Five Favorites: Nuns and Other Stuff

1.

Nonnavita Soap

The hubs and I just picked up a couple of new bars of Nonnavita soap. The soap is made by some nuns who have plans to eventually build a monastery in San Antonio. These sisters used to live with Mother Angelica. Besides all that, the soap is wonderful. I have tried the lemongrass, blood orange and bergamot and the Rio Grande Valley (pink grapefruit). My favorite right at this moment is the RGV. You can order the soap here or wait to buy it in person if you live near San Antonio. Download A Good Habit podcast as well, while you're at it! 

2.

DIY Microwave Popcorn

I recently learned that you can make your own microwave popcorn using only a paper sack, popcorn kernels and a small amount of oil. It's a total lifehack. I don't often buy microwave popcorn, but this tastes better than that. The taste and texture of DIY microwave popcorn is better than stove-popped. I can't speak to an air popper because I don't have one of those...but this method is boss. All you do is coat about 1/4-1/2 cup of kernels with oil, dump them into the paper sack and fold the top down, place the bag upright in the microwave and cook for 2 or 3 minutes (monitoring the popping). I microwave a little butter separately and pour that over my corn. Delish.

3.

Catholic Stuff You Should Know

I seriously love this podcast. I feverishly wait for its arrival every week. In fact, there was no podcast last week and I am very anxious that there won't be this week. I'm getting the withdrawal shakes. It's that good. This is the only Catholic podcast that my husband will sometimes listen to because, "it just sounds like two dudes talking." Check out Father John and Deacon Nathan on One Million Stories. Then download the "Who Punched Arius" podcast in honor of the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6!

4.

Vision

I watched this movie on Netflix a couple of weeks ago and still can't stop thinking about it. It's been on my list for over a year, but I hadn't watched it because I judged it by its cover. I couldn't have been more wrong. The film is well made, has beautiful scenery, heavenly music and the story of St. Hildegard of Bingen is fascinating. She was a nun and mystic who lived in the 1100's in Germany. Added bonus: I was able to knit and watch this movie at the same time even though it's in German and I had to read subtitles. 

5.

Rosary Army Rosary

That's my first ever rosary which I received from Rosary Army for free in fall of 2011.When I requested a rosary on their website I couldn't decide what color to ask for. Awash in indecision, I selected the "surprise me" option. When it first came in I thought, "white...ugh.......ok." Since then I have come to love the white because it almost looks like a garland of white roses and I imagine giving each one to Mary as I pray. This rosary is my favorite this week because I just found it after months of it being MIA. It turns out it was in the pocket of some maternity jeans which I haven't worn in awhile. So glad to see it again!