We are all trying to muscle our way through this very different summer. Most camps - cancelled; most parks - closed. We are trying to make up for these losses (while keeping our anxiety low) and creating a loose schedule so the kids are (somewhat) busy. Listen in to hear our great tips - from cool online camps to how to break up the day so we are all not glued to devices.

We mentioned several ideas for camping, glamping and online camps, here are the links:
Hipcamp

Glamping Spots

Luxe Tipi Camping

Online Summer Camps - from Parade.com

In case you find yourself in need of a good wine, and want to try what we were drinking during this episode, here is the link:
La Fete Rose - Jenn and I LOVED this wine 

This week we share our final weight loss results after 16 weeks of using Noom! Did we hit our stretch goals? Do we recommend Noom to others? This episode is completely unsponsored, so we share our direct, candid and honest thoughts! Join us to learn all about Noom and if this might be the program for you.

SHOW NOTES

• Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
• Curious about Natasha's Certified Wine Specialist credential?

We watched Oprah Winfrey's new series - "Where Do We Go From Here?"  where she facilitated a conversation between a stellar panel of highly accomplished thought leaders, activists and artists to discuss what's next after George Floyd's death. How do we all lock arms, seize the current moment and take action given all the black lives recently lost? We watched, listened closely and discussed what we heard and learned, candidly. Oprah also lays out "Asks" for everyone. Listen to this pod to take on the call for change and action.

Show Notes:
Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 1) | OWN Spotlight | Oprah Winfrey Network

Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 2) | OWN Spotlight | Oprah Winfrey Network

Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Jenn's 'about last night' wine - she loved and recommends)

Husch Mendocino Chardonnay 2018 (Natasha's 'about last night' wine - she loved and recommends)

In this episode, we dive into Michelle Obama's Netflix documentary, named after her autobiography, Becoming. If you've read the book, are obsessed with the Obamas, or have seen the documentary, this podcast is for you! We break down all the reasons we love Michelle (and Barack), what draws us to her, what lessons there are to be learned from her, and now in this ever important time of the Black Lives Matter movement, how her voice is more relevant and poignant than ever. Join us!

SHOW NOTES 

• Watch Becoming on Netflix 
• Read the autobiography Becoming, or better yet, listen to Michelle read it to you through the audiobook
• And a correction is due ... Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for 67 years, not 65 years as mentioned on the pod!

WINE NOTES

• Bezinger Cabernet Sauvignon (delightful)

We begin the podcast with heavy hearts and a passionate discussion around the recent deplorable death of George Floyd. We talk about the importance of the Black Lives Movement, impact on kids, how we are listening, learning and trying to do better, when we know better. We also commit to making an impact and moving to action to support people of color through our show. We then pivot the conversation to a little escapism. Last week we were daydreaming about road trips across the country, now, we just want to road trip and land in a winery (family friendly, that is.)  It's outdoors, open-air, the kids can play distanced and everyone is a bit happier, right? We offer up suggestions for great family friendly wineries on both coasts as well as fabulous wineries owned by people of color.
 
SHOW NOTES:

We mentioned several wineries on both coasts that are family friendly
 
West Coast Wineries
Larson Family Winery
Scribe Winery
Landmark Vineyards
Benziger Family Winery
Bella Winery
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Beringer Vineyards
Castello di Amorosa
Chateau Montelena Winery
Inglenook Winery

Black Owned Wineries
Theopolis Winery
Davidson Wine Company
Brown Estate Winery

East Coast Wineries
Newport Vineyards
Palaia Winery
Adams County Winery
Rocklands Farm Winery
Barrel Oak Winery
Biltmore Estate Winery

Anyone else have some serious cabin fever? Well, for those of you willing to brave our COVID-19 world right now, we've got some great destination ideas for hitting the road! Whether you are packing up the car, or renting an RV, join us for a fun escape to hear all about the best road trips to take throughout the country, and how to stay safe!

SHOW NOTES:

• We mentioned HGTV's recommendations for the top 20 road trips to take in the US ... click here to read their great article.

Find yourself waking up at 3 am or unable to fall asleep due to worry? Who is not worrying during this time? We discuss what is keeping us at night, how Jenn may have reversed her insomnia through a simple routine and how Natasha helps bring awareness to the types of behaviors people exhibit when they are under extreme stress at work. We also provide a few easy tips and strategies for confronting the stress, anxiety and ruminating thoughts head on (in lieu of avoiding it by watching Netflix or scrolling Instagram until you pass out).

SHOW NOTES
O Magazine (we reference a recent article by Martha Beck on how to stop worrying)
Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself (a great book recommendation to live in the present and stop having wasteful thoughts)
More Love Letters (give back to others in need and those who are truly struggling by writing them a letter!)

In case you find yourself in need of a good wine, and want to try what we were drinking during this episode, here is the link:

Ashton and Mila's Pinot Noir: Quarantine 2018 (Natasha & Jenn loved the wine, especially when we knew we are giving back to the COVID-19 effort!)

That first year of motherhood can be an intense rollercoaster of exhaustion, joy, and the highest highs and the lowest lows. It's an awe inspiring, jaw dropping journey that almost no one feels prepared for. We had the honor of having Laura Demuth on the pod, where we chatted about all things first year. Laura is a mom blogger, and shares her candid and incredibly honest stories, never shying away from the tough topics!

SHOW NOTES
For Laura's blog, go here and for her adorable Instagram feed, go here or simply find her on IG @thekindamom

Here are links to the favorite things Laura recommends for the baby registry and to have at home for yourself:

Copper Pearl for the cutest bibs, blankets and covers
Elvie breast pump
Haakaa pump
Uppababy Vista stroller
Favorite Amazon lounge pants
Loose and comfy Amazon tops here and here

Better Books for When You Are Expecting:

• Expecting Better
• Cribsheet
• Babywise

If you've had the experience of having a child play a sport, at any level, than you know the rewards and frustrations. If you are thinking about putting your kid in a sport, you will want to be armed with knowing what to expect. This week, we talk to Dr. Eric Bean, Certified Mental Performance Consultant who has worked with high performers like members of the Navy Seals to Division I College athletes and also coaches his son's league. We wanted to understand how to navigate this tricky time in a child (and parent's) life. Do you cheer them on during the game? Should you coach or let the coach "coach?" Are all kids cut out for sports? How hard should you push? How do you know if your kid is just being lazy? Can you still raise a Tiger Woods? We pepper him with all of these questions and more! Listen in to hear his unique and refreshing expert perspective and guidance.

SHOW NOTES
In case you find yourself in need of a good wine, and want to try what we were drinking during this episode, here are the links to those wines here:

OZV Old Vine Zinfandel 2018 (Natasha & Jenn loved!)

We've all said it ... what a crazy and unusual time we are living in right now! As COVID continues on, and the quarantine does too, we all notice changes in ourselves, our kids, and we wonder about the long-term. This week join us as we discuss what we are feeling personally, and what we are seeing in our kids, both the good and the bad. We explore what the experts are saying, and how we can make the most of each day with our sanity intact.

SHOW NOTES
In case you find yourself in need of a good wine, and want to try what we were drinking during this episode, here are the links to those wines here:

Acacia 2018 Pinot Noir (Jenn highly recommends)
Hanna 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Natasha didn't ask anyone to knock it out of her hand)