Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions yet? I encourage you to consider observing Meatless Fridays all year ’round during the Year of Mercy.

Blessing KitsBless Your Home for Epiphany. I’m sharing our parish’s custom of distributing home-blessing kits to families.

At Cook and Count

Monday Recap recipes Jan 2016

Cashew Chicken: better than takeout, because you can customize the recipe just to your liking.

Almond Doodles: a crunchy twist on your standard snickerdoodle.

Mrs. Wagner’s Christmas Cookies: a recipe shared with my family by our “extra grandmother.”

Peppermint M&M Chocolate Cookies: If you enjoy chocolate and mint together, you’ll love these festive cookies!

At Reading Matters

Mercatornet.com’s Reading Matters blog picked up my review of Theresa Linden’s Roland West, Loner!

What’s for Supper? Dec. 4-10

I’m linking up at Simcha Fisher’s blog at Aletia, where she’s got a great weekly “What’s for Supper?” feature going on. And since TWO linkups are better than one, and there are SEVEN days in a week of suppers, I’m also joining up with 7 Quick Takes!WFD collage 12102015
Here’s what we had for supper this week (and it featured WAY too much rice. Even for me, and I love rice.)

FRIDAY: Pizza. We had a Street Urchin invasion and I didn’t have enough fish to feed the whole crowd.

SATURDAY: Pork carnitas with pico de gallo, pinto beans and rice.

SUNDAY: Tandoori chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, green beans.

MONDAY: Hawaiian chicken, rice, vegetables.

TUESDAY: Leftover pot roast (I freeze this), noodles, gravy, roasted carrots with cumin.

WEDNESDAY: Vodka pasta, garlic bread.

THURSDAY: Chicken with lemon, thyme and onions, rice, steamed spinach.