Wifestyle Hustle

Today we revisited a subject we discussed last year. Fall gardening is just as important as spring gardening. It is easy to forget all the cold weather crops you can put in and harvest through the late fall months. We discussed that as well as how we get our gardens ready for winter. We have different approaches to this that work well for our areas. Give this episode a listen to see what might work for you.

If you haven't listened to our episode on fall gardening, you can listen to that HERE. Please be kind. We were still figuring out our editing skills way back then.

Please consider sharing our show with a mama who could use encouragement. We try to keep our shows light and family friendly. It can be lonely being a mama. We mean for our podcast to be an encouragement.

Transcript

Music is by Oliver Massa. It is called Weekend Chores

Recap

Starting school early and ending sooner can provide a sense of control and a jumpstart on the school year.

Visiting the zoo can be educational and enjoyable for both children and adults.

Fall planting can vary depending on the climate and growing season.

Consider the days to harvest when planning fall planting.

Kohlrabi is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be cooked in various ways. Know your frost dates and plan your gardening activities accordingly

Consider using floating row covers or building cold frames to protect plants from frost

Trench composting and using rabbit manure can improve soil fertility

Don't stress if you can't do all the recommended practices, you can still have a successful garden

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Feedback

00:26 Starting School Early and Ending Sooner

01:09 A Trip to the Zoo

06:21 Living in the Wild: Bear Sightings

09:07 Fall Planting: Daikon Radish, Beets, Green Beans, Kale, Broccoli, and Kohlrabi

19:23 Cooking Tips: Kohlrabi

21:04 Extending the Gardening Season

25:17 Protecting Plants from Frost

27:49 Building Cold Frames

32:08 Preparing the Garden for Fall and Winter

38:24 Enhancing Soil Fertility

39:26 Practical Tips for Fall and Winter Gardening

41:27 Finding Balance in the Garden

Today we discussed our feelings on an article written about Ballerina Farms by The Times found HERE. Go give it a read before listening. We definitely had feelings on the interviewers tone in the article. She didn't come in with an unbiased stance. As a result, she made several snide comments about Hannah, her husband and her children. We discussed the overreaching theme of the article as an attack on traditional families.

Have you read our article from last week about adding herbs to your vegetable garden. Read that HERE

If you're wondering what we said in our first trad wife episode, you can check that out HERE

Transcript

Recap

The portrayal of traditional families in the media can be negative and judgmental.

Women should have the choice to pursue a career or stay at home and raise a family.

Society should respect and value different lifestyles and choices.

The family structure and dynamics have evolved over time, and it's important to adapt and support each other.

The first wave of feminism gave women the option to have a job and not get married, but it's important to recognize that different choices can bring happiness. Women should have the choice to prioritize their role as mothers without feeling shame or judgment.

Being a stay-at-home mom allows for more quality time with children and the ability to be present for important milestones.

The traditional wife and mother role should not be associated with subservience or perfection.

It is important to challenge societal expectations and support women in their choices.

Follow and share the podcast to stay updated on future episodes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Events

11:44 Discussion of the Controversial Article

18:46 The Attack on Traditional Families

21:02 The Importance of Choice and Respect

22:42 The Pressure and Judgment Faced by Stay-at-Home Moms

26:12 Choosing Motherhood: The Joy and Importance of Being Present

32:13 Breaking Stereotypes: The Modern Traditional Wife and Mother

35:27 Supporting Women's Choices: Challenging Societal Expectations

44:27 Stay Tuned: Follow and Share the Podcast for More Insights

I'm not sure how it happened but we've been at this for over a year already. Today we put our 100th episodes in the books. And boy have we learned a lot through this whole process. Today we talked about our journey and some of the lessons we've learned this past year. It's been really fun going completely outside our comfort zone. We're proud of how far we've come. But we also are looking forward to seeing what the next year has in store for us.

Our Niche

Over the last few months, we have worked toward finding our niche. We feel we've defined our focus as a podcast for folks who are interested in marriage and family. We are very blessed to have great marriages and wonderful families. But we don't believe these things come easy or without work. All of our episodes in one way or another revolve around these concepts. We try to keep it light most days. But sometimes we do dive into more serious topics. We know some of our loyal listeners play our podcast in front of their kids. We always try to stay family friendly.

If you're new here we would love for you to go and check out some of our episodes. We have a wide variety of topics we've covered in our 100 episodes. Come back and leave us a comment. We would love to hear what you think. We are also always looking for new topics. Do you have something you'd like to hear our thoughts on? Drop us an email. We will work it into an upcoming episode.

The Blog

Did you know we've recently started writing? Check out Lauren's apricot jam HERE. It is to die for. So so good. Check out some of our other articles going back over the last 2 months or so. If you have an idea of a topic you'd like us to write about, drop us a line

Recap

Podcasting can be challenging in the beginning, but with time and practice, hosts can become more comfortable and natural on the microphone.

Finding a balance between podcasting and family life is crucial, and sometimes adjustments need to be made to accommodate both.

The why behind a podcast can evolve over time, and it's important to stay true to the purpose and mission of the show.

Documenting experiences through podcasting can provide a valuable resource for future generations and offer support and advice to others in similar situations.

Reflecting on the journey and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to podcast can bring a sense of fulfillment and excitement for the future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reflection on First Year

11:03 Challenges in the Beginning

14:05 Balancing Podcasting and Family Life

21:11 The Evolution of the Podcast's Purpose

25:44 Documenting Experiences for Future Generations

29:18 Supporting and Advising Young Mothers and Married Couples

33:04 The Why Behind the Podcast

36:09 Looking Forward to the Future after the 100th episode

Today we explored the effects of children on the relationships of their parents. No doubt about it, children change your life forever. But is the addition of children hard on your relationship? Listen to find out what we thought about it. 

Have to heard our episode about ‘when was the last baby?’ In this episode, we explored our family sizes and how we knew when we were done. 

We would love you hear from you. What do you think of the kids effect on marriage? Do they put a strain on marriage or make it better? Let us know your thoughts on any of our social media platforms.

We mentioned THIS episode on today's episode. My older daughter's room is a wonder. She'll paint it this year back to neutral colors.

Transcript

Recap

Having kids can be both challenging and rewarding for a marriage.

Financial strain is a common challenge when raising children.

Open and effective communication between spouses is crucial.

Maintaining unity and a united front in front of the children is important.

Kids may sometimes engage in manipulation to get their way. Cultural norms and expectations can influence a couple's decision to have children.

Having children can bring joy and fulfillment to a marriage.

It is important for couples to have open and honest discussions about their desires and expectations regarding children before getting married.

Raising children creates lasting memories and special moments.

Having children can provide support and companionship in old age.

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Kids on a Marriage

14:20 Navigating Financial Strain with Kids

15:02 The Importance of Communication and Unity

20:08 Maintaining a United Front in Parenting

23:42 Dealing with Manipulation from Kids

24:57 Navigating Cultural Norms and Expectations

26:08 The Impact of External Influences

28:15 The Weight of Responsibility

33:15 Pressure to Not Have Children

36:13 The Joy and Fulfillment of Parenthood

45:06 Support and Companionship in Old Age

We've gotten a little heavy lately. So today we decided to keep it light and do another would you rather episode. These are always fun because we learn a little something about each other. I mean who doesn't want to know whether their sister prefers bad breath or smelly feet. Listen to here our answers. We didn't agree on that one.

Check out our first episode in this series HERE

Transcript

Recap

Exploring new places and trying new foods can be a fun and exciting experience.

It's important to spend quality time with loved ones and create lasting memories.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to food and entertainment.

Movies can be a great way to relax and unwind, and different genres cater to different moods and preferences. TV series provide a sense of comfort and ease as viewers don't have to think about what to watch next.

Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between hot and cold drinks.

Comfort is a priority when it comes to dressing, and fashion doesn't always equate to comfort.

Fiction is often preferred over nonfiction for its entertainment value and thought-provoking storytelling.

Smelly feet can be more noticeable and bothersome than bad breath.

A deep voice is generally preferred over an annoying high-pitched voice.

Visiting the past allows for a connection with ancestors and a deeper understanding of family history.

Meeting future generations can provide insight into the world's future and the lives of descendants.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

02:09 Adventures on the Appalachian Trail and Berry Picking

06:13 Exploring an Indian Grocery Store and Trying New Foods

12:26 Fun and Thought-Provoking 'Would You Rather' Questions

17:09 Favorite Types of Movies: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama, or Horror?

22:32 The Comfort of TV Series

24:02 Hot vs. Cold Drinks: A Matter of Preference

28:26 Fashion vs. Comfort: Finding the Right Balance

36:41 Annoying Voice vs. Deep Voice: Choosing the Lesser Irritant

39:18 Meeting Ancestors: Exploring Family History

41:01 Meeting Future Generations: A Glimpse into the Unknown

Today, we piggie backed on an episode we did a few weeks ago call Trad Wives. Listen to that HERE to hear our take on the trad wives trend. On today's episode, we focused on the trad dad and what a traditional father in the modern era looks like. To say we are blessed in this department is a vast understatement. The fathers of our children embody what it means to be a traditional dad.

If you like our content, please consider reviewing our podcast and sharing it with your friends. We love to bring a bright spot to your day. I bet you have a friend who could use a little sunshine too.

Transcript

Recap

Dads play a unique role in parenting and have a different approach to interacting with children compared to moms.

Children benefit from having both parents involved in their lives and experiencing s parenting styles.

Mom guilt can be alleviated by trusting the other parent to handle certain tasks and activities.

Open communication and avoiding passive-aggressive behavior are essential for a healthy marriage and parenting partnership. Traditional dads bring a fresh perspective and a different temperament to the family dynamic.

Dads need breaks and it's important to recognize and appreciate their contributions.

Treating dads as equal partners and showing appreciation is crucial.

Kids benefit from having both mom and dad in their lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

10:15 Our Understanding Trad Dads

13:01 The Importance of Dads in Parenting

22:20 Effective Communication and Avoiding Passive-Aggressive Behavior

24:43 The Value of a Trad Dads Fresh Perspective

37:35 The Benefits of Having Both Mom and Dad

30:19 The Importance of Recognizing and Appreciating Dads

32:34 Treating Dads as Equal Partners

Today, we discussed our thoughts on a CBS report found HERE. This report states it costs over 300,000 to raise a child to the age of 18. We discussed our numbers on one of our own kids..well Lauren's kid. And just to be clear, this figure doesn't not include the cost of the child's college education. To rephrase it, this is just for the cold hard day to day costs from birth to adulthood. Listen to this episode to hear if we think these numbers are right.

Before you go listen to this episode, could you do us a favor and share our podcast with a friend? If each of our loyal listeners shared our show with one friend we would double our listeners in one day. If you know a young mom who is feeling overwhelmed, we would love for them to be encouraged by women who have been there. Let's build community!

Lastly, have you heard our episode about getting kids interested in gardening. Listen to that HERE Gardening is a great way to save on food costs for your family. Why not make it a family project and include the kiddos.

Music is by Oliver Massa. It is called Weekend Chores

Transcript

Recap

The cost of raising a child is often exaggerated, and it is possible to raise children for much less than the estimated $330,000 over a lifetime.

Making conscious choices and prioritizing expenses can significantly reduce the cost of raising children.

Buying secondhand clothes, growing your own food, and budgeting for extracurricular activities are effective ways to save money.

Undoubtedly, having children is not selfish; it brings joy and fulfillment to many people's lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

06:05 Debunking the Myth: The Cost of Raising Children

25:33 Saving Money: Buying Secondhand Clothes and Growing Your Own Food

29:05 The Joy and Fulfillment of Raising a Family

34:57 Conclusion

Recap

Remodeling a house can be a challenging but rewarding experience.

Effective communication and grace are essential when working on a remodeling project with a spouse.

Making design choices and decisions together can help ensure a successful remodel.

The timeline of a remodeling project can vary depending on various factors.

Remodeling a kitchen can add value to a home. Tall cabinets provide ample storage space and a cleaner look in the kitchen.

Involving children in home projects can make them feel valued and teach them valuable skills.

Hiring professionals for certain tasks can ensure a high-quality finish and save time and frustration.

Discovering old wallpaper behind cabinets can be a fun and interesting surprise.

Reflecting on the favorite parts of a project can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Vacation Recap

09:46 Remodeling Your House and Your Marriage

10:14 Preparing for a Remodeling Project

12:14 The Challenges and Rewards of Remodeling

19:23 The Timeline of a Remodeling Project

20:07 Adding Value with a Kitchen Remodel

20:43 The Benefits of Tall Cabinets

22:18 The Importance of Utilizing Space

23:18 Storage Solutions for Special Occasion Items

24:25 The Challenges of DIY Cabinetry

29:58 The Artistry of Professional Contractors

37:19 The Fun of Demo and Unexpected Discoveries

38:10 The Hideousness of Old Wallpaper

40:34 Reflecting on the Project and Potential Changes

42:36 Upcoming Article and Conclusion

Today, We took on a topic we hope we're doing. Only those that know us in real life could really say if we are. Aging Gracefully is something I (Ellyn) decided to do in my 30s. I decided not to try to fight the clock and color my hair or fill my wrinkles. Those were well earned signs that I had made it in life. Some are denied the privilege of age. I wasn't going to fight the signs of it.

We discussed a few trends in anti-aging and our thoughts about them. We also discussed the disturbing trend toward younger and younger women embracing surgeries and extreme measures to try to stay looking young.

Have you heard our discussion on skin care. Lauren, our resident skin care expert, gave us all the tips and tricks on taking care of our skin. Listen to that HERE.

Music is by Oliver Massa. It is called Weekend Chores

Transcript

Recap

Embrace natural aging and resist the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards.

Retouched photos create unrealistic expectations and can negatively impact self-esteem.

Model a positive attitude towards aging and body image for younger generations.

Celebrate diverse body types and promote self-acceptance. Stay connected to reality and appreciate your natural appearance.

Limit the use of social media filters and be aware of their impact on self-perception.

Prioritize in-person interactions and be present with the people you are with.

Plastic surgery can have risks and consequences, and it's important to carefully consider the decision.

Focus on aging naturally and embrace the changes that come with it.

Take care of yourself through proper diet, hydration, exercise, and skincare.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

10:26 Embracing Natural Aging and Resisting Unrealistic Beauty Standards

14:08 The Impact of Retouched Photos on Self-Esteem

16:20 Setting a Positive Example for Younger Generations

22:40 The Impact of Social Media Filters

23:56 The Importance of In-Person Interactions

29:30 The Risks and Consequences of Plastic Surgery

32:08 Embracing Aging Naturally

35:33 Prioritizing Self-Care

Recap

Take time for fun and exploration, like going on field trips

Building a good relationship with in-laws is important

Viewing in-laws as a blessing and showing respect and care can foster a positive relationship

In-laws play a role in raising the person you love most Meeting and getting to know your in-laws' siblings can be a fun and rewarding experience.

The relationship with in-laws can be different from the relationship with parents, and it's important to establish boundaries and treat each other as a unit.

Parents should pray for their children's future spouses and invest in the relationship even before meeting them.

Communication and open dialogue with in-laws are key to maintaining healthy relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Announcement

01:32 Recent Activities and Field Trips

21:13 The Role of In-Laws in Raising the Person You Love Most

22:27 Meeting In-Laws

23:08 Bonding with Siblings-in-Law

25:03 Spending Time with In-Laws

26:31 Watching Siblings-in-Law Grow Up

27:34 Different Relationships with In-Laws

29:48 Establishing Boundaries with In-Laws

32:40 Dealing with Overbearing In-Laws

33:58 Recognizing Inappropriate Behavior

39:33 Treating In-Laws as a Unit

41:22 Praying for Future In-Laws

42:15 Maintaining Healthy Relationships