018 Spring Cleaning Made Simple

A home that seeks to build up the character and intellect of those who dwell there will naturally be a home filled with books. In this episode, Ellie explores the reasons why it's important to have a library, plus a handful of tips on how to increase both the frequency and quality of your reading habit. Mentioned in this episode: Bright Hearth episode "On the Multiplication of Books" Steward Sparker: Page Petal handmade floral bookmarks @pagepetal on Instagram Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at [email protected]

If you're a homemaker, then you should also consider yourself to be an artist! Homemaking is an art form that involves a lot of creative decision-making and problem solving in order to transform your house into a home! This week, artist Elizabeth Langston—host of the Able to Bloom podcast and founder of Elizabeth Langston Art—shares some encouragement and practical tips with each of us when it comes to 1) considering ourselves to be an artist and 2) using artistic methods to beautify and improve our homes. Resources: Able to Bloom podcast abletobloom.co @abletobloompod on Instagram Elizabeth Langston Art on Etsy "consider the lilies" tee shirt Elizabeth's white sectional couch Steward Sparkers: similar llama embroidery kit Fierce Marriage podcast a glimpse into Ellie's garden Follow Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at [email protected]

After discovering the benefits in her own personal life and marriage that came from embracing her feminine identity and role, Ellie was eager to encourage other women to do the same. But what does femininity truly look like? Instead of basing this image on cultural trends and traditions, this episode dives into Scripture—Proverbs 31 in particular—to discover what God says about femininity. Steward Sparker: Brian Sauvé on Spotify Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at [email protected]

As we prepare to celebrate the women who raised us on Mother's Day, Ellie sits down for a conversation with her own mom about the joys and trials of motherhood. Whether you're a young mother, an experienced matriarch, or someone who dreams of that bond in the future, we hope this episode encourages you in your role. Follow us on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at [email protected]

Whether you've been hit with a bout of sudden sickness (like Ellie was recently), are struggling with depression, or have been enduring another long-term hurt, sometimes there are seasons when homemaking is just harder. In this episode, find encouragement and hope that life does not have to always be perfect, but also discover practical tips for getting through the hard seasons and then discovering your inspiration and love for homemaking once again on the other side. Referenced in this episode: Sally Clarkson The Life Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson At Home with Sally podcast Sally's recent episode "Rainy Days Will Always Come" But First, Coffee: 2-Hour Home Reset video Smith & Steward episode 4 "Creating a Cleaning Rhythm" Smith & Steward episode 10 "Taking Time for Tea" Smith & Steward episode 17 "Easy Nutrition for Homemakers" with Shelby Lancaster Smiplified meal-planning notebook Preppy Kitchen tortellini soup recipe Steward Sparker: Honey white bread recipe Follow me on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at [email protected]

Today, Ellie is joined by guest Jill McSheehy of The Beginner's Garden for a discussion of all things green and growing. Jill shares simple, practical tips for getting started in the garden for those of us who are brand new to the endeavor, drawing from her years of experience stewarding her own plot of land. We also talk about the benefits that gardening has on one's mental and physical health, as well as our spiritual walks. Learn more about Jill McSheehy: journeywithjill.com The Beginner's Garden Podcast The Beginner's Garden on YouTube Follow @thebeginnersgarden on Instagram Dream to Garden course (open through 4/18/23) Steward Sparkers: GreenStalk Garden Planter Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at [email protected]

As Easter Sunday approaches, Ellie daydreams about her own plans for the holiday, both this year and in the future. Nostalgia for the past and an appreciation for tradition color today's discussion, which centers around the reason we celebrate rebirth and hope this time of year: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mentioned in this episode: Resurrection Eggs from Christianbook.com Steward Sparker: Fatema Hijazi of Crème au Beurre cremeaubeurre.com Follow her on Instagram @cremeaubeurre Follow us on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at [email protected]

Don't let spring cleaning stress you out. Ellie shares her thoughts as she approaches her very first spring cleaning session, including tips and inspiration for streamlining your seasonal cleaning routine. Resources mentioned: Smith & Steward episode 4 "Creating a Cleaning Rhythm" Kallie Branciforte of But First, Coffee on YouTube The Fly Lady Additional checklist resources: The Fly Lady free cleaning checklist app This Gathered Nest downloadable checklist Martha Stewart 2023 spring cleaning guide Clutter Bug spring cleaning checklist Steward Sparker: Her86m2 on YouTube @thuydao__ on Instagram her86m2.com Follow Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at [email protected]

Shelby Lancaster of @simplehomemakermeals joins Ellie today for a discussion of how to make mealtime easier, while still being both delicious and nutritious. Resources mentioned in this episode: Nourishing Traditions cookbook Danielle from @jonesroots "bake the bad bread" recipe box from Hobby Lobby Learn more about Shelby: @simplehomemakermeals on Instagram Back to Homemaking Collective Follow Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, Ellie shares her thoughts on the big picture: the motivation for your homemaking. Your purpose. The meaning behind what you do. The answer is found when we dive into the concept of biblical stewardship and caring for something that does not, in fact, belong to us in the end. Referenced in this episode: Psalm 24:1–2 1 Chronicles 29:11–12 Matthew 25:14–30 @itskellydiane on Instagram and her post that Ellie quoted Westminster shorter catechism Bright Hearth podcast episode that mentions catechisms Steward Sparker: @telloandrose on Instagram her post with the bread recipe Ellie used Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at [email protected]