Friendlier

2022 updateWe do our annual mid-year review, reminding ourselves of our goals and intentions and checking in on how things are going halfway through the year.Life latelyAbby took a spontaneous camping trip and Sarah is showering in her new shower.Reading latelyAbby read I'll Show Myself Out: Essays on Midlife and Motherhood by Jessi Klein after enjoying her article in The Cut.Sarah enjoyed listening to Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.Eating latelySarah made frittata muffins from the No Fuss Family Cookbook.Abby was inspired by a fellow student's lunch to make beef stroganoff.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We share the details of our days from Wednesday, June 15th. You can also listen to our first day-in-the-life episode and a similar episode from two years ago if you’d like to see how our days have changed. Links we mentioned:The Penderwicks by Jeanne BirdsallYouTube Swim LessonsLife latelySarah loves physical therapy, and Abby’s ebike dreams have come true.Reading latelySarah loved the YA vibes in K-pop Confidential and its sequel, K-pop Revolution, by Stephan Lee.Abby enjoyed A Lady for a Duke (queer historical romance) by Alexis Hall.Eating latelyAbby made the Smitten Kitchen Best Chocolate Pudding as a sub for the discontinued Belgian Chocolate Pudding from Trader Joe’s, while Sarah enjoyed a free meal thanks to a malfunctioning credit card machine.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for lis

Capturing family memoriesWe share our philosophy around capturing family memories, our best strategies, and how our approach has changed as our kids have grown.Little HootsFive year line-a-day journalLife latelyAbby has a cat adventure to share. The remodel at Sarah's house is (finally) underway!Reading latelyAbby read Listen to Me Good: The Story of an Alabama Midwife by Margaret Charles Smith and Linda Janet Holmes.Sarah turned to an old favorite to get out of her reading slump and reread the YA fantasy novel A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas.Eating latelySarah's enjoying naan pizza with fig jam while Abby made fancy ramen with a friend while camping.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk about how our processes of discernment look and rave about this essay by Cheryl Strayed.Life latelySarah is enjoying TV, especially Bridgerton. Two and a half years after moving to Birmingham, Abby finally feels like she has friends.Reading latelySarah read Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova, a popular science book about memory.Abby listened to and loved The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.Eating latelyAbby is enjoying maple pecan granola from Trader Joe’s while Sarah tried a new donut place close to work.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pets in our livesWe share our history with pets, our current pet situations, the best and worst parts of having (or not having) pets, and our future pet dreams.Life latelyAbby's planned lots of short trips for the upcoming months and Sarah is loving all the outdoor play happening in the neighborhood.Reading latelyAbby enjoyed the second Bellinger Sisters' novel by Tessa Bailey: Hook, Line, and Sinker.Sarah loved My Lady Jane, a young adult novel that re-imagines the life of Lady Jane Grey (plus magic!) written by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows.Eating latelySarah is loving Trader Joe's inside-out carrot cake cookies and Abby found a new way to use eggs: cheddar and ham quiche cups.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We share the favorites in our families that have stood the test of time. Visit our show notes for links!Life latelyWe share our plans for the upcoming summer.Reading latelySarah read I Must Betray You by Reta Sepetys, a young adult historical fiction novel set in Romania at the end of the Ceaușescu regime.Abby loved The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd.Eating latelyAbby enjoyed Texas brisket while Sarah’s lack of tortillas led to fancy nachos.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trying new thingsWe share new things we've tried as adults, our trying new things fails, mantras/mindsets that help us when trying new things, how parenting intersects with our approach, and new things we aspire to try in the future.Life latelyAbby is almost done with her first semester of nursing school!Sarah is watching a lot of NCAA gymnastics.Reading latelyAbby was disappointed by Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano.Sarah raced through The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. Eating latelySarah is teaching her kids to make French toast.Abby is making lots of deviled eggs in an attempt to keep up with the abundance of eggs from her chickens.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We share how we find new books to read, strategies for managing our holds queues at the library, and what influences the kind of book we want to read next. Links mentioned:Sarah and Abby on GoodreadsShelf Awareness and Maximum Shelf newslettersBooklist newslettersReading the Past (for historical fiction)Smart Bitches Trashy Books (for romance)Tor (for science fiction and fantasy + good ebook deals)Libby (app) / Overdrive (web-based)HooplaA note about the Nashville Public Library: Sadly, since we recorded they have decided not to offer library cards to folks outside of their area.Life latelySarah is really into running slowly.Abby is relieved Spring Break has (finally) arrived.Reading latelySarah read the young adult novel The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley.Abby finished the newest romance by Rachel Lynn Solomon: Weather Girl.Eating latelyAbby’s family is eating Domino’s deep-dish pan pizza for an easy weeknight dinner, while Sara

Division of laborWe give an update on how we divide the housework in our families: who does what, how we feel about it, outsourcing, and what we have found to be most successful.Life latelyAbby's family welcomed two new cats to their home.Sarah took an overnight trip to St. Louis.Reading latelyAbby is obsessed with the Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells.Sarah read the graphic memoir And Now I Spill the Family Secrets by Margaret Kimball.Eating latelySarah made a quick broccoli salad and Abby found the sour cream pound cake of her dreams.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We discuss what it’s been like to be back in school as adults, including what we are studying, the best and worst parts, and tips for anyone thinking of going back to school.Life latelySarah is relishing riding a bike with working brakes.Abby shares that Pepper was vaccinated as part of the Pfizer COVID clinical trial!Reading latelySarah read the the cozy food mystery Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manasala.Abby finished the first book in a science fiction series: Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers.Eating latelyAbby tried a new spinach and artichoke dip for the Super Bowl.Sarah made a veggie pot pie with cheddar biscuit topping.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Parenting, revisitedWe give an update on all things parenting: what's going well, our biggest challenges, mantras we rely on, and intentions going forward. Links mentioned:Previous parenting episodes: parenting, at home parenting, and parenting wins and failsTeacher Tom on bickeringParenting Without Power Struggles by Susan StiffelmanLife latelyAbby is biking with Pepper using a Mac Ride.Sarah has been incorporating various breathing techniques after reading Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor.Reading latelyAbby read the magical romance Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper and Sarah listened to Suleika Jaouad's memoir Between Two Kingdoms.Eating latelySarah found a new Chipotle order while Abby's Instant Pot salmon did not turn out as planned.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We share quick and easy meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, what we keep in our pantry, and what is not feeling quick and easy about feeding our families.Life latelySarah is happy to have made it through January.Abby presented at a science communication conference.Reading latelySarah read the domestic thriller Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty.Abby is going through Mhairi McFarlane’s older books and loved It’s Not Me, It’s You just as much as her newer releases.Eating latelyAbby shared the croque madame casserole her family had on Christmas Eve, while Sarah baked an everything bagel pull-apart bread.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Claiming restWe reflect on what rest means to us, how society's view on rest impacts us, activities we find restful, and our rest aspirations.Life latelyAbby has joined in on the Wordle craze.Sarah thinks she's found the perfect time to get groceries.Reading latelyAbby read the novel Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy and Sarah read Kate Baer's newest collection of poetry: I Hope This Finds You Well.Eating latelySarah is snacking on popcorn with ranch seasoning and Abby's family loves these parmesan garlic roast potatoes.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We revisit the topic of community (which we first talked about five years ago), including the state of our current communities, what we need from our communities, how to cultivate community, and future community dreams. Links mentioned in this episode:Our first episode on communityLife latelySarah’s family is making some serious tidying progress.Abby shares a frugal win.Reading latelySarah read Alix Harrow’s novella A Spindle Splintered.Abby read the magical romance A Marvellous Light by Freya Markse.Eating latelyAbby and family are really into this pumpkin bread, and Sarah and her people made a chocolate peanut butter cake.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

New year's intentions, 2022We reflect on the year that was, set intentions for 2022, and share some of our favorites from 2021. Links we mentioned:Last year's intentions episode and our mid-year check-inTed LassoBaking ImpossibleBake SquadLife latelyPepper is fully weaned and Abby's found a great new bra. Sarah joined a buy nothing group to aid in her family's decluttering.Reading latelyWe both read books by Nora McInerny Purmont: Hot Young Widow's Club and No Happy Endings.Eating latelySarah is appreciating a stocked freezer and Abby's family tried stuffed shells.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We take a look back at our reading life in 2021: our challenges, our wins, and of course, our favorite books. For our highlights from the year, please visit our show notes.Life latelySarah is recovering from surgery.Abby is enjoying a break from work before nursing school starts.Reading latelySarah read Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Good Girl, Bad Blood.Abby is reading the London Celebrities series by Lucy Parker.Eating latelyAbby tried a baked potato soup.Sarah devoured chicken and dumplings made by a friend.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We reflect on our relationships with our bodies and exercise, as well as how that influences our parenting, especially during the holidays. Links to folks doing the work:Aubrey Gordon and her podcast Maintenance PhaseJessamyn Stanley, both her personal and business Instagram accountsVirginia Sole-Smith's InstagramChristy Harrison's podcastIntuitive Eating by Evelyn TriboleF*ck It Diet by Caroline DoonerNot Quite Snow White by Ashley FranklinAwesomely Emma by Amy WebbHealth at Every Size by Lindo BaconSitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig (glorious memoir and one of the best ever primers on disability)Robyn Nohling, a registered dietitian focused on fertility & pregnancyLife latelyAbby shares a story about keeping track (or not) of toddler glasses.Sarah has a new (to her family) washing machine.Reading latelyAbby read Satisfaction Guaranteed, a female-female romance by Karelia Stetz-Waters.Sarah read a Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman.Eating latelyWe discuss our strategies

We share our ideal holidays along with what we are doing (and not doing) to make the holidays special this year. Links mentioned in the episode:Lego advent calendarVanderbeekers of 141st St by Karina Yan GlaserLife latelySarah recommends the This Land podcast.Abby got into nursing school!Reading latelySarah read Kate Bowler’s new memoir No Cure For Being Human.Abby enjoyed the Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner.Eating latelyAbby is treating herself to chai lattes made with half and half, while Sarah has plans to make these pumpkin cinnamon rolls.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Therapy thoughtsWe share our experiences with therapy and insights we've learned along the way.Life latelyAbby completed fall planting around her house.Sarah is doing lots of push-ups.Reading latelyAbby listened to State of Terror, co-written by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny.Sarah read (and absolutely loved) One, Two, Three by Laurie Frankel.Eating latelySarah tried a cheesy hashbrown casserole (with no cream of soup!).Abby has found a recipe for light and airy banana cupcakes.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We discuss our Halloweens growing up, the current state of Halloween in our families, how we handle all the candy, and tips and tricks for making Halloween a success.Life latelySarah completed her first 5k in more than fourteen years.Abby finally finished the chicken coop repairs.Reading latelySarah read the YA mystery The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.Abby listened to Cantoras by Carolina de Robertis.Eating latelyAbby shares a breakfast casserole, while Sarah’s been eating sandwiches.If you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave us a comment on our show notes, email us at friendlierpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram @friendlierpodcast. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.