Creative Mama

We all go through seasons where life feels crazy-busy. In those times, it's so important to have rhythms and routines that help keep you from totally losing your mind.

Join us for Creative Mama [Episode 23] where I outline some of the habits and tools I use to help me manage the busyness of life without feeling stressed to the max or allowing any details to slip through the cracks. Hopefully, these ideas and resources will help you create your own plan for when your daily routine feels out of control.

Your plan may not look like mine, but I hope you leave this episode inspired to put some routines in place that will serve you well going forward.

Creative Mama will be off for the month of February, but we'll be back on March 4, 2019 with the premiere episode of Season 3. Thank you so much for listening!

As always, I'd love to connect with you through my website or Instagram, or you can send an email to [email protected]

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People, Places & Things in This Episode:

Overwhelmed By My Blessings reading plan on YouVersion

Overwhelmed By My Blessings paperback devotional

Instacart grocery delivery. Save $10 on your first order when you use this link!

Living Well planner

My favorite highlighters for time-blocking in my planner

Cultivate Powersheets planner

One Line a Day journal

Les Mills' BodyPump workout class Find a class near you.

My favorite Lazy Genius Podcast episodes about cooking/meal prep: #75: The Lazy Genius Stocks the Kitchen ; #76, The Lazy Genius Meal Plan

Trello app

Join a LifeGroup (yes, there are even groups that meet online!)

Support the show by making a donation

Connect with Abbi on Instagram

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Each word we say, each thought we make space for in our minds, each action we allow to become a habit…all these things are making us who we are, as well as planting seeds in the hearts and minds of those in our circle of influence. If we hope to reap a harvest of positivity, health, and strong, meaningful relationships, it's crucial that we are sowing good seeds.

Join us for Creative Mama [Episode 22] as Abbi shares her One Word for 2019 and shows how the meaning behind it also impacts your life, no matter what you're focusing on this season.

As you set out to have a more intentional year, we highly recommend signing up for an ANALOGUE subscription through Mandy Thompson's website. These "field guides for the soul" will help ensure you are taking the right steps that will lead you to the growth you want to see in your life. This week we are offering a GIVEAWAY of Issue 1 to one lucky listener. See below for details.

Meanwhile, you take care of the sowing, and God will take care of the growing. Make it a great day!

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People, Places & Things in This Episode:

Support the show by making a donation

Creative Mama [Episode 21]: New Year's Revolution

My One Word site

My One Word: Change Your Life With Just One Word book

One Word That Will Change Your Life, Expanded Edition book

Creative Mama [Episode 3]: Creative Convo with Mandy Thompson

Learn more about Mandy's ANALOGUE project

Connect with Abbi on Instagram and leave a comment on the giveaway post to be entered to win Issue 1 of ANALOGUE (entries must be received by 11 PM CST on Friday, January 18th. Winner will be announced the morning of the 19th.)

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

How many times have you set a New Year's resolution that didn't last past Valentine's Day? Or made a goal that seemed like something you should do, but as you worked towards it, you began to realize you weren't really all that interested in accomplishing that thing after all. Goal setting can sometimes seem so daunting or even soul-sucking, like something meant only for the ultra-competitive, or Type-A nerds.

Listen to Creative Mama [Episode 21] as we discuss why our plans so often fail and then unpack some alternative (read: more enjoyable) approaches to the tired old New Year's Resolution. Start 2019 off on the right foot, armed with creative solutions and the tools and resources you need to reach your goals and have fun doing it!

As always, I'd love to hear your feedback on the content of this episode. Are you a goal-setter? Do you generally reach your goals? Let's talk! Find me on my website, Instagram, or by sending an email to [email protected]

Happy New Year!

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People, Places & Things in This Episode:

Visit our website for your FREE printable for setting SMART goals

Living Well planner

My One Word site

My One Word: Change Your Life With Just One Word book

One Word That Will Change Your Life, Expanded Edition book

One Word 365 site

Creative Mama [Episode 9]: 101 Things in 1001 Days List

Abbi's 101 Things blog post

Abbi's 101 Things (full list)

Creative Mama [Episode 17 ]: The Don't List

Soulful Year End Questions by Mandy Thompson

Support the show by making a donation

Connect with Abbi on Instagram

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Having spent her childhood watching her mother creatively redecorate their home on a budget, Deidra Livingood soon found herself following in her mother's footsteps.

Following several painful losses in her own life, she longed for a way to provide distressed families with a sense of stability, belonging, and comfort. As her passion for beautiful, functional spaces grew, Deidra looked for ways to bless others with her talent.

A lifelong knack for interior decorating has since evolved into a full-time ministry and non-profit organization for Deidra, today's guest on Creative Mama Podcast.

Join us for Creative Mama [Episode 20] as Deidra shares with us her vision behind Heart and Home Makeovers, the 501(c)3 non-profit she founded in 2018. Her organization is "focused on mobilizing the community to transform every distressed household into a powerhouse of hope and purpose."

You will be inspired by Deidra's story as she shares ideas on how to show love to others through making a house feel more like home.

*** People, Places & Things In This Episode:

Episode 19: Interview with holistic nutritionist Emily Johnson

Village Nutrition Company website

Episode 17: The Don't List

Connect with Deidra:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

***SHOP AND SUPPORT HEART AND HOME MAKEOVERS! We all love good deals and Five Below has them! EVERYTHING is priced at $5 or less. Clothes, toys, home goods, they have all the things. Shop at Five Below on December 22nd and 23rd and show the Heart and Home Makeovers flyer when you check out. Upon doing so, Five Below will donate 10% of your total to their organization. You can find the flyer on Heart and Home Makeover's social media pages. While there, you can also check out their Instagram stories and highlights for their favorite finds from Five Below.***

After discovering she could alleviate many of her health issues by consuming higher-quality foods, Emily Johnson got creative in the kitchen. As researching nutrition and its effects on our lives grew into an insatiable passion, Emily left her high-stress marketing job in favor of pursuing a Masters in Holistic Nutrition. Her recently launched Village Nutrition Company focuses on building community and helping families "find health through whole foods."

Whether you have picky kids, toddlers just beginning to eat solid foods, family members with dietary restrictions, or symptoms that keep you from feeling your best, Emily and her organization offer wonderful insight and suggestions for moving your family towards better health through food.

Join us for Creative Mama [Episode 19] as Emily details her exploration into the world of whole foods, simplifying the meal-planning process and encouraging all of us to listen to our bodies and find a way of eating that meets the needs of our unique families.

*** People, Places & Things In This Episode: Resources Emily loves:

Nourished Beginnings cookbook

Real Food Whole Life website

Veggies & Virtue website

Oh Baby Nutrition website

The Kitchn recipe website

Connect with Emily:

Website

Instagram

***FUNDRAISER DETAILS: To get involved with Emily's 30th Birthday Fundraiser and help provide healthy meals and nutrition education to families in the Portland, Oregon area, contact Emily for details here.

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Some of Creative Mamas's favorite healthy eating tools (because having quality tools keeps the chore of meal prep from feeling like such an arduous task):

A great article on "cooking up" and exposing our kids to new foods.

Instant Pot (6 qt)

Instant Pot (8 qt)

Paleo Instant Pot recipes (one of our favorite IP cookbooks, even if you don't follow a paleo diet)

Baby-Led Weaning Book (a simple approach to introducing your baby to solid food)

Spiralizer for making veggie noodles

Lunch boxes and snack boxes for meal prep and kids' food

Oxo pepper mill

Silicone spatulas

Lodge cast iron skillet (10.25")

The changing seasons and the holidays generally cause us to turn inward and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. But what if you're having trouble getting your mind to focus on the positives simply because the monotony or chaos of your daily grind is so overwhelming?

Listen to Creative Mama [Episode 18] to hear some ideas that may spark an attitude of gratitude. While Abbi is certainly no expert, she is passionate about creating a fulfilling life regardless of circumstances AND inspiring others to do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving! Make it a great day!

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People, Places & Things in This Episode:

Inscribe the Word November plan by Symphony of Praise

YouVersion Bible App

Psalm 92: 1-6 The Passion Translation (TPT)

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Support the show by making a donation

Shop on Amazon through our Affiliate store

Connect with Abbi on Instagram

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Sometimes we look around at what everyone else seems to love and we think, "That is NOT my jam." And that's good, because who ever said we all have to be alike?! The trouble comes in when we know something isn't for us, but we feel pressured to alter our viewpoint or preferences based on popular opinion.

Listen to Creative Mama [Episode 17] regarding the concept of creating your own "Don't List" and being comfortable with who you are and what you like. No guilt. No apologies. No justifying.

As always, I'd love to connect with you. If you decide to make a Don't List [mental or otherwise], I'd love to hear some of the items you choose to include. Just leave a comment below or connect with me through my episode posts on Instagram: @abbiz.

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People, Places & Things in This Episode:

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Support the show by making a donation

Shop on Amazon through our Affiliate store

Connect with Abbi on Instagram

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Ahhh…time away. Isn't it wonderful? And then, before you know it (or before you're ready!), it's back to reality! Surely there is a way to return home with some of the peace, relaxation, and magnificence we feel while we are vacation.

Join us for Creative Mama [Episode 16] as we discuss some ocean-side ramblings that may help reframe the mundane parts of your day.

As always, I'd love to connect with you through my website or Instagram, or you can send an email to [email protected]

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People, Places & Things in This Episode:

Connect with Abbi on Instagram

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Support the show by making a donation

Shop on Amazon through our Affiliate store

**PRODUCER'S NOTE: October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It's devastating how many families are affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, death from premature birth/delivery complications, or SIDS. These types of loss happen more often than we realize, and yet it's something people rarely speak about openly. We are doing our fellow women (and their families) a disservice by not acknowledging their pain and asking them to share their stories. It is our prayer that this episode will broach this sensitive topic with love, empathy, and resources to help those experiencing this type of heartbreak.**

A planner by nature, Arica Carlson thought she had a good grasp on what to expect in motherhood. Little did she know, her youngest son would arrive in a way that would change her life forever.

Join us for Creative Mama [Episode 15] and hear of one mother's story of unexpected life changes, the questioning and heartache that ensued, and how she fought through anger and grief by reaching out for support and journeying deep into her own soul.

As always, I'd love to connect with you through my website or Instagram, or you can send an email to [email protected]

*** People, Places & Things In This Episode:

Healing Embrace [Omaha, Nebraska & surrounding metro]

No Footprint Too Small [Lincoln, Nebraska]

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep [nationwide remembrance photographers]

Still Standing Magazine [online]

Connect with Arica:

Blog

Still Standing Magazine [Contributing Writer]

Join us for Creative Mama [Episode 14] and listen in as Kasie explains the process of letting go, returning to the fun side of playing around with art, and the way creativity's inherent beauty connects us to others.

As always, I'd love to connect with you through my website or Instagram, or you can send an email to [email protected]

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People, Places & Things in This Episode:

Ep. 13 Self-Care for the Weary

The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life Into a Work of Art by Erwin McManus

Dustin Sallee's vintage creations

Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O'Donohue

Plaza District Arts Festival

In Your Eye Gallery

Deluxe Winter Market

Connect with Kasie:

Website

Instagram

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Suggest a topic or guest

Connect with Abbi on Instagram

ZasinZebra.com, the home of Creative Mama and other pursuits

Support the show by making a donation

Shop on Amazon through our Affiliate store