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The Millennial Foster Mom PodcastS1E4: How to Talk to Your Kids (or Anyone!) About AdoptionWelcome back to episode 4 of The Millennial Foster Mom Podcast!
In today's episode, we are discussing how to talk about adoption. We cover the benefits of having an open dialogue with your child about their adoption, the correct vocabulary to use, and the importance of keeping the conversation going. We also talk about what it looks like when you have a mixture of biological, foster, or adoptive children in your home and how to navigate those conversations about adoption. The biggest takeaway from today is to just start talking to your kids about adoption! I also share m...2020-07-2219 min
The Mom HourCreativity & Connection During Hard Seasons With Coffee + Crumbs Founder Ashlee Gadd: Voices 48Living a creative life with small children underfoot is a challenge by any definition; doing it while running a business during a global pandemic is another thing altogether. For this month’s Voices interview Sarah chats with her good friend, fellow podcaster, and all-around good human Ashlee Gadd, founder of the wildly popular Coffee + Crumbs community. Ashlee shares thoughts on quarantine parenting, social media connection AND social media breaks, adjusting expectations when you’re an Enneagram 3, and how her writing and photography practices change during different seasons of motherhood. We also chat about home decor, home-wrecking toddlers, and more. Join us!2020-05-011h 02
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEncore Episode: Motherhood + Loneliness (Ashlee's Favorite)We thought it would be fun to end season four by revisiting some of our most loved episodes. Today is Ashlee’s favorite, where we unpack why motherhood feels so isolating sometimes. Don't miss the episode’s new intro and wrap up, with Indiana, April, and Ashlee's final chat together! Whether you’re new to motherhood altogether or a veteran mom who hasn’t found her tribe yet, we hope you can relate to this vulnerable conversation and walk away inspired to put yourself out there. Visit us at Patreon to learn more about how you can support u...2019-12-1735 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEncore Episode (April's Favorite): This Is How We Don'tWe thought it would be fun to wrap up season four by revisiting some of our most loved episodes. Don't miss these - each episode has a brand new intro and wrap up with Indiana, April, and Ashlee! Today is April’s favorite, where we flip the script on our ‘This Is How We Do’ episodes by sharing what we DON’T do. From outsourcing grocery shopping to not making the bed to not washing our hair—this conversation is full of confessions about our mothering, home upkeep, school involvement, and everything in between. We hope this episode ma...2019-12-1043 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEncore Episode (Indiana's Favorite): Being A Good Friend In Hard SeasonsWe're wrapping up season four by revisiting some of our most loved episodes. Don't miss these - each episode has a brand new intro and wrap up, with Indiana, April, and Ashlee! Today is Indiana’s favorite, where we talk about some of the hardest seasons in life that we've walked through. From miscarriage and postpartum depression to infidelity and cancer diagnoses, we're sharing some stories publicly for the very first time and inviting you into our little "circle of trust" this week. This isn't just about clearing the skeletons from the closet though; we're also talking ab...2019-12-0344 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: HolidaysToday we're talking about our approach to the holidays—from April's Buddy the Elf level enthusiasm from October straight through New Year's to Indiana's more measured approach. We chat about our favorite holiday traditions and how we balance all the time grabs by extended family and friends. Whether elaborate baked goods for the whole neighborhood are your thing or, like Ashlee, you're more comfortable with every boxed mix Trader Joe's offers, you'll feel right at home in this week's conversation. Visit Coffee + Crumbs for links to everything mentioned in this episode. To help fund Season Four of...2019-10-1542 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: ToysToday we're talking all things toys: the ones our kids have loved and played with endlessly, the ones we don't let across our thresholds, and the ones that will haunt our nightmares forever (ahem, we're looking at you, April, and your ventriloquist dummy, Charlie). We cover avoiding the lost lovey disaster and controlling the stuffed animal collection that threatens to take over the bed, plus we run through our favorite, road-tested toy picks in every age group. You'll want to bookmark our show notes for your holiday shopping! Visit Coffee + Crumbs for links to everything mentioned in this episode (inclu...2019-10-0142 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: MorningsThis week we're talking about what mornings look like in our households. Spoiler alert: they're a far cry from our pre-kid days of leisurely sipping coffee while meticulously applying makeup and thoughtfully pulling together a coordinated outfit. In this conversation, Ashlee breaks down her new-ish routine designed to make mornings as non-chaotic as possible, April extols the virtues of doing allthethings the night before, and Indiana blows our minds when she confesses her children get up before she does AND fix their own breakfasts. From the pep in our step courtesy of the school system's tardy policy to our ta...2019-09-1748 min
Coffee + Crumbs Podcast100th Episode: Ask Us AnythingFrom Indiana’s face blindness to how April balances introversion as a mom, today we're answering questions from YOU, our listeners and Patrons! You asked about everything from April's novel to Indi's thrift shopping to that "conceiving a girl thing" Ashlee mentioned once. We tried to answer as many questions as we could fit into the 100th episode (!) of this show. Plus, we get a little sappy at the end and talk about our favorite things about each other. Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with friends over the past four seasons! Like what you he...2019-07-2356 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: LaundryThis week we’re finally talking about the topic April has been dying to cover for two years: laundry. From personalized Ziploc bags for collecting stray socks to how to avoid ironing forever, we’re covering every strategy we have for making laundry easier. If you’ve got last week’s towels still piled haphazardly on the couch because washing AND drying AND folding AND putting away is just two steps too many, shove them to the side and join us for our hacks and hangups about the dirty work of cleaning clothes. Visit Coffee + Crumbs for today's sh...2019-07-0236 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastMotherhood + MinimalismThis week we’re talking about minimalism—but don’t worry, we’re not coming to Marie Kondo your closets. Whether you’re a self-identified maximalist like Indiana, an aspiring minimalist like Ashlee or somewhere in between like April (does owning jewel tones disqualify one from being a minimalist?), we hope today's conversation sparks joy for you. Rest assured: this isn’t an episode about how to be a minimalist; rather, we’re exploring the connection between how we feel about what—and how much—we own, and our overall sense of happiness and well-being. Plus, learn who can’t bear to part with...2019-06-1144 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Raising SiblingsIn this week’s episode, we’re talking about all things sibling-related, from managing age gaps to mitigating disagreements. With a collective 10 kids between Indiana, Ashlee, and April—and a whopping FORTY-TWO among the full C+C team—we offer our take on how we foster friendships between our kids without forcing them, and the unexpected moments of joy we find along the way. Don't forget to visit Coffee + Crumbs for our show notes and links to everything we talked about in today's episode! Like what you heard? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fun...2019-04-2328 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Self CareWith endless time and unlimited budgets, self care becomes pretty easy (hello tropical beach vacation and weekly massages!). But when we’re balancing motherhood, marriage, and careers—and our bank account isn’t bottomless—how do we make time and give ourselves permission to care for ourselves? This week we’re talking about what self care looks like for each of us and how that varies depending on the season of life we’re in. April also offers a powerful reminder of the importance of letting our kids see us experience the joyful and delightful parts of life. We hop...2019-04-0944 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastDoulas, Due Dates, and Drugs, Oh My!In this week’s episode, we’re talking labor pains and epidurals, amazing nurses and redemptive birth experiences, as Ashlee and April recount the births of their daughters earlier this year. Grab a coffee (and maybe some headphones for this episode!) and settle in for an honest, funny, and heartfelt chat about the nuts and bolts of bringing a baby into the world. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review here on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the...2019-04-021h 07
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThe Season Finale - Ask Us AnythingIt’s our final episode of 2018, cue the sobs! We’re wrapping up season three by answering YOUR questions, ask us anything style. In this extra-long episode, we’re talking about everything from how motherhood has shaped our faith to what snacks we indulge in when no one is watching. We also share how we chose our kids’ names, how we maintain friendships in this season of life, our favorite feel-good movies, and April spills the details on the book she just finished writing (that’s H-O-S-S, if any literary agents are listening). Plus, you’ll hear the one thing we all...2018-11-271h 29
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Personal StyleHave you ever looked in the mirror and wondered: where did I go? Today we’re talking about how our personal style has shifted from pre-kid life to mom life. From getting dressed in the morning to washing our face at night—we’re spilling the beans on our makeup, clothing, and skin care must-haves. In this episode, Ashlee divulges which magical perfume earns her compliments from both flight attendants and sandwich shop employees, while Indiana shares a hack for keeping her wardrobe fresh through the holiday season. Plus, April explains why it’s necessary to hire a babysitter to go sh...2018-10-3048 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Organization & SystemsCalling all Monica Gellers! From family schedules and laundry to email and to-do lists—today we’re sharing the organizational tips and systems that keep our homes running (relatively?) smoothly. In this episode, April shares a smart hack for managing mail (tip: don’t let it enter the house!), Ashlee passionately discusses her cutthroat approach to clutter, and Indi is mostly just here to listen and learn. Whether you geek out over a pretty color-coded calendar like April or keep your entire family’s schedule in your head like Ashlee, we hope this conversation makes you smile and possibly inspires...2018-10-1645 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: PregnancyWith Ashlee and April both being pregnant, we thought it was high time to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of gestating (speaking of ugly—does anyone else hate that word?). Tune in today to hear us discuss everything from first trimester puking to maternity fashion to whether or not it’s appropriate to register for your third (or fourth!) baby. You’ll also hear a short rant about the awkwardness of prenatal weigh-ins, and find out which host didn’t know she was pregnant until she was 18 weeks along. Whether you’re in the throes of morning si...2018-09-1844 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: BedtimeBedtime: the struggle is real. Today we’re talking about how we handle the end of the day—who’s in charge of the routine, what tricks we use to keep our kids sleeping as long as possible, and what creative stunts our children can be found pulling at the 8pm hour. We all commiserate over sleep deprivation during those newborn months and April shares her personal philosophy on how getting your baby to sleep is kind of like meeting someone’s pit bull. We hope this conversation makes you smile and reminds you that you are not alone...2018-09-0434 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Back to SchoolWhile we may still be hitting the pool daily and enjoying ice cream all-too-frequently, we can almost hear the school bus rambling around the corner. Today we’re talking about all things back to school: packed lunches, first day of school traditions, the carpool situation, and more! Plus, April shares some tips for getting off to a great start with your child’s teacher and it does NOT involve a mason jar (phew!). We also come up with a million dollar business idea so if you’d like to take MUber to Shark Tank on our behalf, please be our gu...2018-07-2434 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: FitnessJoin us for today’s episode as we reflect on our love/hate relationship with exercise. We may as well have titled this episode, Fitness: This is How We Don’t. You’ll hear Ashlee share about the first and last Bikram yoga class she ever took, find out the real reason Indiana takes up new exercise hobbies (hint: shoes are involved) and cringe along with us as April shares her horrifying yet hilarious ballet class fail. You may not walk away with many practical tips from this episode, but maybe your abs will get a work out from laughi...2018-06-1229 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Summer VacationOn today’s episode, we’re chatting about all things summer vacation. From flying with babies to surviving epic road trips, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling better equipped next time you head out of town with kiddos in tow. In this episode, Ashlee shares her secret for keeping kids quiet in the car, Indiana reveals her deep-seated love of all things Disney, and everyone has a good laugh over April’s travel motto: Eat, Pray, Prime. (As Melanie Shankle would say—put that on a t-shirt.) Happy summer travels! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for...2018-05-2925 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Date NightEver wonder how other couples manage to have a regular date night once kids enter the picture? Today April, Indiana and Ashlee chat about the complexity of making date night happen with kids running around. You’ll hear how the concept of ‘date night’ has changed from pre-kids to post-kids, how they make childcare work, what makes for a great date, and of course, what makes for a bad one as well. Plus, April shares about her ‘stay-in date night clothes’ and you’ll get to find out what bizarre thing Indiana and her husband did for a cheap night out ba...2018-05-1530 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastA Life of Little Moments with Melanie ShankleOn today’s show we talk with proud Texan, veteran blogger and New York Times bestselling author, Melanie Shankle, or as you may know her, Big Mama. Melanie was one of our most requested guests last season so we were thrilled she was able to share her hilarious, raw, and beautiful view of motherhood with us. Find out where the nickname Big Mama comes from, what lie both she and April are guilty of telling their pediatrician, and laugh along with us as we reflect on the myriad mundane moments that make up a life of mothering. Disclaimer: you’ll a...2018-05-0840 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Meal Planning In today’s episode, we’re chatting about all things meal planning! Can you guess who geeks out over meal planning, who couldn’t get dinner on the table without her kitchen gadgets, and who would rather just serve cereal for dinner?! You’ll also hear Indiana show off her French skills and break down what on earth ‘sous-vide’ means, while April describes her “old school” meal planning techniques. Plus, Ashlee shares about that one time she went to McDonald's in the middle of the night while she was pregnant and destroyed the evidence before crawling back into bed. Whether you’re a...2018-04-1730 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThis Is How We Do: Rest & Independent PlayWhat do you do when your baby stops napping? (Tip: cry is not the answer.) In the first of our brand-new “This Is How We Do” episodes, Indiana, April and Ashlee share how they carve out time for themselves each day now that their kids are older. Quiet time, rest time, play-by-yourself-away-from-mommy-time … whatever you call it, this is when momma gets a much-needed break. Plus, you’ll learn why Ashlee is still hanging on to her baby gate, why Indiana doesn’t keep toys in her kids’ rooms, and the magical “adventure treat” April hands out to keep her kids busy. 2018-04-0324 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThe Season FinaleIt’s our final episode in 2017 (sob!) and Lesley has a big announcement to make (more sobs!). This week we’re answering YOUR questions. You’ll hear us chat about our favorite mom hacks, our favorite beauty products, how we talk to our kids about faith, and how we deal with rough toddler transitions. We also tackle mom guilt, sleep training, and picky eating. Oh, and April gets a serious case of the giggles when Ashlee confesses how many times she’s joined and quit the gym. This episode is extra long, and we hope it tides you over until we...2017-12-121h 21Coffee + Crumbs PodcastPreserving Memories (and our sanity)Making baby books, creating photos albums, and keeping track of hundreds of family videos is enough to make any momma break out in hives! This week we’re talking about allllll the ways to keep track of your family memories with easy, creative ideas for every personality type. From our favorite brands and products to technical logistics, we’ll help you make a plan for storing and displaying all the beautiful memories you make each year. Plus, Ashlee gives a Christmas card photo pep talk, and April asks if she should make her kids a Powerpoint. Don’t worry—we talke...2017-10-311h 03Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThe kids, the mom, and the wardrobeIn this week’s episode we keep it light and fun with a guide to getting dressed—from the actual logistics of getting ready in the morning (anyone tried to put on skinny jeans with a baby hanging on one leg?) to how important it is to change out of yoga pants every once in a while. From fluctuating bodies to changing careers, April, Ashlee and Lesley share what they’ve learned about style since becoming mothers. Plus, April shares her favorite postpartum clothing tips, and Ashlee explains why she hopped on the capsule wardrobe bandwagon. This is an episod...2017-08-0859 minCoffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 31: The One With All The Birth StoriesEveryone loves a good birth story, so, as April put it, we’re bringing you the Coffee + Crumbs Vagina Monologues. In this episode we talk about allll the different ways we’ve birthed our babies from c-sections to epidurals to the un-medicated route--and the things we’ve liked and disliked about each. Plus, we get real about hospital undies and share the best advice you might ever hear about birth plans. You *might* want to listen to this one with headphones on. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't...2017-06-271h 08Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 29: Three's Company, Too with Sarah PowersThis week April and Lesley talk with Sarah Powers, co-host of The Mom Hour Podcast, about the best and hardest parts of having three kids. We talk about what went into our decisions to grow our families, how our pregnancies and births differed each time, and the hardest parts of adjusting to life with three. Plus, Sarah offers encouragement for moms of littles (it only gets better!) and April lusts after Lesley’s leather minivan seats. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a...2017-05-3059 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 25: The Magic of MotherhoodThe Magic of Motherhood is officially out! This week we’re recapping all things book launch: the party in Sacramento, what it was like for the Coffee + Crumbs writers to meet in real life, our favorite moments from the weekend, and more! Plus, you’ll hear Ashlee Gadd and April Hoss read one of their essays from The Magic of Motherhood. We wish we could have parties in all the cities, but until we win the lottery, this recap is the best we could do. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your moth...2017-04-1141 minCoffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 24: Marriage is Good Hard WorkMarriage is hard work. Throw in a few kids and it can be extra, extra hard work. In this episode, we’re getting real honest about some of the storms we’ve weathered in our marriages. Plus, you'll hear why all of us are advocates for marriage counseling, how we split up household chores, creative ways we make time for our spouses, and April's three guiding questions for couples who work opposite schedules. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTun...2017-03-211h 05
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 22: The Season FinaleWe’re celebrating the end of our first season by answering listener questions. In this super fun episode you’ll hear Ashlee, April and Lesley talk about everything from sleep training to breastfeeding, what we’re making for dinner, the best postpartum jeans, establishing our own family traditions, and what we’re buying our kids for Christmas. We hope you’ll laugh with us as we joyfully celebrate the end of season one. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!...2016-12-061h 13Coffee + Crumbs PodcastCoffee Break with April HossApril Hoss reads her essay, Consider Yourself Warned, about how difficult the holiday season can be for women waiting to get pregnant or adopt.2016-11-2910 minCoffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 13: The Lucky Few with Heather AvisThis is an episode with a very special mama of two very special kids. We’re talking with Heather Avis, author of the The Lucky Few, about raising children with Down Syndrome. Find out what made Heather afraid when she was preparing to adopt them, how we as parents can teach our kids to be inclusive of children who may look or act different, and why raising a child with special needs is the ultimate honor. Plus, April and Lesley lament the terrible day when children give up their mid-day nap. This is an episode that will encourage your so...2016-08-2351 minCoffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 12: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Creating a Baby RegistryCreating a baby registry is one of the most overwhelming tasks for soon-to-be-parents. In this episode, we're talking about our favorite registry items, the things we registered for but never used, and strategies for finding products that work for your unique personality and lifestyle. We also chat about some of our favorite brands, the ongoing search for the perfect stroller (#facepalm), and why Babylist is the best baby registry on the planet. Plus, you'll get to eavesdrop as Ashlee, Lesley, and April learn a lot of new facts about each other (one of them uses pacifier wipes, gasp). 2016-08-091h 00Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 06: Potty training is the worst with Lesley Miller, Ashlee Gadd and April HossWe’re convinced there are few childhood milestones parents fear more than potty training. Get ready for a hilarious and honest conversation with Lesley, Ashlee and April as they share the highs and lows of their own children’s experiences. Whether you’re gearing up to potty train, or in the thick of a terrible training experience, you’ll love this fun and encouraging potty pep talk. Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for episode show notes and a growing archive of inspiring essays and podcasts. Also, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on...2016-05-1741 min
Coffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 05: Climbing Mountains with Suzy KrauseThe road to motherhood isn’t always easy. In fact, 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility. In this episode, April and Lesley interview regular Coffee + Crumbs writer, Suzy Krause, about her pregnancy story. Suzy talks about how Mother’s Day can be an especially difficult holiday, the role social media can play in the painful waiting game, and what to say (and not to say) to a friend trying to get pregnant. Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for episode show notes and a growing archive of inspiring essays and podcasts. Also, don't forget to subscribe and lea...2016-05-0336 minCoffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 03: It's their day too with Katie BlackburnWhen you have three kids under the age of three, you know a thing or two about the joys and frustrations of motherhood. We chat with regular Coffee + Crumbs writer, Katie Blackburn, about keeping a big picture perspective during the very busy season of mothering young children. Katie offers wise and encouraging advice for any woman in the trenches of motherhood, plus April, Katie and Lesley talk about how often kids get sick all the time.
Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey, plus show notes on this and...2016-04-0543 minCoffee + Crumbs PodcastEpisode 01: Introducing the Coffee + Crumbs PodcastWelcome to the all-new, much anticipated podcast from Coffee + Crumbs. In our first episode we chat about what you can expect from our new show, or, how we basically want to be Sarah Koenig when we grow up. Plus, hear about Ashlee’s love for grocery store flower bouquets, and the big mistake April made before her scheduled c-section. (Hint: we’re talking about bikini waxes!)
Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey, plus show notes on this and every episode. Also, don’t forget to subscribe and/or leave...2016-03-2233 min