My Tribe. My Sisters.

Wow.
What a beautiful, amazingly awesome weekend #bisteamretreat turned out to be.

Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect as my plane arrived in St. Paul on Friday. I only "knew" these women from an online ministry we all are a part of. 
We arrived on Friday as online acquaintances. On Sunday, we left as sisters and friends.
The weekend was full of laughter, lots good food, and even better conversation. Not to mention, all the cute babies that were constantly passed around like s'mores around a campfire. We prayed the rosary around the bonfire on Friday evening. We talked and dreamed some big dreams for the future + growth of Blessed Is She. We ate some AMAZING food. And we talked and talked and talked.
One of the most meaningful experiences for me was the small group discussion on Saturday afternoon with the three other women in my group: Mary, Jacqui, and Elise. We got real and vulnerable. There was tears, honesty, encouragement, and hugs. We opened our hearts and just laid them out on the table. It did something fiercely good for my heart.

Coming home, I was just in awe of it all.
As I drove back to my apartment on Sunday, I just wept and wept. Yes a few tears it had to end, but primarily tears of gratitude and thankfulness that I have such a community in my life where I can just be me. Where just being Patty is enough and a-okay. Where I am supported, loved, encouraged, and challenged just the way I am... I want all women have such a community in their own lives.
Every woman I got chance to talk with and get to know on a deeper level was like adding another rare, precious jewel to a treasure chest in my heart.
I am so excited I finally got to meet these sisters of mine!

Do you have a community, a tribe to call your own?
If not, we would so love to have you into our home :)

The 30 sisters I never knew I had.

While I love my younger sister, as the oldest kid deep down I always wished I had an older sister. Sure being top dog of the birth order has its perks, but sometimes it doesn't.
This weekend I am heading to Minnesota for a weekend retreat and get-together with almost 30 of the writers + creative minds behind Blessed Is She. It is a Catholic women's ministry where you get an e-mail each day with the Mass readings with a devotion to accompany it. Plus, now they a membership (complete with online classes!), a shop of gorgeous goodies, Facebook groups, and one of the most lovely Gram feeds I follow.

Y'all. I am SO flipping excited and have been saving up for my plane ticket since last spring.
It is crazy to think after chatting with so many of these lovely via Skype or Facebook messaging, I will finally get to meet them in person and give each a big hug.
I have had hit or miss experiences with making friends and/or small groups over the years, but I am blown.away. the sense of community and sisterhood with these ladies. It is so cool to be a part of something bigger than me in being a part of Blessed Is She.
My airline ticket is printed.
Laundry is finishing in the dryer.
And I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning giddy with excitement.

Cannot wait to meet you sisters I never knew I had or needed in my life:) 
#bisteamretreat

5 Ways to Make Your Book-Buying Habit Easier on Your Wallet

I like to read books. A lot.  So much so, I like to keep  running list each year of all the books I have read. My goal is get to 80, maybe even 100 by the end of the year. #ihaveaproblem

While I love to read, it can easily get very expensive making regular trips to Barnes and Noble for my latest fix.
So here's a round-up of 5 smart ways I try to penny pinch when it comes to my voracious appetite for books.
Half.com
This is a newer find for me, and it distantly related to eBay. On this site you can sell items (books, textbooks, music, games, and music!) for a fixed price instead of the auction system eBay is known for.

Shop Thrift Stores & Garage Sales

So this one takes more focus and energy, but scouring local re-sale shops or garage sales you might be surprised what literary treasures you can find. That is basically how I supplied my love of Nancy Drew mystery books in junior high.

Make friends with the Library

Okay.for.real. I loved going to the library something fierce as a little girl, but now I love it even more as an adult. I easily make at least 1-2 trips a week to return titles and pick up new ones. Some of the librarians even know me on a first-name basis. 

Oh and thank the good Lord for the renewal system in public libraries!

Before I ever buy a book now, I tend to try and read it the first time through the library.

Bookbub

I like this website because it is based on your personal interests and taste. Sign up for an account and then set what interests you, which tells Bookbub what you like to read. The site then alerts you to big discounts on e-books (and free too!) and you are able to read them on any device.

Book Swap with Friends

I have been to purse and clothing swap parties...who's to say ya can't do it with books?! Clear your bookshelf of titles you already devoured and score some new finds from your friends. Throw in a bottle of wine, some appetizers, and you've got yourself a party!

Any other book-buying tips you might add?
Happy reading! :)