Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast

Megan and Wendy have a lot to say about setting boundaries and just say no in today's brand new episode. Plus, Megan claims her old lady card, Wendy finally bows down to the neck fan, and a deep dive into the Amazon Prime documentary about those buttery soft leggings and all the people who claim they never bought a pair.

Email the show with your experiences in setting boundaries: [email protected].

Megan and Wendy each share some experiences about setting boundaries in today's episode: Just Say No

We Have Merch!

We now have merch available for purchase! What's merch? It's sweatshirts, notebooks and the elusive 15 oz. coffee mug with our fan favorite APPROVED! logo. Don't worry, nothing says meganandwendy.com or anything like that. Just a super cute, pink and teal, APPROVED!

Shop for your own APPROVED! items

Mentioned During Episode 42

Micro Anxieties as described by @the_car_momEpisode 39: Back to School Grind and Setting GoalsThe Home Edit Planner from Target that Megan uses to time block.Everyone really does need this neck fan when visiting a theme park.LuLaRich now streaming on Amazon VideoMegan's birthday decisions: Crumbl Cookies or SusieCakes

Behind the scenes: From our closets to the loungers. Podcasting together, in-person certainly has its perks. Megan didn't know her playroom was going to be the new podcast studio.

Approved!

Airtight Food Storage Container Set - 24 piece, pantry organizationDowney Wrinkle Release Spray (2-pack)

Want More From Megan and Wendy?

Join our Facebook group called SHORTIES here.Patreon content is coming in strong for September! We recently revised our tiers to one single $5/month tier where you will get one brand new video, an exclusive Patreon-only bonus podcast and the brand new "Friday Five." Sign up here.

Feeling Friendly? Leave Us a Review!

We would love if you left the podcast a rating and review. Visit here to leave your review.

Megan and Wendy wrap up Hallmark Channel's Summer Nights line up with a review of Journey of My Heart. Did you also think this movie was very similar to Chasing Waterfalls? And, most importantly, have you ever heard the Jeffrey Osborne classic "On the Wings of Love?"

Email us at [email protected]

Don't miss our most recent regular podcast episode: Almost Fall Favorites

Megan and Wendy review Journey of My Heart which premiered September 4, 2021 as part of Hallmark Channel's Summer Nights.

News and Notes for Journey of My Heart

* This film was originally called Love on the Wings of Eagles.* Journey of My Heart was filmed in and around Vancouver.* According to Deck the Hallmark podcast, Journey of My Heart was produced by the same company that produced Chasing Waterfalls.

Have We Watched this Movie Before?

The storylines of Journey of My Heart and Chasing Waterfalls are so similar that Wendy texted Megan "This is Chasing Waterfalls with eagles."

Related: Listen to our review of Chasing Waterfalls starring Cindy Busby.

Why on Earth would Hallmark green light two movies within the same year that have almost identical stories? Sure, we can accept that almost all Hallmark movies follow the same formula but the same story? Instead of searching for secret waterfalls, our lead searches for a secret spot for eagles. Same landscape, same hunky tour guide, same geo-tag snafu.

Spoiler: Journey of My Heart was probably the worst Hallmark movie of the year.

How Do the Summer Nights Movie Rate Overall?

Due to summer schedules, we only reviewed the later line up of Summer Nights which included six weeks of movies premiering July 31 - September 4, 2021. Here is our ranking of the Summer Nights line up:

* The 27-Hour Day* Love, For Real* Sweet Pecan Summer* A Little Daytime Drama* Sealed with a Kiss: Wedding March 6* Journey of My Heart

Hallmark Channel Fall Harvest 2021

Hallmark Channel is now heading into their bread and butter of programming. Beginning Saturday, September 11, 2021, Fall Harvest kicks off on Hallmark Channel with a brand new movie called Roadhouse Romance starring fan favorite Tyler Hynes. Look for our review on Thursday, September 16th!

Catch up on our previous Tyler Hynes movie reviews! We are "Hynies," for sure.

* Sweet Carolina with Lacey Chabert*

After a tech challenged week with no new podcast episode, Megan and Wendy are back to talk about their almost fall favorites. Listen in as they each share three things they are looking forward to but not before complaining about the worst thing about fall. Plus, dangerous TikTok videos, laundry woes, bagged salad, and the podcast being nominated for an Iris Award.

Email the show at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy talk about what they are looking forward to this fall season, including getting cozy, eating soups and sports.

Iris Award Nominated Podcast

We were very excited to learn that our podcast was nominated for an Iris Award in the category of Best Podcast of the Year. Thank you to everyone took the time to submit a nomination! It's fun to be nominated amongst some very popular podcasts.

Voting is restricted to those who have attended a Mom 2.0 conference and the Iris Award will be presented -virtually - in late September.

Not Mentioned - WE HAVE MERCH!

We finally finalized our official merch. Yes, some of you asked for it and now we're giving it to you (well, technically not giving it away, it's for purchase but we're making pennies off of it)!

We've got sweatshirts, mugs, notebooks and stickers. Click here to shop.

Mentioned in Episode 41

Episode 40: Meal planning (thank you to listener Karen for your email!)September Meal PlanOctober Meal PlanTikTok milk crate challengeTikTok bans all milk crate challenge videosHow TikTok determines "For You" pageNew fall Starbucks drinks DIY at-home, dairy-free Pumpkin Cream Cold BrewTarget Dollar Spot/Bullseye's Playground Instagram Influencers@StyletheBullseye@TargetisEverything@TargetsDollarSpotBath and Body Works fall candlesThe Bath and Body Works hand soaps Wendy bought that are definitely not fall scented

These Bath and Body Works hand soaps gave Wendy fall vibes but upon second look, they are definitely not fall inspired.

Fall porch decorating inspiration on PinterestWendy's front porch bench and pretty fall pillows covers3 Qt. Mums from Home DepotWendy's favorite fall wreath from Etsy - it's also over $100Dried Wheat bundleDried Pampas Grass Two pharmacies in Orange County that have beautiful home decorCoast Hills Pharmacy Lido DrugsRoger's Gardens Roger's Gardens Halloween BoutiqueFarmhouse at Roger's GardensMegan's go-to, easy homemade bread recipeMegan's go-to, easy soup at home recipesTati on YouTube (Wendy's favorite makeup YouTube video creator)

Megan and Wendy Approved!

Wet n Wild Impossible Primer ($6.99)Taylor Farms Bagged Salads

What are you almost fall favorites? Tell us what you are looking forward to! You can email us at [email protected] or join our private Facebook group.

Megan and Wendy exchange a few barbs over Hallmark's latest Summer Nights movie Sweet Pecan Summer. Listen in as they rate, review and argue where this new movie falls compared to the rest of the Summer Nights line up. Plus, a little chit chat about what a small town can offer, how to say the word pecan and their favorite funny scenes from the movie.

Email the show at [email protected] - tell us what you think about Wes Brown.

Megan and Wendy review Sweet Pecan Summer starring Wes Brown and Christine Ko. This movie premiered on August 28, 2021 as part of the Summer Nights line up.

News and Notes

* Wes Brown was an Executive Producer on Sweet Pecan Summer.* Brown's wife, Amanda, sold this story based on her family farm experience. She even had a real-life "Aunt Carol."* The young daughter of Wes and Amanda Brown also had a cameo in this movie. She was one of the softball players.* Sweet Pecan Summer was filmed during May and June in Utah.* Thompson Family Pecan Farm located in Hurricane, Utah was used to shoot the orchard scenes.* This movie was formerly titled "Love at the Pecan Farm."* According to QCApproved.com, this is the second movie ever to feature a predominately Asian American family in the lead roles.

Funny Scenes in Sweet Pecan Summer

There were several very funny scenes throughout Sweet Pecan Summer, including:

* The spam call Amanda receives after she runs into J.P. at the local market. You can hear the recorded spam message say "there is a warrant out for your arrest." Who hasn't received one of these spam calls? It was pretty funny.* When Amanda pulls an all nighter dreaming up with her revolutionary new skin line that contains pecan oil, she's buzzing hard from the caffeine and apologizes for being "all woooo."

Where Can You Get Pecan Oil?

* La Tourangelle Pecan Oil for cooking via Amazon ($9.99)* 100% Pure Pecan Oil for Skin Tightening, Wrinkle Prevention via Amazon ($12.99)

Listen to the Rest of the Summer Nights Movie Reviews

* Love, For Real* The 27-Hour Day* Sealed with a Kiss: Wedding March 6* A Little Daytime Drama

Megan and Wendy have eagerly been awaiting this week's Hallmark Channel movie A Little Daytime Drama. Listen in as they rate and review this brand new movie from the Summer Nights line up. A Little Daytime Drama stars Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey plus features the amazing, Daytime Emmy Award winner, Linda Dano, in her first Hallmark Channel movie.

Look for our bonus podcast episode to drop on Thursday, August 26th.

What do you think of the Summer Nights line up? We really enjoyed Love, For Real and The 27-Hour Day. We both sort of hated Sealed with a Kiss: Wedding March 6.

Email the show at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy rate and review Hallmark Channel new movies. This week, listen as they share their favorite things, and of course, "Did You See That?".

News and Notes

* A Little Daytime Drama was originally titled Love in the Afternoon.* This Hallmark Channel movie was filmed in Canada, including Vancouver and The Bridge Studios in Burnaby, British Columbia.* Filming wrapped on July 10, 2021 but director Heather Hawthorn-Doyle shared on Instagram that she was still editing the movie one week prior to its debut date.* Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey have both worked in daytime television.* This is Linda Dano's debut on the Hallmark Channel. She has previously appeared in a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries movie.* Ryan Paevey and Jen Lilley last worked together on 2017's Harvest Love.* Cameron Bancroft - Beverly Hills, 90210 fans know him as Joe Bradley, CU quarterback with the heart problem and Donna's boyfriend - plays Gregory James. Took Wendy about midway through movie to recognize him!

What is A Little Daytime Drama About?

From Hallmark: In order to save her daytime soap drama from cancellation, head writer Maggie must convince Darin, fan favorite actor and real-life ex-boyfriend, to return to the show.

* Jen Lilley (Maggie)* Ryan Paevey (Darin)* Linda Dano (Alice)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jen Lilley (@jen_lilley)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jen Lilley (@jen_lilley)

What Does SORAS stand for?

Did you catch the scene where Darin comments on the new age of his co-star? Soaps are notorious for age progression. SORAS stands for "soap opera rapid aging syndrome." Says here,

Megan and Wendy are already making good on last week's back-to-school goals. Listen in as they talk about their meal planning plans, real-life struggles, and suggestions on getting everyone fed. Plus, wedding shower gifts, more sorority hazing movie talk and why Megan is worried about her upcoming birthday plans.

Catch up on last week's episode here.

Email the show anytime [email protected].

Why does everyone need to eat every single night? Megan and Wendy share their meal planning plans, real-life struggles getting dinner on the table and solutions to get your family fed.

Mentioned in Episode 40

Follow us on Instagram and join our private Facebook group.Current Weight Watchers system.Dying to Belong is available to stream via Hoopla which can be accessed through some libraries. Megan suggested we review the upcoming 2021 version of Dying to Belong (starring Shannen Doherty) for a bonus episode. What do you think?How to pronounce Shannen Doherty.

Why Megan shouldn't shove those sad feelings down so deep (and neither should you) via Time.com100% disagree with this article on why you shouldn't open gifts at parties via Popsugar.comMartha Stewart's thoughts on opening gifts at a wedding shower.

Wendy wishes should could have registered for this: GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice MakerCrate & Barrel oven mitts are always a great gift - everyone needs them!

Pros and cons of having a laundry room upstairs.Two years worth of pandemic birthdays via Washington Post.

Meal Planning Plans

Talking about our respective meal plans was harder than imagined. When we started laying out the notes for this episode, we found that we have different struggles within our families when it comes to getting dinner on the table.

Here's a brief breakdown of Megan's meal planning process:

Remind yourself of the goal: food in stomachs. End of story.Shortcuts are fine, semi-homemade meals are fine.Make a list of go-to meals and crowd pleasing meals - and keep that list in your notes on your phone.Basic meals are ok: pasta, red sauce, Alfredo sauce, Trader Joe's Orange Chicken, frozen garlic bread. Remember the goal.Decide if there is one night (or five nights, like Wendy) that you plan on ordering out.Decide if you want to meal plan for one week, one month or more. September Meal Plan - includes links to some of Megan's fave go-to meals.October Meal Plan - family friendly meals.Add potential conflicts to your calendar (sports, extracurriculars, meetings, etc.)Look what you have on-hand already (fridge, freezer and pantry) and build from there.Must have pantry staplesFactor in leftovers, "snacky" dinners and even cereal.

Some of Wendy's struggles when it comes to feeding her family.

What to do when everyone has different likes/dislikes? Tips on how to handle different eating styles.Advice on getting picky teens to eat via Real Mom Nutrition.Decision fatigue is real, even when it comes to meal planning.

Meal Helps to Consider

Meal delivery kits like Home ChefSee some of Wendy's favorite Home Chef recipes.eMeals - meal planning with grocery delivery/pickup integrationSee our 2019 video review of eMeals! We're fans.Pinterest See our "Weeknight Dinners" board.

Megan and Wendy Approved!

Milani Most Wanted Eye Shadow Palette in Partner in Crime ($9.99)Drift car air freshener

Megan and Wendy are back with another Girls Gone Hallmark bonus episode! This week, they review Hallmark Channel's Sealed with a Kiss: Wedding March 6 starring Jack Wagner and Josie Bissett. This brand new movie premiered on August 14, 2021 and is part of the Summer Nights line up.

Email the podcast at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy rate and review Sealed with a Kiss: Wedding March 6 - the last installment in the Wedding March series on the Hallmark Channel.

News and Notes

* This is the sixth and final installment in the "Wedding March" franchise.* This movie was filmed in British Columbia, Canada.* Jack Wagner served as one of the film's executive producers.* The real-life Rowena's Inn on the River in Harrison Mills, BC served as the "Willow Lake" wedding venue owned by Mick and Olivia.* Filming wrapped on May 31, 2021.

Where Can I Watch the Wedding March Movies?

You know what would have been super helpful prior to watching the Wedding March 6 movie? A little backstory. We were really hoping the writers would have recapped the series before diving into wedding weekend gone wrong.

But do we really want to watch the previous five movies? Meh.

If you do, you can find them on Amazon here (affiliate links):

* The Wedding March and Wedding March 2* Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride* Wedding March 4: Something Old, Something New * My Boyfriend's Back: Wedding March 5 (not available to stream)

Catch Up on Girls Gone Hallmark

We've really enjoyed the Summer Nights line up (spoiler alert...this movie, maybe not so much). Listen to previous episodes:

* The 27-Hour Day* Love, For Real* The Baker's Son* You Had Me at Aloha

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas 2021 is Coming Soon!

It won't be long until Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas is here! We'll choose the movies we plan to review as soon as the schedule becomes available!

Do you hear that? It's the sweet sound of silence. Megan and Wendy talk about the back the school grind and goals they've set for themselves since they will be 100% kid-free for the first time in eighteen months. Plus, a DIY henna tattoo gone wrong, the Alabama sorority rush on TikTok and why Megan should have stuck with her early summer C25K program.

Email us about anything we talked about on today's episode: [email protected]

Megan and Wendy share their goals now that kids have returned to school full-time.

With Heavy, Heavy Hearts

We started this episode off with a note to acknowledge that the world is not in a good place. We knew it would be insensitive to dive right into Wendy's vacation woes or Megan almost missing her flight. As promised, we've linked a few resources for you to check out if you want to learn more. (We'll keep updating this list in the coming days)

A list of 5 organizations to support recovery efforts in Haiti via Obama.org.Ways to support women and girls in Afghanistan via Obama.org.Sharon McMahon on Instagram @SharonSaysSo for information on what's happening in Afghanistan (see saved stories).Laurel Bristow, MSc on Instagram @kinggutterbaby for COVID-19 updates, specifically news on Delta variant and newly CDC recommendations on booster vaccines (see saved stories).Jessica Malaty Rivera, MS on Instagram @jessicamalatyrivera for COVID-19 updates.

Mentioned in Episode 39

Don't let your kids do this at home, especially with white furniture: DIY henna ingredientsFeel like a wizard when you manage to get turmeric stains off most anything.How to pronounce VRBO according to VRBO.The University of Alabama #RushTokBama Rush explained for those of us without TikTok#OOTD from Pants Store and Kendra ScottSome of the viral #BamaRush TikTok videos you might have missedUniversity of Alabama orders desegregation of sororities IN 2013. Lifetime's Dying to Belong (1997) starring Hilary Swank, Sarah Chalke, Jenna von Oÿ and Mark Paul Gosselaar.A remake of Dying to Belong starring Shannen Doherty was just announced.Delta's minimum time requirements when flying so to avoid a mad dash The Amazing Race style through the airport.Everything you wanted to know about the Angels and their numerous name changes.The "Washington Football Team" will remain the team name until 2022.Freshen up your mask collection at Old Navy, disposables from Amazon (no guarantee they don't smell like farts), or KN95 masks. (affiliate link)

Setting Back to School Goals for You

What does the new school year look like for you? Email us at [email protected]

What were those 2021 goals again? Episode 12: New Year, New WordMegan's top three goals:Getting her dinner act together!Time blockingAmiyrah Martin's method on time blockingWatch more televisionWendy's top three goals:Figuring out a better fitness and diet routineAnalyze personal budget and cancel recurring paymentsGet things organized for a smooth and joyful fall and winter season

Megan and Wendy Approved!

Tom's of Maine Prebiotic Moisturizing Natural Body Wash, Fresh Apple ($7.99)STOK Unsweet Bright and Mellow Cold Brew ($4.89)

Related: How to Make Iced Coffee at Home + How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Home

Megan and Wendy are back with another Girls Gone Hallmark bonus episode. This week, they rate and review The 27-Hour Day starring Autumn Reeser and Andrew Walker. This brand new movie is part of Hallmark Channel's Summer Nights.

Look for our bonus podcast episode to drop on Thursday, August 12th.

What did you think of last week's movie? We really enjoyed Love, For Real, giving it 3.25 and 3.5 stars, respectively! Listen to our review here.

Email the show at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy rate and review Hallmark Channel's The 27-Hour Day.

News and Notes

* Some super sleuthing tells us that The 27-Hour Day was filmed in early May 2021 in picturesque British Columbia. Canada's westernmost province is set between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains and its gorgeous, natural setting was a perfect location for this week's Hallmark movie set in the Montana mountains. * Not only does Autumn Reeser star in this movie, she is also one of the Executive Producers.* Andrew Walker (who plays Jack West) was Reeser's first choice as lead actor.* Cast and crew had to quarantine prior to filming.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Walker (@awalkk35)

What is The 27-Hour Day Movie About?

No, that's not a typo.

Lauren runs a wellness company and blog called "The 27-Hour Day." She's known as an efficient, "girl on the go" influencer who teaches her followers the best tips and tricks to successfully get through life's daily to-do lists. Her world gets turned upside down after a bad meeting with a business mentor and decides she needs some R&R.

Andrew Walker asks on his Instagram what you would do if you had three more hours in a day. Walker plays Jack West, the mountain retreat owner, who likely gets Lauren to realize what's really important in life. Spoiler alert: it's probably not her brand of efficiency.

What will happen at the end of the retreat? We say a smooch, for sure.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Walker (@awalkk35)

Autumn Reeser and Andrew Walker are Hallmark Channel Vets

Megan was surprised to learn on last week's episode that Autumn Reeser starred on the last two seasons of The O.C. In addition to a hearty television and filmography, Reeser has starred in ten Hallmark Channel movies, including A Glenbrooke Christmas, Valentine Ever After and Love at the

This podcast ain't paying the mortgage. Listen in as Megan and Wendy talk about their thoughts on going back to work after being a SAHM for nearly 15 years. They share why they've both been considering returning to the workforce, battling imposter syndrome, and why resumes are the worse to write. Plus, summer's end, clothes shopping for tweens/teens, new fall Starbucks coffee flavors and why you should shop for Halloween decor now and not in six weeks.

If you have any advice on returning to work after mommin' or hot tips on remote jobs, email us at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy talk about returning to work and what that looks like after being a stay-at-home-mom for nearly 15 years.

Show Notes: A Labor of Love

Thank you to listener and writer-inner, Lisa, for recognizing the amount of work that goes into the weekly podcast show notes! Some weeks are a lot lighter than others and some are very link heavy (your click on any affiliate link helps support the show, so thank you!). And honestly, Megan definitely has the harder role with editing all of our "ums" and "likes" out of episodes. But, we love the love, so thanks for saying something.

Mentioned during Episode 38

Join our private Facebook Group and find out about our second round of Shorties Get Moving.Follow us on Instagram! Megan's go-to grout cleaner for her big summer projects: Zep Grout Cleaner & BrightenerBrands with juniors sections: Kohl's, Macy's, Tilly's and Gap "Teen"Brandy MelvilleForever 21 does still existGirls 7-pack underwear from Old NavyGreat undies for teens - Target's Auden, PINK hipsters and Aerie seamless bikini LEAKED Starbucks fall menu features Apple Crisp Macchiato and Apple Crisp Frappucino Starbucks fall menu rumored to start on August 24, 2021Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte non-dairy grocery creamers are now available!HomeGoodsTarget's Dollar Spot/Bullseye's Playground Halloween Decor

We Need Your Feedback

If you haven't had a chance to take our quick survey, we'd appreciate it if you did. As we hit our one-year anniversary of starting the podcast, we want to create content listeners want from us. Click here to fill it out today.

Going Back to Work: The Details

What is Imposter Syndrome?Resume tips with employment gapsEtsy resume templatesTips to get your LinkedIn profile to stand out in a good wayAsk a Manager + Ask a Manager PodcastLinkedIn Learning - 16,000 online courses to freshen up your skills + 1st month FREE!Skillshare - thousands of online classes taught by professionals + 1st month FREE!Check your local library website for FREE resources (including LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare)!

Are you going back to work after being a SAHM? What did that look like for you? Email us so we can share your advice with listeners!

Megan and Wendy Approved!

Instagram gets Wendy again with targeted ads! Grow Fragrance air and fabric freshener in (LIMITED EDITION) seal salt neroli. Smells like a tropical vacation! $12 or 2 for $20Grab this cordless, lightweight vacuum Megan swears by! ORFELD Cordless Stick Vacuum $119 with a $10 coupon

Missed an episode? Catch up!

What we're listening to, reading and watching!Best Laid Summer PlansHighlights and a few low lights from summer vacations