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Dec 13, 2015
Catholic Influencers&middot Life&middot The Little Things&middot Wine and Chocolate

The Gift of Time AND a Bottle

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We are being bombarded by Christmas marketing, holiday catalogs and shopping countdowns.  The material world we live in has us thinking, whether we want to or not, what we will be buying this year and when will we buy it, wrap it and then finally sit down and enjoy all the decorating we did! (Confession – I love it!) We all know though, when it comes to giving, there is no greater gift than one’s time.  Also, for a mom or any busy woman, “me time” is so necessary  to”recharge our batteries”.  It’s so nice to be given time to sit down, relax and not feel an ounce of guilt about it!  Since we can not really give time in a bottle, but we can give wine in a bottle;  I am going to suggest some ways to give the special women in your life the gift of “me time”.  I hope you find this interesting, entertaining and think of a woman that will like one of the following “movie, wine and chocolate” combinations.  You can always add depth to the gift by adding a pair of pajamas – and I am so excited to tell you there are actually wine themed pajamas!!! You can also add a magazine, a magazine subscription or a bookstore gift card. Don’t forget to add some prayer with these wine and chocolate gifts by giving a gratitude journal, book of daily devotions or an inspirational collection of stories! Remember to give some of your time by writing a note in a Christmas card to go along with the gift.  How refreshing it is to see that someone sat down and thought about you for five minutes – especially during the crazy holiday season!  Here are some “Me-Time” gift ideas:

  1. For the “History Buff”– The Wedding Singer, A pack of wine coolers and Pretzel M&M’s.  I love The Wedding Singer!  For me, this movie never gets old 🙂  In the 80’s, wine coolers were all the rage, and although pretzel M&M’s didn’t exist yet ( they are soooo good!), Van Halen (mentioned in the movie) did have a brown M&M rider in their concert contract.  History buffs will love this discussion – and gift 🙂weddingsingerpretzm
  2. For the “Book Lover”- You’ve Got Mail, a mulled or spice wine that is often enjoyed warmed, and Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates.  The warmth of the wine and the Hazelnut in these light but delicious chocolates will give the feel of a cozy coffee shop – but your friend can enjoy all of it sitting on her couch in her pajamas!spicedapplewarm1.jpg
  3. For the “Funny Friend” –Wedding Crashers, Middle Sister, Rebel Red wine (if you’ve seen this movie you know Clare was the “middle sister”, and her red headed sister was definitely a rebel!) and Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Brownies.  It would be classy to actually bake the brownies and give it to her – but it would be funny just to give her the box!  If you do bake it – for a friend or yourself- I strongly suggest doubling the recipe.  YUM!
  4. For the “Parks & Rec” fan –  Baby Mama, Red Wine (Perhaps Cupcake Red Velvet) and Chocolate Fudge Truffle Mousse.  Gotta have a red wine with this one in honor of the line from the flick . . .”When they play Red, Red Wine you gotta be the 103.7th caller” and the mousse is perfect, because if your friend gets any on her face or fingers, you can ask her, “is that chocolate or poop”?  Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are such a fun comic duet – perhaps include movie tickets to go see “Sisters” together in this awesome present :)!babymamamidister.jpg
  5. For the friend with the HUGE family – My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Prisoner Red Wine, and Lindt LINDOR Assorted Chocolates.  I’m a huge Nia Vardalos fan – not only is she funny, but she wrote an awesome book about her life and adoption experience called”Instant Mom”.  She has a Facebook page, and I asked her what her favorite wine was on it – she told me Prisoner Red Wine – so that recommendation is from an Academy Award nominee!  A movie gift card is great to add to this gift, because the sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding is coming out in March!greekweddingchoc
  6. For the girl that loves a Love Story – How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days,  a white Port wine and Milano Peppermint Slices or the Pretzel slices – they are de-lish!  Throwing your friends favorite magazines in this one is especially cute, since the movie revolves around a magazine article.
  7. For the woman you can’t find a category for – The Proposal, a bottle of Malbec and a Godiva Chocolate Gift Basket made specifically for wine lovers!  The Proposal is hilarious and has so many likable celebrities – Sandra Bullock, Betty White and Ryan Reynolds to name a few.  Malbec goes great with most chocolates and not only does that candy look yummy, but the package is cute too.

Let me know what movie, wine, chocolate combo you would add – or if you think one of the ones I described fits you!  May your Christmas be filled with happy prayers, awesome wine and delicious chocolate!  MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!!!  <3 Amy

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Comments

  1. Sarah Honey says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:18 am

    That’s a great combo! Movie, Wine, & chocolate. Perfect gift for any couple!

    • Amy says

      December 14, 2015 at 10:04 am

      Yes, a great gift for a couple! Love that…thank you Sarah!

  2. Trina O'Boyle says

    December 14, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Love this idea! I now have a great gift idea for our friends…THANK YOU!

    • Amy says

      December 14, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      I’m so glad you sound as excited as me!!!

  3. Melissa Harvey says

    December 14, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    Great gift idea! Love this.

    • Amy says

      December 14, 2015 at 9:24 pm

      Thanks! I had this idea and then found the wine pajamas…icing on the cake!!

  4. Tim Misukanis says

    December 15, 2015 at 12:22 am

    Thanks for posting these movie/wine/chocolate combinations, Amy! I’m a big fan of “Wedding Crashers” and Rachel McAdams (Clare), so I’m gonna go with option #3- Ghiradelli dark chocolate brownies with a rebel red wine. However, to give back and to show my unconditional appreciation to the special woman in my life, that gift of “me time”, all of these were excellent selections. (Now, I just have to find that “special” woman. But . . .that’s another column.) Have a wonderful day!

    • Amy says

      December 15, 2015 at 7:41 am

      Love Rachel McAdams – and Anne Hathaway! I realize I am totally sidetracking, but you made me realize I meant to include The Intern – love that movie! Not sure if it’s out on DVD yet though :/ Praying for your intention Tim!

  5. Diedre says

    December 15, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    I love the suggestions based on movies! What a clever post!

    • Amy says

      December 16, 2015 at 3:56 am

      Thank you Diedre!

  6. Elanor says

    December 15, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    Haha, great idea! I think, for me, I would suggest ‘Knocked Up’ and some prosecco, with anything made of white chocolate 🙂

    • Amy says

      December 15, 2015 at 6:06 pm

      Knocked Up….love that movie!!!

  7. Ana says

    February 28, 2016 at 2:08 am

    より:I simply want to say I’m bneneigr to weblog and honestly liked this web page. Almost certainly I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You amazingly have really good articles. Cheers for sharing your website page.

    • Amy says

      February 28, 2016 at 7:21 am

      Thank you so much Ana! I hope you continue to enjoy reading the articles and may the Lord bless you abundantly! <3 Amy

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When I was growing up my friend used to invite me When I was growing up my friend used to invite me to go to “fellowship” with her at their church. That was not a word or idea I was familiar with… 

Later I was taught that faith is a gift… but I didn’t truly understand that until it was faith that was keeping me hanging on…
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Saint Teresa of Avila is credited with this quote: “Behind each priest, there is a demon fighting for his fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them”.

The parish I have been attending for over 20 years has always been blessed either such wonderful priests. I am so grateful, and if I’m being honest, quite sad to see this one go on to another assignment.

Let us fervently pray for all Catholic priests… for they truly help us know and love Jesus Christ more.

God bless Father Windle … and @irishclan7 we loved the ice cream truck at his farewell. Our twins had actually made up a song they would sing on pancake breakfast days… perhaps one day I’ll convince them to sing it for you or for Father Windle 😉 

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If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from heaven… it might say this!

Only about 7 Saints were highlighted in the Be Yourself Journal…. Saint Maria Goretti was one of those Saints.

Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!

Comment below if you want me to read the other letters!

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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!!!

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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!

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One young woman to another wearing a baby..
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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!!! 🥂 

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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, 
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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
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