In this episode of "Rhythms That Restore," host Cherisse invites us into a heartfelt conversation with Allison LaRue. Owner/Chief Cake Decorator/Baker with Small Cakes Bakery in Collierville, Tennessee.
Together, they explore the art of navigating the holiday season with intention. With a emphasis on the importance of managing our time and expectations, they discuss the beauty of setting boundaries around ourselves and our families and cherishing family moments.
Cherisse and Allison share Christmas Traditions with Family. They also ponder the influence of modern conveniences on our connections and the deep need for meaningful interactions.
This episode encourages listeners to embrace and create their own Holiday rhythms for their family that bring joy and fulfillment, inviting a sense of peace and presence into the season.
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**Introduction to the Episode (00:00:02)** Cherisse welcomes listeners to "Rhythms That Restore" and sets the tone for the episode.
**December Vibes (00:00:28)** Cherisse shares her excitement for December and introduces her guest, Allison.
**Allison's Background (00:02:20)** Allison discusses her role as a mother and business owner, highlighting her bakery.
**Family Dynamics (00:03:13)** Cherisse and Allison talk about their children’s ages and family dynamics, including blended family aspects.
**Business Journey (00:04:03)** Allison reflects on her past business ventures, including a food truck they owned.
**Setting Boundaries (00:06:36)** Cherisse shares her struggles with holiday stress and the importance of setting boundaries.
**Choosing Joy in Traditions (00:09:19)** Discussion on evaluating holiday traditions and the freedom to skip them if they don't bring joy.
**Family Time Importance (00:10:20)** Allison emphasizes the need for intentional family time amidst busy schedules.
**Teenagers and Family Interaction (00:12:30)** The challenges of engaging teenagers in family activities and the importance of family time.
**Teaching Boundaries (00:14:30)** Cherisse and Allison discuss instilling healthy boundaries and self-regulation in their children.
**Personal Reflection on Busyness (00:15:24)** Cherisse reflects on her past views on busyness and the need to slow down.
**Crocheting as a Mindful Activity (00:16:25)** Allison shares how crocheting helps her focus and manage her busy mind during relaxation.
**Setting New Goals (00:18:14)** Cherisse shares her family's New Year's resolutions, including learning instruments and crocheting.
**The Journey of Crocheting (00:19:07)** Cherisse discusses her experience learning to crochet and creating handmade items for her children.
**Finding Balance in Activities (00:20:02)** Cherisse reflects on multitasking while spending quality time with family and creating handmade gifts.
**The Value of Handmade Items (00:21:01)** Cherisse emphasizes the importance of handmade items and the emotional value they carry.
**Navigating Holiday Expectations (00:22:57)** Cherisse and Allison discuss how to simplify holiday gift-giving and focus on experiences over material items.
**The Power of Saying No (00:24:11)** Cherisse talks about the newfound empowerment in saying no and setting personal boundaries.
**Self-Care and Family Time (00:25:20)** Cherisse shares her perspective on prioritizing self-care and family over social obligations.
**The Importance of Community (00:26:14)** Cherisse stresses the need for community support during different life seasons and the freedom in saying no.
**Learning to Say No (00:27:02)** Cherisse reflects on her journey of learning to say no without feeling guilty or needing to explain.
**Respecting Boundaries (00:27:50)** The conversation highlights the importance of respecting friends' boundaries when they say no.
**Self-Awareness in Relationships (00:29:32)** Cherisse discusses the significance of self-awareness in knowing personal limits and energy levels.
**Prioritizing Family Over Social Events (00:30:29)** Cherisse shares insights on ensuring her family receives her best self amid social commitments.
**Understanding Life Seasons (00:31:20)** Cherisse contemplates the fleeting nature of childhood and the importance of being present for her kids.
**Cherisse's Spiritual Journey (00:32:55)** Cherisse recounts her return to church and the supportive community she found during that time.
**Introduction to Family Needs (00:36:35)** Cherisse discusses the need for different family dynamics and how they began visiting a new church.
**Opening Up the Home (00:37:23)** Allison shares her experience of opening her home for gatherings, emphasizing fun over agenda.
**Personal Growth Through Faith (00:38:22)** Cherisse reflects on how personal faith shapes one's journey, moving beyond parental expectations.
**Obedience Leading to Opportunities (00:39:09)** Discussion on how obedience in one area of life can lead to unexpected opportunities in another.
**Educational Journey and Career Path (00:39:54)** Allison recounts her shift from nursing to education, highlighting her eventual focus on special education.
**Teaching Experience and Family Life (00:41:43)** Allison shares her teaching experience and how it intertwined with her personal life and family dynamics.
**The Intersection of Teaching and Baking (00:45:25)** Allison discusses her transition from teaching to baking, incorporating her love for education.
**Baking Classes and Community Engagement (00:46:22)** Allison talks about her baking classes, emphasizing the community's interest and engagement during colder months.
**COVID-19 and the Birth of the Bakery (00:49:00)** Allison explains how the pandemic spurred her to start baking for others and adapt her business.
**Craving Slower Living (00:50:50)** Cherisse and Allison discuss the desire for slower, quieter family life amidst the busyness.
**Community Through Shared Tasks (00:51:44)** Cherisse shares a story about how women historically found community in shared tasks, like laundry.
**The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction (00:53:42)** Discussion on the decline of human interaction due to technology and its implications for society.
**Cherisse's Personal Reflections (00:54:49)** Cherisse shares a personal story about reconnecting with a friend and the importance of human connections.
**The Need for Change and Growth (00:56:42)** Exploring the freedom to change one's mind and the importance of personal growth through new experiences.
**Learning from Different Perspectives (00:57:45)** Cherisse emphasizes the value of being exposed to diverse ideas and experiences for personal development.
**Encouragement to Slow Down (00:59:44)** Allison encourages listeners to pursue new activities and find joy in slowing down during the holiday season.
**Cherisse's Closing Thoughts (01:00:35)** Reflecting on the positive aspects of slowing down during COVID and the lasting impact on family life.
**Final Words of Encouragement (01:01:23)**
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Connect with Allison LaRue at Small Cakes Bakery in Collierville, Tn
Email: [email protected] Instagram: Smallcakes Collierville
Allison teaches bread making courses too at the bakery. Be sure and connect on Instagram.
Books Allison is loving: Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart, Dr. Becky "Good Inside"
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Cherisse invites listeners to stay connected and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance.
