Today, in addition to our links, we have a handmade rolling pin giveaway for you! (Giveaway closed.)
It's a joy for me to see the friends of my children grow up and find their vocations. How gratifying for Sukie's friend Patty to contact me and ask me to do a giveaway of one of her husband Keenan's wooden creations! Of course, as always, I have to love the product.
She sent me a rolling pin. I have to admit, I never thought I'd be tempted to replace my old-fashioned American rolling pin that's accompanied me through my whole married life (36+ years!), so I was a little unsure. Maybe she should have sent me the keg handle… but I don't have a keg, so maybe not.
But — I LOVE IT. It's beautiful. How can something so simple be so fabulous? The weight of it, the finish, the size — it's perfect. Yes, I may be convinced to transition over to this different way of working with dough.
Would you like to win one?
Okay. Here's the deal. Leave a comment here on this post. If you share an LMLD post on social media, you can leave another comment for a second entry.
A little more about this darling family, from Patty:
On to our links:
- A simple knitting project from Ginny of Small Things for the budding knitter in your life (maybe this can go along with a gift of yarn and needles this Christmas?).
- I came across this moving rendition of The Wexford Carol with Alison Krauss and Yo Yo Ma. We don't have a cellist but we have a fiddler, so we're going to work on learning this beautiful Christmas song. You can too! Here's some sheet music.
- Rosie passed this post along to me. I recommend it. It's not that Carolyn's experience with her autistic son is necessarily like everyone else's, and she makes it clear that she is not trying to suggest that. It's just that she resisted letting the experts tell her to do things that went against what she knew was best for her child. This is a message that parents in general (including those whose children are not officially “special needs”) should heed.
- Terese from the Farmandaway blog had linked up with {pretty, happy, funny, real} and her post really moved me. It's a memory of life in a faith-filled home. She expresses very well what I try to say about living what you believe, because she grew up with it. I wish I had known her father.
“I’ve thought about why the faith seems to have “stuck” with the kids in my family to a degree that doesn’t seem typical, and I have to conclude that it is because of the way my dad just lived his life as a Catholic in all things. There weren’t these little areas of his life where we could see him saying, “Well, the Church is outdated on this issue, so I am going to do as I please.” He wasn’t apologetic for the Church’s stance on anything. He loved the Church and he was never ashamed of Her.”
- The specific political moment that gives rise to this short essay doesn't concern me as much as the philosophy of history which leads to the argument that one can be on the right or wrong side of history. (The counter-argument is one also made by C. S. Lewis in The Abolition of Man.)
- Ed Peters, canon lawyer, has an always informative blog called In the Light of the Law. In this post he has a canon law take on a theme we often bring up here — leaving room for speaking one's mind.
- Here is a post about an interesting book. I'll have to read it.
- In the comments on my post about celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas, I mentioned two links about Santa Claus that I wanted to be sure to bring up here: This “Aquinas disputatio”–style argument for Santa, and this lovely letter to the editor from G. K. Chesterton.
From the archives: In this post (which I linked to recently but today it's for a different reason), I go into the O Antiphons which begin on the 17th. Michele Quigley has a great coloring series to do during these days.
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Enjoy the day! (I read a book about the scientific aspect of this apparition. Totally fascinating. Here is a brief summary.)
*I see from the comments on this still on-going book giveaway of my book and the Chief's, that most of you really prefer not to have Rafflecopter, a widget that doesn't suggest we are going commercial — but which does help give the blog exposure. For now we'll stick to comments. We always appreciate so much when you share our posts!
Leave a comment to win a beautiful rolling pin from Blanchard Wood Co.!
Carly Orris says
What a wonderful giveaway and awesome story! God is so good! I hear stories like this all the time! God bless both your families!
anothermom says
As always your bits & pieces post is a lovely treat! Would love to win the beautiful rolling pin in memory of my G-ma, who taught us to make homemade egg noodles, always rolled by hand. Many prayers for the family offering such a thoughtful gift, and their blessed children.
Elizabeth says
Ooh, the rolling pin is lovely! The perfect thing to facilitate baking fever 🙂
Melissa AtLee says
What a beautiful, inspiring family! And I would love to win that gorgeous rolling pin!
Dia says
Thank you so much for your blog. We are the same age (Leila) and although I don’t have daughters who are making homes for themselves yet, I have many, many young friends who are deep in the trenches doing so. I recommend your blog often.
Theresa says
I’d love to win that beautiful rolling pin! Ever since I marathoned the amazing and charming Great British Baking Show on Netflix I’ve been inspired to return to pie crust and figure them out once and for all.
Dixie says
I would love a new rolling pin! My daughter’s favorite dessert at the moment is apple pie, and our old rolling pin is proving mediocre.
Tina says
Thank you for sharing their story, what a beautiful family!! And thank you for sharing the site! 🙂
Barb says
I would love this rolling pin!
Wanda says
The design is absolutely intriguing. I have used my mother’s rolling pin for ages with memories of using it as a child. Would love to try my hands at this new style!
Leila says
Wanda, of course, this style is “old” and “old fashioned” for non-Americans! But you should try it!
Amada Beatriz says
What a beautiful story! Please count me in for the giveaway 🙂
Helen E. Aardsma says
What a sweet family! This would make a wonderful gift to give this Christmas! Please enter me in the giveaway! Thank you! Helen
Lindsey in AL says
That rolling pin is beautiful! I have longed for one like it for most of my adult life. I may have to send my husband a pointed text with a link to the webstore 🙂
Cayce says
Wonderful, as always!
Leah says
What a lovely family;-) I have to admit, I started counting heads (I always do when there are more than three kids) because I thought it looked like a bunch of kids. Then, when I got to six, I realized that the odd looks we get are people counting us, too because I will, in six months (probably more, I usually gestate way longer than recommended) I will have to count six before we leave the store!
Mary Beth says
Blessed Advent.
Nina says
Was I surprised this morning when I saw Patty and Keenan’s family on a Facebook post for Like Mother, Like Daughter! I had no idea you all knew each other! Small Catholic world! I went to college with Patty and Keenan and have enjoyed following the story of their family. Of course I also adore this blog! Neat to see you all together in the same place!
Michelle M. says
A beautiful family! It seems that God knew those three beautiful foster babies needed this exact loving family to be theirs. How blessed they all are! God is good!!! I love the rolling pin and will definitely support their family businesses, too!
Emily says
What beautiful craftsmanship! Thank you for introducing this family to us!
Mary says
Oh, my! This isn’t just a rolling pin; it is truly a work of art! I would love to have this beauty in my home. I can tell you this–it would get a huge work out! Thank you and a Blessed Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
kristin says
What a beautiful rolling pin! I’ve always wondered if I would like the ones without a central handle to hold on to.
Chere Mama says
OH, would live to win the rolling pin!!
Beth F says
What a nice looking rolling pin!!
Beth F says
I also tweeted about it and tagged LMLDtweets in it. 🙂
Andrea says
What a lovely family! They have 6 kids and still have energy to learn new things!
Lauren says
What a beautiful rolling pin and such a beautiful family. I would love to win since mine just broke.
Toni Graham says
I would love to win the rolling pin. I have owned two, and neither have been quite right. Perhaps, as the saying goes, the third time’s the charm?
Thank you! I do so enjoy your blog and often recommend it to others.
Taryn B says
I love that rolling pin! And I always love the Saturday links. They’re especially perfect to read and think about while breastfeeding. 😉 I will be happy to share more posts when I return to FB after an Advent fast.
sophie says
Handle-less rolling pins are delightful to use, and the design on this one is beautiful.
Kansas Mom says
I have been wanting to try a rolling pin like that!
Margie says
Would love to win.
Elizabeth says
What a beautiful family! Thank you for sharing their story!
Kristy B says
This is a beautiful rolling pin! I would love to try it! As much as I love my handed down American style rolling pin, I have found it difficult to use since hand surgery a couple years ago.
Amanda says
My favorite rolling pin just broke and I have been looking for a new one. I would love to have this lovely rolling pin!
Sarah Lee says
What a huge heart your family has! The rolling pin is lovely in its simplicity.
Mary K. says
How beautiful. I’m so glad handmade crafts are still around in the age of big box stores!
CMerie says
I always look forward to your bits and pieces posts!
allie says
My great aunt had a handmade rolling pin her father made. To commemorate it she had a plaque made and they screwed it into the rolling pin instead of making a stand for it! Made it useless. So sad. I would love a new rolling pin. ! pick me!
Lori says
Thank you for another lovely giveaway. What a fantastic rolling pin! I, too, have an ancient one I received as a gift some 30 years ago, and I could certainly be persuaded to try a new one.
Maureen says
Looks neat! Thanks for hosting another great giveaway!
Amy Z says
Pick me! I’d love the rolling pin! And, I love that you do just comments for entries. If I earned an entry for every LMLD post I’ve ever shared, I’d win the rolling pin for sure. I’m kind of a walking billboard for your blog from all the advice I’ve implemented.
Julia R. says
BEAUTIFUL rolling pin. Would love adorn our kitchen with such a beautiful and functional tool!
jennybrown says
These pins look beautiful! Thank you!
Mary Clare says
I have always been intrigued by this style of rolling pin! And this one is especially lovely.
Morgan says
Bits and Pieces with my morning cup of coffee is my favorite Saturday morning tradition! We are a baking family, so I’m excited at the opportunity to win such a beautiful rolling pin.
Anamaria says
Lovely lovely rolling pin and beautiful story!
Sue says
Thank you so much for offering this giveaway – I’d love to win!
Nina says
That rolling pin might give me the confidence to try gingerbread men (instead of gingerbread blobs.). 😉
Mary Mougeot says
Story was so awesome, thanks for sharing.
Margo Davis says
Blessings to your wonderful family!
Kimberlee says
So many great links as always, thank you. I love that post about living the Fath, and what beautiful memories the author had. The English Way sounds fascinating.
The rolling pin is lovely! Though I never knew her I know my grandmother had one like that. I believe it was passed down to my cousin, along with her bread board – a wonderful big thing with a ledge at the back and a lip overhanging down in the front so it stays in place on your counter.
Betsy says
What a lovely family. Thanks for sharing their story and for the chance to win a lovely rolling pin! I inherited my grandmother’s rolling pin but love this style as well.
Sarah says
Thank you for these good links. I especially like the O Antiphon link- catholicculture has a lot of helpful articles. I was looking for more help on living the ember days this week and I found an excellent article.
The rolling pin is delightful! I have always used the maple one my husband gifted me on our first Christmas. This would be fun to try!
Stephanie says
We may have to use those O antiphon sheets this year–I’ve been wanting to incorporate them as we get closer to Christmas. I would also love to win the rolling pin!
coleen says
Would love to win the rolling pin……
Melissa says
What a beautiful rolling pin and great story.
Melissa says
Inspiring!
Maria says
That rolling pin is nice, I’ve modified a typical American one by having the kids break the handles, ha.. ;] So I have half and half!
And the photo of the woodworking shop is envy-inducing!
sibyl says
What a beautiful rolling pin. God bless such a lovely family. Those kids will be so grateful for their siblings — the gift of a lifetime.
Mary Ann Van Atta says
I would love one of Keenan’s rolling pins! What a beautiful family!
Kari says
I’ve been wanting a rolling pin like that for awhile, but never had the extra money to try…
Kristi says
Thank you for always holding such great giveaways – I would love to win the rolling pin! Their family story is so interesting!!
Barbara says
What a beautiful story and family. The rolling pin looks wonderful and made with love. It would be nice to win this lasting gift to go along with a sturdy board that was used by my grandmother to roll Italian cuccidata cookies and probably close to 70 years old.
Joy in Alabama says
I love the story of Patty’s family! My oldest son got married 3 years ago. They had wanted children from the beginning, but didn’t get pregnant. This summer they decided to foster and started classes in September. The week of their first home visit, they found out they are expecting in June! We’re soooo excited!
I’d like to win the rolling pin for my 19yo daughter, who is a wonderful baker and is starting a hope chest.
Maureen says
The handleless rolling pin looks much easier to clean than my current one; that is a definite plus, as right now the awkwardness of washing the rolling pin keeps me from using it as often as I want to!
Jordan says
Ahh! I have wanted a French Rollng pin for ages! Would love to win!!
laura ustanovska says
I was so excited when I saw this, because, although I don’t know you in real life, I do know Patty…well, I did quite a number of years ago, and so does Sukie!
Jen says
I was never too sure of those new rolling pins either, so nice to know they are good ones!
Michelle says
beautiful story 🙂 funny enough, i just had to throw away my old (albeit cheap) rolling pin the other day! and the french rolling pins are what I have my eye on 😉
Carrie says
I had a rolling pin like this when I was first married and it somehow disappeared in my move across the Atlantic. Thanks for reminding me what I’m missing!
Karen says
My grandfather was a baker. My mother grew up in the bakery doing all the jobs. I have baking “in my blood” but have never used a rolling pin like that. I need one. For Better Baking.
Thanks for all these lovely and incredibly useful posts. And the give-aways are the icing on the cake.
Kate says
How neat! It looks beautiful!
~Kate
Jody says
Wonderful story! Beautiful rolling pin!
Amber says
What a lovely rolling pin! I have wanted one like this for a while. Thanks for the opportunity to win one!
Elizabethk says
What beautiful handiwork this lovely family communes in–God’s blessings of their children and they as their parents. The bounty of the creative handiworks of photography, baking AND wood working and farming! All my loves and out of the rat-race. May God bless and keep them. It thrills me to see younger people striving to reawaken our senses of the natural beauties of God’s creation and share them with us and pass on to the next generations. Now, off to read links for an hour. Thank you for your family’s blog-Lelia!
Elizabethk says
Ugh–fix that- Leila😉 Sorry…
Trish says
Dear Auntie Leila, the pin in your photo looks different than the one for sale on their website. Was that made specially for you? I would be interested in buying one like yours. Easier for small hands to use, I think.
Thanks for your bog!
Trish
Leila says
Trish, I was wondering what you meant and then I went to look at the site again. They have two styles — a longer one for pasta making. This one is the French rolling pin and it is indeed the same as the one on the site. I highly recommend it! Here is the link:
http://blanchardwoodco.com/shop/french-american-rolling-pin
Donna says
Looks like perfection!
Joy says
What an interesting rolling pin! I love your stories and links each week.
June says
Hi!
Oh how I relate to this family ….
My children are ages 6,5,4,3,1 and expecting!
We def have our struggles but the more we simplify our life the more joy I have found!
One of those things that has brought great joy is homemade bread!
I also recently bought a adorable apron to embrace homemaking! This was one of your best suggestions thank u! I wish I could post a picture of the apron, but anyway I think I would enjoy this handmade product as well as my husband who dreams of home brewing and woodworking.
Thank you for this giveaway oppurtunity
Leila says
Dear June — Wow, many blessings on your family! Congratulations and — glad you got a cute apron 😉
Cathy Lorio says
Well, something to add to my wish list!
kathleen says
What a lovely rolling pin. Thanks for all the encouragement and good advice over the years. It helps me keep my priorities straight.
Heather S says
That pin looks so lovely! I would la la LOVE to win <3
xoxo
Katie says
What a lovely post! God bless their family:) what a great craftsman- the rolling pin would be a great gift for my husband.
Heather says
What a beautiful rolling pin. I’ve always used a glass because I don’t like typical rolling pins. Maybe this is just what I need!
Gail says
Thanks for a chance to win! I could really use a better quality rolling pin.
Jennifer says
Thanks for all the interesting links! Plenty to read while nursing the baby. 🙂 Would love to win the rolling pin!
Erin says
That’s a beautiful rolling pin, and I can imagine it would be a pleasure to use! Gorgeous family, and will be checking out his woodworking shop!
Lisa says
What a lovely rolling pin! I can’t wait to see what else is in that shop. 🙂
Rosemary says
Thank you for the story about the lovely family. It would be wonderful to win such a beautiful rolling pin!
Elizabeth says
I would LOVE to win this rolling pin! I do a lot of baking year round.
Audrey says
Thank you for sharing both your story and the rolling pin! Beautiful family 🙂
Ruth says
Love the craftsmanship and the family story!
Kristie Lawrence says
That rolling pin is beautiful! I love your blog!
Kate says
My pizza crusts are wishing for a nicer rolling pin and that one is lovely!
Shannon says
Thanks for the chance to win this work of art. Would love a chance to use for my baking!
Jennifer says
What a gorgeous rolling pin!
Emily D. says
I love that pattern from Ginny! Well, I just love Ginny, anyway. 🙂 Thanks for linking to it! And I’m definitely printing out that Wexford Carol. I love expanding my Carol Repertoire!
Diane says
I love to hear stories like this. The rolling pin looks like it would be a joy to work with.
FarmAndAway (terese) says
Hi Auntie Leila,
Wow–what an honor to see you cite my post! It’s true, you and my dad would have gotten along famously. He was quite a character!
I love that style of rolling pin. I originally received a marble straight pin with handles (that oddly enough were unfinished (ouch!) and were fixed to the marble, so one would be hard pressed to actually roll comfortable). I returned it and never replaced it until my bread book encouraged the use of a French rolling pin. I was so skeptical, but it really is far superior to the straight pin with handles. If I were to win, I’d use this to convert a family member to this superior style. 🙂
Paula says
This looks so ergonomic!
Anamaria says
I shared an old post on Facebook 🙂 (cinnamon braided bread & advent)
Sherri says
I have a daughter getting married in June. She was a CUA classmate of Deirdre’s and speaks very highly of her. I gave her a child size hand crank pasta maker when she was little. That one pretty much died and now she has a full size one and she often treats us to delicious homemade, handmade pasta. I think this style of rolling pin is right up her alley and would make a lovely gift. I will visit Keenan’s website.
claudia says
Maybe too late to enter, but wanted to post my gratitude for the hope of winning!
Patty G says
A beautiful rolling pin! I sure would put that to good use!
Cecilia says
I don’t know if it’s too late, but I would love a rolling pin! I think I gave mine away for some reason because we didn’t enough space living in such tight quarters. Or perhaps my husband made it disappear…? Anyway, it would be a real step up from using a wine bottle!
ali says
Those rolling pins always looked odd to me. But now I see it would be better because there would be now crease in the dough.
Happy Advent and Christmas blessings
Jayne says
I would love to win a rolling pin! I have always wanted a french-style rolling pin.
Louise says
They are my son’s godparents! Therefore, do I automatically win?
Melanie says
🙂 love the autism article. My 11yo is hyperlexic and autistic. We discovered he could read at age 3 when he started spelling words with those foam bathtub letters at age 3.