Alive+Well - the Hotmess Homeschooler Podcast

Happy New Year (one month late!) I've been doing the Word of the Year now for over a decade. I find it gives me more wiggle room than specific resolutions. Usually my words find me, and this year was no different. Here's what came at me for 2024. Do you do a Word of the Year? What's yours? Share with me - this words girl wants to know. Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, connect with me on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

In today's culture, simplicity can seem kind of radical. I'm okay with that. I believe living simply is actually a deep longing of our hearts. And it's beautiful, yet easy to complicate in our day-to-day. Simplicity is something I am searching for in my own life. How about you? Head over www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

As humans, we tend to want to stay a comfortable little ball - but we were designed to stretch and grow so we can truly live our best lives. Space is giving ourselves the capacity to be more fully alive by making room and allowing time for possibility in our lives. Let's unpack this concept together. Head over www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

This episode Liz Montigny of Liz Montigny Coaching joins me to discuss personal time, creative energy, and honoring appointments with yourself. We were all created to create - are you creating? In a culture filled with consumerism, and thus often feeling consumed by it, this is an episode you may need to hear today. Not sure where to start? Liz gives 20 ideas here. Looking for a more profound rest experience - this is THE VERY LAST CALL for Liz's RESTore Retreat in the fall - more information found here. Find the book we discussed here under podcast mentions. Head over www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

Let's talk titanium dioxide, after all you've probably heard it on the news or scrolling social media. While the world is upset about some bright colored candy and some greenwashing organic tampons, here's what you need to know. Find all products mentioned and my favorite feminine hygiene products at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/amazonfaves. Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

With all the different diets out there, it is hard to filter through the noise and discern what the best one for you might be. Especially given that some downright conflict each other - it's so confusing! How do you decide what is right for you? Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness, especially if you need any help with nutritional support.

Our language is powerful! Sometimes the way we speak to ourselves is not. Today, I encourage you to consider switching out one little word and see how transformative it can be. Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

These two things are so important for how we function in our day-to-day lives, but they are so often the very things that get swept away as life happens. Here's what I am (re)learning as I walk my own health journey. Is this something you struggle with, too? Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

Hey there! It's been a hot second, hasn't it? While I was driving the other day, I took an honest look at what's been going on and where I am now. And I talk about small steps to be intentional with my time and making changes going forward. Come along on the journey with me... Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com - check out my new site, subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, find the complete show notes (with transcription), follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health + wellness!

How have you managed over the last 18 months? Are you ok? Do you have support? The events of this past year and a half have been challenging for all, particularly women. But no matter your gender, this is a universal truth. In a world that seeks to seemingly divide us at every turn, it is very apparent that we need connection, purpose, belonging, and each other, now more than ever! We were created for community. I encourage you to seek and cultivate that in your life. Who can you go deeper with? Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com - subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, follow me (and connect!) on the socials, and find all my favorites in health and wellness!

Sometimes the thing that feels hardest is the thing we most need. This vacation comes at a really hard time for us, but I am so happy I went. The change of scenery, pace, and perspective shook things up to make way for the new. And with this fresh start comes a freedom and flexibility to revamp my rhythm and routine. Rest, relaxation, and recharging are SO important for us. To be able to get away, take a break, and NOT have the mental ticker-tape is vital to our wholistic well-being. I encourage you all to make space for this in your life, at least weekly. But if you are a women who has a serious need for restoration in body, mind, and soul - I have just the thing for you! My friends Liz and Anna are putting together this AMAZING retreat on St Michael's Island in the Azores. If you need a blueprint for a joy-filled life and need that rest, head over to www.lizmontignycoaching.com and click the retreat button. NOW is the time, friends. October sounds delightful for an island getaway, no? When you've signed up, head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com to learn more, connect with me on the socials, and find my favorites.

I'm on VACATION! Enjoying this last hurrah of summer immensely - being with my people, relaxing and recharging, and celebrating all.the.things! I am enjoying the restfulness of allowing my mind to slow down enough and make space to let my deeper thoughts expand. Marinating, percolating, letting the creativity, inspiration, and ideas all bloom and grow! Even though it falls during a crazy time for us, I am embracing this and loving just being present right where I am. This is YOUR reminder to make time to just breathe. Make space in your own life for your thoughts to bubble up too! Find my favorites and learn more about me - check me out on www.hotmesshomeschooler.com and connect with me on the socials.

My bestie called to tell me that she was making some big changes in her career...and I am ALL HERE FOR IT. I love that she felt that she has a choice and COULD do this - to craft a life and live by her own design. I am over here cheering her on with poms poms! We all deserve the chance to be fulfilled and live a joyful life. That includes not being afraid to try new things. As I always tell my daughter, never put yourself in a position where you have no choices...and in order to do that means taking risks, learning, and understanding you may not succeed. But all of this adds to the fabric of your life and makes you interesting. Learning and growing gives you options; you may chose a hobby OR a new career. Or you may hate it and never do that again. How would you know had you not tried? I chose to opt out and live a little differently, but it's a life I CHOOSE and live on my own terms. I hope the same for you. You deserve it. What lights you up? What makes you come alive when you talk about it? * Funny note: I recorded this on Friday but in the midst got interrupted by my son. It is what it is...part of being the hotmess homeschooler and living life on my terms LOL

I always say that small changes add up to BIG results. It's the smallest habits, done consistently, that can make the biggest difference in your life. but oftentimes we discount them because they are so small, we forget what mountains they move. This is my story, what I learned, and some positive changes I am seeing now. (And a little tip I've found to make habits more sustainable.) What habits in your life need to be clearer, more consistent, or healthier? I challenge you to start somewhere with just ONE thing...just start. And see where you will end up. What will you do? Keep me posted in the comments, I'd love to hear about your journey. Let's take back our power, habit by habit. Connect with me on the socials and check in at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com. Get my daily declaration here: https://bit.ly/dailyselfdeclaration

When life gets overwhelming or sickness strikes, it's okay, and necessary, to slow down and return to basic self-care with regards to simple health habits. Our bodies were beautifully designed and we only need to give space and opportunity to allow them to do what they were made to do. This is your reminder to stock your health arsenal now and get back to the wellness basics when you are feeling "off." For what I am using in my personal apothecary, comment below or connect with me through my website. All products can be found under Stacy's Faves at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com.

What the heck IS a concierge exactly and how do you even say that??? Despite the online dictionaries being less than helpful in the definition, I explore what being a concierge IS and why I chose that as my title. I am your person to come to ...When you need knowledge and have no time to research. ...When you are looking for hand-picked product selections so you don't have to weed through the vast array on the internet. ...When you want to get started but feel paralyzed and overwhelmed by ALL the options and information. I am here to help you get started or continue walking in Wholistic Wellness. I did the homework for you! My job is to connect you to greater health and guide you to be fully alive+well through education, empowerment, and authenticity. How? I teach busy mamas (and dads, and EVERYONE!) to live toxin-free in body, mind, and soul.; and empower them with the tools to take charge of their family's health. Stay tuned for all that is coming, currently in the works. Check out www.hotmesshomeschooler.com for more of my story, my mission, and my favorite product recommendations. If you want customized concierge services like how to get started or what works best for you, let's set up a time! As your wellness concierge, I am here for your needs. How can I best serve YOU???

Parenting has really opened my eyes and changed my relationship with God, and I have a much better understanding of how He probably feels about me! Sometimes when I say something to my kids, I get struck with those same words I just said to them, but applied to my own situation. This was clear to me recently, in an interaction with my son which in turn made me think of my current health journey. Has this ever happened to you? Has parenting changed your perspective to God? Leave me a comment and tell me about it. Connect with me on the socials or through my site. If you are interested in learning more about the supplement I mentioned, find it at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com under Stacy's Faves - cell detox and inflammation reduction. If you are looking for a community to walk in wellness together, check the Connect menu on my site for the Alive+Well Collective.

How do you show others mercy and how do you see mercy in your own life? As St Faustina said, we should consider it "always and everywhere." Although we know that love and mercy are central tenets to our Christian faith, often we may have no idea how that actually looks. I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Lara Patangan, an amazing "ordinary" woman, who gifted herself a year of doing the works of mercy for her 40th birthday - which transformed her outlook, her faith, and her relationship with God. She wrote about all her encounters and experiences in such a way that had me laughing out loud one minute, and getting hit in the feels the next - often in the same paragraph! Her writing style is so engaging and enjoyable. Lara shares both the straightforward and the nuances you may not have thought of on how to live out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy in your daily life. This is a fresh, practical way to live your faith out loud. "Mercy and grace are like opposite sides of the same coin, both given freely by God while paying exponential dividends." Get the book Simple Mercies by Lara Patangan and let yourself be transformed into a gift for yourself, others, and most importantly, God. He loves you as you are, and by showing up in service, you can allow Him to work through your ordinariness, making your life a living prayer. Find Lara at www.mercymatters.net, subscribe to her awesome newsletter, and connect with her on the socials. To snag your very own copy of Simple Mercies, check out www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme under amazon favorites> podcast mentions.

I sorta fell into attachment parenting practices when my oldest was a baby out of sheer survival. Then I learned this way of doing things had a name and how important it really was. As my daughter is solidly entrenched in her teenage years now, I have seen the fruits of the things I did when she was young, and have been convicted of their continual importance. But how DOES attachment parenting evolve and look for teens? Why does it matter? Let's chat...continue the conversation with me on the socials or at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com.

The importance of self-care is well known, right? Does that phrase make you roll your eyes? This is a hot topic all over social media feeds and memes, either touting its necessity or its cringiness. Regardless, we all know that "we can't pour from an empty cup". Or can we? Self-care is giving ourselves what we need so we in turn can give to others. What or who is filling your cup? What is pouring out of you? Stay in touch on the socials to discuss these topics, and more... www.hotmesshomeschooler.com

Several experiences this week had me really considering the growth process...a funeral, summer camp, and a mastermind meeting. In life we have experiences that stretch us, and it can hurt and isn't easy or comfortable, but through this process we can be remade into something new. Connect with me at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com and the socials to continue the conversation.

Today it was my pleasure to interview CDR Jerrol Wallace, an active duty Navy Nurse Anesthetist and we talked about his journey from being anti-military to being on track to get his PhD 28 plus years later. This self-described "chronic student" and I discussed a variety of things from nursing education, fibromyalgia, course work, and the realities of military life to the importance of advocacy and self-reflection. Regardless of your occupation, his advice on being mission-minded, investing in yourself and your future, and always doing your best applies across the board. It was fun to reminisce a bit, too, since we served together over 2 decades ago. Thank you for your continued service, CDR Wallace, and I'll be cheering you on as you continue to uplevel.

Lately I feel like things are here, there, and everywhere as we wrap up this school year and prep for summer travel. I am behind and sideways and upsidedown and inside out and everywhichway in between. Going from one thing to the next, and the next, and so on. Life is FULL. Here's how a little shift in prayer is helping me today, and I hope it can help you too. Connect with me at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com and find me on all the socials!

In a culture where we are always on, always busy, always distracted with something, this is the antidote you may have been searching for! In fact, most people probably don't even consider this, and if they do, may be not be doing it fully. Practicing this at least weekly can reap fruits in your life and bring much needed joy. This week I talked with Liz Montigny of Liz Montigny Coaching about our experiences and some practical tips to help you get started and find more joy in your own life. Listen in. Find Liz at www.LizMontignyCoaching.com, and connect with me at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme for all the resources and links.

Who even thinks that shampoo and deodorant can affect their health? Learn more on how common products impact your hormones and how to choose them well. This week I was interviewed by Lisa Stern of Lisa Stern Health Coaching in her facebook group, and we talked toxins and how they can impact your endocrine system. She specializes in harmonizing hormones and wanted to highlight the importance of what we use on our skin and around our homes, and the detrimental and unknowing effects that can happen. This issue is important for EVERYBODY! Hormones control our bodies, and most do not want to have them disrupted! Learn more on how to make simple changes that can have a huge impact. For further food or health coaching, or to learn more about how you can harmonize your hormones, find Lisa at www.LisaSternCoaching.com. Connect with me at www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/contact for customized concierge services to help you jump right in to making changes...it doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. And I got you! I've already done the homework.

St Joan of Arc said, "All battles are first won or lost in the mind." Your mindset is the key to everything! Do you have a growth mindset or is yours fixed? Listen in, and let me know! For links to the books and resources I spoke of, please go to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme under amazon favorites.

The episode I DO actually talk about homeschooling. Whether you or not you are a parent, or even homeschool, there are some nuggets of encouragement and inspiration you can find in making changes in your own life. For links to the tools and books I spoke of, please go to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme under amazon favorites. To chat curriculum or supplementation, please reach out directly - I'd be happy to connect and share specifics.

Happy Earth Day! We know the usual ways of celebrating, but have you considered truly living green? Here is a tangible and impactful way to not only help the Earth, but your self, your health, and your family, too. Need help making the switch? Overwhelmed by all the options? I got you! Remember, as your wellness concierge, I did the homework for you. Everyday should be Earth Day, really. Head over to www.hotmesshomeschooler.com/linkme for all of my very favorites or contact me to schedule personalized concierge services.

A couple themes keep hitting me over the head regularly, and I need to practice what I preach. Also, some clarification for how I show up to you.

What we take in - whether it's what we eat, read, listen to, or watch - has a profound impact on how we perform daily. Here are simple steps to be your best! Chatting with Liz Montigny of Liz Montigny coaching as we discuss the importance of self-talk. All links in this episode can be found at https://hotmesshomeschooler.com/blog/curating-your-consumption

Your financial health is just as important as your physical health. Money and Mindset can both either be a big stumbling block or a powerful tool. Chrissy Ford of Ace Your Health and Wealth chats with me about how her past led her to help others with those issues. Read more and find all links mentioned at https://hotmesshomeschooler.com/blog/money-mindset

My 13 year old daughter did a 180 and decided to go vegan for January. Here's why, and her experiences so far. Her favorite recipes to date can be found at https://hotmesshomeschooler.com/blog/veganuary

What's a word of the year and how do you choose one? Stacy & Liz (of Liz Montigny Coaching) discuss this and reveal theirs.

The how and why you'd want to explore juicing this modest and underappreciated vegetable.

Simple profound wisdom found in a sweet little children's book. Here's some encouragement for you, friends!

New relationships can be awkward, am I right? Here's my story so you can get to know a little about me and what to expect here.