Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast

Megan and Wendy share their favorites from the year in this supersized Megan & Wendy Approved! 2021 episode. Settle in and listen to what they liked from shows, movies, books, beauty products and me-time activities. Plus, Cabbage Patch Kids, a fun must-see holiday movie, and an update on Advent calendars now that we're mid-December.

Do you still have your Cabbage Patch doll? Email us at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy share their most favorites in this supersized Megan & Wendy Approved! podcast episode.

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Mentioned in this Episode

Where to find more from Megan and WendyOur website, tons of things from family to beauty to travel and more!InstagramJoin our private Facebook group SHORTIESSign up for Patreon for even more, exclusive content from Megan and Wendy8 Bit Christmas on HBOMaxWhat year did Nintendo come out?The epic Cabbage Patch Kid craze of 1983Cabbage Patch Kids originally retailed for $25Milani Most Wanted Palettes Partner in Crime ($10 - Target)Sephora Collection Eye Love Bloom Eyeshadow Palette in Peony ($14 - Sephora)Profusion Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette in Meadow ($4.98 - Walmart)GLOSSYBOX Beauty Box subscriptionAdvent Calendars - Episode 49 "Gimme All the Advent Calendars"2021 Bonne Maman Advent Calendar12 Days of Bonne Maman Advent CalendarSee's Candies Advent CalendarSee's Candies Sour StarsKeurig Advent Calendar Variety Pack, Single Serve K-Cup Pods, 24 CountMcDonald's McCafe Premium Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods

Supersized Megan & Wendy Approved!

Favorite ShowMegan: Hacks, Ted Lasso and Never Have I EverWendy: The Sex Lives of College GirlsFavorite PodcastMegan: The Popcast and Rom Com PodsWendy: Everything Iconic with Danny PellegrinoFavorite MovieMegan: Red NoticeWendy: An Unexpected ChristmasFavorite BookMegan: An Absolutely Remarkable Thing and A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank GreenWendy: The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave GrohlBeauty Product of the YearMegan: Tree Hut Sugar ScrubWendy: Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye CreamClothing Item of the YearMegan: Wit & Wisdom JeansWendy: "Don't Activate Me" Sweatshirt from Lindsay Hubbard, Summer HouseMe Time/ Free Time/ Fun ActivityMegan: "Nothing"Wendy: Bird Electric ScooterBig Ticket ItemMegan: Swimming poolWendy: Air BnB on Balboa Island

So long toy aisle! Hello...gift cards? Ugh. Do you have teenagers in your home and have no idea what to get them for Christmas? Megan and Wendy share a list of popular gifts for teenagers in today's mini episode.

Which is harder? Shopping for toddlers or teenagers? Email us at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy are experts in gift ideas for teenagers. And by "experts" we mean they are both parents of teenage children.

Mentioned in this Episode

Check out our complete gift guide for teenagers for even more ideas!

The Original Comfy - who doesn't want to wrap themselves in one of these comfy, cozy blanket wraps. It's like the swaddling stage all over again.

Upcycled Denim Hammock Chair - make their room cool, you know, considering how much time they spend in there.

Sweet Choice Snack Box - 120 snacks from sweet to spicy. Perfect for tweens to college-aged children.

Foodie teens who want to replicate everything they see on TikTok. Grab these all-in-one kits.

DIY Raindrop Cake kit

Korean sauces, condiments trio

DIY Rainbow bagel kit

Rubber shoes but make it FASHUN.

Adidas slides, soccer shoes, shower slippers - Amazon's best seller!

CROCS

Games like Throw Throw Burrito, Taco vs. Burrito and Shocktato

Bluetooth Banana-shaped phone - it's the Gen-Z answer to the Sports Illustrated football phone

Nightlight Bluetooth Speaker with Alarm Clock

Tortilla blanket - big fans of this cozy, soft blanket - for real.

Marquee letter with LED lights - there is no going back, you've lost all control of what you want your teen's bedroom to look like. At least it's not a Bud Light neon sign, right?

DIY Wall Collage - or as Megan calls it, "scrapbooking for your walls."

Bath and Shower Soap shaped like Ramen noodles

Blackout eye mask with Bluetooth and headphones

Notebooks and journals, like this one: JOMO journal

Where to Find More Megan & Wendy

On our website - everything from parenting, mom-life, beauty, travel, family and more

Our private Facebook group

Instagram - hang out with us in real time

Join Patreon for access to bonus content created just for you. Starts at $3/month

Subscribe to our podcast on the listening platform of your choice!

Megan and Wendy wrap up a week-long of Hallmark Christmas movie reviews with a list of Hallmark movies gift ideas for the biggest fans. Everything from Countdown to Christmas wines (for real), blankets, t-shirts, board games and more. Plus, an exciting announcement!

What are you shopping for? Email us at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy share gift ideas that every Hallmark Channel movie fan will love.

Gift Ideas for the Hallmark Movie Fan

We shared an edited version of our big Hallmark Gift Guide during this mini-episode. Click that link to see the full list, but the items we mentioned are listed below.

* Hallmark Channel wines Joy and Jingle, available at World Market and Total Wine

* Hallmark Channel Wine Club

* Countdown to Christmas teas, Gingerbread Cookie and Cardamom Cinnamon

* "This Smells Like a Hallmark Christmas Movie" candle

* Have a Very Merry Movie Holiday hardcover book

* Hallmark Channel Holiday Edition Monopoly Game

* Monopoly Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Board Game

* Watch Hallmark Movies All Day blanket with red truck

* Tyler Freakin' Hynes t-shirt

Megan and Wendy duke it out in their review of Hallmark Channel's "The Christmas Contest" starring "Fuller House" alums Candace Cameron Bure and John Brotherton. This movie premiered on Sunday, November 28th, 2021 as part of the Countdown to Christmas line up.

Are you a Fuller House DJ and Matt stan? Email the show at [email protected].

Join Patreon today for as little as $3/month and get access to even more Hallmark Channel movie reviews from us!

Megan and Wendy duke it out in their review of The Christmas Contest. One thing they do agree on - the hair. Woof.

News and Notes

* Insider.com reported that reuniting Candace Cameron Bure and John Brotherton was for the fans who wanted to see DJ and Matt together on Fuller House.* This movie was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in September.* Apparently there were several Fuller House Easter eggs dropped throughout this movie. The only one we caught is when Ben was playing cards with the ladies and yells "full house!"

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure)

Related: Review of If I Only Had Christmas (2020)

Mentioned in this Episode

* Did you see the pillows in Lara's home? At the time of recording the podcast episode, we didn't know for sure if they were from the Candace Cameron Bure line of pillows available on DaySpring.com. But, they are! You can get your own "Be Still" pillow too! It comes in a set of 2 for $60.

These pillows were used on the set of The Christmas Contest. They are from Candace Cameron Bure's line of holiday pillows and are available for purchase.

* BJ Harrison plays Martha in this movie. She has a pretty deep resume, including a ton of Hallmark movies. Check her out in Maid on Netflix as Denise - so good.* We weren't fans of CCB's hair in this movie. Here's a look back at some better hairstyles.* Did the writers of this movie lean in hard for the conservatives likely watching this movie? Hear us out:* "Special Snowflake" was the name of a fellow contestant.* There was a Ted Nugent quote used by Candace Cameron Bure. Nugent is often viewed by others as a controversial conservative.* Here's a Yule Log recipe that doesn't require blueprints to make (via Pioneer Woman).

Never miss another podcast episode from Megan and...

Megan and Wendy review Christmas in Tahoe starring Laura Osnes and Kyle Selig. This original Hallmark Channel movie premiered on Sunday, November 28, 2021 as part of Countdown to Christmas line up. The biggest takeaway from this movie is the following question: Was Pat Monahan from Train the draw for this musical Christmas movie?

Ton of mixed reviews on Christmas in Tahoe. Did you like movie? Email the show at [email protected].

Sign up for Patreon today for just $3/month to get access to even more Hallmark Channel movie reviews!

Megan and Wendy review "Christmas in Tahoe" in this brand new podcast episode!

News and Notes

* This movie was written by Nina Weinman, Zach Lewis and Stephanie Jackson. * Weinman told Girls Gone Hallmark that some of the script was from her but "had to let go of this one since the production happened at the same time as two others." She also thought the new writers did a great job.* The film was shot in the Vancouver region of Canada, not along the state line of California and Nevada where actual Lake Tahoe is located.* Lynda Boyd and Paul McGillion appeared in two movies over Merry Thanksgiving Weekend. This film as well as An Unexpected Christmas starring Tyler Hynes (they played his parents).

Lynda Boyd and Paul McGillion starred in both "An Unexpected Christmas" and "Christmas in Tahoe."

* Apparently the movie was based on Train's 2015 Christmas album titled "Christmas in Tahoe."* Train has two songs that appear in this movie, including "Shake Up Christmas" and a new single called "Mittens."

Mentioned in this Episode

* The George Lopez Show aired for six seasons from 2002-2007.* The character Ricki Page played by Alex Gullason made us wish Hacks was back for a second season already.* Cookie mug hangers is an actual thing. * Trader Joe's sells a version that are shaped like gingerbread men* Target has a cookie trio of Santa, tree and a reindeer ($6)* Williams Sonoma has gingerbread houses ($14.95)* Or you can buy your own cookie cutters and make your own! (Amazon $12.99)

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Megan and Wendy review "Christmas at Castle Hart" which premiered on Saturday, November 27, 2021 as part of Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas line up. This movie stars Lacey Chabert and Stuart Townsend and was filmed entirely on location in Ireland.

How do you feel about Hallmark movies set in European countries? Email us at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy review Christmas at Castle Hart starring Lacey Chabert and Stuart Townsend as part of Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas.

News and Notes About Christmas at Castle Hart

* This Hallmark movie was filmed in Clare, Limerick and Ennis counties in Ireland.* Filmed in September 2021, Lacey Chabert gave an interview to Southern Living that it was warm and not raining while in Ireland.* This was Lacey Chabert's first trip to Ireland.* In sad news, Lacey lost her sister just days before the premiere of this new Hallmark Christmas movie which was about two sisters who travel to Ireland in search of their father's Irish roots. She memorialized and dedicated the movie to her sister in the Instagram post below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lacey Chabert (@thereallacey)

* Stuart Townsend is from Howth, County of Dublin and plays the part of Aiden Hart.* Three actual castles were used during the filming.* Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Club is described as a 5 star castle hotel located in Clare county with rooms priced at upwards for $1000/night.* Lough Cutra Castle in Galway is a private family home known for its privacy and has hosted guests such as Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, Bob Geldof and poet WB Yeats. Its website also mentions that many film and television productions have been filmed at Lough Cutra Castle. * A third castle was used in Kinvara in Galway Bay.

Mentioned in this Episode

* Listen to our podcast episode "Do You Believe in Ghosts" where Megan shares her ghost experience while staying at Adare Manor in Limerick county, Ireland.* Our review of As Luck Would Have It* Riverdance* Balsalm Hill - artificial trees

Want More Hallmark Podcast Episodes?

* For as little as $3/month, join our SHORTIES GONE HALLMARK level and get immediate access to Hallmark Channel Christmas movies reviews not available anywhere else but Patreon.

Join Patreon here.

"An Unexpected Christmas" starring Tyler Hynes and Bethany Joy Lenz premiered on Friday, November 26, 2021 as part of Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas line up. Listen in as Megan and Wendy recap and review this year's highly anticipated Tyler Hynes movie.

Let's talk about Tyler's new haircut! Email us at [email protected].

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Megan and Wendy review the highly anticipated An Unexpected Christmas starring Tyler Hynes and Bethany Joy Lenz.

What is An Unexpected Christmas About?

Hallmark is not exactly reinventing the wheel with An Unexpected Christmas. A couple pretends to be in a relationship for the sake of the holiday and keeping the family happy is a storyline we've seen done. Sure, with slight variations. Here's the official synopsis from the Hallmark Channel:

A writer convinces his ex-girlfriend to pose as a couple for Christmas.

Of course this is a brand new movie from fan favorite, Tyler Hynes. This is his eleventh movie for Hallmark Channel. In fact, Hynes starred in three Hallmark movies in 2021, including Roadhouse Romance, Sweet Carolina and It Was Always You.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@tyler_hynes)

Fun fact: Blink and you'll miss him, but Tyler Hynes appeared for a matter of seconds in this year's My Christmas Family Tree. He played a waiter who served Aimee Teegarden and Andrew Walker.

Tyler Hynes surprised fans when he appeared in a movie that wasn't one of his own! Here he is as a waiter in My Christmas Family Tree.

This is also a really good, behind-the-scenes video Tyler shared on his Instagram about his special appearance. Did you happen to catch the Andrew Walker cameo in An Unexpected Christmas?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@tyler_hynes)

It also co-stars Bethany Joy Lenz who is best known as her role as Haley James Scott on the teen drama One Tree Hill (she also currently co-hosts a podcast called Drama Queens with her fellow OTH stars where they talk at length about each episode). This is her seventh Hallmark Channel movie.

It's the season for holiday parities! Megan and Wendy share their favorite hostess gift ideas when you're wondering what to bring when you're told not to bring anything. This mini episode will give you a ton of affordable and unique, even last-minute gift ideas so you don't show up empty handed.

Email the show: [email protected]

Megan and Wendy share a curated list of hostess gift ideas when you're out of ideas of what to bring when you're told not to bring anything.

Mentioned in this Episode

Breakfast basket filled with goodies for the day afterWilliams Sonoma Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread Mix - $16.95Williams Sonoma Bellegem Waffle Mix - $14.95Plaid monogrammed mugs from Williams Sonoma - $12Floral monogrammed mugs from Anthropologie - $14Fortnum & Mason Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea - $19.95Harney & Sons Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea, 20 Sachets - $16Kitchen linens2pk Cotton Abstract Fruit Kitchen Towels, Target - $3Meyer Lemon Towels, Set of 2, Williams Sonoma - $20Marlo Thomas Cocktail Napkins, Set of 4, Williams Sonoma - $20Voluspa Santal Vanille Candle - $24Acacia Wood Nonslip Serving and Cutting Board - $20Williams Sonoma Meyer Lemon Kitchen Essentials Kit - $19.95Sleep Mist - $19Cookbooks The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook: 10th Anniversary Edition - $16Nailed It!: Baking Challenges for the Rest of Us -$20The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook -$36Set of Six Geo Stacking Coasters - $30Cozy Pom Pom Sherpa Throws - $49Holiday Tree Stoneware Cookie Jar, Williams Sonoma - $69The Original Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - $29.95

Read the original Hostess Gifts Gift Guide

Where to Find Megan and Wendy

Find us in real time on InstagramJoin our private Facebook groupPatreon for exclusive content you won't find available anywhere else! Starts at $3/month.

Megan and Wendy wonder if Hallmark buried their stinker movies the week before the heavy hitters premiere. Listen in as they review "A Christmas Together With You" starring Laura Vandervoort and Niall Matter.

Looking for something else to listen to? Check out our library of episodes!

Which Countdown to Christmas movie has been your favorite so far this season? Email the show at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy recap and review "A Christmas Together With You" which premiered on the Hallmark Channel on November 20, 2021.

News and Notes

* This film was previous titled Christmas Alone Together.* Wendy was talking about this magnetic poetry kit when she asked about how Hallmark writers name their movies.* As many other Hallmark movies, this one was also filmed in Canada, including the Vernon and Okanagan Valley regions of British Columbia.* Wildfires burned nearby while filming A Christmas Together With You.* IMDB reported that this film had an estimated budget of $2.5 millions dollars.* MentalFloss.com reports that most Hallmark movies have a $2 million dollar budget and the reason they shoot in Canada is because tax breaks can stretch the dollar.* MrDustbin.com reports Hallmark actors make between $30k to $1mil on a movie.

Max the Dog, played by Dax, was super cute in this movie and this photo pretty much sums up how Megan and Wendy felt about A Christmas Together With You.

Campbell's Soup Product Placement in Hallmark Movies

Did you catch the Campbell's soup product placement in this movie? It was like a one-minute commercial within the movie for mushroom soup. In case you missed the real star of A Christmas Together With You, we've included Campbell's Green Bean Casserole recipe below for you.

Green Bean Casserole

Want More Girls Gone Hallmark?

Looking for even more Hallmark movie reviews? For just $3/month you can join our Pateron to get access to super bonus episodes. We've reviewed the following:

* My Christmas Family Tree (LOTS TO SAY ABOUT THIS Aimee Teegarden movie!)* A Christmas Sail (This one is top of our favorites list this holiday season!)* You, Me and the Christmas Trees ("Science for the win!" from one of our favorite Hallmark movie writers!)

Check Out More from Megan and Wendy

We are so much more than Girls Gone Hallmark. Catch up on our regular Tuesday episodes if you're looking for a couple of new girlfriends to hang out with.

Megan and Wendy recap and review Open By Christmas which premiered on the Hallmark Channel on November 12, 2021 as part of the channel's Countdown to Christmas holiday line up. The movie stars Alison Sweeney, Erica Durance, and Brennan Elliott. Nicky finds an unopened Christmas card in an old textbook while helping her parents downsize. Will she find the person who left her the card or will spend another holiday single and lonely?

What did you think of Open By Christmas? Email the show at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy are Girls Gone Hallmark! A bonus podcast episode where they recap and review Hallmark Channel movies. This week, listen as they review "Open By Christmas" starring Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives).

News and Notes for "Open By Christmas"

* Open By Christmas was filmed in Vancouver and Vancouver Island in September 2021* Original working title was called “Christmas Be Mine”* Alison Sweeney was one of the Executive Producers on this movie

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Sweeney (@alisweeney)

Ali Sweeney is definitely one of Hallmark Channel's sweethearts. She has been in 16 Hallmark movies and you can see the complete list here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Husband/father/actor (@brennanelliott2)

We love that Brennan Elliott has already decorated for Christmas! He's definitely Megan's kind of people. Elliott last stared in Christmas in Vienna in 2020.

Was That the Gilmore Girls House?

Wendy thought that the home purchased for Simone might be the Gilmore Girls house located on the Warner Bros. lot in Los Angeles but all signs point to no. First, because the movie was shot in Vancouver. And, two, take a close look. They aren't the same house but they sure do look similar!

Join Patreon For More Hallmark Reviews

We're reviewing even more Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas movies over on Patreon! For as little as $3/month, you'll get 3 additional movie reviews!

Already available is:

* You, Me and the Christmas Trees* A Christmas Sail* My Family Christmas Tree (available this week)