Pio Prints: A Review

Pio Prints provided a shirt for my review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

With PCOS and my other fertility struggles, diet, nutrition, and exercise are always pretty top of mind.  Self-care is generally important, but it's also particularly important in my health challenges.

So, when Pio Prints asked if I'd be interested in a review of their workout tank, I figuratively (because it had been a little bit since my last workout) jumped at the chance to try some new workout gear.....because we all know when you're struggling to get back in the groove of working out, there's nothing like something cute to help you over the hump.

When it arrived, I was eager to try it on and see how the fit was.  It's an A-line cut tank, so it's narrower at the top and widens to the bottom hem.  The back center has a gather to help form the shape.  I love the fit and cut of this narrower top to wider bottom because it's fitted where it needs to be and then flowing over the reasons I'm out there jogging in the first place.

The other great thing I love about the cut is that it doesn't come down too low in the front.  Because, ladies, when you wear a compression sports bra and hate high collars touching your neck, you generally end up with workout shirts that you have to monitor to make sure they're not slipping down on you in the front.  *This* is not one of those shirts.  This shirt is high enough in front that you're covered, but also low enough that you don't feel confined or choked by a collar rubbing on you while you work out.

The weight and feel of the fabric is also great.  It's soft and smooth and was perfect for a sunny day jog with a very furry puppy (Ginger).

After our jog

The price point for this particular tank is $25, making it the perfect treat for your workout slump, hitting your newest milestone, or a thoughtful birthday present for a friend who loves the saints and fitness.  I'm putting another one (or two because I'm having a hard time only working out in my favorite shirt) on my Mother's Day/birthday wishlist.

If tanks or workout tees aren't your gig, they also have great shirts, cards, journals and mugs.  Support a family and shop small.

Stop by Pio Prints online or on Instagram. 

Cross Stitch Saints: A Review

Items were provided, thoughts are my own.

Nancy from Do Small Things with Love was kind enough to provide LB (10) with a cross stitch saint pattern to review.

L selected Blessed Mother Teresa to cross stitch.  

When we got the package, it included the embroidery floss, all labeled, the pattern, the fabric, and the hoop.

I gave L a few pointers on tightening the hoop and marking each stitch on her pattern as she continued so she wouldn't lose track (I had her poke a hole in the stitches on the pattern after she stitched them on the fabric so she'd know where to pick back up after putting it down for a bit).

Just starting out

About halfway there!

She did it!

In the beginning, L seemed a little overwhelmed at getting started on this project.  However, once she started, she seemed to gain momentum throughout the project.  She would run up to me and show me her progress, she took pride in completing a project on her own.

It was such great practice at following a pattern and the end result is lovely.  

An unintended benefit of this project was that we both had handiwork to do together.  As I sat knitting, she would pick up her cross stitch and we would talk or watch something together.

That alone is worth the purchase.  That slow, quiet time together was so great.  Even more wonderful that we could talk about the saint she was working on.

If you're looking for a little something to tuck into a stocking, I really recommend this for the budding or practiced crafter in your life.  

Check out Nancy's shop.  I think the next thing I want to make is one of the felt alphabet books.  They look perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Our Family's Jesse Tree: A Review

Author provided book for review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recently, I got a copy of the digital book Our Family's Jesse Tree.


I love the Jesse Tree tradition.  If you're not familiar with it, the Jesse Tree is a set of images that tell the story of salvation from the start of creation. 

Each picture corresponds with a scripture reading.  It's like a miniature bible timeline study for Advent.  A small thing you can do each day that gives your kids an overview of our entire story.

With this book, you can bring the salvation story to life in a way that works for your family, crafty skills, and speed of life. 

It includes each of the scripture readings that accompany the images - as well as a prayerful reflection.

The book offers detailed directions - great for the beginning crafter.  It offers a variety of ways the ornaments can be created, including:

• Printing the pictures
• Printing the pattern for coloring
• Printing the pattern pieces for craft foam 
• Printing the pattern pieces for felt or embroidering

This project will absolutely meet you where you are, wherever you are.

Maybe this is a season of busyness for your family - print the pictures or let the toddlers color the patterns to use.

Maybe you have a budding new artist in your home - let them create with colored pencils, craft foam or felt.

Or, maybe crafting is your downtime.  This book offers you a how-to guide to a beautiful tradition.

My youngest is just getting old enough to color and sit for a few moments.  My oldest is able to do quite a bit more in the crafting department.  This Advent, we'll be able to print two sets of ornaments and let the girls create their own sets. 

I'm looking forward to incorporating this book into our season, and now that I have a beautiful set of patterns, we'll be able to use them to the girls' abilities over the years to come.

You can find it for sale - and very reasonably priced - here: 

• Craftsy

• Etsy 

To find more of Jen's beautiful work and patterns, check her out on Facebook or find her on Instagram at @faithandfabric

Organic Mamas Shop: A Review and Coupon!

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through the link, I'll benefit.  I was provided with a Novena Bracelet to review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was lucky enough to review a Novena Bracelet from Organic Mamas Shop.  Let me start by saying, I'd previously purchased items from her shop, so I was really excited to share her shop with you, and more, provide you with a coupon code to get a beautiful item yourself!

I chose the Immaculate Conception Novena bracelet.  The cross and medal section clips and unclips in both the rosary and novena varieties to keep track of your prayer.  It's a beautiful way to stay on track with your nine days or five decades.

What I really love about these bracelets is the flexible fit.  I'm not typically a bracelet wearer.  I have a wide flat wrist and generally find bracelets too tight for comfort. 

The flexible wire fit of these bracelets makes the fit comfortable, even for stacking.

I wore the novena bracelet with my rosary bracelet and they both fit comfortably on my wrist - so if you're in the middle of a novena and don't want to leave the rosary at home, no choice necessary.

Sweet Pea (3) also took a turn wearing them both during mass this weekend.  They're sturdy enough that I don't mind letting her wear them and pull them on and off her arm.....especially when she doesn't find Father's homily quite as stimulating as the rest of us.

I bought these bracelets as Christmas presents for both my mother-in-law and my mom.  The novena bracelet is smaller than the rosary bracelet, and I think that would make it a great gift even for a first communicant. 

The shop isn't just bracelets.  Nursing necklaces, earrings, special decade first communion bracelets, and more!  My new favorite item is the Chews Life Rosary - great for teething and praying.

Photo courtesy of Organic Mamas Shop

Items are available in many different colors, and custom colors/orders are available as well. 

The best part?  Until July 5th, you can get 20% off using the coupon code ANNERY20.  Christmas is six months from tomorrow....no pressure :)

Shop away!