Shows
FriendlierFinal episode: looking back on 2024 and ahead to 2025We discuss the past year and look ahead to 2025. Also, surprise! This is our final episode of the podcast and we share our favorite episode and what the pod has meant to us over the last 8 years.Our favorite episodes: Quitting, Hard times, Enneagram 8 Experience (Sarah) and Everyday superpowers and Personal policies (Abby)And because we didn't do a year in books episode this year, here are our favorite reads from 2024.Life latelySarah loved her kids' winter musical performances.Abby got her first...2025-01-0733 minFriendlierDay in our (fall) livesDay in our (fall) livesWe share the details of our days from Tuesday October 22nd. You can also listen to our first day-in-the-life episode or similar episodes from 2020 and 2022 if you’d like to see how our days have changed. Links we mentioned:The Lost Apothecary by Sarah PennerThe Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth LincolnFever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over American, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy EganLife latelyAbby and Sarah both share about recent trips.Reading lately2024-12-0333 minFriendlierNew year's intentions, 2024New year’s intentions, 2024We set our intentions for the year, share our words for the year, and discuss specific goals in various categories.Life LatelyAbby is looking forward to time with family over the holiday (plus Tex-Mex!).Sarah shares to home winds: the headboard Neil made and all the secondhand plants.Reading latelyAbby found a new romance series by Sarah Estep--the Brunch Bros.Sarah read the technology parenting book Growing Up In Public by Devorah Heitner.Eating la...2024-01-0229 minFriendlierOur current clutterWe give an update on the state of clutter in our homes and discuss how we think we might manage it better. We'd love your ideas! (And here's the podcast Sarah mentioned: A Slob Comes Clean)Life latelySarah ran a half marathon—yay!Abby built a screen door.Reading latelySarah read the satirical novel Wellness by Nathan Hill.Abby enjoyed the first two mysteries in the Jane Austen-inspired Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney series by Claudia Gray.Eating lately...2023-11-0836 minFriendlierMindsetsMindsetsWe share mindsets and mantras that have served us well over the years, ones that do not work for us, and mindsets we are trying to help our kids cultivate.Life latelyAbby was on television for her work.Sarah's family has joined the local climbing gym.Reading latelyAbby is all-in on Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.Sarah recommends Maame by Jessica George.Eating latelySarah and Abby both enjoyed...2023-08-0132 minFriendlierFrugality latelyWe chat about how we’re coping with inflation, what frugal tricks have helped, and our frugal aspirations.Reading latelySarah read another family gap year memoir, We Came, We Saw, We Left by Charles Wheelan.Abby was compelled by but is not sure what to think of Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey.Life LatelySarah and her kids cleaned the kids’ room. Abby is almost done with her semester.Eating latelyAbby has been enjoying peach salsa her in-laws brought to town, a...2022-08-2327 minFriendlierEnd-of-summer gratitudeWe discuss the things giving us life at the end of the summer. Links to Abby's bathing suit top and bottoms (although it looks like black is sold out).Life latelySarah loves the towel racks and trash can Neil custom made for their new bathroom. Abby is so thankful for her nursing school friends.Reading latelySarah read My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress by Rachel DeLoache Williams.Abby recently finished Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez.Eating lately2022-07-2620 minFriendlier2022 update2022 updateWe do our annual mid-year review, reminding ourselves of our goals and intentions and checking in on how things are going halfway through the year.Life latelyAbby took a spontaneous camping trip and Sarah is showering in her new shower.Reading latelyAbby read I'll Show Myself Out: Essays on Midlife and Motherhood by Jessi Klein after enjoying her article in The Cut.Sarah enjoyed listening to Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.Eating latelySarah made...2022-07-1239 minFriendlierSummer day in our livesWe share the details of our days from Wednesday, June 15th. You can also listen to our first day-in-the-life episode and a similar episode from two years ago if you’d like to see how our days have changed. Links we mentioned:The Penderwicks by Jeanne BirdsallYouTube Swim LessonsLife latelySarah loves physical therapy, and Abby’s ebike dreams have come true.Reading latelySarah loved the YA vibes in K-pop Confidential and its sequel, K-pop Revolution, by Stephan Lee.Abby enjoyed A Lady for a Duke (qu...2022-06-2830 minFriendlierCapturing family memoriesCapturing family memoriesWe share our philosophy around capturing family memories, our best strategies, and how our approach has changed as our kids have grown.Little HootsFive year line-a-day journalLife latelyAbby has a cat adventure to share. The remodel at Sarah's house is (finally) underway!Reading latelyAbby read Listen to Me Good: The Story of an Alabama Midwife by Margaret Charles Smith and Linda Janet Holmes.Sarah turned to an old favorite to get out of her reading slump and reread the YA fantasy...2022-06-1426 minFriendlierDiscernmentWe talk about how our processes of discernment look and rave about this essay by Cheryl Strayed.Life latelySarah is enjoying TV, especially Bridgerton. Two and a half years after moving to Birmingham, Abby finally feels like she has friends.Reading latelySarah read Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova, a popular science book about memory.Abby listened to and loved The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.Eating latelyAbby is enjoying maple pecan granola f...2022-05-3133 minFriendlierPets in our livesPets in our livesWe share our history with pets, our current pet situations, the best and worst parts of having (or not having) pets, and our future pet dreams.Life latelyAbby's planned lots of short trips for the upcoming months and Sarah is loving all the outdoor play happening in the neighborhood.Reading latelyAbby enjoyed the second Bellinger Sisters' novel by Tessa Bailey: Hook, Line, and Sinker.Sarah loved My Lady Jane, a young adult novel that re-imagines the life of Lady Jane Grey...2022-05-1726 minFriendlierLearning new thingsTrying new thingsWe share new things we've tried as adults, our trying new things fails, mantras/mindsets that help us when trying new things, how parenting intersects with our approach, and new things we aspire to try in the future.Life latelyAbby is almost done with her first semester of nursing school!Sarah is watching a lot of NCAA gymnastics.Reading latelyAbby was disappointed by Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano.Sarah raced through The Last Thing He Told Me by L...2022-04-1929 minFriendlierFinding our next readsWe share how we find new books to read, strategies for managing our holds queues at the library, and what influences the kind of book we want to read next. Links mentioned:Sarah and Abby on GoodreadsShelf Awareness and Maximum Shelf newslettersBooklist newslettersReading the Past (for historical fiction)Smart Bitches Trashy Books (for romance)Tor (for science fiction and fantasy + good ebook deals)Libby (app) / Overdrive (web-based)HooplaA note about the Nashville Public Library: Sadly, since we recorded they have decided not to offer library cards to folks outside of their area.Life late...2022-04-0526 minFriendlierDivision of laborDivision of laborWe give an update on how we divide the housework in our families: who does what, how we feel about it, outsourcing, and what we have found to be most successful.Life latelyAbby's family welcomed two new cats to their home.Sarah took an overnight trip to St. Louis.Reading latelyAbby is obsessed with the Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells.Sarah read the graphic memoir And Now I Spill the Family Secrets by Margaret Kimball.Eating lately2022-03-2233 minFriendlierBack to school as adultsWe discuss what it’s been like to be back in school as adults, including what we are studying, the best and worst parts, and tips for anyone thinking of going back to school.Life latelySarah is relishing riding a bike with working brakes.Abby shares that Pepper was vaccinated as part of the Pfizer COVID clinical trial!Reading latelySarah read the the cozy food mystery Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manasala.Abby finished the first book in a science fiction series: Long Way t...2022-03-0822 minFriendlierParenting, revisitedParenting, revisitedWe give an update on all things parenting: what's going well, our biggest challenges, mantras we rely on, and intentions going forward. Links mentioned:Previous parenting episodes: parenting, at home parenting, and parenting wins and failsTeacher Tom on bickeringParenting Without Power Struggles by Susan StiffelmanLife latelyAbby is biking with Pepper using a Mac Ride.Sarah has been incorporating various breathing techniques after reading Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor.Reading latelyAbby read the magical romance Payback's a...2022-02-2225 minFriendlierFood habitsWe share quick and easy meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, what we keep in our pantry, and what is not feeling quick and easy about feeding our families.Life latelySarah is happy to have made it through January.Abby presented at a science communication conference.Reading latelySarah read the domestic thriller Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty.Abby is going through Mhairi McFarlane’s older books and loved It’s Not Me, It’s You just as much as her newer releases.E...2022-02-0823 minFriendlierClaiming restClaiming restWe reflect on what rest means to us, how society's view on rest impacts us, activities we find restful, and our rest aspirations.Life latelyAbby has joined in on the Wordle craze.Sarah thinks she's found the perfect time to get groceries.Reading latelyAbby read the novel Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy and Sarah read Kate Baer's newest collection of poetry: I Hope This Finds You Well.Eating latelySarah is snacking on popcorn with ranch seasoning...2022-01-2526 minFriendlierCommunity, revisitedWe revisit the topic of community (which we first talked about five years ago), including the state of our current communities, what we need from our communities, how to cultivate community, and future community dreams. Links mentioned in this episode:Our first episode on communityLife latelySarah’s family is making some serious tidying progress.Abby shares a frugal win.Reading latelySarah read Alix Harrow’s novella A Spindle Splintered.Abby read the magical romance A Marvellous Light by Freya Markse.2022-01-1128 minFriendlierOur year in books, 2021We take a look back at our reading life in 2021: our challenges, our wins, and of course, our favorite books. For our highlights from the year, please visit our show notes.Life latelySarah is recovering from surgery.Abby is enjoying a break from work before nursing school starts.Reading latelySarah read Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Good Girl, Bad Blood.Abby is reading the London Celebrities series by Lucy Parker.Eating latelyAbby trie...2021-12-1425 minFriendlierMaking the holidays meaningfulWe share our ideal holidays along with what we are doing (and not doing) to make the holidays special this year. Links mentioned in the episode:Lego advent calendarVanderbeekers of 141st St by Karina Yan GlaserLife latelySarah recommends the This Land podcast.Abby got into nursing school!Reading latelySarah read Kate Bowler’s new memoir No Cure For Being Human.Abby enjoyed the Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner.Eating latelyAbby is tr...2021-11-1626 minFriendlierTherapy thoughtsTherapy thoughtsWe share our experiences with therapy and insights we've learned along the way.Life latelyAbby completed fall planting around her house.Sarah is doing lots of push-ups.Reading latelyAbby listened to State of Terror, co-written by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny.Sarah read (and absolutely loved) One, Two, Three by Laurie Frankel.Eating latelySarah tried a cheesy hashbrown casserole (with no cream of soup!).Abby has found a recipe for light and airy banana cu...2021-11-0222 minFriendlierHalloween!We discuss our Halloweens growing up, the current state of Halloween in our families, how we handle all the candy, and tips and tricks for making Halloween a success.Life latelySarah completed her first 5k in more than fourteen years.Abby finally finished the chicken coop repairs.Reading latelySarah read the YA mystery The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.Abby listened to Cantoras by Carolina de Robertis.Eating latelyAbby shares a breakfast casserole, while Sarah’s been ea...2021-10-1928 minFriendlierWhat's getting us throughWhat's getting us throughInspired by episodes from the Girl Next Door and Lazy Genius podcasts, we share the big and small things that help us get through when life feels overwhelming. Links mentioned:Abby's new water bottleZapp's sweet creole onion chipsTrader Joe's ice cream sandwichesSimple cheese dipLife latelyAbby made some living room updates by adding this ottoman and lampshade.Sarah shares her water woes.Reading latelyAbby found a contender for best non-fiction of the year: Raising a Rare Girl...2021-10-0530 minFriendlierBook snobberyWe discuss the ways in which people being snobby about books has affected us and our kids. Things we mentioned:Read Aloud RevivalHot and BotheredSagaDogmanThoroughbredLife latelySarah is in between trips, having just completed one home to see family and looking forward to a week away with Neil.A neighbor’s tree fell in a storm and took Abby’s chicken coop roof with it.Reading latelySarah finished a gripping travel read: Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews.Abby read The Fix...2021-09-2124 minFriendlierAttempting organizationWe discuss our organizational style, the easiest and hardest areas for us to keep organized, organizational aspirations, and tools that help us keep it together. Links mentioned:Home EditFair play cardsTough Lough Self-Care ChallengeLife latelyAbby is loving overalls.Sarah had to re-book a vacation rental after a tree fell on the original.Reading latelyAbby the sports romance Kulti by Mariana Zapata.Sarah read Zakiya Dalila Harris's novel The Other Black Girl.Eating lately2021-09-0732 minFriendlierBack to school (for us + our kids)We share our back to school routines, what school looks like for our kids this year, and how we are feeling about going back to school as adults. Links mentioned:Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy SchwartzThe Day You Begin by Jacqueline WoodsonLife latelySarah is going to make more masks for her children so she doesn’t have to panic wash them at night.Abby and Andrew are watching (and loving) Ted Lasso.Reading latelySarah finished a great summer read: Malibu Rising by Taylor...2021-08-2433 minFriendlierOur Enneagram 8 experienceThe Enneagram 8 experienceWe discuss our thoughts on the Enneagram and our experience as type 8s.Enneagram InstituteFree Enneagram testThe Honest Enneagram by Sarajane Case (who also runs @enneagramandcoffee)Life latelyAbby is feeling anxious about COVID again, thanks to the delta variant.Sarah reflects back on the summer.Reading latelyAbby read Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu.Sarah finished Let's Talk About Hard Things, written by Anna Sale, host of the Death, Sex, and Money podcast.Eating latelyTrue to fo...2021-08-1032 minFriendlierHow our gardens growWe discuss our gardening history, current status, aspirations, and favorite and least favorite things. Take a photo of a plant you love and tag us (@friendlierpodcast) in your story on Instagram!Life latelySarah is moving into a new role at work.Abby loves the Tushy she got for her birthday.Reading latelySarah listened to What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon and Abby read C.L. Polk’s The Midnight Bargain.Eating latelyAbby’s be...2021-07-2734 minFriendlier2021 Update2021 updateWe do our annual mid-year review, reminding ourselves of our goals and intentions and checking in on how things are going halfway through the year.Life latelyAbby is making her way through nursing school prereqs.Sarah is thankful the Brood X cicadas have come and gone.Reading latelyAbby is reading the Bergman Brothers series by Chloe Liese, and particularly recommends and Always Only You and Ever After Always.Sarah loved everything about The Once and Future Witches by Alix Harrow....2021-07-1331 minFriendlierRoutines: the ideal vs realityRoutines: the ideal vs realityWe discuss our ideal morning, afternoon, and evening routines and how it compares to our current reality. Links we mentioned:Previous routines episodeThe Skimm and What A Day newslettersLife latelyAbby is back at an in-person yoga studio.Sarah applied to library school for the fall.Reading latelyAbby listened to two slow burn romances by Mhairi McFarlane: Don't You Forget About Me and If I Never Met You. Sarah enjoyed Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano....2021-06-1530 minFriendlierOur everyday superpowersWe discuss the everyday things that might not sound like superpowers at first, but definitely make our lives easier, as well as basic things that we’re really terrible about.Life latelySarah’s kids have been watching Alone with Neil.Abby recently installed this sandbox (a gift from her sister) in the backyard and her kids are into it.Reading latelySarah read the own voices YA novel Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez, and Abby listened to A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende.2021-06-0128 minFriendlierSplurging and savingSplurging and savingWe discuss our general approach to purchases, three areas or items where we've splurged or saved, categories where we'd like to splurge or save more, and our splurge regrets. Links mentioned:Female altar form sculptureSwimsuit from Unique VintageJade yoga matLife latelyAbby just got back from a weekend away with friends.Sarah gives an art shelf update, which she first talked about in our state of our home disorganization episode. The one she bought is no longer available, but it is similar to this...2021-05-1837 minFriendlierConnecting with our partnersLife latelySarah’s family is recovering from illness.Abby is enjoying her newly-installed ceiling fan.Reading latelySarah loved listening to Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue and Abby was thrilled to read the third installment Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters trilogy–Act Your Age, Eve Brown.Connecting with our partnersWe share how we like to connect with our spouses, what forms of connection don’t work for us, and connection aspirations. Links we mentioned:SplendorAzulBoggle with FriendsEating lat...2021-05-0428 minFriendlierOur camping livesOur camping livesWe discuss camping in our youth (including one memorable backpacking trip together in college), what we love about camping, what we could do without, and our favorites tips and resources. Links mentioned:Kelsey's camping packing listKitchen chuck boxAbby's family's tent, cooler, techni ice, and sleeping matsLife latelyAbby is trying a new skincare routine, inspired by Sherry of Young House Love.Sarah played the piano every day in March as part of Ali Edward's One Little Word class.Reading latelyAbby read The...2021-04-2037 minFriendlierWhat’s working (and what’s not)Now that we are a few months into the new year we wanted to check-in with each other to find out what has and hasn’t been working in our lives. Links we mentioned:Yoga With Adriene 30 Day ChallengeThe Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Linda Yan GlaserThe Penderwicks by Jeanne BirdsallEmmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne JonellLife latelySarah got a new bike (after leaving hers in a park last summer–whoops).Abby’s hens have started laying eggs!Reading latelySar...2021-04-0627 minFriendlierThings we hate, media editionThings we hate, media editionWe spend a portion of every show talking about what we love in the books we read, but what about what we hate? We share our dislikes in books, favorite and least favorite romance tropes, books and shows other people loved but we couldn't get into, and what we don't enjoy in movies we watch. Links mentioned:Hamnet by Maggie O'FarrellGold by Chris CleeveSuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidThe War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker BradleyOne to Watch by Kate Stayman-LondonThe Power by Naomi AldermanCourt of Thorns and...2021-03-2335 minFriendlierEntertaining ourselves and our people at homeEntertaining ourselves and our people at homeWe've had a lot of time at home, and more to come this spring. We share how we've keeping ourselves and our families entertained, the best and worst of our time at home, and our entertainment aspirations as we look ahead. Links we mentioned:Aaron's Thinking PuttyBoggleQuixxAzulSplendorCarcassoneDrawfulCodenamesTemeraire books by Naomi NovikSchitt's CreekWandavisionBridgertonThe Penderwicks by Jeanne BirdsallThe Vanderbeekers of 141st by Karina Yan GlaserLife latelySarah and Neil are having weekly meetings to check-in with each other about parenting.Abby and her family said...2021-02-0937 minFriendlierMood boostersMood boostersWhat better time to discuss mood boosters than the middle of a pandemic + the gray days of winter? We share our favorite mood boosting activities, products, and foods. Links we mentioned:SAD lightcards: tarot, goddess, and animalPoshmarkLife latelyAbby has been listening to The Bengsens.Sarah's kids have started finger-knitting, inspired by Hyacinth from the Vanderbeeker novels.Reading latelyAbby read Weather by Jenny Offill and Sarah finished This Place: 150 Years Retold, a graphic novel anthology.Eating latelySarah made...2021-01-2533 minFriendlierState of our home (dis)organizationThe state of our home (dis)organizationWe discuss our home organization wins, challenges, and inspiration. We may not have many tips to offer, but there's plenty of commiseration to go around. Links we mentioned:Abby's tool organizerArt cabinet Sarah hopes will solve her family's craft area problemsYoung House LoveClutterbug podcastLife latelySarah is facing down the gray days of winter.Abby is loving Bridgerton.Reading latelySarah fell hard for the young adult novel You Should See Me in a Crown...2021-01-1230 minFriendlierNew year's intentions, 2021New year's intentions, 2021We reflect on the year that was, set intentions for 2021, and share some of our favorites from 2020. Links we mentioned:Last year's intentions episode and our mid-year check-inSchitt's CreekThe Good PlaceMerge DragonsLife latelyAbby's building a chicken coop.Sarah has abandoned one holiday tradition and remembered how much she loves another.Reading latelyAbby listened to The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue and Sarah read the Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.Eating latelySarah made an alfredo...2020-12-2931 minFriendlierOur 100th episode + listener q&aCelebrating 100 episodes + listen q&aWe reflect on the last four years of making the podcast, then answer listener questions. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! We cover everything from how we knew our families were complete to whether we have a personal theme song. Listeners, we are so grateful to have you with us on this podcasting journey. Here's to the next hundred episodes!Graceful quittingHard timesBeauty and styleWhat a DayHome CookingPod Save AmericaJourney to MidwiferyHarry Potter and the Sacred TextHot and BotheredLet the River Run by Carly SimonLife lately...2020-12-0134 min
FriendlierHolidays, pandemic editionThe holidays are fast approaching. We share our plans for the season, including activities, food, gifts, how we plan to stay connected to loved ones, and what we are doing to take care of ourselves. Links we mentioned:In a Holidaze by Christina LaurenWinter Street series by Elin HilderbrandDecolonizing ThanksgivingBlueland holiday soap scentsLife latelySarah continued her gamble of painting rooms without getting samples and Abby shares a Craigslist victory.Reading latelyWe both read memoirs this week: Sarah finished Quit Like a Woman: The Radical...2020-11-1737 minFriendlierHow we've changedHow we've changedWe each share three ways we've changed since adolescence, one way we've stayed the same, and an area we'd like to change going forward.Life latelyAbby's chicks have arrived!Sarah is dreaming about 2021 and bought a new planner (which she heard about from Sarah Hart Unger). Austin Channing Brown perfectly captured the essence of this purchase in her Instagram post last year.Reading latelyAbby listened to Kevin Wilson's Nothing to See Here and Sarah delighted in reading One to Watch by Kate...2020-11-0328 minFriendlierFood quirksFood quirksFrom melted cheese on a plate to raw sweet potatoes, we discuss what we ate as kids, what unusual preferences we still have, and any quirks of our partners and kids.Life latelyAbby has solved her backyard storage problems by finishing this cabinet and adding these feet.Sarah's had a rough start to the school year, but is hoping to reset by restoring some healthy habits.Reading latelyAbby read the YA novel Dear Martin by Nic Stone and Sarah read the (surprise!) thriller...2020-10-2028 min
FriendlierDay in our (pandemic) livesWe share the details of our days from Tuesday, September 15th. We did a similar episode two years ago if you’d like to see how our days have changed. Things we mentioned:BlueyThe Penderwicks by Jeanne BirdsallCalm sleep stories (HP’s favorites are Wonder, the Night Train, and the Christmas Train)Blue light glassesLife latelySarah has creatures roaming her duct work and Abby is loving Blueland for plastic-free household cleaners and soaps.Reading latelySarah loved the ending of Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth...2020-10-0643 minFriendlierOur work livesOur work livesWe share our work-related history, what jobs we have now, and how those jobs are working for us. And here’s that beautiful essay about choices by Cheryl Strayed that Abby mentioned: The Ghost Ship That Didn’t Carry Us.Life latelyListening to romance novels on audio is really working for Sarah, and Abby hates sidewalk chalk.Reading latelySarah read The Antidote for Everything by Kimmery Martin, and Abby strongly recommends A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy.Eating lately2020-09-2233 minFriendlierRaising independent kidsWe share strategies we've used to raise independent kids, independence wins and fails, and our favorite resources.Visible Child Facebook groupFree Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts With Worry) by Lenore SkenazyThe Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica LaheySmall Animals: Parenthood in the Age of Fear by Kim BrooksLife latelyAndrew got Abby the perfect Mother's Day gift: a painting of Carrboro made by a dear college friend.Sarah's family has been reveling in all...2020-09-0837 minFriendlierSleep talkWe discuss our sleep needs, habits, and quirks, and reveal which of us snores and which of us talks in her sleep. Here are the links we mentioned in the show:Natural Calm supplementsCalm sleep storiesWhy We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew WalkerLife latelySarah shares about the start of online school and Abby recounts her recent secondhand wins.Reading LatelySarah read The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix Harrow and Abby finished the coming-of-age novel Juliet Takes a...2020-08-2534 minFriendlierFall decisions in a pandemicFall decisions in light of COVIDWe had a mid-year update six weeks ago, but given the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, we wanted to check-in again to talk about how we've made school decisions for the fall, what our work lives look like, and how we are thinking about opening (or not opening) our circles of social interaction.Life latelyWe share our thoughts on J.K. Rowling's anti-trans letter and how it will impact the way we consume her work. We recommend this video that breaks down the ways in which...2020-08-1135 minFriendlierOur outdoor spacesWe share our aspirations for our outdoor spaces alongside the reality of their current state. Let us know your favorite/least favorite yard work task so we can celebrate/commiserate with you.Life latelySarah's fixing up patio furniture and Abby is loving her kids' pediatrician.Reading LatelySarah read The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Abby discovered a new favorite author--Talia Hibbert--when she read Get a Life Chloe Brown.Eating latelyAbby's family enjoyed summer bowls featuring this BBQ tofu and Sarah...2020-07-2828 minFriendlierBeing musicalWe reflect back on music in our lives growing up, our musical aspirations, instruments we've played or hope to someday (can you guess which one of us considered taking up the sousaphone?), and the songs we love to listen to on repeat. Links to things we mentioned in the show:Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae JepsenDear Theodosia from HamiltonStand by Me by Ben E KingHey Delilah by the Plain White TeesInto the WoodsHamiltonThe Last Five YearsWickedLife latelyAbby did an internet deep dive into chickens. And spoiler--chickens are arriving at her house next...2020-07-1436 minFriendlier2020 updateThere have been quite a few things we didn’t expect in the first half of 2020. We reflect on those, as well as on the intentions that we set in December and how they’re guiding us in this pandemic and election year.If you want to take part in the movement to dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism, we recommend donating to:National Bail OutBlack Mamas MatterFind your local bail fund in this directory or donate to multiple bail funds at once hereCrooked Media has compiled a list of organizations fighting for racial justice and...2020-06-3032 minFriendlierWhat's getting us throughWhat's getting us throughWith stay-at-home orders and social distancing we have had more time at home than ever before. We share some of our favorite things that are bringing us joy and helping us through this unprecedented time. Here are the links to things we mentioned in the show:Home Cooking podcastPod Save AmericaGourmet MakesCall of the MidwifeDance MomsSchitt's CreekCosmic Kids YogaSesame StreetMagic School BusOK GoGolem and the Jinni by Helene WeckerDutch House by Ann PatchettBringing Down the Duke by Evie DunmoreWell Met by Jenn DeLucaRoxaboxen by Alice McLerran and Barbara Cooney (and here on...2020-06-1636 minFriendlierLaundry and dishesLaundry and dishesWe review our laundry and dishes routines, product recommendations, what's working, and what's not. Links mentioned in the show:Planet 2x liquid laundry detergentDropps pods for laundry and dishwasherSkoy scrubsOxyclean spray stain removerBlue Dawn dish soap (for grease stains)If You Care sponge clothsLife latelyAbby shares about Storytime Durham with Amy Godfrey, which she affectionately refers to as Plum's new preschool.Sarah's family made a fire pit in the backyard and have been enjoying "Friday fires" together.Reading latelyAbby read No...2020-06-0235 minFriendlierFood in the time of COVID-19The pandemic has changed a lot about how we shop for food and plan meals. We discuss what those changes look like, as well as the snacks we’re enjoying and the things we might want to take forward after things settle. And we come at this topic from a place of privilege. If, like us, you’re doing okay with food, check out Feeding America for ways to help others who are experiencing food insecurity.Life latelySarah upped her laundry game by investing in some new clothespins, and Abby is taking a dail...2020-05-1925 minFriendlierParenting wins and failsWe all have things we’re proud of and things we’re not when it comes to parenting. We share some of our wins and fails, and we’d love to hear yours—parenting or otherwise.Life LatelySarah is using Epic to read with her kids while the library is closed, and Abby has been pulling a lot of weeds.Reading LatelySarah read Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. Abby finished all the books in the Brothers Sinister...2020-05-0528 minFriendlierPrioritizing readingA quick note: We recorded this at the beginning of the month, before all of our lives were upended by COVID-19. We will be recording a bonus episode (out next Tuesday) about how we are coping. May you all stay safe and healthy in this uncertain time. -S&APrioritizing readingWe discuss when we find time to read, why we have read more after having kids than before, what gets us out of a reading slump, and our favorite places to find reading inspiration and recommendations.Instagram follows with good book recs: @katejbaer...2020-03-2430 minFriendlierOur physical spacesWe describe our current spaces, share our home related dreams (both the realistic and the not), and what makes us love the space we’re in. Here are the links we mentioned in the episode:PrismsBig Dreams Small SpacesLife latelySarah is trying to invite people over more often and take the advice of this article on not worrying so much about the cleaning.Abby went from being a no-playdough home to a playdough-loving home. Here’s the recipe Sarah’s family uses for the homemade version:1 cup fl...2020-03-1034 minFriendlierMarriage--what's working (and what's not)Marriage--what's working (and what's not)We've both recently passed the decade mark of marriage, and thought it would be fitting to share what's been working, what hasn't, and the relationship advice we hate.Life latelyAbby's family purchased a new vehicle (and is soliciting gold-inspired names!).Sarah is reveling in her newly arranged living room.Reading latelyAbby read both Shrill and The Witches are Coming by Lindy West and Sarah listened to The Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.Eating latelySarah...2020-02-2530 minFriendlierA week of snacksToday, we talk snacking preferences and then detail a week in the life of our snacks. And if you are in need of a sweet snack, we both recommend this recipe for chocolate chip cookies–easy and delicious!Life latelySarah is tracking all of the things with Habit Bull.Abby offers her commentary on Meghan and Harry. For more along these lines, check out this BuzzFeed article contrasting media coverage of Meghan and Kate, this Medium piece, and this tweet.Reading latelySarah re...2020-02-1137 minFriendlierIn sicknessWe share what kind of sick people we are, our preferred supplies to get us through, and our most memorable bouts with illness. May we all have a healthy 2020.Life latelyAbby gives a sleep training update and Sarah is happy to have (finally) fixed her Kitchen Aid mixer.Reading latelyAbby read The Which Way Tree by Elizabeth Crook and Sarah listened to Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger by Rebecca Traister.Eating latelySarah made "no-peek chicken," the perfect rainy day me...2020-01-2830 minFriendlierChildcareWe share what we like about childcare, how we find it, our past childcare situations, and what we see in our childcare future. We fully recognize that as two primarily at-home parents, our perspective is limited. We’d love to hear from listeners with different experiences to expand the conversation. What has worked for you when trying to find daycares, nannies, and/or babysitters? Share in the comments below or over on Instagram.Life latelySarah is doing Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge this year and loving it. She found both Jasmine Warga’s Othe...2020-01-1429 minFriendlierNew year’s intentions, 2020See you later, 2019! We are not sad to see you go. We reflect on the year that was, set intentions for 2020, and share some of our favorites from 2019. Here’s to a happier, healthier new year. Things we mentioned:Last year’s intentions episode (and our mid-year reflection)Dance MomsMerge DragonsMarvelous Mrs. MaiselFleabagTo All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (and the sequel comes out in February!)Kindle PaperwhiteTrader Joe’s Butter Toffee PretzelsLife latelySarah is loving the open-ended play opportunities her kids have with neighbors and classmates.Abby bou...2019-12-3130 minFriendlierOur year in books, 2019We take a look back at our reading life in 2019: our challenges, our wins, and our favorite books. Highlights from the year:Fiction: Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai, and Once Upon a River by Diane SetterfieldNon-fiction: Bad Blood by John Carreyou, The Eating Instinct by Virginia Sole-Smith, and The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox GurdonMost enjoyable: Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas and Court of Thorn and Roses series by Sarah MaasMemoir: All You Can Ever Know by Nicole...2019-12-1730 minFriendlierMinimalism updateSince our last episode about minimalism was nearly three years ago, we thought it was time for an update. We share what’s working (and what’s not) along with our minimalism goals and the challenges we face in making them a reality. Resources we mentioned:Tidying Up with Marie KondoMinimalism podcasts, including Minimalist Moms, Cohesive Home, and Practical MinimalistsLife latelySarah upgraded her cargo bike and now is cruising the town with electric assist.Abby shares a new way of styling her hair–the curly girl method....2019-12-0333 minFriendlierTime managementIn this episode, we share our many aspirations along with a few tips for how we best make our time work for us. Resources we mentioned:Off the Clock by Laura VanderkamScreentime utility on the iPhoneGoogle KeepLife latelySarah has been regularly climbing at her local rock climbing gym.Abby was happy to say goodbye to her family’s home-brewing equipment.Reading latelySarah read The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya and Abby enjoyed the middle-grade novel To Night Owl From Dogfish by...2019-11-0529 minFriendlierMovingMovingIn honor of Abby's impending move, we explore how moves have gone for us in the past, what we love about them, what we hate, and a few tips we have for making the process as pleasant as possible.We both recommend This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick for anyone new to a community and wanting to feel more at home.Life latelyPlum is scooting around town on her balance bike.Sarah's family just returned from their fourth camping trip of the year....2019-10-2241 minFriendlierHard timesWe share how we care for ourselves in hard times, what others can do to best support us, and resources for helping those close to us when they are going through something tough.There Is No Good Card for This: What to Do and Say When Life Is Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love by Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowellEmily McDowell cardsOption B by Adam Grant and Sheryl SandbergVanessa Zoltan’s thoughts on suffering in Harry Potter and the Sacred Text and Hot and BotheredOn Living by Kerry EganLife lately...2019-10-0829 minFriendlierBody positivityWe explore the idea of body positivity, how it's changed the way we see ourselves and others, how it's shifted the way we think about food and exercise, and how it influences our parenting. We are both still learning and recognize that our thin and able-bodied privilege color our perspective. Below is a list of resources we've found helpful on this journey and we'd love for you to share more in the comments so we can all continue learning together.Instagram follows:YrfatfriendMegan Jayne CrabbeDani AdrianaKate J BaerPodcastsFood Psych, especially the interviews with Lindy West, Virginia Sole-Smith, and...2019-09-2430 minFriendlierReading as self-careWe explore how books and reading are part of self-care, including our favorite snacks, our ideal reading experience, and how parenting and reading for self-care intersect. Here are some of our favorite books to reach for when we are in need of a self-care reading experience:The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica MorganRed White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonStill Life and other Inspector Gamache novels by Louise PennyHarry Potter by J.K. RowlingElla Enchanted and other Gail Carson Levine booksThe Wedding Date and other Jasmine Guillory novelsAnd if you’re looking for thoughtful co...2019-09-1034 minFriendlierMental healthWe share how we view mental health, positive influences on our mental health, our experiences with therapy, and our favorite mental health insights and resources. In this episode, we discuss:Light therapy lampCalm app for meditation and sleep storiesDooce blog, especially this articleAudio companion to Mindful Birthing by Nancy BardackeLife latelySarah is seeking advice on the perfect paint color for her kitchen.Abby’s found a new technique for cleaning her shower.Reading latelySarah was along for the ride in Nine Perfect St...2019-04-0935 minFriendlierStore to tableWe share how we plan meals and grocery shop, including what's working and where there's room for improvement.Life latelyAbby tried furoshiki to wrap Plum's birthday presents--a success!Sarah is loving attending local theater productions.Reading latelyAbby loved Royally Screwed by Emma Chase. Special thanks to listener Katie for the recommendation! Sarah read How to Stop Time by Matt Haig. If you want a more in-depth discussion, check out the Girl Next Door's book club episode.Eating latelySarah has...2019-03-2629 minFriendlierTreating ourselvesWe share our favorite ways to treat ourselves, when we are most likely to indulge in treats, and frugal treats we love. And we reference this blog post: Treat Yourself: More Like Defeat Yourself by Mrs. FrugalwoodsLife latelySarah shares her distaste for vacation planning.Abby’s cats are feeling cozy in their new heated bed.Reading latelySarah read An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green and Abby flew through Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.Eating latelyAbby has been en...2019-03-1225 minFriendlierGrowing humansWe discuss into everything pregnancy related: what we loved, our biggest challenges, cravings and aversions, favorite splurges, and the resources we recommend.Maternity underwear from Kindred BravelyPregnancy pillowThe Longest Shortest Time podcastMindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond by Nancy Bardack and the accompanying guided meditationsExpecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know by Emily OsterLife latelyAbby is loving prenatal yoga, both as a student and a teacher.Sarah is happy to have invested in pelvic floor physical therapy.2019-02-2636 minFriendlierWhat we wearWe discuss our clothing buying and wearing philosophy, how we shop for clothes for ourselves and our kids, our biggest clothing challenges, and how we feel about the whole enterprise. Links featured in this episode:Buy Nothing groupsPoshmark KidizenThredUpStitch FixLife latelySarah shares a routine that is working for her family: grocery shopping on Fridays.Abby laments that she is too pregnant to tie her shoes.Reading latelySarah read The Eating Instinct by Virginia Sole-Smith and Abby listened to Us Against You by...2019-02-1234 minFriendlierBudgetingBudgetingMany people use the new year as an opportunity to reevaluate their finances and set financial goals, so we thought it would be a good time to explore budgets and how they work in our families. We share our budgeting philosophies, challenges, tips, and resources.Our episode on financesOur Freaking BudgetFrugalwoods Frugal MonthHome Budget appPersonal CapitalLife latelyAbby is using a new strategy to help Plum nap.Sarah is now organizing her passwords with LastPass.Reading latelyAbby read The Cactus by Sarah Haywood and...2019-01-2937 minFriendlierIt's all routineThe new year is often a time to evaluate old routines and establish new ones. We share our feelings about routines in general, what routines we have in our lives, our routine aspirations, and routine fails.AND we are getting ready to put new groups together for the Friendlier Reading Experience where we’ll connect you with four or five other listeners to form your own virtual bookclub. If you are interested, be sure to sign up by the end of January.Life latelySarah and Abby share recaps of their ho...2019-01-1539 minFriendlierNew year's intentions, 2019We reflect back on 2018, look ahead to 2019, and share some of our favorites from the past year.Visible Child article on graciousness and corresponding Facebook groupBlack PantherTo All the Boys I've Loved BeforeThe Marvelous Mrs. MaiselThe Good PlaceThe Great British Baking ShowKindred Bravely maternity underwearTub shroomBumble Ride Indie TwinLL Bean slippersLife latelyAbby is officially debt free!Sarah shares a milestone: first lost tooth for HP!Reading latelyAbby read the first book in a trilogy: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison. Sarah read Unsheltered by Barbara...2019-01-0135 minFriendlierOur year in books, 2018We take a look back at our reading life in 2018: our challenges, our wins, and our favorite books of the year. We’d love to hear your favorite books of the year!FictionSarah: The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor TowlesAbby: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and This Is How It Always Is by Laurie FrankelNon-fictionSarah: Louise Penny’s Gamache series, Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Outdoor Design by Charles Montgomery and Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Mat...2018-12-1830 minFriendlierGraceful quittingGraceful quittingWe share why neither of us are quitting averse, our most memorable quitting (and not-quitting) moments, quitting regrets, gracefully quitting relationships, and our thoughts on quitting books and television shows.Freakonomics episode on The Upside of QuittingTwitter thread about setting boundariesLife latelyAbby successfully completed her longest solo-parenting stretch to date!Sarah is headed into a cold-weather camping weekend; wish her luck!Reading latelyAbby read Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson, the first book of a fantasy fiction triology. Sarah stepped outside...2018-12-0439 minFriendlierSimplifying the season (and our lives)With the holidays upon us, we thought it would be the perfect time to take a step back from the madness and discuss simplicity. We share how we try to find it in our schedules, stuff, relationships, and holidays. Resources we mention in this episode:Simplicity Parenting by Kim John PayneCohesive Home podcastMinimalist Moms podcastJoshua BeckerClear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen KingstonOur episode on minimalismLife latelySarah's loving relaxing weekends with her family.Abby is struggling with a moth infestation.Reading lately...2018-11-2039 minFriendlierNaming humansNaming humansIn honor of Abby's announcement, we wanted to share how we chose our children's names, our naming styles, names that got away, and our favorite naming resources.Appellation MountainSwistleNameberryOne Bad Nugget Facebook Group (must be a member of the One Bad Mother FB group to join)Baby Name Wizard Name VoyagerLife latelyAbby has big news: she's pregnant!Sarah is on a spending spree in preparation for winter.Reading latelyAbby read a duology by Laini Taylor Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares...2018-11-0639 minFriendlierA podcast about podcastsWe're going meta with this episode and talking about podcasts: what we love about them, when we listen, and all our favorite shows. We'd love to hear your favorite listens so we can add them to our rotation! Shows we mention:Harry Potter and the Sacred TextNPR PoliticsGirl Next DoorFood Psych (some favorite guests include: Lindy West, Fiona Sutherland, and Alan Levinovitz)Death Sex and MoneyCohesive HomeStreamlined MotherhoodHighs and Lows (listen to Abby's episode here)She's All FatMore PerfectWe Live Here (especially their most recent episodes on housing)Still ProcessingMinimalist MomsYour Parenting MojoConversations With People...2018-10-2332 minFriendlierFriendship logisticsFriendship logisitcsWay back in Episode 14 we talked about friendship, but we wanted to revisit the subject with a focus on how we maintain friendships and how that's changed since becoming parents.Life latelyAbby shares her family's new toilet paper: Who Gives A Crap!Sarah is reveling in how much smoother the school year transition has been compared to last year.Reading latelyAbby has more romance to share, this time in the form of Hamilton's Battalion, a collection of three novellas by Rose Lerner, Courtney...2018-10-0930 minFriendlierFamily food philosophiesWe discuss how we approach food with our kids, what our dinnertime routines look like, and family favorite meals we didn't expect.Links and resources mentioned:Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating resources:Food Psych podcastEllyn Satter InstituteThe F*ck It DietBody Positive Panda on InstagramKeekaroo high chairCurry potatoes and eggsLentil loafLife latelySarah's happy to be reunited with her Chacos after having them re-soled.Abby shares how she and her family prepared for Hurricane Florence.Reading lately2018-09-2534 minFriendlierBeauty and styleFrom hair (we both have so much!) to skin-care (what exactly is a toner anyway?), we share our style and beauty routines and how they have changed over the years. We'd love to hear which aspects of beauty and style are worth the effort for you, and which aren't. Links featured in this episode:Photo on Tumbler that features this quote: "In a world that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act."Frugalwoods blog post and bookErnie BuffaloLife latelyAbby shares Plum's transition from the Guava Lotus travel...2018-09-1135 minFriendlierSummer recapWe share details of our summer--the good, the bad, and the never-do-again (I'm looking at you, split red-eye flight with a toddler). We cover our childcare situations, swim lessons, and the ups and downs of traveling with kids. Leave us a comment to share what worked (or didn't) for your family this summer!Life latelySarah's loving using these new containers for her kids' lunches.Abby shares how entertained Plum is by these water beads.Reading latelySarah read The Female Persuasion by Meg...2018-08-2833 minFriendlierKids and screensKids and screensWe talk about screens and media--what we watched as kids, how our families handle screen time, and our favorite resources and recommendations. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the issue and if you have any media we should be sure to check out.Screen Time as a Feminist IssueLifecake appBabiesOK Go!Sparkle StoriesBut Why?Brains, On!Life latelyAbby has entered the world of e-readers with a new-to-her Kindle.Sarah shares the tale of two hikes from her recent trip to Colorado.Reading lately2018-08-1437 minFriendlierBehind the scenesHave you ever wondered how we produce Friendlier? Wonder no more! In this episode we share the backstory of starting the show (including our original failed concept), what we do to prepare for each episode, our recording set-ups, and the editing and post-production that gets Friendlier to you. We mentioned lots of links and resources, but if you have other questions please reach out; we'd love to pass on what we know.Other resources:Behind the scenes episodes from the Girl Next Door and the Mom HourKelsey's blog seriesEquipment:MicrophonePop filter (It makes such a difference in sound...2018-07-3135 minFriendlierAt home parentingWe share how we made and continue to make decisions around at-home-parenting, what frustrates us most about the cultural narratives around these choices, and how we see things evolving as our kids get older.Life latelyAbby recounts all of the effort that went into to setting up a rock box for Plum.Sarah is celebrating being two-toilet family again. Bathroom renovation, complete!Reading latelyAbby worked her way through a poetry collection: Oceanic by Aimee Nezhukumatathil.Sarah thoroughly enjoyed From Twinkle, With Love by...2018-07-1736 minFriendlier2018 updateSince we are at the mid-point of 2018, we wanted to take some time to reflect and check-in on our intentions for the year. We share what is going well, what has challenged us, and what we hope for in the second half of the year.Life latelySarah learned about the trait of high-sensitivity (thanks, Abby!) and read The Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine Aron.Abby describes her plumbing woes.Reading latelySarah read the Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan and Abby completed the All...2018-07-0334 minFriendlierGetting outsideWe discuss our values around getting outside and exploring nature, how we are incorporating it in our family life now, and how we see that changing in the future. Links to things we mentioned:The best sun hat (for kids and adults!)Rain bibsFree Forest SchoolLast Child in the Woods by Richard LouvThere's No Such Thing As Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurkLife latelyAbby completed some DIY car repairs that were ever-so-satisfying.Sarah is loving reading chapter books with HP.Reading latelyAbby...2018-06-1933 minFriendlierHow we eatWe share our food philosophies, history with food, thoughts about thin privilege, and how important (or not) the social aspect of eating is for each of us. Here are the resources and links we mentioned this episode:Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane GayAnimal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara KingsolverShrill by Lindy WestOmnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael PollanTell Me I'm Fat episode of This American LifeCatherine Newman's blog and chicken wing recipeCaroline Dooner's F*ck It DietLife lately2018-06-0527 minFriendlierBalancing actWe chat about how we define balance, if our lives are balanced now, whether we feel over-scheduled, and favorite resources for getting back on track if we've gotten off balance. Listeners, we'd love to hear how you find the right balance in your life.Simplicity Parenting by Kim John PayneThe Joy of Doing Nothing by Rachel JonatBig Magic by Elizabeth GilbertLife latelySarah's kids are now using her childhood bunk beds.Abby gave herself a new spring look by cutting bangs into her hair....2018-05-0831 minFriendlierMinding the guestsWe share what makes for a good host, our favorite kinds of hosting, what we love (and don't love) about hosting, and our stance on hostess gifts.Life latelyAbby loved having her sister visit for an entire week.Sarah is apparently the last person to discover audio on faster speeds.Reading latelyAbby read This is How It Always Is, a novel by Laurie Frankel about parenting, marriage, and how one couple navigates raising a transgender child.After having multiple...2018-04-2431 minFriendlierStaying informedWe share how closely we follow the news, our favorite (and least favorite) news sources, and our approach to talking about the news with our kids. We'd love to hear how you consume news and any favorite sources you have to share. We reference:1440The SkimmNPR Politics Podcast and Up FirstRaising Race Conscious ChildrenLife latelySarah shares about her family's spring break trip to St. Louis.Abby is teaching a childbirth education class through her yoga studio.Reading latelySarah finished The Immortalists by...2018-04-1033 minFriendlierExploring exerciseWe discuss our philosophy around fitness, what we like to do for exercise, how we incorporate movement in our families, and what we do to get back on track when we're in a slump. Last year we talked about our participation in organized activities and sports, so if you'd like to hear more about that you can listen here.Yoga with AdrieneMr. Money Mustache on biking in the coldLife latelyAbby met her new niece on a recent trip to Portland.Sarah is looking for listener tips on how...2018-03-2733 minFriendlierParentingWe have a lot to say about parenting—our philosophies, reflections on how we were raised, and what aspects of parenting we like best and least. We draw parenting inspiration from many resources, but here are the ones we mentioned in the show:Simplicity Parenting by Kim John PayneHow to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie KingRIE philosophyLife latelySarah is anticipating all of the delicious food she will eat on her birthday.Abby shares about a recent secondhand win: a new coffee table!...2018-03-1341 min