Welcome Home

After a break last week (I was traveling in Florida with the whole family), The Home Hour is back this week with a brand new episode I think you’re going to love.

In this episode, Sarah and I answer – to the best of our ability – YOUR questions about hosting Thanksgiving in your home. We talked about timing the food, seating the guests, managing your own stress, and even discussed what kind of dishes you’ll need to serve all that yummy food on. (Scroll down for a glimpse at the vintage Pyrex I use for casual but special serving.)

Start listening now, or read on for more on how to host Thanksgiving (and actually enjoy yourself at the same time).

Here are some of the resources Sarah and I mentioned to help you through Thanksgiving (and any other holiday-hosting you’ll be doing):

* Episode 38 of The Home Hour featuring professional event stylist Kristen Forgione: If you missed this the first time, it’s a must-listen. We promise, you’ll feel calmer and more excited about hosting a gathering in your home.

* We talked a little about serving dishes, and I shared that I use mostly vintage Pyrex dishes (with a few Fiestaware and jadeite pieces thrown in) because they’re interesting, pretty, and super practical for almost any occasion, from a big family get-together to storing leftovers. Here’s a photo of my collection! The top shelf is an odd mix of Jadeite, Fiestaware and other dishes in shades of green; the lowest shelf are from the Pyrex Horizon Blue collection and the higher shelf are Snowflake Blue. Pyrex Love is a great reference for identifying and locating different Pyrex patterns if you love it like I do!

* The Thanksgiving Turkey That Wasn’t: A good reminder about just how LONG it takes to defrost a turkey, and how, in the end, it’s okay if things don’t go as planned.

* Thanksgiving Recipes From Our Kitchens To Yours: Sarah and I rounded up our Thanksgiving menu inspiration and shared it last year – there are some great links here if you’re still planning your menu!

But wait, there’s more!

The podcast is the kickoff to a series of posts Sarah and I will roll out over the next few days – all designed to help you host a sane and satisfying Thanksgiving in your home. Be sure to check the blog through the weekend and early next week for new posts!

Would you like to ask us a question and have it answered on the podcast?

Just record it right in your browser below, and your question might become part of the show! (Don’t see the record button? Just click this link to record.) 

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

* From there you’ll see an option to subscribe, and all new episodes will download to your computer or device automatically. You’ll also see a tab in iTunes called Ratings and Reviews. 

With all the special diets trending right now, do you ever wonder what it really means to eat healthy?

According to today’s podcast guest, Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl, it’s simple: eat foods packed with strong flavors, like citrus and herbs…and eat less of them. (Which is easier to do when food is packed with flavor!)

In today’s show Liz shares her 50-pound weight loss success story, tells us what she’s learned about creating healthy habits in the kitchen and beyond, and gives us a glimpse into her life as a food blogger. We discuss real strategies for getting dinner on the table with little kids in the house and how to break the drive-thru habit once and for all (hint: it starts in your kitchen.)

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the resources we discussed in the show.)

Some of the cool stuff Liz & I discussed:

* Search for recipes by over 50 specific ingredients on Liz’s blog

* Follow The Lemon Bowl on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest

* Some of Liz’s favorite food blogs:

* Climbing Grier Mountain

* Cooking Canuck

* Eat2toGather

And, from my intro: take the Fall Deep Cleaning Challenge!

* Week 1, Zone 1: The High-Up Spaces

* Week 2, Zone 2: Middle Places

* Week 3, Zone 3: Low-Down & Dirty Spots

 

 

Would you like to ask me a question and have it answered on the podcast?

Just record it right in your browser below, and your question might become part of the show! (Don’t see the record button? Just click this link to record.) 

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

* From there you’ll see an option to subscribe, and all new episodes will download to your computer or device automatically. You’ll also see a tab in iTunes called Ratings and Reviews. 

We all know we’re supposed to read to our kids every day, right?

But it can be easier said than done. Between tongue-twisting passages in picture books and toddlers crawling over you while you’re trying to read to older siblings, reading aloud is one of those things that can be kind of a drag for a busy mom…and it’s only too easy to let life get in the way and knock reading off the daily to-do list.

Today’s guest, Sarah Mackenzie from The Read-Aloud Revival podcast, has the antidote: a laid-back, just-do-what-you-can approach to creating a read-aloud culture in your home. As a homeschooling mom of six (including twins!) she definitely understands the obstacles parents can face when it comes to reading aloud regularly, and she has some great tips and ideas for making it easier, less stressful, and more fun for everyone.

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the resources we discussed in the show.)

Get to know Sarah Mackenzie:

* Sarah’s blog, Amongst Lovely Things

* Sarah’s podcast, The Read-Aloud Revival

* Sarah’s very favorite read-aloud books!

Some posts I mentioned in the intro:

* Join my deep-cleaning challenge

* Video: My favorite gentle cleaning products + how to make your own

Would you like to ask me a question and have it answered on the podcast?

Just record it right in your browser below, and your question might become part of the show! (Don’t see the record button? Just click this link to record.) 

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

* From there you’ll see an option to subscribe, and all new episodes will download to your computer or device automatically. You’ll also see a tab in iTunes called Ratings and Reviews. 

 

What’s your discipline style?

Are you relaxed? Authoritative? Do you use punishments, rewards, natural consequences?

When a reader asked Sarah and I for some advice on a common – but totally exasperating – toddler tendency, we realized that not only do we rarely write about discipline here on the blog, but that we had never actually discussed our own personal discipline philosophies.

So we decided to answer the question together on The Home Hour without talking it over first. Going in blind on a discipline discussion? Sounds risky, but we thought it would be an interesting way to find out more about each other’s parenting styles.

It turned out to be a great conversation, and we know you’re going to love it.

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the stories and resources we discussed in the show.)

Here are some of the links we talked about in this episode:

* Zen Parenting Radio podcast (and here’s the episode of The Home Hour featuring Zen Parenting Radio hosts Todd and Cathy Adams)

* Aha! Parenting – online resources and blog written by Dr. Laura Markham

* Positive Discipline – book by Jane Nelson, Ed.D.

* Without Spanking or Spoiling – book by Elizabeth Crary

*Amazon links are affiliate.

We’d love to hear what you thought about our discussion. Do you have a similar discipline style to either Sarah or I? Has it changed from child to child or stage to stage? What books or resources do you recommend? 

Would you like to ask me a question and have it answered on the podcast?

Just record it right in your browser below, and your question might become part of the show! (Don’t see the record button? Just click this link to record.) 

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

* From there you’ll see an option to subscribe, and all new episodes will download to your computer or device automatically. You’ll also see a tab in iTunes called Ratings and Reviews. 

Has anyone ever told you that you’re a “mean mom?”

Today I’m happy to welcome my good friend, author and blogger Denise Schipani, who takes pride in her “mean mom” title.

Even though on the surface Denise and I might seem different (she’s the meanie and I’m all about the happy), in reality, we have a lot in common: we both love our kids like crazy, treasure family time, and gladly assume a role of authority in our homes.

So what does it really mean to be a “mean mom”, and how can it actually be good for kids? How can we learn to embrace the word “no”? And how can we move past the idea that we’re too busy and distracted to set limits and create family traditions?

This is an interview from the very early days of this podcast, when it was still called “The Kitchen Hour” and most of you weren’t listening yet. Since that episode somehow managed to fall off of iTunes and I can’t seem to get it back, I thought now was a great time to bring it back with some new commentary from yours truly.

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the stories and resources we discussed in the show.)

Resources and links from the show:

* In the show, Denise and I discussed the impact of modern-day technology and whether it’s really given us “more time”. I mentioned an article I had recently read. The link to the article no longer seems to be working, but you can read a summary and my commentary as well as my thoughts on Lillian Gilbreth of “Cheaper by the Dozen” fame.

* If you want to fall further down that “Do our appliances really make our live easier?” rabbit hole, you can check out this book: More Work for Mother.

* Buy Denise’s book Mean Moms Rule or follow her on Facebook!

Would you like to ask me a question and have it answered on the podcast?

Just record it right in your browser below, and your question might become part of the show! (Don’t see the record button? Just click this link to record.)

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

* From there you’ll see an option to subscribe, and all new episodes will download to your computer or device automatically. You’ll also see a tab in iTunes called Ratings and Reviews. 

If you love the idea of throwing parties and entertaining but are intimidated by the thought of decorating, buying the supplies, creating a menu, making the invitations – not to mention getting your house in tip-top shape beforehand – you’re definitely going to want to listen to Episode 38 of The Home Hour.

In the show, event stylist and mom Kristen Forgione offers simple, no-stress tips for focusing on what matters and forgetting the rest (guess what – nobody is likely to notice if you cleaned out your closets before the party!)

We talk about everything from decorating to budgeting to buying and making the food. Kristen is so reassuring about the process of planning a party – after all, it should be FUN!

Plus, I share some exciting things we’ve got planned for The Happiest Home this month.

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the stories and resources we discussed in the show!)

Here’s how to find Kristen online:

* The Lifestyled Company website

* Kristen’s Etsy store

* Find Kristen on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

Happiest Home posts I mention in the show:

* Lunch gear giveaway from MightyNest

* Halloween costumes inspired by children’s literature

* My new video series, At Home with Meagan

Would you like to ask me a question and have it answered on the podcast?

Just record it right in your browser below, and your question might become part of the show! (Don’t see the record button? Just click this link to record.)

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

* From there you’ll see an option to subscribe, and all new episodes will download to your computer or device automatically. You’ll also see a tab in iTunes called Ratings and Reviews. 

Did you know you can totally pass off stretch pants as street clothes now?

In today’s episode of The Home Hour, Shana Draugelis of The Mom Edit shows us how. (Hint: it’s all about the jacket, the boot, and the accessories.)

We also discuss updating your wardrobe for fall by focusing on just a few key pieces, how to wear a hat without looking goofy, and whether or not short hair needs to be shampooed.

And in the intro, I share a really big parenting mistake I made this week, how I was able to turn it around and make it right, and what I learned about reaching for “Pinterest perfection” in our home projects.

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the stories and resources we discussed in the show!)

Some of my favorites of Shana’s style suggestions:

* Faux leather leggings from Nordstrom

* Over-the-knee boots  – these are a little more affordable than the ones we discussed on the show!

* Moto boots – I love these so much.

* Military boots – No wait…maybe I love these more. Do I have to choose?

* Leopard baseball hat – do I have the guts to try this?

* A great structured jacket by Loft – nice price on this one, too.

* Awesome drapey cape from Anthropologie (I must have this. I must have this.)

* During the show I got really excited about these textured leggings from Lou & Grey

* I also mentioned these ombre tights from Athleta

* I own these scuba-side-panel leggings from Express and love them, love them, love them.

More style posts:

* Shana also wrote a whole post about fall jackets recently, which you’ll definitely want to check out, along with the post she just did today with her must-haves for fall.

* Oh, and here’s Shana’s post from a few years back that features me trying on goofy hats at Meijer!

Birthday chatter:

* Here’s the podcast I mentioned in the intro that featured Sarah and I discussing kids’ birthday parties.

* And, my general philosophy about the “good-enough” birthday party.

Would you like to ask Shana a style question?

Or ask me a question about any old thing?

Have you ever thought about writing a children’s book?

According to today’s guest, author Sarah Maizes, everyone has! (I might be the one exception to the rule, but hey, I’ve got a lot of life yet.)

If you’re curious about the process of getting a children’s book published, want to find out more about where children’s book authors get their inspiration, or just want to hear a very funny, engaging guest, you’re definitely going to want to listen to today’s show.

You’ll also find out more about Sarah’s fascinating journey from children’s book agent, to media executive, to stay-at-home mom, to stand-up comic, to children’s book author (whew!)

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the stories and resources we discussed in the show!)

Some of the links Sarah and I discussed on The Home Hour today…

all Amazon products are affiliate links.

* Check out Sarah’s books:

* On My Way To Bed

* On My Way To The Bath

* On My Way To School

* Find out more about Sarah’s classes for aspiring children’s book authors, or how to arrange for her to visit your child’s school!

* Find Sarah on Facebook or Twitter.

And from my intro:

* The Huffington Post – Dinner Doesn’t Have To Be As Hard As We Make It

* How I learned to love cooking dinner

* My quiche recipe (super simple, always creamy and fluffy…yum!)

* My black beans recipe (put in tacos, mix with rice, serve with eggs and avocado…and on and on and on

* 4 easy meat-based dinners (great for this time of year)

That’s it for this episode of The Home Hour. Hope you like the show – look for another next Thursday!

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

Have you ever thought about writing a children’s book?

According to today’s guest, author Sarah Maizes, everyone has! (I might be the one exception to the rule, but hey, I’ve got a lot of life yet.)

If you’re curious about the process of getting a children’s book published, want to find out more about where children’s book authors get their inspiration, or just want to hear a very funny, engaging guest, you’re definitely going to want to listen to today’s show.

You’ll also find out more about Sarah’s fascinating journey from children’s book agent, to media executive, to stay-at-home mom, to stand-up comic, to children’s book author (whew!)

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the stories and resources we discussed in the show!)

Some of the links Sarah and I discussed on The Home Hour today…

all Amazon products are affiliate links.

* Check out Sarah’s books:

* On My Way To Bed

* On My Way To The Bath

* On My Way To School

* Find out more about Sarah’s classes for aspiring children’s book authors, or how to arrange for her to visit your child’s school!

* Find Sarah on Facebook or Twitter.

And from my intro:

* The Huffington Post – Dinner Doesn’t Have To Be As Hard As We Make It

* How I learned to love cooking dinner

* My quiche recipe (super simple, always creamy and fluffy…yum!)

* My black beans recipe (put in tacos, mix with rice, serve with eggs and avocado…and on and on and on

* 4 easy meat-based dinners (great for this time of year)

That’s it for this episode of The Home Hour. Hope you like the show – look for another next Thursday!

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

If you’re packing lunches for your kids this year, you might, like me, already be facing some logistical and creative hurdles. For example:

* How do I keep cold food safely cold?

* How do I keep warm foods appetizingly warm?

* How do I fit all these packed lunchboxes inside my already-stuffed fridge?

* And, how do I stay inspired while cranking out lunches day after day? Is there life beyond sandwiches?

In today’s episode of The Home Hour, Laura Fuentes, author of The Very Best Homemade Kids’ Lunches On The Planet and founder of lunch-planning subscription service Momables, answers all those questions and then some! (Also make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to find out how to win a FREE three-month subscription to Momables!)

(Above links are affiliates – if you click and make a purchase, I will earn a commission.)

In this episode Laura and I also talk about:

* Laura’s strategy for packing breakfasts, snacks, AND lunches for her entire family!

* Her career before having kids, and how she ended up creating Momables

* What inspired Laura to make healthy, homemade lunches the focus of her blog and career

* Laura’s favorite containers, carriers and lunch boxes

* What it was like to appear on The Food Network’s Rewrapped (Want to find out if she won? Listen to the episode!)

Listen now! or keep reading for more resources I discussed with Laura AND a chance to win a three-month subscription to MOMables.com!

Some of the resources we discussed on the show:

* Easy Lunch Boxes – Laura loves these because they stack easily in the fridge and can be doubled up in the carrier for bigger eaters.

* Check out Laura’s comprehensive index of recipes, including allergy-friendly meals, snacks, breakfasts and lunches!

* Laura’s blog is also jam-packed with tips, like how to keep food warm in a thermos  and how to prep an entire week’s worth of meals in an afternoon. 

* Check out Laura’s new podcast, Momables Radio! 

I loved talking with Laura and I know you’re going to get so much good stuff out of this episode!

After you listen to the show, just leave a comment below to be entered to win a three-month subscription to Momables. (I’d love to hear about your favorite part of our interview!)

The contest will close on Tuesday, September 16 at 10 PM EST and a winner will be notified via email within 24 hours. Winners have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

Good luck! 

P.S.: If you liked this show, I’d LOVE for you to subscribe or leave a rating or review on iTunes. Here’s how to do it: 

* Visit the podcast page here and click “View in iTunes.”

* From there you’ll see an option to subscribe, and all new episodes will download to your com...