The Middle of Everything

We are back in the studio this week with Natasha Ball of House Sparrow Fine Nesting, who is opening up to us about her Postpartum Anxiety, "the salad incident" and how she was diagnosed, the treatments that worked for her, and the importance of therapy as maintenance for ourselves.  We also chat with her about how her career path(s) shaped her family, and how she ended up with an 8 year spread between her two sons.  After working in journalism, from reporter to blogger to editor, Natasha started selling knitted blankets, weavings and other textiles with her friends at Retro Den and on Etsy and has transformed it into a full time job teaching workshops, making custom commissioned pieces and opening a showroom as part of the Studios at Retro Den.  We talk handmade vs. mass produced vs. vintage and how each of those can fit into our homes.  Enjoy!

In this episode, we talk about:

House Sparrow Fine Nesting (http://www.housesparrownesting.com/)

HSFN Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/housesparrownesting/)

HSFN Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/housesparrownesting)

Baby Foot (https://www.refinery29.com/baby-foot-peel-review)

Tasha Does Tulsa (https://www.google.com/search?q=tasha+does+tulsa&client=safari&rls=en&ei=2GNLW4KDAY7U8AP11IeADw&start=0&sa=N&biw=1376&bih=877)

This Land Press (http://thislandpress.com/about-2/)

The Tulsa Voice (http://www.thetulsavoice.com/)

First Street Flea (https://www.facebook.com/firststreetflea/)

Darning Samplers (https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2016/09/17/darning-sampler/)

Ashley Palmer from Retro Den and Kids at Work - Episode 04 (http://middleofeverythingpodcast.com/2018/04/30/ashley-palmer-of-retro-den-on-working-with-baby-decorating-a-shared-space-for-a-toddler-and-a-newborn-potty-training-struggles-and-whats-next-with-the-ok-teacher-walkout-episode-04/)

Sarah and Claire both threw kid birthday parties this week, so there's no better time to talk birthday party locations, from full service to house party, celebrating at school, what we think about goodie bags (Sarah loves practical swag), gift guidelines and more!  Where do you fall on the birthday party spectrum  - are you a Pinterest mom or do you keep it simple?  Who do you invite? Have you ever done a "no gifts" party? We also have epiphanies about Claire's "birthday eve eve" tradition and experience gifts... Enjoy!

In this episode we talk about:

Summer birthdays - inside or outside?

When did celebrating at school even start? (https://www.teachercreated.com/blog/2010/09/classroom-birthday-celebrations-what-happened-to-the-fun/)

Urban Campout (https://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/urban-campout-brings-fun-of-camping-indoors/article_bc74318d-8996-529b-8e04-fc696e39a80f.html)

Dust Bowl (http://www.dustbowllounge.com/locations/tulsa/)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert Featuring the Tulsa Symphony (https://tulsasymphony.org/2018-2019-season/harry-potter-and-the-chamber-of-secrets-in-concert-featuring-the-tulsa-symphony/)

We would love your thoughts on experience gifts you have loved, your thoughts on birthdays, and more!  Please email us or comment on instagram or Facebook!

Claire is back, and here’s what happens when our guest has a last minute schedule / technical issue...we improvise!  We spent a little while in the studio this week talking work travel, checking in on camp progress (Sarah gives an updated loss tally), gardening and fostering puppies.  Then we give a rundown of our Father’s Day plans (is your family pro-holiday or more last minute/low key?) and talk language immersion school and exchange student hosting etiquette.

Then as a bonus, we decided to add a conversation we had at the pre-episode about our kids underwear...you can tell we are 100% real when we know we are recording, it doesn’t sound much different! Enjoy!

In this episode we talk about:

Georgia O Keefe at Crystal Bridges (https://crystalbridges.org/exhibitions/georgia-okeeffe/)

Flying Fish Restaurant (http://www.flyingfishinthe.net/location?l=Bentonville)

The Punch Brothers (https://www.punchbrothers.com/)

Chris Thile / Nickel Creek (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Thile)

Antoinette Baking Co. (https://antoinettebakingco.com/)

Macaron vs. Macaroon (https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/macarons-macaroons-what-s-the-difference)

Claire is traveling for work, so I brought in another bestie to chat with me about life...namely, what it's like to have your kids in your 20's vs. having them in your late 30's.  Lisa Wakefield , owner of Jenkins and Co. Tulsa , an amazing home and lifestyle store in Tulsa - talks about pros/cons, the differences in parenting now vs. 10 years ago (hello social media!), and life in the Pinterest age, the anti-Pinterest revolution, and most importantly, Fortnite.  We also chat about over scheduling, overcommitting, and starting a business when you've had 10 years out of the working world, when your kids are slightly more self sufficient. Enjoy!

In this episode we talk about:

Jenkins and Co Tulsa (https://www.jenkinsandcotulsa.com)

Jenkins and Co Instagram (jenkinsandcotulsa)

Parents on Phones Tumblr (http://parentsonphones.tumblr.com)

Scary Mommy - Why You Should Be Friends with the Oldest Mother in Your Child’s First Grade Class (http://www.scarymommy.com/friends-oldest-mother-in-childs-class/)

Fortnite New Yorker Article (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/05/21/how-fortnite-captured-teens-hearts-and-minds)

Goosebumps movie (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1051904/)

Daddy’s Home movie (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1528854/)

Jumanij- Welcome to the Jungle (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2283362/)

The Flash (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3107288/)

Fortnite Pro Gamer “Ninja” (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAW-NpUFkMyCNrvRSSGIvDQ)

Tulsa’s Route 66 Revival (http://www.tulsapeople.com/Tulsa-People/April-2018/11th-Street-is-back-on-the-map-in-a-big-way/)

The Enneagram: The Road Back To You (https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-You-Enneagram-Self-Discovery/dp/0830846190)

Whoorl (Sarah James) and Selfie Podcast

Claire is back for this episode, we are revving up for summer and camp season! We talk about our favorite - and least favorite - things about summer, our favorite products and camp hacks, and spew semi-correct information about ticks and tick repellants.  Then we talk summer cocktails, debate whether a swim counts as a bath, and find out that Claire is a schedule robot, and Sarah’s kids are smelly hippies.  Enjoy!

In this episode we talk about:

Bullfrog Sunscreen/Bugspray Combo (https://www.amazon.com/Bull-Frog-Mosquito-Sunscreen-Repellent/dp/B00HRWW6BA)

Sawyers Picaridin Bug Repellant (https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP544-Repellent-Picaridin/dp/B0015KG5NK/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1528061205&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=sawyers+picaridin&psc=1)

A way more informative source of info on Bug Repellant, Crunchy Cocktail Hour (http://lifelistened.com/crunchy-cocktail-hour/cch30/)

Tick Borne Diseases (https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/growth-curve/five-reasons-not-totally-panic-about-ticks-and-lyme-disease)

Sangria Recipe, (https://completerecipes.com/Summer-Sangria-nice.html) stolen from Sarah’s now-defunct blog, Prairie Hive

Summer Wine in a Can - Pampellone (https://enjoypampelonne.com/homeover21), Underwood (https://unionwinecompany.com/our-wines/underwood/can/)

Trader Joe’s Margarita Mix (https://www.traderjoes.com/recipes/beverages/mangorita)and Jalepeno Limeade (https://www.traderjoes.com/FearlessFlyer/Article/3634)

Natural Deodorant Success with Native (https://www.nativecos.com/product/deodorant-women/)!

Claire is taking a couple weeks off after starting a new job, so Sarah has recruited her friend Darla to chat about road trips, just in time for summer! Last summer, Darla’s family made an epic road trip from Kansas City to Alaska, where they now live.  We chat a little about her life there - then dive into our best road trip tips, including drive time strategies, activities and bribes for the kids, potty breaks, snacks, our favorite apps and digital entertainment, must have items for the family, and what happens when everyone has a meltdown.  Plus, WHY IS THERE ALWAYS A GIANT LOLLIPOP and discipline strategies on the road.

 

In this episode we talk about:

Alaska’s Summer Solstice ( summer-solstice-festival)

Car Games and Activities (https://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/ideas/8-fun-car-game-ideas/)

Vintage Bingo Game (https://www.etsy.com/listing/518889247/auto-bingo-cards-vintage-travel-bingo?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_d-toys_and_games-games_and_puzzles-board_games-bingo&utm_custom1=5a723512-f603-ff29-bb8d-00007980942f&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhcX9zvWo2wIVkcBkCh2lLgRFEAkYASABEgLadPD_BwE)

Melissa and Doug Water Markers (https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Reusable-Water-Reveal-Activity/dp/B010MS0CW0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527528229&sr=8-2&keywords=melissa+and+doug+water+markers)

The Dallas Galleria (http://www.galleriadallas.com)

Hotel Tonight App (https://www.hoteltonight.com/)

Sit or Squat App (https://www.charmin.com/en-us/about-us/sitorsquat)

Leapster (Amazon.com: LeapFrog LeapsterGS Explorer, Green: Toys & Games)

Kids Podcasts - Wow in the World (https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510321/wow-in-the-world), Story Pirates (http://podcast.storypirates.com)

Wine in a Can (Wine in a Can)

Claire’s family has decided to host a French exchange intern next fall, so we thought it would be a perfect time to talk with Abbie Peraza, owner of Studio Pop Tulsa - since she has hosted several of her own!  In addition to exchange students,  Abbie has years of experience working with Au Pairs (it’s cheaper/easier than you think!), living internationally with kids (and without) and has some great tips for both! After living abroad, Abbie came back to Tulsa and got a nudge from the universe (spoiler) to reinvent her career...going from the corporate world to opening Studio Pop, a cycling + yoga studio in Downtown Tulsa.  She shares her amazing story and how she made it all happen!

In this episode we talk about:

Studio Pop (https://www.studiopoptulsa.com)

Au Pair in America (https://www.aupairinamerica.com)

Joshua Johnson at 1A and the Beyond Mother’s Day Series (https://the1a.org/beyond-mothers-day-series-1a)

Tulsa in May ( http://tulsagardencenter.com/azalea-garden/)

Abby’s Vision Statement (https://mailchi.mp/studiopoptulsa/a-little-nudge-from-the-universe-sy7ul2nmfg)

Buti Yoga (https://butiyoga.com)

Goat Yoga (https://goatyoga.net)

Studio Pop Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/studiopoptulsa/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/studiopoptulsa/)

Claire introduces us to the concept of Mother’s Day Eve, and we chat with Colleen McCarty about her crazy life.  With two small children, Colleen has written two novels, worked full time, and most recently, started law school!  We talk about expectation management, juggling a non-traditional schedule with the help of family and friends, and  what it’s like to be a mom in law school (did you know they have LOCKERS?).  As if that weren’t enough, Colleen’s husband has recently decided to run for a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives so we get a glimpse at life on the campaign trail. After our interview, Claire nerds out about Jury Duty, and we share some Mom Confessions...including a tooth fairy fail, bathtime awkwardness, and our least favorite bedtime stories.

In this episode we talk about:

Mother’s Day Eve (http://mamalode.com/mothers-day-eve/)

The Greatest Showman (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1485796/)

Colleen (http://www.designvaultpress.com/colleen_mccarty.html)’s Books, Mounting the Whale (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B00GL9WI0Y/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1) and The Many Names of Magdalena Cruz (https://www.amazon.com/Many-Names-Magdalena-Cruz-ebook/dp/B075B43SM3/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1526306510&sr=1-1&keywords=the+many+names+of+magdalena+cruz)

The Above the Law (https://abovethelaw.com) Blog

Rusty Rowe for House District 66 (https://rowefor66.org)

Girl Attorney (https://girlattorney.com) and the March on the Oklahoma Capitol ( https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/07/us/mom-attorneys-oklahoma-trnd/index.html)

Voir Dire Questions (https://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=2229)

Sarah and Claire share our tips for Tornado/Storm/Disaster preparedness, make some wildly inaccurate meteorological claims, and chat about storm anxiety in our kids.  We also talk about sleep struggles as Sarah shares her woes about kids climbing into her bed every night, brainstorm ways to stop the madness and preserve that all important self care ritual...a full night’s rest.

In this Episode, we talk about:

Tornado Safe Rooms (http://www.tornadoalleyarmor.com/safe-rooms/models)

Why tornadoes hit Western OK more than the Tulsa area (http://mentalfloss.com/article/50877/why-do-tornados-frequently-hit-oklahoma-city)(spoiler alert, we weren’t TOTALLY wrong...)

Emergency Preparedness Kits from 0 to Apocalyptic (https://www.stealthangelsurvival.com/products/2-person-elite-survival-kit-72-hours?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=33987582025&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpeq9h93x2gIVFFqGCh02kQpDEAQYASABEgIRVPD_BwE)

Ariana Huffington’s book, The Sleep Revolution (https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Revolution-Transforming-Your-Night/dp/110190402X)

Sarah and Claire give a quick update on the outcome of the Oklahoma Teacher Walkout, and what comes next, then Sarah rants a bit about potty training.  More importantly, we talk with Ashley Palmer, co-owner of Retro Den, a vintage home store (and so much more) in Tulsa.  She shares pros/cons of having your baby at work with you, and gives some great ideas for creating a shared space with a toddler and her soon-to-arrive newborn.  Plus, a podcast ghost comes out of Sarah’s phone! Enjoy!

In this Episode, we talk about:

Retro Den Tulsa (https://www.retrodentulsa.com)

Succulents at Retro Den (https://www.retrodentulsa.com/plantcare)

The Longest Shortest Time, It’s A Real Mother - Episode #143 (https://longestshortesttime.com/episode-143-its-a-real-mother-part-3-the-cliff/) about the Badger company’s Babies at Work (https://www.badgerbalm.com/s-19-babies-at-work.aspx) program

Ashley’s DIY Sharpie Wall Graphic (https://www.retrodentulsa.com/blog/2018/diy-graphic-pattern-wallpaper-with-sharpie?rq=feature%20wall)

Vintage Shopping around Tulsa (https://www.retrodentulsa.com/tulsavintage)

The Studios at Retro Den (https://www.retrodentulsa.com/studios/)

Little Yellow Couch podcast with the Ashleys (https://littleyellowcouch.com/retro-den)