Simple

What does living slow really mean (as in, not just in an internet buzzword-y way)? There's never a one-for-everyone description for slow, simple living, and that's a beautiful thing—that's what Erin and Tsh talk about in this episode. They talk about both goals and non-goals, how they deal with the pressure to "be" a certain way, and why knowing how we're made is key to pretty much everything.  For links talked about in this episode, go to http://thesimpleshow.com and look for episode 53.

It's story time! (For the grownups, but kids can listen to this one, too.) The Gift of the Magi is a short story in the public domain, written by O. Henry and first published in 1906. He was a writer known for closely-observed tales of everyday people, wit, wordplay, warm characterization and clever twist endings. Tsh reads this classic story you might have read in school as a welcome to the holidays. For links to read this story and to download it for free, head to theartofsimple.net/magi. Have a very merry Christmas, a happy new year, and we'll see you with new episodes in the new year!

With Christmas looming near, Tsh and Stephanie share stories about Christmases abroad. They've both spent the holidays in foreign countries, which is always an experience.... Stephanie shares stories from Christmas in Japan and China; Tsh talks about what it was like spending the holiday in Turkey and in the southern hemisphere (Santa wears shorts in the mall!), and they both share dream destinations for their Christmas futures. Low on show notes this episode, sit back with a cup of something warm and enjoy the chat. For any links mentioned, head to http://theartofsimple.net/podcast and look for episode 51. And to check out the Gift Guide and Encircled's chrysalis cardi, head to http://theartofsimple.net/gifts.

Time for a book chat! In these episodes, Haley and Tsh talk about a book they've recently read—Haley's choice is a book from a favorite author she’s been meaning to read for forever, and Tsh's is a book she reads almost every year. Right during the holidays. Bet you can’t guess which one. For show notes, head to theartofsimple.net/podcast and look for episode 50. And to check out the Gift Guide (and Lily Jade!), head to theartofsimple.net/gifts.

It's officially the holiday season, so Tsh and Erin talk about how they keep the festivities sane. They talk trees (or no trees), crafts (or no crafts), and gifts (or no gifts). They talk Advent, St. Nicholas Day, and Christmas—all 12 days of it. And they talk about why it's good to do what sounds lovely and leave the rest, not worrying a bit about whether you're doing the season right. Because what's right is having a low-key, low-stress home. For the show notes, head to http://theartofsimple.net/podcast and look for episode 49. For the gift guide, head to http://theartofsimple.net/gifts!

In this super-special episode, Tsh talks with Kendra Adachi about all things Gilmore Girls, in celebration of the new Netflix series coming out November 25, 2016 called Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. They talk favorite characters, favorite episodes and scenes, why the show matters now more than ever, and whether they're Team Dean, Jess, or Logan. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy a chat with girlfriends about a show on girlfriends. Head here for show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/podcast/48/ And thanks to this episode's sponsor, New Dream and their Simplify the Holidays resources: http://newdream.org.

There's an art to packing light, especially when you're traveling with kids. Tsh chats with co-host Stephanie Langford about their experiences packing ultra-light with their families on extended global travel, and how that translates to shorter trips as well. Head to the show notes at http://theartofsimple.net/podcast/47. To get 30% off a 3-month Book of the Month Subscription + tote bag (great for holiday gift giving!), head to http://theartofsimple.net/bookofthemonth and use the code SIMPLE30.

Some people hate clutter, some people can't live without a little bit of it scattered throughout their house. Tsh and Erin talk about home styles and how they mesh with personality—specifically, the Enneagram personality profile. What kind of home works well for a 3, 5, 9, or whatever? They also talk kid clutter and how to make it livable. For show notes, head to http://theartofsimple.net/46.   Thanks to this week's sponsor, Prep Dish - get a free two-week trial by going to http://prepdish.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE.

The first in a monthly series of episodes: BOOK TALK! Tsh and Haley Stewart talk about two books they recently read, and what they personally gained from each. Head here for this episode's show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/45.   Also, don't forget to snag your Genius Blogger's Toolkit at http://theartofsimple.net/toolkit!

Audrey Hepburn once said, "If I ever get married, I want to be very married." Tsh talks with guest Katherine Pershey about the realities of marriage, the hard stuff on relationships during the newlywed and early parenthood stages, and the benefits of counseling, learning each other's inherent personalities, and even marriage books, which both are usually quick to dismiss. Katherine's the author of the new book, Very Married, a memoir-like telling of her marriage to her husband, Ben. Head here for the show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/44