Finding Community + Dealing with Loneliness | with Ashley Cravens of We Are The Homemakers

Recently, we had a listener ask for practical tips on contentment and we decided that this topic deserved a dedicated episode, so here we are! In today’s episode, we discuss maintaining contentment as a homemaker which, as most of us know, is NOT “easy”. We get deep- sharing vulnerable stories from our own lives and revealing how those moments shaped our perspectives on contentment. While there is no quick-fix solution if you are experiencing discontentment, we do believe that finding contentment in life is simpler than most of us make it out to be… Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Podcast Episode: The Importance of Morning Routines as a Homemaker DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- Volunteering in my local community Vanessa- Francis & Henry Maternity/Postpartum/Nursing-friendly lounge dresses Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of rest and overcoming homemaker guilt on the days when your to-do list is more ambitious than your energy levels. Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Red Leaf Coffee DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo Vanessa- Magnesium Baths using Ancient Minerals Magnesium Flakes Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

In today’s episode, we sat down with our VERY FIRST guest to discuss finding community and dealing with loneliness. Who better to have this conversation with than our friend Ashley, the creator of the online Homemaker's Club Instagram account, @wearethehomemakers. It was such a pleasure hearing her heart for gathering homemakers together in community. We hope you find this conversation as encouraging and inspiring as we did! Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ashley’s Podcast The Homemaker’s Club Podcast Ashley’s Instagram @wearethehomemakers DAILY DELIGHTS Ashley- Writing a list of what makes you feel MOST fulfilled within home-keeping and homemaking Shannon- Woven Nook throw pillow covers & inserts Nessa- Slowly making preparations for baby. Cleaning laundry, preparing diapering stations, putting together a diaper bag, etc. Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

Today marks the Season 4 Premiere of the Art of Homemaking Podcast! In today’s episode, we offer up a bit of Spring Cleaning Motivation, sharing the areas we have been tackling in and around our homes, getting into all the nooks and crannies, and the ways in which we organically weave these tasks into our daily lives. Our homes will not stay clean for long, as summer is just around the corner but, we aim to do this work with a joyful heart. We are excited to be back to weekly uploads for Season 4 and can’t wait to introduce you to this season’s guests!  Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How to Strip Towels 30 Seconds Algae Cleaner Car dusters DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- CEP compression calf sleeves Nessa- Naturalistic Garden Design course by Dan Pearson Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

This episode marks the Season 3 Finale of the Art of Homemaking Podcast! Today we discuss what might be the GREATEST enemy to homemakers which is TIME… or rather the mismanagement of time. How can we Take Back our Time? We are going to dive into boundaries, boredom, and breaking cell phone addiction. You won’t want to miss this episode. We will be back to weekly uploads for Season 4 on Monday, April 25th! Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Our Avenue to Adventure Calendar DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- Charcuterie boards for when guests come over. Nessa- Library stamp Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

New to homemaking? Don’t know where or how to start? Feeling overwhelmed or inadequate? This episode is for you! Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE BOOKS Home Management Plain & Simple by Kim Brenneman How to Make a House a Home by Ariel Kaye For the Love of Christian Homemaking & Introduction to Homemaking by Mrs. Sharon White SHOWS/ MOVIES Pride & Prejudice Little Women Little House on the Prairie 10 Ways to LEVEL UP your Homemaking DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- Smartwool 250 Baselayer Nessa- Vitruvi diffuser in white for the kitchen, diffuser blend of rose & lavender Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

Do you have projects you are planning for the upcoming Spring & Summer? Or maybe you are in the midst of projects now! Either way, this episode is for you.  Today we share the projects we are undertaking at the moment as well as the takeaways that have helped us the MOST in our years of homeownership. We hope this episode will give you some ideas as you are planning to tackle home projects this year on how you can take action while keeping your cool.  Thank you for tuning in! DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- Putting outdoor twinkly lights on a timer Nessa- Our Avenue to Adventure calendar Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

Sit down with us for a cup of tea as we discuss what is to come for each of our gardens, what we are learning as we dig deeper (ha, see what I did there?), and garden journals! Spring is fast approaching and we can’t help but dream! Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE “Spring” poem by Patience Strong The Spring Home Playlist on Spotify Leather Refillable Journal DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- VENO 2 Pack Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag Nessa- M is for Mama A Rebellion Against Mediocre Motherhood by Abbie Halberstadt Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

Stuck in the humdrum? Feel like you are constantly struggling in the same areas? Us too! It is time to level up our homemaking—together. In today’s episode, we share 10 ways to level up your homemaking. Join us in our pursuit to hone our skills and add tools to our toolbox in the art of homemaking. 1. Wake up early 2. Don’t let dissatisfaction creep into your mind 3. Use the best of what you have 4. Close the kitchen at the end of the night 5. Establish what you are having for dinner starting in the AM 6. Be mindful of your well-being & when to rest 7. Decide on a daily cleaning routine 8. Get on top of budgeting 9. Have a paperwork system 10. Know what your day will hold Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Daily Connoisseur YouTube Channel Farmhouse on Boone Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Recipe Listen to THIS podcast episode next! FlyLady cleaning system & her book, Sink Reflections Diane in Denmark YouTube Channel The Secret Slob YouTube Channel The Minimal Mom’s videos on paper clutter that helped me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StxjgJLLmAc&t=600s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxkK9bFd68M DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- Alaffia Neem Turmeric Shampoo & Conditioner Nessa- Mate the Label Tencel Sleep Tee Dress Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black

How am I preparing for our first baby? What are my birth plans? How is my pregnancy going & what am I doing? You asked, I answered! Today’s episode is allll about the expectant mom things.  Thank you for tuning in! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Womanly Made Co Movement Guide @innatefunctionalnutrition Freely Rooted Course Freely Rooted The Podcast Toups & Co Baby Balm & Baby Wash Haakaa Meal Prepping/ Stocking the Freezer Tips DAILY DELIGHTS Shannon- Morning Vitamin C Elixir Recipe 1 Navel Orange 1 Blood Orange  1 Small Lime Nessa- Babylist- the baby registry app that I’m using! Shannon's Instagram @shan.vantrease Nessa’s Instagram @nessa.black