Do you and your friends enjoy prayer, wine and chocolate?!

For those of you who have a great appreciation for getting together with friends that share your love for Christ, here are some great gift ideas!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumbler

What’s an outdoor party without a wine tumbler to keep a drink fresh and at just the right temperature? Forget breakable glasses—give this uniquely shaped wine tumbler a chance and have fun with friends without worry.

The best part about this wine tumbler is that it has the potential to inspire a conversation about prayer and faith – over a relaxed atmosphere!

Wine tumblers are available in pink and purple!

These tumblers are perfect for outdoor parties and BYOB events!

Prayer Wine Chocolate Tees now in stock!!!

Choose from pretty pink, blue lagoon and lilac tee shirts – perfect for the summer!

I also am loving the baseball feel of the Raglan 3/4 sleeve shirts!

Two styles of those available! Browse all the options here!

Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirts

My sister-in-law Maria bought one of these recently and says she LOVES IT! Then she followed up with, “seriously, it’s my favorite sweatshirt – it is sooo comfy!”

You can totally rock this classic sweatshirt silhouette with ribbed crew neck, long sleeve cuffs, and a flat hem. Layer it up or wear it on its own for a contemporary streetwear look. With the soft fleece inside and comfortable fit, it’s sure to become your favorite everyday sweater right away!

Navy is a favorite color!

Prayer Wine Chocolate Hooded Sweatshirt

I have one of these Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodies and I absolutely love it – I think it’s because the pouch is the perfect place to put my phone when I’m busy with so many other things!

The hoodie is soft and the warm hood is such a gift on chilly evenings – even in the summer!

Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate Event!!!

Prayer, Wine, Chocolate started as a Rosary night in my apartment when I was single. Years later the name “Prayer Wine Chocolate” came up when the women that I had prayed with for years (over wine and chocolate) were talking about all our answered prayers – and saying jokingly, we should write a book. We wondered, what would we call it?” And someone said, “Prayer Wine Chocolate” (instead of Eat, Pray, Love)!

That name came to me as I began thinking about starting a blog – and here we are!

I created a DIY Digital Guide so you can start planning your own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat right away!

The guide covers 4 different types of “events” – some very low key, some more involved but all so much fun!!!

Recently a woman used this guide to start a regular prayer group in her parish!

Here is what she has to say about How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guidebook:

I just used Amy’s retreat guide to help me plan a mini retreat for the women in my parish. It was super easy to do following the guide and the response was incredible. For anyone who feels the pull of the Holy Spirit to plan something like this….Get the guide and DO IT!!!! Every single woman at the event said the same thing…We NEED this. I now have a team of women working on our next gathering.

Are you on the fence? Not sure you can do it without a little help?

I am here to help you get started!

You can book a 30 minute call with me and I’ll walk you through how I planned events that embraced our beautiful Catholic faith and invited women to enjoy praying together, sharing intentions and developing friendships strong in faith.

Do you want me to help you plan the event or come to speak at your parish, women’s group or school?

Let’s book a call and discuss available packages!

I’m still booking for 2023 and have already started booking 2024! Don’t delay, let’s talk today!

Would you like to shop some more? Browse the whole Prayer Wine Chocolate store!

The post The Prayer Wine Chocolate Gift Guide (for Catholic Women) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Mother’s Day Gifts (2023)

I’ve had my eyes on some Catholic gifts for quite some time now.

The truth is, many of us love to give Catholic gifts because we see how valuable, relevant and beautiful they are.

We see that they are not only fun to receive, but also prompt us to pray more often and help us feel closer to the Lord at times.

So, if you want to give your friend, your daughter or your mom (or your wife) a gift she will truly treasure, here are some amazing ideas!!!

Some of the products listed have been sent to me for an honest review. Others, I simply bought myself because all of them are just that lovely!

Give Your Mom a New Bible

Let’s take a moment to Praise the Lord that us Catholics are truly reading the Bible lately!

The Bible in a Year Podcast, ministries like Walking with Purpose and prayer journals like the Stay Connected Series have re-ignited a love for Sacred Scripture and it is simply beautiful!

Ascension Press, creator of The Bible in a Year Podcast, has an incredible option with The Great Adventure Catholic Bible*. This is the Bible Father Mike uses in each episode of the Bible in a Year podcast.

The narrative approach gives the big picture of salvation history and shows how everything ties together. The color-coded tools make it easy to read and easy to remember.

If she already has a few bibles, get her the Catechism of the Catholic Church from Ascension Press!

Catholic mugs and wine tumblers are great gifts!

I’m super excited to recommend the Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumblers this year!

I went to an event last weekend that was BYO and I loved seeing how many women had brought wine tumblers with them instead of using plastic cups.

Personally, in the warmer months, I prefer white and rose’ over reds. This wine tumbler is ideal because it will keep those wines cold while you chat with your friends!

You can get both Pink and Purple wine tumblers – fill them with chocolates and add a bottle of wine for the perfect Prayer Wine Chocolate gift!

For my afternoon tea, I am loving my Catholic Coffee travel mug! Seriously, this keeps my tea hot when I’m on the go and it truly brings me joy! Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% so they know you heard about it from me!

Give your wife, friend and daughter beautiful Catholic Jewelry

Wearing Catholic jewelry is an incredible gift for two reasons.

Women are encouraged to dress up for many events (especially Mass) and wearing Catholic jewelry is a constant reminder to pray unceasingly, but is also a subtle way to evangelize.

The absolute best gift to give her is a Telos Quarterly Subscription Box!! Don’t worry if you are shopping last minute – she’ll get this gift in the mail and think of you several times this year!

Another idea is to gift her the Telos Trove Gift Box!!!

Featuring FIVE unique pieces from the Telos Art Collection! The Trove Box is valued at over $125, available for just $100.

Keep all the goodies for yourself or share with those you love. A great gift for teachers, birthdays, or Mother’s Day.

Lift up her heart by giving Inspiration Reading and Books

When I was down about life, I enjoyed reading uplifting stories from books like Chicken Soup for the Soul. The truth is, moms worry about things – and people. This fact makes me love the idea of giving a book like Amazing Grace for Mothers*.

Here’s the book’s description from Ascension:

Amazing Grace for Mothers will lift your heart and send your spirit soaring. You will laugh, you will cry, but most of all you will refresh your mothering through stories of love, inspiration, miracles, and God’s amazing grace. This collection of 101 stories will bring you the warmth and support of other women, all dedicated to the same glorious role – motherhood.

Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday* by Danielle Bean is another great book to give this year. My good friend, Katie, is becoming Catholic on Pentecost and she told me that this is a book has been wanting to read! Katie is a mom of three – 2 of her children are teenagers.

Catholic Candles are Hot Gifts this Year!

Whether the woman you’re shopping for is a devout Catholic – or you are hoping to rekindle faith in your loved ones, Catholic candles are great gifts!

And for those who, like me, love prayer, wine and chocolate – I’m excited to share this Wedding at Cana candle!!!

There are a few other scents I have my eye on in the Pax Rosa Candle shop, check them out and see if you or your loved one would really be fired up to pray by one of these gifts!

I gifted myself some Corda candles earlier this year – I love that they do fundraisers!!!

Catholic Moms both need and want clothing and apparel!

I truly love my navy blue Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirt and my Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie!

For the warmer months, the navy looks great with white pants! Take a look at all the options for colors!

For the hoodie, I have the black, but I’m looking at the light grey as more of a summer months color (for those chilly nights and when the air is really cranked up)!

Don’t forget, all moms need socks! Love the ankle socks (no show) from Sock Religious!

Catholic Moms love Catholic Home Decor

On my list is something very close to home . . . a sacred art painting that my son modeled for!!! I would love to have a print of this beautiful painting, matted and framed in my home!

Cena (Holy Family Gyclee Print)

What an absolute honor it was for our family – especially our son – to be invited to model as Jesus in this Holy Family painting!

Cena is a museum quality print of a reflection of the the simple moments of the Holy Family. St Joseph teaches the Christ Child about the passover, foreshadowing what is to come as they sit around the table peacefully together.

The artist and creator behind Visual Grace is Kate Capato. She describes herself as a Missionary of Beauty. She paints for Jesus, her first love and the One our hearts truly ache for . . .

See more of her art at visualgrace.org

If you want to browse more Catholic Home Goods browse this post: Catholic Home Goods that are Beautiful.

Did you like any of the gifts you saw here? Share this post and leave a comment!

God Bless You!!

*books with asterisks were sent to me from Ascension in the hopes to be listed in this gift guide!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Mother’s Day Gifts (2023) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Up for a dare?

I dare you to give a Catholic gift to at least 5 people you are shopping for this year!

Let’s really keep Christ in Christmas.

Let’s put our money where are hearts are – in gifts that will bring our loved ones closer to Christ through prayer!

Catholic Gifts for Men

A Modern Bible

The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press

My husband has a Bible because his Aunt Betty Ann, who happens to be a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, gave us one for a wedding gift.

Chances are, your husband, dad or brother hasn’t owned a Bible since – maybe high school? Get him this Bible that goes along with the amazing Bible in a Year podcast.

A Masculine Rosary

A WWI Battle Beads Rosary by Rugged Rosaries

My husband and son both have a set of these and really like them.

A Catholic French Press and Catholic Coffee

My husband loves God and coffee. I am so excited to give him some gifts from Catholic Coffee for Christmas this year!

(If you purchase from them, use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE and get 15%off!)

Catholic Coffee’s branding and products are just spot on when it comes to the modern Catholic man.

The Catholic Coffee logo is the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It’s simple, beautiful and inspiring.

Each coffee flavor is named after a Saint and the artwork that represents each Saint is extremely impressive.

I am super excited to gift my husband The French Press!

I shared a gift set from this company on Facebook, and my friend’s husband told his wife that he wants one of the gift sets for Christmas!!!

Catholic Coffee has mugs, coffee inspired by different Saints and now – K-cups too! This gift (or gifts) will make those Catholic men in your life jolly this Christmas!

Catholic Mugs

In Catholicism the pint the pipe and the cross can all come together – G.K. Chesterton 

Catholic gifts for men can be really fun!

The G.K. Chesterton Stein Mug is a unique, masculine and honestly cool Catholic gift!

Give it with some beer and treats made by monks to make this gift “super-Catholic”!

The G.K. Chesterton Stein Mug is a brand new gift idea here this year and I love it!!!

Catholic Coffee has several mugs that will please your caffeine enthusiast!

Don’t forget to use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% off!

Would you like to see more Catholic Gift ideas for men? Check out Catholic Gifts for Men (2022)

Catholic Gifts for Women

Catholic Accessories

This silk Catholic Scarf from Studio Senn is lovely! I’ve been wearing mine tied on my purse (inspired by a catalog cover) and I just love it! It has been such a conversation piece too. The Pelican in Piety scarf combines the sacred symbol of a Pelican with fun florals to create a bold and beautiful statement piece!

I’ve been wearing my scarf by having it tied to my purse!

Catholic Mugs and Coffee too!

I love coffee – and I pick the same mugs to drink it from over and over again every morning. I love tall Coffee Mugs! I have two (yes 2) from The Little Rose Shop!

I highly recommend giving the Morning Offering Coffee Cup to a woman you love this Christmas!

I honestly love The Little Rose Shop! There are so many cute mugs, soft and beautiful Catholic blankets, Catholic tees and more! Trust me, you’ve got to go check out this shop!

And don’t forget to give some Coffee from Catholic Coffee too!

use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE and get 15%off!)

Catholic Tea

Do you have women on your list that are more interested in enjoying a hot cup of tea than a coffee? This just in — Sacred Heart Tea!!!

I am just loving how Our Lord’s Sacred Heart keeps showing up on this gift guide!!!

Lots of options – including black tea, green tea, organic, herbal and more! This is a new shop for me and I’m loving this option! Not everyone is a coffee drinker – for the Tea Sipping Catholics – check out Sacred Heart Tea!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirt and Wine Tumbler

Yes, these products just hit my own shop and I am so excited! I shared the wine tumblers on Facebook and one friend said, “I feel like this is about time!” Haha! Long overdue!

Get one for you and one for a friend this year! For the wine tumblers, two colors are available (purple and rose’ pink).

I love my Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie (mine is black) – probably because of the pocket in the front – perfect for my cell phone!

I also have a few Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirts and I wear them often! I love comfy clothes.

If you have a friend who loves being Catholic, but really doesn’t enjoy wine – here’s an alternative sweatshirt: States of Faith by Catholic Concepts

Add NO SHOW SOCKS from Sock Religious!!! I love my Padre Pio ones and I can’t wait to get more! My favorites are the Come Holy Spirit and Saint Joan of Arc pairs!

Catholic Jewelry

A Miraculous Medal Necklace (like this one from Boho Handmaids)

Stud earrings from 12th and Blossom

Our friends at Telos Art are offering a special sale right now.

Highly recommended: One or two necklaces from this shop! The cameos are making a huge impression this year!

Best gift award: The Quarterly Subscription Box

I don’t think I need to write words here – just go look at it . . . I think you’ll agree!

Today through Sunday, November 27 all orders receive an automatic 15% discount.

Orders $150+ also automatically receive free First Class shipping.

Telos Art Jewelry is beautiful, definitely browse the pieces and gift a few!

A Catholic Planner

I’ve been using the Catholic Mothers Planner for a couple years now and this year – I wrote a reflection in the 2023 Catholic Mothers Planner

A Journaling Kit

If the woman you are shopping for loves to prayer journal or bible journal, definitely get her some gifts from Open Journey!

Open Journey, a branch of Ingrid Art Studio, features faith and inspirational art, creative Bible journaling and Bible study kits and devotionals.

A Plan to Pray Together More!

I hear women often saying they wish they had “more Catholic friends”. Nurture the friendships you have and watch the joy of Christ spread to others! Gift a friend a How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide and make a commitment to make praying together a regular event! Add a wine tumbler and a Rosary to make this the best gift ever!

More ideas for women? Check out: 5 Simple Gifts Catholic Women Love

Catholic Gifts for Children

A Play Nativity Set

The best way to keep Christ in Christmas with children is to give them toys about the true event! Both Shining Light Dolls and Saintly Heart have toy Nativity Sets!

The Shining Light Dolls Nativity Set (use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off) is so cute and conforms to all ASTM standards for toy safety. It’s perfect for children as young as 18 months but will be enjoyed for years into childhood!

My 10 year old son put the Saintly Heart Nativity Set on his Christmas wish list!

These play Nativity sets will sell out! Please do not wait to order them!

Toys from Shining Light Dolls

When I was 11 years old the one toy I wanted for Christmas was a soft, stuffed bear. I still remember how happy I was to get that! So, if your daughter is growing out of the toy stage – help her hang on a little more with a Shining Light Doll plush. They are so cute! And these presents really are enjoyed by little girls of all ages.

For the little ones, definitely check out the new wooden toys which include Saint George and a dragon and Saint Justine and a Unicorn!

Comic Books from Voyage Comics

This shop serves boys to men! The mission of Voyage Comics is to create exceptional entertainment, informed by Catholic values, that inspires people to live a heroic life. Through our products, we seek to advance the truth, beauty and goodness found in powerful stories.

Wooden Play Sets and Catholic Bath Toys from Saintly Heart

Saintly Heart makes toys and gifts for children of all ages! Teethers for babies, wooden toys for toddlers, pre-schoolers and elementary aged kids that love to use their imagination!

I have bought several of these toys as gifts and they are so loved by the children and their parents! Definitely grab some and have fun giving them!

Don’t forget to add some fun socks! My 10 year old, after looking through the “A Very Catholic Christmas Catalog” listed several pairs! His wish list included the Nativity Socks and the Saint Benedict socks. We love Sock Religious!

Catholic Gifts for Tweens and Teens

If your child has been asking for a smart phone or Apple Watch – I have a great alternative for you.

The Gabb Watch or Smart Phone!

Gabb Phones have an innovative spam filter for texting, no internet browser, no social media apps, no app store, and no games.

Kids are protected from falling prey to sexual predators, stumbling on explicit content, being victims of cyberbullying, or becoming screen addicted.

This is a gift your older child will love – and that you will feel more comfortable giving.

Gabb is currently running a great offer – a free device with a 2-year contract PLUS a free accessory with each device!

Catholic Books that make Fantastic Gifts

Voyage Comics, Ascension Press and Our Sunday Visitor all produce amazing books for Catholics of all ages.

The Be Yourself Journal for Catholic Girls continues to impress and delight!

A recent review from Amazon gave it another 5 STARS and reads:

“I got this journal for my niece. When I looked through the pages I was blown away by the beautiful artwork, the varied faith activities, and just how fun it looked. My niece is going to love this so much. It is the best Christmas gift she will get. It will help her in her faith formation, get her to be more introspective, and best of all keep her off the hours of TV. I love this. Definitely will be back for more products.“

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys has also received some recent positive reviews. One customer stated on Amazon:

“Simply beautiful and inspiring. Beautifully achieved. I want to give one to every young man I know. “

Still want more gift ideas? Download A Very Catholic Christmas Gift Guide!

Book suggestions for younger Catholic girls: Women Doctors of the Church and Molly McBride and the Party Invitation.

For Boys ages 8 and up: Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys; The Great Adventure Kids Catholic Bible Chronicles and Donuts After Mass: a Tale of Walking with Jesus

For younger boys: My First Interactive Mass Book, Holy Mysteries: 12 Investigations into Extraordinary Cases and My Catholic Picture Bible.

Enter the Giveaway and you could win:

A Plush Doll from Shining Light Dolls

A comic book from Voyage Comics

A silk scarf from Studio Senn

Saint Nicholas coffee from Catholic Coffee

A Coffee mug from The Little Rose Shop

A Catholic Mothers Planner from Ascension Press

My First Interactive Mass Book by Jennifer Sharpe from Ascension Press

A pair of socks from Sock Religious

A How To Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide (Digital)

A beautiful piece of Catholic jewelry

Tea from Sacred Heart Tea

Saint Wine Charms from Madonna Rose

Surprise gifts from a Catholic Etsy shop and more!

The post The Best Catholic Christmas Gifts to Give in 2022 (Gift Guide and Giveaway!) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A few months ago I spoke to a parish’s women’s group. The women’s Walking with Purpose Bible Study hosted a Prayer Wine Chocolate night and invited me to give a talk about prayer and prayer journaling.

The first story I told was the Spiritual Adoption Miracle story I often share. In the beginning of that story I describe how one day I recall walking up the steps with a laundry basket and wondering,

“do my prayers for women considering abortion even matter? I mean, obviously I don’t love these women as much as God does . . .”

That experience resonated with one of the women attending the event. She had a similar experience years before and as the night was wrapping up, she came over and shared her experience with me.

Ever since I heard this woman’s story I have been thinking – other people need to hear this story!

Does God hear all the details of our prayers?

Have you ever wondered if God hears or cares about all the little things you ask for in prayer?

This woman, we’ll call her Eileen, described how there was a period in her life when she wondered if God heard all the details of her prayers.

She told me that she thought, “maybe God just listens to the big picture, but the little details are not what He is concerned with . . .“

Then, she shared this experience:

Eileen frequently commuted to work on the train and she would often pray the Rosary on her morning commute.

She didn’t mind holding a Rosary or being seen praying in front of total strangers, however, she was very self-conscious about one thing – her eyebrow.

Eileen may have explained to me why one of her eyebrows, in her mind, looked funny – however, I can not remember the details and I also don’t remember noticing anything odd about her face at all!

BUT, because this was something that bothered her, she would use eyeliner on her brows EVERY SINGLE DAY to disguise her flaw.

One morning, she was either in a rush or didn’t have eyeliner.

She realized on the train that she did not “fix” her eyebrow that morning. So, as she was praying the Rosary – and wondering if maybe God did not hear the full details of her heart – she held her Rosary in a way that she could cover her eyebrow with her thumb.

So, that morning on the train she held her Rosary in a way where she could also cover her eyebrow.

She demonstrated this to me with her hand and how she had slumped her head over in a way that maybe it looked natural to the other people on the train.

Almost immediately after getting off the train, she looked down and in a pile of leaves she saw what looked like an unopened eyeliner package.

She stood in disbelief for a moment and thought -God, if this is the color that I use every day, I know that you hear the details of my prayers now.

Shen bent over, uncovered the unopened make-up container and there it was . . . dark brown eye liner – unopened.

Now, she was not praying to find eye-liner – her prayers were much deeper; more emotional, complicated and weaved with sorrow and hope.

But as she was praying about these things, she was also thinking – I need to hide my eyebrow.

God hears it all. The big and the little.

I was so moved by this story she shared. Personally, I look at my life and see that even my unspoken, most private prayers have been heard by God. Details I never spoke to anyone about were wrapped up in big intentions.

The same is true for you and I.

Does God think my prayers are silly?

God hears all that is in our heart.

After hearing this story, I saw this quote shared by a friend on Facebook:

“Our God delights in stooping down to converse with us, and He rejoices when we make known to Him our most trivial everyday affairs.”

Saint Alphonsus Liguori

I had never read or heard that Saint quote before . . . but when I read it, I had been thinking for at least a month about that woman and her eyeliner story. I thought, it’s such a great witness and inspiring way to let others know that we should go to God about everything!

It is so reassuring to know that even what we might think is “little” or “trivial” God delights in and cares about.

Does God hate makeup?

No! But that doesn’t mean he thinks you need to wear it!

God loves you. He cares about what is on your mind and heart. He wants to you to know and feel His love.

And in this time between hearing this story and writing this post, I came across this incredible shirt!

Created Beautiful {but makeup is fun} shirt by Pink Salt Riot.

I love this shirt and think it would such a great gift for a teenage girl! Use coupon code CATHOLICSSAVE and get 10% off!

Why does God care about make-up?

It’s not the make-up He really cares about – what he cares about is you! I often quote Saint Teresa of Avila because she is credited with saying, “You pay God a compliment when you ask big things of Him”. I believe that to be true – but it’s also important for us to know and remember that He knows every hair on our head, and he cares about all that is on our heart and mind.

Give it to Him – all of it.

May the Lord Bless You Abundantly!

<3 Amy

P.S. Want to host a Prayer Wine Chocolate Event?

Here’s a guide to show you how!

The post God and Make-Up: Sometimes Miracles Involve Eyeliner appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I love buying and giving gifts at Christmas – but, I also love receiving them!
I wanted to share with you what is on my wish list this year!

I have to be honest, this year I don’t want a whole lot because I’m dreaming of a new home. We are feeling crowded in this one and I keep thinking, “in my next house I would love to have . . .”

So, I will share some of those ideas here too.

(I share some favorites on this post too: Spiritual Stocking Stuffers: Catholic Edition definitely check that out!!)

My Catholic Christmas Wish List

Another Catholic Mother’s Planner!

I have been using the Catholic Mother’s Planner all year and I love it! It hasn’t fallen apart like others I have purchased in the past and it is filled with prayers and quotes that really inspire me.

I’d love to use one of these again!

Gifts for the Home

A Visual Grace Face of Jesus Rosary Holder

I love this artist and her depiction of the Face of Jesus.

I also love that she put this art work on a Rosary hanger!

I wrote another post recently titled Catholic Home Goods that are Beautiful, check that out for more home decor!

Gifts for the Homebody in Me

Warm and cozy slippers (I have officially become my mother)

We used to make fun of my mom for asking for slippers every year. Now I totally get it.

I have told my husband that I want slippers several times already!

I LOVE comfortable clothing! New pajamas (love Simply Vera brand and Lauren Conrad sold at Kohl’s).

Love super soft socks and throw blankets, mugs that have prayers on them and hold at least 15 oz. of coffee! I have some listed in my Spiritual Stocking Stuffer post!

Clothes and Fashion

Confession, I sometimes indulge in a Stitch Fix!

I love the idea that a stylist is picking out clothes for me – and that she even looks at what I Pinned on Pinterest to see what I like and what I want in my wardrobe.

I would love a gift card for Stitch Fix for Christmas (and great news, if you sign up – I get $25 shopping credit to use and YOU GET $25 CREDIT TOO!!!)

Want to try it? Yes, sign up for a Stitch Fix!!!

I also saw a cute sweater that was on Annie Dedden’s gift guide this year (Catholic Wife, Catholic Life). I never knew there was something called a “Funnel neck” sweater. I love it. I’ll take one in light grey or navy please lol!

This year I discovered back pack purses. I love them because they don’t slide off my arms and make it so much easier to help my children. I bought one but the strap broke :(. Would love another and maybe a new wallet to match.

This one from Macy’s is super cute!

Catholic Jewelry

I love Telos Design. I think it would be lovely to receive a Trove Box or even a subscription box from this awesome shop!

A new jewelry box

This wooden jewelry box I found on Etsy looks like a great one. Now that I found a love for earrings and Miraculous Medal necklaces, I need an upgrade from the one I got over 20 years ago!

Honestly, I LOVE earrings and Miraculous Medal necklaces (small, dainty and simple).

Beauty and Accessories

New Curling Iron- I’ve asked hair dressers for recommendations and the two that were recommended were the BaByliss and Hot Tools

Honestly, fill a stocking for me – put in a zipper pouch from Meadowcress boutique, lip gloss, stickers from Just Love Prints, MrsTorrescreates, phone accessories from Pink Salt Riot, socks from Sock Religious and whatever I put on this list you can fit in there! Hey, it’s a wish list right?

Gift Cards

Gift Card to a Hair Dresser – one of my favorite guilty pleasures is getting my hair blow dried and curled by someone else.

Gift cards to a Hair Salon, Target, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Ulta . . . are great ideas

I’d love a gift card to Corda Candles since they are sold out for the year!

Want more gift ideas? Check out Spiritual Stocking Stuffers: Christmas Edition; Award Winning Catholic Gifts AND The Ultimate Catholic Gift Guide (free download)!

And Have a very Merry Christmas!

The post A Catholic Woman’s Christmas Wish List appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you completely spent by the end of the day?

Do you go, go, go, until all of a sudden it’s bedtime?

It can be difficult to do any kind of self-care when you are working full-time or when you have young children.

I am so tired at the end of the day.
So reading a book is often the last thing I want to do.

Or I want to read, but I’m so tired, my brain is not exactly in the place to comprehend thick texts that have been written by a very wise Harvard professor.

However, there have been a few lately that I have really enjoyed reading, even after a long tiring day!

Catholic Books for Tired Moms

These are not parenting books. . . .although I should probably be reading those. These books help us grow in faith with the Lord through His Sacred Heart, His Mother and the Saints.

The first I recommend reading is:

Consecration to Saint Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father

Personally, I enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t start it in a true effort to “consecrate” myself to Saint Joseph. Honestly, I just love Saint Joseph and was curious to learn more about him. I was not disappointed. I learned a few things about our faith that I don’t recall ever learning about before!

I love how this type of book is set up. Day one – read these pages . . .then Day 2, here are some more pages. This worked for me since it was a short read and gave me time to scroll social media before I passed out from total exhaustion.

Your Blue Flame: Drop the Guilt and Do What Makes You Come Alive

“The Glory of God is man fully alive.”

Saint Irenaeus

Every one of us has a blue flame–a special skill, a personal passion, a gift or talent. But when caught up in life’s busyness, it’s too easy to make a habit of suppressing our most joyful contributions to the world.

I actually read this book last summer. I remember being on vacation with my in-laws and after reading one page – going over to my sister-in-law, handing her the book and saying, “you have got to read this”! It was a great, inspiring story that made me say, “no way” as I read it!

Called By Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women

So a little disclosure here – I wrote two of the three hundred sixty five devotions

This devotional was put together by the women who run WINE (Women in the New Evangelization) . . . I mean, how could I not be a part of such an awesome Catholic ministry!

This daily devotional follows the liturgical seasons and includes major holidays and some feast days. You can begin your reading journey at any point in the year. As with all WINE offerings, you are invited to read, reflect, and respond using lectio divina. Each day includes

• a Bible verse or passage for meditation;
• daily reflections;
• a closing prayer to focus your heart on an important truth or goal; and
• a tangible action you can carry out each day, such as volunteering, going to Confession, or donating clothes to charity

A Painted Rosary

In full disclosure, I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You might notice that this post actually has more than 5 books listed. One reason for this is because this book, is more a prayer aid than a read.

Praying the Rosary is such a gift in my life that feels like constant running and perpetual overwhelm. It gives my mind time to slow down and be still. But, there are always distractions. This book was created to help us focus on the mystery and the meditation. It’s also a nice visual to hand to a hyper child during a family Rosary!

A Painted Rosary cleverly pairs a modern and sleek design with the richness of traditional sacred art to transform how you pray the Rosary. Increase prayerful focus and deepen your meditation as you become immersed in the 20 mysteries of the Rosary through paintings from the 11th – 17th centuries. With limited distractions and containing just enough content without being overwhelming, A Painted Rosary is designed to be used while praying. 

Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life

This is an easy read with such comforting reminders of how much Jesus loves you. When Emily came out with this book, I reached out to her and said, “Please, can I review this book!”

In Secrets of the Sacred Heart, Emily Jaminet—executive director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network—weaves personal testimony, teachings, and reflection questions while exploring and applying each of Christ’s promises.

This book is set up like the Consecration of Saint Joseph book . . .Day 1/Promise 1; then next day, next promise, etc. This again is great for a tired mom at the end of a long day.

 Exploring the Catholic Classics: How Spiritual Reading Can Help You Grow in Wisdom (Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women #2) 

I read this book a while back and I have to include it in the “books for busy moms” post!

The Catholic classics are full of wisdom, advice, and inspiration to enrich the lives of modern women, and Exploring the Catholic Classics is a great way to access that wisdom and apply it to your life.

Tiffany Walsh introduces readers to carefully selected excerpts from each spiritual classic and offers her own insights before inviting you to respond to reflection prompt

A chapter of this book inspired the post Saint Francis De Sales’ 5 Practical Tips for a Better Day (free printable included)

What books do you recommend?

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Do you have your notebook all ready but the blank pages are just kind of staring at you?

Have you considered starting a prayer journal, but don’t know where to start?

No worries! I’ll help you jump start that journal and it will be fun and therapeutic. And the good news is (besides the Gospel, of course) that there are many Benefits of Prayer Journaling (including stress relief and overall better health)!

A little bit of background:

I started prayer journaling my my 20’s.  My boyfriend at the time had mentioned that when he was going through depression, his counselor suggested journaling to help him cope.  Around the same time, I was teaching 7th and 8th graders and as a part of our morning routine, I had the students write in a journal.  Each morning while I was taking attendance and doing necessary paper work, I would have a prompt on the chalkboard.  The students would write in their journal for about 10 minutes.  Sometimes the prompt would simply state, “write a letter to Jesus”, other times it might suggest writing out a traditional prayer, other times it might ask them to write ten things they feel grateful for.

These “events” led me to start my own prayer journal.

(*If you are more interested in Why I Prayer Journal, you can read more about that here: (and see some of my first journal entries!)

My idea of a prayer journal is a place where I can not only share my thoughts with Jesus, but also celebrate my faith in a creative way.

If you paged through my personal prayer journal you would see many letters that simply start, Dear Jesus or Dear Eternal Father; prayer cards pasted with novena prayers copied in my own handwriting, colored pages, newspaper clippings or other clippings pasted that discuss Scripture or have the lyrics to a song that have helped my personal faith and my relationship with Our Lord.

My prayer journaling is not based on any lessons I have learned academically – it’s a place where I believe my prayer is more focused and fruitful.

If you are looking for a more intellectual, academic explanation of prayer journaling, check out this video produced by Blessed is She: Prayer Journaling Workshop

How to start a prayer journal:

Step 1: Preparing to Prayer Journal

Have fun with picking out your supplies!!!!

This part can be so fun and will truly help you get excited about starting a prayer journal!

Pick out a notebook or journal that you will enjoy writing in, pens that feel smooth when you write and inspirational products from Open Journey

My favorite journaling supplies are:

• An old-fashioned marble styled notebook – yep, that is what I use!*
• Prayer cards/holy cards
• Stickers!  I love stickers so much – I highly recommend grabbing some from Just Love Prints,  Sweet Little Ones and Stump of Jesse. Here’s a secret I have to share with you – the Dollar Tree has some great stickers too!
• Pens that write smooth/ and colored ones too!  These gel pens from Amazon look awesome!
• Colored pencils, markers and yes, even crayons.

The truth is, I am a “wanna be artist”.  Prayer journaling allows me a creative outlet.  I like to color.  I imagine I would enjoy scrapbooking if I felt I had the time, and I do enjoy writing.  I do all of this in my prayer journal.  I can’t sew, I’m horrible at drawing and I have no business picking up a paint brush – so for me, this is a way I joyfully spend time with the Lord.  Since I pretty much don’t know how to relax – this is as close to I get to obey His command to “be still”.

*If you would rather have a journal that is more guided, check out these: 10 Best Journals for Busy Women

Step 2: Dedicate your Prayer Journal to Jesus

Now, about that first page.

If those blank pages are intimidating, or you just have no idea where to begin . . . FEAR NOT!

Here is an Instagram reel showing the first page of two journals! How to START your prayer journal!

I always put a picture of Jesus on the first page.  My favorite image is of Jesus as the Good Shepherd; but I also use what’s available.  Someone left a ton of Divine Mercy Prayer cards in the back of our church, so I give those out when I do prayer journaling workshops.

I love putting an image of Our Lord on the first page.  It sets the tone and says, “Jesus, all of this is for you”.

If you have a holy card you just love, or a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother, you could do a variation of this idea.  Another fun way to begin is to create a collage of holy cards on the first page

or

write out the sign of the cross . . . then turn the page and begin.

Step 3: Pour your heart out to Jesus, and remember to thank him for being your best friend.

So you did something with your first page and you might be wondering . . . now what?

Write a letter to Jesus and pour out your heart.  Tell him what keeps you up at night.  Tell him what you are truly grateful for.  Tell him why you are starting to prayer journal.  Ask him the questions you have about your life and your relationships.  Ask him for guidance and peace. (You can take a peak at my first prayer journal entries here: Why Prayer Journal?

Remember that Jesus is your best friend.  The way I spend time with him and my friends may look different than the way you do.  Your journey in this book will simply be where your heart and pen (or colored pencils) lead you.

If you are curious about how I pray using a journal, take a peek here:

8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal

I recently started a new journal and I know one entry is the novena prayer to Saint Joseph and another page I just had some fun coloring and then over my rainbow stripes I placed a holy card on the center and used start stickers to fasten it there. For me it’s a creative outlet, a way to silence my thoughts and hopefully in doing so, hearing God’s voice.

If you would like some printable prompts – grab this resource: 40 (More) Prayer Journal Prompts!

And lastly, if you are wondering when you might have time to journal – I wrote about that too.

When do real women find time to journal

Follow me on Instagram to see more Prayer Journaling tips!

And if you want me to come and lead a prayer journal workshop, let’s chat!

Email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com and let’s see if we can set a date!

If you’d like to host your own workshop, or “sip and script” prayer journal gathering, here’s a guide:

How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ party: Prayer Journaling with Friends

Get your tween or teen started with prayer journaling early with the Be Yourself Journal!

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The post How to Start a Prayer Journal (in 3 easy steps) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.