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Dec 21, 2015
Life&middot The Little Things&middot Wine and Chocolate

Last Minute Gifts for “Impossible” People!

Two disclosures before I start: first, this post contains affiliate links; second, I am one of those “impossible” people!

Only how many days until Christmas??  It’s crunch time!  Here are some gift ideas if you feel stuck!

  1.  A soft, comfy, throw blanket.  I bought one for myself the first time I went Christmas shopping this year.  My mother-in-law bought me one last year and it’s the softest blanket ever! I have slept with it every night this year!  I have gotten throw blankets for my husband in the past, and he says that I “always get the softest blankets”.  I got one for my grandmother last year.  One size fits all!  And look – here’s one on sale on Amazon – and Prime shipping! throwblanketamazon
  2. A whole lot of Lottery tickets! My grandmother LOVES the scratch off lottery tickets.  So this year, I bought her a bunch of them, and I am using clothes pins to “hang” them on a piece of yarn.  I will wrap the string of yarn in a box and I’m pretty sure it will be her favorite present.  I certainly hopes she wins big!lotterytix
  3. GIFT CARDS – I feel like we love to get them, but don’t love giving them.  We fear that it looks lazy.  But who doesn’t LOVE a gift card?  There’s always something we wish we had gotten, but didn’t.  With a gift card, we can go get it.  Visa gift cards are great, but so are “store” specific ones.  I love a Barnes and Nobles gift card.  If I get one, I have an excuse to walk around that store for an hour – by myself.  I might even finish a whole cup of coffee while it’s hot.  And if you are shopping for a woman, and know where she gets her hair done – JACKPOT.  Get her a gift certificate to her salon.  Getting your hair done is so expensive – but we all get it done!  T.J Maxx . . .another store that is so fun to shop at . . . I could go on.  I will suggest some “add ons” next if you feel like you can’t just give a gift card.
  4. Gift Card with some “add ons” – For men, skip the tie and tools.  If the man likes tools, give him a gift card to Home Depot.  I feel like giving a man tools is like giving a woman make up.  They’re not all the same, let them pick it out.  However, a nice add on for a man is a scarf, coffee (if they have a Keurig, k-cups are awesome gifts), and chocolate.  Also, if a man loves to golf, find out where they golf the most and get them a gift certificate for that course!  Add ons for women can include socks (as add ons, please don’t give this as a gift and that’s all)!  We all have the sock problem – we can’t find matches!  I’m wearing socks that don’t match as I type!  Other add ons are of course wine, and chocolate.  Add a Christmas ornament to hang on the wine bottle – one that reminds you of that person to make the gift personal.  And remember, if you would like it, most likely someone else would too!godivachoc
  5. A photo album with pictures in it – The dollar store sells the little ones that fit in a pocket book! You can also get bigger, nicer albums on amazon (still time for 2-day shipping).  People love pictures of themselves – the selfie stick is a thing – need I say more??  If you are on Facebook, you can easily get pics of you and this certain someone.  Go to your friend’s page, click the 3 dots next to “message” and click “see friendship”.  You’ll then see a bunch of pics that you are both tagged in!  Most places will let you print pictures out from Facebook (CVS, Target, Walgreens, etc.).
  6. An experience –  This can be written in a card, no prep work has to be done (besides, you’ll have to find a date that works best for both of you).  Write in the card that you would love to spend a day together, so you’ll pay for lunch and a movie.  You can probably think of many other ideas, but here are a few:* wine tasting; *a live show; * shopping; *out for coffee and lunch,*do something “touristy”; paint and drink wine night; hike; etc.
  7. Anything Fair Trade – These gifts are mainly crafts, coffee and chocolate – but with an added bonus of doing a good deed for those in need.  Bread for Life is another fair trade organization that offers many gift options and expedited shipping, since time is running out!

What did I miss?  If you have an idea, please comment!  There are people reading this that need help 🙂 !  Remember to stay Merry and Jolly!!!

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Comments

  1. Annie says

    December 21, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    My grandfather loved lottery tickets, too! It might seem strange, but we buried him with a few… He always bought them and always gave them away as presents. He’d say, and my mom kept the tradition, that, “You can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket.” 😉 So sweet! It’s a cute gift.

    • Amy says

      December 21, 2015 at 11:02 pm

      True – you can’t play if you don’t win! Merry Christmas Annie! I hope you are doing well!

  2. barbara@HomeroomAtHome says

    December 22, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    Love the lottery idea. Perfect. I think I might snag a couple now that you’ve mentioned. Awesome!!

    • Amy says

      December 22, 2015 at 2:09 pm

      So glad you like the idea – I will have fun telling my Grandmom how popular her idea is on Christmas!

  3. Sarah Honey says

    December 22, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    Love the lottery ticket idea! That’s a great one!

  4. Crystal says

    December 29, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    Where were you in my life 10 days ago? I’m so glad I found you and this post for next time!

    • Amy says

      December 29, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      Awww man! I’m sorry this list didn’t get to you sooner Crystal! Next time definitely :)!!

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I’m Amy Brooks, I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals 🙂

Will you stop and pray with me? Any special inten Will you stop and pray with me?

Any special intentions?
Cheers to Friday! 🍷 I was SO EXCITED when a while Cheers to Friday! 🍷
I was SO EXCITED when a while back THE @stephanieweinert Stephanie Weinert tagged me in her #7quicktakes #sevenquicktakes #fridayintroductions post.

I’m jumping in today! 

1. I recently took my own “headshots”. The first photo is one of MANY photos I took. It was super windy that day. If you need professional photos… give it a try - you can save a ton of $ this way! I used a tripod and my phone!

2. I see a lot of people posting photos of 2016. In 2016 I heard Gianna Emanuela (daughter of Saint Gianna) give a talk. I remember thinking, “her Dad sounds like a saint too!” I got to meet her. My husband and oldest son met her and asked her to pray that we could adopt again. 40 weeks later our twins were born!

3. Gianna Emmanuela is doing all she can to help the world see how holy her Father was. She has made prayer cards with Ecclesiastic approval. I’m asking Pietro Molla to intercede for a special intention. I will post more about this soon! He is such an inspiring man!

4. I have two guilty pleasures. I love getting my hair done and every once in a while I get a box from Stitch Fix. My coat was in one of those boxes.

5. I can’t remember all the pictures I chose for this post. I’m super forgetful. It’s not my age, I’ve always been this way. Saint Anthony is busy with just me most of the time.

6. We are taking our Christmas tree down this weekend. I loved our tree so much this year. My husband, all 3 children and me picked it out. We all agreed upon it and it really is so perfect.

7. I’m not so great at tech. I don’t know how to go back and see which pictures I posted without deleting this whole post. I promised after this post I would play a @saints.alive.pod episode for my daughter. I’m off to listen to another episode for at least the 3rd time. Hoping a new one comes out soon 😉 

Thank you for reading all that! I’m so grateful you’re here! Tell me something about you!!!

Thank you Stephanie for tagging me months ago? ago… This is how behind I am on everything!
Who wants friends that pray behind your back!? Who Who wants friends that pray behind your back!?
Who wants friends that will pray with you and for you?
Let’s bless one another and pray as much as possible!!!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

#Catholicfriends #praymoreworryless
Small prayer groups can be so powerful! I had so Small prayer groups can be so powerful!

I had so much fun attending this Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish gathering!

Even though it was dark before it began…
Even though it cold and raining…
Even though life is so incredibly busy…
These ladies left their homes to pray together and share some time to just be themselves!

Jessica Benfield leads this Prayer Wine Chocolate group in Pennsylvania.

Do you want to lead a parish Prayer Wine Chocolate group?
If yes, comment below!

I can help you make it happen!!

Come Holy Spirit!

#prayerwinechocolate #Catholicfriends #missionarydisciples #newevangelization #PraytheRosary
1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption 1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption Prayer…this prayer saves lives!
2. Get more young people copies of Be Yourself Journals! Wondering about identity is normal and common… these books has guidance, answers and it’s fun to use!
3. Establish more Prayer Wine Chocolate parish groups. Women desire friends they can pray AND laugh with!

Which number- or numbers- do you think I should focus on most?!!???

Please comment! I need your help!

Seriously, I have ADHD.

#Catholic #prolife #Catholicfriends #Catholicfellowship #Catholicmom
Would you love a girls’ night out with women who s Would you love a girls’ night out with women who share your faith, but you aren’t quite sure how to make that happen?

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We created a digital kit which you can get BUT grab the FREE resource first (huge thank you to Jessica from @sallykpub who designed it, to @vacationlearning_blog who inspired the movement and @dellamadonnarosaries who sponsored it)

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This isn’t a formal Bible study that’s intimidating or involves lots of homework you don’t have time for. It’s simply a low-prep, easy to run, and inviting format to gather Catholic women together in fun, conversation, and prayer. Your future faith friends are waiting to meet you — the Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit will help you make that happen!

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Jesus, Mary and Joseph I love you very much . . . Jesus, Mary and Joseph
I love you very much . . .
 
#HolyFamily #JesusMaryandJoseph #Catholicprayer #itsawonderfullife
I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christ I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christmas Eve then any other day of the year.
Jesus wants us all to be with Him… and He’s fun. He loves a birthday party… and a wedding 😉 
💧 —> 🍷 
Should I write more details?

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A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift! Ide A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift!
Ideas of what to include:
1. A copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls 
2. A zipper pouch
3. Two or more stickers 
4. A fun pen
5. A holy card 
6. Washi tape
7. Set of fine tip markers, gel pens and/or colored pencils.

Would you add anything!?
I would have LOVED this as a kid…you?

#journalkit #tweenjournal #devotional
Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls! I’m sti Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls!
I’m still so excited and grateful I was given the opportunity to write this book!!!
#catholicmom #catholicsonline #catholicchristian #catholic 
Thank you @whispersofloveandfaith Tammi for your recent review!!

“ I bought one of Amy’s journals for my daughter when she was 12. Each page encourages them to be the best version of themselves. I love how this journal appeals to both the introvert/extrovert and the artistic/non-artistic. There’s so much for everyone in this journal.”
This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼 Thanks to my daughter This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼
Thanks to my daughter for helping me make this reel!

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Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and gr Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and grateful for the moments that slip in between.
Happy Sunday!
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God bless you!

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Getting to know God better and learning who you ar Getting to know God better and learning who you are in His eyes can be fun and exciting!

The Be Yourself Journals offer a guide that help 9 to 13 year olds learn introspection and personal prayer.

Order from me this week and get a free surprise gift!
Also available on Amazon and other online bookstores!

Up level this gift by adding gel pens, washi tape and other fun stationary for girls… for boys, include a fidget pen!

Let me know if you need the link or if you have questions!

If you bought one before, share your thoughts in the comments so others can read them!

Thank you for your support!

#Catholicgift #Catholicgifts
Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!??? When I was Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!???
When I was a “tween” I longed to fit in with the other girls that shared my interests… but, I was not welcomed.

It hurt. It hurt a lot.

I wondered why… why did they not want to be my friend?
Why wasn’t I considered “cool”?

I asked my mom… and her advice to me was, “Just Be Yourself “.

I know she wanted to help me… but I wish she not only said that, but handed me this book too.

That is why I wrote it.

God DOES have plans and talents unique to every person… but when we are young we are still discovering His call for us.

My Catholic faith saved me.

The wisdom of Our Lord and the Saints that surrendered their lives to Him are so helpful.

And the best part… learning this can be enjoyable!!!
If you know a young girl around the ages of 10 to 13 who is struggling… give them this book!

Buy it from me this week and I’ll mail it with a sticker and a holy card!

I highly recommend you add fun pens, markers, washi tape and other things found in a journal kit!
She’ll love it… and you will too!

Move over mean girls… our God is bigger than that drama!

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When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a sil When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a silver and blue medal fastened to my school uniform with a pin. My mom put that medal on my uniform. I don’t remember asking any questions, but I still think that blue was so pretty.
Fast forward about 9 years, and another memory surfaces… my Dad took our family to a church in a neighborhood we had to drive to. I remember parking across the street and entering the front doors of the @miraculousmedal Shrine. I recall the pads of paper placed on the marble in front of the different statues. These little memo 📝 pads were notes to God, asking Our Lady to intercede for us. I loved that I could write an intention but that one of the suggestions was “for a Catholic boyfriend” I was 15, I checked that box.
But honestly, I wasn’t a “Mary” person when it came to prayer.
Any personal prayer addressed Jesus or God.
10 years later my friend’s Mom gave me a Miraculous Medal keychain. I put it on my keys and life went on…

And over a decade later… it was that shrine I went to with this big idea about a Catholic gift guide and a giveaway.

But confession, many times in between those years each and every time I was going through something hard,I visited that place.
I poured my hearts desires on those little memo papers.
I asked Our Blessed Mother to pray for me.
I begged God to answer my prayers.

And He did.

Without me knowing the details of the Miraculous Medal.
But that time I went in there with the gift guide and giveaway idea… I was asked if I was only going to write one blog post.

That question inspired a second.
I researched the Miraculous Medal and read that Our Lady promised graces, especially to those who wore it around their neck.

More graces? Yes please 

I wrote a post…” 5 Reasons Why I wear a Miraculous Medal and maybe You Should Too”.
Church Pop @churchpop asked if they could publish it.
It went viral… at least viral for me.

And a few weeks ago, I brought about 30 women there for a retreat.

I didn’t pursue Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal… I pursued her Son.
My pursuit was sloppy.
Like any mother, she couldn’t resist helping me a little.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you
No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generos No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generosity and power.

#Hope #yearofhope #empireofhope #Godismerciful
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