the raw and the cooked

This year, I'm treating 2026 like a stewardship reset.In this episode, I walk through the discretionary spending categories I'm tracking — groceries, household sundries, kids' gear, memberships, family outings, clothing, and more — and how I'm identifying the “slow bleeds” that quietly add up. I also share why I'm prioritizing second-hand purchases, repairing before replacing, and using what we already have (yes, even the unopened lipsticks).We simply have enough. And this year, I want to live like it.Previous Episodes on Budgets: #31: Fluid Budgeting and a Spending Freeze Part I #32: Sinking Funds, Budgeting Part II#105: 2024 Budgeting for a Smooth Year#188: Raw Monthly Budget | What My Family of Six Actually SpendsSend a textwww.daraboxer.com

This week, I'm talking about the Ten Commandments, and why I believe they are still a blueprint for human flourishing today. I share my thoughts on integrity, faith, and choosing what is right in a world that often celebrates the opposite.If you've been feeling unsettled by what you see in the culture, this episode is an invitation to choose light, truth, and moral clarity — imperfectly, but sincerely.Other Shabbat Episodes:#193: The Radical Gift of Sabbath#96: How and Why the Sabbath Balances Out Your Weekly Flow Send a textwww.daraboxer.com

February can feel endless—especially when you're home with little kids, battling cold temps, cabin fever, and low energy. In this episode, I'm sharing my honest, gentle “survival guide” for making it through winter without burning out. From at-home lattes and simple meals to lowering the bar, leaning on community, and finding small things to look forward to, this is a reminder that you don't have to thrive right now—you just have to get through. If you're feeling tired, foggy, overstimulated, or lonely, this episode is for you.Psst. The grout renewal I found!Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

In this week's episode, I'm sharing how I actually live a “good energy” life with four kids under seven—without biohacking or perfection. From sleep hacks, gentle daily movement, and mindful alcohol habits to whole-food meals, slow cooking, and simple personal care swaps, I walk through the small changes that make a real difference in day-to-day energy and long-term health.No judgment, no impossible routines—just honest, relatable ways to feel more awake, grounded, and energized as a busy parent. If you've ever wondered how self-care and wellness fit into a full household with little kids, this episode is for you.Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

I'm sharing a no-holds-barred reading roundup: four books I couldn't put down (even when I didn't love them), and four that just didn't stick. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to impulsive library grabs that pleasantly surprised me, we dive into what made these pages fly—or flop. Spoiler: “page-turner” doesn't always mean “masterpiece,” and sometimes the books you think you'll love… you just can't finish.If you're hunting for your next read—or avoiding a disappointment—this episode's got you covered. I'll spill what kept me up past bedtime, what made me gasp, and what made me slam the book shut. Plus, my thoughts are unapologetically subjective, so don't take it personally if your favorite shows up on my DNF (Did Not Finish) list. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's talk books.Books Discussed:Must-Reads / Couldn't Put Down:Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly JacksonProm Mom by Laura LippmanCabin Fever by Alex DahlYou Deserve to Know by Aggie Blum ThompsonDid Not Finish / Overrated for Me:5. You're Safe Here by Leslie Stevens6. The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton7. I Don't Forgive You by Aggie Blum Thompson8. November 9 by Colleen HooverSend us a textwww.daraboxer.com

What if fatigue, brain fog, cravings, and mood swings weren't random—but signals from your cells asking for help?In this episode, we break down Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means and translate metabolic health into real life. We explain the five key markers that act like a dashboard for how well your body makes and uses energy—and why so many “normal” symptoms are early warning signs, not destiny.We connect modern life to mitochondrial stress: ultra-processed food, poor sleep, blue light at night, sedentary days, constant temperature comfort, and chronic stress. We explore insulin resistance, inflammation, why the brain often suffers first, and why kids and teens are especially vulnerable. Most importantly, you'll leave with a simple playbook you can start today: better sleep, morning light, real food, shorter eating windows, daily movement, and tracking what actually matters. Small changes compound—and your cells respond faster than you think.Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

In Judaism, we sometimes call God ‘Hashem,' which means ‘The Name.' I love this word — it feels close and loving. In today's episode, I'm sharing something a little softer and more reflective. Lately I've been feeling deeply aligned and blessed in this season of life — not because everything is perfect (it never is), but because I'm becoming more aware of Hashem's presence in the day-to-day moments of motherhood, home life, and growth.This episode is about contentment, trust, alignment, and learning to receive the life we already have — with gratitude and humility. I talk about noticing blessings, softening into faith, and how grounding routines and rhythms help me stay centered when things feel chaotic.If you're also craving peace, meaning, or spiritual rootedness in the middle of a full life with little ones — this one's for you.

✨ Happy 2026! We made it through the holidays and now get that beautiful fresh-start energy that January brings. I am so here for it.In today's episode, I'm sharing my very favorite baby and toddler books — the ones we reach for again and again with our 16-month-old and our preschoolers, and honestly the ones our older kids still love, too.Rather than focusing on a specific age, these are simply the books that:have a great rhythm or rhymeare fun to read aloud (over and over again!)have engaging illustrationsand bring joy to our home libraryBecause you know that feeling when your child hands you a book… and the cadence is clunky, the story drags, or the pictures just don't land? (Looking at you, Harold and the Purple Crayon — I know it's a classic, but it's just not my favorite

Today, I'm sharing  the impulse buys that shaped a year at home with four kids, from sleep-regression gear that flopped to kitchen tools, kid storage, and one antique desk that changed everything. Honest wins, painful misses, and the small upgrades that make family life smoother. Kitchen:Apple SlicerSour Dough Bread KnifeUSA Loaf PansSilicone Tipped Metal StrawsMartha Stewart Cake Stand with Glass DomeHomeMoss Poles for PlantsFine Mist Continuous Spray BottlesRosemary and Ginger HandsoapPuzzle Glue Sharpie Pastel HighlightersMesh Laundry BagsSmall Bluetooth SpeakerAutomatic Pet FeederBabyCorolla Mini Baby DollTripod Clip FanSlumber PodBaby GateInfant Stanley CupBig KidsBubble MachineBug Boys Graphic NovelsHot Wheels DisplaysLego OrganizerInitial Fanny PackClothing, etc. Steamer for Clothes + Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

I'm sharing my favorite books of 2025 — the ones that stayed with me, challenged me, comforted me, or simply pulled me through a heavy season.This year, I read 55 books (and counting), and today I'm narrowing it down to the 13 books I loved the most. These picks span fiction and nonfiction, parenting, faith, health, and pure escapism — a true snapshot of my reading life this year.December feels heavy. The sun sets early. Everything feels like effort. And yet, there is nothing like a really good book. This episode is for anyone craving depth, distraction, or nourishment through reading.Books Mentioned in This Episode (in no particular order):God of the Woods by Liz MooreThe Wedding People by AlisonEspachGood Inside by Dr. Becky KennedyAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Bright Years by Sarah DamnoffThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerThe Rational Bible by Dennis PragerGood Energy by Casey MeansMarble Hall Murders by Anthony HorowitzIs She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie CousensWhat Does It Feel Like? by Sophie KinsellaGone Girl by Gillian FlynnAll the Colors of the Dark by Chris WhitakerSend us a textwww.daraboxer.com

Today I'm sharing Winter Dinners that will save your sanity. One-pot and one-sheet-pan meals for busy, cold nights that'll make winter cooking easier. Recipes & Meals Mentioned:Slow Cooker Sunday• Simple slow-cooker chicken• Honey Butter Chicken (Naptime Kitchen–inspired)Ground Beef Monday• Meatloaf• Chili• MeatballsAsian Tuesday• Coconut milk chicken with kale• Korean tacos• Fishbird Chicken• Butter Chicken MeatballsSalmon Wednesday• Sheet-pan salmon + roasted vegetableThursday Simple Night• Grilled cheese + tomato soup• Minestrone• Carrot ginger soup• Turkey sandwichesFriday One-Pot Chicken• Chicken pot pie• Butternut squash–chicken–rice bake• Quinoa–sweet potato–chicken sausage bake• Marry Me ChickenBonus Meals• Sheet-pan chicken thighs, potatoes & Brussels sprouts• Extra batch rice & mashed potatoes prepSend us a textwww.daraboxer.com

We celebrate 200 episodes by tracing the path from a 2015 blog to a no-ads show, then unpack the five listener favorites that keep you coming back. Books lead the way, followed by kids' reads, cleanup systems, family routines, and flexible budgeting.Top Book Review Episodes:#25 Paper Palace#104 Lady Tan's Circle of Women#109 The Collected Regrets of Clover#179 The Wedding People#159 Here One Moment#99 Remarkably Bright CreaturesAnd Other Top 10 Listener Favorites:#46 Toddler Books We Currently Love#140 Systematically Cleaning Up the Kitchen After a Meal#178 Bedtime Routines with Four Kids Under Six#31 Fluid Budgeting, and a Spending FreezePlease leave me a review on Spotify or on Apple Podcast!Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

Today, I dive into Children of the Book: A Memoir of Reading Together by Ilana Kurshan, a memoir that ties parenting to the Bible's rhythm, and how I used it to build a curated list of 92 children's books for our family library. I share what resonated, what I skipped, and how I turned the list into holiday gifts you can copy. The 92 Children's Book Recommendations. Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

Laundry doesn't have to be overwhelming, even in a big family. In this episode, I walk you through the system that works for us:Why one small load every morning is the backbone of my laundry routineHow I fit switching loads into our natural daily flow (even with preschool drop-offs and activities)My simple rhythm for sheets, towels, and diapers — and why bi-weekly is plenty in our houseThe trick to keeping laundry folded and put away (without it piling up)Why doing smaller, steady loads beats saving it all for one exhausting laundry dayThis isn't about doing laundry perfectly — it's about finding a rhythm that fits into real family life, accidents, messes, and all.If you've ever felt buried under laundry, I hope this episode gives you permission to keep it simple and manageable.Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

In this week's episode, I'm diving into one of my all-time favorite books, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer — a gentle but radical call to slow down and live with more peace, purpose, and presence.

Fall settles in as we map a full week of family dinners, pack smarter school lunches, and share the exact grocery spend that made it work. From soup and meatloaf to salmon and chili, we show how one plan and a few batch tricks stretch flavor, time, and budget.• soup Sundays with tomato soup and sourdough grilled cheese• meatloaf Monday with buttery mashed potatoes and a green• quick Asian Tuesday chicken with coconut milk over rice• hot sheet-pan salmon, rosemary mushroom cream, and leftovers strategy• chili Friday and an easy family rotisserie Saturday• three dozen hard-boiled eggs for snacks and gym mornings• DIY lemon ginger shots to replace store-bought wellness shots• Bento lunch system to pack eight lunches in two sessions• nut-free lunch ideas and cleaner snack swaps for kids• full grocery tally at $210 and $61 dining out• small wins and mishaps, from missing milk to better ketchupWe'll post the chicken with coconut milk recipe in the show notes.Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

I'm sharing ten simple shifts that made our home calmer, kinder, and more joyful, from fall break routines and kid chores to one-pot dinners and paper cycle tracking. The theme of this episode is gratitude!Long fall break without school rushKids stepping up with dishes, sweeping, resets, laundryMonochrome gym uniforms to cut decisionsFavorite cropped teePlum quarter zipNavy quarter zipBuilding a small real-clothes capsuleEarly mornings with Scripture and prayerOne-pot curries, rice on repeat, frozen ginger cubesHabit stacking coffee maker and feeding sourdough starterBoxed pumpkin bread as a seasonal shortcutPage-turner thrillers to restart reading joyPaper cycle tracking with daily body cues#44: 10 Things Simplifying My Life Right Now, Part I, #115: 10 Things Simplifying My Life Right Now, Part II, #131: 10 Things Simplifying My Life Right Now, Part IIIBlog PostSend us a textwww.daraboxer.com

Our first sukkah, a broken foot, and a reminder that curveballs aren't rejections — they're invitations. This week taught me about slowing down, showing up anyway, and finding joy in the middle of the mess.

This week I'm sharing about one of my favorite rhythms in our family life: Sabbath. Why we keep it, how it shapes our week, and why rest is good for everyone — body, soul, family, and culture. I'll talk about our own Sabbath table, the prep that makes it possible, and some wisdom from Genesis and beyond that has helped me see rest as not just a pause, but a gift.Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

Today's episode is a Part II of breaking free from cell phone addiction by turning smartphones into "dumb phones." Reclaiming our attention through intentional boundaries, mainly by living like it's 1995 again.• Deleting apps like banking, email, shopping, and browsers forces intentional computer-based usage• Setting boundaries like no phone before 7am and designated check-in times reduces compulsive checking• Switching to paper grocery lists and physical tracking systems eliminates constant phone dependency• Leaving the phone in the car during errands creates freedom from constant digital connection• Using an actual camera instead of phone camera brings back nostalgic imperfection in photography• Placing the phone in one location at home (like an old house phone) prevents room-to-room carrying• Weekly 25-hour "phone Sabbath" provides complete digital detox from Friday to Saturday nightIf this journey inspires you to make changes in your own phone habits, I'd love to hear about your experience!Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

I share my journey through 14 books read this summer - ten adult fiction and four children's books - reviewing the highlights, disappointments, and unexpected emotional moments along the way.• My standout favorite was "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach, likely to be in my top five books of the year• "Ask for Andrea" by Noelle Wehe captivated me with its unique perspective from murder victims in the afterlife• Some highly-rated books like "The Grace Year" and "Don't Forget to Write" fell completely flat for me• "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo made me ugly cry twice while reading it to my children• Children's book "Pax" by Sarah Penny Packer dealt with themes too heavy for young children despite my initial excitement• Some unexpected additions to my summer reading included Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Atmosphere" and Dr. Becky Kennedy's parenting guide• Books that receive universal acclaim online can still be disappointing to individual readers• The most satisfying reads often come from unexpected placesSend us a textwww.daraboxer.com

Digital clutter may not take up physical space, but it consumes valuable mental bandwidth and creates background anxiety we often ignore. This episode provides a comprehensive September reset for five key digital areas.• Phone usage is examined through the lens of "pickups" rather than screen time—revealing how we check phones every 8 minutes on average• Simple strategies for breaking phone addiction include app deletion, grayscale display, and designated check-in times• Computer organization focuses on desktop cleanup, download folder purging, and refreshing wallpapers• Email management tips include separate addresses for different purposes (personal, kids' activities, shopping)• Photo organization works best with timed 10-minute sessions, starting with older photos where emotional attachment is lower• Color-coded family calendars serve as the "single source of truth" with different colors for each family member and activity type• Breaking digital decluttering into small, manageable 10-minute sessions makes the process less overwhelmingJoin me in this digital reset journey—I've already reduced my phone pickups from 90 to 37 per day and feel mentally lighter. I'd love to hear your thoughts on phone usage and digital decluttering strategies!Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

"The Bright Years" by Sarah Damnoff is a debut novel that explores addiction's devastating impact across three generations of a family. This powerful story unfolds over three decades through alternating perspectives, weaving together themes of alcoholism, adoption, redemption, and the resilience of imperfect love. Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

Ever wonder what a real family budget looks like? This week I'm opening up our June 2025 numbers — every dollar we spent on groceries, clothes, dining out, birdseed (yes), birthday parties, and last-minute ice cream runs.I'm sharing where the impulse spending sneaks in, what makes it worth it, and how I think about money not just as math but as a living record of our values, chaos, and care.Come peek behind the budget curtain. I hope it inspires you to look at your own spending with a little more honesty — and a lot more grace.Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

September has a way of rushing in with new routines, school schedules, and endless lists, leaving us feeling like we're already behind. But what if this month didn't have to feel so overwhelming?In this episode, I'm sharing how I'm experimenting with a gentler rhythm for fall — including my idea of a “fall dashboard” to keep things simple — and how we can give ourselves permission to focus on what matters now, instead of everything at once.Full Post Here.Send us a textwww.daraboxer.com

This week on the podcast, I'm sharing exactly what our family of six ate over the course of a full summer week—plus what we spent on groceries and dining out. With my dad visiting, it was a lively, food-filled few days of sourdough baking, summer dinners, and simple breakfasts. Tune in for a peek at our real-life meal rhythm, how I balance homemade with easy wins, and the total cost of feeding our crew this July.Mentioned Recipes: Sourdough Brownies

In this episode of The Raw and the Cooked, I'm taking you inside a typical summer weekday morning in our house—with four kids under six, it's as wild and sweet as you'd imagine. From the early wake-up call (courtesy of the cat) to swim lessons, snack prep, and that sacred solo coffee shop hour, I'm sharing the rhythms that help keep things (mostly) running. If you're deep in the trenches too, I hope this one makes you feel a little less alone.Send us a text

The magic of audiobooks lies in the unique relationship between listener and narrator. Just as our parents became our first storytellers, reading bedtime stories with dramatic voices and engaging inflections, today's professional narrators transform words on a page into immersive experiences. The right narrator can elevate a good story into something extraordinary—think of George Saunders' "Lincoln in the Bardo" with its hundred-voice cast, or the perfect pacing in "Daisy Jones and the Six" that brings its interview format to vibrant life.Mentioned Audiobooks:Fates and Furies by Lauren GroffLincoln in the Bardo by George SaundersEverything, Everything and The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola YoonPachinko by Min Jin LeeThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasDaisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins ReidMrs. Everything by Jennifer WeinerSuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidA Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne FowlerValentine by Elizabeth WetmoreFriends and Strangers by J. Courtney SullivanRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonOne to Watch by Kate Stayman-LondonThe Unhoneymooners by Christina LaurenThe Push by Ashley AudrainApples Never Fall by Liane MoriartyCrying in H Mart by Michelle ZaunerThe Four Winds by Kristin HannahThe Plot by Jean Hanff KorelitzNora Goes Off Script by Annabel MonaghanTomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinHidden Pictures by Jason RekulakThe Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'FarrellThank You for Listening by Julia WhelanDead Romantics by Ashley PostonPart of Your World by Abby JimenezThe Candy House by Jennifer EganYellowface by R.F. KuangPineapple Street by Jenny JacksonRemarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van PeltThe Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki BrammerBye, Baby by Caroline LoveringNothing to See Here by Kevin WilsonThe Rachel Incident by Caroline O'DonoghueMiracle Creek by Angie KimThe Last One at the Wedding by Jason RekulakThe Wedding People by Alison EspachAsk for Andrea by Noelle IhliSend us a text

This replay dives into the magic of pan sauces — how they work, when to make them, and why they're a shortcut to flavor and elegance. You'll hear tips for building sauces from the bits left in the pan, plus my go-to combos that save dinner again and again.The Wooden SpoonSend us a text

Stop cooking every night, especially in the thick of summer time. Today, we're going to discuss stretching three meals into seven nights with the help of batch cooking. Send us a text

Today, I'm sharing five simple strategies to transform your kitchen into a stress-free space where you'll actually enjoy cooking, focusing on manageable daily actions that create long-term impact.• Clean up completely after every meal, including a "three-minute sweep" to remove non-kitchen items that accumulate on countertops• Gradually declutter cabinets and drawers while putting away clean dishes, removing broken items and duplicates you never use• Reorganize kitchen storage based on frequency of use, putting regularly used items in accessible spots• Implement regular meal planning to reduce food waste, save money, and eliminate mealtime stress• Decant pantry staples into clear containers for easy visual inventory and declutter specialty ingredients you rarely useTake these changes slowly and steadily—even implementing just the meal planning will give you a sense of calm and clarity in your kitchen.Send us a text

Meal planning doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. We break down a simple four-step system that will transform your weeknight dinner routine and eliminate the daily stress of deciding what to cook.• Determine exactly how many nights you'll be cooking each week• Create a list of 3-5 "staple meals" that you enjoy making and your family enjoys eating• Check your fridge and pantry for ingredients that need to be used up• Fill in your calendar with specific meals, drawing from your staples• Keep meals simple with the protein-starch-vegetable formula• Maintain just a handful of starches in your pantry to simplify planning• Prep vegetables in advance by roasting them with simple seasonings• Create your grocery list based on your meal plan• Include an "everything must go" night to reduce food waste• Remember that most families prefer a rotation of favorite meals rather than constant varietySend us a text

I'm completely swept away by "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach, a book that surprised me with its raw honesty and emotional depth. This winner of the 2024 Goodreads Favorite Fiction award deserves every bit of its 4.1-star rating and half-million reviews.• Audiobook narrator Helen Lazor delivers an exceptional performance, bringing characters to life with distinct voices• The premise follows Phoebe, who checks into a hotel to end her life, and accidentally connects with bride-to-be Lila• Their unlikely friendship forms the heart of the story, creating genuine humor amid serious themes• The book handles the topic of suicide with remarkable grace and sensitivity• Character arcs feel authentic and earned, with transformations that emerge naturally• All characters feel fully developed, even those we aren't meant to particularly like• The ending provides satisfaction while avoiding predictability• This ranks as my top read of 2025 so far, a book that lingers long after the final pageIf you've read "The Wedding People," I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you haven't picked it up yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance.Send us a text

Managing evening routines with four kids under six presents daily challenges that require flexibility, patience, and a consistent framework. Parenthood transforms us into versions of ourselves we never imagined possible, handling the beautiful chaos of young family life.• Striking a balance between consistent bedtime routines and summer flexibility• Reset the entire house after dinner with a family "power tidy" system• Divide evening responsibilities between partners without rigid role assignments• Implement age-appropriate chores for children as young as four years old• Coordinate multiple bedtime routines simultaneously while maintaining sanity• Find small moments of personal time even within chaotic evenings• Recognize that the intensity of parenting multiple young children is temporary• Acknowledge both the exhaustion and the deep pride of raising young childrenSend us a text

This episode is part confession, part therapy, for any mom drowning under a sea of plastic toys, overzealous grandparents, and the guilt that keeps you from tossing it all in a donation bin. I'm sharing what our kids bedrooms really looks like (hint: 5 baskets of stuffed animals, and that's just the start), the infamous Belle doll incident that broke me, and how I'm learning to set boundaries, release guilt, and reclaim our space. We'll talk systems, scripts, and why you are allowed to say, “This doesn't belong here.” It's not about the stuff—it's about protecting your peace, your kids' imaginations, and your home's heartbeat. If you need permission to do a ruthless toy purge, this is it.Send us a text

In honor of our late cousin Tim, I wanted to carry his birthday card legacy alive and well —armed with a spreadsheet, stamps, and a stack of Trader Joe's finest $1 cards. In this episode, I share the surprisingly simple system that keeps me organized, why the little act of sending a card matters more than you think, and how you can keep the kindness ripple going in your own mailbox. Because maybe we all need a little less scrolling and a little more postage stamps.Send us a text

We're talking all about starting solids with sanity for babies around six to twelve months, sharing raw and honest approaches without losing your mind during this beautiful yet messy period of development.• Most nutrition from birth to 12 months comes from milk/formula - solid foods are just a bonus• Starting with simple whole foods like blueberries, bananas, and avocados requires minimal prep• Balance both baby-led weaning for independence and purees for added nutrition• Constipation challenges are normal - pears, prunes and peaches help get things moving• Sanity-saving supplies: silicone bibs with catchers, easy-clean high chairs, and freezing homemade purees• Feed babies in just a diaper to avoid constant outfit changes• The "decoy spoon" trick: give baby a spoon to hold while using another to feed them• Expose babies to family meals when possible but have backup options ready• Give yourself grace - some days will be homemade purees, some days will be CheeriosJust remember this challenging phase is temporary but meaningful - we're teaching our children that food is colorful, fun and nourishing.Send us a text

In this episode, I'm sharing my top picks for summer reading in 2025, from literary fiction and psychological thrillers to gripping dystopian tales. I also have a special selection for children ages 4-7, if you're planning on taking any family roadtrips, these would make excellent audiobooks! Read along with me this summer! Summer 2025 List: These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton The Grace Year by Kim Liggett Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli The Wedding People by Alison Espach The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding The Quiet Tenant by Clemance Michallon Long Bright River by Liz Moore A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman ConfinoFour Children's Books (ages ~4 to 7 years old)The Wild Robot by Peter Brown The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo Pax  by Sara Pennypacker Charlotte's Web by E.B. WhiteSend us a text

After a week of sickness, missed routines, and general chaos, getting back on track can feel overwhelming. In this gentle, honest episode, I share what it looks like to reset slowly—without pressure or perfection. From freezer meals and fresh bedsheets to spiritual grounding and small acts of beauty, this is an invitation to begin again with compassion. Whether you're coming off a lost week or just craving a softer reentry into daily life, you're not alone—and you don't have to bounce back all at once.Send us a text

Welcome to Installment #6 of What We Ate This Week, how I prepped and what I spent! This was a lovely and smooth week filled with simple meals, lots of grilling, and zero food waste. The grand total for the 6 of us was $250+ for two Trader Joes trips and a super quick Costco run. Send us a text

This week, we're diving into God of the Woods, a gripping literary mystery set in the Adirondacks. With shifting timelines, vivid imagery, and rich character work, Liz Moore weaves a haunting story of family secrets and long-buried truths. Stay tuned through the end for a spoiler segment and one big lingering question.Send us a text

If you flinch every time someone asks “What's for dinner?”—you're not alone. In this episode, we unpack why that one simple question feels so loaded, especially for moms juggling the mental load. I share real talk on meal planning stress, emotional exhaustion, and why the timing of that question makes it feel like a personal attack. Plus, I offer practical tips (and a little humor) to make dinner planning just a little easier.Send us a text

I've really noticed a difference in how much less overwhelmed I feel. The best part? I'm not trying to keep everything in my head anymore. If you're anything like me, that mental load can get heavy. But having this simple, month-by-month reference has made it so much easier to keep everything on track.Send us a text

Baby #1 Birth Story — Episode #41Baby #2 Birth Story — Episode #42Baby #3 Birth Story — Episode #92Baby #4 Birth Story — Episode #146Practical Resources:The Mama Natural by Genevieve HowlandIna Mya's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May GaskinPro Tips: Ask for Natera's self-pay option - $250Fresh Test for alternative glucose screenings (non-GMO, gluten free, artificial flavoring free, dye free, BPA free and preservative free)Send us a text

Five Overrated Books I've Read Recently: A Novel Love Story by Ashley PostonThe Husbands by Holly GramazioThe Middle of the Night by Riley SagerThe Perfect Marriage by Jeneva RoseWe Used to Live Here by Marcus KliewerPS. The new to us children's book we loved: Truman by Jean ReidySend us a text

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Outdoor Spring Activities with KidsNature Walks: Around the neighborhood, a new to you trail, or parkStaring a Simple GardeningPicnics, try one in your own backyard! Exploring New-to-You Playgrounds / Parks / Trails Biking + Walking + Scootering around the neighborhoodOutdoor Art Projects (using chalk, grass, flowers, rocks, & sticks)Bird Watching -- so fun!Send us a text

So much to love with this novel, however the ending was terrible that made so little sense. Send us a text

Mindfulness Practices Motherhood This Spring:Evening cup of teaDaily gratitude journalingMoment of mindfulness in the morningsPhone-free time challengeMindful listening Send us a text

I tracked all my 20204 impulse purchases on Amazon and Target. Here are the things I loved, and worked out super well, in addition to all the things I deeply regret. Send us a text

Peaks and Valleys: Making Good and Bad Times Work for You by Spencer JohnsonSend us a text