Taking the Middle Seat

On Episode 27, I’m talking to Tara Jones, owner of Your Pretty Pennies (Tara on Facebook and Instagram). She is a financial success coach, entrepreneur, and single mom. You will hear her tell her powerful story of “pressing the reset button.” Honestly, I’ve never identified with a financial planner or financial coach of any kind. Taking the middle seat next to super organized, planner, dollars and cents types has me quaking in my boots! Tara is on a whole different level. She reaches out to everyone’s soul and speaks a language that makes sense for everyone to beautify their lives in their own unique way.

Tara has so many services you’ll want to check out. She has published the Ultimate Financial Planner, a customizable 12 month planner. She coaches at the Financial Reset Online Academy, a comprehensive online curriculum to “Demolish Debt. Master Your Money. Create Financial Freedom.” She also provides 1-on-1 coaching if you are getting serious about manifesting the financial life you want. Tara is a sought after speaker including my personal favorite, Young Money: 5 Things to do with a Paycheck, a workshop for teens. You guys! Can you imagine if you had that workshop as a teenager!??!! How awesome!

She’s also hosting an event coming up really SOON, January 5! Its called The Ultimate Financial Vision Board Workshop. I’m going to be there and I want you to be there too! I am absolutely certain Tara will help you start your 2019 with a clear vision and plan. I have never made a vision board (or a budget… shhh) so I am totally geeked to be treating myself to this gift. Sign up at the link above!

Tara’s favorite things include her black boots from H&M. These are some cute ones I found. In a recent video Tara also rocks a faux leather skirt and that looks a lot like this and it is one of my favorite things. I’m telling you right now. She also loves the Cranberry Woods candle from Bath & Body Works. She also loves homemaking including ironing and loading the dishwasher. And she’s a huge advocate for therapy for everyone!

I know that Tara is going to be the voice in your head calling you higher in 2019. She is incredible. So dance and sashay into 2019 with this episode playing and remember to take the middle seat! I know you’ll find your very own magic and purpose right there waiting for you.

On Episode 26 I’m talking to Nichole Beiner, an attorney, diversity consultant and community builder. She has a gorgeous presence online at Nichole Gabrielle (Instagram, Facebook) and at Melanin and Moxie (Web, Instagram, Facebook ) which is a space specifically for women of color.

Nichole is navigating living with a chronic neurological disorder and we talk a lot about how having an “invisible” illness can be so challenging. I know many listeners will resonate with her story of strength and struggle. She talks honestly about how privilege, community, vulnerability, and connection impact her journey.

I mention another woman I follow that has informed the way I see my own privilege, Rachel Cargle. Other women I love learning from in the online space are Vilissa Thompson, Leesa Renee Hall, and Layla Saad.

Nichole’s favorite things include Reina Pomeroy (lots of guests have raved to me about Reina’s programs!), movies, baking, The Great British Baking Show, tea, cozy blankets, books (memoirs!) and her husband.

She has a great gift guide up right now so check that out! Remember to check out our Taking the Middle Seat Gift Guide too.

I am 100% certain Nichole is going to change the world. She speaks truth to power. She shines light where it is needed. She is incredible and I want you all to follow her right this minute.

I’ll be back soon with another episode but until then, take the middle seat! I promise you’ll find some holiday magic there.

My sister, Gretchen, and I are giving you a gift guide like no other. And by that I mean, it is not super organized, it doesn’t touch on every category, and the list is mostly things that Gretchen and I want to receive. Having said that, I think there are some awesome things on this list! Women-owned! Minority-owned! Locally-owned! Ethical businesses!

**Real quick.. a few other gift guides I love… Jen Hatmaker 2018, Jen Hatmaker 2017, Big Boo Cast

I have found THE BEST lipstick. The Lip Bar! My fave is the liquid matte style. But if you’re a traditional lipstick gal or a gloss gal, The Lip Bar has you covered. My fave safe color is Unimpressed. My fave take-a-risk color is Crown-Me. These are not animal tested and vegan. And The Lip Bar is a Black-owned, woman-owned business based in Detroit. Love it!

Gretchen is forever devoted to drugstore cosmetics. She loves Morphe lipstick. Check out the cute packaging. We both love cute packaging. I’ve been trying to get her to try BeautyCounter. I love this company and for a really cool gift, I love giving the eyeshadow palettes especially if you’re giving to a young person just starting to navigate makeup. If you’re wanting to really pamper someone on your list, give them the Cleansing Balm. Swoon.

I know there is an artisanal soap around every corner but I’m telling you, Maggie Ann Soap Co. is in a league of their own. This is a woman-owned business local to Grand Rapids. My favorite products are the Mermaid Lagoon soap, Chill Pill bath bombs, and Dog Shampoo bar. These are perfection for gift giving and stocking stuffers. You can also pick them up at the Bridge Street Market.

Gretchen loves Boll and Branch bedding. I know you have ratty ol’ sheets you’ve been meaning to switch out so if you’re gifting someone else or yourself, these sheets look divine.

My next recommendation is for all things Shannon Cohen. She is an incredible leader and motivator and has a whole line of cards, journals, and prints that will make any gift recipient feel seen and heard. I think they’re perfect for your co-workers, friends, 20-somethings. Really anyone. I love them so much!

Gretchen’s next recommendation is for a big splurge super special gift. It is a bag from B. May bags. These are gorgeous leather bags. Here’s Gretchen’s fave (boring) and my fave (exciting).

Up next is We Are Lit. I cannot get enough books and locally owned, woman-owned independent bookstore books are the very best. We Are Lit is a curated collection of multicultural books but Kendra, the owner, can order any book she doesn’t already have in her collection. Just message her! The books will come wrapped in brown paper and love. She also has an audio book service called Libro.fm. So your traditional and audio book lovers are both covered.

We both love businesses that give back and Gretchen is recommending a restaurant in Traverse City that does just that. The Good Bowl. Lots of you travel to the Traverse City area or know someone there so check them out or send your up north loved one a gift card.

Two more local GR businesses that I love are Liv Styled and Polished Nail Bar and Spa. Liv is a closet magician and personal stylist. She does all things style related and is the nicest human. You could give absolutely anyone the gift of Liv’s services and you’ll be a gift-giving hit. Polished is the coolest nail place and would be the perfect place to get your fave gal a gift card. Branch out and support a local business!

The next recommendation is still mine because I’m the host and I can just keep going… Shanalee Hampton makes the coolest stitched art for your activist, empowered, bad ass friend. Her hand-stitched art says the things we want to say! This one is one of my favorites.

And I’m on a roll… My next recommendation is Chaotic & Collected. This woman-owned shop makes handmade garlands and party decor. She has all of the usual things (birthday, holiday, etc.) and so many more fun things that you never knew you needed. Check out her site and I know you’ll find something you need.

We’re headed back to a fashion pick… Everlane. Gretchen loves their cashmere crew sweater and their high wasted skinny jeans, and their black suede kitten heels. Everything at Everlane is made with ethical business practices and fair wages. You can see the actual factories that make the items right on their site. Gretchen mentions another fave cashmere sweater from Uniqlo.

I’m coming back with a book recommendation that you could gift to a kiddo or grown up alike. It is called Modern Herstory. It is jam packed with 70 world changing women, girls and non-binary people who have shaped history. I have LOVED sharing this book with my kids because I can introduce them to world-changers and educate myself on these amazing people. It is a gorgeous book with beautiful illustrations and would be at home on a bedside table or coffee table.

And the last gift is the Because of Them We Can Box. This box launches in the next few days so follow the link to get signed up for updates on when it is available. Every month, your kiddo can get a box in the mail (they love mail!) all about Black History and Excellence. Love this!

I also talk about donating to causes in honor of someone on your list. I would love this as a giftee! Two of my favorite organizations are Together Rising and Donors Choose.

So there you have it. I could make gift recommendations for days! Let gift giving be a source of connection this year. Don’t make it a drag or just get something because you think you have to. Do it up right with meaningful gifts and if actual gifts aren’t in the budget, just take the middle seat. Make someone feel seen and heard. I promise you’ll both feel the gift and the magic in the middle seat.

On Episode 24, I’m talking to Topsie VandenBosch, a business mindset coach for female entrepreneurs. (Topsie on Facebook and Instagram) She is a private practice therapist and entrepreneur. And she is a firecracker and motivator. I could not love her more! I love how she speaks truth and encouragement to get us out of our stuck spaces.

Topsie’s tips for maintaining a great mindset heading into the holiday season:

Remember that you will be ok no matter the season. Keep a mindset centered on abundance and not fear.

Recognize that it is ok to slow down. You don’t have to keep up with the hustle and bustle that is around you. You don’t have to!

Remember it is ok to NOT buy all of the things. Stay within your means.

Topsie’s tips for maintaining boundaries at the holiday season:

Don’t spend time with people who drain you (or limit your time) even if they’re family.

Recognize that every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Don’t say yes out of obligation.

Topsie mentions Side Hustle Pro podcast. If you have a little baby side hustle and want some encouragement, it just might be for you. I’ve also found a lot of encouragement through GR Boss Babes and Grand Rapids Women Who, local GR groups of rad women.

If you need more Topsie-on-a-podcast-fun, be sure to catch her on Balanced Bites episode 374.

Topsie’s favorite things include an iced matcha green tea latte with almond milk from Starbucks (I *heart* her specificity here), The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson, The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix (I’m going to take her word on this. Horror - EEEK!), My Favorite Murder podcast (we’re going to the live show together!!!!), Jenna Kutcher’s podcast, and Skinny Confidential podcast. Topsie also treats herself to cold-pressed juices because they’re so freaking delicious. She loves Bodhi Tree Juice Co. and Malamiah Juice Bar.

Go take that middle seat all holiday season long!

On Episode 23, I’m talking to Sarah Jean Anderson. She is an artist, comedian, event host, mentor and musician. She has the best energy and I could not wait to edit this episode and get it out to you! You will love her!

Sarah Jean is a part of two comedy troupes, Comedy Coven (Comedy Coven on Facebook) and Funny Girls (Funny Girls on Facebook). Go follow them and watch their videos and attend their events! And… if you love to watch live comedy, Funny Girls is opening a comedy club called Comedy Project (Comedy Project on Facebook) so stay tuned.

Sarah Jean is one of the incredible mentors and leaders at Girls Rock Grand Rapids. I talk about Girls Rock absolutely all. the. time. because it is the most magical space for girls to be. It is a land of possibility and joy and courage and Sarah Jean exemplifies that.

She also mentors kids at the Creative Youth Center. Her story about Orchard View Elementary publishing center brought back so many memories. We talk a lot about our early forays into writing. Basically writing gold.

Sarah Jean said her favorite job is to host events and she is amazing at it! She hosts trivia night at the Apartment Lounge and at Maggies. You can also hire her to host your events!

I’ve just scratched the surface of what Sarah Jean does! She also performs burlesque with Super Happy Fun Time and Shimmy Shack Burlesque. She’s a musician with The Fancy Restaurants.

Sarah Jean’s favorite things include Palace of India, Curry Kitchen, her dog Polka and her boyfriend who co-founded Dog Story Theater, the weather, the Thriller Chiller Film Festival, burlesque including her friend Vivacious Miss Audacious, The Simpsons (her tattoo is from season 7, episode 14), the movie Mother, her best friend, coffee, Vander Mill Cider, and Sword and Scale podcast. I think I missed a few…. oh, she loves Grand Rapids’ West side and the Midwest. Her favorites abound.

Sarah Jean is absolutely incredible and I know you’ll love her interview. I’ll be back soon with another episode and until then, keep moving in to hear the magic in the middle seat.

On Episode 22, I’m talking to Lauren Taylor who is running for State Representative in Michigan’s 86th district (district map). She calls herself the a “democrat for common ground,” and she is exactly that. She seeks common ground when most people would give up. I loved hearing about her journey to run for public office. No matter your political label, I think you’ll love hearing Lauren’s passion and emotion and drive to make our world a better place for EVERYONE.

Follow Lauren on Facebook and Instagram. My favorite thing about following Lauren on social media is the pictures of her constituents with their top issues written on her signature white board. So many issues matter to ALL of us when someone actually stops to ask.

Lauren loves her chickens! Aren’t chickens great? I don’t have any but I do love them. Two of my neighbors have backyard chickens and I think they’re so rad.

Lauren also talks about getting involved as a way to stay positive and stay connected. If Lauren really resonates with you, CONTACT HER. I know she would love that!

I have found that connecting to causes helps me stay positive and I’ll list a few places I’ve found lately: Swing Left allows you to make one donation that will be split evenly among close Democratic races. Many are women and/or people of color who are running for office. Rachel Cargle is raising money to fund therapy for women and girls of color. She is also a leader I’m listening to. We Are Lit is my source for great books that make me think and I love supporting this woman-owned small business.

Keep taking the middle seat, listener. You, and the world, will be so happy you did.

On episode 21, I’m talking to Sarah Hartley, Editor in Chief of Holl & Lane Magazine. She describes the magazine by saying, “This is a revolution to show women, you are perfect as you are and there are other women just like you who have been standing right where you feel you are right now.” A REVOLUTION!! Yes!!! Soak in the whole Holl & Lane manifesto here.

The next issue of Holl & Lane is coming out Tuesday, October 16! And what exact subject do we need right now? Sarah knew we’d need this. It’s all about IMPACT. Subscribe right this minute. You’ll be so glad you did!

Follow Holl & Lane on Facebook and Instagram. Sarah and Jess craft gorgeous social media posts. I also just discovered that Jess has a rad business called Chaotic & Collected where she creates handmade party decor. So cool! If you’re a writer, check out H&L Writes too!

I love Sarah’s idea of creating a “Sunshine Folder!” I keep a pile of cards that I’ve received in my desk drawer. So fun to look at those on the hard days.

Sarah’s favorite things include This is Us (I think I’m the only human who does not watch this), Armchair Expert podcast, photography, and Chatbooks.

Go take the middle seat, dear listener! You'll love the magic you find there.

On Episode 20 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Erin and Lauren, owners of E+L Salon. Not only do these women do amazing hair, they hold space for people in this community to feel Elevated and Loved. Get it. E+L. Love it!

Erin and Lauren are co-hosting an event (a costume party!!) called, Out of the Shadows on October 27. All proceeds will benefit Mental Health Awareness Month and Be Nice. This event sounds incredible and I love that it is highlighting such an important issue. You should go!!!!

They have held other events including in their space that have focused on the Refugee Education Center and Green Circle Salons.

Erin’s favorite thing is her gym, Allegro.

Lauren’s favorite things include meal planning (I just started loving Plan to Eat for meal planning. You should try it!), Daily Harvest, and Forks over Knives.

Go take the middle seat, dear listener! You'll love the magic you find there.

On Episode 19 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Jessica Honegger, founder and co-CEO of Noonday Collection. She's an author of the recently released book, Imperfect Courage: Live a Life of Purpose by Leaving Comfort and Going Scared. She is also a podcast host at The Going Scared Podcast. Jessica is the real deal. She's genuine and thoughtful and hilarious and brave and I had so much fun learning from and her and talking with her. (Jessica on Facebook and Instagram)

Noonday Collection is a socially conscious fashion brand that is making an incredible impact in the world. Shop with my fave Noonday ambassador, Shari Meyering! The Fall line launched recently and you guys... all. the. big. earrings. I could scoop them all up! If I had to pick one favorite pair, it would be these.

After you put on those big Noonday earrings, I'm telling you, you NEED THIS BOOK. It is the best encouragement and motivation and call to action. You will resonate with the stories. You'll be moved to connect. And you'll be readied for action. Jessica will be in Grand Rapids this week!!! Check out the event and get tickets here!

*** I want to encourage listeners to purchase any recommended books from We Are Lit, a Grand Rapids local and woman-owned business.  If she doesn't have the book right on her website, you can just request it on the website here. 

Jessica mentions Be The Bridge, a Christian racial reconciliation movement. Learn more about Latasha Morrison and her incredible work on this podcast episode with Jen Hatmaker.

Jessica's favorite things: Noonday, of course (here's the coolest necklace that she wears a lot), yellow as an accent color (here she is rocking the yellow at her book launch party), her signature scent Santal 33, and Fireclay Tile.

Go take the middle seat, dear listener! You'll love the magic you find there.

On Episode 18 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Angelle Batten and Jill Tanis, co-founders of The Nourish to Flourish Society which is "a place where women fall in love with nourishing mind, body and spirit with simple soulful self care practices, delicious food and a supportive community" (from The Nourish to Flourish Society website).

Jill and Angelle describe themselves as life coaches for women with an expertise in health. I am not kidding when I say that I LOVE the space they have created for women to thrive. Check out the 14 Day Fall Reset!! I promise you will love it.

Jill and Angelle are hosting an upcoming event called Soiree on September 26. I know it will be nourishing and beautiful and worth every cent. Grab you buddies and go!

I talked about how I found The Nourish to Flourish Society through my friend Shari Meyering who is an ambassador for Noonday Collection. You'll find some of my favorite big earrings from Noonday here.

Angelle and Jill s h o w e d u p with some incredible favorites!

Jill's Faves: Practicing sabbath (here's a book on sabbath by Wayne Muller), Slow Down Diet book, jasmine green tea, Lake Michigan, Grocer's Daughter Chocolates, OXO good grips Y peeler, Vitamix, Cutco chef knife, microplane, Young Living, Barbara Brown Taylor, Rob Bell's Robcast.

Angelle's Faves: Bark Thins, Autumn's Gold grain free granola, water pillow, Car Talk episodes, Grace & Frankie on Netflix, The Book of She.

I was not prepared when they asked me about MY favorite things but now that I think about it... I have a favorite vegetable peeler that I won in a white elephant gift exchange and I just ordered these earrings from Noonday. Favorite things for the win!

I'll be back soon! Until then, take the middle seat. You'll love what happens.