Sweatpants and Stilettos

We all live within our own skin. It's just how we feel about it with our self-confidence and how we take care of it. We are so excited to have Caryn Grazier of Simply Skin Esthetics join us. Of course, being women, raising daughters, and being a part of the female community, Steph and Crystal had so many questions. This is just Part 1 of our conversation asking all things about skin, the latest trends, and how to cope with our skin in different life stages. This episode brings so much insight, knowledge, and some newfound tricks in the health, skincare, and beauty industry. Join the conversation...because this is for anyone...men and women! Please find Simply Skin Esthetics at @simplyskinomaha on Instagram and Sweatpants & Stilettos @sweatpants.stilettos --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

...not a bear hunt. Ha! It's spring break! The Johnsons are going on one of three: a vacation, a trip, or an adventure. Which one...well, they all have a different definition. Steph and Crystal define what these three "trips" entail, discuss the Holy Grail and all the preparation...and give a few tips and tricks when traveling with your family. You will laugh...as you know these women have had some stories. Join us for light conversation in the closet as we discuss traveling. By the time this episode drops...will Crystal have had which one? A vacay...a classic "trip", or an ultimate adventure? Join us on Instagram @sweatpants.stilettos

What do you remember about middle school? Or, rather, what would you rather forget? No matter how you cut it, it is an awkward and pivotal time in one's life. You are growing into your own. This week, we have a very special guest. She was hard to get *cough*. Not, because she didn't want to be a guest...far from it. Rather, she is a middle schooler. This week we bring you the perspective of a middle schooler from a middle schooler. From this host, I - Crystal, am honored to my oldest daughter, Ava, come to the closet to discuss middle school. This week we get an inside scoop on what middle schoolers are thinking, what they are into, and some of the pressures they are facing. The times of today are so different than when middle school parents went through the same experience. There are some things that remain true...and some things have gotten harder. Let us know what you think...it was an insight conversation for mom. DM us at @Sweatpants.Stilettos on Instagram...or just say hi to Ava.

Calling all parents...of middle...well any age. We are in throngs of our preteen/middle school years in this parenting gig. As we always say, it is getting harder. We are facing that lovely season called "tryouts". It's fun, isn't it? We aren't in the era where we rely on phone calls or heading up to the school to see if your name is on a piece of paper. We are in real-time with instant access to all that is happening. In an era where all things are pushing to be the best and where everyone gets the participation trophy, how do you coach and walk your children through "failing". How do you navigate the competition, but more importantly walk the journey of not always coming out as the number one superstar? This week we take a real-life example happening in our household and open up the discussion. It is hard teaching kids that they will and need to fail. They have to build lifelong skills. It is heartbreaking as a parent, gut-wrenching to witness, but incredibly vital for the real world.  We would love to hear your take on this hot topic. How do you coach and wade through this journey? DM or Message us at @sweatpants.stilettos on Instagram

Hello! How fun is that name...the Crunchy Pharmacist? No, this episode is not all hippy and alternative. What this conversation is about is learning elements of medicine and maybe some alternatives - like looking at your ingredients. We are absolutely thrilled to have Dr. Erin Williams as a guest. Dr. Erin Williams is a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. She is passionate about reducing the use of potentially inappropriate or unnecessary medications where possible, while at the same time promoting the quality of life. Yes...we had the questions for Dr. Erin! The pharmacy is overwhelming, what are we looking for? Are there ingredients to consider in medications? What if I leave the darn refrigerated-only medication out on the counter all night? Erin does a wonderful job of giving us the down to earth answers, mixing in practicality with some things that maybe should make us think. Don't kid yourself...of course as moms we are sitting in our sweatpants and laughing along the way. Tune in for an insightful and fun conversation with Dr. Erin. Stay tuned for show notes, as we will list some things Erin discusses here. Do you have questions? DM us at @sweatpants.stilettos on Instagram Follow Dr. Erin Williams @the.crunchy.pharmacist on Instagram.

Just breathe. Makes us think of the song the beautiful Faith Hill coos. But, that one word can often be so difficult. Breathe. So many times in life, people are telling us...just breathe. When we face anxiety, a challenging time in our lives, or merely offering the advice of just to slow down, important people in our lives are coaching us to use what we have within us. But do we? This week, we have a special guest with us, Nicole Rager. Nicole is a Certified Transformational Breath® Facilitator and Trainer, who has worked with individuals across the globe. During this episode, Nicole educates us on what Transformational Breath® is and what a profound tool it can be in your life. The technique works on all levels – physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual. This is an intriguing and insightful conversation that left us wanting more. Nicole has wonderful resources, e-courses, and information at www.nicolerager.com Let's learn about our powerful tool within us.

Wow...we are back! We never intended to take a break. But, what a year 2021 was...and well, the lift-off to 2022 has been interesting. Let's face it, 2021 was a bit rough! However, even when things are tough, interesting, or downright uncomfortable, you still learn. This week Steph and Crystal get to connect...finally, after a month of sickness and mom life. And, they discuss what the year 2021 taught them and what they are taking with them into the new year. They have some intentions and are ready to take their lessons and move forward into a new year that hopefully will share just as many lessons, but will also be full of joy. Let's get real...come rejoin us in the closet! Follow us on Instagram at @Sweatpants.Stilettos --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's here!! Is it too late? Are you team Crystal --- holy smokes this is late to be shopping for holiday gifts? Or, are you team Steph...we are riding the tide? In any case, we are bringing you our favorites and annual gift list. It comes from moms and two women that like to shop. Hopefully, this helps fuel your creativity and sparks an idea for someone special in your life. Holidays are pure madness in trying to procure for everyone, as we all know...most likely it is the moms that are creating all the magic. So, hug a mom today. We will post our links and pictures up on our Instagram account @sweatpants.stilettos --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We aren't sure how we are entering the Thanksgiving season, but here we are! It's been a hot minute on the mom train. Crystal has mysterious packages arriving at her house, Stephanie put a wild ingredient in her smoothie, and we endured a middle school concert. Regardless, we share some Thanksgiving basics and start to prep for the holiday season. If you are wearing sweats...join us. Those elastic bands will be our friends on Thanksgiving Day! Always connect with us at @sweatpants.stilettos on Instagram --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Can you believe it? We started Sweatpants and Stilettos a year ago! Being busy moms, literally spinning in every direction...we did it! We took on this creative outlet, and we couldn't be more excited and proud. We are so grateful for your listenership. This week, we hold tried and true. We discuss loathing family pictures, what became of Homecoming, how McDonald's Diet Coke is like crack, how one of us hates Halloween, and well how we are those parents. Join us with our Diet Cokes in the closet as we get real. We are holding a meet and greet this month in Omaha. DM us for details, as we want to meet you! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

October is a month where many different advocacies are brought to light. This week we put the spotlight on one that sometimes gets overshadowed. It's Dyslexia Awareness Month. Crystal shares her personal journey her family has walked with dyslexia. There is still so much unchartered territory to blaze for dyslexia. We hope this week sheds some education, advocacy, and attention on this issue. 1 in 5 people is dyslexic. That is a staggering number. This is a story about a mom with massive gut intuition discovering her child has a superpower. Please share your thoughts with us and connect on Instagram @sweatpants.stilettos --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Yep. We are going to say it. This week completely kicked our booties! It was the first full week of school, and every parent feels the weight and layers to that statement. And, apparently, we are also holding a caregiver school assembly on how to fix the school pick up and drop off lanes. Come on...you know Chik-Fil-A would have the logistics worked out to a science. Seriously...how can the carpool lane be this obnoxious. Oh, and we also got our medical school degrees raising females. We had tears, we had stress, we had Steph eating Rice Krispies with "mashed" up bananas. We are just hamsters spinning. How about you? We are with you in solidarity. Tell us your stories. Connect with us on @sweatpants.stilettos. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Listeners want to know. Or, at least pose some interesting questions. Over the course of producing our podcast, listeners have sent in questions stemming from various episodes. The questions run the gamut, from personality traits to favorite products, to would you rathers. Steph and Crystal had so much fun answering these wide array of questions. We love hearing from our listeners and what sparks your interest. You can continue to inquire and connect with us on Instagram at Sweatpants.Stilettos or feel free to email us. What are you looking forward to this fall? Here is our first Q&A with our hosts. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Oh friends, where did the summer go? We are just going to call it. Can we? We are moms afterall. We are living the shit show of summer. It seems every time you cross the bridge from July 4th...it just becomes chaos. The ladies are all living completely different lives and are in different lanes. In this episode, we are transparent. We just catalog where we are and what we are feeling. We are sure all of you can resonate on some level. Ping us. Tell us we are not alone. But, we are making a effort to get back on track and in a groove. We didn't mean to take a little hiatus. But, well, that is motherhood. Connect with us on Instagram at @sweatpants.stilettos or send us an email at Sweatpants.Stilettos@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Are you like us? We just crossed a big bridge - our children transitioned from grade school to middle school. And, middle school takes on way more challenges, as kids make their way into the teen years. There are so many different pressures, lessons, and feelings facing teens today. We'll pull that card...things have changed since we have walked through the journey. One major shift - technology! Officer Barton, a school resource officer here in Omaha, Nebraska, discusses with us the primary concerns she is seeing in the schools and what teens are troubled with today. This conversation is insightful, engaging, and makes you think as a parent...how will I walk this journey with my teen. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please email us at Sweatpants.Stilettos@gmail.com. Always DM us or connect with us at @Sweatpants.Stilettos on Instagram. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

For a lot of us, there is that little nagging push within us. There is some fuel or passion that we would like to investigate or dive into more. But, like most people, we don't just jump. We want everything to be perfect before starting anything. In this episode, we get to talk with Erin Stoll from Style Thief Fashion once again. Erin brings us her perspective and story on how she started her "side" business. Here's the best part...she started at 40...and she just went for it! Sort of like this podcast! We just jumped...and you figure it out as you go. Start somewhere. Learn how Erin has morphed and shaped her journey as she began her quest for fueling a passion she has. Follow us or get in touch with us on Instagram at @Sweatpants.Stilettos and @StyleThiefFashion --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Let us introduce you to your new best friend. Her name is Erin Stoll. Erin is an personal stylist in the Omaha area who is the creator of Style Thief Fashion. This episode goes beyond what is the hottest trend and color palette on the market right now. Erin walks us through the journey of how she works with clients to determine their style and debunks myths a lot of us have seared into our heads. Erin is candid and brings to light her mantra: everyone should feel amazing. We absolutely loved our conversation, which could have gone on for hours. Come to the closet with us as we get real shaping identity...in more ways than one. Follow us at @sweatpants.stilettos and @stylethieffashion --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's spring - or at least that time in the year where we are all wearing layers, the birds are chipping, and there are signs of rebirth. And, it is the time where we all get the urge to spring clean! We love deep cleaning, a good system, relish ultimate hacks, and love the smell of bleach. But, that isn't necessarily what we are discussing. "First quarter" is done. Have you checked in with yourself? As we come out of - what was something none of us have lived through - the pandemic, we ask ourselves...what needs spring cleaning within us? The ultimate saying is be careful what you return to. What do you want to return to, freshen up, or regroup within you? And...we are moms. Seriously, if there is a good trick in the book on any of the above send us a DM! @Sweatpants.Stilettos. Also, please feel free to give us a review and let us know how we are doing!

How many plates do you have spinning? Or rather, how do you balance? Many people take on a different lens to the whole work- life dance. When people find themselves in the child rearing days the whole work - life balances gets fuzzy, confusing, conflicting and hard. This week, Annette, Crystal and Steph found themselves at a retreat--where they had to prioritize to break away. They took the time to plan, discuss, and open up the question...how do you handle the work - life balance? Maybe it's about boundaries. Maybe it is seasonal. Maybe it doesn't exist. What do you think? Come join the conversation on Instagram @Sweatpants.Stilettos

We are in a culture where we live and breathe by our phones. They are our scheduling devices, entertainment portals, business operators, and help us survive household management. And...there is an app for everything! Why then, do we feel in the dark ages when you discover an app everyone knows about...and suddenly, it is your best friend. How did you not know about this before? This week, we share our favorite apps. And, we know we are certainly missing some. We need you to share with us...what are we missing? Apps make life easier. Help the moms out... Share your favorite app with us at @Sweatpants.Stilettos on Instagram.

S&S doesn't just stand for Sweatpants and Stilettos. It is also for our third couple that takes the mic in our Love & Marriage Series. Scott and Stephanie get candid about their relationship and the key levers that make their marriage work. At the end of the day, "all that matters is within these four walls." And, can we just say...yep, we are LOVING your list of priorities. What is fun about this series is watching our significant others get personal on topics they usually chase down with a beer. They bring the male perspective...and you are definitely going to want to hear this one...so many good lessons! But, Scott is a teacher after all. Come follow us on Instagram: @Sweatpants.Stilettos

We have all established marriage is hard. This week, we continue our series Love & Marriage with a new couple taking the mic. Brian and Crystal discuss what they feel can be five core ripples of marriage. There are lots of ripples, but some create bigger tidal waves than others. They are not therapists. All they have is their 15 years of marriage under their belts. But, they attempt to dive into some topics that merit weight. Each topic deserves its own podcast, but we hope you find some of their navigation and perspective to be helpful. We would love to hear what you think are other tidal waves in marriage. Join us on Instagram @Sweatpants.Stilettos

We are still in the season of love and continuing our conversation on marriage. Each couple is unique and values specific aspects of marriage. This week, we take an inside peak into a marriage with two people that are continuing to write their own story. Annette and Jared take to the microphone to bring you what works in their marriage, what they are striving for each day, and how they continue to work on their relationship. Steph and Crystal certainly adore this couple...we know you will too. While we consider them the "babies" in their youthful nature...they are wise beyond their years. Thank you for sharing a piece of your story with us Annette and Jared. Connect with us at @Sweatpants.Stilettos

You know the theme song. While it is the "season" of love, those two words have weight. This week, Annette, Steph, and Crystal bring their 15 years of marriage to the table. They get candid on how they met their husbands and what marriage means to them. It takes work. Marriage is not something you get to leave on the shelf and neglect. There are different "seasons" of marriage. Join the conversation as we get real on the season we are entering. Follow us on Instagram @Sweatpants.Stilettos

What is your vision for your life? How about your purpose? Those are some pretty big questions to answer for any individual. As we embark on a new year, we all find ourselves "vision casting" and hoping for what 2021 will be. Some of us goal set, some of us plan, and some of us create vision boards. However, all three of those activities take more than writing down some words and cutting out some pictures. It takes some real work. We are so honored to have Angie Petersen-Green as our guest. Angie is life coach and has spent the last three years leading clients in her practice Vision Maps with Angie. Her work is about getting clear on living your authentic life. We have a candid conversation with Angie on what the process looks like and how Angie's coaching style allows you to do the real work that is necessary. One of our very own has walked this journey with Angie. Steph can't say enough about what the process has manifested in her life. To connect with Angie, please visit the following: Email: mrsvision@yahoo.com Website: www.visionmapswithangie.com Instagram: @coachedbyangie

We seek them out. When a great one is found...it is sheer genius. As moms...we try to share them in anyway we can. And, if you are that Pinterest mom, you are combing the web for them. The great ones are usually just stumbled upon. Friends of the communal tribe, they are called Mom Hacks. The tribe lives and breathes for things that make life just a little bit easier. This week, we needed a mom hack. Our brains and bodies are fried from the first week out of the gate and into the new year. So, we took a topic that we only hope provides you some reprieve and maybe an "a-ha" moment. We share some great mom hacks we have learned along the way. But, the tribe helps the tribe...please share with us your greatest mom hacks! @sweatpants.stilettos on Instagram

Oy! We are here. We made it. It's 2021. Though it is a new year, it doesn't have its typical flair. After all, we have lived through a pandemic and are still trudging through it. How do you set yourself up for the new year? What expectations do you have? Do you plan and goal set or do you just go for it? Inevitably, as we start a new year there are expectations and reflection. This week we discuss how we approach transitioning between years. That word just keeps coming up - expectations ... of growth, rebirth, goal setting, self-care, personal and professional...the list could go on and on. Weigh in on how you are approaching 2021 and how you manage all the expectations. Join us in the conversation and connect with us on Instagram at @Sweatpants.Stilettos. Cheers to a new 365 day chapter. You are the writer...you hold the pen.

Oy boy, we are here to that part in the season. We are runnin', gunnin' and blazin' at warp speeds. There are so many layers to the holidays, but then you had a nice pandemic to it and it gets thicker and messier. We are tired. We are chugging. And, we are just aiming to get to the joyous and relaxation moments. This week, we just call it real. We moms are stressed. How about you? Feel free to connect with us at @Sweatpants.Stilettos We will be your support team and raise you up! Moms, we are in this together.

One thread that binds the three of us women is that we all carried twins. However, Annette has an incredible story to share. Since the day we introduced ourselves, we have gotten requests for Annette to share her journey. In this raw and real conversation, Annette shares her experience in being a surrogate to twin baby boys. We will uncover how the story unfolded, how Annette and her family approached the journey, and lessons she learned along the way. This is an incredible story of selfless love, friendship, and giving the ultimate gift of life. We would love for you to share your thoughts and feedback with us on our Instagram profile: @Sweatpants.Stilettos or feel free to email us.

Our two front teeth? No. Some momma free time ... definitely. This week, we break down some of our favorite products. We all know that we are in a time of procuring gifts and being a magical elf. And, there isn't one of us that isn't struggling on what to get a particular person. We list off some of our favorite items that we can't live without. Maybe something will inspire you, or at the very least, something might become your favorite too. Please share with us what your favorite items are. We are moms struggling to find that fantastic gift as well! @Sweatpants.Stilettos on Instagram.

It's that time. You are either setting alarms on your phone or playing paper, rock, scissors with your spouse for who has to hide the elf. There is a lot of magic to be created if your children still believe. What traditions do you have in your household? How many spin cycles are you going to be on this season? We discuss some of our family traditions, whether our kids still believe, and how to break the magic spell if you are in that phase of life. It's December folks. Time to gear up, crank up the magic, and create lasting memories with the family. Parents: put your AirPods on. This episode unleashes some secrets.

We all live off of Amazon Prime. 2-Day Shipping is our lifeblood. With the holidays approaching, we take an inside look at what's in our Amazon carts. Typically, people place cart items in a "holding pattern" until you hit the magical button. And, there are usually some tried and true staples, items you try out because you are heavily influenced, or the typical gift you have to give. We want to know what you have in your Amazon carts! Head on over to our Instagram page @Sweatpants.Stilettos for all the products and fun items we discuss this week. Get into your favorite sweats, grab the coffee, and start scrolling the domineering 800 pound - maybe it's up to 1000 pounds - gorilla in retail. It's time to shop!

Pumpkin spice and everything nice. Did you grab the cute boutique t-shirt? You know the one...the rustic red-orange one with the inspirational saying. Or, are you wrapping yourself up in the chunky cardigan with your latte thinking of all the wonderful blessings? It is the season for all things fall and thanksgiving. We are blessed, and yes, we too are right there with you...eating up all the fall tidings. But, how do you practice gratitude on a regular basis and not make it a focus one time a year? How do we make sure we instill it in our kids? We break down how we are attempting the big word--GRATITUDE--in our households and everyday lives.

Yep. We went there. And, no, it is not about going to the bathroom. Join Steph, Annette and Crystal has they discuss what it means to tinkle. The ladies break it down...are you team Steph, or do you have the same issues Annette and Crystal face? We told you...we are going to talk about all of life's "realness". Welcome to the conversation.

If you are a mom, you probably remember the book, "Are You My Mother?" by P.D. Eastman. It is the journey of a hatchling bird who doesn't understand where is mother is and goes to look for her. As we have walked our journey, we have come in and out of friendships. We even question some of them. While some relationships remain steadfast, others are fleeting. What qualities anchor you in your friendships and what needs do you have? We take an inner look at friendship as we are trying to coach our tween daughters through the complexities and challenges of developing and maintaining relationships.

Welcome to Sweatpants and Stilettos - a place where women can be real, and we talk about all the things! Let's face it, we all aspire for class and sophistication. We all wish we could bounce around life in a pair of stilettos. But, life is real and it's messy. You need your go-to sweats to get it all done. And, you need three ladies that will get down to the nitty gritties of what is keeping them afloat, how they survive work, kids and marriage, and most of all how they value friendship and just being themselves. In this "teaser" episode, you will get to know your three new besties - Steph, Annette, and Crystal. They will discuss where they are in life and how this podcast was born. You might have just found your go-to gal pals in your favorite pair of sweatpants. We welcome you to the conversation...let's get started. This is Sweatpants and Stilettos.