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May 15, 2017
Catholic Influencers

From California to London: Catholic Social Media Influencers, Volume 4

From California to London- Catholic Social Media Influencers, Volume 4.pngCatholic Social Media Influencers is a group I created and manage on Facebook.  This amazing community of both men and women write, own businesses, create products and truly embrace God’s will in their lives.  Each of them inspire, educate and genuinely care for their readers.

Do you Pin?  Follow all the Catholic Social Media Influencers on Pinterest here:

Catholic Social Media Influencers Board on Pinterest

Today I am sharing two interviews.  The first is with a young blogger currently residing in California, and the second is from a Mom “across the pond”; an Italian living in London.

Caitlyn Anderson

Blogger at Mrs. Andy: Anchored by Faith

Tell us about yourself!
CaitAndersonMrsAndy

My name is Caitlyn Anderson, but I am also known as “Mrs. Andy”- a nickname that my husband’s coworkers gave me the first time we met that has stuck ever since! I’m a blogger, fur-mama, Navy wife, and Catholic: in reverse order.

I have been happily married to my husband Jacob for two years. We are currently living in Southern California with our beloved fur-child Remington. The three of us enjoy eating pizza, binge watching classic movies, and going to the beach. We also enjoy growing in the faith and finding ways to incorporate our Catholic beliefs into everyday activities.

I started the Mrs.Andy, Anchored By Faith blog as a way to share my Catholic beliefs and how they helped me navigate life as a military spouse. As I continued to share my experiences, this blog grew into a place for me to link everything about my life- mind, body, and soul- back to my faith in God and my relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope that by sharing how the faith keeps me anchored in my crazy life as a young adult and military spouse, I can inspire others to anchor themselves in faith and face their temporal and spiritual storms knowing God is by their side.

Where can you be found on social media?

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/mrsandyanchoredbyfaith/

Instagram- https://www.facebook.com/mrsandyanchoredbyfaith/

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/mrsandy2016/

What type of wine is your favorite?

I only turned 21 a few months ago, so I haven’t had a whole lot of time to explore the wine world… but so far I am a fan of Merlot! I’ll update you later on if this changes.

What is your favorite chocolate?

I love me some dark chocolate! Unless it is a Dove Milk Chocolate Square… but anything white “chocolate” is a no-go for me.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

I love praying the Holy Rosary. I am a total mama’s girl, so being able to ask the Blessed Mother for her intercessions has always been very special and reassuring to me. Never underestimate the power of the rosary!!!

As far as quotes go… It would have to be a tie between Hebrews 6:19 (the verse that inspired my blog title) and “Welcome to the military, where everything is set in jello!” I think both of those sum up my life pretty nicely. It is a combination of faith and humor that get me through the day!

What services do you provide?

Through social media and the Mrs. Andy, Anchored By Faith blog, I provide support and encouragement for women of all vocations. Being a 21-year-old Catholic Navy wife, I am able to provide a unique perspective of Christian living in a modern world, offer faith-based advice for young adults navigating relationships (platonic, romantic, or spiritual), and shed light on the different challenges married people face with a focus on military life.

I am available to write for faith-based websites and do sponsored posts. Please contact me for my rates!

Contact info

Feel free to contact me on any social media sites (especially Facebook and Instagram) or email me at contactme@mrsandyanchored.com   

Chiara Finaldi

Founder of Catholic Mothers group on Facebook, blogger at The Pearl of Great Price

chiaraf.jpg

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Chiara (37) Italian living in London UK where I moved 18 years ago after marrying my teenage sweetheart, Pierpaolo (40). We have six children (17yrs-10months) and with the help of God we try to live our life to the fullest, fighting together for the Truth. We are fruits of Pope Saint John Paul II’s Papacy. We blog as part of our apostolate and run the ‘Catholic Mothers’ Facebook Page. Eating good food and drinking good wine is part of our Mediterranean culture, I have fun cooking and I am not afraid of feeding an infinite number of people. I enjoy painting Icons, creating elaborate Christmas crèches and making pretty things. I love dancing flamenco, listening to my husband’s beautiful baritone voice and singing with my musical family. My mum used to call me a ‘volcano’ when I was younger because I was constantly erupting with ideas and grand projects … things have not really changed, so watch this space!

I blog at ‘The Pearl of Great Price’ http://catholicpearl.blogspot.co.uk/ . The name is taken from a passage from the Gospel of Matthew (13:45-46) ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.’

Where can you be found on social media?

You can find me on twitter at @CFinaldi

On Instagram as Chiara.fin

Or you can join us on Catholic Mothers https://www.facebook.com/groups/catholic.mothers/

There you will discover a beautiful virtual community of mothers sharing, praying and walking together on this journey of faith.

What type of wine is your favorite?

I have really expensive tastes but no money and that goes for wine too…For this reason I am even more grateful to be Catholic…Though to fast or to make sacrifices (whether because of lack of money or because of the liturgical season) can, at times, be hard… we are asked really to make an effort around important feasts and to celebrate them to the full.

To mark important liturgical festivities (especially Christmas and Easter) we stock up usually with full bodied reds like Amarone, Barolo, Chateauneuf Du Pape or Brunello di Montalcino.

Out of the ones I have just mentioned I would say Brunello di Montalcino is definitely one of my favourite wine. Exquisite red, delicate, gentle on the palate and yet full of flavour, a wonderful companion to a good English roast or a fine steak.

When summer comes I really enjoy accompanying a nice salad with a big cold glass of Retsina, a white, resinated unsophisticated Greek wine with a very singular taste and very refreshing. It reminds me of our honeymoon in the Peloponnese!

 What is your favorite chocolate?

Green and Blacks is my favourite English brand of chocolate. The company was founded in 1991 and produces a beautiful range of high quality chocolate bars. Among the large selection offered my favorite one is the organic dark chocolate with crystallised ginger pieces. It gives me the right boost to face the school pick up and I really enjoy it in the evening with Pierpaolo (and his mint chocolate) accompanied by a nice cup of tea and the well-earned silence of hardworking household. 

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

The Prayer of the Heart, ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ is one of my favourite prayers. It is nice and concise. I recite it on a loop at any point of the day especially when feeling discouraged, during stressful moments or when upset and about to lose my patience.

What services do you provide?

I’ve written for the Everyday Ediths blog, Regina magazine and have some writing projects in the pipeline. I’m planning a series of interviews with Catholic Mothers who have other extraordinary stories to tell. Beginning with pro-life speaker and novelist Fiorella Nash.

I run the Catholic Mothers Facebook group, which I founded in 2015 as a reaction to a secular Mother’s group I was part of. Within that group I encountered a microcosm of all the things I disliked and went against my Catholic faith.

It was a group for mothers but that somehow hated motherhood and was constantly trying to reinvent it. It was a group for women who despised the very fact they were women and their attributes, were disrespectful to their husbands, partners or any male figure in their life.

Catholic Mothers is an apostolate where women are encouraged to live their femininity to the full and to embrace their vocation with God as their leader and Christ before them to show them the way!

Though based in the UK, Catholic Mothers is an International community that is constantly growing. Moved by the wonderful American spirit and ‘can do’ attitude, we have many projects lined up to support us in our calling and in the passing on the faith to our children.

A Catholic Mothers’ planner will be available for sale soon, children’s books will be published in December and we hope to organize the first Catholic Mothers Conference in London. We have started a little Youtube channel so that our Mothers from across the pond can participate and we can walk together on this journey towards the Father’s house.

You can join us here https://www.facebook.com/groups/catholic.mothers/

Support here: Catholic Mothers Fundraiser

Contact info

 c.finaldi@talktalk.net

catholicmothersuk@gmail.com

Want to read about other Catholic Social Media Influencers?  Check out these posts:

Catholic Social Media Influencers: Volume 3

Catholic Social Media Influencers: Volume 2

Catholic Social Media Influencers: Volume 1

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  1. Kirby Hoberg says

    May 17, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    So many of my favorite people!

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GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals @catholicsonline

What if we combined prayer journaling with junk jo What if we combined prayer journaling with junk journaling???

Let’s find out together with @wendytownley on Saturday morning!

Join us for a fun workshop- and put some time to be pray and be creative on your calendar this weekend!
Want more info? Type JOURNAL in the comments!
Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling i Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling in love with prayer on a whole new level!!
Join @wendytownley and Amy Brooks @prayerwinechocolate to learn more!

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #prayerjournal #junkjournal #jesusjournaljunkies
Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME!
So thankful @allentowndiocese hosted and organized this beautiful day with the help of Trials to Triumph (T3) a foundation that helps families in the area and created a beautiful space to pray, reflect and enjoy the company of others.

Some highlights:

🙏Over 60 women prayed the Rosary together and I used Julia Miller’s @freshrosary Praying the Promises Rosary guide to lead each mystery. Julia several women came up to me afterwards to ask where they could get a copy… the said it really moved them ❤️

🤗One woman said, “I have no Catholic friends!” to which I responded, “You do now!!” THIS the beauty of Prayer Wine Chocolate! 

🏫 I got to see an old friend from college and it was so much fun catching up with her! Her name is Maria which was one wink from the Blessed Mother - but definitely not the only one!

♥️It was the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I shared some stories about IHM nuns… I had met with all but one of the group that resides at our parish convent. The one Sister that missed our gathering… well her Mom and sister attended this event! This place is about an hour and a half from my house! What are the odds??? 

Signal graces are so cool.😎 

I hope women who attended start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group in their parish!

Want more information? Comment below!

#Catholic #Catholicfellowship #catholicwoman #Catholicwomen #Catholicretreat
Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( I mean, the guy deserves a coffee break or something… I’m constantly dialing his number!!!).

My unofficial patron Saint of finding a parking spot is SAINT POLYCARP!
 Years ago a coworker (fellow teacher, we taught in a Catholic High School together) told me she always asks Saint Polycarp to help her find parking and he never lets her down.
Her reasoning…she said, and I quote:

“No one is asking him for anything!!!”

All I’m saying is …it works.
Try it.

#CatholicSaints #patronsaint #Catholic #Catholics#CatholicsofInstagram
A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Cho A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering…

Our Lady ended up at the table with us before we began to pray the Rosary.

And as if it was perfectly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit… she was located at the head of the table.

That night was so incredibly fun. I remember thinking about how Bishop Barron once said;

“The flag of the Holy Spirit is JOY”.

That is what that night felt like to me. The Holy Spirit was there and moving!

Thank you Jessica (@sallykpub ) for successfully running a PWC group during the 2025-2026 year!

Thank you Betsy (@vacationlearning_blog ) for pioneering this adventure!!!

Comment below if you want more information about this parish ministry!!!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #Catholic #Rosary
Life has been extra busy lately. Here are a few mo Life has been extra busy lately.
Here are a few moments I’d like to share with you ❤️

1. I recorded, edited and published a reel. I have many on my to do list but responsibilities have pulled me in so many directions lately. I really enjoy making reels. I hope to publish more soon!

2. I thought about backing out of the shore (that’s Philly for beach) field trip and keeping my son home too. I had fearful, anxious thoughts the days and night before. I’m so glad I didn’t cave to them. My oldest son had a fantastic day with his classmates. The chaperones and teacher had a great day too. I think God gave us all a mini retreat. I am so grateful ☺️ 

3. Colleen discovered @thelandmark.cafe serves @sevenweekscoffee a week before the trip and suggested we go there. I suggested we pray a Rosary on the beach. These kinds of friendships make all the hard things in life so much lighter. Plus, we bought matching sweatshirts. ❤️ you @colleeenm 

4. I was an assistant track coach this Spring! My daughter wanted to run and we even convinced her older brother to sign up too! This is extra special to me since this was a sport I participated in and coached for years before motherhood. I’m excited to see my children continue to put their best feet forward on the track and in the field events too.

5. I was a disgruntled, unenthusiastic assistant coach when I first received the Paper Plate Award assignment. As I took on this work, I truly began to enjoy it. I realized how little I do just for the sake of creativity and leisure. This assignment was a gift. I’m super proud of my surfboard and must give credit to YouTubers who make it possible for me to draw anything 

6. My husband had a birthday last week. He took off from work and we had lunch at Panera Bread while the kids were in school. It was lovely and delicious!

7. This year when I chaperoned the Churches and Cheesesteaks field trip I did NOT get a flat tire. This makes for a happier chaperone. I think I ate a Pat’s cheesesteak but it may have even Geno’s. Either way… good. I don’t mind being a tourist in my hometown of Philly. Honestly, I quite enjoy it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#7quicktakes #fridayintroductions
We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn’t help to listen when I overheard…

One young woman to another wearing a baby..
“Look at his white hair!!!”

Mother wearing baby: I know, we picked out his name before he was born and when we came out we looked up what his name means and is means “white hair”

Other woman: No way!!!

Baby wearing Mama; “The Lord knows!”
Other woman: He sure does!”

Me to friend who also overheard this; “Oh I LOVE ❤️ this place!!!”

The Lord indeed knows!
Praise the Lord!

The Lord knew that I would be planning to make a reel for @sevenweekscoffee … but I didn’t know @colleeenm would have told me about this coffee shop that serves Seven Weeks Coffee and it just happens to be where we were taking our 8th graders on their class trip!

The Lord knew…
He also knew it would be the day of @thelandmark.cafe ‘s soft opening!

We got to order brunch and I must say not only the coffee was delicious but so was the GOAT Omelette!

Thank you @sevenweekscoffee for sending me some coffee! Thank you @thelandmark.cafe for an incredible experience and an amazing Golden Hour iced coffee!#catholic #catholicwoman #prolife #catholicwomen #catholicmom
Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June 13th???

Let’s celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary together!

We will pray the Rosary, sip wine and enjoy snacks and I’ll share how this ministry will unite our hearts to our Blessed Mother and ultimately to the Heart of Jesus!

#boulderridge #ImmaculateHeart #Allentown #Catholic #Catholicretreat
“Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an “Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an evil to fear.”

I am delighted to share this book written by @emilystimpsonchapman with you!

On Mother’s Day I enjoyed a few moments of silence and solitude on my deck with a cup of coffee and this hardback book that I think is absolutely perfect for a coffee table.

Since I’m a total history buff and definitely appreciate a glass of wine 🍷 I couldn’t say yes fast enough when I was offered a review copy of this book!

I so appreciate Emily’s introduction which I devoured and even took notes (yes, that is me relaxing) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

My top bucket list wish is to go to Italy one day… so the first chapter is helping me write my dream itinerary.

If you are looking for more Catholic inspired content or even a gift for a friend… I highly recommend this book.

Let me know if you have it or read it! 
If you want the link… let me know :)

Tag a friend who would LOVE this book!
Cheers!!! 🥂 

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #Catholichome #Catholicwoman #prayerwinechocolate
It’s that easy. Share your intentions; Pray a Rosa It’s that easy. Share your intentions;
Pray a Rosary tonight;
Enjoy some wine and chocolate.
Cheers!
It’s still Easter!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholicreels #Catholicwomen #catholicfriends
Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude.
I would ever write a letter to a friend and immediately start talking about myself… and yet I wanted to dive right in there when praying to the Creator of heaven and earth?????

Prayer journaling truly helped me in many ways. This was the first way.

I needed to be more grateful.
Some days are really hard… but there is always something to be grateful for.

Shifting my attention was something that I needed; not only spiritually but mentally and emotionally.

Do you use a journal to pray?

Share your thoughts 👇🏼

#prayer #prayerjournaling #prayerjournal #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts
Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering! A Prayer Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is, at its foundation, a Rosary group that incorporates time for friendship and fellowship.

Why start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group?

—>You want more Catholic friends but don’t know how to find them . . .

—>You want more Catholics to return to the faith, and you are looking for ways that will help them feel welcome!

—-> You are in a busy stage of life so a Bible study is not ideal, but you still want to gather with other Catholic women for faith and fellowship

If you are interested in starting a parish group, 
Comment FREE 
for a FREE resource that will help you talk to your Pastor about the benefits of having a Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry in your parish!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholic #Rosary #faithandfriendship
Infertility is a part of my life story… But so is Infertility is a part of my life story…
But so is hope, prayer and miracles.

One thing I know helped me through those dark, hard years were reading miracle accounts of others who had faced this same struggle.

I loved reading miracle stories about women and couples longing for a child or children.
The accounts that shared grief, despair and uncertainty but ended with a dream come true… oh how I rejoiced with them!

Reading these true stories gave me hope… if it could happen for others… why not us.

It felt like an eternity… but it wasn’t.

God gave us our miracle… then He did it again (and again).

It really is true… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Don’t give up.
One day, someone will want to hear your miracle story too…

#infertility #lovethemboth #talkaboutadoption #believeinmiracles  #nevergive
Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Cho Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear and resources to support my shopping 🛍️ spree 😂 
Seriously though:
No show socks from @sockreligious LOVE

A Miraculous Medal necklace is my favorite accessory besides my wedding ring of course.

My house needs more crucifixes and @houseofjoppa has some beautiful options 

I love candles and the Easter set from @paxrosashop really caught my eye

My favorite coffee mug is from @thelittleroseshop and I’d love another!

I could go on and on… Comment what you would add!

#Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholic #prayerwinechocolate
My overwhelmed brain and life LOVE prayers like th My overwhelmed brain and life LOVE prayers like this…
Stop… pause… take a much deeper breath.
Let us make the sign of the cross…

Lead me Lord to the light of truth.
YOU LORD JESUS!
Amen.
Thank you for praying with me!!!

#busymom #prayalways #praymore #Catholicgirl #Catholicministry
Toothpick not included… actual scratch art sticks Toothpick not included… actual scratch art sticks are included!!!

Highly recommend these books from @epiphanycatholicco !

Kid tested, Mom approved!

Follow @prayerwinechocolate and @catholicsonline for more inspiring Catholic content and for a great Catholic community!

#CatholicChristian #Catholicmom #Catholickids #CatholicMass #EucharisticAdoration
I try to bring God’s light online as much as I can I try to bring God’s light online as much as I can… but THANK GOD others are also trying to do this too!
Here are a few people that have helped me see God more in this busy world lately:

1. Kristin Reilly over at @manyhailmarysatatime . I try to pray the Rosary with them in the morning and Kristin offers meditations and little prayers and this one “Thank you God for this beautiful life!” resonated with me SO MUCH! The reason why is because of what she said after the prayer… she said “if I turn this camera around you would wonder what are you talking about!?” In other words… there’s a mess… but life is still beautiful and it’s all a gift. I started looking at my family and saying, “Thank God for this beautiful life”! And oh the JOY!!!!! Thank you Kristin and Jill!!!

2. @siobhanfallonhogan has a podcast with @ewtnmedia called Catholics and Cappuccinos @catholicapps … the conversation with @patriciaheaton has more than one quote I’d like to share. Watch it and be assured… sometimes God says yes to BOTH!

3. @fatherdanreehil … if you are reading this THANK YOU! Wow, if you know someone who left the faith after the whole priest scandal… watch an interview with this priest. I highly suggest the one with @conorgallaghershow because I shared this clip with thousands of people… I’m not exaggerating… trust me, watch it. You’ll probably go down a rabbit hole like I did and honestly, it’ll refresh your soul.

4. The @catholicsonline community has so many inspiring, prayerful, persevering Catholics saying yes to God daily. Thank you @kyliemhein for turning my attention to Exodus 14:14 last week and @catholicwalkthewayeveryday for helping us increase our prayers for our priests.

Your turn… where have you found God online lately?

Ps. Did you come across any I mentioned?!

#findGod #Catholicsonline #prayerwinechocolate #Catholics #Godisgood
Scratch Art book is a HUGE WIN! A screen-free act Scratch Art book is a HUGE WIN!

A screen-free activity that children love!

Looking for ways to help the kids you love calm their body and mind plus nurture their hearts 💕?

THIS.IS.IT.

@epiphanycatholicco has created these books that allow Mass time with younger souls to be a more prayerful, peaceful experience.

I have bought at least 5 of these!
I give them to my children; my Godsons and my nieces and nephews!

Comment ARTBOOK if you want more details!
Tag your friends who are awesome Godparents and who would just love these for gifts!!

Share in your stories!
God bless you!!

#Catholic #Sacraments #Holygifts #Catholicgifts #Scratchart
Highly recommend asking someone to pray the Rosary Highly recommend asking someone to pray the Rosary with you.

No matter what is on your heart and mind, you can ask Our Lord for anything and ask Our Lady to talk to her Son about it too.

Nothing is too big or small.

Life is hard, pray harder!
@lifes_hard_pray_harder 
 @prayerwinechocolate 

#prayaboutit #Catholic #prayerworks #praytheRosary #believeinmiracles
Jesus is my Lord and Savior. God speaks in the sil Jesus is my Lord and Savior. God speaks in the silence of our hearts. Mama Mary calms me so I can get to that quiet place and listen to and rest in Her Son.

Katie and I have been praying together for years… and 3 years ago she converted to Catholicism.
God does miracles, His mom likes to get involved ❤️

Praying the Rosary out loud with a friend is sooo amazing.

Highly recommend.
10 out of 10 STARS

May the peace of Christ be in your heart ❤️ 
Come Holy Spirit!

#faithandfriendship #Catholic #Praymore #MamaMary #catholicwoman
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