Modern Homemaking I Mindset and Methods for Happier, Healthier Homes

In this episode, we’re continuing the Holistic Home Quiz mini-series, where I introduce the five types from the quiz What’s Holding You Back from a Happier, Healthier Home? Each type reflects a unique challenge in creating the home and life you long for.

Today’s focus is on The Space Stylist - the type who longs for a home that feels beautiful, inviting, and aligned. If your home feels unfinished, mismatched, or just not you, this episode is for you.

We’ll explore:

• Why decor is about so much more than appearances or trends

• How holistic hospitality and the five senses can transform the energy of a room

• Why progress, not perfection, is the heart of home creation

• The Six Stages of Design & Decor,  a step-by-step framework to bring vision and beauty to your space

• Encouragement to trust your instincts and create a home that reflects your unique personality
  

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Looked around your home and felt uninspired or stuck

• Wondered where to even begin with decorating

• Felt like you “don’t have an eye” for design

• Wanted your space to feel warm, functional, and deeply you
  

Whether you’re starting with one room, refreshing a cozy corner, or simply learning to trust your creativity, this episode will remind you that you already have everything you need within you to create a home that supports and reflects who you are.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Holistic Home QUIZ

  https://www.thecommonnest.com/quiz

• The QUIZ Giveaway Post on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

• Holistic Hospitality: Create Home with All Five Senses - Free Resource https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/senses

• Design & Decor Guide: Six Stages to Design and Decorate a Home You Love

  https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/buyddguide

  
  

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode, we’re continuing the Holistic Home Quiz mini-series, where I introduce the five types from the quiz What’s Holding You Back from a Happier, Healthier Home? Each type reflects a unique challenge in creating the home and life you long for.

Today’s focus is on The Routine Refiner - the type for those who struggle with consistency, time management, and systems that stick. If you’ve ever felt like your home tasks pile up faster than you can tackle them, or like you’re constantly running behind, this one is for you.

A Routine Refiner craves structure and balance. The challenge area is time and the solution is to begin building plans and routines that bring ease, flow, and steadiness. This episode is here to help you see how routines aren’t about doing more, but about creating freedom by doing less scrambling, less catching up, and less chaos.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Struggled to stay consistent with routines at home

• Felt like you’re always behind or playing catch-up

• Wanted systems that make life feel calmer and more predictable

• Wondered how routines can actually create more freedom, not less
  

We’ll explore:

• Why routines matter for your mental health, family life, and sense of calm

• The surprising benefits of simple, steady rhythms in your day

• Common myths about routines (and why they aren’t rigid, boring, or overwhelming)

• Practical steps from the Holistic Home Plans & Routines:

• The Daily Dozen

• Weekly Tasks

• House Zones

• Cyclical Living
  

Whether you’re ready to refine your rhythms, or just need permission to start small, this episode will remind you that progress comes from consistency,  not perfection. Even one little routine, like a nightly kitchen reset, can shift the tone of your entire home.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Holistic Home QUIZ

https://www.thecommonnest.com/quiz

• The QUIZ Giveaway Post on IG

https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

• The Holistic Home Plans & Routines SNAPSHOT - Free Resource https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/snapshot

• The Holistic Home Plans & Routines GUIDE                       https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/buyprguide

• The Holistic Home Plans & Routines BUNDLE                   https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/buyprbundle

  
  

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode, we’re continuing the mini-series introducing the Holistic Home Quiz, a gentle guide to help you discover what’s really holding you back from a happier, healthier home.

Today’s focus is on the Clutter Conqueror type - for those of us who feel weighed down by clutter and disorganization. Even though you may long for a calm and organized space, emotional attachment, overwhelm, or simply not knowing where to start can make decluttering feel impossible. But becoming a Clutter Conqueror means learning how to let go of what no longer serves you (mentally, emotionally, and physically),  so you can create space for clarity and calm.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Felt overwhelmed by piles, mess, or “stuff” that seems to multiply

• Struggled with guilt, attachment, or decision fatigue around decluttering

• Wondered why tidying never seems to last in your home

• Longed for more peace, presence, and functionality in your space
  

We’ll explore:

• Why clutter is more than just “stuff” - it’s mental, emotional, and physical

• How clearing space in one area often creates freedom in others

• The power of starting small, and why there’s no “perfect” time to declutter

• The three H’s of clutter clearing: Head (mental), Heart (emotional), and Home (physical)

• Simple next steps to begin creating a lighter, calmer home today
  

If clutter is your biggest challenge, you’re not alone AND you don’t have to stay stuck. This episode is here to remind you that decluttering isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Every step, no matter how small, is an act of self-love and intention.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Holistic Home QUIZ

https://www.thecommonnest.com/quiz

• The QUIZ Giveaway Post on IG

https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

• The Declutter QuickStart Guide & Checklists - Free Resource https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/quickstart

• Join the Clutter Clearing Challenge: 

A 3-part workshop to help you clear clutter mentally, emotionally, and physically                        https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/clutterclearing

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode, we’re kicking off a brand-new mini series to celebrate the launch of the Holistic Home Quiz — a tool to help you discover what’s really holding you back from creating a happier, healthier home.

Today, we’re focusing on the first quiz type: The Mindful Motivator. This type is for you if you have big dreams for your home, but find yourself stuck in overwhelm, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs. You might wonder where to start or worry whether lasting change is really possible.

The truth is your Home Starts Within. And when you nurture your mindset and motivation, you begin to shift not just your inner world but the outer environment you live in too.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• What it means to be a Mindful Motivator

• The core challenge this type faces — mindset

• How the Mindset & Motivation Foundation of the Holistic Home Method helps you move past blocks and into ease

• Why “Home Starts Within” is the first step to creating a home you truly love

• The seven essentials that form the foundation of mindset and motivation
  

This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt like:

• You’re overwhelmed by clutter and chaos, both inside and outside

• You struggle with negative thought patterns or self-doubt

• You long for a calmer, more nurturing space but don’t know where to begin
  

By the end, you’ll see how even small shifts in mindset can create profound changes in both your inner life and your home.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Take the Holistic Home QUIZ

https://www.thecommonnest.com/quiz

• Enter the QUIZ Giveaway on IG

https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

• Home Starts Within Guide - Free Resource

https://thecommonnest.myflodesk.com/within

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode, we’re stepping into a new season together, shifting from summer stories to the fresh beginnings of September. After a full and beautiful adventure up north with my family, I’m back on the podcast reflecting on that unique “new year” energy that arrives with back-to-school, changing routines, and the first hints of autumn.

This episode is all about the shifts, both inside and outside of our homes, that this time of year naturally invites. It’s about recognizing the overwhelm that can come with new schedules, the temptation to want to “fix everything at once,” and the gentle reminder that creating a happier, healthier home starts with clarity — not more chaos.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Felt the pull to reset your routines but didn’t know where to start

• Been overwhelmed by the clutter, energy, or endless to-do list in your home

• Wanted your outer home to reflect the peace you’re craving inside

• Longed for a roadmap to finally feel unstuck in your home
  

We’ll explore:

• Why September often feels like a second New Year

• How shifting seasons invite us to reset both inner and outer homes

• The five most common challenges that hold us back in our homes

• How the Holistic Home Quiz can help you discover your biggest block

• What to expect in the upcoming mini-series on the Holistic Home Quiz
  

Whether you’re standing in the middle of back-to-school chaos, staring at a cluttered counter, or simply craving a sense of fresh energy for this next season, this conversation is here to remind you that you’re not alone — and that you already have what it takes to begin again.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Holistic Home QUIZ https://www.thecommonnest.com/quiz

• The GIVEAWAY Post on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/⁠

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode, we’re continuing the Summer Stories series. Today’s story is about gardens, growth, and learning to create with intention — not just in the home, but in life.

As we wrap up another great adventure — traveling six weeks through the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Alaska in our travel trailer — I’m reflecting on the gardens we’ve tended over the years. From inherited blooms to gifted plants, to now intentionally planning my garden, this story is about setting intentions, planting seeds, and learning that creating beauty takes time, care, and a little curiosity.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Wanted to grow something beautiful but didn’t know where to start

• Felt like you were just “working with what you have” instead of creating intentionally

• Needed a reminder that learning, experimenting, and patience are part of growth

• Been inspired to bring more intentionality into your home
  

We’ll explore:

• How moving through different homes taught me to tend gardens — and life — with care

• The lessons I’ve learned from receiving plants, experimenting, and learning as I go

• Why intentionality matters, even in something as simple as planting tulips

• How gardening parallels creating a holistic, thriving home

• Ways to create a sense of home on the go, even while traveling

  
  

Whether you’re tending a garden, a home, or a season of life, this story is here to remind you that growth isn’t always instant, but with intention, attention and care, it’s always unfolding. Let’s celebrate the blooms — both big and small — along the way. And plant those seeds and tulips bulbs in your own life!

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method:  https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Join our FREE private community, 

The Common Nest Collective: https://www.thecommonnest.com/collective

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode of Summer Stories, I’m sharing a short story about something as ordinary as a city road, and how it led me to reflect on the ways we navigate our homes and lives. 

This week’s story is actually with a friend who resisted driving on a brand-new road near our city. Even though the highway was built to make travel faster and easier, she stuck to her familiar back routes - not because they were better, but because they were well known. 

That got me thinking: how often do we do the same thing in our homes and lives? How often do we stay comfortable with what’s familiar, even if it keeps us from a path that could be easier, lighter, or more aligned with what we really want?

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Stuck with old habits even when you knew there might be a better way

• Let fear of the unknown keep you from trying something new

• Needed a reminder that small risks can bring big rewards

• Wanted encouragement to stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone
  

We’ll explore:

• Why my friend avoided the ring road for months — and what changed

• How fear and comfort can quietly hold us back

• The power of trying something new, even when it feels intimidating

• What “taking the ring road” might look like in your home and daily life
  

Whether it’s shifting routines, changing patterns, or simply trying a different way of doing things, this story is here to encourage you to take the leap — to step onto the new road, even if it feels a little scary at first.

Because sometimes the path you’ve been avoiding turns out to be the one that makes life lighter, simpler, and so much easier.

Let’s reflect together on what roads might be waiting for you — and how you can take that first drive toward something new.

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode, we’re continuing the Summer Stories series — a peek behind the scenes of how I create in my home and on the go. 

Today’s story is about groceries… but not in the way you might think. It’s a story about letting go of control and discovering what happens when we invite others to share the load — even if it doesn’t look exactly the way we would do it ourselves.

From the early days of my marriage to the toddler meltdowns in checkout lines, grocery shopping was “my task” for a long time. But as life got fuller (and busier), I reached a breaking point — and my husband stepped in. That’s when I learned that letting someone help isn’t just about handing over a task… it’s about loosening my grip on how it “should” be done.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Felt overwhelmed by the endless to-do list at home

• Struggled to let others take over a task because they do it differently

• Wanted to create more shared responsibility in your home

• Needed a reminder that done is often better than done your way
  

We’ll explore:

• How grocery shopping became my husband’s task (and why it was harder to let go than I expected)

• The sneaky ways control can keep us feeling overworked

• What diaper duty taught us about teamwork early in parenting

• Why letting go gives others the space to step up

• How kids (and partners) learn best when we stop doing it all for them
  

Whether it’s groceries, laundry, or mowing the lawn, this story is here to remind you that sometimes the best gift you can give your home — and yourself — is to let go of control, welcome the help, and trust that “different” can still be good.

Let’s trade perfection for partnership and find more ease in the everyday.

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode, we’re continuing the Summer Stories series, a seasonal peek behind the scenes of how I create home, even on the go. Today’s story is about the balance between pleasure and health, and what happens when we reflect on the choices we make in our lives, from sugar to self-care.

Our family recently had a doctor's appointment that sparked an interesting conversation about how we live, what we eat, and how we care for ourselves. My daughter’s take on the advice to limit sugar was a thought-provoking reminder that the "you only live once" mentality is often tied to instant gratification and pleasure.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Wondered what "you only live once" really means for your health and wellbeing

• Struggled with balancing joy and health in your daily choices

• Reflected on how to nourish your body and mind in a meaningful way

• Questioned the role of pleasure and self-care in your life
  

We’ll explore:

• The doctor's advice on sugar and what it means for our health

• How my daughter’s perspective of “you only live once” made me reflect

• What it really means to nourish your body for longevity, not just pleasure

• The balance between joy and health, and how to make mindful choices for the life you want to live
  

Whether you’re focused on health, pleasure, or both, this story is here to remind you that every choice you make is part of creating the home and life you desire. Sometimes, the choices that nourish you might look different than you expect, but they’re right for you — and they bring you closer to living intentionally.

Let’s dive into the conversation and remember: the life you live is made of the small choices you make every day. Let’s make them count.

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/

In this episode of the Common Nest Podcast, we're continuing with our Summer Stories series — a seasonal peek behind the scenes of how I create home, even on the go. Today's story is about a close call on the road and the valuable lessons it taught me about our energy, our expectations, and our capacity for grace in different seasons.

This week, I’m sharing a story about the time we almost ran out of gas while traveling in our trailer. It was day one of our trip, and we were learning just how far we could go with our new set-up. But as we hit a dirt road and realized we weren’t getting the mileage we expected, we found ourselves in the middle of nowhere, hoping we'd make it to the next gas station. Thankfully, we did, and it made me reflect on how often we expect too much from ourselves — especially in seasons of change.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

• Felt like your energy was running low but kept pushing forward

• Struggled to balance expectations with reality in different seasons of life

• Needed a reminder to be kind to yourself and ask for help when you need it

• Wanted to better understand your energy flow and how to honor your natural rhythms
  

We’ll explore:

• The story behind almost running out of gas (and what it taught me)

• Why our expectations sometimes don’t align with our capacity in different life seasons

• How to honor your energy levels and adjust your expectations accordingly

• The importance of grace, self-compassion, and finding support when we need it

• Tips for navigating life’s ebbs and flows, especially when life is in transition
  

Whether you're in a season of full speed ahead or need a reminder to slow down, this episode will help you reframe how you approach your energy and capacity in everyday life.

Let’s dive into this week’s Summer Story and explore how we can travel further with a little grace and self-awareness.

Let’s Connect!  If you loved this episode, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @thecommonnest. 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support in creating a home that feels good. 💛

Work with Christy:

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how we can work together to create a happier, healthier home with a holistic approach.

Find out more about 

The Holistic Home Method: 

 https://www.thecommonnest.com/holistichome

Looking for personalized support? Check out:

Love Your Home: 

https://www.thecommonnest.com/loveyourhome

Don't know where to start? 

Book a FREE Discovery Call:

 https://calendly.com/tcn-christy/30min

Want to grow in a community?

Join the Holistic Home Membership:  

https://www.thecommonnest.com/membership

You can find more from The Common Nest here:

Website: https://www.thecommonnest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonnest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonnest/