Sunday Afternoon Mama (2024)

01/10/2019

Hey friends! Episode 100 is here (I can hardly believer it)! Tune in to hear my special announcement. And without giving too much away, let me just say that I am excited for what’s ahead and grateful for what’s been... Love you all and am so thankful for your presence in my life!❤️

24/09/2019

Today’s episode will help us examine how to go beyond the typical “weekend off” or month-long social media fasts. Don’t get me wrong, I love breaks and the idea of detoxing from all the digital distractions, but what if we considered an overhaul of our habits? Changed how we interact with our devices, other distractions, and the outside chatter coming at us?🤪⠀
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I’m looking at everything in my life right now, from how I wake up, what I do in the morning to how I end the day at night! It’s sobering to think we have this one life to live and time is a gift!💛⠀
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I hope we’re all able to come away from this episode with ideas and practical ways to realign our hearts and how we spend our days with how God wants us to live. I’m ready to go beyond a break! Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧

17/09/2019

School is in full swing! I can’t handle this sweet scene from bubba’s first day of preschool! Anyone else have littles embarking on a preschool adventure this year?!⠀
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So today there’s a new episode of the podcast for you. This week I’m talking all about faces and smiling...and I have a surprise guest who I know will make YOU smile.😁💛⠀
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Tune in today and be inspired about the importance of a kind smile (even when you’re having a bad day and don’t want to smile🥴). Paying attention to the look on our faces and being intentional about smiling can have a massive impact on our homes, neighborhoods, and communities!🏡⠀
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I hope you love this one! (Any guesses as to who my sweet guest is?!) Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🎧

03/09/2019

Tuesday! New episode as usual! In this episode, we’ll consider trading in for a smaller plate (and explore what that means), gain wisdom for this school year, and you’ll hear how a snail reminded me of an important reality (really!😂). 🐌 ⠀
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School starts for us this week 🎉 and I am excited for more learning, growth, time with friends and church family. And isn’t it cliche that every mom’s favorite season is the fall?!😜🍁🍂☕️ (seriously though, September is the BEST month here!😍) Happy starts and school days, mamas!

27/08/2019

If there was ever a topic I’m more fired up about right now, it’s this one: how to stay selfless in a selfish world. And guess what?! That is what today’s episode dives into! If I know you at all, I know you’ll love this one!😉

We are bombarded with messages of self-love, self-compassion, self, self, self, self, me, me, me, me!🥴What do YOU want out of life? How can YOU be a better you? And while some of this focus on self improvement is necessary (we all need to keep growing in godliness and attributes like kindness, patience, and gentleness), the obsession with ourselves has reached an all-time high!

So how to deal?! Tune in and I’m praying that you come away with some inspiration and ideas of how we can look outside ourselves and focus on the bigger plan God has for us. (Spoiler alert: it will involve others!!)❤️

20/08/2019

Friends! Buddies! We all need them in our lives and it starts with a friendly hello, a warm smile, and an openness each day to say “God, who do you want me to reach out to today? Who’s in my path that I can bless?”

Today’s episode is all about friendship and “widening our circle.” Tune in and be encouraged about relationships (yes, even if you’re an introvert like me😂 or if you’ve been burned in the past...). Love you guys!

PS: how is it almost September and school starting?!!!😳☺️🙌🏻 Exciting and crazy fast all at the same time. I was super awesome and got the girls’ school supplies earrrrrly this year and am feeling very proud of that choice!😂

13/08/2019

Hey friends! Tuesday brings you Episode 93. In this episode, we’ll examine how to reach out to those who are different than us, hear why a simple summer is okay, and see why it’s helpful not to obsess over personality types!⠀
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I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Ours included a family wedding (yay sis in law!), birthday celebration, and our youngest daughter got baptized at church! My heart is full - okay maybe overflowing 😍 - with gratitude and joy right now. There’s honestly nothing better than time with family and celebrations of love and commitment to God!🙌🏻 ⠀
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Enjoy this week’s episode! Be sure to tap subscribe so you never miss a new episode. Comment below if you have a good weekend highlight to share!👇🏻

06/08/2019

This is the beginning of August and a new theme for the show - friendship. A Sunday Afternoon Mama prioritizes uplifting friendships and doesn’t forget to reach out to others as well. In our society it’s easy to overanalyze ourselves and think “oh I’m an enneagram whatever number and she’s a this so we won’t really get along” 🙄 but honestly that’s a recipe for missing out on great friendships!

Tune in this week to hear practical ways to make the effort to connect with your friends and let them know how much you love and value them!

And in case you’re wondering this is my awesome cousin Elissa who has always been one of my closest and dearest friends! We just got to spend a week together hanging out and wrangling our kids 😂 as we went to the coast, picked blueberries, played in the forest, invented elaborate kitty “hotels” (that was our kids of course, ha!), and swam at the lake. She lives in another state and these get together wouldn’t just “happen” unless we were intentional and made it happen! So worth it!

30/07/2019

Today’s episode wraps up our month on nostalgia. Tune in to explore ways to slow things down (on purpose), glean insights from an author’s attempt to learn stone masonry (this was fascinating!) and you’ll hear what sights and smells say ‘summer’ to me the most!⠀
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I don’t know about you but I’ve been loving otter pops, the smell of sunscreen, “flippy swimsuits” (what my 7 year old calls them), lake days and savoring the warmer weather. I can’t wait to hear how this episode speaks to you! Message me or comment below after you’ve listened! I think you’ll feel inspired to make something with your hands, connect with another human being, and maybe do something in a slower fashion this week. As much as I love grocery pickup and Amazon Prime, I want to always stay connected to people, real people, and embrace opportunities to breathe and enjoy the process of choosing simple things like what’s for dinner, which friend to have over or what to wear.⠀
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Join me in slowing down this week, even just a little bit?! I’m in!

26/07/2019

A boy and his strawberry milk.🍓🥛Bubs and I had the best date the other day! The sun was streaming through the trees as we sat and chatted outside a local bakery. Hearing the rambling thoughts of a 3 year old is pretty entertaining!😆

Yay for the weekend and yay for strawberry milk dates!🥳

23/07/2019

From today’s episode: One of my current favorite things is THIS song, “Whole Heart (Hold Me Now)” by Hillsong. If you haven’t heard it yet, go do it today!😭 It so beautifully expresses the heart choosing to stand on faith, not fear, and move forward with God at our side. I’m making it my summer anthem of sorts.🙏🏻⠀
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Tune in today to hear more about how to embrace all the good about living now, in 2019, in your city, with your family. I pray it encourages your heart and spurs you onward if you’re feeling weary and frustrated. Link in profile or wherever you listen to podcasts.🌟

19/07/2019

Ever have the thought: “what on earth am I doing?!!!!” I’m looking at you, Instagram. Oh you who make me fuss and worry and then still fail to accomplish what I want!🤪🤣⠀
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Remember the days when you didn’t worry about photo editing and a consistent color palette for your feed?! (Even when I have tried to do that, I stumble and fall, ha!) Wow what are we all worrying about? And why?!🤔⠀
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Recently I’ve been evaluating what I’m doing, how I’m spending my time, and what I’m hoping to achieve through this podcast. Honestly, my heart has been for all of us women to release the toxic stress and comparison we feel, stop overfilling our days, draw inspiration from other cultures who have a slower pace, and re-learn how to walk in joy and peace (remembering these are gifts from God, not things we try to grasp or be on our own).❤️⠀
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So...any weary strivers ready to chill with me?! To stop?!!! This summer I’ve been reminded more than ever that I must draw my strength and wisdom from God alone... not pop psychology (as much as I love a good motivational speaker), not the culture around me (hustling yet falling apart), or my own ideas (not as good as His).🙌🏻⠀
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God help us lay down our striving, for our best efforts still come up short compared to Your greatness and the power You can give us!🙏🏻⠀
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Happy Friday, my friends. Wanna try a little resting and adventuring and renewing with me? I’m ready.🌟

16/07/2019

Hey! 👋🏻 Tuesday brings you a new episode and we’re continuing our Nostalgia theme with this fun one: Farmer for a Day. Before you think I’m going to suggest we all quit our careers and go homestead, don’t worry! That’s not the point of this episode (although bubba has very excitedly proclaimed he is going to be a farmer when he grows up!🙌🏻😂) 👨🏻‍🌾 ⠀
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Explore and consider our sleep habits and daily rhythms with me. What if we implemented some healthier care for our bodies by making sure we rest adequately and relax each day? What if we slowly aligned our rising and sleeping more with nature’s cycles?🌙⠀
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Tune in and let’s broaden our perspective about rest and daily life!☀️

09/07/2019

New episode! I’m lazily enjoying a little bit of summer vacation sooo not much posting lately.😍
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Tune in to hear all about how to celebrate the past, lean into the good parts of nostalgia without getting stuck there! Consider picking up a newspaper, doing some more “old fashioned things and brightening your life with charm from the past.
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My friend Christina joins me again for this one, and I know you’ve missed her! Enjoy!

02/07/2019

Flashback to our Kentucky/Tennessee trip where I learned more about horses, ate grits like every day, and enjoyed balmy weather with my sweet tea, thank you!!😜
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Today’s episode begins a new series for July all about nostalgia and how to keep it in a healthy place. I am an old soul and sometimes find myself pining for “the good old days” (despite knowing that every era has its challenges), but more and more I’m learning to embrace NOW, where God has me, even the timing of my birth! It’s tempting to wish things were easier or different in our world today, but let me encourage you, friend: God has your times in His hands, He knew you’d be living now, (yes in 2019!) and He can give you courage and strength when you feel weak and want to give up.🕯
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Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts and learn with me about how to Treasure the Past and Celebrate the Now.🎙

01/07/2019

I figured out a thing!🤗🙌🏻🤗
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I hope you’ve been soaking up the summertime sun and enjoying new (shorter) episodes from Sunday Afternoon Mama! Be sure to tap subscribe and tell a friend if you’re loving it. And pssst, I’ve heard from single ladies and married ones with and without kids that they find encouragement here.☀️🧡✨(and that makes my heart burst with happiness!)

25/06/2019

Here’s me at our recent camping trip by the coast. As much fun as we had on that trip, I’ll admit I was sometimes impatient or grumpy. Our kids got along gloriously and then in the next moment someone was snapping at the other! 😂 If there’s one thing I know for sure is that we are all imperfect, learning, growing, stumbling and getting back up again in our role as mamas. And that getting-back-up part is crucial! So the sun rises and sets for us with fresh waves of God’s mercy available to carry us through and give us wisdom and strength!
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We’ve explored how to fine tune our listening skills all throughout June. The musician and teacher in me noticed (one of those “aha” moments) some powerful comparisons between having a musical ear and how to have a better listening ear with others.😌⠀
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Tune in to learn how to listen for more than the words people are saying and how to blend harmoniously with others, especially our spouses.❤️
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Enjoy this week’s episode #86 wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to Subscribe!!🎧

18/06/2019

Episode 85 is here! In this episode, we’ll consider what it looks like to change the angle in communication, hear why it may be a good idea to reclaim ‘windshield time,’ and I’ll share why I’m recommitting to just having beverages after dinner instead of copious amounts of snacks.😂⠀
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We recently went yurt camping and boy, let me just say it is much easier to chat and hang out with your family without the distractions of technology! The crackle of the campfire, the gentle glow of the moon, the calm atmosphere (except for the night bubba had a bad dream 🥴)... it allowed me to sit and just be with my husband, and eventually the quiet stillness lulled me to sleep easily. I came home from our trip reinvigorated to make intentional presence with my husband happen every night, instead of defaulting to a TV show all the time or scrolling the latest summer fashion on my phone (because I don’t have to do that when he’s finally home!).🌙 ⠀
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I hope you’re spurred on and encouraged to shake off the trivial and be loving and present with your spouse in the evenings.❤️Tune in wherever you enjoy your podcasts!🎧

11/06/2019

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children and others is our attention. Our eye contact communicates care and concern for what others say to us and as you’ll hear today, research points to the power of eye contact in aiding our ability to remember what is said to us! I hope you’re encouraged to look up and at whoever you’re with more intentionally and experience the benefits this brings to all of your relationships.🧡⠀
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This snapshot was taken from our recent yurt camping adventure where, with terrible cell service, all of us were so much more engaged and present with each other, the whole time! It was glorious! Excursions like camping are a healthy reset for me where time slows down and I savor every moment! Here’s to more moments of fully paying attention to our families and friends.🥰🏕⠀
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Listen to today’s episode for more ideas and discussion about how we can do this! You can listen on Apple podcasts, GooglePlay, Stitcher or tap link in profile.🌤

04/06/2019

Episode 83 is here! New month, new theme on the podcast: Presence. I want to look at what it means to fine tune our ability to pay attention to who is right in front of us, and that includes acknowledging that we truly cannot “multitask” without sacrificing some focus on who we’re with. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we sloughed off the distractions (eg: having to know what your husband’s co-worker’s wife ate for dinner last night😂) and worked on improving all of our close relationships this month?❤️
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Join me today and we’ll explore ways to use all of our 5 senses to tune in and really listen and love those around us. Are you in?!🙋🏼‍♀️

28/05/2019

I wish these were my roses, but alas they are not! Our rose bush is almost ready to burst into bloom, just not quite yet! I saw these beauties on a walk yesterday and had to pause and admire their vibrant color. I was able to walk alone, which as a mama was a much-needed reprieve, and I felt my heart lighten and my mood brighten with every step.🚶🏼‍♀️ ⠀
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Tune in to today’s episode to hear all about the benefits of gardening (whether you have a green thumb or not!), how to guard against nature deprivation, and discover more reasons we should all do more digging in the dirt.🌱⠀
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Do you enjoy spending time outside, tending a little garden? Does gardening intimidate you? (I’ll be honest and say it does for me!) What’s your favorite thing (flower/veggie etc) to grow? Oh I would love to know! Comment below with a favorite flower!🌹I’ll go first.

24/05/2019

Traveling in the off season can open up great deals on flights and lodging. And travel, any time of year, adds unique memories to your life and broadens your perspective! This is me, in Venice last year, in the dead of winter, enjoying some delicious gelato!😂🙌🏻 Because I HAD to. Because I was in Italy! Right?!!!🇮🇹
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Tune in this week if you haven’t already for more fun travel tips and some of our favorite “mishaps” (the ‘couples’ rose’ story is literally one of my favs), because honestly those make for the oddest, funniest memories.😅

21/05/2019

It’s almost June but here we are, throwing it back to our time in Austria last year! Look at all that snow!❄️Jonathan and I had the best time sledding, I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling!🛷 ⠀
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In today’s episode, we’ll reflect on some of our favorite places around the world (Austria definitely ranks high up there!), hear Jonathan’s tips and tricks for finding the best deals, and learn why some of the best stories come from travel mishaps. (I about died laughing as we recorded this part😂) We’ll share how to enjoy nature as you travel and explore.🌎
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Tune in and enjoy! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review, I really appreciate it!🙌🏻⠀
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17/05/2019

I recently fell in love with this adorable coffee shop in the south!😍And I kinda want that fridge in my house...is that weird?!
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I hope you can create moments of soul refresh and rest this weekend. My advice? Take a walk near or in some green!! A forest, a park, maybe your neighborhood. And bonus if there’s water (that gorgeous “blue space”). Happy weekending!💦🌿🌲🌻🌳🍃

14/05/2019

The woods have always brought me peace. I have early memories of walking through the forests of British Columbia with my brother, cousins and grandpa (and yes there were bears 🐻 it’s amazing we all stayed safe, ha!) and now with my own kids I love taking them on mini forest adventures. Our family loves camping (thank you Jonathan!😉) and have found that retreating into the woods can be such a refreshing experience for all of us.🏕 There is something about the smell of pine needles and sunlight filtering through the treetops that just helps me release any stress I’m feeling and just exhale.🌲⠀
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And that is what this episode is all about: the exhale. Taking that breath and letting go. Last week we looked at all the benefits of water and blue space. Today we’ll dive into green! Tune in to learn more about all the benefits of green lush forests and fresh air, including the fact that they can help reduce cognitive fatigue and stress. People who take a walk in a forest had lower blood pressure and levels of cortisol!🙌🏻⠀
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Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!🎧

10/05/2019

These are my “quiet waters” right now. They’re close to my house and I can take my kids and just sit, listen and watch the water bubble and foam with them. Some of my other favorites include the ocean and a nearby creek.🌊⠀
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Have you found your quiet waters yet? What does that look like for you? And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, tune into this week’s episode and enjoy!😉⠀
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“He leads me beside peaceful waters... He restores my soul...” -Psalm 23

07/05/2019

If you’re feeling exhausted and stressed, this episode is especially for you! In this episode we’ll explore the benefits of time in blue spaces and how to find your “quiet waters.” Tune in today wherever you listen to podcasts.🍃

You can also tap here: www.sundayafternoonmama.com/podcasts

03/05/2019

Throwback to that time when bubba got to sit in a garbage truck (even honk the horn!) and all of his toddler dreams came true!😂🙌🏻

30/04/2019

If there was ever an episode I was most passionate about, this may be the one! Today on the podcast I’m talking about Breaking Up With Bad Attitudes About Food.🙌🏻⠀
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We as women are so hard on ourselves. We obsess, compare, feel bad, try harder, fail, feel worse and like we’re stuck on a hamster wheel of “not being good enough.” I’m inviting you to hop off the wheel, look in the mirror and smile, and be grateful for the craftsmanship and artistry of God. Sure, we may not love every part of our bodies but having a healthy relationship with food (as in it’s not evil and conversely it’s not our savior) will help us come to peace with ourselves and not focusing excessively about what we look like.❤️⠀
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I’m all for caring for the temple God has given us, but I have seen too many mamas feel beaten down by the world’s worship of youth and beauty... so I’d like to encourage you today, to whisper words of hope over your heart and mind. Be sure to tune in and tag a friend who needs this positive word too! Oh and spoiler alert: bread may not be your enemy after all!😉🍎🥖🥐🥦🍒🍌🥕🍓🍇🌮🍳🧀🥧🍽

26/04/2019

Here’s a little recipe: simple tidying, warm welcomes, sweet smells, pretty music, mostly homemade (idea: ), conversation and connection plus YOU = a successful neighborhood party!🎉⠀
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What’s your favorite party you’ve ever been to? What did you love about it?⠀
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23/04/2019

Home Sweet Home.❤️⠀
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Does the thought of inviting people into your home make you nervous or excited? Join me today on the podcast as I discuss the idea of having a neighborhood party and the heart behind hospitality! It’s Episode 77 and I break down reasons we hesitate to invite others over and give suggestions and tips about how to host and become more hospitable.🏡⠀
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And aside from the practical tips, if we remember that the goal of hospitality is love and connection it will help us stay focused on what truly matters. It doesn’t matter if we have the cleanest, prettiest house on the block if we’re too flustered or stressed and don’t engage with our guests, it would be a tragedy!🌷⠀
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Do you like to have people over? Why/why not? What makes you nervous or excited about it? I’m curious! Let me know in the comments below!👇🏻

21/04/2019

Happy Easter! I am so grateful for all that Jesus has done for us. So overjoyed that we have new life, freedom, and peace in Him! I hope you can celebrate today with friends and family! Church was wonderful and now we’re all taking a nice Sunday afternoon nap before the family party!☺️🙌🏻✝️

19/04/2019

This is my friendly reminder to use something fancy this week!😘 This is a cup from our wedding china and I love it so much. Using pretty things, even our best things (instead of saving them for the “later” that may never come) can elevate the mundane elements of daily life and make you smile.☕️⠀
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Happy weekending, friends! Let me know if you use something nice and what it is. I’ve already heard from some of you and it’s so fun!🎀
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16/04/2019

Hey friends! What a weekend! First of all let me say I had sleep victories, as in I went to bed by 10:00pm evvvery night of the weekend. And honestly I feel so good today. I had more energy, clearer thoughts, and more relaxed mood. Sleep matters! Oh my... but onto today’s podcast episode which is #76: Use the Wedding China!⠀
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In this episode we’ll clarify the purpose of hospitality, hear some simple ways to use our best items every day, and be inspired to turn a Taco Tuesday into something special. I hope you’re encouraged to use your nice things more often, as Gretchen Rubin says “spend out”!⠀
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Tune in this week and tell me below: have you used your wedding china lately?! Or is it still in boxes, tucked away in a lonely corner of a closet?! Do you save nice things for “something special someday” or not? (Expensive perfume, a fancy dress...) I’ll go first!👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

12/04/2019

Early morning highlights and honestly one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s not always easy to get up and go or make sure we have breakfast together but choosing (most!) days to begin this way helps me feel ready for the day ahead. Last night consisted of lots of tossing and turning, bubba waking up at 2am vrooming his pop-vacuum (the loud old school toy!😳) and asking for popcorn.🤷🏼‍♀️But hey here we are and it’s Friday and I made it to the gym, a little later than usual but still here! And since there’s no school I’ll make something fun for breakfast when I get back home. Happy Friday everyone!🤗