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Advice to Future College Students: 10 Things I Wish I Had Done More

Posted on August 8, 2013July 9, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  As the back to school catalogs are pouring into my little steel mailbox, the cable sweaters and matching notebooks tell me that Fall is just around the corner. This Fall is my first fall as a teacher’s spouse with Evan starting student teaching in only 12(!) days. It’s also been a full ten years…

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A Place to Be Yourself: Reflections on a Sophomore Dorm Room

Posted on August 1, 2013August 12, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  One part of cultivating creativity is that you need to feel safe enough to take risks and be yourself. You have to make a space in your home and your heart to feel free to be you and to write, or paint, or dance, or just be.  When I think of spaces like that,…

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An Elimination Diet: Figure Out What Foods Are Making You Sick

Posted on July 30, 2013July 10, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

Elimination diets first became popular within the medical community in 1941 when physician Albert Rowe published Elimination Diets and the Patient’s Allergies. They have declined in popularity as blood tests have become available because blood tests require considerably less patient effort. But as our understanding of the complexity food intolerances and allergies has increased, blood…

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The Cultivated Life: Reflections on Rocks & Tree Roots Part Two

Posted on July 25, 2013August 12, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  Today is the second half of the two-part series on the image of the rooted tree as a metaphor for how we grow and face challenges.  In the first part, we talked about the use of garden and tree imagery in the book of Colossians. Tree roots take up nourishment for the tree, help…

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Getting Good Sleep: Routines and Resources for a Good Night

Posted on July 23, 2013July 12, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  Sleep is one of those things that you don’t think about much until it’s gone. But when a big event is looming, a stressful season strikes, or sickness robs you of your z’s, suddenly sleep becomes an important riddle to unravel. But, like they told you in high school psychology, sleep truly is still…

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The Cultivated Life: Reflections on Rocks & Tree Roots Part One

Posted on July 18, 2013August 12, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  Last week I was invited to share at my church’s women’s ministry brunch on their theme for the year: the cultivated life.  It was a sweet time of reflecting together on the tree metaphors in the book of Colossians and how we’re growing through the hard things we face.   I would like to continue…

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Homemade Deodorant For Sensitive Skin: Bentonite Clay and Baking Soda

Posted on July 16, 2013July 8, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  After stopping using shampoo, the next stop on the hygiene-crunchy-train was deodorant.  This was the first time that I read somewhere that a fairly ubiquitous product (in this case, antiperspirant) could have a negative effect on health (in this case, slow your metabolism) and decided to switch it for something with fewer chemicals. Deodorant…

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Being a Grown-Up at the Delaware Beach

Posted on July 11, 2013August 11, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  Last Friday morning we got a late start heading out to the beach.  I find that determining when you set out is a pretty common tension on vacation days. On the one hand you want to get an early start, to stretch day out, and soak up the sun. Then on the other hand,…

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Flourless Chocolate Cake: A Simple Recipe for Celebrations

Posted on July 9, 2013July 11, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  Here’s the recipe for the flourless chocolate cake I mentioned making before the 4th of July. It’s my go-to cake to celebrate. It’s made an appearance for my goddaughter’s first birthday and celebrating the beauty of a regular Saturday night visiting best friends. I love really good chocolate, and this recipe is all about…

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Choosing To Celebrate The Beautiful & The Good

Posted on July 4, 2013August 11, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  When I was little, Fourth of July celebrations were marked with red and blue frosted cupcakes, little plastic flags in the lawn near the lake, potato salad and wet towels, before mosquito bites and 9:30 fireworks. It was easy to smell that mix of slightly burned hotdogs, sunscreen, and lake water and celebrate.  …

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Summer Reading: 10 Modern Fairy Tales

Posted on July 2, 2013July 12, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  As Evan and I prepare to head to the beach with thousands of other Mid-Atlantic citizens this weekend, I thought it would be a good time for another installment of 10 favorite summer reads. Today’s list is 10 modern fairy tales. These are single volume works similar in tone and cosmology to my 10…

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Growing Up With Trees

Posted on June 27, 2013July 9, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  I have always loved trees. They mark time with their silhouetted bare branches, budding fragrant blossoms, cool shady leaves, and firework finishes.  For Christmas, I got Evan Sibley’s Book of Trees, and we’ve been marking off slowly the ones we’ve seen on hikes and mountain vacations.  I have always been drawn to stories about…

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Simple Breakfast: 10 Minute Eggs & Sausage Paleo Scrambler

Posted on June 25, 2013August 11, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  I have always loved breakfast. It makes sense since I’m a morning person. I was that kid at a sleepover who woke up a 6 am and had to sit around quietly for hours before anyone else got up. I read some strange books in friends’ basements. But, whether it’s at 6 am or…

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A Defining Retreat – Deciding to Leave Grad School

Posted on June 20, 2013July 12, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

  Church retreat weekends have always had a special place in my heart. I love the change of scenery and being in nature. I particularly love the way that being apart from the routine seems to stretch time. It allows you to look back on yourself and your life in new ways.  Each spring, our…

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Six Strategies For Having Paleo or Other Special Dieters Over for Dinner

Posted on June 18, 2013July 12, 2017 by Amy Rogers Hays

Sharing a meal together is a wonderful way to practice hospitality.  It is symbolic of communion and a special part of every culture. But cooking for people with food allergies, intolerances, and preferences can feel overwhelming. It’s harder to break bread with people who don’t eat bread!   Today I’ll suggest six styles for inviting…

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Welcome!

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I'm so glad you're here! I'm Amy - Anglican, mother of two, lover of trees, coffee, & fairy tales. Here's where I write about making space for creativity and filling our days with long walks, good food, morning prayers, and the reading and writing of good books. Drop me a line at AmyRogersHays (at) gmail.com.

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Favorite Posts

natural haircare

Make Natural Hair Care: Baking Soda, Apple Cider Vinegar & Vodka-Gelatin Hair Gel

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Make Homemade Deodorant For Sensitive Skin: Bentonite Clay and Baking Soda

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Advice to Future College Students: 10 Things I Wish I Had Done More

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Belonging to A Church

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Reflections on Dyslexia: May B. A Novel by Caroline Starr Rose

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A Defining Retreat: Deciding to Leave Grad School

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The Beginning of a Love Story In Honor of Anniversary Weekend

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Scramble Up A Simple Paleo Breakfast

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Bake Up A Flourless Chocolate Cake

  comfortable and presentable

Organize Bookshelves by Color

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My Life In Trees

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An Elimination Diet Figure Out What Foods Are Making You Sick

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A Goodbye Letter to Our Church: Leaving Those You Love

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Paleo Chai: A Blended Coconut Oil & Butter Recipe

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16 Online Resources: Liturgical Prayer Apps & Websites

 

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Welcome!


I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Amy – Anglican, mother of two, lover of trees, coffee, & fairy tales. Here’s where I write about making space for creativity and filling our days with long walks, good food, morning prayers, and the reading and writing of good books. Drop me a line at AmyRogersHays (at) gmail.com.

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Recent Posts

Maundy Thursday: A Liturgy for Children and Families

Maundy Thursday: A Liturgy for Children and Families

Family Easter Basket Ideas: Books, Games, and Really Good Chocolate

Family Easter Basket Ideas: Books, Games, and Really Good Chocolate

Newbery Review #104 (The First State of Being, Kelly, 2025)

Newbery Review #104 (The First State of Being, Kelly, 2025)

40 Books for My 40th Birthday: A 2024 Reading List

40 Books for My 40th Birthday: A 2024 Reading List

Family Christmas Letter 2024

Family Christmas Letter 2024

Recipe for a Birthday Hike

Recipe for a Birthday Hike

An Invitation to October Rest: A Devotional

An Invitation to October Rest: A Devotional

Fun for Two: 5 Date Night Board & Card Games

Fun for Two: 5 Date Night Board & Card Games

Our Board-Game Loving, Third Grade Son’s Top 5 List of Favorite Board Games

Our Board-Game Loving, Third Grade Son’s Top 5 List of Favorite Board Games

Our First Grader’s Top Board Games: 5 No-Reading-Required, Travel Friendly, Family Card Games

Our First Grader’s Top Board Games: 5 No-Reading-Required, Travel Friendly, Family Card Games

5 Games to Start a Board Game Collection

5 Games to Start a Board Game Collection

5 Tips for Family Board Gaming

5 Tips for Family Board Gaming

40 of the Best Picture Books for 5 Year Olds

40 of the Best Picture Books for 5 Year Olds

Newbery Review #103 (The Eyes and the Impossible, Egger, 2024)

Newbery Review #103 (The Eyes and the Impossible, Egger, 2024)

Ash Wednesday: A Liturgy for Children and Families

Ash Wednesday: A Liturgy for Children and Families

Ways to Feel a Little Better or a Little More Peaceful

Ways to Feel a Little Better or a Little More Peaceful

How to Find Great Children’s Books: 20 Guide Books, Books Lists, and Web Resources

How to Find Great Children’s Books: 20 Guide Books, Books Lists, and Web Resources

39 Books for my 39th Birthday: A 2023 Reading List

39 Books for my 39th Birthday: A 2023 Reading List

Family Christmas Letter 2023

Family Christmas Letter 2023

A Simple Home Christmas Pageant Script

A Simple Home Christmas Pageant Script

Books & Boots for Saint Nicholas Day: A List of our Family’s Favorite Christmas Picture and Read Aloud Books

Books & Boots for Saint Nicholas Day: A List of our Family’s Favorite Christmas Picture and Read Aloud Books

40 Great Picture Books for 4 Year Olds

40 Great Picture Books for 4 Year Olds

Newbery Review #102 (Freewater, Luqman-Dawson, 2023)

Newbery Review #102 (Freewater, Luqman-Dawson, 2023)

The Best Children’s Bibles: 30+ suggestions from Board Book Bibles to Illustrated Study Bibles

The Best Children’s Bibles: 30+ suggestions from Board Book Bibles to Illustrated Study Bibles

An Epiphany Liturgy for Children and Families

An Epiphany Liturgy for Children and Families

Categories

  • Anxiety
  • baby
  • Board Games
  • Book Lists
  • Children's Spiritual Formation
  • Connect
  • Creativity
  • Eat
  • Family Stories
  • Fun with Kids
  • Liturgical year
  • Love & Marriage
  • Make
  • Motherhood
  • Move
  • Newbery Book Reviews
  • Order
  • paleo
  • Pray
  • pregnancy
  • Read
  • Reflections
  • Rest
  • Self-Care
  • simplify
  • Toddler
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • walks in the woods
  • Wisconsin Beauty
  • Write

Favorite Posts

natural haircare

Make
Natural Hair Care: Baking Soda, Apple Cider Vinegar & Vodka-Gelatin Hair Gel

 

homemade deodorant

Make
Homemade Deodorant For Sensitive Skin: Bentonite Clay and Baking Soda

 

college advice

Advice to Future College Students: 10 Things I Wish I Had Done More

 

belonging to a church

Belonging to A Church

 

dyslexia

Reflections on Dyslexia:
May B. A Novel by Caroline Starr Rose

 

leaving grad school

A Defining Retreat: Deciding to Leave Grad School

 

love story

The Beginning of a Love Story In Honor of Anniversary Weekend

 

breakfast

Scramble Up A Simple Paleo Breakfast

 

cake

Bake Up A Flourless Chocolate Cake

 

comfortable and presentable

Organize Bookshelves by Color

 

trees

My Life In Trees

 

elimination diet

An Elimination Diet Figure Out What Foods Are Making You Sick

 

goodbye letter

A Goodbye Letter to Our Church: Leaving Those You Love

 

paleo blended chai recipe

Paleo Chai: A Blended Coconut Oil & Butter Recipe

 

Prayer book

16 Online Resources: Liturgical Prayer Apps & Websites

 

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