As we head into a new year, it's so easy to keep moving without ever slowing down to reflect. In today's episode, my husband Zane joins me to share a powerful reflection exercise his firm has practiced for years: a solo retreat.

We talk about the intentionality behind stepping away, eliminating distractions, and creating space to thoughtfully evaluate your faith, marriage, family, finances, health, and work. Whether you're craving clarity, peace, or direction for the year ahead, this conversation will give you practical tools and meaningful questions to help you move forward with purpose.

SOLO RETREAT REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

SPIRITUAL

• How satisfied am I with reading the Bible and praying?
• Am I growing in my faith?
• How am I involved in my church and ministry?
• How am I using my spiritual gifts?
• Do I encourage my spouse spiritually?
• Am I in an accountability group?

MARRIAGE/FAMILY

• How close am I with my spouse?
• How well am I meeting my spouse's emotional, physical, and intellectual needs?
• How do we communicate with one another?
• How often do we go on dates?
• What is our level of physical intimacy, and how do we both feel about it?
• Are we planning vacations together, and how much do we want to spend?
• How does our marriage relate to our children, grandchildren, parents, and extended family?
• Do we spend enough quality time together?
• How do we encourage one another?

FINANCES

• How are we stewarding our money?
• How do I feel about our income?
• What are our spending habits?
• What is our level of debt, and what is the appropriate use of debt?
• What is our investment strategy?
• Is our insurance appropriate for our stage of life?
• How are we approaching charitable giving?

PHYSICAL & SOCIAL LIFE

• What is my balance between being home and being away?
• How often do we entertain?
• How are our relationships with close friends and neighbors?
• How involved are we in our community?
• Am I taking care of my body?
• How is my weight, exercise routine, and sleep?

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

• My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage
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• Jamie & Zane: Impactful Quotes We Love & Live By
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In this episode of The SavvyCast, I'm sharing my complete Christmas Prep Checklist with everything you need to think through before the holiday rush hits. From easy-to-forget gifts to grooming appointments, guest room essentials, and even practical tasks that often slip our minds, this guide will help you feel calm, organized, and truly prepared. If you want a smoother, stress-free Christmas season, this episode breaks it all down in a simple, doable way!

LINKS:

• 30+ Christmas Gift Ideas 2025 | Tried & True Gifts Everyone Will Love - YouTube Video
• Christmas Gift Ideas Under $50 - YouTube Video
• 2025 Christmas Gift Guide: Best Gift Ideas for Everyone You Love - Blog

SHOP:

Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/3217038

100pcs Clear Plastic Cellophane Goodie Gift Bags: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065305

Clear Wine Bottle Gift Bags 100Pcs Flat Bottom: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065507

Berwick Craft Raffia Ribbon: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065335

Crinkle Cut Paper Shred Packing Grass: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065358

Better Homes & Gardens Utensil Caddy: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065551

Sur La Table Electric Salt & Pepper Mill Set: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065587

Thymes Frazier Fir Dishwashing Liquid: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065676

Thymes Frazier Fir Candle on Amazon: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065680

Thymes Frasier Fir Reed Diffuser Set: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35065823

Jase Case (Emergency Medications) - Use code SAVVY for a special discount: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35068066

Mac-Kenzie Childs 5-Piece Place Setting Flatware: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35068565

Artificial Boxwood Topiaries in a Pot (Set of 2): https://go.shopmy.us/p-35068527

Rigoberto Urn Planter: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35068412

Pottery Barn Tablecloth: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35069504

Leopard Tablecloth: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35072224

Shop more of my favorite products on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/jamietarence

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

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The Ultimate Holiday Hosting Home Refresh You'll Thank Yourself For Later

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Emergency Preparedness with Jase Case's Aaron Asay

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In this episode of The SavvyCast, I'm joined by my dear friend and fellow midlife influencer Deanna Pizitz of Well and Worthy Life for a candid, girl-talk Q&A. I asked my Instagram community to submit their burning questions, and today we're diving into all of them—from marriage and midlife transitions to plastic surgery, hormones, adult children, and more.

This is truly a fun, honest, and real-life conversation between two midlife women who have lived a lot, learned a lot, and love sharing what's worked (and what hasn't).

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Deanna's journey through two past marriages and how she navigated divorce
• Insights into her current marriage and what she's learned along the way
• How to navigate the transition of children growing up, getting married, and having babies
• Tips for dividing time with adult children and in-laws during the holidays
• Meaningful and practical gift ideas for in-laws
• An open conversation about plastic surgery:
  • Jamie's endoscopic facelift, CO2 laser, and mommy makeover with breast reduction
  • Deanna's breast augmentation, mini tummy tuck, and deep plane facelift
• Daxify vs. Botox: how they differ and what to know
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and why both Jamie and Deanna stopped testosterone pellets

WHO IS DEANNA PIZITZ OF WELL & WORTHY LIFE?

Deanna is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Life Coach who specializes in supporting midlife women. She is also a blogger and podcaster, and the founder of Well and Worthy Life, a Southern-based style and wellness company in Birmingham dedicated to inspiring women through empowering lifestyle and wellness content.

Her mission is to reach women, whether in Birmingham or beyond, who are looking for meaningful, practical guidance on living a happier, more fulfilled midlife. Deanna brings a relatable, real-life perspective to her work, continually pursuing her own personal growth and encouraging her audience to do the same.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming
• The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver MD
• Follow along with Deanna on Instagram @wellandworthylife
• Well & Worthy Life Website
• Well & Worthy Life Podcast: Overcoming the Shame of Divorce
  • Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

In this episode, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at my living room makeover—from designing custom sofas with Birmingham Wholesale Furniture to finding the perfect durable rug to complete the space. I walk through why I chose custom over ready-made, what details mattered most, and how I'm giving my old sofas new life through reupholstery.

If you're choosing new furniture or hoping to elevate what you already own, this episode is packed with practical, real-life design tips!

• Birmingham Wholesale Furniture Website (Use code FAMILYSAVVY10 for 10% off!)
• My Designer at Birmingham Wholesale: Susan Small
• Sofa Style: Lillian August's Florian Sofa
• The sofa modifications I selected were a single bench, soft down cushions, dressmaker skirt, and added trim.
• The fabric for the sofas is from Revolution Fabrics.
• Ruggable Sierra Ivory & Opal Rug (Use code: SAVVY15 for 15% off!)
• Home with Hechart Maze - Snow Rug - This is the rug I previously had in my living room.

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

Foolproof Way to Remove Pet Stains & Vomit from Your Rugs and Carpet

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The Ultimate Holiday Home Refresh You'll Thank Yourself For Later

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When my goldendoodle Tucker threw up on my brand new living room rug within 24 hours of installing it, I learned firsthand what works and what doesn't when it comes to removing pet stains.

In this episode, I share the exact steps I took to clean it up quickly and effectively, plus a few common mistakes to avoid. You'll hear my favorite products for stain removal—like Folex, Soilove, LA's Totally Awesome, and Capture—and how each one performs on different messes. Whether you're dealing with pet puke, coffee spills, or muddy footprints, this episode will help you rescue your rug and keep it looking (and smelling) fresh.

1. Neutralize the acid.Pet vomit is acidic, so your first step is to neutralize it before trying to clean it. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water, then pour or sprinkle the solution over the stained area. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to neutralize the acid and loosen the stain.
2. Scrape and blot. Don't rub!After the baking soda mixture has sat for a bit, gently scrape from the outside of the stain inward using a spoon or dull edge (this prevents spreading). Then, blot the area with paper towels or a clean white cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. Avoid rubbing, because it can push the stain deeper into the fibers.
3. Treat the stain.Once you've blotted up most of the mess, spray the area generously with Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover. Let it air dry. No need to rinse. You'll be amazed at how quickly the stain disappears!

• Sierra Ivory Opal Rug from Ruggable
• Capture Carpet Total Care Kit
• Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover
• Soilove Laundry Soil-Stain Remover (2-Pack)
• LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner Spray

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

15 Costco Items You Need for Cooking & Entertaining this Season

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The Ultimate Holiday Home Refresh You'll Thank Yourself For Later

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If you love hosting but don't want the stress of complicated appetizers, this episode is for you! I'm sharing my go-to easy party dips–from savory favorites (like Taziki's Whipped Feta Dip, Chuy's Jalapeño Dip, and Houston's Spinach Artichoke Dip) to cozy baked dips (like Buffalo Hot Wing Dip and Blackberry Baked Brie). And for something sweet, you'll love my quick dessert dips like 2-Ingredient Caramel Sauce and Caramel Apple Dip.

These party dips are simple, delicious, and perfect for your next gathering, whether you're hosting a dinner party or holiday get-together.

PARTY DIP RECIPES:

• 2-Ingredient Caramel Sauce

• Caramel Apple Dip

• Taziki's Whipped Feta Dip

• Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno Dip

• Black Bean, Corn, & Feta Dip

• Houston's Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts Dip

• Buffalo Hot Wing Dip

• Blackberry Baked Brie

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Spinach Artichoke Dip Video Tutorial

• Blackberry Baked Brie Video Tutorial

• Kosterina - Use my link for 15% off your first order! I love using their Apple Cider Vinegar for my Black Bean, Corn, & Feta Dip.

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

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15 Costco Items You Need for Cooking & Entertaining this Season

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The Ultimate Holiday Home Refresh You'll Thank Yourself For Later

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The key to stress-free holiday hosting is preparing ahead of time! In this episode, I'm walking you through a simple checklist of things you can do right now to get your home looking (and feeling) fresh, clean, and guest-ready. From cleaning your washer and dryer to freshening up your front door and polishing the holiday china, these easy steps will help you enjoy the season without the last-minute scramble. A little prep now means a lot more peace (and a lot less stress) later!

HOLIDAY HOSTING CHECKLIST:

Laundry Area

• Drain and clean your washer filter

• Run a cleaning cycle on your washer tub

• Check and clean your dryer lint trap and vent

• Clean underneath and behind your washer and dryer

Kitchen

• Clean and freshen garbage disposals

• Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner to freshen up your dishwasher

• Remove debris from the dishwasher filter

• Deep clean your refrigerator and freezer (inside and out)

Home Maintenance

• Replace air filters if needed

• Schedule a carpet cleaning or spot clean high-traffic areas

• Mow and blow your yard to tidy up outdoor spaces

• Freshen up your front door (wreath, doormat, etc.)

• Wash windows & windowsills

Entertaining Essentials

• Wash and organize your holiday china ahead of time

• Clean and polish serving pieces and glassware

• Set up caddies for flatware or utensils to pull out for easy entertaining

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Thymes Frazier Fir Candle on Amazon

• Thymes Frazier Fir Dishwashing Liquid

• Laundry Wool Dryer Balls

• Oxo Under-Appliance Duster

• Better Homes & Gardens Utensil Caddy

• Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner

• Utopia Home Cloth Napkins 17x17 Inches

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

15 Costco Items You Need for Cooking & Entertaining this Season

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The Ultimate Dinner Party Guest Checklist: 15 Habits of the Most Gracious Guests

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In this episode, award-winning interior designer Dana Wolter joins us to share how her battle with cancer reshaped the way she approaches design and life. Dana opens up about her new book, Elegance and Comfort of Home, and how she creates homes that are not only elegant and beautiful but also comfortable and functional for real families. She also shares practical design advice and gives us an inside look at what it's like to work with her and her outstanding team.

• What inspired Dana to create her stunning coffee table book, Elegance and Comfort of Home?

• How did she get her start in interior design?

• How did her personal wellness journey and cancer diagnosis shape her perspective on life and design?

• What are Dana's top tips for making your home feel both comfortable and personal to you?

• What's her secret to balancing elegance and functionality, especially in homes with young children?

• What design trends is Dana loving?

• How can the right lighting transform a space, and what color temperatures for lightbulbs does she recommend for different rooms?

• What does Dana's design process look like when working with clients?

• If you're planning a renovation on a budget, where's the best place to start?

• Dana Wolter Interiors Website

• Elegance and Comfort of Home book:

  Order a signed copy on Dana's website

  Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Books A Million

• Follow @danawolterinterior on Instagram for book tour updates

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

Savvy Home Design: Where to Save & Splurge with Alex Hechart

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Luxury Home Decor for Less: Hidden Gems on T.J. Maxx's Website

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In this inspiring conversation, Hobby Lobby founder David Green and Legacy Stone CEO Bill High share what it truly means to leave a legacy—not just an inheritance. From their newly-released book The Legacy Life, David and Bill offer timeless wisdom on stewardship, prayer, and tangible next steps to lead your family with purpose to make a lasting impact for generations to come.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• What does "legacy" really mean to David and Bill?

• What's the difference between leaving an inheritance and leaving a legacy?

• How did David and Bill's upbringings shape how they view legacy?

• How can parents distribute an inheritance in a way that encourages purpose, work ethic, and wisdom?

• What can young families do now to begin building a lasting legacy?

• How did the idea for the Museum of the Bible come to life?

• How has David seen God move in and through Hobby Lobby over the years?

• What was it like walking through Hobby Lobby's Supreme Court case?

• What resources are available to help families define their values and live them out through giving?

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity on Amazon
• Legacy Stone Resources to help families on the path to biblical success for generations to come.
• One Hope Ministry
• Every Home for Christ

ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

Honest Q&A with my Husband: Marriage, Parenting, & Menopause

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Melanie Shankle on "Here be Dragons": Navigating Generational Trauma & Motherhood

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• Watch on YouTube

WHERE TO LISTEN:

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

In this episode, I'm sharing the pantry staples and kitchen items that instantly elevate everyday cooking. These are the essentials I always keep on hand—from sauces to seasonings and more—that add depth and flavor to almost any dish.

I'll also share how I use these favorites to take simple meals to the next level. Whether you're stocking your pantry or just want to up your flavor game, this episode will inspire you to cook smarter and more deliciously with these essential pantry staples.

PANTRY STAPLES GROCERY LIST:

• Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce

• Rao's Alfredo Sauce

• Rind of Parmigiano Reggiano

• Butter

• Bacon Fat

• Liquid Smoke

• Redmond Smoked Salt (Use my code FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount!)

• Fresh Lemons

• Kosterina Fruit Vinegars (Use my link for 15% off your first Kosterina order!)

RECIPES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup (that's better than Panera)

• Chicken Tetrazzini for a Crowd

• Brunswick Stew

• Spicy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

• Mississippi Green Beans

• Summer Squash Casserole

• Why Bacon Grease is Liquid Gold & the Best Ways to Use It

• Best Smoked Beef Brisket

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

15 Costco Items You Need for Cooking & Entertaining this Season

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Hosting a Small Group: Meals, Marriage, & Meaningful Community

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